VOLUME 102, ISSUE 75

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WEDNESDAY GO NE ONLI NOW

APRIL 10, 2013

Ring Ritual The Texas State biannual ring ceremony is a celebration at which seniors receive their class rings and dip them in a fountain of San Marcos River water. To see footage of the ceremony as well as interviews with attendees, visit to UniversityStar.com.

Counseling Center attempts to add space, employees ASG proposes cite and release program for nonviolent crimes

By Amanda Ross News Reporter

A lack of space contributes to a strain of resources at the Counseling Center, resulting in students being turned away, according to administration. Gregory Snodgrass, Counseling Center director, said the department’s two biggest problems—space and manpower—are directly linked. The center needs more counselors to meet the needs of students, but no other therapists can be hired on until more office space is built for them to occupy. The Counseling Center should ideally

have approximately three more employees to be proportionate with the number of enrolled students, according to Snodgrass. The number of needed counselors will increase as the university expands each year. “There’s nowhere to put the needed counselors,” Snodgrass said. “We currently have one office for every staff member and one group therapy room. Ideally, we would add more offices to accommodate more staff and add an additional room for group (therapy).” Some students say the strain on the Counseling Center’s resources is adversely

affecting them, and they are sometimes turned away as a result. Carla Jara, psychology junior, said she tried three times to schedule an appointment with one of the center’s counselors and was faced with a completely booked calendar on each attempt. Jara said she tried to call for an appointment at about 8 a.m. or 8:30 a.m. each day, but the center’s time slots were always filled. Eventually, Jara managed to schedule an appointment about four weeks after her first attempt.

READ counseling, PAGE 3

FULL CIRCLE

Carlos Valdez, Assistant Photo Editor

At the Texas State Ring Ceremony, students dip their rings in a fountain with water from the San Marcos River in accordance with tradition April 9 at Strahan Coliseum.

Getting a ring and having that on us for years to come will always remind us of where we started, where we came from and just the great years we had at this university.” -Matthew Dieden, mass communication junior

See ring ceremony on PAGE 4

Brittany Reilly, dance senior, takes part in Texas State’s Ring Ceremony April 9 at Strahan Coliseum.

By Karen Zamora News Reporter Students busted by university police for small amounts of marijuana could avoid jail time under a “cite and release” resolution the Associated Student Government hopes to push through the administration. ASG senator Kevin Kutras authored a resolution that would allow the University Police Department to participate in a cite and release program, which is an option under Texas House Bill 2391. Law enforcement officers can issue citations for nonviolent crimes without taking the individual to city or county jail under HB 2391. ASG passed its resolution in February. Students would be protected from any adverse academic consequences resulting from spending time in jail, such as missed classes and tests. The resolution said it would allow for UPD officers to focus on violent crimes. “The community is much safer when cops just issue a ticket and stay on the streets patrolling, monitoring for violent crimes,” Kutras said. “It doesn’t benefit the community when the cop has to go back to the station for an hour or so and they are not on the street (because they are) going through the booking process.” Kutras, along with Young Americans for Liberty and the National Organization for Reform of Marijuana Laws, collected about 1,000 student signatures during the fall as part of ASG’s resolution. James Kemp, political science senior, helped gather the signatures. He said many people think cite and release programs are aimed toward “pot heads” and legalizing marijuana. Kemp also said people don’t understand cite and release is not only about drugs but small amounts of theft, loitering and graffiti. UPD Captain Daniel Benitez said the department is currently speaking with administration about the resolution. Benitez said he could not comment on how the program would impact UPD officers. Kutras said UPD is the only law enforcement agency in Hays County to not use a cite and release program for possession and other nonviolent Class A or B misdemeanors. “There doesn’t seem to be a reasonable explanation for why they don’t implement it, considering all other police agencies in Hays County do,” Kutras said. Chase Stapp, assistant chief at the San Marcos Police Department, said if UPD implements a cite and release program, some students would not be eligible. Students need to have a Hays County address in order to be eligible for cite and release across the county, Stapp said. “Students (should) not get convinced this is something UPD could even use very often because most students continue to list their permanent address during

READ ASG, PAGE 3

Adoptions on the rise New H-E-B construction being planned at animal shelter By Nancy Young News Reporter

By Howard Slacum Special to the Star

Hank passed through the door and away from the small confines that had housed him. Dozens more like him remained locked up, making a cacophony of noise as he was led away for the last time. Hank stepped quickly, jostling his brown and white fur. His head bounced like a bobblehead doll as he looked from one thing to another. Hank then fixed eyes on someone and wagged his tail. Hank had found a home, but the other dogs would have to keep waiting. However, the others will not have to wait for long if January is an indication of things to come. The PAWS Shelter and Humane Society in Kyle has maintained its level of services, despite a weak economy and a decrease in public financial support. The shelter’s federal tax returns show its public financial support dropped by 57.8 percent from 2008 to 2010. The shelter completed 84 adoptions this January, compared to 45 the year before, which is an 87 percent increase. “We’re definitely doing a lot better. We’ve been taking in a lot more animals than we used to be able to,” said Darcy

