}
Discover the real haunted houses of San Antonio page 6
Quarterback Eric Soza receives 2013 AAFCA Good Works Team Award page 9
{
Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio
{SINCE 1981}
UTSA On Oct. 18, political science Professor Jeff Harmon passed away after a battle with cancer. Harmon was active in politics and served as the advisor for the UTSA Young Democrats.
Volume 48
Issue 24
October 22, 2013
{WWW.PAISANO-ONLINE.COM}
Open for business Samesex policy at UTSA
Making sense of the government shutdown NATION Lorenzo Garcia
Contributing Writer news@paisano-online.com
Chair of the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Carlos Roberto Jaen was recently elected to the Institute of Medicine in Washington D.C.
Texas On Oct. 21 litigation begins between Planned Parenthood and the state of Texas over the passage of HB2, which restricts abortion access.
U.S. Federal contractors estimate that fixing Healthcare.gov, the website hosting enrollment for the Affordable Care Act, could take weeks to fix.
World French officials are angered over new reports that the NSA carried out extensive surveillance in France, placing strains on AmericanFrench ties.
Science Research Conference
UTSA Gibson Hull News Assistant
news@paisano-online.com
Sports
Courtesy of Rosemary Beevers
The UTSA football team will play its homecoming game at the Alamodome Saturday, Oct. 26. at 4:00 p.m.
UTSA student Rosemary Beevers stands by the project she displayed at the conference.
Friday Oct. 18 the 2013 College of Science Research Conference brought together 300 oral and poster presentations by researchers, students, and faculty. “Collaborative Basic and Translational Research in the Sciences” was this year’s theme, which included stem cell, computer science and energy research. According to Assistant Vice President for Research and Support at Bernard Arulanandam, “this Conference is a signature event for UTSA’s College of Science, and it is growing rapidly every year. We have been trying hard to engage the community. “The 70 students seen running around on a scavenger
UTSA Pete Souza/The White House
San Antonio
As of Thursday, Oct. 16, the United States government reopened after a 16-day partialshutdown. The shutdown came at an especially inconvenient time at the end of the fiscal quarter, when the debt ceiling was reaching its limit. If Congress had not voted to increase the debt ceiling, the U.S. would have had to default on its debt — furthering potential economic disruption. Political Science Professor Walter Wilson, who has served President Obama signs a special waiver to fund military soldiers at the beginning of the shutdown. as an analyst for Texas Public Radio, offered his interpreta- well as raising the debt ceil- Poll, approval of the Republican tion of the events. ing, although temporary, made Party fell by 10 percent, while Wilson explained that the no meaningful concessions to Democratic Party approval ratgovernment shutdown oc- conservatives on the Affordable ings rose by one percent. curred when the Republicans Care Act.” Wilson warned that “It’s possible, especially if the in the House of Representatives more debate over the budget GOP doesn’t learn its lesson,” attached an amendment to de- and the ACA could be expected Wilson explained. He pointed fund the Affordable Care Act in the future. out that nearly two-thirds of (ACA) to the resolution providWilson stated that the ACA House Republicans — including funding for the government. remained intact after the shut- ing every Texas Republican in The Democrat-controlled Sen- down and is currently being both the House and Senate — ate then refused to accept a bill implemented as planned. He voted to keep the government with this amendment. predicts that the ACA will shut down and for the U.S. to According to Wilson, “The lower the cost of insurance and default on its debt. strategy was to threaten shut- provide greater access to health According to Wilson, these down and economic ruin un- care, and that Americans will divisions indicate that incumless conservatives got their way warm up to it as a result. bent Republicans are not sure on the Affordable Care Act.” “Clearly the Republican what is more dangerous — a Because neither party was Party deserves the blame,” said primary challenge from the far willing to budge on the issue Wilson. “Conservatives acted right for not adhering to conof the ACA, a new resolution irresponsibly by holding the servative values or the possibilfor the funding of the govern- government and debt payments ity of losing to a Democrat by ment was not passed before the hostage in order to try to force being immoderate. deadline on Sept. 30 and the concessions that they could not However, since the governgovernment went into partial win through the normal legisla- ment shutdown, Tea Party Reshutdown. tive process.” publicans, such as Ted Cruz, Finally, on Oct. 16, Senate He also believed that mod- have seen their popularity rise Democrats and Republicans erates within the Republican among ultra conservatives and agreed to a deal that extended Party deserve blame for what decline among moderate Refunding for government servic- he deemed “not having the guts publicans, according to the Pew es until Jan. 15 while leaving the to stand up to such political ter- Research Center. Affordable Care Act relatively rorism.” Following a 21-hour speech untouched. With declining approval rat- made to bar passage of an “So ultimately,” Wilson at- ings, it is possible the shutdown ACA funded budget, Ted Cruz tested, “the bill funding and will affect 2014-midterm elec- gained notoriety as the most reopening the government, as tions. According to a Gallup active opponent of Obamacare.
When asked if shutting down the government is a tactic that will ever be used again, Wilson responded saying, “It’s hard to say.” He explained that many Tea Party members of Congress come from very safe Republican-dominated districts where their number-one concern is losing in the primary to someone claiming to be even more conservative. “Sadly, this means that these individuals have no reason to try to please the average American, who simply wants moderate policy, compromise, and a functional government,” said Wilson. Wilson argues that it is a complex issue. He believes that Republican leaders can bring stability to the party if they act to isolate the power of the “irresponsible and unreasonable elements of their party” and pass bi-partisan legislation. But he warns that if they take these actions they will risk their own jobs because conservative Republicans may decide to remove them from leadership positions for cooperating with Democrats.
hunt and around the presentations are all from area high schools.” Once the presentations were complete, Ravi Sandhu, UTSA Lutcher Brown Endowed Professor of Cyber Security, gave a keynote address titled “The Science, Engineering, and Business of Cyber Security.” His keynote included details on the Department of Defense and its use of cyber security for defense as well as offensive tactics, the future objectives of cyber security and how privacy is included within security and not security within privacy. He stated, “The capability to get past current security is there, but attackers have not yet had the need to exploit that capability. The system is secure enough. People are happy with the current system because of this. It is not perfect, but it is simply enough.”
