February 13 2014

VOLUME 103, ISSUE 56

www.UniversityStar.com

THURSDAY

FEBRUARY 13, 2014

Defending the First Amendment since 1911

VIDEO | UniversityStar.com

SPORTS | B5

Brother Jed: Students express their views on the traveling preacher’s religious speeches in The Quad.

Recruitment Report: This week The University Star features a three-day series on the 27 recruits Coach Dennis Franchione signed for the 2014 class.

CRIME

HIGH RANKING

HOUSING

University leads state in drug arrests

By Traynor Swanson News Reporter

Texas State

N

ot only are Bobcats being busted for drug possession more than any other students in the state, but the university is also ranked in the top 20 in the nation for campus drug arrests, according to a recent study.

Rehabs.com, a website that aims to provide professional medical help for people who struggle with substance abuse problems, found Texas State to have the most campus drug arrests in the state. The study UTSA ranks Texas State 16th in the country for drug arrests, the only school in the state to 4.58 drug arrests place in the top 50. per thousand students The site’s researchers recorded Texas State as having approximately 7.5 drug arrests per thousand students in 2011, the most recent year that statistics were available.

Ranking second and third in the state are UTSA and the University of Texas at Austin with an estimated 4.58 and 1.5 drug arrests per thousand students respectively in 2011, UT—Austin according to the study. The State University 1.5 drug arrests of New York Oneonta took the number one per thousand students spot, having about 13.61 arrests per thousand students. The University of Colorado at Boulder had the second highest number of arrests in the nation with an estimated 13.57 per thousand.

Jon Millward, lead researcher in the study, said the data is gathered —Jon Millward, Rehabs.com from college crime statistics distribresearcher uted by the Office of Postsecondary Education, a branch of the Department of Education. The apparently high number alcohol or drug crimes in some colleges could be due to stricter law enforcement on campuses, Millward said.

“The more you catch, the more it appears you have, whereas a really druggy or boozy college that does nothing to police its campus might appear to have a clean crime record,” Millward said.

7.5 drug arrests per thousand students

The more you catch, the more it appears you have.”

CRIME

1st in Texas

Allison Brouillette | Staff Photographer The Moore Street Housing Project will be located next to the West Campus Housing Complex, which is currently under construction.

New residence hall to open fall 2016

By Maggie Montes News Reporter

16th in the U.S.

Numbers courtesy of Rehabs.com

An interesting point to consider is the database does not specify which types of drugs were involved in the arrests, Millward said.

“50 marijuana arrests aren’t equivalent in any sense to 50 heroin arrests,” Millward said. “This is one of the many reasons the results need to be interpreted with caution and ideally seen as an extra reference point in the drug debate as opposed to the final word on the matter.”

Daniel Benitez, University Police Department captain, said Texas State is transparent with arrest information by making it available online.

“I haven’t seen this (Rehabs.com) research, so I’m not sure of where they got their information and what their numbers are, but we do have a database online that includes all the incidents with UPD,” Benitez said.

Possession of any illegal drug is grounds for an arrest, Benitez said.

See ARRESTS, Page 6

University officials are working with architects to design a new housing complex set to open August 2016 in West Campus near Blanco Hall.

Canyon and San Saba Halls as well as the West Maintenance building will be demolished to make way for the Moore Street Housing Project, which is estimated to cost $57 million, said Rosanne Proite, director of Housing and Residential Life. The complex is expected to house 600 beds, said Bill Nance, vice president for Finance and Support Services.

“If everything goes as planned, we will start demolition this summer and (the new hall) will open August 2016,” Nance said.

The new project will resemble the North Campus Housing Complex because the same company will be constructing it, Proite

said. The room designs for the new residence hall will be similar to those in Gaillardia and Chautauqua Halls, except nine students will share a bathroom rather than 30, she said. The new housing complex will also feature two separate halls with connecting community buildings, Nance said.

“SpawGlass Construction was used for our north campus housing and west campus housing, and we’re very happy with their work so we are using them for our Moore Street complex as well,” Proite said.

Plans for the Moore Street Housing Project include two living room spaces with kitchens and TV viewing areas, along with pingpong and pool tables, Proite said. The complex will have meeting rooms so students can work on class projects together, she said.

“Recreational features are still under development

See MOORE, Page 6

TRANSPORTATION

Gold storage permit possible next fall Home invasion death investigation completed

By Juliette Moak News Reporter

By Nicole Barrios Assistant News Editor

The investigation of the death of a man who was allegedly shot by the owner of the home he was burglarizing last month is now complete, and will be sent to the district attorney’s office for review.

The sheriff’s office responded to a report of a burglary in progress Jan. 31 at about 2:30 p.m. on the 800 block of Crest Circle Drive, according to a Jan. 31 press release. The homeowner informed deputies that two people were possibly inside the residence, and the Hays County SWAT and Crisis Negotiation Teams were called in.

The SWAT team entered the home after “unsuccessful attempts to have the suspect(s) surrender,” according to a Feb. 1 press release from the county. Inside, officers found the body of Kevin Ray Rodriguez of Buda, 20, according to the release.

Deputy Tom Ormsby, public information officer at the Hays County Sheriff’s Office, said he did not know if Rodriguez was a student or had any connection to the homeowners.

The homeowner reported

Kevin Ray Rodriguez

hearing two people in the house, but only one person was found when SWAT cleared the residence, Ormsby said.

Subjects provided information to confirm that Rodriguez acted alone in the burglary, according to Lieutenant Dennis Gutierrez in the release.

The case will be presented to the grand jury once the district attorney’s review is complete. “ (The district attorney’s office) will make the determination for it to go to the grand jury,” Ormsby said.

“But it will go to the grand jury regardless because someone’s life was lost.”

Ormsby said he does not know if the homeowner will face any charges at this time.

Changes to the university parking system are possible in fall 2014 pending final approval of a proposal to designate a “storage” zone in the Mill Street parking lot.

An increasing number of residential students are choosing to purchase perimeter permits, necessitating a change in the parking system to ensure spaces for commuters, said Nancy Nusbaum, interim director of Transportation Services.

“We’re losing spaces in the Speck lot in the Loop 82 construction, and we’ve lost over 300 in the stadium construction, so we’re just trying to make sure our commuters have some place to park,” Nusbaum said.

According to the terms of the proposal, students who live in residence halls would have to choose between purchasing green residential or gold storage permits. Those who purchase the gold permits would pay $115 to temporarily store their vehicles in the Mill Street lot.

The proposal includes a price reduction for residential permits, which would be sold at $435 rather than the current price of $485 per year, Nusbaum said.

“We wanted to provide residential students with an alternate option,” said Stephen Prentice, assistant director of Transportation Services. “The gold permits would be for those students who made the determination that they don’t need access to their vehicles on a daily basis.”

Some residential students who rely on perimeter parking near

Danielle Charles | Staff Photographer Students living in residence halls will no longer be able to purchase perimeter permits. their dorms are upset about the potential changes, said Nicole Shipes, Residence Hall Association president.

