October 1 2013

VOLUME 103, ISSUE 17

www.UniversityStar.com

TUESDAY

OCTOBER 1, 2013

Defending the First Amendment since 1911

VIDEO | UniversityStar.com

SPORTS | Page 6

Wine Walk: The City of San Marcos sponsored a “wine walk” last Friday as a way of introducing Texas State parents to the town their children will live in while attending college.

BODY FARM

200 Wins: Coach Dennis Franchione is now one of only five active Division I football coaches with 200 wins.

Rising permit costs affect parking trends PARpaT rt1 series

of a three-

By Autumn Bernhard News Reporter

Researching Remains Forensic Anthropology Center attempts to identify skeletons of migrants

As a female student walked into the Strahan Coliseum parking lot, she heard someone yell in her direction, but kept walking toward her car.

The driver of a nearby vehicle proceeded to honk to get her attention and pulled up beside the student. The driver then rolled down the vehicle’s windows and asked her, “Where are you parked, so I can have your spot?”

This type of scenario is routine for Daisha Duke, criminal

justice freshman, who lives on campus but has a commuter parking permit.

“When I found out how much the (residential) permits cost, I had no other choice but to buy the cheaper commuter permit since I had to pay for it by myself,” Duke said. “I did not realize how much work it was going to be to park (near Strahan Coliseum or Bobcat Stadium).”

While there are 5,011 commuter parking spaces on campus, 11,545 commuter permits have been sold, said Nancy Nusbaum, interim director of Transportation Services. Of the 2,677 residential spaces available, 2,377 permits have been sold, Nusbaum said. There are 180 silver apartment parking spaces on campus, but only 73

have been sold. Nusbaum said 75 silver parking permits recently opened up for purchase by commuters, Nusbaum said.

Additionally, there are 2,290 red spaces available, but 3,335 red permits have been sold.

Bobcat Village has 647 spaces available, and 369 permits have been sold, Nusbaum said.

Nusbaum said while some types of permits have been oversold, at some point in the day most of the parking garages and the coliseum and stadium parking lots have open spaces.

Some students living on campus like Duke purchased commuter permits after the prices of residential permit prices were increased from $245 to $575. All permit types increased in price, with commuters passes raising $10.

“Parking services is in a million-dollar deficit, so we had to pump up the prices of parking permits this year,” Nusbaum said. “Determining the prices is a big guessing game. We have

See PARKING, Page 2 Permit sales vs. available spaces

230% capacity sold

Source: Nancy Nusbaum, interim director of transportation services

145% capacity sold

Kathryn Parker | Staff Photographer Geoffrey Neylon, anthropology graduate student, examines the skull of an unidentified female Sept. 26 at Freeman Ranch.

By Rebecca Banks News Reporter

Human remains from a Texas county bordering Mexico have a chance at identification as a result of a new partnership between Texas State and a few other universities.

Kate Spradley, associate professor of Anthropology, and her team of volunteers this summer undertook the task of facilitating several migrant remains from Brooks County along the Texas border at the university-owned Freeman Ranch. The exhumed bodies from Brooks County did not follow Texas burial protocol and were left in the environment with no chance of identification, Spradley said.

Spradley said she collaborated with Lori Baker from Baylor University and Krista Latham from the University of Indianapolis.

Baker and Latham conducted the exhumations and brought the bod-

cases on the remains.

Spradley said most of the causes of death were due to hypothermia and exposure.

“Its likely based on apprehensive records that a majority of migrants (in Texas) are from El Savador, Honduras, Mexico and Guatemala,” Spradley said.

Hailey Duecker, biological anthropology graduate student, is a laboratory manager at Osteology Research and Processing Lab at Freeman Ranch.

“I manage a lot of the volunteers that come in and this semester we have maybe 10 to 15 rotating at any one time,” Duecker said.

Spradley said 12 bodies have been processed and are undergoing a biological profile for each set of remains. The volunteers are estimating stature, age, sex and ancestry, and are taking DNA samples from the bones, Spradley said.

“We will take our biological profile, we’ll list all of the personal

PERIMETER

FACULTY

5,011 spaces 2,290 spaces 11,545 permits sold 3,335 permits sold

89% capacity sold

57% capacity sold

40.5% capacity sold

RESIDENT

BOBCAT VILLAGE

CAMPUS APARTMENTS

2,677 spaces 2,377 permits sold

647 spaces 369 permits sold

180 spaces 73 permits sold

TEXAS TRIBUNE FESTIVAL

Davis alludes to possible gubernatorial campaign

By Taylor Tompkins News Editor

State Sen. Wendy Davis (D-Fort Worth) spoke about her rise to political recognition and alluded to a possible gubernatorial campaign in front of a full house Sunday at the AT&T Executive Education and Conference Center in Austin.

Politico reports Davis, who gained national attention for her 11-hour filibuster of House Bill 2 regarding abortion, has informed “influential democrats” she will announce her bid for governor Thursday. Davis said at the Texas Tribune Festival she “neither confirm(s) nor den(ies)” the claims.

“Obviously when you think about doing something this big and that may seem improbable,

you want to make sure you’re not doing something foolhardy,” Davis said.

Davis said she fought “really hard” for her seat both times she ran for Congress and has learned from the experiences.

“I leathered up over that a little bit for sure,” Davis said. “I just try to keep in my heart and at the forefront of my mind what it is that I am working on and remind myself that I truly believe in the things and the people that I stand for.”

