9.26.17 by The Paisano

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Vol. 56, Issue 6

Roadrunners defeat Bobcats in I-35 showdown

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The Paisano

September 26 - October 3, 2017

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Rockets over research

“I don’t think we need to be spending more money on national defense. Our educational institutions are under attack in terms of not being funded.”

2018 Federal budget proposal threatens jobs, post-secondary education for minority students By Vincent Valdez Staff Writer

President Trump’s 2018 federal budget proposal aims to eliminate the McNair Scholars Program, a Federal TRiO Program designed to prepare undergraduate students from disadvantaged and underrepresented backgrounds for doctoral studies at UTSA and around the nation. The proposal asserts there is limited evidence of effectiveness for the program and cites a 2008 Department of Education analysis, which reported that only six percent of McNair participants between 1989 and 1998 had earned doctorates by 2003. It also claims McNair is a high-cost program that serves relatively few students. Furthermore, the proposal suggests colleges and universities can use institutional resources to support the McNair objective. The statistics, well over 19 years old, and justification for eliminating the TRiO program flustered the McNair community. “They’re cherry picking data to support their case to dismantle these types of programs,” said Darrel Balderrama, director of retentions programs and TRiO

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- Sonia Valencia

programs at UTSA. “All federal TRiO Programs are required to submit annual performance reports. So, there is accountability for these dollars being spent.” Ronald Erwin McNair was an American physicist and NASA astronaut. He was the second African American to fly in space and died during the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger. His academic achievements, including three honorary doctorates of Science and a Ph.D. in laser physics, inspired Congress to fund the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program commonly referred to as the McNair Scholars Program. Currently, the McNair Scholars Program at UTSA receives $250,000 a year for 25 students. This money supports graduate school visits, summer internships, research opportunities and students’ travel expenses when they present their research at professional conferences. “As a McNair Scholar, I’ve been able to travel to Stanford, UC Berkeley and the University of Maryland to present my own research and network with faculty, staff and students of other

Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons

Continued on page 2 See ‘McNair Scholars’

In 1986, The Space Shuttle Challenger exploded during its 10th mission run. Ronald E. McNair, namesake of the McNair Scholars Program, was one of the seven crewmembers killed onboard.

UTSA civil engineering professor receives grant to help prevent earthquakes

Dr. Ghannoum (right) surveying earthquake damage in Haiti in 2010.

Recent earthquakes in Mexico subject of new study By Sam De Leon Co-News Editor

Dr. Wassim Ghannoum, associate professor of the department of civil engineering, recently received a grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), valued at nearly $800,000. Ghannoum and his colleagues will use this grant to develop a software that can help prevent casualties in earthquakes, such as the 7.1

magnitude earthquake that decimated structures in Mexico City last week. Ghannoum spoke about the destruction in Mexico City saying, “Concrete buildings are particularly the killers, because these are the buildings that collapse on people.” Ghannoum then introduced his research by saying, “This project is important because we are looking at the modeling of collapse behavior of concrete columns. Once you lose the columns, you lose the building.” NIST granted 12 universities funds with the initiative to make communities more resilient to disasters. UTSA received $798,892 for a project titled Decision-Oriented Column

Photo Courtesy of Wassim Ghannoum

Simulation Capabilities for Enhancing Disaster Resilience of Reinforced Concrete Buildings. Ghannoum noted the research is not conducted only at UTSA, but also with NIST earthquake engineering researchers, The University of Massachusetts Amherst and New Zealand center for earthquake resilience QuakeCoRE. Ghannoum and his associates were commissioned to create a software that will create a precise simulation of how concrete pillars will react to an earthquake. This simulation will then develop a report of how each concrete structure fared in the earthquake. The report will give the researchers the information needed to determine whether

a building can withstand the seismic activity and what needs to be repaired and improved upon for the building to withstand a catastrophe. Ghannoum and his associates believe the model will produce a much cheaper alternative to sending inspectors into buildings to inspect earthquake durability. He also believes the simulation will be more precise in its classification of the buildings’ structures after a catastrophe. “We are creating a model of each structure. We are then inputting the seismic hazard of each region provided by the U.S. Geological Survey. After that, you select the number of ground motions and then simulate those ground motions. The information left gives us a picture of how many buildings are standing, how many have collapsed and how much damage the ground motions left in the building,” Ghannoum said when describing the process of the simulation. After the simulation is complete, the researchers must sit with the owner of the building they tested and talk about the results of the simulation. Any building that has a collapse hazard associated with it must be immediately addressed, and the owner must take action. Any building that does not have a significant amount of damage can be assumed to withstand the seismic activity. The immediate goal is to find the buildings that have a collapse hazard and retrofit the load-bearing columns before a natural disaster strikes. The secondary goal is to develop a

comprehensive model, that will treat all load bearing columns, including those of modern design. The first place the model will run is in Los Angeles. The researchers plan to run a test on a handful of Los Angeles buildings very soon, then analyze the reports of the simulation. From here, Ghannoum hopes the model will run simulations of structures overloaded by other various natural disasters, such as floods and hurricanes. Even though Ghannoum is looking into the future for the software, he is focused on preventing deaths and structural damages from another earthquake. “Overall we want to make sure the destruction in a city is minimal, ideally zero. After a natural disaster some buildings will not fall, but they still must be torn down. The damage done to the concrete columns make the buildings uninhabitable, and this is where much of the cost of rebuilding comes from. We are trying to make sure the buildings have the correct specifications to withstand these tragedies,” said Ghannoum. Ghannoum and his associates are helping communities prepare for anticipated hazards. Global conditions are changing, and this research aims to prevent a natural disaster’s ability to destroy communities and take lives. Ghannoum hopes this research will lead to a more affordable and more efficient way of handling catastrophes for those communities at high risk.

SE P T E M B E R 26 - OCT OB E R 3, 2017

UTSA Glenn Dietrich, UTSA professor of information systems and cyber security, received a $350,000 grant from the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA) for cybersecurity educational programs. The first program will teach cybersecurity and digital forensics courses to Wounded Warriors. The three-week courses will be taught in both San Antonio and Camp Pendleton in California.

Texas Under previous Texas law, financial transactions on behalf of elderly or disabled clients they suspected were the victims of fraud. House Bill 3921, gives financial firms even more freedom to do so by giving them immunity from litigation when such halted transactions turn out to be legitimate, or when fraudulent transactions sneak by undetected. The new law also directs financial institutions to set policies that clarify reporting procedures for employees when they suspect an elderly customer may be the victim of fraud.

U.S. Former New York congressman Anthony Weiner was sentenced to 21 months in prison for sending illicit photos to a minor this past Monday. Weiner plead guilty in May on one count of transferring obscene materials to a minor. During the investigation, the FBI found that Weiner’s laptop had a trove of emails from his wife Huma Abedin, a senior aide to Hillary Clinton, reopening the inquiry into Clinton’s use of a private email server to conduct official business two days before the 2016 presidential election.

