THE PAISANO
A decade down the drain
Teddy B’s closes its doors
By Dustin Vickers Managing Editor
After a long renovation, operation changes and temporary closures, Teddy B’s has officially decided to close its doors. On Oct. 13, the local burger establishment announced they would be ending their operations at the end of the month — no specific date was mentioned.
Teddy B’s opening was the result of Teddy B’s owner, Edgar Cavazos, and an unnamed partner “[wanting] to be their own boss.” Since its opening in September 2014, Teddy B’s has had a larger-than-life menu with an equally charismatic staff. Cavazos has created their large menu to ensure there is “a little bit for everyone because not everyone likes burgers.” Their menu includes a range of options from veggie burgers, grilled cheese, funnel cakes, agua frescas and much more. Among their staff is the restaurant’s namesake — which is immediately evident from their logo — Cavazos’ eight-year-old English Bulldog, Teddy. He is alive and well, and turning nine in December.
From day one, the restaurant shared space with the gas station located at 6392 Babcock Rd, with outdoor seating and minimal indoor seating that bled into the main space of the station. While it worked for most of their tenure, they had to expand into a space that was their own. On May 1, 2023, renovations began on their own space, and operations were temporarily moved to their food truck outside the same gas station. With their facilities reduced to the food trailer, they had to switch to reduced hours that fluctuated
heavily due to the high summer temperatures. Their food trailer operation had to cease because they were not turning a profit with the truck operating and bills continuing to pile up. “I ended up getting rid of [the food trailer] to get some money to pay some bills,” Cavazos stated.
“Product prices [have] affected everybody. We’re still dealing with the main part, [which] is our meat, that went from $2 a pound to $4 a
receiving grants that allowed their business to continue to stay afloat.
The problem Teddy B’s faced once they reopened was people and their memory. Although their customers were very loyal to them, as Cavazos stated, “People have short-term memory, and there’s so much competition, so if you’re not available, then people forget.”
All of these culminated in Teddy B’s announcement on Aug. 4 that
been struggling recently due to its location, Teddy B’s was very successful during the pandemic.
“We actually did pretty good during Covid,” Cavazos stated.
Gas stations being considered an essential business at the time played a hand in their unlikely success.
Customers from the gas station were still able to order through the drivethrough and across the counter, even at the peak of the pandemic. They were also assisted by the city,
Election timeline: A crunch time guide
By Noah Hernandez Staff Writer
In less than two weeks, America will once again be reinventing itself by practicing one of its civic duties: voting. This process, however, is not always straightforward, as there are multiple ways to cast a ballot and a flurry of dates to remember. As such, The Paisano has compiled a timeline of the key dates and necessary information leading up to and following the election below.
First day of early voting: Oct. 21
For those registered to vote, early voting has begun and will continue until next Friday. A map of the various polling locations can be found on the official Bexar County website. UTSA is a designated early voting site with the polling locations being held within the Bexar room in the Student Union. Early voting hours are listed below.
Oct. 21 through Oct. 25 – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Oct. 26 – 8 a.m. to 8 a.m.
Oct. 28 – 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Oct. 28 through Nov. 1 – 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Last day to apply for a ballot by mail (received not postmarked): Oct. 25
The final day to apply for a mail-in ballot is this Friday, with the application needing to be fully mailed and inside the respective voting office, not just postmarked, by Oct. 25. The application can be found on the Texas Secretary of State website and can be printed and completed by hand. For those planning on participating in voting, they must fall into one of the four categories listed below.
65 years of age or older on Election Day
Sick or disabled Not physically in the during Early Voting and Election Day
message gained traction reaching local San Antonio food reviewers, some of whom made content for the restaurant to help revitalize their business. Cavazos was thankful for the wave of support, stating “just the way everybody rallied around us. It’s little things like that. Everybody coming through; we appreciate it.”
Aug. 7 Teddy B’s put out another announcement on their social media saying, “Every individual who has walked through our doors has
Confined in jail or other involuntary civic obligation but still able to vote
All mail-in ballots must be postmarked by Election Day at 7 p.m. Ballots can be tracked using the Ballot-ByMail Status Tracker online.
Last day of early voting by personal appearance: Nov. 1
Nov. 1 is the last day of early voting in person and will have locations open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Those who have not voted prior to or on this day will have one more opportunity on election day. This does not apply to mailin voters, who can still send in their ballots at any time until election day.
Election day: Nov. 5
Election day will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 5, the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Bexar County will feature over 300 polling locations which can be found on the Bexar County elections departments website. UTSA is one of these sites and will host polls at the HEB Student Union Ballroom and the HEB Student Union. If the voter is physically unable to enter the polling location without assistance, calling the elections office at 210335-8683 and informing them of the need will prompt them to notify the selected polling center and allow them to provide curbside voting services for said voter. For all in-person voting, one of seven acceptable ID forms must be present, with the full list being able to be found on VoteTexas.gov. Following election day, the Electoral College will hold its vote on Dec. 17, and Congress will count these votes on Jan. 6. The inauguration for whichever candidate wins will be held on Jan. 20. Any additional election information can be found on the Bexar County Elections Department website at bexar.org/1568/ElectionsDepartment.
brought back hope to us. The future is uncertain, but we are deeply appreciative of the immense support we have received. If we are able to keep our business afloat, we aspire to continue being your preferred choice for meals. Your backing of our small business has been priceless, particularly in these trying times. It’s important to recognize that many local businesses are facing hardships, and not all may have had the chance to convey their thanks. Each and every one of you has left a lasting impact that goes beyond words and expressing our gratitude.
A genuine thank you, Teddy B’s.” Teddy B’s rode the wave until they could no longer, and on Oct. 13, the owners announced their goodbye to San Antonio. On Facebook and Instagram, the bulldoglogoed restaurant thanked the San Antonio community for its loyalty and support.
B’s customers, we are writing to inform you that our establishment will close its doors at the end of this month,” it’s Facebook page wrote. “We would like to express our deepest gratitude to our customer base for their loyalty over the past 10 years. We aim to preserve our menu offerings for the remainder of our operation. Thank you sincerely for your unwavering support.”
Fans of the gas station spot flocked to the comments to beg the establishment to stay and many others shared this sentiment. Luckily for fans, hope may still be on the horizon. “If I can find something else we’ll try to make it work. We have some locations that we’ve been looking at, but fingers crossed,” Cavasos stated.
Theft, mischief, harassment
By Mogbekeleoluwa
Contributor
In compliance with the Clery Act, UTSA keeps a public daily crime log for all on-campus crimes. The log summarizes the case’s date, time, location, incident and current status. The crimes detailed below are taken directly from the crime log, showcasing the trends premiered from Oct. 13 to Oct. 17.
Larceny and theft
On Sunday, Oct. 13, a theft was reported at University Oaks Building 34. The incident took place from Saturday, Oct. 12, at 11:53 a.m. to Sunday, Oct. 13, at 6:20 p.m.. Another case of theft was reported on Thursday, Oct. 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the Main Building. Both cases remain active.
Disorderly Conduct
Later that Sunday, disorderly conduct was reported at Brackenridge Ave. Lot 1. The incident took place between 1:34 a.m. and 2:01 a.m. The case was closed by exceptional means.
Criminal Mischief
On Monday, Oct. 14, criminal mischief was reported in the Science & Engineering Building. The incident took place from 2:33 a.m. to 2:46 a.m. It resulted in damages of less than $100. The case was cleared by arrest.
Harassment
Later that same day, a harassment report was made. The incident is said to have occurred from 8:50 a.m. to 8:55 a.m. in the Multidisciplinary Studies Building. The case is still active.
Stalking
On Tuesday, Oct. 15, a stalking report was made. The incident occurred in the Biotechnology Sciences & Engineering Building on Thursday, Oct. 10, from 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. The case was closed by exceptional means.