Davis was elected in 2008 to the majority republican District 10 state senate seat in Fort Worth and was re-elected in 2012. During the 83rd legislative session, she served as vice chair of the open government

See DAVIS, Page 2

Courtesy of The Texas Tribune

TEXAS TRIBUNE FESTIVAL

Cruz discusses plans for healthcare reform

Unidentified remains of a young woman are laid out for examination Sept. 26 at Freeman Ranch. ies to Freeman Ranch from Brooks County. Spradley said 60 bodies were exhumed, and Texas State officials are in possession of 45 different human remains. The other 15 bodies were taken to Baylor and the University of Indianapolis.

Spradley said the border along Texas and Mexico only has three medical examiners and each one works with a specific county.

However, Brooks County does not have its own medical examiner, so university officials are helping conduct forensic anthropological

effects that were found with the person as well, and we’ll put that on the NamUs site,” Spradley said.

National Missing and Unidentified Persons System is a site used to let people identify remains of people they know, Spradley said. Spradley said none of the remains at the lab have been identified.

Spradley said identifying remains is a lengthy process that occurs after all the data is submitted to NamUs. If a family member

See BONES, Page 2

Courtesy of The Texas Tribune

By Taylor Tompkins News Editor

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) spoke via satellite as the opening keynote speaker of the Texas

Tribune Festival Friday in the midst of his filibuster efforts at the nation’s capitol and a federal government gridlock.

Cruz was unexpectedly in Washington, D.C. during the

festival after his effort to filibuster the Affordable Care Act. Inability to adequately compromise on both sides of the party aisle has prolonged national budget discussions. He made headlines last week for his filibuster effort in which he read Dr. Seuss’ “Green Eggs and Ham.” “ObamaCare is the single biggest job killer in the country,” Cruz said.

The government shut down at midnight EST Monday after an agreement across party lines regarding the Affordable Care Act was not reached. Cruz said at Friday’s event there would only be a shut down if Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and President Barack Obama “insist on” it.

Cruz said there has been “real success” in getting Americans

See CRUZ, Page 2

2 | The University Star | News | Tuesday October 1, 2013

BONES, continued from front

PARKING, continued from front

Bags of clothing, food and other possessions that arrive with the bodies are stored in a freezer at Freeman Ranch. sees a profile matching their deceased loved ones, the lab will request a DNA sample from them to determine a positive identification match, Spradley said.

“It’s kinda like looking for a needle in a haystack,” Spradley said. “You may have somebody that crossed the border with one of these individuals, and they may come forward.”

According to Duecker, some of the migrant remains were found with artifacts manufactured in Honduras and only a few of them were found with food and money.

“A lot of that money we saw was Honduran and Guatemalan,” Duecker said.

Spradley said all the artifacts found with the remains are bagged and labeled with a corresponding case number. All bagged artifacts are stored in a freezer to help preserve the items, Spradely said.

Eileene Vincencio Rivas, anthropology senior, is a volunteer at Freeman Ranch. Rivas moved to El Paso when she was three years old from Juarez, Chihuahua in

Mexico and became a U.S. citizen when she was 10, she said.

“Obviously it’s biased because I am from the border, but its just something that I felt compelled to do,” Rivas said.

Rivas said during the summer she typed up the notes from the analysis conducted on the different remains. The analysis included how the remains were recovered and any artifacts found with them, Rivas said.

Among the 12 bodies undergoing analysis, half of the remains are female and the other half are male, Spradley said.

Spradley said the ages of the remains are “fairly young” ranging from 17 or 18 to 40 years old.

“When these individuals were still in the ground at Brooks County, there was absolutely no chance that they would ever be identified and returned to their families,” Spradley said. “So just by being in our lab and working on these biological profiles we’re at least giving them that chance.”

to get it to be attainable for the students but also raise the money we need to.”

Nusbaum said the university is not expected to sell as many commuter permits this year.

Fewer permit sales means Parking Services earns less money, but it affects nearby streets as well. Streets are becoming too crowded from student vehicles, and residents are becoming upset, Nusbaum said. Due to this, there will be a meeting Oct. 2 to discuss a new city rule that requires a separate permit to park on streets

near the university.

“We sell the bulk of parking permits in the fall semester,” Nusbaum said. “We want to make $4,117,000 on permits, but so far we are short $500,000. We have also budgeted for $887,000 on fines such as tickets and last school year we exceeded that with $900,000.”

Stephen Prentice, assistant director of Parking Services, said his department is making money the same way it always has from permit and ticket sales as well as profits from ga-

rage facilities. The department has also expanded the sources from which they receive money from, Prentice said.

“We now charge a $5 event fee at Edward Gary Street Garage whereas it used to be free,” Nusbaum said. “We also charge parking for visitor department meetings and are thinking about charging a registration for Texas State vehicles.

Last year we started charging parking for football games, which helped a lot.”

CAMPUS

Area behind Saltgrass now follows Sewell rules

DAVIS, continued from front committee. She is a member of the transportation and veterans’ affairs committees among others.

Davis served on the Forth Worth City Council before her stint as a state senator.

Davis believes if she campaigned for governor, she could transcend discussion about abortion in Texas and bring to light other issues Texans are talking about, such as higher education.

“These issues, these divisive issues that keep getting thrown into the middle of the room, where legislators go into their corners and come out with their boxing gloves on—those aren’t the things that Texans want to hear (legislators) talking about,” she said.

Evan Smith, editor-in-chief and CEO of the Texas Tribune, said Davis’ filibuster during the 2011 legislative session about budget cuts was forgotten “in the shortterm memory” of Texas.

Davis said the problem of budget cuts in higher education is not solved, although money was put back into the public education budget this year. She said there was a bipartisan effort to add funding back into the budget during the last legislative session that added a “healthy push and pull” to the discussion.

