September 18 2013

VOLUME 103, ISSUE 12

www.UniversityStar.com

WEDNESDAY

Defending the First Amendment since 1911

SEPTEMBER 18, 2013

VIDEO | UniversityStar.com

SPORTS | Page 6

Scuba Dive: Texas State offers a scuba diving class that allows students to become internationally certified divers upon completion.

Preparing for Tech: With the bye week completed, the Bobcat football team has had time to recover and shift focus to the Red Raiders.

CITY

Councilmembers amend, pass smoking ordinance

By James Carneiro

Assistant News Editor

San Marcos city councilmembers unanimously approved a ban prohibiting residents from smoking in public places, businesses and city-owned areas Tuesday.

Councilmembers debated aspects of the ordinance during the Sept. 17 meeting. In an effort to reduce secondhand smoke, the ordinance bans smoking in any public place or park, in enclosed areas owned by the city and enclosed workplaces. Owners of establishments will be in violation of the ordinance if they fail to keep customers from smoking.

The ordinance requires establishments to display anti-smoking signage, remove ashtrays from buildings and ensure those who report smoking violations will be protected from retaliation. San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District students will also receive tobacco education under the ordinance.

Councilmembers also voted to add two amendments to the ordinance. Under the first amendment that passed 6-1, businesses can apply for a special permit to place in their front windows. If owners display the permit before June 1, 2014, they will have until Jan. 1, 2015 to let people smoke in their establishments until an outdoor area where smoking is permitted is built. Businesses who fail to post the permit will not be allowed the extra time.

“I support the ordinance as long as it includes an exception for outdoor decks,” said

Star file photo

Councilman Jude Prather, Place 2, in a letter presented at the meeting due to his absence.

Councilman John Thomaides, Place 3, was the only member who voted against the first amendment.

Thomaides said he had problems with “creating levels and advantages” for certain businesses.

The first amendment was proposed by Councilman Ryan Thomason, Place 5, as a way to give businesses more time to comply with a controversial ordinance.

“I was just trying to give a little leniency,” Thomason said.

Acceptable outdoor areas for smoking are decks and similar structures, according to the ordinance.

The second amendment, which passed 5-2, states residents cannot smoke within 15 feet of a banned location. Councilwoman Kim Porterfield, Place 1 and Councilman Shane Scott, Place 6, voted against it.

Mayor Daniel Guerrero compared the anti-smoking ordinance to the ordinance that bans the public consumption of alcohol in San Marcos parks. He said more emphasis will be placed on education in the coming months and enforcement will be stricter after nine to 10 months.

Kathryn Parker | Staff photographer ABOVE: Julie Brooks, exploratory international junior, and Will Taff, geography senior, voice their opinion on Syrian relations Sept.

17 in The Quad.

Students rally over Syrian crisis

By Juliette Moak News Reporter

M

ore than a dozen students gathered near the Fighting Stallions statue in the free speech section of The Quad Monday to rally against the nation’s involvement in Syria.

Young Americans for Liberty, a nonpartisan student organization, orchestrated the rally in response to the possibility of U.S. military action against the Syrian government following the Aug. 31 chemical weapons attack in Damascus.

Audrey Zaleski, chemistry sophomore (left), and Chris Dyer, performance and production senior, make signs Sept. 17 for a peaceful protest against American intervention in Syria.

YAL members held signs with messages calling for peace and encouraged passing students to approach them and engage in dialogue on the Syrian conflict.

“I don’t think the situation in Syria is any of our business,” said Audrey Zaleski, chemistry sopho-

more, who attended the rally. “It’s their country, and they have to go through their own development as a nation.”

According to an official report by the secretary general about the use

See SYRIA, Page 2

CONSTRUCTION

North LBJ reconstruction to begin in October

By Michelle Balagia Special to the Star

The area of North LBJ Drive intersecting Sessom Drive up to Holland Street will undergo major road construction and landscape alterations beginning in October, lasting approximately 18 months.

The most significant changes to the area will be a newly-paved, 14foot shared road and a 5- to 8-foot sidewalk that will be available on both sides of the road, according to a presentation given to residents during a neighborhood meeting Sept. 16. Texas State students living further down North LBJ will be able to use the improved road and new sidewalks to travel to class without having to wait for buses, said Shaun Condor, San

Marcos city project engineer.

A right-turn lane will be added to Sessom, according to the presentation. Both lanes on North LBJ will be able to turn left, and new traffic signals and crosswalks will be added at the intersection of Sessom and North LBJ. New water mains, wastewater lines and storm drains will be part of the reconstruction. The projected end date for the project’s construction is spring 2015.

During the reconstruction, North LBJ and Chestnut Street will both become one-way roads, according to the presentation. The construction will begin on the east side of North LBJ with barriers set up along the path. This set up will not alter the current North LBJ bus loop, but may cause delays.

“I’m excited that I will eventually be able to ride my bike to campus,” said Amanda Higgs, psychology sophomore. “Right now the road is too narrow and dangerous for me to ride my bike on. Plus, the bus takes forever, so it’ll be nice to not deal with that anymore.”

Although some bikers like Higgs are excited to have a safer commute, no bike lanes will be added to the roads. Condor said because of design standards, the area does not allow for bike lanes. The lack of bike lanes concerned some residents of the surrounding area at the neighborhood meeting.

“I think it’s great we’re finally putting money into LBJ,” said Joe Tomasso, San Marcos resident. “I moved here in 1981 and it hasn’t changed, but I’m afraid (the con-

GROWTH

University sees record-setting enrollment

By Nicole Barrios News Reporter

Texas State has experienced yet another year of record population growth for both the freshman class and overall enrollment.

