March 6, 2019 by The Wichitan and Wai Kun

March 6, 2019 | Midwestern State University | thewichitan.com | Your Campus. Your News. | Vol. 83 No. 21

PHOTO BY BRADLEY WILSON | THE WICHITAN

Screen shot from Wichita County jail website. March 6.| Nathan Martinez, mass communication sophomore, and Tyler George, criminal justice sophmore, at the Pierce Residence Hall Throwback Game night Sept. 29. | Screen shot from Wichita County jail website. March 6.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE SOPHOMORE ARRESTED on campus for unlawful open carry

ALYSSA MITCHELL REPORTER

yler George, 22, criminal justice sophomore, was arrested on campus March 4 in Mavericks Corner located in the Clark Student Center. Campus police responded to a call about George shortly after 11 a.m. They were given his description and were told that he was in possession of a handgun. George took down a gun free zone sign from Prothro-Yeager. He then walked to Clark Student Center and had lunch at Maverick’s corner where he was later arrested by university police. Chief of Police Patrick Coggins said, “University police responded to that call and we later located that

individual who was openly carrying a handgun in a holster on his belt and in possession of our sign from our building. We later located him in Maverick’s Corner in the CSC [Clark student center] where he was at that time placed under arrest for theft of our sign, violation of the penal code, several sections of the penal code, for possessing a firearm.” Coggins said this was a violation of both state law and university rules. “We received this report second hand... obviously if someone saw a gun on this person, that’s in violation of both state law and university rule or university policy regarding handguns on campus,” Coggins said.

After his arrest George was transported to the county jail. Coggins said, “We obviously don’t have any holding facilities here so we transport all our arrested persons down to the county jail. So, yesterday immediately after the arrest, after we spoke to him here at the police department, he was transported to the Wichita County Jail where he was booked on those three charges and it was relatively quick.” George has a bond of $6,548 for his three charges. The charges against him were: unlawful carrying of a handgun by a license holder, carrying a weapon in a place where weapons are prohibited and theft, for the theft of

the sign. Jaden Allen, criminal justice freshman talked to George at lunch in Mavericks Corner. Allen said that George told him he tore down the poster by the restrooms in PY. He also said that he asked George if he would get in trouble for having his gun. “It happened in Maverick’s Corner. First it was at the front where you chose what you want to eat... I saw the gun on his hip and I had asked him, ‘Are you gonna get in trouble for that?’ and then he said, ‘No, I shouldn’t because I have a gun license.’ I was like okay, ‘it just feels a little weird because you have it out and people can see it.’” George allegedly pulled a knife

out and was playing with it before police arrived. Allen said, “[I] was sitting at the top and he was sitting at the bottom with his friend... He had a knife with him but he pulled it out, before the police showed up. He started playing with it and I saw him like waving it around.” Although George was arrested, there was no campus alert sent out to inform students about the incident. In a follow up email Coggins said they did not send out an alert because it was determined that George was not a threat to campus. George bonded out and was released from Wichita County Jail March 5.

2 | March 6, 2019| S TAF F E DI T O R I A L

Becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution can better campus OUR VIEW: The Wichitan believes that becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) can better our students, both Hispanic and non-Hispanic.

ver recent years, the university has had an increase of Hispanic students, all in attempts to become an HSI. Twenty-five percent of our school’s population (roughly over 1,300 students) must be Hispanic identifying. There are many benefits when becoming an HSI, such as having other students connect with Hispanic culture and being able to allow other Hispanic students to find a home away from home. However, the main benefit would have to be the money that the school will receive; over $3,000 per Hispanic identifying student. The HSI funding can benefit both Hispanic and non-Hispanic students because it is not solely for the use of Hispanic students. Underrepresented groups can find college difficult but the additional funding could help lift that burden. The school would be able to have money for programs that benefit Hispanic students, first-generation students and other minorities on campus. Although Hispanic students would be the reason that the university would receive the funding, becoming a HSI benefits all students. Having it benefit any student or group can help the campus in a major way.

wichitan Vol. 83 | No. 20

Midwestern State University Fain Fine Arts Bldg., Room D201 3410 Taft Blvd. | Wichita Falls, Texas 76308 (940) 397-4704 wichitan@mwsu.edu | thewichitan.com @wichitanonline

Music should not be censored on campus C Justin Garner

ensorship sucks, especially when there’s not much justification for it. In Maverick’s Corner and Starbucks, the Chartwells staff uses an app called Rockbot, with which you can request a song to be played. Here, many songs and artists have been labeled as “explicit content.” There are two major problems that stem from this whole situation.

