Vol. 70 Issue 7

THE PAISANO

Basura Bash cleans up San Antonio’s rivers and creeks

By Kara Lee Graphic Editor

More than 3,000 volunteers gathered across San Antonio on Saturday to clean trash from the city’s rivers and waterways. The annual event, known as Basura Bash, was organized by River Aid San Antonio in partnership with local community organizations such as San Antonio Water System, city council members and volunteers.

city’s expanding trail network, which has grown to over 80 miles in the past two decades.

Volunteers worked at multiple locations around the city, helping to clear litter from creek beds, river systems and parks.

Jessica Mrozinski, a volunteer, highlighted the long-standing collaboration between River Aid San Antonio and the San Antonio River Authority.

“This event has been happening for over a decade,” Mrozinski said. “It’s a citywide effort to clean up our waterways, and this year, River Aid San Antonio took on the responsibility of organizing the event for the first time.”

Brendan Gibbons, board chair of River Aid San Antonio, discussed the 30-year history of Basura Bash.

“We have about two dozen sites around the city, and we’re hoping to see 3,000 volunteers this year,” Gibbons said. “If we hit that target, it would set a new record for recent years. River Aid San Antonio began organizing the event two years ago, but it was founded in the 1990s by local citizens concerned about the state of our waterways.”

The event also highlights the

“These trails have made natural areas more accessible to the public,” Gibbons stated. “As more people visit these areas, they become more aware of the pollution problem. Our goal is to ensure healthy ecosystems and water quality, with the hope that one day, these waterways may even be safe for swimming.”

River Aid San Antonio aims to continue expanding the event for the years to come. Gibbons added, “We want to increase the number of cleanup sites, the number of volunteers and the level of corporate support. Our sponsors help provide supplies and support the hundreds of staff hours needed to organize the event.”

In addition to the cleanup, River Aid San Antonio is working on a long-term project, including the water monitoring program. Through the Texas Stream Team, volunteers will be trained to monitor water quality at designated sites throughout the city.

Basura Bash, which started as a small community effort 30 years ago, has grown into a major, citywide event. Over the years, more than 50,000 volunteers have helped remove more than 1.4 million pounds of trash from San Antonio’s waterways.

Students and community hold memorial for Chap Cat

By Khoi Nguyen Staff Writer

Roaming Chaparral Village for over 12 years, Harry, a stray orange and white tabby known as ‘Chap Cat,’ has been a cherished presence in the UTSA community. Months after he was announced missing on Dec. 20, 2024, friends of Harry gathered on the evening of March 6 on Chaparral Village’s patio to express condolences, write supportive messages and create artwork commemorating him.

The memorial, organized by Chaparral Village resident assistants and the Roadrunner Cat Coalition, allowed the community to grieve and properly acknowledge his disappearance.

“Coming into this semester, there’s a lot of uncertainty from residents. [They are asking] ‘Is he gone? Is he missing?’” said Manuel Bocanegra, a Chaparral Village resident assistant who thought up the memorial. “I didn’t want the year to conclude with no way of being able to grieve or celebrate his life.”

Karen Williams, a cofounder and faculty advisor of the Roadrunner Cat Coalition, began the memorial by recounting Harry’s origins.

“In 2012, we saw him way over in West Campus in the woods, and we trapped him,” Williams said. “He was not a baby then. We got him fixed, and he gradually made his way over here, and then he loved it so much. He loved everybody.

“When we all were gone over the breaks,

in the summer, he was not happy. We’d come daily to feed him, and he would be moping around. He’d always be here because you guys are here to pay attention to him. He was always so happy when his buddies were here,” she added.

Attendees sang along to “Amazing Grace” performed by Krystal Elliston, a junior majoring in music. They then visited Chaparral Village’s pool and buildings one, three and eleven, which the resident assistants and Cat Coalition deemed Harry’s favorite spots.

“I would always be walking home, and Harry would follow me to my door. I would feed him, and he would sleep overnight,” said resident assistant Alondra Castillo.

“One time I was going to class, and I saw him leaning over the [pool] edge, drinking the water,” a student said, to which the assembly laughed.

Many recalled Harry being a constant

presence throughout their daily routines.

“I give housing tours pretty much every day of the week, and I always loved pointing [Harry] out to prospective parents and families,” housing ambassador Jaclyn Lerma mentioned. “It’s nice to know you have a little stray friend around and about. I miss seeing him on my tours.”

“Every time I go to the cafe, every time I’m going to an exam [or] going to class, Harry has been my companion through it all,” Bocanegra said. “He was just always there, and even when he was grumpy, he would want your attention and want to cuddle up with you.”

The memorial ended with Bocanegra placing a photo of Carolyn Campa and Harry onto a shrine. Campa, who runs an Instagram account of Harry with nearly 6,000 followers, has posted updates on Harry for more than seven years since acquiring the account from its original owner. She worked with the

Cat Coalition in coordinating information on Harry’s whereabouts and, weeks before the memorial, addressed the UTSA community’s concerns for him via Instagram.

“I know many of y’all, including myself, are deeply saddened by the disappearance of Harry. We all hope that wherever he is, he is happy. I imagine he’s curled up taking a nice little nap in the sun like he always did on nice days,” Campa wrote. “While part of me still hopes that I’m making this post for nothing and tomorrow I’ll wake up to [a] flood of messages saying he has been found and [is] playing with his friends at Chap, I still can’t help but think how long it has been.”

A UTSA alumna and former campus tour guide, Campa still recalls her experiences with Harry and expressed gratitude for students who cared about him.

“He was a celebrity. He was just a silly cat who was also a little sassy,” Campa said. “Once he was over me, he was over me. He [would be] wiggling out of my arms, like, ‘Okay, I’m done. Let go.’ “It’s amazing to see [students] love this cat so much,” Campa said. “There’s so much passion people have for something that seems so silly, but it really is important with how [big] Harry’s impact was.”

A member of UTSA’s community for over a decade, Harry attracted the attention of students, faculty and even those unaffiliated with UTSA.

Continue reading at paisano-online.com

UTSA announces spring 2025 commencement ceremonies

By Alessandra Avila News Editor

UTSA announced that Spring 2025 Commencement will occur on May 18 at the Alamodome. The graduates will commemorate the end of their academic journey through a ceremony recognizing their efforts and achievements at UTSA.

UTSA also invites graduating students to participate in Grad Fest, a festival designed to get anticipating graduates

ready for Spring 2025 Commencement. The event will take place on March 18 at the H-E-B Student Union Ballrooms 1.100B from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

During the event, graduates may place an order for their cap and gown. They will also get an opportunity to learn more about the Alumni Association and how UTSA celebrates its graduates.

The ceremony will be held in two sessions. Ceremony One, from 10 a.m. to 1

p.m., will honor graduates from the Carlos Alvarez College of Business, College of Education and Human Development, Margie and Bill Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design and University College; ceremony Two, to be held from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., will recognize The College for Health, Community and Policy, the College of Liberal and Fine Arts and the College of Science.

As the spring commencement draws

Letters and pictures of Chap Cat were placed on the steps of Chaparral Village.

Volunteers gather with large trash bags to pick up waste near rivers and creeks in San Antonio.

Miles Jones/The Paisano

PSL protests commemorates new Palestine billboard

By Marisela Cruz Assistant News Editor

On top of the bridge overlooking 281 West on Isom Road, the Party for Socialism and Liberation rallied on Sunday to advocate for a free Palestine and students like Mahmoud Khalil who protesters claimed have been stripped of their rights. Right above the protest of over 50 participants was the newly established billboard paid for by Liberation News that read “Unite & Stand with Palestine!”

Blocking the left lane of the bridge overpass, protestors chanted messages that the PSL stands for immigrant rights and Palestine’s freedom.

“We cannot and will not stand by while the genocide of the Palestinian people continues. I am enraged and horrified by the endless death and destruction being inflicted on Palestinians and their homes. So let’s make another thing clear, San Antonio does not stand with genocide or ethnic cleansing,” said a protestor who wished to remain anonymous.

The Palestine billboards have been a recurring endeavor the PSL has been advocating for. A member of the PSL, Samina Wasifuddin, asked if they could help her find a way to put up a billboard in San Antonio again.

“They immediately helped me, no questions asked, and we’ve been able to put up about 10 all over San Antonio with the help of some Palestinian-owned businesses and community members here in San Antonio,” Wasifuddin said.“I had saw a WhatsApp post being done in another city. And I thought, ‘Well, why can’t we do this here in San Antonio?’