McNair Scholars continued from page 1 universities,” said Yesenia Yanez, a current UTSA McNair Scholar. “I’ve also been able to establish a timeline for the graduate application process, which requires a lot more preparation than I would’ve thought.” Annual performance results of the McNair Program between 2010-2014 report that 70.1 percent of participants between 2007-2011 enrolled in graduate school within three-years of obtaining a bachelor’s degree. While acceptance to graduate school may constitute a success for many McNair Scholars, it does not constitute a success in President Trump’s federal budget proposal. The 2008 analysis used by Trump and his team is the only one of its kind. It is similar to the performance results McNair Programs submit annually. The difference is the analysis also includes doctoral degree attainment percentages of McNair participants. For the McNair community, the analysis reports that only six percent of McNair Scholars between 1989 and 1998 had received their doctoral degrees by 2003. This information is used in the Trump budget proposal to support its claim that there is limited evidence of McNair’s effectiveness. The proposal doesn’t include the 62 percent of McNair participants enrolled in graduate school at the time of the study. “There are some issues within the way the information

is tracked,” said Sonia Valencia, program manager of the McNair Scholars Program at UTSA. “It doesn’t really capture who finished and who didn’t. Only 11,116 of the 23,749 participants enrolled in the McNair Scholars Program during 1989 and 2003 were included in the 2008 Department of Education analysis. Of those, 667 of them were awarded a Ph.D. within the 14-year period. The study excludes McNair participants who graduated with master’s degrees, juris doctorates and other doctoral degrees equivalent to Ph.Ds. Trump’s 2018 Major Savings and Reforms section of his budget proposal, where the 2008 Department of Education analysis is cited, also excludes McNair participants. According to the study, the purpose of the McNair Scholars Program is to prepare participants for doctoral studies and increase the attainment of Ph.Ds. Furthermore, the annual performance results and the 2008 Department of Education’s analysis of the McNair Scholars Program do not consider key factors that affect doctoral attainment and enrollment rates. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all,” said Balderrama. “Graduate studies can take a number of different years, and it depends on the individual student. Each student has a different background. Some of our students are nontraditional. “All of our students are first generation and low-income. Some of them have to work. Some of them have families.

Some of them may only take one class at a time or two. And so, it delays that process for them to complete their education.” Some students can take up to 12 years to graduate with a doctoral degree, according to Balderrama. The McNair Scholars Program tracks students for only 10 years after they complete the program. The McNair Scholars Program at UTSA was recently funded for a five-year cycle. The potential elimination would be heart-breaking for some current participants. “The program serves as hope for students like me who, despite growing up with minimal resources, desire to make a difference in the world and to their families,” said Yanez. “Like many other McNair scholars, I’m striving to be the first in my family to attain a Ph.D. and while we’ve come so far, there’s still a lot more we need to learn. Elimination of the program would hinder our growth as individuals and as underrepresented groups.” The proposal suggest eliminating McNair could be offset by using institutional resources to provide the same objective. The McNair Program manager at UTSA thinks otherwise. “Historically, programs that are eliminated aren’t revived under a different name at public institutions through institutional funds,” said Valencia. “Whether McNair could work to continue on into the future or not, there is a need to institutionalize programs like McNair.”

In the Budget Message of the President, Trump expresses a need to return decisions regarding education back to the state and local levels. The McNair community believes this action comes at a high price. The budget includes $639 billion for the the Department of Defense—a $52 billion increase from the 2017 annualized continuing resolution level. This increase would be offset by targeted reductions elsewhere, including at the Department of Education. “I don’t think we need to be spending more money on national defense,” said Valencia, expressing her personal views unaffiliated with the McNair Program. “Our educational institutions are under attack in terms of not being funded. Not just in terms of universities, but even at the K-12 level. It just continues to happen. “As a country that seems to be very concerned with ensuring its stature as the ‘most powerful country’ in the world; I think that not investing in education to make sure that we continue to be innovative is a mistake.” Since the release of Trump’s 2018 budget proposal, concern has inundated the McNair community including alumni. “I think it’s dangerous and a slippery slope to start cutting funding for people who have been historically marginalized in education,” said Amanda Hernandez, a UTSA McNair alumna and current Baylor doctoral student. “I don’t think people should ignore that.”

World Last Sunday, President Trump issued a new order indefinitely banning almost all travel to the United States from Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Chad and North Korea. Citizens of Iraq and some groups of people in Venezuela who seek to visit the United States will face restrictions or heightened scrutiny. The new order imposes permanent restrictions on travel, rather than the 90-day suspension the President authorized soon after taking office.

Science An elephant at the El Paso Zoo has successfully gone through two rounds of an experimental electrochemotherapy. The elephant, named Juno, was diagnosed with a malignant mass in her right mammary gland in January; she underwent her first electrochemotherapy treatment in March. The electrochemotherapy treatment uses a chemotherapy drug that’s infused into the tumor, then an electric pulse draws the chemotherapy directly into the cancer cells.

Technology Cellular service companies Sprint and T-Mobile will complete a merger within the next few weeks. SoftBank Group Corp, the parent company of Sprint, will own 40 to 50 percent of the new company, while Deutsche Telekom, parent company of T-Mobile, will own a majority of the company.

The Young Democratic Socialists of America at UTSA pose after a meeting. The organization is awaiting university recognition as an official UTSA student organitaztion.

Heather Montoya, The Paisano

Red ‘Runners: Socialists are organizing at UTSA Young Democratic Socialists of America chapter coming to campus By Heather Montoya Staff Writer

On Wednesday, Sept. 20, the Young Democratic Socialists of America at UTSA (YDSA) held a meeting in Study Room 13 in the John Peace Library where they discussed their goals and how to achieve them. The YDSA, the youth wing of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), is a political organization that believes in transforming capitalism by implementing democracy into all aspects of life. The vision of the YDSA is democratic, feminist, anti-racist and anti-imperialist. Chance Walker, a freshman geography major, was one of the few students who helped establish the YDSA at UTSA. “We were a very small group until Bernie Sanders ran for President in 2016; at that time, the DSA went from having 6,000 members at the beginning of 2016 to at the end of 2016 we had 20,000 members.” The DSA is currently gaining on 30,000 members. Since the DSA membership has been growing, the UTSA chapter of the YDSA hopes their mem-

