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Angelo State University’s student-run newspaper since 1936
Friday, December 2, 2016
www.asurampage.com
Volume 83, Issue 13
Belle Rugby takes state championship Team finishes season with 8-0 record Patrick Fleming Staff Writer Rambelle Rugby has seen major success with a perfect season. Their final game this fall was against the University of North Texas Lady Eagles and won with a score of 27-17. Rambelle Rugby has become the new state champions.
This in itself is impressive, but becomes even more so with the knowledge that the team is mostly made up of rookies. The team will return this spring for another eight games that do not have specific dates yet. The team has shown they are eager to begin. They also wanted to thank several people such as Kevin Owens, for being an amazing advisor for them.
They would also like to thank Tara Hart, for taking over as their new advisor. There is also Kenny Roller and Nate Mckinnerney, for being there for the team when available. The Rambelles also wanted to thank Ram Rugby for its support and assistance over these past 3 years. More thanks goes to all of the team’s family, friends and fans who show up to their
See BELLES page 7
Photo contributed by Rambelle Rugby
Volleyball dominates Lone Star Conference Tournament
See more Volleyball photos and what the team had to say on page 8 The Belles and fans celebrate after winning the Lone Star Conference Tournament at home. Their reccord is 31-3.
Photo by Marsalis Mahome
‘Little Women’ to take ASU stage Theater finishes Fall 2016 with classic Patrick Fleming Staff Writer A beloved classic tale, opened- Dec. 1 and will continue Dec. 2-3 and Dec. 8-10 in the University Theatre. After rave reviews for Julius Caesar in October, the theater has set its sights on “Little Women,” the tale of a family trying to keep itself together when the father goes off to war. A holiday-themed dinner will be served before each showing of the play. “It’s been a really challenging semester,” Dr. William Doll, Director of University Theatre said. “I really like the idea of this play. We’ve really
been working on the dinner theatre.” The meal will include chicken cordon bleu, beef tips with noodles, green beans, carrots, potatoes, a salad bar and dessert. Dinner will be served at 6:45 p.m. followed by the play at 8 p.m. The story is argued to be feminist but has been able to stand the test of time as a classic. “I think it’s a beautiful play with some incredibly touching moments,” Lindsey Jones, the actress who will portray, Hannah, the cook said.. “It has been a wonderfully challenging journey searching for the truest essence of our characters.” The people working on the
See THEATER page 2
Track prepares for spring Coaches and team discuss the season Rosanna Aguilera Staff Writer The track and field team has been preparing for the season this semester and will compete in its first meet in a week. Head track and field coach Tom Dibbern said that their first meet is on Dec. 9 in Pittsburg, Kansas. “We have a bunch that are going to compete and we will see what happens as the season goes on,” Dibbern said. Junior distance runner Morgan Rodgers said that she is excited about the team this year. “We have a lot of newcomers, but a lot of our returners are more experienced this
year,” Rodgers said. “I’m looking forward to see how we do this year.” Rodgers said that she is a nursing major and that her time on the track has been limited. “Splitting between the two has been nerve wracking for me,” Rodgers said. However, she said that she is not nervous about the team’s success. “I think it was all come out in our favor,” Rodgers said. Rodgers is as heptathlon and pentathlon runner and thinks all of the multi’s have a good chance to make it to the national meet. “That is the goal I have, not only for myself but for the whole multi group,” Rodgers said. Rodgers said that she hopes to set a new personal record
this season and that she has put in the hard work. “The ultimate goal is to get to the national meet this year,” Rodgers said. Rodgers said that the first meet will be a good showcase of what the team has in store for this year. Luis Perez, sprinter, said that he believes that the team will do well this season. “We have a lot of young guys but I feel like everyone has their head on straight,” Perez said. “Everyone has the same goal.” Perez said that all the athletes have been working hard in practice so far. “The team looks really solid this year,” Perez said. Perez participates in the 400 meter dash, 200 meter dash and the 4x400 relay.
See TRACK page 7
NEWS
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12.2.2016
SGA appoints multiple committee chairs Students urged to help others
Rosanna Aguilera Staff Writer The Student Government Association appointed new committee chairs in their meeting on Nov. 21 and are encouraging students to participate in an organization helping children. SGA is creating a scholarship that will be given out to a student if they meet the criteria. Victoria Galvan was designated as the head of the scholarship and endowment committee. “We go through the evaluation process together as a committee and then pick the winner based off of the requirements,” Galvan said. The scholarship is raised by students; students will donate to the fund and will be given some sort of treat the day of the donation. “I will be helping with the
events that we put on,” Galvan said. Galvan will be running the events. She said that they will have a booth every day of the week when they begin to collect money for the scholarship. The committee will be handing out items such as cookies, donuts, button pins, etc. for the students that donate. “We are basically giving things to students who donate to us for the scholarship,” Galvan said. Destiny Chapman was elected as the new committee chair for the academic affairs committee. Chapman said that she is going to help international students improve their quality of life on campus, improve the RamTram system and deal with academic affairs. Student organization evaluation committee chair Koryelle Means encouraged people to participate in the organization Give More Hugs.
