December/January 2013 by BOBCATFANS

December/January 2013

@bobcatfans

About The Cover The annual 78666 issue is back! It’s round two of the 7 most interesting people, 8 biggest happenings, 6 major changes, 6 trends and 6 insightful predictions for the new year. We would like to thank you San Marcos for sharing your stories with us this year. Our magazine is simply a reflection of everything you do.

/bobcatfans

The Review 08 Tidbits For the short attention span 10 Kyle Park Is ready for the holidays 12 See the Future Meet the man with the plan 14 7 People Time to make new friends 24 8 Happenings You missed out if you weren’t there 26 6 Changes Noticed any construction around town? 29 6 Trends Time to find out how hip you were this year 30 6 Predictions George Strait is not coming, sorry 33 Home Sweet Home It’s time to upgrade that crib 40 CrossFit Who doesn’t want to learn how to climb a rope? 42 Triathlete Swimming, biking and running, oh my 44 Best of Show The one time we brag on ourselves...in print 46 Ice Ice Baby At least your office is not in a freezer

SMTX Entertainment & Culture Publisher Rick Koch @rickkoch Art Director Will Bowling @wbcreative Distribution & Operations Jordan Regas @jjregas Events Johnell Huebner @johnellhueber Photo Editor Eric Morales @ericmphotoTX

Contributors

Tiffany Matthews Kaley Kusenberger Lauren Watkins Eric Morales Ryan Thomason Kathryn Slaughter Stephanie Simmons

Food & Drink Jake Salter

Photography & Art Kate Anderson Luciano Guerra Will Bowling

Badasses

Sarah McDonald Morgan Martens Morgan Kemper

Advertising

361.236.5624 Marketing@ BobcatFans.com

Thoughts or Story Ideas BobcatFans@ gmail.com

BobcatFans Magazine is thankful for 2012 and looks forward to what 2013 will bring in San Marcos. Oh... and we are in no way affiliated with Texas State University.

Where We Messed Up Last Issue - Forgetting to credit Jessie from Three Dudes Winery for our wine guide. Bad Mag, Bad! - Using the wrong name for Jean Bondy. We placed ourselves in timeout. Sorry Jean. - Misspelling How Do You Roll?. Your sushi is so delicious we forgot how to spell!

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Guest Welcome Letter

Secede Responsibly. Þ

Dear San Marcos, When I moved to San Marcos in 1983 at the age of 5 we had about 6 restaurants, 3 bars, 15,000 students, 26,000 residents and a swimming pig. Now we have 34,000 students, headed toward 40,000. With 44,000 residents, $10,000,000 in capital improvements in downtown alone, not to mention the new performing arts center and parking garage right at the edge of campus. As an owner of a construction company and council member, I am very proud to have been a part of much of the downtown redevelopment. We, Wood and Thomason Construction, were a part of changing the face of several iconic locations. The old Red’s Texaco is now a Sushi Restaurant (How Do You Roll and Josie’s Yogurt), the old Roger’s Mobil is now Zelick’s, Sundance Records is now Superfly’s Lonestar Music Emporium, Gary Becker’s garage next to the post office is now a convenience store and Exxon station. As a council member over the past 3 years, we’ve seen the county vacate the square and the post office is about to leave. With the 2010/11 council passing the downtown smart code and the 2012 council passing the Hutchison Street redevelopment, we’ll continue to see our downtown transform before our eyes for many years to come just as we’ve seen the university grow and expand over the recent years. Sincerely,

Wood and Thomason Construction San Marcos City Council Place 5

Ryan Thomason

W H I T E P R E M I U M

H A T

T E X A S

R U M

www.whitehatrum.com

SMTX Entertainment & Culture 5

WHAT’S HAPPENING Dec/Jan Top Events 15th Annual Trail of Lights

Dec 1 – Dec 31

1101 FM 2325, Wimberley TX Stroll along a walking trail 8 acres long full of beautifully decorated lighted displays, carrying a nice cup of hot chocolate w/ live entertainment. Perfect for the entire family! A Monster Carol

Dec 2-4

TXST University Mainstage $5 A Halloween and Christmas tale in one for the entire family! 20th Annual Wassailfest @ 6-9 pm – Main Plaza, New Braunfels

Dec 6

Come out for an evening of music, food, shopping, and thousands of twinkling holiday lights! Also, enjoy lots of free samples of wassail (spiced ale)! TXST Commencement Ceremonies

Dec 14-15

Strahan Coliseum

To congratulate the last of our 2012 graduates! Check the Texas State website for specific times. Dr. G & Mudcats

Dec 31

9:30 – Cheatham Street Warehouse End your last moments of 2012 at Cheatham Street Warehouse’s New Year’s Eve party including a potluck with guaranteed good luck. Stoney LaRue

Dec 31

9 pm – Greune Hall (New Braunfels) Join a favorite Oklahoma born Red Dirt singer in our neck of the woods this New Year’s Eve! Unicycle Football 2 pm – SM Activity Center Parking Lot

Jan 13

Unicycle football continues on into the New Year; make sure to come out and support our guys (and gals) at this double header.

Global Bistro & Bar Come for the food, stay for the drinks. 202 n. lbj suite 101 | (512) 396-4260 6 BobcatFans Magazine

The Ill Eagles vs. The Unicychos & Los Bierdos vs. The Bezerkerz

The Malah w/ Holding Space

Jan 19

9 pm – Taxis What’s a better way to start off a new semester than a trip down below to Taxis for a unique music blend.

The Nutcracker Suite and Other Holiday Dec. 22 7pm

Dec. 23 4pm

Performing Arts Center at the San Marcos High School The River City Ballet will be performing the traditional holiday play, “The Nutcracker Suite and Other Holiday Treats.” Based on the story “The Nutcracker and King of Mice” by E.T.A. Hoffman, the ballet features the story of a young German girl who dreams of a Nutcracker and a battle against a Mouse King. The ballet captures the magic of the holiday season, as it has done for many years. The ballet features young performers ranging in age from 8-22 with choreography by Texas State’s Ana Baer.

Art Unhitched

Photo by:Kelsey Huckaby

11am – 5pm The Hitch

Dec 8

On the second Saturday of each month, local artists are getting a chance to spread their wings in San Marcos. Art Unhitched is a community developed outdoor art show which takes place behind the food trailers at the intersection of Hopkins and CM Allen Pky. It’s something like a farmers market, with booths covered in locally grown creativity. To accompany the art work, enjoy live music, performing arts and great food for sale next door. A perfect chance to catch up on Christmas shopping! SMTX Entertainment & Culture 7

“X” Marks the Spot

TIDBITS

It’s hard enough for a group of three sisters to all get along, but forming a musical trio in hopes of someday making it into the industry takes something special. Maybe that was the unique X-Factor that judges Simon Cowell, Britney Spears, Demi Lovato and L.A. Reid saw in sisters Cirby, Carli and Celbi Manchaca, otherwise known as Sister C. Cirby, who occasionally performed solo while attending Texas State, was joined by her younger sisters in San Marcos just over a year ago. It was incredibly nerve racking standing before the judges in their first audition, especially Simon Cowell. The girls received four yeses from the judges, but that was only the beginning. After surviving gruesome sets of cuts, Sister C made it into the final four of their category, securing a spot on the November 1st airing of X Factor. The sisters were eliminated the following episode, but considering the thousands who auditioned – it was a major accomplishment to make it so far. Spending two months in L.A., Cirby explained how the Hollywood experience isn’t as glamorous as it appears, but all-in-all, it was an incredible experience; making new friends and getting positive feedback from some of the biggest names in the industry.

The trio Sister C made it to the final four of Simon Cowell’s X Factor Photo Todd V Wolfson

Twitbiz

San Marcos

The Old School Snow Ball Fight!

