Vol 119 | Issue 13
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Publishing since 1913
Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University
Comedy of Errors preview, pg. 5
KAT Links
INDEX
For more information about the Battle of the Piney Woods, visit GoBearkats.com
Viewpoints ...... pg. 2 Special ............. pg. 3 News ................ pg. 4
Volleyball beats SFA, pg. 6
A&E ................. pg. 5 Sports ............... pg. 6
University gears up for rivalry 88-year war comes to head Saturday at Reliant Stadium in Houston By Erin Peterson Editor-in-Chief
Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian
THE BATTLE RAGES ON. The Battle of the Piney Woods continues for the 87th year Saturday at Reliant Stadium in Houston. The 86th year resulted in a loss for SHSU, who looks to make a comeback.
88 years is a long time. Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin State Universities have faced off in a yearly war since 1923, culminating in some highly memorable moments, shared often between the generations. One such memorable moment came in the early 60s, during a basketball game in Bearkat Gym, the building that now houses the ROTC unit, that left the building so packed that the doors had to be locked a half hour before the start of the game. Leroy Wilkinson, ’64, recalled the ruckus heard outside just minutes before the doors closed. The SFA Lumberjack football team tore through the doors holding an uprooted Huntsville city limits sign high in the air. The SFA fans that made the trip went crazy, while the Bearkats were in shock. Unbeknownst to the rest of the crowd, the Bearkat football team snuck out of the gym, jumped into a car and headed to Nacogdoches.
They ripped up the Nacogdoches city limit sign and headed back, bursting through the doors of Bearkat Gym with minutes left in the basketball game. “Needless to say, that didn’t sit too well with the students there,” Wilkinson said. “In both instances, there was mud and grass hanging off of the sign. It gave the student body a little redemption after being a little irritated before.” It helped that both teams were dominant during this time. 1973 saw SHSU win the NAIA Basketball National Championship, rank number one in the Associated Press poll and number two in the United Press Independent poll. SFA was ranked just the opposite. During the 2004 football season, SHSU was ranked number seven in the nation, winning 11 games that season on their way to a showing a the FCS playoffs. Their game against the number 12 Lumberjacks was a heated one. At the end of the game, Sam Houston blocked
a field goal that would have tied the game for the Lumberjacks. After SHSU quarterback Dustin Long took a knee to finish, the Bearkats began to celebrate. With the celebration came heated tempers. The brawl that ensued on the field was recreated in the 2006 season. “It’s maybe too intense a rivalry sometimes. It’s just so much feeling, and it was such an important ballgame,” former head football coach Ron Randleman said. The Battle of the Piney Woods football game took place in Reliant Stadium in Houston last year to a crowd of 24,685 fans. The top two teams in the conference, SHSU and SFA ended in a 3128 nail-biter, with the Lumberjacks narrowly evading a Bearkat comeback in the final seconds of the game. This year, the 87th Battle of the Piney Woods will continue on Saturday at Reliant Stadium for the second year of the four year contract. For more information, visit gobearkats.com.
Hostile work environment cited in SHSU lawsuit By McKinzie Brocail Senior Reporter
Two former professors are suing Sam Houston State University over allegations that their department chair created a hostile working environment through sexual harassment and retaliation, according to court documents filed in U.S. District Court. Former faculty Garry and Jasmyne Graybill claim that Tony Shipp, the current chair of the Art Department, promised merit pay increases for unpaid overtime for manual labor. However, they claim that after they declined his repeated invitations to meet him at his house or go out
“drinking” and complained about sexist comments and other situations of sexual harassment, Shipp retaliated. According to the lawsuit, Shipp allegedly did not give them merit raises and forced them to reapply for their jobs and compete with others. Shipp chose not to comment on the issue because of the ongoing case. The Graybills, a married couple who were hired to team-teach the new Workshop in Art Studio & History (WASH) program for SHSU taught in the Art Department from Fall 2008 until resigning at the end of fall semester 2009. According to the Graybill’s lawsuit against the university:
Prior to their contract start date Shipp required the couple to “essentially renovate the inside of a building to prepare it for the WASH program.” The Graybills, who were non-tenured professors, allege that they were not paid for the seven weeks of 50-70 hours they worked over the summer to make the building usable. “Shipp made it clear that he controlled the money in the department, including merit raises. As he put it, the Graybills only had to make him happy,” the lawsuit states. The Graybills also allege that Shipp engaged in sexual harassment, both towards “Jasmyne individually and to the couple jointly”
creating “an unlawful work environment.” The couple began avoiding the Art Office, but the complaint reports that Shipp would “continue to make invitations via text messages, phone calls or unannounced visits to their off-campus offices during evenings and weekends.” The lawsuit also alleges that Shipp made sexist comments about females, commented on the couple’s looks and engaged in unprovoked discussions of sex research and swinging/ partner swapping. After learning of other faculty who had similar complaints, the Art Department voted 10-6 to — See SUIT, page 4
Raven Nest’s greens still relatively green Golf course continues to function in spite of major drought conditions
Rachelle Sadler | The Houstonian
WITHERING AWAY. The Raven Nest Golf Course of Huntsville continues to run despite the continuing drought conditions in over 97 percent of the state of Texas.
