Men’s Basketball p. 6
Art Exhibit p. 4
R P
AM AGE
Burglaries take place on campus over break
Volume 79 Issue 14 Jan. 18, 2013
Group sets out to bring local media to students Opportunity to learn about the media industry Mariah Powell Editor The Society of Professional Journalists Angelo State Chapter will be hosting a ‘Media Meet and Greet’ at the LeGrand Alumni Center on Thursday, Jan. 24, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. The event is tailored towards Mass Media and Communication majors and minors, but open to all students, president senior Victoria Lacy said. SPJ is a national organization. This is their first event of the school year. “The purpose of the Meet and Greet is to facilitate communication between media students here on campus and local media professionals,” Lacy said. “We are hoping to promote SPJ as an organization on campus and maybe grasp a couple new members.” This is a business casual event, she said. Representatives from local media groups such as Standard Times and KSAN/KLST have been invited for students, vice president senior Cheyenne Benson said. “It’s a great opportunity for students to get to know the media and informally learn about the industry. We figured this would benefit Mass Media and Communication students the most.” This come and go event is free and refreshments will be served.
For more information contact vice president Cheyenne Benson at cbenson3@angelo.edu. Photo Illustration by Rio Velasquez Video surveillance caught four male suspects entering Plaza Verde, where they broke into several rooms.
Becoming more aware of your surroundings Allison Price Managing Editor Reported residence hall burglaries and vehicle burglaries kept students on edge as they returned to campus from winter break. During the first week in January, four male suspects were caught on video surveillance at Plaza Verde, according to an e-mail sent to students and faculty. Less than a week later, two car burglaries were reported in the Vincent NursingPhysical Science Building parking lot. “[There are times] where we don’t have any burglaries, and other times we might have one or two,” University Police Patrol Lieutenant Marc West said. “It just depends.” According to www. collegestudentsafety.com, 80 percent of all crimes reported at colleges and universities across the United States are property crimes. “It is scary knowing that there are burglaries happening and it makes me realize the importance of putting valuables in a place where only I know where they are,” junior Kenia
Cruz said. In order to prevent burglaries, making sure dorm room doors are locked is important, West said.
while on campus. A few key pointers to keep in mind when on campus are to; always walk in a bright lit area, avoid walking alone, do not leave personal information in common areas, and have your keys ready so there is no time spent having to search for them. “It is easy to forget the minor things you can do in order to stay safe,” Cruz said. “I make sure I am alert when walking around campus because you never know what could happen.” Report It, a free, online program available to the public, allows people to insert specific information about property or items they own, West said. “This website is accessible 24/7,” he said. “You can go - University Police Patrol in and write a description Lieutenant Marc West of the item(s), brand, make and even include a picture. The obstacle in many crime “Be aware of what is going on at cases is being able identify property. campus and around campus,” West Write down the serial number said. “If you see anything out of the for each product that has a serial ordinary, don’t hesitate to call and number that way it can be positively report what you have seen.” identified.” According to http://articles.usapeople-search.com, there are simple See SAFETY tasks students need to remember Page 3
“Make sure to lock your car doors and roll up the windows. If there are any items of value in plain sight cover them up.”
Planetarium increases its reel time More movie showings every Thursday Jennifer Valdivia Staff Writer Do you already need a break from class this semester? The ASU Planetarium will have its first show of the semester next Thursday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m. Admission is free for ASU students, faculty and staff upon showing your school ID. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children, senior citizens and active military. “We have about half ASU students and half families coming in to the shows,” Director of the Planetarium Mark Sonntag said. “We promote the shows on bulletin boards in the lobby of the Vincent building. We also make announcements to our classes, and it is posted on the ASU website.” The planetarium will have shows every Thursday throughout the semester, and will change according to the season. “We have a variety of shows,” Sonntag said.
See Movies Page 3
! k c a B e m o c l e W - Ram Page
NEWS
Page 2
Friday, Jan. 18, 2013
Professor publishes fifth book
Events Calendar Get involved on campus! Here’s what’s going on this week.
Friday, Jan. 18 Art Exhibit: “Childhood Play/Adult Realities” by John Hartley. Located in the Carr Education-Fine Arts Building, Room 193. The exhibit opens at 9 a.m.
