THE PAISANO
WELLBEING SERVICES WARNS of MEASLES EXPOSURE
Infectious window likely occurred after visit, health officials stress caution, awareness.
By Jake Mireles Editor-in-Chief
An individual testing positive for measles was confirmed to have visited the UTSA Main Campus for a tour on UTSA Day. While the risk for infection among vaccinated individuals is extremely low, those present on campus on Feb. 15 between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., or up to two hours after, should monitor for developing symptoms.
On Sunday, Feb. 16, UTSA Wellbeing Services announced via Instagram and email about the possible exposure. The announcement detailed the origin of the infected individual and possible symptoms that students should monitor for if they believe they may have been exposed.
These symptoms include a high fever of up to 105°F, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes, sore throat and a rash. The rash typically develops three to five days after the initial exposure, starting on the face.
According to Associate Vice President for Strategic Communication and External Affairs Joe Izbrand, the individual’s infection window was believed to be after they visited Main Campus.
There have been no confirmed measles cases in Bexar County. 7Speaking on Texas and Bexar County’s resilience from a potential measles outbreak, Deputy Director of Metropolitan Health San Antonio Anita Kurian advised caution and awareness.
“Here in Bexar County, we do have a good vaccination coverage,” Kurian
“Measles is highly contagious, and if you’re unvaccinated there is a 90% risk that you will break down with the disease when you come in contact with a case.”
said. “But there are still pockets of unvaccinated individuals, which always poses a big threat.
Measles is highly contagious, and if you’re unvaccinated there is a 90% risk that you will break down with the disease when you come in contact with a case.”
Measles vaccination rates have declined slightly, especially after COVID-19. According to the CDC, “One person infected with measles can lead to a dozen other people becoming infected in any community where less than 95% of people have been vaccinated against measles.”
This largely explains the increase in confirmed cases for West Texas counties like Gaines. According to TPR, Gaines County has the highest unvaccinated rate in Texas at 18%.
Gaines County is considered the epicenter of the West Texas measles outbreak, which has produced 90 confirmed cases thus far. This is the worst measles outbreak Texas has experienced in 30 years.
Infectious Disease Specialist and Professor of Infectious Diseases at UT Health San Antonio Dr. Jason Bowling spoke on the importance of community vaccination rates to maintain herd immunity.
“It is good news that we haven’t had any cases in [San Antonio]. I think it’s important that we remain vigilant and aware,” Bowling said. “This outbreak in the panhandle is a reminder that even though measles is considered eliminated in the U.S., we remain at risk of losing that status. It requires ongoing maintenance and monitoring of vaccine rates.
“This is a good time for people to look at their vaccine status, and make sure that they’re up to date with their recommended two doses of measles vaccine.”
According to Kurian, the best way to avoid contracting measles is to get vaccinated.
“This is a good time for people to look at their vaccine status, and make sure that they’re up to date with their recommended two doses of measles vaccine.”
If one suspects they may have measles or starts developing symptoms, they should stay secluded from public spaces and remain home at all costs. If someone contracts measles and requires medical examination or treatment, they should call their healthcare provider in advance to allow them to prepare.
The individual was confirmed to have visited several public settings in San Antonio and neighboring cities.
According to Texas Public Radio, on Friday, Feb. 14, the individual visited
Texas State University from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Twin Peaks in San Marcos from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
On Saturday, Feb. 15, the individual visited the UTSA Main Campus from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; multiple San Antonio Riverwalk attractions, including Wax Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not and Ripley’s Illusion Lab, between 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m; and Mr. Crabby’s Seafood and Bar in Live Oak between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m.
On Sunday, Feb. 16, the individual visited Buccee’s in New Braunfels from 9 a.m. and 12 p.m.
Individuals present at these locations during these specified times — or up to two hours afterward — should monitor for developing symptoms.
More information regarding measles can be found on the Metropolitan Health San Antonio website.
This is a developing story. To stay updated, visit Paisano-online.com
Alumni hosts 41st annual Diploma Dash
By Jasmine Williams Managing Editor
With over 1,800 registered runners and nearly 1,200 in attendance, the 41st UTSA Alumni Diploma Dash, hosted by the UTSA Alumni Association, was a success despite the 30-degree temperature and misty conditions.
“This was a banner year,” Jacob Cavazos, the Board President of the UTSA Alumni Association, stated in an interview with The Paisano. “We had more registered runners than we’ve ever had before. We’re out here in the cold, and it’s been misting all day. I’m curious to see how many we had show up, but it was over 1,000 today. It was beautiful to see all these people come out to support student scholarships, support the university.”
The Diploma Dash is the largest chiptimed 5k in San Antonio, and it aims to raise over $150,000 to fund UTSA student scholarships. On Feb. 22, 1,174 people came to run — a significant increase from last year’s 997.
The start and finish line stood in front of the Convocation Center at UTSA’s Main Campus. Runners gathered inside and in front of the building as early as 7 a.m. for the Race Day Festival, while the actual race was scheduled to start at 8 a.m.
There were 26 sponsors this year, some of which set up booths and tents to supply the runners with snacks and refreshments. North Park Subaru presented the event. For the first time, finisher medals were awarded to participants.
Joaquin De La Cruz finished first overall and for males with a time of 16 minutes,
51 seconds. Hannah Cole finished first for females at 21 minutes, 29 seconds, and 27th overall.
The top male and female students were Edwards Irizarray-Santiago and Stephany Castruita. Their times were 19 minutes, 10 seconds, and 22 minutes, 49 seconds, respectively.
Marie Degennaro, who placed 956th after 54 minutes, 53 seconds, runs the Diploma Dash every year with her husband, John Degennaro, and dog Luna; however, this year was different from the rest.
“I got second in my age group, which was 65 and up, but there [were] probably only three women in my age group ‘cause I’ve never placed in anything in my life,” Degennero said.
She went on to share the significance of the race for her and her family.
“My husband has his master’s from here, my son [his] undergrad and our daughter has her undergrad, and she’ll be graduating with her master’s this spring,” Degennero said. “So it’s just to support the university that our family has attended, and they’ve gotten great educations here in their respective degree programs. I know the funds support the university and all, so it’s a lot to us.”
Cavazos expressed his gratitude for this year’s turnout.
“We’re so thankful for our [alumni], the community, students, faculty to come out and support our events, but more specifically, the UTSA Diploma Dash,” he said. “It’s one of our signature events that we do every year; [it] raises dollars
for students’ scholarships. And so we’re so proud to be able to support universities [and to] support students this way.”
He shared the significance the Diploma Dash holds for him as a UTSA alumnus.
“I graduated in 2006,” Cavazos said. “I was fortunate enough to receive scholarships, receive support from the
university, [and] receive support from the community. And so, to be able to be a part of giving back to students, the university, it means the world. And events like this make it happen.”
