August 27 2013

VOLUME 103, ISSUE 2

www.UniversityStar.com

TUESDAY

Defending the First Amendment since 1911

AUGUST 27, 2013

VIDEO | UniversityStar.com Welcome Home: The San Marcos Main Street Program held Passport to San Marcos, an event featuring live music, games and free food Friday on The Square to welcome new students into the city as members of the community.

RESEARCH

S.T.A.R. Park holds forum to raise awareness

Three San Marcos apartment complexes, including Vistas, have not completed construction and have delayed move-in for more than 1,000 students.

By Weldon McKenzie News Reporter

THE WAIT CONTINUES...

Construction delays move-in, displaces students

By Taylor Tompkins News Editor

T

hree San Marcos apartment complexes have delayed move-in dates because of continuing construction on their facilities, causing some students to seek alternative living arrangements through the first week of classes.

Students with leases at Vistas San Marcos, The Avenue at San Marcos and Millennium on Post have been af-

Kathryn Parker | Staff photographer fected by move-in delays. The delays are caused by unfinished construction at the complexes, according to an Aug. 15 email disseminated by the university.

Sylvia Holmes, attorney for students, said the complexes’ managements are allowed to delay move-ins under a “force majeure” clause. The clause gives the landlord an opportunity to fix problems with a complex even if they are at fault. Management from Vistas and The Avenue declined

See APARTMENTS, Page 3

The Texas State University S.T.A.R. Park and the Greater San Marcos Partnership will be hosting a forum Sept. 7 to promote the emergence of the university’s first research park.

The forum will be held at the Embassy Suites Hotel from 8 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. and will provide insight into the purpose and goals of the research park, according to an Aug. 6 press release. This is the first of the forums intended to inform the community of Texas State’s pursuance of collaborative technological research.

The university opened the doors to the Science, Technology and Advanced Research, or S.T.A.R. Park in November of last year, according to park’s webpage.

The park is a 38-acre site that will host S.T.A.R. One, a 20,000 square-foot building dedicated to joint research ventures between the school and participating small businesses.

Stephen Frayser, executive director of S.T.A.R. Park, said the building will act as a “business incubator” designed to accelerate technological advancement. He said the upcoming forum is intended to showcase the quality and prominence of research at Texas State to entice industry partnerships.

“We want to focus on why (businesses) should want to come here and utilize the facility,” Frayser said.

Frayser said the forum will feature a

See S.T.A.R. Park, Page 3

FINANCE

San Marcos City Council irons out 2014 fiscal year budget PROPERTY TAX

By Nicole Barrios News Reporter

The proposed budget for the 2014 fiscal year plans to increase the San Marcos’ funds by 3.5 percent from last year’s budget, creating new jobs and increasing city maintenance.

The city council will hold a public hearing Sept. 3 on the proposed 2014 budget of $166.5 million, according to the agenda.

According to the proposal, the city looks to add four new police officers, four firefighters and four 911 operators. Heather Hurlbert, assistant director of finance for the city, said the city is looking at possibly adding $150,000 or $160,000 in spending to the budget for additional items.

Hurlbert said part of the reason the budget has increased is due to contractual obligations that are increasing every year, the addition of new personnel in the public safety area and the increase in the cost of power. Hurlbert said in the general fund, they have increased funding for street maintenance and sidewalk maintenance.

Hurlbert said nothing was cut from this year’s proposed budget that was on the previous fiscal year’s budget.

She said the money for this year’s increased spending will come from raised utility rates, which include electric, water and drainage. Hurlbert said the value of land within the city limits has increased, creating more tax revenue because of an increase in appraised values. However, she said the property tax rate stayed the same and was not increased.

She said sales tax revenues will increase by a forecasted three percent, which will help fund the increase in expenses.

Sidewalk construction and repairs in the amount of $400,000, $1.2 million for street maintenance, $200,000 for park maintenance and projects and $50,000 additional for street sweeping are among other additions to the proposed budget, according to Hurlbert.

Councilman John Thomaides, Place 3,

said he is excited about the investment in city sidewalks. He said a detailed survey of all the sidewalk needs in the city was done, and the city council created an interim and long-term plan for building and completing all the sidewalks needed for the city.

