Photo by Marsalis Mahome
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Angelo State University’s student-run newspaper since 1936
Friday, April 14, 2017
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Quidditch flies into popularity at Plaza Verde biannual event
Volume 83, Issue 25
Students represent countries in ESMOAS Campus organization aims for competition Zelenia Vasquez Staff Writer Model Organization of American States is a student simulation of the Organization of American States (OAS). “It is a legislative council that represents countries in the Americas,” MOAS President Cameron Niblock said. “These countries include the U.S., Canada, and Columbia, to name a few.” One of the thing’s MOAS does is prepare the student to participate in Eugene Scass Mock Organization of American States (ESMOAS) academic conference. “This conference helps students learn how to be diplomats in a legislative body that is modeled after the Organization
Photos by Kaitlin Trujillo
Residence Assistants come together to plan
of American Students (OAS),” Niblock said. “This conference includes the simulation, along with an academic panel and a moot court competition.” Every year, MOAS is assigned to represent a different country within the Americas. “Angelo State University’s MOAS was assigned the countries of Canada and Columbia at last year’s conference at Texas State University,” Niblock said. “In 2015 we also represented The Republic of Panama.” Along with attending conferences, they participate in several campus events. “We have participated in several on campus events such as helping the Political Science Department with Constitution Day and helping new /returning students move into their dorms in August of 2016,” Ni-
See MODEL page 4
Zelenia Vasquez Staff Writer
From books, to movies, to real life, the game of Quidditch from the Harry Potter series is becoming the sport to play. “I know it started in the United States somewhere in 2005 and has gained speed and influence as a sport ever since,” Plaza Verde Residential Assistant Rebekah Watson said. “It now has reached an international level. In 2010, the International Quidditch Association was
officially incorporated as a nonprofit business. “The International Quidditch Association came up with the actual rules and equipment use for the sport,” Watson said. This is the second semester that dorm residential
Rammys hits quarter of century mark Seven judges to determine who will be crowned on April 20 Rosanna Aguilera Staff Writer The 25th annual Rammys event will take place on April 20 from 7-9 p.m. in the CJ Davidson of the UC, and SGA’s special events committee is preparing for the event. The Rammys is an awards ceremony hosted by SGA and MSAP. Alex Holguin, Rammys liaison for SGA and special events committee chair, said the event is held to recognize RSOs and
assistants have set up the Quidditch tournament. “Myself, Ashley and Marco are all RA’s from Plaza Verde, Concho and the Massies respectively,” Watson said. “This is our pro-
See QUIDDITCH page 3
faculty who might not receive recognition throughout the year. Emily Hecox said she is advising the committee and keeping them on track this year, because she was the Rammys liaison and committee chair last year. “I am there to assist them along the way,” Hecox said. Hecox said organizations submit their nominations for the awards they qualify for. “I am not currently allowed to give out the nominations,” Hecox said. “The nominees for each award will be invited to
Photo contriubted by Cameron Niblock
Track earns silver in national ranking after successful meet Multiple athletes beat their personal records Patrick Fleming Staff Writer During April 6-8, ASU held the ASU David Noble Multi track meet at its home field and competed against Texas A&M-Commerce. While there, both the men’s and women’s track teams competed in several events including relays, high jump and pole vault.
Both of the teams had major successes by gaining more points than TAMUC. Though this was impressive enough on its own, some of the bigger achievements were in the national marks that the teams made, with 15 of them making within the top 10 of Division II Conference. Some of these accomplishments would include a few students breaking their own records. Morgan Rodgers
broke her long jump record with a measurement of 5.33 meters and Taytum Morris beat his pole vault record at 3.9 meters. This showed how the athletes have been growing and improving. “I feel like we have overall as a team improved,” Kaitlin Lumpkins, junior track athlete of three years said. “Having two coaches’, Coach Dib and Coach Ruiz really put
See TRACK page 6
See RAMMYS page 2
Photo by Marsalis Mahome Photo contributed by Rambelle Rugby
Reese Montgomery, sophmore, leaps over a hurdle. Montgomery finished second in the men’s 3,000-meter steeplechase.
