Volume 27 Issue 29

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

IslandWavesNews.com

REPEAT DENIED

Islanders miss second trip to postseason action

by JAMIE FINK • Page 11

News

TAMUCC welcomes first female interim president Page 3

Also

November 3, 2016 Volume 27, Issue 29

Opinions Page 2 Entertainment Page 7 Sports Page 10

2 Opinion STUDENT PUBLICATION OF TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITYCORPUS CHRISTI

11.03.2016

First Amendment covers everybody, not select few KACI ALVAREZ @earthtokace

One huge thing that makes America different from most ISLAND WAVES STI | ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM | other VOLUME 26 ISSUE 20 | 08.27.15 countries in the world is IslandWavesNews.com our constitutional right of the First Amendment. The First Editor-in-chief Amendment gives American KACI ALVAREZ citizens the freedom of press, speech, religion, protest and asWeb sembly.

MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL, editor Within the past year, differJEFFREY THOMAS, on-air talent ences in political views have EILEEN HERNANDEZ, reporter sparked protests all around MITCHELL JACKSON, vid. editor the country, resulting in arguments, disagreements and even Copy Editor name calling between supportKATIE MEZA ers and objectors. The differences between the many varyVisuals ing beliefs have the potential to IZZY SNEED, editor split apart families and friends MARIAH OLIVE after reading different news sources that lean toward one Layout side or the other.

KARA HERRERA, editor What most people don’t take SABRINA HUTTON, assistant into consideration when discussing protests and the First Reporters Amendment is the difference GERI LEMMONS, news JONATHAN FORNEY, feature MELISSA RODRIGUEZ, news

Advertising JAMIE FINK, manager

ABOUT ISLAND WAVES Island Waves is a studentproduced publication at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

The newspaper is printed weekly, except during summer sessions.

Any student or University employee may submit material and opinions for publication consideration. To become a contributor, e-mail or call the Island Waves editor.

CONTACT US 6300 Ocean Drive Unit 5783 Corpus Christi, TX 78412 (361) 825-5862 editor@tamucc.edu ads@tamucc.edu

the way the press is portrayed.

Many citizens do not like the press because the companies seem to lean toward either side, resulting in biased information.

However, the press has an ethical obligation to appear unbiased. It is their job to present fair and balanced information so the everyday citizen can form their own opinion.

It is important to be able to agree a n d dis-

agree with protests, assemblies, religions and anything else with people or groups and form an independent opinion about it. However, telling someone else they can or cannot practice it is equivalent to telling them they are not important enough to have the rights of the First Amendment.

No matter who you are, this applies to everyone. Those who fight for their right to express themselves should not be able to tell those who have different opinions to shut up, which is somewhat hypocritical.

Everyone’s opinion matters.

Practicing the First Amendment is patriotic, necessary and a privilege we are allowed to do. So the next time you preach about being able to speak your mind against the injustices in the world, be careful not to shut down someone else’s right to do that s a m e thing.

Fall welcomes new fashion trends

Faculty Adviser WENDY MOORE

between law and ethics.

The Colin Kaepernick’s protest that sparked a nationwide revolution at sporting events in August is just one example.

Kaepernick did not stand during the national anthem in protest of “a country [America] that oppresses black people and people of color.”

M a n y American’s stood by his side as he protested while others did not. Those who did not agree with him claimed his protests were unpatriotic.

However, the most patriotic thing to do is practice the First Amendment. It is not against the law to protest something you feel strongly about, but the individual has the right to form an opinion on whether or not they think it is ethical.

Another example, is

MELISSA RODRIGUEZ

@_melisssaaaa

Fall is finally here, which means it is time to change the fashion trends. Although, for those living in Corpus Christi all that really means is we will be switching from tank tops to T-shirts to fit the subtle change of temperature from scorching hot to pleasant heat.

However, if you are still looking to get in the Fall spirit despite the lack of Fall weather, here are my top five fashion trends for this season.

Before I get into what I believe to be this season’s most prominent fall trends, let us recap why fashion trends change with the coming of every season. Fashion is made

to mimic the changes in our environment, therefore as the seasons change so do our fashion patterns. Since autumn brings darker colored foliage and cooler weather, our clothing is made to suit those changes.

So as promised, here are five of this season’s top fashion trends that you can use to revamp your wardrobe this fall.

Dark color schemes- It’s time to trade in the neon colors for a darker, yet just as bold, color palette. Autumn introduces colors such as wine reds, burnt oranges, forest greens and chestnut browns. These earth tones are the trendiest when it comes to fall clothing. Whether it be the color of your shirt, pants or shoes, these colors are sure

to inspire a very fall fitting outfit.