“And I had never done a GoFundMe and

didn’t know how to do it. I just knew I wanted to get this done in San Antonio and saw these people doing the work in San Antonio and thought, ‘Well, they’re the people that can help me get this done.’ And throughout the year, we kept putting up billboards,” Wasifuddin said.

“We want to keep Palestine unavoidable in the city. We wanted to make it to keep it at the forefront, so we want to keep it going. We need to show people that the Palestine movement is still alive in the city,” Haneen, a fellow activist, said about the billboard.

Attendants wore black, green and red — the colors of the Palestinian flag. PSL members who organized the event predominantly wore red and carried clipboards to hand out protest signs.

“People in Palestine are working-class people just like I am,” Marisa, an organizer who stood by a banner hanging from the bridge, said of her participation at the protest. “You know, we’re just trying to get by. And you know there are the powers that be that are trying to oppress us and trying to hold us back from feeling liberated — being liberated — being able to just live day to day without, you know, concerns of, ‘How am I gonna keep my house? How am I gonna put food on the table for my kids?’ You know, it’s really frustrating to see that our country is attacking a country that is just trying to live just like we are.”

Those who passed by the protest in their vehicles honked in recognizing the people who attended the event. Looking through a windshield, one could witness protestors parting ways, concluding the affair that took place on Isom Road.

San Antonio prepares for more federal worker layoffs

By Alejandra Garza Staff Writer

The Trump administration has continued implementing mass firings of federal employees with guidance from Elon Musk and his Department of Government Efficiency aides; San Antonio officials are preparing for layoffs to hit the city. On March 3, District 8 councilmember Manny Pelaez and District 4 Adriana Rocha Garcia proposed the Reemployment Assistance of Federal Talent program to “provide essential support to displaced federal employees.”

“It was perfect timing running into Councilman Pelaez, and we both have been talking about this with people, and we thought, ‘Why not do something now?’” Rocha Garcia said.

“I met a mom [that] bought her home with her son and has been living in it for over a year, but [both] are very worried because they both go to work every day and come back not knowing if they will have a job the next day,” Rocha Garcia added. “It was heartbreaking because she is a single mom, and her son works to pay for that house, and I was thinking, ‘They could both be out of a job, creating an awful situation.’”

The plan of the proposal is to fill vacant City of San Antonio positions with qualified federal workers who were recently laid off. In order to fill these vacancies, the applications of those laid off will be quickly processed to expedite their onboarding. San Antonio Ready to Work job training will host multiple job fairs to fill city positions for industries in need of workers.

“I also happen to sit on the Workforce Solutions Alamo committee of six, and

Councilman Pelaez does as well, and [on March 7], we had a meeting about all of the different industries that will need some additional employees,” Rocha Garcia said.

“It is up to each individual department. For example, the National Park Agency just had a lot of employees laid off, for instance with the Missions of San Antonio,” Rocha Garcia said. “Somebody asked me, ‘Where could [the recently laid off employees] work?’ I gave an example that the city has a big Parks and Recreation Department or the Office of Historic Preservation.”

Multiple city officials such as Mayor Ron Nirenberg have shown urgent support for the RAFT program. Nirenberg sent a memo to City Manager Erik Walsh on March 6 prioritizing the plan. Chief Executive Officer of WSA Adrian Lopez brought the idea of a hotline to reach maximum participation.

“At the same time I was having conversations with real people about their concerns and worries, the mayor was in touch with his chief of staff, in particular, trying to figure out what we should do as a city,” Rocha Garcia said. “When we put this policy proposal forward through the CCR, the Mayor’s Chief of Staff called me right away trying to find ways on how they can assist and possibly bring in the extended community.

“It kind of all just came together because Lopez came to me wanting help getting the hotline going,” Rocha Garcia said.

Council members have pushed for the governance committee to move quickly in consideration of the program, as the federal cuts will likely accelerate in the next couple of weeks.

UTSA’s all-female group competes in NASA project

By Johnpaul Buwule Contributor

Four UTSA engineering students take on building and launching a rocket for a NASA competition. The NASA Student Launch Project is a competition in which various universities and colleges build and design a rocket that must reach a range of 4,000-6,000 feet, touch back down safely within 90 seconds, have a proper payload and be ready to fly three hours after launch. The competition will begin on April 30 and end on May 3.

The all-female, senior team is comprised of the safety and avionics lead Makayla Watts; Kimberly Tijerina, who oversees the payload; Aubrey Fuchs, who is in charge of the rocket’s airframes; and Madeline De La Garza, who is responsible for the recovery system, such as parachutes.

Professor of Aerospace Engineering Daniel Pineda, who also coached the leading UCLA rocket group in the U.S., mentors the four women. Together, the engineering students have been in pursuit of constructing a spacecraft for a NASA-led competition in Huntsville, Alabama.

Before the four female engineering students were accepted, they had to undergo a lengthy application process.

Watts explains that “none of us have built a rocket before, so we were kind of trying to write a proposal about something we

[had] never done, and proposing ideas on how to do it correctly and innovatively to NASA.”

The team’s proposal was submitted on a time crunch; it was meticulous in requirements with a comprehensive plan for how they would build the rocket. The proposal was started in late August and was submitted in September. The team received news that they were selected in October.

An aspect of the project that changes yearly is the payload, the cargo or people carried on the flights, which Tijinerina supervises.

“The team designed a data acquisition system to gather data, data markers, such as our maximum apogee, our maximum velocity, the event timer and the orientation of our STEM knots,” Tijinerina explains.

Since their acceptance, the four engineering students have done three mini-ground tests to further grapple with the mechanics of launching a rocket.

Watts explains that “we [are] making sure that our electronics work properly.” The subscale tests they have conducted have had their rockets reach around “2,000 to 2,500 feet in the air.”

From 2019 to 2020, UTSA competed in the launch project, but — due to COVID-19 — UTSA canceled the project. The four engineering students are carrying the torch by competing in this launch project.

State of the City

Week of 3/18

By Anika Engler Staff Writer

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 a woman shooting her brother after a heated argument to a man dying after colliding with a tractor-trailer.

Woman arrested after shooting her brother

A 26-year-old woman shot her brother repeatedly during a supposed heated argument. The incident took place on March 14 in the 1700 block of Jackson Keller Road quickly turning into a dangerous situation, with the shooting occurring around 5 p.m.

According to the police, the 29-year-old victim was found with multiple gunshot wounds in the parking lot of said apartment complex. The incident began with an argument between a brother and sister. SAPD did not disclose what the argument was about. The argument escalated when the sister pulled out a gun and fired an unknown amount of shots at her brother.

Police reported that the victim had “critical injuries” and was rushed to the nearest local hospital. The woman was taken into custody at the scene and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Man killed in a collision with a tractor-trailer

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, an unidentified man died from crashing into a tractor-trailer after losing control of the vehicle. The incident took place on U.S. Highway 87 near Turkey Run Lance in Kendall County. On Saturday around 8:30 a.m., the Ford F-150 driver suddenly lost control of his truck, striking the tractor-trailer. The vehicle was totaled. At the scene of the incident, DPS pronounced the driver of the Ford F-150 dead.

Unleashed dog bites man at Northwest motel

A 25-year-old man was taken to the hospital Saturday morning after a loose dog severely bit him at a motel on the Northwest Side. The attack occurred in the 7800 block of Fredericksburg Road.

The San Antonio Animal Care Services explained that the dog belonged to a guest staying at the motel. The dog escaped and bit the victim on the arm. The San Antonio Fire Department reported that the man had to be hospitalized for more treatment.

ACS has placed the dog in quarantine and charged its owner with four criminal citations. The citations consist of failure to show proof of vaccinations against rabies and permitting the canine to roam unsupervised.

Overlooking 281 West, protestors commune together to discuss topics associated with the event.

Miles Jones /The Paisano

A step towards tyranny

Trump administration threatens academic and legal retribution for student protestors

Editorial

President Donald Trump, in a brazen attack on yet another element of the First Amendment, has threatened funding cuts to any college, school or university allowing “illegal protests” to take place on their campus.

“All federal funding will STOP for any College, School or University that allows illegal protests,” Trump said on Truth Social. “Agitators will be imprisoned/or permanently sent back to the country from which they came. American students will be permanently expelled or, depending on the crime, arrested. NO MASKS!”

According to Reuters, no administration official has clarified what Trump means by “illegal protest.” Leaving this term vague and ambiguous gives authorities a dangerous level of power to decide what is and is not illegal.