By McKinzie Brocail Senior Reporter “Native trees and grasses, creeks and wildlife are incorporated
to re-create the essence of golf’s earliest public courses” is part of the online description of the Raven Nest Golf Club. This record-breaking, exceptional drought is
leaving no one in Texas behind, including golf courses. “Honestly, it’s been relatively green most of the summer thanks to our superintendent [David Gray],” Chris Stout, assistant golf professional at Raven Nest, said. Lately, with the unrelenting dry spell that has scorched and dried up so much of Texas, it’s a wonder the golf course has steady business and more-or-less green grass. According to the National Climatic Data Center, 97 percent of Texas is in extreme or exceptional drought. The course has its own aquifer that is overseen by the Bluebonnet Ground Water Conservation District. The well is used to irrigate the grounds.
“Some premier courses with unlimited budgets can afford to water whenever,” Stout said. “One course in Kingwood, I know, pays 80 cents per minute for water they get from Houston.” The City of Huntsville had been under water restrictions for most of the summer. Within the last couple of weeks, the city’s water usage levels have dropped below 10.6 million gallons per day for over five consecutive days, finally leaving the restricted zone. Because Raven Nest has its own aquifer, the course does not use the city’s water and does not factor into the water usage levels that Huntsville — See DROUGHT, page 4
Photo courtesy of Meredith Leone
IN THE LINE OF FIRE. Tony Shipp, chair for the Department of Art in the College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication, (shown above) is a major focus in a lawsuit against the university, centered around unpaid wages and sexual harassment, filed by former members.
Steve Jobs passes By Stephen Green Associate News Editor Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, 56, died Tuesday night, receiving response from several high profile officials. President Barack Obama released a statement: “Steve was among the greatest of American innovators - brave enough to think differently, bold enough to believe he could change the world, and talented enough to do it,” Obama said. The board of directors for Apple also released a statement in honor of their chairman. “Steve’s brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives,” Apple. “The world is immeasurably better because of Steve.” Jobs also owned Pixar
Studios, a subsidy of Disney Inc. He was one of the creators for the concept of personal computers and the computer mouse. He founded Apple in his garage with friend, Steve Wozniak in 1976.
Photo courtesy apple.com
WORLD LOSES MAJOR TALENT. Steve Jobs, cofounder of Apple and owner of Pixar Studios, passed away Tuesday evening at the age of 56. The latest version of the iPhone, model 4s, was announced Oct. 4 and will launch Oct. 14.
Viewpoints
Page 2 Thursday, October 6, 2011
houstonianonline.com/viewpoints
STAFF LISTING Robin Johnson
FACULTY ADVISER 936-294-1499
Erin Peterson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 936-294-1505
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Stephen Green ASSOCIATE EDITOR sgreen@houstonianonline.com
Karmen C. King VIEWPOINTS EDITOR
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Kolby Flowers WEB AND MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
kflowers@houstonianonline.com
Zachary Birdsong SPORTS EDITOR
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McKinzie Brocail SENIOR REPORTER
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Jessica Gomez PHOTOGRAPHER
April Sanders COPY EDITOR
Christian Pratt
GRAPHIC COORDINATOR
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Chrystal Golden
Life, it’s writing enhanced
Stephen Green discusses importance of academic and social skills As a journalist, personally meeting Dan Rather was surreal and inspiring. Taking a class from a former CNN correspondent and anchor, Kelli Arena, this semester is enlightening on how much better my reporting can be. Both have a different style of teaching, interviewing and newsgathering. However, both stress one fundamental for anyone, regardless of major or career: writing. I can only agree. Writing, no matter in what form, is important in human communication. My generation is the pioneer of new styles of writing like Tweets, Facebook statuses, blogging, internet and web writing, and indeed, texting. There are correct and incorrect ways to write in all media. But just as our parent’s generation started losing the need and ability to make food at home with the advent of frozen and fast food restaurants; our generation is losing our ability to write formal papers because
of the increase in writing formats. I edited an essay for one of my cousins in-class assignments. I promise he used every text abbreviation known to man. As a journalist, I’m taught to use short, concise sentences and paragraphs that rarely exceed two sentences. As a history minor, it’s the complete opposite. English majors are supposed to use MLA format. Political science: Chicago and APA formats. On a personal level, my journalism major demolishes my ability to write lengthy, in depth academic papers. My history minor is in constant conflict with the short, concise style of news writing. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to use both, especially now that I’m getting into more writing enhanced courses. However, I need it…we all do. We all need to learn to multitask writing styles. The same media formats