Photo by Kaitlin Trujillo
Members of the ASU Police Department were honored with a dinner hosted by SGA.
“It is an organization that donates to underprivileged and low-income families to encourage them to read more and get into their education more,” Means said. Means said that it is an international organization that has run for many years.
The main event participated in is leaving notes for the kids to read as encouragement. “They use that as a platform to unite kids all across the world,” Means said. Means said that anyone can participate in the events.
“You can participate from the comfort of your own home and find out what the next event is so you can participate there as well,” Means said.
Photos by Kaitlin Trujillo
Left: Adam Coffman, Marcos Garcia, Renee Atkins and Riley Jarabek perform at Trumpet Fest, conducted by Dr. John Irish. At trumpet Fest, ASU was proclaimed a part of the Lone Star State Trumpet Guild. Right: Students gather around the authentic Native American cuisine that was served in the UC for Native American Heritage Month. THEATER page 1 and supportive to one another, which is the sort of emotion that can become easy to notice throughout the play. “It has been a wonderful experience,” Jaslyn Diaz, the actress who will play the mother, said. “I love every single one of my cast mates. It’s been a tough rehearsal process, but the relationships that we have created with each other make it easier.” Everyone involved had something to say, but all agreed that Doll was helpful and understanding through-
out the entire project. There will also be a single performance on Dec. 4 during the day, which will include a lunch served at 12:45 with the play following at 2 p.m. For the general public, tickets will cost $20, $15 for those who are ASU Art subscribers and $12.50 for Angelo State University students or ASU Activity Card holders. Anyone who wants to reserve a ticket or receive further information can call the number 325-942-2000.
VETS Center Donation Item Donation boxes have been placed in the VETS Center and under the Administration Building Christmas tree. Items will be accepted until December 9. Hard Candy Jerky Coffee Powdered Energy Drinks Hand Sanitizer Baby Wipes Razors Leatherman Knives BIC lighters Regional food items (examples: Julio’s Chips and salsa, DeCoty coffees – Texas Pecan, etc.) Books or Magazines (cannot
contain nudity) Deodorant Individually wrapped candies and treats (not chocolates) Ziplock bags Batteries – AA & D Canned Air Shoe Laces Boot Socks Icy Hot patches Notepads/ pens Air Freshners Spices – Salt/ Pepper/ Red Pepper flakes
Events Calendar Friday 12/2 Holiday Dinner Theatre: “Little Women” 8 p.m. Modular Theatre, Carr Education-Fine Arts Building
Saturday 12/3 I heart Yo Sneaks Kickball Tournament 10:30 a.m. $10 per player Donations of new to lightly used sneakers collected at this time. 10 players minimum per team Intramural Field Official Ring Ceremony 10 a.m. UC Planetarium: “Season of Light” 2 p.m. Planetarium, Vincent Nursing-Physical Science Building Planetarium: “From Earth to the Universe” 3 p.m. Planetarium, Vincent Nursing-Physical Science Building Belle Basketball vs Texas Woman’s 5:30 p.m. Junell Center Holiday Dinner Theatre: “Little Women” 8 p.m.
Sunday 12/4 Holiday Dinner Theatre: “Little Women” 2 p.m.
Monday 12/5 Paws and relax with therapy dogs! 7 - 8:30 p.m. Porter Henderson Library Graduating Seniors Arts ] Exhibition 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. M-F (to Dec 16) Gallery 193, Carr Education-Fine Arts Building
Tuesday 12/6 Paws and relax with therapy dogs! 1:30 - 3 p.m. Porter Henderson Library
Wednesday 12/7 Senior Send Off 6 – 8 p.m. LeGrand Alumni and Visitors Center Newman Center the Rock Musical Adoration 8- 9 p.m. Weekly (to Dec 7) Newman Center
Thursday 12/8 Volleyball vs NCAA All Day TBA UCPC: Stress Free Zone 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. University Center; Info Desk Lobby Holiday Dinner Theatre: “Little Women” 8 p.m. (to Dec 10)
12.2.2016
FEATURES
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Holidays with ASU
Photos by Kaitlin Trujillo
Geoffrey Johnston, grad student, helps Roscoe put on a Santa hat. Students decorate cookies at the BSM table. The San Angelo symphony performs well-known Christmas songs before the lighting of the tree. Logan Garcia, Austin Weidner and Rogan Hibbitts relax by the Christmas tree at Christmas with the Greeks. Justin Edwards, freshman, decorates a Christmas tree shaped sugar cookie with green sprinkles. The 15 feet tall Christmas tree located in the Memorial Oak Grove stands over two students. Students decorate jingle bells courtesy of ASU Housing.