Thomaides said this sidewalk project will eventually total about $14 million.

He said the city council has committed to invest a minimum of $400,000 this year and an additional $200,000 a year for the next five years toward the most necessary parts of the sidewalk project.

“That’s the first time in an extremely long time that the city has put that much money into making San Marcos a live, work, walk community,” Thomaides said.

“I’m very excited about that.”

During an Aug. 20 meeting, city councilmembers discussed some specific matters it hoped to see included on the budget for the Sept. 3 meeting.

At the meeting, Councilwoman Kim Porterfield, Place 1, expressed her interested in seeing $20,000 for beautification of the city be added to the budget.

Porterfield said she wants to “beef up” things creating pride and ownership among the city’s youth such as the AdoptA-Spot program, as well as recycling and water education projects. She would also like to see additional landscaping and gateway works such as signage to beautify the city.

Porterfield said the San Marcos Public Library is an important force in the community and libraries are vital in helping with disaster relief efforts. She said on her wish list for the proposed budget, $40,000 will be allocated for a new library position.

Mayor Daniel Guerrero said he “was nervous” to add an additional personnel position to the budget at this point in time. Other councilmembers said they would like to think about the addition, but have not come to a consensus.

Hurlbert said a consensus was reached by the council on adding $58,912

The property tax rate in San Marcos will remain at its current level for the 2014 fiscal year, according to a press release from the city.

The current rate of property tax is $0.5302 per $100 of taxable value. For example, if property costs $100,000, then a resident would pay $530.20 in taxes to the city at the current rate. The rate is expected to generate $16.2 million in total tax revenue from properties on the tax roll, according to the release.

The property tax totals $3.06 billion including an estimated $100 million in new improvements and $90 million in rising values for existing properties in San Marcos, the release said. Residents’ individual taxes may increase or decrease over time depending on the fluctuating taxable value of their property,.

The release said the average taxable value of homes in San Marcos last year was $120,280, and on the new tax roll the average value was $122,364.

Using the current tax rate, the average tax bill would increase by about $11.

Adopting the rate in the budget would put the average homeowner’s tax bill at $628.71, according to the release.

—Report compiled by James Carneiro, assistant news editor

SALES TAX Sales tax revenues in San Marcos increased by 10.69 percent for retail activity in June, according to the city’s government website.

San Marcos collected $1,948,473, an increase of $188,214 compared to last year’s June sales. Sales tax collections account for 45 percent of the general fund revenue in San Marcos, according to the website. This is a 9.16 percent increase in the fiscal year sales tax revenues since last October.

The State of Texas’ sales tax revenue increased by 7.3 percent in comparison, according to the website.

Sales tax revenues in San Marcos have risen for 40 of the past 43 months.

—Report compiled by James Carneiro, assistant news editor

Community Development Block Grant funding, $10,000 toward Pet Prevent a Litter of Central Texas (PALS), $20,000 toward city beautification and $20,000 for city council specialized travel. She said they did not come to a consensus on the addition of a new library position.

At the meeting, Guerrero said the council would “iron out” details at the next

city council meeting which will be the first reading of the proposed budget.

“It’s a very solid budget,” Thomaides said. “It funds a lot of the needs of the city, it doesn’t raise taxes, property taxes and it reflects growth of the city as well.”

Hurlbert said a final version of the budget will be adopted at the Sept. 17 city council meeting.

LEASING OFFICE OPENING SOON!

capstonecottagesofsm.com LEASING OFFICE:

326 N. LBJ DRIVE

2 | The University Star | Tuesday August 27, 2013

OPINIONS

UniversityStar.com

THE MAIN POINT

Delayed apartment complexes handling situation poorly

T

hree new apartment complexes in San Marcos expected to open this summer in time for the fall 2013 semester were delayed for construction issues, leaving many students unfairly inconvenienced and displaced.

At The Avenue, tenants were told to make a choice—they could pay their full monthly rent and stay in a hotel provided by the complex until their apartment was finished or find somewhere else to stay, wait to move in and pay a reduced rent at that time. Tenants were also told storage would be provided for them, or if they chose to find storage units off-site, they would be reimbursed for those costs. Several students were willing to share this information with The University Star, but unfortunately when the managers of the three apartment complexes were called to explain the situation, two declined to comment and one did not return multiple calls.

