Monday, September 9, 2019
The Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University
Students Dedicated to Professional Journalism Volume 131 | Issue 2
/HoustonianNews
@HoustonianNews
@houstoniannews
Houstonian.News.Blog
Construction Obstruction: Incomplete Complex Delays Move-in Future residents forced to find other accommodations; spokesperson declines comment BY KATY HILLS AND SHARON RAISSI Staff Reporter/ Editor-in-Chief
Some students have found themselves displaced this semester after local apartment complex Haven at Main, also known as Haven at M, failed to complete construction in time for move-in.
Students that already signed a lease received an email from the complex on Aug. 7, giving them two options: find their own accommodation until further notice, or Haven at M would reserve a bed space for them within close proximity. The bed space, however, would only be reserved if residents replied by noon on Aug. 12, giving them five days to figure out where they would live
until construction is complete. In the email, Haven assured that those who chose to take the reserved bed space would not have to pay rent until November. Those who found another accommodation will not have to pay rent until January 2020. “The apartments not being ready by the start of school isn’t just a minor inconvenience,” future resident Jason Mercado said. “It jeopardizes one of the
five essential necessities of life which is a place to sleep. I’ve been sleeping on the floor of my friend’s apartment just to save an extra thousand dollars.” According to residents, construction updates were not sent regularly as promised in the original email. An update was sent out last Thursday, a day after The Houstonian reached out to Haven’s corporate office for comment. The email stated, “At this time we are still waiting for an approved move-in date from the City of Huntsville, but as soon as the information becomes available to the front office, we will surely share that informa-
tion to all of our residents.” It went on to say that significant construction progress has been made, in particular to the first three buildings. It said that countertops, tile and cabinets had been installed and flooring and appliance installation is expected for next week. The email then proceeded to say that Haven would be sending out another update early next week with additional information on construction progress and potential move-in dates. There is no official word as to why construction was not completed in time for student move in, and Haven at M declined to comment on the matter.
Tyler Josefsen
The Houstonian | bit.ly/SHSUCampusNews | Monday, September 9, 2019
Page 2
campus news
On-Campus Ordering Apps Merge, Grubhub Reigns BY RACHAEL FORBES Contributing Reporter Starting this semester, the nation’s leading online and mobile food ordering service—Grubhub— has merged with Tapingo to give students a mobile way to order food on campus. “Students can now use Grubhub campus dining to order from their favorite on-campus restaurants and stores, and can even pay using their campus cards and meal plans,” Grubhub Corporate Communications Senior Manager Katie Norris said. Tapingo arrived at Sam Houston State University about a year ago and brought with it
the options to order ahead of time from their favorite restaurants on campus like Chick-fil-A, Steak ‘n Shake and Starbucks. Since Grubhub merged with Tapingo, users can use all of the old features plus a few more. There are options to order food from off-campus restaurants. Students can get real-time updates, pick up their orders on the way to class and pay with either their meal plan, bank or campus cards. Each on-campus restaurant on Grubhub advertises “no minimum, no fee.” “Because Grubhub is always working to keep fees as low as possible, students are likely to save money by ordering through
Grubhub versus other delivery apps,” Norris said. Grubhub campus dining is accessed through the Grubhub app. In the app, users should select My Grubhub > Settings (gear icon) > Campus dining. Then select SHSU from the “Find Your Campus” menu. Grubhub’s on-campus service hours will vary from restaurant to restaurant. Students should check the app for availability. “Available now through Grubhub, students and faculty can access more restaurants than ever before, both on and off campus. This includes all of the on-campus dining locations previously available on the Tapingo platform,” Norris said.
While delivery from campus restaurants is not yet available, it is currently available for some off-campus restaurants through the Grubhub app.
For more information about this merger, contact Dining Services at shdining@shsu.edu or call 936-294-1914.
