THE PAISANO
Smokey Mo’s adds new flavor to UTSA Blvd
UTSA Alumni Association attends the Smokey Mo’s grand opening
By Danie Craig Contributor
Smokey Mo’s comes in hot near UTSA. On Sept. 21, Smokey Mo’s BBQ opened its doors to the brand new location at 6010 UTSA Blvd to waves of eager guests. The grand opening included giveaways alongside the UTSA Alumni Association, celebrating food and community spirit.
Guests had the chance to win movie tickets and even a year’s worth of free barbeque. Smokey Mo’s also hosted a fundraiser to support local Clark High School student, Brandon Esquivel, in his campaign with Disability SA on the Fiesta Especial Royal Court. Fiesta Especial aims to offer inclusive and educational opportunities for individuals with disabilities allowing them to engage in the celebrations of Fiesta fully. All of his fundraising proceeds will be donated to Morgan’s Wonderland.
“A part of our culture and core values is community, being a part of the community is very important at each one of our locations. I have a son with a disability, and so being a part of that is special to my heart,” said Shari Saldivar, wife of an owner of both the new location and the Stone Oak location.
There were many options when looking for a location for the new Smokey Mo’s. However, the decision to wait for this once-vacant area on UTSA Blvd was driven by the area’s rapid growth and potential for collaboration
with local organizations such as UTSA and the Alumni Association.
“When we were looking to open up in this area, there were quite a few different locations that were available,” Shari Saldivar explained. “This one was not quite built yet, it was just a grass area. So there was a time frame of getting that built before we could even start here. That process started about two years ago, so it’s been quite the journey to the grand opening.”
When asked about plans to work with UTSA organizations in the future, Saldivar said, “We are doing a bunch with UTSA alumni, we’ve partnered with them on different events and are also talking to a few people over at UTSA to do some partnerships and sponsorships with us all.”
Veronica Dominguez, director of membership and engagement for the UTSA Alumni Association, offered some insight about the program and their collaboration with Smokey Mo’s.
“Today we’ve partnered with Smokey Mo’s to offer members a discount throughout the year and promote our student membership. This gives students access to free UTSA merch, tailgates, and mentoring opportunities. If people sign up today, they get a free sandwich; students also get a free shirt and get to come out and enjoy all kinds of fun stuff with the Alumni Association. We do a great job at engaging
Record breaking 35,900 students enroll at UTSA this fall
By Jasmine Williams
Copyediting Coordinator
This fall, UTSA enrolled more than 35,900 students, breaking its previous enrollment record of 34,864 students from last year. This 3% increase in the student body is in accordance with UTSA’s Strategic Enrollment Plan which aims to enroll over 45,000 students by 2028, however, it has fallen short of the Phase One goal of 38,400 students. Nevertheless, expansion efforts continue, as seen in the university’s recent approval to purchase a $22 million office building downtown and its merger with UT Health San Antonio.
Of the students enrolled at UTSA this fall, more than 5,100 are high school students who are close to graduating, or first-time-in-college students. It was found that 97% of these students were from Texas, and of them, 38% percent were from Bexar County. A similar pattern can be seen in the 9,000 transfers and first-time students — those who have no post-secondary school experience; 97% were from Texas with 43% of them residing in Bexar County.
students from across Texas,” said Heather Shipley, UTSA Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. “Students and their families appreciate UTSA’s commitment to accessibility, affordability and career preparation, providing exceptional opportunities for long-term career success.”
and pushing the Roadrunner spirit.”
The Alumni Association gives away scholarships to a minimum of 30 students every year and has a mentoring program that connects students with members of the community to discuss how UTSA shaped their careers.
The new Smokey Mo’s location is at, 6010 UTSA Blvd. suite 106, San Antonio, TX 78249, just a twominute drive from campus.
SGA elections: Who is on the ballot?
By Kara Lee Graphic Editor
The Student Government Association (SGA) held its Fall 2024 general elections on Sept. 18. Voting took place on RowdyLink from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., providing students with just a 12-hour window to cast their votes. Candidates Positions
Freshman Senator Candidates: Mekhi Churchill, Richard Lujan, Jacob Haven, Gio Okpala, Beverly Baker, Erisa Rodriguez, Brinley Duncan, Ava Almendarez, Taiye Oyelowo, Kenny Oyelowo, Analisa Cruz and Margrete Shannon Zavala Beisert.
Sophomore Senator Candidates: Ankita Das, Dianna Barrs and Mary Jo Paschall. Junior Senator Candidates: Athena Rangel, Enya Flores, Briana Miller and Micheal Valdez.
Graduate Senator Candidate: Sydney Self.
College of Health, Community and Policy Candidates: Damien Guerrero, Ellise Rodriguez, Jason Rodriguez, Leena Idris and William Avalos.
The freshman class alone totals over 7,120 students, which is yet another record set for the university. The undergraduate juniors and seniors are taking 4% and 6% more semester credit hours than last fall. Additionally, enrollment has increased at every level, including bachelor’s students, master’s students and doctoral students.
Doctoral enrollment saw an increase of 8% while entering doctoral students saw an increase of 16%.
There are more than 1,000 students enrolled in UTSA’s 29 doctoral programs.
“UTSA continues to be the preferred destination for
The university offers eight fully online degree and certificate programs via UTSA Online. This year and last year enrollment was over 1,000 students. This fall has seen a 14% increase in enrollment with over 1,100 students. The online student body is primarily made up of adult learners as seen in 73% of them being 23 or older.
“As we’ve built our curriculum, we’ve been intentional about ensuring our online programs are as meaningful and engaging as the experiences that students would receive in the classroom. This commitment to innovating with technology, investing in faculty development and creating a high-quality online curriculum is resonating with students who are eager to build successful careers while maintaining the flexibility to manage family, work and personal responsibilities,” Melissa Vito, UTSA vice Provost for Academic Innovation, said.
In recent years, the university has prioritized creating an environment conducive to student success, strategic growth and innovative excellence. More details on how UTSA will implement these initiatives can be found in the Phase One report at https://www. utsa.edu/strategicplan/documents/UTSA_Phase-IReport_9-20-18.pdf.
College of Business Candidates: Itzel Vela, Alexis Ayala, Andrew Creedon, Martin Maldonado, Natalia Blanco and Rayaan Khan.
College of Education and Human Development Candidates: Angela Avila, Haley Aguilar and Reilley Davis.
College of Liberal and Fine Arts Candidates: Arynei Nance, Chelsea Montemayor, Conor Cummings, Jennifer Miguel Orellana, Kailey Swift, Natalia Fuentes, Shawn Maki and Sophia Gomez. University College Candidates: Elba Jaison and Daniela Enciso.
Throughout the voting period, students could click on the blue icons next to each candidate’s name to learn more about their platforms.
SGA elections have struggled with low voter turnout in past elections. Given the limited promotion before this election, concerns about participation rates are noticed. As of now, there are no reports available regarding voter turnout or election results.
The Paisano has reached out to SGA for additional information on where students can find updates about upcoming elections and activities, as well as election results. We have yet to receive a response.
