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Helping Hands p. 4
SAMFA Art/Science Family Day
Wimberly, Frankhouser set to lead student body
Volume 79 Issue 26 April 19, 2013
www.asurampage.com
Transfer work stops affecting GPA
Graphic illustration by Mariah Powell
The transfer work policy has been revised so that students transferring course work from another college or university will receive credit hours for transferable hours, but the grades do not transfer. Transfer work must be a grade of “C” or above to qualify for credit toward degree requirements. The calculation of GPA, including cumulative, will be based only on grades earned at Angelo State University. Transfer work prior to Fall 2011 will be maintained in its present state with traditional letter grades of A, B, C, D, F. Students whose GPA has been negatively impacted by the new policy will be given a grace period of four long semesters to improve and meet policy expectations. This grace period applies to students who are unable to satisfy degree GPA requirements based solely on institutional coursework. Any students who leave the institution for one long semester (fall or spring) will be required to reapply and will be subject to the new transfer policy rules. The posting of transfer work will continue using current procedures. The new grade letter designations for transfer coursework are TA, TB, TC, TD and TF. These new grade letter designations enable transfer coursework to be distinctly identified and separated from institutional and transfer coursework prior to fall 2011. Transfer coursework will continue to include a transfer GPA and an overall cumulative GPA that will be used only for purposes specific to admissions, financial aid, and reporting.
Photo courtesy of Connor Frankhouser
Both men have big ideas to increase school spirit Allison Price Managing Editor The ballots are in and the votes have been tallied. The candidates for president and vice president for the 2013-2014 school year have been chosen. Juniors Preston Wimberly, president, and Connor Frankhouser, vice president, will take over the lead positions in SGA formally held by Hector Romo and Joshua Heimbecker. “Angelo State University has allowed me to take advantage of so many opportunities, and I thought that it would be the perfect way for me to give back,” Wimberly said.” “I thought that I was well qualified to represent the student body because I know a wide variety of people, and I have been active in many different areas on campus from the Honors Program to my career as
a football player.” Just as Wimberly, Frankhouser has been anticipating this opportunity.
force on campus to change the fabric of the school in a way that would positively affect students,” Frankhouser said. “Now that I have been in SGA long enough to run, it was only a natural decision.” The first plan of action is to get the SGA name out, Frankhouser said. “At other schools, SGA seats are hot commodities and are so fiercely contested, you’d think they were for a U.S. Senate seat,” Frankhouser said. “I want to take that level of prestige and bring it here- make it cool to be in SGA.” Wimberly said he has Connor Frankhouser made a personal goal to meet as many students junior he can so they are comfortable coming to him with any concerns. “Since the first day I stepped on campus as a first year stuSee CONNECTIONS dent at SOAR, I wanted to be a Page 3
At other schools, SGA seats are hot commodities and are so fiercely contested, you’d think they were for a U.S. Senate seat. I want to take that level of prestige and bring it here -- make it cool to be in SGA.”
Photo by Nadia Sabroso Senior Andrew LaCombe throws the ball in from outfield.
Seniors win last home game “Road Warriors” in good position Stephen Cogan Staff Writer It is always nice to go out on a win the way ASU did this past Sunday. The Rams defeated the Tarleton State Texans 9-5 in their final home game of the season and gave their seniors the satisfaction of saying goodbye to Foster Field as winners. With the final win, the Rams split their final home series 2-2 with Tarleton State and will now go on the road for the remainder of the year where they are, ironically, at their best. The saying, “There’s no place like home,” doesn’t apply to this year’s Rams as they have undergone a season where they have become road warriors. The Rams have a home record of 13-11 and a road record of 14-4 to make a 27-15 overall record for the season so far with six road games against Cameron and Abilene Christian University left to play.
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Photo by Nadia Sobroso
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Events Calendar Get involved on campus! Here’s what’s going on this week. Friday April 19 Art: 28th annual Ceramic Symposium beginning at 1:30 p.m. with a reception to follow at 4:30 p.m. in the Eldon Black Recital Hall. Baseball: ASU at Cameron University. 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. @Lawton, OK. Softball: ASU vs. Tarleton State University. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. @Home.
