The Houstonian

Vol 115— Issue 10

Huntsville, Texas

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

SPORTS

FEATURE PRESENTATION

INDEX

Nation & World...page 4

Sam Houston 10-0 in conference play.

Entertainment editor Kevin Jukkola heartbroken following “Valentine’s Day”

Viewpoints................page 2

Entertainment........page 5

SEE page 5

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

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

SEE page 6

Setting the pace University community invited to strive for a cure at upcoming relay for life

By Kristin Meyer Senior Reporter

It’s that time of year again to lace up your shoes, load up on coffee, and fight back against cancer. Relay for Life will be taking place April 23, from 6 p.m.- 6 a.m. at Bowers Stadium.

Relay for Life is an annual event held across the nation to celebrate the lives of people who have battled cancer, remember lost loved ones, and fight back against the disease.

“Relay for Life is a national fundraiser that promotes cancer awareness and raises money for the American Cancer Society,” said Kalyn Cavazos, co-chair of Relay for Life at Sam Houston and president of the Sam Houston chapter of Colleges Against Cancer. Both The American Cancer Society and Colleges Against Cancer work together to host this event.

To participate you can create a team or join one by logging onto relayforlife. org/samhoustontx.

The registration fee for each team is $10, but it is being waived until March, so sign-up soon! When creating a team, there is a minimum of five members and a maximum of 15.

At Relay for Life, people will camp out on the field of Bowers Stadium and will be asked to have one

Graphics by Jared Wolf | The Houstonian

representative of their team walking at all times.

Each team has a fundraising goal that it should strive to meet. “This year our goal is

$32,000, so we want each team to try to raise at least $200,” said Cavazos.

Last year $25,000 was raised. You can fundraise

online through your page that is created when you sign-up or you can come up with fundraising ideas like a car wash, penny wars, etc.

Fundraising can also take place at the event through things like bake sales and games.

— See RELAY, page 3

Tuesday, Feb. 16

10% Wednesday, Feb. 17

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What is “Fat Tuesday”?

“Fat Tuesday occurs the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the beginning of Lent. Fat Tuesday is called “Fat Tuesday” because a good deal of food is consumed on this day. This is due to the fact that the next day starts Lent which is filled with fasting and penance.

Historically, the feasting and partying that happens on Fat Tuesday was a way to get rid of many of the perishable foods that would not be consumed during the forty days of Lent. In particular, meat and dairy products. This is where the word “carnival” from, which means “getting rid of ” or ‘saying good-bye to meat’.

Fat Tuesday, translated in French as Mardi Gras, is widely celebrated throughout the world. Most people associate these colorful parties with cities such as New Orleans, Brazil, Rio de Janeiro and Venice.”

Strengthening diversity Conference to celebrate and discuss cultures and beliefs

By Kara Vaughan

Contributing Writer

Times continue to change but more importantly they already have. America is no longer ruled by prejudice and, in the wake of open minds and open hearts diversity flourishes.

For two full days, Feb. 1920 in the LSC building the 6th Annual Diversity Leadership Conference will be celebrating the strength and beauty in diversity as students broaden their horizons by supporting

Topic: W.E.B. Du Bois, Religion, and the Black Diaspora When: Wednesday, February 17 @ 6 pm Where: CHSS (110) Who: Dr. Phillip Luke Sinitiere (SHSUHistory) Topic: The film Bitter Cane and “Haiti’s Struggle: Revolution and Poverty” When: Thursday, February 18 @ 6 pm Where: CHSS (C090) Who: Dr. Andrew Orr (SHSU-History)

53° 29°

Thursday, Feb. 18

Topic: Haitian Migration in the 20th and 21st Century When: Monday, February 15 @ 5 pm Where: CHSS (C070) Who: Dr. April Shemak (SHSU-English): “Adrift: Haitian Refugees and the United States” Bernadette Russo (SHSU-English): “A Voice from the Haitian Dyaspora: Identity and Dislocation” KEYNOTE ADDRESS Topic: “Born from Courage and Sacrifice, now the Poorest Country in the Americas: Haiti, a Brief History” When: Tuesday, February 16 @ 7 pm Where: CHSS (C070) Who: Dr. Philip Howard, Professor of History, University of Houston

Three Day Forecast

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Black Histor y Month

the cultures and beliefs of others.

