Thursday, September 6, 2012
Volume 122 / Issue 3
dr_relling | Flickr
West Nile Virus on the rise in Harris County, Dallas, Golden Triangle
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Courtesy Alertus.com
New additions to emergency notification system increases alert response time
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TODAYS FORECAST HI: LOW:
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SHSU moves to eliminate eCollege by renegotiating Pearson contract BRANDON SCOTT Staff Reporter
Sam Houston State University is close to finalizing a re-negotiated deal with Pearson Education that would eliminate eCollege as the university’s learning management software, making the new Blackboard 9 the single online system, university officials said on Wednesday. Since a new deal between the university and Pearson hasn’t been finalized, details of the new deal were not released. But according to Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Hebert, the goal for SHSU in negotiations is to refocus the services provided by Pearson, since the university has two more years left on its contract with no intention of using eCollege going forward. Follow us today! @TheHoustonian
“We’re locked in for two years whether we use the software or not,” Hebert said. “We’re trying to re-negotiate that. Pearson has a lot more tools other than classroom management tools that would be great advantages for our students, so we’re trying to negotiate to get something else for our money.” Aside from eCollege, Pearson Higher Education provides course-specific online materials like eBooks, course mastering programs and labs. Hebert didn’t say specifically what services Pearson would provide in the new deal, but was clear that eCollege would be phased out “eventually.” “We don’t want to release any information because we’re still negotiating what we can get, but I think students will be extremely happy with what’s going to happen,” Hebert said. “But we’re not re-negotiating to go back with them as the classroom management tool. Blackboard is the decision, and we’re going in that direction.” “SHSU Online” would essentially be run through Blackboard 9, and face-
to-face courses would continue online communication through Blackboard as well. The university is moving swiftly because it owes Pearson about $1.9 million over the next two years, according to a school official with knowledge of the existing contract. The Houstonian was unable to obtain these figures through public records before press time. Blackboard also appeals to SHSU because of its one-year contracts, Hebert said. “It’s a one-year contract but we like that a whole lot, because if down the road we decide to opt out of it, we can do it in a one year time frame,” he said. “With Pearson, we were signing two and three year contracts with eCollege, which kind of handcuffed us for a few years.” Frustration with eCollege was expressed as early as January 2010, when it was deemed “unintuitive, difficult to learn and generally inferior to Blackboard” at a Faculty Senate meeting. The Senate also showed concern of not having enough involvement in the initial decision to move to eCollege.
Since then, Vice President of DELTA (Distance Education and Learning Technology for Academics) Bill Angrove has worked with the faculty to find a solution to the problem. By early 2012, Blackboard 9 had become the favorable option for faculty, even though publically it seemed like the future of SHSU Online was with eCollege while Blackboard 8 was becoming increasingly outdated. Angrove also said in a faculty meeting that the Blackboard increased the cost of their service every year, however, faculty had been recommending the university use Blackboard. The university’s goal has always been to transition into one learning management system, but since the eCollege experience failed to meet standards, school officials are adjusting. “I think the bottom line was faculty felt like (Blackboard 9) was the most effective classroom management software for them from a pedagogical standpoint,” Hebert said. “That was it.”
Downed power lines dim Huntsville
NATION & WORLD
Study: NFL players at higher risk of neurologic disease A new study shows that NFL players are three times more likely to develop brain conditions than the general public. This includes Alzheimer’s disease and ALS.
Dems struggle to alter platform in last minute changes After taking the word “God” out and taking much flack, the DNC has added it back in with dissent from some of it’s members. In addition, they added in a reference to Jerusalem being the capital of Israel, one of the U.S. largest allies. Molly Waddell | The Houstonian
LIGHTS OUT. Two power lines were knocked out after an accident yesterday morning. One power line originally fell before taking down another pole. No one was injured in the accident but power was out to several businesses including Pita Pit, Long John Silvers and the SHSU art department complex.
Visit our website! www.HoustonianOnline.com
Gibson talks SHSU expansion, financial future at Kat Chat GEORGE MATTINGLY News Editor Upcoming legislative items concerning university financial issues and updates on campus expansion were the topics of discussion among administrators and students at the “Kat Chat” event. Sam Houston State University President Dana Gibson spoke to members of the Student Government Association and less than 10 other students about legislative priorities and several projects to expand the university as a part of the university’s master plan. According to Gibson, the state legislature cut about $80 million in incentive-based funding for higher education in its last session. She says this causes problems for the university because it receives five percent of the incentive-based funding along with 2.5 percent of performance-based funding. Gibson also noted another issue she would also be discussing ways to make up for about $7 million in tuition fee waivers and exemptions that some students receive as veterans or fallen police officers.