Instagram: picture perfect moments
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FEATURES
12.2.2016
Tis’ the season to donate Winter increases demand for blood Erika Walker Copy Editor According to the American Red Cross, winter is the most difficult times of year to collect enough blood to meet patient needs due to holiday travel and activities, seasonal illnesses that cause regular donors to be temporarily ineligible and cancelled blood drives because of extreme winter weather. “It’s sometimes crazy to think that something that takes less than a half hour of my day can end up saving a
life,” freshman Madison Kelly said. “Blood drives used to take place at my high school, and I was always iffy about participating in them, so I never did back then. After I learned the benefits of donating blood, I try and do it every chance I get now.” Nursing student Jena Condron said she always hears students say they don’t donate blood because they don’t have time to do so, and it can be an inconvenience. “Bringing the blood drive to campus makes it easier for students to go donate before or after classes, and it doesn’t leave them in a money or time crunch,” Condron said.
Although nursing students did not assist in the blood drive, Condron said several of them donate whenever United Blood Services come to campus. “Annually, Tri-Beta hosts blood drives in the fall and spring semester,” Tri-Beta President Brooke Estes said. “United Blood Services Donor Recruitment Representative Sean Richey told me that we are about the biggest two-day blood drive on campus. With the help of some of the biology professors offering extra credit to their classes, we are able to continually have over 40 donors. Condron said blood drives
occur several times each semester, and a different student organization sponsors the drive each time. “Our organization is constantly involved with various community service projects, but a blood drive is a different approach to helping others,” Estes said. “There is an endless need for blood donations. A blood donation is needed every two to three seconds, and about half the population will need donated blood at some time in their life, Estes said.
by SGA. “When they sign onto the program, we give them an ASU flag and Student Discount Program sticker for their business to distinguish them as a participant,” Labauve said. Most of the businesses require students to bring their valid ASU OneCard, otherwise they are subject to be refused the discount. Some of the discounts in-
clude a percentage off of the total purchase while others allow free food with a purchase. For example, IHOP will give students 10 percent off the the total purchase and Chef Jason’s Deli will give students free chips or a drink with purchase. “I think it’s pretty beneficial for the students,” junior Thomas Croghan said. “While we haven’t formalized a feedback process yet,
we know restaurants appreciate our partnership,” Labauve said. Restaurants aren’t the only business included in the discounts. There are also discounts for hair services, oil changes and jewelry. “There are a lot of different options for food, clothing stores, oil changes and some of the bars downtown too,” Croghan said. There is also a discount
The blood donation process begins with a brief interview. Donors will be asked about
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medical history and current health. Assistants will check the donor’s temperature, blood pressure, pulse and blood iron level. The donor will then relax in a chair while a technician collects the blood donation. After donating, donors receive a snack and can return to their normal routine. Any student who wishes to schedule an appointment to donate blood during winter break can do so by visiting the San Angelo Donor Center on 2020 W. Beauregard Ave., or BPL Plasma, 2575 Sunset Drive.
Campus ID can help save money
Discount program has over 70 businesses from food to bean bag chairs. Rosanna Aguliera Staff Writer The students’ discount program has about 70 businesses that will give discounts to ASU students. SGA President Peyton Labauve said businesses can join the program after being asked
available to students at the cell phone and PC repair store. Inquiries for interested businesses should email fielder1@angelo.edu, or SGA@angelo.edu. The list of discounts is also posted in the University Center next to the Multicultural Center. People can also go to angelo.edu/org/ssenate/student_discount_program.php to see the full list and what discounts are given.
Student discounts offered at these locations:
3 Parrots Taco Shop A-Plus Super Storage Affordable Self Storage Alamo Nutrition Angelo Hairlines Angelo iPhone Repair Around the Clock Child Care Center Bahlman Cleaners Bean Bags R Us Big Country T’s Black Sheep Bar and Grill Blair’s Western Wear, Inc. Businessweek Magazine Cell Phone & PC Repair
Chef Jason’s Deli/Peasant Village Coastal Sunglasses/ Eyewear Coffee 101 Computer Bytes Concho Valley Winery Elite Physique Five Rings Dojang Martial Arts Focus Nutrition Fuentes Café Downtown Jackson’s Ladies Fashions Jessy Rose Merchantile Kwik Kar
Tone Deft Hanna Schindler Music Columnist Canadian singer, songwriter and producer Abél Tesfaye, otherwise known as The Weeknd, released his third studio album, “Starboy,” Nov. 25. Although Abél has released music for years in addition to his studio albums, including a compilation album and three free mixtapes that were all well received, he hasn’t been seen as a force in modern music until recently. Regardless of his music being something I normally don’t relish , one cannot ignore the countless number of artists who shamelessly copy The Weeknd’s pensive, moody R&B archetype, bearing this stylistic trendsetter who was originally thought to be some kind of Drake protégé. Like The Weeknd’s past albums, a lack of continuity is still present on “Starboy,” with
an erratic abundance of sounds and genres that almost seemingly create a genre of their own. Never being able to settle on one sound, The Weeknd’s tendencies and disposition is expounded on and exemplified through “Starboy.” With features from artists including Daft Punk, Future, Kendrick Lamar and Lana Del Rey, listeners can hear an imminent change in The Weeknd’s sound. It demonstrates a juxtaposition of the musical direction Abél is coming from, and perhaps the direction he is headed. “Starboy,” although audibly nuanced with modernization in comparison to previous albums has the same narratives told. The same love stories, the same tragic heartbreak and the same Abél looking for love in the wrong places are all becoming somewhat tedious. One of the highlights of the album, “False Alarm,” seems to be polarizing many of the diehard fans. I however ap-
Legend Jewelers Little Rascal’s Clubhouse Long John Silver’s Lotus Café Marble Slab Mardi Gras Liquor Milagro Wine and Spirits Nakamura’s Sushi & Korean Cuisine New York Special Inc. Plaza Square Apartments Pottery Ranch Quality Inn R.Q. Boothe and Associates
Sassy Fox Schlotzsky’s SEARS Sedona Ranch
2100 W. Beauregard
“Starboy” by The Weeknd
preciate what is trying to be accomplished through the track, with the driving beat, retro synth lines and experimental nature that seems almost Krautrock inspired. The shrieking backing vocals and explosive hook on the track create this exploratory display that is foreign to the rest of the album. The vocal melodies on several of the tracks including “Reminder” and “Rockin” are lacking creatively and don’t exemplify Abél’s vocal range or tonality. These tracks revert back to the Michael Jackson inspired, if not full imitation of, which Abél expressed on his first albums. Ultimately, this chaotic album may have meant to be just that. With a medley of sounds exuded from “Starboy,” the album was bound to include both a pinnacle and nadir. Despite both, the album decidedly exemplifies the positive direction and looming possibility of a musical breakthrough.
