The Prospector Sept. 29

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The University of Texas at El Paso · September 29, 2011

A NEW RIVAL?

ENT. 12

prospector the

assayer of student opinion

PLAYERS READY FOR HOUSTON with rivalry state of mind.

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SPORTS 6

Queer History Month

c e l e b r a t i o n

BY ADAM MARTÍNEZ The Propsector UTEP will honor the contributions and struggles of the LGBTQIA (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and ally) community through activities celebrating Queer History Month in October. This year’s theme is advocacy through education and the Rainbow Miner Initiative hopes to engage all communities.

“Gay rights have a history that is not taught in school or churches,” said Dre Lara, English and American literature graduate student and Rainbow Miner Initiative intern.

“This history ties into civil rights and women’s rights. It’s all connected, so I think it’s a really good way to learn something.”

Lara said they want to focus on the bisexual and transgender communities, two groups that are often overshadowed by gay and lesbian issues.

Among the scheduled events is National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11.

Organizers hope the day will promote awareness and discussion about the LGBTQIA community.

The Women’s Resource Center will host Love Your Body Week from Oct. 10-14. In collaboration with the Rainbow Miner Initiative, the WRC will be presenting a panel discussion Oct. 12 entitled “Every Body’s Beautiful.”

Athena Matyear, organizational and corporate communications senior and a WRC intern, said the discussion would examine LGBTQIA body image with an emphasis on intersectional and transgender individuals.

“The event is to spread awareness and educate students that there are more than just two genders and different kind of gender identities,” Matyear said. “We’re stuck in this world where everyone is just male and female, but there is so much more to that.”

Ally Week, Oct. 17-21, is dedicated to straight allies. The Rainbow Miner Initiative and the Queer Student Alli-

ance will hand out Rainbow Ally buttons on Oct. 19 to encourage students to support the LGBTQIA community.

Queernival will be held on campus during Halloween and will include drag shows, marriage booths and tarot card readings.

“This is a fun event where we’ll try to get the community more aware of the issues surrounding the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer community,” Lara said.

The Queer Leadership and Scholastic Conference will extend the celebration into November.

The conference will be held Nov. 11 and will include keynote speaker Karma Chávez, an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and co-founder of the Queer Migration Research Network.

A vigil to remember transgender individu-

als who have been victims of violence will be held Nov. 21 as part of

see QHM on page 3

Trans-

Football

Heisman candidate leads Houston in to the Sun Bowl

BY DANIEL ORNELAS The Prospector

FILE PHOTO

Running back Donald Buckram runs the ball in for a touchdown in the Miners’ last home game against Houston Oct. 3 2009.

The Miners will have little time to dwell on their 52-24 loss to nationally-ranked South Florida as they prepare to take on Conference-USA foe Houston Sept. 29 at the Sun Bowl.

Dealing with the Cougars’ highoctane offense will not be an easy task for the Miners’ defense.

“The key is, how do you slow them down? I don’t think you stop their offense,” defensive coordinator Andre Patterson said. “The key is to slow their offense down and make them kick field goals and give yourself a chance for some three and outs.”

The Cougars enter the game unbeaten at 4-0 and, for the fifth consecutive year, the Miners will prepare to take on senior quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Case Keenum who leads the nation in total offense averaging 388 yards per game.

Last season’s meeting against the Cougars in Houston didn’t fair well for the Miners who fell 54-24. The Cougars bring back the pair of senior running backs Bryce Beall and Michael Hayes who combined for 357 total yards and six touchdowns against UTEP last season.

“The biggest thing is to not give up the explosive plays. They’re going to move the ball with what they do offensively,” Patterson said. “The biggest thing we have to do is limit explosive plays and try and keep them from scoring touchdowns.”

Keenum is currently third in the all-time NCAA passing list, behind Ty Detmer and Timmy Chang, with 15,120 career-passing yards. He has thrown 1,411 yards in his previous four meetings with the Miners.

There is a possibility some injured players may return to action for this game including junior quarterback

see HOUSTON on page 9

PAGE 2

WHAT DO

you think?

perspectives September 29, 2011

editor-in-chief Aaron Martinez, 747-7477

This week’s poll question:

Should students be allowed to park on campus?

vote at WWW.UTEPPROSPECTOR.COM

Column

A new beginning for the military

BY BEATRIZ A. CASTAÑEDA The Prospector On Sept.

20, the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy was repealed.

I heard the story on NPR that day, and I clearly remember the surprise and sympathy I experienced. I was very happy to hear the policy had changed and this marked a great civil rights victory for a minority group that has suffered discrimination for so many years.

After 18 years on the books, the DADT policy, which banned men and women who were openly gay from serving in the U.S. military, was officially repealed. The repeal means that for the first time in America’s military history, service members will be allowed to publicly reveal their sexual orientation without fear of reprisal.

President Barack Obama marked the day in a written statement noting that, “patriotic Americans in uniform will no longer have to lie about who they are in order to serve the country they love.”

I became interested in this policy reform about a year ago when I took a communication theory and analysis class with professor Stacey Sowards. As part of our assignments, we had to look for different communication theories and then analyze them. I chose to analyze Lady Gaga’s public activism in repealing this policy and her popularity among the gay community.

Lady Gaga is a popular music icon worldwide. She traveled to various places throughout the U.S. includ-

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Visit www.utepprospector.com to search the archives for your favorite articles and multimedia projects since 2007.

the

prospectorstaff

Editor-in-Chief: Aaron Martinez Layout Editor: Diego Burciaga Photo Editor: Diana Amaro Entertainment Editor: Beatriz Castaneda Multimedia/Online Editor: Nicole Chavez Sports Editor: William Anthony Vega Staff Photographer: Robert Corral Photographers: Daniel Guzman, Audrey Russell, Greg E. Castillo, Justin Stene Correspondents: Alejandro Alba, Adam Martinez, Fernando A. Sanchez, Jerry Aldaz, Kristopher G. Rivera, Diana Arrieta, Celia Aguilar, Christian Guerrero, Daniel Perez, Daniel Ornelas, Rusty Burns, Natalia Aguilar, Andres Rodriguez, Krystal Oblinger Cartoonist: Blake A. Lanham

ing Washington D.C. to spread the word about reforming the DADT policy at gay rights rallies. On Sept.

