VOLUME 103, ISSUE 7
www.UniversityStar.com
THURSDAY
SEPTEMBER 5, 2013
Defending the First Amendment since 1911
OPINIONS | Page 4 The Main Point: New tailgate rules are counterproductive to a program that hopes to achieve greater attendance numbers and has bowl game aspirations.
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ATHLETICS
Mandatory meeting ordered to address student lawsuit Litigation alleges wrongful scholarship amendment after basketball injury
DAYS ‘til KICK
By Taylor Tompkins News Editor
A civil circuit judge has ordered a mandatory meeting between a Texas State basketball player and university officials by Sept. 23 to resolve a disagreement surrounding an athletic scholarship, according to the athlete’s father. The meeting is being ordered by Texas Northern District Court Judge Barbara M.G. Lynn regarding an athletic scholarship of student athlete Basil Brown II, who filed a lawsuit against Texas State and the Board of Regents June 5, according to court documents. “I think that (the meeting) is going to be pivotal because we all have to kind of work together to resolve this problem,” Basil Brown I, the athlete’s father, said. Named in the suit are Regent Donna Williams, Chancellor Brian McCall, University President Denise Trauth, Financial Aid and Scholarships Director Christopher Murr, Athletic Director Larry Teis, Coach Daniel Kaspar, Assistant Coach Robert Flaska and Athletic Trainer Jason Karlic . The lawsuit addresses alleged unpaid medical bills and unrightfully reduced scholarship money, said Basil Brown I. According to a formal complaint sent by Basil Brown II’s parents to Trauth, the athlete sustained an injury to his groin during a mandatory open gym event in 2012. Karlic allegedly told Basil Brown II he could have incurred the injury through a sexually transmitted infection.
OFF Get the PREVIEW
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Breanna Baker | Star illustrator
UNIVERSITY
Regents approve art history bachelor’s degree program By Nicole Barrios News Reporter
Texas State art students will have the opportunity to pursue a new major in the College of Fine Arts and Communication in spring 2013 if proper approval is granted by the end of this semester. A Bachelor of Arts degree in art history through the School of Art and Design was approved by the Texas State University System Board of Regents during an Aug. 15 meeting and is awaiting approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. Erina Duganne, associate professor in the School of Art and Design , said the coordinating board should be reviewing the request to create the major this semester, but it may be a couple of months before it is approved. Duganne said she hopes the major will be approved by the coordinating board before the end of the fall semester, and should be available by spring 2013. Duganne said she has worked toward creating the major since fall 2006, and had to demonstrate a need for the program and justify its creation when writing the proposal. Duganne said many students voiced their “dissatisfaction” in only previously being able to earn a degree in art with a concentration in art history instead of having the opportunity to receive a degree in art history itself. She said this student input was the driving force behind the major’s approval, especially since the concentration part of the degree was essentially a major but did not look like one on college transcripts and to potential employers. “I’m really pleased that I could do this for the students and I know the students are really excited that this is happening,” Duganne said. “I think they really feel a sense of
ownership of this degree as well.” Duganne said there is no curriculum difference between the new Bachelor of Arts in art history and the previous concentration. Michael Niblett, director of the School of Art and Design, said if students are looking for colleges that offer bachelor’s degrees in art history, they will see it listed in the curriculum and may choose to attend Texas State over other universities as opposed to when it was only a concentration under the art major. “I think that will mean that we will have not just students who come here and discover art history, but we’ll have students who are seeking art history, so I think we’ll see growth,” Niblett said. Duganne said the bachelor’s degree in art with a concentration in art history grew by 60 percent from 2007 to 2011, and they project the program will continue to grow. Niblett said the Joann Cole Mitte Art Building, which currently houses the School of Art and Design, is “unfortunately” overcrowded. He said the building was designed for 500 majors, and it currently houses about 1,300 majors . Fortunately, the new degree in art history is designed to not require any additional specialized studio spaces but can utilize normal lecture halls, Niblett said. There are two classrooms dedicated to art history in the Mitte building that are also “first call” classrooms other departments can teach in as well, he said. Timothy Mottet, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, said within the last five years three art historians have been hired as faculty members, and approval was recently obtained to hire an additional faculty member who will begin in fall 2014. “Not only is there a student interest there, but the other important
piece is that we’ve got an art history faculty that is emerging and developing,” Mottet said. The art history major requires a “world class library, a world class faculty and lecture halls,” Mottet said. Since Texas State is an Emerging Research University, adding the bachelor’s degree in art history is a “building block” to becoming a research university and lays the foundation for a possible graduate program, he said.
“I think (students) really feel a sense of ownership of this degree as well.”
See LAWSUIT, Page 2 FACULTY SENATE
Administrators address Round Rock counseling concerns By Weldon McKenzie News Reporter
The university president and provost weighed in on a recurring concern about counseling services at the Round Rock Campus during a Faculty Senate meeting Sept. 4. President Denise Trauth highlighted recent efforts to further accommodate the increasing enrollment at the Round
ter at the Round Rock Campus. Barbara Covington, faculty senator and associate professor at the St. David’s School of Nursing, said there is a lack of services offered in Round Rock, most pertinently a dedicated counseling center. Covington said at last week’s meeting the level of stress in the nursing program is high and therefore presents a need for professional counseling advisors.
