11.12.19

5 | Arts & Life

9 | Sports

Luminaria

Vol. 60, Issue 12

Vollyball continues conference slate

Est. 1981

The Paisano

November 12 - November 19, 2019

Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio Community /PaisanoOnline

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Got free speech?

New Texas law to impact UTSA free speech policy

By Heather Montoya Co-News Editor President Taylor Eighmy sent a university-wide email to inform students about Protected Expression on Campus, a new Texas law that went into effect Sept. 1.

The state law requires public universities to ensure that their campuses act as traditional public forums, to permit anyone to engage in lawful expressive activities that do not disrupt institution functioning and to adopt a policy detailing students’ free speech rights and responsibilities.

The policy must be in place by Aug. 1, 2020.

According to Eighmy’s email, UTSA already had practices in place that support the purpose of the law.

“Most of the intended outcomes of the new law are already in practice at UTSA,” Eighmy said in the email.

“We have a strong commitment and moral obligation to protect the principle of free speech and readily welcome members of the university community and beyond to engage in respectful expressions on campus.”

Students protest demonstration on campus.

UTSA’s current policy on free speech is in the university’s Handbook solicitation on campus. of Operating Procedures (HOP). HOP “UTSA’s policy is currently reflected 9.37 Peaceful Public Assembly provides in HOP 9.37,” Jay Rosselló, UTSA chief specific information on permissible legal officer, said. “As we work to incorbehavior, impermissible behavior, disrup- porate certain aspects of Texas Senate tive behavior, prohibited items, amplified Bill 18, HOP 9.37 and other policies will sound, guest speakers, signs, distribution undergo amendments/changes.” of literature, joint sponsorship, tables, HOP 9.37 currently includes informaexhibits, response to free expression and tion on police patrol, response to viola-

Chief Lewis: ‘the message was vague’

By Heather Montoya Co-News Editor UTSA sent out an alert on Nov. 3 to inform the university community of an off-campus incident near Main Campus. The alert advised recipients to avoid perimeter roads and seek shelter in a safe location.

“On Sunday, Nov. 3, at approximately 2:40 a.m., UTSA police officers on routine campus patrol heard the distinct sound of gunfire. Officers reported hearing approximately 10 shots, which sounded as though they were coming from a location on campus,” Chief Gerald Lewis Jr., UTSA associate vice president of public safety and chief of police, said. “The decision was made to send an alert to the university community while officers attempted to locate the source of the gunfire.”

Both UTSAPD and SAPD responded and did not find any-

one injured. Once the area was searched and no shell casings were found, officers determined that there was no threat to campus safety.

“UTSA police officers, in partnership with the San Antonio Police Department, later determined that the shots were not fired on campus and an ‘all clear’ was sent to the campus community at approximately 3:00 a.m.,” Lewis s Students expressed concern on social media platforms about the alert’s lack of information.

“After a review of the alert wording, we recognized that the message was vague and could have contained more specific information,” Lewis said. “We are reviewing our alert messaging to ensure that future alerts contain more specific information about any threats or incidents that could potentially affect campus safety.”

Graphic by Lindsey Thomas

Breahna Luera/The Paisano

tions and appeals to the denial of permission for activities that need advanced permission.

“HOP 9.37 provides discipline for students, faculty and staff who violate the policy, pursuant to the Student Code of Conduct or other applicable rules,” Rosselló said. “In accordance with SB 18, we will be amending our policies/processes

to expressly establish disciplinary sanctions for those who unduly interfere with the expressive activities of others.”

In addition to providing information on the new state law, Eighmy states in his email that the university is currently in the process of making changes to policies and procedures.

“Over the next few months, our Office of Student Affairs and Office of Legal Affairs will work to formally incorporate the new law into our policies and procedures,” Eighmy said. “By March 2020, we anticipate finalizing appropriate revisions to our policy on Peaceful Public Assembly as the overarching free speech policy on campus.”

According to UTSA Senior Vice Provost of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, LT Robinson, information regarding free speech rights and responsibilities will be updated on the university’s civic discourse and engagement website.

The Office of Student Affairs plans on using a three-pronged approach to engage with students and organizations.

“We will take a three-pronged approach including (1) written, email and social media messaging, (2) discussion and consultation for organizations and (3) awareness videos and on-campus training sessions. We will advertise discussion opportunities and updates through social media and email,” Robinson said.

For more information, visit the civic discourse and engagement website, utsa. edu/president/campusandcommunity/cde/ index.html, or reach out to dos@utsa.edu to get involved or to contribute ideas.

Texas passes nine constitutional amendments

Graphic by Paola Esquivel

By Joseph Torres Co-News Editor Texas voters were asked to vote on 10 propositions to amend the Texas Constitution on Nov. 5.

19,563,915 total votes were tallied across all 10 propositions. Nine of the proposed amendments were approved with at least 52% of votes. Texas Proposition 1, Allowed to Serve as Multiple Municipal Judges Amendment, was the only proposition to be rejected with 1,289,626 votes (65.44%) against and 681,139 votes (34.56%) for the proposed amendment.

The remaining propositions were approved as follows: Texas Proposition 2, Water Development Board Bonds Amendment, was approved by 66% of voters; Texas Proposition 3, Temporary Property Tax Exemption for Disaster

Areas Amendment, was approved by 85%; Texas Proposition 4, Prohibit State Income Tax on Individuals Amendment, was approved by 74%; Texas Proposition 5, Sales Tax on Sporting Goods Dedicated to Parks, Wildlife and Historical Agencies Amendment, was approved by 88%; Texas Proposition 6, Cancer Prevention and Research Institute Bonds Amendment, was approved by 64%; Texas Proposition 7, Increase Distributions to School Fund Amendment, was approved by 74%; Texas Proposition 8, Flood Infrastructure Fund Amendment, was approved by 78%; Texas Proposition 9, Precious Metals in Depositories Exempt from Property Tax Amendment, was approved by 52%; and Texas Proposition 10, Transfer of Care of Law Enforcement Animals Amendment, was approved by 94%.

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UTSA The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) has awarded $771,220 to UTSA’s College of Business to fund cybersecurity scholarship programs. One of the programs will provide six undergraduate and graduate students studying cybersecurity with tuition and fees, a laptop, a book allowance, a stipend and a trip to a security conference.

Students who accept the scholarship will be required to work for a DOD agency one year for every year the scholarship was awarded.

Texas Texas voters approved nine out of 10 proposed amendments to the state constitution on Nov. 5.

Proposition one was the only proposition rejected. It would have allowed municipal court judges to oversee multiple municipalities.

Ninth annual TEDxSanAntonio

By Breahna Luera & Josh Peck Assistant News Editor & Assistant Managing Editor TEDxSanAntonio held its ninth annual event on Nov. 9. This year’s theme was “re:frame,” which was meant to engender conversations that presented issues from different perspectives. Nine speakers took the stage, covering topics that ranged from recoloring the outdoors to overcoming a creative block.

Speaker Alex Bailey, executive director of Black Outside, spent his time speaking about the importance of recoloring the outdoors. Bailey grew up loving the outdoors but found there were few people who looked like him involved in outdoor activities like hiking and camping.

