Volume 27 Issue 05

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

| ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM || VOLUME VOLUME26 27ISSUE ISSUE20 05 || 08.27.15 02.18.16 |

Delegates won in Presidential primaries - Republican

36

32

- Democratic

17 11

10 5

Trump

Cruz

Rubio

Kasich

4

Bush

3

0

Carson

Gilmore

Clinton

Sanders

photo courtesy WIKIMEDIA.ORG and FLICKR.COM

Students plan to vote for upcoming presidential primaries

by LEANNE HAAS staff writer

E

arly voting has already begun for the 2016 presidential primaries in Texas. The election will be open to all beginning March 1.

For many students at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, this year’s presidential election will be their first time participating as voters.

“I think it’s important for us to vote,” junior bio-medical major Ashley Cooper said. “Our age range is going to pick the president that’s really going to run the country.”

Texas is an open primary state, which means that citizens can vote for a Democratic or Republican candidate regardless of their party identification. In the presidential primaries, voters choose the person they want to represent their party in the general election.

One of the largest issues this campaign season revolves around is the cost of college education and young college-age students are a large demographic. Whether students are for or against more government assistance in their college education, this election season will allow them a chance to influence the vote.

Immigration is another hot topic this election season and South Texas is at the epicenter of impact. Other big issues this election season are healthcare reform, environmental

issues like global warming, and gun control an issue Texas is very familiar with, especially since the recently passed open-carry law allowing CHL-holders to openly carry their handguns wherever concealed-carry is permitted.

Freshman Alexis Galjour, whose major is undeclared, plans to vote for the first time in the upcoming primary elections and she urges her fellow students to do the same.

“I think it’s super important for students/young people to vote so that they can be a part of the next step of our nation,” Galjour said. “But I encourage those that are planning on voting to be well-informed about all of the candidates before making their decision.”

Some citizens have already begun voting in their states’ primary elections, and results have been calculated for both Iowa and New Hampshire. Iowa citizens began voting Feb. 1, and was the first state to hold the caucus elections. New Hampshire held their primary elections a week later on Feb. 9.

Ted Cruz came out on top in Iowa’s Republican caucus with 27.6 percent of the peoples’ vote. Donald Trump came trailing second with 24.3 percent of the Republican vote.

Iowa’s Democratic caucus was a much closer vote, with Hillary Clinton coming out on top with 49.9 percent of the Democratic vote. Trailing

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

just a hair behind Clinton is Bernie Sanders with a 49.6 percent vote.

Martin O’Malley is expected to drop out of the presidential race having received only .6 percent of the Iowa Democratic vote.

The early beginnings of this election season are dwindling the candidate pool on both sides of the parties.

Republicans Carly Fiorina and Chris Christie recently dropped out of the presidential race as Cruz, Trump and Marco Rubio climb their way to the top three spots.

New Hampshire’s presidential primaries churned out very different results than Iowa. While Marco

Rubio may have caught the attention of Iowa, he has not won the favor of New Hampshire Republicans as he placed fifth, behind Jeb Bush.

New Hampshire was also the first state to vote for Donald Trump as the winner of a state primary, with 35.3 percent of the vote. John Kasich followed second place with only half the votes Trump received. Bernie Sanders won the New Hampshire Democratic primaries in a landslide with 60 percent of the vote. With such drastic numbers on both sides of the parties, New Hampshire voters seem to know what they want.

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2 Zika Scares The World opinion

02.18.2016

ISLAND WAVES

by KACI ALVAREZ staff writer

Over the past couple of weeks, news stations, social media outlets and the general public have been covering or discussing the infamous Zika Virus that is taking the world by storm.

For those who do not know what the Zika Virus is, it is a virus that is commonly transmitted by Aedes Mosquitos. According to CNN, it originated from the Zika Forrest in Uganda and spread into Asia and the Pacific Islands in 2007.

Once the first outbreak in Asia was discovered, scientists believe the “strain of Zika has mutated from the original virus found in Uganda.” In 2015, the Zika Virus made its way to South and Central America and, now more frequently, North America.

Zika has been suspected to have correlation with birth defects and other serious issues. Some of the symptoms Zika Virus can cause are

fever, rash, red eyes, vomiting and joint pain.

Although the virus has made its lasting effect on South and Central America, it is beginning to make its way into the United States. There have been multiple Zika Virus cases within the United States that are scaring those of all ages.

There have been three Zika Virus cases just within Texas over the past couple of months, two of which are in Bexar County and the other in the Dallas area. All cases are due to international travel to highly infected countries.