“It’s very unfair that the only affordable option requires us to park so far away,” Shipes said. “Students just want to be able to park near their homes.”

Transportation Services estimates about one-third of the 974 spaces in the Mill Street lot will be designated for gold permits as part of the proposal, since about 800 residents bought perimeter parking permits last year, Prentice said.

“There’s no history to it, so the estimation is speculative,” Prentice said.

Transportation Services does not anticipate a need to create zones for storage permits in any other lots at this time, Prentice said.

“There will be no expanding that

I can envision,” Prentice said. “I don’t know how popular (the gold permits) will be based on how far away the Mill Street lot is.”

Shipes said she believes students will choose to purchase the most financially viable permit available even if that means they have to park in the Mill Street lot and ride a bus to campus.

“It will be interesting to see what happens because I think everyone will opt to buy a storage pass,” Shipes said.

The proposal will be taken to the Texas State Staff Council and the Transportation Services Advisory Council before being presented to the President’s Cabinet for final approval, Nusbaum said.

“There could still be some changes made at this point,” Nusbaum said. “But I don’t think there will be any more.”

A2 | The University Star | News | Thursday February 13, 2014

WEATHER

Some crops thrive despite freezing weather conditions

By Scott Allen

News Reporter

The temperature in Texas can vary from a sunny 70 degrees to a chilly 30 during one week in the winter, which could both hinder and benefit crops, according to local farmers.

In the past week, lows in the region have ranged from 43 degrees to 26 degrees, according to the National Weather Service. Highs in the area have ranged from 31 degrees to 72 degrees in the same amount of time.

Despite the cold, farmers are continuing to utilize various methods that yield fresh crops for Texas residents. Local farmers have developed their favorite methods to combat the cold.

“We plant according to the season,” said Eric Telford, a San Marcos farmer. “There are some plants that can tolerate cold weather such as the kale family.”

Telford, who has been growing for more than 30 years, is a vendor at the San Marcos Farmers Market. There are some “tricks of the trade” that have been helping plants grow for generations, he said.

The planting technique is called companion planting, Telford said.

“The Native Americans who started it would plant peas or beans, squash and corn,” Telford said. “It was called ‘the three sisters.’ Each plant contributed to one another.”

Peas or beans provided nitrogen for the soil, squash leaves provided shade and corn was used as the primary food source, Telford said.

Telford said he uses a similar method of planting for cold weather by combining kale, carrots and beets in a system he calls “the cold three sisters.”

However, some farmers grow what they want and leave the weather up to chance.

Chest Rockwell, one of the founders of Brothers in Agriculture (BIA) based out of Dale, Texas, said they cover their plants in a method called “low tunneling.”

“We cover it with plastic and keep the plants from touching the ground,” Rockwell said. “When you cover it, you’re using the Earth’s heat to keep it from freezing. It’s been a real pain lately though because of the bipolar weather.”

A favorite among the BIA members is the Acephala group of vegetables, which contains cabbage, broccoli and collard greens, Rockwell said.

“The very best plant we have in the cold is collard greens,” Rockwell said. “We cannot kill them.”

Johnson’s Backyard Garden showed off an array of vegetables at a recent New Braunfels Farm to Market. Amy Gallo, one of Johnson’s growers, said they continue to have a steady supply despite the recent freeze.

“Everything we do is seasonal,” Gallo said. “We grow everything ourselves in East Austin. So right now, because of the cold weather, we’re getting lots of roots and greens in, but not as many tomatoes or cucumbers.”

A freeze is not necessarily a negative thing, Gallo said. Some vegetables thrive during the cold weather, she said.

“A lot of the root crops are fine and might’ve benefited from the freeze because when roots get cold, they release all the sugar in them,” Gallo said. “So things like our carrots and beets are sweeter and better tasting.”

Johnson’s Backyard Garden has its own growing methods. To save plants during a deep freeze, growers turn on sprinklers, because constantly spraying water on the plants helps keep their temperature at or just above freezing. This is because as water freezes, heat is released as it changes state.

CRIME BLOTTER Feb. 5, 8:40 a.m.

Failure to comply-striking roadway fixtures San Jacinto Hall Parking Garage University property had been damaged by a vehicle. This case is under investigation.

Feb. 5, 10:26 a.m.

Theft–under $1,500

Blanco Hall University property had been taken without consent. This case is under investigation.

Feb. 8, 1:26 p.m.

Public intoxication

Other A student was arrested and cited for public intoxication and transported to HCLEC. Judicial review.

Feb. 8, 3:15 p.m.

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Beretta Hall Two students were cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. Judicial review.

Feb. 5, 2:18 p.m.

Feb. 9, 2:12 a.m.

Possession of drug paraphernalia

Possession of marijuana

Bobcat Village Apartments A non-student was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. Judicial review.

Lantana Hall A student was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia and arrested for possession of marijuana. The student was transported to HCLEC. Judicial review.

Feb. 6, 3 p.m.

Feb. 11, 5:28 p.m.

Flowers Hall A student and non-student were cited for indecent exposure and the non-student was also arrested and transported to HCLEC. Judicial review.

Alkek Parking Garage University property had been damaged by a vehicle. This case is under investigation.

Indecent Exposure

Failure to Comply–striking roadway fixtures

Feb. 6, 9:05 p.m.

Feb. 11, 6 p.m.

Speck Parking Lot A student reported that their personal property had been taken without consent. This case is under investigation.

Commons Parking Lot A non-student reported that their vehicle was damaged while legally parked. This case is under investigation.

Burglary of vehicle

Failure to comply–striking unattended vehicle

Courtesy of University Police Department

The University Star | Advertisement | Thursday February 13, 2014 | A3

A4 | The University Star | Thursday February 13, 2014

OPINIONS

UniversityStar.com

Labors of Love Making the most of your Valentine’s Day

W

ith Valentine’s Day just around the corner, students should keep certain things in mind to make the most of their holiday.

For those who have significant others in their lives, Valentine’s Day is a holiday with special meaning. For many, it is a day to celebrate one’s relationship and do something special for one another.

The typical Valentine’s Day outing often consists of fine dining, chocolate, flowers and a special gift. While there’s nothing wrong with a typical Valentine’s date night, students should keep their minds open to other possibilities.

First of all, Valentine’s Day does not have to be a grand affair. Couples can still have a romantic holiday without going out to a fancy restaurant and spending their rent money on an artfully arranged selection of expensive food and gifts. There is no shame in getting comfy, ordering a heartshaped pizza from Valentino’s and spending the night watching Netflix and playing video games. As long as plans are mutually agreed on and thoughtful, there is no need to break the bank this Valentine’s.

If students do decide they want to go out on a traditional Valentine’s date, that is fine, too. Couples going out for the holiday should keep local businesses such as Root Cellar in mind when picking a date

Couples can still have a romantic holiday without going out to a fancy restaurant and spending their rent money on an artfully arranged selection of expensive food and gifts.

location. After all, there is no better way for students to show their special someone they care by going somewhere nice and supporting a local business.

That said, ladies should not always expect their men to do all the planning on V-day. Valentine’s Day, if it is important to a couple, should be special for both parties.

