Volume 26 Issue 30 by Island Waves

TEXAS TEXASA&M A&MUNIVERSITY–CORPUS UNIVERSITY–CORPUS CHRISTI CHRISTI

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Islanders celebrate upgraded library See LIBRARY on page 12

Rock n’ roll n’ Revue photo by ELI T. BERKE

Students set to rock 16th annual Islander Revue Nov. 6

by SAMANTHA MAHLER staff writer

he 16th Annual Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Islander Revue is set for 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 6, in the Performing Arts Center. This year’s theme for the music and dance show is Rocking the Island. Student organizations such as sororities and fraternities are encouraged to perform musical dance numbers highlighting the rock n’ roll era and compete for a grand total of $2,500 in cash prizes. The winning groups thend decide what to do with the winnings. Some groups use money twoards scholarships, while others donate to charitable causes. Islander Revue began in 2002 as a product of the Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi Student Foundation Association. Since its beginning, the Islander Revue has been an ever growing Islander tradition. It can easily be expected that Islander Revue will generate a full house in the Performing Arts Center following the standard set in previous years by Island University students. “We’ve had a lot of great times at

practices and I’ve definitely gotten so much closer to my beautiful sisters,” said Zeta Tau Alpha member Morgan Fuery, freshman general business major. “We’ve spent so much time practicing that I’m just really excited to see all of our hard work pay off.” The dances range from hip-hop to interpretable dance. The musical skit routines often include stunt performances by varying members of the their respective organizations. Participants will be judged on their dance choreography, creativity, music selection and level of entertainment. Since it is held on Parents Weekend, Islander Revue has been a great way to showcase the many talents of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi student organizations and associations. This dance extravaganza is the kickoff to many events held throughout the weekend that exhibit all the Island University has to offer. However, this event is not just for parents of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi students. Islander Revue draws in crowds consisting of current students, university alumni and mem-

photo by SAMANTHA MAHLER

bers of the surrounding Corpus Christi community. The Islanders Dance Team will also perform a special dance routine at Islander Revue aside from the music and dance competition portion of the event. Prize money is as follows: $1,000 for first place winners, $500 for second place winners, $250 for third place winners, $100 for fourth place winners, and $75 for fifth place winners. Participants with the greatest crowd presence are also eligible to win People’s Choice

INDEX OPINION 2 | ENTERTAINMENT 11 | NEWS 12 | BASKETBALL GUIDE 3-10

Award that is a non-monetary prize. Tickets for general admission are $10. Students pay $5 when a valid SandDollar$ ID is presented. Official event T-shirts are available for purchase for $12. DVDs will be able for pre-order and will cost $10. Islander Revue is sponsored by Whataburger and all proceeds from Islander Revue will help fund student scholarships. For more information, please call (361) 8255558.

opinion

ISLAND WAVES

11.05.2015

Travel while you are young by GERI LEMMONS staff writer

a student publication of

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

island waves staff JAMIE FINK

editor-in-chief

ALEICHIA WILLIAMS web editor

KELSEY FLORES copy editor

GERI LEMMONS

features reporter

KACI ALVAREZ

features reporter

ISAAC PAGE

sports reporter

ABBEY WEAVER sports reporter

JONATHAN FORNERY news reporter

SAMANTHA MAHLER

entertainment reporter

ELI T. BERKE

photographer

IZZY SNEED

photographer/cartoonist

MIKAYLA GONZALEZ layout assistant

KARA HERRERA layout assistant

WENDY MOORE faculty adviser

raveling and getting experience outside of this country, and even the classroom, is more important than ever lately, but for many different reasons. College is just the right time to get this experience. According to College. USAToday.com, there are more students than ever studying abroad. Our generation is being known as the ones taking advantage of the opportunities that we have been given. This includes students with all different types of majors, like science, technology, engineering and math. Now more than ever students have been wanting to get out there

and learn about the world they live in. One of the reasons why traveling is very important is because it allows one to be able to do the things that they might not be able to do when they get older. After college, most students are trying to go to work and have many other very important things to think about and one of them might not be traveling abroad. During college a student has a little less worries and they have the opportunity to focus on where they are and the experiences that they are having at the moment. According to the Huffington Post, traveling can also get

expensive after graduation. There are really no opportunities for someone out of college to get a scholarship in order to take a trip to another country. This is a chance for students to cut the price of traveling and not have to pay those steep prices in order to go to another country. Scholarships are a great thing to take advantage of if one wants to study abroad. Another reason why students should consider visiting another country when they are in college is the opportunity to put this experience on a future job application. Most future jobs like seeing candidates that have some experience working with different people from different cultures. The best way to get this experience is to go to different countries and see how the other side lives. According to Huffington Post, skills that one can acquire from traveling is independence, networking and

a sense of professionalism. It is said that employers recognize those qualities in a person who is applying for a certain job. They can see that this person can handle him or herself if they decide to send that person on an assignment in another country. Another great reason is there is no opportunity like the present. This is a chance for students to travel with friends and fellow classmates to see the world for themselves. At this time most students are still trying to figure out where they want to go in life after college. Traveling opens the eyes as to what this world has to offer and it shows them the new experiences they can have if they go out of their comfort zone. Students come to college in order to get an education and to take the first steps in becoming an adult. Traveling can help in this process whether it is studying abroad or just wanting to travel with some friends. According to the Huffington Post, traveling is critical to wholesome global education and there is no time like the present to take any opportunity to try new things. The time for these new experiences is right now.