To view the full extent of the 41st UTSA Alumni Diploma Dash results, visit chuckscore.com.
Courtesy of Alumni Assoction
Alumni and community members running in the Diploma Dash, Joaquin De La Cruz crosses finish line earning first place.
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NISD police officer collides with vehicle on UTSA Blvd. and Roadrunner Way
By Alessandra Avila News Editor
A traffic crash was reported on the UTSA Blvd. and Roadrunner Way intersection between a Northside ISD Police car and Dodge SUV at approximately 4:14 p.m. on Feb. 19.
Several witnesses nearby said, “A Northside ISD police vehicle was approaching the intersection with its lights flashing. The police car drove through a red light while crossing through the intersection. Meanwhile, the white Dodge SUV, with the green light, was driving through the intersection when it collided.”
The crash prompted a rapid response from emergency response teams, which included four police cars, an ambulance and a fire truck. The accident occurred at a busy intersection that frequently has pedestrians. The collision caused a traffic disruption in the area for nearly an hour and a half.
The impact of the crash caused significant damage to both vehicles and debris to be scattered across the scene. First responders were at the scene in a matter of minutes and immediately began assessing the situation. While the extent of the injuries has not been confirmed, paramedics were seen evaluating the injuries of the parties involved in the accident.
The car accident occurred during peak commuter hours. Traffic around the area was temporarily halted, and drivers were directed to take alternative routes to avoid the congestion while first responders worked to clear the scene.
There were some traffic delays due to the crash, but emergency responders moved quickly. As emergency response ended, regular traffic flow returned to the area.
The investigation is ongoing and the outcome is undecided. For more information, contact the San Antonio Police Department.
Crime log 2/16-2/22
By Anika Engler Staff Writer
In compliance with the Clery Act, UTSA keeps a daily crime log for all on-campus crimes. The log summarizes the case’s date, time, location, incident and current status. The crimes detailed below are taken directly from the crime log, showcasing the trends recorded from Feb. 16 to Feb. 22.
Larceny/Theft
A theft took place at Guadalupe Hall on Feb. 15 at 9:08 p.m. The crime was reported to the UTSA Police Department at 3:43 p.m. on Feb. 17. The case remains open.
Striking unattended vehicle
A failure to fulfill the duty of striking an unattended vehicle took place at Resident Lot 5 on Feb. 13. It was reported on Feb. 17, and the case remains active.
Outstanding warrant
An outstanding warrant offense occurred at Laurel Village on Feb. 18 at 12:03 p.m. UTSAPD received assistance from an outside agency. The case remains active.
Runaway child harbored
A resident at Laurel Village was found harboring a runaway child on Feb. 18 at 12:05 p.m. The case was closed by exceptional means,
indicating elements beyond UTSAPD’s control preventing them from arresting and formally charging the offender.
Graffiti
On Feb. 19 at 5:06 a.m., a graffiti offense occurred at the Tobin Avenue Garage on Main Campus. The case remains active.
Burglary of a vehicle
A vehicle burglary occurred at 7:05 p.m. on Feb. 19 at Devine Lot on UTSA Main campus. The case remains active.
Burglary of habitation and harassment
An incident involving burglary of a habitation, harassment and incident assault occurred at Laurel Village Building 7. The crime took place on Feb. 15 at 12:55 a.m. but was reported on Feb. 20. The case remains active.
Consumption of alcohol by a minor
On Feb. 20, a minor was caught consuming alcohol at 12:55 a.m. The case was closed by exceptional means.
Accident duty violation
An accident involving damage to a vehicle was reported on Feb. 20 at 2:31 p.m. It took place at the Bosque St. Lot on UTSA Main Campus. The case was closed by exceptional means.
Mayoral candidates draw ballot order
By Marisela Cruz Assistant News Editor
In anticipation of the upcoming mayoral election in May, City Clerk Debbie Racca-Sittre read off the candidates’ names so they could pick a number to determine their position on the ballot at the City Council Chambers on Feb. 24. Filtering through the chambers were the city council members and most Mayoral candidates ready to obtain their number by random selection. Citizens of San Antonio sat in observance of the event engaging in their civic duties. The meeting focused primarily on ensuring the compliance of state election laws and regulating neutrality in the city’s upcoming elections.
San Antonio’s official general election will be on May 3. The last day to register to vote is April 3. Early voting will commence on April 22 and continue until April
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State of the City
Week of 2/18
By Simeon Trombitas Contributor
Not subscribed to local news but still want to stay up-to-date on the happenings around town? Look no further. Highlighting notable stories from external San Antonio news sources, State of the City summarizes the most captivating news headlines of the week. This week’s topics range from an international roofer exposition to a drive-by shooting and a suspect shot during a robbery on Northeast Side San Antonio.
The International Roofer Exposition shifts its show to San Antonio
The largest tradeshow in roofing came to San Antonio, with around 14,000 professional roofers from 55 countries representing their roofing trade. The exhibition ran from Feb. 19-21 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, with more than 600 vendors filling the showroom floor. The location returned to Texas after the event found its home in Las Vegas last year, though, in previous years, it had seen high numbers in Dallas, Texas.
The Convention Center sold out its booth room for leading companies in the trade to market their products to the heads of the whole industry. There were also hands-on educational seminars that helped those attending learn more about future roofing products. The attendance for the IRE steadily increases each year, while the roofing committee also looks for a convention center that can hold the rising number of attendees. The IRE is returning next January to Las Vegas, Nevada.
Drive-by shooting injures woman
Two cars exchanged gunfire near Culebra Rd. on Friday, Feb. 21.The two cars fired at each other and remained in a shootout until they reached Bradford Avenue where a 47-year-old woman, who was in her garage at the time, took a bullet from the passing exchange. The two cars fled the scene, and information on the suspects is still unknown. Police said the woman who was shot was in stable condition when she was taken to the hospital.
Suspect in serious condition after attempted armed robbery
A security guard at the end of their shift off Rittiman Rd. on Sunday, Feb. 23, found themselves in a firefight with two armed suspects. The three individuals exchanged gunfire after the two suspects approached the security guard with weapons in an attempted armed robbery. The security guard hit one of the suspects in the exchange of bullets, leaving them in “serious condition.” The wounded suspect was taken to the hospital. The other suspect fled the scene on foot but was later caught by officers. The investigation is currently ongoing.
29. The candidates’ positions on the ballot are listed as follows: 1. Rolando Pablos, 2. Sonia Eliza Traut, 3. Robert T. Melvin, 4. Christopher Reyes, 5. Jade McCullough, 6. Brandon Gonzales, 7. Tim Westley, 8. Manny Pelaez, 9. Bill Ruppel, 10. Armando Dominguez, 11. Adriana Rocha Garcia, 12. Gina Ortiz Jones, 13. Diana Flores Uriegas, 14. Clayton Perry, 15. John Courage, 16. Christopher Herring, 17. James “Jae” Melvin, 18. Andrew Fernandez Vicencio, 19. G Zambrano, 20. Arturo Espinosa, 21. April Guadarrama, 22. Michael “Sam” Samaniego, 23. Beto Altamirano, 24. Robert Salinas, 25. Melissa Cabello Havrda, 26. Mauricio “Mau” Sanchez, 27. Santos Alvarado.
bexar.org to find the following information: polling locations, one’s council district and voter registration.