Miranda Martinez
Why GOAT E-Scooters are Banned on Campus BY SHARON RAISSI Editor-in-Chief As GOAT e-scooters arrived in Huntsville, so did the “NO E-SCOOTERS” signs near their docking stations. According to Director of Marketing and Communications Stephanie Knific, the main reason for this ban is concern for student safety. The ban was outlined in an emailed statement. “Although some schools in Texas and throughout the country currently allow e-scooters on their campuses, these programs can have fairly significant downsides including the time and effort needed to manage scooters as well as an ever-growing concern over safety, which is the university’s primary concern – safety for those riding scooters and for bystanders who might [b]e hit by them or whose path
Amanda Raaska might be impeded by an abandoned scooter.” The actual danger of e-scooters is the center of some debate. Studies have yielded varying results, making it difficult to say with certainty whether the scooters pose a sizable risk. The university’s statement cited a study by the University of California at Los Angeles where they found that two emergency rooms “recorded 249 patients with injuries sustained from electric scooter use in the past year, with 40 percent of those sustaining head injuries.”
Alternatively, another study came to a much different conclusion. The city of Austin partnered with the CDC to conduct another study. The sample yielded an injury rate of 20 per 100,000 rides. This means that someone who took two scooter trips a day could expect to be injured once every seven years. While the scooters are banned from campus, they are currently on a test pilot program with the city and are allowed on most city streets. Some students have voiced concern about differen-
tiating between campus-owned and city-owned streets while riding. “Yes, it is confusing,” Knific said. “It does get a little tricky with certain roads as to who technically owns it, but I think overall it’s worked pretty well.” The policy was amended in April to ban “Commercially Rented Power Scooters/Bikes” from being ridden, operated or stored. Prior to this, GOAT co-owner Brad Warner said that the university seemed to be on board with the idea. “When we first stated this, before we purchased the scooters from the manufacturer, we contacted SHSU,” Warner said. “Initially, they were very open and accepting of the idea in February. In April after we made the investment in these, we received an email stating that they changed their policy to prohibit them on campus.”
According to Warner, the initial reason the scooters were prohibited was because the university was worried about them being stored without a physical mechanism to lock them up. It wasn’t long after Warner suggested a solution to that problem that the university put out the new policy without contacting the Warners again. The city’s Director of Development Services will put forth an official recommendation to the city council in late December or early January that recommends how to move forward with or without the pilot program. “I don’t know if [the policy] will be re-evaluated,” Knific said. “We have policy for a bunch of different things including bicycles, things like that. Those are the main issues. We revisited the policy in April and I believe it will stay that way.”
The Houstonian | bit.ly/SHSUCampusNews | Monday, September 9, 2019
campus news
Page 3
New Art Complex Now Open for Student Use
Sam Houston State University’s new Art Complex is currently holding classes. Groundbreaking for the building occurred last spring. It houses, “Visual Arts Programs including faculty offices, gallery, and classrooms and studios for painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, graphic design, animation, ceramics, sculpture, WASH, art education, and art history,” according to the SHSU Department of Art website.
