The Houstonian

Huntsville, Texas

Vol 114 — Issue 16

Thursday, October 15, 2009

BEARKAT PROFILE

‘Our story is about people’ New Director of Communications shares his background

By Victoria Craven Contributing Writer

“Our story is about people.

The point of a university is to make the world better, to reduce the pain and suffering and to improve the justice,” Bruce Erickson said.

With more than 30 years of experience in managing communications departments at institutions of higher education, Bruce Erickson, director of communications, is here to tell the story of Sam Houston State University.

Erickson began working at Sam Houston in April 2009. He received his bachelor’s and master’s degree in journalism at the University of Kansas.

He is a former associate vice president for university communications and marketing at California State University, Fullerton; a former executive director for marketing and communications at Wichita State University, a former director of public relations at California State University, Northridge and a former director of university relations at The University of Texas- Pan American.

Erickson is the recipient of numerous awards from the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education. He was awarded the Public Communicators of Los Angeles’ inaugural Most Valuable Professional Award for his work and visibility as California State Northridge’s spokesperson following the Northridge earthquake in 1994.

Erickson volunteered for the Peace Corps from 197375 in Kalasin, Thailand.

The Director of Communications position requires Erickson to “tell the Sam

Joe Buvid | The Houstonian

Going in a new direction. Taking over in April 2009, new Director of Communications, Bruce Erickson, has great expectations regarding his new position at SHSU.

Houston story.” Erickson said. “We have a great university, great faculty, we have great teachers, they are doing great research and we have not been as effective as we should be in telling that story.”

To tell that story, Erickson has formed a relationship with many media outlets, such as radio, television, and newspapers in surrounding cities.

“The Sam story is very

SURVEY

Students are encouraged to participate in testing

By Janise Richardson Contributing Writer

For those students who don’t think their opinions count here at SHSU, here’s the opportunity to account for something.

Over 200 freshman and senior students will be randomly selected to participate in the Measure of Academic Proficiency and Progress test (MAPP) between October 26-30 and Nov. 18. This survey will be used to effectively assess self-evaluation and determination, along with student pride.

The test will cover writing, critical thinking, quantitative and reading skills, subjects that students generally learn in their first two years in the core curriculum courses offered here at Sam. It is a 65 minute, computer based test. The SHSU Institutional Research Office stresses the importance of taking part in this survey to help the student body.

The main focus of the MAPP, a requirement of the Voluntary System of — See MAPP, page 4

JAM REWARDS

much a public story,” Erickson said. “Within the next month or so, you will see spots running on Houston public television of our beautiful campus.”

With the Sam story out in the media it brings funding and interest to the university.

Erickson is very grateful for his position of director of communications.

“It’s a privilege for me to be doing this. It’s not about

sitting behind a computer; it’s about interacting with people. It’s exciting,” Erickson said.

Erickson says the highlight of his career is now.

“I really appreciate this place. It is one of the most beautiful campuses and has the most unpretentious people,” Erickson said.

Erickson is very excited about the opening of the new performing arts center.

“I think it is going to be the greatest venue for the performing arts in East Texas, including Houston,” he said. He looks forward to getting public interest in the new project because it is all part of telling the Sam Houston story.

Erickson is a man with a lot of work experience.

Through his journey from school in Kansas and working in California, his advice to the students of Sam Houston State University is to “consider your first five years after graduation your graduate school. You have all the opinions in life that you create for yourself, and enjoy the journey: it’s an adventure”.

Erickson is excited about the future for Sam Houston State University. “I look forward to working with the entire university community to help find new and creative ways to tell the Sam Houston State story,” Erickson said.

After contributing a dutiful 37 years at SHSU, former director Frank Krystyniak retired. Upon his retirement, Erickson was hired for the position following a national search.

(SHSU Public Relations also contributed to this report.)

Program rewards eating on campus

By Kristin Meyer Senior Reporter

Now getting full is not the only reward for eating on campus. With Sam Houston’s new program, Jam, students will get a chance to win thousands of instant prizes and some will even get their name put in for a grand prize drawing.

So, what is Jam? “The Jam Rewards program is an engagement-based loyalty program that rewards our students here at Sam Houston for eating on campus,” said ARAMARK marketing intern, Darci Mulrine “This program is designed to eventually increase students’ and faculty’s value perception of on-campus dining. SH Dining Services is wanting to create more of a positive student/ campus advocacy relationship.”

There are many ways to get chances to earn prizes, from buying a meal plan to spending $5 for a snack between classes. Students can enter as many sweepstakes as they can, all they have to do is eat on campus and visit Jam online to enter.

“Participating in this program is as simple as registering on www.jamrewards.com,” Mulrine said.

“Students and faculty that

WHAT’S ON THE WEB Visit our website to participate in our latest poll or post your comments on the stories in this issue at houstonianonline.com!

Krystal Jackson | The Houstonian

Gaining rewards. The new Jam Rewards program is put in place to reward students at SHSU for choosing to eat on campus.

have a transaction over $5.00 will receive a code card. Code cards are given to the purchaser every time they spend $5.00 or more in cash, credit or using Bearkat bucks.”

Then, just logon to jamrewards.com and enter the code on the card or text in the code. By submitting this code, the customer will automatically be entered in to win the Grand Prize. The Grand Prize this semester is free meals for a semester and this will be given to four students. Twelve first prize winners will receive a $300 Best Buy gift card and weekly prizes will be given to three students and include a $200 IKEA gift card, Iomega 1TB external

hard drive, and 100 song downloads from Upbeats. com.

There are also other ways to get these code cards.

Jam will be hosting a variety of events throughout the semester and there will be code cards available for students and faculty at them.

Students can also earn Jam sweepstakes entries for playing online games, referring a friend to Jam, taking a survey, or opting to receive emails and text messages.

Sam Houston is just one of forty schools across the nation active in the Jam program. “Quantitative — See JAM, page 4

FEATURE PRESENTATION

Entertainment editor Kevin Jukkola reveals the results of his weekly poll.

SEE page 5

HOMECOMING 2009

And the winners are...

Joe Buvid | The Houstonian

While it seemed the anticipation would never end, the final results for the Homecoming election were finally announced this past weekend at the football game. Tiffany Goebel, an Interdisciplinary Agricultural major, was named the Homecoming Queen and Daniel Pawlowski, a Political Science major, was named Homecoming King.

SHSU President takes part in Distinguished Alumni Gala

By Blake Meyers

Contributing Writer

The first distinguished alumnus to receive his award was Ed Compton IV, class of 1994 and 1995.

He was honored due to his outstanding accomplishment of taking a tiny business and turning it into a large, successful, fleet vehicle business, known today as Professional Fleet Services.

