Monday, February 3, 2020
The Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University
Students Dedicated to Professional Journalism Volume 132 | Issue 2
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Hoyt Kicks off Kat Talks with ‘All In’ Presentation
Kat Talks, SHSU’s play on the popular Ted Talks, launched Thursday with a presentation from the university president. BY ADRIANNE REECE Contributing Reporter Striving to prosper in your specific field while absorbing inspiration from multiple resources can be a rewarding yet difficult task. This semester, the Academic Success Center worked to build a foundation that will help inspire and elevate fellow students and faculty through Kat Talks. Kat Talks, a Bearkat play on Ted Talks, encourages conversations about reaching personal and academic goals and redefining what success means to each individual. Sam Houston State University president Dana Hoyt gave the first talk last Thursday, basing her entire presentation around the theme “being all in, every day.” In a 20 to 30-minute Ted Talk formatted presentation, Hoyt released memorable gems and personal stories regarding maintaining focus while striving down a journey of success. From her recalling working a full-time job at a horse ranch while she attended college to
how her attentive and ambitious traits helped silhouette her to be the leader she is today, her speech solidified that being all in with zero distractions can help you become the leader of your own universe. Though Hoyt intertwined quotes from figures such as Warren Buffet and Bill Gates to tie into the theme, her own words held a powerful impact that helped see and visualize perspective. “The idea of no action is not an option,” Hoyt said. “You’re all in every day. Why? Because if you’re all in everyday, you want to continue to make progress all the time.” Even with the Q&A session, audiences poured a small amount of their journeys into their questions for Hoyt, creating an engaging atmosphere on self-care, balancing school and work, how to maintain an all in mindset while working with others and many more. If you are interested in coming to a Kat Talk, the following Bearkat speakers will be presenting and implementing more inspiration in the Orange Ball-
Photo courtesy of the Academic Success Center MADAM PRESIDENT. In her presentation, President Dana Hoyt talked about her beginnings working at a horse ranch while in college, and stressed the importance of ambition and being “all in everyday.”
room in the Lowman Student Center throughout the semester: Peter Roussel Feb. 24 at 2 p.m., Victoria White March 17 at 2 p.m. and Drew Miller April 27 at 2 p.m. For more information, contact the Academic Success Center at 936-294-3680 or at asc@shsu. edu.
What’s the news? Campus News
Learn how Texas House Bill 1888 could stir things up for student voters. p. 2
Arts & Entertainment Read exclusive interviews with some of the Miss Sam Houston contestants before the pageant.
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The Houstonian | bit.ly/SHSUCampusNews | Monday, February 3, 2020
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campus news
Suicide Awareness Speaker Comes to SHSU BY MASON STORRS Assistant EIC/Campus News Editor Elevate, Student Affairs and the Provost’s office will welcome suicide prevention speaker, world-renowned mental health advocate and author Kevin Hines to the Lowman Student Center Orange Ballroom on Feb. 12 at 2 p.m. At the age of 19 Hines attempted suicide by jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge. He survived the jump and was given a second chance that less than 1% of people have been given. Director of the Student Health Center Erica Bumpurs said the significance of Hines’ story is its multiple emotional components. “It is real,” Bumpurs said. “It is tragic and magnificent at the same time. He delivers it in a way that is beyond memorable. He truly wants to help others that is his dedicated mission in life.” Hines directed a popular documentary that tells his story called “Suicide: The Ripple Effect.” Sam Houston State University held a screening of the documentary last fall, but Bumpurs said that was just the beginning. “We were happy with the attendance of the screening but that was just a drop in the bucket,” Bumpurs said. “To hear from him in person is an experience that will have a lasting impact. I want the room to be full and overflowing.” Hines travels the world spreading positivity by sharing his experiences and holding motivational speaking events. Bumpurs said she hopes that the event inspires the campus
New House Bill Complicates Voting Process for Students BY TERESA STUREK Contributing Reporter
Photo courtesy of kevinhinesstory.com
and community to feel more comfortable discussing mental health. “[I hope attendees gain] multiple things,” Bumpurs said. “A comfort level with the topic that moves us towards reaching out to those that need help, a personal impact to notice when others might need help and an effect of reduced suicidal ideations, suicide attempts and other harmful behaviors that we can provide intervention for.” Hines’ motto is #BeHereTomorrow, a message that he shares through his unlikely story of survival. Bumpurs said that suicide is a major topic on campus. “Specific to SHSU what I can share is that suicide attempts are a prevalent discussion in our Students of Concern committee and in 2018-2019, our campus did experience the tragedy of students that committed suicide,” Bumpurs said. “We want to make a difference in this.” The event is free for SHSU students, faculty and staff. For more information contact elevate@shsu.edu.
