A closer look at Brittney Malloy: Page 8
Anna Fernandez on display at ITC: Page 5
Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio
October 9, 2012
Volume 47
Issue 21
Lackland recovering from sexual misconduct scandal Valeria Rodriguez Staff Writer Photo Courtesy of Patrick Dunn, UTSA
news@paisano-online.com
UTSA President Ricardo Romo praised the university for its recent accomplishments while also laying out a long-term plan for attaining tier one status
President Romo illustrates success, long-term vision for UTSA in speech Magaleih Acosta Staff Writer
news@paisano-online.com UTSA is well on its way to achieving Tier One status, according to President Ricardo Romo. In his State of the University Address on Oct. 3, Romo outlined the successes of the university, as well as plans to increase retention and graduation rates and research output to advance its role in shaping the future of the San Antonio community. “Great things are happening here,” said Romo, regarding the football team’s recent invitation to Conference USA and undefeated record this season. He also discussed the addition of faculty from prestigious universities—such as MIT, Harvard and UC Berkley—and the construction of the new residence hall and athletic complex as signs that UTSA is on the rise. President Romo also spoke of the university’s first capital campaign. The goal is to raise $120 million for student and faculty initiatives by 2015. In his first three years as president, Romo raised $9 million. Within the last three years, that amount increased to $110 million. Since April 2012, when the campaign was publically launched, over $17 million has been donated to the campaign. According to Chief Communications Officer Joe Izbrand, UTSA is “far ahead of schedule.” “I’m curious about the progress towards Tier One status,” said junior psy-
chology major Derek Wills. Wills, who works in Dr. David Jaffee’s neurobiology lab, recognized that advancement to Tier One status “means [there will be] more research funds. And with more research funds, there are more opportunities for student research.” Fortunately for students like Wills, President Romo reported that UTSA had a 75 percent increase in research funds from 2006 to 2011. “That’s phenomenal,” said Romo. “We want to continue to accelerate the growth of research at UTSA.” Romo also discussed the establishment of a Research Advisory Board, which will be chaired and composed of faculty researchers and which will report directly to him with matters regarding the research efforts. However, according to Romo, the highest priority continues to be the improvement of graduation and retention rates. With only a 12 percent four-year graduation rate, the biggest push is to ensure that every UTSA student has a four-year degree plan so that they are on the path to a timely graduation. As a result, the Graduation Rate Improvement Plan (GRIP) was implemented last year. The plan is “the most comprehensive... most collaborative initiative ever produced,” Romo said. Through GRIP, UTSA will promote its Ready Program to students of San Antonio high schools. The goal of the program is to prepare college-bound students for the rigors of college and
to ensure that they do not need to take developmental courses. The program will provide juniors and seniors with a financial incentive to graduate on schedule with a four-year degree plan. Romo also mentioned that San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro believes that the city and state need UTSA graduates—and they need them sooner, rather than later. Already, of the 5,000 students who graduate from UTSA each year, 4,000 choose to stay in San Antonio. Romo also stressed the importance of investing in an education. Graduates who enter into in the San Antonio workforce are a catalyst to help the community, he said. The community, in turn, will see UTSA as a key shareholder and smart investment for the future of San Antonio. UTSA alumni create a college-educated workforce who potentially create jobs, build homes and become taxpaying San Antonio residents. This investment in education yields an enormous impact on the economy, schools, communities and, ultimately, a viable city that Roadrunners can call home. In the spirit of cooperation, Romo concluded the State of the University Address by asking everyone to join the collaborative effort to transform UTSA into a Tier One university: “Let’s use the power of education and research to transform lives... for… students, … San Antonio and … Texas.”
Romney shines in first debate David Glickman Staff Writer
news@paisano-online.com On Oct. 3, Barack Obama and Mitt Romney met for the first presidential debate in the 2012 election. Following what most pundits agree was a onesided performance, CNN stated that “There’s no question Romney claimed it in Denver on Wednesday night.” The candidates provided very little to no information concerning their presidential plans during the 90-minute debate, which the New York Times said, “quickly sunk into an unenlightening recitation of tired talking points and mendacity.” Without either candidate providing any real insight into his plans for the executive office, some viewers agreed that the debate itself was bad. Dr. Walter Wilson, UTSA assistant professor of political science and geography, said, “There is nothing to suggest that this
debate will have an effect on the general election.” The issues addressed in the first debate were limited to domestic affairs. Jim Lehrer, the moderator, stipulated that each candidate would have only two minutes to address and refute each question. However, both Obama and Romney blatantly disregarded the allotted time. Viewers watched as Lehrer struggled to hold either candidate accountable for violating the grounds of the debate and his “light touch was widely criticized during and after the debate on Wednesday night,” according to the New York Times. The tone was set early by the first question: which asked the candidates to explain what made their plan to create jobs different from their opponent’s. Romney attacked Obama’s expansion of the federal reach of power, dubbing it “trickle down government.” Obama challenged Romney’s tax policy, which the president called a “five
trillion tax cut.” The debate launched a flurry of accusations in issues ranging from the status of the middle class to energy policy. However, as the debate progressed, the questions centered on the more specific topics on entitlements, Medicare and Social Security. Romney insisted that Obama is cutting over $712 billion from Medicare. Obama retaliated by accusing Romney of planning to transform Social Security into a voucher program. Obama also defended his health care plan in detail, as Romney attacked Obama for creating mandates for all citizens while also criticizing Obama’s plan to expand the role of the federal government. On this issue, Romney was at his strongest, Wilson claimed. “[It was] Romney’s biggest success, casting himself more as a moderate then he previously had been thought of,” said Wilson. “While taking on the president’s proSee DEBATE, Page 2
On Sept. 22, Col. Deborah Liddick was appointed as the new commander of basic training at Lackland Air Force Base. Only three women in the last decade have held such an esteemed position, and over 36,000 airmen graduate each year under the basic training commander’s leadership. One of San Antonio’s most prominent landmarks, Lackland has been under close watch since July, after females from the camp spoke out about being sexually violated by one of the instructors. “I will ensure the airmen under my command maintain the highest standards possible, that the standards are enforced and folks are held accountable,” Liddick told reporters at Star Telegram. According to the San Antonio Express-News, in the midst of the controversy at Lackland, Liddick told reporters that gender was not an issue in her appointment. “Col. Liddick was the best-qualified officer that I think I could have made a recommendation for,” Col. Mark Camerer, commander of the 37th Training Wing, told the the San Antonio Express-News. Several UTSA students feel the same. “I think it is great that women are finally getting equal chances in our nation’s military,” stated anthropology major John Poplawsky. “Women have long been given lesser opportunities, and I think our base is unique in that a woman’s perspective would have the opportunity to change the overall environment.” Lackland Air Base has been in the media regarding sexual violence since 2009. Six instructors were charged, and 12 instructors are under investigation
for alleged sexual violence against some of the trainees. Airforce investigators received reports from 42 women who claimed sexual abuse by someone in an authoritative position at Lackland, not including the women who may have remained silent about any sexual misconduct. Even consensual relationships between instructor and trainee can result in criminal charges. The most serious charge involved a commander who was convicted of raping one of the trainees and sexually assaulting several other women in July. He will face 20 years in prison. Three Democratic congresswomen met at Lackland last week to discuss stricter legislation against sexual violence in the military. Reps. Susan Davis, Loretta Sanchez and Jackie Speier of California met with officials at the base. The representatives spoke with current trainees and held a conference call with three of the estimated 40 victims. The lawmakers are considering several possible actions, including the establishment of a hotline for victims to call and report abuse, as well as making sexual abuse counselors more readily available to trainees. “I think it’s great they hired a woman; gender is not an issue. However, I would think that they would hire a male because of all the violence that is occurring, but I’m glad that they’re not thinking that way. We shouldn’t deny women of being in the armed forces,” stated sophomore nursing major Jessie Sassaman. “Something needs to be done about this; this type of violence should not exist at Lackland or anywhere, for that matter. People should get to work wherever they want without fear of being sexually violated,” Sassaman said. Speier, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee, stated to the Washinton Post that she fears the See LACKLAND, Page 2
Professor suing UTSA for pay discrimination Bridget Gaskill Staff Writer
news@paisano-online.com A lawsuit has been filed against UTSA by Dr. Kelly Suter, an associate computational biology professor, regarding gender pay discrimination. Suter is a biologist whose work focuses on the neuron interaction that governs sexual reproduction by a specific process that releases a particular hormone. This is her second lawsuit against the university; the first was in response to a delay in her previously guaranteed laboratory research money, which she claimed jeopardized her career. Suter received a starting support offer from UTSA of $230,000 and close to a million dollars in grant money from the National Institute of Health from her previous employer, the University of Louisville. Details of her first lawsuit explained that, after having her research funding and plans postponed, she claimed that the university had failed to maintain their commitment and support for her research. Her most recent lawsuit
claimed that another male professor received a substantially larger salary increase, even though they were promoted with tenure at the same time. According to the lawsuit, before the promotion, the male professor earned $579 more than Suter annually because he had been employed by the university a year longer than she. After the promotion, his salary increased to $103,000, while her salary rose to just $83,795. The lawsuit stated that the male professor clarified he had been offered more money due to a counteroffer from another university. UTSA stated that it did not counter any offers from other universities. According to Laura Hoopes of “Nature,” a scientific journal, Suter is demanding an apology for several financial misjudgments that nearly ended her loss of federal funding because her research may be beneath productivity standards. “The last five years of my life have been a nightmare. And I will not in any way give the impression that this is acceptable,” Suter told Hoopes.
