The Daily Texan 2022-01-18

DT VOLUME 123, ISSUE 1 TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

WELCOME BACK, LONGHORNS breyona mitchell

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PERMANENT STAFF Editor-in-Chief Sanika Nayak Managing Editor Phoebe Hayes Assoc. Managing Editors Nathan Han, Fiza Kuzhiyil Digital and Projects Director Addie Costello Director of Diversity & Inclusion Abhirupa Dasgupta Asst. Diversity & Inclusion Directors Rachael Hatchett, Megan Tran Assoc. Editors Faith DuFresne, Julia Zaksek, Mia Abbe, Sruti Ramachandran Forum Editor Safa Michigan Illustration Coordinator Abriella Corker News Editor Anna Canizales Assoc. News Editors Skye Seipp, Samantha Greyson News Desk Editors Sheryl Lawrence, Tori Duff, Kevin Vu Beat Reporters Mackenzie Sullivan, Leila Saidane, Hope Unger, Joelle DiPaolo, Katy Nelson, Hannah Ortega Life&Arts Editor Zoe Tzanis Assoc. Life&Arts Editors Sofia Treviño, Reya Mosby Sr. Life&Arts Film Columnist Noah Levine Sr. Life&Arts Reporters Angela Lim, Kaiya Little Sports Editor Hannah Williford Assoc. Sports Editor Matthew Boncosky Senior Sports Reporters Ethan Ferguson, Amsal Madhani, Jordan Mitchell Newsletters Editor Trinity Smith

Design Editor Jenny DeVico Assoc. Design Editor Juleanna Culilap Senior Designers Sara Kinney, Karina Kumar, Marissa Kapp Digital Designer Ciara Casarez Web Designer Grace Booker Video Editor Anchal Raghuvanshi Sr. Videographers Ethan Greeno, Shezan Samanani, Christina Dov, Bhargav Nallanthighal Photo Editor Kara Hawley Assoc. Photo Editors Julius Shieh, Connor Downs Senior Photographers Peyton Sims, Leila Saidane Comics Editor Barbra Daly Assoc. Comics Editor Sylvia Asuncion-Crabb Sr. Comics Illustrators Breyona Mitchell, Megan Clarke, Emma George, Rocky Higine Social Media Editor Bernice Chen Assoc. Social Media Editor Sarah Winch Senior Digital Staffers Kaitlyn Wilkes, Brooke Weatherbie Audio Editor Leni Steinhardt Assoc. Audio Editor Mikayla Mondragon Senior Audio Producers Hannah Ortega, Emmanuel Ramirez Editorial Adviser Peter Chen

Opinion Illustrators Diane Sun

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The Daily Texan offers tips and tricks to combat anxieties and spur motivation amid the virtual learning.

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Editor-in-chief Sanika Nayak urges you to consider applying to The Daily Texan’s spring staff.

Life&Arts

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Opinion

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Texas volleyball welcomes former Olympian Jordan Larson as newest assistant coach.

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Sanika Nayak (512) 232-2212 editor@dailytexanonline.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Phoebe Hayes (512) 232-2217 managingeditor@thedailytexan.com

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Assoc. Copy Desk Chiefs Lana Haffar, Emma Allen, Minka Atkinson

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Articles of impeachment for the Student Government executive officers await committee approval.

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Assoc. Newsletters Editor Jessica Garcia

TODAY Jan. 17

News

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Contents:

CapMetro planning to build light rail on Guadalupe

(512) 232-2207 news@thedailytexan.com

CAMPUS

The Texan strives to present all information fairly, accurately and completely. If we have made an error, let us know about it. E-mail managingeditor@thedailytexan.com.

By Hannah Ortega @_hannahortega_

After over 20 years of discussion and planning, CapMetro has designs for a light rail line on Guadalupe Street with construction beginning in several years. One plan for the line could completely remove cars from the street while leaving room for bikes and pedestrians.

The rail line is part of Project Connect, a $7.1 billion plan voters passed in the November 2020 election, and will include an orange line and a blue line. The orange line will run from Tech Ridge to Slaughter Lane, and the blue line from the airport to Republic Square, connecting with the orange line and then running north.

Peter Mullan, chief of architecture and urban design for Austin Transit Partnership, said the final design for the orange line could eliminate cars from Guadalupe Street.

“Being able to travel through the city at much faster rates than you will be able to in a car, I think it’s going to just allow the University to be connected and accessible to people from all over the city,” Mullan said.