Shebioba
Armin Suljovic/The Paisano
NEWS
What Austin tells about San Antonio’s future
By Khoi Nguyen Contributor
Austin has changed. Between 1990 and today, Austin’s population has nearly doubled, and only as recently as 2022 did it lose its 12-year streak as the fastest-growing metro in the U.S. Amid unprecedented growth, Austin transformed from a sleepy town known for its mellow pace and artistry to a growing tech epicenter as giants like Apple, Google and Tesla flocked to Texas in search of a new Silicon Valley.
“Austin is growing by unimaginable ways in tech. Austin is becoming the new Silicon Valley, right? You have companies moving there. That raises the wages, that raises property, you know, the gentrification conversations that we’ve had before,” professor of political science at UTSA Henry Esparza said.
Although Austin’s growth has spurred technological development, rapid change has caused local communities to question their place in Austin’s future. Austin’s population may be among the fastest rising, but it is the only fastgrowing city in the U.S. where Black residents are moving out, citing rising costs and a lack of belonging. In a similar vein, artists and performers report being priced out in the self-proclaimed “Live Music Capital of the World,” a capital that they had forged.
“Working musicians can’t afford to park downtown, let alone live there,” Alex Hannaford, long-time resident and author of “Lost in Austin,” told the Hill.
To many, it seems Austin’s identity morphs with each of the roughly 90 people moving in daily. The city is at odds with itself — touting its slogan to “Keep Austin Weird,” as it is increasingly a hub for high-tech and higher prices. For those caught in this discord, Austin is just not the same. It no longer has the laid-back, frontier spirit that defines Texas’ culture. What happens, then, when another fast-growing city in Texas faces a similar dilemma?
San Antonio, 90 miles down the I-35 spine from Austin, stands as its own distinct entity. It is home to the Spurs, rich with Hispanic and Latino heritage, and on the doorstep of UTSA — a burgeoning institution. Its Riverwalk, often dubbed a must-visit attraction for tourists, is an asset within a parks system enjoyed by residents. These characteristics define the Alamo City and attract newcomers, yet paradoxically, their appeal also threatens the city’s unique identity.
With a metro population of 2.6 million that is increasing by roughly 2.8% each year, San Antonio is the ninth fastest-growing city in the U.S., and this growth is expected to rise. UTSA’s expanding footprint downtown, accompanied by a merger with UT Health San Antonio, raises concerns about how the city will strategize new development. Given UT’s role in shaping Austin into the evolving hub it is today, UTSA’s growth can very well mean a changing face for San Antonio. Already, neighborhoods have united against redevelopment, with many remarking concerning patterns between San Antonio’s changing nature to Austin’s gentrified scene.
“Look at downtown; look at The Pearl. Those areas have been bought up and replaced to build high rises,” Esparza said. “There’s a question of where these people go — the ones that have been displaced gotta go somewhere, and that leads to other complications.”
As new residents and businesses flood into San Antonio, dialogue between problem and policy has opened. In 2018, the San Antonio City Council approved Mayor Ron Nirenberg’s Housing Policy, implementing a 10-year funding plan to address San Antonio’s housing problems. Additionally, the Vista Ridge pipeline, deemed ambitious when it was conceived a decade ago, now delivers water to 20% of San Antonians, abolishing the city’s dependency on the Edwards Aquifer. A growing number of transportation projects also dot the city as roads struggle to accommodate the rising car population.
“How do you build the future cities that are going to meet the needs of growing and growing populations? Because they’re not going to stop coming,” Esparza said.
Although parallels can be drawn between San Antonio and Austin’s growth patterns, many have speculated about a future where the two cities converge.
“We know we’re going to grow. We’re going from five million people to eight million people. That is a fact,” Henry Cisneros, former mayor of San Antonio and former U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, said about the Austin-San Antonio Corridor in a Texas Tribune panel last November.
For individuals siding with Cisneros, the question of an interconnected San Antonio and Austin is not one of ‘if’ but ‘how.’ In many aspects, a merge between San Antonio and Austin reflects that of Dallas and Fort Worth nearly four decades prior. Beyond economic implications, the very identities of the two cities can change entirely as they meld together with intermediate cities.
“You have the Budas, the Kyles, the San Marcoses, the New Braunfels, and when you drive from San Antonio [to] Austin, you almost never get out of a city,” Esparza noted. “Is that likely that we’re going to see the same thing [as Dallas-Fort Worth]? Absolutely we are, it’s happening. You combine the south and the north, so to speak.”
To successfully realize this vision, however, Cisneros banks on regional cooperation and influence that can green-light infrastructure projects. Water and transportation are top priorities, as drought and congestion on I-35 exacerbate the Corridor’s growing pains. While San Antonio’s water supply is supported by the Vista Ridge Pipeline, talk of transportation, like high-speed rail and even aircraft, that can revolutionize how residents travel has sprouted.
“There are additional technologies that we’re not even contemplating today that we should be for an economy 50 years from now,” Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, president and CEO of Greater: SATX, said. “Today, some of these projects are very real; they were tangible. I think we just have to continue and align to get some of these nearerterm objectives accomplished.”
The changes facing San Antonio and Austin’s futures encapsulate not only Texas’ history of change but its constant struggle today between tradition and progress. City planners and leaders are tasked with nurturing growth while preserving the beloved identities of their cities.
“Are we going to allow that to be haphazard, eclectic, congested and environmentally toxic?” Cisneros asked, “Or is this something that can be coordinated with integrated thinking and planning?”
Breast cancer amongst young women
By Marisela Cruz Staff Writer
The detection of breast cancer under the age of 50 is raising concern with the new development of early puberty. Rates of detection amongst women between the ages of 18-45 are becoming more common with a 15% increase within the last two decades. Recent findings have shown that more people in the U.S. are getting their periods earlier, which leads to having children later. Studies show from 2000-2005, on average, young girls got their first period under the age of 12. Compared to 50 years ago, it has only increased the chance of girls getting their period earlier by 15.5% to 1.4%.
Dr. Alexandra Thomas, a medical oncologist at Duke Health, brings up a point that “Women are being exposed to more estrogen over their lifespan.” It is suspected that this increased exposure is leading to earlier periods and breast cancer in women.
Menstruation releases estrogen and progesterone, both of which can play a role in putting women at risk for hormone-sensitive subtypes of breast cancers. Most breast cancers are sensitive to particular hormones 75% of the time. Breast Cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women, and now, young women are expected to experience more aggressive forms of the disease.
Focusing on the racial disparity within breast cancer awareness, black women, in particular, are twice as likely to be diagnosed with breast cancer compared to white women between the ages of 20-44. Black women from the ages of 20-39 are more likely to develop breast cancer of any subtype compared to younger women in other ethnic groups. This could be linked to genetic risk factors as well. There is an inherited mutation in BRCA1 and BRCA2 that increases breast cancer risk. Among all women, about 6% carry these mutations in their DNA. With patients under the age of 40, the number gets closer 12%.
ACS expands to tackle San Antonio’s dangerous dog problem
By Jake Mireles Editor-in-Chief
The San Antonio City Council is set to vote on the rapid expansion of the authority Animal Care Services, potentially allowing the agency to forcefully sterilize roaming dogs they deem dangerous. The new expansion of power would also allow ACS to investigate dangerous dogs based on anonymous complaints.
that must be approved by the city council.
These expansion efforts are the latest attempt by the City of San Antonio to curb its dangerous roaming dog problem. San Antonio has seen a recent string of dog attacks; recently, a one-yearold and an 81-year-old Air Force veteran were killed in dog mauling incidents. This prompted the city to take action to address the issue.
ACS Interim Director Mike Shannon presented a plan to the Public Safety Committee on how his agency can crack down on the dangerous dog problem in San Antonio. His plan proposes allowing the agency to conduct investigations into dangerous dogs based on anonymous reporting. The agency is also planning on conducting preliminary investigations into owners who are repeat offenders of dangerous dog laws in an attempt to get ahead of the curve.
One proposal by Shannon the City Council will vote to approve is the forced sterilization of roaming dogs by ACS. The new policy would allow ACS to sterilize dogs that it picks up off the street if their owners cannot be immediately located.
Another additional measure Shannon proposed was a blanket policy of fewer warnings and more fines for violations of dangerous dog laws. Violations of these laws could also lead to stricter penalties and bigger fines for repeat offenders.