News
2
The Paisano
October 2, 2012
Randy Lopez
Contributing Writer news@paisano-online.com “I’m impressed that we’re a few minutes into it and you’ve already now three times called me crazy,” said Republican candidate Ted Cruz in his Oct. 2 debate against Democrat Paul Sadler. This was the first televised debate between
the two candidates since their primary elections in late July. Both Cruz and Sadler are candidates for the U.S. Senate seat for the state of Texas, currently held by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, who is retiring. Topics of the debate addressed issues ranging from the Bush tax cuts to foreign aid, and how these issues would affect Texans. Both sides retaliated with negativ-
LACKLAND: Base hires first female basic training commander From Page 1
military officers have been acting in their best interest by not reporting instances of misconduct, in order to continue the guise of moral sanctity. Speier has been trying to begin a congressional investigation of Lackland because of suspected military corruption in dealing with this issue.
UTSA freshman Marie Tangu believes that Liddick will be a great asset to Lackland. “She has to show them [men] that, although she is a woman, she was given that position, not because of her gender, but because of her qualifications.”
DEBATE: Poor performance halts Obama’s momentum From Page 1
grams, [Romney] prefaced it by saying, ‘Of course we need regulation’ in order to appeal to more moderate voters… and I think he made headway there.” Lehrer, near the end of the debate, returned to open ended questions and asked how the candidate’s viewpoints differ with regard to the role of federal government. The candidates proceeded to illustrate their differing educational platforms. Romney expressed plans to shrink the U.S. Department of Education, while Obama stressed the need to invest in higher education. The final question asked Obama and Romney to explain how each intends to
handle the partisan gridlock in Washington. Both responded similarly, with the promise of compromise. Criticism of Romney’s performance paled in comparison to that of the president, who, according to NPR, “looked tired and sounded defensive.” Two additional presidential debates will take place before the Nov. 6 election. A town hall meeting to discuss foreign policy is scheduled for Oct. 16. Obama and Romney will center their debate on Oct. 22 around both domestic and foreign policy. Joe Biden and Paul Ryan will also meet to address the issues in the Vice Presidential debate on Oct. 11.
ity and sarcasm as the candidates attacked their opponent’s agendas. When Sadler criticized Cruz’s denied requests for additional televised debates, Cruz responded, “I understand that you are working very hard to get free media coverage, and it’s not our obligation to help you with that.” Cruz, a Tea Party favorite, is expected to easily win the election in a state that has not elected a Democrat statewide since 1994. The debate took place less than two weeks after a debate between Cruz and San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro in Austin on Sep. 22. The San Antonio Express-News called the debate a “peek at [the] future” of Texas politics, as both Cruz and Castro are considered rising stars in their party—recognition that can be attributed, in part, to their Hispanic heritage in a state whose demographics are shifting toward a Latino majority. Cruz and Castro met to discuss the
San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro and Republican Sentate Candidate Ted Cruz debate in Austin on Sept. 22
future of Texas politics, but the two also discussed national issues that affect Texans over the course of the debate. Castro defended the Obama administration against Cruz’s criticism in key issues such as the recession, job creation and taxes. The discussion shifted to local concerns as well, especially on the mayor’s proposal to raise taxes for the pre-K education of thousands of young San Antonio students. The Pre-K 4 SA plan aims to provide quality pre-K education, mostly for economically-disadvantaged youth, and
would raise the sales tax in San Antonio by one eighth of a percent, an average of $7.81 per year, per household. Cruz was hesitant to criticize Castro’s proposal, and agreed that education should be addressed by the local government. Cruz also spoke highly of a component of the plan which is allowing it to be evaluated by San Antonio voters before being voted upon again in 8 years. Sadler and Cruz will debate each other again on Oct. 19 before voters head to the polls on Nov. 6.
Austin becomes first Texas city to endorse same-sex marriage Daniel Crotty Staff Writer
news@paisano-online.com On Sep. 27, Austin City Council voted unanimously to endorse samesex marriage. While the decision will not have a direct impact on any of the laws that prohibit same-sex couples from obtaining a marriage license in Texas, the support could spark a legislative change, council member Sheryl Cole asserted. In an interview with The Austin-American Statesman, Cole said, “one thing we have learned is that simple, symbolic acts matter.” Cole urged city lobbyists to meet during the next legislative session to discuss a repeal of the Texas law. This decision follows a trend in the voting record of Austin’s city council. In the past few years, it has
We Want You! Roy Maas’ Youth Alternatives is currently accepting applications for
RESIDENTIAL SPECIALISTS Roy Maas’ Youth Alternatives offers shelter to children and youth in crisis ages 5-17. Our residential specialists work directly with these children to offer a more stable and nurturing environment. Our residential specialists manage their behavior within RMYA’s policies and procedures. The staff serves as positive role models to our residents, provide crisis intervention, facilitate recreational activities and render first aid when necessary. Staff must be flexible to work a combination of 7:00a.m.-3:00p.m. and 3:00p.m.11:00p.m. shifts, to include weekends and holidays. You must be able to pass a criminal history check, drug screening, have a clean driving record and be at least 21 years of age.