READ ADOPTIONS, PAGE 3

Map courtesy of Google

H-E-B Construction Site Corner of McCarty Ln & I-35

Austin Humphreys, Photo Editor

San Marcos may soon be getting a third H-E-B grocery store. The store is in early stages of development. Planning and Zoning commissioners heard public comment regarding the topic during their March 26 and April 9 meetings. H-E-B and the owners of the McCarty Commons Planned Development District are in talks to build a store at the corner of McCarty Lane and Interstate 35 with the hopes of bringing more activity to the area. The Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing about the development during Tuesday’s regular meeting. Matthew Lewis, director of Planning and Development services for San Marcos, said the city has been working on the project for approximately eight

months. The McCarty Commons Planned Development District consists of approximately 259 acres between the Outlet Malls and the Embassy Suites/Convention Center. Cynthia Pharr Lee of C. Pharr & Company for Stratford Land said the planned development district will provide retail and office spaces as well as residential use. She said the property is a great location because of the proximity to San Marcos’ outlet mall. Pharr Lee said Stratford Land acquired the McCarty Commons project in 2007 and is doing “minor modifications” to accommodate H-E-B. A few adjustments were made to the proposal to allow H-E-B to build a “typical store,” according to the plan. Planning and zoning commissioners said they realize there would be a benefit of hav-

READ H-E-B, PAGE 3

2 | Wednesday April 10, 2013 | The University Star

OPINIONS

For more viewpoints or letters to the editor, e-mail staropinions@txstate.edu

PFW change will save students’ money, time

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tudents can finally spend their money and time taking more pertinent university classes when the physical fitness and wellness requirements are knocked out of the general core curriculum beginning fall 2014. In life, sometimes it seems the second a student moves up in a grade, graduates or leaves an entity entirely, the atmosphere changes. Some of the most frustrating rules and regulations a student was required to obey suddenly become a thing of the past. This type of phenomena is about to hit home with many upperclassmen who will see the PFW culture shift happen before their eyes at Texas State. Any upperclassman enrolled in fall 2014 will still have to fulfill two PFW class requirements, while incoming freshmen will have the opportunity to sit on the sidelines and opt out. This culture shift will likely upset many upperclassmen students, but Texas State’s General Education Council made the right move by voting to eliminate PFW requirements and lowering core hours from 46 to 42. However, some Texas State officials are displeased with the council’s choice. In an April 2 University Star article, each department was offered an invitation to the council meeting, and two Department of Health and Human Performance representatives stood opposed to the PFW decision. Department officials attempted to combat the council’s vote by sending a proposal to no avail, and now the foundation for an alternative threehour activity class is in the works. The new activity class proposal is expected to be sent to the council by 2014, according to the same article. For now, students who plan to attend Texas State as freshmen in

fall 2014 can breathe easy knowing their pocketbooks will take less of a hit. Current students have to shell out more than $677 to enroll in just one of the two PFW credit requirements at the university. Incoming fall 2014 freshmen will be able to save more than $1,300 by today’s tuition and fee rates, which are only expected to rise with steady budget cuts by the Texas legislature. In addition to cash, the elimination of the PFW requirements will offer students much-needed extra time to complete other core or major classes for their degree plans. Future students will see many benefits from opting out of PFW classes, but fitness and wellness are still important aspects of society. About 45 percent of Americans are overweight, 25 percent are obese and only 27 percent are at a healthy weight, according to a Feb. 15, 2012 University Star article. Despite the facts, students should not be required to spend valuable money and time during semesters taking classes that may be of no direct benefit to them. Physical education classes such as bowling and billiards are low-key and require no real fitness efforts. Students of college age are old enough to determine an appropriate level of exercise in their own lives. They do not need to pay more than $1,300 to fit the university’s standard of physical education. Personal fitness and wellness should still take a prominent presence at the university even if the three-hour activity class proposal fails to take hold with the General Education Council. University officials can more greatly promote and increase the number of Student Recreation Center activities, fitness classes and intramural sports. Several degree plans require students to enroll in a particular number of elective classes to fill out credits. It is likely those students will still enroll in PFW courses even if they will not

Lara Shine, Star Illustrator

fulfill general education requirements starting fall 2014. All in all, future Bobcats will experience a significant financial and time-crunch relief when PFW classes are eliminated as requirements at Texas State.