Saturday April 20 ALL DAY: Track and Field at Michael Johnson Classic in Waco. Softball: ASU vs. Tarleton State University. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. @Home Baseball: ASU at Cameron University. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. @Lawton, OK. Delta Zeta Turtle Tug: This event will help raise funds for children who have serious medical conditions. The event begins at 2 p.m. at the pavilion. Softball: ASU vs. Tarleton State University. 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. @Home.
Sunday April 21 Baseball: ASU at Cameron University. 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. @Lawton, OK.
Monday April 22 Earth Day Festival from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the UC. Concert: ASU Flute Choir and Clarinet Choir beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Eldon Black Recital Hall.
Tuesday April 23 Asian Pacific Islander Celebration from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the ASU Pit (between the UC and library) UCPC Weekly Meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. in UC 203-204. SMART WORKSHOP: Test Preparation and Test-Taking Strategies. The presentation begins at 6 p.m. in Academic 119. Softball: ASU at Abilene Christian University. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. @Abilene. ASU Pops at the Pavilion Concert: “Remembering the Rat Pack. Join the Chamber Singers and Vocal Ensemble for their 11th annual concert featuring hits of Las Vegas’ legendary ‘bad boys’ Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis, Jr.
Wednesday April 24 Agriculture: “CHEW ON THIS” tour. Enjoy some BBQ while watching an eye opening film in the Junell Center parking lot. The tour will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Earth Week Swap: Swap lightly worn items for ASU merchandise. The swap will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursday April 25 Recycled art show from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the UC. Plaza Verde’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month Open Mic Night beginning at 7 p.m. Arts at ASU: “Five Women Wearing the Same Dress” by Alan Ball. The play begins at 8 p.m. in the Modular Theatre.
Planetarium weekly showings continue every Thursday beginning at 7 p.m. Submit event requests by 5 p.m. Tuesday for Friday publication to rampage@angelo.edu
NEWS
Friday, April 19, 2013
UCPC pushes for budget increase Making headline performances a goal Morgan Capps Contributor UCPC hopes to see the start of a student campaign for a budget increase in the fall semester of 2013. Currently the University Center fee, which goes to UCPC, is around $60 and, with the current population of students, that brings the budget to about $215,000, coordinator for student programs and activities Samuel Mendoza said. Mendoza would like to see that fee increase by five or six dollars per student, which would bring the approximate budget up an estimated $6,000.
The increase has to be approved by the Student Government Association, and then they will send it out to the student population through the ballots. The fee does not just go to entertaining the students; the fee is for the entire University Center. It pays all of the bills, the employees, and about $150,000 of that goes back into student pockets through salary, Mendoza said. “I want to focus on bringing awareness to the students of what this fee is for exactly,” Mendoza said. With the increase, students would gain the opportunity to see more concerts with more big name performers. It could also allow for better recruitment opportunities for the university.
Junior J.T. Downing does not believe that Angelo State is recognized enough for a budget increase to make a difference in recruitment. “I think we pay too much for tuition as it is, so unless the money is going to bring a big name act here, I don’t want to pay an extra five or six dollars,” Downing said. The last big name that came to campus was Maroon 5 in 2009. ASU was one of 10 schools in the nation that they visited. “For our size school, ASU has a pretty high budget,” Mendoza said. “But these acts are costing more and more money.” The fee would only affect the UCPC, not any other organization on campus.
