April 1 2014

VOLUME 103, ISSUE 73

www.UniversityStar.com

TUESDAY

Defending the First Amendment since 1911

APRIL 1, 2014

COUNTY

Officials discuss sources for central Texas water supply

By Nicole Barrios

Assistant News Editor

T

he Hays County Commissioners Court called a special meeting Monday to discuss water issues and future plans for using groundwater to supplement the needs of Central Texas.

Commissioners discussed “water issues and water policy” with representatives from Williamson County and Travis County, said Laureen Chernow, Hays County communications specialist. Chernow said it was a preliminary discussion and the same group will meet again in two weeks for further talks. No decision was made on any plans at this time.

“That group of people met and talked about some of the issues that are facing our counties regarding a lack of water and what, if anything, could be done as a group to facilitate acquiring water and transporting water to the places that need it,” Chernow said.

Since the water situation in Central Texas is “not getting any better any time soon,” the discussion was held to “plan for the future,” Chernow said.

The special meeting was in regards to an initiative Hays County began Oct. 1 to create terms for a contract with the Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District, said Commissioner Ray Whisenant, Precinct 4.

Under the contract, Hays County would receive water from the Simsboro section of the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer.

Representatives from the Lone Star Regional Water Authority, which acts as a legal entity and serves as a financing mechanism for water-related infrastructure projects, were in attendance, Chernow said.

Representatives from Pflugerville, Leander and Dripping Springs were also at the meeting, Whisenant said.

“It was a meeting about the reservation and the need for additional water in Central Texas, not just Hays County,” Whisenant said.

“The subject is groundwater being a link that provides some conjunctive usability that we don’t have from groundwater here in Hays County, more particularly.”

Whisenant said the water discussed would be coming from Lee County, which was not represented at the meeting today. He said they hope to have representatives from Lee County attend the following meeting in two weeks.

The majority of the meeting today was an

See COMMISSIONERS, Page 2

Breanna Baker | Star Illustrator

ASSOCIATED STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASG

Proposed constitution revisions would change organization’s name, reduce number of senators

By Caitlin Clark Editor-in-Chief

A

s students choose the next leaders of the Associated Student Government in Tuesday and Wednesday’s elections, they will also be voting on a referendum that has the potential to rebrand and restructure the organization.

The ASG constitution has been amended following a two-year process of benchmarking the organization against the student governments of comparable institutions and receiving feedback from an outside consultant. If passed through the student referendum on the 2014 election ballot, the proposed constitution would alter the name of ASG to “Student Government.” The new constitution would reduce the size of the senate from 60 to 45 seats, among other changes.

“If students want a better functioning,

NAME

Current: Associated Student Government Proposed: Student Government.

more utilized student government that they can lean on, they should pass the constitution,” said Vanessa Cortez, current student body president. “It’s going to be extremely important moving forward with this organization and making us a better resource for students.”

Cortez said ASG has not been a true resource for students over the years, which spurred the hiring of the outside consultant, W.H. “Butch” Oxendine, Jr., executive director of the American Student Government Association (ASGA).

According to the ASGA report, Oxendine found that “ASG currently does not have a clear mission or purpose” and is “struggling to determine its relevance on campus.” Oxendine recommended structural changes to the ASG constitution such as reducing the number of elected positions. “Structural changes need to be made before the ASG can proceed on

ELECTION DATE

Current: Late March Proposed: Late February or early March

UNIVERSITY

ASG

Officials send cease and desist letter to high school using logo similar to trademarked “Supercat”

By Nicole Barrios

By Nicole Barrios

Assistant News Editor

T

exas State has asked a high school in the Rio Grande Valley to stop using a bobcat logo that bares resemblance to the university’s trademarked “Supercat” it has been endeavoring to brand.

Rio Hondo High School in Rio Hondo, Texas has been using a yellow and black bobcat logo that resembles the maroon and gold one used by Texas State. The Collegiate Licensing Company, which contracts with Texas State, sent a cease and desist letter asking the high school to stop using the logo, said Jayme Blaschke, university spokesman.

“Our interest is solely to protect the trademark of the university and in no way should be interpreted as a negative reflection on the Rio Hondo School District,” according to a statement from Don Coryell, associate athletic director.

The school responded to the letter by sending out a memorandum Feb. 26, Blaschke said. Ismael Garcia, Rio Hondo Independent School Dis-

trict superintendent, sent the memorandum to all RHISD staff stating they must immediately stop using the bobcat logo because of the trademarks Texas State has on the it.

The “Supercat” is a symbol identified with Texas State and its brand, and as such, the university declines all requests for use of the logo, Blaschke said.

“We’re establishing our identity and the Supercat logo—we don’t want that to be diluted and stand for a whole bunch of schools,” Blaschke said. “The Supercat logo is Texas State, and Texas State is the Supercat logo.”

The bobcat logo used by Rio Hondo will be “phased out,” Blaschke said.

Julissa Lopez, Rio Hondo High School student, said she remembers hearing from peers that Texas State was asking her school to stop using their bobcat logo. A teacher confirmed to her that it was true. Lopez said her high school is now trying to change the logo because officials do not want to deal with the problem.

A letter from the school was sent home with students about a week ago with two logo options

for them to choose from, Lopez said. The letter shows a “vintage” bobcat logo from when before the school began using the one resembling Texas State’s, as well as a new emblem similar to the Supercat, but with more hair in its mane and teeth, she said.

