09/17/2018 - Weekly Edition

Monday, September 17, 2018

The Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University

Students Dedicated to Professional Journalism Volume 130 | Issue 2

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Huntsville Airport Soars to New Heights

The multi-step master plan for the Bruce Bros. Airport is in full flight.

Helen Nemariam

IN BRIEF In honor of suicide awareness month, Director of the SHSU Counseling Center Dr. Drew Miller educated students in a seminar last Wednesday. Discussing topics like suicide and depression, the seminar went into detail about why it happens and how to get help. Delve deeper into the topic on p. 2.

In a briefing on emergency preparation, contributing writer Jake Bloomer details tips on how to keep you and your family safe, even in unexpected circumstances. For tips on how to not get caught off guard, see the full story on p. 3.

A look at the man behind Huntsville’s most famous Cajun Kitchen, Floyd Arnaud.

In an exclusive interview, Editor-inChief Tyler Josefsen sits down with Arnaud and finds out his winding journey from New Orleans kid to entrepreneur on p. 4.

BY HELEN NEMARIAM Contributing Reporter The Aviation Committee and Planners discussed the master plan for Bruce Brothers Huntsville Regional Airport last Tuesday— also known as the Huntsville Municipal Airport.

“In March 2018, [Huntsville] and H.W. Lochner entered into an agreement, with TxDOT acting as agent, for the preparation of the Huntsville Municipal Airport,” according to the Master Plan.

“Airport master plans are designed to evaluate existing airport conditions, identify and assess the impacts of future aviation demand and provide the city with information and direction in the continued short and long term operation, development and plan-

ning of the airport,” Lochner project manager Sadie Robb said.

Airport plans should be updated every seven to ten years. The last master plan update for Huntsville Municipal Airport was completed in 2003.

The master plan update will be funded by the City of Huntsville, which will receive a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation Aviation Division. The plan aims to further develop the terminals, create more hangars to store aircrafts and acquire land to increase the runway, according to the master plan.

Improvements to the airport are required to match peak operations because the City of Huntsville predicts an increase in the demand of aviation services. Peak hourly passenger activity is expected to increase from 24 to 44 passengers within the next 20

years, according to the plan.

In order to adjust to the evolving technology and requirements of safety features for airports, it is vital to periodically check the current conditions of an airport to ensure that they follow FAA and TxDOT standards, according to Robb.

There are also environmental benefits to updating the plan.

“Updating the master plan helps the city identify infrastructure, such as fuel storage tanks, mobile refueling trucks, maintenance practices, etc., that needs to be updated in order to minimize the likelihood of an impact on the soils or groundwater,” Robb said.

Huntsville can look forward to several great benefits such as increased income, education and new businesses, according to Robb.

A higher volume of aircrafts

could result in pilots enjoying the many amenities Huntsville has to offer while they are visiting, according to Robb. Robb also states that certain companies are more reluctant to start business in locations that will not allow their company jets.

The master plan could also provide educational opportunities to those interested in becoming a pilot.

The master plan update can provide a safe facility for flight instructors, given the facility’s design updates meets the Federal Aviation Association’s and Texas Department of Transportation’s design standards, according to Robb.

This is only one step to a multistep process in the Huntsville Municipal Airport Master Plan.

Page 3: See how our community never forgets 9/11

Serena Williams made headlines after being fined $17,000 on the US Open final.

With controversy still surrounding the incident, contributing writer Gabe Myers digs deeper at the meaning behind the money. Learn more on p. 5.

6.

Check out a recap of Huntsville High School’s difficult football season. For the full story, visit p.

Tyler Josefsen

The Houstonian | bit.ly/SHSUCampusNews | Monday, September 17, 2018

Page 2

campus news

Suicide Prevention & Awareness

BY CASSIE KNUST Contributing Reporter The Student Government Association commenced Suicide Awareness Month recently with a seminar in the Lowman Student Center Theater.

Students listened to Director of the Counseling Center Dr. Drew Miller’s tips and insight on the topic of suicide awareness and prevention.

“As a community, we need to be dialed in to help,” Miller said.

