3-3-2026

NEWS

LIVAWAY SUITES ENTERS HOUSING MARKET PAGE 2

LIFE & ARTS

SPORTS

ALUMNUS’ BOOK REFLECTS ON COLLEGE EXPERIENCE

SUN BELT BASKETBALL TOURNAMENTS UNDERWAY

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TUESDAY March 3, 2026

Celebrating 115 years of Journalism Excellence

VOLUME 115 ISSUE 23

CITY

San Marcos Airport expansion increases opportunity for

TEXAS STATE AVIATION MEG BOLES | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

A plane sits on the ramp at the San Marcos Regional Airport, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in San Marcos. The airport is scheduled for major expansions.

By Charlsie Daniels News Contributor

The San Marcos Regional Airport will add 170 acres under its expansion plan, a move expected to increase flight training and support Texas State’s aviation program.

The Aviation Science Concentration is housed within Texas State’s Department of Organization, Workforce and Leadership Studies (OWLS), and launched in fall 2024 as part of the

Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences degree. The program was created in response to a global pilot shortage and partners with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 141 flight schools to provide flight training alongside academic coursework.

Texas State is partnered with both Coast Flight Training and the San Marcos Regional Airport to provide students with hands-on flight training.

The partnership allows students to earn their private pilot license, instru-

ment rating and commercial private license. By obtaining the necessary FAA certifications during enrollment with the university, students are prepared to work as professional pilots immediately after graduating.

Donald Wimp, OWLS lecturer, said the airport expansion will improve the student’s abilities to complete flight training. Longer runways would allow students to complete required maneuvers, such as touch-and-go landings and taxi assessments more

Police presence increases on The Square with UPD grant CITY

quickly. Expanded hangar space and facilities will also increase aircraft access and streamline advanced certification training.

“If [the students] have additional approaches and additional opportunities for maneuvers, that’s absolutely going to expedite the more advanced training,” Wimp said.

SEE DEVELOPMENT PAGE 3 UNIVERSITY

Organization raises concerns over rocket motor testing

By Ryan Claycamp and Ca’Myah Robinson News Editor & News Contributor

response to the Nov. 1 shootings is action-focused, and SMPD is committed to maintaining a safe environment downtown.

Russell Wilde, San Marcos public safety communications specialist, wrote in an email to The Star that traffic is usually highest on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, when four SMPD officers are dedicated to downtown patrol, with additional patrol officers available city wide.

Texas State is facing calls to relocate planned rocket motor and rocket fuel testing off the Edwards Aquifer’s recharge zone due to pollution concerns raised by the San Marcos River Foundation (SMRF).

Texas State announced in November 2024 that it would partner with X-Bow Systems, a defense technology company, to test rocket motors at Freeman Ranch. According to a press release from X-Bow Systems, the tests relate to projects involving the U.S. Navy and Army. Construction for the tests has not started.

“From Texas State’s perspective ... it’s a good research project for the students,” Virgina Parker, executive director of SMRF said. “However we’re very concerned that this type of activity, considering the chemicals involved, could very potentially pollute the Edwards Aquifer.”

The Environmental Protection Agency linked rocket testing to ground and surface water pollution in New York and California. Parker worries that due to the geography of the Edwards Aquifer, it could be more vulnerable than other aquifers.

SEE POLICE PAGE 2

SEE ENVIRONMENT PAGE 3

ARABELLA DICHRISTINA | ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

SMPD Corporal Ysidro Contreras (left) speaks with a bouncer at Nephew’s while patrolling, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, on The Square.

Contreras said there is a patrol car stationed at every corner on The Square to ensure a fast response to emergencies.

By Arabella DiChristina Assistant News Editor

The Texas State University Police Department (UPD) is providing $150,000 to support an increased police presence on The Square.

The funding supports additional officers patrolling for the San Marcos Police Department on Thursdays through Saturdays. SMPD initially promised to increase police presence on The Square after a shooting that led to a death on Nov. 1, 2025.

Texas State Chief of Police

Matthew Carmichael said UPD was able to help fund SMPD’s plans to bring back its downtown patrol by using some of UPD’s salary savings from staffing vacancies.

“Looking at some of the recent crimes, some violent crimes that occurred down in The Square, [SMPD was] looking to bring back their downtown patrol, I think they were at a point in their budget cycle where they hadn’t planned for it, but maybe I’m speaking out of turn, that’s just my understanding,” Carmichael said. Wilde wrote that SMPD’s

FEATURE

Chamber ensemble performs at state-wide music convention

By Leo Tchoulanov-Ezhevsky Life and Arts Contributor

Musicians, educators and music judges filled the Gonzales Convention Center for the Chronos Saxophone Quartet’s performance at one of the biggest state-wide music conventions. As whispers in the audience faded away, the members of Chronos raised their saxophones to their lips.

Chronos is a group of four Texas State students who have gained recognition for their elegant music

making and high-level performances according to Todd Oxford, professor at the School of Music. It performed at an event hosted by the Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA), an organization that ensures music education in Texas, on Feb. 12.

TMEA gathered the top bands, orchestral groups and ensembles in Texas to showcase their talents.

Chronos formed at Texas State two years ago.

