VOLUME 102, ISSUE 62

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TUESDAY

MARCH 5, 2013

GO NE ONLI NOW

Texas Music Theater: Roger Creager Country singer Roger Creager performed at Texas Music Theater Saturday. For footage of Creager’s show, check out UniversityStar.com.

Students meet with university officials at Open Door session

SPACE SHORTAGE Officials aim to decrease campus square footage deficit

By Xander Peters News Reporter Five students attended University President Denise Trauth’s Open Door session Monday to discuss topics ranging from extending library service hours to future construction outside of dorms. The sessions are typically held once per semester in Trauth’s office at J.C. Kellam. Monday’s additional session was held in the LBJ Center for the sake of convenience. Open Door sessions are an opportunity for students to express concerns, opinions and ideas on university affairs to the institution’s highest ranking administrator and can be attended by anyone interested. Joanne Smith, vice president of Student Affairs, joined Trauth for the session. Each student who attended spoke with the administrators individually. David Acosta, accounting junior, is a senator for the Associated Student Government. Acosta said he attended the session to speak with Trauth about possibly extending the service hours at Alkek Library. He discussed the future of greek life with the administrators. “I found out that a couple of universities around the area have 24-hour (library) services throughout the week,” Acosta said. “I believe that if we’re trying to be this rising star, then it’s crucial that we have these library hours extended.” Acosta said the administrators told him the library services are something they have researched in the past. He said the administrators’ feedback regarding both issues was positive. “I was a little nervous at first,” Acosta said. “(Trauth and Smith) are not as intimidating as they seem, though. We really compromised on a lot of the stuff, and I definitely left the room more confident in my ideas.” Kristi Belcher, computer science freshman, met with Trauth to discuss the traffic caused by construction blockades outside of Blanco Hall. She said the road behind her dorm is barricaded even though construction has yet to begin.

READ OPEN DOOR, PAGE 3

Austin Humphreys, Photo Editor

Texas State has a space deficit of more than one million square feet, which has forced the university to be efficient with existing facilities. By Karen Zamora News Reporter Texas State’s crunch for land has forced the university to be one of the most space-efficient higher education institutions in the state. Texas State should have more than 2.9 million square feet of space supporting its current level of students, according to the space model formula designed by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. However, the university falls short at 1.8 million square feet. Bill Nance, vice president for Finance and Support Services, said space at Texas State has to be used very efficiently because of the square footage deficit. Thomas Keaton, director of Finance and Resource Planning for the THECB, said space usage efficiency is a measure of how institutions use classrooms and laboratories. Keaton said institutions that use classrooms and laboratories most efficiently tend to have a large square footage deficit. The formula to determine space usage efficiency takes into account the amount of research

conducted in different facilities and the gives priority funding to universities number of faculty and full-time students with large space deficits. Nusbaum said at the institution. a tuition revenue bond has been requestNance said it is an indication that a ed for the new science and engineering university was overbuilt if it has a sur- building. plus of square footage. He said the state Nusbaum said multiple new projects legislature tends to “frown down” on slated for construction will add square those institutions. footage and decrease some of the 1.1 Joe Meyer, director of Institutional million-square-foot deficit according to Research, said the state does not want the Campus Master Plan. She said a new to pay for facilities that are not neces- music recital hall and additions to Comsities. Keaton said there are five public mons Dining Hall will reduce the deficit higher education institutions in the state by 28,000 square feet. Nusbaum said with a square footage surplus. The total READ DEFICIT, PAGE 3 statewide space deficit is 13.8 million square feet. Keaton said the need for space is considered when institutions request tuition THECB recommendation: 2,983,179 sq. feet revenue bonds from the legislature to conCurrent total space: 1,882,074 sq. feet struct new buildings. Nancy Nusbaum, 1,101,105 sq. feet Texas State’s deficit: associate vice president for Finance and Deficit of all public Texas 13.8 million sq. feet Support Services, universities combined: said the legislature

Square Footage Deficit

Facilities department continues plan Company plans to improve campus accessibility to develop plot said the idea was developed to create order while managing ADA projects. The Facilities Department funds the projRenovations are being made to build- ects through an ADA account that is reings around campus to be in compli- plenished each year through the Higher ance with the Americans with Disabili- Education Assistance Fund. ties Act and provide better accessibility The third phase of improvements has to students. begun, which includes the music and The Facilities Department presented chemistry buildings, Commons Dining a master plan outlining improvements Hall and multiple residence structures. that will be made to bring different ar- Don Compton, assistant director of Faeas of campus up to ADA compliance cilities Planning, Design and Construcduring a recent Steering Committee tion, said improvements such as ramps on Disabilities meeting. The master and signage should be completed by the plan includes a map detailing the dif- end of this year. ferent phases of improvements to be The Steering Committee approves completed by fiscal year 2014. Improve- each phase of improvements, Compton ments have been made to the middle of said. The improvements consist of any campus, and subsequent enhancements facilities that do not meet ADA compliwill encompass buildings expanding ance rules. outward from The Quad. Compton said the improvements will Michael Petty, director of Facilities follow state or federal codes, depending Planning, Design and Construction, on which is more stringent. The projects are given priority if they immediately affect students or faculty members. Compton said a student or faculty member needing access into a building through certain doors would be given priority, for instance. “If a student can’t get to their class, that’s pretimportant,” Shea Wendlandt, Star Photographer ty said. The entrances of Alkek Library will be made more handicapped- Compton “What we are doaccessible under the Americans with Disabilities Master Plan. By Paige Lambert News Reporter