There are 5,181 freshmen enrolled this fall, a 22 percent increase from fall 2012, according to Michael Heintze, associate vice president for Enrollment Management. Heintze said this year’s total enrollment is 35,568 students, a four percent increase from last fall. This is the 16th consecutive year the university has set an enrollment record. “(The freshman class) is the largest class in university history,” Heintze said.

Star file photo

Heintze said this year’s yield rate, or the number of students who enroll after being admitted to Texas State, reached 37 percent.

This yield rate typically ranges from 36 to 38 percent, he said.

Heintze said calculating enrollment is an “imprecise science,” but the university uses historical trends and yield rates to determine the population total.

Provost Eugene Bourgeois said the university does not plan to cap enrollment in the future but will target what it thinks is the appropriate freshman class size.

Bourgeois said administrators made an effort to keep the total enrollment increase under five percent by “adjusting the targets” for freshmen and transfer students in order to better estimate enrollment gain.

“Given the dramatic increase this fall, I do not foresee a similar increase for next year for the freshman class at all,” Bourgeois said.

“I suspect that our freshman class next year will be around what we admitted this year or less.”

Bourgeois said admissions standards “may be” raised in the

Austin Humphreys | Photo editor Renovations to North LBJ Drive are expected to take approximately 18 months to complete and will reduce the street to one lane. struction) might kill someone.”

Some residents said they are worried more accidents will occur because of the increased bicyclist

attention North LBJ will start to receive. Signs cautioning drivers to share the road will be put up to re-

future to curb enrollment, but currently no changes are being discussed. He said specific department heads may revise their admissions standards.

University officials have authorized the creation of 30 new permanent full-time faculty positions to fill because of the increase in students, Bourgeois said.

In addition to the 30 new positions, there will be other hires for specific departments such as English and philosophy that need additional faculty, Bourgeois said.

New sections of some classes were added due to the large number of freshmen taking introductory courses.

Bourgeois said the university technically remains under a hiring freeze, but has decided to hire faculty to help with student demand and prevent overcrowded classrooms.

Heintze said the university has tried to sustain “controlled growth” while accommodating it with resources so the quality of the academic experience remains.

“The way public universities are funded in this state, growth is necessary for the university’s budget to continue to absorb rising costs,” Heintze said. “So if you don’t have growth, that makes it very difficult for there to be merit raises or the ability to absorb rising health care costs.”

Heintze said this year’s freshman class is “almost identical to last year’s” in terms of GPA, SAT scores and high school rankings.

Heintze said, however, the recent freshman class is much larger and more diverse.

Total Hispanic student and African American enrollment

See LBJ, Page 2

See FRESHMEN, Page 2

2 | The University Star | News | Wednesday September 18, 2013

CRIME BLOTTER

FRESHMEN, continued from front for fall 2013 has increased by 12 percent and 14 percent respectively from fall 2012, according to Institutional Research. Hispanic students make up 37 percent of this year’s freshman class, and African American students make up 11 percent.

Dan Brown, University College dean and director of the Personalized Academic and Career Exploration Center (PACE), said there were 23 orientations held over the summer for the record number of freshmen. Brown said PACE officials are already taking appointments for spring academic advising and have hired a third career counselor to assist students.

“Texas State has become one of

those four or five institutions in the state that have become very attractive in the minds of students and families,” Heintze said. “We had 24,000 students apply this past year for the freshman class alone.”

Margarita Arellano, dean of students, said this year’s freshman class is displaying organizational skills and an “amazing interest to be at the university.” Arellano said the increase in enrollment is “a great problem to have,” and the Dean of Students Office is ready to handle the increase.

“It’s another really amazing year,” Heintze said. “We’re excited about possibilities for fall of 2014.”

September 14, 11:51 a.m.

Possession of controlled substances Saltgrass Steak House A non-student was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and transported to HCLEC. Judicial review.

September 13, 10:39 p.m.

Public intoxication The Tower Hall A non-student was cited and arrested for public intoxication and transported to HCLEC. Judicial review.

September 13, 7:02 p.m.

Minor in possession of alcohol Speck Parking Lot A student was cited for minor in possession of alcohol.

Judicial review.

LBJ, continued from front mind everyone of the new changes, the presentation said.

Members of the community at the Sept. 16 meeting said the newly paved road could be an invitation to speed for some drivers. They suggested the university become involved to help regulate traffic, or decrease speed limit of North LBJ to increase safety along the roads.

September 13, 4:00 p.m.

“The construction is going to be annoying,” said Aaron Witting, political science senior. “There’s already so much construction going on in San Marcos, but LBJ is a busy road and in the long run it’ll be good to get that side of town cleaned up.”

Theft under $1500 Jones Dining Complex A non-student reported that their personal property had been taken without consent. This case is under investigation.

September 13, 3:00 p.m.

Theft under $500 Speck Parking Lot A student reported that their personal property had been taken without consent. This case is under investigation.

SYRIA, continued from front of chemical weapons on the United Nations website, the Syrian regime is thought to be responsible for using sarin gas to kill about 1,400 of its own people, and more than 400 of the victims were children.

According to the same report, Syrian President Bashar Al-Assad has denied allegations of the government’s involvement in the attacks, blaming them on rebel forces. In the report, however, President Barack Obama has stated publicly there is reason to believe Syria is armed with chemical weapons to an extent that warrants military action being taken against it.

The question should not be whether the U.S. government will eventually intervene in Syria, said YAL State Chair Dustin Brennan, because in many ways it already has.

“Whether we’re there or not, there is a civil war going on, and we’re funding the rebels,” Brennan said. “We may not be militarily involved, but we’re giving resources to the rebels, so we’re already part of the problem.”