A record high of 16 million Texans have registered to vote. However, while the number of voters has gone up the number of locations for them to vote at has gone down. On Sept. 1, Texas House Bill 1888 went into effect. The bill requires temporary polling branches such as those on college and university campuses to remain open the same hours as other early voting boxes. These temporary locations typically offer one or two days of early voting in places where it is not practical or cost-efficient to maintain a site open for the entire 12 days of early voting. The bill was passed as an effort to control what some lawmakers consider “rolling polling.” Supporters of the bill
say it can be used to tip the scale in favor of one side by frequently rotating early voting sites to target specific voters. Critics of HB 1888 say many counties cannot afford to make the temporary sites permanent. In the last legislative session, Republican lawmaker Greg Bonnen pushed the law as a solution to prevent what he noticed as abuse in past school bond elections. “Some subdivisions of the state have abused this flexibility and targeted desirable voting populations at the exclusion of others,” Bonnen said. The Texas Democratic Party and the Democratic Congressional Campaign have filed a lawsuit against the state because they believe that the law has the potential to lower voter turnout. Supporters of the lawsuit feel the law reduces access to polling places for those who live or work at a college or university.
Photo courtesy of The Paris News CONTROLLING ROLLING POLLING. Republican Lawmaker Greg Bonnen authored House Bill 1888, which stiffens requirements for temporary branch polling places. This could ultimately lessen voter turnout.
Between the 2014 and 2018 midterm elections, voter turnout among young people increased 234%, according to the Texas Secretary of State’s office. Tarrant County has allocated money to keep early voting sites at Texas Christian University, the University of Texas at Arlington, Texas Wesleyan, the University of North Texas Health Science Center, the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Tarrant County College’s Northwest, South and Northeast campuses, according to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Sam Houston State University Student Body President Amanda Lee said that HB 1888 clearly affects college students today. “As a student on a college campus I feel that mobile early voting sites are a great addition to any campus because some college students feel overwhelmed going to a polling station and this is a great way to make sure students are guaranteed their right to vote,” Lee said. As both a student and the student body president, Lee feels strongly about young people’s voting rights. “It would be a shame to get rid of a way for a student to exercise their 26th Amendment right to vote,” Lee said. She said that to keep students aware of their rights, the Student Government Association and higher education administrators are planning an upcoming voter’s transparency campaign. The last day to register to vote in the March 3 presidential primary is Feb. 3. Early voting is held from Feb. 16 – Feb. 27.
The Houstonian | bit.ly/SHSUCampusNews | Monday, February 3, 2020
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campus news
A Display of Diversity through Art at LSC Event BY DANIELLE GARZA Contributing Reporter The Center for Diversity & Intercultural Affairs is presenting “Diversity through Art” on Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 5-7 p.m. in Lowman Student Center room 241. The event will give Sam Houston State University students a chance to express their perspective on diversity. The “Diversity through Art” program was a program proposal created and approved by the Diversity Council. The Diversity Council is an eight-student programming board that is charged with diversity programming for the institution.
“The program is a hands-on painting experience of their choice of art that represents diversity,” Coordinator of the Center for Diversity & Intercultural Affairs Edwin Cantu said. “There is a potential partnership with an art organization, but the details are currently still being figured out.” Each member on the Diversity Council has the opportunity to develop and chair a program. The chair of this event is Marketing Director of the Diversity Council Tiana Hale. While all the details for the upcoming program are still being sorted out, Cantu said he hopes that this program will let students get to express what
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diversity means to them while getting a chance to meet new people. “All students are welcome to come and participate in the painting,” Cantu said. “It is our hope that through the experience of painting their art pieces that students get to engage with the theme of their artwork deeply and enrich their understanding of diversity.” For more information, contact the Lowman Student Center or visit the Center for Diversity & Intercultural Affairs. The office is currently located on the ground floor of the LSC next to the bookstore.
