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Independent Student Newspaper for the University of Texas at San Antonio 2014 Columbia Scholastic Press Gold Medalist
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UTSA In a move designed to keep UTSA competitive with schools in power-conferences, Athletic Director Lynn Hickey has announced that UTSA will fully fund cost-ofattendance grants for scholarship athletes, which could cost up to $800,000.
Volume 51
Issue 6
February 24 - March 3, 2015
Uncapping the lens behind ‘Humans of UTSA’
MariaCristina Moreno Staff Writer
@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com
San Antonio A growing number of City Council members and community leaders have proposed increasing the salary of City Council members. This change would not take effect until after May’s election.
Texas The Texas Supreme Court issued an emergency order to block same-sex marriages after a Travis County judge issued the state’s first samesex marriage license in Austin.
Marcus Connolly, The Paisano Inspired by “Humans of New York,” the “Humans of UTSA” Facebook page has shone a light on dozens of students and their quirks and aspirations.
Linda McNulty
Contributing Writer @ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com
Perhaps many of you are familiar with “Humans of New York,” the photoblog featuring portraits and interviews of New York City residents, which began in 2010 and now has millions of followers worldwide. Most likely, less of you are familiar with its local spinoff, “Humans of UTSA,”
Staff Writer
@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com
UTSA women’s basketball will play Southern Mississippi Thursday, February 26 at 7 p.m. and Louisiana Tech Saturday, February 28; both games will be held at the Convocation Center.
which is about three weeks old. Its creator, who wishes to remain anonymous, is a UTSA student who was inspired by the medium of expression “Humans of New York” uses to share stories. Experiences in programs such as LeaderShape, in which people tell their own personal stories with a group, led him to realize that with this sharing comes a sense of empowerment for both the storyteller and the listener.
A self-taught photographer who experimented with a camera to document his last semester of high school with his friends, the “Humans of UTSA” creator noticed that many other Texas college campuses had their own ‘Humans of…’ Facebook pages but UTSA did not. After receiving encouragement to start a page before someone else did, he quickly set up what is now “Humans of UTSA,” with almost 600 likes. He aims for consistency,
making an effort to post two photos every day by spending about an hour a day walking around campus armed with a camera and a friendly smile. He chooses who to talk to based on whether or not they seem approachable. “If I see someone that’s on their own, that’s one thing,” he says. “If they’re sitting down, if they’re not in a hurry, that’s another.” See HUMANS OF UTSA, Page 6
Center for Collegiate Recovery helps students fight addiction
Brittany Brink
Sports
On Wednesday, Feb. 18, the Center for Collegiate Recovery (CCR) awarded two scholarships for the first time as a part of its “Changing the Conversation Series.” The scholarships were awarded to individuals that serve as role models who represent what the recovery process is all about. This event marked how far the CCR has come since its opening last June. Assistant Director Clayton Sponhaltz, a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), has seven years of previous experience working with the collegiate age groups at the residential treatment center, La Hacienda, located in
Hunt, Texas. Sponhaltz, who well-being. It incorporates 12-step program. graduated from UTSA in support group meetings, ed“This isn’t AA,” Sponhaltz 2008, heads the CCR’s pro- ucational workshops, social insists. “This is a community. grams and meetings. outings and community ser- We insist on having fun.” The CCR welcomes UTSA vice. Although the CCR may In order to promote students who are currently include concepts of 12-step community relations, the or would like to be on the fellowships like Alcoholics CCR has held three soberroad to recovery from drug, Anonymous (AA), it is not a See RECOVERY, Page 2 alcohol or other addiction issues. Sponhaltz defines recovery as “a voluntary lifestyle change” in order to stop using and abusing drugs and alcohol. The CCR uses the platform of abstinence to promote students’ reMarcus Connolly, The Paisano covery and The CCR has already grown substantially since its inception over the summer.
WEB - Forgotten Favorites
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OPINION - The Collegiate Classroom
Check out a super review of “Super Castlevania IV” from the video game blog Forgotten Favorites.
Read about Brooks Thompson’s journey from NBA first-round selection to UTSA men’s basketball head coach.
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Guns in c l as s r o o m s lo o m i n g
Page 7
Texas Legislature is pushing for concealed firearms in state colleges and universities as the Campus Carry bill passes the Senate’s panel. However, leaders at some Texas schools are worried that the consequences would negatively affect the learning environment. Texas is notorious for its pride in the 2nd Amendment’s right to bear arms. “I made a promise to help pass both open carry and campus carry and have worked hard on the issue,” said Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick who has pushed the bill to the Senate. “My legislative intent focuses solely on the concealed carry of a hand gun on campus by a CHL (Concealed Handgun Licensing) holder,” said the author of the bill, Senator Brian Birdwell, in a Senate meeting Feb. 12. Owning a CHL in Texas requires one to be an American citizen, 21 years or older, who has gone through a background check and four to six hours of classroom training. Current Texas laws allow CHL holders to carry on campus, but not inside buildings. In a letter to Gov. Abbot, Lt. Gov. Patrick and Speaker Straus, University of Texas’ Chancellor William McRaven expressed his concerns for the bill: “parents, students, faculty, administrators and law enforcement all continue to express their concerns that the presence of concealed handguns on campus would contribute to a less safe environment, not a safer one.” “We are grateful to have a Chancellor that shares our sentiments with respect to campus safety, and we believe this is in the best interest of the students and general university community,” said Student Government Association President Zack Dunn. In a poll of 100 randomly selected UTSA students, when asked if they would support a Campus Carry bill that will allow Texans to carry firearms on state colleges and universities, 33 said they would, while 67 said they would oppose such a measure. Campus-shooting trends around the country have some Texas students anxious while others believe a Campus Carry bill will give them tranquility. “I feel confident that those who choose See CARRY, Page 2
ARTS - Woodlawn Theatre The Addams Family Musical comes to Woodlawn Theatre. Will you see it? Page 5
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NEWS
2 February 24 - March 3, 2015
CARRY: Legislature, Chancellor at odds to carry will take the responsibility to be cautious and diligent gun owners,” said junior public administration major Giovanna Valverde. On the contrary, UTSA’s Chief of Police, Officer Steve Barrera, who has 35 years of experience in the force, believes adding more weapons would do more damage than good. “I have serious concerns on the issue — especially in law enforcement — about being able to tell a handgun owner who is just trying to help if we ever do have an incident, with violence on campus. It would be very difficult to tell the difference between the good guy and the bad guy,” said Officer Barrera. “A constitutional right is precious. Our CHL holders are our most law-abiding sub-demographic in the state,” Birdwell said, according to the Waco TribuneHerald. “What is it about a college campus that’s a public university that makes us believe that we should preclude the CHL holder from that campus and deny them that right? Anytime you can extend a freedom, it’s a great opportunity, and this is one
Marcus Connolly, The Paisano McRaven worries how campus police can distinguish good guys from bad ones.
that should have never been contracted.” Both Chancellor McRaven and Officer Barrera have concerns about the mental stability of some students. In his letter, McRaven stated, “Suicide is the second leading cause of death among college students. There is a great concern that the presence of handguns…will lead to an increase in both ac-
cidental shootings and selfinflicted wounds.” “I would rather see guns being properly regulated and registered than people continuing to sneak them in or conceal them illegally as they do now,” said senior interdisciplinary studies major Kathryn Luella, who believes the proper restrictions are important for the campus carry bill to work.