He explained that although suicide was the eighth leading cause of death nationally, it ranked number two in individuals 18-24; this falls within the average age bracket at Sam Houston State University. According to Miller, this was a statistic that concerned mental health care professionals.

There are many reasons why an individual of this age is at an elevated risk of committing suicide. It could be a toxic home environment, abuse and even stress. Because it is difficult to pinpoint a cause, Miller urged students to look out for one another. Depression and/or suicidal thoughts look different in everyone. According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, one person dies by suicide every three hours in the state of Texas.

Even though it may seem

impossible to know when someone you are close to is having suicidal thoughts, there are red flags you can look out for. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, some red flags are loss of interest in hobbies, appetite or weight changes and decreased energy. Other symptoms can include difficulty sleeping, irritability or feelings of guilt and worthlessness.

Miller stressed that suicidal individuals may have come to terms with their plan and feel more at peace with their decision, believing the pain won’t be there for much longer. Because of this, the person is likely to behave differently before they follow through.

Although there is a difference between suicidal thoughts and actions, preventative steps still need to be taken. Students are encouraged to talk to their friends.

“Ask a question,” Miller said. “Are you at risk of killing yourself ? Many are afraid to ask this question, but it’s important.

It can slow them down or make them rethink their decision.

By asking, it makes them less likely to act. The idea most likely has been there a while so you can also ask them, ‘Have you thought of a plan?’ If yes, ask them to tell you about it.”

The Counseling Center encourages students to utilize the

Cassie Knust

on-call counselors if they ever need assistance. Students living in dorms can find the after-hours number for your resident advisor (R.A.) on the back of your door.

All R.A.’s and UPD have the number for whichever on-call counselor is working that night.

The National Institute of Mental Health also lists rel-

evant tips and resources both for those struggling with depression and those with a loved one who is depressed. To get help, contact your doctor and formulate a treatment plan, whatever that doctor may recommend or prescribe, and stick to that regiment. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 1-800-

273-8255.

Tri-County Behavioral Healthcare in Conroe also has an emergency line and many other resources. Their 24/7 crisis line can be contacted at 1-800-6596994, and their website lists many more options for help (tcmhmrs.org).

Proctor Free vs. Respondus Extra Extra! Cannot Lockdown: Differences that Read All About It: test test-takers need to know Empty Newsstands

BY JUSTIN BLUM Contributing Reporter Respondus Lockdown Browser and Proctor Free are programs used on the Sam Houston State University campus to administer exams and quizzes to students.

Respondus Lockdown Browser is a software program designed to decrease a student’s ability to cheat by preventing him or her from visiting other websites, switching to other applications or taking screenshots.

“Lockdown Browser does exactly what the name implies,” SHSU Online Executive Director of Online Operations Ruth Chisum said. “It locks down a browser so that test takers cannot open new tabs while taking an exam.”

The Proctor Free program is newer and offers more features

than Respondus Lockdown Browser.

“Proctor Free is a remote proctoring software,” Chisum said. “It records students taking an exam and it leverages an algorithm to detect potential cheating behavior such as erratic eye movement or the voice of another person in the room.”

The most notable difference between the two programs is that Proctor Free will record the student as they take their test. If suspicious behavior is detected in Proctor Free the exam will automatically stop, submit and notify the professor immediately. The professor may then choose whether to evaluate the recording to determine if the student was cheating.

According to Chisum, there are many factors that are

considered when determining which program works best to prevent cheating. It depends on the course, the types of questions and the test timer, but it is ultimately up to the student to not need such technology.

BY JOSEPH BRUNSON Contributing Reporter Sam Houston State University no longer stocks newspapers from publications including USA Today and The Houston Chronicle.

One of the people that knew of the removal before it even happened was junior English major/ Biology and Philosophy minor Miguel DeLeon. As an enthusiastic newspaper reader since high school, he discovered that SHSU was removing the papers during Fall 2017— the semester he started working for the Office of World Languages and Culture.

Concerned about the removal, DeLeon e-mailed Houstonian Business Manager Paty Mason on September 25, 2017. Mason replied saying that SHSU no longer distributed them due to the college no longer paying for them.