—Erina Duganne, associate professor Mottet said he has an interest in exploring the possibility of creating a master’s program in art history in the future. He said this is not currently on the university’s strategic plan but thinks “strategic plans can change.” Because of the quality of the art history faculty and growing enrollment, Mottet said predicts there may be an opportunity for a master’s program. In addition, Niblett said Texas State might offer a minor in art history this semester without the approval of the coordinating board since the regents have approved the major. “We’re pretty excited about (the new major),” Niblett said. “It’s an opportunity for scholarly study of the arts because most of our majors now are studio practicing arts so this is an opportunity to have some scholarly study in the school as well.”
Star file photo
Faculty senators discussed the lack of a formal counseling center at Texas State’s Round Rock Campus. Rock Campus, including new food services and the addition of a master’s program in nursing that began this semester. The increase in population has spurred the construction of a clinical facility, which Trauth said will double as an outpost to the San Marcos campus’ Student Health Center. However, questions and concerns of faculty senators at the meeting still centered on the lack of a formal counseling cen-
“The nurse practitioners (who will be working at the clinic) are not mental health counselors,” Covington said. “The students (at the Round Rock Campus) are not receiving the same services as the students (at Texas State).” Provost Eugene Bourgeois said the Round Rock Campus does not have the “full suite of services” offered at the San
See COUNSELING, Page 2
2 | The University Star | News | Thursday September 5, 2013
LAWSUIT, continued from front However, the athlete and his parents say the injury occurred during the open gym. Basil Brown I said his son’s athletic scholarship was later reduced after he was unable to continue playing basketball at Texas State. While Kaspar is listed in the lawsuit, he was not employed at Texas State at the time of the alleged incident. Athletic administrators, Murr and Mike Wintemute, spokesman for the Texas State University System, declined to comment on the ongoing litigation. “They tried to take his scholarship without giving him an appeal,” Basil Brown I said. “He was entitled to an appeal under Texas State rules and regulations, even under the Texas Constitution and even under the United States Constitution.” Basil Brown II was awarded an initial full scholarship covering tuition, fees, room, board and books from August 2012 to May 2013 on June 6, 2012, according to a document provided by the family. On June 17, 2013, Basil Brown II received an offer for an athletic scholarship covering room, board, books, fees and tuition for 12 hours in the fall and 10 in the spring according to documents provided by the family. He amended, signed and returned the agreement stating he would only agree to a “full, unencumbered athletic scholarship that is the same as all of the other full scholarship athletes on the men’s basketball team at Texas State University-San Marcos.” However, in a letter dated the same day, Basil Brown II was informed that he was awarded “an offer to the equivalent of a full athletic-related scholarship for academic year 2013-2014,” according to documents provided by the family. According to the letter signed by Murr, there was no need for a hearing prior to the scholarship committee determining whether or not the grant and aid would be renewed. On July 3, the agreement was returned to Basil Brown II with the same offer as the June 17 contract with no amendments, according to documents supplied by the Brown family. Texas State Health Center medical documents provided by the family indicate that on July 26, 2011, Basil Brown II was diagnosed with epididymitis, an inflammation most frequently caused by sexual transmitted infections, according to the Center for Disease Control. The next day, Basil Brown II was taken to the Central Texas Medical Center emergency room where he was tested and treated for epi-
ATHLETICS
New tailgate rules implemented By Taylor Tompkins News Editor
Star file photo
A lawsuit has been filed against the university and the Texas State University System by basketball player Basil Brown II. didymitis, according to medical records. Basil Brown II underwent two surgeries after the doctors’ visits, according to insurance records provided by the family. Unpaid bills for both surgeries and visits to the health center and emergency room were submitted to the university for payment, they said. Kelsey Solis, compliance administrator for Financial Aid and Scholarships, told Basil Brown I in an email the medical visits and bills he submitted were “not prompted or preapproved by anyone in the athletics department.” Solis said in the email Basil Brown II was only authorized to receive a $1,000 copay. In the email, Solis said the athletic trainers determined the injury was not sustained while participating in athletic-related activities and would not be covered by Texas State’s secondary insurance. Basil Brown I said his son maintains he is still a member of the men’s basketball team. The roster for the 2013-2014 team is not currently available on the Texas State Athletics webpage. Basil Brown I said his son is currently enrolled in classes, which may be temporary depending on the status of his scholarship. There is currently no record of Basil Brown II in the online campus directory. The NCAA is looking into the incident, but compliance officials said they could not comment on an ongoing investigation.