Back in 1964, Michigan Tech collaborated with SWT to make students’ white winter fantasies come alive. Michigan Tech students mailed boxes with approximately 500 pre-formed snowballs and loose snow down to San Marcos – ammo for the epic battle. Teams of Greek life would battle against other teams of students, faculty, and athletes near what is now Bobcat Trail. Each year, an administrator or the university president was chosen to throw the very first snowball. In 1966, San Marcos had their own “white winter wonderland” and sent two twentypounds of indigenous Texas snowballs as a special thanks to Michigan Tech for their generosity. Unfortunately, the very last Michigan Tech snowballs were thrown in 1979. To this day, there is no discoverable documentation or explanation for why this tradition was put on ice, but maybe it’s about time we bring it back to life. Tidbits by Morgan Kemper & Morgan Martens

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Twitbiz San Marcos is pure SMTX social media. From events to local business specials, Twitbiz San Marcos covers where the deals are at. Twitbiz finds the tweets that are truly SMTX related and re-tweets them making an easy-to-follow collection of local deals and happenings around town. Businesses like Tanta Coffeehouse, Crazy Good Yogurt, Lovebaked, and Sean Patrick’s have specials featured on its feed. In addition to great deals, the San Marcos, Texas account shares all the cool things to do around town. And most importantly, they have stood the test of time. So, in the words of Twitbiz San Marcos, show some love for SMTX. @TwitBizSMTX

What’s next for Sister C? At the beginning of the year the girls were content with singing in a handful of honkytonks a month; now, with over 25,000 followers on Twitter and record companies knocking on the door, anything is possible.

SMTX Entertainment & Culture 9

Backstage

Kyle Park continues to perform around San Marcos and represent his Bobcats.

Kyle Park

Photos Eric Morales

Between producing his new album set to release early 2013 and lighting up stages around the country, Kyle is staying pretty busy these days. His new single, The Night is Young, recently released on iTunes and, for the first time ever, Kyle is releasing a holiday single: his unique version of A Winter Wonderland. Despite all the excitement with what’s to come, Kyle hasn’t forgotten his past and all the support he received along the way. Q: Tell me a little about your roots here in San Marcos? A: I use to play at a place called Katy Station by Cheatham St. near the baseball fields. I played there when I was about 18 or 19, then I started playing at Jacks Roadhouse at 20, 21, [and] 22 before Cheatham St. But I played at sorority parties, fraternity houses – I played everything…I would do whatever I could. Q: As an artist who pursued his career at the same time he was pursuing his degree at Texas State, what advice would you give to the young musicians today trying to make it in the industry while in school? A: For sure, if you’re in school, then you should take it seriously because I mean, it’s costing you money to be in school and it’s important to take that seriously. Our piano player right now goes to Texas State, and he is a junior or senior now. We had a show at Billy Bob’s last week and he did a show playing in front of 2,000 people. An hour before the show I see him in the green room studying for a test he had on a Monday coming up. I mean, you have to do what you got to do. As the lead singer, in my case, I 10 BobcatFans Magazine

have more going on than just an hour and a half on stage. I have interviews to give, radio interviews, meet and greets before the show, autographs, [and] hanging out with the owners of the club. As the lead singer or “the guy,” it’s really hard to do both, it’s really hard. I’m not saying you can’t do it, but it takes a lot of self dedication and work on the side…But for a lead singer, whether in school or not, the answer is play, play as much as you can, because you can never have too much experience on stage. You can never play for a crowd too many times.

guitar and the vocals, I hear the drum pattern and the bass rhythm and the fiddle and steel and so on. The second example is that I wrote a song four years ago that I’m just now recording and it’s so cool and special to hear a song that I wrote four years ago, finally get it down on a record and to completely be in charge of producing it. It’s just kind of an awkward, you know?

Q: Is producing your own music something you enjoy and plan on continuing with your next album?

A: I would like to play for a thousand people every show across the nation wherever I go. That’s not going to happen tomorrow, that’s probably not going to happen the end of this year. We can go to College Station or Fort Worth and have a thousand people, but even in San Marcos that’s tough because there are not many places you can play that would hold a thousand people, except for the theater. I guess, really, my goal is to play for fans who care every show and are always just putting out good music because no matter what you do on Facebook, no matter what you do on stage…what it really comes down to is the music and songs.

A: Absolutely. The new record coming out, which will be early in 2013, will have a new single coming out called The Night Is Young, which comes out October 2. But producing is my new favorite thing. I love writing songs, I love playing live shows, but there is just nothing [else] more gratifying. I wrote a song four weeks ago and recorded it…and when I wrote it, I just knew how I wanted it to sound and that’s the way I write nowadays; I hear the whole thing in my head. I don’t just hear the

Q: Do you have a goal of where you want to be in the future or are you just taking it one song, maybe one album, at a time?

Q: What are a couple things that you are most grateful for so far in your career? A: I’m thankful for my health; we are on the road so much that it’s hard to stay healthy out here, not just with the drinking, but with the food and atmosphere, so I’m thankful everyday that I’m healthy doing what I do and doing what I love. I’m grateful for my family, that’s what Thanksgiving is all about, your family, and for sure the gift of music, not for me, but for everyone. I’m so grateful that I have songs that touch people in so many ways. Music is inspiring and I’m so happy that I can be a part of people’s lives through music. Q: Finally, what are a few of your favorite foods to eat around the Holidays? A: Oh man, I love turkey and dressing. I know that’s the stock answer, but it’s true. That and pecan pie, good lord! We have a big family and everyone brings something different and usually there are three different kinds of dressings and a couple smoked turkeys and the green bean casseroles. Then there are like ten different pies and pecan is the only one I ever eat.

SMTX Entertainment & Culture 11

2035 A SMTX ODYSSEY

MATTHEW LEWIS Have you ever wanted to see the future? Matthew Lewis, Developmental Services Director for the City of San Marcos, is no prophet, but he does know a lot about what San Marcos will look like twenty-some years down the road. Expect to see taller buildings, commuter rails, refurbished roads and new businesses come through town. Matthew imagines a San Marcos where the creative class will thrive, the streets will be beautiful and walkable and there will be a greater variety of housing options. A lot is about to change in San Marcos, but Matt assures that the heart of San Marcos will always remain. In fact, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the very aspects we love most about this town that are guiding its future. Soon enough, downtown might resemble something like Bourbon Street. Whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ready for some Mardi Gras? Photo Eric Morales

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While growing up in San Marcos and attending done in a responsible way. [We have to be] enviTexas State University, what was your experience ronmentally friendly using the best management practices for the development patterns. And then in San Marcos like? transportation, we have to diversify our transSan Marcos was probably somewhat like it is to- portation options and housing options in close day. My first job was at the movie theater down- proximity to the university and in close proximity town. I grew up skateboarding in Sewell Park and to where job creation is going to occur, so that doing the same stuff – playing in the river and the people will choose alternative modes of transporsame great experiences I had what the new gen- tation or they have the option to live near where eration gets to have as well. It was a good time they are going to work or go to school. If not, we growing up here, for sure. are going to have some serious traffic issues due to the topography of the land here; it’s extremely Your first experience as a development director expensive to build roads over the river, over the was in Hutto, TX. What was your experience recharge zone and in the Hill Country [because like there and how did it prepare you for your of] the rock. So, the road network is pretty much current position in San Marcos? established in the dense urban core. We’re not going to be able to add roads, so what you have The interesting thing is that it was a totally difto do is eliminate the trips per day that pass ferent situation there; we had more single-family through that gridded network and offset some of housing than multi-family and it wasn’t a univerthe congestion issues. sity town. It was just north of Austin, so it was a lot more affordable for people who wanted to live What special, unique attributes of San Marcos near Austin residentially, but not in Austin. It was do you hope to preserve through the developa small town; when I started there were 13,000 ment? people and when I left there were 17,000. It was the fastest growing city in the state of Texas for, I You look at the proximity of a university of that think, four years in a row…They had a great little size in relation to the river. I mean, you have one community with community pride, just like San of the most beautiful rivers in North America Marcos. directly adjacent to the university, which is all directly adjacent to downtown. Well, if you look When coming back home to San Marcos, what downtown, you walk downtown; it’s severely was your vision for San Marcos that you wanted underutilized for what it could be. It’s got great to bring to the table? framework and great potential, but it’s dramatically underutilized. You have a lot of surface parking My main thing is that people have different needs lots, [but] not much housing choice. The retailers and housing choices and want to live in different have a hard time – if you don’t have people livtypes of environments. No one should say that ing down there, you’re going to have a hard time living in a rural environment is bad or living in an getting retail down there…It’s changing some urban environment is bad – you have different perceptions and really diversifying the housing. housing choices throughout life. You have differ- When you start doing that, you’ll start to form ent cycles…What we want from a city planning creative environments where the creative class standpoint is to plan for a diversity of housing will want to come and live and hang out and have choices, so that people get to make the choice interactions with other creative people. We have and live in the environment they want… A lot of got to be able to capture that. people think that New Urbanism is about density, but it’s actually not. It’s a variety of housing What do you picture life in San Marcos being choices within a walkable distance. like in the future? 33,000 people are expected to move into San Marcos over the next twenty-something years, where are these people coming from? Are they young, old, students?

