The Houstonian

Vol 116— Issue 14 Huntsville, Texas Tuesday, October 12, 2010

A century of homecoming spirit

John Rudolph | The Houstonian

Homecoming Events

CELEBRATE. University President Dana Gibson, Ph.D. kick off homecoming week on Monday in the LSC Mall Area during a pep rally.

Wednesday Sam Jam Carnival: Holleman Field Parking Lot at 7 p.m.

Thursday Homecoming Parade: Sam Houston Ave. at 6:30 p.m.

Rally gears students up for game

By Kolby Flowers Contributing Reporter

The centennial homecoming celebration officially kicked off yesterday with a rally in the LSC mall area.

Several organizations contributed to the event by hand-

ing out prizes, cookies, and flyers.

The Bearkat Marching Band put on a performance while the spirit teams pumped up the crowd.

University President Dana Gibson gave a pep talk to start out the rally.

“Part of my job is to brag about the university,” Gibson said.

“One of the reasons why I brag about the students is because we have such a motivated, energetic and enthusiastic student body.”

Head Coach Willie Fritz,

also among the speakers, brought forth support for the SHSU football team. He encouraged students to practice their cheers for the game.

“We need you to get loud

— See RALLY, page 4

Pot reform not “Half Baked”

Job fair to recruit NORML Kats call for the legalization of marijuana future teachers

By Meagan Ellsworth Editor-in-chief

The nonprofit advocacy group, created in 1970, now has a chapter at Sam Houston State University to tell people about prohibition and the benefits of legalizing marijuana.

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws campus chapter, or NORML Kats, wants to get the word out.

“We are here,” Will Kinison, treasurer, said. “We have a voice and we are trying to educate people and get people to just think about the issue.”

NORML Kats invite the university community to join in on the conversation. Their meetings are on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. at Merskies and Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. in room 303 of Academic Building 4.

“We don’t ask that people necessarily agree with us,” Kinison said. “All we want is for

Sports

people to get informed and get the facts. Once they do that, then they will agree with us because this is a no brainer.”

THE ADVOCACY Junior Mark McDonald, vice president of NORML Kats, said the $14 billion spent on stopping a drug that anyone can make is a lost cause and that those in the land of the free should be given a choice.

“We could turn around and put that $14 billion into education or healthcare for our children tomorrow,” McDonald said. “The land of the free should let the grown adults choose to have the freedom on whether or not they want to utilize this drug like they do with alcohol, tobacco, aspirin, caffeine, and everything else that kills more people than the actual drug in question.”

NORML Kats supports age restrictions to help keep the

By Janise Richardson Contributing Reporter

— See NORML, page 4

SEE page 7

Bearkat defense sets a school record with 12 quarterback sacks to earn victory

Entertainment

Jared Wolf | The Houstonian

SEE page 5

Entertainment editor Thomas Merka analyzes the TUTS production of “Hairspray.”

Index

Viewpoints............page 2 Homecoming........page 3 Campus ................. page 4 Entertainment........page 5

Special..................page 6 Sports....................page 7 Sports....................page 8 Special..................page 9 Special................page 10

Students may visit with numerous Texas school districts during the Fall 2010 Teacher Job Fair on Wednesday, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the Johnson Coliseum.

The job fair, which typically boasts an attendance of 400 students, is designed to increase attendees’ chances of landing a job, Marketing and Special Events Coordinator Paige Loft said.

In preparation for the event, Loft suggests visiting Career Services’ web site Jobs4Kats to research the many districts that will be present. “[Students] should research the jobs they may be interested in, apply online and follow up with your resume,” Loft said.

“Anything you can do to let them know you’re interested [will] give you a competitive edge.”

Teacher Job Network, Texas Teachers, the Education Service Center and KIDVENTURE CAMPS will also be on campus during the event to recruit.

Viewpoints

Page 2 The Houstonian

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Nobody cares about marijuana

What do you think about marijuana legalization?

Tim Tran Sophomore

“I think it’s a terrible idea. It might help the economy, but it’s a crappy excuse for people to go smoking for fun.”

Jon Alvaro Freshman

“The government could make a decen amount of money off of it. As long as they have age restrictions.

Kids shouldn’t be smoking.”

Raven Garcia Junior

“If they want to ban marijuana, they should also ban cigarettes.”

Marijuana reform is an overdone debate that has gone nowhere, over the past 70 years. The War on Drugs continues despite skepticism and it is something that more than likely, will never change.

But here on campus, we’ve got these NORML Kats walking around, passing out information on the injustice of illegalization.

Even though many will see some of the NORMLs and literally take them at face value, the continuation of stagnant marijuana prohibition will be for reasons, otherwise.

No one cares about marijuana, at least not anyone important enough to actually change the legislation.

Only a few national politicians have advocated legalization.

The most prominent was former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, who isn’t exactly the most polarizing figure in the Republican Party. But since marijuana prohibition, no serious presidential candidate has supported this type of legislation.

Is there a problem with this? Of course there is, because enforcing these laws jeopardizes fundamental common sense that should be applied in everything that the government does.