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee authorized the use of limited military force this month at the request of the president, who has stated publicly that if diplomacy fails, the U.S. is prepared to respond with military action, according to the report.

Brennan, an Army veteran, said

the two tours he served in Iraq were influential in shaping his views on military intervention.

“They didn’t want us over there (in Iraq), and we were making things a lot worse,” Brennan said.

“Now we’ve got people in this administration wanting us to go to war, and it’s obvious that the people of this nation and the students here don’t want war.”

In the absence of a U.N. sanction for military intervention, the U.S. reached an agreement with Russia Saturday to disarm the Assad regime of its chemical weapons, according to the report.

It would require the Syrian government to provide a full list of all its chemical weapons and their locations before next week. The weapons themselves would not be destroyed until the middle of next year, according to the government report.

Some opponents of this plan say the deadline is too generous to have any real effect. Brennan said the timetable to disarm is an ineffective diplomatic solution because it is “a long time” in the future.

“The possibility of U.S. intervention is always there,” said Morgan Scott, YAL treasurer. “There’s always going to be an excuse, and we may never know if they’ve turned over all the weapons, so we’re probably going to get involved anyway.”

September 13, 12:40 p.m.

Graffiti College Inn University property had been vandalized with graffiti. This case is under investigation.

—Courtesy of University Police Department

PRESS RELEASE

City of San Marcos, Texas State launch public art competition to protect rivers The City of San Marcos and Texas State University are sponsoring an art competition seeking a design for storm drain manhole covers that will be installed on all new City-owned storm drains.

The contest is intended to raise awareness of water quality issues and the impact that pollutants, dumped into city storm drains, can cause to the San Marcos River and other tributaries. Storm water pollution, such as oil from roads and parking lots, lawn fertilizer, pet waste, cigarette butts and construction sediment, directly impacts our rivers, wildlife and quality of life.

“Conservation and preservation efforts are critical for the well-being of the San Marcos River and its ecosystem, and everyone in this community has a stake in the care of this key water resource,” said Denise Trauth, president of Texas State University.

“So we are pleased to be partnering with the city in this initiative that will heighten awareness and improve our efforts to keep this watershed clean.”

The contest is part of a joint education effort between the city and university to comply with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water Act. In 2010, the City of San Marcos was designated by the Census Bureau as an “Urban Area.” As such, the City and Texas State are required to develop a storm water management plan that includes public education and public involvement among other criteria.

“This art contest is an innovative way to engage and educate our community about the impacts of pollutants in our storm drains,” said Sabas Avila, assistant director of Public Services-Transportation.

“Public art is a great way to spread this message.”

The contest is open to people who live, work or attend school in San Marcos, including Texas State students. Contestants’ designs should be “uniquely created” for San Marcos and show how the protection of local water begins at the storm drain level, according to the contest rules. The designs should be “original”, black-and-white art that fits in a 6-to 8-inch circle.

Designs will be accepted until Nov. 1, 2013. A panel of judges will select the top four winning designs

based on the relevance to the intended water quality message and on overall appearance. Winners will be selected from the following age groups: 10 and under, 11-13, 14-18, over 18. Winners from each Reynaldo Leaños | Staff photographer age group will receive $50, and the over-all winner will receive an additional $50. The winning artist will see his or her design become the standard to be used on all new City storm drain manhole covers.

San Marcos was recently named the fastest growing city in the nation, and the student population of Steve Garza, communication design senior, plays spike ball Texas State has steadily grown for the past several Sept. 17 in Sewell Park. years. “With this increased growth comes more potential sources of pollution—but public awareness can go a long way toward keeping our waterways clean,” Avila said.

For more information, contact Shawn Wolfshohl at the City of San Amy Lea S.J. Akers Marcos Transportation Division, 512393-8036 or Texas State University Attorney at Law Environmental Health, Safety and Risk Management Department, 512245-3616.

TheAkersLawFirm.com Full contest rules, entry forms and information can be found at www.sanmarcostx.gov/contest.

WILD ART

—Compiled from a City of San Marcos press release

P.O. Box 578 San Marcos, TX 78667

(512) 897-5708 **AkersLaw TheAkersLawFirm@cs.com

LEARN TO DEFEND YOURSELF GAMES FOOD& PRIZES Visit the URL below for event details and register to play Capture the Flag.

LBJ Student Center Ballroom OCTOBER 8, 2013 10 a.m.-3 p.m. security.vpit.txstate.edu/training/csad_2013.html

Hill Country MHDD Centers CSA III / In New Braunfels Must have HS diploma/GED; be able to work flexible hours.

Experience working with individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities. Experience providing residential services. Available to work weekends and evenings. $9.02/hr.

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

CSA III / In New Braunfels – 3 PRN Openings

Must have HS diploma/GED; work 16 – 18 hours a week. Experience working with individuals diagnosed with developmental disabilities.

Experience providing residential services. Available to work weekends and evenings. $10.26/hr.

Applications are available on line at www.hillcountry.org

The University Star | Wednesday September 18, 2013 | 3

OPINIONS

UniversityStar.com

THE MAIN POINT

Venues on The Square should allow all patrons over 18

I

t is time more venues on and around The Square cater to the 18-20 age group.

San Marcos has a large untapped population of underage students who have a limited number of nightlife locations to frequent. Bars and pubs around The Square like Zelicks, Taproom Pub & Grill, Sean Patrick’s and Showdown are popular hotspots that offer a 21 and up environment after a designated hour each night. Part of the reason these businesses are so successful is because they are able to glean thousands of dollars in alcohol sales from older residents and students each night.

