THE PAISANO
Alex Stein visit sparks response from Right to Rebel
By Khoi Nguyen Staff Writer
On Tuesday, Nov. 19, the Socialist Student Alliance (SSA), now known as Right to Rebel, organized outside of Denman Ballroom in protest of Alex Stein, a right-wing comedian who was set to perform inside. Stein, who is known for confronting politicians and disrupting city council meetings, was hosted by the UTSA chapter of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) — a non-profit organization promoting conservative beliefs on high school and college campuses.
TPUSA has hosted Stein at colleges across the U.S., including the University of Washington, Oregon State University and the University of Nevada-Reno. His visit to UTSA was announced on Instagram on Nov. 7. In response, Right to Rebel announced a speakout on Nov. 18 at 1 p.m. in the Sombrilla and a protest at 6:30 p.m. on the day of the show via Instagram. Right to Rebel instructed protesters to “wear black” and “mask up” to form a black bloc, a protest tactic used to conceal wearers’ identities. They were also instructed to “block the show.”
“When fascists are not immediately forced out of our shared spaces, it is only a matter of time before they own them. Show up, Show out, Stand up, and Fight Back!” reads the caption of Right to Rebel’s post. Stein responded by posting a screenshot of Right to Rebel’s post on the day after, captioning, “At UTSA they wanna disrupt, But I’m speaking facts that they can’t interrupt.”
At 7 p.m. on the night of the performance, about two dozen masked Right to Rebel members dressed in black marched through the doors of the Student Union. Their chants included,
“Get these fascists off of our campus,” “Get the alt-right off of our campus” and “It is our right to rebel. Alex Stein, go to hell.”
“We talk about freedom of speech, but he’s just spouting hatred that makes people unsafe on campus,” said a protester.
“In making that hatred into a supposed comedy night, it then validates that hatred,” said another protester. “He uses that whole thing of ‘as a joke’ to shield himself.”
Stein mocked the protesters, recording videos of the standoff and later posting them to his social media. “They’re all mentally deranged. They’re all
should be and shouldn’t be allowed on college campuses.
“My message is that I’m sick of the government always messing everything up. You know, I’m very anti-government. I understand the government has to be in our lives, but I want a very limited government.”
Stein went inside to perform at 7:17 p.m. His material, which included jokes about transgender issues, vaccines and political figures, resonated with the crowd, which appeared to consist more of local residents than students. Audience members frequently voiced their agreement, shouting out responses that echoed his rhetoric, while others
vaccinated. They’re on SSRIs,” he can be seen saying on Instagram. The protest moved outside to the secondstory balcony of the Student Union, with police presence deterring Right to Rebel from reentering.
When asked about his thoughts on the protest, Stein responded, “I actually kind of like these protesters because they’re passionate. I just think that they’re confused a little bit about what my message is and what messages
left as the performance elapsed.
“A lot of people who are conservative say, ‘Hey, I don’t want transgenders in the military.’ False,” Stein said. “Transgenders are the scariest people on planet Earth, and they are the best at mass shootings.”
After 20 minutes, Stein resorted to crowd work, answering questions from the audience. At 7:56 p.m., rumbling could be heard throughout the ballroom, as Right to Rebel pounded on its
windows. This, however, ended quickly, as police instructed the students to stop. Right to Rebel’s actions have been met with disapproval from the community.
“Everyone’s got their own opinions. I’m not informed enough to make an opinion about what they’re arguing about, but I feel like they definitely could’ve handled that way better,” said an on-site witness.
“They have every right to protest. I don’t much care what they do. They bang on walls, they yell, they shout slogans. Who cares? Such is [their] right,” said a comedy night attendee.
Many have also ridiculed a typo in Right to Rebel’s banner. The first “s” in fascism was missing; the typo was corrected post-production by a comparatively smaller “s.”
“[Right to Rebel] fix your sign,” reads the title of a Reddit post on r/UTSA. “It’s spelled FASCISM ffs.”
On Nov. 22, SSA changed its name to ‘Right to Rebel’ to “better represent [their] organization as well as the students and workers of SATX.” When asked for their opinion on the aftermath of the protest, the organization responded, “‘Right to Rebel’ is a very new organization. We got a lot of media attention, a lot of public interest and a lot of scrutiny very quickly. We plan to publish a Summation and Self Criticism on the event, which we encourage even those who disagree with us to read, along with spending more time going to the community.
“Hateful rhetoric can and has escalated into pogroms and lynch mobs against marginalized communities across the country,” said Right to Rebel. “We will not sit by and let history repeat.”
Talk of new Spurs arena in ‘Project Marvel’
By Matthew Moses Staff Writer
At the city council meeting on Nov. 21, Assistant City Manager Lori Houston unveiled “Project Marvel,” a multibillion-dollar reimagining of downtown with plans to transform the city’s sports and convention infrastructure, potentially boosting tourism and economic prospects. City officials outlined the proposal with several key developments.
Though the price was not announced during the Thursday meeting, the project is estimated to cost between $3-4 billion. Plans include a new downtown arena for the Spurs, an entertainment venue, a Convention Center expansion, a new convention hotel and Alamodome upgrades. With roughly $2.6 billion allocated for a new downtown arena for the Spurs and to remodel the Alamodome, city
officials emphasized that “the arena will not be funded by the general taxpayers.”
Potential funding sources include a 6% occupancy tax and sales tax on hotels within 3 miles of the project, authorized by a recent Texas Senate bill that designated the Alamodome and Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center as project finance zones. City officials may also seek a Community Venues Tax, which would dedicate up to 25% of local sales tax revenue to the project, subject to voter approval.
Houston highlighted the critical need for these improvements, revealing that San Antonio has missed out on substantial economic opportunities. She noted that San Antonio has been passed up by approximately 90 conventions in the past five years, losing out on upwards of 450,000 visitors representing over $700 million in missed revenue for the city.
Houston called the Alamodome a “dinosaur,” noting the NCAA would not be hosting any future Final Four events beyond its 2025 and 2029 men’s and women’s tournament commitments without significant upgrades to the 30-year-old stadium.
The reimagined downtown scene includes a new 5,000-seat entertainment venue, a 1,000-room convention hotel with 20,000 square feet dedicated to UTSA’s School of Hospitality and 26,000 square feet for a variety of food, beverage and retail spaces. Additional infrastructure improvements include a proposed land bridge over IH-37, which would connect the East Side to downtown.
The city has already received a $2.9 million federal grant to explore the highway land bridge concept and is completing feasibility studies for various project components. Walsh said the city
is looking to other cities like Kansas City which have embarked on highway capping projects of their own. He said the city wants a large park over the highway, but one not as wooded and natural as the Robert L.B. Tobin Land Bridge over Wurzbach Parkway.
All developments west of IH-37 — including the Spurs arena, entertainment venue and Convention Center expansion — are scheduled for completion within one to five years. The Alamodome upgrades could potentially take five to 15 years, partially due to existing NCAA commitments like the 2029 Women’s Final Four.
The city will present the first feasibility study for the Convention Center expansion to the city council on Dec. 4, marking the beginning of a series of detailed project assessments.