The Art of Spiritual Dreaming Free Book Discussion
UTSA (1604) UC 2.01.30 (Magnolia Room) Thursdays, Jan. 29 – Feb. 26, 6:30-8:00 PM ● Learn more about the spiritual nature of dreams ● Better recall, understand, and interpret your dreams
Info: Landon: abe250@my.utsa.edu Justin: 832-244-6502 www.Eckankar-Texas.org Sponsored by the Eckankar Student Organization
RECOVERY: CCR seeks stronger ties with community tailgates this past football season, made a trip to Enchanted Rock and even held dinners at members’ houses. As of now, the support group meetings are open to anyone in any stage of recovery. According to Sponhaltz, the CCR prides itself at being very welcoming to newcomers and being a comfortable atmosphere compared to other resources available in San Antonio. Students can choose to be a member or just stop in and check it out. Being a member of CCR entitles you to scholarships and indicates that you are more engaged with the center. Being a member is great for those who want added accountability, according to Sponhaltz. Each week there are core checkin meetings where the students follow up with each other and hold each other accountable. The CCR even has its own student-led meetings once a week. Members of the CCR also participate in a monthly Coin Night, where students nominate and recognize others who have shown progress in any area of their recovery. These students are awarded a gold coin engraved with “Recovery Roadrunners” in honor of their growth. Coin Night is a way to bridge the gap with non-UTSA students as well, Sponhaltz added. Speakers from the community come out to share their stories during these nights to inspire students to continue their paths in recovery. On New Years
Eve, over 60 people attended Coin Night from around the non-UTSA community. It is important for the UTSA and non-UTSA communities to connect because the non-UTSA community provides a huge portion of funding for the CCR. In 2012, the UT system’s Board of Regents authorized $2.4 million to continue funding and expanding alcohol prevention, education and recovery programs at all UT academic campuses. However, at present, most of the funds for the CCR on UTSA’s campus -- including the scholarships awarded -are dependent on donations from the outside community. “This center is driven by the community,” Sponhatlz said. “We work on sharing news with the community and potential donors.” The community provides such a significant amount of support to the students’ recovery process that CCR members, in return, also like to give back to the community by participating in the Palmer Drug Abuse Program. This program allows collegiate students to bond and encourage high school students to attend college and live a healthy addictionfree lifestyle. The CCR also participates with Haven for Hope, connecting with young homeless individuals to promote their recovery. “Helping others in recovery is the backbone of one’s own recovery,” said Sponhaltz.
While community service and support is an important factor of recovery, education plays a vital role as well. Being in recovery as a student has its challenges, but it is also is a big bonus as well, Sponhaltz added. School gives students a sense of purpose and structure. “Just not drinking or using can be unfulfilling if not involved with something else that is purposeful,” Sponhaltz said. CCR members work on improving their time management skills and striving for success in their classes. Being in the collegiate age group is also a plus, added Sponhaltz, because people are the most open-minded in their college years, and it goes with a recovery lifestyle where people are looking to grow. The CCR continues to attract members and gain support from other UTSA groups. Sponhaltz believes that the CCR will continue to be successful because of the involvement and support of the students around campus. Other organizations and even colleges on campus, like COLFA, came together with the CCR to help choose the recipients for this year’s scholarship winners. The Center for Collegiate Recovery hopes to maintain its presence at UTSA to facilitate positive futures for recovering students.
NEWS
3 February 24 - March 3, 2015
Texas has spent years looking for money to bolster roads
DART, light rail and the future of public transportation at UTSA
Associated Press
Linda McNulty
news@paisano-online.com
Texas lawmakers have been trying for years to find ways to fill the gap between what the state spends to build and repair roads and what it really needs to do the job right. When lawmakers slashed $15 billion from the state budget in 2011, they still pumped extra money into roads. Two years later, they approved diverting piles of cash from the state’s Rainy Day Fund to transportation. Despite the extra funding, though, transportation officials have said they won’t have enough to build new roads and bridges and fix old ones that are struggling to cope with Texas’ population growth and the heavyweight truck traffic from the recent oil boom. From new Gov. Greg Abbott on down, the state’s new conservative leadership has pledged to pump billions more into transportation —without raising taxes or adding toll roads — to help Texas avoid a major congestion problem. In his first state-of-thestate address on Tuesday, Abbott declared transportation funding an ``emergency item’’ for the legislative session, allowing lawmakers to accelerate efforts. “Tax dollars raised for roads should be spent on building more roads,’’ Abbott said. Like most other states, Texas has been forced to find ways to build new roads or fix old ones while federal money for such projects either stagnates or declines. Figures compiled by The Associated Press show the amount of money available to Texas from the Federal Highway Trust Fund has leveled off during the fiveyear period ending in 2013, the latest year for which numbers were available. When factored against Texas’ growing population, which stands at more than 26.5 million people, that created a nearly 9 percent drop in per capita federal highway money for Texas. Texas lawmakers in 2013 drafted the plan to annually put a portion of money from the Rainy Day Fund, the state’s savings account which is filled with oil and
gas tax revenue, toward roads. It was later approved by voters statewide and the first gusher of money was about $1.7 billion. But transportation officials had already warned that wouldn’t fill even half of their need for $5 billion more every year. And the Rainy Day Fund threatens to be fluid. The end of the oil boom is likely to shrink collections at least temporarily, leaving road planners uncertain of how much money they will get in the future. That has Abbott and state lawmakers looking elsewhere. One target: taxes collected on vehicle sales. Those taxes now go to general revenue where they can be split and picked apart by state lawmakers needing money for other things. Abbott wants more than $2 billion of those sales taxes re-routed to the state highway fund every year. A similar plan by Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Robert Nichols, R-Jacksonville, would spend that money on roads starting in fiscal year 2018. Under Nichols’ plan, the first $2.5 billion collected by the motor vehicle sales tax would still go to general revenue, with an estimated $2 billion or more annually sent to roads. The amount would likely increase as the Texas population grows and likely sees more car sales. Nichols’ plan would require voter approval he wants to prohibit the money from going to toll roads or bridges. Former Gov. Rick Perry once proposed the Trans-Texas Corridor, a massive tangle of privately built and managed toll roads and shipping lanes across the state. The move sparked an early wave of public-private partnerships for about 500 miles of toll lanes, but the Trans-Texas Corridor was officially scrapped after a fierce public backlash. Consistent budgets will help plan future road projects, Nichols said. “(Texas) needs to know six years out, eight years out so we can do the longterm projects that are needed in this state,’’ he said.