Edidiong Adiakpang Staff Writer
news@paisano-online.com On Sept. 27, the University of Texas at San Antonio rejected an in-state tuition waiver for the same-sex spouse of an active duty service member. The decision was quickly changed after the recipient made allegations that denial was the result of gender discrimination. The student, who is working on a doctorate in medical anthropology at UTSA, wants to remain anonymous out of concern for how the publicity surrounding the case would affect her and her partner, who is stationed at Joint Base San Antonio-Lack-
“I get to be excited that I don’t have a financial burden, but the policy hasn’t changed. If anybody else applies in the future, they are not necessarily protected.” Anonymous
Same-sex spouse land. UTSA spokesman Joe Izbrand said in an email to the San Antonio Express-News, “After carefully reviewing this matter, it has been determined that the student will be charged resident tuition.” Izbrand responded to the allegations of discrimination by saying, “Our university is enriched through inclusiveness and diversity.” The Texas Constitution defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman; however, the university’s refusal to grant the student instate tuition conflicts with the federal Higher Education Opportunity Act (H.R. 4137), section 135, which was signed into law on August 14, 2008, and protects same-sex couples following the Defense of Marriage Act being ruled unconstitutional. This law requires that “in the case of a member of the armed forces who is on active duty for a period of more than 30 days and whose domicile or permanent duty station is in a state that receives assistance See POLICY, Page 3
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NEWS
3 October 22, 2013
shown the same treatment? From page 1
bers of the GLBTQ club at UTSA to find ways to address under this Act, such state shall this problem within the school. not charge such member (or Michelle Jackson, the politithe spouse or dependent child cal co-chair of the GLBTQ club of such member) tuition for at- drafted a letter to the dean and tendance at a public institution associate deans of the UTSA of higher education in the State graduate school, calling for at a rate that is greater than the them to resolve the issue with rate charged for residents of the the policy. The letter was also State.” supported by the National OrThis means, according to ganization for Women at UTSA federal law, that universities are and the Young Democrats of UTSA. As of press time they are still waiting for a reply from the deans. Michelle Jackson Jackson UTSA GLBTQ Political Co-Chair says that the GLBTQ stuobligated to grant in-state tu- dent organization is also lookition to spouses of active mili- ing into contacting the adtary personnel based on the ministration of the entire UT university’s interpretation of System since the policy might who constitutes a spouse. actually be one bigger than just Just hours after the San An- UTSA. tonio Expres-News broke the “I believe that the policy story, UTSA announced that it should be changed to include would provide in-state tuition those in same-sex marriages, to the spouse of the army per- but I do understand this is a sonnel in the form of a $1,000 complicated issue because merit-based graduate anthro- state law has to change, since pology scholarship. it doesn’t match federal law. However, the school has not I don’t know what’s going to changed the policy towards happen next, but I do hope this same-sex partners due to the eventually leads to some major conflicting federal and state policy/legal changes throughdefinition of “spouse.” out the state.” “I get to be excited that I In a public statement, Izdon’t have a financial burden, brand said the university’s but the policy hasn’t changed,” course of action will ultimately the student said in an interview be determined by the UT Syswith the San Antonio Express- tem, but that higher educationNews. “If anybody else applies al institutions that receive fedin the future, they are not nec- eral funding have to eventually essarily protected.” resolve the conflict between the Controversy over the UTSA federal mandate and the state in-state policy prompted mem- law.
“I believe that the policy should be changed to include those in same-sex marriages...”
Health forum educates students UTSA Kristin Carreon Contributing Writer
news@paisano-online.com “One in three women will have an abortion in their lifetime.” “12 percent of women live in poverty.” “Up to 10 million women and one million men have eating disorders.” “Total (state) clinic visits for Planned Parenthood dropped from 73,137 in 2011 to 55,335 in 2012.” These and other facts were available to UTSA’s students during the Women’s Health Forum on Oct. 14. Hosted by the National Organization for Women (NOW) at UTSA, the event fostered a relaxed environment where organizations could inform the university community on health issues individuals may be hesitant to approach. Two organizations that provided information on the politically taboo service of abortion were the 1 in 3 Campaign and the Lilith Fund. The 1 in 3 Campaign provided miniature books with women — whose ages range from 18 to 35 and statuses from single to happily married — sharing the story of their abortion. However, the reasons they chose an abortion ranged from birth defects to a shattered future or a loveless relationship. While the 1 in 3 Campaign organization focuses its efforts on conversations about
abortion, the Lilith Fund focuses on raising money to provide low-income women with the choice to terminate their pregnancy. “We have monthly happy hours and on top of that one other event such as a fundraiser or party,” said San Antonio volunteer Lindsay R o d r i g u e z . Informational booths from various reproductive health organizations provide students with information. R e c e n t events included a screening of ness. We reach out to about event’s purpose of informing Dirty Dancing and a Psychic 20,000 individuals a year.” “women” on “women’s health” Fair featuring tarot and palm Education, Brietung noted, issues. readings; all proceeds went to is an important part of SAAF’s NOW, who hosted the women seeking help from the mission, as well as providing event, advocates for “abortion Lilith Fund, along with any free testing. “We have a con- rights and reproductive jusdonations that came in. tract with Walgreens allowing tice, stopping violence against “Unfortunately, San Anto- us to park our red van in their women, constitutional equalnio does not have a lot of vol- parking lot, where we have ity, promoting diversity and unteers and we would love to free HIV testing with results ending racism, LGBTQ rights, gain more,” said Rodriguez, in only 60 seconds. We also and economic justice.” who serves as the sole volun- provide counseling for indiWith the primary purpose teer for San Antonio. viduals; even if the results are to not only provide informaHowever, women’s health negative, we go over the risk tion and help for women, but issues were not the sole topic factors that those individu- to all groups, NOW succeedof the event. als can change in order to be ed in conveying the imporTrent Breitung, an educa- safer.” tance of a full range of topics. tor for the San Antonio AIDS The pamphlets provided Matthew Chandler, a volunFoundation (SAAF), noted by SAAF were targeted for teer for NOW explained that that his organization holds both women and men, and “we try to address any form of numerous events to educate for individuals of all sexual marginalization. We are interthe public: orientations. The inclusion ested in any gender, sex, and “We go to middle and high of all genders, orientations LGBTQ health issues. This is schools and educate them on and lifestyles at this event a safe space for them.” STD and HIV/AIDS aware- changed the meaning of the Courtesy of Matthew Trevino
POLICY: Are LGBTQ couples
NEWS
4 October 22, 2013
LOCAL Sarah Gibbens News Editor
news@paisano-online.com The fight over Obamacare is far from over. On Saturday, Oct. 19, Ted Cruz was the keynote speaker for the Texas Confederation of Republican Women’s Conference. The event was held in the Grand Hyatt downtown in the early afternoon. Cruz thanked the crowd for their support, opening his speech by saying, “After spending a month in Washington, it’s great to be back in America.” Cruz gained recent notoriety for a 21-hour speech that was meant to delay the passage of a budgetary bill that funded the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Since then, his popularity has grown among Tea Party Republicans to a more than 60 percent approval rating, according to the Pew Research Center. His speech focused on repealing Obamacare and energizing the conservative voter base in Texas. “When this battle first started, no one gave a prayer that anything could be done about it,” said Cruz on the funding and implementation of the ACA. Cruz claimed that when nothing could be done to stop the ACA, he decided that he and conservative colleagues had to “take the issue to the people.” He then explained that his bus tour during the spring and summer of this year was meant to turn the people against the
ACA. The bus tour had previously been speculated to be a possible presidential campaign promotion. The Texas Senator blamed the inability to unify Senate Republicans as the reason the federal government shut down and the ACA was inevitably funded. “We tried to stop the train wreck that is Obamacare,” said Cruz. While Cruz compared the efforts of House Republicans to soldiers going into battle, he said, “Senate Republicans came in and bombed House Republicans. You can’t win a fight when cannons are pointed at your own guys.” Cruz expressed his concerns that the ACA would lead to more government debt and public spending, providing no relief for the American people. He claimed that there are four steps to repealing the ACA. “Together we need to elevate the national debate about the incredible harms Obamacare is causing,” said Cruz as the first step. Cruz also claimed that the debate has been so penetrating that liberal TV shows such as Saturday Night Live and The Daily Show have satirized the Act. The second step, Cruz claimed, was to organize the grassroots, increasing the participation of local volunteers. He encouraged Republican volunteers to work harder to elect Republicans in the coming 2014-midterm elections. His third point was to take on Senate Democrats who he claimed were “a whole bunch of stupid folk.”