Dennis Higgins/The Paisano
NEWS
Council term limits shift as election races heat up
By Kara Lee Graphic Editor
Among the local policies on the Nov. 5 ballot, one measure was the proposal to change the term limits for City Council members from two and four years to a new system. The goal of this change is to provide council members with more time to familiarize themselves with city matters before having to run for reelection.
This new policy will be tested in the upcoming municipal election on May 3, when Bexar County voters will elect new council members.
The 10-member council is expected to undergo significant changes in the coming year, as two long-serving members will be terming out, and at least two others have announced their intention to leave their positions to run for mayor.
The race to replace District 8 Councilman Manny Pelaez and District 9 Councilman John Courage is already underway, as both have launched their mayoral campaigns earlier this year.
One key aspect of the new policy is how the revised term limits might affect candidates who are already nearing the maximum number of years they can serve. Under the new rules, council members are still limited to eight years in office, but some may hit that limit midterm.
District 4 councilwoman Adriana Rocha Garcia and District 6 council womanMelissa Cabello Havrda will be among the first to face this issue. Garcia has officially launched her campaign while Havrda has hinted she plans to run for mayor instead of serving another term in 2025.
Under the new policy, incumbents who are term-limited could face challengers who are eligible to serve a full, four-year term. This dynamic will likely shape the election races, which were part of the council’s strategy when deciding to put the term limit policy on the ballot.
In 2029, Council members Sukh Kaur of District 1, Marina Alderete Gavito of District 7 and Marc Whyte of District 10 could face a similar dilemma. Each will have two years remaining on their eligibility after the next election, raising the question of whether to run for a shortened final term.
Though candidate filing does not open until Jan. 16, 2025, over 30 campaign treasurer reports have already been filed, allowing candidates to begin fundraising
for their campaigns.
Two candidates with political experience have filed reports to run for the open seat in District 4, following Rocha Garcia’s expected departure.
Edward Mungia, Rocha Garcia’s director of special projects, is challenging his former boss for the seat. Also running is South San Antonio ISD Trustee Ernesto Arrellano Jr., who previously campaigned for the Democratic nomination in Bexar County Precinct 1 earlier this year.
While District 6 councilwoman Cabello Havrda has not yet launched a mayoral campaign, three candidates have shown interest in running for her seat. Lawson Alaniz-Picasso, a former District 1 staffer who ran unsuccessfully for the Democratic nomination in Bexar County Precinct 1, and Northside ISD Trustee Homer Guevara have both filed treasurer’s reports. Additionally, Ric Galvan, director of special projects for City Council District 5, along with Vanessa Chavez and Carlos Antonio Raymond, have all filed treasurer’s reports for District 6.
In District 8, the race to replace Pelaez has already begun. Three candidates are vying for the seat, with Ivalis Meza Gonzalez, a former chief of staff for current mayor Ron Nirenberg, launching her campaign earlier this month. Sakib Shaikh, a realtor and small business owner, has also started his campaign and Attorney Paula McGee, who has confirmed her candidacy, has named her former councilman, Reed Williams, as her treasurer.
Misty Spears, currently serving as Precinct 3’s Commissioner Grant Moody’s constituent service director, has launched her campaign for the District 9 seat. Spears was also the Republican nominee for Bexar County Clerk in 2022. Angi Taylor-Aramburu, the Democratic nominee for State House District 112 in 2022, began her campaign in May.
The final candidates in the District 9 race are Valerie Moczygemba and Emily Garza, both of whom have filed treasurer reports.
In District 1, Kaur, who was elected in 2023, faces her first challenger in what is expected to be a crowded race. Patty Gibbons, president of the Greater Harmony Hills Neighborhood Association, who previously fought to keep her neighborhood out of District 1 during redistricting, has launched her campaign to challenge Kaur.
Crime log : Week of 11/26
By Jasmine Williams Copyediting Coordinator
In compliance with the Clery Act, UTSA keeps a daily crime log for all oncampus 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 Nov. 14 to Nov. 22.
Indecent assault
On Nov. 15, an indecent assault was reported to the UTSA Police Department. The offense took place at University Oaks on Nov. 14. The incident was closed by exceptional means, indicating elements beyond UTSAPD’s control prevented them from arresting and formally charging the offender.
Larceny/Theft
On Nov. 15, larceny/theft occurred at the Bus Stop Oval from 7:14 p.m. to 8:04 p.m. Additional offenses that took place include criminal trespass and possession of less than two ounces of marijuana. The incident was cleared by arrest.
Evading arrest
On Nov. 16, an evading arrest or
detention with a vehicle offense occurred on Brenan Ave at 2:47 a.m. The case is still active.
Criminal mischief
On Nov. 18, criminal mischief was reported to UTSAPD at 12:56 p.m.
The offense took place at Bauerle Road Garage from 11:45 a.m. to 1:11 p.m. The damages incurred amounted to between $750-$2,499.99. The case is still active.
Accident
On Nov. 19, an accident took place at Brackenridge Ave. Lot 1 from 11:39 a.m. to 1:42 p.m. The case is still active. On Nov. 20, another accident occurred; it was reported to UTSAPD at 4:40 p.m.
The incident took place on Brenan Ave. at 3:14 p.m. This case remains active.
Striking unattended vehicle
On Nov. 19, a striking unattended vehicle offense took place at Brackenridge Ave. Lot 4 from 12:38 p.m. to 12:55 p.m.
The disposition of the case has yet to be determined. On Nov. 20, another striking unidentified vehicle offense occurred; it was reported to UTSAPD at 11:31 a.m.
The offense took place at Bauerle Road Garage from 10:48 a.m. to 11:20 a.m. This case remains active.
Gov. Greg Abbott extends t uition f reeze
By Maria Wence Staff Writer
On Nov. 13, Governor Greg Abbott announced that Texas public colleges and universities will not increase their tuition until the year 2027. Abbott attributes this decision to the “significant rising costs due to inflation” in a letter sent to all Texas public universities.
“When and other economic pressures burden household budgets, our public universities must take every step possible to ease the financial burden on our students and their families,” the letter said. “As this tuition freeze expires, I will not support any tuition increase at any public higher education.”
For most Texas universities, the average cost per year for tuition and fees is around $10,261 for in-state students. However, the total cost of attendance — which includes the tuition and fees, books, housing and meal plans — is around $28,724 for just one student. In the 2023-2024 school year, there are 1,591,715 students enrolled at Texas colleges and universities.
Going into the Texas’ 89th legislative session, Abbott has prioritized the affordability of higher education for Texas students and their families.
Just last year, Texas lawmakers allocated an additional $700 million to all Texas public universities under House Bill 1 — formerly titled the “For the People Act.” In a mutual exchange for funding, university leaders agreed to keep undergraduate tuition flat for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 school years.