Photos by Hallee Atchley and Elizabeth Machuca
The Houstonian | bit.ly/HuntsvilleNews | Monday, September 9, 2019
community news
Page 4
Donut Worry, Be Happy: The Story Behind Fancy Donuts BY AMANDA J. RAASKA
Community News Editor Donuts are a well-loved breakfast food staple. Among the many places to get these sugary treats in Huntsville, Fancy Donuts sits unassumingly on Sam Houston Avenue. Owner Robert Garrett is the type to greet you with a friendly hello, ask how your day is and then maybe get your whole life story during the conversation. Citizens of Huntsville have come to know Garrett, but there’s more than meets the eye. Garrett’s life has taken a winding path, from a career in the army that ended in 2003, to eventually becoming a millAmanda Raaska wright for three years, where he DONUT MIND IF I DO. Robert Garrett, the owner of Fancy Donuts, tells his story. installed and serviced industrial equipment and generator basis,” Garrett said. shop to Huntsville. starting May 23. Fancy Doturbines. One day, he decided to change Fancy Donuts has been open nuts is in the process of being “I highly recommend [that his routine and went to a donut for three years, and Garrett has handed over to Garrett’s wife’s job] for anyone that has a bent shop to pick up breakfast for some words about what makes a family members. for solving problems with a the crew. That’s when donuts good business. sledgehammer and cutting changed his life. “Work,” he said. “Put effort torch, as well as a dim view of “I actually met my wife into it, because both you and the staying home on a regular through a donut shop as a folks you deal with are worth customer,” Garrett said. “I the work. Try to understand happened to stop at the one that every person that comes in shop where she happened to has their own people they love be working the drive through, and care about. Try to realize which weakens my belief in that the designation as a city happenstance.” or as a location will never be as With his wife/boss, Sokhim important as the folks who are Garrett-Sar alongside him, they in it.” Robert started to become sick started a donut shop in Lovelady before eventually moving the and needed to be at VA hospitals
On July 2, he had to undergo brain surgery to remove tumors and began going through radiation on Aug. 8. “One of the most wonderful things about humans is that we’re fully aware that we won’t be here forever,” Garrett said. “It gives us incentive to work harder towards making things right and it gives us pause long enough to consider the people around us.” While undergoing treatments, Garrett still finds time to work at the shop. He proves that success has more to do with mentality than physicality. “I used to tell my people in the army—along with many, many unprintable things—that you can’t always be at your best, but you can always do your best,” he said. “If you do that, you have nothing to be ashamed of.”
Amanda Raaska
The Houstonian | bit.ly/HuntsvilleNews | Monday, September 9, 2019
Page 5
community news
Wayne Toups Q&A: The Man Behind the Accordion Huntsville Narratives Art Gallery
BY AMANDA J. RAASKA
Community News Editor Wayne Toups is often regarded as one of the most wellknown American Cajun singers. He has spent his career playing as far as South America with a focus on folk style, Cajun and zydeco music. In 2013, he won the Grammy for Best Regional Roots Music Album and on Aug. 31, he played in Old Town Theatre in Huntsville. There, he took some time before the show for an interview. Q: Can you tell our readers a little of your biography before starting music? A: I was born in Crowley (Louisiana). I was raised on Cajun music, Cajun and swamp pop and blue-eyed soul and Motown. I learned how to play the accordion in 1972. Q: So, your whole life has been music since then? A: I would like to think on the inside it was like that. On the outside, I had to stop and go work in the oil field for a little while. But I turned it into a career around 1983. I never looked back again. Q: You started playing with the accordion, can you please explain more about why you started with that instrument? A: It’s a diatonic accordion. Yes, and the reason why I learned that instrument is because I grew up in a family that listened to that music. I’m the only musician, but they all love music. Q: What would you say were three milestones, good and bad, throughout your music career? A: Good and bad. The good
From July 5 to Sept. 7, Sam Houston State University’s Satellite Gallery showcased an exhibition of photos that tell student’s perspectives of living in Huntsville. The photo projects were done by SHSU photography classes taught by professors Rebecca Finley, Shaun Griffiths, Emily Peacock and Divya Murthy. The Gallery Coordinator, Frank Graham, points out “this show in particular highlights student perspectives of Huntsville.” SHSU’s Satellite Gallery is found on University Avenue.
Courtesy of WayneToupsMusic.com thing about the music is playing something that I really love and signing with Mercury was a big deal. And, being on tour with Carole King, going to South East Asia, touring South and Central America, that’s the wonderful things. The low part of my deal was having to do a little time for screwing up on the road. But it made me… and it was a long time ago. But I learned from it. I have been grateful for last 15 years. Q: What would you tell students who are going into the entertainment industry? A: I don’t deter anyone from wanting to play music, but it’s not easy. I don’t know how they think it is. I had to sleep on the floor of a van and make 50 bucks a night for a long time. It’s called paying dues. Q: What would you define as Cajun and Zydeco music?
