November 13, 2008 by UTRGV Student Media

Midnight Madness keeps spirit alive; See pages 8 & 9

SINCE 1943

Volume 65, No. 12

November 13, 2008

T ADMINISTRATION

Officials tapped for Obama administration By J.R. Ortega & Brian Silva THE PAN AMERICAN The University of Texas-Pan American has been tapped not once, but twice, by President-elect Barack Obama’s administration. UTPA president Blandina “Bambi” Cardenas has been suggested for the U.S. Secretary of Education position. Also, Public Administration Dept. Chair Espiridion “Al” Borrego has been asked to serve

on Obama’s transition team. Cardenas released a statement Wednesday afternoon stating she was gratified for the suggestion. Sources confirmed that the League of United Latin American Citizens was among the two latino groups that suggested her name to Obama officials. “I am honored that national leaders in my community believe that I could serve this new administration of hope,” she said in her statement.

“Serving the Rio Grande Valley and UTPA fills my heart like nothing else in my life. All I want to do is keep working to see more of our young people graduate from college.” Currently, Cardenas is under review by the UT System for allegations of citation misuse in her 1974 dissertation at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. The UT System Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs David B. Prior sent a memo to

faculty and staff last week announcing he would oversee the review process and asked that faculty and staff reserve judgment. A senior university source said Cardenas is confident she will be completely cleared of all the allegations. Cardenas, the first female president of the university, served as commissioner of Administration of Children, Youth and Families in the Dept. of Health, Education and Welfare. She

also served as a member of the U.S. Civil Rights Commission from 19801992, and the American Council on Education from 1989-1992. Borrego, who served in the Clinton administration transition team, has yet to confirm any specifics about the request to serve on the team but would aid Obama in setting up personnel for the 44th president’s executive branch. Borrego has worked at UTPA since

SEE OBAMA || PAGE 5

T COMMUNITY

Beauty queens crown Valley kids By J.R. Ortega THE PAN AMERICAN

Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN

TRUE BEAUTY - Jasmine Yvette Aguilar, a 17-month-old of Pharr, takes sunglasses off Cassidy Klein, local Queen for a Day director during the Saturday morning charity event at Edinburg Children’s Hospital.

Ximena Garza was a princess this weekend. As the 3-year-old sauntered across the brightly sunlit thirdfloor playroom of the Edinburg Children’s Hospital, one couldn’t help but notice the portable vital sign monitor trailing close behind her. “She’s happy,” said Maribel Garza as she walked her daughter from the playroom back to her quiet, more somber hospital room. On Saturday, children like Garza were pampered by Valley Queens, who spent the morning helping children color, taking photos with them, creating arts and crafts and giving lit-

tle girls makeovers for Queen for a Day. Valley Queens, a group of current pageant titleholders from the Rio Grande Valley, hosted the bi-annual party at pediatric oncology and outpatient hospitals in the area. Fortunately for the Garza family, Ximena Garza’s brush with bronchitis had improved and she was discharged after having spent the week at the hospital, and a morning with the queens. “She wanted to go back (to the event),” the mother said about how her daughter’s spirits lifted for the first time because of the morning event. “She didn’t even want to go

SEE BEAUTY || PAGE 5

T CAMPUS

T ACTIVITIES

College of Business to Human rights theme for Int’l Week take part in global event By Abby Flores THE PAN AMERICAN

By Abigail Muñiz THE PAN AMERICAN A global event has made its way to The University of Texas-Pan American. Global Entrepreneurship Week will celebrate the growing movement in entrepreneurship, The National Hispanic Professional Organization on campus has paid tribute to the weeklong observance with a series of information sessions throughout the month of November, turning it into

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Entrepreneurship Month and the group hopes to engage the next generation of business self-starters next week. The 18-member strong NHPO, established in 2006, worked for an estimated six weeks fundraising for activities. The organization has coordinated events in hopes that students will be able to network with professionals in the business field, learn about financing options, business plan construction, and marketing research.

SEE GLOBAL || PAGE 5

OPINION

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The University of Texas-Pan American will celebrate its eighth annual International Week, hosted by the Office of International Programs Nov. 17-22, featuring keynote speakers, events and cultural performers. This year’s theme is “Human Rights.” International Week is an event held by universities throughout the country designated by the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education, which offers a week full of international culture and topics deal-

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ing with human rights such as politics, health and environment. Fidel Garcia, a junior from Rio Grande City majoring in business, dreams of traveling overseas. International Week has helped educate him of the various cultures and beliefs around the world. “Egypt has always interested me, getting to listen to Jehan Sadat will be interesting. It’s different than just sitting in class and being lectured about it,” Garcia said. “Getting to hear someone who is actually from there, and better yet, a former first lady of the country will be interesting to listen to.”

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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A part of the Distinguished Speaker Series and an International Week keynote speaker, human rights activist and former first lady of Egypt, Sadat’s speech will be, “A Woman of Egypt: Life as the First Lady” on Monday at 7:30 p.m. at the Fine Arts Auditorium. Since April, the Office of International Programs has worked on preparations on the event. “For faculty members, it is manageable. We have long completed our work. Many of us have presentations to make but, when you think about it, that’s what we do for a living,” said

SEE WEEK || PAGE 5

SPORTS

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November 13, 2008

THE PAN AMERICAN

T OPINION

Fast-food choices limited Laura Garcia A&E EDITOR

I’ve often been accused of being indecisive; if you ask me where I’d like to eat, you may find yourself driving around town for quite awhile. Although, now I’ve come to realize that my indecisiveness isn’t due to an anal-retentive personality but to the fact that there just really isn’t anything great to eat anymore: at least not in the fast-food, budgetfriendly, easily accessible department. You can drive down every street in the Rio Grande Valley and I can almost guarantee you that on three of the four corners of an intersection, situated grandly will be a McDonald’s, a Burger King and a Whataburger. These axis powers of the fast-food industry have practically monopolized the Valley and its ever-growing population of college students. I am in no way a “health nut,” or

one who craves a diet of greens and ill-textured, putrid shakes that reek of protein. But I do get tired of the ‘ol greasy #1 combo after awhile. Burgers, chicken tenders (or strips or nuggets, depending on the chain) and salads that are practically still frozen, seem to be the everyday choices shoved in our faces. The solution to my problem would be for more salad, sushi or pasta places to open up fast-food type chains, instead of just the momand-pop places you have to drive miles to get to. Joints specializing in salads can offer your tummy a wide range of salads from chicken and grapes to macaroni and tuna to green spaghetti. Yum! The other solution would be to give up fast food altogether and frequent the all-too-familiar Chili’s, but who has time for that when you’re already speeding down 107 because your professor won’t let you walk in a single minute late?

