Vol 119 | Issue 22
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Publishing since 1913
Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University
Occupy Bowers, pg. 2
Joe Frazier passes at age 67 Famed boxer that duked it out with Muhammed Ali in the 1974 “Rumble in the Jungle” died from complications from liver cancer in hospice late Monday.
Staff favorites: Fall TV, pg. 4
INDEX Viewpoints ...... pg. 2 A&E ................. pg. 6 News ................ pg. 3 Sports ............... pg. 7 Special .............. pg. 4 Special .............. pg. 8 Lifestyle ............ pg. 5
Kats top ranked Texas team
By Zach Birdsong Sports Editor
It wasn’t pretty, but the Bearkat football team earned a 38-9 win on the road against the Southeastern Louisiana Lions on Saturday. With the win, the Kats improved to 9-0 this season, the first time since 1956, also clinching a share of the Southland Conference title, which gives them an automatic birth into the Football Champion Subdivision (FCS) playoffs. On top of all that, SHSU moved up one spot in this week’s Sports Network FCS rankings and are now ranked number 3, while receiving one first place votes. With the loss, Southeastern Louisiana drops to 2-7 overall and 0-5 in Southland Conference play. Saturday, the Kats were led offensively by quarterback Brian Bell and wide receiver Richard Sincere as the two combined for over 300 yards of offense and four touchdowns. Bell finished the game with 164 yards and three
Image courtesy GoBearkats.com
GOING FOR IT. The Kats, current co-champions of the Southland Conference, are ranked third in the nation in the FCS after reaching 9-0 for the first time since 1956.
touchdowns (two rushing), while Sincere ran for 137 and one touchdown. In total, the Kats produced 395 yards of offense while limiting Southeastern Louisiana to just 267.
Early in the game, the Kats found themselves down 3-0, but on the next drive, the Kats responded and scored on a 9-yard touchdown run by running back Tim Flanders.
On the next drive, the Kats scored on a 10 play, 65yard drive that was capped off by 2-yard touchdown run by Bell. On the next drive, Bell threw his first interception
George Mattingly | The Houstonian
By Meagan Ellsworth Production Manager The release of Black Ops remains fresh in the mind of Call of Duty fans worldwide. Along with beautifully realistic graphics and serious zombie combat action, the first person shooter game started out with a lot of lag and hacker issues, which were thankfully later patched. But that’s old news. Just when the world thought the game couldn’t get any better, developers
Modern Warfare 3 released
DID YOU KNOW? Approximately 6,000 copies of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, valued at 440,000 Euros were stolen south of Paris, France early Saturday morning, according to ItWorld.com.
of the season. However the defense wouldn’t allow a score off of that, as a field goal attempt by Lions kicker Seth Sebastian was blocked by Kats linebacker Preston Sanders and
recovered at the SHSU 38yard line by Mike Littleton. On the drive Bell hit Sincere for a 34-yard gain, and then ran it in for a — See FOOTBALL, page 7
GO VOTE
— See WARFARE, page 6
HPV protection for all
Gardasil vaccine for both men, women By McKinzie Brocail Senior Reporter
Despite common thought, women are not the only ones affected by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) -men are at risk, too. While political and media publicity has surrounded HPV and its vaccine, Gardasil, since 2007 when Gov. Rick Perry tried to mandate the vaccine for middle school females, it is less commonly known that Gardasil is also for males. Gardasil is targeted to ages 9-26. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Gardasil is a safe and effective HPV vaccine that is available to protect males against the HPV types that cause most (90%) genital warts and most anal cancers. HPV is a common sexually transmitted virus that has over 40 different strains. It is typically carried by men and passed on through vaginal, anal and sometimes oral sex to sexual partners, who can then pass it on to other sexual partners.
Election day voting locations File photo
PAY ATTENTION, GUYS. Gardasil, the HPV vaccine most commonly promoted for women, is also approved for men, helping in the prevention of genital wards and penile, anal and oropharyngeal cancer.
Men are at risk of HPVassociated penile, anal and oropharyngeal cancers, as well as genital warts. Most men are
asymptomatic, meaning they don’t show or have any signs or symptoms of having the virus. Many people pass HPV on to
partners because they are unaware that they have it. “We definitely push the — See HPV, page 3
Precinct: Polling Place: 101/102 Walker County Annex; 1301 Sam Houston Ave., Ste. 101 201/206 First Presbyterian Church; 1801 19th Street 205 Elkins Lake Conference Center; 634 Cherry Hills 301 Huntsville ISD Transportation Building; 95 Martin Luther King 401 University Heights Baptist Church; 2400 Sycamore Ave.