This situation further escalated with the arrest of two students from Columbia University who participated in the student protests of the war in Gaza in April of 2024.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested Mahmoud Khalil, a graduate student from Columbia and one of the prominent organizers of the

‘Drill,

Commentary

By Kara Lee

Graphic Editor

Philip Murphy /The Paisano

Columbia encampment protest. The State Department has ordered ICE to revoke Khalil’s student visa.

A second student from Columbia, Leqaa Kordia, was also arrested in connection with the encampment protest. Kordia, a Palestinian from the West Bank, was previously arrested in 2024 for participation in the protest. Less is known about the circumstances surrounding Kordia’s arrest, but the Department

baby, drill’

President Donald Trump has long campaigned the “drill, baby, drill” agenda, advocating for increased oil and gas drilling in the U.S. However, his approach reveals a larger goal: prolong global dependence on fossil fuels, which is driving the climate crisis.

The Trump administration struck deals with countries, like Japan and Ukraine, using tariffs to fuel oil and gas markets worldwide. His stance is clear: the energy grid’s perceived unreliability requires more fossil fuel extraction. However, this narrow approach overlooks the immense need for the long-term potential of clean, renewable energy solutions.

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, for example, is set to funnel $18 billion into large-scale clean power projects in Illinois by 2030, creating 42,000 jobs in the clean energy sector. This shift toward sustainable energy sources presents a viable, forward-thinking alternative to Trump’s reliance on fossil fuels.

Chris Wright, the U.S. Energy Secretary, has made controversial statements in support of fossil fuels.

“We’ve had years of Western countries shamelessly saying, ‘Don’t develop coal, coal is bad.’ That’s just nonsense, 100% nonsense. Coal transformed our world and made it better,” Wright said.

While fossil fuels have transformed our world, they might also be part of its demise. The global reliance on these resources along with continued government subsidies is draining taxpayer dollars while enriching fossil fuel companies that profit in the billions each year.

Robert Stryk, the chair of Stryk Global Diplomacy, also weighed in on Trump’s policies, noting, “With President Trump’s

rollbacks of restrictions, there will be new opportunities for U.S. investors to engage with Africa’s oil and gas sector. Let Africa choose its own destiny.”

He argues that renewables are a hollow solution trapping people in poverty.

However, Stryk’s argument overlooks the fact that many African countries are already experiencing the devastating impacts of climate change, with rising temperatures, floods, heat waves and droughts only expected to intensify. In some countries, climate-related disasters have caused losses of up to 5% of the gross domestic product, further deepening poverty.

As the global community gradually shifts toward cleaner energy, the pace of change remains far too slow to mitigate the effects of climate change. Despite this, Trump has actively worked to reverse the progress made under former President Joe Biden, including lifting the pause on U.S. gas exports. Countries, like Japan and South Korea, are now eyeing Alaska’s gas resources, fearing the tariffs imposed by Trump’s policies.

The oil and gas industry is responsible for millions of deaths worldwide and is the primary driver of climate change. It continues to be the largest contributor to the decline of global ecosystems and public health, yet the vast sums of money invested in fossil fuels could easily be redirected to fund a transition to renewable energy. Unfortunately, the powerful influence of oil companies on political leaders ensures persistent dependence on fossil fuels.

A shift to clean energy is not only crucial for the health of the planet but also for the well-being of future generations. The deep-rooted greed of the fossil fuel industry and the politicians it controls continues to block the necessary change.

Commentary

By Tyler Hirata Contributor

of Homeland Security alleges Kordia overstayed on an expired visa, which was terminated in 2022. These arrests are a physical manifestation of this dangerous policy implemented by the Trump administration. While this policy has little legal standing — the right to freedom of assembly is guaranteed by the First Amendment — the policy is a dangerous overreach to squash political opposition. Regardless of stance, view, political ideology or party affiliation, the First Amendment protects the rights of all citizens participating in protest from government retribution. Threatening to expel or deport protestors who do not follow the party line touted by the Trump administration sets a dangerous precedent. Tying this policy to funding for public universities, who already fear funding cuts due to the downsizing of the Department of Education, is deplorable. Students should not be expelled, imprisoned or deported for exercising their constitutional right to assemble and protest. If the U.S. allows this to occur, it will have taken one huge step in the direction of tyranny.

The White House’s great Epstein files stunt Ceasefires

Commentary

By Luna Infante Assistant Magazine Editor

The distasteful, infamous name of Jeffrey Epstein circulates headlines once again after the Department of Justice publicly released files related to the convicted sex offender on Feb. 27. Before he died in 2019, Epstein was charged with running a sex trafficking ring involving minors. Over the years, many documents have leaked glaring details about his crimes, but the public continues to question and theorize what occurred while he was still alive.

The files were first released in binders titled “The Epstein Files: Phase 1.” They were provided to 15 conservative social media influencers at the White House before being released to the public. These influencers can be seen inappropriately smiling and holding the binders proudly to cameras. That same day, the DOJ made a press release with the first wave of files.

The press release reads, “Attorney General Pam Bondi, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), declassified and publicly released files

related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.” The introduction concluded with the disappointing statement, “The first phase of declassified files largely contains documents that have been previously leaked but never released in a formal capacity by the U.S. Government.”

The files only re-released Epstein’s contact list, flight logs and a list of evidence. This release sparked outrage online, with Liz Wheeler, one of the influencers who held the binder at the White House, saying on X, “Be outraged that the binder is boring. You should be. Because the evil deep state LIED TO YOUR FACE.”

and minerals

In a shocking turn of events, President Donald Trump’s administration cut all military aid to Ukraine amidst negotiations for a rare mineral deal with the nation. No matter how one looks at it, the U.S. is using its leverage over a nation for its gain. While the Trump administration claims they are pressuring Ukraine to pursue peace with Russia, that outcome will likely not occur.

If the proposed ceasefire on passes, it will only be a temporary success, just as the Minsk agreement was a failed attempt at a Ukrainian-Russian ceasefire. The U.S. should not forget the failure of the Minsk agreement. The last time Russia agreed to peace, they took back their word and returned to invade Ukraine. While Ukraine backs the current ceasefire, Russia has committed many resources to this war, and the metaphorical bear has awoken.

As the war stands, Russia has a greater incentive to push toward significant victory with Russian manpower outnumbering Ukraine’s by 280% as of early 2025. Every dime of aid given to Ukraine matters, and any decrease in that aid puts Ukraine in a tricky spot. U.S. aid constitutes 21% of all aid given to the Ukrainian war effort. With the odds stacked against Ukraine raised even higher, Russia is very well inclined to continue the war.

The U.S. has promised aid to Ukraine, and they must keep it. In 2024, former

President Joe Biden signed a foreign aid package that provided financial assistance to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. During the Biden administration, the common sentiment of U.S. foreign policy with Ukraine was to end the war as quickly as possible by repelling Russia from attacking NATO members supporting Ukraine. With this aid package, the U.S. promised $67.5 billion; currently, $34.1 billion has been appointed, and the remaining $33.4 billion is still obligated by the United States.

Returning to the mineral deal, Vice President JD Vance stated on March 10, “The American people have got to get some payback.” After all, when giving aid to countries in need, said countries must pay the U.S. back mid-crisis for the goodwill and absolute benevolence the U.S. graced them with.

To Trump, this is all a gamble. When discussing the mineral deal with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Trump warned Zelenskyy he was gambling with a possible World War III. The only gamble being taken right now is Trump

ASKED FOR instead of leaking old info to press.”

Anna Paulina Luna, the lawmaker who was tasked with revisiting the Epstein files, also shared her disappointment on X, “I nor the task force were given or reviewed the Epstein documents being released today…” She continued in the post, “THIS IS NOT WHAT WE OR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE ASKED FOR. GET US THE INFORMATION WE

The release of these files was highly anticipated — as this topic has been one of the public’s obsessions for many years — but to everyone’s dismay, no new revelations were made. President Donald Trump, who has been previously tied to Epstein, was ironically mentioned in a praising manner in the press release. “The Department of Justice is following through on President Trump’s commitment to transparency and lifting the veil on the disgusting actions of Jeffrey Epstein and his coconspirators,” said Bondi.

The press release also states that Bondi was later informed that there were thousands of pages that the FBI did not release to her, and she requested that they deliver the remaining files by 8 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 28 — though this has yet to happen. To the media, many rightwing public figures, including Bondi,

have been blind-sided, left disgusted and disappointed by the FBI’s alleged “foul play.” However, all this media coverage only raises more questions.

