Monday, November 12, 2018
The Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University
Students Dedicated to Professional Journalism Volume 130 | Issue 6
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The Houstonian | bit.ly/SHSUCampusNews | Monday, November 12, 2018
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campus news
Nazi Hunter Holds Ordering Food History Accountable On Campus Made Easier BY SHARON RAISSI Associate Editor
Nazi hunter Dr. Efraim Zuroff will speak at Sam Houston State University Tuesday at 2:30 p.m. in the Lowman Student Center Theater. With a Ph.D. in Holocaust Studies, Zuroff has a career dedicated to tracking down Nazi war criminals and bringing them to justice. Zuroff explained how he came into his current line of work. “In my case it was probably a matter of luck, of being the right person, in the right place, at the right time,” Zuroff said. “But having said that, I also needed the proper qualifications for the job, a strong background in Holocaust history, knowledge of languages, and a total commitment to the mission of tracking down and bringing those guilty to justice.” In his presentation, Zuroff will talk about his job as a Nazi hunter, the history of the Holocaust and about the dangers of living in a totalitarian society. He explained that he wants to bring awareness to totalitarian movements, the importance of fighting them and why bringing Holocaust war criminals to justice is worth dedicating his life to. “[I will discuss] that it is still possible to bring Nazi war criminals to justice— at least in Germany— and the complicated difficulties involved in doing so, especially the necessity of political will to prosecute Holocaust perpetrators,” Zuroff said. The event is sponsored by the
BY JUSTIN BLUM Contributing Reporter
The Wiesenthal Center MAN ON A MISSION. Nazi hunter Efraim Zuroff is scheduled to speak about his job bringing holocaust war criminals to justice at the Lowman Student Center Tuesday. Dan Rather Endowed Chair Jean Bodon, and is expected to last two hours. The goal is to spread awareness and educate students. Zuroff accepted the invitation from Bodon, with whom he worked on a case together in the past. Alongside with being an author and avid Nazi hunter, Zuroff also works as the director of the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Jerusalem. According to its website, The Wiesenthal Center “confronts anti-Semitism, hate and terrorism, promotes human rights and dignity, stands with Israel, defends the safety of Jews worldwide, and teaches the lessons of the Holocaust for future
generations.” Zuroff ’s job, however, has not always been a clear path. He explained how he handled one situation in particular when moral conflicts came into the picture. “There were a lot of difficult decisions along the way,” Zuroff said. “One was whether to meet the children of a Hungarian Nazi war criminal living in Perth, Australia, whom I had tracked down and was facing extradition to Hungary as a result of my efforts. They wanted to meet me to try and convince me of their father’s innocence. I met them, but they failed to convince me.” The event is free and open to the public.
Sam Houston State University recently launched a new app, Tapingo, which allows students to order their food from on-campus locations and skip the lines by picking up their order when it is ready. “Tapingo is a quick and easy way for students to order their food ahead for pickup from any restaurant on campus,” Marketing Manager for Aramark Laurel Stevens said. Aramark is the company that helps provide food services and facilities for the university. SHSU Dining Services revealed this app on Oct. 24 with yard signs surrounded by pink flamingos. Tapingo also has the ability to save students’ time and energy that they may not have after a tough day, according to Stevens. A user may also use the app to track their order and know what time their food is ready for pickup.
The app is compatible with Einstein Bros. Bagels, Moe’s Southwestern Grill, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Panda Express and Subway. There are two main methods of payment for ordering food through the app, according to Stevens. Users may use either a credit card or Bearkat Bucks to pay for their order. SHSU is not the first university to utilize the Tapingo app. Over 150 campuses across the country utilize the service as well, according to the Tapingo App website. Students interested in downloading and utilizing the app can do so for free on the App Store or via Google Play.
Sam Houston Students Celebrate Diwali The Center for Diversity and Intercultural Affairs hosted a celebration of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights on Nov. 7. Among other activities, students made rangoli, which are patterns created, usually on floors, by colored sand. The patterns are used as decorations and sometimes regarded as signs of good luck.
