Volume 25 Issue 28 by Island Waves

A night of classics Corpus Christi Chorale preforms at University

Fall Carnival on the Island

The Corpus Christi Chorale preforms at the Island University’s Preforming Arts Center on Oct. 14.

by TREY SEAL entertainment reporter

n the modern age, new music seems to arise on a near weekly basis. By effect, the classical stylings of composers such as Beethoven and Mozart often get pushed to the wayside. In order to keep the spirit of these classical works alive, The Corpus Christi Chorale holds multiple concerts a year. On Oct. 14, the Chorale held its concert titled “Friends & Rivals.” The title was chosen in order to describe the dynamic between composers of the various songs being per-

formed. The first set of songs played included the famous “Lacrymosa” from Mozart. Even if that name doesn’t sound familiar, its elaborate melody of despair and anguish is unforgettable. “Lacrymosa” was just the opening of the first act which was titled “Friend, Rival, or enemy?” In addition, the song “Gloria” from Franz J. Haydn and “Sanctus” by Antonio Salieri were played. Upon finishing “Sanctus,” composer Dr. Ross Bernhardt came down to tell the audience about their next set of music. He described the second act titled

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photo by TREY SEAL

“War of the Romantics” as being about composers Clara Schumann and Franz Liszt. The two composers were figureheads in a late 19th century classical renaissance known by the aforementioned title. Schumann represented a group that believed in the old stylings of classical music. Liszt represented a group that believed that progressively working to innovate was the only way forward. The two factions fought each other through acts of public embarrassment and slander.

Local artist paints with her feet PAGE 7

Tragedy on the road see CC CHORALE on page 8

Island University reacts to NCTC bus accident

by JAMIE FINK news reporter

n Sept. 26, tragedy struck one small college town in north Texas shocking not only a community, but the entire country. The North Central Texas College women’s softball team was traveling back to the NCTC campus in Gainesville, Texas, after a scrimmage against Southern Nazarene University in Bethany, Okla. The team’s bus was heading southbound on I-35 around the Oklahoma and Texas state border,

near the small town of Davis, Oklahoma, when an 18-wheel semi-truck veered in the oncoming lane and crashed into the side of their team bus. The accident claimed the lives of four of the college’s softball player’s that night. “This is a situation you can’t prepare for,” said Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi assistant softball coach Keith Steins. “It would be a nightmare. It’s something you don’t want to prepare for. You don’t want anyone ever to go through this.” “This is the most traumatic event

that NCTC has had in its 90 years of history,” said NCTC College President Brent Wallace at an emotional news conference. At the news conference, Wallace identified for the first time the names of the four young women who had died in the accident: Meagan Richardson, 19, from Wylie, Texas; Brooke Deckard, 20, from Scurry, Texas; Jaiden Pelton, 20, fromTelephone, Texas; and Katelynn Woodlee, 18 from Windom, Texas.

Learn how to Saltwater Fly Fish PAGE 10

see NCTC ACCIDENT on page 3

VOLUME 25, ISSUE 28

editorial 2 ISLAND WAVES

a student publication of

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

island waves staff CONNER TICHOTA editor-in-chief

MARIAM AMAYA

advertising manager

JUSTIN VU NGUYEN

advertising assistant

Huff, puff, spread the germs on

10.23.2014

AUBREY DANCER layout editor

THI NGUYEN

layout assistant

JAMIE FINK

news reporter

TREY SEAL

entertainment reporter

JEREMY PAPE

sports reporter

MARK MARTINEZ

distribution manager

WENDY MOORE faculty adviser

JESSE DELEON

graduate advisor

AMY KOTULSKI staff adviser

write us a letter The Island Waves accepts letters no longer than 250 words. Letters are subject to editing. Send letters to the editor via email at editor@tamucc.edu.

about island waves The Island Waves is a student-produced publication at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The newspaper is printed weekly, except during summer sessions. Since A&M-Corpus Christi has no journalism department, Island Waves is supported by student fees and advertising sales. Any student or University employee may submit material for publication consideration. To become a contributor, e-mail or call the Island Waves editor.

