Moroccan Bites brings a taste of North African cuisine to San Antonio see page 6
I-35 Rivalry comes back to San Antonio see page 8
Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio
February 21, 2012
Volume 47
Issue 6
Main Building evacuated because of gas leak Carly Cirilli Intern
Photo Illustration: Burk
news@emailaddress.com UTSA’s Main Building was temporarily closed Feb. 20 due to an abnormally high amount of CO2 present. The gas, which is normally colorless, was added to a solution to make it visible and was released in the building’s sewage pipes to check for leaks, according to Director of Emergency Handling, Lorenzo Sanchez. The gas, which looked like smoke, was primarily seen in a third floor restroom and
prompted someone to pull a fire alarm. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s website (OSHA), “carbon dioxide is an asphyxiant in humans.” In other words a person’s blood would unable to carry sufficient amounts of oxygen if too much CO2 is inhaled. Sanchez said the gas was removed from the building by turning the air handling system in reverse to push the air out of the Main Building. It was closed for approximately three hours, and classes resumed as scheduled by 3:30 p.m.
The Board of Regents approve a proposal to raise the standards of admission for applicants starting in 2013.
UTSA tightens admissions standards Daniel Crotty Staff writer
news@emailaddress.com “It will help improve the quality of our student body,” UTSA President Ricardo Romo said about the recently approved proposal to increase the admissions standards for UTSA. No changes will be made to first quartile applicants; they will still be offered admission without consideration to these scores. However, students in the second, third, and fourth quartile; transfer students; homeschooled students and students from non-ranking or non-accredited programs will be affected, starting in the fall of 2013. According to Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs George Norton, “Standards are changing because UTSA needs to increase its graduation rates.” Norton explained that these rates are important because, “they ensure UTSA students are well served, and they reflect that UTSA is a good steward of state and student monies supporting the institution.” Norton also mentioned that gradu-
ation rates are also a characteristic examined in the Tier One funding process. In regard to planned future admission standard increases, Norton foretold, “We can expect a review of the requirements in 2015 to 2016 and will at that time determine if any additional changes should be proposed.” Specifically, second quartile students will be required to have an SAT score of 1100 out of 1600, up from 960, which is a 14.6 percent increase. The ACT score requirement will increase from 20 to 24, a 20 percent increase. Applicants who do not meet these scores will still be considered for individual review. Third and fourth quartile students were previously considered on an individual review basis, with no minimum score requirement; however, the new changes require third quartile students to have an SAT score of 1000 or an ACT score of 21 or greater just to be considered for individual review. Fourth quartile students must have minimum SAT score of 1100 and an ACT score of 24 plus just to be considered for admission.
“Students below the levels required for individual review can know in advance that we will probably deny their applications,” Norton said. Transfer student GPA requirements for admission will increase from 2.0 to 2.25 out of a maximum of 4.0, or a 6.25 percent increase. Students from accredited high schools that do not rank will be evaluated exactly like second quartile students: if they achieve the standardized testing requirements, they will be admitted. If they do not, they will be considered under individual review. Homeschooled, GED, and non-accredited high school programs (ranking or not), will be treated like fourth quartile students. Junior communication major Amy Medrano responded positively to the change. “It’s definitely a challenge to the people who want to come here, but it is also a motivation to work harder (in high school). UTSA is trying to become more well known, so when it comes to that, more challenge is better. To get what we want, we’ve got to work hard,” Medrano said.
SGA to hold special election Feb. 21
Former speaker visits San Antonio to endorse Congressional candidate Sarah Gibbens news@paisano-online.com
Staff writer
File photo
news@emailaddress.com
UTSA’s Student Government Association hold a fund raising event on campus in the Sombrilla Plaza.
resigned was in the 2009 to 2010 administration when the treasurer, Chris Kuta, resigned for personal reasons.” The consensus on former SGA Vice President Victor Hinojosa’s resignation aligned with Kuta’s reasoning for stepping down. It was for personal reasons, but the specifics surrounding this reason are unknown. Though this resignation comes as a surprise
Nancy Pelosi presents a diploma to a recent graduate.
Staff writer
Katy Glass
UTSA’s Student Government Association (SGA) must re-align their forces in continuing service to the student body by holding a special election for vice president. Recently, the vice president of SGA resigned, leaving the position unmanned. Despite the abrupt resignation, SGA is well versed in dealing with the unexpected and is changing ranks to continue moving forward. John Montoya, assistant director of student leadership and the SGA, pointed out that SGA senators resign every semester explaining that the positions can be very demanding. SGA President Xavier Johnson gave a similar response concerning the frequency and reasoning for SGA senators resigning. He then explained officer resignations. “Members typically do not resign from officer positions, but they do occasionally resign from other positions such as senator positions, either to focus on classes, other organizations or other areas of campus involvement,” Johnson said. “The last time an officer
Courtesy of Nancy Pelosi campaign website
Thanks but no thanks:
to SGA members, it has not been met with criticism, as SGA members defend his need to resign. A special vote will be held to fill the vacated position. The nominees include Kort Jackson, Boyd Garriott and Anthony Herrera.
See SGA, Page 3
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) travelled to San Antonio for an early morning reception held just west of downtown to publicly endorse Texas State Representative Joaquin Castro to represent the 20th U.S. Congressional District. Joaquin Castro is the identical twin brother of San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, who also attended the event. Joaquin Castro has been called a “rising star in his party” by the Texas Tribune and “one of the top 50 leaders to watch” by Politico.com. At 28-years-old, Joaquin Castro was elected into the Texas Legislature and is currently serving his fifth term. Running his campaign under what he calls the “Infrastructure of Opportunity,” the Texas Representative places issues, such as education and healthcare, at the forefront of his fight for equality. The 20th U.S. Congressional District is entirely within Bexar County, although Texas’ ongoing redistricting battle may slightly alter its borders. Pelosi, who champions many of the same values as Joaquin Castro, encouraged the crowd to elect a Democrat who would fight for their rights. The minority leader—who is the highest-ranking woman in the Federal government and was the first female Speaker of the House—spoke at Saturday’s reception, criticizing the recent congressional debate over birth control by standing up for women and their right to contraceptives. The speaker also praised San Antonio for having facilitated the Dream Act— which would have granted citizenship to illegal immigrants who attended college or served in the military—saying that Hispanic communities “make America more American.” As Pelosi opened her speech, she noted that one name is reverently spoken of when mentioning Texas politics, “and that name is Gonzalez.” Congressman Charlie Gonzalez, son of the famed Henry B. Gonzalez (the first Hispanic representative from Texas), told the crowd, “A vote for Joaquin is a vote to reinstate Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House.” The crowd responded with a standing ovation. Charlie Gonzalez is serving his last term in the House and is endorsing Joaquin Castro as the candidate to fill his soon-to-be vacant seat. See PELOSI, Page 3
2
Advertisments
The Paisano
February 21, 2012
The Paisano
February 21, 2012
SGA: VP position up for grabs From Page 1
The victor of this special election shall act as the official SGA VP for a total of three weeks until the SGA general elections in March. Despite this brief term, the winner will have the incumbent’s advantage against opponents during the official elections. Therefore, this special election will be a trial period for the winning candidate, offering UTSA’s student body an opportunity to preview the winner’s abilities.