Saturday, Jan. 19 Women’s Basketball: ASU at Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Men’s Basketball: ASU at Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 21 No classes/ University offices are closed Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (University Holiday)
Tuesday, Jan. 22 Continuous: Art Exhibit: “Childhood Play/ Adult Realities” by John Hartley. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. Located in the University Center Lobby from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Wednesday, Jan. 23 Continuous: Art Exhibit: “Childhood Play/Adult Realities” by John Hartley. Women’s Basketball: ASU vs. Abilene Christian @ Junell Center 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Men’s Basketball: ASU vs. Abilene Christian @ Junell Center 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 24 Continuous: Art Exhibit: Childhood Play/ Adult Realities” by John Hartley. “The Essence of Branding: It’s more than a LOGO; It’s an Experience.” Presentation by Becky J Benes. Located at the Business Resource Center from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Weekly Planetarium shows. 7 p.m. Stars of the Pharaohs- Take a trip to Egypt. 8 p.m. Cosmic Journey: A Solar System Adventure- Volcanoes, hurricanes, and multicolored rings. 9 p.m. Secrets of the Sun- A close look at the sun. Planetarium is located in the Vincent Building.
“Civil War Dynasty” receives positive reviews Allison Price Managing Editor History Professor and Department Head, Dr. Kenneth Heineman, recently had his fifth book published Dec. 24, 2012, “Civil War Dynasty: The Ewing Family of Ohio,” and it is receiving positive feedback. “Kirkus [Reviews] is known as a particularly thorough critic,” Heineman said. “I was not expecting anything from Kirkus. It was amazing.” “Civil War Dynasty: The Ewing Family of Ohio” focuses on William T. Sherman’s in-laws, he said. “Usually in all of Sherman’s biographies, the focus is on him, and they mention in passing his father in-law, who was politically influential,” Heineman said. “That never quite added up to me because it never went anywhere beyond that. This is about a self-made man from the wilds of West Virginia; Thomas Ewing who taught himself Latin at the age of seven and went on to own half of Downtown St. Louis.” Publishers Weekly wrote, “Heineman’s fast-
paced narrative brings to life a now-neglected American family as it comes into its own against the complex backdrop of a nation struggling to overcome political and social differences,” according to an ASU news release. “I have always been interested in families,” Heineman said. “This was a chance to write a story across a couple of generations. It is an incredible family and their story had never been told. It was intriguing.” In addition to writing five books, Heineman said he has written about 30 essays and articles, and 40 book reviews. “In my History 1301 class, I do a lecture that draws from Tom Ewing Jr’s experiences,” Heineman said. “My [research] is also the basis of a lecture we gave for the Civil War Series.” While writing “Civil War Dynasty,” Heineman said he received help from the English Department. “Nicole McDaniel and the professional editing class had gone over various chapters while I was writing it as an assignment for their class,” Heineman said. “It’s really nice to have a university like ASU that have sibling departments and faculty that can help. I am very grateful for my
Photos Courtesy of Professor Kenneth Heineman Dr. Heineman signed copies of “Civil War Dynasty: The Ewing Family of Ohio” at the Sherman House in Lancaster, Ohio.
colleagues.” As Heineman continues teaching, he also continues his research dealing with articles from Texas politics in the 1930s and 40’s. “Texas had some remarkable political figures in the 1930s and 40’s,” Heineman said. “It is interesting to see [what is going on under the radar].” “Civil War Dynasty: The Ewing Family of Ohio” was published by New York University Press. It
can be found on amazon. com, barnesandnoble. com, booksamillion.com, as well as bookstores nationally at a retail price of $35.00.
Snow piles up at ASU
Submit event requests by 5 p.m. Tuesday for Friday publication to rampage@angelo.edu
Photos by Rio Velasquez Erika Baeza and Haley Zapata, with the Multicultural Center, enjoyed the snow that fell in San Angelo over Christmas Break. The town received between three to four inches of snow within a 24-hour period.
Outdoor Adventures prepares to host the Texas Outdoor Leadership Conference Conference focuses on the ever changing environment Adam Sauceda Staff Writer ASU’s Outdoor Adventures program will host the annual Texas Outdoor Leadership Conference (TOLC) Friday, Jan. 25 through Sunday, Jan. 27. Friday will open with registration at 1 p.m. at the ASU Lake House, followed by a 4 p.m. tour of the ASU campus facilities. Friday evening will feature dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by live entertainment and other activities at 8:30 p.m. Education sessions are scheduled for Saturday and will include topics from risk management procedures to research into the effects of rock climbing on bone mineral density, according to a TOLC press release. Sessions will take place at the ASU Lake House, the Center for Human Performance and the Houston Harte University Center, according to the press release.