Erick Henriquez Camargo/The Paisano
Miles Jones/The Paisano
NEWS
Politics
at
UTSA: Tell me how you really feel
By Noah Hernandez Staff Writer
Following the 2020 Election’s voter turnout, the youth vote has never been more relevant. With over half of Americans under age 30 voting in that election cycle, the youth vote has shown that it is a force to be reckoned with. To get a better grasp of UTSA’s youth vote, The Paisano conducted several interviews with members of the student body focusing on general sentiments and the key issues swaying their vote come Nov. 5.
The most readily apparent notion regarding this election cycle is disenchantment. According to the Columbia Journalism Review, 60% of Americans note being “worn out by coverage of the campaign.” Robert Purdurean, a freshman studying neuroscience, remarked that “it’s very polarized” and that “it feels a lot more like we’re trying to pick our favorite versus [picking] someone who we think would best lead our country.”
When asked to expand further he cited the conversation regarding the assassination attempts made on former President Trump to be a contributing factor to his sentiments. This disenchantment was echoed by other students, who remarked “Neither of [the candidates] are the best people ever.” and that this election cycle made them “a little nervous.” Regardless of the lack of enthusiasm, several issues stuck out as major players in influencing who they will vote for.
Upon reviewing the interviews, it immediately became clear that the top issue on the students’ minds was abortion. Every student interviewed cited this as one of the foremost issues that would sway their vote in the upcoming election. This is in sharp contrast with most of Texas, which when polled only cited abortion as one of the most important issues facing Texas 4% of the time. Yet these results still make sense in the context of Texas’s abortion policies. The Lone Star State has one of the most restrictive anti-abortion laws, with the only exception being when the mother’s life is in danger or is at risk of “substantial impairment of a bodily function.”
MaKayla Welty, a member of the Student’s for Life organization, spoke about how her own beliefs have impacted her views. “I believe that human life begins at conception, so I think that my morals do play a huge part in who I vote for.” She furthered this stance by stating “I don’t want someone in office that I know won’t do good for me and my morals.” Abortion was not the only matter that played a factor for her as she cited the rising immigration discussion as another reason for her voting stance. “As someone who is [of] Mexican descent, I think
it’s really important.” She expanded by saying “I do think we should have borders,” and that the issue “needs to be solved.”
Gun control policy also seemed to play a significant factor in students who were polled. Grace O’Brien, who is majoring in Math for teaching, noted her concerns, focusing on the fact that she “plans on being a teacher.” “School shootings are a huge thing that I’m aware of, and that I hate to see so often in the news. Neither of them have strict gun control policies as I would like, but I watched the debate and Kamala at least mentioned them and mentioned the negative impact of such lax gun control.”
Throughout the interviews, social problems like this seemed to be a recurring theme, moving from gun control to other parts of social justice issues. Baraka Adams, a first-year bio major, was particularly vocal about this, citing Project 2025, abortion and gay rights, the last of which they stated, “affects them directly.”
Yet Adams did not stop at social justice issues, as he commented on the economic situation which has become one of the biggest problems in America, specifically on the trend of inflation and the rising cost of living. Yet Baraka noted that “Kamala has made it clear that she doesn’t want to raise taxes and doesn’t want to make it more expensive to live in the U.S.” He also stated that he feels that “she can get those people who are in the middle to vote blue” by focusing on these economic issues.
Aside from specific policies, there were also major concerns about the reactions of voters coming up to and following the election results. Every student interviewed believed that some sort of negative reaction would occur, whether in the form of protest or riots. This is in line with most Americans, with two-thirds fearing violence could follow the election.
Grace O’Brien spoke on this topic specifically, stating that there would most likely be “more vocal protests, maybe… similar to what we had last year with the pro-Palestine protesters.” There was also visible worry from both sides of the aisle about election decisions, with those interviewed believing that the party opposite them would protest if their candidate did not win the white house come November. Yet there was still some hope in Robert Purdurean’s response, as he commented that the “general climate [at UTSA] seems pretty stable, despite everything that’s happening.”
The last day to register to vote is Oct. 7 and applications for mail-in ballots are due Oct. 25. Early voting begins on Oct. 21 and ends Friday, Nov. 1. Voter registration status and information regarding the voter information can be found at the Texas Secretary of State’s website online.
‘Runners raise $34K for student pantry
By Luna Fuente Staff Writer
Earlier this month, UTSA and Texas State University went head to head on more than the field as they competed in the Huddle Against Hunger Challenge. From Aug. 30 to Sept. 7, Roadrunners and Bobcats united to raise money for their school’s respective pantries.
Regardless of the outcome on the football field, the real victory in the Huddle Against Hunger fundraiser belongs to the students. The webpage reads, “Supporters who contribute to their university not only help their favorite school earn bragging rights but they also create a lasting, positive impact on the lives of both our Bobcats and Roadrunners scholars.”
The Huddle Against Hunger Challenge was made to combat food insecurity among college students. The webpage describes the prize, “Together, we can address food insecurity in our community, starting right on our campuses, and help ensure student success at UTSA AND Texas State University.”
According to the U.S. Government Accountability Office and The Hope Center, 3.8 million students experienced food insecurity in 2020. This federal data was gathered from the Department of Education’s National Postsecondary Student Aid Study; it was reported that 23% of undergraduates and 12% of graduate students experience food
our
insecurity. This translates to over 4 million students struggling with food security.
The school with the most donations was set to win $18,000, with the runner-up set to earn $12,000 — all respective proceeds applying to each school’s pantry. On the UTSA vs. TXST game day, it was concluded that UTSA gathered 942 donors, raising about $22,600 while Texas State collected 1,115 donors, winning the challenge by raising over $33,000.
‘Runners’ donations totaled $34,000 including their runner-up prize. UTSA Today reports that RBFCU and Alterman contributed $30,000 to the prize pool.
The Huddle Against Hunger Challenge page reads, “Regardless of the outcome on the football field, the real victory in the Huddle Against Hunger fundraiser belongs to the students.”
Karl Miller Lugo, UTSA Vice President for Advancement and Alumni Engagement shares his praise to the community, “Thank you to all the donors who participated. Your generosity will support something significant at UTSA by keeping Roadrunner Pantry shelves stocked year-round so that students can remain nourished while focusing on their studies.”
UTSA and TXST, ‘Runners and Bobcats raised $86,267 for their food pantries. For information on donating, please visit the Roadrunner Pantry & Whataburger Resource Room crowdfunding website.
VIA Link opens Little Runner Zone
By Matthew Moses Staff Writer
In the wake of the ongoing construction and growth of UTSA’s downtown footprint, notable partners VIA and Centro San Antonio have announced that on Sept. 2, they are expanding their coverage of the VIA Link service to a new zone in the heart of San Antonio. This new zone encompasses areas like Madison Square Park, the Alamo and the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. The launch of this new “Little Runner Zone” comes as the partnership celebrates a major milestone: over a million riders since starting five years ago.
