Volume 79, Issue 100 by The Cougar

ARTS

FITNESS

HEALTH

Students can expect more upgrades at the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center.

Growing concerns that children will have allergic reactions to vaccines might prove harmful to society.

New equipment to fill gym SEE PAGE 9

Anti-vaccination: In our best interest? SEE PAGE 5 APRIL

CALENDAR CHECK: 20

Easter. How do you celebrate this holiday?

THE DAILY COUGAR

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Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Issue 100, Volume 79

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ONLINE EXCLUSIVES AT THEDAILYCOUGAR.COM

STEM

Students represent UH in national energy challenge Amanda Hilow, Andrea Sifuentes News editor, staff writer

A team of three UH students will compete Thursday in the national finals of BP’s Ultimate Field Trip competition, which asks college students in technical fields from leading U.S. universities to solve real-world energy

challenges. “We were extremely impressed by the entries from the University of Houston, but ultimately team The Joules of Science (with UH students Ysabelle Abraham, Nora Elghetany and Heba Hijazi) was chosen because of its creativity and demonstrated knowledge of

critical areas,” said Khymberly Booth, BP’s director of U.S. university relations, in a statement. “The UFT (Ultimate Field Trip) competition is just one example of BP’s commitment to higher education and to developing the next generation of scientists and engineers to take on the

world’s biggest energy challenges.” The UH team, The Joules of Science, will compete against contestants from Georgia Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Texas A&M University, University of California at Berkeley, University of Illinois-Urbana/Champaign, University

CITY

of Michigan and University of Texas at Austin, said Chris Milliken, USUR project manager at BP. The 2014 challenge asked students to identify an innovative solution that would significantly reduce energy CHALLENGE continues on page 3

UH SYSTEM

Conference provides model for future leaders UH-V seeks

to enhance on-campus experiences

Ryan Graham Staff writer

originally hosted at UH, several local schools have hosted it while the University Center was being renovated. When the final renovations are complete in January 2015, the program will return to UH to be held in the New UC’s conference rooms. “I think (what’s) really important about GCE compared to other conferences, it focuses more on education about current issues,” said Sebastian Agudelo, president of Model United Nations at UH and an organizer of the event. “UH has been involved since

UH-Victoria is preparing the Quality Enhancement Plan, which will be enacted in the fall with the goal of placing more emphasis on learning communities in the school. “The main focus of the QEP is to turn the learning experience into a community experience,” said UH-V Director of Assessment Jill Fox, who is leading the initiative. “Students living on campus will be grouped into the same classes in small groups and encouraged to study and participate in activities outside of class together.” The QEP, the latest component of UH-V’s 2014 accreditation review by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, is intended to change the way students and educators approach campus life. The “living and learning” program attempts to combine the two facets of the college experience into a more effective program. Aside from the linked classes and extracurricular activities, the plan will provide each team of students with additional resources, such as tutoring availability, a support team

UNITED continues on page 3

VICTORIA continues on page 3

Laura Gillespie Assistant news editor

(Top) Middle school students debated at Saturday’s Global Classrooms Houston Model UN conference Saturday at Lanier Middle School. (Bottom) High school students representing France and Columbia raced against the clock to convince China and the U.S. to call off missile attacks at a Model UN conference Saturday. | Laura Gillespie/The Daily Cougar

Roughly 200 middle and high school students gathered behind circles of desks in cramped classrooms at Lanier Middle School on Saturday to debate issues of diplomacy, environmentalism and even nuclear warfare under the guise of a United Nations gathering. The United Nations’ Global Classrooms Houston Model UN Conference worked with UH to bring together low-income students to tackle issues that real diplomats debate every day. Though the pro gram was

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UH N t i g 14t he H h t h, 2 o usto 014 n 7:0 0pm Roc ket @T

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THE DAILY COUGAR

All University of Houston friends & families are invited to watch James Harden and the Houston Rockets take on the San Antonio Spurs!

Order Your Tickets: Call: Josh Massey @ 713-758-7455 Fax: 713-758-7343 Email: joshm@rocketball.com Online: www.rockets.com/promocode Code: houston

LOOKING FOR A STUDENT LEADER POSITION ON CAMPUS? University of Houston Ambassadors are premier student leaders that work within the Office of Admissions. Ambassadors are responsible for welcoming prospective students and guests to the University of Houston, as well as providing quality customer service to current students seeking assistance in the Welcome Center. The Ambassador program is a unique opportunity for student leaders to engage in on-campus employment while gaining transferable skills which enhance individual personal and professional goals.