Yes, men should make an effort to please their women, but reciprocation is key. Both parties should put an effort into pleasing their partners with romantic gestures. Ladies should not expect their men to do everything for them and vice versa.

For those students still without a Valentine, there are plenty of other fun things to do this holiday. Single Bobcats can prowl The Square, attend a concert or get drunk with friends. The options are limitless.

Students, single or not, should make sure to show their family and friends love on Valentine’s Day. While the holiday is mainly dedicated to romantic love for a significant other, it is also about loving the other people who make life worth living. Single students in particular should show family and friends their love and appreciation this Valentine’s.

But more than anything else, single students should make sure not to crap all over the happiness of loving couples this holiday. “Singles Awareness Day” jokes stopped being funny long ago. Just because singles may not have a significant other to call their own this holiday does not mean they have the right

to ruin the nights of others. Single students need not be bitter—there are plenty of things and people they can do this Valentine’s Day. Lurking The Square Valentine’s night, single Bobcats can find their Mr. or Mrs. Right Now and enjoy a fun night curled up in the arms of an equally lonely stranger if they wish.

That said, all students engaging in wanton debauchery this Valentine’s evening should make sure to practice safe sex. There is nothing less romantic than waking up after a reckless encounter with bumps where they should not be or having to make an awkward call to someone only half-remembered. Students, whether they plan on having sex or not, should make sure their birth control is in order before going out on Valentine’s. Cupid’s disease may sound cute, but things get real fast when a doctor has to inject your junk with penicillin. Students should stock up on condoms while they can.

All-in-all, this Valentine’s Day is a great opportunity for students to have a little harmless fun and let those important to them know they are loved. Whether single or in a relationship, the editorial board would like to wish all students a safe, consensual, romantic holiday weekend.

There is nothing less romantic than waking up after a reckless encounter with bumps where they should not be or having to make an awkward call to someone only half-remembered.

Breanna Baker | Star Illustrator

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, startrends@txstate.edu Opinions Editor..................................Savannah Wingo, staropinion@txstate.edu Photo Editor.......................................Austin Humphreys, starphoto@txstate.edu Love Editor...........................................Odus Evbagharu, starsports@txstate.edu Copy Desk Chief................................Lesley Warren, starcopychief@txstate.edu Video Editor........................................................Alex Peña, starvideo@txstate.edu

Design Editor.................................................Lee Moran, stardesign@txstate.edu Web Editor.........................................Anthony Garza, starwebeditor@txstate.edu Account Executive.....................................Catie Brossard, starad3@txstate.edu Account Executive.................................Blakely Knowles, starad4@txstate.edu Account Executive.....................................Hannah Wilson, starad5@txstate.edu Media Specialist............................................ Chris Salazar, c.salazar@txstate.edu Advertising Coordinator...........................Kelsey Nuckolls, starad1@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator.......................................Linda Allen, la06@txstate.edu Publications Director...........................Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu

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 Thursday, February 13, 2014. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief.

The first five issues of each edition of the paper are free. Additional copies of the paper can be purchased at 50¢ per copy.

Contact The University Star office at (512) 245-3487 to purchase additional copies.

Visit The Star at www.UniversityStar.com

The University Star | Opinions | Thursday February 13, 2014 | A5

February

Black History Column Series

In honor of Black History Month, the opinions section will spotlight a column written by one of The University Star’s black staff members in each issue. The University Star hopes to showcase a variety of perspectives in the new series dedicated to bringing issues in the black community to light.

‘White’ speech not indicative of intelligence

From the desk of the

LOV E E D I TO R

By Odus Evbagharu Love Editor

L

adies and gentlemen, it is that time of year—some hearts are full of hope, some are stinging with rejection and the candy aisles are packed with hopeless romantics buying candy marked up to three times more than what it is worth. It’s Valentine’s Day—eve.

I see myself as a love connoisseur of all kinds—gay, straight, bisexual, pansexual, asexual—I am at your disposal. Many have called me the chosen one when it comes to my unorthodox methods of love making and matching, and even though I am currently single, it works. Trust me.

One of my unique ways of approaching a relationship is role-reversal. Now, I’m not talking about the kinky stuff, but if that works for you, please be my guest.

Whatever floats your boat. I’m specifically referring to the “roles” that women and men play on this historic day.

Men usually go to great lengths to be creative while their women wait to criticize the elaborate schemes their partners come up with to get in their pants.

Well, it’s 2014 and I’m here to tell you it’s time for a change. To my homosexuals out there, you all are doing a great job with the romance—it’s the straight people I need to set, well, straight.

Men, it’s time for you to sit back, relax and let the ladies make the move on V-Day. Ladies, it’s your turn to be creative and fierce with your decisions.

Buy the flowers, the stuffed animals and the box of chocolates for your man.

Take the initiative and make the reservation at the restaurant you want to visit, and, dare I say it, pay the bill. In fact, go buy him some nice jewelry. Guys always like nice watches. I may not have a catchy slogan to use such as, “He went to Jared” or “Every kiss begins with Kay,” but I’m sure something can happen when he sees that Fossil watch. Just use your imagination.

That being said, gentlemen, you are not out of the woods either. It’s time

for you to jazz it up and look sexy. I know some are not blessed with glorious six-packs, but the keg isn’t bad to rock either. Strut your body and show her what you’re working with. Clearly she’s not just with you for your brain.

Ladies, if your men expect you to go to Victoria’s Secret, tell them to go to Calvin Klein and get some nice looking briefs. However, it should be noted that a trip to Victoria’s Secret would still be greatly appreciated in spite of these role reversals.

Now, if you are single and trying to captivate someone’s heart, I would still try these methods. It couldn’t hurt for you ladies to let that special guy know right away who really wears the pants.

And gentlemen, you know you picked a winner if she’s willing to pick up the tab at the end of the night. Everyone will win if they open up their hearts and accept change for one day.

This year, role reversal is key. These methods should spice things up and make for a very eventful night.

EDUCATION

Political bias does not belong in classrooms

Molly Block Special to the Star Journalism senior

exas State professors T should attempt to eliminate political bias from the

classroom so students can be free from influence and able to make their own judgments.

As any college student can attest, there seems to always be at least one professor during a semester that has to make his or her political beliefs known. It may even be completely off-topic, but somehow certain professors always manage to let

students know that they support Obama or Romney or whoever else. Sometimes, lectures can even become completely devoted to a controversial political issue, and the professor will label anyone who does not agree with them as an idiot. I have seen this scenario play out more than once. Although not every instructor at Texas Sate is like this, I think we can all agree that the trend exists, is annoying and should be stopped.

Although many students may not care, the fact remains that lectures should remain untainted by political bias. However relevant a professor may think it is to give some insight into his or her personal beliefs, that information will probably not make much of a difference to the lesson and at worst, stands to misinform students or alienate others. I already know where I stand

when it comes to politics, and I cannot stand it when someone tries to shove their opinions down my throat, especially in an academic environment. Everyone has their own morals and values, and discussion of such issues should remain separate from lectures.