Nov. 13, 2008

Vol 65, No. 12

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

ADVISER

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

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

STAFF Kristen Cabrera Abby Flores Sara Hernandez Onydia Garza Ben Briones

Anthony Salinas Issac Barrientes Marco Carbajal Andi Figueroa Pedro Perez IV

**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.

100% wool, 100% bull

Illustration - Anthony Salinas

T EDITORIAL

Students expect transparency Two weeks ago it was revealed in a story published by The Pan American that UTPA Police Chief Howard Miller had been terminated from his position on Oct. 3. The question of why he was fired still remains unanswered by the university and the University of Texas System. That question needs to be answered. During conversations with the UT System, it was noted that Miller was fired because of the outcome of an investigation. When officials were asked about the focus of this investigation, they refused to offer any comment. It was said the investigation into Miller would never be made public. The UT System’s reason was that the matter is a personnel issue, and thus cannot be disclosed. However, we believe this to be unacceptable. Private commercial businesses don’t have to release information about their employees or why they happen to be fired, but the university police chief is not hired by a pri-

vate company. He is an employee of the university and the UT System. In his capacity as chief, Miller was a government employee; in fact, an employee of the State of Texas. His monthly check came from government funds, since UTPA is part of the Texas public higher education system. The taxpayers of Texas provide the public funds to pay this public official. Thus, since he is a government official, we as students should be told the reason he was fired. It can only be a bad thing, since the outcome of the investigation was so negative it resulted in his immediate termination. The police chief is vital to the security of students on campus, and his missteps should be information made available to the students. All of us in The Pan American community are affected by the actions of our chief, and we have the right to know what he was investigated for and why the UT System took the action it did. If this had been a city police

chief, an explanation would have been made known immediately, because the public expects it. Even ongoing investigations are intensely covered by the media, and rightly so, as the public has the right to know because their safety is involved. It is highly inappropriate for a governmental organization to withhold such vital information from the public. And this is what is happening. Since the information is documented by the government, it makes the report public information. All public information is eligible for release under the Freedom of Information Act. We can use FOIA to attain the information, however, the right thing to do would be for UTPA and the UT System to release it out of their own will. We urge President Cardenas to work with the UT System to provide students with open and transparent information in a timely fashion on this matter of pressing importance. We deserve to know.

Dates to Know:

November 13, 2008

Distinguished Speaker: Jehan Sadat

Dr. Manuel Peña book signing

Monday 7:30 p.m. Fine Arts Auditorium

Friday noon to 1 p.m. UTPA Library Page 3

THE PAN AMERICAN

T CAMPUS

Anthropology class to rock out next semester By Ana Villaurrutia THE PAN AMERICAN When a change in the university’s curriculum this year left anthropology class, U.S. and Other World Cultures, out of the education requirement, it depleted the amount of students taking the course. But the department found it was a blessing in disguise. Texas Education Coordinating Board mandated earlier last year that

bachelor plans change from 124 credits to 120. Two new courses, Anthropology of Pop Music (Multicultural Roots in American Popular Music) and Medical Anthropology: Health, Disease and Culture will be offered this spring to address the empty slots left. “It frees us up so we can offer more courses that can be attractive to the student,” said Anthropology Professor Margaret Graham, who created and

will also teach the new medical anthropology course. Graham conceptualized the course two years ago and said students would study medical care and coverage from different cultures, including Chinese medicine. Unfortunately the class is now full. “Students are interested because everybody gets sick,” said Graham. “There’s so many philosophical underpinnings practiced in medicines

like Chinese medicine when they see it in action the students will be intrigued.” Anthropology Professor Bobbie Lovett is also excited to start the popular music class. “The students that sign up, I assume already have an interest in music, but now they’ll understand why,” Lovett said. Lovett created this course in 2007 when she was sent the textbook

“American Popular Music: From Minstrelsy to MP3” from Oxford University Press. When she read the book she instantly became attracted to the subject. “I read through it and I decided I really wanted to teach a course on the subject because it really reflects our multicultural heritage and backgrounds,” Lovett explained. “Plus it’s really fun to listen too.”

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T CULTURE

Zapatistas find their way to UTPA By Abigail Muñiz THE PAN AMERICAN

Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN

BEHIND ENEMY LINES - Subcomandante Marcos, played by CarlosAlexis Cruz, in a scene of “Zapatistas” fires back at Mexican troops during the Zapatistas’ 1994 insurgence. The play, presented by Teatro Milagro of Portland, Ore. drew close to 150 people Wednesday to the Student Union Theater.

Against a colorful mural full of pictures of Emiliano Zapata and soldiers holding signs that read justicia (justice) and democracia (democracy) revolutionaries came to life Wednesday night at the Student Union Theater at The University of TexasPan American. On its last stop in a seven-state yearlong tour, Teatro Milagro, a theater group of Portland, Ore., drew a crowd of close to 150 to its play called “Zapatista.” The event was hosted by the University Program Board Heritage Committee. Written by Dañel Malán, Teatro Milagro’s artistic director, “Zapatista” portrays the story of Subcomandante Insurgente Marcos, who in 1994, along with the Zapatista National Liberation Army, initiated a movement with hopes of starting a revolution. The Zapatista’s initial goal was to fight for the rights

of indigenous groups mainly in Chiapas, one of Mexico’s poorest states. They were trying to bring attention to unfair treatment the uneducated indigenous people were experiencing, and how they were being denied the land in which they lived. Malán became motivated by the movement in 1996 when on a trip to Mexico, she heard of how the Zapatistas were organizing. “It’s kind of what inspired me,” she said. “The biggest thing the Zapatistas were doing was creating awareness.” The Zapatistas take their name from Emiliano Zapata, the commander of the Liberation Army of the South during the Mexican Revolution of 1910-17. They refrained from using weapons after their first encounter with the loyalist Mexican army and came to employ other more subtle tactics. The modern-day version has tried to get international attention and support using employs media campaigns

SEE ZAPATISTAS || PAGE 6

T ACADEMIC

LeaderShape Institute prepares to shape up students By Kristen Cabrera THE PAN AMERICAN LeaderShape is a six-day event of self-discovery, a highly interactive leadership-training program that touts itself as a revitalizing conference unlike any other. It is an annual event that takes place nationwide with special campus sessions at more than 70 different universities. The latest one will be Jan. 4 through Jan. 9, 2009. The first LeaderShape at UTPA was in May 2006, and has since been growing in numbers and participation

according to Lily Gyamfi, on-site coordinator for LeaderShape at UTPA. She explained that Ford Motor Co. and other sponsors helped bring the free conference for university students. The LeaderShape Institute approached Ford to ask for sponsorship for more seminars around the country; the corporation decided to fund specific universities to hold LeaderShape for free and help get the word out to college students. “We were lucky, UTPA has a great relationship with Ford so they selected us and they gave us a grant to work

with and from then on LeaderShape started,” said the 21-year-old finance major from McAllen. “The first one we had about 30 students attended, which is half of the 60 spots we have available,” Gyamfi said. “It has its pros and cons last year a lot of students from SGA (Student Government Association) applied and did it last year, I think its been growing strong. Though, I’m really hoping for a larger turnout, we are really hoping that students take advantage of this opportunity, it really is a life changing experience, I can definitely testify to that.”