Tolerance needed across campus

By Jose R. Gonzalez Opinions Columnist n order to promote a constructive discourse on religion, Texas State students and organizations need to display civility toward others who may not share a similar outlook on faith. The 32 active religious organizations listed on Texas State’s Student Organizations Council website include Christian, Jewish, Muslim and pagan theologies. None of the religious organizations’ websites linked through the Student Organization Council webpage explicitly express contempt for those who do not share a common way of thinking. The websites are in sync with the council’s relationship statement that says it seeks “to nurture sensitivity, tolerance and mutual respect.” The Secular Student Alliance at Texas State chapter, texasstatesecular.org, has a link to its national organization listed on the organizations council. In addition, the Texas State group has a separate blog, with the most recent entry coming in March 2012, and this website includes public posts by organization affiliates. One entry posted on the blog website Jan. 31, 2012 seems to portray faith as a perpetrator of bullying. It depicts Christianity as ungenerous and appears to imply those who believe in God are delusional. “I have comforted friends who have been called ‘fag’ by classmates or strangers in public,” wrote the author in the entry. “I have watched people walk out of a mega church and refuse to help the needy…Every one of these atrocities was because of religious doctrine; because someone thought an imaginary God was talking to them.” This blog statement runs counter to some important information seemingly ignored by the author. For instance, Christ Chapel at Texas State University is one campus organization that welcomes inclusiveness regardless of sexual orientation, according to the group’s website christchapeltxstate.org. According to Texas State’s Multicultural Student Affairs’ website, there are at least five LGBTQ-friendly and inclusive

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spiritual communities and religious organizations in San Marcos alone. In addition, five of the Christian organizations at Texas State have community service expressly written in either their purpose or activities statement posted on the Student Organizations Council website. At least three other entries are dedicated to skepticism over Christianity while ignoring other faiths, which appears to exemplify a narrow focus on the alliance’s blog website. As of 2010, 68.5 percent of the world population is a religion other than Christian, according to a December 2012 report by Pew Research Center’s Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life. The Jan. 31, 2012 post and the three aforementioned entries are just some on the blog website and are not representative of the entirety of views in the chapter. Despite this, Secular Student Alliance, like all university chapters, must be cautious in carrying out its national organization’s mission and vision statements to avoid promoting religious intolerance. “There have been those in our group who legitimately feel that religion is doing a lot of damage to society, but there are just as many who do not,” Matt Davis, president of the Texas State chapter, said in an email. “Any (blog) post that is made is the feelings of an individual.” Davis, communications senior, said there are currently no plans for the blog website in the near future, but the posts are meant to invite discussion. Shortsightedness on behalf of a few group members threatens to make an otherwise valuable organization like the Texas State Secular Student Alliance chapter irrelevant in the important conversation over religious tolerance. The Common Experience theme this year “A Global Odyssey: Exploring Our Connections to the Changing World” appears to suggest the need for a universal understanding. This concept must be promoted by the alliance and all campus groups in not only the national organization’s mission and vision statements, but in their meetings and website posts. In order to achieve this, all students on campus must support ways and outlets to express their thoughts on religion through respectful and productive dialogue. Student organizations need to upkeep the university’s core mission and welcome tolerance for a diverse set of ideas concerning religion. --Jose R. Gonzalez is a mass communication senior.

Editor In Chief................................................Beth Brown, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor............................Lee Moran, starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu Letters..................................................................................starletters@txstate.edu News Editor...................................................Caitlin Clark, starnews@txstate.edu Trends Editor............................Hollie O’Connor, starentertainment@txstate.edu Opinions Editor..........................................Liza Winkler, staropinion@txstate.edu Photo Editor.......................................Austin Humphreys, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor..........................................Cameron Irvine, starsports@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief......................Thomas Glasebrook, starcopychief@txstate.edu Web Editor.............................................Cayla Green, starwebeditor@txstate.edu

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.

Take advantage of study abroad opportunities

By Austin Tomlinson Opinions Columnist

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tudying abroad is a special opportunity some will only get the chance to experience during college, so more students should travel with the Texas State programs to further enrich their education. The experience of studying abroad is invaluable, helping participants become more confident, independent and culturally aware. Students can foster a larger perspective on global issues and cultures by spending time in another country. Plus, participation in a study abroad program looks great on any resume, and the foreign language skills potentially gained while traveling are vital to the country’s increasingly global workforce. The high cost of study abroad programs may be one factor dissuading students from participating. However, some amount of financial aid can be applied toward approved Texas State study abroad options including faculty-led, affiliated and international exchange programs. Students may be eligible for a variety of funding including the Hazlewood Act, the International Education Fee Scholarship and Gilman International and Boren Awards depending on the type of program offered. The prospect of learning in a foreign language environment may be too daunting for some students, but programs are offered in English-speaking countries such as Australia, England and Ireland. In addition to money and culture shock worries, students may put off studying abroad fearing a complicated application process. The paperwork may seem daunting, but the process is much simpler than it first appears. Potential participants need only apply for study abroad programs via the Texas State website. After applying, the study abroad office works with students for entrance into the program of their choice. Students who apply for nonaffiliated or independent programs tend to take on more responsibilities with the application processes, but these study abroad