The university coordinating has been dealing board to with these reimburse [the types of issues university] for due to new that money provisions of the b e c a u s e Hazlewood Act compared to which expanded other larger its benefits schools, Sam to spouses of Houston takes on members of the a larger burden,” United States Gibson said. “I’m Armed Forces going to ask for an whose deaths opportunity for were related to reimbursement.” their time in In July, service, who Associate Vice Courtesyt SHSU website. are missing in President for Dana Gibson, Ph.D., will give the action, or as a annual State of the University Student Services result of injury Address on Thursday at 4 p.m. Keith Jenkins told they receive 100 members of SGA percent veteran affairs disability, about the proposed expansions according to the SHSU Veterans to the Lowman Student Center Resource center. and the Student Health Center. “Last year [the university] However, he noted the cost of waived $3.6 million and this year both projects could be difficult to that amount is around seven cover. million, so it’s doubled,” Gibson “The state legislature sets the said. cap [for the student center fee] at However, Gibson offered her 100 dollars,” Jenkins said. “Our solution she plans to take to the fee is at 60 dollars right now. If the legislative session. students vote to go to the cap, it “I’m planning to talk to only gets us half way there.” legislature to try to get grant money Gibson addressed this problem from the [Texas] higher education in her legislative plans and said
she would also be looking for to do research with our faculty legislative authority to help and potentially create business raise funding for the proposed opportunities.” expansions. Gibson added the Right now, the project remains administration has created a task in the planning stages. force for the research park to “The LSC expansion is still in consider student, faculty and staff the programming stage,” Gibson input on the project. said. “We Among State of University topics have to wait the other on the student e x p a n s i on s • Update of campus master plan re fe re n du m to university • Reorganized university foundation to raise the facilities • University strategic plan student center G i b s o n • SHSU legislative items fee before discussed • Employee recognition m o v i n g were adding forward with a new event this project.” center near Bowers Stadium that Gibson also updated students would house a new ballroom, on the university master plan alumni relations and parts of the that included planned facility athletic department. The center expansions such as adding a new would be funded by alumni Event Center and a university donations, Gibson said. research park. “The reason why we chose that According to Gibson, the location for the event center is to university has taken the first steps take advantage of the parking near toward building an off-campus the stadium for different events.” research park for corrections and Gibson said the project is still law enforcement, an addition that in the conceptual programming would be unique to Huntsville. stage. “There’s really no other research Gibson will touch on several of park for that in the United States, these same issues in her State of and it’s a multi-billion dollar the University address today from industry,” Gibson said. “We’re 2 to 4 p.m. in the Performing Arts trying to attract that industry Center.
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News
Thursday, September 6, 2012
West Nile virus on the rise in East Texas, barely misses Walker County
SHSU security adds brick in campus-wide wall of defense SOPHIE NELSON Staff Reporter
MCKINZIE BROCAIL Senior Reporter Although there are no cases of the West Nile virus in Huntsville and Walker County recorded at this time, Sam Houston State University students’ hometowns surrounding Huntsville have been under siege. There have been 20 fatalities recorded since Aug. 30 from counties Sam Houston State University students consider their hometowns. The total number of cases has catapulted to 1,013, of which 40 have resulted in death tying the state’s previous high. West Nile virus is a mosquitoborne illness. Up to 80 percent of people infected with West Nile virus do not symptoms and will recover on their own; however, some cases can cause serious illness or death, according to the Texas Department of State Health Service’s website said. The 20 hometown fatalities were in Harris County (3), Tarrant County (4) and Dallas County (13). Harris County accounts for nearly 34 percent of SHSU’s student enrollment for the past five years. Tarrant and Dallas counties combined make up almost 5 percent. There have been 14 cases in Harris County, including three fatal cases, 209 cases in Tarrant County and 285 cases in Dallas County. Dr. David L. Lakey, commissioner of the Texas Department of State Health Services, said during a telephone news conference that the state’s 1,013 reported cases more than double the state’s previous high. “Every county surrounding
houstonianonline.com/news
Graphic provided by Eric Fite
OUTBREAK. West Nile virus has reached several counties surrounding Walker County this year but has not reached Walker County yet.