Photo courtesy of NICE CELEBRATING OUR DIFFERENCES. The “Diversity through Art” event will give students a creative outlet for self-expression. The event is scheduled for Feb. 11 in the Lowman Student Center.
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LSC EXPANSION, 2nd floor
LSC EXPANSION, 2nd floor
LSC EXPANSION, 2nd floor
LSC EXPANSION, 2nd floor
SHSU WOODLANDS, Lobby next to elevator
The Houstonian | bit.ly/HuntsvilleNews | Monday, February 3, 2020
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community news
CDC Warns of Widespread Flu Activity
BY AMANDA J. RAASKA
Community News Editor With strains of the flu already circulating, health organizations are warning of a particularly severe flu season. 49 states and Puerto Rico are already experiencing widespread flu activity according to the Center of Disease Control and Prevention.
“There is no good flu season, just different degrees of bad based on what flu viruses are circulating and how well the flu vaccine is protecting [people],” lead of CDC’s Domestic Influenza Surveillance team Lynnette Brammer said. The season started last year with A and B strains of the flu appearing throughout the south from Texas to Georgia as early as late September 2019. Since then, the CDC reports say there has been 19-26 million flu illnesses. In that same time frame, CDC estimates that there have been between 10,000 and 25,000
flu deaths. Flu activity has increased in the last two weeks but indicators of severity level are not yet considered to be high. Houston area reports say that between Sept. 29 and Jan. 29, there were 205 pneumonia and influenza deaths in the area. Texas Department of State Health Services released a report stating the flu activity throughout the counties for Jan. 25. Walker County was shown to use Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Tests to prove if cases are positive as early as possible. The county has positive cases that could be either A or B strains. The
CDC did answer if the recent vaccines on the market protect against every strain of flu viruses that is known. The vaccines on the market can protect against the A/H1 strain, but there does show to be a reduced protect to the B Victoria strain. “A flu shot provides an added layer of protection and to me that is a huge reason to get vaccinated each year,” Brammer said. Even if the vaccines on
the market are weaker to some strains, experts still say that the best way to protect the community’s health is to get vaccinated at your local drug store or doctor.
PROTECT YOURSELF. Flu season has been in swing since last September. Experts say that the best way to defend yourself against the flu is through vaccinations.
The Houstonian | bit.ly/HuntsvilleNews | Monday, February 3, 2020
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community news
Plans for Presidents Park Bring History to Huntsville BY DOMINIQUE STANFORD Contributing Reporter With Sam Houston’s statue standing tall at the entrance of Huntsville, the city is preparing to have more historical figures be honored with the Presidents Park. The park is expected to bring a lot of tourist attraction to the city with the location next to the H.E.A.R.T.S Veterans Museum. “The land is available and it was a great way to showcase the commander-in-chief, the president’s role in the military and his role in the history of the United States,” museum Executive Director Tara Burnett said. David Adickes is the artist
who created the presidents’ busts and other art pieces that grace the town of Huntsville. Adickes created presidential busts for two different parks in South Dakota and Virginia that have since closed down. “It’s going to be a national tourist attraction,” Burnett said. “It is one-of-a-kind being that there is nothing else like it in the United States. It will greatly increase the tourism in Huntsville.” The first phase of completing the Presidents Park will begin in the next 85 days. This includes transporting the presidential busts from Adickes’s studio in Houston to Huntsville. The museum has not set a completion day for the project.
Photo courtesy of KBTX-TV PARKS AND REPRESENTATION. David Adickes, the man behind the 67-foot tall statue of Sam Houston on Interstate 45, is making plans to bring his presidential busts to Huntsville.
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The Houstonian | bit.ly/HoustonianAandE | Monday, February 3, 2020
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Arts & entertainment
M i
Pageant Contestants
20
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ouston H m a 20 S s Exclusive Interviews with
All contestants were contacted, not all responded to interview requests. “My social impact initiative is ‘Treating "My social impact initiative is ‘Sexual AsMental Illness from Within.’ Someone close sault Survivor Support.’ Many don’t think to me has struggled day-to-day with depresthey are valuable after trauma, so I want to sion and anxiety and you just never know be a role model for those I counsel.” what they're feeling because it's all trapped on the inside. I want to let people know it’s OK to talk about it and someone can help them.”