The latest expansion marks the fifth zone in the city. Nonetheless, in each of the zones — Naco Pass, Mainland, Madla, Randolph and the new Downtown — passengers can request rides for just $1.30 per trip. Of course, students and faculty with valid U-Passes are able to ride free of charge due to funding from the University’s U-Pass Program. The move to downtown comes off the momentum from the electronic shuttles from The Little Runner program after the pilot period came to a close at the end of August.
VIA Link’s Downtown/Little Runner zone will be available daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Riders are able to book rides easily through the VIA Link app, similar to ordering an Uber or Lyft. Alternatively, rides can also be
booked by calling 210-655-LINK or visiting the VIA website at viainfo.net/link. While booking, riders have the option between a van or a Little Runner shuttle. Originally introduced as a “smart transit” solution, VIA Link is a ride-sharing service that leverages technology in an on-demand model to offer more affordable, frequent and reliable trip options. Specifically, VIA seeks to target routes that present difficulties for buses or ones that could benefit through access to multiple modes of travel.
In line with VIA’s mission to Keep SA Moving, the latest zone expansion is designed to connect the people who visit, work and live around the busy city center and the University’s growing campus.
“Offering VIA Link service Downtown moves us closer to our mission of connecting the community through innovation and collaboration with partners and neighbors like Centro San Antonio and UTSA,” VIA President/CEO Jeffrey C. Arndt said. “VIA Link has proved to be a game-changer, with over 1 million passenger trips and counting. This new partnership will keep us moving in the right direction as San Antonio — and VIA — continue to grow and change.”
To learn more about the hours of operations in each zone and keep up to date with the latest news surrounding VIA Link, visit https://www. viainfo.net/link.
State of the City Week of 9/ 24
By Trinity Hewty Contributor
Not subscribed to local news but still want to stay up-to-date on the happenings around town? Look no further. Highlighting notable stories from external San Antonio news sources, State of the City summarizes the most captivating news headlines of the week. This week’s topics range from the sentencing of pit bull owners in connection with a mauling, to strawberry milk being removed from hundreds of San Antonio schools after suspicions of the milk causing illnesses. Couple sentenced for the mauling of elderly man by dogs
A couple was sentenced to a combined 33 years after their pit bulls mauled an 81-year-old man in February 2023. The victim, Ramon Najera, and his wife, Janie Najera, were visiting a home when two pit bulls escaped the yard from another house, brutally attacking the couple. Ramon succumbed to his injuries, while his wife was in critical condition. The pit bulls were euthanized immediately after the incident. The owners of the dogs, Christian Moreno and Abilene Schnieder, were arrested soon after before being freed on bond. However, this past Friday, Sept. 20, 226th District Court Judge Velia Meza finally sentenced Schnieder to 15 years and Moreno to 18 years in prison with a fine of $5,000 each for the death of Ramon. If released on parole, the couple is prohibited from owning or possessing a dog.
Woman shot dead by husband on her birthday in apparent murder-suicide
A 64-year-old woman identified as Azucena Limon was shot dead by her husband on her birthday in an apparent murdersuicide. Police were dispatched to the couple’s home at the 200 block of Oneoak Drive around 4:15 p.m. after receiving a report regarding a shooting. The couple were found dead in bed by their son. Police said 63-year-old Manuel Limon shot his wife with a shotgun while she was in bed before laying down next to her and then shooting himself with the same gun. A note was left at the scene in Spanish. However, the police have not identified a motive for the case, as the investigation is ongoing.
Strawberry milk was pulled off the shelves in San Antonio schools after reports illness
Multiple school districts across San Antonio will no longer distribute strawberry milk after receiving parents’ complaints about the milk’s consistency, likely causing three children to become ill. Images of the milk displaying a slimy pink texture were posted across various social media sites. Two districts, NISD and SAISD, have confirmed that the milk’s quality and taste are off. The three children allegedly affected by the strawberry milk were all from three different NISD elementary schools. Both NISD and SAISD are working with the vendor to deliver a replacement batch of strawberry milk to all schools within their district. The districts have also contacted the supplier, Oak Farms Dairy, for further information on any potential issues with the milk.
Dustin Vickers/ The Paisano
OpiNION
No taxation without representation
Sham Student Government Association suppresses students’ votes
Editorial
As the sole voice of the student body, SGA is meant to work with the administration and stand up for the needs of each and every student of UTSA. With their biweekly meetings and the invitation to email them with concerns on their website, SGA appears to be satisfied with the level of representation they provide. However, the most effective way to be a proper student government is for its elected members to actually stand for the people they are supposed to speak for, which is difficult when they conduct their elections in near secrecy.
The lack of voter turnout for SGA elections has been a recurring problem for the organization for years, with a lot of students not even being aware that they exist and many more having no idea how and when to vote. As SGA receives funding from the university collected from students’ pockets, they cannot continue to permit this type of disregard. SGA needs to focus its efforts on making sure that people know about them, care about them and participate in their elections.
The Fall 2024 SGA general elections were held from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sept. 18 through Rowdylink, giving students a 12-hour window to vote. This timeline is inefficient because it disregards the schedules of students who may have a busy school day or work, immediately cutting out a considerable amount of the student population.
Not allowing even a full 24 hours of voting ensures that those unavailable are left out of the representative process, regardless that their money is still going to SGA when they pay their tuition and fees.
Furthermore, even if their pathetically short voting window could be excused, SGA barely advertised their elections and the nominees. On their official Instagram page, SGA made only one post concerning the elections, providing information on when and how
Moving on from Main Campus
Commentary
By Jake Mireles Editor-in-Chief
UTSA has committed to a bold — and expensive — plan to revitalize and expand its downtown San Antonio presence. Destination Downtown, UTSA’s downtown expansion plan, seeks to bolster San Antonio’s economic development by providing local businesses access to educated, ready-to-work UTSA graduates.
UTSA has made impressive strides toward this goal in the past five years alone. In 2022, UTSA acquired the Southwest School of Art. In 2023, UTSA opened San Pedro I, which now houses the School of Data Science and the National Security Collaboration Center. San Pedro I is also UTSA’s first LEED-Certified facility. Additionally, UTSA broke ground on San Pedro II in 2023 — another addition to UTSA’s Southwest Campus.
UTSA’s latest move in its conquest for downtown real estate was the announcement of the purchase of One Riverwalk Place, a high-rise office building previously occupied by USAA in the heart of downtown San Antonio. As of 2019, the property was appraised at a valuation of $22.25 million. UTSA has not disclosed how much the university intends to pay for the property, but the university is not permitted to pay more than the building’s market value.
However, this multi-million dollar purchase only represents a small portion of the huge investment the university has made into expanding its downtown presence — with San
Pedro I and San Pedro II costing a combined $215.8 million.
While this rapid expansion by UTSA is impressive, it also highlights a huge oversight by the university in its funding priorities — the Main Campus.
When the Main Campus opened in 1975, it housed the John Peace Library, the Flawn Science Building, the McKinney Humanities Building and the Multidisciplinary Studies Building. All of these facilities are still in use. The university has since expanded the Main Campus, with the newest academic building — the Science and Engineering Building — opening in 2020.
