Issue 16, Volume 82

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Issue 16, Volume 82

A new path

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SPORTS

In a display of its commitment to campus beauty, the University has just re-paved a walkway near Lynn Eusann Park. | PG. 11

Moving forward

The men's basketball team is projected to win big this season, and their games over the winter were just the beginning. | PG. 18

NEWS

Pushing for pads

SGA put hygiene products in every women's bathroom in the Student Center in December.

Now, they want this to be the norm. | PG. 3

campusvueapartments.com | 866.823.8938

2 | Wednesday, January 18, 2017

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Marialuisa Rincon EDITOR

EDUCATION

College of Education online graduate ranks No. 2 JULIE ARAICA

'Different tools' Chair of Department of Curriculum & Instruction Jennifer Chauvot, who teaches online and face-to-face classes, said she finds online instruction just as, if not more, engaging than face-to-

The Cougar

thedailycougar.com

ABOUT THE COUGAR

ASSITANT NEWS EDITOR @JULIEARAICA

When Peggy Krajnovic, a mother of three and director of Flamingo Island Preschool in Richardson, decided to obtain her master’s in early childhood education, she needed an online program that would give her the flexibility she needed without compromising the quality of education she would receive.

In her search for the perfect school, she came across the College of Education’s Online Graduate Program. It ranked No. 2 in the 2017 U.S. News & World Report rankings released Tuesday.

“I previously did my associate’s and bachelor’s through Texas Woman’s University, and while it was a phenomenal experience, it was nothing compared to the program at UH,” Krajnovic said. “With the way the syllabus and coursework were laid out, I felt like the professors really placed themselves in my shoes — like they knew I was constantly running around 10 to 12 hours a day.”

The program has consistently done well on the rankings, always making it into the top 10 and even tying for first place in 2016. This year, the program decreased by a slight margin, receiving 98 out of 100 points.

Communications Director Ericka Mellon said that this was due to lack of funding after a grant timed out, which impacted enrollment in one of the program's courses.

"Our instructors are the key to our success," said Jonathan Schwartz, the associate dean of graduate studies. "They put in the time and effort to make sure their lessons are tied to the working world, and they give their students feedback.

They regularly get emails from students saying how helpful the program has been. That’s when we know we’re getting it right."

Factors used to determine the rankings were the faculty's credentials and training, student services and technologies, student engagement and admissions selectivity.

i

The Cougar is published every Wednesday during the fall and spring semesters and online at thedailycougar.com. The Daily Cougar is supported in part by Student Service Fees.

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

ISSUE STAFF WEB EDITING

Emily Burleson CLOSING EDITORS

Trey Strange Alex Meyer Leah Nash

i

Center for Student Media uh.edu/csm

UH has consistently ranked well in the U.S. News & World Reports ranking for the best online graduate education program. Last year the program tied for No. 1, this year the program ranked No. 2. | Corey Sherrard/The Cougar

face instruction.

The platform she uses online when teaching real-time to students, Blackboard Collaborate, has a chat box that allows students to discuss the lecture given by her or a student while it happens. But Chauvot said

tools to supplement how they wanted to teach their class.

One professor created engaging discussions and carefully selected articles for students to read.

Another made videos of themselves teaching and posted the videos on YouTube for the class

"The way people learn doesn't change, all that changes is the tools that I use."

Jennifer Chauvot, Chair of Curriculum & Instruction

that if a student were to constantly chime into lectures in a face-to-face class, it would be considered rude.

Chauvot said she believes that while online classes mean students are using different tools, teaching remains the same.

“The way that people learn doesn’t change," Chauvot said.

"All that changes is the tools that I use, and online I have just as many tools at my disposal, just different tools.”

Krajnovic said the most in-depth course she took was Professional Seminar 1, (CUIN 7303) which was divided between three professors, each with their own method of teaching and their own

to watch, had students engage in discussion over platforms like Twitter, chose TED Talks for the class to watch and taught students how to upload their own videos to YouTube.

Krajnovic said she found those lessons helpful, and even applies them in her career, making videos for teachers about things that she wants them to do in the classroom.

An expanding program Krajnovic believes that in order to succeed in an online education program as rigorous as the one that the College of Education offers, it is essential to be well organized and self-man-

aged. She also said that for her, the pros of being able to work at her own pace make the experience worth it.

Not every program was included in the list, and next year the college will start its eighth program.

Sixty students were enrolled in the programs included in the rankings. Schwartz expects this number to grow.

"We expect enrollment to grow as we expand our offerings and get the word out in Houston and around the world," Schwartz said. "We even have a student in Hong Kong."

Krajnovic has just completed her first semester, but what she has learned so far has helped her immensely in her career.

However, it is not her who has benefited the most from what she's learned, it's her students, and she believes that this has made every hour she has spent in this program worth it.

“Everything that I do, it comes out of love, and it comes out of love for these children,” Krajnovic said. “Too often, schools just do the bare minimum that they need to get by and that is devastating for young students who can change the world and can potentially touch hundreds of other lives if they continue to be inspired by their own teachers.

That’s what UH has done for me.” news@thedailycougar.com

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, intercultural 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.

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Marialuisa Rincon, EDITOR

CAMPUS

SGA continues push for free pads, tampons

After a trial run that ended in December, finding will be presented to the facilities department JASMINE DAVIS

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @JPDAVIS_TDC

After an empty tampon dispenser in the Student Center forced her to ask fellow female student leaders for products, SGA Deputy Chief of Staff Winni Zhang other SGA members embarked on a mission to prevent other students from continually ending up in similar situations.

What began as a personal crisis for Zhang has resulted in a Student Government Association initiative to bring free feminine hygiene products to restrooms across the University of Houston campus. On Dec. 1, Zhang began a trial service offering free pads and tampons in the women’s restrooms of Student Centers North and South.

“We should be ensuring that a student can go to the nearest restroom and get access to the feminine hygiene products they need,” Zhang said. “It sends a message that we support our women on campus.”

The initiative began as a project to see how widespread the problem was, Zhang said.

The available pad and tampon dispensers, or lack thereof, were assessed in nearly 400 bathrooms across campus.

With too many dispensers missing from the nearly 400 on-campus restrooms, and the $100 plus cost needed to replace each of them, it was clear to Zhang that a different approach would need to be taken. Additionally, Zhang said the installation of each pad and tampon dispenser requires the approval of both the building manager and donor responsible for that building.

“We represent the student body here at UH, and the female population is roughly half of our constituency,” said SGA Director of Public Relations Dena Moghtader. “Hopefully, we can get free pads and tampons placed in every family and women restroom on campus so no matter where a student is, whether it’s before their test in CASA or during class in CBB, they always have the support they need.”

After receiving pushback from UH Facilities on the idea of providing students with free hygiene products, Zhang and fellow

members of SGA decided that a trial run of the service would be the best way to answer their questions.

“Our trial was limited to SC North and South, but we do hope to have this service expanded to all buildings on campus by this semester,” Moghtader said.

Since the beginning of the trial, some students at other universities have taken to social media to ask for similar programs to be introduced on their campuses, Moghtader said. Zhang said several universities have reached out, asking how to begin their own version of the service.

Though the trial run ended Dec. 17, the push for free pads and tampons will be ongoing, Zhang said.

“I think this is the right step for the University,” Zhang said.

“We would be taking a step for creating an inclusive learning atmosphere for students across campus, and be one of the leading universities implementing this kind of project.”

Students supported putting tampons in bathrooms by tweeting with the hashtag #FreeForMe. When SGA meets with UH Facilities one more time this semester to present the results from the trial run, they will include in their findings the amount of support they received on social media.

“Sometimes periods come unexpectedly and it’s really reassuring to know we have (products) available to us, no problem,” said sociology sophomore Ericka Saenz in an email to The Cougar, after tweeting her appreciation of the project.