An NISD police interceptor becomes destroyed infront of Prado Apartments by UTSA’s main campus.
A mayoral candidate determines their ballot position by lottery.
Diego Cisneros/The Paisano
Jasmine Williams /The Paisano
Alessandra Avila/The Paisano
Editorial
PThe President who would be king
The style of propaganda in the White House’s social media platforms raises questions
resident Donald Trump’s reelection brought in many changes for the country — from executive orders challenging civil rights to acquitting those who unleashed chaos on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021 — these times are transformative. Amidst the tangible differences Trump’s presidency surfaces, society now meets face-to-face with an unexpected digital figure — the White House’s social media.
The White House posts unprofessional content on its social media accounts, only further tainting the Trump name and, now, his team’s. To start its collection of notably inappropriate posts is the call-out against Selena Gomez after she shared a video of herself crying because of the mass deportations of undocumented immigrants. Another offensive post was made on Valentine’s Day. It depicted a graphic featuring photos of Trump and former ICE Acting Director Tom Homan atop a hearted background, captioned “Roses are red violets are blue come here illegally and we’ll deport you.”
The shameless content continued on President’s Day, with a post referencing Trump’s indictment, which featured an image of the president’s infamous
frivolously in front of New York City wearing a crown, the words above his head reading “Trump” instead of “Time.” The post was captioned, “‘CONGESTION PRICING IS DEAD. Manhattan, and all of New York, is SAVED. LONG LIVE THE KING!’ – President Donald J. Trump.” The post came after Trump’s administration attempted
Bernie calls out power hungry billionaires
Commentary
By Jackie Cardona Contributor
A recent TikTok video posted by Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders warned viewers of the current political state of the country. “That is the reality that we live in,” he stated in the beginning of the video. “In an oligarchic society in which billionaires dominate not only our politics and the information we consume from the media but our government and economic lives as well.” Sanders was referring to Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Jeff Bezos.
The nine-minute TikTok video posted on Feb. 11 by Sanders explained and provided an opinion on what he believes is the agenda of these billionaires who are seen as the right hand for President Donald Trump. Sanders had some good points, and from what many Americans have heard or read, the possibility of an oligarchic government in the U.S. might be the road the nation is heading toward under the Trump administration.
In the rise of an oligarchy,Sanders mentions how the destruction through defunding USAID was just the start of these billionaires’ strategy. Soon enough, they will come after health care, nutrition, housing and education.
The reason behind this strategy is that they can get a tax break from Congress, as
When prices go up, trust goes down
Commentary
By Meadow Riley Staff Writer
A promise was made during President Donald Trump’s term: He was going to reduce the prices of groceries — a change he declared would be made through supply chain rebuilding and increased energy production. Yet ground beef, bacon, juice and especially eggs have seen a noteworthy incline in price.
Eggs have increased by 53% as January of 2024 reported the average dozen large A-grade eggs being priced at $2.52, while January 2025 statistics show them at an average of $4.95.
It is not just eggs; ground beef has also increased in a year, going from $5.03 a pound to $5.55. These reports have come out more abundantly and quickly than ever, with no signs of any decline in prices soon.
Stopping inflation is not an easy task, especially on food, but the issue is Trump’s failure to control these prices despite what he says.
Egg prices are increasing due to the deadly bird flu that has affected the species. Trump still drives the idea that bringing down costs is doable, but when it comes to animal products, it is risky to make this claim. To combat the economic impact of the virus, Trump claims drilling
to have a large effect on oil companies, forcing them to drill more for less revenue. Not only is Trump helpless in most aspects of rising inflation but what he has done since being in office has negatively affected prices as well.
The tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico involve taxes on food products.
195.9 billion dollars were spent in total on agricultural imports from around the world in 2023. Canada and Mexico make up 44% of that total, and Trump is forgetting that the importers are the ones who have to pay, not the exporters. This tariff does impact Americans, and no matter Trump’s claims, the U.S. will be the one losing. The issue is that the nation has not figured out how to
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Commentary
By Christopher Delgado Copyediting Coordinator
Izabella Hernandez /The Paisano
Kara Lee /The Paisano
Senator Bernie Sanders giving a speech at Our Fight, Our Future Rally at Paper Tiger, September 2024
Federal layoffs reach national parks
Commentary
By Daria Tanase Staff Writer
President Donald Trump’s administration has been firing more federal employees, and the U.S. National Parks Service is no exception. The recent mass terminations are primarily due to a new initiative introduced by the administration to reduce the amount of employees in the federal workforce. The initiative itself is led by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency, which works to “streamline the Federal Government, eliminate unnecessary programs, and reduce bureaucratic inefficiency.”
On Feb. 14, the NPS administered over 1,000
layoff notices without warning or alerting these employees that they would be terminated. They held roles such as educating visitors, maintaining trails and ensuring smooth operations. The employees make the spaces safe and clean for public use. Failure to upkeep the national parks allow for more pollution which can deteriorate resources in an environment that native species depend on. With around 5% of the NPS workforce being terminated, things are going to be rough, especially with the upcoming warmer and busy seasons.
Park visitors nationwide have already been noticing an increase in the wait times for popular parks and delays in operating hours even though the layoffs happened less than a month ago. The immediate shift shows how detrimental the upkeep of national land will
be the longer the parks stay understaffed.
To hear such tragedy occurring to employees who do nothing but work hard and dedicate themselves to the land is upsetting. Park staffers keep these spaces protected and conserved. Since summer is coming up, things are going to become harder to maintain. Since the parks will open later, lines will be longer and work is going to be harder for the employees.
There are several ways to help out during the busy seasons: picking up trash, following leave no trace rules and booking park visit reservations ahead of time. The staff of the NPS needs help across the board, and the outdoor community must work together to support them.
The tragic consequence of ignorance
Commentary
By Alejandra Garza Staff Writer
Eleven-year-old Jocelynn Rojo Carranza tragically passed away on Feb. 8 after her mother found her unresponsive five days earlier. Carranza had taken her own life because of relentless bullying regarding her parents’ immigration status.
President Donald Trump is already fulfilling his promise of mass deportation of immigrants crossing the border and those already which began on Jan. 21.
Schools should be a safe space where children can gaIt is essential for a child to feel safe at school because children who are bullied are often left feeling isolated, ashamed and powerless. Despite the school knowing about Carranza being bullied, as she was seeing a counselor without her mother’s knowledge,
aggressors continued to harass Carranza about her parents’ immigration status.