Marcelina Pena, 21-year-old senior biology major, recounts how she was not expecting such an impacting event. “I had been to Leadership conferences before so that’s what I was expecting,” she said. “I went in not expecting too much and a more of a serious tone. But it totally was just an amazing experience, I couldn’t even put into words.” The Institute is broken up into six 12-hour days, with each day set around a theme that students are expected to execute through the day. Participants use new skills, provide

and accept feedback from peers and work in ‘family clusters’ that students are put into at the beginning of camp. “There’s about six of us in our family clusters, they kind of randomly put us together, the Mission native said. “That was my favorite experience there because I got to know them a lot better. I still keep in touch with my family cluster an it’s been a year.” The experiences and leadership skills Pena received from LeaderShape is something that she

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November 13, 2008

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NEWS

WEEK continued from Page 1

BEAUTY continued from Page 1

John Bokina, a political science professor. “For the staff in the Office of International Programs, I’m sure that it is hectic and overwhelming.” Another keynote speaker is Luis Alfonso De Alba, ambassador to the United Nations for Mexico and president of Human Rights Council for the United Nations, who will speak on “International Policy on Human Rights” Thursday in the University Ballroom. Each year, International Week costs an estimated $25,000, and is sponsored by Wells Fargo Bank, the Mexican Consulate, the Chinese Embassy as well as UTPA departments such as Criminal Justice, the University Library and Political Science Association. According to Marilu Salazar, director of international programs, the events have opened up interna-

back home.” Cassidy Klein, the 22-year-old owner of ValleyQueens.com who sponsors the local Queen for a Day director and former UTPA student, said it was some of the queens’ first time doing a Queen for a Day event, but that she was confident they would leave feeling accomplished. Though some of the pediatric patients weren’t able to leave their rooms because of chronic and debilitating diseases like cancer, the queens visited their rooms to spend quality time with them. “(The event) symbolizes that despite everything, they are still beautiful,” said Klein, multi-titled beauty pageant holder who now attends The University of Incarnate Word in San Antonio. “It really shows a different side of cancer-patient children and opens your eyes to this horrible disease.” Laura M. Gonzalez, Miss Texas Teen Lone Star Latina and a 19-yearold pre-med/biology and chemistry major at The University of Texas-Pan American, said the event helps makes not only the girls’ days brighter, but boys’ days brighter as well. While the boys colored, created arts and crafts and took photos with the beauty queens, the girls painted their nails and walked around with feathered boas around their neck. “It makes everyone feel good about themselves,” Gonzalez said while she helped a fellow queen prepare beads for a bracelet for the chil-

tional networks for students in the past. “This event has opened our students’ eyes to the world,” Salazar said. “Conflicts and misunderstandings are most of the time, brought about by ignorance of others’ cultures, issues and ways of thinking.” Salazar also mentioned knowledge of international issues will increase the students ‘marketability’ when they look for jobs in the future. “One student actually found a job through one of our guest speakers from a German company who came here as one of our first international guest speakers,” Salazar said. Attendance during International Week has increased consistently. In 2004, a reported 1,199 people attended while in 2007 a group of 5,889 were present at various events.

OBAMA continued from Page 1 2004 as a professor of public administration. Alongside Borrego, is University of Texas-Brownsville and Texas Southmost College president Juliet Garcia, who also served in the Clinton administration in 1992 and confirmed mid-week last week she would assist the Obama administration. Jose R. Hinojosa, former interim director of the Master of Public Administration program and emeritus public administration professor, has known Borrego since 2004. Borrego has served as assistant secretary for Veteran’s employment

and training in the U.S. Department of Labor during the Clinton administration and has a Ph.D. and MPA in public administration from the University of Southern California. Hinojosa added that Borrego’s experience has shaped him enough to serve on the team. “It will bring them (Obama administration) his experience,” he said about the positions Borrego has held. Borrego was unable to comment about the matter because details have not been fully disclosed.

GLOBAL continued from Page 1 While this is the first year the organization will participate, in the spring, the group held the Entrepreneurship Speaker Series. Felix Garcia, NHPO chairman, said during Global Entrepreneurship Week, they want to reach students with entrepreneurial aspirations. “We are targeting individuals who aspire to establish their own businesses,” Garcia, a junior marketing major said. “We promote this particular month and next week with innovation, creativity and achievement.” While Garcia says that entrepreneurship contributes to the South Texas economy by providing job growth and opportunities for diversity, he feels it is important to let people know it is not impossible to be an entrepreneur. “We need to make more space for entrepreneurship,” Garcia said. “We need to encourage individuals to come out and let them know that they can choose to become an entrepreneur as a career.” Next week, at least 75 countries will be involved in the event, but local initiative revolves around events that are community-based. Entrepreneurship Week USA in 2007 was a pilot program driven by the Kauffman Foundation, one of the largest foundations in the U.S. devoted to entrepreneurship. An online survey in 2007 conducted by Kauffman Foundation and Harris Interactive in which 2,438, subjects age 8 to 21 participated,

found that four in 10 wanted to start their own business in the future. Joe Garza, NHPO adviser and lecturer for the College of Business Administration, said it is important for students to know that there are ample opportunities as an entrepreneur. “[Through entrepreneurship] we draw awareness that this is a career option for anyone who is interested in wanting to create and establish their own business,” Garza said. “This program is a viable option for those seeking to be entrepreneurs.” Similarly Ismael Delgado, Small Business Development Center business advisor, said that it’s important especially for young people, to become aware of the option of being business self-starters. “We’re happy to participate with a student organization. It’s important that we help develop the young leadership,” Delgado said. “It’s (entrepreneurship) going to be key in so many ways, it pushes the envelope in innovation.” Next week’s activities start Tuesday during activity period with a session titled “Global Entrepreneurship,” followed by “The Many Hats of Small Business Ownership” on Thursday. “Technology Entrepreneurship Boot camp,” will be held on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will focus on inspiring entrepreneurs to develop their ideas and make them reality through sessions throughout the day.

dren. “I think it’s a very good feeling to know you made a difference in their lives.” That was very much the thought of Marlen Lopez of Alamo, who watched her daughter, Fernanda Lopez, break out in hives the day before due to an unknown allergic reaction. Though the hives were brought under control, her mother added doctor’s found it to either be a reaction to peanuts or a virus. Despite the previous day’s scare, Marlen Lopez watched as her daughter made a sash that read “Princess Fernanda,” and colored a picture of Cinderella. “She was getting bored,” the mother said about her 5-year-old daughter’s stay at the hospital. “And now she really wants to stay here, they are dressing them up and making them feel better about themselves.” Josalynn Olveira, a 17-year-old holding the title of Miss Weslaco, had been taking care of and catering to Lopez all morning, saying that she learned a lot things about her. “She likes Cinderella, Hannah Montana and her favorite color is blue,” she said while watching Lopez color in the picture of her favorite Disney character. “It’s fun because I’ve been able to be with little kids, which is really great for them.” Olveira said she understands how Lopez can get bored and want to go home. “My brother’s in and out of the hospital all the time, so something

like this really hits close to home,” the Weslaco High School student said. Dr. Peter Palmieri said during holiday time such as Christmas and Halloween many volunteers visit the hospital to help raise children’s’ morale. “It’s helpful for them (children) to be distracted for a bit,” he said about how the Saturday morning event gets kids out of their rooms and into the playroom for interaction. Palmieri said the majority of patients at ECH are in and out for acute illnesses like the common cold, pneumonia and dehydration. However there are a few with chronic problems like cancer, who are in for a much longer duration. Palmieri, who has been working at ECH for two years, said the hospital does all it can to make children comfortable, such as having activities in the playroom. “When you’re happy it helps make you better,” he said. “I enjoy taking care of the kids at this hospital.” Miss South Texas Amanda Garcia, who is going for a master’s in business administration at UTPA, said participating in beauty pageants has really helped boost her self-esteem and made her more outgoing. Garcia added that she has attended the event a couple of times before and said she really feels it’s beneficial for both the giver and the receiver. “It’s something I’ve liked to do in the past,” she said with a smile. “It’s a joy to see their faces just light up.”

