THE PAISANO
San Antonio receives its first michelin star, along with other recognitions
By Laynie Clark News Editor
The Michelin Guide has made its way to Texas for the first time ever, leaving several awards and recognitions in its wake. All of the major Texas cities took home awards, including San Antonio. Recommendations
The Michelin Guide has many different recognitions, one of them being the “Michelin Guide Recommendations.” This recognition, according to the Michelin Guide website, is the sign of a chef using quality ingredients that are well cooked and simply a good meal. It means that the inspectors have found
the food to be above average, but not quite at star or Bib level.” Seven San Antonio restaurants now hold this recognition.
Barbecue Station
• Garcia’s Mexican Food Leche De Tigre
• Little Elm’s Oyster Bar Nicosi
• Signature 2M Smokehouse
Bib Gourmand
The Bib Gourmand is a recognition that falls right under the star. It is named after Bibendum, the official mascot for the Michelin Group. This
recognition is a “just-as-esteemed rating that recognizes friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices.” San Antonio now has five restaurants that are “Bib Gourmand” recipients.
Cullum’s Attaboy
• Burnt Bean Co.
The Jerk Shack
• Ladino Southerleigh Fine Food & Brewery
Michelin One Star
A Michelin star is an award given to restaurants considered to be very good in their category. A restaurant
Other half of Spirit of the Roadrunner duo: Russel Ogbor
By Jasmine Williams Copyediting Coordinator
daily actions and serve as ambassadors to the university at various UTSA-sponsored events throughout the year,” according to UTSA’s website.
two students recognized this year are computer science major Alessandro Espinosa with his platform initiative “Better Together” and real estate and finance development major Russel “Russ” Ogbor, whose platform initiative is feature with The Paisano can be read online at paisano-online.com. Featured below is the other half of the
Spirit of the Roadrunner has given Ogbor a new perspective on UTSA and the city of San Antonio. It has deepened his connection to the area and furthered his ambitions to add value to
Spirit of the
Roadrunner is the active symbol of what it means to be a student here at UTSA. It’s the embodiment of engagement, passion and appreciation for what the university has to offer,” Ogbor said.
“For me specifically, it allowed me to connect with UTSA on a whole new level. I sought to explore new opportunities and experiences that would allow [me] to enjoy my time in San Antonio while
I’m here for school.
“Originally being from Houston, I only saw S.A. as a tourist attraction, but ever since enrolling at UTSA, I’ve been able to embrace the culture, pride, history and lineage that makes up this vibrant city. So now being Spirit of the Roadrunner, I can continue adding value and be integrated with UTSA’s mission and its effect on the community.”
Ogbor thoroughly enjoyed applying to the program. It bolstered his confidence as a candidate and provided him with a memorable campaigning experience that he would happily repeat.
with one Michelin star is known for using high-quality ingredients to create exceptional cooking. For the first time ever, Texas is now home to 15 Michelin Star restaurants. Out of these 15, San Antonio is home to one: Mixtli.
Mixtli is a progressive Mexican Cuisine Restaurant that has a revolving 45 day menu. Each menu is centered around a different region in Mexico, furthering their goal of making people fall in love with Mexico.
“It was a fairly competitive yet fun application process. There were so many worthy and valuable candidates throughout the entire duration who all would have been impactful with their efforts,” Ogbor said.
“It started with a general application wanting to know ‘Who you are’ and ‘What you do here at UTSA,’ along with your platform idea that you wanted to carry out during your term as SOTR. It led to a unique ‘TED TALK’ style presentation elaborating on your platform, which was exhilarating. It gave me the confidence to ensure that I can be worthy of this position. It ended off with a week of campaigning during Homecoming Week where I got to go to a variety of UTSA events and spots on campus to talk about why I should be voted SOTR.
“Plus, I got the chance to walk on the football field during the HOCO game where they announced the winners — I felt like a true celebrity. It was an amazing experience that I would do all over again,” Ogbor added.
He hopes to bring more attention to the Downtown Campus during his tenure, coinciding with UTSA’s recent increases
StephanieCortez/ThePaisano
“With my time as Spirit of the Roadrunner, I seek to accomplish the goals of my platform: ‘Roaming New Frontiers’,” Ogbor said. “UTSA is a booming university, and we’re growing rapidly. As we’re seeing this growth, UTSA is looking to move various degree programs to our Downtown campus — DT Proper, Southwest and San Pedro I & II — to ensure their highest and best use of education. I want to focus on bringing better awareness to that section of UTSA as it plays an important [role in] the school’s future.”
Ogbor cited “site tours/workshops, UTSA events that mirror [those at the] Main Campus and surveys/questionnaires to gauge what students want to see implemented for future development,” as ways to improve awareness of the Downtown Campus.
“As we activate the engagement students have with UTSA downtown, we also stimulate the urban core of San Antonio allowing the city to prosper and flourish as a prominent market not only in Texas but around the U.S.,” Ogbor said. “Outside my platform, I want to ensure students feel comfortable, accommodated and heard to express themselves in a safe environment. I know this doesn’t occur overnight, but I want to use [the] SOTR position to take those necessary steps forward to make UTSA truly thrive.”
The Spirit of the Roadrunner program,
Courtesy of The Down Market Media Group LLC
Courtesy of Russel Ogbor
NEWS
Suzanne Simpson update, more evidence against Brad
By Maria Wence Staff Writer
With the ongoing case of Suzanne Simpson, more evidence continues to be discovered against her husband Brad Simpson. Since Oct. 6, the night of Suzanne’s disappearance, the police have been unable to locate her body, leading to further investigation into her husband’s actions that night. Due to not having a crucial piece to the case, District Attorney Steve Kunzweller believes that prosecutors will still be able to make their case.
Before Suzanne’s disappearance, she told her banker she was in an abusive relationship with her husband Brad; she claimed he would continuously take her cell phone away and told her more than once “that if she went missing to look for her in a lake.” He would also lie to their children and tell them she lost her phone every time he would take it from her.
Moreover, Brad had sent a text message to an unidentified female, saying, “I still feel bad about tonight, I never should’ve grabbed her phone…she was so protective of it… I have no interest in looking through her phone… These devices are the Devil.” Later on in the investigation, the female told the police Suzanne was aware of her husband’s jealous and toxic behavior.
Leading up to Suzanne’s disappearance, the Simpsons were seen with their five-yearold daughter at a party at the Argyle Club, where they were witnessed having a verbal altercation, around 8:30 p.m. Suzanne left with
her daughter to the H-E-B grocery store from 8:40 p.m. to 8:51 p.m. They soon returned home, and around 9:15 p.m. Suzanne called a family friend and said she was going to come over. Just one minute after her previous call, she calls her mother to notify her of Brad’s aggressive behavior and the harm he has caused her that night.
Around 9:30 p.m., she arrived at her friend’s home. After 10 p.m., the neighbor began to observe the aggressive behavior of Brad towards his wife. The neighbor witnessed Brad holding Suzanne downwards to prevent her escape and later heard screams from a dark wooded area across from his home.
