TEXAS TEXASA&M A&MUNIVERSITY–CORPUS UNIVERSITY–CORPUS CHRISTI CHRISTI
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PROTESTING BRUTALITY
see BLM PROTEST on page 5 photo by ANDREA ALEJANDRO
Islanders strive for safe community
Safety campaign educates Corpus Christi residents on transportation by GERI LEMMONS staff writer
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he Texas A&M UniversityCorpus Christi Safe Community Campaign teaches the community about safe transportation by making sure people are protected and not putting others in danger. The Safe Community Campaign is organized by Dr. Philip Rhoades, director of the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Social Science Research Center. The campaign promotes safe driving, walking and cycling practices to students, faculty, staff and others within the community. “I think that first of all safety should always be a priority,” said Irene Florez, junior nursing major. “So the fact that our city is taking initiative to help people realize that safety is important is great.” The Safe Communities Campaign is sponsored by the Texas Department of Transportation and the national highway Traffic Safety Administration. They have done presentations on important subjects including the benefits of
proper helmet sizing. They also have given out different items to spread awareness for safe transportation. According to the Safe Communities campaign page, the group has recently handed out more than 180 free helmets to people in the Coastal Bend community. The group had many different helmet sizes for those of all ages. In order to ensure the helmet fit properly, those who received them had to get measurements of their head, because wearing the wrong size helmet can increase problems in the event of a fall or crash. Karla Calderon, junior nursing major, said she also thinks this campaign is a good idea because people need to become educated on transportation safety. She said more people need to know about the Safe Communities Campaign. “Why not let people know that they have a campaign like this around?” Calderon said. “It is something that I did not know much about before but now I plan on looking it up.” The Safe Communities cam-
INDEX OPINION 2 | NEWS 3,4,5 | ENTERTAINMENT 7, 8, 9, 10 | SPORTS 11,12
photo courtesy of TAMUCC.EDU
Philip Rhoades and members of the Safe Community Campaign hand out helmets.
paign promotes safe walking and safe driving. They have been working to get people more aware and knowledgeable about different practices they can do in order to keep safe when they are going from one place to another. According to Corpus Christi. com, another one of the topics the safety campaign have covered is drinking and driving. The group has been trying to bring down the number of alcohol-related driving deaths as well. In the article they
say they want to take the title of, “Drunkest city” away from Corpus Christi. The Safe Communities Campaign page, provides tips for getting designated drivers and really advocate for people to not get behind the wheel if they choose to drink. The Safe Communities Campaign does presentations all over the city. It presents to high school and college students and educate anyone that is in the Coastal Bend see SAVE COMMUNITIES on page 4
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opinion
08.18.2016
Traffic tips to keep students on time ISLAND WAVES
by JAMIE FINK staff writer
A new academic year means many things on college campuses. Some students are returning for the final time. Others are reconnecting with all the friends they have deeply missed all summer. Then finally there are the few thousand freshmen who are entering the beginning stages of adulthood and are out on their own for the first time. The new academic year also brings two major things back to the Island University, back with a vengeance. The inevitable hunt for a decent parking spot and the bumper to bumper traffic en route to the Island. For those who do not live on campus and commute to the Island for class every day, this is known all too well. The beginning of a semester is like Armageddon for car owners. Clustered chaos on every street heading to the Island, lights which stay green during what seems like forever and city buses
stopping every couple hundred feet and slowing you down. Here are few tips and tricks to beating that back-to-school chaos on the streets. 1. Test the drive- know your go If you will be living off-campus, mapping out your daily trek to the Island will help you become more aware once school begins. Head out a day or two before the semester starts and take mental notes of how your drive is. For example, take note of the type of traffic during your drive, how long it takes you to make in on to campus with that type of traffic, speed limits, pedestrian crosswalks, bus stops and school zones. This test run serves a double purpose. Once on campus it can actually help to find out which buildings and rooms your classes will be, that way you are not struggling or feeling lost on the first day of classes. This can also help with figuring out which parking lot you should park in [if you don’t have a Garage Parking Permit]. 2. Leave early This will most likely the most helpful tip. Since a new academic year is starting, allow yourself more time to get where you are
going until you can figure out the effects of traffic around the times of your classes. Traffic for the first couple of weeks will be complete and utter chaos, I promise. You will also most likely be late to a least one class if you don’t leave early because of an accident. It’s bound to happen multiple times during the first couple of weeks, because everyone, although they’re not taking the same class as you, will most likely have a class around the same time which is why you are on the road together. Some will also be distracted from the road due to their cellphones, especially with Pokestops all over campus. 3. Put your phone away I CANNOT stress this enough. Please, do everyone a favor and put your phone somewhere out of sight and out of reach before you even get into your car. Whether it be your purse or your fresh new backpack, zip it up inside and wait to get it until you are safely parked on campus. Your life and everyone else’s on the road with you is not worth a few minutes of texting, snapchatting, posting on Instragram or anything else. A selfie in the parking lot of the university