(361) 825-5862 write us a letter 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. 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.

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11.05.2015

basketball guide

ISLAND WAVES

BASKETBALL GUIDE 2015-16

FAMILIAR FACES Texas A&M-Corpus Christi heads into itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first season in four years without star John Jordan, with offensive question marks, returnees look to replace key scoring this season.

guide

11.05.2015

ISLAND WAVES

Islander Hot Seat

WILSON’S TEAM IS POISED TO TAKE CONTROL OF SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE WITH EXPERIENCED SQUAD, NEWCOMERS their full potential and be playing our best basketball in March. I feel that we are on the right track, but ead coach Willis Wilson is we are at a new territory and a new entering his fifth season as the area where we have to work.” leader of the Islander helm. With his What have you been Islanders returning eight seniors, three of which averaged more than working on this 20 minutes per game, the Islanders offseason? will be one of the most experienced Wilson: “In terms of positives, when teams in the Southland Conference. our guys came back from summer With a such high hopes with break with any break you kind of so much returning talent, Wilson see some fall off, but this was the offered up some key information first time that the guys return to about his squads upcoming season school, their numbers and their and what the Islanders have in store testing were just as good as they left. for fans. Guys who are willing to invest in themselves are going to be invested What is the primary goal in the team.” by JAMIE FINK editor-in-chief

of this season?

Wilson: “The obvious thing we are all here to do is to go to the NCAA Tournament and win championships. The goal from perspective is for my team to reach

team, it’s almost like we are a completely different program. Going into my fifth season of being here, our style of play this year might be the biggest change to our style. We are taking a very intelligent approach. We want players to go into game day prepared and rested and ready to go. We are doing a lot more teaching this year, because of our eight seniors and returning players. I think these guys are embracing the growth and they enjoy it.”

Wilson: “As a group, this team has probably been the most competitive team from top to bottom that I’ve ever had. We had a short gym day yesterday, because of class schedules. I’m usually the last one to leave the gym everyday, but there were about eight guys go at one another playing one-on-one.”

What can stop you guys from cutting down the nets at the Southland Tournament this season?

Which players are you Wilson: “There are a lot of things, most looking forward to things that are beyond our control this year? –injuries, casualties with players,

Wilson: So far, it seems that everyday we’ve been together; I have walked off the floor happy for somebody. Where is this year’s Being able to be there everyday and team compared to last see the growth and shift that these guys make can put us on an entirely seasons? different level of play. They show up Wilson: “Compared to last year’s everyday and that gives us a reason to have a lot of hope.”

officiating. The reality is we have tried to prepare ourselves for those things. When we look back over the last two years and look at the games that we lost or won, they were very close games. They were close because of things that happened throughout the game that added up at the end. That’s the biggest thing that I think we understand. There From what you’ve seen, are some good teams like Stephen F. which games are you Austin and Northwestern State that most looking forward to this we have to be prepared for and not take any teams for granted.”

year?

Wilson: The next one. As a coach the goal is to always win the next game and to not look beyond that. At this point, there aren’t any specific games that are circled on the calendars at this point.

The Islanders season begins on Nov. 7 when the Islanders host St. Mary’s (Texas) in exhibition play inside the Dugan Wellness Center. The regular season will begin on Nov. 13, when Our Lady of the Lake travels to the American Bank Are there any team Center to take on the Islanders, goals or competitions before the Islanders hit the road to your team has going on for take on Texas A&M and Texas as themselves and with each part of Battle 4 Atlantis.

other?

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guide

11.05.2015

ISLAND WAVES

Coach's Corner

CHADWICK’S MILESTONE WIN WON’T COME EASY WITH TOUGH NON-CONFERENCE GAMES LOOMING FOR ISLANDERS EARLY ON by JAMIE FINK editor-in-chief

ead coach Royce Chadwick has been running the helm of the women’s basketball program for three years now at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. With the Islanders season fastly approaching, Chadwick has the opportunity to record his 600th career victory as a head coach. With a coaching milestone so closely in reach, Chadwick offered up some key information about his squads upcoming season and what the Islanders have in store for fans.

Where is this year’s say that that is the ultimate prize for team compared to last us right now. seasons? Are there any team Chadwick: Well I think that every goals or competitions year we have improved our program in the fact that we have seniors now your team has going on for who have been with us for a couple themselves and with each years, they know what their roles other?

are. We have freshmen who we don’t necessarily have to rely on to be immediate impact players like we did in the past.