According to San Antonio Express-News, “The fine for a first offense would remain $100, but for the second and third violations, the cost would shoot up to $500 and $750, respectively, from the $200 and $300 that repeat offenders currently pay.”
The proposal to expand the power of ACS in San Antonio will be voted on by the City Council in December.
State of the City Week of
10/22
By Analiyah Olivarez Contributor
Not subscribed to local news but still want to stay up-to-date on the happenings around town? Look no further. Highlighting notable stories from external San Antonio news sources, State of the City summarizes the most captivating news headlines of the week. San Antonio woman killed on Southeast side
A 42-year-old local woman was pronounced dead on the Southeast side of San Antonio. The victim has not yet been identified, but the San Antonio Police Department states the victim was struck in the head as she was exiting her vehicle causing blunt trauma. The San Antonio Police Department received a call that night involving a dispute neighbors heard outside their home. Later, the caller claimed they heard yelling coming from the crime scene, peeked out their window and witnessed a car fleeing the scene. They stated they saw the same car returning to the crime scene, and out of fear for their home, shot a bullet towards the vehicle, which then fled once again.
Overall in the U.S., data shows that 1 in 196 women are diagnosed with invasive breast cancer. Between the ages of 15-39 is when most symptoms arise. Symptoms include breast or armpit lumps, breast pain, skin rash, inverted nipples, nipple discharge and swollen lymph nodes. Most young women do not know where to start when inspecting for breast cancer or when to ask for help from a healthcare provider.
Looking into family medical history can play a big role in detecting breast cancer early on. People are at higher risk if family members have had breast cancer before the age of 50, cancer in both breasts, male breast cancer, ovarian cancer or cancer in both breasts.
When getting a diagnosis, age does not change the way healthcare providers go about the examination. First, the healthcare provider will perform a breast exam, and then follow up with questions regarding the patient’s symptoms. Two types of screenings can be recommended for young women: breast MRIs or a mammogram. Normally, people younger than 40 are not recommended mammogram screenings, but if there is a known history of breast cancer within their family, the screenings can be provided earlier.
In 2024, raising awareness is more important than ever, with an estimated 310,720 women and 2,800 men being diagnosed with invasive breast cancer this year alone. There is hope in continuing the conversation about this cancer in particular. When breast cancer is caught early on in a person’s life, the 5-year survival rate is estimated to be 99%. Modern-day early detection and treatment methods have helped increase breast cancer survival rates in recent years. Currently, there are over 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.
The suspect remains unknown. It is unclear if they suffered any injuries from the stray bullet.
Victor Wembanyama files lawsuit
The number one pick of the NBA 2023 draft is preparing for court. Victor Wembanyama is suing an Austin man for profiting off his image by selling “Wemby” merchandise without legal permission. James T. Glodich owns a website branded “Wemby’s World,” selling all varieties of Wembanyama merchandise such as wrapping paper, T-shirts and sweatshirts.
Wembanyama’s legal team claims such cases are common among rising and current NBA stars, but everything is under control. Local writer Jeff Garcia has reported that local fans feel and support Wembanyama. One Spurs fan contested, saying, “Come on, Wemby, are you really going to go after the little guy?”
Wembanyama’s legal team and attorney say this case has already been won. They stated, “Wemby will most likely get what he wants, which is for them to stop. It seems like they already got that; the website is taken down. The monetary damages aspect is a whole other ballgame, whether he gets that or not.” Fattboy Burgers employees reportedly unpaid 2345 Vance Jackson Road is one of FattBoy Burgers & Dogs’ locations where many employees reported missing compensation. “Everybody to my knowledge is up-to-date,” owner Frank Torrez claims, yet many employees disagree. The business itself does not have an official system for tracking hours for all its employees, so many of them resorted to tracking their hours on pieces of paper or napkins.
Furthermore, many employees never had to fill out legal government documents at the start of their hire, such as I-9s or W-2s. Multiple ex-employees have come out and spoken about their missing payments; some employees are owed $300 or even $1,300. After employees pleaded with Torrez for payment, one of them threatened to notify the Texas Workforce Commission. “Call ‘em bro. I don’t need threats. I can’t pay right now and they won’t do anything to help you,” Torrez replied. Since then, Fattboys and Burgers closed all their locations and have been reduced to only food trucks and putting up flyers for “new employees.” Torrez claims he will pay back his employees, but when questioned, he stated, “Talk to my attorney if you have further questions.”
Dustin Vickers/ The Paisano
MilesJones/The Paisano
OpiNION
With freedom of the press, comes great responsibil ity
The United States finds itself in a crisis state of misinformation and rampant propaganda. With the General Election coming up in November, the past year has been riddled with political camps throwing garbage at each other, exploiting world events to suit themselves and inflating their characters to grab the public’s attention. Through it all, the biased state of modern journalism and news reporting has become apparent. It is the responsibility of the press to keep politicians in check, and they have continuously failed at this in the past year. In doing so, they have let down the public that trusts their integrity as news organizations.
A 2023 study from the University of Rochester looked at news headlines from major U.S. media outlets ranging from 2014 to 2022 to examine the different ways in which American agencies reported on politics, economic issues, foreign affairs and social issues. Their study concluded that the discrepancies in how different organizations report on politics and social issues are due to media bias. These diverse biases were best observed in how headlines were constructed. Adding to that, the increasingly available technology of artificial
intelligence — which can falsify videos, images and audio recordings — makes the chances of being bombarded by malicious misinformation alarmingly high.
Biased political ideologies have wormed their way into the pens of writers and the minds of their susceptible audiences, with mainstream news organizations readily choosing sides and failing to prioritize the truth. Getting views and likes online has now become more important than reporting facts. Headlines are becoming more and more outlandish as they warp the truth to spark outrage and curiosity.
Rowdy Thoughts
The eagerness for quick attention is not without cause. Newspapers are struggling to survive, as seen in their accelerated shutdown rate across the country. The Associated Press reported in November 2023 that the nation had lost one-third of its newspapers since 2005 and that an average of 2.5 newspapers closed each week in 2023, a 0.5 increase from 2022. It is unfortunate that journalists have to beg for money and warp their craft with juicy headlines to continue to exist. Many credible news agencies, such as The New York Times, now have their articles hidden behind paywalls to help them finance themselves, forcing people to look for the same degree of top-tier journalism elsewhere.
At times like these, it is important to support local newspapers, such as The Paisano, MySA or San Antonio Express-News, by consuming content physically and online. It is equally important to hold them accountable, as lies can be told at both the biggest and smallest levels of journalism. Now more than ever, journalists and news reporting organizations have to stick to their principles and remember the purpose of their existence. The news cannot be a tool of propaganda in a country where the freedom of the press is a constitutional right.
How do you feel about Governor Greg Abbott Sending aid to florida after hurricane milton? Interviews by Luna Infante & Regan Williams
Layla Bini Nahom Emilio trevor
“I did know that. I guess that’s good, they do need that. I feel like as a nation, we should still be united.”
“I wasn’t [aware] actually. I’m sure that people and the families affected by the hurricane would appreciate it.”
“I didn’t [know]. I hadn’t caught up on that. That’s good.”
Free to speak or f ree to fear?
Commentary By Mogbekeleoluwa Shebioba Contributor
On Sept. 1, 2019, Senate Bill 18 went into effect. This bill pertains to the protection of expression on campus for all public higher education institutions in Texas. It deems a public university’s outside areas as traditional public forums. This means that anybody, even those not affiliated with the UTSA, can engage in free speech activities on campus.
This bill is really nice if someone wants to have friends outside of UTSA visit and hang out. Also, it can encourage intellectual discussions between groups of opposing viewpoints. On the other hand, it can be rather troublesome when people take advantage of their free speech and just make the campus an overall negative place to be around.
For example, an anti-abortion group patrolled the Sombrilla over the course of a few days last month. Of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinion — regardless of how absurd it may be — but actively exposing the public to posters of aborted fetuses is taking the right to free speech to a rather extreme level.