“Everybody gets to vote on it and turn it in, and we get to find out what we’re going to use next,” Lopez said.

The deadline for students and parents to cast their votes on the new logo is April 11, according to the letter.

There have been mixed feelings toward Texas State asking Rio Hondo to cease and desist using the bobcat logo, Lopez said.

“A couple of people were upset about it because a lot of them have grown up with it,” Lopez said.

The school will district order new uniforms featuring the logo chosen by the students, Blaschke said.

“It’s not going to be a financial burden on the school because we’re working with them to make the transition as painless as possible,” Blaschke said.

other changes and initiatives,” according to the report.

The most visible of the proposed changes would be the omission of the word “Associated” from the organization’s name.

“A lot of people give us the acronym ASG, but no one knows what that really means,” Cortez said. “We feel that by making it ‘Student Government.’ people won’t give us an acronym, and people will know what ‘Student Government’ is.”

Cody DeSalvo, chair of ASG’s Review and Steering Taskforce, said name change is part of a campaign to rebrand the organization and reconnect with students.

Many of the amendments in the proposed constitution are procedural and internal, but still important.

DeSalvo said he hopes decreasing the

SIZE OF SENATE

See CONSTITUTION, Page 2

Current: 60 senator positions Proposed: 45 senator positions

SENATOR TERMS

Current: One year Proposed: Two years, with half of the senate being elected each year

Presidential, vice presidential candidates debate university issues, concerns Assistant News Editor

T

he Associated Student Government race heated up during Thursday’s University Star-sponsored debate.

Presidential candidates Tiffany Young, John Willms and Quentin De La Garza were joined by vice presidential candidates Sean Quiñones and Christian Carlson at the debate. A fourth presidential candidate, Abdual Muhialdin, was out-ofstate and unable to attend the debate.

The candidates discussed their platforms and answered questions regarding the role of student government, the importance of school pride and how they would

improve the organization if elected.

John Willms, electronic media sophomore, is the only candidate with no ASG experience, which was one of the more contested points of the debate. Willms said the fact that he has never been a part of ASG works to his advantage. As a “regular student,” Willms says he has a unique perspective on ASG after viewing it from the outside and thinks ASG is not important to students.

Carlson asked Willms how he would become acquainted with organization in time for the fall semester, to which Willms

See ASG DEBATE, Page 2

Austin Humphreys | Photo Editor The Univeristy Star hosted a debate March 27 with Associated Student Government presidential and vice presidential candidates.

2 | The University Star | News | Tuesday April 1, 2014

By Taylor Tompkins News Editor

Abdual Muhialdin ASG presidential candidate, finance junior TT: What made you want to run for president?

AM: Well what made me want to run for president is dissatisfaction with the status quo and what’s going on right now when it comes to school and our government. I was a part of the Student Government Association at Austin Community College as treasurer, representing 45,000 students on eight different campuses. Fortunately for me, I had the opportunity to work at the Texas State Capitol at the same time. They were in session, and we had a lot of lobbyists come into our office, and I didn’t see any of them lobbying for higher education or speaking about it. So I don’t think any of the senators or state representatives really knew of all the barriers and challenges students face. I began to organize efforts in meeting with the key officials of ACC and key administration to go to the Capitol and push for an increase in investment within higher education. You know, I come here to Texas State University and I want to do the same thing because I understand the challenges students face. I work two jobs, go to school full time and it’s hard to balance all of that. And when I see our government has a surplus of funding, and they’re refusing to invest in our schools even though our numbers are only increasing, that’s not okay with me. And that shouldn’t be okay with the students, and we should stand up together to stop this.

was wrong, I saw students were facing a big barrier and the biggest barrier I feel students face is financially. Their success is tied financially. So I saw that and I got up and I did something about it. And even though it was a big challenge and we didn’t succeed, we met many people who were for our cause and wanted to help us and we began to build relationships with them.

I want to do the same thing again when the State Capitol and all our legislators convene in the 84th legislative session. And they should vote for me because I will go to the State Capitol, and I will lobby on behalf of the students. It is my responsibility to do so.

TT: What are your main initiatives going into this election?

AM: The first main one is to increase funding for students. The second initiative I want to do is more accountability for our teachers. If you feel dissatisfied with a certain grade that you got and it wasn’t fairly given, we should be able to set up a better system to help out the students and more so a committee to kind of look over that and be like, “Okay, yes this student deserved the A” or “No, they didn’t.” I just feel that the evaluations, having it at the end of the semester, is not enough. That’s not enough.

TT: Why should students vote for you over your opponents?

AM: Well they should vote for me because I’m not just talking about doing something—there’s action behind it. Like I said in my previous answer, I saw something

ASG DEBATE, continued from front answered that he would learn as he goes. Quinones agreed with Willms, saying a fresh face could be beneficial.

One of Willms’ largest initiatives is installing hammocks across the campus, and he would focus on representing the student body “in a way that they would represent themselves.”

De La Garza argued that Willms does not understand the internal workings of ASG, saying that is what the organization needs. He said that while focusing on “nice things” like hammocks is important, but the safety of students and faculty would be his foremost priority.

De La Garza recounted an incident in which four fraternity members assaulted him at Riverfest.

He would want additional police officers around campus who are well trained because all students should feel safe, he said.

If elected, De La Garza said he would like to make the class registration process less confusing by integrating the Bobcat Schedule Builder and the degree audit plan into “one unifying mechanism” to simplify the process.