I think the dream would be to have, again, housing and retail choices. [Also,] a diversity of jobs here; entrepreneurs starting their own businesses [and] options for people to stay in San Marcos. We have a real loss of the creative culture coming What we did during the comprehensive master out of the university because they want a creative plan that we’re just wrapping up is hire the state place to live. It’s lacking here, we don’t have it. demographer to help us with demographics. We You have the traditional multi-family and college looked at demographic trends over the last few residencies. After they get out of [college], they decades to see what it was growing at and [at want to move on to that next step and it’s probwhat] rate. We have a very steady rate here in ably, as housing trends are showing, that it’s in an San Marcos, so what we did was analyze based urban environment; it’s the residential over retail off of that. If you diversify and provide more hous- type of environment…San Marcos has a real poing choices you are going to get a diverse group tential to achieve that, not only in downtown, but of people, that’s what you want. People want to in all of the activity nodes, or centers, where the live in a diverse social-economic class. citizens said they want development patterns and growth; it can have that same thing where you What do you see as the biggest challenge(s) you can have multi-model, walk-able neighborhoods. face from here? It really creates a unique city. I think that will be San Marcos in the future. Environmental concerns with the river and the sensitivity of the river, so we have to make sure that as development does happen, it’s got to be SMTX Entertainment & Culture 13

Interviews Jordan Regas Photos Eric Morales

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BobcatFans’ 7 People of 2012

In only our 2nd annual 78666 issue, the process of narrowing down the 7 most interesting people of SMTX is already becoming a difficult task. Keep up the hard work and generosity. We hope to see you on next year’s list. Until then, check out what the SAN MARCOS SEVEN have been up to in 2012.

SMTX Entertainment & Culture 15

ndie Miller stood in painful heels, staring down the narrow fourfoot runway in her bikini bottom and Texas State cut off t-shirt. It’s the first day of shooting for the college edition of America’s Next Top Model. With cameras rolling, Tyra Banks watching and bright flashes lighting up the runway over a pool, Andie and a fellow model prospect strutted down the path, hoping not to fall in. Luckily for Andie and the other contestants, no on fell in the water that day, but one thing is for sure, Andie has spent 2012 diving head first into a modeling and acting career. The highlight of her year might also be her most awkward experience of 2012: standing alone in a room with model and actress Tyra Banks. “So I’m leaving and Tyra goes, ‘Oh, wait. I want you to act for me,’ and I was like, oh no, what is she going to say. She goes, ‘I want you to be a mean Russian woman in the middle of an economy crisis who lost all the potatoes on her farm.’ I was like what? So I did this horrible accent, it probably wasn’t even Russian…I was freaking out about my potatoes and losing money. I walked out and I was like what did I just do?” says Andie. Out of the thirty girls selected to be on the show (from a cluster of nearly 5,000 hopefuls) only thirteen would move on to the second round. Unfortunately, Andie was not one of them, but Tyra did pull her aside and leave her with some parting words. “Tyra came up to hug me and said, ‘Girl, I threw some crazy crap at you and you just went with it. You need to be out here acting in Hollywood. Modeling is the easy part,” says Andie. Fate would have it that later in the summer while vacationing in Portland, Oregon, a model management scout approached her on the street. After being a little sketched out, it didn’t take long for her to be back in California, signing a contract with one of the biggest modeling agencies in L.A. As a Theater major at Texas State, Andie first fell in love with acting at the age of seven while growing up in San Antonio. Inspired by her aunt, who was an actress living out in Los Angeles, Andie continued her involvement in Community Theater and high school plays. Since her acceptance into one of the top theater programs in the country, Andie has performed in several university productions during her time in San Marcos. Modeling is one of her more recent endeavors that seem to follow her wherever she goes these days. But just because she recently signed with a major modeling agency and plans to move to L.A. in January doesn’t mean she has given up on her career as an actress. She explains, “Modeling wasn’t ever my passion and I never did it when I was younger, but it’s definitely something that has grown on me and is really fun. But, you can only model for so long and then you’re too old, so my goal is to go out there, do some modeling, meet people and segue myself into the film and theater industry.” Deciding to leave the safety of San Marcos in search of the Hollywood dream was not an easy choice. There are a lot of risks involved in her decision, especially knowing that Hollywood holds no promises for anyone. At first she was reluctant, but later realized that this might be her only shot. “I had a conversation with a woman at the agency, she said, ‘Look, I have been doing this for fifteen years; your tall, thin, you fit the description perfectly. I’m not saying you have to, but if this is something you’re passionate about and you’re clearly going to get work in and make money. If this is one of your passions, then do it, go for it,” she says. Andie plans to take a year off of school and finish college in California. During her final months in San Marcos, Andie participated in several charity modeling events on campus, including modeling a decorated bra for breast cancer awareness.

“…If this is one of your passions, then do it, go for it.”

Andie Miller: Walking The Walk

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“We’re all creators whether we realize it or not.” Topher Sipes: The Art Of Art

eginning, typically, in total darkness, a small genesis of light begins to pulse to a beat of carefully selected music. The light gives notice to a female human form who then follows the sound in a crescendo of motion. Artheism has a way of disarming its viewers. You forget yourself for a moment and are invited to take part in a visual and auditory experience that is unique in the sense that it will not, and cannot, be reproduced. It is human expression at its pure, uninhibited, and completely ephemeral state.

By: Eric Morales through art and performance and through organizations and devotion of time are part of a whole equation that promotes a healthy growth within the San Marcos community.

According to Sipes, it is the connection that art can create between individuals, and even cultures, that makes art so powerful and, in fact, necessary. “Art is a form of communication, a form of storytelling. It’s a form of expression […that is] essential for the continuation of the human spirit. It is something that generates culture. There is so much that cannot be quantitatively measured. I think it’s Artheism, one half Topher Sipes and one half really important that the quality of what art has to Samantha Beasley, is a live digital painting over human body motion. Artheism has performed 25 offer to both individuals and community members times since March 2012 and has been performing be kept in mind as something that is at the very fabric of human development, progress, and hissince 2011. tory, and if that is forgotten and overlooked, then I think we are the worse for.” Topher’s accomplishments as a visual performer continue to build on a list that includes perforSo how do we bridge the gap between those mances at Burning Man in Nevada, Art Outside in Rockdale Texas, and a performance in front of who call themselves artists and those who do nearly 5,000 people at the Whitewater Amphithe- not, between the creative have and have not’s? According to Sipes, it is only a perceived gap. ater in New Braunfels, TX, performing with local Everyone is creative. “Art isn’t just something that musician Roger Sellers as openers to the music duo, Ghostland Observatory. Before Topher was goes in a gallery or is put on vinyl or CD, or is projecting his visual dreams on rock stars and in- danced. Everyone engages in creative acts and novative dancers, he was constantly contributing decision making all the time. People who feel to the San Marcos community. Topher has served intimidated [by art] may do well to realize that art already does impact them. The arranging of one’s by organizing art shows with the Neo Abstract space, of one’s room, are acts of creation. They Expressionists (now known as Door Mouse Fantabulous); has been the gallery coordinator for aren’t always conscious acts of creation, but the Tantra Coffeehouse; has served as chair for three very way that we structure our lives is imbued with creativity. We’re all creators whether we realize it years for the Art Market, which is held annually on The Square; and has held the position of vice- or not.” Sipes adds, “For those of us who have a president of the San Marcos Art Council for some predominantly creative way of living, it’s important that they find ways to reach out to those who time. may not be aware of what’s possible. And I’m not His artwork for non-profits has supported the San suggesting that they compromise their creative Marcos River Foundation, The Greenbelt Alliance, vision, but [to realize] that they have the power to open up to people who may not be aware of what and the San Marcos Food Bank, just to name is possible.” a few. Topher’s contributions to the community SMTX Entertainment & Culture 17