“Especially with commuters who can’t just walk to their dorm and get what they need.”

While restocking the SC restrooms, Zhang found that other women had been contributing their own pads and tampons to the baskets. In a tweet, Zhang said that women supporting women is something the world needs more of. Overall, Zhang said, the experience was amazing "There was a feeling of solidarity between students on campus to support these movements," Zhang said. "That in itself was incredibly heartwarming and portrayed a sense of community." news@thedailycougar.com

SGA began offering free pads and tampons in Student Center restrooms on Dec. 1, 2016. | Emily Burleson/The Cougar

HIS MONEY TURNS SMALL BUSINESS INTO BIG BUSINESS.

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Marialuisa Rincon, EDITOR

FITNESS

'Double whammy' uptick of gym use in January JASMINE DAVIS

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @JPDAVIS_TDC

Anyone expecting to hit the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center at the start of the spring semester should prepare for larger crowds and extended peak busy hours, according to their usage data.

Assistant Director of Fitness at the Rec, Melanee Wood, said this could be due to a number of factors, including New Year resolutions.

“Every gym and every fitness facility sees that kind of uptick in January,” Wood said. “But I think

ultimately stick with it, Wood said forming certain habits can greatly contribute to maintaining an effective workout regiment.

"The most important thing when it comes to setting up a new fitness routine is finding what works for you," Wood said. "If you like to dance, come to Zumba classes. If you like to weight lift, don't stick yourself on a treadmill."

The beginning of the semester rush to the Rec generally begins to die down within three to six weeks, Wood said, with peak attendance normally occurring during the third week of the spring semester.

Brookshire's donation is the largest of any single donor to the College. | Courtesy of the Cullen College of Engineering

ALUMNI

Cullen alumnus endows $1M

$15M total pledge is largest donation amount made at the engineering school for scholarships, faculty

C. MCRAE PEAVY

STAFF WRITER @MCRAEPV

Peak busy hours are extended at the beginning of every semester, said assistant director Wood | Courtesy of Campus REcreation and Wellness Center

specifically in a university setting we get kind of a double whammy, really a triple whammy.”

Factors that play a unique role in the spring usage of university fitness centers, Wood said, are students having lighter course loads at the beginning of every semester, a resurgence in fitness interest because of New Years resolutions and people wanting to prepare for spring break.

"We get hit with all of that in January,” Wood said.

Though 80 percent of individuals beginning a fitness program don’t

"Over the last six years, I've seen that the traffic in the Rec, that kind of busy period, is being extended longer in the day," Wood said. "And more weeks out of the semester are seeing high traffic."

According to the Rec Center usage data, those seeking to workout during less busy periods should consider scheduling their sessions either early in the morning or immediately following peak hours, such as after 9 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. news@thedailycougar.com

Eighty per cent of individuals don't stick with workouts. | Justin Cross/The Cougar

William A. Brookshire, a first generation high school graduate and Cullen College of Engineering alumnus has pledged $1 million to set up the William A. Brookshire Teaching Excellence Award endowment.

According to a UH news release, the funds will be awarded to those Cullen faculty who are committed to the teaching excellence. "(Brookshire's) endowment in our college is the largest of any single donor," said Joseph Tedesco, dean and chair of the Cullen College of Engineering. "It's in excess of $15 million."

The majority of the $15 million will go toward undergraduate scholarships, Tedesco said.

"He's always expressed interest in having quality teaching in the College of Engineering," said Russell Dunlavy, the chief development officer for STEM at UH who has worked with Brookshire since 2009. "This is something he wanted to do to reward those faculty who dedicate themselves to student success through their teaching."

The Teaching Excellence Award is a cash reward that faculty members can receive after being nominated by their peers and chosen by a committee, Dunlavy said. There will be two recipients each year, and Tedesco said the endowment could generate $40,000 to $50,000 per year.

Endowments work on an investment system, Dunlavy said. The principal endowment is not spent

by the university, rather a third party investment firm is charged with distributing the funds, and the proceeds garnered from the investment are then used to fund scholarships and awards.

Brookshire was raised in a poor family, and was the first to earn a high school diploma, according to the news release. He was highly influenced by his instructors while taking night classes at UH. "I had to work a full-time job during the day while attending night classes to finish my bachelor's degree in chemical engineering," said Brookshire.

In addition to the teaching award, Brookshire also has two undergraduate scholarships that benefit Cullen students. The William A. Brookshire Scholarship benefits students who work and take classes simultaneously, while the William A. Brookshire IMPACT Scholarship targets students paying their own way through college.

David Shattuck, an associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, helped Brookshire determine the award criteria. He said he will also serve on the committee that chooses the winners.

“I think this will add one more incentive to work hard on teaching,” Shattuck said. “I think when it becomes clear how much money is available here, people will try to get these awards. If we do our job right on the committee, you’ll have to teach really well to get them."

Dunlavy said the committee will follow selection criteria

which includes student feedback, classroom sit-ins by committee members, alumni feedback and personal reference letters.

Members of the committee will be appointed by the dean of the College.

"Like most students in the Cullen College of Engineering, we are honored that alumnus Dr. Brookshire has once again shown his faith in the mission of the college by establishing such a generous award for our faculty," said Cullen College of Engineering Sen. David Gratvol, a petroleum engineering senior.

Shattuck said cash rewards for educators are a good idea because it gives them incentive to work harder.

“There have to be other incentives, other motivations. It’s not just money, but money’s a part of it,” Shattuck said. “I also think that when you pay people well, they feel appreciated and it changes their attitude and their further performance.”

Tedesco said that as a Tier One University, UH's focus on research, especially in the engineering department, has kept it competitive with comparable schools across the nation.

“But let’s not forget about one of the primary missions of this institution, which is undergraduate teaching,” said Tedesco. “I think all of [Brookshire’s] philanthropy supports that very important mission.” news@thedailycougar.com

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Marialuisa Rincon, EDITOR

ARTS

Freshman model dubbed 'Most Sought Out of the Year' KAYLEE DUSANG

STAFF WRITER @KAYLEEMDUSANG

The International Modeling and Talent Association is one of the most renowned training centers to find upcoming talent for the fashion and entertainment industry.

The Cougar sat down with digital

media freshman Emma Jones, who competed in the IMTA competition in Los Angeles and won the Most Sought out Model of the Year and Female Model of the Year.

The Cougar: How did you get involved with the Neal Hamil agency and begin modeling?

Emma Jones: I actually never thought about modeling. I was always an actor, so I did theatre and commercials. My brother’s girlfriend was signed with Neal Hamil, and I went into Neal Hamil one day with her to pick up a check. The agents there were like, “Hey have you ever thought about modeling?” So I tried it, and it turned out to be my favorite

TC: How long have you been signed with the Neal Hamil agency?

TC: What exactly is the Most Sought out Model of the Year award? How is it different from winning Female Model of the Year?

EJ: I’ve been with Neal Hamil for two

EJ: Most Sought out Model of the Year is

years now. I just had to sign a new contract, because our two-year contract was up.

just (where) throughout the competition there were agents—I would say there were 200 agents there—and most sought out means I got called back to sign with the most agents. (For Female Model of the Year, agents can) rate you high, so you win, but they can think, “you’re cute but I don’t need you in my agency,” so they won’t call you back.

thing ever.

TC: What inspired you to take this opportunity to become a model?

EJ: It sounds kind of lame, but I was not a pretty girl growing up, and all the really cute girls in high school and middle school would always tease me. And then this opportunity to really be like a piece of art was so cool to me — and I just totally took advantage of it — and I love it.

"I would really like to make my modeling a career and do it for as long as I can," Emma Jones said. | Courtesy of Emma Jones

TC: How did it feel to be chosen to compete in one of the most prosperous training centers for those wanting to work in the fashion and entertainment industry?

