THE PAISANO
Alpha Tau Omega violated UTSA hazing policy
University sanctions fraternity after investigation
By Jake Mireles Editor-in-Chief
Allegations
• Waterboarding
• Holding pledges in a dark room for hours, where no food, water or communication devices were made readily available
• Wearing of humiliating clothing
• Doing unwanted responsibilities/tasks for active members in the fraternity
• Humiliating lineups/roll calls based off height
• Verbal abuse which included but was not limited to; nicknames, and vulgar language
• Hikes/walks late at night with no clear directions
• Forced eating of foods, to include but not limited to onions and habaneros
• Forced eating of unknown foods and drinking of unknown substances
• Furnishing alcohol to minors
• Luring to residencies off campus
• Participation in unwanted scavenger hunts which included but was not limited to; forced haircuts, tattooing, and pranks
• Participation in a “Hell Week” to end pledgeship
• Playing of loud, repetitive music with the purpose to cause discomfort/agitation
he UTSA chapter of Alpha Tau Omega has been formally sanctioned by UTSA for hazing following separate investigations by UTSAPD and the Student Conduct and Community Standards office. Alpha Tau Omega is allowed to operate on campus after the conclusion of the investigation. The incident occurred in 2022, but was not reported until May 2024.
Tau Omega, “America’s leadership development fraternity,” was founded at the Virginia Military Institute in 1865. The UTSA chapter of Alpha Tau Omega, Iota Epsilon, was established in 1988 and is one of about 250 active or inactive chapters operating in the United States and its territories. to the UTSA website, both university policy and state law prohibit hazing. “The law defines hazing as any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off the campus of an educational institution, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliating with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose members are or include students at an educational institution.” source close to the investigation disclosed that Alpha Tau Omega pledges were allegedly waterboarded, forced to perform unwanted responsibilities/tasks for active members in the fraternity, forced to furnish alcohol to minors, forced to participate in a “Hell Week” to end pledgeship and held in a dark room for hours, where no food, water or communication devices were made readily available, among other actions.
National Voter Registration Day at UTSA
By Jackie Cardona Contributor
National Voter Registration Day (NVRD) is on Sept. 17 this year. The holiday aims to bring attention to the importance of registering to vote for eligible people. Since 2012, this national holiday has been addressing voter registration deadlines which has allegedly helped more than five million Americans register to vote in our country. This year, organizations like Texas Rising and the Center for Civic and Community-Engaged Leadership at UTSA (CCEL) are hosting events to remind the students of UTSA to register to vote.
The CCEL aims to empower and promote civic literacy among students, faculty and staff. This organization has various programs available to UTSA students like its Rowdy Votes program, which has things such as voting resources and details on how to vote on campus.
Within their organizations, CCEL will be hosting different timed events for National Voter Registration Day. Their first event will be a voter registration and information session at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. where they will conduct nonpartisan voter readiness activities.
The Rowdy Votes program will also host various voter registration activities with free food at 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. outside the McKinney Humanities building on the Main Campus.
Another organization hosting an event at UTSA for National Voter Registration Day is the Texas Rising chapter at UTSA. Texas Rising is a project of the Texas Freedom Network that focuses on voter registration and turnout, grassroots and digital organizing and issue advocacy by organizing events on college campuses all over Texas.
On Tuesday, Sept. 17, Texas Rising will host an NVRD tabling event where they will be giving free food
from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the main campus. For Texas, Rising NVRD is their biggest voter registration day of the year, and they hope to reach a certain goal by the end of their event.
When asked what Texas Rising’s goal is for Tuesday’s NVRD tabling, UTSA Texas Rising Regional Program Coordinator Bella Nieto said, “Our goal is to empower students and young voters. We want to engage students in civic and engaging conversations. Get to know why they want to vote, what motivates them and get them excited. When voters connect with other voters it makes the experience more meaningful and increases the chance of them getting out on Election Day,”
“We also want to support our new Volunteer Deputy Registrars (VDR). VDRs register new voters, and almost anyone can become one, so we want to make sure they feel supported, capable and safe. It’s really rewarding to be a VDR and it’s a great skill, so we want them to grow in confidence with that skill.” Nieto added.
occurred in 2022. A complaint alleging that Alpha Tau Omega members engaged in hazing was made in May 2024 to the UTSA Student Involvement Center, as well as the Student Conduct and Community Standards office. This complaint led to two independent but concurrent investigations into the allegations, one by UTSAPD and one by the Student Conduct and Community Standards office.
“We take allegations of student misconduct very seriously,” said Associate Vice President for Strategic Communications and External Affairs Joe Izbrand. “The UTSA Police Department has fully investigated this matter, which reportedly occurred in Fall 2022 and was reported to us this past May, and has filed a case with the District Attorney’s office for review.”
The Paisano contacted the Bexar County District Attorney’s office regarding UTSAPD’s investigation into the incident but did not receive a reply.
The UTSA Interfraternity Council, the governing body for men’s fraternities that are not culturally-based, released this statement regarding the investigation.
“IFC does not stand with the allegations, and will work with UTSA to come up with a solution if the chapter is deemed guilty.”
Duke Saenz, the president of the Iota Epsilon chapter of Alpha Tau Omega, declined The Paisano’s request for an interview but released this statement regarding the incident.
“Our chapter was under investigation by UTSAPD and UTSA for a short period this summer, but all investigations have been closed, and we were acquitted of all allegations.”
According to Izbrand, the investigation conducted by the Student Conduct and Community Standards office concluded that Iota Epsilon as an organization was responsible for an individual case of hazing, but no individual member of the organization was responsible based on the information gathered.
As a result of the Student Conduct and Community Standards office investigation, Alpha Tau Omega was issued a disciplinary warning, and was sanctioned by the university. “Those sanctions include required participation in community service projects, hazing education training workshops, and other risk management and leadership development sessions,” Izbrand stated.
Regarding the sanctions, Saenz stated, “We respect the university’s decisions following a thorough investigation. Our organization remains committed to supporting UTSA and will continue to meet all guidelines and expectations moving forward. We are very appreciative of all the support given by UTSA.”
This is a developing story. To stay updated, visit paisano-online.com.
Stalking, theft, assault
By Samantha Handshy Contributor
In compliance with the Clery Act, UTSA keeps a public daily crime log that houses 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 Sept. 6 to Sept. 15.
Outstanding Warrant
On Sept. 6 at 12:14 a.m., a report for an outstanding warrant was made. An employee of an outside agency requested that UTSA P.D. assist in making a lawful arrest at the Bus-Stop Oval on campus. The case was cleared by the arrest.
Possession of Marijuana
Possession of marijuana was reported at Laurel Village on Sept. 6 at 8:32 p.m. The offense occurred from 8:32 until 9:09 p.m. The case was cleared by the arrest.
Stalking
A case of stalking occurred on Sept. 7 at 12:01 a.m. at the University Oaks Apartments. A report was made later that day at 11:35 a.m. The case is still active.
Disturbance
A disturbance was reported at Phase One of University Oaks on Sept. 7 at 1:42 p.m. The incident lasted from 1:42 to 2:02 p.m. The case was closed.