For students who were forced to stay in hotels out of San Marcos, The Avenue offered $100 compensation per person on the lease per week. Despite this, some residents have still not received the money that was advertised and promised from the leasing office staff. As many students are being forced to find alternative living situations while the complex remains unfinished, The Avenue is conducting movie ticket giveaways on its Facebook page. The complex employees should be making sure its tenants are reimbursed and accommodated first and foremost before resuming activities like giveaways.

At Vistas, residents were offered the same alternative living options as those at The Avenue but without storage or living expense money for those forced to stay outof-town. In addition, Millennium remains unfinished as the school year begins, and move-in dates continue to remain up in the air for inconvenienced students.

Tenants of these complexes, Lara Shine | Star Illustrator mostly students, signed leases with move-in dates that were not honAlthough the complex owners and ored. The complexes are providoperators of The Avenue at San Marcos, ing all they are legally obligated to, and Vistas San Marcos and Millennium on have offered compensation by providing Post should not necessarily have to take living expenses and covering hotel costs. full blame for the delays, they are at However, one cannot put a price on the fault for poorly handling student lease peace of mind students have lost at the contracts. beginning of the semester, one of the

most stressful times of the year.

There is no doubt each complex has received countless complaints, and the leasing office staffs have endured the wrath of unhappy residents. It has been a trying time for everyone involved in the delays of these apartment complexes.

However, this temporary inconvenience to staff members should come as no surprise when hundreds of tenants are being shut out from the unfinished complex.

It is necessary leasing staff members are patient and accommodating with residents, especially during a time when many are being denied entrance into the apartments they purchased.

One institution to be commended is Texas State, particularly the Vice President of Student Affairs office, for sending an email to students letting them know what university services are available to them. It was not the responsibility of Texas State administrators to reach out to students inconvenienced by apartment complexes unaffiliated with the university, but the effort is admirable.

It should be acknowledged these complexes are businesses first and must attempt to make the losses from this incident as insignificant as possible.

However, these delays are unprofessional and could cause all three complexes to lose business in the future. The complexes will have to go above and beyond to accommodate residents in any way they can in order to retain a positive reputation among students in the San Marcos community.

In the future, apartment complexes must learn to not make promises they cannot keep, whether in terms of move-in dates or in compensation to residents who have been displaced. Breaking promises makes for bad business and will not inspire confidence in current or future residents.

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.

OPPOSING VIEWS

Student organization involvement Sports attendance worthwhile more important than sports pride B T

exas State sports are a boring and unproductive way to have fun and bond with other Bobcats.

The college experience is all about making memories, and Ashley Trumps the best memoOpinions Columnist ries are those in Mass communication junior which students actively participate in something fun and engaging.

Sitting wedged amongst hundreds of frenzied students while watching men in tight pants run after a ball in order to prove their masculinity is not the type of memory that will stick.

The money spent on gas, tickets and snacks is not worth the three hours spent squinting down at colorful dots tackling each other. The crisp, cool nights of football season are better spent in an atmosphere where more active social interaction is possible.

Working on a project, interacting with someone new or getting involved with campus groups are all better uses of student time. Pretty much any activity is more worthwhile than watching others engage in a sports game. Students should be more than spectators.

I cannot recall the number of times I have been bored to tears by people talking sports statistics after class. People discuss team members’ statistics as though they were some sort of walking scoreboard. These petty facts are blown out of proportion despite the fact they cannot predict the outcome of a game and do not say anything personally about the player himself. Memorizing

digits lends nothing to sports fanatics looking to socialize with other social groups. Sports statistics are simply pieces of trivia that give fans a false sense of control over games and serve only to bore non-fanatic acquaintances.

Cramming obscure sports statistics into a brain that should be focused on schoolwork is not only unproductive but also a profoundly boring waste of time and energy.

The sense of community cultivated around sports culture at Texas State is a forced way of bringing people together only on an artificial level. There is only so much to talk about when it comes to sports before conversation falls flat.