ryan looks kind of beat, but still holds that wide grin that seems to be a permanent fixture on or off stage. “I have had 27 shows in October alone. I’m busy, extremely busy – and tired,” he says. As you can see, it’s been a busy year for Bryan. Since graduating from Texas State in May, Bryan and his band, The Bryan Boyce Band, haven’t taken their foot off the gas. On top of weekly residencies at Vodka St. on Wednesday nights and Railyard on Friday nights, you might have heard the sound of Bryan strumming on his six string from just about any sound system in San Marcos. But on top of local gigs, Bryan has slowly been making himself heard throughout Texas and its surrounding states. While attending Madison High School down the road in San Antonio, Bryan and his friends quickly fell in love with the Texas music scene. They would make weekend trips to check out up-and-coming artists like Pat Green and Randy Rogers. It didn’t take long before they were picking up guitars trying to imitate their new found heroes. Brian says, “At first it was just for personal pleasure; I had no intention of playing for anybody until I was just sitting on my back porch one day before we went off to a show and I had my back to the door and a buddy of mine was sitting there listening to me and says, ‘My God, why haven’t you been playing for everybody?’” Fresh out of high school, Bryan joined up with a few other musicians on a project that would become known as TRAINWRECK. In no time, the band was all over the radio and traveling around Texas. They were on the fast track, but eventually had a falling out, leaving a bad taste in Bryans mouth. He wanted a break; he wanted to live a normal life, so he packed up and moved to San Marcos. Bryan looks over from our table in the corner of Chimy’s, “Actually, the first placed I stepped into with a guitar [since things ended with TRAINWRECK] was here about three years ago, when it was called Water Dog’s. I noticed they were having an open mic and as soon as I started playing, they just let me play the rest of the night,” says Bryan. Bryan moved next door to J’s Bistro (Taxi’s) where he played his first San Marcos show with a close friend. Taxi quickly noticed Bryan’s potential and suggested he form a band. This time around, Bryan is taking things a little slower. He spends a lot of time hanging out on the river and getting to know people around San Marcos, which inspired his song and recently released music video. “I feel like my song writing has been maturing over the years,” he says, “It’s a change of pace from what I used to write, that’s for sure. If you go back and look at six years ago, there were a lot of family problems I was going through and my music was darker…but if I had the chance now to rewrite it, I think it would be a lot different. I think the whole maturity level plays a big factor.” Part of Bryan’s maturing process means that he is not rushing into anything. As of now, his drummer, Jessie, and he are still the only two full time members of the band, but after this year, he feels like it’s time to take things to the next level. He stays busy these days with marketing and booking on weekdays and traveling about a thousand miles a week on the weekends. When he isn’t sleeping in the van, he tries to find a little time to write new music. Success isn’t easy, but Brian is learning what it takes to make it in the industry.

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“In the song writing that I’ve done I do mention San Marcos quite a bit, those songs are, I guess, happier, because it’s hard to have a bad time in this town.”

Bryan Boyce:

Rewritten In San Marcos

ou may not believe in Santa Clause, but you should believe in Brian Olson. He doesn’t look much like jolly old St. Nick; however, he is doing everything he can to help Sights & Sounds, the largest holiday event in town, reach its full potential. Sights & Sounds is still a month away as we step into Brian’s workshop, but he is busy at work with Sights & Sounds flyers and Premier Cuts documents scattered across his desk. This is because Brian doesn’t work fulltime for Sights & Sounds, he doesn’t even work part time – he volunteers. Brian is a co-owner of Premier Cuts, but most of his friends would agree that he actually dedicates more of his time and effort to Sights & Sounds. “It’s funny, I have so much passion for something I don’t make money in and I want to see it reach the point of giving back to the community,” says Brian. Brian sees the potential for Sights & Sounds, an event barely sustaining itself a few years ago, to become a fully funded community effort that not only covers its own expenses, but makes enough to help fund advancements in San Marcos schools. While Brian was a student at Texas State, he never actually attended the Sights & Sounds of Christmas festival. After graduation, he and his business partner were about to open their first Premier Cuts off of Aquarena Springs when someone suggested that he should bring his kiddy airplane chair to promote the business at Sights & Sounds. The deal was that he could promote if he helped out on the board next year. Brian upheld his promise the following year and joined the board. It was then that he realized its potential. “I thought at the time that Sights & Sounds was such a big event, that it was such a big boy it could do a lot of good for the community. Come to find out, they didn’t have any money,” says Brian. His first two years were spent overseeing one of many very important aspects of any festival – the cotton candy machine. From there, he acquired a little more responsibility when he became President three years ago. In order to help reach its full potential, Brian initiated a few changes: charging a small cover fee for adults, expanding the event an extra day and investing a significant amount of time and energy in marketing the event. That year, the event experienced its largest success of all time. Last year’s Sights & Sounds was up to par once again and set a new record, but rain tragically brought the event to a halt; however, Brian hasn’t let the unfortunate weather wash away his dream.

“I have so much passion for something I don’t make money in and I want to see it reach the point of giving back to the community”

Brian Olson:

A Reason For The Season

As the holidays approach, Brian spends days and nights in the office responding to emails overflowing from his inbox, conducting phone interviews for vacant stylist positions and juggling advertising needs for his four stores and a four day event expected to exceed over 50,000 attendees. He doesn’t look tired or bitter, but rather excited. Brian’s dream is becoming a reality. This year, Sights & Sounds has raised more money and sponsorships than ever before. More local store fronts are helping to promote the event with flyers and posters. The Sights & Sounds 5k, in only its fourth year, is almost the biggest 5k in town. Brian says that the City of San Marcos is his largest supporter and the police force is even getting involved with this year’s 5k, helping with traffic and collecting unwrapped gifts through their Blue Santa program. Brian mentioned that one of his greatest achievements is having such an amazing management team running the Premier Cuts locations, which allows him to spend so much time on Sights & Sounds, which is all about giving back to the community, and Brian is giving a ton. It might just be better to give than to receive after all. SMTX Entertainment & Culture 19

“This syndrome was who I was meant to be”

Lizzie Velazquez:

Your Not So Average, Typical Girl

people not wanting to sit next to me or play with me, that was really hard, because of the way that I was raised. The fact that no one wanted to be around me was a surprise because I had no idea that I was different…That’s when I had to ask my parents, What’s wrong with me, why doesn’t anyone want to play with me? I’m a fun kid,” says Lizzie. Grade school is rough on anyone’s self-esteem, but Lizzie had an especially hard time with all of the bullying and name calling. She went through what she refers to as her “Jan Brady phase,” sitting around in her room hating her condition and the way she looked. Throughout the struggles of adolescence, her parents never showed any negativity towards her syndrome. “When they did explain it to me, they never said, ‘You do have this condition, but you can’t do this’ or ‘You have this condition, so you will never be able to achieve that, there was no negativity. They always led me to believe that I could do anything I wanted to do,” says Lizzie. During her junior year of high school, the Assistant Principle asked her if she would get up in front of all the underclassman and tell her story. She hesitantly accepted, and a new Lizzie was born. For the first time, she felt proud and comfortable to be in her own skin. Everyone in the crowd was touched by her story; moreover, they Lizzie grew up just like any other kid; in fact, could relate. Lizzie realized that she wasn’t the only one with struggles, and that she she didn’t even know she was different could use her experience for good. Lizzie until other children began pointing it out in elementary school. “The name calling and went off to Texas State as a communicaack in mid-October Lizzie sat inside a small black box facing a camera for a follow-up satellite interview on the Dr. Drew show. She didn’t think it was that big of a deal, just a quick interview discussing her new book which released on Amazon.com about a month before. To her surprise, she woke up the next morning as one of the biggest news stories on the internet and one of the bestselling authors in the nation. “I was on the homepage of AOL and the top story on Yahoo News for about a week. Every news outlet called me and TV shows were bargaining for that exclusive interview and my book went from being around #500,000 on Amazon to being in the top 100 and then, in a few hours, going up to #2. I came to find out that Amazon had sold out of the book…and the digital copy made it up to #6 on iTunes,” Lizzie explains. It doesn’t end there. While her second book, Be Beautiful, Be You, flew up to the top of the charts and her story spread throughout the world, TLC followed her around with cameras, capturing her everyday life for a show set to air in January. Despite all of the recent fanfare, Lizzie Velazquez is just your typical college student who happens to have an undiagnosed disease affecting only two others in the world.