It consists of Elijah Breda, saxophone performance junior and soprano saxophone player, Austin Parente, music education junior and alto saxophone

player, Conner Zatopek, sound recording technology sophomore and tenor saxophone player and Jose Velez, music education sophomore and baritone saxophone player.

Hailing from different backgrounds, the four didn’t know they were assigned to the same quartet.

Being part of an ensemble is required for most music majors, regardless of instrument, and the assignment is random.

SEE QUARTET PAGE 6

NEWS

2

Ryan Claycamp | News Editor | starnews@txstate.edu

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

LivAway Suites enters student housing market

By Charlsie Daniels News Contributor

LivAway Suites opened its first Texas location Feb. 17 at 1550 River Road, offering extended stay lodging in San Marcos.

LivAway Suites is marketed as an economy extended-stay brand. The suites do not require leasing contracts or income verification and rooms can be rented on nightly, weekly and monthly bases.

LivAway Suites Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Dailey, said the company selected San Marcos because of its growing population and large university presence. According to Dailey, the hotel aims to serve more than just students caught between leases, but also professors, visiting student families and regular tourists.

“We like to align ourselves next to big universities like [Texas State] because there’s all kinds of folks facing different situations … there may be traveling professors or family members coming to visit their student for graduation or sporting events,” Dailey said.

Current pricing averages out to $1,846 per month; however, rates are subject to change depending on availability and time of year. LivAway currently has a higher price point compared to other off-campus housing options in San Marcos.

Off-campus student apartment costs vary across the city. Villagio Apartments list monthly rates between $509 and $649. Mid-range options such as The Lyndon run from $850 to $1,550. Higher-end properties, including Aspire San Marcos, can exceed $1,800 per month depending on floor plans and lease terms.

Texas State’s Department of Housing and Residential Life (DHRL) announced on Nov. 5, 2025, that Bobcat Village will no longer be available to upperclassmen beginning in fall 2026. This change by DHRL means upperclassmen currently living at Bobcat Village will need to find alternative housing by either reentering the housing lottery or moving into an off-campus property.

Marisol Recinas, a psychology sophomore living at Bobcat Village, said she and other residents were devastated after learning the complex will transition to freshman-only housing.

Recinas said she already signed a lease to share an apartment with her friend this summer, but she faces a gap between moving out of Bobcat Village and the start date of her new lease. Recinas said she has the option of returning to her hometown temporarily, but many students do not have that opportunity and are left either unhoused or scrambling to find short-term housing solutions.

“I know a lot of people can’t just go home [after moving out]. I only live like five hours away from here, but I understand why people don’t want to go back [to their hometown],” Recinas said.

Executive Director of DHRL Kate GannonCullinan said DHRL does not typically promote hotel-style properties on its off-campus housing marketplace, as it’s intended for traditional apartment listings. But that doesn’t mean LivAway is off limits to students.

“Certainly, if students wanted to explore an extended stay type of venue for a housing option, that

FROM FRONT POLICE

“The downtown entertainment district draws large crowds, especially on weekends and during special events,” Wilde wrote. “Concentrating officers in high activity areas during peak times allows us to address challenges where and when they are most likely to occur.”

Wilde wrote that SMPD’s response to the Nov. 1 shootings is action-focused, and SMPD is committed to maintaining a safe environment downtown.

Madisyn Angel, anthropology senior, was on The Square during the Nov. 1 shooting and witnessed a victim receive CPR. She hasn’t been back at night since then. “... Just knowing that it happened right there, and if we had been a minute later going into the smoke shop, we would have potentially been caught in the crossfire, and that would not have been great,” Angel said. “It’s still crazy to think about.

Angel said she was impressed with how fast officers arrived at the scene, and seeing the police presence on The Square gave her a sense of security.

“It makes me feel like they are a deterrent in some ways. If I see a lot of them on there, I might be more inclined to go back, just a psychological thing, I need to work on myself before going back on a Saturday or Friday night,” Angel said.

Wilde wrote while there is a police presence already on The Square,

MEG BOLES | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

SMPD Corporal Ysidro Contreras speaks with the bouncers at Nephew’s while patrolling, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, on The Square. SMPD plans to station patrol cars around The Square on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

SMPD is in the process of reserving all four corners of The Square for patrol cars to increase visibility and to slow down pedestrian traffic.

Wilde wrote that UPD’s financial contribution helped offset overtime costs tied to activating the downtown unit and reflects a shared commitment to public safety.

According to Wilde, the officers patrolling will focus on community policing and building relationships with businesses, staff, residents and students, while addressing issues early before they escalate.

Patrolling officers focus on proactive strategies to ensure safety, like high visibility foot patrol,

Editorial Staff

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The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday of the spring and fall and once a month in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 3,300. Printing is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.

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coordination with bar and venue staff, partnering with other city departments like code enforcement and fire marshals and direct engagement with the public, according to Wilde.

“The additional officers, who have been working downtown since Nov. 6 [2025], increase visible presence and proactive engagement,” Wilde wrote.

“On a busy night, four officers are dedicated specifically to the downtown entertainment district.”

According to Wilde, if activity levels or calls increase, additional officers assigned elsewhere in the city can respond as needed.