photo illustration by CONNER TICHOTA

by CONNER TICHOTA editor in chief

uess what? It’s flu season. Students are back in school, the weather is starting to cool off, the sniffles are coming and sore throats, are too. Since it is that time of the year, it is important that everyone take extreme precaution to not only prevent illness, but to stop spreading it. Please, stop spreading germs to others. No one deserves to be ill. The Center of Disease Control is responsible for monitoring annual influenza outbreaks. Their records find that the “flu season” typically runs from late September until mid-May. According to their 2013-2014 survey, out of 308,741 Americans tested 17.3 percent had contracted some form of the influenza virus during the season. The peak time was late December. These statistics did not account for those who suffered from the common cold. For the current 2014-2015, covering May through September, the numbers have been low thus far at 4.9 percent. Let’s try and keep it that way. Both influenza and the common cold are contagious. The CDC states influenza is contagious before symptoms appear and up to a week after symptoms begin.

The common cold follows a similar, but shorter window for contagion. This means students may not even realize they are sick, but are still passing it on to others. Both types of viruses are air-born. Meaning, whenever a student is in the vicinity of someone who is contagious and is sneezing, coughing or just breathing, that student is at risk of contracting the virus. Similarly, if a contagious person coughs or sneezes into their hand and proceeds to type up their essay on a university computer, the next student to use that keyboard is at risk of becoming infected. There are multiple ways to prevent becoming ill. They may seem like common sense. However, the number of people roaming the Island University’s halls actually working on their impression of barking seals is probably four or five. The rest of the students hacking are just sick. First, always wash hands. Always. Coughed? Sneezed? Touched a keyboard? A phone screen? Go wash the paws. Assume everything touched is a biohazard. Keeping hands clean helps to not only prevent the individual from getting sick, but it prevents the spread of germs and viruses. Do not eat or drink after anyone. It’s just as bad as purposely taking a sick person’s used tissue and eating it.

Second, if a student is sick, stay home. Seriously, this is the one time it is appropriate and socially acceptable to skip class. Unless the student possess a giant hamster ball they can roll into class, they will be breathing on, coughing on, sneezing on and infecting everyone around them. Now, there is the occasional student that will vehemently claim they’re not sick or they don’t have anything. Avoid these people at all costs. These are the ones that are so stubborn to admit they could be sick, that they will most likely be the first ones to be sick. If someone is sick they should take the following steps to get better quicker. Get some rest, go to sleep. Drink lots of fluids. This does not include coffee and soda. Try orange juice instead, the vitamin C will help fight infection. Take lots of vitamin C, it can drastically shorten the duration of a cold. Also, taking antihistamines, such as Benadryl, can help with symptoms especially around bedtime. Tylenol is good for reducing a fever or alleviating a headache. So, with flu season in full swing, remember these tips to help prevent illness and stop the spread as well. If ever needed, the university does have a 24hour nurse hotline at students’ disposal to answer any questions. Their number is (361) 825-5735.

news

10.23.2014

ISLAND WAVES

A photograph of the NCTC softball wreckage at the scene on Sept. 26.

NCTC ACCIDENT “With a tragedy of this magnitude, the way to New York and everywhere I can only imagine the impact it has in between, are playing in honor of had on the program,” said the Island those four amazing young women University’s head softball coach who lost their lives that night. Stephanie Hughes. “I lost a player “My heartfelt prayers go out to hit by a drunk driver while I was everyone involved and I hope that coaching at the University of Texas- one day these student-athletes and San Antonio. It was a very tragic and coaches can get back to some sort of senseless loss of a young person with normalcy,” Hughes said. a bright future.” In the most recent news, according “I, along with my coaching staff, to nbcnews.com, the driver of the immediately got the team together to semi-truck told investigators that a inform them of the accident,” Hughes distraction caused him to swerve. said. “It happened when she was National Transportation Safety Board traveling home for the weekend. We board member Robert Sumwalt had a counselor with us, but the team said the preliminary investigation really just needed each other. To this showed the truck continued straight day I ask my players to let me know on a part of the highway that had if they are leaving town and to let a curve, causing it to go through me know when they get where they the median. Investigators found no are going. Their safety is of utmost indication of skidding, braking or importance.” evasive maneuvers and examination Hughes expressed how a tragedy of the truck indicated the brakes of this magnitude would effect a were functional. program even one like her own. Sources told NBC News that “I would think that it would affect Staley told investigators that he was every aspect of your program,” reaching for a drink when the accident Hughes said. “As much as we travel, occurred. Investigators have not yet I would hope this kind of accident confirmed Staley was distracted by would help with driving laws and anything inside the truck’s cabin. If make it safer for everyone. However, the driver did lose focus, Sumwalt we can only control us, no one else on said, the NTSB investigation would the road.” hopefully help to avoid similar tragic Since the accident, neither NCTC cases. nor the softball program has released According to NewsOk.com, the whether they will continue their families Richardson, Pelton, Deckard season this upcoming spring. and Woodlee have all filed individual “It would be very difficult. lawsuits against both the driver of However, athletes are creatures the 18-wheeler and Quickway, the of habit. What is normal to them company who the trailer belonged to is the game,” Hughes said. “In my and who hired the driver. experience you allow them time to For more information regarding grieve but getting back to a routine the accident, please visit the North helps heal their wounds.” Central Texas College Facebook page Since the accident on Sept. 26, and website. North Central Texas College and For information regarding the families of those lost have been donations and support for the NCTC flooded with enormous support from softball program, NCTC alumni have all over the country. Families, sports set up a fundraiser account called teams, organizations, and so forth “Angels in the Infield” which is selling sent messages of love, prayers and T-shirts in order to help raise money thoughts, and even donations to help for the program and scholarships in both the families and NCTC. the names of the four young women Now nearly a month later, the lost in the accident. support and prayers for the NCTC Visit the Facebook page at https:// community is still going strong. www.facebook.com/Ladylionsforlife/ Teams of all sports, from California all info.

