Women in Commerce Committee empowers Denton businesswomen PAGE 7
VOL. 111 No. 9
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017
Fine’s improvement key to Mean Green’s fast start
TRUMP JR. COMES TO NORTH TEXAS By Sarah Sarder Senior News Writer Donald Trump Jr., eldest son of President Donald Trump, gave a speech emphasizing the positives of nationalism and the necessity of being open-minded on Tuesday at AT&T Stadium. UNT spokesperson Deborah Leliaert said 686 people attended, with guests listening to Trump Jr.’s speech followed by a Q&A session on the field. Trump Jr. was a guest of the UNT Kuehne Speaker Series, as well as the subject of much controversy leading up to the event. The president’s eldest son defined what he called true nationalism, an attribute he said many individuals incorrectly deemed negative. “Some think it means a willingness to make war, but it’s the opposite,” Trump Jr. said. “The true nationalist always seeks peace.” Trump Jr. condemned discrimination, saying it was contrary to real nationalism. “Any attempt to single out fellow citizens on the basis of race, sex or sexual preference is contrary to the idea of nationalism,” Trump Jr. said, quoting his father. “We can’t say one half of the country is composed of deplorables, and candidly we can’t say that about the other half either.” The First Son said President Trump is “an internationalist in the sense that he seeks good relations with other countries,” and advocated for a Reagan-like approach to “trust but verify” in international relations. His speech highlighted his own and his father’s views on policy, specifically foreign policy, which Trump Jr. said the U.S. hasn’t excelled at for the past two decades. “With foreign policy, our record is one of foolishness and waste,” Trump Jr. said. “The election of my father was a repudiation of 20 years of foreign policy disasters under both Republicans and Democrats.” Trump Jr. criticized the interventionism of former presidents and what he called “liberal imperialism” under former President Barack Obama.
By Matthew Brune Senior Sports Writer Since he first stepped on the field with 6:21 left in the fourth quarter against Southern Methodist University nearly 13 months ago at Apogee Stadium, all eyes in Denton have been on quarterback Mason Fine. At the time, the true freshman quarterback from Oklahoma seemed like a temporary solution for the offense until senior Alec Morris returned. However, this season he developed into the key cog in an offense on pace to be the best in North Texas history.
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This [season] I’m just going out playing football, and accuracy and power
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just come naturally.
“I would say going through my reads and accuracy [have improved the most],” Fine said. “Last year I was a little inaccurate at times and that’s because I was hesitant. This [season] I’m just going out playing football, and accuracy and power just come naturally.” In his freshman campaign, Fine played 10 games and attempted 261 passes, completing 155 for a 59.4 completion percentage and 1,572 yards. This year, through seven games, Fine has attempted 244 passes, completing 153 for a 62.7 completion percentage. Fine completed two fewer passes last year and raised his completion percentage by over 3 percent, all while passing for 507 more yards. The distance of Fine’s average completion has increased from 10.14 yards to 13.59 as a sophomore. “He’s more comfortable, and he has trust in the [players around him],” senior running back Jeffery Wilson said. “Doing that, he can be comfortable in the pocket, go through his reads and make the right throws.” Offensive coordinator Graham Harrell is in his second year alongside Fine and has been instrumental in opening up the offense for his quarterback. It has been echoed throughout the team that Fine’s mindset, more than anything else, has improved in his second year. Harrell said Fine’s confidence has been the biggest change, but Harrell’s own confidence in his quarterback has grown, allowing Fine more control of the offense this year.
SEE FINE ON PAGE 8
Denton County Commissioners Court votes for advisory board
Donald Trump Jr. talks nationalism, open-mindedness and failings of higher education at Kuehne Series event
Donald Trump Jr. meets with a guest at AT&T Stadium. Trump Jr. was invited to speak on behalf of the UNT Kuehne Speaker Series on Tuesday. Sarah Sarder| Senior News Writer
SEE TRUMP JR. ON PAGE 3
Denton residents to vote on five propositions By Julia Falcon Senior News Writer
North Texas sophomore quarterback Mason Fine (6) runs in for a touchdown against UTSA. The touchdown was overturned after a review of the play. Colin Mitchell | Visuals Editor
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Early voting for Denton County’s Constitutional Amendment Election began Monday, and the Denton County Elections Administration is preparing for another busy election season. On the first day of elections, roughly 700 people throughout Denton County voted. Five amendments to the city charter are on the ballot this year for the City of Denton. The city charter, first created and adopted on April 4, 1914, is the constitution for the City of Denton. Since then, many amendments have
been made, including ones in this election. Varying on the type of election, 50 to 60 percent of voters vote during early elections, and the rest vote on election day, Election Administrator Frank Phillips said. The five propositions on this year’s ballot include city council member residency qualifications, increasing the percentage of petitioners required to trigger a recall election, establishing the internal city auditor position as permanent and full time, the adoption of an ethics ordinance and an amendment regarding the pay of city council members. In June 2015, former city
council members Joey Hawkins and Kevin Roden voted against the hydraulic fracturing ban, also known as fracking, sparking anger with citizens and residents in their districts. In the following months, petitions for a recall election were created, and a special election was held in May 2016. In the petition sent in for Hawkins, there were 76 valid signatures and 145 for Roden. The minimum to trigger a special election was 75. On Oct. 16, Internal City Auditor Craig Hametner abruptly resigned from his position after eight months on the job. Prior to his hiring, the position was left open for seven
SEE COURT ON PAGE 4
SEE ELECTIONS ON PAGE 2
Gainesville zoo brings exotic reptile fun to Denton By Kayla Henson Staff Writer
By Devin Rardin Staff Writer The Denton County Commissioners Court voted 4-1 on Tuesday in favor of an overall advisory committee regarding the Confederate monument on the Denton Square. Details on how the committee will operate have not been discussed yet. The dissenting opinion came from Commissioner Hugh Coleman who proposed deferring the issue to the Office of History and Culture. He suggested that the court respond after the Office of History and Culture make a recommendation. Denton County Judge Mary Horn voted for the overall advisory board but wanted to focus on a new plaque. “My priority is a new plaque with context that is historically accurate,” Horn said. “That is my push.” The discussion between the commissioners and citizens lasted nearly two hours and centered around two different advisory boards. Horn placed the “Confederate Soldier Memorial Plaque Committee” on the agenda and Commissioner Bobbie Mitchell placed the overall advisory committee on the agenda, which will discuss all solutions
years. Hametner sent his letter of resignation and retirement in an email to city officials, who have yet to get back to him about it. “This was a shock,” Councilwoman Keely Briggs said in a Facebook post. “In his short time in office the auditor has proved to be a valuable position reporting directly to council. This position is not a luxury, it is a musthave. While we do not know the reasons that our previous auditor stepped down (and I am working to find out), we will immediately begin the search for his replacement. This is very important to me.”
Senior animal care keeper Katie Krantz holds Chatu, a royal ball python at the Frank Buck Zoo event at the Discover Denton Welcome Center on Friday, Oct. 20. Chatu is currently 13 years old, native to Africa and lives at the Frank Buck Zoo in Gainesville, Texas. Sarah Schreiner | Staff Photographer
IN THIS ISSUE
As the sun set on the Denton Square, local families and friends gathered eagerly to enjoy a windy Friday night with food and music. But behind the doors of the Discover Denton Welcome Center, a few exotic friends joined in on the fun, thanks to Frank Buck Zoo from Gainesville, Texas. A line of anxious, giddy locals formed in front of Katie Krantz, one of the zoo’s senior animal care keepers — a royal ball python named Chatu resting in her arms. From wide-eyed children to their nervously chuckling parents, Krantz eagerly encouraged
everyone to stroke the python’s scaly skin with two fingers while she spouted off facts about the nonvenomous constrictor. “We love animals, and we want people to love them too,” Krantz said. “A lot of people don’t see animals up close, so it’s hard for them to care about them. If we bring them an animal up close, they can say they like that animal now and might take steps to help save them.” Krantz knew she wanted to be a zookeeper at 8 years old. She grew up volunteering at various animals shelters, surrounding herself with helping animals in any way possible. With a degree in animal
SEE ZOO ON PAGE 5
NEWS
ARTS & LIFE
SPORTS
OPINION
Denton County program receives grant to lower homelessness pg 4 The DCHLT was awarded an Emergency Solutions Grant. The program was created in 2016 to try and make homelessness “rare, brief and nonrecurring.”
Tiny Nest concert series strengthens music community on campus pg 5 Inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk series, Tiny Nest showcases noteworthy student musicians and is produced through UNT.
York, Chamberlain headline dominant Mean Green volleyball offense pg 9 The North Texas volleyball team is far exceeding expectations this season. With a 20-2 record, a lot of the team’s success has come by way of a loaded offensive unit.
Editorial: President Neal Smatresk has failed UNT with Trump Jr. speech pg 10 After initially expressing opposition to hosting Donald Trump Jr. at UNT’s Kuehne Speaker Series, Smatresk changed his tone when it mattered most.
NEWS Page 2
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017
UNT celebrates the life and contributions of Paul Voertman
North Texas Daily Faculty Senate Executive Committee Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief votes down resolution Reece Waddell @ReeceWaddell15 ReeceWaddell@my.unt.edu News Editor James Norman @JamesTNorman_WL JamesNorman@my.unt.edu Arts & Life Editor Abby Jones @abbyfjones28 AbigailJones3@my.unt.edu Sports Editor Brady Keane @BradyKeane BradyKeane@my.unt.edu Visuals Editor Colin Mitchell @CJHMitchell ColinMitchell@myunt.edu Opinion Editor Alec Spicer @Spicer_Alec AlecSpicer@my.unt.edu
Production Team Design Editor Julia Contarelli @ContarelliJ JuliaPaschoal@my.unt.edu Copy Chief Kayleigh Bywater @kayleighnic0le KayleighBywater@my.unt.edu Designer/Copy Editor Circe Marez @CirceMarez CirceMarez@my.unt.edu Designer/Copy Editor Kayla Davis @kaylajeann19 KaylaDavis@my.unt.edu Designer/Copy Editor Kelly Fox @kellythefox1 KellyFox2@my.unt.edu Social Media Manager Alec Spicer @Spicer_Alec AlecSpicer@my.unt.edu Illustrator Max Raign @maxothelioma MaxRaign@my.unt.edu
Business Director Adam Reese 940-565-4265 Adam.Reese@unt.edu
By Celeste Gracia Staff Writer
The UNT Faculty Senate Executive Committee passed a motion on Wednesday to stop discussion and remove the resolution regarding the university’s speaker selection process. The executive committee voted 5-4 with one abstention. This resolution came in response to Donald Trump Jr., son of President Donald Trump, speaking as part of the UNT Kuehne Speaker Series. It recommended a more transparent and engaging process for how speakers under the UNT brand are selected to speak. The committee deliberated on the matter for over half an hour. Professor in special education and Group VI Senator Smita Mehta questioned how much impact this resolution would have. “If UNT is not technically sponsoring [Trump Jr.] like they do with other speaker series, technically we do not have any control over that,” Mehta said. Faculty Senate Secretary Kevin Yanowski said this resolution will help push for more public information about the process of selecting speakers. “We can at least have knowledge about what this is about and then we as faculty can voice our opinions about what it’s about,” Yanowski said. The executive committee members who voted in favor of the motion ultimately decided this resolution was an overreach on their jurisdiction. The resolution also implied several technicalities for bringing other university-wide speakers to campus. The committee pointed out how difficult it is for one department to override another’s decision to invite somebody. For example, if the English department invited a speaker, another department in the university would not have the proper judgment to say whether or not the speaker is credible. “Any speaker that comes to campus would have to be subject to all these things — faculty input and funding,” said John Peters, senator for group II and English professor. The resolution was also aimed at protecting the UNT brand. The executive committee has questioned UNT President Neal Smatresk about who is responsible for UNT branding. The committee still believes there needs to be transparency in how speakers are brought and where the money comes from. “What portion of [the speaking event] is being sponsored by the university is very critical,” Mehta said. “It goes back to branding and transparency and funding.” Dr. V. Barbara Bush, faculty senate chair, stated the faculty senate doesn’t have a history of passing resolutions. The executive committee began drafting the resolution after the first faculty senate meeting on Sept. 13. At the last faculty senate meeting on Oct. 11, the senators unanimously decided to postpone discussion about this resolution because Smatresk was not present at the meeting. This action will be brought up at the next faculty senate meeting on Nov. 8.
