Thursday, August 30, 2012
Volume 122 / Issue 1
Will lack of home games affect football outcome in 2012
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Houston artists’ exhibit shows what is ‘Beyond the external’
TODAYS FORECAST HI: LOW:
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University may eliminate dual learning management system Current Blackboard, eCollege system called into question
BRANDON SCOTT Staff Reporter Students returning to Sam Houston State should have noticed dramatic changes to the Blackboard system. That’s because the university is making a concerted effort to go back to just one online learning management system, rather than two. Blackboard 9, also referred to as “Blackboard Learn,” is not only the newest edition of the online communication system for professors and students in faceto-face courses, but online courses could be moving in that direction as well. The new Blackboard would eventually replace what is known as SHSU Online – product of the university’s business partnership with eCollege – with a more intuitive, user-friendly program. Distance Education and Learning Technology for Academics (DELTA) was designed Follow us today! @TheHoustonian
to meet the educational technology needs of SHSU faculty and is the home of SHSU Online. But as recently as January of this year, DELTA and the Faculty Senate expressed dissatisfaction with Pearson Education’s eCollege not only for their system failures, but their inability and/or unwillingness to correct the problems. As early as January 2010, faculty senators showed frustration with replacing Blackboard with eCollege, complaining that it was “unintuitive, difficult to learn and generally inferior,” according to Faculty Senate minutes. Grade book functions and duplication of efforts were among the list of complaints, which led to a collaborated study by DELTA and an academic affairs committee. “I feel the administration has been very responsive to our concerns with eCollege,” faculty senator and history professor Jeff Crane, Ph.D said. “DELTA has had a very faculty friendly process, allowing us to make the decision for the new LMS (learning management system). I’m very
happy with the way that worked out.” University officials suspect that since the current eCollege system is dated and the company is moving to another one, there is little to no impetus to perfect SHSU Online. That would put the university in an awkward position because their contract with eCollege goes through the 2013 fiscal year, while Blackboard’s annual contract becomes increasingly expensive as licensing fees continue to rise, Faculty Senate minutes indicated. So the future of how online education at SHSU will be carried out systematically is in question, at least for now. The intention of DELTA associate vice president Bill Angrove, along with the Faculty Senate, is to have just one system for the entire university. That has always been the intention, which is why the use of Blackboard was supposed to be phased out. But with the early complaints about eCollege, including the lack of faculty involvement in the decision to replace Blackboard, both systems were preserved.
To use both eCollege and Blackboard runs about $42 per student, according to DELTA calculations. Angrove suggested an LMS called Canvas, which is an even newer system than Blackboard 9 and would cost approximately $11 per student. Another issue in determining the universal LMS is deciding whether to use “cloud” hosting or have the university host the hardware. The Banner Steering Committee made the decision not to host hardware on campus. Advocates of hosting on campus are in favor of that particular method because it provides security within the connection, as opposed to being at the mercy of the vendor in a network. Blackboard 9 is the same program whether hosted on campus or not. University officials are looking into negotiating a more definitive solution to the two-program LMS system. Angrove was unavailable for comment when reached by The Houstonian.
NATION & WORLD
Ann Romney gets likability bump after RNC speech Ann Romney, wife of Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney, gave a speech at the Republican National Convention on Tuesday. Her speech focused largely on women, most notably when she said, “Women, I love you.” Some pundits say this will help curb the large gender gap Republicans face going into November elections.
Residents in LA stranded in wake of Hurricane Issac Louisiana officials are rescuing thousands of residents who were battered by Hurricane Issac, which traveled nearly the identical path as Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The storm moved slowly, drenching residents and destroying property with tropical storm level winds and hurricane level gusts.
Connor Hyde | The Houstonian
R
OCKING OUT: Students went wild for Eve 6, alternative-rock group the All-American Rejects and chart-topping rap artist, Ludacris took the stage at this year’s Sammypalooza. Eve 6 performed their 90s hits “Inside Out” and “Think Twice”. The crowd sang along, clapped and cheered as the AllAmerican Rejects gave a energetic performance with humor and the talent to match as they performed their biggest hits like “Move Along”, “Gives You Hell” and “It Ends Tonight”. Then, Ludacris turned Johnson Coliseum into a nightclub as he took the stage with his full band and Lil’ Fate with some of his own hits “Move Bitch”, “Stand Up” and “My Chick Bad” and some of his biggest collaborations with other artists that kept the audience moving and screaming for an encore.