A: Cajun music was first recorded in 1928. It’s a folksy type of music that used to be played on fiddle and guitar. Zydeco music on the other hand is more a rhythm and blues. I came up with something called zydecajun, where a blue-eyed soul meets the accordion and zydeco altogether. It’s been around for the last 40 years. I was lucky enough to find my identity through that. Q: What brought you to Huntsville? A: I like to think that we’ve been playing Texas for a long time and a they have these wonderful little spots that have these great little theaters. We get to show off our music. We feel fortunate, it sounds great when we did the sound check and we look forward to [playing Huntsville].
Miriam Guadalupe Garza
The Houstonian | bit.ly/HoustonianAandE | Monday, September 9, 2019
Arts & entertainment
Page 6
Sweet Victory: Program Council Hosts Cupcake Wars CUPCAKES ON CAMPUS. Students decorated cupcakes in a variety of ways including Starbucks exclusive Pumpkin Spice Latte, Halloween references and recognition to Dia de Los Muertos. The winning piece of the event was a cupcake model of the bell tower, pictured below.
Program Council
TO SPRINKLE, OR NOT TO SPRINKLE? Intense looks as students brainstorm ideas for the last round.
Ariole Jones
The Houstonian | bit.ly/HoustonianAandE | Monday, September 9, 2019
Page 7
Arts & entertainment
Courtesy of genius.com
Melanie Martinez Spotlights Musical Quirkiness In Film ‘K-12’ BY ADRIANNE REECE Contributing Reporter Since her 2012 debut on NBC’s “The Voice”, Melanie Martinez has bountifully illustrated enrapturing and magical aesthetics to strengthen her storytelling. Both her debut album, “Cry Baby,” and newest body of work, “K-12,” are visual albums, but “K-12” takes a deeper dive into the universe of cinema.
When releasing her 2016 album, Martinez introduced her audience to her fantasy alter ego Crybaby, chronicling her life and the growth she endured through various experiences. Filmed in Budapest, Crybaby returns in “K-12,” whimsically displaying her and her friends’ misunderstood personalities as they attend a boarding school named after the musical and album. Im-
mediately, viewers are thrown into a pastel-stained universe of insanity. From dealing with typical bullies to a strict administration filled with cold-hearted teachers and a principal who forces drugs on the student body to keep them under his control, Crybaby becomes our protagonist. With every chance she gets, she tries enforcing good in such a toxic environment, helping fellow
students escape “K-12’s” grittiness. Seamlessly, Martinez integrates the 13-track album within this production, touching on topics such as eating disorders, abuse, body positivity and more. The aesthetics are purely stunning, so captivating that it is hard not to let your eyes wander onto the scenery and away from dialogue. “K-12” freely showcases Martinez’s creativity and phenomenal
Digital Director Editor-in-Chief
Sharon Raissi
Assistant EIC/Campus News Editor Mason Storrs Arts & Entertainment Editor
Ariole Jones
Sports Editor
Tyler Josefsen
Opinions Editor
Jacob Courtney
Community News Editor
Amanda Raaska
Assistant Sports Editor
Colton Foster
artistry. With how dreamy its cinematic production is, it’s only right to indulge in the film first before diving straight into the album. “K-12” the film and album are out now, streaming on all platforms. Viewers can also catch the film in select theaters and it is streaming now on her official YouTube channel.