The scary part about the Zika Virus is, not only can it be transmitted through a mosquito bite, but that it can also be transmitted sexually. By participating in sexual activity with someone who is infected, citizens have a high chance of catching the virus as well.

For most people, the Zika Virus will only cause symptoms for a brief amount of time, but for pregnant women or those planning on becoming pregnant, it has been linked to a serious birth defect known as Microcephaly.

Microcephaly is a rare

photo courtesy WIKIMEDIA.ORG

neurological condition where the infant’s head is significantly smaller than the normal size. This happens because of the brain under developing while inside the womb, often causing developmental issues.

There are currently no cures for Microcephaly or the Zika Virus and no vaccines to prevent it from spreading.

It is definitely something people have to take into account if extending their family is something they want to do. The best way to prevent the spread of the virus is by using insect repellents, especially if planing to traveling south to Central or South America.

ZIKA VIRUS

JAMIE FINK Editor-in-chief STUDENT PUBLICATION OF TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY-CORPUS CHRISTI TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY–CORPUS CHRISTI | ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM | VOLUME 26 ISSUE 20 | 08.27.15

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Overall, I think the virus is definitely scary if you plan on having kids any time soon, but if you were not, I would not worry about it, especially since the symptoms are so mild. The way I see it is if you wait to have children, there should be a vaccine developed by then, and the Zika Virus should not effect your child.

What are your thoughts on Zika virus? Do you think the United States should spray mosquitos to prevent it like South Africa does in regards to Malaria? Do you think the United States government will develop a cure or vaccine for it soon?

Web editor Copy editor Photographer

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02.18.2016

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ISLAND WAVES

2016 BASEBALL/SOFTBALL SEASON PREVIEW

BACK TO BASICS

Islanders’ softball and baseball are set to make return trips back to the postseason despite being picked 7th and 8th in Southland Conference preseason polls.

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02.18.2016

ISLAND WAVES

Islander Hot Seat

HUGHES’ TEAM IS POISED TO TAKE CONTROL OF SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE WITH EXPERIENCED SQUAD, VITAL NEWCOMERS ‘every drill we do, every swing we Expectations are even take, is for that championship.’” more than they were last year.” ead coach Stephanie Hughes What have you been is entering her fifth season as head coach of the Islanders softworking on this offFrom what ball program. Hughes is leading season? you’ve seen, a 2016 ball club that wrapped up Hughes: “They worked extremely which games are their first 20-win season since the hard this offseason. Our strength you most look2011 squad, and also advanced to and conditioning staff did an the Southland Conference Tour- amazing job getting them stron- ing forward to this nament. The Islanders returns 13 ger, and they came back in great year?

Hughes: “Our nonconplayers from last season’s squad. shape.” ference schedule oppoWith such high hopes and with nents I think are going so much returning talent, Hughes Where is this year’s to help prepare us for offered up some key information team compared to last our confere schedule. about her squads upcoming seaOnce you get into that son and what the Islanders have season’s?

Hughes: “The end of last season conference schedule, in store for fans. propelled us into this season for they are all important.

What is the primary sure. The best part about this We are hosting Louisville who group is that we didn’t lose any- has made the NCAA Tournament goal of this season? one on our pitching staff and we the past few years. We are goHughes: “The primary goal this gained a pitcher. We are exactly ing in to College Station to play season is to win a conference where we were last year with the in a tournament, and play A&M championship, hands down. We addition of some key players. twice. Anytime we get to play as have a saying within our team, a Texas school and go in and play a Texas, a Texas A&M or Baylor, the girls seem to step it up just a little bit more.”

by JAMIE FINK editor-in-chief

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Q

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To see that it shows me that they have high expecatations for this season.”

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What can stop the Islanders from a repeat trip to the Southland Tournament this season?

Hughes: “I think the only thing that can stop us is ourselves. We have just as much if not more talent on this team than we did last Are there any team year, and we have the confidence goals or competitions that we can get to that tournayour team has going on for ment and win that tournament.”

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themselves and with each other?

Hughes: “We try to compete everyday. So we try to do something in practice that involves competition and we have a very competitive group. Over break they competed with each other to see who was working out more, going out and hitting and pitching.

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02.18.2016

ISLAND WAVES

Coach's Corner

MALONE AIMING TO REGAIN SOUTHLAND DOMINANCE FOLLOWING POSTSEASON PUSH, TALENTED BALLPLAYERS

by JAMIE FINK editor-in-chief

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Malone: “Having taken a small step backward in our league last year, and this preseason idea that maybe we are only the eighth best team, I think the 30 Southland Conference games are the ones I am most excited about. I think we are better than that. The reality is that last year we finished eighth. I want to change reality. I’m anxious, we are preparing to change the perception of the program. There are a handful of games we play every year on the biggest stage, and you have to showcase your program. We start a new four-year contract with Texas A&M and we have not played those guys in the nine years I’ve been here, and those guys are a top-five team in the country.”