State of the City Week of 11/26
By Zoe Hernandez Staff Writer
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. This week’s topics range from a deadly hit-and-run collision to a list of San Antonio’s holiday hot spots. Deadly hit-and-run collision
On the Southside of San Antonio, the identities of the victims of a deadly hit-and-run accident have been confirmed. Juan Pablo Salas, 61; Leslie Salas, 25; and Yareli Salas, 22 were pronounced dead at 5 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22, near 281 and Roosevelt Ave after a man rear-ended their vehicle. Police stated that following the collision, the vehicle was pushed into oncoming traffic where it collided with another vehicle. Police stated the driver of the third vehicle was rushed to the hospital in unknown condition.
Twin Peaks burglary
Michael Vargas, 31, and a woman were dining at Twin Peaks at around 1 a.m. Saturday Nov. 23 near De Zavala Rd. After the two finished eating, police said that they walked out of the restaurant and found several people breaking into their vehicle. Vargas consulted the burglars which resulted in a verbal fight. Police stated that one of the burglars drew a weapon and fired at Vargas, striking him in the chest and grazing the woman he was with. When emergency personnel arrived on the scene, they pronounced Vargas dead and the woman was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Holiday season activities
With the holiday season comes activities for the community of San Antonio and other surrounding areas to do. Upcoming events include displays of Christmas lights and markets filled with local artisans and vendors. The Rotary ice rink opened on Nov. 15 and will remain open until Jan. 5. Additionally, the San Antonio riverwalk will light up for the holiday season on Friday, Nov. 29.
OpiNION
Keep the Bible in sunday school
Editorial Texas Board of Education approves Bible-infused curriculum for K-5 classrooms
In a clear and blatant violation of the First Amendment; the State Board of Education has decided that Texas’ public schools need some Jesus. In an 8-7 vote, the approval of Bluebonnet Learning would infuse biblical stories and lessons into kindergarten through fifthgrade classroom curriculum as early as next year. Under Bluebonnet Learning, kindergarten classrooms would be directed to present lessons on the Golden Rule using lessons from the Bible. The third-grade curriculum would instruct teachers to emphasize the importance of the Bible and prayer in lessons regarding the first Thanksgiving. Texas schools are not required to adopt this material following its approval. However, schools that chose to incorporate this curriculum would receive $60 in extra funding per student from the state. This is inherently exploitative in nature. According to the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at
“Not necessarily because you can pick whatever you want just in case that person does not know exactly what you like.”
Kara Lee /The Paisano
Rice University, 73% of Texas school districts are underfunded and about 17% of Texas school districts considered “severely” underfunded with funding gaps exceeding 40% of their needs. These districts
Rowdy Thoughts
Cost of convenience
Commentary
By Hannah Velasquez Distribution Manager
UTSA is a school that prides itself on technological advances, especially in its sustainability; however, the faculty chooses to mainly promote the use of electric scooters on campus even though they are damaging to the environment.
Opting to push its bike share program or even implementing more bikes on campus would be beneficial not only to students and staff but the overall health of the planet.
Despite being energy efficient, electric scooters are still less sustainable than bikes. Regular pedal bikes and even electric bikes have lower environmental impacts than electric scooters. Scooters use lithium batteries and the extraction process alone often results in environmental degradation, water depletion and contamination.
From spilling toxins into the earth and into the air, it is not worth it. The process also has huge socio-economic impacts and raises serious human rights questions in communities where mining takes place. Just because it is happening in another country does not mean people with money and power can ignore it like it does not affect everyone.
‘The
Commentary
By Asar Hicks
Contributor
While one could argue that being cost-efficient is the most important, it is hypocritical for a university that has its own office for sustainability and prides itself on lowering its carbon footprint to prioritize comfortability over its morals.
Even though the university has not put a lot out there about their scooters’ sustainability, there are still things they can do differently if they want to continue championing their technology forward goals. Solar charging docking stations for example is a great way to use clean and renewable energy to recharge and could also help in the distribution of scooters.
In the department’s statements, it says that they are always looking for ways to improve this technology and durability which is a step in the right direction. Even if scooters seem like a more convenient solution for alternative transportation, they still contradict what UTSA is trying to convey. By shifting attention to pedal and maybe even electric bikes, UTSA could more effectively align its transportation with its sustainability agenda. While the university is in the early stages of its environmental journey, it could still consider taking steps to expand and collect data. Prioritizing long-term environmental health over short-term convenience is not an inconvenience.
would have the funding they desperately need held over their heads, forcing them to choose between incorporating religious lessons into the classroom or missing out on extra resources for their students. The approval of Bluebonnet Learning represents an unprecedented incorporation of religion into state-funded classrooms. The vote was applauded by Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who has pledged to pass legislation that would require the 10 Commandments to be displayed in all Texas public schools. This move is just the latest in a concerning nationwide push by Republican lawmakers to include Christianity in education. Religion does not belong in public schools. Bluebonnet Learning is a flagrant violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment and does not have any place in Texas classrooms. Schools should not be exploited to incorporate religious teachings in order to receive the desperately needed funding they rightfully deserve. Texas’ students deserve better.
just for if you do not really know what to get.”
Biden’s final wish
Commentary By Jackie Cardona Contributor
With President Joe Biden leaving office next year, he has prioritized many issues before leaving office. One of Biden’s top priorities is getting more aid to Ukraine as it continues to fight off Russian aggression during the ongoing war. As the conflict continues to escalate and with the new Trump Administration taking office in January, concerns about Ukraine’s aid are being taken into question.
Recently, the Biden administration has been pushing for more funding and aid for Ukraine, possible loan forgiveness, transferring American antipersonnel mines to Ukraine and allowing Ukraine to use U.S. missiles against Russia. But why all of a sudden?
a reaction from Putin.
The U.S. assistance towards Ukraine previously consisted of funds, but a major shift has occurred as Biden’s urgency to help Ukrainians win the war has accelerated. A policy from both parties was passed to allow Ukraine to use U.S. long-range missiles on Russian sites to make up for Ukraine’s dwindling funds. There is talk, however, that this shift might escalate the conflict and possibly lead to a larger-scale war, along with the possibility of triggering a nuclear response from Russia.
After years of Biden saying that his efforts to aid Ukraine would increase, his plans fell through during most of his presidency. Did he finally wake up and realize how little time he has to make a difference? It seems like Biden is ramping up the funding of Ukraine to get
Rise and Fall of a Midwest Snob’
This summer, rising “HOT TO GO!” star Chappell Roan began her journey of reinventing the public’s expectations of how celebrities should act. In doing so, she unveiled her true bratty nature.
A year after her debut album was released, “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess,” Roan made a series of videos trashing fans for asking to take photos with her in a failed attempt to set boundaries with them. In this erratic mini-series of unrealistic demands, she looked run down in a messy bun, oversized lopsided t-shirt and unstable camera angle when trying to start a serious conversation with her fans. She shared grievances about being in the limelight while actively engaging in the attention-seeking behavior that pre-album
promotions entail. Roan cannot have the money and the fame that comes with her career without the downsides that come along with it. If she cannot handle this, is she truly destined for fame?
On Aug. 1, Roan lashed out at an assistant, and stormed away during the middle of her Lollapalooza set after he was unable to complete a wardrobe change on her. Roan’s tantrum was seen by hundreds of thousands of people attending the festival. This immature meltdown set a bad standard for how Lollapalooza acts should conduct themselves, as attendees pay upwards of $155 for admission.
