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Volume 80 Issue 1 August 30, 2013
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Visit us at www.asurampage.com
Photos by Adam Sauceda
Above: Students moved back on campus Friday, Aug. 23 and Saturday, Aug. 24 to prepare for the new Fall semester. Right: Angelettes sophomore Maggie Smith and sophomore Calli Bradshaw showed their skills in a wrestling match with inflatable tubes.
Rambunctious Weekend kicks off the semester, welcomes students Rambunctious weekend kicked off the 2013-2014 school year. Organizations such as UCPC, Chi Alpha and Residential Programs sponsored several activities planned for students and their families. There were inflatable’s, cookouts and even Dominic the Ram made an appearance. ASU holds Rambunctious weekend every year for incoming and returning students to have fun before the Fall semester starts. Photos by Adam Sauceda
Freshmen Dustin Wilson (above), Kala Young (right) and Ayla Judson (far right) all engage in Rambunctious Weekend activities Aug. 24.
University police chief gets BWI charges Incident goes viral and taken to district court Allison Price Managing Editor Memorial Day weekend is a time for people to hit the lakes and enjoy the warm sun. For some that might be their first intention, but it could turn out to be something different.
June 6, 2013Photo Courtesy of Communication and Marketing
The San Angelo Standard-Times originally broke the story on University Police Chief James Adams, who faced a boating while intoxicated (BWI) charge
over Memorial Day weekend. A game warden pulled over Adams for creating a wake in a no-wake zone while jet skiing on Lake Nasworthy. Once Adams was ashore he was given the standard sobriety tests, according to the article. Adams failed those tests and was booked into the Tom Green County Jail. After spending the night in jail, Adams was released the next day on a $1,000 bond. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife website, a BWI is a class B misdemeanor punishable by confinement in jail for up to 180 days and a fine of up to $2,000.
June 7, 2013-
Once ASU caught news of the incident, Preston Lewis, director of Communications and Marketing, released a
statement on the situation. “The case will be followed closely and any action, if necessary, will be taken at the appropriate time,” he said. “Until then, ASU Police Chief James Adams has been reassigned to desk duties, pending resolution of all issues. ASU Police Lt. Marc West will serve as acting police chief in the interim.”
August 6, 2013-
The Tom Green County grand jury dismissed the case and Adams did not get charged with the BWI, according to the Standard-Times article. Instead of being handled by a county attorney, Adams’ case went directly to the district court level. Adams immediately resumed his position as chief.
NEWS
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Events Calendar Get involved on campus! Here’s what’s going on this week. Friday August 30 Art Exhibit: Sharon Booma, contemporary painter. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. located in the Carr Education-Fine Arts building.
Friday, August 30, 2013
Valdez, new band director, has visions to expand membership Looking to rebuild the band program Terrence Cain Staff Writer
Monday September 2 University Holiday: Labor Day. No classes
Tuesday September 3 CONTINUED- Art Exhibit: Sharon Booma, contemporary painter. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. located in the Carr EducationFine Arts building. Backyard BBQ hosted by Greek Life. Partnering with Chartwells, Greek Life is hosting a progressive type dinner for students with a meal plan. There will be plenty of chances to meet new people and play games. The fun starts at 4:30 p.m. at the Cafeteria.
Wednesday September 4 CONTINUED- Art Exhibit: Sharon Booma, contemporary painter. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. located in the Carr EducationFine Arts building.
Thursday September 5 ALL DAY- Cross Country at Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls. CONTINUED- Art Exhibit: Sharon Booma, contemporary painter. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. located in the Carr EducationFine Arts building.