There are other organizations, societies and pastimes that can reveal a person’s personality and genuinely bring people together more so than passively watching a game. Although sports may appear to unite certain fans, it actually creates moronic rivalries based off factors completely unrelated to fans as individuals. Team rivalries simply create more opportunities for fans to argue over things that are irrelevant. It pushes people apart rather than bringing them together and does so on completely illogical grounds. Getting angry or disappointed over a team loss is a waste of energy that could be spent doing something that actually matters.

Other than the aesthetic appeal of watching ripped men in tights sweat and run around, there is not much else about sports that is engaging. Watching other people play sports is a source of false pride that unnecessarily swells the ego of fans. Bobcats should aim to instead spend their time actively participating in something that builds skills and relationships.

obcats of all ages and classifications should be revved up and ready to support their athletes in the upcoming year of sports.

Even though the semester has just begun, tailgating spots are already being reserved, grills are being prepped and tickets are being bought, all to prepare for football season.

Alex Pernice Meanwhile, TexOpinions Columnist as State athletes Mass communication junior have been working tirelessly over the summer, so they can reach even greater heights during the new school year. Despite this, many students still remain unfortunately unenthusiastic about Texas State athletics.

I think it is crazy how many students do not care about our sports program. In Texas everything is bigger—including the fan bases amassing around sports teams.

You would think any Texas university, no matter how small, would inevitably draw huge crowds at athletic events. However, the performance of Bobcat athletic programs and what it means for the university is a point of contention among Texas State students. Despite what students may think of our athletic program, all Bobcats should support their athlete peers who fight to protect the maroon and gold.

One of the reasons athletics have become such a quintessential part of college life is because sports help sustain spirit among the student populace. Unfortunately, many Texas State students lack pride in their alma mater. It is as if many Bobcats view Texas State just as a place they go to school and nothing more. Spirit is the essence of a school’s success—the presence of students excited to be a part of a university help make the campus a great

place to study and live.

Supporting Bobcat athletic teams is the best way for Texas State students to develop and maintain school spirit. Student athletes are great at what they do, and our Division I teams deserve appreciation and support from the community for the work they put into each season. Not only are student team members an integral part of the face of the university, but they are leaders of Texas State traditions—something that has begun to die out in recent years.

It is a terrible thing that traditions are slowly dying out at Texas State. People need to realize that athletic teams are a huge part of Texas State history and tradition. Imagine if tailgating at school football games ceased to exist. Many students would be enraged, but consider how many tailgaters actually go to the game itself. If these Bobcats were more engaged in the actual purpose of tailgating then they would fight even harder to keep the tradition alive by attending games.

At the end of the day, getting to cheer for university athletic teams is one of the best parts about college. Aside from personal academic achievements, university sports teams are one of the biggest sources of pride for students. Only Bobcats can truly understand and experience the prideful energy present when cheering at an evening baseball game or while watching a volleyball player score a kill during a close match. Sports are invigorating. They are intense and keep students’ blood pumping.

Every game should be an event all Bobcats can get excited about.

In the grand scheme of things, all students regardless of personal ideals should be anxiously anticipating the start of another Texas State athletic season. Athletic teams and games are not just another gimmick. They are a way of life for many fans. Get excited. Get a little maroon and gold in your blood. A new season of Texas State athletics is here.

University Star Poll DO YOU THINK SMOKING SHOULD BE BANNED IN PUBLIC PLACES IN SAN MARCOS?

YES

NO

UNSURE Vote online at facebook.com/universitystar

The University Star 601 University Drive Trinity Building, Room 101 San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708

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, starentertainment@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 Video Editor...................................Alex Peña, starmultimediaeditor@txstate.edu

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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.

Copyright Tuesday, August 27, 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.

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The University Star | News | Tuesday August 27, 2013 | 3

APARTMENTS, continued from front comment and Millennium managers did not return multiple calls for comment.

Holmes said construction has been delayed because of a lack of crews in the Central Texas area.