Assault
On Sept. 9 at 3:41 p.m., dating violence was reported at Laurel Village. The assault in question took place at midnight on Aug. 19. The case is closed.
Unauthorized Use of Disabled Placard
The unauthorized use of a Disabled Placard was reported at Laurel Village on Sept. 10 at 12:03 a.m. The incident took place from 12:03 to 12:14 a.m. The case was closed by exceptional means.
Theft
Theft was prominent on the crime log during the first month of classes. One of the most significant took place on Sept. 10, when $100-$749.99 was stolen in the Flawn Sciences Building between the hours of 12 to 4:30 p.m.
Orion Tuck/ The Paisano
Kara Lee/ The Paisano
NEWS
By Noah Hernandez Staff Writer
In the wake of Tuesday’s debate, the particulars of how our candidates’ political stances will affect each state is more important than ever. Yet for Texas, a few issues seem to stick out. Here is a quick glimpse into each candidate’s policies, and how they specifically impact the Lone Star State.
Immigration
Harris: Harris has mostly remained ambiguous on her immigration stance but has recently moved further right than in the past. While still opposed to mass deportations and family separation, she has promoted the enforcement of immigration laws and proposed making asylum more difficult for immigrant populations. She has also recently backed a bill that would have made it harder to enter the country and be approved for citizenship, while also increasing presidential power to keep migrants away. Harris has also called for “consequences” to those who cross unlawfully but remains unclear as to what those consequences may be.
Harris’ policies seem to focus on specifically stopping illegal immigration. Yet it is important to note however that her changing stance and leniency has caused many critics fear that her ideas fall short of solving the issue.
Trump: Most of Trump’s campaign base runs off this single issue, and the policies he proposes would have widespread effects on the lives of both documented and undocumented Texans. He has taken an incredibly tough stance on immigration, proposing sweeping reforms with wide-reaching impacts. On the trail, he has promised to finish the border wall he began in 2016 and aims to create a mass deportation initiative, with his running mate JD Vance saying, “Let’s start with one million people… and then we can go from there.” In addition to mass deportation, Trump seeks to end the catch-and-release initiative, restore Remain in Mexico and deputize the National Guard to restrict immigration at the border. He has also wanted to end a policy that allows the children of undocumented residents to be eligible for citizenship.
While the effects of these measures would most likely be seen in the deportation of undocumented residents here in Texas, there are also concerns about the economic viability of Trump’s reforms. The Austin-American Statesman’s editorial board has such concerns, arguing that the “mass removal of workers would devastate Texas businesses.” The editorial board went on to cite several studies claiming an economic benefit of undocumented immigration and contended that undocumented immigrants are vital to the Texas economy. There is little doubt Trump’s policies would at the very least restrict border flow, but these concerns call into question the viability of his promises on border reforms.
Abortion
Harris: As a longtime champion of female reproductive rights, Harris’ stance comes at no surprise. On the trail, Harris has made numerous promises to sign any law that would “restore reproductive freedom,” and has notably vowed to “never allow a national abortion ban to become law.” During her first presidential debate, the
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vice president proudly noted that she wants to “reinstate the protection of Roe,” which would mean outlawing bans on abortions before fetal viability. If such a measure were to take place, it would overrule state law and force Texas to legalize abortion access once again.
Trump: Trump’s stance has changed over the past several years, but it seems that he has finally settled his policy on the abortion issue. In his debate with President Biden, he stated that he champions states rights and ultimately would not support a federal ban. Further, he claimed he is a proponent for certain exceptions, notably for cases of rape, incest and occasions where the life of the woman is at risk. Despite this, he still largely opposes taxpayer funding for abortions.
As it stands, it is unlikely that abortion will become legalized again in Texas. Trump’s policy on abortion focuses on keeping the issue at the state level, and as the Texas Supreme Court rejected several challenges to current abortion laws in May of this year, it is improbable much will change.
Economy
Harris: Harris’ policy seems to be aimed toward “strengthening the middle class.” To achieve this goal, she has promised to create mortgage assistance programs for first-time homebuyers and ban price gouging at grocery stores. As the inflation issue has plagued her campaign trail, she has been vocal about her goal to “take on the high costs that matter… like the cost of food.” To address rising energy costs, she has stated that her “position is that we have got to invest in diverse sources of energy,” despite her previous support on banning fracking and limiting oil production.
Harris’ policies if enacted will have obvious positive effects on the economy, but for Texas in particular, her past environmental stances may be something to consider. One of Texas’s biggest industries is the oil and natural gas market, and Harris’ support of lawsuits against these may have negative effects on the Texas economy as a whole. Yet this may be offset by her stance on food prices, which has been a major issue for Texans, specifically in the Houston area.
Trump: Maintaining a consistent polling advantage in this arena, Trump has focused his economic policy on his quest to “end inflation and make America affordable again.” He plans to do this by expanding tax cuts for most Americans, launching a housing initiative on federal land, imposing new tariffs and repealing many Biden-era clean energy initiatives which he perceives as a threat to the auto industry. In addition, Trump also wants to increase domestic energy production, specifically in oil and natural gas, which he believes will decrease costs. Finally, Trump claims he can decrease the rising housing costs through immigration reforms.
Any economic policy will have a major effect on Texas, but Trump’s plans regarding oil and natural gas are the most relevant to the Lone Star State. As Texas is the largest producer of oil in the United States, Trump’s stances on fracking and big oil have the potential to boost the Texas economy and keep Texas at the forefront of energy production. This being said, certain experts warn that he may be overzealous in his rhetoric and that the sentiment in his oft-used phrase “Drill, baby, drill,” may not be what is needed.
How much do college degrees pave the way to workforce readiness?
By Mogbekeleoluwa Shebioba Contributor
In an age where people become rich without degrees, opting out of secondary education is becoming more normalized.
Freshly graduated high school students may fear the effort it takes to obtain a bachelor’s degree only to realize that they are still ill-prepared to function in a workplace environment. After all, it is not unreasonable to expect the experience in one’s degree program to groom them into a working member of society.
That begs the question: Are the degree programs at UTSA and other schools truly effective at preparing individuals for the workplace?
According to UTSA Today, UTSA carefully crafts degree programs that will carry individuals through post-graduate life.
“As UTSA grows, it’s intentionally building degree programs to help meet Texas’s projected workforce needs.”
Jalen Ray, an environmental science major who graduated in Spring 2023, says something similar to UTSA today.
“My degree helped me in landing the job I’m doing now,” Ray said. “I got my degree in environmental science, which is a mix of studying the traditional sciences and social sciences. I think that since I’m doing public health related work, the social sciences helped me in getting the job I have.”
Mo Benson, a business administration/management major who graduated from UTSA in the Fall of 2022, disagrees.
“It didn’t necessarily help me prepare for the workforce because I majored in business,” Benson said. Benson claimed that his major only gave him an idea of things to look out for on the job, while other things did not help him because there was no actual work experience in his degree program.
“Some of the stuff you have to learn from either a manager ahead of you or
someone who has been doing it for a long time in your field,” Benson continued. According to Benson, his major did not focus much on the actual work they would be doing, instead paying more attention to the concepts they would need to understand relating to business.