It is highly questionable why Bondi released these documents instead of postponing the release to await completion. It is also suspicious that the task force was not involved, but social media influencers were. This situation has gained tact and attention, with all conservatives pointing fingers in all the wrong directions. This release was likely a publicity stunt meant to distract from other global issues or maybe even divert the public from the truth deeply buried in the full files. Epstein was known to be involved with hundreds of people in power, as elites are known to have a way of hiding secrets. It is hard to believe anything would be different now. For years, the public has theorized there is an even darker side to these horrible crimes involving celebrities, governments and politicians — it is not strange to wonder why so much has gone wrong with this release and why, after years, the truth remains unrevealed.

Ibiene David-West /The Paisano

By Adith Magavi Contributor

Unelected and unnecessary are two words befitting of Elon Musk, the tyrannical tech billionaire who just so happened to have “bought” a seat of political power. This unearned political authority rears its ugly head through the Department of Governmental Efficiency or DOGE. Elon’s costcutting agency has successfully eliminated 239 governmental contracts, with San Antonio being under constant fire from the axe of DOGE.

“Unelected and unnecessary are two words befitting

of Elon Musk.”

In the wake of governmental cuts, San Antonio is not only being hit by the brunt of slashes within Texas but also misrepresented on the official DOGE website. As of March 13, the DOGE website lists only seven cuts against San Antonio entities, totaling $45.8 million in lost funding.

One of the unlisted victims of DOGE was the Family Endeavors Organization, a non-profit organization that primarily works to provide social services for communities, veterans and migrants alongside general emergency services. Endeavors previously received $18 million monthly, as this organization was tasked with the upkeep and maintenance of migrant resettlement centers — primarily focusing on helping migrants adjust and find footing in their new lives.

“While we provided services as outlined in the contract, decisions regarding facility use and migrant sheltering locations were made by the federal government, not Endeavors,” Family Endeavors said. “With federal officials onsite daily.”

Endeavors has clearly shown that they strictly adhere and have adhered to federal supervision since their opening in 2012. Regardless of their adherence to strict regulations, they now face potential closure due to the gaping wound left in their operations budget by DOGE.

The DOGE website additionally states the termination of 38 federally occupied buildings across the state, with seven of those federal buildings located at San Antonio: the San Antonio Geological Survey, the San Antonio U.S. Mine Safety & Health Administration, the Administration of San Antonio Employment Standards, the San Antonio Office of Personnel Management, the San Antonio Office of Inspector General and the San Antonio National Parks Service.

The termination of these offices raised major questions about the future of federal services within the United States, as the amount of services provided to citizens is declining inversely in proportion to the growth in population across Texas. San Antonio itself has been named the fastest-growing city in the U.S., with over 23,000 people moving to the city between 2022 and 2023.

Musk is rearing his unelected and unnecessary head, and the people who are paying the price for his “accomplishments” in DOGE are the American citizens who rely on the government the most. Migrant children who have nowhere to turn to, veterans struggling with adjusting to civilian life and single mothers seeking emergency care are the ones paying the price for the so-called bloat within our government.

While redundancies in government should be eliminated, it is unclear if DOGE is treating these social programs or the people they serve as redundant.

OpiNION

The princess and the cancelled frog show

Commentary

By Mogbekeleoluwa Shebioba Assistant Opinion Editor

Starring Disney’s first animated African American princess and featuring the voice of award-winning actress-singer Anika Noni Rose, “The Princess and the Frog” is a film that many Disney fans hold in high regard. This movie is important not just because it was Disney’s last hand-drawn princess movie but because it gave Black people, especially girls, their first taste of Disney royalty.

Before Tiana made her debut as Disney’s token Black friend, the company’s prior take on African American characters proved to be offensive; the 1946 movie “Song of the South” starred Uncle Remus, a Black man whose only purpose was to bring happiness to a white family living on a Georgia plantation.

In 2020, it was announced that Tiana would get her own Disney+ series, with Rose reprising her role as the princess. Five years passed with no updates about the series, and on March 3, it was reported that it was ultimately canceled due to issues with production costs.

“I too am deeply disappointed that the continuation of Tiana’s journey in series form has been cut short,” Rose said.

Unsurprisingly, this is not the first time Disney has been involved in a controversy related to Tiana. In 2018, fans noticed Tiana’s skin color was noticeably lighter in “Ralph Breaks the Internet” than in her original appearance. This prompted a response from Rose, with her stating, “I was as surprised as most of [Tiana’s] and my fans were.” Rose met with animators who worked on the movie to address the issue, showing her dedication to her character and the Black community as a whole.

Since it took Disney over six decades to portray a Black person properly, and they have not featured any African American princesses in their official princess lineup since, it is no surprise that Tiana has been denied her own original series, while similar characters such as Rapunzel have thrived since their introductions. It is upsetting that the only Black Disney princess struggles to get recognition 16 years after her debut.

Fortunately, even with the show being canceled, a special inspired by the movie remains in development. If Disney can at least give Tiana what she deserves, Tiana fans can rest easy knowing that her future is not set in stone.

State of false promises

Commentary

By Jackie Cardona Staff Writer

Amid week eight of President Donald Trump’s administration, Trump gave a speech in his first joint session of Congress. In his speech, he made it abundantly clear that these next four years would be the greatest era — the golden era of America. What this golden era assures is a great economy and other insincere promises that Americans have yet to see. During these chaotic eight weeks, many laws have been passed and scratched off to ensure America is at its peak, but as mentioned in a Time’s article, nothing done holds America at a superior spot the way it used to be a couple of years ago.

Trump’s address to Congress outlined the priorities his administration would achieve during his term. Considering the current disappointing conditions of the country, the speech in his address was seen and criticized by many. The address was not unbiased. Referring to the Democrats as “these people” and “radical lunatics” while disturbingly calling a present Congress member “Pocahontas” made the address hard to watch.

With Trump’s unnecessary comments and comparisons regarding his administration and former president Joe Biden’s presidency, there were a lot of false claims.

Noor E-Saher Ahmed/The Paisano

Trump is no stranger to false claims and has thrived from media attention because of it. One of the false claims was about the aid Ukraine had received from the U.S. during Biden’s time in office. Trump claimed that the U.S. spent $350 billion on the war in Ukraine; in actuality, the U.S. has spent approximately $115 billion on the war in Ukraine since 2022.

With the address to Congress made by Trump came false claims and unnecessary comments about the Democratic party’s priorities to the country that have yet to be accomplished. During these eight weeks of a new but known administration, Americans have seen laws removed that protect the people of the country and harm the rights written by our founders to Americans in the U.S constitution. This administration promised prosperity but has failed to accomplish it so far and has made things worse, especially when it comes to the economy.

At the end of his speech Trump said, “My fellow Americans, get ready for an incredible future, because the golden age of America has only just begun,” which means to many Americans that the nightmare has only just begun, and there will be more controversy and hatred to follow with these next four years of yet another Trump era.

The Paisano

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arts & life

Life sculpted in sports

The McNay Art Museum opened a new installation titled “Sports and Spectator” from March 1 to July 27. The exhibit was organized by Head of Curatorial Affairs Renè Paul Barilleaux and Curator of Exhibitions, Laureen Thompson.“Sports and Spectator” showcases the work of 10 contemporary artists who transformed sports gear and equipment into captivating works of art, expressing their various perspectives on the world of sports and its many social impacts. Together, the artists created an immersive experience for art and sports fans alike that tells all kinds of stories addressing masculinity, identity, race and pop culture.

The exhibit includes pieces from artists such as Sophi Inard and Betsy Odom who use practices such as crochet and butch craft respectively to reclaim and redefine male-dominated imagery and techniques into artistically representative pieces that challenge gender roles in sports. Accompanying them are Brian Jungen and Jeffry Gibson who use their art to blend Indigenous crafting techniques and materials into the world of sports to celebrate indigenous cultures and address issues of exclusion and consumption.

The exhibit presents an eye-catching take on the combination of sports and the arts, using sculptured pieces to tell relatable yet personal stories. Conceptual

artist, Hank Willis Thomas — based in Brooklyn, New York — transformed players into monuments through his various metallic, fiberglass sculptures, inspired by the dynamic motion of athletes. Thomas isolates iconic moments in sports, such as Wilt Chamberlain’s arm span and soccer player Pelé’s bicycle kick, bringing the action of sports to a still moment captured in motion.