Viewpoints
Page 2 Tuesday, November 8, 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
kking@houstonianonline.com
Zachary Birdsong SPORTS EDITOR
zbirdsong@houstonianonline.com
Matt Frazier WEB AND MULTIMEDIA EDITOR
mfrazier@houstonianonline.com
McKinzie Brocail SENIOR REPORTER
mbrocail@houstonianonline.com
Jessica Gomez PHOTOGRAPHER
April Sanders COPY EDITOR
Christian Pratt
GRAPHIC COORDINATOR
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Today in history: 1971 – Led Zeppelin releases “Led Zeppelin IV,” which becomes the third-best-selling album ever in the US, and includes the widelyconsidered best rock song ever recorded “Stairway to Heaven.” 1966 – U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson signs into law an antitrust exemption allowing the National Football League to merge with the upstart American Football League. 1960 – John F. Kennedy defeats Richard Nixon in one of the closest presidential elections of the twentieth century to become the 35th president of the United States. 1933 – Great Depression: New Deal – US President Franklin D. Roosevelt unveils the Civil Works Administration, an organization designed to create jobs for more than 4 million of the unemployed. 1917 – The People’s Commissars give authority to Vladimir Lenin, Leon Trotsky, and Joseph Stalin. 1895 – While experimenting with electricity, Wilhelm Röntgen discovers the X-ray. 1889 – Montana is admitted as the 41st U.S. state.
Occupy Bowers
No excuses: be there, wear orange The Sam Houston That is disgraceful. State football team has a You guys do realize problem. that our team is 9-0 for It is 9-0 and after beating the first time since 1956, Southeastern Louisiana co-champions of the this past weekend, it gained Southland Conference, a share of the Southland has already clinched a spot Conference title, and in this year’s FCS playoffs, is now ranked third in and is looking to win the the Sports Network FCS Southland Conference flat rankings, making it the out for the first time in highest ranked collegiate school history, right? Zach Birdsong football program in the We should be selling state of Texas. out these games. So why Sports Editor Some might argue that haven’t we? the team has a winning problem, but that’s And before anybody says it, yes, I do know not it. that SHSU is a big commuter school. Heck In fact, this “problem” has nothing to do even one of my fellow editors mentioned with its performance on the field. that we are a “backpack school” when I The problem is with the lack of support pitched the idea of this article. from students at this university. Nonetheless, you guys pay an athletic fee Sure, a lot of students know how the team is in your tuition, making sporting events doing and have kept up with them through free for students. You read that right, I said great publications such as this paper (had to games for students are free. get my plug in there). This season has been a special one, and But the real question is, how many students Saturday, against Northwestern State, will have physically been to a game at Bowers be the last regular season home game of the Stadium this season? season for this team. It will also be “Senior Well, lucky you, I have the attendance Day” and the last regular season home game numbers. for 14 senior football players. So far this season, the team has had five This week the athletic office has a special home games and the attendance looks with the two Pizza Huts in town. If you order like this: Western Illinois: 6,020 attendees, a large pizza and mention the Bearkat ticket Central Arkansas: 9,831, UTSA: 6,889, offer, they are giving away two tickets for Nicholls: 6,483, and Lamar: 6,575. this weekend’s game against Northwestern Really? That’s it? State. According to the university website, So come out, be loud, sit with the “Kat Bowers Stadium holds roughly 14,000. Krazies,” Bring your family and friends, I’m not a math whiz (and certainly all my and most importantly, show up and support math teachers would agree), but that means your football team. in four out of our five home games, less than Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. on Saturday. half the stadium has been full. Eat ‘em up Kats!
“Paws UP” to football continuing their rise in the rankings. They’re now ranked #3 in all FCS teams in the country.
Straight not narrow: the new straight male
Jason Tilton interviews CJ student William Jackson Heterosexual women lead the way in friendships with homosexual men, often bravely championing the equal rights movement in their defense. However, there’s a new generation of heterosexual men making their dominance of diversity known in todays civilized society. These men are re-defining the modern man’s take on having a friend, who happens to be gay. We all know the phrases: “That’s so gay”, “fag”, “queer”. For many straight men, those words have become undesirable, fear-provoking labels to be avoided. However, a new breed of straight men are becoming fearless leaders in tearing down old beliefs and paving the way for a new future free of discrimination. William Jackson, a straight male Criminal Justice student at Sam Houston State University is one of those men. “You always hear about girls being able to be friends with a gay guy. Honestly, there’s no reason that a straight guy can’t be friends with a gay guy. Just because some guys think it emasculates them, they think it’s uncool. But I know gay guys who can kick my ass, beat me at sports, and who play more video games than I do. It doesn’t emasculate you, in fact, it makes you a better person.” Even so, there may be a late majority of heterosexual men who will avoid being observed in public with a gay man for fear of being labeled “gay” themselves. Jackson offered his advice “Honestly, don’t worry about it. When you start seeing differences that’s when it becomes an issue. If you’re comfortable with yourself, then it doesn’t matter. If you go to a bar with a gay man, they serve as the best wingmen -- and you will meet way more girls. In today’s day and age, being hateful is not cool anymore, and