He was inspired to be an entrepreneur ever since he was a child, running a twoemployee local lawn care business. He has also served the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo for over ten years, and is an active member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and the Order of Omega. As he accepted his award, he thanked his Fraternity, his family, and all of his advisors and teachers at Sam. Next up was Ronny Carroll, a first-generation college student who came to SHSU on a football and

baseball scholarship. He graduated with a business degree in 1965, and soon after spent a year in Vietnam as an Army Captain. After the army, Carroll became one of Houston’s most decorated home builders, winning several awards in the early 2000s. Ronny Carroll is a Past President of the SHSU Alumni Board of Directors, and also a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity. The Port Naches native said of SHSU, “I learned how to live, how to deal with people, how to do the right thing”. He thanked his wife Faye and his son Ronny Jr. for their support, as well as all of his professors.

Following Mr. Carroll was Tommy Frank, a man who worked his way up from Delivery Truck Driver to CEO and Chairman of Conn’s Inc., the Beaumont appliance store chain. He — See GALA, page 4

Taking care of parking

Krystal Jackson | The Houstonian

Read Tuesday, Oct. 20 issue to find out who was hired to tackle SHSU’s parking and transportation.

INDEX

Nation & World...page 4

Opinions................page 2

Entertainment........page 5

Campus................page 3

Sports....................page 6

OPINIONS

Page 2 The Houstonian

THE ROSTRUM

“Blessed are the young, for they shall inherit the national debt.”

Herbert Hoover 31st President of the United States 1874-1964

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Letter to the Student Body

Dear Sam Houston Students, Staff and Faculty and Alumni: The Houstonian would not survive were it not for the continued involvement and dedication of the SHSU student body.

We welcome all column submissions and letters to the editor.

If at any time you feel the need to express an opinion, please do not hesitate to email your thoughts or drop by our office in the Dan Rather communications building. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you as always for your continued support of the Houstonian.

Addison Reed Opinions Editor areed@houstonianonline.com

The wrong prescription for America.

Addison Reed

discusses the recent health care legisla-

tion approved by the Senate Finance Committee.

Well folks, I’m on the health care warpath again.

I know, I know, we did an entire special edition detailing several different opinions and options that our government could pursue in its almost mythical quest for some kind of reform.

But that was then and this is now.

On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee approved what has been called a “bipartisan” health care reform bill to be sent to the Senate floor for formal debate.

They called it bipartisan because one Republican voted for it.

This latest legislation is believed to have the greatest likelihood (which probably isn’t saying much) of making it through the Senate for House approval.

If it makes it through the House, which it probably won’t as the bill does not contain the proverbial public option (which House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has said any bill passed by the House must have), then it would proceed to the White House for Comrade…err, President Obama’s signature.

Now that the civics lesson is out of the way, we’ll move on to a little bit about just why this particular plan is the wrong prescription for reform in America.

Let us begin with the most obvious part of the bill: the cost.

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the total cost of the bill at just over $829 billion for the next ten years. Aside from the fact that this astronomical number likely didn’t exist until the invention of governments, what no one tells you is that this is only the estimated number of the plan going into action as is, that is to say, without any future addendums or changes.

Furthermore, the initial number doesn’t even include the most expensive portions of the bill, which are scheduled to be implemented in 2013. The Cato Institute’s Michael Tanner pegs the cost at closer to $1.3 trillion.

The vast majority of this money would come from one place: tax increases.

Tanner details that the fine print of the bill levies a 40% tax on all current private health insurance plans that offer individual benefits in excess of $8,000 and family benefits in excess of $21,000.

Naturally, insurance companies will be forced to pass on some of the costs of the new tax on to their consumers in the form of even higher premiums.

Combine that additional cost on top of the already huge rate at which premiums are increasing, AND THEN index the whole thing for inflation.

A note on inflation, while we’re talking about it. Keep in mind that it’s not just rising costs that will be driving premiums up.

Like I said earlier, when you index the total cost of premiums for inflation, it’s not just going to affect people who already have premiums in excess of $8,000 or families with those in excess of $21,000.

Think about all of the Americans who have premiums below either of those numbers depending upon their

ment is taxing us more with this bill so it can spend elsewhere.

But here’s the very best part. The bill also makes it mandatory for every American to purchase health insurance or face a fine from the IRS. Yes, that does mean the government is forcing you to buy something even if you don’t want to.

But even more important is what you realize if you combine everything together.

If you already have insurance in the taxable bracket, you’ll see a huge tax hike as we’ve discussed. But if you don’t, you’re forced to buy insurance.

Then, because of inflation and rising costs that we’ve talked about earlier, you’ll eventually see your shiny new insurance premium rise.

And what happens, if circumstances dictate, when the insurance you were forced to buy ends up at an $8,000 or $21,000 premium?

That’s right, you get to pay more taxes!

Sure, maybe the mandatory insurance you buy may not ever go that high, but what this allows the government to do is basically tax and spend till the cows come home.

Plus, if the government chooses to finance any future project with money that the Federal Reserve sim-

That’s a racket Al Capone “would’ve been proud of.” circumstances.

Well, what happens when those people see their low premiums increase because of inflation and increased health costs?

They move up into the taxable bracket!

That’s right, they didn’t do a thing and now they’re being taxed for circumstances totally outside of their control.

But wait, there’s more!

Tanner also pegs the annual cost increase of the bill at 8%, but the tax revenue would grow at 10% to 15% annually.

Yes, that means that the govern-

A prize...for what?

Clayton Goss decline. Say he’s honored but he hasn’t had the time yet to accomplish what he wants to accomplish,” Liberal columnist Richard Cohen wrote in a mocking column.

He went on to compare Obama’s award to a fictional award given to Sarah Palin for promising to “read a book someday.”

Now to be clear, this

“

war in their country.

How, on the same day that he wins the award, does he meet with generals to discuss sending 40,000 more soldiers to Afghanistan?

In the whole war-torn, disease filled, starvation plagued continent of Africa, has Obama made any sort of peaceful impact?

In the Middle East, while

While it’s an honor to have an American win the award, I still can’t figure out why.” is not me being upset at Obama. He did not nominate himself and he was most likely just as surprised as anyone. That does not change my frustration at the Norwegians for giving him this honor for… again I’m not sure.

The Norwegian Nobel committee said it was because of Obama‘s “extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples.”