us has some sort of West Nile,” said Butch Davis, Walker County Emergency Management Coordinator. There are two types of West Nile virus. West Nile Neuroinvasive Disease (WNND) affects the brain and West Nile Fever (WNF), which is non-neuroinvasive. “We’ve been lucky since it’s been pretty dry here lately,” Davis said. He advised that mosquitoes thrive in damp vegetation and standing water. The Texas Department of State Health Service lists habits called the “Four D’s” to avoid mosquitoes and their bites: 1. DEET: use insect repellent
SGA starts off year with new appointments, internal review
SOPHIE NELSON Staff Reporter
The Student Government Association started off the new year on Tuesday with several changes including committee chair and senate appointments along with plans to improve efficiency within the organization. SGA Vice President Kolby Flowers announced he will begin a series of internal reviews, including revising the budget to cut unnecessary spending and altering the process for and reasons to nominate a senator. “My goal is to help the SGA run as smoothly as it can.” Flowers said. “I will look at other student government operations that are similar to guide me and will then make public suggestions at our meetings to change rules or the SGA constitution. This is something I have really wanted to do and is a big part of my job as Vice President.” Next the senate confirmed new committee and caucus chair appointments and added two senators for the College of Criminal Justice and College of Business Administration. Among the confirmations were senator Steven Perry as Rules and Regulations Chief, senator Cristian Shamburger as Bearkat All-Paws In Director, senator Cody Hatcher as Sergeant at Arms, and senator Ronnel Walker as Student Affairs Chief. However, the motion failed to elect Chief of Staff Victoria Towery as Freshman Council Director. Flowers opposed her appointment in senate discussion because he did not believe she would do a good enough job based on his previous experience with her during summer senate. “I am wary of approving this nomination because over the summer, she really did not contribute much to all of the work [during the summer].” Flowers said. SGA President Shane Rankin defended Towery during the nomination discussion, pointing out Towery’s commitment to recruitment. “Victoria is more than qualified and I am backing her 100%.” Rankin said. “She is very enthused about this position and is a recruitment queen. I would absolutely like to see her as the Freshman Council Director.” Rankin plans to talk with Flowers and will attempt to cast a revote if no one more qualified comes to light. Senator Perry also introduced a new SGA program titled “Bearkat Heroes” to recognize community service by students each month. SGA meetings are held every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in LSC 320. For more information, visit www.shsu. edu/~org_sga/.
containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus. 2. Dress: in long sleeves and pants when you’re outside. 3. Dusk & Dawn: stay indoors at these times since this is when mosquitoes are most active. 4. Drain: standing water where mosquitoes breed, including old tires, flowerpots and clogged rain gutters. “If a case of West Nile is recorded in Huntsville or Walker County we would do contract spraying,” Davis said. “We’d have to outsource to start aerial spraying to kill some of the mosquitoes.”
According to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention, about one in 150 people infected with West Nile virus will develop severe illness. The severe symptoms include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness and paralysis. Severe cases’ symptoms may last several weeks, and neurological effects may be permanent. The milder symptoms are found in about 20 percent of people infected with the virus. They include fever, headache, and body aches, nausea, vomiting, and sometimes swollen lymph
The Nerf Gunman Incident of 2010 raised a near panic among the students and faculty of Sam Houston State University as they saw firsthand the flaws that appeared in the university’s emergency notification. Two years later, that episode is helping to build a stronger, more reliable Emergency Safety System for the campus with improvements to the KatSafe system. The newest improvement is the Alertus program, according to Julia May, associate director of communication and public information officer. Alertus is a computer program designed to send an emergency notification pop-up to every computer on campus if there is a crisis. Its purpose is to alert the people in buildings to the emergency who are unable to hear the outdoor broadcast system, and give them instructions for what actions they are to take next. Charles Sturrock, director of environmental health, safety, and risk management and emergency management coordinator said he is confident the new system will enable the campus to be more aware in case of an emergency. May said that they used the Nerf Gunman situation as an opportunity to reevaluate campus safety and taken steps to improve communication to prevent a repeat incident. May feels comfortable about the safety situation now, but is constantly looking for improvement. Sturrock showed concern that most students’ information is not up to date, and urged that they change their contact details as soon as possible “because safety is also the responsibility of the student.” “We have the tools and we use them, but it’s a two-way thing.” Sturrock said. “Students need to be listening, monitoring Today at Sam, and liking the SHSU Facebook page. The better informed our students are, the safer our campus is.” May and Sturrock detailed the other programs that make up the “package-type” security system. The public address system has been updated and now includes 12 sirens around campus with more to be added later. The Department of Public Safety has taken many steps recently to bring social media in as a communication tool. Both Twitter and Facebook will send out notifications through university pages that are registered with the SHSU Social University and all university official pages. The KatSafe system allows university member to choose an email, text or voice notification in the event of an emergency situation.