Gavin Guinther
The Houstonian | bit.ly/HuntsvilleCommunityNews | Monday, November 12, 2018
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community news
State Of The City: A Comprehensive Recap BY TYLER MOWERY Contributing Reporter
The City of Huntsville held its annual State of the City Address Tuesday, Oct. 30. Here is what you need to know. Mayor Andy Brauninger and City Manager Aron Kulhavy discussed the present economic status of the city, as well as important propositions being passed to improve infrastructure and projects to bring more revenue to Huntsville. Chick-Fil-A, Great American Cookie and Marble Slab Creamery Come to Huntsville Future projects include the much-anticipated Chick-Fil-A, which will be located in front of the Academy off I-45 South, valued at $925,000. “We have the first set of plans in on that,” said Kulhavy. “That is one I think everybody is ready for and is something we hear a lot about.” A Great American Cookies/Marble Slab Creamery combination is set to open soon. New apt. plans Ongoing apartment projects include the Haven
at M complex on the east side of I-45 North and Sterling Huntsville on Sam Houston Ave where the old HEB was located. The Armory is a completed project across from the old HEB site on Sam Houston Ave. “I think it’s something that really changed the way of doing things in Huntsville.” Kulhavy said. “People are starting to build vertically instead of horizontally, and it really effects the way that we have to think about some things in the future.” Sterling Huntsville will be very similar to The Armory but about 1 ½ percent bigger in scale. Up to 150 new jobs Considered among the most important recent ongoing developments in Huntsville are the industrial companies which are considered primary job creators. City council and County Commissioner’s Court approved a development agreement with Weatherford, a major provider of oil and energy field services. “We are looking at about a $30 million capital investment between the buildings and looking at not only retaining the 110
jobs they already have but 14-lane expansion one and forty-two thouadding 150 new jobs,” Kulonto I-45 sand,” Kulhavy said. “We’re havy said. Part of the third propogrowing a little more than Bayes Achievement Cen- sition includes an elevated one percent annually, so ter is a gym that is one of storage tank located on adding somewhere between the ten largest employers veterans Memorial Highfour hundred and five hunin town, and what Kulhavy way. Proposition 3 has dred people annually.” believes to be the number been completely approved Staying up-to-date one non-retail private emby city counsel and is The progress of all the ployer in the community. already under construcmajor projects, can be Propositions 1, 2 tion. Also touched on was seen on www.Huntsville. and 3 underway transportation, an airport TX.Gov/Projects. The Probably the most master plan, and a $450 city approved a $68 million important of the developmillion I-45 design, which budget for the year, with ments are the three propo- is predicted to be fourteen Kulhavy reassuring the ausitions that the citizens lanes wide in front of Tar- dience, “We went down on voted for. Proposition 1 is get and Academy. the property tax rate, and the construction of new “Currently the popuI can tell you that the City police and fire facilities, lation of Huntsville is of Huntsville is in excelProposition 2 is a City Hall somewhere between forty- lent financial condition.” and Service Center, and Proposition 3 being new utility infrastructure. The city adopted more than one $100 million for these propositions in 2016. Arguably the most important of these propositions is the much-needed utility infrastructure for the rapidly growing population of Huntsville. “That’s dealing with water and sewer infrastructure, a lot of it you will not see,” Kulhavy said. “Its insuring that we can provide those utilities to existing development as CHANGE IS COMING. City Manager Aron Kulhavy addresses the well as prepping for future city of Huntsville during the annual State of the City Address. He talked about incoming restaurants, apartment buildings, and potendevelopment.” tial new jobs.
H.E.A.R.T.S. Museum Gears BBQ Memorializes Up For Veteran’s Day Heath Schielack BY TYLER MOWERY Contributing Reporter
BY MARISA SAENZ Contributing Reporter
Veterans receive a significant amount of recognition throughout Walker County on Veteran’s Day. Among the many organizations recognizing vets is the H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum. H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum not only hosts a banquet every year in honor of Veteran’s Day, but they are open all year for the public to attend and honor the veterans who served the United States.
The Sam Houston State University Agricultural Business Association sponsored the Heath Schielack Memorial BBQ CookOff Saturday at the Huntsville Fair Grounds. This is the ninth year that the event has taken place in memory of Heath Schielack. Heath Schielack was an Agricultural Business major when he passed away just before finishing his degree at SHSU in 2010. He was an avid participant in cookoffs around the state; it was decided that an annual memorial cook-off would be a fitting remembrance to honor him. About 22 teams entered to compete in the cook-off this year. Co-chair of the Heath Schielack Memorial Cook-Off, Dr. Kinley Mueller, described the importance of those who chose to attend. Some of the participants included Heath’s family and friends. “We have a lot returning contestants,” Mueller said. “Most of those people are Heath’s family and those that knew Heath.” Heath’s father, Brad Schielack, never realized how much of an impact his son made on everyone. “When they put this together, we were all for it, but it wasn’t until the event came that we realized just how much these people loved Heath,” Brad Schielack said. “And nine years later, those who have graduated moved on
Founded by Charlotte Oleinik and Charles Davis, H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum has been open since 1999. Oleinik owned a growing collection of military memorabilia that she allowed local veterans to use while recounting their wartime experiences during presentations in local middle schools. World War II veteran Charles Davis joined Oleinik in the presentations, bringing more artifacts for each school throughout Walker County. When the collection of artifacts grew too large to present in schools, West Hill Mall offered a space for them to be displayed. Eventually, the idea for a per-
manent museum became inevitable. The State of Texas and Texas Department of Criminal Justice generously donated land between I-45 and Highway 75 to build the museum. In 2006, Walker County was given a grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for over $2 million to build a museum and
storm shelter/conference room, which opened in 2009. The artifacts presented in the museum are all donated by veterans themselves. Jerry Vaughn, a volunteer with the museum who served as a machine gunner in the Marine Corps during Vietnam, gives tours and provides background history of the antiques on display. These artifacts include photographs, weapons, vehicles and family heirlooms. “I learn something every time I go through and give a tour.” Vaughn said. People from all over Texas travel to Huntsville to visit the famous museum. The immense amount of appreciation from all
generations in recent years is a wonderful feeling for the vets, particularly for vets like Larry Schneider, an Air Force veteran who served his country in Vietnam. For Vietnam veterans like Schneider, Veteran’s Day was not always a pleasant holiday filled with honor or appreciation. “I
Tyler Mowery think its coming around now,” Schneider said. “But for years, it wasn’t good.” Schneider volunteers in the museum and sees the interest and gratitude that people have for the brutal war that he survived. “I think because of wars in different places, people are appreciating the military more and more.” Schneider said. After the events taking place in and around Walker County on Veteran’s Day are finished, and when past generations of brave men and women are long gone, H.E.A.R.T.S. Museum will continue to insure that their legacy is forever appreciated.