More evidence has been discovered that could lead investigators to Suzanne’s whereabouts. With new surveillance footage from a Whataburger in Boerne on Oct. 7, the day after Suzzane was last seen alive. In the footage, trash bags, a large heavy-duty trash can, an ice chest and a large bulky item that resembled a human body could be seen in the back of Brad’s truck.
Additional surveillance footage depicted Brad purchasing a construction bucket with a lid, two big bags of concrete, heavy-duty trash bags, Clorox disinfectant spray and an insect repellant.
With more evidence being built up against Brad, the murder case of Suzanne can begin to solidify the true events of that night. The backstory of her domestic abuse-turnedmurder case and a final verdict to give peace of mind to her family and friends.
Another bathroom bill
By Jackie CardonaContributor
2025 Mayoral election status
By Tyler Hirata Contributor
The San Antonio mayoral election is picking up steam as voting will begin on May 3, 2025. With San Antonio’s current mayor, Ron Nirenberg, reaching his term limit, there will be no mayoral incumbent in this upcoming election. The last time San Antonians voted without a mayoral incumbent was in 2009. According to the UTSA Center for Public Opinion Research, not many San Antonians know the running candidates. In the September poll conducted by the CPOR, about 69.4% of San Antonians were either unaware of the candidates or did not know how they would vote.
The mayoral position is a nonpartisan job; however, some of the candidates’ political leanings might be relevant to future decisions made by the city. Potential candidates have until Feb. 14, 2025 to file as candidates, so anyone who qualifies could still enter the race. According to a CPOR poll, a few individuals stand out to voters, including Dr. Adriana Rocha Garcia, Melissa Cabello Havrda, Manny Pelaez, John Courage and Beto Altamirano.
Councilwoman Garcia was appointed to represent San Antonio’s City Council for District 4 in 2019. She is among the first Hispanics to earn a Ph.D. in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin’s Moody College of Communication. During her first term in office, she formed part of the first womenmajority elected City Council. Her current council committee oversees economic and workforce development, as well as governance and community health. Garcia is also a part of
the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame.
Councilwoman Havrda was appointed to represent San Antonio’s City Council for District Six in 2019. While she has not officially announced her campaign, she is highly expected to. Havrda is a disability attorney who has served on numerous boards, including Texas Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and Transplants for Children. She has a very open stance on giving city funds for abortion travel.
Councilman Pelaez has been a part of San Antonio’s City Council for District Eight since 2017. He is a practicing lawyer representing more than 175 homeowner associations and many of the world’s largest automotive industry manufacturers, many being key employers and investors in San Antonio. Pelaez supports an expansion of the police department with the objective of economic and business growth, as well as domestic violence prevention.
Councilman Courage has been a District Nine Councilmember since 2017. He is a UTSA alum, served the San Antonio Literacy Commission and established literacy centers across San Antonio. During his tenure, Courage created the “People’s Budget,” a budgeting process that identifies and funds district projects. Finally, of the four candidates mentioned above, Beto Altamirano is the only one who has yet to be elected to the city council. However, Altamirano served District One as a board member and vice chair for the Port Authority of San Antonio. In 2023, Altamirano co-founded the Better Futures Institute, an organization that tackles urban and social challenges in San Antonio.
Ramps to open on Loop 1604
By Khoi Nguyen Staff Writer
Two new ramps on Loop 1604 are opening. The Texas Department of Transportation announced last Tuesday that the Bitters Road Westbound Entrance Ramp and the NW Military Highway Eastbound Entrance Ramp will open on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 9 p.m. Drivers will now use these new ramps to enter 1604, as the preexisting Bitters Road and NW Military Highway entrance ramps have closed.
The newly installed ramps are part of the $1.4 billion Loop 1604 North Expansion Project, intended to revamp a 23-mile section of Loop 1604. Construction is set to continue for another four years as TxDOT works on multiple segments simultaneously. “Working on multiple segments simultaneously allows TxDOT to deliver these improvements sooner and provide much-needed congestion relief to Loop 1604 drivers,” TxDOT spokesperson Jennifer Serold told MySA.
The expansion is part of a broader effort to accommodate San Antonio’s growing needs. In a brochure released last April, TxDOT estimated that traffic volumes on Loop 1604 will grow from 150,000 today to 290,000 by 2040. Planned improvements are estimated to reduce travel times by 76% by 2045 from expected levels without these changes.
Drivers using the Loop 1604 and I-10 interchange will get relief from construction through the holidays as closures will pause, and all lanes will open from Wednesday, Nov. 27 through December.
“We understand that the construction and the closures are challenging. They can be frustrating. And we remind everyone, please plan ahead this weekend,” Jennifer Serold, a TxDOT spokesperson, said. “To provide relief for drivers and provide relief for businesses. We will pick back up work in January 2025,”stay up to date on the current ramp expansion to plan accordingly.
State of the City
Week of 11/19
By Alejandra Garza Distribution Manager
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 topic ranges from a wild chase through the Alamo Quarry to kind acts done by Habitat for Humanity.
Woman leads police on a rampant chase
On Friday, Nov. 14, at around 2 p.m., a woman identified as 37-year-old Audrey Marie Schneider led police on a chase through different county lines. The incident started in Comal County when Schneider failed to pull over, allowing for a dangerous chase. She later found herself circling the aisles of the Alamo Quarry parking lot with alcohol in her hand. Where she damaged multiple cars, including police cars. The suspect was arrested after she attempted to run into a local salon and assaulted the officer who arrested her. Schiender has multiple charges brought up against her including driving while intoxicated with an open alcoholic container, assaulting a peace officer, two counts of aggravated assault against a public servant and evading arrest in a vehicle.
San Antonio’s Haitian community unites
The Haitian Culture Festival was held on Nov. 16 on the west side of San Antonio; attendees reveled in food, dancing, laughter and education about Haitian culture. The Haitian community felt there was a need for unity after false claims of their culture were made by well-known political figures.
“We’ve heard so many negative things right now about Haiti, and we kind of feel tired,” Festival organizer Bernadette Williams said after hearing these claims.
There is also significance for the date the festival occurred as it is two days before the anniversary of the Haitian revolution when Haiti gained its independence from French forces.
The Haitian community wants to bring awareness to the gang violence happening in their country that has caused some to flee. People within the community want locals to understand what they have to offer for San Antonio.
Nonprofit organization assists in building homes
About 350 Habitat for Humanity volunteers helped build houses for San Antonio families. These volunteers were also going to be the owners of these houses, benefiting them by having a zero percent interest note on initial selling. A family of four has shared their excitement after building a house and moving out of their mobile home.
“When we got here, we were able to put in the work and see it go from the frame up to setting up cabinets. It means something to us because it wasn’t something that was given to us,” Melody Martinez said. “It was actually something that we earned.”
Dismantling education is dangerous
Trump’s Department of Education plan threatens critical programs, leaves students vulnerable
Editorial
During Donald Trump’s campaign, he made multiple statements about dismantling the Department of Education (DOE) and turning it over to the states. In a September rally, he said “We will drain the government education swamp and stop the abuse of your taxpayer dollars to indoctrinate America’s youth with all sorts of things that you don’t want to have our youth hearing.” This promise undermines and overlooks what the DOE does for millions of Americans.