Davis said she wants to “get out of the way of teachers and let them teach” when it comes

to standardized testing in public schools.

Texans will “pay the price” if there is not an investment in higher education by the legislature, Davis said. Guaranteed four-year tuition rates are a “good idea,” but Texas lacks financial aid, she said.

Whether Texas children will have “adequate” healthcare in the future is a concern for residents, Davis said.

She said the state could find a “unique Texas approach” to implementing the Affordable Care Act if she were elected governor.

“Are we creating the kind of climate to keep a healthy workforce and a vibrant economy?” Davis said. “That’s what people care about, and that’s what they want their leaders to be in the business of talking about.”

Davis said the “most striking” occurrence since her political ascent has been young women who approach her, sometimes in tears, saying she has found a way to represent opinions that often go unheard.

Davis said the feeling of being unheard is not unique to gender in Texas.

“Texans feel like the folks who have been representing them in leadership positions in Austin aren’t reflecting the things they and their family value and care about,” Davis said.

CRUZ, continued from front engaged in defunding the healthcare act. He said it is “clear” the act is not working.

Cruz said his filibuster efforts are for the “millions of Americans who are hurting because of ObamaCare” who are losing jobs or being forced into part-time work.

Cruz said of the 435 elected members in the House, each has to listen to their constituents and the “suffering” resulting from ObamaCare. He said they should fight for the men and women of their districts.

Cruz said he would reform healthcare by allowing the purchase of insurance across state lines, expanding health saving accounts and untying it from employment.

“I think we should change the federal tax laws to encourage the development of personal, portable health insurance plans, just like your car insurance that goes with you regardless what job you’re in,” Cruz said. “Doing that goes a long way to solve the problem of pre-existing conditions.”

Cruz said those reforms would do what ObamaCare does not—empower the individual to make healthcare decisions with their physicians, instead of federal government involvement.

Cruz said he wishes the media would focus on the

issue of how the healthcare act is “crushing” Americans instead of focusing on conflict between politicians.

According to Cruz, politicians have spent too much time talking about issues that do not matter to residents during his nine months in Washington, D.C. Cruz succeeded Kay Bailey Hutchison in the United States senate in 2012. In 2003, he was named the youngest solicitor general in the United States at 32. Cruz, who was born in Calgary and raised in Houston, earned an undergraduate degree from Princeton and graduated from Harvard Law School.

Cruz worked for the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and Justice Department.

Cruz said his “hands were full with Senate” when asked if he has plans to run for president in 2016.

Austin Humphreys | Photo Editor UPD has roped off the recreational area near Saltgrass Steak House in an effort to join the land with Sewell Park.

By Scott Allen

News Reporter

Ropes and signs were installed earlier this semester at the recreational park area near Saltgrass Steak House in an effort to maintain the land and create stricter regulations for residents and students.

The rules for the San Marcos River park area by Saltgrass are now the same as those enforced in Sewell.

No fires, tobacco, pets, glass or alcoholic containers of any kind are allowed in the park.

The new park rules went into effect about a month ago, so no tickets have been given to those caught breaking the rules yet, said Alexander Villalobos, UPD sergeant of investigations.

Villalobos said the addition of ropes and signs was necessary for the area.

“We did this for two reasons—to rope off this area and coordinate it with Sewell.

(We) also (did it) for beautification and expansion of the park,” Villalobos said.

Villalobos said park-goers should know the rules before any law is enforced.

“We want people to understand the change (that has) occurred, and we want them to be educated on what’s going on and the rules and regulations of the university,” Villalobos said. “Since it’s our property, we’re obligated to make sure it stays clean, safe and open for people to use.”

Katie Norman, a front desk attendant at the Outdoor Center, said the new ropes at the recreational park area near Saltgrass are an improvement for the area.

“It sections it off from the road and makes it more intimate for people using that area,” Norman said. “It’s easily recognizable as university land.”

In addition, another university-owned plot of land may soon be available for po-

tential park development in San Marcos. Clear Springs Apartments, which is across the street from Sewell, has been vacant since May. Norman said city officials might demolish the complex’s empty buildings and turn the area into parkland.

“I heard they might be tearing it down to make it a park or green space,” Norman said. “That would be great if the university could acquire that area and use it for recreation.”

Norman said the recent changes at the recreational park area behind Saltgrass are part of an effort to benefit future residents of San Marcos.

He said the protection of parkland helps protect the sensitive habitat and ecosys-

Hill Country MHDD Centers CSA III / IN SAN MARCOS – 2 PRN OPENINGS Must have HS diploma/GED; be able to work flexible hours. Experience working with individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities.

Experience providing residential services.

Available to work weekends and evenings. $9.02/hr.

Applications are available on line at www.hillcountry.org Hill Country MHDD Centers is an EOE

tem along the river.

“We have these designated areas for a reason,” Norman said. “People should stay within these high-impact areas so that we don’t destroy the natural habitat.”

Megan McCann, communication design senior, said she is a river enthusiast. She enjoys going to the park area behind Saltgrass at least once a week. McCann did not even realize the university owned the park until the signs were put up, she said.

“At first I thought it was strange, but then I noticed the Texas State signs that were put at the entrance, so it quickly made sense,” McCann said. “I just thought this area was city land. I had no clue the university owned this property.”

Hill Country MHDD Centers FULL TIME CSA III / In New Braunfels Must have HS diploma/GED; be able to work flexible hours. Experience working with individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities.

Experience providing residential services.

Available to work weekends and evenings. $9.02/hr.

Paid Medical, excellent benefits, vacation, sick, retirement, etc.