Contributing Writer
@ThePaisano news@paisano-online.com Last week, the UTSA Center for Urban and Regional Planning Research hosted the second in a series of lectures, Dialogues in Planning, which focused on transit-oriented development in North Texas. Gary Thomas, the president and executive director of Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) gave a lecture and panel discussion entitled “Transforming North Texas Growth One Train at a Time.” The lecture provided a brief background on DART and its mission, chronicling various successes that the company has achieved throughout Thomas’s career with the company. Held at UTSA’s downtown campus, the lecture also provided insight into the different approaches and histories Dallas and San Antonio have had regarding public transportation. Founded in 1983, when the city of Dallas decided to create a single transit authority, DART has since grown into a company that boasts the longest light rail system in America, with a 13-city service area. Unlike in San Antonio, the Dallas-Fort Worth area has a huge variety of public transportation options through DART besides their
In 2000, San Antonians voted down a light rail proposal that would have connected UTSA’s main campus to downtown, the Medical Center and the AT&T Center. light rail, including commuter trains, buses, vanpools and paratransit services. Thomas noted that this diverse range of choices is one of DART’s biggest successes, and contributes to whether or not citizens ultimately choose to use public transportation. DART’s hub-and-spoke rail system certainly provides an efficient, inexpensive choice for Dallas’ college students, as it connects to the University of Dallas and North Lake College, a
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two-year community college just outside of Dallas proper. By 2016, UNT Dallas will have access to the railway, at which point every University of North Texas campus will be connected by one continuous rail system, from Denton to Fort Worth. San Antonio voters are not unfamiliar with light rail proposals. In 2000, San Antonionians voted down a light rail proposal that would have connected UTSA’s Main campus to downtown, the Medical Center, the AT&T Center and many other San Antonio landmarks. And, just a few months ago, a proposed streetcar system that would have linked UTSA’s downtown campus with the Pearl District, Hemisphere Park and the Alamo City’s central business core was put on hold due to a lack of public support. Students in Dallas also have an easier time navigating the city’s bus routes than do UTSA students. Students at most institutions within DART’s service range can also get free or reduced-fare semester passes that allow unlimited rides on all DART systems, as the corporation partners with many area schools. While VIA offers a similar program for San Antonio area students, there are a few key differences that make the public transportation in San Antonio much less appealing than in Dallas. Free semester passes are available for all Alamo Community College students, but UTSA students must get the standard $35 pass, available at Roadrunner Express or at the UC information desk. Additionally, there is only one practical option for public transportation in the city—the bus. And though VIA’s 93 and 94 routes offer direct service between UTSA’s main and downtown campuses, commuter students may be less than thrilled with routes from their homes to the campus. Taking a VIA bus is by
USAC studyabroadusac@
Robert Pistocchi, The Paisano VIA busses are currently the only viable alternative to cars for UTSA commuters.
no means unsafe; it is simply time-consuming. A trip from UTSA’s main campus to the neighborhoods near the intersection of Babcock and Prue—just three miles away and under ten minutes by car—takes roughly an hour on the VIA system. The 100 Primo route runs from UTSA through the Medical Center and all the way to one of VIA’s newest stations near Sunset Station, though that trip also takes an hour or longer, not including the significant wait time at the Medical Center Transit Center. More often than not, the buses will arrive late, and some walking will almost definitely be involved in any trip. When trying to arrive on time for class, these are all major problems. The university’s packed parking lots provide more than enough proof that most students see their own cars as a much more viable option than the bus, and the university itself intends to cater to the heavy demand for parking. UTSA’s Master Plan, a blueprint for the university’s growth and progress, suggests that surface parking will be replaced with structured parking (garages, etc.) and parallel street parking in order to address “long-term growth needs and to create more public open space in the Central Campus.” During the panel discussion at the end of the lecture, Thomas and two of his contemporaries in the transit industry raised hopes that San Antonians will become more receptive to instituting different methods of public
transportation, such as the streetcar project proposed last year. According to VIA’s Long Range Comprehensive Transit Plan, they too have vague hopes of creating their own light rail system, with one potential route stretching from UTSA to downtown along what is currently referred to as the Northwest Corridor, along existing bus lines. The new Westside Multimodal Transit Center — which has already broken ground just a few blocks from UTSA’s downtown campus — has been designated as a hub for these future plans, as well as a hub for possible commuter and passenger rails, and a terminus for the proposed streetcar. Projections for San Antonio indicate that the city will grow by more than a million residents in the next 25 years. And, if recent history is any guide, District 8, where UTSA’s main campus is located, will continue to grow at twice the rate as the rest of the city. Thomas suggested that San Antonians aren’t as receptive to alternative means of public transit as Dallas residents, namely because citizens of the Alamo City don’t understand what true traffic congestion feels like. If San Antonio continues to grow at projected rates — and if UTSA continues to become more integral to San Antonio’s collective infrastructure — future students can still hope for a more efficient way to get to class.
4 {The Paisano} Editor-in-Chief: Jakob Lopez
Managing Editor: Mia Cabello
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OPINION
February 24 - March 3, 2015
UTSA’s emerging campus identity Editorial The social media phenomenon known as “Humans of New York” has captivated audiences the world over. The trend across social media platforms focuses on anonymous individuals and their deeply personal testimonies. A UTSA student has localized the idea with the project “Humans of UTSA.” This project focuses on a growing student body that is slowly
finding its identity. UTSA has evolved from a student population consisting of local residents searching for affordable higher education close to home to an emerging tier one university with students from all over the nation — a university of first choice. So who are these “Humans of UTSA”? According to the UTSA Fact Book, 3.1 percent of students enrolled during
the 2009 fall semester were from out of the country; by 2013, that number had risen to 4.7 percent. Additionally, according to the UTSA Fact Book, the number of students enrolled from outside the state has steadily increased. During the 2002 fall semester, the number of out-of-state students enrolled at UTSA was 367; in the 2006 fall semester that number increased to 594.
With a growing number of international students joining students from across the nation, the culture throughout campus has become rich with diversity and budding tradition. UTSA has enhanced its atmosphere by adding an overachieving football team, modern dormitories and even a six-foot-tall, 11-footlong iron Rowdy statue. UTSA has shed its commuter
campus identity and dressed up like a prestigious four-year institution. The “Humans of UTSA” project has showcased the growing number of students who not only attend the university, but also who invest in it. They willingly come to campus to grow and cultivate their ideas and dreams. UTSA is no longer a convenient location — it is a destination.