Depositions released in retaliation lawsuit against SHSU STEPHEN GREEN Editor-in-Chief
Depositions have been released that shed further light on a lawsuit by two former art professors against the university involving the former Sam Houston State University art department chair. Jasmyne and Garry Graybill, former professors in the art department, filed a lawsuit against the university alleging former art department chair Tony Shipp created a hostile work environment and retaliated against the couple for speaking out against him. “[Shipp] retaliated against [the Graybills] for making complaints about Shipp’s violations of their federally protected rights under this statute and voting to remove him from his position,” the original lawsuit states. “[Shipp] retaliated by declining a promised
merit raise and reposting [the Graybills’] jobs for the following contract year.” In his deposition, Shipp said the Graybills’ jobs were intended to be posted every year regardless of their employment. He said this was part of a then-university policy. “During 2008-2009, the university was already in the process of establishing new guidelines for the posting of nontenure track positions,” Shipp’s said in his deposition. “As part of this University-wide protocol, I was instructed that all temporary positions should be posted and that all faculty wishing to continue would need to reapply.” Provost and Vice-President for Academic Affairs Jaimie Hebert was the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at the time the claim was filed. He echoed Shipp’s claim the position were always up
for reapplication, according to his deposition. “Both positions were one year contract positions, and required renewal for any subsequent years of teaching,” Hebert said. “These positions remain non-tenure track positions to this day.” However, Jasmyne Graybill said that Shipp gave her the impression that as long as she had good teaching performance, that she and her husband were guaranteed the jobs for the next year. She said that going into the job, she knew the positions were for a ninemonth contract basis. “In the way that it was presented to me by Shipp, year-to-year meant that every year I would receive another contract…and as long as we were performing well in and wanted to stay, that we would be allowed to stay as long as we wanted,” Jasmyne Graybill said in her deposition. “That was what
Shipp portrayed to me.” The retaliation lawsuit also alleges Shipp denied the Graybills merit raises they say they were promised in the summer before they were hired. Shipp said non-tenure track, year-to-year employees aren’t entitled to merit raises. “Since there is no merit pool available for these non-tenure track positions, any increase in salary requires a reduction in another line within the budget,” Shipp said. “As the Chair, I do not have control over the funding allocation of funding lines within the Art Department.” Shipp said that he isn’t aware of any non-tenure track faculty got a raise for the next year. Instead, he said, it kept with budgetary constraints. Hebert agreed with Shipp word-for-word about merit raises in his deposition.
The Graybills said Shipp’s retaliated against them because they voted against Shipp in a meeting to decide whether the full-time faculty wanted Shipp to remain as chair. The vote was 10-6 not to retain Shipp as chair. It also included one abstention, and two no votes, according to the letter sent to Hebert. Shipp said in his deposition that he was never told the Graybills voted against him, but was told that the Graybills considered leaving. The depositions also gave detail to the sexual harassment and gender discrimination part of the lawsuit. The discrimination part of the lawsuit was dismissed in January. The trial date is set for March 2013. Visit our website! www.HoustonianOnline.com
Page 2
Viewpoints
Tuesday, August 30, 2012
houstonianonline.com/viewpoints
Television: encouraging the wrong
PAWS UP
Morgan Mears doesn’t like the message that reality television is sending
PAWS UP - K i n g Hall and Smith-Kirkley went bye, bye!
to see. The shows advertise that it is a “reality show,” explaining how everything that viewers
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Print and South Paw. It’s delicious.
