Volume 28 Issue 3

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi

IslandWavesNews.com

SHE SHOOTS SHE SCORES Islanders come back after second half

by JONATHAN FORNEY • Page 10

News

Student Orgs get ready for homecoming Page 5

Also

February 9, 2017 Volume 28, Issue 3

Opinions Page 2 Entertainment Page 7 Sports Page 10

2 Opinion

STI

02.09.2017

STUDENT PUBLICATION OF TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITYCORPUS CHRISTI

WORD on the STREET

How do you feel about Trump's use of Twitter?

DULCE QUINTERO

ISLAND WAVES IslandWavesNews.com

senior, nursing

| ISLANDWAVESNEWS.COM | VOLUME 26 ISSUE 20 | 08.27.15

I don’t think that it’s very unprofessional. The social media I don’t have a problem with, it’s more the way he puts his messages out there, creating drama.

Editor-in-chief KACI ALVAREZ Web MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL, editor JEFFREY THOMAS, on-air talent MITCHELL JACKSON, vid. editor

HARVEST TRAMMEL

senior, communication

Copy Editor KATIE MEZA

IZZY SNEED/Island Waves

I don’t agree with the way he goes about using social media. I feel like as a president he should find a better way to get his massage out there to the people, a more positive message.

ing places – SAD.” This was an overarching point of Trump’s campaign, in blaming the media for incorporating its own bias into its stories and not covering the truth in politics.

A crucial point of the battle of Twitter was fought before the final debate, with Clinton starting the battalion of tweets. On Oct. 19, at five a.m., she tweeted: @HillaryClinton: “Even if Trump’s bullying, bigotry and misogyny weren’t disqualifying, his policies would be.”

Around 9 a.m., another shot was fired at Trump. @HillaryClinton: “A man you can bait with a tweet is not a man we can trust with nuclear weapons.”

About four hours later, Trump finally retaliated. @realDonaldTrump: “It is time to #DrainTheSwamp!”

He posted more tweets with this hashtag which linked to leaked information regarding Clinton’s controversial emails, lobbyist money, scandals revolving around Clinton and Clinton’s "shadowy" affiliation

with the FBI. In attempt at humor, Clinton fired back, before the debate began. @HillaryClinton: “Spoiler alert: He was actually wrong. #Debate” Her attempts were to emphasize the notion of Trump "spewing lies" behind the microphone during debates.

Overall, Trump’s online persona set the bar for a very tough presidential election with brutal wars on Twitter.

Being known for tweeting at all times throughout the day and sharing content that, according to marketwatch.com, “generated a lot of buzz on social media for their negativity, brashness, and spontaneity.”

Trump had horrified twitter users, but he also widened his supporters.

President Trump’s tweets may have impacted the outcome of the election. With his vicious online battalion, Trump was a tough opponent to defeat, and clearly Clinton fought well.

But overall, one can speculate that if one wins the battle of Twitter, they win the war.

Visuals IZZY SNEED, editor ZACH ALDRIDGE, photo

Layout KARA HERRERA, editor

Reporters GERI LEMMONS, entertainment JONATHAN FORNEY, feature MELISSA RODRIGUEZ, news

Public figures battle over Twitter SARAH REEVES contributing writer

Advertising BRADY BURNS, manager

Graduate Assistant BRADY BURNS

Faculty Adviser WENDY MOORE

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

The newspaper is printed weekly, except during summer sessions.

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

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

The 2016 presidential election is an event the United States will remember for decades to come.

People who had never been concerned with politics grew interests rapidly to the main contesting nominees: Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Many argue that a pivotal resource for this election was the use of social media, such as Twitter. Trump, @realDonaldTrump, has more than 22 million followers as of January, and Clinton @HillaryClinton has well over 12 million followers. The views their tweets received probably had a sizable effect on the public’s perception of the candidates during the election.

Rather than paying for television advertisements, having an account on Twitter is free for public figures. It also gives them access to release their own con-

tent directly to the Internet and other users scroll through the messages all on one domain.

The candidate who got the most retweets throughout election running was Clinton, who had tweeted in response to Trump who was blatantly critiquing President Barack Obama for endorsing “Crooked Hillary” on June 9, 2016. @HillaryClinton: “Delete your account.” @realDonaldTrump: “How long did it take your staff of 823 people to think that up — and where are your 33,000 emails that you deleted?”

