January 12, 2009 by UTRGV Student Media

Volume 65, No. 15

January 12, 2009

SINCE 1943

T ACADEMICS

College of Business weighs losing IB program

By Kristen Cabrera THE PAN AMERICAN Future international business majors might need to rethink their college declaration at The University of Texas-Pan American come fall semester. International business faculty suggested the program be reorganized in the fall. If the proposition is implemented, the existing management and marketing department will split into

two separate entities, with international business out of the loop. In its place, an international business certificate will be available for those in marketing, management or other business majors. Dean of the College of Business Teofilo Ozuna has reviewed the possible termination of the international business major, leaving the decision up to the UTPA provost. Fuat Firat, department chair for

management, marketing and international business, said the reason for the suggestion was lack of careers in the area. “In the past few years, students that were doing the international business major were not finding jobs that were specifically related to the education that they were getting and their degree,” he stated. Jobs in international business include dealing with international trade,

importation and exportation, and vehicular and fast food chain companies. However, some students like 22year-old Maria Pina, an international business major and president of the International Business Association, do not agree with the proposal. “If they do that, I feel it’ll be weird and not be fair for other students,” the McAllen resident explained. “By taking that away they are taking away the future students’ potential and potential

for the school.” According to Pina, it is not a problem of students not finding jobs pertaining to their major, it is just that location is a key factor and most graduates like to stay close to home. “A lot of students are looking for jobs in the Valley and there are not really any,” she said. “It’s hard, some people will offer jobs in Kentucky and they’ll pass or they’ll get offered jobs

SEE BUSINESS || PAGE 5

T FACULTY

Chair, professor dies, UTPA mourns loss By Ana Villaurrutia THE PAN AMERICAN

Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN

1,000 WORDS - Faculty and staff leave the university with a portrait in hand to the funeral of the late Mechanical Engineering Chair Hashim Mahid, who died Tuesday morning after suffering a heart attack.

It has been nearly a week since the death of University of Texas-Pan American Mechanical Engineering Chair Hashim Mahdi. Though time moves on for the department and College of Science and Engineering, many still mourn his absence. On Jan. 6 the tenured professor died of a heart attack at 56, leaving behind his wife Rawaa Mahdi, two daughters, Nada and Jena, and one son, Rami. Though the college is still in shock at the loss, the department has named Robert Freeman interim chair for the department of mechnaical engineering for the time being.

A COLLEGE REMEMBERS Edwin Lemaster, dean of the CoSE, shook his head in disbelief at the sudden loss of his colleague. Three weeks before Mahdi’s death, he’d suffered a leg injury and was told to work from home. “I told him, ‘Don’t come in, stay at home. You can work at your computer,’” Lemaster recalled. “But he was that type of person, so dedicated.” While heading to school with a co-worker, Mahdi suffered a heart attack, sending him to Edinburg Regional hospital where he later died. “He was a vigorous man, so happy and pleasant, he treated everyone like

SEE MAHDI || PAGE 5

T INFRASTRUCTURE

Future UTPA McAllen campus may be advantageous By J.R. Ortega THE PAN AMERICAN With a new semester and new year under way, The University of TexasPan American has begun surveying land in McAllen with the anticipation for the establishment of the UTPA McAllen Teaching Site. The site, which will teach graduate-level, upper division and non-academic courses, is still in discussion between UTPA and McAllen and aims to serve students in the southern part of Hidalgo County.

INDEX

Paul Sale, UTPA provost and vice president of academic affairs, said the site will accommodate students further from the university while helping McAllen expand as a community. “This university is very short on space right now,” Sale said. “It (facility) will benefit students by allowing us through partnership with McAllen to teach academic and non-academic programs and meet needs of businesses in the area.” An Academic Space Projection Model released in fall 2007, showed UTPA was at a shortage of 326,742

OPINION

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square feet, like many other schools under the UT System. Later this month, Sale said the university will receive a Memo of Understanding, a document declaring that both UTPA and the City of McAllen understand the terms of the project. He added the McAllen campus will more than likely come to fruition this fall. Sale added the facility will be jointly funded by UTPA and the City of McAllen. As of yet, there are no ballpark estimates for the cost of the site or

NEWS PG. 3

whether the structure will be pre-existing or a newly constructed facility. Thus far, areas of interest include McAllen’s Main Street or right off Expressway 83. Possible upper-level and graduate courses include those of the larger colleges at UTPA like engineering, education and business. Other non-academic programs may be implemented to help outreach to the surrounding community, according to Sale. Sale said it is a great collaboration between the city and the university

ARTS & LIFE

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and stressed mutual benefits, such as increased tourism, residential growth and business expansion. Plans are to have the site up and running even if the structure is temporary. “It’s too early to say,” said Sale about the specifics of the project. This is the second announcement for a campus off the main UTPA grounds. Last year, South Texas College’s Starr County Campus agreed to sell UTPA four and a half acres of land for the construction of the Starr County Upper Level Center.