If the student body disapproves, they need only wait three weeks to choose someone else. Besides the adjustment in leadership, SGA has many other plans for change. Johnson brushed over a few of these plans. “We are looking to get more food options at the downtown campus such as a Starbucks,” Johnson said, commenting on a much-needed change for the downtown campus. Johnson touches on an issue that
many students would like to see resolved. “Establish a registration wait list so students don’t have to wait in the middle of the night to register for a class,” Johnson said. He pointed out other advents SGA is exploring to include expansions and critique of the new +/- grading system. Students can vote on ASAP Feb. 21 through Feb. 22. Results of the election will be posted Feb. 23 by 3 p.m.
TCU drug bust includes 4 football players Associated Press Authorities arrested 17 students at Texas Christian University on Wednesday as part of a six-month drug sting, an especially embarrassing blow to the school because it included four members of the high-profile football team. Arrest warrants painted a startling picture of the Horned Frogs, with a handful of players who allegedly arranged marijuana sales after class or around practice and who told police that most of the team had failed a surprise drug test just two weeks ago. According to police, players sold undercover officers marijuana during the season and as recently as last week. “There are days people want to be a head football coach, but today is not one of those days,” coach Gary Patterson said in a prepared statement. “As I heard the news this morning, I was first shocked, then hurt and now I’m mad.” The 17 people arrested were caught making “hand-to-hand” sales of marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy and prescription drugs to undercover officers, police said. They said the bust followed an investigation prompted by complaints from students, parents and others. TCU has an enrollment of about
9,500 students, but the athlete arrests drew the most scrutiny. The bust came just one day after a thrilling overtime victory by the men’s basketball team over a ranked opponent and less than 24 hours after TCU released its football schedule for next season, its first in the Big 12 Conference. Three prominent defensive players on the team were arrested: linebacker Tanner Brock, the leading tackler two seasons ago, defensive tackle D.J. Yendrey and cornerback Devin Johnson. The other player is offensive lineman Ty Horn. While school Chancellor Victor Boschini said he didn’t think TCU had a “football problem,” the arrest affidavits raise the possibility that other players were involved. In November, a Fort Worth police officer was informed that Horn was selling marijuana to “college students and football players at Texas Christian.” The officer allegedly bought marijuana that day, Nov. 3, two days before a road game at Wyoming, from both Horn and Yendrey. Officers during the next several months allegedly set up drug deals with the players outside restaurants, a grocery store and other areas around campus. On Jan. 19, Brock allegedly sold an officer $200 worth of marijua-
na after Yendrey ran out. “After a short conversation about the marijuana, Brock and I exchanged phone numbers, telling me to come to him from now on instead of (Yendrey),” according to the affidavits. Horn and Johnson scoffed at the Feb. 1 team drug test ordered by Patterson, police said. Brock allegedly told an undercover officer that he failed the surprise test ``for sure,’’ but that it wouldn’t be a problem because there “would be about 60 people screwed.” Horn had looked through the football roster and “said there were only 20 people that would pass the test on the team,” Brock said, according to the warrant. And six days after the test, Johnson allegedly sold an officer $300 worth of marijuana. Asked about the test, he said: “What can they do, 82 people failed it.” In response to that allegation, TCU cornerback Kolby Griffin posted a tweet on his personal account Wednesday that read, “This rumor about 82 of us failing a drug test is false completely false.” TCU released a statement late Wednesday afternoon that said the school tests its athletes for drug use “on a regular basis.’’ “The comments about failed drug
News
3
WEEKLY POLICE BLOTTER COURTESY OF THE UTSA PD Criminal mischief Parking lot 15 02/13/2012 04:18 PM Disposition: Active
Theft Main Building 02/15/2012 08:59 PM Disposition: Acive
Harassment Main campus 02/13/2012 04:27 PM Disposition: Active
Theft Recreation center 02/15/2012 09:15 PM Disposition: Active
Theft Recreation center 02/10/2012 07:42 PM Disposition: Active
Unauthorized use of disabled parking Durango Loop lot 02/16/2012 11:25 AM Disposition: Active
Possession of drug paraphernalia Laurel Village 02/14/2012 10:34 PM Disposition: Cleared by arrest Theft Parking lot 5 02/14/2012 10:43 PM Disposition: Active tests made by the separated players in affidavits cannot be verified simply because they were made in the context of a drug buy,” the school said. Patterson declined to answer questions beyond his prepared statement. Phone messages left at the homes of Horn, Johnson and Yendrey were not immediately returned. Brock did not have a listed home number. All of the players are 21 except for Yendrey, who is 20. Brock was being held on $10,000 bond at the Mansfield city jail. Johnson and Horn were being transferred to the jail on Wednesday afternoon and Yendrey had not been arraigned. Police said they had yet to determine if other football players were involved
Assault Roadrunner Cafe 02/16/2012 10:07 PM Disposition: Closed by exceptional means
or would be charged. Officials said the students had been “separated from TCU” and criminally barred from campus, but it wasn’t clear if the players had been kicked off the team. But their names had already been removed from the football roster posted on the school’s athletic website. “I expect our student-athletes to serve as ambassadors for the university and will not tolerate behavior that reflects poorly on TCU, the athletics department, our teams or other student-athletes within the department,” athletic director Chris Del Conte said. (To continue reading the rest of theis story goto paisano-online.com)
PELOSI: Castro brother hoping for seat in Washington, D.C. From Page 1
Not to be excluded from local politics, the Young Democrats at UTSA were present at the invitation-only event, and worked as volunteers. Pelosi, who met with the college activists after her speech, thanked them for their support and encouraged them to continue their work campaigning for Representative Castro. Hannah Beck, Secretary of the Young Democrats, helped organize the college group’s involvement for the event. Beck remarked that Pelosi spoke on the importance of “diversity and economic growth during the next decade, as well as embracing Texas’ unique culture, which Joaquin Castro is absolutely a proponent of.” Beck believes that Pelosi’s appearance “symbolized a shift in priorities by the Obama administration,” and that the speaker’s personal endorsement, “sends a message to Texas voters that D.C. will welcome a Democrat from Texas.”
While the House of Representatives is in recess, Pelosi has traveled throughout South Texas, and after Saturday’s event with Castro attended Laredo’s annual Washington’s Birthday Celebration in honor of President’s Day. Serving as a representative from San Francisco, Pelosi explained her ties to Texas by telling the crowd she has three grandchildren living in the Lone Star State, whom she affectionately refers to as her “three little cowboys.” Following her trip to Laredo, the speaker traveled to College Station to speak at the George Bush Presidential Library at Texas A&M to address issues of partisanship and encourage political cohesiveness. In her closing remarks to the crowd, Pelosi urged Texans to continue to support their liberal candidates. She believes that with collective support, Texas will once again be a Democrat majority state and “go blue.”
Libel Seminar! Feb. 23 at 6:00pm 14545 Roadrunner Way At the Paisano office To be conducted by Richard H. Noll Learn how to avoid getting sued for what you write.
The Paisano
February 21, 2012
Opinion
The Paisano
Editorial Saving our pennies by eliminating the penny
Editor-in-Chief:
Today a penny is relatively worthless. It costs more money to make a penny than it is actually worth. President Obama recently asked congress to approve changing the material used to make a penny and a nickel to a less expensive material. The real proposal should be to rid the country of the penny all-together. It costs 2.4 cents to make a mint penny. The two major reasons for keeping the penny is sentimentality and the fear of price increase since prices would have to round to the nearest nickel.