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{Staff Writers} Anthony Mendoza, Patrick Martinez, Pavela Bambakova, Savin Weerasinghe, Brittany Brink, Maria Cristina Moreno, Daniel Shaw, Teia Herrera, Alysha Gallagher, Brayden Boren, Christopher Breakell {Staff Photographers} Robert Pistochi {Contributing Writers} Alexander Morovitz, Emily Varvel, Colleen Adams, Julian Gonzales, Luis Alanis, Caroline Traylor, Olivia Ybarra, Randi Gilmore, Nathaniel Archer, Linda McNulty, Aine Driscoll
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Steven Kellman, Jack Himelblau, Sandy Norman, Stefanie Arias, Diane Abdo The Paisano is published by the Paisano Educational Trust, a non-profit, tax exempt, educational organization. The Paisano is operated by members of the Student Newspaper Association, a registered student organization. The Paisano is NOT sponsored, financed or endorsed by UTSA. New issues are published every Tuesday during the fall and spring semesters, excluding holidays and exam periods. The Paisano is distributed on all three UTSA campuses — Main, Downtown and the Institute of Texan Cultures. Additionally, Paisano publications are distributed at a variety of off-campus locations, including Tripoint and a variety of apartment complexes near the UTSA Main Campus. All revenues are generated through advertising and donations. Advertising inquiries and donations should be directed to:
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Hating class in high school was fun. You and all of your friends were forced to be there and were unified by acting apathetic and longing for the future. Now, we are in college. Not only did we choose the school that we attend, but also we are paying great sums to be here. We have selected a major with course work that interests us to be led to a career that we hope to enjoy. Yet, we are still in classrooms with students who look like they are being punished. Every assignment comes with new gripes and resistance. These students then use their feelings to unite once again. Comments are blurted out on the day that the assignment is due like, “Who actually read this?” or “I wrote the whole thing last night.” These comments make students who actually put time and effort into assignments feel like odd ones out. To avoid this feeling, they play along and act like the assignment was hell for them too, or they lose their motivation and desire to discuss the material. This scenario is a reoccurring theme that I have seen in almost every one of my classes. In core classes, I was more willing to understand it. Maybe engineering students had little interest in their American history course, or an English major had a hard time digging into their macroeconomics work. However,
still in upper-division courses, there are almost always a handful of students, if not more, who just seem like they do not care. This apathetic atmosphere that lingers in our classrooms astonishes me. Everyone in the classroom is choosing to be there. Even if students are not interested in the specific course work, they have decided to go to college to better themselves and obtain an education. Students should treat every class as a way to widen their breadth and depth of knowledge and to improve their analytical skills. Sometimes it seems like students are more concerned about signing the attendance sheet, receiving a high grade and obtaining a piece of paper at the end of their four years than they are interested in the assignments at hand. Yes, we all want our diplomas, but what is the point of it all if we come out of college without new skills and perspectives? Students who decide to put in minimal or less than minimal effort into classes are not just hurting themselves. It has a reciprocal effect. Classes held in a discussion format rely on students having read and analyzed the material. If the majority of the class does not do the assignments, two or three students end up dominating the classroom discussions, while the other students gaze ahead, taking glimpses down at their phones. The continued apathetic nature of the students causes the class to fail to reach its learning objectives. Then, professors feel forced to re-
evaluate the class formats because of low grades, high drop rates or just a plain lack of participation. Perhaps tests are switched from timed writings to a multiple-choice format or a hybrid of the two. Students may get a better grade in the class, but these changes are a step backward in the development of critical thinking skills, which ultimately leads to a less progressive academic atmosphere at UTSA. UTSA is wealthy with bright and creative students, but many of them lack motivation or interest in their classes. You can easily waste four or five years at college by not reading class material, cramming for tests and waiting until the night before the due date to start a paper. Every college student is guilty of at least one of these, but if they are reoccurring themes in an academic career than they might need to rethink where your motivation comes from or why they are in college at all. A diploma might be needed to obtain the job you desire, but the knowledge and analytical skills that you obtain from college will be what allow you to progress and prosper in your professional field. If you are going to spend their time and money on college, you owe it to yourself to squeeze out every last skill, perspective and idea that your school has to offer. Christopher Breakell Staff writer
I’ll just sit here by Christopher Breakell
We know to be wary of impossible advert i s e m e nt s such as weight loss pills. We are taught to be dubious of gaudy sources of information such as The National Inquirer and we are encouraged to be skeptical of unsubstantiated correlations like vaccinations can cause autism. We hold advertisements, news sources and astounding claims to the rigors of verification. Whether it’s a quick Google search or witnessing the claim first hand, we require verification for sensational claims. It is time for religion to be held to the same standards of measure. Above all, seeing is believing. Every day we hear
extraordinary claims that require our verification before fully believing them. Whether the claim is that Ma Petite in American Horror Story is actually two feet tall, a girl rides a unicycle every day to and from campus or your friend who hasn’t played football since high school ran a 4.4 forty-yard-dash, we seek verification. If we require verification for astounding claims, why don’t we search for the same evidence in religion? Can we truly believe in a heaven, hell or any form of an afterlife if we have not verified it ourselves? Alexander Morovitz Contributing writer
Letter to the Editor The murder of Deah Barakat, Yusor Abu-Salha and Razan Abu-Salha, three young Muslims from North Carolina with promising futures, has shaken the Muslim community in the United States. What Craig Hicks did in ending the life of these three beautiful souls was evil. As Muslims in times of difficulty we find relief in the Qur’an, what we believe to be the literal words of God. In the Quran, God tells us to “respond to evil with that which is the best.” No one embodied “that which is the best” like Deah, Yusor, and Razan. Youth play such an important role in today’s society. Youth are the upcoming leaders of the world. As Muslims and Americans who have been raised on, and agree with, the fundamentals of freedom and equality, God willing we will have the ability to call out inequality before it progresses and before tragedies like this happen again. Youth need to push to inform the world of the criminal actions on human life like the Chapel Hill killings of Deah, Yusor, and Razan Abu-Salha, who were not only Muslim Americans, but also college students at North Carolina State who dedicated their lives to serve those in need.