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Lovett said she has received so much interest for the course, 29 have already signed up, that she has increased the class size from 30 students to 50, and will teach it in the Academic Services Building instead of the Social and Behavioral Sciences Building. Program coordinator for the anthropology department Thomas Pozorski found the course to be interesting. “I thought it was something that would be very exciting and entertaining but also informative for the students to put music in an anthropological context,” Pozorski said. Class meetings will begin with a lecture based on the textbook, but the second half of most classes will give

way to actual music listening and a discussion. Lovett hopes hearing music in class will help generate interest and real appreciation for the music. “I hope to get interplay between me and the students,” she suggested. “We’ll go over the beat tempo and in some cases the lyrical content.” The textbook discussed the birth of American popular music from as early as 1840, when Europe turned its ear to American music. Lovett said one interesting aspect about the textbook is the often ambiguous race relations between African Americans and white Americans. “In the book we’re seeing this real conflict because we had Jim Crow

NEWS

November 13, 2008

laws that segregated America, but at Lovett noted. “But there is a whole the same time white Americans were section on Mexican and South really intrigued and attracted to American music in America.” African-American Other music styles of music like genres discussed in “I was quite elated, there’s the course include ragtime,” she said. Though the no person who doesn’t find jazz, country, book has much to something (interesting) in disco, punk and say about African- music.” alternative. The American influmusic heard in the ence, it also con- Daniel Nicholson course will come tains sections on Junior anthropology major from CDs that the parts European accompany the and Latin American book. Purchase of styles have played in American music the textbook also provided access to history. iMix, an online download site with “A lot of the book is on African music mentioned in the textbook. Americans simply because of their Anthropology major Daniel early influence on American music,” Nicholson is already signed up for

the class. “I was quite elated, there’s no person who doesn’t find something (interesting) in music,” said the 22year-old La Feria junior. He said the class is important to him because the study of cultural music called ethnomusicology is a subfield in anthropology he may want to learn. “There’s certainly some students that may want to study this in the future…it’s been a thought I’ve considered,” Nicholson said. Lovett hopes to teach the class every spring if all goes well. “It’s going to be a lot of fun and I hope the students go beyond what they hear,” said Lovett. “They may say something like the blues is pretty cool.”

ZAPATISTAS continued from Page 3 through newspapers and the Internet; they also broadcast their version of what has occurred in Chiapas since the 1990s. Malán hopes that their portrayal of the Zapatistas stirs students in a way that allows them to realize they can invoke change for worthwhile causes too. “You don’t have to be a bystander,” Malán said. “You can do something about it.” Last year, the Heritage Committee invited the Teatro Milagro group for another presentation: Frida, un retablo, about the internationally popular Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. This year Maria Hinojosa, committee chair, says she hopes people realize the significance of the Zapatista affair, which hits close to home. “It’s important for people to know about the Zapatistas,” Hinojosa said. “This is something recent, people are

still fighting for this cause. We really think people should be aware of what is going on, not only around the United States, but also in surrounding countries.” The Teatro Milagro or the Miracle Theatre Group, is a non-profit organization established in 1985. It specializes in public performances and specialized touring. “The mission of the touring company is to educate on the diversity of Latin America and to promote global unity through educational theater,” Malán said. Aligned with the Heritage Committee’s duty to the university, Hinojosa agrees the committee is also here to provide students a diversity of presentations throughout the year. “We try to bring a variety of cultures,” Hinojosa said. “It’s to make students more aware of what’s out there.”

TIDBIT - On the day of NAFTA’s inauguration in 1994, New Year’s day, a group called the Zapatista National Liberation Army (EZLN) rose up against the Mexican government. - The Zapatista movement launched their protest to bring attention to poverty and injustice Native Americans and others who farmed in the Chiapas region faced. - In February 1996, the Mexican government and the EZLN signed the first of six peace accords although EZLN broke off peace talks in September. - In 2005, after four years, the group’s leader, Subcommander Marcos appeared publicly, proclaiming that the Zapatistas would work with leftist groups to influence generations to come. encarta.msn.com

Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN

“POST MODERN” MOVEMENT - Capitana Ana Maria (foreground), played by Dañel Malán, and Comandante Tacho, played by Jorge Madrid in “Zapatistas,” use a laptop to reach out to Mexico for support in fighting in the fight for indigenous rights in Chiapas, Mexico.

LEADER continued from Page 3 still keeps with her. “I came out of there a different person. I can’t even say how much fun LeaderShape is and how much it has helped me,” Pena said. “I came out knowing myself better as well.” According to Gyamfi, it would cost a student outside of UTPA almost $1,000 for food, lodging, travel and other various expenses. But for UTPA students, it is entirely paid for. “The sponsors take care of every-

thing, they pay for the dorms and food,” Gyamfi said. Procter and Gamble, this year’s sponsors for the upcoming event, is supporting this potentially life-changing experience in order to foster leadership skills for future members of the workforce. In 2006, Ford had been eager to fund UTPA, focusing heavily on recruiting business and engineering majors. Now, anyone in any major is

welcome. “We usually have 20 spots for business, 20 spots for engineering and 20 for general student population,” Gyamfi said. “But that doesn’t mean that just because they’re not business or engineering majors we are going to turn them away.” Anyone interested in registering for one of the 60 slots for LeaderShape should access the online application at www.-s1.leadershape.ord/apprd/281.

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THE PAN AMERICAN

November 13, 2008

Photos By: Onydia Garza

November 13, 2008

THE PAN AMERICAN

Layout By: Roy Bazan

BURN BABY - University students watch as Edinburg Fire Department ignite the letters ‘UTPA’ to get students riled up right outside the Field House.

ROCK IT OUT - Playing for what seemed like all night, local band 24/7 performed Friday night.

FIRED UP - UTPA cheerleader Racael Houpt, cheers her heart out in the UTPA Field House during Midnight Madness. FRIENDS AND SPIRIT- (From left) Fidel Castro, James Berglund and Florinda Gonzalez, all part of Resident Life, get their spirit on by bleeding white, orange and green.

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BUCK WILD - Bucky the Bronc walks up and down the UTPA Field House to try and rally students to get in the spirit for Midnight Madness. STEP AND DANCE - The university dance team, the Blazers, go through its country song-and-dance routine.

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THE PAN AMERICAN

November 13, 2008

Photos By: Onydia Garza

November 13, 2008

THE PAN AMERICAN

Layout By: Roy Bazan

BURN BABY - University students watch as Edinburg Fire Department ignite the letters ‘UTPA’ to get students riled up right outside the Field House.

ROCK IT OUT - Playing for what seemed like all night, local band 24/7 performed Friday night.

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November 13, 2008

Dates to Know: Unwed Sailor

“A Christmas Carol”

Tuesday, 8 p.m. Simon Sez

Nov. 19, 8 p.m. Albert L. Jeffers Theater

THE PAN AMERICAN

November 13, 2008

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T CAMPUS LIFE

UPB brings music, coffee, poetry to students By Victor Ituarte THE PAN AMERICAN

Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN

ROCKIN’ OUT - Ram Danesse & The Trio perform at UPB’s Rhythm & Blues concert Thursday at the library courtyard.