CRIME REPORT The following is a partial report of campus crime between March 2 and Sunday. All information is selected from the files of the UH Department of Public Safety. Information or questions regarding the cases below should be directed to UH DPS at (713) 743-3333. Burglary of a Building or Habitation: A student reported that someone stole multiple personal belongings from her room. The incident occurred between 12:01 a.m. March 2 and 11:29 a.m. March 29 in Cougar Village II. The case is active, pending new information. Theft: A student reported that someone stole his unattended and secured bicycle. The incident occurred between 4:00 p.m. March 17 and 8 a.m. March 19 at Cullen Oaks Apartments. The case is active, pending new information. Theft: A student reported that someone stole his unattended and unsecured external hard drive. The drive contained sensitive financial and personal data. The incident occurred between 5:20 p.m. March 20 and 11 a.m. March 21 in Cafe 101. The case is active, pending new information. Theft: A student reported the theft of her unattended and unsecured laptop computer. The incident occurred between 11:30 and 11:36 a.m. March 26 in the University Center Food Court. The case is active, pending new information. Theft: A student reported that someone stole his unattended and secured bicycle. The incident occurred between 1:15 p.m. March 28 and 8:30 p.m. March 31 in the East Parking Garage. The case is active, pending new information. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: A backpack left unattended in Moody Towers, belonging to a student, was found to contain drug paraphernalia. The student will receive a Harris County citation for Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and a Student Life Referral. The incident occurred at 7:54 p.m. April 2 in the Fresh Food Co. dining hall at Moody Towers. The case is cleared by citation.

Advertising (713) 743-5340 advertising@thedailycougar.com thedailycougar.com/advertising

To apply, please download the application now at www.uh.edu/ambassadors Applications for the 2014-2015 school year are due Friday, April 25. Please contact vco@central.uh.edu for questions.

Robbery: A student was robbed by an unknown individual on the north side of the Calhoun Lofts parking lot. The incident occurred at 8:39 p.m. April 2 at Calhoun Lofts. The case is active. Burglary of a Motor Vehicle: A student reported his parked and unattended vehicle was burglarized. The incident occurred between 6 p.m. April 2 and 4:50 p.m. April 3 in the Cullen Oaks Garage. The case is active, pending new information. Burglary of a Motor Vehicle: A student reported his parked and unattended vehicle was burglarized and his laptop computer stolen. The incident occurred between 3 and 3:20 p.m. April 3 in Lot 20A. The case is active, pending new information. Criminal Mischief: A student reported that someone damaged his unattended and secured vehicle. The incident occurred between 8:20 a.m. and 3:40 p.m. April 3 in Lot 16J. The case is inactive. Criminal Trespass/Failure to Identify: An unaffiliated individual was arrested for criminal trespass and failure to identify after he was observed pacing around the Cullen Oaks Apartments breezeway. The individual was transported to Harris County Jail. The incident occurred at 1:52 a.m. April 3 on the Cullen Oaks Grounds. The case is cleared by arrest. Possession of Drug Paraphernalia: A UHPD security officer reported the smell of marijuana coming from a dorm room. A student assigned to the room was issued a Student and Residential Life Referral and a Harris County citation for possession of drug paraphernalia. The incident occurred between 1:52 a.m. and 2:40 a.m. April 4 in Cougar Village II. The case is cleared by citation.

Center for Student Media (713) 743-5350 www.uh.edu/csm Room 221N UC North Center for Student Media University of Houston Houston, TX 77204-4015

Issue staff Copy editing

Joshua Cochran

Copy chief David Bryant

Closing editors

Natalie Harms, Channler K. Hill

ABOUT THE COUGAR The Daily Cougar is published Monday through Thursday during the fall and spring semesters, and Wednesdays during the summer and online at thedailycougar. com. The Daily Cougar is supported in part by Student Service Fees. The first copy is free. Additional copies cost 25 cents. SUBSCRIPTIONS Rates are $70 per year or $40 per semester. Mail subscription requests to: Mail Subscriptions, The Daily Cougar, University of Houston, Houston, TX, 77204-4015. NEWS TIPS Send tips and story ideas to the editors. Call (713) 743-5314, e-mail news@ thedailycougar.com. A â&#x20AC;&#x153;Submit newsâ&#x20AC;? form is available at thedailycougar.com. COPYRIGHT No part of the newspaper in print or online may be reproduced without the consent of the director of Student Publications. The Daily Cougar is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press. studentpress.org/acp

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 // 3

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NEWS EDITOR

VICTORIA continued from page 1

consisting of multiple faculty members and new residence hall facilities for group study and other activities. In addition, educators will learn new techniques for engaging and teaching students in the classroom. “ U H-V o f f i c i a l s a n t i c i p a t e

students in the QEP will have higher GPAs, better teamworking skills, increased engagement with the faculty and will be more likely to return their sophomore year,” said a UH-V press release. The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools is a regional accrediting body covering much of the southern half of the country. Schools that SACS governs, including

all UH schools, must undergo accreditation every five years. “There are more than 100 standards that SACS requires of all of its institutions to demonstrate compliance,” said UH-V Provost Jeffrey Cass. “The QEP is one of the core elements and is the one element of accreditation that focuses on the future rather than evaluating and is not an evaluation of the institution’s

Amanda Hilow

news@thedailycougar.com

past performance. It is based off of internal and external research and should benefit the institution’s mission and strategic plan.” UH-V is currently undergoing its reaccreditation process. Cass said further comments on the process would be premature until the school receives its final review from SACS.