Graduate Assistant for Outdoor Adventures, Aaron Kentner, will be presenting one of the educational sessions on the effects of rock climbing on bone mineral density, a sixweek study he did during the fall semester. The conference will end with a practicum-based clinic and skills sessions at the Lake House from 8 a.m. to noon. Other activities will include an adventure race, Dutch oven cooking with food preparation and competition, entertainment will feature Manny Campos and Joshua Heimbecker, and Laurence Parent will be the Keynote speaker. Parent will be discussing the book he wrote, “Death in Big Bend”. The event rotates to different Texas universities and colleges each year. Majority of attendees come from Texas universities, but the conference is also open to Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma schools, according to a TOLC press release. “We’re expecting 75 to 100 professionals and students to participate in the conference,” Kentner said. Ian Brown, Assistant Director for
Outdoor Adventures, said the conference is an opportunity for the student staff involved in the program to get an opportunity to develop themselves a little bit more. “They’re the ones that are actually putting the conference on. They manage the logistics, room reservations, the catering, and the educational sessions,” Brown said, “In doing so it’s providing them an experience so when they get on a career path, they already have prior experience of event management.” Student Supervisor for Outdoor Adventures, John Zafereo, will be working on the logistics aspect of the conference, such as setting staff schedules. “This event definitely gives you a better look at the responsibilities that go into planning a conference like this,” Zafereo said. “There is a lot more that goes into it than I thought there was, and it’s a good way to learn,” For more information or to register for the conference, go online to www. angelo.edu/tolc or call ASU Outdoor Adventures at (325)486-6918.
TOLC Schedule Jan. 25
1 p.m. -Registration begins at the ASU Lake House. 4 p.m. -Tour of ASU’s facilities. 6:30 p.m. -Dinner 8:30 p.m. -Live Entertainment
Jan. 26
Education sessions @ the Lake House, CHP and UC.
Jan, 27
8 a.m. to noon -Practicum-based clinic and skills sessions at the Lake House. Go to www.angelo.edu/tolc to register online or call ASU Outdoor Adventures at (325) 486-6918.
NEWS
Friday, Jan. 18, 2013
While you were away ...
December’s news.
- December 1, 2012
ROTC hosted the Wounded Warrior Run, raising $2,700 for the Wounded Warrior Project.
- December 3, 2012
History professor Dr. John E. Klingemann was awarded a conference faculty fellowship by the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education and will be attending the organization’s national conference in San Antonio.
- December 4, 2012
Movies grant students a weekly leisure night for free
A search committee sets out to name a new ASU vice president and provost. They hope to have top candidates and be narrowed down to one finalist by May 1
7 p.m.
“Stars of the Pharaohs”
The Small Business Development Center relocated off-campus. After 23 years of campus life, the center now resides at 69 N, Chadbourne St. Send your events to rampage@angelo.edu.
Page 3
8 p.m.
“Cosmic Journey: A Solar System Adventure”
Safety tips in affect to help prevent burglaries Cont. from p.1
The same tips for preventing residence hall burglaries go for vehicle burglaries as well. “Make sure to lock your car doors and roll up the windows,” West said. “If there are any items of value in plain sight, cover them up.” Always be aware of your surroundings and if there is anything suspicious, pick up the phone and have a description of the people of
involved, West said. A $500 reward is available for anyone with information about the suspects involved with the burglaries at Plaza Verde. If you have information regarding the burglaries or would like more information about precautions you can take, please contact the University Police at (325) 9422071 or the anonymous tip line at (325) 942-ACTT (2288).
Safety Tips 1. Make sure to lock your dorm room every time you leave the room. 2. Be alert when walking late at night. 3. Use the Emergency call boxes located on campus if there is ever an emergency. 4. Report any suspicious activity on campus. 5. Make sure items of value, either in your room or car, are hidden and not in plain site for others to see.
Numbers to Call University Police: (325) 942-2071
ACTT anonymous tip line:
(325) 942-2288
Remember that any leads you have will help.