PROBLEM 1. WHY ARE WE CENSORING MUSIC?

We are all adults here, and realistically, even hearing “dirty” words while underage is not going to ruin anyone’s life. A few expletives in what may otherwise be a wholesome, uplifting song won’t throw our lives into chaos. As the legendary Frank Zappa once said, “There is no such thing as a dirty word. Nor is there a word so powerful, that it’s going to send the listener to the lake of fire upon hearing it.” On top of that, censoring a song rips it apart... literally.

he’s supposed to block explicit music from being played. ”All I do is hit a button to block all the music Rockbot views as explicit content,” Bhogal said. Having one button to ban everything Rockbot views as “explicit content” has only lead to alienation and quite honestly, discrimination. During a test, requesting a song about murdering a woman, putting her in the trunk and having his daughter help him with the body (‘97 Bonnie and Clyde - Eminem) was easy. But, requesting a song about a group getting past losing their friend and bandmate to cancer (Doomsday - Architects) was literally impossible. Architects aren’t even the only group affected by this. Wage War, Of Mice and Men and Beartooth, among others, have also been blocked out. It seems as though the biggest crime is to be from certain genres, metalcore for example. According to Rockbot’s filter, rap songs about blatant murder are perfectly acceptable. While, any of these groups that do nothing but try to inspire, motivate and provide uplifting music get completely blocked out. Just turn off the damn filter. Mass communication sophomore

PROBLEM 2. WHY IS IT SO SELECTIVE AND INCONSISTENT?

Manny Bhogal, Chartwells marketing specialist said that

MSU police needs to do better I

magine that you are on campus walking to the student center to meet up with some friends before going to class. On your way to the student center, you witness cops putting a student in handcuffs in the back of a squad car. You are confused and wondering what exactly could have caused this predicament to happen on campus. But the cops seem to have Christian the situation under control, so you go on about Evans your business. This is a situation many faced on March 4, and there is a huge problem with it. I believe that the University must take all precautions to make students aware if such a situation occurs on our campus as soon as possible. This situation ended in a way that was peaceful. But, it is entirely unacceptable that the University

did not alert students until almost 24 hours later that such a situation took place on our campus. Chief of Police, Patrick Coggins said that he felt it was unnecessary to send out an alert to students and personnel on campus because it was determined to not be threatening. However, I disagree with his decision. There is no telling how this situation or any other situation of this demeanor will end in the future. It is a shame that Mr. Coggins does not feel the need to keep students informed on such atypical events, such as the arrest of suspicious individuals on campus. In the future I hope the campus Police Department and the University is as proactive in letting students know about situations on campus as I am proactive in making sure my tuition is taken care of. Respiratory care junior

EDITORS: Alyssa Mitchell, Chloe Phillips

COPY EDITOR: Bridget Reilly

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DESIGNER: Brittni Vilandre ISSUE STAFF: Brian Lang, Yerasly Duran, Bradley Wilson, Justin Garner, Christian Evans, Herbert Mccullough, Jake Clancy, Angelica Villarreal, Darwin Mejia, Randi Heaton, Clarissa Alvarado, Sharome Burton

ADVISER: Bradley Wilson

The Wichitan is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press. The Wichitan reserves the right to edit any material submitted for publication. Opinions expressed in The Wichitan do not necessarily reflect those of the students, staff, faculty, administration or Board of Regents of Midwestern State University. The Wichitan welcomes letters of opinion from students, faculty and staff submitted by the Friday before intended publication. Letters should be brief (250 words or fewer) and without abusive language or personal attacks. Letters must be typed and signed by the writer and include a email address, telephone number and address.

| March 6, 2019 | 3 MOVIE REVIEW

F OOD R E V I E W

PHOTO BY ALYSSA MITCHELL | THE WICHITAN

The enchalada supremas at El Tapatio consising of four enchiladas, sour cream, lettuce and red enchilada sauce March 4.

Mexican food that makes you happy

Isabelle Huppert and Chloe Grace Moretz in Greta (2018).