R1Concepts Brakes Randy’s Bike and Run Shop Re-ward-ing Massage Revive Salon and Spa Rodeway Inn Rooster’s Chicken ’n Fixins Rosa’s Cafe Sam’s Club
Apartments Stadium Lanes, Inc. Stango’s Coffee Shop Sunset Chiropractic Texas Steak Express The House of FiFi DuBois The Outdoorsman The Rage The Sign Shop Throwed Music Trowbridge Chiropractic Vino Dipinte Which Wich Superior Sandwiches Zentner’s Daughter
325-942-1647
Open 7 days a week 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.
ASU PD offers saftey tips for students faculty, staff 1. If traveling by vehicle, know where you are going and how to get there and back. Obtain a map or download the latest available GPS data. Check for construction detours; for longer trips, get a weather forecast. The Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT) provides information on Texas roadways. http://conditions.drivetexas.org/current/
2. If traveling, be sure to communication with family and friends and provide them with the route you will be taking and estimated time of arrival. 3.
Don’t text and drive.
4. Be sure your car is in proper working condition before traveling. (tires, belts, fluids)
5. Always be aware of your surroundings. Pay attention to what’s happening around you, that includes people and vehicles.
6. Be sure your vehicle is locked and remove any valuables from sight. 7. Take home or secure all valuables over the break. This includes electronic equipment, video games, computers, jewelry and anything of value. 8. Finally, trust your instincts. If something doesn’t look or feel right…call the police for assistance.
FEATURE
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12.2.2016
Student debate: seasonal greeting Merry Christmas vs. Happy Holidays Rosanna Agulara Staff Writer There are a variety of people with on campus that celebrate different traditions, especially during the holidays. Some Catholic students said they have their own traditions separate from their religion, but still include them in their culture. “My family always tries to include our distant family with the holidays,” freshman
Daisy Tavarez said. Tavarez said that her family sends gifts and food to people in Mexico and focus on helping them. She said they also don’t do traditions that other people do, but not for religious purposes. “We don’t watch the Christmas parade anymore ever since my uncle fell off one of the floats,” Tavarez said. “It’s an embarrassing memory for the family.” In addition, some religions require people to not do some things that other religions do for value purposes. Freshman Brianna Goodloe
said most of her family is Jehovah’s Witnesses. “Jehovah’s Witnesses live by godly values, promote well-being and respect for others,” Goodloe said. Goodloe said that they do not celebrate Christmas or Thanksgiving. “Holidays that exalt humans or human organizations are not acceptable to Jehovah,” Goodloe said. Freshman William Whitten said he is Baptist, but they don’t have any traditions aside what everyone else does on Christmas. “We open gifts on Christmas Eve and eat dinner on
Menorah- used in Jewish worship Graphic by: Caroline Cline
Christmas day,” Whitten said. Students also expressed their feeling about people saying “happy holidays” versus “Merry Christmas.” Freshman Kriston Moorman said she thinks saying either is fine, but she says Merry Christmas. “I say Merry Christmas because the reason that we celebrate the holiday is because of Christ and who he is,” Moorman said. Most students said they say Merry Christmas, but it doesn’t matter to them what others say. “I think that people have the right to say whatever holi-
Graphic by: Alana Edgin
day greeting they want,” freshman Braden Cox said. “I’m not affected by what someone else says.” Other students said either greeting was acceptable, but still had some favor toward one for religious purposes. “I feel like Happy Holidays tries to remove Christ from Christmas,” freshman Jacob Dehoyos said. “I feel like saying ‘happy holidays’ kind of takes [Christ’s] honor out of the real reason it’s celebrated,” Moorman said. Call the number 325-9422000.