Malone: “Everybody has a baseline from one to ten. All my players have a baseline. Every one of my players have to be a seven for us to win. In order to reach Katy, I have to have five or six guys be a nine this season.

As for what can stop us, I think we saw it last year. I can’t have guys not meeting their baseline. Having guys meeting their baseline and beyond is what makes the game fun.”

Where is this year’s From what you’ve seen, What can stop you guys ead Coach Scott Malone has team compared to last which games are you from another trip to the been steering the ship at the seasons? most looking forward to this Southland Tournament this Island University for nine seasons. Malone: “Well as a coach there’s this year? season?

H

He has guided the Islanders to Katy for the Southland Conference Tournament in five consecutive seasons, including last season when the Islanders nabbed the eighthseed.

With the hopes of a sixth straight trip to Katy this spring, Malone offered up some key information about his clubs upcoming season and what the Islanders have in store for fans.

fake idea that you want to know what you’re going to get everyday. You just want to know what you’re going to get. I think there was a very quiet confidence last year, because we had 13 seniors. Coaches like older players because they know what they are going to get. I don’t think the confidence is lower this year, I think there is more of an excitement for all these new faces. What are they going to do when the lights come on?

This year’s club, we are counting on What is the primary goal players in roles they’ve never been in before. There’s just a bit more of this season?

Malone: “I think the goal every year unknown than in the past.” is to be one of the best teams in the league. The last couple of years, we Which players are you have been knocking on the door of most looking forward to winning a championship. We are getting ready to play 56 games in 14 this year? weeks, and it’s time to go play. Again, Malone: “Zach Gibson. He’s a fifth-year the goal is to get back into the top senior who’s going to play centerfield everyday. He sat out last year with two three or four spots in our league.” separate injuries. He had minor surgery in his neck and he had surgery in his What have you been non-throwing shoulder. Completely working on this revamped his body, his work ethic, his offseason? mentality. You don’t sit out a year and Malone: “There is three areas in our become team captain and become the game where you have to be very good. most respected player on the team. He You know you have to be able to pitch. is scratching the surface of not only When you pitch you walk into the park becoming a star, but a superstar in our knowing you have a chance to win. Next league. I will be surprised if he isn’t one we have to be able to play defense, and of the seven or eight best players in the finally we have to hit the ball and score Southland Conference. I can’t wait to runs. We’ve had a long-time tradition of see that guy go play everyday.” being an offensive team in the league.”

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The Islanders season begins this weekend with a homeopener against Chicago State University at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19. The Islanders will then host their annual Kleberg College Classic on Jan. 26 through Jan. 28 at Whataburger Field.

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02.18.2016

ISLAND WAVES

CARRYING THE LOAD

WEIGHT OF REPEAT POSTSEASON TRIP FALLS ON ISLANDERS’ ARMS

by JONATHAN FORNEY staff writer

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he Islanders’ Softball team has high expectations for every one of its players. This fact is no more evident than when looking at their pitchers. Softball pitchers are pivotal parts of the defense and the four suiting up for the Islanders each have unique goals and roles for the team.

A pitcher needs many qualities to be successful, especially at the Division one level and having multiple pitchers each bringing different skills to the table, the team is in a place to thrive at that position.

Head Coach Stephanie Hughes said competitiveness is an important trait to have.

“A lot of times it seems like they’re out there by themselves and you’ve got to be sure they can handle the pressure of having the team on their shoulders,” she said.

Any coach will tell you that their players are students first and athletes second. A prime example of a student athlete is junior pitcher

Liz Carter. Carter won first team all-academic honors in addition to winning ‘Pitcher of the Week’ twice during her sophomore season.

“It’s a challenge, but softball teaches you so many qualities that translate to academics,” Carter said. “We have so many resources, that it’s definitely manageable with teammates, coaches, and the university all there to help.”

The team relies on players of varying experience levels to make things happen. From experienced seniors like Stephanie Flores to freshman such as Colleen Bentke learning the ins and outs of the collegiate game.

“As a younger player, we have to listen to the older ones because they’ve been through it before,” freshman pitcher Bentke said.

On the other end of the experience spectrum, older players are looked to for leadership and guidance.

“You have to do things right, do what you want others to follow,” said lone senior pitcher Flores.

Things do not always have to

be serious though because a team that is comfortable with one another is crucial for building team chemistry and the Islanders have that in spades.