20, 2010 in Portland, Maine, Lady Gaga addressed the crowd about repealing the law. The following day, the Senate vote fell short of the 60 votes needed to repeal the policy.

After years of debate and struggle, service members felt grateful to hear the news. After learning the news, one U.S. service member purportedly serving in Germany, posted a video of himself on YouTube calling his father in Alabama to tell him, for the first time, that he is gay.

The father assured the man that he still loves him no matter what.

I was touched by such a significant moment in this man’s life. Every service man and woman’s story is different, but I felt his story was touching because he was thousands of miles away from home.

This action is quite significant especially at this moment since October is Queer History Month. The repeal has been a big victory for those who worked to reform the policy. According to press reports, more than 13,000 service members were discharged in the last 18 years after Congress enacted the law.

Many service members were discharged and I can’t imagine what it must have been like for them to be discriminated against and mistreated in that way. To finally be able to come out of the shadows after so long must be a great relief for many.

While these measures are a great achievement for gay rights, there is still a long way to go for civil and social equality for all Americans, but I believe it’s a good steppingstone for society now.

we asked,

you answered

25% REYES

Beatriz A. Castañeda may be reached at prospector@ utep.edu.

ACCURACY WATCH

The Prospector is committed to accuracy. If you think we have made an error of fact, e-mail us at prospector@utep.edu.

vol. 97, no. 9 Asst. Director-Advertising: Veronica Gonzalez Ad Representatives Eric Bretado, Sal Guerrero, Cynthia K. Lopez, Marissa Montilla, Fernando Sanchez, Natalie Vidales Ad Layout Manager: Esteban Marquez Ad Designers: Esteban Marquez, Carina Sanchez, Javier Villanueva, William Vizcarra Accounting Specialist: Isabel Castillo Student Assistant: Denise Heredia Classifieds: Priscilla Apodaca Student Publications Director: Kathleen Flores Editorial Adviser: Lourdes Cardenas

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Write to 105 E. Union, e-mail prospector@utep.edu, call 747-7477 or fax to 747-8031.

The Prospector (USPS 448-020) is published by the Student Publications Board, 105 E. Union, 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX 79968. During Fall & Spring semester The Prospector is published twice weekly: Tuesdays and Thursdays, except holidays and when classes are not in session, once a week on Wednesday during the summer session. Subscription rates: $20 per year, $4 taken from fees to pay for student copies. Periodicals postage paid at El Paso, TX. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Prospector, 105 E. Union, El Paso, Texas 79968-0622. The Prospector is not responsible for claims made by advertisers. Additional policy information can be obtained by calling The Prospector at 747-5161. Opinions expressed in The Prospector are not necessarily those of the university.

PAGE3NEWS

THE PROSPECTOR September 29, 2011

National

Fukushima families advocate for a world without nuclear power

By Pamela Engel

Scripps Howard Foundation Wire WASHINGTON – The Sato family, who until recently lived near Fukushima, Japan, didn’t reap many benefits from nuclear power, but they felt the aftershock of the nearby power plants’ meltdowns.

“After the Chernobyl accident, I decided to learn the skills of the past, the ways people used to live, so that I could survive into the next generation without fossil fuels and without nuclear power,” said Sachiko Sato, an organic farmer and board member of the Fukushima Network for Saving Children from Radiation.

The Russian nuclear power plant at Chernobyl exploded and burned in 1986, contaminating thousands of square miles. After the earthquake and tsunami in March, several reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi plant melted down. Miles of surrounding land were contaminated.

Although the Japanese government did not mandate the evacuation of Sato and her family, she thought it was no longer safe to live on the family farm in Kawamata, which lies just outside the evacuation zone The Sato family lived about 24 miles from the Fukushima power plant, and the traces of radiation from the meltdowns made it no longer safe to grow food, Sato said.

Sato is one of four Japanese people who spoke at a Beyond Nuclear news conference last week, aiding the organization in its efforts to advocate for a world free from nuclear power.

The group met with legislators to urge them to shut down nuclear power plants across the globe.

Before the Fukushima disaster, Sato and her family of seven established a cooperative of people who revered nature and wanted to live off the land, growing their own rice and vegetables and cooking over a fire. On March 11, everything changed.

“It was very painful having to continue to live in the midst of these three tragedies,” she said. “All of my fellow farmers had no option but to abandon their land.”

Sato sent her children to a safe place before she evacuated.

Two of Sato’s five children described how the nuclear meltdown has affected their lives. Yuuki 17, and his sister evacuated to a family friend’s house 60 miles north of Fukushima on March 13.

For Mina, Sato’s 13-year-old daughter, moving away from her family and friends in Fukushima was “the saddest thing.” Yuuki talked about the difficulties of living temporarily without his parents.

“I had friends in Fukushima,” he said. “I don’t yet have a driver’s license. … so I couldn’t go see my friends from the time I evacuated until July. That was very painful for me.”

Sachiko Sato now commutes an hour and a half from her family’s new home to the daycare center near Fukushima where she works. Her husband is searching for farmland in southern Japan so they can start over in a place not tainted by radiation.

Pamela Engel / SHFWire

Sachiko Sato and her son Yuuki lived 24 miles from the Fukushima nuclear power plant when the earthquake and tsunami hit, but have abandoned the family farm.

Both spoke about how the meltdowns have affected their lives.

The Japanese government is discussing a phase-out of nuclear power, but the process is too slow for some citizens.