Chadwick: We have to develop. We can’t go into March the same team that we are today, we have to get better every day. Everyone has to add a different dimension to their game, because you think we are sitting here in October and we still have all of November, all of December, all of January and all of February, how much better can you be in four months? How much can you do to improve your game within those months? That’s what we try to do as coaches and individuals.

Chadwick: I think that we have a great nucleus of older, mature players in our program that come in here to be the best player we have at that moment, be the best player Which players are you we have in a certain drill, be the best most looking forward to player we have in the next thirty The Islanders season begins minutes. We want to keep that on Nov. 5 when the Islanders this year? Chadwick: I’m looking forward thought process throughout every host Texas A&M-International in practice and every game. exhibition play inside the Dugan What is the primary goal to all of them. I think that they all bring something different to the Wellness Center. The regular season of this season? table, from the newcomers to the What can stop you guys will begin on Nov. 13, when Cal Chadwick: Our goal is to always returnees, they all have a role. I’m from cutting down Poly travels to the American Bank go to the NCAA Tournament. We anxious to watch our senior lead Center to take on the Islanders in want to win the tournament in Katy. the team and show what they are the nets at the Southland the second game of the Islander Tournament this season? We want to progress, we want to capable of doing as a group. Classic. represent the Southland Conference in the NCAA. In the meantime, our From what you’ve seen, daily goal is to get a little bit better which games are you every day. Our focus is day to day with the ultimate goal of going to most looking forward to this the NCAA Tournament. year? Chadwick: Well you know, we What have you been are looking forward to practice working on this tomorrow first, we want to get better. I like practice and that’s offseason? what I have really enjoyed. We are Chadwick: Our players have looking forward to the opener. We improved their strength. Our want to show what we can do, we verticals are up, our quickness is have some very quality opponents better and I think that’s a tribute on the schedule this year, and to the hard work our girls did in everybody is really going to be the offseason when nobody was tough. We are also looking forward watching. Since then, we have been to the Southland Conference race working on our team defense and and the tournament at Katy. I would getting our team to mesh.

guide

11.05.2015

ISLAND WAVES

BIG MEN ON CAMPUS

texts by ISAAC PAGE staff writer

ashawn Thomas plays the power forward position for the Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi Islanders. He is a young man all about his business. Perhaps that is why the 22-year-old junior from Oklahoma City is a business management major. “A lot of people think it’s a country town or whatever because it’s Oklahoma, but I’m in the citycity, like where the Thunder [play], downtown and all that,” Thomas said. “So it’s like any other city to me.” He is 6 feet 8 inches tall and weighs 235 pounds. As a sophomore Thomas averaged 13.7 points per game and snatched 7.9 rebounds per game. He was also very active on the defensive end of the court, totaling 40 blocks and 18 steals. He is ranked second on the list of total rebounds in Islanders program history with 262 boards.

On Tuesday, Oct. 27, Thomas became the only frontcourt player selected to the Southland Conference preseason all-conference first team. “Rashawn is just a beast,” head coach Willis Wilson said. “I just can’t tell you how impressed I am with his desire to compete at an extremely high level and work at an extremely high level.” Thomas is so focused and dedicated to his craft, you might see him walking around on campus toting a one-gallon jug of water to keep himself hydrated. When he is not playing basketball, practicing or studying, he says he is getting treatment for basketball, or eating for basketball. “My life really revolves around basketball right now,” Thomas said. His hard work is evident. Wilson said Thomas lost close to 40 pounds in the offseason. “He played at around 263, 264, 265,” Wilson said. “Now his weight is down and it fluctuates somewhere between 228 and 233.”

Now even more spry and nimble Thomas is projected to surpass the statistics that he put up last year. T h o m a s describes himself as a “read-react” type of player and says that he feels he has “all components of the game right now.” Being the professional that he is, he knows his limitations. He does not try to play like someone he is not. “I look up to LeBron, but I ain’t no LeBron,” Thomas said. Perhaps his best component that he possesses is his tenacity and his fervent desire to win. Wilson said that because he competes so hard, at times it seems like Thomas’ “greatest strengths become weaknesses.” “He’s so dialed in on wanting to win, wanting to compete and wanting to train. We have to reign him in a little bit, where he can stay

photo courtesy GOISLANDERS

THOMAS’ SUMMER, OFFSEASON SPENT IMPROVING OVERALL PERFORMANCE

rested and stay healthy and where opportunities to prepare aren’t overshadowed by his desire just to win in that moment,” Wilson said. “There’s nobody more fierce on game day and I would challenge any player in the country on that point for a guy that’s just so competitive.” Thomas has high hopes for himself and his teammates this season. He wants to make Southland Conference first team again and he said this season he would strive to be named Player of the Year. “This is probably the best team that I’ve been on so far, here, with a lot of talent and experience,” Thomas said. “The sky’s the limit.”