20 BobcatFans Magazine

tions major and has continued her motivational speaking for the past six years. Between her class schedule, booking speaking engagements, writing new material and promoting her book, it’s safe to say that Lizzie stays pretty busy these days; however, she still makes time for her personal life on The Square (and no, she is not a lightweight). She continues to get daily emails from people all over the world who have found hope and strength from her story, but those aren’t the only emails. The bullying still continues for Lizzie; she still receives hate mail and a recent Internet video went viral, claiming her as “the ugliest women in the world.” Lizzie does her best to forgive them, knowing they are probably suffering some pain themselves, but she also takes it as motivation. When someone says she can’t do something, she thinks, “Watch me, I can probably do it better than you can.” Lizzie still has her struggles; she does not claim to be superwoman. Part of what she discusses in her new book is that the definition of beauty is different for everyone. Lizzie is beautiful in her own, unique way, and she wants everyone to discover that for themselves. With four states down, her current goal is to spread that message to every state in America and get started on a new book soon.

hen Amy Stanfield comes marching through San Marcos with a pair of scissors and her team of “Green Coats” at her side, there is no need to fear. The San Marcos Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors and she are simply on their way to welcome a new business to town with a ribbon cutting. Amy hasn’t wasted any time this year. On top of her duties as the Business and Marketing director for Texas State Optical in San Marcos, Amy loves sacrificing her free time to help San Marcos become a better place for residents to live and work. She says, “Anywhere I go in San Marcos I like to see a friend. I like to volunteer and help other businesses. Business networking is what the chamber is really all about. I enjoy planning events and making sure that the chamber is running strong and making sure businesses feel welcome to San Marcos.” She also helps organize the chamber’s two major fundraising events each year along with monthly mixers for businesses in the city. The biggest is the luau. Amy describes it as “a mixer on steroids.” Business owners can get together, have some fun and help their businesses all at the same time. The other major fundraising event is the gala that took place last month, where big and small businesses in San Marcos are awarded for making major strides in their fields. Alongside her work at the chamber, Amy joined the board of the San Marcos Education Foundation and enjoys getting to work with the superintendent. Amy dedicates time to Central Texas Lifecare, the crisis pregnancy center in town, where she does her part to help women overcome the obstacles of pregnancy. The Cattle Barons Ball, the Economic Development Board and, soon to be, The Hays County Food Bank are just a few of her other endeavors.

Growing up as a Pastor’s daughter in Illinois, Amy learned to be giving of her time. After graduating from Purdue University, she made her way west to Newport Beach, CA where she worked up to eighty hours a week doing marketing. When her parents moved to San Marcos in 2000, she wanted to be closer to her family and made the journey down to Texas. After getting married and joining her husband at Texas State Optical, she has a little time on her hands, so when asked if she might be interested in helping the chamber as an ambassador she took the leap and hasn’t turned back since. While spending this past year as Chamber of Commerce Ambassador Chair, she joined the board of directors and was even selected to be the Chair of the Board for the chamber next year. These days, Amy stays busy with all she is involved in, but as much as she gives to this town, it equally gives back to her. She says, “It makes me feel more like I live in a small town, because I grew up in a big city, outside of Chicago, so I like this more hometown feel. I have been here since 2000, and I really think that it’s growing and becoming somewhere on the map. It’s not just a suburb of Austin; it is its own place on the map, it’s its own entity.” She is lucky to have her trusted companions Lily Bear, Jackson, Wyatt Earp and Lola Bean, her four bull dogs, stick by her side through it all and even travel with her to work each morning. She looks forward to her growing role in the Chamber of Commerce and will hopefully continue to make San Marcos an attractive and welcoming place for future businesses to call home.

“Anywhere I go in San Marcos I like to see a friend. I like to volunteer and help other businesses.”

Amy Stanfield: Bringing A Warm Welcome SMTX Entertainment & Culture 21

“It only comes natural, being at the food bank, helping the hungry.”

Ted Gomez: Tackling Hunger

ed Gomez spends most of his days surrounded by aisles and aisles of food, so the thought of people going hungry should probably be one of the last things on his mind, but that’s not the case. As Store Director of what locals refer to as the “Little” H-E-B, Ted Gomez is doing everything he can to make sure everyone has a quality meal to eat, especially around the holidays.

when it would have taken the food bank weeks.” In the three years of Ted’s involvement with Turkeys Tackling Hunger, the amount of happy, full, families on Thanksgiving Day has doubled.

Also, this year marked the inaugural year for Hunger Strike, a new project Ted embarked on over the summer to help with the growing demand from the food bank. At the time, he In early November, Ted assembled a group of had no idea how successful it would be. The plan was simply to get local business ownnearly thirty H-E-B Partners (employees) from both San Marcos stores amidst the construction ers to form bowling teams and rent out a lane at Sunset Bowling for a fundraising tournasurrounding the H-E-B expansion off of Hopment. Ted and his wife Jenni could almost not kins. Volunteers from the Hays County Food Bank joined the ranks of the H-E-B volunteers believe the results. All twenty-four lanes were filled and some teams were even decked out in and formed an assembly line. The assembled uniforms. Everyone had a good time and the boxes were passed down and crammed full of stuffing, potatoes, green beans, corn, cranberry event was a major success. Ted says. “We sauce, fruit cocktail, jello, and a ten to twelve raised about $10,000 for our inaugural event… pound turkey. Then the process was repeated – We put together that event in three months, now 3,000 times. It was their biggest year ever, Ted we can really work on that,” he went on to say, explains, “A semi trailer is 53ft and holds 28 pal- “Everyone was thanking me, but I kept saying, lets. We filed up a full semi of pallets, 84 boxes no, thank you.” per pallet, and then another half a container load of just dry goods once we got ready for distribu- Ted has been a part of the grocery industry tion. We did it all, believe it or not, in four hours, for twenty-eight years, working in practically 22 BobcatFans Magazine

every facet of the system. Ted joined H-E-B in 1994 and has stuck with the company ever since. Working for H-E-B has taught him how important it is to give back to your community. So when he was approached four years ago by the Hays County Food Bank asking if he could join the board, it was an easy decision. “It only comes natural, being at the food bank, helping the hungry. H-E-B gives 5% percent of our pre-tax dollars to the communities that we serve, that’s a commitment from our company,” says Ted. Ted is still currently on the board, but has served terms as Treasurer and Vice President in recent years. He has done everything he can to improve operations at the food bank, but he couldn’t have done it without the help of the generous Partners and facilities surrounding him each day. Ted’s generosity is so contagious that even his daughter donated all of her birthday money so that one more family in San Marcos could enjoy a warm Thanksgiving dinner. He hopes to continue raising money and awareness for the food bank so that they will soon be able to move into a much-needed larger facility.

SMTX Entertainment & Culture 23

There is a lot that happens in a year – even in a humble setting like San Marcos. A happening can be anything from that girl in high heels who busts her ass in the middle of the Square to San Marcos City Council passing a major piece of local legislation. If it happened in San Marcos – it’s fair game. We tried to stay away from the more depressing memories and focus more of our attention on the fun and momentous occasions of 2012.

