September 11 2013

VOLUME 103, ISSUE 9

www.UniversityStar.com

WEDNESDAY

Defending the First Amendment since 1911

SEPTEMBER 11, 2013

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CRIME

Corporal suspended indefinitely following arrest, alleged assault

Numbers courtesy of Institutional Research

39 6

36 -40

41+

548

Undergraduate students by age, 2012 9 ,1 08

30

By Nicole Barrios News Reporter

9

25-2

BREAKING TRADITION

A San Marcos Police Department officer has been indefinitely suspended from the force after his alleged assault on a Texas State student prompted an internal investigation.

Police Chief Howard Williams said the investigation on Cpl. James Palermo has been completed. Palermo was indefinitely suspended Aug. 23, the civil service equivalent of being fired.

An incident involving Alexis Alpha, a 22-year-old marketing junior, sparked the investigation leading to his termination.

Alpha said Palermo broke her teeth and gave her a concussion during an alleged illegal arrest May 29. Her arrest occurred during an unrelated routine traffic stop Palermo

66 2,7

18-24 24,624

Student returns to Texas State, studies alongside daughter

By Rebecca Banks

See ASSAULT, Page 2

CRIME

News Reporter

B

elinda Cavazos would be lost without her planner.

Between being a mother of two daughters, one college-aged and one newborn, a part-time job at Austin Regional Clinic and her coursework as a healthcare administration senior, Cavazos said every day and every week is planned out.

Cavazos, 40, will graduate from Texas State in December. She was one of 463 undergraduate students between the ages of 40 and 50 at Texas State in 2012, according to data from Institutional Research.

In 2002, 447 students of the same age group were enrolled, according to the data.

The number of students ranging in age from 30 to 40 has slowly but steadly increased at the university, with 1,021 students in the age group attending in 2002 compared to 1,422 students in 2012, according to Institutional Research.

Cavazos said she attended the university when it was named Southwest Texas State but left to work full time at her current job as a patient care coordinator.

Cavazos continued to work at Austin Regional Clinic, after receiving an associate’s degree there, she said. “(I came back to school) so I could advance with my current employer,” Cavazos said. “I was just constantly training people to be managers, but because I didn’t

was conducting around 1:10 a.m. near 126 S. Guadalupe St., according to the affidavit for his arrest. Palermo was placed on restricted duty July 10 and was arrested July 16 for aggravated assault with serious bodily injury by a public servant, a first-degree felony.

“Palermo’s disciplinary hearing was on Friday afternoon (Aug. 23), and I indefinitely suspended him,” Williams said.

Williams said John Curtis, Palermo’s lawyer, filed paperwork the morning of Aug. 26 with the Civil Service Commission to appeal the decision to indefinitely sus-

SMPD officer’s disciplinary hearing pending in alleged prescription drug case

By Nicole Barrios News Reporter

A San Marcos police officer’s disciplinary hearing is pending after he surrendered himself for fraudulently obtaining controlled substances.

Reynaldo Leaños | Staff photographer Belinda Cavazos, health care admistration senior, studies in the NTSO lounge. have a degree, I couldn’t advance or get the pay that they were getting.”

Cavazos now attends Texas State with her 20-year-old daughter, Anastacia Guerrero, communication design sophomore.

“A lot of people thought that I would be all embarrassed that she is here but it’s fine,” Guerrero said.

“I hardly see her here anyways. It’s good to have her here. She is kind of showing me around too.”

Dock Hroch, 52-year-old accounting senior, met Cavazos two years ago through the NonTraditional Student Organization.

He said as older generation students, they are able to relate more than the average student and talk about bands and historical events

that occurred during their generation.

“I believe Belinda is a fascinating individual,” Hroch said.

“Going and quitting (college) a few times and now finishing—it’s impressive.”

Kate Seideman-Barclay, 30-yearold biology senior, said she formed a bond with Cavazos, and they often arrive to campus early to do last-minute homework or eat breakfast before class together.

Guerrero said her mother’s school life balances her home life out.

“At home she is always busy with me, my little sister and my stepdad,” Guerrero said. “Then

Investigations into charges against Officer David Amerson of the San Marcos Police Department have been completed. The hearing has been postponed since Amerson has not been available for the last 30 days, citing personal reasons.

Amerson was arrested at the Hays County Law Enforcement Center around 6 a.m. July 17 after warrants for his arrest were issued for intent to obtain hydrocodone, a third degree felony, and intent to obtain OxyContin, a second degree felony.

See NTSO, Page 2

Amerson was released on a $10,000 bond around 8 a.m. the same day, according to county records.

Amerson will remain on SMPD’s payroll on administrative leave until he is able to “complete the process and have his disciplinary hearing,” said Chief Howard Williams.

Records were found of Amerson filling a prescription for 90 tablets of hydrocodone May 15 and 90 tablets of OxyContin April 18, according to the warrant for his arrest. According to the arrest warrants, Amerson filled the prescriptions in “a suspicious and frequent manner” from pharmacies in Austin, San Antonio and San Marcos.

