October 16, 2008 by UTRGV Student Media

Men’s tennis season preview, See Page 16

SINCE 1943

Volume 65, No. 8

October 16, 2008

T ATHLETICS

UTPA accident disclosed Cross-country season delayed after rollover By Ramiro Paez & Gregorio Garza THE PAN AMERICAN The University of Texas-Pan American men’s and women’s crosscountry teams are three meets into the 2008 campaign and have experienced much success even after a slow start to the season. The season was scheduled to begin with the San Antonio Relays Aug. 29 and continue with the Texas State Invitational Sept. 5 and Texas A&M Invitational Sept. 13, but due to unfortunate events all three meets were canceled. On Sept. 5, the cross-country teams failed to arrive at the Texas State Invitational in San Marcos after an accident involving the UTPA women’s vehicle. According to the Texas Peace Officer’s Crash Report, men’s and

women’s coach Dennis Darling was in Jourdanton. According to Darling the driver of a 15-passenger van that and Interim Athletic Director Ricky was rented from Enterprise Rent-A- Vaughn, only minor injuries were susCar, with five tained, however members of the “It’s just not me in the car. I one athlete required women’s team on stitches on her leg. board. Due to have six other passengers’ Ebrom, a Texas restrictions by the lives at stake also.” highway patrolFamily Educational man, charged Rights and Privacy Darling with failDennis Darling Act (FERPA), the ure to drive in a Cross-country Coach athletes’ names single lane and were not disclosed. issued him a citaThe vehicle was traveling north- tion. Other factors/conditions issued bound in the left lane on Interstate 37 by the investigator that may or may in Atascosa County, 6.2 miles south of have not contributed included “faulty Pleasanton. A half mile south of evasive action” and “fatigue or Milestone 103, the vehicle veered left asleep,” according to the report. into the center median, then swerved Enterprise official Ned Maniscalco back to the right where the van lost said the damage exceeded $11,000 and control, skidding sideways and rolled the vehicle was totaled. over onto its left side. The vehicle Darling stated in the police report came to a final rest in the left lane of that he might have fallen asleep but I-37 northbound, facing east. was not sure, and also said he did not The emergency dispatch was noti- feel tired. The second-year coach later fied at 2:05 p.m. and investigator reiterated that he did not fall asleep. Lucian P. Ebrom arrived at the scene at “I’ve been driving for a long time. CHEK CHEONG 2:14 p.m. The six people in the vehicle If I’m tired, I’ll stop on the side of the were transported by Atascosa EMS to road,” Darling said. “It’s just not me WRECK - A women’s cross-country van rolled over on its way to a South Texas Regional Medical Center SEE ACCIDENT || PAGE 11 track meet in Atascosa County while traveling northbound on I-37.

T EDUCATION

Congressman introduces higher-education initiatives By Brian Silva THE PAN AMERICAN Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, DMercedes, highlighted various features of the 2008 Higher Education Opportunity Act last week at the ITT building on campus. He was joined by the leadership of Valley higher educa-

tion, including UTPA President Blandina “Bambi” Cardenas, who expressed appreciation for the congressman’s efforts. Hinojosa, whose district includes Edinburg, is the chairman of the Subcommittee on Higher Education. He spoke about the act’s benefits regarding Pell Grants, Work-Study,

T ADMINISTRATION

financial aid, and an increase in monies to Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HISs). The act passed the House Feb. 7 by a vote of 354-58, then on July 31 the Senate passed it by 83-8 and then was sent to President Bush and signed into law Aug. 14. “I drew on the advice and counsel of our higher education leaders in South

Texas,” Hinojosa said. “That is why the new law emphasizes making college more accessible and affordable for communities like ours.” The act will gradually increase the maximum amount a student can receive from the Pell Grant, to $8,000 within the next six years. The Pell will now be offered year-around instead of

just within a particular academic year. He added that because of the College Cost Reduction and Access Act, students are receiving maximum Pell Grants of $4,731 up from $4,050 two years ago. Both the House and the Senate passed the bill Sept. 9, 2007, and was then sent and signed into law by President Bush

SEE FINANCIAL AID || PAGE 11

T INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

Vice president named Breaking the language barrier after national search By Ana Villaurrutia THE PAN AMERICAN

By Abigail Muniz THE PAN AMERICAN The University of Texas-Pan American has appointed a vice president for the Division of University Advancement. Janice Odom, who leaves her eight-year post as assistant vice president for advancement services at The University of Texas at San

INDEX

Antonio will start serving in her new position Nov. 1. The job Odom will soon take previously belonged to Roland Janice Odom Arriola, who was also the former vice president of External Affairs. When the Division of External

SEE POSITION || PAGE 11

FEATURE

PG.

“Do not use your tongue, do not use your lips,” said Smail Haddad while teaching his University of Texas-Pan American students to speak again, this time in Arabic for their Language and Culture Session at the Communication Arts and Sciences building. Languages like Arabic and Russian may seem esoteric to the Rio Grande

NEWS

PG.

Valley, however, some UTPA students have found great use from these shortterm language and culture sessions offered by the Office of International Programs. “As a political science major and history minor I would like to work abroad like in an embassy,” said 19year-old Mission native Karen Dorado. “I’d like to put this on my resume.” The classes last only a few months and meets twice a week for two hours,

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

PG.

but Haddad and Russian teacher Maya Zhivokina said they believe they can teach students to speak, read and write in Arabic and Russian if they take both beginner and intermediate sessions. These language programs have been offered every semester since 2005 and have included Turkish, Arabic and Russian which cost $24.95. “This is their challenge,” said Haddad, who taught language and

SEE LANGUAGE || PAGE 11

SPORTS

PG.

UTPA Generations: The Series Watch for Bronc history lessons intermittently throughout the semester Aug. 25 - Introduction Sept. 4 - ‘20s & ‘30s Sept. 25 - ‘40s & ‘50s

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THE PAN AMERICAN

Oct. 16 - ‘60s & ‘70s Nov. 6 - ‘80s & ‘90s Dec. 3 - 2000 & Beyond

October 16, 2008

A changing landscape By Brian Silva THE PAN AMERICAN The 1960s and 1970s were a time of immense social change across the landscape of America. However, America wasn’t the only thing altered, the landscape of the University of Texas Pan American, both academically and geographically, would change into what the university has now become. Midway during the ‘60s the university, then known as Pan American College, became part of the state higher education system. The new designation brought a four-year system to the university, instead of a two-year community college program. Shortly after the switch, in January 1967, Lino Garcia Jr. joined the university as an instructor of Spanish. Now professor emeritus of Spanish literature, next year will mark his 42nd year as a Bronc. The Korean War veteran and three-time Battle Star recipient has been able to observe both the academic and physical growth of the university “When I joined the university we had just grown from a community college to a four-year school… people still had the community-college mentality,” Garcia recalled. “We only had

V 65, No. 8

48 professors, and there were no master’s or doctoral programs.” In the four years after the university began its four-year system the student population nearly doubled from over 2,000 to over 4,000 students. According to Garcia, who teaches an undergraduate and graduate course this semester, the graduate program at the university started developing during the 1970s. Garcia, a long time advocate of Tejano culture and history, said the academic transition was admirable. “There was a bright future ahead of us at that time because of the students’ dedication,” he said. “There were a lot of first-generation students, and you could really see the fear in their eyes. They were new to it, but their dedication led them to succeed.” In fact, the academic change was a catalyst to the changing of university’s name from Pan American College to Pan American University. Shortly after the academic transition, South Texas suffered from one of the worst natural disasters in recorded history. In 1967 one of the most powerful storms in Atlantic Basin history, Hurricane Beulah, struck the Valley and meandered across South Texas dumping record rainfalls across the region. The Rio Grande River was

Oct. 16, 2008

1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122 EDITOR IN CHIEF J.R. Ortega / ortega.e.jr@gmail.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Abigail Muniz / abby.muniz@yahoo.com MANAGING EDITOR Brian Silva / brian.silva2@gmail.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ana Villaurrutia / parker687@hotmail.com A&E EDITOR Laura Garcia / laurad500@hotmail.com ASSISTANT A&E EDITOR Isaac Garcia / izek_el@yahoo.com SPORTS EDITORS Ramiro Paez / ramiropaez@aol.com Gregorio Garza / the_nataku@yahoo.com PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Roxy Solis / roxysolis34@yahoo.com DESIGN EDITOR Roy Bazan / rbazanzz@yahoo.com COPY EDITOR Adriana Acosta / acostaa@hotmail.com REPORTERS, DESIGNERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Alvaro Balderas Russen Vela Isaac Garcia Andrielle Figueroa Onydia Garza Ben Briones Pedro Perez IV Marco Carbajal ADVISER