It is wise for business owners to want to avoid crackdowns by Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission officials and ensure alcohol is not sold to minors. However, business owners are missing out on a large target market by denying the 18- to 20-year-old nightlife crowd at locally-renowned establishments.

An enrollment record was set this fall for the 16th year in a row, totaling 35,568 students, according to a Sept. 18 University Star article. The incoming freshman class reached 5,181 students this year, which is a 22 percent increase from 2012, according to the same story. With so many new underclassmen heading to Texas State each year, nightlife business owners should be scrambling to accommodate the needs of this record-breaking population.

Many of these underage students have no place to go on weekends to let loose, enjoy music and hang out with friends after regular business hours. If a student is underage and has friends who are 21 or older, chances of going out as a group to popular nightlife bars are slim to none.

Business owners should follow models set in other college towns and offer an 18 and up environment each night or on designated nights. This would easily allow many underage freshmen and sophomores to hang out at establishments along and around The Square after hours without being unfairly shut out.

Northgate is a favorite location for many students in College Station. With a variety of

restaurants, bars and dance venues, Northgate offers an 18 and up atmosphere to cater to the diverse student population at Texas A&M University. Many of the employees at the venues require a cover charge at the door for those who are underage, and mark the back of their hands with an “X” to ensure they will not be sold any alcohol. San Marcos venue owners should follow Northgate’s lead and implement a cover charge of anywhere from $3 to $10 to allow underage students into their establishments after hours while still making a profit.

Restaurants like Chili’s and The Railyard do not deny those who are underage from eating at their establishments just because alcohol is sold on the premises. With that logic, it does not make much sense for bar owners along The Square to deny additional business profits and prohibit such a flourishing crowd of underage students from enjoying the nightlife scene.

If even one local hotspot like Zelicks decided to offer one or multiple 18 and up nights, many other businesses would likely follow suit to stay competitive with student traffic. Profits at an 18 and up venue would likely skyrocket when factoring in alcohol sales from those of legal age and cover charges from minors.

It is understandable many business owners may be skeptical of this possibility because of increased use of fake IDs in recent years, but police patrols could continue to step up as they have in recent years along The Square.

Popular local after hours hangouts need to open their doors to patrons 18 and up. They will be rewarded with a steady flow of new faces and regulars.

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 | Star illustrator

ONE LAST NOTE

Get involved to succeed at Texas State

Alex Pernice Special to the Star Mass communication junior

obcats should realize that the B time to make the most of their college careers is today, not tomor-

row.

Throughout my time here at Texas State, I have always wondered whether or not I was making the most of my university experience.

This was a given in high school, a time of opportunity and activity for me. I took my high school

years by storm, participating in as many activities as I could possibly manage. Three jobs, an internship, varsity athletics, Advanced Placement classes and student organization work consumed the majority of my time. I am still surprised I had time for anything else back then.

My involvement during high school pushed me to branch out in college—something I have been doing from the moment I stepped foot on campus in 2011. Since starting college, I have watched so many of my friends either fall aside or drop out. I was afraid that there was something missing in their Texas State experience. I eventually realized that these friends failed because they were not involved enough to stay motivated in and out of the classroom. That was when I figured out that college was about more than just classes.

It is imperative that students

realize that both their academic performance and the opportunities they receive while in college lays completely in their own hands.

College is completely different from high school. Here, guidance counselors are academic advisors, teachers are professors and instead of hallways, we have The Quad.

Getting involved is not optional like it was in high school. University students are not simply being pushed through the pipes of public education anymore—here, there are no limits on the distances students can go but the ones they impose on themselves. It may sound silly to so adamantly encourage getting involved, but the truth is that community engagement is the key to success in university.

There almost 300 student organizations are up and running here at Texas State. It is hard for me to imagine that anyone among the entire 34,225 Bobcats enrolled

BAD HABITS

would be unable to find at least one extracurricular that interests them. Besides the nearly 300 student organizations, there are so many other activities Bobcats can participate in. Students also have the ability to create and register their own organizations. On the off chance students are unable to find an organization for them, they can simply create their own. There is really something for everyone here, should you only look closely enough.

Personally, I have found several different ways to get involved at Texas State. For the past two years I have been a proud member of the Greek community. I have also had the pleasure of being an opinions columnist for this publication— something I have always loved.

If school involvement still does not interest you, the San Marcos community can also offer rewarding opportunities and experiences.

Something spectacular about this place that we all share is that it is a hub of possibilities. While I hope that students can get involved in the school they chose to attend, it is understandable that not everyone will want to do that. Engaging with the city at large is a great alternative to campus involvement.

Community members can often provide the motivation that peers fail to provide.

If I could leave any lasting impression on students, it would be to simply get involved. Be active, find something you love and chase it. Travel far and wide, and do not be afraid to broaden your horizons with something different. Make the most of this time you have here, because it will not last forever. Do not graduate doubting if you did enough or not. And always remember that every day is a great day to be a Bobcat.

DOWNTOWN

Litter damages campus’ image Underage drinkers should stay away from The Square L ittering is not only offensive and unhealthy for the environment, it reflects badly on those who do it.

Littering is not classy—those who choose to toss their trash on the ground rather than take it to a proper receptacle make themselves look ignorant and Robert Núñez lazy. Littering Opinions Columnist Mass communication senior is disgraceful and is an act that deserves to be fined. Heaps of fliers, plastic water bottles, Styrofoam cups and cigarette butts not only trash up the view for passersby but can damage the local environment. Being courteous enough to dispose of waste in a proper fashion should be a given.

Leaving empty beer bottles behind in a parking lot or ditch after a frat party booze-run is inexcusable. It is even worse when this kind of activity happens on campus. The amount of trash left behind after on-campus events reflects on the university particularly badly. Leftover trash from tailgating has been a huge issue at Texas State and makes the university and the city look bad to outsiders.