“As long as the differences and diversities of mankind exist, democracy must allow for compromise, for accommodation, and for the recognition of differences,” American politician, Eugene McCarthy said.

The conference was created for students to come together and discuss diversity issues as various cultures expand across campus. The “be all you can be” theme this year is designed around minorities in the

military, but religion, cultural, ethnicity and sexuality issues will also be covered. It is an opportunity to explore the individuality of others and results in a richer campus environment.

“The biggest problem is people’s lack of education and willingness to learn about other countries and the world,” Donielle Miller, coordinator of Multicultural and International Student Services, said.

— See DIVERSITY, page 3

By Meagan Ellsworth Editor-in-Chief

Quarter nights, video games, and frivolous shopping sprees tend to be the stereotype of the average college student. But don’t judge a Bearkat by its cover.

All members of the university community are invited to make a positive contribution at the Bearkat All-Paws-In event to be held on campus on Mar. 6 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Registration forms can be found in the Student Government Association’s office, located in Room 326 of the Lowman Student Center, while sign-up tables will be available until the deadline on Monday, Feb. 22.

Volunteer work includes various services from putting together Haiti relief health kits, to interacting with young people at the Boys and Girls Club, or participating in a Habitat for Humanity project.

“We’re basically trying to provide an opportunity for Sam students to become

involved in our community, meet different people and make a positive contribution to Huntsville,” said SGA Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences, Kaylia Tucker.

Each participant will receive a t-shirt, along with free breakfast and lunch. Names and Sam ID’s need to be provided upon registration for the event, but there is no fee to join.

Tucker said SGA hopes to capture and put into action the core values of the university: pride, success, tradition, and service.

“We hope participants walk away with a sense of activism and civic duty, which is knowing and caring about how ones community/ environment is run, and the rights and responsibility we as members of this community have to it,” Tucker said. “The Bearkat All-Paws-In event will continue the long Tradition of Bearkats coming together as one for the greater good while also creating a new tradition that enables all Bearkats: past, present, future.”

Topic: The documentary Eyes on the Prize, “Ain’t Nobody Scared of Your Jails” When: Monday, February 22 @ 4 pm Where: Olson Auditorium (220 AB4) Who: Dr. Bernadette Pruitt (SHSU-History) Topic: “Sit Down and Stand Up: The Sit-in Movement in Civil Rights America” When: Tuesday, February 23 @ 6 pm Where: CHSS (C090) Who: Dr. Jeff Littlejohn (SHSU-History) and Joreen Waddell, RN Topic: The film The Agronomist When: Wednesday, February 24 @ 4 pm Where: CHSS (110) Who: Dr. Charles Heath (SHSU-History) For questions or inquiries contact Dr. Bernadette Pruitt his_bxp@shsu.Dr. April Shemak aas004@shsu.edu or Dr. Phillip Luke Sinitiere pls003@shsu.edu

Page 2 The Houstonian

VIEWPOINTS Beating social standards Malissa Peek talks about breaking social trends, and becoming the person you are.

Some of us have tattoos and piercings. Others have Channel and Prada, and despite our endless efforts to stand out among a crowd, I believe many of us conform.

Our society is constantly growing in its ability to accept what is “different.” We are emerging as a diverse generation with unique thoughts, beliefs and even style. But part of me can not help but wonder if in our attempts to be viewed as independent, we are merely creating fads.

Fads which eventually catch on and thrust the independents into the exact same crowd they wish to be liberated from.

I look at it this way, tattoos were at one time frowned upon by employers, but with probably half of Generation Y having ink it will eventually be accepted as the norm.

What about skinny jeans

or scarves? At first they were considered “emo,” whatever that means, but now they are a modern girls wardrobe must have.

So is it merely impossible to be unique in our forever evolving society? One day the most outrageous will be viewed as protocol. Will Lady Gaga no longer be an artistic show

do what we want. If you like it then embrace it.

I feel as though I sound a bit like a preacher for artistic independence, but I am just tired of living in a society where many people walk around like cookie cutter images of what they perceive to be cool.

So here it goes; I have

“I think the only way to be different is to be different.” on legs?

I think the only way to be different is to be different.

That makes no sense right? Well to me it makes perfect sense. To me being different means not giving into fads just because they are fads, or getting a tattoo just because it looked cool on the parlor wall. We should all just

tattoos. I use to have four piercings (besides my ears). I where skinny jeans often and I own about ten scarves. Am I a hypocrite?