Williams said Amerson had been obtaining drugs since October, which is the earliest date SMPD is aware of his obtaining the controlled substances. Williams would not discuss the spe-

See DRUGS, Page 2

LEGISLATURE

House Bill 2 will not change Hays County abortion regulations Residents retain options in Austin, San Antonio

By Juliette Moak News Reporter

Reproductive care options for Hays County residents and Texas State students will not be largely affected by Governor Rick Perry’s signing of House Bill 2.

Perry signed HB 2 into law this summer. The bill authorizes new regulations that will close 37 out of 42 abortion providers in Texas if they are unable to comply with the new laws by Oct. 29. There are no abortion providers in Hays County. Emilio Carranco, director of the Texas State Student Health Center, attributes this fact to previous cuts

in the state budget that defunded women’s health programs.

Physicians performing the procedure are required under HB 2 to have admitting privileges at a hospital within 30 miles from the facility. Physicians must administer drugs in person to induce the abortion for patients, according to the bill.

HB 2 prohibits abortions at or after 20 weeks of pregnancy.

The exceptions include cases of possible death, substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function of the woman or severe fetal abnormalities. It required abortion facilities to convert to ambula-

tory surgical centers by Sept.

1, according to the bill. These centers are defined as “modern health care facilities focused on providing same-day surgical care including diagnostic and preventive procedures,” according to the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association.

Carranco said approximately 60 percent of Texas State’s student population is female. He said it is important the Student Health Center gives women options by offering contraception and well-woman exams.

“Whenever we have a patient who is pregnant, our main focus is to be supportive, and to provide information for an informed decision,” Carranco said. “If (abortion) is her choice, we do refer to clinics in Austin and San Antonio.”

The Planned Parenthood facil-

ity in Austin and a clinic operated by Whole Woman’s Health in San Antonio are two of five clinics in Texas that meet ambulatory surgical center standards, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

The South Austin Planned Parenthood clinic serves a large number of Hays County residents. It is preparing for an influx of clients from other parts of Texas as clinics in rural areas begin shutting down, said Brittany Yelverton, community outreach specialist at Planned Parenthood.

“A year is very quick, but we’re working to serve the needs of the community,” Yelverton said.

“Right now, we’re waiting to hear from Texas Health and Human Services to see if there will be any changes in the drafting of the rules.”

Carrie Williams, Texas Health and Human Services Commission spokesperson, said the commission officials cannot provide exemptions to the bill but can advise on different ways to implement it.

Fatimah Gifford, spokesperson for Whole Woman’s Health, said she does not believe the rules of the bill will be mitigated in any way before they go into effect. She said Whole Women’s Health is working to accommodate patients from other parts of Texas where the facilities will not be able to comply with the new laws.

Carranco said Texas State students would not be impacted as much as individuals from more rural communities.

“There will be fewer, limited options,” Carranco said. “But the choice will still be there.”

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2 | The University Star | News | Wednesday September 11, 2013

NTSO, continued from front here she is just with friends studying.”

While Cavazos credits her support system for her success in school, saying there are “no words I can use to describe it,” her friends and family credit her strength and resiliency.

“I think it is truly amazing that she has the strength and energy to continue her degree with everything else that is going on in her life,” Seideman-Barclay said. “It definitely takes a lot of determination and dedication to do what she does.”

DRUGS, continued from front cific pharmacies where Amerson obtained the drugs.

John Curtis is Amerson’s lawyer from the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas office in Austin.

Curtis said he does not know

if a decision has been made to indefinitely suspend Amerson at this time. He said if Amerson is indefinitely suspended he “assumes (Amerson) would appeal” the decisions, but they have not yet “reached that juncture.”

ASSAULT, continued from front pend him. He said Curtis is from the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas office in Austin.

Curtis said the hearing for Palermo’s appeal has not yet been scheduled, and the case against the department has not been developed since it is still early in the process.

“It’s (Palermo’s) right to appeal and make the department and the city prove what they’ve alleged,” Curtis said.

Curtis said he does not know what Palermo’s plans for the future are if the appeal of his suspension is not successful.

In light of Palermo’s upcoming appeals, Williams said he is not aware if Alpha plans to take any legal action against the former officer.

Michael Wadler, Alpha’s attorney, said he had not heard of Palermo’s indefinite suspension until speaking with The University Star.

Wadler said Alpha came to

him “to seek legal advice, and (is) looking at all the different options.” He said at this time no decision has been made to take legal action against Palermo on the part of Alpha.

“If what happened to Alexis is any indication of this officer, then it was probably a good decision to take him off the streets,” Wadler said.

Wadler said he “has no idea” if Alpha is aware of Palermo’s indefinite suspension, and his situation will not be factored into Alpha’s decision whether or not to take legal action against him.

“I know that (Alpha) will be relieved,” Wadler said. “It’s been a very, very hard ordeal for her because we go through life somewhat innocent, and you see things happen on the news, but to imagine that it can happen to you is just something that no one really considers. And what may be somebody’s fear is her reality.

There’s certainly some innocence lost.”