Powell looks to continue mission: named 2013-2014 editor in chief Bringing experience and talent to the table Adam Sauceda Staff Writer Junior Mariah Powell will return as the editor-inchief for the Ram Page during the 2013-2014 school year. She began working for the Ram Page in Fall of 2010. Powell has held the positions of sports co-editor, features editor and managing editor. “I look at the opportunity to return as a blessing,” she said. “When my mother prompted me to sign up for journalism class my freshmen year of high school, 2006, I laughed in her face because I didn’t feel I was cut out for it and I took zero interesting in reporting, but it’s turned out to be the best decision I could have ever made.” Next year will mark Powell’s sixth year of working on a newspaper staff. She was an editor in high school as well. “After being editor-in-chief for a semester, I know what needs to be fixed and how to go about fixing the issues,” Powell said. “Although the nation’s newspaper ingest has declined, I hope to increase reader consumption on campus and community wide.” Powell said she looks forward to gaining more experience than what she already has under her belt. Ram Page faculty adviser Dr. Cathy Johnson said Mariah helped bring a fresh, new look to the paper late last semester. “I am happy to have Mariah serve as editor in the 2013-2014 academic year,” Johnson said. “After having three editors over the course of the 2012-2013 year, I am looking forward to some stability next year.” Johnson said she is looking forward to seeing what [Powell] will do next year. Powell is majoring in mass media, with a concentration in advertising and public relations and minoring in art. She has a one year-old daughter named Saniyah. “I was really hesistant about returning to staff after having my daughter because I knew that both jobs were time consuming, but I took my chances and
Photo courtesy of Mariah Powell
couldn’t be happier,” Powell said. Her current managing editor, freshman Allison Price, will roll over with Powell into the new school year. “Mariah is an amazing editor,” Price said. “She is creative when it comes to designing the pages, and she also gives great advice to each of the staff members whenever they are stuck. I would say she is the complete editing package.” Price said she looks forward to working closely with Powell next year. “When I came on staff last fall it was very hectic, but it has been a much smoother ride this semester,” Price said. “I am looking forward to making the paper even better than it is now. Mariah is a designer, while I am the writer, and together we make a great team. I know we will have a successful year.” Powell said her job helps her as a person. “Being a part of this staff completes me,” she said. “I never thought I would be so passionate about a single subject. I came to ASU looking to be a part of something and I found exactly what I needed.”
RAM P AGE Now Accepting Applications for 2013-2014 Staff Positions Are you considering working in the media field after you graduate? Why wait?
Applications are outside the Ram Page office, 3rd Floor Library, B324.
The Ram Page is a good place to start. Gain experience with ASU’s student-run newspaper. We are looking for students who can meet deadlines and deliver quality work.
Applications should be submitted to B318. Be sure to attach sample work to your applications.
Interviews begin April 29.
NEWS
Friday, April 19, 2013
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ASU to partner with Boston University for research The SCENAR device may reduce anxiety Adam Sauceda Staff Writer The Center for Security Studies is joining Boston University’s Emergency Healthcare Management program in a joint research project to research new technology that may reduce anxiety for workers in high-stress jobs. According to CSS, the project kicked off on April 1 and will test the Russian-made Self Controlled Energo Neuro Adaptive Regulator, or SCENAR, a hand-held electrotherapeutic device for treatment of chronic and acute pain. The purpose of the study is to determine if the SCENAR can be effective in reducing anxiety and fatigue and improving personal health in emergency responders, including firefighters, paramedics,
police officers and law enforcement aviators. Dr. Manuel Zamora, Assistant Professor of Border Security, said the SCENAR has been approved much more in Europe than it has here in the U.S. “They actually use it for treating physiological symptoms and cardiovascular problems [along with other ailments],” Zamora said. Graduate student Ryan Smith, a principal investigator and researcher on the project, said it can be used to treat anxiety, depression and sleeplessness. “It doesn’t have any negative side effects like medicine does,” Smith said. The SCENAR device was originally developed for use by cosmonauts in the Russian space program and is approved in the U.S. by the FDA for certain uses such as pain management. According to Zamora, the research will contribute to new policies for the FDA. The project was first proposed by Dr. Toni Bark of Boston University’s School of Medicine. While treating people in Haiti during an
President plans to make connections with as many students as possible Cont. from p.1
“I think ASU is the type of campus where it would be possible to know every student by name, and I would like to make a personal connection with as many students as possible,” Wimberly said. As soon as he is sworn in, Wimberly said he will begin looking for qualified students to appoint on school committees. “I feel that having great people around you is a necessity for success, because no one can do it all on their own,” Wimberly said. “I think the best product goes through multiple hands before it is perfect.” There are several projects both Wimberly and Frankhouser have begun thinking about, Frankhouser said. “I want to do an ‘Adopt a Hallway’ program where various organizations ‘adopt’ a hallway and pick up all the recycling in that said hallway,” Frankhouser said. “I applaud ASU for trying to ‘go green’ but nothing can be done if recycled goods are piled up.” Frankhouser said he is also looking into an effort the university has previously talked about. “I want to increase entrance requirements as far as standardized test scores are concerned,” he said. “I feel this will increase the quality of students here and lead to an increase in retention and an accompanying spike in school spirit, ultimately making ASU a more pleasant place for all parties involved.” Alongside Frankhouser, Wimberly said he plans to adjust the levels of school spirit. “School spirit is something that has taken off lately,” Wimberly said. “In partnerships with organizations like Ram Fam, I hope we can instill the sense of pride that Connor and I have, in every student on campus.” Wimberly said he looks forward to working with Frankhouser because of his upbeat personality.