I am not trying to say that a professor should not be allowed to freely express their philosophies every now and then, or speak to students outside of the context of the classroom. It only becomes a problem when educators continually try to advance their own ideas in the classroom while putting down students’ opinions. When this happens, students can start to feel as if their beliefs do not matter and will stop wanting to voice their thoughts. This should never be the case.

Universities in general are breeding grounds for a variety of different beliefs

and ideas. People who make the decision to attend college and further their education should be able to gain a wellrounded view of their nation, its founding principles and ideas. Students should not just be subjected to one view about an issue. If a professor really feels the need to address a popular topic of political debate, they should do so by offering both sides of the spectrum. Through this balance, students are better able to form their own opinions free from outside influence.

Unfortunately, many university professors have decided against this way of thinking and instead insist on pushing their own political agendas. I do not agree with this, and I am sure many other students do not as well.

Professors should be encouraging students to exchange ideas and opinions without their own input.

Brandon Sams Opinions Columnist Public relations freshman

ounding white” is a phrase used “S within the black community to refer to someone speaking “proper”

English—an idea which is as offensive as it is wrong.

Equating “sounding white” to speaking proper English alludes to a superiority complex. The notion that whiteness automatically equates to correctness is mind-boggling and fueled by ego.

“Sounding white” simply has to do with the properties of speech—cadence, timbre, intonation, etc. Not everyone shares the same characteristics, but black people generally tend to have specific vocal tones and cadences in the way they speak. When black people do not have these specific properties of speech, they are referred to as “sounding white.”

It has absolutely nothing to do with diction or syntax. This vocal distinction is why many people can often distinguish between black and white singers on their voices alone. I have known several people who were as dumb as a box of rocks with syntax similar to that of my 6-year-old nephew. However, their tone and vocal quality sounded like that of a stereotypical white person.

Therefore, they “sounded white.”

Many educated black people such as Michael Eric Dyson, Angela Davis, Marc Lamont Hill and Professor Cornell West speak eloquently with great diction and a vast vocabulary.

However, those people do not “sound white” by any standard of that phrase.

I am not saying that there is not a form of code-switching that occurs between some black people. However, code-switching is very distinct compared to “sounding white.” Codeswitching in layman terms is switching from informal speech or slang usage to formal or mainstream speech. I know I speak a certain way and use specific words when conversing with my black friends compared to when I am in mixed or completely different racial company. The same goes for when I am speaking to other gay people or straight people immersed in homosexual lingo and culture.

Ultimately, the thought that “sounding white” means you have a great education and you speak the right way is utterly disrespectful. The connotation is that white is right and the antithesis of white, being black, is wrong.

Certain aspects of black culture have historically been looked down upon, and most likely will continue to be. Conversely, white traditions have always been and continue to be praised as something to aspire to. It is not mere coincidence that “sounding black” is often used as a slight or insult and holds a negative connotation.

ROMANCE

Single students should be positive on Valentine’s Day

Alexis Aguirre Opinions Columnist Journalism sophomore

students should not S ingle waste their time bashing

Valentine’s Day—Bobcats should either find the fun in the holiday or just ignore it completely.

Once February rolls around,

couples and heart-shaped balloons seem to pop up everywhere. Unfortunately, for those students not currently in relationships, February can feel more like Singles Awareness Month than anything else. There have been many times I have looked at a pair of lovers in disgust and muttered harshly under my breath. After my little pity party passes, however, I always try to look at the positives that Valentine’s Day brings instead of being a bitter Betty.

While Valentine’s Day is not for everyone, it is a very popular holiday and there is no escaping it. Instead of getting caught up in negativity and making spiteful comments all month,

students should just try to let go and have fun.

One of the common complaints against Valentine’s Day is that it is a made-up holiday created by card and candy companies and is over-commercialized, muddying the true, unmaterialistic nature of love.

While the origins of Valentine’s Day run deeper than that, over time the meaning and traditions surrounding the holiday have changed into something disgustingly sweet and fluffy. How the holiday came to be should not be a reason for people to hate it. If stores want to plaster everything with different shades of red and pink and have heartshaped balloons floating around

everywhere, just let them be.

While some may feel the commercialized event puts a price tag on love, students should remember that Valentine’s Day is an optional holiday, and they do not have to participate in it.

If people do not like the pressure to buy their loved ones gifts, they do not have to be a part of the holiday. Once again, it is just a fun day for couples and those who want to participate. It is just another excuse for people to do something special for those they love. People against the holiday should just get over it and let the couples do what they want.

And although Valentine’s is usually seen as a couples’ holi-

day, this does not always have to be the case. Valentine’s Day can also be a chance to have fun with friends, and family and take advantage of the discounted chocolate and holiday-themed meals such as heart-shaped pancakes. The holiday is really just a chance for students to show their appreciation to those they care about, not only their significant others. It is ultimately harmless and brings joy to many every year.

Valentine’s Day is not going anywhere, and people should just get used to it. This holiday only happens once a year, and people can either embrace it or ignore it rather than ruining the day for everyone else.

A6 | The University Star | News | Thursday February 13, 2014

FACULTY SENATE

MOORE, continued from front

Senators share concerns about campus emergency alert systems

By Kelsey Bradshaw Senior News Reporter

A rise in campus crime has created the need to address the content of the university’s emergency alert messages, according to some faculty senators.

The Faculty Senate met with Ralph Meyer, University Police Department chief, and UPD Captain Rickey Lattie during their Feb. 12 meeting to discuss how students, faculty and staff can be reassured that the Texas State campus is safe.

Michel Conroy, Faculty Senate chair, said the Faculty Senate suggested sending out a notice reinforcing the safety of the campus when UPD sends alerts declaring the conclusion of an emergency. When so many alerts are sent, Conroy said it is important for the university to make the community feel safe.

“You are reading these alerts and thinking, ‘Is the crime rate going up?’” said Roselyn Morris, senator for the McCoy College of Business.

Senators also suggested sending out a message at the beginning of each semester highlighting that the university is safe.

Meyer and Lattie agreed that disseminating positive messages after emergencies end and at the beginning of each semester are good ideas.

It is the students’ rights to know about emergencies, Meyer said. Alerts are “federally mandated” and need to go out as fast as possible, he said. The university is fined if an alert does not go out within 45 minutes, he said.

Meyer and Lattie updated the senators on current crime rates on campus.

Burglaries are the most common crime, Meyer said. In 2012, 41 burglaries occurred on campus, according to the Clery Crime Statistics report.

“One of our highest crimes is theft, which is understandable,” Lattie said.

“You’re always going to have that with young people.”

Emergency alerts are sent out in 140 characters or less, and “timely warnings” are longer messages disseminated through University News Service, Lattie said.

“Timely warnings are more like trends,” Lattie said. “Emergency messages are what’s ‘hot’ right now. That’s the difference between them.”

The 140 character limit means a lot of information has to be put into very short sentences, and it has to be “an alert that makes sense,” Meyer said.