photos courtesy of KXII.COM

continued from page 1

A photograph of the semi-truck responsible for the wreck at the scene on Sept. 26.

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ACHIEVE PARTNER

To learn more or become an Achieve Partner please visit achievepartnership.tamucc.edu

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ISLAND WAVES

University Police Department hosts ‘National Night Out’ STAFF REPORTS by TEXAS A&M-CORPUS CHRISTI

he University Police Department at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi hosted “National Night Out: America’s Night Out Against Crime” on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the Camden Miramar Apartments in front of the clubhouse. The event focused on promoting crime prevention for the University. “Not only are we here for the community to get to know us and for us to get to know the community, but we are also here to teach the community how to protect your neighbors,” said Ray Casares, university police sergeant. National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, is an initiative that promotes statewide crime prevention. Communities all over Texas come together each year. This year, more than 30 years of drug prevention awareness was celebrated. Students had the opportunity to participate in a driving course using

“drunk” goggles and a pedal cart to simulate the effects of drinking and driving. Recreational Sports trainers, the Safe Communities Project, and the Honors Program all had display tables at the event. Activities also included giveaways from Islanders Alcohol & Drug Abuse Prevention Team (I-ADAPT). Members of the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Police Department were also in attendance. The event was complete with a deejay and a performance by Flour Bluff baton twirlers. Hot dogs and snacks were provided. Special guest Mark Skurka, Nueces County District Attorney, spoke on the importance of making good decisions. “It doesn’t matter where you are; you need to make good decisions,” said Skurka. “It goes back to consequences. When you have a choice to make, take the extra seconds to think about what you’re doing before you do it, because one bad decision can follow you for the rest of your life.”

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Attendee at ‘National Night Out’ tries to navigate the drunk driver simulation course. photo courtesy of TAMUCC

features

10.23.2014

ISLAND WAVES

The Omega Phi Alpha sorority poses for a quick photo with their dart game booth that they provided children and parents at the 2014 CAB Fall Carnival on Oct. 18.

Sigma Psi fraternity allowed parents and students the opportunity to have a hands-on experience with a couple of sea snails.

FALL CARNIVAL by JAMIE FINK news reporter

O Children begin decorating their cookies provided by the Secular Student Alliance booth.

The Little Mermaid and a Wizard visit the Secular Student Alliance booth to “spookify” some cookies with frosting and sprinkles.

A parent admires the work of an Omega Phi Alpha sorority member as she paints a heart onto her daughter’s face.

A child watches on as an Islander student explains the science behind why the two bottles create a vortex as the water passes between the two bottles.