Bailey now works to bring more African Americans into outdoor activities with his organization that develops outdoor program-

ming for youth of color.

Speaker Allison Schrager, an economist and writer, used the TEDx stage to talk about negotiation and the value of taking risks. After studying a Nevada brothel, Schrager found that one of the most valuable parts of negotiation is being told “no.” If you’re never hearing a “no,” Schrager claims, you aren’t asking for enough.

Schrager intended for her talk to be applied across the spectrum of risk-taking in life, whether it is asking for a raise at work or determining whether skydiving is worth it.

Speaker Dan Cooper, a retired businessman, engaged the audience with props while discussing his take on the creative process. Cooper listed places and mindsets that engage creativity such as a blue sky, messy room or youthful mindset. He compared being creatively blocked to playing with a Chinese finger trap — the more one forces

themselves to be creative, the harder it gets. Cooper closed his talk by comparing the mindsets for being creative and implementing creativity. He stated that while having a more relaxed mindset helps engage creativity, one must hone in and focus in an organized atmosphere to fully consummate their work.

Speaker Jenny Lawson, a blogger and writer, shared her mental health journey with the audience and illuminated the benefits of sharing one’s story.

She shared that the reason she continues to get help with her mental health is because of the stories others have shared with her about realizing they are worth getting help. Lawson’s closing remarks encouraged others with mental health issues to share their stories with loved ones and reassured them that getting help is worthwhile.

TEDx events are local, independent productions that offer TED-like experiences on

a smaller scale. Speakers can apply to share their ideas in 18 minutes or less with the audience as well as have their talk live-streamed and shared on the web.

TEDxSanAntonio is organized

by Fiesta for the Mind, a local non-profit, which hosts many events like TED women and TED youth along with TEDx to promote sharing ideas to create a community that better allows for conversations that stimulate collaboration and innovation. The organization is staffed entirely by volunteers who share the same goals.

The TEDxSanAntonio website states Fiesta for the Mind “creates opportunities for life-long ­learners to gather and discuss ideas, issues and solutions, celebrate big ideas to make the world a better place through technology, entertainment, design, collaboration, science and the arts.”

U.S. The first public impeachment inquiry hearings on President Donald Trump are set to start Nov. 13. The hearings will begin with the lead witness William B. Taylor Jr., U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine. PBS will provide live televised coverage of the hearings throughout the week as well as digital coverage on all their online platforms.

World November marks the 30th anniversary of the Berlin Wall’s fall. During a ceremony on Nov. 9, at the Berlin Wall memorial, German Chancellor Angela Merkel said, “No wall that keeps people out and restricts freedom is so high that it cannot be broken down.” The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 led to Germany’s reunification in 1990. “We stand stripped of any excuses and are required to do our part of freedom and democracy,” Merkel added.

National First-Gen Day celebration held in Student Union.

Robyn Castro/The Paisano

UTSA provides resources for First-Gen students.

Robyn Castro/The Paisano

Science E-cigarette and vapingassociated lung injuries have become a top priority for the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the wake of 39 vaping-related deaths.

Researchers have detected vitamin E acetate in 29 samples of lung fluid from patients suffering from lung-related illness. Vitamin E acetate is reported to dilute and thicken various ingredients in products known to contain THC.

Business Southwest Airlines has removed all Boeing 737 Max planes from their flight schedules through March 2020.

Southwest pilots sued Boeing last month for more than $100 million in lost wages due to the grounding of the 737 Max. Southwest currently has 34 737s in their fleet and ordered 200 additional planes prior to the initial grounding earlier this year in March.

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opinion From the free press: Veterans, thank you Editorial

“Democracy dies in darkness.” This phrase is enshrined in the masthead of the Washington Post. While democracy is kept alive by journalists who bring stories to light, their right to do so is protected by the service of military members, who swear to protect and defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic.

As student journalists, we have the right to criticize our institutions and foster conversations on topics from on-campus conflict to largescale issues. In a previous editorial, we wrote, “UTSA is our own little democracy.”

The ability to hold President Eighmy, SGA, the UTSA Athletics department, and other campus administrators accountable only unifies and informs the UTSA community.

Students are afforded the opportunity to exercise their right to free speech rights on their campus — a right so vital that laws are constantly changing and being enforced across all spheres to ensure its protection. The culture we have on campus and in our country would not be possible without sacrifices by individuals willing to defend our constitutional freedoms — which prevent independent college newspapers from being censored by the government.

Journalism matters now more than ever. When UTSA raises the cost of tuition and fees, or when SGA repeatedly

mishandles student fees, it’s important to have a journalist in the room who will report the story to the community.

We hope you thanked a veteran this past Veterans Day for their sacrifices.

Members of our military have sworn to protect and defend the Constitution, which ensures freedoms like having an independent student newspaper to hold the institutions of UTSA accountable.

Illustration by Max Aguirre

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Reforming FAFSA and expanding opportunity Commentary

By U.S. Representative Lloyd Doggett As midterms close out and finals approach, paying for college and avoiding student debt loom larger for many Roadrunners than even the most challenging coursework. Fortunately, some federal student financial assistance is free — but you have to ask for it first.

And the paperwork needed to make that ask can be frustrating and intimidating.

We must make it easier for high school students to enroll in college and for college students to graduate without crushing debt.

Addressing the student debt crisis is central to promoting a strong economy, opening up opportunities and ensuring security for those who work hard.

Cracks in our financial aid system often perpetuate inequality — inequality that stands in the way of the American Dream.

To close the widening economic gap, we

have to close the college affordability gap.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the 2020-2021 school year is already available at https:// studentaid.ed.gov. If you submitted a FAFSA last year, you are eligible to use the Renewal FAFSA this year. On this form, some of the data you previously provided will be prefilled. The priority deadline to complete the FAFSA is Jan. 15, 2020.

After a decade of working for a more streamlined financial aid process, the FAFSA is still too complicated, confusing and underutilized. I am working to reform the process and remove the intimidation.

Last year, high school graduates who failed to submit a FAFSA missed out on $2.6 billion in free money for college.

With the ever-rising cost of college, this financial aid is needed more than ever.

I successfully authored an amendment to simplify this process and make the FAFSA available on Oct. 1, so students

have more time to navigate the process.

But, because barriers remain, I have filed two bills this Congress. These reform efforts are particularly important in Texas because, in order to graduate, next year’s seniors will be required to complete the FAFSA. My bipartisan Student Aid Simplification Act requires the Department of Education and IRS to do the heavy lifting for students by securely sharing the remaining taxpayer information required for FAFSA completion.

My second bill, the Equitable Student Aid Access Act, would allow students from households with income below $34,000, or that already receive certain means-tested benefits, to use a simplified FAFSA form and automatically qualify for the full Pell Grant. That bill also makes it easier for students to make financially-informed decisions about the cost of college by ensuring colleges and students speak the same language

by developing universal terms and formatting for financial aid offer letters.

As I push forward to make aid more accessible to all, I welcome your counsel.