“There would be no new nuclear power plants, but the current ones would run until they are very old,” said Aileen Mioko Smith, who has been active in Japan’s anti-nuclear movement for about 30 years.

Japan owns 54 nuclear power plants, but only 11 are operating.

Some Japanese government officials would like to see some of the dormant plants restart, Mioko Smith said.

Yukiko Anzai, who lives near the Tomari nuclear power plant and continues to operate an organic farm with her husband, wants to prevent future nuclear accidents.

“The Fukushima accident can happen any place where nuclear power plants exist,” she said.

Pamela Engel, senior journalism major at Ohio University, is an intern at the Scripps Howard Foundation’s Semester in Washington Program. She may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.

Maldonado Corn Maze in La Union, NM Friday 5:00 pm-10:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am-10:00 pm Sunday 12:00 pm-6:00 pm

QHM from page 1 gender Day of Remembrance.

Nancy Esparza, a sophomore English and American literature major, hopes the celebration will encourage people to identify with the struggles that every person faces.

“A lot of people are satisfied with how things are, especially if they don’t have to struggle,” Esparza said. “This isn’t just about the queer community; it’s about everybody and being able to see beyond ourselves.”

Lara said the events would appeal to everybody.

“With our theme of empowerment and education, we want to educate and make people realize that we are all people,” Lara said.

For more information, call the Student Development Center at 747-5291.

Adam Martínez may be reached at prospector@ utep.edu.

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THE PROSPECTOR September 29, 2011

PAGE 4

la frontera

September 29, 2011

editor-in-chief Aaron Martinez, 747-7477

Literatura

Escritor discute influencia fronteriza en su obra Por Andrés Rodriguez The Prospector El novelista mexicano y graduado de creación literaria Yuri Herrera, se presentó en UTEP como parte de la celebración del mes de la herencia hispana.

El lunes 26 de septiembre Herrera visitó UTEP para discutir sus dos novelas “Trabajos del Reino” y “Señales que precederán al fin del Mundo”.

Herrera es originario de Actopan, México. Estudió ciencias políticas en la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) y en el 2003 obtuvo su maestría en creación literaria en UTEP. Su primer novela “Trabajos del Reino”, que Herrera escribió como su tesis, obtuvo el premio español “Otras Voces, Otros Ámbitos” a la mejor obra de ficción.

Esta novela, dijo Herrera, se basó en temas que tienen que ver con la región fronteriza, como la violencia y el narcotráfico, aunque no se mencionan directamente.

“Sabía claramente que quería escribir una historia sobre un artista al servicio de un rey”, dijo Herrera. “No quería ubicar esta historia en un contexto del cual no entendía nada, y yo sentía que ya me había compenetrado muy bien con este lugar”.

En su obra, Herrera describe la frontera como un lugar lleno de con-

tradicciones, difícil y siempre desafiándolo todo.

“No es como ir caminando por nubecitas en una ciudad tan tolerante como Berkeley”, dijo Herrera, quien también es profesor de lengua y literatura en la Universidad de California en Berkeley. “La lengua de la frontera era justo la que yo quería para reconstruir este mundo”.

José de Piérola, profesor de creación literaria y Aileen El-Kadi, profesora de portugués, acompañaron a Herrera en la mesa de discusión.

Herrera respondió a preguntas de El-Kadi, quien considera que la violencia es un tema cotidiano en la literatura contemporánea.

“El asunto de la violencia es algo que esta ahí detrás siempre”, dijo He rrera. “Es mi responsabilidad como escritor señalarle al lector que detrás de situaciones se encuentra lo terrible pero sin dejar que las situaciones se conviertan en una anécdota ence rrada en lo salvaje”.

Además de la violencia, Herrera enfatizó la inestabilidad de las identidades en sus novelas al igual que en la frontera.

“Crecemos acostumbrados a pensar que uno es lo que es por cierta he vvrencia, que es fijo, pero con el paso del tiempo uno se da cuenta que en realidad esto es algo mucho mas frágil y engañoso de lo que pensaban”, dijo Herrera. “Siempre insisto que la frontera es un laboratorio de identidades porque los dos lugares siempre están

Greg Castillo / The Prospector

El escritor Yuri Herrera (al centro) discute su obra literaria como parte de las actividades del Mes de la Herencia ispana. Los profesores José de Piérola y Aileen-El-Kadi lo acompañan en la mesa. en contacto y poniendo en cuestión la rigidez de una sola identidad”.

Herrera concluyó su presentación respondiendo preguntas de la audiencia sobre el narcotráfico, la violencia y el presidente de México, Felipe Calderón.

“Nunca había escuchado sobre él”, dijo Dina Fornelli estudiante de cuarto año de lingüística. “Pero me gustó la manera diferente en la que se enfoca en la literatura. Deja que el lector

de contexto actual a su novela sin explícitamente colocarla en la realidad”.

Andrés Rodriguez puede ser contactado en prospector@ utep.edu.

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Dr. John Haddox Series Fall 2011 "Catholic Leaders in the Struggle for Justice" Dr. John Haddox, Ph.D., Philosophy Professor at UTEP, presents this five week series.

Fridays at 12:10-1:10 p.m.

Catholic Newman Center, 2230 N. Oregon St.

September 30th: Bishop Vasco de Quiroga October 7th: Bishop Dom Hélder Câmara October 14th: Archbishop Óscar Romero October 21st: Dorothy Day Make plans to join us...bring your lunch, and we will provide some refreshments too.

For more information, call the CCM Center (915) 838-0300 or campusministry@elpasodiocese.org

PAGE 5

sports September 29, 2011

editor William Anthony, 747-7445

Soccer

Miners set to take on nationally-ranked UCF on the road

By William Vega The Prospector The Miners will take their talents to central Florida when they play against no. 25 UCF Oct. 2 in Orlando.