Poetry and tunes charged the library courtyard Tuesday as UPB’s N2Tunes committee held a Rhythm ‘n’ Blues Lounge. Throughout the night, students sipping on free hot chocolate and munching on cookies found themselves listening to the tunes of Ram Danesse & The Trio and Rebel Union. Poets were also reciting their works between musical performances. Stacy Sanchez organized the event as chair of a committee focused on bringing musical entertainment to campus. “One of the good things about the courtyard is we’re working with the library,” Sanchez explained. “We want to use areas of the campus that haven’t been used before.” She also said the committee strives to acquaint students at UTPA with local bands, which is why Tuesday they included Ram Danesse & The Trio from Weslaco and Rebel Union from the McAllen area. Ram Danesse, 21 and a former UTPA student, said influences that make an appearance in their music are a mixture of John Mayer, Incubus, Stevie

Ray Vaughn, and old-school blues. “Some of the songwriting is very commercial, mainstream, and very pop,” Danesse stated. “But our music is more intricate like blues. It’s really hard to describe.” The musician said it was great to play for an audience his age in a sophisticated and educational environment. “The poetry and the free chocolate made it relaxing and easier to hear the music,” he explained. “The actual placement of the stage and the weather and the lighting made it perfect for the kind of music we play.” David “Tank” Garcia, frontman for Rebel Union, said their music touches base with a lot of styles. “It’s more of a blues/jazzy feel to it,” explained the singer. “But it also interprets a lot of rock.” Rebel Union covered favorites ranging from Michael Jackson to a Joss Stone rendition of The White Stripe’s “Fell In Love With A Girl.” With this type of creative performer showing up, Sanchez said that students have much to look forward to in the spring semester. “We have a poetry slam coming soon and a battle of the bands. We’re also planning a big concert for April.”

For more information on Ram Danesse & The Trio, visit myspace.com/ramdanessetrio. Those wishing to reach Rebel Union can email David Garcia at outofexile@hotmail.com.

N2Tunes Events Coffeehouse Jan. 13, 2009 Theme: ‘60s --dress up! Location: Ballroom Food: Hot chocolate, coffee, brownies Collaborate: Face painting-contact sororities Projector: images from ‘60s

Music event Jan. 28, 2009 Theme: Individualism Location: Sun dial Band: The Electric Sheep Food: Funnel cakes Collaborate: Braids in hair --grab people to sign up at skate ramp

T CALENDAR OF EVENTS

T MUSIC CHARTS

DATES TO REMEMBER -Nov. 17: International Films: “Bamako,” a film from Mali, Africa, in the Palmetto Room of the Student Union Building; “L’ Avocat de la Terreur” (The Lawyer of Terror, from France, in Student Union Theater; and “El Violin” (The Violin) from Mexico, in the Palmetto Room -Nov. 18: Polynesian Dance and Drums at the Student Union Theater. -Nov. 20: Study Abroad Fair and International Food Tasting at Library Media Courtyard.

-All week: “Los Rostros de Mexico” and the Beijing 2008 Olympics Photo Exhibit at the University Library Annex Gallery. Billboard.com

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November 13, 2008

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

T ART

Instinct turns businessman into artist By Marco Carbajal THE PAN AMERICAN Many believe creativity is attributed to a cognitive process, a good eye and killer instincts. Others believe it simply stems from Divine gifts, environment and serendipity. But despite Omar Rodríguez’s lack of formal training and no experience in art before the age of 43, all of the above have convened to form a perfect storm of arresting artistry. Rodríguez, from San Antonio, was on hand Nov. 7 at the Art House located on 1009 Laurel Ave. in McAllen, for a reception heralding the opening of a new exhibit running through Dec. 19, which will feature new works and selected prints from Rodríguez. The atmosphere was electric as guests reveled in the captivating sight of Rodríguez’s bright squares of various-size paintings dotting the cozy space, giving a feeling as though one were walking among brilliant, lifesize mosaics. Art House owner Mayra Brown counts Rodríguez as an old family friend and is a fan of his work saying she admires the “frantic way” he applies color and texture to his pieces.

This isn’t the first time that Rodríguez’s work has graced the stark walls of Art House with bold bursts of color, however. “He is not only an artist but he once had an art studio that housed 10 different artists,” Brown explained. “We had an exhibit in 2005 with all of the members of his studio that was a great success, so we decided to do it again only with works from Rodriguez and another artist from that studio.” Born in San Juan in 1958, Rodríguez has spent his life traveling extensively throughout North and South America, Africa and Europe. Once a senior executive at a Fortune 500 company, Rodríguez left his job a few years ago to cultivate a passion for art full time, and has only thrived since. “I was 43 years old and my wife gave me this little junior paint kit to paint on,” explains Rodriguez with a laugh. “She said, ‘Hey, maybe you should give it a try.’ So I did and my first pieces were huge.” Both charming and enthusiastic, he doesn’t seem to give much question as to where his art sensibilities come from, only acknowledging his

Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

SIMPLY ME - A self-portrait of Omar Rodriguez is on display at the Art House. Rodriguez discovered his knack for art at age 43. instincts are illustrated through art, showing where he is coming from. “I don’t mix paint, I don’t know

how to do anything, it just comes from what feels right,” Rodríguez said with an impish smile. “I even

titled my last show ‘Randomly Irrational’ because I can’t tell you how I do it or what I do. I can’t replicate it tomorrow. It’s just something that’s good for this moment.” Even more surprising than the fact that Rodríguez does not mix paint, is his interesting use of everyday materials to add depth to the work. He applies many layers of flat color and then uses forks, knives, rocks or branches to scrape away at the layers, producing an oddly colorful, wonderfully textured quality. Reynaldo Santiago, UTPA professor of art, says Rodríguez’s innovative methods of creating texture have been an inspiration. “Rodríguez’s technique using forks and knives offer such interesting lines and texture that I have tried experimenting with it in my own work,” he said. “The effect creates a very interesting piece.” Brown says Rodríguez’s art is always well received by the public and pieces from the show are all available for viewing or purchase for the duration of the exhibit through December. For more information contact Mayra Brown at 490-5507.

T LITERATURE

STC professors find craft outside classroom By Russen Vela THE PAN AMERICAN

open to the public and that any resident of the RGV is eligible for a library card. “Through the programs that we host As part of its Nov. 8 Quinceñera celebration, South Texas College’s publicly, we are spreading the word Pecan campus library presented about our free services,” she said. The authors and their book titles at Book Talks, an event which highlighted some of the college’s most Book Talks were Rey Anzaldua, distinguished authors who happen to “Computer Forensics for Dummies,” be professors at the campus. Dr. Clark von Heller, “The Clark Throughout the day, guests were Heller Collection,” and “ESL treated to presentations, readings, Doxography,” Robert Cantu, “Mi and book signings from the authors Herencia,” and Charles Robinson, “Texas and the in the field of histoMexican War.” ry, language, techReynaldo nology and litera- “We host programs for the ture. The event community because we want Anzaldua, a colinstructor started at 10:30 am our friends and neighbors to lege computer and ended at 6 p.m. become comfortable with and forensic investiKristina Wilson, the college environment.” gator, graduated the programming from UTPA with chairperson for first his underLibrary Services at Kristina Wilson Program chairperson graduate degree STC, was delighted STC Library Services and then a graduabout the event, and ate diploma in responded enthusiastically about the authors and their computer systems; he’s been teaching for seven years and was delighted exhibited works. “We are very fortunate here at about his book “Computer Forensics South Texas College to have very ded- for Dummies,” which he co-authored icated and talented instructors,” with Linda Volonino. “This book is an introduction into Wilson said. “Some of them have written books based on their years of the subject of computer forensics,” experience and research and we want- said Anzaldua. “We wrote the book in ed to showcase their achievements to a manner that eliminated a bunch of the technical jargon to make the subthe public.” Wilson, a McAllen native, also ject much easier to understand.” explained that most people don’t Computer forensics is a branch of know that the libraries at STC are forensic science which contains legal