Each time that you go to a bar in Huntsville, or any restaurant where you can partake in alcohol consumption, the SHSU students of the 1970’s are to thank for that. You see, before the 1970’s, Huntsville was a dry city. Huntsville residents would have to drive to Trinity or New Waverly in order to purchase alcoholic beverages. As you can imagine, students weren’t too thrilled by this and decided to take matters into their own hands, and as a result, you have less government restrictions on what you can buy or sell in Huntsville. A common misconception by folks in Huntsville, however, is that the city is “wet,” meaning that businesses can sell alcoholic beverages anywhere within city limits (with proper permits, of course). Though you may have known about those students in the early 1970’s who stood up to fight the laws making Huntsville a dry city, what you may not know is that while areas of Huntsville are considered wet, the city as a whole is not. When these students organized and pursued their agenda, the only area that was made permissible to sell alcohol was the area of Huntsville that was incorporated at that time. This means that any new lands annexed into Huntsville since the 1970’s have different laws than long time City of Huntsville property. There are actually three different types of zones in
Today in history: 1683 – William Penn brings 13 German immigrant families to the colony of Pennsylvania, marking the first major immigration of German people to America. 1876 – The American Library Association was founded. 1884 – The Naval War College of the United States Navy is founded in Newport, Rhode Island.
1979 – Pope John Paul II becomes the first pontiff to visit the White House. 1981 – Egyptian President Anwar alSadat was assassinated. 1995 – 51 Pegasi is discovered to be the first major star apart from the Sun to have a planet (and extrasolar planet) orbiting around it.
Huntsville that dictate your ability to buy or sell alcohol: on-premise consumption zones, offpremise consumption zones, and non permissible zones. Onpremise consumption zones are those zones that you originally picture to be the norm in Huntsville, areas where you can buy or sell alcohol without big brother stepping in and telling you that it’s not ok. Off-premise zones are areas where you can sell alcohol, but not consume it in a public setting (basically a zone that only allows convenience stores and not bars or restaurants). And non-permissible zones are just that; non permissible. Kendall, why are you rampaging about liquor boundaries? Great question! I’m glad you asked. Over the last few years, we’ve seen areas west of, and right on the edge of, I-45 develop while other locations throughout the city struggle to maintain successful businesses. Because of ridiculous laws like liquor boundaries, many locations won’t be developed. Seriously, who would waste their time building a grocery store, a convenience store, or a restaurant in a college town on a plot of property where they can’t sell alcohol? I don’t know about you, but frankly, to me it’s just stupid that the government would have the right to tell one Huntsville resident that they can sell alcohol and another that he can’t because his plot of land isn’t 200 feet to the left. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, it’s time we get registered to vote (deadline is October 11 for the 2011 election, btw) and start voting for and electing people and ordinances that help students and the economic development of Huntsville. I’m not talking about the kind of economic development where so-called capitalists give tax breaks to corporations to put small ma-and-pop businesses out of work; I’m talking about the type of economic development that helps to pursue that basic American dream that if you work hard and supply a needed or wanted service for our citizens, the government won’t stand in your way. Let’s go people, it’s time to elect a council that’ll fight for those kinds of things; the kinds of things students want in a college town, the kind of council like the one two years ago that gave us 2 a.m. laws, recycling, sidewalks, and attempted bike paths. Like it always has been in Huntsville’s past, it’s up to students to get the ball rolling.
-Kendall is a senior Political Science major.
1889 – Thomas Edison shows his first motion picture.
1973 – Egypt launches a coordinated attack with Syria against Israel leading to the Yom Kippur War.
Up
“Paws UP” to volleyball. Way to axe the Jacks!
“Paws UP” to the return of quarterback Brian Bell. Beat SFA!
Kendall Scudder: Liquor laws need change
cgolden@houstonianonline.com
1945 – Baseball: Billy Sianis and his pet billy goat are ejected from Wrigley Field during Game 4 of the 1945 World Series (see Curse of the Billy Goat).
-Stephen is the Associate News Editor for The Houstonian.
Making Huntsville “wet”
COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST
1927 – Opening of The Jazz Singer, the first prominent talking movie.
that are making students lose their ability to write a 10-page essay for history are helping prepare them for the workplace. Workplace environments need both new-media writing skills as well as the analytical style of academia. Secretaries now communicate via Facebook. Companies use Twitter pages to remind employees and administration of events or meetings. On the same token, reports, memos and serious emails need to be written in the same tone as essays and college classwork. Even though I’m admittedly old fashioned in wanting a hardback book for class and taking all my notes by hand, I’m excited that I get to be a part of the social media revolution that is shaping the way that we all communicate together.