***EXCELLENT EXPERIENCE FOR PSYCHOLOGY, SOCIOLOGY, EDUCATION AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDENTS*** Would you like to make a difference in the lives of less fortunate children? If so, please call Janet at
210-340-8077
Matthew Duarte/The Paisano
Texas politicians Cruz, Sadler and Castro spar in debates as national and local issues collide
or stop by our office at 3103 West Avenue, Monday-Friday, 9am-6pm to complete an application.
implemented laws that offer healthcare benefits to city employees and ban employers from firing anyone based on sexual orientation. According to the Statesman, Equality Texas, a group that supports same-sex marriage and equality, requested that the council endorse marriage equality in response to recent legislation. In 2005, Texas passed its own Defense of Marriage Act, which echoes the sentiments of the national Defense of Marriage Act of 1996. In an interview with the Statesman, director of Equality Texas Chuck Smith said, “[Texas] decided to put discrimination into its constitution.” Smith also cited the recent endorsement by the mayors of Houston, El Paso, Galveston and San Antonio as examples of how public opinion on the issue of same-sex
marriage is evolving. The City of Austin’s support comes at a historic moment for marriage equality. According to CNN, the U.S. Supreme Court is preparing to hear Hollingsworth v. Perry, a case which argues that the state of California granted same-sex marriage rights and then revoked them. The U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found unlawful “Proposition 8,” the ballot initiative that essentially took away the rights of same-sex couples to marry, in that its rhetoric adopts a “suspect class,” the unnecessary distinction between heterosexual and homosexual couples. If the Supreme Court rules in favor of repealing DOMA, same-sex marriage could be legalized nationwide.
DALLAS THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
The Paisano
October 9, 2012
The Paisano Editor-in-Chief: Katy Schmader
Managing Editor: Stephen Whitaker
Interim News Editor: Matthew Duarte
Paseo Editor: Sarah Gibbens
Arts Editor:
Erica Cavazos
Sports Editor: Rex Castillo
Photo Editor:
Alyssa Gonzales
Ads Manager: Kevyn Kirven
Business Manager: Jenelle Duff
Web Editor:
Victor H. Hernandez
Senior Copy Editor: Alyssa Torres
Staff: Daniel Crotty, Valeria Rodriguez, Natalie Frels, Katy Glass, Valeria Perez, Bridget Gaskill, Sheldon Baker, Hector Torres, Christina Coyne, Will Tallent, David Glickman, Magalieh Acosta
Contributing Staff: Chris Butler, Julian Montez, Ethel Asberry, Leann Acuna, Lictor Leal, Cory Franco, John Poplawski, Randy Lopez
Interns: Jennifer Alejos, Lorilee Merchant, Jonathan Pillow, David Smith
Advisor:
Diane Abdo
Advisory Board:
Steven Kellman, Mansour El Kikhia, Jack Himelblau, Sandy Norman The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a nonprofit, 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. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed towards:
© The Paisano 14545 Roadrunner Way San Antonio, TX 78249 Phone: (210)690-9301 Fax: (210)690-3423 E-mail: editor@paisano-online.com
Send letters to: editor@paisano-online.com
Letters must be less than 400 words and include the writer’s name, classification or title and telephone number. The Paisano reserves the right to edit all submissions.
Like The Paisano on Facebook
The Paisano
encourages new comic submissions! Send to Editor@paisano-online.com
Join us!
The Paisano has meetings every Wednesday at 6 p.m. near The Cantina.
Editorial
Opinion
3
UTSA gains recognition it deserves The University of Texas at San Antonio has been rated among the top 400 universities in the world by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2012-2013. The list measures the universities based on a series of criteria. Times Higher Education World University Rankings considered the universities’ overall teaching, research, knowledge, transfer and international outlook. The ranking is generated by over 17,000
academics in 137 countries. Although there is always room for improvement, UTSA absolutely deserved the top 400 status. The University of Texas at San Antonio is growing and we deserve the recognition. Here is why: For first time in UTSA history, half of the entering freshmen class were in the top 25 percent of their graduating high school class. UTSA students also top the charts in the field of research. Jordan Kaufmann,
a recent biomedical engineering Ph.D graduate, won the University of Texas Horizon Fund Student Investment Competition and $50,000. Kaufmann developed a new stent-graft that has been shown to prevent aneurysm leakage following cardiovascular surgery. MBA student and finalist in the Horizon Fund Competition Daniel Mendez formed a company that makes gel-like helmets that help prevent skull deformations in prenatal infants.
UTSA faculty and staff facilitate this learning, and they have been honored, awarded and commended for their excellence. Since 2009, when the UT System Board of Regents introduced the Regent’s Outstanding Teaching Awards, 25 UTSA faculty have been carefullly selected for the honor. UTSA has taken tremendous strides in the last 30 years. Imagine the leaps UTSA can accomplish in the next thirty.
Commentary Syria and Turkey trade shells for five straight days in last week
Sunday, Oct. 7 marked the fifth day in a row that the armed forces of Turkey and Syria fired artillery and mortars back and forth across the border between the two countries. The Turkish were firing in retaliation for attacks by the Syrian Army which is trying to put down a rebellion against dictator Bashar alAssad in what has become known as the Syrian Civil War. I wrote in more detail about the Syrian Civil War last week and had intended to cover another topic this week, but the continued shelling between Turkey and Syria is important to note because it threatens to draw the United States into an armed con-
flict that it is not prepared for. The possibility of U.S. involvement lies with an alliance with Turkey. A conflict involving Turkey and Syria is important, for us as a nation, to be wary of because Turkey is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) along with several other European countries, Canada and the United States. If Syrian forces under Assad continue to attack Turkey, it could lead to NATO involvement as Article Five of the NATO charter states “an attack on any member shall be considered an attack on all.” Turkey has shifted its allegiance during the course of the Syrian Civil War. When the war first began the Turkish government supported Assad. Now though the Turks are supporting the rebels trying to overthrow Assad. When the attacks by Assad on Turkish territory commenced, the Turk-
ish government responded by saying through foreign minister Ahmet Davutoglu that Turkey would respond forcefully to each errant Syrian shell that lands on Turkish soil. The possibility of Turkey and Syria turning five days of artillery attacks into a full-fledged war appear to grow with each day. If Syria were to attack Turkey further it might mean NATO involvement, which would mean the involvement, perhaps militarily, of the United States if article five of the NATO charter is invoked. If it came to it that Turkey and Syria began a war chances are good that other countries in the Middle East could also become involved. Iran, for example might assist Assad in a more militaristic way than they have already. The consequences of that would be detrimental, not just to the Middle East but the world as a whole. Turkey sits
in the transitional area between Europe, Russia and the rest of the Middle East. As such it is a crossroads country. The way in which Turkey handles the Syrian attacks will resonate across the regions that Turkey has influence in. Turkey could be the reason that Americans are forced to return to the Middle East and take part in a Civilturned regional war. For now we cannot be sure if the back-and-forth between Turkey and Syria is a harbinger of things to come or just a case of a Civil War spilling over borders. Whatever the case may be, the events of the coming days will determine whether we are forced to become involved or not.
to vote. These admirable founders, protestors and defenders were our activists. They pioneered the self-evident truth that all citizens of America are entitled to an equal say in our government. Their struggle was not passive. Voting is power. When you choose not to exercise your rights, you give up your power. While it is true that by not participating, you are also exercising this right, how can we justify sending our brave troops and taxpayer dollars overseas to stand as a shining example of Democracy to the world? Many argue that under the stronghold of a two-party system, perhaps we are not indivisible. However, inaction does not breed change. A president will be elected. I’d even wager a buck or two. “My vote doesn’t matter.” If you don’t like either candidate, it is tempting to vote for the overused alternative of: “the lesser of two evils.” The opposing argument just exhausts the logic that you still elect evil. You are intelligent and capable college students. If you happen to be ambivalent toward either candidate, take a minute to read up on the issues and decide which candidate deserves your vote. Heck, voice your support for a third-party candidate. Vote anyway.