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news@thedailycougar.com

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While on the 2013 Ultimate Field Trip in Norway, the winning teams of BP’s national energy competition hiked to the top of Pulpit Rock, rising 600 meters above the Lysefjord. | Courtesy of BP final round, and it is the only all-female team in this year’s challenge. The team is excited about potentially winning the competition. “We expect to experience a very educational and professional trip. We will get the chance of meeting the diverse and intelligent UH and Trinidad winners and share the unique ideas we were all able to come up with,” Hijazi said.

UNITED

“Teaming up with the finalists will give us insight and allow us to develop soft skills needed in any field. It will further our teamwork, research, cooperation abilities, and we will get the chance of experiencing the actual entity instead of just researching and dreaming about it.”

news@thedailycougar.com

CHALLENGE

on real-world challenges in the energy sector, which continually seeks trained employees. The company hires more than 700 university students per year for full-time intern and co-op positions across the country. According to Aimee Close, USUR projects and program manager at BP, The Joules of Science will be the second all-female team ever to advance to the

thedailycougar.com/news

2001 when it was brought to Houston ... We’re trying to change the environment around (the students) and make future leaders.” For some students, such as Janiceal Lockett, a ninth-grader at Houston Academy for International Studies who represented Japan in a habitat debate, Model UN is a yearlong required class. “I learned a lot about the world that I didn’t know about, what’s going on instead of being kind of sheltered,” Lockett said. “It made me think what I can do better for the world, it made me think how the world works. It showed me the world is not in black and white; it’s in between sometimes.” UH’s involvement provides an added benefit, Agudelo said: it gives students a push to attend a college or university. Students gathered to speak with several current UH students, asking them about college and what they liked about their experience at the University. “You don’t see the reward initially. You see it several years later, when the kids take what they learn here into college and after college,” said David Schellbert, a Model UN teacher at Burbank Middle School. “Sometimes you have to encourage those in power at your school to not give up on this. ... You just have to make it happen, work it in when you can. If you can’t work it in to a class like I can, you just have to work it into Wednesday afternoons or Friday afternoons; just make it work.” The class usually begins out of a demand from social studies teachers who fight to introduce the relatively unusual curriculum. “We created (the class) because the schools that do it and the teachers particularly, because they push for it, know how important it is for students to learn about the world and become global citizens. This program teaches a lot of skills related to public speaking, critical thinking, research and such, while dealing with international problems of diplomacy,” said Sara Timms, vice president and education director of UNA-Houston’s Global Classrooms. “It combines an educational thing with really making sure that kids know about what’s going on in the world, and more importantly, a way to solve the issues in a peaceful manner.” Two speakers, John C. Roberts, a diplomat in residence at UH, and Edward P. Djerejian, a former U.S. ambassador and director of the Baker Institute at Rice University, spoke to the students, answering questions and giving advice.

Ysabelle Abraham, majoring in geology; Heba Hijazi, majoring in biomedical engineering; and Nora Elghetany, majoring in chemical engineering, make up The Joules of Science, the only all-female team to advance to the final round in BP’s 2014 Ultimate Field Trip Challenge. | Courtesy of BP

consumption and could be implemented by 2025, with the potential to be deployed at scale across the energy industry. “If chosen as the grand prize winners for the U.S., the team will join winners from the four other participating countries — Angola, Canada, United Kingdom and Trinidad and Tobago — on a two-week field trip to BP locations in Alaska and Chicago,” Milliken said. “During the field trip, members of the winning team will work on a real project upon which business decisions will be made, experience the range of operations in BP’s businesses and be mentored by BP professionals. With activities covering everything from touring facilities and learning about upstream in Anchorage to seeing the BP trading floor in action and exploring state-of-the-art refinery in the Chicago area, 2014’s prize will offer a real insight to our U.S. operations.” BP developed the UFT Challenge in 2010 to offer science, technology, engineering and math students the opportunity to gain experience working