“Hi Miguel, I just wanted to follow up again,” Mason said in her email. “Sadly we no longer receive outside newspapers at the university. Many of us miss them terribly. Please feel free

to contact the President’s office, I believe they no longer pay for them. Sincerely, Paty.”

DeLeon later e-mailed the Office of the President and received a reply from Chelsea K. Smith, the Associate Dean of Students, who mentioned that USA Today’s removal in particular was due to structural changes.

Last Sunday, DeLeon also spoke with Bailey Burnham about setting up an appointment with Smith regarding the matter. Burnham’s attempt to bring back the newspapers has been unsuccessful so far.

“I tried to write up an amendment to bring the newspapers back,” DeLeon said, “They didn’t want to give funding for the program. An insufficient amount of people wanted the newspapers, but no one ever told us if there was a vote for it or not.”

Stay up to date with The Houstonian for more information as details develop.

@HoustonianNews @houstoniannews

Police Blotter: SHSU’s Finest Keep the Campus Safe Sept. 8th

An officer was dispatched to the P45 parking lot, 1327 17th Street, in reference to vehicle damage. The complainant reported that an unknown person damaged her vehicle while it was parked. Damage to the vehicle consisted of broken brake light lens on the passenger side. The complainant was unable to provide any suspect information and seeks restitution in the event a suspect is located.

Sept. 10th

An officer was dispatched to the P15- Ron Randleman Weight Center parking lot, 620 Bowers Boulevard, in reference to a Damage to University Property report. An individual on site stated that while operating his personally owned vehicle, he struck a university owned vehicle in the parking lot

Sept. 11th Domestic Incident

An officer responded to the Sam Houston Village Dormitory, 1600 Sam Houston Avenue, in reference to a Domestic Incident that had occurred approximately two hours earlier. Two individuals had been in an altercation. The male stated the female had struck him and that he received threatening messages from a female friend of the female. The male stated he did not wish to pursue any criminal charges or file a report for the messages sent. No physical evidence was found of an attack on either subject. The male does not wish to pursue any criminal charges in relation to Criminal Trespass at this time.

Sept. 12th: Medical Assist

An officer was dispatched to White Hall, 2102 Avenue I, in regards to an intoxicated individual. Due to his extreme intoxication, the officer called for EMS to respond. EMS arrived on scene and determined he should be transported for further evaluation.

The Houstonian | bit.ly/HuntsvilleCommunityNews | Monday, September 17, 2018

Page 3

community news

Rachel Norton

NEVER FORGET. Freshman Psychology major Emily McMillen (left) and sophomore Interdisciplinary Studies major Jennifer Soriano (right) plant flags near the SHSU Clock Tower in remembrance of the tragedy that took place September 11, 2001.

17 Years, 2,977 Flags, 1 Unified Community

BY LUCERO NAVA Contributing Reporter Terry Scholars and students of the Elliott T. Bowers Honors College completed a service project on campus in honor of those lost during the tragedy that occurred Sept. 11, 2001.

The 9/11 Remembrance Project required 2,977 American flags planted directly in front of the Bobby K. Marks Administration Building in the areas around the Sam Houston State University clock tower.

The placement of the flags took place on Monday afternoon in an effort to help the Sam community remember the attacks that occurred seventeen years ago.

Project founder and Honors College Ambassador President Kayla McCarns planned and organized the project in its entirety.

“It is important to remember [9/11] while we experience the environment in which the country currently finds itself,” McCarns said.

She began working on the 9/11

Remembrance Project last semester. She shared her idea with her co-workers and supervisors at the Honors College office where she found the resources, funding and support she needed to make the project a reality.

Many noticed the project well before it was complete. Almost immediately after the service project began, SHSU’s Alumni Association went live on Facebook and shared the project with over 3,500 people. In this video, volunteers can be seen actively working together to measure

the distance between flags before planting them. The list of volunteers included Honors students, Honors Deans, Honors Ambassadors and Terry Scholars.

“Though the service project itself seems rather simple, the planning and permissions behind it were tedious to complete,” McCarns said. “I am grateful for the contributions made by every individual who helped.”