The DOE was officially established on Oct. 17, 1979, overseeing sections like financial aid, loans and special education. The DOE also helps enforce anti-discrimination and civil rights laws for students. In recent years, Republicans have been calling to abolish the DOE for its “woke ideology.” These claims intensified during election season, with Trump accusing the agency of “indoctrinating young people with inappropriate racial, sexual and political material.”
Before the creation of the DOE, many states did not acknowledge students with additional needs, leading to laws for students with disabilities and funding for Title I
low-income schools. These federal programs were created by the government because states were not meeting the needs of students who needed extra accommodations.
Furthermore, this would lead to a multitude of students — especially those from minority backgrounds — being left behind in education. Students’ rights would not be protected, they would not be treated equally and children from different states would
Rowdy Thoughts
Trump is only three years younger than
“I mean it sucks, yeah. I think he’s an old fart. He should not be president. There should be a limit.”
“It really depends on how they interact with people. Are they able to be conscious and aware of their surroundings? Age could play a factor in that.”
“I don’t think age matters, but it is something that we have to look at. And I think he’s gonna be fine.”
Filling the clown car
Commentary
By Jake Mireles Editor-in-Chief
In the weeks following the 2024 presidential election, President-Elect Donald Trump has hit the ground running — announcing numerous cabinet nominees fraught with controversy. With the Republicans gaining firm control of Congress, it is likely that these nominations will be forced through their confirmations, acting as a loyalty test for Trump’s new Republican government. Before the existential dread sets in, here is a ranking of the top five worst nominations Trump has announced thus far.
5. Kristi Noem — Secretary of Homeland Security
While technically the most inoffensive pick on this list, make no mistake, Kristi Noem will be a disastrous pick to lead this essential government agency. As the Governor of South Dakota — the 46th smallest U.S. State by population — Noem has been a fierce advocate for mass deportation efforts, playing into the racist, anti-immigration rhetoric that has become the tagline of Trump’s Republican Party. As the Secretary of Homeland Security, Noem will have wide-reaching authority to enact Trump’s promises of mass deportations, the likes of which the nation has never seen.
4. Pete Hegseth — Defense Secretary
Pete Hegseth — known for his position as the Co-Host of Fox & Friends — is a decorated Army Veteran, serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and Guantanamo Bay. However, this is the entirety of Hegesth’s political experience. Hegseth has never held a position in public office, making him extremely unqualified to lead the Department of Defense. In addition to his complete incompetence, much to the surprise of Trump’s transition team, information has been uncovered that Hegseth paid a settlement to an individual who accused him of sexual assault. Unfortunately, Hegseth is not the only cabinet pick who has been accused of sexual misconduct.
3. Elon Musk — DOGE
In an effort to curb wasteful government spending, Trump has nominated billionaire Elon Musk and entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy to head the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
While his counterpart is an unfortunate pick, Musk takes the cake as the most
concerning of the two. Musk — who is estimated to be the richest man in the world — is the CEO of multiple companies that receive millions of dollars in government contracts. In a clear and alarming conflict of interest, Musk is being put in command of a task force whose primary goal is to defund regulatory bodies, the same bodies that regulate Musk’s businesses. After donating an unprecedented $130 million to Trump’s campaign — and receiving a huge windfall as a result of Trump’s victory — Musk’s transition from tech billionaire to supervillain may be complete as he looks to gut essential regulatory bodies that protect American consumers.
2. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — Secretary of Health and Human Services
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is a fierce antivaxxer. Yes, the person being put in charge of the government agency responsible for upholding the public’s health, has spread debunked conspiracies that common childhood measles, mumps and rubella vaccines lead to the development of autism. Kennedy’s agenda for HHS includes removing fluoride from the water supply and addressing chronic illnesses. However, one cannot help but wonder what his appointment will mean for the future of vaccinations in our nation. Unfortunately, Kennedy’s nomination is not an episode of the “Twilight Zone,” and is instead a grave warning as to the nature of Trump’s second term.
1. Matt Gaetz — Attorney General
Matt Gaetz, a U.S. Representative from Florida, was recently investigated by the FBI concerning allegations that he aided in the sex trafficking of a 17-year-old girl. While Gaetz was not charged by the Department of Justice, he has also been under investigation by the House Ethics Committee — an investigation that is soon to be disclosed to the public. According to ABC, this report included testimony from a 17-year-old girl claiming she witnessed the Florida congressman having sex with a minor. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has taken a firm stance against releasing the report, so these allegations may never be confirmed. However, the mere fact that an individual accused — and potentially guilty — of sexual misconduct with minors may be the head of the Department of Justice is sickening. Gaetz deserves to rot behind bars, not putting other people behind them.
be getting a widely different education than others. Shutting down the DOE would require a supermajority in the Senate, meaning 60 out of 100 senators have to vote in favor. Republicans, despite holding the majority in the Senate, only have 53. Trump has outlined his plan for education calling for prayer in school, parent rights and patriotism curriculum and said he would cut funding for schools that go against what he deems fit. However, in the Republican backed legislation that continues to be pushed, the wording and fine line are vague, which calls into question if a regular curriculum that involves discussing race, gender and politics will be removed completely. Trump’s vision for American education is dangerous as he continues to be blinded by his own political smokescreen instead of focusing on bettering the school system for everyday Americans. Making education censored is dangerous and history has shown just that. Removing the DOE would not only harm the children of America but the future of it as well.
“I
“They’re
Dividing, not uniting
Hannah Velasquez Distribution Manager
With everything Elon Musk has been saying recently, it is hard to imagine that he would run out of unintelligent things to say. The “woke mind virus” is Musk and his colleagues’ latest attempt to demonize those who are educated enough to see through their hate and fake controversy. The has been co-opted by conservatives in an effort it seem like they have an enemy. The word is an African-American Vernacular English synonym for the word “awake.” Staying “woke” is a statement that refers to being aware and educated about social and political issues facing African Americans. Progressives have used the word more recently, especially in 2020, with the protests against police brutality and the systemic issues that Black people face.
In December 2021, Musk called it “a word without humor” and “arguably one of the greatest threats to modern civilization.” He also claims that it suppresses free speech, which is ironic because his friend Donald Trump has run his presidential campaign on censoring history and his enemies. Musk has also been under fire for his app “X,” being accused of censoring users and journalists.
One of Musk’s biggest reaches with this is saying that his estranged “son” was “killed” by “the woke mind virus.” His daughter is not dead, she is just a transgender woman. He alleges that he
“I no longer live with or wish to be related to my biological father in any way, shape or form.”
Musk moved his Space X company out of California to Texas in relation to a law put into place that prohibits schools from reporting information regarding a student’s gender identity.
Musk and his conservative colleagues have turned the term “woke” into their red herring to shift focus from the actual issues facing everyday Americans. Labeling those who choose to stay educated as the bad guys is flat-out wrong and dangerous. These situations are not black and white, and things are not simple as one group of people is bad and one is good. Conversations like this require nuance but conservatives like Musk have proved time and time again that they do not care about going outside of their enclosed cage of their own design. They would rather create punching bags to absorb their consequences than confront actual problems and create solutions.