ONLINE

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THE DAILY COUGAR

OPINION EDITOR James Wang EMAIL

opinion@thedailycougar.com

ONLINE

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HEALTH

Anti-vaccination movement harmful to society

efore modern medicine, disease was one of the deadliest forces throughout even the greatest civilizations. The bubonic plague nearly wiped out Europe in the Middle Ages; smallpox and measles devastated Native Americans as Europeans settled the continent. Shane Even today, Brandt diseases like whooping cough and malaria still kill hundreds of thousands of people around the world. But thanks to the hard work of doctors and their discoveries, deadly diseases have been largely overcome in countries like the U.S. In 1980, the World Health Organization declared that smallpox had been eradicated. Disease has become less prominent, and treatment is available from doctors in every major city for the diseases we haven’t eradicated yet. Although we still deal with cancer, heart disease, obesity and other ailments, Americans are fortunate enough to have access to high-quality health care that isn’t available in many parts of the world. Yet with all the progress that has been made, some people still do not trust those responsible for the eradication and treatment of deadly diseases. Anti-vaccination sentiments have grown throughout the U.S. as some have become cautious and fearful of being vaccinated and having their children vaccinated. Some parents have concerns that their children may have allergic reactions or be one of the rare cases that react negatively to vaccines. While rare side effects can occur, the number of non-medical exemptions throughout the U.S. has grown in numbers thanks to anti-vaccination movements. Those advocating against vaccination are led by names like Andrew Wakefield and Jenny McCarthy.

David Delgado/ The Daily Cougar These advocates believe and insist that vaccines are a cause for the rising number of autism cases throughout the U.S. However, Wakefield and his studies that “discovered” the link have been discredited by his peers. Not a single study was able to replicate his findings. In fact, the British Medical Journal’s Editor in Chief Fiona Godlee described Wakefield’s study as “a deliberate attempt to create an impression that there was a link by falsifying the data.” In spite of this discreditation, anti-vaccine proponents have continued to share their anger and blame for vaccines. The Council on Foreign Relations recently

THE DAILY COUGAR EDITORIAL BOARD Channler K. Hill Natalie Harms WEB EDITOR Jenae Sitzes NEWS EDITOR Amanda Hilow SPORTS EDITOR Christopher Shelton LIFE & ARTS EDITOR Monica Tso PHOTO EDITOR Izmail Glosson OPINION EDITOR James Wang ASSISTANT EDITORS Laura Gillespie, Nora Olabi, Justin Tijerina, Andrew Valderas EDITOR IN CHIEF

MANAGING EDITOR

released an interactive map detailing locations of disease outbreaks that were preventable from vaccinations — many of which were excessively large throughout Europe and the U.S. Measles, a disease that was previously eradicated from the U.S., has seen a recent outbreak of more than a dozen people in New York. Whether those in the anti-vaccine movement are simply blinded by personal anecdotal horror stories or unaware of the scale of how the disease affected people before vaccinations, it is clear that they are unwilling to listen to evidence. As a result, the danger in which they place their children and the children around them is sad.

STAFF EDITORIAL The Staff Editorial reflects the opinions of The Daily Cougar Editorial Board (the members of which are listed above the editorial). All other opinions, commentaries and cartoons reflect only the opinion of the author. Opinions expressed in The Daily Cougar do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Houston or the students as a whole. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Daily Cougar welcomes letters to the editor from any member of the UH community. Letters should be no more than 250

Electrical engineering sophomore Theodore Rodriguez said he is in favor of mandatory vaccinations. “Personally, I think it’s a good idea, but only because it’s mainstream,” Rodriguez said. “It’s best that the entire population takes them or doesn’t. And since it’s mandatory, I think it’s a good idea that everyone take it as opposed to half and half.” Rodriguez touches an important point. Vaccines are not 100 percent effective. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the MMR vaccine is estimated to give 95 percent VACCINATION continues on page 5

words and signed, including the author’s full name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Anonymous letters will not be published. Deliver letters to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@ thedailycougar.com; send them via campus mail to STP 4015; or fax to (713) 743-5384. Letters are subject to editing. GUEST COMMENTARY Submissions are accepted from any member of the UH community and must

It’s awfully pretentious to think you know better than a doctor concerning your child’s health ... I think trust is the main issue, and trusting experts is hard for a lot of reasons. You have to put your pride away and listen.” Blake Moody, regarding the source of anti-vaccination fears, and the importance of overcoming those fears for better health

be signed with the author’s name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Commentary should be limited to 500 words. Guest commentaries should not be written as replies, but rather should present independent points of view. Deliver submissions to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@ thedailycougar.com; or fax them to (713) 743-5384. All submissions are subject to editing.