Dr. Greg Selber --- selberg@utpa.edu SECRETARY

Anita Reyes --- areyes18@utpa.edu ADVERTISING MANAGER Samantha Quintana --- spubs@utpa.edu

several miles wide and crested at its highest point in history from Laredo to Brownsville. Along with massive flooding, over 100 tornadoes touched down in the area. The sight of record floods could also be seen here on the campus as many buildings were under water. Water stood up to the roofs of cars at times. Garcia, whose own house had water UPBRINGING - This picture from the 1970 editiong of El Bronco shows the Fine Arts damage said classes Complex under construction. were canceled for about two weeks. He described the would have an additional three stories quickly rose through the ranks to added and would become the current assume various leadership roles area around the university as a lake. “It was really bad, but we didn’t day Executive Tower in the upper before becoming the university’s preslose any lives,” he noted. “It was just floors; the first floor is now for student ident in 1981. services. During that same time period a a really big mess.” Phase II would include the controversy emerged with the 1971 The amount of construction that followed Beulah’s destruction would University Ballroom and baseball sta- edition of El Bronco. As Dean of Men, far exceed the amount of damage that dium. Later the stadium would be Garcia observed as Tejano organizaoccurred. Enormous building projects named after Joseph “Jody” Ramsey, tions like MEChA confronted the occurred at the change of the decade. the co-captain of the 1972 Bronc base- administration about what they saw as In fact, in the 1970 edition of El ball team who died when he was elec- an offensive portrayal of Cesar Chavez in the yearbook. Bronco, the yearbook at the time, trocuted in an onfield accident. Garcia believes the large physical “Students threw their yearbooks would carry a theme of “The Year of and academic expansions were due into a pile in front of the administraConstruction.” The university grew to several mostly to the efforts of two presidents. tion building,” Garcia said. “They “Dr. Ralph Schilling’s legacy was were just protesting. Nothing really times its original size, with administrators buying out the neighborhoods the physical structure of the universi- got out of control.” Looking toward the future, Garcia around it to expand the landmass. ty, like addition of all the buildings and structure, as well as putting airwants to see more doctoral programs There were two phases to the construction of the new buildings. Phase I condition in them,” he said. “But then and some professional programs included the Science Building, Health the next president (Dr. Miguel added to the university. He said a and Physical Education Complex, the Nevarez) came in and said that the medical or law school would be a Fine Arts Center, the Cooling Plant physical structure was in place and good addition. that it was time to fill them with aca“UTPA has lifted and raised the and the Library. standard of education in this commuThe library was three stories and demics.” Garcia noted that he actually hired nity… we’ve done very well over the served as not only the area of research PAU grad Nevarez in the early ‘70s to years,” Garcia said. “We will become but also a place where students were registered for classes. Later the library work in his department, but the latter the flagship of South Texas.”

**Delivery** Thursday at noon The Pan American is the official student newspaper of The University of Texas-Pan American. Views presented are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the paper or university.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Pan American accepts letters of 300 words or less from students, staff and faculty regarding recent newspaper content, campus concerns or current events. The Pan American reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and length. The Pan American cannot publish anonymous letters or submissions containing hate speech or gratuitous personal attacks. Please send all story ideas to thepanamerican@gmail.com. Individuals with disabilities wishing to acquire this publication in an alternative format or needing assistance to attend any event listed can contact The Pan American for more details.

CONCENTRATE - This picture from the 1973 El Bronco shows The Pan American editor Kenneth Mason working on a story.

Dates to Know:

October 16, 2008

Spring, Summer I, II and miniterm registration begins

Meningitis Shots $14

Monday By appointment See department for more information

Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Unity Hall Page 3

THE PAN AMERICAN

T CAMPUS

Majors Fair expectations reached, surpassed By Abby Flores THE PAN AMERICAN Earning a degree in marketing had always been a dream for 22-year-old Viviana Sanchez. But after approaching some tough courses as a marketing major she caught herself thinking twice about her career. However, after the McAllen native attended The University of Texas-Pan American’s 8th Annual Majors Fair and spoke to representatives from the

College of Business, she was reassured by her original choice of degree concentration. “I knew this was what I wanted to do since my junior year in high school,” she said. “I would hear a family friend who had majored in marketing talk so much about how fun his job was.” After visiting the different booths, Sanchez said she was sure she didn’t want to change her major. Nothing else interested her as much as marketing.

“I’m sure this is the major I will Advisement keep. I was able to get the information “Two-hundred students regI needed here,” istered for advisement durSanchez said. ing the fair and that’s a good This year the annual event was number.” held in October, though National Marylyn Hagerty Career Awareness Director of advisement and Month is in academic mentoring center N o v e m b e r. Marilyn Hagerty, director of the has always been

T STUDENT LIFE

and Academic Mentoring Center, said a total of 832 students attended the fair Oct. 9 at the U n i v e r s i t y Ballroom, in stark contrast to the 660 at last year’s event. Hagerty also added that mandatory advisement held before the fair,

which limited the opportunity to find out more about their choice of career before making a decision. The idea emerged to allow students a chance to speak with representatives from various UTPA colleges, lending a better perspective on different majors before advisement. And advancing the event met with approval from students. “Getting to see the students of the Health Science and Human Services

SEE FAIR || PAGE 12

Essay contest grants students scholarships By Janette Soliz THE PAN AMERICAN

INSPIRED - Jessica Moreno-Lino shares her second-place essay with guests at the awards presentation of the Hispanic Heroes Essay Contest. Moreno-Lino’s hero and inspiration was her grandmother.

Hispanic Heritage Month ended with a first-time essay contest on Oct. 14 at The University of Texas-Pan American. The event that concluded the month-long celebration was the Hispanic Heroes Essay Contest held at the University Ballroom at 5:30 p.m. Posted on one of the walls in the ballroom, passers-by could read the 18 essay entries submitted for the contest and underneath each entry on tables, a picture frame of the writer and their hero was placed. Each applicant wrote at least two pages explaining their relationship with their hero and the impact they had in their lives. More than 20 people attended the event and patiently awaited announcement of the scholarship winners. Three out of the 18 applicants were chosen. Mirela Dapo from Bosnia was not

T ORGANIZATION

T RESEARCH

Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN

able to attend the event but won the first place scholarship of $250 while the third place $100 prize went to Oscar Martinez. Jessica Moreno-Lino from Donna won the second place scholarship of $100. A junior, Moreno-Lino is a dual enrolled student from STC who is working towards a nursing degree. After accepting her award she was asked to read her essay. By the second sentence, MorenoLino’s voice slowly changed as tears rolled down her face. While she read the last sentence, everyone was applauding as they gave her a standing ovation for her courageous effort. Her grandfather was the subject of the essay. “It felt good to talk about my grandmother and it was very emotional for me,” she said. “I plan to use my scholarship toward my tuition.” Moreno-Lino’s grandmother grad-

SEE HEROES || PAGE 12

Club food drive plans for success Library stresses use of By Adriana Acosta THE PAN AMERICAN Despite the economic slowdown, the Psychology Club at The University of Texas-Pan American has managed to sponsor a food drive that will benefit people in need. The food drive titled, “Fight Hunger, Feed Hope!” began on Oct. 2 and will run through the end of the month. The idea of a food drive began in early September when psychology club president, Crystal Rodriguez, brought it up at their meeting. “We want to make a difference in the community and we wanted to make a positive impact and find a

place that had a need,” she said. “We with 10 bins that have been placed saw that the Food Bank of the RGV throughout campus. Each bin has a had a need.” club member With recent nat- “We want to make a differ- assigned and they ural disasters like ence in the community and keep track of food donations and Hurricane Dolly, the food bank has we wanted to make a posi- remove any trash been running low tive impact and find a place that is thrown. Some of the bins on supplies. For the that had a need.” first nine days after have been placed in the Student Services Dolly, the Food Crystal Rodriguez Bank distributed Psychology Club president building, Library, enough food to Wellness and make 60,000 meals a day. In a non- Recreation Sports complex, Student emergency case, they can distribute Union, Education building, food to make 25,000 meals a week. Communication building and the Social Carter Robinson, Food and Fund SEE CLUB || PAGE 12 Drive Coordinator provided the club

online research database By Kristen Cabrera THE PAN AMERICAN For University of Texas-Pan American master’s student Edward Avila, writing research papers is a major necessity he needs to complete in order to earn an advanced degree in history. That’s why when the 36-year-old from Edinburg heard about Academic Search Complete, a library research database loaded with articles on virtually any subject, he did not pass up the chance to learn more about it.