“They’re big time and they’ve been one of the best teams in the conference year in and year out,” head coach Kevin Cross said. “They have a great team and play very good soccer. It’s definitely a tough test.”

As they have been for the last three years, the Knights are in the NCAA top-25 rankings where they moved to no. 13 earlier in 2011. UCF made the climb with a strong start to the season as they went 3-1-1 against ranked opponents.

In their third game of the season ranked no. 24 at the time, the Knights fell to no. 17 Wake Forest at home.

They rebounded the next week when they traveled to San Diego to take on both no. 22 San Diego State and no.

24 San Diego. The team tied San Diego State 4-4 then defeated San Diego 1-0.

UCF propelled themselves back into the rankings the following week when they traveled to Charlotesville, Va. for the Virginia Nike Soccer Classic. They first defeated no. 19 Penn State Sept. 9 2-1, then topped Washington State two days later 2-0. Washington State is now receiving votes and is just outside the top-25 poll.

Starting with the San Diego State tie, the Knights went on a six-game streak that was broken Sept. 23 at

SMU. They bounced back two days later winning at Tulsa 2-1.

Just like UTEP, UCF is in the top four in Conference-USA with 53 points, 1.80 goals per game and 1.70 assists per game. Eight players have started all 10 games for them this year, led by junior forwards Tishia Jewell’s 13 points and Nicolette Radovic’s 11.

“They usually possess the ball really well. They’re very well organized, some key players that can make the difference in a game. They play good defense,” Cross said. “To be a top-25 team, you have to have the whole game, and they’re doing it.”

Jewell, the 2011 C-USA preseason offensive player of the year, leads her team and the conference with seven assists and is second in points. She was also named the conference’s player of the week Aug. 22 when she had two goals against South Florida.

UCF was the C-USA regular season champion last year and advanced to the conference tournament finals where they lost to Memphis 1-0. They were able to make the NCAA tournament, however, when their season came to a close in the second round.

“We think we have to play our game. If we play our game, we’ve got to take care of details and we’ve got to all be focused,” Cross said. “If we play our best game like we did against Memphis when they were a top-25 team, we were able to beat them. Everyone’s got to bring their best game because when we do that, we feel like we can beat anyone.”

file photo

Sophomore midfielder Tori Martyn gets by an ECU defender.

UTEP’s only home conference loss last year was against the Knights when they fell 4-0.

“They really beat us bad last year so we have a lot to prove. We’re definitely a lot better than we played then, but we plan on going out and playing our best and coming out with a win,” senior midfielder Katie Dorman said.

The Miners will then turn their attention to Southern Miss Oct. 3 when they travel to Hattiesburg, Miss. The Golden Eagles have not had such a strong season as UCF’s as they are 3-5-3 and 0-1-1 in conference.

“If we can come out with two wins that would be big for us. We have a good start at home, but playing on the road is difficult,” Dorman said. “We want to prove to ourselves that we can win on the road.”

Southern Miss has not won a game since Sept. 11 when they defeated Arkansas-Pine Bluff on the road, but over their past four games, the Golden Eagles are 0-2-2.

They are in the bottom three in multiple conference statistics, including goals per game, assists per game and points.

“I haven’t really heard much about them, but just like any team in conference, they’re going to be good,” junior defender Jade Babcock said.

William Vega may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.

file photo

Senior midfielder Katie Dorman dribbles the ball during UTEP’s match against ECU Sept. 25 at University Field.

We meet again

PAGE6SPORTS

THE PROSPECTOR September 29, 2011

PAGE7SPORTS

THE PROSPECTOR September 29, 2011

With a healthy team, starting QB to be a game-time decision

BY WILLIAM VEGA The Prospector

Houston QB to face UTEP for fifth time

BY FRANKIE RODRIGUEZ The Prospector While NMSU may be considered UTEP’s main rival, as far as football players are concerned, Houston is high on their list.

“Houston is at the top of our conference rivals. We can’t stand Houston, they can’t stand us,” senior wide receiver Russell Carr said.

The Miners will take on the Cougars for the ninth time in school history with the series tied at four apiece.

However, Houston holds a 4-2 mark against UTEP since the school joined Conference-USA in 2005. The last four games have all been led by senior quarterback Case Keenum who will play the Miners for the fifth time in his career.

“He is a great quarterback. He is in the Heisman run right now,” Carr said. “He has a great team and his team is undefeated.”

Keenum gained a redshirt last season when he was injured early in the season. In their second game against UTEP, then-junior defensive back Travaun Nixon intercepted Keenum in the third quarter. When attempting to tackle Nixon, Keenum injured himself and sat out the rest of the game.

“The interception felt good at the time. It would have felt even better if we had won,” Nixon said. “But I never like to see people get injured.

That is the worst thing that can happen to somebody, especially people that don’t get to play ever again.

Fortunately for him, he is playing again.”

Keenum returned to play against UCLA the next week but was injured, again,

allowing him to gain a fifth year of eligibility.

In his junior year, Keenum led the Cougars into the Sun Bowl as the no.

12-ranked team in the nation. Despite going 51-of-76 with 536 yards and five touchdowns, the Miners won the battle 58-41 causing the crowd to storm the field. Keenum broke Sun Bowl records for completions and attempts that game and was sevenpassing yards shy of breaking that record, too.

“Last time they came in ranked twelve on a high horse, and we knocked them off,” Carr said. “It was a great feeling and I will never forget it every time I think about that.”

Players still feel privileged to play him once more, such as Nixon, who said that quarterbacks like Keenum were the reason he joined the UTEP football team.

“The guy is defi-

nitely going to go to the NFL so we have to see how we fare against him, to see what kind of defense we are,” Nixon said.

Other players are not tired of hearing the name Case Keenum, such as senior running back Joe Banyard who is from the Houston area.