Allison Tinn
News Editor: Ryan Branch
News Assistant: Matthew Duarte
Paseo Editor:
Victor H. Hernandez
Arts Editor:
Katy Schmader
Arts Assistant: Katy Glass
Sports Editor:
Stephen Whitaker
Sports Assistant: Richard Castillo
Photo Editor:
Brianna Cristiano
Ads Manager: Kevyn Kirven
Business Manager: Jenelle Duff
Web Editor: Burk Frey
Staff:
Sylvia Alejandro, Crystal Alsip, Henry Anderson, Jed Arcellana, Daniel Corona III, Daniel Crotty, Dylan Crice, Sarah Gibbens, Emily Grams, Annie Highfield, Joshua Morales, Cliff Perez
Contributing Staff:
Rubina Haroon, Charles Horvilleur, Jay Weber, Morgan Kennedy, Biljana Jovanova, Casey Lee, Kathleen Palomo, Matt Bailey, Biljana Jovanova, Lorenzo Lopez, Victoria Garcia, Stephen Gonzalez, Vanessa Osteguin, Kate Bartanusz, Ray Perez, Alyssa Gonzales
Advisor:
Diane Abdo
Advisory Board:
Steven Kellman, Mansour El Kikhia, Jack Himelblau, Sandy Norman, Matt Stern
Interns:
Madelyn Garner, Carly Cirilli, Richard Rowley, Melissa Lopez, Erica Cavazos The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a nonprofit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by
Send letters to:
editor@paisano-online.com Letters must be less than 400 words and include the writer’s name, classification or title and telephone number. The Paisano reserves the right to edit all submissions.
The Paisano encourages new comic submissions! Send to
Editor@paisano-online.com
Got an eye for design?
The Paisano needs graphic designers and Indesign fiends! Contact: editor@paisano-online.com
Join us! The Paisano has meetings every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. near The Cantina.
Commentary What is a hero? The recent passing of Whitney Houston spawned international mourning and remembrance for the troubled singer. Her funeral was televised on multiple networks along with an Internet broadcast. Whenever a star like this dies, people make comments like, “She meant so much to me,” or “She was my hero.” The idea that a singer or any other celebrity could be somebody’s hero seems outlandish, but many would count a celebrity as a huge influence on their lives. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition of a hero is “a mythological or legendary figure often of divine descent endowed with great strength or ability.” That describes exactly none of the celebrities who can be found in a tabloid. There’s no reason to idolize these people. The only thing they contribute to society is some form of entertainment that can be consumed at a price. Kim Kardashian is a weekly fixture
In addition, there is the argument that it cost more to make a nickel than it does to make a penny and, by taking away the penny, more nickels would have to be made. Many households have pennies stowed away in jars or under couches these coins are not used every day and are a loss of money. The penny has become a useless coin because as it cannot be used in vending machines, at toll booths, and, at most establishments, pennies are not accepted in large quantities. Pennies are also the one coin found lying around the streets the most because
no one gets upset when they lose a few pennies. If it costs the country 2.4 cents to mint a coin and 7.4 billion pennies are made per year, just imagine how much we can save as taxpayers if we just stop making them. We have moved into a credit/debit card society and having bills, let alone pennies, is a rarity. We should embrace the couple of cents per day that we would be losing if we eliminated the penny and gain the long-term benefits, we would be gaining as taxpayers.
What is your dream job?
Nathaniel Tang Sophomore / biology “Heart surgeon.”
in all celebrity news. At this point, most people don’t remember why she’s famous in the first place. Let me refresh your memory, dear reader. She made a sexually explicit tape with Ray J., who is the younger brother of pop singer Brandy. Now every time she sneezes or gains 10 pounds, we have to read about it. On top of that, both Ray J. and Kim Kardashian have had multiple television shows. The other day I was talking with some friends about the upcoming Batman film, and something was said about Anne Hathaway playing Catwoman in the film. My friend replied, “I hate her. She’s horrible.” The rest of the girls in that conversation universally agreed. I was shocked. How could anybody hate someone they’ve never met? I inquired further—“Why do you hate her?”— only to be met with a swift reply of, “In general, she’s just horrible.” I don’t understand why celebrities cause so much controversy and inspire outrage from the public. Their contribution to the world is limited at best, yet every word they say is dissected and debated. Before writing this article, I decided to browse a couple of gossip sites to get a feel for
what I would be talking about. I can say that they are, without a doubt, the downfall of society. Still, these sites are hugely successful, and they show no sign of going away. What makes all of this so sad is that people, who are real heroes who contribute positive things to the world, largely overlooked. Most people couldn’t identify one Nobel Prize recipient, but many people could name Lindsay Lohan’s last five boyfriends. The biggest question is “why?” Why did making the world a better place become secondary to celebrity gossip? Why did Whitney Houston become more newsworthy than the Dalai Lama? While there’s no concrete answer, the smoking gun is held by none other than we. We, the consumers, demand this type of news, and the celebrity news outlets readily supply the content. So instead of trying to better the world, just go make a sex tape. People will care more about that anyway.
sense of propriety and common sense, and lowered the communicative standards of The Paisano to the same gutter level as that of the person you were quoting. Surely, you are aware of the technique of paraphrasing and using such devices as “(expletive deleted)” when quoting what I refer to as “trash words.” Do you rationalize such lack of communication skill in the name of your “right” to “freedom of the press” and a distain for “censorship”? What about your responsibility for civility and respect for your readers who strive for communication excellence? Adding insult to injury, you pub-
Sophia Lorenzo Sophomore / biology
“I would be a benevolent dictator, so I could alter the human genome to improve people’s lives.”
Cliff Perez Staff Writer
Letter to the Editor Language not suit able f or publication Reference your February 14, 2012 Opinion Page, specifically your Editorial and the Photo Poll. I am tremendously disappointed in the lack of journalistic sophistication and professionalism that these two items reflect. Regarding the editorial on the use of powerful words in frivolous circumstances, I thought this article a well-written, well-intentioned commentary on a specific use of words in both written and oral communication. That is, until I read the final paragraph quoting of a curse word. In my view, this reflected a lack of a
Photo Poll
5
lished—apparently, verbatim—the vocabulary skills of a senior student said to be from the College of Business who used a more descriptive form of the same expletive you quoted in your editorial. I assure you that neither the College of Business nor the rest of the university condone such “trash.” I now appreciate more your advisory that, “The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA.” Thank goodness! Dr. Bennie Wilson College of Business
Colton Colin
Freshman / communication “I’d like to own a plumbing company.”
Jabari Earl
Sophomore / business “I’d own a marketing firm.”