PAWS DOWN
PAWS DOWN - Wendy’s shutting down unexpectedly. Not just
bearkats dish about their first day
being added to Paw
Word on the Street
F’real
I only had three hours of class but I had a hard time finding the classes. There’s better looking women. -Chris Wodzisz
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“
“
PAWS UP -
MORGAN MEARS Staff Reporter
I like that you can go back to your dorm between classes instead of going to classes right after each other. - Elizabeth Rodriguez
“
Sammypalooza! It was awesome and everyone who helped make it happen is awesome, too!
see happen on the show is real. They claim that the show isn’t scripted and the people in the show aren’t pushed into any of the situations that viewers see them in on the show; however, many beg to differ. How many self-respecting people would go skinny dipping in a hot tub and make out with some random guy that they claim they love after knowing them for maybe a week? Not many unless they were pushed by producers or by the want for fame and money. These shows have nothing to do with this so called ‘search for love’ that they advertise. The shows are made for pure entertainment to bring fame and money to the actors, writers and everyone involved with the show. Television has gone from entertaining families at home to encouraging all that used to be looked down upon. From teen pregnancy to finding love in a few days on a game show, television has gone from family-friendly shows to shows that glorify what is wrong in our society. The next time you turn on your television set, look at the shows that are available for you to watch. Look at how far our society’s entertainment has strayed from the path of family friendly shows to ones that encourage the wrong.
“
PAWS UP -
From shows glorifying teen pregnancy to shows encouraging women to chase after a man’s ‘heart’ because he has millions in the bank, modern television has been glorifying all that used to be considered wrong or looked down upon. One current hit show, MTV’s “Teen Mom,” shows what it’s like to be a teenage mother and all the ups and downs that come along with teen motherhood. While, yes, the show expresses how hard being a teen mother is, it also glorifies teen pregnancy to a point. It is as if the makers of the show are advertising, “Hey, if you are a teen and you get pregnant, let us know and you could be on our show.” Nowadays it is as if teen pregnancy is the cool thing to do because of shows like “Teen Mom” and “Sixteen and Pregnant.” What happened to being seventeen, graduating and going to college? Not only is teen pregnancy being advertised, reality television has taken a new look on “love” and what people will do to find it. From the hit shows “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette”, television is driving people to join in a contest of sorts to win someone’s heart and then have their quest for love aired on television for millions
“I thought it was gonna be crazy and hard but it wasn’t. I was [even] late to class!” - Alyssa Cervantes
gone, but vanished.
Slow your freggin’ role getting around town
PAWS DOWN -
The doors locking so early in the buildings on campus.
PAWS DOWN -
Hurricane Isaac wreaking havoc on the southeast coast
Welcome freshmen and welcome back, Bearkats! This is a very exciting part of the year and for some of us, probably one of our least favorite times of the year. Yes, I said LEAST. I come across this problem every year but this year seemed to be worse than years before. I am just as excited as the next Bearkat to get back to school, see my friends and continue on in this life that I have sculpted to be my own, but what am I not extremely ecstatic about? Having to go out into the “wilderness” that becomes Huntsville as students and their parents race through parking lots, past stop signs and through red lights in a mad rush to do last minute shopping. It seems that no one, nowadays, has any sense of his/her surroundings. There have been numerous times in the past week alone that I’ve almost been side-swiped, t-boned or rear-ended because someone was texting while they were driving or in a mad hurry. Everyone seems to only have the SELF awareness part down. No one cares to open his/her eyes and take a look around. You are not the only person on this
NICKIE HALE Contributing Reporter planet or the only freshman starting in a new place, and you are definitely not the only person coming into a small town.
COMICS
The individual opinions on the Viewpoints page are not necessarily affiliated with the view of The Houstonian or SHSU. The Houstonian is temporarily published weekly on Tuesdays during the summer. 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 936-294-1495. The Houstonian is a member of the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association and Associated Collegiate Press.
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Students, along with their parents, need to realize that they are not in Houston, or Dallas or San Antonio anymore. You’ve come to a small, rural community to go to college so please have some respect for your elders and fellow drivers! I believe that there is a solution to every problem, however. In this case, an etiquette class and drivers course should be required of every incoming student, freshman or transfer. These classes would emphasize how to take turns at stop signs, make complete stops, stop at red lights and not text and drive. They would also teach the importance of taking off your hat when you enter a building, holding doors open for ladies and learning to be patient while waiting in line. Oh, and revving up your Pinto isn’t cool anymore. Overall, I give these first few days of the new semester a huge paws down. Not everyone has to go crazy and get in a mad hurry to do last minute shopping. As my step-father always says, “Poor planning on your part does not constitute an emergency on mine.”