The school and school district should be held accountable for their lack of communication with the mother of the Carranza.
Students’ taunts led to her believing she was going to be left alone if her parents were to be deported. The immigration status of her parents was out of her control, which adds to why this incident is devastating.
Another student’s mother, who attended the same school, has come forward as her daughter was in fear of her Hispanic friends being the next target of Trump’s deportation agenda.
The media is also to be blamed for the bullying as it is at the fingertips of children, especially when it is not regulated by parental supervision.
Anti-immigration views have been growing around the country due to the extreme nature of the person currently in the Oval Office, leaving children of immigrant families vulnerable to the effects of bullying.
The White House released a deportation ASMR video on Jan. 18, believing they were being “aesthetic.” In reality, it enables people to be comfortable with their bigotry, and in the case of Carranza, it gives leverage to bullies. One of Carranza’s friends overheard other students saying, “ICE is coming,” but they never grasped the concept of deportations until the past couple of weeks.
The real problem in this case is the protection of innocence for children that was taken advantage of by the bullies while nothing was being done by an institution parents should trust.
The great cake cost debate of 2025
Commentary
By Danie Craig Contributor
For many, a special occasion is not complete without a delicious dessert.
When decorated cakes cost immensely, not everyone can justify paying the price. Walmart’s affordable vintage heart cakes are the latest controversy, igniting a feud with small business owners claiming the retail giant is undermining them. Videos of Walmart’s affordable cakes, priced between $7-$25, have circulated on TikTok, drawing attention to custom cakes that can cost more than $100.
“I ordered a heart-shaped cake very similar to this one, and I paid $20. A baker was
going to charge me $120,” one user commented. While custom cakes are, without a doubt, beautiful, not everyone can afford them or should have to spend so much on one.
The idea that Walmart is hurting small businesses by offering people affordable cakes is absurd. Those on tight budgets should be able to celebrate without having to spend half, if not more, of their grocery budget, and they should not feel ashamed for choosing what works for them.
Custom cakes take time, effort and creativity;nothing can take away from that. Of course, independent bakers deserve to be paid for their hard work, and they have the right to slap on any price
they believe is right for their product. Anyone who can afford to pay a great deal of money for a cake will go to local bakers, but for most people, Walmart serves an affordable alternative.
A parent should not have to feel guilty for buying an affordable cake to make their child’s birthday special.
A couple celebrating an anniversary should be allowed to enjoy a sweet treat without breaking the bank; no one should have to sacrifice celebrating life’s moments just because a cake is too expensive.
The beauty of being an artist is to create something that brings joy to others and oneself. Understandably, cake decorators need to make a
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living, but it does not have to come at the cost of belittling others, including the Walmart cake decorators.
As one TikTok user put it, “Can we acknowledge that people who decorate cakes no matter where they do it are professionals?” Walmart bakers are real decorators; where they work does not diminish their skills.
A cake may not be needed, but anyone should be able to get one. The conversation should be focused on appreciating all bakers. Because of their creativity, people can enjoy the small and big moments in life. At the end of the day, everyone deserves a slice of joy, regardless of their budget.
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Landscape of Zion National Park in Utah, U.S. One of the many national parks whose management will be affected by the federal layoffs.
arts & life
Subvert your expectations
By Malaki Lingg Arts & Life Editor
Ruby City has brought a new and exciting mixed media display to their Chris Park Studio, with five San Antonio artists contributing.
“Synthesis & Subversion Redux” features the artists Juan Carlos Escobedo, Jenelle Esparza, Barbara Minarro, Angeles Salinas and Jose Villalobos. The exhibit explores the artists’ connection to their Latinx heritage through the use of everyday objects on the artists’ chosen medium.
The name, “Synthesis & Subversion Redux,” was chosen to celebrate the late Frances Colpitt, a distinguished Art History professor at UTSA. In 1966, Colpitt curated the exhibit “Synthesis and Subversion: A Latino Direction in San Antonio Art.” The thesis of the exhibit was to highlight each individual artist’s connection with their culture as well as to subvert said connection through their piece while showcasing popular methods of contemporary art at the time.
Just shy of 30 years later, Ruby City has revitalized that idea: An exhibit challenging the status quo and each artist’s relationship with their identity.
The first visible piece as one enters the studio is from Esparza, titled “The Family Room (2024).” Her work takes a very physical approach, showcasing textiles and their means of production. This takes root from her family’s ties to a cotton farm outside of Corpus Christi, representing the history of not just her own family but the experience of many immigrants in South Texas. The textiles have varied designs, with each representing the physical damage that the work and the experience of said laborers went through.
Heading to the right is work from Villalobos captioned “El ardor era como el que sufrió Carmelita Torres al cruzar la frontera de Ciudad Juárez y El Paso.”
The black and white photo depicts a man in a burning cowboy hat, reflecting the experience of El Paso’s Carmelita Torres who started the Bath Riots after
refusing to take a gasoline bath as demanded by U.S. immigration officials.
Truly bringing the contemporary to the gallery, Escobedo displays unconventional clothing constructed using cardboard with buildings and houses draped from the sides. His pieces, “Deconstruction/ Construction Boots x J.ESC (2021)” and “ Brownscape View-Neck x J.ESC (2022),” build a connection between his chosen material and capitalism’s views on Latinx. While cardboard is resilient and malleable, it is often disregarded and thrown away without a second thought. The buildings bring connection back to his hometown, El Paso, and his Catholic upbringing.
Another piece based around clothing and textiles comes from Salinas. Her piece, “The Space Between,” is compiled of sewn-together clothing scraps. The sewn clothes depict the border, with a depiction of the Rio Grande flowing through. Her hopes are to bring a serenity to the viewer, reflecting how she feels when flying through the area while also displaying her shared identity between both countries.
Nestled in two opposite corners of the studio are pieces from Miñaro. In her two pieces — like much of the others — she incorporates textiles, using clothing and bedding from friends and family.
Miñaro’s first piece is “Entre Tu y Yo (2018-19).” The dimensions of this piece mirror those of a section of a border wall erected during President Trump’s first term. With its plush composition it is meant to show how it is unable to act as a real barrier, though in other ways it keeps family and friends separated across the border.
“Synthesis & Subversion Redux” brings a fantastic callback to Colpitt’s 1996 exhibit. Each piece encapsulates a different perspective on culture and, as the name suggests, questions the status quo based on the historical experience of the Latino community — whether that is through family, personal experience or notable figures like Torres.
The exhibit is on display from Feb. 15 to Sept. 29. Ruby City is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Otaku Fest unites through art, food and performance
By Olivia Lliteras Contributor
Festival fanatics from all around stormed Wonderland of the Americas mall to celebrate the Year of the Snake by enjoying cultural cuisine, live performances, dozens of vendors and more. The sounds of live music and thundering drums erupted through the mall, marking Otaku Fest’s return to San Antonio on Feb. 22 and 23. From hand-drawn prints to imported goods, rows of vendors lined the mall’s second floor, offering commodities of all kinds. Festival-goers were sure to find merchandise from their favorite media with pieces dedicated to Vocaloid, Chainsaw Man, Marvel, Final Fantasy and Pokemon.