Denim- This season, denim seems to be quite a hit. Denim jackets, dresses, skirts, etc. are totally making a comeback.

The 2000s style of denim on denim, is back. This fall, add some denim pieces to your outfit and you will be set to fit this season’s top trends. However, beware of over doing the denim, and going from trendy to Brittany Spears circa 2001 AMA’s.

Luxurious fabrics- If you are looking to dress up your look this fall, make sure to use fabrics other than regular cotton/polyester. Try using clothing made out of velvet, faux fur, suede or faux leather fabrics. These materials are the trendiest when it comes to fall clothing because there are normally too hot to wear

during the summer, so with cooler temperatures in fall they are perfect to complete your trendy attire.

Neck statement piecesLooking to spruce up an outfit but not sure how? Try using a neck statement piece. This includes scarves, statement necklaces or, the trendiest this season, choker necklaces. All of these options are perfect to transform a regular outfit into one fitting for this season’s top fads.

Ankle boots- This is a great option for people looking to be both trendy and comfortable.

Ankle boots are really popular during this season because you can throw them on with almost any outfit. You can wear them with jeans, skirts, dresses or anything you like.

They make for a better alternative to sneakers this fall.

News 3

11.03.2016

TAMUCC welcomes first female interim president KACI ALVAREZ @earthtokace

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n Oct. 18, the Texas A&M University System granted the position of the first female interim president of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi to Dr. Kelly Quintanilla effective Jan. 1, 2017.

Quintanilla is the current provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and has been a part of the university for 22 years. She first joined as an assistant professor in 1994 and has served as the chair of the Department of Communication and Theatre and the dean of the College of Liberal Arts. While dean, Quintanilla launched the School of Arts, Media and Communication serving as school director.

“I feel so proud and I feel so privileged to have this opportunity to represent the students and the faculty and the staff of this institution,” Quintanilla said. “I love this university and to have the opportunity to play such an important role is an incredible honor.”

Quintanilla said the interim position is appointed so she found out she got the position when everybody else did. She was traveling on an airplane when the board of regents meeting was happening so she found out through multiple congratulation messages once the plane landed.

The interim president for the Spring 2017 semester will primarily focus on the legislative session held in Austin. Quintanilla will represent the Island Uni-

versity to make sure funding is maintained and search for other potential funding opportunities.

“A president’s job is to make sure that students have all the resources and opportunities they need to learn and to make sure that faculty and staff have everything they need to succeed,” Quintanilla said. “You’re getting all the barriers out of the way, getting all the opportunities lined up and do what you can.”

Dr. Diana Ivy has worked with Quintanilla for 22 years and was hired on at the same time, back when the university became a four-year university by adding freshmen and sophomore classes. “[Quintanilla] has moved up very quickly but when you work with her, you are not surprised by that because she garners ev-

eryone’s respect because of how she treats people,” Ivy, professor of Communication, said. “I wasn’t surprised at all [when she got the position], in fact when Killebrew announced he was retiring, I kind of figured that they might ask Kelly to keep the continuity going.”

Ivy said Quintanilla has taken on multiple challenges and challenging jobs at the Island University but she hasn’t had the top job and even though she is interim president, she thinks it is going to be very interesting to see a different level of challenge for her.

“In some ways, for however long she holds the position, she is the face of the university,” Ivy said. “I have every faith she will knock it out of the park. I have no worries.”

Islander Revue set to showcase one hit wonders MELISSA RODRIGUEZ

Island Waves News .com

The Riptide recaps recent events

In this weeks episode, Jeffrey Thomas recaps what has happened this past week on campus and around the Corpus Christi Community.

Thomas discusses the recent SGA open forum allowing students to speak up about topics that concern them on campus. He also touches on Zeta Tau Alpha’s Big Man On Campus male pageant as well as the Jazz Festival hosted in Heritage Park. Watch the full episode on our YouTube channel at @islandwavestogo.

Sports aren’t “just a game”

@__melisssaaaa

J

oin the Student Foundation Association (SFA) as they host the 17th annual Islander Revue show, featuring some of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s student organizations.

Islander Revue this year will be presented at 7 p.m. Nov. 4 in the Performing Arts Center.

The cost of tickets will be $5 for students with valid Sand Dollar ID and $10 for general admission.

“Islander Revue is a musical showcase of all the different student organizations,” said Frank Garcia Jr., president of SFA. “And it really is just a chance for them to go out and have fun.”

This event is one of the Island’s most popular showcases.

People come out to support some of the university’s growing organizations as they put on an entertaining show, all competing for the coveted 1st place cash prize.