“Most of my papers are in the 30page range, so I’m constantly doing this kind of research,” Avila said, referring to the free tutorial he attended last week. Last Thursday Librarian Jane Goodman hosted an Academic Search Complete workshop during Activity Period to help interested students learn the functions of the database and get more out of their researching experiences. A total of six students attended the workshop that was held last Tuesday

SEE TOOLS|| PAGE 12

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October 16, 2008

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Dates to Know:

October 16, 2008

Reckless Kelly

“The Piper and the Rats”

Saturday Doors: 7 p.m. Music: 8 p.m. Las Palmas Race Park

Thursday to Saturday 7 p.m. Sunday 2 p.m. Albert L. Jeffers Theatre Page 7

THE PAN AMERICAN

T LOCAL TALENT

Fashion winner breaks out with trendy pieces By Isaac Garcia THE PAN AMERICAN As a child, Daniel Martinez had a fondness for rendering drawings of super heroes and heroines. It was this passion that lead him to aspire to be a comic book artist. Now as an adult, Martinez credits that passion for helping him render outfits and costumes for his fashion line, Power, Power Collection, named after its strength and boldness Martinez, a 22-year-old marketing major at The University of TexasPan American, first got involved in the fashion world four years ago when he moved to the Valley from Houston to work at his brother’s vintage-clothing store, Flipside, located in Edinburg. He was also inspired by his mother, who studied fashion design in Mexico and now owns an alteration shop in Houston called Nena’s Alterations. “My mother was able to teach me the basics of clothing construction so I practically had all of the resources. I just needed to go out and do it,” Martinez said. Having fashion design in his blood and after creating a dress for Flipside Clothing, which was showcased in their fashion show, Martinez gained the confidence to create a collection for The Art and Film Festival held at the McAllen Convention Center on Oct. 4. It was there that Martinez won The Golden Hanger for best collection, for

his Fall/Winter 2008 collection. In attendance at The Art and Film Festival’s fashion show was Victoria Garza, of Alamo, a 20-year-old sophomore education major at South Texas College. “I really liked a gray dress with purple pockets that one of the models was wearing. I would totally wear that on a fancy night out,” Garza said. Martinez explained that he draws inspiration from a multitude of sources, but drew his current collection from shapes. “I chose the grays to go along with the fall/winter theme and I wanted to stay away from browns and other earthy tones,” he said. “ I paired the grays with different shades of purple and black taffeta to lighten up the pieces,” Martinez explained. Taffeta is a crisp, smooth woven fabric made from synthetic or silk fibers. “I particularly had one dress in mind and I created a collection out of the concept behind the dress by using the same shapes, styles and fabrics throughout the collection,” he said. His collection was not the only thing he was working diligently on the eve before it showcased. “I was up for almost a day and a half getting everything ready, sewing hems and making minor alterations,” he said. “I had to style my models accordingly (hair, make-up, shoes). In the end, I created six pieces in the matter of two weeks all while balancing school and work,” Martinez said.

Martinez credits his friends and the Valley for his success in fashion design. “I have the most supportive friends and I see the Valley as a good place to test the waters,” he said. “I feel people are less critical here and it gives me an opportunity to develop my style and perfect my construction skills,” Martinez said. One of Martinez’s friends who has seen him grow over the years is Jenny Mora, a 21-year-old senior, English/dietetics major at UTPA from Mercedes. “Danny’s sketches are brilliant and his pieces look just like them, he’s

grown so much as an artist over the past year,” she said. “He is really independent at getting everything done, so I’m mainly there for motivation.” Always looking into the future, Martinez is currently working hard on making more collections and opening an online clothing store, www.powerpower.bigcartel.com. “Right now I have all my pieces in my living room,” he said. “I believe my style is youthful and contemporary. My ideal client is a confident and edgy girl. So if anyone wants to take a look, they’ll have to come by my apartment for now,” Martinez said.

Martinez expressed the desire to branch out on his own and make a name for himself as the reason for having his pieces in his living room and not on the sales rack at his brother’s clothing store, Flipside. “I’m sure if I was to ask they would allow me to showcase my stuff there, but I would rather go out and do it on my own,” he said. Martinez also designs menswear including: jackets, hoodies, pants, and T-shirts. He is also available for alterations if the public is interested. He can be contacted at http://www.myspace.com/whiteliness.

Abe Robledo Photography

WORK IT - Daniel Martinez stands with his models wearing his Power, Power collection at The Art and Film Festival on Oct. 4 in McAllen.

T CAMPUS FUN

Dinner brings entertainment to campus life By Marco Carbajal THE PAN AMERICAN A murderer is on the loose and the bumbling detective has only a learner’s permit to kill. Everyone is a suspect and nothing is as it seems. Madness, mayhem and mystery combine when the Student Union presents dinner theater Oct. 23 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Student Union Café. Guests will enjoy full dinner service while interactively becoming a part of the featured show “Celebrity Newlydeads 2.0.” The event is free with an RSVP ticket and will be the first of its kind offered by the Student Union. “I just wanted to do something different for the students that hasn’t been done at this university,” said Cindy Mata, Union assistant director. “I think people would like it because it’s something that’s fun and different and

not too traditional here in the Valley.” Dinner theatre found its roots in 1953, when a group of actors in Richmond, Virg., decided to kill two birds with one stone and offer dinner and a show. The genre became a starting point for many well-known actors and actresses including Betty Grable, Lana Turner and Jane Russell. The trend peaked in the 1970s, before a slow resurgence in the 1990s. The fun lies in the heavy audience interaction with guests becoming a real part of the story. The dinner will feature The Comedy Killers, a Dallas-based comedy improvisational troupe that has been touring the country with comedic, murder-mystery dinners for the last 16 years. “We’re a lot like the shows at Second City in Chicago,” said Tim Shane, a theatrical artist from Dallas who founded the groups. “There’s a scripted outline of the show, but the

direct audience interaction affects the outcome. In nearly 16 years, we’ve never done the same show twice.” Assistant professor of TV/film David Bennett Carren has a background in improvisation, having performed with several groups, including the Rubber Hammers back in the 1970s. While he admits that dinner theatre has seen a decline since its heyday, the resurgence of troupes like The Comedy Killers and the spontaneity of improvisation may help pull audiences back. “Improv is an amazing thing,” Carren said. “Not everyone has that ability, but those who do are able to think on their feet and work without a net, take a chance and just roll with it.” Shane agrees and says the show’s appeal also lies in the fact that audiences want to try to solve the crimes interactively, as opposed to just watching something on TV and hav-

“We don’t bother with subtly or dising all the answers handed to them. “When you turn on the TV there’s cretion,” Shane noted proudly. “Our always a crime or mystery show and it’s characters are outrageous and funny always neat and clear and predictable,” and you know who they are right off.” The upcoming event is already Shane said. “This is something like the TV show “Lost” where you get clues generating a considerable amount of interest. and you are just try“It sounds really ing to figure it out “It sounds really cool, espeespecially the whole time - cially being so close to cool, being so close to only it’s better, Halloween,” Halloween,” said because you’re Jessica Flores, a actually in the midfreshman accountdle of it instead of Jessica Flores ing major. “Usually yelling at the televi- Freshman accounting major you only see stuff sion screen.” The characters arrive at the event like that on TV.” RSVP tickets will be available for with the guests and proceed to mingle. The one-on-one interaction is to pick-up by any UTPA student, faculty afford guests access to the same infor- and staff beginning Oct. 16 at the mation about the story for an even Union. Due to space limitations howplaying field. He also revealed that ever, tickets are limited and only the show is more focused on wacki- offered one per person, on a first come first served basis. ness than on reality.

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October 16, 2008

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Organization hopes to unite students By Andrielle Figueroa THE PAN AMERICAN

Walking around campus, one may have stumbled upon some posters with an interestingly dressed person in a vibrant, multi-colored costume, a cube-shaped egg helmet and gold Nikes. After reading the title aloud the first thought could be, “Can they say Pinche Huevon? Aren’t those bad words?” Well, the pondering stops here because Pinche Huevon is a new student organization, and those posters are only the beginning of what the campus crowd will be seeing from this outlandish group. Rupert Villalon, 21, a film studies major, created Pinche Huevon. The Palmview native says the idea hit him in November 2006 and slowly took off after that. Pinche Huevon, he explains, is an alien. “At first I thought that Pinche Huevon would be an alien who took over my body and made me do things against my will,” he explained, about the Spanish term meaning stingy, lazy person. After scrutinizing the idea a little more, he decided that he and his capturer should be friends - but there was more. After attending the University of Texas at Austin, he noticed that students on campus tended to be self-segregated, as those of the same race seemed to always be together. He said the majority of the population here is Hispanic but still, the campus tends to be divided into jocks, artsy kids, those of different majors, and so on. “I wanted to create something that will unite us,” Villalon said. “If two people can talk about Pinche Huevon, whether it is negative or positive, I did my job. The organization consists of 10 members so far, and they all equally take responsibility with the group. Villalon says each member contributes either through acting, filming, or advertising.