Clinton’s original tweet as of now has 575, 507 retweets and 728,110 likes. The number of retweets the post received is more than the human population in the City of Corpus Christi.

In October 2016, Trump posted a tweet relaying his distrust and detestation toward the media. @realDonaldTrump: “The election is absolutely being rigged by the dishonest and distorted media pushing Crooked Hillary - but also at many poll-

News 3

02.09.2017

‘Queering the Island’ creates safe space MELISSA RODRIGUEZ @__melisssaaaa

A

t the most recent Queering the Island session, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi faculty members were given a spotlight to explain the power of narrative when it comes to understanding the LGTBQ+ community and issues they face in present time.

Queering the Island is a yearlong faculty speaking series where intellectual topics regarding LGBTQ+ literature, theatre and research in science and health are discussed.

It has been operating at the Island University for two years now, however, this is the first year they have officially set a name for the series.

“This is meant to provide a safe space on campus for LGBTQ students,” said Jason Farr, assistant English professor. “But it’s also meant to

facilitate mentorship between faculty and LGBTQ students.”

When Farr joined the Islander staff in 2014, he noticed the lack of representation for the LGBTQ+ community and took it upon himself to make sure these students were being heard. As faculty adviser for Pride Alliance, which he cofounded in 2015, Farr also became the founder and prime organizer for Queering the Island.

“I am looking to create a space in which diversity is celebrated and where students can be exposed to new ideas, new histories and new concepts,” Farr said.

The idea for creating this faculty speaking series stemmed from the desire to give faculty the chance to present their research and also reach an audience of students who are typically overlooked and underrepresented.

“It opened up a different [perspective],” said Desiree Chavez, English major. “It was something that I realized was important and had no idea was going on.”

Like Chavez, around 100 Islanders attended the last Queering the Island session, to listen to faculty speak about the topic.

Dr. Kelly L. Bezio, assistant professor of English, began the session with 17th century literature regarding a transgender man from SpanishAmerica referred to as Antonio de Erauso.

Bezio’s discussion opened up with a personal narrative from Erauso, showing how this trans-literary history presents similar concerns as those in the LGBTQ+ community today.

Following Bezio was Brooke Friley, assistant professor of communication, with her re-

search over the transgender community and their struggle with health care. She presented information, gathered from her own research to explain to the audience how biased health care providers can be when it comes to treating trans patients.

“I was astonished about how medical field [workers], who are supposed to take oaths to protect and serve people, have the ability to loophole their way around to not have to treat trans people the way they would treat any other patient,” Chavez said about Friley’s segment.

The next Queering the Island session will take place on March 1 at 12:30 p.m. in UC Bay View 320. During that session, Dr. Sarah Salter and Dr. Sandrine Sanos will speak on behalf of their own research on gender and sexuality in the context of colonialism.

Ring statue appears in University Center GERI LEMMONS @GeriLemmons

T

he Islander ring is one of only symbols of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi that is wearable for students. Now the ring is solidified as a statue in the University Center for all to see.

An oversized class ring sits inside the campus entrance to the University Center on Jan. 19.

“As the tradition started to grow we started to have discussions of what are some ways to make the ring more of a presence on campus,” said Russell Wagner, director of engagement. “It has become such an important significant part of student’s college journey.”

The statue was made in conjunction with Belfour, who helped the physical production of the ring as well as its design. The ring statue itself had been in the works for about three years, Wagner said.

“There was a lot of thought put behind it, of what would be the most impactful for students,” Wagner said. “I think that throughout the process we were able to achieve that very well.”

Wagner said the choice to put the ring statue in the University Center was about displaying it in a location with lot of foot traffic. They also wanted to put the ring there because the anchor statue sits outside the UC. They thought the anchor was such an important monument for alumni, they would want the ring to be close by or right next door.

Wagner said when the installation of the ring was first put in, he saw some of the student’s shocked reactions.

“From the students that I have spoken to, they love it,” Wagner said. “I actually spoke to our tour guides and they did know the significance of the ring, but after seeing the statue, [they] thought, ‘I might want to purchase one now.’”

O N L I N E

Island Waves News .com

Career Services hosts coffee house for all

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s Career Services hosted a coffee house on Feb. 1 in the University Center Room 304 from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The event was to showcase Career Services new offices and provided food, coffee and giveaways to those who attended. Read more at islandwavesnews.com.