Am I a ginger bread cookie? Or am I simply a product of a generation where uniqueness must flourish from within?

I am Malissa Peek. I was raised in the country with my animals, yet I

have dreams of becoming a professional rock star. I go to school for a back up plan. I recorded in Nashville and I have loved ones in prison. I hug trees and have somewhat paralyzing muscle spasms. My parents divorce was the best thing that ever happened to me, and I would rather sit alone in my room writing music than partying.

I feel as though I am unique, therefore I am. I feel as though I may look like everyone else, but I am not. So my conclusion is this, because we live in a world with the profound ability to influence us lets demolish stereotypes and lets all just do what we want (legally that is).

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

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, room 210 in the communications building. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you as always for your continued support of the Houstonian.

Heath Wierck Viewpoints Editor haw002@shsu.edu

Paws Up, Paws Down With the Thanksgiving break approaching,

we at The Houstonian decided to lighten the mood take a of look at the not-so-serious In thisand section the opinions page, side of Turkey Day. After all, we all need we take a look at some various news something funny to get us through the days stories around campus and give the with crazy families.

parties involved either a “paws up” for a good job, or a “paws down” for a not so good job.

“Paws UP” to the Bearkat men’s basketball for beating A&M-Chorpus Christi this past Saturday, making them 10-0 in their conference. Eat ‘em up Kats!

Malissa Peek is a guest columnist for The Houstonian. She is a Junior Print Journalism major, English minor.

Comics for thought “Paws DOWN” to the Bearkat women’s softball team losing four out of five games in their tournament this past Saturday.

“Paws UP” to the excellent weather we’ve been having, and will hopefully continue to have through the week. Though it could be warmer.

Comic courtesy of comics.com

“Paws INBETWEEN” to all the snow the United States saw last week. Was cool for some, but for others it was just a little too much for their comfort.

Comic courtesy of comics.com

For the hate of the game Lotis Butchko shares how he dislikes

All-Star games in professional sports today.

Is there anything more annoying than a NBA AllStar game? Being from Dallas, I am tired of hearing about how great the All-Star game is. I mean really, who cares?

I find it pathetic that they sold 108,000 tickets, to me that says that 108,000 people had nothing better to do. Oh wow, lets go stand around and watch an “AllStar game” where the best player in the world isn’t even there.

I guess what the problem boils down to is are these All-Star games even worth watching anymore?

Take the NFL ProBowl. How many of the actual players make it to the game? The Colts and Saints couldn’t make it, the B-squad quarterbacks showed up, and the offense was completely second string.

The football players were paid 25,000 dollars to play in the Pro-Bowl. Hell, I’d

take 25,000 dollars to get sacked by Ray Lewis.

The sad part about this is there’s nothing we can do about it, or anyone can do about it for that matter. We will be stuck watching Chad Ochocinco kicking field goals and Dwight Howard playing point guard; all the

pro-bowl coming a week after the Super Bowl, and the Super Bowl’s destination being decided years in advance.

What I hate most about the NBA All-star game is the slam dunk contest. It is the most overrated and boring event in sports.

“I will have to listen to how important these games are, when really, I would rather watch paint dry, or grass grow.” while listening to programs build up these events.

I will have to listen to how important these games are, when really, I would rather watch paint dry, or grass grow.

The only sensible thing to do is something like baseball, where if your team wins it gets home field advantage in the championship game. Of course this is made all the more impossible with the

There are only so many ways a person can slam a ball through a basket, and how many times will we give it to a 5’9 point guard even though he does basic dunks. Guess what? Spud Webb did that in Dallas years ago.

I think they should have a 20-foot jump shot contest, of course that would be hard, because there would be three people who could do that, and I think

Michael Redd would get tired or winning it every year.

And the worst thing I have heard lately is how much of a shock it was that the NBA All-Star game set a record for attendance this year, and how great that was in a bad economic year. Of course it was a record attendance, it was at a football stadium. Could you make a more oblivious observation.

However, I know my screams are in vein, promoters will continue to build these games up and fans who are just now finding a new sport will believe that they are relevant, this is just a ranting to relieve the hatred of a wasteful day in sports.

Lotis Butchko is the Senior Editor for The Houstonian. He is a Junior Mass Communications major, English minor.

