University Press February 1, 2018 by University Press

UNIVERSITY PRESS

The Newspaper of Lamar University

Vol. 94, No. 14 February 1, 2018

Primary voter registration deadline Feb. 5 Ian Rye UP contributor

The final day to register to vote for the March 6 primary election is Monday. Anyone interested in voting and who is eligible to vote, should register in person at the Jefferson County Courthouse Tax Office. Eligible voters may also register by mail by first picking up an application from the Jefferson County Courthouse Tax Office, local libraries, government offices or high schools, and by taking the completed application to a post office.

The voter registration application is also available online at www.votetexas.gov/register-to-vote. Eligible voters include United States citizens of 18 years or older, who currently live in the county they wish to submit their application, who have not been convicted of a felony and who have not been declared totally mentally incapacitated or partially mentally incapacitated without the right to vote by a court exercising probate jurisdiction. Convicted felons may be eligible to vote if they have completed their sentence, probation, and parole. To fill out an application, applicants

must provide a Texas driver’s license number or personal identification number issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety. If an applicant does not

have either a Texas driver’s license number or a personal identification number, they may provide the last four digits of their social security number. The first day of early voting for the March 6 Primary Election will be Feb. 20. The final day of early voting will be March 2. A registered voter who wishes to vote during the early voting period or on Election Day must provide one of the seven acceptable forms of photo identification. The seven acceptable forms of photo See VOTER, page 2

ASD College Connect provides network for autistic students April Marble UP contributor

UP photo by Sierre Kondos

Ciara Jackson, left, Eric Rozell and Richard Warner rehearse a scene from “The Vertical Hour” in the Studio Theatre, Tuesday.

Differing Views

LU TO PRESEnT ‘THE VERTICAL HOUR,’ FEB. 8-11 In STUDIO THEATRE Sierra Kondos UP staff writer

Even the briefest visit to Facebook illustrates the tensions and division that arise from differing viewpoints. Playwright David Hare’s “The Vertical Hour,” focuses on the strained relationships between people with opposite views on the 2003 Iraq invasion. The Lamar University department of theatre and dance will present the play, Feb. 8 through Feb. 11 in the Studio Theatre. “The Vertical Hour” has been a 10year dream in the making for associ-

ate professor Joel Grothe, and his long-time friend and acting coach Richard Warner, who acts in the production. The theatre department here at Lamar has an excellent guest artist program that rivals any that I’ve witnessed in the nation,” Warner said. “My experience so far in Beaumont, as we enter our final week of rehearsals, has been exceptional. “The company of Lamar student actors and staff whom I’m rehearsing with every night are smart, enthusiastic and talented. They apSee THEATRE, page 8

Theatre to host special preview event, Feb. 7

The department of theatre and dance are inviting guests to have dinner and wine on the University Theatre stage, preview the play “The Vertical Hour” in the Studio Theatre, and enjoy dessert during an exclusive question and answer session with the actors, director and the tech/design team, Feb.7 at 6 p.m. Show time will follow at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $75 and are available online at the LU theatre and dance website.

ASD College Connect is a new group dedicated to helping LU students with autism overcome obstacles. ASD’s mission is to provide support and building relationships. “This semester, we will focus on residential living experiences, job interviewing, navigating the workplace and managing finances,” Beth Byers, group founder and clinical instructor of speech and hearing sciences, said. “After each topic is introduced, students are provided an opportunity to follow up and exchange ideas.” The group will meet for a 10-week period on Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. and on Thursdays at 2:15 p.m. in 171 Speech and Hearing Sciences Building, beginning Wednesday. Students can choose to attend on either day depending on their schedule, Byers said. Participants will work to build awareness and develop leadership skills by working with incoming students. “Together, students will work to develop advertising strategies to build awareness of the group and reach out to other potential participants,” Byers said. “They will also have the opportunity to help develop a summer transition program for graduating high school seniors with autism, and learn how to become a mentor for those students.” Byers said she was inspired to created

See PREVIEW, page 8 See ASD, page 8

Trump calls for unity PRESIDENT GIVES HIS FIRST STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS

Olivia Malick UP staff writer

President Donald Trump gave his first State of the Union address on Tuesday night, highlighting his administration’s successes of the previous year and calling for unity between the Republicans and Democrats. Trump spoke for more than an hour about what he and his party had accomplished so far, and what they were hoping to do for the rest of his term. Trump boasted about the growing economy, citing the tax cut plan that Congress passed last year. Trump said that “(this administration) enacted the biggest tax cuts and reform in American history.” However, fact-checkers state that it is actually the 12th largest. In conjuction, Trump said

President Donald J. Trump

that wages have risen since the tax cut with many workers receiving thousand dollar bonuses. The stock market, which has grown in record amounts since Trump took office, was also another major talking point for the president. He also talked about job growth saying that 2.4 million new jobs have been added, although that also includes jobs added under Barack Obama. He also claimed credit for a 45-year

www.facebook.com/UPLamar

low in unemployment, as well as the lowest unemployment rate for African and Hispanic Americans, though the labor market did grow steadily during Obama. When Trump began to talk about his immigration proposals, there were audible boos from the Democrat side, who, unlike the Republicans, stayed seated and quiet for most of the evening. See SOTU, page 8

www.lamaruniversitypress.com

UP photo by Hannah LeTulle

Sharing life force Jayson Gaspar, Port Neches senior, donates blood in the LifeShare bus in front of the dining hall, Monday. The blood drive continues today, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

www.twitter.com/UPLamar

INSIDE

QUOTE OF THE DAY

Thursday, February 1, 2018 University Press

Page 2

“I learned a long time ago the wisest thing I can do is be on my own side, be an advocate for myself and others like me.” — Maya Angelou

NOTICE

The University Press can be read online at www.lamaruniversitypress.com. Advertising rates can be found on the site, along with practically all information that a person might be looking for.