DOUVIER CONTINUES TRANSITION INTO ISLANDER ALL-STAR

photo courtesy GOISLANDERS

ryce Douvier is one of eight seniors on the Texas A&M University– Corpus Christi men’s basketball roster. Douvier is a communication major, his favorite player is Michael Jordan and he enjoys watching certain players in the NBA. He is not really one to

root for a team. “I watch the NBA by players that I like right now and watch what they do. If anything, it [favorite team] might be the Thunder because it’s closest to Kansas,” Douvier said. The 6 foot 7 inch, 240-pound small forward was born and raised in Salzburg, Austria. He speaks fluent German but one would not know it because there is not a hint of accent in his voice. Douvier came to the United States when he was a teenager and his family settled in Minnesota. Later his family relocated to Sedgwick, Kansas, the place Douvier calls home. “Kind of a long story, born and raised in Salzburg, Austria, moved to Minnesota when I was 13 and now I live in Kansas,” Douvier said. As a junior, Douvier averaged 9.0 points per game, 5.8 rebounds per game, shot 46 percent

from the field, 41 percent from threepoint country and 83 percent from the charity stripe while playing in 34 games for the Islanders. “What stands out to me about Bryce Douvier is the growth that I’ve seen in him since he’s come here,” head coach Willis Wilson said. “Bryce has become more vibrant and more outgoing and it’s really translated into his basketball game. You can see the correlation between his development as a player and his development as a person.” A high-energy player, Douvier is known for his versatility on the court. He can attack the glass for rebounds, find open teammates in traffic and he has a reliable jump shot. He can also play with his back to the basket, posting up defenders in the low block and then finishing strong in the paint. “I can pretty much play two [shooting guard] through five [center] on the court,” Douvier said. “I can bang with the big boys, step out and shoot … kind of anything that needs to be done, I can kind of do that.” Douvier talked about what the team hopes for this upcoming season and he explained the potential the team

has to play well and do great things. He said the goals for this year are to win the regular season Southland Conference title and then enter the Southland Conference tournament where they will try to go as deep into the tournament as they can. “I think we can really do some damage with the team that we have this year, just looking forward to that opportunity,” Douvier said. Douvier hopes to make his final year playing for the Islanders a good one. “I think it’s going to be a really good year,” Douvier said. “We’ve got a lot of experience … a lot of guys who have played together for a couple of years. The chemistry is pretty good. I think this year should be a really exciting one for us and for the program.” Douvier said the chemistry of the team this year is a key difference from the team last year and he eluded that if everyone can stay healthy it will benefit the team in the long run. “I think the chemistry that we’ve developed with each other over the last two to three years have built up our relationships with each other on and off the court,” Douvier said.

guide

11.05.2015

ISLAND WAVES

SMOOTH OPERATOR

by ISAAC PAGE staff writer

ophomore Ehab Amin is a computer science major playing for the Texas A&M University– Corpus Christi men’s basketball team. Amin is from Alexandria, Egypt, a bustling metropolis situated along the coast of the Mediterranean Sea with a population of more than 4.5 million people. He said his hometown of Alexandria is like New York City, as there are many huge buildings and it is always crowded. “A lot of people think Egypt is pyramids and desert and that’s so stereotype,” Amin said. “Not quite the picture.” Amin is fond of Corpus Christi and he is enjoying his stint in the sparkling city by the Bay. “I like Corpus a lot. It’s pretty close [reminiscent] to my city Alexandria because I used to live right by the beach,” Amin said. Amin plays for the Egyptian men’s national basketball team, where he competed this past summer in the FIBA Africa Championship. He led the Egyptian national team in points and steals per game during the tournament in which he averaged 11.0 and 2.4, respectively. “It was great because I was the youngest on my team and the second youngest in the whole tournament,” Amin said. “Basically

all the players are pros, a couple NBA players, most of them play in the Euroleague. It was great playing with all these players and seeing how different the game is from college basketball.” Competing for his country and representing Egypt has had a profound impact on Amin’s game. “The one thing that I’ve noticed with Ehab since coming back from his summer experience of playing with the Egyptian national team is that he’s a much more insightful and mature player,” head coach Willis Wilson said. Amin is 6 feet 3 inches tall and he plays the combo-guard position (point guard and shooting guard). He has been playing basketball since the age of 6. He said when he was a young boy in Egypt his parents had him playing every sport and he stuck with basketball because he thought he was really good at it and he could score on people. Amin admits that he is a “streaky shooter,” so he likes to get into the paint and tries to draw contact there so he can get to the free-throw line. He emulates his game after famous international players like San Antonio Spurs Manu Ginóbili with moves like the Euro Step. “I’m an energetic player,” Amin said. “I really like playing defense a lot, getting a lot of steals … deflections.”

