Vol. 68, Issue 7

San Antonio gathers to mourn Aaron BUshnell

By Amber Serio News Editor

Mourners gathered Friday evening in San Antonio’s historic San Pedro Springs Park for a candlelight vigil to commemorate and mourn the loss of Senior Airman Aaron Bushnell, who self-immolated on Feb. 25 outside the Israeli embassy in Washington, D.C. Bushnell lit himself on fire as an act of protest against Israel’s war on Gaza. The vigil also aimed to mourn the rising death toll in Gaza, which currently exceeds 30,000 according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Bushnell served as a cyber defense operation specialist at Lackland Air Force Base. The 25-year-old Massachusetts native moved to San Antonio in 2020 for basic training. He was an active member of the communities of greater San Antonio, devoting some of his free time to advocating for the homeless.

On the day of his death, Bushnell went live on the video-streaming app Twitch and prefaced what he was about to do and his reasoning behind it. In the video, he says, “My name is Aaron Bushnell. I am an active-duty member of the United States Air Force, and I will no longer be complicit in genocide. I’m about to engage in an extreme act of protest, but compared to what people have been experiencing in Palestine at the hands of their colonizers, it’s not extreme at all. This is what our ruling class has decided will be normal.”

Bushnell then positioned his phone in front of him as he stood at the entrance of the Israeli embassy. He proceeded to douse himself in a flammable liquid and self-immolated. While his body ignited in flames, Bushnell chanted “Free Palestine” for about a minute before he collapsed. It was reported that Bushnell later died in a local hospital at 8:06 p.m.

His death has received global attention, as there have been countless vigils and forms of commemoration to honor him in San Antonio and across the world. Friday’s

memorial saw a large turnout for Bushnell, with many different activists and close friends attending.

The park was decorated with banners that hung pictures of Bushnell, as well as artwork depicting images and words of support for Palestine, such as “Free Palestine” and “Let Palestine live, end the occupation.” Mourners were also seen carrying signs and Palestinian flags as they attended not only for Bushnell but in solidarity with Palestine.

Nate Masso, one of the many attendants within the crowd, spoke on the importance of the vigil.

“It’s an honor to be able to go to the vigil here in San Antonio, especially as he lived here and did activism here. To me, it’s another reason, another martyr. Another reason to stand up and support a ceasefire to genocide,” he said.

Julia Williams, another attendant, stated, “He was definitely a man who could see what a more free and just world looks like, and he was willing to give everything for that. And for that, we commend him and he rests in power.”

A large group of people gathered a short walk away from the main area of the vigil, as a tree decorated with items such as candles, teddy bears and pictures of

Roadunner’s guide to graduation

By Jake Mireles Opinion Editor

With graduation around the corner, many Roadrunners are anticipating walking the stage and receiving their diploma. This week, UTSA will hold Grad Fest — an event designed to help Roadrunners complete all the necessary steps of the graduation process. Below is a compiled list of additional resources for graduating Roadrunners.

Grad Fest

Grad Fest is an event offered by UTSA that helps prepare prospective graduates for their upcoming commencement. Attendees can learn more about ordering their regalia (cap & gown), consult with representatives from the UTSA Career Center and discuss loan repayment options with UTSA Financial Services. Grad Fest also offers opportunities to learn about attending graduate school and information about joining the UTSA Alumni Association. Important dates

Grad Fest Main Campus: March 4 and March 5, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the H-E-B Student Union, room 1.100B.

Downtown Campus: March 4 from 2 to 6 p.m. in the Durango Building, room 1.124.

Commencement

Spring 2024 Commencement will take place on May 17 in the Alamodome.

Ceremony 1 (College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College) will be held at

Bushnell served as a silent area to mourn the Airman.

The vigil began with allowing attendees to speak, whether about Bushnell or about their thoughts and feelings regarding the death toll in Gaza.

One of the speakers, who identified himself as Moon, shared that he was a friend and comrade of Aaron’s.

Moon began by acknowledging that Bushnell’s last message to the world regarded the “genocide in Gaza on Palestinians by Israel.”

“The daily horrors by the Israeli occupation forces on Palestinians are unconscionable and morally reprehensible, but normalized in our society by our government,” Moon said. “Aaron himself was a strong-willed man. He was steadfast, and I respected that greatly.”

Moon emphasized the importance of not forgetting his friend’s message and ended his speech by saying, “I love Aaron. He was my friend, comrade and I miss him a lot.”

Another speaker was a former member of the U.S. Air Force, Armando Menagarcia. Although he did not know Bushnell personally, he spoke on how his death has affected him as a fellow U.S. Airman. “He and I never crossed paths, but when asked if I wanted to speak, I felt a responsibility to do so as other veterans have.”

“Aaron courageously and tragically lost his life in the line of duty, but this was different from all the other stories I’ve heard about soldiers dying for our country. Airman Bushnell wasn’t killed by insurgents in a foreign land. He selflessly gave his life for something far more honorable. He gave his life for the truth.”

“Aaron, I hope you’re at peace. I wish I could have met someone like you when I was still in [the military.] I could have learned so much from you,” Menagarcia finished.

In a separate interview after his speech, Menagarcia was asked about what motivated him to attend the vigil and speak in honor of Bushnell.

10 a.m. Ceremony 2 (Alvarez College of

Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Kleese College of Engineering and Integrated Design) will be held at 4:30

To

According

Additionally,

the diploma address and name are correct in their MyUTSA account to ensure that the information printed on their diploma is correct and the diploma is sent to the right address. More information regarding verifying this information can be found on UTSA One Stop Enrollment’s website.

Cap & gown

One of the most important aspects of any graduation is the attire. Roadrunners can order their cap and gown during the Grad Fest event through Herff Jones — the designated regalia vendor of UTSA.

Faith Kouadio Staff Writer

“I wore the same uniform as him. The very point of his protest was to have us in uniform to have a moment of selfreflection.”

The former Airman of six years added that he feels the U.S. military should serve no role in addressing national conflicts such as the one happening in Palestine. “I don’t think we should have a role in the international stage at all. I don’t think we deserve it. I think we should focus on our issues at home.”

Since his death, Bushnell’s form of protest has been described as being extreme, resulting in many questioning his mental stability. Menagarcia responded to these claims, saying that those who criticize Bushnell “haven’t woken up yet.”

“I think they either don’t know enough, which is not an excuse anymore, or they know and they don’t want to accept the responsibility for what [his protest] means.”

For more information on Bushnell’s life and what led to his act of protest, several speakers and close friends of his recommended visiting the website “crimethinc,” as there are two articles regarding Bushnell, one being an explanation behind his protest and the other being a collection of memories recounted directly from his friends.

to double. So, this expansion project is to prepare for future growth but also to give benefits to drivers in the next few years. It’s bringing a lot of congestion relief to drivers by giving them more lanes to travel on. And then, of course, when you reduce congestion, you increase safety for the drivers.”

For more information on TxDOT’s projects in San Antonio, visit their website.

University breaks research records

By Naydine De La Fuente Copyediting Coordinator

On Feb. 26, UTSA announced unprecedented research expenditure figures for fiscal year (FY) 2023, according to the institution’s most recent data release. Witnessing a notable growth of 7.5%, the university’s expenditures surged from $141.7 million to $152.3 million.

The university attributes this growth to a combination of factors, including top faculty, who continue to be attracted and recruited, as well as internal strategies that bolster support for existing staff. These collaborative and innovative initiatives have played a pivotal role in driving UTSA’s research endeavors to new heights.

With contributions from important organizations like the Cybersecurity Manufacturing Innovation Institute, Brain Health Consortium, South Texas Center for Emerging Infectious Diseases and Texas Sustainable Energy Research Institute — which together accounted for 50.7% of the total expenditure — UTSA’s research centers drove $41.8 million in expenditures in FY 2023. Faculty and researchers also won 198 awards, bringing in $42 million in new funding for the university.