At this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, Roan confronted a photographer on the black carpet. This photographer said aloud, to no person in particular, that he was not going to keep quiet and that Roan’s appearance “missed the spot.” In response,
she cursed and screamed at the photographer before briefly pointing her finger at him and calling him an expletive. She continued her strut down the carpet with her signature drag makeup and a grimace on her face.
Six weeks later at the Los Angeles premiere of Olivia Rodrigo’s GUTS World Tour, Roan confronted another photographer who yelled at her at a 2023 Grammy’s party. Roan claimed that the photographer was “so rude to [her]” and said that she “[deserved] an apology.”
In a recent Politico article, a U.S. official stated how the decision to push for more resources to Ukraine was not due to the Nov. 5 results. The discussion to push for policy adjustments was made before the election because of the current position Ukraine is in.
Biden’s current fears that aid to Ukraine will be limited with the incoming administration have been a strong motivator behind his recent policy changes, but it should not have taken him this long to realize he could have pushed for more policy initiatives sooner.
She should have asked one of her staff members to privately address the matter instead of publicly humiliating him in front of dozens of press personnel and red carpet-goers behind her. Roan’s behavior over the past few
months set a troubling precedent for how celebrities should act. By lashing out publicly, she exposes her disconnect between the expectation of fame and the behavior of the famous. If Roan hopes to be a long-lasting star, she must reconsider her approach to fame, as celebrities have a responsibility to lead with respect, even under the spotlight’s harsh glare.
Diya Ryan kamora Victoria Liam
“Yes. I am guilty of giving gift cards to people when I do not know what to give them.”
Valentina
/TheQuintanilla Paisano
OpiNION
Legislative Hate
Commentary
By Alejandra Garza Distribution Manager
The transgender community in the U.S. has been negatively impacted by the proposal of recent laws. Now with the most recent election, the trans community is under Republican’s microscope more than ever. This year, 394 new anti-trans bills have been proposed, with 274 bills having rolled over from the previous year. There have been over 80 bills introduced in legislation on a national level that contain anti-trans rhetoric.
Last year, Texas passed six anti-trans laws, but one in particular, HB1123, could be repurposed to seek out further testing of athletes to legitimize their claims about the gender they were assigned at birth. This is infringing on people’s human rights. The Texas legislature has also passed a bill centered around the access of genderaffirming care to minors. It prohibits certain children from obtaining gender reassignment procedures and treatments. An important aspect of this whole debate is how that care saves lives.
Introducing these kinds of bills can further destroy a child’s mental health and well-being as they navigate through their journey. For example, gender dysmorphia is a common struggle for transgender and non-binary individuals as it can cause anxiety, depression and negative self-image. Surrounding this stigma, a trans or non-binary person may not feel socially accepted and turn to alcoholism, drug addiction and selfinjury. Gender-affirming care can save lives.
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The presidential clown car is at capacity
Commentary By Christopher Delgado Staff Writer
President-elect Donald Trump has finished filling positions in his cabinet and staff. The following is a ranking of five positions from best to worst announced this past week.
5. Pam Bondi — Attorney General
After Matt Gaetz withdrew, Trump quickly named former Florida attorney general Pam Bondi as his new pick for attorney general. Bondi remains a stronger pick with previous experience in the position at a state level. However, her ability to perform her duties honestly under Trump is questionable, as she previously chose not to investigate Trump University. Around the same time as this decision, her Florida reelection effort received a donation from Trump. The choice reiterates Trump’s focus on unwavering loyalty when making these picks.
4. Brooke Rollins — Agriculture secretary
In Trump’s first presidential term, Brooke Rollins held the position of director of the Office of American Innovation and acting director of the Domestic Policy Council. Rollins’ degree in agricultural development from Texas A&M University makes her one of the more qualified choices. She is also the America First Policy Institute’s chief executive officer and president. Rollins’ participation within the institute denotes her immense loyalty towards Trump. Outside of this, Rollins remains equipped for the role.
3. Russell T. Vought — Director of the Office of Management and Budget
Key architect of Project 2025 Russell Vought remains an immense partaker in pushing Trump’s power. In his Project 2025 chapter, Vought argues for aligning all executive departments and agencies with the president’s agenda. Under the
parameters set in Vought’s chapter, “Executive Office of the President of the United States,” the president shall hold absolute power in the executive branch. Once again, a government reminiscent of George Orwell’s “Animal Farm,” one with blind obedience, is at the forefront of Trump’s pick.
2. Dr. Mehmet Oz — Medicare and Medicaid administrator
Dr. Mehmet Oz reiterates Trump’s advocacy for media personalities within his cabinet and staff. Oz holds no experience in health insurance or health policy. Oz startles with his televised medical suggestions. Many, especially those regarding weight loss, have been proven false.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Oz promoted hydroxychloroquine, chloroquine and herd immunity. If the Senate approves, he will work closely with Robert F. Kennedy. Oz’s medical beliefs and lack of experience should provoke questions in American minds.
1. Linda McMahon — Education Secretary and transition co-chair
Former President and CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment Linda McMahon will lead the Department of Education (DOE) despite having no background in education. McMahon plans to privatize public education and expand voucher programs. The shift would promote private education and risks underrepresented and lower-income communities losing access to education.
Recently, McMahon has been named in a WWE child sex abuse lawsuit. The lawsuit claims former CEO McMahon was aware and negligent of a ringside announcer’s sexual abuse of children as young as 13. McMahon lacks expertise and has a history of child neglect, which reaffirms many educators’ doubts that she should not be placed in charge of the DOE. Akin to Rollins, McMahon has close ties to the America First Policy Institute.
TikTok’s unhealthy ‘girl’ narrative
Commentary
By Luna Infante Interim Marketing Manager
What began as a simple joke on social media, the phrase “I’m just a girl,” took little time to spiral out of control. Most popular on TikTok, the trend has spanned over the last few years, originally starting as a way for girls and women to poke fun at themselves and embrace gender stereotypes, such as bad driving, overconsumption, airheaded moments, financial dependence on men and so much more. Despite the trend starting in a fun, light-hearted manner, it quickly took a turn for the worse — leading women online to popularize phrases such as “girl math,” “girl dinner” or more extremes like “I didn’t ask for the right to work” and so on. Although at first, some of these jokes seem harmless — or perhaps as a way for women to “reclaim” stereotypes that have been labeled on them for centuries — they pose a detrimental issue: regression. It may come off as more offensive when men say phrases like “You’re just a girl,” to women, but it is more harmful that women are putting themselves in these boxes. It is reminiscent of the famous line in “Mean Girls” when the character Ms. Norbury says “You all have got to stop calling each other sl-ts and whres. It just makes it okay for guys to call you sl-ts and wh-res.”
