Thursday, August 28, 2014
The Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University
REMINDER: HPD EXECUTING NO REFUSAL BLOOD WARRANTS TONIGHT
What’s happening at Sam FEATURE, P.2
SOCCER P.9
COMEDY SHOWCASE, P.3
MOVE-INS, P.2
FOOTBALL, P.8
One SHSU student spent the summer in New York with Dan Rather
Two new assistant coaches are driving the team to practice harder
The star-studded event on campus brought students together in laughter
Freshman moved in Saturday. Were you photographed?
After the loss to EWU, the Bearkats hope to be redeamed Saturday
Volume 126 | Issue 1
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Alex Broussard and Brynn Castro | The Houstonian
NEWS University welcomes newcomers TOP EVENTS OF LOGAN SELF Contributing Reporter
New and returning students alike were greeted by 12 different events during the first half “Welcome Week 2014”. Events began Saturday Aug. 23 with new student move ins. Oncampus housing opened at 11 a.m. and several student organizations assisted new residents. That afternoon, SHSU football fans were invited to the LSC Kat Klub to watch the no. 13-ranked Bearkats play no. 3-ranked Eastern Washington. The game, which was broadcasted nationally on ESPN, resulted in a 35-56 loss. Students were able to relax after a stressful move-in weekend at the Recreational Sports Center pool party Sunday afternoon. Immediately following the pool party, students headed over to the Gaertner Performing Arts Center and were welcomed to Sam Houston State University at the New Student Convocation. SHSU President Dana G. Hoyt, Ph.D., student speaker Alexis Bloomer and the author of the Bearkat Read
to Succeed common reader book, Ernest Cline, spoke to students in the event styled similarly to graduation. Later that evening, students headed to the LSC to get a first look at the newly remodeled campus book store at Barnes and Noble VIP Night and rounded out the evening with billiards and games at the Kat Klub Bash. Monday morning, fellow Bearkats were given the opportunity to volunteer at charity organizations. Students volunteered at SAAFE House, which helps families of family violence and sexual abuse, and at the New Life Alliance, an organization that provides encouragement and empowerment to a wide variety of people. That evening, students interested in Panhellenic groups on campus attended SneakPeek@Greek. Students were able to speak to several fraternities and sororities and become familiar with currents members and receive information about those organizations. Senior agriculture communications major Catherine Till and Sigma Sigma Sigma member said
that SneakPeek@Greek helped both prospective and active greek members. “Sneak Peek at Greek was a great start to what we believe will be an amazing recruitment for Panhellenic,” she said. “It offered us the chance to meet incoming freshmen as well as showcase what and who Tri Sigma is.” Comedians Judah Friedlander and Nick Swardson brought laughs to campus at the Kat Comedy Showcase organized by the Department of Student Activities. Tuesday morning, Student Activities also helped students find their classes on campus. Later in the evening, students headed to Party in the Pit to celebrate the last night of summer. Students received free pizzas, red bulls, glow sticks and the always popular free t-shirt at the event held in Old Main Pit. Party in the Pit was the first Welcome Week event Freshman kinesiology major Kasey Mcgee attended. She enjoyed how the university organized events for students to enjoy. “Back at home I really didn’t go
out much,” Mcgee said. “This is very cool to get the chance to experience a lot of stuff.” Freshmen Forensic Chemistry Major Breana Sheridan says Welcome Week events like Party in the Pit help students get out and connect. “I feel like it gives us a chance to see who is a part of our freshmen class,” she said. “It’s nice to know who is a part of your freshmen class.” After the first day of classes, students gambled the night away at the Casino Night in the LSC. Participants lined up to try their luck at slot machines and poker tables in hopes of winning several prizes such as iPods, a flat screen TV and other electronics. That night, the Student Money Management Center also hosted an event titled “So you’re on your own; now what?” to help students learn to deal with their personal finances. Although the semester just started, welcome week is only half over. Events continue until Sunday.
PURGE, page 5
Following the police shooting of an 18-year-old African-American Michael Brown by a white police officer Aug. 9, racially-charged riots broke out in Ferguson, MI. Though the details of the event are still unclear, this event has fueled debates over the existence of racism in the U.S.
Journalist
American journalist James Foley was kidnapped in Syria on Nov. 22, 2012 while on assignment. Foley was considered missing for two years until a video was released entitled “A Message to America” on Aug. 19 showing his violent murder and beheading. Along with Foley, the terrorists group of the Islamic State claims that they are holding another American journalist Steven Sotloff captive and will proceed with his execution if the U.S. does not halt air strikes against them. Designated terrorist group, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (or ISIS) has seized control over parts of Iraq through violent bloodshed and even an attempt at genocide. The U.S. is currently weighing its options to intervene with military action.