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 // 5

THE DAILY COUGAR

OPINION LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Bulldog Ministries: We’re not Westboro Editor’s Note: This letter was written in regard to a recent article concerning the death of Westboro Baptist Church leader Fred Phelps. While the views of writers do not represent The Daily Cougar or UH, we do stand by our writers’ right to express their beliefs. On March 24th, The Daily Cougar compared us, Bulldog Ministries, to Westboro Baptist Church. The Daily Cougar is one of the main publications for the University of Houston. In the article they slammed us as being “bigots.” We are not Westboro Baptist Church! Bulldog Ministries is a streetpreaching ministry that preaches the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the city of Houston and in Texas. We preach at sporting events, concerts, parks, biker events, etc. We do not preach or hold signs at anyone’s funeral ... Also we are a soul-winning ministry. In Christian terms, that means we are trying to “win” people to the Christian faith. If the official position of the University of Houston is that Bible-believing Christians are bigots because of their biblical stand on what the Bible teaches on homosexuality they need to make that clear ... Be honest! Is the university really a diverse campus or does it really favor the LGBT community? The truth is we have had major problems with the University of Houston for preaching the Gospel in free speech zones. For sharing the faith, passing out Gospel tracts and using our “Warning Sign” that we use at many events. Our “Warning Sign” is used as a tool to show folks that they have sinned and that they need a savior! The LGBT community makes no small stir when we are on the campus and they always try to get us thrown off the campus ... Are we still in America? Should the Bible-believing Christian be able to share the faith on public property that is supported by our tax dollars? If UH is going to favor the LGBT community and call all of the Biblebelieving pastors in the great state of Texas bigots, then they need to make that clear! The Texas pastors need to know the truth ... Your official stance ... I attend several churches in the greater Houston area. Friends that preach with me do too ... Pastors need to be able to “warn” their folks of your anti-Christian beliefs! I’m (an) active Christian street preacher that has favor with many Texas churches. David Stokes is an evangelist preacher of Bulldog Ministries.

VACCINATION continued from page 4

of those receiving it immunity to mumps, measles and rubella after their first shot. Then there are some children who cannot receive vaccinations because they have allergies. These facts make it even more important that those who can receive vaccinations do their best to stay up-to-date with them. The immunity of children and people who cannot receive vaccinations is dependent on those who can and do. The lack of complete effectiveness of vaccines also makes it important for everyone to get vaccinated. When even a small percentage of people go without vaccinations,

they put the health of those around them at risk. Marketing senior Blake Moody said he understands vaccination fears, but insists that people listen to their doctors. “At a certain level, you have to trust specialists. It’s awfully pretentious to think you know better than a doctor concerning your child’s health,” Moody said. “I think trust is the main issue, and trusting experts is hard for a lot of reasons. You have to put your pride away and listen.” Although not all vaccinations are mandatory — such as the flu vaccine — those that are mandatory are required for students to enroll in school. Students who enrolled at the University under the age of 22 are familiar with receiving the meningitis vaccine

before attending classes. Although students can opt out of receiving the vaccine for reasons of conscience or religious reasons, I urge students to receive recommended vaccinations if they are capable. It may be easy for many of us to look at how healthy our friends are and fool ourselves into believing that doctors are incorrect in their recommendations or that we know more about our children’s immune systems than experts. The truth is that most of us have not studied biology for the many years experts have. To ignore the advice of the medical community on vaccinations in favor of personal opinion isn’t only a disservice to yourself — it puts children, peers and the doctors who may have to treat you at risk.

The University Health Services website has a schedule for recommended vaccinations for adults and children. If you are a student who has chosen not to follow medical advice for personal reasons, please take a moment to reconsider the consequences for those around you and yourself as well. Do a favor to all those around you and get vaccinated. Opinion columnist Shane Brandt is a petroleum engineering junior and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

Bottom Line: Anti-vaccination sentiments are not only unfounded scientifically, but are dangerous to the health of communities as a whole.

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THE DAILY COUGAR

SPORTS EDITOR

Christopher Shelton

Rising senior defensive linemen Joey Mbu had 13 solo tackles last season and was a force in the middle who constantly draws double teams and allows the linebackers and safeties behind him to make plays. Though Mbu is known for his sense of humor, he has grown into a veteran leader among the defense. | Photos by Jimmy Moreland/The Daily Cougar

FOOTBALL

Mbu’s personality matches size Defensive lineman keeps teammates loose with humor, yet has opponets threatened by his skills Khristopher Matthews-Marion Staff writer

For Joey Mbu, who arrived on campus overweight and not highly recruited, UH was his only Football Bowl Subdivision scholarship option. Like the countless offensive linemen he has shucked to the side like ragdolls, Mbu remained positive, never losing his jovial attitude and focused on tackling his obstacles. The rising senior defensive lineman dropped 42 pounds, going from 350 to 308 in the span of a semester, worked on his craft relentlessly and eventually reaped the rewards. Last season, he was voted a team captain by his peers, started all 13 games and recorded 29 tackles for the second straight year, which led all UH defensive tackles. For second-year head coach Tony Levine, Mbu is much more than a

veteran locker room presence with an infectious personality — he is an NFL-level talent. “Though it seems like he just got here, he’s become a leader for us in such a short amount of time. When you’re elected team captain by your peers after being here only four semesters, that speaks volumes about what his teammates think about him,” Levine said. “He’s a man ... who has great quickness for an athlete that size, uses outstanding technique and fundamentals and has great off-thefield work ethic. He’s a player who will have the opportunity to play this game a long time if he chooses to.” Qualities like technique and fundamentals are predicated on one rule of physics — leverage. Another and better-known player that uses leverage to his advantage is Pittsburgh’s Aaron Donald. Donald is projected as a first-round draft pick, while NFL draft scout has Mbu going in the later rounds. Mbu could be a draft steal to an NFL team that realizes the importance of the combination of character and raw talent.