Tailgating Bobcat fans will have new rules to abide by beginning Sept. 7 for the first home football game of the season against Prairie View A&M. According to the athletic department’s website, tailgating spaces will be claimed on a first come, first serve basis. Each space will cost $10, and groups can purchase as many spaces as needed. Tailgating will be located in the Strahan Coliseum parking lot, but single space tailgating is allowed for free in all open lots other than Bobcat Alley. Tailgating at Strahan will be open from 8 a.m. to kick-off, according to the website. Vanessa Cortez, Associated Student Government president, said she sits on the tailgate committee along with representatives from the University Police Department, Parking Services and athletics. Cortez said reservations were a hassle for students, and there are more spots available in the parking lot this year. Cortez said she wanted to make it as easy as possible under the new rules. “It’s going to be very handsoff,” Cortez said. Tailgate set-ups must be in designated spaces and driving
lanes must be kept clear, according to the rules. Tailgating will be suspended 20 minutes prior to kick-off, and only two people can remain at the tailgate site until after the fourth quarter has ended. Cortez said the break in tailgating will give students time to pack up their set-ups and join a new tradition ASG is attempting to start. She said the marching band, Strutters, cheerleaders and Boko will lead a march into the stadium through the tailgating area. Cortez said once the band is in earshot, students should take their tent down and join the procession into the stadium. “Hopefully people will want to continue the fun (in the game),” Cortez said. For groups tailgating with alcohol, food and non-alcoholic beverages must be present and more prominent than the alcohol, according to the rules. No glass containers, kegs, hard liquor or any kind of group container will be allowed. Alcohol is not allowed at the tailgate after kickoff or during the game. “Inappropriate behavior” can cause a permanent ban from tailgate, the rules said. Sales or “commercial activities” including advertising, donations, distributing literature or promotional materials, mobile-marketing, social me-
dia and taking of orders are prohibited during tailgate unless permission is given by the university, according to the rules. Vendors can get special spaces through the athletics department. Grills cannot be left unattended or put on any green space if they are on a trailer, the rules said. Designated coal containers will be provided and coals must be doused and put into the containers. If trash and recyclables are not thrown away in receptacles throughout the lot, the groups leaving trash will be banned from tailgating for the remainder of the season, the rules said. According to the athletic website, power will not be available at tailgate, and fans are encouraged to bring generators. Cortez said ASG will be sponsoring a special freshmen tailgate for three games, including the first home game Sept. 7, the homecoming game and parents’ night. Freshmen may not have joined a group or know what to do at tailgate, which creates the need for this space, Cortez said. She said the tailgate will include videogames on a truck and prize giveaways. “You have to instill pride in freshmen so they come back (to games) year after year,” Cortez said.
—Odus Evbagharu, sports editor, contributed to this report. Christen Motz | Staff photographer
COUNSELING, continued from front Marcos campus, and administrators are focusing on the health clinic for now. Trauth said with the restriction of resources, all that can be done is to wait in regards to the prospect of a counseling center. “Joanne Smith (vice president for Student Affairs) now knows about this issue, and there’s no one who cares more about students than she does,” Trauth said. “The economies of scale are such that bringing the full range of services offered here to Round Rock is not possible at this time.” Edna Rehbein, director of the Round Rock Campus, said the health clinic was originally set up as a place where nurse practitioners could gain experience. She said this method would develop into a more encompassing pro-
gram later on. Covington said she sees a conflict of interest in who will be administering the health services or counseling. “(The nurse practitioners) are not in the field of mental health or counseling,” Covington said. “And the ones involved there that are faculty members cannot cross that line and do counseling for students that they are teaching.” Covington said there are alternative routes that could be taken to alleviate some of the issues until full services can be offered at the Round Rock Campus. She said telecommunications and online capabilities could support health and counseling sessions. Trauth said the Faculty Senate’s discussion on the issue has captured the attention of the Division of Student Affairs and is not being taken lightly. “What I don’t want to do is over-promise,” Trauth said. “I also don’t want to presume decisions to be made by (Student Affairs).”
WILD ART
Construction workers sandblast the Comal Building Sept. 3 as part of an approximately $13.8 million renovation project.
PRESS RELEASE
Full fall exhibition schedule at The Wittliff Collections Manuel Álvarez Bravo dropped out of school at 12 years of age. He spent a decade toiling in textiles and doing government work to support his family after his father’s death. Despite these trials, Bravo discovered a passion for photography and doggedly pursued it. He befriended the finest artists in Mexico City, bought his own camera and taught himself photography. He eventually because Mexico’s most renowned camera artist and one of the world’s leading modern photographers. “Manuel Álvarez Bravo,” The Wittliff Collections’ first solo exhibition of the great man’s work from its permanent holdings, includes more than 50 signed prints from a career that spanned 70 years. The show runs through December
1, 2013. “México Lindo” is a concurrent exhibition on display through Dec. 13, 2013, and includes work by 49 photojournalists and fine-art photographers, many of whom were influenced by Bravo. The artists, both foreign and native to the land, celebrate the beauty of Mexico in over 100 photographs printed using a variety of techniques. The Wittliff and Texas State’s Center for the Study of the Southwest will host a pre-screening Sept. 11, 2013 at 6 p.m. of a 40-minute excerpt from the upcoming PBS “Latino Americans” series. The program will air during Hispanic Heritage Month. It presents the history of Latinos in the United States from the 16th century through the pres-
ent. A discussion will follow. Among the panelists will be award-winning documentarian John Valadez, the series coproducer. The next day, Sept. 12 at 3:30 p.m., poet Natalie Diaz will read from her new book, “When My Brother Was an Aztec.” She will be the first of five nationally acclaimed writers appearing in the Department of English’s Lindsey Literary Series. A book signing and Q-and-A will follow. This semester marks the largest number of public events— more than 20—ever offered at the Wittliff. Admission is free and open to the public. For all the info, visit www.thewittliffcollections.txstate.edu. —Courtesy of Erick Nogueira Romero
The University Star | Thursday September 5, 2013 | 3
TRENDS
UniversityStar.com
By Amanda Ross Trends Editor
Kyle Glaser associate director of bands
The musical selections at sporting events can often be some of the most exciting aspects of games. Lifting spirits, firing up the fans and engaging the crowd, the Bobcat Marching Band is a beloved and important part of football season many members of the community. Kyle Glaser, associate director of bands, discusses what students can expect from the band this fall. AR: How many members are in the band this season? KG: We have 332 members this year, including 252 woodwind and brass players. It’s the largest Bobcat Marching Band (BMB) of all time, so it’s a really exciting time for the band.