Kinara- used in celebrating Kwanzaa Graphic by: Caroline Cline
Travel for Traditions Christmas through July
Erika Walker Copy Editor Each year on Christmas Eve, we gather at a family member’s house around 8 p.m. The house changes each year and sometimes there’s a pretty big debate on who will host it. Nonetheless, my family always makes sure the party happens. My family is the pretty stereotypical. Huge Mexican-American family with 60 plus members - and those are only the ones that live in town. If you’re wondering how we all fit comfortably in one home, the answer is that we don’t. However, the party goes on, and we make it work by having children under the age of 12 play in one of the bedrooms, the teenagers typically socialize outside and the adults are spread among the inside of the house and garage. The thing I look forward to the most at the party is my family’s potluck. It’s full of Mexican delicacies
like tamales and menudo for dinner. I swear I could eat those two things every day for the rest of my life and not mind it at all. Sometimes a family member will bring a ham, turkey or even barbecued meats to add to our American roots too. For dessert, there’s everything from cookies and cakes to buñuelos and pan dulce. After a night of spending time with one another, catching up and listening to our favorite Tejano music jams, we start to wrap things up. When the clock strikes midnight, we all go around the house and hug every member of the family expressing our love and wishing them a Merry Christmas. Once that’s done, we take a moment to honor our family members who are no longer with us - and we especially pray for my cousin who died traveling back from our family Christmas party in 2005. From there, everyone leaves and opens gifts at home within their own little families. It’s moments like these that I will treasure forever. Being in college, three hours away from my family, I don’t get to experience them as often anymore. But no matter what, I make sure I’m home for Christmas. Who knows? Maybe a few years from now Christmas can happen at my place.
Rosanna Aguilera Staff Writer For the holidays, my family likes to keep it pretty traditional. The day after Thanksgiving, we always put up all of our Christmas decorations. We are all Christmas
freaks and can’t wait a single day. Then, when Christmas Eve rolls around, my mom hangs a pickle ornament on the tree. Whichever child finds it gets to open one present. I never find it, but being the youngest child and the only girl of three children, I always get to open a present. Christmas morning, my two brothers, my mom and I sit in the living room and open presents. After all the presents are opened, it’s my mom’s favorite part. Clean up time. We all clean the house and
help my mom cook. Christmas night, we all get together and watch the Charlie Brown Christmas movie, like we do for every other holiday. We don’t eat a big Thanksgiving type meal; we eat posole, which is pretty much just Mexican soup. Of course, my mom does make about 30 pounds of it, so I guess we do kind of eat a big meal. After Christmas is over, all of our decorations don’t come down till about the middle of July just because that’s the way it goes.
Winter Wonderland
Kaitlin Trujillo Photo Editor I grew up in a home that went all out for Christmas. Every December our house transformed into a winter wonderland in the middle of the West Texas
desert. My parents made our house look like it was straight out of Southern Living Magazine’s Christmas issue. I loved it! Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. Everything about it is magical to me: the lights, the smells, the traditions and the good spirits. Although this time of year is crazy busy, there is something refreshing about it. It’s comforting to see people come together to celebrate, give, and be kind to one another. I hope this season is filled
with love, joy and relaxation for you. I hope your day is filled with laughter and that your family enjoys each other’s company. Most importantly, I hope you remember the reason for this holiday. I hope you find joy in the birth of our Savior and I hope you spread that joy beyond December 25th. The ornaments may come down, the packages will be unwrapped, and the gingerbread houses will crumble, but kindness, generosity and love will never be seasonal.
OPINION The girl who saved
12.2.2016
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Christmas season
Destinee Whitehead Staff Writer When most people think of Christmas, they think of Christmas shopping, receiving gifts and going on cool vacations. This is totally fine, but when I think of Christmas, I think of miracles like those in the holiday movies and spending time with my family. Unfortunately, my dad recently lost his job and both of my parents are struggling to find one soon. For this Christmas, I am wishing for a miracle. When I was growing up, Christmas definitely meant spending time with my family. Hanging up Christmas tree decorations, sparkling lights all
over the house, always watching “The Christmas Story” over and over until we fell asleep and making tons of s`more was our tradition. Another favorite thing my family and I loved to do is buy the Jumbo stockings from the Dollar Tree and decorate them with glitter glue. We also make ginger bread houses. This was my family’s tradition. This year however, it won`t be a normal Christmas. Right now, I am working two jobs and my goal is to buy gifts for my entire family because Christmas is about giving and spending time with family. I honestly cannot wait until Christmas Day to drive home and see the look on my parents and my little brother`s faces when I surprise them by showing up when I am supposed to be working. This Christmas, I want to be the one to fill the spaces under the tree and to make sure that my little brother’s second Christmas is the best Christmas that it can be!