Author’s Day showcase poet, songwriter On Feb. 2, the Department of English presented the University Author’s Day in Anchor Ballroom A and B in the University Center.

The opening reading was by Corpus Christi Poet Laureate Alan Berecka and featured award winning poet, songwriter and 2013-2014 Oklahoma Poet Laureate, Nathan Brown. Read more at islandwavesnews.com.

Riptide returns to Island Waves With host, Jeffrey Thomas, Island Waves’ video recap The Riptide is back. Get the latest news and coverage on YouTube by searching @ islandwavestogo.

ZACH ALDRIDGE/Island Waves

The Islander Ring Statue was put in the University Center at the end of Jan.

Wagner said it is supposed to be a statue that people want to take pictures with, look at closely and be memorable.

“It looks really fancy and I really like the class ring statue,” said Alissa Garza, freshman nursing major.

ON THE COVER: Photo by ZACH ALDRIDGE

4 News

02.09.2017

‘Virtual run’ attracts joggers from across the US

SARAH REEVES contributing writer

J

an. 9 was National Law Enforcement Appreciation day. Moon Joggers, an online running community, hosted a 5K virtual run throughout the month of January. Moon Joggers will donate at least 15 percent of registration fees to Concerns of Police Survivors, whose goal is, “rebuilding shattered lives of survivors and co-workers affected by line of duty deaths, through partnerships with law enforcement and the community.”

“My husband and I had the idea for the Law Enforcement Appreciation Day 5K,” said Angie Webb, president of Moon Joggers. “My husband works in law enforcement and thought it would be cool to see a virtual race that honors the police force. I loved the idea and ran with it.”

Because the event was virtual rather than live and in person, participants chose their own course, timed their own runs and then reported their finishing times to Moon Joggers. People from all over the United States regis-

tered and participated.

“We love our virtual races and have participants from all over the world,” Webb said. “We ship medals everywhere.”

Webb reports that Moon Joggers has done close to 100 virtual races, but this is the first to show support for the law enforcement. Webb speculates the law enforcement run is likely to become an annual event.

“I think the most important message for this race is that no matter where you live, how old you are or how in shape you are, you can go out and run or walk to show gratitude for all of the law enforcement out there protecting our communities,” Webb said.

As of Jan. 27, Moon Joggers sold out the first batch of medals and have ordered 100 more to send out by the end of February. Though Moon Joggers had urged participants to complete their run by Jan. 9, they are currently encouraging more participants to register and show appreciation for law enforcement and what they do for the community.

Despite the divide and tension the

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This map is just one of the courses ran for the 5K virtual run.

country has been facing recently between the police force and citizens, people everywhere are closing the gaps for the brave officers who put their lives in

ZACH ALDRIDGE/ Island Waves

jeopardy for the safety of others.

“They have such tough jobs, and as a community we can rally around them and show our support,” Webb said.

Black History Month GERI LEMMONS @GeriLemmons

F

eb. 1 marks the beginning of Black History Month, a time to celebrate those in the black community, past and present, that have made a difference.

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi has many events to attend this month.

All of the events are open to students and staff. Each brings their own educational value.

“I think it is really important because we are a really diverse nation,” said Ariana Rodriguez, junior English major. “It is important to celebrate and remember each culture in their own way, especially with everything that is going on.”

Throughout February, the Mary and Jeff Bell Library will have an interactive exhibit on black history. The staff will also host a daily trivia contest through Facebook, with questions relating to Black History month.

On Feb. 1, the Islander Cultural Alliance (ICA) hosted the Black History Month Kickoff, an event that features soul food and performances from a spoken word poet to begin the month’s events.

“Students can look forward to a great variety of events,” said Stephanie Schmidt, director of Student Activities.

“There is a lot of ways to get involved all month long.”

On Feb. 7, the Islander Cultural Alliance will host a Black History Month quiz bowl. This is an opportunity for

students and staff members to form teams and test their knowledge about different categories involving black history. This game is played Jeopardy style and the winners get a prize at the end.

“I think it is important for all students to be a part of Black History Month events because it is an important part of our history as a country and as a culture,” Schmidt said.

On Feb. 9, there will be open mic poetry night in the library from 6-7:30 p.m.

People in the community are welcome to come out and enjoy poetry reading or read some of their favorite poems from black authors.