is far better than one while driving. Do whatever you have to do to give your full attention to the road. 4. Drive defensively- stay Alert Corpus Christi is a driver’s nightmare . I’m not joking. Being alert and aware of your surroundings on the road is a priority for all drivers. Many Corpus streets, including Ennis Joslin and Ocean Drive are lined with bicycle lanes and bus stops. Making note of bus stops and heavy pedestrian areas will help keep you from being surprised at the start of the semester. Many drivers switch lanes without using their signals, so driving defensively helps you not only feel comfortable while driving, but also keeps you from being involved in accidents. Learn the rules of the roads and the speed limits. It’s OK if you drive slower the first couple days, the first tip should help you become more comfortable with driving to the Island University. Good luck in your quest to avoid the dreaded vehicle related back-toschool madness. As for trying to find a decent parking spot on the Island “may the odds be ever in your favor.”
Islander Traffic Traps Pinpointed areas of heavy first of semester traffic all Islanders should prepare for.
KACI ALVAREZ
Editor-in-chief Web Editor 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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The Island Waves is a student-produced publication at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. The newspaper is printed weekly, except during summer sessions. Any student or University employee may submit material for publication consideration. To become a contributor, e-mail or call the Island Waves editor.
MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL
Photographer/cartoonist IZZY SNEED Layout assistant
KARA HERRERA
WENDY MOORE
Faculty Adviser Features reporter
GERI LEMMONS
News reporter JONATHAN FORNEY Advertising Manager
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KELE ISIBOR
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news
08.18.2016
ISLAND WAVES
Passport gives 4-1-1 on TAMU-CC by MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL web editor
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assport to the Island is the most anticipated event for current and incoming students at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi throughout the summer. Every orientation for the Island is different from the one before and the one that follows. There is one thing they all have in common besides the hashtags and that is the portion of time dedicated to Passport to the Island. Passport to the Island is a portion of orientation that is dedicated to the many groups and organizations that make their home on campus, giving the incoming students, whether they are freshmen or transfers, a chance to see what the Island has to offer. “It actually made me really excited for the semester and now I look forward to becoming more involved in college,” said Chloe Stanley, an incoming freshman. “I do wish more organizations were represented but overall I think it was a really good opportunity to see what the Island had to offer.” Tyler Hensley, a cadet command sargent Major of the ROTC organization on campus, agrees. “It is definitely good for incoming freshmen to see what is available to them and to also kind of separate the parents as well, only due to the fact that the parents are telling them what they should do,” Hensley said. “They are actually able to come up and talk to anyone they want. At the same time, it might be a negative thing though because parents want to know information but they are not here to get it.”
photo by MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL
Tyler Hensley, a cadet command sargent major is informing incoming freshman the opportunities available to them from the ROTC.
Passport was not just an opportunity for the incoming freshmen to know more about some of the 100 plus organizations that make the Island University their home, but for the small portion of the groups that were there, it was an opportunity to grow their organization. “The biggest draw in is to kind of get a goal of how many freshmen you want to get to join your organization,” Hensley said. “That is kind of the purpose of this and it helps them figure out if they kind of want to do this or not.” Passport to the Island also gives the incoming students a chance to
interact with the current ones to ask them for any advice. “Sleep, do your homework and eat right. No midnight Whataburger runs,” was some of Tyler’s advice to incoming freshmen. By being one of the first times the students actually get to see what they can join or how they can better their career choices, Passport to the Island starts to make these students feel like they are actually in college now. “I was not very involved in clubs or anything in high school, mostly because there did not seem to be anything I was interested in,” Stanley said. “The Island is so different
than high school. There is a huge variety of organizations and there is definitely something for everyone. Passport to the Island was a cute little preview of the wide range of groups to join.” The last Passport to the Island was on Aug. 1 during the final TAMUCC orientation. The class of 2020 will have the opportunity to contact the organizations before and at the start of the fall semester to join their desired clubs, while starting the cycle over again. For more information on the different organizations offered at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, visit tamucc.orgsync.com.
