Volume 81 Issue 13 November 21, 2014
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RAMS ADVANCE AFTER 9 YEARS For the first time since 2005, the Ram football team will be competing in the NCAA Division II Playoffs. They will fly to Houghton, Mich., to face Michigan Tech on Saturday, Nov. 22. The Rams are the No. 6 seed in the Super Region Four bracket, and are 8-2, whereas Michigan Tech is 9-1. The winner of the game will play Colorado State-Pueblo on Saturday, Nov. 29.
Photos by Marsalis Mahome
Ring ceremony celebrates success Fall semester breaks ASU’s ring sale record Lela Howard Staff Writer
Trey Green, running back, nearly escapes a shoelace tackle before being brought down. In the game last week he rushed for 54 yards on 5 carries.
ASU’s record for ordering class rings has been broken by this semester’s students, purchasing 91 Balfour rings. “Typically there are more rings sold in the spring than in the fall because the size of the class is larger in the spring, but this year we have sold more rings than ever before,” Office Manager of the Alumni Association, Melinda Springer, said. Caylor Clark, junior, will be one of the students receiving his ring next weekend. He said he chose to order a class ring to signify his college experience. A lot of students order rings as a memento or because they feel as if it is a reward for finishing school. “The main reason I want a class ring is the
feeling of accomplishment it gives me,” Shelby Pennington, junior, said. “It feels like a little trophy.” This semester of students will be the first group to participate in a Saturday Ring Ceremony. “In prior years, we had one ceremony, and it was held on a Thursday evening,” Springer said. Because of the large number of ring orders, the ceremony will be split into two groups. Students with last names beginning with A-L will be receiving their rings at 10:00 a.m., and students with last names beginning with M-Z will follow at 2:00 p.m. Students who purchased a Balfour ring are encouraged to invite family and friends for the event. They received an official invitation from
See NEWS, page 3
Congrats and goodluck to the Belle volleyball team as they travel to Colorado Mesa University for the NCAA DII South Central Regional Tournament Nov. 19-24.
Pro-Life Rams welcome the unborn Handball is a hit on campus
Organization throws baby shower to show their support Jessica Tharp Staff Writer
Gift bags sat on the tables waiting to be opened, promising objects of such cuteness one couldn’t help but be charmed and excited. The room was filled with pink décor, from confetti and balloons proclaiming “It’s a Girl!” to the purple and pink cake sitting ceremoniously in front of the two mothers, who had the honor of cutting the first slices for themselves. Pro-Life Rams threw its first baby shower for expecting mothers on Tuesday, Nov. 18. “We understand how hard it can be when you’re a student,” said Stephanie Garcia, member of Pro-Life Rams. “Trying to study, being a full time mom or dad, working and other responsibilities can be overwhelming. We want to be that extra support for them and their families when they may not have
anyone to turn to.” With all the responsibilities that come with being a college student, it is sometimes hard to imagine adding parenting into the equation. Many college students who have children know the struggles of trying to balance everything, and sometimes it may seem like there is little to no support for them. Maria Gema Rader, president of Pro-Life Rams, said that helping mothers on campus by throwing the shower allowed Pro-Life Rams to show their support and care for the
WHAT’S INSIDE: • • • •
See NEWS, page 3
Club gains members and helps the sport grow in popularity Jessica Tharp Staff Writer
Handball is one of those obscure sports that many people may not have heard of until they head off to college. The ASU Handball Club offers a way to become more active and involved. The idea of standing in a room with four walls and hitting a ball with ones bare hands may seem strangely tedious at first. However, after the first serve and return, people find themselves drawn to play the game over and over again. “As a club on campus, I am really trying to promote fitness, as well as a sense of belonging for students at Angelo State,” Scottie Moler, president and coach of the Handball Club, said. With about twenty members, ten to twelve of whom attend practice regularly, the handball club is quickly growing on campus and gaining the attention of those who enjoy a challenging and rewarding way to spend their time. “Since I have come on board at Angelo State, we have really started to form a great team bond, which really enhances the students’
Read the final section of ASU’s non-traditional students series Learn about how Rambelle Rugby got started and when their first game is Discover whether or not handball is for you and decide if you should join the club Catch up on Ram basketball and re-live all the events of their first two games of the season
See FEATURES, page 4
NEWS
Page 2
Friday, November 21, 2014
InstaRam
Submit your photos to rampage@angelo.edu to see you and your friends’ pictures featured on Insta Ram The Rambelle Rugby team gathers around their coach, Dundy Walker, for a picture.