where everybody is going to take organization. bership will reflect that growth. care of each other.” The chapter was implemented Catherine Zavaletta, a freshTo chapter plans to achieve this semester and currently has man art history major, is a new their goals by participating in nearly 40 members. The orgamember to UTSA’s chapter of voter registration, attending the nization hopes to gain enough YDSA. “I was really interested in Participatory Budgeting Meetmembers to qualify for a desigseeing what socialism was really ing, asking Congressman Lloyd nated on-campus room for their about, hearing it first-hand from Doggett about medicare at a meetings. “We want to be the a socialist versus hearing it from Town Hall meeting and blocklargest left-wing student organia capitalistic society,” she said. walking for Planned Parenthood. zation, not only on campus, but “I understand and agree with the Through acts such as these, the need to push for socialism.” in the country,” Walker said. chapter intends to inform people “We’re not here to impose For more information about about socialism, reach out to poli- the UTSA chapter of the YDSA, some idea on people. We’re ticians to get democratic socialhere to tell people you have the visit their Facebook page, Young ism implemented and reach out to Democratic Socialists of America power to change society if you, a working-class person, as a person other organizations with similar at UTSA or Twitter account, who is marginalized for whatever views and goals. @UTSA_Socialists. The organization is looking reason, you have the power, if we forward to working with San unite together, to change things,” Antonio’s DSA chapter, organizWalker said. ing teach-ins and growing as an Some goals of the chapter are to be involved in and support the labor movement and Free Book Discussion unions around UTSA, work on Thursdays in September environmental 7:00–8:30 PM, UC Magnolia Room, 2.01.30 issues, educate • Better recall and interpret your dreams people about inequality and • Learn about how dream guidance can help you solve daily resist Trump’s life challenges and grow spiritually agenda. “We Info: Mitziani: rbo233@my.utsa, Justin: 832-244-6502 want a society www.Eckankar-Texas.org Sponsored by the Eckankar Student Org.

The Art of Spiritual Dreaming

S EPTE M B E R 2 6 - O C TO BER 3, 2017

opinion Education’s yin and yang

Commentary

Editorial The passing of the equinox marked a moment of balance. It’s when day and night are of approximately equal duration across the globe. The equinox has been interpreted as a significant event throughout human history because of its balance. Balance is synonymous with harmony. When a system finds balance, it sustains itself. A cycle of seemingly opposite forces complement one another. The Chinese philosophy of Yin and Yang illustrates such interconnection. We find principles of balance in nearly everything, even in the concentrations we study at UTSA–negative space in arts, economic concepts, the formulas of math and science. The principle of balance shouldn’t end in the concentrations; it must be a university-wide approach to education. We’ve seen improvement, like the surge of investment in our university: the construction updates on the $95 million dollar Science and Engineering Building (SEC) remind us of that. We’ve also seen short falls: a number of farewells from beloved professors due to budget adjustments that favor some departments over other departments. UTSA is a large system with many components. We won’t see an absolute balance across the board, but it’s good measure to keep an eye on uneven ground. Our students deserve a balance to optimize their education; without a concerted examination we may not get it.

Commuter complications

In Dr.Matthew Brogdon’s constitutional law course, he suggested a reason a biology major should take an interest in poltical science. “Where does research grant money largely come from?” he asked, “The federal government.” The political science curriculum offers a science major insight about the system a student’s potential research may depend on. One concentration can’t prosper without its counterpart. The argument can be made beyond Brogdon’s classroom. Research needs the patents lawyers write; business needs communication expertise to grow; and engineering needs technical writing to produce trade manuals. Considering these relationships, it’s clear widely different departments need one another–seemingly opposite educational pursuits complement one another. It’s no wonder that required course span across the departments. Students may gripe that particular classes have nothing to do with their major, but unless they’re talking about AIS, these courses do touch your profession in some way–required composition courses may come in handy when it comes time to apply for scholarships or graduate school. It’s up to the university to determine what classes should be available to students and how resources are dispersed to the departments. If a balance isn’t being met, we need to address it. The harmony of UTSA’s education depends on it.

By Heather Montoya Staff Writer

Commuters–warriors of the parking lot; each day is a battle. Timing is crucial, and skill is necessary for survival. . . I mean necessary for finding a parking spot. As difficult as finding a parking space is for commuters, that only scratches the surface of the obstacles we face. There are difficulties leading up to and following the actual battle. San Antonio is an an impressive city; it can turn a 20-minute drive into an hour long drive. Commuters dread the day when they run into traffic caused by accidents or bad weather. I would recommend planning on getting to campus an hour before class starts if you live more than 20 minutes away so unpredictable events won’t make you late to class (you can always use the extra time to find a closer parking spot). Once you get on campus (if you

don’t have class at seven or eight A.M.), finding a parking spot is like finding a needle in a haystack. If you’re lucky, you only have to drive around for a few minutes before finding a parking spot, but for most people, it can take much longer. I am thankful for the kind souls, truly heaven-sent, who point you in the direction of their vehicle so you can take their spot as they leave. Even after circling one of the lots near campus Brackenridge Avenue Lot 1, your efforts can end up being wasted as you have to search for a spot in Brackenridge Avenue Lots 2, 3 and 4, until you come across Brackenridge Avenue Lot 5–your oasis in the desert. Now you have parked, getting from your car to class (and viseversa) is an entirely different battle. I have experienced days when my makeup melts off my face while walking to class and days when I use my body as a human shield to protect my rented books from the rain. Thank you Texas for your ever-changing weather. I’ve learned that keeping an umbrella in my car and regularly checking the weather can be helpful in fighting against Texas weather. “Why don’t you just ride the ‘Runner?” Because if I walk, I don’t have to actually workout– walking 15 minutes to class and 15 minutes to my car is enough, thank you.

However, if you are not jumping for joy at the idea of walking from Lot 5 to class, have no fear, the ‘Runner is here. The ‘Runner picks up commuters from various lots on campus–be sure to look up the routes either online, on the UTSA The ‘Runner App or at the shuttle stops. The ‘Runner may save you from walking across the desert to get to class, but there are some faults in the system. The ‘Runner can take roughly 15 minutes to pick you up if you do not arrive at the stop as the shuttle arrives (enduring the Texas weather while waiting for a shuttle can be torturous). Occasionally, there is not enough room on a shuttle, causing you to wait another 15 minutes before the next one arrives. Once you get on the shuttle, there are nothing but clear skies ahead–unless you have to stand in the aisle because the shuttle is crowded. It is incredibly difficult to maintain your balance in a moving vehicle while carrying your school supplies in those conditions. Commuters should be commended for developing intricate plans that get them to class efficiently. Commuters should be encouraged to keep up the fight and treat themselves to Starbucks (or whatever their guilty pleasure may be) when they are victorious–I know I always do.