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Viewpoints
Thursday, September 6, 2012 houstonianonline.com/viewpoints
PAWS UP
PAWS UP to well-meaning parents coming to Bearkat Family Weekend.
PAWS UP to Humphrey’s expansion.
PAWS UP to Huntsville’s lack of West Nile.
Youth issues at stake in 2012 elections Allyson Wiley argues for students to get registered to vote
A recent Gallop poll found that Let’s be honest; debates can be many voters are less enthusiastic boring. One way that makes the about the upcoming election than in process a little more interesting is previous years. Young adult voting social media campaigns such as can be instrumental in the upcoming “Rock the Vote” and “Project Vote.” election, and no one likes for his/her The sites for campaigns these help opinions to go unheard. to make politics interesting and help We all have something to say and us get invested in the issues. It makes the best way to have our voices heard understanding the issues interactive is to vote. In doing so, we let everyone and puts me in the middle of the know that we support youth driven decisions. It can make you feel like legislation. you can make a difference. As young adults, we also have a As one of the most connected ALLYSON WILEY unique view on certain topics, and as generations in the history of America, students of a very diverse campus, we have if something happens around the world, we Staff Reporter the ability to offer our unique viewpoints. know about it almost as soon as it happens Who cares more about college tuition prices and thanks to social media and technology. social issues than the people that they are impacting? News spreads fast and this helps us to understand If we decide that voting isn’t really important, our politics to be educated voters. This also gives us an opinion is basically mute. Frankly, we lose our right upper hand on understanding issues because we are to complain about the problems at hand when we are up-to-date on everything going on around us. too lazy to go out and vote. The final step is to actually go out and vote. There If the whole process of voting seems intimidating are many places to vote around town and there are and boring, don’t fret. The process is easy and your multiple slots available to go and cast your vote. You voice can be heard across the nation. The first step in can find the exact place to cast your vote by visiting the process is to register to vote. You can simply get Canivote.org. on the Internet and go to the VoteTexas.org website. In the 2008 election alone, the number of voters It’s as simple as entering your driver’s license number in the 18-24 age range tripled. No matter your party and some basic information. This process takes affiliation or beliefs, I believe that everyone over literally five minutes. the age of 17 should make the effort to vote in the The next step is becoming an informed voter. You coming elections on Nov. 6. Just remember, to get do this by listening to each party’s political views and your voice heard, you have to show up and vote! interests.
Mars: Unnecessary use of NASA funds
PAWS DOWN TAYLOR LIKENS Contributing Reporter
PAWS DOWN to unexpected “celebrities” demanding interviews.
PAWS DOWN to lack of driving skills in Huntsville. That’s a pole, not a road.