His go-to move is a layup off the wrong foot. He said players like Rajon Rondo and Manu Ginóbili are adept at that move and he tries to incorporate it into his game because it is a “quick move and it’s hard to block.” Amin said his passion for the game is what sets him apart from other players and that his whole life revolves around basketball. “I really love basketball,” Amin said. “I left my home just so I could play college basketball.” Amin brings invaluable knowledge and experience to the Islanders by way of him playing internationally and competing against players that play professionally in Europe and in the NBA. He knows what it is like to play on an international stage. “I think we’re better than last year,” Amin said. “I think this year we have a huge opportunity to

SOUTHLAND STEPHEN F. AUSTIN

photo courtesy GOISLANDERS

POINT GUARD AMIN BRINGS MATURITY, CONFIDENCE AFTER SUMMER PLAY WITH EGYPTIAN NATIONAL TEAM

win [the] regular season and [the] conference championship and make some noise in the NCAA Tournament, too, as well.” Amin said “We got a deep bench, we got starters, we got all positions, so I don’t think we have any weaknesses here. I think we can make a run and have another season with 20 plus wins.” When asked about what he wants to do after he graduates, Amin said that he would like to play professionally overseas in Europe.

Preseason Rankings (Men’s coaches poll)

NORTHWESTERN STATE

A&M-CORPUS CHRISTI

SAM HOUSTON STATE

LAMAR

INCARNATE WORD

SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA

NEW ORLEANS

HOUSTON BAPTIST

NICHOLLS

CENTRAL ARKANSAS

MCNEESE STATE

ABILENE CHRISTIAN

he Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Islanders are once again amongst the Southland Conference’s top men’s basketball teams according to conference coaches. The Islanders were voted to finish in third in the 2015-16 Southland Conference Preseason Polls,

that were released by the league on Wednesday. The Islanders finished the 2014-15 campaign posting a 20-13 overall record, while going 13-5 in conference action. Last seasons finish was the best season for the Islanders since 2007,

Illustration by JAMIE FINK

when the team won the Southland Championship and earned a spot in the NCAA Tournament. The Islanders start the season with a home exhibition game against St. Mary’s (Texas) on Nov. 7 at the Dugan Wellness Center. Regular season

play will begin on Nov. 13 at the American Bank Center when the Islanders play host to Our Lady of the Lake. For more information on the Islanders season or tickets for games, visit goislanders.com/tickets or call (361) 825-BALL.

guide

11.05.2015

ISLAND WAVES

DIAMONDS IN THE ROUGH ISLANDERS SEEK RETURN TO HARDWOOD AFTER YEAR-LONG INJURIES LAST SEASON texts by ABBEY WEAVER staff writer

he 2016 Islander basketball season will be blessed with the new presence of red-shirt sophomore Brittany Mbamalu as she makes a comeback from her injury last season. Mbamalu and her teammate Shola Adebayo went through the recovery process together as their injuries were only one week apart. “It was crazy,” Mbamalu said. “I stepped on Shola’s foot and my knee hyper extended and then a week later she got injured so it was a crazy situation for me and the team.” Mbamalu worked with a physical therapist and her athletic trainer throughout last year to recover and prepare for her come back for her second college level season. “It was a hard recovery,” Mbamalu said. “It took a lot of prayer and dedication and hard work most of all.” Although the past year was tough for Mbamalu she found solitude in watching her team from a different perspective. She admitted that seeing how her coaches worked

slander basketball fans have high hopes set for red-shirt senior Shola Adebayo as she makes her comeback from her year off due to injury. Adebayo is anxious to get back on the court. “I feel like coming back this season is really exciting,” Adebayo said.

behind the scenes and the hard work put in by her team humbled her and improved her mental game throughout last years’ season. Her teammates have been a huge support system throughout her recovery, especially Adebayo. “My team has supported me, especially Shola,” Mbamalu said. “Me and her going through our injuries at the same time, we’ve been able to do go through rehab together and watch the team together so I feel like me and her were able to have a close relationship.” The team carried a heavy burden without Mbamalu by their side but they are all excited to see her back on the court and see what she brings to the table this year. With high potential and a fresh start, Mbamalu is ready to get back in the game. “I feel excited,” Mbamalu said. “Not playing for a year makes you miss the game more and gave me a new love for the game.” Her positive spirit and readiness feed her high goals for her comeback season “My goals are to be better than

I was my freshman year,” Mbamalu said. “Really just be better defensively and break my record.” Mbamalu said. Shooting 81 threes during the season and breaking the school record as a freshman Mbamalu has set her standards high, but has every intention to achieve even more this season. Her coaches have done an amazing job at preparing Mbamalu for the upcoming season and getting her back on her feet “They’ve really prepared me,” Mbamalu said. “We’ve been going over the offence and really tweaking things here and there, focusing on the little stuff like boxing out and hustling but also the big stuff.” The team as well as the fans are expecting an exciting season with all of the complex players like Mbamalu and she is not predicting nothing less than extreme success.

“My emotions are everywhere. The closer these games get makes me realize that playing is an emotion in itself because I’m not even supposed to be playing.” Its been a long road to recovery for Adebayo. After micro fracture in her right knee as well as tearing of the cartilage connecting her ligaments, there was a lot of healing to be done. She spent the last year in physical therapy, surgery, and training along side Mbamalu to get back into shape. “Its been stressful at times because you have to learn how to sit back and not always be in the mix of everything but besides that, being able to watch and learn from the sideline has been really good thing.” Although not c o m p l e t e l y recovered, Adebayo is eager to get the season started.