I wonder how the people of Iraq feel about his diplomacy and cooperation with U.S. troops still waging

Addison Reed is the Opinions Editor for The Houstonian. He is a senior History Major with a Mass Communication Minor. He can be contacted via email at areed@houstonianonline.com

In Tuesday’s issue, October 13, the Alumni Gala story should have been credited to contributing writer Blake Myers. Also, the sotry was not run in its entirety. The second part of the story is run on page 1 and page 4 of today’s issue.

talks about why he doesn’t feel

that President Obama deserved the Nobel Peace Prize.

Amidst the health care debate, the stimulus package, and the bailouts, the two dominate political parties have not been able to agree on much.

Fortunately for us, an issue has finally arrived that has left both liberals and conservatives asking the exact same question: “What did he do?”

On October 9th, President Obama woke up to the news that he had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

While it’s an honor to have an American win the award, I still can’t figure out why.

I must be like the millions of other conservatives who have been less then satisfied with Obama’s performance thus far, but let’s be honest; the President can’t sneeze without upsetting the Republicans.

You would expect that conservatives would raise questions about the president’s award.

Conservatives raise questions about everything the president does.

But liberals also joined in. Mickey Kaus of “Slate” said that the president should say thanks, but no thanks.

“Turn it down! Politely

ply prints out of nowhere, you’ll see hyperinflation that will lead to even more government revenue due to the introduction of new consumers into the heath premium tax bracket.

That’s a racket Al Capone would’ve been proud of.

Now what’s more likely is that Americans will simply opt for less coverage (thus, decreased premiums) in an effort to keep themselves out of the new taxes.

This of course just confirms the truth that government intervention in heath care will only lower the quality.

Oh, and how many times have you heard congress and the president tell us that there won’t be any changes to our current health care plan?

So there you have it, the final conclusion of the new health bill.

On the one hand, we’ll either have a tax-and-spend bill and a 1930s Chicago mob racket. On the other hand, we’ll be forced to accept substandard care.

All of a sudden that public option is looking good. But then again, maybe that’s what they want us to think.

violence still exists between Israel and Palestine, and Iran wants to wipe Israel off the face of the earth, where is the peace?

Obama has not even brought peace to his own country in the political arena.

Obama hasn’t been able to broker a deal between Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, who continue to snipe at each other over the health care public option and Afghanistan.

Nor has Obama come though on his promises for gay rights as evidenced by the recent protests in

Washington.

I am not asking President Obama to go out and solve all of the world problems, but I am struggling to understand what diplomacy and cooperation Obama inspired.

I believe the reason for this award is that Europe likes President Obama.

He was nominated a shocking eleven days after he was put in office. This was nothing short of a “good job” to the American people for electing someone not named Bush.

It’s shocking really because despite all of Obama’s promises, he has the exact same war strategy as George Bush when it comes to the Middle East.

This award is something that ought to be based on achievement of change not the promise of it; based on accomplishment, not on hope.

Good luck Mr.. President, because it will take a lot more than a pretty speech to prove you deserved this award.

Clayton Goss is a contributing columnist for The Houstonian. He is a sophomore Criminal Justice major.

The individual opinions on the Viewpoints page are not necessarily affiliated with the view of The Houstonian or SHSU. The Houstonian is published semi-weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is a news publication of Sam Houston State University, a member of the Texas State University system, and is produced by students. It is self-supporting and welcomes all advertisers. Those interested in placing ads or classifieds should call (936) 294-4864. The Houstonian is a member of the Associated Press.

The Houstonian Editorial

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kristina Salazar...............................................................936-294-1505 FACULTY ADVISOR Patsy Ziegler.....................................................................936-294-1499 SECTION EDITORS Meagan Ellsworth........................................................Associate Editor Addison Reed................................................................Opinions Editor Lotis Butchko....................................................................Sports Editor Kevin Jukkola........................................................Entertainment Editor Thomas Merka.....................................................................Web Editor STAFF Kristin Meyer.................................................................Senior Reporter Mike Silva......................................................................Sports Reporter Joe Buvid..............................................................................Photo Editor Krystal Jackson.................................................................Photographer Heath Wierck.......................................................................Copy Editor

Advertising BUSINESS MANAGER Tammie Nokes..................................................................936-294-1500 STAFF Brittaney Pires.....................................................Advertising Manager Samantha Berezowsky............................................Account Executive

Advertising Deadlines

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

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

CAMPUS

Thursday, October 15, 2009

The Houstonian, Page 3

S G A B E AT

Senate members elected from various colleges Vacant positions for S enate filling up but still available, pushed back drinking time discussion continues

By Amanda Earp Contributing Writer The Student Government Association is trying to fill all the vacant senator positions.

As of Tuesday night’s meeting, SGA has two open spots in the College of Criminal Justice, nine open in the College of Education, seven open in the College of Business, two open in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, and four open in Arts and Sciences.

If interested in becoming a senator, the SGA has meetings every Tuesday at 6 p.m. in LSC room 320. To be

eligible to be nominated into the senate, the candidate must attend two SGA meetings and two committee meetings.

The College of Education, which has the most vacant positions, will begin recruiting in the Teacher Education Building.

The only senator in the College of Education, Derrick Almeida, said that trying to find senators for Education is tough because the students are always out getting field experience.

At the meeting, six new senate members were elected from various colleges. The College of Criminal Justice filled three senate seats with

the election of Edward Trey Owens, Gloria Goolsby, and Lauren Moody.

Owens is a senior majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science.

He was in SGA last fall, but left to intern with the legislature. He is involved with the External Affairs committee.

“I have a lot of really good ideas for External Affairs and things we can do to make Sam Houston have a presence in the state of Texas,” Owens said.

Gloria Goolsby is also a senior Criminal Justice major, who is involved with Internal and External

Affairs Committee, Program Council, Golden Key, Society of Forensic Science, and is pledging for Lambda Alpha Epsilon.

When asked if she would have enough time to dedicate to SGA she responded, “Once I’m involved with something, I go through with it.”

Lauren Moody is a senior double majoring in Criminal Justice and Political Science.

She is also involved with External Affairs and holds a Community Service Chair in Lambda Alpha Epsilon.

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences filled two of their senate seats with the election of Sara Goolsby and

Products for prizes Program council spreads tobacco awareness

By Kaima Akarue Contributing Writer Approximately 4,000 adolescents try their first cigarette each day, resulting in addiction to nicotine and other harmful substances, and risking immediate and serious health problems like respiratory and nonrespiratory effects.

In effort to inform the academic community about the effects of tobacco, Program Council held a program at noon yesterday in the LSC Mall area.

It is important to be

Follow up: Students were invited by student services to come out and collect clues and prizes by joining the hunt on Tuesday, Oct. 13.

Workshop teaches negotiation tricks for benefits Contributing Writer

Krystal Jackson | The Houstonian

Follow up: Program Council provided an opportunity for students to trade in their tobacco products for prizes to spread awareness.