Jordan Smith
Run Sheet Manager
Kia Seastrunk
Social Engagement Director Alexis Berkey
Promotions
Carlos Medina
Graphic Designers
Staff Reporters
Bre’Anna Bivens Katy Hills
Advertising Graphics Emily Guerra Business Manager
Paty Mason
Faculty Advisor
Debbi Hatton
Ashley Defrancis Jake St. Angelo
Photographers
Hallee Atchley Elizabeth Machuca Chelsey Norton Jesus Perez Hannah Trojan
The Houstonian | bit.ly/HoustonianOpinions | Monday, September 9, 2019
Page 8
Opinions
Smoke and Mirrors: The Truth Behind Vapes and E-Cigs BY TYLER FEDERICO Contributing Reporter
Electronic cigarettes and vape pens have exploded in popularity over the last decade. They are rumored to provide tobacco users with a slightly safer alternative to get their nicotine fix, as well as a more acceptable way to enjoy nicotine in public. They also offer a new way for the guy you wish wasn’t invited to a party to attempt to impress people by blowing smoke rings. On Sept. 6, the CDC announced they were investigating an outbreak of severe pulmonary disease associated with e-cigarette products. The investigation is ongoing, but the CDC said that all reported cases have a history of using e-cigarette products. E-cigarettes continue to become a more controversial
product. According to the CDC, over 450 possible cases of lung illness were reported as of early September, and in all of those cases the patient had some history of e-cigarette usage. There has been speculation that criminalization of these devices is on the horizon, but is this the case? The most important aspect of this debate is that, while it’s shocking that a sudden spree of illness and loss of life has been attributed to vaping, critics must note that the U.S. Surgeon General has not found a common link or correlation between cases yet. There’s simply not enough information available right now to determine if these cases will be the tipping point in the fight to bring on the criminalization process. We must look at several factors, such as: in the cases, were users modifying their
e-cigarettes or vape pens in a way that the manufacturers did not intend? How much of the product was being consumed by those who are ill? Is this sudden uprising of sickness caused by a specific batch of tainted cartridges or defective e-cigarettes? The extent of the damage vaping can cause is something that hasn’t been fully tested yet. Vaping, or the usage of e-cigarettes of any kind, are commonly used by people trying to quit smoking regular cigarettes. While trying to kick the habit is a noble effort, it might unfortunately prove to be a damaging one when a cigarette is replaced by a vape pen. Trust me, as somebody who has had their family negatively impacted by using tobacco products, I want there to be as few people using them as possible. Siding with the tobacco industry (who would likely benefit from any bans or criminalization of
vaping products) on this issue feels like rooting for the bad guy, but there will need to be more evidence before there will be any federal ban of e-cigarettes. At most, I see a crackdown on these products at a state level, but not a federal level yet. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan has already vowed to ban the sale of flavored e-cigarette cartridges in her state. Texas has recently raised the age to legally purchase any tobacco product, including e-cigarettes, from 18 to 21. While I see many states possibly changing their laws to put harsher restrictions on e-cigarettes and comparable products, it might be a while before we see noteworthy legislation changes on a federal level. Furthermore, there’s always going to be an element of “you knew the risks” involved with any sort of nicotine product usage that would discourage a nationwide ban.
The issue of electronic cigarettes and the health effects involved with their usage is not going away soon. While we are on the verge of seeing many states change their stances on the products, we are still far away from a nationwide change of policy, for better or worse.
Baylor’s Statement on Human Sexuality is Pretty Ironic BY SHARON RAISSI Editor-in-Chief
Recently, Baylor University put out a statement to its students. It reads as follows: “Baylor University welcomes all students into a safe and supportive environment in which to discuss and learn about a variety of issues, including those of human sexuality.