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 Meagan Ellsworth...............................................................936-294-1505 FACULTY ADVISOR Patsy Ziegler.....................................................................936-294-1499 SECTION EDITORS Lotis Butchko....................................................................Senior Joe Buvid.............................................................................Photo Jessica Priest..................................................................Associate Heath Wierck..............................................................Viewpoints Mike Silva...........................................................................Sports Kevin Jukkola........................................................Entertainment Thomas Merka...................................................................Web Amanda Earp.......................................................................Copy

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STAFF Kristin Meyer.................................................................Senior Reporter Brandon Scott.................................................................Sports Reporter John Rudolph.......................................................................Photographer Jared Wolf....................................................................................Graphics

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CAMPUS

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

2010 SHSU Volunteer Opportunities Fair

Selfless students giving back

Organizations offer individuals a chance to help out in their community

By Alyssa Dupree Contributing Writer

For many students, a typical schedule consists of attending class, studying for tests and finishing homework assignments.

Still, many find time in their schedule to partake in activities that do not involve any academic commitments. Whether it’s to eat dinner with a friend or attend a meeting for one of the various organizations on campus, students are often able to find free time that they are hoping to fill.

On the other hand, some students have yet to find an organization to commit their time to.

This Wednesday representatives of Huntsville non-profit organizations will be at the Volunteer Opportunities Fair. All students, faculty and staff seeking a chance to give back to the community in their free time are urged to attend.

Senior Brittany Serpas has been involved as a volunteer for food drives and soup kitchens in her Houston neighborhood for a number of years, and has also been the leader for her church’s Vacation Bible School program. The program, which is typically taught over the course of a week during the summer, focuses on strengthening religious education and relationships for youth.

“I’ve really enjoyed what I do, and I wish more people would volunteer in their own communities,” said Serpas. “It’s your chance to give back to people in need who may be less fortunate than you are, and I feel that it really gives you a sense of what other people are going through.”

For senior Amanda Dill, who spent time working with Wings Over Houston, volunteering was a way to interact with her peers in a different environment.

“It’s interesting to try

New ERP system r u n n i ng r i g ht on schedule

Michaela Keck | The Houstonian

BANNER UPDATE: The new Banner ERP system is like an “easy”

button and its installation is running right on schedule, according to IR Marketing Coordinator Stephanie Brim. “As of right now, we do not anticipate any major delays that would prohibit us from implementing Banner on schedule,” Brim said. Once it’s fully operational, the system will contain information on courses, students, faculty and staff. The installation is set to be completed December 2011.

working with people I was in an educational classroom with,” said Dill.

The Volunteer Opportunities Fair, hosted by Student Activities, will be held in the Lowman Student Center, room 320, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

“Volunteering is a nolose situation,” said Dill.

“You can socialize and meet new people. On top of that, you’re exposed to new experiences and it helps you become more aware of your community.”

A number of diverse organizations will be represented at the Volunteer Opportunities Fair, including the Meals on Wheels Program, the Boys and Girls Club of Walker County and City of Huntsville Recreational Services.

“I have always enjoyed volunteering,” said Serpas. “Many people don’t realize that, sometimes, all people need is for someone to show that they care.”

Grassroots role model to p r o m o te d i v e r s i t y

Huntsville physician, Dr. Curtis Montgomery, set to speak about the challenges of his career

By Tara Lestarjette Contributing Writer Sam Houston State University will host Dr. Curtis Montgomery on Wednesday as he speaks for the university’s program “Grassroots: A Series of Conversations on Leadership in a Diverse Community.”

Curtis is a physician with Huntsville’s Samaritan Woman’s Care. During the discussion, he will share his personal life stories and also of the challenges in his career.

The event will be held at 5 p.m. in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences Building Room C070.

Grassroots was created to promote the career aspirations and academic achievements of SHSU’s minority students.

According to the Grassroots website, “The program brings to campus members of our local and

From RELAY

state community, who are significant role models and who have made meaningful contributions in the area of diversity. Our guest speakers share aspects of their own childhood, and how events promoted their commitment and understanding of Leadership in a Diverse Community.”

The format of the event is informal, as the purpose is to create a discussion between the audience and the speaker. Those attending are encouraged to ask questions and share thoughts on the topics.