Student’s give perspective on Corpus potential
by VIVIEN SANCHEZ contributing writer
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econstructed streets, a newly developed downtown and a plan to bring in new entertainment is the key to fixing what is wrong with Corpus Christi, according to Savannah Herrera and Skyler Coffman both juniors at TAMUCC. According to a survey that was conducted by Wallethub titled “2016’s Best and Worst Cities for Staycation,” Corpus Christi was ranked 87 in recreation, 85 in food and entertainment, and 64 in rest and relaxation. All categories ranked out of 150 cities. The two students collaborated on what they believe could change this city and
bring up the rankings. “This city does have potential,” Herrera said. “If we had one central location like downtown, where we could say ‘hey let’s spend the day downtown’ would make the world of difference.” Herrera, who is from San Antonio Texas, believes the city really only has a few options for entertainment. “I feel like we only really have the beach, and our beach is always dirty,” Herrera said. When brainstorming on how to improve Corpus Christi, Coffman wanted to focus on bringing in more tourists. He believes the streets speak volumes for the city and need immediate reconstruction. “It all starts with the street, if we
want people to come to this city, we need more and better streets,” Coffman said. Coffman said the city needs something that makes it stand out above the rest, like a new landmark. He thought a Farris Wheel could be an ideal landmark. “Like they have the Eye of Paris and Coney Island. We need something that makes us look just as exciting,” Coffman said. “But knowing this city, it will get half way built and then we are stuck staring at ‘what could have been.’” Both Herrera and Coffman both agree many restaurants could contribute to the growth of the Sparkling City by the Sea. “Fazolis. It is fast food Italian,”
Coffman said. “It’s a drive thru, but if you sit-in, you get unlimited breadsticks. It is so delicious.” Both students stressed the concern they have that the city does a half-way job with most city projects, and officials don’t seem to be financially prepared before they get started on the projects. In another survey that Wallethub conducted titled, 2016’s Best and Worst Cities to Start a Career, Corpus Christi was ranks No. 4 for professional opportunities but a 74 in quality of life. “Like I said, this city has potential, it says it right there when people can see professional opportunities here,” Herrera said. “But when does it all begin?”
4 Student government listens, wants opinions news
08.18.2016
ISLAND WAVES
by TRAVIS PETTIS contributing writer
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re you tired of thinking your voice is not being heard on campus? Or you’re just a student and only administration can dictate change? The Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Student Government Association (SGA) is the students’ voice on campus and the official liaison between students and administration. They held meetings all summer long in the University Center, Suite 218M. Their constitution preamble states SGA is “the only association dedicated to representing the student body.” “It’s important in any aspect of life anytime you have a complaint you do something about it,” said Andrea Gilson, graduate kinesiology major and vice president of SGA. “The worst thing you can do is wait on someone else to do something about a problem.” Gilson said SGA is the direct way to get involved with policy and solve the problems. “Students are encouraged to bring their opinions to meetings,” Gilson said. “Input from students has started initiatives for a smoke free campus and rules for campus carry.” Garrett Ransom is a graduate business major and the president
of SGA. He said the organization doesn’t have the final say in every matter, but they do play a major role in what happens on campus. “We are able to vote on matters such as fee and tuition increases,” Ransom said. Ransom said SGA is always looking for new members. Students can become a general member or become a representative of a specific college if a position is open. “All you have do is join us on OrgSync and request to become a member,” Ransom said. “You then need to attend meetings and become actively involved with SGA through a position such a senator or committee positions.” The SGA will start a legislative study committee, which will meet during the same time as the Texas House of Representatives is in session. Ransom said the objective of this committee will be to find bills affecting the campus. “The committee will research bills the house will be reviewing,” Ransom said. Along with the administration, the SGA will decide what issues to address when the SGA legislative committee goes to meet the representatives in Austin about the bills that will affect the campus. For more information on the SGA go to sga.tamucc.edu.