Visiting speakers may think less of Texas State if the campus looks trashy.

Parents and other relatives may think twice before sending their kids to a school covered in refuse, and alumni

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

definitely do not want to see their beloved alma mater being trashed.

Bobcats have a responsibility to these people to keep campus and town looking nice. Furthermore, it shows a profound lack of respect to Texas State and San Marcos to carelessly throw trash on the ground. Students should respect the place they live and study by picking up after themselves.

Irresponsible pet owners also contribute greatly to the trash troubles in town. Leaving dog crap wherever it falls is unacceptable. Pet owners should take responsibility for their animals and pick up after them. Leaving piles of dog poop everywhere makes residents look irresponsible. It is not cool to clog up public spaces with your animal’s waste.

There is already enough bird poop coating windshields and town monuments without students and residents adding to the mess with their pets.

Additionally, seeing that the school is already undergoing multiple construction projects, students should take care to not intensify the mess construction is already creating. Tossing out trash from a car into the street or highways can harm the sensitive environment around San Marcos. San Marcos is home to many unique plant and animal species to which excess litter could be devastating. Trash can end up in our rivers and streams, eventually making its way to the ocean or to a distant area, then taking decades to disintegrate. Students should take the time to dispose of their trash correctly, meanwhile showing respect to Texas State, San Marcos and the environment as a whole.

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

nderage kids should stay off The U Square, saving local business owners trouble and preserving San Marcos drinking culture.

I find it hard to believe everyone I see out on The Square, or in any San Marcos bar for that matter, is of the legal drinking age. The simple truth is they are not. It is all too common in San Travis Surprenant Marcos for unSpecial to the Star derage students Mass communication senior to “sneak” into local bars one way or another and proceed to get publicly wasted.

It may be fun to go out with friends and have a few drinks, but if students require a fake ID or have to use someone else’s driver’s license in order to do so—stay out of the damn bars. Underage kids sneaking into bars are not only breaking the law, but are also creating a negative atmosphere that affects everyone else.

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission officials routinely check for underage drinking at San Marcos businesses on The Square. Using undercover agents and uniformed officers, they are scrutinizing each and every bar in the heart of our town.

Businesses then get fined and ticketed for each underage person caught drinking inside the establishment.

Local bar owners are just as frustrated

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, 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

with this issue as I am. Yes, it is the goal of business owners to make a profit and the more customers they have, the higher their profit should be. However, when they are held accountable for each and every person who enters or orders a drink at their place of ownership, underage patrons become a liability rather than an easy way to make money. The fines associated with serving minors far outweigh the small increase in revenue earned from underage illegal drinkers.

What many people fail to see is a seemingly innocent night of fun can lead to consequences that can eventually make The Square a sullen place devoid of its current vitality. San Marcos bars are already reacting to increased TABC activity with heightened door security—doormen now glare at driver’s licenses and often prohibit those with out-of-state and paper identification from entering. This is a direct result of underage adults believing they have the right to alcoholic drinks despite the pesky nationwide law that states otherwise.

Drinking age restrictions are there for a reason—current requirements coincide with the maturity level and amount of life experience necessary to responsibly drink. Some people may be ready for the responsibility of alcohol sooner, but many underage drinkers are not. They instead turn into obnoxious, destructive, trashspewing, downright bad individuals after a few beverages. We already have enough “frat daddies” to fill the role of annoying drunks, and we do not need anymore.

Underage kids looking to sneak into venues on The Square should do all us mature drinkers a favor and stay inside.

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 18, 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 | Wednesday September 18, 2013

TRENDS

UniversityStar.com

PRESS RELEASE

Concert tackles issues of social justice

RAs set examples, manage residence halls

By Kara Dornes Trends Reporter

Like many other students, Simran Gill, psychology senior, first wanted to become a resident assistant to make a difference and have a positive impact on the Texas State community.

Currently an RA for Jackson Hall, Gill said the job taught her how to become a role model and set a positive example for her peers.

Susan Dudolski, associate director of Residential Life and Education, described RAs as people who can “help students get connected with the university.”

RAs are asked to be community builders both in and out of the residence halls to encourage students to learn, live and socialize together, Dudolski said.

RAs are tasked with maintaining a peaceful and enjoyable atmosphere for residents and acting as a peer moderator, counselor and liaison between students and Residence Life, Dudolski said.

RAs hold meetings for their residents in which they discuss a variety of topics ranging from study habits to personal hygiene.

An RA is an important link for first-time students, bridging the gap between living with parents and complete independence.

Dudolski said being an RA is a full-time job, requiring employees to work the front desk of the hall for seven to nine hours per week in addition to their regular in-dorm duties.

Along with desk hours, RAs are required to be on-call one day per week. During this

time, they are expected to answer any calls dealing with lockouts, disorderly conduct or any other issues that might occur from 7 p.m. to dawn, Dudolski said.

Although being an RA can be a time-consuming task, there are many benefits.

Dudolski said RAs receive free on-campus housing, a complimentary meal plan and an additional stipend of about $100 per month.

With 23 on-campus dorms, the style and environment each RA brings to his or her hall varies greatly.

Kirk Ringland, exercise and sports science senior and RA at San Marcos Hall, said students act differently depending on the room layouts of their dorms.

For example, Ringland said residents of San Marcos Hall have a tendency to stay in their rooms for longer periods of time because each suite has a bathroom, living room and miniature kitchen.

Ringland said building a sense of community and camaraderie among the residents is considerably harder to do in a suite-style hall as opposed to one with communal amenities like Jackson Hall.

