Issue 25, Volume 81 by The Cougar

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Freshmen build a winning future A strong freshmen core is paving the way for the Cougars heading into conference play. But will it be enough? | PG. 9

#JeSui #YoSoyUH #TôiLàUH #IchBin #IchBinUH UH #Wôshí ôshíUH #JestemUH #EuSouUH#Ashish #AshishUH #Ashish UH #JagÄr #JagÄrUH RIENCE E P X E N A Y IT S R E IV D G IN MAK #IkBenUH #나는UH #Kami #KamiUH UH #IAm #IAmUH UH #JeSui be part of the movement. #YoSoyUH YoSoy oSoyUH UH ##TôiLàUH TôiLà ôiLàUH UH #IchBin #IchBinUH UH #Wôshí ôshíUH #Je #JagÄr

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STUDENT ORGANIZATION CONTEST WIN $200 FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION

· Submit a picture of your organization with #IAMUH or other language variations in the picture. · Include your organization's response to "IAMUH because..." in 60 words or less. · Deadline: April 4th. Winner chosen by #IAMUH committee and announced by April 11th. · Winner will receive $200 RSO Support Funds for any event that meets the following criteria: http://www.uh.edu/cdi/resources/rso_support_ funds.html

For more information visit: http://uh.edu/cdi/iamuh/

showcase your school pride & celebrate your diversity! UH_CDI

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2 | Wednesday, March 23, 2016

NEWS

thedailycougar.com/news

news@thedailycougar.com

Rebecca Hennes, Editor

The Cougar

thedailycougar.com

ABOUT THE COUGAR

CAMPUS

New honor society to draft top 27 seniors HEDAYA KELANI

STAFF WRITER

As the spring semester comes to a close and seniors prepare to take the stage, an opportunity to leave a mark has been rekindled by Senior 27, an honor society that recognizes the top 27 graduating seniors. “We created Senior 27 to have a society which recognizes students who have done tremendous things for the University of Houston,” program coordinator Scotty Lopez said. “It could be anything from their degrees to their grades, but it’s also a society which recognizes the students that have done a lot of volunteering to help promote the University of Houston. That could be mentoring students, tutoring students or being a part of the Student Government Association." This year's chosen graduates will make up the new society's second class of Senior 27 students. Senior 27 is named after the UH Alumni Association's

foundation year, 1927. As Senior 27 engages graduates, the UHAA creates a network of people to essentially join together and connect them to their alma mater. “There’s a various number of groups we could get them connected with among our constitute groups,” Lopez said. “For example, if they’re in Sugar Land we could get them to connect with the Fort Bend alumni association. "If they’re Hispanic or Latino, we could get them connected with the Hispanic alumni association. If they’re an athlete, we could connect them to the Cougar Alliance so they could start helping that alumni group with their knowledge and their passion about it to keep those groups going.” Lopez and Gibbs-Smith made it clear that students can benefit from membership in the honor society. “It helps on applications to see that you were recognized for

Important aspects, goals of the Senior 27 Named after the Alumni Association – the Alumni Association was founded in 1927.

Recognizes students who have done tremendous things for the University – based on anything, including their degrees, grades and volunteering. work of people that will help them find opportunities in career fields.

Creates a group to give back – students develop a passion for the University that entices them to look at giving back to the University, as well as possibly becomes partners later in their careers.

HOLY WEEK MASS SCHEDULE Palm Sunday of the Lord’s Passion, March 20th

Mass at 10:45 AM at the A D Bruce Religion Center Main Chapel Mass at 6:00 PM at the UH Catholic Newman Center

Holy Thursday Mass of the Lord’s Supper March 24th: Mass at 7:00 PM at the UH Catholic Newman Center

Good Friday Veneration of the Cross with Communion Service March 25th: Service at 3:00 PM at the A D Bruce Religion Center Main Chapel Ma

Stations of the Cross March 25th: Begins at 7:00 PM at the UH Catholic Newman Center

Holy Saturday Easter Vigil Mass March 26th: Mass at 7:00 PM at the A D Bruce Religion Center Main Chapel

Easter Sunday Mass March 27th: Mass at 10:45 AM at the A D Bruce Religion Center Main Chapel There The will be NO 6:00 PM Mass on Easter Sunday at the UH Catholic Newman Center

For more information call (713) 748-2529 or visit us at www.uhcatholic.org SPONSORED by the CATHOLIC STUDENT ORGANIZATION

COPYRIGHT No part of the newspaper in print or online may be reproduced without the consent of the director of Student Publications.