However, despite the limited construction of new academic buildings on the Main Campus, UTSA admits that the original buildings that comprised the Main Campus in 1975 — ] still in use today — are
in desperate need of renovation, or complete replacement.
According to the UTSA Campus Master Plan, “Building conditions vary. Facilities of the first generation, except for those which have been recently renovated, are generally reaching the point where uses and needs have changed sufficiently to require substantial updates. Some, such as the Convocation Center, have life safety and conditions challenges which may mean that replacement is more cost effective than repair and expansion to meet current needs.”
While the construction of Blanco Hall — Main Campus’ newest dorm facility — is a much-needed addition to the outdated and dilapidated housing system, the next project being floated around for Main Campus expansion is a new, multi-million dollar athletics facility. More needs to be done by UTSA to renovate and expand the academic facilities on Main Campus.
A practical look at UTSA parking
Commentary
By Taylor Fromel
Contributor
Practicality is a word that highlights the difference between an idea and the actual usability of the idea. It is an important word to consider when creating something, especially in a time of change. Unfortunately, when looking at the current situation regarding the limited availability of parking spaces on the UTSA Main Campus, out of all the words to describe the current situation, “practical” is one of the last ones to come to mind.
At first glance, one may think there are many available parking spaces at UTSA as there are multiple parking garages and lots throughout the campus. Although this is true, one of the real reasons for the lack of parking is not something that can be concluded with a short campus tour.
The real reason for the sudden lack of parking is that in 2023, UTSA saw the largest freshman class in the university’s history and broke that record again in the 2024 fall semester. Because of this, it is obvious that UTSA has seen a significant increase in the use of the campus facilities, yet, the biggest problem remains the parking. This issue causes students to be late to class, walk far distances in hot weather and waste valuable time. Some students who commute to school
daily have resorted to parking at La Cantera, a mall 1.6 miles away from the center of campus. This is not practical and students should not have to rely on this.
Many may argue that adding more parking to the campus will decrease the appeal of the campus from a visual perspective. To this, many others would agree. Adding more parking to the campus could mean the loss of some of the natural aspects. These areas are valued especially in places where much greenery and colorful landscaping cannot survive. Parking garages and lots are truly not the most appealing things to look at. Thankfully, there is a simple solution to this concern. Many local artists in San Antonio Would love to create pieces for the UTSA campus. Creating murals, sculptures, and interest from a visual perspective would unquestionably aid in making these new areas not only more personal to the campus but more appealing to the eye.
Hopefully, UTSA is working on correcting this miscalculation for the future incoming classes as it is a nuisance for the students who currently attend school here. Because of this issue many students would agree that the student body would appreciate a wider and more available variety of on campus parking.
to vote. Worse still, they posted it on the day of the elections, well into the voting window, showcasing an alarming lack of interest in getting people to participate.
At no point in the build-up towards election day did SGA table, post fliers, send emails or do anything at all to campaign and inform people about the elections. Students who were lucky enough to share a class or be in a student organization with someone running for a position might have been informed by that student, but the lack of formal campaigning is completely baffling.
Students could look into the candidates’ platforms as they were voting by clicking on blue icons next to their names, which severely undercuts the sincerity of the votes due to their hastiness and general uninformed nature.
SGA has made it clear they are interested in running as independently as they can, isolating themselves from the people they are supposed to represent and making no effort to improve no matter how many times their low voter turnouts are pointed out to them.
Students are wasting their money funding an organization that either does not care about them at all or is simply too incompetent to look at themselves and rework how they operate so they behave as an actual student government and not just another club.
To voice concerns about the way the SGA elections were conducted, students can fill out their feedback form on their website.
We are still blind to internalized misogyny
By Luna Infante Staff Writer Commentary
For ages, society has struggled with sexism and misogyny, but sometimes it is hidden in plain sight. After years of battling for equal rights and opportunities, many have still struggled to come to terms with the most common form of sexism — internalized misogyny. Internalized misogyny is the belief by women and girls that sexist stereotypes about them are true; it is an internal dislike and sometimes hatred women have for other women and sometimes even themselves. It is easy to be oblivious to it, especially as a girl grows up in the patriarchy, where women are shamed for being feminine, sexual, emotional and oftentimes, simply existing. The famous line, “I am not like other girls,” is rooted in misogyny, as if it were something shameful to be like other women and embarrassing to be feminine — worst of all, it keeps women confined to the male gaze, the silent, sneaky suffering need to perform for male validation.
“‘I am not like other girls,’ is rooted in misogyny, as if it were something shameful to be like other women and embarrassing to be feminine”
So what is being “woman’d?” The term was coined by Rayne Fisher-Quann, and it defines the moment when “everyone stops liking a woman at the same time.” It is a transition that seemingly happens overnight. The public begins to idolize a woman, she could be an actress, an influencer or a singer — it does not matter, because she is the new “it-girl.” She is on the cover of every magazine and the center of every post on TikTok and Instagram feeds, the public wants to be her, they cannot stop consuming her content — she is funny, she is raw, she is sexy, but all of a sudden, the public does a full 180, and everyone starts to have a unanimous distaste for her.
Soon, people begin to caption their videos: “Unpopular opinion, but I cannot stand her,” or “She is so annoying, her fame is undeserved,” but what happened, and where did this come from? She has been “woman’d.”
This has been seen for years, it was done with Charli D’Amelio’s rise to TikTok fame, Rupi Kaur’s idolized poetry and Tara Yummy’s shortlived stardom. It is not a classic case of cancel culture, where a famous person does something controversial and everyone decides to exile them from fame’s eye, it is an unfair and sudden hatred for famous women. A woman goes from being loved by everyone to being hated, analyzed and scrutinized severely, but why?
It all leads back to misogyny. Many women have gone through an inexplicable phase while growing up where they wanted to be different from other girls. Many found themselves suddenly hating the color pink, hating dresses, hating feminine characters — “That is too girly,” would be whispered among friends.
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Ibiene David-West/ The Paisano
Orion Tuck/The Paisano
OpiNION
A bold start to Hispanic Heritage Month
By Emily Loredo Contributor
San Antonio Congressman Joaquin Castro, California Senator Alex Padilla and Texas Senator, John Cronyn introduced a resolution to instate the week of Sept. 9, as “National Hispanic-Serving Institution Week.” Castro, a San Antonio native, is the co-chair of the Congressional Hispanic-Serving Institution Caucus.
A Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) is any degree-granting educational institution where a minimum of 25% of their undergraduate fulltime student enrollment identifies as Hispanic. Nationwide, 600 schools meet the requirements to be considered an HSI, with Texas being home to 141 of these institutions. San
Antonio houses 14 HSIs, with UTSA being ranked among the top 15 in the nation for Hispanic students as of 2022. Other institutions include Texas A&M University-San Antonio, St. Mary’s University, University of Incarnate Word, Our Lady of the Lake University and four out of five Alamo Colleges. The bipartisan legislature proposed on Sept. 11 has already accumulated the support of over 50 members of The House of Representatives and 24 members of the Senate. Support for the proposal can be expected to increase as racial and ethnic diversity has continued to progress in congress with 56 total seats being occupied by Hispanic and Latino-identifying members. Institutions that fall under HSI provide a great service to
Hispanic students. They create a more constructive and motivative college experience for Hispanic students which allows for higher graduation rates among the demographic. Providing a national holiday for HSI will continue to encourage diversity and inclusivity among higher education institutions.