What Lies Beneath Back in late May, spectators watched as a giant crane lifted the famous submarine theater from Aquarena Springs. The theater was one of the last remaining relics from the old Aquarena Springs theme park that was a major San Marcos tourist attraction. After guests made their way into the theater, it would submerge beneath the water for a show. The park featured famous acts, such as mermaids and Ralph the Swimming Pig. The removal is part of the university’s effort to restore the springs to their natural condition. can still be carried through the parks in a concealed container, and there will be special access point for entering the river with your booze.

Photo: Lens Crew

A Sense of Euphoria It typically takes a trip up to Austin to attend a major music festival; however, on April 7, San Marcos/Kyle got a chance to experience Euphoria Music Festival right up the street at Thunderhill Raceway. It was the festival’s inaugural year, and they kicked things off in style, featuring renowned national and international DJs on multiple stages with enough lasers and light displays to put anyone in a state of euphoria. Loyal fans of electronic dance music raged through the night as they brought in Easter Morning with a glow.

Alcohol Ban in City Parks One of the major debates that occurred this year among residents and students alike was city council’s decision to ban the consumption of alcohol in city parks. City Council members were somewhat hesitant throughout much of March and April to make a final decision; but on May 1, after a few amendments were made, the ordinance passed. A major rumor quickly spread around town that drinking had been banned on the river, which is a huge misunderstanding. The new ordinance, which will not be in effect until January 2013, is simply to prohibit alcohol consumption in the parks. Alcohol 24 BobcatFans Magazine

2013.

If you made it to the Square after the Tech game, there Victory in Houston is a chance you might have run into a certain Texas State It was September 1 and the alum named Randy Rogers. Bobcats were preparing for Randy was in town watching their inaugural FBS football the game with the rest of his game as members of the Sun God vs. dedicated BobcatFans. He WAC. Houston was coming Frisbee Dan off an incredible season, being was hanging out with old friends when he gave his ranked as high as #6 in the History has produced some friend, Eric White, owner of nation a year ago, but that great rivalries in the past; both Green Parrot and Vodka didn’t stop the Bobcats from there were the Cowboys and St., a call asking if he could rolling out of Houston with a Indians, then the Union vs. play a surprise set at Green dominating 30 to 13 victory. The Confederacy and more Parrot that night. It’s not every Many proud Bobcat fans who recently Team Jacob vs. Team night you show up to a bar made the trip to Houston Edward, but none made a and Randy Rogers hops on stormed the field, and news bigger splash this year as stage with his guitar for a free, quickly spread around San Sun God vs. Frisbee Dan. surprise show. Obviously, the Marcos. Marcus Curry’s By now, you are probably bar quickly hit capacity. 73-yard burst down the field familiar with these SMTX made ESPN’s Top 10 Plays icons. It was in mid-January Bomb Threat when trouble began to stir up and a couple days later, the Bobcats were getting votes Texas State received their at Sewell Park. Supposedly, in the Coach’s Poll. From first bomb threat of the Frisbee Dan made a few the perspective of a points 2012 school year via email comments about the Sun spread, Texas State’s win on October 18. While the God in a video that ended will go down as one of the university only evacuated with the Sun God pushing biggest in history. A $100 bet nearby buildings, the reminder Frisbee Dan in the park. The in Vegas would have banked of campus conducted class Sun God was banned from $12,000. . as usual. The University Police campus for a year, causing Department investigated the uproar from many students Randy Rogers threat with the help of the San and supporters. Expect to see Marcos Police Department Green Parrot the Sun God raising the roof and Texas Highway Patrol. again in Sewell on January 13, Surprise

Also on campus that day was the Austin Police Department Bomb squad who swept the Admissions Building and reported that there were no explosives to be found. Former Texas State student Brittany Nicole Henderson, 19, was arrested a week later in Bryan after the emails were traced back to her account. Bottom line Bobcats, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t threaten your school with a bombâ&#x20AC;Ś it will really blow up your career.

Texas Tech Sell Out The biggest college football game to ever hit San Marcos went down on September 8. The stadium was complete; with room for over 30,000 screaming fans. But, was it going to be full? The completed stadium opened its doors in style with a house full of Bobcat and Red Raider fans. The whole town was going crazy, and traffic was a nightmare. The game itself did not quite turn out as hoped, but it was still an epic day for San Marcos and the Bobcat football program to host a football squad of that caliber.

SMTX Entertainment & Culture 25

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The year 2012 brought back a few ideas and fashions that have come back bigger than ever. Though these concepts are a little “been there-done that,” San Marcos has its own twist on things, making 2012 a year that sparked new creativity. Eat up the trends of the year, because come January 1, it’s off to something new, or should we say older.

hat adjustable to your head. The hats were brought back everywhere, especially among rappers and hip-hop artists who love them so much. We guess it’s now one size fits all in SMTX. These diverse hats won’t be going anywhere anytime soon. Oh, snap!

but let’s keep this trend going again for next year!

Rooftop Bars A new, and highly popular, trend has emerged in San Marcos this year: rooftop bars. The Rooftop opened over the summer, and The Veranda opened not long Keep Calm and ago in September. These bars ……….. Keep Calm and YOLO Whether you love it or pertain more to the college “fill in blank.” Everyone went you hate it, YOLO (You Only Live students in town, but that crazy over the countless Once) was spread throughout shouldn’t stop you from enjoying shirts, posters, and digital yourself up on the roof (and San Marcos like wildfire. Made images adorning the walls popular by Drake, the catchy neither should all the stairs on of Facebook, all relaying a saying quickly transformed the way up). The Rooftop and common saying: “Keep Calm from a motto to shirts, hats, The Veranda are both located on and….” The British originated and shorts. Thus people took the square, and the weather is “Keep Calm and Carry On” these as words to live by; a absolutely beautiful this time of on posters, and in 2000 the statement that they could say year, so take it outside, SMTX. saying was reborn and has and wear. It’s safe to say that since gained international YOLO has reached the peak Skee-Ball Another brand fame. People everywhere of its popularity. The use of the new bar opened this year, which have come up with their own phrase now may get you a few replaced the long-standing adaptation of the “Keep Calm” funny looks, because everyone Dillinger’s bar. Black Rabbit saying, leaving everyone the knows that YOLO is no more. Saloon has become famous ultimate message to simply Thank God. for its arcade atmosphere just “keep calm.” The only limit and Skee-Ball alleys. Each to this born-again piece of Girl’s Cut off T’s & “Thurskee-Thursday” at 9 p.m., propaganda is creativity. tournaments are held Transparent Shirts 2012 Skee-Balll with the opportunity for you, brought back the very revealing, Snapbacks “Snapbacks individually, or your team, to win yet sexy ‘90s style for the ladies.’ and Tattoos” wasn’t just a a $20 or more bar tab. This is Transparent blouses and cut-off hit song in 2012; the actual something you can’t miss out tops are more popular than ever snapback hat has made on; beer-pong is fading out and before. This more risqué style its mark on male fashion Skee-Ball is taking over. If you allows women to show off all of throughout the year. All the haven’t played since you were a their hard work in getting toned. dudes took advantage of youngster, it’s only 25¢ per round Unfortunately for the gentlemen, this new trend to sport their for you to re-conquer the art of it’s getting colder outside favorite teams, but still have Skee-Ball once-and-for-all! meaning the ladies will begin to a hat that fits; hence, the start covering up those tummies, snap in the back, making the SMTX Entertainment & Culture 29

Predicting the future is normally left to a select few (Mayans, Psychics, Fanatics). Our predictions may or may not come true (i.e. George Strait could not make it this year). But, based on our indepth research from 2012, we’ve come up with a few possibilities to keep on the radar for 2013. By: Morgan Martens

Apartment Invasion Our city has slowly gained more apartment complexes throughout the years; each one trying to outdo the last all-inclusive resort-style living arrangements. However, we’re going to make the call that in 2013 there will be even more new neighbors moving in town to house the new students that will inevitably choose Texas State as their new home for the next four to six years. With names like The Retreat and Sanctuary Lofts, we suspect to see new structures like Pleasure Paradise or possibly Swagger City go up soon.