If you have insight into or ideas about how we can alleviate the student debt crisis and break down barriers to equal opportunity, please email me at lloyd. doggett@mail.house.gov. Likewise, I always welcome your input on any of the many federal issues that confront us right now at this difficult time for our nation. From issues like climate action to expanding healthcare access to holding President Trump accountable for his abuse of power, I welcome your advice and advocacy.

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Don’t just thank me for my service

Got hate speech?

Commentary

Commentary

By Joseph Torres Co-News Editor The first time someone thanked me for my service on Veterans Day, I didn’t know what to say. A deluge of responses filled my mind until one finally rose to the surface: “Thank you for your support.”

I’ve spent a considerable amount of time reflecting on whether this was the most appropriate way to articulate how I truly feel when thanked for my service. After years of pushing my limits as a member of the armed forces, I’ve reached a conclusion. Don’t thank me just because it’s Veterans Day. I grew up in a military family, moving between states and foreign countries throughout my childhood and adolescence, which essentially developed me into the person I am today. This even led to my own service in the armed forces, so my patriotism to this nation is primo. As a consequence of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, my father deployed to the Middle East four separate times.

How bizarre is it my sister and I have both deployed to the same conflict-ridden countries our father experienced over 15 years ago?

Veterans’ participation in America’s longest war has now become generational, which has led to a desensitized citizenship. Citizens are either no longer informed about U.S.s military involvements or choose to ignore them.

The impacts of war on veterans are out of sight and mind. The blind assumption of the invisible protectors of liberty and freedom has become the mainstream thought associated with members of the

The Paisano Katrina Clements | Editor-in-Chief Editor@paisano-online.com Rudy Sanchez | Managing Editor Manager@paisano-online.com Josh Peck | Assistant Managing Editor

News Heather Montoya | Co-News Editor News@paisano-online.com Joseph Torres | Co-News Editor News@paisano-online.com Breahna Luera | Assistant News Editor

Arts & Life Alex Hanks | Arts & Life Editor Arts@paisano-online.com Sofia Garcia | Assistant Arts & Life Editor

Sports Ryan Garza | Sports Editor Sports@paisano-online.com Julia Maenius | Assistant Sports Editor

Photo Lindsey Thomas | Photo Editor Photo@paisano-online.com Ethan Gullett | Assistant Photo Editor Ellyson Ortega | Assistant Photo Editor

armed forces. Assuming that someone bears the load of national defense all for a “thank you” is my main concern.

Supporting the troops is not as simple as saying, “thank you.”

Although Veterans Day has passed, it’s not too late to sincerely thank a veteran for their service. We can do so with our actions; they speak louder than words.

The Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) reported that approximately 37,800 veterans were homeless in 2018. Texas Veterans comprise 5.5% of this number.

If we are truly thankful for the service of these veterans, then these numbers don’t reflect our sincerity. No veteran of a foreign war should ever be without food, clothes or shelter.

Bexar County has a variety of veteran outreach organizations that provide support for veterans in our local community and always need help. The Crosspoint-Veterans Program provides residential rehabilitation and life skills training to ensure veterans are able to find a home and maintain a resident status.

Additionally, Audie L. Murphy Memorial VA Hospital currently has 88,000 veterans enrolled in the South Texas Veterans Healthcare System. These veterans have been involved in every major conflict in U.S. history, and some spend their days at the hospital talking with anyone who cares to visit. Go talk to a veteran; all of these organizations accept volunteers.

Understand the implications of what it takes to go to a foreign country and defend the freedoms we too often take for granted. These are some ways you can sincerely thank a veteran for their service.

Online Kat Joseph | Multimedia Editor Multimedia@paisano-online.com Jose Chapa | Interim Co-Multimedia Editor Jada Teague | Asssitant Multimedia Editor Carlos Lopez Jr. | Assistant Multimedia Editor Maha Qadri | Magazine Editor Magazine@paisano-online.com Tali Duarte | Assistant Magazine Editor Brysen Streeter | Web Editor Web@paisano-online.com

Business Will Stransky | Business Manager Business@paisano-online.com Jenelle Duff | Advertising Liaison Paisano.ads1@gmail.com Brysen Streeter | Advertising Sales Executive Ads@paisano-online.com Adrianne Kristianto | Social Media Coordinator Ellyson Ortega | Distribution Manager

By Xavier Richardson Copyediting Coordinator UTSA president, Taylor Eighmy, sent out a university-wide email on Nov. 4 about protected speech on campus. In the email, Eighmy included a link to Section 51.9315 of the Texas Education Code, the law passed on Sep. 1, allowing any individual or group to indiscriminately utilize their First Amendment right to free speech and assembly at Texas public universities, by changing limited public forums into traditional public forums.

The reduced limitations on who is allowed on campus and what messages they can spread welcomes more problematic outside organizations like Love of Truth Ministries to openly display obscene images and distribute crass literature. Harrowing photos of bloody aborted fetuses like the ones seen on campus at the end of October will seem like child’s play compared to the messages other outspoken organizations could display during their visits to UTSA. Not all “expressive activities” have to be in-your-face to get their point across, as we saw with the Active Minds’ Send Silence Packing exhibit, which was held a few days after Love of Truth Ministries’ intrusive event. The stigma surrounding mental health and suicide remains a highly sensitive topic for many, and Active Minds treated the subject appropriately with signs at every entrance of the exhibit, informing passersby of the sensitive content. This event by Active Minds represents the larger premise of informing people about sensitive topics while respecting those

who are not ready for that conversation, giving individuals a choice instead of forcing information down their throats.

Yes, civic discourse can be beneficial in displaying many sides of a complex topic but only when it is done in a civil manner. Allowing a climate of mass conflict does not educate anyone or encourage unity within the community; it simply causes unnecessary stress and anger in those who would have discussed the subject amicably if approached in a more peaceful manner. However, that chance is rare with abrasive groups on campus. Without limitations to curtail polarizing and jarring activities on campus, we are sure to see more ordeals over controversial issues throwing the campus into disarray.

In short, this email is a message to students that the university is not legally obligated to care about protecting civil discourse. However, as members of the UTSA community, our role in maintaining the civility of campus climate still carries significant weight.

Section 51.9315 outlines additional provisions for a grievance system to be established by the university for addressing reports of alleged violations of policies and procedures by a person or group on campus. University administration will continue to allow outside organizations to run rampant until it escalates into something bigger, and possibly even violent; at that point, it will already be too late. We must effectively communicate to UTSA administration that our concerns are valid and will not simply fade away. Rather than allowing our grievances to be passed on to the next class of students, we must be vigilant when the university is not maintaining an environment for constructive civic discourse.