Internal and External Affairs Committee.

Also discussed at the meeting by External Affairs Chief William Caron is the ongoing discussion by the City Council meeting about extending drinking hours from midnight until 2 a.m.

Caron, who attended the City Council meeting last week, said that City Council is having a continuous on the discussion at the next meeting.

He announced that External Affairs is going to conduct a survey of the students to gain data about the drinking habits of students and their opinion on pushing back the drinking time.

Talk the Talk

By Kaima Akarue

educated on the poisons and toxins that infiltrate cigarettes and what this means for not only you and your health, but also your environment.

The fight against tobacco has been happening over a decade, yet smoking addictions haven’t ceased.

“Tobacco Awareness is an event to get students to trade tobacco products for prizes,” said Angel Hall, executive director of program council.

“We just want students to become more aware of the effects of tobacco.”

Imitation cigarettes as well as brochures on tar blockers were passed out.

S c av e n g e r h u n t

Shinu George.

Sara Goolsby is a junior Mass Communications major with an emphasis in video broadcast production. She is currently in Program Council and at Lone Star Community College in Tomball, where she transferred from, she was the SGA President.

George is a junior majoring in psychology.

She is involved with Internal and External Affairs Committee and Program Council.

Theresa Goolsby, a sophomore majoring in Art, was elected as a senator for Arts and Sciences. She is in Program Council and involved with both

Walk the walk, look the part, and dress for success, because first impressions are everything.

All is well, until you actually get the job.

Wearing the appropriate attire won’t obtain you a higher salary, nor can looking the part boost your benefits. Learning how to talk the talk and being well equipped with techniques to negotiate business is your best bet in entering the job world.

Career Services held a workshop yesterday from 12:30-1:30 in ABIV in suite 210 to discuss job offer and salary negotiations.

Pam Laughlin hosted the event where drinks, cookies, and tons of information were provided to the attendees.

Laughlin discussed how to research the industry you were entering, and from there, gauging the

suitable salary. Often times, people ask for too much money or not enough at all.

So, Laughlin encourages independent research in regards to the trends of that company and how to negotiate for a salary that accommodates your lifestyle.

She also discussed types of benefits and how to negotiate for the ones that suit you.

Any student can attend the programs free of charge.

Job Offer and Salary Negotiations is apart of a series of workshops that Career Services organizes.

The next one will be held Wednesday, Oct. 21 from 3-4 p.m. and the topic will be business etiquette.

If you are interested in attending any workshops or you want to set up an appointment for career evaluations and/or personal tips, contact Career Services at (936) 294-1713 or visit the fast link on the SHSU website.

Preparing for graduation in today’s economy

Career services to host business seminar for seniors

By Julie Gallo

Krystal Jackson | The Houstonian

Contributing Writer In today’s economy, it is difficult for men and women who have been in the workforce for years to get a new job. Imagine the stress this economy has put on college seniors as they get ready to graduate and enter the “real world”.

As they purchase their graduation caps and gowns, send out their invitations, and have family coming in to see them walk across the stage, one thought may be lingering in the back of their minds: “What next?”

Fortunately for students

of Sam Houston, Pi Sigma Phi has teamed up with Career Services to bring students a business seminar, “What Matters Most in the Professional World”, which will be held Thursday, Oct. 15 from 7-8 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center, room 315. During this hourlong seminar, Pi Sigma Phi has asked Pam Laughlin, Director of Career Services, to guest speak about what it takes to make it in the business world as seniors prepare to graduate.

Along with members of Pi Sigma Phi talking about leadership skills in the work force, Laughlin will be

going over general business guidelines, including interviewing and resume tips.

“If you’re not prepared, it will be very difficult to get a job,” Laughlin said.

“Prior work experience and internships are an advantage, but they key to being successful is to be prepared.”

Students who attend the seminar will also be receiving handouts going over everything talked about, along with Job Choices magazine, a magazine written specifically for seniors, with details and information on everything from making a cover letter to handling rejection in a positive way.

Laughlin is no stranger when it comes to sharing knowledge with students on making a smooth transition from one phase of their lives to another. She has been the Director of Career Services at Sam Houston since January 2003, and currently teaches the “First Year Experience” course at Sam Houston. Prior to Sam Houston, she taught a “First Year Experience” Course at Stephen F. Austin, along with being the Associate Director Career Services.

“I want to empower them, and give them confidence as they make the transition from student to professional,” Laughlin said.

Activities for a generation of writers National day on writing celebrates all types of writing

By Brittany McClure Krystal Jackson | The Houstonian

Contributing Writer Everyone has letters they cannot part with, text messages that they refuse to delete, and brag-worthy freshman English essays that haven’t seen the light of day in years. Now, these pieces of writing can be showcased during a nationwide writing event.

On Oct. 20, schools and colleges across the United States will be participating in the first National Day on Writing. Sam Houston State University has several activities planned to allow students and faculty to participate in this event.

Congress declared the Na-

tional Day on Writing as a nationally recognized event on Oct. 8 and plans have been made rapidly since then.

The first event SHSU will be offering is an open poetry and fiction reading in the Farrington Pit at 12:30 p.m.

Students and faculty are encouraged to attend and share their work.

There will also be an open-house reception for faculty and staff in the Writing Center from 2:00-4:00 p.m. All faculty members are invited to meet the tutors and tour the Writing Center.

The highlight of this event is the opening of the National Gallery of Writing. Each participating school will have their own online gallery where students and staff members can submit any

piece of work for the gallery.

Submissions will be available for viewing through June 2010.

The National Day on Writing focuses on the types of writing that are not generally considered worthy of publication.

“We write on paper, postits, computers, we even write on phones. We text, twitter, facebook, blog, email, we write all of the time, but so much of our everyday writing goes unnoticed and uncelebrated. That’s what we want to highlight on the National Day on Writing: the notion that we are a generation of writers,” said Writing Center director Ann Theodori.

Dr. Carroll Ferguson Nardone believes that this event

will allow SHSU to give writing the respect and attention it deserves.

“We all pay attention to the new “gee whiz” gadgetry that comes about and think it makes our lives better. Writing is relegated to the background. This is one day we can take the uncelebrated nature of writing, focus on its impact on our lives, and remind ourselves to celebrate the thing that really does make the world go around,” said Nardone.

For more information on the National Day on Writing, please contact Carroll Nardone at 294-1472, Ann Theodori at 294-1438 or visit www.ncte.org/day on writing.