CALENDAR

February 1

Collage Concert University Theatre 7:30 p.m. - 9 p.m.

February 2

Google News Lab Communications, 103 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

February 8

A Dinner and Conversation Gray Library, 8th floor 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.

February 8 - 10 The Vertical Hour Studio Theatre 7:30 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

February 13

Getting involved

UP photo by Hannah LeTuelle

A student shows interest in campus organizations at the Pop-up Involvement Fair on the Brooks Shivers Dining Hall Lawn, Tuesday.

VOTER

February 26

Film and Southeast Texas Gray Library, 8th floor 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

March 5

from page 1

ID at a polling place include: Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS, Texas personal identification card issued by DPS, Texas license to carry a handgun issued by DPS, United States military identification card containing the person’s photograph, United States citizenship certificate containing the person’s photograph or United States passport. For more information, visit www.votetexas.gov.

REDtalks: Gaining Global Competence Galloway, Landes Auditorium 3 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.

Early Voting Locations in Jefferson County

BEAUMONT Beaumont Courthouse located at 1085 Pearl St. Rogers Park Recreation Center located at 6540 Gladys Theodore Johns Library located at 4255 Fannett John Paul Davis Community Center located at 3580 E Lucas PORT ARTHUR Arthur Sub-Courthouse, 525 Lakeshore Dr. Port Arthur YMCA 6760 9th Ave.

NEDERLAND Marion & Ed Hughes Public Library 2712 Nederland Ave. PORT NECHES Effie & Wilton Hebert Library 2025 Merriman St. GROVES Groves Recreation Center 6150 39th Street.

All locations will be open from 8 a.m.to 5 p.m. from Feb. 20 to Feb. 24, from noon to 5 p.m., Feb. 25, and from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Feb. 26 to March 2.

REDtalks: Streamlining Math for an Efficient Graduation Gray Library, 6th floor 1 p.m. - 1:45 p.m.

March 6

“Play While You Can” Campaign: Impaired Dodge-Ball Behind food truck near Gray Library 10 a.m. - 1 p.m

EDITORIAL

3 UNIVERSITY PRESS Thursday, February 1, 2018

No More Silence #T

IME SUP o o T e M # e r o m o #N

Sexual abuse rampant, action not so much Jokes have been made for decades about what an aspiring actress needs to do in order to get her big break. Actors were rumored to have slept with this producer or that director in order to get ahead in the entertainment industry — the “Casting Couch.” In October 2017, The New York Times published an exposé revealing sexual assault and harassment allegations against bigwig producer Harvey Weinstein — and no one was laughing. The story created the “Weinstein effect,” where hundreds of people came out and said “#MeToo.” The movement spread from Hollywood all the way to the USA Gymnastics National Team and beyond. The watershed moment led to people who came forward with their allegations to be names collectively as as “The Silence Breakers,” and being named TIME Magazine’s “Person of the Year.” Through all of the allegations, legal battles, resignations and firings, one question has been asked repeatedly — how did this go on for so long? Some of Weinstein’s accusers said that he assaulted them all the way back in the 1980s, and other celebrities like Jane Fonda and Quentin Tarantino said that they had heard of stories but declined to take action. It seems that every institution in the world has been plagued by abuse scandals. And it was all perpetrated because people in power took advantage of those who weren’t, and others turned a blind eye. In the early 2000s, The Boston Globe ran more 600 stories detailing systemic abuse by Catholic priests in the diocese, with evidence showing that it may have been happening all over the world. In 2015, the film “Spotlight” showed the investigative team that reported the story. I didn’t even know about that story until I saw the movie, which just goes to show how quickly the world can move on from such moments. The Catholic Church not only covered up the abuse, they basically allowed it to continue happening by moving priests from one diocese to another, even though they knew they were predators. In 2011, The Patriot-News of Harrisburg, Pa. reported on the grand jury investigation into Jerry Sandusky, assistant coach for the Penn State Nittany Lions football team. The story didn’t gain much traction until charges were filed against him — 45 counts of sexual abuse spanning two decades. Several other Penn State officials were ousted for their involvement in the cover up. Sandusky received a sentence of up to 60 years in prison in 2012, and again the world moved on.

Commentary

Olivia Malick UP staff writer

In 2014, accusations against comedian Bill Cosby arose once again, like they had in the early 2000s, after another comedian, Hannibal Buress, alluded to the allegations in a stand-up comedy routine. Although the accusations had been brought forth in the past, the 2014 allegations stuck. Cosby’s abuse allegations span more than 40 years with more than a dozen women coming forward with their stories. Cosby was charged with three Class II felonies of aggravated indecent assault but his June 2017 case ended in a mistrial. Despite all the women who came forward, people relentlessly defended Cosby becoming complicit in the abuse. In 2014, singer Kesha sued music producer Dr. Luke, claiming sexual assault and battery, and sexual harassment among other things. The trial was highly publicized with many petitions being formed to “free Kesha” from her contract. In 2016, her claims were dismissed by New York Judge Shirley Kornreich. Some people though Kesha deserved what she got because of her “trashy-glam” image. In 2015, Standford University student-athlete Brock Turner was convicted of three counts of felony sexual assault. The case garnered widespread media attention, especially on college campuses where 11.2 percent of all students experience rape or sexual assault through physical force, violence, or incapacitation,” according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network. Turner was only sentenced to six months in county jail and three years of probation, in order to save his potential athletic career. This is how abuse is perpetrated by institutions. The criminal justice system failed the women who came forward with their testimonies by prioritizing a rapist over them just because he was an athlete — it’s as if they weren’t capable of having brighter futures than him. In 2016, former Fox News anchor Gretchen Carlson filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against Roger Ailes, former chairman of Fox News, which led to his resig-