McCarns’ requests to execute this project on university grounds went through many

departments including Facilities Management, Student Activities, Student Affairs and, finally, the President’s Office. The completion of the service project was a community effort led by the Honors College.

Like McCarns stated, in today’s environment it is important to be aware of the community around us. This 9/11 Remembrance Project is a physical demonstration of the united community present here at Sam Houston State University.

National Preparedness Month 2018 The theme of the fourth week is save for an emergency; it is important to have some money easily accessible.

For more information visit ready.gov.

BY JAKE BLOOMER Contributing Reporter September is National Preparedness Month, and each week there is a different theme. The first week is Make and Practice Your Plan.

It is important to ensure that you are prepared in case there is an emergency. Last week, Hurricane Florence made landfall on the east coast. This serves as a reminder to stay informed and prepared.

An emergency event can occur at any time. It includes, but is not limited to, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and wildfires.

These events can occur at any

time— sometimes unexpectedly.

Every home should have an emergency preparedness kit with inexpensive and essential items that you should have prepared and ready to go in a moment’s notice.

According to Ready.gov, these items can include water, nonperishable food, a can opener, flashlights, batteries, extra phone chargers, medicine, pet supplies and diapers.

It is also important to establish a safe meet-up destination for family members to go to when an emergency occurs so they know you are okay. Plans should be created and practiced to ensure that everyone knows

what to do in an emergency situation.

The theme of the second week is learn life-saving skills, which include Take Ten, Stop the Bleed or attend a CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) class. This would allow people to learn skills that may be essential to saving others that find themselves in dire situations.

The theme of the third week is to check your coverage. It is important to review what your insurance policies cover. Ready. gov will explain the importance of flood insurance and it will also let you know how to document your property.

/HoustonianSHSU @HoustonianNews @houstoniannews

BURN BABY BURN. Walker County Judge Danny Pierce recently informed residents that the burn ban in Walker County has been lifted. There has been steady rain recently in the Walker County area, contributing to the decision.

The Houstonian | bit.ly/HoustonianAandE | Monday, September 17, 2018

Page 4

arts & entertainment

Floyd Arnaud Spices up Huntsville Claim

BY TYLER JOSEFSEN Editor-in-Chief If you’ve visited Arnaud’s Cajun Kitchen on Montgomery Avenue, you likely saw owner Floyd Arnaud and his wife Brittany hard at work.

It shouldn’t surprise anyone that Floyd was raised in Louisiana. His Cajun roots are as much a part of him as his work ethic and dedication to his company are. He grew up middle-class with an older brother that tortured him just like most sibling relationships. His family was vested in basketball, and Floyd always had ambitions of playing in college.

On the surface, it seems like the man behind the window of the food truck serving shrimp and corn had a pretty average childhood. Perhaps he did, at

least until his father passed away during Floyd’s senior year of high school.

“I finished out high school just kind of in a daze dealing with that loss,” Arnaud said. “When I graduated [in 1986], it was kind of a transition. ‘What do I do now?’”

The answer, like most people after high school, was college.

“I went to LSU for a semester,” Arnaud said. “But I didn’t really learn anything there other than drinking and getting high.

I tried on my own several different ways to get that lifestyle under control, but it spiraled way out. I lived in a life of addiction for 12 or 13 years.”

Floyd credits 2002 as the year he was “radically saved.” He worked as a paramedic for about five years and was part of a faith-based ministry program for just over a decade.

“I feel in love with the Lord,” Arnaud said. “I committed my life to saving other people. I started [a ministry] of my own in 2005, and grew that up until 2012. That’s when my wife and I moved to [Texas]. We were both kind of in between careers.

We prayed, and one way or another, were led to start this trailer.”

This is Arnaud’s Cajun Kitchen’s fourth season in Huntsville.

“We didn’t know Huntsville was what it is,” Arnaud said.

“We didn’t know the whole college town, jail systems feel.

We didn’t know the variety of backgrounds of the people here.

It’s a small town, but it’s also a big town. We really enjoy that.”

Floyd said his wife Brittany puts out some applications and explores other options at the end of each crawfish season, but always ends up back at their food truck. He credits her for so much of their success, saying she is over qualified to run a food truck but also admiring what she does for him and their company.