EJ: It was awesome; I don’t even know

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how else to describe it. Because when I went into my audition, there were so many people there and it was all the beautiful girls that are with Neal Hamil.

And I was like, OK, I don’t think I’m going to get it. But when I got it and we actually went to LA, it was breathtaking.

The difference is that the modeling agencies called me back for one and then others just said “oh you’re pretty” for the other one. (For Most Sought out Model of the Year) you feel more wanted, it’s not just for your performance it’s that people actually want to sign you and put you in their agency to start modeling.The difference is that the modeling agencies called me back for one and then others just said “oh you’re pretty” for the other one. [For Most Sought out Model of the Year] you feel more wanted, it’s not just for your performance it’s that people actually want to sign you and put you in their agency to start modeling.

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Continues on page 7

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HOUSTON, TEXAS "This opportunity to really be like a piece of art was so cool to me — and I just totally took advantage of it," said Emma Jones. | Courtesy of Emma Jones

Wednesday, January 18, 2017 | 7

713-743-5314 TC: How was the experience of going to Los Angeles and competing with other models from around the world?

EJ: There were people from places like

TC: What did you gain from this experience? Where do you hope your modeling career takes you in the future?

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EJ: While I was there I met with a lot of agents.

Right now I’m looking through contracts and I am trying to decide which

Australia and Spain and Milan. I didn’t know that, so when they announced all the different groups that came, and they said “Australia” I was like wow, they came so far and I’m from Texas.

But the experience as a whole was totally different than I expected.

I went and I competed in different events. I competed in the modeling events, which were TV beauty, make up, runway, fashion and swimwear.

And I actually won first in all of those, except for TV beauty, which I got second. It was really cool because there were so many different people, but everyone is there for the same reasons so they’re all friendly and they’re all super supportive. We did runway shows, and I wouldn’t know the person behind me or in front of me, but before you go they were like, “Good luck, you’re going to do awesome.” It was such an uplifting environment.

NEWS

Marialuisa Rincon, EDITOR

one I want to sign with, but I most likely will be moving at the end of the semester. I will either be going to Los Angeles or Japan, and I’m actually really hoping for Japan. I would really like to

make my modeling a career and do it for as long as I can.

news@thedailycougar.com

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TC: What was the process the contestants went through backstage before participating in the events?

EJ: It was really intimidating. The IMTA modeling was divided into M1, M2 and M5. I was in M5 because of my age and my height. I’m only 5’8, so I wasn’t in the high fashion group, you have to of course be 5’9. M5 was the largest modeling group there, and so I was backstage with over 300 other girls.

TC: How did you feel when you won Female Model of the Year and Most Sought out Model of the Year?

EJ: I wasn’t expecting it, honestly.

There were a lot of girls with me-and they were really tall like the fashion models-and I thought Model of the Year is going to be one of those models. After I won first place in all the other events everyone was like “I think you’re going to get it” and I was like, “Don’t jinx me!” And then when they were calling it out, they called four girls on stage, and of course they would make it long and be like “third runner up, second runner up, first runner up.”

After the girl who was first runner up got it and I was the only one left on stage it was insane. I wasn’t expecting it at all and I am so honored.

JAN 19 MLK Commemorative Celebration 4:00 PM Student Center Theater featuring Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner

TC: Is there anyone you look up to as a model?

EJ: I have so many, but one everyone would probably know is Taylor Hill. She recently did the Victoria Secret fashion show, she works for Gucci and all this other stuff, and I love that. I totally want to model in Europe and do huge name brands like that. Plus, she’s gorgeous.

UNITING TOGETHER IN SERVICE For more information call 713.743.6047. If you need accomadations for this event, please contact the Center for Students with DisABILITIES at 713.743.5400 or uhcsd@central.uh.edu

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Q&A

University plans to raise $1B by 2020 Donations will be sought from current students, alumni, prominent community figures

JASMINE DAVIS

ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @JPDAVIS_TDC

In its first campaign in 25 years, the University of Houston's Division of University Advancement has set a goal of $1 billion to be raised by 2020.

Beginning at 9 a.m.

Thursday, UH will host the campaign's public launch, which will include opportunities for students to engage in and learn about the campaign throughout the day. Over the course of the next three years, the Division of University Advancement will be reaching out to current students, University alumni and prominent community figures in order to raise funds for UH. The Cougar sat down with Eloise Dunn Brice, Vice President for University Advancement, to ask about the direction of the campaign and the UH Office of Advancement, and how students can be involved in the effort.

The Cougar: How is the University planning on spending the money raised in the campaign?

Eloise Dunn Brice: All the money raised, with very small exceptions, is all directed by the donors. So, the University spends the money that has come in for the campaign the way the donors direct it, and the donors direct it in ways that we ask for it.

So, as an example, I would come to you as an alumna and say ‘we would like to establish a scholarship.’

Then we’d develop a gift agreement so that it’s very clear to you, as a donor, how the University’s going to spend the money in order to give scholarships. The money is directed by donors but it is only for purposes that the institution considers primary.

TC: Do students get to vote on how any of the money is spent?

EDB: I like to think that the whole reason why we’re here is the students; that is what motivates us every day. What do the students care about? Faculty.

What inspires the top notch faculty to come here? Frankly, it’s endowed

chairs and professorships that really draw the national academy members and the top folks in their respective fields. Are the students voting on that? No. Is it for the students? Entirely.

TC: Is there any expectation for current students to donate to the campaign?

EDB: Yes, and that has been the case throughout the quiet phase of the campaign. Students give money for spirit cords that they wear at graduation. It’s a symbol of their commitment to the University and as future alumni.

We’re ramping it up this spring in order to have more ways in which students can give.

We know the students don’t have, for the most part, huge bucks to give here but we want them to participate. We want them to know, when they graduate, that this is their school for life. If you’ve given as a student, you realize ‘Oh, I’m part of this.

When I walk by a building with a name on it, that could be me some day.’ So we want students to begin to give, in their own way, as they can now. It feels good to give.

TC: What activities are going to be available to students at the student launch?

EDB: The best opportunity for students to participate is really the 9 a.m. session. That’s the UH community’s first chance to go inside the tent and experience that. We have student philanthropy, booths and opportunities that start at 11 a.m.

At the Student Center, there’ll be a ticker that shows the amount of giving that comes that day. So if you give $50 or $20, or $50,000, that’s going to be part of the ticker to show people that their giving matters.

We always deal with this notion that the campaign is just for rich people and it’s not. The campaign is for everybody.

In this campaign, during the quiet phase, we have 94,000 new donors.

Those are people who’d never given to the University who’ve come forward and those gifts are from $5 to $20 million plus.

"We know the students don’t have, for the most part, huge bucks to give here but we want them to participate," said Eloise Dunn Brice, the vice president for University Advancement. "We want them to know, when they graduate, that this is their school for life. If you’ve given as a student, you realize ‘Oh, I’m part of this.'" | Courtesy of UH Media Relations The Launch Talks are at 3 p.m. This is a version of a TED Talk but much shorter. People will be talking about what the University means to them, what their specialties are and what philanthropy means. At 6 p.m. we have a pep rally.

We’re filling the fountain, and we’ve got luminaries around it. It’ll be really special and emotional; It will be a time for students to feel pride.

They can actually put a wish in the water and we’re also doing a time capsule so students can say ‘this is what I really want to have happen by 2020.’ The campaign ends in 2020 and we’ll open the time capsule at that point.

TC: Could you give us an example of something the Office of Advancement has done for the University outside of this campaign?

EDB: The campaign is really about

creating a culture of philanthropy and letting people understand that there’s a way in which philanthropy can help this University reach new heights.

Campaigns raise the level of giving every year, and usually between campaigns it sort of stays there.