Editor............................................Shelby Strickland Managing Editor.............................Cassie Jenkins Staff .................................................Hannah LeTulle .......................Keiosha Addison, Antonio Del Rio ..............Sierra Kondos, Olivia Malick, Matt Beadle .....................................Cade Smith, Karisa Norfleet ............................................................ Shane Proctor Business Manager ...............................Jason Tran Advertising Assistants....................Gabbie Smith ........................................................Eloisa Lopez Advisors Andy Coughlan and Stephan Malick Member of Texas Intercollegiate Press Association

nation in July of that year. He was granted a $40 million severance package upon his resignation. Afterwards, several other female employees of Fox News came forward and revealed that they had spoken to Fox News executives about Ailes, but all were either dismissed or given settlements. Fox political commentator Bill O’Reilly was also named as having sexually harassed female employees and had settled several cases stemming back from 2004. He was fired in 2017. Despite settling more than $50 million worth of complaints against him, O’Reilly maintains his innocence. You don’t settle $50 million worth of claims if you’re innocent. Then the Weinstein story broke in 2017 and it became almost like a joke with how many people were accused of assault. Prominent people from various industries were named and essentially “taken down.” Actors such as Kevin Spacey, Jeremy Piven, Louis C.K., Steven Seagal, Ed Westwick, Dustin Hoffman, James Woods, Jeffrey Tambor, James Franco, Michael Douglas, Kirk Douglas, Ben Affleck and Aziz Ansari have all been accused of sexual assault. Singers R. Kelly, Melanie Martinez, Miguel and rapper XXXTentacion have all been accused of sexual assault. Filmmakers Brett Ratner and James Toback have been accused of sexual assault and harassment by more than 400 women between them (with Toback accounting for at least 358 of them). Celebrated filmmakers such as Woody Allen and Roman Polanski have been slammed for former allegations brought against them, with many actors refusing to work with either one of them, and donating previous salaries form their movies to charities. Within the last three months, former osteopathic physician for the USA Gymnastic national team Larry Nassar’s abuse has been sensationalized throughout the media. More than 150 girls testified against him in court, and there were still more who had been abused by him. The world was shocked and outraged — as

Letters Policy

UP graphic by Olivia Malick

Sexual Assault Resources The Jefferson County Victims’ Association

833-3377

The Rape and Suicide Crisis Center of Southeast Texas

832-6530

The Women & Children’s Shelter

832-7575

Lamar University Police Department

880-8307

Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network Hotline

800-656-4673

they should have been. During the investigation into Nassar’s time at Michigan State University, it was discovered that the first accusations of sexual abuse came were reported in the early 1990s, and nothing was done. Since Nassar’s downfall, two MSU officials, Mark Hollis, the athletic director and Lou Anna K. Simon, the university’s president have resigned. Simon’s departure, however, was almost an award. She will continue to be paid her annual salary of $750,000 for another year, afterwards she would be paid around $563,000. She will also be able to return as MSU faculty and receive fringe benefits awarded to a university officer. Sexual assault and harassment in Washington D.C. has also been rumored for years. Right now, President Donald Trump has 17 sexual assault and harassment claims against him, which for some reason isn’t as big of a deal as it should be. People pretended to be disgusted in October 2016 when the now-infamous “Access Hollywood Tape” came out, yet more than 60 million people voted for him and he now holds the highest office in the U.S. Billy Bush, who was also on that tape, was fired from the “Today Show”

Individuals who wish to speak out on issues should send a letter fewer than 400 words in length to Letters to the Editor, P.O. Box 10055, Beaumont, TX 77710, or drop letters off at our office in 202 Carl Parker Building. The writer’s name, address, telephone number and ID number must accompany each letter. Letters received without this information cannot be printed. Letters may be edited for length, grammar, style and possible libel. Opinions expressed in letters are not necessarily those of the UP student management. Letters by the same writer on the same subject will not be published. Poetry and religious debates will not be published.

but Trump gets to run the country. Former Presidents George H. W. Bush and Bill Clinton have also been accused of assault, as have Sen. Al Franken and Rep. John Conyers. Alabama judge Roy Moore was accused of assaulting several girls, some of whom were minors, yet still almost won election to the Senate. So how did everyone get away this for so long? By throwing money at those who were abused. By blaming the people who came forward and depicting them as sluts or money-grabbers or misunderstood. By believing a rapist over their victim. By downgrading what should be harsh sentences to menial jail time. By ignorance. These are just the stories that have been published — for every story we hear, there are a thousand more from people all over the world that we don’t hear — people who aren’t famous and don’t have the same opportunities to come forward with their stories and get justice. If these stories make you feel sick, they should. This is a reality for so many people, but we can help. If we see someone being assaulted or harassed, we should step in. If it is safe, we should confront the perpetrator. If it is not safe, we should call security or the police. If anyone has been assaulted or harrassed, it is important that we report it. Nothing changes if nothing is done. There are centers in and around Beaumont where we can receive help. Most importantly, don’t participate in “victim blaming.” We owe it to survivors to hear their stories and to believe them. No one in any position is ever allowed to take advantage of another person without their consent. No more cover ups. Victims shouldn’t feel like they can’t come forward because their abuser will be protected more than they will. Enough is enough.