Letter to the Editor Education ma jor ‘st ands behind name’ This is in response to the letter to the editor submitted by Dan Rossiter, but I just want to make it perfectly clear that I am NOT a character on a canceled television show. I was born with the name Veronica Mars. It is my given name. I am not insecure in my views or attempting to stand behind a curtain of anonymity. I would think that as a student in the College of Sci-
ence, which would stand behind logical thinking, that Mr. Rossiter would know that I would have to be a real student and provide contact information to verify that. It’s not that difficult of an assumption that a letter to the editor would be verified. I did not imply that the College of Education is the most difficult, only that our classes require more than
the author of the original article implied. I merely asked that the faculty be apologized to for the implication that they have no integrity in grading. Still, standing behind my name and my views. Veronica Mars
Lindsey Westmoreland Freshman / communication
Letter to the Editor S t anding up f or f ellow education ma jor When I read the February 14th issue of the Paisano I was amused by the response to a letter written by COEHD student Veronica Mars. Dan Rossiter accuses her of using an alias and spent a good portion of his article belittling her for it. Veronica Mars is very real. I see her daily and she is a dedicated student and I believe she will be an asset as a teacher. It is laughable that Mr. Rossiter could not wrap his head around the pos-
sibility that someone else just might have the same name as a character on a television show. Mr. Rossiter stands by his assumption that COEHD students have inflated grades or easier classes. Logic dictates that such a theory should be backed with evidence. He only provided his (albeit uneducated) opinion based on…what? How did he come to believe that becoming an educator is a cake walk and grades are handed to
“I want to work on the Walt Disney creative team and help create children’s shows.”
you on a silver platter? I really don’t know. I believe Veronica was trying to point out that such speculation is, in fact, very disrespectful and a slight to all her hard work. It is unfortunate that Mr. Rossiter cannot appreciate that. Kendra Michael
More articles and media content at: paisano-online.com
Jordan Lacy
Freshman / business “I’d own a business where young people can come by and be mentored about life issues or anything else. Sort of a community center setting.” Photo poll: Alyssa Gonzales
4
Paseo
The Paisano
February, 21 2012
COACH LARRY COKER The champion of the Roadrunners’ nest Sports Assistant
paseo@paisano-online.com “Larry Coker has been at the pinnacle of the college football world, and he got there by paying his dues and working extremely hard for many years. He’ll bring that same kind of energy to UTSA. They are lucky to have him,” Head Coach Mack Brown of the University of Texas Longhorns football team said about the first-ever head football coach at UTSA. Coker has led college football players for 30 years, and was named the Roadrunners’ head football coach on March 6, 2009. The Roadrunners started their new football tradition with a proven winner leading them. UTSA finished their inaugural season 4-6, but the excitement for football was here to stay in the Alamo City. When Coker was asked for his reason for coming back to coach college football, he responded, “Two things I missed: one was the competition, and the other thing was camaraderie and relationship with the players and coaches.” Coker made his biggest impact while he was at the University of Miami from 2001 to 2006. During his tenure, the Hurricanes were consistently in the national spotlight and contenders for the national title. In 2001, Coker led the Hurricanes to the College National Championship in Coker’s first season as a head coach. That was the first time a rookie head coach had accomplished that feat in 53 years. Coker finished his career at Miami with a record of 60-15. He has coached players who have not only advanced to the NFL, but have also become elite talents and leaders for their respective franchises. Some
of the players on Coker’s 2001 championship roster for the Hurricanes were Houston Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson, Carolina Panthers tight end Jeremy Shockey and Baltimore Ravens safety Ed Reed. A couple of Coker’s players also played recently in Super Bowl XLVI: safety Antrel Rolle for the Super Bowl Champions New York Giants and the New England Patriots’ defensive tackle Vince Wilfork. From all of the former players that have been coached by Coker, it is perhaps New Orleans Saints’ linebacker Jonathan Vilma who has been most outspoken about the coach’s influence. Vilma graduated from Miami with a degree in finance and continued his football career in the NFL. He was named the 2004 Defensive Rookie of the Year and later helped the Saints win Super Bowl XLIV. Vilma credits his current success to the lessons he learned from Coker, and not all of them were on the football field.
“He’s been a big influence, more so, a leader. He let me develop as a person and as a man. He let me develop as a player. Coaches can be overbearing and force the issue on a team,” Vilma said. “The best thing about Coker was that he cared about you on and off the field. That’s one thing he wanted guys to understand. Yes, we can be one win away from the championship, but it’s important to get your degree and get a job when you graduate.” It’s truly a simple message for Coker’s players. Football is something these players do; it is not who they are entirely. One of the trademarks of Coker’s teams is that his players shine on the field and in the classroom as well. In his career, 73 student-athletes have earned academic all-conference distinctions. Coker continues to push his students to succeed in the classroom. “I think the biggest thing that I’m proud of is the fact that we did graduate our players at Miami. My last recruiting class there was tied with Notre Dame with a 100 percent graduation rate,” Coker said. “I’m very proud of that. I have more players playing in the NFL than any other coach out there. But the fact of the matter is that most of my players aren’t playing in the NFL. The graduation part is a very big part of it,” Coker said. The coach believes that his players should represent the very best of what a university has to offer and become the best people they can be. “They should expect that they are going to graduate. They are going to do the right things, and also we are going to win championships. We are going to represent the university well,” Coker said. UTSA wide receiver Andrew Hall said, “The coaches emphasize not only hard work on the football field, but in life and in school. I really appreciate that from them. Every time after practice, Coach Coker would come talk to us as a group. He always tells us to be the best on the field and the best off the field.” Coker enjoys the energy that UTSA students and San Antonians have brought when they watch these young men take the field. “The city is awesome; it has been a great experience. The university has been so supportive, and we really appreciate that. I enjoy walking through campus and talking with the students; it’s a lot of fun for
In 2001, Coker led the Hurricanes to the College National Championship in his first season as a head coach. That was the first time a rookie head coach had accomplished that goal in 53 year. me,” Coker said. However, people can expect even bigger things to come for UTSA’s football team. “I see us going to a very high level and very well. We will be a Division I football team. I see us being very competitive in Division I. Competing and winning bowl games; that’s what I see in five years. I would love to see a UTSA championship ring on my finger,” Coker said. “I’m very honored and privileged to be here. It’s been one of the greatest moments of my life to have the opportunity to start up this program. Hopefully, we will see it come to fruition where we expect it to be.” Championships and students graduating: that is what Larry Coker is all about.
Coker File Proven Winner: Coker finished his career at Miami with a record of 60-15 (.800 winning percentage after six seasons). Nation’s Favorite: Coker was a two-time National Coach of the Year (2001-02), American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Region Coach of the Year (2001, ‘05) and Big East Coach of the Year (2001-02) honoree. Trampoline: Coker has coached 26 first-team AllAmericans and 96 first-team all-conference picks.
Courtesy of Ron Paul
Richard Castillo
All photos: file
This is the second part of a series profiling UTSA figures.
Arts&Life
Kate Bartanusz/ The Paisano
Recently featured in the Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives,” Moroccan Bites joins the companions of many other local eatieries that have been showcased.