Though RAs often work long hours and manage several different duties and responsibilities, their main goal is to be someone students can count on, Ringland said.

“I think the best part is that you get a chance to meet a lot of people and build relationships,” Ringland said.

Got something to say?

THE UNIVERSITY STAR is looking for

MO VIE S

TV

MU SIC

BLOGGERS. Email startrends@txstate.edu to apply.

The Department of Theatre and Dance at Texas State presents Opening Door Dance Theatre Sept.

26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m.

The concert will be held in Evans Auditorium on campus. The box office will open at 6:15 p.m. and accept cash only. Student tickets are $10 while general admission is $15.

The dance concert showcases the choreography of faculty and guest artists, performed by Texas State’s own students.

This concert will include The JUSTICE Project. The group is an inspirational result of the collaboration and research by visiting guest artists Darla Johnson and Nicole Wesley who have successfully staged performances in Texas, Georgia and England.

The theme of the concert will bring awareness to social justice issues and how they affect us personally and globally.

Ana Baer, assistant professor in the Department of Theatre and

Dance, will showcase “Mujeres de Juarez,” a piece that responds to the ongoing horrors in Juarez, Mexico.

Faculty member Meg Brooker will restage two influential pieces in response to the Russian Revolution by modern dance pioneer Isadora Duncan.

Bonnie Cox, choreographer and Texas State alumna, presents a duet that is “an encounter that serves as a catalyst for healing, and with it comes vulnerability, ambivalence, anger, sadness, stability and instability, striving for perfection, abandoning perfection.”

Opening Door Dance Theatre was founded in 1984 by Karen Earl, Sandy Rodriguez and LeAnne Smith. An important mission of ODDT is to open the world of contemporary dance to the Texas State, San Marcos and surrounding area communities.

—Courtesy of the Texas State Department of Theatre and Dance

Opening Door Dance Theatre Sept. 26 - 27 7:30 p.m. (box office opens 6:15)

Evans Auditorium

$10 students

$15

general admission

The University Star | Wednesday September 18, 2013 | 5

SPORTS

UniversityStar.com

VOLLEYBALL

Bobcats takes first home loss of season against Texas Tech (Texas Tech) was doing in the beginning of the season, we didn’t go into the game with the right mindset. We have to approach every team like they’re the best in the nation.”

The Red Raiders came into the game 6-8 on the season after two consecutive losses against Cal State Fullerton and Incarnate Word. Texas Tech currently ranks second to last in Big 12 Conference standings above Baylor. The Red Raiders place last in overall hitting percentage, averaging .188 as a team.

Senior right-side hitter and middle blocker Aubree Piper leads the Red Raiders in kills, with 146 on the season. Junior outside hitter Breeann David ranks atop conference standings in average kills per set. David holds a team-high 15 serving aces for the year.

During the first set of the match with Texas State leading 16–10, Texas Tech went on an 8–2 scoring run, tying the game at 18i18.

After a timeout by the Raiders the Bobcats managed a run of their own, going on a 7–2 scoring surge and closing out the set at 25– 20. Freshman outside hitter Shelby Vas Matt Benjamin Rauls| Staff photographer recorded three kills out of four attempts for the team, with a hitting percentage of .750 in Senior right side hitter Amari Deardorff returns the ball to the Texas Tech offense Sept. 17 at Strahan the set.

Coliseum. The Bobcats were defeated 3–2.

Early in the second set, with both teams exchanging points, Texas State took the lead nent Texas Tech at Strahan Coliseum TuesBy Bert Santibanez day in a five set match, resulting in its first 6–5. The Bobcats never relinquished the lead Sports Reporter in that set, closing it out 25–18. After two sets home game loss of the season. @BertSantibanez “The team is all very disappointed in this Texas Tech totaled 10 serving errors, comReturning from a win against the Arkansas loss,” said senior right-side hitter Amari pared to the Bobcats’ 2 in both sets. Texas Razorbacks at the Golden Hurricane Classic, Deardorff. “This is a game we shouldn’t State hit 73 percent from the court during the Texas State battled Big 12 Conference oppo- have lost, and it falls all on us. Based on how second set.

Texas Tech went on to take the third set in the match 27–25. During the fourth set, with the Bobcats down 17–10, Texas State mounted an 8-2 run bringing the score to a one point difference. However, the Bobcats were never able to take the lead, and the Red Raiders closed out the set with a score of 25–22.

Texas State never held the lead in the entire fifth and final set. The Bobcats managed to cut the Red Raiders’ lead down to two, but they finished the set on a 3-1 scoring drive, ending the match with a score of 15-11.

Sophomore defensive specialist Sierra Smith gathered a team-high 14 digs in the game. Senior middle blocker Ashlee Hilbun recorded 15 kills in the match, the best of the team.

“After the loss, coach said it was all on us,” Smith said. “It had nothing to do with their side of the net. After being up two sets, we got comfortable, sliding back on our heels and let (Texas Tech) get back in the game, which was the worst thing we could do.”

Coach Karen Chisum discussed her thoughts and feelings about losing in five sets to Texas Tech.

“We deserved everything we got tonight,” Chisum said. “We didn’t come out to play, and it started with the upperclassmen. (Texas Tech) didn’t do anything for us to lose, but it was what we didn’t do. I’m frustrated that we didn’t take care of business. I thought Jordan Moore and Ali Hubicsak did a good job tonight, but I can’t say that to anyone else on the team.”

INSIDE THE LINES Brenna Smith, junior defender

By Quixem Ramirez Sports Reporter @quixem

Junior defender Brenna Smith has logged 667 minutes this year, the highest mark on the team.

Coach Kat Conner relies on Smith, the 5-foot-5-inch defender, to fortify the Bobcats’ backline.