Carmichael said Texas State students can utilize Bobcat Safe Rides to get home safely and Code Maroon Rides when students are in an unsafe situation and need police escort and guidance.

“My hope is that having the designated patrol at The Square will make it a safer environment for students. I hope that it addresses the perception of safety that students feel safer because they’re going to see more officers,” Carmichael said.

Wilde said SMPD has not had any formal discussions on changes to downtown staffing outside the partnership with UPD in response to the March 1 shooting on West 6th Street. Wilde said patrols officers are always available to supplement the downtown patrol when needed.

Publication Info

Editor-in-Chief: Blake Leschber

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ABBY FUNDERBURK | STAR ILLUSTRATOR

is up to them and could be a great option depending on their circumstance,” Gannon-Cullinan wrote in an email to The Star.

The university currently maintains a partnership with Holiday Inn to address overflowing housing needs. In 2022, 2023 and 2024, incoming freshmen and resident assistants were placed at the hotel when dorm space was limited. Gannon-Cullinan said the university is not seeking new vendor partnerships at this time, but did not dismiss the idea of a future partnership.

Dailey said LivAway is open to working with the university and could potentially offer student and faculty discounts, depending on availability and time of year.

The company’s sales team plans to reach out to Texas State officials, according to Dailey.

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Copyright: Copyright Tuesday, March 3, 2026. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor-in-chief.

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NEWS

3

Ryan Claycamp | News Editor | starnews@txstate.edu

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

FROM FRONT ENVIRONMENT “A key part of our concern [is] that there is very minimal filtration,” Parker said. “It’s a very sensitive aquifer and if other aquifers can be contaminated there’s no reason to think our aquifer can’t as well.”

According to Parker, risk of contamination is a serious issue, not only for the environment, but for water security. According to the Edwards Aquifer Authority, the Edwards Aquifer provides 2.5 million Texans with water.

“Ammonium Perchlorate and Aluminum Oxide are two of the chemicals in the pellets that fuel the test launches,” SMRF wrote in its newsletter on Feb. 18. “Both of these chemicals are very concerning with regards to water quality in the aquifer.

Perchlorate persists for centuries, and if the aquifer is contaminated there will be no way to mitigate the damage.”

In a statement emailed to The Star, university spokesperson Jayme Blaschke wrote that the university and X-Bow Systems have obtained all necessary regulatory permits, such as those from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality.

“Both Texas State and X-Bow are committed to meeting or exceeding environmental requirements. The solid rocket motor materials used are industry standard and tightly regulated,” Blaschke wrote. “All testing is conducted under carefully controlled conditions designed to prevent contamination, runoff, or environmental damage.”

However, Parker said that meeting environmental standards does not ease her concern.

“Texas State is still not concerned

KAI ANDERSON | STAR ILLUSTRATOR

... I know they point to federal regulations but considering the fact that the federal government is rolling back decades of environmental protections, that becomes less and less comforting,” Parker said.

Blaschke wrote that protecting the environment and the aquifer are key goals of Freeman Ranch and the research that occurs there. He also wrote that the testing project is designed to put environmental concerns as its highest priority.

“Any project at Freeman Ranch, including this collaboration with X-Bow, will be thoughtfully integrated to ensure our ongoing research and the surrounding environment remain protected,” Blaschke wrote. “We are

committed to safeguarding our natural resources and maintaining the health and safety of our community.”

The tests will be conducted on a fixed testing pad, with no rockets planned to be launched from the site.

However, SMRF raised concerns that a test could fail and launch rocket fuel and other contaminants outside of the testing zone.

Blaschke wrote that there are protocols in place to handle failed tests.

“In every aspect of this project, safety of people, protection of water resources, and preservation of the Hill Country environment guide our actions,” Blaschke wrote.

According to Blaschke, the tests will occur once every three months and will last approximately 20-30 seconds.

SMRF and Parker are not totally opposed to the rocket tests; However they will continue petitioning the university until the proposed testing location is moved. The petition has gained over 2,500 signatures.

“Should Texas State continue moving forward with this project over the aquifer? Absolutely not,” Parker said. “Texas State should absolutely move this to another location off of the Edwards Aquifer.”

X-Bow Systems did not respond to a request for comment or interview.

FROM FRONT DEVELOPMENT

MEG BOLES | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Planes sit on the ramp at the San Marcos Regional Airport, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in San Marcos. The airport was originally part of a World War II Army Air Base.

Pilot demand remains cyclical but urgent for multiple reasons, Wimp said. FAA regulations require pilots to retire at age 65, and the industry estimates 45% of the current pilot workforce will reach retirement eligibility in the next 15 years. Workforce reductions following the Sept.

11 attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to hiring caps, creating a surge

in demand.

Shetay Ashford-Hanserd, chair of the OWLS department, said the aviation program is accepting 25 students next semester at the San Marcos campus, an increase from the current 20 enrolled students. However, further expanding the program largely depends on Coast Flight.

“If [Coast Flight is]

given more space, there is an opportunity for them to also expand operations as well,” Ashford-Hanserd said.

Both Coast Flight and the university will continue to monitor new facilities and resources being constructed at the airport in upcoming months to decide when allowing more students to join the aviation program will be attainable.