Copy Editing Board

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, Sydney Jensen | Copy Editing Coordinator a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. Xavier Richardson | Copy Editing Coordinator New issues are published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays and exam periods. The Paisano is distributed on Staff all three UTSA campuses — Main, Downtown and the Institute of Texan Cultures. Additionally, Geoffrey Okolo | Staff Paisano publications are distributed at a variety of off-campus locations, including Tri-point and a Samantha Flores | Staff variety of apartment complexes near the UTSA Kimiya Factory | Staff Main Campus. All revenues are generated through Emma Reeves | Staff advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed to: 14526 RoadAmber Chin | Staff runner Way Leonardo Garcia | Staff Suite 101 Folasade Sabitu | Staff San Antonio, TX 78249 Phone: (210)-690-9301 Kasandra Parker | Staff

Dawson Fagan | Copy Editing Coordinator

Jake Striebeck | Staff Robyn Castro | Staff Emmanuelle Maher | Staff Jose Bouquett | Staff Max Aguirre | Staff Kaylee Boggan | Staff Emilio Tavarez | Staff Kayla Burford | Staff Audrey Vela | Staff Tyler Pakulak | Staff Kennedy Caskey | Staff Ryder Martin | Staff Christina Troy | Staff

Advisory Board Diane Abdo | Advisor Steven Kellman | Advisor Jack Himelblau | Advisor Stefanie Arias | Advisor Sandy Norman | Advisor Red Madden | Advisor

© 2019, 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.

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Arts & Life Beauty in the light Luminaria lights up dowtown SA

By Sofia Garcia & Maha Qadri Assistant Art & Life Editor & Magazine Editor In the midst of light shows, art exhibits and spectators, a dancer and a violinist put on a performance that set the tone for the Luminaria Contemporary Arts Festival. Under an archway decorated with greenery and warm lighting, the two artists drew in a crowd with their rendition of “The Swan” by Camille Saint-Saëns. The dancer engaged in expressive dance in her long red dress while the violinist created charming sounds, which garnered unanimous admiration from the audience. The captivation of spectators was inevitable during the festival, and this trend continued throughout the night.

Upon entering the festival, a blown-up, multicolored projection of the moon welcomed the crowd and quickly became a popular photo-op stop. Luminaria’s welcome booth displayed a jam-packed schedule for the evening.

There was an event for everyone, ranging from local to international guests. Artists, musicians, sculptors, actors and more showcased their mesmerizing work.

Just past the somber violinist, a group of colorful piñata-dressed people danced and took photos with pedestrians. Every few steps, the mood shifted from a roboticdancing duo to a bluesy guitarist — with an actual blue guitar — to an animal rights demonstration consisting of two people in Guy Fawkes masks holding screens that silently depicted the cruelty of farming.

The festival remained true to its name as it included many light shows and a contemporary glow-in-the-dark artist known as @trebla_art on Instagram.

San Antonian Alma Berlanga has attended Luminaria for three years.

“I love to come see my town out; we’re so friendly with one another. We have a fantastic way of communicating through events like this,” Berlanga said.

Despite enjoying the event, Berlanga laments over the festival’s diminishing size.

“Apparently, not enough artists got involved. It’s a little disappointing,” Berlanga said.

There was an art installation across the walkway: a net dome covered in lights. Akirash, the featured artist, intended for pedestrians to rest or meditate inside. Contrastingly, next to this unit, an exuberant game of Lotería, a staple of San Antonian culture, was underway. Manning

Artist uses both paint and light to create his installation

the table was Xelena Gonzáles, a featured artist from 2018.

“This year I am a recipient of the NALAC award — National Association of Latino Arts and Culture,” Gonzáles

Moon welcomes Luminaria goers

Sofia Garcia/The Paisano

said, “My writings are all based on the Lotería images.

They’re divination cards and affirmations and animal medicines. So I created a new meaning for [Lotería].”

The open gallery was right next to the exhilarating game of Lotería. As spectators walked in, they were greeted by a long stairway leading to an abstract artist whose prerogative was working with his hands underneath a camera, shifting translucent paper shapes to classical music.

Although the music was intense, it was as if he was moving in slow motion, as he strategically placed the different cutouts across the paper with backlighting. The audience had the privilege of watching him construct his art, letting each pair of eyes on his raw thoughts. His ability to work under immense pressure was profoundly admired by those who tuned in to see his results.

Sofia Garcia/The Paisano

Across the way, the main stage was electric. Artist Kdotla introduced her final song for the night, “Let Me Dream,” which is an anthem for those whose dreams are viewed as farfetched. Kdotla’s stage presence affected the crowd; people were dancing and chanting along with the catchy, relatable lyrics.

“This is my first performance [at Luminaria],” Kdotla said. “Last year, I actually came to just enjoy it, and it just happened that they asked me to be a part this year.”

After moving to San Antonio for business opportunities, Kdotla seeks to expand and connect with her audience.

“I think we get lost in the lights and performance part of it, and we lose sight of what really matters, and that’s connecting with the people. I enjoy that a lot.”

At the end of the night, an electric violin sounded through the speakers that lined the archway. People from all over the festival were immediately enchanted by Dixon’s Violin. Dixon prefaced by explaining that he traveled 1000 miles to perform for the fourth time at Luminaria.

As soon as his bow touched the violin’s strings, he proved that his passion for music and self-expression fueled his improvisational playing. He prefaced his performance with a beautiful sentiment: “By my heart and soul and my intention to share it with you.”

His performance continually evoked emotions from the audience, with a slow and melancholic start to an ending full of angst. In one of his songs, he started with pizzicato and built it up with the loop pedal to create a mellow sound. Dixon’s violin connected him with the spectators; he reminded the audience that they should unapologetically express themselves because “everyone is weird.” As he finished pouring every fiber of his being into the music, he explained the methods behind his process of playing.

“I don’t really play songs — I try and get out of my own way and see what comes out,” Dixon said.

Dixon’s persona was full of undying authenticity, and it was a common observation amongst each featured artist at Luminaria. This event sheds light on a plethora of multifaceted, talented individuals, giving them the exposure they have worked so hard to attain.

Spectators appreciate Luminaria’s light show

Sofia Garcia/The Paisano

Transgender rights in Pakistan or lack thereof

By Maha Qadri

waja sira communities. Transgender people are inherently the gender they identify with, but “X” denotes a “third gender,” which caters more towards non-binary people and the khwaja sira. However, to receive this identification, one must prove themselves as intersex or castrated.

In 2018, the Transgender Person Act outlawed discrimination based on gender expression, a fact Naqvi neglected to mention, but transgender people and khwaja sira are still viewed as very low on the social caste.

The seminar did not illuminate the social and cultural implications of being khwaja sira or transgender besides that many of them are disowned and thrown out on the street. The talk was about legal rights, but societal implications are the reason this civil discourse had to occur.

Naqvi’s choice of words portrayed khwaja sira as the privilege of the oppressed. A community revered in the pre-colonialism era, the khwaja sira are slowly receiving the rights they deserve, but the transgender community is only gaining their rights peripherally. As Naqvi’s informant stated, rights are not being given due to a shift in cultural views but out of a religious requirement in the Islamic government.

Naqvi’s talk was incorrectly named. “The Legal and Political Terrain of Khwaja Sira Rights in Contemporary Pakistan” would be a more appropriate title considering transgender rights are clearly not the goal of the Pakistani government. While being transgender and khwaja sira can overlap in one person, they are not mutually exclusive, and each deserves to be accepted in society.