By Sarah Quintanilla Staff Writer
Alexa Vincent
Ashley alfonso Cory
Sarah
Quintanilla /The Paisano
OpiNION
Jail should not be a death sentence
Commentary
By Matthew Moses Staff Writer
A disturbing pattern of in-custody deaths at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center has sparked renewed concerns about conditions within one of Texas’ most troubled correctional facilities. So far, 13 inmates have died at the facility in 2024 alone, highlighting ongoing issues at the San Antonio-based jail.
Among the grieving families is Lydia Leos, whose son, Julian Dena died four years ago while in custody. The 34-yearold, who had struggled with addiction and homelessness, suffered a fatal heart attack after allegedly ingesting drugs while being processed at the facility, “For him to ingest them inside while he was getting magistrated means there was a failure to properly search him three times,” Leos said.
“It was a situation that he brought onto himself; I make sure everyone knows that,” said Lydia Leos. “But it’s a human being that passed away, just like if he passed away in a car accident. I want the community to show compassion and I want the jail to show compassion.”
The Bexar County Adult Detention Center opened in 1976 with a capacity of 4,563 beds. It has been identified as one of Texas’s worst county jails due to overcrowding, poor hygiene and high death rates among inmates. Working conditions at the facility have been
Commentary
By Marcela Montufar Soria Opinion Editor
As the 2024 Formula One season draws to a close, the 20-driver grid finds itself in conflict with the sport’s governing body, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). FIA President Ben Sulayem has launched a crusade against swearing, urging drivers to limit their use of curse words during race weekends and starting to punish those who swear during press events. This ridiculous dispute alienates drivers from the sport, unnecessarily censors grown adults and distracts from actual problems within F1.
On Sep. 20, during the weekend of the Singapore Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen was penalized by the FIA after he described his car as ‘f-cked’ at a press conference that weekend. His penalty was an “obligation to accomplish some work of public interest,” a vague statement in itself. In retaliation, Verstappen limited his participation in the following press conference and held his own meeting with press officers outside of the official conference room. On Nov. 1, during the weekend of the Sao Paolo Grand Prix, Scuderia Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was penalized for likewise using the word ‘fck’ during the previous weekend’s postrace press conference. At the conference, Leclerc apologized immediately after saying the word, saying “I don’t want to join Max!” His penalty was a fine of €10,000 with €5,000 suspended on the condition that he not repeat the offense in the next 12 months.
The FIA policing their drivers’ language is laughingly contemptible, and the inconsistency in penalties is outright confusing. Although the stewards have yet to start punishing the drivers for the creative collection of swear words they let out while driving, badgering them about how they talk in press conferences sets a bad precedent. Johnny Herbert, exdriver and one of the stewards responsible for handing out the language penalties complained about the amount of swearing drivers did, citing that the conferences were streamed worldwide. “I don’t want my five-year-old grandchild listening to that sort of language,” he said.
severely criticized, with the Deputy Sheriff’s Association of Bexar County comparing it to a “sweatshop” and describing conditions as “inhumane and an embarrassment.”
The facility’s troubles have continued into 2024, with several high-profile incidents including the suicide of 19-yearold Jesus Gonzales during booking and the latest casualty, 46-year-old Marcus Joseph Fontenette who was found unresponsive in a booking cell at the Bexar County Adult Detention Center late last Tuesday night. These incidents follow a pattern of crisis at the facility, which saw multiple deaths in 2023 leading to the resignation of Deputy Chief Jaime Rios.
“Our jail is not running the way it’s supposed to be running,” Leos states. “If you have a medical ward, RNs and guards, how is it that all these inmates are dying?”
Former Sheriff Javier Salazar acknowledged systemic issues, particularly regarding the incarceration of individuals with mental health challenges. In one notable case, he admitted that Ed
Penix, a homeless man with mental health issues who died in custody, “should not have been in jail.”
“It is the worst managed jail in Texas,” said Ron DeLord, the association’s chief collective bargaining negotiator. “A chicken plucking plant in Mississippi has better working conditions and better protection than a Bexar County deputy.”
The situation raises serious questions about criminal justice, mental health care and human rights in one of Texas’s largest county jail systems. Sheriff Salazar has unsuccessfully attempted to solve the county’s understaffing and overcrowding problems through incentive programs, leading to tens of millions of dollars in overtime costs to taxpayers.
“The jail should not be the judge, the jury and the executioner,” Leos emphasizes, calling for greater compassion and accountability in the treatment of inmates, regardless of their circumstances. Her words echo growing demands for reform in a system that many say is failing its most vulnerable occupants.
Residents of San Antonio deserve competent and capable law enforcement, something clearly lacking today. To see real change, every voice must be heard. If you or someone you know has experienced similar treatment by law enforcement, a complaint can be filed and investigated by emailing the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs at BCSOIA@ bexar.org or calling (210) 335-6720.
The Paisano
Editorial Board
Jake Mireles | Editor-in-Chief Editor@paisano-online.com
Dustin Vickers | Managing Editor Manager@paisano-online.com
Laynie Clark | News Editor News@paisano-online.com
Marcela Montufar Soria | Opinion Editor Opinion@paisano-online.com
Malaki Lingg | Arts & Life Editor Arts@paisano-online.com
Haley Aguayo | Sports Editor Sports@paisano-online.com
Raul Martinez | Web Editor Web@paisano-online.com
Armin Suljovic | Photo Editor Photo@paisano-online.com
Kara Lee | Graphic Editor Graphic@paisano-online.com Samantha Ysaguirre |
Sofia
traumatizing than hearing the man in the driver’s seat swear. And if parents insist on having their kids consume the sport, they have the choice to watch F1 Kids, a sanitized program of a selected number of races that do not include any swearing and even has cute animations of drivers to entertain kids throughout the race.
“We have to differentiate between our sport — motorsport — and rap music,” Sulayem said in an interview to justify his vendetta against drivers swearing. “We’re not rappers, you know.”
Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton, the first and only Black F1 driver, took offense to his wording. “With what he said, I don’t like how he has expressed it,” Hamilton said, “Saying ‘rappers’ is very stereotypical. If you think about it, most rappers are Black. So it says, ‘We are not like them.’ So I think those are the wrong choice of words and there is a racial element there.”
On Nov. 7, the Formula One Grand Prix Drivers Association (GDPD), released a statement on their Instagram account addressing the situation. While acknowledging that they must abide by the laws and decisions of the governing body even if they disagree, they called out the FIA for their handling of the whole debacle. They questioned the use of driver monetary fines and demanded transparency from Sulayem as to where the funds gathered from these fines were allocated, asserting that “all stakeholders (FIA, F1, the Teams and the GPDA) should jointly determine how and where the money is spent for the benefit of [their] sport.”
has to be taken up with this nonsensical dispute. The tension between drivers and the FIA President is embarrassing for what is supposed to be the pinnacle of motorsport, even more so because the great majority of fans either do not care about the swearing or outright enjoy it. Not only that, if the FIA escalates its penalties over grown men saying ‘f-ck,’ they risk pushing the drivers out of the sport. Following his penalty, Verstappen said that the FIA’s “silly” penalties could factor in his future in the sport. Verstappen is a three-time World Champion, on his way to win his fourth title at the end of this season. Needless to say, driving away one of the biggest icons of F1 over how he talks would be a bad look for everyone involved.