Whoever really wants to use drugs is going to do so no matter what the law states.

If prohibition was a deterrent of abuse and addiction, crime rates and drug prosecution would not consistently reach all-time highs.

According to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reports,

while arrests for marijuana us. possession have doubled If marijuana was legal, since 1980, arrests for consumers would be able violent crimes has remained to legitimately purchase relatively the same. the substance without the If the government truly dishonesty that comes with knew its appropriate position under-the-table drug dealing in the lives of its constituents, on the streets (there could there would be no dispute on still be penalties for illegal the way we should tackle drug transactions). drug abuse. No more than the With the current legislation, typical American wants to be our deceptive traits are forced by the government to triggered in a dangerous way. purchase healthcare, do they While there is no evidence want to be told by to support whether the government what people are more or they can and can’t less likely to use put into their bodies drugs in accordance in the privacy of their to the law, making own homes. them illegal is a sure Nevermind that way to increase the marijuana prohibition severity of the drugs’ violates the autonomy overall impact. of the American I’ve heard addicts people, but it has who are considered never been proven Brandon Scott to be in denial, say to be a benefit Viewpoints Editor that their biggest to society, or its problem is the law morale. that tries to keep Actually, I would argue them from using, not the that prohibiting drugs only drug itself. That logic is a bit contributes to the problems misguided, but there is some in society because of the merit to it as well. unnecessary deception that it There are better ways to engages. In communication go about dealing with abuse. studies courses, we learn Over the past decade, Canada how important and how real has perceived drug use as deception is in everyone. a public health concern, We learn how to deceive adopting policies relative to and even lie, during our Europe. childhood development and In 2002, an extensive 600 that ability advances with page Senate report, filled communication skills. So, with scientific research as adults particularly, we from Ottawa, proved that can lead law enforcement or marijuana was less harmful whoever we want to believe than alcohol and should that we aren’t doing drugs be decriminalized or fully even if we are. At the very legalized. least, we can find a way to do But who cares? Nobody. them and not be caught in the You and I might care, but act. when was the last time the And this characteristic is a government cared about what part of each and every one of we care about? Prohibition is

Comedy Center

Anna Rodriguez

just a prime example of the self-interest politics that we frequent to this day.

When alcohol prohibition was abolished, it was in large part due to economic reasons (Great Depression) but was successful because it generated interest from the right people. More than half of the American population was directly affected by outlawing alcohol, whereas maybe 10 percent of the population is concerned with marijuana laws. I base that off the reluctance of the student body to speak on this issue. The “Word on the Street” edition to the left was supposed to include 10 people. After asking more than 40 students for their opinions, only four were willing to speak up.

So while I’m with the NORML Kats and the premise of their cause, the voice falls on deaf ears. If we think Washington is going to legalize marijuana on the count of easily swayed college students and the ideology of few radical politicians, then we’re fooling ourselves.

Even the current president, who is an admitted former marijuana user, has stated that there is no interest to change the federal laws.

The people who support legalization aren’t important enough to make a real change in society. I’m sorry if that offends anyone, but it needs to be noted. It’s 2010 and marijuana is still illegal, not because the public isn’t open to it, but because of carelessness and inertia where the real impact is the heaviest.

Paws Up, Paws Down

With the Thanksgiving break approaching, we at The Houstonian decided to lighten the mood and take a look at the not-so-serious side of Turkey Day. After all, we all need something funny to get us through thetake days In this section of the opinions page, we with crazy families. a look at some various news stories around campus and give the parties involved either a “paws up” for a good job, or a “paws down” for a not so good job.

Senior

“Paws UP” to the Bearkat football team for winning its second consecutive road victories. The Kats are now 3-2 heading into homecoming week.

“As long as it’s not

easily accessible to kids. What I’m worried about is people who are doing it just to be cool”

By Drew Litton

“Paws DOWN” to people who reluctant their due to public influence. We can do better.

Stephanie Mashburn Senior

“I don’t think it really

affects me. But if legalizing it prevents people from getting it illegaly, I don’t see why not.”

Kristin’s story E.Jay Miranda Special to The Houstonian Last Thursday night, I found myself in the LSC ballroom, along with many others, readily anticipating the arrival of Andrea Cooper, our speaker for the evening.

The event was titled Kristin’s story, a tale about a young, ambitious college student that tragically took her own life after surviving an experience with sexual assault.

As formal introductions were delivered by Dean Jeanine Bias and student Sara Rider, the initial welcoming of Mrs. Cooper was heartfelt.

It was apparent that much time and effort had taken place prior to her arrival.

The audience was taken aback by her first few words.

Many had expected a solemn woman, torn from the loss of her daughter.

Instead, we discovered a lively, child-like creature.

Bright-eyed and colorful.

Her words tore down prior notions of tonight’s message as she opened up about her beginnings.

Many could quickly relate to her ambitions.

In her younger years, she was an avid shopper, enjoyed fine dining, and

took opportunities to travel around the country.