Paws
“SIDE Paw” to the schizophrenic Texas weather. You’re hot then you’re cold, pick a temperature!
“Paws DOWN” to long lines and small portions at Old Main Market. Two slices of pizza isn’t wasteful.
“Paws DOWN” to all the lights being off from the library to the admin building for firefest practice. That was incredibly unsafe!
Paws Down
Socialism works
Letter to the Student Body Dear Sam Houston Students, Staff and Faculty and Alumni: The Houstonian would not survive were it not for the continued involvement and dedication of the SHSU student body. We welcome all column submissions and letters to the editor. If at any time you feel the need to express an opinion, please do not hesitate to email your thoughts or drop by our office in the Dan Rather communications building. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you as always for your continued support of the Houstonian. Karmen C. King Viewpoints Editor kking@houstonianonline.com
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 936-294-1495. The Houstonian is a member of the Associated Press and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.
Lotis Butchko sides with the Occupy Wall Street Movement Most of last year I spent one day a week writing a column that had socialist sub titles written all over them. I challenged students to think about it, how maybe our two party system wasn’t working and how we could make a difference. It looks like someone finally read those columns, or else those people in New York just got tired of all this crap without having to read my columns. Yes, of course I am talking about the new #Occupy Wall Street movement, something that I have been waiting for for the past three years. And finally, after enough crap, people are standing up to it. Oddly enough it has taken our media a little longer to cover this than the TEA party movement who didn’t have nearly as many people. But finally, it looks like I am getting my wish, Americans standing up for socialism, something that I believe can work in America. Imagine if you can, democracy being in all of our lives, not just the government, but work. What if every job had a union and your boss continued to cut a persons position every month to make his stock holders happy and you were able to fire him. That seems almost crazy to a modern person, but maybe this is something that we can bring to our recovering lives.
For the first time since I got into politics I am hopeful. Typically, liberals lay with their tails between their legs and don’t stand up like they should, maybe this will help, because it’s not politicians who are trying to make a statement, it’s the voters. The faceless crowd that is ever growing in New York is deserving of some merit. No leader, no demands, just opposition to the way the world is being controlled. People are finally coming to stand up for their rights. Taking a stance against the fact that the top 1 percent of Americans own more than the bottom fifty percent, and if that statement doesn’t feel awkward, then nothing else will. After all, it harkens back to those fateful words, “Socialism never took root in America because the poor see themselves not as an exploited proletariat but as temporarily embarrassed millionaires.” Finally, after years of greed from Wall Street, and the loss of houses, jobs, and pensions, Americans are finally starting to figure out that the only thing they are embarrassed about is being ignorant for all these years. For the past two hundred years we have tried conservatism and centralism. Maybe it’s time to try socialism. - Lotis is a former sports reporter for The Houstonian.
News
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houstonianonline.com/news
Debate, speech top national rankings By Stephen Green
Associate News Editor
The Sam Houston Speech and Debate team earned top national rankings and numerous awards at the University of Arkansas at Monticello “Weevil Wars” tournament from September 30 to October 2. Two members of the team earned enough points to be individually ranked first nationally. Freshman Steve Sears is ranked first in the Varsity division and coach Adam Key, defending Professional division season-long national champion, is ranked first in the Professional division. This is the third year in a row that the team has had the top-ranked student in the Varsity division and the second year in a row having
the top-ranked student in the Professional division. C o l l e c t i v e l y, team members won approximately two-thirds of their rounds. All three teams and seven of the nine individual competitors
advanced to elimination rounds. In the Team division, the teams of Sears and Cody Stevens, Bob Trevino and Steven Perry, and Fabiola Sanchez and Stacy Hood were all quarterfinalists.
Stevens received the 4th place speaker award and Sears received the 2nd place speaker award. In Varsity, Sears was an octafinalist; Stevens was a quarterfinalist; and Perry was an octafinalist. Stevens
received the 2nd place Varsity speaker award. The SHSU team accounted for half of the competitors who advanced to elimination rounds in the Professional division of the tournament.
Adam Key | SHSU Speech and Debate
NOW ON TOP. Debate team members earn enough points during the “Weevil War tournament to earn top-rank national positions. Freshman Steve Sears is ranked first in the Varsity division and coach Adam Key is ranked number one in the professional division.