The statement is completely ridiculous, as it is almost certain that no five-yearold is interested in watching the press conferences anyway. Furthermore, educating children about foul language starts in the home; it is not the responsibility of racecar drivers to raise Herbert’s grandchild. Not only that, it is incomprehensible that a parent can take issue with a grown man swearing yet sit with their child in front of a TV every Sunday to watch said man risk his life. Seeing a car twist and burn in a crash is much more
The GDPD also called out Sulayem directly for how he has expressed himself concerning drivers’ language, urging him to “consider his own tone and language when talking to [their] member drivers, or indeed about them, whether in a public forum or otherwise.” Further, the GDPD insisted that F1 competitors are grown adults and “do not need to be given instructions via the media” about trivial matters.
It is shameful that the drivers’ time
When it comes to swearing during races, which Herbert admitted would be difficult to curtail considering the high-speed, adrenaline-filled nature of the sport, the critique about children listening can also be dismissed by the fact that F1 can choose what to air during transmission. Typically, they air out the parts of the drivers’ radios that either have information relevant to the race or are entertaining in some way — such as swearing. Neither the teams nor the drivers need their radios to be aired to the public, so if viewers hearing curse words is so controversial, the transmission directors should just stop publicizing it in the first place. But F1 is an entity separate from the FIA, one that clearly does not take issue with swearing as the governing body does.
The sooner Sulayem and the FIA abandon their ridiculous anti-swearing crusade, the sooner drivers can go back to racing and fans back to caring about what really matters — the sport.
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arts & life
Swingin’ straight into San Antonio
By Alejandra Garza Distribution Manager
PopStroke — a vibrant, upbeat mini golf course — has just opened its fourth Texas location in San Antonio. The other locations are in The Colony, Katy and College Station. The open layout of the San Antonio location allows its guests to traverse the course freely, as each area provides a unique and lively atmosphere.
The location contains two uniquely designed 18-hole courses featuring obstacles like hills and mini sandtraps. Unlike other mini-golf establishments, PopStroke is not the typical windmill and waterfall course but a more modern setup.
Each hole allows guests to have a mobile experience, meaning players can keep track of their score while conveniently ordering food and drinks from the course to be delivered right to them. The elevated mini golf course’s
also offers memberships that grants its members unlimited mini-golf, 25% off food and drinks and 20% off social events.
A neon sign, situated at the establishment’s entrance, catches guests’ eyes; it reads “Eat. Putt. Drink. Repeat,” which builds off of PopStroke’s slogan. TVs are strategically positioned throughout the building and around the four bar areas for watching sporting events. One big screen is on the course, so players can still watch while playing.
Outside of mini-golf, there are table games, like cornhole and foosball, set up in the middle of the property.
The establishment also features a playground and an ice cream parlor.
Popstroke welcomes all ages and groups, whether an
families coming in, a ton of different groups,” General Manager Tyler Watts said. “Whether it’s a family of five bringing their three kids who wanna play on the playground, whether it’s a birthday party and they are just here to have fun and play golf.”
PopStroke has two notable investors from the golf community: TaylorMade Golf and Tiger Woods. Woods is a loyal user of TaylorMade when it comes to the clubs he uses on tour.
“I am extremely excited to partner with TaylorMade as we continue PopStroke’s rapid expansion,” Tiger Woods said in a statement. “TaylorMade has been a great and trusted part of mine for many years, and I couldn’t be happier to expand my partnership.”
PopStroke is definitely worth checking out. It is located
Not so lonesome at the Lonesome Rose tonight Reviews
By Miles Jones Staff Photographer
To walk into the Lonesome Rose is to step into a time machine. From the eclectic decorations, such as the retro beer signs and old photos, to the low ceilings and warm lighting, this place feels like a piece of old San Antonio.
The Lonesome Rose offers live music, a fully stocked bar, a large backyard with a food truck and plenty of seating. The self-described “oldest honky tonk on the St Mary’s strip” celebrates its sixth year this week with a four-night festival of great music.
Precious Gems, a duo from Austin, kicked off this music extravaganza. This duo weaves a tapestry of sound, utilizing a plethora of instruments — such as a cello, accordion, flute and synths — to create an ambient and ethereal experience. Lulling the audience into a trance with a hypnotic performance, the band creates an otherworldly sonic experience. However, despite their undeniable talent and intensity, their connection with the audience felt distant.
Next up to the stage was Virginia Creeper, another
group bridging the I-35 gap, quickly pulling the crowd closer to the stage with their fast, electric energy. Their raw and evocative blend of “pastoral sludge” feels both heavy and serene. Reminiscent of bands like Wednesday and MJ Lenderman, their music balances distorted guitar
“Their hazy, almost ghostly vocals drift through layers of ethereal guitar, creating an atmosphere that envelops the listener like a warm blanket.”
with hauntingly melodic vocals. Virginia Creeper delivers a captivating, gritty sound.
Taking the stage to a hometown crowd was Ston the Band with an infectious stage presence whipping the crowd into a frenzy. The lead singer commands attention, jumping around and screaming his lyrics into the mic with
unrelenting intensity; that energy quickly transfers to the crowd as they start to move to the music. A raucous fusion of twangy vocals and math rock-like guitar seamlessly blends classic honky-tonk with a chaotic punk-inspired edge. With their dynamic energy, Ston the Band delivers a hard-to-forget performance.
Elnuh, a trio from San Antonio, wrapped the night up with a mesmerizing blend of shoegaze and dream-pop. Their hazy, almost ghostly vocals drift through layers of ethereal guitar, creating an atmosphere that envelops the listener like a warm blanket. The audience is quiet as Elnuh draws them into their swirling melodies, leaving a lasting impression with their dreamy sound.
Tonight was a testament to the Lonesome Rose’s role as a cornerstone of San Antonio’s vibrant music scene. This festival is more than a showcase of diverse musical talent, it is a celebration of the community that the Lonesome Rose cultivates. Cheers to six incredible years and many more to come.
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Arts & Life
Amusingly chaotic, ‘Ghost Cat Anzu’
By Cora White Contributor Reviews
“Ghost Cat Anzu” is a beautifully animated, whimsical film that delves into grief while showcasing a fluid and childlike art style. This film has recently been criticized for its mature themes and toilet humor which has discouraged some families and avid anime watchers from seeing it. Nevertheless, this movie is a treat with its silly characters and adventurous plot.
The movie follows fifth grader Karin and the ghost cat Anzu, who acts as somewhat of a supernatural guardian. Karin is dumped in the countryside by her father who is on the run from loan sharks, leaving her grandfather to care for her. The viewers see as she struggles with her mother’s passing and her dad’s abandonment.