Page 4 The Houstonian

NATION & WORLD

From GALA

From MAPP

started as a teenager, driving trucks, but then went to college to become an Industrial Arts teacher. All through college he worked at Conn’s, slowing rising to the top, and graduating from SHSU in 1963. He was named CEO in 1994, and was instrumental in tripling the number of stores, starting the Credit and Service Departments, and taking the company places it had never been.

“I define success by the amount of good I was able to achieve,” said Frank, who recently retired from Conn’s after 50 years.

Before he retired, employees raised $60,000 to create a scholarship in his honor, and he matched the figure as soon as he heard it. Frank was also a first generation college student, and thanked his wife and son, Pat and Tim, and Dr. Bill Nyland, his mentor for their support.

The next to take the stage was Colonel Jerry Marshall, a 1964 graduate of SHSU and retired Air Force Colonel, who has flown 120 combat missions and logged over 5,000 flight hours. He is very decorated, having received such honors as the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star Medal. Marshall was honored as a distinguished alumnus because of his efforts to improve the 911 emergency system of Bexar county and the surrounding metropolitan areas of San Antonio. He eventually became the Executive Director, and made the 911

Accountability (VSA), is to assess the university’s efforts to provide a valued education. This comes in response to questions that were raised by Congress and the Department of Education about higher education and what it is accomplishing. They were looking for ways to make it easier for the public to compare universities and the value of education at a particular university as opposed to another.

The MAPP test is different from the surveys students take here at Sam as an evaluation of a class.

Ultimately, it is a fairly consistent measure of the university and the learning outcomes of the students.

The survey is reaching out to the diverse student body, something that other schools in Texas may not have.

The goal is to have a

page 1

page 1

From JAM page 1

data has shown at other universities that the Jam program creates more oncampus spending and helps build community and loyalty,” Mulrine said.

With the new Jam program, a rumbling stomach might not just lead you to a tasty meal, but to prizes as well.

Photo courtesy of Paul Olle

Recognition dinner. Attendees to the Alumni Gala gather in order to honor outstanding SHSU graduates.

system a top of the line, first class program. Jerry Marshall thanked his wife Ann for her support through the years.

Last to receive his award was Ed Reyna, a Criminal Justice major from the class of ’71. Reyna was recognized for his outstanding 35 years of service to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, and for being one of the first probation officers to implement pretrial services for the Federal Court system.

He took his leadership position and revolutionized the pretrial arena, creating and applying several new practices and programs that are still in use today. Though now retired, he used to offer free mediation services to those that could not afford it, and taught English to Third World refugees.

“I stand before you humbled and honored, as the 152nd recipient of this award…,” said Reyna as he took the podium.

Ed Reyna then became too emotional to continue, and was only able to resume

his speech after the applause of his fellow alumni. He then tearfully thanked his wife Carla and their three children, his brothers in Sigma Chi, and his High School Counselor, who encouraged him to go to vocational school rather than college. Reyna joked that he must have been an SFA graduate, which sparked much laughter in the crowd.

He then ended his speech with an emotional, “My success, is your success.”

MC Ray Burgess took the podium again to offer some more comedic relief, and congratulate all the distinguished alumni present. The guests then toasted the five men honored that night, and were all surprised by the Bearkat Marching Band entering the Ballroom in full regalia, playing the fight song. Everyone in the room clapped along, and a few even danced. The night was ended when the Alma Mater was then sung by all, led by the BMB.

Leonardo fingerprint reveals $150 million artwork (AP) — Mona Lisa has something new to smile about.

A portrait of a young woman thought to be created by a 19th century German artist and sold two years ago for about $19,000 is now being attributed by art experts to Leonardo da Vinci and valued at more than $150 million.

The unsigned chalk, ink and pencil drawing, known as “La Bella Principessa,” was matched to Leonardo via a technique more suited to a crime lab than an art studio — a fingerprint and palm print found on the 13½-inchby-10-inch work.

La. couple pleads guilty in bird-children swap (AP) — A Louisiana couple admitted giving an exotic bird to a woman in exchange for two children, a district attorney said Wednesday.

Paul and Brandy Romero, of Eunice, pleaded guilty to two felony counts of sale of a minor child, Evangeline Parish District Attorney Trent Brignac’s office said in a statement.

Their five-year prison sentences were suspended in exchange for their testimony against the woman accused of handing over the children, Donna Greenwell of Glenmora, the statement said.

The Romeros traded their cockatoo and $175

for the children in February. Greenwell is not their mother, but the children were living with her. Prosecutors say she “instigated” the transfer when she responded to the Romeros’ advertisement for sale of the bird.

Greenwell, who is free on bond, has pleaded not guilty to two felony counts of sale of minor children.

Her trial is set for November.

Greenwell’s lawyer, Steve Sikich, has said previously that there was no swap involved and that Greenwell was trying to find a suitable home for the children. He did not immediately return a call

for comment on Wednesday’s guilty pleas.

The DAs’ statement said Paul Romero, 46, and 28-year-old Brandy were unable to have children and “unaware of the exact legal requirements for transferring custody of minor children. The couple maintains they were simply trying to provide a home for two children that were unwanted by Greenwell.”

Authorities initially thought Greenwell had kidnapped the children, but then learned that the biological parents were aware they were living with Greenwell.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

good turn out and produce more accurate results about the students.

“If I didn’t get decent results on this test, it would tell me there’s some kind of deficiency in the way we’re teaching,” M. Rita Caso, a director at the Institutional Research Office in the Margaret Lea Houston building, said.

“It’s not a direct reflection on the students because we generally know what the students level of learning is prior to coming to the university.”

The program stresses students should “NOT DELETE THAT EMAIL”. In the spring of 2008, SHSU students were notified of the National Survey of Student Engagement (NSSE). There was a “dismally poor turn out” where students did not respond to the email. The test is not an imposition on the student; “The point is to determine how well the university is doing so that we’ll be able to correct any weaknesses

the university has.”

“You are the blank slate that we have been drawing on and we have to look at the drawing at the end. We need serious input from students along the path in regard to the assessment,” Caso said.

Student involvement is much appreciated. Students are asked to RSVP with the Institutional Research Office to jpc008@shsu.edu.

The results from an individual student’s test are private and are apart of the national publication of the summary results compared to other schools around the country. SHSU students will have the advantage of placing this survey on the co-curricular transcript and a letter of reference from the Provost and Academic Affairs.

For more information or questions about the survey, please call 936-294-4382.

There may be an incentive in it for students if they choose to participate.

Make your opinion count.