Ashford-Hanserd said Texas State is actively working with neighboring airports to expand the program, although specific partnerships have not been initiated at this time. The continued program growth will also require additional university staff positions, according to Ashford-Hansford.

“In terms of student and teacher ratios in our classes there’s definitely opportunities for us to expand and add new faculty to help teach,” Ashford-Hansford said.

Madeline Baker, senior communications specialist for the city of San Marcos, wrote in an email to The Star that the San Marcos City Council approved the purchase of 169.85 acres of federal land from the U.S. Department of Labor on Aug. 5, 2025.

“The acquisition supports the Airport’s Master Plan and maintains the integrity of its buffer zone,” Baker wrote.

The Airport Master Plan states that the purchase positions the airport for longterm operational growth.

According to the master plan, the expansion does not include commercial passenger flights, but does outline the addition of hangars and other facilities.

Jim Wimberley, president of Texas Aviation Partners, said that the airport saw a 40% increase in takeoffs and landings last year, reflecting its role as a reliever airport for the busy air traffic that occurs between Austin and San Antonio and showing the need for expansion and updated facilities.

With the San Marcos Regional Airport set to expand and the Aviation Science Concentration ramping up enrollment, both city and university officials say the expansions align to create a stronger supply of trained pilots for the nation as a whole.

Editor’s Note

MEG BOLES | MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

The control tower for the San Marcos Regional Airport sits off the ramp, Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, in San Marcos. The control tower opened in 2011 and was updated in 2014.

In the Feb. 24 print edition of The University Star, a story entitled “Records show sheriff’s interest in jail agreement with ICE,” ran about an agreement between the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

That story incorrectly reported that the Hays County Sheriff’s Office was interested in the Jail Enforcement Model of a 287(g) agreement with ICE. Instead, the Sheriff’s Office showed interest in the Warrant Service Officer Program.

The University Star regrets this error.

OPINION

4

Andrew Bencivengo | Opinion Editor | staropinion@txstate.edu

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

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.

R1 benefits TXST, but it comes with risks

By Shar Kiefer Opinion Columnist

Texas State is on pace to reach R1 status by 2027, opening doors to more funding and opportunities for students.

By achieving higher levels of research output, new pathways open, but this push could come with challenges.

While Texas State stands to benefit from R1, a classification indicating a high level of research activity, it should not come at the expense of quality research or doctoral students.

R1 status is awarded based on Carnegie requirements, including $50 million in research investments and at least 70 doctoral graduates each year.

Texas State has already surpassed both metrics and must continue pace for the rest of the year to be designated as an R1 institution, which is likely to happen.

The benefits make Texas State’s push look reasonable and calculated.

Achieving R1 status puts the university among the top research institutions. Only 187 universities, 16 of which are in Texas, hold R1 status as of 2025.

The Texas State University System (TSUS) also values R1 status and cited improving research activity as a reason for hiring Texas State President Kelly Damphousse in 2022. However with the expectation of metrics being met, shortcuts could occur.

Another key benefit from R1

ELLA MADIS | STAR ILLUSTRATOR

status is new funding opportunities that open for the university. R1 qualifies Texas State for funds from the National Research University Fund (NRUF), which could double research grants and make more resources available. With the ongoing threat of funding cuts and a downturn in government grants, research grants become even more desirable.

These advantages make it clear as to why administration and faculty are making this push a “run,” rather than keeping a steady pace.

On the flip side, there comes important considerations and risks.

The Carnegie classifications require certain metrics to be met, which could push universities to prioritize metrics over quality research. The main risk

comes for doctoral students. Due to 70 graduated PhD students being required each year, speed could be prioritized over academics.

Texas State is increasing the amount of graduated PhD students, to meet metrics, but sacrifices should not be made. Since Damphousse was brought in as president, the doctoral degrees awarded have increased from 49 in 2021-22 to 90 in 2024-25.

With the university also advertising PhD degree programs that can be completed in three years, far below the national average.

Coursera estimates the average doctoral program takes 4 to 7 years.

For some programs this varies due to different standards needed within each, but a longer completion time

is usually attributed to the extensive work needed for a PhD program.

Time in their fields, publications and conferences are all useful for students to secure jobs post-graduation.

Additionally, according to post-degree outcomes from Career Services, 30% of master’s and doctoral students are still seeking jobs post-graduation. The job market is currently experiencing a dip in employment making it harder to find good jobs. Rushing graduation can put doctoral students at a disadvantage in the job market, reducing their chances of employment even further in an already uncertain market.

With 81 doctoral graduates expected, and a record 136 new enrolled doctoral students, Texas State must ensure that students are fully prepared upon graduation.

Texas State has already indicated that it does not want academic integrity to falter, according to its strategic vision on R1.

According to a quote from Damphousse on Texas State’s website, “Texas State has achieved remarkable research and enrollment growth over the years without losing our unique identity ... without sacrificing the emphasis on quality teaching. Our goal cannot be to trade our teaching mission for our research mission.”

Texas State must uphold quality academics on its Run to R1. The designation will bring new opportunities for students and the university, but it cannot come at the expense of education.