Amber ChinThe Pa

Dr. Tahir Naqvi, an associate professor of anthropology at Trinity University, hosted the “Legal and Political Terrain of Transgender Rights in Contemporary Pakistan” talk on Nov. 8, at UTSA. Naqvi discussed information he collected over a one-month trip to Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore. “[khwaja sira are] transgender women who participate in a network of chosen kinship,” Naqvi said, despite many khwaja sira not identifying as transgender.

The transgender and khwaja sira communities earned a legal change in 2009. After being accosted by the police, a group of khwaja sira placed a formal complaint about their lack of rights and were granted equal legal protection and voting rights for both communities. At face value, this seemed like a progressive, out-of-character decision for Pakistan.

According to an unnamed informant of Naqvi’s, the 2009 bill lacked a rights-based focus. The equality law was passed not because the khwaja sira deserved equality but because their livelihood was so poor that it did not coincide with Islamic views. Khwaja sira are typically homeless and turn towards dancing, sex work and begging as sources of income. “This work is the product of their stigmatization,” Naqvi said.

In 2017, they earned another half-win. The Pakistani government began denoting transgender and khwaja sira with an “X,” rather than an “M” or an “F” as the sex on their identification cards and passports. While this seems like a step forward, this law defines and seeks to regulate a minority through faux safety measures. This identification continues to marginalize the transgender and kh-

isano

Magazine Editor

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6| arts@paisano-online.com

Breaking the stigma

Breaking Bad star uses platform for disability activism

By Alex Hanks Arts & Life Editor “It’s a lot easier to fix broken kids than it is to fix broken men,” actor RJ Mitte said, to conclude his disability inclusion seminar in Seguin, Texas, on Nov. 7. Best known for his role as Walter “Flynn” White Jr. in AMC’s Emmy Award-winning drama “Breaking Bad” RJ Mitte also lives another life as a disability and inclusion activist. Similar to White Jr., Mitte also has cerebral palsy (CP), a disease affecting muscle and brain function. His acting career began with small roles in shows such as “Hannah Montana,” leading to his iconic role in “Breaking Bad.” His collaborations with United Cerebral Palsy and other organizations have allowed Mitte to use his platform to promote inclusion for disabled individuals. Mitte answered questions on Nov. 7, giving insight into his acting journey and his part in enabling a movement that destigmatizes disabilities in Hollywood and beyond.

According to the Center for Neuro Health, CP is the most common motor disability in the world, with one in 500 babies being born with CP. Growing up and maintaining a role as a public figure, Mitte emphasized the need to preserve and reflect on his own identity, especially as someone whom society perceives as different, based on circumstances people with disabilities were most likely born into.

“When you feel passionate, maintain it, and don’t let someone devalue that,” Mitte said. This seemed to be a theme of the Q&A. The talk primarily focused on disability inclusion but the universal themes of human identity are interchangeable for any person.

While reflecting upon the obstacles people with disabilities face, Mitte touched on the discourse surrounding disability activism.

“People are too quick to jump to solutions without reflecting on the problem itself,” Mitte said. He emphasizes how necessary it is to be rational and methodical when discussing aspects of inclusion, with sensitivity being an integral aspect of activism. (See graphic (bottom left) for appropriate language when discussing the lives of indi-

viduals with disabilities.)

His acting career began when traveling from his hometown of Lafayette, Louisiana, to Los Angeles, California, with his family to get his sister an acting role as an extra on various filming projects.

“The agent looked at me and said, ‘What about your son?’ ‘No, he has CP. Things may be hard for him,’ my mom said.” Mitte auditioned anyways and began his career as an extra in “Everybody Hates Chris” and “Hannah Montana.” All of these roles began within six months of him auditioning in Los Angeles alongside his sister, and an additional six months later, he auditioned and got the part as Walter White Jr. “ [Breaking Bad] gave me so many opportunities… it opened the doors for not only me but everyone around me and solidified my place in the industry…Since then, I shoot three movies a year, and I am in a TV show almost every year,” Mitte said.

Mitte seemed conflicted when discussing his feelings about a larger presence of disabled actors in Hollywood.

“I don’t like targeted television or movies…I’ve been in the industry for 15 years and have seen the ramifications of creating things like this…Am I happy to see people with disabilities working? I love it…but I think the industry has a lot of damage control coming up,” Mitte said.

This is evident in the plethora of roles for which disabled people get cast. Disabled actors are often taken seriously only for roles as disabled people, typically having more extreme forms of disabilities in shows or movies.

Mitte works to break that stereotype by auditioning and taking roles for characters who don’t have a disability at all. A large aspect of disability inclusion is not restricting these people and giving them a platform to deviate away from the status of disabled actor and just be labeled as an actor.

Validating the experiences of POC, LGBTQ+ people and other marginalized groups is important, but so is listening to the experiences of those with disabilities al-

lowing everyone to perceive life through a different lense.

Although dialogue and representation are critical to the enhancement of human rights, understanding that people with disabilities are not different allows us to coexist and learn from each other. This is why Mitte is so adamant about not limiting disabled actors to only disabled roles and pushing producers to cast more disabled people for non-disabled roles.

Society gravitates toward sensationalized and depressive content, especially when it comes to disabled people.

Mitte stresses the positive aspects of being disabled and strives to switch the narrative that has been assigned to him.

Mitte also advised a mother in the audience who has a two-year old with CP. “Therapy does not end once you leave the office…Have him fold towels and sort loose change to build dexterity,” Mitte said. “There’s dark spots on my brain…with CP certain parts of the brain were not getting blood flow…so what he needs to do is train his neural-network by stemming the lobes of the brain through these activities.”

He also encouraged the mother to put her child in sports and not limit him just because he has CP. This underlying theme of turning obstacles into assets was a testament to the successes of Mitte and others with CP who have strong aspirations like he did on his journey to Hollywood.

“One thing I would like to leave y’all with is to be aware…and you need to protect your own identity,” Mitte said before leaving the stage.

Reversing the stigma surrounding all forms of disabilities not only promotes human rights, but also provides visibility to a heavily marginalized demographic. According to the Wheeler Centre, when Mitte began his acting career, only two percent of actors had disabilities — this number is now around five percent. With more work to be done, it is important to listen to the journeys of individuals like Mitte in an effort to become a more conscious ally in activist movements.

Between the Lines: Women on Women

By Paris Cantu

Ethan Gullett/The Paisano

Staff Writer Beginning in the Jazz Age, Vanity Fair set the groundwork for a publication that would reign over the world of entertainment for a century. Their latest venture in anthologies, “Women on Women,” is an example of the power of femininity, through the pen of a female writer. “Women on Women” is an indispensable addition to the modernday feminist canon; it lacks feminist theory and criticism but meets somewhere between literature of the female gaze and new journalism.

Who better to evaluate women than women? With the patriarchy continuing to bite the backs of our heels, women often find peace in solidarity with one another, and only in the company of other women do we feel safe in sharing the waxing and waning of our feminine existence. Without this present solidarity, there would only be shells of women represented in these profiles. A full dimension of women is

laid out plainly for the reader, including Michelle Obama, Frida Kahlo, Tina Turner, Lady Gaga and Princess Diana. In a section titled “In Their Own Words,” Monica Lewinsky writes of the #MeToo movement with ardent honesty, and Maya Kosoff writes about women’s never-ending fight against the gender pay gap.

