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Tennis Club page 4
New ASU President Dr. Brian J May
Alcohol awareness page 5
AM AGE
Volume 79 Issue 11 Nov. 9, 2012
Rams win home finale, seek win to end their season Nov. 10 Final game against Tarleton State University in Stephenville
Stephen Cogan Staff Writer The Rams won their final home game of the season 38-21 against the University of Incarnate Word Cardinals on Saturday to improve to 5-5 with a 4-3 conference record. The seniors said goodbye to their home stadium as winners while the Cardinals dropped to 2-8 with a 1-6 conference record. “It’s a great feeling to go out like that as senior,” defensive end Austin Benson said. “It is awesome to go out with a win in your last home game but it is kind of bittersweet at the same time though.” The Rams achieved that feeling by racking up 340 total offensive yards and five touchdowns. One touchdown was a defensive special team’s return on the first play of the second half. The Rams kicked the ball off to begin the second half and Incarnate Word’s Joseph Sadler, a freshman running back, fielded the ball at the seven, returned it 10 yards and then tried to lateral the ball. Sadler successfully threw the ball, but his teammate did not recover the ball; ASU’s sophomore Jared Ross did. Ross scooped up the ball at the 13-yard-line and outran everyone into the endzone for a fumble return touchdown that put the Rams up 21-7 as the second half of football began. “They’re young,” Benson said. “We just took advantage of that. We have some experience on our team, and we just took advantage of the way they are. They are a great team, though, and they are going to be great for years to come.” Benson took advantage by having a career game with eight tackles, four of them for a loss, and 3.5 quarterback sacks. Another player with a career day was freshman Kyle Washington, who finally got a chance to start this year for the Rams after redshirting for the majority of the season. “It felt wonderful to finally play,” Washington said. “Get the flow of the game and see the bullets fly.” Washington fired his own bullets as
Photo by Tim Peevy The Rams defeated University of Incarnate Word, Nov. 3, at the Military Appreciation and Senior Day game. The team will now face off against Tarleton State University in Stephenville on Nov. 10, bringing their Lone Star Conference season to an end.
he completed 12/16 passes for 189 yards and three touchdowns in the win. “He did great,” Benson said. “His number was called, and he stepped up into a big role and I think he showed
Washington said he was thankful to play, but he is happy with whatever the coaches ask of him. “It’s really not about getting my chance; it’s just about helping my team in whatever aspect I can,” Washington said. “It is just to help my team win games.” Rams receivers senior C.J. Akins, junior Joey Knight and senior Antwon Williams all caught touchdown passes from Washington. “Defensively, we had some stops and got us a good field position,” Washington said. “Antwon [Williams] made a good catch on one of those drives.” The catch was a 48-yard touchdown bomb that put the Rams up 28-14 with 11:10 - Senior defensive end remaining in the fourth quarter. Austin Benson Williams adjusted in stride, pulled the ball down for the catch and continued running character and got the job done, and I for the score. can’t be more thankful for what he did.” “I thought I overthrew him, and I was
“We’re building a program, and it’s going to be great for years to come. I’m just happy I can be a foundation setter to that.”
ROTC honors Veterans
Annual Flag retreat and Candlelight Vigil Ceremony
Proposed bill sparks debate in SGA meeting Alix Henry the elected President or Vice the proposed bill because he Contributor President is graduating at the said it is unfair to prohibit
Bill regards executive position require-
Photo by Tim Peevy
about to be mad at myself,” Washington said. “But Antwon is a good enough tight end to make those plays.” Benson said that he felt that the entire team was finally on the same page for this game, and it was not a handful of plays that decided the outcome. “I don’t think there was just one key play,” Benson said. “I think the defense and offense finally found itself. It took eleven weeks, but we finally got on one accord, and we played together. It wasn’t a defensive thing, it wasn’t an offensive thing, there was no individual; we rallied together as a team and got this victory.” ASU plays their final game of the regular season against Tarleton State University in Stephenville on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. The Rams look to finish the season with a winning record, and Benson said he expects the Rams to improve in the upcoming years after he leaves. “We’re building a program, and it’s going to be great for years to come,” Benson said. “I’m just happy that I can be a foundation setter to that.”