The university’s transformative research initiatives have been fueled by its strategic partnerships and transdisciplinary collaborations with local, regional and national entities. More research funding via seed grant programs and mentorship initiatives supports this commitment. In 2023, UTSA extended its research centers into fields like cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), brain health, cybersecurity and national security, promoting stronger partnerships and raising competitiveness for strategic research grants.

An important turning point was reached when San Pedro I, a facility that houses important research organizations and creative collaborations in downtown San Antonio, opened its doors in early 2023. The university strengthened its transdisciplinary research environment further with the merger of the Brain Health Consortium with other institutes and the appointment of David Brown as the executive director of the National Security Collaboration Center.

UTSA’s dedication to tackling societal issues and encouraging interdisciplinary cooperation is demonstrated by the founding of the Center for Public Opinion Research, a research interest

group focused on the perspectives, opinions and priorities of residents in San Antonio. The university also established an Exploration and Planetary Science research group that centers around space travel, exploration and planetary science to promote further research collaboration. Its increasing prominence and influence in the research landscape are further validated by the university’s improved ranking in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and eligibility for the National Research University Fund. With $2.6 billion in economic contributions to the Texas economy in the previous year, the Jude Valdez Institute for Economic Development (IED) supports the growth of small and regional enterprises, innovators and entrepreneurs. The institute established the Jude Valdez Economic Development Excellence Fund to sponsor its multi-level business initiatives in memory of its founder, Jude Valdez ‘72. With the help of 42,231 business owners and small companies via a network of ten centers spread throughout South and West Texas, UTSA retained 7,934 jobs while creating 4,042 new ones. The institute’s workshops also benefited 25,238 entrepreneurs, making it easier for them to obtain over $207 million in capital and produce $2.3 billion in new sales, contracts and exports in FY 2023. Associate Vice President of Innovation and Economic Development at UTSA, Rod McSherry, underlined the university’s critical role in the state’s economic development. Remarkably, U.S. Congressman Joaquin Castro secured significant federal funding for the IED to establish the UTSA Procurement Academy, which aims to teach entrepreneurs the abilities required to win government contracts. Moreover, UTSA’s dedication to regional economic growth and opportunity

is further highlighted by its Association of Public and LandGrant Universities designation as an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University.

The Office of Commercialization and Innovation (OCI) at UTSA made great strides in 2023, receiving 35 new invention disclosures that led to the filing of 14 patents and the optioning or licensing of nine technologies to different businesses. Notably, InRoad®, a bone graft product created in partnership with UTSA that minimizes risks and mimics the biological microenvironment of the bone, received FDA clearance from Osteogene Tech. Anson Ong and Daniel Oh, two UTSA faculty members, developed this product, which was introduced to the world as an osteoconductive bioceramic solution for dental applications. Additionally, OCI was licensed to Phage Refinery, a technology created by James Chambers and Philip Serwer of UT Health San Antonio to treat superbugs resistant to multiple drugs.

The startup First Flight Partners focuses on cutting-edge medical devices like endotracheal tubes for surgeries and emergency situations. It was founded in partnership with Teja Guda, the UTSA’s 2023 Innovator of the Year. Additionally, faculty teams led by UTSA took part in the NSF’s I-Corps national accelerator program, showcasing innovative solutions like Paul Rad’s Secure & Trustworthy AI and Leslie Neely and Adel Alaeddini’s AI-driven prediction system for caregivers of patients with autism. The director of OCI, Christine Burke, highlighted how dedicated UTSA is to bringing innovations to market quickly, promoting economic expansion, and raising living standards in Texas and beyond.

For more information, visit UTSA Today to stay up to date with UTSA’s future research expenditures.

UTSA experiences record spring enrollment

By Alessandra Avila Assistant News Editor

For the first time, UTSA’s spring enrollment exceeded 32,000 students, taking steps toward the university’s strategic goal of enrolling 41,000 students by 2028. UTSA offers students opportunities for experiential learning and programs that hope to align with industry standards, equipping them with practical skills that enhance their employability.

With the help of these tools, students can investigate potential career paths, acquire useful experience and establish professional networks, all of which the university aims to aid in students being well-prepared for the workforce. Currently, UTSA has 32,405 total enrolled students, an increase of 2.1% from the spring of 2023.

“These increases are a testament to the persistence of our Roadrunner students as well as the unwavering commitment

of our faculty and staff to develop career-ready Roadrunners,” said Interim Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Heather Shipley. With Spring enrollment for 2024 soaring, Shipley expressed her excitement, adding, “to see the increase in enrollment and semester credit hours; more importantly, these numbers tell a larger story of the positive impact of UTSA in our community, emphasizing our university’s commitment to fostering an environment where every student can thrive and successfully prepare for their chosen careers, as well as the evolving demands of the workforce.” The university has also seen an increase in the number of credit hours students are enrolled in. Students are taking 372,424 hours this spring, which is a 3.6% increase from a year earlier. Shipley attributes these achievements to students’ perseverance and faculty and staff’s dedication to nurturing

career-ready professionals.

“By prioritizing academic excellence and holistic support, we’re supporting the continued success of all students throughout their academic journey,” she said.

The census day report from the university’s Office of Institutional Research and Analysis also revealed additional highlights regarding enrollment. With half of the university’s students coming from Bexar County and 45% from other counties in Texas, UTSA seemingly plays a crucial role in meeting the region’s educational needs. Undergraduate enrollment also grew by 2.7% while doctoral saw an increase as well, growing by 1.7%.

UTSA’s record spring enrollment not only applies to taking courses in-person but to online students as well. U.S. News & World recently ranked UTSA among the top 20% of online programs. To learn more about UTSA’s online program accomplishments, check out The Paisano’s past coverage.

Continued Grad Fest

Any orders placed in person during Grad Fest will be sent to the Rowdy Campus Bookstore for pickup. If graduates cannot attend one of the Grad Fest events, caps and gowns can also be purchased directly from the Herff Jones website until April 3. The online orders will be mailed directly to the student’s address. Additionally, caps and gowns will be sold at the Rowdy Campus Bookstore starting May 3. Once commencement has passed, recent Roadrunner graduates can donate their regalia to the UTSA Whataburger Resource Room to be used in the Grad Gown Lending Program. Career Center resources Roadrunners expecting to enter the workforce after graduation have a variety of developmental resources available

to them through the UTSA Career Center. The Career Center offers various services to help Roadrunners develop marketable skills, establish their professional image and connect with prospective employers. More information about these resources can be found at UTSA’s University Career Center website.

Graduation Help Desk

For pressing issues regarding graduation, UTSA has also established the Graduation Help Desk to resolve any “roadblocks” that graduating Roadrunners may experience. Common issues the Graduation Help Desk may help address include unmet degree requirements, missing the graduation application deadline and taking courses not needed for graduation or duplicate

State of the City Week of 3/5

By Rylan Renteria Distribution Manager

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 deputy falsifying records to a woman dying in a fiery car crash.

Man traps himself in building, sets it on fire

Early morning on Thursday, Feb. 29, SAFD responded to a 911 call from local workers claiming to have spotted something strange in a nearby building. After arriving on the scene and forcing their way inside the building, firefighters encountered a homeless man who had started a fire and barricaded himself inside. SAPD was called to help remove the man from the premises. He was then taken to a hospital to undergo a physical and mental evaluation.

Deputy arrested for falsifying records

Joshua Martinez, a Bexar County Sheriff’s Office deputy, was arrested on charges of tampering with a governmental record. In October of 2022, a female inmate claimed Martinez threw her on the floor of a living unit. Martinez denied the allegations and documented the incident incorrectly. Upon reviewing the video footage of the incident, it was found that Martinez had lied about the encounter, thus breaking the law. After being booked on Feb. 29, Martinez posted a $3,000 bond and was released shortly after.