If cars remain, there will be a rail line and one car lane in each direction of vehicular traffic. If cars are removed, vehicular travel will not exist on Guadalupe from 22nd Street to 29th Street. However, there would still be an area for bikes and pedestrians, and buses could possibly travel on the

jack myer

rail guideway, Mullan said.

“I think for businesses on the Drag, part of our goal is how do we use the light rail, because of this increased

/ the daily texan staff

access, to make that place a destination?” Mullan said.

“We think that there’s an CAPMETRO

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S A N I K A N AYA K

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Editor-In-Chief | @TEXANOPINION TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

COLUMN

OPINION

The Texan needs your perspective As the new semester begins, we want to remind you that there’s a place for you at The Daily Texan.

By Sanika Nayak Editor-in-chief

ere at The Daily Texan, we’ve strived to serve the UT community since 1900.

Along the way, we’ve managed to garner a semesterly staff of over 300 people, generate more Pulitzer Prize winners than any other college newspaper and boast an impressive reputation as the most award-winning college publication in the nation.

But we could do better.

Here at The Daily Texan, we strive to serve the UT community better than we have before. And we want you to be a part of our mission to do so.

For the last 121 years, the Texan has established itself as an integral part of the University’s legacy. Through the years, our newsroom has grown and changed with the help of our student staff and student readers. We’ve made mistakes in the past that must be acknowledged — we’ve alienated groups on campus through insensitive coverage and been inaccessible to those who want to join. No amount of prestige can erase that. We can, and we must, do better.

This paper is made by students, for students. It always has been. But the students producing the paper and those who consume it must reflect everyone in the UT community. That starts with an inclusive newsroom, one that welcomes you and inspires you to join us in our basement office.

You have a place at the Texan and

LEGALESE | Opinions expressed in The Daily Texan are those of the editor, the Editorial Board or the writer of the article. They are not necessarily those of the UT administration, the Board of Regents or the Texas Student Media Board of Operating Trustees.

diane sun

ownership of the publication as a member of the UT community.

There’s no precursor to applying.

You don’t need to be a journalism major, have press experience or even be a writer. No matter your skills, there’s likely to be something at the Texan that suits your interests.

If you’re keen on activism and advocacy, join me in the opinion department. You’ll find like-minded people interested in improving the University for all students. We tackle the issues you care about, and aim to amplify the voices of student organizers to help spark real change on campus.

If you love to work at a fast and furious pace and care about keeping students up to speed, check out the news department. Keeping the campus community informed is one of our most important tasks. We often cover breaking news events and do our best to keep students in the loop about the events that affect them.

Are student life, music and movies your thing? Interested in interviewing the occasional celebrity?

SUBMIT A FIRING LINE | Email your Firing Lines to editor@dailytexanonline.com. Letters must be more than 100 and fewer than 300 words. The Texan reserves the right to edit all submissions for brevity, clarity and liability.

/ the daily texan file

Consider joining the life and arts section, where you’ll write features galore and cover niche topics in the student community.

If you’ve always been into sports, come cover games and all things Texas Athletics at our diligent sports department. We care just as much about telling the stories of the people in the sports arena as the final box score.

Our publication isn’t all about writing, however. If creative work is more your speciality, look into our design department, which ensures each flipbook’s layout is easy to read and produces wonderful graphics to go alongside stories.

Is the inner artist in you screaming to be seen? Consider our brilliant comics department to put your talents to use, or the opinion illustrator team to inventively portray a written argument through digital art. If you’ve got a knack for catching small errors, love correcting grammar and believe that the devil’s in the details, join the copy department, fittingly known as the backbone of the paper.

I’m not done just yet. Are you most comfortable with a camera in your hands? Check out the photo department to keep your photography skills sharp by taking pictures of events, people, games and more. Our video department also offers countless opportunities to capture meaningful stories on film.

If you prefer to be off-camera but love to tell stories through conversation, the audio department has what you’re looking for. For those interested in creating connections with the student community, our social media and newsletter departments are the perfect place to engage with others.

Last, but certainly not least, our stellar diversity and inclusion department is for those passionate about making the newsroom a more equitable and inclusive atmosphere. The work they do is absolutely essential to ensuring that our coverage is respectful to underrepresented groups on campus and that the Texan is available to everyone.

As editor-in-chief, I want to create a space that feels welcoming to all, a space that gives you the same community it gave me. Consider applying, and tell us what we can do to make the newsroom more accessible to you. If you can’t apply, follow our work and let us know how we can be better. Whether it’s by being a part of the staff or as an avid content consumer, the Texan would be grateful for your perspective.