AR: Can anyone join the band? KG: Generally, yes. We have auditions for sections, color guard and drumline. Some auditions start in the spring for the fall season, and some cuts are made, but generally anyone can join the Madelynne Scales| Staff photographer band as long as they have a strong
musical background and are willing the classic Texas State spirit songs. We’re also doing an alumni band. to work hard. It will be held during our second AR: How often does the band home game, so Sept. 28. It’ll feature an alumni band, including both practice? KG: We have a preseason camp BMB alumni and other musically that starts about 10 days before inclined former students. school begins. In that camp, there’s about 70 hours of instruction AR: How do you pick musical and practice time, so really long selections and themes for the year? sessions all through the day. Then Is it just the band directors who pick when the school year starts, we music or do the students help? practice three times a week for KG: The instructional staff gets together, and we discuss concepts about two and a half hours a day. at the end of the spring semester. AR: What can we expect from the We do look for input from the band upcoming marching season? Do you students. We’ll have a meeting and typically stick to the same songs or discuss the upcoming year. They does it vary by year? also fill out a survey that asks about KG: Both. There are a few things the year and show themes they that are very interesting this year. would be interested in performing. We have the biggest band of all Then we also have to balance time. We have two halftime shows. it with what would work for a One is Las Vegas-themed, so there’s football crowd. It’s a lot different going to be a lot of upbeat Vegas than parade-type elements or other charts. The other halftime show sounds. We always want to pick features selections by Billy Joel. Of selections that would go over well course, we also have our traditional in Bobcat Stadium. pregame show that features all of
Behind Boko’s mask Secrecy of university mascot continues
“As Texas State rises in reputation, Boko has become the icon and symbol of our school. I am not normally a very spirited person, if ever. When I go to the football games and see Boko in the crowd, I can’t help but to be affected by his energy and playfulness.” —Chelsea Yeatts, psychology junior
By Ernest Macias
Special to the Star
There is often nothing more representative of school spirit than a mascot. Attending sporting events, ceremonies and graduation, Boko the Bobcat can be seen spreading Texas State spirit around campus. More than a disguise, Boko is a separate identity from the individual under the suit. He has a history, a birthday, a past and a future. Texas State had no athletic nickname or mascot until 1919. Oscar Strahan arrived to assume the position of athletic director and immediately began a campaign to adopt a mascot. The aim was to boost school spirit and student participation. The student council led by C. Spurgeon Smith, biology department head at the time, formed a committee. Smith chose a bobcat as the mascot because of its ability to fight and residency in the area. Boko’s name, originated from the Late Greek language, is officially Bokoedious, jester of the Greek gods and known as “The Loud One.” “The mascot is a huge deal to me. Boko is at the forefront of pride and traditions here at Texas State. He is always on high demand,” said Jordan Chavez, coed cheer captain. “Boko is a breath of fresh air. He supplies a great amount of energy and positive attitude to the overall atmosphere at Texas State.” Boko has an entourage who is kept a secret from students and the community. Exposing the identity of his entourage would ruin his effect and
would add to the notion he is not real, said Shaina Mayberry, cheer coach and spirit program coordinator. Keeping Boko’s identity secret has been a point of contention throughout the decades. There have been times when his identity has been exposed at Texas State. In the end, the team behind the mascot came to the conclusion that secrecy surrounding his identity would be best for the current entourage and Boko’s overall image. “As Texas State rises in reputation, Boko has become the icon and symbol of our school,” said Chelsea Yeatts, psychology junior. “He is a relatable icon for those outside the university.” Anyone can be part of Boko’s entourage. Academically, his posse has a 2.5 GPA or higher. According to Mayberry, several of the entourage members are on the dean’s list. The total size of Boko’s crew is still a mystery. “We look for individuals who can take nothing and make magic,” Mayberry said. “A mascot has to be fun and animated. It takes a creative person to be able to come up with new material.” To some students, knowing who is underneath the Boko
suit is not important. They see the “super cat” as the breathing epitome of what Texas State spirit should be. The individual in the suit embodies the spirit and timeless personality of Boko, Chavez said. “I am not normally a very spirited person, if ever. When I go to the football games and see Boko in the crowd, I can’t help but to be affected by his energy and playfulness,” Yeatts said. All in all, Boko is not just a mascot or a suit, but a person. Boko has feelings and emotions. The “super cat” is Texas State’s celebrity. He is active in social media, has friends, does charity projects and even philanthropic work. “Everyone does get lonely sometimes, and Boko is a person,” Chavez said. “Who knows, Boko goes back and forth with his decision. One minute he might be asking for company,, and the next minute he doesn’t want to share the spotlight. He can be a diva.”