CSA III / In New Braunfels – 3 PRN Openings Must have HS diploma/GED; work 16 – 18 hours a week. Experience working with individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities.

Experience providing residential services.

Available to work weekends and evenings. $10.26/hr.

Applications are available on line at www.hillcountry.org Hill Country MHDD Centers is an EOE

The University Star | Tuesday October 1, 2013 | 3

TRENDS

UniversityStar.com

Downtown exhibit features local artists

By Madison Smith Special to the Star

Though Saturday was a rainy day for the Best Side Art Tour in San Marcos, the weather did not stop patrons and artists alike from experiencing the tour’s numerous exhibits, showcases and screenings.

A collaboration of local galleries, coffee shops and private homes, the event showcased artists from surrounding cities.

Daniel Bernard Gray, Texas State advisor and co-owner of Zosima gallery, said the event was quickly put together, but it had a good mix of patrons and helped promote the growing art scene in the area.

“The artists are mostly local, including professional and amateur, using all different types of mediums that have inspired them,” Gray said.

With nine exhibits around town open to the public, every artist involved had a chance to showcase their works, Gray said.

One exhibit in The Walkers’ Gallery included drawing and photography, while painting,

jewelry and canvas work were displayed in the Zosima Gallery.

Wake the Dead Coffee House featured large-scale installations in Ted’s Basement. The Screening Room theatre showcased a variety of submitted films Saturday night.

Gray said the purpose of the event was to explore the art community, give exposure to artists and form connections in the San Marcos area. Most importantly, the event was held to inspire and bring joy to the audience, Gray said.

In The Walkers’ Gallery located in the San Marcos Activity Center, the Naturescapes 2013 Juried Exhibitions displayed a mix of drawings and photography of natural landscapes in the surrounding areas including rivers, woods and wildlife.

A few photos of world-famous attractions such as Big Bend National Park and the Grand Canyon were included in the collection, but the majority were landscapes of areas from Wimberley, Kyle and adjacent cities around San Marcos.

With pieces on sale and for

Reynaldo Leaños | Staff Photographer Local artwork is displayed Sept. 28 at Zosima Gallery during the Best Side Art Tour. A collection of coffee houses, galleries and private homes hosted the event around San Marcos. viewing pleasure only, the tour brought visibility to undiscovered artists, said Billi London-Gray, co-owner of Zosima Gallery and wife of Daniel Bernard Gray.

Being inspired to take her own nature photos, Wimberley native Debra Sanders enjoyed the Naturescapes at The Walkers’ gallery.

“This afternoon of viewing all this art added some light unto this gloomy, rainy day,” Sanders said.

“I enjoyed the different galleries and would love to come to San Marcos every year for this event.”

When not working on campus for the liberal arts department, the Grays have been running and operating the Zosima Gallery since October 2012.

“We slowly started the project in December of 2011, but it didn’t take off until the following year,” Daniel Bernard Gray said. “We really enjoy owning the gallery

and sharing pieces with the community.”

The entire tour ran from approximately 12 p.m. to around 10 p.m., ending at the Screening Room theatre.

“Being present in the space is part of the creative process—it builds momentum for the artist and promotes the subject they capture,” Billi London-Gray said.

PRESS RELEASE

Reynaldo Leaños | Staff Photographer Trenton Kowalczuk, engineering technology senior, prepares his dog for a walk Sept. 28 at the 11th annual Pet Fest at San Marcos Plaza Park.

—Courtesy of Prevent a Litter of Central Texas and the City of San Marcos

Got something to say?

THE UNIVERSITY STAR is looking for

MO VIE S

TV

BLOGGERS. SIC

The 11th annual Pet Fest was held Sept. 28 at San Marcos Plaza Park with the goal of raising money to provide low-cost spaying and neutering services, A celebration of all kinds of furry friends, Pet Fest welcomed leashed, well-mannered pets to the festival hosted by Pet Prevent a Litter of Central Texas.

Kicking the event off at 8 a.m. was the Dog Jog, a 5k and 1-mile run for both humans and animals.

The event featured several training showcases and seminars, including a Texas K-9 AllStars agility demonstration and a San Marcos Dog Training trick showcase.

For the family-friendly event, children under 16 were encouraged to dress their pets up and enter them in the Kid’s Best Friend Costume Contest. Pets of all shapes and sizes were outfitted.

Other contests included the Best Trick Competition, the pet-owner look-alike contest and Chihuahua-weenie dog races. Homeless pets from local shelters and rescue organizations came out to the celebration to meet and greet patrons.

Mayor Daniel Guerrero led a parade of the rescue pups as the festival’s opener.

Vendor booths were set up throughout the park, displaying a variety of pet-themed products for sale. Live music set the mood for the event featuring Rockaroni and Cheese and Molly Hayes.

Patrons were asked to bring a donation of dry pet food in lieu of an admission fee, all of which were donated to local pet shelters.

Cash donations were also accepted and all contributions are tax-deductible.

Pet Fest is PALS’ largest event of the year.

The community helps the organization generate much-needed funds as they celebrate the human-animal bond.

All money raised during the event went directly to PALS’ spay/neuter programs, pet pantry and humane education.

MU

Pet Fest concludes eleventh year in San Marcos

Email startrends@txstate.edu to apply.

4 | The University Star | Tuesday October 1, 2013

OPINIONS

UniversityStar.com

THE MAIN POINT

Environmentally sensitive areas unsuitable for development T he construction of a new apartment complex near Rio Vista Park is just one more project in a long string of unnecessary and environmentally unfriendly building proposals in San Marcos over the last few years.