With two more surgeries ahead of her, Adebayo continues to push through to be ready for her last college season. “For now we’re just gong to keep taping and bracing and get through it,” Adebayo said. As she continues to recover and prepare for the season, Adebayo sets her standards high for her personal achievement, but most importantly, puts the needs of her team first. “I want to contribute anything I can for my team,” Adebayo said. “If that’s talking or helping out the freshman or the rest of my teammates, I just want to be a factor. Whatever that entails, that’s what I plan to do.” As much as she plans to be there for her team, Adebayo gets the same support back from the other talented athletes on her team. From going through recovery with Mbamalu to encouragement to continue playing this remarkable team is always ready to lend a helping hand. “They always got my back,” Adebayo said. “From last year when I got hurt I was really down and I didn’t know if I still wanted to stay here, they’ve always

“With the players that we have and with the continuity that we have we should be able to make it to the conference tournament and do some damage,” Mbamalu said. “Everyone specializes in one thing and I feel like with the players that we have we will be able to bond together as one cohesive unit.” Watch as Mbamalu’s humble spirit and hard working nature take her far this season. Support her as she makes her comeback and achieves big things this year. encouraged me to just keep pushing and pulling. I don’t think I would be here if my team didn’t have my back.” She also explained that because of the support and encouragement from her coaches along with her team she is able to keep a good mind and good spirit. Adebayo has made her mark on this Islander team including the highest made free throws and missing the school record by only one with six steals in one game. Adebayo is a dedicated athlete and loves the game she plays. With her high potential and the outstanding achievements from her and the rest of the team, this season will not disappoint. “We have a tough schedule,” Adebayo said. “But I feel like we have the team to get the wins that we need. I think we’re going to be great and I think everybody is going to enjoy watching us and we’re going to put on a show every night.” Adebayo and her team believe conference will be seeing the best of them. Support this dedicated athlete as she makes her comeback and achieves big things this season.

guide

11.05.2015

ISLAND WAVES

MORE THAN JUST A GAME by ABBEY WEAVER staff writer

he spotlight for Islander Basketball is set on senior shooting guard Shay Weaver as she sets up to dominate her last year as an Islander athlete. After transferring from Marshall University, Weaver fired up her basketball career taking on her junior season with the title of Southland Conference Newcomer of the Year, First Team All-Conference honors, and nearly breaking the single game scoring record with her personal best of 35 points for the Islanders. She owes her success to her coaches from her previous college who she said are one of the biggest reasons she decided to transfer to the Island University. After playing for Islanders head coach Royce Chadwick at Marshall University, Weaver knew she wanted to play for him again. “They’ve helped me so much. It’s hard to find genuine coaches and when you do they care a lot, even about the stuff besides basketball which you don’t really find anywhere else”, Weaver said. She even explained that her

coaches helped her keep up with school which she admitted is the hardest aspect for her as an athlete. Playing for her favorite coaches who support her on and off the court keeps Weaver on her A-game. Another big motivator for Weaver is her team. Transferring in late left room where problems could have arose. However with Weaver’s joyful attitude and her encouraging team they accepted her as an Islander from the very beginning. “My team has been a really big support they really help me through a lot,” Weaver said. “They are all very reliable.” Weaver mentioned that bonding with her team has been her favorite part of the sport so far and travelling all over the country and working side by side every day has created a team unlike the rest and extraordinary players like Weaver. With Weaver leading this dedicated team into the 2016 season there is no doubt that the islanders will achieve big things this season. Weaver has goals for herself as well as her team for her final season. “Keeping my goals in mind keeps me motivated,” Weaver said. “I want to be the best player I can be, but

specifically I want to be the leading scorer again and make First Team AllConference again, and I would even like to get player of the year.” With her personal and team goals priority in her athletic life, Weaver uses them to continue challenging herself and her team to continue improving and reaching her highest potential. She does not mind the challenge because basketball is her number one. “Basketball is everything to me,” Weaver said. “It’s been my dream since I was 13.” For Weaver, playing for the university is all she ever wanted. “It’s the best feeling in the world,” Weaver said. “When I’m hot and I’m going there’s no feeling better.” Weaver anticipates an eventful season and has her eyes set on her team going to the conference

photo courtesy GOISLANDERS

FROM TRANSFER TO NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR, WEAVER LOOKS TO CONTINUE HOOPS SUCCESS

championship. “The team is good, coaches are good, fans are good, its looking to be a good season,” Weaver said. As such a dedicated and spirited athlete Weaver will accomplish big things this season. Her success at Marshall and for the Islanders has earned her a place in the spotlight and the attention of the fans of Islander basketball team. She is definitely a player to keep an eye on as the season unfolds.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

BREAKDOWN SHOOTING GUARD

POINT GUARD

With Southland standout Shay Weaver and sharpshooter Kassie Jones, how will the Islanders handle having so many offensive weapons now that Adebayo and Mbamalu are returning from injury?