The sculptures originate from Thomas’ Punctum series where the artist expresses his interests in the intersection between sports and commerce along with the uplifting and exploitation of Black communities.

“We critique things we love. We critique things that we care about. We critique things that we want to change for the better,” said Thomas.

Oftentimes the spectacle of sports can overshadow the many small impactful stories. From Memphis, Tennessee, visual artist Brandon J. Donahue-Shipp presented various captivating and emotional pieces of work in his “Bloom” series and his piece titled “Coach’s Playbook,” in which he addresses systematic inequality. In the “Blooms Series,” Donahue-Shipp repurposes retired sporting equipment, converting deflated basketballs and footballs into sculptured floral arrangements, symbolizing the unfulfilled dreams of boys like him, who dreamed of careers in professional sports. In a similar take on broken dreams, Donahue-Shipp’s “Coach’s Playbook” presents

what appear to be basketball plays; however, closer attention to detail will uncover plays drawn onto the layout of a courtroom floor plan. In this piece, Donahue-Shipp critiques the game-like nature of the U.S. judicial system.

“I see my basketball blooms as storytellers-traces of at least 20 games, countless hands, layered conversations, and the dust of their surroundings, holding the memory of movement and shared experience,” Donahue-Shipp said. Canadian sculptor Esmaa Mohamoud displays her “One of the Boys” series: a collection of reimagined basketball jerseys into luxurious gowns with corset bodices and floor-length skirts. These works highlight not only how sports and fashion go hand in hand but also the underrepresentation of women in sports.

“I always wore jerseys, and one day, I came downstairs, and my mom said, ‘If you want to play outside, you’ve got to put on a dress,’” Mohamoud said, recalling her childhood experience that inspired her work.

“Sports and Spectator” provides a blend of stories that captures the attention of sports fanatics and art enthusiasts alike. It portrays the parallels between sports and society and how the two mimic each other on various scales. Audiences are sure to exit the exhibit with a newfound appreciation for storytelling.

South by Southwest 2025: A cinematic showcase

By Danie Craig Contributor

The 39th annual South by Southwest festival proved to be another groundbreaking event. Celebrated for its innovation, the festival featured an extensive lineup of film and television premieres; engaging panel discussions covering topics, such as filmmaking, technology and personal wellness, as well as engaging activities, ensuring that every moment was filled with energy and creativity.

This year’s panels provided valuable insights for attendees. The cast and creators of “The Last of Us” held a panel to discuss the highly anticipated second season of the series. Another highlight was the panel, “Location, Location, Location: A Filmmaker’s Guide to Real-World Production,” which gave insight into the importance of location in filmmaking, focusing on Texas’s opportunities for film and its potential to be a prime destination for filmmakers.

To further promote Texas filmmaking, Media for Texas held a massive event at the Capitol, where the public could learn about every aspect it takes to create a film from screenwriting to post-production. The event also advocated for stronger film incentives, with a

recently proposed incentive bill to fund the state with $500 million every two years for the next ten years, with $450 million going towards tax credits and $48 million being allocated for films and commercials.

The film lineup of SXSW was a key attraction of the festival. Film enthusiasts were ecstatic for premieres, like “Another Simple Favor” and “The Studio” — the former being the anticipated sequel to “A Simple Favor,” starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, and the latter being an original debut. “The Studio” is set to be a comedy television series — co-created by Seth Rogen and featuring a star-studded cast, including Kathryn Hahn, Chase Sui Wonders and Ike Barinholtz. The show was praised for its humor and satirization of the film industry.

The momentum continued with premieres, such as “O’dessa,” starring Sadie Sink, and A24’s “Death of a Unicorn,” an original comedy horror film featuring Jenna Ortega, Paul Rudd and Will Poulter. This film was Alex Scharfman’s directorial debut. Christopher Landon’s “Drop” debuted with strong performances by Meghann Fahy and Brendan Skenlar. The film had clever humor and unexpected twists. Closing out the festival was “On Swift Horses,” a visually stunning romantic drama starring Daisy Edgar-Jones,

Will Poulter, Jacob Elordi, Sasha Calle and Diego Calva.

This film stood out with its incredible performances, self-discovery storytelling and beautiful cinematography. It was an excellent ending to the festival for films. Attendees were also treated to a variety of interactive experiences throughout the festival. The registrant lounge served as a hub for relaxation and connection, offering complimentary refreshments, giveaways and creative activities. Highlights included Shea Moisture’s professional hairstyling services and NoBull’s giveaway of free shoes to the first 100 people to arrive. Tari Hot Sauce promoted its array of flavors with a claw machine where guests could win a Peruvian llama keychain, while the F1Arcade captivated guests with its innovative drink-making experience; attendees could input a song into an iPad and create a custom beverage inspired by the song’s mood and rhythm. SXSW 2025 celebrated the best of the entertainment industry, delivering exceptional entertainment and solidifying its reputation as a strong creative network. From inspiring panels to memorable premieres and interactive activations, this year’s festival set another high standard for years to come.

By Izabella Hernandez Staff Writer

Paramount Theater showcasing “The Accountant 2” during SXSW in Austin, Texas.

Pedro Pascal sits on panel with the cast of “The Last of Us” for its second season.

“Aggie Sunset,” 2024, by American artist Tyrell Wilson. Created using basketballs, liquid plastic, steel, epoxy.

Izabella Hernandez/The Paisano

Armin Suljovic/The Paisano

Arts & Life

UTSA students mourn the loss of Chap Cat

By Daria Tanase Staff Writer

Harry, Chaparral Village’s community cat most commonly referred to as “Chap Cat,” went missing in December of 2024 and has not been seen past then. Since his disappearance, the Roadrunner Cat Coalition has attempted to search for Chap Cat to no avail. Many have come to terms with the fact that he may be gone. Last week, on March 6, a memorial uniting students and staff was held for Harry outside of the Chaparral Village front office. People gathered and spoke of their experiences with him, made candles, wrote notes about what Harry meant to them and hung out to celebrate his life.

Harry was famous for hanging around the dining space, greeting people and spending nights in student dorms at the village.

“Outside the dining hall, I saw people crowding around him, and I didn't know we had cats on campus, so it was a nice surprise. He will be missed every day,” student Bianca Novak said of the first time she saw Harry. Harry has contributed to the community at UTSA, simply through his presence.

Chaparral Village Resident Attendant

Gabriella De La Rosa spoke about how on the first night she spent at UTSA, Harry appeared on her doorstep, and she was able to connect with her roommate through him.

“We formed a bond over giving him some water and caring for him. I’m going to miss him,” said De La Rosa. Harry was known for visiting people’s rooms. Student Shrinika Govin described Harry as “the most polite guest that has stayed the night,” and student Cora White called Harry her “ favorite furry friend” who would occasionally show up at her doorstep.”

Students outside of the village also treasured Harry; many coming to visit the area were greeted with his company, with Skyy Robertson explaining how he was “kinda a motivator to come to Chap more,” as every time she visited the village freshman year, “he came up and greeted” her.

Jason Lavery talked about how Harry comforted him after he “stayed up all night studying for a test,” making his night a little bit brighter. Chap Cat made people’s days better for over eight years, serving as a genuine light for those greeted by him. Georgia Schmitt shared how she missed her cat very much, so “Harry was a good little stand in,” making her feel better whilst at college.

Many students have shared memories and joy with him, across the time he’s spent on campus. Harry’s years at UTSA made everyone’s day better, and he will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

Descend into ‘MAYHEM’

By Sarah Quintanilla Assistant Graphic Editor Reviews

The awakening of 2010s pop revival is in the hands of Lady Gaga, stepping in with her latest album “MAYHEM.” After venturing her way doing movie soundtracks, like “Top Gun: Maverick,” “The Joker,” its terrible sequel “Joker: Folie à Deux” and yet another collaborative album with the now deceased Tony Bennett, Gaga comes back to make a full-fledged, full-length pop album. The last time she released a solo album was in 2021, the sequel to “Chromatica,” “Dawn of Chromatica,” leaving audiences with high expectations for her next release.

Kickstarting the album with “Disease,” Gaga’s vocals echo in the distance with a beat that brings into mind a toolbox. A danceable song, it is an interesting approach to start off her album. From the get-go, her 2010s hay day makes a revival in this track alone, setting the tone of the album. Her unequivocal voice powers through the speakers as the track gets more intense.