evidence found in computers and digital storage mediums. Its main goal is to explain the current state of a digital artifact which is a visible defect in a digital photo or video picture. The San Antonio native explained his presentation at Book Talks covered forensics, but also looked at how little privacy there is the computer world. “One of the audience members told me the information was rather scary since they did not realize how vulnerable data really is,” Anzaldua commented. Robert Cantu, a professor of Spanish and Mexican-American studies, attended UTPA and earned degrees in both Spanish and English. He has been teaching for 18 years, 15 at college level. His book “Mi Herencia” (My Heritage) is a textbook for a Spanish-speaking student that focuses on culture rather than grammar. “Mi Herencia: curso para hispanohablante” (A Course for the Spanish/English Speaker) presents an integrated skills approach to Spanish that develops both receptive and productive skills simultaneously,” Cantu said. “The primary objective of the program is to offer students an opportunity to acquire communicative skills while developing an awareness and appreciation of Hispanic cultures.” Cantu added that the book covers Hispanic traditions, customs, art, and literature. “My main focus at Book Talks was to motivate the audience to be proud

of our culture and encourage them to explore and learn more on who we are as Latinos,” he stressed. “Most Latinos don’t know about their heritage and culture, and I wanted to take this opportunity to motivate the audience that we need to learn more about our culture to be able to not lose our cultural identity.” Wilson and the authors thought the event was a success and want to continue the tradition of more events and activities for students and faculty. “This is the first time that we have hosted a full day of literary activities,” Wilson said. “In the future, we will continue to

invite authors to our libraries and offer events for kids and families.” “The library’s motto is “Discover, Create, and Change,” said Wilson. “We host programs for the community because we want our friends and neighbors to become comfortable with the college environment.” Book Talks gave people the opportunity to interact with the STC faculty and learn from them in an informal environment. Wilson and the authors all hoped that people enjoyed the event and will come back to see more new talent in the literary field again.

Isaac Barrientes/THE PAN AMERICAN

READ ME - Two patrons browse through the array of books at Saturday’s Book Talks at South Texas College.

November 13, 2008

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Dates to Know:

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Men’s Basketball

Cross-Country

vs. Sul Ross State Saturday, 3 p.m. UTPA Field House

NCAA Regional Championship Saturday Waco November 13, 2008

THE PAN AMERICAN

T FEATURE

India native establishes identity, position in program By Sara Hernandez THE PAN AMERICAN After 10 years of playing tennis, the commitment of India native Aswin Vijayaragavan to achieve his dreams has increased due to the accomplishments he’s made through hard work and the support of important people in his life. Even though his first inclination was toward playing cricket, India’s national sport, after three years as a cricketer, at age 9, Aswin decided to try tennis, the sport his older brother practiced. “When I got the racket I didn’t feel like leaving it,” the 19-year-old sophomore said. “I fell in love with tennis.” Aswin soon became the winner of a couple of tournaments; this led him to participate in India’s junior national tournament, which includes players less than 12 years. He was ranked first in the nation and soon gained ranking internationally as one of the best 100 junior players. In order to improve his game, Aswin considered the option of coming to the United States to play in a more competitive environment. “A few coaches knew the coach here and he was looking for players,” he said. “I went ahead and tried it and I liked it.” Aswin enrolled at UTPA under Coach Rob Hubbard last January to pursue a degree in business management and play for the men’s tennis team. The transition from living with his family to coming to a different country and living on his own was tough, but the stress was alleviated by

his new teammates. “Getting away from my parents was a bit difficult, but I got used to it slowly,” he said. “The guys are pretty good so it wasn’t as hard as I expected.” The cadence of his speech projects a serenity that is occasionally interrupted by a joke followed by a relaxed smile that reveals that he is not all seriousness. But seriousness is what he shows on the court, where his tranquility turns into fierce concentration on each play. “Generally, I’m a focused person,” he said. “Even when I lose a ball I don’t get ASWIN mad, I just forget about it VIJAYARAGAVAN and go to the next one.” However, Aswin explained that his state of mind depends on the quality of his opponent and that every match requires a different approach to the game. “If he’s someone equal to me it sometimes gives me pressure, but if he’s a real good player I am relaxed,” he noted. “It’s a pressure to him, not to me.” Despite having a successful beginning of season, defeating Olivier Sajous from the University of Texas, who is nationally ranked No. 46, Aswin takes partial credit for his accomplishments and stresses that the support of his family has taken him where he is at now. His dad, Vijayaragavan, had been

captain of India’s Olympic basketball team in the 70s, while Subhashini, his mother, has been a crucial supporter since the moment he made the decision to start playing tennis. “I’m really lucky to have them,” he said. “If they weren’t there I don’t think I’d be here.” Arjun, his older brother, not only introduced Vijayaragavan to tennis, but is now in the Indian Institute of Technology, one of the top 20 higher education schools in the world. “He is a brilliant student,” the UTPA netter said. “I consider him my motivation.” He also commented that being far from the people he admires the most has made him adopt his teammates and coaching staff as an important part of his life. “My friends are like my family,” he said. “They are very supportive.” Junior Nirvick Mohinta, Ashwin’s doubles partner, was one of the team members that welcomed him last semester as part of the team. “We support each other in practice,” said Mohinta. “I’m looking forward to keep playing with him the rest of the season. Aswin, who had a 9-9 singles record last season and currently traces a 5-2 in the fall season, said that he keeps himself motivated by the dream of someday becoming a professional tennis player. “I gotta give my best,” he said. “If I just keep that in my mind hopefully I’ll do it.”

Onydia Garza/THE PAN AMERICAN

INTERNATIONAL PHENOMENON - Sophomore Aswin Vijayaragavan joined the men’s tennis program last January as the top ranked junior player from India.

T FLAG FOOTBALL

Valley Bowl gives local intramural teams a taste of the big time By Kevin Stich THE PAN AMERICAN Nov. 1 marked the playing of the sixth annual Valley Bowl – an intramural flag football competition between The University of Texas-Pan American, South Texas College, University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas State Technical College in Harlingen. There were eight teams total, with the top two units from each school going head to head for bragging rights and a tune-up for teams advancing to the National Regional Flag Football Championships, which was held Saturday in Nacogdoches. With Texas being a hot zone for football, the Valley Bowl has gained popularity with many college students in the area who long to relive the glory days of their high school careers, or

perhaps simply wish to play some 7on-7. UTPA had won the title five years in a row until this year when UTB knocked them off in the championship game 27-12. Intramural assistant Art Cabrera said that the Valley Bowl was born from an old rivalry game between UTPA and TSTC called the Turkey Bowl. The tradition was started in the late ‘80s and was played every year until the mid ‘90s, but when other schools formed their own teams, the game was reformatted to include both STC and UTB in the mix. “We didn’t have a lot of the stuff that we have now that we are offering them, but we still did it anyway,” Cabrera said. “The year after (it started) is when we really decided to sit together and plan it and we ordered trophies and t-shirts. We pro-