Karin is temporarily reunited with her deceased mother, but things take a strange twist near the end.
This is where some people might say this story becomes too dark for kids, as it is classified as a GKIDS film with the target audience being children and families, but fans of Studio Ghibli or similar studios such as Studio 4C would likely disagree. Other animated films for children like “Children of the Sea” or “Howl’s Moving Castle” also explore mature themes like identity, war and good versus evil.
For the first half of the film, Karin and Anzu work odd jobs in the countryside while befriending raunchy forest spirits. In this world, spirits and people live alongside each other, which is why some may compare this movie to Studio Ghibli’s “Spirited Away.”
As the film progresses, things take a darker turn. Karin and Anzu go to Tokyo in hopes of finding her dad. Hijinks ensue, and Anzu accidentally strikes a deal with the Devil, causing hell to break loose.
While “Ghost Cat Anzu” may be bold with its commentary on grief, it is still done in a lighthearted and fantastical way.
Where “Ghost Cat Anzu” goes wrong is that it is overly ambitious with the story it wants to tell, causing things to end up getting muddy and hard to understand near the end. With that being said, the beautiful art style that flows in every scene alongside the interesting and complex characters makes the movie worth watching from a purely entertainment-based standpoint.
“Ghost Cat Anzu” is in theaters at Cinemark until Wednesday, Nov. 20, with the only showtimes being 12 p.m. or 5 p.m.
RTA’s ‘guilty’ of an amazing production
By Jackie Cardona Staff Writer Reviews
“I think maybe we owe him a few words. That’s all.”
More than a few words would be needed to explain the performance UTSA’s Rowdy Theatrical Association (RTA) put on this past weekend with their production of “Twelve Angry Men” at the Richard Liu Auditorium in room 201.02 of the Business Building.
“Twelve Angry Men” is a courtroom drama written originally by Reginald Rose that explores the deliberation of a jury in a homicide trial, where 12 jurors decide the fate of a teenager accused of murdering his father.
From beginning to end, the cast of “Twelve Angry Men” engaged the audience, but what really stood out was their chemistry. Director John Pelayo did an amazing job at developing a creative vision with the handpicked cast and the incredible crew. There is some great credit to give to the production crew for the set designs created with their budget limitations. They did an incredible job at transporting the audience into the room where the 12 jurors deliberated.
The performances from Juror #3, played by Levi Villareal, and Juror #8, played by Eliel Mckinnon, were the highlights of the entire show. With a chilling performance, these actors embodied the characters and gave weight to the emotions depicted throughout the show with their reactions to examining evidence, their prejudice towards the defendant, using empathy, raising their voices when frustrated about reaching a verdict and crying in parts where they shared a piece of their personal life to the other jurors.
The most memorable scene was Juror #8 arguing with Juror #3 about the case’s evidence and questioning whether or not it was substantial. Juror #3 bitterly started shouting “Shut up” until he got tired of Juror #8 being candid with him and began shouting “I’ll kill you!” to which Juror #8 said, “You don’t really mean you’ll kill
What’s up with What’s Brewing?
By Daria Tanase Staff Writer
Located 20 minutes from the UTSA Main Campus, What’s Brewing is a local San Antonio business putting their own unique spin on the everyday coffee shop. They house over 50 pinball machines that visitors can play with, creating a lively environment. Its menu has all the classics one will know and love, made from their special blends. From coffee to pastries and sandwiches, there is sure to be something for everyone.
What’s Brewing is San Antonio’s longest-running coffee roaster, being in business since 1979. In the back of the establishment, guests can see their manufacturing, as the space is shared with their warehouse and production area. According to their website, What’s Brewing aims to “maintain the tradition of freshly roasting and careful curation of green beans” through their production process.
The pinball machines are affordable, ranging from 25 cents to a dollar. There are
me, do you?” and the lights faded as the audience gasped.
For this production, the cast was supposed to be of different ages. Seeing as they were all college students, makeup was the only way to do it. Near the end Juror #9 was referred to as an old lady but the effect was not noticeable. It was not known that they had makeup effects on until after the show ended which is something the cast could have worked better on.
As the plot thickened and Juror #8 provided reasonable doubt that the accused may be innocent, the jury deliberation shifted and the actors did a great job at keeping the audience attentive.
There was a point near the end of the show where the jurors started changing their vote to not guilty because of Juror #8’s persuasive efforts. The personal background the audience gained from Juror #3 gave viewers insight into his personal bias towards the defendant in the show. The small moments of comedic relief from Juror #7, played by Gabriella Caloway, made this serious production enjoyable with their entertaining New York accent.
One of the most impactful moments from the play came from Juror #10, played by Joaquin Lopez. In the scene, Juror #10 is hateful and aggressive about the case. He makes discriminatory comments about the kid they were deciding was guilty or innocent. The 12 jurors turned their backs one by one as Juror #10 made unnecessary, racist comments about Juror #8 and the defendant. This moment was the point of no return as the minds of the jurors were changed.
The production was thrilling as this play portrayed how emotions, personal experiences and discrimination can disrupt the criminal justice system. Everything from the cast to set designs in this production was well done and a great way to unwind as the end of the semester approaches.
so many that anyone can find something worthy of playing. Longtime customer Ben Jacobson says that his favorite pinball machine that they have is their “Twilight Zone” machine, and customer Sammy Pitts says that her machine of choice is the “Guardians of the Galaxy” one. It is definitely a noisier coffee shop, as there is a lot going on, so for those who need silence in order to get work done, it is not recommended. For someone who needs background noise, this is a great spot. It is also a nice hangout spot as people can mess around with the machines while enjoying a beverage or pastry. There are two locations, the main one located at 138 W Rhapsody Dr., and the second location at 12054 Blanco Rd. solely serves as a drive-thru, and thus only features their drinks and foods.
What’s Brewing is an innovative space that combines two seemingly irrelevant things: pinball and coffee. The ability to see the roasting process through the windows is especially intriguing and shows how transparent they are about their products. It is new, interesting and funky.
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Road victories propel women’s basketball to early 3-1 season start
By Aramis Santiago Staff Writer
UTSA women’s basketball demonstrated grit by securing two key road victories against New Mexico State University and the University of Texas at El Paso. Both wins provided a strong boost to the Roadrunners’ early-season momentum, especially with exceptional performances from key players like senior forward Jordyn Jenkins.
Addy Johnson –Athlete of the week
By Izabella Hernandez Staff Writer
Originally from Edmond, Oklahoma, forward Addy Johnson has already made significant strides in the freshman season of her collegiate soccer career.
This past October, she was named the American Athletic Conference Freshman of the Week for her efforts in UTSA’s 3-0 win over Temple University. With her first collegiate season under her belt, Johnson has led the Roadrunners in points this season and has become the team’s top goal scorer with nine goals.
“Playing college sports, especially at a Division I level, you don’t know how hard it’s going to be until you actually experience it,” Johnson said. “Once you step on that field for the first time in a collegiate game, it’s still a whole different game. It’s really cool, but it’s definitely just a big learning lesson. Our coaches do a great job of helping us get through it because the season is super short and quick. But a lot happens in a small period of time, so it’s mentally and physically challenging. Having the love and support from your teammates and coaches — I think that’s what got me through my freshman year — having coaches and teammates to lean on.”