“We’ve been saying there’s no way they (Vistas, the Avenue and Millennium) are going to open before the first (day of) class,” Holmes said. “It is frustrating though, because we could watch and see with our own eyes that there’s no way they are going to open on time. Unfortunately, the students who were not here didn’t know.”

Vistas and The Avenue have offered compensation in the form of living expenses for hotels and various other financial reimbursements, Holmes said. She said it was her understanding Millennium was going to let people out of their leases because construction was not near completion.

Holmes said there is no law requiring apartment complex managers to make amends or to offer any compensation for the inconvenience, but it is generally in the best interest of the company. Holmes said she has seen many complexes lose business from similar instances.

“Student word gets around, and with the advent with social media and instantaneous feedback, that message gets faster and faster and faster every year,” Holmes said.

Alyssa Phillips, public relations sophomore, was originally scheduled to move in to Vistas Aug. 15 and her date was pushed back twice. Phillips has been staying in a bed and breakfast with other displaced students and cannot move into her apartment until Aug. 31.

Phillips said the complex has offered $75 for each night spent in a hotel.

“Seventy-five dollars for a hotel in San Marcos won’t get you a lot,” Phillips said. “It sucks not having a house and living out of a suitcase for almost two weeks now.”

Daulton O’Neill, public administration sophomore and resident at The Avenue as of Aug. 23, said the complex provided similar compensation as Vistas for those whose move-in dates were delayed. O’Neill’s move-in was originally slated for Aug. 2, and he said some students are still waiting because he can see continuing construction from his front door.

Christina Arellano, respiratory care junior, said she is concerned her apartment at Vistas will have some malfunctions when moving in because she has heard reports of flooding and leaks.

Issues such as flooding are considered health and safety issues that have to be remediated by the landlord, Holmes said. The student must notify the complex in writing, which does not include emails.

O’Neill said he experienced cable and Internet issues at The Avenue and other residents have reported electrical and appliance problems, but management staff are looking to the future for additional development at the complex.

“The Avenue (management) said they are trying to start a phase two for next year, and they can’t take care of their phase one right now,” O’Neill said. “That really surprised me.”

Holmes said she felt Vistas, Millennium and The Avenue had “a perfect storm” although they put a lot of effort into getting open on time.

Steve Parker, director of finance for the city, said Vistas lost a tax break that was deadline sensitive since it did not open before Aug. 15. Vistas had to have a certificate of occupancy by Aug. 15 to get a property tax rebate of $122,000 over five years. This is the second extension of this rebate for Vistas, Parker said.

Their requested rebate will go back to the economic board and eventually the city council for approval. Parker said this would be the final extension given to the Vistas.

Student presents Youth Master Plan

By James Carneiro

Assistant News Editor

The San Marcos City Council received an updated presentation on the Youth Master Plan during its Aug. 20 meeting.

Recent San Marcos High School graduate Gage Sears presented information on ways the city could help San Marcos’ youth become more successful.

Sears helped draft the plan while he was enrolled at SMHS. The presentation described how the city could affect youths’ lives and encourage college enrollment.

Sears said kids should try to lead an “education lifestyle” by staying in school and making sure they have the skills for their eventual careers. A part of the plan is providing full-day universal pre-kindergarten for all San Marcos children, Sears said.

Councilwoman Kim Porterfield, Place 1, said the Youth Master Plan is instrumental in “creating ladders to the middle class,” and citizens “overwhelmingly” supported adding universal pre-kindergarten classes in public opinion polls. Sears said the budget for the plan is $75,000.

Sears stressed physical activity, eating healthy foods and increasing economic opportunity as important pursuits for San Marcos youth.

Mayor Daniel Guerrero said he wanted to keep the plan from “sitting on a shelf,” and wanted action taken on it as soon as possible. He said the $75,000 budget for the plan was reasonable, because the total fund for youth programs is $150,000. He also said funding for the plan will come from the federal government, the city and the university.

“This is the best presentation I’ve ever seen,” said Councilman John Thomaides, Place 3.

Star file photo

S.T.A.R. Park, continued from front panel of companies from the area who are already involved in research and development with the park.

He said there are four companies occupying 90 percent of the park’s facilities.