“I love getting to meet interesting people,” stated Dina, the owner of a sweet crochet stand called Fandom Threads Studios, which sells hand-made dolls from various anime and games. “I love getting
people to see my work and say, ‘Oh my grandma used to do that,’ where I say ‘Well, you can do it too.’”
After exploring the widespread array of attractions, attendants were able to walk right outside the mall to revel in a variety of food stands serving international cuisine from East and Southeast Asia. Some stands even put a fun twist on their menu by preparing capybara-shaped buns and Yakult soda. Hot-served meals warmed guests up from the chilly weather and renewed their energy for the upcoming indoor events.
Later in the festival, paper and cloth dragons danced among the festival grounds in an organized sequence that excited the crowd. Japanese sumo wrestling and choreographed performances entertained and enhanced the atmosphere throughout the festival.
In addition to this celebration of heritage, performers and cosplayers enjoyed taking pictures and chatting with fans. Much dedication is put into these hobbies
to spread happiness to the people around them. The first-place winner of the festival cosplay contest mentioned that three months of hard work were put into her cosplay of Marcille — a character from Dungeonmeshi — with many pieces being hand-made.
“I love seeing people come out and have a good time while celebrating and reuniting with loved ones together,” said one of the dance performers. Otaku Fest 2025 brought together a vibrant community of fans, creators and performers to celebrate culture, creativity and shared passions. The events and connections formed provided a unique experience for all who attended. Whether bonding over fandoms, marveling at stunning cosplay or enjoying lively entertainment, guests were left with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the diverse traditions woven into the event. As the festival came to a close, the excitement and joy lingered, leaving everyone anticipating next year’s celebration.
Armin Suljovic/The Paisano
Barbara Minaro, “Entre Tu y Yo / Between You and I (2018-19).”
Jennelle Esparza, “The Family Room (2024), Courtesy of the artist / Photo: Jeffery Janko.
One of many vendor stands at this years Otaku Fest, hosted by Wonderland Mall.
Arts & Life
Diego Cisneros/The Paisano
The tone everyone is chasing
By Logan Martinez Staff Writer
As corporate guitar stores ––– such as Guitar Center and Sweetwater ––– continue to rise, the once beloved local guitar shop has become nearly extinct. With only a handful of said shops remaining in San Antonio, finding a store offering the muchneeded one-on-one experience that accompanies purchasing a guitar can be a struggle. Though the number of stores may be dwindling, one shop continues to make its case for the greatest in the city.
Located at 416 Austin Highway, Spacetone Music embodies everything a local guitar store should be. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and roughly 20 minutes from UTSA, the store teems with excellent gear and extraordinary customer service.
“We’re really just a tried and true guitar shop,” co-manager Dausin Ramirez said.
“We all love the guitar business start to finish however you want to look at it.”
Opened in 2001 by owner Jason Rinn, the store continues to serve the public as one of the nicest guitar stores in San Antonio.
“Jason started this in 2001 at a smaller location on Broadway,” Ramirez stated. “He moved here around 2004 but expanded the store about nine years ago.”
As a vintage shop, Spacetone Music offers a variety of excellent guitars and gear. The store specializes in classic American-made brands, such as Fender and Gibson, and carries an assortment
of popular brands — such as Jackson, Charvel, Ibanez and Dean. The guitar selection is far better than that of its competitors, as they carry rare pieces such as Gibson Flying V and Explorer guitars. It is almost impossible for a customer to walk in and not find a product worth purchasing.
While its selection alone warrants its ranking as one of the better guitar shops in the Alamo City, Spacetone Music’s service and atmosphere truly make it special. Stepping through the doors, customers are immediately greeted with warm welcomes from the employees who often feel more like friends than workers. Incredibly encouraging and willing to answer any questions, the staff does all it can to leave customers satisfied and excited to return.
“For a guitar player, it’s everything,” Ramirez said about the importance of a welcoming atmosphere. Displaying nearly all of their amplifiers in the middle of the store, Spacetone Music heavily encourages customers to take guitars off the wall, plug in and jam for a bit. Employees never condemn the customer for playing loudly, opting instead to ask questions about what they are looking for and aiding them in their guitar journey. While prices tend to be expensive, the store is more than willing to negotiate. The service, along with the welcoming ambiance make the shop one of the finest in San Antonio.
From advanced players looking to expand their collection to beginners hoping to get into the world of guitar, Spacetone Music will aid through every step of one’s guitar journey.
Hilary Rochow fuels SA’s art scene
By Daria Tanase Staff Writer
The vibrant and extensive art scene in San Antonio continues to thrive thanks to passionate artists who breathe life into the city with their work. The community is composed of individuals who are open and inviting to those around them, willing to talk with newcomers and encourage others to participate in local events.
Hilary Rochow has been one of those artists in San Antonio’s art scene for several years. Since college, she has worked her way into the art community and encourages as many people to get as involved with the scene as possible. Through her time at various popular art spaces, such as Blue Star Arts Complex, Mercury Project and 1906, her hard work and dedication have garnered her a reputation in the local art scene.
Rochow specializes in drawing and sculpture work, alongside this she uses her expertise to curate shows and exhibitions. In her most recent exhibit, “All the Nature We Have,” she displayed some of her work alongside another local artist Jennifer Khoshbin to create a cohesive exhibition. It was described as an “invitation to look inward as much as it is to look outward, with the hope to catalyze compassion, curiosity and maybe even conviction amidst troubling times,” which was displayed on Feb. 8 at the Mercury Project gallery. She puts on shows throughout the city and has an open studio space for people to visit during the second Saturday of each month.
Rochow was introduced to the art world while gallery sitting for Flight Gallery and starting conversations with those around her. Around the same time she began gallery sitting, she was focusing on her pen drawings of animals and was able to find opportunities to showcase her art.
“I got a good audience that was fascinated with my work, and it was so encouraging because it was clear that there was an audience for my work. I just needed to seek them out and find it and keep making work,” said Rochow.
Rochow finds the most joy in solo and duo exhibitions, but she occasionally collaborates on group exhibitions with other artists in San Antonio and throughout Central Texas. Her work has been
displayed and curated in over 40 exhibitions in the past seven years at galleries such as Flight, Mercury Project, Ornamental Cabbage and Rojo.
As an artist, one of the main ways to find success is to make connections. It can be hard to find an audience of people who respect and appreciate one’s work right off the bat, but with time and effort, connections will flourish.