-Shar Kiefer is a political science junior

Texas State Mexico can open doors for students

By Regina Orozco Lopez Forment Opinion Columnist

Many Texas State students know little about the sister campus in Mexico, which offers study abroad opportunities, and could offer an alternative for students facing immigrationrelated barriers.

Located in Querétaro, Mexico, Texas State Mexico opened its doors in 2025.

The campus is part of a collaborative hub, named Elisia, where on a single campus, three universities offer courses taught exclusively in English.

Elisia began its collaboration with Arkansas State University in 2017, later incorporating Texas State, and now has medicine-focused courses through its partnership with the New York Institute of Technology.

This campus can potentially serve as a continuity pathway for many students who, otherwise, would be forced to step away from their education. Additionally, when looking at offered amenities, such as on-site housing or security, it can aid in the decision to transfer into Texas State Mexico as a feasible backup plan.

According to Querétaro Dean of Student Life Sharon Nuñez, Texas State Mexico can offer a sense of

peace for students who may be in the whirlwinds of immigration processes.

“TXST Mexico can represent a valuable alternative for students who may encounter visa or immigration challenges while studying in the U.S. Our campus allows students to continue pursuing a Texas State degree within the same academic model,” Nuñez said.

Texas State Mexico can potentially play a key role in assisting international students. According to a press release from Texas State Newsroom, in 2025, the San Marcos campus set an international enrollment record by admitting 2,083 foreign students. These international students have already faced visa threats over the last year.

Texas State Mexico offers degree paths in seven academic areas, ranging from social sciences to STEM disciplines. This, because of idling fear due to the recent crackdown on immigration, creates a solid alternative for students who may have their current immigration statuses threatened.

Additionally, when completing a study path in Querétaro, students obtain a degree valid in both the U.S. and Mexico. This academic opportunity is not only unique to Texas State Mexico, but it also creates security in knowing that one has a valid, useful degree in both countries post-graduation, which could aid in qualifying for U.S. visas.

Texas State Mexico is still growing, meaning certain degree

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

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paths and programs are not offered yet.

However, as the first cohort develops academically, so does the school; as they co-evolve, their long-term vision anticipates more expanding possibilities.

Credits can also be easily transferred between Texas State San Marcos and Mexico, Additionally, if the field of study for a student is not offered, there are certain alternatives and resources that may facilitate this relocation.

“Each case would require an individual academic evaluation to

ensure a smooth transition and proper credit continuity.” Nuñez said.

Texas State Mexico embraces academic diversity, and can potentially mitigate some of the disruption caused with immigration related factors.

Thus, whether that be for study abroad or as academic continuity, Texas State Mexico is creating bridges in education on a global scale.

-Regina Orozco Lopez Forment is a English junior

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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.

GAMES

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ROUND TABLE PASTIMES

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Tuesday, March 3, 2026

LIFE & ARTS

Carlene Ottah | Life & Arts Editor | starlifeandarts@txstate.edu

FEATURE

Alumnus reflects on college life with book

By Abby Mosley Life and Arts Contributor

Visions of Old Main’s steep hill, Herbert’s Taco Shop, Aquarena Springs and the Green Parrot paint a nostalgic picture of life in San Marcos 40 years ago.

Jeff Mudd, self-employed author and journalism alumnus, published his ninth book, “Truthfully Based on Loose Events: A College Examination,” on Jan. 26.

The book centers on various characters while they navigate life at Texas State University in 1986, then-called Southwest Texas State. There is a main focus on fictional character Colin, an incoming freshman, and his experience in college as he discovers himself through newfound freedom and a little help from others around him.

“It’s about your freshman year, which I found to be amongst the most interesting year, for many reasons,” Mudd said. “And it just covers the first semester of several people here in college. I wanted to write about freshman year specifically, kind of that moment when freedom shows, you’re dropped into adulthood and [they] said, ‘Learn how to live now, kid.’”

Mudd said while the story takes place in 1986 and Texas State’s campus changed drastically over the years, the feeling freshmen have toward their first semester at college remains the same. Though the book focuses on a young student’s self-discovery, Mudd said he doesn’t consider it to be a typical coming-of-age novel but a “monumental time and in one’s life” type book, for moments people look back on and never forget.

“It’s really more about belonging, how everyone’s trying to find their people during that first semester,” Mudd said. “It’s a beautiful mess that first semester, and you’re trying to find your identity, find your place.”

‘Keep going,’ pretty simple, but that’s what I do.

That’s what [Colin] did, too: Just keep going.”

JEFF MUDD, Author of “Truthfully” and journalism alumnus

PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNIE KELM

Author and journalism alumnus Jeff Mudd poses with his eight other books, Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2026, in Austin.

The book isn’t completely based on a true story, but Mudd used his experience as a former Southwest Texas State University student to add a personal touch. Through Mudd’s journey of discovering his passion and direction as a young adult navigating newfound freedom and limited responsibility, to eventually graduating and becoming a renowned author, he is able to relate to a freshman undergoing similar life transitions.

“I’m the inspiration to the main character, Colin, who’s a West Texas kid like I am. [He’s] kind of dumb and young and, I would say, closely mirrors [me],” Mudd said. “But you know, I’m a writer, so I’m allowed to take writer’s liberties as well.”