it’s frowned upon. It’s time you get over your differences and just accept them. Just like the civil rights movement, blacks were friends with whites, and it’s going to be the same with regards to gay people. Everyone’s going to be friends with each other, so stop worrying about it now.” Be that as it may, men who are heterosexual love being heterosexual. They don’t make any apologies for it. Being “hit on” or “flirted with” by gay men (despite the sporadic instances of awkwardness) doesn’t phase the new generation of straight men who are confident in their sexuality, and still down with the LGBTQ community. Jackson explains how he handles these occasions: “You just gotta take it for what it is…. But most gay people understand [the discomfort]. Once they find out that you’re straight, they’re not going to hit on you anymore. Just like if a girl hits on you and you’re not interested, you let it go. You’re not going to stop hanging out with girls because of it.” Nevertheless, men understand men. Men know that men can be motivated by sex. Once an obstacle to friendship between straight and gay males, is now solved by the understanding that human beings have different preferences, and not every person (gay or straight) is attracted to another just because of their sex. What’s more, gay men can actually separate friendship and attraction in a way that straight men don’t. Jackson offers insight on the new straight male’s perspective: “I have a couple of straight guy friends, there’s no awkwardness. Just like guys are attracted to certain girls, guys are attracted to certain guys, just don’t worry about it. Just be friends just like you would be with your straight
Election day Cristan Shamburger reminds readers to vote today
“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” – time. Abraham Lincoln Whatever your political beliefs or thoughts Today is Election Day. Today is the day about voting, there is one fact that remains that every single one of you should go the same: Democracy depends solely on the out and exercise the right that generations citizens. before us fought for. Your vote DOES count. It’s the reason you Up until 1868, only white men who owned have rights when you’re pulled over. It’s the property or could afford to pay poll taxes reason there’s someone to talk to you on the could vote in elections in the United States. other end of the phone when your house is In 1868, in response to the Civil War, the burning down. It’s the reason you can read US ratified the 14th Amendment – granting this newspaper without fear of government the right to vote to any white male in all retaliation for the content. US states that were born here or naturalized Local elections are just as important as here. state and federal elections, if not more so. In 1870, with the help of the 15th In Huntsville, municipal offices are up to Amendment, non-white men were granted election – mayor and all four Wards. There the right to vote. are also two city propositions on the ballot. Fifty years later, women were finally Statewide, there are ten Texas Constitution granted the right to vote. Since then, Native Amendments to vote on. Americans, residents of the District of If you haven’t voted today, I’m urging you Columbia, the poor, minorities and adults to do so right now. between the ages of 18 and 21 all have been Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m….so granted the right to vote. no excuses! Each and every one of those rights was -Cristan is the president of Bearkat Democrats. hard earned and gloriously celebrated at the
Correction: 11/3 Photo caption for “Audience goes wild for ‘Jungle’” the narrator’s last name should have been Clos.
friends. Don’t act any differently.” In the process, this new generation of straight men are helping to evolve society into a new era of human interaction -- even helping to get rid of homophobia. “You may have questions, and you may not understand everything about the gay community.” said Jackson, “If you’re friends with a gay person, you’ll find out more about it. So you’re going to stand up more. They are no different from you or me. Also, it helps when you’re talking to people who don’t know about the community. Of course, they’re going to have their own opinion, but if you talk to them about it, they might understand better coming from a straight person.” Indeed, like a caterpillar who sheds its cocoon to become something new, straight males are shedding the obsolete, short-sighted beliefs held by some in former generations (possibly caused by a lack of a interaction with the gay minority that is now progressively growing in size) about homosexual men, to become a better and more interconnected breed of heterosexual man. Armed with a more developed cultural awareness and commitment to promoting the benefits of diversity, these brave straight male front-runners are aggressively and unapologetically defending their gay male friends in a way that makes a commanding, powerful and unforgettable difference. (Dedicated to the straight males everywhere who defend God’s choice for the orientation of people’s sexuality) -Jason is the vice president of the Student Government Association.
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.
News
Page 3 Tuesday, November 8, 2011
houstonianonline.com/news
University selected as site of invasive species institute By Stephen Green Associate News Editor The first comprehensive research effort to detect and eliminate invasive species in Texas will be located at Sam Houston State University. Texas State University System (TSUS) Chancellor Brian McCall announced the creation of the Institute for the Study of Invasive Species (ISIS) that will bring together more than 40 researchers and scientists. “We will house staff to facilitate early detection and rapid response efforts,” said Jerry Cook, associate vice president for research and interim dean of the College of Sciences. “Associated with this will be our museum holdings which will facilitate identification of species and provide for long-term vouchering of specimens.” Cook will work with faculty and staff from around the TSUS as well
as SHSU faculty including Autumn Smith, Jack Hill, Chris Wilson and Amber Bartelt. Eight biology faculty and five geographic information system faculty members will have the option of working on projects within the institute. ISIS will be the first organization to develop an in-depth plan to manage multiple species. Invasive species are “species that are non-native (or alien) to the ecosystem under consideration and whose introduction causes or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm or harm to human health,” according to an Executive Order issued by President Bill Clinton in 1999. The bill created a goal to identify, reduce and eliminate the threat from the foreign species. Some of the species, like the Raspberry Crazy Ant and Giant Salvania, are considered dangerous to not
only buildings, but to the environment as well. Crazy Ants were connected to NASA computer failures and chemical plant shutdowns causing millions of dollars in damages. The ants are known to build mounds near houses and cause extensive structural and electrical damage. McCall said ISIS’ goal is to eliminate some of this threat. “Working with various state agencies and other stakeholders in Texas and Beyond,” McCall said. “[ISIS] will play a leading role in helping to conserve Texas’ natural resources and lands, and protecting the states’ economy.” Texas’ has been a major importer of the various species due to its numerous ports and borders along the Gulf of Mexico and Mexico itself. To date, more than 800 species have entered through Texas and some have spread to nearby states.