Nayak is a speech, language and hearing sciences senior from Austin, Texas. She is the editor-in-chief.

RECYCLE | Please recycle this copy of The Daily Texan. Place the paper in one of the recycling bins on campus or back in the burnt-orange newsstand where you found it.

EDITORIAL TWITTER | Follow The Daily Texan Editorial Board on Twitter (@TexanOpinion) and receive updates on our latest editorials and columns.

NEWS

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Remaining SG executives await committee decision on articles of impeachment

By Mackenzie Sullivan @macksully

If the Student Government ethics committee passes articles of impeachment for remaining executive officers by Jan. 25, members will vote to begin impeachment trials.

Braxdon Cannon, speaker of the assembly, said SG’s Ethics and Oversight committee must approve the articles of impeachment by Jan. 25, or the bill will die. If the committee approves the bill and a majority vote is reached, impeachment trials will proceed to remove president Kiara Kabbara, financial director Grant Marconi and communications director Madison Brown from their positions.

Kabbara, Marconi and Brown are the only remaining executive board members after four members resigned last semester. SG representatives introduced the articles of impeachment Nov. 30, after Kabbara, Marconi and Brown refused to resign upon receiving votes of no confidence.

Cannon, a mathematics and sustainability studies sophomore, said while articles of

impeachment have been drafted for past administrations, there has never been a successful impeachment trial. He said an impeachment trial would be highly unprecedented.

In late October, nutrition senior Antony Rodriguez posted SG’s 2020-21 financial budget reports on his Instagram, which prompted students to express frustrations with SG’s lack of financial transparency.

Frustrations continued in following weeks when SG’s affiliations with the Tejas Club came under scrutiny and four members of the executive board resigned.

“I never expected this to happen or to escalate this much,” Rodriguez said. “I do feel like at this point … SG has done more harm than good.”

Rodriguez said although it can be draining, he plans to continue holding SG accountable by posting on social media and attending meetings.

“I feel like personally, I have to be there,” Rodriguez said. “There are so many students reaching out to me, telling me about their experiences because they weren’t comfortable speaking out.”

capmetro

CONTINUES FROM PAGE 3

opportunity to really enhance the business activity through some of these transit improvements.”

The rail line team is currently reviewing its design options, a process that includes seeking feedback from the community.

“The University is engaged with CapMetro in ongoing discussions at various touchpoints as CapMetro receives input from a variety of stakeholders and makes iterations

Marconi, a finance and Spanish senior, said he believes the current impeachment process is unconstitutional and the articles will ultimately have no traction.

“I think people are going to realize that the people who are leading this initiative have done so in some of the most unconstitutional ways,” Marconi said. “They were trying to pull some random loopholes, trying to remove us from office in a moment’s notice.”

Marconi said the remaining executive board members will continue their normal duties and work to fill the vacant seats despite the controversy.

“We’re going to continue to keep our heads down,” Marconi said. “We’re going to do what we were called to do, which was serve the students despite any sort of opposition that comes our way.”

If the assembly passes the vote to proceed with impeachment trials, Cannon said the impeachment process would likely take a few weeks. He said some representatives worry that they won’t be able to complete their non-impeachment initiatives by the time their term ends in March.

to the plan,” University spokesperson Eliska Padilla said in an email.

Government senior Sean Moothart attended part of a meeting about the rail line in December and said the project will drastically change Guadalupe for students.

“If they were to go forward with the plan … where they completely eliminate all car traffic, I think that would make the area around campus a lot more hospitable to walking students, and (there would be) less noise pollution,” Moothart said. “It would really, I think, transform the Drag to make it an environment I

megan clarke

“​​I know that some representatives feel very worn out and very drained from these impeachment trials,” Cannon said. “They put a hindrance on them working on their own issues that they wanted to accomplish outside of impeachment.”

would actually want to spend more time around.”

However, Moothart said he foresees potential negative effects on businesses and housing.

“I think there’s going to likely be pushback from businesses on the Drag that say, ‘We need parking in order to sustain our business,’” Moothart said. “Also with the rail line, there is an issue of displacing existing housing, not so much surrounding the Drag, but up farther north. And that’s a huge issue in a city that is already experiencing a housing crisis.”

/ the daily texan staff

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News Editor | @THEDAILYTEXAN

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

CORONAVIRUS

NEWS

UT sets daily positive COVID-19 case records in January Positive COVID-19 cases are at an all-time daily high, due to the highly transmissible omicron variant.