“It has been our goal to bring to our campus notable leaders from all over our state to act as meaningful role models, advisers and mentors to our students,” said Bernice Strauss, SAM Center director for academic support programs.

Following the discussion, students have will have the opportunity to mingle and enjoy refreshments in CHSS, Suite170.

During the Fall 2009 academic school year, Dr.

From DIVERSITY

page 1

The money raised from the Relay for Life events goes to cancer research, cancer information services, community programs and services, and advocacy and public policy towards cancer.

“Throughout the night we will have different fun events for participants to take part in like games and activities,” said Cavazos “We also will be hosting a Luminaria Ceremony, which is to honor those we have lost to cancer and those that are still fighting.”

According to relayforlife. org, the Luminaria Ceremony is when candles are lit inside bags filled with sand, each one bearing the name of a person touched by cancer, and participants often walk a lap in silence.

Many people are impacted

by Relay for Life because the effects of cancer touch the majority of Americans’ lives.

“I think Relay is more than just a fundraiser it’s an experience,” said sophomore

The Houstonian, Page 3

Chelsi Nelson. “You see people who have fought for their lives as well as people who have cared for them, and though it’s two different perspectives, it’s beyond moving to see the passion everyone has for the cause. I started in high school with no real connection to anyone who had battled cancer, and after my grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer, it just intensified my desire to contribute. I can’t imagine myself not being a part of Relay, and would highly encourage everyone to participate.”

All members inside and outside the SHSU community are welcome to take part in the event.

“We want to bring students together across campus to raise awareness for cancer because it is a growing epidemic and it’s targeting a lot of young people,” said Cavazos.

For more information or to sign up for a team, logon to www.relayforlife.org.

Dina Flores and Dr. Moreno came to speak and according to the website students have responded very favorably to the presentations. They have made statements such as “It is very motivating to hear people talk about where they came from and then see how far they have come, and to see their accomplishments” and “I loved the speakers and the informality of the presentation.”

The lecture is sponsored by the academic support programs of the Student Advising and Mentoring Center, the Elliott T. Bowers Honors College, the International Hispanic Association, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., the NAACP, the Ronald E. McNair Post baccalaureate Achievement Program, Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Women United.

For more information, call the SAM Center at 936.294.4444.

page 1 Miller describes SHSU as a very diverse and comfortable campus. She said she believes diversity increases education and understanding, because everyone is not the same and nobody should be judged for their differences.

“You can be a better person if you open your mind to the understanding of others,” Miller said.

Understanding diversity is necessary in America with the vast cultures influencing and shaping society. Around 20 percent of the labor force in the

U.S. is foreign born and 48 percent are women, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. There are at least 165 languages spoken across the country and over 300 religions practiced.

America is a country established on the freedom of individuality.

Differences should not be simply tolerated but should be embraced.

Like the 39th U.S. President Jimmy Carter once said, “We have become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.”

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ENTERTAINMENT

Page 4 The Houstonian

At the Movies with Kevin: Valentine’s Day bores without remorse Kevin Jukkola Entertainment Editor “Valentine’s Day” is boring, inept, and lazy, but at least everyone got paid. It sleepwalks through romantic clichés without providing a single character with believable actions in the time allotted by the screenplay.

There are twists in the story, but no one really cares. All of the characters are undeveloped and unconvincing, making the process of revealing what happens to them futile and tiresome.

The story involves a day in the life of love, even though hate was the emotion that kept popping into my mind.

The best way to evaluate a movie with as many storylines as “Valentine’s Day” is by focusing on specific ones so that your head stays attached and maintains its cognitive thinking abilities, unlike most of the characters.

Kara (Jessica Biel) is pathetic and annoying. She is a horrific publicist who ignores her clients, always placing her interests ahead of theirs.

It’s kind of surprising that she can afford an office with the way she conducts business, and she informs everyone she meets that her personal life is a disaster. Normally, I wish everyone happiness, but her general demeanor is so irritating that I wanted her to be alone. Unfortunately, she has a connection with a local sports caster (Jamie Foxx)

that could be good for both of them but terrible for the audience. Kara’s presence has the effect of banging your head against a wall, and Biel’s performance doesn’t make her exasperating personality any more bearable.