ing, in a way, is creating a pathway from parking into the building and into the classroom.” Charlie Salas, associate director of the LBJ Student Center, said Compton was keen on addressing the whole building, which will be improved during the last phase of the plan. “It’s quite evident that we will be working on as many ADA issues as possible,” Salas said. “Even now, we’re taking steps to go beyond compliance and be more aggressive with ADA issues and make LBJ enjoyable for everybody.” Compton said an online interactive map is being developed so people with disabilities can plan a route to class that is in conjunction with the ADA improvements. The map will include an overview of the campus and access routes for people with disabilities throughout different regions of Texas State. Compton said the map will show floor plans and routes into buildings to classrooms, restrooms and elevators. “The idea is that someone who needs these services could literally go online to that link before they ever show up on campus,” Compton said. “And, they don’t have to wonder how they’ll get (to where they are going).” Compton said the map is scheduled for completion in May. Compton said there’s not an actual deadline for improving campus accessibility because “things change.” “We’re not sitting around here idly waiting for something to happen,” Petty said. “We are actively involved, engaged and have been instrumental from the get-go.”

of land near outlet malls

By Amanda Ross News Reporter The creation of new neighborhoods, office buildings and parks could be on the horizon for a large, undeveloped plot of land in San Marcos. Walton Development and Management, a Canadian land management company, has plans to develop 495 acres off Centerpoint Road into a public utility district consisting of single-family homes, community areas and commercial offices. As a public utility district, the development would provide utilities such as electricity, waste collection and water to residents. The plan for the public utility district, tentatively titled the Gas Lamp District, includes apartment complexes, schools and senior citizen communities along with natural elements such as parks and basins. Alexa Knight, regional vice president of Walton Development and Management, said the potential for developments at the Gas Lamp District could attract residents to what is thought of as a college town. Plans for the development were presented to the San Marcos City Council during the Feb. 19 meeting. An additional property tax would be imposed on those looking to buy homes or offices in the area because the land is slated to become a public utility district. Knight said the potential tax for the new district is estimated at 39 cents per every $100 spent. This would be in addition to the city tax of 59 cents per every $100. Single-family homes in the Gas Lamp District would range from $150,000 to $200,000, Knight said. The median price of a home in San Marcos is $139,699,

READ GAS LAMP, PAGE 3

2 | Tuesday March 5, 2013 | The University Star

OPINIONS

For more viewpoints or letters to the editor, e-mail staropinions@txstate.edu

City deserves praise for downtown aid initiatives

T

he pleas of small business owners suffering from downtown construction may finally be heard if city officials go through with plans to give much-needed alternative financial aid to the mom-and-pop shops. Construction has been an ever-tightening vise on downtown businesses, causing sales to steadily drop in the area—which is particularly harmful to those that are independently-owned. The downtown district is undergoing renovations as part of a 23-month plan expected to cost $10.2 million, according to a Feb. 27 University Star article. In light of the projects, city officials are looking into offering loan options to help these businesses brave out a loss in profits some have already experienced from construction. Dan’s Discount Bookstore recently shut its doors partly because of downtown construction decreasing its sales and customers by 50 percent, according to a Jan. 29 University Star article. In addition, employers at Royal Cleaners, Paper Bear, Rhea’s Ice Cream and Emeralds have experienced a loss in profits and an increased frustration by customers inconvenienced by nearby construction. The city should be praised for proposing to provide any sort of funding to help the downtown businesses. This aid could make a significant impact on struggling employers, even though the help will likely be temporary. Businesses would be held accountable to repay the loans provided by San Marcos officials, protecting the city from debt as a result. In the coming months, these shops may find it easier to sustain a profit to help pay back the loans as construction in the downtown area eases up. The goal of the construction projects is to create

a more attractive, approachable and accessible downtown area with pedestrian-friendly sidewalks and widened roads. However, city officials made the mistake of planning such a grand undertaking during the school year when many of the businesses largely rely on student profits to keep their companies afloat. If they were not careful, they could be building roads to vacated premises. It seems if the downtown businesses do not receive some form of additional aid with the current rate of sales, the area will be devoid of the