Omega Phi Alpha sorority members watch on as students participate in the dart game to win prizes and candy at the CAB Fall Carnival.

n Saturday, Oct. 18, Campus Activities Board (CAB) hosted their annual Fall Carnival allowing kids and parents the opportunity to have some fun and win some prizes on a rainy day in Corpus Christi. The event originally scheduled to be on the East Lawn, was moved inside the Dugan Wellness Center due to acclimate weather, however, that did not stop the fun from continuing inside. Various organizations teamed up along with CAB to bring an early Halloween to the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi campus and community. The event provided free games, food and prizes, and contests to the children and their families. A costume contest took place at the event as the children were allowed to wear their costumes early and judged by Island University students who participated in the event. A moon bounce and obstacle course were also present for students who attended the event. For more information about the carnival or upcoming CAB events, contact the Campus Activities Board at 825-2363. photos by Jamie Fink

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ISLAND WAVES

Haley Williams and Aaron Arroyo promote the Theatre department.

Dr. Kelley and Dr. Kirklighter stand in front of their booth for the English department.

island day High schoolers test the water at the Island University photos by ELI T. BERKE

(From Left) Nic Pedroza, Modesto Paradero, Lakeita Crawford, Chrsitopher Lee Herod, Traci Mei and Love Doe (bottom) represent The Stage Dance Organization.

Jacob Rogers, a junior at HHHS, attends Island Day with his mother.

features

10.23.2014

ISLAND WAVES

Painting on point

Cantu stands next to her painting “Halfway up Uranus,” a display of pointillism.

by TREY SEAL entertainment reporter

ne of the greatest pieces of equipment in an artists’ toolset is his/her hands. They are the bare necessity of so many different dayto-day tasks. Imagine trying to paint with feet instead. Teresa Cantu, an artist originally from neighboring Rockport, Texas does just that. As a child, Cantu fell in love with the art of ballet. Through many years of practice and performance she managed to excel at her craft. Upon reaching high school however, she had to abandon the art form she held so dear in order to focus on school. That is until an art class changed everything for her. Upon learning the basics of composition and color, Cantu tried something very different. She took the canvas, put her ballet shoes on and began to paint with them. “Every piece is different. Sometimes it just starts with a dance step,” Cantu said. “This one I did of Saturn started with me painting the planet with a brush and then I danced around it.” Cantu embosses emotion into each of her works which have a strong inspiration from the natural world around her. Paintings of trees, planets, and whimsical colors lit up the walls of her exhibit. “I have a deep passion for ballet as an art form,” Cantu said. “It was started during the Renaissance era and I feel as if society is in another Renaissance now. There is so much shift that is having a major impact on the world.”

Cantu’s work is a form of pointillism, a style that has been around since 1886. The basis of pointillism is the use of small dots of color to compose a work as opposed to the standard brush strokes. Cantu’s work is unique through its combination of painted shapes in addition to these compositional dots that refine the image. Cantu’s various pieces have been displayed in various venues across the country including San Francisco and Los Angeles, California. She cites one of her greatest experiences as painting a picture on stage at Austin’s SXSW event while solo musician Sern played a show. “It was an amazing experience. I loved that I was able to give a live glimpse of the process on stage,” Cantu said. She was such a hit with the crowd that the next band asked her to stay on stage with them. When Teresa came back to Corpus Christi this month, downtown art gallery The Produce Gallery offered to host her exhibit. “It’s something that you don’t see every day,” owners and creative director Carlos Flores said. “I love to see art forms coming together to create something new and fresh.” Cantu advises that aspiring artists should never give up on what they love. “Follow your passion and great things will come,” she said. In the future, Cantu plans to move back to San Francisco and spread the reach of her art. Cantu’s art is available for viewing and purchase at The Produce Gallery on 415 Peoples St. in Corpus Christi.

photos by TREY SEAL

$20 limited edition prints are for sale. In addition, a short video of her process called pointillism is on

Vimeo.com. She plans to launch a website in the near future.

Cantu’s painting “Rhythm of Life” shows her knack for painting beautiful landscapes.

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ISLAND WAVES

In his final act, Bernhardt brought forth modern arrangements of classical songs. The works on display were all crafted by close friends of Bernhardt. The composers all hail from various universities across the country including Eastern Kentucky University and Lambuth University of Tennessee. The set was primarily composed of religious based songs. As Bernhardt began to conduct, the audience was greeted to a beautiful soprano