Then you plan the next campaign in a very short order and it goes up again. Campaigns are the vehicle to build much more significant philanthropic support.

This University has not had a campaign for 25 years. Outside of the campaign is alumni relations.

We’ve done a lot in the last three years in order to make sure that the alumni association is viable, that we’ve connected them administratively with the University. What that allows is the alumni association not to be a separate organization, but to be integrated much more with students and with faculty.

TC: How is the money being raised from donors?

EDB: It’s really in three buckets.

We go and ask people for major gifts or principle gifts. So, those are one on one meetings, and we’re very specific about wanting written collateral there so that the donors understand what we’re asking.

We also have the annual giving program.

Principle gifts, for us, are transformational gifts. They’re ones where there’s enough money involved that a single gift can transform part of the University.

TC: Where is this campaign, and the Office of Advancement, going to take the University?

EDB: To great heights.

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Wednesday, January 18, 2017 | 11

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OPINION

opinion@thedailycougar.com

Thomas Dwyer, EDITOR

EDITORIAL BOARD

CAMPUS

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Sidewalk overhaul in Lynn Eusan helps students

O

ver the winter break, the sidewalk that curves around the bike racks between Cougar Village I and Moody Towers was redone in cement and made wider than the original. Pebble and cement slabs comprised the old sidewalk that, with the help of time, had become very THOMAS uneven.

DWYER OPINION EDITOR These changes could not be more welcome to the park.

Not only do the pebble sidewalks reveal their age throughout campus, they handle regular abuse that they were not designed for.

The most recent example of this: When a large truck drove over a sidewalk for the Student Program Board’s Winter Wonderland, the sidewalk was not wide enough.

The truck backed down the sidewalk in reverse in a zigzag motion because the driver over-corrected while trying to keep the wheels on the path. The tires went off the sidewalk, tearing up the grass on both sides and turning muddy sections into large ruts.

Now, students and campus vehicles can maneuver around each other because the sidewalk reaches

several feet wider than its predecessor. Those awkward moments of having to choose between shuffling off the sidewalk so a utility cart can pass or forcing the vehicle to follow closely behind you will now occur on one fewer sidewalk.

Even though the vehicles and equipment used in constructing the sidewalk tore up the area around it, the grass will grow back over the soil eventually. It is a small, short-term price to pay for the sidewalk project.

Another benefit: Students can skate on the new sidewalk more easily and smoothly. They will no longer rattle their way to class on uneven surfaces and cyclists will no longer look like they're mountain biking to class.

Hopefully, the University will continue to improve the sidewalks — not only for the sake of practicality (many of the pebble slabs have become old and cracked), but also because they do not properly drain in the rain, creating massive puddles for students to walk through. The most notable no-drainage areas are in Butler Plaza near the power plant and the downhill walkways in front of the Satellite's entrance.

As trivial as it may sound, students at CV1 and Moody should be excited about this new sidewalk near their residence

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Leah Nash WEB EDITOR

NEWS EDITORS

Marialuisa Rincon Julia Araica Jasmine Davis

OPINION EDITORS

Thomas Dwyer Jorden Smith ARTS EDITORS

Karis Johnson Karin Keller PHOTO EDITORS

Justin Cross Ajani Stewart SENIOR STAFF

Peter Scamardo Katie Santana

SPORTS EDITORS

Leonard Gibson JD Smith

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 new sidewalk is wide enough for students and utility carts to travel side by side — something the old sidewalk couldn't handle. | Justin Cross/The Cougar

halls, and UH should continue to prioritize the sidewalks to help maintain consistency and visual appeal for both current students and future ones.

Opinion editor Thomas Dwyer is a broadcast journalism sophomore and can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

Professor apathy leads to classroom shortcomings

T

Some students feel powerlesss in classes. | Courtesy of Richard Phillip Rucker

perous people, the current model in the United States, which places grades above retention of knowledge, has clearly not helped us.

The system does not incentivize students taking control of their education. Where the goal of an educational system is to empower a student with the desire to learn more, the grading system does not encourage this type of empowerment.

MANAGING EDITOR

Alex Meyer

Emily Burleson

EDUCATION

he education system is failing us. The U.S. school system is rapidly declining when compared to most other developed nations in the world.

According to the Director of the OrgaADIB nization for SHAFIPOUR Economic OPINION COLUMNIST Cooperation and Development Andreas Schleicher, "The United States ranked 25th in the 2015 Program International Student Assessment (or PISA) — a benchmark of education systems conducted every three years by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD)," While a better education system could create a more pros-

Trey Strange

Retrieving a degree to attain a job seems to be the goal. It is clear that engagement and attendance in classrooms is not at its maximum. As educators are beholden to their tenure and research to ensure their employment, student’s education is placed in the backseat.

This poses problems for higher-level educational schemes.

Professors give only a certain number of each letter grade

based on the class's comparative scores.

This merit system commodifies knowledge by making degrees the end goal rather than empowering a student to learn and add to the body of knowledge within a given field.

Students care deeply about their grades, which serve to define their proficiency within a class.

Yet most professors often do not wish to speak of their student’s grades. This is not to say that professors do not care about their students, or do not work hard; quite to the contrary, educators are noble and well-meaning. Placing grades above knowledge breeds apathy within teachers to care for results more than progress.

As long as this educational systems places its merit upon grade marks, creating motivation for both students and educators to progress is not

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.

The Cougar is a member of the Associated Collegiate Press.

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possible. Director Schleicher explains, “This is important.

Education used to be about teaching people facts and theorems; now, it’s about helping students develop a reliable compass and the navigation skills to find their own way through an increasingly uncertain, volatile and ambiguous world.”

Opinion columnist Adib Shafipour is a biochemistry sophomore and can be reached at opinion@ thedailycougar.com

12 | Wednesday, January 18, 2017

OPINION 713-743-5304

thedailycougar.com/opinion

opinion@thedailycougar.com

Thomas Dwyer, EDITOR

ECONOMY

Economists wrongly influence the Federal Reserve

Shortsighted hypothetical predictions lead to real world actions, consequences

T

oday’s economists are hell-bent on scientific experiments where they form a hypothesis that is theoretically accurate, collect data, analyze said data, and generate results that either confirm or deny their hypothesis.

After this the goal is to enact JOHN BRUCATO policy to help COLUMNIST stimulate and/or grow the economy.

The experiments are fine and dandy until economists use them to find patterns to predict the future.

This can be considered the real economic crisis. Simply put, there are too many variables and uncertainties to

Each time the Federal Reserve makes a change, it is a short-term alteration with long-term consequences for the economy. | Marialuisa Rincon/The Cougar

accurately predict an outcome.

These predictions have significant impact on the policy decisions of elected officials.

Entities such as the Federal Reserve has an immense

amount of influence on financial markets, as well on the political spectrum.

In the Wall Street Journal article “Three Economists Walk into a Bar,” James Mackintosh

discusses the shortcomings of modern day economists.

Mackintosh writes, “This is where the biggest difference from meteorology comes in: Weather forecasts don’t change

the weather, but economic forecasts can change the economy.”

ECONOMISTS RUINING FED

Continues on page 14

POLITICS

Trump's busy first 100 days will set tone for presidency

O

n Friday, Donald Drumpf will officially become president of the United States of America. With that, the first 100 days countdown clock begins. Why 100 days?

Because the media places an inordinate amount of importance on the first JORDEN 100 days, and SMITH it’s an easy ASSISTANT number for OPINION EDITOR everyone to remember.

Drumpf needs to set the tone and hit the ground running by getting the things he promised would get done, done.

Drumpf is really good at diagnosing problems, and he’s done so throughout the campaign season and into his time as President-elect. That’s why he needs to focus heavily on problems he diagnosed; he’s already halfway finished.