Israel & Gaza
HANNAH ZEDAKER Associate Editor
—
Ferguson
ISIS
THE PURGE: UPD ready for anything Texas is the newest target of “The Purge” threat which has circulated throughout the country. “The Purge,” in reference to the 2013 movie and its sequel “The Purge: Anarchy,” released this summer, both portray a futuristic version of America in which the government sanctions a 12-hour period each year during which all crime is allowed without punishment and all emergency services are shut down. Earlier this month, the first purge threat was made in Louisville, Kentucky where, although it was nothing but a hoax, the threat began gaining momentum in other parts of the country, such as Illinois, California, Ohio, Delaware and now Texas. Although the threat has been made against the entire state via Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, the areas most plagued include Huntsville, Conroe, New Waverly and The Woodlands. The event is set to take place Aug. 29. According to University Police Department Investigative Detective Chanda Brown, UPD was made aware of this threat early last
THE SUMMER
Brynn Castro | The Houstonian
PATROL. A University Police Department vehicle sits idly by a rack of bicycles outside the Gaertner Performing Arts Center on Wednesday. New university policy mandates students to purchase free permits for bicycles.
Students must register bikes CONNOR HYDE Senior Reporter As a part of Sam Houston State University’s new parking rules and regulations, students and faculty are now required to register their bicycles in an effort to increase security and tighten parking violations around campus. SHSU’s presidential cabinet approved the new parking regulations April 21 with the new bicycle registrations becoming a forefront for parking and transportation to communicate to the SHSU population. Students and faculty must register their bicycles at the parking and transportation office, at no charge, before riding their bicycles on cam-
pus. Matt McDaniel, assistant director of SHSU’s office of parking and transportation, said bicycles will be treated as vehicles and are subject to fines and impoundment if parked illegally. As of press time, only 55 students have registered their bicycles. McDaniel said implementing the bicycle registrations for students and faculty has been developing over the past few years. After maintaining a stricter observation of where students parked their bicycles last year, McDaniel said it was time to carry out the policy. “This is really more of a knowledge piece of where to properly park,” McDaniel said. “If you don’t have that permit, it’ll just be harder for us to track the owner.”
Illegal parking is considered, but not limited to, securing a bicycle to building fixtures, trees or walking pathways. The new policy will also act as a gauging mechanism to determine where additional bicycle racks are needed around campus. Currently there approximately 60 bicycle racks on campus, according to the main campus parking map, with additional bicycle racks slated for the 2014-15 school year, McDaniel said. Currently there is a work order with physical plant to install new bicycle racks in the areas near the Margaret Lea Houston Building and the Old Main Market parking lot, McDaniel said. —
BIKES, page 5
After seven weeks of fighting, a truce mediated by Egypt has been reached between Israel and Palestine. This conflict has left more than 2,200 people dead with the majority of those victims being Palestinians. Tensions are still high as the details and conditions of the treaty are being negotiated.
Ebola Outbreak: The World Health Organization has traced the source of the recent Ebola epidemic which broke out in Central Africa. The virus was contracted by a pregnant woman from a slain bush animal. Due to the nature of international travel, the disease has spread to four West African countries and even to two American aid workers. Beats by Dre
Apple Inc. acquired Beats Electronics for a record $3 billion deal making Dr. Dre the first billionaire hip-hop artist. As with anything Apple, the future of Beats headphones is clouded in secrecy.
Robin Williams
After a struggle with depression, the beloved actor, comedian, filmmaker and family-man Robin Williams committed suicide on Aug. 11 at the age of 63.
The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/news | Thursday, August 28, 2014
Page 2
Student learns by reporting with Rather HANNAH ZEDAKER Associate Editor When senior mass communication major Alexis Bloomer was only 12 years old, she already had her life planned out. At the age of 18, Bloomer dropped every scholarship opportunity she was offered from other colleges and accepted her admission to Sam Houston State University, jumping at the chance to intern with the university’s own journalism legend, Dan Rather. “I came to SHSU because I wanted the opportunity to study with Mr. Rather, and I now know that this school provided me opportunities that no other university could,” Bloomer said. “I knew that Mr. Rather could teach me important real world tactics that I would not necessarily gain in the classroom. To study with for a summer is an irreplaceable opportunity that I could only get at SHSU.” This past summer, Bloomer’s dreams of spending her summer in New York City with Rather became a reality. “Everything that I have done up until this point in my college career has been working towards getting this internship,” Bloomer said. “I have counted down the years so that I could finally be old enough to apply. I have watched a majority of Mr. Rather’s interviews and knew his brand. I engaged myself in as much as possible and tried to excel in my classes so that I would be the perfect candidate.” To apply for the coveted intern-