Student Government meetings give students the opportunity to speak about issues.
President Garrett Ransom and Vice President Andrea Gilson discuss topics for the meeting.
SAFE COMMUNTIES continued from page 1
that wants to learn about what to do and how they can help keep the community safe. For more information about
the Safe Communities Campaign call the number 361-825-2551 or email safe.communities@tamucc. edu.
photos by TRAVIS PETTIS
Gilson begins the SGA meeting with announcements.
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news
08.18.2016
ISLAND WAVES
photos by ANDREA ALEJANDRO
Black Lives Matter Protestors march in Corpus Christi by ANDREA ALEJANDRO contributing writer
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n July 7, dozens of Corpus Christi residents gathered outside of the Police Department for the first ever Black Lives Matter protest in Corpus Christi. The protest, which was planned by Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi alumni Xico Ramirez and Taylor Woods, was in response to the recent killings of two black men by police enforcement. The moments during and following the incidents were captured on video. Woods
said the purpose for the protest was to bring awareness to what is happening. “I think it’s a good starting point,” Woods said. “I don’t think it’ll stop it, but it is a good start.” Last week, within a day of each other, two black men were shot and killed by police officers. The two videos of these events went viral. The first video shows the shooting of Alton Sterling, who was standing outside of a convenience store. The second video shows the aftermath of Philando Castile being shot while
sitting in his car after being pulled over for a broken tail light. The videos and further information can be found on CNN.com. The videos caused an uproar throughout the nation and brought attention to the Black Lives Matter movement. People across America responded to these killings by protesting in several U.S. cities. According to blacklivesmatter. com, the Black Lives Matter movement is a national organization working for the validity of Black lives and states “We are working to (re)build the Black Liberation movement.” The Corpus Christi Black Lives Matter protest was peaceful. One of the event planners, Woods, said the protesters had obtained permission from the City Police Department to stand outside the Police Department building as long as no violence erupted. The protesters were carrying signs with messages such as “Am I Next?” and “From chains, to ropes, to
bullets,” and a banner with the words “Black Lives Matter.” The protesters were chanting, singing and praying for each of the victims and their families. Albert Ogbunamiri, one of the protesters, said he hopes the protests will make a difference. “I’m hoping to spread awareness, to bring attention to what is going on,” Ogbunamiri said. “There’s been a bunch of unnecessary violence and it is costing people dearly.” There was no violence at the protest, although profanity was exchanged between individuals driving down the road and the protesters. There was also support coming in throughout the evening. Individuals who were eating at the Whataburger across the street walked over to join the protest. The protest started at 4 p.m. and ended at around 7 p.m. For more information on the Black Lives Matter movement visit blacklivesmatter.com.
Two protestors stand on the sidewalk with one of the many signs at the Black Lives Matter protest on July 7.
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ads
ISLAND WAVES
08.18.2016
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entertainment
08.18.2016
ISLAND WAVES
Audience can relate to ‘A Chorus Line’ by KACI ALVAREZ Editor-in-Chief
THEATRE REVIEW
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atchy musical numbers, sparkly costumes, funny characters and emotional dialogues describe the Aurora Arts Theatre’s rendition of “A Chorus Line”. “A Chorus Line” takes place at a Broadway musical chorus line audition and examines the lives of 17 hopeful dancers, while uncovering truths about each character and their pasts. After the first round of cuts, Zach, the director and choreographer for the show everyone is auditioning for, asks each participant to share stuff about their personal lives. This is when the plot thickens and the audience gets a look inside each dancer’s life and the hardships they have had to overcome. As anyone who is a dancer or performer knows-ask them about their character and they can recite a three-page background speech about who they are, where they came from and what they do in their free time.