Carlos Valdez | Assistant photo editor

WILD ART Jorge Flores, music education junior, practices his euphonium Sept.

9 outside the Music Building.

COUNTY

New fiscal year budget could fund water study, pay raises

By James Carneiro

Assistant News Editor

Hays County officials are focusing funds on special projects with their 2014 fiscal year budget, including a collective bargaining agreement and a search for alternative sources of groundwater.

According to the Hays County website, the county commissioners proposed a total budget for fiscal year 2014 of $150,428,178. Laureen Chernow, Hays County communications specialist, said the 2014 fiscal year budget was down about 14 percent from last year’s budget.

The budget will be finalized Sept.

17, Chernow said. Proposed differences include increasing funding for construction, searching for alternative sources of groundwater and allowing for law enforcement pay raises.

The budget covers the fiscal year from Oct. 1 through September 2014. It will be discussed by commissioners beginning in early spring and provide funds for personnel, equipment and operations for the county.

Chernow said the county has proposed a $1 million water use study because of concerns about a lack of water in the area. There will be a public hearing Sept. 17 to see if residents approve of the study. She said the county hopes to find new sources of water as a result of the project.

Clint Garza, director of Development Services, said a possible source of water for Hays County might be the Simsboro Aquifer, but it was much too early in the budget process to say whether that was likely to happen. Simsboro Aquifer is located in Lee County, about 60 miles east of Austin.

Garza said he thinks more water supply developments will arise soon. He said commissioners are holding executive sessions to hash out the decision-making processes, so new information will likely be produced soon.

County Commissioner Ray Whisenant, Precinct 4, said a study had not been organized but was rather a “request for proposals” called “Alternative Groundwater for Hays County.” Whisenant said this means county officials send documents to people and organizations that seem interested in providing water to Hays County.

Whisenant said the commissioners received a response from a company named Forestar. He said the county was “moving forward” with the company to preserve groundwater from outside of Hays County.

Whisenant said most of Hays County and most of Central Texas is in a stage three drought. He said “we must be very conservative” when dealing with the water supply in order to meet demand, which will be even larger in the future. Running out of groundwater is a “foreseeable” problem if another source of water is not found, Whisenant said.

Whisenant said the cost of transporting water from Simsboro Aquifer, if that plan is chosen, has not been estimated yet.

Whisenant cannot predict how using water from Simsboro Aquifer would affect the water bills of Hays County residents. He said people should be searching for the closest source of water, since it tends to be the cheapest to use.

A second difference in the budget is a collective bargaining agreement for most law enforcement officials in Hays County. Chernow said Hays County voters approved this agreement in 2008, which allows a group of law enforcement officers and county officials to meet once a year to discuss possible pay raises that depend on the market rate.

These salary increases would apply to certain officer positions, Chernow said. She said this process is completely separate from possible pay raises for other county employees.

The funding for the raises in the proposed budget is $1.1 million, Chernow said.

The University Star | Wednesday September 11, 2013 | 3

OPINIONS

UniversityStar.com

THE MAIN POINT

Student athletes deserve payment in multimillion-dollar industry

I

t is time for university officials to start paying student athletes.

Recent scandals have given the National Collegiate Athletic Association and university officials difficulty when handling the matter of collegiate players receiving a share of team merchandise sales.

The NCAA made $871.6 million in 2011-2012, the last academic year audited numbers were made available to the public.

According to current projections made by ESPN and CBS Sports, the NCAA will be a billion-dollar entity by the end of 2013, which is an enormous amount of revenue for an institution whose website states it is a non-profit organization.

When you examine the work student athletes put in with lifting, meetings, practices, games and study hall hours, all on top of maintaining a certain GPA to stay eligible to play, the case for compensation becomes clear.

Since most collegiate athletes are only allowed to earn up to $2,000 an academic year from an outside job due to an NCAA rule, improper benefits such as gifts become tempting for some players. Some people do not consider many student athletes come from underprivileged families and are using their athletic abilities to make a better life for themselves and their loved ones.

Every season Texas State and the NCAA make millions of dollars from selling athletic products such as jerseys with certain players’ numbers on them—and even then, the athletes do not make any money from the sales. Fans do not buy these jerseys because they represent Texas State alone, but because they represent their favorite players on the team. With large portions of merchandise and ticket sales solely purchased because of the players on the

to athletes on a year-by-year basis, one academic year at a time, and not for all four years as is commonly assumed. Scholarships can be renewed or suspended at the end of each season depending on performance and injury. Coaches have the right to take away scholarships at the end of the year due to poor performance or injuries suffered while playing the sport.

Additionally, there are athletes who do not have scholarships. Some have to try out as walk-ons in the hopes of making the team and may have to play while still abiding by the same NCAA rules as players with scholarships.

The more money the NCAA makes and the more institutions continue to sign nine-figure contracts with TV networks and sponsors, the longer the debate of paying collegiate athletes will continue. Student athletes sacrifice their bodies and time to play college sports just to receive zero compensation while universities profit off their hard work and individual brands.

