voices | 7 The Battalion discusses the importance of the youth vote, as well as the consequences of neglecting to do so, and addresses the balancing act of religion and politics with “separation of church and state.”
thebattalion Time for a ● monday,
Mike Sherman doesn’t have ‘it’
S
o, that looked oddly familiar. That performance Saturday — a 30-9 humiliation in front of more than 83,000 Aggie fans — can simply be explained with one, single word: pathetic.
october 18, 2010
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change?
“We just came home,” Head Coach Mike Sherman said, “and laid an egg.” With the way the season was shaping up, the Missouri game was the make-or-break game of 2010. And in one of the most uninspired, lackadaisical David Harris efforts put forth senior economics on the hallowed major, sports ground of Kyle editor Field in quite some time, Sherman’s squad again showed just how far this program — under his tutelage — has fallen. How far? Get ready for it, Aggies. This program is a perennial doormat of the Big 12. This program is irrelevant. And under Sherman, this program has gone absolutely nowhere. Don’t throw out excuses. Do not talk about progress. Do not argue that Sherman is a good guy or that he See Sherman on page 3 J.D. Swiger — THE BATTALION
Brockovich to share power tips One of today’s most iconic activists is coming to Texas A&M Tuesday. Erin Brockovich is famous for her unconventional way of fighting injustices and is coming to show students the power to change. “Erin was chosen to speak for the Leadership Speaker Series because of her audacity, life accomplishments, ability to empower and inspire others, and her unique perspectives of leadership,” Katherine Sturtevant, student development specialist at student activities said. “It is beneficial for students to attend because they will be introduced to a new perspective of leadership and will hopefully walk away feeling empowered to create change in their own communities,” Sturtevant said. Students attending the lecture will learn more about her work concerning the environment, health, and pharmaceuticals. The lecture will be at 7 p.m. in the Rudder Theatre Complex. Joanna Raines, special to The Battalion
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Tailgating dear to Aggies’ hearts Fans share food, spirit and company
of learning communication
Wesner
Ty Petty
Thomas Levitt The Battalion Tailgating has been a college tradition since the first collegiate football game between Rutgers and Princeton in 1869. Rumor has it that the fans rode horse-drawn carriages and grilled sausage at the tail end of the horse, giving birth to the term tailgating. Modern day tailgaters have since moved to more elaborate carriages. Texas A&M has taken the tradition of tailgating in stride. “Aggies are the people that make tailgating the best,” said John Sleeper, class of 1968. “We have been tailgating for the last 19 years and have at least 40 people attend every weekend.” Sleeper’s well-established tailgate has planted its roots on the south side of Olsen Field and has a sign identifying it as the “Sleeper Tailgate.” Sleeper is the descendent of William Sleeper, class of 1878, the first president of the Former Student Association — first known as the Former Cadet Association — and a member of the first graduating class of A&M. Many different aspects make up a tailgate. Food, beverages, friends and games are just a few elements. The Aggie spirit also contributes to the tailgate experience. “A good group of friends, good area to barbecue, good eats and the environment of other fans [make a good tailgate],” said Keith McBride, class of 2004. Some tailgates on campus are purely for the fans. Stan Volelker provides food for Aggie fans passing by. “All of the people who come around are the only reason we do this,” Volelker said. “We feed anybody that comes by and we
Q&A Importance The Battalion Brad Wesner is a fourth-year doctorate candidate in organizational communication. His principal research area concerns increasing efficiency in group and team processes. He is a winner of the Student Led Award for Teacher Excellence and was a Fish Camp namesake this summer. Wesner discusses why communication is an important part of every student’s skill set whether it is in the job market, public speaking or in social situations. Q: How do you define the field of communication? A: The process of creating and sharing information among individuals in a social structure. Q: Why should students consider the field of communication? A: Within a tight job market, the real issue isn’t if you’re smart. You need to be able to share See Q&A on page 6
Missouri 30, A&M 9
Michelle Myers — THE BATTALION
Tailgating tents as seen from a rear-view mirror. Aggies start tailgating at 5 p.m. the Friday before a home football game. cook all three meals.” His tailgate was named the best home game tailgate by the HEB Beef Council this year. Volelker’s tailgate will be present at every home game located north of Reed Arena. Next door to Volelker’s tailgate, ‘Visor Guy’ sets up camp to cheer on the Aggies. Visor Guy is a fan favorite and is known for his visor and always attending home
games and yelling his mind. Kathy Holley, Visor Guy’s mom, makes a snack she calls “Nibbles and Bitts,” Italian sausage balls unique to their tailgate. What makes a good tailgate is simple, class of 1989 Bryan Stamford said. “Hanging out with friends, drinking beer and watching other football games after an Aggie win.”
Paul Mezier - THE BATTALION
Runaway offense A Missouri player outruns the A&M secondary. The Tigers ran up 417 total yards in beating the Aggies in all phases of the game. More coverage on thebatt.com
What’s next Texas A&M (3-3) vs. Kansas (2-4) 6 p.m. Saturday at Lawrence, Kansas
10/17/10 11:15 PM