Many students stop reading an alert after the first few words, so the message has to get to the point quickly. Students, faculty and staff are instructed to go to the school website for more information on emergency situations, Meyer said.

In terms of being safe on a national level, the university is “comparable,” Lattie said.

In regards to hate crimes, “this generation’s not that bad” about committing them, Lattie said. Very few hate crimes happen on campus, he said. Theft in the campus library has gone “way down” from what it was years ago, Lattie said.

“Overall, our crime statistics have gone down in the last few years or have stayed the same,” Lattie said.

Construction on the Moore Street Housing Project will begin Aug. 2014. The new hall is expected to open fall 2016. as the landscaping is designed concurrently,” said Juan Guerra, associate vice president of Facilities.

The new complex is necessary because of the university’s increasing enrollment.

In 2007, the total number of enrolled students was 27,000, and now in 2014, there are about 36,000, Proite said.

“We want to keep up with demand,” Proite said. “Our goal is to always have that freshman requirement and be able to house juniors, seniors and grad students who want to be on campus.”

The location of the new complex was chosen because there is space to add a building of its size there, Proite said.

“Another reason for the location is that there are a number of academic buildings that have been created in the

Allison Brouillette | Staff Photographer

last ten years that have been more West Campus-oriented, such as the McCoy College of Business, (Roy F.) Mitte science and (Joann Cole) Mitte art,” Proite said.

Plans for the Moore Street Housing Project began January 2013, and the construction phase will take about a year and a half to complete, Proite said.

“We are in the design development phase,” Guerra said. “After our design development documents are approved

by Board of Regents, we can begin construction.”

Officials will eventually name the new residence halls, and President’s Cabinet administrators and the Board of Regents will give the final approval, Guerra said.

ARRESTS, continued from front “Any usable amount of any drug is punishable by law, so if a student has a small amount of marijuana or a prescription pill that isn’t theirs, we have the right to arrest them,” Benitez said.

UPD can arrest offenders based on certain criteria, Benitez said. There is a small list of Class B misdemeanors, including drug possession, that can only be punished by a citation, he said.

“But that student must be a resident of

Hays County for us to issue a citation instead of an arrest,” Benitez said. “We have a lot of students that come from all over the state, so if a student is from Austin or New Braunfels, then they’re not a resident of Hays County and we have to arrest them if they have drugs in their possession.”

Police officers may not arrest a student if they believe the drugs in question do not belong to the student, Benitez said.

“If the officer uses his best judgment

to conclude that the drugs are someone else’s, he can let that person go,” Benitez said. “But usually, if someone has drugs on them, it really does belong to them.”

Any drug charge higher than a Class C misdemeanor is handled at the Hays County Court, said City Prosecutor Douglas Montgomery. A student who is arrested for marijuana tends to also have paraphernalia in their possession, he said.

“Every case is different, but the county

court decides whether or not to charge them with possession, and from there I decide whether or not to charge them with drug paraphernalia,” Montgomery said.

Students should consider how being charged could affect their university careers, Montgomery said.

“Something to consider is that if a student is charged with drug possession, they could possibly lose their financial aid,” Montgomery said.

The University Star | Thursday February 13, 2014 | A7

TRENDS

UniversityStar.com

Child Development Center assists student, faculty parents

By Maggie Montes News Reporter

Casey Mayo, Texas State student, enrolled her daughters Laila and Claire for day care at the Child Development Center.

Allison Brouillette | Staff Photographer

The on-campus Child Development Center caters to and looks after the children of both faculty members and students, allowing parents more time to focus on their classes.

Jessica Belovoskey, education senior, is one of the 25 student workers employed at the Child Development Center located near the Student Recreation Center. She has worked as a babysitter at the center for the past nine months. “(I started working there) just because I needed a job, and one my friends who works here told me they were hiring so I applied and ended up actually changing my major because of this job,” Belovoskey said.

After spending time at the center, Belovoskey said she discovered a love for childcare and teaching, leading to her switch from a major in mass communication-advertising to education.

Many students elect to work at the center to get experience in childcare and are typically paid between $7.50 and $9 based on position and practice.

The Child Development Center provides care and supervision for about 80 children ranging from six weeks to four years old and is open to Texas State students, staff and faculty, said Dienitha Fontenot, the center’s director. The larger community of San Marcos is welcomed, though they are placed on a priority-based waiting list after Texas State parents, Fontenot said.

Fontenot said the student worker positions at the center are helpful for those who want to become teachers and professional childcare providers in the future.

The center’s classrooms are divided into seven different groups based on age, each of which overseen by different teaching staff. Staff duties range from the creation and teaching of daily educational lesson plans to monitoring the children.

“It is our job to support (the students) by helping them become successful here and even after they leave,” Fontenot said. “It’s beneficial for both of us.”

It’s rare when you’re going to find such enthusiasm from anybody else besides a child.”

—Jessica Belovoskey, Child Development Center student worker Belovoskey said her shifts at the center are among the best parts of her day, lifting her spirits.

“It’s rare when you’re going to find such enthusiasm from anybody else besides a child,” Belovoskey said.

Casey Mayo, Texas State student and mother, enrolled her children in the school’s program three years ago while taking on a nine-hour semester.

Mayo said she researched the “fabulous program” extensively and was excited to be placed on the waiting list and eventually accepted at the center.

“Being a student and a mom is extremely difficult,” Mayo said. “The teachers, professors and everyone else in the education department have been amazing about working with me.”

Fontenot said most of the children who are enrolled at the center have parents who are faculty members.

Public grand opening planned for Performing Arts Center

By Kara Dornes Trends Reporter

Bringing together several different disciplines in the College of Fine Arts, the upcoming season opener for the new Performing Arts Center will be one of the university’s largest productions to date.

The center’s performance season will kick off March 2 with two showings of “Public Spectacular,” said Timothy Mottet, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication. Mottet said the performances will take place in the Patti StrickelHarrison Theater in the center, which can

hold up to 312 patrons.

Preceding the grand opening shows, a ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place with a dinner for the Board of Regents and an invitation-only performance to help introduce donors and alumni to the new center.

Mottet said the private performance will be put on by more than 250 students who are members of the school chorus, dance program, opera and orchestra.

The opening of the new center is important for both students and residents who want to watch and enjoy a fine arts performance, said Steven Vogel, performance senior.

“Being one of the most long awaited buildings to open on campus, I believe that the new facility after the opening will bring a significant rise in attendance of the fine arts events,” Vogel said.

The center will provide a “beautiful space” for students to perfect and perform the craft of fine arts, Vogel said.

“After the opening nights of the Performing Arts Center, this theater is going to expand what students will be able to do and it will showcase the programs we have and the level of artistic and musical achievement,” said Joey Martin, associate dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication.

Martin said the magnitude of the center’s opening season has potential to help recruit students for the fine arts program.

After the center’s grand opening performances, there will be several other opportunities for students and guests to see Texas State talent on display.

“Further events that will take place throughout the course of the year are the faculty string quartet, the musical theatre (program) is going to put on a musical called ‘Anything Goes’ in April,” Martin said. “There will be a performance of the Saint John Passion just before holy week and a dance performance at the end of the year and many more performances.”