Freshman Overload It’s no surprise that Texas State has grown every year with more freshmen pouring into the dorms. But, in 2013, San Marcos will have a freshman overload, meaning the ratio of freshman to everyone else would be through the roof. A freshman apocalypse is bad enough, but if Texas State made a strict no car rule for incoming freshman, that would cut down on some of the traffic, and hopefully some of the accidents, around town. Don’s vs. TXST Tubes Everyone

heard about the Sun God vs. Frisbee Dan–just one of the major rivalries in town. Texas State Tubes gave Don’s a run for their money and things got dirty quickly when they opened their doors last summer right next to Don’s Fish Camp. The tubing business is about to experience an epic battle at sea, or on the river at least. Tubes will sink, beer will fly and tops will come off. It will be a major disaster, but no one will remember, because who remembers anything that happens on the river?

30 BobcatFans Magazine

5 Guys Burgers & Fries For those of you who haven’t heard of the popular burger joint Five Guys Burgers and Fries, it is a fastfood restaurant without the fast food taste. With a little luck, San Marcos will be getting one of these franchises sometime in 2013 to give San Marcos yet another option for good food at a low price. But, this isn’t like every other madeto-order burger restaurant; you can stuff all the toppings you want in the order you please between two fresh-baked buns. End of the World The Mayans started it, now people have predicted the world to somehow come to an end during the last month of 2012. While the rest of the world may disappear, we predict that beautiful San Marvelous will survive the apocalypse. What better choice to be the only city left standing? Life will start anew alongside the beautiful San Marcos River and it probably won’t take too long for the college crowd to begin the repopulation Nephews Goes Country In 2013, we predict that Nephew’s will go back to their country roots. Instead of lasers and neon, Nephew’s might swap out the black lights for cowboy boots and a ten-gallon hat. The wobble might be replaced with copperhead road; it would be good news for all the cowboys around, but the dubsteppers would have to shuffle over to Rooftop to keep on party rockin’.

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4 Bedroom/4 Super 2 Bedroom/2 BathBath Super will alsoBath enjoy ourDeluxe amenities including a fitness cent4You Bedroom/4 Bath 4 Bedroom/4 2 Bedroom/2 Bath Deluxeroom, resort-style pool with a private Deluxe er, recreation sun deck, and much more. Sanctuary Lofts also offers fully State of the art fitness center. furnished student apartments in a variety of floor plans to choose from, individual liability leases, and cable and internet are included. We also have a seven story parking garage so ALL of our residents enjoy covered parking. Cable, high speed internet, gas and trash is also included. Our professional on-site staff is dedicated to serving your needs and arranging both social and educational activities to help you meet other residents and enjoy your college experience. There is no reason to look elsewhere, applyEfficiency today and reserve your space at San Marcos’ most Efficiency Loft exclusive student housing community!

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24-Hour Fitness Center

2 Bed /2 Bath 2 Bedroom/2 Bathroom

/theoutpostsm | TheOutpostSanMarcos.com | 512.392.7678 | Starting at $514 36 BobcatFans Magazine

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THE AVENUE at San Marcos, student housing with a modern twist. THE AVENUE at San Marcos features studio, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom loft and multi-level townhome formats. All styles of residences at THE AVENUE include fully furnished and unfurnished options with free cable and high-speed internet service. And when you’re ready to work or play in a more communal environment, witness the sights and sounds of THE BASE, our 9,800-square foot work and play area with a modern, edgy vibe. Visit www.avesanmarcos.com, call 512.216.6283 or email leasing@avesanmarcos.com for information. Welcome to serious fun.

avesanmarcos.com *special

g r a n d o p e n i n g r at e s s u b j e c t t o c h a n g e .

Now leasing for fall 2013. Residence Features • Extra large bedrooms • Hardwood style floors • Stainless steel appliances • Guest bathrooms • Custom brand name furniture • and much more

SMTX Entertainment & Culture 37

Located four blocks from the campus, students enjoy a short walk to class or have the option of using the nearby bus stop.

Now Preleasing Fall 2013

Logan Ridge, one of the newest student living properties in San Marcos, is ready to welcome you as the Fall semester begins at Texas State University. Logan Ridge is a one of a kind complex offering luxuries of upscale houses in an apartment style setting.

rates. Enjoy an atmosphere that is absent of the congestion usually found in other apartment complexes. Directly on the Texas State University bus route. Convenient, secure, community oriented, and affording custom finishes.

Located less than one mile from the TXST campus, this 42 unit complex will set a new The finest in stylish student living available standard in university living. Students will in San Marcos, Texas. Starting at $550 per have an opportunity to choose from two bedroom! Offering a unique environment, bedrooms, two bath units or three bedwith exceptional quality at competitive lease rooms, three bath units.

3 Bed /3 Bath

2 Bed /2 Bath

LoganRidgeLiving.com | 512.878.1792 | Starting at $525 | Prime Property Management @ 1503 Aquarena Springs

Sagewood Trail Duplexes

What Happens At Sagewood, Lives in your memories forever!

Looking for Spacious Living? If Apartments aren’t your thing, visit Sagewood Trails. Sagewood Trails is a community of its own. Located right off of Craddock Avenue, Sagewood Trail consists of inexpensive duplexes on a small horseshoe-shaped street. It’s a place where everyone is friendly with one another. At Sagewood Trails, we have 3 bedrooms 2 ½ baths or 3 bedrooms 3 ½ baths floor plans for you to

choose from. Each one is unique in décor, and has a two-car garage. Sagewood is located on the LBJ bus route, which is one of the quickest routes in town. If you’re more of a bicycle enthusiast, riding to class is just as effortless. All in all, it is the place to be for those who are laid back and just looking for a good college experience.

SagewoodDuplexes.com | 512.878.1792 | Starting at $1275 | Prime Property Management @ 1503 Aquarena Springs 38 BobcatFans Magazine

C o m i n g FA L L 2 0 1 3

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• Walk to Campus • Wood Laminate Flooring 1350 N. LBJ Drive San Marcos, TX 78666 • 2 Texas State • Satena Appliances Shuttle Routes • Large Pets Welcome • 24 Hour Fitness Center Free Gourmet Coffee Bar AT HILLSIDE• RANCH AT HILLSIDE RANC 512.393.3222 5 1 2www.hillsidetsu.com .393.32 2 www.hillsidetsu.c • Study Lounge • 21 and 2 Bedrooms For info: TEXT ‘BOBCAT’For to 47464 info: TEXT ‘BOBCAT’ to 47464 • Free Tanning • Washer and Dryer • Free Cable and Internet

-hole AT HILLSIDE RANCH 9 a e v a h Text BOBCAT to 47464 for more information se We nowgolf cour512.393.3222 AT HILLSIDERANCH RANCH AT HILLSIDE www.hillsidetsu.com Hillside Ranch Apartments, 1350 North LBJ Dr., disc For info: TEXT ‘BOBCAT’ to 47464 512.393.3222 www.hillsidetsu.com San Marcos, Texas 78666, 512.393.3222 www.hillsidetsu.com

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Riverside Ranch Apartments

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Brand New 24 Hour Fitness Center Free Internet Free Cable with HBO 1&2 Bedrooms Available Texas State Shuttle Route Resort Style Pool with 2 Hot Tubs 1350 N. LBJ Drive 5 Picnic and BBQ Pavilions Large Pets Welcome

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Entertainment & Culture SanSMTX Marcos, TX 78666

The Polo Club

Open areas Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about location and convenience at The Polo Club

Affordably Close to Campus Proximity to restaurants, work or school and affordable rent are the main features the Polo Club Apartments. The location is so close, it might as well be on campus. The oversized bedrooms give their residents enough space to live comfortably. The affordably priced rent keeps your money where it belongs -in your pocket! With all the money that can be saved at Polo Club,

residents can walk to the local downtown restaurants and nightlife so they can have more fun without spending a fortune! Residents like the united community feeling and most invest their interests in the outdoors and are allowed to store their bikes, tubes, and kayaks outside their apartments where they would otherwise have no room.