Design by Rick Gamez

Photo Illustration by Ben Briones/The Pan American

With a Cinematographer on hand they are able to film new comedy skits once a month and put them up on their sites. They also use their fictional character Pinche Huevon to bring out the college crowd at events such as Hillbilly’s College Night and HESTEC. The group has had a wild journey during its development. Villalon went to UT Austin from 2005 to 2006, but he gradually began to be brought low by a dependency on marijuana, which he says began at age 16. He flunked out of school and took a job offered to him on campus as a door-to-door salesman selling security systems in Washington state during the summer of 2006. Villalon admitted to being in a rut and being a salesman helped him take command of his life. After making enough money to go back to Austin, Villalon spent the fall of that year living on a friend’s balcony with only a thin layer of saran wrap as a cover protecting him from insects and bad weather. After Villalon’s parents caught wind of his living conditions, he finally decided to come back home to Palmview and set his life straight. While living in Austin, Villalon purchased a small camcorder to record ideas he had for comedy skits. Upon his return to the Valley, friends dug the raw material and pushed him to do something with them. This led Villalon to quit smoking marijuana. “I figured I needed to talk to sponsors, to students, to faculty and do things all day,” he recalls. “I knew I had to be alert, energetic and inspired, but not because of the influence of marijuana.” On Oct. 9, the Pinche Huevon clan was made an official organization after pushing the idea since January 2008. Villalon is working to expand the group and has hired 2002 UTPA graduate David Burbois as the group’s cinematographer. Burbois handles recording the comedy skits, as well as lighting and editing.

Burbois suggests that the group’s comedy may not be for everyone. “Well, it’s not normal funny. It is very extreme, but at the same time Rupert is very energetic and it becomes a challenge to keep up with him. It’s been a real pleasure and I am looking forward to what happens in the future.” What does the future hold for Pinche Huevon? Students can go to their Web site pinchehuevon.com and watch the group’s videos and events. This month the group will be promoting their latest video “E-Fatties,” that will be up this week. On Wednesday nights students can attend Hillbilly’s College Night to hang out with the wacky Pinche Huevon alien. Villalon is also excited about the Pinchehuevon.com Halloween Party Oct. 31 at Club Fuego, which is on 11205 N. 23rd Street in McAllen. Villalon admits that the name may cause some fuss due to the alternate definitions of the word pinche, some students seem to not take notice. “I don’t think the name of the group or the comedy is rude,” concluded Mary Jane Perez, a 27-year-old business major, after seeing one of Pinche Huevon’s video. “I think it’s a fun way to get his message across to the students,” Perez added. Perez’s friend agreed that it was a way at looking at classes in a different light. “Some people think school is boring, and this was a funny way to make people want to go. People usually think parties are the only way to get students to do anything,” added business major Zaira Perez. Villalon takes this project very seriously, and will not let any drawbacks ruin the group’s place here on campus. “Some people may not approve, but I will be honest, my target audience is from ages 18 to 26. Once you watch the videos either you love it or hate it, there is nothing in between.”

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October 16, 2008

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Organization hopes to unite students By Andrielle Figueroa THE PAN AMERICAN

Design by Rick Gamez

Photo Illustration by Ben Briones/The Pan American

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October 16, 2008

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

T ROAD TRIP

Festival gathers music lovers by thousands By Victor Ituarte THE PAN AMERICAN AUSTIN - A yellow-vested volunteer uses his bright orange flag to direct streams of shuttle buses into Zilker Park. This is not a mass evacuation. It is the 7th Annual Austin City Limits Music Festival, and the buses are carrying thousands of eager ears hungry for live music. ACL Festival is a three-day event that took place Sept. 26 through Sept. 28 and offers musical discovery with 130 bands on eight stages. Unlike other popular music festivals such as Bonnaroo in Tennesse, Lollapalooza in Chicago, and Bamboozle in New Jersey, ACL originates from a television show in Austin that has aired since 1975. The show provides audiences the chance to watch live concerts from a wide variety of the world’s most acclaimed and accomplished talent. The show’s wide variety is present yearly in the festival’s line-up. Genres this year ranged from rock to hip-hop, blues to country and singer-songwriter to avant-garde. (Experimental treatment of artistic, musical, or literary matrial.) Big acts in this year’s line-up included headliners Foo Fighters, Manu Chao, hip-hop group N.E.R.D., Beck, and others. The scene upon entering the gates was a mass of concert-goers. Easily over a thousand fans collected at the Advanced Micro Devices stage to watch newcomers Vampire Weekend out of New York City. A father and daughter with British accents crowded under the misting flowers of the Mr. Mister station, hoping to cool off in the already blistering heat.

Other parents were seen at the TagA-Kid station registering their children with contact information in case they became separated over the course of the festival. Those familiar with music festivals might remember Austin’s other famed week-long music festival. The South by Southwest (SXSW) Music Festival takes place annually and also features a portion for film and interactive media. However similar these Austin staples may seem, Jordan Hughes, 21, of Denton, sees very different festivals. “ACL has the spirit of Woodstock,” Hughes said. “It’s contained within a park over three days while SXSW is spread out during a week in different venues throughout the entire city.” Another function SXSW serves, according to its Web site, is as a networking tool for industry insiders and aspiring musicians. ACL, on the other hand, is purely for showcasing talented bands and artists of different styles. “There’s a whole lot more to do and experience at SXSW than ACL,” Hughes said. “But each one lends itself to its own unique atmosphere.” ACL’s atmosphere is one of the things Stephanie Becerra, 21, of Edinburg took with her. “At the beginning, it was way too hot for me,” said first time visitor Becerrra. “But when the sun went down, it was beautiful and cooler.” Becerra said the environment was laidback and nobody was mad. “Everyone was there to chill and have a great time,” she said. Some contributors to the feel-good atmosphere were ACL’s nonmusical features. The SoCo Art Market included vendors from Austin’s South Congress area selling handmade bags, paintings,

Victor Ituarte/THE PAN AMERICAN

TRAVELING FEATURE - The Dell Dome offered laptops with free Internet, a ping-pong table, hair stylists and a station to make free pins. The air-conditioned retreat cooled and entertained concert-goers. jewelry and other accessories. One of ACL’s major sponsors, AT&T, provided a Digital Oasis that made available Dell laptops with free Internet. Also available were highdefinition televisions where the politi-

Victor Ituarte/THE PAN AMERICAN

INDIE SOUND - Stars lead singer Torquil Campbell entertains the crowd during the 7th annual Austin City Limits Music Festival.

cally-savvy gathered to watch the presidential debate Sept. 26 instead of watching international artist Manu Chao at a nearby stage. The Dell Dome featured its own amenities. Concert-goers basked in free services such as hairstyling, much sought air conditioning, buttonmaking, and a one word table. The Rock & Recycle Program gave environmentally-minded fans the chance to earn t-shirts by collecting empty beer cans or water bottles in large garbage bags. While being “green” may not be new, it was kept in mind while planning the event. “They really upped their efforts this year,” said Spencer Lockwood, 22, of Austin. Lockwood was serving his fourth year as a volunteer for the festival. “This year, the organizers had no meetings for volunteers in effort to keep cars off the road,” Lockwood said. “Most of the communication was kept to e-mail.” As a part of the event’s green efforts, a solar panel also made an appearance. Banners of information were strung around the solar panel. The power was used for the guest services area as well as the popular Mr. Mister station. While not aware of the green efforts, Becerra still had a good time.

“I was most looking forward to seeing Tegan and Sara,” Becerra said. Tegan and Sara are identical twins. The Canadian duo specializes in alternative pop and their onstage ramblings keep audiences entertained between songs. “Here’s a neat little Tegan and Sara fact for you,” said Tegan Quin, the more outgoing twin. “When we were born, we were both kept in the hospital for two months because we hadn’t developed our sucking reflexes. Do what you will with that,” Quin said to the audience. She was making reference to the well known fact among fans that the pair are lesbians. “I’ve been a fan for more than five years,” Becerra said. “I’ve seen them before, but I was too far back.” Becerra said she was able to see them up close this time because she waited at the stage for eight hours. During that time she said she was exposed to new bands. “The bands that played before Tegan and Sara were amazing,” Becerra said. She added that her favorite was the Austin native Okkervil River because they got the crowd energized and clapping. “I’m definitely going back next year,” Becerra said. “It was too much fun to not want to.”

October 16, 2008

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NEWS

POSITION continued from Page 1 Affairs was scaled down in July 2007 and broken into the Division of University Advancement and the Division of Academic Affairs, Arriola assumed the vice presidential position of UA. Since his retirement this spring, Lydia Aleman has acted as executive director. Odom, who worked for UTPA six years ago as a developmental officer and eventually became director of University Relations, looks forward to moving back to the Valley and already has goals for the division. “Obviously I have to get there and do a lot of catching up,” Odom said.