Recently, the developing story of the Curiosity Rover has born one of the most popular stories worldwide. With all the unknown nooks and depths of our own beautiful planet having just barely been tapped, I find it hard to understand exactly why NASA insists on prodding around Mars. Any scientist worth his/her mettle will tell you that there are still plenty of strange and horrifying aquatic life to discover, and quite a few more interesting kinds of mildew. Still, the space program and earthlings in general have long had an infatuation with the red planet, manifested in the arguably strange desire to take pictures of it. Upon seeing Curiosity’s
photos, two thoughts may come to mind. First, we should be thankful Curiosity has not become selfaware and taken liberties with the photos, arrogantly using Instagram to really make the colors pop. Second, it becomes apparent this mission does in fact have an ultimate goal, and it is indeed an impressive one: to at last capture the pure essence of boredom in high definition. Surprisingly, Mars has not changed much since our last visit. I would advise anyone who thinks this would be obvious to count how many times a day they scan through their empty refrigerators in desperate hope that they had somehow overlooked something. The idea of returning to Mars is understandable. Yes, such futile practices are mistakes, but mistakes that are entirely human, only in this instance the mistake doesn’t cost billions of dollars to develop and years of travel through an unfeeling vacuum of nothingness. You would therefore imagine that NASA would want its technology back after such a costly investment, but that seems to not be the case. Although the idea of tying a really long rope to the rover and just pulling it back to Earth sounds promising, it is ultimately infeasible. By all means,
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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I am aware that most college students think that English and other basic classes are a waste of time if they don’t relate to their major, but I disagree. I am currently in an Advanced Composition class, because I am minoring in creative writing, and I believe that every student should take this class. I will give you some time to groan before I move on. Yes the name sounds terrible and I am sure you are thinking “I hate writing why would I take this class?” Well that’s just it. Composition doesn’t just refer to an academic essay anymore, a composition works for anything that you compose or put together. I am only two days into this class and I am already in love, yes I am sure you are thinking, “But you love to write.” Yes I do but we haven’t done any writing yet and I love this class. The reason this will be beneficial for everyone is because in every job you will have to put something together whether it be a PowerPoint, a report, etc. This class will help you hone in on your writing style and clean up the way you compose things. Advanced Composition also deals with digital humanities which is compositions on the internet. It takes everything you know about composition and turns it on its head, but it is exciting. Another thing you will come to understand is that the process is the most important part, not the product. You should you take your time on what you’re working on, don’t worry about the finished product until you are there. One more amazing tidbit, Wikipedia is not a bad thing! Yes you heard me. Teachers may say not to use it as a source, and you should listen, but you can start from there. If you find something on Wikipedia, great now back it up with something more solidified. So if you have an elective, or you just wish to expand your knowledge sign up for Advanced Composition.
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. Misti Jones, Viewpoints E d i t o r , m j o n e s @ houstonianonline.com
George Mattingly
News Editor gmattingly@houstonianonline.com
MOLLY WADDELL A&E Editor
LETTER FROM THE STAFF
COMICS
SIDE PAW to the Cowboys winning first game of the season.
Editorial Staff
this is a one way ticket. Mars will be a lonely grave for Curiosity. Immediately upon realizing that, the true nature of this expedition seems brilliantly obvious. Mankind, finite in our form, but infinite in our resolve, ventures forth into the lifeless dark to uncover the secrets of an alien world. We land, we explore, we learn, and immediately upon finishing, our first instinct is to litter that planet as elaborately as possible. Mankind is, through the medium of pollution, planting our flag in the Martian soil. Frankly, I would be shocked and disappointed to learn there had not been a prototype that, upon death, exploded fantastically in a hail of Corn Nut wrappers and cigarette butts. After all, was the ultimate hope of our stargazing ancestors not to someday colonize beyond our own world? We wish to learn so that we may understand; we wish to understand so that we may make practical use of otherwise useless things. To colonize such planets, we must first understand them, and know what is required of us to do so- then to guarantee that our place in the universe, we need to be bold. And what is bolder, I ask you, than the automobilesized corpse of human ingenuity lying crooked in a pile of rocks?
Creative writing class would benefit all majors
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Page 4
Arts&Entertainment
Thursday, September 6, 2012 houstonianonline.com/a-e
Provided by Kim McAuliffe
FOLKSY: Huntsville residents enjoy music by Mary Brett, a folk singer and song writer.
Huntsville Main Street music livens up Friday MOLLY WADDELL Arts & Entertainment Editor
Provided by Kim McAuliffe
KICK YOUR BOOTS OFF. Devon Clute performed at Friday’s Main Street’s music series, according to McAuliffe. She is a country singer.
The Huntsville Main Street Program is doing a music series throughout the month of September. The Main Street program is a downtown revitalization effort with the Texas Historical Commission. The local program strives to encourage entrepreneurship and preserve a vital downtown. The music series started Aug. 31 and will go until Sept. 28. There are two concerts shown every Friday of the month from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the lawn in front of the Courthouse downtown and admission is free. With two different bands every week the genres range from country, rock, folk, alternative, and many more. Kim McAuliffe, who is in charge of the Main Street Music Series, said that people who go should bring a chair and a blanket because there is limited seating. There will be popcorn and drinks for sale; purchasing these will keep the concert free. This is Main Street’s first year of doing the music series but they hope to do it again for two months in March and April. Other events that the Main Street program does is the Downtown Farmers Market, and gathering together SHSU volunteers to clean up downtown. For more information on the music series or any other Main Street activities visit them at facebook.com/huntsvillemainstreet.