Ask them about themselveswhat their hobbies are or what music they listen to, and they freeze like a deer in a headlight. That is what this play is about. As the audience watches on, the characters are forced to reconcile with themselves and their pasts and are asked to look toward the future and what could they be doing instead of dancing or performing on Broadway. The Aurora Theatre, located on Everhart Rd., began performing “A Chorus Line” on July 22 and will continue showing until Sept. 3. While the theater itself is on the smaller side, the cast and crew of the performance made a big impression on the audience. The songs ranged from emotional to funny all while having great choreography and charisma from the 23-person cast. While the cast stole the show, the real magic happened to stage left as well as in rehearsals before. The crew, everyone from the lights and stage manager to the in-person band that played every musical number and the director, really made this show what is
music. The Aurora Theatre actors captured the emotions of each character and situation and portrayed that to the audience resulting in several watery eyes and a standing ovation. “A Chorus Line” is not just a play about a couple of wanna-be Broadway dancers who are striving to get their spot in the sun, but it is about what performers have to go through in every audition. It is about the worn-out tap shoes, and hoarse voices, the butterflies in their stomachs as they wait and see if they got casted, and learning numbers to a play you may never get to dance in. “A Chorus Line” is not just a play that this cast brought to life and will forget some steps to in a couple of years, it is an example of what their actual lives consist of, and what they love to do and it shows throughout the play. “A Chorus Line” will run until photo illustration by KACI ALAVREZ September 3rd on Fridays, Saturdays presented to the sold-out crowd three and Sundays, and it is a show I cannot times out of the week. The in-person recommend enough for audiences to band brought out the emotions the go see. Overall, “A Chorus Line” gets characters sang about and was able a 4 out of 5 stars from me! to get the audience to really feel the
Get your groove on with YMCA-CC Zumbathon by JONATHAN FORNEY staff writer
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aturday, Aug. 6 marks the second annual Zumbathon for the YMCA of the Coastal Bend. The event serves as an opportunity to raise money for a local scholarship programs and allowing attendees to break a sweat in the process. Word has spread about the event for some time now via its own Facebook page and even a TV spot on KRIS 6 news. Bonnie Whitt, membership supervisor and Zumbathon coordinator, anticipates a greater turnout this year as well as increased proceeds. Whitt has been involved with the YMCA of the Coastal Bend for almost three years. The inaugural Zumbathon was the result of Whitt coming to her boss with an idea. “I proposed the idea [for Zumbathon] and said I didn’t want to be in charge of it and they let me have it and put me in charge of it.” Whitt said jokingly. From there, the YMCA and Whitt got the involvement of Team Y-Zen, Zumba instructors at the Y. Instructors, such as Frank Morales, were the first approached to lead the Zumbathons. Morales believes anyone can get
something out of the event regardless of their dancing prowess. “You don’t have to know how to dance, just how to move,” Morales said. “Just moving your feet is more than you would be doing on the couch.” Zumba is a popular dancing-based exercise program that began gaining popularity in the United States in the early 2000s. The upbeat nature of the dancing and its music keeps people coming back for more. When asked for her thoughts on Zumba’s popularity, Whitt said “It’s fun, like being at a club with good music and nice movements.” Tickets for the event are $10 each and participants received glow-inthe-dark necklaces and bracelets to help get the party atmosphere going Saturday evening. Conversely, the Zumbathon of 2015 took place during the day and took place over double the time frame (four hours versus two). Proceeds for the evening will go toward the Partners with Youth Program offered through the Y. The program offers scholarships to local children and their families to help them participate in summer programs such as swimming lessons and summer camps despite any financial issues they may have.
In addition to raising funds for a positive cause, event goers can take home something besides a good workout: raffles and door prizes. Whitt and her staff have arranged for things such as meal plans from Rock’s Discount Vitamins, Ice Rays tickets, Hooks tickets, H-E-B gift cards and more. Drawings will take place every 15-20 minutes. The YMCA of the Coastal Bend has and continues to be a positive influence on the community of Corpus Christi. Their mission is universal across all of their many branches and locations. That mission
statement is clearly stated on their official website: “Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone, regardless of age, income or background, has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive.” The Y hosts and organizes events throughout the year that promote wellness, fitness and a sense of community. More information on their upcoming events can found on their website, http://ymca-cc.org/, or at their location on Upper Broadway Street.
SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR ACHIEVE PARTNER
To learn more or become an Achieve Partner please visit achievepartnership.tamucc.edu
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entertainment
08.18.2016
ISLAND WAVES
Corpus Christi residents ride in to watch movies by SAMANTHA CASANOVA contributing writer
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very month in downtown Corpus Christi at the South Texas Art Museum, a free event known as the Ride-In Theater takes place. The Corpus Christi RideIn Theater began in 2011 as a collaboration between The SpokesPeople, a local bicycle group that hosted social rides downtown, and 40 Things To Do in Corpus Christi, a social media movement dedicated to promoting unique and fun activities in Corpus Christi. It is a free movie screening that takes place one Friday a month. “We love our fans because they are always generous and eagerly drop money in the bucket when we need it,” said Lexi Banquet, president of the Ride-In committee. “They understand it’s a community effort to keep the event free.” The event relies on sponsorships every month. Local businesses and individuals make contributions to cover the cost of putting on the event. For years, the committee has also raised funds simply by passing a bucket through the crowd. Banquet said the Ride-In Theater’s mission is to provide a unique and entertaining outdoor movie experience. The goal was to create something Corpus Christi did not already have. “We wanted an event that would attract young professionals who could enjoy an evening in the park while watching a movie they love,” she said. “Rather than just simply playing a movie, our goal is to create a memorable experience with food, drinks, music and games all themed to honor the film to be screened.” D’Anne Buquet, treasurer of the committee said Ride-In’s biggest achievement is officially becoming a non-profit 501c3 organization. “Since becoming a 501c3, we have earned sponsorships from larger
businesses such as Port Corpus Christi and Chuy’s Restaurant,” she said. “Having their support has garnered even more community support, particularly from the city and other local institutions.” Buquet said Ride-In’s monthly attendance has been steadily on the rise, attracting 500-800 people per event. The committee members hope to give people a reason to get off the couch and to enjoy the outdoors, rather than playing a movie at home. The event has activities prior to show time that somehow tie in with the featured movie. From costume contests to dance contests or live entertainment, the committee members strive to make each month different from the last. On the July 15 event the committee hosted a Jukebox Jamboree before the screening of the John Water’s classic “CryBaby.” While a DJ played 1950s music, guests enjoyed free nachos and margaritas compliments of Chuy’s, fake tear-drop tattoos, pinup models strutting’ around and a
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Bunny Hop dance line. There were about 800 people at the Jukebox Jamboree who also stayed to watch the movie. The Ride-In Theater is looking for sponsors for September and October. The selected movies
photo by SAMANTHA CASANOVA
to be screened are “A League of Their Own,” “Mighty Ducks” and “Poltergeist.” The fee is $1,000 to be a title sponsor. Smaller sponsorships are also available.
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entertainment
08.18.2016
CORPUS CHRISTI WIND
ISLAND WAVES
4. Japan
ANSWERS
3. Tina Turner
6. Victoria
1. . The Borden Dairy Co. 2. Pancreas
5. 1869
7. Honda 8. Camel, also in the Camelidae family
9. Prince Edward Island 10. Emily Dickinson
1. ADVERTISING: The character of Elsie promoted which company’s brands? 2. ANATOMY: What human organ contains special cell clusters called the islets of Langerhans? 3. MOVIES: What famous singer joined Mel Gibson as stars in the mov- ie “Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome”? 4. RELIGION: In what country is the Shinto religion based? 5. HISTORY: When did the Suez Canal open to navigation? 6. GEOGRAPHY: What is the capi- tal of British Columbia? 7. AUTOMOBILES: Which car company produces the Accord and the Civic? 8. ANIMAL KINGDOM: The llama belongs in the same family as what other type of animal? 9. LITERATURE: Where was the novel “Anne of Green Gables” set? 10. FAMOUS QUOTATIONS: Which 19th-century American poet wrote the line, “A little madness in the spring is wholesome even for the king”?