Supreme Court nominee Firstly and most importantly, Drumpf needs to pick a

Supreme Court nominee.

This action might further alienate half of the country, but it is extremely important for him to prove to his conservative base (along with those who don’t like him) that he is trustworthy. He promised to appoint a worthy Scalia replacement, and he needs to do so.

Drumpf should appoint a strict interpreter of the Constitution and judicial conservative.

One big issue is whether Drumpf will go with someone who has a more authoritarian view of government than most conservatives.

This would mean decisions about the power of the government - like the ACA individual mandate - swaying for more governmental power.

The best option is Texas Supreme Court Justice and Tweeter Laureate of Texas, Justice Don Willett.

The most important reason Drumpf should choose him: He’s cool. Not like high school cool, but actually suave. Willett is not only witty and hilarious but also uncannily smart when it comes to legal decisions.

such as “police power cannot go unpoliced,” he has more widespread like-ability than other candidates. Along with that, he’s a critic of Drumpf.

And that’s exactly what Drumpf needs.

Roll back regulations

Trump's first 100 days will be crucial to setting the the direction and pace for the next four years of his presidency | Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

He’s much more libertarian (yet still a classical liberal) than Scalia, but he embodies what

Scalia stood for — small government and a strict reading of the Constitution. Offering quips

Another promise of the Drumpf candidacy — roll back the multitudes of regulations from the government to help business grow.

He has also appointed Carl Icahn — one-time potential nominee for Secretary of the Treasury — to be special adviser on regulatory reform.

This is a big deal to a lot of people. At Bernie Sander’s CNN Town Hall, one controversial question centered on regulations for small business, and Drumpf did a poor job of answering.

Drumpf needs to get on that quickly because a lot of these regulations come from the Executive Branch. Drumpf has the power to destroy them.

After the first 100 days, he

FIRST 100 DAYS

Continues on next page

Wednesday, January 18, 2017 | 13

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FIRST 100 DAYS

Continues from previous page

needs to create a full, detailed report of what he’s repealed and how that’s ultimately helped U.S. businesses.

quick plan, because things need to change.

Now, this is the government, so it’s likely little will be done. But Drumpf needs to

thedailycougar.com/opinion

legitimize his administration.

I didn’t mention any sort of reunification, because that will ultimately come if he does a good job.

OPINION

opinion@thedailycougar.com

Thomas Dwyer, EDITOR

At the end of these 100 days, we’ll know what to expect from the next four years. Hopefully, it’s good.

Assistant opinion editor Jorden Smith is a political science and creative writing junior and can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

Set a plan for repealing of Obamacare Speaking of regulations, Republicans have threatened for years to repeal Obamacare, but an actual repeal never happened.

Usually, Republicans chalked it up to the inevitable Obama veto, but that’s no longer an issue.

Though this is not technically in Drumpf ’s purview as a member of the Executive Branch, he’ll eventually be forced to sign any legislation.

He needs to work with Congress to come up with an actual solution — something Republicans have skimped on.

Even though individual Republicans have had their own ideal solutions, there has never been consensus.

Congressional Republicans already have their own plan.

Long story short, it has a lot to do with budgets.

Republicans have set Jan. 27 as the date when new legislation will be finished, but that won't happen, because the government never meets deadlines.

Drumpf needs to be actively involved in the new legislation.

He promised a lot and needs to deliver. No Romneycare 2.0.

He can slip up big time here, so should tread carefully, but he needs to get something done.

Student Center

Houston Room

THE

Russia The big, looming question that Drumpf and his administration need to answer really quickly is: What is our strategy with Russia?

No evidence suggests that Russia will stop being aggressive with a Drumpf presidency.

Drumpf needs to figure out, very quickly what his policy toward Russia will actually be.

Hard-lined and defensive, or friendly and cooperative?

The nomination of Rex Tillerson for Secretary of State suggests quite a friendly working relationship between the United States and Russia, and Drumpf ’s has reiterated this message.

But what does that actually mean? Drumpf could go for a "trust, but verify” relationship.

Still, no one really knows.

No matter what Drumpf decides, he needs to be quick because, as Mitt Romney was accosted for saying in 2012, Russia is our biggest geopolitical threat. Drumpf needs a

SPRING

Win Prizes Nintendo: NES Classic Edition Power Beats Fire Stick

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14 | Wednesday, January 18, 2017

OPINION 713-743-5304

ECONOMISTS RUINING FED

Continues from page 12

When Janet Yellen hints that the Fed is going to raise rates

thedailycougar.com/opinion

during the next FOMC meeting, the market reacts.

If the Presidential election favors someone harder on fiscal policy, the market reacts.

opinion@thedailycougar.com

Thomas Dwyer, EDITOR

For example, when Donald Trump won the presidential election, the initial market reaction was a catastrophic start, followed by a strong

close.

The point is, economists need to get their noses out of policy making and allow the markets to stimulate

O I D A R G O O C

E M O C L E W jan. 2n5t tPhlaza e d u t S K C BA

11:30AM - 1:30PM

free food, drinks, prizes, music, etc

themselves.

Any person who has studied high school science knows that every action has an equal and opposite reaction.

The same concept applies to the economy.

If an economic entity such as the Federal Reserve props up the economy, the economy will eventually fall the same length.

This can be said when we enter boom and bust cycles.

In the shortest possible terms, a boom occurs when a particular industry is artificially inflated by either the Fed or another governing body.

When that artificial boost becomes unsustainable, it deflates hard; example: the 2000 and 2008 crises.

At this point either the Federal Reserve cannot see the bubbles coming, or allow them to occur intentionally.

The Peter Schmidt article, “Do Central Bankers Know a Bubble When They See One?” discusses how the Fed misuses their capabilities and ultimately breaches its intended purpose.

Schmidt writes, “…senior Fed officials taking positions diametrically opposed to positions Alan Greenspan claimed formed the basis for the Fed’s policy toward bubbles, namely, allowing bubbles to burst and dealing with the consequences later…”

This means that the Fed aims to be incredibly shortsighted.

It chooses to make the economy look good at the moment and deal with the consequences after the fact.

The problem is, the American people are the ones who shoulder those consequences, not the Board of Governors.

So, what now? The greatest piece of advice comes from within the Fed itself.

The Federal Reserve needs to get their fingers out of the market.

They need to raise interest rates back to their natural rate (5%) and let the economy adjust on its own.

Let the country heal.

Although the sixteen year economic stagnate is largely over, it will not return to its natural state unless the Fed and modern-day economists back down.

Opinion columnist John Brucato is a economics senior and can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, January 18, 2017 | 15

OPINION

PUZZLES

opinion@thedailycougar.com

Thomas Dwyer, EDITOR

SERVICE

Take a moment to give back

M

ACROSS 1 Struggle to breathe 5 Italy’s capital, to natives 9 One’s “humble” residence 14 Supreme Court Justice Bader Ginsburg 15 Period pieces?

16 Genesis tower place 17 Under deadline pressure 20 Kind of gun or stove 21 Take an ax to 22 Albanian coins 23 Before, in old poetry 24 Respectful title in India 26 Certainly not far from 28 Thousands of pounds 30 Leaves quickly 34 Summer coolers, briefly 37 Scandinavian royal name 39 Hollywood offering 40 Responsibility of an NFL coach 44 Prey clutcher 45 Rural water source 46 Ping-Pong table feature 47 Short upright piano 49 React to a shock like an angler?