NEWS
Page 2
4.14.2017
Student Government wraps up final meeting for year Members introduce three new bills Rosanna Aguilera Staff Writer
SGA passed several bills, announced two new additions to the student discount program and said their parting messages to the senate in their last meeting of the semester. Vice President Alfredo Felipe said they passed four bills, Bill 88.06, 88.07, 88.08 and 88.09. “One of the bills we passed was a recommendation to open a job position for a student worker at the Center for International Studies as a translator position for all promotional material and advertisements we students get through our emails,” Felipe said. The next bill was the recommendation for Chartwells to extend food service hours an extra hour on weekdays. “Another one was a recommendation to provide a waiver for the Carr scholarship for students with 10
or more credit hours either from transfer or dual credit hours for their sophomore and junior year,” Felipe said. Senator Michael Abarca said they added two new additions to the student discount program last week. “Wildewood Apartments, which offers half of the security deposit and half off the first month’s rent,” Abarca said “There is also Angelo Back and Rehab which offers a free aqua massage.” Abarca said the massage uses water jets to give a full body massage. “It doesn’t actually get you wet because it has a cover and the jet shoots on there,” Abarca said. Abarca said it is free of charge when you become a member. Felipe and President Peyton LaBauve said their thoughts on the year. Felipe said the he thought the senate had a productive year. “Although we don’t advertise a lot of things we do, we’ve done things behind the
curtain,” Felipe said. Photos by Kaitlin Trujillo Felipe said they got things done and pushed through. LaBauve said the year was fulfilling for him. “I think we took the year to really restructure the senate and create a foundation,” LaBauve said. They reestablished how the meetings take place, when they take place, how people interact and when they interact. “It has improved us tremendously,” LaBauve said. LaBauve said they have Aaron Medina, junior, reads a bill that recommends Chartthe highest retention of any wells extends their hours of operation to better serve students. student government ever at ASU between semesters. “It has been the smoothest and relaxing year and we got a lot done in a short amount of time,” LaBauve said. LaBauve said he appreciates all the work and that it was a pleasure working with them. “I’m very proud of them and I wish them luck next year,” LaBauve said. LaBauve said he is looking forward to watch what they produce.
Koryelle Means, senior, gives an update on her committee.
Ram TV, Ram Page win 10 awards at Texas conference Eight students take honors Staff Report
Multiple mass media students received awards for 2016 on April 1 at the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association’s yearly competition. Ram TV and Ram Page all together earned 10 awards, five of those placing in the top three of their categories. For Ram TV, Russell Howard and Steven Salas took wins in two categories. Howard placed second in the Documentary category for his story on Angelo State Veterans. Salas earned third for his piece, “Rape Crisis,” in Production. Six Ram Page members pulled in eight awards. Erika Walker, copy editor for Fall 2016, yanked on readers’ hearts for her column, “A thank you letter to my absent father.” This was one of very few contest entries that received comments from the judges,
who were impressed and felt that Walker reached out to the audience. Three photo events took awards for Ram Page as well. Photo Editor Kaitlin Trujillo and 2015-2016 photographer Josh Lopez combined their skills to earn second with Homecoming 2016 in the Picture Story category. Both also earned honor-
able mentions: Trujillo in the Sports Column category for a piece on the World Series, Lopez for his ASU Lake House photo in the Feature Photo competition. Marsalis Mahome, Ram Page volunteer, placed second in the News Photo category for his front page photo of Belle Volleyball celebrating its conference championship. The final two awards came from Hanna Schindler, previous editor for Spring 2016, in Critical Review, and Sam Fowler in Sports News Story. Schindler’s Tone Deft review on Lady Gaga’s Joanne captured attention. Fowler, now a Ram TV employee, wrote a season wrap up for the Rams and Belles’ historical 2015-2016 basketball season.
Photos by Kaitlin Trujillo
Lupita Lulo of Ram TV records the sports seminar.