and the new people come in and do this, and they didn’t even know Heath.” “Dr. Mueller and all these kids out here put this all together after Heath died in a matter of months, and now here we are nine years
@HeathSchielackBBQCookoff later,” Brad Schielack said. In addition to the cook-off, there were also raffle items that. These raffle items were donated and made available for purchase. All of the proceeds made during the event benefit the Heath Schielack Memorial Fund, which goes to scholarships for students. The award goes to a member of the SHSU Agricultural Business who have the same qualities Schielack is remembered for: generosity, enthusiasm for life and service to his friends, club and department. In the past, the fund has earned enough money to give away two scholarships worth $500 a piece, according to Mueller.
@HeathSchielackBBQCookoff Facebook Cover Photo
SAM HOUSTON STATE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION, DIVISION OF STUDENT AFFAIRS, AND BALFOUR PRESENTS
The Official Ring Ceremony Tuesday, November 13, 2018 Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum Check-in at 5:00 p.m. | Ceremony Begins: 6:30 p.m.
(The names listed below are those students who have purchased an official class ring and are eligible to participate in the Fall 2018 Ring Ceremony) Ashley Abbott Russell Abel Klarysa Abeldano Kallie Acton Alton Adams Bailey Adams Jennifer Adams Jordan Agnew Angela Alderman Alexus Alexander Tristyn Allen John Allgood Jasmine-Jane Allison Ana Altamirano Odalis Alvarado Ismael Alvarez Erick Amaro Cindy Amaya Baile Anderson Chelsea Anderson Melyssa Andrews Logan Anthony Kenia Arevalo Jeniffer Arias Deborah Armenta Devon Arquette Alexis Arteaga Erin Ashley Lisa Athey Jacob Atkins Audrey Autry Kaela Babin Charles Bachand Chase Bacon Richard Baham Colton Baker Katherine Baker Mark Barahona Stephanie Barcenas Velia Barcenas Danielle Bareham Matthew Barnes Samuel Barnett Megan Barrett Allen Barrilleaux Kayla Bashkatova Triston Baughman Karinna Benavidez Nathaniel Bennett Grayson Berdofe Alan Birdsong Amber Bishop Sara Blackwell Jake Bloomer Hannah Blumrick Cameron Boedeker Kelsey Bond Breanna Bosley Ashley Bossche Ashley Boullion Emily Bourgoyne Andrew Bourque Holly Bradbury Madison Brantly Talara Braswell Abby Brau Kaleb Bridges Erin Britton Evan Broadbent David Brooke Jordan Brown Katelyn Brown Paige Browning Kyle Bruegging Karisha Bryan Sierra Buffaloe Braxton Bunner Kaylee Burchfield Brittney Burditt Walter Burns Kari Bush Gerardo Bustamante Ashley Butler David Buxkemper Shlisa Byerly Michelle Byrd Carly Calcote Logan Callen Maria Camacho Xypper Cameron Alyssa Campbell Cody Cannon David Cannon Christina Cano Amanda Cardenas Itzayana Cardenas Clayton Carey Lindsay Cargile Kristin Carr Rebekah Carroll Elizabeth Carter Victoria Cash Nicholas Castaneda Emely Castillo Elyssia Cavazos Autumn Cerda Jennifer Cermeno Daisy Cervantes Nina Cervantes Jacqueline Charles Madeliene Charlton Baylee Chase Rishon Chatham Christin Chavers Vanessa Chavez Liliana Chuc Dylan Clark Sarah Clark Jessica Claycomb Elizabeth Clement Alyssa Clossin Bailey Cobb Brittanie Colby Matthew Cole Sharon Colocho Sarah Conrad
Carolynn Contreras Jordyn Cook Nicholas Cooper Alyson Copeland Ella Corbin Jesselyn Cordova Samantha Cornelius Kacie Costea Madison Costlow Anastasia Cowen Alexa Crawford Krystal Crawley Brock Creighton Joshua Cross Catherine Cruz Cristina Cruz Miguel Cruz Oscar Cruz Chase Cryer Haley Cupit Lyndze Curry Halie Daniel Stephanie Darter Tam Dau Cassy Davila Ashley Davis Bradley Davis Camren Davis James Davis Madison Davis Mindy Davis Steven Davis Jordan De La Garza Miranda De La Morena Shae De Los Santos Alyssa Deason Heather Degitz Daelynn Delarosa Tanya Deleon Guillermo Delgado Lauren Dennis Stephanie Dennis Marisol Diaz Morgan Dietz Shelbe Dillard Spencer Dillard Travis Dixon Michael Doherty Cameron Dorman Elizabeth Dover Meagan Dowling Makayla Doyle Taylor Driscoll Darlene Duarte Merri Duckworth Chesni Due Aliza Duenes Amanda Dugas Bradley Duggan Hailey Duncan Michael Dupree Brianna Edwards Haley Ehgotz Marissa Elizalde Kaitlyn Elliott Katie