ISSUE STAFF COPY EDITING

Emily Burleson CLOSING EDITORS

Close collaboration with the UHAA – students have access to a net-

your contribution to the University and that you worked to make a difference,” Senior 27 member Kelley Poblete said. Senior 27 could benefit UH as well by providing the University with passionate graduates that could serve as potential part-

The Cougar is published every Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters, and twice during the summer and online everyday at thedailycougar.com. The Cougar is supported in part by Student Service Fees. The first copy is free. Additional copies cost 25 cents.

ners. “We do see them as passionate about the University and maybe we could get them to come back as champions of the University and standing by our side,” Lopez said. Members such as Poblete were chosen through a selection committee comprised of UH staff members, the UHAA board and members from the Division of Student Affairs. "We get everyone to see the list of applicants and nominate students," Lopez said. "Whoever has the most nominations by the selection committee will get promoted or selected for Senior 27.” Despite the nomination process, Lopez said the ranking doesn't matter once a student is selected. "There is no top spot; you are a part of Senior 27," Lopez said. "While someone may have had four nominations, and someone else might’ve had one, it really doesn’t matter. Anyone who is in the top 27 group is considered top 27 in no rank order." Poblete advices graduating and soon-to-be seniors to "just do it." “Never think that what you did was not enough or it was nothing compared to someone else's accomplishments," Poblete said. "Don't compare yourself because this society is meant to bring out the diversity in our University and showcase the students that have worked to make a difference within our UH community and within the Houston community.” The deadline to apply is April 1 and selected students will be honored at a reception May 5. news@thedailycougar.com

Sean Alder Mónica Rojas Glissette Santana

ABOUT THE COVER

Despite having a solid group of returning talent, the Cougars are looking for a strong performance from freshmen. —Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

Center for Student Media uh.edu/csm

ABOUT CSM The Center for Student Media provides comprehensive advisory and financial support to the university’s student-run media: The Cougar newspaper, Student Video Network and COOG Radio. Part of the Student Life portfolio in the Division of Student Affairs, the CSM is concerned with the development of students, focusing on critical thinking, leadership, ethics, collaboration, inter-cultural competence, goal-setting and ultimately, degree attainment. While our students are engaged in producing and promoting media channels and content, our goal is to ensure they are learning to become better thinkers and leaders in the process. CENTER FOR STUDENT MEDIA

(713) 743-5350 csm@uh.edu www.uh.edu/csm N221 Student Center University of Houston Houston, TX 77204-4015 ADVERTISING

(713) 743-5340 advertising@thedailycougar.com thedailycougar.com/advertising ADVERTISING REPS Jose Salazar MARKETING Ilse Hernandez Jordyn Chaffold Nina Nino Antonio Sustaita Ayodeji Owolabi DESIGN TEAM Jennifer Garcia Courtney Williams

Wednesday, March 23, 2016 | 3

thedailycougar.com/news

NEWS

news@thedailycougar.com

Rebecca Hennes, EDITOR

CAMPUS

Students chow down over break for new BBQ class CONNOR BEHRENS

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Not all students headed for the beach this spring break — one group spent its week-long vacation in Texas Hill Country studying wine and cuisine. These students are the first to take "Texas Food and Wine Experience," which was first offered in spring 2016. The course, part of the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, asks students to keep a log of their experiences and submit essays demonstrating their understanding of how food and wine aid Texas' fruitful hospitality business. Associate professor Jay Neal said the idea for the trip began with assistant professor Chris Taylor, who approached Neal in June after eating lunch at Killen's Barbecue in Pearland. “How could I refuse?" Neal said. "It seemed like a natural fit and great partnership because I enjoy spending time with Dr.