RAMMYS page 1 attend and will be announced at the Rammys.” Hecox said there are many categories. There are individual awards, categorical awards and all student organization awards. Hecox was awarded Promising Female Leader of the Year award, along with Emily Vidal, and Jackson Rebrovich as the Promising Male Leader. Hecox’s club, Rambelle Rugby, was also awarded Club Sports Organization of the Year last year. Holguin said there is a panel of seven judges who choose the winners, four faculty and three students. Hecox said the night begins with a nice dinner and is hosted by the
SGA President and Vice President. “Each award is presented by an invited faculty/staff member and a SGA senator,” Hecox said. “After the awards are handed out, the RamFamily Scholarship is presented to the winner, and the torch is passed to the new SGA President and VP.” Hecox said in the previous year, SGA has worked with Student Life to put on the event and this year they are working with MSAP, which is their first time. “There are four of us who meet regularly to plan this event. Robert Garcia, Alex Holguin, myself and Selene Corcino,” Hecox said. Hecox said they meet to do things such
as design invitations, plan the order, plan the menu, etc. “It takes a lot of work, but we are all happy to plan this event to reward our hard-working student organizations,” Hecox said. Holguin said this event is a great way for members of the ASU family to come together in order to recognize people for the hard work they put in during the year. “I also think the Rammys allows ASU to show spirit,” Holguin said. Hecox said this is one of her favorite events. “It brings together all the student organizations and rewards them for their hard work all year long,” Hecox said.
Henry Mahome, grad assistant with Ram TV talks with Andrew Nepsund at the sports seminar. After the seminar, students were able to introduce themselves to the guest speakers and hand out their business cards and resumes.
Events Calendar FRIDAY 4/14
Spring Holiday All Day University offices closed Baseball vs Texas A&M International 4-7 p.m. and 6-9 p.m. Foster Field Final Day to Sign Up for Cheer Tryouts 5 p.m.
SATURDAY 4/15 Baseball vs Texas A&M International 1-4 p.m. Foster Field
MONDAY 4/17
Last day for Grad Students to schedule the Comprehensive Examination or to submit Thesis to Graduate Dean for May graduation All Day SGA End Event 7-8 p.m. Carr 101
TUESDAY 4/18
Ceramics Exhibit: “Cups and Vessels”
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. M-F to April 21 Gallery 193, Carr EducationFine Arts building Multicultural Day 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. UC Lobby Baseball vs St. Mary’s University (TX) 6-9 p.m. Foster Field
WEDNESDAY 4/19 Science and Diversity 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. UC
Softball vs St. Edward’s University 4-6 p.m. and 6:30- 8:30 p.m. Mayer Field
THURSDAY 4/20
Tea Project 11:30 a.m.- 1 p.m. UC Title IX Education and Prevention Earth day 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Between UC and Library 2017 Rammy Awards 7-9 p.m. UC
4.14.2017
NEWS
Page 3
Rugby takes third in California tournament Rams relinquish game one, win against UTD Kaitlin Trujillo Photo Editor
Ram Rugby ended their historic season April 8 after falling to Cal Maritime 28-12 in Claremont, California with a third place finish. The Rams, who went 24-1, are the best team to ever play for ASU. ASU started the game off strong with a try from Nolan Wleczyk, senior lock, and the conversion kick from Troy Knudsen, senior outside centre. The Rams continued to put pressure on the Maritime Keelhaulers, but the Keelhaulers pushed back with two tries back-to-back. The Keelhaulers were close to scoring another try when they lost control of the ball and Brian Signorelli, junior flanker, gained possession for a turnover. The Rams worked the ball down the field until Knudsen made an incredible pass
to Emmett Spooner, junior winger, who landed the ball in the try zone. Maritime scored two more times to win the game. The next day, the Rams took on the University of Dallas Hoggies for the third place trophy. They successfully defeated the Hoggies for the third time this season 32-24. “This season has meant the world to me,” Kevin Reid, junior winger, said. “I can’t thank God enough for this team and everybody who has had our backs and supported us this whole way.” The team attributes its success to the strong bond they have made with each other. “We love each other,” Beau Waskom, senior captain, said. “We trusted the process and put the necessary work in to be the best team in ASU rugby history. We believed in each other every step of the way.” On and off the field, the Rams are a family, Reid said. “We are family it’s plain and simple,” Knudsen said. “Ev-
ery single one of us would do Photos by Kaitlin Trujillo anything for the others if need be.” Knudsen and Waskom are two of the seniors on the rugby team and are thankful for their time on the field. “The past four years have meant everything to me,” Waskom said. “Ram Rugby has helped me get through college and more importantly has given me brothers for life. I wouldn’t trade these guys, or this season, for anything.” The Rams are proud of all they accomplished this season and their fans are as well. “Everything we’ve been through, the ups and the downs and everything we’ve achieved up to this point has helped mature me and make me a better person and player,” Reid said. “I wouldn’t change a thing about this season,” Waskom said. “Win or lose I wouldn’t trade these guys for the world. Being my last year, it’s going to be something I remember Kenny Roller, senior full back, runs the ball down the fielld. forever.”