@celllyg
By Jackie Guerrero Staff Writer The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UNT named Stephanie Reinke its new director as of Sept. 1, taking over for Marilyn Wagner, who is retiring. The plans of the new director are to increase the program’s membership base and make it eligible for a $1 million grant. Reinke said OLLI at UNT is designed for seasoned adults aged 50 and older. It is a learning community with classes, cultural excursions and special events. All the classes are selected by OLLI members and taught by current and retired UNT professors and area professionals, according to the OLLI at UNT website.
Gary Ghioto 940-891-6722 Gary.Ghioto@unt.edu
Correction In the Oct. 19 edition of the North Texas Daily, we incorrectly identified North Texas golfer Jordan Sanders as Thomas Rosenmueller. The Daily regrets the error.
The a aappella choir conducted by Allen Hightower finishes the Celebration of Paul Voertman on Oct. 16. Voertman passed away last June and is preceded by his family and closest friends. Kelsey Shoemaker Kelsey Shoemaker | Staff Photographer
By Joshua Cassidy Staff Writer The UNT College of Music hosted a celebration to honor Paul Voertman’s life and contributions on Thursday at the Murchison Performing Arts Center. Voertman, the former owner of Voertman’s Bookstore, died June 21 of this year at the age of 88. Voertman was born and raised in Denton, attended UNT and maintained a close relationship with both the city and the university until his death. The event opened with Prelude and Fugue in D Major, organ music composed by Johan Sebastian Bach. Aside from the piece being a favorite of Voertman’s, the organ itself, Richard Ardoin-Paul Voertman Concert Organ, had been a gift from him to the university. The organ is named after Voertman and his late partner of 48 years, Richard Ardoin, who died in 2002. UNT President Neal Smatresk touched on the significance of the piece in his opening remarks. “What an appropriate beginning to this [celebration],” Smatresk said. “I could not imagine it being on the Ardoin-Voertman Organ.” Music was a point of emphasis in Thursday’s celebration, which helped focus on Voertman’s contributions to the local arts. Highlights of the day include Puccini’s Crisantemi and two scenes from Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte, as Voertman had a love for the opera. Additionally, the celebration showcased a short retrospective video of Voertman’s life, detailing all he did for Denton. Voertman had been known throughout his life for his philanthropic giving, donating $5 million over the course of his life to UNT, as well as giving to Texas Woman’s University and numerous Denton organizations. With a
posthumous donation of $10 million to UNT from his estate, Voertman and Ardoin have given UNT a total of $15 million, making them UNT’s top donors. Voertman owned the Denton bookstore Voertman’s from 1952 to 1990. The store, founded in 1925 by Voertman’s father Roy, was initially a teacher’s general shop. After Roy died in 1952, Voertman took over despite never intending to own it. Over the course of his ownership, the store turned more to textbooks and college items. He was honored by the Greater Denton Arts Council in 1986 for his contributions to the arts. To mark the occasion of the celebration, Denton Mayor Chris Watts gave a statement released Monday, declaring Oct. 19 would be known as Paul Voertman Day. Watts said this in order to “encourage all citizens to recognize his countless achievements and contributions to Denton, education and the arts on the occasion of the celebration of his life.” College of Music Dean John Richmond said as much in a statement praising and thanking Voertman for his support of the College of Music. “He was a friend [to the College of Music] in the truest sense,” Richmond said. “He sought to help, to encourage, to challenge and to steward this great college to be even better. In this, he succeeded mightily and we are forever grateful.” These themes of generosity and love for the arts was echoed in Smatresk’s statement closing out the day’s program. “How blessed we have been to have been recipients of [Voertman and Ardoin’s] caring,” Smatresk said. “That generous spirit is working to transform us and will continue to help continue to guide our students and faculty.”
@jcassidy1996
New director named for Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNT
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Stephanie Reinke was named the new director for the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UNT. Madison Gore | Staff Photographer Over 100 classes are offered and available in the fall, spring and summer semesters, with each class lasting 90 minutes long. No test or grades are given as the purpose of the class is to learn. “People are there for the love of learning,” Reinke said.
Reinke was formerly the senior lecturer in the department of teacher education administration, where she taught and advised graduate students in early childhood education. She has an educational background and received her doctorate degree in Education from UNT in 2013. She has been employed by UNT since 2008 in both faculty and staff positions. Andrea Tuckness, OLLI at UNT assistant director, said the program is thrilled to have Reinke on their team. “She has been so great about reaching out and developing relationships with our OLLI members,” Tuckness said. “Our membership is growing every day and we are building even stronger connections with the communities we serve.” The decision for Reinke to get involved with OLLI at UNT was when the former director, Marilyn Wagner, retired. Reinke said it was a great opportunity to take on a role that could impact the university. “The transition from a faculty member to this director position has gone smoothly,” Reinke said. “I have received great support from the Office of the President as well as from all of the amazing OLLI at UNT staff.” There are 120 Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes in the United States, all supported by the Bernard Osher Foundation. Three of those locations are in the metroplex at UNT’s Denton Campus, Robson Ranch in Denton and UNT’s New College at Frisco. OLLI at UNT was originally named the Emeritus College. In January of this year, the Emeritus College became OLLI at UNT upon receiving a $100,000 grant from the Osher Foundation, which is headquartered in San Francisco, California. OLLI at UNT is currently working to grow its membership and strengthen its programming in an effort to be a sustainable and successful program, Reinke said. After receiving their $100,000 Osher Grant in January, OLLI at UNT is working on meeting
the requirements to be eligible for an endowment gift of $1 million. There are currently 307 members enrolled at OLLI at UNT. The goal is to increase its membership base to 500 by Aug. 31, 2018. People can become members by one of two ways, either paying an annual $55 membership fee plus an additional $10 per class or pay an annual $140 membership fee and attend unlimited amount of classes for an entire year without additional fees. Reinke said it is an exciting time to join OLLI at UNT because of its efforts to grow its membership. There are also increasing member benefits, which include library privileges at UNT’s Willis Library, as well as course selections, special events and activities such as attending Casanova and the Theater of the World at the Kimbell Art Museum and dinner at the Reata in Fort Worth. The institute is also offering more places to take these classes like their newest location at UNT’s New college at Frisco. Volunteers for the OLLI at UNT are an integral part of the OLLI program, Reinke said. The volunteers serve as ambassadors to promote the program, serve on committees to help guide OLLI at UNT and lead special interest groups within the program such as book clubs. UNT President Neal Smatrask said he likes the direction OLLI at UNT is going in and is supportive of this type of community service coming to the university. He has been involved with the program for a while and has a personal commitment to it. “There is a plan here,” Smatresk said. “From a fundamental perspective, there is a lot the university can do to offer a great service to active seniors in the region who are interested in continuing their education and being intellectually stimulated.”
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NEWS AROUND CAMPUS UNT professor wins Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Video Thorne Anderson, associate professor for the Frank W. and Sue Mayborn School of Journalism, along with a team of three others, won the Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Video, according to a press release from the university. He and his team produced a project titled “One Crisis Away: Rebuilding a Life.” The project told the story of a mother whose home was destroyed by a tornado that hit Garland and Rowlett, Texas in late 2015.
UNT to break ground on new track & field and soccer stadium
Same-sex marriage activists and couple to speak at UNT on the Square
UNT will break ground on the new track & field and soccer stadium at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, according to a press release from the university. The event will take place in Parking Lot 84, next to the Waranch Tennis Complex. The facility will be a sand-based soccer field and eight-lane track. It will seat 1,500 spectators, according to the release, and will also feature a 14,000-square feet field house. The project will cost $13.6 million and is scheduled to be complete by August 2018.
UNT on the Square will host a panel featuring Mark Phariss and Vic Holmes on Nov. 1, according to a press release from the university. Phariss and Holmes joined a lawsuit in 2005 challenging the state’s constitutional amendment prohibiting same-sex marriage. Their book, “Accidental Activists: Mark Phariss, Vic Holmes and Their Fight for Marriage Equality in Texas,” details the battle. The panel will be moderated by Tonya Parker, judge for the 116th Civil District Court in Dallas County.
UNT to put on “The Crucible” play by Arthur Miller UNT’s Department of Dance and Theatre will present “The Crucible,” a play by Arthur Miller, according to a press release from the university. The play tells the story about the witchcraft trials that took place in Salem, Massachusetts. It will show from Nov. 9-12. The event will take place in the Radio, Television, Film and Performing Arts Building. Tickets cost $7.50 for students, UNT faculty and senior citizens. Adults pay $10.
By James Norman
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017
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Trump Jr. criticizes higher education, praises UNT TRUMP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Trump Jr. criticized the idea of microaggressions and universities protecting students from differing viewpoints. He said students brought to believe in microaggressions would not be able to succeed in the real world or at work. Trump Jr. pointed out what he saw as passive aggression from progressives. He said this practice allows a person to lash out without being hurt first, on the basis they would have been hurt. “Passive aggression is when a regular conservative is portrayed as a Nazi,” Trump Jr. said, using University of California, Berkeley as an example of this. “Universities have a special responsibility to stand up against that hatred. That’s what you do here at North Texas.” Trump Jr. commended UNT for being different from other universities and for hosting the event despite criticism. He singled out UNT President Neal Smatresk while joking about the opposition to the event, referring to a Dallas Morning News story which uncovered emails showing Smatresk said he was attempting to stop the event from occurring. In Smatresk’s short welcome speech preceding Trump Jr.’s lecture, he said much of the coverage regarding the event was fake news. Despite his praise of the university’s tolerance, some of Trump Jr.’s examples of intolerance were similar to actions UNT has taken in the past. He described UC Berkeley offering mental health services to students in response to the Ben Shapiro event as exaggerated. UNT offered similar services after Trump was elected last year and after events such as the announcement of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) repeal. Trump Jr. called Trump supporters who were afraid to be vocal about their views “the ghost vote.” “It was those quiet supporters that amazed me most,” Trump Jr. said. “It was that silent group that everyone seemed to miss, but we saw them.” Trump Jr. characterized the left’s perception of hate speech as “anything that says America is a good country, that our founders were great people, that we need borders. Hate speech is anything favorable to the moral teachings of the Bible.” He also gave a characterization of universities, saying they graduate students less educated than when they came in. “Too often universities offer parents the following deal,” Trump Jr. said. “We’ll take $200,000 of your money. In exchange, we’ll train your children to hate our country and hate your religion. We’ll indoctrinate them and punish them if they disagree with us, we’ll hide them from new ideas, we’ll give them safe spaces and make the entire university an unsafe place.” He also said the ideas and practices taught at universities do not prepare students for real careers. “We won’t train them to find jobs when they graduate,” Trump Jr. said of universities. “We’ll do the opposite. [We’ll] make them unemployable by teaching them courses in zombie studies, underwater basket weaving and, my personal favorite, tree climbing.”