Like the main character, Mudd was in a fraternity and maintains friendships with his Sigma Phi Epsilon brothers to this day. Jeff Frost, political science and business alumnus, was Mudd’s fraternity “little brother.” Frost said he viewed Mudd as a conduit of information.

“I met him when I first pledged, which was a little bit after he did, probably a year [after],” Frost said. “So, he was assigned to me as my big brother in the fraternity. He showed me some ropes and

looked out for me. And yeah, [I’ve] known him since I was 18 years old.”

Mudd and Frost have remained friends to this day, and Frost said he was shaped by the relationships he had as a freshman, which reflects the relationships written in Mudd’s novel.

“Having that friendship, and long, long friendships, like 38 years, shaping each other with our good qualities and our bad qualities,” Frost said.

“We blended and became one. We [as freshmen were] brand new to everything, just like [Mudd] described so well in his books. It was definitely a blend of personalities and cultures that really solidified me. That first year really solidified what I could be and set me up for incredible success.”

Frost kept in touch with Mudd after graduation through calls and texts. He said he has admiration for his longtime friend and Mudd’s work as a writer.

“I’m so proud of [Mudd] and all the stuff that he’s been cranking out lately,” Frost said.

“Just amazing to see somebody you know do so well with something very tough: writing and publishing media.”

Bobby Ward, journalism alumnus, said he considered Mudd a loyal friend since the two met their freshman year of college during fraternity rush. “[It’s] hard to find someone that will be loyal that long and that is a blessing,” Ward said. “[He’s] just a really good friend and supportive.”

Although Mudd said life can be difficult, especially during major transitions like the first semester of college, he maintains a strong mindset even when faced with challenges. Mudd implemented his “keep going on even with life gets tough” mantra into the novel.

“I’d say it’s kind of my whole life philosophy,” Mudd said. “’Keep going,’ pretty simple, but that’s what I do. That’s what [Colin] did, too: Just keep going. I know that’s not very poetic or anything, but you’ll find as you get older, you have little sayings and you little pep talks you’ll give yourself, and that’s my little pep talk: ‘Just keep going, because life ain’t easy.’”

Scan the QR code to see more about the book.

FROM FRONT QUARTET “We were all put together ... not by choice, but now these guys are like my brothers,” Parente said.

Being mostly student-led, Chronos gets free rein over its creative process. The members take advantage of that freedom as much as they can, often mixing pieces from different eras and genres into the same performance. Each member has an equal voice in the group, and they have a high amount of respect for one another.

“I think that the chemistry nails down the style with our pieces, and it allows us to be more expressive with each other,” Zatopek said.

However, Chronos didn’t just stumble into its success. The members balanced long hours of classes and studying, extracurriculars and social lives. This is combined with regularly finding time to practice alone and with three other people.

“It’s a big challenge [to find time to practice],” Velez said. “We take a lot of classes and have a lot to do, so just finding an extra space, a two-hour practice session, is very hard to do. We usually do

it very late at night because we have a lot of classes during the day.”

When the members caught wind of an upcoming performance that would be their biggest stage yet, they knew what they had to do.

Chronos spent hours preparing its audition for the TMEA Music Convention, which culminated in a 20-minute-long recording sent to judges to determine if they would be selected.

The members rejoiced when TMEA selected them, but along with the joy came a new challenge.

Since an audience of over 200 people was the largest Chronos had performed for, the pressure was on for the quartet.

“It’s a big deal,” Parente said. “Our professor said we had to lock in and really get our music prepared. It’s a convention where around 40,000 people go.”

The program the group chose featured songs from different genres. There were influences from the Middle East, the modern-day metal scene,

jazz, Italian and Irish-inspired cuts. Chronos took the audience on a journey around the globe, and by synthesizing each different song into the same performance, showed off their technical ability.

While the performance was not judged officially, numerous judges from other competitions, music professors and performers were in attendance.

The audience diligently watched Chronos perform. Up-and-coming musicians, high-schoolers and college students who all looked up to them eagerly spoke with the members afterward.

“So any famous people, so many big performers go there ... doing it with this group and seeing so many people, it felt like I [had made it],” Velez said.

“That was my pinnacle moment of the quartet.”

The Chronos Saxophone Quartet’s last performance of the school year was on Feb. 28 at the Texas State University Performing Arts Center, but it aims to continue performing in fall 2026.

LAUREN TOURISH | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER

The Chronos Saxophone Quartet, composed of saxophone performance junior Elijah Breda (left), music education junior Austin Parente (center left), sound recording technology sophomore Connor Zatopek (center right) and music education sophomore Jose Velez (right), perform at the TEDx Texas State University “Unlearn” event, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, at the Performing Arts Center. The quartet was formed in spring 2024 under the direction of professor of the School of Music Todd Oxford.

SPORTS

7

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

Adrian Ramirez | Sports Editor | starsports@txstate.edu

GOLF

Cox returns home to end career as a Bobcat

By Cash Arenas Sports Reporter

Coming from a lineage of Bobcats and growing up just 30 minutes away from campus, Texas State golfer Brannan Cox always knew he was meant to be a Bobcat.

When Cox eventually entered the transfer portal from Dallas Baptist, his Bobcat lineage played a major role in his decision.