If you don’t care, why should your representatives? It is extremely important to remember that the executive office in Washington is not the only seat up for grabs on Nov. 6. Local and state offices are still on the ballot. Have a voice in the policies that will affect your community. And next time around, register and show up for the primary election and you won’t have to settle for four years under the lesser-Lucifer. It may seem cheesy and idealistically patriotic (Be honest. Under oath, you cannot say you have never sniffled once during “I’m Proud to an American”), but in reality, you are not just a number. So many proud Americans have struggled for our right to stand with our hands over our heart and pledge allegiance to the Stars and Stripes forever, but in 2008, almost half of American citizens chose to be silent. No matter your reasons or excuses, prior commitments or cynicism, on Election Day, remember that you always have a choice. When you stand up to be counted, tell the world “this is my voice. There are many like it, but this one is mine.”
Stephen Whitaker Managing Editor
Commentary Why don’t we vote? “This is my voice. There are many like it, but this one is mine.” In an ideal world of rainbows and bipartisan compromise, this sentiment would be repeated, engrained and embraced in spite of the less than ideal two-party system. In 2008, 51 percent of young Americans took pride in voicing their allegiance to either McCain or Obama. The election yielded the highest voter turnout among young people since 18-year-olds were given the right to vote in 1972. In January of 2009, the people swore Barack Obama into the executive office as the 44th president of the United States. So what happened to a change we can believe in? What happened to our glorious democracy? More importantly, why aren’t we making noise? Many students belong to the astounding number of registered, cyni-
cal voters of the quickly approaching election. In one month, the consensus of arguments and (in an attempt to do what no politician dares by calling it like it is) excuses may outnumber voter turnout. The popular vote among young Americans may elect to stay at home. I’d like to address those who endorse Apathy 2012. It won’t be 90 minutes of sly grins and political vagueness. I like to think that even Big Bird would support my argument. “I’m just not going to even vote.” Over the course of our messy political history, American citizens have shed their blood, effort and ink for Democracy. In 1776, revolutionaries died to commit treason against a monarch for our right to vote. In 1920, women rallied against their husbands for our right to vote. In the 1960s, African Americans shared a dream and a bus seat for our right to vote. In 1972, young people, many of whom served overseas protecting our freedoms, were guaranteed this right
Alternate Reality: by: Michael Carrol
Natalie Frels Staff Writer
Paseo The Paisano
4
October 9, 2012
GLBTQ: policies and politics at UTSA
David Glickman Staff Writer
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer group at UTSA has not let Chick-fil-A’s charitable practices go unnoticed. This past July the GLBTQ wanted to protest against Chick-Fil-A for their donations to anti-gay organizations. July marked a tipping point when Chick-Fil-A CEO Dan Cathy, spoke out explicitly against homosexuality and for “the biblical family.” The GLBTQ then decided to protest outside of the Chick-Fil-A in the JPL cafeteria. When they contacted UTSA’s Inclusion and Community Engagement Center to seek advice about how to conduct the protest, the group was informed that they were not allowed to protest due to Section 202.A of the UTSA Student Code of Conduct. However, former member Daniel Crotty says that the section was misunderstood and that GLBTQ could in fact hold a protest outside the Chick-Fil-A. Unfortunately, protests were limited to tabling and passing out informative flyers. By this time, two months had already passed and, as the Political Committee Co-Chair of the GLTBQ Sean Goerner says, “it’s not exactly a priority anymore for the GLTBQ. Over the summer, due to the stock drop that Chick-Fil-A experienced, awareness about their practices became more widespread.” Problems that emerged with their attempts to protest Chick-Fil-A have not kept the GLBTQ from their political activism. Currently, the group is concentrating on what they believe to be more proactive means of spreading their message, such setting up a booth on campus to pass out information about candidates in the 2012 election.
Movements towards equality and support for the GLBTQIA community has been a postive mark made by the current generation. However, confusion over the sexual complexities of being Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Intersex, Ally and Asexual are still common.
I A
Students in the GLBTQ community feel that anti-discrimination policies need to be more inclusive of transgender students.
John Poplawsky
paseo@paisano-online.com
G L B T Q
Courtesy of David Lopez
Alyssa Gonzales/ The Paisano
Political activists on campus and their journey to protest discrimination.
Gay: Typically refers to males who are attracted to other males; however, not all who engage in homosexual behavior identify as only gay. Also commonly used to refer to the GLBTQIA community as a whole. Lesbian: Those who identify as female and are attracted to others who identify as female.
Bisexual: a person who is attracted to those who identify as either male or female. Transgender: someone whose gender (whether they identify as male or female) differs from their assigned sex
Questioning: those who are unsure where their sexual preferences fall Queer: identity that deviates from the norm, does not conform to traditional gender roles in society Intersex: genetic anomoly in a person’s sex. Is not easily identified as male or female
Ally: those who support the GLBTQIA community Asexual: person who is not sexually attracted to anyone
Contributing Writer paseo@paisano-online.com The policies a school implements strongly affect its student body. In the past, policies such as desegregation helped reduce discrimination faced by minority students. Today, students who do not identify with the traditional, heterosexual sexual orientation fight for inclusionary policies that will allow them to feel accepted as members of the student body. UTSA is typical among college campuses in its diversity. One embodiment of diversity on campus, GLBTQ (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning) facilitates discussion and a welcoming environment for students who are questioning their sexuality. This can also serve as a welcome relief for students who are gender variant/transgender, people who do not identify with the sex they were assigned at birth. During the past year, GLBTQ has worked hard to promote themselves as an accepting club for these less widely understood identities and provide them with a safe space on campus. Equal treatment for all students is protected in the Handbook of Operating Procedures: “The University prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, citizenship and veteran status. Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is… prohibited pursuant to university policy.” Unfortunately, this clause does not explicitly provide protections for those who identify as transgender. This oversight can be largely contributed to the fact that the complexity of human sexuality is still largely unknown to the general public. When talking about gender, it is important to realize that gender does not mean sex. Sex is defined as what a person is assigned at birth, while gender defines a person’s personal identity. Gender can also be created from culture, based on clothes, the tone of a voice and how a person carries him or herself. Sexual orientation is generally based upon gender and attraction to other genders. For example a straight male is a male identified person who is attracted to female identified people. Cisgender is also a commonly confused term for people who identify with the gender that matches what they were assigned at birth. Protection for transgender students matter in particular because a majority of violence against the transgender community goes unreported. According to Jenna Blanchet, the co-chair for the GLBTQ Queer and Transgender committee, “San Antonio particularly has a history of violence toward trans* identified people.” In 2009 Niki Hunter, a woman who identified as transgender, was killed during a robbery on Aug. 31, 2009. After being attacked with a pistol, she was accidentally shot by the responding officer. Her assailants were charged with the murder. According to the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs “no hate crime charges were added despite alleged evidence of overkill.” Students who identify as transgender believe that comprehensive equality policies at UTSA are all the more necessary. Protection against discrimination for students who attend UTSA can
go a long way to make the community feel safe. Unprotected minorities often look up the rules and regulations for a university before enrollment to ensure they feel protected by university policy. UTSA can become a competitive school among the ranks of Rice and UT with these protections. So far only 10 schools in Texas protect transgender students in their nondiscrimination policy.