He concluded by saying the diversity universities try and obtain isn’t actually diversity. “They are simply striving for a place where everyone looks different but thinks exactly the same,” Trump Jr. said. “True diversity has to include diversity of thought and today on most campuses that would be heresy.” In culminating his description of modern higher education, Trump Jr. said the institutions would set students up for failure. “Don’t worry, they’ll tell you when you graduate you can get a job as a Marxist philosopher, as a feminist, as a social justice warrior,” he said. “Along with making you unemployable, they’ll stick you with a student debt load well in excess of $100,000. In short, we’re going to ruin your life.” After Trump Jr.’s speech, UNT chairman of the Board of Regents Brint Ryan joined him on stage for a Q&A session. Ryan said media coverage of the event had focused on negatives and had not highlighted the series’ goal to raise money for scholarships for National Merit Scholars. While the series itself does not award scholarships, money generated from the events is used to offset the cost of UNT’s investment in the scholarships awarded to National Merit Finalists. Ryan brought up the open letter from over 100 UNT faculty members opposing the event and asked Trump Jr. about his perspective on this attempted limiting of speech. Trump Jr. advocated for debate as part of education, telling students to be open-minded and put themselves in the shoes of the opposing side. Although the months leading up to the event were marked by critical commentary from UNT students
Donald Trump Jr. spoke at AT&T Stadium Tuesday on behalf of UNT’s Kuehne Speaker Series. Trump Jr. talked about nationalism, open-mindedness and higher education. Photos by Sarah Sarder | Senior News Writer and faculty, those in attendance said they were happy the event occurred. “Think of how many people have been through what he’s been through,” Paul Gorman, 48, said. “He offered a unique perspective.” Ryan broached the lack of media access for the event, saying outlets who could purchase a table for $5,000 were welcome to come. “I don’t know why the university media wasn’t
allowed in,” said C. Dan Smith, UNT Foundation chairmen and lifetime member of the series. “I might have bought them a table if I knew. Mr. Trump did a good job and made people think about the different sides of issues. I wish we could have had a lot of students here.”
@sarderrr
Group protests Trump Jr. speech on Square By Celeste Gracia Staff Writer
i’ve gotta go!
940.535.5555
...because even the best of us can be a DICK
Protesters gathered Tuesday night on the Denton Square in response to Donald Trump Jr. speaking as part of the UNT Kuehne Speaker Series. Talking to a crowd of about 30 people, Mat Pruneda, a Denton resident running for House District 64 against Lynn Stucky, led the event by voicing how he believes bringing President Donald Trump’s eldest son to speak does not represent UNT or Denton. “This isn’t the Denton I know,” Pruneda said. “People in positions of power are misrepresenting what we believe.” Trump Jr. talked Tuesday afternoon about the positives of nationalism and the necessity
of open-mindedness at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. The event cost about $250,000, in which Trump Jr. was paid $100,000 for speaking. There has been backlash from the UNT and Denton community surrounding this event, including a letter signed by over 100 UNT faculty members denouncing the event. Pruneda said he planned the protest to provide a safe space for students and Denton citizens to respectfully speak their minds about the event. He said he wanted to provide a Denton-based platform for those who couldn’t get to Arlington. Different local social activists and political candidates expressed their opposition at Trump Jr. speaking and also asked the crowd to continue in their social activism. Will Fisher, who is running for Congressional District
People gather on the Denton square Tuesday to protest Donald Trump Jr.’s speech for the UNT Kuehne Speaker Series earlier that day at the AT&T Stadium. Dana McCurdy | Staff Photographer
26, called the crowd “experienced patriots” and advocated for them to set examples for others in social engagement. Students who attended the protest said while they support freedom of speech, they don’t feel like Trump Jr. represents them. They also disagree with the costs of the event. International studies and political science freshman Helen Vidrine said she feels deceived. “I came to UNT because I wanted to come to a university that respects women and the LGBT community and people of color,” Vidrine said. “This is not an accurate reflection of what students want. It’s not fair to them.” Political science senior Jordan Villarreal said he supports the idea UNT should not give a stage to someone who goes against the university’s core mission. “Everything Trump Jr. represents is what UNT is trying to move against,” Villarreal said. “We don’t have to gift a platform to these negative views.” Vocal studies professor Jennifer Lane said she felt more concerned about how the process in which Trump Jr. was brought to speak under the UNT banner was not common knowledge and how UNT had little say in the matter. “The process by which this was done has all the marks by and for the donors,” Lane said. “It’s not supposed to work that way. This is a conflict of interest and ethics problem.” The UNT Faculty Senate Executive Committee voted 4-1 Wednesday to stop discussion on a resolution that was designed to increase transparency in the university’s speaker selection process. Pruneda ended by reminding the crowd what they gathered for. “This night was about reclaiming our value and making sure that UNT voices are heard,” Pruneda said. “We’re reclaiming what we feel Denton is: against the Trump agenda and against using our name to fund the alt-right.”
@celllyg
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017
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Denton County Homelessness Leadership Team awarded grant By Devin Rardin Staff Writer
The Denton County Homelessness Leadership Team (DCHLT) was awarded an Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) on Oct. 13 after losing out on the money last year. The City of Denton created DCHLT in 2016 with the goal of lowering homelessness in the county. Courtney Cross, director of homelessness initiatives for the United Way of Denton County, said DCHLT didn’t receive the grant last year because they set a goal to house a specific number of people but didn’t reach it. In response, the organization had to lower a number of people committed to housing to receive the grant. “We kept setting our numbers high and not meeting them so we consciously lowered the number of households and the people we plan to house knowing that we will still have a need,” Cross said. The community had difficult conversations leading up to this decision. The help from ESG allows the team to house 13 to 16 families on average. Cross said that leaves about 13 families in need of housing. DCHLT is currently working with landlords to increase housing and look for fundraising opportunities across the county. In 2015, Denton Mayor Chris Watts convened a task force to access housing availability and need in Denton. This resulted in the need for a paid coordinator position with a county-wide perspective.
The city looked at United Way to fulfill this position and hired Cross. This started a partnership between the City of Denton and United Way. Together they created the DCHLT, which launched in 2016. “At United Way, our mission is to improve lives and if we see housing as a barrier to a way of living then we want to be committed to our mission and our vision of improving lives,” Cross said. “It directly ties back to our mission.” Danielle Shaw, the human services coordinator for the City of Denton, said the city switched to a system-wide perspective on homelessness, which means all the agencies are working towards common goals. “While the agencies were doing a great job at their own thing, a systemwide approach allows us to look at the overall view of what’s happening around homelessness,” Shaw said. “It creates really strong, evidence-based, cost-effective practices that will stop the problem.” The DCHLT consists of 22 elected officials, including board members from homeless and housing service agencies, people from workforce development, higher education and the healthcare field. Their mission is to “foster an effective and coordinated system of homelessness prevention and intervention, resulting in homelessness that is rare, brief and nonrecurring,” according to their 20172020 strategic plan. They have four work groups to help accomplish that mission. A housing group, a data group, a workforce development group, which streamlines referrals to
Homeless Management Information System INDIVIDUALS 490 workforce opportunities, and a community conversations group, which includes people that lived through homelessness. Cross believes everyone should have a place to live and hopes the DCHLT can help with that. “I do believe it is a human right,” Cross said. “I think it is connected to everything. It’s connected to health — mental health. It’s connected to well-being and reaching goals in your life. It shouldn’t be that hard to find a place to live. It’s challenging, but it’s a chance to get creative as a society and see how to come up with creative solutions.” Cross said homelessness is difficult to define, but they developed a definition that falls into four categories. The first one being chronic/literal. These are people living in an environment not meant for human habitation. The second category is at-risk, which are people losing their primary nighttime residence. There is a category for youth, which consists of families with children or unaccompanied children with unstable homes. Lastly, there is a category for domestic violence. Anyone fleeing from domestic violence and has no place to stay would fall into this category. These factors make homelessness
Commissioners Courts discusses Square statue COURT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 for the monument. Both of these agenda items were discussed at the same time. “We don’t have a dispute,” Horn said. “We entered into this to have a discussion, and that’s why I’m taking up both agenda items at the same time so we can talk about the whole thing.” Horn said the court’s job is to decide on their recommended action regarding the statue, but the Texas Historical Commision has to approve any proposal. Most of the citizens spoke in favor of the overall advisory committee. Jennifer Lane, a local activist and UNT professor, asked several questions about what a new plaque will consist of and how the historical accuracy will be measured. These questions were not answered at that time. Mat Pruneda, who is running for Texas House District 64, said he was not a fan of either advisory board. “They perpetuate what seems to be the problem right now and they hold the status quo,” Pruneda said. Sandy Swan, a speaker at the meeting, saw no reason for the plaque committee when the subject can be brought up to the overall committee. Coleman took issues with many of the speakers
saying he was being personally attacked. “They want to talk at you but they truly don’t want to have a discussion,” Coleman said. He also said Willie Hudspeth, who has been protesting the monument since 1999, has been telling him what he thought for years without ever talking to him. Sandy Swan spoke about the commissioner’s behavior in the meeting. “I do feel that some of the commissioners have been mocking, openly laughing and interrupting the speakers,” Swan said. “You ask that we get to the point and you ask that we are respectful. I ask the commissioners to do the same. To please stick to the points and to please respect the public.” Horn addressed the citizens who shared their opinions before moving to the vote. “We have a lot of heartfelt feelings on the subject, and I think it’s important that citizens have an opportunity to express themselves,” Horn said. “Although, sometimes they have a hard time getting to a point and draw on a little too long, longer than I would like. I do, nonetheless, express thanks for people taking the time to be here and expressing their opinion.”
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New chairman announced for Denton County GOP By Julia Falcon Senior News Writer The Denton County Republican Party has a new chairman after an unscheduled executive committee meeting. John Dillard of The Colony will serve, according to a press release from the GOP. Previous chairman Lisa Hendrickson resigned in early October, noting health reasons in her resignation letter. Hendrickson also announced at a meeting in June she would not seek re-election in 2018. “I am honored to be elected to serve as chairman,” Dillard said in a statement. “I look forward to working alongside my fellow Republicans in the months ahead.” For the last 16 years, Dillard served as an elected official in The Colony, from serving as mayor to founding The Colony Economic Development Corporation. For the last 30 years, he has been a political activist in the area. Dillard spent 25 years with the Army National Guard in the 49th Armored Division and the Texas Army Reserve, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. He
is a graduate of the United States Army Command and General Staff College and the United States Army Armor School. Before retiring recently, Dillard was the district Manager for Siplast, Inc.