“I told her this past season, ‘Baby, you know what the difference is between our kitchen and anybody else’s kitchen?’” Arnaud said. “The way that we serve, the way that we care. This is not just a little food trailer to us. It’s an opportunity to serve people and bless people.”

Arnaud’s food truck began as

a single establishment, but since its inception other food trucks have set up on their property.

There is a vision of turning a couple of food trucks into an entire food court.

“We want to put an awning over this whole thing and give it a semi-closed-in feeling,” Arnaud said. “We’ll expand the food trailers and build a play area

Mario Kart Races into Kat Klub Sam Houston State University’s Recreational Sports department held an Intramural Mario Kart tournament on Sept. 12 at the Lowman Student Center Kat Klub.

Students competed on the Nintendo Wii. Students could pre-register or do so on site.

About 20 students competed.

As digital gaming becomes more popular, people start to respect the games in the same way as physical games.

The players chose from the

characters in the game and race around a track on either a bike or kart. The objective is to be the first one finished.

“Digital games have more visuals and more features and use emotion to pull at the heart strings,” student Destiny Whitaker said. “Digital games have a concept and a plot almost like a movie.”

Freshman Terrance Stafford was excited to compete.

“There is actually competition which is the reason I came,” Stafford said. “I don’t get to be competitive anywhere else so this is my one chance.”

Mario Kart is a widely popular game and many of the students who came felt nostalgic and were excited to try it on a different platform.

“I usually play it on the N64 and I wanted to try it out on the Wii,” student Connor Carlton said.

The participants were divided into groups and the winner of each group would then move on to the next round. After about eight rounds it came down to the final two and they competed in three total rounds and who ever won twice was the winner of the tournament.

BY CIARA PLUMMER Contributing Reporter

The 2019 Miss Sam Houston Scholarship Pageant informational will take place on Sept. 17 in the Lowman Student Center, room 304, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

The meeting will inform possible Arnaud’s Cajun Kitchen candidates about the application process, the requirements to be Miss Sam Houston, and what for kids in the back. Brittany contestants can expect while said ‘Wouldn’t it be cool to have competing this February. some food trailers and a food The Miss Sam Houston court and a place for people to Pageant dates all the way back hang out?’” to 1949 when it was referred to Floyd and Brittany will as the “Bathing Beauty Review”. continue to follow this dream Back then, the winner would until they are steered in another win items like clothes, jewelry, direction. For now, though, Arn- flowers and the title of “Miss aud’s food truck is alive and well. Bathing Beauty”.

It is not just the love of Cajun cooking, though, that keeps them going.

“For us, it’s the people,” Arnaud said. “It’s the people we’ve met. It’s the stories we’ve heard.

I believe that’s what motivates us the most.”

Arnaud’s Cajun Kitchen SHRIMPLY LIVING LIFE! Floyd Arnaud and his wife Brittany have owned Arnaud’s Cajun Kitchen in Huntsville for four years.

BY ABBY BLANSETT Contributing Reporter

the Crown

SHSU freshman Dylen Kelly won the tournament and a SHSU Rec. Sports T-shirt. He was confident from the start and especially before the final round.

“Of course I’m going to win,” Kelly said.

There will be more events held at the Kat Klub where students will be able to compete in other video game tournaments.

Rec. Sports staff member Patrick Haten thinks it is important for students to come together.

“It helps them learn that they have common interest.” Haten said.

Caroline Belvin Literary Society originally hosted the pageant before the members were initiated in 1959 to the sorority Alpha Delta Pi, who then changed the winning title to “Miss Sam Houston”. The pageant continued on for many years until it took a hiatus in the 1980’s and returned in 2011 crowing its first queen in almost 30 years.

“The pageant itself is a scholarship, so the girls that win go on to compete in Miss Texas, Miss Piney Woods, and they win a scholarship,” said Student Pageant Director Andrea James.

“Miss Sam Houston gets a one semester meal plan as well as a cash scholarship. This year’s contestants can also expect a change in the competitions categories.”

The Miss Sam Houston Pageant has taken away the swimsuit portion of the competition so that the judges and audience can get to know more about the girl.