The effectiveness of ASG and past administrations was called into ques-

tion several times. Quiñones said he would work to diversify the organization, which is heavily made up of Greeks, and wants a more passionate and effective senate. Carlson agreed, saying the student government should be motivated to speak to students in class.

Young echoed the need for a diverse senate, and said ASG is a “pivotal moment in taking what someone says in The Quad and making it a reality.”

Young, public relations sophomore, said she is running on a “numbers campaign” which will promote “involvement and pride at the university.” Young said she plans to make students aware of the different high rankings of Texas State by being in The Quad and on social media. Young said she plans to work with the PACE Center to create a database of organizations and promote involvement throughout the university.

“Through ASG I found my voice, and I want to empower others to find their voice through different organizations,” Young said.

Carlson, international business junior, said he hopes to rectify the problem of students not recognizing the accomplishments and efforts of ASG, which is why they might

not know what the student government’s functions are.

It was later found that Carlson did not meet the eligibility requirements for the vice president position.

Due to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act, the Dean of Students Office cannot discuss the specifics of Carlson’s ineligibility, and he did not return calls for comment.

Quiñones, public administration sophomore and remaining vice presidential candidate, said besides diversifying the senate, he wants to help improve the the dining options on campus and establish a veteran mentor program to make those students feel more at home.

When discussing the enforcement of the smoking ban, Willms said trash receptacles should be available for cigarette butts, while Carlson believes ASG should focus on enforcement of the ban rather than enabling rule breakers. Quiñones said many students may not be aware of the smoking ban, bringing up legislation encouraging students to help enforce it.

Quiñones said the ban “isn’t just a rule, it’s a way of life,” and “it’s more than just a piece of paper.”

Austin Humphreys | Photo Editor

COMMISSIONERS, continued from front exchange of information, Whisenant said.

“In terms of terms, the only terms that actually exist right now are the terms between Hays County and Forestar (a real estate company), between sponsoring entities and the Lone Star Regional Water Authority,” Whisenant said.

Hays County has a waterreservation supply agreement with Forestar USA Real Estate Group Inc. in which the county agreed to pay $1 million per year for the next five years in exchange for the water, ac-

cording to a Sept. 29 Austin American-Statesman article.

Chernow said the discussion on water that began Monday could last for several meetings and may not be decided quickly.

“This is something that’s going to take some thinking on all the entities involved, and they’ll have to get back together to talk some more,” Chernow said.

Whisenant said the commissioners hope that Lee County and Bastrop County will be represented April 14 at the next meeting.

2014 2015

2014 2015

applicant The

CONSTITUTION, continued from front amount of senate seats will increase the prestige of the positions and make elections more competitive, which would, in turn, expand voter turnout.

According to the ASGA report, 28 of the 60 senate positions were uncontested in last year’s election.

The outline of the major constitutional revisions provided on the ASG ballot says Texas State’s student government senate has more members than those of the three largest universities in the state.

“I think you’ll get the best quality in a senator by reducing the amount,” Cortez said.

“People are going to really want it and work hard to get it because there’s fewer seats. I think a lot more work can be done with less people.”

Other possible changes include the creation of commissions made up of senators, graduate representatives and members of the judicial branch to allow for more collaboration, as well as the creation of an officer cabinet. Cortez said this would eliminate boundaries between the executive, legislative and judicial branches of ASG. “We really want to expand so that senators can do more,” Cortez said.

“Maybe their thing isn’t so much writing legislation. By expanding the cabinet, they can do more

programmatic things and make our events bigger and better.”

The proposed constitution has 14 total revisions that are described in detail through a link provided on the electronic ballot.

Tiffany Young, candidate for ASG president, is the author of the constitutional overhaul. She said the process was long and tedious, but the new constitution will potentially fix what is wrong with the organization as it stands.

Young said ASG is key in voicing the concerns of students. Voting in favor of the proposed constitution is important to continue improving the relationship between ASG and the student body, she said.

DeSalvo said he thinks the student body will support and pass the revised constitution. Members of the student government have done their research and are trying to do more for students, whether that be through providing services, being a check on the administration or focusing on organizations.

“It pains me to say this, but I would tell students that I know student government isn’t doing enough, you would prefer us to do more,” DeSalvo said. “There are other members who know that, and we’re seeking to change that now.”

April 2

2015

April 14.

3

March April 2 Monday April 14

The University Star | Tuesday April 1, 2014 | 3

TRENDS

Bobcat Build event sees record number of volunteers

By Ernest Macias Gardening aficionado Lura Brown has always loved tending to her plants and flowers, but in recent years, this task has become too much for the 95-year-old San Marcos resident. Brown’s garden, however, remains lush thanks to a team of Bobcat Build student volunteers who help maintain her lawn each year.

“Students do a really good job,” said Linda Vetters, Brown’s daughter. “Overall, it’s a good time for both parties.”

The 12th annual Bobcat Build, the second-largest oneday community service event in the state, returned to San Marcos Saturday, boasting a record number of volunteers with an estimated 4,200 people at about 250 job sites.

Bobcat Build is designed to foster a healthy relationship between students and residents, said Flori Moreno, Bobcat Build programs co-chair. Bobcat Build officers select job sites for volunteers based on a request form filled out by residents and an inspection visit at locations in the community. No powertool required job sites are accepted, and student safety is crucial, Moreno said.