First fireless Firefest
Drought conditions, heat changes event’s traditional activities
From SUIT page 1
remove Shipp as chair. However, the lawsuit claims that “despite the vote by the faculty, the [former] Dean of Arts and Sciences, Jaimie Hebert, decided to retain Shipp as chair.” Hebert is currently the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and would not comment on the details of the lawsuit. “I regret that I cannot discuss the particulars of a case with pending litigation,” Hebert said. “I would be happy to discuss the issues surrounding the case once it is resolved.” Following the meeting and Shipp’s retention as chair, the Graybills sustained an additional one-
Coach Jeremy Coffman and Trevino were quarterfinalists, Hood was a semifinalist, and Key was tournament champion. Coffman and Key were both undefeated in preliminary rounds and were 1st and 2nd ranked speakers, respectively. The team was awarded the third place sweepstakes as well as the “Wrecking Crew” award for highest win percentage overall. The team will next compete October 14-16 at the Louisiana State University at Alexandria Oak Tree Swing Tournament. Students interested in joining the team should attend meetings on Thursdays at 6 p.m. in the Dan Rather Building, Room 125, or e-mail the coaching staff at debate@shsu.edu. year contract for the 20092010 school year by SHSU without having to reapply. The Graybills resigned when they were told they would have to reapply and did not receive merit pay. “In their letter and exit interviews, the Graybills complained about Shipp and the harassment to which they were subjected. The Graybills never heard a response from the University,” the lawsuit claims. SHSU filed a motion to dismiss the case on the grounds that the plaintiffs lack evidence of discrimination by sexual harassment and retaliation. The lawsuit is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas.
UPD Update October 4, 2011 At 6:52 p.m., an officer was dispatched to the Old Main Market (located at 1003 Bearkat Boulevard) in reference to a fight. Upon arrival, officer was directed to a male student who was seated on the floor and bleeding from the nose and mouth. Suspect information was obtained from the victim and other officers began a search of the area. After refusing assistance from Huntsville/Walker County Emergency Medical Services, the victim was taken by private car to Huntsville Memorial Hospital. A suspect was identified and an investigation continues into the incident. From DROUGHT page 1
By Erin Peterson Editor-in-Chief
This year’s Firefest will feature no fire of any kind. The official pep rally for the SHSU/SFA football game, Firefest 2011 will be held tonight at 8 p.m. in the LSC Mall Area.
“Traditionally this program has been held at the SHSU Intramural Fields and has consisted of a pep rally, bonfire and professional fireworks display,” Student Activities wrote on the event Facebook wall. “However, due to the
recent weather conditions, the bonfire and fireworks have been cancelled. In order to continue with this great tradition at SHSU, the pep rally will now play host to a light show that will be provided by a professional audio/visual company.”
take up their duties are not at risk,” Eberhart said. Although there are numerous impeachments in-process, only the three impeachment trials on Tuesday have been conducted. Senators Christopher Fisher, Louis Martinez and Lindsey Black were all tried. All three senators’ impeachments passed, however, Senator Fisher’s decision was reconsidered, and upon a new vote he was reinstated as a senator. Some senators resigned in anticipation of impeachment. In other business, there were three senate nominations; Sarabella
Helton for the College of Fine Arts and Mass Communication, Maurice Vann for the College of Business Administration and Christian Barefield for the College of Criminal Justice. The motions for their nominations all passed. Both SGA’s Public Relations Chair and College of Education Chair are currently vacant. Sen. Tracy Nnamadim’s nomination for the chair of the Public Relations committee passed at an earlier meeting. He had since resigned that position. The Fair Policy Review Act (SR F11-02) was also discussed at the meeting.
Thomas Boydston | The Houstonian
Giveaways, the official pep rally with the SHSU football team, and various other university personnel and groups will be part of the program. For additional information, visit the Student Activities page on the SHSU website.
SGA impeaches members for poor attendance record By McKinzie Brocail Senior Reporter
The Student Government Association has taken actions against senators who have not been attending meetings in Tuesday’s meeting. The senate conducted three impeachments at Tuesday’s meeting, resulting in two removals from office. President Tyler Eberhart did, however, commend senators who have been “dedicated” to the organization throughout the semester. “Those senators who have stepped up and acknowledged their lack of participation and want to
Sen. Steven Perry (CHSS) about his concerns with the Social Media Policy and a reaction he cowrote to the policy. In old business, for the past two weeks, the fire relief efforts have yielded over 10,000 canned goods, 6,000 water bottles and over 1,000 pounds of animal feed for the firefighters and victims of the Texas wildfires. Vice-President Jason Tilton also reminded the senators that volunteers for the Battle of the Piney Woods’ tailgate Saturday are needed, as well as to help build the homecoming float on Sunday. Meetings are on Tuesdays at 6 p.m.