ASU’s newest music director Thursday, Sept. 5, will lead the first official marching band show at the Rams football game. Arturo “Art” Valdez III replaced Dr. Daniel McCloud, who left ASU at the end of the spring 2013 semester. “A friend of mine, [President of the Texas Bandmasters Association and an ASU alumnus] Fred Vélez, as well as other members of the committee, informed me that the position was available,” Valdez said. “They convinced me that I could rebuild this program, so I came and checked out the facilities in the university to make sure this was a place where I could build a program. I was very impressed with what I saw, so I pursued the opportunity.” Valdez said he originally wanted to become a veterinarian, but a music director inspired him to become one as well when he played the bassoon in high school. “My dad had a ranch and worked with animals all the time, but then comes in this band director my junior year,” Valdez said. “He turned the program around in our high
Photo Courtesy of Communications and Marketing school and influenced me, and before I knew it I was a music major. I’ve loved every minute of it ever since.” A native of Laredo, Valdez said he went to Kingsville to earn his bachelor’s in all-level music and his master’s in educational administration at Texas A&M. Prior to coming to ASU, Valdez taught at Texas Christian University and various public schools across Texas for 25 years. During Valdez’s public school career he led his marching bands to numerous state championships in marching and concert contests. Valdez said from 1999 to 2004 he was the direc-
tor of instrumental music for the Fort Worth Independent School District, Texas’ fifth-largest district with more than 80,000 students. At one time Valdez was also the president of the Texas Bandmasters Association. Valdez said his main goal at the moment is to help build up the university’s marching band numbers. “We need to build the program,” Valdez said. “There is no reason why we should not have a 200-piece band every year. We need to build strong relationships with surrounding area schools, all the way from El Paso to Fort Worth, so that we can recruit more high school seniors to become freshmen here at ASU.” Senior Nikki Moore has nothing but praises for the newly settled band director. “I think he’s doing a lot, and it’s definitely different,” Moore said. “I know I’m going to be doing things different when I start teaching.” Valdez led the marching band during the summer to give the band members a feel for his style of directing music before he officially became the music director for the fall semester. “We added a day to band camp, and they were exhausted,” Valdez said, “and then we had performance complications. Before Rambunctious we worked hard for seven days, but they didn’t complain. They’re superb kids and I am very blessed to be a part of this team.”
Alumni Association: Ram Jam. Attend Ram Jam at the LeGrand Alumni and Visitors Center at 4:30 p.m. for a tailgate party.
Television comedian Lil Duval kicked off the Club Cafe performances, Wednesday August 28. Lil Duval currently preforms on MTV’s Guy Code and Ain’t That America. Lil Duval got his first break on Cedric the Entertainers, Starting Lineup. Lil Duval is set to come back and perform in San Angelo October 1.
Planetarium: Black Holes; the Other Side of Infinity. A cutting-edge production. The show begins at 7 p.m. Football vs Black Hills State University. 7 p.m. 10 p.m. at San Angelo Stadium. Soccer at New Mexico Highlands University. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in Las Vegas, NM. Planetarium: Oasis in Space; A beautiful voyage. The show begins at 8 p.m. There will be two weekly showings every Thursday in the Planetarium featuring Black Holes and Oasis in Space. Be sure to catch the programs at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. The shows will continue until September 26.
Submit event requests by 5 p.m. Tuesday for Friday publication to rampage@angelo.edu
L I L du va L midnightrodeosanangelo.com
Photo by Adam Sauceda
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Are you considering working in the media field after you graduate? Why wait?
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The Ram Page is a good place to start. Gain experience with ASU’s student-run newspaper. We are looking for students who can meet deadlines and deliver quality work. Stop by and grab an application outside of the Ram Page office, 3rd Floor Library, B324. Be sure to attach samples of your previous work.
Questions? Call us at (325)-942-2323.
OPINIONS
Friday, August 30, 2013
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Five helpful tips for new students Tip #1: Stay true to yourself, but degrees—just as you newbies should be plans for your future. I apologize if I be friendly too – too. Bringing loud parties to your dorm sound like a parent, but that is just the
You are a stranger in a strange land, but the great thing is that so is everyone else. As long as you remain cool, calm and collected, you will find yourself not feeling so out of place. The majority of people on campus are friendly, courteous and willing to help you when you feel lost. So don’t be afraid to talk and express yourself to others, because remember: The people who have been here a while were once newbies too—so the seasoned students know how to overcome those fears you feel inside. And don’t feel like you have to change who you are to fit in. Remain true to your roots and don’t be afraid to Terrence Cain let people see you for who you truly are. Staff Writer Share a little bit of yourself with others and you will be happier in the long run. Welcome to Angelo State, new stu- If you just let people accept the real you dents! rather than an image of yourself you’re Many of you have a lot of questions and adopting for others, you’ll find more true I would love to help make your first se- friends in college. mester one that is much easier to handle. Tip #2: Use common courI am sure that for some of you, coming tesy – to ASU is intimidating. You are probably For some of you, the main reason you wondering whom to trust, where every- came to college was to get away from thing is, and how to act being in a new those pesky parents so that you could place that is not quite homey-feeling. have a good time. While I can totally reWell, here are a few tips to you from a late with you on that, I also highly advise seasoned veteran. you to do so in moderation. Many students here, especially us upperclassmen, are highly motivated to get our college
What is the most embarrassing thing you have done as a freshman?