Reflective of her freshman season, as a high school student, Johnson was named Edmond Memorial High School’s Top Goal Scorer of the 2021-2022 season. She was also named Offensive Player of the Year in 2021 and played in the Kansas vs Oklahoma All-Star game. On top of that, Johnson was a multi-sport athlete, playing basketball alongside soccer throughout high school and earning 6A All-State Tournament Team, All-Conference second team and Super 5 honorable mention from The Oklahoman her senior year.
“My parents helped me out, driving me from one thing to another,” Johnson said. “I would have maybe three to four practices a day doing club basketball, club soccer, school basketball and school soccer. I think it made me able to manage time a lot better now in college.”
Johnson began playing soccer at three years old, but it has been a lifelong goal of hers to play collegiate sports. Devoting a large amount of her time to various sports throughout her life from basketball to track, softball and soccer, Johnson’s toughest decision was deciding what sport she wanted to play in college.
“I think it was a really hard decision
By Jaecyn Taylor-Ward Contributor
to make because I didn’t want to make the wrong decision,” Johnson said.
“I didn’t know that I wanted to play college soccer until my junior year [of high school]. I didn’t know if I wanted to play basketball or soccer. Sometimes it was a struggle because I never knew what I wanted to do when it came to the recruiting process. I was a little behind because I was recruiting for both so it was hard to choose, but I knew ever since I was little that I wanted to play some sort of sport in college.”
Now that she is a student-athlete in college, Johnson’s relationship with her upperclassmen teammates has proved to be beneficial in her development as a player and for the overall chemistry of the team.
“No one’s going to be able to replace that group of seniors,” Johnson said. “I know for me, I relied on a lot of them.
Jordan Walker, she was another forward with me, and when she knew I was getting in my head or made a mistake, she was always right there to back me up. Walker was a huge person for me that I grew really close with. Being able to be friends with those seniors was so helpful for a freshman because they have so much experience and you literally have no experience, so getting to hear their words and having them help you through everything makes such a huge difference. I think that’s what honestly got me through a lot of it and gave me the courage and confidence to do what I can do.”
It is safe to say, not only did Johnson decide on the right sport, but the right school as well. The decision for Johnson to come to UTSA seemed almost magnetic. The family-like atmosphere of the team drew her in and she became a Roadrunner.
“When I came on this visit I literally went home and told my parents the next day I wanted to commit here,” Johnson said. “The hardest part was leaving Oklahoma, but knowing that I had a second family here made it a lot easier to commit.”
In her free time, Johnson enjoys hanging out with her friends and family, going to church with her roommates or even winding down by binge-watching shows on Netflix like “Gilmore Girls,” “Grey’s Anatomy” or “Outer Banks.” Johnson’s goals for the upcoming seasons are to win as many conference championships as possible and to succeed in her academics as well.
In the team’s 75-61 triumph over New Mexico State, UTSA showcased its offensive firepower right from the start. The Roadrunners set the tone early with a 9-0 run in the first quarter, from which the Aggies could never recover. Jenkins was unstoppable, putting up 27 points on an efficient 9-for-14 shooting, while also securing 11 rebounds. Her ability to get to the free-throw line, converting all eight of her attempts, proved to be pivotal. Jenkins wasn’t the only key contributor. Graduate guard Nina De Leon Negron made a strong impact in her return from injury, knocking down four three-pointers on her way to a 14-point performance. UTSA’s ball movement was also sharp, with junior guard Sidney Love dishing out a game-high seven assists, helping the team shoot 45% from the field.
However, despite their offensive efficiency, the Roadrunners played somewhat timidly in the first half and struggled with ball security, committing 15 turnovers throughout the game. This allowed New Mexico State to chip away at their deficit and kept the game closer than it needed to be.
Against UTEP, UTSA found itself in a much tougher battle. After a rough first half where the Miners closed on a 15-3 run to take an 11-point lead into halftime, the Roadrunners had to dig deep to mount a comeback. It was Jenkins once again who rose to the occasion, scoring a seasonhigh 30 points, with 28 of those coming in
a blistering second half. Her play in the fourth quarter was pivotal, as she scored 15 points in the final six minutes, which helped the Roadrunners regain control. The turning point came when UTEP’s guard Portia Adams was ejected after receiving two technical fouls, allowing UTSA to swing the momentum with six straight free throws. De Leon Negron played a vital role as well, orchestrating the offense with 13 points and eight assists, while junior forward Maya Linton added a solid 12 points. The Roadrunners’ ability to adjust defensively in the second half enabled them to pull away with a hard-fought 78-73 victory. to their game against New Mexico State, UTSA’s first-half struggles re-emerged against UTEP, as turnovers and inconsistent defensive pressure gave the Miners the upper hand. The Roadrunners committed 11 turnovers in the first half, allowing UTEP to build a significant lead. Additionally, UTEP’s efficient three-point shooting exposed gaps in UTSA’s perimeter defense, nearly costing them the game. Coach Karen Aston has developed a Roadrunner team playing tough, physical basketball, combining tenacious defense with a resilient offense. With Jenkins in top form and several other players following suit, the ‘Runners are poised to continue their winning ways as they prepare to face a formidable Texas A&M-Corpus Christi team at the Convocation Center on Wednesday. Despite there being plenty of areas for improvement, UTSA’s momentum and home-court advantage make a 4-1 start to the season very achievable.
Different Trojan, same result
Roadrunners’ poor shooting results in blowout loss to Little Rock
By Rylan Renteria Assistant Sports Editor
UTSA men’s basketball fell to the University of Arkansas at Little Rock 8164 on Saturday at the Convocation Center.
Just three games into the coach Austin Claunch era, the Roadrunners (1-2) are still searching for some sort of cohesion, shooting just 30% from the field and 27.6% from three. The Trojans (2-2) were dominant defensively, notching nine blocks and 10 steals. A tight, physical contest to start slowly turned into a onesided affair as the ‘Runners’ lack of chemistry began to reveal itself down the stretch.
“The expectation is always to win the game,” Claunch said. “Early on it’s not going to be perfect, but our attitude and effort has to be the same. Every season is different, every practice, every game is different; I know these guys want it so bad, but we’ve just got to keep learning each other.”
UTSA fell into a hole early, allowing the Trojans to take a 9-3 lead in the opening period. The Roadrunners brought the score to 9-7 off of four free throws from senior center Mo Njie and sophomore guard Marcus Millender. UTSA took its first and
only lead at the 7:57 mark with Millender landing a layup and more contributions at the free throw line from senior guards Primo Spears and Skylar Wicks. After Spears found the net with a layup of his own, the Trojans embarked on a 16-0 run that spanned over four minutes. UTSA closed out the half with five points at the free throw line from senior forward Jonnivius Smith and sophomore guard Nazar Mahmoud.