many are doing so willingly. Younger generations are showing no gratitude to the women who came before and fought for their rights. More importantly, it appears that younger generations are not
Young women have to speak more highly of themselves and expect more of themselves if they want to pave a better path for their generation and those to come. Saying these regressive statements is a subtle beginning to a darker picture: women are going back in time, and
racism did too. What example is Gen Z setting for younger girls who want to be just like them? “Girl math” is a way to justify reckless spending while “girl dinner” is a way to normalize unhealthy eating habits. More recently, women have made remarks about turning their brains off
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while being with their boyfriends or have made childlike videos of coloring while their boyfriends do their “big boy work.” All of these videos not only embrace stereotypes, but regressive gender roles. It is the introduction to bimbo feminism. term mostly heard online that stems from “bimbo,” “a derogatory term, referring to a girl who is [hyper feminine], hypersexual and unintelligent. Bimbo feminism, therefore, is the idea that it’s okay to be a bimbo.” Elizabeth Lee, a writer at the University of California Santa Barbara, said. While some parts of this are not inherently negative, as bimbo feminism reinforces the idea that femininity is not wrong or shameful — justifying ignorance and unintelligence from anyone is too far. women should not be taking this path or limiting themselves to gender roles and stereotypes. To poke fun at oneself is one thing, to make trends that gather thousands or millions to bask in harmful narratives is entirely another, especially behind the shield of bimbo feminism. Women across generations did not fight for centuries for Gen Z to say they turn off their brains in a male’s presence — and call it trust — or come up with “girl dinner,” to hide eating disorders behind is nothing wrong with femininity, but to take it to the opposite end of the spectrum and thrive in an array of sexist jokes — especially those made by women — is ridiculous. Being a woman should not be limited to shopping, bad driving, financial dependence and other popularized stereotypes. Women did not fight for their rights for this behavior.
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arts & life A coffee shop worth the headlines
By Maria Wence Staff Writer
What started off as a question — “What do we want to do with our lives?” — during an afternoon walk in January 2023 evolved into a vision. Owners DezArey
“Dez” Rodriguez and Page Pressley created a place where anyone can find comfort and have a good time in the beautiful ambiance.
The Newstand opened on May 7, 2023 and is located downtown at the Jefferson Bank building on the corner of Broadway St. and E Josephine St. In a span of six months, they managed to turn a concept into a coffee shop, but there is more than meets the eye.
“The Newstand is a good place for community, for friends and family. It is a safe space,” said Santana Mcowen, a Newstand employee.
To add to the warmth given by the staff, Dez walks around with a charismatic aura, lending a helping hand and engaging with customers, leaving everyone with a positive energy.
“The vibe we wanted to give was community, where everyone is welcomed,” said Rodriguez.
Upon entering, the shop fills one up with the warm aroma of freshly made bread and perfectly roasted coffee. Customers are greeted with kind, soft smiles from staff, who are ready to help with any questions or issues that may arise.
The cherry on top is the shop’s aesthetic; it is a far cry from the typical modern design. It mixes 90s and 21st-century style with a colorful but subtle look to the furniture and accessories around the shop. The interior style combined with a mini vintage store brought out the 90s vibe, and the type of music and diversity emphasized the 21st-century vibe. Additionally, there is a live DJ, who plays tasteful and upbeat jams.
The Newstand is more than a coffee shop with the addition of a mini thrift store in the back; it is a hidden surprise with a lofi aesthetic offering a variety of vintage clothing dating from the 70s to the late 90s.
The shop is known for its Texas-sized sandwiches named after newspapers from across the country. They offer more than the traditional coffee and breakfast food options found in any other coffee shop. There are no shortcuts when it comes to the best service and food options, it is what most people search for in unique hole-in-the-wall coffee shops.
The Newstand has no missing pieces. It is the right spot to study, socialize and have a good time. With no stress or worries when walking in, it is the right place to find serenity from all of life’s troubles. It is worth the drive downtown and guaranteed to be a memorable time.
Come to a MOB show at a house you won’t die in
By Daria Tanase Staff Writer
UTSA’s Musicians of Business (MOB) hosted yet another electric show this past Friday. The show took place at one of the members’ homes near campus, making it an accessible spot for students to venture to. Though it is a DIY venue, the space has proved itself in past shows as well as this one, as it accommodates plenty of people while serving everyone with amazing music and energy.
As concertgoers enter the backyard, they are immediately greeted with a growing crowd of people and a humble porch that serves as the stage for all the music. In the back, the various bands showcase their merch and items such as earplugs, as things tend to get loud and hectic. Everyone involved with the club itself is extremely kind and inclusive, which helps create a comfortable environment for any newer individuals who might initially be intimidated by the scene.
“College can be a social nightmare for some, and what better way to meet people and have a good time than a nopressure zone where people can dance, mosh and make
friends with others,” said Nicholas Garza, a MOB officer. “The people in the organization come from different cultural and musical backgrounds.”
“It doesn’t matter where you come from or who you listen to, or even what you play. You’re more than welcome to attend our shows and be a part of our family.”
“It doesn’t matter where you come from or who you listen to, or even what you play. You’re more than welcome to attend our shows and be a part of our family.”
The lineup Friday consisted of local Texas bands who focus on genres such as heavy metal and hardcore punk. With music from a plethora of groups, there was variety regarding the sound throughout the evening. Chained in Sin opened, and it was an engaging set and great start to the lineup.
Havrath followed suit, and the guitar solos throughout their run were impressive. Skabatha was next, and the members
were interacting with the audience to hype people up, and there was a clear passion from the band itself. Their set was a fan favorite, with great sounds to dance to.
As things started to pick up and the night went on, there was so much energy from everyone across the board — with people moshing, dancing and overall having a good time. It was nice to see so many people in their element, being comfortable and enjoying the show. As Postal went on, things started to get more intense, and their drummer especially stood out. Houses We Die In finished out the evening. Their guitarist made waves as he went out into the yard, clearing the area and swinging his guitar around him in a seemingly choreographed movement. On top of that, he also climbed on top of the roof that overlooked the backyard, which caused the crowd to grow with excitement. It was a crazy ending to a crazy night.
MOB’s shows serve as a fun and inviting atmosphere for people to get their rock on. It is nice that UTSA students took matters into their own hands and created a club that uplifts and encourages people to participate and become familiar with the music scene, as it can be intimidating otherwise.
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Arts & Life
Midwest … screamo? - ‘Daysgoneby’ album review
By Adith Magavi Contributor Reviews
Sundaybuthoursaway, a local San Antonio band, recently released a new album. Spanning 35 minutes over eight songs, ‘Daysgoneby’ marks the band’s longest album to date. With around 149 monthly listeners, Sundaybuthoursaway is about as local as it gets, and their take on “Midwest-screamo” definitely piques interest.