vided food for the players and we just them,” Cabrera said. According to Cabrera, the event tried to make it a little better for used to be held at UTPA, but now them.” These days, the event is much varies from year to year due to the more organized, as the four schools need for a neutral site. This year’s tournament was divvy up responsibilities for food, “I used to play semi-pro, so held at Mission shirts, staffing, fa- when I heard about it I Catholic Veterans War Park and last cilities and trophies. Cabrera said that thought the same thing: it’s year it was held at many times the for sissies. But it’s not; I actu- Shary Sport’s Park local teams don’t ally found it to be more chal- (formally Verizon Sports Park). get the chance to ad- lenging in some ways.” Cabrera said vance to other tourthat the winning naments like the outfit goes on to regional competi- Steve Jondreau regional competition, which is why Border Jumpers tion, where up to the opportunity to compete in the Valley Bowl free of 45 teams from all over the state vie for the regional title. Team Chaos was charge is important. “This is pretty much the closest they the only team from UTPA to go to the get to it and it’s a good experience for regional competition this year, but

was eliminated in pool play. Steve Jondreau, an avid football fan and captain of the Border Jumpers flag football team, said that his favorite part of the Valley Bowl is seeing all the other teams competing. “It’s a great way to meet other players,” he said. Jondreau said that he would recommend it to other football fans and that even he himself was once a skeptic. “I used to play semi-pro, so when I heard about it I thought the same thing: it’s for sissies. But it’s not; I actually found it to be more challenging in some ways,” he said. With the Valley Bowl’s growing popularity and the ever-present football fever across UTPA, the competition that started small is now becoming a big part of the intramural calendar.

November 13, 2008

SPORTS

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T WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Lady Broncs drop exhibition against Lady Javelinas By Pedro Perez IV THE PAN AMERICAN

Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

CENTER POWER - Center Maria Ben Erlingsdottir looks to score from the paint in Saturday’s exhibition against Texas A&M-Kingsville. The sophomore led the Lady Broncs with 10 points.

A three-point jumper by freshman Epiphany Smith brought The University of Texas-Pan American women’s basketball team within three points with 53 seconds left in the game Saturday against the Lady Javelinas of Texas A&M-Kingsville. But unfortunately for the Lady Broncs, Smith’s jumper couldn’t close the gap as they fell short 58-54 in the first exhibition game of the season at the Field House. “The exhibition game gives you an opportunity to provide some game minutes to our incoming new kids who don’t know our system,” sixthyear head coach DeAnn Craft said. “In particular our freshmen, who are supremely skilled, they sure didn’t look like they were newbies. We thought they showed some maturity in their basketball decisions and that is what you want exhibition games to do for you.” The Lady Broncs drew first blood with a three-pointer from sophomore Iceland native Maria Ben Erlingsdottir, who went 4 of 5 from the field for 10 points, but the Lady Javelinas would answer right back to tie the score with a three from Angela Franklin, who posted four baskets from behind the arc. The Lady Javelinas would end the first half shooting 48 percent from the

field while the Lady Broncs shot 40.0 changes before the Lady Javalinas would finally prove to be too much for percent; Kingsville led 34-29. “We got better and that’s what the Lady Broncs, handing them their we’re trying to do right now as we first loss of the season. The women closed the second half get closer and closer to opener,” Lady Javelinas Scott Hyland said. “A shooting 32.3 percent and 39.3 percent week ago in our first exhibition we for the game, while the Lady Javelinas weren’t very good but I really liked shot 46.3 percent for the game. “To say I’m pleased with how we the way our kids reacted and we shot look I can’t even surpass that I was the ball well.” In the second half, the Lady Broncs thrilled we had such composure,” opened the period with a three-pointer Craft commented. “And yet we didn’t from Erlingsdottir that cut the Lady have anything in a zone arsenal for that game and that Jav lead to four. just tells me how They continued Women’s Basketball good our young to press and finalHome Schedule kids are.” ly came within Smith finished two points on a 7 p.m. with eight points, bomb from senior Nov. 20 Texas Lutheran Nov. 26 Air Force 5 p.m. seven assists and Jessica Walker Dec. 13 Texas A&M - C.C. 7 p.m. rebounds, and tied the game Dec. 08 Schreiner 5 p.m. five while Kostacky at 39 with a steal and Teshay converted into Battle at the Border both two points by Dec. 28 Albany 5 p.m. Winfrey 5 p.m. recorded six junior Rose Dec. 29 To Be Determined points and two Esther Jean. TBA rebounds apiece. The Lady Dec. 30 Central Ark Dec. 31 Central Arkansas 5 p.m. The Lady Broncs seemed to Jan. 10 Utah Valley 7 p.m. Broncs hit the have the momen- Jan. 14 Texas A&M tum on their side - International 7 p.m. road to open the against after a three- Jan. 17 Cal State Bakersfield 7 p.m. season 7 p.m. A r k a n s a s - P i n e pointer from sen- Jan. 19 Houston Baptist 7 p.m. Bluff tomorrow ior Danielle Jan. 31 Chicago State 5 p.m. and TennesseeKostacky gave Feb. 21 NJIT Martin Monday them their first lead of the second half 42-39 with 11 before their first home game of the season against Texas Lutheran on Nov. 20 minutes to play. The teams traded three lead with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m.

T WELLNESS CENTER

11th annual karate tournament success at UTPA gym By Adriana Acosta THE PAN AMERICAN The breaking of wood boards echoed throughout the gym on Saturday morning, hand-breaking stunts that kept the audience entertained at the all-day event. People of all ages, dressed in karate uniforms, stood in front of judges and performed high jumps, forms, sparring and judo moves. For action straight out of a karate movie, enthusiasts of all ages competed in the 11th annual 2008 Master Davis UTPA Tae Kwon Do Karate Championships at The University of Texas-Pan American Health and Physical Education building. Over 200 hopefuls from around the state went at it in the following events: forms, fighting, board breaking, Tai Chi, Tae Kwon Do, Judo, fighting, weapons and self-defense. For Cesar Cordova, a UTPA international business major from Mexico City, competing in this event was a thrill since he’s been practicing the art of sparring most of his life. His interest in martial arts was sparked once again when he enrolled at the university, wanted to join a sport, and knew the karate class would be a good fit.

“When I came to the university, I saw that they offered the class. I knew it was a good way to join a sport,” the junior said. Cordova hopes to compete in the next Chinmukwan Taekwon-Do Federation (C.T.F.) event, which will take place next year on June 19-21 in Philadelphia. Sparring is free-form fighting with special headgear and mouth guard, along with hand and foot protection while forms are a different set of prearranged movements; forms is sometimes called “imaginary fighting” because it involves pre-determined and choreographed routines that resemble real combat. “We’ve been sparring all semester long and during class,” Cordova explained. “We’ve also been sparring with others of higher ranking for practice. This is my entry tournament for me and it’s a thrill, like nothing else.” Cecilia Davis, who teaches Intermediate Karate at the university and is married to Master Bob Davis, said coming to the competition is part of the student curriculum. “They participate, compete and volunteer throughout the day. Some students came yesterday to help setup,” she said.