Multimedia Editor.........................Alex Peña, starmultimediaeditor@txstate.edu Design Editor.............................................Sarah Ansell, stardesign@txstate.edu Account Executive.....................................Catie Brossard, starad3@txstate.edu Account Executive.................................Blakely Knowles, starad4@txstate.edu Account Executive.....................................Hannah Wilson, starad5@txstate.edu Media Specialist................................... Chris Salazar, chris.salazar@txstate.edu Advertising Coordinator...........................Kelsey Nuckolls, starad1@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator.......................................Linda Allen, la06@txstate.edu Publications Director...........................Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu

opportunities are still worth the effort. Students can apply to the three types of study abroad programs: faculty-led, affiliated and nonaffiliated. Texas State professors teach faculty-led programs in countries such as France, Germany, Italy, Japan and Costa Rica. These programs are the simplest to enroll in because tuition is paid to Texas State, and all credits earned abroad transfer automatically. Affiliated programs are provided by independent study abroad organizations that have worked with the university in the past and have been pre-approved. Financial aid can still be applied to the price of these programs, but the cost is paid to the program provider instead of Texas State. Most credits for affiliated programs are easily transferable. Nonaffiliated programs have not been pre-approved by Texas State and include programs where students enroll with a foreign university. It is possible for Bobcats to participate in these programs and still receive transferable course credit, but it depends on the program. Often students only need to complete a form at the study abroad office to ensure their credits will transfer. The university offers a National Student Exchange option in addition to study abroad programs. This opportunity allows students to attend partner universities in locations across the nation at the same cost as in-state tuition at Texas State. With this program, students can study at campuses in places like California, Washington, Florida and Hawaii. All students should study abroad at some point in their college careers. I am headed to Brazil with an affiliated program this June and will return in December. It may seem difficult to get started, but once students choose a desired destination and travel term, all they have to do is apply online. Students interested in studying abroad should apply as early as possible. The university hires staff specifically dedicated to actively encouraging and helping students achieve their study abroad ambitions. Students who have worries about applying to a study abroad program should feel welcome to ask one of the many advisers to walk them through the process. Studying abroad is an enriching experience well worth the money and effort students put into it. --Austin Tomlinson is an exploratory international freshman.

The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University-San Marcos and is published every other Wednesday in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright Wednesday, April 10, 2013. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief. The first five issues of each edition of the paper are free. Additional copies of the paper can be purchased at 50¢ per copy. Contact The University Star office at (512) 245-3487 to purchase additional copies.

Visit The Star at www.UniversityStar.com

The University Star | Wednesday April 10, 2013 | 3

NEWS/PAGE 2

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counseling CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

ASG

There’s nowhere to put the needed counselors, we currently have one office for every staff member and one group therapy room. Ideally, we would add more offices to accommodate more staff and add an additional room for group (therapy).” -Gregory Snodgrass. Director of the Counseling Center “It’s frustrating because a problem can change so much over even just one day,” Jara said. “If you need to talk to someone, it usually means you need to talk to them right away.” Anonymous student evaluations of the counseling program are administered every semester. Respondents often listed a lack of counselors as their only grievance against an otherwise great experience, Snodgrass said. ‘Time and time again, we are told we have a wonderful program, but that they wish there were more of us there,” Snodgrass said. Blanca Sanchez-Navarro, the center’s assistant director, said the Counseling Center has between seven and eight appointments available each day, which are usually filled quickly. According to a Feb. 14 University Star article, 2,562 appointments were attended last semester, and 1,127 students were turned away. There were 1,700 students turned away during the entirety of the

H-E-B

2011-2012 year, according to the article. Students are offered group therapy options because they are effective methods of counseling, Sanchez-Navarro said. “It’s a huge misconception that we try to get students to attend a group session because it saves on space,” said SanchezNavarro. “Groups are a very viable option for many that can prove to be very powerful.” Sanchez-Navarro said group therapy is effective because not everyone needs a one-on-one session. The therapy is especially useful if the problem falls into one of the specialty groups that focus on common issues such as dealing with stress and anxiety. The Counseling Center is currently looking into adding more group sessions for other issues dealt with by college students like relationships and general tips for well-being. The center is exploring different methods of assistance outside of a traditional therapy such as relaxing videos on Youtube, said Sanchez-Navarro.

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ing an H-E-B in the location and have worked with the grocery store to allow flexibility. The commissioners said they want to keep as much of the original vision and standards of the planned development district as possible. Ocie Vest, partner with Stratford Land, spoke at the March 26 public hearing. “We’re here to listen and learn from comments the commission might have,” Vest said. “We look forward to being back here again for the next public hearing.” Bill Taylor, chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission, said constructing

an H-E-B would be a “great” use of the land and a “great” location. “We’re really excited to get another HE-B in town, and hopefully that will help with the development in the area,” Lewis said. “It’s a really targeted area under our Comprehensive Master Plan for new development. There’s a lot of activity in that area, and it’s very likely that area will become a new hot spot.” Commissioners said another grocery store could go in the area if H-E-B decides not to develop the land.