“Wearing the ROTC pants because they’re to short.”
Adrian Cruz
Junior
room anytime, especially after midnight, is a serious faux pas. You could end up upsetting your roommates, getting the campus police called on you, and possibly even getting kicked out of school. We don’t want to see that happen. So just make sure to use some common courtesy. Enjoy the party, but do so either off campus or at a designated location on campus where parties are held. Students here like their sleep, so stay on good terms with your roommates, and you will be sure to have a great time.
Tip #3: Textbook purchases –
I know this is a bit of a taboo subject, but if you can find your books cheaper outside the university’s book store, I would do so. Go to Amazon.com, Belltowerbooks.com, or Chegg.com and see what you can find. Usually Amazon is the cheapest. And if you’re savvy you can make eBook purchases. I personally have a MacBook Pro laptop and I downloaded the Kindle app for free and purchased the majority of my textbooks electronically. I wound up saving myself over $50. And the great thing about eBooks is they show up on your device instantly!
Tip #4: Attend all of your classes–
Yes, I said it. If you are in college, you are here hopefully because you have
“Asked where the Rassman was when I was right in front of it.”
Corinne Flanagan
Junior
“Going to the right class on the wrong day.”
Ryan Everheard
Senior
reality of today’s economy. Having a degree is extremely important, more so now than ever. But it’s also equally important to make sure you have a degree that you’re passionate about and not just something that promises to make you a lot of money. It is important to remain happy, it is important to have a college degree, and it is important to stay focused to make sure those two meet.
Tip #5: Mingle and diversify yourself –
There is a wealth of different people from all over the world here, and I do mean ALL OVER THE WORLD. We have students from South Korea, France, Portugal, Brazil, Nigeria, and other corners of the planet. Not to mention pretty much every state in America. Get to know everyone you meet. If you’re sitting down and eating in the cafeteria, say hello and introduce yourself to someone sitting at the next table. Talk about where you are from, what you are studying, and anything else that comes to mind. You will thank yourself for it later because you will feel more connected with the world knowing what others outside of your close group of friends are like. It will begin to feel like the world is not so small and isolated for you as well, which will make you feel like you never left home at all.
“Hitting a girl in the face with a ball by accident in front of everyone.”
“Being the only one to not turn in homework in English class.”
Claudia Ramirez Sophomore
Zach Fixter
Sophomore
Ram Page Staff
2013-2014 Angelo State University Editor: Mariah Powell Managing Editor: Allison Price Copy Editor: Dana Choi Online Editor: Riley Mashburn Staff Writer: Terrence Cain Staff Writer: Taylor Price Circulation Manager: Mariah Powell Photo Editor: Adam Sauceda Advertising Manager: Kaitlynn Glendinning Adviser: Dr. Cathy Johnson Ram Page ASU Station #10895 San Angelo, Texas 76909-0895 Editor: rampage@angelo.edu Advertising: rampageads@angelo.edu Newsroom: (325) 942-2323 Advertising: (325) 942-2040 Fax: (325) 942-2551 Member of The Texas Tech University System Associated Collegiate Press Texas Intercollegiate Press Association
PUBLISHING POLICY Published every Friday and available to students, one copy per student, the student newspaper of Angelo State University is a public forum, with its student editorial board making all decisions concerning its contents. Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board. Ram Page welcomes all letters. Please include your name, classification/position and a phone number and/or e-mail address for verification purposes. Letters must be signed and be no more than 350 words. The paper reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all letters are subject to laws governing obscenity, libel and privacy. Deadline is 5 p.m., Monday. Submission does not guarantee publication. Letters may be mailed, e-mailed or submitted at the newspaper’s office, Room 324 on the third floor of the Porter Henderson Library. Opinions in letters are not necessarily those of the staff, nor should any opinion expressed in a public forum be construed as the opinion or policy of the administration, unless so attributed.
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SPORTS
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Friday, August 30, 2013
SPORTS CALENDAR Make sure to catch these sports teams in action at the first games of their season!
September 5, 2013
Wagner looks to make third season with Rams a charm Photo by Mariah Powell The Rams are prepared to show off their skills in the Sept. 5 home game. Miller said they have been preparing for this season since the spring. After their home game, next stop is Arlington,TX, for the Lone Star Conference Football Festival.