“It’s basically like a talent show, where we dance and act and only have 10 minutes,” said Cameo Luksich, show participant with Gamma Phi Beta. “In those ten minutes, we have to

O N L I N E

KACI ALVAREZ/Island Waves

Winners of the 16th annual Islander Revue, Sigma Phi Epsilon, perform their ‘90s themed skit for the audience.

set up, present a skit, dance, and clean up.”

This year nine student organizations participating which includes Singers Theatre, Islander Improv, African Student Organization and Greek Life organizations among several others.

“These organizations use this opportunity to fundraise for themselves, [while] some donate it back to their philanthropies,” Garcia Jr. said. “Other organizations who don’t get the chance to fundraise are able to take that money to be able to use to grow their organization.”

While this annual tradition gives organizations a chance to win money for themselves, it also gives back to the rest of the Island community as its proceeds raise money for student scholarships.

Each year, the Islander Revue theme is changed, so this year participants will base their performances off one-hit wonders.

The performances will range in genre from skits, choreography and singing to several other forms of entertainment.

“I personally think it’s a great experience to go through, be-

cause you get to see all the different groups and see what talents they [have] which you probably [don’t] know about,” Luksich said.

The Islander Revue provides everyone on the Island a chance to can get to know several of the different organizations on campus and gives those organizations the opportunity to give recognition to their cause.

For more information about the Islander Revue show, or looking to buy tickets, head over to studentfoundation.tamucc. edu/islander_revue.

The Watercooler’s blogger, Jamie Fink, talks about how sports can prepare athletes for the real world.

Whether you played sports as a child, competitively in middle school, high school or have continued playing sports into college or professionally, you know why you are the person you are today.

It’s the experiences from athletics that molds you, from both the good and the bad, influencing everything you do from that moment forward.

Read the full blog post at www.the-watercooler.weebly.com.

ON THE COVER: Photo from JAMIE FINK

4 News

11.03.2016

SGA open forum examines student concerns

EILEEN HERNANDEZ @EileenHdz

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n Oct. 20, the Student Government Association’s (SGA) Fall 2016 Open Forum was held providing the student body to voice concerns, notions and solutions for issues at Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi.

The panel addressed matters regarding parking, free printing, meal trades and resolutions with SGA following an open floor discussion in an educational and professional manner. The forum was open to students, facility and staff to be proactive, but an attendance of less than 30 students showed.

“We are taking it upon ourselves as well as administration to inform students more of the changes that are happening around campus,” said Andrea Gilson, vice president of SGA. “That’s not just with parking issues but academic issues, student affairs issues, issues within organizations that we have on campus, veteran’s issues-- anything that we have, we have representation within SGA.” The procedure for the open forum

began with numbers being called, giving each individual 90 seconds to speak and followed with the panel’s response in a span of 90 seconds as well. SGA also did some live Tweeting and recording for Facebook for those who could not physically attend the event.

Parking, a big concern for students, brought upon conversation including the debt of the parking garage, spaces in bus routes reducing due to limited parking on campus, why more parking passes are sold than there is parking spaces and plans that will provide more parking in the future.

“We’ve looked at past documents from our campus from previous SGAs and parking concerns is one of the top things that is always mentioned,” Gilson said.

“One of the main things is to educate the students on when these implementations are going to happen so they are prepared to buy the correct parking pass.”

Another major topic discussed regarded meal trades on campus and the problems faced due to the contract the university has with their food service provider, Chartwells.

Meal trades at Subway, Panda Express, Chick-Fil-A and other popular demand food services within the university have been dealt away due to the commission ruling. Administration stepped in during the forum informing that a big portion of money was being lost with meal trades.

Additionally, while students who reside on campus have access to a kitchen, a big chunk of money is added to their tuition for Dining Hall services. The panel was aware of this as it has been a common concern, but due a contract in place, change cannot be foreseen in the middle of the semester. However, the panel emphasized their means to try to meet halfway.

The Food and Services Committee of SGA has desire been working to resolve the obligatory use of Chartwells Catering when organizations host events and/or fundraisers on campus, said to chair of the Food and Services Committee, Justin Bustos.

“USCO started a petition that got around 500 signatures of support to demand a change tothis policy,” Bustos said in an email. “Because of the legal binding contract, the University has signed with Chartwells as our Food Service Provider, there is little room for change of this policy.”

In reference to the free printing provided and cut by the university, effective Fall of 2016, the panel cleared the waters by informing that the $5 used for the 50

CAREER

CORNER

free prints were no longer being charged in students’ tuition. This was a means of giving the students initiative to print elsewhere and clarified that the free prints were not, in fact, ever free prints.

During the open floor conversation, students brought up concerns that mainly dealt with the staff and facility on campus. There was an upset with how long of a duration it takes to set up appointments with academic advisers, whether or not professors are required to go through training for use of Blackboard and the lack of help and guidance being provided at CASA. Despite how important an issue may be to one or many, without mass production and a stride in participation, the probability of seeing change decreases and only hinders any given process.