“Abracadabra” is the lead single of the album for good reason. Dance-pop is saved by the catchiness of the song. It simply sticks like gum as the perfect exhibit of what a pop tune sounds like. A strong backbeat, synths and her haunting yet powerful voice is easily all this song needs.

“Garden of Eden” brings us back a decade with her slapping beats and playful guitar arrangements that make her music the ideal album for a dance studio. Everyone lived the 2010s differently but everyone remembers Gaga being in the battlefront of pop music. Few artists are able to revive their iconic sound, while Gaga does it effortlessly.

“Perfect Celebrity” was the working title of the album, inspired by The Cure’s “Never Enough” but ultimately decided to change it to MAYHEM. It is a less intense, more grounded track, with a slight “Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen” vibe to it.

“Vanish Into You” has strong David Bowie influences with the chunky guitars in a glam-rock fashion. It could be perfectly placed in any ‘80s Molly Ringwald movie, yet never losing Gaga’s signature sound also reminiscent of her 2009 hit “Bad Romance”.

David Bowie and Prince shine through “Killah (feat. Gesaffelstein).” In this “Sign O’ The Times” inspired track, her vocals almost mimic Bowie’s accompanied with

Student screenwriters meet their mentors

By Marisela Cruz Assistant News Editor

UTSA’s film program hosted its second official Screenwriters Spring Break this past week. Five Hollywood screenwriters attended the workshop: John Herrera, Nina Fiore, Tian Jun Gu, Brandon James Childs and Raymond Arturo Perez. They have worked on series such as “The Vampire Diaries,” “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “House of Cards,” and “Selena: The Series.”

“It’s so exciting to be able to offer this very special event again and to make it available to students from all over San Antonio,” said UTSA Film & Media Studies Program Director Paul Ardoin.

UTSA’s film program is still a developing program and degree focus students that attended the event had this to say about Film and Media hosting the event.

“I mean, in some parts, it feels like we’re a guinea pig for the new classes, because it’s like we’re learning with the professors,” said Nicholas Betts, a film major attending the event.

Irena Bailey expresses that “the pipeline has been crazy, I’m not gonna lie, it’s been an insane whirlwind just because the program is so new.”

‘70s guitar sounds. Gaga’s tracklist clearly goes back in time with every song. A drum solo and the chunky “Fame” guitars end the track, adding a stylish flair to it.

“Hollaback Girl” by Gwen Stefani is the first thing that comes to mind with “Zombieboy.”

The track quickly shifts to a shimmering disco sound, with a groovy bassline and the guitars from the last song, slightly reminiscing Chic’s “Good Times” in a late aughts mix. This specific song reflects the versatility of Gaga’s sound yet never fully changing her style.

“LoveDrug” has a strong ‘80s influence, taking bits and pieces from Cutting Crew’s “(I Just) Died In Your Arms.”

A strong echoing beat leads the song with her vocals playing through. It is the perfect song to blast on karaoke night.

“How Bad Do U Want Me” samples Yazoo’s “Only You” iconic synth sound. Making one think that MAYHEM might be a scrambling of the ‘70s and ‘80s with her infamous pop sound overlaying it.

“Don’t Call Tonight” starts with a muted synth sound that surprises the listener. The track is fabulous — An infectious rhythm, catchy and has a fast ‘70s riff. There’s a robotic echoing that just adds to her usual theatrics but it is a good track regardless.

Muted vocals start “Shadow Of A Man,” inspired heavily by her 2009 track “Telephone” with some Michael Jackson thrown in the mix.

A beefy guitar solo ends the song and lingers onto “The Beast.” Gaga has a fascination for muting at least one element on her songs, this time it is the beat. It is a relaxed song compared to the album so far. This track sounds as if she is pleading for help inside Dracula’s castle.

“Blade of Grass” brings out a piano and haunting vocals that sound like “Even The Nights Are Better” by Air Supply, including some Bruno Mars influences sprinkled in there. It is an entrancing song but it has ghosts from other songs haunting the sound that one cannot fully grasp. A whooshing sound ends the song and “Die With A Smile” chimes in.

Bruno Mars and Gaga’s collaboration ends the album beautifully, the track was released previously as a standalone, yet it had to be added to the album. The ballad proves once again that the greatness of these 2010s pop stars’ sounds joining forces seamlessly.

The professors and coordinators of the Screenwriters Spring Break are learning from previous semesters. Taking in the trial and error to continue to move the department forward.

Ashley Wilmore mentions that “when things go wrong, it’s like, they’re not going to bring that back for the next semester. But we keep that information because we know, like, what not to do.”

During an open discussion, each screenwriter shared their insights on the craft of TV screenwriting. They emphasized the importance of simplicity in pitches, the necessity of honing individual voices and valuing the ability to rewrite with clarity.

Film students at UTSA were able to experience an integral part of creatively developing a story by having an immersive writers’ room experience.

In regards to what these accomplished screenwriters wish they knew before screenwriting had this to say on the topic, Herrera, an associate professor and writer who worked on “The Handmaid’s Tale,” speaks on personal experience working with students.

“One of the hardest things about screenwriting is getting things clear and simple,” Herrera said. “A lot of students I am talking to, we’re trying to boil these pitches down. And one thing they keep saying is ‘No, this is boring,’ but they don’t

realize that they’re very much in their own heads. They need to kind of trim out details so that they can get the purely emotional and thought impacts of what they’re trying to say across to people who haven’t heard a thing about their idea.”

Perez was motivated to pursue screenwriting because of an experience he had with his parents as a young child watching a television program one night with them.

“Movies have the power to shape opinions, but TV, a longer format, has the power to create empathy for characters who may not look like you, may not share the same experiences,” Perez said. “I think that’s what specifically turned me on to TV.”

In regards to the student’s concerns keeping up with the rapid pace of entertainment and holding the attention of viewers today, Fiore commented on the production of TikToks and Instagram reels being a new obstacle film-makers have to stay aware of.

“I think what’s interesting now about things like TikTok and Instagram, and all this stuff is people expressing themselves in this really cool way,” Fiore said. “They’re making their own little movies — things that are interesting to them.”

“Now, audiences are so savvy [that] a few moments in they know what’s gonna happen, and so we gotta get to the thing quicker because things are speeding up. It’s like, you look at television, in the 80s and the 70s, and you look at old cop shows, sh–t takes forever to get anything happening.”

Attending the event encompasses anyone participating in an atmosphere of comradery when participating in the writer workshops. Film production is community-oriented with networking being an essential skill.

“My favorite show that I ever worked on was ‘Black Monday,’ and a lot of it, I would say, is because of the showrunner and the people that I got to work with. It really did feel like a family,” Childs commented.

Concluding the workshop, Tian had aspiring words to share with the eager writers in attendance.

“I would say, be someone that people want to work with,” Tian said. “I understand that the world is moving at the speed of mouse clicks and how fast we tap our phones and sometimes courtesy is to completely disregard it, but empathy, thoughtfulness, remembering to press your teeth, dive your eyes and all that it goes a very, very long way in you being someone that another person wants to be in the room with because our business is very difficult.”

Riley Carroll/The Paisano

Diego Cisneros/The Paisano John Herrera speaks with students at the “Screenwriters Spring Break.”

Valentina Quintanilla/The Paisano

Rylan Renteria/The Paisano

A day in the life of track star Christiaan Le Roux

By Haley Aguayo Sports Editor

South African native Christiaan Le Roux came to UTSA in 2021 and has made headway in his long jumping career since then. Earning a spot as one of UTSA’s top five performers in program history, along with a top 40 track & field national rank and becoming a three-time conference champ, Le Roux has proven himself exceptional on the track & field team.

Hailing from Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool, a school notorious for producing rugby athletes, the former Affie grew up in an area far different from and much smaller than UTSA.

“Athletics as a whole has given me a lot more opportunities and a lot more insight into how the world works than just what I was used to previously,” Le Roux said. “It was very sheltered where I’m from and very narrow, and you don’t see a whole lot outside of it. But, now, I get a little bit more perspective at UTSA.

“You meet a lot of new people that have different views and different perspectives than you, and that kind of has helped me grow as a person myself because you want to grow in your sport, as well as grow as a person outside of your sport. Meeting new people has helped me with that.”

To be able to leave your home country and travel to the other side of the world to pursue both a degree while competing as

an athlete at a collegiate level is not easy but Le Roux has learned to prioritize the most important things to him.