At the Student Government Association’s meeting Monday, a proposed bill sparked debate, in which it calls for changes to the student body constitution, as well as new regulations for those running for an executive officer position. According to the student body constitution in Article Three, Chapter Three, “no person shall apply for candidacy of Angelo State University Student Body President or Vice President who has not completed a minimum of twelve semester hours in residence with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, and enrolls and maintains a minimum of twelve semester hours during term of office, or who is a graduate student enrolled in a minimum of nine semester hours with a minimum grade point average of 3.0, unless
end of the current semester or participating in a student teaching program, in which case the minimal semester hour requirement is excused.” Morgan Visk, SGA Parliamentarian, proposed a bill that would require anyone pursuing an executive position to have been a member of SGA at ASU for two semesters. Eligible candidates must also have completed 48 hours in residency with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 and maintain twelve hours a semester with a GPA of 3.0, he said. Sen. Duncan Knox proposed a motion that would cause the bill to not take effect until the 2014 election season instead of the 2013 election season because he said he feels this would better aid the students in preparing for the new requirements and give any non-SGA members a chance to get in and gain the required experience to run for executive office. Sen. Jared Goecker opposed
freshman from running for an executive office. Because of the amount of opposition the proposed bill is facing, it will be referred back to the Judiciary and Rules committee for further discussion. “While an underclassman may possess the necessary skills and characteristics to be successful as an SGA president or vice president, skills and characteristics only amount for a portion of the qualifications necessary,” Sen. Hunter Morris said. “The other necessary qualifications, such as campus familiarity and relationships with the faculty and staff on campus, require a significant amount of time and dedication to establish. A minimum credit hour requirement is necessary to provide adequate time to establish campus familiarity and relationships, while ensuring an individual is prepared to grapple with the substantial amount of added responsibility.”
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Events Calendar Get involved on campus! Here’s what’s going on this week. Friday, Nov. 9 Deadline-Graduate Students To TAKE & PASS Comprehensive Examination-Dec. Graduation Art: Graduating Senior Exhibitions 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. @ Carr Education-Fine Arts Building, room 193 Saturday, Nov. 10 ASU Paint Run for Baptist Student Ministry Missions 9 a.m. @ Baptist Student Center, Angelo State University Russian Enrichment Program: “Family Day - Russia” 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. @ San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts, 1 Love Street. Monday, Nov. 12 International Education Week: Study Abroad Photo Contest Winners @ Houston Harte University Center, Stairwell International Education Week: Art Display/Graffiti Wall @ Houston Harte University Center, Stairwell Sophomore Registration International Education Week: Cultural Celebration 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. @ Houston Harte University Center, Multicultural Center Lobby
NEWS
Friday, Nov. 9, 2012
Disaster preparedness series part one: natural disasters strike quickly Wild weather a concern for many Dillon Brollier Editor The saying goes, “it is not the 100 punches you see coming that will knock you out, but it is the one punch you don’t see that does the trick.” It is important to be prepared in life, whether it means being prepared for a test in class or being prepared for a natural disaster. In the wake of hurricane Sandy that shook the east coast, the first part in the Ram Page’s series of disaster preparedness hones in on natural disasters. The natural disaster that San Angelo is at most risk for is flash flooding, said Hector Guerrero, warning coordination meteorologist
of the National Weather Service. The National Weather Service has a campaign labeled “turn around, don’t drown” that urges motorists to not attempt to drive through heavily flooded streets. On Sept. 28 and 29, the Concho Valley saw as much as 10 inches of rain fall over the 24-hour period between those days. Over the course of those days, nearly 120 people were rescued from their vehicles due to the high waters. According to the National Weather Service, before that heavy rain, San Angelo had only received about 1.5 inches of rain the previous three months. The heavy rain caught many off guard and is a prime example of the suddenness of a serious weather condition. “That was one of those
weather events where everything came together just right,” Guerrero said. The shelves of local stores were nearly picked clean of essential products in the wake of the heavy rains. With the storm approaching, many people were involved in a mad dash to grab items. “Try and get to what you need and get it,” said Lynn Shipley, HEB unit director. “We generally will have all the registers open, and we will get the customer checked out as soon as we can.” If one waits until the eve of a major weather disaster to make it to the store, he or she should be prepared to face very large crowds. During times of extreme weather such as a hurricane, store shelves will be picked bone dry, Shipley said.