Jennifer Ramirez controls the reins once again for the Islanders. The senior will look to pick up where she left off last season, where she averaged 5.7 points and 3.5 assists per game.

POWER FORWARDS Gee Lawler and Camesha Davis will look to carry the load work for the Islanders, as they look to replace Olivia Fouty’s numbers from last season.

SMALL FORWARDS With an injured Ashanti Plummer (knee), look to see some new faces appear for the Islanders at forward to help create space for shooting barrage

CENTER

Illustration by JAMIE FINK

Perhaps the biggest question mark for the Islanders on the season comes from this position with only one true center on the roster.

guide

11.05.2015

ISLAND WAVES

UPCOMING ATHLETIC EVENTS CALENDAR

SENIOR NIGHT

FINAL HOME GAME SATURDAY - NOV. 7 1:00PM

No.2 Southland Conference

BASKETBALL

IS COMING OPENING WEEKEND

NOV. 13 & 14

THANK YOU ISLANDERS Join us for a pivotal match as your Islanders compete for the Southland Conference Championship

entertainment

11.05.2015

ISLAND WAVES

Zombies run amuck at Island University by GERI LEMMONS staff writer

he annual student favorite game, Humans vs. Zombies, started up on Oct. 26. The game is focused around the growing popularity of fictional scenarios involving a zombie apocolypse. This event challenges students to survive around campus throughout the week, while completing mini missions. Sarah Hendricks, sophomore nursing major, said she saw this game go on last year and it seemed like a lot of fun. She said it seemed like a cool and fun way to be active between classes. “It’s been crazy so far, I didn’t think that going from class to class would be so difficult, but when you are constantly looking over your shoulder it’s actually quite difficult,” Hendricks said. “I say oh, I can’t go right now, I have to wait and hide in this building awkwardly while everyone is staring at me and then I have to sprint to my next class, but it is fun.” Each day provides a new challenge where the humans have to complete a goal without getting caught by the zombies trying to attack them. Humans

wear red bandanas on their arms while the zombies wear their bandanas on their foreheads. The bandanas must be visible at all times while the game is taking place. Carrie Coan, sophomore business major, said the reason she decided to be a part of Humans vs. Zombies was because it seemed like fun. “It is really fun, but there is some anxiety from day to day,” Coan said. “I would definitely do it again next year.” According to the rules of Humans vs. Zombies, the only way someone a human could maybe get away from a zombie is to throw a sock. The sock cannot have anything in it, just a regular sock. This stuns the zombie for 15 minutes while the human can get away. According to the challenges emailed to the players, one of the challenges from this year’s game involved taking 20 minutes to find a box containing certain items and then carrying the box from the fountains near the health center to the library. There were two boxes near this fountain and they had to choose the right one. If they choose the wrong box then they had to carry the box all

photo by GERI LEMMONS

the way back to the original spot. But if they got the right box then the librarian checks it and then they must carry the box back to its original spot before time runs out. According to the rules of Human vs. Zombies, there are safe zones for humans involved in playing the game. These safe zones are sky bridges and stairs. They did this because they did not want people to get hurt running away from others. But anywhere outside is fair game. Anyone could have been tagged anytime during the game. According to the rules, all players

must carry around a Humans vs. Zombies ID card. They did this because if a human is tagged then the human must give up the ID card to the zombie that tagged them. Another thing, according to the rules, is they wanted participants to stay safe. There was no use of any cars, bikes or skateboards. All of the moves during the game had to made on foot. This was important because it insured that all participants were not only safe but also playing fair.

How to make the most of Autumn season by KACI ALVAREZ staff writer

he autumn season has finally arrived which means it is every girl’s dream. The leaves start to change color, the air becomes crisp and Pumpkin Spice Lattes are a must have. Or if you live in Texas, nothing really changes. However there are still plenty of autumn related activities to do to get in the seasonal spirit. Here’s how. One: Visit a pumpkin patch Pumpkin Patches are the perfect way to get into the spirit of autumn. By getting a group of friends together and taking the time to spend a day full of pumpkin pictures and jack-olantern planning, it allows everyone to have a good time and appreciate each other’s company. Picking out the perfect pumpkin may be hard and you have to actively search for the perfect one. But once you find it, it is easy sailing from there. Two: Add autumn decorations to your house There is nothing better than having fall-scented candles and decorations in your house to get you in the spirit. Even if you only decorate one small portion of the house it makes for a more relaxing and enjoyable season. Stick with autumnal colors such as reds, oranges, yellows and browns, but