“San Antonio particularly has a history of violence towards transgender identified people. ” Jenna Blanchet GLBTQ Queer and Trans* CoChair School policies provide small ways for transgender students to feel safer on campus. One measure of equality can be achieved by allowing for a preferred name to be used during the application process at UTSA. A legal name change is a daunting process for anyone who identifies as transgender. There is no easier way to be “outed” than for an administrator or professor to call out a masculine name for someone who identifies as female. UTSA currently has only two gender neutral bathrooms on the 1604 campus, and one at the downtown campus, which were frequently locked until gender variant students brought it to the attention of building operations attention last year. With policies to protect against transgender discrimination, more gender-neutral bathrooms would be built in future buildings. Transgender students now have to choose to wait to go to the genderneutral bathroom outside of Student Activities, or trek to find the genderneutral bathroom hidden in the Multidisciplinary Studies building for fear of being ridiculed for choosing the “wrong” bathroom. These policies could also provide protections for students who are cisgender as well. GLBTQ friendly policies would protect students who are not as feminine as their other female roommates in on-campus housing from harassment as well as discrimination. Policies at UTSA that encourage students to embrace their gender identity and gender expression would protect students in various organizations from discrimination. Currently, protections are minimal. UTSA policies have room for improvement when ensuring transgender students do not feel discriminated against. The GLBTQ on campus is working towards providing an open forum for anyone to feel comfortable, especially those whose sexual orientation may stray from the norm. For anyone with questions about what it means to have a transgender identity, the GLBTQ will be hosting an event on Oct. 25 called “What is Trans?” in the Willow room at 6pm. For all other students whose gender strays from traditional norms, GLBTQ has weekly meetings Wednesdays at 7pm in the Bexar room.
Arts&Life
6
The Paisano
Austin City Limits The annual event returns for its 10th year
October 9, 2012
Local Events: Tuesday, Oct. 9 12 p.m. Museum Exhibit: “Aphrodite and the Gods of Love”
The San Antonio Museum of Art (200 W. Jones St.) presents an exhibition of 125 pieces displaying the various roles and inpirations of the ancient gods and goddesses of love. These pieces include statues, bronze figures, mirrors, jewelry and much more. The exhibit is open through Feb. 17. Tickets range from $3 - $8 (free admission on Tuesdays).
10:30 p.m. Poetry Slam: “PuroSlam”
Katy Schmader
At the Half Shell Oyster Bar (202 Navarro St.), PuroSlam hosts an open mic contest for anyone to perform. Poets must bring at least three original pieces, three minutes per poem. Performers are not allowed to bring props, costumes or musical accompaniment. Participants should be warned that the audience is known for its quick-witted heckling. This event is open every Tuesday through Jan. 29. Admission is free.
Editor-in-Chief
arts@paisano-online.com Loaded with fun and activities for everyone, Austin City Limits (ACL) has been celebrating Austin and its musical culture for over 10 years. The festival consistently brings an eclectic collection of music under one park, promising attendees a good time. Organized in 2002, the festival initially expected only 20,000 fans, but it opened Saturday morning to over 42,000 people. One-day passes sold for only $25. Lines were long; people crowded the city of Austin. Residents complained that the traffic was worse than South by Southwest, which was (until then) considered Austin’s biggest festival. But that was only the beginning. Since then, the festival has grown into an extravagant event. In the past, ACL has featured acts like Coldplay, My Morning Jacket, Big Boi, Bright Eyes, Nas & Damian Marley, Social Distortion, Kanye West, Stevie Wonder, Arcade Fire, The Foo Fighters, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Muse, M.I.A, the Strokes, Beck and Robert Plant. The festival venue is the center of Austin on 46 acres of Zilker Park. Aside from the live music on multiple stages, attendees can enjoy a range of activities and foods. ACL displays Austin’s fantastic variety of flavors, featuring Leaf Tea, Stubbs BBQ and Amy’s Ice Cream. Austin’s incredible music and eats speak for the unique nature of the city. Children are not excluded from the festivities of ACL. The Kiddie Corner offers many fun and free alternatives for the younger audience, such as
Wednesday, Oct. 10 8 p.m. Film Screening: “Sixteen Candles”
File Photo/ The Paisano
The Friendly Spot (943 S Alamo) will hold a free screening of this ‘80s classic. Molly Ringwald plays a young girl who’s “sweet sixteen” becomes a bittersweet coming-of-age comedy. Friendly Outdoor Movies are shown in association with locally owned Slab Cinema. Showtime is sundown.
Thursday, Oct. 11 8 p.m. Theater: “Open Sesame! A Bollywood Pantomime” The Gregg Barrios Theater at the Overtime (1203 Camden) presents a musical pantomime that retells the story of Ali Baba and the 40 Thieves. The main character, Ollie, stumbles upon a vast treasure and uses it to win the heart of his love while facing his greedy family and enemies. Performances run through Nov. 3. Tickets are $10-15.
In its 10th year, ACL is sold out for the third consecutive year.
Friday, Oct. 12
Zumba, lyrics workshops, percussion workshops and an air band competition. The festival’s music choices have always been innovative, but this year could be an exception to the rule. Many well-seasoned festival veterans argue that this year’s line up—Neil Young and Crazy Horse, The Black Keys, Jack White and Florence + the Machine—is not as extravagant as in years past, as it features the same lineup as many other festivals around the country. With the rise in the popularity of music festivals across the country, it’s hard to keep ACL’s diversity, but the festival still succeeds in bringing under-the-radar bands and the up-andcoming best thing to a population that takes pride in “keeping Austin weird.” For the third year in a row, threeday tickets sold out very quickly. Due to the large demand for tickets, this is the last year that ACL will be only one weekend long. The Austin City Council recently approved the extension of
11 a.m. Austin City Limits (Austin, TX)
ACL, allowing the festival to earn an extra weekend of revenue. According to a 2012 KXAN news story, Austin City Limits hosted more than 100,000 vistors and generated $106 million. Although this will earn more revenue and present a greater opportunity for those wishing to attend, it also makes the festival less of a unique experience. The extension doesn’t begin until next year, but it doesn’t change the fact that tickets are still sold out. But don’t be discouraged. Scalpers can be found on every corner for a 10-block radius of the fair grounds. Even with these changes, the festival is still worth the trip to Austin. Like the festival says on their website, “In what has become a rite of fall in Austin since 2002, ACL has brought music lovers together for three full days of unforgettable music and an unmistakable Austin vibe.”
The famous music festival takes place at Zilker Park (2100 Barton Springs Rd in Austin, TX). This year’s lineup includes Red Hot Chili Peppers, Neil Young and Crazy Horse, The Black Keys and many others. For more information, visit <www.aclfestival.com>.
Saturday, Oct. 13 10 a.m. “Chalk It Up!”
San Antonio artists transform the city’s sidewalks into colorful works of art in this family-friendly event. The fun begins at 10 a.m. at San Antonio’s Children’s Museum.
11 a.m. Convention: “Pop Cult Con”
This convention is too big for just one venue. Both Crown Plaza (111 Pecan) and The Korova (107 E. Martin) present “Pop Cult Con,” a collection of six mini-cons that includes horror and anime film screenings, sci-fi make up demos, gaming tables, pop art and much more. The event stretches out until Oct. 14. Tickets art $10 - $20. For more info, visit <http://www.jivetickets. com/concerts/pop-cult-con>.
Sunday, Oct. 14 8 p.m. Theater: “The Last Five Years”
The University of the Incarnate Word (4301 Broadway) presents an intimate musical about the course of a five-year relationship between a man and woman. “The Last Five Years” runs through Oct. 14. Tickets are $6 - $10.