President dream popper By Karen Gracia Staff Cartoonist

Chase Otero, The Paisano

We’re allowed to feel overwhelmed Commentary

By Leah Feneley Staff Writer

My alarm goes off at the same time every morning. I am prepared to stop it without hesitation. I spent the entire night just thinking, worrying. Nothing is wrong, but nothing is right either. I am so tired I cannot see straight, but coffee is not an option, since my heart is already beating

as fast as humanly possible. If I think today might be different– ‘I’m so tired; I bet the coffee won’t affect me at all’–I should think again, or try a cup and sink into a panic attack. I also can’t eat anything for breakfast, because I have been nauseous for the past few weeks, well since the semester started. Despite feeling like an empty shell, I get ready for class. As I leave my bedroom, I say goodbye to the only comfort I will feel for the entire day. Knots the size of planets start forming around my neck and shoulders–just another reminder I am heading into the building that causes the majority of my stress. My professors just assume I’m

lazy, but in actuality, I cannot manage simple tasks due to my constant state of unrest. Anxiety is the most silently painful experience. All of the emotions you feel make absolutely no sense, yet you sit there alone and suffer for an unknown reason. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States. The condition affects 40 million adults–18.1 percent of the population–every year. Nearly one in six college students (15.8 percent) have been diagnosed with or treated for anxiety, according to the 2015 National College Health Assessment survey conducted by the American Col-

lege Health Association (ACHA). The ACHA survey also found that about 21 percent of students stated, within the last 12 months, anxiety had affected their academic performance; they received an incomplete or low grade on an exam, or they dropped the entire course. Anxiety disorders are highly treatable, yet the ACHA survey found only 36.9 percent of those who suffer receive treatment. Selfmedication (drugs, sex, alcohol etc.) and denial are common coping mechanisms for anxiety and stress instead. Everyone feels and deals with anxiety differently. Learning what causes your anxiety and creating a routine that lowers it can make each day feel better.

Take a time out. Listen to music, exercise or meditate. Take a shower, wash off the day. Make the room dark; lie down, and close your eyes. Drink a glass of water. Eat well balanced meals and avoid anything with caffeine at all costs. Also, talk to someone when you’re feeling overwhelmed. If you suffer from anxiety and seek counseling, please visit the UTSA Counseling Services office, where services are free and confidential. Their office is located in room 1.810 at the Rec Wellness Center, or they can be reached by phone at 458-4140.

SE P T E M B E R 26 - OCT OB E R 3, 2017

The Paisano Editor in Chief: Isaac Serna

Managing Editor: Ethan Pham

News Editors: Gaige Davila Samuel De Leon

Arts & Life Editor: Enrique Bonilla

We can make CAP students a difference anonymous Commentary

Sports Editor: Frank Leal

Web Editor:

Ricardo Rodriguez

Photography Editor: Chase Otero

Magazine Editor: Samantha Ceballos

Multimedia Editor: Kat Joseph

Senior Copy Editor: Jessica Salinas

Magazine Assistant Editor: Oscar Torres

Multimedia Assistant Editor: Oscar Torres

Business Manager: Will Stransky

Marketing Manager: Valery Assad

Social Media Coordinator: Kristy Olson

Public Relations Coordinator: Andrea Trejo

Advertising Marketing Liaison: Jenelle Duff

Distributions Manager: Ben Shirani

— STAFF —

Aidan Watson-Morris, Benjamin Shirani, Carlos Hughes, Danielle Throneberry, Justice Lovin, Helen Stransky, Wylie Kurkendall, Raquel Zuniga, Sofia Trevino, Ryan Thompson, Kenyatta Battle, Leah Feneley, Cade Brashear, Kimiya Factory, Joseph Mabry, Ricky Galindo, Briyah Phillips, Eric Pitty, Vincent Valdez, Karen Gracia, Connor Zimmerlee

— MARKETING STAFF — Ethan Pham, Will Stransky, Jenelle Duff, Ray Hagimoto, Mikayla Cooper, Kat Joseph, Andrea Trejo, Maya Halabi

— CONTRIBUTORS — Josh Zollicoffer, Diego Lopez, Vivian Guillen, Lizvette Hernandez, Mackenzie Dyers, Heather Montoya, Katrina Clements, Audrey Vela

— ADVISOR — Diane Abdo

— ADVISORY BOARD — Steven Kellman, Jack Himelblau, Sandy Norman, Stefanie Arias, Diane Abdo, Red Madden

The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, 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 UTSA. New issues are published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays and exam periods. The Paisano is distributed on all three UTSA campuses — Main, Downtown and the Institute of Texan Cultures. Additionally, Paisano publications are distributed at a variety of off-campus locations, including Tripoint and a variety of apartment complexes near the UTSA Main Campus. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed to: 14526 Roadrunner Way Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78249 Phone: (210)-690-9301 © 2017, The Paisano The University of Texas at San Antonio's Handbook of Operating Procedures states in 5.03 that: The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) will not exercise control over the format or content of Student Publications, but will regulate distribution on campus. Student Publications will be free of censorship and advance approval of copy, and their editors and managers are solely responsible for editorial and content policies and decisions. Editors and managers of Student Publications will not be subject to arbitrary suspension/expulsion or removal from their positions within a Registered or Sponsored Student Organization (Student Organization) by the University because of student, faculty, administrative, or public disapproval of editorial policy or content. Student Organizations that distribute Student Publications are afforded the same rights and privileges as Student Organizations that do not distribute Student Publications.

By Lizvette Hernandez Contributing Writer

I believe anyone can make a difference. Sadly, not other freshmen feel that way, and even if they do there’s a difference between wanting to make a change and believing it is possible. My last year in high school went smoothly. I found my calling. I wasn’t lost like others about to break off into the “real” world. My goal was clear; I wanted to be a lawyer and be politically involved. My peers knew that, partially because I would rant about the importance of voting or intrigue my friends with my liberal biases that would lead to political disputes. I enjoyed hearing their opinions. However, what would bother me was hearing “Why do you care? Nothing’s going to change.” How can the next generation of leaders of our nation not see the impact they can make by simply showing an interest? The night of the presidential election was like the Super Bowl for my geeky friends and me. We got together, bought pizza and wings and stared at the TV while the fate of the next four years was decided. It seems like we were the only ones in our school who cared. I cared so much I was mocked by my peers. It was bothersome–not because people took my passion for politics as a joke, but because they didn’t see the big picture. It doesn’t matter what age you are, or where you live or how many people around don’t agree with what you believe in. We the people are the power. We have the

capability to make a difference. After the election, many people my age voiced their opinions on Trump; some said “Big deal, it’s not like he means anything he says,” others asked “When will he get impeached?” At first it was expected to blow off; they would soon go back to focusing on the latest trends like the new iPhone, shoes etc. Nevertheless, the possibility of DACA’s removal sparked a rise of young adults speaking up for what they believe in. Millennials acknowledge their peers are being affected negatively, and they are not taking it lightly. It’s unfortunate it took the removal of DACA for people to use their voices. However, this is a turning point. Growing up we have the mindset that if you’re not an adult, your opinion isn’t valuable. It takes time to realize when you are mature enough to make reasonable decisions. By then, most don’t recognize the value of their voice in our government. Therefore, millennials don’t feel the need to be involved. President Trump’s administration has given me hope. People of all ages and ethnicities are coming together to voice their beliefs loud and clear. I don’t believe we should all be political activists. My interests are not everyone’s interests. However, we live in a nation powered by a government with a say in almost every aspect of our lives. It’s important to speak up, be educated, be aware and to choose candidates with the best interests in mind for everyone. It’s why during midterm elections you should voice your input on whom you want in Congress or for president every four years. You need to believe your choice matters. We were given the beauty of a voice and freedom that others don’t have.