“There will be nothing on the counters,” Shipley said. “It is totally wiped out. People come in and buy all the staples, and we will drop a pallet (a flat storage structure) and they will buy from the pallet before we even get it on the shelves.” Beyond heavy rains, the Concho Valley can face disasters ranging from wildfires to tornados and even extreme winter weather such as icy roads and snow. During the winter months, ice can accumulate on tree branches that can break and fall over power lines. The best way to prepare for any natural disaster is to be properly informed Guerrero said. “Have a way to receive good weather information so you can make good decisions for whatever you are planning to do,” Guerrero said.
Texas Hearing and Service Dogs 12 to 1 p.m @ 2333 Vanderventer, room 287
Items in an emergency supply
Tuesday, Nov. 13 Resume Resuscitation 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. @ Houston Harte University Center Sunrise Yoga at Enchanted Rock Pre-Trip Meeting 5 to 6 p.m. @ Center for Human Performance International Education Week: Host Family Party 5 to 7:30 p.m. @ Plaza Verde Commons Building Wednesday, Nov. 14
- Non - Perishable food items -Pre-packaged Meats - Bottled water - First Aid Kit - Collar with ID tag, harness and leash
- Toilet Paper - Paper Towels - Flashlight - Batteries - Medicine - Hand crank weather Radio
- Cash - Special items for small children - Map of area - Change of clothing - Sanitation Items
Freshmen Registration Music: Student Recital 4 p.m. @ Carr Education-Fine Arts Building, Eldon Black Recital Hall Thursday, Nov. 15 Business Brown Bag: High-Impact Customer Service 12 to 1 p.m.@ San Angelo Visitors Center Music: Jeremy Flint and Caitlyn Murray - Composition Recital 7:30 p.m. @ Carr Education-Fine Arts Building, Eldon Black Recital Hall
Submit event requests by 5 p.m. Tuesday for Friday publication to rampage@angelo.edu
ASU Regristar’s office is now on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/AngeloStateUniversityRegistrarsOffice The page has all information you need for registration this semester.
Photo by Tim Peevy The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts is hosting Family Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Nov. 10. The event will feature a performance by the Russian folk group The Flying Balalaika Brothers at 2 p.m. The museum is located on 1 Love Street.
Russian art on display for Family Day at San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts Display presents art from other side of globe Rachel Riggs Staff Writer
The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts is partnering with ASU and the University of Texas at Austin for November’s Russian History Family Day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 10, which will feature the Russian folk group, The Flying Balalaika Brothers. The free performance will begin at 2 p.m. and will last about 45 minutes, according to the museum’s Curator of Education Megan DiRienzo. The Flying Balalaika Brothers – well-known in Austin – present “a blend of traditional world music
and original musical pieces” according to the band’s website. The band features a number of traditional Russian instruments, including the balalaika, which is a triangle-shaped guitar, according to the band’s website. Foreign Exchange Student Evgeny Taranets, who is from Taganrog, Russia, said everyone can find something about Russian history that interests them depending on their preference. “I was many times surprised at the number of Americans who knew about Russia and its history,” Taranets said. “This is a nice opportunity to meet Russian culture abroad.” There will be a gallery scavenger hunt, free food and activities for all ages, DiRienzo said.
“Families are the target audience for these events, but it is not just for kids,” DiRienzo said. “Anyone from the age of 2 to 100 will enjoy this event.” The gallery scavenger hunt makes sure that visitors explore the entire museum and not just participate in activities downstairs, DiRienzo said. The museum will showcase real Russian works from private collections, DiRienzo said. “We want to focus on how Catholic symbols are present in both Russian and Spanish colonial pieces,” DiRienzo said. The activities will take place at the San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts at 1 Love Street. For more information, call the museum at (325) 653-3333.