As her story began to steer towards the main subject, you could see why her tale had impacted so many colleges students around the country. Kristin had a lot to be proud of.

Scoring numerous awards and accolades, she carried

the events prior to her passing – how she had been sexually assaulted. How she first approached her boyfriend about the assault and that he turned his back on her. The perspective gained shows all of us that we need to have the right people in our lives to support us in our time of

Jessica Gomez - The Houstonian

On campus Thursday, guest speaker Andrea Cooper tells students about her daughter who tragically took her own life after surviving an experience with sexual assault.

her ambitions and dreams into her college life.

As the night of her passing began to uncurl, a tremble could be seen amongst the listeners.

It’s hard to believe that a young woman with similar likes and interests similar to the many people in attendance that night, could experience such tragedy. When describing

“Paws UP” to the volleyball team for matching the football team’s victory over Nicholls last Saturday.

By Henry Payne

need.

Soon afterwards, Mrs. Cooper introduced an additional speaker. Jessica Stephens, a senior for the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, had asked to share her testimony. A survivor of domestic violence, she felt it was necessary to reveal her story, even in light of the fact that her incident occurred nearly two

months ago.

Jessica’s presence on stage had taken back many in attendance by surprise. It was hard to imagine that of all people, she would have been the one to experience such trauma.

Heavy breaths enveloped the room as she began to reveal her story. It’s not everyday you listen to one of your own peers. The life lessons that she imparted to all that came to hear was sure to stay close as she shared her experiences on such a strong subject matter.

Her story hit home with many that night, welcomed by a standing ovation as she stated her final words.

Many took the opportunity to meet with Mrs. Cooper after the program closed. The service that she provides to college students around the U.S. was strongly appreciated by those who thanked her. With the addition of Jessica’s words, the night had strongly impressioned the many that were there to listen.

“Out of all the 400 programs I’ve spoken at, I have never had a “Jessica” give her testimony, “ Andrea said to me. “What a beautiful and strong woman she is. “

One more “Paws UP” to the soccer team for quietly reaching a 3-1 record in conference action.

The Houstonian Editorial EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Meagan Ellsworth...............................................................936-294-1505 FACULTY ADVISOR Robin Johnson.....................................................................936-294-1499 SECTION EDITORS Jessica Priest..................................................................Associate Editor Brandon Scott..............................................................Viewpoints Editor Mike Silva...........................................................................Sports Editor Thomas Merka........................................................Entertainment Editor Jared Wolf.......................................................................Graphic Designer

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Tuesday’s Issue............... Friday at 2:00 p.m.

Thursday’s Issue........... Tuesday at 2:00 p.m.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Homecoming This year’s candidates for king and queen Photos courtesy of Student Activities

Top row (from left): Tiffanie Jones, Adesuwa Omoruyi, Jessica Cantu, Cindi Hoffzimmer Second row (from left): Tiffany Long-Truxel, Jana Valigura, Callie Walker, Raymie Jo Wheeler Third row (from left): Lindsey Earp, Brittany Gonzalez, Pamela Brooks, LaDawn Taylor Bottom row (from left): Ryan Bridges Lindsey Harris, Jr. Hector Menendez, III Miles Robinson Ray Venegas, Jr.

The Houstonian, Page 3

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Campus

The Houstonian, Page 4

Guest artist Matthew Lewis draws a crowd

Photo courtesy of Ethan Buckles

AN ART AFFAIR. Artist Matthew Lewis visited the campus of SHSU to compose a chalk mural in the LSC mall area. The event, which was on Oct. 7, was sponsored by Program Council.

By George Mattingly Contributing Reporter

Guest artist Matthew Lewis lit up the LSC mall area with his colorful creations as a part of Program Council’s Art Affair held last Thursday.

A crowd of students came out to watch Lewis draw free-hand chalk murals depicting bright landscapes all to the beat of music in a matter of fifteen minutes; a unique style unheard of by many.

From NORML page 1 drug out of the hands of children. Marijuana is by far the most used illicit drug by teens, according to a 2005 survey of 10th and 12th graders by the National Institute of Drug Abuse.

“We would like to see marijuana sold in legitimate businesses, which ask for identification, so only people over 21 would be able to purchase,” Kinison said. “[This would be better than having marijuana in the] hands of drugs dealers, who not only don’t ask for [identifications], but who specifically target children and young people to sell marijuana to.”

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, dealers can lace illegal marijuana with other harmful substances and drugs.

The majority of the time users are not aware of these additives, but Kinison said regulation could provide preventative restrictions for quality control.

“We’d know who was growing the marijuana and who is selling it,” he said.

“So if legalized marijuana was laced with something and there were dangerous additives then we’d know who to blame.”

He said then criminal charges could be brought against the individuals.

“Right now there are no repercussions,” Kinison said.

“Cartels can, if they choose to, spray their marijuana with any number of harmful substances or preservatives, and there are no controls whatsoever.”

Kinison said legalization would also help secure the border by eliminating some of the drug smuggling be-

From RALLY page 1 and proud on Saturday night,” said Fritz. “Wear your orange and remember that when we are on offense, that is the time you need to be loud.”