Grounds staff awarded for campus beauty By Stephen Green Associate News Editor The Grounds Maintenance staff was recognized with a national excellence award for exceptional grounds maintenance in November by the Professional Grounds Maintenance Society (PGMS). PMGS recognized Sam Houston State University with an Honor Award in the Society’s 2011 Green Star Awards competition in Baltimore. The award was given in the University and College Grounds category for exceptional grounds maintenance. The Green Star Awards program brings national recognition to grounds maintained with a high degree of excellence, complimenting other national landscape award programs that recognize outstanding landscape design and construction. Winners were honored during the Society’s 2011
Photo courtesy 281deadbug.com
TAKING OVER TEXAS. Rasberry Crazy Ants wereconnected to NASA computer failures and chemical plant shutdowns causing millions of dollars in damages. The ants are known to build mounds near houses and cause extensive structural and electrical damage.
From HPV page 1
Courtesy SHSU Grounds Maintenance Department
SHEER BEAUTY. Scott Dolezal, sent several pictures to the PGMS to apply for this prestigious national award. The committee selected SHSU for an Honor Award, the second highest award.
Awards Dinner held Oct. 28 in conjunction with the School of Grounds Management & GIE+EXPO in Louisville, Ky., Oct. 2629. “This is a great honor to receive,” Scott Dolezal, manager of grounds services said. “It not only recognizes the efforts put in by our staff, but also the university’s commitment toward enriching their students’, staff and visitors’ lives through green spaces.” The landscape crew was honored for their ability to “maintain a beautiful campus” despite maintenance challenges such as a very congested
campus, litter cleanup and utility vehicle traffic on the landscape. In the past two years they have completed Old Main Market landscaping and relandscaping of seven areas. They also planted shade and flowering trees throughout the new stadium medians. Overall, PGMS presented six Grand Awards, its highest honor, as well as seven Honor Awards and two Merit Awards in seven categories of competition. The department is tasked with keeping the campus ground maintenance systems functional as well as landscaping and other tasks.
well as national tournament champion. It marked the second year in a row that SHSU captured both the season-long award and the national tournament in the same year. Coach Adam Key was a semi-finalist in the tournament, extending his lead over the professional division of the organization. If he retains the title, it will mark the second consecutive year he will have won the award. He won the national tournament title as well in the 2009-2010 season. As a whole, the team won first place debate sweepstakes and 5th place overall sweepstakes for the tournament. This marks the third, first place sweepstakes of the season and the second tournament in a row where the team won first place debate sweepstakes. This is also the second year in a row the team has taken first place
sweepstakes at the Red River Swing, traditionally the largest regular season tournament each year. In the Team division, Sam Houston was the only program to advance more than one team to elimination rounds. The team of junior Fabiola Sanchez and freshman Stacy Hood and the team of Sears and junior Zachary Bonno were quarterfinalists. Sanchez, also a team captain, was the first place speaker while Sears was third. Individually, sophomore
vaccine for the guys,” Pam Patterson, public health nurse case manager at the Texas Department of State Health Services, said. “Many people do not realize that there are multiple strains - over 40 - that they can get. Even if you might have one or two strains, you can still get vaccinated to protect yourself against the other strains.” Gardasil is a three-dose series of the HPV vaccine given over six months that can be used for both sexes, unlike Cervarix, an HPV vaccine intended only for females for the prevention of cervical cancer. The Texas Department of State Health Services is in Huntsville and offers immunizations and vaccinations, including HPV, on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Shots are $10 per person; so if a student is interested in updating their meningitis and tetanus shots, they can also get an HPV vaccine all for $10 at the same visit. “We have seen a rise COLLEGE SKI & BOARD WEEK breckenridge
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was first released, many people are now comforted by the fact that the side effects are not bad. State health officials can now say it’s safe,” Mahoney said. The vaccine doesn’t just protect against HPV. “The vaccine can also prevent herpes for males to some extent, and possible heart disease,” Patterson said. Because it is a sexually transmitted virus, HPV is a controversial topic, especially among parents. According to a survey done by the National Center for Health Statistics, 92 percent of women have had sexual intercourse by age 24, and according to the Kinsey Institute 89 percent of men have by age 24. “Unfortunately we are seeing more parents that don’t bring their adolescents in because HPV is transmitted through sexual contact. They believe that their child doesn’t have sex, so there is no need for it,” Patterson said. The health center is not offering the HPV vaccine and has been referring students to the Texas Department of State Health Services. The department is located at 2507 Lake Road, Suite F. Appointments for vaccines can be made for the second and fourth Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Debate program leads national rankings after La. tournaments By Stephen Green Associate News Editor The SHSU Speech and Debate team now leads the national rankings after several awards in Shreveport, La. over the weekend. Freshman Steve Sears and coach Adam Key lead the varsity and professional divisions respectively after surviving deep into the Red River Swing Tournament hosted by the Louisiana State UniversityShreveport. Sears was finished in second place at the tournament, but passed up Union University’s Emily Welborn and University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff’s Travis Adams to take the lead in the season long rankings in the International Public Debate Association. Last year, SHSU’s Clayton Goss was both season-long champion as