Jason (Topher Grace) is unaware that his girlfriend (Anne Hathaway) is an adult phone entertainer, and this revelation strains their relationship, which, for some reason, seems like a shock to her. First of all, the only individuals who believe that women who work at phone sex hotlines look like Anne Hathaway are the people who call them. If you looked like Hathaway and were willing to enter the adult entertainment world, there are other ways to make money in a more profitable and efficient manner.

On the other hand, Topher Grace is quickly becoming the type of talent that can make any role, no matter how poorly written or ridiculous, interesting. If they weren’t so outlandish and rushed, the actions of his character could approach believability.

There are other stories in the film, but I don’t feel like spending any more time reliving the crash. “Valentine’s Day” confuses life choices with character flaws. It claims that we must love a person in spite of their faults, which is true, but not while simply ignoring their actions. You don’t simply immediately accept an act of betrayal from someone you love. Those

Fourteen hour flight, two hour movie. Holden (Bradley Cooper) and Kate (Julia Roberts) make a connection in “Valentine’s Day.”

wounds left by years of gaining trust and minutes of losing it must be built back, brick by brick. If their actions didn’t bother you, than that would show that you were never in love with them in the first place. The problem is that “Valentine’s Day” believes it has parcels of wisdom to share about love and relationships, but it has as much knowledge about those subjects as Tiger Woods does about fidelity.

The film should have been 122 minutes shorter. They should have just put up the names of the actors before fading to black, ending with a sign saying, “These are the people we were going to use to make this film, but we just wanted your money and didn’t want to take the trouble to write a screenplay”. That approach would have been much less painful and more rewarding, and it would have saved the audience two hours in their lives that they will never get back.

These actors have a responsibility to the audience to choose projects that utilize their abilities in an effort to say something real about humanity. Next time, they need to read the words on the script instead of just the zeroes on the paycheck. There are some tremendous talents, including Sam Rockwell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Peter Sarsgaard, who would not be caught dead in a film this disastrous. This doesn’t mean that they wouldn’t be part of a big budget project, such as “The Green Mile”, “The Dark Knight”, and “Jarhead”, but rather that they would only do it if the script centers around a story worth telling.

The only possible defense for the actors is that they thought their immense talent could turn any role into a decent one. Sometimes success breeds arrogance in the face of any impossibility.

You can’t build a log cabin without any wood.

Valentine’s Day Stars: * Grade: D Running Time: 124 min.

MPAA: Rated PG-13 for some sexual material and brief partial nudity.

Cast: Jessica Alba (Morley), Kathy Bates (Susan), Jessica Biel (Kara), Bradley Cooper (Holden), Eric Dane (Sean), Patrick Dempsey (Harrison), Hector Elizondo (Edgar), Jamie Foxx (Kelvin), Jennifer Garner (Julia), Topher Grace (Jason), Anne Hathaway (Liz), Ashton Kutcher (Reed), Queen Latifah (Paula), Taylor Lautner (Willy), George Lopez (Alphonso), Shirley MacLaine (Estelle), Emma Roberts (Grace), Julia Roberts (Kate), Taylor Swift (Felicia).

Directed by Garry Marshall.

Written by Katherine Fugate.

Tuesday,February 16, 2010

Theatre to Perform Mythological ‘Ondine’ The SHSU department of theatre and dance will present a mythological fantasy that explores the nature of love with “Ondine,” Wednesday through Saturday (Feb. 17-20).Show times are at 8 p.m. each evening, with a 2 p.m. Saturday matinee in the University Theatre Center’s Mainstage Theatre.

Based on the play by Jean Giraudoux and adapted

by Maurice Valency, “Ondine” tells the story of a water nymph, Ondine, who instantly falls in love with the valiant knight Hans Van Wittenstein. Whisked away from the harbor she calls home, Ondine is plunged into Hans’s royally selfish kingdom where the magic of the sea is lost and love is in danger.

The production stars Hilary Bryant as Ondine and Daniel Nepveux as Hans.

The cast also includes theatre majors Christina Brinkley, Riley Bird, Alex Conroy, Erik Holm, Kendrick Lattimore, Sarah McQueen, Jordan Muller, Zach Penland, Chris Preslar, Kyle Scholl, Reggie Talley, LaDawn Taylor, Daniel Toole, Laura Tuttle and Addison Roush; as well as musical theatre majors Fong Chau, John Ryan DelBosque, Nina Garcia, Michael Keeney, Chris Martin, Kate Rose, Madison Turner and Joel Wood.