On Feb. 20, from 6-8 p.m., the ICA will screen the film “Loving,” a film about a famous court case involving interracial marriage. This will be held in Lone Star Ballroom B and, in conjunction with the film, the ICA will host a talk about topics relating to the film on Feb. 21 in Lone Star Ballroom B. From the 20-22a Tunnel of Freedom, a black history exhibition will be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Anchor Ballroom B. Lastly on Feb. 28 the “Unschooled” discussion series begins in Lone Star Ballroom B from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The first topic in the discussion series will be about origins of today’s racial climate.

“It is really important to think of the positives,” Rodriguez said. “Think about how far we have come and all of the positive things that we have gained.”

News 5

02.09.2017

Campus Activities Board shows their spirit during the 2016 Homecoming parade down Ocean Drive.

Photos courtesy of ARCHIVES/Island Waves

Student organizations prepare for Homecoming KACI ALVAREZ @earthtokace

T

exas A&M University-Corpus Christi’s annual homecoming events will begin on Feb. 12 and end on Feb. 18.

The homecoming season will include events such as the Student vs Faculty Basketball Game, Penny Wars, Friday Fiesta, Lighting of the “I” and the men’s and women’s basketball games at the American Bank Center. Organizations and students will be able to participate in the events throughout the week reflecting this year’s theme, “Islander Forever.”

“We wanted to kind of take everything that we are as a university with the proposed merger talk and we really wanted to set in that Islander spirit,” said Alissa Ramirez, senior communication major and president of the Univer-

sity Council of Student Activities. “It’s pretty simple, but I think it’s a really good theme.”

Ramirez said Homecoming is a great opportunity for involvement on campus, with multiple events happening throughout the week.

The Island Campus’ 2017 Homecoming will be different from past Homecomings because there will be no parade. Instead it will be replaced with a tailgate and block party.

“Talking to different student groups and different people on campus, we decided on doing a big community event instead of a long parade where we can get everyone excited and pumped up and get them ready for the game,” Ramirez said.

Ramirez said they hope to bring back the parade in the future and the goal is to have the parade end and immedi-

Islander Dance pumps up the crowd at the 2016 men’s basketball Homecoming game.

ately start the block party to fill the gap between events before the basketball games begin.

The Homecoming season has changed over the years as the Island University continues to grow. Ramirez said Homecoming is an opportunity for current students and alumni to see where the school is at as well as remind them of what it is like being a proud Islander.

It gives the community and Islanders a chance to see all of the changes the school has gone through but continue to represent the Islander forever spirit.

“We’re not a huge campus but we’re not too small,” Ramirez said. “We’re a very good size, and I think we have a good student body that is willing to show spirit.”

Organizations of all kinds will participate in Homecoming this year. Renee Lenhart, senior economics major and

member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, is looking forward to her final Homecoming.

“It’s my last Homecoming with my sisters and best friends, so I’m really looking forward to it,” Lenhart said. “It’s always a fun time and allows everyone to get involved and active on campus.”

Delta Delta Delta is one of many greek organizations and groups that will participate in the events and spirit competition throughout the week.

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi students and organizations can get involved with Homecoming by visiting OrgSync. Forms and paperwork for participating and information about the events are available on the website.

For more information on Homecoming, visit homecoming.tamucc.edu or search “Homecoming 2017” on OrgSync.

6 News

02.09.2017

Trump’s first executive orders spark controversy JONATHAN FORNEY @jb4nay

I

n the days following President Donald Trump’s inauguration, he has passed numerous executive orders which have incited protests, national outrage and even talks of impeachment by some.

Arguably, the most controversial of his first orders was the call for a temporary ban on travelers from seven countries entering into the United States.

These countries include Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen.

All of these countries are predominantly Muslim and also initially excluded refuges with green cards returning to the United States. The religious aspect of the ban has raised questions as to the constitutionality of the order.

“This is an order that is based in bigotry, not reality,” said Lena F. Masri, Counsel for American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) national litigation director.

The decision has led to lawsuits, protests and petitioning from refugees and those in opposition alike. Further fueling these tensions, Trump said that Christian refugees from these countries would be treated as a priority.

“I’m establishing new vetting measures to keep radical Islamic terrorists out of the United States,” Trump said. “I don’t want them here.”

However, Vice President Mike Pence tweeted in opposition of a religionbased ban in 2015.

“Calls to ban Muslims from entering the U.S. are offensive and unconstitutional,” Pence said in the tweet.