in males, including adolescents, getting vaccinated for HPV,” Patterson said. “Before in this county the numbers were low for vaccinations. With the number of strains HPV has, to me that’s the scary part.” Although it is best to get the vaccine before ever first having sex for optimal success (which is why age 9 is when the vaccine can first be given), later is better than not getting it at all. Many young people have not received any or all of the HPV vaccine doses for fear of side effects. “There are five years of research in the U.S. on side effects saying that they are not a big problem,” said Mitzi Mahoney, Ph. D, assistant professor of political science at Sam Houston State University, who has conducted research on HPV and the politics surrounding it. “Pain and redness at the injection site is the most common side effect. The only real issue would be an allergy to the vaccine.” Although there are only five years of research based out of the U.S., according to the Department of Health and Human Services, the HPV vaccine has been used around the world for several years and has been very safe. “Unlike when the vaccine
Bekka Frizzell was an octafinalist in the novice division. SHSU will host a local tournament Feb. 3-4 and was awarded the opportunity to host the national tournament in March. The team will return to competition Dec. 2-3 at Mississippi College in Clinton, MS. Students interested in joining the team are encouraged to come to the weekly meeting on Thursdays at 6pm in Dan Rather 125.
Please recycle your copy of The Houstonian
Lifestyle Staff picks: fall television shows
Page 5
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
houstonianonline.com/
Beavis and Butthead - MTV
Reed Between the Lines - BET
Glee - Fox
American Horror Story - FX
The Walking Dead - AMC
New Girl - Fox
Once Upon a Time - ABC
The Big Bang Theory - FOX
NCIS - CBS
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Arts & Entertainment Theater ‘bares’ strong message
Page 6
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
houstonianonline.com/a-e
Emotional performances, powerful lyrics move audience
By George Mattingly
Arts & Entertainment Editor
A alter hung over the Erica Starr Theatre as the audience filed into the “church” on stage for the SHSU production of “bare: A Pop Opera” on Friday night. The rock musical addresses the issues of individuality and acceptance through the story of a group of high school seniors attending St. Cecilia’s Catholic School. Under the watchful eye of the church and the community, each of the characters deal with their own internal struggles. The story focuses on Jason, the golden boy of St. Cecilia’s, played by freshman Brandon Whitley, and his relationship with Peter, played by sophomore Seth Cunnigham. Both of them struggle to maintain their relationship in the church community as they try to balance their own desires with the expectations of everyone around them. As their relationship develops
From WARFARE page 1
Infinity Ward, with the help of SledgeHammer and Raven Software, took the franchise creation to whole new level, according to critics and fans who received the game early. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was released by publisher Activision at midnight Tuesday. Some gamers couldn’t wait until release date to try out the new weapons and map packs, anxious to see if the graphics were as good as the rumors made them out to be. Mark Gittens, a Houston gamer was among those lucky enough to take the first shot before the release date. “From playing for the
throughout the show, it creates issues for everyone. The audience is taken on a journey through the complexity of their relationship and other characters’ internal battles to find their own identity. There is Ivy, played by senior musical theater major Yilana Arredondo, who is in love with Jason. There is Jason’s twin sister Nadia, played by Blair Carrizales, who faces issues with her weight and living in the shadow of her brother. Right from the opening of the show, each of the characters displayed their vulnerability to add depth to the story. On the surface, each of them is like any normal high school senior, but on the inside each of them has a story and feelings they keep hidden. Each of the characters became an open book on stage through the songs. The performances made the show powerful and thought provoking for the audience. Peter and Jason had chemistry on stage that made the characters that much more relatable
because they conveyed a range of emotions involved in their relationship. They were romantic, angry and vulnerable in such songs as “You and I” and “Best Kept Secret”. One of the most heartfelt moments of the show was when Peter tries to tell his mother, Claire, about his relationship with Jason. She doesn’t want to hear it from him because she is not prepared to handle it. In her song “Warning”, she evoked emotion from some of the audience members as she revealed her feelings as a mother. She added another layer to the story because the audience was able to see a different perspective on the issue of homosexuality. Despite the serious mood of the show, Sister Chantelle, played by senior theater major Michelle Ritter, added sass and humor to the show with her big personality and hilarious one-liners. She becomes an important character in the show as Peter seeks guidance. In “God Don’t Make No Trash”, she drives
home the message to Peter that hiding his true self for the sake of others is the true mistake and that God is on his side. The ending of the show made an impact on the audience that left them to consider the challenges that people face every day and if they are willing to see past the surface to accept one
another. “bare” has been entered into the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival, which highlights quality theater productions around the country. Participating productions are eligible for inclusion in the KCACTF regional festival and can be considered for the KCACTF
national festival in Washington DC in the spring. Before the show, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Mass Communications Roberta Sloan announced that the show received positive remarks from representatives of KCACTF.