PrimePMC.com | 512.878.1792 | Starting at $675 | Prime Property Management @ 1503 Aquarena Springs

40 BobcatFans Magazine

Profiles

where Winners

Juan Landa

Eat

TXST Triathlete

By Stephanie Simmons Photo Eric Morales Great things can come from doing something just to keep busy. And that’s exactly what happened to Juan Landa. As he began to discover triathlon competitions during his freshman year, he knew that this could be something he could really be passionate about. Juan is still going strong in this intense three-part competitive race. Juan tells us that he started in his hometown of Kaufman, competing in races since his junior year in high school. “So you can say it’s been instilled in me to be more competitive than most,” Juan explains. “What attracted me to pursue it further was placing first after my first race… You could say that I got addicted to the sport.” Studying Computer Information Systems, Juan is now a senior and still competing.

Q&A What’s your favorite part? My favorite part of the triathlon is the run since it’s the part that I excel in. Also, it’s the last part of the race so I know it’s almost over. Other than this, what other pursuits do you have? Anything else you’re passionate about? I am really passionate about running, since it’s something that I can do anywhere. I am also very passionate about my religion. Have you received any awards or accomplishments? Since starting the sport, I’ve placed 1st in two races, 2nd in one race and 3rd in one as well. What is your favorite thing about Texas State and San Marcos? My favorite thing about Texas State and San Marcos is the atmosphere; it’s really relaxing. Also, everyone is nice here.

SMTX Entertainment & Culture 41

Pumped

Sam Wheeler

The typical monotony of the gym wasn’t doing it for Sam, who decided to check out CrossFit in New Braunfels; he was quickly sold. From his experience, he learned that it was more than a workout, it was a lifestyle. He says that CrossFit changed his life, which is why he brought it to San Marcos back in 2011. The workouts are always new, offering a little mystery to each session, which allows members, both students and locals alike, to become a community that pushes one another to get in shape and reach individual goals.

Toes to Bar Core: Abs, Obliques -Keep your arms straight and core muscles tight. While keeping both legs straight, roll your hips back, bringing them up to the bar.

Over Head Squat Ring Dip

Legs, Core, Shoulders, Balance, Flexibility -Keep feet shoulders width apart and facing slightly outward. Keep your chest up and head in a neutral position. It is important to keep your “shoulders active,” as in not slouching or leaning. This intense exercise works both the upper and lower body in one motion.

Triceps, Chest, Deltoids -With your arms to the side, drop down to your armpits and then push back up, locking your elbows close to your body. The need for balance and stability helps work the core muscles.

Cross Fit San Marcos If you had one too many slices of pie during Thanksgiving or are looking to buckle down a serious New Year’s Resolution, CrossFit San Marcos just might be your solution. CrossFit started as somewhat of an underground fitness movement, but since it is OK to talk about CrossFit outside of CrossFit, this intense combination of movement and resistance has become very popular. If you are looking for a new adventure and ready to make a few new friends this year, check out one of their free community workouts that take place on the first Saturday of every month.

Learn the Lingo W.O.D: Workout of the Day A.M.R.A.P: As Many Reps as Possible WOD Example 4 Rounds for time or 20min Overhead Squat: 3 Toes to Bar: 9 Ring Dip: 6 Rope Climb: 1

42 BobcatFans Magazine

Rope Climb Legs, Core -There are multiple methods for executing the rope climb. The important thing to remember is to incorporate a proper technique so that the legs and arms are used to make it up the rope.

Bobcat Shopping at Bobcat Stadium The Only Fan Shop Owned and Operated by Texas State University.

Texas State University Bookstore Presents The new fan shop located in Bobcat Stadium featuring the finest in Texas State apparel & gifts is now open! Open daily from 10 am - 4 pm. Extended hours on game days. Closed Sundays.

Here for you, here for Texas State 2nd Floor LBJ Student Center Î&#x2021; 512-245-2273 www.bookstore.txstate.edu

2012

BEST OF

Rally/Mardi On The Square

By Sarah McDonald

Look, we love San Marcos and see no reason to need to go anywhere else, that’s why BobcatFans Magazine and many of our friends from the square teamed up to give the residents of San Marcos a time they would never forget, but might not remember. Mardi On The Square celebrated it’s third year with our largest crowd ever! And in September, with the help of the city and fellow businesses, we all came together to Rally, shutting LBJ down for the first time in 20 years. Mark your calendars, next up is Mardi On The Square IV on February 12th. It’s only getting bigger as we have a few new establishments joining the team. Let the beads fly SMTX!

Summer Charity Drive - Float For Cans

As many of you know, San Marcos in the summer is a completely different animal. We thought it would be an opportune time to give back to our wonderful community by floating the river to benefit those in need. We cleaned out our pantry’s, blew up our tubes and headed out to the river with you for some good times. We ended up collecting $500 and 184lbs of food for the Hays County Food Bank. Thank you again for your support and generosity.

Facebook Post Record

We didn’t create the above meme, but we thought it was funny enough to post on our page. We sat in amazement as it went viral and demolished our pervious record with 314 Shares, 1298 Likes and 27988 Views. 44 BobcatFans Magazine

Randy Rogers Interview

Though Randy Rogers was busy on the Interstate, he found some time to call and do an interview with us for the September issue. He told us things that you might not find on CMT’s biography page; like his favorite tailgating memories, or what he majored in at Texas State, or why he’s proud to be a Bobcat. Who wouldn’t want to have a personal conversation with Randy Rogers? We did our best to remind him to keep coming back home to San Marcos because we need another BFF.

Blake Anderson From Workaholics

We “Got Weird” with Blake at last years Fun Fun Fun Fest. He taught us a few things about being a workaholic and what to do to follow our dreams, like he did. Take a sip of that work-ohol and look back at his advice in the March issue. It’s Money!

AUTO Car Troubles? We can fix it! OUTLET SAN MARCOS

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Lexus Lincoln Mazda Mitsubishi Nissan Pontiac Saturn Subaru Toyota Volkswagen Volvo and more...

-Factory Trained Technicians -Free Local Shuttle Service -Rental Cars Available -Shop at the Outlet Mall while we work for you ***see service advisor for details

512-753-3355 www.SanMarcosAutoOutlet.com 2990 North Interstate 35 Frontage Road, San Marcos, TX 78666

SMTX Entertainment & Culture 45

Back Page

Ice Cold Artist

Sean Lahey works alone in a freezer, spending longs days with a chain saw and a massive block of ice. He makes his living by creating stunningly beautiful ice cubes of art. As a New York native and art major, he got his start under a seasoned sculptor in St. Louis. His out-of-the-box experience in art turned into a profession after five years of sculpting. He then moved to the Central Texas area to meet the demands of a growing economy. He opened his business, Full Spectrum Ice Sculptures, in 2010. Lahey is recognized by NICA (National Ice Carving Association) as an Ice Educator and Certified Professional Carver. He is able to teach others the craft of carefully sculpting what would otherwise be a plain block of ice into an artistic creation. In addition to teaching sculpting classes, Lahey participates in ice sculpting competitions and has won a few awards for his abilities. 46 BobcatFans Magazine

The limits of his creations are infinite. Lahey creates everything from drink luges to ice bars. The sculptures sometimes exceed the limits of the 14-foot freezer he works in, forcing him to sculpt the ice in separate pieces, which makes it imperative for the pieces to line up exactly. According to Lahey, sculptures are usually presentable for around 3 to 4 hours. Afterward, they will gradually begin to melt and lose some of the intricate details. While there is no specific market for ice sculptures, Lahey caters to weddings, parties, and events, creating ornate decorations and functional pieces able to cool food or drinks as they are served. Color can also be added to a sculpture by hollowing a well into the ice and creating a layer of snow and ice to lock in

the color. Logos and words can also be added through Lahey’s process of enlarging a logo and tracing the design into the ice until it is a perfectly replicated. While he employs others when moving sculptures, Lahey has virtually no employees. He works as a one-man band, making his own blocks of ice, then putting his vision to work to create small centerpieces or massive statues. Sean Lahey has proven to the world that art can come in many forms and temperatures. The limits to his amazing creations are endless due to his ability to sculpt almost anything. Lahey is truly doing his part in keeping San Marcos “Cooler” than Austin. See more @ fullspectrumice.com