“It’s a lot of fun. Every year it gets better, you learn and you grow as a player,” Carter said. “We have a really good team dynamic this year, we have each other’s back.”

With the roster’s differing levels of experience comes differing expectations from the coaching staff and the players themselves. Players such as Carter, for example, who was described as the team’s “workhorse” by Coach Hughes, will have vastly different goals from those of a player learning the ropes, such as Bentke.

“We’re definitely going to have high expectations after what she [Carter] did last year, but at the same time she knows she has those other three pitchers to help her with that workload,” Coach Hughes said.

“Just go in whenever they need me and play my role,” Bentke said.

“I need to understand how good the pitchers ahead of me are and be patient.”

Coaches and players alike say winning is the primary goal.

However, the Islanders have other

goals in mind as well.

“Communication with each other and the way we hustle on and off the field” Flores said.

“Bentke said. “Our confidence, knowing that you have all these other pitchers who have your back.”

With their combination of experience and skill sets the Islander pitchers are poised to their part to contribute to a great season. photos by JAMIE FINK

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02.18.2016

ISLAND WAVES

MAKING THE TRANSITION

FLORES MAKES ALL THE RIGHT MOVES FOR SENIOR SEASON FOLLOWING TRANSFER

by JONATHAN FORNEY staff writer

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he Islanders’ softball team is full of unique players, each with their own stories of how they came to play for Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. One particularly interesting player is senior pitcher, Stephanie Flores.

She is in her second year as an Islander and spent her first two collegiate years at Temple Junior College. Flores said the leap from junior college to Division I has been one of learning, frustration and improvement.

Flores shined at Temple. She won back-toback first team all North Texas Junior College Athletics Conference (NTJCAC) honors, led the NCAA in strikeouts, and won the 2014 Junior College Pitcher of the year. On top of those national and state accolades, she was also offered international ones such as the opportunity to play for the United States in the Canada Cup. While Flores did not take the offer, she did recognize the magnitude of her achievement.

“I was excited, not just for myself, but also for the opportunity it represented,” Flores said.

Once Flores transferred to the Island University, she was initially overwhelmed by the change in level of competition. Her first year was spent making adjustments to her game for her new opponents at the Division I level.

“It was hard at the beginning. I had to learn opposing hitters more and study them more than when I was at Temple,” Flores said.

Head Coach Stephanie Hughes said Flores handled it really well.

“She’s really embraced the strength and conditioning program and it’s allowed her to throw harder and get stronger,” Hughes said.

But as difficult as adjusting was, she got through it and is poised to build off her previous experience for her senior year.

“The hitters are a lot better at this level,” Hughes said. “She [Flores] worked through it last year, but she’s going to have a monster year this year.”

As a pitcher, Flores has a lot to consider with each and every pitch, but she is not alone.

The softball coaching staff, particularly Coach Brittany Rumfelt, are helping her every step of the way, breaking down every one of her pitches and assisting in making adjustments.

“We have such a good pitching staff that I don’t feel any pressure when I’m on the mound,” Flores said. “It’s really good to strike someone out, so that relief makes any stress worth it.”

It is important for players to remain calm and poised during games and some players even have routines that get them prepared.

Flores only turns to her right side when preparing to pitch, but that is the only thing constant between pitches.

“It depends on the batter, it’s different every pitch because every batter is different,” Flores said.

With the season debut in sight, Flores and the Islanders have established goals for the year.

“Our coaches want us to improve our communication with each other and the way we hustle on and off the field,” Flores said.

“As far as individual goals, I want to pitch

SOUTHLAND

by JAMIE FINK editor-in-chief

A

fter finishing last season sixth in the Southland Conference, the Islanders will start their 2016 campaign ranked tied for 7th, according to the Southland Coaches’ Poll.

NORTHWESTERN STATE LAMAR NICHOLLS SAM HOUSTON STATE

“It’s a little disappointing,” head coach Stephanie Hughes said. “Then again, all those preseason rankings don’t know where we are or who we have added. The game happens on the field, not in the preseason.”

In the first game of the 2015 Southland Conference Tournament, eventual tournament cham-

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photo by JAMIE FINK

Flores went 5-8 last year for the Islanders in 18 starts while posting a 3.29 ERA in 108.2 innings of work.

at least three shutouts. As a team we want to win the conference.”

The transition to Division I was not an easy one to make, but Flores is at home in Corpus Christi with her teammates and coaches.

“As the days and weeks went on, we started working more and more as a team, it got a lot better,” Flores said. “We’ve grown a bond, like big sister/little sister.”