“We’re going to have an onstage interview now…so we can get to know more about who the girl is and her platform and what she stands for,” James said.

Ms. James says that Program Council is looking for girls who are responsible, show leadership and are positive role models within their community.

/HoustonianSHSU @HoustonianNews

American Vandal Review: Who Drew the Dicks?

BY NOAH DAVIS Contributing Reporter We all spend tons of time on Netflix, but you’re probably not even watching one of their best shows— “American Vandal.” It has drama, tasteful male-genitalia jokes and its second season premiered Sept. 14.

What more do you need?

“American Vandal” has whatever else you’re looking for.

Presented as a mockumentary and true crime satire, the show opens by interviewing a Hanover High School student, Dylan Maxwell (played by Jimmy Tatro), who has been accused of tagging faculty members’ cars with male phallic symbols. This crime sparks the question the show follows: “Who drew the dicks?”

Students Peter Maldonado (Tyler Alvarez) and Sam

Ecklund (Griffin Gluck) began investigating and documenting the journey, turning it into the show.

The premise sounds funny, and certainly is, but it’s so wellcrafted that it’s easy to forget it’s a comedy and become invested in the crime narrative. A show has never been so creative with a true crime/mockumentary format. “American Vandal” is “created by” Maldonado and Ecklund’s characters, so it truly feels as if high schoolers made it. Not in terms of quality, but in the way they approach investigating.

In the second episode, the duo attempts to piece together a timeline for where people were during a party by using the timestamps on Snapchat stories.

Suspects’ text messages are critiqued down to the number of letters in the word “hey” because “everyone in history has always

known that when you type ‘hey’ with two “Y”s it means you wanna…” … you know the rest.

We’ve all been there, staring at a one-word response from someone we’re interested in and intensely trying to understand how it reveals said person’s re-

ciprocated longing to be with us.

“American Vandal” takes millennial tendencies and our use of social media and manages to accurately portray them in a way few shows or movies have.

This creativity stems from the writer’s room and director/cocreator, Tony Yacenda.

Attention to small details like episode titles make the show even better. ”A Limp Alibi,” “Premature Theories” and “Growing Suspicion” are a few of the episode names. The show won a Peabody Award and is currently (and deservedly) nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series category. “American Vandal’s” premise is hilarious, but initial shock only goes so far.

Luckily, the initial shock is only the ‘tip’ of the iceberg… no pun intended.

This review would be incomplete without acknowledging a cast standout. Dylan Maxwell (Jimmy Tatro) is an icon for high school pranksters. He begins as a dumb, flawed character but slowly becomes a sympathetic one to root for. Most of the

show’s biggest laugh-out-loud moments come from Tatro’s comedic timing and fantastic delivery in his ‘stoner skater boy’ voice. Season two follows a new mystery at another school, so it will be a Dylan-less season, but I have complete trust that the writers will deliver a phenomenal story to compensate.

It would’ve been easy for “American Vandal” to simply be a dragged out joke, but it manages to excel in every way. It becomes an engaging story with funny, well-developed characters and a scarily-accurate depiction of high school and millennial culture. While this show is an easy binge and very funny, don’t underestimate the complexity of it. The first season is only eight half-hour episodes. Once you finish the season, you’ll wish it was longer, but we all know size doesn’t matter.

The Houstonian | bit.ly/HoustonianOpinions | Monday, September 17, 2018

Page 5

Opinions

Serena Williams & Inequality in Sports

BY GABE MYERS Contributing Writer Serena Williams made headlines this weekend at the U.S. Open, and this time it wasn’t for winning the title. Saturday evening Williams faced off against Naomi Osaka in the U.S. Open final that ended with some controversy to say the least.

Williams was penalized one point and one game in the second set, which Williams ended up losing six to four. The penalties were a result of a second and third code violation. Williams was visibly upset during the match and verbalized her

frustrations with chair umpire.

Williams was issued a warning because her coach allegedly signaled to her during the match.

She was then given a second violation, worth a point, for throwing her racket down and breaking it in frustration. The third and final violation, which really sent Williams over the edge, was for calling the umpire a thief, and she was penalized a full game— eventually leading to her loss.