UTSA states on its website, “However, the law does not mean that individuals may say whatever they wish, wherever they wish. UTSA may, and does, reasonably regulate the time, place and manner of expression to ensure that it does not disrupt the ordinary activities of the university.
Commentary By Matthew Moses Staff Writer
Home to the Alamo, the most visited tourist attraction in Texas, San Antonio welcomes over 40 million visitors every year. It should come as no surprise that San Antonio’s International Airport has been setting records. More than 10 million passengers — an average of 27,000 per day — fly in and out of the San Antonio International Airport (SAT) each year. The airport has broken monthly passenger records every consecutive month since May of last
Still, these are narrow exceptions to the general principle of freedom of expression, and it is vitally important that these exceptions never be used in a manner that is inconsistent with.”
They do not seem to have done anything about controlling what random people expose the student body to, especially since it goes against their poster policy that states posting on campus is not allowed if it contains material that is “obscene, vulgar, or libelous.” Clearly, UTSA is not doing enough to monitor what free speech they are actually enforcing. Instances like this are just going to cause more conflict than actual discussion.
Freedom of speech does not equal freedom from consequence. This is why UTSA claims that they also have the right to restrict expression that “violates the law, falsely defames a specific individual, constitutes a genuine threat or harassment, unjustifiably invades substantial privacy or confidentiality interests, or that is otherwise directly incompatible with the functioning of the university.”
This is a reasonable thing to do if people want to exercise the First Amendment at UTSA; everybody needs to be aware that just because one has the right to free speech does not mean that said speech will be intelligent. The issue is that UTSA does not seem to be doing a good job of restricting forms of expression that could be disturbing, triggering and only serve to upset others.
year with December 2023 surpassing 900,000 for the first time.
This massive growth benefits the city as the airport contributes approximately $5 billion annually to the business travel and tourism-driven economy. However, the airport was not designed for so many passengers. In recent years, SAT has been reaching capacity. In 2022, the airport completed two projects that included additional gates to sustain the airport until the new terminal was completed. SAT has previously been ranked highly among other airports in its
“I feel like he’s doing a great thing. If a hurricane wants to come to Texas, we would also want other states to help us.”
“That’s nice of him. It’s kind of messed up that we don’t get the same kind of — we’re his state. What are we doing, left in the dust over here?.”
Burrito bust:why campus Freebirds is not worth it
Commentary By Armin Suljovic Photo Editor
After eating at the Freebirds on campus, the expectation of leaving satisfied amounted to disappointment. Students choosing this dining option are left scratching their heads, wondering why they had just paid full price for a subpar meal. While already juggling rising tuition costs and stagnant wages, students or any customers should not have to walk away from their meals with buyer’s remorse.
Chances are, if the Freebirds on campus has been mentioned, a negative connotation is followed by it — and for good reason. Tuition at public universities in Texas has increased by almost 16% in the last decade according to the Education Data Initiative. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor found that Texas’ minimum wage has remained the same at $7.25 since 2009. For many students, every dollar spent matters, so are they really getting their money’s worth?
In an informal survey, a few students compared their experience at the on-
class. Last year the Wall Street Journal ranked SAT in the No.2 spot on its list of best midsize airports in the country for 2023. Due to the influx of new passengers, overall customer satisfaction ratings have plummeted. J.D. Power’s 2024 North American Airport Satisfaction Study placed San Antonio at 18 out of 24 in the large airport category with an overall customer satisfaction rating of 614 out of 1000. The average score for the category was 629. Within a year, the airport has gone from top of its class, to far below average.
campus location with an off-campus Freebirds. The consensus? The offcampus locations served up better portions, seasoned foods and service. Why is the Freebirds most accessible to us on campus lackluster? One potential explanation for these occurrences is that businesses are willing to gamble that students are both too hungry and in too much of a rush in between classes to pay attention to this discrepancy in quality. Food is essential to everyone; proximity should not affect quality and leave people with a rip-off. This goes beyond a simple matter of burritos and bowls; it is about the value. From housing to textbooks, students are already paying absurd amounts for their college expenses. Is it wrong to want the dining options to reflect in quality what students pay in expenses? It has already been made apparent by UTSA students that it is not worth stopping at Freebirds, especially when there are better options available nearby. is up to students to decide where they spend their hard-earned money.
Ibiene West/The Paisano
Ibiene West/The Paisano
By Anika Engler Staff Writer
What is it about leaving something that stimulates someone to miss it, appreciating something the second one loses it, neglecting something yet desiring it the second it vanishes? For many, life gets put into perspective during moments of change, eliciting an awakening to the abundance of things that were taken for granted. People begin to yearn for what once was overlooked as if the very act of something disappearing enhances its appeal. Why do humans have this destructive blind spot— one incapable of seeing the value of the present until it is far out of reach?
In an insatiable society moving at lightning speed, determined by a relentless forward motion, the focus is always placed on what is next, what is better or what the future holds. Individuals chase after upcoming opportunities, relationships and achievements, all while the essence of the present sneakily fades away. The irony is brutal. By ignorantly dismissing the now, people waste irreplaceable time. Only in hindsight do they realize the preciousness of what was right in front of them all along. As the influential talk show host Oprah Winfrey once said, “Living in the moment means letting go of the past and not waiting for the future. It means living your life consciously, aware that each moment you breathe is a gift.”
People tend to overlook the significance of their actions, which diminish the impact that they have on others, the work they put into their occupation and the energy they invest into personal passions. People are susceptible to getting caught up in the spur of the moment and end up underestimating the rippling effects of their choices. Every gesture made, every word spoken and every endeavor pursued shapes a person’s present and future. The way someone treats others, whether that be with kindness or cruelty, leaves a lasting impression.
Orion Tuck/The Paisano
By Christian Loustaunau Contributor
In college, it is common to see students with caffeinated drinks in hand, whether it is coffee, energy drinks or soda. Globally, over 100,000 metric tons of caffeine are consumed each year, which is roughly equivalent to 400 billion cups of coffee and people need to severely cut back. Most caffeine intake comes from coffee and tea, but it is also found in sodas, chocolate and even decaffeinated beverages. However, the abundance and desensitized nature of caffeine does not dismiss the serious health implications of its overindulgence.
Caffeine can have both positive and negative effects on health. On the positive side, moderate consumption can enhance cognitive function, improve memory and reduce the risk of several diseases, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Research shows that drinking 2-5 cups of coffee daily is linked to various health benefits. However, when intake exceeds 400-1000 mg in a short period, individuals may experience negative side effects like insomnia, anxiety, tachycardia, headaches and
digestive issues. High consumption can lead to irregular heartbeats, blood pressure fluctuations, irritability and restlessness. Furthermore, chronic caffeine addiction can interfere with calcium absorption, potentially leading to bone loss.
A majority of the world’s population is hooked on caffeine, making it the most commonly used stimulant and psychoactive substance. This is especially popular with college students; 92% of students in college drink some form of caffeine. The daily caffeine intake of college students is about 159 mg for those who frequently consume it. There are many reasons why students consume caffeine; it is proven to be the most commonly known psychoactive drug that increases a person’s ability to perform and improves alertness and wakefulness.
Students often report they use caffeine during times of increased stress, such as midterms, finals and any sort of exam. These students turn to caffeine to offset and delay sleep receptors and stay awake for long periods in hopes of improving academic performance.
Pumping Ozempic, pushing body image issues
The Paisano
Editorial
Jake Mireles | Editor-in-Chief Editor@paisano-online.com
Dustin Vickers | Managing Editor Manager@paisano-online.com
Laynie Clark | News Editor News@paisano-online.com
Marcela Montufar Soria | Opinion Editor Opinion@paisano-online.com
Malaki Lingg | Arts & Life Editor Arts@paisano-online.com
Haley Aguayo | Sports Editor Sports@paisano-online.com Raul
Commentary
By Deven Murray Contributor
Building a community is critical for shaping worldviews, influencing interactions and developing diverse perceptions. Community represents the people who offer reliability, shared experiences and support. Everyone in a community contributes to a collective network of diverse skill sets. It is a civic duty to foster a supportive environment where community members can rely on one another.