Preseason Rankings (Coaches’ Poll)

pion Central Arkansas and the Islanders gave us an instant classic going 13 innings before a single run was scored.

That was the start of how the Islanders finished its 2015 season.

The Islanders captured the final seed in the Southland Conference Tournament giving them a chance

at an NCAA berth.

However, the Islanders postseason run ended just two games in.

The Islanders are poised to make yet another appearance in the postseason, as they return a solid pitching core and stacked offensive lineup with great speed.

MCNEESE STATE

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CENTRAL ARKANSAS

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SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA

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ABILENE CHRISTIAN

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STEPHEN F. AUSTIN

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INCARNATE WORD

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A&M-CORPUS CHRISTI HOUSTON BAPTIST

Illustration by JAMIE FINK

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02.18.2016

ISLAND WAVES

ONE LAST SHOT FOR GLORY ISLANDERS’ SHORTSTOP LEADS DETERMINED SENIORS AT LAST SHOT FOR SOUTHLAND TITLE

by SAMANTHA MAHLER staff writer

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hortstop Casey Thomas is perhaps one of the Islanders’ biggest assets.

Born March 16, 1993, the senior health science major grew up in Phoenix, Arizona.

After high school, Thomas played at Gateway Community College in Phoenix for two years before coming to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

“It’s been quite the experience. It’s definitely totally different than the mentality and game play than I would say compared to that of west coast baseball but I love it here,” Thomas said. “It’s good to finally get out of Arizona. I’ve been living there for pretty much my whole life.”

His time at Gateway Community College was full of accomplishments, such as setting the school record for doubles and triples. In fact Thomas was also named team MVP and Defensive Player of the Year, all of which proved him to be an invaluable player to the Islanders.

“When you come in here as a junior college kid, expectations are for you to be better quicker. You’re brought in to do a job right away,” head coach Scott Malone said.

Last season, Islanders baseball finished in eighth place at the Southland Conference Tournament. It was losses such as this that put the team back on track to finish this season stronger than ever.

“I think last year we kind of let such high expectations take over. We didn’t show up every day like we needed to in order to be

number one in the conference. We need dedication from every player,” Thomas said.

“This year we haven’t even talked about last year that much. It’s just the whole mentality. The grind is different,” Thomas said. “Everyone’s been getting after it since day one. In my mind, I think everyone out here has the same goal: to be No. 1.”

In Malone’s opinion, Thomas is right. It is possible that the shortstop’s particular mindset is what makes him such a crucial player for Islander baseball.

“He’s the leader of the infielders so my expectations for him on a scale of 1 to 10 are at an 11 every day. He’ll tell you ‘Coach Malone is always barking at me’ but hey— that’s part of the job’,” Coach Malone said.

“He’s a West Coast kid. Not much gets to him. The stress of life just kind of rolls off his shoulders, and that’s okay.”

The 2016 baseball season is Thomas’s last chance to win a Southland Conference title. However, while many players might crack under pressure, Casey’s levelheaded mentality is what is keeping his mind sharp.

“I’m definitely excited to get going. I just want to go out with a bang and do the best I can for my teammates, coaches, for the school, everything. Hopefully we can get some wins,” Thomas said.

With the era of his collegiate baseball career coming to a close Thomas is making it a priority to enjoy his last season with the Islanders. In five years, he said he could see himself enjoying life on the beach in California.

SOUTHLAND “We enter this seaon being picked eighth by the coaches, fter finishing last season with which is honestly a little disapa record of 26-27 overall and pointing,” said head coach Scott a 13-14 record in conference play, Malone. “For all the momentum the Islanders will start their 2016 that we gathered over the last three season ranked 8th, according to or four years, but it is what it is. I feel like we’ve been talking about it the Southland Coaches’ Poll. for months, now we get to put on

by JAMIE FINK editor-in-chief

A

photo courtesy of GOISLANDERS

Shortstop Casey Thomas waits on a pitch during last year’s Kleberg College Classic at Whataburger Field.

“Obviously, every baseball player’s dream is to get into the draft. Right now, I’m focusing on this season and getting my school done,” Thomas said. “I’m hopefully graduating this summer and then we’ll take it from there.”

Preseason Rankings (Coaches’ Poll)

our uniforms and go play.”

The Islanders finished the 2015 season after securing the eighth seed in the Southland Conference.

The Islanders late season surge continued into the postseason, as they defeated last seasons tournament champions and No. 1 seeded Southeastern Louisiana twice to

knock them out of the tournament.

The Islanders would go on to lose to rival Sam Houston State finshing their season just one game short of a tournament finals appearance.

The Islanders are out to prove they belong among the conference’s best teams in the league.

SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA

1

NORTHWESTERN STATE

2

SAM HOUSTON STATE

3

MCNEESE STATE

4

NICHOLLS

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CENTRAL ARKANSAS

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HOUSTON BAPTIST

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A&M-CORPUS CHRISTI

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LAMAR

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STEPHEN F. AUSTIN

10

ABILENE CHRISTIAN

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INCARNATE WORD

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NEW ORLEANS

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02.18.2016

ISLAND WAVES

HARDENED CAST IN THE MIDDLE

VETERAN INFIELDERS LEADS YOUNG ISLANDERS THROUGH TOUGH SCHEDULE

by SAMANTHA MAHLER staff writer

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he Islander baseball team is gearing up for the 2016 season.

Two vital players both in the infield and beyond are none other than second baseman Brett Burner and catcher Lukas Hermanson.

“They’re two kids that don’t let the game get to them very much.

They have a pretty easy time taking a deep breath and playing baseball,” head coach Scott Malone said.

“They don’t have to be right. They have to sell whatever they’re selling with conviction. They have to make their best educated guess and go with it.”

Perhaps it is their knowledge about baseball and experience playing that makes both Burner and Hermanson such significant players.

“I try to get to the point that I don’t have to worry about my baseball skills. I can just think strictly about strategy and how to outsmart the

other team,” said Hermanson, who is a junior business major.

“We’re just working really hard right now, focusing on first place in our season this year and hopefully first place in the conference tournament,” said Burner, who is a junior geology major. “It takes a lot of hard work. There’s a lot that goes on. You really need to pay attention and work hard to get it.”

Losing focus, even for a second, could prove to be detrimental to the outcome of any given game. For Hermanson, being catcher means that he has more priorities than just playing his position.

“Everyone else knows their own job, but as a catcher running the infield, I have to know everyone’s job and where they need to go,” Hermanson said. “If something wrong happens, I can direct it and fix the problem in the middle of a play.”

Last season Islander baseball lost

a large group of seniors, among which was left-handed pitcher Trevor Belicek. However with the addition of more junior college transfers, plus several incoming freshmen, the team is certain that they will pull through.

“This year we’ve trained a lot harder. I think we’re going to be really good. It feels like everyone’s coming together nicely and bonding,” Hermanson said. “Last year it felt like we had too many seniors. This year, everyone’s the same and work together.”

Burner credits hard work and putting in more work than is needed to be successful. However, perhaps the most notable difference to both he and coach Malone is simply being confident while playing the game.

“You have to play loose. If you play tight, you’re scared. Playing loose is the best thing you can do,” Burner said. “You can’t put too

much pressure on you.”

Still the Islanders have a goal in mind. With last season’s loss in the Southland Conference Tournament riding on their tails, the baseball team is looking to set the record straight.

“We don’t run this program 365 days a year so we can finish eighth,” coach Malone said. “Right now, there’s a perception that we’re the eighth best club in the Southland Conference. We’re going to change that reality and we’re not going to wait and do it in the conference tournament.”

Islander baseball takes on Chicago State on Friday, Feb. 19, in the first game of the season.

Conference officially begins on Friday, March 18, with a home game against Nicholls State University.

For more information on Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi baseball and other Islander sports, please visit www.goislanders.com.

ISLANDERS FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE

Casey Thomas, Sr. MIF

Started 50 games at shortstop earning honorable mention All-Southland team last season, while hitting .281 with 26 RBI and 21 runs.

Brett Burner, Jr. MIF

Started 44 games last season, while hitting .227 with 16 RBI and 17 runs.

Cody Clarke, Sr. 3B

Justin Perales, Sr. 1B

Started in 29 games last season, hitting .194 on the season with 14 RBI and 10 runs.

Started 38 games at both first base and designated hitter last season, while hitting .242 with 23 RBI and 12 runs.

Lukas Hermanson, Jr. C

Started in 47 games behind the plate last season, hitting .201 with 11 RBI and 17 runs.

Illustration by MIKAYLA GONZALEZ & JAMIE FINK

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ISLANDERS V. COLONELS The Islanders won the series last season two games to one. This year’s matchup will take place at Chapman Field on March 1820, with the first pitch starting at 6 p.m.

ISLANDERS V. LAMAR The Islanders dropped the three game series at Lamar two games to one. This season’s matchup at Chapman Field will be on April 8-10. First pitch of the series at 6 p.m.

ISLANDERS V. DEMONS The Islanders lost last season’s series against the Demons at home two games to one. This season’s matchup in Natchitoches will be on April 29- May 1.