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John Dillard was named the new chairman for the Denton County Republican Party. He will replace Lisa Hendrickson. Courtesy| Denton County Republican Party
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FAMILIES 27 difficult to measure. The Homeless Management Information System, or HMIS, is a program that tracks homelessness data. Literal homelessness was measured in Denton County on Sept. 30. There are 517 total assessments of households experiencing literal homelessness. Out of those 517 people, 64 are veterans. The HMIS also counted 490 individuals and 27 families living with literal homelessness. Another way to measure homelessness is the point in time (PIT) count, a survey intended to create a snapshot of homelessness on any given day. PIT is an annual census of people experiencing homelessness conducted by volunteers. The count for 2017 was done on January 26. A total of 230 people were surveyed and 39 of those were chronically homeless. It also found 70 percent of the homelessness population were males while 30 percent were women. Out of those counted, 62.1 percent were white, 18.8 percent were hispanic and 8.7 percent were black. Shaw addressed the importance of combating the homelessness in Denton and how it affects the general public. “Having housing stability within the
TOTAL 517 people who live and reside in Denton creates stability for the entire community,” Shaw said. “It means there is less of a tax on resources. It means we have the ability to address people who have chronic issues with illness. It’s just overall a good thing to help people with a need.” Cross also discussed the role and thoughts of the general public when it comes to homelessness. She said it affects everyone in a different way whether it is fear, compassion or frustration. Cross said the public can help by volunteering with local agencies, raising money on behalf of local agencies, giving directly to agencies, volunteering time and resources and calling their representatives. Cross said Denton County is projected to grow over 350 percent in the next 30 years and the team has to prepare for this increase. “We are going to see a tremendous amount of growth in this county and it’s already becoming difficult for people to afford to live here,” Cross said. “We really see it has our responsibility as an initiative through the Denton County Homelessness Leadership team to preemptively and proactively plan for that.”
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Denton County early elections kick off with new equipment ELECTIONS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Residents in Denton, as well as city council members, have made a push for an ethics ordinance. The City of Denton does have an ethics ordinance committee, but there is still debate about ethics within the city council and the need to enforce rules regarding it. Currently, out of the seven city council members, the only one being paid is the mayor. One of the propositions will determine whether the other six are paid a stipend of $750 a month. “I don’t think that city council members should be paid,” Denton resident Courtney Mitchell said. “It gives more power.” The elections commission had a list of mishaps with last year’s presidential election. It caused several misunderstandings and multiple recounts of the ballots. Now, Denton County Elections has purchased new voting equipment, the Hart InterCivic’s Verity system. It was used for the first time on Monday. During the last election, votes were counted a total of three times due to how unorganized and unreliable the previous voting system was. Now there is a true paper trail with the new voting system. It makes it possible for administrators to make an audit if needed. Denton County is the first place in the nation the new system is being used. “We are very prepared for this election,” Denton County Elections Administrator Frank Phillips said. “We are getting good responses from the poll workers.
There is now early voting for the Constitutional Amendment Election. This location is oue of many early voting locations around Denton County. Brigitte Zumaya| Staff Photographer Everything is going to plan.” The following are on the ballot in regards to amending the city charter. City of Denton Proposition A “Shall Section 2.02 of the City Charter be amended to clarify that councilmember residency qualifications apply to the councilmember’s domicile (principal residence), where the councilmember must have resided for at least one year prior to the election?” City of Denton Proposition B “Shall Section 4.13 of the City Charter be amended to increase the percentage of petitioners required to trigger a Recall Election from twenty-five percent (25%) to thirty-five percent (35%)?” City of Denton Proposition C “Shall Section 6.04 of the City Charter be amended to clarify that the Internal City Auditor shall be a
permanent, full-time position and clarify the responsibilities?” City of Denton Proposition D “Shall Sections 14.04 and 14.05 of the City Charter be repealed and replaced with a provision requiring the adoption of an Ethics Ordinance by the City Council in accordance with Texas law and adheres to certain minimum standards?” City of Denton Proposition E “Shall a section be added to the City Charter providing for councilmembers to receive an initial monthly stipend of seven hundred fifty dollars ($750.00) and the Mayor to receive an initial monthly stipend of one thousand dollars ($1000.00) during their respective terms of office and providing for restrictions on subsequent increases to the stipend amount?”
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Early voting locations, date and place: Monday - Friday, Oct. 23 – 27 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28 from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29 from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Friday, Oct. 30 – Nov. 3 from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Steven E Copeland Government Center, 1400 FM 424, Cross Roads 1197 Lewisville Municipal Annex, 1 Main Street, Lewisville Justin Municipal Complex, 415 N. College Ave., Justin Carrollton Public Library, 4220 N. Josey, Carrollton Denton County Elections Administration, 701 Kimberly Dr., Denton Timberglen Library, 18505 Midway Rd., Dallas Highland Village Municipal Complex, 1000 Highland Village Rd., Highland Village 3 Pilot Point Senior Center, 10 S Washington St., Pilot Point Flower Mound Police and Court Building, 4150 Kirkpatrick, Flower Mound Corinth City Hall, 3300 Corinth Pkwy., Corinth Frisco Fire Station #7, 330 W Stonebrook Pkwy. Frisco Fire Station #4, Frisco 4485 Cotton Gin, Frisco The Colony Annex Building, 6804 Main St., The Colony Krum ISD Administration Building, 1200 Bobcat Blvd., Krum Little Elm Library, 100 W Eldorado Pkwy., Little Elm Aubrey ISD Building, 415 Tisdell Ln., Aubrey Denton County Southwest Courthouse, 6200 Canyon Falls Dr., Flower Mound 212 Lake Dallas City Hall, Main Street, Lake Dallas The following early voting locations will ONLY be open the dates and times listed: Sanger Church of Christ, 400 N. Locust St., Sanger: Monday - Friday, Oct. 23 – 27 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 28 from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Monday – Tuesday, Oct. 30 – 31 from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 1 from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Thursday – Friday, Nov. 2 - 3 from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney: Denton Monday - Friday, Oct. 23 – 27 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Monday – Friday, Oct. 30 – Nov 3 from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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Tiny Nest concert series strengthens music community on campus By Kayla Henson Staff Writer A burst of applause fills the tight quarters of the Design Works office as media arts senior Sam Decker sets aside his guitar and drumsticks. Through the loud whoops and hollers of the office employees, the air in the room feels filled to the brim with community and support. This is no regular concert — it is a Tiny Nest concert. The UNT-produced Tiny Nest concert series, inspired by the NPR Tiny Desk video series, began around a month ago with the purpose of showcasing musicians around campus in a uniquely miniature way. Decker is not only one of the series’ most recent musicians, but he is also a videographer and editor of other students’ performances. For him, the series is more about raw passion for music than talent. “It’s not always about being the best or playing the best,” Decker said. “It’s about playing an intimate show and connecting with people through music. I think that could be one way people get inspired.” Associate Director for Marketing Steve Meehin said student workers for Design Works have been tossing around the idea of doing the series for many years even though it just
got up-and-running recently. The requests from past and current employees helped push the project off the ground. Meehin’s role on the team is to help with filming performances — like Decker’s — and doing everything he can to keep the series running. “I really help facilitate wherever I can,” Meehin said. “There’s so much talent in this school, [and] we’re just trying to showcase that.” Integrative studies senior Noah LeGrand was the series’ first performer and a frequent videographer for Tiny Nest. He also came up with the name for the series. The series is devoted to finding and displaying any creative students who want to branch out and do something different than usual with their musical talents. “That’s what’s cool about this job — it gives us opportunities to create,” LeGrand said. “I hope our videos will convince [students] to ask us to be on it.” LeGrand said the original idea of the videos was to perform in odd spots around the Union, like elevators, staircases and rooms around the building. Their first test run was conducted in the Union in front of several unsuspecting students studying, and it gave LeGrand
confidence that students would respond positively to the videos. In the end, the team collectively decided to keep the series in the Design Works office to maintain the feeling of a small concert venue, similar to NPR’s. “I think we should just keep it here [and] simple,” Decker said. “Like, as small as we can get it. We’re going to go for that. Just as simple as we can do it.” Along with filming, Decker also coordinates finding the performers, normally through social media and personal connections in the community. “A lot of my friends are in bands, so basically I just post on Facebook and get some responses,” Decker said. “I would consider myself a person who knows a lot of musicians, so it’s easier for me to find them. I kind of coordinate that.” The main qualification for performers is they must be currently enrolled at UNT as a student, a conscious decision made by the team to ensure the series stays true to students. The series has everything from folk groups to rock bands to soloists lined up for future performances, though Decker noted it is harder for larger bands to play due to the purposefully quaint area and lack of room for large equipment space.
Gainesville zoo brings friendly reptiles and knowledge to Denton Welcome Center ZOO CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 behavior from Texas A&M University under her belt, Krantz began working at the Frank Buck Zoo three years ago and has enjoyed her daily work with the array of animals. She primarily works in the African animals section of the zoo and with specific program animals, such as Chatu. Amanda Arnold, another senior animal care keeper, stood next to Krantz. She gave out hand sanitizer and fun facts about the zoo’s upcoming Halloween event. Arnold works with the South American animals and carnivores while also accompanying Krantz on zoo promotions, such as this event. “A good part of why we’re here is to educate people about the animals and why they are so important,” Arnold said. “It’s all about educating people.” For Arnold, caring for animals has always made her the happiest, which led her to work at the zoo three years ago. “I knew when I was little that I loved animals,” Arnold said. “There was a time when I did doubt if it was something I would do for a living. But I just had this moment when I realized I wanted to do something that makes me happy. It’s just a calling.” As people shuffled in and out of the exhibit, admiring Chatu as well as the tarantula and toad on display, their reactions were telltale signs of who had not been in such close quarters with a python before. Two UNT students experienced their first encounter with the snake and, while they were uneasy at first, came to agree that facing their minor fears were worth it. Construction engineering junior Bobbie Daniels described the snake’s texture and the experience of being that close in awe. “I’ve always had a feeling that snakes weren’t that bad — that some might be friendly,” Daniels said. “But I never touched one before tonight. After seeing
one up close, I feel more confident about them.” Aviation logistics junior Devin Medina agreed that the positive experience outweighed their initial nerves. “I was a little scared at first [that] it was going to look at me or something,” Medina said. “But [Krantz] looked so comfortable with it, [so] I trusted it. Like, if she’s cool with it, that makes me more comfortable to touch it.” Krantz’s comfortability with the animal came from years of doing similar events. Both she and Arnold do everything from cleaning animal enclosures to attending birthday parties and events. Krantz said a challenging part of the job is explaining to people what their zoo entails for the animals. “The biggest misconception is when people think the animals are in boxes or prisons,” Krantz said. “The fact that people don’t think we care is the hardest part. We’re always talking about the animals — even on our days off. We really do care about them.” Despite false perceptions about her job, Krantz said at the end of the day, she and her coworkers do their best to care for every animal in their zoo and to educate people about them. “Back in the day, zoos weren’t that great, and we recognize that,” Krantz said. “But times have changed. We have changed, and that’s on us to keep learning and changing. We do our best within our resources. As soon as we get money and funding, we’re on it. Everything we get, it’s all for the animals.”
