VOLUME 103, ISSUE 26
www.UniversityStar.com
TUESDAY
OCTOBER 22, 2013
Defending the First Amendment since 1911
VIDEO | UniversityStar.com
SPORTS | Page 8
Foodstock is an event held to raise poverty awareness and collect donations for the local food bank.
Georgia State Recap: Texas State captured its first-ever Sun Belt Conference win Saturday with a 24–17 victory over the Panthers.
CRIME
Suspect in double homicide of female student, coworker found dead By Taylor Tompkins News Editor
The suspect in the double homicide of a Texas State student and her boyfriend was found dead Thursday around 1 p.m. While the cause of death is still unknown, Daniel Stillwell, 23, was found dead after driving his car over a cliff near “Devil’s Backbone” on Highway 32 in Comal County, according to Howard Williams, San Marcos police chief. Stillwell was wanted for two murders that occurred at approximately 12:38 a.m. Thursday in an apartment complex at the 300 block of Craddock Ave. According to the arrest warrant for capital murder, Stillwell al-
legedly shot and killed his exgirlfriend, fashion merchandising senior Hailey Nicholls, 22, and her current boyfriend, 26-year-old Jesse Robledo. Police responded to two separate disturbance calls around 12:38 a.m. Thursday at the Executive Townhomes apartment complex at 317 Craddock Ave., according to the warrant. Neighbors reported yelling, screaming and “what sounded like someone being thrown against the wall,” as well as possible gunshots coming from within the apartment, the warrant says. Officers found the apartment’s back sliding glass door shattered after arriving on the scene and receiving no answer at the front door. Nicholls was found in the
MASS COMM WEEK
Texas Tribune CEO speaks at Old Main By James Carniero
Assistant News Editor
Texas Tribune Editor-InChief and CEO Evan Smith gave a presentation about non-partisan journalism and digital convergence in Old Main Monday as part of Mass Comm Week. Smith is one of several professionals who travel to Texas State each year to speak with students as part of the week-long event hosted by the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. Smith said Mass Comm Week is like “spring break for nerds.” He spoke to students about the future of journalism in the digital world and answered questions from the crowd. Smith said the conditions for young people in the field of journalism has changed drastically since he was a student. He said recent college graduates wanting to work at a magazine would have to spend years doing menial tasks before landing an important position. “Contrary to what you have heard, this is the best time imaginable to be a journalist,” Smith said. Smith discussed the history of the Texas Tribune and its role in the state as well. An important aspect of the Tribune’s establishment in 2009 was making sure not to stray from an independent path, Smith said. “We are our own focus group,” Smith said. Smith said the Tribune began with only 17 reporters and currently has 46 fulltime employees, 23 of them being reporters. Somewhere between one third and one half of the press corps at the Texas Capitol are Tribune re-
porters, he said. Smith said the Tribune’s job is to educate the 27 million adults in Texas about the relevant issues of the day without taking political sides, explaining that the Tribune does not endorse candidates, editorialize or act partisan in any way. “We want people to be more productive, thoughtful and engaged citizens,” Smith said. “We want them to have the tools to make better choices. We don’t care what those choices are.” According to Smith, Texas has the 51st lowest voter turnout in the country, with a lower rate than the District of Columbia. Only 32 percent of Texans voted in the 2010 midterm election, Smith said. An important service the Tribune provides is its livestreams at the Capitol, Smith said. During State Sen. Wendy Davis’ filibuster of a controversial antiabortion bill, about 183,000 people were watching the Tribune’s livestream of the event, beating MSNBC’s ratings for the night, Smith said. Smith said this “extraordinary night” showed off the power and potential of live streaming. Besides livestreaming, the only other ways to watch state procedures are through cable providers or QuickTime players, which Smith said are not reliable. “You shouldn’t have to pay a cable company to see what your government is doing,” Smith said. He said a Kickstarter created by the Tribune recently surpassed its target goal of
See TRIBUNE, Page 2
Daniel Stillwell
Hailey Nicholls
Jesse Robledo
bedroom with a possible gunshot wound to the head, according to the warrant. Robledo, who was on the bed, appeared to have the same wound. Both victims were dead when officers arrived, Williams said. Daniel Trottier, Stillwell’s
roommate, told police Stillwell had called him around 1 a.m. Thursday. Stillwell allegedly told Trottier he saw Robledo’s car outside of Nicholls’ apartment, according to the arrest warrant. Stillwell allegedly went to his apartment, took Trottier’s firearm
and broke into Nicholls’ apartment, according to the warrant. Trottier described his handgun as a Glock 9mm pistol, according to the search warrant for Trottier and Stillwell’s apartment, also located at Executive Townhomes.
See HOMICIDE, Page 3
FACULTY
Professor builds, rides electric bikes
Madelynne Scales | Staff Photographer Jim Garber, anthropology professor, works on his electric bike Oct. 20 at his home in San Marcos. He rides his electric bike, or e-bike, to campus every day.