According to a Sept. 25 University Star article, Mark Rankin, developer of a proposed 100 to 150 unit complex named River Park, is asking city officials to change the zoning of seven acres of land to allow the construction of apartments near a flood plain.

Rankin is just one of many developers who have attempted to build on environmentally sensitive land in San Marcos. At some point, apartment complex developers such as Darren Casey need to take a hint from continual backlash of the city’s residents.

The river is a hot commodity in San Marcos. Plenty of students come to Texas State for the scenery, and many permanent residents enjoy having a river within a short walk or car ride away. This is not to mention the amount of money pumped into the local economy over the summer months when river-goers abound. These people are correct for wanting to protect something that is such a large draw for the town.

Since it is such common sense, it is ridiculous that developers hop around to sensitive areas, pitching bigger and more lavish apartment complexes to city officials.

Planning and Zoning commissioners and city councilmembers have to be sick of meetings that go into the wee hours of the morning because of extensive public hearings over developments on land such as Cape’s Camp, Purgatory and Sessom

Creeks and Buie Tract.

The blatant disregard from developers regarding construction in environmentally sensitive areas does not seem to deter the next one from lining up to put their item on the Planning and Zoning agenda. Many students would not want to harm a natural habitat by living on a floodplain or above cave systems that could potentially collapse into a gaping sinkhole.

This being said, it is hard to find safe ground to develop on in San Marcos. The number of students at Texas State grows every year and housing has to be built somewhere. This is a fact that cannot be ignored.

Instead of attempting to build on sensitive land, developers should tear down older buildings in San Marcos to make room for new complexes. Not only would this beautify the city, it would probably cost developers less than the funding spent on environmental surveys conducted when scoping undeveloped lands.

The Springtown Center would be a perfect location for new complexes. With its proximity to the university and lack of businesses, it is a prime candidate for a makeover. The few shops left in the mall could be relocated to a floor level retail center in a new apartment complex.

Developers and San Marcos residents need to find middle ground. If developers continue with their current proposals and plans, San Marcos will turn into one big cluster of apartment complexes, devoid of all natural beauty and environmental aspects—a transformation residents cannot and will not embrace.

Lara Shine | Star Illustrator

The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University-San Marcos Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.

GOOD HABITS

BAD HABITS

Students should make personal fitness, healthy eating a priority

exas State students have countless opT tions available in both fitness and dining to begin or maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Whether or not a student lives on campus, there are a variety of resources available to help Bobcats be healthy. If excruciating hills and late summer heat are not favorable, find Ryan Pittman something that Special to the Star will be of interJournalism freshman est.

The Student Recreation Center is the hub for all healthy Bobcats. Students already pay for recreation center access via fees included in their tuition, so any enrolled student can use the campus gym without extra costs.

With its wide variety of classes, organizations and equipment, the recreation center is a welcoming place for everyone who wants to get in shape.

The recreation center offers beginner courses for those who are new to the scene and programs to help jumpstart student fitness regimens. Although it may be intimidating as hell to walk into a place littered with sweaty, grunting power-lifters and fluorescent sorority girls—students should stay calm, put in their headphones and just go.

Texas State has a variety of sports clubs.

From the basics of football, baseball and soccer to the more diverse sports such as Quidditch, water polo and ultimate frisbee, the Texas State athletic clubs have options for everyone. Sports clubs usually include weekly practices and training to prepare players for tournaments and keep them in peak condition.

Being in shape is not just about running and lifting weights. A weekly workout routine will do nothing if not paired with a

Cheating leads to professional, academic consequences

exas State students should underT stand the importance of being honest, showing integrity in college

healthy diet. Realistically, nobody is going to want to eat half a plate of vegetables with beans and oats. Frankly, I think most healthy foods are disgusting, but there is always a way around it.

Both Commons and Harris Dining Halls are equipped with a health and wellness plan called Balanced U. With their slogan “You first,” Balanced U aims at providing healthy dining options for the fast-paced college lifestyle. By providing students with nutritional information on foods, Balanced U makes eating healthy on campus a breeze.

Starting a healthy lifestyle is hard. No one can tell students what to do with their own bodies, but getting healthy is always a good idea. Students getting in shape for the first time should take baby steps. Just substituting water for a can of soda and going for a short daily walk can do wonders.

From there, students can choose whether to ramp up their fitness routines. Cutting out all unnecessary fats and attending the gym four times a week might seem extreme at first, but eventually such routines become habit and just another part of the day. Students should set goals, reach them and set other ones.

In August 2013, Texas was confirmed as the 19th fattest state, according to a study by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

The obesity rate has stopped increasing, but has stayed the same since last year.

The study says 39.4 percent of the Baby Boomers, those ages 45 to 64, are categorized as obese, with many claiming their obesity as a disability. Since when did being fat and lazy become a legitimate excuse?

The current generation is better than that—students still have a chance to develop healthy habits now that will last the rest of our lives.

As a Bobcat, I encourage all of my fellow peers to take charge of their own health.

Go check out the Quidditch team. Try the gross looking squash at the supermarket sometime. Meet up with a buddy at the recreation center. What is there to lose?

and refusing to engage in cheating.

Although many Bobcats seem not to care, cheating is a serious offense and can lead to severe consequences for students if caught.

Molly Block Being caught Opinions Columnist will leave a Journalism senior permanent mark on a student’s record, even if they transfer schools.

Students choose to cheat for many reasons. Some individuals may feel intense pressure to succeed and resort to cheating in order to make good grades. Others may simply be lazy or believe they are invincible and cannot get caught. Others still may be confused about what defines academic dishonesty. Whatever the reason, cheating is and remains a reprehensible act.