Most of these student athletes will not become professionals in their sport, and many of them will not play the sport all four years of college. The NCAA and universities should let college athletes capitalize on their brand while they are uninjured and possibly at the peak of their careers.

Ryan Jeanes | Star illustrator field and not the team brand itself, players should be entitled to a part of the profit universities make from them.

Many people may argue student ath-

letes are already rewarded with full-ride scholarships and therefore should not be paid extra for their work on the field.

However, full-ride scholarships are awarded

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

OPPOSING VIEWS

Bobcats should take advantage of fitness resources at Texas State

Student Recreation Center needs to provide support for new gym-goers

should be encouraged to Severytudents enroll in physical education courses semester, join a campus sports club

he Student Recreation Center, a T positive space that encourages students to remain active, can be in-

or attend the Student Recreation Center weekly.

Being physically active can motivate students to take care of their bodies now and into the future, and succeed in other areas of life.

Texas State is home to 27 Robert Núñez different sport Opinions Columnist clubs encomMass communication senior passing all different levels of physical activity. Cycling, fencing, disc golf, rugby and ice hockey are just a few of the sports Bobcats can participate in through clubs. Texas State has a thriving athletic club community, and students should be sure to get involved. I know from personal experience how awesome participating in a sports club here can be—I recently joined the Texas State Tennis Club. If students do not want to join a club, however, there are other options to improve their physical fitness.

For example, the recreation center is a great resource for students who want to get in shape. Everything at the recreation center is indoors so students need not fear the heat. Among the facilities offered are an indoor track and pool, weight room and various courts. For students on the go, the recreation center even has computers and printers available.

It would be a surprise if there were fewer than 200 students on a weekday evening. The costs for most activities at the recreation center are covered by student tuition, but even the few classes and activities requiring extra money for

participation are still far from expensive.

Rock climbing in the recreation center, for example, costs only $5 per session.

Another option students can pursue through the school is PFW courses.

Although students entering fall 2013 and later are no longer required to take PFWs, the courses are still a fun, easy way for students to get fit and have fun.

Many courses include extra components that can further enhance students’ experiences. For example, the backpacking PFW goes on an actual weekend backpacking trip.

Despite the many options available at Texas State, many students may have difficulty finding the motivation to work out or start a healthy routine on top of schoolwork and other responsibilities.

Lack of motivation is one of the main reasons students do not work out more.

Finding the inspiration to work out can be challenging, but once you find something or someone who motivates you, the rest comes naturally.

Being able to self-motivate is a skill that can play a big role in students’ lives—if you can force yourself to work out every morning you can achieve so much more during your day. Learning to find determination within will benefit students not only in working out and becoming more fit but also academically, socially and career-wise.

Medical or physical conflicts are the only valid reasons students have to not get active with so many resources surrounding them. Being physically active is good for students mentally and physically. Regular exercise can help prevent serious conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. It can help lower stress levels, something all college students could benefit from.

Students should make an effort to get active while they are on campus, whether that be through clubs, PFWs or by just going to the recreation center.

timidating for students trying to get in shape for the first time.

I am not disputing the usefulness or quality of the recreation center on campus. Quite the opposite— the facilities provided by the school at the recreation Savannah Wingo center are well Opinions Editor furnished, Mass communication junior functional and not to mention shiny. It is partially the crowd the recreation center tends to attract that can make working out there so uncomfortable.

Allow me to clarify: muscle-y, sweaty, in-shape students do not in and of themselves dissuade less fit students from coming to the recreation center.

It is the muscle-heads grunting unnecessarily, lovingly admiring themselves in one of the various mirrors around the gym while they lift that can make the recreation center, in a word, suck.

It is the Rec bunnies with their immaculate, fully made-up faces and coordinating sports bras that intimidate chubby chumps such as myself.

But do not get it twisted. I am not trying to put down fit Bobcats who work hard to look the way they do.

In fact, I congratulate them on their attractiveness. I will not deny that I enjoy having a plethora of sweaty six packs to stare at while I am huffing away on the stationary bike. Even the girls in their expensive sports wear can serve as inspiration.

When your shape is vastly different from 99 percent of the gym population, however, it kind of saps your motivation. It can be hard not to let your imagination get the best of you. The times I do go to the recreation center to work out, I often end up imagining fit gym-goers chuckling behind my back and making sarcastic comments about my flabby booty. These thoughts are, of course, ridiculous—I have a fantastic booty. Still, I know I am not alone in my irrational discomfort.

Perhaps if the recreation center provided some kind of support for gym newbies, it would be less intimidating.

A buddy system pairing newbies together, or with more experienced gymgoers, could be beneficial. I know that I am more motivated and comfortable going to the gym when I am accountable to a partner.

Another thing the recreation center could do to help out intimidated Bobcats is provide preset workout plans.

Plans could be customized to goals such as “weight loss,” “heart health” and “muscle building.” Based on the student’s overall goals, gym staff could hand out plans outlining basic workouts and levels of intensity.

Even just an introductory walkthrough of the facilities and how to use the various machines could make the recreation center a less daunting place for newbies. A huge barrier to entry at the gym is just having the knowledge to properly use the machinery there.