Taylor.” Neal said students had to meet certain criteria to go on the trip, including completing more than 40 contact hours and reading two books on BBQ and Texas wine. "Students had to apply and be interviewed based on their career goals, specifically wanting to manage restaurants or the wine industry or regional tourism,” Neal said. Neal said students should consider taking the class because of the knowledge that could be learned from Texas food and wine, a trending cuisine in food culture. “Texas barbecue is one of the hottest cuisines worldwide,” Neal said. “Students can get a firsthand experience with not only how Texas wines are made and taste but also how it can effect the bottom line in terms of profitability and preference in their restaurants after they graduate.” HRM senior Brandon King

said he would suggest the trip to students who want a look at the Texas food industry and are interested in joining the industry. “I learned a lot on the trip, including the differences in the thriving Texas barbecue industry from one place to another and how small differences in cooking method, seasoning and other factors can really affect the flavor of barbecue," King said. HRM senior Taylor Jakovich said the trip gave valuable personal insight into the food and wine industry that he said he plans on joining. “The trip really showed us many applications of what we’ve been learning throughout our time at the Hilton school," Jakovich said. "It’s been a trip in which I’ve been able to apply a lot of the information we’ve learned in the classroom.” Neal said the ultimate goal of the trip is to give students a clearer representation of the

Students enjoyed some treats during their spring break course. | Courtesy of Matthew Bauman

Texas food and wine industry. “We expect them to get a better picture of the barbecue industry and wineries,” Neal said. “They will be able to visualize wine production and tasting room operations and manage-

ment. As the tourism industry continues to grow in Fredericksburg, we want our students to consider this as a viable career opportunity.” news@thedailycougar.com

STRENGTHENING

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APRIL 15-17 $95-Student/Rec Center Member Enjoy an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city with a trip to the woods for a weekend of backpacking along the Lone Star Trail in the Sam Houston National Forest. No experience needed. Gear and meals are provided! The deadline to sign up for this trip is 3/28 at 5pm.

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For more information call (713) 743-7946 or visit us at uh.edu/recreation.

CRAWFISH BOIL 2016

March 21–April 13 Days Time Mon & Wed 6:30–9 PM

EVENT OPENS 3:30PM CRAWFISH AVAILABLE AT 4:00PM UNTIL FOOD RUNS OUT! FREE TO ALL UH STUDENTS, COUGAR CARD REQUIRED

4 | Wednesday, March 23, 2016

NEWS

713-743-5314

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Rebecca Hennes, Editor

ALUMNI

Association challenges UH artists to create Shasta-inspired work GABRIELA CONTRERAS CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The University of Houston Alumni Association is calling on all UH artists, past and present, to participate in the first ever Cougar Art Challenge. Students and alumni are invited to submit paintings, sculptures, drawings or other visual media, excluding photography and digitally-designed art, that depict UH’s mascot Shasta. Selected pieces will be auctioned off at the 2016 UHAA Distinguished Awards Gala on May 7. Artists will receive 50 percent of the auction sale price, minus display costs. “One thing I hear from the alums all the time is that they can’t find any Cougar art," UHAA Vice President Mike Pede said. "They want one for their office, but they can’t find little statuettes or paintings or etchings.”

The Alumni Association is calling on UH artists to create their own Shasta-inspired art for the Cougar Art Challenge. | Courtesy of the Houston Zoo

That's where the idea came to have the UH community submit their own artworks that depict cougar pride, Pede said. This year will mark the 62nd annual Distinguished Alumni Gala. Initially created as a fundraiser,

the gala serves as a way to bolster UHAA efforts and honor the best and brightest of UH’s graduates and faculty. The Distinguished Alumni Gala is intended to be more than just a fundraiser this year. By incorporat-

ing the Cougar Art Challenge, the gala will not only raise funds and honor UH community members, it will spotlight the soon-to-be College of the Arts, which officially opens Sept. 1. “(The Cougar Art Challenge) tells the story about what is going on on campus with our art students, and hopefully we’ll create some synergies where our alums will want to support a program or learn more about what is going on,” Pede said. The challenge also offers an opportunity to bring together the UH community by honoring outstanding graduates and showcasing UH students and alumni who have an interest in art. “I am a part-time artist and really enjoy painting, especially things involved with Houston,” said Camille Koski, a 2013 UH grad who will be submitting a piece for the challenge. “I'm thinking I want to

incorporate the Houston skyline and perhaps TDECU Stadium as well.” Although art majors are encouraged to participate, the Cougar Art Challenge is open to all students and alumni. "I love that this contest is encouraging Cougars everywhere to express themselves,” Koski said. “It's something I want to be a part of.” Students and alumni interested in participating in the challenge must submit the online application by March 29. Completed art pieces must be delivered by April 18 to the Athletics and Alumni Center. “It doesn’t matter if you’re in your second year or third year or wherever you are,” Alumni Relations communications manager Pamela Gibbs-Smith said. “If you want to submit your art, do it.” news@thedailycougar.com