shops that make San Marcos unique. Until construction is completed, shoppers will have to face the war-zone of downtown construction with a minefield of possible places to receive parking tickets or a car full of dust from projects. Students and residents, despite the hassle of construction, must take advantage of services like the Go Local Card to help promote a culture of frequenting the downtown businesses. City officials with the San Marcos Convention and Visitor Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, Main Street Program and Downtown Association are also working to develop a “shop downtown” campaign, according to the same Feb. 27 article. This potential campaign should further encourage residents and students to join in the effort to patronize local businesses. Customers must be updated on the most convenient routes to reach the businesses, and more employees should receive special permits to park in the downtown district area. The city has recognized the suffering of many local businesses and has plans to help them stick around to enjoy the construction improvements of the downtown in the future. City Kara Ramer, Star Illustrator officials deserve accolades for laying the foundation of some important initiatives to sustain the vibrant nature of downtown San Marcos. The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University-San Marcos Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University-San Marcos.

Peak point in semester brings burden of extra stress

By Alex Pernice Opinions Columnist

T

exas State students need to find ways to manage high stress levels as coursework and tests begin to pile up in the coming weeks. Students who decide to embark on the journey of higher education will likely encounter distress at some point. College students are constantly hammered with lofty expectations, huge course loads and a number of different responsibilities outside of school. The amount of stress students experience is tremendous, and the result-

ing negative effects are becoming more apparent. According to a Feb. 8 Huffington Post article featuring a 2012 study by the American Psychological Association, the generation with the highest reported stress level is the millennials. The millennial group, which includes those who range in age from 18 to 33, reported experiencing a 39 percent increase in stress during the past year, according to the same article. This information can easily resonate with the Texas State students who are categorized as millennials. A reminder about stress management is appropriate at a time when midterms are in full swing and project season is beginning. It is imperative students keep a keen eye out for signs they may be getting more stressed than usual. A little bit of increased stress is healthy. But if things begin to feel overwhelming, the problem should be identified and addressed.

The effects of prolonged high stress levels can be detrimental to classwork. It is not uncommon for students to be plagued with a week or two of what seems like an entire syllabus full of work. However, if a student carries the weight of stress for a long period of time, it could take a serious toll on academic performance. This, in turn, could translate into a further heightening of taxing thoughts and feelings for a student. Managing high stress levels is not hard, as some may think. Simple daily habits can reduce the weight of stress in moments of panic. Some suggestions for stress management include exercising, calling family members and reading a book to relax, according to the Huffington Post article. Students who feel overly pressed for time should consider talking with academic advisers and visiting the Counseling Center on campus. Students can rest assured, whether the sources of stress are schoolrelated or personal, they will be able to

find much-needed help through their fellow Bobcat peers. With the spring season dawning, students may feel a positive kick toward their study habits and time management. Warmer weather and brighter skies can wash away the last bit of cold weather blues some students may suffer from during the winter months. Thoughts of spring break, summer vacation and graduation can greatly reduce frustrations or serve as serious fuel for students to lower stress and make these times more enjoyable. Students should realize times of panic might happen every once in awhile, but ongoing stress must be seen as a more serious problem. It should be a priority and a goal for students to manage stress in a productive and safe way to make the college experience more enjoyable. --Alex Pernice is a mass communication sophomore.

Abundance of bachelor’s degrees hurts job prospects

By Ravi Venkataraman Opinions Columnist

T

exas State officials must ensure the value of a bachelor’s degree remains relevant even as a record-high amount of students are heading out into the workforce with higher education experience. The economic recession that took place from 2007-2009 pushed student enrollment to new highs at colleges across the nation. This is beneficial for the local economy and social environment. However, with more people attending college, questions are raised about the value of a degree. In the long-term, a bachelor’s degree could be devalued because of the high numbers of college graduates. Two-year college enrollment rates

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increased 12.7 percent in 2010. This occurred because of predicted results based on unemployment percentages from 2007, according to a study by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. At four-year public schools in 2010, enrollment was about 5 percent higher than previous projected models from 2007, according to the same study. The increasing trend of nontraditional students returning to college has been noticeable in the last decade and complements growth in enrollment overall amid the recent recession. The enrollment of students more than 25 years of age has increased 43 percent nationally between 2000 and 2009, according to a Jan. 27, 2012 USA Today article. This trend is noticeable at Texas State as well. There were 2,033 students older than 30 enrolled at Texas State last fall. The most growth was recorded between 2007 and 2010, and the number of nontraditional students increased by about 500 students during that three-year span. Since 2010, the enrollment has stabilized at around 2,000 students. In addition, there is an observed increase in college enrollment, partially