One of those companies is MicroPower Global, a private organization developing new technologies in the realm of energy conservation, said Amanda Gregory, associate scientist and technology lead at the company. A specific project MicroPower Global is undertaking is the development of a thermal electric semiconductor device that can efficiently convert heat into electricity.

“We’re a green energy company,” Gregory said. “We are shooting to market to big industries such as power plants.”

Gregory said there were many reasons why the company chose S.T.A.R. Park as an epicenter of their research. MicroPower Global is working closely with Texas State because it is cost effective to research here, Gregory said.

San Marcos Mayor Daniel Guerrero is scheduled to speak at the event. He said the forum is imperative to spreading awareness about Texas State’s emergence

into technological research.

“The investment that both Texas State and San Marcos have made in this initiative is tremendous,” Guerrero said. “We are certainly looking forward to the attention this will bring to central Texas.”

Frayser said research has an obvious level of importance at S.T.A.R. Park, but the facilities provide other services to the area. He said proving relevance to the region and its economy through collaborative research is the ultimate test for the program.

“The relationships and awareness we foster will define how successful we are,” Frayser said. “That’s where the forum comes in.”

The forum will feature a keynote presentation from Congressman Lamar Smith (R-TX). Smith is the chairman of the Science, Space and Technology Committee, according to the release.

The price of admission is $75, and tickets can be purchased through the Greater San Marcos Partnership website, according to the release. Admission includes a complimentary breakfast and lunch. There will be a tour of the S.T.A.R. Park facility immediately following the forum, but space is limited.

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| The University Star | Tuesday August 27, 2013

TRENDS

UniversityStar.com

The show is on the heels of Chasca’s first EP release, “Bedtime for Bedlamites,” scheduled to be out next month.

By Jordan Gass-Poore’ Trends Reporter

J.T. Martin Frontman of Chasca, San Marcos-based glam-rock act

On stage, Texas State alumnus J.T. Martin can be seen clad in high heels, fishnets, underwear and a corset as frontman of the San Marcos-based glam rock band Chasca. During his off hours, the selfproclaimed nerd said he shies away from the glitter, makeup and fanfare of his alter ego, choosing more low-key attire.

The 39-year-old San Marcos native credits losing his “Rocky Horror” virginity at 15 as the main personal and professional influence in his life. Martin will reteam with bassist and vocalist Junior Scott, keyboardist and vocalist Sean Palmer, guitarist Sean Hannon and drummer Ian Brooks at 9 p.m. Aug. 30 at Triple Crown.

JGP: What were your plans after high school? What did you do once you graduated from San Marcos High School?

JTM: Well, I went to Texas State briefly, (and) it was Southwest Texas still when I graduated. I always had music as an ambition, so I played in bands and stuff. I would go play music a little while, trying to get something going, and then inevitably it fell through, and I’d end up back in San Marcos. I would take classes here and there and that cycle probably went on for, I don’t know, like 10 years. Then I ultimately graduated from Texas State.

By that time and based on a recommendation from a professor I had as an undergraduate, I went to graduate school. At that point the band started to develop, so that’s kept me pretty well anchored in this area.

JGP: What does Chasca mean?

JTM: Our guitarist had gone on vacation to Peru and he came back with this great name Amaru. We Googled it and, of course, somebody in Florida named Bobby Amaru had a band called Amaru.

He was like, well, there’s this other name, Chasca. You spend a good couple of

months trying to come up with a band name and you start off and you have these good ideas that fall by the wayside for one reason or another. So, Chasca kind of was the one that was the least bothersome to anyone, and it’s a catchy one word, an Incan goddess and the goddess of the dawn. She’s like the equivalent in some ways, not exactly, but her sort of counterpart with Western mythology would be Venus.

JGP: How do you choose your on-stage attire?

JTM: We’ve talked to a couple of people who have given us the ins-and-outs on stuff.

It’s interesting to see who has an innate skill for what because our drummer’s actually been kind of the most involved in spearheading that. It’s fascinating because I never would have thought that about him prior to this. Our bassist, Junior, his ability to do fingernails is awesome. He’s gone hog wild on his fingernails. Yeah, the things you learn about your

friends when you start cross-dressing.