They were servants to their community and servants to God. So we honor them, and we honor God by continuing their legacy and striving to be the best students, the best Muslims and the best human beings. Not many die and leave legacies such as the legacies of Deah, Yusor and Razan. They invested into their communities by maintaining ties with their faith, country, family and friends. Being Muslim-American is not a mutually exclusive label. It is a one that empowers and humbles. The day of our vigil, which was organized by the Muslim Student Association on UTSA Main Campus honoring the Chapel Hill three, we were relieved to see fellow UTSA students support us. It is overwhelmingly beautiful to see so much good come out of a tragedy that not only affected Muslims, but thousands of Americans. The empathy on this campus has given me so much hope. Ahmad Kaki Junior, Political science major Sarah Aburumuh, Senior, English major Ismail Cruz, Junior, biology major
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ARTS & LIFE
5 February 24 - March 3, 2015
Stick around for Sikh: Legend of the Punjab exhibit Alysha Gallagher Staff Writer
@ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com Ranked as the world’s fifth largest religion, Sikhism is an independent culture that has experienced discrimination and suspicion since the terrorist events of 9/11 due to donning of turbans and articles of religious clothing. On Thursday, Feb. 19, the Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) hosted the Sikh: Legend of the Punjab exhibit and reception for Sikh Community members and guests. San Antonio Mayor Ivy
Taylor introduced the importance of the Institute of Texan Cultures and the impact the museum has on the San Antonio community. “The Institute of Texan Cultures is of course relevant and necessary here in Texas; we’re so glad it’s in San Antonio,” Taylor said. “People from around the world continue to come to our state and make homes in our city, and so this institution helps us to know, understand and appreciate their cultural influences.” In honor of the Sikh opening, Mayor Taylor continued with a reading of a letter from her predecessor Julián Castro, the 16th United States Secretary of
Photo Courtesy of The Smithsonian Institution
Whiplash and the cost of greatness
Column Corner Brayden Boren Staff Writer
@ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com “There are no two words in the English language more harmful than ‘good job.’” It can’t be true…can it? The way Conductor Terrence Fletcher snarls it, you damned well better believe it. “Whiplash,” 29-year-old director Damien Chazelle’s second film, unfolds similar to its main character’s psyche. Andrew Neiman (Miles Teller), newly enrolled at prestigious music academy Schafer Conservatory, is nervous yet confident in his ability to be the next Buddy Rich, or at least a great drummer. Falling under the tutelage of Fletcher (J.K. Simmons) upon a chance encounter, Andrew is berated, cursed at and physically assaulted by Fletcher until he gets a modicum of his standard of excellence out of his subjects. Teller, often playing the role of likable everyman or over-eager fratboy in films such as “The Spectacular Now” and “21 & Over,” alters his image to become the vulnerable, often loathsome and potentially selfdestructive student with great results. Watching someone become so infatuated with a specific idea of success isn’t by any means revelatory, but Teller rings emotion out of his audience. As the determined Andrew travels down his dark road of obsession, many sweattinged cymbals and buckets of bloody ice water line the
Housing and Urban Development. Castro’s letter emphasized the importance that the Sikh had, not only on the Sikh community in San Antonio, but all San Antonians. Castro wrote, “I’m proud that the Institute of Texan Cultures has created this remarkable exhibit, which celebrates San Antonio’s Sikh community and provides our neighbors and visitors an opportunity to learn about a people whose culture and contributions enrich our community and contribute to a forward progress.” Castro’s letter concluded, “Sikh San Antonians represent the best of our nations’ enduring promise that being an American is at its most fundamental about having the right to be who you are.” UTSA President Dr. Ricardo Romo accepted Castro’s letter, presented by Mayor Taylor and thanked essential members responsible for contributions toward the exhibit before Dr. Jude Valdez, Vice President of Community Services at UTSA, took the stage. Valdez summarized the role of ITC as providing San Antonio with access to educational information on different cultures within the community. “The mission of our museum is to give voice to the experiences of people from across the globe who call
Texas home, providing insight into our past, present and future.” The Sikh exhibit features religious clothing, art, armor, ceremonial swords, a model of the sacred golden temple and background information on religious beliefs and culture. Texan influences on the Sikh community can be seen in the Texas Turbans display case featuring a Spurs-themed turban. Valdez thanked Sikh community members for being partners in Sikh Legacy of the Punjab exhibit before a performance from the female members of Unity Bhangra, the Sikh community dance group. Henry Cisneros, former U.S. Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and former mayor of San Antonio continued the ceremony with an empowering speech. “San Antonio was built on the labors and ambitions of people from many different parts of the world,” Cisneros stated. “In recent years, we’ve had the good fortune of watching the growth of the Indian community in San Antonio, and particularly those who are Sikh.” Cisneros continued by relating the similarities of the Sikh community to San Antonians: “The Sikh have a unique religious tradition within India and bring those values to the United States – values of hard
Photo Courtesy of The Smithsonian Institution
work, values of faith, values of family – they add to the richness of our city.” Ron Nirenberg, San Antonio City Councilman of District 8, also welcomed the exhibit to San Antonio before Dr. Paul Michael Taylor, the Sikh exhibits’s original curator took the stage to congratulate UTSA and the ITC on their installation and addition of new material on Sikhs in Texas. Dr. G.P. Singh, Sikh Community Leader and Platinum Sponsor of ITC, concluded the ceremony before the final performance from the male members of Unity Bhangra.
The Sikhs: Legend of the Punjab exhibit will remain open until Jan. 3 2016. ITC will also be hosting a Sikh Family event on March 21 that will be open to the public. The Institute of Texan Cultures is located at 801 E. César E. Chávez Blvd. Admission for adults (13 or older) is $8, seniors (65 or older), $7, children (3-12) $6 and for children under 3, free. UTSA and Alamo Colleges students, faculty and staff with ID receive complimentary admission. For more information please visit texancultures.com.
The Addams Family Musical Teia Herrera
pathway. The film, however, belongs to Simmons. His Fletcher character combines his best works, from calm dad in “Juno” to sadistic Aryan Brotherhood leader in “Oz,” to a precise and convincing monster, who knows exactly what he demands out of his students. His tactics are harsh – by some standards cruel. Simmons’ calm demeanor in the eye of the public hides a mountain of furious rage. A soon-to-be classic scene, in which Fletcher tosses a chair at Andrew’s head before physically slapping him as he counts drum patterns, is terrifying yet hilariously menacing. There is no relief from the film’s mirror reflecting back on society for our need to be coddled through life’s struggles. There is a toxic yet electric current that bounces between the two leads. Andrew is eager to please, and Fletcher is all too willing to dish out vitriol that even someone’s drunk uncle would deem foul. At times nauseatingly tense, yet always entertaining, the two push each other to their psychological breaking points just as much as their physical ones. A scene in which Fletcher callously demands that Andrew and two other potential drummers play a perfect practice set for hours on end before they begin an actual class practice is grueling.
Staff Writer
@ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com Dadadadduhm *snap, snap* Dadadadduhm *snap, snap.* The musical started off with the Addams Family theme song and the whole crowd sang and snapped along. Uncle Fester came out first to give the audience insight on what the play would be about. From there the rest of the family made their debut on stage to celebrate their ancestors by dancing on their graves. Once the deceased rose from the dead, the whole family sang about what it was like to be an Addams, and “When you’re an Addams, you do what Addams do or die.” The musical’s main purpose was to ensure that Wednesday and her boyfriend, Lucas Beineke,
Photo Courtesy of Woodlawn Theatre
would end up together. This was told to the audience by Uncle Fester, who enlisted the help of the Addams Family ancestors by not allowing them to go back to their graves until Wednesday and Lucas were happily together. The only problem
To finish reading, visit paisano-online.com. Photo Courtesy of Woodlawn Theatre
with getting those two together was that they come from different backgrounds. Throughout the musical, Morticia Addams gave a lot of motherly advice that we could all use. In one scene she stated to Pugsley Addams that, “What is normal for the spider, is calamity for the fly.” This parallels with the main message of the musical. What was normal for the Addams family was chaos for the Beineke family, but that did not mean it was wrong. The two families had to learn to appreciate their differences in order to reach middle ground. The first act of the musical seemed more enjoyable than the second. The audience was laughing and even singing along with the cast in the beginning. Although, the musical obviously ends with Wednesday and Lucas being together, the twists and turns along the way were still entertaining. Alice Beineke was the most loveable character because of her loud yellow
dress and high-pitched poetry. Every rhyming word and all the scenes where she told her husband, Mal, how she really felt about their marriage were adorably funny. She was very cheery and upbeat, yet she still had spunk to her. As much as Alice’s character was likeable, Uncle Fester’s character was unlikeable. His nasally voice narrated the play, but he was not active during the scenes until the second act. The second act seemed to drag. The first act built up to the climax of the musical perfectly. But then it just plateaued. The actors’ energy was still high, however, the storyline was not as interesting. I may not have enjoyed the second act, but the people around me did. The Addams Family will be playing at the Woodlawn Theatre until March 15 every Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Head down to the Woodlawn to see it yourself.