One of differences between the players is a unique ability to notice offensive shifts, one that redshirt sophomore Cameron Malveaux said is Mbu’s advantage. Noticing changes in offensive sets allows defenses to exploit weaknesses in the offensive line. “Joey can read ver y well,” Malveaux said. “His D-line IQ is really high. He reads screens, has a quick first step and it comes together real fast for him. It allows him to be versatile as a pass rusher and a run stuffer.” All signs point to Mbu being voted as a captain for a second time. And true to his uniquely charismatic nature, Mbu laughed it off. “On the field I’m really rude,” Mbu said. “I wouldn’t say dirty, but I get under your skin more that I normally would. Off the field, with my teammates, I like to joke around and be comedic,” he said. “It makes me accessible to the younger players. I understand when to be serious. I have a switch and I know how to turn it on.” sports@thedailycougar.com

sports@thedailycougar.com

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Tuesday, April 8, 2014 // 7

THE DAILY COUGAR

SPONSORED BY

The College of Technology at the University of Houston invites students, faculty, alumni, and industry partners to the

Petroleum Industry Expert Series Gulf of Mexico Deep Water Operations Management in a Post-Macondo Environment Keynote Speaker: Charles P. Duhon Health, Safety and Environment Manager Arena Offshore, LP Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Registration & Networking: 5:30 p.m. Dinner and Program: 6:00 p.m.– 7:30 p.m. Hilton University of Houston - Shamrock Ballroom 4800 Calhoun Houston, TX 77004 Experience the unique networking opportunities with invited Petroleum Industry Experts facilitating roundtable discussions.

Please register online by Thursday, April 10, 2014 at http://uh.edu/technology/pti/expert-series/ Or contact: Carol Johnson, 713-743-5859 and cjjohnson9@uh.edu For more information about the UH Petroleum Technology Initiative, please visit : www.uh.edu/technology

The University of Houston is an EEO/AA institution.

8 \\ Thursday, April 8, 2014

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SPORTS BASEBALL

UH rises to No. 7 before top 10 match with Louisville The Daily Cougar news services The UH baseball team has risen to No. 7 this week by moving up three spots after finishing 3-1 last week on the road, winning against Texas A&M and taking two of three games at Rutgers. The No. 7 national ranking is the highest Cougars ranking in any poll since they came in at No. 6 to open the 2003 season. UH appears among the nation’s Top 20 in all five polls for the third straight week. UH has won 10 of its last 12 and will host Texas State today, then a three-game series against No. 10 Louisville this weekend. The Cougars are currently 18-2 at home. UH’s pitching staff has a 1.79 ERA with 25 wins and eight saves. In 277.0 innings, the pitching staff has walked a conference-low 48 hitters and struck out 203. Sophomore Jake Lemoine leads the team in strikeouts with 45 and is coming off his first career complete game, which was highlighted by a career-best nine strikeout effort for his fifth win of the year at Rutgers. Kordolaimi keys comeback Junior Elena Kordolaimi’s 6-3, 6-7, 7-5 had a come-from-behind victory on court two that lifted the Cougars to a 4-2 win against No. 31 DePaul on Sunday at the Chancellor’s Racquet Club. Kordolaimi fell behind 0-2 before digging deep to take the next two games to lock things up at 2-2. Fargas then claimed three consecutive games to take a 5-2 advantage in the third set. However, Kordolaimi responded with the best comeback of the season. She took each of the next five games to clinch her sixth straight victory of the season and the team’s fifth ranked win on the year. It was the Cougars’ (16-4) 11th home win of the year, the most since winning 13 home contests during the 2005-06 campaign. Freshman Tina Rupert (19-6) defeated DePaul’s Jasmin Kling in straight sets on court three, 6-0, 6-4, to earn her sixth consecutive win of the season to put UH up 1-0. Freshman Despoina Vogasari (21-6) then earned her team-leading fourth ranked victory of the season by defeating No. 97 Ana Vladutu 6-3, 6-4 from the No. 1 spot to sport the Cougars a 2-0 advantage. sports@thedailycougar.com

Q &A Familiarity, experience helps offensive line coach adjust to no huddle offense GORDY SHAW

Before joining UH as offensive line coach, Gordy Shaw served in the same position at Texas State. With his previous stops, including stints at Minnesota, South Dakota, Hawaii and Idaho, Shaw has 34 years of coaching experience, where he met many of the coaches that fill the Cougars’ staff. Despite his familiarity with several members of the coaching staff, some things are still new to him. Shaw spoke with The Daily Cougar about adjusting to the no-huddle offense and getting a line that is losing five players to gel together.