CC CHORALE dominated rendition of “Great is the Lord.” This was followed by equally beautiful renditions of “The Lord’s Prayer” and “This Little Light of Mine.” Bernhardt closed off the performance with a gorgeous rendition of the Irish blessing, capping off a magnificent performance. As the title would suggest, there was an interesting dynamic between these three composers when they were alive. While Mozart and Haydn are documented as being the best

of friends, Salieri and Mozart were intense rivals. In a letter to his father from the late 1700s, Mozart claimed that Salieri went out of his way to impede Mozart’s success in Vienna. In his words, Mozart stated “The only one who counts in [The Emperor’s] eyes is Salieri.” Young adults often brush off the idea of listening to classical music. It has such great importance to the world’s history though. Without classic composers such as Beethoven

and Mozart, some of the basic ideas of rhythm and flow would be nonexistent. The Corpus Christi Chorale stands tall in their mission to keep the styling’s of classical music alive and well. Admission is free to students. The Corpus Christi Chorale’s next performance, “Seasons Greetings” will be performed Dec. 16, 2014.

The holiday ﬁlm favorite for years to come by AUBREY DANCER layout editor In this world, all lives have a story. And in “The Book of Life,” this is one of them. A long time ago in Mexico there were two friends who loved the same woman. Manolo (Diego Luna) the son of a bullfighter who dreams of being a singer and Joaquin (Channing Tatum) who hopes to become a great hero like his father. Both men have feelings for the beautiful Maria (Zoe Saldana) and hope to one day win her heart. But unbeknownst to the two rival lovers, the two gods of the afterlife, Le Muerte (Kate de Castillo) who rules the Land of the Remembered, a joyous place where the dead celebrate as long as their families remember them, and Xibalba (Ron Perlman), the ruler of the Land of the Forgotten,

where a whisper can turn you to dust for those who have been forgotten in death, make a wager as to who will win the had of Maria. But when Xibalba attempts to turn the tide of the bet, Manolo is separated from Maria and the world of the living. And so, on the Day of the Dead, Manolo must endure a journey through the two realms of the afterlife to find his way back to Maria and to find himself in the process. The book of Life comes to use from director Jorge Gutierrez (El Tigra: The Adventures of Manny Rivera) and produced by the legendary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro (Hellboy). The film is an outright love letter to Mexican culture and folklore as the film manages to create a unique and original style that completely separates itself from any other animated feature to date, at least not since Tim Burton’s The Nightmare

Before Christmas. The characters of our fable are also represented as wooden statues and dolls, continuing the center the theme of Dia de los Muertos. The story itself, in regards to a family film, can be quite predictable at some points. It does follow the “hero going onto a weird and wacky journey” and the “follow your own dream” plot with a central villain that at some times feels like they really didn’t need to be there. But the film does turn a few stereotypical plot types on their ears and does try a few new things that do keep it fresh for the viewer. The voice casting and directing is one element that stands out in this reviewer’s opinion. Diego Luna is a charming and loveable hero and Channing Tatum pulls his trademark charm that seeps through even though you may have not known

images courtesy of ROTTENTOMATOES.COM

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

it was him until the very end of the film. Even Ron Perlman and Kate de Castillo manage to give Le Muerte and Xibalba fun, energetic and downright adorable at times relationship that helps keep the movie grounded. Another positive point is the movie stands on its own. There are no pop culture references (safe a few modern love songs changed to romantic guitar-strung ballads from Manolo), no painful cameos and no attempts to pander to the lowest common denominator of filmgoer. It may be a standard, by the numbers family movie and story, but with an engaging cast, unique and beautiful art style and a director that knows exactly what he wants to tell and is able to tell it well, “The Book of Life” is a full price film for lovers of animated films and is sure to be a holiday film favorite for years to come.