Cheyenne Galloway, Josie Lee, Jackie Coty, Erika Walker, Marissa Guerra, Kylie James, Chastity Aguilar and Shyanne McClure pose at their Delta Zeta Fall Formal.
Calli Bradshaw faces the cold and cheers for the Rams against Texas A&M Commerce.
Friday 11/21 Volleyball vs. Colorado Mesa University from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in Grand Junction, Colorado Holiday Dinner Theatre at 6:45 p.m. in the Carr Education-Fine Arts Building Modular Theatre Choral Presents Handel’s ‘Messiah’ at 7:30 p.m. at the McNease Convention Center
Saturday 11/22
Cross Country vs. NCAA South Central Regional Championship in Denver, Colorado UREC and UCPC: Annual Turkey Trot at 10 a.m. at the ASU Super Slab Football at Michigan Technological University from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Houghton, Missouri Ram Rugby at SMU at 2 p.m. in Dallas, Texas Men’s Basketball vs. Arkansas Tech University from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. in San Angelo
Monday 11/24
Women’s Basketball vs. Lubbock Christian University from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in San Angelo
Lydia Saenz, flute player for the Ram Band, smiles and talks among her friends at the game against Texas A&M Commerce.
Tuesday 11/25
MC Dance Classes at 7 p.m. in the Houston Harte University Center Men’s Basketball vs. Oklahoma Wesleyan University from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in San Angelo
Wednesday 11/26
Free Lunch with BSM from 12 p.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Baptist Student Center Pop into the CSI: Free Popcorn from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Houston Harte University Center
Thursday 11/27
University Holiday: Thanksgiving
#instaram
NEWS Pi Kappa Alpha hosts Lowhoop Classic basketball tournament Page 3
Friday, November 21, 2014
Photo by Summer Almaguer
Participating teams from the tournamentgather for a group photo. All proceeds went to the Taylor Trudeau Cycle for Life Foundation. Each team of four paid $20 to compete.
Rings page 1
Baby Shower page 1
the President’s Office letting family members know about the event and inviting them to attend. Alumni Board of Directors, ASU Faculty and Dominic will attend the event, Springer said. On Saturday, Nov. 22, President Brian J. May Ph.D. will hand each recipient their ring at the LeGrand Alumni and Visitors Center. In order to purchase a ring, students need to have completed 75 or more college hours. “Usually they are at the end of their junior year and it continues until their last semester, Springer said. “We are also seeing students in graduate school ordering their rings as well.” The next available time for students to order a Balfour class ring will be Feb. 3 and 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and March 3rd and 4th during the same hours. Balfour representatives will be in the spine of the Houston Harte University Center to help students with the ordering process.
mothers, both before the child is born and after. “We hope to assist women on campus that find themselves in an unexpected pregnancy in gathering materials that they need for this new life soon to arrive,” said Rader. “We also hope to take away a little bit of the financial aspect of going to college while also being a parent.” The event, which honored two mothers who are both expecting little girls, brought together people who wished the best for the two women and hoped to make a lasting impact. Both of the mothers were very grateful for the support. Pro-Life Rams plans on making the event an annual one, as there is a need to be met, and when it comes to helping college mothers Pro-Life Rams will do their best to accomplish that feat, Rader said. Garcia said a baby shower alone is a tremendous step in the process of preparing for a baby, and it is important that the mothers on campus know that Pro-Life Rams will try to help them through their pregnancies as much as they can. “Then why stop there?” Garcia said. “We welcome children all the time. That’s our mission—to welcome children, born or unborn.”