PHOTO CURTESY IMBD

‘Greta’ a silly after-school special P

icture this: you’re riding the subway in New York City when you spot a handbag that must have been left behind on one of the seats. Most passengers would ignore the bag, a few might heed the warnings given by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and call the authorities, but Francis, the protagonist in Neil Jordan’s new psychological thriller “Greta,” is guided by her conscious to return the dull green purse to its owner. This is only the first in a long string of bad decisions. The owner of the handbag that Francis (a charmingly naive Chloe Grace Moritz) meets is named Greta (Isabelle Huppert at her best). She’s a kind, older French woman who lives in a quaint home tucked away in Brooklyn. She’s recently widowed and her daughter, the light of her life, is studying in Paris at a conservatory. The only way Greta combats the loneliness is to play Liszt’s aching ballad “Liebestraum” on her tall upright piano and invite sweet young girls over for tea. It’s a cute act. Things start to go off the rails when Francis discovers a cabinet full of identical green handbags, each handily equipped with Greta’s ID card and designed to lure other helpful girls to Greta’s home. After being given the cold shoulder by Francis, Greta, not one to be tossed away like yesterday’s bagel, becomes relentless in pursuing her friendship with Francis. As the game of cat and mouse intensifies, the wackiness of the story only grows. To be perfectly honest, “Greta” is not a good movie. Its intriguing premise is quickly and easily wasted by Jordan and the decisions that the characters make throughout the film

are laughable. At the end of the movie, it’s easier and more enjoyable to cheer for Greta than for any of the people we’re supposed to like, but that’s part of what makes it so fun. Isabelle Huppert dives headfirst into this role, using the endearing old lady schtick as merely a warm-up to her theatrical portrayal of the psychopathic stalker later on. She oscillates between silly and enraged with ease and purpose as she works to manipulate and gaslight poor Francis. One moment Greta’s dancing on tiptoes around her prey, pricking them with sharp syringes filled with anesthetic, the next she’s flipping tables at five-star restaurants. No strategy is out-of-bounds for this stalker. Chloe Grace Moretz also does well in her role as Francis. Even though her character isn’t given much else to do besides looking constantly terrified, she commits to the role more than anyone would expect her to. One of the best parts of the film is watching her make the worst decisions as Francis and know that somehow things have to still turn out alright. The plot moves along well but gets tangled up towards the end, and some convenient coincidences and clever planning bring important characters together at crucial moments. Through all of the escapades, Greta remains unflappable. She’s just a sick old lady who really wants friends, and while her methods aren’t the best (or legal) we can all sympathize a little with her motives. So, maybe “Greta” isn’t going to pick up the next Oscar, but there’s something to be said for a campy thriller, especially in a season when any entertainment will suffice to distract from the cold. If you’re looking for a way to fill your Saturday afternoon, “Greta” might be a wonderfully silly distraction.

n a whim, my boyfriend and I went to dinner at El Tapatio on March 4. We arrived at 6 p.m. and were sat almost immediately. Our waiter came to get our drink orders and within ten minutes of being sat and getting my drink, I was able to order my dinner and have it placed in front of me. The feel of the restaurant was as if I stepped Alyssa into a movie. The furniture had a very tradiMitchell tional vibe to it and there was mariachi sounding music playing throughout our meal. I ordered the “enchiladas supremas” that comes with four rolled corn tortillas: One beef, one chicken, one cheese and one bean, topped with enchilada red sauce, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes and sour cream. All for the low price of $8.49 before tax. Before dinner was served, we had complementary chips and salsa. The chips were the right crispness but needed a little more salt. The salsa was a perfect match for my taste buds. Not too hot, not too sweet and had the perfect combination of onion, cilantro, and tomato. When the food came out, my mouth watered. While the presentation was not the prettiest, the food smelled and tasted amazing. I started by eating the cheese enchilada. The cheese went perfectly with the corn tortilla, sour cream, and lettuce. The flavors were very satisfying and set the bar high. After that I tried the chicken enchilada. The seasoning of the shredded chicken made my taste buds very happy and continued to set the bar higher for the next. With the bar already up to my ears I was pretty disappointed by the beef enchilada. The way the meat had a lackluster flavor didn’t match the excellence of the previous enchiladas. While the bean enchilada was better than the beef, the flavor of the beans was a little overpowered by the red sauce. Despite the sad ending to the enchiladas, the meal itself was good. The food was brought to me in a timely manner and for three out of the four enchiladas,I was pretty surprised by the difference in flavors all coming together. To finish off my El Tapatio experience, I ordered the chimichanga for dessert. A tortilla sprinkled with cinnamon then drizzled in cherry and chocolate sauce with cheese cake stuffing in the middle was heavenly. It was definitely worth $3.99.