“I played against him in high school, so we are good buddies. When I hear his name, I am glad he is doing good things, but of course, I want to beat him as well,” Banyard said.

No matter how big the rivalry is, the players know that this team is no pushover and they must prepare accordingly.

“I feel like every game is a rivalry game; that is how I approach the game,” Banyard said. “They are a good team. It is going to be a good rivalry game but we are taking it one step at a time.”

The Cougars are ranked first overall in passing yards in the nation and 11th in points scored. Keenum has completed 1,534 passing yards, with a 71 completion percentage, 12 touchdowns and only two interceptions this season. In his last game Sept. 24, Keenum was 29-for-34 for 415 yards and two touchdowns against Georgia State. Keenum is considered a Heisman Trophy candidate and is only 1,953 yards away from breaking the NCAA’s all-time passing record.

Against UTEP, Keenum has thrown for 1,411 yards overall, nine touchdowns and one interception in his career.

Houston is a few votes away from being ranked and is the second team outside of the Associated Press top-25 rankings. Beating a team like the Cougars is a must for some players.

“UTEP won the year before I came. Last year we went in there and got blown out,” Nixon said.

“This year we are back at the Sun Bowl, so we can’t lose at home; it is a big game for us.”

Frankie Rodriguez may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.

ABOVE: DB DREW THOMAS / FILE PHOTO LEFT: QB CASE KEENUM / SPECIAL TO THE PROSPECTOR

In the midst of another quarterback battle, the Miners tested their injured players in their nextto-last practice Sept. 27 before hosting Houston Sept.

29 at the Sun Bowl.

With only shoulder pads and helmets on, head coach Mike Price was able to better evaluate his four injured starters. He expects junior quarterback Nick Lamaison, sophomore defensive lineman Germard Reed and junior offensive lineman James Nelson to either play or start against the Cougars. Before practice Sept. 28, Price said that senior defensive back Travaun Nixon will be questionable.

He said that Lamaison and sophomore Carson Meger, who started against South Florida Sept. 24, will both play against Houston but a starter has not been named.

Lamaison, who sat out the last two weeks due to a shoulder sprain, showed improvement during practice and may be ready to start. Price said during the media luncheon Sept. 26 that Lamaison’s inability to throw more than 25 yards was one of his biggest setbacks.

“Everyone saw in practice today that I was throwing pretty well. I improved a lot from yesterday, it felt a lot better and I’m excited for the game,” Lamaison said.

At practice, he performed with the first string most of the time showing accuracy in short, slant passes. While working on plays and routes, he threw against the scout team just as the first-team defense did. The offense, on the other hand, tried out some new plays to prepare them for the game.

“We were just running some routes that the Houston offense runs and we were simulating those with

our first-team offense to get a fast look at it,” Price said. “It’s going to be fast Thursday night. Those receivers are going to be fast.”

When the opposing first teams went against each other in one-onone, wide receiver versus defensive back drills, Lamaison completed a pair of 40-plus yard passes to junior wide receiver Mike Edwards.

His longest pass attempt was a 50-yarder in the end zone that was intercepted by junior DB Drew Thomas at the last second.

“He just was a little rusty, a little off on his timing and accuracy and he was much better (Sept. 27).

He’ll be much better (Sept. 28) and much better Thursday,” Price said.

In the two-minute offense, Lamaison drove the offense down the field for a quick touchdown. With a red jersey on to avoid getting hit, a custom with all quarterbacks in practice, he is ready for the next step: getting hit.

“That’ something I’m not ever going to worry about. I’m not worried about getting hit, that’s why I wear pads, too,” Lamaison said.

“I’m just working on my assignments and my schemes and things like that. As far as getting hit, I’m not worried about it and I’m ready to go.”

As for the other three injured starters, Nelson, who suffered a high-ankle sprain, performed with the first-team offensive line. Reed, recovering from a concussion three weeks ago, played in some tackling drills and practiced with the firststring defensive line in the twominute drill. Nixon is recuperating from a knee injury he suffered two weeks ago but he, on the other hand, was very limited in practice and did not participate in the twominute drill.

BOB CORRAL / The Prospector

Junior quarterback Nick Lamaison throws the ball to senior running back Leilyon Myers (22). Lamison is expected to play versus Houston but a starter has not been named.

Other players in red jerseys during the week were senior wide receiver Donovan Kemp and freshman wide receiver Jordan Leslie.

Kemp said the two were not injured but had them on for precautionary measures. Price said that he expects both to play in the game, as well.

“I feel like everyone’s ready. Everybody’s been watching film, doing what they’re supposed to do, really making it a big priority to handle their business especially since this is a short week,” Kemp said. “Coaches have been doing really good about being easy on us and making sure our bodies are ready to go.”

Two players have been ruled out for the game. Sophomore defensive lineman Adam Ayala will miss due to an injury he sustained at South Florida. Senior long snapper Matt Camilli will miss his third game in a row with a separated shoulder sustained Sept. 10 at SMU. William Vega may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.

BOB CORRAL / The Prospector

Sophomore defensive lineman Germard Reed (61) talks with junior lineman Ruben Munoz during a practice Sept. 27 at Glory Field. In the background, senior defensive back Travaun Nixon (5) watches a play from the sideline.

PAGE8SPORTS

THE PROSPECTOR September 29, 2011

Softball

Team prepares for fall campaign

By Frankie Rodriguez The Prospector Following an injury-plagued, poorpitching 2011 season, the Miners look to get back in softball shape as they start the fall season at home with the Blue-Orange game Sept. 30 and Oct. 1 at the Helen of Troy Softball Complex.

Both head coaches, Kathleen and James Rodriguez, are beginning their ninth fall campaign after finishing last season with a 16-37-1 record (1-22-1 in Conference-USA). They will be looking to improve with 12 returning players, including three pitchers from last season.