The opinions that appear in editorials are the official views of the University Press student management as determined by the UP Student Editorial Board. Opinions expressed elsewhere on this page are the views of the writers only and are not necessarily those of the University Press student management. Student opinions are not necessarily those of the university administration. ©University Press 2017

Page 4

Thursday, February 1, 2018 • UNIVERSITY PRESS

Pride festival fundraiser PFLAG, a registered non-profit organization, kicked off Pride Week Jan. 25 at the Red Room Lounge in downtown Beaumont. Hundreds showed up to the free event. There was a drag show and a DJ mixing music. “It went extraordinarily well,” Jacqueline Hayes, president of PFLAG Beaumont, said. “It was very colorful. There were retired people as

well as 18-year olds.” Pride kick-off was the first of many events that will take place in the upcoming months, including Tea with Sandra, a membership drive and a debutant ball. A shadow cast of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” will be held Feb. 10 at the Gig on Crockett Street. For more information, visit www.PFLAG-Beaumont.org.

UP PHOTOS BY NOAH DAWLEARN

Olivia Gardner performs in Red Room Lounge.

Callie Edwards poses in the photo booth.

Holly Nicol performs in Red Room Lounge at Pride Fest 2018, Jan. 25.

Spring 2018

Intramural 8 on 8 OUTDOOR SOCCER

Tournament

Entries Due February 9

Start Date February 11

Rules Meetin g February 9 1:00 PM

All rules meetings will be in the McDonald Gym Rm 117 ALL INTRAMURAL SPORTS ARE FREE! All currently enrolled SPRING 2018 LU & LIT students/faculty/staffff are eligible to compete in all leagues. For more information sign up online for each sport with imleagues.com OR e-mail us at intramurals@lamar.edu or visit us at Lamar.edu/intramurals LAMAR.INTRAMURALS

LUINTRAMURALS

PURSUANT TO SECTION 30.06, PENAL CODE (TRESP PASS BY LICENSED HOLDER WITH A CONCEALED HANDGUN), A PERSON LICENSED UNDER SUBCHAPTER H, CHAPTER 411, GOVERNMENT CODE (HANDGUN LICENSING LA AW), W), MAY NOT ENTER THIS PROPERTY WITH A CONCEALED HANDGUN. CONFORME A LA A SECCIÓN 30.06 DEL CODIGO PENAL (TRASP PASAR PORTANDO ARMAS DE FUEGO) PERSONAS CON LICENCIA A BAJO DEL SUB-CAPITULO 411, CODIGO DE GOBIERNO (LEY DE PORTAR ARMAS), NO DEBEN ENTRAR A EST TA PROPIEDAD PORTANDO UN ARMA A DE FUEGO

Kamei Black performs in Red Room Lounge.

UNIVERSITY PRESS • Thursday, February 1, 2018

Page 5

Former LU coach John Payton dies at age 83 A 2003 inductee into the Cardinals Hall of Honor, John Payton, died Saturday morning. Payton became the first African-American coach at

Lamar University when athletics director J.B. Higgins hired him in May of 1970 to coach offensive backs under then-coach Vernon Glass. Payton remained

in that position with the Cardinals until 1982 when he was the assistant to head coach Ken Stephens. Payton was a key part of a

Cardinals' staff that helped rebuild the program in the early 1970s. Payton helped bring some of the nation's top talent to LU during his time on staff. The

FROM THE ARCHIVE Editor’s note: The following story was published Nov. 3, 2004 in the University Press when John Payton, the first black coach at Lamar, was inducted into the Texas Basketball Hall of Fame. Payton died Saturday at age 83.

Kinesiology professor and long-ago basketball coach John Payton would be the first to tell you that he doesn’t fit the bill for the Texas Basketball Hall of Fame. He won’t hesitate to tell you that some other coaches may be more worthy than he is. And for that matter, he would tell you that football, not basketball, has been and always will be his first love. But Payton did coach basketball for eight seasons at the high school level. He won district titles, state championships and the utmost respect from the Texas Hall of Fame selection committee. And perhaps the committee looked past the years and numbers he didn’t put in for basketball and saw a man who was worthy for not just a Hall of Fame spot for that game but a man who deserves to be recognized in a Hall of Fame far greater – perhaps a Hall of Fame for life. His coaching days began at Scott High School in Woodville in 1956, where he reigned as the head coach of both basketball and football. In his two seasons there, he finished with a 15-5 football record; and in basketball he led Woodville to a 77-7 record and won a pair of Class 2A state championships. After taking a job in Beaumont with Dunbar Junior High in 1968, Payton then moved to CharltonPollard High School, where he once again achieved success as a head basketball coach. In both the 1962 and 1964 seasons he and his team were

John Payton, who died Saturday, was inducted into the Cardinal Hall of Fame in 2003. crowned district champs. In ’62 Charlton-Pollard lost in the state championship game, but in ’64 Payton won his third and final state championship. He coached one more season of basketball before stepping down from his head coaching position. Payton, however stayed with Charlton-Pollard for another six seasons as head track coach and assistant football coach. Payton said that looking back on his decision to get out of basketball would be easy to regret. However, he does not regret his decision. “Knowing now,” he said, “that I would never get my chance to be a head football coach again and knowing the lack of balance in how much success black coaches have had in basketball over the lack there has been with black coaches in football, it would be easy for me to look back and say that I should have stayed in basketball. “The opportunity hasn’t been there for black coaches in football. “But no – if I had to go back and change anything I probably wouldn’t because I wouldn’t have known these things, and I may have not made it here (at Lamar).” Payton said that football was his best sports during his playing days, and that was one of his rea-

sons for opting to coach football over basketball. “I opted out of basketball because I had kind of gotten tired of it. And in the old days when schools were still segregated, we had one day off for the Christmas holiday. My wife and I felt like I needed to spend more time at home; so when I was offered the track job, it was just what I needed.” In 1970, before getting a job at Lamar in the fall working with running backs, Payton won a UIL Region III championship in track with Charlton-Pollard, which just adds to his list of accomplishments and stresses his abilities to work with students. “I came to Lamar with the plan that I would stay three years as the assistant backfield coach and assistant track coach, then return to Charlton-Pollard as the head football coach.” He said that he hesitated to take the Lamar job because he worried that his promise of being the successor to Charlton-Pollard’s then-current football coach might have gone to someone else if he were not there to claim it. “I was told that taking the position at Lamar would not affect my getting the football job once the current head coach retired, and