“My dad played football [at Texas State], my grandpa owns stores in San Marcos and went here, my great grandma got her masters here,” Cox said. “That was one of the big things when entering the [transfer] portal. I wanted to come to Texas State.”

However, Cox wasn’t a golfer before high school and didn’t initially aspire to be one. Rather, he was drawn to baseball.

“I [initially] transferred to Hyde Park to play baseball because they had a good baseball program.” Cox said.

“It reached a point, I was in a slump in baseball. I kind of stopped enjoying it, when you’re not doing the thing you love well, it gets frustrating.”

While attending Hyde Park High School in Austin, he received a golf lesson from John Sosa, who was the school’s golf coach at the time. Sosa was a former professional golfer who initially played collegiate golf at Texas as a top-five recruit in the nation alongside PGA Tour greats Phil Mickelson and Jim Furyk.

After the lesson, Sosa told Cox’s parents that he wasn’t going to play baseball anymore, rather he was going to golf collegiately.

Since then, Cox has been a golfer.

He lettered all four years at Hyde Park while learning everything he knows

about golf from Sosa in the process.

Cox’s little brother, Harrison Cox, is a collegiate golfer at Hardin-Simmons University. Harrison said Cox’s competitive drive has been a major factor in his success at the collegiate level.

“All he ever wanted to do was compete and beat everyone that was playing with him,” Harrison said.

“He brought this intensity throughout college. One thing that is very noticeable about his game that developed over time is his ability to adapt and adjust. Golf is a very mental game for everyone and [Cox’s] ability to ignore the stakes and shoot for the top of the leaderboard is truly impressive.”

During the opening week of his PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXAS STATE ATHLETICS freshman year at DBU, Cox suffered Texas State senior golfer Brannan Cox hits his approach shot during the Sun Belt an injury and was out until May. golf championships at Annadale Golf Club in Madison, Miss.

However, during this time, he said he was yearning to play golf again. Cox events with DBU, where they won Maroon and Gold and bleeds it.” said he learned a lot about himself as three regular-season events, ultimately Cox said he has enjoyed his time a golfer from a strengths and weak- culminating in a Lone Star Conference at Texas State, and having a lifelong nesses standpoint, which helped him Championship and an appearance in friend in teammate Harrison Jaeger find a different kind of love for the the NCAA DII Super Regionals. helped him adapt to the environment, game.

Before committing to Texas State, along with teammate Bryce Womack, “I was tired of not being able to Cox won the prestigious Firecracker who he also played with at DBU in the swing a club,” Cox said. “I was tired Open at Lions Municipal in his home- 2023-24 season. of being a student ... I wanted to be a town of Austin, shooting 13-under So far, Cox has competed in nine student athlete.” for the tournament across three days. Texas State events.

In his sophomore year, Cox After the final round, he went into a Cox has some goals for this competed in just three tournaments playoff on hole 10 and won the hole semester: playing in all events, as a patriot, the same as his freshman After the performance, Texas State contributing consistently to the team season. However, he said he treated came calling. Cox answered, landing and having the team win at least it as a learning opportunity to better in San Marcos and continuing the long twice this semester, win the Sun Belt manage expectations. legacy of Bobcats in his family.

Conference, and go on to compete in Cox’s junior year was statically his Texas State golf head coach Shane regionals, as he did at DBU. best so far. He started putting together Howell said Cox is a pivotal piece in While his time at Texas State is everything he had learned from the the locker room because of the way he coming to an end, Cox gave his all to mistakes made in previous seasons, carries himself. his team and his school, defining what while also learning how to better “Cox has brought an extremely it means to be a Bobcat for life. manage his expectations better which hard work ethic and a lot of talent,” led to more under-par performances.

Howell said. “On top of that, he’s a As a result, he played in all 11 lifelong Bobcat … He grew up in

MEN’S BASKETBALL

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

‘Cats begin tournament run TXST looks to break 23 year NCAA tournament drought

By Kendall Berry Sports Reporter

The Sun Belt Tournament is set to kick off for its sixth straight season in Pensacola, Fla., and the Bobcats are looking to punch their ticket to the NCAA March Madness Tournament for the first time in three decades.

Texas State (19-12) sits at the fifth seed in the Sun Belt with an 11-7 conference record in a six-way tie with Marshall, Coastal Carolina, App State, South Alabama and Arkansas State.

The Sun Belt Conference this year was far from predictable, with the top 10 teams having an overall record of .500 or better. #5 Texas State The Bobcats have shown the ability to compete with any team in the conference this year, ranked fourth best in the conference on defense and second best for team field goal percentage. The team also sits alone at the top of the steals category, averaging almost nine steals per game.

Players like DJ Hall, Kyndall Davis and Mark Drone will need to continue their high level of play, but key players like Franck Emmou and Kaden Gumbs will be forced to step up to give the Bobcats a fighting chance.

However, the team may struggle in one particular category: the threepoint line. Texas State ranks dead last in three pointers made, with only 149.

But as shown on display against App State on Feb. 27, where the Mountaineers shot 5-29, three-point shooting won’t always be a guarantee to a victory. If Texas State can clean up its percentage from beyond the arc, the Bobcats could see themselves going on a run.