Last year, the team ranked at the bottom in nearly every pitching category, but was in the top five in C-USA in team batting average, hits, doubles, runs and homeruns. The averages took a big hit midway through the season when four players went down with injuries.

Senior catcher Camilla Carrera was one player who was injured early in the season. She is a three-time AllConference First Team Selection, two-time NFCA All-Midwest Region Selection, three-time C-USA player of the week, 2008 C-USA All Freshman Team Selection and the 2009 CUSA player of the year.

She became the only player in Miner program history to be named to first team in three consecutive sea-

sons. She was also allowed to redshirt last season to give her a fifth year of eligibility in 2012. Carrera had six homeruns in 2010, batted a team-best .376, and ranked first on the team with 59 hits, 42 RBIs, 16 doubles, 93 total bases and 5 double plays.

Another notable player returning from injury is senior catcher/utility Chelsea Troupe. She went down with a pair of injuries during two separate series in April and sat out the rest of the season. Troupe was the 2009 CUSA Freshman of the Year, 2009 AllConference USA First Team, on the 2009 C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll and a C-USA Hitter of the week.

Before the season-ending injuries, she led the team with a .404 batting average, .885 slugging percentage, .543 on-base percentage, 31 RBIs and 14 homeruns.

Five sophomores are returning including four who saw noticeable playing time in the spring. First baseman/ pitcher Laura Ramos batted .279 last year to place fourth on the team. She also had 29 hits and 13 RBIs and has shown promise from the mound as of late. She became the second pitcher in the rotation last season behind graduated senior Courtney Auger appearing in 21 games and going 2-5.

Frankie Rodriguez may be reached at prospector@utep. edu.

file photo

Sophomore pitcher Megan Atchinson winds up a pitch in a game last season at the Helen of Troy Complex.

PAGE9SPORTS

THE PROSPECTOR September 29, 2011

Volleyball

Conference play resumes with Marshall, ECU

houston from page 1 “It’s definitely a big game because it’s a conference game for us. That’s why I’m going to work in the training room to make sure my arm is as good as it can be,” Lamaison said.

“Coach told me to go full go, don’t hold anything back and get ready to play.”

Sophomore Carson Meger took the start for UTEP against South Florida. Freshman Jay Hall took over for Lamaison Sept. 10 at SMU then started Sept. 17 at NMSU. If Lamaison cannot play Thursday night, head coach Mike Price said Meger would be the likely starter for the Miners.

“If it’s not really sore when he throws and can throw deep, he’ll probably start,” Price said. “He’s healing very well.”

Senior safety Travaun Nixon, sophomore defensive tackle Germard Reed and junior offensive tackle James Nelson have all missed time.

All returned to practice this week and Price said all should be able to play against the Cougars.

“I don’t want to play anybody that isn’t 100 percent ready to give their best effort. This is a team you have to play 100 percent against, with your best effort and with your best guys,” Price said. “This team is just as good as South Florida, obviously better offensively. They are one of the best in the country offensively.”

The all-time series is tied 4-4.

The Miners have had good fortune against the Cougars in El Paso with all four of their victories being in the Sun Bowl.

The last time both teams met at UTEP, the Cougars were undefeated and ranked 12th in the nation, but the Miners were able to pull off the upset 58-41.

“I can’t tell you how important this game is to our community, our team and this year’s chance of success,” Price said. “It’s really important to me, to our university, to our football team that we get as many people in the stadium as possible.”

Daniel Ornelas may be reached at prospector@utep. edu.

file photo

Junior outside hitter Bridget Logan spikes the ball during the Miners’ game against SMU Sept. 25 at Memorial Gym.

By Krystal Oblinger The Prospector In the middle of Conference-USA play, the Miners head back on the road to face Marshall Oct. 3 and East Carolina two days later.

“We want to approach these games as if they are an opportunity to get better and keep improving our systems and skills,” head coach Ken Murphy said. “One of our things this year is playing really consistently from the start of the match to the end no matter who we are playing against.

We can get better at that.”

Marshall (2-11, 1-2 C-USA) holds a four-game losing streak with their most recent loss coming against Memphis in a three-set match. Marshall was no match for the Tigers’ combined top players in junior outside hitter Altrese Hawkins and freshman libero Aleksandra Petronijevic.

Hawkins pounded out 14 kills with a hitting average of .357 and Petronijevic had four assists, three aces and nine digs during the match.

Despite the Thundering Herds’ top player of the match, sophomore middle blocker Desirre Wilkerson, scoring over 11 kills and recording a .364 hitting average, the team lost momentum towards the end of each set, loosing 25-22, 25-21 and 25-21.

Marshall’s biggest struggle was the choreographed attack strategy that Memphis brought to the net; the combination of accomplished attack errors, planned out service aces, communication and kills were not only what cost Marshall the match against Memphis but also their past four matches.

The East Carolina Pirates (2-10, 0-3 C-USA) have only won two of their pre-conference matches and are riding a seven-game losing streak.

ECU’s most recent match-up pinned them against UAB, top team in the conference.

The Blazers blew past the Pirates with a 1.000 hitting average from junior setter Allison Woods and 10 kills from junior middle blocker Sam Serley. The Pirates tried to hold back UAB, but with multiple mistakes and

kills, lost all the sets for ECU 25-13, 25-15 and 25-13.

“I am not really sure how the teams are this year, but they are a good team. We just need to play at the level we want in order to get what we want done,” senior libero Stephanie Figueroa said. “Our biggest problem was communication on the court and, mentally, not letting errors get to us.”

Last season, the Miners won all their matches against Marshall and ECU with combined hitting averages of .591 against the Thundering Herd and .477 against the Pirates.

“The problem with our communication is mainly where the play is complicated,” Murphy said. “We just need to be confident and communicate our intentions before the ball comes to our side.”