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Reggie Pitts and Nick Woolley participate in a friendly basketball tournament hosted by the PIKES.
Photos by Summer Almaguer
Above: Aracelie Flores and Sarah Adams show off their ProLife Rams onesies at their baby shower on Nov. 18. Left: Stephanie Garcia, member of Pro-Life Rams, measures her toilet paper around Sarah Adams for a baby shower game.
Veterans honored at vigil by ROTC Right: ASU honored military Veterans and those who lost their lives serving the country last week during a flag raising ceremony.
Photo by Marsalis Mahome
Below: ROTC members fold the flag on Nov. 12 at Veterans Vigil in remembrance of all the men and women who have served in the military.
Photo by Summer Almaguer
FEATURES
Page 4
Friday, November 21, 2014
Belles get tough for rugby season
First-year club is ready to start competing Erika Walker Staff Writer After watching the Ram Rugby team play, a few girls decided that they could handle and enjoy the sport just as much as the men and chose to get a Rambelle Rugby team together. The team was started in March by Kailey Davis, sophomore, and Cecelia Miller who has since graduated. “We were both very interested in the sport of rugby since we typically hung out with the men’s rugby team a lot,” Davis said. “So we finally decided to try and get a team together and build up the tradition of Rambelle Rugby.” Rugby is a competitive mixture of soccer and football that requires a ton of speed and endurance. “It’s a way to let out aggression since it’s a high contact sport,” Lovelia Gomez, sophomore, said. “I’m usually a happy person because I know I can get angry at practice and it be okay.” They are currently a club team, and their season has not technically started due to game cancellations. “Two of the other teams decided to forfeit so that makes us 2-0,” Gomez said. “I’m just looking forward
to playing an actual game.” The Rambelles have, however, competed in one tournament so far, and they did extremely well. “I am looking forward to see how well our girls have improved and progressed over these last few months of practice,” Davis said. “We are all very anxious to play, and we hope that this season will Contributed Photo be a good one for us since we are a Kailey Davis tackles her opponent as her coach Dundy Walker newly developed team.” Both Davis and Gomez said the cheers her on. for the team. best part about Rambelle Rugby is “We are all non-paid athletes, we set aside our own having a real family. “These girls are like my sisters and I wouldn’t trade time from work and school just to make practice each them for the world,” Gomez said. “We’re also close day,” said Davis. “Each of our girls have a passion and with the men’s rugby team and they act like brothers love for this sport which is very rare in girls to love to us, very protective. It’s just a big huge family and I the sport of rugby.” The first game of the semester is scheduled for Dec. wouldn’t want it any other way.” Davis said she wants the student body to know 6 against the University of Texas at Dallas. about all of the effort and time the women sacrifice
Handball page 1 experience with the university,” Moler said. “This semester alone we have picked up over ten new players and we look for that growth to continue as we gain more support.” Moler, who played for four years during his undergraduate studies at Missouri State, said he still plays because “it is a great sport to develop both sides of your body, and handball is one of the top fitness activities out there.” Hunter Miears began in the handball class and thought it was so much fun that he decided to join the club. “Everyone who’s interested should join the team,” said Miears. “It’s a fun workout and a great way to get to know
people.” The club also participates in competitions across the nation including those at the University of Texas, Texas A&M, Missouri State University, Dallas and Houston. The collegiate nationals will be held in Portland, Oregon in February 2015. Moler said the collegiate nationals is the best tournament for beginning players to participate in due to the wide variety of skill levels that attend the event. There are over 40 to 70 universities that come, bringing with them a total of nearly 400 players. This competition is laid out to ensure that every player gets at least three matches, with around eight or nine levels of
competition brackets. Though many people may have never tried handball, there is little doubt that it is a worthwhile sport to be involved in. In addition to gaining the knowledge and prowess of playing the sport, the relationships to be gained with others in the club are invaluable. Miears said his favorite part of being involved with the club is “getting to play a fun sport with great people.” Being a novice at the sport is of little concern as well. Moler said that the club currently has players at all skill levels, and everybody is worked with to help them improve regardless of their abilities. “The most common response I get
from people when I ask them if they would like to come out is that they aren’t any good at it, or it will hurt,” Moler said. “My response is simple, when you try anything in life, there is always going to be a learning curve. I make it a point to try and work with all new players, and really the best way to get better is to pick up the ball and play. Play as much as you can.” If one has never played it, handball may not be the first thing to come to mind when debating about a fun, stimulating way to spend one’s time. However, picking up that ball for the first time may be the start of a pastime to be enjoyed with great people for a lifetime.