“It’s hard to maintain the three different lifestyles of being a student, being an athlete and then your social life afterwards,” Le Roux said. “If you focus on your academics and your sport, you are left with very little time for your personal life, and if you focus more on your personal life and your sport, you have less time for academics and so on and so forth. So I always try to make time for personal life, but right now, while in college, the main goal is to be a student first and an athlete second.”

The challenges of being a studentathlete largely revolves around a balanced life. Student-athletes need to balance academics, and sports all while finding the time for a personal life. There are both mental and physical tolls that the body takes on during this balancing act but this is what separates a student from an athlete.A determined person will endure because this is the path that they have chosen, at least this is the path that Le Roux has chosen.

“There’s definitely times when I feel like I spread myself a little bit thin. It’s rough and it’s pretty overwhelming, but it is the life we chose, and that’s kind of just how it is; we deal with it,” he added.

While many people tend to focus on what their bodies look like, especially

during this time of year with bathing suit season quickly approaching, Le Roux chooses to focus on his weight, but for different reasons. As a student-athlete, he must redirect his focus to what his body can do for him and how he can manipulate it to do what he needs.

“A lot of us, excluding the throwers, want to be super light for our events because the lighter you are, the better you can perform,” Le Roux pointed out. “Out of season, we bulk up a couple pounds to get a little bit bigger, and we don’t worry too much about what we’re eating. In season, you kind of want to lose a lot of the weight that you gained but at the same time keep the power and strength that you built up in the off season.”

To achieve his goals he closely watches his diet both on and off season, whether it be carb loading or cutting back and including more foods into his diet containing micronutrients. Regardless, he takes his training day-by-day and revises his mindset so that he can successfully make it through his spring season.

“Usually on Mondays we have a sprint session. Tuesday is for the jumpers.We have short approach jumps, so instead of taking your entire approach, we shorten it to 10 to 12 steps maximum,” Le Roux says of his weekly regiment. “Taking a jump helps with takeoff technique and landing technique. That way you’re not rusty by the time you actually get to a competition.

Wednesdays for the jumpers are full approaches, so that’s getting your actual full approach in but not actually taking a jump, just feeling it out to see where you’re at. Thursdays are treatment days [such as] little bike sessions to just get moving. Fridays — if we’re not competing — are a plyometric day, so like some form of jumping, not necessarily in the pit, but just something off the pit, like in the grass or something like that to adjust your body to being able to jump because it kind of takes a little toll on your body, so doing smaller jumps helps your body adjust to being able to jump at a high speed.”

Building up his physique is only half the battle. His mind is the muscle that never quite gets a break, but Le Roux has clearly learned how to morph his perspective to be positive.

“If you’re not happy with your performance, it’s very easy to completely break it down and just think that there’s nothing good about it,” Le Roux said. “But a lot of times, you also have to be in the mindset of ‘What I did was not as good as I would have liked, but I did still do some things correctly.’ That makes it a little bit easier to actually look at it for longer and be a little bit more motivated and not get discouraged.”

With a mindset like that, it’s no wonder Le Roux has rightfully become a track star.

Patriots run Roadrunners out of Dallas

UTSA baseball run-ruled twice in ranked series loss to Dallas Baptist

Game one

Roadrunners entered the third inning with a 3-2 lead. With their ace — junior pitcher Zach Royse — on the mound, the ‘Runners looked to be in for a battle against the Patriots. That sentiment was short lived as Dallas Baptist proceeded to put nine runs on the board in the bottom of the third, a deficit UTSA could not surmount.

did a good job with the bat, more than anything,” coach Pat Hallmark said.

“We could be a bit better, but I wasn’t all that disappointed with our guys. Tonight, I just tip my hat to Dallas Baptist hitters.”

Game Two

Powered by a multi-home run night from senior outfielder James Taussig, the ‘Runners leveled the series with a high-scoring win in game two. Taussig and senior outfielder Mason Lytle combined for 10 RBI to help UTSA earn its first win over Dallas Baptist since 2012. The Roadrunners led 8-2 before the Patriots tied the game in the sixth. Seven runs over the final three innings sealed the victory for the funny or ironic — I don’t know which — but we can play better,” Hallmark said.

Game three

When the Roadrunners needed to play their best, they did the opposite. UTSA burned through five pitchers; junior pitcher Sam Simmons lasted the longest, surviving 1.2 innings. Hallmark wanted the ‘Runners to come out stronger than they did, but a poor opening performance from senior pitcher Conor Myles foreshadowed the uninspiring team performance that followed.

“[Myles] wasn’t very aggressive; I feel like he was intimidated. He was throwing slower than he’s thrown all year, and the arm was not working freely and relaxed on the off-speed pitches. So, there was no deception with the off-speed pitches — they were terrible. You can’t back up and he backed up; that hurt us,” Hallmark said.

Sophomore pitcher Robert Orloski enjoyed the best pitching performance of the series, allowing four hits and tossing three strikeouts across four innings in the team’s Saturday win; Taussig’s six RBI night on Saturday was the best hitting performance on either side.

UTSA will next face No.11 University of Texas at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at UFCU DischFalk Field.

No podium for the hometown hero

McLaren loses 1-2 race finish in drizzly season opener in Australia

By Marcela Montufar Soria Opinion Editor

McLaren Racing driver Lando Norris became the F1 championship leader for the first time on Sunday at the Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne, Australia.

After starting from pole position, Norris crossed the checkered flag first after 57 laps to win Round One of the 2025 season. His victory was nearly lost after he went off track with only 12 laps to go, but he regained the lead in two laps after a well-timed pit stop.

“It’s an incredible start to the year, and the team has given me an amazing car from the get-go,” Norris said after the race. “I felt comfortable and confident out there in the package the team have given us.”

Norris maintained the race lead after the starting lights went out, fighting pressure from his teammate, Melbourne native Oscar Piastri, and the reigning world champion, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, who started P3. Verstappen overtook Piastri on the first lap for second

place, a position the Australian could not reclaim until Lap 18. Piastri chased Norris for the race lead until he received team orders via radio on Lap 30 to hold position and secure the team’s 1-2 finish.

“The update on the weather forecast led us to close the internal racing between our two drivers until we had clarity as to the weather prediction,” Team Principal Andrea Stella said.

Piastri was told he was free to race again on Lap 33, but a safety car deployment that same lap prevented any overtaking. At this time, the weather radar began to show that heavy rain was coming near the end of the race. Despite this, the cars pitted to switch to slick tires for the dry track.

Norris maintained the lead off Piastri and Verstappen as the safety car left the track, but the rain arrived earlier than expected and with a longer timeframe. The track quickly became wet, and on Lap 45, both McLarens went off track. Norris managed to recover and hurried into the pit box for a set of intermediate tires, while Piastri got stuck in a patch of grass.

“A disappointing result after a really positive weekend,” Piastri concluded. “I had the speed, and I felt in very good shape to fight for the win. Unfortunately, at the end, I just lost it in the sudden rain.”

The race timetable initially reported Piastri as out of the race, but under the watchful eyes of his home crowd, the McLaren driver managed to reverse out of the grass and rejoin the race at the back of the pack.

Even from that position, Piastri was not far from a top 10 point-scoring finish, given that the race had a total of six DNFs and only 14 cars left on the track. He crossed the flag in P9 after overtaking Scuderia Ferrari’s Lewis Hamilton, scoring two points.

Norris leads the championship over Verstappen with a total of 25 points. He also scored the fastest lap of the race with a time of 1.22.167 seconds, but as of this season, that no longer awards drivers an extra point.

Top to bottom: James Taussig, Primo Spears,Arina Babenko, Skylar Rucker, Jordyn Jenkins and Danijal Muminovic.

WUTSA suffers the Dallas blues

it bad luck, poor execution, a curse or mere coincidence that both basketball teams, softball, baseball and men’s tennis suffered losses in Dallas? One thing is certain: UTSA athletics faced a mixed bag of results in the Dallas-Fort Worth area over spring break.

Every team stepped into their competitions with a purpose, and despite faltering, the Roadrunners made a statement in North Texas.

Men’s basketball did their best to navigate a rough first season under coach Austin Claunch. No one is to blame when a nearly entirely new roster aided by a new coaching staff enters a relatively new conference and suffers setbacks. Following his press conference, no empathetic person would blame Claunch, as his love for the sport and his team was beyond evident.