Councilwoman undergoes emergency surgery

District 3 councilwoman Phyllis Viagran is working virtually as she recovers from an emergency surgery she underwent recently. Fellow council members had little information on her condition but had heard rumors of a serious health issue. Viagran’s return date is still unknown. Woman dead after fiery crash on Northside

At 3 a.m. Friday, March 1, a 76-year-old woman’s car was struck by a Ford Bronco, causing her to crash and rollover a barrier. The driver of the Bronco attempted to flee the scene, before the car burst into flames. The woman was taken to the hospital but pronounced dead shortly after. Authorities have not located the other driver.

Dustin Vickers/The Paisano

Lauren Stein/The Paisano

Lauro Martinez/The Paisano

protect Texas, Connect the grid

Rep. Cesar introduces bill that would connect ERCOT to national interconnections

Editorial

On the third anniversary of Winter Storm Uri, Representative Greg Cesar (TX-35) and Representative Alexandria OcasioCortez (NY-14) introduced The Connect the Grid Act. The act would force the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to connect to the national electrical infrastructure and would place ERCOT under the jurisdiction of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

The bill comes off the heels of many Texans beginning to question the reliability of ERCOT to operate under extreme weather conditions. Questions began to rise after Winter Storm Uri in 2021, which left more than 10 million Texans without power and claimed the lives of at least 246 people.

Cesar noted that “we could have kept millions of people out of these mass power outages if we [connected] the grid to the rest of the country. It’s called supporting one another; it’s something we believe in in Texas and it’s something we believe in in the United States of America.”

Noah Willoughby/The Paisano

ERCOT has not only displayed struggles during historic arctic blasts but also during a phenomenon much more common in Texas — sweltering summer temperatures.

In August of 2023, ERCOT began asking customers to

Fishy business at the SA Aquarium

Commentary

By Kara Lee Graphic Editor

The San Antonio Aquarium has a troubling history of animal welfare and public safety issues. Run by Crysty Covino, the wife of convicted wildlife trafficker Ammon Covino, the San Antonio Aquarium has garnered multiple citations from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for unethical treatment and failure to meet animal care standards established by the federal Animal Welfare Act.

Various citations from the USDA, spanning from Oct. 24, 2018, to Aug. 1, 2023, highlight the urgent need for this facility to transition to an animal-free model and halt animal cruelty practices.

Reasons for these citations include animals attacking guests, ineffective enclosure barriers, poorly maintained animal enclosures, lack of auxiliary ventilation or contingency plans, loose tools and electrical cords and frayed ropes that could entangle animals. The negligence also resulted in the death of an African crested porcupine due to the failure to separate the animals properly.

proper care and living conditions that do not pose a threat to their well-being.

The San Antonio Aquarium has a troubling record of exploiting animals for profit-driven entertainment. Animals are often confined to small, unnatural enclosures that fail to meet their physical and psychological needs. These animals endure stress and suffering as they are forced to perform tricks or interact with visitors for entertainment.

The aquarium’s business model prioritizes profit over animal welfare, leading to neglect and mistreatment. Animals are subjected to stressful conditions, inadequate nutrition and cramped living spaces. The Covino family’s disregard for ethical standards in animal care is exemplified by their history of locking up animals in extremely small exhibits devoid of proper enrichment and stimulation.

Such practices not only compromise the physical health of these animals but also inflict psychological harm, depriving them of the ability to engage in natural behaviors.

The list of violations underscores the unethical treatment and endangerment of animals within this establishment. Exploiting animals for entertainment is both cruel and unjust. These creatures deserve

Despite mounting criticism and regulatory interventions, the Covino family continues to operate the aquarium, perpetuating a cycle of exploitation and cruelty. Their actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the well-being of animals and underscore the urgent need for stronger regulations to protect vulnerable species from exploitation.

Continue reading at paisano-online.com

Step off sports, care for culture

Commentary

By Laynie Clark Editor-in-Chief

Yet again, the UT system puts athletic development over everything else. After the disheartening announcement about the demolition of one of Austin’s most historic buildings, the thought of it getting worse did not seem possible.

On Feb. 29, the University of Texas board of regents approved plans to lease or sell the Institute of Texan Cultures (ITC) property to the city of San Antonio. The ITC is a place that promotes interactive education through art exhibits and community events, ensuring that San Antonio’s rich history does not get lost.

The San Antonio Spurs have been on a mad hunt for a new arena, so it is not surprising that the board decided to sell or lease the ITC with this in mind. While talk of this change began in November 2023,

not much has been said since, leaving citizens to believe it was just a mere rumor. Unfortunately, the board’s decision means this is something to be afraid of.

City spokesperson Laura Mayes detailed development opportunities to the San Antonio Express-News, seeming to advocate for the Spurs’ relocation.

“This option from the UT System provides the city with further development flexibility for this area,” Mayes said. “The city is also pursuing acquiring property, which is currently owned by the federal government that is in close proximity to Hemisfair.”

Unsurprisingly, Joe Izbrand, UTSA vice president for Strategic Communications and External Affairs, refused to comment to the Express-News on the subject.

Continue reading at paisano-online.com

conserve energy as the grid came dangerously close to implementing rolling blackouts — the same seen during Winter Storm Uri — due to increased energy demand from summer heat.

As extreme weather events — hot or cold — become more frequent, Texans need to be able to rely on access to electricity. In its current state, ERCOT has shown to be less than reliable when it comes to providing electricity to its customers through extreme weather.

It is time for Texas to connect its electrical grid to the national interconnections to increase energy reliability during extreme weather events. As Texans, we must advocate our support for The Connect the Grid Act to be passed by our local representatives to ensure reliable and continued access to electricity during extenuating circumstances.

You can find the contact information for your federal representative’s office at https://www.house.gov/ representatives/find-your-representative and https://www. congress.gov/members/find-your-member.

Unbrewing justice

Commentary

By Naydine De La Fuente Copyediting Coordinator

Starbucks is widely known for its delicious beverages and treats, while McDonald’s is recognized for their affordability and convenient widespread selection. With the constant rise of big corporate companies, it is easy for individuals to indulge themselves in their various food and beverage items. Recently, however, these corporate entities are getting rightfully criticized for their aid and support of the ongoing genocide in Palestine.

In a bold and unprecedented move, the University of Houston (UH) has opted to sever ties with the two corporate giants and remove them from its campus. This decision represents a strong stance against complicity in world politics and was spurred by a collective outcry against continued backing for Israel amidst the humanitarian catastrophe in Palestine. This innovative move demonstrates the university’s dedication to moral responsibility and support for underprivileged groups around the world.

On the Islamic Human Rights Commission website, a list is provided of the various companies that are being boycotted because of their support of Israel, including McDonald’s. As stated on the site, “McDonald’s has donated free meals to Israeli soldiers, introduced a 50% discount for military personnel and hired a team of lawyers to fight suggestions that they are distributing free meals to Palestinians in Gaza.”

An article from The Financial Times further delves into Starbucks’ circumstances regarding the boycott. It reports that the chain accused Starbucks Workers United of trademark infringement for utilizing the company’s name and logo in a post on X to express solidarity with Palestinians. In response, Workers United filed a counterclaim, alleging defamation by Starbucks for insinuating that the union endorses terrorism and violence. This caused crossfire of both pro-Palestine and pro-Israel protests, leaving the company to respond by saying it had “no political agenda” and rejected rumors on social media that it was using its profits to fund “any government or military operations anywhere.”

Looking further into the situation in Palestine, there are disheartening statistics that showcase the devastating events that are currently occurring. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, data gathered since Oct. 7, 2023, and recently updated on Feb. 2, 2024, there have been approximately 30,738 deaths, 76,183 injured, 2,000,000 displaced, 11,270 detainees and 355,000 damaged housing units.