“Every single senate democrat voted against repealing an exception for senators under Obamacare,” said Cruz, encouraging the base to bar Democrats from elected office. The exception is a one-year waiver on health benefit caps that were afforded to government offices and large corporations. However, members of congress will continue to qualify for insurance under the Small Business Health Options Programs (SHOP), which is available in the District of Columbia. “As a result of that vote, there are going to be half dozen senate Democrats discovering health care elsewhere in 2014,” said Cruz as a result of voter accountability. Demonstrating the power of the grassroots was his final step mentioned as his plan to repeal the ACA. “What this fight is about is that Washington D.C. isn’t listening to the American people… Nothing terrifies Washington more than what you all have done in the past few weeks. Liberty is never safer than when a politician is terrified,” claimed Cruz. Going forward, Cruz encouraged Republicans to increase their volunteer efforts and hold their elected officials accountable. “If we keep building momentum, eventually the U.S. Senate will listen to us,” claimed Cruz. He ended his speech by saying, “We have to stop the ruling class from playing by a different set of rules. We can win with a touch of humor and telling real people’s stories.”
Courtesy of Hannah Beck
Ted Cruz in San Antonio
Elisa Chan gained local notoriety after a recording was released in which she criticized the lifestyle of the LGBTQ community.
Chan vacates City Council seat LOCAL Sarah Gibbens News Editor
news@paisano-online.com Elisa Chan has resigned as the City Council representative for District 9. Chan gained notoriety after a staff member recorded her saying that she found homosexuality to be unnatural and “gross.” Chan also voted against the Non-discrimination Ordinance (NDO) that allowed members of the LGBTQ community protections against being fired from publicly funded employment. She vacated her position to run against Republican Donna
Campbell for Texas Senate District 25 during the March primary for the 2014-midterm elections. Mike Novak will also be running against the two conservatives during the election and Dan Boone will be running on the Democratic Party ticket. The council voted to pass Chan’s resignation and is now accepting applications for the District 9 seat until Nov. 1. After the two-week application period, the City Council applicants will be vetted and questioned during a council B session. On Nov. 7, the council will vote to approve an interim council member who will serve until a special election in May. During an interview with the San Antonio Express-News,
Chan stated that, “With my qualifications, my experience, my conservative views, what can I do to make the biggest positive impact on the community? I think this is a good opportunity for me.” So far, Republican Weston Martinez is the only candidate who has publicly stated an intention to run for District 9. Martinez lost to Chan in the last City Council election and is currently leading the effort, along with the Bexar County Conservative Coalition, to recall Councilman Diego Bernall, who authored the NDO. Currently, Martinez serves as the State Republican Executive Committeeman for District 25.
OPINION
August 26, 2008
{The Paisano} Editorial Editor-in-Chief: Matthew Duarte
Managing Editor: J. Corey Franco
News Editor: Sarah Gibbens
News Assistant: Gibson Hull
Arts Editor: Janae Rice
Arts Assistants: Jackie Calvert Mark Zavala
Sports Editor: Mario Nava
Sports Assistant: Jakob Lopez
Web Editor:
Jennifer Alejos
Web Assistant: Michael Turnini
Special Issues Editor: Erin Boren
Special Issues Assistants: Rebecca Conejo Jade Cuevas
Business Manager: Jenelle Duff
Senior Copy Editor: Beth Marshall
Interim Photo Editor: Rafael Gutierrez
Photo Assistants: Vicente Cardenas Kaitlin McNeil
Senior Graphic Designer: Lindsay Smith
{Staff Writers} Chris Breakell, Jazzment Brown, Alex Camacho, Nick Castillo, Christina Coyne, Shelby Hodges, Randy Lopez, Patrick Martinez, Crystal Poenisch, Paulina Rivero-Borrell, Council Royal, Sara Flores
{Staff Photographers} Alyssa Gonzales
{Contributing Writers} Mohamed Ahmed, Julian Montez, Jose Quintero, Jasmine Rodriguez, Pete Torres, Renee Rendon, Mary Caithn Scott, Chance McDevitt, Chris Rodriguez, Aaron Zachary, Rico Martinez, Matt Trevino, Marco Aquino, Victor Gonzalez, Kelsey Moreno, Adrian Tippit, Megan Ball, Rohit Chandon, Chaney Shadrock
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Diane Abdo
{Advisory Board}
Steven Kellman, Mansour El-Kikhia, Jack Himelblau, Sandy Norman, Stefanie Arias The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. New issues are published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays and exam periods. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed towards:
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The Paisano
Opinion
5 5
October 22, 2013
Board of Regents should let UTSA move on without CAP
When the Coordinated Admissions Program (CAP) began in 2001 UTSA’s admission rate was essentially 100 percent, fewer than 20,000 students were enrolled here and we were without a football team, a Rec Center or an identity. Now, as UTSA continues its push for Tier One status, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the CAP program is holding back the university. Administrators at UTSA and at UT Austin alike have signed off on a plan to make this year’s crop of CAP students at UTSA the university’s last. Citing reasons ranging from UTSA’s mediocre retention rate to UT-Dallas’ abandonment of the program, both universities agree that ending the CAP program at UTSA is the right decision. However, the UT System’s Board of Regents, who must first approve the change, has yet to signal its assent. The CAP program allows
students who are not initially admitted to UT-Austin an opportunity to attend the flagship university if they first enroll at another UT System school and meet certain academic criteria, namely that they maintain a 3.2 GPA and take a minimum of 30 credit hours. Since the program began over ten years ago over 13,000 CAP students have enrolled at UTSA — more than any other school by a wide margin. Although more than eight schools have participated in the CAP program, about two out of every three student who have come through the CAP program have picked UTSA. This means that while UTSA must plan for over a thousand freshmen each year who have no intention of staying more than a couple semesters, schools like UTEP have never seen more than 70 such students each year, despite similar enrollment numbers. UTSA also experiences a high