Rochow explains how any artist’s work “definitely has an audience, and [they] won’t find that audience if [they] don’t show up and connect with people.” She has worked hard to connect with the community and encourages others to do the same to find those who align with their work and vision.
“Not every crowd will be your crowd, and not every show will be your show,” Rochow said. However, putting in the effort to go out and spark conversation with other artists and curators got Rochow onto the right path. It is intimidating to get started and put art on display for others to see, but San Antonio is a great space to do so, as the community is welcoming and supportive.
Simply attending art shows, being curious and staying open-minded can help to create an idea of just how inviting people truly are in the Alamo city.
The little toy drum is not beat hard enough
By Malaki Lingg Arts & Life Editor
Stephen King’s most recent book-to-film adaptation, “The Monkey,” was announced months ago. Following this, phenomenal marketing drew horror fans in with its silly atmosphere yet disturbing concept. Directed by Osgood Perkins, it sets the stakes high after the lackluster release that was “Longlegs.”
The film follows twin siblings, Hal and Bill, both of which are portrayed by the lead Theo James as adults and Christian Convery when seen as children. The pair start the film living with their mother, but when a mysterious windup toy monkey is found, their lives are changed forever. When the key is turned on the Monkey’s back, it slowly spins its drumstick and plays a short beat. When the Monkey is done playing, a seemingly random person will have a sudden and untimely death.
When bullying drives Hal to turn the Monkey’s key in the hope that it will kill his twin, the Monkey kills his mother instead, leaving the boys orphaned. After one more death within the family, the twins decide to hide the Monkey so no one can ever use its power again.
This decision takes us to the present, with Hal being an adult gearing up to spend a week with his son Petey for his birthday. Though things go awry when his aunt dies, the Monkey returns and his brother Bill calls for the first time in years.
Straying from original plans, Hal and Petey go to his hometown to sort through the aunt’s belongings and find the Monkey.
When another death happens and the Monkey is nowhere to be found, Hal realizes
his brother is orchestrating the whole thing — and with Petey’s safety in jeopardy, it is his responsibility to stop him.
“The Monkey” is an overwhelmingly silly film. From its atmosphere to its concept, there is this heightened level of humor that really works. Though, from here, everything starts to fall flat. The story progresses too fast and leaves out too much. There is a great intro with the twins as kids, but it skips over where the Monkey is actually from. But the time skip leaves moviegoers with too many unanswered questions.
The kills in this flick are wildly creative — from the babysitter’s death during a hibachi dinner to the cheerleaders being sideswiped by the semi-truck. The kills stay consistent and fun, but they are nothing more than that. There are no consequences for any of the deaths; the watcher does not care for any of these people. There is no impact to the story when you see anyone die — this really hurts the film’s success as a horror.
All things aside, the Monkey’s design is perfect. Its beady eyes glare into the audience’s soul. With various lingering shots, it feels as if the Monkey is truly alive — staring right at you.
“The Monkey” fell flat on many notes, but the performances by James and Convery are more than stellar. Sadly, other than performances and the Monkey, not much in the film is enticing — cementing another underwhelming release by Perkins.
74 personal minutes with Drizzy Drake
Reviews
By Rylan Renteria Staff Writer
Following the “conclusion” of a very public beef between Drake and Kendrick Lamar, fans speculated on what the next move for the Canadian-born rapper would be. After months of sparse verses and mysterious Instagram posts, Drake finally announced his new album with frequent collaborator and fellow OVO Sound signee PARTYNEXTDOOR.
The album, titled “$OME $EXY $ONGS 4 U,” targets fans of Drizzy’s acclaimed R&B sound — a fitting theme for a Valentine’s Day release.
The album opens with “CN TOWER,” which references the historic tower of the same name in Toronto, Canada. Drake and PND sing over spacey, dark production as they tie the frequent colors of the tower — blue, green and red — to their past failed relationships.
Track two, “MOTH BALLS,” explores emotional detachment and self-destruction. Drake speaks about the effect his promiscuous habits with women, drugs and alcohol have on his relationships.
More ethereal spacey production queues up as “SOMETHING ABOUT YOU” begins. It is an intimate track where the duo talk about the complexities of existing within a relationship while being the superstars that they are, referencing things like nondisclosure agreements and sex with women in relationships with professional sports players.
“CRYING IN CHANEL” was the first song previewed by Drake just six days before the album’s release. It is a fairly underwhelming vocal performance from Drake, but a catchy bridge from PND at the end of the song saves it from being considered amongst the album’s worst. Drake gets back on track with “SPIDER-MAN SUPERMAN” as he takes a look at his relationships through an introspective lens, and he delves into the unrealistic expectations often placed on him in his past ordeals. He wants to protect his partner and fulfill all her needs, but at the end of the day, he is no superhero. The track concludes with Drake singing beautifully over a sample of his own song, “The Real Her” coming off his 2011 classic “Take Care.” PARTYNEXTDOOR gets one solo song on the album with “DEEPER,” and he excels in the spotlight. Lyrically, it is not an emotionally driven song. The Mississauga native sings about sex and the shedding of his ego in an attempt to connect with his partner. A high-pitched sample flip rings out as “SMALL TOWN FAME” begins. This is arguably the most destructive track on the album with Drake, of all people, complaining how he does not receive enough attention from his partner. He claims that even though he may be more famous than his partner, he can still lose her to small-town fame.
Courtesy of Hilary Rochow
Sasha Gozun reflects on state of tennis program
By Michael Rios Staff Writer
UTSA men’s tennis opened the season with a 3-5 record. Though the team has had an inconsistent start through its first eight games, gaining more experience under new coach Sasha Gozun could prove beneficial for the rest of the season. Gozun is confident in his players and what they can achieve going forward.
“We have a really talented group of guys, and they’ve already shown high potential to reach our goals in the next couple years, so we’re really excited to have them,” Gozun said.
When Gozun was announced as head coach for the men’s tennis program in August, one of his priorities was embracing the five pillars of UTSA Athletics’ culture: resilience, unity, discipline, integrity and adaptability.
“Those are the five things that we talk about nonstop,” Gozun said. “Being adaptable is very important. Resilience is being able to bounce back no matter the issue — win or lose. Unity means being together and creating [a] brotherhood for life. Discipline means there is no such thing as little things. Integrity is just having class. You think about tennis, it’s a classy sport. That’s definitely something that we try to strive for. Giving [opponents] the benefit of the doubt but at the same time, trying to beat the other person.”
Gozun’s coaching philosophy is one that his players have come to appreciate as it has fostered a positive environment for them. His straightforward style has helped the Roadrunners perform at a high level.
“Creating an environment for our players to thrive, that’s the most important thing for me. Just having the safe space for them to talk to someone to discuss classes, discuss tennis, discuss life,” Gozun said. “I tell them this right away as soon as I get here, ‘I’m not here to be your friend. I’m here to be your coach, but at the same time, I want to be as friendly as possible.’ As a coach, you need to know and feel that line of when is the right time to say these certain things and when is the right time to make them accountable for their actions.”