NORTH POLE DILEMMA

Explorers: North Pole summers ice free in 10 years (AP) — The North Pole will turn into an open sea during summer within a decade, according to data released Wednesday by a team of explorers who trekked through the Arctic for three months The Catlin Arctic Survey team, led by explorer Pen Hadow, measured the thickness of the ice as it sledged and hiked through the northern part of the Beaufort Sea in the north Pole earlier this year during a research project. Their findings show that most of the ice in the region is firstyear ice that is only around 1.8 meters (six feet) deep and will melt next summer. The region has traditionally contained, thicker multiyear ice which does not melt as rapidly.

“With a larger part of the region now first-year ice, it is clearly more vulner-

able,” said Professor Peter Wadhams, part of the Polar Ocean Physics Group at the University of Cambridge which analyzed the data.

“The area is now more likely to become open water each summer, bringing forward the potential date when the summer sea ice will be completely gone.”

Wadhams said the Catlin Arctic Survey data supports the new consensus that the Arctic will be icefree in summer within 20 years, and that much of the decrease will happen within 10 years.

Martin Sommerkorn of the World Wildlife Fund said the Arctic sea holds a central position in the earth’s climate system.

“Such a loss of Arctic sea ice cover has recently been assessed to set in motion powerful climate feedbacks which will have an

impact far beyond the Arctic itself,” he said.

He added: “This could lead to flooding affecting one-quarter of the world’s population, substantial increases in greenhouse gas emissions from massive carbon pools and extreme global weather changes.”

Global warming has raised the stakes in the scramble for sovereignty in the Arctic because shrinking polar ice could someday open resource development and new shipping lanes. The rapid melting of ice has raised speculation that the Northwest Passage linking the Atlantic and Pacific oceans could one day become a regular shipping lane.

The results come as negotiators prepare to meet in Copenhagen in December to draft a global climate pact.

Obama says he’s looking at any way to create jobs (AP) — Standing at the site of a highway project funded by his economic stimulus plan, President Barack Obama said Wednesday he is committed to exploring all avenues to create jobs.

Obama said his administration is going to keep going until “every single American in this country who’s looking for work is going to be able to get the kind of well-paying job that supports their families.”

The administration has stopped short of calling for a second economic stimulus package. But with the job picture slow to improve, Obama said his administra-

Critical choice. Due to the economic recession, job fairs have seen an increase nationwide. President Obama has stated that he intends on trying to create more jobs.

tion is moving forward on different fronts to boost the economy.

Critics question whether

jobs created by the stimulus are worth the price tag and the debt the government has taken on to pay for it.

2010 CENSUS

Census 2010 to include outreach in more languages (AP) — With the launch of the 2010 census less than six months away, the U.S. Census Bureau is preparing its most targeted and farreaching language outreach yet to more accurately count the country’s immigrants.

Census Director Robert Groves briefed San Francisco elected officials and community groups Wednesday on ways the federal agency is working to connect with residents who speak languages other than English.

“We’re come to realize that a census run out of Washington, D.C., on a onesize-fits-all model doesn’t work very well,” Groves said. “We’re working to customize the experience, to use words, languages that make sense and make it

easier for people to participate.”

The campaign, expected to cost about $300 million, is designed to remedy that, Groves said.

Part of the outreach will occur through Census Bureau alliances with institutions such as churches and ethnic organizations to inform communities and overcome fears of working with the federal government.

A media campaign, including advertising in ethnic newspapers, will also help get the word out, Groves said.

Along with a 10-question form in English, postcards in five other languages — Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, Russian and Spanish — will point users to a Web site in their language.

Photo courtesy of discovery.org

Trying to reach out. In an effort to try and accurately count the immigrants in the United States, the Census Bureau will have the 2010 Census in Englsih, Vietnamese, Korean, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish.

Assistance guides in scores of languages, designed to walk a respondent through the English forms, will be distributed through places such as barber shops and supermarkets, or delivered door-to-door, Groves

said. Over-the-phone help will be offered in up to 59 languages.

Bilingual forms in English and Spanish will be mailed to 13.5 million households in neighborhoods where at least one-fifth of households

report speaking primarily Spanish.

Some advocacy groups wanted the Census Bureau to ask immigration authorities to stop workplace enforcement raids during the nationwide count, so immigrants feel less fearful of the government.

One federal agency cannot ask another to stop doing its work, Groves said, but the confidentiality of respondents will be protected.

“We assure them their participation will not lead to any harm, in any way,” Groves said. “We take this oath very seriously. This is a very safe thing to do.”

San Francisco is investing more than $800,000 in community outreach because undercounting comes at sig-

nificant cost to the city.

In 2008, the city challenged the 2007 census estimate. New figures released by the U.S. Census Bureau recognized an additional 34,209 residents, giving San Francisco a total population of 799,185 — and additional federal funds.

“Given how much federal funding is at stake, we have to invest in this,” said David Chiu, a San Francisco supervisor.

On the state level, a PricewaterhouseCoopers census study estimated that more than half a million Californians were not counted in the last census, which meant a loss for the state of more than $1.5 billion in federal dollars.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

ENTERTAINMENT

The Houstonian, Page 5

SHSU THEATRE

Good music and wonderful sets cannot save disappointing “Eurydices” Heath Wierck Copy Editor There is an old Greek myth about Orpheus, a chief of poetry and music, and his wife Eurydice, who unexpectedly dies. The myth tells of Orpheus’ journey to the underworld, how his music softened the hearts of Hades and Persephone, and his attempt to bring her back, with no luck, to the upper world.

In her odd and abstract play, “Eurydice”, Sarah Ruhl retells this age-old story of Joe Buvid | The Houstonian Orpheus and Eurydice, giving Overseeing the past. Euridice and her father contemplate events it a fresh, modern atmosphere, that have occurred as a Stone overlooks their embrace. while also shifting the focus to the perspective of Eurydice, at the Mainstage Theatre airy and sometimes illogical rather than her lover. It’s what of Sam Houston’s Theatre sequence that “Eurydice” Eurydice discovers in the Department. partakes in could either annoy belly of the beast about love, “Eurydice” is a very viewers, or mystify them. loss and the pains of memory abnormal play that doesn’t But in order for “Eurydice” that is the primary focus of necessarily fit the parameters to grab hold of your attention, Ruhl, which opened last night of most productions. The and not let go, you have to give

yourself to the idiosyncratic dialogue, the oddly powerful imagery, and most importantly, the great depth of emotion that can be found interwoven through the plays incongruity.

The lovers in the play, Tasheena Miyagi (Eurydice) and Garret Storms (Orpheus), for me didn’t completely grasp the theme that should beseech the haunting story of Orpheus and Eurydice, but rather vacuous high school sweethearts. But, both played their roles very well, especially near the ending of the play where pain and emotion replaced the foolishness that persisted in the beginning.