“We need students’ ideas, input, resolutions and support to successfully create change for the good of the student body here at TAMUCC,” said Bustos, via email. “‘Strength in numbers’ is something that works and is the best way to show administration and the president that our students are concerned and want to help create change.”

SGA meetings are held every Wednesday at 12:15p.m. at the University Center. Providing the Islander community is welcome to participate in discussions and bring forth any problems and/or issues needing to be resolved.

Social media can be a tool for success

These days most of the talk surrounding social media and employment tends to focus on the potential pit falls and mistakes which can impede a person’s career goals.

But did you know social media can also be a powerful tool to enhance your career development and job search when used appropriately?

The National Association of Colleges and Employers recently surveyed the class of 2016 to uncover just how powerful social media can be when looking for a job.

What they found was that students who utilize professional social media platforms, such as Linked-In, received 13 percent more job offers than their

peers, and only one quarter of students utilized this activity.

In addition, the survey found that the job offer rate for students who communicated and connected with current employees working for a potential employer was nearly 9 percent higher than those who did not. Only 30 percent of students reported participating in this activity.

We invite you to invest in yourself by utilizing everything your Career Center has to offer. If you are interested in exploring social media as a tool in your job search, or you’re interested in utilizing any of our other services, stop by and see us anytime in University Center.

News 5

11.03.2016

Music conference turns up relevevant issues JONATHAN FORNEY @jb4nay

T

he Power on Music conference, to spotlight relevant issues in the music industry, was held inside the University Center on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

The event featured seven panels and a luncheon keynote by Matthew Knowles, father of Beyoncé and Solange Knowles. During his keynote, Knowles told stories of how his daughters overcame failures to become as successful as they are.

“It’s all about the talk to do ratio,” Knowles said. “In this industry, when you think you’ve accomplished everything you should have, sometimes you still have to start over.”

Knowles stressed the importance of having a plan and that failures aren’t stopping points, but rather lessons to be learned.

“Failure is an opportunity to grow and not quit,” Knowles said.

In the afternoon’s panels, various figures in and around the music industry gave their insight and personal takes on issues facing the industry.

Panel speakers included recording artists, judges, musical retailers, lawyers, an Islander music professor and many more.

Several topics were discussed during the conference. Panelists offered advice on getting into the music industry, recognizing opportunities and planning for the current situation the music industry faces. People don’t get their music the ways they used to years ago. Music streaming has become the most popular way people

consume music and the panels offered relevant advice. In fact, streaming has significantly cut the sales of hard music (vinyls, CDs, etc.), specifically.

“Technology has created new ways to reach more fans than ever before,” said Brendon Anthony, director of Texas Music Office.

Carrying off Anthony’s point, Judge Richard Schmidt offered an optimistic way to approach the current state of the music industry.

“The same tech that stopped people from buying CDs now allows people to become overnight sensations,” Schmidt said.

As far as making a career out of music, most of the money to be had is in songwriting and performing.

“It’s really hard to make money in the music industry today,” said Colin Kendrick, Black Fret chairman and president.

Event goers were encouraged to go into the music industry for their passion of music, if that was the path they chose. They stressed the importance of opportunities and recognizing them when they’re available.

“Opportunity isn’t something that finds you, you have to go search it out,” said Matt Perez, music retailer and pianist.

Perez concluded with some universal advice, “If you go with the idea of helping people in whatever you do, you’ll be successful.”

For more information on the conference, visit http://www.tamucc.edu/ and seearch the Power on Music conference.

It will be the first link on the search results page.

Photos by JONATHAN FORNEY/Island Waves

Matthew Knowles, father of Beyoncé, and Solange Knowles explains the importance of learning from failure during his luncheon keynote.

Two musicians perform at the conference afterparty downtown at the House of Rock.

Veterans provided lessons in opportunity GERI LEMMONS @GeriLemmons

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rom Monday Oct. 31 to Friday November 4, the College of Business and the Coastal Bend Innovation Center is hosting a Veterans Small Business Week.

Veteran’s Small Business Week is an opportunity for veterans and their families learn some business skills and tips that can help their businesses.

“I think it is a great idea,” said Jennifer Randolph, assistant director for student activities. “It gives veterans the opportunity to use skills that they learned while they were serving.”

Each day has a different lesson and at the end of the week the veterans that go through the program get a graduationlike ceremony. The ceremony is a celebration of what they have accomplished throughout the week.

“Veterans have a lot of great skills,” Randolph said. “So anyone who wants to take that initiative and start their own business, I think we should be able to help them get those extra skills so they can be successful.