Victor Carmichael, a senior football player, spoke on behalf of the football team.

This combination draws people into the art and evokes emotion in the audience as the drawings evolve from abstract markings into beautiful scenery.

“The way he draws to the music is really mesmerizing and fascinating to watch,” sophomore Chloe Flowers said after watching a mural being drawn. “It’s surprising how fast he is able to draw these big murals.”

The event was put on by Program Council’s entertainment chairs as a different way to expose the student body to a unique form of art while entertaining them at the same

tween the United States and Mexico.

“It would help keep the massive revenue that the marijuana industry produces as the third most popular drug in the United States out of the hands of these bloodthirsty Mexican cartels,” He said. “[They] are currently reaping havoc in Mexico from the profits that our prohibition has given them.”

THE DEBATE According to DEA reports, marijuana is a gateway drug that effects brain functioning and judgment. Citing longterm studies of students who use drugs, DEA reports state that very few users do not try marijuana before other illegal drugs. The DEA’s official position is against the legalization of marijuana.

“The idea that smoking marijuana will cause you to move on to harder substances is patently false,” Kinison said. “If you look at the number of marijuana users and the number of hard drug users, there is such a small fraction of the percentage of [those who use] marijuana to ever use hard drugs—it is just a ridiculous argument.

“A lot of the opposition to marijuana comes from inaccurate propaganda on the part of government,” Kinison said. “There is no evidence whatsoever, scientific or otherwise, that marijuana is either addictive or in any measure can kill you by overdose.”

Clayton Langley, a visitor from California, said he supports NORML Kats and the legalization of marijuana. He also said he thinks it could revamp the national economy.

Texas is strict in comparison to marijuana laws in California, which allow people to smoke in public and carry a certain amount of the drug on

them, he said.

“I’ve been arrested for possession of marijuana here in Huntsville and I thought it was absolutely ridiculous because I wasn’t hurting anyone,” Langley said. “I had to pay a $1,500 fine for [the] possession of less than two ounces.”

In Texas, smoking or possessing marijuana regardless of whether it is used medically or recreationally, is considered a criminal offense.

Consequences include possible fines, probation and even jail time.

SHSU has a zero tolerance policy on marijuana possession.

“You can lose student loans,” Kinison said. “You could lose your children, in some cases. You could lose government-subsidized housing, and it can really wreck your life, as well as your job prospects for the future.”

Kinison said he does not agree with any punitive measures regarding the possession or use of marijuana, and if someone does have a drug problem, they need treatment and do not need to be imprisoned.

University Police Department Deputy Chief James Fitch told the Houstonian in the spring that marijuana should remain illegal but punishment should be lighter.

As a probation officer, he said he saw marijuana open the door to harder drugs.

“If the legislatures were to ever choose to lighten the sentences or punishments for people in possession, it wouldn’t be bad. [There are a lot of] people in jail for possession and [if] jails are full [we] may need more [space for] violent offenders,” Fitch said. “It is using tax payers’ money.”

“As far as the football team goes, we are excited,” Carmichael said. “We need everyone to come out and support us.”

The 2010 Homecoming King and Queen candidates were also introduced at the event. The 17 hopefuls gave small speeches on the why the student body should vote for them to represent SHSU.

The rally ended with a performance from the Orange Pride Dance team along with a special presentation by the Bearkat Marching Band Drumline.

Voting for Homecoming King and Queen will end at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. SGA referendums, all of which call for increased fees, will also be on the ballot.

time.

Many students were also excited at the chance to win one of four of Lewis’ murals by entering into a free raffle.

The technique behind these creations, Lewis explained, is similar to painting by numbers, using lecture chalk on a simple bed sheet to draw several layers to create one large scene in the end.

The idea of combining music with drawing is a way for the two to flow together simultaneously to capture an emotion and create the landscapes portrayed in the drawings.

Lewis travels all over the United States as a guest artist and motivational speaker on subjects relating to high school and college students such as student leadership, and career preparation.

Ironically, he has no degree in art.

“I got a D in art in college because I really didn’t think I would use it for anything in life, and now I’m doing this,” Lewis said.

To find out more about Matthew Lewis, his drawings or his speeches, visit his website at www.mattspeaks.com.

ENTERTAINMENT SHSU Professor inducted “You Can’t Stop the Beat” to Media Wall of Honor The Houstonian, Page 5

Thursday, October 12, 2010

By Erin Peterson Copy Editor

Theatre Under the Stars keeps feet tapping and faces smiling with production of Broadway musical “Hairspray”

By Thomas Merka

Entertainment Editor

On Saturday, I got to partake in one of my favorite pastimes and take the trip down to Houston to see a show. On this particular occasion, I went to see “Hairspray”, presented by Theatre Under the Stars (TUTs).