By Michelle Balagia News Reporter
F
or anthropology professor Jim Garber, riding his bike to campus is the highlight of his day. Garber can be seen riding his electronic bike around campus, a hobby he began about five years ago. Garber said he has owned 10 to 15 different bikes throughout the past few years. Some of the bikes he owns are premade, while some he restores and assembles by using kits. “Sometimes I’ll get on Craigslist and see one that isn’t running anymore and is a great price,” Garber said. “I’ve learned how to fix them and put them all together.” Garber said the electronic bike he uses daily can reach speeds of 20 mph and travel about 30 miles on one charge, which cost about 4 cents and lasts him roughly a
week. Operating an electronic bike is similar to operating a regular bicycle, according to Garber. He said the bikes operate by a lever on the handle bars that, when pressed, powers the back wheel. The bikes also have functioning pedals that can be used to increase speed, Garber said. Garber admits he has not bought a campus parking permit in three years because his electronic bicycle can get him to campus in five minutes, which for him is quicker than driving a car. “I’m surprised (electronic bikes) haven’t caught on and that more people aren’t riding them,” Garber said. “You can have an electronic bike for the same price as a medium-grade regular bike. For about $500 you could own an electronic bike.” Garber said there are several different types of batteries to put on the electronic bikes, but most
of his bicycles run on a lithium-ion battery priced at about $300. The battery is more expensive than others, but can go further on one charge, is lighter in weight and can be recharged up to 3,000 times, allowing it to last more than five years, Garber said. Garber buys kits to make any regular bicycle into an electronic one. Garber said he finds the kits on Craigslist or eBay Inc. for around $225 each. Garber said he has fixed and sold electronic bikes to San Marcos residents over the years. He said he has even sold an electronic bike to the mayor of San Marcos, Daniel Guerrero. “At the end of the day when you’re tired and it’s time to go home it’s like, ‘wow, I get to ride my bike home,’” Garber said. “It’s fun. I don’t have to pedal, and it goes straight up the LBJ hill. It’s a different way to see the town, and I love it.”
MASS COMM WEEK
Instructor discusses media, violence misconceptions By Scott Allen
News Reporter
Reynaldo Leaños | Staff Photographer Tom Grimes, professor in the school of journalism and mass communication, speaks Oct. 21 during Mass Comm Week about media's role in violence.
Tom Grimes, professor of journalism and mass communication, discussed and disputed different research studies on violence and media connections during his Mass Comm Week panel Monday. Grimes’s lecture, “Violence in Society: Does Media Reflect or Encourage It?” began with the history of media violence and covered research studies over the past 60 years. Grimes said although past research has found
a link between violence and the media, his personal research has found otherwise. “There’s been this notion that media violence will somehow, over time, make psychologically well people unwell by making them more aggressive because of their exposure to violent acts,” Grimes said. Grimes, who has been a professor for nearly 30 years, explained how researchers have connected the media’s portrayal of violence and actual violent acts. He credited organizations such as the American Medical Association,
the American Psychological Association and National Institutes of Health with conducting insufficient studies and not examining the correct forms of violence. “They make the argument based on study after study. They found a connection between violent media and violent acts because they looked for a connection,” Grimes said. “It’s cliché, but I like to use the old saying, ‘where there’s smoke, there’s fire’ and the fire in this situation would be a violent act.” Since the mid 1990s, Grimes
and his colleagues have been conducting research regarding media violence, and the studies have helped formulate an equation. The equation takes those who do not consume violent media, subtracts those who have watched violent media and divides by a number for random error. The reason violent behaviors occur, according to Grimes, is not because of an exposure to aggressive acts someone witnesses through the media. It occurs because the individual who acted
See MEDIA, Page 2
2 | The University Star | News | Tuesday October 22, 2013
TRIBUNE, continued from front $60,000. Funds raised through the Kickstarter will allow the Tribune to,purchase equipment to livestream the 2014 Texas gubernatorial race. Last, Smith explained why the Tribune’s has embraced technology and digital convergence. The technology team at the Tribune is just as important as its reporters, Smith said, with programmers having their own bylines and creating just as much content as the journalists. Smith said social media has come of age, and is therefore an area every media company must be involved in. He said Twitter matured as a publishing platform and has become the “AP wire” for the current generation. While corporations used to discourage personal branding in
CRIME BLOTTER Oct. 20, 3:30 a.m.
Criminal trespass warning
Bexar Hall Two non-students were issued criminal trespass warnings for engaging in suspicious activity. Oct. 19, 10:12 p.m.
MIP alcohol Kathryn Parker | Staff Photographer Evan Smith, CEO and editor-in-chief of the Texas Tribune, speaks at Mass Comm Week Oct. 21 in Old Main. Smith spoke about the Texas Tribune’s approach to interactive storytelling.
the past, it is the “rocket (booster) that powers institutions” today, Smith said.
“Your individual brand powers you,” Smith said.
Butler Hall A student was cited for minor in possession of alcohol. Judicial review. Oct. 19, 7:22 p.m.
Public intoxication
Bobcat Stadium A non-student was cited and arrested for public intoxication and transported to HCLEC. Judicial review. Oct. 19, 5:04 p.m.
MIP alcohol
Aquarena Springs Drive A non-student was cited for minor in possession of alcohol. Judicial review. Oct. 19, 5:06 a.m.