Ellis Kyle Emiliani Rhett Endsley Stephen Ericson Tyler Erwin Alex Esquivel Kyle Fairbanks Thomas Fairhurst Emily Fairman Julie Farris Tristen Fay Katie Feagin Steven Fechner Mark Fernandez Clayton Fields Destiny Fincher Chandni Fisher Laken Fitzgerald Coleen Fives Joshua Flaum Christopher Flores Christopher Flores Gabriella Flores Joe Flores Yohelis Flores Brittany Foley Jessica Folstadt Skylar Ford Emily Foreman Mason Foss Griffin Fox Albert Fraley Tristan Francis Emilee Fullick Caitlin Fulton Kalla Gaertner Odessa Galdamez Dianabel Galvan Jared Galvan Reny Galvan Cristi Gambrell Jesus Garay Anahi Garcia Andres Garcia Cindy Garcia Claudia Garcia David Garcia Israel Garcia Ryan Garcia Savannah Garcia Aysiah Garza Julie Gassaway Katie Gense Claire Gerlach Julia Gernhart Aaron Gibson Tanner Gilbreath Chelsea Gillilan Brandon Gladwin Nayeli Gomez Julie Gonzales
Lauren Gonzales Alandra Gonzalez Haidet Gonzalez Jacob Gonzalez Karen Gonzalez Forrest Goodman Clinton Gough Sydney Graham Amber Graves Garrett Gray Seth Griffith John Grogan Anthony Guiton Justin Gulley Kristen Gustafson Daisy Gutierrez Eric Gutierrez Carter Hambleton Jessica HammondShelbie Hampton Julie Harbaugh Alexandra Harbin Lauren Hard Emily Hardy Tate Hardy Jonathan Harper Dillon Harrell Nicole Harris Garret Harrison Victoria Hartley Clara Hartwell Khenley Harvell Devon Hatch Montanah Hatcher Madison Hatzold Kaylin Haugh Hannah Hawkins Randi Haydon Caleb Hayes Taylor Hayes Kristin Heath Carter Heckethorn Reagan Hedding Chelsea Henderson Madison Hendrix Jamie Henk Brian Henny Juliana Henry Haley Henry-Wishkoski Elizabeth Hernandez Jennifer Hernandez Kerensa Hernandez Alexis Herrera Gerardo Herrera Jared Herrmann Zaira Hester Cornelia Hetleoen Alex Hill Cierra Hines Taylor Hitt Erroll Hodge Sophia Hodges Johnathan Hohn David Hok Rebecca Hoke Ashley Holder Ashlyn Holder Gary Holl John Holland Jessica Holler Alea Hon Dominique Hood Marc Hopper Taylor Hoppes Deanna Horn Lauren Hoskins Kathy Howard-Wachtendorf Kaleb Hrncir Myka Huddleston Jacob Hudson Abigail Hulen Leslie Hunter Ryan Hunter Savanna Hurst Mikayla Imhoff Camille Ingham Jordan Ingram Ashlyn Jacobs Jennifer Jantes Megan Jeffers Alesia Jenkins Leann Jennings Brandy Jimenez David Johnson Jeffrey Johnson Ross Johnson Fallon Johnston Coe Jones Gordon Jones Jacie Jones Matthew Jones Rebeka Juarez Aseel Kareem Kristin Keally Penny Kelley Marykeeley Khaled Reagan King Elijah Kinnison Danielle Kissee Haley Kittinger Kyle Kleypas Amber Knetsar Kelly Kocian Barrett Koerselman Nicole Koonce
Ashley Kropik Courtney Kurowski Chad Kuzniarek Joshua Ladesma Natalia Lambert Megan Landin Caitlyn Landrum Katie Lange Mallory Laplant Shay Lasyone Nicholas Lauterbach Caitlin Lawrence Joseph Lay Genevieve Le Janeth Leal Cody Leblanc Emma Leblanc Rosa Ledezma Cheri Lehman Amber Leland Emily Lepley Mikayla Lester Connor Lewis Makenzie Lewis Elvi Limon Carter Lindsey Matthew Little Tarina Lively Austin Livingston Angelica Llanos Ashley Lockamy Haley Logan Devin Lopez Matthew Lopez Paul Lopez Sally Lopez Essie Love Joshua Lowe Damaris Loza Christina Lugo Kealey Luther Jessica Lyons Olivia Lyth Riley Machacek Angel Machuca Oscar Macias Carolina Maldonado Mariana Maldonado Destinie Malish Don Malone Leslie Malone Katie Marek Daisy Marin Alexandria Marks Abdiel Marroquin Christina Martin Addison Martindale Amanda Martinez Crystal Martinez Diana Martinez Gladys Martinez Mark Martinez Xena Matamoros Scott Matejna Taylor May Madison Mays Ryan Mccallum William Mccann Keely Mccarthy Aubrey Mccleary Mallory Mccollum Hannah Mcdonald Megan Mcdonald Dylan Mcdowell Jessalyn Mcgarry Marc Mcgarry Riley Mcknight Lindsey Mcleod Donyelle Mcvey Kirsten Meador Neiry Medrano Miranda Meier Vincent Melore Rachel Meyers Rachel Michelson Simon Mijares Kiana Mikeska Kayla Mikolajczyk Darian Milam Kathryn Miles Avery Miller Megan Millner Bailey Mitchel Jennifer Mock Zeeshan Mohammed Jennifer Mokshefsky Mark Montalbano Breanna Moore Rachel Moore Beatriz Morales Derick Morales Kelsie Morris Raygan Morris James Mosqueda Kevin Movaghar Kayla Mowry Melissa Moya Mandee Mullen Michael Muñiz Alitza Munoz Marisol Munoz Alexis Murray Marguerite Murray Bryce Najvar Samantha Navarro