THE DEAN OF STUDENTS OFFICE presents,

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APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 31, 2016

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Wednesday, March 23, 2016 | 5 713-743-5314

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NEWS

Rebecca Hennes

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

New SGA Chief Justice pursuing his vision for judicial branch LEEN BASHARAT ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

Newly appointed Chief Justice Canyon Sanford is the new force behind Student Government Association's Supreme Court. His first item of business, Ballot Measure 52001, a SGA Constitutional amendment revamping the judicial branch's structure, was recently passed by the student body with 79.81 percent approval. His second item of business, one that will continue through the end of his term, is introducing a process to have a more inclusive Supreme Court in SGA that deals with items of business past the SGA election season and serves the University and its student body. "It shouldn't be involved in the fares, but it needs to make itself far more open for the University or Student Government to come to it and work with it," Sanford said. "It's not all just legislation, it's also about reaching out and working with the University." Sanford was the eager freshman who had a grand vision to lead,

but he came short in his first attempt to be an SGA senator. Although things didn't work in his favor when running for Bauer College for Business, a fellow senator saw his drive and gave him the opportunity to take over her Honors College senatorial seat. "If I were to describe Canyon in two words, they would be driven and gentlemanly," political science senior and former Honors College senator Charlotte Christian said. "Canyon has a drive to get things done to improve his community, and he's quite possibly the most polite and cordial person I've ever met." Christian first met Sanford while she was a resident assistant. Despite the elaborate prank wars he started on her floor, Christian very soon realized Sanford had a work ethic and commitment to making a difference that she felt embodied the ideal candidate to take over her position. "Though Canyon lost his race, I saw how dedicated he was to serving the school," Christian said. "By this time, I had gotten to

Sanford is making an impact on SGA early on. | Leen Basharat/The Cougar

know Canyon, and I knew that he would be more than capable to take over as Honors senator." After succeeding the nomination, Sanford participated in several committees. As Vice Chair on the Food Service Advisory Committee, he was one of many to contribute to Freshii's establishment on UH's campus. However, Sanford faced defeat for his seat in re-election. "I'm somebody who likes to

serve, and I didn't not want to serve SGA. I wanted to continue to work there," Sanford said. So, Sanford appeared before former president Shaun Theriot-Smith for the Attorney General vacancy, but Theriot-Smith saw him well suited for a different role. Noting Sanford's work toward becoming a judge advocate general within the U.S. Marine Corps, Theriot-Smith matched his qualities and potential to the role

of SGA Chief Justice. "He has also always shown an eagerness to volunteer and go the extra mile for student government," Theriot-Smith said. "His training and intentions with the USMC are a dependable foundation for a position that requires the ability to be unbiased and professional." Thus, he was nominated and confirmed as a associate justice during fall 2015, and later re-nominated and re-confirmed as Chief Justice for spring 2016 to meet SGA regulations. However, Sanford's work has only just begun. "Our number one thing right now is to go through the bylaws and fix those. We've got the skeleton, now we have to work around it," Sanford said. "There's definitely a lot of work that needs to be sorted out, but we're moving in the right direction, being open and responsible, and that's what's really important," news@thedailycougar.com

6 | Wednesday, March 23, 2016

OPINION 713-743-5304

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Anthony Torres, EDITOR

CIVICS

Voting is cornerstone of American society

EDITORIAL BOARD EDITOR IN CHIEF

Glissette Santana

COOGLIFE EDITOR

Karis Johnson PHOTO EDITOR

MANAGING EDITOR

Justin Tijerina

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Anthony Torres

Mónica Rojas Sean Alder

NEWS EDITOR

Rebecca Hennes CHIEF COPY EDITOR

Emily Burleson

OPINION EDITOR

ASSISTANT EDITORS

Leen Basharat Efren Diosdado Brittaney Penney Trey Strange Sonia Zuniga

SPORTS EDITOR

Bryce Dodds

STAFF EDITORIAL The Staff Editorial reflects the opinions of The 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 Cougar do not necessarily reflect those of the University of Houston or the students as a whole.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Cougar welcomes letters to the editor from any member of the UH community. Letters should be no more than 250 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 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.