MEDIA, continued from front on a violent behavior had a predisposed illness, he said. Grimes said witnessing a violent act may trigger someone to act aggressively, but most people without illnesses will see such media for what it is—entertainment. Grimes discussed the organs that are responsible for protecting people from acting on their violent thoughts. “There’s two organs in the brain that generate disgust—the Hippocampus and the Amygdala. These are parts of the brain that acts and impulses,” Grimes said. “Someone who commits a violent act because they saw it on
TV may indeed have a pre-disposed illness and have something wrong with their Hippocampus or Amygdala.” Grimes used Shakespeare as an example of a writer who used violence as a tool to enrich his literature and art. He said the average person knows the portrayal of violence in these tales is not meant to be taken seriously. “They put themselves in that environment in order to entertain themselves, knowing all the while that it’s not real,” Grimes said. Christopher Salinas, journalism junior, said as an avid video gamer, he appreciated Grimes’
Possession of marijuana presentation. “I’ve never been one to think that the media portrayal of violence is connected to people acting out,” Salinas said. “Professor Grimes just helped reaffirm my belief in the topic.” Morgan Martens, journalism senior, said Grimes’ speech was compelling and interesting. She said it helped show her another side of the argument. “I think it’s opened my mind more,” Martens said. “I can’t say I agree or disagree, but I think people jump to the conclusion that media violence leads to violent behavior.”
San Jacinto Hall Parking Garage A non-student was arrested for possession of marijuana and a student was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. The non-student was transported to HCLEC. Judicial review. Oct. 18, 4:41 p.m.
Public intoxication
Wood Street Parking Garage A student was cited and arrested for public intoxication and transported to HCLEC. Judicial review. Oct. 17, 2:41 p.m.
Theft under $500
Hines Academic Center University property had been taken without consent. This case is under investigation.
LIBRARY BEAT
JFK Assassination Revealed in Government Documents To truly comprehend an event, you may find primary sources to be the best resources available. Historical primary sources are original materials written or created at the time of an event or within a historical period. Government documents are a fantastic resource for researchers looking for these original documents, images, scientific studies, reports and laws. November 22 marks the 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s assassination, and government documents, whether print or electronic, provide several perspectives on this tragedy. One valuable print collection is “Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States.” These contain presidents’ speeches, public messages and news conference statements. You can read not only the speech Kennedy gave the morning of his assassination at the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, but also one he was scheduled to give at
the Trade Mart in Dallas—the destination of Kennedy’s motorcade when he was assassinated. Find moving eulogies for Kennedy in “Congressional Record”, the official record of U.S. Congress proceedings and debates. Other documents record investigations into what actually happened on the day of Kennedy’s assassination. Twenty-six volumes comprising the “Warren Commission Report” detail evidence that led the Warren Commission to conclude Lee Harvey Oswald acted alone. Yet, another government document offers contrary evidence. Available through the U.S. Congressional Serial Set database, the Select Committee’s final report on the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King Jr. reports “a high probability that two gunmen fired at President Kennedy,” based on scientific analysis of acoustical recordings.
Many primary sources are available online via government websites. Resources including Archives.gov and LOC.gov provide images and historical documents. For example, the Warren Commission Report, Califano papers and images of assassination artifacts are available at Archvies. gov. The Library of Congress Prints and Photographs at LOC.gov includes images of the Dallas motorcade, Lee Harvey Oswald, and a re-enactment of the day’s events by the Secret Service. We’re available to help you navigate various print documents, online databases and websites related to the Kennedy assassination and other historical subjects. Visit Government Information on Alkek’s 4th floor or chat with us online. —Courtesy of Rory Elliott and the Alkek Library
WILD ART KTSW IS HIRING A
WEBMASTER! APPLY ON KTSW.NET
(UNDER THE KTSW Family tab) Applications close on monday 10/28 at 5pm
Juan Galvan, business administration freshman, plays guitar Oct. 19 outside of Beretta Hall.
Bethanie James | Staff Photographer
The University Star | News | Tuesday October 22, 2013 | 3
HOMICIDE, continued from front Williams said police have not located the murder weapon. Both of the victims and the suspect worked at Chipotle Mexican Grill in San Marcos, Williams said. Police believe Nicholls and Stillwell had recently ended their relationship, he said. Sarah Wolfshohl, fashion merchandising junior, said she knew Nicholls for two years and met her while taking classes together. Wolfshohl said Nicholls and Stillwell had ended their relationship last week, and Nicholls was trying to leave the relationship for some time. Wolfshohl said Stillwell was controlling and would not let Nicholls leave the relationship. “I never thought he was capable of taking it to that point,” Wolfshohl said. Wolfshohl said she did not think Stillwell was abusive, but he would become “very intense” and would not let Nicholls go out. Nicholls was easy going, friend-
ly and very close with her family and twin sister, Wolfshohl said. “She was the funniest person I have ever known,” Wolfshohl said. Murders such as Nicholls’ and Robledo’s are a rare occurrence in San Marcos, Williams said. “I have been here 10 years now and this is the first time we’ve had a double murder in that sort of condition,” Williams said. Joanne Smith, vice president for Student Affairs, said she could not say much about the case since SMPD’s investigation is ongoing. Smith said university officials are working with police and are doing “anything we can do to help students” affected by the incident. Kathlyn Dailey, interim director of the Counseling Center, said the office is providing grief counseling to friends of the victims. Students can call or visit the office if they need counseling, she said. Mourners left flowers on Hailey Nicholls’ vehicle near her apartment.