“He and I are both compliments to each other so where I lack he fills in the gaps,” Wimberly said. “I think that our past leadership experiences will help us tremendously and the school will reap the benefits.” Frankhouser said he is all ears when it comes to any suggestions or policies to help ASU become more studentcentric. “Firstly I want to be an advocate for the students,” he said. “I plan to spend my year as their biggest proponent and supporter. The first word in Student Government is ‘student’ so I will not lose sight of the student who so graciously deemed me fit for this office.” In order to push people to participate in SGA, they have to be inspired, Wimberly said. “If people see that SGA is really making changes and strides forward in inspiring school spirit, then people will come,” he said. “It is important to have a large involvement in SGA, but it is even more important to have people that want to be there and are dedicated to improving the school.”
earthquake in 2010, she noticed the SCENAR’s positive effects on treating total body pain and improving mood. The project involves measuring anxiety and fatigue in about 20 test subjects before and after five SCENAR treatment sessions spread over a 30-45 day period. Zamora said that the study was a big deal for ASU. “It’s an inter-university and multi-disciplinary collaboration,” Zamora said. “This is an opportunity to work with a Tier1 university in a study we normally wouldn’t have funding for. We can tell a lot more from an experimental study than from an exploratory study.” Smith also said that he could see the value in the device if approved for broader uses by the FDA, and that the study could benefit ASU in the future. “Having a joint research study with [the Boston University School of Medicine] opens up the door for future interaction and working together on future studies,” Smith said. “Being able to partner with them is a very useful connection to make.”
Biology students dominate convention The Biology department once again beat out the competition at the Tri-Beta South Central Regional Convention at the Oklahoma South Central Regional Convention in Kingston, Oklahoma April 5 through the 7. Malorri Hughes won individually with her presentation entitled “Prevalence of the Sinus Roundworm, Skrjabingylus chitwoodorum, in Rabies-Negative Texas Skunks (Mephitis mephitis).” Hughes’ presentation also was awarded the Vernon Bailey Award and a $400 honorarium last February at Texas Tech University in their annual meeting of the Texas Society of Mammologists. Hughes, along with Sarah Ensley, won second-place awards for their research presentations, overcoming nearly 70 other entries. Ensley won the Frank G. Brooks Award for her oral presentation entitled “Visible Staphyloxanthin Production in Response to Selected Virulence Factors from Pseudomonas aeruginosa.” ASU’s Epsilon Sigma chapter of the Tri-Beta biology honor society was named as the outstanding chapter in District 2 for the 2012-13 academic year at the convention. The award for outstanding chapter in District 2 is based on the number of student research papers submitted for presentation at the regional conference, the number of members who will attend, the chapter’s history results, results of the paper and poster presentations and the number of chapter officers who will serve the official functions. The chapter also won second place in the Chapter History Contest, and Jazmin Humphreys was elected South Central Region parliamentarian for the 2013-14 academic year.
Both men will begin their positions Monday, April 29, after a swear-in ceremony. If students have any suggestions or comments about future SGA plans, they may contact Wimberly at preston.wimberly@ angelo.edu.