“Our (University Advancement) goals will always be to increase and enhance the university’s image.” The position will entail leadership in fundraising and marketing, plus university relations and career services, Aleman said. Aleman, who worked with Odom during the latter’s time at UTPA, feels that the experience she brings will be of great benefit to UA. “Ms. Odom’s background will bring to the division a new and fresh perspective in advancement efforts,” Aleman said. Odom obtained a bachelor’s degree

in journalism from the University of North Texas and a master’s in counseling from New Mexico Highlands University. She has been in the higher education field for 40 years, with jobs including development, alumni programs, public affairs, and advancement management. Since 2000, she has helped raise $5 million in gifts for UTSA as a development officer. “University life is what I was meant for,” Odom said. “It’s a special environment since it’s inspiring to see students come and go.”

FINANCIAL AID continued from Page 1

Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN

OPPORTUNITY - President Blandina Cardenas commends Congressman Ruben Hinojosa last Thursday at a press conference. on Sept. 27, 2007. The act includes a mandate for the Secretary of Education to develop and implement an “EZ-FAFSA” form to simplify the application process for qualifying low-income families. The law will also enshrine stronger emphasis on financial literacy and financial aid literacy from organizations that offer assistance. The law makes the largest investment ever in Hispanic-Serving Institutions. Around $200 million will be allocated to help UTPA and others

build their capacity to graduate students in STEM. Earlier this month UTPA was awarded $1.2 million for the HSI Program under last year’s College Cost Reduction and Access Act. “It (Higher Education Opportunity Act) will strengthen our Hispanic serving institutions,” he said. “It will enable them to serve more students and respond to our nation’s growing needs in high demand fields such as teaching, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), nursing and other health professions.”

The new law requires transparency and consumer-friendly information on college tuition, student loans and college textbook costs, Hinojosa said. Cardenas expressed her deep appreciation for Hinojosa’s “powerful advocacy” for HSIs both in South Texas and across America. “Making those institutions stronger makes South Texas stronger,” she said. “An accurate chronicling of America would have to include that there were heroic efforts made for higher education by a man from Mercedes, Texas.”

LOOKING AHEAD One thing Odom anticipates is working with new graduates and students in finding positions such as internships. Odom, who said she admires UTPA students, noted that they are one of the reasons she is returning. “It’s exciting at UTPA, students are so involved and motivated,” she explained. “I guess that’s what is bringing me back. They’re so committed to getting their degree.” Though Odom knows that a packed schedule awaits her during her first weeks here, the advancement of the-

university is on her mind. “I’ll be very busy for a while but I really want to get out and about talking to local area politicians to see what we can do to make the university move forward,” she promised. As far as plans for the division, Aleman said one thing they will focus on is recruitment. “A few goals include creating and implementing a vision and plan that will increase student recruitment,” Aleman said. “Another goal is to create and implement a vision of integrating university advancement efforts to the needs of the university.”

LANGUAGE continued from Page 1 interpretation in Algiers, Algeria, for easier for her students. four years. “For beginners I can teach “Russian is not so difficult because the sounds of accents, how to greet the alphabet is very similar to the themselves, if you (the student) come English one,” she explained. “But back (for intermediate) we can stress when I see them struggle to proupon the language so that you can nounce, I try to calm them down and communicate more.” say the way they pronounce is okay, Some of the students still have had because people will understand you difficulty learning the basics of the are speaking a foreign language.” languages. Dorado admitted she has The language and culture sessions had trouble pronouncing and recog- hire teachers from the Fulbright nizing accents in Arabic. Language Teaching Assistant pro“It’s frustrating,” said the Mission gram. Created in 1968, FLTA aims to native. “It takes me awhile to learn but strengthen language and cultural eduI’m going to start coming in on cation in the United States. Fridays.” For Zhivokina, the program also Arabic is recognized as an “excep- helps break down stereotype and builds tionally difficult” language for relationships between nations. As a English speakers to learn and Russian Russian citizen she recognizes remis recognized as nants of a competihaving “significant Hello in Arabic tive and broken relalinguistic and culAhl Sah-LAHM ah ah Laykoom tionship between tural differences America and Russia, from English” Hello in Russian even after the end of according to the ZDRAST-voyt-yah the Cold War. Foreign Services “This dialogue is Institute under the U.S. Department of very important,” said Zhivokina. “The State. relationship between the U.S. and “It is difficult because it’s hard to Russia was not ideal; but it’s imporperceive a sound you haven’t heard, tant not to be guided by stereotypes.” and some things are not translatable,” Next spring OIP will continue offersaid Haddad who added an extra class ing Arabic and Russian, but the OIP session to the week to give students encourages suggestions of different lanmore help. guages from students. Students can sign Zhivokina, who taught English in up at the OIP now for next semesters Voronezh, Russia, for seven years, Language and Culture Sessions. The said teaching Russian is only slightly fee will be the same.

ACCIDENTcontinued from Page 1 in the car. I have six other passengers’ lives at stake also. I didn’t fall asleep and I wasn’t tired, I just kind of veered off to the side of the road.” Darling, a former Olympian, said the incident was unfortunate and his primary concern started and ended with his athletes. “I was just thankful that none of the athletes were hurt,” he said. “I thank God that everyone was pretty safe and that no car hit us from the back. It was an eye-opener and I thank God that we all still have our lives.” Vaughn says he first got word of the accident at a university function, where James Langabeer, vice president for business affairs; Dr. John Edwards, vice president for enrollment and student services; and Carol Rausch, assistant to the president,

were also in attendance. They were all able to contact and work with the DPS and handle the situation. “Our main concern was our student-athletes’ and coaches’ wellbeing, to make sure that they were well taken care of and things were going accordingly,” Vaughn said. “We sent a department member up to transport them back so I think we took all precautions we needed to ensure the student-athletes’ safety.” Vaughn noted that he personally contacted all athletes’ parents the next day (Sept. 6) to follow up with their conditions and to inquire if they needed assistance from UTPA trainers. MOVING ON In addition, the accident prompted the athletic department to review its

travel policies. Charter buses became whole and look at our travel policies to the new transportation mode of the see if there is something we can do that cross country teams and Darling men- creates a safer environment for the stutioned they could dent-athletes and remain the main the coaches.” “I thank God that everyone transportation in At Texas A&Mwas pretty safe... It was an Kingsville, the athfuture seasons. Vaughn says the eye-opener and I thank God letic department department has to that we all still have our owns a 33-passenoperate within a lives.” ger mini-bus budget and even referred to as the though rental vans “Javelina Bus” for are considerably Dennis Darling its traveling sports less expensive, Cross-Country Coach p r o g r a m s . charter buses were However, accordthe solution for now. However, other ing to Marcia Johnson, an athletic alternatives will be looked at. administrative assistant, the depart“We’re not going to have any knee- ment will be purchasing two charter jerk reaction,” Vaughn said. “We were buses in the future to assist the provery fortunate there were no serious grams to its travel destinations. injuries, but we have to look at this as a Although negative effects from such

an accident can linger with a team, Darling says the mishap has brought the women’s cross-country unit closer together. And it shows. The Lady Broncs have captured fifth, third and second places accolades in the three meets they’ve ran since the crash. Freshman runner Daniela Flores says there is more team unity as everyone has mentally dealt with the accident in their own way. She also stated that if any one of them needs to talk about the accident, the rest of the team is there to console. “Everybody is in good spirits, everybody is 100 times supporting each other,” Darling said. “I think when you have life-threatening experiences like this it reflects on your life and how short it is and how quickly it can be taken away.”

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October 16, 2008

NEWS

CLUB continued from Page 3 and Behavioral Science building. The 50 member organization has invited all of the student organizations on campus to participate in donating food for the drive. Free Hugs, Forum on International Relations and Business Affairs and Tau Kappa Epsilon are just a few of the organizations involved. Rodriguez said winners will receive a trophy for most donations. Club advisor and associate professor Amy Weimer said she is proud the club is undertaking such an important community project. “Through their efforts, they will not only bring food to families, but also will raise awareness about the thousands of individuals in the Valley struggling with hunger,” she explained. According to the Food Bank of the RGV’s Web site, the poverty number in Hidalgo County tops 235,000. These are the people they service. Rodriguez, who has served as president for the past two semesters, said she hopes students around campus will make donations to the bins.

“We are just hoping it is a lot of donations,” the senior from Weslaco said. “This is the first time we do this and we want to see how it is going to go.” The club will next participate in the Food Bank RGV Sort-A-Thon this Saturday. It is a 24-hour period where all food donated will be sorted and boxed for distribution throughout the Valley. Sorting begins at 6 p.m. on Friday and will continue until 6 p.m. on Saturday. “This is a friendly competition to get food ready for food pantries, soup kitchens and homeless shelters,” Robinson said.