While Benson’s statements suggest that degree programs are generally not the best at preparing students for the workforce, he did specify that he majored in business, saying that business may simply be an exception and not the rule.
A survey by eLearning firm, ‘Go1’, found that 61% of employees of various ages felt that their work experience had offered better preparation. Benson agreed that even though colleges like UTSA provide opportunities for work experience, degree programs do not do enough to push students toward that experience.
Spring 2022 graduate Melissa Santos received her degree in architecture and had a differing opinion on the necessity of degree programs.
“For architecture, when I entered the workforce, it was essential to have a degree to even have an understanding of the job,” Santos said. “Without a degree, I most likely would not have been hired at a firm because I would lack basic design knowledge and experience needed at a firm, even in a role as an intern.”
“Architecture requires many years of learning, experience and design development to really become proficient in the field,” Santos continued.
“Additionally, to become a licensed architect most states require a master’s degree in architecture, so choosing the right degree program is essential in order to succeed in the workforce professionally.”
State of the City
Week of 9/10
By Trinity Hewtty Contributor
Not subscribed to local news but still want to stay upto-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 the arrest of a 12-year-old accused of making terroristic threats to multiple schools to a tragic hit-and-run killing one person and critically injuring another.
Woman shot in the shoulder after alleged road rage incident
A woman was shot in the shoulder in a road rage incident that happened on Friday, Sept. 13, around 8:10 p.m. The victim reportedly drove behind another vehicle while heading southbound on State Highway 151 and Military Drive. The victim told investigators that she passed the vehicle due to it driving too slowly. According to the victim, the other vehicle began tailing behind her, flashing its headlights and honking its horn. Soon after, a bullet came through her back window, striking her left shoulder.
The victim obtained the suspect’s license plate number before pulling over to meet with police. The police found the suspect and took the 45-year-old man into custody. The woman was hospitalized with a non-life-threatening injury. 12-year-old boy in court for accusations of making terroristic threats to seven San Antonio schools
A 12-year-old boy was tried in court this past Wednesday, Sept. 11, after being accused of making terroristic threats to seven San Antonio schools. Texas Rangers and SAPD were able to track down and apprehend the minor on the evening of Sunday, Sept. 8.
An arrest was made after a concerning social media post began circulating online. The boy reportedly uploaded a screenshot of an assault rifle on Instagram, including names of San Antonio schools and dates in September. According to the San Antonio Current, the boy wrote a message under the image stating, “B ready cuh nt playin wi dis shyt,” and “Ya school getting shot no Kap 100%.”
At the hearing, the boy’s mother strongly advocated for her son’s innocence in court. However, District Court 436 Judge William Shaw denied the boy probation during the hearing because of the child’s history of similar allegations. The boy will remain detained until his next court hearing on Sept. 25.
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Orion Tuck/The Paisano
Lone star politics
Put a stop to abuse in college
Alpha Tau Omega under fire for hazing investigation
The UTSA chapter of the leadership development fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega was investigated by UTSAPD and the Student Conduct and Community Standards office after allegations of hazing and hate crimes. Going as far back as 2022, the accusations list humiliating acts that students were forced to perform by their fellow members. The fraternity was sanctioned by the university after the conclusion of the investigation by the Student Conduct and Community Standards office. UTSAPD’s investigation was forwarded to the Bexar County District Attorney.
Students have to prove themselves and usually pay a considerable amount of money to join a fraternity or sorority, which by itself is not a bad thing. What is wrong is to exaggerate the ways in which they must prove themselves and victimize them for entertainment, this is most famously known as hazing.
While fraternity hazing is an aspect of American culture that is often treated as a laugh in the media, being featured in movies and television shows as a part of the university experience, it is nothing more than childish,
dangerous behavior unbecoming of any decent person. The need to humiliate and hurt a person in some crazed idea of an initiation ritual for the mere sick enjoyment of others is illegal, immoral and inexcusable.
Fraternities, both academic and social, can be amazing experiences for college students, but they must remain closely monitored to ensure that they remain so. Hazing has been reproached on paper and ignored in real life for too long. No matter the contributions
Ken Paxton vs. Voter registration
By Treston Balboa Contributor
Bexar County tends to lean Democratic, which is becoming a very alarming problem for the Republican Party in Texas. Attorney General Ken Paxton is suing Bexar County over a new voter outreach program in hopes of completely halting the plan. The voter outreach initiative that Bexar County wants to enact would send out voter registration materials to eligible but unregistered Bexar County residents in an effort to boost voter registration numbers.
Paxton’s reasoning for wanting to get rid of this plan is that this program allegedly sends out voter registration materials to potentially ineligible voters, causing them to commit a crime by registering to vote. The private contractor that will be responsible for sending out these materials, has outlined that they use statistics from governmental departments to ensure they do exactly the opposite of what Paxton is alleging. Paxton knows that the county’s intentions are not
Commentary
By Anika Engler Contributor Editorial
to register ineligible voters, but to get more Bexar County residents registered, and that is the scary part for him. In 2020, the majority of Bexar County precincts voted for President Biden.
Paxton is not afraid to perpetuate the non-issue of non-citizens voting, even more if it means that more voter suppression will take place and less votes will go to the Democratic Party.
The percentage at which non-citizens vote is little to nothing, and should not be given merit when looking to completely shut down a local governmental plan to aid and empower the voice of the people of Bexar County. The Republican Party likes to fearmonger and focus on the 1% of isolated incidents as a go ahead to cause destruction to important social programs that are constructed to purely and unbiasedly aid the people of this country. Without harmless initiatives like this, people’s voices are harder to hear. How can someone be so decidedly against a program such as this, that is outlined to only aid the population of 1,495,295 Bexar County residents get registered to vote while not even garnishing support for either presidential candidate? Well, it is easy when he does not actually care about the democratic process, but more so that his favored candidate’s odds look better in the long run, even if it means sinking the people lower and lower.
For nearly 25 years, Venezuela has been progressively moving towards a communist dictatorship. What began as a hopeful movement, primarily among the disenfranchised in support of Hugo Chavez — a populist military leader — eventually became a nightmare for the population. Not only did he change the constitution to ensure his ability to gain power, but he also implemented measures that ended up detrimentally affecting the economy. After being diagnosed as terminally ill, Chavez hand-picked his successor, Nicolás Maduro, a former bus driver, who guaranteed the continuation of Chavez’s destructive policies. Shortly after inheriting the presidency, Maduro became increasingly autocratic, which has resulted in the endless suffering of the people. Over 7.7 million Venezuelans were forced to flee the country due to an erosion of civil liberties, such as ceasing political rights and ruining the checks and balances system, combined with shortages of food, medicine, essential services and uncontrolled violence.
Despite years of repression and rigged elections, the 2024 presidential race provided a glimpse of hope. Large voter turnouts supporting opposition candidate Edmundo González exposed the blatant electoral fraud, proving González’s overwhelming victory, which was endorsed by the brave María Corina Machado and supported by international allies.
epitome of beauty is now obscured by violence, poverty and fraud. Rich history, oil wealth, various species, cultural diversity and astonishing landscapes have been replaced with a
burden of sadness, desperation and hopelessness. Gleaming smiles that created welcomed wrinkles have transformed into unwanted frowns surrounded by tear stains. A nation that used to be envied is now pitied. The magical essence of Venezuela has been lost and forgotten, all due to its corrupt government. Yet, behind all the chaos, the destruction, the negativity, remain the whispers of its former magnificence.