When asked about their social impact, here is how the contestants answered..
Madyson Smith Miss Delta Tau Delta Freshman
“My social impact initiative is ‘Social Reasonability in the Fashion Industry.’ Clothes get thrown away in other countries thus polluting their water supply and causing diseases. Workers are locked in sweatshops working long hours with no breaks. I want to bring awareness to this. It has been something I've been advocating for two and a half years.”
“My social impact initiative is ‘Coins for Cats and Dogs.’ This is in support of animal shelters and raising money for pets because many are nonprofit, meaning these shelters rely on donations from the community.”
Corie Matura Miss Fashion Merchandising Club Senior
Amanda Anca Miss Sigma Phi Epsilon Junior
"My social impact initiative is ‘Domestic Violence Awareness,’ something I stand for very strongly. I feel like running in this pageant will help give organizations like this more attention."
Katelynn Trout Miss Alpha Chi Omega Sophomore
Katherine Bronikowski Miss Horsemen’s Association Junior
TaTuCara Miles Miss All for Queens Sophomore “My social impact initiative is ‘Global Health Disparities,’ which is to bring awareness to those in third world countries who don’t receive the same quality of healthcare we have.”
“My social impact initiative is ‘Family is Where You Are.’ My first couple of weeks here were very lonely because I left my entire support system. I didn’t know anyone coming in, and I knew I couldn't be the only one feeling this way, so I want to help students ease into that transition. Everyone talks about the academic transition, but not the emotional transition. I want to help them with that.” Kameryn Ridgeway Miss Student Alumni Association Freshman
The Houstonian | bit.ly/HoustonianAandE | Monday, February 3, 2020
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Arts & entertainment
Black Hair-story Through the Ages Jersey Boys and Girls: Alumna Goes on Tour BY KRYSTA NERO Contributing Reporter
The Past In the past, African styles were based heavily on the tribe a person descended from. Many styles stood for societal distinctions that symbolized marital status, age, religion, wealth, ethnic identity and community ranking. In some tribes, the length of hair was related to carnal integrity and it was assumed that longer hair meant loose sexual morals. In other tribes, long hair could be related to insanity. However, it was widely suggested that any hair must maintain upkeep despite its length. The rise of slavery had an enormous effect on African hair— specifically the West African Tribes who were the most affected by institutionalized slavery. Slaves were forced to cut their hair and were stripped of any accessories that held cultural significance. Any distinction between the African tribes no
longer existed. After losing these items, they had to adopt a new way to care for their hair. Slaves often used household items such as bacon fat, kerosene and butter to help maintain their hair. Nonetheless, African women continued in efforts to protect their hair by braiding it back into cornrows or protective styles. In doing so, their hair remained protected from the harsh rays of the sun while they endlessly worked in the field. “Good Hair” vs. “Bad Hair” It did not take long for society to decide that straight hair was socially acceptable compared to that of African women. Over the years, black women would go from loving their natural hair to trying to figure out how to achieve the silk-like strands of others— thus the wider usage of the hot comb in the 1920s. The tool made it possible for black women to achieve a straight look, but it was not an easy process. A search began for an easier way for women to replicate
the straight style without the use of a hot comb. Black women began using harsh chemicals like relaxers to achieve permanently straight hair and while there were still some who wanted to keep their curls, the idea did not last long. The Return Back Home Today, women of color have the ability to experiment with braids, sew-ins, wigs, relaxers, locs, dreads and everything in between. Black hair is versatile and women are able to express personalities in whichever way they feel. The evolution of black hair does not only result in healthy hair, but also helped change the way society viewed hair. By reverting to African roots, not only is it an honor to ancestors, but it reclaims the beauty that black women possess.
“ From the tips of our toes to the roots of our hair, we are beautifully black.”