Alana Edgin Editor- in-Chief When I was in elementary, I thought all the Christmas decorations were for me. I thought everyone was so excited about me. Then I was told I have to share my birthday with Christmas, and I thought I could I accept that. It’s still my birthday, and Christmas Eve. I feel like everyone on the planet has a normal birthday. They can have a whole day, dedicated just to their birth. Then there’s me, the girl who was born on Christmas Eve. There are others who have holiday birthdays, and strug-
gle with it. I’ve been spared from the Christmas/birthday combo due to my parents dictating to the extended family that my birthday happens first. I appreciate that they did that so much. One problem is, we always travel on Christmas Eve. We do pancakes, birthday cake and ice cream for breakfast, I open presents and then we pack up to go to the Clark Christmas celebration at my grandma’s. I do have fun, but I feel a bit jealous of those who get a whole day to celebrate. Once at the Clark gathering, we put on the Christmas play. This entails full costumes, reading from a script and singing. The Clarks are also Mormon, so absolutely no alcohol. Last year’s birthday was a little sad because I turned 21 and was not able to drink. There was no way I was showing up to the gathering with alcohol on my breath. After the play, we have presents. Once my family is done
there, we head off to Midland to celebrate with my aunt and uncle. This is still on Christmas Eve. In one day, I have been in the car for anywhere from three to eight hours. When we get there, I get a few birthday presents. Generally, it’s late at night and we are all tired. I may sound a bit spoiled, since I do get presents and cake, and some people don’t even get that. I’m happy my family has put emphasis on my birthday. I’m happy I get presents and get to be with family. But, I never got to have a birthday party on my birthday with friends. This year I helped throw a surprise party for one of my best friends. She went home for a few days prior and came back a day after her birthday to an apartment full of balloons, food and presents. I’m a bit bummed that I don’t get to have a party with friends and family. I don’t get a whole day to celebrate my birthday. I have to share with Christmas.
origami, except it requires a lot less effort. However, at least some acting skills, money and access to a computer are required to pull this one off. First, you may have to look online for what looks like a normal product or even go to a McDonald’s and get a Happy Meal. Then, get a permanent marker and start to mark all over it. Then, go on Wikipedia and write a whole article about your “valuable” product. The downside is this will only work once. If you give everyone something very valuable every year, it will start to get suspicious.
3. Finally, let’s stop playing around. You know what really needs to be done. Fake your death. I understand you love your family and friends, but you can get new ones. Normally this would take around 20 thousand dollars, but remember, we’re working on a budget. Once you fake your death, the only way to come back to your old life is to pretend it was just a prank or pretend you are a ghost now. Also, if they think you’re dead, your family might not get you presents. That is just unacceptable.
Broke college students’ guide for gift giving
Patrick Fleming Staff Writer Many may be shocked to hear this, but I am currently broke and do not have much
money to pay for Christmas gifts. For anyone out there who is broke like me, I thought I would give this guide. 1. Practice origami or something that does not much require money to do. Origami is probably one of the most respected, but there are others that are pretty cool like making clay sculptures out of play-doh or drawing a picture. The upsides are how the products to make these objects are cheap to get a hold of. Also, if someone does not like it, they are not allowed to admit it or else they will look rude.
Have an opinion? Write a column about anything, within reason, you want to say for our readers.
This is something you put a lot of effort in and how dare they say it is not good enough. The downsides are that it takes weeks or even months of training to master, and until you get the origami swan done perfectly, you will look lame trying to make it. Also, you might accidentally encourage someone to start doing that too, and before you know it, all you are getting for Christmas are origami swans that actually look better than yours. 2. Buy something really cheap and pretend it is valuable. This one is a lot like doing
Decorations- decorations everywhere!
Ram Page Member of The Texas Tech University System Texas Intercollegiate Press Association Editor-in-Chief: Alana Edgin
Faculty Adviser: Dr. Cathy Johnson
Managing Editor: Mikera Walker
Contributors Marsalis Mahome Ram Powerlifting Rambelle Rugby Danny Meyer Summer Almaguer
Copy Editor: Erika Walker Staff Writers: Rosanna Aguilera Destinee Whitehead Patrick Fleming Photography Photo Editor: Kaitlin Trujillo Photographer: Joshua Lopez Cartoonist: Caroline Cline
Ram Page ASU Station #10895 San Angelo, Texas 76909-0895 Newsroom:(325) 942-2323 Advertising: (325) 942-2040 Editor: rampage@angelo.edu Advertising: rampageads@angelo. edu Fax: (325) 942-2551
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.
Mikera Walker Maniging Editor I love Christmas; I love giving and receiving gifts. In fact, I have my sibling’s gifts ready and
I’m counting down the days until I can give them their gifts. My problem with Christmas isn’t the season or being with family. It’s not the endlessly crowded mall or overpriced gifts. It’s not even the Christmas music from Halloween until Jan. 1. My problem with Christmas is decorating. I hate it with a burning passion. That’s not to say that I don’t appreciate looking at others’ beautiful decorations. I just hate decorating. The way I see it, you have to dig this massive tree out of the corner you stuffed it into a year
earlier and then all of the ornaments, the nativity scene, the fake snow (because Texas), the singing animals, all of it. Once it’s all out of wherever, (in my case the top of our barn where I have to climb up precariously stacked boxes to drop down the horrendous mess to my eager siblings), you have to set it all up. It has to look perfect. The tree, the lights, the star, the entire house is full of holiday cheer and all I can think is please let me be gone when it’s time to put it all back. I love Christmas; but maybe I’m the Grinch with decorations.