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Page 3
News
Tuesday, August 30, 2012
houstonianonline.com/news
New art chair takes a seat MCKINZIE BROCAIL Senior Reporter Wayne Barrett, DMA, has been selected to serve as interim chair for the Art Department by the College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication at Sam Houston State University . Barrett, who’s been a member of the SHSU faculty for 20 years as an associate professor of music and an advisor for the Music Department, was chosen to fill the temporary position after an announcement in January that the Art Department chair Tony Shipp would be stepping down. Shipp teaches sculpture classes and has been the department chair for six years, during which he started the Workshop in Art Studio and History (W.A.S.H.) program, hired faculty members and further developed the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation and Graphic Design. “[Shipp] decided he…wanted to spend more time focusing on his sculpting and teaching,” Barrett said. There are goals with deadlines that Barrett said he hopes the department will achieve with his help. “There is a new core curriculum, and we need to make sure we get all of the art courses needed included into this curriculum before the October deadline,” Barrett said. Scott Plugge, Ph.D., Director of the School of Music, was the chair of the search committee looking to fill Shipp’s spot. “The search for a new chair for the Art Department was stopped last February,” Plugge said. “It was decided to have an interim chair while the art department did another search this year.” The Art Department is seeking accreditation from the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), which sets national standards for undergraduate and graduate degrees. With Barrett’s experience with the accreditation process he will help when NASAD visits the art department next fall.
Building Sam Houston’s “Elite” Program receives $40,000 grant to expand, support minority males
GEORGE MATTINGLY News Editor
A program that focuses on supporting minority males at Sam Houston State University recently received a $40,000 grant from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to help expand and implement a new sophomore program for its members. Bernice Strauss, Ph.D., who oversees Sam Houston Elite, is looking to make the program a self-perpetuating program this year by adding new alumni committees that would help support freshman members, build relationships with the university community, alumni, and the Huntsville community. This year, Elite has 64 incoming freshmen minority men along with about 40 returning members, compared to last year’s 37 members, according to Strauss. With the funding, the new sophomore program plans to include weekly meeting for members for social support, a grassroots series for members and George Mattingly| The Houstonian five alumni committees for mentoring, tutoring, community service, public A LINK IN A CHAIN. Dr. Bernice Strauss, who oversees the Sam Houston Elite program, said the success of the alumni members was a major factor in receiving more funding from THEBC to expand the relations and alumni relations. “Every student in this program is a program for alumni members and support incoming minority males. link in a chain,” Strauss said. “Because opportunities as well as community service For incoming members, the Elite program of the work these men have done, they are opening doors and provide more projects and grassroots series throughout the offers a unique opportunity for minorities in academic year. higher education that is not common. opportunities for future members.” “It’s a different culture in college and a lot “I was really interested to join the program Founded in 2010 by Kandi Harris of the Student Advising and Mentoring Center, of these men don’t know what to expect” said because it was specifically for minorities,” Ivy Sam Houston Elite was designed to support Bernice Strauss, Ph.D., who now oversees Harris, freshman nursing major, said. “It and the academic achievement for incoming the program. “The Elite program is part gives us a special opportunity to students minority male students at SHSU. It is of the acculturation process to help them who normally don’t get this type of attention.” For others, it was the community aspect of headed by an advisory board made up of understand the rules and skills of higher the program that drew them in. representatives from different departments education.” According to a report released to THECB “It’s a real blessing to have help here,” across the university. As part of the program, incoming first- by Dr. Strauss, who conducts research on the Victor Guzman, freshman criminal justice time freshmen who achieve a GPA of 2.5 with effectiveness of the program, participants in major, said. “It’s like a second family. College 12 hours in the fall receive free books for the the Elite program attempted and completed a isn’t cheap anymore and just to have this spring semester. Students who achieve a 3.0 higher average of hours than other first-time kind of program here to have that support.” For Strauss, Sam Houston Elite presents in the spring receive an iPad. Along with the male freshmen and another matched control a meaningful opportunity for the minority alumni program, Strauss hopes to use the group. Additionally, the average GPA for men to take advantage of important resources new funding to reward alumni members for African American Elite members was a in higher education. their achievements beyond their freshman 2.62 compared to a 2.3 by other first-time “One out of four men of color graduate year. In addition to meeting academic freshmen. The average GPA for Hispanic college,” Strauss said. “They’re already standards of the program, members of Elite members of Elite was a 3.05, compared to a defying the odds by being here; we’re just here to support them.” participate in heavy study skills, networking 2.42 by other first-time male freshmen.