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January 12, 2009

THE PAN AMERICAN

T OPINION

University needs to grow green push

B u r e a U c r a c y

Ana Villaurrutia ASSOCIATE EDITOR

pus to adopt a building floor and maintain makeshift recycling boxes. But the students are not the only May I reintroduce you to our fairweather friend, the recycling bin? ones who need to get involved. You may have knocked into it Surely faculty or administration around campus, though it’s shoved might be able to take up the cause, into the dark corners of most build- especially those who hold great pride for the university and want to ings. Yes that bin, and unless you’re see a greener campus. The UTPA not actually looking for one you already invested in a LEED-certimay not find it with garbage in fied architect, so why not invest in a hand. There has been great progress few more bins. Of course getting bins is only half in the reintroduction the effort. The of recycling recent“...faculty or administration rest would come ly, with programs might be able to take up the from the person like Roxie the cause, especially those who throwing trash Recyclesaurus at the hold great pride for the uniaway. There dorms and other have been too buildings, but the versity...” many incidents old pal recycling bin where I find ranstill seems to be for- Ana Villaurrutia dom non-plastic eign to most people. Which is why it is time to stop trash dumped inside a plastic-only relying on others to establish a recy- bin. Keeping recyclables sorted is cling program in each building, important, and it is frankly annoying thinking it will get done on its own. to see someone not only disregard UTPA’s Environmental Club wants recycling, but also ruin the efforts of student organizations around cam- others.

Jan. 12, 2009

Vol 65, No. 15

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 MANAGING EDITOR Brian Silva / brian.silva2@gmail.com

**Delivery** Thursday at noon

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ana Villaurrutia / parker687@hotmail.com

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.

A&L EDITOR Laura Garcia / laurad500@hotmail.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

ASSISTANT A&L EDITOR Isaac Garcia / izek_el@yahoo.com SPORTS EDITORS Ramiro Paez / ramiropaez@aol.com Gregorio Garza / the_nataku@yahoo.com PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Ben Briones ben.briones.jr@yahoo.com DESIGN EDITOR Roy Bazan / rbazanzz@yahoo.com ADVISER

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

SECRETARY

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

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.

Illustration - Anthony Salinas

T OPINION

Hazards of a bureaucratic mess Brian Silva MANAGING EDITOR

I hate bureaucracy. The complex web of business and academia that is our university is something to be seen from afar. However, I have mounting numbers of experiences where my collegial life has been caught in the bureaucratic web. The entanglement is exemplified by my registration experience in getting set for the spring semester. It began in November when I went to my adviser to have the advising hold taken off. A few days later I peered into my account to see how things were going to pan out for the next semester. I clicked to register and was blocked by a hold. The specification of the problem was: “TSI Advisement Hold.” I thought this was simply an advising hold, since it said advisement. So, a week or so later I mentioned it to my adviser again after class. She looked at me with a stumped facial expression and said she’d look at it again. A couple of weeks later I looked at my account again, and the hold remained. But, by this time it was the very end of the semester and I was busy dealing with finals and the flu, thus the registration issue went to the back burner. Collegial life was then on hiatus as I traveled a couple of hundred miles home for Christmas and New Year’s. But, as soon as I returned registration again became the immediate concern. I emailed my adviser. Yet again, she was stumped as to the resolution. In passing I mentioned the problem to another adviser. No resolution, again. Panic started to creep into my thoughts as the deadline grew closer. So,