Amber Newton Kylie Noboa Donald Norman Jelisa Norsworthy Cody Noto Elizabeth O´Sullivan Mykayla O’connor Justis Ojo Victoria Okosun Samantha Olivares Whitney Olivares Emily Oliver Sierra Olivo Nicholas Olney Vivian Orellana Hannah Organ Kyle Orlando Yarazet Ortega Irene Ortiz Lindsay O’shea Rebekah Ottesen Jose Ovalle Carson Owens Alexas Pagan Kerri Parish Adriana Pasket Pathik Patel Karson Patton Tyler Pavlicek Wyatt Pavlicek Victoria Pelzel Aryn Pena Jaime Pena Silvia Peñate Shelby Perdue Briana Perez Dulce Perez Ricardo Perez Travis Perez Logan Perry Darren Peterson Johnny Phillips Abby Piper Jordan Pittard Tarlton Pittard Tyler Pointer Carolyn Polito Anna Pollet Odalys Ponce Brenley Powell Evan Powell Graham Powell Claudia Prince Paige Proenza Breanna Provost Samantha Quintero Yeritza Quiroz Shalan Raabe Bailey Ralls Carolina Ramirez Karen Ramirez Sarah Ramirez Adrianna Rampelli Jake Ranostaj Taylor Rasberry Maritza Rebollar Kelly Reome Kaitlyn Reyes Alexa Reyna Chandler Richard Deja Richards Emily Riggin Helen Rikard Sara Ringo-Simpson Nick Rios Diana Rivera Kyle Roach John Roane Griffin Roberts Maggie Roberts Sarah Robinson Alan Rock Jr Aaron Rodriguez Lesly Rodriguez Mayte Rodriguez Megan Rodriguez Samantha Rodriguez Danielle Rojas Tara Rojas Rekell Rollins Jose Roman Bridget Rosales Joel Rosales Alyssa Roth Justin Ruffeno Adriana Ruiz Yuniet Ruiz Nathan Rut Marshall Sabol Anita Salas Samuel Salas-Gomez Nicole Sanchez Savannah Sanchez-Guerra Breonne Sanders Jasmine Sanders Kaetlyn Sandoval Emily Savage Kaitlyn Schenk Shelby Schneider Adam Schultz Sarah Schumann Krystine Scott Reagan Scott Savanah Scott Adam Sebesta Jonathan Serrano Lauren Shanahan Lauren Shaw Sarah Shaw Shawn Shaw Savannah Shell Courtney Shotwell Stevens Sills Danzell Sims Jaycie Slankard Ryan Slott
Brandon Slovak Andrea Smith Gunnar Smith Kaitlynn Smith Madison Smith Rachel Smith Robert Smith Ryan Smith Synamin Smith Taylor Smith Trevor Smith Victoria Smith Michelle Sosa Kemberlie Spivey Roger Sprouse Eric Stanley Kamdyn Stark Morgan Starns Tiffany Steele Janee Steger Matthew Stevens Chase Stewart Janie Stewart Shannon Stringer Max Suarez Liz Summers Steven Summers Samantha Sumrall Courtney Sutherland Andrew Sweet Christina Swift Sophia Swindell Angela Swindull Daniel Tarver Jr Megan Tate Caleb Taylor Deionnte Taylor Destiney Taylor Cierra Tenderholt Jake Terry Taylor Terry Stewart Thielemann Heaven Thomas Chandler Thompson Tiffany Thompson Dakota Thornton Jacob Thurman Samantha Tinoco Ashley Torres Desire Torres Priscilla Torres Jonathon Tovar Summer Trader Tori Trejo Terah Trevino Hannah Trojan Ashley Tucker Zachary Tucker Hunter Tupa Meghan Turpin Christian Tyndall Alexis Urbina Cameron Valadez Ismael Valdivia Karla Valenzuela Kimberly Van Dyke Jessica Vanwinkle Kamrie Vanwinkle Michelle Vasquez Vanessa Vasquez Diana Vega Gabrielle Vega Bianca Vela Bryce Velasquez Priscilla Velez Mariela Vera-Sanchez Zachary Vern Miguel Vidaurri Veronica Villalobos Nahu Villalobos-Brito Leslie Villanueva Carlos Villareal Jr Luis Villarreal James Vletas Claudia Vogt Kaitlyn Wallace Darrell Walters Jeremy Ward Victoria Watson Michelle Watt Hunter Welch Tiffany Wells Travis Wells Caitlin Wesneski Bethany Westphal Mikayla White William Whitmire Madison Wiesepape Oscar Wilhite Bethany Wilke Conor Williams Danielle Williams Jada Williams Blake Willis Caleb Wilson Calvin Wilson Jai Wilson Dana Winters Garrett Wishkoski Sara Wleczyk Patrick Wood Alexis Woods Samantha Woods Mikayla Woolhouse Zachary Wyatt Rendi Yanez Krista Yarter Nhung Yawn Tyler Yawn Ryan Zamboni Hannah Zapalac Christina Zavala Cristina Zelaya Ismael Zelaya Mandy Zeltner Anna Zitzmann
The Houstonian | bit.ly/HoustonianOpinions | Monday, November 12, 2018
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Opinions
Remembering Will & Bailee Ackerman Byler BY JAKE BLOOMER Contributing Writer A love too big for this world is what some would call it— a story that will forever live in the hearts of the family and friends of our fellow Bearkat students Will & Bailee Ackerman Byler.