BY RACHAEL VARNER Contributing Reporter "Jersey Boys" is a musical biography of Frankie Valli and his 1960’s rock group, The Four Seasons. This documentary-style production recounts the success and challenges of the band both in and out of the spotlight. Connor Lyon, graduate of Sam Houston State University with a B.F.A. in Musical Theatre, landed the roles of Lorraine and others in the musical's 2019-2020 tour. "It was so crazy because I actually had a dream about three weeks after the full audition process that I got the part of Lorraine," Lyon said. "I woke up the very next morning to an email that said I got it!" The character of Lorraine was abnormal in the context of the play and the era in which it is set. As an independent, intelligent and educated woman, a reporter and one of the few characters not originally from Jersey, she always knew what she wanted and went after it. While she may not have been looking for love, finding it along the way only made life that much sweeter. Lyon saw a lot of Lorraine in herself already, yet she considered herself lucky to have role models in her life that she could draw upon to convey Lorraine’s character. “My mom has been in business since the ‘80s, climbing the ranks until she became president of the company,” Lyon said. “I thought I would try to channel her, stand my ground like she did, fighting
Photo courtesy of connorlyon.com
to be a woman in a man’s world.” Having started singing at six years old, Lyon always knew she would one day be a performer, but she did not know what kind until her first trip to New York City at 13 years old. The vibrant energy and culture of Broadway sparked her drive to be a part of something bigger than herself. Since then, she has dedicated her life to her craft. After graduating from the B.F.A. program, she moved to New York to snag the best job opportunities available. Although she regretted moving so far away from her family, she believes her sacrifices have been worth it. Lyon has been on tour since October 2019, stopping in 20 states plus Canada and Mexico. “Making a living singing and dancing, I kind of feel like I never go to work,” Lyon said. “It’s a dream come true.” “Jersey Boys” will be at The Hobby Center in Houston from Feb. 7-9.
The Houstonian | bit.ly/HoustonianOpinions | Monday, February 3, 2020
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Opinions
Do Not Touch: Hair As An Expression of Identity FATIMA HUERTA Contributing Writer
Hair is part of a person’s identity. It reflects cultural pride, self-respect and beauty. Industries, schools and workplaces have interfered with people’s choice of hairstyles, claiming that certain ones go against their dress code policy. Schools throughout the nation have been calling out students for their hairstyles. Some schools’ district policies do not allow males to wear their hair in a style that extends past the collarbone, earlobes and eyes when let down. This type of policy is viewed as the school districts
shaming males, but glorifying women for having long hair. Although a hairstyle is not a verbal form of communication, some courts have come to accept the fact that non-verbal communication is still protected by the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. On the other hand, the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals has dismissed such claims. For they perceive “grooming regulations to be reasonable means of furthering the school board’s undeniable interest in teaching hygiene, instilling discipline, assert-
ing authority, and compelling uniformity.” It is possible for hair to be altered by cutting, straightening or
dying it. A person’s hair length or style should not be ridiculed for interfering with them and their colleague’s education or work. It’s completely unfair to correlate people’s performance abilities with the style of their hair. Dress code policies at school or work embrace diversity, but it appears that they lack inclusion. They only promote specific beauty standards while ignoring culture, natural beauty and individuality. It is adopting standards that are rooted back to white beauty norms and en-
forcing stereotypes onto people. Society has been compelled to measure up to white standards: devaluing natural beauty, disrespecting race, history, political stance and self-worth. These standards are completely unobtainable because everyone comes from a different background. Hairstyle trends are constantly changing, for it reflects a person’s individuality. Hair is a topic that has been long misunderstood. It is no longer just a visual representation of physical beauty, but it represents what we believe in, which a society should never attempt to control.
Letters to Lou: Love LOUVENIA FOSTER Contributing Columnist
Question: When do I know I’m out of the “talking stage,” and I am his girlfriend? Answer: It seems in college we blur the lines when it comes to dating. Every relationship is different. Though it may be cliché, actions are the biggest determinant of your relationship status. Be mindful of how he introduces you to others, how he interacts with you in public and if he makes decisions with you in mind. A genuine conversation I feel is the best way to alleviate the stress of your place in his life. A successful relationship should be defined for multiple reasons: the main being that you all are aware of each other’s expectations and act accordingly. Sometimes men love to have their cake and eat it, too. Without you voicing that you’d like a more permanent title in their life; you could stay in this murky and con-
fused state with him. Leave it up to them; often they’ll allow it. Hope you get results, girl! Question: Valentine’s Day is approaching and I’m stuck between two women: one does everything I need/want, one is drop dead gorgeous. Should I choose one to take out or buy both gifts? Answer: Well, you have a good one on your hands. It sounds like neither is your “girlfriend.” If so, you aren't obligated to just focus on one. It may sound like a kind of player move, but if you spend genuine time with each, I don't see the problem. Now, be very careful. At the end of the day there are feelings involved. Women don’t take kindly to feeling they are in competition. I would advise you to be discreet and mindful. Keep in mind this will be the first of many awkward days. There are more holidays to come. It would be in your best interest to figure out whose absence would affect you the most. If they were to find out, that is a risk of playing the field.