The national acknowledgement for institutions operating in supporting and furthering Hispanic students’ education will allow for continuous funding and nationwide recognition.
“Millions of students across America — including many in San Antonio — benefit from the incredible education that Hispanic-Serving Institution provides,” said Congressman Castro. It is finally time we give these post secondary institutions the recognition they deserve.
By Luna Infante Staff Writer
As the youngest generations grow, inclusivity, acceptance and awareness rise, as well as how people desire to be addressed. It is common to create more labels — some people love it, others do not. People of Latin American and Hispanic heritage have come face-toface with a new term, “Latinx,” and it has stirred some controversy.
Within the Latin-American community, the most common terms are “Hispanic,” or “Latino”. “Hispanic” refers to a person from a Spanish-speaking country, whereas “Latino” refers to someone from a Latin American country. These terms can overlap, but they are not the same, and not all Latin Americans identify as Hispanic. For instance, a person from Brazil is considered Latino, but not Hispanic, a person from Spain is considered Hispanic but not Latino and a person from Panama can be considered both, and so on. It can all boil down to how someone chooses to identify themself, as for people who choose to identify as “Latino” or “Latina,” specifically, the term “Latinx,” has been made as a gender-neutral option.
The claim that led to violence
Jackie Cardona Contributor
Ever since the Presidential Debate claim made by former President Donald Trump about the Haitian community in Springfield, Ohio. They have been facing an extreme amount of racial discrimination for their accusation of eating people’s pets.
“In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs, the people that came in. They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there. This is what’s happening in our country, and it’s a shame,” said Trump.
Since then, their community has been subject to various amounts of hate. The source says there were at least 33 separate bomb threats to schools, 36 troopers have been sent out to schools to do bomb sweeps in the mornings, and Wittenberg University has canceled events due to threats in Springfield.
The false claims about Haitians have put many of them in danger and they are left terrified for their safety.
Trump’s running mate J.D Vance, has seemingly admitted to “creating the story” but Trump continues to escalate this claim further making it one of the main talking points in his Arizona
“Latina,” is the feminine name, while “Latino,” is the masculine, as well as the plural, used as “Latinos.” Terms like “Latinx,” and “Latine,” emerged in popularity as gender-neutral, allinclusive alternatives.
However, these terms emerged to describe someone Latino living in the United States, but it is not considered a word in the Spanish language.
“Latinx” was created with the argument that Spanish does not have gender-neutral nouns or pronouns. This is false, it is simply a bit different from English. For example, most times, if referring to a group of people, Spanish will use the masculine form of a word as a plural. This is done with words like “parents,” or “children,” which translate to “padres,” and “niños.” If looking at the word, “professors,” the plural referring to female professors translates to “profesoras,” and the genderneutral plural translates to “profesores.”
origins of the Spanish language, why it was decided to use masculine words in plurals, we may never know for sure. Was it because most traditional things are sexist? It is highly likely. After all, most things were back in the day. However, this does mean that words like “Latinos,” or “padres,” are offensive, and non-inclusive.
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Raul
While traditionally, these pronouns are not gender-specific, as they refer to groups of people, many argue they are not inclusive. This goes down to the
campaign rally.
The fact that the Haitian community in Springfield cannot even go to Walmart or be out in public daily is terrifying and all because of a false claim made to defend an argument targeted against immigrant communities. His claim seems to be a remark to the broad pattern of his racist rhetoric that has been repeated several times on many occasions. With the use of media, rumors have spread further and caused more awareness of the situation and chaos.
The safety concerns for the community have even affected events like Culture Fest which has been canceled due to safety concerns for Springfield Haitian community. Culture Fest would have been scheduled to begin Sept. 27 but has been shut down for the year.
The well-being of the Haitian community in Springfield has been incredibly affected by the false claim made by Trump and has left them scared, anxious and miserable in their own homes by the thought of their children being racially discriminated against because of the recent uproar happening in their city.
In the Spanish language, these words have no gender preference. “Latinos,” includes everyone, women, men and even nonbinary individuals because this is Spanish’s form of a gender-neutral term.
Hanien Abdelmoneim Contributor
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 © 2024 The Paisano The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Handbook of Operating Procedures states in 5.03 that: The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) will not exercise control over the format or content of
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arts & life
Weekend Market at The Pearl
By Lesley Fuentes Staff Writer
The Farmer’s Market at The Pearl is a great place to spend a Saturday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Walking into the lively atmosphere, the aromas of different foods and coffee immediately welcome those who enter. Along the brick-and-mortar coffee shops and stores, tents are lined up with different kinds of produce and treats. From handcrafted soaps made with goat’s milk to fresh herbs and fruits, something is sure to pique one’s interest. Maybe pastries like beignets and freshly baked loaves of bread may appeal to one’s palate, or perhaps locally sourced, humanely raised meat and eggs are something to seek out. Finally, one can cool off from the sweltering Texas heat with freshly pressed juice or homemade kombucha. Not wanting to leave four-legged friends at home? Dogs on a leash are welcome and encouraged, with some vendors catering to furry friends with fresh dog treats. One may even see a familiar face, like Spurs power forward Sandro Mamukelashvili, who enjoyed the site gladly with fellow market-goers this past Saturday. Mandelyn Reese, known online as “The Street Angel,” also made an appearance outside of The Twig Book Shop for a book signing. Clearly, for locals and visitors alike, the farmers market at the Pearl is not only a spot to flock to, but a spot to pass the day by.
Planning on making a day out of the trip? Across the street in the 281 North, 281 South and West parking lots, the fee is
just $10 before tax for 24 hours. Just want to stop by and take a peek? Parking is free for the first 30 minutes. Starting Sept. 18, the seasonal Night Market will take place on Wednesdays from 5-9 p.m. until Dec. 19. Interested in some handcrafted jewelry or pottery? The Makers market takes place every Sunday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
The Farmer’s Market at the Pearl is a must-visit event with something to offer to anyone in search of local goods. On the hunt for fresh produce to stock up on or simply need some fresh flowers? These vendors are stocked with pleasures and treasures, ready to provide with the fruits of their labor.
This film will leave you with
By Malaki Lingg Arts & Life Editor
On Oct. 15, 2014, Damien Chazelle released “Whiplash,” starring Miles Teller and J.K Simmons. For its tenth anniversary, the film is having a limited re-release in theaters nationwide.
“Whiplash” leads with Miles Teller as the protagonist Andrew Newman, a college-aged drummer eager to prove himself. When he starts his academic career attending the prestigious Shaffer Music Conservatory, everything seems to be on the up. From there, he is discovered by the antagonist, the jazz band director Terence Fletcher, who is portrayed by J.K. Simmons. Fletcher gives Newman a shot at joining his studio, finally giving him the chance to prove himself — though not everything is as it seems.