The University affirms the biblical understanding of sexuality as a gift from God. Christian churches across the ages and around the world have affirmed purity in singleness and fidelity in marriage between a man and a woman as the biblical norm. Temptations to deviate from this norm include both heterosexual sex outside of marriage and homosexual behavior. It is thus expected that Baylor students will not participate in advocacy groups which promote
understandings of sexuality that are contrary to biblical teaching.” I am an ardent defender of First Amendment rights and respect Baylor’s right to free speech; however, I also enjoy exercising my own right to free speech when I see something as violating and dangerous as the above statement. Whether or not you agree with “homosexual behavior,” please indulge me and keep reading. This isn’t a question of bleeding-heart liberals or infringing upon Baylor’s freedoms of religion or speech, it’s a question of the health, sanity and safety of its students. It also calls into question the credibility of the university and where
exactly its priorities lie. Does everyone remember Elizabeth Doe v. Baylor University, the lawsuit that alleged 52 sexual assaults by more than 30 Baylor football players? Or how staff members from the head football coach up to the president’s office were guilty of keeping accusations quiet and lost their jobs as a result? We haven’t forgotten about the sheer volume of scandal that was covered up by the highest levels of the university, right? Is this Baylor’s idea of “biblical norms?” I hope you’ll understand why Baylor University acting as the morality police doesn’t sit well with me. Let’s look at this for what it is: Baylor has moved to pre-
vent LGBT people to express themselves in healthy ways. Participating in a college club with like-minded individuals can be the difference between an enriching college experience and a isolating one. If the administration at Baylor University is incapable or unwilling to accommodate LGBT students, it sends a loud and clear message that perhaps their tuition money would be better spent elsewhere. Further, given that tuition at Baylor sits at around $45,000, the odds are very good that you can find a more tolerant school for less money.
The Houstonian | bit.ly/HoustonianOpinions | Monday, September 9, 2019
Page 9
Opinions
Government Mandated Free Speech on Campus BY JACOB COURTNEY Opinions Editor
Texas recently passed a law that claims to protect a citizen’s free speech on campus. Known as Texas Senate Bill 18, the bill could prove to be more hurtful than it is helpful. The broad language used in the bill could be taken advantage of by various political agendas in an effort to control what is said on public college campuses. The part of the law that is most concerning to me is where it forces public universities in Texas to “establish disciplinary sanctions for students, student organizations, or faculty who unduly interfere with the expressive activities of others on campus.” This means, in a sense, that the state government can control free speech on campus. It means the ruling body of the university will need to estab-
lish what the definition of “unduly interference” is. Then the Texas Governor and Legislature will decide if the university is following the law in their eyes by the end of 2020. The current SHSU guidelines punish university members who harass people, damage property or commit violent acts. What may need to be changed, however, is the part of the code of student conduct which says that campus disruptive activities include someone doing or saying something that could make a student feel threatened. Who’s to say when someone has done an action or said words that feel threatening? The most controversial forms of speech mostly incite or suggest others to commit violent acts. I fail to see how walking past someone everyday on your way to class who is saying that people who are of your race, your sexuality or your cultural
background do not belong is somehow not threatening. No one can change these things, especially not in the same way as one can change a belief. There are also many people
who think that it is threatening to say such things, and may loudly argue or disrupt that person as they speak, to prevent such harmful language being said.
That could be considered blocking them from speaking freely, which would be illegal under the new law. Senator Joan Huffman, when presenting the bill to the Texas Senate, said that arguments and debates would to be allowed by universities as long as it was in a “civil” manner and that “…the university has a right to enforce each of the rights and to make sure it doesn’t degrade into violence or something, you know, not appropriate.” It is fair to say that what is appropriate or not varies from person to person, and that those elected are not immune to letting their opinions get in the way. In my opinion, university members who are most affected by this law should have a say in how it is implemented.
Have an Opinion? We Want to Hear Your Voice Submit letters to the editor to smr075@shsu.edu or talk to us on social media. /HoustonianNews @HoustonianNews @houstoniannews
The Houstonian | bit.ly/Houstonian_Sports | Monday, September 9, 2019
Page 10
SPORTS
Bearkat Soccer Grabs First Win, Prepares for Long Road Trip BY TYLER JOSEFSEN Sports Editor Sept. 6 marked the first victory of the young 2019 campaign for Sam Houston State University soccer. The Bearkats notched a convincing 5-0 win over the University of Arkansas- Pine Bluff Golden Lions thanks to goals from four different players. Freshman forward Brooke Jones got the scoring started in the 11th minute with her first collegiate goal. Three minutes later, junior Courtney Pawlik got into the action with a goal of her own followed by an assist to Carlota-Suarez Crespo for SHSU’s third goal of the first period.