JGP: Have there ever been any wardrobe malfunctions?

JTM: We’re kind of sitting in that very nice pocket of having it be just slightly titillating, slightly juvenile, funny, but not embarrassing or offend(ing to) anyone. You pay your money and you take your chances at a Chasca show. The only wardrobe malfunctions I am aware of (for me) are always shoe related. I’ve broken a couple of heels before and that’s always a pain. I’d rather expose myself than break a heel. Those heels are impossible to fix.

GET OUT OF TOWN

Courtesy of Dalton Campbell

The Lone Star Bakery’s Round Rock Donuts are a nationwide attraction that recently earned recognition on the Travel Channel’s “Man vs. Food.”

about nearby places

ROUND ROCK baseball, donuts and shopping just north of Austin

By Amanda Ross Trends Editor

As a small town with big attractions, Round Rock makes for a perfect weekend getaway.

Home to Texas State’s nursing campus, many students often drive back and forth between Round Rock and San Marcos regularly.

Round Rock hosts both big establishments and small shops, including quaint eateries, rustic trails and furniture giant IKEA. Round Rock Donuts, located on W. Liberty Ave., is home to world-famous pastries featuring their signature ingredient—yeast.

“We are definitely most famous for our glazed donuts,” said Operations Manager Paul Guderyahn.

“The recipe was created in 1926.”

Guderyahn said the yeast in the recipe contributes to the donuts’ softness and orange appearance. The donuts recently attracted the attention of the Travel Channel, and the shop was featured on the popular show “Man vs. Food” with Adam Richman.

A line of patrons waiting to order donuts snakes through the shop and out the door throughout the day because of the bakery’s low prices.

Guderyahn said patrons often comment on the low cost of their items and tend to be surprised by how such a popular place stays grounded while continuing to cater to customers’ tight budgets.

IKEA is a few miles up the road, and it reigns supreme as the hotspot for all things furniture. The store’s pieces are inexpensive and trendy, making them perfect for college students filling their first apartments. Patrons can relax at one of two food courts found inside the building after a long day of shopping.

It is Round Rock’s mix of small town charm and big city attractions that keeps residents around and visitors coming back for more.

“This place just has so much charm and character.

I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else,” said Nancy Yawn, director of the Round Rock Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.

Yawn said one thing many tourists are surprised by is the richness of the town’s historical center.

There is a rich historical aspect many people may not focus on when they first think of the city, she said.

Round Rock is nicknamed the “Sports Capital of Texas” because of the city’s Triple-A baseball affiliate of the Texas Rangers, The Round Rock Express.

The Express is nationally recognized and recently celebrated its 15th anniversary in Texas.

Shannon McIntire, Round Rock information specialist, said games are enjoyable even for those

who are not sports fans.

“The atmosphere of the game is the best part,” McIntire said. “Everyone is excited and cheering. I love going.”

Yawn said her favorite thing about Round Rock is its mix of things both large and small.

“We have a little baseball team that’s constantly winning and being recognized,” Yawn said. “We have low crime rates and lots of friendly people. It’s a small town that is just big enough to attract the fun, corporate things. It’s my absolute favorite place and I want everyone to see it for themselves.”

Round Rock truly has something for everyone, be it the chain store experiences of IKEA and the outlet mall or the rustic charm of Chisholm Trail.

A stovetop pot sits on display at IKEA’s kitchen department. The furniture giant offers affordable home necessities and decorations with an emphasis on efficient use of small floorplans.

Lee Moran | Design Editor

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The University Star | Tuesday August 27, 2013 | 7

SPORTS

UniversityStar.com

FOOTBALL

NON-CONFERENCE RUNDOWN

Southern Miss

Prairie View A&M

Texas Tech

Wyoming

Idaho

Aug. 31

Sept. 7

Sept. 21

Sept. 28

Nov. 2

Record Last Year: 0-12 Key Players: DL Rakeem NunezRoches, DT Khyri Thornton and CB Deron Wilson After losing Coach Larry Fedora at the end of the 2011 season, Southern Miss struggled mightily in their 2012 campaign. The team went winless and snapped a streak of 18 straight winning seasons.