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due to a hope for financial prosperity with a college degree. The American unemployment rate is high, albeit skewed, especially coming out of the recent recession. In a U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics January report measuring ages 25 and over, the unemployment rate for high school graduates and those with bachelor’s degrees is 8.1 percent and 3.7 percent respectively. At the face value, these figures are good. More people are getting educated, creating more knowledgeable residents and a better-prepared workforce. The downside is inflation of the number of people receiving bachelor’s degrees. Take Atlanta for example. About 46 percent of the city’s population over 25 years old holds a bachelor’s degree, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. In Atlanta law firms require at least a bachelor’s degree for the lowest level positions, like a receptionist job, according to a Feb. 19 article in The New York Times. And yes, the position only pays $10 an hour. This happens because of the makeup of job seekers in Atlanta. Companies have the option between multiple college graduates, creating the

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standard of having a bachelor’s degree as a prerequisite. When looking at the numbers, Austin is comparable to Atlanta in some aspects. About 44 percent of the population in Austin more than 25 years old holds a bachelor’s degree. While its economy pales in comparison to Atlanta, the Austin metropolitan area is considered to be the best place for jobs, according to a May 1, 2012 article in Forbes Magazine. Employers in the Austin metropolitan area might create the bachelor’s degree standard across the board—like Atlanta. Basic low-level jobs that previously needed a high school diploma could require a bachelor’s degree because of a saturation of applicants with higher education experience. The bar for basic jobs will be raised because of a variety of people attending college. Future plans the state has for attempting to make a bachelor’s degree more accessible and the streamlining of degree paths will factor into potential devaluing of degrees over time. --Ravi Venkataraman is a creative writing masters student.

The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University-San Marcos and is published every other Wednesday in the summer semesters. It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 6,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels Herald-Zeitung. Copyright Tuesday, March 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 | Tuesday March 5, 2013 | 3

NEWS

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OPEN DOOR

DEFICIT

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

Belcher suggested to Trauth that the signs blocking the road be taken down until the construction begins. “Cars would actually be able to drive back there, and people could drop or pick things up,” Belcher said. “It would just be a convenience on top of all the other burdens they have for the Blanco residents.” Other students attended the session purely to discuss their experience at Texas State thus far. “Several students just came by to introduce themselves, and I think that’s great,” Trauth said. “I don’t want to be intimidating. That can be a barrier.” Ethan Becker, music freshman, said he met with Trauth to introduce himself and speak with her one-onone. Kayleigh Soukup, exploratory freshman, attended the session to talk to the administrators about what she should major in and which student organizations to join. Both administrators agreed that students often do not know what resources on campus they should use, and it’s nice to share them with students like Soukup. Soukup said she could see herself coming back to an Open Door session if she wished to speak about an issue in the future. Trauth said it is important to her to create an environment in which students feel empowered. She said if students have an issue then they should be able to go and talk to someone about it. “It’s good to direct them in their paths and to give answers for the questions they may have,” Smith said.

Shea Wendlandt, Star Photographer

David Acosta, accounting junior, speaks with President Denise Trauth, right, and Joanne Smith, vice president of Student Affairs, during the Open Door session March 4 in the LBJ Student Center.

the science and engineering building would help reduce the deficit as well. “(The calculations tell us) we do not have enough space for everything we teach and do on our campus, which is true,” Nusbaum said.

38 hours per week and class laboratories are used 36 hours a week. Nance said it is a goal to find funding for new buildings in order to reduce the university’s current space deficit. However, he said there is no target amount of funding to be gained or square footage to add to campus. Nance said the space deficit has been a concern since the 1970s.

Community Conversations address San Marcos youth issues, future By Katharina Guttenberg Special to the Star The future of San Marcos’ youth was discussed Monday during the first installment of a series of “Community Conversations about Student Hope, Engagement and Wellbeing.” Residents who attended Monday’s meeting discussed local youths’ responses to a recent Gallup Student Poll conducted for the Youth Master Plan, which aims to improve conditions for San Marcos students. In order to gain insight on the youth of San Marcos, 3,788 students in fifth through twelfth grade took the poll to measure hope, engagement and wellbeing. According to the poll, 8.7 percent of students in the class of 2011 dropped out of the San Marcos Consolidated School District, while 84.6 percent graduated on time. Only 38 percent of those who graduated were college-ready in English and math. Speakers discussed students’ feelings toward school based on the answers to a number of questions. Of SMCISD students ages 10 to 18 who took the poll, 16 percent said they were discour-

GAS LAMP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 according to CNN’s money webpage. The total property tax on the cheapest home in the public utilities district would be slightly less than $1,500. The tax on the median priced home in San Marcos would be about $830.