This story takes place in 1962 and rebel rouser Tracy

Turnblad, a big girl with big dreams and an even bigger voice, is dancing to a whole new beat. This award winning Broadway musical tells the story of Tracy’s pursuit to dance on the Corny Collins Show. Along the way, she encounters friends, fiends, love and the raging civil rights movement of the 60s, creating a show that’s fun and hip while sending a message we can all learn from and take to heart.

Photos by Bruce Bennett | Courtesy of Theatre Under The Stars

“IT TAKES TWO” Teenage heartthrob and television personality Link Larkin, played by Austin Miller, croons a ballad to newcomer Tracy Turnblad during a live broadcast of the Corny Collins Show.

“Hairspray” is one of my all-time favorite musicals and seeing the live performance made me fall in love with the show all over again.

The entire cast of this show was phenomenal. Major talent from across the nation graced the stage to create a show that definitely falls within the top five musicals I’ve seen.

Among the cast were two students from SHSU, Justin Michael Finch and Distinee Rae McGinnis. This isn’t the first time these two have worked together on a show, as both were in SHSU’s production of “Rent” this past spring. In the show at hand, both were members of the ensemble and Destinee also played the role of Lorraine.

My favorite character in the show is Tracy’s mother, Edna Turnblad. In this production, Mrs. Turnblad is played by Paul Vogt, a man who is no stranger to the art of drag after previously playing this character on Broadway and in the Las Vegas production.

Vogt played this character perfectly and had the audience laughing through the entire show.

The score of “Hairspray” is full of catchy tunes that will have you humming all night.

The show starts off with an upbeat number, entitled “Good Morning Baltimore,” in which Tracy gets ready for her day and dreams of one day dancing on television.

Perhaps the most sentimental and moving song in this show is “I Know Where I’ve Been” performed by Motormouth Maybelle. Inga Ballard played Ms. Maybelle and gave a stunning rendition of this tear-evoking gospelstyle ballad, reminding us that, through struggle and strife, we can achieve what we know is right.

Respected author to give public reading at SHSU

By Erin Peterson Copy Editor

Alan Cheuse, a fiction writer of national reputation and contributor to National Public Radio’s “All Things Considered,” will read from his works on Friday at 11 a.m. in the Evans Building Room 105.

Cheuse is the author of the novels “The Bohemians,” “The Grandmothers’ Club,” “The Light Possessed” and the award-winning “To Catch the Lightning.” He also has written several collections of short fiction, a pair of novellas published as “The Fires,” and the nonfiction work “Fall Out of Heaven: An Autobiographical Journey.”

His short fiction has appeared in The New Yorker, Black Warrior Review, Boston Globe Sunday Magazine

and Another Chicago Magazine.

A collection of his travel writing, “A Trance After Breakfast,” was published in the summer of 2009, and his threevolume introduction to literary study, “Literature: Craft & Voice,” which he wrote with Nicholas Delbanco, was published

by McGraw-Hill last year.

His new novel, “Song of Slaves in the Desert,” will appear this spring.

“We are happy to have such a distinguished and well known writer and critic come to campus, because it gives our students and faculty a chance to meet with a living author of national renown, to enjoy listening to him read his work in person, and to be able to ask questions and learn more about the craft of fiction writing,” said Melissa Morphew, Ph.d., English professor.

“Alan Cheuse is highly respected and beloved, not only by his readers but by the listeners of NPR, and we are so lucky to get this opportunity to have him on campus,” she said.

The reading is free and open to the public.

It is sponsored by the English department and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

For more information, contact Morphew at 936.294.1944 or eng_ smm@shsu.edu.

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The quality of the voices and the chorus work in this show were unbelievable, I just wish the sound system in the theatre would have been of higher quality. There were several audio problems throughout the show with microphones peaking out and some characters’ voices were lost at times. Despite these problems, the show still sounded amazing.

One of my favorite aspects of this show was the funky, isometric design of the set.

The bright colors and unique construction gave the show that quirky, free spirited vibe we tend to associate with the 60s.

Adding even more vibrance and flare to the stage were the colorful costumes. The award for most extravagant costume goes to Mrs. Edna Turnblad, who performed on the Corny Collins Show in a big, bright red dress of her own creation.

Overall, I highly recommend this show for anyone who enjoys a high-energy, fun musical.

I guarantee that the final song of the show tells the truth. “You Can’t Stop the Beat” and will spend the rest of the night singing about “Hairspray.”

The show is playing now through Oct. 17. Visit www.tuts.com for more information.

Coming Soon to TUTS “9 to 5: The Musical” Nov. 9 - 21, 2010

“Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas!

The Musical” Nov. 24 - Dec. 5, 2010

SHSU’s Warner Endowed Chair in Journalism, Mickey Herskowitz has been elected by the Houston Baseball Media Wall of Honor Committee and the Houston Astros as the 2010 inductee into the Houston Baseball Media Wall of Honor.

Herskowitz was recognized during a pregame ceremony on Oct. 1 and was presented with an induction plaque. Another plaque will be installed at the Houston Baseball Media Wall of Honor display on the broadcast level of the Minute Maid Park press box.

Herskowitz was selected as this year’s inductee by a vote of season-credentialed media that cover Astros baseball.