According to the Texas State University Policy and Procedure Statement, a violation of the Honor Code includes cheating on an exam or other academic work, plagiarism, collusion and the absence of resource materials. Students caught breaking the Honor Code may be required to complete additional academic work, receive a grade reduction or withdraw from the course with a failing grade or a “W.” If a student makes the decision to cheat on an exam or plagiarize a pa-

per, they are not only putting their future at risk but are also lessening the value of their education. Obtaining a college degree is by no means a cheap or easy task. Individuals who decide they want to take the next step in furthering their education must devote their money, time and energy to that pursuit.

According to the Texas State website, the average cost of attendance for a Texas resident that lives on campus is approximately $20,710. A single act of cheating can put all of that money to waste. Students are better off getting a lower grade on a test than cheating and putting their entire education into jeopardy.

Instead of cheating, students should spend more quality time studying for exams and pay better attention during lectures. If students feel adequately prepared for their tests and thoroughly know the course material, there is no reason to cheat.

When professors hand back exams and students see they have earned an “A” through their own hard work, they can feel proud they accomplished the grade honestly and without cheating.

Bobcats who choose to cheat are robbing themselves of pride and accomplishment.

For many, a college degree is the key to finding a respectable job. If an employer discovers an individual was dishonest during a college career, the chances of securing a job are slim to none. Employers want to hire graduates who know how to work hard and are honest. Students whose records are tarnished by a record of cheating have permanently tarnished their reputation to future employers.

In college, as with any aspect in life, it is always the right choice to be truthful and fair.

DIVERSITY

Learning about different cultures beneficial for student growth

tudents should step out of their comSdiversity fort zones and take advantage of the at Texas State by interacting

with their peers and learning about different cultures.

Walking onto campus for the first time, I was in utter culture shock. Luckily, my roommate is of the same ethnic background as me, so we immediately felt comfortable with each other.

Alexis Aguirre For a long time, Opinions Columnist however, she Journalism freshman was the only person I really met on campus. As soon as I stepped out of the comfort of my dorm, I was blown away by all of the different hairstyles, skin colors, accents and clothing choices. It was nerve-wracking and, frankly, scary.

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

Coming from an insular town where everyone shares similar beliefs and backgrounds to a melting pot like Texas State is a big transition. Personally, I am still adjusting. I will never forget the first time someone had to stop me mid-conversation to ask what a word I just said meant. It was not that I misspoke, but the person did not understand Spanish.

Because of my upbringing, I took it for granted that people would understand if I threw a Spanish term into conversation every now and again.

While I have never considered myself exotic, to other students, I was different—and they were different to me. And although the diversity on campus can seem exciting, it can be terrifying for students coming from small, homogenous towns. Many students may be afraid to address certain topics for fear of stepping on someone’s toes and may not know how to deal with people of vastly different backgrounds.

Stereotypes and assumptions play a big role in cultures clashing. Students

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

should be educated on different cultures, races, orientations and religions to avoid sticky situations involving cultural differences. I am not saying everyone should conduct in-depth research of every possible culture at Texas State, but a little knowledge can go a long way toward cultural sensitivity. Even if students just ask someone from outside of their own culture a little bit about themselves, it can make a big difference.

Students should take advantage of the school’s diversity to gain cultural perspective. Just like Texas State, the business world is a very diverse place.

Learning to interact with people from various backgrounds now will help students avoid cultural mishaps in the future, enabling them to succeed in a diverse workplace.

Awkward first conversations are to be expected—students should be patient and persevere. Though it will take students time to learn politically correct terms and practices, it will pay off in the future.

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

Although it is easy to find others from the same background to hang out with, students should make an effort to go outside of their comfort zones. Doing only what is comfortable is boring and does nothing to broaden student horizons. One big part of coming to college is trying new things. If students just wants to do what is comfortable and easy, they might have better luck back at home.

College is about personal growth and, although it is cliché, finding oneself.

If students stay within little bubbles of comfort, their views of the world will remain narrow-minded and uninformed.

Culture shock is expected when arriving in new places, but students should work hard to overcome initial anxiety and interact with diverse peers. Being open to new things and people can help students grow into cultured adults. If students put even the tiniest bit of effort into understanding their classmates, it will definitely pay off in the future.

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, October 1, 2013. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief.

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

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

Visit The Star at www.UniversityStar.com

The University Star | Tuesday October 1, 2013 | 5

SPORTS

UniversityStar.com

SOCCER

Road-game losing streak ends at Troy

By Kirk Jones

Sports Reporter @kirk_jones11

Texas State ended its five-game on-the-road losing streak Sunday as the Bobcats defeated the Troy Trojans, 2-1.

The team had not won a road game since the season opener against Northwestern State.

The Bobcats scored within the first four minutes. Senior midfielder Sydney Curry scored an unassisted goal just outside the 18-yard box for her third goal of the season.

Less than a minute later, Troy tied the score at one with a goal inside the box by senior Cecilia Thorngren. That was the only goal the Bobcats gave up, and the ball club achieved its first conference win of the season.

“The defense has just been stellar,” said Coach Kat Conner.

“They did an awesome job of giving the goalkeeper opportunities to read things. It’s all coming together slowly but surely.”

Texas State kept the Trojans scoreless from the four-minute mark until the end of the game.

The ball club allowed 16 shots with five of them on goal.

The Bobcats shot 22 times with 12 on goal. Junior midfielder Ali Myers scored her first goal of the season off a deflection by senior forward Gabbi Cottee to take the lead in the 70th minute.