ADVERTISEMENTS Advertisements in The Cougar do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the University or the students as a whole. The Cougar is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press.

studentpress.org/acp

ANTHONY TORRES

OIPINION EDITOR

he right to vote is essential. Your vote is meant to count just as much as that neighbor you hate so much, and their vote counts just as much as the president. Every American has the right to vote, so why is it so difficult? Texas in particular has garnered much criticism over it's voter ID laws, which many proponents claim are "common ANTHONY TORRES sense" meaOPINION sures to protect EDITOR voter fraud. On paper, it makes sense. If you want to vote, you just need some form of identification to prove you're who you say you are. The problem is, this actually leaves out a significant number of people. When Texas' ID law was passed in 2011, it was reported that at least 500,000 people who were registered to vote in Texas could not vote because they lacked the necessary identification. While President Obama was in Austin for South by Southwest, he said the U.S. is one of the only advanced democracies in the world that "makes it harder for people to vote." This is true. Voting laws disproportionately affect minorities and poor people. If you're an immigrant, you might not have proper documentation needed to get the proper identification. If you're poor, you probably can't afford the $25 fee needed to get a proper birth certificate or renew your expired driver's licence. These laws do nothing but place unnecessary hurdles to voting, and simply make less voters turn out to vote. It's also a little too convenient that nearly all of the states with these harsh laws are Republican. A vast majority of minorities and poor people vote Democrat. But what about voter fraud? That's what the law was put in place for, anyway, right? Gov. Greg Abbott responded to Obama's statements by saying that voter fraud is "rampant," and Texas is "committed to cracking down on voter fraud." Fact checking website Politifact gave Abbott a "pants on fire" rating

for this statement. Justin Levitt, a law professor at the Loyola Law School, Los Angeles said of 1 billion votes cast, there were only 31 confirmed cases of voter fraud. So the claim that voter fraud is "rampant" is completely false. Some of it doesn't make sense. Why would someone wait in line for potentially hours just so they could fake being someone to cast one single vote that probably wouldn't make any difference? It's just silly. In Texas, you can't register online. You have to physically mail in the form needed to register to vote. Also you have to send it in 30 days before election day, and if you miss the deadline your're screwed. It's also a problem that election day is always on a work day. If voting is a right, it needs to be as accessible as possible. Some states allow people to vote by mail and register online and

Voting is becoming a challenge for some. | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

some even allow you to register the day of voting. These are all measures meant to increase voter turnout. Texas ranks 48th in the nation in voter turnout, so why can't we do the same? Too many people feel politics is corrupt, and all this does is reinforce that sentiment. If you want

more people to vote, make it easier for them. Don't make it harder for people just because they might not vote for you. Opinion editor Anthony Torres is a political science junior and may be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

Do You Have Adult ADHD? Local physicians are conducting The MEASURE Study, a clinical research study that is evaluating an investigational medication for adults diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The MEASURE Study will examine the effects of a new medication on inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity in adults with ADHD. It is not a stimulant medication.

TO PRE-QUALIFY FOR THE STUDY, YOU MUST:

• Be between the ages of 18 and 55 • Have a diagnosis of ADHD If you qualify, all study-related medication will be provided to you at no cost.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Adult ADHD, consider participating in the MEASURE Study.

713-527-8839

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Wednesday, March 23, 2016 | 7

8 | Wednesday, March 23, 2016

SPORTS 713-743-5303

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Bryce Dodds, EDITOR

COMMENTARY

Cougars stumble to end of season, but future is bright JONATHAN VALADEZ

STAFF WRITER

After a promising start to the year, the Cougars lost two straight games to officially end their season. Houston had a chance to earn its first NCAA tournament bid in over 20 years, but fell short when it was upset by Tulane University in the second round of the American Athletic Conference Championship. Then the Cougars were invited to the National Invitation Tournament, a feat they have not accomplished in 10 years, but UH lost in the first round to Georgia Institute of Technology. Heading into the championship, Houston was considered one of the hottest teams in the AAC after big wins against Cincinnati and Southern Methodist University. If the Cougars could have carried that momentum and made some noise in the cham-

pionship, they would have undoubtedly been part of March Madness, but basketball is not about what-ifs. Despite their disappointing and abrupt end to the season, the Cougars made vast improvements in just the second year under head coach Kelvin Sampson. Now expectations will remain high for the Cougars. UH won nine more games overall than they did last season and won eight more conference games than last year. Last season, the Cougars finished second-to-last in the AAC but jumped to third in the conference this season. UH hit milestones all season, as this was the first time that Houston beat Cincinnati since the Bearcats joined the AAC in 2013. Houston defeated SMU and the University of Memphis for the first time since the 20132014 season. The Cougars also won at least one game against

HOLY CHUTE!