Fo r t h e we e k ’s f u l l c a l e n da r, v i s i t : www.paisano-online.com
Launch Your Creative Career Today
The Paisano: Meetings are Wednesdays @ 6 p.m. 14545 Roadrunner Way Wr i t e f o r A r t s & L i f e ! Email arts@paisano-online.com for more info. “Those Wonderful ECK Masters” Free Book Discussion (book not needed)
Thursday, October 11, 7:00-8:00 p.m. University Center 2.01.30 (Magnolia Room)
Chaps. 7 & 8 - Towart Managi: African Holy Man, Yaubl Sacabi: Guardian of the Shariyat-Ki-Sugmad at Agam Des
“A MUST-SEE FILM!” –Sean Hannity, FOX NEWS
AYN RAND’S EPIC NOVEL OF A WORLD ON THE BRINK
college ski & boArd week breckenridge • Vail • beaver creek keystone • Arapahoe basin
breckenridge
EVERYTHING HAS A BREAKING POINT 20 Mountains. 5 Resorts. 1 Price. From only
SCAD offers the largest array of degree options of any nonprofit arts university in the U.S. New students may begin in September, January, March or June. Financial aid is still available. To request more information or apply, visit scad.edu/stilltime
plus t/s
WWW.ATLASSHRUGGEDMOVIE.COM
STARTS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 12 ONLY IN THEATERS
CHECK LOCAL LISTINGS FOR THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES
2.166” X 3.5" TUES 10/09 SAN ANTONIO - UT THE PAISANO DUE WED 12PM
ATLANTA · HONG KONG · LACOSTE · SAVANNAH · eLEARNING
www.ubski.com
1-800-ski-wild • 1-800-754-9453
Adam Floeck, B.F.A., animation, 2012, Metuchen, New Jersey
Info: Adam Daufen – ibi677@my.utsa.edu or Call (832)244-6502 Sponsored by Eckankar Student Organization Sponsored by the Eckankar Student Organization
The Paisano
October 9, 2012
Ana Fernandez
Arts&Life August 26, 2008 5
Daniel Crotty Staff Writer
arts@paisano-online.com Ana Fernandez, a local MexicanAmerican painter, recently unveiled a new exhibit at The Institute of Texan Cultures. Dr. Harriett Romo and Dr. Ricardo Romo donated eight pieces of her work to the museum. The exhibit features eight paintings and a video about how Fernandez creates her art, both of which will be on display until Jan. 20, 2013. Fernandez’s exhibition marks the ninth (out of 12) artist exhibit featured in the institute’s “Texas Contemporary Artists Series.” Fernandez’s works are best described in her own words. “The content of my series contains some of my favorite subjects: magic, true crime, paranormal activity, love, murder, mythology, witchcraft and superstition, all set in the neighborhoods of my
hometown.” “I combine familiar domestic elements with subtle, sometimes eerie, hints of the unknown. I would describe it as naturalistic and realistic with elements of the fantastic or supernatural,” Fernandez says. Fernandez’s creative process involves “driving through neighborhoods for subject matter.” “Sometimes I stop to photograph a particular house for no reason,” she says. “It could be a feeling that I have, or the way the light hits it. My method is random. I capture images, then sort through the ones I think will work as a painting. I mix and match houses with various objects that I have found: animals, cars, decorations, etc. A huge part of the creative process for me is thinking and reading about things that interest or inspire me.” Regarding the institute’s “Contemporary Artists Series,” exhibition curator Arturo Almeida explains, “Texas
Courtesy of Ana Fernandez
A local artist shows a different perspective of the familiar
In her series “Real Estates and Other Fictions” (one installment above), Fernandez uses inspiration from the seemingly eerie domestic elements from her hometown.
is fast becoming one of the most progressive and exciting art scenes on the horizon. The selected artists (in this series) cover a broad spectrum of artistic styles and mediums. Common to all their work, however, is the bold
Graduate and Professional Schools Day 2012 The Graduate School at UTSA would like to invite you to The Annual Graduate and Professional Schools Day 2012 This is an opportunity to discuss masters and doctoral degrees, admission requirements, GRE/GMAT scores and financial aid with over 100 universities. Wednesday, October 10, 2012 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. MH Building Lobby – Main Campus Please register at: http://graduateschool.utsa.edu/events/ For more information please contact: Vivian Padilla (210) 458-5327 Vivian.Padilla@utsa.edu
formation about Fernandez, her paintings and her showings can be found at <www.anafernandez.com>. In addition to photography and painting, Fernandez expresses her creativity through cooking. To that end, she currently runs a food truck called “The Institute of Chili.” “The chili queens were San Antonio’s original mobile food vendors. For over 200 years, these Mexican-American women sold chili con carne and other Tex-Mex classics in the plazas of downtown San Antonio. They were even said to have invented Tex-Mex,” Fernandez says. “At my food truck, The Institute of Chili, we pay homage to the original chili queens by bringing their legacy into the 21st century.” Menu items include Chili Queens Chili, Costillas (seared beef short ribs), The Bomb (brisket on a bun) and The Roosevelt (pork tamales). More information about The Institute of Chili can be found at <www.theinstituteofchili. com>.
Jamaica Jamaica 2012
NOVEMBER 9-10
vision and unbridled exuberance that is the quintessence of Texan culture.” Some artists previously exhibited include Carmen Oliver, Leigh Ann Lester, Luis Valderas, Henry Cardenas and Luis M. Garza. Fernandez herself received a B.F.A in art from the Art Institute of Chicago and an M.F.A. in art from the University of California in Los Angeles. She grew up in Corpus Christi and moved to San Antonio in 2009. Fernandez, who identifies as a lesbian, says, “Everything—including my ethnicity, childhood, background, etc.—impacts my work in one way or another but is not something that I consciously try to do…I don’t see my art as activism of any kind.” Another one of Fernandez’s paintings is currently on display at the McNay. UTSA students can visit the Institute of Texan Cultures anytime for free and visit the McNay for free on Thursdays. Both locations are roughly a 15-minute drive from the UTSA main campus and the UTSA downtown campus respectively. More in-
Football Game Package Katy Schmader / The Paisano
Purchase your tickets today at utsa.edu/gameday Click on BUY TICKETS - Enter in the Family Weekend Code FAMILY for the special game day package Package Expires: November 2, 2012 Package Includes: • Ticket for the Nov. 10 game - UTSA vs. McNeese- Section 122 • Admission to the Alumni Association Tailgate • Special edition UTSA Family t-shirt (limited sizes)
Family of the Year Contest
Jamaica Jamaica Cuisine offers flavors straight from the Caribbean, such as the Caribbean brisket pictured above.
A u n iqu e f lav o r in San An tonio Katy Schmader Editor-in-Chief
arts@paisano-online.com
Contest Deadline: October 15, 2012 Contest Guidelines: Essay contest open to all UTSA students and their families. For entry form and essay details - visit utsa.edu/family to enter. The winner of the contest will receive: an iPad, hotel gift certificate, UTSA gift basket, recognition at the Rowdy Rally-Nov. 9, a plaque presented during the Nov. 10 football game, a Family Weekend football game package and your essay featured in the 2013 edition of the UTSA Family Calendar.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFORMATION
utsa.edu/family
Everyone who walks through the door of Jamaica Jamaica Cuisine seems like a regular, the first true signal that the restaurant has great potential. Open for less then a year, Jamaica Jamaica Cuisine displays an excellent knowledge of true Caribbean food and flavor, promising a good time to anyone who is adventurous enough to walk though its doors. If not careful, one can overlook and pass Jamaica Jamaica in the sprawl of run-down bars and used car lots. Walls covered in bright, welcoming, yellow paint invite visitors to sit in the small single room interior. Casual conversation will be made and guests will instantly feel at home enjoying authentic Caribbean food.