Emily Guerra
The Houstonian | bit.ly/HoustonianOpinions | Monday, February 3, 2020
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Opinions
What’s the WORD on the STREET? Is Valentine’s Day overrated? Classification: 1st Year Grad Student Major: School Psychology Response: “ I believe Valentine’s Day is overrated. It’s nice to show your significant other that you care, but I don’t think you need a specific day where you’re obligated to show your love.”
Dannielle Wilson
Classification: Senior Major: Healthcare Administration Response: “Yes, because people should celebrate love and affection everyday!”
Briana Taylor
Santana Castaneda
Classification: Freshman Major: Computer Science Response: “I think Valentine’s Day is overrated, and it shouldn’t be as big of a deal as it is.”
The Houstonian | bit.ly/HuntsvilleSports | Monday, February 3, 2020
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SPORTS
Exclusive Q&A with Jay Sirianni, SHSU’s New Head Baseball Coach Jay Sirianni succeeds Matt Deggs as the tenth head baseball coach in Sam Houston State University history heading into the 2020 season.
You have been around this team for the last five years. Do you think that gives you and the program any kind of advantage over perhaps bringing in someone from the outside that does not know this group of guys and athletic department as well? Oh yeah. When you’ve been around here there is a certain culture we’re all used to. With 13 returning guys, they’re used to that culture as well and they’ve been able to help us get the 22 new guys all on the same page. Being here with the experience… of what Sam Houston State baseball is all about has been really easy since I’ve been here. In the last four years this program has seen remarkable success: three regular season conference titles and the NCAA Super Regional appearance in 2017. Do you feel any added pressure based on that as you take over? And how much do you think about those expectations? There is an expectation. Our entire athletic department is really used to winning, and that is a good pressure to have. I don’t really feel it as pressure. It is just another opportunity to compete. You come in and tackle it one day at a time, and you look up at the end and you see how you’ve done. We understand that there is an expectation, but our vision will never change and that’s to get to Omaha. What was your reaction when you first learned the news about Deggs leaving? What were the conversations that took place between then and now that led to you becoming the new head coach? It’s always a little uneasy. With [Tony Robichaux] passing at Lafayette, we were all really close to [him]. It was a tough summer needless to say. I think Matt [Deggs] had a calling to go back, and I totally respect that. My family and I love it here, and we just really didn’t have interest to go that way. Talking with Williams over the last four or five years, I feel like we had a connection and thankfully he gave me the opportunity to do this. You were the pitching coach the last few years before taking this new position as head coach, and your pitching staffs in recent years have been very good. Why is it so important to you to have that consistent presence on the mound? Pitching drives the train. If you don’t have pitching it gets uncomfortable in a hurry. I’m a pitching coach by nature. That’s what I’ll continue to be. I prefer that side of the ball. Our staff here is really good. With me now being the head coach... I have to make the final decisions. Not much is going to change as far as that goes. It’s a team effort from the staff standpoint. We’re only as good as the pitching. SHSU has a tough juns), TCU, Rice, Anytime you get on the get on the bus, you I’ve done this all
road schedule this year including games at the University of Texas, Louisiana Lafayette (to face Deggs and the Ragin’ CaBaylor and Oklahoma. Why is it good to have tough tests like that throughout the season? road and play quality competition it just toughens you up. Our team this year is going to be a work in progress. Anytime you can get on the road and really start to come together more as a team and you just keep building. But we’re going to play a tough schedule every year. It’s kind of funny… the schedule for five years here and so we had the [series against Louisiana Lafayette] worked out maybe two or three years ago and then happened and [Deggs and I] were sitting there joking about it. It’ll be a fun series, for sure. The Southland Conference Tournament is in a new location this season. It will be played at Whataburger Field in Corpus Christi May 20-23. How does the team feel about that? I don’t know how many of them have been there. I think anytime you get to play in a AA, AAA or big league ballpark it’s a pretty cool experience. We will actually finish the regular season at Corpus and we’ll probably come back and then turn around and go right back. Mission one is just keep playing good, get in the tournament and be ready to go. Be prepared the best we can to go win it. How would you sum up the mentality of this year’s team? These guys have been really steady from day one. The highs haven’t been real high and the lows haven’t been real low. That is always a really good place to start. Now, we need to get better just like every team in the country. But the way [our support staff] works… I think we’re going to be in a good position to keep building as the year goes along. I like our mentality. We keep coming together as a team. We’re getting there, but it’s going to be a work in progress.