SHSU adds alumni reception, pep rally to Bearkat family weekend GEORGE MATTINGLY News Editor
Students and families of Sam Houston State University will experience a full weekend packed with new events as they head to “The Fabulous Huntsvegas, Texas” for this year’s Bearkat Family Weekend. In addition to the traditional happenings of family weekend, the Dean of Students’ Office added a variety of new events to this year’s family weekend to provide well-rounded activities for families, according to Chelsea Smith, assistant dean of students for parent relations and special programs. “After looking at what we did last year, I looked at what other universities offered and I wanted to make Bearkat Family Weekend more entertaining and actually have a full weekend of events,” Smith said. New additions to family weekend include a collaborative event with the SHSU Alumni Relations office to recognize the strong alumni group at SHSU, according to Smith. The “Bearkat Legacy” will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Visitor Center, and will provide a unique opportunity for students to network with alumni and recognize Bearkats within their families. Following the event, SHSU will kick off the first football game of the season with the first pep rally at 7 p.m. in the LSC Mall Area. Families will hear from President Dana Gibson, Coach Willie Fritz and several Bearkat football players along with performances from the Bearkat Marching Band and spirit teams. “We are super excited about this event,” Smith said. “Our goal was to provide a fun way to kick off the first game and match that excitement for families.” For Saturday’s lineup of events, registered families can participate in the coffee with administrators, visiting
university departments and attend the Vegas-themed carnival in the Johnson Coliseum filled with games and chances to win several prizes. Lunch will feature an Elvis Presley impersonator to help bring the Vegas theme to campus. That afternoon, students and families can take a look at new additions to the “Classic Car Cruise-In” along with some “extra special guests”, according to Smith. With more than 1,800 people registered for this year’s event, Smith said she hopes to offer something for entire families to enjoy while on campus. “Parents want to come and see how their child is doing since they dropped them off,” she said. “Now that students are here, they can show their families what their college experience is all about.” Although registration is closed, students can still participate in the department open house events and attend the football game. Football tickets must be purchased separately or in advance through the Athletic Department. For a full schedule of events at Bearkat Family Weekend, visit the website at http://www. shsu.edu/~slo_www/weekend/schedule. html or the event’s Facebook page.
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Page 5
Arts&Entertainment
Tuesday, August 30, 2012
houstonianonline.com/a-e
All American Rejects, Ludacris take over coliseum CHEYENNE SIMPSON Staff Reporter From alternative rock to hip-hop SHSU students rocked out at Johnson Coliseum for this year’s Sammypalooza, which featured Eve 6, The All American Rejects and Ludacris. More than 3,000 students were in attendance. It didn’t take long for the coliseum to be filled with the noise of screaming fans and music from Eve 6, but the body surfing and head rocking didn’t start until The All American Rejects played some of their #1 hits like “Swing, Swing” and “Dirty Little Secret”. The crowd got quite a show as the lead singer Tyson Ritter threw water into the audience along with several water bottles and his guitar pick. The coliseum became even louder as top recording artist Ludacris came to the stage singing several of his hit songs that made the crowd go wild. Sammypalooza was a great success as well as a great turnout, several students tweeted about the event @kidnamedkelley said, “Sammypalooza was awesome last night! Finally Sam Houston got someone worth coming to see. @ Ludacris put on a great show. Period. “ @wally_tweets tweeted, “What an awesome concert tonight at #Sammypalooza!!! #SHSU sure knows how to take it downnn!!” Both new and returning Bearkats had an unforgettable night and a great start to the new school year. This year’s Sammypalooza will be hard to top, but we will have to wait and see who will be visiting SHSU next time.
Connor Hyde| The Houstonian
LUDAAAA. Ludacris headlined this years Sammypalooza. He finished of the show with some of his biggest hits and a crowd yelloff.