I am here to defend Serena Williams. I am not saying that she was right for breaking her racket or calling the umpire a thief, but male players consistently do worse without being penalized. Williams being penalized for breaking a racket is laughable. Male players do this regularly in major tournaments when they’re frustrated and don’t get penalized. I’m not here to say that you should allow tennis players to violently slam down their rackets, but if a male

player does not get punished for it, why should Williams?

This is one of tennis’s biggest stages, and she is one of the greatest to ever take the court.

Getting penalized a full game for calling an umpire a thief is just a horrible occurrence. As an umpire you don’t want to be verbally attacked, but in that moment, on that stage, you have to let it go. The penalty of a full game was punitive. Once again, it was an instance where male players don’t get penalized for saying that (or far worse things) to an umpire, but she does. Legendary male tennis player John McEnroe made a career out of saying vulgar things to umpires and is celebrated for it. Williams does it once and is ridiculously criticized and penalized, perhaps because she is a woman.

Williams is arguably the game’s greatest and most dominant (female) player ever. Men’s tennis often takes a backseat to

women’s tennis in this era because of her. The highest rated U.S. Open match of all time was a matchup of Serena and Venus Williams in the 2015 quarterfinals.

She is the sport’s best athlete, but because she is a woman she is not allowed to have frustrations on the court? Or voice her opinion to the ref ? I’m fine if tennis wants to say that those two things are penalties, but if they are, then penalize both men and women for it. Don’t just penalize Williams, and don’t do it on the game’s biggest stage. What I watched happen to her was just wrong. Williams said in the post-match press conference that the umpire was being sexist, and she’s right. There is no way a man would’ve been penalized a whole game for calling him a thief. This is an incredible disservice to the best tennis player we’ve ever seen.

Why This Country Could Crumble

BY SHARON RAISSI Associate Editor In a 2009 article for the Minnesota Law Review, Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh wrote, “I believe that the President should be excused from some of the burdens of ordinary citizenship while serving in office. We should not burden a sitting president with civil suits, criminal investigations, or criminal prosecutions.”

Later, in the same article, Ka-

vanaugh did clarify his knowledge of the law, stating, “If the President does something dastardly, the impeachment process is available.”

While, technically, Kavanaugh has not made an assessment on the constitutionality of indictment of a sitting president, he has clearly and unabashedly expressed his opinions on the matter, which should be concerning for a number of reasons.

In the wake of the investigation led by former FBI Director Robert Mueller, Kavanaugh’s stance on the investigation and, ultimately, the evidence or lack of evidence that comes out of it, could be the deciding factor on if the president is or is not above the law.

If the people, the press or even the Supreme Court cannot hold our leaders and lawmakers accountable, then the very foun-

is not holding him down under “the burdens of ordinary citizenship,” it is holding the highest office in government to the same standards the rest of us abide by.

It is a question of transparency versus secrecy. It is keeping your

dation this country was built upon will start to crumble. Our country was founded on the idea of questioning and, if it’s right, even overturning authority.

Holding the president accountable for things he’s done

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card deck above the table, even if it’s close to the chest.

During his hearing, Kavanaugh stressed that he has made it clear that his only loyalty is to the constitution and that he is “an independent judge.”

The Houstonian | bit.ly/HuntsvilleSports | Monday, September 17, 2018

Page 6

SPORTS

Hornets Swarm Local Gridiron

SHSU Women’s Sports Update

SHSU Athletics

Women’s Golf

Bearkats Bring Home the Beef

Austin Kainer

HornetNation.org

BY JORDAN SMITH Sports Editor Despite losing their sting a little bit with their first loss of the season against College Station High School, the Huntsville High School Hornets are business as usual for the No. 71 ranked team in the state with a 2-1 record heading into district play.

In the first three weeks of the 2018 season, junior quarterback Matthew Southern has led the charge with 695 yards through the air on 66-for-112 passing, four touchdowns and two interceptions.

During the three matchups against College Station, Willis High School and Port NechesGroves, the Hornets have rushed for 542 yards, led by senior running back Jaeryne Green and junior running back Cameron Myers.