The highlight of the production is the sincere and emotional acting of Sam Weeks (Eurydice’s Father), who with ease is able to grip the audience with his near flawless acting. His tear-producing, heart rendering

portrayal of being able to see his daughter’s progression through life, even mimicking the act of walking her down the aisle on her wedding day, is what seemingly holds the play together at times, producing such profound emotional response.

Dayne Lathrop (Nasty Interesting Man/Lord of the Underworld) produces great duality in his character by acting with more than just his voice and in the process manufactures a great character.

With him are the stones, Jarrel Rochelle (Big Stone), Ashtyn Sonner (Loud Stone) and Adena Nelson (Little Stone) who create a great intensity during the underworld scenes.

While the play has the potential to entertain, for some, it may fall short. It all depends on how you choose to view it.

And while the acts were great,

there were a few details that can be obstructive to an audience.

The blurred and fast paced transactions of performers left me not too clear what was actually going on at times, and for someone who doesn’t know the story, will be left utterly in the dark.

There were also the overbearing sound effects that felt forced, unnecessary and genuinely crass at times.

And while the music played throughout was perfect in its placement and beautiful, the abrupt stopping took away from performances at times.

By and large, the play has the potential to entertain, but the viewer must opt for an open mind and be willing to succumb to the vision of Thomas Prior’s (Director) sensitivity and stylistic approach to this poignant story of love.

Around the World in 50 Minutes with Marty Essen James Ashworth

Contributing Writer

Marty Essen is a man with a seemingly ordinary background. Nevertheless, this Montana native has traveled the world and documented the unseen vestiges of nature.

Accompanied by his wife Deb, his camera, and a team of likeminded travelers, Mr. Essen has photographed strange and unusual wildlife on every continent. From Australia to Antarctica and Africa to South America, he has fulfilled his lifelong dream of being one with the environment. On Tuesday, he shared his adventures with a presentation called “Around the World in 50 Minutes” at the LSC Theater in Sam Houston.

Mr. Essen is the author of “Cool Creatures, Hot Planet”, which explains in detail his journeys into the wild. He presently has the number one book lecture in the country. “Cool Creatures, Hot Planet” was awarded the 2009 Green Book Festival Award for Animals, the 2007 Benjamin Franklin Award for Travel/Essay, and the Best Books 2006 Book Award for Travel/Essay. He has received honors from Senator George McGovern and wildlife expert Jeff Corwin who exclaimed that Essen’s book is “a roller coaster ride through the natural world that will both entertain and enlighten readers.”

What is more intriguing is Essen’s knack for wildlife photography. He has one of the only known pictures of the Orchid Mimic Spider, a creature that is white in color and emulates the look of a flower. He has even kayaked across the Amazon River. Essen recalled that his journey in the Amazon was a life-changing event.

It was the realization of his childhood dream. In a humorous manner, he recalled that during his first trip to the region he was stung by a Bullet Ant . This may seem uneventful, but the Bullet Ant is a creature that possesses deadly venom. If left untreated, it can kill a man. Luckily, Essen survived the matter with only slight illness.

In another life threatening tale, he reminisced about his encounter with a hippopotamus. He and his wife were canoeing down the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe when a hippo bit through the hull of the boat, snapping its gun wing. On the projector, he showed the aftermath. The boat had a foot and a half wide hole in the center. Even in the distressing moment, Essen and Deb can be seen smiling. In his words, the two were on “a strong adrenaline high”.

In viewing the presentation, one could easily conclude that Mr. Essen is a conversationalist.

Although he stated that he “didn’t want to talk politics”,

Krystal Jackson | The Houstonian

Proud traveler. Marty Essen talks passionately about nature, civilization, and human damage to the environment in his book lecture.

Essen showed compelling evidence of human damage to the environment. He talked about the Bear Glacier, an icy mass so powerful that it creates it’s own weather system. However, Essen stressed that the glacier is melting, as affirmed by the

river flow behind it, and 50 years ago this river was solid ice. He is also against oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

As evidence, he showed pictures of tundra plant life and the mass migration of Canadian Caribou. This

was to defame the notion that there is no life in that region.

As Mr. Essen’s book lecture came to a close, I felt more enlightened about the world beyond civilization, smokestacks, and human expansion. I felt closer to

nature and was amazed by this man’s dexterity to capture life at it’s fullest. If anyone is interested, please visit Mr. Essen’s website at www.encantepress.com, where one can order a copy of “Cool Creatures, Hot Planet”.

Entertainment Poll of the Week

What is the best horror movie of the decade?

SHSU Student Choice and Critic’s Choice: Pan’s Labyrinth Kevin Jukkola

Entertainment Editor

“Pan’s Labyrinth” is a brilliant, horrifying, and visually stunning film that restores faith in the belief that great storytelling is still prevalent in cinema.

This is not simply a tale of a girl who meets three fairies that lead her to ultimate enlightenment and peace, but also examines

her terrifying experiences by comparing them with those of soldiers and citizens during the violence from Franco’s fascist regime in 1944. Ofelia (Ivana Baquero), the girl, has a maturation process that coincides with the growing nature of the resistance against Vidal (Sergi Lopez) and the Spanish army, and the film delicately and truthfully balances the re-

ality with the fantasy exceptionally.

The story begins as Ofelia is moving to the forest with Carmen (Ariadna Gil), her pregnant mother, to live with Vidal, the evil stepfather. After she begins to feel alone in this isolated area, Ofelia begins to go exploring, finding a portal into an enchanted and scary world that could bring fatal or utopian consequences. Ofelia completes various steps that lead her to the end of her journey with a conclusion that is both heartbreaking and inspiring, which are emotions that only a gifted filmmaker could provide simultaneously.

The only flaw in “Pan’s Labyrinth” might be the unrealistically evil nature of the stepfather and the incredible naïveté and ignorance of the mother, but these are forgivable since they are contained within a multi-layered fable. “Pan’s Labyrinth” is touching and shocking, tender and gruesome, with intelligent ideas that continue to stimulate the mind long after it is over.

SHSU Online Poll Results Pan’s Labyrinth.......................................................................39% American Psycho....................................................................33% 28 Days Later..........................................................................11% Joy Ride..................................................................................11% The Cell....................................................................................6%

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News Notes

SPORTS

Page 6 The Houstonian

Scott Kelly wins individual award for lowest score Paul Ridings

Sports Information

Stephen F. Austin won the men’s golf team championship and Central Arkansas took home the women’s trophy as both squads set tournament records to win at the Elkins Lake Fall Golf Classic hosted by Sam Houston State Monday and Tuesday.

The tournament was stopped after 36 holes due to wet course conditions after three days of rain.