After firing their coach at the end of last season, the Golden Eagles tapped Todd Monken to take over the program. Texas State will open up its season in Hattiesburg, MS to take on Southern Miss.

Record Last Year: 3-8 Key Players: C Dillon Bonnet, OT Tre Glover, LB Jerome Howard Prairie View A&M will come into San Marcos as Texas State’s home opener. The Panther’s led the Southwestern Athletic Conference in total offense last season (415.6 yards per game) also good enough to be 29th among FCS schools last year.

Prairie View A&M was picked to finish fifth in its conference.

Record Last Year: 8-5 Bowl Game: 2012 Meineke Car Care Bowl of Texas vs. Minnesota Gophers Won 34-31

Key Players: OT Le’Raven Clark, DL Kerry Hyder, WR Eric Ward, TE Jace Amaro and DE Delvon Simmons After former coach Tommy Tuberville bolted for Cincinnati, Texas Tech went to a familiar face to take over the program in former Red Raider quarterback and former Texas A&M offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. The ex-Aggie coach inherits a team that was already good and will try to build off the bowl win against Minnesota last year. Texas Tech beat Texas State in the Bobcats’ inaugural FBS home opener, 58-10.

Record Last Year: 4-8 Key Players: WR Robert Herron, PR Blair Burns and DL Eddie Yarbrough Wyoming enters its fifth season with Dave Christensen at the helm. Christensen has not had an offense crack the top 100 since he got the job in 2008, in spite of making a bowl two out of the four years he has been in charge. He will try to take the Cowboys to a third bowl in three years.

Record Last Year: 1-11 Key Players: C Mike Marboe, CB Solomon Dixon, WR Najee Lovett and DL Maxx Forde Idaho will play its football season as an independent this year before joining Texas State and others in the Sun Belt as a full member in 2014. Last year the Vandals played in the Western Athletic Conference with the Bobcats and lost, 38-7.

The Vandals will try to make their second bowl in as many as 10 seasons.

For the rundown on Texas State football’s upcoming conference games, see page E5 of The Star’s Back to School issue.

SOCCER

Bobcats continue season opener success, falter to ex-Southland rival

By Kirk Jones

Sports Reporter @kirk_jones11

The Bobcats continued their success in season openers Friday, defeating the Northwestern State Lady Demons 3–1 in their third straight win.

“It’s exciting to start off the season with a win,” said sophomore forward Lynsey Curry. “It keeps our spirits up and motivates us to keep playing hard.”

Texas State scored early when senior for-

ward Gabbi Cottee put one in the net after being rebounded off the Northwestern State goalie. Not long after, the Lady Demons tied it at one and less than a minute later Curry scored her first goal of the season, gaining the lead “It’s a good start to the season,” Curry said. “I just like to score for my teammates in order to win more games.”

Going into the half, the Bobcats outshot the Lady Demons seven to three. The club continued with this mentality after halftime, rattling off another seven shots in the

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second half.

Senior goalkeeper Natalie Gardini saved seven of the eight shots attempted by the Lady Demons.

Gardini’s performance led Coach Kat Conner to make the decision of naming her MVP of the game. The momentum from the season opening victory did not transfer to the next game.

The team fell to former Southland Conference foe Stephen F. Austin Aug. 25, 1–0. Pushing the Bobcats’ overall record against SFA to 3-4 in the past five seasons.

“We did not recover emotional, mentally, or physically,” Conner said. “We didn’t have that fire we saw on Friday night.”

SFA scored in minute 42 of the game on a penalty kick, giving the Lumberjacks the lead and eventual victory. The Bobcats pro-

duced eight less shots in the match against SFA than the club did against the Lady Demons.

“I wouldn’t say that they did anything special,” Curry said. “We just didn’t attack and when it came to the second half—it was just too late.”

In the second half the Bobcats took only three shots, while the Lumberjacks outmatched them with five. The game appeared to have all the intensity of any other game between the two rivals. Last year’s game had the same outcome with a similar circumstance of a goal coming on a penalty kick.

The ball club is off to a 1-1 start and will look to gain momentum when they take on Prairie View A&M Aug. 30 in the Bobcats’ home opener.