The Miners’ problems during both games against their recent match-ups, Tulsa and SMU, were the reoccurring mistakes on the net. The amount of attack errors, averaging out to 170, nearly cost UTEP the win against SMU if not for quick responses from sophomore outside hitter Jeane Horton and Figueroa.

“We had a streak of losses and, finally, against SMU this past weekend, we found ourselves because we played

at the level we were looking to for so long,” Figueroa said. “One of the things we are most looking forward to is playing at the high level that we performed this Sunday.”

UTEP will need to stay focused and keep communication flowing while not losing confidence in their playing.

“We will need to work on our intensity level and just stay excited instead of getting frustrated when we mess up or get scored on,” freshman outside hitter Francquee Acosta said. “We are expecting good, high-level intensity matches that are not going to be easy, and they should be really good competition for us.”

Krystal Oblinger may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.

file photo

Defensive back Deshawn Grayson makes a tackle on the Houston ball carrier Oct. 3, 2009 against Houston.

The 2011

Chopin

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Music Festival

Richard Dowling Saturday, October 15 Buy-Sell-Trade Clothes & Accessories 1805 Montana (Cotton) El Paso, Texas 79902 915.256.5942

Monday–Friday 7–11 Saturday 11–5

Contemporary-Vintage & Designer Fashions Featuring Local Art & Artisan Items Feather Extentions & more!

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PAGE10SPORTS

THE PROSPECTOR September 29, 2011

Question of the week

What will the UTEP football team’s final record be?

Photos by Candy Herrera & Greg Castillo

Juan carlos navarrete Freshman communications major

Sarah ruiz Freshman education major

Paul mccauley Senior biology major

Nicolle velez Freshman nursing major

isai saenz Sophomore psychology major

“I think that we will win six games and lose six games because after a disappointing season, I think the best we can do is level out.”

“I consider myself to be very school spirited. Even though we have lost two games, it makes us stronger. I believe our team has only learned from the experiences and only work harder to bring home the wins. I say overall, 9-3.”

“I think New Mexico State was the last win we’ll see this season. Needing overtime to beat a mediocre FCS opponent does not inspire confidence, 2-10. Time to start looking forward to the 2012 Season.”

“I say 4-8 because we’ve already played the two worst teams in the conference and we barely beat them.

That’s probably not a very good indication of how the season will play out.”

“This is UTEP’s year, 8-4. Even with a freshman quarterback in the starting line, our chances are looking great!

8-4.”

sarah fong Freshman psychology major

rick garcia Freshman kinesiology major

Anthony Bullock Freshman communication major

“I think they’ll be good at the end of the season. They need more experience since they’re a young team. I’ll say 6-6.”

“5-7. They’re a young team, give them a couple of years and they’ll get there.”

“In those next eight games I know the team will improve and hopefully be able to move on to the Bowl Game.”

On the Auspicious day of Gandhi jayanthi let’s celebrate:

When: October 2, 2011 Where: (UTEP) Union Movie Theatre Time: 6PM to 9PM Delicious food/snacks will be available

For more information please contact: October 2nd is historic for India as it is the birthday of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi ‘Mahatma Gandhi’

E-mail: isa.utep.edu Phone: Chandra Shekar Pappu Vamsi Pinnameni Sudheer Mologu

915-317-9826 915-929-6465 408-537-3153

Join us to celebrate India’s rich and colorful traditions with a cultural presentation of what makes India fascinating.

PAGE 11

entertainment September 29, 2011

editor Beatriz Castaneda, 747-7442

Fashion

Pablo Delgadillo never goes a day without color Q: What are some online or local shops where you never fail to find something?

A: “I’m always trying to keep it really cheap. I go to Savers, vintage shops or I raid my parents’ closet. If I shop online, I usually try Topman or Urban Outfitters.”

Q: As a guy, what attracts you about fashion?

BY NATALIA AGUILAR The Prospector Pablo Delgadillo, junior advertising major, has made fashion a part of his life by incorporating color into his wardrobe. He isn’t afraid of brights or neons in his everyday wear and he likes to mix and match between casual and cool. He is usually seen around the UTEP campus with something that will make him stand out from the crowd. The Prospector sat down with him as he shared why he likes fashion and where he finds the best fashion trends for men.

A: “I think color because I really, really like color. So being able to mix and match, I really like it and I also like really loose shirts or pants sometimes. I just like how you can have your own style and that you can define a certain look for yourself.”

Q: Where do you get ideas on men’s fashion trends?

A: “Fashion week. I always log onto theFashionisto.com and they show you all the campaigns, runway shows and backstage for fall and spring.”

Q: What do you think is stylish on men right now?

A: “I think a lot of color. There is also leathery stuff, jackets, leather

shoes and lots of petticoats. A lot of neutral colors, as well.”

Q: Why did you choose to wear this outfit today?

A: “I wore a linen shirt because it was way too hot today. With the neon pants, I just like the color. I don’t like to wear anything that doesn’t have color. I need to wear color. I will never be seen wearing all black or white.

Even a watch can be a pop-up color.”

Q: What do you think is a special item every man should own?

A: “A good pair of tennis shoes, not to workout, but a good pair of casual tennis shoes. Also, a good button up shirt that is fitted” Q: Do you ever feel people look at you strange for being so fashion forward?

A: “Yeah, people sometimes don’t understand the fashion choices you make, but it all comes with defining a style. Criticism will always exist and it’s up to you to take it or let it slide.

But I’ve also received lots of compliments on my way of dressing, so that’s good too.”

Natalia Aguilar may be reached at prospector@utep.edu.

Photos by Audrey Russell / The Prospector

Movie Review

ʻMoneyball,ʼ itʼs not just another sports movie

BY ANDRES RODRIGUEZ The Prospector Bennet Miller’s “Moneyball”, based on Michael Lewis’ book, tells the true story of the Oakland Athletics’ general manager, Billy Beane (Brad Pitt) as he seeks to assemble a baseball team using statistical analysis rather than big money. Beane does so with an unlikely partner, the computer geek with a Yale economics degree, Peter Brand (played surprisingly pitch perfect by a toned-down Jonah Hill).