I used my reporter skills and investigated exactly what “TSI” is. After perusing Google and the university Web site, I finally stumbled across it: Texas Success Initiative. In the ensuing paragraph of information it was written that TSI is the standard the state Legislature approved in 2003 for everyone entering a public higher education institution in Texas. What does that mean? Well, you have to take a test to prove you’re up to par with college level courses. Most of us students take the THEA (Texas Higher Education Assessment) test. If we pass all sections, we can start regular coursework. If we don’t, we have to take remedial courses till we’re up to par. My problem: the university doesn’t have my THEA scores, and for two separate reasons. Such scores usually appear on high school transcripts, since most students take it when they’re seniors in high school. The university doesn’t have my high school transcript. Under the regulations of UTPA Admissions, if I’m a transfer student applying with more than 30 hours then I don’t have to send the university my high school transcript. My admission to the university can be solely based on my record from a previous college, thus the absence of my high school transcript from the university’s records. The second reason the university wouldn’t have my test scores is that I never took the THEA. I made perfect scores on my TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) Exit exams, and in accordance with Texas law I am exempt from TSI requirements. I literally slid through a giant loophole in the system. The worst part is that

the university not once ever told me after I was admitted that I needed to show them I was TSI-exempt, nor did they say there was a problem. No letter, no email, nothing. While dealing with the matter, a kind lady at the Registrar’s Office told me I must somehow prove I am exempt. This meant driving all the way back home (Corpus Christi) overnight to get a copy of my high school transcript. But, she then offered a ray of hope: ask Admissions for a copy of my transcript from my previous college, in the hopes that the document states I’m TSIexempt. After they run upstairs to search, they inform me it’s not there and is probably at an offsite location. I was infuriated that I had to hunt down my transcript within the university to prove to the university that I can indeed register. I’ve been a student here for over 6 months, after all. To clear up the matter I had to receive the help of a senior administration official. It was promptly dealt with. This incident came after Payments and Collections somehow lost my disbursement check in the “system.” For the record, it clearly states on my transcript that I’m TSI-exempt. We could have saved ourselves a world of trouble if the university had just marked this down somewhere when I was admitted. Wouldn’t that have made some sense? My question to university administration: should this have happened? I can say for certain I am not the only victim of the university’s bureaucracy. There are many more. I invite all students with this type of horror story to write a letter to the editor about their experience. Let’s fix this bureaucratic mess.

Dates to Know:

January 12, 2009

Extended Office Hours

Campus Closed

http://www.utpa.edu/news/ Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Monday Page 3

THE PAN AMERICAN

T ADMINISTRATION

Odom pioneers new ways for UTPA marketing By Abigail Muniz THE PAN AMERICAN A new year is usually accompanied by new goals and a new outlook, and The University of Texas-Pan American’s Division of University Advancement is following the trend. Newly appointed vice president Janice Odom feels right at home at UTPA and she says she is ringing in the New Year with positive develop-

ments and plans for the division. Odom, who was appointed Nov. 1, came from The University of Texas at San Antonio where she served as assistant vice president for Advancement Services. Eight years ago, Odom was employed by UTPA and in her eight-year tenure she held positions as director of University Relations, Stewardship and Annual Giving, and Alumni Relations and Special Events.

T HEALTH

Odom is looking forward to one specific project that will allow one of UTPA’s own professors to work with University KIMBERLY SELBER Advancement. “One of the exciting things that is happening right now is that Dr.

Kimberly Selber is going to be working with us,” Odom said. Selber, assistant professor in the Communication Department, was recently named Executive in Residence in the Office of the Provost under Paul Sale, provost and vice president for academic affairs. According to Odom, Selber will lend her marketing and advertising background to the division to help re-evaluate its marketing efforts.

“She’s going to bring her expertise to us on a short-term assignment,” Odom said. “This is really exciting because we have a lot going on in university relations and we have a lot going on in marketing in a somewhat uncoordinated fashion around the campus. What we want to do is have her come in and help us draw a big clear picture of where it is we need to go.” Selber says she feels confident

SEE MARKETING || PAGE 6

T SEEN AND CAPTURED

Flu still prevalent, shots recommended By Abby Flores THE PAN AMERICAN Flu season is here, which means it’s time to bundle up, get plenty of rest and get vaccinated. The University of Texas-Pan American Student Health Services is offering flu vaccines for $15. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, getting a flu shot during the fall is the best way to prevent illness during the peak season in the winter. “Only a reported 10 students have gotten the flu during the 2008-2009 school year,” said Susan Hall, a registered nurse at the Student Health Center. However, each year in the United States a reported 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, 20,000 of them are children younger than 5 years old, while 36,000 people die from complications with the flu each year. “During Christmas vacation I

caught the flu, I’ve never gotten the vaccine, I was extremely sick and had to stay away from my 4-year-old nephew so I wouldn’t get him sick,” said 26-year-old Donna native and history major Alfred Garcia. “I was surprised to find out the complications if I wouldn’t have taken care of my illness.” The numbers indicate that the vaccine is a good idea. Researchers at the University of Minnesota studied approximately 13,000 students during four flu seasons from 2002 to 2006. Each year between 9 percent and 20 percent of college and university students get the flu. Researchers concluded that one missed day of class was prevented for every 17 students vaccinated. During the 2003-2004 school year, the UTPA Student Health Center issued 400 flu vaccines to students, staff and faculty. Other than students and anyone who makes close contact with other