6 Arts & Life Events Calendar Tuesday 2/24 7:30 p.m. 50 Shades of Grey is everywhere. The steamy relationship between Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey has taken the world by storm, from the written word to the big screen. Why not take it down a notch? 50 Shades! The Musical is bringing it’s NSFW satire the best-seller to San Antonio, with lots of laughter, sexual innuendo and “unconventional” fun to be had. For more info and to buy tickets, visit or fly your private helicopter to the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts (100 Auditorium Cir) tobincenter.org. Wednesday 2/25 7 p.m. Almost a decade into his career, Billy Currington hasn’t slowed down one bit, and he’s bringing his signature twang to the San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo at the AT&T Center (723 AT&T Center Parkway). With some of country music’s most memorable singles under his belt, including “Must Be Doin’ Something Right” and “People Are Crazy,” Currington is sure to put on a show worth remembering. To purchase tickets and for more on other artists, visit sarodeo.com. Thursday 2/26 7 p.m. Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the international phenomenon The Vagina Monologues as it makes its way to San Antonio. Spawning multiple reinterpretations across the country and even an HBO television adaptation, this theatrical production of Eve Ensler’s classic play features a series of monologues that openly address women’s issues including sexuality, sexual assault and gender inequality, all in an open and entertaining way. Purchase your tickets at San Pedro Playhouse (800 W Ashby) or theplayhousesa.org. Friday 2/27 2 p.m. Interested in crafting that perfect garden but don’t know how to get started? Or maybe you need some fresh ideas for decorating your new home? The 35th Annual San Antonio Home and Garden Show at the Alamodome (100 Montana St) will be displaying a variety of exhibits for your home and garden, as well as the latest and greatest in products and services to make your house the best on the block. For more info and to buy tickets, visit sanantoniohomeshows.com. Saturday 2/28 All Day Get your bargain on! Goodwill will be hosting their 91st annual Rummage Around in San Antonio’s eight different locations, with high-end brands and merchandise being donated through the Julia’s Attic section of the Goodwill program and all proceeds from the event going to the Junior League of San Antonio program. For more info on the event, visit goodwillsa.org/rummagearound.
February 24 - March 3, 2015
ARTS & LIFE
Part-time barista, full-time student Roberto Guerra talks balancing school, work, social life Aine Driscoll
Contributing Writer @ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com
As college students, we face a constant battle of juggling school and work – while trying to keep up with our social lives. “Only pick two,” our consciences whisper, realizing there are only 24 hours in a day. However, there are ways to balance your schedule to accommodate all your needs. Roberto Guerra, a junior psychology major and barista at the JPL Starbucks on campus, expressed his thoughts on how to properly manage time for work, school and life. “I might not be the best at balancing it all, so it’s a constant struggle to keep school, work and social things in check,” Guerra admitted, “but it works out in the end when I put school first.” Guerra explained how education has to come first for a successful future. Working around your school schedule can be tough, but there are efficient strategies
for making it happen. Guerra makes time to serve his regulars at Starbucks while he prepares for graduation. “I’m originally from Mexico but moved to San Antonio from Sharyland in the Valley to study psychology,” Guerra said. “I plan to (attend) graduate school and, hopefully, even (get) my doctorate.” One way to innovate your schedule is to use the resources around you. Working on campus has been an asset to Guerra’s daily routine as he insisted, “The convenience of having my classes near my work is perfect.” Not only does it make perfect sense to be able to efficiently balance work and school in one location, but it also leaves time for other social activities. Guerra shared how working at Starbucks is a great way to meet other students and makes going to class easier. He has also become more involved with school activities and his school pride is than ever before. Guerra feels more “connected” to the environment and opportunities UTSA has to offer. Since work-
ing on campus, Guerra has joined UTSA’s Quidditch team and has made it to every football game to cheer on the Roadrunners. In regards to Guerra’s interests outside of school, he said, “I love biking for hours and hanging out with my friends…and more studying!” Another tip Guerra offers for maintaining a more balanced schedule is time management. Working on campus has helped Guerra learn various approaches in overcoming procrastination and wasting time. “It has allowed me to become more responsible with time management and prioritizing,” said Guerra. Of course, working on campus is a perk when organizing your personal agenda and engaging in school activities. Sounds like a win-win situation. Guerra maintains his good work ethic and dedication with a sense of humor and his lighthearted persona. Not only does Guerra “help people kick-start their day” with Starbucks’ delicious drinks and tasty pastries, but he also has made
UTSA gets jazzy
Marcus Connolly, The Paisano
many friends and serves many regulars throughout the school week. Who wouldn’t want some Starbucks from Guerra every day? He recommends trying the ‘John Wayne’ if you really need a pick me up. It consists of one shot of heavy cream layered with two shots of espresso and topped with two pumps of your preferred syrup. His other favorites include the Caramel Macchiato or the
Vanilla Bean Frappuccino. If you are half-asleep and fighting the urge to skip class, then pay a visit to your new favorite barista. Keeping a manageable work, school and social schedule is all it takes to maintain the balance. Use the resources and opportunities around you and before you know it, there will be plenty of time during the day for all your needs. Just don’t forget to get some sleep.
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Humans of UTSA photographer exposed
Emily Varvel, The Paisano UTSA’s Jazz Ensemble plays to a crowd in the Recital Hall. The audience enjoys a soul-soothing performance from passionate, skilled music students.