“She can read the body language of the attacker and know when to go inside or outside,” Conner said. “She listens to the game report, and she always finds the break pressure point. It helps her predict what is about to happen, and that’s why I like playing her on the backline.”

Smith, limited with knee, ankle and quadriceps injuries, averaged a career low 77.4 minutes per game last season. Four of Texas State’s 12 losses occurred with Smith sidelined.

“Injuries played a pretty big role,” Smith said. “It was very frustrating, especially mentally. It was hard to see the team working hard and not being able to contribute.

I wanted to do things, and I would get hurt again. It was one thing after another. I could not catch a break.”

The Bobcats have outscored the opposition by 20 goals during Smith’s 42-game career, notching a 22-17-3 record. Their record has dipped to 2-4 when she sat out during games.

Smith started 20 games her freshman year, headlining a Bobcats defense that yielded three multiple goal games, tying the program record set in 2008.

“She is very vocal,” said senior defender Ashley Jackson. “Being vocal is a huge thing for defense. She is always going to be there to cover. That’s definitely helped us.”

Though her primary objective is to neutralize the opposition, Smith needs to fa-

cilitate the counter attack, Conner said.

“She needs to be a good leader,” Conner said. “She needs to destroy the opponent’s attack and also start our attack. There were games we didn’t pull off (last year), because we did not have her on the backline.”

The San Antonio native nabbed the Defensive MVP award in the Bobcats’ 0-4 loss to Oklahoma. The Sooners tacked on three goals in the final 20 minutes, but Texas State warded off the offensive onslaught for the majority of the game.

“We had a couple breakdowns,” Smith said. “Oklahoma capitalized on small mistakes. The game is never over. We let up after Oklahoma scored the second goal, and it killed our mental state. We need to make sure our mental state is positive.”

Smith said her position on the field, in front of the goalkeeper, allows her to communicate effectively and funnel the ball into the optimal position for her teammates. There are still some mistakes to clean up. Texas State has allowed 10 goals this season, despite outshooting their opponents by 21.

“You have to adapt to certain situations,” Smith said. “When you face adversity, you need to be able to deal with it.”

Prior to her collegiate career, Smith was named the San Antonio Express-News Newcomer of the Year as a high school freshman. Smith captained the 2008 Douglas MacArthur High School club that reached the 5A state semifinals, and she claimed a pair of All-District selections in soccer and academics.

“She’s an unbelievable defender,” Conner said. “She just needs more confidence in herself. She does not see herself as a dynamic player, and she needs to because she’s a big part of our success. I just need to calm her down and get her to keep using her brain. That’s what makes her special.”

TWEET OF THE WEEK

Kyle Tatum, defensive tackles coach

John Casares| Staff photographer

6 | The University Star | Sports | Wednesday September 18, 2013

FOOTBALL

Bobcats use bye week to prepare for Texas Tech

Assistant Sports Editor @SamuelRubbelke

TB L

AL

OR T

W

ith the bye week complete, the Bobcat football team has had time to recover and focus on self-improvement before shifting their focus to the Red Raiders and attempting to go 3-0 for the first time since 1983.

“It was a good open week. We got some good work in the last few days and got some rest, physically, mentally and emotionally,” said Coach Dennis Franchione. “Texas Tech is very dynamic on offense.

Going to Lubbock is always a challenge, but we’ve been in this situation before. We played them well in the first half two years ago and then turned it over. Last year it just got away from us early.”

In 2011, the first match-up with Texas Tech, the Bobcats grinded out a 10-9 lead going into the half.

However, Texas State was shutout in the second half with the Red Raiders scoring 41 unanswered points. Last year Texas Tech came running out of the gates with a 5810 victory in front of the record-setting 33,006 fans at Bobcat Stadium.

With the same run-and-gun offense, preparation will be no different for the Bobcats even with a new quarterback at the helm. In previous meetings, Texas State had to contain quarterback Seth Doege who finished with 319 passing yards and five touchdown passes in his se-

nior game against the Bobcats.

Texas State has limited preparation material and film on Texas Tech true freshman walk-on Baker Mayfield. Mayfield threw 2,467 yards and 22 touchdowns his senior year at Lake Travis High School and 3,788 yards with 45 touchdowns as a junior.

“Obviously Baker could have had a couple of scholarship offers,” Franchione said. “He decided to walk-on at Texas Tech. He’s a good player. It’s hard for any freshman to come in and do what he’s been able to. He’s had some good carryover from high school to (Texas) Tech in what they run.”

The defense knows not to treat Mayfield as an ordinary walk-on.

In his first three collegiate games, Mayfield has averaged 332 passing yards per game and has a completion rate of 65.4 percent.

“I wouldn’t look too much into the walk-on thing,” said junior linebacker Mike Orakpo. “The guy has been successful, and he had offers coming out. He chose to walk-on at Texas Tech. We’re not letting up.

We’re approaching the game as we know whom we’re playing against.

He’s 3-0 (with Texas Tech), and it feels good to finally be back in game week.”

Nationally, Texas Tech is often recognized by its offensive production. With a starting defensive group that consists of nine seniors, Texas Tech’s experience of playing the Bobcats for the third time will present a tough challenge for Texas State to put points on the board.

O EP FO AT E R BC B O T IC AC PR

By Samuel Rubbelke

Austin Humphreys | Photo editor Defensive line coach Mike Hudson assists a Texas State player Sept. 17 at practice. The Bobcats are preparing for this weekend’s matchup against Texas Tech.

“It’s the same every year,” said senior wide receiver Andy Erickson. “(Texas) Tech football is well known—they have a great team.