According to unitedcorpuschristichamber.com, day one is an open house and an introduction to the week. This is an opportunity for participants to learn about what they might be doing during

the week and to get them familiar with innovation center. And it last from 2-6 :00p.m.

On day two, the Innovation Center is bringing a panel in order to help the participants out with financial questions. The people on the panel come from different funding agencies. This day will last from 11:30-1:00pm.

Days three and four will have the same theme, according to unitedcorpuschristichamber.com. For those two days veterans will learn about how to grow their business. On both days the workshop is from 8:30 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. and people can register for this one early.

“Why not support them when they

went out and fought for our country,” Katy Ehlers senior nursing major said.

“Veterans need something, and they can be very active in our community.”

On the final day participants go through a graduation ceremony. The graduation is the final event honoring all of the people who made it through the Boots to Reboot workshop.

“Starting a business of their own would be a way to help them along,” Ehlers said. “Supporting our community in the United States is also supporting our economy.”

For more information on Veterans Small Business Week visit cbbic.tamucc. edu/veteransweek/.

6 News

11.03.2016

ZTA raises awareness for breast cancer JONATHAN FORNEY @jb4nay

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JONATHAN FORNEY/Island Waves

Freshly crowned Big Man on Campus winner, Joey Holzer, ackowledges his adoring public.

ophomore Joey Holzer was crowned the 2016-2017 Big Man on Campus by the Zeta Tau Alpha (ZTA) sorority in a pageant held to promote breast cancer awareness on Oct. 21.

Inside the University Center Anchor Ballroom, ZTA members and attendees alike watched as hopeful contestants took part in the three-round pageant.

Tickets for the event were sold; the proceeds went toward Think Pink, ZTA’s breast cancer awareness philanthropy.

“I’m incredibly proud to be a part of the Zeta Tau Alpha’s beautiful philanthropy,” said Phuong Ho, junior nursing major and ZTA member. “We can go out and educate the public and raise money that will help fund new research and resources.”

The pink theme was in full effect at the venue. ZTAs wore black dresses with pink ribbons. Attendees were given ribbons as well. Pink balloons, streamers and other decorations adorned the ballroom. The ambiance was further refined by the DJ who kept the energy up throughout the event.

Each round was distinguished by a fashion theme and rules for contestants.

The first round was casual wear and introductory questions. Each contestant came dressed in what they would wear on a typical day and answered a question from the judges. As they walked out, an informational slide with their age and a fun fact about them was displayed on the projector.

Sophomore McAllen Waobikeze sang to the crowd to make sure he was being honest after listing that he had “the voice of an angel” on his slide.

Contestants tried to make sure they stood out from others; some wore pink socks or clothes others. Some came out with puppies to get the “aww factor.”

One contestant took a selfie with the crowd and hit tennis balls marked with ribbons into the crowd.

Once the theatrics were presented, it was time to try and gain points with the judges as contestants answered questions. The questions ranged from the ideal girl to their go-to Whataburger order. Several of the questions and even responses repeated, but the contestants tried early on to establish themselves.

The most popular response to the Whataburger order question was the classic: “A patty melt with fries and a Dr. Pepper.”

Round two was formal wear and a pickup line. Most contestants came out in suits or fancy clothes, but one took an unorthodox approach. Freshman Hunter Smith wore a black dress of his own, as he gave his best pickup line to his ZTA coach. Most of the pickup lines got big laughs from the crowd and there were even a few “oohs” and “ahhs.”

“Forget Superman, Spiderman and Batman because I’ll be your man,” said Zach Rockwell, sophomore marine biology major.

The third and final round was Pink Out, in which contestants tried to embody the Think Pink theme as best they could by wearing lots of pink. For instance, Rob Escalante came out in a pink flamingo inflatable. Additionally, they were asked to share a fact about breast cancer.

After the judges had some time to deliberate, it was decided that Holzer, a biomedical science major, was this year’s winner. Bryce Jimenez and Nolan Stack came in second and third place, respectively. Holzer addressed the crowd following his victory.

“Not only would I like to thank God; I’d also like to thank Jesus.” Holzer said.

ZTA members such as Ho, were pleased with the all aspects of the pageant.

Ho also took the time to thank the contestants and acknowledge the cause that helped make the whole event possible.

“I appreciate all the contestants for their participation,” Ho said. “I know it takes a lot of courage to go out and compete.”

“I’m so incredibly proud to be a part of Zeta Tau Alpha’s beautiful philanthropy,” Ho said.

JONATHAN FORNEY/Island Waves

Contestant Rob Escalante fully commits to the pink out theme, even bringing an inflatable friend along.