do not be afraid to stray away from simple decorations and add some sequins or glitter. You will be amazed when you see what a mantle full of autumnal decor can do for your overall happiness. Three: Go to a Fall Festival Fall festivals are always so much fun. There are kid related fall festivals and adult-only ones but whenever and wherever you do go, you will have the time of your life. Most fall festivals have many activities perfect for their target audience that can get anyone into a festive mood for fall. All the activities available at fall festivals include apple canons, hayrides and giant slide, are a great way to have a blast with friends and family especially since they only occur once a year. Four: Read a book Most people do not really enjoy reading especially for fun. They would rather do so many other things than open a book and read a page but having a good read during the autumn season is a perfect way to wind down and relax, preferably with a fall scented candle burning in the background. It is such an amazing feeling not having to worry about anything else besides the book you are engulfed in. It allows you to wrap up in a cozy blanket when the weather starts to cool down and lose

yourself in a different world. Five: Have a bonfire Living on the beach is great for many reasons but during the fall the main perk is the bonfires that people throw. They can be huge gatherings with people you have never met or an intimate group of friends and it is a great way to spend time with friends and make memories when the weather is not too hot. Six: Get creative You can be creative at anytime of the year, but fall related do it yourself of DIY projects are always so much fun that you cannot pass them up. Let your creativity shine through with pumpkin carvings, simple Halloween decorations, or pumpkin spice recipes. It is always so fun to try new things so why not let the creative genius in you emerge? Seven: Become more in touch Autumn is the perfect time to go on hikes and walks through any type of foliage. It allows you to get your daily dose of fresh air while also taking in the beauty Mother Nature provides us. There are many beautiful spots in Texas that people should definitely go to in the fall, including Lost Maples State Park. It fact Lost Maples State Park is one of the few places in Texas where the leave change colors so it is really one

rare sight to see. Eight: Get lost in a corn maze Corn mazes are extremely exciting during this time of year because it allows you to have friendly competition with your loved ones while trying to find your way through the maze the fastest. The South Texas Corn Maize is a must go to attraction in the fall. The maze is seven acres and brings out the fun of running around and doing a little exercise. Nine: Step out of your comfort zone Stepping out of your comfort zone is an important step to take in anyone’s life, but autumn is the perfect time to do it. There are so many activities and adventures one can take during this time of the year that they have never thought about doing before. Ten: Give thanks Give thanks. This one is selfexplanatory but it is extremely important. Take this time to think about those you are grateful for and thank them for being them. Although this time of the year can be hectic with midterms and trying to do all the fall related activities you want to, it is always good to take a step back and really thank the people around you.

news

11.05.2015

Library reveals recent upgrades ISLAND WAVES

by JONATHAN FORNEY staff writer

n Thursday, Oct. 29 the Mary and Jeff Bell Library at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi held an event to celebrate the new improvements and renovations made to its facilities this semester. These renovations have been going on since the summer and are now ready to be utilized by students. Virtually every aspect of the Library was overhauled. New tables that allow for table combination can fit any number of individuals and groups as needed. White boards can be found throughout the library to help students in their studies. The chairs and other seating were replaced with more comfortable alternatives. Group study rooms and shared work stations were set up for those who need collaborative learning and specialized areas such as the Super Quiet Study Room for those that require absolute silence, were opened. “We looked at student needs, making sure to balance space for those who want group study, as well as isolation and making sure we’re meeting both those needs,” library director Cate Rudowsky, said. Another important area addressed in these recent improvements was

power. As more and more coursework is dependent on computers and other Internet enabled devices, it is crucial that students be able to keep their devices up and running. To accomplish this, Rudowsky and her staff made sure power outlets are virtually always within reach, from the new individual study booths, each with their own outlets, to the group study rooms. Outlets are never more than a few steps away. On the subject of energy, students need electrical energy for their devices but snack energy for themselves and that is where the new Daily Read Café comes in. The name was actually thought of by Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi graduate, Anastasia Trevino. “I submitted it as a joke, actually, and then when I won, I was really surprised,” Trevino said. For thinking of the name, Anastasia received $50 Amazon gift card and plenty of bragging rights. To help showcase the new amenities, library staff put on a scavenger hunt in association with Library Interiors of Texas who supplied the new furnishings for the library. Scavenger hunters were given clues that took them all over the library in search of clue words. Once

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Faculty greet newcomers at the door with booths and tables with free coupons and fun activities.

a participant collected all of the clue words they would turn in their card and get entered to win a chair with their own custom selected fabric from Library Interiors of Texas. In addition to the scavenger hunt, the library’s staff also offered guided tours of the new additions and renovations to help students get the most out of the new and improved facility. The turnout for the renovation celebration was not only for students. One of the festivities attendees was none other than President of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Dr. Flavius Killebrew. “[The renovations] make it a lot more comfortable and usable for students,” Killebrew said.

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Rudowsky said the renovations are 90 percent done, and they are just waiting on a few more custom made pieces to arrive. As it stands the library is open to the public and all of its amenities are available for use by students and faculty. The new renovations to the library are certainly helpful additions that could help students be more productive in their studies and coursework. The changes made the library more comfortable, technologically accessible, collaborative and useful to students. With finals week on the horizon the new library renovations offer students a great location to work, study and collaborate.