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4 | The University Star | Thursday September 5, 2013
OPINIONS
UniversityStar.com
THE MAIN POINT
New tailgating rules more harm than help T
ailgating is a huge part of football culture. However, new Texas State rules regulating this game day tradition are too restrictive and may keep students and visitors from enjoying tailgating activities and football games. Athletics officials announced new tailgating rules for the 2013 football season Aug. 22. The regulations include several new stipulations aimed at making tailgating a “simple process” in Bobcat Alley within the Strahan Coliseum lot at the corner of Aquarena Springs Drive and Charles Austin Drive, according to an Aug. 22 press release by Texas State Athletics. Last year, students and visitors could reserve spots weeks in advance for games. Now the days of reserving tailgate spots in advance are over. Students and visitors looking to tailgate this year must show up early in the morning on game days and reserve spots on a first-come, first-serve basis for $10 per parking spot. The $10 fee may seem less costly than last year’s tailgate prices, but bringing 10-30 people along with grills, tents and cars may require multiple parking spots in excess of $30 or more just for one football game—a price many will not be eager to pay. The new rules essentially require student and visiting tailgaters to be at the ticket booth when it opens at 8 a.m. on game days to wait in line if they want to secure spaces. Once the spots are purchased, many will want to designate at least one person to watch the area until the group is ready to set up at tailgate. Sitting in a parking lot all morning and
afternoon might wear students out and keep them from attending games. In addition, no kegs, glass containers, hard liquor or party balls will be allowed at tailgate, and alcohol cannot be present until after 9 a.m. in tailgating areas. Any time alcohol is present, non-alcoholic food and beverages must also be available and “featured more prominently than alcoholic beverages.” It is important for students to regulate their alcohol consumption and know their limits, however, it is not the responsibility of the university to create rules in an effort to protect students from themselves. Micromanaging to the point of forcing students to purchase smaller containers of alcohol and offer a balance of food options defeats the purpose of an event like tailgate that is meant to be fun and uplifting. It is understandable that university officials stepped up regulations for tailgating this season, especially considering the chaos and wasteland of litter resulting from tailgate during the Texas Tech football game last year. However, simple initiatives like ensuring enough dumpsters are available on game days to ease clean up should be a priority, not creating rules that may deter typical tailgating festivities. Despite the pitfalls of tailgating last year, it is important the new rules do not confuse or drive students away from coming out to games and supporting the Bobcats. The new regulations must be clearly communicated to students from the start, actually enforced with warnings and fines, allow students to continue to enjoy tailgate and serve to increase game day attendance to be effective.
Lara Shine | Star illustrator
Robert Núñez
Molly Block TALK IT OUT
UNDERAGE DRINKING All students over 18 have right to drink In the U.S., a person is legally considered an adult at age 18, when they are granted the right to vote, smoke tobacco and enlist in the armed forces, among other things. However, Americans do not truly become adults until age 21, when they are granted their last withheld right—alcohol consumption. The life of a college student comes with a lot of pressure attached. The importance of maintaining good grades, getting involved in school events and remaining socially active is stressful. Alcohol consumption is often an important outlet for students stressing out over the variety of problems they experience during their time in college. I am not encouraging the use of alcohol as a solution to personal problems—however it is a good way for students to unwind and bond with
Drinking underage leads to severe consequences
friends on weekends. Furthermore, if students are old enough to die for this country in the armed forces, they are old enough to have a beer every now and again. If young people are considered responsible enough to go halfway across the world to war, then they should also be considered responsible enough to drink when they want to. Casual drinking at parties is a normal part of college life and should not be punished. Of course, students should practice safe drinking, but they should not have to abstain completely simply to avoid legal consequences. It is inevitable underage students will consume alcohol while in college—and they have the right to do so. Regardless of the law, students have the right to drink as adults, voters and veterans.