Entertainment 7

11.03.2016

Texas jazz fest provides community entertainment EILEEN HERNANDEZ @EileenHdz

D

uring Oct. 21-23, the 56th annual Texas Jazz Festival (TJF) hit a record high with numbers in vendors, stages, performing bands and attendance, according to coordinating officials.

The Texas Jazz Festival showcased plenty of talented musicians from high schools, universities and jazz bands from different regions all over Texas and other surrounding states. Over the 3-day weekend, the event made groundbreaking history with food, arts and crafts sellers, more than 60 conducting bands, a newly added fourth stage and a crowd of over 35,000 peo-

ple.

“The Jazz Festival is our gift to the community,” said Rick Sanchez, president of TJF. “We’ve put on the biggest, longest running jazz festival in the state of Texas. This is our 56th year, so obviously we’re doing something right and we’re doing it for free.”

The preparation and organization for the annual festival requires a heavy amount of planning as the event commits to a free-of-charge entry. The TJF is carried out by an all-volunteer board of officers and directors of the Texas Jazz Festival Society, with the help of donors and sponsors.

“It takes blood, sweat and tears and a lot of begging for sponsorships, so you have to have a good board of direc-

tors,” Sanchez said. “Sometimes heads are bumped, but we always work it out and it turns out good because everybody here and everyone that attends loves the jazz festival.”

“We’ve been preparing for this since the beginning of school,” said Brianna Martinez, Texas A&M UniversityKingsville sophomore and jazz band member. “This is our goal. The Jazz Festival has always been the goal for all other jazz bands. It’s always been like a tradition every single year.”

On top of the event’s dedication to promote and present the performance of live jazz, the Texas Jazz Festival also recognizes a Miss Texas Jazz Festival Queen. She is awarded with not only a crown but also a scholarship.

“Last month, we had a pageant at the Holiday Inn Marina and we all got together, did an interview and then an on-stage question,” said Brianna Garcia, 2016-2017 Miss Texas Jazz Festival Queen. “There are scholarships from $1,500 to $1,000 and $750. It’s open from ages from 18 to 25 so [it’s] perfect for college.”

The Texas Jazz Festival has succeeded in being an ongoing, non-profit organization for public enjoyment and educational purposes all by the sharing of live jazz music.

For a deeper look into the 56th annual Texas Jazz Festival, head over to IslandWavesNews.com and click on the multimedia tab for a mini segment of the event.

First glance at the 56th annual Texas Jazz Festival.

Texas A&M University-Kingsville Jazz Band members, Brianna Martinez and Mark Saldivar, pose before their performance.

Photos by EILEEN HERNANDEZ/Island Waves

2016-2017 Miss Texas Jazz Festival, Brianna Garcia, showcases her Texas Jazz pride.

8 Entertainment

11.03.2016

Deepwater Horizon spills truth about BP oil Spill

MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL @mikaylaMOG

FILM REVIEW

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n April 20, 2010, one of the worst oil rig disasters in United States history took place about 50 miles off the Louisiana coast.

True story movies have quickly become more and more popular over the past few years as the entertainment business continues to grow. In many of these stories, ones that are not based off horror stories, the movies play toward the victims’ side. ‘Deepwater Horizon’ is not any different.

This hour and a half movie puts the audience into the shoes of the crew members upon the Deepwater Horizon, or “the well from hell” as it was so affectionately named by the people on the rig.

The movie opens with genuine audio footage from the court cases that followed the explosion in 2010. It then flashes to the 12 hours prior the explosion as the audience follows Mike Williams, chief electrician for Deepwater Horizon, as he gets ready to leave his

wife and daughter for 21 days. Viewers follow along as he meets with Andrea Fleytas, one of the sole women on the oil rig, as well as Jimmy Harrell, the installation manager for DWH. Together the three of them, in addition to a couple more rig workers and two BP business men are helicoptered to the rig. After landing they find out that BP sent home the testing team that was supposed to test the concrete at the bottom of the pipes. After that information is confirmed by several sources on Harrell’s rig, everything starts to spiral downhill.

The crews did not test the cement structure, the negative pressure test did not do so well and the rig was 43 days behind schedule resulting in BP breathing down the crew members’ necks. Against better judgement, the crew decided to go ahead and pump the

mud up from the ocean floor, which resulted in the building pressure that was not seen through the tests to override the system causing a blowout of mud.

Ultimately, gas, which traveled through the systems, created the terrifying explosion that ignited the rig on fire.

Much of the movie is dedicated to the crew members trying to save the rig themselves and the realization the rig cannot be salvaged. The movie has a solemn end as the crew is rescued by a nearby boat and names are called, they realize they’d lost 11 crew members.