Overall, the recreation center is a great place for students to get in shape.

Until the atmosphere becomes more conducive for inexperienced students, however, many of us will likely stick to pounding the sidewalk instead of iron for our daily workout.

UNIVERSITY STAR POLL

What’s your favorite part of football season?

TAILGATING DRINKING THE GAMES SCHOOL SPIRIT OTHER

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

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

Design Editor.................................................Lee Moran, stardesign@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, chris.salazar@txstate.edu Advertising Coordinator...........................Kelsey Nuckolls, starad1@txstate.edu Publications Coordinator.......................................Linda Allen, la06@txstate.edu Publications Director...........................Bob Bajackson, stardirector@txstate.edu

The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the spring and fall and every other Wednesday in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung.

Copyright Wednesday, September 11, 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

4 | The University Star | Tuesday September 11, 2013

TRENDS

UniversityStar.com

GAME DAY fashion strategies Bobcats show spirit with unique looks at tailgate

By Kara Dornes

Special to the Star

The 2013 football season has arrived, and tailgating before the games is a time-honored tradition. Along with the fun, food and thumping music come the cute and sometimes crazy game day fashions.

From the game day dresswearers to the super fans in body paint, tailgate is a time for students to show off style or unleash their inner cheerleader.

Rocio De La Rosa, buyer for the University Bookstore, knows exactly what students need to be dressed to impress on game days.

“We sell whatever is trending,” De La Rosa said. “Tanks, tee-shirts, hoodies—basic things like that.”

De La Rosa said one of the most popular items for men this fall is a coach’s polo, made with smooth and higher-quality fabric for a more refined look.

De La Rosa said women are bucking tradition and trading typical Bobcat T-shirts for burnout tanks. These feature alternating fabric thickness for a sporty, leopard-print appearance.

The University Bookstore sells a variety of other items including bows, hats, flip-flops, specialty

game day boots and decorations for dorm rooms and apartments.

A classic spirit T-shirt is essential and sometimes mandatory for men at games. However, some enterprising female Bobcats have come up with a fun twist to make their spirit shirts into fun and flirty game day dresses.

Stitches & Such, located off of Wonder World Drive, specializes in making one-of-a-kind game day dresses for its customers.

“Whatever you want on them is what we do,” said owner Pam Daltry.

What makes Stitches & Such stand out from other monogramming and gift stores are the virtually unlimited options for customization, Daltry said.

Daltry said the initial process of constructing the game day dresses is simple. Customers choose between applique, heat press and monogrammed tops.

Customizable options include embroidery, ruffles and adding a shoulder strap.

Cecilia Ybarbo, fashion merchandising freshman and greek community member, wore a sorority shirt to the tailgate and the first home game against Prairie View A&M Saturday.

“I wore my sorority’s shirt with jean shorts and boots,”

Madelynne Scales | Staff photographer Lee Travis, marketing junior, and Marshall Richardson, construction science freshman, show their Texas State pride by painting themselves maroon and gold Sept. 7 before the Bobcats’ home opener.

Ybarbo said. “Everyone in my sorority was somewhat matching to show that we are sisters.”

Ybarbo is looking forward to wearing her game day dress that is in the process of being made, and she praised the bookstore’s specialty game day boots.

“The specialty boots that the bookstore sells go perfectly with whatever your custom T-shirt dress looks like,” Ybarbo said.

“Wearing boots to a game with a custom T-shirt dress, to me, is a southern tradition.”

Pets can make college transition easier for students away from home

By Randi Berkovsky Special to the Star

Three years ago, theatre senior Renee Mize brought her new dog home from Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter in Georgetown. Tobi-Wan Kenobi, or Tobi for short, was a two-year-old abuse victim with parasites, fleas, ticks and aggressive tendencies. Today, Mize says he is the light of her life.

Tobi, a black and white Papillon and Sheltie mix with circles on his face and feet, is a large responsibility for Mize.

She said that adopting him created a bond that would not have happened otherwise, but having a dog like Tobi is very expensive.

“I had to pay about $1,000 to get him healthy again,” Mize said. “And it took a few months to get him back on his feet.

You have to be completely committed because if you go halfway and take it back, it hurts the animal even more.”

Along with the money and time required to own a dog, Mize added a person should make sure to have a balcony or some kind of outside space. She said dogs want to run around and feel free, and students should not have dogs in small apartments. Additionally, dogs require their owners to be home every few hours to take them outside and be able to feed them at the same time every day.

Mize described owning her dog as “like having a child.”

Dangler said students interested in owning a pet should seriously consider how the animal would fit into their lifestyle before adopting. She said they should make sure they have enough time, money and the ability to take care of the pet for the rest of its life.

“We have a lot of students who adopt, and then they move and have to bring it back,” Dangler said. “This happens regularly. Being a responsible pet owner means you keep that pet for life.”

After students move away and begin a new life in college, many might miss home cooked food or the comfort of their childhood bed. For some, however, the companionship of a furry friend helps make the move and transition to college a bit easier.