Brian Signorelli, junior wild card, passes the ball to his teammate.
Tyshir Newsome, senior lock, pushes through an attempted tackle.
Beau Waskom, senior fly half, leads a team chant before the final game of the Cowboy Cup. Waskom has been team captain for the past two years. Photo by Kaitlin Trujillo
Dominic Rodriguez runs with the quaffle down the field. QUIDDITCH page 1 gram that we’ve put together ourselves.” Participating in this tournament not only reminds the students of the books or movies, it also provides an enjoyable evening with others. “I like Quidditch because it reminds me of all the happy memories of reading Harry Potter,” freshman Cora Bishoppetty said. “Also, it is fun to play with others and it is not every day you get to run around with a broom inbetween your legs.” The goal for Quidditch is to have a tournament each se-
mester and the ultimate goal is to eventually create an intramural league for Quidditch. “Other students should come out and play because it is the perfect opportunity to get to meet new people,” Bishoppetty said. “Even if you are not a complete nerd about Harry Potter, that is not what it is about. If you are not a huge fan of running around, then you can still enjoy watching and cheering on your favorite house and tell those cheesy Harry Potter jokes.” Only two teams showed up, so there was no winner.
Austin Vandiver, senior scrum half, dodges a player from the opposing team.
4.14.2017
What matters more, money or happiness? Patrick Fleming Staff Writer Though it is often said that people should pursue a career they enjoy, what if it meant they would not have as much financial success as others might? On the opposing side, what if having a lot of money but a job one hates deprives them of a necessary part of life? Students around campus
FEATURES were left to decide for themselves when they were asked whether they would rather have a job that they loved but did not pay much or if they would rather have a job that they hated but paid them a lot of money. Many students believed that they would prefer to have a job that they love, however, they differed in why that was important. “I want to have a job where I enjoy actually getting up in the morning and not dread it,”
Megan Espinosa, junior said. “[A] positive work environment for myself.” This raises the idea that many people are told about growing up, namely, self-fulfillment. “I feel if you’re passionate about it, you’ll want to go to work,” Karlee Linde, sophomore said. “[You will] want to do everything that you can in order to get better at the job and to better yourself and to better others and the job without getting the payment you
said. “Each delegate represents a group of people across the world whose ideals can be vastly different from your own, much like many people you can encounter by simply walking down the street.” MOAS leaves an impact such on the students that they return to help the organization even after graduating from Angelo State. “My last year as a student for Model Organization of American States was in 2014,” alumni Michael Diaz said. “Right now, all I do is judging, in order to be a judge you have to wait two years from your
last conference as a student. Also, prospective judges must serve one conference on the Research and Writing Review Committee.” The Eugene Scass Mock Organization of American States Research and Writing Review Committee is a group made up of volunteers. “These volunteers are responsible for vetting and judging the written components of ESMOAS conferences and, based on the information they collect, providing awards and recognition to individuals and teams for their work,” Diaz said. “The RWR Committee is
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probably deserve.” This helped give the idea that this decision of having a low-paying job not only impacted the individual doing the work, but in fact, helped those around them as well. Yet, some may believe that one does not necessarily have to choose between two extremes, that in choosing a happy job, one may gain more money. “[You] wanna be passionate about it, but at the same time, I feel that you should never have to pick a job based off salary because then you’re miserable.” Lacey Voth, junior argued. “As long as you love what you do, you’ll love the work and the money will just come along with it.” Though they were the minority, there are those who said that it is worth it to work
a horrible job for money because of the ways that money may help them in the future. “Well, if you have a lot of money from a job that you hate, you can retire early and then spend the rest of your life doing something you enjoy.” Carson Childers said. The two arguments between Childers and Voth are near opposites in how Voth believed that money may come from happiness while Childers believes that money may help one obtain happiness. Using similar points, it does rely on the individual whether they even work, let alone if they are worth it. In the end, this is a question that each student would have to answer on their own.