Even with their 36-year span of journalistic coverage, Vanity Fair barely skims the passage to intersectionality. It lacks proper editorial authority on the inclusion of industry, race and sexual orientation. Because the intersectional function is missing, so is the audience, and at best, this is an exclusive attempt at inclusivity. This oversight places a stain on a potentially progressive collection of commentary on 20th- and 21st-century women.

A Gateway to

Soul Travel

Open Discussions

Soul Travel is simply a shift in consciousness. Its main benefit is to let us tap into the wisdom and knowledge of the last great frontier—our inner worlds.

Thursdays, September 5, 12, 19, and 26 7:00–8:30 PM, SU Magnolia Room, 2.01.30 Info: Mitziani- rbo233@my.utsa Eckankar-Texas.org Presented by the Eckankar Student Organization

Poetry knows no borders

UTSA’s Professor Cano, M.A. teaches Spanish through poetry

By Vanessa Williams Contributing Writer

Spanish

Soy de muy lejos de aquí De un lugar donde la costa, sierra, y selva se unen Como la bandera tricolor Donde la marinera, el tondero y el festejo se baila Donde la inca cola, chicha de jora y la chicha morada se toma Y donde los tambores, la quena y el cajón se toca Sus vibraciones aunque de muy lejos sigo sintiendo desde aquí Extraño la brisa del mar cuando visitas la costa verde, Larcomar o el malecón Y como las olas tocan tus pies suavemente en las mañanas y ahogan las piedras a su alrededor Y el sabor de la sal en el aire que puedo sentir desde mi departamento El cielo está pintado eternamente gris pero cuando el sol tímido sale

ilumina a toda la cuidad y lo llena con una luz dulce y inigualable Extraño el Olivar donde íbamos a cosechar aceitunas agrias o a jugar juegos como matagente o sietecolores o a dar de comer a los peses y las palomas Extraño el sazón de mi madre cuando me cocina papa a la huancaína o carapulcra con un mogollón de amor Pero la verdad es que más que nada extraño a mi familia Quienes me criticaron, me apoyaron y me dieron las mejores oportunidades que he podido tener Extraño a mi Peru

English Translation I’m Peruvian I’m from a land far away A place where the coast, the highlands, and the jungle unite Like the tri-colored flag Where dances like “marinera”, “ tondero” and “festejo” are danced Where Inca cola and “chicha morada” are drunk Where tambourines, the pan flute, and the “cajon” is played Their vibrations while may come from far can be felt from here I miss the sea breeze when you stand by the coast And how the waves touch your feet in the morning and drown the rocks on the shore And the taste of salt in the air that I can feel from my apartment The sky was eternally gray but when

the shy sun shines It brightens all of the city and drapes a sweet glow of light on the pavement I miss the Olivar park Where I would go to pick sour olives Or play games like “matagente” or “siete colores” Or feed the fish of the birds I miss the flavor of my moms cooking when she’d make “papa a la huancaína” or “carapulcra” with lots of love But the truth is More than anything I miss my family Those who raised me supported me and gave me the best opportunities that I could have ever been offered I miss my Peru

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We’re all in this together 2nd annual Astroworld Festival full of success

By Alex Hanks Arts & Life Editor

Photo Courtesy of Kirby Gladstein

The festival featured two stages with performances occuring at alternating times.

Former UTSA student Travis Scott returned to NRG Park on Nov. 9 for the sequel to his revolutionary music festival, Astroworld. Named after his Grammy-winning album, “Astroworld,” the festival brought an array of artists on opposite sides of the musical spectrum with Pharrell igniting a more positive aura in the crowd and artists like Marilyn Manson enabling the pursuit of chaos by spectators. This dynamic encompassed the festival with a myriad of artists across genres holding one commonality: being a catalyst for anarchy and chaos for the estimated 60,000 in attendance during the various performances.

In its second year, Houston went all in on Travis Scott and his festival with Astroworldthemed art and decorations displayed from the airport and other large buildings in the city.

Walking into the venue, it looked like a normal Travis Scott festival. However, a normal Travis Scott festival is far from the norm for other music festivals, and viewers stood in awe at the work put into curating an experience for fans. Consisting of two stages, the fest had multiple carnival rides that allowed fans to witness the concerts from a bird’s-eye view.

Astroworld allowed the pioneers of the Houston rap scene to come together by bringing the Houston All-Stars to the stage, which became one of the more memorable performances.

The integration of sheer nostalgia accompanying contemporary rappers and rock stars was a high note of the festival.

The spontaneity of the festival began with the lineup released to the public 24 hours before the festival doors opened. If you are a regular festival-goer, you are probably accustomed to the artist lineup releasing months in advance to allow time for fans to contemplate whether or not the lineup is worth the money. Astroworld strays away from this notion, being sold out long before the official lineup released. Many avid Travis fans looked at the artists he surrounds himself with and began to speculate such a methodically thought out curation of artists for a festival of this magnitude. You would expect DaBaby, Playboi Carti and Migos to perform at a Travis Scott festival. But no listener expected was Manson to appear in the lineup. Manson, an artist who is known for his demonic presence and cult-leader-like personality intertwining with today’s biggest rappers added a diversity to the festival that felt right. Watching artists such as Travis Scott and Pharrell Williams, who are known for their ability to influence trends across creative media, reminded us that Manson is one artist who pushed his creativity outside expectations of what the music industry should look and sound like. This desire for creativity and innovation opened the platform for artists like Manson and Travis Scott to headline such a festival together.

The lineup releasing a day before the festival may have blindsided attendees, but the myriad of surprise performers was the best part of the festival. This was evident when Swae Lee stormed the stage to accompany Travis Scott in their hit song “SICKO MODE,” not to mention comedian Dave Chapelle beginning Travis Scott’s set and the surprise performance of “Can’t Tell Me Nothing” towards the final minutes of the festival. With sightings of Drake in Houston flooding social media, the Toronto rapper was expected to make an appearance as well, but he never showed up. Gunna also took the stage by surprise with a performance of “Hot,” accompanied by Young Thug and Travis Scott.

The festival was in-line with Scott’s curation of his own discography, allowing for a seemingly strange array of artists into what is predominantly known as a hip-hop festival.

This was not only refreshing, but it integrated diversity into what is iconically known as strictly a hip-hop festival. Most of the artists were no surprise, but the addition of artists who deviate from traditional hip-hop festivals exhibited a sense of creativity and solidified a top spot for Scott in the genre. The integration of surprise artists made the festival memorable, and the scenic stage designs and venue layout made it a festival Texans will want to return to year after year.