SEE FLU || PAGE 6

Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN

HONK 4 PEACE - Enas Ibrahim, 16, daughter of UTPA chemistry professor Elamin Ibrahim and 15-year-old Science Academy of South Texas student Mariam El-haj, display their view on the conflict between Hamas and Israel to passing motorists in front of Bentsen Tower on Old Business 83 Friday.

T ACADEMICS

Transfer center to make for easier university transition By Ana Villaurrutia THE PAN AMERICAN As South Texas College students transfer to a four-year university, the process can be difficult when it comes to visiting other colleges. But recently, The University of Texas-Pan American has helped remedy that problem by locating its transfer services right next door. A UTPA Transfer Center opened Jan. 5 near the STC Pecan campus and will operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m.

to 5 p.m. on Friday. About 1,000 stu- and student life. dents out of the approximately 22,000 The center is equipped with three enrolled at STC laptops for stuapply and go on “We will be able to help them dents who want to to attend UTPA a lot quicker because we will register for classeach year , which be easily accessible to them at a es, apply with the prompted UTPA’s convenient location, just across Free Application Admission and for Financial the street.” Student Aid form, New Student Services to bring or check their status through the transfer service to Mary de Leon the students. S t u d e n t Assoc. director of recruitment The center will Information provide academic advisement, finan- System BANNER system. cial aid advisement, plus information Mary de Leon, associate director on resources, and services on campus, of recruitment at UTPA, said the goal

of the center is to streamline the enrollment process for STC students, which includes student advisement, orientation, and financial assitance. “We will be able to help them a lot quicker because we will be easily accessible to them at a convenient location, just across the street.” said de Leon, who also serves as the academic adisor for the center. De Leon said the average STC student encounters many barriers when changing colleges, such as limited transportation, full- or part-time work, and other responsibilities. “The majority of students are

financially disadvantaged with numbers of obstacle, the greater majority is not your traditional students that dedicates their time to their studies only,” she explained. “Not all students have their own transportation, some get dropped off by parents, others car pool and some rely public transportation.” De Leon said she believes these obstacles have prevented students from coming to UTPA for information on registration, as they have been forced to wait for the end of the semester to apply, giving them little

SEE TRANSFER || PAGE 6

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January 12, 2009

Dates to Know: “Dandelions” premier screening Thursday, 7 p.m. McAllen Creative Incubator January 12, 2009

The After Hours Saturday, 9 p.m. Cine El Rey Page 11

THE PAN AMERICAN

T CAMPUS

The After Hours improv troupe takes stage By Marco Carbajal THE PAN AMERICAN Venue? Check. Crazy comedic situations? Check. One fearless cast? Check… Live from Cine El Rey, it’s Saturday night! Ten wacky and innovative minds are set to debut as The After Hours, an improv comedy troupe at Cine El Rey, located at 311 South 17th St. in McAllen on Saturday at 9 p.m. The After Hours consists of 10 UTPA students and alumni ranging in age from 20 to 32 who were assembled by Fred Galvan, a December 2008 UTPA graduate with a degree in theatre who says he didn’t even bother holding auditions. “I just asked those with whom I’ve worked well with in the past, those who I know are capable,” Galvan said. “They all jumped on board, we started gathering material and we’re ready to put it out there.” Galvan is no stranger to the world of sketch comedy, having performed before with The Happy Hours, a now defunct improv group founded at South Texas College roughly two years ago. “We got asked to help a group of burlesque dancers one time a few years back,” Galvan recalls. “They needed

Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN

ALL SMILES - Rob Garcia (far right) and Cassie Dean (center), members of the new improv group at UTPA called The After Hours, take part in a practice routine the alphabet game Wednesday. some comedians for their show and that’s when we came on board and it just took off.” Galvan says the public responded very well to his former group but unfortunately, due to other commitments and circumstances, it disbanded. However, Galvan kept being asked when there was

going to be another comedy show. So last April, forming a new UTPA comedy troupe was considered, and just three short weeks ago The After Hours had its very first meeting. Patty Moreno, a senior theatre performance major from Pharr, says the new troupe has come together nicely