No matter the damage, the captivating landscapes and attractions in Venezuela are ones nowhere else to be found. From paradisaic beaches such as Los Roques, Playa El Agua, Choroni, Mochima and Morrocoy to breathtaking prehistoric views of the Roraima Tepuis, the Angel Falls, the Andes Paramo in Merida and the majestic Avila, a plethora of charm unravels at every glance. The rainforests, savannas, rivers, grasslands and plains provide a home to a multitude of exotic species such as, Orinoco crocodiles with their intimidating grace, scarlet ibises flashing their blazing feathers, howler monkeys singing a sweet symphony, capybaras drifting through the river, crab-eating foxes creeping in the forest and giant otters bathing in the currents. All of these fascinations weave a vibrant tapestry of a flourishing ecosystem. The enchanting Venezuela was the jewel of South America and among the 20 wealthiest nations
of fraternities to an institution, whether financial or reputational, universities have a responsibility to their students to provide a safe environment. Any fraternity that violates a hazing policy must be investigated and expelled from campus immediately and have their charter revoked.
Young people come to university to expand their knowledge, both academic and cultural, and to discover their passions and interests as they become their own person. To have this beautiful privilege tainted is the painful result of a perverse violation of authority. To allow hazing, especially in a university where the fraternities do not have their own headquarters and operate from campus, is nothing more than straight negligence on behalf of a university’s administration.
UTSA must reestablish its authority and punish Alpha Tau Omega for any misconduct. Further, the administration must put in place a stronger system of oversight to minimize the chances of more hazing incidents happening on campus and work to reestablish trust with the student body they have failed to adequately protect.
The immoderate moderators
By Wesley Ford Contributor
The practice of presidential debates has become synonymous with the election season, and like many things, has changed over time. Its most recent evolution came when Donald Trump and Joe Biden made history by bypassing the Commission on Presidential Debates, a nonprofit organization that had run the debate process for over thirty years, instead opting to negotiate between themselves and with individual TV networks directly, eventually resulting in the debate that took place on June 27 hosted by CNN.
Last Tuesday’s debate between Kamala Harris and Trump followed the precedent established by the June debate, notably keeping in place the rule that candidates’ mics be muted while out of turn, and the absence of a live audience, a departure from the traditional format established by the commission.
A familiar sight was the pair of moderators seated facing the candidates, in this case, David Muir and Linsey Davis of ABC, whose role is to introduce the candidates, ask the questions and evenly distribute talking time.
The pair’s actions on Tuesday generated outcry among Trump sympathizers who accuse them of neglecting these duties in favor of aiding Harris.
A USA Today fact-check showed that throughout the debate, Trump misspoke, used hyperbole, and in some cases, outright lied, as many politicians are prone to do. Harris did too, but the response from the moderators was widely disparate. Take abortion, an issue where both candidates spoke mistruths. At one point, Trump attempted to tie Harris to radical abortion policies by claiming that states such as Virginia allowed for the “execution” of babies after birth, which resulted in him being corrected by Davis. Several minutes later, Harris stated “In his Project 2025 there would be a national abortion monitor that would be monitoring your pregnancies, your miscarriages,” alleging Trump’s support of stricter abortion laws. USA Today claimed, “This significantly overstates the nature of the monitoring called for in Project 2025.”
Despite the comments being comparable in their overreach, Trump was chided by the moderators while Harris’ statement garnered no response.
The death trap of CBP One
Commentary By Analiyah Olivarez Contributor
Riley Carrol/The Paisano
Over the course of her short presidential campaign, Vice President Kamala Harris has been leading a “fundamentally dishonest campaign.” Harris claims if she wins the election she will fix the issue of immigration and the border, yet she was the one who caused and supported this issue in the first place.
as recently as in the 1970’s. This underestimated country is home to the largest oil reserves worldwide, with still over 300 billion barrels in place, which in the past funded the country’s development, including its world class roads, transportation infrastructure and numerous social programs that prioritized education and
Recently, Senator Ted Cruz spoke out on Harris and her actions involving U.S. immigration connecting with Mexico.
Cruz argued that Harris and Mexico’s president Andrés Manuel López Obrador have been working together and “actively encouraging immigration.”
Backing up Cruz’s allegations is the app CBP One, created by U.S. Customs and Border Protection. CBP One is a free mobile app designed for Mexican Citizens, foreigners and asylum seekers in Mexico.
CBP One is made for people located in Mexico who desire to relocate to the United States. The app allows immigrants to request and schedule appointments at the U.S. border and arrange transportation to it via bus. Not only does the app permit immigrants to book appointments, it allows them to claim any destination in the United States as their “home”. CBP One seems amazing for immigrants who are trying to reach the border safely and for free, however, there are many faults with this app. There have been cases of immigrants who booked an appointment via CBP One, only to be left stranded in northern Mexico exposed to danger.
Alex Dewees/The Paisano
Commentary
Kara Lee/The Paisano
By Kara Lee Graphic Editor
A majority of student news outlets have financial ties to their respective universities, which compromises their independence and objectivity. College newspapers financially tied to their universities may face pressure to avoid reporting stories crucial to their communities. For instance, universities have exerted oversight to avoid negative publicity and controversial issues or to paint the university in the best possible light. While there is no universal solution to this problem, this concern warrants attention. Press freedom is essential for training future journalists, but it becomes muddled if student media budgets are subject to approval by student governments or university administrators.
A March 2016 survey
conducted by the College Media Association found that over three years, more than 20 media advisers who had not sent articles for approval experienced some level of administrative pressure to censor content. This issue also extends to professional news outlets, where journalists may not be able to exercise complete press freedom but rather adhere to a predetermined narrative shaped by their corporate owners or sponsors.
Unsurprisingly, largescale businesses own most mainstream news outlets, but this creates problems when covering sensitive topics that require diverse perspectives. In the United States, six corporations own 90% of all media. Over 30 years ago, media ownership was divided among 50 different
By Hanien Abdelmoneim Contributor
Being a celebrity stuck in the limelight can be daunting and the burden of perfection is often placed upon their shoulders. However, in times of political tension, societies see a rise in various notable artists coming out with endorsements to promote a sense of urgency in democracy. This can serve to be extremely useful in influencing their supporters to utilize their voting rights. When publicly taking a stance they have a team of experts who specialize in public relations to maintain a certain image and preserve a reputable brand. Every move made is intentional, whether the general public is aware of it or not. Yes, they are human just like the
companies, suggesting a significant consolidation of power. What led to this shift?
The U.S. media industry faces substantial ownership issues, including high rates of layoffs and a shift toward digital news platforms, which often prioritize sensationalism over in-depth reporting.