Austin Humphreys | Photo Editor
CITY
Youth commission gives students opportunity to speak about community issues By Drew Castillo
Special to the Star
Councilmembers established the San Marcos Youth Commission, a group of students who advise policymakers about issues affecting youth in the community, at a City Council meeting Tuesday. The commission will be made up of 15 voting members who represent different kinds of youth in the city, according to Councilwoman Kim Porterfield, Place 1. One Texas State representative will link the work of public entities such as the city, county and school district with the university. The commission is one of the
first methods of implementing the “Youth Master Plan,” which has been an initiative of Porterfield’s. The Youth Master Plan aims to provide more opportunities for students at home, in the classroom and throughout the community by using various programs to promote health, education and civil engagement, she said. “We’re a very youthful city, yet youth are not engaged in city business or they don’t really have a voice,” Porterfield said. “What I see this group doing is helping educate and help(ing) the adults who are in positions of power understand the value and the good ideas and the advice that youth can bring to the table.” A youth advisory council, made
up of self-appointed members, worked with Porterfield and her fellow councilmembers to create the ordinance establishing the commission, she said. The commission is set to have 15 voting representatives, and it will have a voluntary general membership similar to the youth advisory council. “It’s always been an open thing,” Porterfield said. “We have a big diversity of people, of kids, and then we have four or five Texas state students that participate on that as well, as support.” Erick del Angel, geography resource and environmental studies graduate student, served as the Associated Student Government liaison for City Council. He has
contributed to the formation of the commission for the past year and a half, he said. “It will be a good outlet for (students) to get involved in the community and volunteer and intern and kind of help them with their careers which start in college,” Del Angel said. “It’ll help obviously the whole program itself, getting participants and helping implement these programs, so it’s a mutual relationship.” Parkland availability, bicycle lanes, job creation and voting are generally seen as student issues within the city, Porterfield said. However, the diversity of the community leads to different perspectives on these issues, said Meghan Bates, public relations
junior. Bates said she has worked on this project since her freshmen year and believes students and adults will benefit from the commission by learning to embrace another point of view. “It’s easy for people to think that it’s just for kids, but I definitely see where the kids or the students and the adults alike are saying ‘wow I get where you’re coming from now,’ and I loved seeing that,” Bates said. “It’s been awesome seeing the middle ground come to be.” The group has been officially established, but none of the representatives have been appointed yet. City Council will begin accepting applications within the next few weeks, Porterfield said.
4 | The University Star | Tuesday October 22, 2013
OPINIONS
UniversityStar.com
THE MAIN POINT
Students must embrace school spirit events
H
omecoming week is upon us, and students should make an effort to be involved in the week’s events in addition to attending the football game. Among busy class schedules, extracurricular activities and job schedules, Homecoming is the one week of the year the entire campus is united for a single cause—school spirit. While having school spirit might not be at the top of every student’s priority list, Homecoming offers a unique opportunity to meet new peers, form lasting friendships and celebrate all that is Texas State. With years of tradition fueling the events, the excitement of the football game, giveaways and alumni involvement, there are plenty of reasons and ways for students to partake in the Homecoming spirit.
Giveaways If nothing else convinces students to participate in Homecoming events, the giveaways at the football game should. Many items have been given away this season, such as drawstring bags and ID holders by Wells Fargo at the most recent game. Most notably, at each game a $1,000 prize is given to a group of five or more students with the most school spirit. According to a Sept. 6 email sent by Texas State athletics, larger groups of students are given higher consideration to receive free items at the game. Gather a group of friends together, deck out in body paint, decorate signs and amp up the team from the stands. A possible $1,000 prize should be reason enough for students to come out to the games and cheer on the Bobcats.
Football Game The more fans at the football game, the more rewarding the experience. When the football team plays a game in front of a full house, the energy is noticeably increased. Many people use the team’s losses as an excuse not to attend the games, but since the team has a winning record, that excuse is no longer valid. Of all the home games, student should make the most effort to go to Homecoming, so it can be fun for all involved. Cheer, make signs and tailgate before the game to make the experience more enjoyable all around.
Alumni Involvement Students should try their best to participate in Homecoming events to feel more connected to Texas State. The events help students gain school spirit and feel pride in their alma mater, which is especially important after graduation. Alumni support is extremely important to Texas State, and Homecoming is the perfect opportunity to bring both recent and older graduates back to San Marcos from far and wide. Additionally, if students feel connected to Texas State, they will be more likely to give back in the future.
Traditions Throughout the years, Texas State officials and students have hosted many Homecoming events that have become iconic parts of the university experience. These events include the talent show, soapbox derby, basketball tournament, window painting and more. These events are designed to raise school spirit and inspire a fun, competitive nature among students. Students who have never participated in a Homecoming event in the past should make it a mission to get involved with one of the various activities available this year.
The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University.
Lara Shine | Special to the Star
LIFE CHOICES
Students must rise above pressure to conform
tudents should not feel pressured to conSof their form to their peers and do things outside comfort zones.
Being an individual is a wondrous thing, darlings. Students should not strive to be just another carbon copy that has been replicated time and time again. If students do not want to drink, they should not. If they do not want to engage in sexual activity, they should not. If they do not want to do blow, they should not. Yes, this is college. However, that does not mean Bobcats have to fall into the cliché of what college life is “supposed” to be and what college students are “supposed” to do. Brandon Sams Where is the fun Opinions Columnist in doing what is expected? Being Journalism freshman
who I intrinsically am is fabulous. This world is full of constraints on what men should be and how women should act—and students should not feel like they have to conform to those expectations. Society tries to fit people into molds that constrain the individuality within the varied populace. Letting that mold define who students are and choose to be is tired. A mold? Honey, I broke that mold a long time ago. What other boy walks around unapologetically with a face full of makeup and the diva strut of the legendary Tyra Banks? That’s right—no one but me. The mold I am supposed to fit into can be filled by some other men. Conformists are just too afraid of being judged and viewed negatively by their peers to be themselves, and this is something I personally find sad. I lived a lie for 14 years of my life, and I will be damned if I let somebody force me into another closet. Students should refrain from bending to peer pressure and societal expectations. Students do not need to keep up with the
Jones’. Oh, did the Jones’ buy a new car? Let me do that, too. Oh, did Mrs. Jones dye her hair burgundy? Let me dye my hair, too. If a person is not paying my bills, buying my food, taking my exams or caring for me in general, they do not have any kind of influence on what I am doing. Obviously, young people generally come to university to further their education. However, they also come to start anew and find themselves on their journey to adulthood. Instead of following the crowd, students should, at the very least, strive to lead that crowd, if not start their own. I will continue to be who I am despite pressure to conform, and students should too. Be unapologetic, be crude, be honest and most importantly, be unrelenting. I have learned sometimes people have to forgo doing what is popular to do what is true to themselves. Students should be true to themselves and let their own consciences decide what is right for them—not their peers.