“Our center midfielders did phenomenal today,” Conner said. “Ali Myers was big time today as she got herself turned, was facing forward, ran through balls and kept us on the attack.”

Freshman midfielder Maddie Nichols did enough to earn the title of Conner’s defensive MVP for the game.

“Nichols is just a stellar player—reading the ball, then getting it back, then starting the attacks off that,” Conner said.

The game on Friday against South Alabama was a close matchup. The Bobcats ended the game in a 2-2 tie after going into double overtime.

Texas State allowed the Jag-

uars to score within the first two minutes of the game as senior Clarissa Hernandez scored her third goal of the season. Less than 14 minutes later, Hernandez scored her second goal of the game getting the assist from forward Lauren Allison. The assist was Allison’s second of the night.

“What we planned on our game strategy was to keep (the Bobcats) composed,” Conner said. “We just tried to stay in the game strategy, keep them calm and let them know you are going to get the goal.”

The ball club held South Alabama scoreless for the remainder of the game, including both overtimes.

The Bobcats responded with a goal by sophomore Lynsey Curry in the 20th minute to force the deficit to one. The goal was Curry’s fifth of the season and

the assist by sophomore defender Kristen Champion was her first of the year.

As the end was approaching, it was not until the 85th minute when the Bobcats scored a goal to tie the game at two.

Nichols scored her first goal of the season as Texas State headed into the first overtime of the game.

“I was really happy to score my first goal,” Nichols said.

“I think after that we got fired up—there was no way I could’ve scored that without Lynsey playing me a perfect ball.”

The Bobcats headed into second overtime locked in a 2-2 tie, and the match eventually ended without a winner.

“They played a long, hard match,” Conner said. “We have to get them rejuvenated and back healthy again as we go into the next match.”

VOLLEYBALL

Bobcats sweep Louisiana opponents in Sun Belt openers

By Bert Santibanez

Assistant Sports Editor @BertSantibanez

Chris Motz | Staff Photographer Ashlee Hilbun spikes the ball Sept. 29 during the Louisiana-Monroe game. Texas State volleyball achieved its second conference win of the season.

Texas State defeated its first two Sun Belt Conference opponents in three straight sets last weekend against Louisiana-Lafayette and Louisiana-Monroe, improving to 12-5 for the year.

Shelby Vas Matt, freshman outside hitter, totaled 24 kills and 10 digs during the span of the games.

Vas Matt registered her fourth consecutive game in double-digit kills, leading the team with 13 kills during the contest against ULM. Vas Matt averaged 12.25 kills in the previous four games, which is greater than team kill-leader and senior right-side hitter Amari Deardorff during the same span, 9.25.

Vas Matt is ranked third in kills on the team, averaging 2.13 per set.

Vas Matt talked about the team’s overall performance and important adjustments made in order to defeat the Warhawks.

“Our outside areas on the court were really vulnerable,” Vas Matt

said. “(ULM) tip shots in those areas of the court that were really killing us. After we made our defensive adjustments on that side of the court, we just performed really well in the second and third sets to close the game out.”

Louisiana-Lafayette ranks first in conference in serving aces, averaging 1.47 per set. Texas State managed to hold the Ragin’ Cajuns to zero aces during the game. There was not a single player on Louisiana-Lafayette that calculated a kill total in double-digits.

The Bobcats totaled 17 more kills on three fewer attack attempts during their game against the Warhawks. Texas State led in all major statistical categories in the game.

Junior setter Caylin Mahoney recorded six kills, 31 assists and 12 digs during the victory.

The win against the Warhawks marked the third consecutive game Mahoney has accounted for more than 30 assists. Mahoney averaged 39 assists during the three-game span, totaling 117. Mahoney ranks fourth in SBC standings in assists, averaging 9.02 per set and a season

total 559 for the year.

“We definitely want to come out and play our best every game,” Mahoney said. “We had a bit of a rocky start against (ULM) in the first set, but we played better in the next two sets. We had a lot of first-ball kill opportunities. Coach reminded us to continue to stay tough on serving. After we started doing that, we got (ULM) out of system and could do whatever we wanted.”

Western Kentucky is ranked nationally at 54, according to NCAA standings. The Hilltoppers are 12-4 for the season and are on a six game winning streak, beating their previous three opponents in straight sets.

Coach Karen Chisum talked about the team’s overall chemistry and play going into the game against Western Kentucky.

“We wanted to make a statement to the conference this weekend,” Chisum said. “I think we did that.

Our kids are focused, they’re confident, and they have a lot of respect for the other (team). We just took care of business.”

BS: At the moment, what’s your favorite song?

JM: Oh man, that’s a really tough question, but I like the song “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line a lot. That song just always makes me happy.

BS: Who would you say is the funniest person alive?

JM: I would definitely have to say Kevin Hart.

He’s hilarious.

BS: Would you go on a date with Kevin Hart?

JM: Probably not. He’s so funny, but I think I’d be a little tall for him. He’d be a good friend though.

BS: As a symbol, what does the Bobcat represent to you?

JM: I would say the Bobcat represents pride, fearlessness and a very speedy animal. The Bobcat is an animal that seems always strong and independent.

BS: Would you rather own a unicorn or Pegasus?

JM: I would definitely love to own a unicorn for sure. They’re really fast, have a horn on the top of their head, and really fast.

Get to Know

BS: Which superhero would you associate it with?

JM: Let’s see, if I was going to pick one, I’d have to say Wonder Woman.

Jordan Moore

BS: Do you have a favorite actor or actress?

JM: I really love Sandra Bullock. I think all the movies she is in are excellent.