Courtesy photo

we felt like taking the college coaching job would only enhance my resume.” Payton also said that he was aware of the times and knew the school systems were getting ready to integrate. Those were also concerns of his closest friends and family members. “I went to all-black grade schools,” Payton said. “Woodville, Charlton-Pollard were both all black, and I went to an all-black college. “I had no integration experience; but since I knew they were getting ready to integrate the schools, I wanted to get ahead of the game. “Most people told me not to take the job – they knew about Lamar, the racial issues prior to those years.” Payton said that Lamar was not integrated but they were integrating, and they were still having trouble getting African-Americans to enroll for classes. In his time of hiring, Lamar was primarily an all-white school, he said. In fact, Payton was the first minority ever hired by the school, he said. “Even though I had no experiences with the other race, I knew times were changing. And I felt like the kids were athletes and

NFL beat a path to the Golden Triangle drafting nine different Cardinals while Payton was on staff, with several other players signing free agent contracts. we’re all playing the same game. “That’s what it was to me, just a game. Football is football, whether you’re black or white, and that goes with any sport.” Payton never went back to Charlton-Pollard to coach football. The school joined with two others to make Beaumont Central before the job opened up for him. Then in 1982, he put down his coaching whistle, ending his career with Lamar’s football program. However, it wasn’t long after that he picked up his officiating whistle and started his second chapter with Texas basketball. “When I was first told that I was going to get the Hall of Fame, I kind of blew it off – I didn’t really think that I had spent enough time in the game to receive such an honor. “Usually basketball coaches have to pay the price and stay at this thing for a long time. I haven’t been in basketball for a while n ow, so it was hard for me to see myself as someone who deserved this.” But he said that between his success with coaching basketball and the years he spent officiating it, he felt as if he was getting in for both services rather than strictly for coaching. After a heart attack in 2000, Payton said his doctor and wife encouraged him to give up officiating basketball, but officiating football games is something he does to this very day. Payton said he always followed his heart and his hear always led him to coaching, teaching or officiating kids. That is what he did it for — the kids. He said that he hopes that after all his years in teaching sports that he has taught more than how to play. He hopes through the sports that he has taught something about life.

UP archive story by Cody Pastorella

Page 6

Thursday, February 1, 2018 • UNIVERSITY PRESS

Cards pip Cowboys in SLC action, Saturday

UP photo by Matt Beadle

LU’s Colton Weisbrod goes in for a drive during Saturday’s 86-80 victory over rivals McNeese State in the Montagne Center.

Five Cardinals scored double figures as LU overcame a slow start to defeat rival McNeese, 8680, Saturday, in the Montagne Center. Two Cardinals recorded a double-double as LU finished the night shooting 45 percent from the field, including six three-pointers, and a 30-of-39 performance from the free throw line. Big Red also dominated the glass pulling down 10 more boards than their opponents, 3828, including a 10-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. The Cards used their advantage on the glass to record a 13-6 lead in second chance points. Both teams did a good job of taking care of the basketball turning it over just 10 times. Only four of LU's miscues came in the second half. Seniors Colton Weisbrod and Joey Frenchwood led the way with 19 points, while junior Josh Nzeakor and senior Zjori Bosha each finished the game with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Senior James Harrison chipped in 10. The first half alone was two different games as the Cowboys came out of the gate firing on all cylinders. McNeese outscored

Lady Cards rope in Cowgirls, 83-58

Moe Kinard scored 24 points to lead four Lamar University Cardinals in double figures, while Kiandra Bowers registered her 30th career double-double as LU rolled to its 23rd straight home win, an 83-58 decision over the McNeese Cowgirls in a Southland Conference women's basketball game, Saturday. DeA'ngela Mathis had 18 points for LU, Chastadie Barrs finished with 15 points, nine assists and eight steals, while Bowers added 11 points and 11 rebounds. With the win, LU remained a half-game behind conference-leading Stephen F. Austin. LU led 21-16 after the first quarter before opening the second quarter on a 7-0 run over the first 2:02 of the period, forcing the Cowgirls to call timeout.

McNeese rallied to tie the game at 30 before LU closed the quarter with another 7-0 run capped by a Kinard 3-pointer. Bowers boosted her career rebound total to 811, while pushing her career points to 1,109, one shy of Dominique Edwards for 10th place on LU's alltime list. Meanwhile, Barrs, who leads the nation in steals, pushed her season total to 127, 15 shy of her LU and Southland Conference record of 142 set last season. Barrs, the two-time Southland Conference defensive player of the year, has at least one steal in all 80 games of her career. LU took advantage of a physical McNeese team that was whistled for 24 fouls. LU was 20-of-28 from the line, while McNeese was 6-of-13.

The Lady Cardinals hosted ACU, Wednedsay. Scores were unavailable at press time. The Lady Cards continue their homestand, Saturday in a men’s doubleheader at 2 p.m. in the Montagne Center.