While ‘Toknowwhenyoureolder’ is the first track of the album, it is arguably also one of its best. Sundaybuthoursaway took a transitional approach to many of the songs on this album, and in ‘Toknowwhenyoureolder’ one can really feel the weight of the transitions. The gradual, soft flow of the intro trades in and out with heavy instrumental excerpts, allowing Sundaybuthoursaway to emphasize the meaning within their vocal moments, finishing off the song with a slow and deliberate transition to the next title, ‘Nice Try’
‘Nice Try’ starts out with an emphasis on drums and follows suit throughout the rest of the track. This track sets rhythmic pauses in between moments of heavy drumming and short spurts of slower, bass-heavy stints before ending the song with a snare transition to the next song, ‘Campingisthebestwhenyourenotgone’
production during the intro facilitates a different listening experience than previous songs. Starting softer and continuing the rhythm throughout the duration of the track allows listeners to fall into a sort of lull as they gradually adjust to the tone of the song. The layered vocals throughout the track scream inspiration from what is typically described as shoegaze, as the layering
clear instrumental lag. The soft background stops to make way for a heavier solo instrumental track, which, as previously mentioned, is a trend with this album. ‘Scarfaroundyoureyes’ served mostly as a transition into the next song, ‘Father’s Hands.’
‘Father’s Hands’ starts off strong. Marked by a heavy and distinct chord progression within the intro, the gradual transition into heavy screamo is the best use of transition within this album so far. However, ‘Father’s Hands’ as a whole follows suit with the typical patterns of this album, transitioning between instrumentals for the entirety of the almost nine-minute listening time. In combination with frequent mic cuts during vocals and repetitive lyrics, ‘Father’s Hands’ proved to be an unintelligible nine-minute mess.
Leading in with a riff on the bass and following with a growing drumline, ‘Campingisthebestwhenyourenotgone’ leans towards a heavier vocal emphasis. It is not the strongest song off the album, as it seems to be overshadowed by the instrumentals. The end of ‘Campingisthebestwhenyourenotgone’ is marked by a gradual fade into the following track, ‘Afterworld’
Now, ‘Afterworld’ is the most popular track off this album, and the reasons why are very apparent. The
allows the rhythmic instrumentals to capture the listener’s attention. After all this attention-grabbing, ‘Afterworld’ ends on a jarring cut to the next track, ‘Days Gone By’ Characterized mostly by its ending, ‘Days Gone By’ draws no major distinctions from the previous songs on this album. The outro of ‘Days Gone By’ is its most redeeming quality, marked by a quick transition from heavy instrumentals to soft, stretched-out bass chords, which transition again into the next song, ‘Scarfaroundyoureyes’ ‘Scarfaroundyoureyes’ starts off rough, with very
Gladiatorial spectacular
By Marcela Montufar Soria Opinion Editor Reviews
SPOILER WARNING: This article discusses spoilers for “Gladiator II”
Starring Paul Mescal and Denzel Washington, “Gladiator II” is Ridley Scott’s extravagant sequel to his critically acclaimed “Gladiator,” which starred Russell Crowe as Maximus — a Roman general turned gladiator.
“Gladiator II” takes place 16 years after the death of Maximus at the end of the first film and stars Mescal as Lucius — the little boy featured in the original film as the son of Lucilla, Maximus’ love interest. Lucius is the grandson of Marcus Aurelius, the emperor who sought to restore the Roman Republic in the first film. In the sequel, he is also revealed to be the biological son of Maximus as the product of an affair, which allows the film to strengthen the connection between their new lead and Crowe’s beloved character.
The film follows Lucius as he returns to Rome after spending years in exile, going by the alias Hanno, and he takes up Maximus’ mission of restoring Rome to a Republic. Hanno arrives in Rome as an enslaved gladiator — after the Roman army destroys his home in Numidia and kills his wife — seeking vengeance against the Roman general Acacius, played by Pedro Pascal. Rome is under the leadership of the vicious twin emperors Geta, played by Joseph Quinn, and Caracalla, played by Fred Hechinger. Hanno is promised the head of Acacius by Washington’s character, Macrinus, but Hanno gives up his thirst for vengeance as the movie progresses when he realizes he can save Rome from tyranny. The film ends with him taking control of Rome after a duel with Macrinus, who sought to become emperor, in order to finally restore the republic.
fight scenes, from hand-to-hand combat to elaborate battles. Excellently choreographed and filmed fights pervade the movie, which is rated R, and are a treat for lovers of on-screen violence. Scott did not hold back at any point, raising the stakes from the first film to even greater heights. Where “Gladiator” had a tiger in the Colosseum, “Gladiator II” had a ferocious rhino and sharks during the naumachia scene. That scene, in which the Colosseum is filled with water to recreate a sea battle, is half truth and half fiction. The naumachia did exist, but the construction of the Colosseum in Rome made it impossible for one to have been hosted there.
Mescal holds his own against the legendary Washington, who gives a flamboyant and fun performance as the ruthless Macrinus. While emulating the spirit of Crowe’s Maximus, Mescal’s Lucius makes for a great leading man who balances drama, action and humor effectively.
The movie’s greatest flaw is the obvious edits to make a theatrical runtime. The story of the sequel is much more complex than the first one, with more characters to develop in more or less the same time. Scott told the media he might release a director’s cut later on, something he does often, and hopefully he will. Some characters, such as General Acacius and the twin emperors, suffer from their lack of screen time, and it leaves the audience searching for more depth. Its other big fault is the death of Lucilla, who is killed off in a dramatic but unnecessary moment to add more suffering to Mescal’s character. Her death does not alter the outcome of the plot at all nor is it given the time she deserved as one of the first movie’s most important characters.
‘Shirts and Skins’ begins heavily, marking an enjoyable change from the previous songs on this album. The instrumental track holds solid rhythmic progression, highlighted specifically in the chord work of this song. This song definitely highlights the guitar more than any other song on this album, leading to an extremely enjoyable instrumental track. Power chords abound in ‘Shirts and Skins’ and they only add in positive ways.
‘Daysgoneby’ shows promise at the beginning of the track, but the repetitive nature of the lyrics overshadows what the instrumentals could have been. While the tone set by this album is chaotic at times, the instrumentals as a whole pull the songs together, allowing for a more comprehensive listen. Alongside that issue, the repetitive nature of these tracks made it difficult for some songs to stand out, leaving certain tracks sounding remarkably plain. However, even taking the album’s flaws into consideration, ‘Daysgoneby’ was overall a dynamic listen, showing promise alongside some room for improvement.
The film’s greatest strength is its
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Men’s basketball gears up for Trojan Turkey Tipoff
By Logan Martinez Staff Writer
Heading into the week of Thanksgiving, the Roadrunners will travel to Troy, Alabama to face off in the Trojan Turkey Tipoff. A twogame tournament for the team, UTSA (1-2) will match up against Troy University (3-2) and Merrimack University (1-2). Coming off of an 0-2 week, coach Austin Claunch and his players will look to bounce back in what hopes to be an exciting challenge.
“We’ve got some time off now; we really need to evaluate who we are,” said Claunch. “It’s a big identity week going into two really big games.”
History
Heading into the tournament, UTSA will look to take on Merrimack for the first time in school history. Failing to meet up in seasons prior, the game will be the first of many going forward, as the Roadrunners look to win the Thanksgiving tournament.
Storylines
While the opponents themselves do not present any major storylines for the ‘Runners, that does not mean there are no underlying narratives headed into the tournament. Currently on a two game losing streak, UTSA has failed to corral a win against a division one opponent. Their inability to hold onto leads and numerous turnovers have continued to hold the team back from reaching its high ceiling. Though breakout players such as senior guard Primo Spears and sophomore guard Marcus Millender have shown great displays of scoring and offense, the team as a whole has failed to gel together and play as a singular unit on the court.