Looking at the devastating events in Palestine, it is understandable why UH is working towards removing McDonald’s and Starbucks from their campus. As a community, this is a call to action not just to other universities that may have these corporate businesses on their campuses, but to people everywhere who are still purchasing from

“Although it can be viewed as an ‘inconvenience’ to stop buying from these big chain corporations, it is a small, minuscule issue to endure in comparison to the genocide that is currently happening.”

these companies. Although it can be viewed as an “inconvenience” to stop buying from these big chain corporations, it is a small, minuscule issue to endure in comparison to the genocide that is currently happening.

If you want to learn more, please visit the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions or the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics to stay updated on news surrounding Palestine.

Vincent Agquiz/The Paisano

By Marcela Montufar Soria

When students are in need of academic guidance, it is essential that they have access to efficient, comprehensive resources from the university to counsel them. In theory, the most helpful of these resources ought to be students’ academic advisors.

Students need to ask themselves if they know who their academic advisor is, not to be confused with Wellness 360 or Honors College counselors. And if they think they know who it is, they should definitely check their myUTSA to ensure it is still the same person they are familiar with, because it has probably changed from the last time they checked. Students’ advisors can change at the drop of a hat with no warning and no announcement, which

is extremely irresponsible on behalf of the Advising Center and UTSA.

UTSA’s academic advisors are swapped in and out of the job at alarming rates, leaving students scrambling to figure out why their advisor has disappeared and burdened with getting to know a new person unfamiliar with their academic history and goals. The bureaucracy of it all is entirely unhelpful to students just trying to get through their college career and leaves people thinking that they are better off trying to figure it all out by themselves.

If students want to know who their advisor is, they need to check either their myUTSA or Degreeworks, as the Academic Advising website is entirely unhelpful. It is very useful,

however, in telling students how to schedule an appointment with their advisor, if they know who it is, via phone or online.

To help students find their advisors, students are directed to a listing of categories of academic disciplines that do not even correspond properly to the university’s colleges and departments. Under each of these categories is a list of majors that are supposedly under the jurisdiction of that category’s advisors, but it is not a comprehensive list of UTSA majors, nor is it accurate, and students may be assigned a counselor from a category not responsible for their major. Once a student picks a category, they are given a list of advisors, but they have no way of knowing which one is theirs, as the site does not mention how students are divided between the listed

Folk music is the new pop

Point vs Counterpoint

By Malaki Lingg Web Editor

As the years go by, popular music changes: One year the Billboard Hot 100 may have a collection of R&B-inspired club songs, while two years later there could be a shift to acoustic-driven tracks. Tastes change, and music changes — it is the natural progression of things. And while this is true, what is next?

Folk music is the next big thing in pop music. While some may argue that it will be country music — and there is a strong case for it — folk is a more approachable genre for the general public. It will be hard for an artist adapting country music to break past the stereotypes that country faces, but folk does not have that problem. While similar to country, folk can break through the genre barrier into pop music.

While countless artists are incorporating folk music into their repertoire, there is one artist who is truly in the spotlight: Faye Webster.

Starting with her debut album, 2013’s “Run and Tell,” she has been incorporating various aspects of folk music into her own sound, creating an enjoyable, infectious indiefolk experience. Webster’s use of steel guitar, a classic folk instrument, and her soft yet powerful vocals present the listener with an elevating folk experience. Her use of folk influences has pushed her high, securing 7 million monthly listeners on Spotify.

Another folk-inspired act that has become big is Pinegrove, who describe themselves as “independent rock music and folk with Americana roots.” In 2015, the indie band released their acclaimed album “Everything So Far,” but it would not be until 2023 that it would cement them into pop culture. Starting as a trend on TikTok, people began dancing to their song “Need 2,” entitled the “Pinegrove Shuffle.” For weeks, it became increasingly difficult to spend time online without hearing the highly

Bullets to blue pills

Commentary

By Kara Lee Graphic Editor

In July 2023, Congress geared up to vote on yet another massive American defense package.

Congresswoman Summer Lee (PA-12) put Department of Defense (DOD) Director of Contracting, John Tenaglia, in the hot seat, questioning how much America’s military spends on Viagra, F-35 parts and Alaskan king crab.

The U.S. spends more on national defense than most other countries combined. However, there is significant financial mismanagement at the DOD’s expense. In 2022, the military budget reached an all-time high of $877 billion. This is not the only instance of financial mismanagement; the Pentagon has failed its annual audit for the sixth year in a row.

During that same year, the U.S. military spent an average of $41.6 million on Viagra alone. Viagra is a drug used to treat erectile dysfunction and sometimes pulmonary arterial hypertension.

A portion of that $41.6 million could be allocated to rebuild damaged infrastructure. For example, it would cost Pittsburgh $25.3 million to rebuild the city’s Fern Hollow Bridge, which previously collapsed — only a fraction of what the military spends on erectile dysfunction pills.

While Viagra can assist in treating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder among retired service members, it could be worthwhile to explore redirecting a portion, not all, of these funds to other benefits aiding veterans struggling with mental health issues.

staff.

There is no point in having a website to help students find their advisors if the site does not actually manage to do that simple task. Further, the listings provide only advisors’ names and emails. Bios are not included, and worse still, there are several people without photos next to their names. The relationship between students and their academic advisors needs to be one of respect and trust, and this is not possible if students do not know who their advisor is, their qualifications or what they even look like.

To avoid adding more stress and confusion to their students, UTSA needs to start telling them if and when their academic counselors will change via email and provide a complete profile of their new advisor.

emotional, indie-folk fusion of Piegrove’s “Need 2” accompanied by the somber two-step-esque dance. While their TikTok hit was an unexpected success, it helped push folk music towards a broader audience. While aspects of country music are undoubtedly being introduced into pop music,

folk music is simply more approachable to the general public. Folk music is the next to fully enter the limelight with major artists breaking through the current genre barrier. Sadly, some people will never get behind the southern twang of country music, and that is okay because folk music is here to stay.

Office discovered between May 2018 and October 2022 that one million F-35 spare parts, valued at $85 million, were simply “lost.”

Millions of tax dollars are vanishing due to mishandled funds. This money could significantly impact various government programs, yet it disappears because spare parts were lost.

VincentAgquiz/ThePaisano

In 2016, a House investigation found that Lockheed Martin’s F-35 fighter jet program cost around $1.7 trillion. The Government Accountability

The mishandling of funds does not stop at Viagra. In 2018, the DOD spent $2.3 million solely on Alaskan king crab and an additional $2.3 million on lobster tails. This money could be redirected to necessities benefiting American citizens.

If the military desires to indulge in high-end foods, plenty of other options are more cost-friendly. The staggering mismanagement of funds within the DOD raises serious concerns about allocating taxpayer money. While national defense is essential, resources must be used efficiently and responsibly. The mass spending on items such as Viagra, F-35 spare parts and luxury foods like Alaskan king crab and lobster tails highlights the urgent need for greater transparency and oversight in defense spending.

The funds wasted on unnecessary expenses could be redirected to address pressing issues such as infrastructure development, student loan forgiveness, mental health support for veterans and other critical programs that benefit American citizens. The DOD should be held accountable and ensure that taxpayer dollars are used effectively to serve the best interests.

Vincent Agquiz/The Paisano

By Chloe Williams Managing Editor

N3 reasons to join your student newspaper

ot having the college experience you were hoping for? Needing a resume boost to apply for internships? Looking for life skills to prepare for after graduation? Searching for a community to call your home?

If you answered yes to any — or all — of these questions, then we have a place for you. Check out our three reasons why you should join your student newspaper, and if you are attending UTSA, why you should join The Paisano.

1. Experience and resume-building

Experience in your desired field will not just fall in your lap, and a student newspaper is not just for writers. Running a student newspaper includes writing, photography, graphic art, business, social media, website management, page design, advertising, multimedia, magazine and more. This alone is enough diverse opportunities to interest most students. Even if your major is computer science, but you have a passion for photography, your student newspaper can be an outlet for this.