By Leila Saidane @leilasophiaaa

s students and staff return to campus after break, UT is reporting its highest daily rates of positive COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.

The University recorded 230 positive COVID-19 cases among students and faculty Jan. 5 and 159 student and faculty cases Jan. 10, the highest numbers since September 2020, when the University reported 116 cases in one day. As of Jan. 15, the University’s COVID-19 dashboard reports an estimated 1,169 active cases.

Dr. Terrance Hines, University Health Services’ chief medical officer and executive director, said the culprit is the highly transmissible omicron variant, accounting for 95% to 98% of active cases.

Nearing the end of January 2021, the seven-day moving average for student and faculty cases was around 27. In mid-January in 2022, the 7-day moving average was 117.5.

“These are percentages that you really had not seen this high in a very long time, if at all,” Hines said. “It’s reflective

of Austin, of the state, of the country. Fortunately, the severity of omicron doesn’t seem to be as bad. The challenge that we have is because the numbers are so high … that’s out of a larger pool of people who are infected right now.”

Hines said Travis County’s community current transmission number predicts 1,350 active cases per 100,000 people. Hines said unvaccinated and unboosted individuals are more likely to contract the omicron variant. On Jan. 6, the city of Austin returned to Stage 5, the highest stage of its COVID-19 risk-based guidelines.

The UT COVID-19 Modeling Consortium, published Jan. 6, predicted two possible surges based on state action and the transmissibility of the omicron variant. After the consortium ran updated projections on future cases, they predicted either an extreme peak of positive cases Jan. 9 in a pessimistic scenario, or a mild surge peaking Jan. 13 in an optimistic projection.

In response to the recent surge in cases, President Jay Hartzell asked that professors move all classes online until Jan. 31 and requested that students present a negative COVID-19 result upon returning to campus.

Some campus buildings have reduced hours and updated protocols in response to the high number of cases. University dining halls have closed their seating areas and are only serving meals in single use to-go containers.

“As of right now, we’ve made this consistent change until January 30,” said Josue Rodriguez, assistant director of marketing and communications for University Housing and Dining. “But we’re still going to follow the

raquel higine

University and adjust our dining services accordingly, depending on the guidelines from the University.”

RecSports facilities such as Gregory Gym and Caven-Clark Field will remain open with reduced hours, while Bellmont Hall, the Recreational Sports Center and Wright-Whitaker Sports Complex are closed until Jan. 30.

“We really focused on what facilities we could have open and ready for students to recreate,” said Randall Ford, director

/ the daily texan staff

of communications and development for RecSports.

Hines said the University will continue to give the same advice they have since the start of the pandemic almost two years ago.

“Wear a good quality mask if you have to be out, limit your social interactions, wash your hands, stay home if you’re sick,” Hines said. “But I think the biggest, most important thing is (to) be vaccinated and boosted.”

LIFE&ARTS

ZOE TZANIS

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Life&Arts Editor | @TEXANARTS TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

MOVIE

Scream slashes back onto big screen New “Scream” reboot features gross-out gore, genre commentary, deadly nostalgia.

By Noah Levine @ZProductionz

hostface slashes back onto screens with the new “Scream” directed by filmmaking duo Radio Silence (“Ready or Not”). Serving as the fifth entry in the highly successful slasher franchise pioneered by the late Wes Craven, this new blood-splattered romp sees the iconic killer target a new group of teens led by Sam Carpenter (Melissa Barrera). Echoing tragedies from the past, the killing spree gains the attention of legacy characters Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell), Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox) and Dewey Riley (David Arquette).

Throughout its cinematic history, “Scream” never shied away from commenting on the current state of the horror genre. The 2022 entry is no different, tackling the rise of so-called “elevated horror” and reboot/sequels coined “requels” by character Mindy Meeks (Jasmin Savoy Brown). The film’s script

incorporates these genre elements into several of Ghostface’s menacing games, continuing the franchise’s consistent stabbing at its own genre. Gore-wise, Ghostface has never been deadlier. Several of the film’s key slasher sequences will surely evoke expressions of disgust from audience members.

All three returning “Scream” leads tackle their performances with the same confidence and likeability as in previous entries. Arquette’s Riley, weathered from years of violence and a falling out with now-ex Gale Weathers, still retains the Dewey Riley quirks fans came to love.

While Cox and Campbell’s characters receive less focus, the dynamic duo never ceases to entertain with their combined fierceness and superb line delivery. Watching veteran characters like Prescott interact with the new generation of survivors provides an emotional bracket around their endless journey to persevere in the face of repeated evils.