Eric Fite | The Houstonian
“Rock Band Blitz” game says goodbye to plastic instruments activates if you can play enough notes in succession without missing and provides bonus points as long as the combo is Get ready to rock, because Harmonix unbroken. is back with the latest entry in the Rock With these new game changers, getting Band series. However, leave the plastic a high score relies not only on how instruments in the closet, because you many notes you can hit, but also on what won’t need them. powerups you select and how well you can Rock Band Blitz is a different way to keep your multiplier up. It’s not just about play Rock Band. A throwback to an older the music, but about the strategy. game called Amplitude that was released One of the greatest things about Rock in the days before plastic instrument Band Blitz is that it is instantly compatible games, Blitz uses a standard controller. with all previous Rock Band downloadable Instead of playing songs, as well as one instrument, all exports from Rock of them are played Band, Rock Band simultaneously, with 2, Lego Rock Band the ability to switch and Green Day Rock between them on the Band. With thousands fly. of songs available Essentially, Rock to purchase and Band Blitz puts the download, there’s no power of an entire shortage of selection. band right at your If you don’t have fingertips. But you any downloaded can’t just focus on songs to start with, one track. Each track no problem. Rock needs to be played Band Blitz comes preEric Fite | The Houstonian loaded with 25 new frequently to “level up” the instruments and songs, featuring popular increase the multiplier. The maximum artists from today such as: Maroon 5, Foster multiplier increases at each check point by the People and recent Sammypalooza up to three times, but only if each track is performers The All-American Rejects and fully leveled up. hit makers from decades past including: Besides just switching around between Elton John, Barenaked Ladies and Queen. instruments, to keep your score up, Not only that, but all 25 songs are the game provides you with a series of instantly available to download and play in powerups. Some are basic score boosters Rock Band 3 at no extra charge, in case you that will give bonus points while playing want to break out the plastic instruments. specific instrument. Others blast large All in all, with access to the largest sections of notes on multiple instruments music library in a video game, addictive with the press of a button. gameplay and a fun challenge, Rock Band Then there are unique powerups such as Blitz is a great new way to experience the the Pinball, which releases a giant pinball Rock Band series. on the screen that bounces around, forcing Rock Band Blitz is available now you to switch between tracks to keep it on Xbox Live Arcade for 1200 MSP or in play. There is also Blitz mode, which Playstation Network for $14.99. ALEX SCOTT Contributing Reporter
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Page 5
Sports
Thursday, September 6, 2012 houstonianonline.com/sports
SHSU bowling ready for “redemption” Nationally-ranked women’s team ready to strike back
With the Sam Houston Bowling team’s motto being “redemption” this year, head coach Brad Hagen and his girls look to forget barely missing the NCAA tournament last year and come back strong. The team lost three seniors, who all contributed greatly in the team’s success. Luckily, they gained five new bowlers, including two transfers, in their place who have made it clear that they are hungry for a national championship. “This is where I wanted to go to continue bowling and my education,” Becca Pittser said, who transferred from McKendree University. “I can reach both my bowling and my educational goals here.” The other transfer, Kelsey Smith, transferred from Arkansas State, who competed with Sam Houston last season. “Ever since my freshman year I had been stuck between Sam Houston and Arkansas State,” Smith said. “I’m glad I’m here, but I’m glad we can still be friends
with Arkansas.” The three returnees are senior Michelle Secours and juniors Neishka Cardona and Kimi Davidson. They will continue to pursue what they sought after last year. “We are going to win a national title,” Davidson said. “We are carrying intensity and we are pushing each other to go 110 percent and we hope to not end up in the same place as last year.” Freshmen Anna Grove, Erin Brown and Hannah Harrison make up the rest of the transfers who said that they have settled in nicely. “The staff members [are the reason I came to Sam Houston],” Erin Brown said. “I love the fact that Sam Houston is not a small campus, but it also is not a big campus.” Hagen was one of the biggest reasons the new bowlers feel settled in here at Sam Houston. “I loved the campus when I first visited. Talking to Coach Hagen and being able to get involved really made me love Sam Houston,” Hannah Harrison said.
Provided by gobearkats.com
LET”S BOWL: Returning junior Neishka Cardona will bowl for the Sam Houston State Unversity women’s bowling team, who will use “redemption” as this year’s motto.