More rockin’ bites Moroccan Bites brings worldly cuisine San Antonio’s backyard Erica Cavazos Intern
arts@paisano-online.com Moroccan Bites (MB), which was featured in famous restaurateur Guy Fieri’s series, “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” in the summer of 2011, is an African jewel hidden in Leon Valley. In an unassuming shopping center on the intersection of Evers and Wurzbach, the exterior is almost easy to miss if not for the crowd of cars in front of this small family-owned restaurant. Since it first opened in Nov. 2009,
Moroccan Bites has been serving San Antonio the best of cuisine from the northwestern part of Africa. In contrast to its modest exterior, Moroccan Bites’ interior décor has gorgeous Moroccan accents, from its tiled columns to its colorful lanterns. The crowd inside is a little jarring from the silence outside; as if stumbling upon a secret hiding place for foodies. The space seems far too small for MB’s popularity, and the cramped room detracts from the experience, making it somewhat less enjoyable. Sometimes short staffed, MB can be
The Paisano chaotic. The service is slow at times, from being seated to being served. However, at least one of the owners (Latifah El Maroudi and her daughters Nadia and Wafa) is usually running around to better serve the customers to the best of her ability. The food, however, makes the visit well worth the wait. The menu features many traditional dishes of Morocco, including hummus. Traditionally Moroccan hummus uses whole chickpeas, instead of the familiar Mediterranean paste of cuisine, which creates a hearty dish that has a subtle blend of saffron, green and red peppers and cilantro. Another great dish, which seems to be one of the most popular, is the lamb tagine with steamed vegetables. A tagine is a popular dish from the northern part of Africa that is named after the special pot in which it is cooked. Tagines usually include less expensive cuts of meat that have been braised and simmered until the meat is falling off the bone. MB accomplishes this splendidly. The server lifts up the orange, coneshaped top of the tagine pot, and there appears a beautiful pyramid of tender meat and brightly colored steamed
February 21, 2012 vegetables topped with a single curl of a lemon slice. The lemony aroma complements the bold flavor of the perfectly seasoned lamb and the sweetness of the carrots. The only criticism one may have about MB’s lamb tagine is that the broth at the bottom is almost pure fat that slightly solidifies as it cools. A diner who is unfamiliar with Moroccan cuisine might try MB’s delicious sandwiches as a first taste. The meat of MB’s sandwiches, whether chicken or lamb, is cubed and marinated overnight in traditional Moroccan herbs and spices. The sandwiches also include lettuce, tomato, onion and green olives. As tasty as the insides are, there doesn’t seem to be enough as MB’s sandwiches are dominated by its thick chunk of French bread. With all of its alluring dishes and beverages, Moroccan Bites adds another exotic flavor to San Antonio’s already diverse collection of cuisines. This lovely restaurant is a great find in a modest part of town. Moroccan Bites is located at 5714 Evers Road.
Campus Calendar Ongoing Events Cine Festival
(*editor’s choice) Get excited, this weekend the longest running Latino film festival will be celebrating its 34th year. Kick off for the event will occur on Fri., Feb. 25, and will continue for eight days. Continue to check with The Paisano, for highlights and reviews of the festival.
Contemporary Arts Month: Ty Wilcox and Lawrence Jennings As a part of Contemporary Art Month, SAC’s Visual Art Center will be exhibiting local artists, Ty Wilcox and Lawrence Jennings. (950 Lewis).
“Darwin: How One Man’s Theory Turned the World Upside Down” (*editor’s choice) Specimens, films, fossils and interactive media, oh my! Organized by the American Museum of Natural History in New York, the traveling Darwin Exhibit at the Witte is sure to impress.
“Death of a Salesman” (*editor’s choice) Enjoy this classic American play through the cast at the Rose Theater. Check page 7 for more details.
Jimmy James Canales: “Baila esta Cactus”
Kate Bartanusz/ The Paisano
6
August 26, 2008
(*editor’s choice) Take part in Graduate student’s Jimmy James Canales most recent performance piece at Cactus Bra SPACE (106 C Blue Star). Canales explores the relationship between the artist and a Prickly Pear Cactus, as his piece unveils the cycle of relationships.
Thursday, Feb. 23 6:30 p.m. Get REEL Film
Moroccan Bites has a variety of dishes at a moderate price.
John Philip Santos speaks among family
The McNay will continue their series with Warhol directed movies, as they screen “Beauty No. 2” this week.
7 p.m. Free Movie Thursday
As a part of their Free Movie Series, The Bijou will be showing “Love Story,” a 1970’s classic.
Friday, Feb. 24 6 p.m. Girl in a Coma
Carly Cirilli Intern
arts@paisano-online.com “I feel like I’m reading among family members and with family members,” UTSA faculty member John Phillip Santos told the considerable audience at the start of his creative writing reading on Friday, Feb. 17. Accompanied by an acoustic guitarist, Santos explained that he appreciates the rhythmic music in the background because it “makes [the reading] feel meaningful.” Whatever his reasons for having a guitarist may be, Santos made the reading meaningful. He read with such conviction that it would have been hard to be distracted by the background music. The audience was invited into his world when he read excerpts from his two memoirs, “Places Left Unfinished at the Time of Creation” and “The Farthest Home is an Empire of Fire.” Santos also read selected poems from his collection “Songs Older Than Any Known Singer.” It’s interesting to know who inspires an author like Santos who, has accomplished so much. One literary mentor of his was Laura (Riding) Jackson, who he described as being a “fitful poet.” Towards the end of his reading,
Santos displayed a quote from his mentor: “I propose that you seek in yourselves remembrance of the Before, and write what you find, and believe your words.” Santos has surely done just that with his memoirs-“Places Left Unfinished at the Time of Creation” was a finalist for the National Book Award. A former Rhodes Scholar, Professor Santos holds degrees in English Literature and Language from Oxford University and Philosophy and Literature from the University of Notre Dame. Professor Santos has also been inspired by Japanese screens which led to the creation of a collection of poems called “The November Screens.” He said he wanted to write poems that have the shape of the screenlong and rectangular, like Japanese screens that can be interchanged. A student in the audience asked Professor Santos what legacy he wants to leave with his writing. He answered, “I want the books to unsettle people with regard to who they think they are.” Santos’ writing transcends cultural borders. He told the audience, “If we are from everywhere, we have a right to be anywhere… and no borders will stand.”
Check out this week’s web exclusives: Scan this code (on the right) with your smart phone and a QR app, to read these articles online!
(*editor’s choice)
In celebration of their 10 year anniversary, Girl in a Coma will be screening their documentary “Jammin’” followed by a celebratory concert. This will all take place at the Guadalupe Plaza (1327 Guadalupe). The documentary will start at 6 p.m., followed by the concert at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door.
Movies to be released: “Act of Valor”- a group of Navy seals enbark on a mission to find a kidnapped CIA agent. Lots of gun-fighting and explosions, this movie is sure to satisfy those who are action-craved fanatics.
“Gone”- Missing teenage sisters, serial killers and a horrifying soundtrack. Sounds like a formula for a dud.
“Tyler Perry’s Good Deed’s”- Another Tyler Perry movie, for those who are looking to fulfill their desires. Right before his own wedding, an engaged man develops feelings for a single mom.
“Wanderlust”- Jennifer Aniston, Paul Rudd, and a whole house full of hippies. Comedy insues.
Tuesday, Feb. 28 7:30 p.m. Slacker 2011 (*editor’s choice)
In order to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Slacker,” a group of directors have gathered to freshen up the movie. The original “Slacker” arguably opened many doors to the indie movie scene, creating the new genre “mumblecore.” The movie will be sponsered by the Austin Film Society at the Bijou.
Want an event in our calendar? Email your event to arts@paisano-online.com
The Paisano
Katy Glass / The Paisano
February 21, 2012
Performances of “Death of a Salesman” continues until Feb. 25.