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FEATURES
Page 4
Friday, April 19, 2013
AMAS lends “Helping Hands” to community member Students updated the house and made it more safe Briana Martinez Contributor Instead of having a lazy Saturday, members of the Association of Mexican American Students, assisted the elderly as volunteers for a local organization called Helping Hands. Miguel Valadez has lived in his home on 426 Ave. V since he bought it in 1963. Since then, it has experienced the normal wear and tear of time. His house had many problems that Valadez wasn’t able to fix because of a bad hip. On Saturday, those repairs were given to him by volunteers from AMAS. Helping Hands is a non-profit organization that was formerly known as Christmas in April. According to the website, The Helping Hands mission is to restore the homes of low income elderly people by making them safe, secure and weatherproof with all renovations coming at no cost to the homeowner. “I’ve always heard about the organization, even back when it used to be Christmas in April,” Valadez said. “My nephew put my name on the list when he heard it on the radio in December.” Valadez said he was surprised to see so many young students. Valadez said he thought this was a great experience for the students to be active in the community and doing volunteer work at a young age, and that they all did a great job for being so young. The volunteers painted the house, installed an ADA toilet, replaced the doors, and installed a smoke alarm. “I’m glad they painted it for me,” Valadez said. “I haven’t painted it in more than 20 years.” Valadez said he was glad the volunteers didn’t give up because the house was in a pretty rough state
Photo courtesy of Kenia Cruz AMAS members chip off the old paint on the house they worked on Saturday, April 13. The students not only repainted the house on the outside, they installed a new oilet, replaced the doors and installed a smoke alarm. Helping Hands is a non-profit organization with a mission to restore the homes of low income elderly people.
when they got there at 6:30 that morning. “It makes me feel good in my heart,” sophomore and biology major Omar Davila said. “It’s just something that needs to be done on a regular basis.” Sophomore Angel Chavez said the look of appreciation on peoples’ faces at the end made it all work it. “It puts my faith back in humanity when I help and see others helping out people in need who deserve it,” Chavez said.
All-Beethoven event wins with community Choir prepares for next performance Lauren Torres Contributor The Chorale and Chamber Orchestra presented an allBeethoven concert Thursday, April 4, night that also was a tribute to former ASU professor Dr. Eldon Black. The free concert at the Cactus Hotel included soprano Patti Wetzel, alto Coralie Wetzel, tenor Stephen Sloper and baritone Mark Cooper, which were former students of Black. Dr. Pamela Lee, professor and director of choral activities, said that in her 20 years at ASU the choir has not performed a Beethoven work until now.
“Ludwig van Beethoven is undoubtedly one of the most important and influential composers of Western classical music,” Lee said. Beethoven shattered musical boundaries and influenced how musicians and listeners would think about music up to this day, Lee said. The recital opened with Beethoven’s Mass in C, which is a 40-minute piece that was composed by Beethoven’s long time mentor and teacher, Franz Josef Haydn. The concert then closed with Beethoven’s lyrical folk-hymn, “O Sanctissima,” “Ode to Joy” from Symphony No. 9, and “Hallelujah” from “Christ on the Mount of Olives.” “I feel privileged to conduct my students in every one of their performances,” Lee said. “They are
dedicated, talented, and strive to do everything I ask of them.” The ASU choir has a large support group in the community and makes every effort to attract crowds of all ages, Lee said. “Not only did the packed venue express their appreciation with applause and standing ovation, but also through personal comments made afterwards, e-mails, and notes via the postal service,” Lee said. The next event that the Chorale will prepare for will be the ASU Pops at the Pavilion Concert: “Remembering the Rat Pack,” on April 23, which will feature hit songs from Las Vegas’ legendary “Rat Pack,” Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis, Jr. The free event will be held at the pavilion located on Van Buren Street, across from Massie Hall Dorms.
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OPINIONS
Friday, April 19, 2013
Page 5
Tales from a surviving freshman All the scoop.