Not only are the opportunities endless, but the best part is that all of this can uplift your resume and set you apart when it comes time

to apply for jobs and internships.

Having tangible proof of your work and a designated corner of a website to display it can set you apart from competitors.

The Paisano alumni, using skills learned and nurtured working on a student newspaper, have gone on to work at places like National Geographic, KSAT, The Los Angeles Times and countless others who have become lawyers. Unlike other student newspapers, The Paisano is independent, which means it receives no funding from UTSA. Because of this, it relies on advertising sales and donations.

The Paisano operates as a nonprofit organization and with everything at the paper 100% student-run, staff members learn real-life skills on what it takes to uphold finances, sell ads and lead teams. Not just in terms of learning crafts, working for a student newspaper can teach you discipline and help you grow in your field, working with likeminded individuals and growing with feedback. Operating with deadlines, feedback and structure are skills that you might not always pick up in class.

2. Uplifting community Student newspapers serve as a home to hardworking individuals passionate about getting news and information to students. While newspapers like The

Paisano operate seamlessly and professionally, staff members still have time to create longlasting professional and personal relationships. With monthly socials and dinners provided each production night, time to get to know each other is highly valued.

Past socials for The Paisano have taken place at Chicken N Pickle and The Divide Beer Garden.

Not only do student newspapers value cultivating internal community, but uplifting the student community is all a part of the job. Events that The Paisano holds to do this include the annual “Get Your Pot at The Paisano,” where we pass out plants to students and our “Fall in Love with The Paisano,” where pumpkins are passed out and students have the opportunity to paint them.

At their core, student newspapers’ mission is to give students valuable information and keep them informed on what they might not know about on campus. Through this, both its internal and external communities are being elevated.

3. Trying something new

Joining any organization can be daunting, especially if you do not know exactly where you would fit in. This is where The Paisano is so special — it requires no prior experience or portfolio in any field. All you have to do to

be involved is to be interested in learning. The beauty of The Paisano is that it is long-term commitment-free. It requires no dues or payments and if you do not want to contribute one week, you do not have to. All of your contributions are on your terms and you will never be pressured to take on more than you want.

If you are interested in learning more about The Paisano, here is a rundown of our weekly events. These events are not mandatory and each meeting and production night are open to all UTSA students.

• General meeting: At 6 p.m. every Wednesday at 14526 Roadrunner Way. At this meeting, attendees will be given a rundown of what The Paisano is and hear from each editor about their pitches for the week. From there, if interested, you can pick something up. When an attendee picks a contribution up they have until Sunday at 1 p.m. to turn it in.

• Production night: Each Monday, The Paisano staff meets at the office at 5 p.m. to copyedit and finalize the page designs made by our editors. Dinner is provided and past dinners have included Taco Bell, Costco pizza, Slim Chickens and Chick-fil-A.

• Distribution: After the newspaper pages are finalized on Monday night, they are sent

Highlighting resources for National Eating Disorder Awareness Week

By Jenna Taylor Magazine Editor

National Eating Disorder Awareness Week occurs from Feb. 26 to March 5. It is an annual campaign by the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) to bring awareness to eating disorders and “engage support for individuals and families affected by eating disorders.” According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), eating disorders are defined as “serious and often fatal illnesses that are associated with severe disturbances in people’s eating behaviors and related thoughts and emotions.”

As college students, it is important to check in with ourselves and one’s friends. Statistics from

the NIMH state that the median age of onset for anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa is 18 years old, and binge eating disorder is 21 years old.

UTSA offers student resources, including an Eating Recovery Group hosted by UTSA’s Center for Collegiate Recovery, that meets virtually or in person at the JPL 4.02.08 on Mondays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

If you or someone you know needs help or support, there are many online resources available. Linked below is a list of resources best suited for students and individuals interested in learning more about eating disorders, statistics about different eating disorders and resources to find help.

UTSA Wellbeing Services

UTSA provides “recovery support services” at the Center for Collegiate Recovery located on campus at the John Peace Library 4.02.08. These support services include support meetings, a physical lounge/ community room, a supportive community and one-on-one services.

UTSA support groups and events

UTSA’s Center for Collegiate Recovery hosts weekly events, one of them being an eating recovery group that meets virtually or in person at the JPL 4.02.08 on Mondays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

The celebration of diversity through creativity

By Elizabeth Hope Staff Writer

For over 75 years, the Carver Community Cultural Center has been serving the Eastside of San Antonio. The mission of the Carver Community Cultural Center is to “celebrate the diverse cultures of our world, nation and community, with emphasis on its African and African-American heritage, by providing premier artistic presentations, community outreach activities and educational programs.”

In 1918, the Carver Community Cultural Center was built as a community center for African Americans, which later in the 1930s was repurposed as a “colored library.”

In that same year, the center received the name Carver in honor of Dr. George Washington Carver, who was “an American agricultural scientist and inventor who promoted alternative crops to cotton and methods to prevent soil depletion. He was one of the most prominent black scientists of the early 20th century.”

According to the center’s website, “From the 1940s through the Civil Rights Era, prominent African-American entertainers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Louis Armstrong played at the Carver. However, due to desegregation, the Carver fell into neglect by the early 1970s.”

In 1973, the center was to be demolished, but due to the community’s relentless love and passion for the Carver, they used their bodies

as shields to stop the building from being knocked down. Their efforts prevailed and in 1977, the Carver was reopened as the Carver Community Cultural Center.

The Carver offers a plethora of opportunities to the whole community. They provide visual, performing and cultural arts experiences, youth summer camps, dance master classes, an art gallery, yoga classes, live performances from singers, bands,

over to the press to be printed and distributed on campus. The distribution team meets every Tuesday and places papers on all Paisano stands around campus. Expect to start seeing new papers around 12 to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays.

• Tabling: If you are on campus Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday, you have likely seen our staff passing out papers. At tabling, we put the paper in students’ hands and answer any questions anyone might have about the print or how to get involved.

Getting involved in your student newspaper could be life-changing, as we know it has been for some of our staff. Growing and learning in a safe environment can unlock skills you did not even know you had, and having room to fail, learn and develop is crucial for the workforce.

If you heard anything that interested you but are still on the fence about getting involved, feel free to reach out to our managing editor at manager@paisanoonline.com or come to our next meeting at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 7 at The Paisano Media Arts Center located at 14526 Roadrunner Way, behind The Block food truck park.

dancers, comedians and theatrical productions.

“The Carver is committed to offering diverse artistic and cultural experiences, with a lasting commitment to celebrate, preserve and share Black culture, artistry, and heritage.”

To stay up to date with the upcoming events presented by the Carver Community Cultural Center, visit their website at thecarver.org.

Arts & life

A passing of the torch and a mallet

Two new exhibitions unveiled at the Contemporary at Blue Star

By James Haddock Contributor

To kick off the start of Contemporary Art Month in San Antonio, the Contemporary at Blue Star Gallery hosted an event on March 1, where they debuted two new exhibitions.

In front of the steps of the gallery, the organizers started the evening with heartfelt speeches and an announcement that had the potential to shape the future of four local up-and-coming artists. The Contemporary announced their selection for who they would send to Germany to be a part of their Berlin Residency Program. In addition to the residency experience, this program will also help financially aid each artist during their journey.

The exuberance and excitement of the artists’ celebration carried on into the first of the two new exhibits named “Without a Trace.” In a small white room, walls were lined with mounted shelves presenting clay figurines, each with its own unique, organic shape and personality. Instructions on the walls guided the audience to select a figurine that spoke to them and had them place it on a pedestal located in the center of the

room. Then, the audience was instructed to take that figurine and smash it with a mallet, returning the clay remains into a basin of water. All that the audience kept was a small keepsake that was once trapped in the clay figurine.