“We’ve shown flashes, you know flashes are good but they get your butts kicked.”
Claunch said. “If you’re not consistent for 40 minutes, you’re not going to win games at this level.”
UTSA’s ability to play together and limit careless turnovers will be a major storyline to keep an eye on during the tournament. If the team is able to collect a couple of wins, it could serve as an incredible confidence and moral booster.
Matchups
Another formidable opponent, Merrimack is primarily led by guard Clark Adam. His 20 points per game lead the Warriors, with the next highest scorer being forward Sean Trumper averaging 12 points per contest. Similar to UTSA’s own star guards, Adam is an elite scorer, capable of shooting, getting to the basket and finishing in traffic. If the Roadrunners are to leave the game with a victory, they will need to focus on stopping Adam from scoring more than 20 and carrying the team’s scoring load. Stopping the sophomore guard will help stifle the Warrior offense, thus giving UTSA the clear advantage for the entirety of the game.
Predictions
Coming off of an exciting win against Troy, it is hard to imagine that UTSA will be able to keep the same level of intensity going up against Merrimack. Their consistent struggles against a zone defense along with the elite three level scoring of Adam will likely prove to be too much for the team to handle. Though they will undoubtedly play it close, UTSA will come away 1-1 from the tournament after a loss to Merrimack University.
Paisano Pick: Merrimack 86, UTSA 72
Roadrunners thrash Islanders with defense and rebounding
Jordyn Jenkins leads Roadrunners in defensive rout against the Islanders
By Aramis Santiago Staff Writer
A dominant rebounding and defensive performance by UTSA women’s basketball overwhelmed Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi in the second half, propelling the Roadrunners to a commanding 62-43 victory Thursday at the Convocation Center.
The game began with both teams exchanging baskets. The Islanders struggled with turnovers, committing five in the first six minutes, many of which were forced by UTSA’s defense. Junior guard Nina De Leon Negron drained two of her three threepointers on the night in the opening minutes, extending the ‘Runners lead to 12-3. Although UTSA would shoot just 2-10 from beyond the arc, they capitalized on their offensive rebounds. The Roadrunners’ defense continued to keep them in the game, and they finished the first quarter with a 14-9 lead.
“Playing with players like Jordy, Idara and Gony, they create wide open shots for me,” De Leon Negron said. “They make my game so much easier, I just need to be ready.”
In the second quarter, the Islanders’ defense came alive, while guard Jaeda Whitner hit a pair of three-pointers to tie the game at 15. The Islanders then took a 17-15 lead off a quick assist from guard Mireia Aguado. UTSA struggled offensively, shooting just one of six to start the quarter, and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi took advantage, going on a 25-9 run to grab a 2821 lead. However, the Roadrunners fought back with a three-pointer from junior guard Siena Guttadauro and an and-one layup from senior forward Jordyn Jenkins to cut the deficit.
Despite a strong finish, UTSA trailed 31-30 at the break, having shot
just 30% in the second period. UTSA came out of halftime energized. After junior forward Maya Linton’s three gave the Roadrunners a 34-31 lead, Jenkins continued her defensive dominance with a steal, leading to a layup by junior guard Sidney Love. The ‘Runners went on a 10-0 run to extend the lead to 40-31. The Islanders struggled, committing five turnovers and a shot-clock violation in the first few minutes. Jenkins, despite her shooting struggles, made her presence felt with three steals and three blocks, as UTSA outscored the Islanders 18-3 in the quarter and led 48-34 entering the final period.
“We emphasized defense this week,” Jenkins said. “Once we were helping each other out, steals were just coming naturally.” Jenkins continued to dominate in the fourth quarter. De Leon Negron assisted Jenkins on an alley-oop for an and-one, and back-to-back steals by Jenkins and Love extended the lead to 55-36. UTSA limited Texas A&M-Corpus Christi to just nine points in the second half and forced 27 turnovers in the game. Jenkins finished with 16 points, five steals and four blocks, while De Leon Negron also scored 16 points and added three assists. Sophomore forward Idara Udo also grabbed nine of the team’s whopping 30 offensive rebounds. biggest thing you can see in this group right now is the quiet confidence about themselves,” coach Karen Aston said. “We don’t get too rattled even when things aren’t going will next travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico to face the University of North Carolina at Greensboro at 10 a.m. Thursday in the Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum.
F1 title fight comes to an end in Las Vegas
becomes world champion for the fourth consecutive year in a row
By Marcela Montufar Soria Opinion Editor
After 50 laps under the Las Vegas nightlights, Max Verstappen from Red Bull
Racing won his fourth consecutive world title on round 22 of this year’s Formula One season, which took place Saturday night in the Las Vegas Strip Circuit finished the race P5 ahead of his title challenger, McLaren’s Lando Norris, winning the title with a 63-point difference. The race victory went to Mercedes’ George Russell, with his teammate Lewis Hamilton and Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz rounding out the podium.
“What a season,” Verstappen said on the radio after his victory, “It was a little bit more difficult than last year, but we pulled through and we gave it
all. Thank you so much, guys.”
“It’s been a very challenging year,” Verstappen said after the race. “I think as a team we stuck together. We stayed calm, and I think that’s the best way. We had a lot of pressure, but it seems that the team works very well under pressure. We maximized a lot of results.”
Verstappen finished the race in the same position as he started, having qualified P5 and losing a podium finish to Sainz and Charles Leclerc in the last few laps after making his way forward throughout the race. Verstappen lost position at the end of the race when he was unable to defend due to tire degradation, which was higher than expected at the beginning of the weekend and troubled all 10 teams.
Red Bull Racing started the weekend with problems that almost pushed back Verstappen’s title-deciding finish. In the cold of Las Vegas’ desert nights, heating up the tires and maintaining a good grip
on the track was very difficult for the Austrian team, with Verstappen calling the car “undrivable” during Free Practice 2. Furthermore, the team had no rear wings suited to the style of the track and manually sawed down their cars’ wings to help reduce drag.
Verstappen’s victory this season makes him one of only six F1 drivers to have more than three world titles and one of three drivers to have four. He is the fifth man to win four consecutive titles, all with the same team.
“He’s won it with two races to go,” Team Principal Christian Horner said of his driver. “He’s been head and shoulders the best driver on the grid in Formula 1 and I think what he’s really done this year is absolutely cement his position amongst the greats in the
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UTSA clips Temple’s wings in final home game
Seniors shine in memorable record-breaking night to qualify for bowl eligibility
By Haley Aguayo Sports Editor
UTSA football outperformed its final Owl opponent of the season to beat Temple 5127 during senior night on Friday at the Alamodome.
With a sixth win on their side, the Roadrunners have officially become bowleligible for a fifth consecutive season. Outscoring Temple 21-14, successful second-quarter antics fueled the ‘Runners’ (6-5, 4-3 American Athletic Conference) lead over the Owls (3-8, 2-5 AAC).