Izzy Sneed
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entertainment
08.18.2016
Young locals create a music platform ISLAND WAVES
by SAMANTHA CASANOVA contributing writer
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oung locals ‘CCFridays’ which focuses on helping others create music by providing a platform to perform twice a month. Every first and third Friday of the month at midnight, this group of locals holds a free event called CCFridays. Here in Croups Christi at the water gardens. It started in June 2015. “It was not honestly just this little thing…there’s artists actually putting their stuff out there and it wasn’t written work,” Waddle said. It was back when everything was just Freestyle Fridays. The CCFridays board consists of Tony Lara who is president, Ryan Arriaga is vice president, Nick Arriaga is treasurer. Ot Reyna is the sound technician, Abigail Waddle is the event manager and Jada DeDonder is the social media manager. The event started with the want of a place to hangout, listen to music,
and freestyle. It was something to do on Fridays in its early stages. Later down the road, it became about something bigger. The CCFridays crowd is usually made of young adults. There is a sign up sheet for anyone who wants to participate and take his or her turn with the microphone. The event also designates local artists to be in the artist spotlight for certain Fridays. The selected artist has a set time during the event to share their music with the crowd. “It was such a nice little get together and we just started building on top of that thinking, ‘man this can go places...this can do good for the city,’ and we decided to run with it,” Nick Arriaga said. The team meets every Thursday and Sundays and the agenda includes discussing what they can improve on, what their next step is and brainstorming new ideas. They invite advisors during this meeting for advice. “The free events are done mostly
photo contributed by PEXELS.COM
out of the kindness of our hearts to do that for the city,” said Ryan Arriaga. CCFridays board have organized shows at the House of Rock and NASA here in Corpus Christi. They pay the venues the upfront charges that are usually taken from ticket sales and the rest of the money goes to CCFridays and to the artists who performed. The board organizes the free CCFridays event
without sponsors. The CCFridays board members help pay out of pocket for expenses. They hosted a benefit show in February 2016, at the House of Rock to help buy most of the equipment they own now. Members of the board hope to expand from the hip-hop/rap genre. They already plan on having their own venue for their events and to also help artists record their music.
Students want American Sign Language by VIVIEN SANCHEZ staff writer
T
AMUCC offers four foreign languages but not American Sign Language. In a Summer I ASL course taken at Del Mar College, 15 out of 17 students were full-time students enrolled at TAMUCC. The university offers Spanish, German, French and Chinese to all students looking to complete this credit. If a student took a different language in high school and wants to extend their learning, they would need to attend a junior college and transfer the credit over to TAMUCC. In the Coastal Bend area, students from both TAMUK and TAMUCC fulfill their ASL credit at Del Mar College. Cassandra Rodriguez, junior sociology major, said the process of attending another college for this course was time consuming. “The fact that we have to reapply for college all over again was the obstacle,” Rodriguez said. “I had a hard time logging into WebDMC, [a secure student portal where you can access your student, academic and financial aid records at Del Mar College] all because they put down my birthdate wrong.” Reagan Bego, sophomore communication major decided to take ASL because Spanish did not stick when she took four years of it in high school. Bego said her
frustration with having to take her foreign language at a different college mainly had to do with gathering all the paperwork for the application. “I needed to pay for my high school transcript, my TAMUCC transcript, all originals, all just to apply for the two classes,” Bego said. Cameron Vander Zenden, senior accounting major, said she did not know her way around DMC nor that they had more than one campus. Vander Zenden said she enjoyed taking the first course and is looking forward to ASL II. “I am actually bummed that I will not be able to fit ASL III into fall semester,” Vander Zenden said. Rodriguez agreed the course was intriguing enough to rethink her future. “At first it was just a required course, but after taking the first class, now I am interested in the program,” Rodriguez said. Peter Moore, Professor of history and chair of the Department of Humanities, has been the chair of the department for three years now and has never had a student request ASL. “There really hasn’t been a dialog and people really have not asked the question,” Moore said. “We are open to adding other foreign languages. I was pleased to see when we offered German the course
filled quickly, and when we added French last year the course filled quickly as well. Other languages would take some time.” Moore said the hold-up lies in getting the language approved for the curriculum first. This process takes about two years for classes to be added to the catalog for students to choose for credits. Jennie Syamken, academic adviser for the College of Liberal Arts, is not certain but believes one of the reasons TAMUCC does not offer the course is because DMC has an ASL program already. According to the delmar. edu website, “The American Sign Language and Interpreting Program offers multiple options for students who wish to learn ASL and/or enter a profession that works with persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. The program prepares
photo by IZZY SNEED
students with the academic and communication skills that will help them be successful in a variety of professions and careers.” “Del Mar College has an outstanding ASL program, and could be why we do not offer it,” Syamken said. “We like to offer classes that they do not offer because it works out extremely well for everyone.” Syamken said if a student or several students were interested in having ASL added to the curriculum, the best starting point would be with the Humanities Department. “A lot of students showed interest in German and French, and now we offer it, so we are definitely not opposed to adding more languages to the course,” Syamken said. For information on foriegn languages offered at TAMUCC, visti sail.tamucc.edu.