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Commentary

By Mackenzie Dyer Contributing Writer

What is CAP? The term is a familiar one at UTSA, but few people completely understand what it entails or how it affects their campus. The Coordinated Admissions Program (CAP) expands admission options available to students interested in enrolling at the University of Texas at Austin–the University of Texas System’s flagship university. For the CAP students freshman curriculum, those attending a UT System school select courses approved for transfer to UT Austin, such as intro to american politics or anthropology. If a CAP student completes the program with at least a 3.2 GPA, the student is guaranteed admission to the University of Texas’ College of Liberal Arts and can apply for an internal transfer to their major of choice; commencing their sophomore year with at least 30 hours of transferable coursework. How does the CAP program integrate within the UTSA campus? Since its involvement with the program, UTSA has consistently contributed more students to UT Austin via the CAP program than all other system schools. However, roughly 30 percent of CAP students attending UTSA their freshman year wind up staying at and graduating from UTSA. Regardless of their reason to stay, these students become part of and prove themselves to be great assets of the close knit UTSA community. The high number of enrollment requests UTSA receives relative to the CAP program are proof of its excellent quality as a school, but for the Roadrunners, this program has become a double-edged sword. According to the Texas Higher Education Coordination Board, “institutions with large numbers of CAP students (e.g. UTSA, UTA) will see a negative impact on their traditional, 4-year, same graduation-rates–since these students will not graduate from the original institution from which they initially enrolled. However, upon graduating from UT Austin, the CAP graduates are included in the UT institutions (not UT Austin’s) 4, 5, or 6-year, same or other rate.” This means if 70 percent of CAP students at UTSA transfer, that class’s overall graduation rate is immediately reduced by 11 percent, a hard blow to an up and coming university looking to achieve a higher graduation percentage. There have been rumours circulating over the past few years that UTSA would phase out the CAP Program by the end of 2017. In a 2012 interview with The Paisano,

George E. Norton vice president of enrollment services said UTSA scaled back CAP admittance by renegotiating who may be admitted into UTSA. He said, “Before anybody was offered CAP when rejected from UT Austin. Now we might not want to admit students who wouldn’t get into UTSA to begin with.” As a CAP student myself, and as one who is aware I do not represent this group as a whole, I am very thankful for the program and would be sad to see it go. CAP freshman Christian Fifi said, “I think the inclusion of CAP students in UTSA’s graduation rate is unfair to UTSA, and that it is more of a logistical issue than a problem. There should be a way around it.” CAP participants lead with the best intentions despite the unintended consequences. I believe this issue brings a sense of guilt to CAP students. From the very first day of orientation, we were told to stay quiet about our status. We were already branded as those who lift our Horns up instead of our Birds up. On one hand, we are here to work hard, make the grades and move on to the university we initially planned to graduate from. On the other hand, we are seen as a group who places ourselves on a “better than thou” standard, contributing little to the ‘Runner family. It’s a difficult balance because I plan to transfer to UT Austin after nine months. I am constantly in a tension-filled state of “How much effort is worth it? Do I join clubs? Do I make friends? Do I duck my head so I can get in and get out?” It all makes me wish there was a CAP Students Anonymous support group on campus. I want to get one thing straight: I chose to be here. I will never forget the moment I accepted my CAP agreement after travelling from the East to the West Coast searching for the right school. In the middle of a campus tour at Pepperdine University, I walked away from the tour group knowing that the Texas University System would be the best educational route for me. I pulled out my phone, anticipating the split second the CAP webpage would be accepting admissions. The University of Texas at San Antonio hit capacity in 60 seconds–a testimony to the excellence of this school. All in all, CAP students may not be the grandest population of this campus, but we fought to be here. We are hard-working, studious, friendly neighbors, and I believe that as a whole, we aim to contribute what we can while we can. Even if I move to Austin from here, “Now and forever… I am a Roadrunner.” I proudly display a UTSA sticker on my car, I loudly cheered for the Roadrunners at the recent Baylor game, I was thrilled with our victory and I will always treasure my time here at UTSA.

S EPTE M B E R 2 6 - O C TO BER 3, 2017

ARts & Life

No acid required Rhizomorph Productions return with second installation of the interactive Liquid Sunshine Experience.

n Sept. 29, lights, liquids and local music will wash over Brick at Blue Star, and you are the star. Rhizomorph Production’s Liquid Sunshine

By Audrey Vela Contributing Writer

Experience is making its comeback after a successful first year. The annual event allows audience members to interact with the music by mixing colorful oils on overhead projectors, referred to as liquid light stations, to create

Courtesy of Rhizomorph Productions

mesmerizing backgrounds while the bands perform. The walls and lights will blend with a multigenre lineup of musicians, turning Brick into a daydream on acid–no acid required. Event founder, Dakota Applebaum, drew inspira-

tion for the event from conversations with the late Philip Francesco, former owner of Liquid Sunshine Studios. Francesco urged Applebaum to combine projectors with music to create a full hypnotic effect to his own band; upon implementing the visual aspect to his own musical project, Verisimilitude, the reception was overwhelming. Shortly after Francesco’s passing, the boxes that held his old projectors gathered dust until his widow donated them to Applebaum. Since then, Appelbaum believes it is “out of necessity for (his) own band” that they experiment when it comes to their visuals. He wants the concert and overall experience to be inclu-

sive and a “next level connection with the band.” Ultimately, he wants to spread awareness of the entrancing liquid light creations that can make such a difference during a concert. While not “wildly different,” from 2016’s event (according to Appelbaum), one big change for this year’s event is the introduction of “practice projectors.” These projectors will be for the inexperienced projector participants who don’t feel as confident to project their art while the band is performing. The audience can practice as much as needed until they feel comfortable enough to project the background over the band on stage. This year’s musical lineup includes Austin indie rock act

Satalights, multi-instrumentalist beat-maker Xy!o, psychedelic indie rock act Ion, ambient synth project Secret Colors, electronic psych band Shiva’s Medicine Chest and Applebaum’s experimental instrumental trio Verisimilitude. Joining the lights and music are local vendors including Regular John, Daniel Martinez, Zoë Aiyana, Jagwired Art, Mia Marie, Art Matter’s, Marisa Palacios, Inner Twine and Baum. Tickets are $6 when you buy three or more, $8 for single advance tickets or $10 at the door. Immerse yourself in this live music lava lamp in our city’s booming Blue Star Arts District and expect great things to come from the Liquid Sunshine Experience Vol. III in 2018.

Courtesy of Rhizomorph Productions

Courtesy of Angel Rodarte

Top Right: Voodoo Boogaloo plays at Vol. I last year. Left: Dakota Applebaum (right) manipulates light with a crowd member. Bottom Right: Audience members engage with the liquid art.