turnover of students enrolled in the CAP program — from 2001 through 2011 CAP students who attended UTSA were more than 30 percent more likely to be accepted to UT Austin than were their peers at other UT system schools. In total, about 70 percent of CAP students who enroll at UTSA are gone by their sophomore year. Of course, while these statistics hardly paint a grim picture of UTSA’s academics — more students voluntarily choose to come here and a higher percentage of them meet the academic standards — UTSA needs more than a pretty picture to be a successful, Tier One university. One of the most obvious measures of a university’s student body is the number of students who stick around for their sophomore year. As it stands right now, UTSA’s retention rate is a paltry 60 percent, well behind schools like UT-Austin and Texas A&M, whose reten-
tion rates are currently around 90 percent. According to UTSA’s graduation Rate Improvement Plan (GRIP), eliminating the CAP program would immediately bump that number up by ten points, easily a start in the right direction. Of course, the numbers suggest that if UTSA is able to abandon CAP it will almost certainly result in fewer students choosing to enroll in the CAP program. Approximately twothirds of CAP students pick UTSA, and without such a popular stepping stone there will likely be students who choose to pursue a degree somewhere other than UT’s flagship. Additionally, because students at UTSA are more successful than student at other CAP schools there may very well be a decline in the number of CAP students who make it to Austin, and the Board of Regents is certainly aware of this. However, the Board of Regents should not run the whole
system as if the university in Austin is the only one that matters. UTSA and UT Austin have both signed off on a plan to eliminate the CAP program at UTSA, but the Board of Regents has been too stubborn to give the plan the go-ahead. While UTSA is doing everything in its power to boost its retention and graduation rates, the Board of Regents is preventing our progress by forcing us to keep our numbers artificially low. According to the GRIP we are on pace to rival both UT Austin’s and Texas A&M’s retention rate within the next ten years, but only if we can first eliminate the CAP program. A successful system is one with more than one Tier One university, and UTSA can only reach this status if it abandons the CAP program. UTSA should be educating its own students, not babysitting for its older brother in Austin.
Commentary
A microaggression of sexual abuse The other day, a man followed me into an empty stairwell in the McKinney Humanities building to ask for my phone number. He continued following me to my car, asking for my phone number, even after I explained to him that I felt very uncomfortable giving my phone number to a stranger. This event and events similar to them are part of a tradition of gender discrimination and sexual harassment at UTSA. The event that I faced was an example of a phenomenon popularly termed ‘street harassment’. Hollaback, an organization dedicated to the eradication of street harassment, defines street harassment as instances of sexual harassment in public places: catcalls on sidewalks, sexual come-ons in the library lines, groping in crowds. Street harassment is a daily reminder that people who claim identities that are marginalized (feminine, transgender, queer, gay or lesbian) are obligated by patriarchal institutions and social systems of male dominance to sacrifice bodily and sexual autonomy in order to exist in public spaces. Street harassment is a symptom of the profoundly damaging culture of rape, sexual abuse and sexual violence that every student and faculty member at UTSA is forced to operate in. Unwanted sexual attention is an attack upon sexual autonomy and an aggressive reminder that presenting yourself as feminine in a public place means you must give up your own sexuality in order to submit to patriarchal ideals. UTSA’s Handbook of Operating Procedures Section 9.01 specifically “prohibits unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, citizenship and veteran status in all aspects of employment and education…in accordance with federal and state law.” The Handbook goes on to include prohibition of “discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression.” Furthermore, UTSA’s Handbook of Operating Procedures Section 9.01 prohibits sexual harassment, misconduct and discrimination “regardless of where it occurs, including both on and off university property, if it potentially affects the alleged victim’s education or employment.” Most male students at UTSA seem to ignore these rules when they are lounging in the Sombrilla or walking to classes. Sexual harassment has absolutely
no place in any environment, but in an academic environment, it is profoundly damaging. The environment of sexual violence, abuse and discrimination that marginalized groups face at UTSA is directly detrimental to the educational process. Aside from the misogyny and colonial residues that incite street harassment, street harassment is also fueled by the idea that unwanted and unsolicited sexual advances are natural human behavior, that they are a form of flirting, that when men humiliate women for participating in popular western feminine archetypes it is an indicator of reverence. Predominant is the idea that street harassment is for the benefit of the woman. Women are encouraged to be grateful that a stranger, who is statistically likely to physically, mentally and sexually abuse them, is providing them with attention while they are simply trying to get to class. When victims of street harassment come forward about the abuse they have faced, they are often held accountable because of the way they present themselves, particularly through clothing and make up; however, the attire of a victim of street harassment is not the victim’s abuser. The person catcalling the victim is the abuser. While misogyny and patriarchy and racism (pejorative ideas of and actions against women, social and institutional male dominance, pejorative ideas of and actions against people of color) blatantly exist in classrooms at UTSA--manifesting themselves as male students speaking over/interrupting women students and professors, male professors engaging white male students rather than women or men of color--these colonial systems of heteropatriarchy and racism are put most violently into practice in UTSA parking lots, walkways, hallways, stairwells, food courts, and streets. While incidents of street harassment vary in severity, every incident of street harassment, no matter how harmless it may seem, is a microaggression of sexual abuse and an attack on bodily and identity autonomy. For more, continue reading at Paisano-online.com Keely Moore Contributing Writer
Letters to the Editor
Congratulations Republicans
Wednesday night, with the United States teetering on the edge of an unprecedented default, a last-minute deal was reached to reopen government. However, come February of 2014, it’s quite likely that déjà vu will be taking place all over again when they take the debt ceiling issue up again. If we have learned anything since President Obama has taken office, it is that the majority of Republicans refuse to compromise or provide solutions of their own and instead lay blame at his feet. No other president has been obstructed and character assassinated the way our president has been. They have called him a Muslim, a Socialist, a Marxist, a Communist, Kenyan-born, and the Anti-Christ. It’s quite clear to any like minded individual that these nutcase theories hold no weight. Rather, this is all the result of the color of his skin. Why else would they question his birthplace or his Christian faith? Also, on the first day President Obama was inaugurated, in 2009, Republicans met behind closed doors to plan how