“It’s a lot of work and hours, but in the end it’s a great experience,” Moreno said. “In the end, you know you’ve done something good, and it’s nice to hear how much it means to the residents.”

Bobcat Build has grown from a small organization

into a nationally recognized community service program over the years. Moreno said about 500 to 1,000 more volunteers participate in Bobcat Build each year.

Beyond helping the community, volunteers and job site owners agree Bobcat Build is a platform for change.

The community’s perception of students has become more positive over time through the annual event, Vetters said.

“The people who (own the job sites) get a whole different view of college kids,” Vetters said. “We see that college students are helpful, kind and considerate.”

Bobcat Build officers are at the helm of the event’s rapid growth. In the past year, the group visited Texas A&M’s community service conference to learn strategies for growing Bobcat Build in the future.

Texas A&M runs a similar nationally recognized program called the Big Event. During the conference, Bobcat Build officers sat in on panels about sponsorships and community relations.

San Marcos residents welcomed Texas State into their community, so it is important to reciprocate that kindness, said Katie Blocker, family and consumer science sophomore.

“I know that college students party, it’s part of going to college, let’s face it,” Vetters said. “We let students help because we know this event is well organized. Most of us are older, and we are just grateful.”

BOTTOM LEFT

TOP LEFT

Jimmy Nelson, member of the P-16 Initiaives organization, shovels fresh mulch on the lawn of a West San Antonio Street home March 29 during this year's Bobcat Build.

Jacob Munoz, Jordi Alfeche and Tim Hartline from Lambda Omega Alpha fraternity paint a home on Post Road during Bobcat Build.

Trends Reporter

Andrew Smith | Staff Photographer

Andrew Smith | Staff Photographer

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4 | The University Star | Tuesday April 1, 2014

OPINIONS THE MAIN POINT

Tiffany Young and Sean Quiñones for ASG president, vice president The editorial board has been pointing this out for years, but it still came as a shock to hear nearly every candidate for student body president and vice president admit the issue exists at Thursday’s debate hosted

by The University Star.

This heavily influenced the decision of which two candidates to endorse. ASG’s main role is to act as the voice of the student body while bringing concrete and worthwhile goals to the administration. The editorial board believes presidential candidate Tiffany Young and vice presidential candidate Sean Quiñones to be the pairing most capable of having a productive and relevant administration.

The decision was much debated and not unanimous.

Young and Quiñones have their shortcomings, but they are both personable and levelheaded, which are critical traits if one hopes to successfully connect with both students and administrators.

Young, a current ASG senator and committee chair, understands the mechanics of the organization.

Most importantly, she has experience in authoring resolutions and proposals, including the revised ASG constitution included on the ballot. If approved by the student body, the new constitution will reduce the senate from 60 to 45 members and rebrand

Jordan Gurley | Star Illustrator

T

he Associated Student Government is frequently criticized for its lack of visibility and historical inability to impact its constituents.

the organization as “Student Government,” among other changes. Young knows the ins and outs of the new constitution better than anyone and would be able to help the organization through the transition.

This kind of experience is exactly what ASG needs, and unfortunately is not what John Willms, one of Young’s opponents, has to offer. Willms has no experience with ASG, which he says will bring a fresh pair of eyes to the organization. Willms’ passion for Texas State and desire to change the reputation of ASG is commendable, but his naiveté and “I am just a regular student” schtick would not equate to a productive or high-quality administration.

Willms also built his platform around initiatives that should be at the bottom of the student government’s priority list. Most Bobcats would probably not object to the installation of hammocks across campus, but they would likely want their student body president to focus on more pressing issues such as parking and transportation and the rising cost of higher education.

Quentin De La Garza, the third presidential candidate, is the diametric opposite of Willms. He acknowledges that ASG has been lackluster in previous years but, unlike Willms, has the necessary experience in the organization to truly make an impact on campus. De La Garza also has one of the strongest visions, running on a platform of helping Texas State students feel safe on campus, simplifying the class registration system and raising the university’s ranking as a veteran-friendly institution.

However, the editorial board’s concern with De La Garza is not his vision, but his demeanor. De La Garza’s passion for Texas State is unquestionable, but it translates as an intimidating passion. Even if De La Garza’s stern, almost unapproachable demeanor at Thursday’s debate was a result of nerves, the editors still worry about his ability to stay calm and collected when interacting with administrators during the many committee meetings the president is required to attend.

There is one final presidential candidate, Abdual Muhialdin. He did not attend last week’s debate, which has prevented the

editorial board from being able to form a concrete position on his platform in comparison to his opponents.

There is now only one eligible candidate running for ASG vice president, Quiñones.

While it may seem gratuitous to endorse Quiñones for the position, he already had the editorial board’s vote before his opponent, Christian Carlson, was disqualified.

This is not to say that Carlson would have been a bad choice for vice president, but rather that Quiñones is a better one.

Carlson was a solid candidate, but the editorial board feels the Young-Quiñones combination could better unify the senate while presenting a nice dichotomy.

Quiñones’ goals include diversifying the senate, improving dining options on campus and strengthening ASG’s relationship with the city council. Young’s goals revolve more around pride and traditions, academics and improving services for veterans.

There is not much overlap between their initiatives, or personalities, for that matter.

This could be a formula for success following the concept of divided government as a measure to balance competing interests.