Through the constant hustle and bustle of the semester, having a pet can be like an ideal roommate, offering affection and friendship. According to Monica Dangler, director of PAWS Shelter and Humane Society, approximately 50 percent of the shelter’s adoptions are made by students.

She said this is mainly because many had pets in their hometowns and want the same type of companionship in college.

For Janine Sultana, communication studies senior, her cat Purrcy offered just that. The one-year-old white feline, with yellow markings on his face and back and stripes on his tail, became a member of her family during the beginning of school last year. Purrcy was given to Sultana by a farm in Bastrop.

She describes him as “the most affectionate cat in the world who has bursts of energy.” His quirk is that he likes to shred paper, and he has even destroyed a textbook before. She said that her cat literally “ate her homework.”

“I’m an animal person,” Sultana said.

“I didn’t have space for a dog, so I got a cat, and it has been great. It is especially great because I don’t have to come home to an empty house. I am welcomed every time.”

Sultana’s advice to those planning to own a cat in the future is to make sure the adoptee has enough time to care for the pet. Cats, though lower maintenance than dogs, still need a lot of attention, especially kittens. Pet owners have to take time and Hill Country MHDD Centers train them.

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The University Star | Wednesday September 11, 2013 | 5

SPORTS

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VOLLEYBALL

Baylor falls to Texas State 3–1 at Strahan Victory marks first over Bears since ‘96

By Bert Santibanez Sports Reporter @BertSantibanez

Texas State defeated Big 12 Conference opponent Baylor for the first time since Sept. 13, 1996 Tuesday at Strahan Colesium.

During the first set in Tuesday’s game the Bobcats shot 86 percent from the court. Freshman outside-hitter Shelby Vas Matt, right-side hitter Amari Deardorff and senior middle-blocker Ashlee Hilbun all finished the game with double-digits kills. Deardorff led the game with 12 kills.

Junior setter Caylin Mahoney recorded 37 assists in the game. Sophomore Sierra Smith led the team in digs, gathering 15.

The Bobcats scored four serving aces in the match.

“We’re not going to just serve the ball in the court,” said Coach Karen Chisum.

“We’re going to serve aggressive. The team knows that we (have) got to keep our opponent out of their offensive flow.

We’re going to miss some serves, but hits better be long and out. We keep confident. That’s something we work on every day in practice.”

On Baylor’s side of the net, senior outside hitter Zoe Adom tallied a teamhigh 20 kills in the game on 48 attempts.

Sophomore setter Amy Rosenbaum led the Bears in assists, amounting 42 in the game. Baylor outnumbered Texas State in kills, assists, blocks, digs and total team points, despite the Bobcats accounting for 10 fewer errors in the game. There were 18 tied scores and eight lead changes during the match.

“I think we did better as a team in this Madelynne Scales | Staff photographer Senior middle blocker Molly Ahrens celebrates after the Bobcats’ win over Baylor Sept. 10 at Strahan Coliseum. Texas State defeated the Bears for the first time since Sept. 13, 1996.

CROSS COUNTRY

Bobcats look to improve standings, performance at Rice Invitational

By Josh Zigrang Sports Reporter @JoshZigrang

Cross-country coach Bryan Jackson will take his men’s and women’s teams to the Rice Invitational Sept. 13.

The two teams finished in seventh place last month in the Bear Twilight at Baylor. The Bobcats showed there is improvement needed to achieve their soughtafter goal of ranking in the top three in the conference or winning a championship.

“I’m a competitive guy,”

Jackson said. “I always expect to win. We always try to figure out how we are going to win a championship but definitely (want to) finish (in the) top three. The way we’re (going to) contend for a championship is getting the gaps between (the runners) to 30 and 45 seconds.”

Freshman runner Keila Rodriguez finished 25th overall at the Aug. 30 meet with a time of 14:56.8 in the 2,000-meter run.

The newcomer said she is trying to mold herself into a new type of runner for the team.

“It was my first college meet,” Rodriguez said. “I was kind of

nervous, but I used those nerves to drive me and push me throughout the race. I’ve never been a long distance (runner). I am just trying to get used to the mileage and trying to get better and improving on that.”

The women’s team has what Jackson wants in order to meet his season goals in senior runner Michelle Jones and freshman Gabriela Ortegon who finished with a time of 16:20.1 for a 74th place finish in Waco. Junior Kelly Trevino finished with a time of 15:17.2 for 47th place.

“We’ll have what I think will be our top five girls all racing this

game,” Deardorff said. “We didn’t make as many serving errors. We just focused on putting the ball in play and continued letting them make their errors. There were times in the match where (Baylor) runs of points situations that we didn’t want to be in, but we were better at changes rotations, so (Baylor) was seeing different things all the time.”

Hilbun discussed the adjustments the team made after the North Texas Invitational where Texas State endured its first two losses of the year.

“We came in this game with the attitude we’re going to serve a lot tougher,” Hilbun said. “I think have a tougher mentality really helped us a lot with the win. In practice, we worked a lot on drills that focused on finishing games, not letting our opponents back in, and I think we showed that tonight.”