Old players coach new comers on season expectations Mariah Powell Editor The Rams prepare to kick off their season at home against Black Hills State University on Sept. 5. Senior Nekechie Miller said he feels the season will go well for the Rams. “We look pretty good at practice and we have new guys on both sides of the ball that fit in real well with the returning players,” he said. The new players are learning the scheme quickly, Miller said. He
wants to create a lasting legacy before he leaves the university. “I want to be a good leader, and I hope to make plays all over the field and throughout the season,” Miller said. “I want to create a winning tradition that the young guys can carry on.” He said their No. 1 goal this season is winning by any means. “I’m excited about playing on Thursday in front of our fans and show them how hard we have been working,” Miller said. Head Coach Will Wagner also has high hopes for his third season with the Rams. “We have a chance to be really good,” he said. “The changes we have seen over the last two years with our players are mature ones.
They bought into our system and understand our expectations. Going through camp, the kids did a great job and we are looking forward to carrying it over on Thursday.” The old players help coach the new players and make sure they know what’s expected of them coming onto the squad, Wagner said. This year there are 119 players on the squad, including red shirt freshmen. Kickoff will be at 7 p.m. at the stadium. “We have high expectations for the season, and that isn’t set by the coaches -- it’s set by the players and some of our seniors,” Wagner said.
Soccer kicks off their season in Las Vegas, NM against New Mexico Highlands University at 7 p.m. Football will be home their first game at the San Angelo Stadium against Black Hills State University.
September 6, 2013 Volleyball will be playing in the Junell Center September 6 first, at noon against Dallas Baptist University and again at 6 p.m. against Colorado State University-Pueblo.
For a complete schedule on all of the sports teams head to www. angelosports.com.
Soccer hopes for more ‘Belles not satisfied shut outs this season with ‘best season’ Eleven new players create questions for Coach McCorkle Mariah Powell Editor The ‘Belles will head to New Mexico Sept. 5 to take on New Mexico Highlands University. This year the team took in 11 freshmen, which means a lot of young players will get an opportunity to step up, Head Coach Travis McCorkle said. “This season will be about answering questions,” McCorkle said. “Our main question is who is going to lead the charge at front, scoring goals. None of our forwards are returning starters, but we have had a very good group of core players come in. Last year we didn’t score as many goals as I thought we could have, so this year we are going to lean on our freshmen a lot. They are going to have to really step up and create and finish goal opportunities.” The team came back a week early for captain practice and to begin working with their large group of fresh players. “I’m really excited about the season,” freshman defender Danielle Lewis said. “It’s
definitely a really big transition from high school. Everyone is meshing really well as far as personalities go and we are looking forward to a good season.” McCorkle said the team is looking for progress this year and more shutouts will be the key defensively. “If we can get more shutouts than last year, it will make a difference for our team’s success because, as a young team, I don’t believe we will have three or four goals a game,” he said. “Hopefully I am wrong, but right now I haven’t seen my freshmen enough to know what we are going to do.” The returning players are helping to teach the new ‘Belles their strategies, McCorkle said. “They are going to have to help accelerate the learning curve with our freshmen more than ever, and this year they are more prepared than before because they’ve had good teachers in the past,” he said. McCorkle said he hopes the students and clubs continue to come out to home games and support the team as they did last year. “The practices are going great,” junior defender Caitlyn Conaway said. “I think this could be our best year. The freshman came on really strong and everyone is doing extremely well. It’s a lot to take on but since everyone came early we have begun to create a bond.”
Photo by Adam Sauceda Junior Shelby Wilt (No.1) prepares to set the ball high at practice Aug. 27.
Returners hungry for more wins Mariah Powell Editor The Rambelles will host the Angelo State Invitational on Sept. 5 and 6 at the Junell Center.
Only three seniors out of the nine returners will take the court this year. “Our new players are pretty talented to combine with our nine returners,” Head Coach Chuck Waddington said. “I think we should be able to keep the bar where we had it and add some excitement to the team.” The team graduated five players last season, two of them AllAmerican players. “The girls spent a lot of time during off-season preparing for this season,” he said. “We had the best season that we have ever had last season, but I don’t think that satisfied these returning nine. They want to leave their own legacy.” Senior Leah McWilliams said she sees positive things in the team’s future. “It’s a very different team than last year’s team, but in the best way possible, and that’s exciting,” she said. “Our synergy is our biggest strength right now, and it plays into how well we do everything else.”