Texas State has to efficiently use what square footage it has because there is not enough space. Nusbaum said space efficiency at Texas State exceeds the coordinating board’s expectations. Meyer said the university received a perfect score of 200 for space usage efficiency. He said the state average is 167 out of 200. Meyer said Texas State uses classrooms

These estimates place the Gas Lamp District in the highest price range for the San Marcos area. This price range is not typically associated with Walton’s target customers who are young, first-time homeowners.

aged with school and 15 percent said they were actively disengaged. Thirty seven percent of SMCISD students said they were struggling with their wellbeing. According to the Youth Master Plan, students should be academically successful and workforceready by the time they graduate high school. The plan promotes this by taking steps to provide a healthy, active and physically and emotionally safe environment. Miguel Arredondo, public administration sophomore, is a San Marcos native and an intern for Place 1 Councilwoman Kim Porterfield. He said there has always been a perception that San Marcos’ schools are not performing at the level they should be. “I’m hoping this Youth Master Plan helps us,” Arredondo said. “We are going to identify what the problems or issues are and come up with solutions to solve the problems.” Porterfield said city officials are trying to increase resources and jobs to keep families in town. Porterfield said the Youth Master Plan aims to increase children’s qualities of life to combat disengagement, wellbeing and discouragement.

Councilman John Thomaides, Place 3, said Walton’s tax, when compounded with other citymandated rates, would make purchasing a house in the Gas Lamp District nearly impossible for would-be homebuyers. “You’re going to get young, first-time home buyers to pay $2,000 a year in city tax plus the school district tax plus the

county and road tax? That’s your plan?” Thomaides said. The district would have to adhere to a new city ordinance called SmartCode. Under the SmartCode policy, roadways, bike lanes and sidewalks must meet standards set by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The Gas Lamp District would be the first development to be

Ian Faigley, senior manager for the Forum for Youth Investment, said the Youth Master Plan is an exercise to discover where the city is and “where the youth are.” The Forum for Youth Investment, a non-profit organization based in Washington D.C., was contracted by the city to create the Youth Master Plan. “This is the first time that the city has been specifically focusing on the youth,” Faigley said. “This is a city that is really great for families to live.” Suzanne Hershey, senior fellow for the Forum of Youth Investment, said the purpose of Monday’s meeting was to gain input on the Youth Master Plan. “I don’t think we’re ready for a presentation on this, I think we need to explore and then we should get back with what the plans should be,” Hershey said. “The next Community Conversation will give people in different parts of the city a chance to give their input.” Three more discussions will be held in March to gain resident feedback. The Youth Master Plan is slated for completion in June.

built under the new ordinance. Plans for the Gas Lamp District are still preliminary, with an additional meeting scheduled for Aug. 14 along with a public hearing. San Marcos residents are encouraged to attend and share their views on the proposed district.

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TRENDS

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Texas State students use Facebook to confess secrets anonymously By Randi Berkovsky Trends Reporter Confession #1: The creator and administrator of the Texas State Confessions Facebook page is a 20-year-old University of Texas student. Recently, the Texas State Confessions site has created a buzz that spans the entire campus and now has accumulated more than 7,000 “likes.” Students are able to confess their love for a stranger on the bus, express their opinions about roommates or professors and share strange, embarrassing habits such as addictions and sex fantasies that they would never say otherwise. “The site is mostly humor for me,” said Ragen Barlow, interi-

or design junior. “So many students on there just want to tell their dirty secrets but don’t want their friends to know. I think it’s just entertaining to hear some of the stories people come up with, whether they are true or not.” The creator and administrator of the site, an economics student who asked to be identified as Zach, created the Texas State Confessions page after seeing that other universities had similar accounts. He has created many sites for universities all across the United States, including the University of Texas-San Antonio, University of Florida and Yale University. Zach explained that he created the site because people like to hear about the scandals and drama at

their school. “I created the site because the other ones didn’t give access to all the students,” Zach said. “The overall reason is to build my audience in case I want to do something else later for marketing.” All one has to do to view the Texas State Confessions page is like it on Facebook. They can go to edufess.com in order to make a submission anonymously, where there is a box to submit the confession. “You post your confessions, and it goes straight to an Excel spreadsheet,” Zach said. “It drops in the bucket and all of the seven to nine moderators underneath me can see the posts. They clean out the bucket and

decide what goes on the site.” The page is blowing up Facebook newsfeeds all over campus. Zach said he wants to move the entire site onto edufess. com eventually. When the site moves, newsfeeds will not have all confessions ever posted, but will only be updated with the top two or three. Viewers will be able to go to edufess.com to see all the confessions. “I never know what’s going on with my friends because all I see on my newsfeed is confessions,” said Katie Dec, psychology junior. “It’s super annoying. They need to post more throughout the day so it’s spread out.” What makes the Texas State Confessions site so addicting, students say, is no one knows

who is posting what confession. However, Zach says that from his position, the anonymity is required but not liked. “It’s great to be the popular anonymous guy,” Zach said. “I wish I could tell people though, and I can’t in case something went wrong. Then people would know who to go to. If I was graduated, I would tell, but not yet— maybe in another year.” Zach said he’s learned a lot about Texas State students along the way. “Honestly, I had a bad idea about Texas State students originally,” Zach said. “But, they are a lot funnier than UT kids, and their originality and content is way better.”