The top four Top-seeded Troy, second-seeded Marshall, third-seeded Coastal Carolina and fourth-seeded App State made their way to the top of the Sun Belt.

Troy will look to repeat as tournament champs. The Trojans hold the

number three spot on offense in the conference, but have shown inconsistency all season. Particularly in its loss against Texas State, Troy shot 17-47 from the field, resulting in a 74-62 Bobcat victory.

The Marshall Thundering Herd led the Sun Belt in three-point percentage and shots made, while also holding the second spot on total offense in the conference. However, the defense will be a question mark.

The Thundering Herd ranked 12th in the conference on defense, giving up almost 80 points per game.

Coastal Carolina, a team that went 10-22 last season, went from prey to predator in the span of a season and is now in a good position to advance to the championship game. The Chanticleers beat Marshall, App State and Texas State in the regular season.

Lastly in the top four is App State, which last lost its game to the Bobcats.

Being the number one defensive team in the conference, App State will seek vengeance for its last regular season game loss. If Texas State wins, App State will be waiting for a rematch with the Bobcats.

Texas State’s first game will be in the fourth round of the tournament and is set for 5 p.m. Friday, March 6, at Pensacola Bay Center. The opponent is currently undetermined.

The games will be available to stream on ESPN+.

BLAKE LESCHBER| EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Texas State freshman forward DJ Hall (0) dunks, Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at Strahan Arena. The Bobcats beat the Bulldogs 93-41.

By Adrian Ramirez Sports Editor

The Sun Belt women’s basketball tournament will get underway March 3, 2026 at Pensacola Bay Center, in Pensacola, Fla. The Bobcats enter the tournament as the eight seed, meaning they will begin play in the third round. The Sun Belt is a ladder style bracket; the lowest seeds have to climb through the tournament, playing more games, while the higher seeds start in the later rounds. #8 Texas State Despite having a bottom three overall record in the conference at 11-18, Texas State sits in the middle of the Sun Belt due to their conference record of 7-11.

Texas State is near the bottom in offense, ranking 12th in the conference, but sits in the upper half of the conference in defense, ranking fifth, only giving up 66 points per game.

The Bobcats will look to get back to the NCAA tournament for the first time in 23 years, but are currently riding a five-game losing streak, so they will have to reverse course quickly to make it happen.

Potential opponents The Bobcats will begin in the third round of the tournament, meaning their opponent is currently undetermined.

The Bobcats have three potential opponents in their first tournament game. 13th seed App State, 12th seed South Alabama or ninth seeded Coastal.

South Alabama and App State will play in the opening round of the tournament for the right to face Coastal in the second round. The Bobcats beat both App State and South Al earlier in the season, but were thoroughly beaten

by Coastal 85-53.

If the Bobcats make it out of their first matchup, fifth seeded Marshall will be waiting in the wings. Texas State and Marshall didn’t meet in the regular season, so a tournament matchup would be the first time the two squads meet all season. The Herd ranks in the top half of the conference in both offense and defense.

Given the Bobcats can survive their first two games, fourth seeded James Madison will be next. JMU is 23-8 overall and dismantled the Bobcats 87-52 on Jan. 3. The Dukes will be a tall task, as they rank top three in both offense and defense.

If Texas State can ignite a winning streak, top seeded Georgia Southern waits in the semis. By this time, the Bobcats will be on their fourth game, while GSO will be playing its first. The Eagles went 16-2 in conference play and are currently riding a six game win streak. The Bobcats will begin play at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, March 5, at the Pensacola Bay center against one of App St. South Al or Coastal.

The game will be available to stream on ESPN +.

GRACE DARCY | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER

Texas State freshman forward Angela Carroll (10) shoots a free throw, Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2026, at Strahan Arena. The Bobcats lost to Arkansas State 75-61.

SNAPS

8

Meg Boles | Multimedia Editor | starmultimedia@txstate.edu

Tuesday, March 3, 2026

THIS WEEK AT

TXST

GRACE DARCY | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER

The Texas State Men’s Track and Field team celebrate winning the Sun Belt Indoor Track & Field Championship, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at Strahan Arena. The team was recognized during halftime at the men’s basketball game, along with the women’s team; the win marked the first time in program history that both the men’s and women’s teams won the Sun Belt Indoor Track & Field Championship concurrently.

Texas State freshman catcher Clayton Namken (32) celebrates with his teammates after a home run against UTSA, Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026, at Bobcat Ballpark. The Bobcats won 7-2.

Members of the Chronos Quartet, Austin Parente (left), Connor Zatopek (center) and Jose Valex (right) open up TEDx Texas State University, Friday, Feb. 28, 2026, at the Performing Arts Center.

AYDEN OREDSON | ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR LAUREN TOURISH | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER

Texas State biology freshman Caelyn Loudermilk line dances at The Cookout, Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, outside Commons Dining Hall.

The Cookout marked the end of Texas State’s celebration of Black History Month with food and dancing.

AVA MILLER | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER

GRACE DARCY | STAR PHOTOGRAPHER

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Texas State redshirt sophomore guard Franck Emmou (2) celebrates with the Hellcats after beating App. State University to close out the regular season with a record 16 home game wins, Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at Strahan Arena.