Center for Disease Control shares tips on fighting the Flu
1. Get the vaccination.
Free flu shots are still available to ASU students, while supplies last.
2. Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs. Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Wash your hands with soap and water. If soap or water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Infections spread that way.
3. Take Flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.
If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can treat your illness. Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick. Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Thermometers are available for free at the UC Info desk and at Residence hall operation desks. If you have a fever call the clinic at (325)942-2171 and isolate yourself. Students that live on campus can also get help through their Resident hall staff. For more information visit http:// www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing. htm
9 p.m.
“Secrets of the Sun” Cont. from p.1
“They aren’t all about stars and galaxies. The shows usually change about four times a year. We have winter, spring, summer and holiday programs.” “Stars of the Pharaohs” takes the audience on a trip to Egypt to see how pharaohs use stars to tell time and make calendars. “I would probably go see “Stars of the Pharaohs”,” senior Amy Fogleman said. “Sounds like there would be some good history in that one as well.” “Stars of the Pharaohs” will be followed by two more shows at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m., “Cosmic Journey: A Solar System Adventure” and lastly “Secrets of the Sun”. In “Cosmic Journey: A Solar System Adventure,” the audience will travel through the solar system taking in the wonders of the planets and their moons. The last show, “Secrets of the Sun” teaches the audience about the many uses the sun has in our solar system. “The Cosmic Journey show sounds interesting,” senior Ashley Hagins said. “Seeing the different planets and moons in high speed sounds cool.” Tickets will only be available at the door. For more information contact Dr. Mark Sonntag. “I really enjoy going,” Fogleman said. “I really wouldn’t mind going sometime this semester.” The planetarium is located in the Vincent Nursing-Physical Science building across from the Center for Human Performance.
San Angelo Police Department presents ‘Bully’ documentary Film shows the affects of bullying. Jennifer Valdivia Staff Writer The San Angelo Police Department presented the documentary “Bully” on Thursday, Jan. 17, at 7:30 p.m. at Cinemark Tinseltown theatre of San Angelo. “Bully” is a documentary that follows five children throughout their school year and shows the audience how bullying affects the lives of students who are being bullied and who are bullying others. “I was bullied in high school,” sophomore Krysta Whitehead said. “I was verbally bullied, it happened mostly my freshman and sophomore years in high school. What’s done is done.” Drug Resistance Education and Mentoring (D.R.E.A.M) Officer Erica Morris came up with the idea to try and get the film to San Angelo. “Last summer was the major release
of the film, I called the theatre here and they were not slated to get it, so I started talking to corporate to get a private screening and to find venue,” Morris said. “Initially I was trying to get a private screening for SAISD but it didn’t work out. Tugg.com is an event hosting website that was a liaison for us, all we needed, was to sell a minimum number of tickets.” As the word spread about the film through social media, radio and television interviews, over 200 tickets were sold, Morris said. “I think bullies know they are doing something wrong but aren’t necessarily bad people,” junior Evan Herod said.” Some people, if not all people, like to feel superior to others and bullying is how they achieve that. It is a great idea to show this film, if I would’ve known about it sooner I probably would have gone to see it.” This is the first time in at least four years a film like this has been brought to San Angelo, Morris said. “It gets better as you get older, Herod said. “There are always people out there that you can talk to help you deal with it.”
midnightrodeosanangelo.com
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FEATURES
Page 4
Friday, Jan. 18, 2013
Art Exhibit: “Childhood Play/Adult Realities” by John Hartley Fort Worth-based artist John Hartley’s exhibit, “Childhood Play/Adult Realities” is now on display in Room 193 of the Carr Education-Fine Arts Building. The gallery is free to the public The artist will present his gallery talk at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 in Room 101.