NEWS
Friday, Nov. 9, 2012
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Alcohol and caffeine create dangerous mixture Smart drinking key to fun time at bar Rachel Riggs Staff Writer A dangerous trend of mixing energy drinks with alcoholic beverages has prompted ASU’s Health Services to post pamphlets and posters around campus that educate students on how to drink carefully. People who partake in this trend think the overly caffeinated energy drink will offset the effects of the alcohol and provide a better drinking experience, said David Rosipal, Special Events and Student Health Insurance associate director. According to a document released by Health Services, the combination of energy drinks with alcohol is dangerous because energy drinks are a stimulant and the alcohol is a depressant. A stimulant is a substance that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body, and a depressant is a substance that reduces functional or nervous activity. According to the document “the stimulant effects can mask how intoxicated you are and prevent you from realizing how much alcohol you have consumed. Fatigue is one of the ways the body normally tells someone that they’ve had enough to drink.” The energy drink gives
Photos by Tim Peevy; Illustration by Mariah Powell
drinkers impaired senses of when they have reached their limit, Rosipal said. This trend may lead people to drink amounts of alcohol they normally could not handle because of the caffeine in the energy drink, he said. “Students think, ‘Hey, I feel good. I can drink all night,’ but their blood alcohol level is still the same when mixed with energy drinks,” Rosipal said. Freshman Danelle Mon-
toya said that educating students on how to drink safely is important because drinking happens all around the college lifestyle. “If students do not know the dangers of mixing alcohol and energy drinks, they will succumb to these dangers,” Montoya said. “Students will stop to read posters and pamphlets if they look catchy, but it depends on the student and whether they want to listen.”
According to the document, since energy drinks and alcohol are both diuretics – substances that elevate the rate of urination – mixing them causes a more painful hangover compared to drinking alcohol by itself because the body becomes more dehydrated. “When the energy drink goes away and you crash, you are still left with an alcohol hangover, Rosipal said. “[energy drinks] doesn’t do anything
to help you with that. You are still living with the effects of all that alcohol you drank.” This crash could be especially harmful to women, Rosipal said. “It would be almost like them giving themselves a date rape drug,” Rosipal said. “It could expose a young woman to dangers that she normally wouldn’t have exposed herself to.” Impaired judgment at the result of mixing energy drinks and alcohol affects both men and women by giving them a false sense of confidence behind the wheel. “Even if you feel superhuman, you are still not superhuman behind the wheel,” Rosipal said. “You are still dangerous. You still have the ability to become a killer behind the wheel.” If students have questions about mixing alcohol and energy drinks, or health questions in general, they are encouraged to pick up a pamphlet in the University Center, stop by the clinic, call at (325) 942-2021 or stop by Rosipal’s office in room 201 in the UC. “I am constantly on the web looking at current issues to provide material for issues that I think will help people,” Rosipal said. “I think there is an effort every day to advance health on the ASU campus.”
SGA looks to hire Two leadership development positions available Briana Martinez Contributor
Angelo State University remembers our Veterans
The Student Government Association began taking applications Nov. 1 for two highly coveted student positions within higher education. The search is for the next studentregent of the Texas Tech University System and student representative to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board student body President Hector Romo said. Both positions offer students a once in a lifetime leadership opportunity. While both positions are sought after, there is a considerable difference between the two, Romo said. “The student regent represents the students in the Texas Tech University System,” Romo said. “The student representative represents all the students in higher education in the state of Texas.” The student regent will oversee a lot of money so any experience with budgeting will be essential, Romo said. The student representative represents all the University Systems throughout
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Texas, so it covers a great deal of more students. “Both positions are an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills,” Romo said. “Both of these positions are highly desired and are highly prestigious given the fact that they are both appointed by the Governor of Texas.” Romo said the positions are for students who have good leadership experience and who are greatly involved within the school. Of the applicants, an evaluation committee will select the top five for each position then submit them to the chancellor who has the final say in who he selects to send to the actual governor’s office. SGA Vice President Joshua Heimbecker said that once the student applies, their application will be looked over and compared with the other applicants and the ones chosen to be submitted will be the top five of each who best represent our university. In order to apply, the applicant must be currently enrolled and would need to be enrolled for the following semester when the term for the positions will be applied. To apply, students can go to SGA page on the campus website. All applications are due Dec. 19 by noon.
FEATURES
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Friday, Nov. 9, 2012
Six Market Blvd taking the stage in San Angelo
Photo courtesy of Kimberly Brian Six Market Blvd takes main stage at a concert on their most recent tour. Six Market Blvd is classified under Americana style music and they will be playing at Blaine’s Pub on Saturday.