implements. According to David Gray, Raven Nest’s golf course superintendent, approximately 90 of the nearly 130 acres of the course get irrigated. The remaining 40 acres are left to fend for their own, and they are certainly struggling with the extreme lack of rainfall. “Native areas are not making it through this,” Gray said. Indigenous to the Huntsville terrain (and Raven Nest Golf Club) are johnsongrass, oaks trees, pine trees, and various wildflowers such as bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes. Most of the native vegetation can be found on the outskirts of the fairways, so whether they are dying or not, they do not affect the course’s functionality. However, the trees in and surrounding the fairways do pose a problem. The course is losing a number of trees that cannot handle the scarcity of water. “A lot of dead trees have resulted from this drought; it will affect us later,” Stout said. According to Gray, they
will be cutting them down later and it will just change the appearance of the course somewhat. “It’s been nearly impossible to keep our ponds full,” Gray said. “We stopped trying. It’s essentially a waste of water; but our tees, greens and fairways are in great shape.” September 2010 the course used approximately 62 million gallons of water. This September the course has used 75 million gallons, almost a 21 percent increase. “We could definitely use more [water], but it isn’t economical,” Gray said. Business has not changed because of the drought. According to the course’s employees, the main thing that affects business on any given day is the heat. Higher temperatures have a tendency to lower round numbers, not the dry spell. “Many of the golfers here compliment on how the course looks considering the weather conditions,” Stout said. “They say it’s the greenest they’ve seen for miles.” Raven Nest Golf Club is owned by Sam Houston State University and is the home course to the Bearkats, Huntsville Hornets and New Waverly High.
Arts & Entertainment
Page 5 Thursday, October 6, 2011
houstonianonline.com/a-e
NYC Dance steps into PAC By George Mattingly
Arts & Entertainment Editor
The Dance Gallery Festival will return to the university for a weekend full of unique performances in the Performing Arts Center on Friday. Eleven dance companies from Texas, Florida, New York City, Boston and San Diego will be performing dances featuring a variety of styles including cotemporary, jazz and ballet, presented by Von Ussar danceworks. The festival, originally performed in New York City, came to the university for the first time last year after SHSU dance professor Andy Noble’s work was submitted and performed in the festival in New York two years ago. Noble met with Dance Coordinator and Associate Professor Jennifer Pontius and Artistic Director of the festival Astrid Von Ussar, and
decided to bring the event to SHSU. According to Noble, the “new and improved” James & Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center was also a factor in bringing the show to the SHSU stage. The show received good reviews last year as one critic said “The evening’s polished and fine dancing and choreography made for one great opening night.” Over 100 dance companies submitted work for the festival, and the top 10 were selected by a panel to perform at this year’s festival to ensure a quality show. Noble admitted that although SHSU has a great dance program, it is difficult for students to get exposure outside of Huntsville. The festival will also benefit dance students who will take classes from some of the show’s choreographers which will present them with the
“opportunity to work with another artist with a new set of challenges,” Noble said. Choreographer Gina Sorensen from “somebodies dance theater” in California has been at the university for a week and a half to teach students a dance to be performed at Dance Spectrum in December. Jane Weiner from Hope Stone Dance in Houston will also be staying next week to teach and set a work that students will perform later. Each dance company will also be teaching a master class on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. “It’s great for students because they will get to experience all of the artists and meet and interact with them,” said Noble. “It will be intimate and allow the students to delve deeper (into dance).” NobleMotion Dance, the company headed by Noble and his wife, dance lecturer
Dionne Sparkman Noble, will also be performing at the festival, which includes three current students, three alumni, and one faculty member. After the performance at SHSU, the Dance Gallery Festival will be heading to New York City next week to continue its tour at The Ailey Citigroup Theater. “This will help students get a foot in the professional door and be great exposure for dance at SHSU,” Noble said. For members of the SHSU community, Noble said he hopes that “they might find that they appreciate dance that is approaching, engaging and exciting.” Performances will begin at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling the dance box office at 936-294-2339.
Photo by Lynn Lane
EXPOSURE: Seth McPhail is among the SHSU students with NobleMotion Dance performing in the Dance Gallery festival this weekend, which will head to New York City next week.