Underage drinking is a growing problem at Texas State, and students need to realize the potential consequences that can result from illegal alcohol consumption. Underage drinking is a bad idea in many different ways. First, students who get drunk regularly may have a hard time showing up to their classes and lose track of their studies. This can lead to poor academic performance. It costs a ridiculous amount of money to attend a university and earn an education—students should not risk their chance at a degree by engaging in underage drinking. Furthermore, alcohol consumption can result in severe consequences such as car crashes, fights, unsafe sex and rape. All of these issues have the possibility to end or ruin lives, and all arise from alcohol. Texas State in particular experiences
underage drinking issues at tailgating festivities. The rules are simple—students must be 21 years or older to legally consume alcohol. Many Bobcats, however, choose to willfully ignore this rule. Underage students need to realize the possible consequences they could face if they are caught drinking, especially at school tailgating events. Not only can students be embarrassed in front of their friends and refused entry to the game, they can be fined a hefty sum or even taken to jail. Students can face academic penalties ranging from academic probation, suspension or even expulsion depending on the severity of the infraction. In the long run, underage drinking is just not worth it. Bobcats should wait until they turn 21 to start partying, and even then should always be responsible with alcohol consumption.
ETIQUETTE
PDA is a-okay Savannah Wingo Opinions Editor Mass communication junior
The University Star 601 University Drive Trinity Building, Room 101 San Marcos, TX 78666 Phone: (512) 245-3487 Fax: (512) 245-3708
tudents publicly displaying afSlooking fection may be rude, but those on are better off turning
the other cheek and ignoring the public necking rather than complaining. When people become involved relationships, they go temporarily insane. They start to think all the cutesy bullcrap they mocked when they were single is suddenly appropriate and even “sweet.” Little pecks become adorable instead of sickening. Ridiculous pet names such as “boo” are suddenly acceptable for use in public. Yes, this behavior can be downright nauseating, especially when you know one or more of the people engaging in the PDA personally. However, there is something more annoying than PDA-happy
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
couples—people who complain about said PDA-happy couples. I understand you may be afraid of contracting diabetes from all the high-fructose corn syrup your friends are producing, but your annoyance comes off as bitterness. Excluding the forever-alone students among us, we have all experienced puppy love at some point in our lives. Do not lie to me. I know you have been just as gross as the new couple currently annoying you with their antics at least once in your life. Have some empathy for cutesy couples who annoy you so much. It is not the duty of us bitter singletons to bring down love-struck new couples with our cynical criticisms. They will find out for themselves
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soon enough. There is no need to prematurely crush their hopes and dreams. Some PDA is worse than others, though. When PDA escalates from public displays of affection to public displays of infection, it can be hard not to interfere. Unless you fear some kind of monkey business, however, you should let the lusty couple go on with their bad selves. I am not saying you should let two horny friends get nasty on your couch, but if two people want to start hump day right with a little snogging on The Quad, who are you to stop them? Providing the pants stay on, and you are not watching a live action exchange of “Bobcat bumps,” the couple is not hurting anyone with
their enthusiastic affection. Besides, if you happen to be friends with someone who engages in particularly sticky PDA, stopping them would be denying yourself the pleasure of teasing them when they finally come to their senses. Those of you with friends in new relationships should start taking notes now. The antics of lovesick, cuddly couples could be useful blackmail sometime in the near future. All in all, a little PDA is not so bad every now and then. Disenchanted singles should keep their mouths shut—it may not be long before they, too, are engaging in ridiculous public displays in the name of love.
The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of the spring and fall and every other Wednesday in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright Thursday, September 5, 2013. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor in chief. The first five issues of each edition of the paper are free. Additional copies of the paper can be purchased at 50¢ per copy. Contact The University Star office at (512) 245-3487 to purchase additional copies.
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The University Star | Thursday September 5, 2013 | 5
SPORTS
UniversityStar.com
VOLLEYBALL
Preparation begins for North Texas Invitational By Bert Santibanez
us,” said Coach Karen Chisum. “We know the team pretty well and their style of play. That’s the game we’re going to be most concentrated on after practices on Wednesday. The Texas State volleyball team After that opponent, we will travel to Denton for the have Utah, which is going North Texas Invitational NORTHWESTERN to be the best team we’ve this weekend with a 5-0 reSTATE faced this year so far, but cord, its best start since the we’re going to take it one 2000 season. match at a time.” Texas State’s first day of After the Sept. 6 matchcompetition for the tournaups, the two remaining oppoment is set for Sept. 6, when it nents for the Bobcats will will take on the Northwestern be Prairie View A&M and State Lady Demons and North Texas. Texas State Utah Utes. The last time UTAH ranks first in the conferthe Bobcats battled the ence with 217 kills on Demons was Nov. 18, the season. Out of all the 2011. Senior middle blocker major statistical categories, Ashlee Hilbun, a sophomore with the exception of digs, during the season, managed 12 the Bobcats rank within the kills, two aces, eight digs and top three among Sun Belt a .429 hitting percentage. Prairie View Conference teams. Northwestern State is A&M “As of right now, we’re coming off three consecureally focusing on our tive losses in three straight side of the net,” said sesets to start the season at nior right side hitter Amari the Arkansas Invitational. Deardorff. “We know we’ve Utah is 3-0 on the season been playing some really after going undefeated in the good teams, some really Utah Classic. Junior rightscrappy ones, but the team side hitter Shelby Dalton North Texas knows if we continue to leads the team in kills with do what we’re capable of 36. The Utes rank third doing, we’ll continue to in blocks in the Pacific-12 win games. I’m really proud conference, averaging 3.12 of the team. Everything’s reper game. Utah is fifth in the ally clicked when it was suppose standing in digs, getting 15.08 per to and looking where we envisioned game. “Northwestern is a former it.” Prairie View A&M is coming off Southland Conference opponent to three consecutive losses from the Sports Reporter @BertSantibanez
0–3
3–0 1–3 2–2
Texas Southern Tournament, losing in three sets to each team. The Panthers are currently 1-3 for the 2013 season. Texas State’s previous match against North Texas was Sept. 16, 2011. Deardorff led the team in kills with nine and had 9.5 points in the game. The team committed 17 fewer errors than the Mean Green in the game. North Texas is 2-2 on the season, coming off two previous wins against Albany and UT Arlington. “When preparing for the tournament, we’re really going to continue to focus on our serving and continue to pursue every ball,” freshman outsider-hitter Shelby Vas Matt said. “Now that we’re 5-0, we want to keep that going.”