“Second Amendment”
” enus V y r ta “Mili
Singer brings big screen talent to ASU
“Toy box Guernica”
Nigeria native excited to play in San Angelo Adam Sauceda Staff Writer Nelly’s Echo will give a free performance for students on Friday, Jan. 25, in the Plaza Verde Commons Area from 7 to 9 p.m., and the event will be the first to be hosted by University Center Programming Council in that facility. UCPC will host the event as one of its “Date Nights.” Event Coordinator Allen Bennet said the event is not just a date night for couples. “A lot of students don’t like to go out and party, so it’s just another alternative for them to do something on a Friday night and just kind of hang out and kick back,” Bennet said. Fellow Event Coordinator, Alex Bryant said the event will be a great way for reserved students to get out and meet new people. “We’re trying to give people a fun experience to come and join so they don’t feel that there’s nothing to do,” Bryant said. Lead singer Nelson Emokpae formed Nelly’s Echo in early 2007. Nelly’s Echo has been featured on the third season of The Voice alongside pop stars such as Christina Aguilera, who was Emokpae’s coach, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine, and Billy Joel of Green Day. “My experience on The Voice was an amazing experience,” Emokpae said, “It was definitely a rush and a growing up experience.” Nelly’s Echo has shared the stage with Trombone Shorty, Travie McCoy, and Sean Kingston, performed at hundreds of colleges, and entertained for troops in Cuba. Emokpae is from Nigeria in West Africa and came to America as a ref-
“Blue Indian Chief ”
Photo Courtesy of Nelly’s Echo
ugee in 1996 but hopes to return to Nigeria and help people who are impoverished build their own homes and schools so that children there can have hope and an outlet to express themselves. “Everyone is born with a certain amount of talents and measure of dreams and admirations,” Emokpae said, “You need to surround yourself with people who will reinforce those dreams.” Nelly’s Echo has never played in San Angelo but is excited to experience a new place, new culture, and see the campus. Senior Casey Williamson is excited about attending the performance on Friday night. “I can’t wait to see him perform after watching him on The Voice,” Williamson said, “It’s going to be a great show and I’m excited.” The event is free to students and faculty, and pastries will be provided.
OPINIONS
Friday, Jan. 18, 2013
Page 5
Why make a New Year’s Resolution? Plan
1. Every day should be a day you push to make better than the day before. 2. Most people do not have the will power to stick the year out fulfilling their resolution. 3. Why wasn’t it a goal before Jan. 1?
Mariah Powell Editor I hear people every year talking about how they will become a ‘new person’ or start on a ‘new path’ during the New Year … Why wait? You can get the ball rolling before it’s time to change the calendar. I have never been the person to make a resolution, because I see too many people fail in this area, but instead year-round I have my goals posted on my refrigerator. Yes, sometimes they change so I re-write them but New Year’s Resolution is a ‘no no’ for me.
What is your New Year’s Resolution?
for every day to be better than the one before.
Maybe people think when the date refreshes, their mind and actions will automatically do the same, but unfortunately it does not work that way. If your resolution is something you had the power to change all along, what were you waiting for? And is that thing that held you back last year going to hold you back again? You have to prepare mentally for a change if you control the variables. Personal goals should be in effect at all times. I feel that every day a person should look to better themselves for their own benefit not just because you needed a resolution to bring in the New Year with.
Short and long term goals are important. Even if it’s as small as an attitude adjustment, you will see that the smallest things help out the most. I keep a list of things to do for myself and with my family. A new year does not have to consist of a personal make-over, but people tend to gear their goals directly towards their appearance. Try volunteering more, or helping in an area that you do not particularly favor. If you do make resolutions, I hope that you can stick to them. I know there are always temptations and obstacles. I am not knocking resolutions, but I am knocking the people that set one just because someone else does knowing they will not follow through. If you set them I feel you should take them a little more seriously and get through at least a month of whatever it is you set your goal to be. Some people don’t have the will power to keep up and discipline themselves, or they are afraid because they have not thought through what making the change will bring for them, and how it will affect their social life or family. I feel that if you want something so bad to the point that you can taste it, most of the time, and I repeat MOST OF THE TIME, it is worth going after. When making goals to better yourself, it is important to put aside what other people think about your goals and focus on you. That person may just be jealous because they don’t have what it takes to change so they want to bring you down. Be stern when you make your goals. Be determined. And most of all be anxious to see your changes, internal or external.
“I really want to get all A’s and B’s this year and actually try to study.”
“I want to get a sports bike within six months. I already saved up $5000.”
“I want use my time more efficiently and I want to be more responsible.”
Kirsta Maganalles
Angel Chavez
Linette Castaneda
Sophomore
Sophomore
Junior
“Mine would be to have a better semester and enjoy my friends and enjoy my classes.”