UNIVERSITY
Texas State’s website needs improvement
exas State should revamp its website to T make it more user-friendly and easier to navigate.
Texas State’s home page is relatively simple to browse, but once the initial thicket of information is penetrated, it is easy for users to get lost. Once, as I browsed undergraduate catalogs for different Ashley Trumps majors, I encounOpinions Columnist tered a “404-Page Journalism senior Missing” error when I clicked on the international studies link. An entire page on one of the university’s departments was missing—no wonder international studies is not a popular major. Fortunately, the webpages of many of the other departments are relatively easy to access, but navigating through the university’s site can still be tricky and confusing. A wealth of data is available to students on the Texas State website, but some important information is hidden under links with not-so-obvious titles. Much of the financial statistics for different departments are
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difficult to find. Once found, the layout of figures looks like it was cobbled together on Excel by an amateur. With all of the graphic design and web-coding students out there, putting together a team to restructure the site should be easy. Texas State web developers should not only be able to present online information efficiently and professionally, but they should be able to give the website some style. There is surely a way to make gold look appealing rather than appalling on a computer screen. To some, the current website may have a rustic, distinctly Texan charm, but compared to the sleek and colorful design of University of Texas-Austin’s layout, it is cringe-worthy. Information on the website needs to be easily accessible and concise. It should be easy for browsers to locate specific material without sifting through pages of spreadsheets. This is especially important for new students. As a first-generation college student, I was largely on my own when trying to piece together all of the facts on the website when I was applying to Texas State. My mother and I squinted at the computer screen in confusion together during the application process, cursing in unison at the website’s lack of organization. All we wanted was easy-to-find, clear information to compare Texas State with other potential
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
colleges. This should be a priority for Texas State officials. Some parts of the website are more functional than others. It is true the new student self-service system is slightly more efficient than the old structure. However, the front page of the website lists multiple links that all lead to the same self-service login that requires its own separate navigation from there. This is totally inefficient. It appears straight-forward at first glance, but after using the system for a while, I have realized how backwards it is. The university should cut out the middleman and provide a direct link to the self-service login on the homepage—minus the extra stuff. In addition, links to maps of the campus should include integration with Google Maps or something similar. Fusing parking maps with actual GPS instruction would make it easier for commuters and visitors to find their way. With all the university’s emphasis on “traffic flow,” it certainly makes sense to provide step-by-step instructions to parking lots, so people are not driving around in a state of confusion. Texas State’s budget may not match UT’s, but the university should be able to present information clearly and concisely online without making users jump through unnecessary hoops.
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
University Star
POLL
What is your favorite Homecoming event?
The Game Soapbox Derby Homecoming Court Talent Show Powderpuff Football Spirit Rally Other
Vote online at Facebook.com/ UniversityStar
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 22, 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.
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The University Star | Tuesday October 22, 2013 | 5
TRENDS
UniversityStar.com
Taecho Group hosts Refresh event for students interested in web design By Abel Melghem Trends Reporter
ExpressionEngine, WordPress, Craft CMS and Magento, which are what most corporations are looking for these days,” Taylor said. Design and programming companies will be in attendance at the event, and many are looking to potentially recruit new employees. The event will feature speakers with aims to inspire the audience to create more innovative work through motivational talks and anecdotes. Taylor said attending the event can be a good learning experience in terms of helping uncertain students figure out their career paths and decide which area of programming to go into after graduation. The Refresh event will take place during a pivotal time in the web programming industry. According to the United States Bureau of Labor, the web design and development field is set to increase in employment numbers steadily over the next several years. “I strongly encourage those who are interested in learning more to come and join us,” Taylor said.
BLOGGERS.
Email startrends@txstate.edu to apply.