Moe Kinard

the Cardinals, 30-13, in the opening 10:21 to silence the crowd. On the verge of being knocked out early, the Cardinals didn't allow the lead to grow any further and began to fight their way out of the corner. Sparked by a Frenchwood three-pointer and a Kalob Ledoux technical foul, the Cardinals outscored McNeese, 27-7, over the next 7:30 to take their first lead of the game, 40-37. The Cowboys battled back to take a one-point lead with seconds remaining in the half. The Cardinals exited the floor with the final parting shot of the half as Bosha followed up a T.J. Atwood miss at the buzzer for the lead. "We really had some guys step up today," head coach Tic Price said. "We did a good job of sharing the basketball with five guys in double figures, and two with double-doubles.” The Cardinals carried that momentum into the second half jumping to take an eight-point lead. Frenchwood buried another three for the first points of the half, and the Cardinals opened on a 14-4 run to take an 11-point lead with just over 16 minutes remaining.

The Cowboys responded with a 15-7 run to trim the deficit down to three, 65-62, with more than 11 minutes remaining. McNeese forged their way back in front following two Stephen Ugochukwu free throws, 74-73, with 7:17 on the clock. The Cowboys were aided by four consecutive three-pointers to whittle away at LU's lead. The game would become a back-n-forth affair for the next 4:30 until the Cardinals reclaimed the lead for the final time on two Torey Noel free throws. After getting a stop, the Cardinals put the ball in the hands of Bosha who drove to basket for a layup to score. The Cardinals would tack on three more points – all via the free throw line – to push their lead back to seven with 22 seconds remaining. The Cowboys closed the game with only one more field goal, and were outscored, 92, in the final 3:51 after taking a one-point lead. The Cardinals went to Abilene Christian, Wednesday. Scores were unavailable at press time. They will return home, Saturday, to host SFA at 7 p.m. in the Montagne Center.

LU to honor hoops legends Lamar University will honor three of the greatest players in the history of the LU program when the jerseys of Carolyn Ford, Kalis Loyd and Carol Sims will be retired at the halftime of Saturday's game against Stephen F. Austin. The trio will be the first LU women's basketball players to be so honored. Ford, who played for LU from the 1978-79 through 1981-82 seasons, remains the only player in program history with more than 1,000 rebounds. She ended her career with 1,056 points and 1,052 rebounds. She was a recipient of the 1981 Babe Didrikson Zaharias Award, given to the top senior-to-be female student-athlete at LU. Loyd, who played for the Cardinals from the 2009-10 through 2012-13 seasons, is LU's all-time

leading scorer with 1,967 points. She is currently fifth all-time in rebounding at LU with 842 boards. Her combined total of 2,809 points and rebounds is the highest in program history. She was a three-time first-team AllSouthland Conference selection. Loyd won the Zaharias Award in 2012. Sims, who played at LU from the 1973-74 through 1976-77 seasons, compiled 1,571 points in her career, which is third on LU's alltime list. Her career average of 15.1 points per game is in the top10 all-time at LU, an impressive figure for a career that was before the 3-point line was introduced. Sims played a pivotal role in leading LU to the Texas Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women zone championship in 1976.

SUPER BOWL

UNIVERSITY PRESS Thursday, February 1, 2018

DOES ANYONE REALLY WANT A PATRIOT WIN?

UP illustration by Cassandra Jenkins

UP sports editor Cassandra Jenkins and staffer Cade Smith break down Sunday’s big NFL showcase

Cassie: Super Bowl LII is officially underway. It’s only days now before the two teams clash, and I am definitely rooting for the Eagles. I can’t stand the Patriots and I will always root for the opposing team and go for the underdog.

Cade: Seeing as though the Patriots have been in the Super Bowl for the most part, in the past 20 years, they have a pretty good chance of winning. I don’t love the Patriots or really want them to win. But, seeing as how you are my superior, I guess I have to go for the Patriots in this debate to make it fair on both ends.

Cassie: I don’t think it’s the matchup most of us were really hoping to see for this Super Bowl, it’s not going to be an extremely amazing game. The Eagles are missing Carson Wentz and his poor backup Nick Foles has only played about seven games this season — and his eighth game is going to be against Tom Brady. But, in terms of injuries, both teams are suffering a loss. Philly is missing Wentz, the Pats are missing Rob Gronkowski. In terms of history, the Eagles are actually leading in the all-time series. They have played the Pats 13 times and lead 76, with the last encounter being in 2015 when the Eagles beat the Patriots 35-28. Overall, I think the Eagles have a pretty decent chance at beating the hated team from Beantown again. Cade: Brady has been here. Their whole franchise has been built on Brady. Everyone has been riding Brady and Belichick for years. I know everyone hates them and they’re not my team, I’m honestly rooting for the Eagles, too. But I just don’t think they’ll get it done. You can’t give Tom Brady time, if you give him too much time you see what happens. You give him a minute, he’ll pull it off. You give him a second and he’ll still score. Look at last year’s game. The Falcons were

Are you an Eagle for life?

leading by 28 points and the Pats still came back to win in overtime. I swear, it’s like they made a pact with the devil or something — or the referees (editor’s note: there might be a slight bias in this statement). The Patriots have the history. They have the experience. The last time they faced the Eagles, in the 2004 Super Bowl, it was a close game but NE still won by a field goal, In terms of history and what Brady is known to do, it will be just another Super Bowl under his belt. Cassie: Ouch. That one hurt. I’m still fuming over the Falcons loss last year, but let’s put that aside, focus on this game. I put down a few stats that we can look at. They both ended their season 13-3. They both shared a loss to the Chiefs, but the Eagles only lost by seven, whereas the Patriots lost by 15. That proves the Eagles can definitely handle their own against tough teams. Both teams are equal in points a game at 28.6. They also match up in points allowed at 18.4 a game. This is going to be a really close game. Last year, it was powerhouse offense versus powerhouse defense. This year it will be more of a defense game. It will definitely come down to who can break the other teams impenetrable offensive line first. Cade: I agree on that.