PAGE 2 CRIME BLOTTER

April 8, 4:33 a.m. Possession of marijuana Clear Springs Apartments A student was arrested for possession of marijuana and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center to await a trial. April 7, 8:48 p.m. Possession of marijuana Blanco Garage A student was arrested for possession of marijuana and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center to await a trial. April 6, 5:39 p.m. Possession of marijuana University Drive A student was arrested for possession of marijuana and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center to await a trial. April 6, 8:51 a.m. Burglary of vehicle Bobcat Village Apartments A student reported their personal property had been taken without consent. This case is under investigation. April 6, 8:05 a.m. Graffiti Alkek Library University property had been vandalized with graffiti. This case is under investigation. April 6, 5:49 a.m. Burglary of habitation Bobcat Village A student reported their personal property had been taken without consent. This case is under investigation. April 5, 6:55 p.m. Graffiti Alkek Library University property had been vandalized with graffiti. This case is under investigation. April 5, 4:42 p.m. Criminal Trespass Elm Street A nonstudent was arrested for criminal trespass and transported to Hays County Law Enforcement Center. --Courtesy of The University Police Department

correction In a Tuesday University Star article, the headline should have read, “Texas State down three games after losing to Sacramento.”

Your friendly neighborhood watchdog.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

their time in college,” Stapp said. “It really hampers UPD’s ability to use this.” Kutras said the only inconvenience to UPD would be writing reports later, rather than in the booking room. Kutras said cite and release saves money and time. Stapp said SMPD officers have the option to use the cite and release program but tend not to because it does not save them extra work or time. Only 30 to 45 minutes can be saved in a 10 to 12 hour shift, Stapp said. Kutras said some studies show housing one offender at jail overnight costs Hays County taxpayers $350. He said the bill would lessen the “economic burden” put

on taxpayers by incarcerating nonviolent offenders. Stapp said he is unaware how much a night in jail costs a Hays County taxpayer. Stapp said some potential benefits include reducing jail crowding, freeing up time for the officers and avoiding a trip to jail when possible. Kutras said the next step for the resolution is waiting for the administration to see how this could benefit the university. Kutras hopes UPD can implement cite and release but will continue working on the effort until he graduates in December.

The community is much safer when cops just issue a ticket and stay on the streets patrolling, monitoring for violent crimes, it doesn’t benefit the community when the cop has to go back to the station for an hour or so and they are not on the street (because they are) going through the booking process.” -ASG Sen. Kevin Kutras

ADOPTIONS

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Bruce, an employee at the shelter. The non-profit shelter receives public donations, but not government grants. Its only other revenue comes from what it charges for its services. Shelter Director Monica Dangler attributes the society’s ability to withstand decreased funding to both a volunteer spike and adaption to fewer donations. “Maybe instead of donating money, they’re donating time or they’re donating used linens—they might just donate differently,” Dangler said. “Probably the value is the same. It’s just more in-kind donations as opposed to actual dollars, but it still gets the job done.” Adoption fees are helping the shelter. The fees vary depending on the animal being adopted. Puppies cost the most at $175, but Dangler said that is still a great value because the shelter provides animals whose medical expenses could reach $700 if taken to a professional. The adoption fees still only partially offset the costs of care. Dangler said it costs the shelter about $250 per animal for care and preparation for adoption. It is a nokill shelter, so each day an animal stays its total cost of care increases, decreasing the number of pets that can be taken in. Office Manager Heather Dalby said one issue the shelter faces is the number of people who dump animals at the building. Two puppies were recently left in a cat carrier on the shelter’s front porch. Bruce said this practice is illegal. Bruce explained that when animals are left at the shelter, employees try to

do what they can to accommodate those pets. There are times when the pet cannot be helped because of limited space, the lack of a veterinarian on-staff and the cost of caring for an animal. The shelter stays at capacity and must turn animals away, even when the economy is thriving. Dalby said for this reason, owners should take precautions so they will not have to surrender pets in the future. “Spay, neuter and make sure your pets are identifiable at all times so they don’t end up at the shelter and can be reunited with their owner,” Dalby said. Even when an owner is found, sometimes a pet is in need of a home. Such was the case with Hank. Hank was a stray whose previous owner learned the shelter was holding his dog. Matt Miklaw, a veterinary technician who works at the shelter, said the owner had concerns about the fees he would have to pay to have Hank. “After we had worked with him, he just stopped calling,” Miklaw said. “He just gave up on him, I guess. So (Hank) went up for adoption.” Hank left his kennel for the last time one week after being at the shelter. His new family waited near the shelter’s front door and smiled as he walked around the corner. As Hank walked toward them, his tail whipped back and forth. The shelter had a new success story, and Hank had a new home.

4 | Wednesday April 10, 2013 | The University Star

TRENDS

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Carlos Valdez, Assistant Photo Editor

Students sing the university alma mater at the Texas State Ring Ceremony.

Ring ceremony symbolizes Texas State achievements for soon-to-be graduates By Brenda Urioste Trends Reporter

Carlos Valdez, Assistant Photo Editor

ASG president Nathan McDaniel speaks at the Texas State Ring Ceremony April 9 at Strahan Coliseum.