ee said yes, and from that day on you could not take the smile off Will’s face. The couple quickly began planning the biggest day of their lives while still making time for school, friends, family and rodeo. On Nov. 3, 2018, Will and Bailee said “I do” surrounded by their closest loved ones at the By-
“Will and Bailee both waved goodbye to their friends and family for the last time.” Will, 23, graduated in 2014 from Faith Academy in his hometown of Bellville, TX. He then moved to Huntsville and began his college career here at Sam Houston State University where he competed on the SHSU rodeo team, qualifying for the 2017 National College Finals in Casper, Wyoming. If Will wasn’t in the arena you often saw him with his friends and beautiful girlfriend, Bailee. Will loved the outdoors, no matter what it involved: hunting, sports or just sitting around a campfire. He was planning on graduating in May 2019 with a degree in Agricultural Engineering, and he planned on going to work for the family business at W.T. Byler Company. Bailee, also 23, was working on her Bachelors degrees in Animal Science and Mass Communications and was ready to graduate in December of this year. Bailee is best known for her beautiful smile, love of family, friends, animals and most of all her faith. Last year in 2017, Bailee and Will met here at Sam Houston where it was love from the start. Both coming from a background of rodeo and growing up in solid Christian homes, it was not hard for this couple to realize they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, and that’s exactly what they did. Last December, Will asked for Bailee’s hand in marriage at his family ranch in Uvalde, TX. Bail-
ler Ranch. They had what several have called “the fairytale wedding” filled with love, laughs and the two biggest smiles a bride and groom could have. Following the two newlyweds’ wedding reception, they boarded a heli-
copter to fly to their honeymoon. Will and Bailee both waved goodbye to their friends and family for the last time. Shortly after taking off, Mr. and Mrs. Byler went to be with their Lord and Savoir to live on the perfect marriage. Our Bearkat family has grown smaller this week, but will forever be changed for the classmates and professors that had the joy of meeting these two beautiful, young souls. Will and Bailee Byler left our world at the happiest time of their lives. They will be missed by many, but will forever be remembered in our hearts.
BY JAMES BARRY Letter to the Editor It was not an easy decision to write this article, I am conflicted that my actions may potentially disrespect the families of our departed. I pray my fears are not realized. With this being said, I do feel Sam Houston State University has blatantly and embarrassingly disrespected the lives and memories of our classmates Baliee Ackerman and Will Byler. On the night of Nov. 4th, Will and Bailee enjoyed a fairytale wedding. Tragically, the newlyweds lost their lives departing their reception just a few hours after completing their vows. In a horrific accident, a marriage ended before it could begin. While Baliee and Will are no longer here, their families are living a nightmare. No words can provide comfort to friends and family in a time like this. I was a classmate of Baliee Ackerman, and I was deeply shaken by the news of their tragic deaths. I returned to campus on Monday morning in a state of disbelief and sorrow, suspecting that our student body would be, as well. Yet the Monday following the deaths of Baliee and Will I saw no such mourning, no sense of loss and in this writer’s opinion, no respect for the passing of two of our own at SHSU. I expected to find a community and university in pain, but a community that would pull together in a confusing and terrible time. I saw no such community. On Monday I was looking to find an email in the inbox of my SHSU account from school officials alerting us as a student body of the loss of our classmates—reassuring that they are here for us and will try their best to provide a sense of unity. I expected that our professors were to make an announcement, hold a moment of silence, or offer coun-
seling to any students who may be troubled by the loss of their classmates. Through a week of classes, I have seen nothing of the sort. Multiple faculty members have confirmed that they did not receive any notice from university officials regarding the deaths of our classmates. On our first day of class, Baliee Ackerman sat one row in front of me in the Dan Rather Communications Building. She opened her computer, and an engagement photo of herself with her thenfiancé Will was her background. The date of Nov. 4th, 2018 was stamped in the bottom left corner of the picture. Throughout the semester, the picture did not change. I can only imagine that she was counting down the days. As class was dismissed last week, she alerted our professor that she would miss class for some time, when asked why she responded, “I’m getting married
this weekend!” I did not know it at the time, but these were the last words I would hear Baliee say. I have replayed this moment countless times since her passing. I do not think I will ever forget her voice, or her words. Bailee’s seat now sits empty in our class, and my heart aches every time I walk into that room, knowing that she will not be there. My only hope is that Baliee and Will’s last day on this earth was their happiest day. Can we believe that our university is actually a community given such a lack of outreach? Is it acceptable that a classmate of Will or Baliee can enter a classroom, 36 hours after the news of their deaths had surfaced, unaware if their professors had received any notice? Is this how a university responds to tragedy? With silence?