The editorial board encourages each of the candidates, not just Young and Quiñones, to better educate themselves on the issues facing Texas State. An audience member at Thursday’s debate asked about the possibility of a bus fee increase, and De La Garza was the only candidate who pointed out that an increase had already been passed through a student referendum during last year’s election. Additionally, none of the candidates were able to give satisfying answers to questions about veteran services or the Counseling Center’s struggle to meet the demands of students’ mental health needs.

Quiñones has effectively secured the vice president position at this point. For the presidency, the foremost priority is electing someone who can serve as the face of the student body and maintain an amicable relationship between their constituents and the administration. Young is the candidate most capable of accomplishing this.

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 Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University.

ART

LGBTQIA

Performing arts deserve better student and university support

Laura Crick Opinions Columnist English freshman

S

tudents need to support their peers who are involved in the performing arts disciplines.

The performing arts are a difficult craft. Performers must spend hours upon hours in rehearsals perfecting every little detail and work very hard to make sure the finished product is entertaining. Texas State students who dedicate their time to the stage deserve support from other Bobcats.

Just like athletes, performers need an audience to do their best work.

Part of the problem is that most students do not even know these performances are happening due to a lack of marketing and advertising by specific colleges and departments. I have seen maybe five posters around campus for the musical “Anything Goes” that opens in April, and they were all in places most students will not notice them. Over the past few months, many talented, hard-working young people have been putting all their time and effort into rehearsing for the show, and yet, because of poor advertising, few students even seem to

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know it is going on.

The same goes for any musical performance, vocal or instrumental. The only way to know about these events is by making a point to look at the online School of Music event calendar on a regular basis or else by actually going to the Music Building to check out posted performances.

The same can be said for theatrical performances such as plays and dance recitals. Although these are a bit more widely advertised throughout campus, they are still mostly unknown to those outside the department. As a performer myself, it is always nice to see posters for events either my friends or I am in.

It is a good feeling knowing that one’s efforts may be seen and appreciated by more than just the family and friends forced to attend by performers.

During football season, I am plagued with emails about upcoming games and the importance of attendance. Athletics are important, but so are student performances like plays, recitals and concerts. Many events do not even cost money to attend. Some events do charge a small amount for admittance, but students often receive discounts on regular ticket prices.

At the same time, admittance to athletic events across campus is not free of charge, either. The price to attend Texas State athletic events is already included in student tuition and fees.

By doing this, the university supports athletics while giv-

Editor-in-Chief.................................................Caitlin Clark, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor..........................Liza Winkler, starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu Letters..................................................................................starletters@txstate.edu News Editor............................................Taylor Tompkins, starnews@txstate.edu Trends Editor.............................................Amanda Ross, startrends@txstate.edu Opinions Editor..................................Savannah Wingo, staropinion@txstate.edu Photo Editor.......................................Austin Humphreys, starphoto@txstate.edu Sports Editor.......................................Odus Evbagharu, starsports@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief................................Lesley Warren, starcopychief@txstate.edu Design Editor...........................................Lauren Huston, stardesign@txstate.edu

ing students an incentive to attend. Texas State administrators should consider also including the cost of performing arts tickets in tuition fees in order to better support student performers as well as to encourage attendance. This might seem unfair to those who do not wish to attend student performances, but including the athletic fee in tuition is unfair to those who do not wish to go to football games. It is only right that the university equally support student athletes and performers.

Although the new Performing Arts Center just opened at the beginning of March and is a huge asset to Texas State campus in general, very few students seem to even know what it is. The opening weekend included a public show that involved all of the performance departments, yet the majority of the people that attended were from Friends of Fine Arts—a group of benefactors to the fine arts programs on campus. Had there been better advertising, there no doubt would have been at least a few students in the audience.

If athletic and social campus events can be advertised through emails, posters and Twitter, performing arts events can be as well. The arts give a sense of worldliness and culture and can teach students not only about themselves but also about the world at large. Without the arts, life would be boring, and student performers deserve support if only for helping to make the world a little less gray.

Web Editor...............................................Lee Moran, starwebeditor@txstate.edu Account Executive..................................Stephanie Macke, starad2@txstate.edu Account Executive.....................................Catie Brossard, starad3@txstate.edu Account Executive.................................Blakely Knowles, starad4@txstate.edu Account Executive.....................................Taylor Bradham, starad5@txstate.edu Media Specialist............................................ Chris Salazar, c.salazar@txstate.edu Advertising Coordinator...........................Kelsey Nuckolls, kjn16@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator.......................................Linda Allen, la06@txstate.edu Publications Director...........................Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu

‘Gay best friend’ stereotype fueled by female ignorance

Imani McGarrell Assistant Opinions Editor Journalism sophomore

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traight females who are friends with gay males should be careful not to treat them as trendy accessories rather than human beings.

Many women think gay men make the best friends. The perception is that gay men have great style, enjoy shopping and dancing and can be impartial confidants who can remain uninfluenced by romantic aspirations. Unfortunately, this stereotype often leads to problematic interactions between straight females and their gay guy friends.

The media is partly responsible for the misguided idea that the truest level of fabulousity is achieved only by having a “Gay Best Friend” or GBF attached at the hip. There is a long string of popular movies and shows that showcase such relationships between straight women and gay men—“Mean Girls,” “Sex & the City” and “Will and Grace” are just a few of the many offenders. The Internet is full of rhetoric supporting GBF relationships. For instance, a quick Google search on “why every woman needs a gay best friend” yields more than 162,000 results.