11
sports
08.18.2016
ISLAND WAVES
The Voice of the Hooks baseball by TRAVIS PETTIS
contributing writer
“The picture gets into the windup, he the throws it right down the middle of the plate. Bregman pulls the bat back and swings. He hits the ball, its going back, back, back and it’s gone. Homerun Alex Bregman. The Hooks now lead the ball game one to zero.” Part of the tradition of baseball is hearing the broadcasters call the games. Going to a baseball game has been seen by many as an American pastime. Sitting in the stands eating sunflower seeds, peanuts and hot dogs, while singing Take Me Out To The Ball Game is a baseball tradition that has gone on for a long time. The Corpus Christi Hooks headman leading the broadcast throughout the months of March through September of the baseball season is Michael Coffin. Coffin said growing up he wanted to be around baseball all the time. “I love just watching the games,” Coffin said. “I got into this because I was a fan and tried to figure the best way for me could get to the ball park every day and actually get paid
for it.” Coffin said it’s been a lot of hard work but fun process working his way up in becoming the head broadcaster. “I started out as an intern here in 2007,” Coffin said. “ I then was given the opportunity to do some middle innings for games in 2010 and 2011 and then started calling games full time in 2012.” Coffin said that the Corpus Christi Hooks being affiliated with the Houston Astros has helped grow his career and open some doors for him with the Astros. “I got to call some spring training games for Houston this year,” Coffin said. “ I also was able to do three game during the regular season. It was a lot of fun and dream come true.” Coffin said he is just happy to be doing what he loves. “This is my dream job being in Texas broadcasting professional baseball games,” Coffin said. “Getting to call games with guys like Gene Kasprzyk and work with all the people at the ball park has been fun and just been enjoying it.
photos by TRAVIS PETTIS
Michael Coffin is the voice behind the broadcasting at Whataburger stadium for the Hooks.
12
sports
08.18.2016
ISLAND WAVES
Pure Speed Hits Corpus Christi
by VIVIEN SANCHEZ contrubiting writer
P
ure Speed is available to all children 8 years old and up in the Corpus Christi area. Alex Darley and Rueben Flowers collaborated in efforts to build a foundation where kids could play sports all year around for an inexpensive price. Pure Speed started as a flag football camp and turned into so much more. Now they have included, track, basketball, baseball, and the newly added soccer camp. This summer they hosted the flag football and a soccer camp. Both coaches played football in college and say they wish they knew more growing up that would prepare them for their future in sports. “I felt unprepared when I was playing in college.” Darley said, “Other players came from all over the US and knew about drills and developed skills that were not taught to me in the Gulf Coast.” Darley said the goal for these two is to establish a large enough organization that they could take to other cities to challenge and teach the kids more than what they are learning in Corpus Christi. Darley said Pure Speed is not only for boys looking to stay fit, girls also participate in each sport and trainings. They had enough girls sign up for flag football this last season, they were able to create their own team. “It wasn’t hard finding girls to play.” Flowers said, “Once they knew we were around, they found us. Luckily we have a couple of football coaches who play on the women’s football league here in town and
volunteered to coach these young ladies.” Both Darley and Flowers not only coach the different camps but also train. They take on personal training secessions requested by parents of the kids in camp, and they spend extra time working on speed and agility. Both say it is important to keep things fun during practices and trainings. As coached they encourage a crazy style by wearing bright colored pajama pants, crazy designed socks, and spray paint their hair in neon colors. “They see Coach Alex and Coach Rue wearing crazy clothes and they want to as well.” Flowers said, “we do not only have the kids dress the part, we also do it in the drills. For instants, it is easier to do 100 pushups if we incorporate a game rather than just tell the kids to do 100 push-ups.” Flowers said Pure Speed is brought up of volunteers and sponsors throughout the community who devotes their time to the kids all year around. Both Darley and Flowers have family members who coach and set up, and also train with the players. They also have 2 kids each that play in each camp. “It is hard during the playoffs when we have both families over for dinner.” Darley said, “My wife and Rue’s brother both had teams in the championship making dinner an opportunity to throw jabs at each other across from the table. It is all in great fun, and the kids enjoy it.” For more information on upcoming camps and trainings, visit their website at purespeedperformance.com and like them on Facebook.
photos by VIVIEN SANCHEZ
Kids of all ages come to participate in the sports camp that teach the skills they will need later if they opt to continue playing sports, as well as how to have fun.