also responsible for accepting or rejecting submitted written work based on the requirements set out by the Office of the Program Director.” For Diaz, his favorite part of being in MOAS is seeing old friends and making new ones. “My advice would be to just have fun with the conference and make friends,” Diaz said. Currently MOAS alternates from being a class to an extracurricular organization. “The reason Model Organization of American States is only a class some years is because it can only be offered every two years by the Politi-
cal Sciences and Philosophy Department,” Niblock said. To become a member of MOAS connect Sponsor Matthew Gritter at mgritter@angelo.edu or attend the formal meeting on April 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Rassman building, room 239. “It’s a great opportunity to meet new people and network in a professional atmosphere,” Niblock, said. “It helps bolster confidence and offers an interesting perspective into the legislative process of an international organization.”
MODEL page 1 block said. MOAS is known for being professional and helping students become future diplomats and political leaders. “I like the opportunities it opens up across the country to meet with people who have an interest and likeminded appreciation for foreign relations between countries,” senior Gadi McDonald said. MOAS does not only teach about politics, it teaches how to interact with other people. “One of the core things Model Organization of American States teaches you is how to work with people,” Gadi
Photo by Brit Raley
Claire Parker and Landri Vasut enjoy the left over whipped cream on their face after being pied by their Sigma Kappa sisters. Students were able to pie a member of Sigma Kappa for $1. All proceeds went to charity.
Photo by Brit Raley
Raquel Lily and her bass guitarist, Jacob Edwards, played their set in the UC for UCPC Crosssroads Live. Lily and Edwards are both from Alabama.
Student association makes calls for various sports in college, high school, junior high Officials’ president talks about her experience Rosanna Aguliera Staff Writer The President of the Angelo State Officials Association talked about the ropes of the program and how it has helped her officiate. Valerie Villalva said the members of association serve for the Intramural Department as officials. “We have clinics before each sports season to prepare each individual for the officiating experience,” Villalva said. During the season, they have meetings and evaluations improve their skills and answer any questions people have. Villalva said they do it to promote better officiating for
the intramural program. “It is also used to encourage, develop, support and provide opportunities for individuals to develop,” Villalva said. Villalva talked about how the program has helped herself as well as others. “It is awesome to see members who strive to become better and then go on to compete at the regional and national levels,” Villalva said. Afterwards, getting to see them do so well at a higher level is great to see. However, Villalva said a lowlight of the association would have to be dealing with “unruly participants.” “Being part of this association has taught me a lot of life lessons and has gotten me out of my comfort zone,” Villalva said. Villalva said she used to be
quiet and timid, but after getting involved with the Officials Association, she is more confident and assertive. “I am better at managing people and diffusing intense situations,” Villalva said. Villalva said she actually stepped out of her comfort zone and began to officiate junior high and high school volleyball this past year. “I felt prepared and seemed to catch on quickly from my experience,” Villalva said. Villalva said that the organization is for people who are interested in officiating. “Because of the nature of the association, it’s for those who are interested in officiating and becoming better,” Villalva said. Villalva said OA will get members the opportunities at Photo by Keeli Ebben being an official.
A student official makes a call during a softball game.