Six Market Blvd. from Stephenville returns to San Angelo to perform
Allison Price
Features Editor Stephenville - based band, Six Market Blvd, will come to San Angelo to perform Saturday Nov. 10 at Blaine’s Pub on Bryant Blvd. “[Performing] is exciting, surreal and humbling,” lead singer Clayton Landau said. “It is one thing to get in front of people and perform, but it’s another to get in front of people and have them sing your songs back to you.” Six Market Blvd formed four years ago, and they have two released albums along with performances spread across Texas and Oklahoma. “We all met through a combination of going to Tarleton State University in Stephenville and attending open mic night,” Landau said. The band’s first show was at a Fourth of July party, and that kicked off their career, harmony and bass player Ben Hussey said. “A big group of our friends came to watch us perform at Lake LBJ,” Landau said. “For us to travel four hours was exciting. We were [anxious] to set up and pumped to learn the ropes as we went. It felt like we were big time.” Six Market Blvd is classified as Americana/ Folk Music even though they are in the Texas country market, Landau said. “Folk music is kind of where we fit,” Landau said. “Americana travels nation to worldwide so we are able to expand our songs.” The feeling the band members get when performing in front a large crowd is unbelievable and a blessing, Landau said. “It is crazy to see people enjoy something we created out of an idea,” Hussey said. “Seeing the way people react as we play is neat.”
Landau and Hussey co-write the bands songs Lan- beginning of their tour over the top, Landau said. dau said. “This is going to be great,” Hussey said. “[The “Clayton was one of the few [musicians] writing band] has been to [the MusicFest] before to see what original songs,” Hussey said. “As a song writer myself, it is like. It is a real honor to be asked to play. We have I appreciated Clayton’s approach to writing.” lots of friends that will be performing also, so spendThe band members’ families began to watch Six ing a week with them in the mountains will be fun.” Market Blvd perform once their band took off, Landau Be sure to check out sixmarketblvd.com for inforsaid. mation about the band and their Facebook and Twit“[Family] comes when they can,” Hussey said. ter page. “This past St. Patrick’s Day there was a festival in Fort Worth that we played at. It was family friendly so my family was able to come out, and it was great to see them there.” Landau said he can recall the first time the band heard one of its songs on the radio. “We were driving down the highway to a gig in Lubbock, and we heard one of our songs play on the radio,” Landau said. “We couldn’t believe it was on the radio. Not only were we hearing it, but whoever else was listening to that station at the time heard it.” Six Market Blvd is re-releasing their second album, Shake It Down, Nov. 20 with an additional bonus track, Landau said. “When we released the album [the first time] we got a great response,” Landau said. “There was a large amount of sales. We are hoping that the re-release will get more people involved. Not only are our fans involved, the people working with us are involved and want to help in every way possible.” The support from the fans is vital to the bands success and it encourages them to continue to perform Hussey said. “Keep supporting live music,” Hussey said. “We would not be able to do what we do without our fans. The longer we keep [performing] the better.” When Six Market Blvd. first formed, they set goals hoping to achieve each one as the band grew, Landau said. “When we started, we had a handful of goals and we have already achieved most of those goals,” Hussey said. “Now we are going to have to think of new ones. Photo courtesy of Kimberly Brian We are really grateful for the support.” Six Market Blvd’s 2013 tour will kick off in Steam- Six Market Blvd has been together four years and has two boat Springs, Colorado at the MusicFest making the albums with their second being re-released next week.
Ram Tennis Club heads to Austin to compete Ram Tennis Club officially created this year
Allison Price
Features Editor
The Ram Tennis Club started their season on a good foot competing against other tennis clubs in the state. “The past couple of years we have had a tennis club, but those in charge did not follow through with the club,” President Hayden Smith said. “This year we actually got the club going.” Sophomore Jeremy Porché said he joined the club last year because ASU does not have a varsity tennis team. He said he still wanted to play competitive tennis as did other members. “I have been playing tennis for six years,” freshman Michael Foust said. “I love playing tennis, and that is why I joined the tennis club.” The tennis club has get-togethers to bond with each other on the weekends, Smith said.
Illustration by Rio Velasquez “We are all very close,” Porché said. “We don’t hangout all of the time, but when we do hang out we have a lot fun.” The tennis club has already been to Abilene for a tournament and their upcoming tournament will be in Austin, Smith said. “We go out and play at tournaments every so often,” Porché said. “[The tournament] is like a normal bracket but instead of one individual [playing] it is a
Photo by Rio Velasquez From left, freshman Hayden Smith, junior Kristen Hensley, and freshman Denver Luther hold their tennis rackets after practice.