Tuesday morning, the final three holes of the second round were completed from Monday and then the event was suspended.

Stephen F.Austin’s 15-under score of 272-289561 broke a 26-year-old tournament record of 564 set by Sam Houston State on the way to the 1983 Elkins Fall title.

Stephen F. Austin earned its fourth championship in the event. The Lumberjacks won the 1981, 1984 and 1992 tournaments.

Central Arkansas’s winning score of 285-291576 broke the women’s tournament record of 628 set by Sam Houston in 1999.

Sam Houston State finished as runner-up in the women’s event, posting a 302-302-604 total.

Freshman Shelby Hardy led the Bearkats with a 6th place finish, shooting 74-74-148.

Rebecca Sorenson of Central Arkansas won the women’s individual medalist trophy with a sevenunder 69-68-137 total. Her school set a tournament record as well, breaking the mark of 155 set

by Janell Howland of Lamar in 1999.

Sam Houston’s men’s team placed third behind Stephen F. Austin and Oklahoma Christian. The Bearkats shot a 288-283-571.

Scott Kelly of Sam Houston State was the individual medalist with an eight-under 69-67-136 total. Kelly broke the Elkins Lake Fall Classic men’s 36-hole record of 138 set by Dan Cook of Sam Houston in 1983 and Brandt Kieschnick of SHSU in 1996.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Set and Spike: Bearkat volleyball is in first place Mike Silva

Staff Reporter

The Bearkat volleyball team swept conference foe Southeastern Louisiana in three sets, 25-16, 25-20, 2518, to improve their conference record to 6-1 and overall record to 14-10.

Sam Houston dominated the Southeastern Louisiana Lions on “Think Pink” night to increase their win streak to six, the Bearkats’ longest win streak since 1996. The victory also gives the Bearkats a one and a half game lead in the Southland Conference West Division over Lamar, who is currently at 4-2 in the division.

Led by Anna Ferguson’s 10 kills, along with nine kills from Carli Kolbe and six from Kim Black, the Bearkats totaled 32 kills in the Southland Conference victory. Sam Houston also totaled 13 blocks and committed only 10 errors en route to winning their eleventh home game of the season.

“We started off strong and finished off strong and we lulled a little bit there in the middle but we never let them get control of the game,” Ferguson said. “We have a lot of confidence right now and we’re going to try and carry that over.

It’s good to win at home,

we’re very good at home.

Putting them away in three was good.”

The Bearkats had control throughout the entire match. Sam Houston began the first set trading points with the Lions until the set was tied at 7-7. From that point on, the Bearkats took total control and went on to outscore Southeastern Louisiana 18-9 upon winning the set 25-16. Sam Houston never trailed in the set.

The match continued in the second set with the Lions taking the first point.

Again, the Bearkats got it together and scored seven in a row, giving them a 7-1 lead. Sam Houston fought on and didn’t trail again in the set. They went on to take set 25-20, with a 2-0 match lead going into the half.

Sam Houston came out with the same fire and dominated the third set. Initially, both teams traded points until the Bearkats took a 76 lead. Sam Houston went on to score six points in a row to give them a lead that they did not lose again in the match. The Bearkats controlled the set and won 25-18, completing the three-set victory.

“I think they played very well in the first set and it carried on,” said Head Coach Brenda Gray. “It’s

Joe Buvid | The Houstonian Killer. Anna Ferguson sets up another kill for the Bearkats one of her ten.

great to be 6-1 in conference. This team works hard and they’ve been good from two-a-days. We’re going to keep working.”

Sam Houston looks to increase their win streak to seven this Friday with a road game at Nicholls. Facing another conference foe, the Bearkats look to improve their Southland Conference record to 7-1.

Kill Leaders Ferguson -

10

Kolbe -

9

Team total - 32

Bearkat bait. Game preview

Tournament Standings

1. Stephen F. Austin 2. Oklahoma Christian 3. Sam Houston 4. Houston Baptist 5. UT-Pan American 6. Tyler 7. Nicholls 8. Louisiana-Monroe 9. McNeese

Too Strong. Jason Madkins carries three Texas State players after a reception. Madkins will have a big test this weekend against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions.

Lotis Butchko Sports Editor

Photo courtesy of Sports Information

Four. Scott Kelly tees off in the Stephen F. Austin tournament.

The Sam Houston State University Bearkats will travel to Hammond, Louisiana this weekend to take on the Southeastern Louisiana Lions.

Lions head coach Mike Lucas was a former defensive coordinator at Sam Houston State University under Ron Randleman for 16 years before taking over the Lions. He will have a good understanding of the players and the system.

The Lions offense possesses a danger to the Bearkat defense, as they have struggled against the big play this season. The Lions senior quarterback Brian Babin has put up great numbers this season, including, going 116-173 with 1,343 yards and 13 touchdowns.

But those numbers don’t begin to tell the story of Babin who has passed for over 6,500 yards and 53 touchdowns.

His receivers are even more dan-

gerous as they have really propelled him this season.

“I think Simmie [Yarborough] has really stepped up this season,” said Matt Sullivan, the sports information director at SE Louisiana. “He has deceptive speed.”

Yarborough is listed at wide receiver but plays tight end and slot receiver his presence will have to be known by the Bearkat secondary.

“He was actually supposed to be redshirted last year,” Sullivan said.

“A starter went out a week before the season started and he got to play.”

Yarborough along with fellow wide receiver Merrick Lanaux will be the Bearkat defenses biggest worry. Lanaux is second on the team in receptions with 24 and receiving touchdowns with two.

Running backs Jasper Ducksworth and Zeke Jones are the ground threat for the team. The two have combined for seven touchdowns and 81 carries.

“Knowing coach Lucas he is going to want to keep a balanced offense,” Sullivan said. “He has a lot of experi-

Joe Buvid | The Houstonian

ence and knows how to run a team.”

On defense the Lions are very vulnerable starting strong safety Tommy Connors was hurt in the lions game with Ole Miss. Connors was an All American last year and was on the Buck Buchanan watch list for this season for most outstanding defensive player in FBS. Also out for the lions will be free safety Curtis Strong who also went down early in the Ole Miss game.

The Bearkats should be able to score points on the lions, as their defense has lost key secondary members and the SHSU passing attack has looked good against teams with a weak secondary like North Dakota State.

James Aston and Chris Poullard will have their hands full with a front seven that loves to swarm to the ball.

“We are going to line up and play a 4-3 defense,” Sullivan said. “Our front seven is pretty athletic and our linebackers are very athletic.”

One thing for sure is that the Bearkats and the Lions are going to put up some big numbers.