By no means is the Caribbean brisket what any Texan would expect of the traditionally barbequed dish. The meat is flavorful with the consistency and texture of beef that has been stewed for days. Careful attention is given to the spices and marinade to create a tasteful balanced duality between sweet and spicy, creating a piece of meat that literally melts in your mouth. Each dish is complemented with a side of rice and beans, cabbage and grilled plantains. The sides together do an excellent job of completing the meal and add a complexity of flavor to every dish. There is just enough on each plate to fill a stomach and make sure every customer leaves comfortably full. Jamaica Jamaica is located at 2011 Austin Hwy. Prices range from $10 to $15. The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. until 9 p.m.
www.paisano-online.com
Sports
The Paisano
October 9, 2012
Volleyball sweeps past WAC rivals at home
7
Sheldon Baker Staff Writer
McKenzie Adams and the Roadrunners swept both matches over the weekend against LaTech and UT-Arlington
Walls added 10 winners. Other notable performers for the Birds were sophomore Dempsey Thornton and freshman Anne Kunes. Dempsey had four kills while Kunes recorded a match high 24 digs. UTSA breezed through the second set after scoring 11 of the first 12 tallies. The Runners closed out the set on a 14 – 6 run. The third set was more of a challenge for UTSA. The Mavericks started out on fire; they led 7 – 4, but the Mavericks could not hold off what the Roadrunners had in store. The Birds went on a 13 – 0 offensive attack. In the end, the Birds were too
much for the Mavericks; UTSA took the final eight of 19 points to sweep UTA (25 – 18, 25 – 7, 25 -18). Who’s next for the Birds? UTSA plays New Mexico State in La Cruces, New Mexico on Oct. 11 in the first of four games on the road. The four-game trip will end with a match against rival Texas State on Oct. 20. UTSA’s next home game will be against Idaho at the Convocation Center on Oct. 25 at 6:30 p.m.
Will Tallent / The Paisano
As the October air cools the southwest Texas heat, the UTSA volleyball team heats up. On Oct. 4 the Birds swept Louisiana Tech, and again on Oct. 6 the Roadrunners swept the University of Texas at Arlington—extending UTSA’s winning streak to two. UTSA’s first victim was the Louisiana Tech Techsters. As the Roadrunners hit the court donning the “Dig Pink” jerseys in support of the SideOut Foundation, which funds breast cancer research, the Birds executed a well-balanced attack. “We’ve been playing really good. I was a little disappointed when we went out and lost to Idaho; I don’t know if it was because of the travel, but we are not going to use that as an excuse,” Coach Neugebauer-Groff said. “We played really well as a team. We kept our focus the whole time; we served very aggressive and well,” freshman middle hitter Kylie Schott said. The Birds had a .320 hitting percentage led by senior outside hitter Whitney Walls’ 11 kills. Junior Brandy Huskey chipped in with 11 assists, and freshman Erin Foley added 16 assists with five service aces. UTSA dispensed a 7 – 0 run, which ended with the Roadrunners sweeping the Techsters (25–17, 25-15, 25–19). The second victim for the Roadrunners was the UT Arlington Mavericks. The Roadrunners were led by junior outside hitter McKenzie Adams’ 11th double-double of the season: 15 digs and 11 kills. The 18-point victory in the second panel set a UTSA record for the largest margin of victory in the rally scoring era since 2008. UTSA hit .357 percent, while holding the Mavericks to a match low .083 hitting percentage. Junior Brandy Huskey contributed a match best 31 assists, while Whitney
Will Tallent/ The Paisano
sports@paisano-online.com
Saturday’s victory over UT-Arlington was Groff’s 180th at UTSA. The Roadrunners are currently 3rd in the WAC
UTSA volleyball reaches new levels of success under Head Coach Laura Groff Rex Castillo Sports Editor
sports@paisano-online.com In San Antonio, the name Neugebaur is instantly connected with success. That’s because Neugebaur is enshrined in the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame. UTSA volleyball’s Head Coach Laura Neugebaur-Groff was inducted into the Hall of Fame in Feb. 2011. She is currently married to Dwayne Groff and has two children. Groff is a San Antonio native and was a star athlete in her days at Jefferson High School. She became a dominating player and an All-American athlete at the University of Texas at Austin. The Longhorns won four consecutive Southwest Conference Championships with Groff as their captain from 1982 to 1985. While she was in Austin, Groff really focused on her love of coaching.
“We would like to be an NCAA tournament contender every year.” Laura Groff
UTSA Head Volleyball Coach “It goes back to middle and high school for myself. Immediately when I went to college I knew that’s what I wanted to be,” said Groff. After graduating from UT, Groff also pursued a professional international career in the West German Volleyball league from 1986 through 1987. A year later, she returned to the U.S. and played for Major League Volleyball’s Chicago Breeze. In 1995, Groff participated in the University World Games hosted in Japan. Groff was named head coach of UTSA in 2001, and since then, she has become the volleyball program’s most successful coach, with 180 wins at UTSA, including 12 through 17 games this season. She believes that UTSA’s success begins in finding the right players. The biggest characteristic Groff looks for in potential UTSA players is how competitive they are. “We’d like to be a NCAA tournament contender every year. I will help them become the best Division I volleyball player they can be,” Groff said.
“There’s always room for improvement. I want them to be mature and be consistent. Take Brittney Malloy, she can jump over ten feet, but I can teach her volleyball. ” Consistent with her message, some of Groff’s players are the best players and students at UTSA. Last season, libero Kelsey Jewasko won a couple of All-America Academic awards and became the program’s all-time leader in digs with 2,280; senior setter Kelsey Schwirtlich won the Southland Conference’s Setter of the Year; and current sophomore outside hitter McKenzie Adams won the Southland Conference’s Newcomer of the Year. As a team, the Roadrunners swept a program record 12 opponents in a row in 2011 and reached their second consecutive Southland Conference Championship match, but eventually lost to rival Texas State Bobcats. In 2010, the Roadrunners won 22 matches, the most in Groff’s tenure, and won the Southland West Division Title. That season, Groff reached 400 wins in her career. Groff also has high expectations for her players in the classroom. “I want to make them productive women in the real world,” Groff said. “It’s unacceptable for them not to graduate.” For Groff, “seeing a kid become the best they can be” is the most rewarding part of coaching. One of the biggest challenges for the head coach can be related to her duties as a mother to her own children. “I feel like there’s so much ‘mom-work’, but it’s important that we responded to them in a positive way that will help them.” This season, the Roadrunners overall record is 12-5 and 5-2 in Western Athletic Conference play. The Roadrunners may have changed conferences but Groff still has the same high expectations for her team. She continues to invite fans to the games. Groff’s passion for coaching and her dedication to the players keep the program alive and makes her an integral contribution to the program and to the San Antonio community. In 2002, San Antonio Express-News recognized Groff’s incredible effort, and named her one the city’s most influential people in women’s sports.
Write for Sports Come by the Paisano Office on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. We are next to Hookah Cafe and the Cantina email sports@Paisano-online.com
2 8
Sports
The Paisano
October 9, 2012
Lorilee Merchant Intern
sports@paisano-online.com The San Antonio Rampage are ready to take on the season. New players are being drafted and learning the ropes, while veteran players are honing their skills. The new players are fighting for a place on the team. So far, their teammates have not been disappointed. The new players include defensemen Alex Petrovic and Jason DeSantis. New forwards joining the ranks include Andre Deveaux, Quinton Howden, JeanFrancois Jacques, John McFarland, Drew Shore and Casey Wellman. “We have a bunch of new guys here, so I can’t wait to see them play in a game; they are looking really good,” goalkeeper Jacob Markstrom said.