They have a lot of experience this year, but there’s no difference in preparation. If anything, it makes it a little easier on us. We know who’s going to be out there, and we can

see the film from them last year and this year.”

With the extra week of preparation, the Bobcats have the opportunity to help Franchione win his 200th game in his 28th season as a head coach. Texas Tech is now 2-0 against the Bobcats, but Texas State will be going into Saturday’s game

refreshed and prepared.

“It gave us an opportunity to rest our bodies,” said junior running back CJ Best. “We’ve been going hard during (the) fall, and we didn’t have any breaks, so this is the best time to come back in focused and have our bodies rejuvenated.”

Austin Humphreys | Photo editor

Jamie Clavell-Head, senior defensive lineman

INSIDE THE LINES Aaron Matthews, senior safety Chris Motz | Staff photographer

By Gabby Tropea Sports Reporter @gabbytropea

Although he jokingly claims he is “better looking” than his father, senior defensive lineman Jamie Clavell-Head is following a path paved by his dad and carrying a legacy on his shoulders.

Clavell-Head has 51 recorded tackles since the 2010 season, recovered four fumbles, intercepted three passes and played four different positions for the Bobcats. As a key part of the defense, Clavell-Head has his family to thank for all he has accomplished.

“My biggest inspiration has been my family and my dad,” Clavell-Head said. “He used to play here, so just being better for him is all I want to do.”

Clavell-Head’s father, Tommy Head, started his football career here at Texas State in the 1960s and continued on to play professional football in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings. Their unique father-son relationship has provided Clavell-Head with a coach, a mentor and a best friend.

Football has been vital in their relationship not only on the field but outside of the lines as well. They share a passion that creates a union, bringing them closer not only as coach and player but as father and son.

“I like to think he’s better than I am in every aspect,” Head said. “I would say he’s my best friend. Obviously I’m the father figure first. Then I come as a mentor and friend in sports and in other areas of his life.”

Off the field, the dynamic duo shares a love for typical father-son hobbies such as

automobiles and boating. While on the field, Clavell-Head says he trusts his father’s coaching ability over anyone, and is proud he has been able to cause many turnovers over the years.

Coach Dennis Franchione has high expectations for Clavell-Head as a key player on the Bobcats’ defensive line. ClavellHead’s development and maturity comes from his hard work and dedication to the sport, living up to his father’s potential.

Even after changing positions four times in one season, going from linebacker to defensive end to nose guard to defensive tackle, he has demonstrated his ability to work with what he is given, a quality his father says he has always shown.

“You get good solid play, mature play (and) consistent play,” Franchione said.

“You can count on Jamie’s effort and performance week in and week out. You like players you can count on certain things with, and he’s been very reliable with that regard.”

Head says Clavell-Head has always shown brilliant signs of hard work and determination. One of his most proud moments as a father was when his son tried out for the baseball team his freshman year of high school. After being told he did not make the cut, Clavell-Head walked straight from the baseball fields to the track. Without being let down, he kept his head high and tried something else.

Clavell-Head’s heart and strong will has made his father smile for years. As he carries on his dad’s football legacy, he leaves behind a form of determination and patience his father says he and everyone around him should possess.

By Samuel Rubbelke

Assistant Sports Editor @SamuelRubbelke

Senior safety Aaron Matthews was raised to appreciate the idea that every day is a blessing despite financial hardships.

Matthews was raised in a home filled with unconditional love from his parents Benjamin and Debra Walker. He began playing football in fourth grade, but due to constant movement during his childhood and his family’s financial difficulties, Matthews would not have the opportunity to play again until high school.

“We moved a lot, and my parents financially didn’t have it,” Matthews said. “I didn’t want to stress them too much. I just played pick-up ball around school. I always had that passion for football, and it was just something that stuck with me for years.”

After playing two years under Coach Gary Barlow at San Joaquin Delta Junior College in California as the defensive captain, Matthews earned All-Conference honors while recording 55 tackles. Matthews was finally given the opportunity to play D-1 ball.

“I didn’t have the scholarships out of high school that I would have liked,” Matthews said. “Of course it’s the waiting period, so I did the whole waiting game at junior college and then Texas State finally blessed me with a scholarship.”

Coach Dennis Franchione was intrigued by all the physical skillsets Matthews possessed, but it was the man off the field that impressed him the most.

“I liked his physical stature and attitude,” Franchione said. “As much as anything else,

I liked him as a person. He’s a pretty grounded guy and those are the kind of people I enjoy coaching.”

Many grounded individuals have a foundation that provides a stable environment for development. Matthews’ foundation recently began to crumble due to his mother’s health issues.

Debra Walker began struggling with illness for an extended duration, especially during Matthews’ time in Texas. His mother serves as his ultimate inspiration, and Matthews knows it is his opportunity to give back to the one who has given him so much.

“My mom’s been sick since I’ve been out here in Texas,” Matthews said. “They’ve (his parents) been struggling a little with health issues, so that’s what gives me motivation every day to come out here. I want to make my parents proud, and every day I wake up is a blessed day for me. I just want to take care of my parents. They push me every day and are the ultimate inspiration in my life.”

Now in his senior season, Matthews hopes his valuable experience and 6-foot-3-inch body frame will help carry his dream of playing in the NFL and providing for his mother.

Economic complications may have set Matthews back, but they have not knocked him down. The driving force that keeps Matthews going is his mother’s constant reminder that every day is a blessing.

“The love of the game and my family keeps me going,” Matthews said. “I want to hopefully one day take care of my parents. I see them sacrifice so much. I want to be that person to give back to them—let them sit back and relax for the rest of their lives. Mentally, I’m stronger. Physically, I feel stronger and have the drive. I just know it’s a blessing.”