College Students and the Opioid Epidemic BY ALLURA GUERRA Contributing Writer While binge drinking and alcohol abuse are still prevalent on college campuses, a more pressing concern is the growing abuse of prescription narcotics, specifically opioids, going widely unaddressed. Prescription opioids are narcotics that are like heroin in their chemical make-up but are like endorphins in their intended use as a pain reliever. Types of opioids include, but are not limited to, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Morphine, Fentanyl and Vicodin. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the abuse and misuse of
such prescription drugs have become a severe epidemic estimated to affect between 26 and 36 million people worldwide. However, the issue predominantly resides with the cohort of college-age students due to the recreational high and increased alertness that opioids produce. Students believe that this heightened sense of focus will help with studying when caffeine isn’t enough. College students are constantly on the hunt for a stronger substance that they can rely on when an allnighter studying session is in full affect, which is why they turn to opioids. The phrase “I’m so stressed” is said so often by students that it becomes meaningless. According to Oxford Dictionary, stress is defined as, “A state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances.” When students begin college, they are entering a time-consuming, rigorous setting that they may have not been previously exposed to in high school. For many it is the first time that they are away from their support system, whether that be their friends or family. The emotional stress that comes with having to be an adult and take on the responsibilities of getting to class on time, managing work and school, as well as other factors can take a toll on many. I myself experienced an emotional toll when I began to feel homesick. Unlike many who live only an hour or two away, I moved from San Antonio, which
is about four hours away. However, when I became stressed, I utilized a variety of effective stress relievers that are much healthier and safer than opioids. Some of these stress tactics include staying physically active, maintaining healthy eating habits and setting a regular sleep schedule. While opioids seem to be a readily accessible temporary fix, it is important to note that they do more harm to a person’s body than good and shouldn’t be used unless prescribed by a doctor. The only way to truly eliminate stress is to form a strong set of time management skills and stick to them. Following these simple
relaxation and less bodily pain. For college-aged students, abusing opioids is more popular because the repercussions if caught are less severe than if they were to use hard illegal drugs such as cocaine or heroin. Social acceptability is another big factor for using opioids. When students go away to college and are on their own, there is a fear of being alone or feeling isolated. Many students aim to avoid this by joining a fraternity or sorority or becoming involved in an organization on campus. Through this, they make new friends and are more likely to be invited to parties or hangouts
stress relievers and daily practices are the most basic ways to prevent falling into the widespread epidemic of opioid abuse. When students make the transition from high school to college, there’s a sense of newfound freedom that comes with it. With this new freedom, students begin using opioids as a way of selfmedication, to get a recreational high, for dealer profit, social acceptability or as mentioned previously, to cope with stress. However, recreational highs are the most prominent reason for use because of the euphoric side effects that they create, including
where they are now exposed to drug and alcohol abuse. “Pharm parties” have become a popular national trend over the past few years, where students bring a variety of pills and dump it into a big bowl for everyone to choose from. This experimentation is extremely risky in that students don’t know what they’re consuming and can face harmful side effects such as drowsiness, mood swings and anxiety, vomiting and even unconsciousness. This opioid epidemic is extremely dangerous and will increase if action isn’t taken soon. There’s a common misconcep-
tion that opioids are less harmful to the body than illegal or “street” drugs as they are sometimes referred to. Since 1990, drug overdose death rates have tripled with at least 100 people dying per day in the United States alone. A person using prescription drugs can become addicted and build up a tolerance, which means a larger amount of the drugs would have to be ingested to create the same effects that only one or two provided before. College is said to be “the best time of your life”, which is why students are more prone to experiment and do things they wouldn’t normally do, making it morally easier to consume opioids and participate in pharm parties. While I can acknowledge that college is the time for “experimentation” or trying new things, abusing opioids shouldn’t be one of them. Instead, getting involved on campus or trying out for an intramural sport is a safer, more enjoyable option. Once a student begins abusing opioids, they are more likely to continue, which can lead to addiction if they aren’t careful. To decrease the abuse of opioid abuse in young adults, where it’s most prevalent, awareness of alternative pain management methods and stress relievers needs to be promoted more effectively. If a larger number of students/young adults aren’t exposed to the risks and threats that the opioid epidemic produces, then there’s a greater risk for more deaths and overdoses soon.