Theatre faculty member Maureen McIntyre is directing the play.

Junior theatre major Kelly Juneau is stage manager.

Designers include Seth Bales, sound; Kristina Hanssen, costumes; Gregg Buck, sets and lights; and Josh Fehrmann is composing original music for the show.

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for SHSU students and senior citizens. Group rates are also available.

Children under the age of three will not be admitted.

For more information, call the University Theatre Center Box Office at 936.294.1339.

Music To Host Faculty, Haitian Relief Concerts The School of Music will showcase two faculty members and support Haiti with two concerts beginning Tuesday (Feb. 16).

Faculty violinist Javier Pinell and pianist Sergio Ruiz, accompanied by pianist Kaju Lee, will perform a variety of masterworks by Mozart, Brahms, Debussy, Granados, Piazolla, and Gershwin.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall.

Admission is free.

On Thursday (Feb. 18), the SHSU jazz musicians will perform a benefit concert for Haiti at 7:30 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center Ballroom.

The Haitian Relief Jazz Concert will feature a variety of music from the genre performed by the SHSU Jazz Ensemble; Jazz Lab Band; Student Jazz Combo; and Artistry In Rhythm and Misbehavin’, student vocal jazz ensembles.

Tickets are $10 for general admission, $5 for senior citizens and SHSU students, and free for children under 6 and SHSU faculty and music students.

All proceeds will benefit the Haitian relief effort.

For more information, call the School of Music at 936.294.1360.

SPORTS

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

The Houstonian, Page 5

A Perfect Ten Brandon Scott Sports Reporter

How about the Bearkat basketball team? Seriously, there is no excuse for any Sam Houston State student to be unaware of the historymaking 10-0 league record that is taking the Southland Conference by storm. The Bearkats defeated Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 90-74 on Saturday night at Johnson Coliseum before a roaring crowd of 1,599. I blame myself for not inviting at least one friend to make the attendance an even 1,600.

With the win, Sam Houston State (18-5) clinched its berth in the 2010 Southland Conference tournament in Katy.

No one would have known that Gilberto Clavell was fighting a stomach virus by the way he lit up the Islanders for 19 points in the first half.

Perhaps the most chilling moment of the evening came when Corey Allmond led the fast break towards the end of the first half, with the Bearkats leading 46-29.

Allmond quickly looked behind him to see if Clavell was trailing, then tossed the ball off the backboard. Clavell caught the pass and brought it down with a two-handed power slam. The crowd went nuts and the Kat Krazies were even crazier than before. For the Bearkats, no one in recent memory has dunked the ball as often as this guy.

Clavell finished the game with 30 points and eight rebounds en route to winning his third Conference Player of the Week honors this season.

But Clavell was not the only Bearkat that came to play on Saturday night. With the injured conference-leading rebounder in Antuan Bootle hobbled on the sidelines, Preston Brown stepped up to match Clavell’s game-high of eight boards. Five Sam Houston State players scored in double figures, including Allmond (15), Josten Crow (14), Drae Murray (12) and Ashton Mitchell (10).

Clavell’s humility allowed

him to focus on the team effort and the importance of winning when he spoke after the game.

“We practiced a lot this week on offensive rebounding,” Clavell said.

“Once Bootle got hurt, we had to step up and we did. Preston got rebounds and overall we did a good job rebounding.

What matters is we got the ‘W’. You can do every stat, but what happens when you have all the stats and you get the ‘L’? What matters is the ‘W’.”

In the past few games, the Bearkats have cut it close when jumping out to big leads. Against Nicholls last Wednesday, Sam Houston State led by double digits early in the second half. But Nicholls rallied to tie the game at 66 with three minutes left in the contest. Murray connected

on his only points of the game when made two free throws to give the Bearkats a twopossession advantage over the Colonels with only 43 seconds remaining.

However, there were no let downs on Saturday against Corpus Christi. After the Islanders cut the Bearkat lead to 13 with an 11-2 run, Murray knocked down a pair of three-point field goals to regain the momentum for Sam Houston State. Murray not only iced the game for the Bearkats, but he went perfect from the field and the free throw line.

“We did a good job the first half in transition, shooting the basketball and taking care of the ball,” Head Coach Bob Marlin said after the game.