Michael Guerra Foerster, the mind behind the installation, wanted to explore ephemeral concepts or things that only exist for brief moments, and he additionally wanted to explore a pure relationship between art and the consumer without the capitalistic guardrails that normally encompass institutions of art. Foerster’s unique experience of being able to manipulate and keep the art filled the audience with an interesting combination of youthful enthusiasm and a sense of peace that follows after one returns a beloved connection to Earth. Getting to manipulate and play with the art was a new experience for many, and the playful nature of the exhibit made one feel like they were playing with a Buddhist monk’s rendition of a Kinder Egg. Although one could no longer smash things with a hammer, the second and larger exhibition, “Vernacular Systems,” proved to be just as interesting.

Continue reading at paisano-online.com

All about achievement

‘Dune:

Part

By Ezequiel Peña Contributor

UTSA Orchestra’s ‘Concerto and Aria Winners Concert’

By Lauren Hernandez Assistant Arts & Life Editor

The UTSA Orchestra delivered a chilling, thrilling and heartstopping performance, as always, at their latest “Concerto and Aria Winners Concert.”

A concert like this is always drastically

different for everyone involved. Violinist and music marketing major Nick Garza had class at 8:30 a.m. and then a six-hour shift at work. Raul Martinez, a junior Computer Science major and French horn player in the orchestra, had a computer science exam at 10 a.m. Meanwhile, co-concertmaster and violinist Harmony Grace woke up sick and had to go to the doctor to ensure she could play. But none of this mattered when they were on stage, together as an orchestra, which Grace explained is “one of the only places in music where you can find such a large group of people to play with. And it’s very intricate, so everyone has a part that’s very specific and important.”

“I think it’s exciting when you finally get it to come together. You can’t do it anywhere else, and every mess-up is something unique about that performance,” Grace said.

Two’ : One of the greatest sci-fi

When someone watches “The Godfather” for the first time, there is a sense of amazement at the story of power and struggle to keep one’s humanity that never ceases to amaze anyone who watches it. When someone watches “The Godfather Part II,” there is a feeling of completion, a somber but fitting resolution that all that the first part left out. The same feeling is evoked when watching “Dune: Part Two.” When viewing Director Denis Villeneuve’s addition to the story of “Dune,” most will be glad to have persisted through the long wait between parts one and two. When seeing the insane amount of work that fills the screen to complete the story, it is apparent this is one of the greatest science fiction stories ever written.

To start with the obvious, the acting from the star-studded cast is nothing short of fantastic. The supporting cast plays their roles to a tee and a few surprise cameos steal their scenes every time they are on screen.

To no surprise, the best performances come from Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides and Zendaya as Chani.

Both, especially Zendaya, spent a lot of the first film teasing what they were to become later on and suffice it to say, neither actor disappoints. There is a romance that blossoms between the two that feels natural and becomes tragic as it plays out. However, most will walk away remembering Austin Butler as the psychotic Feyd Rautha. In the film, he is unrecognizable and is a far cry from his days playing Elvis.

In a Vanity Fair article, Villeneuve explains “Butler brought to the screen something that would be a cross between a psychotic, sociopath serial killer and Mick Jagger.” As he plays the religious fanatic, Javier Bardem

as Stilgar does not disappoint either. All in all, the cast is excellent.

It is almost needless to point out how incredible Villeneuve’s directing

Martinez added, “It’s really fun to hear the different colors in an orchestra or band setting.”

The orchestra’s opening song was the first public performance of a piece conducted by a member of the orchestra himself, senior music and composition major Ben Spivey. Spivey first began composing music in 2021 and has composed at least one piece per semester since then.

In the spring, he asked the orchestra’s conductor, Troy Peters, if he could write a piece for the orchestra.

“He said, ‘Sure, I’ll leave a spot for you,’” Spivey explained. “And then [tonight] we got to hear it, and it was amazing. It feels awesome.”

His piece, “Magnolia,” premiered at the concert and was elegant, graceful and powerful, combining Spivey’s biggest inspirations — Toby Fox, Dan Avidan, Satoru Kousaki and the music from League of Legends.

Continue reading at paisano-online.com

films ever made

his work in thrillers like “Prisoners,” “Sicario,” “Incendies” and “Enemy”; to even previous ventures in the scifi genre such as “Arrival,” “Blade Runner 2049” and of course “Dune: Part One.” He continues that trend in this film, which brings out the much darker and culturally relevant elements that leave many in the audience with a sense of dread that lingers during and after viewing the film. If “Dune: Part One” was “Star Wars: A New Hope,”

then “Dune: Part Two” is most certainly “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes

is, as some

his previous films have reached legendary status as being some of the best in their genres, from

epic experience that many will get when watching the film in theaters, as it should be seen. Greg Fraiser had the entire film shot in the IMAX aspect ratio, and this is the format that the film deserves to be watched in, as it feels much more immersive and brings even more of an epic feel to the already grandiose story. This is elevated by Hans Zimmer’s immaculate score, full of Middle Eastern instrumentals and futuristic synths which bring an echo of the cultures we have in our present and give the sense there is still a sliver of what remains of us 20,000 years in the future. Both sight and sound in this film say a lot without saying much. There is so much more to be said about this film, to the point where it feels like babbling. But one can only say so much before having to admit that some things just have to be seen to be believed. When watching “Dune: Part Two” there is less of a feeling of watching an adaptation of Frank Herbert’s work, and instead a feeling of seeing his work brought to life. This film will most certainly be the film of the year and must be experienced in IMAX while it still can be.

Marilyn Terrazas/The Paisano

Lauren Hernandez/The Paisano

Michelle Segura/The Paisano

Reviews

Arte de San Antonio

Arte de San Antonio

UTSA loses to UT in exhibition game

Roadrunners win two sets over the Longhorns

By Haley Aguayo Assistant Sports Editor

UTSA’s sold-out game with 2,750 people in attendance at the Convocation Center, volleyball dropped its first game of the spring season to Texas, losing three of five sets (25-25, 11-25, 25-23, 21-25, 15-9).

Despite the Monday night loss, the Roadrunners managed to do something that not even last year’s No.1 ranked team, Nebraska, could do: win a set against the Longhorns.

“Certainly, they have the weapons coming back from last year, so I don’t want to take that away from them,” coach Carol Price-Torok said. “They did some really, really great things. They’re really a force to be reckoned with. Offensively, I think once we settled in after the first set and a half, we could play in that space.”

During the third set, the Roadrunners took their

NCAA rules double hits in volleyball

By Amber Serio News Editor

first lead of the match at 8-7. After UTSA gained two more points, Texas decided to take its first timeout.

The two teams went back and forth, exchanging kills and tips as they fought to take the set. Between junior opposite hitter Caroline Krueger’s blocks and kills and senior setter Mekaila Aupiu getting under the ball, even diving for it at times, the ‘Runners were able to break free after a match point kill made by Krueger clinched a set win for the team with a final score of 25-23.

“Leaning towards each other, taking a moment and going back to what we know,” Krueger said about how she won the third set. “What we practice in our gym is something that we’ve been really working on and not focusing on other things and what the other team is doing. So just

On Tuesday, Feb. 20, the NCAA announced a series of rule changes that will be implemented for the upcoming 2024 women’s volleyball season. To name a few, this included allowing two liberos in each match, more leniency regarding nose and ear jewelry and requiring all protests to be resolved during a match. Although most of these changes were met with approval, one rule in particular has sparked controversy and upset across the volleyball community; double contact is now allowed.

A double contact or double hit is when a player touches the ball twice in a row, or the ball touches two parts of the player’s body in succession. This violation

taking a second and breathing, because it was such high intensity and a crazy environment here, I think that really helped us kind of settle in and play our game.”

Since the romp was an exhibition match between the two Texas universities, they played a full five sets, where the Roadrunners bested the Longhorns for the final time of the evening, closing out the match with a set win and a final score of 15-9.