OPINION Commuter Problems
4.14.2017
Page 5
Zelenia Vasquez Staff Writer You would think college is just preparing for super long boring lectures where the professor JUST reads off the PowerPoint. Maybe it’s staying up late at night preparing for the hardest test in the entire semester (just kidding the next one will be worse!). No, in fact that is nothing compared to waking up and preparing yourself both physically and mentally to drive to school. I am a commuter. Every day I wake up and drive forty-five miles to and from college. Every day, it is a challenge Welcome to my world, the one I learned and still am learning how to survive. Here are a few steps for
commuters dealing with those terrible drivers. 1. Always be prepared. Never expect anything, but expect everything. Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel. 2. Never ever trust the driver in front of you, behind, or the one on the other side of the road. The one in front could be the slow guy and you must brake quickly. The one behind you could hit you from braking quickly. So, refer to step 1 ALWAYS BE PREPARED! If you see someone driving slow start breaking a little, so the one behind you can see your brake light and they will slow down. Now the one on the other side of the road they are the ones who can wreck you. They can easily cross the road. So, like step one BE PREPARED! Honk and press the brakes and pray that it will all be okay. 3. Finally just crank up the music and just enjoy the ride with all these crazy drivers.
Alana Edgin Editor- in-Chief
My roommate struck again. For those of you who don’t know, my roomie, Emily, is psychic. Don’t blow me off here, I’m serious! There is no other possible way to explain some of the things that have happened! Early on in our time of rooming together, about a month in, Emily tried to get me to try tea. I’d gone 21 years of happily disliking tea, so I kept saying no. Then, I got sick. It was an upper respiratory infection (a bad cold), and I was so sick. Emily walked in to my acceptance of defeat from the cold. This time, she said tea
and honey would help a lot. I would have eaten lava if the cold would go away, so I gave in. She controlled my mind into enjoying tea. Then, there was the joining her and her boyfriend Tommy at small group. Emily told me there was a dog and food, and I didn’t have anything else to do on Thursday night. I’ve never really been a religious person. If I went, to church, I was usually bored out of my mind. This was different. These people were real. They didn’t try to shove religion down my throat, nor did they bug me with an inquisition. It was chill. Or so it seemed. Emily is obviously slowly reaching into my mind and swirling it around. Next, she said if I went to her church with her on Sunday afternoon, I could better understand the small group topics. Of course I wanted to look smart, so I went. Emily is sneaky, slowly guiding me into her ways. My most recent evidence of mind control is Doctor Who. I have a general dislike of
sci-fi. I’m more of a fantasy fan, like Buffy or Supernatural. Scifi would get confusing in the books I’d try to read. The fact that I tried to start out with Star Wars and Sanderson novels as a sixth grader could be a factor… anyways, I just decided sci-fi wasn’t my thing. Emily loves Doctor Who. I’m pretty sure there are at least five TARDIS objects in the room. She’s cool, so I’d listen to her tales of how much Tommy was loving Doctor Who. I finished a series and needed something new, so Emily “suggested” Doctor Who. Nothing else to watch, so I started it. Five episodes into it and I thought, okay this isn’t bad. I continued on. Now I’m four seasons in and questioning my life. Emily’s mind control needs to calm down. Sorcery man. Total sorcery. Side note, if anyone knows how to stop my roommate’s mind control powers, please help. I might be becoming... a Whovian... Save me!
Coherent Insanity: How to look like me
Patrick Fleming Staff Writer After a while of writing this column, many people have been asking me how I can maintain my lifestyle without getting tired or having a heart-attack. Well, it’s because I remain in good shape. I realized that being incapable of the same physical feats as me
may prevent others from being awesome like me, so here is how I stay in shape. 1.) Run: Of course, this is one of the most common ways that people work out and it can be very good for one’s heart and abs and other muscles. However, a problem with this workout is that it is easily tiring and many people find it hard to keep themselves motivated. Of course, this is never a problem for me, what with police and fans constantly chasing me around campus, but for some of my friends this can be a major problem. That is why I collected buckets of spiders which I dump onto the ground any time they
Ram Page Member of The Texas Tech University System Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Editor-in-Chief: Alana Edgin
Advertising Manager: Josh Horton
Managing Editor: Mikera Walker
Circulation Manager: Hilario Armendariz
Staff Writers: Rosanna Aguilera Patrick Fleming Zelenia Vasquez
Contributors: Story: Deundra Smyth Photo: Keeli Ebben Cameron Niblock Rambelle Rugby
Photography Photo Editor: Kaitlin Trujillo Photographer: Brit Raley Cartoonist: Patrick Fleming Online Manager: Rosanna Aguilera Faculty Adviser: Dr. Cathy Johnson
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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.