These digital platforms are capturing revenue that once supported traditional news outlets, which may lead to a dangerous cycle of buyouts, funding cuts and downsizing of newsrooms. This trend restricts media coverage and diminishes the diversity of viewpoints available to the public. When corporations prioritize profits over public information, it results in a one-sided narrative or, in some cases, the complete omission of important stories. Although business interests
The Paisano
Editorial
Laynie
have always influenced commercial media, it is crucial to recognize that new regulations and reforms should be implemented to address these systemic issues and promote a more balanced and transparent media landscape.
The challenges facing both student and professional news outlets underscore a critical need for reform in how media organizations are governed and funded. The financial ties between university administrations and student newspapers, along with the monopolistic control by a few large corporations over mainstream media, severely compromise journalistic independence and the diversity of perspectives in news reporting.
Shifting gears: A plea for a dying tradition
By Christian Loustaunau
Contributor
The third pedal, foreign to many, yet home to the dedicated few. In the United States, the amount of manual transmissions available to purchase has tanked sharply. With a push toward electricity and a preference for an automatic, there is a void left for the Enthusiasts to draw to.
The elusive manual transmission, once a standard feature in vehicles, has become increasingly rare in the United States. Today, only 28 out of approximately 229 new vehicle models offer a manual option, with 99% of cars on U.S. roads equipped with automatic transmissions.
“Car and Driver”, an American
stating “we’re doubling down on our V8. As long as we can possibly sell our V8, we’re going to.”
As the world pushes for green and Electric cars, the racing heritage that the manual holds, is too much to let go for these Enthusiast manufacturers.
The Global Chief Engineer of America’s Favorite pony car, the Mustang, Laurie Transou, stated that “The pure Enthusiasts loves the manual transmission, so [we] continue to offer it. As long as our customers desire a manual transmission and there’s a market for it, we would continue to offer manual transmission.”
The manual car has gone through an acculturation from being in every car
amenities such as sound deadening that make some zone out and distracted.
The manual transmission also serves as a built-in “anti-theft device,” as only 18% of U.S. adults know how to drive a manual. With these reliable numbers, drivers can worry less about their manual car vanishing into nowhere.
These vehicles are typically cheaper than their automatic counterparts and are usually more reliable due to their
The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization.The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. New issues are published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays and exam periods.The Paisano is distributed on the UTSA Main Campus. Additionally, Paisano publications are distributed at a variety of off-campus locations, including Tripoint and a variety of apartment complexes near the UTSA Main Campus. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed to: 14526 Roadrunner Way Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78249 Phone: (210) 690-9301
on campus. Student Publications will be free of censorship and advance approval of copy, and their editors and managers are solely responsible for editorial and content policies and decisions. Editors and managers of Student Publications will not be subject to arbitrary suspension/expulsion or removal from their positions within a
arts & life
Celebrate Library Card Sign-up Month with SAPL
By Christopher Delgado Staff Writer
With an assortment of movies, music and books, the San Antonio Public Library (SAPL) has all media needs covered. All one needs is a library card.
To celebrate National Library Card Sign-Up Month, SAPL has launched seven limited edition cards. Each style includes a wallet-sized and a keychain-sized card. The designs infuse San Antonio’s heritage and culture with the freedom and opportunity granted by libraries.
One style is deemed “Boots and Bluebonnets.” The card features a pair of boots — one boot with a cactus and the other featuring the SAPL logo — alongside bluebonnets. A perfect card for anyone who is into westerns and history — or someone who has recently grown obsessed with cowboys due to Glen Powell’s role in “Twisters.”
“Folklorico” and “Loteria” highlight the city’s Latino roots with playful designs. “Folklorico” is symbolized by flora and a guitar in the center of the card against a navy blue background. The icons float upon the card, granting this one whimsy and festive.
“Loteria” is modeled after a loteria card featuring a “La Tarjeta De Biblioteca.” A great card for those interested in the activities offered by SAPL rather than their catalog.
accordion, guitar, trumpet and two figures dancing along to the rhythmic music notes.
Many people consume literature, film and music as a form of escapism. Ever wanted to go on vacation, snuggle up with a book and escape the worries of life? Perhaps the “Book a Vacation” card is of interest. There is so much
If one is not much of a reader, SAPL has a vast collection of music ranging from LP vinyl to CDs. The library card deemed “Música” caters towards those interested in the music collection of SAPL. The card presents an
to love about this card: the pun in the name, the gigantic book meant to act as a shelter and the washing away of reality. “Book a Vacation” reminds readers that to read is to escape.
“Smarty’s Adventures” shows various activities that SAPL offers through the lens of their mascot Smarty.
What’s happening this
By Daria Tanase Staff Writer
Hispanic Heritage Month is a nationwide holiday that takes place from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The month focuses on highlighting Latino and Hispanic-American culture. This in part is to celebrate Mexico’s independence from Spain, with the first outspoken cry for independence coming from Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla on Sept. 16, 1810. If you are looking to celebrate sometime during the month, there are many events going on in San Antonio. Here is a list of our top picks for you to attend all month long.
Mercadito Cultural
On Sept. 18 and 25, from 5 to 9 p.m., the Pearl will be hosting a series of night markets. These night markets will include stands and performances from Hispanic Heritage chefs, artisans and vendors.
Sazon Latin Food Festival
The Latin Food Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 29 at Pups and Pals Bar & Grill. Ticket reservations are available online, but the event is free to attend. There will be various Latin food vendors, music, desserts and drinks you can get.
Diez y Seis Mariachi Festival
On Oct. 12 from noon to 9 p.m., at the Arneson River Theatre, there will be mariachi performances throughout the day. It has been a tradition for over 20 years, and the performances are done by middle and high school students in the region. There will be food and art booths at the festival as well.
“Nichos y Dichos”
The MujerArtes Women’s Clay Cooperative will have a variety of handpainted art pieces created by women
artists on display, from Sept. 21 to Oct. 4 at Rinconcito de Esperanza.
Fiesta Alegria Celebration
On Oct. 19, starting at 4:30 p.m., live music will flood the Plaza Guadalupe. It is described as a clash of cultures, with various bands performing. From blues music to Lucha Libre, there are a variety of tunes to enjoy.
“Tejanos at the Alamo”
On Saturday, Sept. 2, the Alamo will be hosting “Tejanos at the Alamo,” an event focussing on the Tejano history and culture associated with the site. The event will host local organizations, descendants of notable figures associated with the Alamo and more. The event will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Alamo Plaza.
San Antonio’s lively environment is perfect if you are looking to appreciate and celebrate during this month. The city is heavily influenced by Mexican American and Hispanic culture due to its origins. In addition to this list, there are many more local events to attend, making it easy to get involved during this time of appreciation.
Some experiences found on the card include checking out a book, reading an eBook and doing yoga at the library. Show off the beauty and the elegance of San Antonio with the “My City” card, which portrays San Antonio’s iconic skyline — including the Tower of the Americas and the Central Library building, also known as the OSS headquarters, featured in San Antonio native Robert Rodriguez’s film, “Spy Kids.”
Interested in applying for a library card? Head over to the Cody Branch located 11610 Vance Jackson Rd. — an eleven minute drive from campus — or any of the other 29 locations, and provide the librarian with an ID and proof of Bexar County residency. Already have a library card? Simply take the current library card to any branch and they will swap it out.