Cassie: The Eagles also edge out the Patriots in third-down conversion percentage by 1.1 percent. That shows that they can finish a play. It will be a relatively close game. I don’t think it will be a blowout either way. The Eagles came back in the NFC championship game against the Vikings, I’m sure no one thought that was going to happen, and the Patriots also came back in their championship game against the Jaguars. It will definitely be a defensive battle — whose defense can hold their own against whose offense.

What was the first Super Bowl appearance for the Eagles? What team did the Eagles merge with? And what was their team name? What year did the Eagles become an NFL team? When was the last time the Eagles met the Patriots in a Super Bowl game? The Eagles replaced what team in the 1930s? For answers visit the University Press Facebook page

Cade: (Looks silently on, aghast at the amount of research Cassie has done).

Brady is dealing with the devil).

Cade: I mean, yeah, you are right with all those stats and those aspects on that end.

Cassie: There really is no contest between Foles and Brady at all, but if you can look at the running backs versus the wide receivers you are going to see some pretty tough matchups. The Eagles’ Dion Lewis against the Pats’ Malcolm Jenkins. Eagles receiver Jay Ajayi has been on a roll lately. In terms of history and stats these two teams are neck and neck. It’s going to really come down to who can handle the pressure. I hope the Eagles can get it done. My prediction is that it’s going to come down to a touchdown, possibly even a field goal.

Cade: Yeah. Like with what you were saying earlier with the defense versus offense, I can say I have personal experience on my fantasy league with having the Patriots on my defense. They didn’t give me too many points. Flat out. To be fair, they had a stronger defense than my team, the Colts. If I had to choose between their defense and the Colts’ defense, and those were the only two choices, I had at the moment, I had to choose the Patriots. But that’s the only scenario where they would get a look in. Yes, the Eagles do have a better defense. I give them that. I’ve seen what their defense can do. I saw it the last game in their fight against the Vikings. But, the Patriots offense is better. Brady knows the game. He has been in this league for a very long time (again, more evidence that

Cassie: In terms of coaching, Belichick is a more seasoned coach. He’s been with the Patriots forever, compared to the Eagles’ coach Doug Pederson, who is only on his second year of coaching. He’s never coached a Super Bowl and that might be very apparent when it comes time to make some tough calls Sunday. A lot of eyes will be watching him. But, despite his youth, he’s brought this team to the brink. Even though they are the underdogs I truly believe they will make a great matchup for the Patriots come Sunday night. It will be an interesting game. I won’t lose any sleep over the outcome of the game as neither of these are my teams, but I will vote against the Patriots until the day I die and long after that in Heaven (where I am pretty sure I won’t see Brady or Bellichick).

Cassie: Now, I’m not dumb. I don’t think in any scenario will Nick Foles be a better quarterback than Tom Brady. It’s just not going to happen. Maybe it would have been a different game if Philly had Carson Wentz, but it is what it is. Offensively, the Eagles run the ball better and the Patriots pass the ball (inflated or not) better. Because, well, Tom Brady.

Cassie: I know when you go on the internet and you talk to people or you watch sports networks you’re going to see everyone’s predictions that the Patriots are going to win. All you’ll see is Tom Brady, Tom Brady, Tom Brady. Patriots are going to win another Super Bowl. Sixth ring and all that nonsense. But you can tell, some people are begrudgingly making those predictions. They don’t want the Brady Bunch to win, but they are mostly certain they will.

Cade: I think it will be close, too. It’s not going to be a blowout. It all depends on that fourth quarter, because like I said earlier, if you give Brady time, he’s going to get it done. The Eagles need to use their time and their timeouts wisely. They can’t waste their timeouts. Belichick knows how to use it. He knows what he’s doing. The Eagles coach needs to worry about what he is doing and watch that timeclock.

Are you a Patriots fan?

Where did Tom Brady go to college? Where did the Patriots originate from before moving to New England? What year were the Patriots founded? Who was the first head coach of the New England Patriots? Who was the quarterback Tom Brady replaced in 2001? For answers visit the University Press Facebook page

Page 8

Thursday, February 1, 2018 • UNIVERSITY PRESS

THEATRE

proach their work professionally which means they always come prepared to every nightly session ready to explore and exchange ideas about our characters in this complex, language-driven play.” Warner plays Oliver Lucas, who he describes as an acerbic, witty, clever British physician. The British actor, Bill Nighy, created the role in the original Broadway production in 2006. “Oliver’s political views, his morality, his demeanor, in many ways are completely the opposite of mine,” Warner said. “When you get a chance to create a character who is very unlike you in personality and perspective it is a particular pleasure. My research has included the Iraq war, British politics, Oliver’s home town of Shrewsbur, and British medical practices. We hope we can offer our audiences a lively, passionate evening full of ideas.” Sir David Hare is a celebrated writer in England but Warner said he is not as well known in America, even though 10 of his plays have had Broadway productions. “I am quite proud to be a member of the Lamar company that will share his poetic language and insightful ideas with our patrons,” Warner said. “My character has a line in the play where he answers his son’s question, “What

SOTU

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did you talk about?” Oliver’s response is, “Your mother, Iraq, the woman I killed, politics, solitude, love” — that about sums up what the play covers.” Ciara Jackson plays Nadia Blye, a Yale University professor and former war correspondent. “In the few plays that I have been a part of in the last two years, ‘The Vertical Hour’ is far more connected to modern day life,” Jackson said. “In many ways, is more difficult than putting on plays that are fantastical and make believe. You can be more creative in a fictitious world, where as in this play, it is real people we are trying to portray and give a voice to.” Eric Rozell plays Phillip Lucas, the son of Warner’s character. “This is a very thought provoking and intellectually challenging play,” he said. “The audience can expect to have their views challenged and brains expanded.” The costumes are by student designer Doelen Fox. Show times are 7:30 p.m., Feb. 8-10, and 2 p.m., Feb.11. Tickets are $7 for LU/LIT students with a valid ID, $10 for LU/LIT faculty and staff, senior citizens and non-LU students, $15 for General admission. Tickets may be purchased by credit card by calling 880-8037, or in person at the box office one hour before each performance.