Crespo struck again in the 60th minute with her second goal of the match. Senior Katy Johnson found the back of the net in the 77th minute to put an exclamation point on the shutout. “I thought we played well,” head coach Tom Brown said. “I was glad to see that the things we spent time on this week we saw in the game. It helps us going forward.” The Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns came to Huntsville Nov. 8 and stole a dramatic 2-1 victory in double overtime. “I’m disappointed with the way the game ended,” Brown said. “I thought we really didn’t play very well in the first half.” The Bearkats have two more
matches before conference play begins. SHSU will hit the road for both contests: the first coming Sept. 12 at Illinois-Chicago. The squad will then make a short trip to Prairie View A&M Sept. 15. “We’ve got to work on doing the right things,” Brown said. “We’ve got some very young players, so some of those mistakes...we need to cut down.” SHSU will return to Pritchett Field Sept. 20 and open conference play with a 6:30 p.m. matchup against Central Arkansas-- last year’s regular season SLC champions. The Kats will look for some revenge against the Sugar Bears, who handed the Kats a 5-0 defeat to open up conference play in 2018.
The Houstonian | bit.ly/Houstonian_Sports | Monday, September 9, 2019
Page 11
SPORTS
SHSU Volleyball: An Inside Look BY SCOTT MORRIS Sports Reporter The Sam Houston State University volleyball team is looking to build on a successful 2018 season where they finished third in the Southland Conference with a 13-3 record against SLC opponents and a 22-8 record overall. Despite losing three key seniors last year (Jaclyn Ward, Madison Wallace and Taylor Cunningham), the team returns a strong core. The Bearkats started their season off with the annual SHSU Invitational August 30-31. The Kats finished with a record of 1-2, defeating Prairie View A&M in five sets but losing to Louisiana Tech University and Oral Roberts University. Although they lost the second and third game of the tournament, the first game win meant a little more than a simple tournament game victory. The team dominated in its first two sets against Oral Roberts but struggled to close out the third and fourth set— leading to a final fifth set. SHSU was able to take the final set, dropping the decider 15-10 to win the game. With this win, head coach Brenda Gray became just the 26th coach in NCAA history to surmount 700 career wins. “You know, it’s crazy that I’m at 700 because, well, I mean, that’s a lot,” Gray said. “But I’ve been involved in a lot of volleyball games and to me, I mean, it’s just a product of what they do every day. So this is a new team, this is their statement. So right now we are just 1-0. That’s how I look at it.” The team followed up that tournament with the Brigham Young University Classic in
Provo, Utah. The Bearkats also finished this tournament with a record of 1-2— facing off against Weber State University, BYU and Long Island University. The Bearkats lost their opening game losing to Weber State 3-0. Junior outside hitter Ashley Lewis shined as the one bright spot in the match compiling14 kills. Weber State had four different players with nine kills each that showed to be the deciding factor. The Bearkats lost each set 25-21, 25-19, and the last set 25-18. In their second game against BYU, the team put up more of a fight, but still ended up losing 3-1. The Bearkats took the first set 26-24, but they failed to capitalize on that win as they scored only 13 points in their following set— losing 25-13. The team was then unable to follow up in their next two sets only scoring 18 and 16, respectively. Lewis followed up her first game with another impressive performance with 15 kills, as well as freshman outside hitter Catherine Krieger who had 10 kills. Madelyn Robinson of BYU had 16 kills to lead her team. In the final game of the tournament, the Bearkats were able to win against LIU in dominating fashion by taking the first three sets and not looking back on their way to a sweep. SHSU did not allow more than 18 points in any set, including only allowing 12 points in the second set of the game. The team will look to build off the momentum of that game three win as they go further into the season. Next up, SHSU will participate in the Gamecock classic in Jacksonville, Alabama. In this tournament they will face off against Jacksonville State University, Mississippi State
University and Stetson University. Jacksonville State finished fourth in the Ohio Valley Conference last year with a conference record of 9-7 and a total record of 18-14. They also made it to the semifinals of the Ohio Valley Conference Tournament. Mississippi State looks to bounce back after an extremely underwhelming season in which they finished with a total record of 5-26. They only won one conference game the whole season and look to have a brand new approach to this year. Stetson University finished last season with an 8-8 record in conference and a total record of 16-13. They finished fifth in the Atlantic Sun Conference and look to improve this season after an average season the year before. The Bearkats have a very good mix of young and veteran players which looks to help continue their success they have had in previous years. Lewis looks to continue her strong start to the season after two very impressive tournament performances. Her veteran leadership looks to help carry this team throughout the season. On the younger side of the team, sophomore outside/ right side hitter Breanne Chausse has also had a very strong start to the season as she has now gained more playing time. The Bearkats look to gain their first tournament win next week in Alabama in the Gamecock Classic with their first game against Jacksonville State Sept. 13.