Community development faces barriers due to a disconnect between what is taught and what is felt. Think about social norms when encountering a person in need — such as a homeless person. Is there a way to help this person sleeping on the street? Or is there the idea that by looking away the problem does not exist? This disparity between feeling compelled to act and actual behavior illustrates the need for community-driven empathy and initiative.
A crucial step in cultivating community is engaging with neighbors, acknowledging shared existence and recognizing overlapping social needs like housing, healthcare and food. Every person possesses unique strengths, offering a foundation for mutual support. Communities contributing abilities — whether gardening, cooking or fixing cars — enables individuals to meet each other’s needs while doing things they enjoy. Similarly, discussing personal struggles within the community creates a collaborative and familial network, which helps to ensure that individual and collective needs are met.
The best way to build up a community is to just go out there and see who needs help. It could be a friend who is moving and needs some spare boxes. It could be a neighbor that needs a pet sitter for a few days rather than put their beloved pet in a high-stress kennel. Or it could even be a pal that needs someone to vent to about their frustrations.
Commentary
By Luna Infante Interim Marketing Manager
Like jean styles, women’s body types wax and wane in popularity, and recently, the thin look has made a comeback. Over the last few years, there has been an increase in the mention of the drug “Ozempic” and how it helps with weight loss.
Ozempic was originally approved by the FDA to help treat adults with Type 2 diabetes. The drug comes in the form of weekly injections; it works by producing more insulin which lowers blood sugar. Its original purpose is not meant for weight loss, but that is what the media has glorified it as — and it is extremely harmful.
On apps like TikTok, mention of Ozempic has been growing. “#ozempic” has amassed over 200,000 views, with some videos under the hashtag gathering millions of views. In the comments, many are seen praising the effects, with some users saying things like, “I need Ozempic,” or “God I wish my Ozempic was working as fast as theirs is.”
Many celebrities have been open about their use of Ozempic, some even advising people to try it. People magazine shares celebrities’ feelings about Ozempic and drugs alike. Macy Gray said on MTV, “Quietly, I’m kind of a vain person. So, I thought, okay, I’m not taking [the weight] off the right way, let me see if I can get one of these Ozempic. I was actually trying to take it off before the show because I didn’t want to be super fat on TV, but here we are.” Kelly Osbourne shared her thoughts to E! Online, “I think it’s amazing. There are a million ways to lose weight, [so] why not do it through something [that] isn’t as boring as working out?”
These conversations are damaging to young people, and they can negatively impact those who struggle with eating disorders. It is not okay to call oneself “super fat,” and express avoiding being on television because of it. To have vulnerable conversations about weight and insecurity is one thing, but to publicly shame oneself is another, especially as a celebrity. Many people look up to celebrities who share their body type because it is empowering.
But these comments are damaging, not only to Gray but to those who look like her and feel proud of it.
By endorsing the use of weight-loss drugs, celebrities and influencers push the narrative that unnatural alternatives are okay and even favorable compared to natural methods. Diet and exercise are the healthiest paths to take, so unless someone is struggling genetically or medically, Ozempic and other weight loss drugs should not be normalized. For influencers and celebrities with a young platform, this is destructive. In the digital era, where many young people are struggling with bodyimage issues, the open, unashamed conversations surrounding Ozempic is opening doors to the dangers.
Novo Nordisk, the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Ozempic, told Newsweek that, “While we respect every healthcare professional’s clinical expertise and their right to prescribe treatment based on their own medical judgment, we ask that healthcare professionals prescribe our medicines consistent with their FDAapproved indications. Novo Nordisk is committed to the responsible use of our medicines.”
By continuing to use and applaud Ozempic for its misused effects, this generation pushes poisonous views on body image. Although America struggles with obesity, shortcuts are not the solution. especially in the name of empowerment while damaging comments are being made.
The unethical use of Ozempic should not be celebrated, idolized or sought after.
Ibiene West/The Paisano
arts & life
Pullman Market: A Culinary Gem at The Pearl
Pullman Market is a vibrant new addition to The Pearl; spanning an impressive 40,000 square feet, this culinary destination has something for everyone. The market offers everything from morning coffee to evening cocktails, with delicious lunch and dinner options in between. Managed by Emmer & Rye Hospitality, based in Austin, Pullman Market is a must-visit for foodies across San Antonio.
Housed in a beautifully reclaimed industrial space, Pullman Market celebrates the diverse flavors of Texas. The market features a variety of restaurants lining its perimeter, ensuring that whether someone is looking for fresh groceries or a memorable dining experience, they are guaranteed that someone will find a spot suiting their needs.
The market boasts a grocer that includes a bakery, butcher, fishmonger, produce section, wine and beer selection and various retail departments — all sourced from local Texas brands. One will find coffee from What’s Brewing, beer from Künstler Brewing and cheese from River Whey Creamery in Schertz. Each aisle is stocked with ingredients perfect for crafting gourmet meals at home.
For those on the go, Pullman Market offers three quick-service eateries that use ingredients sourced
I want to
directly from the market: Burgers by the Butcher; Ceviche & Tacos; Sandwiches, Ice Cream and Coffee.
These options make it easy to grab a delicious meal or snack without sacrificing quality.
The market also features four full-service restaurants, a bar and a lounge — each providing a unique dining experience. Fife and Farro is known for its wood-fired sourdough pizzas and handmade heritage-grain pasta. Mezquite specializes in cuisine from the Sonoran region and serves cocktails from its centerpiece bar, the Mezcaleria. Adorned with greenery, this inviting bar is perfect for enjoying agave-centric drinks with friends. Isidore offers a diverse menu that highlights Texas ingredients, featuring raw bar items, small plates, and indulgent dishes. Nicosi offers unique desserts that balance acid, sweetness, bitterness and savory flavors. With its unique food options and diverse culinary choices, Pullman Market has something for everyone. It engages visitors through varied experiences, redefining what a market can be. To explore this culinary gem, visit Pullman Market at 221 Newell Ave, San Antonio, TX 78215. Whether you are shopping or dining, Texans are in for
great experience.
listen to ‘MG Ultra’ ‘Until I Die’
By Lesley Fuentes Staff Writer Reviews
Running at 44 minutes and seven seconds, “MG Ultra” knows no bounds. After four years of waiting, the time has finally come to indulge in Machine Girl’s fifth album release.
The record starts off with “Until I Die,” the leading single that was released on Aug. 7. It feels quite familiar, yet brand new at the same time with its fun and energetic aura. It then bleeds into the next track, “Sick!!!,” which sounds like it belongs in a racing video game. Its pulsing beats and catchy melodies are followed by an eventual breakdown, leaving the listener ready for more. “Just
live drumming rather than relying on samples like in earlier records. This would be the skillful contribution of Sean Kelly, the other half of Machine Girl, who also makes music under the name Mankid.