Comic
they would intentionally destroy him. They made their plan very clear: do not agree to any of his ideas or plans (even if Republicans supported them in the past or even if they were Republican ideas) and do not work across the aisle to compromise with the Democrats. Congratulations, Republicans. Your political party has been very successful at this. Republicans have consistently character assassinated our president, they have said no to anything he wants to do, and they have made it their mission to do whatever it takes to sabotage his presidency. In addition, since the “Affordable Healthcare Act” has been signed into law, Republicans have been aching for its repeal. Last year, when the United States Supreme Court upheld the law, they made it a point to run on its repeal ahead of the elections. Well, they lost. They couldn’t repeal the law through the United States Supreme Court or through the democratic process, so the Tea Party decided to take our country hostage, but they weren’t alone. In a recent New York Times
I’ll Just Sit Here. by: Christopher Breakell
article, it was revealed that the Koch brothers (who wrote checks to Romney and Republicans to a tune of $400 million last year), conspired to plan the government shutdown months ago. Republicans knew that if they succeeded in repealing President Obama’s signature piece of legislation, it would deliver a serious blow to his legacy. However, let’s be clear. All these political charades have had nothing to do with the actual healthcare law. Let’s call it what it is. What all this is about is systematic obstructionism and sabotage at the hands of the Tea Party and their bigmoney allies in order to ensure a Republican president is elected in 2016. The repeal of the healthcare law would merely give them bragging rights to win over voters. For more, continue reading at Paisano-online.com Eugene Ramirez B.A. in Communications
6
ARTS&LIFE
October 22, 2013
A haunting in San Antonio: the five scariest places in the Alamo City
{Local Events} Tuesday, October 22 7:30 p.m. Theater: “Peter and the Starcatcher” The Majestic Theatre (224 E. Houston) presents Rick Elice’s adaptation of the best-selling children’s novel “Peter and the Starcatcher.” Referred to as the “swashbuckling grownup prequel to Peter Pan,” the play employs a cast of 12 to portray upwards of 100 characters. Admission is $26$76. For tickets and showtimes, visit majesticempire.com.
Mark Zavala / The Paisano
Wednesday, October 23 7 p.m. Live Music: I Love Boobies Music Festival
The Huenber-Onion Homestead on Bandera Rd. is said to be haunted by Joseph Huebner and John F. Onion
Mark Zavala
Arts Assistant arts@paisano-online.com With Halloween coming, a slew of haunted house attractions have sprung up all over downtown San Antonio. The classic haunted house Nightmare on Grayson no longer holds the reins (at least not under the same name), and companies like 13th Floor and Psycho Asylum are attracting haunted house enthusiasts from all over the city. But what about the real haunted houses in San Antonio? San Antonio is home to many supposedly haunted areas. Rumors of apparitions of an individual who died while constructing the Alamodome and warriors that died defending the Alamo wandering around their respective deathbeds are just a few examples of the many haunted areas throughout the city. Here are five of the most notable haunted places in the Alamo City: The Menger Hotel, the Ghost Tracks, Our Lady of the Lake University, the Donkey Lady Bridge and the Hueb-
COLUMN
ner-Onion Homestead. A well-known rumored haunted area is the Menger Hotel, where multiple ghost sightings have been made by employees and hotel guests. Among the reported spirits, Sallie White, a 1870s chambermaid who was shot by her husband, has been seen in a uniform with an apron and a bandana wrapped around her hair with her arms stretched out, full of fresh towels. Captain Richard King, founder of the famed King Ranch, is also said to haunt the hotel. King died at the Menger in the room now known as the King Suite. The elevator in the original building is said to regularly stop on the third floor where the King Suite is located and where King is rumored to have been seen wandering the halls. Another popular haunting is the Ghost Tracks on the south side of town. The story goes that a bus of full of children was crossing the railroad tracks on the corner of Villamain and Shane near Mission San Jose, when it stalled and was hit by
John Flores / The Paisano
Keep in g Ties Sara Flores
Staff Writer arts@paisano-online.com Going to school can be a trying practice that wears us down in a lot of ways. It also gives us the opportunity for experiences we may not get anywhere else. When it comes to being social while attending a university, there are many dif-
ferent roads one can take. Some feel that socializing, compared to studying, is a low priority, while others make it their goal to expand their circle of friends upon entering college. However, things can get complicated when school becomes the main barrier between a friendship. Seemingly strong bonds can be tested in a number of ways
mal instances. Onion died in the house and is said to haunt the house along with Huebner. Other versions of the story say that Onion murdered his family and then committed suicide in the house. Other, lesser known rumored haunted areas in San Antonio include the Sheraton Gunter Hotel, the San Antonio Express-News office and the GDC Marketing & Ideation building. Some individuals that have been to the GDC Marketing and Ideation building claim to have seen ghosts wandering through the halls. Tatiana Torres, senior communication major and intern at GDC, said, “I haven’t really ever seen any apparitions or anything. The computers do like to go crazy sometimes, though, in a very unusual sort of way.” Of course, these are just rumors. As is the way with most ghostly rumors, these claims have been discounted by many, but with so many claiming to have experienced the same thing it is fun to speculate what is real.
Hooligans Bar and Grill (13920 N IH-35) will be hosting the “I Love Boobies Music Festival” to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A portion of proceeds will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation towards helping the education, research, screening and treatment to help find a cure for breast cancer. The show will include multiple live performances, special guest hosts, live DJ performances and more. For more information, visit hooligansbarandgrill.com.