Over the summer, Hagen was included on the Bowlers Journal International 7th annual 100 Top
Coaches list. “Humbling,” Hagen said. “That list is made by a professional
committee and to be a part of that is humbling. There are coaches on this list that I looked up to and it is really to be on that same list as those other coaches around the world.” Hagen has done nothing but good for the Sam Houston bowling team. The Bearkats became the first program to earn a berth in the NCAA Elite Eight in its first season as a team in in the 201011 season, in which they finished the season ranked no. 8 nationally. Last year, they finished ranked no. 9, barely missing the tournament. Hagen said that he and the team are going to take a different approach to get the tournament this season. “We are going to take one step at a time to get to where we want to be,” Hagen said. “We are not going to get ahead of ourselves and we are going to take care of the present before anything else. We are going to focus on our motto.” With their new mindset, Hagen and his team are going to work harder than ever to bring home a championship to Sam Houston State University.
New offensive coordinator calling game day shots Connor Hyde Sports Reporter
With four quarterbacks including returning starter Brian Bell, redshirt freshman Chris Grett as well as two incoming freshmen, Former Western Illinois offensive Ruse has strong leadership under the center. “I’ve never had four (quarterbacks) that coordinator, Doug Ruse, joined the Sam I’ve felt comfortable with and confident with Houston State University family last February and is ready to test his new and go in there to play with,” Ruse said. “We got an amazing group.” offensive strategies against For the upcoming season the Incarnate Word at “One of the basis our Ruse said he plans to continue Bowers Stadium this team philosophy is we’re with the winning tradition the Saturday. going to be great running Bearkats have developed. With the team the ball offensively…when “Last year was great team philosophy of controlling all is said and done, we’ll football,” Ruse said. “One of the the football, Ruse has have the capability to run it basis our team philosophy is developed an offensive and throw it.” - Doug Ruse we’re going to be great running attack with a new passing the ball offensively…when all game to help continue to is said and done, we’ll have the produce high scoring games compared to capability to run it and throw it.” last year’s season. Ruse has been a football coach for 24 years, “If you were to compare the playbook before coming to SHSU last February Ruse from this year to last year there’d be spend a year and a half at Western Illinois significant changes,” Ruse said. With the success of the running offense as their offensive coordinator. He began his producing 2,520 yards during the regular career playing at Northwest Missouri State season, Ruse has expanded the passing University before becoming their offensive game to have a more flexible Bearkat coordinator and quarterback coach. After the 1993 season, Ruse traveled to offense. Louisiana to become Northwestern State “I think we’ll have a little more versatility University offensive coordinator for five in the passing game,” Ruse said. years. Ruse left Northwestern in 2001 Ruse also oversees the quarterbacks, and has worked to enhance the passing game. and joined Arkansas State University at Jonesboro as their offensive coordinator.
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CODY LEWIS Sports Editor
Bearkat volleyball falls in three sets against Rice University
Photo courtesy of gobearkats.com
SPIKE IT. Jamie Haas gets low to save a point during the game against Rice University on Tuesday.
Samantha Villareal Contributing Reporter The Lady Bearkat volleyball team lost in three sets against Rice University in Houston during a non-conference match Tuesday 15-25, 21-25 and 21-25. The Bearkats battled in a back and forth dual resulting in the first set being tied nine times with four lead changes. Sam Houston had last minute life in a final match by tying the score seven times with two lead changes but fell to the Lady Owls in three matches. Sophomore Deven Wells-Gibson led Sam Houston with 13 kills with 31 attempts while senior outside hitter Kendal Cleveland contributed with eight kills and Carling Urban and Kim Black assisted with six kills each.
Out of the 35 of Sam Houston’s kills, junior setter Tayler Gray assisted with 30, as well as having 15 digs. Senior libero Jamie Haas was credited with 14 digs. Next week the lady Bearkats travel to New Orleans for the Sugar Bowl Invitational hosted by Tulane University to continue their volleyball action with an eight-game road swing Friday and Saturday and will face Mississippi State, Pittsburg and Tulane. The next home stand is Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. at the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum with their first conference game against Southland Conference newcomers Oral Roberts University. Students can present a valid SHSU Student I.D. between gates 25 and 26 and visitors can purchase their tickets online at www.gobearkats.com or call the ticket office at 936-294-1729.