While the new ensemble of teens pales in comparison to the electric casts of previous entries, some stand out more than others. Savoy Brown’s Mindy Meeks-Martin, a wonderful comedic successor to the iconic role of Randy Meeks, treats audiences to enthusiastic monologues about the inner workings of the genre. Jack Quaid’s lovable portrayal of Carpenter’s boyfriend Richie never fails to act as a comedic vessel for the audience. Jenna Ortega absolutely kills it (no pun intended) in the role of Carpenter’s younger sister, Tara.

Unfortunately, many of the other teen characters don’t have nearly enough

screen time to appropriately explore their roles or character dynamics. Barrera’s performance occasionally feels stiff in contrast with some of the supporting characters’ more dynamic approaches.

While meant to serve as the successor to Prescott’s iconic “main character” role, Barrera doesn’t tap into her full potential until the final act.

Like all great “Scream” narratives, 2022’s entry is filled with twists and misdirects at every corner. Characters frequently accuse one another of being responsible for the killings, casting even more doubt over their own innocence.

Juggling three different groupings of characters, the script often struggles

under the weight of its middle section.

The disjointedness muddles the focus on the teenage ensemble, weakening the effectiveness of kills and character reveals in the latter half. However, the third act unravels superbly. Breakout performances emerge from unexpected places, spiraling the film into its most tonally “Scream” sequence of all.

While it’s nearly impossible to replicate horror master Wes Craven’s whimsical, dark, comedic and magnetic approach to “Scream,” Radio Silence takes a strong slash at rekindling and evolving the iconic formula.

3.75 stabs out of 5

copyright paramount, and reproduced with permission

Ghostface smiles for the camera in “Scream” 2022.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

LIFE&ARTS

STUDENT LIFE

Tips for returning to virtual learning, managing mental health, motivation

By Sofia Treviño @sofiacis_7

As Travis County returns to Stage 5 of the risk-based guideline and UT students face on a delayed in-person spring 2022 semester, many may feel reluctant to once again log on to Zoom for a completely virtual course load.

While it may seem a dismal start to a new semester, The Daily Texan has compiled a list of tips and tricks for transitioning back to virtual learning to help manage stressors, find motivation and prepare to reengage with the Zoom University experience.

taken the course can help Longhorns stay on track this semester.

can save time for when they will inevitably need to cram for an exam.

Take active notes

Mix up locations

As the temptation to scroll through Twitter wins over, Zoom classes often turn into background noise. To remain engaged, leave the phone out of reach and take notes instead. By keeping busy processing information and jotting down what’s most important, students

Remaining in a bedroom for lectures on end can take a toll on one’s mental health. Try going for a walk across campus, checking out a local coffee shop or finding a warm enough space to attend classes outside. Getting out for a little fresh air while following recommended

Plan out classes in advance

Dubbe “syllabus week,” the first week of class serves as the perfect opportunity to organize school schedules and planners. Going through class syllabi and noting lecture times, future assignments and exams can help students feel prepared as the semester progresses and workloads increase. Setting up time to fill up planners in brightly color coded events may even be a fun way to pass the time and destress.

Get to know classmates and professors

Though reaching out to classmates may seem daunting, finding peers to talk to may lead to the creation of memefilled class GroupMes, exam study sessions and a chance to see familiar faces in the virtual classroom. As many will likely share in a feeling of disconnect, reaching out will make the online college experience less lonely.

If going up to professors in person feels like a terrifying feat, use virtual classes to your advantage by emailing or attending virtual office hours instead.

Beginning to establish relationships with professors virtually may make it easier to talk to them and ask for help when the transition to in person instruction is made.

Utilize CMHC resources

Follow previous students’ advice

More than just a website for students to “spill the tea” on professors, Rate My Professors offers many reviews with information on how to manage specific classes.

From insights on the best ways to study to how to take notes on lectures, implementing advice from those who have already

health measures can serve as an excuse to get dressed and avoid Zoom fatigue.

If on a break from the computer, University Health Services encourages participating in weekly Proactive Community Testing to slow the spread of the virus.

sylvia asuncion crabb

/ the daily texan staff

Since another bout of entirely virtual classes may elicit memories of longer isolation periods in 2020, having someone to talk to about these anxieties offers a proven way to relieve stress. The Counseling and Mental Health Center offers a variety of services, such as workshops, classes and self-care activities to help students navigate through an uncertain time.

LIFE&ARTS

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

BOOKS

UT students reflect on lack of diversity in ‘Great American Novels’

By Reya Mosby @ReyaMosby

As a high school sophomore, Emily Kane looked expectantly at her reading list for the year — the same Westernized books deemed “great literature” she’d seen many times before, lacking authors of color or of different backgrounds from her own.

“Those books were presented to me as books worthy of respect,” nutrition freshman Kane said. “It’s a very narrow scope I was exposed to, but then again, I wasn’t really taught that.

That’s something I had to figure out for myself.”

Modern English and language arts education in Texas high schools and across America remains dominated by the standard literary canon of nineteenth century works: “To Kill A Mockingbird,” “The Great Gatsby,” “Lord of the Flies.” Although these novels are deemed great literary feats, some UT students struggle with the overwhelming Westernized white male perspectives that, after being ingrained in their primary and secondary education, continue to permeate their everyday culture and curriculum.

“The white male perspective is the only valued perspective of history,” said Lauryn Midgett, an English and African and African diaspora studies freshman. “It’s the only perspective we view history (from), so it’s only right that it carries over into literature.”

Similarly, Kane said because the literature many students read in school lacks diversity, students tend to reflect prejudiced mindsets and a hesitancy to engage with diverse literature and media.

“Being taught only this very narrow range of literature is worthy of respect harbors a culture of prejudice,” Kane said. “When the range … is so limited,

then those ideas of respect are going to bleed into so many other parts of our lives.”

Kane argues one main force driving this Westernized viewpoint is a fear of change. Because the novels have been deeply ingrained into society, branching out and finding merit in other works remains uncharted territory which some people view as intimidating.

“There’s a socially accepted idea of staying within these lines of white literature,” Kane said. “Going outside of that is going to lead people to think differently, a little bit deeper, and reconsider the ideas they may already have.”

Journalism freshman Mirya Dila argues reluctancy in teaching books written by minority authors stems from an “un-American” fear — that books discussing issues minorities in America face will make America “look bad” in the process.

“Literature’s purpose is to reflect the human condition and universal themes and ideas, but the problem comes from or stems from when all the literature that we’re reading is from a very whitewashed perspective,” Dila said. “If that’s our only way of understanding these problems, then how are we supposed to really make progress?”

Midgett said she believes everybody has a voice and story that deserves to be shared, minority writers especially. Censoring minority authors among youth in an academic setting silences minority voices and prevents them from fighting for the change they want to see, Midgett said.

“By silencing writers of color, you’re silencing the ongoing issues that people are trying to speak out about,” Midgett said. “You’re silencing the revolution before it even starts.”

raquel higine

/ the daily texan file

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Please be ALL aware if you would like be restricted NO information about you given to anyone, including family restrict information from appearing inwill thebe printed directory, you mustyour make yourmembers, changes at this except as required law. Any restriction will remain effect until you it. directory web page by the by twelfth class day of you the make fall semester.

If in you request thatrevoke ALL your

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10

HANNAH WILLIFORD

Sports Editor | @TEXANSPORTS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

SPORTS

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Halfway there

APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

OF THE DAILY TEXAN TEXAS STUDENT MEDIA

STUDENT BOARD MEMBERS

assad malik

Texas hits midway point with lots to learn.

By Christina Huang @stina_huang

Your application and supporting materials must be submitted online at texasstudentmedia.com by

Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 12 PM These positions are due to be certified for the campus-wide elections at the TSM Board meeting scheduled for

Friday, February 4, 2022 at 1 PM

Scan code for information & application or visit

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Texas senior guard Andrew Jones drives on the defense. Jones and company faces a tough upcoming stretch of Big 12 conference games, including a Feb. 1 trip to Lubbock.

ince Texas men’s basketball has played 17 of its 35 regular season games, The Daily Texan decided to take a look at where the team stands in terms of preseason expectations and where head coach Chris Beard’s team goes from here.

Expectations: Even though the Longhorns are 13­—4 this season, things have not gone exactly according to plan. Texas was named the No. 2 team in the Big 12 preseason rankings, right between Kansas and Baylor and began the season as No. 5 in the nation but has slowly fallen as the season has unfolded. The latest AP poll ranked Texas at No. 23. One of the biggest factors contributing to the narrative of Texas skirting expectations is the Longhorns’ 1—4 record on the road. Texas’ only road win came against a depleted Kansas State team in Manhattan.

The Longhorns are also

still on the hunt for a win over a ranked team, with notable losses at the hands of No. 2 Gonzaga, No. 15 Iowa State and No. 20 Seton Hall. But there is still plenty of basketball to be played. The regular season does not end until March, and Texas still has a solid chance at playing in the postseason.

Keys to success: As March inches closer, the Longhorns must figure out how to win in tough environments on the road. Arenas such as Kansas’ Allen Fieldhouse are famous for their rowdy student sections that heavily affect games. Clutching wins in those environments requires making smarter decisions in crunch time and limiting an opponent’s ability to capitalize on errors. As of now, mistakes that have cost Texas wins have been magnified on the road.

A major key to getting more road wins is minimizing turnovers. In the loss against Iowa State, Texas turned the ball over 20 times. Turnovers give opponents more possessions to work on offense and more chances to score. While Texas has consistently forced turnovers on its opponents

at home, the same success has not been repeated on the road. The Longhorns aim to win it all in the postseason, but that won’t be possible unless they can win at places other than the Frank Erwin Center.

What’s next?

A notably tough stretch for Texas basketball looms in February. Beard will make his return to Lubbock and Texas Tech on Feb. 1. The team then hosts No. 15 Iowa State and No. 7 Kansas. The Longhorns will also face reigning national champions Baylor for the first time this season.

Tournament season looms in March with the Big 12 tournament beginning March 9 and the NCAA Tournament following shortly after. Texas will look to defend its first ever Big 12 Tournament title from 2021 while trying to avoid another first-round exit from the NCAA Tournament.

Texas is revving up for the toughest part of the season in the weeks ahead, and Beard and his roster have their work cut out for them. There is still a lot of pressure on Texas, but there is also plenty of time for the Longhorns to reach their goals.

SPORTS

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 18, 2022

VOLLEYBALL

Jordan Larson, Madisen Skinner strengthen Texas volleyball’s national championship hopes

sarah montgomery

/ the daily texan staff

Head coach Jerritt Elliott retooled his squad with the additions of assistant head coach Jordan Larson and transfer outside hitter Madisen Skinner.

By Jordan Mitchell @TheJordanKenzie

With the additions of assistant head coach Jordan Larson and former Kentucky outside hitter Madisen Skinner to the Texas volleyball program, the Longhorns are ready to make another push to add a championship trophy to head coach Jerritt Elliott’s collection of accolades next season.

Following an unexpected early exit from the playoff tournament at the hands of No. 10 Nebraska in the Austin regional final, the losses of associate head coach Tonya Johnson and junior

opposite hitter Skylar Fields threw an unexpected wrench into the Longhorns’ offseason.

The departures of Johnson as an esteemed coach and known recruiting guru and Fields as one of Texas’ offensive X-factors awoke skepticism in Texas’ chances to reach the 2022 National Championship game.

However, the Longhorns’ turbulent first few weeks of the offseason gave Elliott leeway to construct a team that more dominant than the 2021 squad, which held the nation’s highest hitting percentage and dropped a mere 16 sets all season.

With former associate coach

Erik Sullivan filling Johnson’s vacancy, three-time Olympic medalist and collegiate national champion Larson was hired by Elliott as Texas’ newest coach.

As a captain for the 2020 U.S. Olympic gold medal team, Larson was named the best outside hitter and most valuable player in the competition.

For Texas, the trifecta winner will boost morale on a team that endured back-to-back heartbreaks in the NCAA tournament while providing invaluable status for Texas when recruiting. As a volleyball great that lives and breathes the sport, Larson has influence in both the collegiate and

professional avenues that make her coaching coveted by current and prospective athletes.

As a coach, Larson’s all-around player experience should aid in Texas’ serve-and-pass game. Although the Longhorns were considered one of the most balanced teams this past season, teams such as Baylor and Washington exploited flaws in the back row and behind the service line. Larson’s 12-year career on Team USA gave the outside hitter exposure to America’s greatest volleyball coaches, and will bring bold recommendations to Elliott’s existing playbook.

With Larson’s hire at Texas

Athletics sending shockwaves through NCAA volleyball programs, Skinner’s transfer from Kentucky as Fields’ replacement kindled speculation about Texas’ 2022 season on social media. While Fields’ impact on Texas’ front-row gameplay was significant as a two-time All-American, Skinner will shine bright as a player who can block heavy, hit efficiently and make scrappy digs from behind the 10-foot line.