Not only has the offense stepped up in a big way, but the defense has shown their might against opponents this season. The Hornets defense has

snatched three interceptions on the season so far and one fumble recovery heading into district play.

Two players that have stepped up for the guys in green are sophomore line-backer Jordan Brown and junior defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat. In the Hornets’ win against Port Neches-Groves, Brown and Sweat combined for 16 tackles and two sacks on the night, one of which caused a fumble.

Hornets head coach Rodney Southern told the Huntsville Item about the scheduling benefit for their team.

“That open week is coming at a good time,” Southern said. “We need to get on some grades and do some housekeeping. But, getting three days on a head start on A&M [Consolidated] because they can’t focus on us [as] they’ve got a game. Hopefully, that will be to our advantage.”

The Hornets will start their 10-5A Division II schedule when they head down SH-30 to take on A&M Consolidated High School at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28.

BY KACIE GING Contributing Reporter The Sam Houston State University Beef Cattle Show Team left their mark at the West Texas Fair last Monday. The team won the Herdsman Award, as well as second, third and fifth place awards for each of their show calves.

The SHSU Beef Cattle Show Team is an organization that raises and exhibits Angus cattle that are provided by Gibbs Ranch. The team exhibited three of its Angus cattle under the judge Ryan Cummins Monday morning at 9 a.m. in Abilene.

“It’s a great way to represent Sam Houston while being able to continue our show careers in the beef cattle industry,” team cocaptain Johnna Williams said.

The traveling team consisted of Williams and co-captain Celeste Crawford and members Kacie Ging, Torie Parsons and Macey Bunch. When they first arrived, they began show preparations that included setting up the team display and washing and grooming the animals. On the morning of the show, the calves were groomed again and prepared for their moment in the ring.

“I’m very proud of our team and how well we worked together to get the cattle ready for the show and representing SHSU,” Crawford said.

The three heifers brought by the team were SH Fancy Ruby, SH Barbara Ann and SH Es-

trella. SH Fancy Ruby exhibited

by Crawford received fifth place in her class. SH Barbara Ann exhibited by Williams received third place in her class, and SH Estrella exhibited by Ging received second place in her class.

“For being their first show of the season, they acted well-prepared and exhibited how any champion heifer should,” Williams said.

The big surprise came at the end of the show when the announcement was made that SHSU won the Herdsman Award—given to exhibitors who maintain a clean stall area and engage the public in their project.

“I really enjoyed bonding with the new members, networking with other breeders, and creating long-lasting relationships,” Williams said.

The team travels to shows all over the state of Texas, and even out of state to Louisiana. Every evening the team meets at Gibbs Ranch to practice working with the cattle to prepare them for shows.

“We love what we do,” Crawford said. “It’s our passion, and we will always work hard and push ourselves to succeed in the show ring.”

Past Results: -2nd place at ORU Lady Maxwell (+32) -3rd place at Hobble Creek Fall Classic (+38) Top team finish: - 2nd place at ORU Lady Maxwell (+32) Best Indiv. performance: -2nd place finish at Hobble Creek Junior Hannah Alberto (-2) -1st place finish at ORU Lady Maxwell Senior Jenna Phillips (+1) Upcoming tournaments: -Oct. 1 - 2: SHSU Bearkat Women’s Invitational at High Meadow Ranch G.C. -Oct. 15 - 16: Pat Lesser Harbottle Invite at Tacoma C.C.

SHSU Athletics

Soccer Past Results: - 4-1 loss @ Tulsa - 2-1 loss in OT @ University of Houston - 1-0 loss vs. Little Rock - 5-0 loss @ Central Arkansas Upcoming tournaments: -Friday, Sept. 21 @ TAMUCC -Sunday, Sept. 23 @ HBU -Friday, Sept. 28 vs. Lamar

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Volleyball Past Results: - 2-1 finish at Sam Houston State Tournament - 1-2 finish at Louisiana Tournament - 2-1 finish at Georgia State Tournament - 3-0 finish at UT Arlington Tournament Upcoming tournaments: -Thur, Sept. 20 vs. McNeese -Sat, Sept. 22 vs. Lamar -Thur, Sept. 27 @ Incarnate World