PRESS RELEASE

Artist-in-residence to host Q-and-A at Mainstage Theatre Center The Friends of Fine Arts and Communication at Texas State University will host a “Talk Back” Q-and-A session with actor, writer, director and Texas State artist-inresidence Eugene Lee following the Feb. 22 performance of “Somebody Called” at the Mainstage Theatre Center.

Lee is a well-rounded actor whose career includes TV, film and Broadway. He has performed alongside Oprah Winfrey, Denzel Washington and most recently Malcolm-Jamal Warner in Washington D.C. “Somebody Called,” written and

directed by Lee, takes place on the brink of the civil rights movement in a small African-American town in Oklahoma.

“This play shows a side of segregation that’s not taught in school,” Lee said. “It tells the flipside. What happens when you have an allblack town and a young white girl moves in? Not all black people were happy about integration.”

At the heart of the production is the story of two preachers.

One whose focus is treating the church like an economical business, and the other whose focus is serving God.

“Metaphorically, I say it’s about the church that’s crippled and needs a healing,” Lee said. “You’ve watched the news—from the Catholic Church to any number of other denominations, the church is in need of some rejuvenation.”

This is the second full production of the play, but there is something that makes it distinctively unique from its original Atlanta staging— passionate praise through gospel music.

“I’ve done something different with this production in terms of the music,” Lee said. “I’ve infused some more music in it. It is not a

musical. It is a play with music.

Sitting in the audience will make you feel like you’re at a southern black Baptist Church.”

Lee hopes to take the production to Broadway and theaters around the world.

“I write these things to be done,” Lee said. “When I get to do what I do—it’s always fun.”

The “Talk Back” with Lee will be at the Mainstage Theatre Center after the Feb. 22 performance of “Somebody Called.” The play starts at 7:30 p.m. Performances not including the “Talk Back” run from Feb. 18 to 23. Tickets cost

$15-18 and student tickets are $8 at the box office or online at TxStatePresents.com This event is supported by the Friends of Fine Arts and Communication, a community group that supports the academic areas of art and design, theater and dance, music, communication studies and journalism and mass communication.

—Courtesy of Bobcat Promotions

A8 | The University Star | Advertisement | Thursday February 13, 2014

VOLUME 103, ISSUE 56

www.UniversityStar.com

Defending the First Amendment since 1911

Weather postpones Georgia State game, team looks to next matchup B2

Bobcats defeat Huskies in walk-off win at home B3

Ben McElroy Junior infielder

BASEBALL PREVIEW

Another season of Bobcat baseball will be underway Friday when the team begins to comp ete in a new conference for the third straight yea r. B4

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER

Football Recruitment, Defensive Playmakers B5

Get to Know Briana Sharp, junior runner B2

B2 | The University Star | Sports | Thursday February 13, 2014

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Georgia State game postponed, team to face UT—Arlington

By Ishmael Johnson Sports Reporter @Ish_46

A winter storm postponed Texas State’s road game against conference leader Georgia State scheduled to be played tonight.

The team will now turn its focus to Saturday’s rematch with UT-Arlington.

“We know we’ll have to play one of the best games we’ve played all year,” said junior guard Wes Davis. “They’ve been crushing some teams in conference.”

Texas State welcomed UTArlington to Strahan Coliseum for their first meeting Jan. 18 and fell 56–48.

“The game was ours for the taking if we could have hit shots and not turn it over,” said Coach Danny Kaspar. “Just play simple basketball. The fans are here to watch us win. The people here at Texas State, I think, want to see us win.”

Madelynne Scales | Star File Photo Coach Danny Kaspar and the men’s basketball team will take on UT—Arlington Feb. 15 on the road.

The matchup was the lowest scoring game for both teams this season and one of the lowest shooting percentage outputs, with both teams shooting under

40 percent from the field and under 32 percent from the 3-point range. The loss occurred regardless of Texas State holding the Mavericks—who are third in the

Sun Belt in points per game averaging 77.8—to less than 60 points.

“I don’t think we’ll shoot as bad as we did last game,” Davis said. “That was probably one of our worst shooting games of the year. “ The last game Davis fouled out of was in the previous matchup against UT-Arlington, which occurred within 15 minutes of play.

The Bobcats look to recapture the last eligible spot in the Sun Belt Tournament currently occupied

by Troy in eighth place who owns the tiebreaker.

UT-Arlington is looking to rebound as they are in the midst of a three-game losing streak. Texas State has gone 2-4 in its previous six games.

“We know (UT—Arlington) is looking at our game as one where they can turn their season around,” Davis said. “Hopefully we come out and are aggressive from the start.”

The Bobcats have led at the

By Cameron Cutshall

CC: What is your favorite TV show?

BS: Can I say SpongeBob? I mean it’s so easy, and it’s always on.

CC: What is your favorite movie?

BS: “I Am Legend,” because honestly sometimes I wish that would happen to me—it would be so cool.

CC: What’s your favorite memory pertaining to track and field at Texas State?

BS: Winning our conference championship last year.

Sports Reporter @CameronCutshall

Get to Know Briana Sharp

CC: What is your favorite book?

BS: “48 Laws of Power,” it’s a self-help book that helps you deal with people and situations and things like that.

CC: What is your favorite genre of music and who is your favorite music artist?

BS: R&B. Chris Brown. He doesn’t even have to sing, he could just talk and I would be happy.

junior runner

Photo courtesy of Texas State Athletics

end of the first half of all of their previous six games, including the first meeting with UT-Arlington, but have failed to maintain the lead in the second half.

“Mentally, physically, I don’t know. I can’t just point out one thing because every game is different,” said junior guard Victor Bermudez. “One game it could be something simple like not boxing out, but the next it could be something totally different like a bad shot.”

The junior college transfer did not play in the previous game against the Mavericks, but looks to make an impact in the game and down the final stretch of the season.

“From the beginning of the year to now, we’re getting better, making extra passes and doing little things,” Bermudez said.

“With the game coming Saturday, I think we can see how we really progressed to come out with a victory.”

CC: Who is your favorite actor and actress?

BS: I would say Denzel Washington and Halle Berry.

CC: What is one of your favorite places to hang out in San Marcos?

BS: I would probably say Harris or one of the dining halls here on campus.

CC: If you only had a month to live and had to get started right now, what would you do? All expenses paid.

BS: I would get married, have a kid and go to California. I would shop till I drop, go out to eat at a bunch of different places that I’ve never been to before and I would travel everywhere that I possibly could.

2014 2015

2014 2015

applicant The

classifieds Have the summer of your life at a prestigious coed sleepaway camp in the beautiful Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania, 2 1/2 hours from NYC. We’re seeking counselors who can teach any Team & Individual Sports, Tennis, Gymnastics, Horseback Riding, Mt. Biking, Theatre, Tech Theatre, Circus, Magic, Arts & Crafts, Pioneering, Climbing Tower, Water Sports, Music, Dance or Science. Great salaries and perks. Plenty of free time.