This week on stage: Vol IV UTSA brings some of England’s best Shakespearean actors to stage. By Briyah Phillips & Eric Pitty Staff Writers

This Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, some of England’s finest Shakespearean actors will perform “Measure for Measure” in the Arts Building Recital Hall on UTSA’s Main Campus. As in former years, the Department of English-supported Actors from the London Stage (AFTLS) production will confine itself to few props, minimal costumes, an un-redacted script and

a cast of five actors responsible for portraying more than 20 different characters. “We want to invite audiences to create a world of story with us,” said company member Peter Bray, who plays Lucio, the play’s smack-talking comedic engine. The show’s Texas debut sold-out its 700-seat venue and concluded with a

Courtesy of University of Notredame

Above: “Measure for Measure” cast in their element.

minute-long standing ovation in Austin last week. The plot of “Measure for Measure” tells the story of Angelo, newly-appointed ruler of the city of Vienna. Strict and puritanical, Angelo sets about enforcing unpopular laws that retiring Duke Vicentio always let slide. In a race against the clock, Claudio’s vestal sister Isabella, the erstwhile Duke Vicentio, and a motley band of jailors, pimps, nuns and noblemen must conspire to reunite the lovers before the executioner’s axe descends. But at what cost? “Thou mightst be freed,” reports a crestfallen Isabella, played by Anna Wright. “If I would yield him (Angelo) my virginity.” As one of Shakespeare’s socalled “problem plays,” “Measure for Measure” is infamous for its wild swings in tone and

dramatic intensity. Student audiences familiar with TV shows like “Futurama” and “This Is Us” can expect a similar blend of bawdy humor and life-or-death seriousness. “We hope that people who have never seen a Shakespeare play performed before will come and see the show,” said com-

pany member Dominic Gerrard, whose magisterial Duke Vicentio plays straight man to Vienna’s merry, vice-ridden populace. “Shakespeare is one of the greatest writers of all time. But the play is also good, light fun.” Continued on page 7 See “Vol. IV”

SE P T E M B E R 26 - OCT OB E R 3, 2017

Fenty beauty fills the gap Rihanna releases beauty line inspired by women of all ages, sizes, skin tones, religions and cultures.

By Katrina Clements Contributing Writer

It’s being called the biggest beauty launch of 2017. Rihanna is famous for her music, her bold fashion statements, and now her presence in the beauty community. Rihanna worked on Fenty beauty for two years before coming out with a line that she felt was fit for women of “all ages, all sizes, all skin tones, all religions and all cultures” as she stated in Fenty Beauty’s “Behind Fenty Beauty” video on YouTube. The line, which gets its name from Rihanna’s last name, includes a range of cream highlight and contour sticks in 30 shades, lipgloss, setting powder, brushes,

a beauty sponge and six powder highlights. Rihanna back stocked enough product to last for 2 years, so the products won’t sell out and remain accessible to everyone who wants to get their hands on Fenty Beauty. A product that people are excited for is the blotting sheets, which are also rumored to double as rolling papers. While reviewers on YouTube have not put this to the test yet, you can! The product with the biggest buzz is the ‘Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Foundation’ which comes in 40 shades. The shade range is made for all skin tones, from people with albinism to people with rich dark skin. Many makeup lovers are excited because they struggle

with finding their perfect foundation shade, and often end up having to mix multiple shades which results in spending more money. Beauty YouTubers can’t get enough of this product. Nyma Tang has a segment on her channel called “#thedarkestshade” where she tests the darkest shades of foundations. In her video reviewing the foundation she said “When I went to Sephora to go pick up this foundation, I saw other dark skinned girls getting matched in this foundation and it literally melted my heart.” Rihanna designed her line to have a range of skin tones with corresponding undertones (warm,

Embrace encourages students to love and respect diversity in hair. By Kimiya Factory Staff Writer

Graphics courtesy of Embrace

Vol. IV

Continued from page 6 The AFTLS’s tightly-knit quintet lends itself especially well to the challenging blend of harrows and comedy in “Measure for Measure.” Each actor’s doubled or tripled characterizations, no matter how disparate, always seem a natural extension of the last. Nowhere is this more effective than in Anna Wright’s twinned portrayal of Isabella/Juliet and Wela Mbusi’s Angelo/ Claudio. As Isabella and Angelo, they are hardnosed rivals negotiating virtue vs. justice and life vs. death. As Juliet and Claudio, the same figures are cast into cells, their lives torn asunder. Might

Rihanna stated on the Fenty website that “Makeup is there for you to have fun with. It should never feel like pressure. It should never feel like a uniform. Feel free to take chances, and take risks and dare to do something new or different”. Rihanna is such a positive role model for women of all ages; her makeup line

coolt and neutral). Many other brands sold at Sephora do not

Follicles as roots In Detroit on February 14, 1965, Malcolm X stated these wise words: ‘you can’t hate the roots of a tree, and not hate the tree.’ The roots of a tree are the very truth of its being. On Wednesday, Sept. 29 at 7:00 p.m., Embrace will be collaborating with UTSA NBLSA, NAACP, and ASA chapters to hold the ‘It’s Your Hair’ forum to bring attention to why loving your roots is of the utmost importance.

cater to people with very fair or very deep skin tones, which is why this launch is so revolutionary. The setting powder is also proved to have no flashback, making it suitable for all skin tones as reviewed by Alissa Ashley on YouTube. The brand is also entirely cruelty free on all fronts, and not manufactured in China where it is required to test products on animals. The Fenty products are designed to allow people to experiment and have fun with makeup. In the past years makeup brands have been taking more risks with their launches and putting out more ‘fun’ makeup. Makeup has become so much more prominent in the past few years, and the beauty community only continues to grow.

Embrace is a student organization on campus that encourages self-love and natural beauty. President of Embrace, Blessing Korie, shared what attendees of the forum must understand. “Hair impacts the way we operate from day to day. It has a deeper meaning than most people think,” said Korie. The ‘Its Your Hair’ forum will discuss the elephant in the room, topics that go without attention from most people unless they’ve experienced comments and situations such as, “dreadlocks? for an interview?,” or, “Your hair is so poofy, can I touch it!?” These comments and scenarios seem harmless in passing, but are microag-

gressions against entire groups of people and reflect our society’s disregard for the absolute beauty of black hair culture. There is a wide range of topics concerning black hair and the social stigmas associated with it such as discrimination in the workplace, dating preferences, perm vs natural hair and cultural appropriation that will be discussed at the event.

and fear, the powerful and the powerless, are shown not as separate realities, but rather two sides of a shared experience. “Measure for Measure” deals with uncertainty surrounding new political leadership. Trump’s “America first” foreign policy and Brexit signal political sea change in international politics not unlike Shakespeare’s early modern England. Today, we see a very similar issue with Brexit, the Muslim ban, the end of DACA, and Trump’s proposed border wall are short-sighted, nationalistic solutions to international problems. After Katrina, undocumented migrants were crucial to the rebuilding of New Orleans. Today, we’re facing post-Katrina like

scenarios in places such as Houston, Florida and Puerto Rico. Much like Vicentio’s laws worsening an already major problem as opposed to fixing a minor one, Trump’s laws are turning a solution into an issue. The play was written right around the time of Queen Elizabeth’s death. There was a bit of uncertainty, because Elizabeth had no heirs,” says Mark Bayer, UTSA associate professor and English department chair. “We can find analogies in Shakespeare to current events, political or otherwise. It could be that Shakespeare points out tensions that are still with us.” More than four centuries separate Shakespeare’s time and our own. But today, we are as uncertain as ever.

is something that is changing the game. Rihanna recently announced her holiday launch to come out on Oct. 13, so keep your eye out for Fenty eyeshadows, lipsticks and eyeliner this coming season.