“Yeah, this was definitely the best team that we played in the spring season,” Aupiu said. “And I think just everyone being able to experience that level of volleyball, it’s just something special. I think it’s just really going to help us in our game.”

UTSA is set to face I-35 rival Texas State at 7 p.m. on March 22 back home in the Convocation Center.

is most often called on setters, who usually receive the violation for their hands not being perfectly even on the ball.

After years of debate, the NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel officially overturned the rule now “allowing women’s volleyball players to contact the ball more than once with any part of the body in a single attempt on a team’s second contact when the ball is played to a teammate.” The new rule does come with some regulations, as players are not allowed to play the ball over the net after executing a double hit.

Pitching dominance leads to a winning record in Arlington

By Noah Willoughby Staff Writer

The UTSA softball team visited Allan Saxe Field in Arlington this past weekend to play in the Boerner Invitational. The Roadrunners went 3-2, improving their overall record to 7-14.

The ‘Runners started the weekend off strong with two wins on Friday, one against the University of Incarnate Word and the other against Texas A&M - Corpus Christi. UTSA scored six runs against UIW and held the Cardinals (9-2) to just three, but the deciding factor for this win was not hits — it was the decision-making at the plate. The Roadrunners collected nine walks, which helped put runners on the bases to maximize the outcome of each hit, one of which was a three-run home run by freshman utility player Brenna Jahn.

The following game against TAMUCC (10-6) was not a hit frenzy game. The ‘Runners only managed to get three hits, but one was a three-run home run off the bat of junior shortstop Camryn Robillard, her fifth of the season, which was the winning factor. The show’s real star was freshman pitcher Iliana Saucedo, who pitched a complete game and finished with a line of seven innings pitched, one earned run, 10 strikeouts and only three hits allowed in UTSA’s 3-1 win.

The Roadrunner’s only losses of the weekend came on Saturday against TAMUCC and the University of Texas at Arlington.

In the second game against the Islanders, UTSA assembled two hits and two errors, which did not complement senior pitcher Kenzi Schultz’s complete game and her

best outing since a scoreless four-inning bout in San Marcos. The lack of offense somehow showed two runs on the board, but it was not enough as the ‘Runners fell 4-2.

In the loss against UTA, everything seemed to be the opposite for UTSA as they fell 8-2. Coach Vann Stuedeman had to use five different pitchers over the six innings of play. The pitching staff allowed 12 hits, five walks and saw eight runs come across the plate by their fault. The Roadrunners did, however, collect five hits, two of them belonging to Jahn, one of which was her second home run of the weekend.

UTSA’s last game in Arlington was a dominant 14-0 win against Grambling State. This was the first time the ‘Runners initiated the run rule against any team this season.

The Roadrunners put up a season-high 14 runs off of 10 hits. Seven players collected one or more hits and nine players collected one or more RBI’s. The defensive play also helped establish the win by conducting a flawless performance with no errors. The unblemished defense was a great companion to the complete game pitched by Saucedo, who finished with a line of 5 innings pitched, zero earned runs, seven strikeouts and only two hits allowed in UTSA’s 14-0 win..

The Boerner Invitational allowed the Roadrunners to finally finish off a tournament with a winning record. With the improving talents of freshmen Jahn and Saucedo, there is a lot to look forward to as the ‘Runners start to make their way into conference play. next game will be the home opener against Abilene Christian University at 5 p.m. Tuesday, at Roadrunner Field.

Roadrunner resilience on full display at home series win

UTSA baseball back to .500 on the

By Rylan Renteria Distribution Manager

Returning home from a trip to the Houston Metropolitan Area, the UTSA baseball squad met Grand Canyon University for the first time since 1993. Across three matchups, the ‘Runners captured two wins, securing their first series victory this past weekend at Roadrunner Field.

“It means a lot, getting that first-weekend win is nice,” head coach Pat Hallmark said. “When you can win games and not play your best, it means your players are pretty good.”

In the opening matchup, UTSA (6-6) enjoyed its best statistical performance of the season, posting a season-high 12 runs while allowing zero.

“It was our best game, all the way around,” Hallmark said. “We did really well handling some high caliber pitching.”

The Roadrunner offense came out the gate hot, scoring three runs in the first inning. RBIs from senior infielder Alexander Olivo, junior utility James Taussig and freshman utility Diego Diaz provided the early lead. Freshman pitcher Robert Orloski, making his third appearance of the season, threw seven strikes across six scoreless innings.

“I was just trying to stay confident. I know my team’s got my back,” Orloski said.

With both sides of the ball giving their best, UTSA cruised to a 12-0 victory.

The Antelopes (6-5) evened out the

season

a tight back-and-forth contest. Finding themselves in a four-run deficit in the bottom of the fifth, the Roadrunners responded with back-to-back home runs from Diaz and junior outfielder Mason Lytle. By the time the ninth inning came around, the score was 8-7; UTSA was trailing but in position to win. With the winning runners on first and third base, the Roadrunners were unable to drive them home, sealing the 9-7 loss.

In the series finale, UTSA won in walkoff fashion. The ‘Runners entered the ninth inning knotted at nine. A first pitch double from sophomore outfielder Tye Odom brought up the top of the lineup and before you could blink, the ‘Runners had the bases loaded. Hallmark called for a pinch hitter, sophomore utility Broc Parmer, to secure the win for UTSA. Before Parmer could even get a swing in, a wild pitch from the opposing pitcher sailed past the catcher, allowing junior infielder Matt King to slide home with ease, securing the win for UTSA 10-9.

To go along with the series win, a couple of Roadrunners put together perfect individual performances. In back-to-back games, senior utility Ty Tilson and Diaz both hit a perfect 1.000 at the plate.

“The expectation and the approach is always the same,” Tilson said.

Up next for the ‘Runners, a rematch against the Tarleton State Texans. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. Wednesday, at Roadrunner Field.

Caleb Hill (left), Braylon Owens (center), Daniel Garza (right)

Rylan Renteria/The Paisano

Camryn Robillard (left), Caton Letbetter (center), Jalen Prichard (right) Rylan Renteria/The Paisano

Scoring explosion leads UTSA past Tulsa

Christian Tucker ties single-game AAC assist record

By Logan Martinez Staff Writer

A record-setting offensive performance from the UTSA men’s basketball team guided the Roadrunners to an 89-73 victory over Tulsa on Wednesday night in the Convocation Center.

Junior guard Christian Tucker ignited the ‘Runner offense, tying an American Athletic Conference record of 14 assists in a single game. The team also hit 14 3-pointers to propel the Roadrunners to their second straight victory.

“We had a great gameplan headed into the game,” Tucker said of the win. “My teammates were knocking down all the shots, so I really just give all the credit to them.”

Posting their best offensive first half of the season, UTSA (10-19, 4-12) never looked back in their blowout victory. Hitting 11 3-pointers in the opening period, and 14 in the game, the Convocation Center erupted in excitement. Shooting nearly 50% from both the floor and from

beyond the arc, the ‘Runners had no trouble putting the ball in the basket Wednesday night. Leading the scoring charge were junior guard Jordan Ivy-Curry and junior forward Chandler Cuthrell who combined for 34 total points, including a barrage of 3’s. Tucker also contributed 12 points in addition to his 14 dimes, giving the guard his third double-double of the season.

“It gives us a lot of confidence,” Ivy-Curry said of the team’s first half. “We see the light now, and guys are really stepping up defensively and offensively.”

Though Tulsa (14-14, 5-11) tried different defensive schemes to slow down the UTSA offense, the romp never came within 10 points in the second half. With no real defensive answer, the Roadrunners continued to find ways to score late in the second period, including a monstrous dunk by junior center Trey Edmonds. Leading late by double digits, the team played cautious, using up most of the shot clock before initiating their offense.