whole team.” When the team was deciding on a name, ironically, it related to the team’s lunch that day, Foust said. “We decided to be HOT-N-READY, and at the tournament for lunch we had HOT-N-READY pizza from Little Caesar’s,” Foust said. The club has many story-telling moments, and some of the best are when the club travels to the tournaments, Porché said. “On the way to our first tournament, we were Tboned,” Porché said. “It was a ‘great’ way to start off our trip. We were still able to make it on time.” Those who enjoy tennis are encouraged to join the team as a way to enjoy the sport and meet new people, Smith said. “Since this is the first year we are an official club, people didn’t really know about [the club],” Porché said. “It will get better next year once we get all of our community service hours completed and then hopefully more people will want to join.” For more information or if interested in joining the Ram Tennis Club, contact Smith at hrsmith@suddenlink.net.
OPINIONS
Friday, Nov. 9, 2012
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The election is over. It is done. Finished Dillon Brollier Editor Red vs. blue, donkey vs. elephant and liberal vs. conservative. For nearly two years now that is all America has seen. And now that the election is over, all I see and hear is “I’m moving to Canada” or “The country is doomed.”
Stop it. Just stop it. I have never seen people more divided and more hostile toward each other than I have seen on election nights.
The posts all over Facebook were crazy, not to mention Donald Trump’s asinine tweets that we should march on Washington and revolt. What a crock. Everyone that is mad that Romney lost needs to take a minute to sit down and realize that everything they are saying now is exactly what blue bloods were saying when President Bush was elected twice. You did not appreciate it then so don’t go and do the same thing now. I get it, you wanted Romney to win and you are mad at the president because you think that he is going to doom the country. Do you have any idea how stupid you sound right now? Oh, and all of the liberals out there that are overly excited that your guy won. YOU, are just as obnoxious as everyone who is throwing a fit that their guy lost. People that are rubbing salt in the wounds of the people who have lost are a big part of the reason that
we are all so divided in the first place. That goes for both sides of the political spectrum. The simple fact of the matter is this, we are all Americans. We all want this country to prosper, because then we, the people, will prosper. The only way we can do that is to stand united. If we stand here and continue to fight and cry to our mammas about out bad situations they are only going to get worse. Now is the time that we look at our friends that sit across the aisle and begin to repair the damage that this two year circus has done to our friendships and sensibilities. George Washington warned us of the dangers of having two separate parties and right now he is looking pretty damn smart right now. At the end of the day, when it is all said and done and all the smoke has cleared, the only thing that will stop America from being as great as she can be are the people who inhabit and lead her.
grow, to develop. Our differences in opinion are what make us human, they are part of what separates us from the thousands of other species that we share our planet with. Another big part of that separation is our collective history- recorded and non. No other known species has a written history such as ours. We have beliefs and traditions that span the millennia. We celebrate holidays with roots far older than the young Christian faith. Even today many of the Christian holidays celebrated the world over have far older, pagan roots. Christmas is only celebrated at the end of the year to align with the winter solstice. Easter marks the advent of spring. Halloween, mentioned in a previous week’s column, has pagan roots.
The holiday has had many evolutions since its origin with the ancient Celts. The most constant tradition throughout seems to be that it celebrates a night when the line between the living and the spirits is blurred. Though really the holiday is so commercialized that it seems hardly worth mentioning. These are desperate times. Our nation is in turmoil, our schools are being taxed into oblivion. There are children starving on our doorsteps or having babies of their own before they come into adulthood. There are plenty of topics far more meaningful that one could waste print ink on. For the love of all that is good in the world, why would you decide that a candygram holiday was more important?
Letter to the editor
Jenni Di bie Junior
I have long known that I do not live in the most tolerant of decades. These are times of distrust; we eye our neighbors at home and across the seas with closed minds and fists. We speak before we listen and close our ears when we are stifled. We raise our chins to authority. We are surrounded by this brand of exceptionalism that was taught by our forbearers and swallowed by our generation. We are given to the idea that everyone should see as we see and hear as we hear. Very rarely is this the case. Even on a campus as small as this there are variances in opinion. Variances are good; it is variety that allows us to
Now that the presidential election is over, what are the issues you would like to see addressed first?
“The economy and “I would like to get the use of natural some financial help resources.” like grants or loans.”
Chelsea Terry freshman
Marsalis Mahome freshman
“Education and healthcare”
Lauren Hagelgans freshman
“The main issue is that I want to see the economy improve.”