Photo by Katrina Clements

The ‘It’s Your Hair’ forum will make the lines of this conversation clear. Let’s look at beauty through a critical lens, hear someone else’s story and question your own definition of natural beauty.

As Malcolm X stated, hating the roots of a tree is ignoring the beauty of the strong bark and the shining leaves. Most importantly: Be bold. Be you.

Embrace Vice President Khalani Valentine foreshadows the conversation that will take place at the event when she defines cultural appropriation, “The Kardashians and box braids: If people of color wear it, it’s viewed as ghetto. When the Kardashians wear them, people treat it like it’s new, but it isn’t.”

Saturdays, S undays, and Thanksgiving Friday

eptember 3 0 th through November 2 6 th Discount Tickets available at TexRenFest.com

S EPTE M B E R 2 6 - O C TO BER 3, 2017

Sports

Ricky Galindo, The Paisano

UTSA runs out onto the field at Bobcat Stadium in front of over 30,000 fans.

Roadrunners defeat Bobcats in I-35 showdown

UTSA sets single game rushing record en route to 44-14 victory By Frank Leal Sports Editor

t had been five years since the Roadrunners and Bobcats last squared off on the football field, and the anticipation level was through the roof heading into Saturday’s contest at Bobcat Stadium. In 2012, UTSA won their first and only football game against Texas State by a score of 38-31. This time around, the ‘Runners wouldn’t be in the friendly confines of the Alamodome; they were in Bobcat territory. UTSA ran out of the tunnel onto the field and were immediately met by boos from a sea of maroon and gold. Although many UTSA fans made the trek up to San Marcos for the game, Bobcat fans made it clear early on that this was their house. The trash talk from both schools had built hype, and 31,333 fans showed up to watch the I-35 showdown. It was the fourth highest attendance in Bobcat Stadium history. The first quarter produced fireworks. On their first drive, UTSA moved the ball with ease and quickly advanced into the red-zone after a pass from Dalton Sturm to Jalen Rhodes moved the ball inside the 10 yard-line. However, the Texas State defense stiffened and stopped the UTSA offense on a third and goal to force a 21-yard field goal attempt by kicker Jared Sackett. Sackett made good on his opportunity and put the ball through the uprights to give UTSA an early 3-0 lead. The Roadrunner defense has been

dominant so far this season, and it showed on Texas State’s first offensive possession. After a mishandled snap, defensive end Eric Banks put a solid hit on Texas State quarterback Damian Williams and forced a fumble. The loose ball was picked up by linebacker Josiah Tauaefa, and he took it into the end zone for a defensive touchdown. With the first quarter barely underway, UTSA had taken a 10-0 lead over the Bobcats. Once the Bobcat offense got the ball back, they would bounce back and quickly answer UTSA’s score. After being pinned against the Bobcat’s end zone, Williams broke off a big 30-yard gain to get the offense moving. After a 26-yard pass and a use of hands to the face penalty on UTSA, the Bobcats found themselves within striking distance. Williams kept it and found the end zone on a quarterback keeper to cap off the 94-yard drive. The touchdown cut UTSA’s lead to just three with the score now 10-7. UTSA began the second quarter with the ball on their own 1 yard line following a 74 yard punt by Texas State’s Marcus Ripley. After some nice footwork by running back Tyrell Clay earned the offense some breathing room, Sturm scrambled out of the pocket and broke off a big 65-yard gain. Unfortunately, the play was called back on a holding penalty and was erased. But despite the penalty, UTSA would score just two plays later on a 67yard touchdown run by Jalen Rhodes to give the Roadrunners a 17-7 lead early in the second quarter. Shortly after, the Bobcats would answer

Ethan Pham, The Paisano

UTSA defenders CJ Levine and Javontavius Mosley combine to make a tackle.

yet again. After stopping Texas State on third down, Marcus Davenport of UTSA was flagged for illegal participation after he continued to play once his helmet had been knocked off by the Bobcats. The penalty resulted in a big first down for the Bobcats. Later that drive, UTSA corner Devron Davis was flagged for pass interference, giving the Bobcats the ball inside the 10. Texas State capitalized on UTSA’s penalties and scored on a nineyard pass play to make the score 17-14 midway through the second quarter. The Roadrunner offense would quiet the Texas State crowd on their very next drive though. UTSA drove the ball down the field by relying on the running game as Tyrell Clay wore down the Bobcat’s defensive front. After a pass interference penalty on Texas State, UTSA found themselves inside the 10-yard line. A give to Clay was all it took to make the score 24-14 as Clay took the ball up the middle for an eight-yard score. After a defensive stop, the UTSA offense took over with the time winding down in the first half. Sturm hit receiver Brady Jones on back to back deep passes to set up Sackett with a field goal attempt. Sackett drilled the 43-yard field goal as time expired in the first half and with that, UTSA took a 27-14 lead into halftime. Texas State got the ball to begin the second half, and it was evident both defenses had made some adjustments at halftime. Midway through the third quarter, UTSA drove the ball into the red-zone, but the Bobcat defense stepped up and forced a field goal attempt after stopping Sturm’s third down scramble. Sackett’s attempt was good once again, and UTSA pushed the lead to 30-14. Sackett’s field goal proved to be the only three points of the third quarter as both defenses tightened up. UTSA fans proudly waved around their orange “Come and take it” flags as the third quarter buzzer sounded throughout the stadium. The fourth quarter was set to get underway with the ‘Runners up by 16 points. Early in the fourth quarter, Sturm broke off a huge quarterback run up the middle to get the Roadrunners into Bobcat