The Daily Cougar: What drew you to the University of Houston? Gordy Shaw: (Head) coach

(Tony) Levine and I go way back. (Defensive coordinator David) Gibbs and I actually coached four years back together at the University of Minnesota. Coach (Ken)McClintock, and also (offensive coordinator Travis) Bush, who I had a chance to meet and know a lot of coaches that knew him, so it was a family feeling that I had, to come here and work with a bunch of great guys.

TDC: Has the transition to UH been smooth for you? GS: Very smooth. Some of the

aspects of our offense I’ve never coached, like a no-huddle hurry-up offense. Even after 37 years, I’m still learning football and that aspect, but very smooth in terms of the helpfulness here at UH and the coaching staff.

TDC: Do you believe the guys are buying into what you’ve been

trying to teach them so far?

GS: I believe so by their perfor-

mance ... In society in general, there are three groups of learners that walk around on the face of the earth. There are those that can hear it and do it, which is a very small percentage, maybe five percent. Then there’s a large majority of us that hear and see it, then can go out and do it. Then there’s those who have to hear it and see it and do it over and over again. So I have to assume that a couple of them are in that top group, majority of them in that middle group, and then there’s so many in that lower group.

TDC:

Do you think your experience helps when it comes to coaching?

GS: Well I hope so; I think that at

the end of the day, they still have to play. Thank god I can’t play anymore — I’m too old — but I think I can lend a lot of good coaching points to their performance and get them directed toward their potential.

TDC:

What are some key things that you’ve been telling the offensive line?

GS: I’m not big on talking technical football, but I think getting them to play within themselves, getting them past a failure in a play and moving on to the next play — and that’s the wonderful thing about football — it teaches you if you get knocked down, get back up and go again.

TDC:

How do you think the Cougars’ offensive line stacks up against their competition?

GS: I’ve got some very gifted guys,

and I’ve got some guys that I’m going to have to coach to their abilities. So in that aspect right now, we have three or four different groups of guys in that role. Maybe what one guy can do, maybe another guy can’t, but he might still have to play, so I’ve got to coach to his ability too and what he can do, so it takes a process. — Interview conducted by Jordan Lewis

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 // 9

THE DAILY COUGAR

LIFE & ARTS EDITOR

Monica Tso

arts@thedailycougar.com

ONLINE

thedailycougar.com/life-arts

FITNESS

Recreation to upgrade equipment Students can expect improvements by summertime Dyllon Braun Contributing writer

Much of UH has undergone construction to expand and improve. Although the New University Center and the new football stadium are easy to notice, the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center has also been upgraded, and students can expect to see even more in the near future. Like any building or piece of equipment used on a daily basis, workout machines and student lockers were beginning to break and wear down. When it comes time to decide which problems get fixed first, associate director of facilities of the Recreation Center Bob Campbell takes many things into account before proceeding. “These decisions are based on a number of variables,” Campbell said. “Over the last three years, the department has collected and analyzed information from a facility condition analysis, aquatic assessment and fitness equipment assessment in addition to surveying UH students, faculty and staff.” All of this information in addition to direct feedback from students and CRWC members was used to develop a capital plan, set priorities and allocate resources, resulting in some of the improvements that are obvious to the UH community and others to building components that were critical but less obvious, Campbell said. While there are many ins and outs to deciding about renovations that we may not see, Campbell says students’ voices play a big part in the decisions being made. “In addition to data collected through program evaluations and assessments, Campus Recreation also has an advisory board comprised of students, faculty and staff that provides feedback on major changes,” Campbell said. Public health junior Phuong Nguyen, who regularly visits the Recreation Center, had mixed feelings about the changes to the facility. “I really like the new machines, and the lockers are convenient, but they still need to fix some of the machines that have been broken for months,” Nguyen said. Nguyen’s comments are being heard, as he and the rest of the student body can expect to see further improvements to the Recreation Center within the upcoming

months. “We will continue to replace strength and cardio equipment this spring and summer with a new line of the Cybex strength equipment arriving early summer,” said Director of Campus Recreation Kim Clark. “Improvements to Cullen Field are scheduled for this summer that will include an improved grass playing surface, irrigation and sports lighting.” arts@thedailycougar.com

While the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center has been making minor upgrades, it is expecting new equipment by early summer for students to enjoy. The Center is also improving Cullen Field. | Courtesy of Bob Campbell

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THE DAILY COUGAR COMICS

We can’t hear you. Mostly because we’re a newspaper and we don’t have ears. But we would love to get your voice heard. Send us a guest column, around 400-600 words on a topic of your choosing, to opinion@thedailycougar.com.