begin to stop running. Yet, it’s not only spiders. Are you afraid of clowns? Just hire someone to follow you around while dressed as a clown. Scared of muggers? Give that same person a knife. Now you’re being chased by a mugger clown. Commitment? Give that same person a box of chocolates and a card that says “I love you”. The only problem with this is that by combining all of these elements, eventually, you may accidentally create the scariest being on Earth. 2.) Lift boulders or any large object: And throw them at your enemies. Not only will
this help build up the muscle in your abs, biceps and thighs, but the fear that people will start to show every time you go to the gym is fantastic for your ego, which is really just another reason we work out in the first place. Just be careful when you start and only throw these large objects at people who are already smaller than you. It will not help you stay in shape if you simply get your butt kicked by someone who is 30 pounds heavier than you. Start in places with smaller people like gyms at elementary schools and work your way up to college gyms. 3.) Have a healthy diet: While most people would say
stop eating junk foods, we know that is not going to happen. Most people already know that humans need protein to create more muscle, so I say just eat as much protein as possible to help balance out all of the sugars you are putting into your body. While talking with some people, I will start eating a whole lot of raw eggs with their shells. The only problem is the mess. I also chow down on spiders, which scares people. I understand, but I still have all these buckets of spiders I have to get rid of, one way or another.
Short on Everything Fancy dinner party
Patrick Fleming Cartoonist
Student Spotlight
DEALING WITH STRESS
Morgan Barker Grad Student “When I’m stressed, to relieve it, I like to either play music or go for a run.”
Roland Akins Freshman “I don’t really get stressed. I just don’t worry about things I can’t control.”
Naomi Foreman Junior “I try to take a little spare time to relax and remind myself that God is with me and He’ll help me get through this.”
Savannah Richardson Junior “When I’m stressed, I typically take a little 15 minute power nap, or if you have more time, you know, take four hours, but that always helps.”
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SPORTS
4.14.2017
TRACK page 1
their time and effort into us and showing us the correct way to do things and I think that we’re really succeeding and headed in the right direction.” On April 11, the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association ranked the Rams and Rambelles together as second in the nation. “If we get that kind of production, we’re gonna be major contenders in the conference meeting in a month,” Tom Dibbern, head coach, said. “With track, you only get one chance to do it, so when we get on that day, what we’ve done at this point does not really matter.” Though the Rams and Rambelles have made much progress this semester, the coaches continue to stress that both of the
Photos by Brit Raley
teams must continue putting a lot of effort into the sport if they want continued success. Luckily for them, the Rams and Rambelles seem to be both optimistic and willing to continue putting in the same dedication that they have been before. “[It’s just] like Coach Ruiz would tell us, ‘you only have April 11th and April 12th. You can get better or you can get worse but you will never remain the same,’” Lumpkin said. “I feel like a lot of us put that into play and a lot of that goes into the training room and being mentally prepared for the meet.” The next meet for the Rams and Rambelles is the Micheal Johnson Classic at Baylor University on April 22.
Photo by Marsalis Mahome
Top Left: Christian Perales runs in the relay. Perales is a freshman from Brownsville, Texas. Top Right: Joe Owens, senior, competes in shotput; one of 10 events in the decathlon. Owens is from Salado, Texas. Left: Ruby Briones, freshman, runs in the 800-meter. Briones is from Eagle Pass, Texas. Right: Kami Norton, junior, flies through the air in the Long Jump. Norton won the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 13.64 seconds.