“I am hoping to survive this year and to achieve it, I will study my [butt] off ”
Renee Jackson Monique Richardson Junior Junior
Ram Page Staff
2012-2013 Angelo State University Editor: Mariah Powell Managing Editor: Allison Price Copy Editor: Rachel Riggs Online Editor: Riley Mashburn Staff Writer: Stephen Cogan Staff Writer: Adam Sauceda Staff Writer: Jennifer Valdivia 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 Newsroom: (325) 942-2323 Advertising: (325) 942-2040 Fax: (325) 942-2551 Member of The Texas Tech University System Associated Collegiate Press Texas Intercollegiate Press Association
PUBLISHING POLICY Published every Friday and available to students, one copy per student, the student newspaper of Angelo State University is a public forum, with its student editorial board making all decisions concerning its contents. Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board. Ram Page welcomes all letters. Please include your name, classification/position and a phone number and/or e-mail address for verification purposes. Letters must be signed and be no more than 350 words. The paper reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all letters are subject to laws governing obscenity, libel and privacy. Deadline is 5 p.m., Monday. Submission does not guarantee publication. Letters may be mailed, e-mailed or submitted at the newspaper’s office, Room 324 on the third floor of the Porter Henderson Library. Opinions in letters are not necessarily those of the staff, nor should any opinion expressed in a public forum be construed as the opinion or policy of the administration, unless so attributed.
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SPORTS
Friday, Jan. 18, 2013
Page 6
New teams seek to repeat last year’s success
Photo by Rio Velasquez Senior Quaid McKinnon (left) and freshman Luke Mckinnon (right) both played infield during Tuesday practice.
The players are swinging the bats and breaking out the Rawlings gloves as ASU’s softball and baseball teams prepare begin their official seasons on Friday, Feb. 1. Both teams won the Lone Star Conference championship the previous season and will look to repeat as conference champions despite losing several key contributors their success. Reigning Lone Star Conference MVP Elsamartina Apo will help the ‘Belles out from the dugout as a graduate assistant instead of hitting in the batter’s box. Other notable graduates include the team’s former staff ace Claire Molina and slugger DeeshanaLynn Tafiti, but one ‘Belle is certain that the team can make up for their departed teammates. “I feel like we don’t have odds against us,” junior Morgan Spearman said. “I feel like we have an equal amount of chance as we did last year and we’re just as good if we focus and are mentally prepared.” Spearman said that she understood that the ‘Belles had lost some very important players, but still believes that this new team can still bring home the trophy. Head Coach Travis Scott has been here before though as he has won six Lone Star Conference championships going into his 10th season as the softball head coach at ASU and he’s done it with a revolving door of players. “Anytime you lose an Elsa Apo or Deeshana Tafiti
or a Claire Molina; that’s some big shoes.” Scott said. senior pitchers; Matt Rechkemmer, Rick Reyna, Craig “Those are great players and that’s happened to us Blair, and Bren Schuehler. over the years.” However, there is one senior returning due to an inThe ‘Belles have players ready to step in and con- jury the previous year and that is the other team captribute like freshman third baseman Lanie Robinson, tain senior Bryant Rutledge. who will take Apo’s spot now, and pitchers like fresh“After not being able to play last year and to be able man Kacie Brann and junior Sandra Serna, who will to play on a team that won it last year and we have a pitch to fill Molina’s role. really good chance to win it again this year,” Rutledge Scott said that ASU’s success over the years and said. “That’s extremely exciting for me; to be able to the program’s reputation has been a key factor to the continue on with my senior year after surgery.” team’s ability to recruit and continue to keep a conRutledge said the choice of him as captain does not tending team together year after year regardless of the put additional pressure on him but instead, he is goplayers that graduate or transfer. ing to continue to be a hard worker and to push his As for baseball, the Rams are fresh off of celebrat- teammates. ing a celebration-filled 2012 season where they won 40 Rutledge said that his surgery has not only healed total games, went 20-8 in the Lone Star Conference, his arm, but has in fact, made a few things better. captured career win number 300 for Head Coach “My velocity has increased significantly,” Rutledge Kevin Brooks, and won the team’s second conference said. “My changeup has gotten a lot better and those championship in eight seasons. were tools I didn’t