“Innerface,” creates an ambient break from the loudness of the first half of the record, then leads into “Motherfather,” the second single that was released on Sept. 5. This track has actual singing and guitar, a vastly different approach from the majority of Machine Girl’s catalog. It received mixed reviews upon its release, with most complaining that the track was causing less excitement for the album as a whole. Do not let this be discouraging, as the newness of the guitar eventually breaks down and meshes with the screaming vocals Machine Girl fans know and love. is oh-so deliciously made; as every second passes, the intensity of the song grows and makes one want to get up and dance feverishly. Every synth stab and tantalizing beat jolts the listener around, leaving no room for idle listening. With rather raunchy lyrics, this track steers into a much different direction and leaves little to it up with “Psychic Attack,” this is yet another previously unreleased track. It was performed during their tour with 100 gecs in 2023. With lyrics like “I’ll destroy you all on my own / Feel my power at my full potential,” it is hard not to feel a bit villainous during this listening experience. not exactly what most were expecting, “MG Ultra” proved to be a delightful listen. If their earlier works have previously put listeners off, this may be the album to indulge in. Pioneers in their own right, Machine Girl have done
Resources for Domestic Violence Awareness Month
By Luna Infante Staff Writer
October is Domestic Violence
Awareness Month. The U.S. Department of Justice defines domestic violence as a pattern of abusive behavior within any relationship. This can be emotional, psychological, physical, emotional, sexual or economic abuse. Domestic Violence
Awareness Month is for raising awareness and providing support to those who need it. Here are some resources and events UTSA has for those who are struggling.
shield or paper where their story is written. UTSA will be displaying a Silent Witness Exhibit on Friday, Oct. 25, at 12 p.m. at the Recreation Wellness Center. The PEACE Center
UTSA’s PEACE Center offers confidential services and educational resources to those affected by domestic violence. Its services focus on sexual violence, intimate partner violence, gender-based violence, sexual misconduct, harassment and stalking. Some services offered include access to advocates, presentation requests and a
a
By Kara Lee Graphic Editor
Miles Jones/The Paisano
KaraLee/The Paisano
Arts & Life
The vibrant jazz scene of San Antonio
By Noah Schwencke Staff Writer
In recent weeks, San Antonio has been graced by the Jazz’SAlive Festival and the International Latin Jazz & Arts Festival, showcasing some of the best jazz around. But where can San Antonio locals and visitors find amazing jazz every week and why is San Antonio such a hot spot for jazz culture?
The inception of San Antonio’s jazz history is often credited to the late James “Jim” Cullum Jr. and his nightclub, The Landing. Cullum was a jazz historian and leader of the Jim Cullum Jazz Band, which performed nightly at The Landing on the Riverwalk.
The Landing provided a cozy haven for jazz enthusiasts and musicians alike, bringing the heart of jazz to downtown San Antonio. The club provided a platform for artists to grow, find their footing and was often dubbed a part of the “Chitlin Circuit,” a trail of jazz scenes across the country in areas such as New York, New Orleans, Los Angeles and Chicago. Various prestigious artists, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Miles Davis and John Coltrane performed at The Landing in cooperation with Cullum. Beyond the revolutionary club, one of his biggest initiatives was founding the Riverwalk Jazz radio program. This program was hosted and funded by Cullum, promoting the oldest to newest renditions of jazz culture across the radio waves. Through his ventures and mentorship, Cullum fostered a blooming jazz community in San Antonio and gave way to the start of the culture that is present today.
Unfortunately, The Landing and the Riverwalk Jazz program have come to an end. The Landing fell in 2011 to an unfortunate turn of events regarding the ownership of the club which resulted in Cullum suing the owner. The Riverwalk Jazz program ended in 2015 on a happier note as Cullum was nearing the end of his career. “We had a story to tell with ‘Riverwalk Jazz,’ with the remarkable people when the origins [of jazz] were just unfolding, and we wanted to get some of these people down for the record,” Cullum said. He passed away in 2019, in the peace of his own home, leaving behind a profound
imprint on San Antonio and jazz culture.
His legacy and the thriving jazz scene that he created continue to live on in San Antonio. Programs such as the aforementioned annual Jazz’SAlive and Trinity University’s KRTU Jazz 9.17 FM continue to bring beautiful jazz tunes to listeners. Many clubs, bars and social spots around town host live jazz weekly, and sometimes daily.
One of the biggest examples of this is the growing jazz club in The Historic Pearl, “Jazz, TX.” Owned by Doc Watkins, a local vocalist and pianist, the venue serves as one of the most high-end and active jazz clubs in San Antonio. Hosting multiple shows a day and new artists every day of the week, the underground club is always filled with smooth sounds. Watkins’s very own band often performs, each time highlighting a new genre of jazz or section of the genre’s history. Attesting to the booming jazz culture of San Antonio, most shows at Jazz, TX are sold out weeks in advance.
When looking for a cheaper jazz outing in our musicfilled city, there is no shortage of free performances. KRTU’s Jazz Calendar provides an amazing resource to scout out paid, free and festival jazz performances around San Antonio. One of these staple locations is the Blue Star Brewing Company, which acts as a bar and music venue. While hosting a wide array of musical genres, Blue Star is an amazing location to find routine, cheap and talentfilled big band performances. Ranging from full-on festivals — such as the Blue Star Big Band Jazz Festival happening this Sunday, Oct. 20 — to weekly jazz nights, Blue Star always hosts talented local bands at little to no cost. Alongside the amazing music venue, the bar serves amazing food and renowned local beers, brewed a few steps away while dining.
Continuing a theme of big band jazz, the St. Anthony Hotel hosts the Dirty River Jazz band every Tuesday night. This local, traditional-style jazz band is not only regularly at the St. Anthony Hotel, but also frequents other jazz spots around San Antonio — including Jazz, TX. The band has a rich history which was originally inspired by Jim Cullum’s Jazz Band, boasting a classic
University Choir gives moving performance
By Sarah Quintanilla Staff Writer
Commotion filled the room before the show last Thursday, Oct. 17. Whispers were replaced with a loud round of applause as the University Choir walked the stage to find their designated spots in their concert black attire. Dr. Jordan Boyd got closer to the microphone and thanked the audience for coming and gave special thanks to Dr. Gary Manbry, who founded the UTSA Women’s Choir. He listed and explained the setlist of the show titled “Lineage,” named after the original song by Andrea Ramsey, stating that it is the “celebration of our present, past and future.”
As the stage turned orange, percussion began “Lineage.” The chorus followed suit, giving a telluric performance reciting the words of the poem of the same name by Margaret Walker. The low vocal range encompassed the beginning of the show, setting the tone by alluding to the beginning of oneself and the acknowledgment of who came before.
to dream of where it would lead. Applause and cheers came immediately after.
“Doragi,” a Korean folk song, was the third song of the show. It started to sound more hopeful, yet still tranquil. Dr. Yoojin Muhn arranged this performance, representing the present from the Korean belief of animism, in which nature has a spiritual essence. The crowd was at ease, appreciating the beauty of where the performance was taking them.
It was time to take a glance, or a listen, at the future with the fourth song of the show. It was Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For?” arranged by Jennifer Lucy Cook. As the blue lights were still illuminating the stage, this was the most captivating presentation of the night. The entrancing voices of the choir mesmerized the audience, with tears welling up in their eyes and chills running down their arms, people were soaking in every sound in the enchanting performance.
Andi Carey, a multidisciplinary sciences major who performed as a soprano, answered some questions before the performance. They were excited to perform, as it was the first concert of the semester and their second year performing, claiming that it was “The best opportunity to have a concert just for [the University Chorus].” Since any major can sign up for the treble choir, Carey confirmed that Dr. Boyd teaches the basics so that everyone can sing and sight read.
Blue lights inundated the room and the second song “Shenandoah” started playing on the piano, performed by Billie Whittaker. The song arranged by Paul Basler and conducted by Antonio Zubillaga sounded like angelic chants. The crowd held still, enjoying the soothing voices of the chorus. It was a representation of the journey that looked back on where it started and dared
The last song of the night was Jacob Naverud’s “Ad Astra,” setting a hopeful and uplifting tone. Dr. Boyd said earlier in the introductory speech that the song represented that “the future is bright, we only need to look upward and the stars will guide our way.” The sound of the applause and cheers that came right after was reverberating in the concert hall. It was a standing ovation that lasted for two minutes, cheering louder and louder at the directors and anyone who bowed to the audience.
Five songs was everything this performance needed to convey such a powerful message on the passage of time and the excitement for the future. It was an exciting musical journey that conveyed so many emotions to an audience that was fascinated by it all, as well as a thrilling first University Chorus performance of the semester.
20’s style of music that is brought on by their beginnings as music teachers. They have a unique sound, skillfully covering many of the greatest hits and are often open to any requests. The St. Anthony Hotel is the best place to see them perform for free with the option of free table reservations and high-end food from one of the hotel’s restaurants, Gallery on the Park.
Stepping away from the big band, and into a more freeform “jazz jam” of sorts, is The Dakota East Side Ice House. Following suit of Blue Star, the Dakota gives a stage to a host of artists daily — even those outside the realm of jazz. The smaller venue hosts two weekly jazz events on Thursday nights and Sunday mornings.