Houston All Stars

Swae Lee makes a surprise appearance to perform his part in SICKOMODE

Ethan Gullett/The Paisano

Kanye West

Pharrell Williams

Photo courtesy of Greg Noire

Travis Scott

Photo courtesy of Greg Noire

Photo courtesy of Greg Noire

Photo courtesy of Branndannart

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Sports Volleyball continues conference slate Roadrunners prepare for last home game of the season

T

By Julia Maenius Assistant Sports Editor

he UTSA Roadrunner volleyball team (15-10, 8-4 C-USA) hosted the Middle Tennessee State University Blue Raiders on Sunday, Nov. 10, closing in on their 14th winning season under head coach Laura Neugebauer-Groff. The ‘Runners swept the Blue Raiders in three sets as they near the Conference USA (C-USA) championship tournament.

The ‘Runners began the match with an early lead by forcing the Blue Raiders to record four back-to-back passing errors. The Blue Raiders tied the game 8-8, trading the next plays back and forth before sophomore right side hitter Bianca Ejesieme claimed the set, 25-19, with a kill down the line. Brianna McCulloch recorded a .389 hitting percentage in her first set back coming off an injury.

The second set mirrored the first with

Madeline McKay swings at a set from Courtney Walters.

Lindsey Thomas/The Paisano

both sides tied, at 6-6. The ‘Runners claimed 19 of the next 28 points by forcing consecutive passing errors by the Blue Raiders. Sophomore outside hitter Hannah Lopez and freshman setter Courtney Walters led the offense in the second set.

Walters pushed the ‘Runners into the lead with multiple service aces. Freshman middle blocker Jenna Patton claimed the win for the ‘Runners to end the second set, 25-15, going into intermission.

The Blue Raiders claimed their momentum in the third set, forcing a ‘Runner time out early in the set. The ‘Runners recorded a 10-4 scoring run to put them back in the lead for the match’s duration.

The ‘Runners forced multiple passing errors with their front-row presence. The ‘Runners ended the third and final set 25-19.

The ‘Runners will be returning to the Convocation Center to face the Rice University Owls Thursday, Nov. 14, for the last home game of the season.

Men’s basketball continues to look for first win

By Ryan Garza Sports Editor The Sunshine Slam took place in Kissimmee, Florida, from Nov. 8 to Nov. 10. The men’s basketball team looked to claim their first win of the season, but they were unsuccessful. The UTSA Roadrunners had three straight double-digit losses in what would be a not-so-ideal start to their 2019-2020 campaign.

Moving forward, the ‘Runners will head to Logan, Utah, on Nov. 18, to face off against the Utah State Aggies. The Aggies won their first two contests of the season against Montana State University and Weber State University. The leading scorer for Utah State is guard Sam Merrill with 21 points per game while forward Justin Bean paces the team with 9.5 rebounds per game.

Through four games of play, guard Jhivvian Jackson leads the team in scoring with 25.8 points per game, and guard Keaton Wallace is second on the team with 13.8 points per game. The ‘Runners are currently averaging 67 points per game.

After their trip to Utah, the ‘Runners will begin a three game homestand starting Nov. 22 against the Wiley College Wildcats, Prairie View A&M University Panthers and Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi Islanders.

Ellyson Ortega/The Paisano

Knox Hellums brings the ball up the court.

Looking forward to the Golden Eagles

By Ryder Martin Staff Writer

Lowell Narcisse runs the ball against the Rice Owls.

Lindsey Thomas/The Paisano

Fresh off a comeback, 24-23, victory last week against Old Dominion University (ODU) (1-9), UTSA football improved to 4-5. After a slow start on offense, the Roadrunners scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns and secured their victory with a strip sack by the defense. The ‘Runners are now turning their attention to the Golden Eagles of Southern Mississippi (6-3). This will be the sixth meeting between the Golden Eagles and the ‘Runners, with the Golden Eagles leading the series three games to two. The teams most recently met last year with Southern Miss. prevailing with a score of 27-17.

The Golden Eagles enter this week’s contest in the midst of a highly successful season. Currently second in Conference USA (C-USA) West division, the Golden Eagles are coming off a 37-2 thrashing of UAB (63). Southern Miss. has only dropped three games this year thus far, falling to C-USA West leading Louisiana Tech, and two losses to out of conference losses to SEC schools Mississippi State and Alabama. With a win against ODU, the ‘Runners reached four wins for the year. The ‘Runners must win two of their next three games to qualify for a bowl game.

Despite questions surrounding the health of ‘Runners’ quarterback Lowell Narcisse

last week, he suited up last week against ODU. The Monarchs successfully stopped Narcisse’s running ability, but this allowed him to attack through the air, throwing for 240 yards and the game-winning touchdown pass to junior tight end Carlos Strickland II late in the 4th quarter. Narcisse continues to progress as a passer as the season wears on, eclipsing 200 passing yards in each of the last two games he has played. The Golden Eagles’ defense, ranked 86th internationally, is entering the game, allowing 238.5 yards through the air per game. This should allow Narcisse to continue moving the ball down the field. Fresh off a week in which he ran over 130 yards and two touchdowns, freshman running back Sincere McCormick is likely to face a stiffer challenge this week against the Golden Eagles’ defense, allowing only 107.4 yards on the ground per game, good for 15th in the nation. The ‘Runners’ defense put up a strong second half last week against ODU, holding the Monarchs to three points in the second half.

This week they face a dangerous Southern Miss. offense led by redshirt junior Jack Abraham, who comes into the week ranked 12th nationally for throwing the ball, averaging 292.7 yards per game.

The ‘Runners will be taking on the Golden Eagles on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 5 p.m. in the Alamodome. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+.

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Fire Frank Wilson Commentary

By Jose Bouquett Staff Writer A 13-point, fourth-quarter comeback against Old Dominion University (ODU) Monarchs (1-9) has unfortunately and likely saved Frank Wilson’s job as UTSA’s head football coach.

The comeback was needed to salvage one of the limpest performances of the season from the Roadrunners (4-5). The Monarchs are classified as one of the worst teams in the entire country, but the UTSA fanbase is celebrating as if the ‘Runners just won a bowl game.

Let me save everyone the trouble; this team is not qualifying for a bowl game this year. Wilson’s four victories this year have come from three of the worst teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) and Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) mainstay, the University of the Incarnate Word (UIW). The ‘Runners’ three FBS wins come against teams with a combined 2-26 record.

The ‘Runners will need two victories against either Southern Miss (6-3), Florida Atlantic University (FAU) (7-3) and Louisiana Tech (8-1) to have a chance at becoming bowl eligible. UTSA will likely be the double-digit underdogs in each of those games.

According to the NCAA, UTSA’s offense ranks 116th out of 130 teams, and their calling card defense was disappointing, to say the least, against the Monarchs. ODU’s offense is last in the country, they scored a season-high 23 points against an FBS opponent against UTSA. The ‘Runners being the 16th most penalized team in the nation will likely lead to three blowout losses to end the season,

Frank Wilson addresses the media.

leaving Athletic Director Lisa Campos with a crucial decision to make about Coach Wilson’s future.

Wilson is in the fourth year of his fiveyear contract worth a total of 4.5 million dollars. According to Newsday, Wilson’s buyout, if UTSA turns in that direction, is 375,000 dollars if he is terminated before the end of 2019.

Athletic Director Campos, it is time.