Freshman guard Galen Robinson Jr. played in all 32 games for the Cougars and will be key for the team in the coming seasons. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

every team in the AAC. The Cougars made a state-

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ment on national television when they beat the Louisiana State University Tigers in overtime, holding freshman standout Ben Simmons to just 13 points. Houston will look to improve on its new-found success as it brings back four of the five highest scoring players for next season. Sophomore guard Rob Gray Jr. finished first in scoring for the Cougars, while junior forward Damyean Dotson, redshirt junior guard Ronnie Johnson and freshman guard Galen Robinson Jr. finished third through fifth. Dotson also led the Cougars in rebounds per game with 6.8. UH will lose four seniors this year, although only two of them were crucial to the Cougars’ game plan. The biggest departure is senior forward Devonta Pollard, who averaged 14 points and 5.7 rebounds per game. The other key loss for UH is redshirt senior guard LeRon Barnes. Barnes appeared in 29 of 32 games and averaged 6.1 points and 5.2 rebounds per game. Although the losses of Barnes and Pollard will be huge for UH, Sampson will bring in another talented crop of recruits. Sampson was responsible for bringing in Dotson and Gray to the Cougars from other schools, and he also recruited Robinson from Westbury Christian High School.

For next season, Sampson has already gotten commitments from a high school senior and a junior college transfer. Armoni Brooks, who is the No. 11 ranked player in Texas according to Texas Hoops, is coming to Houston as a 6-foot4-inch guard from McNeil High School in Round Rock. Brooks has tremendous upside as a floor-spacing guard. Valentine Sangoyomi is a transfer student for next season and will have two years of eligibility left. Sangoyomi is coming from Northern Oklahoma College, where he averaged 6.2 points and 7 rebounds per game as a sophomore for the Mavericks. Sangoyomi, a 6-foot-10-inch center, will bring some much-needed size to the Cougars. He has the ability to battle for rebounds in the post and score on the block. Although UH’s tournament hopes were deflated after a non-showing in the AAC Championship, the Cougars will take the loss in stride. Sampson is building a formidable program here at UH, and the progress is already apparent. sports@thedailycougar.com

For online exclusives thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, March 23, 2016 | 9

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SPORTS

Bryce Dodds, EDITOR

COMMENTARY

Freshman core builds toward future success DEZMOND EWELL

STAFF WRITER

One year after going 28-27, the softball team is back on the field for another season. With conference play right around the corner, the Cougars are working with a 12-13 record. With four returning seniors, the Cougars possess a good sense of on-field leadership. Senior outfielder Katie St. Pierre and senior pitcher Julana Shrum lead the team as the transition to a more youthful team occurs. The team is full of freshmen and sophomore players who are learning on the fly but improving as the games go by. “We have a lot of newcomers, a lot of young kids,” head coach Kyla Holas said. “We have more freshmen starting right now than we have returners. We are just trying to get them better every single day and every single week.” Holas knows this season will be a learning year for many of her players, she said she is positive about the future to come.

Freshman Brooke Vannoy is one of the top players on offense for the Lady Cougars, batting over .300 this season. | Justin Cross/The Cougar

This is a good thing for the Cougars as these young players will have the opportunity to build together. When sports teams come together and play well, fans have a tendency to overlook the build-up years that came

before the success, Holas said. “Our strength is our youth,” Holas said. “They’re young, and they’re exciting. They play hard, they’re learning every time so they are getting better. We’re playing better softball, so that’s