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Three houston artists go “beneath the surface” MOLLY WADDELL A&E Editor
Molly Waddell | The Houstonian
Big hits for fall tv CAITLIN ADAMCIK Staff Reporter
Even though not many college students have time to watch TV shows, there are many returning and new TV shows hitting the small screen this fall. Some returning competition shows are coming back with new judges. American Idol has sealed contracts with Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban to judge season 12. Britney Spears and Demi Lovato will join Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid on The X-Factor judging panel this season. “I’m not a big #American #Idol fan, and this year’s judging panel is shaping up to be The #Muppet Show!” said Twitter user John Mark Some major shows returning are Glee, Big Bang Theory, Grey’s Anatomy, and Gossip Girl. Glee is returning to FOX for their fourth season. The Big Bang Theory returns to NBC on Thursday, September 27. Grey’s Anatomy will begin its ninth season on September 27. This will be Gossip Girl’s final season and it will only be half a season on CW.
Some returning dramas include NCIS, CSI, and Law and Order SVU. Dancing with the Stars is premiering an All-Star season. The dancers include speed skater, Apolo Ohno, Bristol Palin, singer, Drew Lachey, football player, Emmit Smith, singer, Joey Fatone, actress, Kristie Alley, actress and model, Pamela Anderson, actress, singer, Sabrina Bryan, and Olympic gymnast, Shawn Johnson. There are also new series coming to the television. Elementary is a show about modern cases from Sherlock Holmes taken place in New York. “I’m excited for the premier of CBS’ #Elementary. Because, Lucy Lu,” said Twitter user Zachary Todd. Major Crimes is a new spin off of The Closer. Nashville is a drama about an older country singer that works together with a new country star to help her career. Whether you are a sci-fi geek, a wanna be criminal investigator, or a musical lover, there are plenty of new and returning TV shows coming this fall.
Three Houston based artists show their art exhibit, “Beneath the Surface,” at Sam Houston State University. Britt Ragsdale, Emily Peacock and Kristy Peet’s exhibit is about looking beyond the external, according to Rebecca Finley, Associate Professor of Photography. Each artists has a different view of the body and is, “dealing with the body in unexpected ways,” Finley said. The exhibit will be available from 12 to 5:00 p.m. every Monday through Friday in the Gaddis Geeslin Gallery. There will be an artist’s talk by Peet and Peacock on September 6 at 5:00 p.m., with a reception to follow from 6:00- 7:00 p.m.. Ragsdale will give a talk on September 7 at 5:00 p.m.
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Page 7
Sports
Tuesday, August 30, 2012
Playing against the odds
Kats edge Tigers in soccer match
atmosphere of playing on the road is the biggest obstacle to overcome. With only nine days “I think the left before the season structure of being opens, the 2012 Sam isolated and away from Houston State football family and friends schedule will test the and being in a hotel top ranked Bearkats and traveling together with only three home and meeting maybe a games; posting them little more gets you to against five years of a focus more,” Fritz said. below-average winning “There’s the challenge percentage on the road. of us against the world Between the 2007 when we’re on the and 2011 football road.” seasons, the Bearkat With the lack football team has a of home games this winning percentage of season, the Bearkats 44.8 on the road versus will lose the luxury of their 79.3 percentage at having thousands of home, showing lower fans and the excitement winning statistics with of winning at home. schedules that have “It always helps more road games than to have home field home. advantage,” Flanders “It’s difficult said. “It gives us a means to get home games,” of extra momentum… Football Head Coach Connor Hyde The Houstonian we got to stay focused Willie Fritz said. and continue to play our “We’re in an area OFF TO THE WNIT. Britni Matin, guard, goes for a shot in a game against U.T. Pan- American, in thegame.” geographically where 2011-12 basketball season. This season there’s not a lot of FCS Flanders will pursue the Stephen F. Austin at Reliant Stadium. programs.” Walter Payton Award as well as securing the “We played our better games last year Since his recruitment in 2010, Fritz National Championship, after a disappointing has a winning percentage of 58 percent on the on the road,” Fritz said. “The reason we had the upset in Frisco. road compared to his 92.3 percentage at home. success last year is most of the time we brought According to Coach Fritz the biggest “[This year’s schedule] is very our ‘A’ game each week and we got to do the goal within the team is to win the Southland challenging without a doubt,” Fritz said. “I’ve same thing this year…we really put a lot of Conference