SOCCER
Bobcats look to avenge last season’s losses
Star file photo
By Kirk Jones
Sports Reporter @kirk_jones11
The Texas State soccer team will be looking to avenge last season’s losses to McNeese State and Rice as the Bobcats face both squads this weekend. Texas State will travel to Lake Charles Sept. 6 to take on familiar Southland Conference foe McNeese State. The Bobcats are 177-1 against them all-time. In last year’s matchup, Texas State lost to the Cowgirls 1-0, despite outshooting McNeese State 13-5. The ball club did not allow a shot on goal in the second half of the contest. The Bobcats are looking to play with style by taking their time and letting the game come to them. “They’re a very scrappy, physical team who like to play very direct,” said Coach Kat Conner. “It will be a tough battle for us. We don’t like to
play direct, we like to keep possession. It’s going to be like ying and yang going against each other.” Junior forward Tori Hale looks to come off last season’s McNeese State game where she had three shots in the game with none finding the net. Hale believes in the team’s style of play and confidence level. “We are just trying to stay confident and go in to play our own style and not worry about what their (game plan) is,” Hale said. “I definitely think if we can do that we can have a successful weekend.” McNeese State is 3-1 this season and riding a three-game winning streak. In last year’s McNeese State game, senior midfielder Johna Germany scored the lone goal for the Cowgirls. Germany comes into the season with one goal, two assists and two of five on goal shots. Looking to use this game as momentum, the Bobcats will return home Sunday for a game against the Rice Owls. Texas State played the Owls last year losing 2-1 at Rice Track/Soccer Stadium. This year the Bobcats are playing Rice at home, which could be the difference in the outcome of the game because of the comfortable environment. “I definitely think we are more comfortable especially because of the humidity difference,” Hale said. “I think that we have an advantage here.” Hale scored the only goal in
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Star file photo
Texas State volleyball (5–0) will travel to Denton this weekend for the North Texas Invitational.
last year’s game and had two shots on goal. The junior forward looks to build off that performance and lead her team to a win. “If we come out confident, strong and ready to win, and try not to worry about the heat we should be OK,” Hale said. “We are also at home, so it should be even better than last year.” The Bobcats in last season’s matchup appeared to play differently in either half of the game. The first half started slow for Texas State, getting zero shots on goal while the Owls had 11. In the second half, the Bobcats outshot Rice 10-7. Conner is using last season’s matchups against Rice and McNeese State as a model to gain a competitive advantage on the Owls. “They are just like McNeese,” Conner said. “That’s helpful as they both play the same style, so that will be very helpful in preparation for this weekend. To tell you the truth Rice has several players from the West Coast that I’ve heard great things about, so we will have to figure out how to defend them.”