“Second half we talked about continuing to attack and playing defense. We had

John Rudolph | The Houstonian

LEADING THE WAY TO DOMINANCE. Corey Allmond’s elite play and leadership has played a big part in SHSU’s 10-game winstreak. The Bearkats remain perfect in Southland Conference play.

a chance to extend the lead against the pressure, but we coughed the ball up two or three times. They’ve got a good team and they made a good run at it. Fortunately, we still had a double-digit lead and were able to hang on.”

Now, the Bearkats have a three-game separation between the next best teams in the conference. Corpus Christi and Stephen F. Austin each have three losses in league action, while they still have to face each other later on in the season. Sam Houston State has climbed to No. 74 in the RPI rankings as one of only five teams in the country who remain undefeated in conference play.

The Bearkats highest final season RPI in its 23 years at the NCAA Division I level was No. 91 in 2003, the year in which the Bearkats last won the Southland Conference championship and advanced to the NCAA tournament.

With 18 victories and six more regular season games to play, Sam Houston State is closing in on its fourth 20victory season in the last five years. But the Bearkats have never begun conference action with a 10-0 record.

The approach this season has been taking it one game at a time.

“I remember last year, going back to it, we were over-thinking it,” Murray said. “We preached about the ring and we looked ahead.

This year we’re focused on taking it one game at a time.

Coach Marlin is always stressing how we need to grow separation between other teams. We’ve been able to take it one game at a time and we’ll worry about the next one Monday when we get back to practice. But we’re going to enjoy this one. 10-0 and we’re standing real good right now.”

The Bearkats will face a challenge in their next contest with a road trip to the Montagne Center, a tough place to win for any away team.

SHSU will visit Lamar on Wednesday night at 7:05 p.m. to face the Cardinals.

Joe Buvid | The Houstonian

HOT AND COLD. Shelbi Tucker batted in three of SHSU’s eight runs in the opener. The Bearkats were shut out in their other games.

Kats crumble Mike Silva

Sports Editor

The Sam Houston State softball season kicked off this weekend in the Marriott Cougar Softball Classic hosted by the University of Houston.

The Bearkats opened the weekend with a bang by runruling Kansas University, 8-0, in just five innings. Pitcher Morgan Mikulin struck out four Jayhawks and allowed just four hits in the shut-out.

First baseman Amy Brown went two for three with four RBI and second baseman Shelbi Tucker added three RBI to lead SHSU to a 1-0 record to start the season.

Following the blowout against Kansas, SHSU could not maintain momentum throughout the duration of the tournament and failed to score a single run over the length of the next four games.

SHSU took on Baylor in the second game of the tournament. The Bearkat softball team was crushed, 8-0, as SHSU struck out six times and was limited to just one hit at the hands of Bear pitcher Courtney Repka.

The Bearkats opened their next slate of games by facing Ohio State Saturday morning.

The struggles continued for SHSU as they were handed another shut-out loss. The Buckeyes held the Bearkats to just two hits en route to a 6-0 victory.

After losing back-to-back games, the Bearkats faced Kansas in a rematch of Friday’s game. Unlike Friday’s game, the outcome was the complete opposite.

The defensive play set the tone of the one-run game through to the fifth inning, where Kansas broke the game wide open. SHSU again failed to produce a run and was stomped, 10-0.

Heading into Sunday’s game, the Bearkats stood at 1-3 following three straight losses. The finale against Houston was no different than the previous three games for the Bearkats.

The pitching improved for SHSU after holding the Cougars to just one run for the game. However, the bats were still unable to find the ball for SHSU. The Bearkats left five runners in scoring position stranded as SHSU was dealt its fourth straight loss, 1-0.

Upon finishing the opening weekend of the 2010 season in Houston, the SHSU softball team stands at 1-4. Opponents outscored the Bearkats 25-0 in the final four games of the tournament after SHSU’s opening shut-out over Kansas.

The SHSU softball team will take the field again this Wed. for the home seasonopener at the Bearkat Softball Complex. The Bearkats will host Texas A&M and look to break their four-game losing streak.

Marriott Cougar Softball Classic Results Sam Houston State (1-4) SHSU 8 Kansas 0 SHSU 0 Baylor 8

SHSU 0 SHSU 0 SHSU 0

Ohio St. 6 Kansas 10 Houston 1

Page 6 The Houstonian

SPORTS

Tuesday, February 16, 2010