Center provides childcare, learning opportunity for students By Brenda Urioste Trends Reporter

David Simoneaux, Staff Photographer

The Child Development Center on Academy Street provides daycare services for students and faculty while they work or attend class.

Just to the left of the Student Recreation Center is a building of students of a different kind—preschoolers. The fenced building and the fenced-off playground beside it are actually home to the Texas State Child Development Center, where students and Bobcat babies alike can go to learn. The center offers a safe place for students, faculty and members of the community to leave their children while they go to work and attend classes. It focuses on developmental, play-based experiences for children enrolled and works to create a nurturing environment which fosters trust, creativity and acceptance. There are approximately 85 children currently enrolled in the program. “We strive to serve as a model of a quality childcare program for the community,” said June Blades-Wiese, director of the Child Development Center. The center has succeeded in its goal by recently receiving reaccreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children—the nation’s leading organization of early childhood professionals. “This is a stamp of quality on our program and it assures parents that

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their children are receiving an excellent learning experience,” BladesWiese said. The children enrolled in the program range from 6 weeks old to 5 years old and are divided into different classes. Each class is named after a flower. The two oldest classes (the Bluebonnets and the Tiger Lilies) are given a preschool education following the Texas Education Agency School Readiness guidelines. University students play an important part in the success of the center. There are approximately 35 to 50 student employees at the center working as teaching assistants. These student interns are essential because without them it would be difficult for the center to maintain ratios required to properly care for the children. Students help in other ways to keep the center operating smoothly. “It gives me the opportunity to experience what I may be doing in the future, and I get to help serve parents,” said Greer Rivera, who graduated in December with a degree in family and child development. Some of those employed at the center are majoring in family and consumer science, but students of all majors are welcome. Some nutrition students work as interns in the kitchen, cooking and learning how to provide proper meals for children. Lily Lowder, political science fresh-

man, works with Rivera to help run the front desk. “Being a receptionist helps me gain a lot of skills necessary for a future job, and it gives me an opportunity to do homework,” said Lowder. Hundreds of students come to the center for classes as well. Some come to watch and observe. This process gives students the opportunity to connect what they learn in the classroom with real life experience. “It’s a great work environment,” said LeAnn Kelly, program coordinator. “I have fun every day I come to work.” Kelly knows firsthand how the center benefits not only parents and students but the children as well. “My son went through the program, and I have seen how much it has given him. I can see how he has grown and learned from that experience,” Kelly said.

To enroll a child in the Texas State University Child Development Center, contact June Blades-Wiese at (512) 245-2621 or fill out a waitlist application at www.fcs. txstate.edu/cdc.

The University Star | Tuesday March 5, 2013 | 5

SPORTS

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BASEBALL

Texas State claims first series win of 2013

By Jordan Brewer Assistant Sports Editor

The baseball team’s offense kicked in to take the series against Northern Kentucky University last weekend after losing the first game following a six-run ninth inning comeback. Friday, the Bobcats used a five-run third inning to carry a lead to the top of the ninth when Northern Kentucky scored six runs to take the lead and eventually the game 6-5. Northern Kentucky scored the winning run off a Bobcat throwing error by senior third baseman Nick Smelser. Junior pitcher Kyle Finnegan started game one and gave up three hits and no runs on six innings of work. Freshman Lucas Humpal and junior Hunter Lemke relieved Finnegan, pitching two innings total, giving up no runs on one hit and one walk. Freshman reliever Jack Finnegan, Kyle’s brother, started the ninth and relinquished the shutout with two runs off two hits. He never recorded an out in the ninth. Sophomore Austen Williams was credited with the loss, making him 0-2 on the season. He gave up four runs, three earned, on three hits.

The Bobcats responded the next day, scoring eight runs in the first inning of Saturday’s contest. Texas State won by way of a run-rule, 13-0, recording 12 hits. Senior designated hitter Andrew Stumph led the way, batting 1-2 with three RBI. Senior left fielder Kevin Sah was given his first start and went 3-5 with two runs scored. “I think myself and the team included have a little more confidence at the plate,” Stumph said. “Our coaches talk about having an opposite field approach and I think everyone is starting to buy into it. You can see in the past three games that the hit totals have been in double digits every game.” The hitting drew the attention early on Saturday but sophomore starting pitcher Taylor Black was a key contributor for the Bobcats as well. Black pitched a one-hitter in seven innings of work, striking out 10 Northern Kentucky batters. “I was proud of the way they came back (Saturday and Sunday) after the gut wrenching game that we lost on Friday night,” Coach Ty Harrington said. “Those are the ones that are hard to take. They’re a reminder of how cruel baseball can be if you let it.” Black’s performance was technically a