4 | March 6, 2019| A DAY IN THE LIFE

PHOTOS BY BRIDGET REILLY | THE WICHITAN

Lia Wiley criminal justice senior, puts a video game in her X-Box after a long day at school. March 5. | Lia Wiley | Lia Wiley criminal justice senior, reads a book in her apartment.

LIA WILEY

‘That was the moment when I felt like a full PRIDE member’

HERBERT MCCULLOUGH REPORTER

ia Wiley, criminal justice senior, is a senator of PRIDE and a PanamanianAmerican who is the daughter of a Panamanian immigrant. “I’m Panamanian, that’s it,” Wiley said. “That’s my whole background.” As a Latina, Wiley said that she and her family have been subjected to xenophobic sentiment. However, Wiley said that she loves being Panamanian because she can visit Panama on her holiday breaks. “A lot of times, people would not like it when I’m near my family when we’re speaking Spanish in public,” Wiley said. “They would harass us sometimes. There are some good things. I get to celebrate double holidays.” Given Panama’s small population, Wiley said that the best aspect about Panama is having a large family. She also said that she had met many people that she happen to be related to. “No matter where we go in Panama, there’s going to be someone that is a part of my family. So there are a lot of people that I hang out with there.” Like many students outside of the Texas Panhandle, Wiley said that she is from the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. “Right now, my parents live in Fort Worth,” Wiley said. “So it’s really close but

far away enough that I can get some freedom from them.” Wiley said that she chose to attend this university because of their prestigious radiology program and the affordability. “I came here originally for radiology,” Wiley said. “It was one of the best radiology schools according to my dad. And it’s kind of cheap. It’s cheaper than other schools.” Wiley said that her greatest challenge at the university was figuring out rather or not she should change her major and what were her career plans. “When I was figuring out if I wanted to change my major or not,” Wiley said. “And what I was going to do. I was very confused with what I should do.” When asked how she overcame these challenges, Wiley said that she practiced self-reflection and changed her major. “I just reflected and though of what it was that I wanted to do with life. And it came to criminal justice.” Wiley said that the major did not fit her and that the program was very competitive and exclusive. “Radiology in general wasn’t for me. Also it was very competitive because they don’t allow everyone into the radiology program, hence, I couldn’t get in.” Wiley said that she is enjoying criminal justice a lot better than her previous major. However, she admitted that she is still figur-

ing out her career path. “I don’t know exactly what I want to do with it,” Wiley said. “But I want to do help people facing legal troubles.” Wiley is also very involved in extracurricular activities. She said that she is a member of People Respecting Identity Diversity for Everyone (PRIDE), Amnesty International, and the Environmental Students Organization (ESO). “PRIDE is the LGBTQ+ organization. Amnesty International focuses on human rights, and ESO focuses on the environment.” Wiley is also involved in the Student Government Association (SGA), where she is a senator representing PRIDE. “I go to the SGA meetings as a representative of PRIDE,” Wiley said. “And that’s pretty much it.” Wiley said that her favorite experience at PRIDE was playing games with the members during her first year at MSU Texas. “I just remembered that it was a lot of fun,” Wiley said. “It was great to be with a group of people like me and have fun with them. That was the moment when I felt like a full PRIDE member.” When asked what advice she would give to new students, she said that it is important to be responsible and not slack off regarding your schoolwork. “You have so much freedom and it’s easy to not go to class or not do your homework be-

cause your parents aren’t around to nag you about it. You got to do your homework and go to class, or else you’ll fail.” When asked to describe Wiley’s personality, Joanne Ortega, mass communication senior, said the following words: kind, compassionate, and loving. “Just because she’s so sweet,” Ortega said. “You can see the determination in the effort she puts into PRIDE. She is also willing to educate the student body about the issues of women of color and LGBTQ+ women.” Ortega said that Lia is a great role model for, especially young women of color and those within the LGBTQ+ community. “She’s someone I would look up to,” Ortega said. “I appreciate how she goes about her daily life. Her determination in PRIDE really shows. Everyone is different but she stands out to me. I think she’s a great role model for women of color and in general as a student here at MSU.” When asked what was her favorite experience with Lia, Ortega said that it was when she met her. This include seeing her pink hair in class as well as sitting with her in the Mesquite Dining Hall. “I have seen her in class and she stood out because she walked in with pink hair,” Ortega said. “I thought it was really cool.”