The Houstonian | bit.ly/HuntsvilleSports | Monday, February 3, 2020
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SPORTS
SHSU Softball Ready to Repeat as Southland Champions BY COLTON FOSTER Sports Reporter The Sam Houston State University softball team is looking to build on last year’s season which included a trip to the NCAA Tournament where they upset the University of Texas in the opening round. The Bearkats claimed the top spot in the Southland Conference after winning the regular season and the conference tournament to advance to the Austin Regional in the NCAA Tournament. The Bearkats are returning 14 players from last year’s successful squad with most of them in starting roles. “I don’t feel pressure,”second-year head coach Garrett Valis said. “And I don’t think the kids do yet. I think at some point there may be that hurdle that we
have to jump through because I think they are going to realize that people are coming after them a little more. So I think the pressure may come, but this group is experienced and I think they will handle it well.” Despite losing SLC Pitcher and Player of the Year Lindsey Mcleod, Valis thinks the team is ready to step up as the pitching rotation is still very intact. Valis said he thinks it is a blessing that teams did not get to see much of pitcher Karina Sanchez last season, who is now heading into her senior year. “Karina is somebody who is going to take a huge step in a role for us this year,” Valis said. “She’s a kid who is used to pitching in pressure games.” Senior infielder Tiffany Thompson and senior outfielder Megan McDonald are a pair of veterans that are also ready
to lead the way. Last season Thompson had a team-best batting average of .308. She was also the team leader in hits (57) and in runs scored (34). Both of these landed her in the top-10 of the Southland Conference. “Tiffany is willing to do whatever we need her to do,” Valis said. “Somedays she’ll play a huge roll and others she’s happy to play a complimentary roll. The thing that I love most about Tiffany is she is so humble in everything she does.” McDonald picked up where Thompson left off as she was second on the team with a .299 batting average and a .354 onbase percentage. “McDonald has been underappreciated in every step of the way during her time here,” Valis said. “She has been just as big of a rock as Tiffany has been on and off the field. Her and Tiffa-
ny have been rocks at shortstop and centerfield for all three of their years.” Some new additions to the team come from freshman infielders Ellie Grill and Emily Telg who are both expected to make an impact on this roster. Grill led Angleton High School to a 5A state championship while being selected to the all-state team. Telg hit .512 with nine homeruns as a junior in high school and received Newcomer of the Year as a freshman. One thing that Valis is looking forward to the athleticism from this team. Valis said that the depth of this team could make them better than last year. Another strong point this season is the home-field advantage. SHSU has 23 home games compared to the 17 from last year. With these games, Valis hopes that the Bearkat fan-base shows
up to support this program. SHSU will begin its season on the road in Florida for the Stetson Classic Feb. 7-9. The Kats will play at home for the first time Feb. 12 at 6:30 p.m. against the University of Houston who beat SHSU in the Austin Regional last year. Following that, the team will host the first of two tournaments in Huntsville Feb. 14-16 before conference play gets underway March 6.
“This team is ready to prove that last year was... the start of something that is going to continue.” -Garrett Valis
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Advantage, SHSU: Tennis Starts New Season with 4-1 Record
CAUSING A RACKET. SHSU tennis has opened eyes in recent years and started the new season on a high note with four wins. The program’s schedule this season includes five matchups against ranked teams.
Sam Houston State University tennis is getting back into the groove. The team is 4-1 with wins over Prairie View A&M, Texas State, Louisiana Tech and a sweep of UTRGV. The only loss was to No. 17 Texas A&M, and the Kats are back in action Feb. 4 versus No. 86 North Texas. Bryan Henderson
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