territory. Shortly after, Jalen Rhodes found some room to the outside on a 36-yard rush and dove into the corner of the end zone for his second touchdown of the game. His touchdown made the score 3717, and Bobcat fans began to head for the exits. With only three minutes left in the game, Head Coach Frank Wilson put in some of his reserves, including quarterback Bryce Rivers and running back Brett Winnegan. Winnegan would only get the ball one time, but that was all he needed. Winnegan took his sole handoff up the middle and broke a couple of tackles en-route to a 71-yard touchdown run to make the score 44-14. After another defensive stop by UTSA, the Roadrunner offense came out to kneel the ball and run out the clock. The final horn sounded, and UTSA was handed the new “HEB I-35 showdown” trophy on the field as the Bobcats walked off the field. UTSA has officially moved to 3-0 on the season, and they have done it in a big way. The UTSA offense had their way running the football all night long, and they put up a school record for single game rushing yards with 357. Running back Jalen Rhodes had a career best 174 yards on the ground while Tyrell Clay added 72 yards of his own on 13 carries. “Jalen competed well, and he ran the ball well between the tackles,” said Wilson on Rhodes’ performance. Although Sturm didn’t throw for a touchdown in the win, his solid play continued as he went 17-25 passing for 212 yards and no interceptions. The Roadrunner defense held Texas State to only 198 yards of total offense but had problems with penalties throughout the game. “We cannot continue to be plagued with penalties and be a really good football team, we have to clean up those things,” said Wilson. Despite having won by 30, UTSA gave up 155 yards of penalties. Nonetheless, UTSA football is unbeaten this season as they head into the bye week. Their next contest will be at the Alamodome on Oct. 7 against Southern Miss.

SE P T E M B E R 26 - OCT OB E R 3, 2017

2017 Conference-USA volleyball preview By Connor Zimmerlee Staff Writer

North Texas 2016 record: 13-19 (7-7 CUSA) Despite an underwhelming 2016 season, North Texas looks to come into the 2017 season ready to shock the rest of the conference. On their season so far, North Texas is 8-1 in nonconference play, with impressive wins over Mississippi State and Oregon State. The Mean Green are a rather young team this year, as there are only four seniors on

the roster. Despite this, they come into conference play looking very strong and capable of winning the C-USA title. Led by seniors Alexis Wright, Mikali Myers, Amanda Chamberlain and Holly Milam, the Mean Green ladies’ volleyball team is poised to turn some heads in 2017. Southern Miss 2016 record: 23-8 (11-3 CUSA) Following an impressive 2016 season, in which the Golden Eagles went 23-8, a record strong enough for the best in the West Division and second best in the

conference, Southern Miss hopes to repeat the same success. To start off their 2016 season, the Golden Eagles sit at 8-4 prior to conference play. Much like North Texas, Southern Miss is a young team, with 19 underclassmen compared to seven upperclassmen. Despite a somewhat slow start, Southern Miss is still a serious contendor to take home the C-USA title for the 2017 season. Rice 2016 record: 20-12 (10-4 CUSA) Rice, coming off a solid 2016 campaign in which they finished

Former senior Tessa Danhert goes up for a spike.

Ethan Pham, The Paisano

UTSA men’s tennis team gets off to solid start By Connor Zimmerlee Staff Writer

The 2016 season was not a particularly strong one for the Roadrunners men’s tennis team. They finished with an overall team record of 6-18. Despite the rather uninspiring record, there were some bright spots from last season. One of the bright spots was their performance at home. During the 2016 season, UTSA men’s tennis had an impressive 5-2 record on their home courts, with wins over Prairie View A&M, Navy and Trinity. Trinity at the time was ranked 15th in the nation. However, when viewing their success at home, you must also consider their poor record on the road. When the men’s tennis team took to the road, they were unable to notch a single win. With all of their high and low points from the 2016 season, the men’s tennis team looks to the 2017 season to turn it around on the court, and to show both Conference-USA and the country they are a serious contender and should not be counted out. Coming into the 2017 season, the men’s tennis team had good reason to be optimistic about their chances at a C-USA title. Several key 2016 players returned for the 2017 season, including key freshmen. A notable returner is sophomore Igor Cantanhede, who completed quite the impressive freshman season. Cantanhede won the flight four singles title in the inaugural UTSA cup. He picked up victories over Incarnate Word and Arkansas before eventually clinch-

ing the title with a victory over Jason Roberts of Laredo Community College. Along with an impressive season from Cantanhede, men’s tennis was able to rely on junior Christian Carrillo. Carrillo had a solid 2016 season, highlighted by advancing to the quarterfinals in the Islander Open and advancing past the quarterfinals at the Rice Invitational. At the Islander Open, Carrillo fell in the round of 16 of the singles draw to Sebastian Santibanez of Lamar (7-5, 6-3). So far on the 2017 season, the men’s tennis team has played at two tournaments—the Islander Open and the Racquet Club Collegiate Invitational. At the Racquet Club Invitational, Joao Ceolin won the flight two singles championship, with a victory over Abilene Christian’s Henry Adams, in a compelling three-set final (6-3, 5-7, 1-0 (10-7)). At the Islander Open, the men’s tennis team picked up an impressive six victories over the weekend at the Islander Open. Gabriel Bugiga accounted for half of the team’s victories, two of which came in singles play. Roadrunner fans have much to be optimistic about for the upcoming season. There is a good mix of both youth and experience sprinkled across the roster. The Roadrunners men’s tennis team is in a solid position to gain valuable experience this season, while also shocking both CUSA and the country. The ‘Runners look poised for a rather solid 2017 season.

fifth in the conference, looks to build on last season. So far in the 2017 season, Rice has had a suggish start. The Owls enter conference play with a 6-4 record. Despite this rather mediocre start to their season, Rice already has key victories over Mississippi State and Georgetown, along with a five-game win streak. This year, the Owls are also a young team, as they are led by only two seniors. Seniors Madison McDaniel and Portia Okafor hope to end their careers at Rice on a high note and lead their team to a Conference USA title. Louisiana Tech 2016 record: 13-17 (4-10 CUSA) During the 2016 season, Louisiana Tech was not a serious threat to challenge for the Conference USA title. So far throughout the 2017 season, LA Tech is sitting at a 3-6 record entering conference play. Over the course of the 2017 season, expect the Bulldogs to experience some rough patches as their younger players gain xperience. In spite of this, they will look to provide a challenge to the rest of the conference and exceed expectations. UTEP 2016 season record: 8-22 (5-9 C-USA)

2016 was, simply put, not UTEP’s year in volleyball. They failed to reach double digit wins and only recorded five victories in conference play. And as the 2017 season has shown so far, it will be another rough year for the Miners. They enter conference play with a 3-6 record. Although they are not considered a serious contender for the ConferenceUSA title, there is a lot of potential for this UTEP team. UTSA 2016 record: 20-8 (10-4 CUSA) 2016 was a solid season for UTSA, as they finished fourth in the conference. They hope tobuild off this success and contend for a conference title. However, they have gotten off to a poor start so far in 2017. Things have not gone according to plan for the Roadrunners this season, as they come into conference play with a 1-8 record to their name. Despite this, UTSA should feel confident coming into conference play as they have had a tough non-conference schedule, with such opponents as the sixth ranked Texas Longhorns. The Roadrunners will aim to turn their season around as they enter conference play and to win a conference championship.