After years of late nights, long walks to class and caffeine-fueled study sessions, the upperclassmen of Texas State celebrated its success Tuesday by attending the traditional ring ceremony held at the end of each semester. The biannual ceremony held at Strahan Coliseum is a time when upperclassmen can invite their loved ones to campus to watch them receive their official Texas State class rings. “My parents are so proud of what I have accomplished, and every time I look at my ring I’ll remember all the amazing times I have been blessed with during my time at Texas State, “ said Amanda Novak, education senior. The rings, adorned with etchings representative of Texas State, serve as a way to commemorate the achievements and college experiences of the students. The rings solidify a bond between fellow

Bobcats and the school. “College is a huge stepping stone in our lives, and it’s something we hold on to forever,” said Matthew Dieden, mass communication junior. “Getting a ring and having that on us for years to come will always remind us of where we started, where we came from and just the great years we had at this university.” One at a time, students dip their ring into a fountain that pours out water from the San Marcos River. This process connects the rings to the popular river unique to Texas State. It is the last step of the presentation until students finally place the rings on their fingers. As the tradition continues, the rings worn by the soon-to-be graduates face inwards as a reminder that they are in the final stretch of their undergraduate careers. The Texas State emblem is in the palm of their hands so the upperclassmen can hold the school close to them in their last moments as undergraduates. The graduates then

ceremoniously turn their rings to face outward when they finally receive their degrees. By doing so, they are able to show off their accomplishments publicly and recognize other Bobcats after they leave school. “I remember going through this ceremony in 2008,” said alumna Brandi Taylor. “Watching my friend experience this now just makes me so proud. I love that it’s a way we can connect as Bobcats. It brings a sense of community.” This long-standing tradition has been performed for years as an opportunity to share the pride students take in their experience at Texas State. “When you get here freshman year, people tell you this is something you can do before graduation, so it fulfills the tradition, and it’s something you can look at and say ‘Hey, I did it!’” said Joseph Espitia, political science senior. “I think that’s really important.”

University Ambassadors share Bobcat pride with current and future students By Brenda Urioste Trends Reporter One campus organization acts as the face of Texas State, always prepared to explain why, as they say, “It’s a great day to be a Bobcat.” The University Ambassadors is a chartered volunteer organization of the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and the Alumni Association. They are responsible for giving tours and organizing Bobcat Days, among other duties. University Ambassadors represent the university and dedicate their time to sharing pride for the school. The organization members are known as “The Forty Faces of Texas State.” “University Ambassadors is one of the most important organizations here at Texas State because it is ulti-

mately the gateway for every potential “I have been able to influence not Bobcat,” said Paige Vaughn, public re- only prospective students, but current lations sophomore. students as they begin their journey to Vaughn said she has learned lead- leadership,” said J.J. Franco, psycholership skills and become more confi- ogy and microbiology senior. “I feel dent through the organization. that University Ambassadors has givThe University en me the potential Ambassadors act as I needed to succeed, guides for students and now I am able to throughout their colshare that same polege journey. The Amtential with the future bassadors share their of Texas State.” knowledge of the Franco is the vice school to recruit fupresident of alumni ture Bobcats through on the Student Exectours and other pubutive Board. Students lic events. One of on the Executive their major goals is Board help orchesto instill pride in new trate the events held ­—Carlos Hernandez students by passing by the University AmElectronic media junior down Texas State trabassadors. They are ditions. assigned to different

positions to help the organization run smoothly and ensure members uphold the same positive attitude set during the competitive selection process held when they joined. Recruitment is completed within the first few weeks of the fall and spring semesters. Student leaders are recruited to help continue the legacy left by previous members, as well as learn valuable leadership qualities and gain experience with public speaking. “I enjoy giving tours to prospective students and informing them of the university,” said Carlos Hernandez, electronic media junior. “It’s an honor to share the knowledge of everything the university has to offer in the hopes that these potential students will join the Bobcat family and represent Texas State after I graduate.”

The University Star | Wednesday April 10, 2013 | 5

SPORTS

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SOFTBALL

Bobcats ‘keep moving forward’ after loss to Bears By Odus Evbagharu Sports Reporter The Texas State softball team lost its fifth straight nonconference game and second contest to Baylor University this season, 7-3 at home Tuesday night in 10 innings. The Bears’ sophomore shortstop Jordan Strickland hit a one-out, two-run home run in the top of the 10th to give Baylor the lead and clinch the game. Sophomore right fielder Kaitlyn Thumann added an RBI in

the top of the 10th to push the lead, 6-3. Redshirt first baseman Holly Holl hit a double deep to center field to drive in the final run for Baylor, giving them the 7-3 advantage. She had four RBI for the Bears. All three Bobcats who came to the plate in the bottom of the 10th struck out swinging to end the game. “We’re starting to battle,” said Coach Ricci Woodard. “If we push this thing through and get into a regional tournament, those are teams that we