When Newman joins Fletcher’s studio he soon discovers that Fletcher is more than a perfectionist. From the very first studio session Newman has in Fletcher’s band, he is subject to abuse, torment and mental anguish from his director. The viewer can absolutely feel the tension in every scene, a feeling of unease and stress emanates from the screen whenever Newman and Fletcher interact.
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Part of what makes this so excellent is what is in the subtext. The most famous scene from “Whiplash” depicts Fletcher screaming at Newman, asking him if he was “rushing or dragging?” That means Newman’s tempo is either too slow or too fast for the time signature of what they are performing. Fletcher pushes Newman to the brink of tears, throwing pieces of the drum kit across the room as well as slapping him and verbally degrading him. But what many miss is that Newman was on time, and while he may have originally been confident in this, Fletcher made him doubt himself. This pushes Newman to work harder, needing to keep his spot in Fletcher’s band. Over the rest of the film, Newman pushes himself to the absolute limit, sacrificing his personal relationships alongside his physical and mental wellbeing. He has to be great, and all these attachments he has will not allow him to be great. Everything crashes down when Fletcher’s band at Shaffer Conservatory has a big performance, Newman forgets his drumsticks and has to rush out to grab them before they perform.
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Arts & Life
Adopting, not shopping
By Kara Lee Graphic Editor
Choosing to adopt from an animal shelter gives deserving pets a second chance and contributes to the welfare of animals in need. The rewards extend beyond just the fulfillment of providing a forever home; a bond that develops between a shelter pet and its adopter is unique.
Saving critters
Adopting from shelters offers animals another opportunity to find a loving home. Many shelters face overcrowding and have a high turnover rate, particularly in areas where awareness about spaying and neutering is lacking. This high turnover rate means that when one animal is adopted, another often takes its place, highlighting the urgent need for adoption.
Companionship
Shelter pets often display remarkable resilience and gratitude. Many have endured hard times, which makes them all the more appreciative of the love and care they receive in their new homes. Pets make great companions, and the bond formed with a shelter animal can be fulfilling.
Reducing Overpopulation
Adoption helps reduce the number of homeless animals and frees up space in shelters for others in need. Each year, countless pets find themselves abandoned or surrendered, emphasizing the importance of adopting rather than buying.
Fighting against Unethical Breeding
Purchasing animals from breeders raises concerns about unethical practices. Many breeders prioritize profit over the health and safety of the animals, often subjecting them to unsanitary conditions that lead to health issues and genetic disorders. By adopting a shelter pet, this action actively discourages these practices and promotes the ethical treatment of animals.
Supporting Local Shelters
Shelters and rescue organizations typically operate on small budgets, relying heavily on donations and volunteers to care for animals. Adopting from local shelters directly supports these organizations, allowing them to continue their important work within the community. Some notable shelters in the San Antonio area include the Animal Defense League, San Antonio Humane Society, San Antonio Pets Alive, Footbridge Foundation and Snipsa.
Shelter animals come in various personalities. Whether someone is looking for a playful puppy or a mature cat, shelters offer a wide range of options. Adopting allows individuals to choose a pet that fits their ideal lifestyle and preferences, making it an excellent way to find a perfect companion.
By adopting, people not only help reduce pet overpopulation and discourage unethical breeding practices, but also support local wwshelters in their mission to care for animals in need.
Afordable, classic American diner
By Kira George Contributor SA Gems
As a college student, it can be hard to leave behind the comfort of homecooked meals and transition to dining hall food. Being a longstanding San Antonio staple, 410 Diner offers a homey dining experience with student-affordable prices.
The 410 Diner was acquired in 1982 by current owner, Dean Badri, who took the original five-item menu and transformed the space into a 50s-themed, classic American-style diner. Located at 8315 Broadway Street, this restaurant sits only 14 miles from UTSA’s main campus, and just south of the San Antonio International Airport.
One of the most commendable aspects of the 410 Diner is its commitment to
authenticity and creativity; upon entering you will immediately notice the Betty Boop figurine greeting customers atop the bar countertop. The walls are decorated in a maximalist fashion with pictures, signs and other Americana paraphernalia that catch eyes and make fantastic small-talk prompts. Or, enjoy a meal while listening to memorable hits of the 50s and 60s coming through the vintage, nuclear-style speakers that adorn each wall.
The menu provides customers with the option to choose from a variety of classic American dishes in courses — appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts alongside lunch specials served weekdays from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
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Shining the spotlight on Bright Coffee
By Alejandra Garza Contributor SA Gems
Supporting local small businesses is something that is crucial to most who live in the San Antonio metro area. Bright Coffee, located on Blanco Road, is a perfect example as seen in the continued support it has received from local coffee lovers.
The name of the establishment, “Bright,” is reflected directly in the layout of the place. The almost overwhelming amount of natural sunlight that shines in the windows creates a content setting for those who stay to enjoy the scene. The open floor plan is furnished with multicolored, cool-toned chairs and a multitude of flourishing potted plants.
Bright Coffee is not just a space for coffee, but also a gallery for art exhibits featuring local San Antonio artists. The most recent exhibit, “Correspondence,” includes art from Caroline Gonzales and writer Selena Ramos. It features a total of 12 different paintings that are connected back to the writings.
“We started on the work last September and decided to work on one piece a month, totaling 12 collaborative pieces,” Gonzales said. “I would either work on a painting and have her respond with writing, or she would write a piece, and I would respond with a painting.”
“I was inspired by Georgia O’Keeffe and a series of her abstracts and movements,” Gonzales explained about her inspiration on the pieces.
Upon entering there is an unspoken welcoming atmosphere that is like no other. The music is at a calm volume playing a melody akin to smooth jazz. The staff of this exquisite place brings warmth to its customers by remembering their names and the orders that come with them. Each customer has a different story to tell by the clothes that they wear with some being in suits preparing for a work day at their corporate job and some in loungewear indulging in the ambiance.
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UTSA men’s golf host the Valero Texas Collegiate Open
By Alessandra Avila Assistant News Editor
One of the largest fall events in collegiate golf is the 2024 Valero Texas Collegiate, which took place from Sept. 21-23 at TPC San Antonio. UTSA competed against 14 other teams, seven of which ranked inside the top 25. The individual champion will receive an exemption into the 2025 Valero Texas Open on the PGA Tour in 187 days, the last Open a professional golfer can compete in the Masters.
The event will use the standard fivecount-four format, with each team’s top four individual scores counted toward the team’s score each day. This year’s VTCO will be hosted by UTSA’s men’s golf team,
along with its six players to take on the course. The competitive field is made up of teams from UTSA, Oklahoma University, Clemson University and many more to make for a highly contested competition between these programs, beginning their fall seasons of golf
Jack Wehman is a UTSA golfer and micro-influencer who was invited to the prestigious 2024 VTCO. Highly active on social media platforms, Wehman has over 28,000 followers on Instagram. He posts a lot of behind-the-scenes “day in my life” videos featuring his golf routines and training sessions as a collegiate athlete. Wehman finished the third day of competition with a total score of 152 points, placing 75th overall. His performance, notwithstanding the challenging field, spoke volumes of his dedication and skill.