Rachel Riggs Copy Editor In 3 weeks, I will wrap up my first year at college. The weather is growing hotter, my motivation is growing smaller, and my final exams are growing closer. The whole ordeal has gotten me all worked up and emotional. College has definitely treated me well, and I am sad to see my time here fly by. In honor of my successful first year, I have compiled a list of advice from mistakes I have witnessed and mistakes I have made. 1. DON’T be a vegetarian. (Or,
try really hard not to be.) You will eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches from the UC every day, twice a day for the whole semester. 2. DO visit the Media Center in the basement of the library. They have “Magic Mike” to rent for free! 3. DON’T postpone writing assignments to the last minute. It’s a lie – you don’t do your best work at 3 a.m. in the morning. 4. DO buy an Ethernet cord if you live in a dorm. 5. DON’T tell your roommate you will stock toilet paper for the rest of the semester. It will seem like a nice gesture at the time, but after 3 weeks, you will judge them secretly every time you hear a flush. 6. DO get lost while driving around San Angelo. This is the best way to get to know the city. 7. DON’T use too much soap in the washing machines in the dorms. The washing machines will retaliate and refuse to drain your clothes, leaving you with a huge, soapy mess. 8. DO befriend the food service ladies and gentlemen. They will make sure you don’t get crunchy tortillas for the rest of your time at ASU. 9. DON’T room with your best friend if you want to keep them as your friend at all. 10. DO report problems to the maintenance department in a po-
What is your opinion on the new “transfer work” policy?
“It sounds like a terrible plan, I think they should keep it like it is.”
Sarah Elliot Senior
lite and civilized way. If something is wrong with your dorm, it deserves to be fixed. 11. DON’T rush into a job before you know how you can balance schoolwork and your social life. 12. DO befriend your RA. They are for the most part normal people, and will give you helpful advice. 13. DON’T text while riding your bike on the sidewalk. You will fall down, and handsome guys will see it. 14. DO use RateMyProfessor.com. Don’t ruin your semester by accidentally signing up for the toughest Spanish professor. 15. DON’T pull through the parking spaces. It’s a classic freshman mistake, and you will get a ticket before you turn off the engine. 16. DO buy rain boots. It may not rain often here in San Angelo, but when it does, you might as well swim across Johnson Street. 17. DON’T give extremely religious people your phone number. 18. DO download the MyFitnessPal app and go to the gym often. I recommend the Power Yoga fitness class with Jennifer. 19. DON’T buy an expensive $30 planner. Odds are, you will forget it in your dorm. Instead, use your phone to save due dates using your Calendar app and to write notes using the Reminder app.
“I guess there is a good and bad side of it, because a bad grade will negativity affect your GPA but a good grade will improve it.”
Jamie Murra Sophomore
“I don’t believe it is fair to a lot of the students, and it is not really helping us much.”
Tanika Birch Senior
20. DO buy Twin XL sheets when possible. They are impossible to find during the school year. I have considered trading a chicken a sheet-set on the black market. 21. DON’T gripe about members on group projects on Facebook or Twitter. You will get called a “cyber bully” and will feel like a terrible person. 22. DO take time to decorate your dorm room, but don’t go overboard. 23. DON’T overpay for water. At HEB, you can get a gallon of water for 25 cents using their dispenser outside of the building. 24. DO follow all the ASU Facebook and Twitter accounts to get notifications for free t-shirts and other cool stuff. (Cough cough – follow us at @ASURamPage.) 25. DON’T cook cinnamon rolls in the microwave. If you don’t know how microwaves work, don’t use them at all. You will make the smoke detector go off, and everyone will hate you. In between discussing meal plans and class schedules, they should have a discuss this at freshman orientation. If incoming freshmen students take this advice to heart and learn from our mistakes, I promise -- no, I swear -- that they will have a smooth transition into college. (Or, at least a smoother transition than I had when I came here last August.)
“I personally don’t like it. I think that if you get good grades on your transfer credits it should be added.”
Hunter Hughes Sophomore
“If the credits can be transferred and I got good grades I think it should be added on my GPA.”
Kristin Covey
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: Terrence Cain Staff Writer: Adam Sauceda Circulation Manager: Mariah Powell Photo Editor: Adam Sauceda Photographer: Nadia Sabroso 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.
Find us on your favorite social networking site. We’d love to hear your opinion on our media pages. Feel free to share our page, like our stories and participate in our surveys. If you have cool story ideas you want to share with us, we are ready to respond.