Sam Decker, a 20-year-old media arts senior and an aspiring young musician. He performed in Design Works’ Tiny Nest concert series. The performance is inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series. Victoria Nguyen | Staff Photographer “It’s always a challenge because I think some performers have to prepare a different way to play this show than for a normal show, which is why I think it’s a little harder for bands to do it,” Decker said. “It’s a lot easier for solo musicians to do it because they know how they can tone down their sound. When it comes to more than two or three
musicians, you have to figure out how to record.” Decker hopes Tiny Desk will inspire students to see the abundant number of creative students around UNT and appreciate their intimate, authentic performances to a small crowd. “I think students can look forward to seeing an honest
performance from a fellow student, and I think that’s really cool,” Decker said. “Just knowing the kind of talented people around [here] and getting to see them shine is very cool.”
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Denton Event Radar October 26, 2017
Trivia Night Where: Mulberry St. Cantina When: 8 p.m. Free
October 30, 2017 Boo Bash Where: Emerald Eagle Ballroom When: 6-8 p.m. Free
October 26, 2017 Mean Green Madness Where: Coliseum When: 7-9 p.m. Free
October 30, 2017
Baroque Chamber Music Concert Where: Voertman Hall When: 8 p.m. Free
October 27, 2017
Halloween Skate Spooktacular Where: Lone Star Indoor Sports Center When: 5-8 p.m. $5 admission, $5 skate rental
October 31, 2017
Day of the Dead Where: Library Mall When: 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Free
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017
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Dream bigger than life itself
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‘Big Fish’ adapts larger-than-life tale at Denton’s Campus Theatre
By Camila Gonzalez Staff Writer Edward Bloom is known for telling stories about his life that are so spectacular, they’re hard to believe. Now, Bloom and his stories are hitting the stage in Denton. Denton’s Campus Theatre was just in rehearsal for “Big Fish: The Musical,” which opened this past Friday. Based on the book by Daniel Wallace, “Big Fish” recounts Bloom’s trials and tribulations. When his incredulous son investigates these stories —
believing them to be complete fiction — he learns so much more about his father than he could have expected. The show’s cast and crew features a few UNT alumni, including choreographer Emily Leekha. “At its core, ‘Big Fish’ is a story about how every relationship and connection you make in your life influences who you are and who you become,” Leekha said. “And everyone can relate to that.” She tends to use different styles based on what the show calls for, and she admits “Big Fish” was a bit of a challenge. The original
production incorporated many diverse dances, from waltzing to ballet to clogging. “I have tried to focus [the choreography] a little more so it feels more cohesive,” Leekha said. “Every song takes place in almost a different time because there are all these flashbacks that Edward’s having of these fantastic stories he’s telling his son. [Each] song mirrors the tone of each story.” Music director John Norine can also attest to the diversity and complexity of the show’s music. It harkens back to the “golden age” of musical theater, invoking Rodgers and Hammerstein (“Oklahoma!”
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and “The Sound of Music”), but also sounds like a modern musical. Along with this unique sound, the technical aspects of the music are challenging. Typically, musicals have an orchestra of seven to 10 people. This show, however, has 14. Norine also said the vocal music is quite difficult. “The vocal parts are incredibly demanding, especially for the three principles,” Norine said. “Edward [Bloom] almost never leaves the stage. The other two, Will and Sandra, their music [has] a very wide range and requires a strong sense of control on their parts.” Anthony Ortega, who plays Edward Bloom, can attest to the challenge of constantly being onstage. “Edward’s onstage the entire time, so he’s just constantly running around and singing,” Ortega said. “Knowing how to pace yourself to get to the next song and to the next act [is important].” Ortega’s other challenge was playing a character who is so much older than himself — which is part of the reason why he took on the role in the first place. At 24, Ortega’s main focus was “making sure I don’t come off as a child playing an old man.” But it was not all about the challenge. Ortega also loves Bloom’s overall character. “He’s larger than life, but so humble about it, too,” Ortega said. “He just wants to leave a legacy for himself, which is why he tells his son all of these stories.” Luckily, the cast and crew worked together to overcome their challenges. This idea of teamwork is one reason why Leekha loves working in theater. Leekha also loves how “human” a live performance is because every night is different and anything
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Bottom left: The cast of the musical “Big Fish” do their first full run through of the show Oct 12. The cast works hard to express their characters, emotions and stories in a way that the audience can relate to and understand in a lasting and personal way. Dana McCurdy | Staff Photographer
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Right: Choreographer Emily Leeka talks to the cast of “Big Fish” about the things she noted to be fixed during their first full run through of the show Oct 12. The musical will be performed at the Campus Theatre, located near the Denton Square, Oct. 27 through Oct. 29. Dana McCurdy | Staff Photographer
could happen, such as props not making it onto the stage at the right time or different audiences having different reactions. Leekha said the audience is another important part of the team.
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These people sitting in this theater are all experiencing their own personal journey of the story.
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Top left: The cast of the musical “Big Fish” rehearses the show with its first run through. The musical’s story centers around Edward Bloom, a man with a life story as skeptical as a fish tale and his son’s journey discovering the truth. The show premeired on Oct. 20. Dana McCurdy | Staff Photographer
“These people sitting in this theater are all experiencing their own personal journey of the story — collectively,” Leekha said. “Everyone’s experiencing it together. I could get all mushy and talk about it for hours.” Leekha feels her college training, specifically from professors Bob Hess and Sally Vahle, prepared her for her career in theater. They helped her think about how movement can be used with acting and why song and dance are incorporated into plays. “The reason why there are songs in plays, to me, is because these people are experiencing these emotions that are so much larger than life and so overwhelming that words aren’t enough,” Leekha said. “They break out into song and dance. It’s not just, ‘OK, I’m acting in the scene and then I’m gonna
stop and dance.’ It’s finding how that all connects together and tells one story from start to finish.” Leekha first met Ortega while studying theater during her college years. “He was the first friend I made at UNT when I was a freshman,” Leekha said. “He’s the most talented person I’ve ever known and a joy to work with.” Connections, like the one made between Leekha and Ortega, represent one of the key components of “Big Fish.” Whether it be friendship, family or role models, this musical incorporates countless themes regarding the human condition. “It tells the story of a family, of life, of death and of growing up,” Norine said. “[It’s about] our heroes and how we shape them and how we lose them, but not really. How the nature of our heroes change without necessarily the person changing.” No matter who comes to see the show, Ortega said they’ll find a way to relate to it and the story. “I can guarantee whoever comes and sees this will not leave unhappy,” Ortega said. “There’s so much love in it. It’s a complete distraction from everything in the real world. It’s a touching story.” “Big Fish” runs Oct. 20-22 and 27-29 at the Campus Theatre on 214 W. Hickory Street. Tickets can be purchased at https://www. musictheatreofdenton.com/bigfish.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017
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UNT’s newest a cappella group gives hopeful singers a second chance By Camila Gonzalez Staff Writer For almost a decade, the Green Tones remained UNT’s sole a cappella group, but a new group of spirited singers is now in the making. This group, the Vocal Chords, are currently in the process of becoming an official university organization. International studies freshman Riddah Shahed and finance freshman Shyane Banuelos started the group. They auditioned for Green Tones near the beginning of the semester. When they wound up not landing spots in the ensemble, they came up with an idea to adapt. “It was just so competitive, and we kind of felt bummed out after the auditions,” Shahed said. “[But this] is a music school, so there should be more a cappella groups. Why not just make a new one?” Since Shahed and Banuelos share a passion for music, they wanted to join an organization that involved singing. By starting their own, they were able to sing and create a chance for similar students who were not accepted into the Green Tones but still wanted a way to use their voice. “That way, more people have the opportunity to be part of a group,” Banuelos said. “It isn’t just one group, and you have two chances. Maybe it will inspire other people to make more groups on campus.” Members of the Vocal Chords seem to appreciate their founders’
motives and values. Shahed and Banuelos initially got the word out about their organization by using email addresses from the Green Tones’ email to those who were not selected for the group. Freshman and Vocal Chords tenor Ronaldo Monasterio is excited to be involved in an organization that’s just starting out. “[Shahed and Banuelos] are basically like us,” Monasterio said. “They’re freshmen starting out just like us, so it’s a lot less stressful auditioning for them. They were a new group, so it’s great to start something new.” Fall auditions have already taken place, and the group currently has eight members. Banuelos and Shahed wanted to start with a small group so they could establish routines and pick out section leaders. Once they start growing, those section leaders will help teach new members instead of just the two founders shouldering all of the responsibility. They will soon be holding elections among their members for officer positions such as secretary, treasurer and historian. Monasterio plans to run for historian because he can apply advertising skills that he learned when he was the editor of his high school’s yearbook. “I know a little bit about advertising, and I really like advertising through social media,” Monasterio said. Monasterio hopes advertising
will help the group to grow and recruit new members. The Vocal Chords will be holding auditions again in the spring, specifically looking for bass singers since they do not have any right now. After the next round of auditions, Banuelos would like to grow to at least 15 members — the average size of an a cappella group. Once they’ve established the group, their goal is to compete in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella (ICCA). “One of our members went [to ICCA], and he said it was a really good experience because you’re not just doing simple stuff like performing at your university, but you’re actually going out and seeing the talent from all these different people,” Banuelos said. As of right now, the group is focusing on Christmas performances. They hope to do Christmas caroling in the different dorms, which would involve singing a few songs in the lobby of a residence hall and then walking to the next one. They also plan to perform in the Union Starbucks and at Sing! Texas, a local a cappella festival. However, there are often roadblocks when it comes to booking gigs for the Vocal Chords. Because they are not yet an official university program, they have limitations as to where they can perform. Becoming official has been a long and stressful process. The founders have had to
The Vocal Chords, the newest a cappella ensemble at UNT, aims to provide a second opportunity for aspiring singers at UNT. The club currently has eight members and will hold auditions again in the spring. Sasha Calamaco | Staff Photographer fill out a constitution laying out the group’s intentions and rules, submit a list of members, put the group’s information into OrgSync and get everything approved by their sponsor, West Hall’s Hall Director Tiffany L. Bromfield. It’s taken some time, but Shahed and Banuelos are both excited to get to the end of the process. As of Oct. 20, the group has to wait for three weeks before the decision is made to make their group official. “It’s been a struggle, to be honest,” Shahed said. “We had to delay the rehearsals from this week because we could not book
UNT professors aim to better connect minorities and mental health services By Amy Roh Senior Arts & Life Writer For many members of racial minorities, accessing mental health care is an ordeal in and of itself. Then, after finally having time in the seat at the doctor’s office, people often walk out feeling disconnected and inadequately served. And eventually, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, they don’t come back. UNT associate professors Angie Wilson, Chandra Carey and Peggy Ceballos are teaming up to fix that. Together, they have received grants totaling more than $1.5 million to increase cultural competence in mental health services. The four-year grant will help train students to be more culturally aware of their clients’ and, in turn, offer counseling tailored to underserved minorities. “Us being women of color, knowing that there was a need and seeing these funding opportunities, thought, ‘Who better than us to support underserved communities?’” Wilson said. The funds come from two separate grants. One came from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and it focuses on training UNT students to provide cultural competence in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The other grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board funds clinical partnerships with agencies to train their therapists on cultural competence. “We’re not only training counselors of color,” Wilson said. “We’re also training dominant culture or white counselors to be more culturally sensitive.” The training involves three key points: awareness of the value system, knowledge of different cultures and skills in responsiveness. This training will not only be applied to UNT students but also to current counselors
working on campus. “We’ll have an extra layer of supervision to focus specifically on cultural issues within counseling relationships,” Ceballos said. When a client walks in the door, Carey said they often look for a therapist who looks similar to them — someone they feel they can relate to. However, the mental health services field is still overwhelmingly white. “When I first came into this field, it was predominantly white men,” Carey said. “That’s changed over time so that there are more women, but it’s still predominantly white women.” That’s why the grants will give stipends to 80 master’s level students for clinical internships. In addition to that, 33 UNT master’s students will work as interns for partners specifically focused on Latino and African-American communities. “As a person of color, it was the realization that we need more training and we need to be advancing the field to be more culturally responsive,” Ceballos said. The program also tackles areas of multiculturalism that do not involve race or ethnicity. “Gender, age and sexual orientation [are also] included,” Wilson said. “It’s important for us to emphasize that there are other types of multicultural competence.” The three professors combined have 27 years of experience and research in ethnic diversity. The initiative stems from their collective experiences as women of color in the mental health field. Ceballos said she found flaws in the system after working with her clients, who are mainly Latinos. “A lot of the interventions we have are coming from values rooted in the white culture,” Ceballos said. “As a minority person, it made me realize how much that is true when I was working with clients because I trained within this cultural framework.”