are going to have to face just like tonight. We gave them their money’s worth, and that is all I’m asking this group to do. I just want them to get out there and go after every pitch and see what happens.” The Lady Bears came into the matchup ranked 16th in the nation. Texas State defeated Baylor 1-0 in the only meeting between the two programs last year. The Bears took an early 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning off Holl’s RBI sacrifice fly. The Bobcats were able to tie the game when junior right fielder Coralee Ramirez hit a single to left field to drive in a run in the bottom of the sixth. Both teams were unable to score a run in the seventh, moving the contest into extra innings. Baylor missed a chance to extend its lead in the top of the eighth with a runner on third. Texas State second baseman Anna Hernandez made a diving stop at second to get the final out for the Bobcats. “My defense played awesome

tonight,” said junior pitcher Rayn House. “It’s wonderful having a defense as good as I do. I trust them behind me, and it’s just a great feeling and makes the game fun when we play like this.” The Bobcats had an opportunity in the bottom of the eighth when they stranded a runner at second and third, but senior catcher Macie Hair struck out to end the inning. In the top of the ninth inning, Holl hit a two-run homer for Baylor to take the lead, 3-1. Texas State would not give up in the bottom of the ninth. The Bobcats had runners on first and third. They were able to advance the runner on first to second on junior shortstop Jordan Masek’s sacrifice bunt. Freshman outfielder Kelli Baker came up to bat and hit a hard ball to the Baylor shortstop, causing two runs to score on an error and tying the contest 3-3. After an intentional walk to sophomore third baseman Courtney Harris, senior

outfielder Shelby Carnline walked to make the bases loaded for Hernandez. She struck out swinging to end the inning. “From Seattle on, I feel like we’ve been playing pretty good ball,” Woodard said. “It’s one of those deals where at this point we are not trying to change anything. We are just trying to keep moving forward.” House pitched nine and a third innings, giving up two walks and striking out three. “I feel great,” House said. “I’ve been working really hard to go pitch to pitch and not to hang on to the negative. I’m just letting things happen and staying loose so I can go seven. Coach Woodard has been wanting me to go seven innings, and I got lucky enough to go nine tonight.” Texas State will take on the University of Texas-Arlington this weekend on the road. UTA is tied for seventh in the WAC while Texas State sits fifth. Twitter: odus_Outputs

Austin Humphreys, Photo Editor

Rayn House, junior pitcher, pitched nine and a third innings against Baylor April 9 at the Bobcat Softball Complex. House had three strikeouts and the Bobcats were defeated 7-3.

Hayley Lemons, senior first baseman, hits the ball April 9 at the Bobcat Softball Complex. Lemons scored one of three runs against Baylor.

BASEBALL

Fifth straight loss has Texas State ‘disappointed’ By Jordan Brewer Assistant Sports Editor Texas State lost to its northern neighbor in the University of Texas on Tuesday 12-5 in the second meeting of the season, the Bobcats’ fifth straight loss. “Obviously, we are disappointed,” said Coach Ty Harrington. “We came in here prepared to play. Every time we play, we think we are going to win. (UT) was definitely focused. They are well-coached and have great players.” The Longhorns used an offensive outburst to deter the Bobcats with 16 hits. Three batters in their lineup got at least three hits each. UT got its first runs in the bottom of the first when right fielder Mark Payton got a two-out double to score third baseman Erich Weiss, who walked earlier in the inning. Payton was

4-4 on the night. Shortstop C.J. Hinojosa then singled, knocking in Payton to give UT a 2-1 lead going into the second inning. Shortstop Garrett Ma Senior first baseman, Hayley Lemons, hits the ball April 9 at the Bobcat Softball Complex. Lemons scored one of three runs against Baylor. ttlage gave the Bobcats their first runner after being hit by a pitch. Right fielder Cody Lovejoy then walked before senior Andrew Stumph knocked in Mattlage on a single, giving the Bobcats an early advantage. UT continued to roll in the second inning, scoring two runs including a home run by first baseman Ty Marlow. Designated hitter Ben Johnson then scored later that inning on a Weston Hall single. The Bobcats were down 4-1 going into the top of the third but battled back

when center fielder Morgan Mickan singled to start the inning and was eventually waved in on a fielder’s choice. Freshman Lucas Humpal started for Texas State and pitched three innings while giving up five earned runs on seven hits. Another freshman, Jeremy Hallonquist, relieved Humpal in the fourth inning, which proved to be the biggest for UT on the night with four total runs. UT headed into the fifth inning with a 9–2 lead. “Texas showed they could be offensive,” Harrington said. “We didn’t locate well. Texas was focused on what they were trying to do tonight.” Hall singled for the third time on the night to start off the fourth inning, eventually scoring on a Payton single. Hinojosa singled while knocking in a run and scored after pinch hitter Jeremy Mantlbano knocked in Hinojosa and Payton. Hallonquist lasted one inning, managing to get out of the fourth inning by giving up those four runs on four hits, although three of the runs were earned. Both Texas State and UT scored in the fifth inning, giving the Longhorns a 10-3 lead. Mattlage got his second hit of the game on a double, which allowed Mickan to cross home for the second time in the game. Hinojosa hit his third single of the game, resulting in his third run batted in during the bottom half of the fifth, giving Hall his second run scored. Freshman Andrew Boes pitched one inning for the Bobcats, giving up one run on