There is even a movie entitled simply “G.B.F.” that premiered April 2013. The movie’s plot illustrates perfectly how some women treat gay males more like accessories than people. In the movie, three high school queen-bees compete to make

the recently outed gay guy their best friend. Instead of befriending him because of his personality, the girls in the movie try to win him over purely because having a GBF is seen as glamorous.

The GBF trend is disturbing. As happens with other minority stereotypes, the GBF perception strips the humanity from gay males and reduces them to overly simplified caricatures. A gay friend should be treated with the respect and common courtesy afforded to any other companion.

Furthermore, it is an issue when straight females flood and overtake gay clubs. Some poor, misguided souls even attempt to pick up guys at these bars. For straight females, the allure of a place full of cute men who can actually dance and will not creep on them may be hard to resist.

However, this defeats the purpose of gay bars. I am not saying straight people cannot go to gay bars or vice versa, but straight ladies need to understand not every space is catered to them. In general, the gay community does not have as many public spaces they can claim as their own, and it is important they be respected by the straight community.

The idea of gay best friends does not come from a malicious place.

The stereotype and glamorization of gay men is fueled more by ignorance and misunderstanding than anything else. For some reason, people do not seem to understand even more “positive” stereotypes such as those placed on gay men by straight females are harmful and not okay. The misconception that all gay men are sassy, well-dressed dance machines is harmful. Stereotypes always beget more stereotypes—characterizing all gay men in a certain way will only lead to more misunderstanding.

In order to move forward, women need to realize that all gay men are independent, unique individuals.

The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the spring and fall and 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.

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The University Star | Tuesday April 1, 2014 | 5

SPORTS

Courtney Harris junior third baseman

By Gabby Tropea Sports Reporter @gabbytropea

C

ourtney Harris, junior third baseman, has been playing softball since she could hold a bat. Her family legacy of playing sports is what originally got her onto the field and into the game.

Harris says her two older brothers, Connor and Colby Harris, got her involved in sports and have inspired her to be the best athlete

she can be. The Harris family lived in Chandler, Ariz., before moving to Round Rock in 2009. Colby Harris played football and baseball at Hamilton High School in Arizona, and both he and Connor Harris played baseball. All three have been playing sports their whole lives.

Colby Harris played quarterback and defensive back in 2005-2006 while at Hamilton. Connor Harris was a utility player, competing in several different posi-

tions on the field. Connor Harris had a batting average of .324 and an on-base percentage of .425.

“I always wait for texts after the game from them, or I look up and see them in the stands,” Courtney Harris said. “They try to make it to every game they can, so it’s fun to see them supporting me.”

Harris competed at Hamilton for her freshman and sophomore seasons before closing her high school career in Round Rock.

Harris earned the Big Bat Award in 2010 and was selected the District 16-5A Newcomer of the Year, voted First-Team All-District in 2011 and named the Round Rock team’s MVP in 2010 and 2011.

Harris recorded her first career grand slam in an 8-7

win against McNeese State in 2012. She tallied 25 hits, 13 RBI and 11 runs scored for the 2012 campaign.

Harris started all 51 games she played for the 2013 season. The junior third baseman led the team with 12 doubles and 38 RBI while stealing three bases and finishing the season with 37 hits and three home runs.

Harris recorded a season-high six RBI in a game against Sam Houston State last season and recorded five errors in in 2013. Harris has played in 37 games and has four home runs on 33 hits with 15 RBI for the season so far. She is batting .327 in 2014.

“This year (Harris) has brought a lot of leadership,” said Coach Ricci Woodard.

“She has become more of

a leader. She’s leading us offensively, she’s swinging the bat well, she’s providing some power and she’s been consistent.”

Harris chose Texas State because she loves San Marcos, it “felt right being close to home” and there

was a “good vibe from the team.”

The friendships she has established have been her favorite part about playing the game. Harris wants to go to graduate school and eventually become a speech therapist.

Austin Humphreys| Star File Photo

SOFTBALL

Texas State loses to Louisiana in all three weekend games

By Cameron Cutshall Sports Reporter @CameronCutshall

T

he Texas State softball team struck out 31 times in a threegame sweep by No. 20 Louisiana over the weekend.

The Bobcats, now 19-18 overall, were outhit 26-11 over the weekend.

The team committed five errors in the three games. The Ragin’ Cajuns committed one.

Katie Doerre, sophomore catcher, hit a game-tying solo home run in the top of the second in the first game. Doerre’s homer was the first run given up by Christina Hamilton, Ragin’ Cajuns pitcher.

Louisiana scored 2 runs in the bottom of the third to regain the lead and another in the bottom of

the fourth to make the score 4-1.

Kortney Koroll, junior designated player, hit her fifth homer of the season to give the Bobcats their final run of the game in the top of the seventh, making the final score 5-2 “We never gave up fighting,” Doerre said. “They’re a strong hitting team, and we did a good job holding them to limited runs.”

Rayn House, senior pitcher, earned her 11th loss of the season throwing a complete game. House gave up 12 hits and 5 runs and struck out three batters.

Hamilton pitched the complete game for Louisiana, giving up four hits, 2 homers and striking out 11 Bobcats.

Texas State recorded two hits against Jordan Wallace, Ragin’ Cajuns pitcher, in the second game.

Ashley Wright, sophomore pitcher, started the game for the Bobcats.

Wright gave up a home run in the bottom of the first, giving Louisiana the early 1-0 lead.