The survivors are taken to land and reunited with loved ones. As the movie credits are set to come on, the directors and producers added in the last bit of actual footage of testimonies from Mike Williams and Jimmy Harrell at the trials as well as follow up information about them. The final scene is a simple

black scene with a list of the 11 victims and photos of each of them.

The director, Peter Berg, packs this movie with many fan favorites, such as Mark Wahlberg as Mike Williams, Kurt Russell as Jimmy Harrell, Gina Rodriguez as Andrea Fleytas, Dylan O’Brien as Caleb Holloway, John Malkovich as Donald Vidrine and Kate Hudson as Felicia Williams, to name a few. The film also includes a cameo by Trace Adkins at the end of the movie as one of the victim’s father.

‘Deepwater Horizon’ is a movie that interests people and makes them start to wonder more about the actual events that took place. After seeing the movie, you are going to want to know more about the tragedy that dumped 210,000,000 U.S. gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, and is still effecting the wildlife there today.

SVC gives back to Community GERI LEMMONS @GeriLemmons

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tudent Volunteer Connection (SVC) is a student organization that provides service opportunities for students and the Corpus Christi area as well as other cities and other states.

The organization that puts on different service opportunities for students like multiple beach clean-ups, the BIG Event and also alternative events as well.

“Something that makes SVC unique compared to other organizations is that we don’t just have one soul focus,” said Samantha De Melim, adviser for SVC. “Our organization is split up into three different areas.”

De Melim said they have different committees that take care of different tasks in the organization. One job is planning the signature and service events which are the ones that are put on for the campus community.

They have a person that takes care of the alternative breaks, there is alternative winter break and alternative spring breaks which are open to anyone. The third area is the BIG EVENT which is one big day of service.

“We send students faculty and staff out into the community to volunteer at resident homes as well as nonprofit organizations,” De Melim said. “And it is sort of everyone coming together to basically thank the Corpus Christi Community.”

SVC provides service opportunities that allow anyone to come out and participate in their events. They do not require students to have to join there organization if they want to just help them out at an event they are having.

“We do open applications every Fall and every Spring semester for members,” De Melim said. “So if students are passionate about service and planning service programs they can definitely join our organization.”

Ashley Cooper, senior biomedical science major, said by joining the organization she has found some of her really good friends and she has made a lot of connections as well.

“I feel like our organization is really close and we are all friends with each other,” said Mayra Rodriguez, junior biomedical science major. “Before I joined I didn’t know anyone in here ,and I made new friendships.”

SVC provides not only volunteer opportunities for its members but they also have started the Presidential Volunteer service awards.

“You get to see opportunities and experiences of other people outside the college community, outside of what you know, outside of what’s comfortable,” said Erica Y Barra, a counseling education graduate student. “So being able to experience just abstract that you don’t normally run into, not only creates a bond between us but the community.”

10 Sports

11.03.2016

Ice Rays show support for loved ones

MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL @mikaylaMOG

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n Oct. 29, the Corpus Christi Ice Rays finished up a three-game series against the Shreveport Mudbugs defeating the Mudbugs 3-2.

The game was particularly special to

the Ice Rays as it was their ninth annual ‘Pink in the Rink’ game. Every year in October, the Ice Rays team honors those who have fought breast cancer and are fighting it, as well as the organizations who help promote awareness for the cause by sporting jerseys with pink on them and pink socks. Following a shut-

IZZY SNEED/Island Waves

Ice Rays celebrate their 3-2 victory over the Shreveport Mudbugs. The team took two out of the three games in victory.

out win on Thursday, and a loss on Friday, Captain and center Mason Krueger, along with his fellow Ice Rays, wanted to pull off the win for this game.

“It was extremely important to me.

My aunt had breast cancer, so I know it means a lot to me but also a lot of guys in this organization that mean a lot to me.

I know this game meant a lot them, especially to David Baskerville,” Krueger said.

For David Baskerville, center for the Ice Rays, it was made an extremely special game due to the video the organization showed during the pre-game festivities. The video was from his mom, who is a three-year breast cancer survivor who could not be at the game but still sent her son, and the rest of the team, her well wishes.

“It was awesome. It was definitely emotional for me, definitely meant something. I was speechless, I didn’t know what really to think or do,” Baskerville said. “It just really hit home there, and I was trying to hold it together, had a couple of tears, and I get back to the bench and am looking around and everyone is crying. I am like ‘Oh god, I got to hold it together.’”

Coming off the loss the night before, both teams had it out for each other as the first 20 minutes of game time started. The audience watched as both the Ice Rays and the Mudbugs got physical beyond the body checking allowed in game. Despite the Ice Rays playing defense throughout the period, with three minutes left in the period, the Mudbugs managed to get a completely shot on goal putting them up by one.