51 Wang of wedding fashion 53 Type of caddy or cup

54 Prefix with “angle” or “pod” 57 Word on some road signs 60 Attachment with “walk” or “trade” 62 Coded message 64 Natural timekeeper of one planning a family 67 Tossed off the covers and stood 68 Perfume that sounds verboten 69 Bubble bath ingredient 70 Send to a different doctor 71 Typical Kuwaiti 72 Work, as a bar DOWN 1 Pinot, for one 2 Carpenters find it boring 3 Long past the shelf date 4 Rizzuto of Yankees fame 5 John or loo 6 Table crumb 7 Arithmetic 8 White as a sheet 9 “The Middle” network 10 Cotillion locale 11 Slim woodwind 12 It has 13 diamonds

13 Some large deer 18 Home out on a limb 19 Female sheep 25 Teammate on “Family Feud,” often 27 Topmost spot 29 More rational 31 Browning product?

32 Trident feature 33 Stone paving block 34 Performs on Broadway 35 React to an “applaud” sign 36 Diva highlights 38 Job for Mr parker?

41 Shake with laughter 42 Important joint 43 Assembly of school singers 48 Calc prerequisite, typically 50 Not in the clergy 52 Baker or Loos 54 Oar holder 55 Info-gathering mission 56 Made angry 57 Kind of ski lift 58 Fill a position 59 Protective covering 61 Mark of Zorro?

63 Map showing planned features of an area 65 Bard’s “above” 66 Court org or old court org

any students at the University of Houston are quick to claim the Third Ward as their own for a myriad of reasons.

Some are proud of the historic black heritage that the community has. Some think that it THOMAS makes them DWYER look tough OPINION EDITOR for going to school located in a neighborhood with an intersection ranked fifteenth most violent in the country.

The truth is, most students don't have anything more to do with the Third Ward other than happening to go to school in it.

Even still, most don't live in the Third, they either live on campus or commute from someplace else in Houston.

The Third only gets claimed

or repped when it’s convenient for the majority of UH students.

The worst part is, even with organizations like Metropolitan Student Association, not enough students give their time back to the community that their school is in.

This week, that can change.

On Saturday, the University Center for Student Involvement is having the Martin Luther King day of service to directly give back to the neighborhoods around UH. There are plenty of service opportunities to get involved in throughout the Third Ward. The Third Ward happens to exist in a food desert, an area where there is not easily accessible food or even a high amount of grocery stores. Campus organizations like the Food Recovery Network strive to share UH resources and food that would typically go to waste and put them back into the community.

If volunteering to help alleviate

the burden of food deserts isn't your speed, there are houses in the Third Ward that need your help getting built and painted.

There are vegetable gardens that need sowing and tending. There is something for every pair of hands to do in this neighborhood.

As Cougars, service to the Third Ward and those who live within it is an obligation that we must uphold and carry out as a school.

The Martin Luther King day of service registration is a good place to begin giving back.

Students can sign up at http:// www.uh.edu/mlk/students.html.

Other school organizations to volunteer with are the Metropolitan Volunteer Program as well as major-specific organizations.

Go and be someone in this community.

Thom Dwyer is the opinion editor at The Cougar. He can be reached at opinion@thedailycougar.com.

Do you want your voice to be heard by

40,000?

Join The Cougar’s writing staff!

Fill out an application on Get Involved

16 | Wednesday, January 18, 2017

SPORTS 713-743-5303

thedailycougar.com/sports

sports@thedailycougar.com

Leonard D. Gibson III, EDITOR

FOOTBALL

Houston, we have a recruiting problem LEONARD D. GIBSON III

SPORTS EDITOR @LEONARDDGIBSON

Undoubtedly, the Houston Cougars are in the midst of a recruiting crisis two weeks before signing day. A total of 10 high school prospects have de-committed from UH, and the Cougars’ recruiting class rank has plummeted.

On Nov. 28, a few days after Herman left the team, the Cougars’ recruiting class rank was No. 35 nationally, according to 247Sports. As of this article's publication, the Cougars lie at No. 65 nationally and No. 3 in the American Conference behind Memphis and UCF. The de-committing began with cornerback Javelin Guidry.

After Guidry, five more players followed suit, totaling six post-Herman de-commits.

In a Twitter post, Guidry revealed that his lack of faith in the new coaching staff drove his decision to begin looking elsewhere.

“Based upon the recent coaching changes and uncertainty of the program, I am de-committing from the University of Houston and re-opening my recruitment,” Guidry wrote.

Guidry has received offers from Utah and Texas since de-committing from Houston.

Daniel Young, a 3 star RB, and Marqez Bimage, a 3 star OLB, both de-committed from Houston and committed to Texas.

Program first Current head coach Major Applewhite inherited the sinking ship but has a different take on what drives players to commit to schools.

In a press conference last week, Applewhite argued that if a coach can emphasize to his players that they are going to their school based on the program, they will find that most coaches are similar. In the end, players stay at a school for the culture in the city, the academics of the university and the winning tradition.

“What I think prospects find is all coaches are about the same,” Applewhite said. “It’s reemphasizing to them, ‘I’m going to Houston because of the program.’”

Applewhite added that he wouldn’t sign anyone for the sake of signing them to inflate the class rank. He’s making sure that

he’s signing the right recruits that fit the program best.

Not alone Houston isn’t the only school in the country experiencing this problem. Western Michigan’s 2017 class has 14 total de-commits, with 11 in January.

Students are fleeing the school because of former head coach, P.J. Fleck.

Fleck was the head coach at WMU from 2013-2016 and recently led the Broncos to a New Year’s Six bowl game. Like Herman, Fleck left for a Power Five school after leading a Group of Five school to national recognition. Minnesota offered him the head coaching position, and he took it.

He didn’t leave alone. Within 24 hours, Fleck flipped six players from WMU to Minnesota.

Within a few days, that number increased to nine.

Chris Autman-Bell, a threestar prospect recruited by Fleck at WMU, posted on his Twitter: “Due to Coach Fleck taking the University of Minnesota job, I will like to say that I am De-Committing from Western Michigan and attending The University of Minnesota."

Since Tom Herman's departure, six players from the 2017 recruiting class have de-committed, dropping the class rank from No. 35 to No. 65. The Cougars are down to 15 commits with a total 22 scholarships available. | File photo/The Cougar

sports@thedailycougar.com

to Memphis (48-44)

to take the head coaching job at UT

Javelin Guidry de-commits

Nov. 26

Position - CB Undecided

Repeating history This is not the first time that Houston has had an abysmal recruiting class because of a new head coach. Herman’s first year at Houston saw the Cougars’ recruiting class rank at No. 92 nationally and No. 7 in the AAC. The 2015 recruiting class managed to sign only five three-star recruits.

However in his next year as head coach, Herman surpassed expectations, signing Ed Oliver, the first five-star recruit to enroll at a Group of Five school and three four-star recruits. The 2016 recruiting class was No. 1 in the AAC and No. 36 nationally.

How did Herman recruit so well in 2016?

He won games in 2015. He took the Cougars to the Peach Bowl where they upset the Florida State Seminoles and ended the season as the second best team in Texas.

If the 2018 recruiting class is to be anything like the 2016 class, the Cougars have to prove that they can win — even without Herman.

Houston loses

Tom Herman leaves

Nov. 25

Nov. 29

Terry Petry de-commits

Position - CB Missouri

Nov. 30 Major Applewhite

named head coach

Houston loses

Dec. 9

Houston de-commits In a little over one month, UH has lost six recruits from the 2017 recruiting class

Dec. 17

to San Diego State (34-10)

Daniel Young de-commits

Position - RB Texas

Dec. 20

Matthew Huhn de-commits

Position - OT Undecided

Dec. 20 Dec. 23

Marquez Bimage de-commits

Dec. 31

Position - ILB Texas

Timarcus Davis de-commits Leah Nash/The Cougar

Position - CB Baylor

Wednesday, January 18, 2017 | 17

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thedailycougar.com/sports

SPORTS

sports@thedailycougar.com

Leonard D. Gibson III, EDITOR

FOOTBALL

Most successful senior class graduates from program LEONARD D. GIBSON III

SPORTS EDITOR @LEONARDDGIBSON

With the Cougars’ season ending in Las Vegas, it’s time to say goodbye to more than a handful of familiar faces who have made their marks in the Houston football record books.