Unlike many of the other jazz outings mentioned, the Dakota’s jazz performances are not performances at all. These are simply jam sessions where any musician is welcome to join in, creating a unique experience for the listener and artist alike. Home to a core group of talented individuals, the sessions are often joined by music students, local composers, vocalists and other musicians from guitarists to trombone players.
Similar to Jim Cullum’s notoriety for mentorship, the Dakota provides a smaller atmosphere for new musicians to learn, make mistakes and show off their skills. It is not out of the ordinary for an unknown individual to show up, completely shock the bar with a fiery jazz solo and leave to an astounding round of applause. It is also not uncommon for newcomers to mess up, yet the atmosphere is always forgiving, allowing newer players to find the rhythm again.
These are just a few of the amazing spots around the beautiful city of San Antonio where one can find live jazz. Honorable mentions include Milano On Wurzbach, Bohanan’s Prime Steaks and Seafood, Rock and Rye and various hotels around the SA area — all regularly hosting local artists and jazz-centered evenings. Jim Cullum and the deep jazz culture he helped form still burn brightly in San Antonio. In the coming weeks, find time to check out KRTU’s Jazz Calendar to find local jazz events and join the local jazz community.
Dennis Higgins/The Paisano
Noah Schwencke/The Paisano
UTSA women’s golf competes in Jim West Challenge
By Alejandra Garza Distribution Manager
TSA women’s golf team traveled to San Marcos, Texas to compete at Kissing Tree Golf Club for the Jim West Challenge hosted by Texas State. The challenge took place over the span of two days, with the first two rounds being on Sunday and the third round on Monday. The jampacked weekend kicked off with a big party that featured karaoke and a coach’s challenge on the driving Roadrunners competed against 11 teams, three of which were ranked in the top 30 in the NCAA. The starting lineup for UTSA was Daniela Abonce, Maria
assistant coach Taryn Torgerson said.
Bastarrica, Sydney Bisgrove, Morgan Ellison and Olivia Williams.
Many of the locals in the Kissing Tree Club area volunteer for the event as ball spotters and set up coolers at tee boxes to ensure players have enough water. The par-72 course stretches across 1,500 acres of land, with its design centered around the hill country, equipped with elevated tee boxes and wide fairways.
“The course is very killer, so we pretty much talked about confidence,” coach Summer Batiste said about the advice she gave to her players following their practice round from the day before. “Committing to every shot gives ourselves opportunities because if we do that we will have chances to get some birdies in.”
It was a long day for the ‘Runners, facing a 36-hole course; the challenge ahead of them was both physically and mentally demanding.
“We kind of stressed that there were going to be opportunities, kind of wanting them to stay patient,”
Alvarez stands out; Roadrunners conquer owls
UTSA soccer shuts Temple out
By Hannah Velasquez Distribution Manager
UTSA soccer prevailed against Temple University 3-0 on Sunday at Park West Athletic Complex.
The Roadrunners (7-6-3, 2-42 AAC) played a well-fought game against the Owls (2-14, 0-7 AAC), and the aggression that had been missing the previous week returned. Quickly shutting Temple down, UTSA’s defense and offense continued to put pressure on the Owls as they remained on their side of the pitch.
“We wanted to keep Temple under pressure,” coach Derek Pittman said. “We didn’t want them to get into a rhythm. We didn’t want them to have any success building out of the back. Relentless pressure, both defensively and offensively, was a big key to our success.”
Senior midfielder Olivia Alvarez executed a set piece in the second half against Temple goalkeeper Tamsin Bynoe. Freshman forward Addy Johnson threw-in to sophomore forward Tyler Coker who received the ball and passed it up the third to Alvarez.
“This week was all about being
the best version of ourselves,” Pittman said. “Let’s get back to playing our aggressive style, being aggressive with the ball, being aggressive without the ball and being dangerous on set pieces.”
Johnson extended the ‘Runners lead in the second half by carrying the ball and scoring with a cross kick after Coker kicked longdistance.
Scoring 34 minutes into the game, sophomore midfielder Sophie Morrin shot a penalty kick after a Temple player pushed teammate Alvarez down. Morrin shot a clear goal from the Owls attacking third and past Bynoe as she stood completely still.
Throughout the game the Roadrunners were able to maintain 64% possession of the ball and led in shot attempts 21-4. During the second half, the ‘Runners aimed to kick the ball further down the pitch as part of their strategy to wear the Owls down.
UTSA will play University of South Florida at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Corbett Soccer Stadium.
“I think on 36-hole days, it’s just all about being mentally locked in through the whole day.”
Junior Daniela Abonce led the UTSA groups as she teed off on a par-5 17th hole in a shotgun start.
Following Abonce’s first shot, which she hit in the fairway, she ended up in some trouble after her third shot landed in a sand trap, right of the pin. Abonce chipped it up a bit higher than the pin, avoiding a slope. She twoputted, making her par the hole.
Parents were able to attend the challenge with senior Morgan Ellison’s parents following her throughout the course. Ellison’s father, Tod Ellison, explained the busy schedule that the players have, as well as a fun fact about her.
“On top of team traveling, Morgan also travels to Georgia for private lessons three times a year with coach Gale Peterson,” Tod said. Tod shared that his daughter’s lucky number is three, and it began with her birth:
“Morgan’s birthday is 03/03/03.” Ellison finished the first round with a low score of 72 on the team. She ended the round with one birdie on the front nine and two on the back nine; she made three bogeys the whole round and finished 23rd.
Sophomore Maria Bastarrica finished her first round with a 77. The second round, she improved by one stroke, earning her a score of 76. Bastarrica’s scorecard went back and forth. In the first round, she struggled on the front nine, having an out score of 39. Whereas in the second round, she had an out score of 37; she finished 52nd.
UTSA women’s golf finished strong placing 10th overall for the team. Daniela Abonce played a great third round, ending five under par and shared 16th place.
Climbing to new heights
By Bailey Hall Staff Writer
UTSA rock climbing club is for new or experienced climbers.
The club practices climbing and techniques, and they also build bonds. For them, it’s about teaching people a sport they love and helping others find a passion for it as well.
The club has a habit of making
precautions. They also will make their own routes and have the rest of the club climb and rank them. They also have a discord server open to anybody in the club. They use this to communicate with each other, help people with homework or set up events with members.
UTSA’s rock climbing club started in 2016. The club holds practice every Tuesday and Wednesday night from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Recreation Center. The Recreation Center has a rock climbing wall that is open to anybody, along with climbing shoes that can be rented for can join, and no prior experience is needed. The club newcomers everything they need to know. New climbers are taught all the safety
techniques and slang behind climbing.
The club has eight returning members and 42 new members. They focus on bringing people together through rock climbing and teaching people about climbing.
“I really enjoy rock climbing because it’s not as intimidating as going to the gym,” club treasurer Bianca Aguirre said. “It feels kinda embarrassing trying things out, but here people are so willing to talk about everything because communication is the most important thing in rock climbing because it also means safety.”
While the club is mainly for fun and to bring people together, they also have a team that competes. The competition team is composed of four men and four girls, and competitions are held against other universities including Baylor University and Texas State University. There are different levels of difficulty in rock climbing: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Climbers are given points based on complete runs, difficulty, time and route. While it is technically an individual sport, the team still supports and acts as a group.
These competitions can be a day trip or an overnight trip. When possible, the club likes to camp outside on overnight trips. Outside of competitions, they also go on trips with all the club members to go climbing and camping in Texas. The club has three more trips played for this semester.
The Golden Hurricane blows past the Roadrunners
Armin Suljovic/The Paisano
By Bailey Hall Staff Writer Photo Gallery at paisano-online.com
UTSA volleyball struggles to overcome errors in eighth conference game
Izabella Hernandez/The Paisano
Erick Henriquez Camargo/The Paisano
UTSA softball defeats Grayson College in 10 inning showdown
By Michael Rios Staff Writer
UTSA softball continued its fall season with an encouraging win against Grayson College last Wednesday at Roadrunner Field. The ‘Runners won the game 6-4 in a 10-inning battle against the Vikings.