The actual wording of the bill addresses the terrorist attacks on Sept.

11, multiple times despite the fact that none of the countries barred from entry were found to be involved in the attacks. Egypt, Turkey and Saudi Arabia were not listed despite having more direct ties to terror groups in the past.

In fact, according to the Cato Institute, empirical data shows that exactly zero fatal terror attacks have come from immigrants from the banned countries.

Trump’s administration has called for sanctuary cities across the country to be stripped of their federal grant funding, add thousands of border patrol agents to the work force and end catch and release policies of undocumented immigrants. Trump assures citizens that this is in the interest of safety despite evidence that there is actually less crime in sanctuary cities, accord-

PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIMEDIACOMMONS

Approximately 300 people marched through the street of St. Paul to protest Donald Trump. Protester held up signs that read, “Love Hope Rise, “Hate has no place in America,” “Is this who we are?”

ing to the Washington Post.

Additionally, President Trump has issued orders to revive the hotly protested Dakota Access and Keystone XL pipelines that former President Barack Obama worked to end before the end of his term. Trump has also called to “ease regulatory burdens of the Affordable Care Act.” This policy was one of his campaign pillars and still remains unclear as to what its replacement will be.

Trump has authorized the construction of a wall on the United States-Mexico border. Despite insisting that Mexico would foot the bill during his campaign, Trump and his team have since stated that American taxpayers will be responsible for the multi-billion-dollar project and Mexico will reimburse the United States later.

This comes after both the current and former presidents of Mexico publicly stated their country will not pay for such a wall. Boycotts on select American goods such as Starbucks and McDonalds have begun in Mexico. According to Forbes, most of the illegal

immigration into the United States comes by air and is not done by Mexicans. Citing a Pew study, illegal immigration is actually declining.

“There are more Mexicans returning to live in Mexico than are illegally entering the U.S.,” said Adam Hartung, author of the Forbes’ piece said.

The President also issued an order to ban federal funding to international groups that perform, lobby for, legalize

Valid through 12/31/17.

or promote abortions; reinstating the “Mexico City Policy.”

In the early stages of his term, Trump shows no signs of ramping back these orders. He has since proposed that the United States begin withdrawing from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade deal, instituted a temporary hiring freeze on federal employees and put forth an order to drastically reduce federal regulations.

Entertainment 7

02.09.2017

Peter Sarkisian unveils Weil exhibit GERI LEMMONS @GeriLemmons

O

n Jan. 27, the Department of Art at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi hosted Peter Sarkisians’s art work and lecture for students and staff.

The gallery exhibition will remain open until March 8. The lecture took place in Bay Hall 126 while the art work is displayed in the Weil Gallery located in the Center for Arts. Sarkisian, who was named a master video artist by the National Endowment of the Arts, spoke about some of his pieces as well as his journey as an artist. Sarkisian also spoke about how his type of artistry might be new to some of the students.

“I understand that some of the students here are kind of just branching into new media and video art,” Sarkisian said. “This is an exciting opportunity to turn some of the younger generation on to the possibility of working with video.”

During the lecture, Sarkisian talked about how he started creating and perfecting the types of work he does now.

Early in his career, he wanted to do things with film, but then found himself moving towards doing different, stand-alone art pieces.

As Sarkisian talked about each one of his pieces, he mentioned his use of

projectors. He said that his works are made to set perceptual traps and make the person feel like the thing they are watching could be real. With all of his pieces, he talked about different inspirations he had and the different experiments he did to come up with some of his concepts.

Sarkisian said students just need to get creative and experiment.

“Take a video projector and see if you can do something with it that you have never seen anyone else do,” Sarkisian said. “Take a television set and rethink it, try and transform an object, like one from the thrift store, using video projection.”

After the lecture was over, the gallery was open for students and staff to come and look at some of the pieces from Sarkisian’s lecture. There was a total of three selected works at the gallery, “Cup’a Joe,” “Ink Blot” and “Extruded Video Engine.”

“I really liked the ‘Cup’a Joe’ one, and just in general the projection of all of them, work that he has done,” said Alex Chapa, senior art major. “I know how hard it is, and I really like the mechanical aspect with everything that he did.

While students walked around, there was a chance to talk to the artist himself and eat a little something as well. Students were also encouraged

In order to portray the death of print Peter Sarakisian depicts a man crawling from a ink bottle onto a pad of paper, and then dies in his piece “Ink Blot.”

to come back to experience the gallery while it is quiet so they could put the visuals with the sounds of each piece.