two hits. Sophomore Austen Williams came in to relieve Boes and pitched a scoreless inning while striking out two. Stumph was a help for the Bobcats just after returning to the lineup the past weekend against Sacramento State University. The senior went 2-4 with two runners batted in. Mickan and Mattlage both had two hits as well. They both contributed two runs and an RBI. “We showed we could put some good bats on balls,” Harrington said. “At times, we had good at-bats. As (Stumph) returns slowly from his injury, ideally we want him to play like he did before his injury.” Besides Stumph, Mickan and Mattlage, the only other player to record a hit was freshman J.D. Stinnett. Junior lefthander Donnie Hart joined Williams as the two relievers for the Bobcats to throw a scoreless inning. Junior Hunter Lemke pitched in the eighth and surrendered two runs on three hits. The Bobcats will face Louisiana Tech University this weekend at home to continue WAC play. They will be trying to end their second longest losing streak of the season. They lost six straight in March during their long road trip on Oregon. “(We have to) get ready for Friday,” Harrington said of his players’ mindset going into this weekend’s series. “(We are) staying in the moment and our next moment is Friday night.”

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6 | Wednesday April 10, 2013 | The University Star | Sports

Bobcat News and Notes

FOOTBALL

RECRUITING

PROFILE Kingsley Ike Defensive End

By Odus Evbagharu Sports Reporter OE: You spent a semester at Purdue. What did you learn at Purdue that you think you can use here at Texas State? KI: Purdue (plays) in a big-time conference. We had some big-time players and a couple of NFL players there as well. I learned some good techniques there and learned a lot from watching them. It really showed me a lot that I can use here at Texas State, especially at a small D-1 school like Texas State. OE: What made you decide to transfer from Purdue to Texas State? KI: It was best for my family and just close to home for them to watch. OE: Is there a special skill set that you possess that the Texas State coaches really wanted? KI: My natural instinct and what I can do on the field, naturally. OE: What was your favorite high school memory? KI: My favorite football memory was coming out of the tunnel with my teammates fired up and ready to battle.

Photo courtesy of Rivals.com

OE: Are you excited about an up-and-coming program

Home Sweet Home

in the FBS ranks like Texas State? KI: It’s very exciting to be a part of this. Coming from a big school to Texas State, it differs in history. Texas State doesn’t really have any history on the D-1 level. I’m just going to try to come in here and help lift this school, like Boise State did and make some noise around the country. OE: If you did not play defensive end, what other position do you think you could play in football? KI: I’d say a 3-4 outside linebacker. I would like to play it like DeMarcus Ware coming off the edge and dropping back a little bit in coverage. OE: If you could compare yourself to any kind of player, who would you compare yourself with? KI: I really don’t watch the NFL. I like to watch people on the college level that are doing the same thing as me. I watch Barkevious Mingo from LSU. He’s a smaller defensive end and uses extreme quickness to get around O-line, man. I also watch Damontre Moore from Texas A&M. He looks just like me in pads, just slightly bigger and built the same way. Just watching those guys is something that helps me. Twitter: @odus_Outputs

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Texas State men’s golf placed fourth out of 11 teams in the Jim West Intercollegiate in McKinney, the team’s only tournament they will host this season. Vanderbilt, ranked 36th in the nation, took first place followed by Oral Roberts and Arkansas-Little Rock. The Bobcats finished nine strokes behind the Commodores. However, junior Stuart Smallwood placed higher than any Vanderbilt members, finishing third with 217 as his total score. Texas State wrapped up its regular season with this finish. The team will play in the WAC Championships in Las Vegas, Nev. from April 29 to May 1. On the women’s side, Krista Puisite won her second Player of the Week honor from the WAC. No other golfers were nominated as candidates.

13 Winners

Track and field took home 13 first-place finishes at the Texas State Invitational, its third of four home meets this season. Freshman mid-distance runner Tyrone Jackson won the men’s 800-meters with a time of 1:49.72, his personal best. Junior Danielle Candelaria is now first in the WAC after a 1.74 meter spring in the high jump competition. Sophomore thrower Darian Brown set a WAC best heave of 18.20 meters. Senior thrower Jalisa Hall won the hammer throw event on the women’s side. On April 4, the WAC announced that senior Danessa Lyssy was awarded the WAC Track and Field Athlete of the Week.

Streak Stopped

Tennis rallied for a 4-3 victory over Utah State after a three-match losing streak. The win places Texas State fifth out of 10 teams in conference, with sixth place Idaho a half of a game back and the last opponent on tennis’ WAC schedule. The University of Denver will host the WAC Tennis Tournament April 25-28. The top eight teams in the conference will have the opportunity to participate. Report compiled by Cameron Irvine, Sports Editor Twitter: @txstcamirvine