March is

Save Your Vision Month In observance of Save Your Vision Month, the University Eye Institute (UEI) is offering free vision screenings from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for all UH students, faculty, and staff during the month of March. No appointment is necessary for a vision screening. If you would prefer a complete eye exam please call 713.743.2020 or www.uei.uh.edu 4901 Calhoun on the corner (Calhoun & Wheeler) • Open to the public, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. • Free covered patient parking

what’s really exciting to see, you know, the future – whenever you can have that vision for it.” But Holas isn’t oblivious to the weaknesses of her squad. Along with a youthful team comes a large learning curve and plenty of mistakes. Holas is utilizing the early non-conference games to find the mistakes and nip them in the bud while her players are still fresh and advancing. “Some of the things that we still need to do a little bit better is freshman pitching. We’re missing some pitches and some of our timely hitting,” Holas said. “Some of that pressure of being able to take what we do in practice and put it into game is something that as a freshman they sometimes kind of waver in a little bit, and we’d like them to be a little bit tougher, and that’s what we are really focusing on.” So far, some of the biggest impacts have come from the first-year players. Freshman outfielder Elise LeBeouf is the Cougars’ RBI leader with 18 on the season. She is also second in

home runs with four. The leader in hits is freshmen outfielder Maya Thomas with 29. She also leads the team with three triples and holds a .439 batting average. Freshman catcher Brooke Vannoy is tied for first in doubles and is batting over a .300 average. “You have to look for Brooke Vannoy for us,” Holas said. “She’s a starting shortstop for us, she’s a freshman, she’s such a great kid – presence on the field especially. Elise LeBeouf, she’s another one, she’s in our three hole right now, she has our most RBI, (and she is) another freshman starting right field for us. Those are two kids that are in the lineup every single day, and they are standing out as freshmen.” No matter what the Cougars’ record is at the end of the season, the coaches and the team will view the 2016 season as a positive year for the softball team. sports@thedailycougar.com

10 | Wednesday,March 10| Wednesday, March23, 23,2016 2016

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ACROSS 1 Chew out 6 Chowderhead .11 Not “agin” 14 Imam’s book 15 Having a musical key 16 Hurler’s stat 17 Sitcom with the theme song “This Is It”? 19 Prefix with dent or pod 20 Apple-splitting archer 21 Corrida cry 22 Standard typeface 24 Neighbor of St. Pete 26 Card game with melds 28 Crackerjack pilot 30 Cowboy’s topper? 32 Port of Iraq 34 Social pariahs 35 Start the pot 36 Goody-goody 38 Mayberry souse 42 Pick up the tab 44 Quick on the uptake 45 England-France conflict of 13371453? 50 Largo or West 51 Iced tea brand 52 Sans assistance 54 Showy flower 55 Comics bark 56 “Diana” singer Paul 59 Wolfed down 60 Sincere plea for forgiveness?

64 65 66 67

Kia or Fiat Porkers “For ___ sake!” H.S. yearbook section 68 Went for congers 69 Welcome at the door DOWN 1 Bit of improv 2 Programmer’s output 3 Exam without pencils 4 Classic Eric Clapton tune 5 Paternity lab evidence 6 “Hogan’s Heroes” camp 7 Mall bag 8 Prefix with “sex” or “corn” 9 Dawber of “Mork & Mindy” 10 Franklin’s first lady .11 Fixation of sorts 12 Boo-boo list 13 Read the riot act to 18 “___ the mornin’!” 23 Kidnapper’s demand 25 “Rosemary’s Baby” star Farrow 26 Clump of earth 27 Emollient source 28 Lawyers’ org. 29 Part of a sixpack 31 Touches on 33 Key in again

36 Burst of laughter 37 Pinker than medium 39 Pay close attention 40 Ill temper 41 Home to 65-Across 43 Play again, as a role 44 Sign of a full house 45 Designer Arnold Scaasi’s real surname 46 GM’s roadside assistance service 47 Many John Wayne movies 48 Bent out of shape 49 Sporty Italian auto, for short 53 Consumer advocate Ralph 55 Top-ranked 57 Body part that may be “skinned” 58 Support staffer (Abbr.) 61 Run up a bill 62 Dipstick coating 63 Dungeons & Dragons, e.g. (Abbr.)