complete game shutout, and was enough to make Black the WAC Pitcher of the Week. The Bobcats had four batters in Saturday’s game with at least two hits and seven players who reached base at least twice. In Sunday’s rubber match, Texas State used several big innings to overcome an early deficit. Northern Kentucky got a 3-0 lead in the first inning, but would not score again until the sixth. Despite having three errors in the game, Texas State managed to win 11-7. The Bobcats saw their first home run of the season, coming from the bat of sophomore short stop Garrett Mattlage. Mattlage went 4 of 4 on Sunday including his homerun shot to left-center field. He had five RBI and a run scored as well. “When I hit it, I kind of knew it was out,” Mattlage said. “I really needed that as far as confidence and feeling good at the plate with my right-handed swing. It’s always nice to get the first (home run) out of the way. The ball just keeps getting bigger and bigger.” Stumph kept his clutch hitting going in the series finale, batting 4-5 with three runs scored and an RBI. Junior first baseman Austin O’Neal singled up the middle in the third inning, which resulted in two runs scored for

the Bobcats. Junior catcher Tyler Pearson was key in Texas State’s lineup all weekend long. He batted 2-4 on Sunday with three runs scored. Mickan, Stumph, Mattlage and Pearson led the Bobcats’ offense throughout the weekend. All together they were 21-47 (.446). A once conference worst batting average below .200 is now at .243, seventh out of ten programs in the league. The batting averages, a key statistic for baseball success, are getting better for the Bobcats with Mattlage leading the way hitting .364, good enough for ninth in the conference. Harrington still admits there are things his team must improve upon offensively, including at-bats with people in scoring position. “I’m a bigger stat man than you’ll ever dream about. I’m a baseball coach. I live off of stats,” Harrington said. “When you watch batting averages rise, it’s a statistical mark of what they are doing. But it becomes about batting average with men on base. When those are good, that means you have tough guys with runners in scoring position.” Twitter: @jbrewer32

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Bobcats fall to Idaho after success against Seattle

By Samuel Rubbelke Sports Reporter The men’s basketball won against Seattle University 67-65 but came up short against Idaho on senior night, despite all five starters scoring in double figures against the Vandals. The Bobcats were down two men against the Redhawks. The team played without sophomore guard Wesley Davis and junior forward Corey Stern because of violation of team policies, according to Coach Doug Davalos. Seattle used its athleticism to out-rebound the Bobcats in their first meeting 47-39 and 21 on the offensive glass. “We were short-handed tonight,” Davalos said. “But there was no lack of heart. All the guys in the game contributed tonight. If you go down the line, you’ll see it. We actually did a better job of keeping them off the boards.” On Thursday, Texas State improved its post defense and kept the Redhawks off the glass. The Bobcats held Seattle to 18 in the paint and 6 secondchance points. The Bobcats were exposed in the paint, giving up 44 and 20 second-chance points in Washington earlier in the year. Senior guard Vonn Jones earned his first steal for a layup with 10:11 left to tie the game at 51-51. Jones’ next steal and layup came with 4:49 left to take a 56-55 Bobcat lead. His final pickpocket came with 2:12 on the clock to help maintain the Bobcat lead at 58-57.

“I just tried to pressure the ball,” Jones said. “The Seattle guards are shooters. So, when I tried to dig and get in their lane and come up with some steals, it definitely helped us.” Jones passed the torch to junior forward Reid Koenen late. Koenen put the pressure on Seattle when he hit a 3 pointer with 1:02 left to give the Bobcats a 5-point lead. “It was a close game, and I hadn’t been hitting 3 (pointer)s in the other games,” Koenen said. “But I didn’t let that bother me. I saw the shot clock running down, but you just gotta hit shots like that. I could tell that it uplifted everyone though. As soon as I shot it, I felt like it was going in.” Koenen later broke free on a Redhawks press and caught a full court inbound pass from senior forward Matt Staff and finished in transition for a layup. This play put the Bobcats up 6763 with 12.8 seconds left in regulation. Texas State weathered a first-half storm with 61.5 percent shooting by the Redhawks. The largest lead by any team in the game was 7 points. “We knew coming into the game that they (Davis and Stern) weren’t playing,” Koenen said. “We knew there was only going to be eight of us. We knew we weren’t going to be able to win with only two people. It was going to have to be a full rotation. We had to stay together as a small group.” Koenen finished with 12 points and Jones scored 7, collecting four steals. Texas State could not handle Idaho post Kyle Barone, despite a 68-point