to advance into the NCAA told our guys that from day one, we’re into one weight on winning the conference.” playoffs for another chance at the National This year the Bearkats will take on game at a time.” Championship. According to junior running back Baylor, who is ranked number one in the “We’ve got a very veteran squad with Tim Flanders focus and trust will determine Big 12, in Waco and SEC freshman Texas a tremendous amount of experience,” Fritz A&M and College Station. The Bearkats will the success of the Bearkats in 2012. said. “I’m glad I’ve got these guys to attack this “We know we’re going to be on the also face Central Arkansas, Texas Southern, schedule with. We still got a long way to go.” road a lot,” Flanders said. “Sometimes you can Stephen F. Austin, Nicholls State, Lamar, and The first home game is September 8 lose focus when you’re traveling all the time. Northwestern State all on the road. against the Incarnate Word at 6 p.m. at Bowers “[Baylor and Texas A&M] are very big [We] got to stay focus and continue to play our Stadium. for our program,” Flanders said. “I was pretty game.” For more information about the Bearkat Last year, the Bearkats outscored excited mainly because we get to play against football team, visit www.gobearkats.com to opponents 205-99 on the road, including new teams.” access a full roster and schedule. According to Coach Fritz, the the Battle of the Piney Woods game against
The Sam Houston State Soccer team conquered the Texas Southern Tigers with a 1-0 victory off the foot of Tricia Mallory in overtime on the road Sunday. The Bearkats had let their past two games go in the final minutes but they made sure that they did not let this one slip away. The Tigers were quick to shoot at only eight minutes into the game, but Bearkat goalie Kylie Hambleton blocked all of the Tigers’ efforts, getting her first shutout of her college career with five saves. The Bearkats struggled with the size of the field the whole time but still managed to get the win. “Texas Southern plays on a football field, which is 53 yards wide, as opposed to our 75,” Kats head coach Tom Brown said. At the end of the second period with the game still tied at zero, both team’s aggressions really started to show as the game went into overtime. The referee was having trouble containing the anger of the Tigers and Brown was afraid that some of players were going to get hurt. The Bearkats wasted no time in overtime. Not even a minute passed when Kirby Zak provided an assist to Mallory for the game winning goal—just 23 seconds in. It was Mallory’s 20th career goal, moving her to second in all-time scoring for the Bearkats. “We are creating good chances and our finishing ability will improve throughout our training,” said Brown. “We are very confident in both of our goal keepers and that helps our team tremendously. We are playing soccer better than we have in previous years.”
SHSU football team tries to increase road winning percentage CONNOR HYDE Sports Reporter
SHSU volleyball can’t hang on, takes second in volleyball classic
CODY LEWIS Sports Editor
The Sam Houston State Volleyball team’s motto this year is “respect all, fear none,” and that’s what they did this past weekend as they took second place in the 26th annual Sam Houston Volleyball Classic after a loss to Colorado University. They were able to pick up two wins over University of Louisiana-Lafayette and Texas Southern. The Bearkats started the tournament by coming back to defeat Louisiana-Lafayette in five sets after being down two sets to one and trailing 20-16 in the fourth set. The following match also went to five sets but this time the Bearkats were the ones who endured the heart-breaking loss to Colorado. The Kats were up two sets to none and led 1816 before they let it slip though their fingers. “I believe that my team can play with anybody,” Kats head coach Brenda Gray said. “I think the tempo of the match got so slow and so disorienting.” Gray said it was hard for
the team to stay in the flow of what they were doing. “It was hard to stay in the flow of what we were doing. We’re going to have a great year. You’ve got to learn from your losses just like you learn from your wins. We could have beaten Colorado. It just slipped away.” Colorado would end up winning the entire tournament. “We played with heart, intensity,” Sophomore Deveney Wells-Gibson said. “I think we can hang with anybody, don’t underestimate us because we’re in the Southland Conference. Wells-Gibson believes the team came out playing well but let off the accelerator in the fourth and fifth games. “It’s a whole different team this year; we have surprises up our sleeves.” The Bearkats finished the weekend strongly as they defeated the Texas Southern Tigers three sets to none. Sam Houston now stands at 2-2 on the season and will presume play on Friday as they take on Kansas University in Kansas.
DALLAS DAWSON Contributing Reporter
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