Internships available for many majors. On-campus interviews on 2/20. Apply online at www.islandlake. com. Call 800-869-6083 on weekdays for more information. info@islandlake.com.

PRELEASE 8/20/2014 $850. 2BD/2.5BA

April 2

2015

townhouse 1,000 sq.ft., 3 blocks from TxState, small, clean & quiet community. Free HBO, Full size W/D.

April 14.

www.windmilltownhomes. com or (512) 396-4181, leave message. $6,000-$10,000 PAID EGG DONORS.ALL RACES, N/SMOKERS, AGES 18-26.

SAT>1100/>ACT>24/ GPA>3.0 Reply to: info@ eggdonorcenter.com DELIVERY HELPERS NEEDED!! $10 per hour, Part-Time. Our vehicles.

Call Jon, 512-392-2755 HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES. Reliable, Local, Experienced, conscientious, glowing references.

[512]216-1838

3

March April 2 Monday April 14

The University Star | Sports | Thursday February 13, 2014 | B3

SOFTBALL

Bobcats defeat Huskies in walk-off win at home

By Cameron Cutshall Sports Reporter @CameronCutshall

Texas State moved to 4–1 on the season Wednesday night against Houston Baptist when senior center fielder Timisha North hit a single into right field to score the game-winning run in the eighth inning.

“I was nervous,” North said. “I knew she was going to come again with an inside pitch and that’s when I turned on it and hit a shot past the third baseman. The ball looked like a beach ball to me, so I was pretty excited, and tuned in and ready for it.”

The Huskies opened up the game with back-to-back home runs in the top of the first by sophomore third baseman Shay Orsak and sophomore shortstop Kirsten Schwirtlich. The Bobcats responded in the bottom of the first with a three-run home run to right center field by sophomore first baseman Kendall Wiley taking the lead at 3–2.

“I just told myself to stay calm,” Wiley said. “It just takes one swing. It felt like it took pressure off of the team, and I was glad I could come through for the team on that one.”

“They’re going to do whatever they need to do, and they’re not going to quit until it’s over.”

—Ricci Woodard, Coach The Huskies came back to tie the game 3-3 in the top of the third inning when sophomore center fielder Lauren Schwirtlich scored on a wild pitch after Kirsten Schwirtlich struck out swinging.

Texas State regained the lead in the bottom of the third to make the score 4–3 when sophomore catcher Katie Doerre singled down the left field line to score junior third baseman Courtney Harris.

The Bobcats stayed ahead until the top of the seventh when Houston Baptist scored twice to take the 5-4 lead into the bottom of the seventh.

Texas State was able to answer in the seventh when senior left fielder Delia Saucedo hit a sacrifice fly to left field to score junior outfielder Alli Akina to tie the game at 5 each and send the game into extra innings.

“We really work on recognizing if we

Austin Humphreys | Photo Editor Senior pitcher Rayn House had eight strikeouts against Houston Baptist Feb. 12 at the Bobcat Softball Complex. have a problem,” Wiley said. “I think as a whole unit we recognize, ‘Okay, look, we’re down here, let’s not pout about it. Let’s get it going, get a fire under our butts, and let’s do it.’”

Houston Baptist scored in the top of the eighth on an RBI single by designated player Michaela Granchelli, and the Huskies took a 6-5 lead heading into the bottom of the inning.

“The mentality of this team is to win ball games,” said Coach Ricci Woodard.

“They’re going to do whatever they need to do, and they’re not going to quit until it’s over. Their mentality was one of ‘we’re going to figure out how to win the game.’”

Texas State was able to tie the game in the bottom of the eighth on a throwing error by Orsak. The error was a result of a sacrifice bunt attempt by Doerre that ended up scoring freshman pinch runner Danielle Warne, making the score 6-6. Moments later, North hit the game-winning run for Texas State giving the Bobcats a 7-6 victory.

“It was a big win for us,” Wiley said. “At first we weren’t sure if we were going to pull it out. We’ve been winning all season, and that’s all we know right now. If we were to have lost that one, it might’ve (been) a turning point for us, but we came as a team, and we’re one unit.”

spring season.

B4 | The University Star | Sports | Thursday February 13, 2014

BASEBALL PREVIEW Another season of Bobcat baseball will be underway Friday when the team begins to compete in a new conference for the third straight year.

T

he Bobcats’ nonconference schedule is as tough as ever, as they are set to play Baylor, Rice and Texas. Four teams on the Bobcats’ schedule are ranked in

By Kirk Jones the top 25, and Sports Reporter three are ranked @kirk_jones11 in the top 20.

The team has equally tough conference matchups, facing Louisiana and reigning Sun Belt Conference champion South Alabama.

The Ragin’ Cajuns are coming off an appearance in the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional tournament and their highest preseason ranking since 2008.

Junior Caleb Adams, Louisiana’s star outfielder, hit .339 with 16 home runs and 55 RBI last year. Adams was selected third team Louisville Slugger Preseason All-America and Preseason Sun Belt Player of the Year.

Eight starters return for Louisiana who ranked in the top six in batting and slugging percentage in the nation. The Ragin’ Cajuns can hit the long ball, but with that comes the strike out woes where they ranked fourth in the Sun Belt last year.

Louisiana is not the only team to fear in the conference. Defending Sun Belt champion and 22nd-ranked South Alabama is a squad to look out for. The Jaguars only have three returning starters including, all-time saves leader Kyle Bartsch.

South Alabama made it to the NCAA Starkville Regional tournament but fell to College World Series runner-up Missis-

sippi State. The team is going to have to fill the lineup card with names that have never made appearances, as the First-Year Player Draft took a toll on its lineup.

One pitcher who made an impact was Jordan Patterson. The two-way player made 14 appearances out of the bullpen and never lost a game while batting .352 and driving in 49 runs.

The team was second in the conference in earned run average, second in batter strikeouts and tied for first in wins with Louisiana.

Coach Ty Harrington knows how tough the schedule is but is focused on the first game of the season against Michigan.

“I am looking at the very first game,” Harrington said. “Then the one after that and the next one after that. They’re all vital and critical to our team and not one sticks out more than the others. There are some that are more exciting because of the name, but in this business, you look at every game equally.”

The non-conference schedule gets to a quick start as the Bobcats head to Houston Feb. 18 to take on Rice. The Owls have balance in their hitting and pitching.

Rice is bringing back six offensive starters and 10 pitchers from last year’s tournament team.

All-Tournament third baseman Shane Hoelscher returns from a team best .320 batting average.

Zech Lemond, the ace for Rice and Preseason Pitcher of the Year, is back and ready to keep the middle of the bullpen steady with a 95 mph fastball.

For the second time in school history, the Texas Longhorns are coming to San Marcos to take on the Bobcats.

“It’s going to be fun when they come play at our place this year,” said junior outfielder Ben McElroy. “I’m really

looking forward to that.”

Texas is the preseason favorite to win the Big 12 according to Baseball America this year after failing to reach the NCAA Tournament last year. With the number two recruiting class last year, the Longhorns are looking to right the ship year after ranking 275th in the nation for scoring in 2013.