As these players hanging up their red-and-white jerseys, let's take a moment to look at the problems that will need to be addressed for the next season.

Greg Ward Jr. Quarterback, 2013-2016 The leader and face of the Cougars is graduating.

No matter how many players return, it will take some getting used to seeing the Cougars captained by anyone but Ward Jr. The leader and face of the Cougars is graduating.

Ward Jr. leaves a legacy of success, finishing with a 27-6 record as the starting quarterback, second in school history.

His prowess as a dual-threat quarterback is unmatched in UH history, as he’s first in career rushing yards (2,375) and touchdowns (39) by a quarterback.

He even ties Bryce Beall for rushing touchdowns regardless of position.

Ward Jr. led the 25-point fourth quarter comeback in the 2015 Armed Forces Bowl against Pittsburgh, helped dismantle No. 9 Florida State in the 2015 Peach Bowl and upset No. 3 Oklahoma in the 2016 season opener.

For more than two years, fans have gotten used to seeing an electric quarterback who just couldn’t be tackled, even by some of the best pass rushers.

His presence will be missed, and the composition of the offense may be completely different next year.

Seventeen Cougars are leaving UH, printing their marks on the history books. These players leave holes for next season's team to fill. | Courtesy of UH Athletics

Brandon Wilson Cornerback, 2012-2016

Howard Wilson Cornerback, 2014-2016

Brandon is one of the most versatile players to ever come to UH. The loss of his flexibility will leave the Cougars without near as many dimensions next season.

Brandon played in every phase of the game and excelled wherever placed.

In the 2015 season, he scored two touchdowns on offense, defense and on special teams, making him the only player in the entire nation to score multiple touchdowns in all three phases of football.

In 2016, he was the X-factor in the Cougars’ 33-23 openingweekend win over Oklahoma where he returned a missed field goal 109 yards for a touchdown.

Sometimes, all it takes to blow a game wide open is one play, and Brandon had the ability to pull that play out of his jack-of-alltrades hat in an instant.

The most devastating blow to the Cougar defense comes with the early departure of Howard when he decided to forgo his final two years to enter the NFL draft. The Cougars’ young secondary was picked apart by offenses all year, and Howard leaves the team’s most glaring weakness with an uncertain future. One of the most experienced cornerbacks, Howard had five interceptions and nine pass breakups in the 2016 season.

With his absence, the Cougars will have to put a new player in an already-struggling part of the team.

Steven Taylor Outside Linebacker, 2013-2016 While Ed Oliver was rushing the opposing team’s quarterback and causing mayhem at the line of scrimmage, Taylor danced between blitzing, dropping into

coverage and stopping the rush.

In 2015, he put up 10 sacks and two interceptions. In 2016, he had eight and a half sacks and one interception, which he returned for a touchdown.

He also led Houston with 72 stops and piled up 11 tackles for loss, resulting in negative 77 yards in total this last season.

Taylor excelled in all facets of his position; the defense will need to adjust to his loss.

Chance Allen Wide Reciever, 2015-2016 One of Ward Jr.’s frequently targeted receivers, Allen finished the season with 56 receptions and 815 receiving yards, good for second behind Linell Bonner. He averaged 14.6 points per reception and had six touchdowns in his final season.

The recent history of exceptional wide receivers at UH will continue with Bonner and Steven Dunbar at the helm.

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Tyus Bowser Outside Linebacker, 2013-2016 Bowser missed five games because of an injury but he finished second on the team with 10.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks. If he had been healthy all season, those numbers would be higher.

Tyler McCloskey Tight End, 2013-2016 McCloskey had a breakout season, finishing third on the team with four touchdown passes caught and had a career-high 23 receptions for 233 yards. In the Cougars’ nail biting loss to Memphis, McCloskey caught seven passes for 86 yards.

Ty Cummings Kicker, 2013-2016 Accounteing for 103 points this season, Cummings made 16-for20 fields goals, with three from 40 plus yards. sports@thedailycougar.com

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Leonard D. Gibson III, EDITOR

BASKETBALL

Winter games signal progress for Cougars J. D. SMITH

ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR @JDSMITH_08

Houston 70 University of South Florida 56

The month between fall and spring semesters can be a relaxing time for students, from spending time with family to catching up on work or sleep.

For the men’s and women’s basketball teams though, the break represents a busy time in the schedule as they finish non-conference play and start focusing on American Athletic Conference opponents.

Dotson and Gray led the Cougars with 25 points each as the Cougars shot over 45 percent on three-pointers to start 2-0 in AAC play. Junior guard Wes VanBeck continued his hot start, adding 11 points in 27 minutes off the bench.

Men’s Basketball

Houston 83 University of Texas Rio Grande Valley 58 Behind a career-high 25 points from senior guard Damyean Dotson, the Cougars cruised to a 25-point victory.

Four Cougars finished with double-digit scoring as they finished 10-28 from beyond the arc.

Houston 77 Liberty University 54 Redshirt junior guard Rob Gray joined Dotson with 22 points each as the Cougars picked up their seventh-straight home win.

Dotson added 10 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season.

Houston 56 Harvard University 57 The Cougars dropped a heart breaking game to Harvard for their first home loss of the season.

Gray was all over the scorebox with 15 points, three assists, a block and three steals.

Despite leading 34-30 at halftime, Harvard held the Cougars to 22 second-half points as Gray’s last-second shot missed the mark.

Houston 62 University of Connecticut 46 A stingy Cougar defense held the Huskies to 12 first half points as Houston picked up its first AAC win of the season.

The Huskies had only six scholarship athletes at the game due to sickness and injury.

The halftime score was 36-12.

Gray led all scorers with 20.

Houston 64 University of Tulsa 61 A career-high 16 points from VanBeck countered a slow start by the Cougars as they completed the comeback against the Golden Hurricane. wGoing 10-10 from the free point line, VanBeck proved a pivotal part of the team.

Outlook Overall, the Cougars went 5-1 over the break, bringing them to 13-4 on the season. The Cougars have a chance of making the NCAA tournament with a strong conference performance. In their latest projection, CBS Sports has the Cougars playing in one of the four play-in games, making the tournament for the first time under head coach Kelvin Sampson.

Women’s Basketball

Houston 69 University of Louisiana-Lafayette 67 A career-high 23 points from freshman guard Jasmyne Harris powered the Cougars to their fifth win of the season.

One of three Cougars in double-digits, Harris totaled a career-high 31 minutes off the bench.

Houston 56 University of Texas-San Antonio 49 The Cougars picked up their third-straight win as their defense held the Road Runners to single-digit scoring in each of the first two quarters.

Harris led all Cougars with 16 points as Houston held an opponent under 50 points for the first time this season.

Houston 55 University of Central Arkansas 64 A 21-point fourth quarter wasn’t

The men's and women's basketball teams are in a prime position for a competitive season at both Hofheinz Pavilion and on the road with high-performing players like junior guard Rob Gray and freshman guard Jasmyne Harris. | Courtesy of UH Athletics

enough for the Cougars as the offense looked sluggish at first.

The Cougars went 8-27 from the field in the first half. Careerhighs in points from both Butler (18) and Hawkins (16) weren't enough as no other Cougar totaled more than 8.

game behind double-doubles from Hawkins and senior center Jacqueline Blake. Houston caught fire in the second quarter, shooting 69.2 percent and taking a 39-32 lead they would never relinquish.

Houston 85 Alcorn State University 70

Houston 64 University of Cincinnati 85

Behind 18 points from Butler, the Cougars went on a 15-0 run to start the third quarter, shooting 75 percent in the period to end their nonconference schedule with a win. Four Cougars finished with double-digit scoring as Houston totaled a season-high 85.