Theater opener modernizes Shakespeare By George Mattingly
Arts & Entertainment Editor
The curtains opened for the first theater production of the season, Shakespeare’s “Comedy of Errors”, in the Erica Starr Theatre on Wednesday This season’s opener is one of Shakespeare’s earliest plays and at only about 90 minutes, also one of his shortest. “Comedy of Errors” takes place “a short time ago, in a not far off land” and tells the story of two sets of twins who were
separated at birth. When Antipholus of Syracuse and Dromio of Syracuse arrive in the town of Ephesus, which happens to be the home of their twin brothers Antipholus of Ephesus and Dromio of Ephesus, they turn the town upside down. Mistaken identities lead to a series of disasters for all involved. “It’s like the Carol Burnett Show meets The 3 Stooges,” show director, David McTier, Ph.D., said. Shakespeare derived the idea of mistaken identity and some plot elements
from Roman comedies by order to add the physical Plautus titled “Menaechmi” elements that are needed for and “Amphitryon”. Loaded the show, students worked with slapstick humor that with a fight instructor. involves “It (the exaggerated play) involves situations and more details actions, the terms of “It’s like the in play is very timing,” Katie Burnett S t e f a n i a k , different from Carol Shakespeare’s Show meets The 3 T h e a t r e later plays. Manager said. Stooges” “There is “You have a lot of use to keep your of the body, body in sync combat and with what falling,” said McTier “It is you’re saying.” very physical.” With the cast being made According to McTier, in up of several first-timers,
McTier said it was about “allowing them to have fun and get the Shakespeare out.” Other elements helped add to the humor of the show, including the colorful costumes, use of shadow puppetry, voodoo dolls, lighting, music and an elaborate set, designed by new set designer Liz Freese. “There is Serbian and gypsy music that adds a different feel to the show,” McTier said. For the audience, the show presents a chance for them to experience a different
side of Shakespeare’s work that they may have never seen before. McTier hopes to show that “Shakespeare can be fun even for the younger people who can and will enjoy this show.” “Comedy of Errors” will continue to run from October 6-8 at 8 p.m. with a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $14 for general admission and $12 for students. For more information, call the Theatre Box Office at 936294-1339.
9:00 am to 12:00 pm Wednesday, October 12th Bernard Johnson Coliseum Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian
MISTAKEN IDENTITIES: “Comedy of Errors” stars Charles Michael Daniels as Angelo, Sean Willard as the Officer, Ryan Segovia as 2nd Merchant, Will Ritchie as Dromio of Ephesus, and Trent O’Neal as Antipholus of Ephesus.
Ren Fest Returns By George Mattingly
Arts & Entertainment Editor
The sights, sounds and tastes of the 16th century will all return to Texas when the 37th annual Texas Renaissance Festival opens its royal doors for the public on Saturday. The festival, one of the most popular events in Texas, will be open for a total of eight weekends from October 8-November 27 from 9 a.m.to dusk, offering a wide variety of activities for everyone. This year’s festival will feature different themes for each weekend, including “Oktoberfest”, 1001 Dreams”, “Pirate Adventure”, “All Hallows Eve”, “Roman Bacchanal”, “Highland Fling”, “Barbarian Invasion” and “Celtic Christmas”, each with its own costumes, props and performers. Each day will feature performances from stage acts, musicians and path performers including “Gypsy Dance Theater”, “School of Swords” and
“Sound and Fury” on 17 stages. Throughout the 60 acres of land, attendees will have the chance to experience more than 400 shops with handmade arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing and pottery. Children will also be able to participate in six themed areas featuring games, rides, a rock wall, and performances. In addition to entertainment, festivalgoers will be well fed by a wide array of restaurants such as “Honey Lodge and Indulgences”, “Sea Devil Tavern” and “Captains Gallery”, with foods from all over the world including German, Polish and Greek dishes and desserts. Despite being located between Magnolia and Plantersville Texas, the festival grounds escaped damage during the recent wild fires and served as a mobilization area for emergency crews. Due to the drought, the Texas Renaissance Festival
has had to take extra precautions. According to the festival website, the Royal Fireworks display, which has been part of the festival for years, has been canceled. Instead, the display will be replaced by a grand finale show that has yet to be announced. There are a variety of ticket packages available for individuals, groups and families. Outlet tickets can be purchased at HEB and Woodforest National Bank locations. For more information about ticket prices or activities for the festival, visit their website at http://www.texrenfest.com/
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For more information contact: SHSU Career Services ABIV, Suite 210 936-294-1713 www.shsu.edu/careerservices
Sports
Page 6 Tuesday, October 6, 2011
Revenge on order for ‘Battle’
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By Zach Birdsong Sports Editor
In a hard fought, heartbreaking game, the football team lost to rival Stephen F. Austin, 31-28 last season. This year, the Kats have improved and are looking for revenge against their rival. After a 22-7 win last weekend against UTSA, the Kats climbed to number 11 in this week’s Football Championship Series poll. Improving to 4-0, the Kats are now one of three teams in the FCS division (126 teams) to have a perfect record. Last weekend against UTSA, the Kats defense controlled the game and was able to shut down the Roadrunner offense. Defensive back Kenneth Jenkins led the way for the defense by forcing one fumble, and getting two interceptions. In total, the defense allowed just 29 yards rushing and created 4 turnovers. The defense needed to be at its best as a late, game time decision left the Kat offense without quarterback Brian Bell. After a win against New Mexico in week four of the season, Bell was suffering with what the team calls “concussion like symptoms.” Without Bell, the offense was limited in the passing game and relied on the ground game. “Our backup Greg Sprowls came in and UTSA did a very good job of limiting our effectiveness,” head coach Willie Fritz said. Though they were
Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian
GETTING AN EARFUL. Head coach Willie Fritz talks to his players after they come off the field against Western Illinois. The team won the game, 20-6. This weekend the team will travel to Houston to take on SFA in the “Battle of the Piney Woods” game. Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m.