‘Death of a Salesman’: a performance far from dead Katy Glass Arts&Life Assistant
arts@paisano-online.com As America strains to pull itself out of recession, the household breadwinners’ need for economic and social support has inflated near the point of popping. With the loss of jobs comes the loss of composure, and while our financial plight intensifies our stresses, nerves and erodes our stability, relationships must be used as the rope and pull us from the ever deepening debt. In Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Sales-
man,” Willy Loman, the salesman, is overtaken by these stresses, dismantling his mental stability and all of his relationships. Director Jessie Rose’s production captured the calamity of Willy’s dissipating consciousness where a man’s resistance to let go of his pride causes him to lose his grip on his job, his family, his friends and his mind. The combination of the cozy playhouse, minimal set and impassioned acting form a composition true to Arthur Miller’s classic. Once clearing the threshold of The Rose Theatre, guests are greeted with friendly faces and frightfully delicious
snacks. This cozy theatre welcomes guests into the world of drama inside a blackbox style theatre with sketches of skyscrapers decorating the black walls and makeshift stadium seating that appealed to guests visually and physically. Scenes are staged with minimal props and setting, staying true to the plays’ traditional style. This lets the actors’ words and actions bring the drama to life. Empty picture frames on the set reflect the empty relationships of the characters, setting the dreary tone for audiences eagerly awaiting
Arts&Life Linda, painting the perfect portrait of a mother and wife. The dynamics of the brotherhood between Biff and Happy Loman, played by Jon Smith and Rocky Bronco, also captures the essence of Arthur Miller’s play, illustrating the relationship as playful but stained with Happy’s desire for more attention and Biff’s inability to escape the spotlight. Happy’s role generally takes a backseat to Biff’s, but in The Rose Theatre’s production, Happy captivates in a way that’s not typical to the play. Happy’s lines, generally tainted with his jeal-
“After all the highways, and the trains, and the appointments, and the years, you end up worth more dead than alive.” Charley
Death of a Salesman the start of the play. As the audience settles in their seats with freshly made pastries and decorations by Freaky Treats, the lights dim, the skyscrapers on the walls fade and the actors take the stage. Barry Goettl and Deborah Basham-Burns, acting as Willy Loman and his wife, Linda, project the deep, but strained, love of Willy and Linda. Goettl encompasses Willy’s degenerative state of mind with churning waves of anger, joy and annoyance washing over the audience as the character experiences episodes of hallucination and reality. Basham-Burns also succeeds in her role with her depiction of the loving
ously and need for attention, which are typically interpreted and delivered as whiny, are instead made comical, working well to contrast Biff’s angry outbursts. With the classic presentation of set and play, and the fresh take on Happy, The Rose Theatre’s production of “Death of a Salesman” is well worth $10 to $12. Through Feb. 25, Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 to $12 11838 Wurzbach Rd at Lockhill Selma. San Antonio, TX 78230 Box Office: 210-360-0004 therosetheatreco@yahoo.com
‘ C o o l S t o r y, B r o ’ Stephen Gonzalez Contributing Writer arts@paisano-online.com
Perhaps you’ve recently seen a Facebook page titled UTSA Memes. Maybe you’re one of the many students who has contributed one or more of the (at the time of this writing) nearly 900 memes currently on display. Or maybe you’ve just enjoyed wasting hours looking at them at all, laughing hysterically at the funny ones and cringing at the not-so-funny ones. “But what are memes?” some of you may be asking, scratching your heads. First things first: correct pronunciation, not “me-me” or “meh-meh,” meme uses the long ‘e’ sound with a single syllable like beam or jean. But what are these magical memes? Most people think memes are just funny pictures on the Internet with words scribbled over them. While that’s a fair surface level assessment, it doesn’t tell the entire story. The term meme was actually coined by evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins in 1976. He defined it quite simply as a unit of cultural transmis-
sion. For Dawkins, the meme was analogous to the biological gene. In the same way genes replicate and mutate, so do memes. It was Dawkins’ way of explaining cultural evolution, the process by which certain ideas spread and survive in an environment of selective cultural pressures. Creations such as catch-phrases and fashion trends were examples of memes, according to Dawkins. Memes are constantly struggling to survive in their cultural environment, but the Internet wasn’t around when Dawkins first started writing about memes. In the Internet age, however, memes have generally come to be known as “funny pictures with words scribbled over them.” Technically, that viral video spreading like wildfire through the Facebook cyber space is also a meme. Trending Twitter topics are currently thriving memes. Internet phrases like “cool story bro,” and “u mad?” are memes. February has seen an explosion of college-based meme pages popping up across the world. The UTSA Memes Facebook page has garnered over 4,000 “likes” in less than two weeks.
UTSA memes Facebook page
UTSA memes explodes online
Memes, such as the one pictured above, are classic examples of what can be found on the new “UTSA Memes” Facebook page.
Websites such as like memebase.com and quickmeme.com provide users with templates to quickly create their own meme in seconds. Whether you’re a fan of Success Kid, Hipster Kitty, Scumbag Steve or Philosoraptor, there’s something for everyone. So how does the student body feel about the memes? “I think they’re good because they’re bringing a sense of school spirit, even if we are making fun of ourselves,” senior anthropology major Colette Few said. Of course, with school spirit also comes a bit of school competition. There’s quite a few memes that are less about UTSA and more about taking a jab at rival Texas State. While the heat-
And the Oscar goes to . . . This year’s Academy Awards: all of us are in for a surprise Katy Schmader Arts & Life Editor
arts@paisano-online.com The red carpet has been unfurled, the Oscars are gleaming, and Billy Crystal will “suit up!” for the eighth time to host at this year’s Academy Awards. Audience members and viewers can expect strange things from this year’s ceremony, as it couldn’t be less decided by the fates. Best Picture: Nominees: “The Artist,” “The Descendants,” “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close,” “The Help,” “Hugo,” “Midnight in Paris,” “Moneyball,” “The Tree of Life” and “War Horse” Who should win: “The Artist,” a movie that uses both American and French actors, made an excellent stride
in proving that film is universal, an artistic form that anyone can enjoy. Winning could be a long stretch for “The Artist,” but there couldn’t be a movie that deserves it more. Who will win: This year it could be a toss up. “The Help” has a stereotypical Oscar-winning plot, tackling a difficult subject. “The Descendants,” and “Warhorse” both involve big-name directors, which also garner Oscar votes. With 10 nominations, “Hugo” could also be a contender in the ring. In other words, who knows?! Actor in a Leading Role: Nominees: Demián Bichir (“A Better Life”), George Clooney (“The Descendants”), Jean Dujardin (“The Artist”), Gary Oldman (“Tinker Tailor Solider Spy”) and Brad Pitt (“Money Ball”)
Who should win: This is Gary Oldman’s first nomination throughout a lifetime of consistently excellent roles, and his role as George Smiley in “Tinker Tailor Solider Spy.” Who will win: It’s a toss up between George Clooney or Brad Pitt. Both actors have gained a lot of recognition for their roles, but will all the buzz pull either into a win? Actor in a Supporting Role: Nominees: Kenneth Branagh (“My Week With Marilyn”), Jonah Hill (“Moneyball”), Nick Nolte (“Warrior”), Christopher Plummer (“Beginners”) and Max von Sydow (“Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close”). Who should win/ who will win: Christopher Plummer, although nominated multiple times, has never won an Oscar. As a straight man playing a gay man, odds are for him in the Oscar cicuit, as was the case with Sean Penn (“Milk”) and Tom Hanks (“Philidelphia”). It is also the most memorable role of the year, from this handful of actors. Actress in a Leading Role:
ed and rather childish arguments in some of the comments made me shake my head in disappointment, it is further evidence of UTSA’s shedding its commuter college skin. Rivalries are a part of college life, and as the popularity of these particular memes shows, an integral part of college culture. The best memes on display are the ones that point out the unique aspects of UTSA life. “They humorously point out some of the truths at our school,” junior history major, Andrew Vasquez said. Memes that point out how terrible Blackboard is? Cats roaming the campus? Unicycle girl? The depressing water fountain without water in it? UTSA is truly a special place. Nominees: Glenn Close (“Albert Nobbs”), Viola Davis (“The Help”), Rooney Mara (“The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”), Meryl Streep (“The Iron Lady”) and Michelle Williams (“My Week With Marilyn”). Who should win: Michelle Williams’ portrayal of Marilyn Monroe is what holds the film together. Her uncanny representation of the 60’s pop icon should pull her an Oscar, but because of Williams’ choices’ in roles she may be overpowered by more highrolling films, that brought in more viewers. Who will win: Viola Davis, whose role is as memorable as Williams’, derserves it just as much. It’s a tough competition between a couple of very talented women. Actress in a Supporting Role: Nominees: Berenice Bejo (“The Artist”), Jessica Chastain (“The Help”), Melissa McCarthy (“Bridesmaids”), Janet McTeer (“Albert Nobbs”), Octavia Spencer (“The Help”) Who should win: Octavia Spencer Who will win: Octavia Spencer To continue reading this story go to paisanoonline.com