Gozun acknowledges that with the ‘Runners now being in a bigger conference like the American Athletic Conference, the team’s mindset is still the same: Beat the player in front of them.
“The thing about the past program is, they’ve had a lot of success. The past two years, they were top forty in the country. That’s the highest ranking for UTSA’s tennis program ever for a smaller conference like Conference USA,” Gozun said. “Now moving into a bigger
AAC Player of the Week
Vittoria
By Haley Aguayo Sports Editor
conference, we adapted that mentality of ‘Hey, it doesn’t matter what conference we’re in, it doesn’t matter who we’re playing.
“The guys that are three seniors, they have that mentality. They don’t care who they play. That’s what they’re trying to teach the freshmen is that you don’t play a school, you play a person. You play that person’s game. UT, Oklahoma, Greensboro, it doesn’t matter. You always compete against the person on the other side,” Gozun added.
Along with instilling a competitive mindset, Gozun emphasizes academic success for his players. He hopes to help raise the team’s overall GPA.
“When you’re a student-athlete, you’re a student first. For some of the kids on the team, getting a degree is their priority, while for others, ‘it’s a backup plan,’” Gozun said. “It just depends on the type of person we have on the team, but I have a standard of what I want to achieve in the classroom because I think classroom work is really important for them. It teaches them other different skills as well. They understand that they have a support system here. They’ve been pretty successful. We have a 3.4 [GPA] already this past fall.”
Despite the team’s early struggles, Gozun still sees potential with his current players. He wants to see the team’s best players shine this season by encouraging them to pursue a future in professional tennis.
“Tiago [Torres] obviously wants to go on the professional tour. He’s already had some success this year on the tour beating guys who are top 400 ATP,” Gozun said. “I’m excited for him to start that journey. Hopefully, I can help him in any way I can.
Danijal [Muminovic] has had tremendous success, and I’m pushing him as well to try professional tennis. Miguel [Alonso] wants to be a professional tennis player as well, so I’m excited for him. Hopefully, we can get him recovered and ready for future matches.”
With these Roadrunners establishing themselves as the best players on the team, there is a significant amount of optimism towards what the rest of the team can accomplish this season and in the future.
Going forward, Gozun is thrilled to see how the freshman players perform when they come back next season.
“I’m just excited for all the freshmen for next year. They are getting so much exposure right now with the schedule that we have and the practices that we have,” Gozun said. “They see the competition that we need to beat every day. I’m just excited to see how they’re going to come back from the summer break and what they do in the summer to keep that going.”
has the spirit of a pro
Vittoria Baccino is one athlete that refuses to crack under pressure. In fact, she thrives on it, which is the exact reason she received her first AAC Women’s Tennis Player of the Week accolade.
In two consecutive matches against Tarleton State University and University of Houston, Baccino served as the deciding point. She triumphed over the Texans’ Maria Castano 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, and battled Houston’s Heta Nuutinen 7-5, 3-6, 7-6 (7-3) to conquer both challengers in their first and third sets.
“Those two matches, they were the best matches of my life,” Baccino said referring to her clinches against the Texans and the Cougars. “I love to play, I love when there’s clinching, and everybody’s watching you, I love to put on a show.
“I was saying to my mom after those matches, ‘Right now I can’t imagine my life without tennis.’”
Tennis was the reason behind Baccino’s decision to come to the U.S. in the first place. It is a country where she could have the best of both worlds and combine her pursuit of knowledge with her passion for tennis.
“I love to compete” - Vittoria Baccino
“In Italy, there is not a possibility of playing tennis at university. Once you choose university, you choose school,” Baccino said. “Since I was little, I always, always, always wanted to focus on tennis and try to [go] pro.”
“On one side, I want to think about my future, so I want a degree because if I got injured, what [am I] gonna do with my life?’ And then on the other side, I don’t want to quit tennis; I’ve played since forever. So in America, there is everything together,” Baccino said of the reason behind her decision to pursue a collegiate career in San Antonio.
Baccino shared that the idea of attending university in America was both hers and her coach’s in Italy. Though her mother and grandmother may not have initially been on board with Baccino moving so far from home, her whole family can now see how right she was to make the transcontinental leap. On the other hand, her father has been one of her biggest supporters since she told him she wanted to move to her most recent matches.
“If that’s your dream, go. But when you decide to go, you go and you finish,” Baccino’s father told her. “But he’s always watching our matches on the live streaming services.”
While familial support is key to an athletes’ success, mentality plays a huge role in their overall performance. An athlete can only be as good as their mind will allow them to be, but Baccino has the mentality of a seasoned pro who plays to win.
“I clinched against USF, and I am happy because I beat an Italian,” Baccino said, referring to her win against Margherita Marcon. “She beat me when I was a junior, so I remember her and clinching against her in their house. It was a nice change. I love to compete.”
The women’s tennis team is currently 13-1, only dropping a match to Tulane University on Saturday, ranked No. 44 and are on the prowl to keep winning.
“I just keep working because we are doing really good,” Baccino said. “I was here last year, and the best ranking was 61. It was tough because I think we deserve it. I will not say we deserve to be number one, but among the 75 in the country, yes, definitely. We just keep practicing at our best. We need to compete as hard as we can and fight for the team, for the girls.”
While tennis may not be the most popular sport for fans to watch at UTSA, the level of intensity these athletes play at makes every game worth watching.
“If they’re gonna come to the match, I’m not saying that they’re gonna always see us winning, but they’re gonna see our effort,” Baccino said of fans. “They’re gonna see all the passion that we have and the effort that we make.”
Coach Gozun coaches his players in between their doubles sets.
Baccino
Vittoria Baccino celebrates after winning a point against University of Houston.
Miles Jones/The Paisano
Miles Jones/The Paisano
Rylan Renteria/The Paisano
Roadrunners filet Sharks in four-game series
UTSA returns home after lengthy road stretch, delivers dominant performances
By Rylan Renteria Staff Writer
UTSA baseball swept Long Island University across four games (6-5, 13-0, 15-0, 7-1) over the weekend at Roadrunner Field.
Coming off cold performances at the plate on the road, the Roadrunners (53) had their way against the Sharks’ (26) pitching rotation. Both veterans and newcomers enjoyed standout offensive performances across the series, with players like freshman utility Caden Miller and senior outfielder Mason Lytle posting multi-RBI games.
The UTSA rotation fared well against the Long Island starting nine, allowing just six runs throughout the series. The team is now above .500 on the season and coach Pat Hallmark is pleased with the way his team has responded.
“It feels good. Four wins in two days is not easy to do,” Hallmark said. “We did a good job all the way around. Pitchers are still throwing strikes, which is where it all starts.”
Game One
The Roadrunners scored three of their six runs in the opening inning.