The Trojans widened the gap early on in the second period, extending their lead to 46-32 off buckets from guard Mwani Wilkinson and forward Ante Beljan. UTSA continued to struggle finding the net, shooting just 38.2% from the field. Conversely, Little Rock’s shooting only got better as the game progressed, making 62.5% from the field in the second half. Continuing to battle, the closest UTSA got to the Trojans was a 10-point deficit with 7:30 remaining in the game.
Spears once again led the way for the Roadrunners with 15 points and Millender finished a close second with 12. Njie and Smith both finished with eight rebounds and Spears led in assists with five.
UTSA will next face Troy University on Monday Nov. 25 at Trojan Arena.
UTSA football uniforms under the microscope
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Roadrunner foil senior days with two road wins
UTSA volleyball finishes season with a three-win streak
By Bailey Hall Staff Writer
UTSA volleyball won the last two games of its season. Taking both games in four sets, they beat the University of Tulsa 3-1 on Friday and Wichita State University 3-1 on Sunday.
The Roadrunners held their own at the net this week, blocking both teams out.
The Friday game against Tulsa was the Roadrunners’ first away win; they took it in four sets 25-23, 25-21, 25-17, 25-20.
“We’re gonna do this last stretch for our seniors.”
The ‘Runners used their defense to slow the Golden Hurricane down, along with an aggressive offensive approach. Though Tulsa took the second set, it did not stop the ‘Runners who went on a 9-1 run. The Roadrunners’ blocks kept Tulsa to a low hitting percentage of .109. Sophomore middle blocker Kai Bailey was a leader of the match with 12 kills and four blocks. Although, she was not the only
contributor; junior opposite hitter Mia
Soerensen followed with 11 kills and five blocks. Freshman outside hitter Ally Tribe and junior outside hitter Caroline Krueger contributed with nine kills and two blocks apiece. UTSA racked up 16 blocks, 52 kills and 80 digs in the match.
UTSA took Sunday’s game in four sets, 25-23, 25-21, 25-20, 26-24, blocking out Wichita and keeping them at a hitting percentage of .196. The Roadrunners had 11 blocks compared to the Shockers’ seven. The ’Runners were firing on all cylinders and went on to take three consecutive sets. Taking a 5-point lead early in all three sets, the Shockers had to fight to close the gap.
Wichita struggled to stop the Roadrunners as Soerensen led the team with her season-high 21 kills and five blocks, accompanied by Tribe and Bailey who each made nine kills. Tribe produced four blocks and Bailey earned eight.
UTSA made a few mistakes in the match with a total of 18 attack errors, although they led with 11
Roadrunners’ offense shuts down North Texas
By Hannah Velasquez Distribution Manager
The Roadrunners’ accomplishments in November have been nothing short of triumphant. In this month alone they have broken three school records, adding more milestones and highlights under coach Jeff Traylor. Conquering the game against the University of North Texas 48-27 with 40 minutes of possession, UTSA extended their home winning streak to nine.
The ‘Runners are currently 15-2 in November under Traylor, and his guidance has helped players like senior linebacker Jamal Ligon and sophomore kicker Tate Sandell topple school records. Ligon earned the title of the program’s all-time leading tackler and Sandell kicked the school’s longest field goal from 54 yards.
UTSA’s offensive line has stood out tremendously in helping the team find success in its recent games. With the provided extra time in the pocket, UTSA made eight successful deep passes during the game that helped the team extend their lead by 21 points. However, overall they gained more yards and success with their shorter passes.
“It started up front and our backs just committing to running the football better. We just kept going at it,” Traylor said.
The Roadrunners’ offense is No. 2 in the American Athletic Conference, averaging 291.2 passing yards per game. The ‘Runners broke the school record with 681 yards in total in the win over North Texas.
The Mean Green attempted to run the ball more against UTSA as opposed to previous games, despite being No. 1 in
average passing yards per game. The Roadrunners are known for running the ball, averaging 149.7 yards per game, and proved to be capable of thwarting North Texas’ efforts.
“It’s the greatest testimony to our culture,” Traylor said. “I’ve never seen a team overcome what these guys have overcome. They got a chance to go to a bowl. We got a chance to get it done here Friday night.”
By the end of the game, UTSA had a 77% success drive rate as opposed to North Texas’s 72%. Senior running back Robert Henry Jr. accomplished 168 rushing yards, helping the team get to 302 rushing yards in total.
“An emphasis really this whole year and especially this week was running the ball,” McCown said. “The way they play defense and how they presented their defense was a little change-up. We knew we could run the ball. When we did that, it opens up everything.”
Prior to this game, the Eagles were third in passing offense in the AAC and have been dominant this season. However, they failed to surpass the 30-point mark against UTSA. The Mean Green walked into the ‘Runners game at home likely expecting the same results they have been able to pull off all season long but were unsuccessful throughout the game.
Based on the Roadrunner’s November track record, it looks like they will remain successful, furthering their winning streak at the Alamodome. A win against Temple University on Friday will officially make the ‘Runners bowl eligible with six wins heading into the final game against Army. Top four men’s and women’s cross country com
By Haley Aguayo Sports Editor
4. AJ Tyler
Senior AJ Tyler, in his first crosscountry season with UTSA, has quickly established himself as a top performer on the men’s team. Tyler set a career-best time of 24:37.1 at the Arturo Barrios Invitational, finishing 158th and improving on his personal best of 25:01.2 from the Cougar Challenge where he placed 19th. He also led the Roadrunners at the AAC Championships
with a 26th-place finish in 25:09.5. Tyler crossed the finish line in 38th-place at the UIW Invitational with a time of 21:00.1.
3. Chante Dixon
The South African native has been competing for UTSA’s cross country team since spring 2021. This season, Dixon led the women’s team at the American Athletic Conference Championships. She finished in 68th place with a time of 23:20.9, recording her first lead-scoring finish of the year. She set a career best of 22:30.0 at the Cougar Challenge where she placed 27th. Dixon also placed 36th at the University of the Incarnate Word Invitational with a time of 19:47.3 and came in 291st at the
Arturo Barrios Invitational with a time of 22:52.4.
2. Jadelyn Malesich
Sophomore Jadelyn Malesich has been a standout competitor for the women’s cross country team this season. Malesich has led the Roadrunners in multiple meets and has set career highs along the way. She set a career-best time of 22:19.7 at the Cougar Challenge where she finished 19th overall. The San Antonio native also led the team with a 29th-place finish at the UIW Invitational, completing the 5k in 19:26.1. She clocked 22:47.7 for 284th place at the Arturo Barrios Invitational which was followed up by an 83rd-place
finish at the AAC Championships with a time of 24:11.0.
1. O.J. Ruiz
Hailing from Eagle Pass, junior O.J. Ruiz opened the season with an impressive eighth-place finish in the four-mile race at the UIW Invitational. He followed that up with a 28th-place finish at the Cougar Challenge, posting a time of 25:16.0. At the Arturo Barrios Invitational, Ruiz clocked 24:53.2 for 201st place, finishing 16 seconds behind Tyler. He wrapped up the season with a 63rd-place finish at the AAC Championships, completing the course in 26:27.8.
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