The former Houston Chronicle and Houston Post writer is the fourth individual to be inducted into the Wall of Honor, joining media pioneer Anita Martini, the inaugural 2007 inductee; former Astros radio broadcaster Gene Elston, 2008; and former Houston Chronicle writer Neil Hohlfeld, 2009.

Herskowitz was one of Houston’s original beat writers and columnists, having covered the team since its inception in 1962.

A graduate of the University of Houston, Herskowitz became the nation’s youngest sports editor of a major newspaper at age 26, and later received international recognition for his coverage of the terrorist

tragedy at the 1972 Munich Olympics.

In 1968, he became the first writer to win national first place awards in three Associated Press categories in one year.

Herskowitz has also authored books on several historical figures, including Gene Autry, Nolan Ryan, Paul “Bear” Bryant and Prescott Bush, and was the ghostwriter of several autobiographies, including those of Dan Rather and Mickey Mantle.

A former Marine, he has been inducted into the Houston Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame, and received the national Headliners Award for excellence in sports writing.

Herskowitz is also a former executive with the American Football League, a New York magazine editor, and an original partner in the Houston Rockets. He was inducted into the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame in 1997.

Each season, the Houston Baseball Media Wall of Honor inducts a current or former Houston media member that has made significant and lasting contributions to the landscape of Houston baseball through their work in journalism or broadcasting. Nominations are solicited from all media members who receive season credentials from the Astros.

Those individuals were placed on the final ballot.

Herskowitz received the most votes of the nominees on this year’s ballot.

Faculty recital features an eclectic song selection Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian

ALL THAT JAZZ. Professors from the SHSU School of Music perform “Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano” during a faculty recital Monday night.

By Thomas Merka

Entertainment Editor

Four School of Music professors performed jazz and Latin-inspired music during a faculty recital Monday night in the Performing Arts Center Recital hall.

The concert featured Dr. Scott Plugge playing saxophone, Dr. Ilonka Rus playing piano, John Lane playing drums and David Craig playing bass.

The program included “Fantaisie,” written by French-Canadian composer and organist Denis Bedard, and “Histoire du Tango for Soprano Saxophone and

Piano,” by legendary LatinAmerican composer Astor Piazzolla.

“The piece (“Histoire”) is in four movements: ‘Bordel 1900,’ ‘Cafe 1930,’ ‘Nightclub 1960’ and ‘Concert d’Aujourd’Hui,’” said Rus. “It is a delightful reflection of the evolution of the tango.”

The last piece, by French jazz pianist and composer Claude Bolling, was titled “Suite for Flute and Jazz Piano,” for which Plugge transposed the flute part to saxophone.

The School of Music will feature seven more concerts in October, next of which is a jazz concert on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 7:30 p.m.

SPORTS

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

The Houstonian, Page 7

Kats put on sack party Kats Stats SHSU FOOTBALL RESULTS SATURDAY, Oct. 9 SHSU 26 Nicholls 7

UPCOMING GAMES SATURDAY, Oct. 16

Southeastern La. at SHSU

STANDINGS Stephen F. Austin

1-0

Southeastern La. McNeese State Northwestern State Central Arkansas Texas State Nicholls Lamar*

1-0 1-1 1-1 0-1 0-1 0-1 1-3

(4-1)

Sam Houston State 1-0

(3-2)

(2-3) (2-3) (2-4) (3-2) (3-2) (1-4) (3-3)

*eligible in 2011

VOLLEYBALL RESULTS SATURDAY, Oct. 9 Nicholls 1 SHSU 3

UPCOMING GAMES John Rudolph | The Houstonian

UNDER HEAVY PRESSURE. The Bearkat defense has wreaked havoc on opponents this football season. SHSU leads the Southland Conference in sacks with 24. In the last two games against Lamar (above) and Nicholls, the Kats have recorded 15 sacks, made possible by Defensive Coordinator Scott Stoker’s blitzing scheme.

By Mike Silva Sports Editor

The Sam Houston State football team passed its first Southland Conference test of the season with flying colors.

What started out as a gritty, defensive showdown ended in a one-sided, 26-7 Bearkat victory over Nicholls (1-4, 0-1 SLC).

The Kats (3-2, 1-0 SLC) won by smacking the Colonels around and keeping the opposing quarterback LaQuintin Caston on his back. The SHSU defense set a school record with 12 sacks on the night and continued to collapse the Nicholls pocket all night.

“We were able to get a lot of pressure because we practice great takeoff on our blitzes, plus we knew we had to stop their quarterback from making big plays. We were able to keep him bottled up for most of the game,” said Will Henry, who led SHSU with four sacks. “After our loss to Western Illinois, we realized our mistakes and what we needed to do to become the defense that we know we can be.

“We’ve been playing with great

effort and we’ve been executing all of the calls. When you have great effort and great execution, that’s when you become a great defense” Defensive coordinator Scott Stoker’s scheme is one of the biggest contributing factors to the Kats’ current three-game winning streak.