“Fight Hunger, Feed Hope” Who: Psychology Club When: Oct. 2 - Oct. 31 Where: Around campus

Photo Illustration by Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN

FIGHTING HUNGER - In an attempt to help the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley stock up on their food supply, the Psychology Club will be hosting a food drive through the end of the month.

TOOLS continued from Page 3 and Thursday. Reference Librarian Carlton Nelson said, “We’re just getting this started so hopefully the more we do this, the more people will show up.” UTPA first got an online database was in 2001. Nelson remembers when there were no online databases. “We always had electronic databases, even back in the ‘90s when I was an undergraduate. The thing is, back in the day they were actually on CD-ROMs.” During the event, Goodman said she would teach “old librarian tricks,” to help make searching the online database easier. She explained how to use the database EBSCOhost with efficiency; one of the tricks is to be specific when choosing words to search newspaper articles, scholarly journals, primary sources as well as many others. Academic Search Complete also has citation articles from peer-reviewed journals in all the

university’s colleges and subjects. “EBSCO is a huge company that puts out the various databases,” Goodman said. It’s the main database that is Academic Search Complete, a broad database search engine that Goodman suggests all use as a starting point in their research. “Our data base represents 60 to 70 thousand of these academic journals and that’s where students need to draw from,” she said. She added EBSCOhost has plenty of handy tools that can save a lot of time. She demonstrated how a simple mouse click can take all citation information from a document and display it in different academic writing styles such as MLA, APA or Chicago Style. Nelson said a lot of students don’t know about all the useful tools the databases have because it is always being changed. “This past summer they totally

changed the interface for EBSCO, totally redesigned it. Like the citation button, it wasn’t there before, that’s pretty new.” “The citation was really helpful,” said a source who wished to remain anonymous. “It takes so much time. Research is always very long, it just seems so much easier, and you know your sources are credible.” He\ added that the workshop tips taught by Goodman helped. “It was really nice to come in and learn how to use the database that’s offered. You could use this instead of Google,” said the attendee. “Before I had no idea, I saw the (Academic Search Complete) link there and didn’t even click on it. Now I feel more comfortable to go in and learn more by myself.” Avila remembers citing Wikipedia as a source recently, something he does not suggest. “I’m in the master’s program and

they were like, ‘What are you doing?’ I just didn’t follow through,” he explained. In response to Avila’s incident, Goodman scolded, “Never ever use Wikipedia, just to go in there and get your basic facts is fine, but never ever cite Wikipedia in a paper because that’s just a big no-no.” These classes have certainly helped the tiny number of students who attended. Despite the small little turnout, Nelson is not discouraged about the future of these informative classes. “The more information that students have access to, the better off they are as far as school goes. The easier it will be to do assignments and get their work done,” he said. “The whole point of the UTPA Library is to help faculty and staff with their research and information needs.” Knowing this, Goodman is in the process of scheduling more classes as well as taking suggestions from stu-

HEROES continued from Page 3

FAIR continued from Page 3

uated from La Joya High School as a “The ring [signifies] that education valedictorian in 1935. That year, she is available to all,” Moreno-Lino said. was only one of two women who “You just have to want it.” graduated. Annel Zamarron from the Multi“My grandmothCultural Center in er was everything… “My grandmother was the Student Life she was my whole everything... she was my office at the life,” Moreno-Lino University Center said. “Education whole life,” directed the event and morals were the and handed out biggest part she Jessica Moreno-Lino scholarships to the Scholarship recipient played in my life.” winners. Her grandmoth“The essays er’s will to become were judged by educated, is what inspired her. staff members from the Dean of Moreno-Lino now wears the gradua- Students and was not based on gramtion ring her grandmother earned for matical literature but on the relationher master’s degree in education from ship between the students and their Texas A&I University at the age of 60 heroes,” said Zamarron. in 1977, a ring she said allowed cloZamarron said that the university sure with her grandmother, who will soon celebrate Black History passed away two years ago. Month in February.

department get hands-on experience at the fair by checking blood pressure interested me and caught my attention to ask more about the field,” said Carlos Garcia of Edinburg, an education major. “It’s something I never thought of doing, but who knows, I might change my major.” The major representatives at the fair seemed to have the same goal: to recruit as many students as possible. “We want more students interested in the nursing program and this is a great opportunity to meet with faculty and ask any questions students might have,” said Pharr native Julie Chavez, a nursing major. Chavez has been a member of the nursing program for two years and hopes to see more students join. “It’s a great opportunity to learn and give back to the community,” Chavez

explained. In addition to moving the fair to October, organizers made computers available, so that students could then register for advisement. “We plan to keep the fair in October and have the computers accessible for students again next year,” said Hagerty. “Two-hundred students registered for advisement during the fair and that’s a good number.” Another plan in store for 2009 is to invite people from the Freshman Honors Program to the event, to give freshman an idea of how to get involved. The program offers special honors classes at the freshman and sophomore levels providing enhancement to basic curriculum. Besides all the posters guiding

dents on what they would like to learn. “We are looking to teach more of these classes and are looking for suggestions such as classes teaching Word 2007 or Excel, there will be one on the Business Source Complete database for business majors,” Goodman said, on Nov. 4 and Nov. 6 in the Library classroom 1 on the first floor during the activity hour. Nelson said “We’re kind of testing it out and hopefully by spring we’ll have a lot more classes.”

TIDBIT To get to the Academic Search Complete online database go to utpa.edu, click on the library link, then on to Articles and Data bases. From there, students off campus will need to enter their UTPA username and password, then a list of databases will appear, the first being Academic Search Complete.

students to the fair and mascot Bucky the Bronc drawing attention outside the Ballroom, Sanchez’s main reason for attending was to get to ask questions concerning her field of interest. After visiting with representatives from other colleges, she realized marketing is still what interested her. “I wanted to make sure marketing was what I wanted to do and to see if maybe something else caught my attention,” Sanchez said. According to the Combined Computer-Science, Electrical Engineering and Computer Engineering headcount at UTPA, more students have chosen the engineering field since fall of 2000 with an approximate 10 percent increase of 587 students in 2000 to 649 in fall of 2008.

October 16, 2008

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Dates to Know:

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Volleyball

Men’s and Women’s Tennis

vs. Chicago State Friday, 5 p.m. UTPA Field House

Alumni Match Saturday, 2 p.m. Orville Cox Tennis Center October 16, 2008

THE PAN AMERICAN

T CROSS COUNTRY

Teams continue stride, prepare for Great West meet By Ramiro Paez THE PAN AMERICAN

one great up-front runner who will always be winning meets, but we have a good crew that works together and in When The University of Texas-Pan cross country, that’s how you win American men’s cross country team meets. Just the work ethic and how entered the 2008 campaign, expecta- they get along is one of the reasons I think we have a better team.” tions were extremely high. UTPA had finished first at the RiAnd rightfully so. With a bolstering roster returning, the cardo Romo/Six Flags Fiesta Texas Broncs knew that 2008 could be the year Classic Sept. 19 and second at the to finally capture a spot in nationals. And New Balance Islander Splash Sept. with UTPA entering the Great West 26. On Friday, the Broncs upended Conference during the summer, a con- Rice University with 21 points to collect first place. ference title was added to the agenda. “We’re working as a team more. The Broncs returned six runners We used to work from last year’s rosas a team but not ter, including senior really together. standouts in San Now we’re setting Juan native J.J. Herour goals,” said nandez and Luis Nava, who led the Nava of La Joya. Men They added Edin- 3rd Luis Nava 15:14 pack with a thirdburg North alum 4th Angel M. Ramirez 15:19 place finish after Omar Doria and 5th Robert Najera 15:27 clocking in a time newcomer Robert 6th J.J. Hernadez 15:27 of 15:14. However, the Najera to the team, 8th Omar Doria 15:35 top-10 finishes making for a a for- 9th Wally Gonzalez 15:38 didn’t end with midable unit. 12th Gilroy Martinez 15:43 So the stage was 24th Vidal Ruiz 16:36 Nava. He was just set for the Green one Bronc among and Orange to perWomen form at a high level, 1st Carolina Izaguirre 14:21 six who placed in and three meets into 5th Diana Galloso 15:01 the top 10 as only the season, the 10th Sara Hernandez 15:34 29 seconds sepaBroncs have lived 11th Larissa de Leon 15:40 rated Nava’s time up to their talent. 21th Sasha Suarez 17:31 from that of 12thplace finisher For the second time this year, the Broncs recorded a Gilroy Martinez of McAllen. first-place finish, at the Houston BapLADY BRONCS tist Invitational this past weekend, On the women’s side, it’s been a simmaking them arguably one of the strongest UTPA men’s squads in recent ilar but different story from the men. After eligibility issues plagued the years. “We have seven guys that work to- Lady Broncs even before the season gether,” men’s and women’s coach started, the women were left scrambling Hugo Cervantes said. “We don’t have to complete a five-runner squad. And