Bearkats Explode in Home Opener, Steamroll Aggies 77-0 BY COLTON FOSTER Asst. Sports Editor
The Sam Houston State University football team left it all on the field in its home opener against the Oklahoma Panhandle State Aggies with a 77-0 blowout win. The Bearkats wasted no time as they scored within the first 84 seconds when sophomore quarterback Eric Schmid rushed for a 12-yard touchdown. 18 seconds later, the Bearkats found themselves back in the endzone after senior defensive end Will Lockett recovered a fumble in the endzone for another touchdown. SHSU’s defense did not stop there, though. Junior defensive back Zyon McCollum had a 26yard pick-six for the third Kats touchdown in the first 2:01 of the game. With 42 unanswered points in the first quarter, SHSU scored three more times before the half and took a 63-0 lead into the locker room. “This was timely for us because you improve the most between week one and week two,” head coach K.C. Keeler said. “I thought the guys really took to heart in terms of how hard we practiced and how hard we prepared. Up against a lesser opponent, it was more about us and not about them.” The Bearkats used their quarterback duo for a second straight week. Schmid got the start but rotated roles with fellow sophomore Ty Brock. Schmid went 9/12 for 92 yards and tacked on
two rushing touchdowns while Brock went 8/11 for 91 yards and one passing touchdown. The Bearkats also hit the Aggies hard on the ground. Sophomore running back Donovan Williams led all running backs with 117 net yards on 17 carries. Redshirt sophomore Toneil Carter also took charge— rushing for 106 yards and scoring a trio of touchdowns. “It felt great,” Carter said. “The whole ordeal this week was to go out there and have a good
time, so that’s all I was really doing was having a good time and playing for my team.” SHSU’s defense held its own, only allowing the Aggies offense five first downs and 107 total yards for the entire game. OPSU only had one drive in SHSU territory, which came at the 3:38 mark of the fourth quarter when freshman quarterback Gunner Capps lost a fumble giving the Aggies the ball. The SHSU defense continued to wreak havoc and forced a four-and-out to
wrap up the 77-0 win. The offensive outburst was the 28th time the Bearkats have scored 40 or more points with Keeler at the helm. Since Keeler took the reins in 2014, SHSU is an incredible 30-3 in front of the home crowd at Bowers Stadium. The Bearkats will travel to Grand Folks, North Dakota next Saturday for a rematch against the University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks who snapped the Bearkats 21-game home win-
ning streak last season. SHSU lost that game 24-23 after a late fourth quarter surge by UND. The game will kick off at 4 p.m. and will stream live on the Pluto app. The road trip to North Dakota will be SHSU’s final non-conference matchup this season. The Kats will return home Sept. 21 for Family Weekend as they take on playoff-contender University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals at 6 p.m. Hannah Trojan