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Ram Vol. 86 Issue 15
ASURamPage.com
Rams saddle up for 88th stock show & rodeo Students and faculty stampede into the fair for ASU Day
Mbulelo Maqungo, staff writer
Feb. 7, 2020
What’s in store! Baseball Pg. 2
Tennis Pg. 2
Away games update Pg. 2
Sidewalk Survey Pg. 3
Ax on ‘Flix Pg. 3
A thankful start Pg. 3
Black History Month Pg. 4
ASU students, staff and faculty on Feb. 1 filled the Foster Coliseum fairgrounds for ASU Day at the San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo. All members of the ASU community gained free admission to the fairgrounds when the midway opened at noon. Before that, the people of San Angelo lined the streets to watch the annual parade that marks the start of the fair. From the amusement rides to the signature eateries, the San Angelo community engaged in one of its more popular traditions. “I’ve been coming to the fair all my life,” junior Samantha Bird said. “When I was younger, watching the parade and getting all dressed up was the best part, but now, I just love enjoying the time with friends and family.” Howard College student Kayla Lowrance said she was excited to bring her daughter to the rodeo. “This could be the earliest parade and rodeo my daughter Braelyn will remember, so it’s cool to see her doing the same things I did when I was her age,” she said. According to their website, the San Angelo Stock Show and Rodeo began in 1932 with the goal of promoting community growth and agricultural education for the youth of Texas. From steer wrestling and bull riding to petting zoos, showing contests and cooking competitions, the annual event grew
from a few West Texas community members into a showcase of talent and fun for people across the world. “San Angelo’s rodeo has always had a different energy to it compared to others,” said Maverick Potter, who has nine years of bull riding experience. “This competition in particular is the definition of what I like about what I do.” Dr. Brian May, ASU president, assisted with the roping events. May has been involved with the rodeo committee for over 25 years. The stock show and rodeo gathered decorated competitors from all across the world for all events. Families like the Wright family from Milford, Utah, were present and put on a show for the audience. “I didn’t get the results I wanted tonight, but this rodeo has always been a great one to me,” 21-year-old champion bronc rider Ryder Wright said. “I love the crowd.” Wright currently holds the title of the youngest bronc riding champion in the world. Stetson Wright, his younger brother, made his start at bronc riding similar to Ryder and their accoladed father Cody Wright, but has found recent success in bull riding. “My favorite part of all of this is being here with my family,” he said. “We’ve all usually had good luck when it comes to San Angelo and it makes coming to Texas great.”
Amongst the hustle and bustle of riders, their support teams, and fans can be found the hundreds of “Rodeo Ninjas” who keep the show operating smoothly Kevin “K.C.” Collins, assistant ASU tennis coach, has been organizing a diverse catchall group of volunteers and agricultural workers for the rodeo committee for over 24 years. “If you’re marketing to everyone who already loves rodeos, you’re marketing to no one,” Collins said. “We want to make an event for people who haven’t been exposed to this kind of things. We add so many elements to diversify the show and, thanks to ASU being such a big part of San Angelo, we have the insight to make this something more than your grandfather’s rodeo.” The festivities will continue at the Foster Coliseum and Fairgrounds until Sunday, Feb. 16.
Photos by Cora Bishoppetty: (Right) A cowgirl opens the rodeo by presenting the flag to the audience. (Top) An equestrian team raises the Texas flag as they ride through the arena.
The price of posting
Counseling services discusses social media and its effect on mental health Ixchel Sotelo, staff writer
ASU counseling services gave a presentation titled “The Psychological Impact of Social Media” on Jan. 29 in the Houston Harte University Center. Mark Rehm, director of counseling services, presented the negative and positive effects of media platforms. The presentation featured videos on the topic, correlations between mental health and social media and statistics regarding cyberbullying. “Excessive social media usage has shown to lead to higher symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress and self-esteem issues,” Rehm said. “Also, there are many great benefits of social media and we just wanted to discuss those that have a healthy interaction.” Graphic by Dominic Rodriguez
Rehm displayed a series of questions regarding the audience’s social media habits and encouraged a group discussion about them. “I think it is something that people should be aware of because everyone uses social media, especially in college,” senior Desiree Bell said. “Our generation, we were raised on using it, but I think we need to be aware of the psychological effects. When we are using it, we should use it in a positive way because we are in control of how we use it, not it controls us.” According to the presentation, 74% of the U.S. population has an active social media account, making it a modern epidemic. “We’re not saying social media is bad,” Rehm said. “We are saying to just be aware of overusing it and if you ever have any stress due to it, we would be glad to talk to you at the counseling center.”