Thursday, October 24 7:45 p.m. Film Screening: Cycle-In Cinema: “Beetlejuice” The Main Plaza Conservancy (115 N. Main Ave) will host Cycle-In Cinema, a modern interpretation of the classic drive-in with a twist; audience members are asked to volunteer to use their bikes to pedal-power the projector. This week, Cycle-In Cinema presents Tim Burton’s 1988 classic “Beetlejuice.” For more information, visit mainplazaconservancy. org.
a train in the 1940s, killing everyone on board. The streets around the Ghost Tracks supposedly are named after the victims. Today, the children are rumored to stop vehicles over the tracks to safety, so other motorists avoid the same fate. People visit the tracks every year with flour sprinkled on the back of their cars to capture the handprints of the ghost children. Our Lady of the Lake University is said to be haunted by the spirit of a boy named Jack. Jack is said to haunt Pacelli Hall, one of the campus’ dorms. No one has seen Jack, but when things go missing and odd noises are heard it is attributed to Jack. The items are returned and the noises stop when he is asked, supposedly. Spirits of nuns have also been seen roaming the campus. One of the most popular haunting stories in San Antonio is that of the Donkey Lady Bridge. A woman who raised donkeys was ambushed by the father of a child who was bitten by one of her donkeys and other men on a bridge. She was
pushed into the river below and drowned. Some say that if you stop on that bridge on Zarzamora Road at night, you may hear the heehaw of a donkey or feel the back of your vehicle dip, as if a donkey jumped on it. Other endings to stories claim that her face was mauled so badly that she now has a face similar to a donkey’s, but only a few individuals have claimed to have seen her. The Huebner-Onion Homestead, the historic limestone house fenced off on Bandera Rd, has a fascinatingly haunting story, too. In the 1800s, Joseph Huebner accidentally drank kerosene instead of whiskey. When neighbors found him collapsed, they couldn’t decide if he was dead or just drunk. They took a vote and decided he was dead and buried him. Years later, when Judge John F. Onion and his wife, Harriet, purchased the house in 1930, there were tales of noises coming from the house that supposedly drove horses carrying travelers by the house into a frenzy. Onion and his wife experienced numerous paranor-
when school is at its busiest. Sometimes you and a friend may suddenly have different goals that make it difficult for your paths to cross. When this happens, it is easy to forget plans you made or even send a quick text letting the other person know you miss them. Friendships may get even more difficult when one person attends school and the other does not. Many of us know people who are taking entirely different paths with their lives. Though everyone has responsibilities that keep them busy throughout the day, those responsibilities vary from person to person. It can be difficult to keep your ties in the face of deadlines and midterms. Homework or an important late-night meeting may interfere with plans and eventually steer the relationship into a very specific direction. You may become jealous of them for not having a full load of nightly homework, just as they may become jealous of you for not having to convince a boss somewhere that they are good enough to keep their job.
It’s difficult to relate to one an- yourself agreeing to less time equally from time apart. You other when neither party can with them in order to avoid may not have the opportunity see firsthand what the other is fighting and destroying the to do the same things you used going through. bond you once had. to do, and that may weigh your For example, if you are runThe important thing to re- friendship down at first. ning on just a few hours of member in situations like this Eventually, you may find that sleep, simple tasks can be dif- is that your livelihood is of the when together, you do differficult. If you tell your friends utmost importance in times of ent things that are even more that you were up all night doing stress. Though you and your fun than before. Letting go of homework, they may be unable friend may struggle to under- a previous way of living is not to see the full picture of your stand each other’s positions always a bad thing. stress without seeing the worn in life, reminding yourself that Sitting down with your look on your face. your health and happiness friends and trying to underSimilarly, it may be difficult matters most may help you get stand them in a new way can for you to understand why your through rough patches with be beneficial to your relationfriends don’t want to go out them. ship. Allowing the friendship after a full day of work, even In the same instance, know- to grow and take a new form though they don’t have papers ing when to let go can also be can be exciting and freeing, alto write at home. key. Though the goal is never to lowing you both the comfort of These small instances of not cut ties completely, sometimes space and the promise of a new being able to keep up with a you and your friend can benefit kind of bond. friendship can manifest themSpiritual Experiences Guidebook selves into stressful entities that Past Lives, Dreams, Soul Travel and More . . . can actually take Free Guidebook, CD and Discussion a lot of your time. You and these Thursday, October 24, 7:00-8:00 p.m. friends may feel University Center 2.01.30 (Magnolia Room) after a while that Find answers to help you understand your spiritual experiences! your lives are too Info: Omid Ghasemi (e-mail) - qys128@my.utsa.edu different to relate or call Justin: 832-244-6502 www.Eckankar-Texas.org to one another. Sponsored by the Eckankar Student Organization - visit the You may find
Friday, October 25 9 p.m. Film Screening: UCinema Night, “The Conjuring” The University Center Programing Council will be screening James Wan’s “The Conjuring” in the Retama Auditorium (UC 2.02.02). Free raffle prizes and popcorn will be provided. Admission is free.
Saturday, October 26 6:00 p.m. Event: Howl-O-Ween Bash
Howl at the Moon (111 W. Crocket St. #201) is hosting its annual Halloween party. Enjoy drink specials, a costume contest (with the possibility to win $2,000 in cash and prizes), and their world famous dueling piano show. For more information, visit howlathemoon.com.
bulletin board in MH2-5C for info on ongoing activities.
ARTS&LIFE
7 October 22, 2013
Courtesy Photo/ James Teninty
Evil takes on a new, funny form Cameo Theater brings gore and laughs with ‘Evil Dead: The Musical’ Actors Jonathan Pennington (Ash) and Jovi Lee Gonzales (Cheryl) fighting off demons.
Janae Rice Arts Editor
arts@paisano-online.com What if your sibling, best friend and girlfriend became possessed by a demon? Would you join them or fight them to the death using any weapons you could find in a cabin in the woods? This is the question Ash, the main character and hero of “Evil Dead The Musical,” asks himself. “Evil Dead: The Musical” is based on the cult film franchise “The Evil Dead,” “Evil Dead 2” and “Army of Darkness.” The musical has been performed since 2003 and has since been compared to a new “Rocky Horror Show,” with its song “Do the Necronomicon” performed by all the demons on stage. “Evil Dead: The Musical” takes from each of the three films, incorporating singing
and dancing to comment on the funny happenings in a typical horror story. The musical features a ‘splatter zone’ for the first few rows in the theater that may get splattered during the death scenes. Those nervous about getting dirty shouldn’t worry as the splatter is nothing more than water. The musical and film follows Ash (or Ashley), his sister, his girlfriend, his best friend and his best friend’s girlfriend, who visit a remote cabin and find a book of the dead. They also find a tape recorder reciting incantations from the book that summon demons and spirits, which haunt the group for the rest of the night. Fans of the 1981 film will enjoy seeing it adapted for the theater with new laughs from songs “It Won’t Let Us Leave,” “Join Us” and “We Will Never Die.” The film franchise is loved for its campy take on horror,
which is less scary and more humorous. The musical adaptation excels in this aspect, taking low-budget filmmaking to another level with a simple cabin set on a stage. Another part of the film that makes it a classic is, despite its silly take on demonic possession, it is exceptionally wellmade. Director Sam Raimi’s shaky-cam technique inspired “The Evil Dead” editor and filmmaker Joel Coen for his first film, “Blood Simple.” The musical makes up for this by employing song, dance and audience participation. Bruce Campbell, who plays Ash in all three films, has gained a loyal following for his portrayal of a guy unwilling to let evil prevail. Actor Jonathan Pennington is no Bruce Campbell, but the audience cheered him on through his performance and his battle with the undead.