Houston Baptist Invitational Results

with no senior leadership to guide the team, many were uncertain as to how the Lady Broncs would perform this year. But so far, inexperience has been the least of their worries. The women have gradually increased in each of their three meets, where Friday they captured second place after collecting fifth and third place accolades in the Ricardo Romo/ Six Flags Fiesta Texas Classic and New Balance Islander Splash. “The good thing is the girls that we have right now are the ones that really put a lot of effort. It shows with their performances,” Cervantes said of the Lady Bronc unit. “We don’t have the quantity but we do have the quality.” Part of the success is due to co-captains Carolina Izaguirre and Diana Galloso. Izaguirre, a Brownsville native, has led the Lady Broncs in all three meets, including Friday where she finished first after a season-best time of 14:21. Galloso of Edinburg is slowly becoming a go-to runner after she churned out her best performance of the season, a fifth-place finish with a time of 15:01. Izaguirre knows the women boast a young and small group but that hasn’t stopped the team from attaining its primary goal: winning. “We put a lot of effort in our workouts,” Izaguirre said of the Lady Broncs’ surprising season. “We’re all very dedicated and we want to win.” THE ROAD TO UTAH When the Broncs and Lady Broncs travel to Orem, Utah, Nov. 1, UTPA athletics will officially celebrate its admission into the Great West Conference, as cross country will be the first sport to engage in a GWC tournament. The teams will ride their momentum

Onydia Garza/THE PAN AMERICAN

SHARPENING UP- The cross country teams have only two weeks left to improve endurance for the upcoming Great West Conference meet. toward the Great West Conference Championships title. After his charges ran 90 miles the last five weeks, Cervantes says the mileage will decrease significantly and workouts will now consist of sharpening up the runners. “It’s going to motivate them a little bit more because we’re going to start running a lot faster and the workouts are going to by easier,” Cervantes said. “The hay is in the barn already, we just got to sharpen up and get it together.”

And with the performances so far, adjusting looks like it won’t pose a problem. Cervantes says he is confident that the men can stride toward the conference title, while the women can be a sleeper and sneak away with a victory if components fall into place. “We should be able to win without a problem, especially on the men’s side,” Cervantes said. “On the women’s side, if we can get it together and do our best we might have a chance to sneak in and bring home a championship as well.”

T VOLLEYBALL

Lady Broncs dropped by Lady Wolverines in fundraiser game By Pedro Perez IV THE PAN AMERICAN In front of 400 Lady Bronc fans dressed in pink, The University of Texas-Pan American’s volleyball team took the court Friday not only to face future Great West Conference competitor Utah Valley State University, but to raise money benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation in this year’s Dig for the Cure game. The foundation raises money for the fight against breast cancer. Unfortunately, the Lady Broncs dropped the decision to the Lady Wolverines 17-25, 22-25, 24-26. They

recorded 39 digs during the match but the amount of money raised was not ready by press time. “Very disappointed,” second-year head coach Angela Hubbard said of her team’s performance. “I thought we did well. They (Lady Broncs) definitely came in with a different mindset than we’ve had before. I think they definitely came into this game ready to play unfortunately it just didn’t fall our way.” The Lady Broncs dropped to 3-11 on the season, while the Lady Wolverines (6-8) recorded their first road win of the year. “It wasn’t the prettiest of matches,” Utah Valley head coach Sam Atoa said.

“But it’s the first match we’ve won on the road and we’ll take it.” In the first set, the Lady Broncs couldn’t seem to find the momentum, losing 25-17 against a shorthanded Lady Wolverine team. The Lady Broncs recorded only three kills on 25 attempts with nine errors making their attack percentage -.240. “We’re a little short-handed in not having our complete team here so you just never know what it’s going to be like because you just don’t have the depth you really need,” Atoa said. In the second set, the Lady Broncs began to find the momentum early on as UVU had to take an early timeout

after UTPA led 8-5. And the timeout seemed to serve them well as the Lady Wolverines rallied to win the set 2522 behind great offense. The Lady Broncs had 10 kills on 29 attempts and two errors giving them a .276 attacking percentage. In the final set, things got interesting. In a back-and-forth affair, the Lady Wolverines took control late in the set to sneak a 26-24 victory from the Lady Broncs. UTPA recorded 14 attacks on 40 attempts, and only committed five errors. There were also a few calls that could have gone for the Lady Broncs in the third set that might have forced a fourth set.

“I don’t like to blame games on the refs, it should never be that close,” Hubbard explained. “But unfortunately they didn’t like us. I don’t know why, it’s our home court and we’ve had them before and everything we seemed to do they didn’t like. Unfortunately those are momentum killers that if they don’t go your way, it can ruin a match.” With only three home games remaining, the Lady Broncs will conclude their four-game home stand Friday and Sunday against Chicago State and Houston Baptist at the Field House. The match against Chicago State will begin at 5 p.m. and Houston Baptist takes the court at 2 p.m.

October 16, 2008

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SPORTS

T SOCCER CLUB

T GOLF

Broncs capture fifth at Sam Houston Invite By Pedro Perez IV THE PAN AMERICAN

Onydia Garza/THE PAN AMERICAN

FIELD OF DREAMS - Adverse conditions, including holes in the intramural and track soccer fields, keep the men’s and women’s soccer clubs from having premiere hosting conditions.

Field conditions plague soccer clubs By Alvaro Balderas THE PAN AMERICAN In the waning minutes of a game, the last thing a defense wants is to give up a pass deep into the scoring area; and if there is one thing that a University of Texas-Pan American club soccer player does not want, it’s to make a mistake because of a bad bounce of an uneven playing field. Unfortunately, this is a distinct possibility. Since 2005, the men’s and women’s soccer clubs have been practicing and playing home games at UTPA’s intramural fields behind the Wellness and Recreational Sports Complex. Complaints about the field range from too many divots, stickers on the grass, to uneven surfaces. Complaints about the field come from UTPA athletes but also members of opposing teams, who have often been left wondering why they were playing on such a poor field. “Sometimes it’s embarrassing having visiting teams come play (here),” said women’s coach Hugo Zuniga. “We play on very nice fields everywhere we go. They are very taken care of. Every time a team comes and plays here I have to give my apologies about the condition of the field.” Some players, coaches and fans are wondering why the UTPA field is not adequately maintained or better yet, why it hasn’t been replaced. The other alternative for both soccer teams is to play at the track and field terrain on the other side of campus, where the field is level and there is greater seating capacity, including restrooms for fans, something that the current field does not possess. “The field is horrible. We should have a better field or at least be playing on the track field,” senior Lady Bronc defender Jessica Gomez said. “This is the worst field I‘ve played in. It’s ant piles, thorns and its unevenness really affects the game completely. Either the ball bounces every which way or it gets stuck in pot

holes. It‘s really bad.” Even though UTPA’s track field may be a good option, it has a considerable flaw to it as well. The field has dents from the shot-put and hammer-throw practices that take place year around by the track and field team. These, along with burrows and sprinkler depressions, make up about 20 percent of the field, which makes it unsafe for any athlete running on its surface. “We haven’t pursued the idea of playing at the track field. If we did they would probably let us, but even though the field looks a lot nicer, it is not in good condition. It has holes, divots and craters,” Schmidt said. “Are the fields we play in safe?” Probably not. “Are they rough?” Yes. They are too hard to be playing on cleats though. It feels like running on concrete.” Interim Athletic Director Ricky Vaughn says the track field does not present itself as an alternative due to its conditions. He adds that the field issue has not come up under his watch. “No one has ever contacted me about using it, but it is quite a safety hazard for them with the throwing events that take place, and that is the only place we have in which to have those events,” Vaughn said. “There is a lot of need on campus for several different areas but because of the shape that the track field is in, there is no way we can allow a soccer match to take place.” The question remians, Why has the track field been allowed to deteriorate? Representatives from the University’s Physical Plant say the holes can be fixed in a matter of days, but a problem may arise if the field is pursued by the soccer teams and the track athletes. “Once somebody reports the problem we meet up with them to see where the holes are at and that’s it. We have the materials. That’s what we do,” said Physical Plant dispatcher Jerry Marquez. “The thing is, we can fix them every week but it would be like an never-ending battle between the soccer

teams and the track athletes.” TEXAS A&M For this past weekend, however, the intramural practice field didn’t pose a problem. The men’s soccer club had two road games, where it went 1-1 en route to a 3-2-1 overall record. Against Big 12 powerhouse Texas A&M Sunday, the Broncs went down one-nil during the final minutes of the game. After a hard-fought defensive first half, Schmidt gave the green light and changed to a 4-4-1 line-up in the second half. Due to an unfortunate red card during the 10th minute on the Bronc goalkeeper, UTPA was left with 10 men on the field, which gave the Aggies the advantage. “We played a very good game. I was conscious of their scoring capabilities along with their strength and speed so we went defensive at first,” Schmidt said. “We changed at the half and forgot about the defensive mode. The chances were there but didn’t happen. There is nothing that I regret. I give credit to A&M. They did an incredible job.” LAMAR On Saturday, the 10-hour drive to Beaumont had no effects on the Broncs as they defeated Lamar University 4-2. The Broncs got their first goal from Juan P. Davila, who scored early in the sixth minute off a set play on a corner kick. From there, Juan “Puma” Reynoso and Jose Ramon gave the Broncs their second and third goals. In the second half, the Cardinals cut the Bronc lead to only one but UTPA outlasted the Red Birds in the middle of the second half after Reynoso scored the final goal for the Broncs, for a commanding 4-2 lead. “We were motivated and did what we had to do. We gave playing opportunity to everybody. When we were up 3-0 we gave the opportunity to some other people,” Schmidt said. “I liked our team very much, the way we spread the field and moved the ball around.”