“It’s always a rivalry within our division. Austin, Houston and Oklahoma City are the three teams we look forward to playing.” Nolan Yonkman
Rampage Defenseman The main goal of the season is to get the team connected and comfortable with each other, as well as with the dynamics of the team. “With any new players coming into any organization, you always want to make a good first impression,” defen-
seman Nolan Yonkman said. “Once they’re settled into the city, just bring to the table what the rules are. Don’t try to do too much too early…Do what they do well essentially.” The Rampage will be armed with a stronger offense this season. While the focus is on perfecting systems, the offense is aiming to be more aggressive and include more plays than last season. “Our team’s going to be more involved in our offense section and better with plays down low. Last year we were more of an open ice team…offense off the rush because of our size. This year, we’re going to do more on our low plays; we’ll be bigger,” Coach Chuck Weber said. While the Rampage looks forward to facing off with other teams throughout the season, the Oklahoma City Barons seem to be the strongest contender. “It doesn’t really matter who we play,” Markstrom said. “Whoever is on the schedule, we play and hopefully we win. Everything’s hard right now; obviously, Oklahoma’s going to be a good team. You don’t know how they’re going to play as a team; it’s too early to say who’s going to be good, or not so good. Last year all the teams were good.” With any team, it’s not only a matter of how well your team performs, but also a matter of how well the other team performs that determines the outcome of the game. As Yonkman put it, “It’s always a rivalry within our division…Austin, Houston and I think Oklahoma City because they beat us up last year in the playoffs. I think those are the three teams we look forward to playing and definitely beating.” To get them mentality prepared, the team goes out on the ice and gives it all
Alyssa Gonzales/ The Paisano
San Antonio Rampage look for longer postseason run in 2012-13
The San Antonio Rampage won a playoff series for the first time in team history last season.
they can. “Once they get comfortable and established and in a new team, instincts are going to take over and I think they’re excited to get into the routine here and get acclimated,” Yonkman said. For the new players, as well as team veterans, getting mentally prepared and keeping a steady pace is key. “From day one we set the tone; we set a good pace for ourselves. We are off to a really strong start this season,” Yonkman said. “We get a good start every day; we are working on systems wide.” “We are all getting used to playing with each other. The new players this
season are learning the instincts of other players and are learning the new system,” Yonkman continued. “The most important thing is to start good every day, learn and get up to Rampage hockey.” So far, training is going well. The players are showing great promise and potential. Coach Weber believes that many of his players may very well have a future with the NHL. “If you look at the group out there, pretty much any one you see on the ice has a chance in the National Hockey League. For some of the guys, it might be this year, or for others, two or three years down the road, it just depends on how fast they’re developing,” We-
ber said. The hope is that the team will stay strong mentally, and that it will come together for an amazing season. “Right now, they’re tired. This was the first full day of work. The guy’s bonding is fantastic,” Coach Weber said after the Rampage’s first practice on Monday, Oct. 1. Last year, the San Antonio Rampage played the Texas Stars 12 times in the season. The Stars finished with a record of 41-29-4-6 (92 points) and San Antonio Rampage closed their season with a record of 40-33-4-3 (87 points). This was the second best scoring year for San Antonio Rampage in their 10year history. The Rampage will open the 2012-13 season on the road against the Texas Stars on Oct. 13 at Cedar Park Center at 7 p.m. The Rampage will come home to face their I-10 rivals, the Houston Aeros on Oct. 14 at the AT&T Center at 3:30 p.m.
San Antonio Rampage upcoming home games Oct. 14 vs. Houston Aeros 3:30 p.m. Oct. 20 vs. Milwaukee Admirals 7 p.m. Nov. 2 vs. Grand Rapids Griffins 7:30 p.m. Nov. 4 vs. Oklahoma City Barons 4:30 p.m. Nov. 10 vs. Toronto Marlies 7 p.m. Nov. 13 vs. Houston Aeros 10:30 a.m. Nov. 16 vs. Charlotte Checkers 7:30 p.m.
Brittney Malloy making a name for herself close to home with the Roadrunners Kim Hallows
Contributing Writer
Will Tallent / The Paisano
sports@paisano-online.com
Brittney Malloy learned how to dominate the volleyball court from American Olympian Destiny Hooker.
Local natives Destiny Hooker and Brittney Malloy excel in volleyball while encouraging others to “never give up.” Inspired by Destiny Hooker’s recent success at the 2012 Summer Olympics, UTSA Senior Brittney Malloy is off to a great season. With Malloy’s help, UTSA snagged a long hoped-for win against Texas State. Malloy began watching Hooker play in high school as both players are San Antonio natives. Hooker attended Southwest High School while Malloy, three years Hooker’s junior, attended Warren High School. “I was a freshman; I think she was a senior so I would sit on the sidelines and watch her play when varsity played,” Malloy said. “I was like, I want to be just like her. And I see her in the Olympics, I’m like oh my gosh.” Like Hooker, Malloy has excelled in volleyball. Hooker touches 11 feet 2 inches, while Malloy touches 10 feet 2 inches. “She can do things that other people can’t do because she jumps so high, so what we tell our servers is, ‘just hang
the ball high and let her jump and hit over people’,” Head Coach Neugebauer-Groff said. Malloy hasn’t reached Olympian status yet, however, she did help lead her high school team to the 2008 area finals and averaged more than a block per game in her final season at Warren. At the university level she brings a strong blocking element to the team. “She’s a great athlete,” Groff said of Malloy. “She’s just a dominance at the net, her blocking and her vertical skill
“She’s a great athlete. She’s just dominate at the net, her blockingandhervertical skill is just unbelievable Laura Groff
UTSA Head Volleyball Coach is just unbelievable.” Despite her natural strengths, volleyball was not Malloy’s first choice when she began playing sports. It was Malloy’s Junior High basketball coach
who recruited Brittney to play volleyball. “I started playing in 7th grade,” said Brittney. “My basketball coach was like, ‘it’s really really fun, you’ll like it, you’ll enjoy it, just try it out,’ and I did and I’m still playing today.” While on the court, Malloy is focused and doesn’t let setbacks get her down. She encouraged others to, “just think positively… if you get a negative mindset it’s going to rub off on everyone else, so just stay positive.” This positive attitude helped Malloy overcome challenges and has greatly contributed to her success. Many athletes face challenges. Their attitude is what shapes their future. New York Times reported that Hooker nearly gave up when coaches discouraged her earlier in her career. “I’m glad I never gave up,’” said Hooker to the Times. Following Hooker’s lead, Malloy chose to persevere against any challenge. While waiting to be recruited by a university, a process Malloy claimed took longer than she’d hoped, Malloy never quit. Her advice to anyone hoping to play at the university level is, “Don’t give up. Follow your dreams.” When Brittney isn’t playing volleyball, she enjoys watching television shows. “This is really nerdy,” Brittney said. “But I like to watch the History Channel.” Ancient Aliens is her favorite show, something her family pokes fun at her for. “I really like that and my family’s like, ‘you’re so weird, you’re so lame’. So I watch that and then [taboo] on National Geographic. It’s really interesting.” Brittney said a career in volleyball would be great, but she is also just fine with pursuing a career where she can put her kinesiology degree to use. For now, she’s focused on graduation and blocking every ball that soars too high for her teammates to return. “We tell her, how does it feel up there? How does it smell up there,” Coach Groff joked. Perhaps Malloy and Hooker can discuss that atmosphere sometime in the future.