Jovi Lee Gonzales, who played Kate Monster in the Cameo Theater’s “Avenue Q” production, played Cheryl, Ash’s sister. Gonzales stands out with a great performance even though most of it is in a hole in the stage. “Evil Dead: The Musical” is a show full of fun and camp. Fans of the film who are skeptical of a theater adaptation will be delighted to find that the musical is nostalgic and entertaining. Those unfamiliar with the film trilogy will enjoy the absurd and silly jokes. The Cameo Theater will show “Evil Dead: The Musical” through Nov. 3. Double features with “The Rocky Horror Show” are also available. Tickets can be purchased at cameocenter.com. For more information, visit cameocenter.com
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SPORTS
8 October 22, 2013
UTSA SOCCER
UTSA VOLLEYBALL
{Sports Events} Tuesday, October 22 All Day, UTSA Men’s Golf Roadrunners compete in the final day of the Herb Wimberly Intercollegiate Tournament at the NMSU Golf Course in Las Cruces, N.M.
6 p.m. UTSA Softball Roadrunners host the St. Edwards Hilltoppers in an exhibition game at Roadrunner Field in San Antonio, TX.
7:30 p.m. Spurs Lindsey Smith / The Paisano
Spurs host the Houston Rockets in a preseason game at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX.
Thursday, October 24 7 p.m. Spurs Spurs host the Orlando Magic in a preseason game at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX.
Friday, October 25 All Day, UTSA Men’s Tennis
UTSA has three games left in the season, with their home finale on Sunday, Oct. 27.
Roadrunners pull the breaks on Colorado College winning streak Special Issues Assistant
sports@paisano-online.com The UTSA Roadrunners soccer team (4-10-2, 3-2-2 C-USA) battled the Conference USA No. 1 ranked Colorado College Tigers (11-3-1, 6-0-1 C-USA) to a 0-0 draw, breaking Colorado’s nine-game winning streak on Sunday, Oct. 20, at Park West Athletics Complex. “I’m very pleased with how hard our effort was. We were very intelligent,” UTSA head coach Steve Ballard said. “I thought our game was good. I’m very pleased with everything.” Freshman goalkeeper Bubba Makela had seven saves in the game, three of them coming in a crucial second overtime.
“It was stressful at times, but I think we played really well, and (Colorado) is a really good team,” Makela said after the game. “I feel like when we play better teams we always rise to the occasion.” “I felt confident because I knew this was a big game, not only because they’re the number one team, but also because I grew up with the other goalkeeper (Kate Scheele) who played (for Colorado) and she’s a great goalkeeper,” said Makela. “So there was a lot more on the line then just the game; it was like a pride thing, but I thought I did what I had to do to keep the team in the game.” Junior forward Happy OrereAmadu led the team with four shots, two of which nearly went
in. Fellow junior forward Taylor Wingerden also added three shots, one of them on goal. Overall, UTSA finished the game with a total of 15 shots and six corner kicks, but the Roadrunners were held scoreless for the ninth time this season. The game was intense as both teams never let their guards down, attacking each goalkeeper throughout the game. In fact, both teams committed 30 fouls, while Colorado College was given the only red card of the game. UTSA is set to face off against the UT-El Paso Miners on Friday, Oct. 25, and finish their home schedule with a match against the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters on Sunday, Oct. 27.
8 p.m. UTSA Soccer Roadrunners compete against the UTEP Miners at University Field in El Paso, TX.
7:30 p.m. Rampage Kaitlin McNeil / The Paisano
Jade Cuevas
Roadrunners compete in the Texas Fall Invitational Tournament at the McLeod Tennis Center through Sunday, Oct. 27 in Austin, TX.
The Roadrunners are a half game back of the Tulsa Hurricanes for first place in C-USA.
Adams leads UTSA volleyball to sweep of North Texas Patrick Martinez Staff Writer
sports@paisano-online.com
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Following a win on Friday, Oct. 18 over the Rice Owls, the UTSA volleyball team cruised to victory over the North Texas Mean Green, sweeping them in three sets (25-23, 25-19, 25-12) on Sunday, Oct. 19, in the Convocation Center. Senior Mckenzie Adams recorded 19 points with a team high 17 kills, keeping UTSA in a dead heat for first place in Conference USA (C-USA) with the Tulsa Hurricanes. The Roadrunners have won seven of their first eight C-USA matchups, including a win over Tulane on the road on Sept. 27. Part of the success this season is due to the combination of play from the UTSA middle hitters. “They were awesome,” UTSA head coach Laura Groff said.
*Source: American College Health Association -National College Health Assessment II, Fall 2008
“We’re going to win bigger ball games by going to the middles. They got into a rhythm and did things we needed them to do.” North Texas, down 9-0 in the first set, scored 10 of the next 14 points to cut the UTSA lead to 13-10. The Mean Green came as close as 23-22 when UTSA dug deep to score the final two points to prevail with the first set win. The Roadrunners fell behind early in the second set 9-7, however, several errors by North Texas lead to a UTSA 13-3 scoring run, eventually ending in Roadrunner win. UTSA dominated the final set, as North Texas was never able to get in the game, resulting in a Roadrunner sweep and their second-straight win of the weekend. UTSA will head out on a three-game road trip, beginning on Sunday, Oct. 27 against the UTEP Miners.
Rampage host the Oklahoma City Barons at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX.
Saturday, October 26 All Day, UTSA Women’s Tennis Roadrunners compete in the Texas State Play Date at the Bobcat Tennis Complex in San Marcos, TX.
4 p.m. UTSA Football Roadrunners host the UAB Blazers at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX.
7 p.m. Rampage Rampage host the Oklahoma City Barons at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, TX.
7:30 p.m. Scorpions Scorpions host the New York Cosmos at Toyota Field in San Antonio, TX.
Sunday, October 27 All Day, UTSA Men’s Golf Roadrunners compete in the Alamo Invitational Tournament at the Briggs Ranch Golf Course through Tuesday, Oct. 29 in San Antonio, TX.
1 p.m. UTSA Soccer Roadrunners host the Louisiana Tech Lady Techsters at the Park West Athletics Complex in San Antonio, TX.
1 p.m. UTSA Volleyball Roadrunners compete against the UTEP Miners at the Memorial Gym in El Paso, TX.