Champion, Olympian, Roadrunner
By Izabella Hernandez Contributor
More than 11,000 athletes traveled to Paris to compete in this year’s Olympics. A dream only five UTSA athletes have had the chance to experience. The fifth being the newest member to the Roadrunner track and field team, junior Fatoumata Kabo. Raised in Carpenedolo, Italy, Kabo joined the Italian national team this past summer in hopes of competing in the 4x400 meter relay. Although the young athlete did not compete in her anticipated event, qualifying for the national team alone is an accomplishment in itself.
Kabo has had great success all throughout her collegiate career. As an athlete at Angelo State University, she competed in the NCAA Indoor Track and Field Championships placing fourth in the 400 meter relay. Kabo won gold in the 400 meter hurdles and the 4x400 meter relay at the 2024 Lone Star Conference Outdoor Track and Field Championships and most recently became an NCAA Division 2 National Champion in the 400 meter hurdles and 4x400 meter relay. She then went on to
compete in the Italian National Championships where she placed fourth in her event securing an invitation to the Italian national team. Kabo, along with her other Italian national team members, shared a unique experience training up in the mountains of Predazzo, Italy.
“I was more nervous about meeting the Italian team because I’d never met them before so it was my first time with them,” Kabo said.
“I met the 4x400 relay a week before because we went to the mountains to practice together. It was really fun; they are really kind people.”
“I love mountains so I had so much fun and the weather wasn’t that hot like down in Italy. The weather was cool, it was nice to practice there and we ate really healthy and we had time to go around and see the animals and nature and had ice baths in the lake,” Kabo recalls about the experience.
Once it came time to travel to Paris, Kabo waited to find out if she was going to compete in the 4x400 meter relay, a decision that was to be announced the day before the race would take place. Despite not being chosen to compete, Kabo was still able to enjoy her first time at the Olympics and in Paris as well.
“I thought I was about to compete at the
Walker Franklin, another UTSA golfer, finished on Sunday with a score of 71, which helped the Roadrunners post a 299 on day two of the tournament. This put UTSA 14 strokes ahead of the University of North Florida and seven strokes behind East Tennessee State University. Starting on hole 10, Franklin had 15 pars and two birdies. Alongside him, Logan Vargas shot a 76 and is tied for 69th at six over 150 while Wehman and David Martinez are in 75th 152 and 78th 153 respectively.
This tournament was the best chance for the Roadrunners to exhibit brilliance and begin to build momentum going into the season. The event is part of the fall golf season that forms a basis for this team’s journey in pursuing regional and national tournaments later in the academic year. With athletes like Wehman, who is both
a sportsman and an influencer on social media, the visibility factor increases for not only the team but the sport as well. Being active on Instagram and other platforms by sharing his training and daily life bridges the gap between the sport and the audience. These types of opportunities are rarely given or earned; which can put them in a good spotlight for other competitions.
As the Roadrunners wrapped up the 2024 VTCO, players such as Wehman, Martinez and Franklin walked away showing their skills and notable performances. The VTCO highlighted team morale which will boost great performance throughout the season.
in the Olympics so it was a big thing for me, I think it’s every athlete’s dream to be on a national team so I was really happy and grateful for that.”
It’s quad ball, not quidditch
By Bailey Hall Staff Writer
Quad ball is based off of quidditch, the fictional game from the Harry Potter series. It was created in 2005 by Alex Benepe and Xander Manshel, flatmates at Middlebury College. The sport has now grown nationally and held its first World Cup in 2012.
The UTSA quad ball club started in 2013. Although the players cannot fly like the series, mostly everything else holds true.
“I played high school sports like football, that kind of stuff,” assistant coach and chaser Austin Watson said. “So I wanted something to stay active and kind of scratch that like a competitive itch that I had. Because this is a full-contact sport it kind of was like a bridge for me. I came for the sports aspect, I stayed for the people.”
A team consists of six players: three chasers, two beaters and one keeper. The chasers are the ones trying to score in the three rings, while the keeper protects the rings. The beaters throw dodgeballs to “beat” the other team, taking them out of play.
The players still use a “broom” which is a PVC pipe that must stay between the player’s legs at all times. If the broom is dropped, the player is out and must run back to their rings and touch the middle one to get back in play. This is the same for players who are hit by the beaters. Scoring is mainly the same as the series; there are three rings for each side. Each ring is worth ten points.
The first half of a quad ball game is 20
minutes; in these 20 minutes, both teams are trying to score as many points as they can. After the first half, the snitch comes out for half time. The snitch is played by a person who wears gold shorts with a ball attached to the back of the shorts. During this time, both teams pick a chaser and they become a seeker. The seekers are trying to get the ball attached to the snitch while the beaters for both teams are playing and protecting their seeker. The snitch is worth 35 points and does not end the game if caught.
After the first half, there is a set score which is 60 points plus the highest score from the first half. The second half does not end until a team hits the set score.
This year, the UTSA’s quad ball team has six new members and has consistently had a team even through COVID-19.
The team practices every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. They are open to anybody who wants to join and no experience is necessary; the team is also co-ed. The quad ball team focuses on building bonds between the players on and off the field.
“This is where I come whenever I’m having bad days, it always takes all the stress off of me,” utility Terreanique Robinson said. “It just brightens my day, like seeing everyone. I’m so excited. Especially when we have our team dinners after practice. I look forward to those every single time. It’s just really like family.”
The Alamo Cup will be held at UTSA this year in October, to get more information about the games and club follow UTSA quad ball on instagram.
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UTSA tops Huskies with three second-quarter scoring drives
The Roadrunners leave non-conference play behind after a 2-2 start
By Haley Aguayo Sports Editor
Should UTSA have left the AAC for the Pac-12?
By Aramis Santiago Staff Writer
As the newly formed Pac-12 conference embarked on a transformational period, UTSA found itself at a crossroads, facing an important decision that could redefine the trajectory of its athletic and academic programs. With major programs like the University of Southern California and UCLA departing, the Pac-12 is in a rebuilding phase, creating opportunities for emerging programs such as UTSA to step into the national spotlight. The potential for increased media exposure, lucrative television deals, and access to larger recruiting markets presented immense benefits for schools considering joining the reformed Pac-12. However, in a significant move, UTSA announced its commitment to remain in the American Athletic Conference, a decision heavily influenced by the financial limitations of the Pac-12 in covering exit fees, leaving the question open: Was staying with the AAC the right choice, or should UTSA have pursued the opportunity to join the Pac-12?
One of the strongest arguments for UTSA joining the Pac-12 was the opportunity to elevate its football program to a national level. Under head coach Jeff Traylor, UTSA has experienced tremendous growth in recent years. Joining the Pac-12 could have provided UTSA with increased visibility and exposure by competing in a conference with highcaliber teams. As Jeff Traylor himself noted, moving to a new conference could expedite the growth of UTSA’s young football program—a detail worth considering in the context of this decision. However, remaining in The American had its own set of advantages, particularly from a financial perspective. While some may argue that UTSA or similar programs could have covered the cost of leaving the AAC, the real issue was that the Pac-12 wasn’t able or willing to cover the full cost of exit fees, which were estimated at as much as $25 million per school. This lack of financial commitment made the switch less viable for schools like UTSA, Memphis, Tulane and South Florida, all of which ultimately chose to remain in The American.