the group last semester after attending an American Speech and Hearing Sciences conference that focused on autism transition programs. “I knew there was a need for this type of program in our area, so I started working with Dr. Monica Harn to develop this support group for college students with autism,” she said. “We know there are potential challenges that students with autism might face with regard to social interactions, understanding rules in the classroom and group projects, and we used that information to determine weekly topics in a place where they feel comfortable and confident in exchanging ideas and help each other be successful throughout college.” For more information, email beth.byers@lamar.edu, or call 880-7601.

ricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria, and Californians who have been combatting wildfires. Trump, however, neglected to mention that 30 percent of Puerto Rico is still without power, and it was announced this week that FEMA would be stopping the distribution of water and emergency food. In another divisive topic for Democrats and Republicans, Trump alluded to the recent mass shootings that have taken place since he took office, but did not mention any gun control policies, just that his administration will protect the Second Amendment. He applauded the ability of the American people to put their political differences aside and mourn

together. Despite Trump’s call for unity, 61 percent of Americans say Trump has divided the country since his election, according to a National Public Radio poll. The president showed support for the military and the traditional “nuclear family,” the latter of which he said should be more important than politics. He cited the motto, “In God we trust,” and vowed to protect religious liberty. Trump talked about ridding regulations on businesses and thus being able to create jobs in the “clean coal industry,” although the coal industry is shrinking due to companies switching to gas reliance.

PREVIEW

Cupcake king on campus Entrepreneur Johnny Earle, better known by his brand name “Johnny Cupcake,” visited Lamar University, Wednesday, as part of the Academic Lecture Series. Earle spoke about how he built his business to a packed crowd. The lecture was hosted by the College of Business. UP photo by Becca Jo Stephens

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“This is a first-time opportunity for patrons to have dinner, wine and hors d’oeuvre on the university stage,” department chair Golden Wright said. “They will go see the first act of the show, (have) dessert and wine at intermission, see the second act

of the show, and afterwards can ask questions that maybe they wouldn’t get a chance to.” Wright says that the idea of the fundraiser is to get the patrons involved, get to know the department better and to develop a relationship.

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Trump consistently repeated his “America First”campaign slogan. He spotlighted families whose children had been murdered by gangs, which Trump attributed to open borders. He said that while he plans to negotiate a deal in which DACA recipients would eventually be able to gain U.S. citizenship, Americans are “dreamers too,” further dividing Republicans and Democrats on what has been a highly-contested issue in Congress for the past few months. Trump commended community members from Texas, Florida, Louisiana, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands for their efforts in recent natural disasters like Hur-

Spring 2018

Intramural 5 on 5 Basketball tournament

Trump closed his address by admiring the the historical and political significance of the Capitol Building and by celebrating American ingenuity. In a tradition started during Lyndon B. Johnson’s presidency, the Democrats gave a response to Trump’s State of the Union address. The Democrats chose Massachusetts Congressman Joseph Kennedy III to give the rebuttal. Kennedy did not mention the president by name but rejected many of his ideals and talked about Trump’s divisive actions. He talked about America’s history and how it was built by immigrants. In his address to Dreamers, he said in Spanish,

Spring 2018

Start Date

Rules Meeting

February 2 1:00 PM

Rules Meeting February 2 12:30 PM

LUINTRAMURALS

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February 2 February 5

“You are part of our story. We will fight for you and we will not walk away.” He mentioned the Women’s March, the #MeToo movement, and the Black Lives Matter movement, while deriding the Trump Administration for not taking a positive stand on LGBT issues and for not calling out white supremacy. Kennedy closed his rebuttal by vowing to keep the promises his party had made. Both Trump and Kennedy called for unity and offered different perspectives on how to achieve it. Both talked about policies that would benefit the American people with different points of view.

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“What we want to do is give people an opportunity to come into this space, be onstage and have dinner with people who they have something in common with — love for the performing arts — come see the show and partake in some wine.”

All rules meetings will be in the McDonald Gym Rm 117 ALL INTRAMURAL SPORTS ARE FREE! All currently enrolled SPRING 2018 LU & LIT students/faculty/stafff are eligible to compete in all leagues. For more information sign up online for each sport with imleagues.com OR e-mail us at intramurals@lamar.edu or visit us at Lamar.edu/intramurals LAMAR.INTRAMURALS

LUINTRAMURALS

PURSUANT TO SECTION 30.06, PENAL CODE (TRESP PASS BY LICENSED HOLDER WITH A CONCEALED HANDGUN), A PERSON LICENSED UNDER SUBCHAPTER H, CHAPTER 411, GOVERNMENT CODE (HANDGUN LICENSING LA AW), W), MA AY Y NOT ENTER THIS PROPERTY WITH A CONCEALED HANDGUN. CONFORME A LA A SECCIÓN 30.06 DEL CODIGO PENAL (TRASP PASAR PORTANDO ARMAS DE FUEGO) PERSONAS CON LICENCIA A BAJO DEL SUB-CAPITULO 411, CODIGO DE GOBIERNO (LEY DE PORTAR ARMAS), NO DEBEN ENTRAR A EST TA PROPIEDAD PORTANDO UN ARMA A DE FUEGO