Softball sweeps series from MSU Belle defense holds strong in finale Patrick Fleming Staff Writer The Rambelles have continued their series with another set of wins. With a series of three games, the Belles played the Midwestern State University Mustangs and earned a full sweep. Game one on April 7 came to an immediate head start for the Belles as they gained four runs within the first inning. The game continued to remain in the Belles’ favor, though no one gained any more runs until the fourth inning, when the Belles gained three more runs. During the fifth, the Belles gained one last run that ended the game with a final score of
8-0. On April 8, the two teams came together for the second game. This time, the game started slower. During the second inning, the Mustangs obtained two runs. However, the Belles maintained the lead at four. Fourth inning, the Belles managed to raise this lead even higher by gaining two additional runs. Ending at the seventh, the final score was 6-2 for the Belles. The third game was later that same day and had the closest scores of the series. There was no major hit or home run that suddenly granted one team a significant lead. Instead, the Belles had to build this lead once again. The Belles gained a single run during each of the first three innings, which were the only ones
for the Belles. Defense ultimately won this series finale. The Belles won by freezing Mustang batters and reacting quickly to any ball, tagging out most of the Mustangs before they could make it to first base. Throughout the game, the Mustangs were only able to get one run. “I think, in general, our fan support this season has been unbelievable and it’s awesome, the way our players feed off that energy the fans bring,” Katie Scott, associate head coach, said. “Any time the fans are out there, raising their voice, our players feed off it, love it and it shows on the field.” The Belles’ next series will be on April 14 against the UT Photo by Kaitlin Trujillo Permian Basin Falcons.
Taegan Kirk, sophmore catcher, throws the ball back to Brandy Marlett after striking out the batter.
Baseball splits four game series against Javelineas Rams advance to third in LSC standings Deundra Smyth Contributor
Ram baseball earned a fourgame series split after trading wins with Texas A&M Kingsville April 7-9 as they continue Lone Star Conference play. The series split brings the Rams’ overall record to 26-8 while they are 8-3 in LSC action, good enough for third place in conference standings. In the Friday night series opener, the Rams fell in a defensive struggle to the Texas A&M Kingsville Javelinas, 3-2. After giving up back-toback solo home runs in the third inning to break the
scoreless tie, starting pitcher Matt Shannon found his groove and halted the Javelina offense. Shannon finished the game with just over eight innings pitched and 10 strikeouts, one away from tying his career high. Unfortunately for the Rams, their offense struggled to produce and the two Javelina runs proved to be enough for the win. After dropping the opener, the Rams found their offensive rhythm in the first game of Saturday’s doubleheader with a 13-3 win. The Javelinas scored right out of the gate with two runs in the first inning off of starting pitcher Ryan Smith. With
a six-run second inning, Angelo State began to pull away from the Javelinas. Senior infielder Nathan Ruane saw action for the 11th time this season, and took full advantage of his opportunity by going a perfect 3-3 at the plate, while earning a walk and driving in four runners. In the second of Saturday’s doubleheader however, the Rams would see their comeback efforts fall short as they dropped the game to the Javelinas, 7-3. The Rams were first on the board as Tyler Coolbaugh scored on a Jonathan Soberanes bases loaded walk. The Javelinas responded in the bottom of the fourth with a three-run inning that would
Jacob Boston, junior first baseman, slides safely into second base.
give them a lead that they would not relinquish. Angelo State added a run late in the seventh inning, but the damage was done as the Javelinas took a 2-1 lead in the series. The Rams again bounced back after the loss and prevailed over the Javelinas in Sunday’s series finale, 9-4. The Rams, after a difficult opening, brought in junior relief pitcher Shane Browning to shut down the Javelinas’ offense. Browning earned two personal career highs in both innings pitched (5.1) and strikeouts (8) for the game. “It felt great,” Browning said. “I’ve been looking for it for a while and finally got a re-
cord last week -- got the loss -- but bounced back this week and it felt great.” After the game, Head Coach Kevin Brooks also spoke about his relief pitcher and the effort he gave in sealing the win. “Shane Browning was just awesome,” Coach Brooks said. “He came in and put up zeros when we needed him to and held long enough for the offense to get going and when we started getting it going, it was good.” The Rams will remain home as the Texas A&M International Dust Devils travel to San Angelo for a three-game series at Foster Field on April 14-15 at 4 p.m. Photo by Kaitlin Trujillo