By Bert Santibanez

BS: Is there a particular movie you really enjoy seeing her in?

JM: I really like “The Blindside.”

Redshirt freshman setter Assistant Sports Editor @BertSantibanez

PODCAST

classifieds KUNGFUSANMARCOS. COM

Scan here to listen to From the Field to the Fans, the University Star’s new sports podcast.

1 BED / 1 bath apartment available now on the beautiful downtown square for $800.00/ mo.

It is above Vodka Street on the corner of Hopkins and LBJ. It boasts historic features. It has been totally restored. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances.

The apartment comes with a washer / dryer, central heat and air and parking. Additional info on our website - globalrockinvest. com. To view, call or text 830-832-4914 Sorry, no pets.

SEMEN DONORS NEEDED! $150 per specimen, healthy college students age 18-39. For application go to www.123donate.com STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid survey takers needed in San Marcos. 100% FREE to join. Click on surveys. $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

Age

Compensation

Men and Women 18 to 55

Men 18 to 50

Men and Postmenopausal or Surgically Sterile Women 18 to 45

Up to $2400

Up to $4000

Up to $500

Requirements

Timeline

Healthy & Non-Smoking BMI between 18 and 30

Fri. 11 Oct. through Mon. 14 Oct. Fri. 25 Oct. through Mon. 28 Oct. Outpatient Visits: 15 & 29 Oct.

Healthy & Non-Smoking BMI between 18 and 30

Healthy & Non-Smoking BMI between 18 and 30

Wed. 16 Oct. through Sat. 19 Oct. Thu. 24 Oct. through Sat. 26 Oct. Thu. 31 Oct. through Sat. 2 Nov. Thu. 7 Nov. through Sat. 9 Nov.

PPD Wisdom Teeth Removal

6 | The University Star | Sports | Tuesday October 1, 2013

FOOTBALL

Franchione takes 200th career win

Coach Dennis Franchione is one of only five active Division I football coaches with 200 wins.

Kathryn Parker | Staff Photographer

Running back Robert Lowe makes the tackle during the fourth quarter of the Wyoming vs. Texas State game Saturday. The final score was 42–21 Texas State after a three-and-a-half-hour lightning delay in the second quarter.

By Samuel Rubbelke Sports Reporter @SamuelRubbelke

Freshman quarterback Tyler Jones led the Bobcats to victory over junior quarterback Brett Smith’s Wyoming offense Saturday, giving Coach Dennis Franchione his 200th career game win despite a three and a half-hour weather delay.

Franchione is now the fifth active FBS coach to reach 200 wins. He currently ranks fifth in overall wins among active coaches.

“It was a good win. Somebody said ‘how does it feel to get 200?’ and I’m really just happy to get number three (regarding wins this season),” Franchione said. “I’m happy to get 200 (wins) with these players. If I had chosen a way to do it, it would be with this group. These guys have been really special through all of this, so seeing them get to 3-1 in nonconference play is really great.”

In Jones’ first career start and offensive drive, he scrambled for 38 yards off a read option taking the Bobcats down to the Wyoming 27-yard line. After completing a pass to senior wide receiver Andy Erickson on the Cowboys’ 5-yard line, sophomore running back Robert Lowe completed a 1-yard touchdown.

“I think we have found our quarterback tonight in Tyler Jones,” Franchione said. “He played very well to-

night regardless of his classification as a freshman. He made a great throw before the half to tie the game up, 14-14.

All of our players really rallied around him, and I felt good how he managed the entire team tonight.”

The contest was postponed for 3 hours and 28 minutes due to heavy rain and lightning with 8:34 left on the clock in the first half.

“It was terrible,” Lowe said. “I’ve never had to wait that long for a delay of game, nor have I played this late of a game. The coaches put it in our head we had to come out with the same mentality we started the game with.”

After the Cowboys responded with 14 straight points following Texas State’s opening drive, the Bobcats countered with a two play drive covering 51 yards.

In his first game as a collegiate athlete, Jones completed a 26-yard post corner route to junior wide receiver Ben Ijah with 29 seconds until halftime.

“Our running backs were running well and making the corners bite down,” Jones said. “The o(ffensive)-line was blocking great all night. That allowed me to have time to throw it. It shows a lot of trust in our coaching staff to allow me to do that.”

In front of 22,015 fans, the second largest in school history, the Bobcats tallied a season-high 452 yards of total offense and a season-high 196 passing yards. Jones completed 13-17 passes while rushing 8 yards per carry.

Jones was supported by Lowe’s second straight week of rushing for more than 100 yards, finishing with a careerhigh 141 yards.

The Bobcats gained all 49 yards on the ground to regain the lead in the third quarter. Lowe had his second touchdown run from 5 yards out and registered 30 of the 49 yards on the drive. Lowe finished with three touchdowns and running back sophomore Chris Nutall added two more, including a 22-yard touchdown up the middle.

“It feels good,” Lowe said. “I feel like we are coming together as a team. Eleven men did their job tonight on every play.”

For the first time this season, the Cowboys were held to a season-low 21 points and 356 yards. Wyoming, for the first time, failed to accumulate 425 yards or more of offense this year.

“It was a bad night all the way around,” said Wyoming Coach Dave Christensen. “We just couldn’t do anything right. I feel as though I didn’t have them prepared to play tonight. A lot of (the Bobcats’ success) was due to our lack of protection. Our quarterback is trying to throw the football, and we can’t get any protection.”

Smith threw for 292 yards and was sacked three times with an interception.

Smith and the Cowboys were ranked in the top 25 in four offensive categories going into the game, including 13th in passing offense.