past few days, the game is amazing,” Gittens said. “They said that graphically it couldn’t keep up with Battlefield 3, but boy were they wrong.” Gittens, a former New Yorker, was excited about playing in familiar locations. “The visuals are stunning,” Gittens said. “Being from New York, I took the time to take in the scenery. Kuddos to Infinity Ward.” Gittens explained that MW3 picks up right where MW2 left off. “The intro alone gets your heart racing,” he said. “It’s just epic. I’m about half way through the campaign and it seems like each level gets bigger and badder.” Gittens said he has been playing on live since he
was able to get a hold of the game early and that it is much faster than Black Ops. “I love how you can fully customize and level up your weapon to suit your style of play,” Gittens said. “The maps are large and will definitely take some time getting use to.” While overall Gittens called MW3 outstanding, he said he gives it 9 out of 10 because he said it’s missing a few things. “[It’s missing] a few weapons and killstreaks from MW2. I liked how you were able to make your icon on Black Ops as well, but with the games being made from two different companies, I can fully understand that.” Speaking of the switch in companies, there are no Zombies featured in this
game. It has been replaced with a similar substitute known as “Survival Mode”. Gittens wasn’t the only trigger happy gamer full of anxiety. Many have been waiting months after preordering and hours outside the doors of Game Stop for the big release of MW3. The local Huntsville Game Stop was unable to comment by press time due to corporate policy, but Hasting’s Lifestyles Manager, Shannon Yeager, was able to provide a little insight about the anticipation felt in town. “I have people coming in trying to talk me into giving it to them early,” she said. “It’s going crazy right now.” Adding to the hectic atmosphere, Yeager said during any midnight
release everything used in the store goes on sale for half off the original price. Hastings has received about 80 copies of MW3 merchandise with the basic game priced at $59.99. “All together that includes PS3, Xbox, the hard edition that comes in the box set, the actual systems that are Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 the ones with the skins on them,” Yeager said. “There’s a lot of money riding on this.” Yeager said that those who reserved the game received a Call of Duty t-shirt and key chain. As an avid gamer herself, Yeager said she hasn’t had a chance to play as the staff is not allowed to open it, but she’s heard a few good things about MW3 from those who have
had a chance to play before the release. “From what I understand they have fixed all the graphics on how the [characters] talk. In Black Ops, everything else looked so realistic besides the talking,” Yeager said. “They thought that it couldn’t get any better, but I’m telling you—it’s gotten better. It’s like watching a movie, but you get to write it.” SHSU Mass Communication major Alex Scott shared his own hopes and expectations for MW3. “I hope this one stays free of online hackers for a while,“ Scott said. “Also, I hope I can remember where the storyline was at the end of the last one [and] the campaign is a bit longer than the last one.”
Jessica Gomez The Houstonian
SOUL SEARCH: Jason, played by freshman Brandon Whitley, in his search for answers from the church, reveals his feelings and asks God for help in the powerful song “Once Upon A Time”.
Sports
Page 7 Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Seniors deliver one last win
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By Cheval John Sports Reporter
In their last home series of the season, the Bearkat volleyball team sent four seniors out in style. The team defeated the University of Texas at San Antonio Roadrunners and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Islanders over the weekend. It was the final home matches for seniors Carli Kolbe, Kim Black, Kym Loving and Courtney Lakowski. “Those four seniors to me are irreplaceable,” head coach Brenda Gray said. “They are a part of history here whether it is academics or athletics. They are very bright ladies and have a great future in front of them.” With the win, the Kats improved 9-5 in conference play and 15-12 overall. Thursday, the Bearkats were able to defeat the Roadrunners in five sets and the loss for the Roadrunners was the first for them in the Southland Conference. Kolbe led the Kats with 18 kills, 15 digs, four blocks and an ace. The Kats started strong in the first set by scoring the first six out of nine points to lead it by the score of 6-3. The Roadrunners responded by scoring three straight to tie it at 6. Splitting the next four points, the game remained tied at 8 until the Kats rallied with four straight points and went up 12-8. They would cruise and win the first set, 25-19.
Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian
WINNING. The volleyball team celebrates after winning the match against previously unbeaten UTSA. The Kats also won on Saturday against TAMUCC. Currently the team is 15-12 and 9-5 in Southland Conference play. They finish the season on the road this weekend.
The second set was a battle between the two teams as there were eight ties and three lead changes. Though it was competitive, the Kats were able to control the set late and won 25-20. Both teams fought hard in the third set as there were 14 ties and five lead changes. With the Roadrunners leading 19-16, the Bearkats scored three out of four points to tie it at 20. The Roadrunners responded by scoring four out of five points to take the third set by the score of 25-21. The Roadrunners scored
the first four out of six points in the fourth set and lead it 4-2. Though the Kats rallied to take a 5-4 lead the Roadrunners ran away with the set and won 25-16. The Roadrunners started the fifth set by scoring the first three out of five points. The Kats responded by scoring three unanswered points to make it 5-3 and would go on to win the set and the match by the score of 15-13. Kolbe led the Kats with 18 kills, 15 digs, four blocks and an ace and Kendall Cleveland finished the match with 15 kills,
win against 11th ranked Adelphi 757-706, followed by victories against No. 19 Saint Francis(PA) 799-645 and No. 9 Sacred Heart 764751. The Lady Kats were able to catch their breath in the fourth game as they rolled Long Island 875740. The final opponent on Friday for the Bearkats was 8th ranked Kutztown, who fell to the Kats 764-737. “The whole team got the job done Friday,” said head coach Brad Hagen. “Communication, support, energy and drive all played crucial parts.” Although the competition was stronger, day two of the tournament was almost as successful as the first. Saturday saw the ladies post a 4-1 record including a decisive 989-952 win against Vanderbilt, the second ranked team in the country. The three other victories
came against No. 16 Saint Francis(NY) 922-883, and two unranked opponents, Bethune-Cookman 965721 and Monmouth 995960. The only blemish of the day came in the form of a seven pin defeat, 985-992, to host and third ranked Fairleigh Dickinson. Leading the scoring on Saturday for the Bearkats was Elise Bolton with 994 total pins and a high of 235. Kimi Davidson contributed 987 pins with a high of 233. Dayna Galganski added 951 pins and a high of 210 while Michele Secours totaled a 948 and a high of 216. “This team needs to continue doing exactly what we’ve been doing all weekend and that’s keeping the focus and intensity moving forward from here out and during match play,” Hagen said. “The key to our success in match play Sunday is coming out the gate solidly and taking care of business. We stick to what has worked all weekend and I think we have a good chance to give this tournament a run.” The opening match on Sunday pitted the Bearkats against top ranked
two blocks and an ace. On the defensive side, junior defensive specialist Jamie Haas led the Kats with 29 digs and an ace. “We didn’t have a good week,” Roadrunners head coach Laura Groff said. “They put pressure on us and we couldn’t turn it on because we didn’t prepare well for this match.” Saturday, the Kats defeated the Islanders in five sets. With the loss, the Islanders dropped to 5-9 in conference play and 13-18 overall. The Kats started the first set by scoring the first
three out of five points. The Islanders responded and scored the next three. Though it was a battle, the Islanders prevailed and won the first set with the score of 25-22. In the second set, the Kats scored the first six out of ten points and went on to take the set by the score of 25-19. The Kats started the third set by scoring the first nine out of ten points and would go on to take the set easily, 25-11. The fourth set contained 14 ties and seven lead changes. With the set tied
at 19, the Bearkats scored two straight points, but the Islanders responded and kept it tied. The next two points went to the Kats, but the Islanders were able to take the next five out of six points to win the set 26-24. The Islanders started the fifth set by scoring the first three out of five points but the Kats responded by scoring the next six out of seven points, and would go on to win the set and the match by the score of 1510. Kolbe led the Kats with a season-high 24 kills, 12 digs, four blocks and an ace. “It is hard to know that this was the last match on this court,” Carli Kolbe said. “I love this gym and I love this school and it was a great way to go out. I am so thankful to the team.” Hawkins finished the game with 11 kills, 13 digs, two blocks and an ace while senior setter Kym Loving contributed with 59 assists, 7 digs, 5 blocks, two kills and an ace. “This is our second home and we wanted to defend our house,” Loving said. “To finish our season at home with only one loss is the best way to go out as a senior. It is a really great feeling.” The Bearkats will finish the regular season on the road as they face Lamar Cardinals on Thursday night at 7 p.m. and McNeese State Cowgirls on Saturday at 2 p.m.