7 What are you Watching?
Dylan Crice Staff Writer
arts@paisano-online.com Weekends are a time for students to unwind, kick back, microwave buttered popcorn and marvel at the wonders of the silver screen. Great films and exciting television shows can transport viewers to imaginative new worlds filled with unforgettable characters. UTSA students have diverse tastes in the entertainment. Check out what some of these students are watching: “Walking Dead” It is a very interesting take on a zombie story. It is a well made show. The storylines are interesting.” Latoia Bates Junior English major “American Dad,” “Law and Order: SVU” and “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” “They’re CRAZY!” Markus Vaughn Senior English major “Breaking Bad” “The reason I watch it is because it has great storylines. You think to yourself this could happen in real life. Chemistry teacher turned Drug/ Meth Dealer.” Randy Cruz Senior Marketing major “Downtown Abbey” “It’s the best show that I have seen in years and it’s not American. It has everything a show needs.” Jose Ortega Senior English major “How I Met Your Mother” “I wish I had HBO so that I could start watching “Game of Thrones.” Rachel Kane Senior English major “Fringe” “I like science fiction and stories with interesting plots and characters. The show is a thrill ride.” David Smith Senior English major “Will and Grace” “It reminds me so much about my best friend Damian. It’s a funny TV show about a gay man and straight woman’s relationship. Story of my life.” Krystal Flores Senior marketing major “Smallville” “I have a firm fascination with Superhero everything. The Marvel movies are my bread and butter.” Zachary Ruffcorm Sophmore English major “Seinfield,” NBA(anything), “Daily Show,” Bill Baher, “Godfather,” “Michael Clayton,” “Fight Club,” “Se7en” and “The Office” “I watch comedy on TV because of the writers. I watch mainly suspense, crime, thriller, psychological films because it’s more believable in that format.” George Leos Senior English major “How I Met Your Mother” “Every episode is hilarious.” Allison Vera Senior marketing major “Parks and Recreation” “I don’t watch television because of too many commercial. I stick with Netflix. I just finished watching the third season.” Andrew Kirkpatrick Junior comm. tech major
8
August 26, 2008
Sports
The Paisano
February 21, 2012
Alyssa Gonzales/ The Paisano
Work in Progress
UTSA’s Ashley Spaletta dribbles past Caitlyn Baggett of McNeese State during action Wednesday, Feb. 15. Spaletta finished with 10 points in a losing effort.
Woe for February Ad for Jan. 31 Paisano edition:
Ad
You’re Invited . . . To Discover Something Beautiful! Free HU Chant with Discussion 7:00-8:00PM, Thursday, February 2
Roadrunner womenInfo. still– (210) searching for first win in a month 737-6863, ibi677@my.utsa.edu UTSA (1604), Montgomery Rm., UCIII, 2.214A.1
Learnmade how themselves to sing HU, ancient name for that the Runners were unable to overThe Cowgirls at an come. home early and then held off the RunStephen Whitaker God, for your spiritual upliftment. Unlike in Wednesday’s game, ners. Sports Editor Presented by the Eckankar Student Organization though, in Saturday’s game, the RunThe Runners played tough against sports@paisano-online.com www.Eckankar.org the Cowgirls, but an early 8-2 run by ners were able to keep the score close Another week went by with the the Cowgirls proved to be too much enough to hang in the game. The Runwomen’s basketball team falling in for the Runners to overcome as Mc- ners and Colonels ended the first half two conference games, this time Neese State coasted-never trailing- tied at 30. The Runners were able to tie the against two Louisiana universities — the rest of the way to a 65-54 victory. game again at 46 before the Colonels The Runners came up short despite McNeese and Nicholls. rebuilt their lead, getting up by as four players scoring in double figures. In one game, the Runners were much as 14, 65-51, before the RunKamra King and Ashley Gardner led never close to tying or leading; in the Ad for Feb. 14 edition ners put up a valiant run that just ranAd the way with 13 points each. other, the Runners tied the game on a The Cowgirls also had four scorers out of time with the final score at 68few occasions but were unable to pull 62 in favor of the Colonels. in double figures, Ashlynn led Book out a victory. You’re Invited . . . To FreeBaggett Weekly Discussions The final tally for individual points with 19 points. McNeese State, 65; UTSA, 54. Thursdays, Feb. 16 & 23, 7:00- 8:00 p.m. saw the Runners’ Kamra King leading The Roadrunners fell to 3-8 in conThe Roadrunner women’s basketUTSA (1604), UC II, Magnolia Rm. 2.01.30 with 21 points. Sumar Leslie led the ference with the loss to McNeese ball team welcomed the Southland Colonels with 29 points. State. power McNeese State Cowgirls to the Info. – (210) 737-6863, ibi677@my.utsa.edu The loss dropped the Runners, who Nicholls, 68; UTSA, 62. Convocation Center, Wednesday, Feb. Youth Ask a Modern Prophet about Much like Wednesday’s game with have lost their last seven games, to 3-9 15. The Roadrunners had not won a Life, Love, and God game since Jan. 21 when they knocked McNeese, Saturday’s game with in Southland play. With four games marked 2. by Love a slowand startRelationships remaining, it is shading near imposoff I-35 rival Texas State. During that Nicholls was Chap. Chap. 3. Change and Growth from the Runners and a fast start by sible that the Runners will return to time the Runners had plummeted the Nicholls Colonels, who came out the Southland Conference Tournadown the conference standings as the Presented by the Eckankar Student Organization of the gates and built an early lead ment for a 12th consecutive year. losses piled up. www.Eckankar.org
Brianna Cristiano / The Paisano
Road To Katy Hits pot-hole In Louisiana As Runners fall To McNeese State Cowboys, 58-54
Stephen Franklin and the Roadrunners are still in the thick of the Southland standings despite riding a two-game conference losing streak.
The Roadrunners fell to McNeese State in a rematch of last season’s Southland tournament championship game. See story page 9.
over A&M-Corpus Christi. The men’s match-up has the I-35 Rivalry to added importance of conference resume this weekend tournament seeding. The Runners will try to improve their seeding while the Bobcats will try to make Stephen Whitaker the tournament. Sports Editor Most importantly, bragging sports@paisano-online.com rights will be on the line at 2 p.m. in San Marcos when the UTSA For the UTSA basketball teams, women and Texas State women Jan. 21 was a pretty good day. Both take the court, and then at 4 p.m. teams defeated I-35 rival Texas when the Roadrunner men welState-the women at home in the come the Bobcats to San Antonio. Convocation Center and the men When the two men’s teams on the road at Strahan Coliseum. played in San Marcos, the anSince that time, though, the wins nounced attendance was 4,458 have dried up for both teams as out of a capacity of 7,000. Strathey have gone a combined 3-12, han Coliseum could accommodate with all three wins coming from more seats if it wasn’t for the giant the men’s team. white wall at one end that doesn’t February has been especially really serve a purpose. cruel to the Runners as this month While their capacity far exceeds has provided only one win bethe seating capacity of the Convotween both teams: a victory over cation Center, we can at least beat Southeastern Louisiana. State in terms of sellout if we can With all that behind the teams, just get 4,080 people to attend the this Saturday, Feb. 25, will mark game. the resumption of the I-35 OrSo with that in mind, if 4,080 ange vs. Maroon Rivalry when the Roadrunners come out Saturday to women head up to San Marcos, the Convocation Center at 4 p.m. and the men welcome the Bobcats and experience the I-35 rivalry, for an afternoon matinee. UTSA would win the filled arena When the women face the Bobcompetition. cats in San Marcos, they will either Or, if there are Runners who be on an eight-game losing streak want to see the women in San or they will have tasted victory for Marcos, those fans should drive up the first time in February if they to Strahan Coliseum for that game are able to knock off the Islandat 2 p.m. ers of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Either way, it is time for UTSA to at the Convocation Center on show why it is the next great Texas Wednesday night. university by filling the Convo for On the men’s side, the Bobcats the I-35 Orange vs. Maroon Rivalwill enter Saturday’s contest in the ry series. for Feb. 7 edition Convocation Center, potentially The time has come yet again to riding a three-game wining streak fill the Convocation Center and if they are victorious You’re on Wednesthe Bobcats, Inviteddefeat to Free Weeklysending Book them day, Feb. 22. The Runners will back to their gym with the giant Discussions either be in the midst of a losing white wall. streak or coming off of a victory Thursdays, Feb. 9, 16, & 23, 7:00- 8:00 p.m.
Write for Sports
UTSA (1604), UC II, Magnolia Rm 2.01.30
Info. – (210) 737-6863, ibi677@my.utsa.edu
Youth Ask a Modern Prophet about Life, Love, and God Chap. 1: How to Live and Make It in This World
email sports@paisano-online or Presented by the Eckankar Student Organization www.Eckankar.org attend a Paisano meeting any Thursday at 5:30 to find out about covering sports for Feb. 21 edition You’re Invited . . . To A Free Book Discussion Thursday, Feb. 23, 7:00- 8:00 p.m. UTSA (1604), UC II, Magnolia Rm. 2.01.30
Info. – (210) 737-6863, ibi677@my.utsa.edu Youth Ask a Modern Prophet about Life, Love, and God Chap. 4. Past Lives, Dreams, and Soul Travel Chap. 5. Spiritual Choices Presented by the Eckankar Student Organization www.Eckankar.org
28th Annual
DIPLOMA DASH 5K San Antonio City Championship Run
Register by Feb. 2 to guarantee a shirt on race day 28th Annual Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012
Convocation Center, UTSA Main Campus 7 a.m. Registration 8 a.m. Race Starts Chip-Timed Race To register and for more information:
utsa.edu/dash
Only $10 for UTSA students
The Paisano
February 21, 2012
Sports
9
Road-tripped up in two games Roadrunner men drop two road games against McNeese State and Georgia State Sports Editor
sports@paisano-online.com
Photo Credit / The Paisano
In the last week the Roadrunner men faced off with conference foe McNeese State in Lake Charles, LA. The Runners also stepped out of the conference to face Georgia State in Atlanta as part of a national event matching up teams from different conferences within grasp of NCAA tournament berths. In both cases, the Runners came up short. Though only one game counted toward the conference standings, both counted as losses all the same. McNeese, 58; UTSA, 54 It had been a while since the McNeese State Cowboys defeated the Runners. Four years ago to be exact. That changed Wednesday, Feb. 15, in Lake Charles when the Cowboys held off a late run by the Runners and held on to win 58-54. Entering the game, the Roadrunners and Cowboys had been separated by two games in the overall conference standings, with the Cowboys at 9-2 and the Runners at 7-4. Both sides battled out a tough first half that ended with the Runners holding onto a 30-29 advantage. The second half saw the Cowboys retake the lead and then build it to as much as 11points before the Runners did their best to cut into it, getting to within three points, 57-54, with five seconds left in the game. The Cowboys would seal the victory with a free throw in the waning seconds to take the game with a fourpoint win. Leading the charge for the Run-
ners, Melvin Johnson III finished with 18 points. Michael Hale and Jeromie Hill both finished with 11 points. The next closest Runner was Kannon Burrage, who ended the game with seven points. The Cowboys used a combo of Patrick Richard and Dontae Cannon, both scoring 16 points, to defeat the visiting Runners in a game with tournament seeding implications. The Runners fell to 7-5 in Conference. Despite the loss, the Roadrunners moved from sixth overall in conference to a tie for fifth with Northwestern State, a team the Runners defeated in January. Georgia State, 82; UTSA, 71 The Roadrunners took a break from the defense of their Southland Crown to play an out-of-conference game with the Georgia State Panthers as part of the Sears Bracketbusters in Atlanta on Saturday, Feb. 18. The result was another Runner loss, this time by an 11-point spread, 82-71. The Runners and Panthers fought early to gain the upper hand in the contest with the Panthers leading by as much as 15 in the first half, 3722. The Runners were able to cut the Panther advantage to seven, 45-38, by the end of the opening half. Seven was as close as the Runners got; the Panthers cruised through the second, leading by as much as 19 points, 79-60, with three minutes left in the game. The Runners were able to get within only 11 points before time ran out on them in Atlanta. The Runners had two players score in double figures, Kannon Burrage with 21 and Michael Hale III, who
finished with 18. The Panthers had five players score in double figures; Rashaad Richardson and Devonta White led the way with 16 points apiece. Bracketbusters started 10 years ago as a way to match up top teams from different conferences three weeks before Selection Sunday. The Roadrunners will go back to
defending their title when they head to Corpus Christi on Wednesday, Feb. 22, to take on the Texas A&MCorpus Christi Islanders at 7 p.m. The Runners will follow that up with a home game against I-35 archrival Texas State on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 4 p.m.
I-35 Rivalry UTSA leads the all-time series with 31 wins against the Bobcats 21. UTSA defeated Texas State 80-75 in San Marcos on Jan. 21. UTSA is 15-11 all-time against the Bobcats in San Antonio.
PLAY BALL! Burk Frey / The Paisano
Stephen Whitaker
The Roadrunner baseball team opens the season with a home series against the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks. The Roadrunners won the first game 11-6 on Saturday, Feb. 18 but dropped both games of a Sunday doubleheader, 7-3 and 7-2. The first game of the Sunday doubleheader was originally scheduled for Friday, Feb. 17 but had to be postponed to Sunday due to rain.
10
Advertisement
The Paisano
February 21, 2012