limited, the team was able to make just enough big plays to clinch the game. Wide receiver Torrance Williams finished the game with 96 yards rushing and one touchdown. Running back Tim Flanders finished the game with 91 yards rushing, 93 yards receiving and one rushing touchdown. This weekend, the Kats won’t be as limited, as Bell will be back with the offense. Stephen F. Austin (1-4),
started the season with a win against McMurry 826, but since has dropped the last 4 to Northern Iowa, Baylor, Texas State and Central Arkansas. Stephen F. Austin has been traditionally known for their passing game, but it’s the way the running backs will be used that worries Fritz. “Really if you watch SFA, they’ll run the ball with conventional run plays, but they’ll also throw a lot of
Volleyball avoids the Axe Team wins in four, 4-2 in SLC By Cheval John Sports Reporter
The volleyball team axed the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks for the second time this season on Wednesday. In the second edition “Battle of the Piney Woods” volleyball match against SFA, the Kats won in four sets, 25-18, 17-25, 25-18, 27-25. The win gives the Kats a 4-2 record in Southland Conference play, and a 10-9 overall record. “It was a great team effort tonight,” head coach Brenda Gray said. “We are through worrying about the end result and we are going to have fun while we play.” Senior outside hitter Carli Kolbe led the way for the Kats with 15 kills, 19 digs, two blocks and an ace. “Carli is one of the pillars that holds the team together,” Gray said. The Kats played in front of a crowd of 931, and from beginning to end, they made their voices heard. Members of the football team would show up and would heckle the lumberjack team. With the crowd behind them, the Kats controlled the game and jumped out to an early 4-0 lead. SFA would manage to keep it close, but eventually the Kats pulled away and won the first set. The second set was another story as the Lumberjacks would dominate early and never trailed as they took control of the second set. Down 22-11, the Kats battled back, but eventually fell 25-17. The Jacks scored the majority of their points on blocks. The third set was a battle
Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian
JUMP. Senior Carli Kolbe (left) goes up for the ball against SFA. The Kats won in four sets, and improved to 4-2 in conference play.
between the two teams as there were nine tie scores and six lead changes. With the scored tied at nine, the Kats scored three points to take a 12-9 lead. After that, the Kats pulled away and eventually won the third set. The fourth set proved challenging with 18 tie scores and 11 lead changes. With the Jacks leading 18-15, the Kats scored four unanswered points to take a 19-18 lead on a Lumberjack error and three kills by junior outside hitter Kendall Cleveland. In a back and forth battle, the Kats eventually went up 24-22. Though they were down, SFA wouldn’t go away, and tied it at 24. The Kats never gave up the lead winning the set and the match. “Kendall comes in and
surprises people when she goes out,” Kolbe said. “We know that she can do it and she proved it tonight.” “It felt good to come out and play and to have fun,” Cleveland said. Cleveland finished the match with seven kills and 16 digs while senior setter Kym Loving contributed with 42 assists, three kills, 10 digs and two aces. The Bearkats will travel to Thibodaux, Louisiana to face Nicholls State on Saturday. Game time is set for 2 p.m. After this weekend, the Kats will return home for a two game set with UTA and Texas State. Those matches will occur Thursday, Oct. 13 and Saturday Oct. 15. For more information about the team, including the team’s schedule, visit gobearkats.com.
screens,” Fritz said. “They are very high percentage completion plays for them.” Like last year, the game will be held at Reliant Stadium in Houston. Fritz and staff are excited about this year’s game. “We’re looking forward to a great atmosphere,” Fritz said. “Last year, and I’m sure this year will be a great atmosphere for a great ball game against SFA.” The SHSU Special Events Committee will host
Firefest 2011, a yearly pep rally held before the Battle of Piney woods game, Thursday. This year’s show will include a laser light show. The show will be held at 8 p.m. in Bearkat Plaza. Tickets are still available for Saturday’s game and students can purchase tickets for $15. The athletic department will have a tent set up in Bearkat Plaza on Thursday and Friday so students can purchase their tickets.
Fans can also buy their tickets online at gobearkats. com, or buy them at the box office at Reliant Stadium. Parking lots for the game on Saturday opens at 10 a.m. Reliant Stadium will be charging $15 for each space taken, and SHSU fans will enter off of Kirby drive. The game will be broadcasted on the Southland Conference Television network and kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday.