December 6, 2011

Vol 119 | Issue 29

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Publishing since 1913

Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University

Rachel Pendray: 5 years later, pg. 4

KAT Links

For additional content and news updates, visit houstonianonline.com.

Q&A with Black Swan screenwriter, pg. 5

INDEX Viewpoints ...... pg. 2 Special ............... pg. 6 Special .............. pg. 3 Sports................. pg. 7 News .................. pg. 4 Special ............... pg. 8 A&E ................... pg. 5

Second round? Check.

Sam Houston narrowly escapes with win against Stony Brook, 34-27

Reported sexual assault in elevator

By McKinzie Brocail Senior Reporter

with Matt Brevi for a 37yard touchdown pass and kicker Wesley Skiffington connected with a 32-yard field goal as the Seawolves took a 10-3 lead into the break.

Field position was key for the Bearkats in the third quarter. In three possessions, Sam Houston started beyond their 40-yard

A sexual assault occurred in an elevator of the Evans Complex Thursday afternoon, according to the University Police Department (UPD).

According to UPD’s release, police responded to the call and met with the female student who made the report that she was sexually assaulted by a male student acquaintance.

UPD sent out a notification of the reported sexual assault Thursday at 2:10 p.m.

Minutes after speaking with the complainant, the alleged suspect was located and taken to the University Police Department. He was interviewed and provided a statement to the investigator.

“It’s still very early on in investigation,” Deputy Chief James Fitch of UPD said Monday. “We’re still interviewing people. We’ve already interviewed both the victim and the suspect.”

“There are conflicting stories as to whether or not it was consensual.

The investigation is still ongoing.”

This is the second sexual assault reported on campus this semester. The first was on Oct. 30, and the alleged suspect was arrested on Nov. 28. In both instances the alleged suspects were acquaintances of the complainants.

Another sexual assault

— See PLAYOFFS, page 7

— See ASSAULT, page 4

Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian

UP TO THE CHALLENGE. The Kats beat the State University of New York - Stony Brook 34-27, though the latter had 376 total offensive yards compared to SHSU’s 343.

Stony Brook gave Sam Houston all they could handle, but it wasn’t enough as the Bearkats escaped with a narrow 34-27 win on Saturday, advancing to the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs.

With the win the Bearkats improve to 12-0 on the season, and keep Division

I football’s longest active winning streak alive with 14.

Next week, the team will host Montana State (10-2), who defeated New Hampshire in a close 26-25 game.

Stony Brook (9-4), who made the playoffs for the first time in school history, will travel back to New York as the loss ends their season.

In the end on Saturday, it was the Bearkat running game that was able to take control, outgaining Stony Brook 144-29 in the second half, including 68 on a game winning, methodical drive.

Running back Tim Flanders led both teams with 102 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown for the Bearkats.

In the first half though, both teams initially

struggled to get anything going. At the end of the first quarter, Sam Houston led 3-0 on a 31 yard field goal

by Craig Alaniz. But, the teams combined for 49 total yards during the quarter.

In the second quarter, Stony Brook was able to open up the run and picked up 119 yards on the ground and 156 total yards.

Quarterback Kyle Essington connected

By Stephen Green Associate News Editor Students react to tuition increase

By Stephen Green A raise in Spring 2012 tuition is causing some students to complain about the repetitive increase and the lack of university notification to the student body about the changes.

SHSU students were not directly notified of the recent 13 percent increase in per credit hour tuition cost.

The Texas State University System Board of Regents unanimously approved the increase from $121 to $137 at their August quarterly meeting.

The university has increased the tuition 21.2 percent since the Fall 2011 semester, according to TSUS records. Freshman Caryn Waldon doesn’t think the university adequately notified students of the change.

“I haven’t heard about it actually,” she said. “I at least want an email or something about it. I haven’t gotten one yet about this. I would love

to get some type of notice as to how much I will be paying extra next year…that would be lovely.”

The university held a meeting to allow students to get information and ask questions for the increase in mandatory fees and tuition on Aug. 10, 2011. Students were notified of the meeting eight days prior by email, as well as the day before the meeting.

Since then, the only announcement of the increase was in a Today@Sam article titled “Regents Approve New Online Degrees, Austin Hall Renovation.”

The meeting was held between semesters at a time when no students were in class and scarcely on campus. Summer Session II ended on Aug. 3. Residence halls opened for the Fall 2011 semester on Aug. 20, after the tuition was approved on Aug. 19.

Fall 2011 semester tuition was increased by 8 percent, following a 20 percent budget cut to the higher education budget during the previous Texas

Congressional session.

Aside from the complaints about lack of university notification, students said they understood that the tuition increase was necessary, especially with recent economic conditions.

“I think it’s a bad thing because I have to pay for it, but I think it’s inevitable,” Meagan Coder, sophomore psychology major said. “I think everything will just keep increasing. I don’t know where they are going to draw the line honestly.”

Waldon feels that the tuition increase isn’t as bad compared to other universities.

“Our tuition is going up but it isn’t that bad. It’s not as much as other schools,” she said. “When Pres. Gibson assumed office she said that she would make sure that tuition didn’t go up that much.”

“I don’t think our tuition should go up, we’re a small school, which why I love [SHSU].”

University officials could not comment on the issue by press time.

A LITTLE MATH. Students are noticing a 13 percent increase in their tuition bills, due to the 20 percent budget cuts the university received from the state over the last year.

By Zach Birdsong Sports Editor

Spring 2012: Tuition increases 13 percent

Christian Pratt | The Houstonian

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Viewpoints

Page 2 Tuesday, December 6, 2011

houstonianonline.com/viewpoints

STAFF LISTING Robin Johnson

FACULTY ADVISER 936-294-1499

Erin Peterson EDITOR-IN-CHIEF 936-294-1505

epeterson@houstonianonline.com

Stephen Green ASSOCIATE EDITOR 936-294-1502

epeterson@houstonianonline.com

Karmen C. King VIEWPOINTS EDITOR

kking@houstonianonline.com

Zachary Birdsong SPORTS EDITOR

zbirdsong@houstonianonline.com

George Mattingly A&E EDITOR

gmattingly@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

AD DEADLINES Tuesday’s Issue - Friday 5 p.m.

Thursday’s Issue - Tuesday 2 p.m.

Life lessons: LGBTQ

A straight ally opens up, shares experiences The summer before of the hurtful things my friends and I started that people say to them, high school, one of my it literally makes my closest friends from heart hurt. middle school came out No one should to me one night while be made to feel less we were hanging out because they are at my house. While perceived as different. it didn’t really come No one should be made as a surprise to me, I to feel that they have struggled with it for a any less right than long time. anyone else because I knew that I loved they love someone of my friend, but it was the same sex. hard for me to accept These people are his “lifestyle”. I’d never Cristan Shamburger human beings and been taught it was bad – most importantly, in Recurring Columnist I just hadn’t been taught this country, they are at all.

Americans. The United “Gay” wasn’t a word that was used States is the greatest country in the world around my house – except in hushed tones and we can’t even treat people with the that I could never understand when people dignity they deserve. talked about my mom’s gay cousin.

So the next time you think about calling It was one of those things I just had to someone “fag” or “homo” or “dyke”, please learn on my own. Something that no one in remember that your words can hurt. my family felt the need to teach me about.

Instead of refusing to understand them, During my sophomore year of high ask them questions. Almost every member school, I participated in “A Day of Silence” of the LGBTQ community that I know will to show support for my friend. All of my gladly sit down with anyone who wants to teachers perfectly understood, except one. learn.

This particular teacher berated me, kept To the members of the LGBTQ asking if I was a lesbian and succeeded in community that are out there and scared, making me run out of the room crying. that feel like they have no place to go – you When my friends asked me why I was so have people that love you and will always upset, the only thing I wrote down in my support you. notebook was “I can’t imagine someone And always remember, it gets better. going through this every day”.

If you need someone to talk to or And it was that day that changed me. messages of support contact itgetsbetter.org Since that day, I have been a fierce or call The Trevor Project hotline at 866advocate and straight ally of the LGBTQ 488-7386. community. And that’s why, when I see stories about young children, teenagers and young adults committing suicide because - Cristan is a junior political science major.

Paws Up,

Paws Down

“Paws UP” to the bowling team for finishing 1st over the weekend.

“Paws DOWN” to our adviser Dr. Robin Johnson for wearing a scarf yet claiming it wasn’t cold outside. Next thing you know he’ll be wearing “Paws UP” to Christmas shirts. the Parent’s Association for providing free scantrons and snacks. They will be in the mall area today until noon or they run out.

“Paws UP” to national coverage.

Yes, that’s right, Saturday at 11 am our Bearkat football team will be on ESPN.

Paty Mason BUSINESS MANAGER 936-294-1500

pmason@houstonianonline.com

Chelsea Boyd ADVERTISING MANAGER 936-294-1495

cboyd@houstonianonline.com

Destini Ogbonna ADVERTISING EXECUTIVE 936-294-1503

dogbonna@houstonianonline.com

Meagan Ellsworth PRODUCTION MANAGER

mellsworth@houstonianonline.com

Chrystal Golden

COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST cgolden@houstonianonline.com

Today in history: 1768 – The first edition of the Encyclopædia Britannica is published.

1790 – The U.S. Congress moves from New York City to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

1865 – The Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution is ratified, banning slavery 1877 – The first edition of the Washington Post is published 1884 – The Washington Monument in Washington D.C. is completed.

1969 – Meredith Hunter is killed by the Hells Angels during a The Rolling Stones’s concert at the Altamont Speedway in California.

1971 – Pakistan severs diplomatic relations with India following New Delhi’s recognition of Bangladesh 1973 – The Twentyfifth Amendment: The United States House of Representatives votes 387 to 35 to confirm Gerald Ford as Vice President of the United States.

2006 – NASA reveals photographs taken by Mars Global Surveyor suggesting the presence of liquid water on Mars.

Last week, Sports Editor Zach Birdsong challenged the student body to come out to Bowers Stadium. He said that if 14,000 people showed up he would shave his head.

Unfortunately, only 8,161 attended.

This week Viewpoints Editor Karmen King joins the challenge.

If 10,000 people show up to this game that will be nationally televised on ESPN, Zach will sport an ORANGE MOHAWK and Karmen will DYE her hair BLUE. Interested in joining The Houstonian?

Email us at

sgreen@ houstonianonline.com

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.

All comics courtesy Creators.com

Think of others this holiday season Shalondrya Porter spreads awareness of Hospitality House mission, importance to families of inmates

Hospitality House is site for having marriage the one place families ceremonies, funerals, and can feel safe while executions as families sit visiting loved ones. and are consoled.

Twenty-five years ago, They provide counseling people were sleeping in to the families and the their cars in the parking families are able to interact lot of stores, and on the with others staying who side of the highway as understand their situation. they waited for prison The House provides Photo courtesy Hospitality House visitation the next groceries to the families to morning. take back home because many of them are This was the reason for Hospitality low income or single income families.

House being built.

The non-profit organization also provides The House is a non-profit organization school supplies to the children and toys in Huntsville, and a place where families around the holidays. visiting loved one can call home.

Although Hospitality House has grown Initially, it was very difficult coming up since it first started, it is still struggling with with money to build and provide different the funding. things for the families because the House The organoization is trying to expand didn’t have much awareness when they first the rooms so it won’t be as cramped for the started. families and is also in need of more help to The community didn’t know much about fix utility work and other problems. the purpose of the organization and because It’s a little hard to get everything done it is a non-profit organization that does not without funding. receive government funding, all the money Hospitality House accepts donations raised was donated. from the community, organizations and Debra McCammon, manager of the non- churches in the Huntsville community. profit organization, speaks to communities If you would like to donate or to raise awareness and let people know that volunteer your services, go to www. the families are the victims. thehospitalityhouse.org.

Hospitality House now provides free It’s for a good cause and your help is lodging and meals to the families visiting. It always appreciated. is open Monday through Friday for families to go stay before the inmate release, and - Shalondrya is a sophomore mass Friday and Saturday for visitation.

Hospitality House also serves as a communications major.

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News

Page 4 Tuesday, December 5, 2011

houstonianonline.com/news

Alumnus named NYPD Deputy Commissioner Article by Today@Sam Sam Houston State University alumnus James O’Keefe was recently tapped as a “Deputy Commissioner of Training” for the New York City Police Department, overseeing education and training for 35,000 sworn officers and 15,000 civilian personnel.

“Given the essential role of the police academy and in-service training in the formation of our police officers, we set the highest possible standards when looking for someone to lead these programs,” said Police Commissioner Raymond W. Kelley. “James O’Keefe meets every one of our standards and more.”

O’Keefe earned his doctoral degree from Sam Houston State University in 1989 while he was an officer with the Houston Police Department. He credits the College of Criminal Justice and its diverse faculty for changing his way of thinking and counts his Ph.D. among the top three milestones of his life, topped by his family and the New York City Police Department, he said.

“The time I spent at Sam Houston State University was life altering,” O’Keefe said. “I went in as a knucklehead Houston police officer, and it changed the way I viewed the world. On one hand, you think of Huntsville as a small city, but the Criminal Justice Center open up a global arena; I believe in

my heart that it is one of the best, if not the best, Ph.D. programs in the country.”

During his career, O’Keefe has worked as a practitioner in Houston and New York and as an academician at St. John’s University in New York, but his heart always has been in law enforcement.

“I was always a policing guy,” he said. “It was always my interest.”

When Kelley offered him the job as deputy commissioner, O’Keefe said he jumped at the chance.

“It was a good time in my personal life and I was intrigued by the challenge,” he said. “I always admired Commissioner Kelley and there were a couple of things going on. We’re in the process of building and opening a state of the art Police Academy. I also wanted to get back in the game in terms of all this terrorism stuff.”

As deputy commissioner, O’Keefe will oversee all training for New York City police and civilian personnel, which includes citywide interagency counterterrorism training.

He also will usher in a new police academy and a $2 billion campus that will include an academic building, an administration building, a state-of-theart tactical training village with a real subway line running underneath, a firearms training range, a driver’s training track and dormitories. The first phase of the project is expected to

open in 2013.

O’Keefe began his law enforcement career in the Houston Police Department, where he served as a uniformed patrol officer, an undercover officer in the vice squad investigating narcotic and child pornography cases, and a special assistant to the chief of patrol. He was one of the initial recipients of the 100 Club of Houston Law Enforcement Scholarship and completed his master’s and doctoral degrees at SHSU. “Since obtaining his Ph.D., Dr. O’Keefe has been especially successful at translating theory into real world police strategy,” said Larry Hoover, one of his mentors at the College of Criminal Justice. “For example, we recently asked him to return to Texas to instruct in SHSU’s Major Cities Police Chiefs’ Seminar Series, providing valuable insight into New York City’s crime reduction programs. He is adept in both worlds.”

O’Keefe said his education at SHSU has helped him throughout his diverse career.

“As a deputy commissioner, I have to think globally and look at the big picture,” he said.

“I have to deal with the complexity of the issues.

In many ways, the way that you do conventional crime is the way you do it for counterterrorism. You have to understand how it all works.”

After spending 10 years

with the Houston Police Department, O’Keefe returned to New York to become associate director of the office of management and budget in the New York City Transit Police. When the agency implemented its first police academy, he was promoted to director of training, eventually implementing several specialty recruit, in-service and tactical training courses that lead to a nearly 50 percent reduction in crime in the New York City subway system.

When the Transit Police merged with the NYPD and New York Housing Police, O’Keefe became director of that consolidated academy, which earned many honors and awards. He also is credited with establishing a joint tactical training village for the New York/ New Jersey H.I.D.T.A for urban military warfare and NYPD counterterrorism training.

O’Keefe retired from the NYPD in 2001 to accept a position as associate professor at his alma mater, St. John’s University, where he served as program director for criminal justice and the criminal justice leadership program; chairman of the social sciences division; and associate dean for academic affairs. He continues to teach undergraduate and graduate seminars in police administration, public policy, law enforcement ethics and leadership and published many scholarly books and articles,

Murdered cheerleader remembered 5 years later

By Stephen Green

Associate News Editor

A candlelight vigil was held Friday night to remember Rachel Pendray.

The vigil was attended by members of Zeta Tau Alpha, the All-Girl Cheerleaders Squad, alumni of Sam Houston State University and her brother Chuck Pendray.

“It’s good to see all of her friends get together and remember the good things about her and celebrate her life,” Chuck Pendray said.

Rachel Pendray was killed on Dec. 3, 2006, by her acquaintance Jake Taylor at Brook Place Apartments. He committed suicide after killing her.

Witnesses said that Taylor stopped by the apartment to thank her for saving him three weeks prior when he attempted to kill himself by overdosing on pills. An hour later, gunshots rang out.

Rachel Pendray was a co-founder of the current All-Girls Cheerleaders Squad when the program re-started during the 200405 school year.

She was also involved on campus as a member of Chi Alpha Christian Fellowship.

She was a member of the Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority and represented them in the Panhellinic Association, an organization that serves as the collegiate governing

News:

at the Illinois Law Enforcement Training & Standards Board Executive Institute.

“It was a great conversation on how we implemented the system,” said O’Keefe.

In 2000, O’Keefe received the “Outstanding Alumnus” award from SHSU College of Criminal Justice.

“There will always be a special place in my heart for Sam Houston State University,” O’Keefe said. “It was an amazing experience. I learned so much from the faculty.”

UPD Update December 5, 2011 While conducting a traffic stop in the 2100 block of Sam Houston Avenue, officer determined that the driver (a male resident of Huntsville) was intoxicated. The driver was arrested and charged with the Class B Misdemeanor offense of Driving While Intoxicated.

Officer was dispatched to Bearkat Village at 12:07 a.m. (2401 Montgomery Road) in reference to a dispute. Upon arrival, officer met with two female students who in an argument about their friendship. Information was obtained and will be forwarded to the Dean of Students’ Office and the Department of Residence Life for review.

Courtesy RachelPendray.org

REMEMBERING RACHEL. Rachel Pendray was a sophomore pre-nursing student at the time of her death. She was also a co-founder of the current All-Girls Cheerleaders Squad when the program re-started during the 2004-05 school year.

body for the four national Panhellenic sororities.

“Rachel was a ray of light,” director of Student Activities Leah Mulligan said. “She was always happy, and people around her were happy. Her infectious smile cheered everyone up.”

Though the current members of Zeta Tau Alpha did not know her personally, they understand the impact that she has made for the university and

Dan Rather Room 210 936-294-1505 sgreen@houstonianonline.com

Email:

including Protecting the Republic: The Education & Training of American Police Officers.

O’Keefe also continues to be active at SHSU with the Bill Blackwood Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas, where he has provided lectures to Texas law enforcement leaders. Most recently, he spoke on the NYPD CompStat accountability process, which includes a multilayered approach to crime reduction, quality of life, and personnel and resource management. He also provided seminars

December 4, 2011

SEND US YOUR NEWS TIPS

Name:

Courtesy Today@Sam.

SHSU TO NYPD. In 2000, O’Keefe received the “Outstanding Alumnus” award from SHSU College of Criminal Justice. He earned both his master’s and doctoral degrees from SHSU.

the organization.

“Rachel was an amazing girl,” Chelsea Crane, president of Zeta Tau Alpha said. “She was the epitome of what Zeta Tau Alpha should strive to be. We honor and cherish her, even though we did not know her personally.”

Though it has been five years since her passing, her legacy has brought the sorority closer to her family and has made it stronger.

“The memorial service

From ASSAULT page 1

was reported last December, but its status was determined to be unfounded.

Sexual assault is any sexual contact, including touching, that is forced or inflicted upon a person without consent.

The message informed SHSU students and faculty

was a really good way to remember her,” Hilary Craft said. “The people that came out tonight showed that we are such a close knit community at Sam Houston State.”

Rachel Pendray was a sophomore pre-nursing student at the time of her death. For more information, visit the website at www. rachelpendray.org.

via the Kat SAFE alert system.

According to UPD, the incident does not pose an ongoing threat for the university community.

Officer observed a female university student sitting in a university parking area in the 2400 block of Montgomery Road, at 12:55 AM, who appeared to be slumped over next to a vehicle. Upon checking her welfare, the officer determined that she was highly intoxicated.

The 20 year-old female was arrested and charged with the Class C Misdemeanor offense of Public Intoxication of a Minor.

December 2, 2011 Officer was dispatched to the 800 block of Bearkat Boulevard at 3:05 p.m. in reference to an assault. Upon arrival, officer met with female complainant who reported that she was assaulted by two Hispanic males (both were wearing blue jeans, one with a white and brown striped shirt and the other wearing a blue shirt with a baseball cap turned backwards).

If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact the University Police Department.

Officer was dispatched to the Lee Drain Building at 9:15 a.m. (1900 Avenue I) in reference to a welfare concern report. Officer spoke with complainant who reported that a student was acting strangely during class. Information was obtained and will be forwarded to the the Dean of Students’ Office for evaluation.

Arts & Entertainment Q & A with “Black Swan” writer

Page 5

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

houstonianonline.com/a-e

John McLaughlin shares his career experiences, offers advice but it wasn’t about ballet, it was about an understudy in a play. Darren hired me to bring it into the world of ballet.

I’m not sure the movie has impacted my career-most of the things I’m working on now were in play before the movie came out. I WAS brought on by some producers to pitch a ballet show to Starz, but it didn’t come together.

By George Mattingly

Arts & Entertainment Editor

John McLaughlin will head to the university on Dec. 7-8 to share his experience with the awardwinning film “Black Swan” and hold an intimate discussion with the College of Fine Arts and Mass Communications.

McLaughlin will hold a question-and-answer session on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. followed by a screening of the film on at 8 p.m. in the Erica Starr Theatre, located in the University Theatre Center.

McLaughlin answered questions about his own experiences and challenges during his career as a screenwriter and gave words of advice for students.

George Mattingly: What projects are you currently working on?

John McLaughlin: “Parker” with Jason Statham and Jennifer Lopez is being cut, and I’m still writing additional dialogue. “Coma,” a twonight mini series just started shooting last week,

GM: Where do you draw your inspiration from when writing?

JM: I draw from people I know and things I’ve done, but a lot of what I do is what a director and/or producer tells me they want done.

Geroge Mattingly| The Houstonian

BIG EARNINGS: “Black Swan”, released in 2010 earned an estimated worldwide gross earnings of $329.4 million. In the U.S. alone it earned $106.9 million.

and I’m still rewriting scenes. I’m finishing up my first draft of a big screen version of “Kung Fu,” that Bill Paxton will be directing for Legendary.

GM: How did you come up with the idea of “Black Swan”? How has the film impacted your career?

JM: There was already a script when I came aboard,

GM: How did you begin your career as a scriptwriter? Was it what you intended or was it unexpected?

JM: I started college at Purdue as a pre-veterinary student. Then I went to the University of New Mexico and studied Mathematics.

Then I answered an ad in the back of “The Rolling Stone,” to go to film school at NYU. Film was too expensive, so I switched to

writing. So, I guess it was sort of unexpected.

GM: What are some of major challenges you have had to overcome as a scriptwriter?

JM: It is a career that makes everyone who does it bitter and frustrated.

Everyone!

The most difficult thing is waiting for a project to come together. Studio and Development people tend to switch jobs every couple of years-- and when a new head of production or development comes in, it’s natural to dump most of the projects from the previous regime.

GM: On the other hand, what are some of the rewarding moments?

JM: It’s nice when something actually goes into production, because it’s so rare. The money is good, and it allows me to spend a lot of time with my family.

GM: What do you think it takes to be a successful screenwriter?

JM: Connections are the most important thing-- but it takes time to establish them. If you’re not born

into money, you’ll have to get a real job to support your writing career.

And it can take a long time and a lot of luck to break into the system-- I’ve known plenty of talented people who couldn’t make it in. So I guess, tenacity is a plus, and a willingness to let others, many others, control your creative process.

GM: What do you hope to bring to the students at Sam Houston State next week?

JM: Bring da [expletive] ruckus!

GM: What advice would you give to students who are looking to pursue a career in screen writing?

JM: Start writing and make sure to see each script through to the end, even if you hate it and want to abandon it part way through.

GM: What are some of your ultimate goals in your career?

JM: I’d like a movie that has action figures. And maybe Happy Meal toys.

History, humor convey strong message for women on stage

By George Mattingly

Arts & Entertainment Editor

Candle chandeliers hung high above a 17th century theater stage for the SHSU production of “Playhouse Creatures” on Friday in the Showcase Theatre.

The story of the show focuses on the struggles of some of the first actresses in Europe as they fight to make their mark in a world dominated by men during the Restoration period.

The cast brought life to the real historical women including Mrs. Betterton, Doll Common, Mrs. Gwyn, Mrs. Farley, Mrs. Marshall and Mrs. Barry, mixing actual events with what they might have said behind the scenes.

The women were played by Autumn Woods, Leslie Sinclair, Laura DuBose, Hilary Bryant, Tara Shackelford and Adriana Dominguez respectively.

From the opening of the show, the cast set the tone for the entire play. The men constantly mock and criticize the women for being “whores” on stage while the women fight for their art.

Their lives become more complex as time passes and they each find themselves fighting a different battle with

society but still find the one thing that unites them all: their role as women.

“It (the play) really made you think about what women went through during that time,” sophomore Megan Clark.

“It made me feel so proud that women have come so far.”

Each member of the cast brought a distinct personality to each of the women through their animated body movement and facial expressions which made good comedic chemistry on stage. They added depth to the characters that really made the audience connect to their story.

Mrs. Gwyn added an innocent, dim-witted humor, Mrs. Marshall brought a feisty spirit, Mrs. Betterton conveyed her maturity and passion for acting and Mrs. Farley gains attention from the King while Doll Common added the motherly spirit.

While each of them was humorous, they all dealt with their separate struggles among men that showed their true vulnerability.

The show was more than a retelling of events; it was a story filled with a range of emotion for the characters and audience alike.

The audience laughed when Mrs. Gwyn embarrassed herself in her

first on-stage performance and gasped in surprise when Mrs. Farley was forced to leave the theater due to her pregnancy.

“When I came to watch, I didn’t know much about the story,” Clark said.

“But it was really funny and I was blown away.”

One of the things that stood out about this show was how elaborate it was.

The set was made to resemble a small theater of the 17th century with tall pillars on either side of a small stage that extended out into the theatre.

The costumes were very detailed with long, draping dresses or skirts paired with voluminous shirts and even featured stage costumes of characters of Shakespeare and the Greek Muses.

Both elements added a sense of authenticity to the time period that made the show more believable and insightful into what it was really like to be in theater at that time.

For some members of the audience, the most important part of the show was its portrayal of strong women.

“I think it showcased really strong women,” Clark said. “It showed that women can really do anything. It was inspiring.”

Meagan Ellsworth | The Houstonian

MOTHERS OF THEATER: Mrs. Gwyn, played by Laura DuBose, takes the stage for the first timein front of a full crowd in this scene and struggles to make her mark among the other women in the theater including Mrs. Betterton, Doll Common, Mrs. Farley, and Mrs. Marshall.

Photographer: Lynn Lane; Choreographer: Andy Noble; Lighting Design: David Deveau and Andy Noble

SHADOWS AND LIGHT: For his piece titled “Lorelei’s Whisper”, SHSU dance professor Andy Noble collaborated with light designer David Deveau to pair projection design with fog.

“Spectrum” of dance By: Connor Hyde

Contributing Reporter

The red curtain sat waiting for its call on the stage of the Performing Arts Center Dance Theater this past weekend for the Dance Spectrum concert titled “Precipice”, an array of dances featuring everything from contortions to precise movements.

This year’s concert brought together students, faculty and guest to showcase their work.

“It allows multiple faculty members to show and develop their creative research and gives students a chance to take hold of the stage”, dance professor Andy Noble said.

Graduate student Beverly Williams’ piece titled “Allure” was a love-hate piece where the ballerinas led with a classical rendition that proved monotonous. Yellow lights obscure complimented the fainted crimson velvet outfits trimmed with a gold waistline.

A smoky film teased the lights as though the Sun’s beams peered through the ceiling. The piece came to a break in the classical music with a sudden drop beat finishing with a furious but elegant ballet.

This year, Dance Spectrum brought two guest artists that choreographed a work for students to perform after The Dance Gallery Festival.

Jane Weiner of Hopestone Dance in Houston presented a comical side with her

modern take on athletic beauty in her piece “Level 1”. Dancers within the crowd stumbled through the aisles in civilian clothing, while they casually walked upon the stage.

The piece was led by senior dancer Joe Shepherd in a witty and satirical criticism on athleticism.

They moved in orderly laps around the stage and audience, with the swishing and swashing of wind breakers as music.

Concluding Act I, “Chaordinum”, a piece

by SHSU faculty member Dana Nicolay was a dystopia where order, chaos and the sense of time were lost within a march of supporting dancers.

Act II began with Erin Reck’s “Repeat/Rewind”, a criticism of social restraints on the individual represented by shirts pinned to wires that dangled from the ceiling.

The dancers mimicked one another slowly breaking the restraints of wires, only to return to their prison.

Guest choreographer Gina Sorensen, of somebodies dance theater in California presented her dance

titled “Nethertongue”. It was an eerie bohemian piece complimented by soft, cooling aesthetic movements. It destroyed the words we wish to speak and articulated the emotions through boisterous movements.

“Words are artifice” said second year graduate student Brittany Thetford.

“Our dances are social commentaries through gestural movements”.

Dance professor Andy Noble finished the night’s performances with “Lorelei’s Whisper”, a performance which was “choreographed with might.” Noble said.

The dancers were Roman sirens persuading the audience to fall in love with their silhouettes as they flickered in between smoke and light.

“I am in awe!” said freshman Joshalyn Jones after the show. “I loved the lighting and how the dancing reflected in the light.”

The next event for the Dance Department is the Senior Studio on Dec. 13 and 14 in the PAC Dance Theater. For ticket information, contact the PAC box office.

Sports

Page 7 Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Men keep perfect home record

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By Karmen King Viewpoints Editor

With a chorus of boos greeting his every move, Nafis Richardson’s return to Johnson Coliseum was probably not what he envisioned, but it was exactly what the Bearkats had planned.

In a Thursday night 66-54 victory over Paul Quinn College, the men’s basketball team was able to hold former teammate Richardson to nine points and three rebounds.

“It was good to play against an old teammate,” Marcus James said. “One of my biggest things is not to let him come in my gym and show me up. As a team, we did a good job of focusing in on him and trying to keep him from doing what he does best.”

The Bearkats started the game with a 9-0 run, not allowing Paul Quinn to score until five minutes into the game.

James led the team, scoring 18 points and 17 boards. Konner Tucker and Darius Gatson

Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian

Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian

SLAM DUNK. Center Michael Holyfield slams the ball against Paul Quinn Thursday night. The Kats won a close one, 66-54.

DRIVING. Junior guard Darius Gatson drives the ball against Paul Quinn. Gatson finished with 13 points on 4-of-7 shooting.

combined for 26 points while freshman Michael Holyfield contributed 10 from inside the paint.

to 41.2 percent for the visitors. The Kats also shot 44.4 percent (8-for-18) from beyond the arc and

The Kats out rebounded Paul Quinn 39-24 and shot 51.1 percent from the field (24-of-47) compared

limited Paul Quinn to 37.5 percent (9-of-24).

Sophomore transfer Aaron Harwell may not

have had many stats in the record book for this game, but played a vital role on defense.

During the game, Harwell asked head coach Jason Hooten for the opportunity to guard Paul Quinn’s leading 3-point shooter, Reginald Hill.

“Aaron’s a competitor,” Hooten said. “When it comes down to it, I have no doubt at all that he wants to win and he wants to fight.

He wanted to guard [Hill] and when he got on him he did a real good job.”

While he wasn’t able to stop him from scoring, Harwell did slow Hill down, and he finished with 22 points in the contest.

Because of the return of former player Richardson, Hooten was asked if the team attitude was better compared to last year.

“Most definitely,” Hooten said. “We’re starting to get the type of guys we want in our program. I like our kids and I like their attitudes.”

The Bearkats will head to College Station to take on Texas A&M at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.

Alley Kats place first amongst top teams in ‘Track Kat Clash’

By Derek Martin

Contributing Reporter

Composure and determination were on display at the inaugural Track Kat Clash held as the women’s Bearkat bowling team captured the tournament title with a gutsy and come-frombehind performance over the sixth ranked Red Wolves of Arkansas State at the Huntsville Lanes on Sunday.

The Lady Kats opened bracket play against, the only undefeated team of the tournament and the only team to have defeated SHSU on Sunday. The Bearkats avenged their lone loss by knocking off Arkansas State four games to two.

Next up for the Kats was Mississippi Valley State, who proved to be no match for the ladies as they completed a four game sweep and set the stage

for a third and decisive match against who else but Arkansas State.

The sweep provided the ladies with some down time before their championship match. As a result, the Bearkats came out roaring and picked up right where they left off in their previous match by jumping out to a two games to none lead, winning by scores of 223-174 and 194-127.

“The team did a great job of staying focused throughout the tournament,” said head coach Brad Hagen. “There are a lot of distractions playing at home as well and we did a good job handling that.”

The Red Wolves were not going to go away without a fight. The third and fourth games of the best-of-seven Baker match saw Arkansas State roll strike after strike after strike.

The Lady Kats overcame adversity and came back late in each game to complete the four

Photo courtesy of gobearkats.com

WINNING. The Bearkat women’s bolwing team celebrates with head coach Brad Hagen after winning the Track Kat Clash on Sunday.

game sweep by scores of 215-206 and 243-237, and claimed their first tournament championship of the season.

“I’m still a little star struck by it to be honest

with you,” Hagen said.

“It’s amazing.”

The Lady Kats were led by tournament MVP Michelle Secours and Neishka Cardona, another member of the all-

Women out-run Broncs, 64-56

Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian

SPRINGING A RUN. Junior forward Sequeena Thomas (30) drives against Texas-Pan American on Thursday night. Thomas finished with 22 points and pulled down 8 rebounds in a 64-56 win.

By Karmen King Viewpoints Editor In a rough and tumble game that included 2 technical fouls and one flagrant foul, the women’s basketball team edged out Texas-Pan American for the 64-56 win.

With the win, the Kats improve to 3-2 on the season and Texas-Pan American falls to 2-6.

Once the action began junior Britni Martin fired off two quick 3-point shots to lead the Kats to an early

lead.

Sequeena Thomas scored 17 of her 22 points in the first half that ended with the Kats down by one point (30-29), and only three other players contributed to the score.

“We came out the second half with a lot more intensity and our inside shots started falling so our outside shots started falling,” Thomas said.

The frustration of the rough play finally got to the teams in the second half as UTPA’s Donna Jackson and Adanna Opara were both

called for technical fouls and SHSU was called for a flagrant foul.

The Kats were undaunted though, “We held our composure and finished the game,” said Thomas.

UTPA out rebounded SHSU by 13 (49-36), and when asked about rebounding, head coach Brenda Nichols said, “Our players were trying to look pretty and shoot the ball instead of getting in there and following shots, getting the ball in the hole and getting in there and boxing out.”

The Bearkats are still struggling with points off the bench, which can be expected with such a young team. Overall, the team shot 36.2 percent (21-of58) from the field.

Martin and Thomas combined for 45 of the Bearkats 64 total points with Angela Beadle scoring five points and bringing down 11 boards.

“I told [Martin] to keep shooting and towards the end of the game I told her we both can’t have 22, somebody’s got to get 23.

She’s always a hard worker.

She works hard everyday so it’s no different in the game,” said Thomas.

“I love playing with Q [Thomas]. I know exactly where she’s going to be and when she wants the ball. I know where her hotspots are on the court and once she gets there I know to get her the ball,” said Martin.

The game began on a somber note as those in attendance observed a moment of silence for the passing of Oklahoma State head coach Kurt Budke and assistant coach Miranda Serna. The Bearkats wore orange laces in their shoes as a tribute.

Next, the Bearkats will travel and take on Grambling State (2-3) in Grambling, La. on Dec. 10. After they will travel to TCU on Dec. 18.

For more information, visit gobearkats.com.

tournament team.

“We bowled amazing,” Secours said. “It was a great win.”

Sam Houston, in third place, went 4-1 on Saturday in traditional team play,

beating No. 2 Vanderbilt, No. 13 Stephen F. Austin, Monmouth, and Long Island.

For more information about the team, visit gobearkats.com.

From FOOTBALL

Stony Brook’s 7-yard line.

On first down, Flanders received the hand-off from Bell and broke to the outside, and scored on a 7-yard scamper.

“All through the game I was trying to stay in between the tackles,” Flanders said. “I knew one of the times I was going to go outside, I was just waiting for the right moment. I saw it and the safety he came in too hard and I just outran him out to the sideline.”

The Bearkat defense stepped up when it mattered and stopped Stony Brook on all four downs, and with 34 seconds left, Bell took a knee as the team celebrated on the sideline.

“It was a dog fight from the beginning to the end,” said Bearkat safety Darnell Taylor who finished with five tackles. “We fought hard and we knew at some point we were going to have to make a play. We did that, and thanks to the offense we pulled it out.”

Start time for next week’s game between Montana State and Sam Houston has been scheduled for 11 a.m. and will be broadcasted on ESPN. Tickets for the game are on sale, and students can pick their ticket up in Bearkat Plaza during the week.

Reserved seating has already been sold out, but general admission tickets are still available online.

For more information, visit gobearkats.com.

page 1

line, and once at the Stony Brook 42-yard line.

The Bearkats took advantage of that field position, and quarterback Brian Bell shined in the quarter, as he was able to hit wide receiver Richard Sincere for a 5-yard touchdown, then scoring on a 5-yard keeper.

“The field position was perfect,” Bell said. “Our special teams and defense got us the ball and we fortunate to execute the key plays.”

At the end of the quarter, SHSU lead 17-10.

The fourth and final quarter was back and forth, and both teams combined for 34 points, 17 apiece.

After both teams settled for field goals, Stony Brook responded to tie the game at 20, after Essington hit wide receiver Kevin Norrell for a 3-yard touchdown.

But one play later, Sam Houston responded as Bell found wide receiver Trey Diller open for an 80-yard touchdown.

Stony Brook responded for a six-play drive that was capped off with a 2-yard run by Wolves running back Brock Jackolski.

With 6:33 left in the game, Sam Houston marched down the field with a 10-play, 83 yard touchdown drive.

Bell had two crucial runs, including a 16-yard run that put the Kats at