Emily Varvel
Contributing Writer @ThePaisano arts@paisano-online.com
The UTSA’s Jazz Ensemble is a group of twenty student musicians under the guidance of Dr. Utah Hamrick. This talented bunch gave a concert on Thursday, Feb. 19 at the UTSA Recital Hall. With instruments including saxophones, trumpets and electric guitar, it was a memorable experience. The ensemble played six different pieces: “Corner Pocket,” “Cajun Cookin’,” “Blues off the Wall,” “Caravan,” “Moanin’” and “Backrow Politics.” Each piece encompassed a different style of jazz that made for an entertaining concert. The journey began as Dr. Hamrick walked on stage motioning to Trevin Roming on piano. His fingers flew across the keys with a burst of complex melody filling the auditorium instantly starting “Corner Pocket” with a bang. Dr. Hamrick said that most people comment on how fun it is to watch this pianist play. As with many jazz bands, individual players got a moment to shine as they made their way to the microphone and delivered a
foot-tappin’ addition to the music. Usually, the soloist creates a complex melody while the rest of the ensemble keeps the beat in the background. However, “Moanin’” is set apart by baritone saxophonist Josh Ysaguirre’s rich, soul-filled solo unaccompanied by the jazz band. Trombonist Ruben Orduño delivered a powerful solo following the baritone saxophone. After some playing, the rest of the group joined in and filled the hall with a cacophony of sounds that flowed nicely. This ensemble remembered the roots of jazz and played a piece called “Cajun Cookin;” Dr. Hamrick described this song as a “Cajun funky tune.” The rhythm section stood out as they introduced a complex beat. Cristina Hinojosa delivered a particularly captivating drum solo toward the end of the song. Tabitha Horn (trumpet) also captivated the audience with her great solo which included the use of a mute to create a buzzing “wah-wah” sound. It was nice to see the jazz band remembering how jazz started out on the streets of New Orleans. If the concert started with a bang, it needed to go out with one. The UTSA Jazz Ensemble definitely accomplished this with their
final piece, “Backrow Politics.” This trumpet feature employs the gospel roots of jazz. Backed up by the rest of the band, the trumpeters lined up at the front of the stage. There is a bit of call and response, a major theme of early gospeltype jazz, within this song. The trumpets blared their part as a call and then the rhythm section, particularly the piano, responded with a similar melody. Filled with screeches, trills and growls, the trumpets, completely diving into the music, kept the audience’s fingers tapping. Each trumpet player played about a 20-second improvisation one after the other as the song neared its end. After each musician played, the line started over again but with quicker 5-second solos the second time around. The rest of the band jumped back in and ended the night with pride, receiving a standing ovation from the audience. Trevin shared that he “Just (likes) playing. It doesn’t matter who you play with. It is just about the experience.” Be sure to check out the next jazz concert on Thursday, April 23. Take a break before finals to enjoy some music.
Typically, one in every five people he asks to photograph has even heard of “Humans of New York,” and even fewer know about “Humans of UTSA,” but most are happy to talk and have their stories heard. The creator of Humans of San Antonio will ask a question about their biggest fear or struggle, and continue the conversation from there. He asserts that we all live by similar philosophies — “carpe diem,” “live life to the fullest,” etc. — but each person’s experiences are vastly different, and this is what he aims to capture. The reactions to his work have been overwhelmingly positive. Some of the people he has interviewed have said that after sharing their stories, they felt relieved. In the reception that their words receive via the Facebook page and in the interviews with the creator, they are heard. As students talk to a complete stranger, they sometimes find it easier to divulge freely without fearing judgment. Both the photographer and his subjects were surprised by the project’s success. The page’s creator attributes this chiefly to Dr. Ann Eisenberg, the Associate Dean of UTSA’s Honors College. According to him, Dr. Eisenberg’s enthusiasm for the project and her promotion of it on her own Facebook page led to a huge surge in Humans of UTSA’s popularity. As for the creator of the page, he prefers to remain anonymous in order to keep the focus on individuals whose photos and lives are shared online. He believes it should be about these individuals only. Additionally, he doesn’t want anyone to like the page out of support for him personally, but would prefer that the project grow organi-
cally, spreading via word of mouth and shared links. When it comes time for him to graduate, the anonymity will help ease the transition between himself and the next person to run Humans of UTSA. With each new year, a new wave of students will enter the university with new experiences to
“I believe that pushing the boundaries of space will be the inspiration of a new generation.” Humans of UTSA founder
Facebook page administrator
be shared. The page will be passed on to someone who is passionate, dedicated and genuinely interested in continuing that mission. “I’m really big into [outer] space,” he says. “A lot of people see space as something extra, something that’s beyond care because of all that happens in our world today. But I believe that pushing the boundaries of space will be the inspiration of a new generation.” And indeed, it has served as his inspiration for becoming the storyteller of Humans of UTSA. Sharing these experiences is important because, as he says, “there is only one individual who is yourself, and among the universe, you are special.” Interested? Read more at facebook.com/UTSAHumans.
SPORTS
7 February 24 - March 3, 2015
{Sports Events} Tuesday, Feb. 24
The softball team dominates in the UTSA Classic
4:00 p.m. UTSA baseball The baseball team will face off with the UIW Cardinals on Roadrunner Field.
Wednesday, Feb. 25 6:00 p.m. UTSA softball The softball team will go against Houston Baptist on the softball field.
Thursday, Feb. 26 7:00 p.m. UTSA basketball The women’s team will face off with Southern Mississippi. Kamra King has a chance to break the UTSA record for career starts.
Saturday, Feb. 28 2:00 p.m. UTSA basketball The women’s team faces off with Louisiana Tech in the last home game of the season for the club.
{Recent Results} Tuesday, Feb. 17 UTSA baseball L, 2-14 at Texas-Austin
Wednesday, Feb. 18 UTSA softball W, 7-6 vs. Texas A&M-CC
Thursday, Feb. 19 UTSA women’s tennis L, 0-4 at Texas A&M-CC
Friday, Feb. 20 UTSA baseball W, 8-6 vs Bryant
Saturday, Feb. 21 UTSA men’s golf 10th/15 at Bayou City Championship
UTSA men’s tennis W, 4-3 vs. Lamar
UTSA women’s basketball W, 72-59 vs. UTEP
UTSA baseball W, 5-3 vs. Bryant
UTSA men’s basketball L, 62-69 at UTEP
Sunday, Feb. 22 UTSA men’s golf 10th/15 at Bayou City Championship
UTSA baseball W, 10-4 vs. Bryant
UTSA women’s tennis W, 5-2 vs. Northwestern
Marcus Connolly, The Paisano In the team’s sole loss during the UTSA Classic, the Roadrunners dropped a tough game to the Iowa State Cyclones. The 12 runs UTSA gave up to Iowa State is more than they gave up in all other UTSA Classic games combined (nine).
Colleen Adams and Patrick Martinez Contributing writer and staff writer @PaisanoSports1 sports@paisano-online.com
Hosting the 2015 UTSA Classic, the Roadrunner softball team (12-4, 0-0) dominated its home tournament, winning four out of five games this weekend. Although UTSA dropped their first game on Friday night to Iowa State (92. 0-0), the Roadrunners swept the next two days of the tournament, besting Incarnate Word (1-12, 0-0) and Southeastern Louisiana (4-7, 0-0) in Saturday and Sunday doubleheaders. The Roadrunners got off to a strong start against the Iowa State Cyclones on Friday, establishing a 7-1 lead after two innings, but Iowa State scored 11 unanswered runs to take the game. Senior first baseman Megan Low and freshman center fielder Kendall Burton each drove in three runs and homered for the Roadrunners, but the Cyclones’ left fielder Kelsey McFar-
Marcus Connolly, The Paisano Senior Megan Low (33) connects for a big hit against UIW. Low was named the Conference USA preseason player of the year based on the strength of a junior campaign that saw 2014 first-team all-conference honors.
land hammered a grand slam that sparked an Iowa State rally in the fourth and fifth innings, in which they scored nine runs. The Roadrunners attempted to mount a comeback, scoring two runs in the seventh inning thanks to a single from senior shortstop Courtney Buchman, but the game ended with a fly out to left field from Low. On Saturday, the Roadrunners crushed the Incarnate Word Cardinals in a 13-1 five inning run-rule win. The Roadrunners started the game with an eightrun first inning in which Buchman hammered a tworun homerun past the left field fence, junior catcher Tess Soefje and sophomore designated player Randee Crawford both hit RBI singles, and Burton pounded a three-run homer far into the right field trees. Sophomore starting pitcher Nicole Merrill shut down the Cardinal offense, pitching a dominating one hitter in which catcher Christy Trevino plated UIW’s only run in a second inning fielder’s choice RBI single.
To finish the doubleheader, UTSA beat the Southeastern Louisiana Lions 2-1, on the strength of a two run homer from Low and a career-high 11-strikeout performance from starting pitcher Kacy Freeze. Freeze’s pitching was one of the weekend’s many highlights for the Roadrunners, as she didn’t allow a hit after the third inning. The junior pitcher retired the last ten opposing batters and struck out the side in the 7th inning to end the game. Freeze, commenting on her standout performance, said, “We just went with their weaknesses. We knew they weren’t hitting the dropball, so I just went with my best pitch.” The Roadrunners also swept the Sunday doubleheader, besting Southeastern Louisiana in a 9-1 five inning run-rule win. The game was a 1-1 tie until Soefje’s dramatic third inning three-run homer tore the game open in favor of the Roadrunners. UTSA added three more runs in the fourth inning, and another two runs in the fifth
Marcus Connolly, The Paisano Freshman Kendall Burton (3) looks to extend a hit for a double. Burton is one of six freshmen for the Roadrunners this season.
thanks to important singles from junior left fielder Jade Smith to end the game early. “We are consistently playing good offense right now. We are hitting the ball really well,” stated UTSA Head Coach Michelle Cheatham after the game. In the second half of the doubleheader the Roadrunners pulled off a dramatic 7-6 extra-inning victory against Incarnate Word. UTSA started strong with the help of a Randee Crawford three-run homer in the first inning and plated runs in the second, third, and fourth innings before UIW rallied with a six-run fifth inning on the power of a three-run homer from second baseman Natalie Duron. In the eighth inning, the Roadrunners clinched the game thanks to a sacrifice fly from senior third baseman Vivian Tijerina, which scored Kendall Burton. “We lost focus, but we just kept the pressure on and got the win,” stated Burton. Freshman right-hander Lizzy Fox pitched a scoreless 3.1 innings in her first
start for the Roadrunners, while Merrill earned her second win of the day in relief, allowing only one hit in her three innings on the mound. “My kids are fighting kids. They never count themselves out of any ball game, no matter what happens. They battle back and always come out on top,” explained Cheatham. Thanks to their four wins this weekend, the Roadrunners are now 12-4 and off to their strongest start as a team since the 1995 squad, which had a 12-3-1 record in its first 16 games. Cheatham expressed her pride in the team’s superb performance this weekend, stating, “We have a really fighting team who knows they’re always in the game. I love this team because they’ll never give up going after the win no matter the score or situation.” The Roadrunners will host Houston Baptist on Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 6:00 p.m.
From Orlando to San Antonio A look back with UTSA Head Coach Brooks Thompson Shabazz Dawkins Sports Editor @shabazzvs sports@paisano-online.com
With the 27th pick of the 1994 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic selected Brooks J. Thompson of Oklahoma State University. “I never thought I’d be good enough when I’d watch NBA games so it was a dream come true, no doubt about it. When David Stern called my name, it was shocking,” said Thompson reflecting on the draft. “Hard work does pay off. I know that’s cliché but I worked my tail off and it was a dream of mine and I
got to live it out,” he continued. Thompson’s dream of playing in the NBA began in Littleton, Colorado where he attended Littleton High School. “We had great tradition (at Littleton High School),” said Thompson of his high school. Evidence of that great tradition can be found in Thompson’s senior year, 1989. In that year, Littleton went on a state title run that included a 24-0 record and a Colorado Player of the Year selection for Thompson. After his stellar senior year, Thompson began receiving recognition from notable Division I schools, namely Texas A&M where he began his collegiate career. “I was a late bloomer, so early in my senior year I didn’t have a whole lot going on, but later in my senior year (my recruiting) kind of explod-
Photo courtesy of the National Basketball Association
ed. Right when Texas A&M came in, I knew that’s where I was going,” Thompson said of his recruitment process. After two years at Texas A&M, Thompson transferred to Oklahoma State. “It was only a basketball move,” said Thompson on
“Hard work does pay off.” Brooks Thompson
UTSA head coach the change. “I really wanted to get my degree at Texas A&M, but I felt like if I wanted an opportunity to play at the next level I had to do that.” Thompson was productive in both of his years as an Oklahoma State Cowboy. He averaged 15 points with five assists in his junior year and 17 points with six assists in his senior year including an impressive .472 field goal percentage. He received all-conference honors both years, but never received the accolade he truly aspired for — a national championship. “We got beat in the second round (of the NCAA tournament) both years and I felt like we underachieved. I felt like we should have gone to a Final Four. We wanted a national
championship, that’s what we were playing for,” said Thompson. Despite showing promise as a young player for the Magic — evident by his then franchise-record 21 point quarter — Thompson never truly found his footing as an NBA player. During his four years in the league, Thompson played for five different teams and even spent some time overseas briefly appearing with a Greek club. “It was hard never calling a place home,” said Thompson. After taking multiple coaching jobs which included an assistant coach position at Oklahoma State and a head coach position at a community college, Thomp-
son accepted the head coach position at UTSA in 2006. As the head coach for the U T S A m e n ’s bas-
ketball team, Thompson led the club to its first ever post-season win. “As a player, there’s a lot less pressure,” said Thompson with a laugh, comparing his appearance in the tournament as a coach to his experience as a player. “It was a lot more fun to watch my guys celebrate those wins. To watch them celebrate was a lot more rewarding for me than it was as a player,” he continued. Thompson and the Roadrunners compete next against Southern Miss. on Feb. 26 in Hattiesburg, Miss.
Photo courtesy of UTSA Athletics
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February 24 - March 3, 2015
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