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$18 Oil Change For Students (MUST PRESENT STUDENT I.D. ALONG WITH AD) UP TO 5 QUARTS CONVENTIONAL

$20 OFF Synthetic Oil Change North Texas Auto Service Location: 2519 Montgomery Pl E Wichita Falls, TX 76308 Phone: (940)-696-9286 Hours: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

6 | March 6, 2019|

PHOTOS BY JACI CARANZA| DARWIN MEJIA | THE WICHITAN

Jaci Carranza athletic training senior, takes a picture of her dog Macky whilst sleeping. | Jaci Carranza athletic training senior, plays with her dog Macky in the snow on campus. | Jaci Carranza athletic training senior, studies whilst her dog Macky sits by her beside.

Animals provide emotional support for 15 students on campus RANDI HEATON REPORTER

he residence halls aren’t home for college students alone. Up and down the hallways also roam dogs and cats, giving emotional support for the 15 students with them on campus this year. Kristi Schulte, director of residence life and housing, said these animals are neither service animals nor pets. “It’s important for people to understand these animals are here to do a very specific job and to be mindful of the differences between an ESA and a service animal,” Schulte said. “A support animal comes to campus because they have a job, to provide support to their owner or handler.” Keith Lamb, vice president of student affairs, acknowledges that ESAs are for student’s well-being and benefit. He said, making sure that the student gets their animal on campus is crucial.

“If emotional support animals help our students who need them be successful, then keeping that student on campus is a benefit,” Lamb said. To get a support animal, students must first have an established relationship with a therapist for their disability. Then, their therapist must explain why they would benefit from an emotional support animal. With proper documentation, the student is then able to bring the information to the Disabilities Support Services to get their animal on campus. Jaylon Williams, sociology graduate, is familiar with the process of approval on campus. Williams shared her thoughts about the process. “I wouldn’t say to make the process stricter, but they need to be more vigilant. Most people register their dogs as ESA just so they can have them on campus,” Williams said. “People need to understand that when you abuse the system, it makes it harder for those of us who actually need our ESAs.”

Debra Higginbotham, disability support services director said the process is long and strict to help prevent people from falsifying information to get their animal on campus. The Disabilities Support Service is where the documentation and verification of the disability is kept. However, through their services they aren’t allowed to recommend a person with a disability or mental illness to get an ESA. “We don’t do any documentation for students because I’m not doing therapy with students and it comes from a therapist who believes that’s a good treatment,” Higginbotham said. Megan Baltusis, early childhood education junior, who has had her emotional support dog for two months says, that her main issue with the process is that she had to first be established with an off-campus counselor. The counselors on campus can’t recommend ESA’s. “You have to be established with a counsel-

or for a while, so they make sure you are diagnosed with some sort of disability you would benefit having an animal from,” Baltusis said. ESAs are life changing, Bultusis said. It is important for people to understand that the people with ESA’s have mental illness, and at times she feels that is disregarded. “I wish people were more open to the idea of what they actually do for us,” Baltusis said. “He, her dog, has helped me so much with my anxiety and depression and I couldn’t imagine not having him around.” Dogs and cats are the primary animals that people have. As college students, Lamb said it’s critical the owner is committed to the animal and is willing to put the time in to give the animal a good quality of life. “An important part of the education is to understand it need to be a mutually beneficial relationship,” Lamb said. “The relationship between the ESA and an individual should not only benefit the individual but the animal as well.”

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MSU student discounts $2 off any service USE CODE: 20221

Always hiring great stylists

| March 6, 2019 | 7 Q UES TION OF THE WEEK

How do you feel about the university becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution?