“I find [it] so interesting artists get to

tell stories of the things that they have found,” Chapa said, “Make their own vision and story from them to show other people.”

Photos by IZZY SNEED/Island Waves

Students stand in the dark Weil Gallery to view the projected video art by Peter Sarakisian on Jan. 27th.

Based on World War II gears, this piece squeaks and grinds while also playing news clips of current events.

One piece titled “Cup’a Joe” by Peter Sarakisian shows a dead man, presumably Joe, floating dead in a cup of coffee.

Sound synchronized with the video projection echoes around the Weil Gallery on Jan. 27th.

8 Entertainment

02.09.2017

Playhouse pays tribute to legend MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL @mikaylaMOG

PLAY REVIEW

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n Jan. 27, the Harbor Playhouse lifted the curtain on its first play of the 2017 season.

“Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical” is a musical dedicated the late American music legend Johnny Cash.

The difference between this musical about a singer-songwriter and others like it, such as “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” is the main character is not the actual singer-songwriter.

This musical follows three couples ranging from young, middle age and older as they journey through the life of, and as, Johnny Cash.

The play title is deceiving because, when I first heard of it, I was expecting to watch either: a musical of the life of Johnny Cash as told by Johnny Cash or a concert-like show, but this musical was neither. Yes, it did, in a way, tell the story of Johnny Cash but, the musical was also telling the story of what had long been consdiered the American Dream:

growing up dirt-poor, working toward your dreams, going through the ups and downs of life and finally returning home; that’s, in the end, what made the show worth watching.

While the show was interesting enough to watch, it was difficult at times to listen to because of the technical difficulties the crew was having with sound. There were multiple occurrences throughout both acts one and two where the cast members’ mics would fluctuate in volume, even cutting out completely at times. Also, the sound crew would miss their cues to bring the volume up on the mics.

I do have to applaud the cast as even when the mics were cutting out or when they could not hear their voices, they continued on like everything was perfect.

On top of the sound problems, it seemed like the cast was having a difficult time with the choreography and looked very stiff at the beginning. It also appeared as though some castmembers did not know the routine completely. Once the second act rolled around though, they all seemed to be on the same page with the southern-style dance steps.

Despite the sound and the choreography being slightly off, the onstage band made up for it. This brought the musicians out of shadows to center stage with the actors and actresses. Although the musicians were not original band members that backed up Johnny Cash, they managed to catch the essence of the familiar twang of favorites like “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Named Sue” and, the title song “Ring of Fire.”

Even with the slight confusion from

the title, the sound cue misses and the stiff choreography, the show still managed to catch my affection. The songs used were all Johnny Cash originals which brought back fond memories of listening to them in my parent’s car.

While the musical did not feature the singer himself, it was still an entertaining night as I learned different things about Johnny Cash, like how he lost his brother to a buzz saw incident when he was just a boy and how he met his first love.

When asked to describe the musical to a friend, the only answer I could provide was, “You need to see if for yourself to understand it.”

“Ring of Fire” will continue until Feb. 19 at the Harbor Playhouse. For information on show times and ticket prices, go to www.harborplayhouse.com/ringof-fire-auditions.

MIKAYLA OELSCHLEGEL/Island Waves

‘Ring of Fire: The Johnny Cash Musical’ has a line up of more than two dozen Cash originals performed by a six-member cast. The show will go on through Feb. 19.

10 Entertainment

02.09.2017

Islanders come back thanks to second-half push JONATHAN FORNEY @jb4nay

T

he Islander women’s basketball team defeated the Colonels of Nicholls State University 65-60 on Jan. 28 at the American Bank Center and improved to 8-12 on the season.

After going through a shooting slump during the first half, including a four point first quarter, the team was able to make a big second-half push. The team shot 32 percent from the field in the first quarter and did not connect on any of their five three-point attempts.

In spite of their shooting woes, the team remained positive.

“We made sure when they made shots, we didn’t get our heads down,” said Kassie Jones, senior guard.

Another point of emphasis at halftime for the team was live-ball turnovers. At the half, the Colonels had scored 17 points off turnovers compared to two for the Islanders. By the end of the game, however, both teams had totaled 21 points off turnovers.