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MO VIE S
With aims to reboot the technological, professional and creative cultures of San Marcos, Taecho Group will host an event Nov. 5 open to anyone with a desire to learn about the ever-changing web design and programming fields. Michelle Wadsworth, host of the event titled Refresh, described it as “a place for techies to share refreshing perspectives on their expertise—promoting design, technology, usability and standards.” The event will be hosted at Taecho Group’s building located next to the H-E-B near campus on 302 Hopkins St. Wadsworth said Refresh will consist of a group of people who are interested in future careers in areas such as web designing and advertising at the electronic level. Attendees will share ideas and thoughts on how they can “refresh” old ideas and advertisements to appeal to today’s electronic era at the event. Refresh will give patrons an opportunity to discuss their knowledge of the field and come up with new and
more exciting ideas through the input of others. Laura Taylor, Refresh project manager, describes the event as a fun way to gather and interact with smart and interesting people at different stages in their professional careers. “There are so many great minds on our team, and we add so many new people,” Taylor said. Taylor encourages anyone interested in learning more about Taecho Group or the web design and programming fields to participate in the Refresh event, even if they do not have much to contribute to the group’s discussion. At the event, the audience will have an opportunity to listen to a panel of professionals who will discuss innovations and developments in the industry as well as the field’s potential for growth. The panel will include alumni from Texas State and the University of Texas-Austin, as well as other institutions of higher education from across the state, Taylor said. Participants will be able to see various design and programming platforms in use. “Some of the platforms we will be working with include
mass comm week // calendar Tuesday, Oct. 22
Wednesday, Oct. 23
8:10 a.m. OM234 Investigative Reporting
11 a.m. OM320 How to Break into Sports Writing
Robert Kolker, investigative journalist and author
David Hinojosa, sportswriter, San Antonio Express-News
Kolker, a contributing editor to New York magazine, continues his discussion of his work as an investigative journalist.
12:30 p.m. OM320 Navigating the Oceans of Negative Global Media and Arriving to Safe Port Katherine McLane, founding partner, The MACH 1 Group; primary media consultant and spokesperson for the Livestrong Foundation. As the Livestrong Foundation fought to stay out of headlines surrounding Lance Armstrong’s cycling career, its communications team aced rapid response and crisis communications efforts. Today, the organization is still standing. McLane explains why.
Follow Hinojosa’s journey through his own eyes as he discusses his career. Sponsored by D. D. Hachar Visiting Hispanic Media Professional Program.
2:00 p.m. LBJ 4-16.1 The Enduring Media Skill Set Ann Stevens, president, BioMed SA PR pro and 2013 Distinguished Alumna Ann Stevens (’72) reflects on the staying power of the basics during 40 years of evolving strategies and tactics in public relations. The Distinguished Alumni awards will be presented on Friday, Oct. 25, at the Distinguished Alumni Awards Gala during Homecoming Weekend
3:30 p.m. Alkek 250 How to Reinvent Yourself Annie Werner, Tumblr, New York City via Skype with Jon Zmikly, SJMC faculty
12:30 p.m. Derrick Hall 113 What it took to get from Texas State to CNN International: A Discussion with Texas State Alumna Bharati Naik
As Tumblr’s arts evangelist, Werner, a San Marcos native, speaks from experience when she tells what it’s like to take a chance, dive in, explore and innovate.
Bharati Naik/ recorded Skype interview with Dr. Susan Weill
6:30 p.m. OM212 & OM238 Data: Can you dig it?
As a field producer for CNN International, Naik covers issues in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Her CNN career began with a CNN internship during Fall 2005. She earned a master’s degree in 2005 from Texas State University, School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
Courtesy of Texas State Mass Comm Week
Thursday, Oct. 24 11 a.m. OM234 The Hurry-Up Offense: Sports media in the non-stop news cycle Kirk Bohls, Austin American-Statesman David Chancellor, WOAI-TV, San Antonio Tim Griffin, San Antonio Express-News Jeff Howe, 24/7 Sports, CBS Sports Four media veterans look at the NCAA, dwindling access to players and coaches, the sports section as the crime beat and the increasing impact of social media in covering athletics. Sponsored by Final Cut Sports, a campus student organization focused on covering Texas State club sports.
11 a.m. OM320 Harnessing the Digital Power Through Community Cinema Sergio Carvajal-Leoni, SJMC grad student Technology is shaping the future of media, and that includes the entertainment industry. Learn about the buzz the industry is creating in smalltown Texas, with Carvajal-Leoni and his associates: Texas State alums Romina Olson, photographer; and Chris Perez, media executive.
12:30 p.m. Derrick Hall 113 What it took to get from Texas State to The San Antonio Express-News: A Discussion with Jason Buch Jason Buch, reporter, San Antonio Express-News
Denise Malan, INN/IRE data director This session in heavy-duty data reporting with INN/IRE data director Denise Malan will help refine your techniques for mining data from the Web and archived documents. Malan coordinates data projects among nonprofit newsrooms across the country and is former data/investigative editor for Corpus Christi Caller-Times.
In his work as an immigration and border affairs reporter, Buch (’07) has covered the Mexican drug cartels. He has also covered real estate, the auto industry, manufacturing, technology and telecommunications for the Express-News. After graduating from Texas State, where he served as a reporter and editor at the University Star, he worked two years at the Laredo Morning Times.