THIS WEEK, WE ASKED THE STUDENT BODY TO GIVE THEIR OPINIONS ON HOW THEY FEEL ABOUT MSU TRANSITIONING TO A HISPANIC SERVING INSTITUTION. REPORTERS| CLARISSA ALVARADO

CALENDAR WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6 Rising Sophomore Summit | Stage one: 4:30-5:30 p.m., Stage two: 5:30-6:30 p.m., Stage three: 6:30-7:30 p.m., Clark Student Center, free THURSDAY, MARCH 7 Conitinuing Education Workshops | 5-8 p.m., in CSC Cheyenne, $40 with all materials included. Theatre: Rumors | 7:30 p.m., Fain Fine Arts Center Theatre, free for MSU students, faculty, and staff, $8 for pre- college students, senior citizens, and military. FRIDAY, MARCH 8 19th Annual Community Health Fair: “Put Prevention into Practice” | 9 a.m.-1 p.m., in the Don Flatt Gym in D.L. Ligon Coliseum, free

PHOTO BY CLARISSA ALVARADO | THE WICHITAN

Social work junior Zelma Delgado, radiology sophomore Ashley Gonzales, nursing sophomore Luz Garcia, radiology freshman Vanessa Quinones, and nursing freshman Carolina Beltran chatting in the atrium before CGC Wave check on Feb. 28. JOSELIN FLORES, BUSINESS MANAGEMENT FRESHMAN |

“I would like to see more networking with Hispanic leaders throughout the year and not just during Hispanic Heritage Month. I think it’ll be cool to have Hispanic motivational speakers so we, the Hispanic community, can feel inspired for us to continue to do better for ourselves and our families.” ALONDRA BOLANOS, NURSING FRESHMAN | “I am Hispan-

ic, so I think it’s really good that the community is growing. A lot of us are first-generation students, so it’s hard for us to come to college. It’s just nice to be around people that have the same culture.” JERED STEVENS, COMPUTER SCIENCE FRESHMAN | “I’m all

for MSU becoming an HSI. If that means a larger group of minorities get more support through grants, then it’s great. I think MSU should use the grant towards the Hispanics.”

really see a lot of things for me to be in besides for OHS. The funding can go to SSS [student support services], they have like old computers and they support first-generation students. Them having the extra support can help benefit us.” ROGELIO NUNEZ, PSYCHOLOGY JUNIOR | “I think diversity

at a college, university, or an institution is very important not only for the involvement of different cultures and different ethnicities but also to have that sense that the university is taking into account the different perspectives and individuality. For me personally, if we do become an HSI, not only would I feel that the university is accepting more people like me, I would feel more comfortable here. I’d also like to see that for different people. I like it, I really do and I can’t wait to see that happen.” DASIA DANIELS, GENERAL BUSINESS FRESHMAN | “One,

that’s great. Seeing more students that are Hispanic will be more welcoming.

it’ll be good for cultural appreciation so we can know about other people’s cultures. That’s good to have a variety of students. Two, it’ll be good because we’ll get more money. It’ll be good for the school, it’ll be good for the students. Overall, more money is better so I’m for it.”

LYDIA ACUNA, EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY SOPHOMORE | “I

CYNTHIA HUBBARD, MARKETING JUNIOR | “It opens oppor-

JACKLYN BARRIOS, PSYCHOLOGY FRESHMAN | “I think

think it’s cool. Being Hispanic and learning that the school can receive grants based on the enrollment of Hispanics. It gives a school opportunities based on the diversity of the school. It’s important for a school to be diverse.” XOCHIT CRUZ, POLITICAL SCIENCE SENIOR | “I think it’d be

cool if they made more programs for Hispanic people. I don’t

tunities to minority students, especially first-generation students. MSU is a place that’s accessible financially, location wise, and education wise for many students from around the world.”

Opening Reception: Nocturnes | 6-8 p.m., at The Juanita Harvey Art Gallery at MSU, free MSU Opera: The Magic Flute | 7:30 p.m., in Akin Auditorium, free SUNDAY, MARCH 10 Around The World in Three Days: World Explorer | 11 a.m.- 2 p.m., Clark Student Center Atrium, free MONDAY, MARCH 12 Around The World in Three Days: Being a Global Citizen | 4- 5:30 p.m., Bolin Room 127, free

CRIME LOG Theft- Misdemeanor

Feb. 27 between 10:55-11:15 a.m. | A student reported the theft of his wallet in Dillard College of Business Administration.

Accident: Duty on Striking Unattended Vehicle

Feb. 28 at 2 p.m.. | A student reported an accident in parking lot #03 on Feb. 27 between 2:30-6:30 p.m.

Theft- Misdemeanor

March 1 between 9:45 a.m.- 1:50 p.m. | A student reported the theft of his wallet from Sunwatcher Apartments.