Although it is not a requirement to compete, it is mandatory for students to come and see what it takes to plan this event, she explained. A total of 26 students are currently enrolled in the 2-hour credit course offered each semester. Davis teaches basic techniques, forms and fighting. “I expose them to everything that will help them compete in the tournament,” she said. “Once they have been exposed, I let them pick and chose the divisions that they would like to compete in.” Erika Gomez, a senior from San Juan, competed in forms and sparring Saturday. The biology major’s interest in martial arts began last semester. “I have always been interested in karate, and after I found out they were offering it on campus I decided to sign up,” she said. Gomez plans to continue practicing martial arts and hopes to compete in future karate tournaments. Her friend Naveeba Farooqi, a pre-med major from Edinburg, joined the class with Gomez and both hope to get their black belt next year. Cordova placed second in sparring, Gomez placed third in forms and third in sparring. Farooqi placed second in sparring and third in forms.

Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

MAN VERSUS BOARD - San Juan native Carlos Vega performs a flyingaxe kick on Saturday’s Master Davis Karate Tournament. Vega captured first in the men’s and women’s adult breaking division.

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November 13, 2008

THE PAN AMERICAN

T MEN’S BASKETBALL

By Ramiro Paez THE PAN AMERICAN When The University of TexasPan American men’s basketball team takes to the court Saturday against Sul Ross State at the Field House at 3 p.m., the Broncs will feature an entirely new look. Uncertainty and Division I inexperience highlight the 2008-2009 basketball spectrum as eight new players arrive in the Rio Grande Valley to help UTPA maintain and build on its ’07-’08 success. “We have a very difficult schedule. We only have 10 home games; that’s not a lot for a Division I team but we’re excited that we get an opportunity to play a lot of good teams,” third-year head coach Tom Schuberth said. “We’re a young and an inexperienced ballclub but I think we’ve got a lot of energy.” Last year, the Broncs found themselves in a whirlwind season, receiving ESPN coverage, claiming the Independent championship, and recording their best season since 2002 after posting an 18-13 record. UTPA received national attention before and during the season for its promising year and outstanding guard play. Michigan native Paul Stoll propelled the Broncs into a realm where other Independent foes struggled to compete against the Green and Orange. The men recorded a 7-1 mark against Independent opponents as Stoll provided the spark on offense. With his Chris Paul-like demeanor, the 5-foot-11 guard

Sport Shorts

torched teams all season long as he averaged 14.2 points and 2.6 rebounds per game, and connected on 49 percent of his field goals. Stoll also finished as the third-leading assist man in the nation for his 224 assists. His absence, along with key losses in Brian Burrell and Zach Trader, will test the Broncs’ ability to regroup as the trio accounted for 57 percent of the team’s total offense last season. But with solid players returning at the forward and guard positions, easing into an offensive rhythm doesn’t have Schuberth concerned. The Broncs go deep in the forward position with junior Nathan Hawkins and senior Emmanuel Jones returning and newcomer Luis Valera adding to the depth. Hawkins of San Antonio shaped into a reliable player in his first season with UTPA as he started in 30 of the team’s 31 games, averaging 10.6 points and 3.9 rebounds. His fieldgoal percentage of 52.5 percent ranked him second on the team and he connected on 57.1 percent of his free throws. Hawkins says so far the chemistry is high with the new acquisitions to the team and the main key to the season is being team-oriented. “The first year, we all played together so it’s important that we on the court have good chemistry and just

play together as a team,” he said. Jones is another key element in the Bronc lineup. In 22 games last year, the Washington D.C. native recorded 9.3 points and 4.2 rebounds per game and connected on 54.8 percent from the field. Schuberth says Jones has taken to the leadership role; once the new arrivals receive some Division I experience, the Broncs will try to become a ball-control offense. “There’s a lot of a question marks,” Schuberth said. “We lost so much experience and playing time to last year. I really don’t know what to expect. I’m looking forward to seeing the guys against outside competition because all we’ve been doing is practicing against one another. I don’t think we’ll be as good a shooting team as we were last year because we lost some phenomenal shooters, but we’ll probably have a better inside presence because we’re a little bit deeper at those positions.” Valera looks to make an immediate impact at the forward position just like Hawkins did last year, as the Venezuela native transfers from Marshalltown Community College in Iowa. The 6-foot-7 Bronc finished first in rebounds at 198 with the Tigers and averaged 9.9 points per game. At the guard position, junior Ben Smith of Pharr and sophomore Nick Weiermiller return and

look to receive significant playing time with the departures of Stoll, Burrell and Dexter Shankle. The sound guard play from last season kept the tandem on the bench but they did make their presence felt as Weiermiller appeared 30 times for 2.4 points and 1.1 rebounds per game. Sophomore guard P.J. Turner, a 5foot-11 transfer from Santa Fe Community College, makes the transition to Division I after spending his freshman season with the Saints. Turner says he’s been listening closely to his coaching staff’s advice and has been spending extra time practicing to better prepare him for the Division I level. “I’ve adapted well,” Turner said of his transition. “I’m getting used to all my players and getting used to where they like the ball in their spots.” The Broncs will face another difficult schedule this year with 17 out of 27 games away from the Field House. After Saturday, UTPA will not return home until Dec. 18 when The University of Texas-San Antonio travels to Edinburg. Schuberth says the newcomers have blended in well with the team and he is anxious to get the season under way with a youthful, talented group that he believes can repeat the same success gained last year. “Our whole philosophy is ‘do the best you can, work hard and good things will happen’ and I really believe it can happen to this team,” Schuberth said.

WOMEN’S TENNIS The University of Texas-Pan American women’s tennis team was in San Marcos this past weekend where it competed in the Texas State Play Day at the Bobcat Tennis Complex. The three-school tournament, including Texas State and The University of Texas-San Antonio, was the final competition of the year. In a commanding fashion, junior Sarah Burton and Reetta Raty of Finland defeated Jennifer Nowland and Amanda Alvarado of Texas State, 8-2. The doubles team of Canada native Stephanie Willerding and junior Luisa Cantu took a loss against Monika Drabkova and Caroline Dedering from UTSA, 8-6. Freshman Malin Anderson of Sweden and Megan Bedeau of Ontario suffered a defeat by Ashley Ellis and Nyssa Peele of Texas State, 8-6. In singles, Anderson defeated Mackenzie Farmer of Texas State by 6-2, 6-2, netting the first win for the Lady Broncs Saturday. Willerding suffered a loss against Lainy Chafitz of Texas State, 6-3, 6-4 and Bedeau lost to Nathalaie Wallin from UTSA (6-1, 6-2). Cantu was handed a loss as well by Holly Phillips of UTSA, 6-1, 6-3. Burton would share a similar fate by Jennifer Nowland of Texas State 64, 3-6, 10-7 in a super-tie break. In the second round, Willerding dropped her match to Peele 6-4, 7-6, (8-6) in a third set super-tie break and Cantu suffered a loss to Wallin (6-2, 60). Raty was defeated by Phillips 6-0, 6-2 and Anderson loss as well to O’Reilly 6-4, 6-0. Burton dropped her match to Drabkova 6-2, 6-0. The men’s and women’s teams will participate in a Pro-Am fundraiser at the Cimarron Country Club on Nov. 22.

Editor’s Picks HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL The high school game to watch will be Edcouch-Elsa vs. Tuloso-Midway on Friday, pending a UIL investigation.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Georgia Bulldogs

Auburn Tigers

Saturday 11:30 a.m. (ESPN360.com)

NFL

Dallas Cowboys

@ Washington Redskins

Sunday 7:15 p.m. (NBC)