“There’s always an added incentive to do well against them,” McElroy said. “A lot of my buddies go there and that’s where I was set up to go originally, so I try to play beyond my best.”

Harrington grew up watching the Baylor Bears in Waco, and now he is coaching against the team. The Bears have six starting position players and nine pitchers from last season, and are ranked second in team batting.

As the season nears, Texas State has high aspirations for the season and is looking to show it through a tough schedule.

Texas State

Last year’s record: 29–29 Last College World Series Appearance: N/A Key Players: Hunter Lemke, Austin O’Neal and Cody Lovejoy

Star File Photo

The Bobcats are coming off of finishing .500 in their only year of playing in the Western Athletic Conference. The team is looking to make a statement in its first year of the Sun Belt Conference as they will take on four pre-season top 25 teams this season. Texas State will attempt to make the College World Series for the first time in school history.

KEY MATCHUPS

Texas

Rice

Louisiana

Mar. 11, 13, and 25

Feb. 18 and Mar. 18

Last year’s record: 27–24 overall, Big 12 7-17 Last College World Series Appearance: 2011 Key Players: C.j. Hinojosa, DIllon Peters, Nathan Thornhill and Mark Payton

Last year’s record: 44–20 Last College World Series Appearance: 2008 Key Players: Zech Lemond, Shane Hoelscher and Jordan Stephens

Last year’s record: 43–20 Last College World Series Appearance: 2000 Key Players: Caleb Adams, Seth Harrison, Tyler Girouard and Austin Robichaux

Picked to win Conference USA by the coach’s poll, Rice got 12 of the 13 coaches to select them as the preseason favorite.

Shane Hoelscher finished the season strong earning the AllTournament team last year at the NCAA tournament.

Preseason All-American Caleb Adams is a threat to hit the long ball in every at-bat placing ninth in the nation in home runs last year. Louisiana has eight starters returning from last year’s sixth-ranked offense in the nation.

After a last place finish in the Big 12, the Longhorns are prepared for a huge turnaround this season. Displaying one of the best pitching staffs ranking seventh in the nation last year, Texas looks to continue its solid performance on the mound.

Apr. 25, 26 and 27

South Alabama

Baylor

Apr. 4, 5 and 6

Apr. 22 and 23

Last year’s record: 43-20 Last College World Series Appearance: N/A Key Players: Jordan Patterson and Nolan Earley

Last year’s record: 27-28 Last College World Series Appearance: 2005 Key Players: Adam Toh, Lawton Langford and Dillon Newman

The Jaguars are only returning three starters from last year’s regional team, but their best hitter, Jordan Patterson, returns to carry the offense. The bullpen took the biggest hit as all-time saves leader Kyle Bartsch was drafted.

The Bears are picked to finish sixth in conference. This is the second time in 16 years Baylor has been picked in the bottom half of the conference. Dillon Newman was drafted in the 16th round by Houston, but turned the offer down to play in his senior year. was drafted in the 16th round by Houston, but turned the offer down to play in his senior year.

The University Star | Sports | Thursday February 13, 2014 | B5

PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER Feb. 5 was National Signing Day for universities across the country. Football players from high schools and junior colleges signed letters of intent to play for their respective schools. This week The University Star will feature a three-day series on the 27 recruits Coach Dennis Franchione signed for the 2014 class.

THE DEFENSIVE PLAYMAKERS Frankie Griffin Safety 6’0'' 185 lbs.

Spring, Texas (Klein Collins)

Griffin was rated a twostar recruit from Rivals. com, Scout.com and 247Sports.com. He was chosen one of the top 100 recruits in the Houston Area by the Houston Chronicle and was selected All-Greater Houston by Vype magazine. Griffin was named 2013 First Team All-District 13-5A as a junior and senior as well as voted team defensive MVP by his teammates.

Camyron Brown Safety 5'11'' 192 lbs.

Missouri City, Texas (Ridge Point HS)

Brown was rated a twostar recruit from Rivals. com, Scout.com and 247Sports.com. He was named to the New Orleans SPARQ All-Combine Team while leading Ridge Point to its first playoff appearance. Brown earned First-Team All-District honors as a junior and senior with a 3.6 GPA.

Andrew Aneke Stephan Johnson Safety 6’0'' 178 lbs.

The Woodlands, Texas (College Park HS)

Johnson was rated a two-star recruit from Rivals.com, Scout.com and 247Sports.com. He was chosen one of the top 100 recruits in the Houston Area by the Houston Chronicle. Johnson was chosen as The Courier’s Montgomery County Player of the Week and selected First-Team All-District. Johnson returned three interceptions for touchdowns as a senior.

Devondrick Dixon Cornerback 5’11''

177 lbs.

Gilmer, Texas (Gilmer, HS)

Dixon was rated a two-star recruit from Rivals.com, Scout. com and 247Sports. com while playing both ways as a wide receiver and cornerback. He earned First-Team All-District 16-3A honors as a cornerback during his junior and senior seasons. Dixon was named an Honorable Mention Class 3A All-State selection by the Associated Press sports editors and chosen All-East Texas Super Team Honorable Mention.

Photos courtesy of 247sports. com, Texas State Athletics and rivals.com

Cornerback 6’0'' 180 lbs.

Missouri City, Texas (Elkins HS)

Aneke was rated a two star recruit from Rivals. com, Scout.com and 247Sports.com. He was chosen one of the top 100 recruits in the Houston Area by the Houston Chronicle. Aneke was named to the Houston SPARQ All-Combine team and helped lead Elkins to a district championship.

Darnell Dailey Jr. Linebacker 6'1'' 230 lbs.

San Pablo, Calif.

(Contra Costa CC)

Rivals.com and Scout. com rated Dailey a two-star recruit. He was named All-California Region III and All-Bay Valley Conference linebacker. Dailey had a 3.556 GPA at Contra Costa.

Clarence Guidry Cornerback 5”11'' 165 lbs.

Pflugerville, Texas (Pflugerville HS)

Guidry was rated a twostar recruit from Rivals. com, Scout.com and 247Sports.com. He was named All-District for both football and baseball. Guidry played running back and cornerback. He will play both football and baseball at Texas State.

James Sherman Kicker/punter 5’10'' 190 lbs.

Montgomery, Ala. (Montgomery Catholic HS)

Sherman was rated a three-star recruit by Scout.com and rated a two-star recruit by Rivals. com. He placed 22nd nationally in the kicker position and 40th overall in the state of Alabama while being selected to be the kicker/punter for the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game 2013. Sherman was named First-Team Kicker All-State for Alabama

by Athlon Sports Magazine and placed on the Top 10 ‘Watch List’ for River Region by Montgomery Advertiser. He was awarded by the 2012 All-State Kicker Class 3A by Alabama Sports Writers Association and received the MCPS 2013 Varsity Football Leader Award.

Tune in to

K T S W K KT TS SW W FM-

THE OTHER SIDE OF RADIO ktsw.net

B6 | The University Star | Advertisement | Thursday February 13, 2014