The team’s last meeting with Baylor was in Waco Sept. 4, 2012. In the first two sets, the score differential was a combined five points, with six lead changes and 12 tied scores. During the second set, with the score 22-20 and the Bobcats in the lead, the Bears went on a 6-2 scoring run, winning the set. Texas State managed 14 points in the third set, its lowest point total of the match. Baylor ended up with the victory in three sets.

Deardorff, a junior at the time, had seven kills on 12 attempts, hitting .417 from the court. Deardorff’s hitting percentage during the game was the highest for the team, with the remaining Bobcats failing to average a percentage higher than .200.

Collectively, the team averaged .074 for the match, with Baylor hitting .309 from the field. The Bears tallied 14 more kills and 13 more assists than Texas State.

weekend,” Jackson said. “It will be fun to see what they can do together.”

Jones has been a leader on the team’s record board with her top finishes in the 5,000-meter, 3,800-meter and 2 mile runs, with a second best finish in the 4,000-meter run. Jones finished 40th with a time of 15:08.7 in Waco.

The men’s team is led by sophomore runner and Adams State University transfer student Joseph Pena, who finished with a time of 19:44.6 at the Bear Twilight, placing him at 27th. Pena has come off a year break from running to help the Bobcats this season.

“This year we are hoping for a third place finish in the conference,” Pena said. “I really want to improve from last weekend.

Overall, I think we need to improve on racing, staying with the pack, and then just letting the end

of the race play out.”

Junior Joseph Rodriguez placed 29th with a run time of 19:45.8. Rodriguez placed second best on the team in the 6,000-meter, 7,500-meter and 8,000-meter runs last year.

Sophomore Tyrone Jackson will be heading back home to Houston while ranking number one in all of the team’s individual distance runs. The sophomore runner finished 46th at the Bear Twilight with a final time of 20:09.8. Jackson finished 74th overall with a run time of 18:25 at last year’s 6,000-meter run in the Rice Invitational.

Nearly a year ago this Friday, the women’s team finished 10th at the Rice Invitational while the men’s team finished 12th. Texas A&M claimed victory as both its men’s and women’s teams finished first last year.

BOBCAT BOBCAT News and Notes

By Odus Evbagharu Sports Editor @odus_Outputs

Players of the We

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The University Star | Sports | Wednesday September 11, 2013 | 6

FOOTBALL

By Samuel Rubbelke

Assistant Sports Editor @SamuelRubbelke

Texas Tech is not the main concern during the bye week for Texas State and Coach Dennis Franchione, but rather, managing the Bobcats’ own miscues.

Even though the team scored on its first two drives, senior quarterback Tyler Arndt still sees habits and penalties the team can eliminate for a more efficient offense.

“I definitely agree that this week off is going to be more beneficial to us,” Arndt said. “We’ve got so many things to clean up on offense. We did have a little more success against Prairie View A&M, but there’s so many little things to work on such as offsides, holding and listening in the huddle. I think this extra week will really help us going into Texas Tech.”

Midway through the third quarter, Arndt was sacked and had the air knocked out of him. Requiring a couple of plays off, redshirt freshman Jordan Moore came in and handed off a 77-yard touchdown run to sophomore running back Chris Nutall.

Moving forward, Franchione acknowledges having both Moore and Arndt is vital to the team’s success moving forward.

“Well I can’t give him (Moore) experience,” Franchione said. “Every snap that he gets out there is valuable. He’s

PR B O AC BCAT TIC FOO E R T B AL EP L OR T

Preparation continues as Bobcats enter bye week

Star file photo

Senior quarterback Tyler Arndt has a positive outlook on the bye week before the Bobcats’ matchup with Texas Tech Sept. 21 in Lubbock. a redshirt freshman. He hasn’t played in a football game (un)til last week in a year. I wish I could reach in my pocket and hand a quarterback experience, but I can’t. We’re going to need both as we go through the year.”

Texas State is currently ranked number two in the nation allowing 34 yards per

game on the ground.

With the barrier success at the line, the Bobcat defense has placed opposing offensive coordinators in a bind and forced them to attack by air. However, the back five proved they were up to the challenge against Prairie View A&M, with seven hits that jarred the ball loose

for pass break-ups.

“When you can defend the run you make a team one-dimensional,” Franchione said. “One of the things though is our secondary deserves a lot of credit, if they (Prairie View A&M receivers) made a catch last week we had some punishing hits. We got them a little gun shy, because we hit them and got some good licks on them.”

Texas State has held its opponent to two touchdowns in the past two games.

In their most recent matchup, the Bobcats held the Panthers to 45 yards rushing and limited them to scoring only a field goal.

“It’s a really good thing—it means we’re keeping them out of the end zone,” said junior linebacker Mike Orakpo. “I think we’ve done a great job in our first two games allowing only two touchdowns.

It’s been a common theme for our team this year, changing the culture, and what better way than a 2-0 start?”

One of Franchione’s main points of emphasis will be special teams. Last game they were 0-2 for field goals and had another kick blocked.