Most branches are open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Monday toTuesday from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. The exceptions to these hours are the Central Library location, which is closed on Sundays, and the Pruitt Branch, which is open Monday to Friday from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Pan American, Las Palmas, Igo and Johnston branches are temporarily closed.
These designs are here for a limited time through September and October, or while supplies last. With so many options, which one are you going to pick?
I Dare you to listen to this album
By Malaki Lingg Arts & Life Editor
All summer, Charli XCX has been ruling the club scene with her harsh green club pop record “Brat.” Her synth-pop, acid and EBM inspired record took the internet by storm with its June 7 release; for months you could open any social media and see trend after trend and thread after thread discussing “Brat.” Though, all good things come to an end. Months later, the hype has died down, and “Brat Summer” is over. Though, when something good ends, there is always a new beginning — welcome home “Indie Sleaze Fall.”
On his freshman album, “What’s Wrong With New York?,” on streaming services. The album is like a genderbend of the themes that “Brat” gave us all summer, an album full of raunchy, pop club bangers.
“What’s With New York?” has a runtime of 27 minutes 24 seconds, spanning across 10 tracks. While this record may be short, it is nothing short of fun. The opening track “Open Up” brings a pop-rock sound reminiscent of early The Arctic Monkeys, with overdrive fuelled guitar, meshed with a synth beat.
While sleazy pop songs there are two that stand above the rest, and of course, the first of those songs is “Girls.”
Reviews
main chorus leading with “I like the girls that do drugs / Girls with cigarettes in the back of the club,” and closing it with “I like girls who make love, but I love girls who like to f—ck / That’s what’s up.”
The second track that holds the limelight is “Elevation.” It is the only song that has more of a somber tone as compared to the
“Girls” is the hit-single from The Dare’s 2023 release “The Sex EP,” and it is a fastmoving, danceable song. The entire track is comprised of The Dare singing about the kinds of women he likes, with the
and it probably will not have a profound effect on pop culture for years to come. That is fine though, not all art has to be some profound motif that will inspire the next generation. Sometimes you just want to sing about what all drives the world — sex, money and drugs.
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Arts & Life
‘Blink Twice’ will make you blink twice
By Hanien Abdelmoneim Contributor Reviews
Zoe Kravitz’s directorial debut “Blink Twice” hit theaters Aug. 23 and has proved to be one of the most interesting movies of 2024 thus far. This exceptionally welldone psychological thriller explores themes of trauma, betrayal, lust and greed through the lens of the main character Frida, all while she learns not everything is as it seems.
Frida, played by Naomi Ackie, is initially a naïve cocktail waitress with an intense attraction to tech billionaire Slater King, played by Channing Tatum. Frida and her coworker, Jess, were on the job at an event hosted by the tech mogul; they decided to ditch their uniforms for gowns, attending the event as well. As they blend in amongst the billionaires, Frida collides with King. Kravitz does a great job of setting up Frida’s point of view; as the story moves along the audience can feel exactly how she does. King invites Frida and Jess to his infamous private island, inciting the conflict of this story.
second act continues to delve deeper as it introduces all the twists and shock factors.
Although the film heavily relies on plot and structure, the characters are deeply complex and well-written — leaving one confused about whether to hate or love them. Soon after Frida and Jess’s arrival, the tone of the “vacation” takes a dark turn. Confusion and abnormality become a repeated problem throughout the film’s
Frida’s objective throughout the film is to uncover the truth about everyone and everything. She seeks to find out not only who she is, but who King is behind his public persona. The scenes that reveal what truly took place on the island are shocking and do not take the traditional direction of thrillers. The most impressive aspect about the film is its pace and how impactful the structure of the storytelling is to the plot. It utilizes a non-linear narrative, so with each scene, it feels like the audience was one step further from the whole truth. Similar films that use this structure can leave the audience more confused than they were before, resulting in a messy film. Kravitz and the entire crew behind the movie made sure each plot point was explained and proven.
Thriller and psychological film enthusiasts will appreciate the choices made throughout the film, and every actor and actress chosen did an exceptional job with the role they earned. 2024 has produced tons of films. This by far has been one that should be considered a masterpiece of its genre.
L;VE: Suicide prevention
By Zoe Hernandez Contributor
In 2022, 42,000 people died by suicide, and approximately 24,000 college students attempt to commit suicide every year. Suicide is the third leading cause of death in the U.S. for those aged 15-29 years old.
While suicide can look different for many, there are some general symptoms of recognizing suicide ideation.
Signs include feeling empty, hopeless, anxious, irritable and depressed. Changes in usual behavior, such as eating and sleeping habits, are also common symptoms. Substance abuse, risky behavior, self-harm alongside the inability to get past life inconveniences are also components. Risk factors for suicide include previous suicide attempts, trauma, bullying, stress, social isolation, connection to someone who has committed suicide, history of depression and other mental health illnesses.
Carol Stilwill, a Clinical Supervision Manager at UTSA, Licensed Professional Counselor and UTSA alumni, had the following to say in an interview with The Paisano.
Q: What can you do to help someone contemplating suicide?
A: “Look for the signs that someone may be suicidal. Don’t be afraid to ask them if they are suicidal; this can potentially get them to talk about it and consider the fact that they need to seek help.”
Q: What is one of your most prominent experiences with suicide?
A: “The use of overgeneralizing and catastrophic language such as ‘nobody loves me’ and ‘I am all by myself.’”
Q: From a counselor’s standpoint, what would you do for someone that is experiencing suicidal thoughts?
A: “Emphasizing the reduction of means and asking the question ‘If you
were to kill yourself, how would you do it?’ I believe that all parents should be aware that it is possible at one point that their child has had suicidal thoughts.”
UTSA offers free wellness services for all registered students. Some of the services include recovery, survivor advocacy, psychiatry and counseling. Alongside the mental health services, Wellness 360 offers a number of free primary care health services for students. UTSA also hosts a mental health resources webpage at utsa.edu/ mental-health-resources/. This page includes a list of UTSA-hosted as well as national resources for students and staff.
Other resources include 988: the national suicide hotline, and the crisis textline. To access the crisis text line text HOME to 741741 for 24/7 free confidential support.
The negative connotation of suicide is due to the association with weakness. To destigmatize suicide, it is important that the topic is discussed regardless of how heavy the topic may be. Thousands of families are affected every year in the United States. It is never too late to seek help or offer support to those in need.
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UTSA football loses second straight road game
By Haley Aguayo Sports Editor
UTSA lost 56-7 to the University of Texas on Saturday night at Darrell K. Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
“We’ve got to be better offensively,” coach Jeff Traylor said on the loss. “We saw some good things, some of these guys have improved since last week, we’re just not where we need to be yet.”
The Roadrunners (1-2) earned 14 first downs compared to the Longhorns’ (3-0) 25, rushed for 128 yards opposed to 187 and passed for 132 yards against Texas’ 427 passing yards.
Texas routed UTSA’s defense and averaged two successful scoring drives per quarter. Ahead of this game, the ‘Runners suffered a blowout loss after not scoring a touchdown in the first quarter. Conversely, the Longhorn football team has won 15 straight games after leading in the first
quarter. UTSA did not take a single trip into the end zone until the second quarter.