The second-half push was kick started when Jones hit a three and then, redshirt junior guard Brittany Mbamalu hit two consecutive threes of her own.

“When we hit the first one, we were excited, the second one, we were really going and the third one, we had to keep [the bench] off the floor,” said Royce Chadwick, Islander head coach.

Following the three-point shooting barrage, the Islanders began shooting better all-around. Their field goal percentage rose to 60 percent in the second half and they more than quadrupled

their free throw attempts by the end of the game (four in the first half to 18 in the second). The team’s offensive improvements also helped them out on the defensive end.

“It’s really hard to play defense all night long when you can’t score,” Chadwick said. “One feeds off the other.”

Freshman guard Dalesia Booth said, “We started playing harder when we started playing D.” Booth joined Jones as the lone Islanders to score double figures, 13 and 21 points, respectively. Jones’ game high scoring output came at the point guard spot; contrary to her typical off-guard role. The move was calculated by Chadwick and his staff and paid off.

“We worked on, this week, moving Kassie to the point,” Chadwick said. “I thought she played exceptionally well.

She changed the dynamic of the game because she can really shoot the basketball.”

Once the Islanders started making shots and defending, the game was theirs to take. They rallied back to take the lead with eight minutes remaining in the fourth and held on until the final buzzer sounded.

“I was very proud of the way we came back and kept our composure,” Chadwick said.

With conference play getting underway, the team will be seeing many familiar opponents going forward, but the team is confident they are up to task.

“When we put our minds to it, we can beat anyone in the conference,” Booth said.

JONATHAN FORNEY/ISLAND WAVES

Islander Womens Basketball team celebrates their victory with a giant group hug.

Volleyball welcomes China team to Island University MELISSA RODRIGUEZ @__melisssaaaa

T

raveling overseas, the Tianjin Junior Women’s Volleyball team competed against the Islanders Volleyball team in a two-night game series resulting in a win for both the Chinese team and Islanders.

Game one was hosted at the Dugan Wellness Center at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi on Jan. 31, where the Chinese defeated the Islanders. The following night, both teams went out strong, but in the end Islander volleyball turned up the heat, landing them a win for game two.

“They seem like they’re having a good time,” said Tim Kelly, owner and found-

er of Bring It Promotions. “The Chinese teams are serious about training so they don’t do a lot [more than train].”

Bring It USA, is a professional volleyball agency started by Tim Kelly. He was the mastermind behind bringing the Tianjin team to the Island University. He has brought other international teams to the U.S., including some from the same club as the Tianjin ladies, but never this specific team.

The team is considered a junior team, with girls ranging from 17 to 19 years old. For most, this was their first time coming over to the U.S.; only a few girls speak English. “[The Islanders team has] been amazing, they’re really trying to hang out with the Chinese girls which is hard

since only one speaks English and two can kind of speak [it],” Kelly said.

The Tianjin team arrived in Corpus Christi, driving in from Houston, and did not waste the opportunity to enjoy some time out on the beach. Kelly said it is unusual for the Chinese team to stray away from their comfort zones, but this team has been the exception, going out to places like Rudy’s B-B-Q and spending time with the Islander Volleyball team.

“We had lunch and dinner with them,” said Madison Woods, sophomore and DS/Libero for the Islanders. “Which was really cool because even though they spoke little-to-no English, we were still able to get to know each other.”

Although both teams bonded with one another off the court, it did not dis-

tract either from an intense, competitive show-out.

“The volleyball itself was ultimately the same, but it was high level volleyball and we were able to experience playing against players with a little bit of a different style than those from the U.S.,” Woods said.

The Tianjin girls hit the road again, traveling to Texas City to play against other schools such as Houston Baptist.

They are scheduled to stay in Texas for seven of their 19 games and will travel to Atlanta, Ga. to battle other teams there for the rest of their stay. Follow @IslandWavesToGo for more updates on Islanders Volleyball, as well as more sporting events happening at the Island University.

Sports 11

02.09.2017

9th annual youth clinic success 1

Photos by ZACH ALDRIDGE

1. Youth participants take photos with islander Spirit teams and university mascot Izzy.

2. Participant cheers on Islanders with help from cheerleaders.

3. Two cheerleaders holding participants on their shoulders during game.

3. Participants cheer on Islanders with help from cheerleaders.

4. Cheerleader hoists participant on shoulders for a better view of the Islander basketball team.

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