ISLANDERS V. LIONS The Islanders lost the regular season matchup against the Lions three games to none at home. This season’s series will take place in Hammond, Lousisiana, on March 24-26.

ISLANDERS v. WILDCATS The Islanders won the three game series by sweeping the Wildcats at home last season.

This year’s matchup at Abilene Christian will be on April 15-17.

ISLANDERS v. BEARKATS The Islanders dropped last season’s series two games to one in Huntsville. This season’s matchup at Chapman Field will take place on May 6-8 with the first pitch of the series at 6 p.m.

ISLANDERS v. CARDINALS The Islanders won the three game series at UIW two games to one last season. This season’s matchup on the island will be on May 19-21, with the first pitch of the series at 6 p.m.

ISLANDERS V. PRIVATEERS The Islanders won last season’s matchup against the Privateers two games to one in New Orleans. This season’s series will take place at Chapman Field on April 22-24, with the first pitch of the series at 6 p.m.

ISLANDERS V. HUSKIES The Islanders and last season’s tournament champs did not play in the regular season.

This year’s regular season series will be on May 13-15.

ISLANDER BASEBALL CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

ISLAND WAVES

ISLANDERS V. LUMBERJACKS The Islanders lost last season’s series against the Jacks at home two games to one. This season’s matchup will take place at SFA on April 1-3.

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ISLAND WAVES

Zombies steal the show in ‘Pride & Prejudice’

by KACI ALVAREZ staff writer

A

gory twist to the literary classic is just a brief way to describe “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies,” the movie that hit theaters on Feb. 5, it toke gore and horror fanatics along side literary lovers by storm.

The movie was based off the parody novel Pride and Prejudice and Zombies written by Seth GrahameSmith, author of other parody novels such as “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter,” which is a combination of Jane Austen’s classic 19th century novel, “Pride and Prejudice” as well as elements of modern zombie fiction.

The story follows Elizabeth Bennet, played by Lily James (Cinderella and Wrath of the Titans), a skilled martial arts and weaponry enthusiast, and Mr. Darcy, played by Sam Riley (Maleficent), a handsome yet mysterious zombie killer, who fights off a brain-hungry army of zombies in order to save London and those they love.

The film starts off by setting the scene with an illustration during the opening credits to give the audience

MOVIE REVIEW the background information on how the zombie apocalypse started and where it took place.

The plot soon shifts and gives the audience a chance to see the lives of Bennet and her sisters as they fight off zombies all the while remaining perfect ladies.

The film really portrayed 19thcentury society by showing the differences between the wealthy and the common man, which in this case was studying martial arts from either Japan or China and depicting the reality of arranged marriages during that time period.

The movie did a great job with transforming the novel into a big screen phenomenon, which is hard for most movies to do, partially because the actors were compelling and the plot was interesting.

The movie will compel the zombie lover with its bloody graphics and fighting scenes and attract the hopeless romantic with the love stories throughout.

The entertainment aspect of

the movie was amazing. “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” kept the audience intrigued due to the carefully placed lines of Austen’s original novel and the elements of zombies inserted throughout. It included Victorian women in corsets and petticoats fighting of the living dead (who are, funny enough, also in corsets and petticoats).

Although the fight scenes were, indeed, bloody, there were really no jump scares throughout and definitely could have been longer in order to satisfy the action enthusiast.

Overall, “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” was entertaining. If you are not looking for a cinematographic

masterpiece, this is a perfect choice for you. While the film was good for quite a few laughs and intense fight scenes that pack a punch, it was simply decent, due to the film feeling rather fatigued by the end.

I, myself, am a huge fan of horror comedies, like this one and “Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter.” However, do not get me wrong... this movie is definitely one I would watch again (and again), but coming from a more broad view of the public, it just fell short of something people will really like.

It was worth it, but do not take my word for it. Go see this movie for yourself and give it your own rating.

Guide to college style FASHION SENSE

by ABBEY WEAVER staff writer

W

e all know that feeling of getting up for that 8 a.m. class on Monday. The sheer dread of having to look presentable. It is hard enough just showering, brushing your teeth and keeping up with personal hygiene. Much less actually brushing your hair, putting an outfit together, and getting makeup on. The temptation to stumble out of your room in your pajamas is almost irresistible for a college student. It is easy to settle for the usual Nike shorts and T-shirt option when all you want is to be comfortable during class. What if I told you there was a way to have both comfort and style? With these few steps you can achieve both for any event you feel a little lazy for.