With Tucker handling the ball, UTSA ran multiple pick-and-roll actions to quickly get the guard downhill.

“We’re doing a lot of things right,” head coach Steve Henson said of the offensive execution.

“The offense was beautiful.”

The ‘Runners also managed to beat the Golden Hurricanes on the defensive end, forcing 11 turnovers, including seven steals. The team made the most of Tulsa’s mistakes, scoring 31 fast break points and 12 secondchance buckets.

Winning their second straight conference game, UTSA will look to extend their winning streak to three on Saturday.

Though the team has failed to create a three-game win streak all season, coach Henson remained adamant that his team is more than capable of winning consistently.

“I think we’ve kind of got that taste of winning,” Henson added. “I like what we’re doing right now defensively, you know? It’s definitely something we can build on.”

89-73 win

UTSA women’s basketball’s quest for an AAC tournament run

By Aramis Santiago Staff Writer

The UTSA women’s basketball team, heading into the American Athletic Conference tournament, stands at a pivotal point in their season. Their journey to this stage has been filled with notable highs and lows, as evidenced by their 14-13 overall standing and an 8-8 record in conference play. This positions them as underdogs and potential dark horses for the upcoming tournament.

In the tightly contested AAC, the ‘Runners find themselves in the middle of the pack, jostling for position. Leading the pack are Tulsa, UNT and Temple, each with a strong 11-5 conference record. Tulsa and UNT, both surpassing 20 wins, demonstrate the high level of competition UTSA will face. With its respectable 17-11 overall record, Temple is not to be underestimated either. Charlotte, UAB and Rice, each sitting at 9-7 in the conference, alongside USF, ECU, SMU and Memphis with 8-8 records, outline the depth and competitiveness of the conference. Despite being lower in the standings, teams like FAU, Wichita State and Tulane could still pose threats in a tournament setting where anything can happen.

UTSA’s narrative this season has been one of remarkable home strength contrasted with road inconsistencies. At home, they’ve been formidable, winning their last six,

demonstrating a cohesive unit that thrives in a familiar setting. However, the road has been less kind, with a 6-9 record that speaks to the challenges faced outside their comfort zone. The neutral site of Fort Worth for the conference tournament thus presents a doubleedged sword; the absence of home-court advantage versus the potential for a level playing field.

The team dynamics have been significantly boosted by the return of senior forward Jordyn Jenkins from injury. Her presence on the floor has been transformative, offering scoring depth, rebounding strength and defensive fortitude.

Redshirt junior forward Elyssa Coleman’s consistent performance has been another cornerstone for the team, providing stability and reliability in both offensive and defensive plays. And as the team’s floor general, senior guard Kyra White has contributed not only through scoring but also by orchestrating the team’s play and

ensuring execution on the court.

The emergence of freshman guard and forward Aysia Proctor and Idara Udo has also been pivotal. Proctor’s scoring and Udo’s defensive and rebounding abilities, combined with their youthful energy, have provided a spark to the team’s synergy. Guard Sidney Love’s scoring capability further enriches the team’s offensive options, making them a multifaceted threat. Under the seasoned guidance of coach Karen Aston, UTSA has developed a distinctive identity, characterized by effective 3-point shooting and a solid defensive strategy. Aston’s coaching acumen has been instrumental in crafting a team that can not only shoot from the perimeter but also defend aggressively against opponents’ offenses.

Yet, as UTSA steps into the AAC

By Luke Lawhorn Sports Editor

After a second straight year of going 1-9 on the annual rodeo road trip, the San Antonio Spurs were welcomed home to the team with the second-best record in the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Despite losing the first two matchups by an average of 31 points and returning to the Frost Bank Center on a five-game skid, the Spurs managed to top the Thunder, winning 132-118 on Thursday evening.

Keeping the ball out of harm’s way was key in San Antonio’s 14-point victory, as the team finished the night with 12 total turnovers. The Spurs were coming off two games with 43 combined giveaways, making ball control in Thursday night’s contest against one of the top defensive teams in the league a point of emphasis.

“Turnovers have been huge for us. The last game was rough on our team, and me personally,” Spurs guard Tre Jones said, who had a team-high six turnovers in Tuesday’s 114-105 loss to Minnesota. “Knowing that [OKC] likes to pressure the ball, force a lot of turnovers, [and is] a top team in the NBA right now, we knew that if we took care of the ball, we’d have a much better chance at winning the game.”

The ball security sparked the Spurs’

incandescent shooting night, cashing in 52.7% of their shots and 48.7% of their threes. The high-efficiency scoring resulted in a season-high 39 assists for the team.

“Taking care of the ball is an easy thing to do,” Jones said. “Easier said than done, but easier than making shots sometimes. Sometimes shots go in and out.”

After climbing out of an early firstquarter hole, the Spurs (12-48) led the entirety of the second and third quarters and took a 98-96 lead entering the fourth. The Thunder (41-18) took over the lead with 10:47 left on the clock after a bank shot from Jalen Williams, seeming like San Antonio would give up another late-game lead.

Though, perhaps the league’s youngest roster through 60 games has learned how to handle the late-game adversity.

“We didn’t drop our heads there,” Jones said. “That’s something we’ve done in the past. We stayed together, we continued to pound the rock and chip away at things and things went our way down the stretch.”

With the game tied at 107, Spurs guard Devin Vassell hit a 3 as the shot clock expired to put the team back ahead. After an Oklahoma City basket, Victor Wembanyama lobbed the ball to Jeremy Sochan for a reverse layup,

tournament, several concerns loom. Despite Jenkins’ return, depth remains a question mark. Additionally, UTSA’s shooting inconsistency poses a threat to their tournament ambitions. Maintaining shooting efficiency will be paramount in a format where a single cold streak can end a team’s season.

As UTSA prepares for a postseason run, their objectives are clear. Securing at least one win would validate their season’s efforts and reflect their competitive stature within the AAC. However, there lies a broader aspiration; to ignite a spark that could propel them through the tournament. With their combination of defense, 3-point shooting and the leadership of Aston, the Runners are positioned to not only compete but also challenge the conference’s hierarchy.

The UTSA women’s basketball team is on the cusp of a potentially season-defining moment as they enter the AAC tournament. With a blend of experienced leadership, emerging talent and tactical coaching, they stand ready to tackle the challenges of the conference tournament. The Roadrunners have the potential to transcend their regularseason narrative and embark on a postseason journey that could redefine their year.

The American Athletic Conference tournament will commence on Saturday at Dickies Arena in Fort Worth.

making the score 112-109 and forcing the Thunder to call timeout.

After trading baskets, Wembanyama helped put the game away by hitting two 3s and having a crucial block on Thunder rookie Chet Holmgren before Vassell scored the team’s final five points to ice the game.

“I think we executed better,” coach Gregg Popovich said of the Spurs not letting another game slip away. “Everybody knew what they were doing to a much larger degree than earlier in the year.”

San Antonio had six players in double-figure scoring, led by Vassell and Wembanyama who each had 28, followed by Sochan with 21. Along with his points, Wembanyama filled the rest of the stat sheet with 13 boards, seven assists, five blocks and two steals, becoming the first player in NBA history with 25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, five blocks and five 3-pointers in a game.

“Obviously, he’s not afraid to put himself out there,” Popovich said of Wemby’s late-game shot selection. “He’ll take shots. He’s not worried about if he misses it or what the consequences are or anything like that. He likes those moments.”

The Spurs will face the Indianapolis Pacers at 6 p.m. Sunday before returning on the road for a three-game stretch.

Victor Wembanyama lets out yell after throwing an alley-oop late in 132-118 win over the Thunder last Thursday.

Photo courtesy of the San Antonio Spurs/Getty Images

Rylan Renteria/The Paisano

Christian Tucker (22) heaves up a 3-pointer in last Wednesday’s

over Tulsa at the Convo.