Despite being subbed out during the Roadrunners’ loss to Texas State last Saturday, redshirt sophomore Owen McCown was yet again Traylor’s starting quarterback.
In a second-quarter play, McCown completed a pass for his first successful scoring drive since playing against Kennesaw State two weeks ago. He searched for an open receiver and launched the ball up the center of the field once he spotted senior running back Robert Henry Jr. The Mississippi native outran Texas’s defensive line and carried the ball straight into the endzone for a 53-yard touchdown, the ‘Runners first and only touchdown of the game.
“What I’m really proud of more than anything was his pocket awareness,” Traylor said of his quarterback. “He came out, got a first down, but I’m disappointed
Roadrunners on ice
By Rylan Renteria Assistant
Sports
Editor
for a certain sport extends well beyond its typical region of interest.
Although based in San Antonio, the Roadrunner Hockey team consists of a group of dedicated members who not only love the sport they play, but the people they play it with. Since the last time the Roadrunners put their skates to the ice, the program has grown exponentially.
The Paisano caught up with a founding member of the club before the team’s home opener against Louisiana State University to talk about the growth and ceiling of the program.
Roadrunner hockey was initially created in 2007 and lasted all the way up until 2013, when the team was abandoned due to financial issues, and until fall 2023, UTSA was without a hockey club. That was until two friends, club president Noah Dow and Joshua
LeComte, came together to create something special.
“Me and my buddy Noah met up through social media and we kind of had the idea of ‘Okay we’re going to found this team and we’re going to make it happen,” LeComte said. “We got together, did all the legal paperwork we were supposed to do to become an official organization. It’s been a long time coming, we have been at this for a year and it’s definitely been a journey.”
A full calendar year later, and support for the team from within the UTSA community is growing. With official jerseys available for purchase, and active campaigning for support on campus, the club is trying to convince fans that they are here to stay.
“When we started this team we realized, ‘this isn’t just about UTSA, this is about San Antonio,” LeComte said. “We used to have some semi-pro teams here, but what we’re planning is bringing back hockey to San Antonio. We want to rejuvenate the love and support for the sport here. We table every day, we’re very involved with the community, we do a
Longhorns out-score
Roadrunners by 7 touchdowns
he took the sack. That’s uncharacteristic of him, he knows when it’s out of the pocket, he knows when to let the ball go. He was very efficient, didn’t have a lot of help but he played very good.”
Before this game, McCown had completed 38 passes and attempted to rush the ball 12 times in three games, making him a leader in attempted rushes. McCown is only second to Henry Jr., who made 15 attempts ahead of this game. After Henry Jr.’s touchdown, the pair have both scored this season.
After UTSA failed to score in the first quarter, redshirt freshman quarterback Arch Manning was brought in to replace Quinn Ewers, who had been injured.
Following the ‘Runners touchdown, Manning, son of Cooper Manning and nephew to Super Bowl champions Peyton and Eli Manning, quickly responded with a 67-yard touchdown carry of his own.
This game against the Longhorns
By Alejandra Garza Contributor
UTSA football would not be where it is today without the continued support from its students and alumni. Multiple UTSA organizations gear up for the game in a way most Americans do for any college or professional football game.
Tailgates are celebrations before football games, UTSA tailgates are located in Lot A, B and C of the Alamodome with individual family tailgates, fraternities and the UTSA’s alumni tailgate. Here are the top tailgates you can expect to find at a UTSA football game.
3. Fraternity Tailgate
The fraternities at UTSA are a part of the college experience for first-year students. The organizations are credited with helping students gather leadership skills, social outlets and academic achievement.
Academic chairman of Lambda Chi Alpha, Jesse James, and Alpha Tau Omega president, Duke Saenz, both shared their favorite tailgate memories with The Paisano.
“My favorite tailgate was the Texas tailgate last year. It was a lot of fun and most of the student body was there,” James said.
“Tailgates are the best times of the year because it brings all the
bunch of service events and stuff so, [we are] definitely trying to give back to the community because they’ve been so supportive of us.”
Being a club team can be hard, especially at a smaller school like UTSA. When one zooms out and look at how the official UTSA football team is considered “underfunded” in the grand scope of college football, then you realize these smaller programs are scratching and clawing to survive. But when you’re led by people who are willing to fight and weather the storm to continue to play the sport that they love in the city that they love, you’re going to go places.
“Come support, we’re the closest thing you have to a collegiate or semi-pro hockey team for hundreds of miles,” LeComte said. “We’re a growing organization but we can only grow as fast as we’re reciprocated by the public. Come out, enjoy the games, follow our socials, stay updated, and we will match the energy.”
Roadrunner hockey will be back at home taking on the University of Houston Oct. 25 at 9:15 p.m. at Northwoods Ice and Golf Center.
fraternities as well as people you don’t normally see together,” Saenz said. “It is also a good way to connect and make new friends.”
Fraternity tailgates are not only for the students; they are for their parents as well. Diego Salinas, publications chair of FIJI fraternity and head of recruitment for IFC, shared his favorite memory from tailgates
“Parents tailgate is really fun. I think it’s very fun seeing not only your parents, but everyone else’s parents in a different informal setting, and letting loose by acting how they acted in college,” Salinas said.
Andrew Rafferty, chapter president of Phi Delta Theta clarified that fraternity tailgates are not just about mingling amongst others.
“You can expect a lively atmosphere with great energy.
posed as UTSA’s second loss to Texas, the program’s second 49-point loss to a Texas-based university and its 15th matchup against a ranked opponent in its short history. However, this did not beat the ‘Runners worst loss against a ranked opponent. The Roadrunners suffered a 55-point deficit against Oklahoma State in 2015, only four years after the San Antonio-based university added a football team to its athletic program.
“We’ve got to grow up some guys quickly,” Traylor said of his young offensive line. “Next week we’ve got Houston Christian and then we start conference play against East Carolina. This game against Texas is really gonna help us, we’ve just got to keep getting better.”
UTSA will return home for its fourth game of the season to play against Houston Christian University at 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Alamodome.
Team work makes the dream work
By Bailey Hall Contributor
Women’s rugby has gained some popularity due to the Olympics this past summer; however, it is still a very underrated sport in America.
“[Rugby is] a nice mixture of football and soccer,” president of the club and center Mylah Jimeneza said. “You have your kicking aspects and your running aspects. It’s an odd sport.”
The first record of a woman playing rugby was in 1884 at Portora Royal School, but many women played the game in secret because of social unacceptance. After World War II, rules for women changed which allowed them to publicly play rugby. The first clubs for women’s rugby popped up in the 1960s and 1970s, and the first Women’s Rugby World Cup was hosted in 1991. The UTSA women’s rugby club formed in 2012 and after Covid the club, like many other teams, needed to rebuild.
In the last two years, the club has seen a lot of growth. At the start of last year, they only had three returning players. The team now has 20 players with six joining this year.
The women’s rugby club currently practices every Monday and Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. at the UTSA Recreation fields.
The womens rugby club plays fifteens rugby in the fall and sevens in the spring. Rugby fifteens is when there are fifteen players on the field, while rugby sevens is played with seven players.