The Bobcats were able to score on a bases-loaded walk by Jordan Masek, senior shortstop, to score Alli Akina, junior outfielder, tying the game 1-1 in the top of the second.

Louisiana scored 3 runs in the next inning after Samantha Walsh, Ragin’ Cajuns third baseman, hit a 2-run homer and Wright threw a wild pitch. Louisiana scored its final run of the game in the fifth inning to make the score 5-1.

Doerre hit her fifth home run of the season, giving the Bobcats their second run of the game. Lexi Fryar, freshman left fielder, gave Texas State its second hit of the

game in the next at bat for the Bobcats.

Wright earned her second loss of the season, going 2-2 overall.

Wright pitched four innings for the Bobcats, giving up five hits and six walks and allowing 4 runs.

Kaylee Garner, freshman pitcher, came in to relieve Wright. Garner pitched two innings, giving up one hit, 1 run and one strikeout.

Wallace pitched a complete game for the Ragin’ Cajuns, giving up two hits, 2 runs and 10 strikeouts.

“We didn’t do a good job all around (on Saturday),” said Coach Ricci Woodard. “We didn’t make the adjustments we needed to make, and we had some crucial defensive mistakes that really hurt in both games.”

Texas State lost its final game of the series against Louisiana 8-3

after leading into the sixth inning.

The Bobcats led the game 3-1 after a bases-loaded walk by Coralee Ramirez, senior right fielder, and a 2-run homer by Courtney Harris, junior third baseman.

The Ragin’ Cajuns scored 7 runs in the bottom of the sixth inning, making the score 8-3 and giving Louisiana the victory. House, Garner and Wright all pitched in the sixth inning, giving up a collective six hits, 7 runs and two walks.

“I think we did a good job of competing (Sunday),” Woodard said. “Unfortunately, things didn’t go our way.”

Texas State will travel to Austin on Wednesday to play its first game against Texas this season.

TRACK & FIELD

Teams compete at Texas Relays, Bobcat Invitational over weekend

By Quixem Ramirez Assistant Sports Editor @quixem

T

he Texas State track and field team participated in the Texas Relays and hosted the Bobcat Invitational last weekend.

The Texas Relays, a meet spanning three days, is held at UT in Austin. The event features collegiate athletes from universities such as Duke, Baylor and North Carolina and includes high school and international athletes.

Coach Dana Boone prior to the meet said this was the teams’ best

Reynaldo Leaños Jr. | Staff Photographer Sophomore Jared Hewitt ran the 800-meter race March 31 at the Texas State Track and Field Stadium.

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chance to showcase their ability in front of a large audience.

Tina Valenzuela, senior multis, finished in the top 20 in 100-meter hurdles, high jump, 200-meter dash, long jump, shot put and 800-meter run. She finished 21st in javelin throw.

Alexus Hebert, junior sprinter, checked in at 66th in the preliminary 100-meter dash.

Seth Arnold, sophomore polevaulter, achieved a 16-foot-6.75-inch jump that earned him 11th place in the event.

Sophomore Talore Kelly finished 15th in the hammer throw with a 180-foot-10-inch throw. Kelly won the shot put group with a 15.66-meter throw, the second-farthest mark in her career. She participated in the Bobcat Invitational, besting her previous career marks in hammer throw (56.47 meters) and shot put (15.41 meters).

The men’s 4x400-meter relay team, consisting of senior Reggie Reed and sophomores Anthony Johnson, Larron Black and James Hilliard, clocked in at 3:09.90 for the event. The group placed fifth

in the preliminaries on the second day of the meet.

The 4x400-meter relay team posted a 3:09.66 time in the final that earned them fifth place and set a new best time for Boone’s tenure.

Freshman Keila Rodriguez,

Reynaldo Leaños Jr. | Staff Photographer Sophomore Jordan Huckaby threw shot put March 29 at the Texas State Track and Field Stadium.

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sophomore Amber Gilmore, junior Briana Sharp and senior Michelle Jones finished eighth in the women’s distance medley with a 11:47.40 time.

The track and field teams’ next meet is April 4 at the Texas State Invitational.

6 | The University Star | Sports | Tuesday April 1, 2014

Tanner Hill sophomore infielder

By Ishmael Johnson Sports Reporter @Ish_46

P

laying for Texas State was always in Tanner Hill’s plans.

The sophomore infielder is the latest in his Bobcat-filled family to represent the maroon and gold of Texas State.

His parents met at Texas State. Darrell Hill, his father, played tennis, and Julie Hill, his mother, played volleyball for current coach Karen Chisum. His parents graduated in 1983 and 1984, respectively.

Clovis Barker, Tanner Hill’s grandfather, became a distinguished alumnus of Texas State in 1990 for being a leader in

baking and civic organization around the state.

“They’re happy,” Tanner Hill said. “They get to come to just about every game at home.”

Tanner Hill was always bigger than the kids his age growing up. His interest in baseball came from being around his sister who, he says, he was always a “brat” to when they were younger.

“My sister played softball, so I was always kind of at the baseball fields playing with the other kids there,” Tanner Hill said. “It just started there.”

Tanner Hill grew up in San Marcos and moved in the second grade to New Braunfels, where he attended Canyon High School and played football and baseball. Tanner Hill realized

baseball was in his future during his sophomore year.

“I hit .533 and led the state for a while in batting average,” Tanner Hill said. “I was leading the district in home runs, and that kind of opened my eyes a little bit.”