SPORTS
9 October 22, 2013
UTSA FOOTBALL
Allstate and UTSA Athletics were on hand as part of the surprise to give Soza his award at Stevens High School on Thursday, Oct. 17.
Playing in his final season at UTSA, Soza has thrown for over 1,600 yards and eight touchdowns.
Chaney Shadrock Staff Writer
sports@paisano-online.com Senior Eric Soza, UTSA’s starting quarterback, visited a local high school on Thursday, Oct. 17, for what he believed to be a normal afternoon where he was scheduled to speak to the Stevens High School football team about balancing academics and football. Unbeknownst to Soza, he would be surprised with the 2013 Allstate American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) Good Works Team Award. Soza appeared both shocked and honored as the Good Works Team plaque was presented to him in front of Ste-
vens High School students who were in attendance. The prestigious award was given to Soza for the community service work he has done and the lives he has impacted during that time. “It was a shock. It was a great surprise and I’m glad it happened in front of Steven’s High School,” Soza said. “It is very humbling. We don’t do it for the recognition; we do it because it’s the right thing to do. To be awarded something as big as this is an unbelievable experience.” The AFCA is the top award college football players can receive based on their off-field work contributions. Nominees must be actively involved in their community while main-
Courtesy of UTSA Athletics
Vicente Cardenas / The Paisano
Soza surprised with award at Stevens High School
taining exemplary grades. Allstate aims for recipients who go the extra mile for those in need and who strive to be a positive
“I want people to remember me not only as a college football player but also a great person.” Eric Soza
UTSA Quarterback role model in their community. This is the 22nd year the award has been given out. The Good
Works Team is an elite group of only 22 players from around the nation. It is comprised of 11 players from the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision and 11 players from the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision, Divisions II, III and the NAIA. The program received a record-breaking 150 nominations from colleges all around the United States this summer. From there, an impressive panel of former Allstate AFCA Good Works Team members and college football media choose the 11-player FBS team. Ralph Peña, a local Allstate agency owner who had the honor of awarding Soza the official plaque, saw great character in Soza’s personality.
“Everything about Eric is a description of what Allstate and the AFCA looks for in a recipient. They are looking for an individual who not only exceeds on the field and academically, but also in our community,” Peña said. “Eric has given selflessly to many programs and we admire those qualities in a young man. Realizing that everyone’s playing days will end, the character that this young man has is what we are looking for. He represents all the good that we love to see in this sport and, actually, in life.” Soza graduated with a Bachelors degree in physical education while maintaining an impressive 3.96 GPA. He is currently studying as a graduate student
to become a head coach. In addition, Soza is the president of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAC) and an active member of UTSA’s community service program. Many times when Soza is not focusing on his next opponent, you can find him reading to a local elementary students with the “Rowdy Readers,” or speaking to under-privileged children on the importance of maintaining their health. “I just want to be a positive influence,” Soza said. “I want people to remember me not only as a college football player but also as a great person.”
10 October 22, 2013
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SPORTS
11 October 22, 2013
PAISANO SPORTS FEATURE
Jakob Lopez Sports Assistant
sports@paisano-online.com “I have the perfect job,” exclaims Andy Everett. “I get paid to talk about games while sitting in the best seat in the house.” Everett is the UTSA play-byplay commentator for the men’s basketball and football teams. Everett has been with UTSA since 2008 and has been broadcasting for the last 20 years. “I wanted to be a radio announcer when I was nine years old, maybe even earlier than that,” recalls Everett. “My grandmother had taken me on a shopping trip with her one Saturday, and I was listening to the games on the radio; OU was playing Baylor. When she came out of one of the stores, I was in the car listening. She asked what I was smiling about, and all I said was that I knew what I wanted to be.” Some people dream of being a sports star playing on a big stage. The sobering reality is that not everyone is a gifted athlete. While some children struggled to find who they were, Everett knew where he wanted to be in life. At a very young age, he decided that nothing could break him away from his love of sports. “I knew that I was never going to be a top-notch athlete. I could tell when I was seven or eight years old that everyone else was faster, quicker, stronger and more physically gifted to play sports,” reminisces Everett. “But I knew I loved the
games, and I knew I wanted to be involved in some way.” Everett’s love affair with sports continued all the way through college. A graduate of the University of Oklahoma in 1986, he got his start commentating for OU’s football team. “I started broadcasting as a freshman at OU, and, when my senior year came, I got to do their football games,” Everett says. “The first game that I ever broadcasted was Oklahoma vs. Texas.” After graduating college, Everett moved to San Antonio in 1988. He worked for what was then a Clear Channel radio station and WOAI to be a part of the Spurs broadcast as their studio host, and he has stayed in San Antonio ever since. Years later, Everett is now heavily involved in UTSA broadcasting. It all started a few years ago when UTSA athletics expanded. “It really began in 2006 when UTSA wrote its feasibility study. Part of that study was what they needed to do to improve their presence in radio broadcast. At that time, they really didn’t have a set announcer, and they had lost their radio deals,” Everett says. “So I knew what I could do, and I wanted to help. I started doing basketball in the 2008 season, and by that time we knew football was coming. From 2006 to 2007, we laid the groundwork for what I’d be able to do for the football broadcasts. Now I’m in my seventh season for the basketball team and third for the football team.
Vicente Cardenas / The Paisano
Everett: The voice of UTSA
When Everett is not broadcasting a UTSA football or basketball game he can be heard hosting his golf show on Sunday mornings on KTKR Ticket 760 AM.
I feel very fortunate.” When commentating different sports, there are many delicate changes. Along with a change in the pace of the game there are also different rules involved. “A basketball broadcast is different from a football broadcast,” Everett says when asked about the two sports. “Basketball is a shorter broadcast with more games throughout
the season, whereas a football broadcast is really an event. Football is a 10-12 hour day with 12 Saturdays throughout the season. The people involved with both broadcasts and the people listening to it care very much about it.” Andy Everett has become a stalwart in sports radio in the San Antonio area for the last 20 years. In addition to his broadcasting duties with UTSA, Ev-
erett can be heard on his weekly radio program, the La Cantera Golf Show, every Saturday morning on KTKR Ticket 760 AM. Everett takes great pride in delivering broadcasts to the students, alumni and fans of the UTSA football and basketball teams. He measures success by being able to make a fan feel the energy and pulse of each and every play.
“I want people to hear a broadcast that makes them feel that they are there. I want people to hear the crowd and hear the excitement,” Everett says. “I want them to buy tickets to the next game. I want someone who is listening to it in his or her car to want to be there at the next game; if I can do that then I’ve accomplished my job.”
12 October 22, 2013
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