Student Spotlight Alex Holguin
Senior “This Christmas break I’m going to work and wait for the next semester to start because I graduate. The countdown is ready.”
Geonhwi Kim
Junior “Me and my mother will travel to the West Coast for two weeks. I want to show her America.”
WINTER BREAK PLANS Caroline Wallace
Sophomore “Working because my bank account is very low and I need the extra money.”
Jessica Grambrell
Senior “My plans are to eat a lot of food, hang out with my family and sleep quite a bit before graduation in May.”
SPORTS
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TRACK page 1
BELLES page 1 games and cheer them on. “You all mean a lot to us,” Aspen Escamilla, president of Rambelle Rugby, has said. “We are excited that we got to share a bit of our season with you!” The team gives credit to Escamilla and to each other. Through the entire season, the good and the bad times, the women have each done what they could for the entire team. The sisterhood the whole team developed is only continuing to grow even though this season is over.
12.2.2016
Some like Caylee Kidwell and Britney Hobbs would receive injuries that would prevent them from playing in the championship. However, they remained optimistic about their team members as well as the game. “I found where I belong and I found my forever friends when I joined rugby,” Britney Hobbs recruitment officer and prop says. “That’s what I love the most.”
“I hope I can continue from how I did last outdoor season and build on that,” Perez said. Perez said that he has only participated in outdoor track and that he is nervous about running indoors. “At the end of the day it’s all running; it’s all the same thing,” Perez said. He said that he hopes the team and he will have a good start. “I’m just trying to run as fast as I can and see what happens,” Perez said. Overall, Dibbern, along with the other athletes, are ready to get the season started. File photo by Danny Meyer
Photo contributed by Rambelle Rugby
File photo by Marsalis Mahome
Ram Rugby scares off opponents, prepares for spring Team discusses Fall 2016 season Patrick Fleming Staff Writer ASU has seen major spirit, heart and dedication from the Ram Rugby team this semester. The team had major success this year, and it only continues to improve itself. “My favorite moment so far has been scoring 100 points on Texas State, which is unheard of in rugby,” Beau Waskom, captain and flyhalf, said. In this year’s season, the team won every game. With this year full of major accomplishments, there were plenty of moments which would place as a favorite among fans
and the players. The older players of the team have shown leadership, and the newer players have been more than enthusiastic about being a productive member of the team. In fact, team members said they are known to be closer together than ever this year. “I feel really great about this season,” Emmet Spooner, winger, said. “We see each other as family and have a bond no other team has. Our chemistry with each other is important to us and I know we will let it rip this year.” There was one last scheduled game for the year against Stephen F. Austin University, but it was cancelled because of unforeseen circumstances. While this would be saddening in most cases, the Ram
Rugby team has remained very optimistic and proud of their current achievements as an entire team. Spooner said the goal at this point in time is for the team to remain hardworking and competitive enough to make nationals this upcoming year. “This year, this team knows its goals and knows there is no ‘I’ this year,” Troy Knudsen, Ram Rugby president said. “There is a lot of talent in this team and it shows through our first and last few games this year putting up an absurd amount of points.” Knudsen said the hope is that the team will only continue to grow as they have done all of this year. The team is set to return to playing games on March 2017.
Photos by Kaitlin Trujillo and Summer Almaguer
Austin Vandiver, senior, receives the ball from the ruck. A ruck occurs when a player is tackled and needs to get the ball to their teammates. -Trujillo Kevin Reid, winger, fights off a tackle from a player from UT Dallas. Reid has four tries this season. -Almaguer The Ram Rugby team celebrates another win after hearing from Captain Beau Waskom. -Trujillo
Powerlifting club pulls weight in Longhorn Open Competitors and places
Team brings home multiple top three finishes Rosanna Aguilera Staff Writer The Ram Powerlifting club competed in their first meet of the season and ended with nine first place finishes, four second place finishes, one third place finish and two best lifters awards. President of Ram Powerlifting Club Caitlyn Buck said the team did very well at the Longhorn Open, which was their first meet of the season. “We had many top three finishes as well as two best lifter awards,” Buck said.
Photos contributed by Ram Powerlifting
Sophomores Josh Fisher and Kali Mendez compete at the Longhorn Open. Alyssa Gaitan finished in first place and won best female lightweight raw lifter. Brittany Barksdale finished the meet in first place and received the award of best female heavyweight raw lifter. “We have a very promising
team and all are excited as we head into the spring season and prepare for Collegiate Nationals in April,” Buck said. “I expect to see more great results from our team.”