Those in underserved communities, where there may be stigmas of mental health services, could be more hesitant when therapists don’t understand the culture. “When you don’t have a professional that matches those race and ethnicities, then it puts everyone at a huge disadvantage,” Carey said. Carey said challenging old models of thinking can be difficult. The key is seeing race and culture as more than just a blanket statement. “People think, ‘If I know what black people tend to do, or what Asian people tend to do, then I can work with anybody in that community,’” Carey said. “But we’re much more complex people than that.” Since the 1990s, multiculturalism has become a fourth force of psychology. Although it has evolved since then, Ceballos said it should be a continuous dialogue. “This is a much larger issue that is in society when we talk about privilege and oppression,” Ceballos said. “There will always be something to do.” The research itself has been going on for a few months now, and Wilson acknowledges there will be hurdles along the way — and there already have been. “I have no doubt that we’ll be able to do it, but when you have an end goal and you know how passionate you are about [it], it can be challenging to figure out every little step,” Wilson said. However, Wilson is confident the research is not even close to ending. “The work that we’re doing will continue on way past our careers, so I don’t think I’ve even thought of an end,” Wilson said. “At the end of that time, I’d like to look at our data, talk to our students, talk to clients and just know that there’s been some sort of impact.”
@rohmyboat
University of North Texas professors Peggy Ceballos, Dr. Chandra Carey and Dr. Angie D. Wilson hope to aid underserved people receive better mental health care that accomodates their ethnicities. Brigitte Zumaya | Staff Photographer
rooms since we’re not official yet. It’s been a long process. We’re at the end — almost.” They have also dealt with discouragement simply because they are a new group. Some people who were initially interested in auditioning ended up feeling unsure about the organization. “[We] had the feeling that they didn’t think it was going to be as good as Green Tones because it’s a new organization, but it has to start somewhere in order to grow,” Banuelos said. In retrospect, the founders are both grateful they didn’t get into
Green Tones. They believe it was meant to be so that they could have the opportunity to start another group. “This would not exist without the audition for Green Tones,” Shahed said. “Instead of losing something, we kind of gained something out of it.”
@camila_deville
Women in Commerce Committee promotes female representation in Denton business industry By Grace Cottingham Staff Writer Women are a growing force in U.S. business as the gap narrows between men and women in the professional world. Denton is home to a number of powerful females in a number of industries, hinting at a progression regarding representation in the workplace. Carolyn Corporon, former vice president of marketing for Sally Beauty Supply, is currently serving as chair of the Women in Commerce Committee (WINC) in Denton. WINC is centered around affecting positive change for females in their work lives. “I wanted to assist women in their professional development,” Corporon said. “Women do need to learn how to have their voice and ideas heard in a room full of men.” After retirement, Corporon was interested in focusing her time on an organization whose motives she agreed with. Her goal is to simply help women like her succeed. “Be bold, be confident and listen carefully,” Corporon said. Sonja Borda, who has lived in Denton for two years, is another successful businesswoman in Denton. She works at a community firm as a wealth advisor for Stocker Woods Financial in Denton. “In about a 20-mile radius, I am now the only female certified financial planner in the community,” Borda said. Borda is also involved with WINC and utilizes her place in the committee as an opportunity to help fellow women. For many women, being the only female in their respective workplaces can be daunting and intimidating. In a society where sexism still has a presence, men tend to hold higher positions above their female counterparts. Borda, being a businesswoman in a math-heavy field, faces the struggle of being one of the few females in her field and having to prove herself powerful even among men. “I am always the only woman anywhere I go in finance,” Borda said. “It is a barrier when I talk to people and introduce myself. They often are in disbelief. Many people will assume that girls don’t do math, and I say, ‘Yes we do, and this is how we do it.’” Even though she worked for a business targeted towards women, Corporon also found herself in a place dominated by men during her time as an executive for Sally Beauty. “I sat in executive meetings in a room with the president and eight or more vice presidents that were all male,” Corporon said. Although many women have proved themselves successful
in positions of high power in business, Borda believes that some of them still have difficulty understanding just how much they truly are capable of. Borda wants all women to believe that there is a place for them in the workplace. “What we know is women have a longer life expectancy than men, and we will be inheriting some money at a point in time,” Borda said. “It is important to understand the financial part before we are 80 years old and learn about it now. Getting women to realize [the financial part] and gain control of their own lives financially is a passion I have.” Cindy Tysinger, CEO and founder of GSATi, is a longtime entrepreneur. In addition to operating her Denton-based marketing and technology firm, she also serves as a chair with WINC. “I have worked 40 years in technology in a pretty maledominant environment and worked hard to overcome the challenges that can come with that,” Tysinger said. However, Tysinger feels fortunate to have worked with men who served as mentors during the earlier years of her career. GSATi, which is located on the Square on the second floor of the Texas Building above Barley and Board, was formed around 2008 and has grown massively since. Tysinger has founded other companies in addition, which allows her to create her ideal corporate culture for herself and her employees. Tysinger’s employees are comprised of 50 percent females, and the work environment is full of individuality and strong relationships. “I am all about culture and diversity,” Tysinger said. “I make sure everyone is very inclusive and respected because I [think] it can be difficult to find in other companies.” WINC is full of many inspiring and powerful businesswomen working to promote a positive and encouraging environment for women in the business world, and Denton’s setting serves as a great example of women doing just that. “I like the youth of Denton and have hired a lot of interns that have become full time,” Tysinger said. “There is a vibe of welcomeness and inclusion in Denton, which is why I wanted to start [my business] here.”
@GraceCottingham
SPORTS THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017
Page 8 UPCOMING GAMES Friday • Soccer: vs. Rice – 7 p.m. • Volleyball: vs. Rice – 7 p.m. Saturday • Football: vs. ODU – 5:30 p.m. • Cross Country: @ Conference USA Championships – All Day Sunday • Soccer: vs. FIU – 1 p.m. • Volleyball: vs. Southern Miss – 1 p.m.
CONFERENCE USA STANDINGS
Conference USA West Team Conf. Overall N. Texas
3-1
4-3
S. Miss
3-1
5-2
UAB 2-2 4-3 UTSA 1-2 4-2 La. Tech
1-2
3-4
Rice 1-2 1-6 UTEP 0-3 0-7
Conference USA East Team Conf. Overall Marshall 3-0
6-1
FAU 3-0 4-3 WKU 3-1 5-2 FIU 2-1 4-2 MTSU 1-3 3-5 Charlotte 1-3
1-7
ODU 0-3 2-5
Mean Green return home The North Texas football team returns to Apogee Stadium Saturday after a rough road loss to Florida Atlantic University last weekend. The team is wearing its all black uniforms against ODU and will look to remain unbeaten at home this season.
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Fine improving on freshman production FINE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “Last year, as a true freshman, he kind of got thrown into the fire,” Harrell said. “[Now] he is seeing things pre-snap, and he knows how to attack it. A lot of times it’s just flashing one guy a quick signal and making a play. When he checks a route I usually feel really good about it.” The trust in Fine grows every game and, for the most part, it’s been easy to see why. One of the big changes has been in his running ability. In several instances last season, Fine was tasked with designed runs because the playbook was limited for him as a passer. This season, it’s not uncommon to see him occasionally keep the ball on a read option – but most of the time he just uses his feet to keep the defense honest. Fine has vastly improved at using his feet to create openings downfield when nothing is there as the pocket closes in. Fine’s escapability has lent itself to huge plays through the air, including an elusive touchdown pass to Michael Lawrence against UAB that caught the attention of everyone at Apogee Stadium. “His savviness is one of his biggest [strengths],” senior quarterback Quinn Shanbour said. “Mentally, I think he’s been more professional in his [approach], treatments and film.” While the improvement has been essential to North Texas’ 4-3 start, Fine has not been without faults. In a more aggressive and vertical offense with several weapons, Fine has still tried to force the ball at times. Those issues have been highlighted in losses – most recently against Florida Atlantic University. In the opening quarter of that game, Fine felt pressure and lobbed a pass off his back foot 33 yards
North Texas sophomore quarterback Mason Fine (6) gets helped by teammates after getting tackled on a run. Fine’s touchdown was overturned, but he scored on the next play. Colin Mitchell | Visuals Editor downfield. The ball was intercepted. He now has seven interceptions this season, averaging out to one per game. As his chemistry with a largely new and improved receiving corps improves, Fine and the Mean Green coaches hope it will help him avoid turnovers as the offense grows more familiar and is on the same page as the year progresses. Harrell used an example of two different vertical routes from Fine to sophomore wide receiver Jalen
Guyton in the team’s game against the University of Texas at San Antonio. One had to be higher and further down the field against the beaten defender, while the other had to be out quicker and did not have as much air time against a defender in press coverage. The chemistry between the pair is what Fine hopes will continue to grow throughout the offense down the stretch of the year. “[Plays] like that is what reps with guys gets [you],” Harrell
said. “Being on the same page and understanding what each other is seeing and what to expect. Based on leverage, understanding where each other is going to be. [The receivers] know what Mason sees, [know how] to set him up and know the ball is going to be right there.” As a sophomore, Fine already ranks No. 8 in program history in passing yards and is first on the leaderboard in passer efficiency at 132.3. Despite being the quiet leader
he is, his play has certainly made enough noise this season. But after Saturday’s 69-31 loss to FAU, Fine knows there’s still room to improve. “It’s just going out there and knowing what the defense is trying to take away and knowing what we’re trying to exploit on offense,” Fine said. “The reads are coming second nature to me, the game has slown down, and I already know where to go with the ball before the snap.”