Heavy pressure and a slew of blitzes kept SHSU in the game, while the offense was dormant in the first 30 minutes of play.

The Kats’ defense held the Colonels to only 97 total yards and forced three turnovers, including two Kenneth Jenkins interceptions.

SHSU also recorded its first blocked punt of the year.

Cornerback Robert Shaw got a hand on the punt and recovered the loose ball in the endzone, giving the Bearkats their first lead of the game at 10-7 in the second quarter.

Possibly the most impressive feat of the game was the play of the SHSU run defense. Running back Jesse Turner, the SLC’s number two rusher this season, was smothered and ran the ball 11 times for just 41 yards. Nicholls most dangerous weapon was a non-factor in the Kats’ second straight road win.

“In option football, the key is to take away the dive, and we did a really nice job of doing that,” Head Coach Willie Fritz said. “[Nicholls] wanted to run the ball, and we got up and stuffed them early, so they had to become one-dimensional.

We did a good job of changing our blitzes up.”

Despite a slow start, the SHSU offense picked things up in the second half.

After putting only three points on the board in the first half, the Kats offense came alive and added 16 coming out of intermission.

With less than 10 minutes left in the game, quarterback Brian Bell led SHSU 74 yards down the field for the team’s first offensive touchdown of the night. Bell used his legs and ran the ball in for a seven-yard score, giving SHSU the lead at 19-7. He finished with 116 yards on 11 of 24 passing, and added 40 yards and a score on the ground.

Tim Flanders, who ran for only 18 yards on 14 carries after three quarters, exploded when it counted most.

Flanders owned the fourth quarter by running the ball eight

times for 87 yards and a touchdown.

He finished with one score and 105 yards on 22 rushes, becoming only the third Bearkat to ever earn four consecutive 100-yard performances in a season.

Flanders’ four-yard touchdown run late in the game was the deciding play for the Bearkats.

With a 26-7 advantage, SHSU coasted to victory.

“Nicholls was doing some things on defense that I had never seen before. They caught us off guard at first, so we had to go into halftime and make some adjustments,” Flanders said. “I had to go in with more patience, because they were going fast, so I had to just take my time with the holes and let everything come together, and it did.”

SHSU returns to Bowers Stadium on Saturday for just its second home game of the year.

The Bearkats will host Southeastern Louisiana (23, 1-0 SLC) for SHSU’s 100th homecoming, where the Kats seek their fourth win in a row and look to jump to 2-0 in conference play.

SHSU at Texas State

STANDINGS EAST DIVISION Central Arkansas Lamar Nicholls Northwestern State Southeastern La. McNeese State

7-0 (17-6) 4-2 (8-9) 3-3 (10-8) 2-5 (10-9) 1-5 (10-13) 1-5 (7-14)

WEST DIVISION UTSA Texas State UT Arlington

5-1 4-2 3-3

(11-9) (11-9) (9-11)

Stephen F. Austin Texas A&M-CC

2-4 2-4

(9-12) (8-11)

Sam Houston State 3-3 (9-12)

SHSU SOCCER RESULTS FRIDAY, Oct. 8

McNeese State 1 SHSU 2

SUNDAY, Oct. 10 Lamar 0 SHSU 2

UPCOMING GAMES FRIDAY, Oct. 15

SHSU volleyball team back to .500

By Lotis Butchko Sports Reporter

Sam Houston State rallied late on Saturday to even their record at .500 in conference play, after beating Nicholls in four sets. Behind the play of Carli Kolbe, Jamie Kaleh and Haley Neisler, the Bearkats had three players record double digits spikes to help put away the Colonels.

The Bearkats have won two consecutive conference games in the past week, beating Stephen F. Austin in five sets and now Nicholls University on Saturday.

After starting (1-3) in conference play the season outlook is getting brighter.

“I am happy to be at five hundred,” said Head Coach Brenda Gray.

The Bearkats dropped their first set to Nicholls on Saturday, after some defensive breakdowns and missed digs. One noticeable improvement for the Bearkats was their reduction of service errors. The Kats committed 16 service errors against Stephen F. Austin, but Grey recognized it after the game and set up tables to show the girls how small the court really is. The team responded by dropping their service errors by more than half to just six during the game.

“When I watched tape I noticed how dark one side of the gym is and how bright

THURSDAY, Oct. 14

SHSU at Southeastern La.

SUNDAY, Oct. 17 SHSU at Nicholls

STANDINGS UTSA Stephen F. Austin

3-0 (8-5) 3-0-1 (10-3-1)

Texas State Lamar McNeese State Nicholls Northwestern State Southeastern La. Central Arkansas

2-1 2-2 1-2-1 1-2 1-3 0-2-1 0-3-1

Sam Houston State 3-1 (7-7-1)

(8-5) (4-8-1) (4-9-1) (7-4-1) (6-9) (7-3-3) (4-7-2)

CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS

Puma Houston Baptist Meet Houston, Texas

FRIDAY, Oct. 9

John Rudolph | The Houstonian

BACK-TO-BACK FOR KATS. After starting the season 1-3 in conference play, SHSU has won consecutive games, climbing up to third place.

the other is,” Gray said. “So I set up the tables.”