Game attendance has fallen as it always does due to lack of interest. Resentment is growing, and the product on the field is borderline unwatchable. It’s time to relieve Frank Wilson of his coaching duties.

One of the key resume items UTSA valued when hiring Wilson was his ability to recruit. He was touted as a great recruiter who could convince top talent to come to UTSA and grow the program.

In his first season, he took a team still stocked with former head coach Larry Coker’s recruits to a bowl game.

But Wilson has not been able to replicate any type of success with his recruiting classes. The offense is legitimately awful. The lone bright spot is the emergence of freshman running back Sincere McCormick who, despite the total lack of a passing attack, is having one of the best

Lindsey Thomas/The Paisano

rushing seasons in UTSA history.

If we want to keep talents like McCormick — whom I predict, will transfer if Wilson stays — we need to make a change in the head coaching position.

Top-tier schools will come knocking on McCormick’s door, and winning football seasons sure sound better than 3-9 and 4-8 seasons.

Wilson’s UTSA coaching record of 19-26 is not an acceptable record in a four-year span. UTSA needs to make a change and hire a coach with a dynamic offensive background to increase fan interest. UIW (5-5) plays an attractive style of football and competes well in almost every game they play.

Texas football is about posting quality numbers on the scoreboard, which UTSA has no ability to do. A high scoring offense attracts more eyes on the product, which will aid in avoiding disastrous attendance numbers like those in the game against the University of AlabamaBirmingham.

Coach Wilson’s performance has been dreadful during games this year as well.

The poor play calling has led to the team’s low national ranking, and questionable decision making has taken UTSA

out of games as much as anything.

One play against Rice, which almost led to UTSA losing to a team that has yet to win a game this season, Wilson called for Lowell Narcisse to rush up the middle on fourth-and-one, which managed to get past the first down marker. Unfortunately for UTSA, a timeout was called.

Wilson called another play that was a pitch backward to the running back, forcing him to gain five yards to reach the line of scrimmage and then the extra yard for the first down. Predictably, Rice blew up the play in the backfield and turned the ‘Runners over on downs inside their red zone.

Even worse, the team simply was not ready to compete in one of the most embarrassing losses in program history early in the season against the University of North Texas (UNT) Mean Green. Coach Wilson leads the nation in cliches and heart, but heart does not lead to victories on the field. It is time for him to go.

UTSA needs to find their version of Lane Kiffin. He has grown FAU into a legitimate football program after consistent 3-9 finishes in Conference-USA. A 5-7 record, Kiffin’s worst record at FAU so far, would be lauded as one of the most successful seasons in UTSA history.

Frank Wilson has been the worst coach in program history. UTSA football is becoming a doormat for perineal bowleligible teams like UNT, FAU, Louisiana Tech and Southern Mississippi University. Another four-win season could be catastrophic for UTSA’s hopes to stay in the FBS. Attendance numbers will continue to decline if no changes are made, and reaching the threshold to stay in the FBS will become more and more difficult. It is time to move on and search for a new leader of the football program. UTSA can get better under new leadership.

Don’t agree?

Send your counter-opinion to sports@paisano-online.com.

Women’s basketball starts season strong

By Ryan Garza Sports Editor

The Roadrunners celebrate a homerun.

Heather Montoya/The Paisano

Softball completes fall season

By Dalton Hartmann Contributing Writer The Roadrunner softball team ended its fall season on Nov. 9, with two home wins over the Alvin Community College Dolphins and Cisco Community College Wranglers. The ‘Runners played the Dolphins and beat them 12-0. Later in the day, the ‘Runners also played the Wranglers, beating them in a hardfought game 11-7. The ‘Runners showed their versatility between the two games, with the first game showing the ‘Runners ability to score and the second their ability to keep their heads up after early struggles.

The game against the Dolphins started off strong with back-to-back home runs by seniors Celeste Loughman and Madison Washington, as well as a stolen base by sophomore Riley Grunberg after a ball was hit far left, which led to an early 3-0 lead for the ‘Runners.

In the third inning, the first run was scored by senior Elexus Trenkle after she was batted in by freshman Taylor Medina. Junior Hannah Boring followed suit, allowing Medina to score another run. Later in the inning, Loughman cracked a ball out right that was dropped by the Dolphins’ outfielder, allowing seniors Paige Pacher and Kylea Nix to run in and extend the lead. A few plays later, Grunberg got her second run after she hit a home run and allowed Loughman and Washington to get their second runs, making the lead 10-0.

At the start of the fifth inning, junior Clarissa Hernandez came out of the bullpen, taking over for Nelson. Hernandez came out strong and got five strikeouts in three innings. When the ‘Runners got to the batting plate in the fifth,

sophomore Kindell Brooks hit a home run, scoring her first run and Loughman a third. In the next two innings, there were no point shifts, and the game ended 12-0.

In the second game, the ‘Runners played against the Wranglers, and it was less clean cut with six lead changes.

The first inning saw starting sophomore pitcher Marena Estell and the ‘Runners’ defense fall into a deficit, leading to the Wranglers getting two runs. The ‘Runners retaliated with Grunberg hitting a home run to bring the score 2-1 Wranglers.

The fourth inning was a big one for the ‘Runners with red-shirt junior Makenzie Carpenter taking over for Estell as pitcher. The ‘Runners took the lead again after Grunberg scored by stealing a base. Villarreal followed by hitting a home run, batting in Estell, which increased the score 5-6. During the fifth inning, the Wranglers tied the game up after hitting a home run.

During the sixth, the Wranglers scored after one of the ‘Runner infielders allowed the ball to slide through her legs.

At the bottom of the sixth, the ‘Runners blew the game up with Washington getting a home run and allowing her and Villarreal to get two runs. Pacher stole a run after the Wranglers miscommunicated in the infield. Freshman Ciarra Mata was the next person to score a run after the catcher dropped the ball. The next score would come once the bases were loaded, and Villarreal would take a hit to the head, resulting in Boring getting her second run of the day. This inning finished the game with as no runs were scored in the seventh, ending the game 11-7.

Charlene Mass on defense.

The UTSA women’s basketball team (2-0) opened up their season with a win against the Concordia University Tornadoes, 73-44. The Roadrunners would then go on to defeat the University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals, 63-56.

In the game against the Cardinals, three different ‘Runners scored in double-digits.

Mikayla Woods, Adryana Quezada and Charlene Mass had 12, 11 and 10, respectively, for the ‘Runners’ offense. Woods was first on the team in the assist category, claiming four. Karrington Donald led the team in rebounds with three offensive rebounds and seven defensive rebounds, while Timea Toth and Evelyn Omemmah

Julia Maenius/The Paisano

both tied for nine rebounds to be second on the team.

On the defensive side of the ball, the ‘Runners held the Cardinals to 23 points in the first half, while forcing 12 turnovers on the night. The defense held the leading scorer for the Cardinals to only 10 points.

Woods had three steals and Toth had three blocks to help anchor the defense.

The ‘Runners will continue their season with a road matchup against the University of Texas at Austin Longhorns on Nov. 14, before returning back home on Nov. 18, to square off against the University of the Southwest New Mexico Mustangs.