“It is always important to play hard and focus on playing physical but playing the right way. You never know what you are going to get with the refs but you just play the same way every time,” Krueger said.

The second period saw less physicality and more teamwork by both the Ice Rays and the Mudbugs. With their heads focused on the game, Krueger, Baskerville and David Thomson, center for the Ice Rays, were all able to get pucks in the net for the Ice Rays while Camden Burggrabe, goalie for the Ice Rays, only allowed one goal in for the Mudbugs.

“I thought tonight we really played three full periods. From beginning to end, we came out, we tightened up. Penalties were still bit of an issue but other than that we played our zone, it was hard for them to even get a shot off,” Burggrabe said.

The third and final period of the game saw the Ice Rays holding their defense in hopes that the Mudbugs would not score again. Many shots were taken by the Mudbugs but Burggrabe was able to defend his goal with some saves that got the crowd screaming in excitement for him.

“Just another save, just another save, in order to get the win,” Burggrabe said.

The Ice Rays defeated the Mudbugs three to two taking home two out of three games for the weekend. The team heads back on the road for another two weeks before coming back to the American Bank Center on Nov. 18. For more information on the Ice Rays or where to buy tickets, go to http://www.goicerays. com/.

IZZY SNEED/Island Waves

David Baskerville makes a breakaway with the puck. Baskerville scored the game winning goal for the Ice Rays at their 9th annual ‘Pink in the Rink’ game on Oct. 29.

Sports 11

11.03.2016

Islanders fall short in final home game JAMIE FINK @jk_fink

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he Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Islanders soccer team wrapped up their 2016 season with a 4-1 loss to Houston Baptist Friday night at the Dugan soccer stadium. The Islanders’ loss marked the end of a career for the first true senior class in program history.

Eight seniors will graduate this year from the women’s soccer program. The seniors on this year’s squad are the first group of Islanders who started, competed four years, and finished their careers with the Island University.

“These girls are the foundation,” head coach Shanna Caldwell said. “They’ve built the brick and mortar of what we needed and they believed in this program before it existed and they came out and fought for it for all four years.”

The Islanders (3-14-1, 3-7-1) entered

the night vying for a repeat trip to the Southland Conference Championship.

After another slow start to the season, the Islanders second half of the season placed them in contention to return to the postseason. A win at home against a Houston Baptist team (7-10-1, 5-5-1) they had beaten just a season ago, would push them through past the regular season.

“There was a lot of expectation on the game, we knew we had to win to get in [Southland Tournament],” Caldwell said. “I think they had a lot of emotional energy and HBU played a great game.

I’m just really proud of this team and especially the senior class.”

Nine shots on goal by the Huskies kept the Islanders back on their heels defensively for much of the match. HBU broke open the game in the first half on a 17-minute goal from Allison Abendschein. Abendschein connected from a Husky cross which crept into the back

Senior Brooke Erdmann (23) fights for position on a ball down field against HBU on Friday night.

of the net.

The offensive onslaught continued for much of the first half as the Huskies were able to find the back of the net two more times off of back to back free kicks in the 29 and 31 minute off the foot of Kristi O’Brien.

“Putting ourselves in little bit of hole down 3-0 makes it hard against a great team,” Caldwell said. “I credit the girls for being able to get one back before halftime to give us a bit of momentum heading into the locker room.”

A&M-Corpus Christi was able to pull the game back within two before the halftime buzzer. Freshman Madeleine Lozano placed a shot from roughly 35 yards out perfectly over the Huskies goalkeeper’s outstretched arms into the upper right corner in the 38 minute for her first career goal.

Lozano’s goal in the first half would stand as the only tally in the match for the Islanders. HBU goalkeeper Alanis

Guevara rejected four of the Islanders’ shots on goal to preserve the Huskies victory.

The Islanders finish the 2016 season with a 3-14-1 record, while posting a 3-71 record in the Southland Conference.

Seniors Brooke Erdmann, Kallyn Redona, Jenna-Kaya Charles, Yvette Franco, Audrey Kuhl, Emma Biba, Mariah Olivé, and Hannah Joseph leave the Island University with a combined 28 goals and 15 assists in over 200 starts.

Soccer action will continue at the Island University however, as the 2016 Southland Conference Tournament will take place at the Jack Dugan Soccer Stadium from November 2-6. The first two rounds of the tournament will be streamed live on the Southland Conference Digital Network, including the mobile apps.

The championship match on Nov. 6 will be aired on ESPN3, via watchESPN. com and the app.

Photos by JAMIE FINK/Island Waves

Ashley Hamilton (27) heads a goal kick to teammate Emma Biba (14) in their 4-1 loss to Houston Baptist.

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