Non-traditional student embarks on new journey
Mom needed a change of pace and switched from nursing to education Erika Walker Staff Writer
Part 3
Non-traditional students decide to go back to school for a variety of reasons. For Dana McCarter, it was simply because she decided to shift gears and completely change her career path. “I’m here more because of personnel opportunity than anything else,” McCarter said. “Everything was just in place for me to go back to school. I graduated from high school in 1991 and immediately went to nursing school at Howard College in Big Spring. I graduated with my Vocational Nursing License in 1993 and have been practicing since.” However, after spending quite some time in the nursing field, McCarter has now decided to major in education and pursue a career within that field.
Contributed Photo McCarter’s children, Macie and Logan, smile together on the front porch. Macie is 17 and Logan is 15.
Contributed Photo McCarter hugs her daughter Macie. Macie will be joining her mom at ASU next school year.
“I am doing education because I have some physical problems that cause the long and physically demanding hours of nursing to be very difficult for me,” McCarter said. “I am also just burned out.” Of course making the decision is not always an easy one. The discipline of time management definitely has to be mastered, and McCarter has done just that. “I live out of town and my part time job hours vary from night shifts and day shifts between 8 and 12 hours,” McCarter said. “The hardest part of going to school is the time it requires. I am pretty sure I didn’t learn any faster at 17, but I found it much easier to stay up and cram.” McCarter works, has family obligations and said she gets sick and tired of school at times, like everyone else does.
She is a proud mother of two children in high school who are also her personal support system. McCarter’s eldest daughter will be joining her at ASU during the next school year. “I don’t think it will bother me to have her here,” McCarter said. “I attended college with my mom when I went to nursing school, and it didn’t bother either of us.” It is rare for most non-traditional students to attend classes during the day, but McCarter takes day classes due to her desire to be home in the evenings in order to spend time with her children. As a second time student, McCarter said “Study hard and make sure you are doing what you want. Don’t waste your time here. Enjoy college, but get the education you are being provided. School is much
Friday, November 21, 2014
OPINIONS
Page 5
Ram Page celebrates its last issue of the fall semester
Sydney Wegner Editor After 13 busy weeks consisting of late nights and tons of coffee, I am pleased to say it has been a good first semester as being editor. In the beginning of the fall semester I realized I had a lot to learn about keeping a staff and filling the paper with content that people want to read. In these past four months I think I have learned a lot more than I ever expected. This week is the Ram Page’s last issue for the semester. Though it has been a great fall semester, I know there is a lot more to look forward to in the coming year.
The new year will bring new ideas, new staff members and new aspects to the paper. I am hoping to have double the pictures on the “InstaRam” page. As a photographer, I have always loved pictures. I wanted to make a few changes from the previous years and add more pictures to the Ram Page. That is when I came up with the idea of “InstaRam,” and I had high hopes that people would send their pictures to me so they could be featured each week. A few people have sent me pictures, and I am hoping that the word gets out, and next semester my email will be full every week of images from sporting events and things happening around campus. I don’t have huge plans for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and I am not one of those people who Black Friday shop- but I am ready to recharge my batteries and take a break from reality for a little while. I hope everyone has a safe and fun break, and I hope you’re ready to come back in the spring and do it all over again.