Tanner Hill began to see baseball as an avenue to attend college after his sophomore season.

“He wanted to go to Texas State,” said Darrell Hill. “They were interested but didn’t think he was quite ready. He started looking around and talked and signed for (Mike) Silva.”

Mike Silva was the coach at Galveston Community College and was instrumental in Tanner Hill’s original commitment.

Tanner Hill never got to play for Silva. Silva was hired by Ty Harrington in 2013 to be an assistant coach for Texas State.

“I told him at the time, ‘If you sign with a junior college or any school, you need to honor your commitment,’” Darrell Hill said.

“A lot of kids sign with a junior college and wait for something better to come along.”

Tanner Hill played out his year at Galveston, following his father’s request. Darrell Hill says that moving to Galveston helped him mature.

“He grew up a lot,” Darrell

Hill said. “Living on his own helped and, in junior college, they did an awful lot of baseball in the fall. Probably a lot more baseball in the fall, at a junior college, than you do at the Division I level.”

Darrell Hill says he wants what is best for Tanner Hill, but as an alumnus, he has always wanted him to go to Texas State.

“If he had had an opportunity to go to A&M, Texas or Baylor and had an equal deal offered to him by Texas State, he would’ve chosen Texas State,” Darrell Hill said. “He really grew up a Bobcat, and that’s where he wanted to go. That was his first choice.”

The sophomore transfer says his relationship with his dad has influenced a huge portion of his life.

“The way he raised me and the way he treats everybody—he’s the biggest influence on me,” said Tanner Hill.

Darrell Hill recalls a night when one of Tanner Hill’s high school coaches called him late at night after a road game. The coach witnessed Tanner Hill pulling away in his truck and looking back to see a trainer struggling to unload a water cooler from the bus. Tanner Hill turned around, went over and assisted the trainer before leaving

for the night.

“The coach saw that and called me at 12:30 at night and told me that he just had to call and tell me that,” Darrell Hill said. “That makes me prouder than him hitting three home runs in a game.”

Tanner Hill looks to continue his family’s tradition and hopes to one day reach the majors, no matter the costs.

“Baseball kind of wears down on you,” Tanner Hill said. “It’s really a game of failure, but you just have to fight through adversity.”

Allison Brouillette | Star File Photo

BASEBALL

Texas State sees first conference series loss against Arkansas State

By Kirk Jones

Sports Reporter @kirk_jones11

T

he Texas State baseball team fell to third place in the Sun Belt Conference after losing two of three games in a weekend series against Arkansas State.

The defeat marks the team’s first conference series loss this season.

The Bobcats defeated the Red Wolves 4-3 in the series opener Saturday in 12 innings. Hunter Lemke, senior pitcher, earned his team-leading fifth win.

Taylor Black, junior pitcher, started the game throwing 7.1 innings, striking out three and walking two.

Matt Smith, sophomore infielder, led the first inning Satur-

day with a walk then stole second with one out. Garrett Mattlage, junior infielder, stepped to the plate and hit a single to score Smith from second giving the team a 1-0 lead.

Mattlage went 2-5 with one walk and scored 1 run in the first game of a double-header.

Arkansas State started David Owen on the mound as he pitched 6 innings, allowing 3 earned runs while striking out six.

“We have faced some tough arms on series openers,” said Coach Ty Harrington. “We have to have good at bats, and we hit a bunch of balls hard putting some pressure on the defense.”

Tyler Pearson, senior catcher, hit 2-6 and threw out two runners attempting to steal.

Pearson caught a total of three

runners Saturday, ending the Red Wolves 16 consecutive games with a successful stolen base.

Lemke threw four innings out of the bullpen and made his 84th career appearance, breaking pitcher Jason Baca’s record of 83 from 2004-2007.

Lemke earned his fifth victory of the season and is one of eight players in NCAA Division I baseball to lead his team in saves and wins.

The second game of Saturday’s double-header resulted in a 5-4 loss, tying the Bobcats for second place in the conference.

Austen Williams, junior pitcher, threw six innings, allowing 4 earned runs while striking out 10 in the second game of the double-header for Texas State.

Williams entered the top of the seventh but was removed without

recording an out after giving up a home run to Eric Wilcoxson, Red Wolves second baseman, to break the 3-3 tie.

Ben McElroy, junior outfielder, singled through the right side of the infield in the top of the eighth inning, scoring Pearson and advancing Mattlage to third.

“I’ve been feeling good at the plate,” McElroy said. “I’ve been hitting the ball hard and looking to carry that momentum over the next couple of games.”

Granger Studdard, freshman outfielder, stepped to the plate with the bases loaded with one out and had an opportunity to tie the game at 5.

Studdard, who has two gamewinning hits on the season including a walk-off home run, grounded into a double play to end the inning and lose the game.

The Bobcats allowed eight hits, losing to the Red Wolves 4-1 in the series finale.

Tanner Hill, sophomore infielder, hit a double and scored Mattlage from second putting the Bobcats on the board in the top of the ninth.

McElroy batted .333 in the series, starting a three-game hitting streak for the outfielder.

Smith started every game this series, batting .384, scoring 2 runs and stealing two bases, starting a three-game hitting streak of his own.

The Bobcats fell to 6-3 in the Sun Belt and are two games out of first place after Louisiana lost to Western Kentucky for its first conference loss.

The Bobcats are back in action Tuesday as they play the UTSA Roadrunners in the IH-35 rivalry.