have my first year pitching. I threw The Rams won the Lone Star Conference in 2007 a lot of breaking balls in my first year and now I can and went 51-20 over the season, but fell to 39-19 the work with all three of my pitches.” following season. Both ASU teams are going through significant In 2013, the Rams have another chance to bring changes, but the goal and the destination hasn’t back-to-back conference championships to ASU, but changed at all and they are going to pursue them. will be short five guys in their starting lineup since seRams open up their season against Oauchita Bapniors Doug Snover, Brett Parsons, Zach Cohen, Toby tist with a noon doubleheader in Arkadelphia, Ark. Semler and Tate Allison graduated. The ‘Belles open up their season up in San Antonio, “On paper it looks like we’re the same team, but TX with a noon game against East Central University we’ve got less than half of our starting lineup back and a 4 p.m. game against St. Edwards University. from last year,” Brooks said. “The four guys we do have back were really big contributors.” Those four would be seniors Quaid McKinnon, Andrew LaCombe, Lee Neumann, and Ryan Greer. LaCombe is a team captain while the other three have won Lone Star Conference Hitter of the Week awards. In order to win, Brooks said that the returning four have got to play better, and the five new players in the lineup have to contribute. Photo by Rio Velasquez As for the bullpen, Head Coach Travis Scott hit balls toward the outfield during practice on Friday Jan. 11. the Rams lost several
Coach Brooks aims for win no. 400 this Saturday Women’s basketball team hopes to achieve win for coach. Stephen Cogan Staff Writer Women’s Head Basketball Coach Sally Brooks has accomplished many things since taking over ASU’s program in 2000. She has led the ‘Belles to four Lone Star Conference Championship wins, coached 33 All-LSC players, appeared in the NCAA tournament seven times, been LSC Coach of the Year twice and has raised her two children with her husband Kevin at the same time. Now, Brooks is just a Saturday’s win away from another prestigious achievement. If the ‘Belles win their 2 p.m. game against Incarnate Word in San Antonio on Saturday, Jan. 19, Coach Brooks will have earned her 400th career win as the head coach at ASU.
Brooks’ continued presence here echoes the dedication she has not only to basketball, but to ASU itself. “I thought this was a great job when I took the opportunity and came here,” Brooks said. “I never had any intention of leaving here. I love being a D-II basketball coach and I think ASU is a great place to coach and San Angelo is a great place to live.” For 13 years, ASU has been lucky to have Brooks and her strength and leadership continue to shine 399 wins later. “That’s a huge accomplishment,” junior center Lauren Holt said. “I cannot even fathom 400 wins, so we’re going to get this win for coach and get off to a good winning streak.” If the women can defeat Incarnate Word, they will have a chance to have that winning streak that Holt wants with a home game against Abilene Christian on Wed Jan. 23. The ‘Belles have had an even year with 7-7 overall record and a 4-4 conference record after Wednesday night’s 65-51 win over Texas A&M-Kingsville University.
Photo by Rio Velasquez Sophomore Dakota Rawls (left) prepared to pass the ball as junior Zach Jones (right) waved his arms ready for the pass.
Rams improve to 5-10 with 81-67 win on Wednesday Rams must win next games to make it to the LSC. Stephen Cogan Staff Writer After pulling off an 81-67 win over Texas A&M University-Kingsville, the Rams remind themselves that there really is no place like home. The Rams won their fifth game of the season on Wednesday and are now 5-3 at home while 0-6 on the road and 0-1 on neutral courts. The Rams now have to pull off a major win streak if they want to be contenders for the Lone Star Conference Championship and according to junior guard Bryan Hammond; they are going to be better.
Photo by Rio Velasquez The ‘Belles attempted for a rebound in the first half and then shot two free throws.
“I think that’s what we really needed was to get a home win,” Hammond said. “Since we’re winning at home, we’re in a good spot. We’re just building on it and everybody’s excited.” Despite where the Rams are recordwise; multiple team sources have said that the experience that this young group of players gains with each game is important and helpful for improvement. “I can see it in practices and games,” Hammond said. “Everybody is learning to play with each other more and more as the season goes on.” Head Coach Fred Rike said he was pleased with the improvements. “We just got to continue to improve and play our best basketball in February,” Rike said. “We got a lot of young guys and I think we’re playing a couple freshmen [and] a couple sophomores and I think they’re growing up.”
The Rams will take the court in San Antonio against Incarnate Word on Jan. 19 at 4 p.m.