entertainment

10.23.2014

ISLAND WAVES

A SNAPSHOT of the Greatest Hits

Elton John

Photo exhibited at the entrance. by JESSE DE LEON graduate advisor

ome people collect vinyl record albums and assorted memorabilia to remind them of their favorite musical performers. But Will Vogt elevates the whole idea of a personal music collection to an entirely new level with Rock and Roll Photography from the Collection of Will Vogt, a truly breathtaking collection of rare and unseen rock and roll photographs currently on exhibit at the Art Museum of South Texas. The Philadelphia-born Vogt, who moved to Corpus Christi in 1985, works in ranching and oil and also serves as a board member at the Art Museum of South Texas. Despite his hectic work schedule, Vogt remains an avid photographer and art collector who has never lost his love for music. In fact, it was his inescapable desire to get closer to his musical heroes that led a 16-year-old Vogt to lug his 35 millimeter SLR camera into the Spectrum Arena in Philadelphia in 1969 to capture images of one of Jimi Hendrix’s earliest performances. “Hendrix was one of the first concerts that I saw in 1968, which I didn’t photograph,” said Vogt. “But when he came back around the following year, I took the photos that are in the exhibit…Those pictures are still some of my favorites.” Vogt’s ability to capture some of rock and roll’s most kinetic moments is evident not only in his photographs of Hendrix, but also in the equally electrifying images of Tommy and the Who’s Pete Townshend, Robbie Robertson and Richard Manuel of the Band and artsy, often offbeat images of Bob Dylan. In fact, Vogt is such a fan of Bob Dylan that the exhibit features a generous selection of both color and black and white shots of the acclaimed folk singer. Not only does Vogt have the talent for creating great photography, but he also is quite well-versed in the acquisition of the work of others. “A while back, I began to make contacts and acquire different prints and found that several photographers

were very accessible…people like Jim Marshall who snapped the Beatles’ final performance or Jerry Schatzberg who took several of the Dylan photos…he’s the guy who took the cover photo of the Blonde on Blonde album,” he said. Vogt continued on to describe how he acquired his collection. “The collection originally started with the photos that I took myself, and then I kept adding to it with the various prints that I purchased over the years,” Vogt said. “It sort of surprised me when I put them all in one room.” It was at that point that he decided that he wanted to share this very unique collection with fellow music aficionados. Deborah Fullerton, curator of Exhibitions for the Art Museum of South Texas, is also very enthusiastic about Vogt’s exhibit. “It is a very remarkable collection with a mood that is set by the different angles and qualities of these photographs since not every shot is technically perfect, but those little eccentricities actually give the collection a very personal touch,” Fullerton said. While all of these images mean something very special to Vogt, his days as a photographer always remind him of an era that was entirely unique. “It was a time when you didn’t need a press pass or anything to get up close to the artist,” Vogt said. “Since not everyone was recording video or snapping photos with their smart phones like they do today, these particular photos carry an obvious depth and breadth.” That historical perspective only serves to make these photographs of some of rock’s most iconic performers even more resonant. Whether it’s the Beatles walking toward the stage at San Francisco’s Candlestick Park in 1966 for their last concert, a pensive Elton John sitting at the piano or a show-stopping move from Elvis Presley, Will Vogt’s awe-inspiring exhibit captures and preserves moments that still resound across the decades.

Elvis Presley

photo courtesy of JESSE DELEON

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ISLAND WAVES

Saltwater fly fishing reels in students at Island University

Fly fishing in the Gulf Coast.

by JEREMY PAPE sports reporter

he location of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi allows for some courses to be taught on campus that would not typically be found in universities located elsewhere. The saltwater fly fishing course that is offered at the Island University held its first class of the semester on Tuesday, Oct. 14. “[The class will be held for] eight consecutive Tuesdays, except for the week after Thanksgiving,” Joe Miller, director of education and youth issues, said. The course will conclude on Dec. 9. “The course will meet in the National Resource Center, room 2200,” Miller said. There are two instructors listed for the course. Captain Steve Utley, who has served in the United States Coast Guard and Don Alcala, is the current president of the Laguna Madre Fly Fishers of Corpus Christi, a non-profit

photo courtesy of MOOSKNUCKLEFISHING.COM

fly fishing club that devotes itself to education, as well as conservation. In addition to his time in the service, Utley has also been involved with other ventures that have given him quite a bit of expertise in the finer points of fly fishing. According to information from the outreach website, Utley has a guide license through the Texas Parks and Wildlife department. He is a member of the Texas Canoe Association, the Texas Outdoor Guides Association and also holds the distinction of being the first person that obtained certification as a Texas Wildlife Fishing Guide through the Corpus Christi Convention & Visitors Bureau. According to information obtained from outreach.tamucc.edu, each class in the course begins at 6 p.m., and ends at 8 p.m. “It’s a non-credit course, [with] open enrollment,” Miller added. Miller said anyone who is interested may register for the course online. “Introductory material, [including]