Alley Kats have good weekend, finish third in Jersey By Derek Martin
Contributing Reporter
The bowling team faced some tough competition at the 2011 New Jersey Jamboree this past weekend, and, like their first tournament of the year, brought home a third place trophy. With an impressive 11-2 record at Parkway Lanes in Elmwood Park, NJ, the Lady Bearkats now boast a 19-6 overall record including two victories over Stephen F. Austin at the Piney Woods Shootout and third place trophies from both the Greater Ozark Invitational and New Jersey Jamboree. On Friday the ladies announced their arrival by winning all five of their Baker matches against mostly ranked competition. The day started with a
From FOOTBALL page 1
4-yard touchdown run, putting the Kats up 21-3. In the second half, the Kats’ defense stepped up and produced four turnovers in the half, making it the sixth straight game that the defense has produced at least three turnovers. Cornerback Daxton Swanson created the first turnover in the third quarter when he intercepted Lions quarterback Brian Young. Later in the quarter, defensive back Kenneth Jenkins recovered a fumble giving them control of the ball at the Lion’s 20 yard line. On the next play, Bell would throw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Flanders, giving the Kats a 28-3 lead. Adding a 22-yard field goal from kicker Craig Alaniz, the Kats had a 31-3 lead early in the fourth quarter. On the next defensive drive, Swanson intercepted his second pass of the day, bringing him to a total of four in the last two games. “They were throwing the ball a lot and I felt like we
were going to eventually get a few,” Swanson said. “I told the guys at half I was going to get two and I did.” Off that interception, the Kats produced a 2 play, 40yard touchdown drive that was capped off by a 38-yard run from Sincere. The Lions added a touchdown as Young completed a 19-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Kory Theodore. With just over a minute left in the game, cornerback Bookie Sneed intercepted his second pass of the season, clinching the win for the Kats. “It was a very good team effort by the Bearkats this afternoon,” head coach Willie Fritz said. “We played very, very hard and we just got some good breaks. The kids did a great job of executing, and I thought our coaches did a great job of calling the game as well. We’re very happy to make this long journey over here and come away with the victory.” Next, the Kats will play host to Northwestern State (5-4, 3-2 in SLC). Kickoff for the game is schedule for 3 p.m. on Saturday.
Photo courtesy of SHSU Bowling Facebook
ROLLING ALONG. Senior Dayna Galganski rolls during an exhibition at Huntsville Lanes. Galganski was named team MVP last season and is one of four seniors on the seventh ranked Bearkat squad.
and defending National Champion MarylandEastern Shore. The Kats won that best of seven Baker match and set up an opportunity for the ladies to avenge their only loss of the tournament against FDU. Unlike the Greater Ozark tourney, the Bearkats were unable to beat their host and eventual tournament champ
Fairleigh Dickinson. The loss set up a battle for third place against ninth-ranked Sacred Heart, a team the Kats had beaten on Friday. The ladies were able to bounce back and earn their second third place trophy of the young season. The team will have a couple of weeks off before heading back to the East
Coast for the Maryland Eastern Shore Classic Nov. 18-20. After that, the Kats will host the Sam Houston Kat Clash. The tournament will feature nine other schools, and will take place at Huntsville Lanes on Dec. 2-4. For more information about the team, visit gobearkats.com.
We just weren’t connecting, so to come out early and get the goal in the second half was big for us.” The Bearkat defense and goalkeeper Michelle McCullough were able to shut down the Lamar offense and preserve the shutout. Though Lamar had 11 shots, only three were on goal and McCullough saved all three. “I think that goal at the start of the second half gave us quite a bit of lift,” head coach Tom Brown said. “I think defensively we were able to do better as the game went on. I think when the pressure got higher in the second half and we were trying to protect our lead, we did better at that.” With the win, the Bearkats
advanced to the tournament semifinals where they faced the second seed, Texas State. The Bearkats gained the lead over the Bobcats in the 79th minute when Emily Jurecka scored off a pass from Tricia Mallory. The lead was short lived however, because in the 81st minute, Texas State’s Serena Hines leveled the game 1-1. After regulation time and two overtime periods, the game was still tied at 1, sending it to a penalty shootout. The shootout was the only shootout in Sam Houston soccer history. “Penalty kicks are something we work on a little in training, but not much because it is such a rare part of our game,”
Brown said. “The last thing I want to do is have the girls thinking I expect to go to penalties and have that mindset going in.” Mallory, Madison Bible, Hillary Ackerman and Kirby Zak took the penalty kicks for the Bearkats. Bible scored the lone Bearkat penalty. Texas State made all three attempts, giving the win and the finals berth. The Bearkats finished the season with a 9-12-1 record. Texas State was the eventual winner of the Southland Conference championship, beating Stephen F. Austin 1-0 in the final. For more information about the team visit gobearkats.com.
Soccer falls short in SLC tournament
By Amy Turek
Contributing Reporter
After upsetting Lamar in the first round of the Southland Conference tournament on Thursday, the Bearkats were poised to upset Texas State before losing in a penalty shootout on Friday. The Kats went into the season ending tournament seeded sixth and faced the third seed, Lamar, in the first round. After a scoreless first half, Emily Edenstrom started the second half with a goal just 13 seconds after kickoff. “It was important to score early,” Edenstrom said. “We didn’t start the game the way we should have.