ship, students must be a mass communication major at SHSU, classified as either a junior or senior, maintain a certain GPA and write an essay. Out of the many students who applied, only one was chosen. Bloomer was told she had received the internship at the College of Mass Communication’s annual banquet in May 2014. “It’s a funny story. When I first found out that I got the internship, I cried,” she said. “But it was almost a relief, because I have worked so hard and I wanted it more than I have ever wanted any other opportunity. It was overwhelming and it still hasn’t even sunk in that I spent my summer in New York with the iconic journalist that I grew up wanting to be like.” Bloomer packed up her bags and moved halfway across the country to begin living out her dream June 15. During her time in the Big Apple, the young intern lived at Coral Tower, a building located on Union Square where other summer interns from around the world also stayed. Bloomer said she performed numerous tasks during her internship, including transcribing scripts, editing shows and aiding Rather with his various social media. In addition, she was also able to accompany Rather on shoots with CNN, NBC and Al Jazeera America. “I met so many unique people through this internship,” Bloomer said. “The most valuable thing I learned was to always make good connections and be available to
Courtesy Alexis Bloomer
perform any task. You can never be above a job or think you are overqualified to be doing something. Every component of creating a show is important and it takes all steps to make it work.” Despite the tasks and projects Bloomer completed through her internship with Rather, she said the most impressive recollection she had of her summer in NYC came from just speaking one-on-one with the icon himself. “My favorite memory will for-
ever be sitting in Mr. Rather’s office and him talking to me one-on-one about life and news,” she said. “It is so surreal for a news nerd like me to sit down with a legend and talk to him about his opinions on issues or what books he was reading. He is definitely the most intriguing man I have ever met and made work fun to come to.” According to Bloomer, the internship made her a better journalist in many ways, teaching her about life as well as how to report
on various topics. Most importantly, she added that having “Dan Rather Intern” on her resume couldn’t hurt either. “When applying for the internship, it helps to know where you will be working,” Bloomer said. “I think it helped because I knew a lot about Dan Rather Reports and I watched the show. Be yourself and always be available to help. Engage yourself in a lot of Mass Communication clubs and work hard in school, it pays off.”
Brynn Castro | The Houstonian
MOVE-IN. Freshman from all over the country move into Sam Houston State University on-campus housing Saturday, Sunday and Monday. With the help of a plethora of organizations, including Residence Life, the Catholic Student Center and Chi Alpha Campus Ministries, students were able to experience their first moments of adulthood as a Bearkat.
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The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/campusculture | Thursday, August 28, 2014
Page 3
Brynn Castro | The Houstonian
Showcase draws laughs SEAN SMITH Campus Culture Editor Karate skills, presidential campaign platforms and fresh material graced the stage at the Johnson Coliseum as two of Hollywood’s funniest characters performed at the Kat Comedy Showcase on Monday. Judah Friedlander, best known for his work on “30-Rock,” and “Reno 911,” “Grown Ups 2,” and “Benchwarmers” star Nick Swardson headlined the fourth annual showcase organized by the Department of Student Activities. Friedlander opened the night and received a “sitting ovation,” as he pointed out. His signature style of audience interaction was immediately presented as he critiqued audience members’ clapping skills. Crowd interaction continued
when Friedlander surveyed the audience for martial artists. One lucky yellow belt from Magnolia, Texas would be the blunt of the next several jokes as Friedlander went on to explain that he was an “extra-dark black belt” and even demonstrated his skills on stage. Friedlander played to the audience even more as he began laying out a platform for his future presidential campaign, taking questions on hot political topics and giving his steps to better the situations. Swardson followed Friedlander and the tone of his comedy was noticeably more crude. Offering critiques on women’s behavior while drunk and the absurdity of men attempting to look tough while drinking “tube drinks,” he interacted not only with the audience but with a police officer monitoring
security near the stage. Swardson’s audience survey of cat people versus dog people led to an anecdote of his mother’s “evil” cat attacking him. Audience members offered their own comedic interjections as students picked up on subtle references to movies Swardson has starred in, such as “Blades of Glory” and “Benchwarmers.” New material was also presented by Swardson as he often referred to notes he had brought with him on stage. He also alluded to future projects he would like to see produced. The Kat Comedy Showcase, which is closely related to the Sammypalooza concert series, often brings over 4,000 spectators and left no Bearkat without a good laugh.
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The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/campusculture | Thursday, August 28, 2014
Page 4
Hit shows win big at annual Emmys SEAN SMITH Campus Culture Editor Seth Meyers set the tone for the 66th Emmy awards early on in the night. In his first joke, in fact. “MTV aired the Video Music Awards last night,” the host joked, but that’s almost how the night turned out. “That’s right, MTV still has an award for music videos even though they no longer show music videos, that’s like network TV holding an awards show and giving all the trophies to cable and Netflix.” While cable television went home with the most trophies, broadcast snuck in and took a few
categories while Netflix’s original content was shut out in the primetime division. Bryan Cranston took home his third Emmy for outstanding lead actor in a drama series for his role as Walter White in “Breaking Bad.” The gritty crime drama following a cancer stricken chemistry teacher selling crystal meth with a former student took home a total of five awards. “Breaking Bad” stars Aaron Paul and Anna Gunn swept the awards for supporting actor and actress in a drama series, and the show won its second consecutive Emmy in the outstanding drama series category.
With “Breaking Bad’s” win in this category, cable network AMC has won six of the last seven awards for outstanding drama, a first for any network. Juliana Margulies took best actress in a drama for her role as litigator Alicia Florrick in CBS’ “The Good Wife.” Broadcast television also scored wins in the comedy category. “Modern Family” won its fifth consecutive best comedy award, and Jim Parsons won outstanding actor in a comedy series for his role as Sheldon Cooper in “The Big Band Theory,” his fourth win. Cable took back the reigns as HBO’s Julia Louis-Dreyfus picked
up her third consecutive best actress in a comedy Emmy for her role as vice president in “Veep.” HBO led the show in total nominations with 99 awards up for grabs. However, Netflix had a strong showing with 31 nominations, respectfully. While Netflix shows “House of Cards” and “Orange is the New Black” left the Primetime Emmy’s empty handed, the online media streaming and mail order DVD company took home seven Creative Arts Emmys. “House of Cards” won outstanding sound mixing for a one hour comedy or drama series, and Uzo Aduba took outstanding guest actress in a com-
edy series for her performance in “Orange is the New Black.” This year’s award show was the first installment since 1976 to be aired on a Monday. The show was moved to an earlier date to avoid conflicts with football, according to the New York Times. The Emmys highlighted the best of the best in television’s past year. Meyers stated that many are calling the current period a new golden age for television. The line between quality television and film is blurring, and if these statements hold true, the future of TV is bright and looks to get brighter.
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The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/news | Thursday, August 28, 2014
Page 5
Summer News in Pictures
The Associated Press
TOP RIGHT: Mourners fill Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic church during a special Mass for slain journalist James Foley in his hometown of Rochester, N.H. Foley was decapated by a member of ISIS, a designated terrorist group in the middle east. TOP LEFT: Shown is a makeshift memorial for actor Robin Williams outside a home which was used in the filming of the movie “Mrs. Doubtfire” Aug. 15 in San Francisco. People continue to stop and look at the memorial on the steps of the Pacific Heights home. ABOVE: A police tactical team prepares to disperse a group of protesters in Aug. 13 in Ferguson, Mo. RIGHT: A Palestinian boy walks on the rubble of Omar Ibn Abed Al-Aziz mosque, which was hit by an Israeli strikes in Beit Hanoun, in the northern Gaza Strip, Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014. The third Gaza War in six years appears to have ended in another sort of tie, with both Israel and Hamas claiming the upper hand.
SHSU receives funds to improve enrollment STAFF REPORT
Sam Houston State University has received $150,000 from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to assist with recruiting, and retaining, minority students that have been historically underrepresented. The money is geared towards the Master of Science in Dietetics and the Bachelor of Science in Nursing
degrees at SHSU. Only 17 percent of the 80 students in the nursing program during the 2012-13 academic year were African American or Hispanic, according to a press release. Only two of 10 students admitted in the dietetics program in fall 2013 were African American or Hispanic. The Collegiate Hispanic and African American Mentoring Program, CHAAMP, is designated to target first-generation students
who are preparing for application in either degrees. “Both the dietetics and nursing programs are highly competitive and scholastically demanding,” Jack Turner, assistant dean of the College of Health Sciences and director of CHAAMP, said in a press release. “We often see students in these two ethnic groups who have the interest, desire and work ethic to be successful…without a supportive academic program such
as CHAAMP, these students frequently fall through the cracks.” Students who become involved in CHAAMP are required to participate in weekly study groups, submit grade check forms, participate in community projects, attend workshops which focus on issues minority students encounter, as well as be involved with a professional speaker series. Anticipated long-term effects of CHAAMP include increased test
scores on the Test of Essential Academic Skills, improved GRE scores and improved scores on the national licensing examinations for both nursing and dietetics. “Our goal is to increase the student’s skills on these standardized exams such that their performance is commensurate with competitive levels,” Turner said. “After all, our job here is to help students.”
T H E J UM PS PURGE, page 1 —
week. “We will respond to incidents as we always do, should we be made aware of a situation,” Brown said. “If the situation dictates, we are always prepared to increase our presence by having additional officers present during a specific time, and our special response team is always prepared to respond to incidents as needed.” “I heard about it through Facebook and was a little freaked out,” senior business major Summer Styles said. “It’s scary when it’s in your own city. I think it’s probably a hoax, but we should still take safety precautions.” Brown said that whether or not the purge threat becomes a reality in Huntsville, UPD is prepared to keep the campus of Sam Houston State University safe as well as keep-
ing students and staff informed. “If necessary, the Kat Safe system will be activated,” she said. “We encourage students to make sure their information is update with the Kat Safe Notification system. Students can always check our Facebook page, ‘SHSU University Police Department’, for information.” According to Brown, simple things like programming the UPD phone number and emergency number into their cell phones can aid in keeping students safe and communication open. “Individuals should always be aware of suspicious activity and be aware of what is happening around them and report suspicious activity to the police,” Brown said. “We encourage everyone to always monitor their surroundings regardless if there is some type of threat or supposed threat.” Brown said that regardless of
whether or not there is a threat, students should always be careful and cautious. “Unfortunately, an individual can become the victim of a crime at any time, and should always take proper precautions to protect themselves,” Brown said. “If students see anything suspicious or an incident occurring they should contact the University Police Department or our Emergency number.” UPD can be reached at 936-2941794 or at their emergency line at 936-294-1000.
BIKES, page 1 — “We’re hoping the community can help us with that,” he said. “If we have a large community in any area that would like to have a bicycle rack, we hope to have them reach out to us.”
However, some students are apprehensive of the new policy and the consequences of parking illegally. Junior international business major Madeleine Mortimore said she is in favor of registering students and faculty bicycles. However, she disagrees with disciplinary actions outlined in the policy. Mortimore, whose sole source of transportation is her bicycle, said she’d like to see disciplinary actions delayed to allow parking and transportation time to observe bicycle parking habits during the first few weeks of the semester. “They know we need more bicycle racks anyway, so they should simply ask people who ride their bicycles ‘where would you like more bicycle racks?’ instead of waiting to get people into trouble,” Mortimore said. Sophomore mass communica-
tion major Madison Rice said the new policy is an inconvenience despite the free registration. “I think it’s stupid that we have to register our bicycles if we want to park them on campus, regardless if the bicycle permit is free or not,” Rice said. “It’s already a hassle dealing with regarding the parking permits.” Despite initial criticism from students, the policy’s long-term effects are anticipated to develop the growing biking community on campus. “As we start growing as a campus, we have to look beyond parking our vehicles and look at different modes of transportation,” he said. “That’s one more facet we can kind of enlighten the faculty and students on. We would like to encourage it through this program.”
REGISTER TODAY
October 18
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The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/news | Thursday, August 28, 2014
Page 6
New restaurants opening today
Brynn Castro | The Houstonian
THE REPLACEMENTS. LEFT: New workers are trained at Moe’s, a rock and roll-themed burrito joint located exclusively in South Paw. After technical delays, the restaurant is open today at 7 a.m. TOP RIGHT: Students enjoy the close proximity Subway has to the heart of campus. Subway replaced Quizno’s in Paw Print. BOTTOM RIGHT: Grill Works, located where Burger King was, has yet to open.
A Welcome Week’s Worth of Photos
Alex Broussard and Catherine Stallard | The Houstonian
WELCOME TO PARTY. ABOVE: Students toss around a giant beach ball at Party in the Pit. RIGHT: Students partake in friendly gambling at Casino Night. BELOW: Junior criminal justice major Ashley Nguyen plays the slots at Casino night. BOTTOM RIGHT: A sea of students found at Party in the Pit.
The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/viewpoints | Thursday, August 28, 2014
Page 7
Advice for successful tenure DHARMESH PATEL Viewpoints Editor Rising temperatures, shrinking hemlines and the summer finale of PLL are all signs of the apocalypse as they also mark the end of summer and the beginning of another semester for students all across the nation. Whether it’s incoming freshman or returning classmen, there are some major dos and don’ts that every student must consider in order to have a successful year. The most obvious step to success is simply showing up. Being present in class is key to retaining materials presented by the professor and recalling them for exams and projects. For many students, this is the first taste of independence away from the spying eyes of parents and siblings and can be overwhelming.
Staying up all night, sleeping in and skipping classes is a bad habit to fall victim to and can lead down a dangerous path to failure. Going to class is only part of the challenge. Short instantaneous information exchanges through text messages, Instagram and 140 or less character tweets have wreaked havoc on the attention span of today’s youth. According to the New York Times, research conducted by the Pew Internet Project concluded that educators believe there is a detrimental effect on the attention spans of students caused by their constant use of digital technology. Keeping these findings in mind, it is important to remember that most classes are only fifty minutes in length, and it is not an impossible task to put that cell phone or tablet away. Taking notes the old fashion way with a pen and paper can be an en-
gaging and useful method of actually getting knowledge from classes and not just a waste of both the professor’s and student’s time. Procrastination is another obstacle that every student will face at some point in their academic career. It may have been okay during senior year of high school, but it will not work in college. It is time to utilize time management skills and keep track of assignments using a planner and schedule. Following these simple suggestions can help students achieve their academic goals, but college is not solely an educational experience. This is a time to explore and gain new experiences. Sam Houston State University offers a variety of clubs and social events geared towards school and community involvement. It is important for students to
be well-rounded by participating in these programs and getting involved outside of the classroom. Building social skills and creating bonds is a part of college life and transitioning from adolescence to adulthood. Students get to find their own style, so try to keep gym clothes and sweats pants to a minimum. No matter what, avoid wearing pajamas to class at all cost. The student body is exposed to countless opportunities for mishaps and ways to get in trouble. It is important to be safe while partying and not be caught up with the wrong crowd. Be aware of surroundings and other people’s conducts in the vicinity. Decisions that students will make now will help shape the entire semester’s outcome, and it is important to work hard but also have fun along the way.
Live it up on Labor Day weekend PARBATTEE MAHARAJ Assistant Viewpoints Editor With the end of summer holidays and the start of the new school year, students have one thing on their minds: When is the next holiday? Luckily, after the short three days of class this week, Sam Houston State University students will have Labor Day off. With the three-day weekend fast approaching, students have the op-
portunity to let loose and unwind from the stressful week they have just experienced; they can basically get wasted if they so wish. Students also have the option of taking off for the weekend. While going home might seem like a good idea, it’s not. It’s been three days since the term started. You’re just getting settled in and adjusting to campus life – life away from home and your parents – do not go home! Being that this is Huntsville,
there isn’t all that much to do here unless you really plan something yourself. With that in mind, grab some friends and plan a potluck. Or a BBQ. Everyone can make their favorite dish and share it amongst your closest friends. Or you could venture out of your normal group of friends and invite some of the people you’ve met in class. This may be a bit childish, but there are always the options of board games or something along the lines of such. It could be a field
day event? Let’s be honest, once the semester is in full swing there is no way you will have time to goof around like this, so why not make the best of the free time? A pool should also be involved at some point this weekend. It is still technically summer, and this is Texas. The heat pities no one, so definitely stay cool. The pool is the best way to do so. Plus, it’s also fun. After three days of killer classes, fun is the best remedy for back to school blues.
PAWS UP
PAWS UP to fall semester beginning: You are no longer under your parents rule and can do whatever you want.
PAWS UP to Mona on Pretty Little Liars being murdered: That bitch had it coming.
PAWS UP to more food choices: Moe’s Southwest Grills opens today in South Paw.
Greetings from SGA President SPENCER COPELAND Student Body President I would like to take this opportunity given by the staff at the Houstonian to welcome you all back to Sam Houston State University. We are all excited for a new academic year and all the fun, education and opportunities it offers. Over summer, members of the Student Government Association began planning our year for you. In these discussions we have decided to introduce a new policy initiative every month. The month of September will be dedicated to unveiling and improving our new SGA Outreach Program. You will begin to see your Senators in the mall area, in your colleges and out at your sporting events. Your Senators will begin having roundtable talks with students in your colleges over things you actually care about, and we will make a concerted effort to help your student organizations grow and accomplish all that you can. We will always be here for you,
should you ever need us, and we will be more accessible when you want us. SGA will now be working closer with the university administration to help advocate for the wishes of students. The work of SGA will include continuing to improve safety on campus with the help of University Police Department and Facility Management and giving feedback about events on campus, to make them more inclusive and successful. Finally, the SGA Outreach Program strives to improve relations with the City of Huntsville. This month, we will begin serious talks with the city about ways to get students involved in city events, methods to better relations between the older Huntsville population and the younger student body, to improve overall safety for all citizens of Huntsville and to create a better community for all who live around us. The members of the 2014 Student Government Association are making a promise to all of you. We will work to change SGA
into your SGA. Please come by our office, Lowman Student Center 326, anytime you have concerns, questions or suggestions. Over the last few months, the university has continued to improve life here at SHSU. The Division of Information Technology Services and numerous other departments and individuals have been working to make SHSU’s mobile landscape better. Please download the mobile apps that are affiliated with SHSU, including SHSU Mobile and SHSU Guidebook. Play with them and let us know the things you like, don’t like and items you would want to see in these apps. Along with these apps, many of you will start learning from the Campus Clarity program. Division of Student Services has worked on various Title IX mandates. The Student Government Association has helped to fund these programs, led by the Dean of Student’s Office, and we remind all new students that this training is mandatory. The Campus Clarity program is
designed to educate students about the unique opportunities college offers and to give advice in ways that minimize risk to yourself and your friends. College is a time unlike any other. While you will all enjoy your time learning and experiencing new things, I ask that you keep an eye on your friends and to take care of yourselves. I hope you are all settling into your dorms and apartments getting ready for a new semester of classes. I encourage you to stay active in university events and student organizations. While it is incredibly important to attend and pay attention in your classes, so much of your education will occur outside of the classroom. Get to know your fellow Bearkats, learn from the experiences you make and share with your friends, and become great leaders in your communities. We look forward to working with you and for you.
Cleere: Be Better Bearkats RON CLEERE UDP Seargent
For the last several years working as a peace officer I have had the opportunity to both travel to away games with the SHSU Bearkat football team and to work stadium security for visiting teams to Bowers Stadium. In that time, I have noticed a steady degradation of behavior and decorum toward visiting teams. This applies to how the Bearkats are treated at away games and how we, as fans, treat visiting teams. Most recently, during our trip to Cheney, Washington and the campus of Eastern Washington University, our players had to endure numerous derogatory comments from many of their “fans” during
the trek from the locker room to the playing field. These comments were peppered with various profanities and vulgarities one would not normally expect from people possessed of any degree of class or education. The situation worsened as the team entered the field to organized, profane chants from the stands, and was capped off by aggressive verbal assaults as our team headed toward the locker room at the end of the contest. This is not to say that all of their fans acted in a similar fashion – the majority were gracious and hospitable. However, the impression made by the negative element is a lasting one. I observed similar behavior last year when we traveled to games in
Editorial
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Jay R. Jordan ........................... 936-294-1505 STAFF Hannah Zedaker ....................Associate Editor Dharmesh Patel ...................Viewpoints Editor Jeremy Villanueva .......................Sports Editor Sean Smith ....................Campus Culture Editor Manjot Jawa ...................................Web Editor
STAFF, cont. Connor Hyde .......................... Senior Reporter Whitney Wylie ......................... Layout Editor Lillie Muyskens .................. Graphic Designer Brynn Castro ................. Senior Photographer Alex Broussard ............. Senior Photographer Staff Reporters ............................ Stacy Hood
Louisiana and Arkansas, as well as on the part of our fans at home. When called on their behavior, many responded that heckling the other team is just part of the game. Maybe so, but it is a tasteless, classless, negative part of the game that no longer belongs once the line between good natured teasing and outright vitriol has been crossed. Folks, I believe that Bearkats are better than that. When teams visit Bowers Stadium, they are our guests and should be treated with a certain degree of dignity and respect. Their players, coaches, staff and fans deserve to be treated as guests, because they are very likely going to leave in defeat, based on our current home winning streak. I would like to propose that we,
Editor’s Note Subject matter in this newspaper and on www.HoustonianOnline.com does not reflect the opinion of The Houstonian unless otherwise noted. Staff editorials are subject to the approval of listed Houstonian staff members. For more information, call 936-294-1505.
Faculty Advisor Marcus Funk ......................... (936) 294-3651
as hosts, begin cheering instead of booing when our opponents enter the field. This could become a tradition, not unlike standing and removing your hat for the playing of our national anthem, or becoming silent when a player becomes injured, then clapping and cheering as they arise and are helped from the field. Let’s show our guests that we have class. Let’s make them feel welcome before we take them to task on the field. Let’s acknowledge that they have worked hard to get where they are and that they are fitting opponents. Cheer, yell and scream for our Kats, but don’t boo or belittle our opponents. They should be able to leave here secure in the knowledge that we are a classy place.
PAWS DOWN
PAWS DOWN to fall semester beginning: Running late to your 8 a.m. class.
PAWS DOWN to summer heat and Huntsville hills: even though my calves looks good my pits are damp.
PAWS DOWN to no on-campus parking: stalking people for 30 minutes for a parking spot like the administration wants you to just stay home.
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ADVERTISING DEADLINES
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Tuesday’s issue ................. Friday at 2 p.m. Thursday’s issue ............. Tuesday at 2 p.m. Call for pricing.
The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/sports | Thursday, August 28, 2014
Page 8
Bearkats squared with Alabama State CANAAN CADWELL Staff Reporter After dropping its first game of the season against No. 2 Eastern Washington on Saturday, Sam Houston State football has to regroup for the home opener against Alabama State this Saturday. It will be ASU’s first game of the season, and the Hornets look to kickoff the season continuing their stride from recent seasons. In three of the past four seasons, ASU has captured the Southwestern Athletic Conference division title and are tabbed to finish first in the East division this season. The defense will be the biggest worry for the Bearkats in Saturday’s contest. “We learned some valuable lessons at Eastern Washington,” head coach K.C. Keeler said to GoBearkats. “I’m just hoping now that we grow from them.” The Hornets’ offense is backed by a strong run game. ASU finished last season averag-
ing 235.5 rushing yards per game with an average of five yards per rush. At the end of the season, 28 of the Hornets’ 48 offensive touchdowns were rushing touchdowns. Although ASU will be without its former star running back Isaiah Crowell, senior Malcom Cyrus returns to the Hornets. Last season, Cyrus averaged 69 yards per game highlighted by an 80-yard rushing touchdown against Prairie View A&M last October. Backing up Cyrus is Jahaad Coleman, Khalid Thomas and Andrew Kincey. The three provide additional depth that could exploit the Bearkats’ defense the way Eastern Washington did. The Bearkats gave up 317 rushing yards to the Eagles, allowing Eastern Washington to find the end zone three times off running the ball. The offensive threat doesn’t stop at the run game. Last year, the Hornets averaged 32.7 points per game. SHSU will have to tighten up coverage in the backfield to stop re-
turning starting quarterback Daniel Durhat. The 6-foot-1-inch, 193 pound senior threw for 1903 yards and 18 touchdowns last season. Durhat will be with his top receivers Earl Lucas and DeMario Bell again. Lucas averaged 42.9 yards per game with three touchdowns while Bell received 594 yards for three touchdowns. The Bearkats have the offense to match the Hornets. Sophomore Jared Johnson threw for 317 yards last week, but his game was hindered by two costly interceptions. Johnson and redshirt freshman Yedidiah Louis had a nice duo going against Eastern Washington that saw Louis nab 10 catches for 89 yards. As for the run game, junior Keshawn Hill has stepped into the big shoes of alumnus Timothy Flanders by rushing for 133 yards with a 79 yard touchdown in the opening quarter. Kickoff is set for 6:30 p.m. at Bowers Stadium.
The Associated Press
MISSED PASS. Eastern Washington wide receiver Shaquille Hill gets past a Sam Houston defender and is open for a pass in last Saturday’s game.
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Tune in to the Houstonian Ball Buster every Friday afternoon at houstonianonline.com/category/sports This week we’re discussing Football Bowl Series kicking off, NFL teams first cut, and preview upcoming Sam Houston State football, volleyball, and soccer matches
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Lillie Muyskens | The Houstonian
The Houstonian | HoustonianOnline.com/sports | Thursday, August 28, 2014
Page 9
Soccer scores with new assistant coaches JEREMY VILLANUEVA Sports Editor At the end of last season, Sam Houston State soccer only expected to lose one leader between then and the opening of this season: Tricia Mallory, the lone senior of the 2013 squad. The Bearkats ended up losing two more leaders with her: assistant coaches Meredith Flaherty and Keaton Henson. However, SHSU has hired on two assistant coaches who have fit right into the program, giving the team a new vibe. The Bearkats added assistant coaches Matt Armstrong and Gus Mota to the squad. Armstrong joins SHSU after a season on staff at Oklahoma. Previous to coaching, Armstrong played at Notre Dame and University of New Mexico before playing professionally for HFC Haarlem in the Netherlands and Brazil’s E.C. Vitoria. “[Armstrong] has a strong technical background, and he’s been able to come in and help the player
with their techniques,” head coach Tom Brown said. Armstrong’s forwards and attacking midfielders have seen improvements in their game and technique upfront, sophomore Allie Johnson said. Johnson had the lone goal in the Bearkats 2-1 loss to University of Texas – San Antonio off an early cross from sophomore Jordan Jarzombek. Johnson accredits the opportunity created to score the goal to Armstrong’s ability to open up the bigger picture, she said. “He’s focused on the more mental aspect of us playing,” she said. “He encourages us to really think more about our passes.” In drills, Johnson says Armstrong will have his team redo drill after drill until its perfect. This has translated well for the players into the game, she said. “When it comes to the game, we know what to do in that [certain] situation,” she said. “He’s [tougher] and that’s something we definitely needed.” Armstrong doesn’t stop pushing his players until each and every
drill is right, because he believes it’s all about the tiny steps forward that leads to progress, he said. “I was brought up in that system of you having to do every little thing to the best of your ability,” Armstrong said. “What will happen in the end is the accumulation of that will become a much bigger, better thing.” Armstrong tells his players if something is not up to standard in training right then and there. He doesn’t let problems skim by thinking it will fix itself with time. “Sometimes it’s not always the [most fun] thing, because you’re getting told by your coach that you’re not living in to what you’re capable of,” Armstrong said. “They deserve to know what the standard is and what they’re capable of so they can be the best.” Although the Bearkats haven’t had a plethora of goals up top, Armstrong knows once his offense works out the last kinks upfront, goals will come one after another. “We’re well on our way to that,” he said. “We just got a couple of little things to sew up,
and I think we can be really dangerous.” Mota is training with SHSU’s goalkeepers, starting junior Kylie Hambleton and junior Magen Ross. Brown has seen the difference between former coach Flaherty’s style and Mota’s strategy in training. Both have improved the keepers’ performance, he said. “Between the two of them, not one philosophy is wrong,” Brown said. “[Mota] has done more repetition and more pressure activities to help the goalkeepers in that aspect. Meredith was more technical. Neither is right or wrong, just different approaches.” Mota also focuses on the mental aspect of the game and knows it’s vital to success on his keeper’s goal line, he said. “When goalkeepers makes that one mistake, it can cost the game,” he said. “A lot of my training session goes with knowing the game and being mental tough.” This doesn’t keep him from highly physical training. “Intensity for the game transi-
tions to my goalkeepers working out,” he said. “I always bring that high level of intense training.” Before becoming staff at SHSU, Mota worked with Southland Conference opponent Southeastern Louisiana. At SLU, he helped bring in a recruiting class that won the Southland Conference tournament championship. Him and Brown hope to see that same success in bringing talent to Huntsville. “If you want to win, you come here,” Mota said. “We don’t recruit players that can fit in the SLC but can compete in the best of conferences.” Brown knows as the players continue to move into the new styles of Armstrong and Mota, the team will grow and extend its success in the games. “I look at teams like Baylor; they had bigger, stronger players but not better soccer players,” he said. “In the long run, it will helps us a lot tremendously.”
The Associated Press
ASTROS WIN. LEFT: Oakland Athletics’ Alberto Callaspo, right, slides toward home plate as Houston Astros catcher Carlos Corporan waits with the ball in the fifth inning of a baseball game Wednesday in Houston. Astros second baseman Jose Altuve, right, throws the ball to first base over shortstop Marwin Gonzalez on a single by Oakland Athletics’ Derek Norris in the fifth inning.