Credit Card Abuse

March 1 at 9:37 p.m. | A student reported, that her credit card was charged without her consent Feb. 18 at midnight- March 1 at midnight.

8 | March 6, 2019| MEN’S BASKETBALL

PHOTOS BY SHAROME BURTON | THE WICHITAN

Gilbert Thomas, general studies junior completes first dunk against Texas A&M Kingsville. | Men’s basketball players celebrate victory in season finale with military service members in audience. | D’Monta Harris, undecided junior rises for his second of four made 3-point field goals.

Men’s basketball closes season with last-minute thriller SHAROME BURTON REPORTER

The Men’s basketball players drew the curtains on a challenging season with a thrilling 69-68 win against Texas A&M Kingsville at the D.L. Ligon Coliseum March 2, improving their record to 9-19 avoiding their worst losing season since 1947. The team, lifted by the support of a packed home crowd including more than 100 military service members, seized a 36-29 lead at the break before TAMUK bullied their way back into the game by dominating the paint scoring 28-8 in the second half. However, leading 69-68 with just 37 seconds left, the men managed to execute a defensive stop to secure the win. For head coach Neil Haggerty, whose side was already out of playoff contention with a 5-13 Lone Star Conference record, ending the season on a high was pleasing. “It shows a lot of character from our guys. We had maybe one guy on our team that’s been in this position where we know we’re not going into the post-season at all and so we made a decision that we were going to come out here and compete and honor the game, each other and our school,” Haggerty said. Haggerty said the team rose to the occa-

sion for the season finale. “Having the military out here was a great environment for us, and I’m just really happy for the way our guys responded,” Haggerty said. “We came out and had a great first half defensively and took care of the basketball against a very good defensive team – something we’ve had a hard time doing all yearlong. I’m just really proud of our guys and an all-together great night. It also proved to be a fairy tale ending for Jajuan Starks, business senior who led all scorers with 14 points in his final game. “It feels fantastic just to end my career here with a win and a good win while we’re at it,” Starks said. “I’m just really lost for words. I just can’t believe this is ending. My college career.” Starks said a special drive was ignited in the team when the game got to the dying minutes. “I didn’t really have to say anything. Just by the looks on our faces, we knew what we had to do. We had to close it. I knew this was my last game and I wanted to go with a win and they wanted that as well,” Starks said. Haggerty said Starks was a key piece to the team’s plans this season. The senior led the team in scoring with an average of 14.4 points – the fourth-best in the LSC.

“Jajuan wants to come out and play well. He’s battled through some injuries of late, but he’s really been the one guy offensively especially when we played a good bit of the season without Josh [Wallace, business management junior] to score the basketball and really be productive in that way,” Haggerty said. Haggerty said players like Starks have the potential to step up to another level in the game, but the college experience has prepared them for the uncertainty of that process. “I’m just really proud of Jajuan and he wants to go play [professionally] like a lot of these guys do and he’ll have a shot but it’s not promised. You go through elementary school, boys and girls clubs, YMCA’s, junior high, then high school and AAU basketball and then you have an opportunity to go to college –he’s played about every level of basketball and this will be the first time where he has some uncertainty of him playing,” Haggerty said. “That’s what we try to prepare these guys for where nothing basketball-wise is promised; you’ve got to take all of these experiences that you’ve learned in competition and being part of the community to help you into your next job or when you have a family and those kinds of things.” Haggerty said there were positive signs

from the rest of the roster as the team transitions to the post-Starks era. “We got a lift from our bench. In the second half when we came out not playing well, Tayvion [Johnson, freshman] came and gave us great energy and enthusiasm, D’Monta [Harris, junior] came out and made some big shots and was good defensively for us – those are the things that we could build on and look back on heading into next season,” Haggerty said. “We only have one [senior] and that’s a good thing. We’ve got a lot of guys back and we know they’ll be hungry and already talking about the off-season and getting themselves prepared to go.” Harris, who sunk four 3-pointers in the second half said the team formed stronger bonds during a tough season. “This is a team that’s very unique. We didn’t end the way we wanted to but it was nice for us to come out here in front of a packed crowd and especially our guys who represent our country but we’re still looking forward to the future,” Harris said. “Now that we’ve had a year together we’re going to have more chemistry. This was a brand-new team and now that we’ve at least had a run together, in the future with that chemistry we’ll be able to go further than what we did this year.”