combined scoring effort from the starting five in the Idaho game. Barone accounted for 26 points and 14 rebounds in the Vandals’ 90-81 victory. An opponent had three players score more than 20 points for the first time this season against Texas State. Connor Hill scored 22 points shooting 5-7 from beyond the arc, and Stephen Madison tallied 20 points, six rebounds, and four assists. “We didn’t take anything away from them, and you have to take something away,” Davalos said. “We tried to limit them from some things, but when we tried they got second shots. We let three guys get 20 points, and that’s not going to get you a win unless you’re in the NBA. I thought our effort was good and we played hard, but I don’t think we played tough enough.” Staff finished senior night with 22 points and five rebounds. Jones scored 3 points but came up with two steals to keep Texas State in the game. The Bobcats are now 4-12 in the WAC and 9-20 overall. The 2006-2007 season was the last time Texas State had 20 or more losses. “Every game is big this time of year,” Davalos said. “I just want us to play well. The bottom line is we are all going to the WAC Tournament, and now we have to play well down the stretch and carry over the things that work. We have to hold our own. We are a good team.”

Olivia Ordoñez, Staff Photographer

Twitter: @SamuelRubbelke Sophomore Guard Wesley Davis struggles to drive past the defender in the 90-81 loss March 2 against the University of Idaho.

SOFTBALL

Home-field advantage not valuable for team in 2013 season

By Odus Evbagharu Sports Reporter The softball team lost four more games this weekend, bringing their loss total to 16—just one less game than they lost all of last year when they went 3917 and won the Southland Conference Tournament. The Bobcats (3-16) achieved their 16th win of the season more than two months earlier than last year on their way to losing four of five this weekend at the CenturyLink Classic in San Marcos. Texas State has lost 10 of its last 11 contests but broke an eight-game losing streak at the classic with a 7-1 victory over ex-Southland foe Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The Islanders went winless in the tournament, finishing fifth and leaving San Marcos with a 5-15 overall record. “We’ve only won three games this year, and at this point it doesn’t matter if we are at home or away,” Coach Ricci Woodard said. “It is one of those deals that everyone just has to do a better job, especially at the point that we are at now in the season.” The softball team’s hitters left an average of seven runners on base in the five games they played this weekend and hit a collective .246 for the tournament. The team drove in four or more runs per contest while the pitching staff allowed their opponents to score 5.6 runs on a combined .324 batting average. “Some of the times we get runners in position, and we do too much,” Woodard said. “We swing at pitches we probably shouldn’t swing at because we are over-anxious to make something happen. We just have to do a little bit of a better job being smarter and being smarter hitters in certain situations.” At this point in the season, Woodard is not just looking for improvement offensively. She said pitching has to do a “better job” too. “It is hard to win games when you start every game behind by four or five runs,” Woodard said. “It just makes it a little tougher right now.” Texas State’s closest contest came in game two of the Friday doubleheader against Purdue University. The Boilermakers got off to a quick start scoring two runs in the first inning. The Bobcats answered with a run in the third and fourth inning to even the game up 2-2. Both teams were unable to score a run in regulation and the game headed

to extra innings. The Bobcats would strike first in the eighth inning when sophomore third baseman Courtney Harris hit a sacrifice fly to right field to drive in junior outfielder Brooke Keel. Keel started the top of the eighth on second base in accordance with international softball rules for extra innings. Texas State took the lead and headed to the bottom of the eighth ahead, 3-2. Purdue had runners on first and third base and the Boilermakers hit a leadoff single to begin the inning. Junior outfielder Andie Varsho hit a single for Purdue and drove in the game-tying run. Purdue hit a fielder’s choice and fouled out to the shortstop to get its first and second out. They had runners on second and third base when senior infielder Ashley Courtney hit a ball too short and caused an error, allowing Varsho to score the game-winning run. The Boilermakers earned the victory, 4-3. Against the Islanders, freshman pitcher Ashley Wright was able to get her second win of the season. Wright pitched a complete game giving up five hits, one run and one walk. The Bobcats had seven runs on seven hits, striking out twice in the game with four walks. Senior first baseman Haley Lemons went 1 for 4 and drove in two runs, while Harris added two RBI of her own. “For the most part, we feel that we’ve been in most games,” Lemons said. “We did a pretty good job against Corpus Christi. We still have confidence that we can turn the season around and start winning games. Obviously, we want to be successful, but we are focused on one game at a time. We are just going to keep working, and it will turn around.” The team will be taking on Sam Houston State University on Wednesday. The Bearkats are former Southland Conference opponents. Senior second baseman Anna Hernandez thinks it is important to start getting more runs on the board and victories in the win column. “We just have to keep grinding,” Hernandez said. “We know it’s been a rough season so far, but we can’t do anything except to just keep grinding. Now is not the time to feel sorry for ourselves. Now is not the time to make excuses. This is the time to see what we are made of and build character and play great.” Twitter: @odus_Outputs

Carlos Valdez, Assistant Photo Editor

Senior catcher Macie Hair is forced out by Purdue’s Kristin Morgan March 3 at the Bobcat Softball Complex. The Bobcats lost 7-2 against Purdue Sunday.

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