Sophomore
SPORTS
Page 6
Friday, April 19, 2013
‘Belles to play final home series against Tarleton Six seniors will be honored in upcoming game Stephen Cogan Staff Writer The ‘Belles draw closer to the end of the softball season after winning both games of their doubleheader against Abilene Christian University this past Tuesday. The ‘Belles won the first game 6-2 and the second game 5-1 to improve their overall record to 28-14 on the year. The first game was the “Lauren Smith Show” as the senior outfielder hit two home runs and singled in a third RBI in her three plate appearances. “I’d been struggling a lot the past couple of games,” Smith said. “I’m finally seeing the ball a lot better, and anytime I can get a big hit and put our team up against a good Abilene Christian team is great.” Smith was the only player to record an RBI because the other three runs scored came on a pair of errors and a wild pitch made by the Wildcats. ASU’s 13-7 conference records would make the ‘Belles the third seed in the Lone Star Conference Championship Tournament should the season end today and with seven conference games left to play in the regular season; the pressure is on the ‘Belles. Despite the team’s setbacks, Smith’s confidence in the team hasn’t swayed. “We can go as far as we want to go,” Smith said. “It’s just up to us to show up at every game and play with all we have.” Senior pitcher Mary Kate McKay pitched the entire seven innings and picked up her ninth win of the season. The second win came on the pitching arm of junior Sandra Serna, who picked up her 18th win of the season after giving a gem performance. Serna pitched the entire seven innings, gave up one earned run, struck out four and walked no one. Serna transferred to ASU from Howard College and immediately started fitting in. “Everybody accepted me right away,” Serna said. “They all knew I was coming and they were ready for me.” Serna quickly started producing as well as earning Lone Star Conference Pitcher of the Week honors in her first week on the team and a second award on April 2 as a co-pitcher with Incarnate Word’s Briana Sanchez.
Photos by Adam Sauceda Above: Freshman Ambra Hill slides into third base , safe, against the Abilene Christian Wildcats Tuesday, April 16. Below: Junior Morgan Spearman runs into home before her opponents tag her out.
“I worked my hardest and did my best to prove my spot on the team,” Serna said. “I’m still working hard to try and keep it up.” Serna said she believes she can do better though. “I think one pitch I definitely need to work on is my curve,” Serna said. “It’s inconsistent, but other than that I feel like I’m doing pretty well with getting outs and helping the team out.” The ‘Belles’ next game will be on Friday, at ASU’s George McCorkle Field at 7 p.m. The ‘Belles will have a ceremony honoring the six seniors on Saturday, before their doubleheader that starts at 1 p.m. The seniors will look to go out winners in their last three games at home ever. “We’re pitching well, we’re hitting the ball well, and we’re playing defense well.” Smith said. “If we can have all three things working for us at the same time, we’re pretty hard to stop.”
Rams prep for fall season with spring game The blue team defeated the white team 10-7 on Saturday, April 13, during the spring football game. The Rams will open their season on Thursday, Sept. 5 against Black Hills State at the San Angelo Stadium.
Rams focused on post-season play Cont. from p.1
The 2012 Rams were the exact opposite as they had a home record of 24-4 and a road record of 10-8. LaCombe said that possibly the fact that the team’s graduate assistant, Michel Robles, was very reliable at getting the guys drinks and making sure they were relaxed was a factor in the team’s great record. Head coach Kevin Brooks had a different take on it though. “I think it’s a really easy answer,” Brooks said. “The schedule is reversed. We’re playing the great teams at home and the weaker teams on the road.” Coach Brooks’ point has validity to it as the Rams have lost three home series to teams that have 24 or more wins on the season each. Whereas on the road, the Rams have swept Ouachita Baptist, beaten Eastern New Mexico University, and defeated McMurray University for eight of their 14 road wins.
All three of those universities have less than 20 wins and currently have losing records. Whatever the reason, the Rams intend to embrace the image of being road warriors and intend to continue winning on the road as they finish the season. “I think for us, that’s an advantage,” senior Bryant Rutledge said. “All the postseason is on the road and those are the games that matter the most, Photo by Nadia Sobroso so hopefully we The opponent starts to throw the ball toward home carry that into the but the batter makes it on the bag in time to be safe. postseason.” The Rams will have to beat and their next game will be against Cameron and Abilene Christian Cameron in Lawton, Oklahoma at before going to the postseason, 3 p.m. on Friday.