THE DAILY COUGAR ®

ACROSS 1 Deemed worthy of 6 Electric car maker 11 It may cause you to trip 14 Oft-quoted saying 15 Trojan beauty 16 Diamonds, slangily 17 Common salon employee 19 Winetasting amount 20 “Mountain” or “rocket” finish 21 Tirepressure letters 22 Also 23 Tirepuncturing strip 27 Part of a pie chart 29 Lilly of pharmaceuticals 30 Womb mate 32 Totally trash 33 Creations of 17-Across 34 Brownish tint 36 Interrogation room account 39 Immature

newts 41 The five in this puzzle 43 Skinny numerals 44 Came by dishonestly 46 Home run, in baseball lingo 48 Square dance invitee 49 Swampy bogs 51 Church section 52 Choler 53 Halloween treats 56 Some stores don’t give them 58 Start for “carte” or “king” 59 “New” homophone 60 It may be Persian 61 “Radio Free Europe” band 62 Sales department tool 68 Opposite of “post-” 69 Cobwebby area of the home 70 Downy duck 71 Abbrs. on city maps 72 Unkempt

and rundown 73 Englishexam element, often DOWN 1 Pep-rally cry 2 Toothpastecertifying org. 3 “___-Pan” (Clavell novel) 4 Creature with long, graceful plumes 5 Abandons 6 “Love ___ neighbor ...” 7 Sniggler’s quarry 8 Loses one’s footing 9 Like the chosen evil 10 One of the Leeward Islands 11 Eavesdropping 12 Twig used in grafting 13 Railroad terminal 18 Cement finisher’s tool 23 Surrenders, as land 24 Among the clouds 25 What

Cynical Ted by Francis Emelogu

Puzzle answers online: www.thedailycougar.com/puzzles

THE DAIL Y COUG AR

26 28 31 35 37 38 40 42

45 47 50 53 54 55 57 63 64 65 66 67

a roster contains Small songbird Venus de ___ Passover’s month Oil from flower petals Facial growth Small land masses Malamute’s tow River in Maryland or Shropshire Baffling problems Asylum seeker Many run races to get here Complains chronically On one’s toes Top-shelf accommodations Aptly named fruits Shoebox top Dangerous to drive on Cards at the door Manatee’s home Make an effort

Tuesday, April 8, 2014 // 11

THE DAILY COUGAR

LIFE+ARTS DAY IN THE LIFE OF

UH cheerleaders

Courtney Gregory Staff writer

Being thrown into the air can be frightening, but it’s nothing that the UH Spirit of Houston cheerleaders are new to. A day in the life of a cheerleader is filled with the same things that occupy most college students’ time — college courses, studying, homework and with some luck, a little time for social events. From the moment these Cougar Crusaders wake up, they are checking their planners and mentally organizing their days to ensure that all of their commitments — practices, games and promotions — will fit into the mere 24 hours before the next day is there knocking at their doors once again. “Being a cheerleader is definitely different from being a normal student, because you really have to learn to manage your time better,” said cheerleader and nutrition sophomore Misty Statum. “Although it makes school a little more challenging, it’s awesome being noticed around campus for representing and cheering on our athletic programs.” UH cheerleaders are expected to support the University at all times. By joining the squad, they exchange their free time for another year to be prepped, pepped and ready to cheer on the Pride. “Being a UH cheerleader has its advantages and disadvantages, because we are always practicing, doing appearances and games,” said cheerleader and communication sciences and disorders sophomore Nikki Batagower. “I wouldn’t trade it for anything.” When they aren’t cheering at games or spirit events around campus, the UH cheerleaders find time to practice from noon to 2 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. During these intense practices, the cheerleaders train to accomplish their impressive stunts and tumbling passes.

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Although it makes school a little more challenging, it’s awesome being noticed around campus for representing and cheering on our athletic programs.” Misty Statum, nutrition sophomore The squad members work hard to constantly improve their skills, both as individuals and as a team. They may fall out of stunts or belly slide after a tuck gone wrong at practice, but what sets them apart from the rest and makes them elite is that they get up as many times as it takes to get it perfected. UH cheerleaders know the road to success is met with many failures along the way.

Those failures bring them closer together as they share in times of frustration, anger and laughter. “The best part about being involved with UH cheer are the friendships that you make,” said cheerleader and business freshman Tori Bumpus. “Also, what better way to be a part of the University than to cheer for the Houston Cougars?” arts@thedailycougar.com

The Spirit of Houston cheerleaders keep the Cougar spirit alive at athletic games and events as they maintain their hectic day-to-day schedules and build life-long friendships with their teammates. | Courtesy of Misty Statum

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STUDENT AFFAIRS & ENROLLMENT SERVICES Women’s Resource Center I LGBT Resource Center I Center for Student Media Health Center I Dean of Students I UH Wellness I Counseling & Psychological Services