Give the perfect gift
Matthew Cummings Contributor As the freezing temperatures and pumpkin spice lattes fall upon us, Christmas will be here before we know it. After the riots of Black Friday, and the endless hours on Amazon and eBay, what gift will you decide on to get each person? That all depends on whom it is that is receiving it, broken into these helpful guidelines: Boyfriend- The guy in your life needs something that shows how much you care about his interests (especially the interests you can’t stand as his girlfriend) like sports, action, alcohol, etc. The perfect gift could be something like tickets to a game or event, sportswear, watches (safe bet is a G-shock) or even some nice, fine whiskey. Girlfriend: You could discover Atlantis before you will get a clear answer on what to get her. The key is to zone in and hear hints before Christmas arrives, but in case you are still clueless you’re always safe with shiny things. Girls love shiny things. However, don’t crack down and get something cheap because they have a sixth sense for cheap jewelry! Stay away from clothing, as guys don’t have an eye for woman’s clothing. Either way
you are probably going to be wrong, but she loves you anyways. The Parents- What do you get for the people who brought you up this far? Most college kids have the parents in the middle age, so for dad, get the mid-life crisis gear. Anything that could be dangerous to his life, such as guns, camo, mountain bikes, parts for random machinery, etc. You always have the safety net of getting him another tool. NEVER get your mom clothing, she will ALWAYS take it back. Stick with something that she will enjoy like a spa day, cooking ware, or maybe something like family portraits. The Siblings- You may not get along the rest of the year, but embrace the Christmas cheer and get them something awesome. For the brother, get them some cool clothing, new sports gear, or a new game for their Xbox/Playstation. Don’t get them something dumb and useless, because they look up to you. For the sister, get her something like shoes, a scarf, a jacket, something like that. If you don’t get along at all, however, coal is a good option to wrap up and put under the tree, its cheap! The Best Friend- True best friends that get each other gifts have to outdo each other, its part of the friendship code. Girls that give gifts to each other should go for matching rings, that’s the number one option. Guys giving gifts should only ever go for alcohol or party related gear. Whether it’s a bottle of Jack or a funny t-shirt, don’t get mushy with your bro. The Guy-To-Girl-Best Friend- This can only mean you’re in the friendzone, so I would advise saving some pennies and buy YOURSELF something nice instead! Happy Holidays!
What do you think about Thanksgiving being a day of thanks and then the next day being Black Friday where people fight over retail items? “I think it’s crazy. I never do it because it’s too much chaos. I guess it’s worth it whenever you can buy something really cheap. Ususually, by the time I’d get there, everything would be gone. I’d rather sleep.”
Sierra Chabarria Sophomore “Actually, I’m not a fan of Black Friday. People get together and are thankful for what they have on Thanksgiving, and then the next day they’re scrambling for more stuff for a cheaper price.”
Kyle Crim Senior “I don’t necessarily partake in it, but that’s normally because I’m out in the country with my family. So, I don’t go into town, but I think it’s a good thing for the companies and businesses.” Sean Curry Freshman “It’s a good and a bad thing. It’s good, because you can get discounted stuff. It’s bad, because people can die in the process. You’d be suprised how crazy people are to get something. Anything can happen. I think it’s a good idea though, when thinking about spending time with family.The whole family can go out and shop together.” Hoszel West Freshman
“I like it. I spend time with my family while I’m doing Black Friday. My family and I go out and do it together. There’s always good deals!” Jamie Shannon Freshman
Ram Page Staff 2014-2015 Angelo State University
Editor: Sydney Wegner Managing Editor: Hannah Bozeman Online Editor: Erika Walker Photo Editor: Carli Robison Photographer: Marsalis Mahome Photographer: Summer Almaguer Designer: Lindsey Green Cartoonist: Johnny Le Staff Writer: Erika Walker Staff Writer: Cameron Niblock Staff Writer: Lela Howard Staff Writer: Jessica Tharp Staff Writer: Henry Mahome Advisor: Dr. Cathy Johnson Ram Page ASU Station #10895 San Angelo, Texas 76909-0895
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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.