6 | The University Star | Tuesday October 22, 2013
SPORTS
UniversityStar.com
SOCCER
Bobcats record losses against Ragin’ Cajuns, Warhawks By Kirk Jones
Sports Reporter @kirk_jones11
The Texas State soccer team lost a pair of road games this weekend at Louisiana— Lafayette and Louisiana—Monroe, sliding from third to seventh in the Sun Belt Conference standings. The Bobcats faced the Ragin’ Cajuns, who entered Friday’s matchup with a threegame winning streak. The team was down throughout the game as Louisiana—Lafayette freshman midfielder Yazmin Montoya scored three out of four goals in the first half to win the game, 5–2. Texas State did not have an answer for Montoya as she now ranks second in conference goals, tying her with Ragin’ Cajuns freshman forward Annika Schmidt at 10. “I know one thing is we had nothing to lose,” said senior defender Ashley Jackson. “We were down 3–0, so we just needed to give it all we had. At that point we had nothing to lose.” The Bobcats picked up their play in the second half as sophomore midfielder Madelynne Scales | Star File Photo Landry Lowe scored her first goal of the Texas State soccer was defeated in contests against season. Lowe scored off a turnover by the Ragin’ Cajuns and shot the ball beyond the Louisiana—Lafayette and Louisiana—Monroe on the road. The Bobcats are 5–8–2 this season. 18-yard marker. “We had some good offensive ideas,” said Coach Kat Conner. “We just didn’t were going to beat this team. The first 20 deliver the passes we needed. It took us a minutes we came out ready to play then we long time to figure it out. Once we did, we kind of started going downhill from there.” scored a couple goals.” Shortly after the attack, the Warhawks’ The second goal came from freshman sophomore midfielder Mariah Mitchell forward Clarissa Leon. She received a pass scored in the 17th minute for her fourth from senior forward Gabbi Cottee, break- goal of the season. ing away from the defender to score her Going into halftime, both teams were second goal of the season. locked up at 1–1 with Texas State leading Texas State outshot Louisiana—Lafay- the shot count 13–7. In the second half, the ette 15–13, including a 9–5 advantage in Bobcats were outshot by Louisiana—Monthe second half. Senior goalkeeper Nata- roe 9–5 and had opportunities to score lie Gardini and sophomore goalkeeper when Cottee’s shot just missed the left goal Caitlyn Rinehart rotated as the game pro- post. gressed on. Rinehart allowed two goals and “We just kind of got caught up in their recorded one save. game,” Conner said. “They play more indiThe Bobcats looked to rebound from the vidual and going at people and stretching 5–2 loss Sunday afternoon, as the team the field. We don’t play that way, and we went into play against Louisiana—Monroe, tried to play to their style.” a club that was 0–5 in conference play. The Texas State headed into the first overteam lost to the Warhawks in a double over- time of the game with the same scoring time match, 2–1. This was Texas State’s mindset as the first half outshooting the fifth game going into extra time, moving its Warhawks, 5–2. The second overtime was record to 0–4–1 in overtime play. a defensive battle with both teams refusing Sophomore forward Lynsey Curry to let each other score until the final 15 scored the first goal of the game at the seconds. Louisiana—Monroe was granted 12th minute mark. Curry received a pass a free kick that ended the game as the Warup the middle from freshman forward Lau- hawks put the ball through the net. ren Prater for her team leading sixth goal “We are all hurt by this loss,” Conner on the season. said. “We just need to pick ourselves up “We had high confidence going into this and get ready for next week’s game.” game,” Curry said. “We really thought we
The University Star | Sports | Tuesday October 22, 2013 | 7
VOLLEYBALL
Texas State breaks losing streak with two wins at home By Bert Santibanez
Assistant Sports Editor @BertSantibanez
The Texas State volleyball team ended a three-game losing streak this weekend by defeating Troy and South Alabama at Strahan Coliseum, moving to 5–4 in the Sun Belt Conference. The Bobcats managed a late 6–0 scoring run in the first set against the Trojans Friday, defeating the team in four sets. The Bobcats recorded six serving errors in the first set, hitting .240 from the court. Senior middle blockers Ashlee Hilbun and Molly Ahrens totaled 13 kills in the first set. Hilbun ended the game with a hitting percentage of .103 from the floor. Ahrens finished the match with a season-high 14 kills on 30 attack attempts. “The team had a huge advantage in the match with Ashlee (Hilbun) and me running the middle of the court,” Ahrens said. “Once the team got us going, it opened up shots for (senior right-side hitter) Amari (Deardorff) and outside areas on the court. Even though we had a lot of errors, I just remained focused and concentrated on the next possession.” Deardorff finished the match with 13 kills and seven digs. Deardorff has averaged 12 kills over the previous four games. Both junior setter Caylin Mahoney and freshman outside hitter Shelby Vas Matt registered double-
Reynaldo Leaños | Staff Photographer Senior middle blocker Ashlee Hilbun returns a volley against Troy Oct. 18 at Strahan Coliseum. The Bobcats defeated the Trojans 3–1. doubles in the match. Mahoney recorded a game-high 32 assists and 20 digs. Vas Matt finished with 10 kills and 13 digs. Freshman setter Jordan Moore provided 10 assists and nine digs in the win. “We definitely had to change things up in this game,” said Coach Karen Chisum. “We’re going to
continue to run that 6–2 formation with Jordan (Moore) involved. We’ve been practicing it all year, but for the last two weeks, we’ve really been focusing on it.” Texas State finished its weekend against South Alabama Sunday, a team ranked eighth in conference standings that had an away record
SUN BELT STANDINGS VOLLEYBALL
Team
Sun Belt
Western Kentucky Arkansas-Little Rock Arkansas State Texas-Arlington Louisiana-Lafayette Texas State Troy South Alabama Georgia State Louisiana-Monroe
8-1 7-2 6-3 6-3 5-4 5-4 4-5 2-7 1-8 1-8
Pct. .782 .714 .434 .590 .652 .625 .391 .368 .260 ..200
Overall
Streak
18-5 15-6 10-13 13-9 15-8 15-9 9-14 7-12 6-17 5-20
W2 L1 L1 W1 W1 W1 L1 L1 L10 L2
of 2–4 coming into the match. The matchup was the first between the Bobcats and the Jaguars in school history. The match lasted five sets, but Texas State was able to claim the lead in the fifth set, defeating South Alabama, 15–8. “We have started slow these past two games,” Chisum said. “That’s
something we’re going to have to address in practice. Fortunately, we made some adjustments during the game, keeping Caylin (Mahoney) on the front line and letting her produce offensively. Amari (Deardorff) also had a good game.” Deardorff recorded a team-high 18 kills during the match, finishing with a .385 hitting percentage from the court. Deardorff registered six kills during the fourth set of the match, which was her highest in a single set during the game. With South Alabama leading 21–20 in the fourth set, Deardorff scored three consecutive kills, helping the Bobcats take the lead and close out the set. Deardorff recorded the final point of the fifth set to end the match. “(South Alabama) is a super athletic team. I would be scared to go up against them three or four years down the line,” Deardorff said. “We just came out really flat. The first set was like pulling teeth, it was miserable. Coming out flat is not going to carry us very far, especially approaching the conference tournament.” Ahrens and Hilbun finished with a combined 21 kills in the South Alabama match, and Hilbun ended with a team-best .476 from the court. Mahoney recorded her second double-double of the weekend, finishing with 34 assists and 17 digs. Moore added 10 assists and nine digs in the game against the Jaguars.