@mattbrune25
Womack taking on added responsibilities with athletics By Matthew Brune Senior Sports Writer When head strength and conditioning coach Zack Womack was tasked with getting the offensive line significantly stronger over the past summer, he did not hesitate or shy away. Instead, he found weaknesses in every player and improved them — starting with core strength and working out from
there. The unit’s enhanced strength has shown through the first seven games of the season, as those on the team have been impressed by the offensive line’s turnaround. It’s something Womack has done for each position group at one time or another. He lingers behind the scenes, working consistently as one of the more important coaches on the football staff. “He gives you that drive,” senior running
Zack Womack joined North Texas last season when coach Seth Littrell arrived in Denton and has been instrumental in the team’s success this year. Matthew Brune | Senior Sports Writer
back Jeffery Wilson said. “He makes you a dog. He’s a great coach, and he’s one of the biggest parts of the Mean Green program.” Womack spent time at the University of Florida, Illinois University and East Central University and had a lot of experience to piece together when he joined the University of North Carolina staff with then-offensive coordinator Seth Littrell. After two years together, Womack followed Littrell to Denton – and continues to thrive in yet another new environment. His work with the offensive line is perhaps his greatest accomplishment in his two seasons with North Texas. It’s an accomplishment that he directed his focus toward knowing the impact it would have on the offense. “Improving the offensive line was a big goal of mine going into this year,” Womack said. “Not just physically but also bringing them together as a closer unit, and they have done that. They’re a tight group, and they understand how hard they have to work to compete on Saturdays.” Quarterback Mason Fine spoke at length about Womack’s impact on keeping the sophomore physically able to take a season’s worth of shots this year. Backup quarterback Quinn Shanbour, who spends a lot of time in the meeting room and off the field with Fine, is a kinesiology major and understands the ins and outs of the workouts Womack has put together to help the Mean Green. “He does a really good job of identifying
what we need every single day,” Shanbour said. “A big difference between him and some guys we’ve had in the past [is] he’s been a lot more individual [with us]. He understands what we need, where we need to be at and our goal as well as the path to our goal.” In addition, Womack brought in a nutritionist who has helped players like Fine and Wilson improve their weight. The hands-on approach is something players have embraced as they have seen the results and progression throughout their short time with Womack. “That’s just the approach I know,” Womack said. “That’s just me. It’s about building relationships with these guys. You have to get them to trust you and know that you have their best interest in trying to get them better.” That trust has been earned throughout the program, and it starts with the Littrell, who is the most familiar with Womack. “He does an unbelievable job,” Littrell said. “He knows every player is a little bit different. He’s done a good job not only getting them bigger, stronger and faster but also [with] the nutrition aspect. Just like the offense and defense, year two in the weight room helps as well with understanding what and who you have.” At the end of the team’s game against the University of Texas at San Antonio, Fine threw the game-winning touchdown pass at the expense of getting laid out by a zero-coverage blitz. He stayed down for a minute, but as soon as he got to his feet
he was cheering with the rest of his team. A year ago, he may not have bounced back so quickly. But now with over a year of weight training and communication with Womack and company, he feels a lot more confident in his offensive line as well as his own strength. “I’ve gotten a lot stronger over the past year,” Fine said. “He’s really been on me, making sure I eat right and keep my upper body stretched and preventing a lot of injuries. [There’s] great communication between me and Womack.” After impressing in his first year with the football program at North Texas, Womack is now the director of strength and conditioning across all sports. He has a hand in the nutrition and strength regiments of every athlete at North Texas. “Now, it is not just football,” Womack said. “You’re trying to get the needs from each team from their strength coaches as well. I have great coaches, and they make my job easy, so I know they’re getting trained properly.” While football will remain his primary sport and focus, he embraces the opportunity to expand his horizons and reach out into the other sports. “It’s good, getting out and meeting some new athletes and watching them excel in their sports as well,” Womack said. “It’s exciting for all of us [in the department].”
@mattbrune25
Preview: Mean Green look to get back on track against Old Dominion By Matthew Brune Senior Sports Writer With Halloween approaching, North Texas (43, 3-1) is looking to erase last week’s haunting performance against Florida Atlantic University as it turns its attention towards Old Dominion University (2-5, 0-3) at home this Saturday. It’s the first meeting in program history between the two schools. What to watch for Regaining momentum Both teams are coming off tough losses in two very different ways. Old Dominion fell in overtime to Western Kentucky University 38-35 while North Texas was run over by FAU 69-31. Fortunately for the Mean Green, they get to play at home after a loss that left everyone in the program feeling frustrated. “We can’t allow the disappointment to seep into our preparation this week,” head coach Seth Littrell
said. “We have to learn from it and everybody has to look in the mirror. The focus is there, [we’re] just ready to get back out there.” Deja vu for North Texas’ run defense In his first game back from injury, ODU senior running back Ray Lawry torched the WKU defense for 166 yards and three touchdowns. Unfortunately, North Texas is coming off its worst defensive performance of the season where it allowed 447 yards rushing to FAU. If the Mean Green cannot slow the production of the ground-and-pound play style of Old Dominion, they could be facing a similar outcome this week. “We’ve done some good things with our run defense, and this past week wasn’t a reflection of that,” Littrell said. “We have to make sure guys are fitting their gaps, everybody is doing their jobs and in the right spots.” Reviving Guyton Sophomore receiver Jalen Guyton was the weapon the Mean Green offense went to when times got
tough in the first half of the season against teams like the University of Texas at San Antonio and the University of Southern Mississippi. Last week, he was completely shut out with not a single catch and just one target. It is going to be crucial to the explosiveness and overall productivity of the offense to get Guyton involved again – early and often. Though, hitting the deep ball may be a challenge, as Old Dominion has 23 sacks in its first seven games. “We learned a lot offensively,” sophomore quarterback Mason Fine said. “We can’t come out as flat as we did. Defensively, [ODU] is good up front and good in the secondary. I think the biggest thing this week is just being focused and bringing energy.” Don’t let the record fool you While Old Dominion has lost five straight and has lost their first three in Conference USA play, look for the Monarchs to give North Texas a tough game. For one, they played FAU at least a little more respectfully while losing by eight points fewer than the Mean Green – make of that what you will. Its four
other losses have come against three very good teams, including an overtime loss to Western Kentucky. The other was to 1-7 North Carolina. The Mean Green are not a team that pulls away from their opponents. If the Mean Green want to bounce back this week, they’ll need to demonstrate the ability to start quickly as they did against UTSA earlier this season. “We have to bounce back from last week,” senior linebacker Joshua Wheeler said. “That was unacceptable. We weren’t disciplined. We weren’t tough. We weren’t selfless. [Had] none of our core values. That’s what we have to get back to this week.” Score predictions Matt Brune, Senior Sports Writer: North Texas 28, Old Dominion 27 Brady Keane, Sports Editor: North Texas 42, Old Dominion 38
@mattbrune25
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017
Page 9
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Soccer head coach John Hedlund points to a player during a game against the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Hedlund has 12 conference championships and 300 plus wins under his belt with the Mean Green. Rachel Walters | Staff Photographer
Last five meetings 2016: North Texas 2, Rice 1 2015: North Texas 2, Rice 1 2014: Rice 2, North Texas 0 2014: North Texas 1, Rice 1 Freshman defender Brooke Lampe defends against the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Lampe scored the only goal of the night and her third of the season against UAB. Rachel Walters |Staff Photographer
2013: Rice 4, North Texas 0
Soccer looks for statement win against rival Rice By Matthew Berger Staff Writer North Texas and Rice square off at the Mean Green Soccer Complex Friday in the latest installment of what has been an intense Conference USA rivalry. The Mean Green (11-3-2, 6-1-1) lead the all-time series over the Owls (12-2-1, 9-0) 4-3-1, including wins in the last two regular-season meetings. North Texas, which had its 11-game unbeaten streak snapped in a loss to Old Dominion University over the weekend, will not be regular season C-USA champions for the first time since joining the conference in 2013. Instead, Rice clinched the regular season title on Sunday when they defeated
Charlotte University 1-0, while the Mean Green were stunned by Old Dominion 3-1. The Owls have won 10 straight games entering the contest. Junior goalkeeper Brooke Bradley is making her second consecutive start against the Owls and said the Mean Green are coming into the game looking to make a statement against Rice before the C-USA tournament begins next month. “If we win this game it is basically saying, ‘Rice, you are not the real champions, we are,’” Bradley said. “This is still a very big game for us, and it will help boost our confidence going into the tournament.” Bradley feels that not being crowned regular season champs has some benefit, as there is less pressure on the Mean Green
and more on the Owls. “Honestly, by not winning the regular season it takes the target off our backs for the tournament,” Bradley said. “Everyone is not trying to beat us, they are trying to beat Rice.” Offensively, the Owls have the No. 5 scoring offense in the country, scoring 43 goals and averaging 2.87 goals per game. Rice ranks No. 12 in assists, averaging 2.41 per game. One of the reasons the Owls’ offense has been able to perform so well this season is the quality of shots they are taking. The Owls rank No. 24 in shots taken (260) but rank No. 10 in shots on goal (127). The Owls have allowed just 16 goals in 17 games and rank No. 38 in shutout percentage at .533.
Defeating the Owls would be the icing on the cake for the Mean Green’s regular season. Freshman Logan Bruffett knows how important this game is for her and her team. “Rice is our top competitor and our rivals,” Bruffett said. “This is a team that we always want to beat. For our confidence too, we want to go into the tournament really strong and prepared.” The Mean Green rank No. 21 in the nation with 38 goals and are No. 12 in scoring offense averaging 2.38 goals per game. Much like the Owls, a key reason why the Mean Green are one of the top scoring offenses in the country is due to the quality of shots taken. North Texas is No. 5 in shots per game (324) and No.5 in shots on
goal (143). The Mean Green rank No. 56 in goalsagainst average, allowing 13 goals in 16 games and are tied for No. 43 in the country with a shutout percentage of .500. North Texas will look to use those strengths to bounce back from a loss that caught the team off guard before its biggest match of the season. “This game, we are going to put everything into it,” freshman Brooke Lampe said. “It is one of our last games at home, and it is a huge game. For our seniors, Rice hasn’t beaten us for the last few years and we don’t want to start it now. We want to keep that tradition going.”
@Bergersthoughts
York, Chamberlain headline dominant Mean Green volleyball offense By Matthew Brune Senior Sports Writer Coming into the season, head coach Andrew Palileo knew what he had on his team — several experienced athletes with a lot of unproven freshmen who would be tasked with coming in and producing right away. While the raw pieces were there for the Mean Green to have a good offensive season, their production through 22 matches has surprised even Palileo as the team is now 20-2 and 7-1 in Conference USA play. “I knew that we had balance,” Palileo said. “But if you would have said we were going to hit .300, I don’t think I would have predicted that.” The number .300 is North Texas’ attacking percentage for the season. The figure ranks No. 9 in the country and No. 2 in C-USA. After hitting .199 in 2016, there are multiple signs to point to for the remarkable turnaround. It all starts with the woman in the middle, senior middle blocker Amanda Chamberlain. Chamberlain is currently tied for second in the nation in attack percentage (.459) and draws the defense in, further opening up the outsides.