In the first two innings, junior pitcher Katia Reyes was dialed in as she struck out three Vikings and did not allow any baserunners to start the game. The Roadrunners’ offense quickly overwhelmed Grayson College as they gave Reyes a comfortable lead to pitch from. In the bottom of the second inning, UTSA junior infielder Caton Letbetter started things
off with a single to left field. Afterward, sophomore catcher Kalee Rochinski hit a bunt RBI single, putting two runners on base. Following the bunt single, sophomore outfielder Taryn Madlock hit an infield single to move the runners to second and third base, aided by an error from the Vikings shortstop. Madlock was thrown out at first base in the process.
Sophomore outfielder Sydney McReynolds continued the hitting for UTSA. She hit an RBI single up the middle of the infield to bring the runner on second base home, making it a 1-0 game for the ‘Runners. With only one out and the bases loaded, senior utility player Jaylen Prichard and Letbetter each got consecutive
Can UTSA salvage their season with Army on the horizon?
RBI singles to make it a 3-0 ballgame. Just when the Vikings thought it was over, senior utility player Crislyne Moreno hit an RBI single over the left side of the infield to extend the lead to 4-0.
At the top of the third inning, Grayson College’s sophomore infielder Accayla King hit a home run to left center field to put the Vikings on the board. Later in the inning, infielder Layne Reh got on base with an infield single and immediately stole second base. She proceeded to steal third base because of a missed throw-out attempt by Rochinski. After Reh advanced to third base, third baseman Daeya Moses hit an RBI single into left field, bringing the runner on third home as the
By Aramis Santiago Staff Writer
The Roadrunners face an uphill battle as they look to turn their season around before a looming showdown against the undefeated Army West Point Black Knights to close out the season.
To say that UTSA’s season has been rocky would be an understatement. Despite securing a much-needed victory against Florida Atlantic University on Saturday, the ‘Runners have struggled to maintain consistency throughout the year, sitting at a disappointing 3-4 record.
The early part of the season was especially rough for UTSA. After a lackluster win against Kennesaw State University to open the season, the Roadrunners were blown out by Texas State University and the University of Texas, suffering back-to-back humiliating defeats. These two games exposed significant weaknesses on both sides of the ball. The absence of last season’s key players, including Frank Harris — the team’s longtime quarterback who retired after last season — has left a significant void. Additionally, key defensive players such as Trey Moore and Kam Alexander departed via the transfer portal, further weakening the roster and leaving UTSA struggling to find an identity. To make matters worse, the losses continued to pile up, with close, sloppy defeats at the hands of East Carolina and Rice University — games that could have gone either way but ended in frustration for the
By Marcela Montufar Soria
Roadrunners.
In contrast, the Black Knights have been the epitome of dominance in 2024. With a perfect 7-0 record, they are fresh off a blowout win against East Carolina and recently cracking the Top 25 at No. 23 in the AP Poll. With the nation’s longest active win streak at 11 games, Army is firing on all cylinders. The Black Knights offense, led by quarterback Bryson Daily, has been nearly unstoppable. Daily’s stats are staggering: seven passing touchdowns and a jaw-dropping 19 rushing touchdowns through just seven games. His rushing capabilities have propelled Army to four consecutive games of scoring 40 or more points, a feat last seen in Army’s 1945 national championship season.
Turning the season around before facing the Black Knights on Nov. 30 will require a monumental effort by the Roadrunners. UTSA’s remaining schedule includes two tough matchups against Memphis University and the University of North Texas. Memphis, currently 6-1, boasts one of the most potent offenses in the American Athletic Conference, averaging 442 total yards and 33.2 points per game. Quarterback Seth Henigan leads the charge, with the offense ranking second in the conference. Meanwhile, North Texas, sitting at 5-2, has been guided by the exceptional play of quarterback Chandler Rogers.
Vikings found themselves down 4-2.
With freshman pitcher Kaylie Olivarez now in the pitching circle in the top of the fifth inning for the Roadrunners, Grayson College quickly took advantage as outfielder Abby Wood walked to start the inning. Afterward, outfielder Aniyah Pequeno hit a sacrifice bunt to advance the runner from first base to second base. Reh hit an infield single to put runners on first and third base. With Moses now at the plate and runners on the corners, Reh stole second base. Moses then wound up her bat and hit an RBI double to tie the game.
Kai Bailey
By Izabella Hernandez Staff Writer
Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, sophomore Kai Bailey is one of the biggest contributors to UTSA volleyball. As middle blocker, she is currently ranked as the fifth most successful player this season in individual hitting percentage and fifth in blocks amongst players in the conference. Bailey began playing volleyball around eighth grade. She quickly discovered that she was a natural; along with her dedication to the sport, this made her the player that she is.
“If I get a kill and I’m not really satisfied with it, it makes me more determined to make a better play, and my team obviously helps me a lot,” Bailey said.
Since her career began, she has been able to perfect her craft as a middle blocker. It has always been her main territory on the court, with the exception of one high school season as an outside hitter. Without even knowing, volleyball would lead her to greater opportunities than she could have imagined.
“It definitely found me,” Bailey said.
“I didn’t really have a good grasp of what college volleyball was when I was in high school. I kind of just was playing it for fun until I started club, then it started getting serious and I was like ‘Okay, I guess I have to play in college, I guess I’m good enough to do that.’ So when I started getting looked at by schools I was really confused and didn’t really understand how serious it was when I was an eighth grader. I think that was a disadvantage to me, but yeah I’m glad I decided to play college volleyball.”
So far, UTSA has proven to be a good fit for Bailey. She says the team‘s trip to Europe this past summer has been one of the biggest highlights of her career so far. Alongside volleyball, Bailey has a passion for traveling and hopes to be able to travel for work in the future through her major in communications.
“It was a crazy experience,” Bailey said.
“That’s something I would tell my kids. I can‘t believe I got to go to Europe for free and play volleyball and travel doing something I love. That’s insane.”
“I want to be more like some sort of social media coordinator for a sports team. That’s what I want to be right now but I do want to travel so maybe a sports team overseas or something like that, I’m not really sure yet, it‘s very unexplored.” Her earliest memory of San Antonio is visiting SeaWorld when she was younger. However, the city has always been familiar
to Bailey. During her recruitment process, she kept an eye open for cities with diverse populations and cultures and ultimately decided on UTSA.
“I really like Texas. My dad lives here and he’s lived here the past couple years so I‘d come here a lot before I moved here,” Bailey said. “I’ve always been here, so yeah I really like it. It’s very different from where I’m from. It’s just like Texas is really Texas, I don’t know how to explain it. If you‘re from Texas you‘re just such a Texas person, so my dad became a Texas person when he moved here, so I guess I’m a Texas person too.”
“It is hard because the way our conference is, all the schools that we play are not really close to Atlanta so it‘s hard for my mom to come to our games but my dad comes to most of our games so it‘s like in the middle.” Bailey is an only child to parents Hannifah Shabazz and Korey Bailey. She believes this too shines through in her personality.
“A lot of people can tell that I’m an only child when you get to know me,” Bailey said. “My friends love to say it has to do with how I share. I don’t really share things, like if they ask me for something I will gladly say ‘No,’ or if they want to come over and they are like, ‘Do you have any snacks?’ I’m like ‘No.’”
“I also hate when people come in my room and start touching things and moving stuff around or if their presence is weird in my room. It just makes me feel a type of way. I just like my space to be me only, so I guess that comes with being an only child too.” In her free time, Bailey enjoys baking, cooking, listening to music, building Lego sets and watching cartoons. Currently, her favorite artist is Travis Scott and her favorite cartoon to watch is Rick and Morty. She also has a love for cats. She has two back at home in Atlanta and hopes to soon have a cat in Texas.
“Every time
McLaren loses big in Austin
Kara Lee/The Paisano
Opinion Editor
Morgan Brown/The Paisano
Stephen Saenz/The Paisano Izabella Hernandez/The Paisano