fishing strategy, casting and techniques will be taught,” Miller said. The Island University’s outreach website provides some additional details on exactly what introductory materials will be covered in the course. Participants in the class will go through training regarding the proper way to use basic tools, along with some specialized tools. A majority of the equipment that is required for the course will be provided. However, the participant is required to purchase some items on their own. These items include two ceramic bobbins, one bodkin, a pair of 4-inch fine point scissors, one hair stacker, a Styrofoam tying caddy and a bottle of head cement. The website also mentions that there is a text for the course. The book is titled “Fly Fisherman’s Guide to Saltwater Prey.” While this is not a required reading to succeed in the class, the instructors recommend the

book. Materials and techniques will also be a focus in the training aspect of the course. Participants will be guided in the development of the most effective patterns for this area, according to the outreach website. The website also details some other elements of the course. Some of the allotted class time is spent learning about and improving skills related to fly casting. According to the website, there will be some guest lecturers that have special knowledge relating to various aspects of the course. “[The course is] designed for absolute beginners. No skills are required,” Miller said. However, as the outreach website advises, this particular course is best suited for either adults or older children that are accompanied by a parent. For more information, contact Joe Miller by email at joseph.miller@ tamucc.edu. Additionally, Captain Steve Utley may be reached via email at steven@blueheronadventures.com.

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10.23.2014

No Fairness League An opinion on how the recent scandals have turned the NFL on its head by JEREMY PAPE sports reporter

y now, many of the people interested in sports have heard about the series of scandals that have rocked the NFL over the past eight months or so. The problems the league now faces got their start in February of this year. Ray Rice, the now former running back for the Baltimore Ravens, was found to have struck his then-fiancé, now wife, in an elevator in Atlantic City in February. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the NFL made a complete fool of itself while handling Rice’s punishment. Initially, the suspension was for only two games. While suspensions are increasingly common in the NFL, most of these are related to illegal or performance enhancing drug charges. The standard for that suspension at the time, regardless of which drug was used, is four games. Another huge issue involved running back Adrian Peterson, who was accused of using a switch to beat

his son until he was bloodied and battered. The Vikings immediately put Peterson on a special list, in which he was not released from the team, but was suspended from attending any team-related events. With their actions and inactions, the NFL was sending a strong message. Perhaps it wasn’t the message they wanted to send. Wes Welker, wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, took Adderall, a common medicine for attention deficit disorder, and got a harsher suspension than Rice. The use of illegal drugs, supplements, etc. should not be supported by the league, because that is also a terrible message to send. However, it should stand to reason that knocking a woman unconscious deserved a long suspension from the very beginning, especially when compared to Adderall use. Adderall may boost on-field performance, but hitting one’s wife should always be an action punished far more severely, as it shows a lack of morals, a problem that would hurt Rice’s standing as a “role model” in

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ISLAND WAVES

Ray Rice and wife, Janay, address his felony assault charge at a May press conference. the league far more than Adderall ever could. Instead, in stereotypical big business fashion, the NFL passed the buck. Roger Goodell, the commissioner of the league, claimed the Rice video hadn’t been sent to the league office. A law enforcement official from Atlantic City blew the whistle on that lie, claiming that he sent the tape to the league office in April. Although that was still a long time, two months after the incident, it is a far cry from the seven months it took for the NFL to respond. The Peterson situation was handled better, but still left a mark on the league that might not be easily fixed. One of the biggest problems about the whole ordeal comes from a social perspective. The slow response from the NFL, followed by Goodell’s press conference about the matter, was a travesty on its own. What the league failed to realize is that, as figures from the NFL and Nielsen ratings show, females make up anywhere from 35 to 45 percent of total viewership. Were their opinions

photo courtesy of USNEWS.COM

considered when the suspension was first handed out? On the topic of alienation, it seems peculiar that action in the Rice situation was only truly taken after companies such as Anheuser-Busch and McDonald’s, two prominent NFL sponsors, decided to pull their ads from Vikings and Ravens broadcasts. This leads to an important question everyone should consider. Did the league act for purely altruistic purposes? Or, is it possible they wouldn’t have cared, so long as their money supply wasn’t affected? Goodell admitted to messing up, but admitting the mistake and fixing it created its own issues. After the outcry about the unfairness of the drug policy compared to the personal conduct policy, changes were made and some drug suspensions were reduced under the new policy. It remains to be seen how these incidents will affect the league going forward, but one thing is for certain. The league is not what it once was, and might never make it back there again.

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ISLAND WAVES

10.23.2014

Island Waves

Te x a s A & M Un i ve r s i t y - C o r p u s C h r i s t i

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