“I wish I could have done more for ‘em. I love them, and I am proud of those guys,” Claunch said through tears following the team’s 70-65 loss to East Carolina University. “They’re not the ones lifting the trophy, but they will be the reason when we build our new facility and we do end up winning. These guys are gonna be a big reason and a big part of it.”

Despite recording their sixth consecutive losing season and topping off their second year in the American Athletic Conference as No. 11, the Roadrunners fought until

their last game. While their visit to DFW did not go according to plan, there is no doubt that the team will continue to lay the groundwork for future success at home and on the road. While a losing season is hard for any student-athlete to swallow, the more time they give to a school, the more the school could benefit from them. The pieces are absolutely there for the team; they just need time to gel.

The men’s tennis team has had their fair shares of ups and downs as well. Slated with a current 5-8 record, the tennis team may find themselves in a similar spot as the men’s basketball team.

Similar to Claunch, coach Sasha Gozun is currently in his first season as the men’s tennis head coach. Due to transfers and graduations, Gozun has found himself as the leader of a young and relatively new team.

Returning seniors Tiago Torres, Miguel Alonso and Danijal Muminovic have seemingly served as influential and valued members of the team in their final season as Roadrunners. Leading team chants, consistently playing on the top three courts and recording the most wins this season, the seniors are paving the way for the six additions to their team. Just as the team has had to adjust to playing in tumultuous weather this year, they have also had to adjust to a new coaching philosophy and five new freshmen.

On the courts of the Styslinger/Altec Tennis Complex, UTSA’s men’s tennis team showed flashes of brilliance in

doubles play but struggled to carry that momentum into their singles. This has become a recurring theme as the men have suffered 4-0 sweeps in their last three losses. The potential is evident in every player, but according to Gozun, maintaining a strong headspace will be the key to turning competitive efforts into victories.

One team that has not felt the growing pains of new players is the women’s basketball team. With a single new addition to their starting five — the fab five — graduate guard Nina De Leon Negron proved she was a force to be reckoned with and the perfect teammate for senior forward Jordyn Jenkins to close out the season.

Fans witnessed history in the making as the women’s basketball team enjoyed their best season in program history. Sadly, leaving the AAC season as regular season champions was not enough to carry the ‘Runners through the AAC Tournament.

With the weight of history on their shoulders and combatting their fiercest foe — Rice University — UTSA could not pull off the same late-game surge they exhibited in February. Pulling off the best record in the AAC in only their second season is worth mentioning, or even worth ranking. But with a blend of human opinion and numerical analytics, the team did not earn a rank in the AP national poll; however, they did get mentioned for the first time in program history.

While they may not exactly have the

Building a strong foundation for the

weight of the world on their shoulders, UTSA’s softball team is cutting it close to bagging another losing season.

In their 5-3 loss to sister school, the University of Texas at Arlington, the Roadrunners struggled to find their footing during the game’s middle innings. In fact, if it weren’t for the seventh inning efforts from freshman infielder Skylar Rucker and freshman utility Sabrina Wick, the team would have only recorded one point, from Rucker no less.

Right when it looked like UTSA baseball would leave Dallas unscathed, they dropped their weekend series 1-2 to Dallas Baptist University. Among the bright spots was senior outfielder James Taussig who delivered a performance for the ages, crushing three home runs against Dallas Baptist to send the Patriots tumbling. Not only did they snap Dallas Baptists home dominance, but they also proved that their earlier ranked win was not a Tuesday night fluke. This squad has the firepower to hang with the best and will hopefully continue that dominance during Tuesday night’s matchup against No.8 The University of Texas at Austin Longhorns.

Through the highs and lows, the spring break trip to Dallas-Fort Worth showcased the resilience of the student-athletes residing at UTSA. While not every result was favorable, one thing remains clear: the Roadrunners are in the fight and their time is coming.

future

Focusing on efficiency and education, Paul Eom is elevating UTSA’s sports nutrition

By Hannah Velasquez Assistant Sports Editor

As the Director of Sports Nutrition, Paul Eom’s role involves being a health professional, dietitian and educator with a focus on fine-tuning nutrition to optimize athletic performance. Eom wears many hats, ensuring that all 17 athletic programs perform at their peak while maintaining their well-being.

“In terms of my role, it is allencompassing,” Eom describes. “I have to be a clinician and a dietitian when I’m working with student athletes face-to-face every day. I also have to be a food service manager because of our fueling station. A large part of my day is making sure that’s never dry, in the sense that our athletes are continuing to have the resources to fuel themselves and perform at their best. I think of myself as an educator; that is my most important role out of all the things I do.” When Eom first stepped into his role, he had specific goals in mind and got started right away. Before getting the job, he said that UTSA was upfront and was even rooting for him during the interview. Reflecting on his early days in the position, he explained how he focused on building the structure of the department.

“When I first walked in here and saw my fueling station, there was a freezer in the middle of my storage unit, and I’m like, ‘What is this? What have I gotten myself into?’” Eom recalled. “My first goal was getting this fueling station to the most efficient way possible. From day one, I was moving fridges. My goal is to build this department to the point where

even if I’m not here in a couple of years, it would run without me.

“We’re talking with different vendors so that the dietician doesn’t have to go out and get food. That might not seem important, but it is. All those hours we spend outside the facility, that’s time we don’t spend with athletes. Anything that takes away from time with student athletes is not good from a dietician’s point of view,” he said.

The work Eom does, combined with the other departments, focuses on teaching and sharing expertise. From an outsider’s perspective, it may appear like everyone is working on the same tasks, but internally, each person has a different role, and they are all distinct.

The job is intense with hours some may not expect in a week. During the week, Eom holds one-on-one meetings and team consults as needed; he usually does a lot of prep before going into them, like looking at someone’s medical history. Each sport has a unique set of needs for its players, and while there are common aspects that all athletes share, the requirements vary based on an athlete’s size, medical history, role and specific demands. One of the most recent team consults was with the women’s basketball team.

“The other week, I did a talk with the women’s basketball team,” Eom used as an example. “They’re in season and killing it, but our coach felt like they weren’t fueling well enough to sustain that winning streak, so we sat down and talked about competition fueling.”

One of the more challenging tasks Eom has faced is being the only nutritionist on staff, but he has said that the job is

incredibly rewarding, especially as he continues to build the program.

“Taking care of 17 teams hasn’t been the easiest,” Eom explains. “I’m trying to service everybody the same. It’s challenging but rewarding. Our population of student athletes are very hungry for nutritionification. They want to learn. I wish I could sit down with all 400 of my students and give them an in-depth consultation of what they need to do and how to better themselves, but it’s just not possible.”

Eom’s hands-on approach and direct interaction with student-athletes differs from his past roles but has proven to be successful. In the past, most of his work would be telling teams what to do, but at UTSA, he fosters a more personal connection with athletes. During consults, Eom can walk over to the fueling station and give food to students or show them different strategies they can implement.

Not only does this approach get better results, it also resonates with athletes.

“I don’t believe in throwing numbers at an athlete, like ‘Oh, eat 1,500 calories.’ That will not mean anything to the athlete. I think physically showing them is the best way to do it,” Eom says. “For example, when I explain hydration, I bring in a fully cooked spaghetti noodle and a dry spaghetti noodle. Then, I ask one of our athletes to flick it as hard as they can. The hydrated one will sustain the damage, whereas the dry one will break — just visually being able to show why hydration is important.”

Sports nutrition is a growing department, and that’s what Eom looks forward to

most this year. Despite the challenges, Eom remains humble and credits his student workers and the athletic trainers for aiding and supporting him. Eom hopes to facilitate growth and train athletes to be able to become their own dieticians.

“They’re wonderful. They’ve all been very diligent with their time management and the amount of effort they’ve put into the nutrition department. I’m learning from them,” Eom said about the student workers. “The thing I really appreciate about UTSA Athletics in general is there’s no egos — it’s all-hands-on-deck. I’ve had a tremendous amount of help, and it’s definitely a team-based community. We all have the same goals in terms of making our student athletes the best they can possibly be.”

As Eom continues to establish the sports nutrition department at UTSA, his commitment to his role and his studentathletes is undeniable. Despite the challenges of being the sole nutritionist and juggling the needs of 17 teams, his dedication to creating a lasting and sustainable system is clear.

Eom’s hands-on approach coupled with his ability to connect with athletes on a personal level has laid the foundation for a program that prioritizes the performance and well-being of the student-athletes. As the department continues to grow, Eom is optimistic about its future, knowing that with support from the athletic department and the help of the athletes, he’s on the path to making a lasting impact bigger than himself.