Page 6
SPORTS
Friday, November 21, 2014
Ram’s basketball season starts strong First game against OPSU was a success Henry Mahome Staff Writer
Fall sports are ending on a high note, pushing the sports to come to fill big shoes. Rams Basketball is starting off right with a combined 183 points, according to the ASU sports website, and above 50 percent shooting from the field in the first two home games of the season against Oklahoma Panhandle State University and Texas A&M International University. The Rams dominated the paint and the outside shot on Friday, Nov 14 against OPSU, winning 97-60. “I knew we had won the game by half time,” Cortez Goodwin, junior, said. “I only stayed to see if we were going to reach 100 points before the game ended.” Cortez wasn’t the only one hoping the Rams would put up 100 points. With chants ringing from one section of the seats, “get to 100” and the hashtag “#score100” moving around twitter in the final minutes of play time, it was apparent that the crowd was into the game to the very end. Unfortunately the boys came up three points shy of 100 points, with OPSU getting a last second steal. The steal was one of the 16 turnovers the Rams had for the entire game. “Seeing the first game gave me hope for another great season,” Telisha Yclan, sophomore, said. “I know we still have a long way to go, but if we play with the intensity that we did Friday then I know we will be alright.” The Rams played extremely well for a team that only has four returning
Photos by Summer Almaguer
DeQuavious Wagner stays on his opponent from Oklahoma Panhandle State University during the game on Nov. 14. players and 11 new comers. One new comer, Demario Mayfield, No. 00, led the pack with 15 points, four rebounds and four assists. Other impactful contributors include Chris Jones with six assists and Thomas Brandsma with six rebounds. The Rams will take on Arkansas Tech University on Saturday, Nov. 22 at the Junell Center at 6 p.m. Be sure to download the RamFam app and sign in at the game to receive points and exclusive prizes at the game.
Photos by Summer Almaguer
Chris Jones goes up for a lay-up against OPSU. Jones scored 11 points overall in the game.
Rams take Dustdevils by storm Three pointers allow Rams to take the lead in the second home game Erika Walker Staff Writer
The Rams earned another win on Nov. 15 against the Texas A&M International University Dustdevils, with a score of 86-51. Marsell Holden, guard, was on fire hitting three-pointers from all around which allowed the Rams to take the lead in the non-conference game. “We played well tonight as a team,” Chris Beard, head men’s basketball coach, said in the game recap. “We hit shots which always makes the game easier. Texas A&M International is a talented and well-coached team.” The Rams who are currently 2-0 limited their opponent to a 28 percent shooting mark due to the outstanding defense from the team that caused the Dustdevils to make 17 turnovers. Although Holden ended the game 3-for-6 on 3-point attempts and hit 5 of 6 shots from the free-throw line, Brentine Taylor, forward, scored 10 points giving him a 100 percent record for the game. In addition, Taylor made 5 rebounds and kept the Rams defense alive. Bilal Richardson, forward, and Demario Mayfield, forward and guard,
had a combined total of nine rebounds and 15 points. Coach Beard said he is thankful for the fans and the continued tradition of ASU basketball. During this game, the team honored the late former basketball coach Ed Messbarger who died this summer. “We thank everyone who came to the games this weekend,” Beard said. “It meant a lot to our team and the Messbarger family. Our program has a lot of tradition. We take our responsibility of building the program into a yearly contender very seriously. It was great to see all of Coach Messbarger’s family and former players in San Angelo this weekend. Coach Messbarger is missed, but never will be forgotten.” The Rams own a 107-51 scoring advantage in the first half through the first two games, and are currently shooting 52 percent from the field while limiting the opponent to a 32 percent shooting block. The Rams are prepared and ready for their next opponent, Arkansas Tech University.