The Pac-12’s reputation as a power conference—should it retain that status—could
have provided UTSA with direct access to the College Football Playoff. The restructuring of the CFP in 2026 presents an opportunity for Pac-12 teams to secure automatic qualifications to the playoffs. Competing at a higher level against stronger programs could have increased UTSA’s national recognition, enhancing its recruiting potential. The move to the Pac-12 could have positioned UTSA as a legitimate contender in the college football landscape, something that would have been more difficult to achieve in the AAC. However, the financial implications surrounding the exit fees meant that even the promise of CFP access came with a risk. Without the Pac-12’s full financial backing, the benefits of joining the CFP may not have been worth the financial strain on UTSA’s athletic department.
Remaining in The American offers its own merits, particularly considering UTSA’s location in Texas, a state synonymous with football excellence and rich recruiting talent. By staying in the conference, UTSA retains access to a competitive environment while maintaining a foothold in the Texas market. This move also ensured financial stability, as the exit fees from the AAC and the Pac-12’s inability to offset those costs made leaving a risky financial move. The AAC benefits from solid television contracts and regional visibility, factors that still support UTSA’s ambitions. Furthermore, San Antonio, one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., is home to a passionate fan base and the Alamodome, a venue already hosting prestigious events like the Alamo Bowl. These advantages may have influenced UTSA’s decision to prioritize stability and regional loyalty in staying with The American.
UTSA’s institutional growth also played a role in this decision. The university is undergoing significant changes, with a projected operating budget of $2.2 billion by 2025 and plans to merge with its medical school. These developments position UTSA as a rising academic and research leader, comparable to many current Pac-12 institutions.
Roadrunners’ gritty display during tense match
UTSA and Abilene Christian University draw in non-conference game
By Hannah Velasquez Staff Writer
UTSA soccer and Abilene Christian ended its Sunday game in a 1-1 draw. This marks the fourth time the two schools have faced each other.
UTSA, throughout the beginning of the game, were able to make multiple attempts at the Wildcats goal, though most were off target. The Roadrunners (6-3-1, 1-1 AAC) outshot the Wildcats (2-2-6) 23-9, with senior defender
Sasjah Dade leading the way with five shot attempts.
“It comes down to how we prepare. [I think] we were just a little bit tired from our last match,” sophomore forward Tyler Coker said.
“Coming together as a team and realizing if one of us is tired, other people have to step up and take over that role so we finish on target.”
The first half of the game was pretty rough and scrappy. UTSA had great fake outs on Abilene Chirstian as they fought to remain in control of the ball. The ‘Runners defense and offense showed a lot of grit when it came
the Wildcats. UTSA spent 71% of the game attacking the Abilene Christian’s third. Roadrunners’ sophomore forward Lulie McFarlane scored 17 minutes into the game after stealing the ball from Wildcats’ defender McCarly Holloman as she was trying to deflect the ball from her own goal.
Not long after, Wildcats’ forward Peyton Hill scored on UTSA after sophomore goalkeeper Jasmine Kessler missed the block. The second half saw UTSA narrowly miss a goal after a shot attempt from Coker was deflected by the opposing goalkeeper.
“At this point in time where we are 10, 11, 12 games into the season with exhibitions we should be clicking on all cylinders,” coach Derek Pittman said.
“It was disappointing today to be honest, we talked about it all week long,” Pittman said after their loss.
UTSA will play the University of Memphis at 7 p.m. Thursday at Mike Rose Soccer
Roadrunner softball ties first scrimmage of the year
By Bailey Hall Staff Writer
UTSA opened up fall ball with a scrimmage against Temple College at Roadrunner Field on Friday. The two teams decided to play 10 innings for more practice instead of the normal seven; the game ended in a 11-11 tie.
The last time the two teams met for a scrimmage was in 2023. The Roadrunners are looking to bounce back after a rough 2024 season that saw them finish with a 15-42 record.
In the fifth inning, UTSA’s sophomore outfielder Taryn Madlock stepped up to bat. Madlock looked like she was getting ready to swing, wound her bat back but at the last second went for a bunt instead and took off running to first. Senior outfielder Lindsey Davis, who was on second, ran to third. Davis hesitated on third then she saw the ball still in right field and ran home.
While the Leopards struggled to pick up the ball, Madlock never looked back and ran all four bases, extending the ‘Runners’ lead to four and giving them the momentum. Junior outfielder Madison Lenton used that momentum when she went up to bat. Lenton sent the ball flying past left field, over the Leopards’ heads to earn the Roadrunners first home run, scoring senior utility Jaylen Prichard, who was on first base during the play. The whole game went back-and-forth with the two teams nearly tying every inning. In the seventh inning, UTSA was able to get three ‘Runners around all four bases and back home, while the Leopards struggled to get players on the bases, falling behind the Roadrunners. Temple College tied the game at the top of the tenth inning with two players scoring.
UTSA will play Trinity Valley Community College at 1 p.m. Sunday at Roadrunner Field.
Singapore waves a final checkered flag for Daniel Ricciard o
Veteran driver wins Driver of the Day in rumored last race of his career
By Marcela Montufar Soria
Opinion Editor
Round 18 of this year’s Formula One (F1) season took place on Sunday in Singapore at the Marina Bay Street Circuit. After 61 laps, Daniel Ricciardo was the last driver to cross the finish line, ending up in eighteenth place (P18) after two drivers retired from the race. The 35-year-old driver for Visa CashApp RB was voted Driver of the Day by fans, beating out the actual victor of the race: McLaren driver Lando Norris.
Ricciardo currently sits P14 in the Drivers Standings with 12 points, 10 points behind his younger teammate Yuki Tsunoda. He qualified P16 on Saturday, but ended the race in last place after a late pit stop that allowed him to put on fresh tires and take home the fastest lap of the race with a time of 1:34:486 seconds.
Ricciardo earned no points in Singapore, as the point awarded for completing the fastest lap of a race is only applied if the driver finished in one of the top ten positions. His record was significant, however, as it took away the point from Norris — who had set the previous fastest lap — and minimized the point gap between him and defending champion Max Verstappen, who qualified and finished
the race P2.
“Thank you, Daniel,” Max Verstappen said, Ricciardo’s ex-teammate, over the radio after he was informed by his team.
“If Max wins the championship by a point then I have guaranteed myself a nice Christmas present,” Ricciardo said after the race.
Ricciardo does not currently have a contract signed to race in 2025;questions were raised this weekend of whether he would even finish out the year with his current team. RB reserve driver Liam Lawson is rumored to take his place for the rest of the season and in 2025, having previously replaced him in 2023 for five races after Ricciardo was unable to race due to injury.
“I have to be prepared for maybe this being it. Let’s say I’m at peace with it.
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