An 11-0 run to start the third quarter from the Bearcats proved to be too much for the Cougars to handle. A careerhigh 20 points from senior guard Kierra Graves wasn’t enough as three Bearcats topped the 20-point mark.

Houston 71 Tulsa 66

Houston 48 University of Central Florida 62

For the first time since the 2012-2013 season, the Cougars won their opening conference

A cold streak in the third quarter that featured seven straight missed 3s doomed the

Cougars. The Cougars shot 15.4 percent for 3. Harris notched her second double-double behind a 10-point 11-rebound performance.

Outlook The Cougars finished 4-3 over the stretch, bringing their season record to 8-8 and eclipsing six wins for the first time since the 2012-2013 season. In his third season with the program head coach Ronald Hughey is showing the patience in him is paying off as they have their best scoring offense, defense and differential in 4 years. The Cougars are averaging more than 60 points per game for this first time since 2012-2013 behind Butler and Harris. sports@thedailycougar.com

Wednesday, January 18, 2017 | 19

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Leonard D. Gibson III, EDITOR

BASEBALL

No. 20 Cougars poised for success As the Cougars head toward the 2017 season with hopes of getting back to postseason success following a disappointing 2015 campaign, Cougar staff preview how they think the season will go.

Aiming for victory For the last seven months the cougar baseball team has been PETER waiting to SCAMARDO wash a sour SENIOR STAFF taste from their mouths.

Head coach Todd Whitting’s team clawed their way through the American Conference Tournament, needing to win to reach the postseason.

The Cougars won their first three games, beating the top seeded University of Tulane twice, before losing to the University of Connecticut in the championship game.

There is every reason to believe that the 2017 season will be another competitive year for the Cougars.

Coach Whitting’s teams have competed for or won the American Conference the last three seasons.

His rivals seem to think this year will be no different as the Cougars have been picked to finish second in the conference.

Only four offensive starters remain from a year ago. Junior catcher Connor Wong, junior outfielder Corey Julks, junior infielder Connor Hollis and sophomore designated hitter Joe Davis will be looked at to steer the ship for the 21 newcomers on the roster.

Davis has a lot of momentum coming into the season.

The freshman All-American and Conference Rookie of the Year was named the Conference Preseason Player of the Year.

After breaking the freshman record in home runs and RBIs, everyone expects Davis to continue his productive slugging and be a key reason behind a lot of the team’s wins.

Pitching is one place where the Cougars have no worries.

Last year the rotation ranked No. 2 in the country in ERA.

Andrew Lantrip will be missed, but his absence should not hurt the team as junior lefthander Seth Romero was recently named the No. 1 college draft prospect in Texas and No. 10 overall.

After leading the team in ERA the last two seasons, he is the clear ace on the rotation.

The return of senior John King and freshman AllAmericans Mitch Ullom and Trey Cumbie will ensure that the Cougars once again have a solid pitching staff this season.

Overall, the Cougars have a talented roster, and given the veteran leadership, there is every reason to see them playing for the American crown come May.

Sustaining Success After a disappointing season in which they failed J.D. to reach SMITH the NCAA ASSISTANT tournament SPORTS EDITOR the No. 20 Cougars look to replicate the success sustained in 2015.

Retaining their top four hitters and a pitching staff that ranked second in the nation in ERA, the Cougars have all the pieces necessary to make a deep run in the College World Series.

Along with a veteran leadership that features two Preseason All-Americans and two players ranked in Baseball America’s Top 100 College Draft Prospects List, the Cougars welcome 21 newcomers to the roster including 15 freshmen.

Romero returns as the staff ace, leading the team in ERA during his first two seasons.

Ranked as the tenth best prospect in college and best in the state Romero anchors a staff that finished 2016 at 36-23 with a 2.48 ERA and 475 strikeouts in 522 innings.

On the offensive side, Davis returns after posting one of the best freshman campaigns in school history.

The Austin native set freshman records in home runs (14) and RBIs (58) while being named American Athletic Conference rookie of

the year and starting 58 out of 59 games.

Davis is joined by a lineup featuring the No. 88 prospect Wong and preseason all-AAC selection Julks.

The Cougars schedule feature 10 games against teams currently ranked in the top 25, including three against cross-town rival Rice University as they try to retain the Silver Glove for the fourth straight season.

On top of 29 home games the Cougars will play Sam Houston State University and Rice at Constellation Field in Sugarland.

With the talent on the roster and strong schedule the Cougars are primed to win the AAC and advance to the NCAA tournament after missing it last year. sports@thedailycougar.com

Romero aced a Cougar pitching staff that ranked second in the NCAA in ERA last season. | Courtesy of UH Athletics

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BASEBALL

Core baseball players receive preseason recognition PETER SCAMARDO

designation. Wong, however, opts not to focus on the rankings too much. His focus is on seeing what he can improve on during any given day so that he can help his team win games.

“We’re about to start practicing as a team on our own," Wong said.

"We’re expecting big things from this season.”

SENIOR STAFF WRITER @PLSCAMARDO2

Four members of the Cougar baseball team have received preseason accolades in lead up to the 2017 season. The honors show that the returning core players are recognized as some of the best in the conference.

The honors beginwith junior starting pitcher Seth Romero and junior catcher Connor Wong being named in Baseball America's Top 100 college draft prospects.

Romero and Wong were two of only three athletes from the American Athletic Conference to be named in the BA Top 100. The list is based off of evaluations by Major League scouts to be used for the MLB First-Year Player Draft. Romero was rated the No. 10 athlete and No. 1 in the state of Texas. Wong was rated No. 88 in the 2017 class.

“I don’t really think about [the rankings] too much," Romero said.

“Really we’re just focused on the

All-Conference Cougars

"(Coach Whitting’s) message is we have a really talented group of guys. We had a really good fall, and we need to build on it to make the most of what we have," said junior catcher Connor Wong. | Courtesy of UH Athletics

season and trying to make sure we do well."

Romero was named to the Preseason All-American and All-Conference teams in addition to his draft ranking. He is the clear ace for the starting rotation heading into the season. After leading the team in ERA for the second

straight year, he will be looked at to lead a youthful but talented group.

Wong has been one of the best overall athletes for the Cougars.

Starting in all 59 games last season his .304 average and 70 hits were second on the team. His play earned him an All-Conference

In addition to Romero and Wong, junior outfielder Corey Julks and sophomore designated hitter Joe Davis were both named to the Preseason All-Conference team.

Julks has been the top hitter the last two seasons. He hit .332 last year to go with his 65 hits and 34 runs scored. His consistent hitting and base stealing earned him a place on the All-Conference team last year. The conference naturally expects him to do the same in his junior year.

Davis is coming off one of the best seasons for a freshman in program history. Davis has proved

he can change the shape of a game with one swing of his bat.

His 14 home runs and 58 RBI's broke the school freshman record.

The Freshman All-American will continue his impressive form as he has been named the Preseason All-Conference Player of the Year.

All have been key contributors to a team that has played for the conference title the last two seasons. Despite last season's faults there is still enthusiasm around the squad. With five offensive spots open on the roster, the veterans will have to make sure the young athletes are prepared. The players know very well that the accolades will not mean anything if they do not perform to their potential.

“That’s just the expectation at the University of Houston,” Wong said “to win a lot of games and be a successful program. Whether it’s football, baseball, basketball, we’re all trying to win a lot of games." sports@thedailycougar.com

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January 17th and 18th Look for the CFI white tents for staff to answer questions and WELCOME you to campus.

CFI is here to create a sense of community among staff, faculty and students by providing new and returning students with resources and qualitative customer service at key areas on the campus during the first and second day of class.