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6 | The University Star | Sports | Thursday September 5, 2013
FOOTBALL
Team focuses on ‘executing defense’ in home opener
By Samuel Rubbelke
Star file photo
Assistant Sports Editor @SamuelRubbelke
Texas State will be looking to start the year 2–0 for the first time since the 2005 season when it takes on Prairie View A&M in the Bobcats’ home opener Saturday. The Bobcats’ defense fired on all cylinders in the first game of the
season with their first two possessions ending in forced turnovers, including a strip fumble by junior cornerback Craig Mager. Mager returned the fumble for a 44-yard touchdown. “Its pretty simple, we just need to worry about executing our defense,” said junior linebacker David Mayo. “(Prairie View) runs a lot of fast tags and rallying to the ball. It’s tough on our linebackers especially. That’s one thing we have to look out for.” Entering his third year at the helm, Prairie View Coach Heishma Northern led the Panthers to a 3–8 record last year and beat Texas Southern Aug. 31 37–13 in the Labor Day Classic. Starting where they left off last season, the Panthers tallied 488 total offensive yards, with 316 yards coming by air and 172 from the ground. Prairie View keeps a veteran core on the offensive side of the ball with nine returning start-
ers from last year’s team, which led the Southwestern Athletic Conference with 415.6 yards per game. “I have a lot of respect for Coach Northern and the success they’ve had there,” said Coach Dennis Franchione. “They just had a good win against Texas Southern. They scored 37 points and had 500 yards of offense. They’ve been very good on offense the last couple years, and this will be the same quarterback we faced two years ago. I thought he played very well against us two years ago.” The Panthers’ offense came running out of the gate during their season opener with an 11-play, 80yard opening drive. Junior quarterback Jerry Lovelocke led the attack, completing eight out of nine passes in the drive. New defensive coordinator Charles McMillian and the starting Panther defense had to shake off the rust after the opening drive
by Texas Southern, who scored in only four plays. McMillian will be looking to improve the team’s ninth-ranked scoring defense finish last year in conference play. “Defensively they’ve made some changes, going to an odd front from an even front,” Franchione said. “Watching the game tape from Saturday night, I thought they played good, sound, fundamental football. They were wellcoached. They were in position. It was a good defensive effort. They make you earn everything you get and Texas Southern struggled getting enough points.” After the first touchdown, Prairie View only allowed two field goals and shut out the Texas Southern offense in the second half. “It’s the unexpected,” said senior wide receiver Isaiah Battle. “We played Prairie View two years ago, we don’t really know what we’re going to get. They’ve changed
some things upfront, we have to come ready and do our best.” The Panthers had two athletes recognized for their efforts in Week 1. Junior running back Courtney Brown and redshirt freshman linebacker Jamespaul Bryant were selected to represent the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s Offensive Player and Newcomer of the Week. Brown filled the box scores rushing for 98 yards on 14 attempts and caught five passes for 85 yards. Brown led the Panthers last year with nine rushing touchdowns. In Bryant’s first-ever collegiate game he marked eight tackles, one sack and a fumble recovery. The Bobcats have gone 15–1 in their last 16 home openers dating back to 1996. Texas State’s only loss came to Texas Tech in their first full season in the FBS last season, 58–10.
INSIDE THE LINES Tyler Arndt, senior quarterback By Samuel Rubbelke
Assistant Sports Editor @SamuelRubbelke
Constantly competing for the starting position, dealing with injuries and being benched has not been enough to faze senior quarterback Tyler Arndt, who is learning persistence is a virtue. In his hometown of Cuero, Arndt was raised near his grandparents’ farm, the childhood home of his father. Being only 10 minutes away from the house, Arndt often enjoyed visiting his grandparents’ property to go hunting. Arndt lead his team at Cuero High Schoolto an undefeated season all the way up to the state semifinals, and earned his rank in the top 32 for quarterbacks in the nation by ESPN. “(I) came (to Texas State) in 2010, had some success, played seven games, but then got hurt
Star file photo
unfortunately,” Arndt said. “Then I got delayed that fall with a hamstring (injury). Shaun (Rutherford) took over the team, he led them for the next two years. I stuck with it, (and) I want
my chance again.” Rutherford recorded a 137.8 passing rating last year. Rutherford demonstrated poise in the pocket completing 64.5 percent of his passes, the best single season percentage in Bobcat history. With a 15-5 touchdown-interception ratio, Rutherford revealed to Arndt the importance of patience. He said it is important to throw the ball away and live for another play, although it is tempting to be trigger-happy sometimes. Much like a hunter, when a shot for prey is not available, the quarterback should not make the pass, because his position will be revealed and exploited. “I learned from Shaun, just being that game manager,” Arndt said. “When there’s nothing there pull it down, just get us back to the line of scrimmage, that sort of thing. Don’t do too much with the ball. If it’s not there, don’t have a
TWEET OF THE WEEK
Brant Freeman, Texas State radio announcer
LEARN TO DEFEND YOURSELF
FOOD, GAMES & 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
negative play. Don’t turn the ball over. Don’t run around in the backfield dancing around. That’s what coach wants—he wants a game manager.” Although the Aug. 31 game against Southern Miss was not the prettiest game to watch, Arndt processed Rutherford’s lessons well and was able to orchestrate a crucial game-winning drive when it mattered most. “It just shows how mentally tough he’s become,” said junior cornerback Craig Mager. “Like last year, I feel like we wouldn’t have won that game. Because it was a tough grind-out in the fourth quarter where they actually got up on us at one point. Last year, we would have just went down and got down, but this year he was able to pick us up and we fought back.” Coach Dennis Franchione, who has preached game management and mental resiliency to his
quarterbacks, had similar praise for the senior quarterback. “We’ve been preaching mental toughness for a long time,” Franchione said. “Last year’s team couldn’t have won that kind of game, (and) this year’s team did. Tyler executed well. You have to give the guys credit for getting it done. Tyler did a nice job in the drive.” Arndt has overcome injuries and remained durable throughout multiple quarterback competitions beside Rutherford for the past two years and now with redshirt freshman Jordan Moore. Through struggles and hardships, Arndt has maintained a steady eye on the intended target. “I want to be that guy,” Arndt said. “As you could see (vs. Southern Miss), I wanted to be the guy in the game during the last drive to take them down there and score. I want to be that guy all season.”