In one scene of the movie, A’s general manager Beane asks, “How can you not be romantic about baseball?.”

And while the film is certainly romantic, it is not romantic in regards to the sport, but rather in regards to the defying dream of the underdog.

It all makes for a seemingly cold topic, but Aaron Sorkin and Steven Zaillian’s script brings the heart by focusing on Beane’s trajectory instead of glorifying the institution of baseball. It is a clever and sometimes gritty look backstage into the scouting and trading of players. Sorkin and Zaillian, Academy Award winning screenwriters, use quick and intelligent dialogue.

From the get-go, Beane is frustrated by the antiquated baseball scouting strategies. In an opening scene, a

At the height of their game the A’s are relentless. The montage of their record-breaking peak is the film’s feel-good element. You become invested in their success and are very near the edge of your seat wishing for a home run.

Although Beane’s life is the center of the film, the bits with his daughter from a failed marriage, Casey, seem genuine yet unnecessary. It gives the viewer too deep a look into Beane that adds little to the overarching plot. Nonetheless, it’s cute.

“Moneyball” with a good script, impeccable acting and a simple premise about larger-than-life goals plays extraordinarily well as not only a sports movie but also as a moving film about defying expectations.

Casey’s cover of Lenka’s “The Show” Special to The Prospector takes the film into to the credits and ‘Moneyball’ starring Brad Pitt is the story of Oakland A’s general manager Billy Beane’s successful attempt to put together a gives viewers a satisfying feeling of closure. Beane’s determination and baseball club on a budget by employing computer-generated analysis to draft his players. trust ended up changing the game group of old scouts discuss the pos- The crux: they need a particular numAs it turns out, an understanding of and he learned, as his daughter sang, sible replacements of the three stars ber of runs and so to put together a baseball is also, mostly, unnecessary. to “just enjoy the show.” the A’s just lost. Their criteria are ba- team and they divide that number The audience hardly gets a look into a Four out of five picks. sically based on “good” or “healthy” by the players’ running average. To game. Instead, like Beane, they get the looks. This makes for a comical scene understand the movie, however, sta- games through radio commentators while perfectly conveying the out- tistics are thankfully irrelevant. Using or grainy television snippets. This acAndres Rodriguez may be reached at prospector@utep. dated method soon to be replaced by that method, Beane and Brand as- curately gives focus to Beane’s feel for edu. numbers and computers. semble a number of unsung baseball the game instead of the game itself, The description of statistical analy- underdogs that give the big teams a which is a welcome take on a baseball sis by Brand is done in general terms. run for their money. movie for non-baseball fans.

PAGE12ENTERTAINMENT

THE PROSPECTOR September 29, 2011

Column

To sext or not to sext?

By Beatriz A. Castañeda The Prospector A text message may lead you to engage in a close and intimate conversation with someone.

As one texts back-

and-forth to another, conversations may start to get flirtatious, and then things start to spice up when people send sexually explicit images or messages.

Sexting is becoming more common among college students.

According to a study done by Michelle Drouin, an assistant professor of psychology at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, 745 U.S. college students aged 18-25 suggest that sexting is a popular means of sexual communication between committed romantic relationships and casual sexual relationships.

The study showed that 80 percent of students with committed romantic partners have sent or received sexually explicit text messages and 60 percent have sent or received sexually explicit pictures or videos.

With casual sexual partners such as, flings or hookups, not boyfriends or girlfriends, 70 percent have sent or received sexually explicit text messages and 51 percent have sent or received explicit pictures or videos.

Sure, I understand for some, sexting is a convenient way to engage in sexual interactions, especially for distant men or women who are less likely to see each other. But I don’t understand, for those that are close, the desire to engage in phone sex or sexting when actual sex is an option. Perhaps naughty, long sex conversations through text messaging are good foreplay that one can engage in throughout the day.

Drouin’s research stated that although men and women sexted with equal frequency, sexting appeared to be particularly appealing to certain types of individuals – those who were dependent on text messaging to navigate their social relationships, and those who were insecure with or emotionally distant from their romantic partners.

Sexting, however, is not something to play around with, because it can go wrong. There has been a lot of negative backlash for sexting, and there are cases pending about sexual assault via publishing of sexts and pictures.

Former New York Rep. Anthony Weiner posted on his Twitter account a series of lewd photos that he sent to women online. In an interview with ABC news, he also said he was engaged in several electronic relationships with women over three years. It became a big scandal, and three weeks later, he resigned from his seat.

While today’s technology, email, IMing, social networking and texting are growing in popularity, the majority of our conversations are taking place in text form. As much fun as that can be, there is something lost when a text replaces actual face-to-face conversation.

There is something special about being physically there with another person, hearing their voice, looking in their eyes and having that feeling of a friendly embrace.

Sexting with someone can’t replace that physical connection be-

one’s values. But I’ll say this, the occasional flirty sexts using only words can be fun. If there’s going to be anything explicit, I’d prefer showing that stuff in the bedroom.

tween two people. This is a sexual act that you are consenting to with your partner and no one else.

My advice? Sext all you want ladies and gents, just think twice about what you send. I personally would not like for a guy to be sending me an obscene picture of himself and I would never send one. It’s degrading and it lowers

Beatriz A. Castañeda may be reached at prospector@ utep.edu.

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Register your vote in the 2011 Students’ Choice Awards brought to you by The Prospector. Make your opinion heard today! Prizes will be awarded to winning entries, to be selected at random.

Entry deadline is October 31st at 5 pm. Results will be published in The Prospector’s 2011 Students’ Choice Awards Issue on November 22, 2011.

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