Omar Davilla sophomore
“School loans for university students who can’t afford school.”
Zazu Abraham sophomore
Ram Page Staff
2012-2013 Angelo State University Editor: Dillon Brollier Managing Editor: Mariah Powell Copy Editor: Lisa Dees Features Editor: Allison Price Online Editor: Riley Mashburn Staff Writer: Stephen Cogan Staff Writer: Rachel Riggs Circulation Manager: Mariah Powell Photo Editor: Rio Velasquez Photographer: Tim Peevy Advertising Manager: Kaitlynn Glendinning Adviser: Dr. Cathy Johnson Ram Page ASU Station #10895 San Angelo, Texas 76909-0895 Editor: rampage@angelo.edu Advertising: rampageads@angelo.edu Editor: (325) 942-2323 Newsroom: (325) 942-2134 Advertising: (325) 942-2040 Fax: (325) 942-2551 Member of The Texas Tech University System Associated Collegiate Press Texas Intercollegiate Press Association
PUBLISHING POLICY
Published every Friday and available to students, one copy per student, the student newspaper of Angelo State University is a public forum, with its student editorial board making all decisions concerning its contents. Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board. Ram Page welcomes all letters. Please include your name, classification/position and a phone number and/or e-mail address for verification purposes. Letters must be signed and be no more than 350 words. The paper reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all letters are subject to laws governing obscenity, libel and privacy. Deadline is 5 p.m., Monday. Submission does not guarantee publication. Letters may be mailed, e-mailed or submitted at the newspaper’s office, Room 324 on the third floor of the Porter Henderson Library. Opinions in letters are not necessarily those of the staff, nor should any opinion expressed in a public forum be construed as the opinion or policy of the administration, unless so attributed.
or f m o c . e nd g a a p s m l a l r o u p s a e . n w i w w nl o t i , s s i e V v i h arc e r o m
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SPORTS
Page 6
Friday, Nov. 9, 2012
Basketball teams prepare for season Basketball is around the corner with both teams just days away from starting their official seasons. The Rams open their season at home on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. against Lubbock Christian University, and the Rambelles begin their season at home on Tuesday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. against St. Edward’s University. The two teams contrast each other because the Rambelles have many players returning while the Rams have several new faces. “We’re mostly sophomores and freshmen, but we are returning 10 players,” Women’s Head Coach Sally Brooks said. With so many returning players, Brooks said the experience and maturity from last year will be a plus. “Just the experience of those 10 players is huge,” Brooks said. “There is really nothing that replaces experience and maturity.” Brooks said one example is sophomore point guard Cassi Stegall, who Brooks said has come a long way into becoming a leader. “I believe playing the point guard position, even as a sophomore, she has to be a leader.” Brooks said. “I think she’s proven that she’s ready to do that.” Along with the returning players, ASU recruited four freshmen and two transfers to give Brooks a total of 16 players to work with. While Brooks has her veterans, Men’s Head Coach Fred Rike has a brand new squad. “We’ve got 12 new players,” Rike
Game Day (at home): Rams - Nov. 10 at 7 p.m.
Rike said that this is his seventh year at ASU and Austin is the best freshman he’s ever had. Brooks has an idea of how the Rambelles will perform, but Rike said that with so many new players, he won’t know for sure until the Rams have played a few games. “We try to find roles as early as we can,” Rike said. “But there is still a little gray area with a few guys and we’ll just iron that out as we go.” However, Rike said that it is possible the Rams have a successful season and spoke from personal experience. “One of the better teams we had was in ’08,” Rike said. “We went to the NCAA tournament and they were all newcomers.” The 2008-2009 team was ranked as high as 23 in the NCAA’s Top 25 and is the highest ranking team in ASU’s history. Rike said the positives about his team he’s seen so far is they score and share the ball as well as how they function as a unit. “We’ve got good team chemistry,” Rike said. “It’s a matter of everybody buying in and learning a new system and going from there.” Rike said this team was the most coachable team he’s ever had and that include the 2008-2009 team.