1 Plan ahead is the first step in creating a comfy and cute look. The main reason there is no motivation to put together an outfit in the morning is because starting from scratch early in the morning is too much. No one likes to think or put in effort before noon. Prevent this by planning what you are going to wear the night before. Remind yourself before you get ready for bed to pick out what to wear and set it out for the next morning. Odds are you will be more willing to wear what you already picked out rather than trying to scramble to put something together. Being prepared will give you more time to do other important things in the morning and help you feel more relaxed.

2 The next step is to mix your comfort pieces with more stylish ones. Have certain go to items that you always grab when you need to be out the door quick. Mix them up with other more put together items.

Tennis shoes are perfect for all-day comfort. Rather than your usual running leggings, pair them with dark wash or boyfriend style jeans and cuff them at the ankle. For the boys, maybe shorts are your first pick. Choose shorts that hit above the knee or just below mid thigh and pair them with a button down or T-shirt with the sleeves cuffed twice. Mixing in sportier pieces into your style is really on trend right now which is perfect for staying comfy and trendy.

3 Last, but certainly not least, one has to consider makeup. On one hand for guys once the outfit is done they are pretty much good to go.

However ladies still have makeup to worry about. The main objective to keep your makeup easy and simple for early mornings is cutting down to the basics of a fresh looking face.

The best way to achieve this is to apply concealer under the eyes and on the nose and to make sure to get around your nostrils where it often gets red. This is the best way to make you look as awake and fresh as possible without the hassle of foundation. Throw on some mascara and bronzer and you are good to go.

4 These three tips will help amp up your style while still preserving the comfort aspect. Do not sacrifice your aesthetic because of a lazy day.

Planning ahead and utilizing your go-to items in the right way will give you both comfort and style.

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ROTC inspires new traditions ISLAND WAVES

by ABBEY WEAVER staff writer

H

omecoming week is a time of celebration and tradition.

It is about bringing the student body, faculty and the Corpus Christi residents together to celebrate education and a thriving community.

Some of the most popular attractions on this special week are the traditions. Whether they have been going on since the beginning of school history, or just a few years, each one is special in that it brings the coastal bend community together.

For the 2016 homecoming week, a brand new tradition was born.

Thanks to the work of Trey Weber and a committee of cadets as well as islander faculty, the ROTC Centennial Run and Push Up Challenge is now and islander homecoming tradition.

Senior communication major Trey Weber was the brains behind this new and exciting event.

“This year alone we started the idea.” Weber said.

Putting together such a large and

successful event in such a short amount of time took a lot of hard work, time and dedication. With his involvement in ROTC as an MS5 Cadet Second Lieutenant and his brotherhood in Sig Ep, Weber has learned discipline and the value of perseverance, qualities which he applied in planning this exciting new event. Weber has accomplished a lot this year and he looks forward to graduating in May 2016 as an Active Duty Army Ordinance Officer.

Part of the reason this event was so successful is how many different organizations participated and the reasons behind the celebration.

“We had an outstanding turnout for our first 5K,” Weber said. “Greek life, student organizations and ROTC all participated.”

Weber encouraged the rest of Sig Ep to participate in the race and they were happy to do so.

“As brothers, it’s a good bonding experience and fun to do stuff like that together,” senior psychology major Josh Meriwether said.

Meriwether also said one of Sig Ep’s main beliefs is to have a “sound mind in a sound body.” This means

photo courtesy of ROTC

both Weber and Meriwether believe in academic achievement as well as physical health. The 5K run was another way for Weber and Meriwether to practice their beliefs day to day.

The reasons behind this event were something to celebrate. In honor of 100 years of U.S. Army ROTC and to commemorate the islander Battalion’s 10-year anniversary,

there is no wonder why this event meant so much to Weber and the rest of the islander community.

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi values the ROTC program and commends Weber for his dedication to the school, the program, and this event. The ROTC Centennial 5k Run and Push-Up Challenge will remain an island tradition for many years to come.

DISCOVER THE BENEFITS OF ROTC AT TAMUCC. ADVENTURE TRAINING

CAREERS

Rappelling, land navigation, weapons, obstacle courses and much more.

Competitive, full- or part-time jobs after college in the Army, Army Reserves, or National Guard.

MARKETABILITY

LEADERSHIP

Army leadership and management skills are desirable in the professional world.

The US Army is the best leadership development program in the world.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

TEAMWORK

$300-$500 Stipend (monthly allowance) upon contracting to accept an Army Commission.

Be part of a real team focused on mission accomplishment.

FITNESS

TRAVEL

Train three days per week with your cadre, and develop a lifelong commitment to physical fitness.

See the country and the world after commissioning.

JOIN US. ROTC@TAMUCC.EDU ROTC.TAMUCC.EDU 361-825-5841 Texas A&M ROTC - Corpus Christi