Though even with turnovers, Temple stayed well within striking distance until halfway through the third quarter.
“For the fifth year in a row, our guys are going bowling, and I’ve never been more proud of a group for hanging in there and really believing in what we teach,” coach
Jeff Traylor said. “There [were] 26 seniors we celebrated out there tonight and I’m really glad I get them for another month.”
A sack made by senior linebacker Jimmori Robinson set up UTSA’s offense to take the lead in the second quarter.
Though sophomore quarterback Owen McCown could not find an open man on the field, he did find an opening instead. McCown rushed up the field for a 75-yard touchdown to bring the score to 14-3.
“For me to run there, big credit to Chris Carpenter on that play,” McCown said of his run. “I could have probably thrown the ball in the scramble drill, but he did a great job running his defender off and not only blocking his defender, but he also blocked the safety. It was a touchdown block. So I’ll credit Chris on that.”
Succeeding Temple wide receiver Dante Wright’s passing touchdown, Maddux Trujillo kicked a good PAT then stayed on
the field for the Owl’s kickoff. He kicked the ball 62 yards out, pinning it at UTSA’s 3-yard line, and senior wide receiver Chris Carpenter was there for the return.
Cleared by the special teams unit, Carpenter ran through a wide-open window, out-maneuvered Trujillo’s grasp and scored a 97-yard touchdown to bring the Roadrunners to a two-possession lead.
Following a scoreless Temple drive, senior running back Robert Henry Jr. rushed up the middle of the field for a 97-yard touchdown to give UTSA an 18-point lead. Henry Jr. also scored a 40yard touchdown during the Roadrunners’ opening first-quarter drive; He also scored two touchdowns during UTSA’s first matchup against Temple last year.
Seniors stole the show during their final home game and broke records in the process. The ‘Runners broke a school record by making 16 tackles for loss which
were made by linebackers Martavius French, Robinson and Jamal Ligon as well as defensive linemen Brandon Brown and Christian Clayton accompanied by cornerback Syras Dumas. Robinson also aided in breaking UTSA’s record for sacks in a single game, the new record is now six and he sacked quarterback Evan Simon four times. This was UTSA’s 21st consecutive game recording turnovers thanks to senior cornerback Zah Frazier’s two interceptions; McCown’s 75-yard touchdown broke the record longest rushing touchdown by a quarterback in program history, beating out Frank Harris’ 71-yard rushing touchdown.
UTSA will travel to West Point to combat its final AAC opponent, the Army Black Knights at 11 a.m. Saturday at Michie Stadium.
Goodbye soccer and volleyball, hello spring!
UTSA soccer: end of season recap
By Hannah Velasquez Distribution Manager
The Roadrunners ended their season with a 2-1 win against Florida Atlantic University. Unfortunately, due to the University of Memphis and the University of Temple tying 1-1 at their final game, UTSA finished ninth in the American Athletic Conference — making them ineligible for the tournament. Despite this, the ‘Runners displayed grit, strength and perseverance throughout their season.
The ‘Runners focused on, “Doing the simple things better,” said coach Derek Pittman. With the work of players like freshman forward Addy Johnson who scored four goals this season, their classic 2-5-2 formation and 21-255 on average goal shot attempts were a few of the reasons why the ‘Runners won nine of their 20 games.
Pittman said that “Being clean and sharp during set pieces, being difficult to break down defensively and being ruthless when going in for the attack” is a part of their identity.
The team’s two best games were against the Central Christian College of Kansas and Temple where they won both games 3-0. The contest against the Owls notably landed on the ‘Runners’ senior day, showcasing how coordinated they could be with their set pieces and attacks.
The Owls’ forwards could not combat the aggression the Roadrunners brought each game as the ‘Runners dominated
in shot attempts 21-4. Johnson, senior midfielder Olvia Alvarez and sophomore midfielder Sophie Morrin all scored one goal as they continued to fight up and down the pitch. The Bears’ defense failed to step up and stop the Roadrunners as Johnson scored twice and senior defender Sasjah Dade scored once, helping secure another win.
“We need to be aggressive, we need to be organized in how we defend to limit other teams’ chances,” Pittman said.
The Roadrunners’ season did not come without struggle as they failed to secure key wins that would have helped them make it to the conference tournament. They tied three games and lost eight. The ‘Runners were 2-4-2 in away games and 5-3-1 at home.
Despite the Roadrunners falling short of conference play, their season was a testament to their resilience and determination. Setbacks and missed opportunities didn’t stop the team from showing their potential through impressive performances, especially in important games like their 3-0 against Temple. With standout performances and performers like Johnson, the team is starting their transition period strong as they say goodbye to seven seniors who showed constant talent and leadership as they pass the torch. Even though the season didn’t end with a conference title, the growth and aggression throughout the season will undoubtedly fuel their appetite for success in 2025.
UTSA volleyball: end of season recap
By Bailey Hall Staff Writer
UTSA volleyball’s 2024 campaign has officially come to a close, finishing the season on a three-game win streak.
The Roadrunners did not make it to the American Athletic Conference tournament, ending No.12 overall in conference standings. UTSA excelled defensively but struggled with completing plays.
The team spent their last weekend winning its first away games of the season; the ‘Runners finished the season 2-8 in road games. While they had better luck at home (7-8), they were overall negative at the end of the season (11-18). The team was 5-11 in conference games.
“I think the brand of volleyball we are putting out is exciting,” coach Carol Price-Torok said.
UTSA opened up its conference play with an eight-game losing streak. The team had trouble connecting plays and finishing out sets. The Roadrunners averaged 1.381 errors per set, with 145 errors throughout the season. In their first game against the University of Tulsa, they racked up 30 attack errors and seven service errors. However, the ‘Runners were a strong wall at the net throughout the season, finishing first in blocks with an average 2.36 per set and a total of 247.5. The team grinded throughout the season to try and improve their play.
“We have been preaching that all year; just stay the course, trust each other and
believe,” Price-Torok said.
The ‘Runners picked up five wins toward the end of the season, the most notable being their 3-0 sweep against Florida Atlantic University in the team’s final home game of the season, along with their 3-2 win against the University of South Florida in a tough five set match. The Roadrunners set their school record for single blocks in a game with 23 against the Bulls. During this game, senior middle blocker Alicia Coppedge broke the school record for single blocks with 13 in the game.
Shutting their opponents down was the ‘Runners’ forte as they had three players rank in the AAC for blocking. Coppedge ranked third with an average of 1.17 per set. Sophomore middle blocker Kai Bailey ranked fifth in blocking with an average 1.12 per set and finished No.10 in hitting percentage at .302; Bailey was also named AAC defensive player of the week. Junior opposite hitter Mia Soerensen was eighth with an average of 1.04 per set and earned AAC Second Team All-Conference honors. Sophomore setter Annika Sokol was No.10 in assists and was also named AAC setter of the week.
“We want to work hard; we want to show up every single day,” Price-Torok said. “We want to find a way to win.” UTSA volleyball is letting go of two seniors, Coppedge and outside hitter Faye Wilbricht as the team transitions to the offseason in preparation for a fresh start in 2025.
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