Senior catcher Andrew Stucky drove an RBI double into left center field, pushing senior infielder Norris McClure to third while bringing the runners on second and third base. Junior outfielder Tye Odom brought in McClure shortly after with an RBI single into left field.
Junior pitcher Zach Royse got the start for UTSA and tossed seven strikeouts across six innings while allowing two runs on two hits.
The ‘Runners ran into trouble in the top of the seventh inning after allowing Long Island to not only erase its deficit but also take a two-run lead.
The Roadrunners battled back and reclaimed the lead in the bottom of the eighth inning after Lytle singled off a bunt.
A throwing error from the Sharks allowed freshman utility Nathan Hodge to score the game-winning run — the team’s first in over six full days.
Roadrunners’ rise makes them the AAC Tournament favorites
By Aramis Santiago Staff Writer
The American Women’s Basketball Championship is shaping up to be the most competitive it has been in years, with multiple teams eyeing the conference championship and an automatic berth to the NCAA Tournament.
While Rice University enters the tournament as the defending champions, they are unlikely to repeat this season as several teams have emerged as serious contenders. The University of South Florida, University of North Texas, Temple University, Tulane University and University of Tulsa have all shown promise throughout the season. However, one team has separated itself from the pack. With a 23-3 overall record and a dominant 14-1 mark in conference play, UTSA should be considered the favorite to win its first AAC title and secure its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2009.
UTSA’s rise to the top of the conference has been no fluke. Led by senior forward Jordyn Jenkins — the most dominant scorer in the AAC — the Roadrunners have overwhelmed opponents on both ends of the floor.
Jenkins’ ability to take over games offensively has been crucial, but UTSA’s success has also been driven by the team’s suffocating defense and relentless rebounding efforts. The Roadrunners lead the AAC in rebounding margin and offensive rebounding while ranking first in scoring defense, holding opponents to just 56.1 points per game. Their defensive identity has allowed them to grind out wins even on nights when their shots are not falling.
While UTSA has been the best team in
the AAC all season, South Florida is the biggest threat to the team’s championship aspirations. The Bulls are 20-8 and on a nine-game winning streak, making them the hottest team in the conference.
Guard Sammie Puisis is one of the most dangerous perimeter scorers in the AAC, and South Florida’s balanced attack gives them the ability to keep up with any opponent. The Bulls also boast one of the better defenses in the conference — allowing just 60.5 points per game, which could make for an intriguing potential championship matchup with UTSA.
North Texas and Temple could also make deep tournament runs. The Mean Green are one of the best offensive teams in the AAC, averaging 69.7 points per game, and forward Tommisha Lampkin has been a force in the paint all season. Meanwhile, Temple has a strong defensive presence and is excellent at forcing turnovers, which could make them a difficult matchup for any team.
Tulane and Tulsa are both dangerous as well. The Green Wave rely on their frontcourt play, while the Golden Hurricane are one of the better threepoint shooting teams in the league.
Despite a competitive field, no team has been as steady and dominant as UTSA this season. Jenkins has been the catalyst, while sophomore forward Idara Udo, graduate guard Nina De Leon Negron, junior guard Sidney Love and a wellrounded supporting cast have provided key support. The Roadrunners have the depth, defense and rebounding to win the AAC Tournament and punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in 16 years. If they maintain the level of play they’ve shown all season, expect UTSA to leave Fort Worth as conference champions.
Game Two
Both teams were scoreless through the first three innings. The scoring drought ended when Lytle launched a home run over the left field wall — his first of the season.
“I was just happy that we finally drove in some runs,” Lytle said after the game.
With a 9-0 lead in the bottom of the sixth and the bases loaded, Miller launched his first collegiate grand slam past right field.
Miller is tied for the team-lead in total runs with eight and leads in total home runs with three through the first eight games.
“He’s relaxed now. He was pressing a little bit early in those first two games in Arlington,” Hallmark said. “Big things are coming from him.”
Long Island failed to score in the top of the seventh, and the game was called by way of the run rule.
Game Three
An early 9 a.m. start didn’t appear to faze UTSA, with the team holding a 7-0 lead
by the time the second inning concluded. The Roadrunners offense and defense delivered their best performances of the season, with the ‘Runners earning a season-high in runs scored — despite only playing seven innings — and the UTSA rotation earning its second-consecutive shutout of the series.
Game Four
In the series finale, the ‘Runners scored all seven of their runs in the first four innings. Junior outfielder Drew Detlefsen and Miller hit home runs, and UTSA enjoyed its most efficient day at the plate, scoring the aforementioned seven runs on just eight hits. After being shut out in two straight games, the Sharks managed to score a single run in the top of the seventh. This became the final inning as the visiting team had a hard-exit deadline of 2 p.m. UTSA will next face Houston Christian University at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Roadrunner Field.
How women’s golf gears up for tournaments
By Alejandra Garza Staff Writer
At the collegiate level, golf is more than just a game — it’s an “individual team sport.” In order to better prepare for upcoming events, such as the NCAA Regionals, coach Summer Batiste has a specific approach to improving upon her players’ weaknesses. It involves technicality and statistics to improve the overall team performance.
“We use a stat platform. They will play a round of golf and enter in all their stats, and we will use that to determine what areas of their games they need to work on the most,” Batiste said. “Those stats are really reflective over 20 rounds of golf, so we can talk about things that are current pressing issues, but we are going to look at stuff that routinely needs adjustment and improvement.”
Stats can provide a dive into a player’s profile, assisting both players and coaches.
“The trick to winning in golf is knowing your players individually — some are feel, some are technical and some are visionary — and getting all of that to fit their learning,” Batiste said.
The Roadrunners compete in nine tournaments each season, along with the AAC Championship and NCAA
regionals, some of which take place at the same location. This gives the team a home-field-like advantage because they understand the course better than those who have not played it before.
“We have played the course,” Batiste said of the Golf Club of Houston. Essentially, the team that is traveling to Houston has played it for the past three years. I think our biggest advantage is the grass is very similar to what we have been putting on at TPC.”
Though the difference in course grass can alter an athlete’s performance, golf remains a mental game. It requires a lot of concentration with minimal distraction and players face pressure all around the course, from the beginning tee shot to the last putt. Every golfer must adjust their game according to the course.
“I think every player is different in their strategies, and all the strategies really push towards groundedness, presence and their ability to accept things,” Batiste said about the team’s mental approach to a new course. “Anything that really keeps them present or if it is talking through a shot kind of helps them visualize what they want to happen.”
In order to improve in the game of golf it must be worked at strategically to pinpoint the specific issues a player is facing.
UTSA drops first match to Wichita State in two years
By Haley Aguayo Sports Editor
Miles Jones/The Paisano
Clockwise: Drew Detlefsen, Caden Miller, the team celebrating a home run during the third game of the Roadrunners weekend series agains LIU, Tye Odom.