At Kentucky, the outside hitter was the focal point of their 2020 championship team, posting 328 kills for a .384 hitting percentage as a freshman. Skinner’s ability to make plays only became more impressive as a contributor to the Wildcats’ No. 4 ranked hitting offense in 2021, securing her second All-America honor of her collegiate career.

Alongside Skinner, former UCLA libero Zoe Fleck will be an immediate game-changer for the Longhorns. Where Skinner will provide a spark to Texas’ already impressive roster of offensive playmakers, Fleck should alleviate some of the strain felt in the back row. During the tailend of the 2021 season, the Longhorns struggled to stay in-system and find ways to extend rallies, ultimately contributing to the loss against Nebraska.

Fleck’s experience as a twotime All-American will drastically improve Elliott’s admired serve-and-pass game and provide underclassmen liberos Nalani Iosia and Reilly Heinrich space to develop.

The Longhorns will return All-Americans Logan Eggleston, Jhenna Gabriel and Asjia O’Neal in addition to All-Region honoree Molly Phillips. With difference-making transfers brought onboard and coaching changes in the previous weeks accompanying a stellar rookie class headed to Austin, Texas volleyball looks to be a frontrunner for the 2022 national title.

SPORTS

TRACK & FIELD

Jonathan Jones kicks off indoor season with record-breaking speed

By Ethan Ferguson @ethan_ferguson6

The Texas track and field team dominated at this year’s Clemson Invite, breaking a multitude of records. Through the leadership of the large number of returning indoor All-Americans, the Longhorns officially started their road to the NCAA Championship.

Having won the Big 12 Indoor Championship last year, both the men’s and women’s teams looked to sprint out of the blocks. Despite winning the Big 12 title, the men finished 14th and the women finished eighth last season at the Indoor NCAA Championships.

The Longhorns will have to compete this season without former stars Steffin McCarter and Tara Davis. The team is still hopeful, however, due to the returning talented runners, such as Jonathan Jones.

At the Jan. 14 invitational in Clemson, South Carolina, Jones, a senior from Barbados and returning All-American in the 4x400 and distance medley relay, finished second in the men’s 600-meter with a time of 1:15.61. This time not only beat the facility record of 1:16.16 but is also a Barbadian best in the event, once ratified.

The top three finishers of the men’s 600-meter all beat the facility record, showing Jones’ ability to compete.

On the second day of competition, Jones displayed his speed yet again in the men’s 4x400-meter relay. Racing alongside sophomore Matthys “Matt” Nortje, senior Willington Wright (returning 4x400 relay All-American) and junior Brian Herron, the team placed first at 3:05.21 and set the fourth-best time in Texas history.

Jones and Wright are the only returning All-Americans from the 4x400-meter, which is missing graduate students Jon Maas and

Micaiah Harris. Head coach Edrick Floréal is trying to get more runners in the rotation, and clearly, it’s been successful. Newcomers to the team are already making their mark.

The Longhorns also did well in field events.

Sam Hurley, a freshman who signed with Texas in late November, placed first in men’s high jump with a height of 2.13 meters. In addition to winning the 2021 Gatorade Player of the Year, Hurley won his first ever collegiate event.

In the women’s 300-meter dash, sophomore Rhasidat Adeleke, returning 4x400 relay All-American, secured a second place finish with a time of 36.87 seconds. This is the fastest time ever recorded by an Irish woman running the 300-meter indoors.

Freshman Cole Lindhorst rose to the occasion in the men’s distance medley relay with a personal best time of 1:48.64. Alongside Wright, sophomore Yusuf Bizimana, returning All-American, and junior Crayton Carrozza, the team finished first at 9:37.58, beating the facility record and recording the seventh best all-time performance in Texas history.

Lindhorst went on to win the men’s 800 meter as well at 1:48.64.

In the women’s 800-meter, senior Valery Tobias finished in second at 2:06.09 setting the ninth best performance in Texas history.

In men’s shot put, graduate student Adrian “Tripp” Piperi demonstrated his strength, winning the event with a throw of 20.71 meters.

Junior Patrick Piperi, Adrian’s younger brother, also competed in the event, finishing ninth with a throw of 16.98 meters.

The Texas track and field team has little time for rest as it looks to the Red Raider Open on Jan. 21, and the FasTrak Collegiate Challenge on Jan. 22. The month of January will close out with the two-day Texas Tech Open and Multis on Jan. 28 and 29.

copyright texas athletics, and reproduced with permission Senior sprinter Jonathan Jones shows off his speed. The returning All-American finished second in the men’s 600-meter race with a time of 1:15.61 at the Clemson Invite.

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