For the University of Texas-Pan American golf program, rain has almost been a certainty to go along with every tournament this fall, but this week at the Sam Houston State Elkins Lake Fall Invitational in Huntsville, the sun was shining and the weather was sweet, perfect for three rounds of golf. “They actually got to play 54 holes with no rain,” said second-year director of men’s and women’s golf, Ofelia Lopez. “It shows that when it’s not raining what they can do. That’s not an excuse, it’s just saying for one tournament we finally got to play three rounds in the sunshine.” On Tuesday after two rounds of play at the Elkins Lake Golf Club the Broncs (880) finished in fifth place shooting 297, 285 and 298 as a team to stay in the same position from Monday’s 36-hole performance. “I’m really proud of them,” Lopez said. “I’m glad they stepped to their game plan and started to believe in themselves.” DAY ONE With 36 holes in front of them the Broncs began the day with the shotgun start at 8 a.m. Armen Kirakossian (7668), Shane Pearce (70-74) and A.J. Gonzalez (75-69) all shot an even-par144 to put them in an eight way tie for 11th place. Sophomore Tim Acaster (76-74) was tied for 27th place recording a six-over-par 150 and High

Wongchindawest (78-74) shot an eight-over-par 152 which earned him 36th place for Monday. DAY TWO Tuesday would bring no change in the rankings as the Broncs topped off in fifth place out of 11 teams for the tournament. Kirakossian (72) finished in 13th place overall marking an even-par 216 for the 54 holes. Behind him in a threeway tie for 16th place was Pearce (74) who shot two-over-par 218. Gonzalez (76) finished in 22nd place moving him 11 places down from Monday shooting four-over-par 220. Acaster (76) finished the day in 36th place with a 10-over-par 226 and Wongchindawest (76) topped out in 40th place shooting a 12-over-par 228. Sam Houston State (849) took the title shooting 285, 281 and 283 for the three rounds. The Broncs close out the fall season at Lopez’s alma mater Southern Mississippi on Oct. 26 where they will participate in the 2008 Sam Hall Intercollegiate. Lopez wants to make sure the golfers are ready and has given them the edge by explaining how the greens play at Hattiesburg Country Club. “I told them what we’re going to work on,” Lopez concluded. “Hattiesburg Country Club has a lot of short greens so we’re going to be working on some flop shots around the green and staying precise with our irons. A lot of accuracy out there is our main point.”

Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

PLAYING THE GREEN - Junior Oregon native Armen Kirakossian shot a season low 68 in the second round of the Sam Houston Invitational Monday.

Page 16

October 16, 2008

THE PAN AMERICAN

T MEN’S TENNIS

By Sara Hernandez THE PAN AMERICAN After a 7-12 record last season, The University of Texas-Pan American men’s tennis team returns to the court with a young but experienced crew. They started the season last week in San Antonio at the UTSA Invitational, where the Broncs qualified two doublets and two single players to semifinals and quarterfinals. The Broncs will return to the court Saturday for the UTPA Alumni Match, followed by the UT-Austin Invite Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. This year they are looking forward to being a competitive team in the Southland Conference and seeing their new acquisition, freshman Beau Bernstein, play at the collegiate level. “We lost our number one player (Ivan Avila), but we brought in a very good freshman,” men’s and women’s coach Rob Hubbard said. “We are looking forward to see him perform.” The Sugarland native joins the Broncs, who are ranked in the top 15 in Texas and top 150 in the country, and expects to have a successful college career. “I expect me and the team to have a winning record,” Bernstein said. “Hopefully, this year I will get nation-

QuotesFrom TheStands ally ranked.” Bernstein will be joining his older brother, junior Brett Bernstein, and a squad of talented, experienced players. In addition, Hubbard is hoping to recruit a new netter by January to solidify the team even more. Hubbard says his expectations are to compete for the Southland title. “We have a solid, deep team, but we still have a lot of work to do,” he said. Sophomore Ashwin Vijayaragavan returns from the ’07-’08 season with a 9-9 singles record. The India native plans to help the team expectation of a top-75 ranking by reaching his personal goal of appearing in the NCAA rankings, where the best 125 players in the nation are listed in order to play in the NCAA national tournament to take place in May 2009 at College Station. “Last year our aim was to win 12 matches; we fell short by two,” Vijayaragavan said. “This time we want to get ranked. I think we have a very good chance for that.” Vijayaragavan added that the youth of the team provides the perfect conditions to achieve such goals. “The team looks so much better than last year,” he said. “We are mostly young guys at the moment and we are willing to do everything. It’s a

much better and stable team.” Hubbard said the one-year experience in the UTPA team of sophomore players like Vijayaragavan, Andrew Irving and Marcus Dornauf will add on to the skill of juniors Brett Bernstein, Nirvick Mohinta and Joshua Rollins, senior Shashank Vij and freshman Beau Bernstein to bring stability to the team. “Ashwin had a good year,” he said. “I look for him to get stronger.” Sophomore Australia native Dornauf returns with a singles record of 11-7. “Marcus is playing very well, better than last year,” Hubbard said. “He is still considered one of our best players.” Juniors Brett Bernstein and Nirvick Mohinta of India had a 9-7 and 6-13 singles record, respectively. They will be supported by Shashank Vil, from Finland, who had a 2-1 singles mark. “When you have juniors and senior players, you’re always looking for a leadership,” Hubbard said. New Zealand native Irving posted an 8-11 singles record last season. Though he has been out for six weeks because of a wrist injury, Hubbard mentioned that Irving is expected to return to practice next week and will be ready to play by January.

UNDER WAY When the Broncs opened up the ’08 campaign in San Antonio, their performance gave an inkling about what lied ahead. “We had strong performances by Marcus, Brett, and Ashwin. I’m pleased with the way the team looked,” Hubbard said. The event was highlighted by the performances of the semifinalist Vijayaragavan-Mohinta doublet and the quarterfinal-qualifier duo of Dornauf and Vij. In singles, Brett Bernstein won the Blue Singles Consolation Title, Dornauf was a semifinalist, and Vijayaragavan was a quarterfinalist. “It was pretty good for our first match,” said Vijayaragavan. “It was good experience. I’m playing for the first time during the fall.” The UTSA Invitational was also a good experience for the youngest member of the team, Beau Bernstein. The freshman did not play to his potential, but did set the road for a flourishing season. He dropped a 6-2 decision to UTSA’s Max Stratmann in orange singles but collected a secondplace finish in the doubles consolation bracket with his brother. “I was pretty nervous, but I’m hoping next time will be much better,” he said.

Brett Bernstein

“I was real excited, I had faith in them. They weren’t favored to win, Oklahoma was favored, I think, by seven. But Texas came back, though it was back and forth for awhile. I really had faith in them. I think everybody doesn’t hold Texas as high as the other teams” David Mancha Senior Biology major

On Longhorn’s win

“I don’t like the Cowboys. I think they are so overrated. I’m glad that they lost.” Vianey Gonzales

Senior P.R. / advertising major

On Cowboys’ recent loss

Editor’s Picks HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Joshua Rollins

Rio Hondo Bobcats

Hidalgo Pirates

Friday 7:30 p.m.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Missouri Tigers

Texas Longhorns

Saturday 7 p.m. (ABC)

NFL

ALL FOR ONE - The Broncs hope to have an improved year with a host of players returning from last season.

Onydia Garza/THE PAN AMERICAN

Denver Broncos

@ New England Patriots

Monday 7:30 p.m. (ESPN)