Wednesday, March 23, 2016 | 11

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SPORTS

Bryce Dodds, EDITOR

COMMENTARY

Starting pitchers anchor Cougars in early season REAGAN EARNST

STAFF WRITER

Solid pitching from starters and relievers is one of the reasons why the baseball team is enjoying early season success at 13-6 before conference play. “The pitchers have been consistent,” head coach Todd Whitting said. “If they can continue to do that over the next few weeks, I think we have a chance to win a bunch of games.” Great pitching was expected this season as the team had two players named to multiple media outlets' preseason all-American lists. Junior Andrew Lantrip and sophomore Seth Romero have not disappointed so far. Lantrip is first in the rotation and makes his starts every Friday night against the opposing team’s best pitcher. As of March 17, Lantrip has a 2-2 record, which doesn't reflect just how dominant he has been. The junior’s 32 strikeouts in his first 26.1 innings pitched were key in maintaining a low 2.05 ERA during the time frame. With Lantrip on the mound, the Cougars' chances of winning increase significantly, as he is sure to continue to limit opposing teams' runs. Romero was absent the first two weeks of the season, but his return has made a tremendous impact on the team’s performance. The sophomore right hander won his first two starts, and he quickly shook off any rust that may have accumulated during the long offseason. Opponents hit just .163 off of Romero in his first three appearances of the season, a top number among the starting pitchers. Having a one-two punch of Lantrip and Romero will help the team down the stretch when the Cougars look to lock up another conference title as they

did last season. But pitching success is not limited to just two players on the Cougars' roster. The collective effort from starters junior Marshall Kasowski, junior John King and freshman Mitch Ullom cannot be overlooked. Ullom is a newcomer who has found his groove and hopes to bring reliability to the back end of the pitching rotation. The right-hander nearly made baseball history March 16 against Texas Southern University when he pitched seven perfect innings and eight hitless innings. The Tigers managed their first hit of the game on Ullom in the ninth inning. “He’s a good player,” Whitting said. “I think he’s going to be a premium arm for us down the road. He’s a possible weekend starter for us at some point, so it doesn’t surprise me that he’s pitching well.” An often overlooked aspect of any baseball team is the importance of an effective bullpen. The Cougars have that and great confidence in their reliever’s ability to enter a game and shut the door on their opponent. “It’s been good," Whitting said about the pitching lineup. "It was a question mark for me early in the season. Hernandez has been good back there, a few other guys have been good. I’m really pleased with them.” Junior closer Nick Hernandez leads with four saves in the team's first 16 games. Hernandez has managed 16 strikeouts in his 14 innings of work. A staple in the late portions of games, Hernandez will play a key role in locking down wins throughout the season. The Cougar offense has also been an important factor in the early success of the pitching staff. The team has set out to get on the board first in order

Keep up with Frontier Fiesta

Junior pitcher John King has been helping anchor the Cougars rotation, with a 3-1 record this year and 25 strikeouts in 25.2 innings pitched. | Justin Tijerina/The Cougar

to take some of the pressure off of the starting pitcher and has largely been successful in that endeavor. “It’s something we talk about all the time, that first score RBI,” Whitting said. “We want to be

the team that is on the board first. When you score first, your chances of winning the game are a lot higher.” With the conference season coming up, the Cougars will be hoping for continued consis-

KEEP

tency from their pitchers, as the American Athletic Conference season begins on April 1 with a three-game road swing against the East Carolina University Pirates. sports@thedailycougar.com

G ING

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A BOLT OF ENERGY

GREAT-TASTING ENERGY SHOT FROM NATURAL INGREDIENTS

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12 | Wednesday, March 23, 2016

The Arab-American Educational Foundation Chair in Modern Arab History Warmly Invites you to The Inaugural Nijad and Zeina Fares Arab-American Educational Foundation Lecture in Modern Arab History

ROUSSEAU AND PALESTINE:

A RADICAL TRADITION OF POPULAR SOVEREIGNTY

Presented by Professor Karma Nabulsi (Oxford University)

THURSDAY, MARCH 31, 2016 Wine & Cheese Reception Lecture begins at

University of Houston Main Campus Student Center Theater 126 University Drive, Houston, Texas 77004 Parking available at the Welcome Center Garage,

Karma Nabulsi, D.Phil is a distinguished Palestinian public intellectual, political theorist, historian, and former national representative. She is a senior faculty member and current Director of Undergraduate Studies at the Department of Politics and International Relations at Oxford University. She is the author of Traditions of War: Occupation, Resistance and the Law and Palestinians Register: Laying Foundations and Setting Directions. Professor Nabulsi has been a columnist for the Guardian and is a regular contributor to a variety of publications including the Independent, The New Statesman, and the London Review of Books. She is Chair of Trustees and co-founder (with Bella Freud) of the HOPING Foundation.