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Stephen Cogan Staff Writer
said. “Six of them are freshmen. We’ve got three Division I transfers, a Division II transfer, two junior college transfers, so we’ve got a really neat mix.” Junior Zach Jones and sophomores Dakota Rawls and Justin Walling are returning from last year which brings the Rams final roster count to 15. “Those three guys have had great springs,” Rike said. “We expect big things from them because they’ve been in the program.” One of the Rambelles’ main returning players is sophomore Haylee Oliver, who was second on the team in scoring with 311 points despite not being a starter. “I think Haylee can do whatever Haylee sets her mind to,” Brooks said. “She has come back ready and focused. I think she had a very good freshman year, but I can just tell the difference in her confidence, and she knows what I expect of her. She’s going to have a great year.” Oliver was the Lone Star Conference Co-Freshman of the Year and Brooks believes another ASU freshman could have the impact that Oliver had. “Amanda Weaver is very talented,” Brooks said. “Faith Hunt is going to have a good year. They are capable of being Freshman of the Year in the conference.” Rike said that with six freshmen, he thinks there is a chance that a Ram could be Freshman of the Year as well. “We’ll have a couple of freshmen that will probably play a lot,” Rike said. “Javon Austin was one of the top 50 high school players in the state last year and of course Reggie Sutton from San Angelo Central is probably one of the better players in the history of this city.”
Junior Lauren Holt returns for the ‘Belles.
New possibilities open to men and women
Rambelles - Nov. 16 at 6 p.m.
Rambelle Soccer Results Overall 11-7-2 Lone Star Conference 8-5-1 The ‘Belles went to the Lone Star Conference Championship semifinals Nov. 1 in Canyon, Texas. Their first game was a 1-0 victory against Texas Woman’s University. On Nov. 2 the team had a 1-1 tie match against University of Incarnate Word. In double overtime, the Rambelles ended up losing the match by 4-3 in penalty kicks.
The road to LSC’s No. 1 seed becomes clearer with yet another undefeated week Surging ‘Belles continue to roll on their winning streak Stephen Cogan Staff Writer
Stock Photo Junior Shelbi Goode (14) goes up for a spike, Oct. 27, against Eastern New Mexico. The team will face Texas A&M - Commerce on Nov. 9.
The ‘Belles are two games away from finishing their 2012 regular season and barring two losses, the women will host the Lone Star Conference annual volleyball tournament. The women face Texas A&M-Commerce University on Friday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m. in Commerce and then will travel to Denton to face Texas Woman’s University the next day at 2 p.m. If the ‘Belles win both games, they will finish the season with a 26-3 overall record, a 19-1 conference record. Junior Shelbi Goode said she wants that very much. “I told Coach when he was recruiting me that I wanted to win a conference championship,” Goode said. “That was the goal that I had in mind on the way to making it happen.” Should it happen, it will be the first time since 1992 since ASU has hosted the tournament, and the ‘Belles have a perfect 11-0 record at home this season. Senior Emily Booth said the team isn’t adding any more pressure on themselves, though. “I wouldn’t say there is added anxiety; we’re just really focused.” Booth said. “I think we’re really excited to get the job done, and we’re so close, but we know we have to stay focused at the same time.” Booth’s production includes 110 kills and 46 blocks, and she said she is not taking any opponent lightly.
“They’re both good teams,” Booth said. “I don’t think we can focus on one or the other. Just take it one game at a time and get the job done.” The ‘Belles will face two volleyball teams that have winning records when playing at home. Texas A&M-Commerce is 8-2 and Texas Woman’s University is 12-1 at their respective home courts. Not only will the ‘Belles look to win their final two games, but senior Alex Woolsey will try to set the all-time assists record for ASU volleyball. Woolsey is two assists away from breaking the seven-year-old record set by Amber Nelson in 2004, and Woolsey has 4,785 career assists currently. “It’s exciting,” Woolsey said. “It’s a personal goal I’ve had since I was a freshman. Did I think I was going to get it? I don’t know. But, it’s exciting and within reach.” The most important thing to Woolsey isn’t the record; it is winning the last two games, she said. Then it will be winning in the postseason. “I’ve been looking for the conference tournament since we got here,” Woolsey said. “I think that because that it’s so close we can do better than that now. Being conference champions is a goal, but it is not the ultimate goal.” The ultimate goal is being NCAA D-II champions, a feat that has never been accomplished in the illustrious history of ASU volleyball. Woolsey and Booth are two of the five senior ‘Belles that want to end their careers at ASU with a win. Goode, the team’s leader in kills, said she wants to make that happen. “We want to get it down for our entire team,” Goode said. “But it’d be really special for the seniors to go out in this way, and that’s definitely something on our minds.”