SOCCER
Team
Sun Belt
Western Kentucky Louisiana-Lafayette Arkansas State South Alabama Troy Georgia State Texas State Louisiana-Monroe Arkansas-Little Rock
6-1-0 5-1-0 4-3-0 3-2-1 3-3-0 3-4-0 2-3-1 1-5-0 1-6-0
Pct. .625 .600 .588 .647 .437 .366 .400 .382 .250
Pts. Overall 18 15 12 10 9 9 7 3 3
8-4-4 8-5-2 9-6-2 10-5-2 7-9-0 5-9-1 5-8-2 6-10-1 4-12-0
Streak W1 W4 W2 L2 W1 L1 L3 W1 L2
FOOTBALL
Team Louisiana-Lafayette Arkansas State Troy South Alabama Louisiana-Monroe Texas State Western Kentucky Georgia State
Sun Belt
Pct.
2-0 1-0 2-1 1-1 1-1 1-2 1-2 0-2
.666 .500 .571 .500 .428 .571 .571 .000
Overall
Streak
4-2 3-3 4-3 3-3 3-4 4-3 4-3 0-7
W4 W1 W2 W1 W1 W1 L1 L7
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8 | The University Star | Sports | Tuesday October 22, 2013
FOOTBALL
Bobcats take first Sun Belt win
W
Texas State
24
Sophomore running back Robert Lowe rushes for 59 yards, his longest of the year, in the second quarter against Georgia State.
By Samuel Rubbelke Sports Reporter @SamuelRubbelke
T
exas State captured its first-ever Sun Belt Conference win Saturday with a 24–17 victory over the Georgia State Panthers, gaining a season-high 296 yards on the ground. Sophomore running back Robert Lowe earned Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week with his performance against the Panthers. The running back from Waxahachie has now registered four 100-yard rushing games on the season. He finished with a career-high 177 yards in the game and one touchdown. Lowe averaged 8.4 yards per carry on the night with a game-high rush of 59 yards. “It felt real good,” Lowe said. “I feel really comfortable out there. My line is blocking good, giving me places to run. It’s more important that we got the win.” Sophomore running back Chris Nutall accumulated 90 yards and scored two touchdowns. Nutall is second in touchdowns scored this year for the Bobcats with six, one behind Lowe. Texas State is 3–1 this
season when rushing for more than 200 yards. “I think Rob (Lowe) can’t make those yards if the guys up front don’t get those yards,” said Coach Dennis Franchione. “Hopefully that’ll be a good sign that our line is growing and coming together. We’ve played seven games now and hopefully that’s going to continue. Rob is good at finding seams. If we can create one, he can find it. That’s one of his strengths.” Collectively the running backs accounted for 296 yards rushing, the highest the Bobcats ran for this season. Texas State only lost 5 yards from the running backs on 30 carries. “They’re good running backs,” said Panther Coach Trent Miles. “They’re well coached, they’re physical runners, and they’re as good as we’re going to face.” On the first play of the game, Georgia State senior wide receiver Albert Wilson converted for a 47yard run on a motion sweep to the left side of the field. Wilson attacked the Bobcat defense from every angle, registering 93 yards receiving, 39 yards on kick returns and 14 yards on punt returns. With five minutes left in the fourth
Chris Motz | Staff Photographer
quarter, the Bobcats registered their only turnover of the night by senior safety Justin Iwuji. Iwuji intercepted sophomore quarterback Ronnie Bell and returned it to the Georgia State 18-yard line. Bell ended with 208 yards passing, including a touchdown. “(That was a) big interception by Justin Iwuji,” Franchione said. “That was our only turnover that we got on the night. They don’t turnover the ball. We got the one that proved to be huge.” Senior linebacker Damion McMiller set a career-high 15 tackles and led both teams in tackles for the night. The 17 points given up by Texas State were the least since the home-opener against Prairie View A&M. The Panthers scored 3 points in the contest. “It was not only a big win for our team but a big win for the program,” McMiller said. “It showed we are a force to be reckoned with in the Sun Belt. If everyone comes to work, we believe, you will see a lot more Sun Belt wins out of us.” Junior kicker Will Johnson earned Sun Belt Conference Special Teams Player of the Week. Johnson averaged 44 yards a punt on four tries and 65 yards per kickoff attempt.
Georgia State
17