The team has attended Nationals three times for rugby sevens and made it to quarterfinals for fifteens in 2022. This season the team will have three home games.
The veteran players on the team work one-on-one with newer players, especially people new to the sport overall. They give them tips and go in depth on the rules, plays and anything they need to know. The team mainly focuses on building a strong bond between the players. Practices are open to anybody.
“Rugby to me is a community, you get to travel all over and meet all sorts of people,” backs coach Kyler Myers said. “It’s really an opportunity to be social and find people that share common interests and really it’s a family. Once you’re in you meet everybody like you’re all connected.”
Fans can go out and support them at their next home game Oct. 5.
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UTSA winS 2-1 IN ROADRUNNER Classic, loses only to sec team
Alabama rolls the tide on UTSA
Frank Harris’ legacy and Owen McCown’s uphill battle
Roadrunners beat Sam Houston
UTSA faces quarterback dilemma in post-Harris era
By Hannah Velasquez Contributor
Harris made waves in 2021 after recovering from his injury, leading UTSA to its very first conference championship and doing the same the following year. Harris had been a part of the team since 2017. Harris joined the Roadrunners right out of high school as a redshirt freshman; his improvements and accomplishments over the years helped bring attention and crowds to the Roadrunners.
Harris’ last college football season was in 2023; his role as quarterback was filled by University of Colorado Boulder transfer Owen McCown. The former Buffaloes quarterback played and started in three games during his freshman year.
McCown, in his own right, is a good quarterback; however, after these past few games, some fans are asking the question of if he is good enough to fill the place of Harris, a task that seems virtually impossible.
“I just hope everybody grades them on the same curve that they graded Frank [Harris] on,” coach Jeff Traylor said in an interview with G5 Football Daily in August. doesn’t want newcomer McCown to be compared to where Harris was at the end of his career; it took Harris time to learn and develop with the team before he got the hang of it. may have to wait further into the season to see how McCown improves alongside the team and finds his rhythm. Until then, people are left with the question: Do we have a quarterback problem, or are expectations too
Soza, the Roadrunners’ first quarterback, helped the team gain notoriety as they laid the foundation for the program. Soza’s last season with the ‘Runners was in 2013, when
he graduated. UTSA’s quarterback problem started shortly after. In the 2014 season, the team ran through five different quarterbacks due to injury, which resulted in an offense average of 17 points a game. The 2015 season was not that different as many players graduated.
The following seasons were a back-and-forth struggle for the Roadrunners. In 2016, UTSA replaced coach Larry Coker with former LSU coach Frank Wilson. Wilson lasted just three years in San Antonio and finished with a 19-29 record. These years were marred by UTSA’s inability to find a solid starting quarterback. Due to an ongoing rotation of quarterbacks, the Roadrunners had trouble reaching their full potential.
Harris stepped into the quarterback position in 2020 at a time when the team was not expected to do well, but the Roadrunners defied expectations when they made their second bowl appearance in program history. Before Harris, UTSA games saw record low attendance numbers. However, that turned around as the team began to find success under Harris’ leadership with the Schertz native leading the ‘Runners to seven wins. In the previous season, the team only managed to secure four.
The expectations and responsibility placed onto a quarterback are much higher than anyone else on the team as they absorb most of the blame when they lose. Conversely, they receive the most credit when they win. In theory, McCown should be expected to step up and do well; however, we shouldn’t expect him to replicate the greatness that Harris had during his tenure with the Roadrunners. When you go from one team to another, it is like jumping into a whole new world. It takes time to develop and to become great.
By Michael Rios Staff Writer
With the hiring of new head coach Austin Claunch, Roadrunner basketball acquired 12 new players from the transfer portal. These new players provide shooting, length and versatility that can help the ‘Runners on both offense and defense. But which player will be the one to take this Roadrunners team to the next level? His name is Primo Spears. Spears is a 6-foot-3 senior combo guard who transferred from Florida State University. Spears came off the bench last year, which doesn’t sound exciting at first, but he was the third leading scorer for the Seminoles with 10.6 points per game. Spears is a good shot creator, especially from inside the three point arc. When Spears was a full time starter at Georgetown during the 2022-2023 season, he had a 40% field goal percentage. He may not be a lights-out three-point shooter, but he did shoot 30% from the three-point line which is good for most college players.
When Spears was a starter at Georgetown he led the team in points and assists with 16 points per game and 5.3 assists per game, according to ESPN. The new transfer could be due for a bounceback season under his new head coach. Spears’ shot making, quick decision making and playmaking ability can easily put him in position to be the primary ball handler for the ‘Runners.
Not only will Spears’ skills on offense make him the main contributor to this new ‘Runners team, but his defense will help as well. Having a smaller frame isn’t ideal for a guard like Spears on defense due to opponents being able to isolate him, but he is able to hold his ground. He may not be a great perimeter defender but his active hands help him create turnovers. He is averaging 1.2 steals per game during his collegiate career, which will help the ‘Runners play faster, get out in transition more and get more points on the board. Be on the lookout for Spears this fall as the Roadrunners basketball season gets started.
One (F1) season took place Sunday in Baku, Azerbaijan at the Baku City Circuit. After 51 laps, McLaren driver Oscar Piastri took home his second F1 victory. Piastri earned 25 championship points and currently sits P4 in the Drivers Standings at a total of 222 points, only 13 points behind Charles Leclerc from Ferrari in P3.
Piastri was joined on the podium by Leclerc, who had qualified on pole position and George Russell from Mercedes. Russell claimed his spot at the last moment after a collision occurred on lap 50 between Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz and Red Bull Racing driver Sergio Perez.
Piastri took the lead on lap 20 after both he and Leclerc had pitted for a new set of tires.
Piastri managed to hold off Leclerc for the rest of the race but constantly battled and struggled to close the gap between him and Leclerc.
“I knew that if I didn’t get past at the start of the stint, I was never going to get past,” Piastri said after the race. “I went for a pretty big lunge but managed to pull it off and then hang on for dear life for the next 35 laps.”
“I thought that when Oscar overtook me it was just a matter of staying calm, trying to keep those tires and overtake him later on, but actually it was a lot more difficult than that,” Leclerc said. “We lost the race when I didn’t quite defend as well as I should have at the end
of the straight, but it’s the way it is. Sometimes you do mistakes and I’ll learn from it.”
Piastri’s teammate, Lando Norris, who is currently P2 in the Drivers Standings, attempted to challenge for the championship and finished P4 after starting the race from P15. The standings’ leader and defending champion Max Verstappen from Red Bull Racing finished the race P5 behind Norris. Alongside McLaren’s share of points, Red Bull Racing’s low points finish allowed the team to take the lead in the Constructors Championship for the first time since the 2014 season. This put an end to a 55-race-long streak of Red Bull domination.
“Results like this definitely weren’t possible 12 months ago for myself,” Piastri, who is only in his second year in F1, said. “It’s a massive team effort and I’m excited to see what the future holds.” Round eighteen of the 2024 F1 season will take place at 7 a.m. Sunday at the Marina Bay Street Circuit in Singapore.
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By Bailey Hall Contributor
By Haley Aguayo Sports Editor
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