“I don’t know if we’re ever going to be able to kick a field goal without it being blocked,” Franchione said. “That’s frustrating right now. I would like to be able to kick a field goal and get it up and not have it blocked. That one ticks me off pretty good.”

BI: You always have to go with Calvin Johnson. Then, Julio Jones and Anquan Boldin.

Get to Know Ben Ijah

junior wide receiver Samuel Rubbelke

Assistant Sports Editor @SamuelRubbelke

SR: If you could have any NFL quarterback throw to you for the day, who would it be?

BI: I would have to choose Philip Rivers. I’m a San Diego guy, born and raised. That would mean I’m in San Diego with the Chargers and everything.

Star file photo

SR: Who are your top three receivers in the NFL today?

SR: Why do you wear the number 1?

BI: When I got here, I was always number 18 throughout high school and in junior college. When I first got here, I wasn’t able to be 18 so I looked around and saw number 1.

That was the jersey they were selling, and I thought, “Shoot, why not.”

SR: What’s the most listened song in your iPod? BI: It’s got to be between “Beach is Better” by Jay Z and “Nothing is Stopping You” by Big Sean.

SR: Where in San Marcos is the celebration spot going to be if the team makes it to a bowl game?

BI: Somewhere around The Square.

SR: What’s your favorite football memory?

BI: Back in San Diego, I got a call early in the morning from my coach,

BOBCAT BOBCAT News and Notes

Making Her Mark Overseas

Stage II en's golf Krista Puisite, All-American and Texas State womthe 2013 student-assistant coach, qualified for Stage II of Club in LPGA Q School, held at Mission Hills Country of 247 Rancho Mirage, Calif. Puisite tied for 17th in a fieldof 289, players. She finished the event with a 72-hole totaladvance one over par for the event. The top 100 players 8-11 at to Stage II of three. Stage II will be held from Oct.Fla. The the Plantation Golf and Country Club in Venice, stage top 80 players in that field will advance to the final4-8 in held at the LPGA International Golf Course Dec. Daytona Beach, Fla.

Welcome Delta Gamma New Member Class of 2013 Falgout, Ahna Ferguson, Samantha Fuentes, Brooke Gadberry, Savannah Garcia, Bre Garcia, Meg Gibbons, Kate Haack, Kayla Haros, Vanessa Jones, Kali Jones, Kaylea Kennard, Courtney Kervella, Denali Knight, Sarah Landry, Adrienne Lenamon, Jordan Leyendecker, Katie Livesey, Jessica

Lopas, Becca Reddick, Kaitlyn Lyle, Kristen Roesler, Korley Mansell, Greer Rozman, Melanie Martinez, Hanna Sangl, Alli Matous, Madison Scoggins, Tara McCann, Melody Senatore, Katie McTigue, Annie Snaddon, Sydney Mealey, Kendall Thomas, Amy Medina, Mariah Timmins, Kelsey Merta, Ashley Townsend, Madison Messick, Madison Turner, Shelby Minor, Macy Valenzuela, Brisa Norris, Kaitlyn Warren, Somer Nuckols, Avery Wilkinson, Brooke O'Malley, Abby Wolff, Jenna Parish, Alyssa Zorros, Shelby Pearson, Kaylee Real, Megan

Anchor yourself to something special

SR: If you could go over any safety and catch over him, who would he be?

BI: If I could catch over any safety, it would probably be Ed Reed or Shaun Taylor.

SR: What does it mean for you to be a Bobcat?

BI: It means hard work everyday.

It means coming to practice knowing its going to be hot, and knowing we’re going to have 21 periods and still go full speed.

The men's golf team has rele The Bobcats will play in 12 ased its 2013-14 schedule Sept. 4. tournaments this season in sev states and two countries. The en Golfweek Conference Challe team begins the season at the Iowa. The team played in a Gonge Sept. 15-17 in Burlington, years ago in Myrtle Beach, S.Clfweek Program Challenge two record by going seven under ., where the squad set a team will travel to Cabo Del Sol Intpar and shooting 281. The team Mexico Oct. 6-8. This will ma ercollegiate in Cabo San Lucas, rk the first international trip histor y for the golf team. in

Sports Editor @odus_Outputs

Abbott, Kendall Alatorre, Alex Barone, Kelly Bass, Britteney Bauersfeld, Katie Bevills, Jessica Bothwell, Sarah Braun, Savanna Buzbee, Allie Castillo, Amelia Cosgrove, Emily Cowes, Christina Crooks, Alison Crouch, Courtnie Czernohus, Taylor Denton, Sami DiCorte, Ashlee Duron, Alexia

SR: What’s your most memorable catch?

BI: It would probably be on a kick return. It is the first play on my high school highlight tape. I caught it, went up the middle, cartwheeled over the kicker and took it to the house.

Destination: Cabo

By Odus Evbagharu

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and he asked me what I was doing.

I was like, “Yeah, I’m down the street.” He told me to come by and meet Coach (Mike) Schultz, and the whole Texas State thing went under way.