Alyssa Gaitan - Raw collegiate 63kg - 1st place & Best female lightweight raw lifter Kali Mendez - Equipped collegiate 63kg - 1st place Brittany Barksdale - Raw Junior 84kg - 1st place & Best female heavyweight raw lifter Ashley Kemp - Raw collegiate 84kg - 2nd place Tori Reyna - Raw collegiate 84+kg - 1st place Donald Baker - Equipped collegiate 83kg - 1st place Josh Fisher - Raw collegiate 83kg - 1st place Josh Williams - Raw collegiate 83kg - 2nd place Phillip Wilson - Equipped Teen 3 93kg - 1st place & Equipped collegiate 93kg - 3rd place Eddie Zapata - Raw collegiate 120kg - 1st place Haddan Stokes - Equipped collegiate 120kg - 2nd place Nate Guzman - Raw Teen 3 120+kg - 1st place Carlos Ochoa - Raw collegiate 120+kg - 2nd place
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SPORTS
12.2.2016
Volleyball aces into regionals Belles execute four win streak after Tarleton game Erika Walker Copy Editor Rambelle volleyball won its second consecutive Lone Star Conference Volleyball Tournament Championship after they swept the Tarleton State University TexAnns Nov. 19 in the Stephens Arena at the Junell Center. “I feel great,” Volleyball Head Coach Chuck Waddington said. “My team played exceptionally well against a really talented team. Tarleton has got a really talented team, but we came out with a game plan today and executed it well. The match was tight all the
way through, and we made the plays that we needed to so we could create gaps and close out the sets.” The Belles started off strong, immediately winning the first two sets of the game. With a 2-0 set lead, the Belles started the third set with an early 10-7 lead. However, the TexAnns fought back, and the match eventually came to a tie at 15 points. Then, a service error from the TexAnns began 7-2 Belles run that put several more points on the board in favor of the Rambelles. However, near the end of the set with a 22-19 lead and a close victory, a service error from the Rambelles made the score 23-20, and gave the ball
back to the TexAnns. It was freshman middle blocker Tulani Titley who got the team back track with a kill. Finally, junior outside hitter Brianna Sotello made the final kill, winning the LSC Tournament Championship. “I am just so grateful for this team,” Sotello said. “Now, it’s time to prepare for the regional tournament.” The Rambelles will compete in the NCAA Division II South Central Regional Tournament which began on Dec. 1 against Texas A&M University-Kingsville in the Stephens Arena at the Junell Center. If the team wins, they will move onto the NCAA National Championship Dec. 8.
Since this is the last issue for the year, Ram Page wants to honor the Belle seniors:
Outside Hitter Mallory Blauser Blauser joined the Belles in 2014 and set herself up to lead the team in kills. She has earned multiple awards such as American Volleyball Coaches Association Player of the Week and Most Valuable Player in the Lone Star Conference Tournament. She is a middle school education major. Middle Blocker Zoey Hanrahan Hanrahan joined the Belles in 2013 as a freshman. In 2014, she led the team in blocks with 99 for the season.
Photo by Kaitlin Trujillo
Photo by Marsalis Mahome
Tulani Titley, freshman middle blocker, prepares to spike the ball. Titley had 19 kills in the conference tournament.
Mallory Blauser, senior outside hitter, plays defense after a hit from Tarleton. Blauser was recently selected to the D2CCA All-region First Team.
Rams earn double wins at first home game Head Coach Cinco Boone gives insight on team’s chemistry Patrick Fleming Staff Writer The Ram basketball team has been a major staple of the school for a long time, and on Nov. 19-20, they began their season with two wins. The Rams beat Huston–Tillotson University Nov. 19, 76 48, and Howard Payne University Nov. 20, 75 - 48. “I’m proud of them,” Ram fan Jenna Markey said. “I think they’re going to be really successful this season.” Throughout the first half of their game Nov. 19, the Rams found themselves constantly tying with the other team. Whenever one team started to get ahead, the other team found themselves able to catch up. By the end of the first half, the two teams were less than five points apart, keeping the entire crowd in suspense. However, as the second half began, new life seemed to shoot through the Rams, and they
moved with even more heart than before. The Rams’ score skyrocketed. The vast differences in the scores are no coincidence, and the players are the first to admit this. “It was a bad one,” senior guard Quay King said. “We could have scored at least 100. Each and every time we should play as hard on the first half as the last half.” The team has a lot of potential to have a great season, but Basketball Head Coach Cinco Boone said there is more to be worked on. “We’ve got to work on our chemistry,” Boone said. “Roles are being established. The guys doing what we ask will get the minutes and some of these guys are going to find out the hard way.” The goal appears to be the same as it always is for everyone to grow as individuals as well as a team. However, both the coaches and players remain optimistic about the team’s future. The Rams will take on St. Edward’s University Dec. 3 in Photo by Kaitlin Trujillo Austin.
Caleb Henry, freshman forward, shows off his vertical as he dunks the ball.
Upcoming Home Games: Ram, Belle Basketball Ram Basketball Belle Basketball Dallas Christian College Dec. 29 at 4 p.m. Tarleton State Jan. 5 at 7:30 p.m.
Texas A&M Commerce Jan. 7 at 4 p.m. Western New Mexico Jan. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Texas Woman’s Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. Tarleton State Jan. 5 at 5:30 p.m.
Texas A&M Commerce Jan. 7 at 2 p.m. Western New Mexico Jan. 19 at 5:30 p.m.