As the primary setter and team captain, junior Karley York always looks to keep the defense off balance with an array of options when Chamberlain runs the middle. “Most teams scout our middles which opens up the freshmen on the outside pins,” York said. “We always know that teams are going to double up on our middles, but that’s what we’re good at. We’re not going to go away from it [too much].” Chamberlain’s high attack percentage is largely a case of the Mean Green having so many weapons at their disposal on the court. Palileo never has to force her the ball because the Mean Green have other middle blockers like senior Holly Milam and sophomore Emma Eakin who can take some of the focus off Chamberlain. On the outsides, Palileo has a variety of talented players in senior Alexis Wright on the right side, as well as star freshmen Barbara Teakell and Valerie Valerian. This season, North Texas has five players who average 2.4 kills per set or more. In the past 13 seasons of North Texas volleyball, no team has had even four players reach 2.4 kills per set and only two teams have had a trio of players hitting at that rate.
The depth and variety in the offense is the most perplexing challenge to opposing teams’ defenses. “It provides a lot of competition, in practice especially,” Chamberlain said. “If you’re having a bad game, they’re always there and ready to step up and take that place. [Everyone] provides something new on the court.” The aforementioned Milam became the first player in North Texas history with 900 kills, 600 digs and 250 blocks in their career in a match against the University of Oklahoma last month. The numbers speak to her ability to do it all for this team, and she is one of the central cogs in allowing the offense to continue to click when Chamberlain or Wright need a breather. “Holly’s versatility is huge for us,” Palileo said. “When one person struggles we can put another player in, and Holly slides to that position. She’s adjusted to [the role] in practice, and she can do the same in game time.” The catalysts for all of these high flying attackers is York, who has racked up 921 assists this season and is averaging 11.81 assists per set — good for No. 8 in the country. As a team, North Texas averages 13.97 assists per set which ranks
No. 4 in the country. York is at the forefront of that success. “She talks [and makes] small adjustments after every set,” Chamberlain said. “[We’re] constantly growing and hanging out together so we can have that connection on and off the court. And then just putting up a hittable ball, that’s what she does best.” The serving on this team has been another key factor in winning points quickly. While serves are typically used to set up the defense, North Texas has been able to be more aggressive and, as a result, has seen its ace percentage rise to 1.53 per set. Junior setter and defensive specialist Alex Janak has a daunting serve, and Palileo gave her the green light to be aggressive with it. The same is true with most players on the roster. Both Janak and Milam are in the top 10 in C-USA in aces per set, and their impact has helped the offense as well. “It’s really helpful if we can get a lot of aces and that’s a big thing in practice,” Janak said. “[Palileo] wants us to be aggressive and we’ve done really well on getting kills off [our serves].” North Texas is ranked No. 65 in the country in RPI and has already broken several records, climbed
Senior middle blocker Amanda Chamberlain and junior setter Karley York have led Mean Green to a 20-2 record and second best attack percentage in Conference USA. Colin Mitchell | Visuals Editor leaderboards and impressed the whole conference with its play. The offense has been the side separating the team from the middle of the pack in C-USA play. The Mean Green average 14.95 kills per set and know in order to reach their goal of making the NCAA tournament, that group will need to continue to dominate.
“We have experience with talent and younger players who have talent,” Palileo said. “We’re trying to establish balance and open up the game a little more, but it still comes down to the players executing.”
@mattbrune25
OPINION THURSDAY, OCTOBER 26, 2017
Page 10
NTDAILY.COM
President Smatresk failed the UNT community in wake of Trump Jr. speech By The Editorial Board You were probably expecting our editorial this week to be focused on criticism surrounding Donald Trump Jr.’s speech through UNT’s Kuehne Speaker Series. Well, we’ve been there and done that. Our issue is with someone we thought saw UNT as more than a paycheck, but apparently doesn’t. That’s right — we’re talking to you, President Smatresk. When we first broke the story about Trump Jr. speaking as part of the Kuehne Series, your silence was deafening. Eventually, the outcry left you with no choice but to release a statement (although vague) addressing the upcoming controversial speech. But in the face of donors, you chose to backpedal after emails obtained by The Dallas Morning News
showed you trying to stop the event from taking place. In several emails to faculty, you wrote you were “not enthused” Trump Jr. was speaking and “I am trying to stop it, but it isn’t an easy thing. Untangling this donor advised talk is more difficult than I expected.” Then, perhaps fittingly, Trump Jr. insinuated you were “the noise” surrounding opposition of his appearance. Instead of choosing to stand beside the countless students, faculty and alumni you represent — who were vocal about their confusion regarding what Trump Jr. had to offer UNT — you chose to save face at the event by expressing support of the speech. Rather than reassert your duty to represent UNT’s values, morals and community as a whole, you chose to shift
attention to journalists by saying a lot of “fake news” clouded the time leading up to the speech. A speech that accused modern universities and professors of teaching college students they can go on to be Marxist philosophers and feminists after graduation —all while you and other UNT alumni and officials sat at tables starting at $5,000 a piece. This was an event put on by university donors, so were your hands tied? Probably. But regardless, this was an opportunity for you to stand by not only your own convictions, but the convictions of those you represent. It’s no secret UNT is a progressive school, so it also came as no surprise that when Trump Jr.’s speech was originally announced, the response was
overwhelmingly negative. No one has claimed there aren’t people who supported Trump Jr.’s appearance, but all you have to do is take a quick look at the reactions on social media and public letters by UNT faculty to figure out which side of the scale is heavier. You had a duty to UNT students, faculty and administration — and you let them down. After leaving the stage at the event, you came across as, if nothing else, disingenuous. As president of our university, it is your responsibility to stand by the views of the UNT community — not pander to people cutting the checks. And in that regard, you failed miserably.
@ntdaily
Peacefully protesting will lead to real change By Garron Weeks Staff Writer America was founded upon ideas of freedom and liberty. However, the history of the United States hasn’t completely lived up to its Pledge of Allegiance in “liberty and justice for all.” The Pledge of Allegiance was adopted on Columbus Day in 1892, 400 years after Christopher Columbus first discovered North America in the Europeans’ eyes. However, it wasn’t until after hundreds of years of slavery and racism that the United States’ government finally recognized all human beings to be equal in 1954. In the past 60 years, our country has made progress towards living up to our pledge of allegiance in “liberty and justice for all.” However, racism and hatred are still sadly prevalent across America today. Video recording capabilities on cell phones have only been around for ten years, and with that, the rise of social media platforms has brought to light many cases of police brutality occurring against unarmed minorities in America. While the wounds of inequality are still healing every day, and more viral videos leak, more tension is being brought about between the
police and the communities they are sworn to serve and protect. With the freedom of speech, professional athletes are using their national platform to protest the evils they are seeing repeatedly occur. Colin Kaepernick, who kneeled for the national anthem at the beginning of the 2016 NFL Season, said, “This is bigger than football and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.” Professional athletes are celebrities with voices and actions that are seen at the national level. Colin Kaepernick accomplished his mission in bringing the conversation to the forefront about the injustices still occurring in our free country. However, a counter debate to the kneeling during the anthem is lead by the current President of the United States. President Donald Trump tweeted, “If a player wants the privilege of making millions of dollars in the NFL, or other leagues, he or she should not be allowed to disrespect… our Great American Flag (or Country) and should stand for the National Anthem. If not, YOU’RE FIRED. Find something
else to do!” Taking the stance that citizens “should not be allowed to disrespect our Great American Flag” is both authoritative and dangerous. I have great respect for my friends and family that have served in the military, but I do not owe my life to a piece of cloth or an anthem being played. If human beings are seeing injustices facing their fellow citizens and choose to protest, they should be able to freely exercise their right to do so. I also believe that the owners of these teams have the full right to fire or suspend players for doing so. Professional teams are privately owned and may fire employees that do not represent them. “I have to stand up for people that are oppressed,” Kaepernick said. “If they take football away, my endorsements from me, I know that I stood up for what is right.” I believe authoritative nationalism is very detrimental to a free society. Every being should have the right to their own freedom and liberty. A president telling his citizens they “should not be allowed to disrespect” the flag and the country is reminiscent of dictator-like leadership. The idea of American citizens owing their life
to the government is evil and that once we become an adult,we must sign our life away to a war draft is outrageous. Every day I think about how grateful I am to live in a free country, but this place is far from perfect, and I believe speaking up and protesting is the only way real change will happen. While President Trump and others claim that these protests are disrespecting the military and the flag, there is a #VeteransForKaepernick movement happening. Veteran Jason Taylor tweeted, “I served 21 years to defend freedoms to protest injustice. #VeteransForKaepernick.” America was built on our Declaration of Independence “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” Peaceful protest is exactly how genuine change can come to fruition. Since Kaepernick’s kneeling, a greater conversation has started, and I believe it has made a positive impact on police and community relations. The government and the police hold a monopoly of power in the United States, but they derive their powers from the consent of the governed. Speak up for what you believe in.
@GarronWeeks
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Pumpkin spice is less irritating than all the griping about it By Rachel Herzer Staff Writer It was a dark and stormy night in early September. Writhing around in my sleep, sweaty and mumbling something about Food Network, my heartbeat picked up. It got faster and faster. A thunderclap tore through the night sky and I jolted awake, trying to forget the content of my nightmare. Pumpkin spice. Pumpkin spice has essentially become the flavor mascot for fall, owing much of its acclaim to Starbucks’ (almost) ubiquitously revered Pumpkin spice latte. Since the inception of this drink, the flavor started showing up in just about everything, from gum, to hummus, to burgers. The pumpkin spice trend is beating a dead gourd at this point. There are thousands of other flavors that evoke those same warm, fuzzy, autumn feelings: cinnamon raisin, maple pecan, and salted caramel just to name a few. And those suckers that pop up every fall serve as a reminder of how good the caramel apple flavor combination is. You know the ones. But the only thing more annoying than the ever-presence of this seasonal flavor everywhere you look is the people complaining about it. Just like any other pop culture icon, for every diehard pumpkin spice fan there is an equal and opposite hater. Of course we aren’t always going to agree on everything — that’s completely normal. There will probably be several responses to this very article vehemently disagreeing with me. But if you’re constantly talking about how “annoying” and “basic” everyone is that raves about the flavor, you’re even more irritating than they are. Thanks to the help of our corporate overlords, we have made pumpkin spice a sort of cultural phenomenon by forcing it into everyone’s eyes, nose and mouth every fall season since it was popularized. However, Nielsen reports that pumpkin-themed product sales are increasing at a much slower pace than previous years. Pumpkin spice cynics may be heartened to know that our society is not as enamored by the flavor as it once was, so perhaps this year they can hold onto their “every mainstream thing is bad” takes. People are allowed to enjoy things, no matter how overrated, antiquated, or weird they are. My family, to this day, brings up the fact that I couldn’t pronounce R’s until I was seven. The joy they derive from this fact doesn’t hurt anything (besides my pride), so it’s their prerogative to enjoy it and talk about it as often as they want. So, annoyed as you might be, refrain from being a jerk-o-lantern this season and let people enjoy however many sweet, orange-y brown, warmly-spiced products their hearts desire. Though we may have our differences, we must respect those that prefer their fall with more gourd than gore. Orange you glad I didn’t say pumpkin again?
@coolrachdoritos
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