The Houstonian | bit.ly/HuntsvilleSports | Monday, November 12, 2018
Page 6
SPORTS
K.C. Keeler: ‘We’ve taken a step back’
Tyler Josefsen, Jose Medina, Jordan Smith BY GABE MYERS Contributing Writer The Sam Houston State University Bearkats football team will miss the playoffs for the first time since 2010. The Kats have been to at least the quarterfinals of the FCS playoffs in each of the last four years, but things have been very different this season. SHSU’s postseason ambitions were likely shattered following a 43-26 loss to Incarnate Word and definitely ended with a 17-10 loss at home to Abilene Christian University, prompting
head coach K.C. Keeler to say in his postgame press conference, “We’ve taken a step back.” With three losses on the season entering the matchup against UIW, I believed the Bearkats were still in the playoff hunt, and had they ended the season 8-3 they likely would have made the 24-team FCS playoffs. Now the best case scenario for the Bearkats is a 6-5 season, and being ranked outside the Top 25 leaves no reasonable likelihood that the Bearkats will find a way into the postseason. With losses to likely non-playoff
teams such as Lamar, ACU and North Dakota, many Bearkat fans are probably wondering— what happened? Over the last two years the Bearkats have undergone a major shift in their offensive philosophy; this change is part of what I believe has led to a disappointing season. After running more of an air raid attack the last three seasons with now-graduate Jeremiah Briscoe at quarterback, the Kats have changed their offense to one that makes the running game a higher priority. While that is
not a bad thing by any means, such a major shift in philosophy is hard to implement effectively in just one year, and SHSU’s new offensive coordinator Ryan Carty is experiencing that. Now that Briscoe is no longer in the backfield, the program has handed the reins over to redshirt freshman Ty Brock. Brock took over the starting job in week five going into the Central Arkansas game that saw SHSU defeat UCA 34-31 in overtime. Brock immediately gave a jolt to a struggling offense, and I think his ability to run the ball
from the quarterback position gives the Bearkats a dimension they did not have the previous three years with Briscoe. Having a quarterback who can run the ball is an extremely valuable asset, especially at the college level. Even though this season has not lived up to expectations, the Bearkats do have their quarterback of the future in Brock. Despite the high expectations I do think that somewhat of a regression was expected by the Bearkats this season. When you lose three of the best players in program history in Briscoe, defensive lineman P.J. Hall now with the Oakland Raiders and record-breaking receiver Yedidiah Louis there is inevitably going to be a drop-off. I think the Bearkats are well positioned for the future with Brock being a freshman and starting running back Kyran Jackson being a sophomore. The team will also get star junior wide receiver Nathan Stewart back next year for his final season, and he will be accompanied by freshman standout Dee Bowens. Offensively the Bearkats should be very potent going into next season, as they could have the best dual attack in the Southland Conference. If they can get their defense right, this program can get right back to rolling through Southland opponents, but if they do not, SHSU could easily see another disappointing season in 2019.
@HoustonianSport
Volleyball Falls to Third Place, Makes Conference Tournament BY TYLER JOSEFSEN Editor-in-Chief The Southland Conference volleyball tournament tips off Friday in Natchitoches, LA with four quarterfinals matches. The No. 3 Sam Houston State University Bearkats have a 4 p.m. serve against the No. 6 McNeese Cowgirls. Strong Reg. Season SHSU finished the regular season 21-7 overall (with a 13-3 record in conference). The Kats were a perfect 9-0 at home against Southland opponents, but just 4-3 on the road. A pair of those losses, however, were against the eventual top two seeds of the conference tournament. Prior to starting conference play, SHSU took part in the U.T. Arlington Tournament Sept. 14 and 15 where the Bearkats went 3-0 and defeated all three of their opponents in straight sets. The team finished 8-4 in their four non-conference tournaments before winning 13 of 16 SLC regular-season matches.
Quarterfinal Matchup SHSU faced McNeese Sept. 20 to open conference play; the Kats won that matchup 3-1 in Huntsville. Since that meeting, SHSU picked up a dozen wins against SLC opponents and was undefeated in conference play at the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum. Southland Conference volleyball tournaments are no stranger to upsets, and the neutral site could play a big role for the top three teams who all dominated on their home courts this season. The Competition The No. 1 SFA Ladyjacks sit atop the bracket heading into the tournament. SHSU matched up with SFA on the road Nov. 1 and dropped the match 3-1. The good news for the Kats is the only chance they have of seeing SFA in the tournament would be in the championship as the two powerhouses sit on opposite sides of the bracket. Despite the dominant performance by SFA during the regular season matchup, the neutral site in Louisiana could spell an opportunity for SHSU in the potential championship matchup.
Barring an upset, the road to a rematch against the rival Ladyjacks likely consists of a matchup with the No. 2 UCA Bears in the semifinals Saturday at 2:30 p.m. SHSU only dropped three conference matches all season, two of which were to SFA and UCA in the final couple weeks of the season. UCA will face No. 8 Northwestern State University Friday at 6:30 p.m. Key Players As a team, SHSU led the Southland Conference in digs with an even 1800 on the year. Their average of 17.82 digs per set is 1.28 digs more than second-place SFA. Senior Madison Wallace finished with the most digs in the conference with 490 on the season. She also led the Southland with 39 service aces. Another contributor to the offensive charge was senior Taylor Cunningham with her conference-leading 394 kills, 33 more than any other player in the conference. Jaclyn Ward (pictured to the right) will also be a player to watch as she led the Bearkats in assists with 864, the third-most in the conference.
Jordan Smith