The Kats came back in the second round, beating Nicholls consistently off the serve. Towards the end of the second set, SHSU had a scary moment when Kolbe went for a kill and missed a step crashing to the ground.

As the gym went silent, Kolbe stumbled, barely able to stand but still finished the

set.

“I took a step and it felt like the ground wasn’t there,” said Kolbe.

Gray attributed the injury to Kolbe’s excessive play, on a night where she missed her thousandth swing by just four swings.

“If it were up to me she would sit in that training room for the next week,” Gray said. “She’s not going to practice on Monday, or

for much more during the week.”

Sam won the third set after a hard fought battle with Nicholls. Nicholls outside hitter Jennifer Brandt caused the Kats some problems but after four lead changes and five tied scores the Kats prevailed.

“We just came out and played our game,” said middle blocker Kim Black.

“We had fun. Blocking and serving was our main thing and that helped a lot.”

The fourth set was finished with relative ease.

SHSU won 25-19, after trailing early. Black had several crucial blocks and helped set up Sam’s defense.

The Kats next home game is Saturday, October 28 against Texas State.

Alyssa Dooley, who ran the 4,000 meter race in 13:53, placed ninth individually among team point scorers and led Sam Houston State to a second-place finish behind Rice in the team competition at the Puma Houston Baptist cross country meet Friday evening in Houston.

Rice recorded 15 points to win the women’s race. SHSU was second with 70 points, with Houston Baptist, Baylor, Texas Lutheran and Texas Southern following with scores of 73, 87, 139 and 172, respectively.

The Rice Owls also won the men’s 5,000 meter race with a 34 point final. Houston Baptist was second, with 52 points.

Next in line were Northwood 66, SHSU 105, Prairie View A&M 133 and Texas Southern 142.

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SPORTS

Page 8 The Houstonian

Kats take two at home

By Amy Turek

Contributing Reporter

The Lady Bearkat soccer team enjoyed conference success this weekend with wins over McNeese State and Lamar University.

On Friday, the McNeese State Cowgirls held off several chances by the Lady Bearkats in the first half. Kirby Zak broke through in the 42nd minute with a goal, knocking the ball through the McNeese goalkeeper’s legs.

The Lady Bearkats made it 2-0 with a goal in the 62nd minute

by Tricia Mallory, who scored her 8th goal of the season.

McNeese’s Audrey LaLanne scored in the 67th minute to make it 2-1.

The Lady Bearkat defense held off McNeese for the remainder of the game for the

2-1 win.

SHSU Head Coach Tom Brown said the girls competed better on Friday than in their previous game, a loss to Northwestern State.

“We really challenged fair balls and fought for balls that were free,” Brown said. “We achieved what we worked on during training this week and brought it into the game.”

On Sunday, the Lady Bearkats faced an aggressive Lamar Lady Cardinals team. Brown said they were expecting a physical game.

“We talked to our team about just making sure they were focused on the game and didn’t get caught up in anything else,” Brown said.

The Lady Bearkats went ahead early when Natalie Johnson was taken down inside the penalty box in the 19th minute and was

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Friday SHSU 2

Saturday

McNeese 1

SHSU 2 Lamar 0

UNDER THE RADAR. Led by Kirby Zak (left) and Tricia Mallory (below), SHSU has won five of its last six games and is 3-1 in conference play, quietly in third place in the Southland Conference.

Photos by John Rudolph | The Houstonian

awarded a penalty kick. Kirby Zak took the kick and beat the Lamar goalkeeper, going high and left with her shot.

“The other team was telling me I was going to shank it or kick it over,” Zak said. “But I just stayed focused on the goal.”

In the 76th minute, Amanda Biega crossed the ball from the right side of the box to Natalie Johnson on the left who headed the ball in.

The game ended 2-0, giving the Lady Bearkats their third conference win.

With the weekend results, the Lady Bearkats improve their record to 7-7-1. They are now third in conference standings.

They travel to Louisiana next weekend for two conference games against Southeastern Louisiana and Nicholls.

Women’s Soccer Remaining 2010 Schedule

Fri, Oct. 15: SHSU at Southeastern La. (7-3-3, 0-2-1 SLC) Sun, Oct. 17: SHSU at Nicholls (7-4-1, 1-2 SLC) Fri, Oct. 22: Stephen F. Austin (10-3-1, 3-0-1 SLC) at SHSU Fri, Oct. 29: UTSA (8-5, 3-0 SLC) at SHSU Sun, Oct. 31: Texas State (8-5, 2-1 SLC) at SHSU

Come join

President Dana Gibson and the Sam Houston State University

Alumni Association for

Coffee & Pregame with the President Saturday, October 16 10:30 a.m. - NOON Austin Hall Featuring the Bearkat Marching Band & Sammy the Bearkat Bring your friends & family. No Charge.

For Questions contact 936.294.3415 or events@shsu.edu A Member of The Texas State University System

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