T STUDENT LIFE

and is working well together. Moreno further adds that they are careful to keep material as loosely scripted and fresh as possible. “We want to keep the feel of improvisation, so we’re trying not to overrehearse,” Moreno said. “We’re working together getting story ideas. A lot of inspiration comes from everyday stuff from media, commercials, from our families, stuff people from the Valley can relate to.” Cassie Dean, a junior TV/film major from Edinburg, went on to describe one possible sketch in which a Hispanic boy brings home his Caucasian girlfriend to meet his Spanish speaking mother who keeps saying inappropriate things as hilarity ensues. Dean also agrees that pushing the boundaries of relatable, every day situations is what makes sketch comedy so popular and says that the group is following a format similar to “Saturday Night Live,” from which many of the group members take inspiration. “My favorite skits on SNL are the ones where one person in the skit starts making everyone else in the skit laugh, and it’s live, it’s fun and anything can happen,” Dean said. “In addition, to a lot of skits on stage, we also have pre-

recorded shorts on film as well.” Moreno agrees, adding that no matter how well planned a scene is, things can happen and that adds to the fun and excitement of the performance. “We’ve all seen those SNL sketches when something just goes wrong and people just laugh their heads off. That’s what we’re aiming for,” Moreno explained. “We’re pushing boundaries and each other, and we’ll see if we’re going to make each other crack under the hilarity of it or what. I think people will enjoy the spontaneity of it.” Though Galvan is planning a move to Los Angeles in February to persue a career in entertainment, The After Hours hope to continue to have monthly shows, gain recognition and keep people laughing. “These actors, they’re not in it for the money by any means,” Galvan said. “They’re in it for the actual art, and they wanna keep doing it as long as it’s possible.” Doors will open roughly an hour or so before show time and tickets range from $10 balcony seats to $15 floor seats and $25 will garner VIP seats that include a personal wait staff. For more information, contact Cine El Rey at (956) 432-6765.

T MOVIE REVIEW

Resolutions made for a new year ‘Benjamin Button’ By Russen Vela THE PAN AMERICAN But can they keep them? A diet book table is the first thing one sees upon entering the local Barnes and Noble. As most probably rang in the New Year fresh off the desserts table, it’s not the only resolution they are pursuing in 2009. Maybe image isn’t really everything. This year students took to different ideas, however, all keeping in mind the best way to enrich their lives. “My New Year’s resolution is to exercise more and become healthier.”

-Jennifer Castillo Junior general studies major “My new year’s resolution is to read the bible daily and seek God in everything that I do.”

-Cassandra Rivas Junior Spanish

“My New Year’s resolution is to have even more fun this year than I did last year!”

-Jaynie Betancourt Junior advertising/public relations

“I almost never keep any New Year’s resolutions, but this year I decided to say that I will finish school and save money. You can never go wrong with those.”

“My New Year’s resolution is to have more patience. I’ve noticed last year that I always wanted to get things done in a hurry. It’s better to have patience and take things slowly so that in the end, the results are fulfilling.”

-Andrea Vela Freshman marketing

“My New Year’s resolution is to have more time for myself.”

-Ruben Morin Junior biology -Jeanna Guerra Senior nursing “My New Year’s resolution is to definitely save money!”

-Aaron Limas Sophomore business/CIS

Film brings tears, joy and heartache By Russen Vela THE PAN AMERICAN David Fincher, the director of such classics such as “Seven,” “Panic Room,” and “Zodiac,” teams up with Brad Pitt (“Seven,” “Troy”) and Oscar winner Cate Blanchett (“The Aviator,” “Elizabeth”) and gives us the most haunting, most fascinating - and it has to be said - the most romantic film of 2008. Loosely adapted from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s 1921 short story by the same name, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” tells the tale of a young New Orleans boy born as an 80-year old man who ages backward instead of forward. During his curious journey through his childhood, teen years and later adult life, Benjamin learns the meaning of life and death and along the way meets colorful characters who make a huge impact on his life. One of them is Daisy (Blanchett), a beautiful ballet dancer whom he falls in

love with. As Daisy gets older, Benjamin gets younger, causing the characters and audience to think about the question the film asks: “If we are given youth after we gained decades of personal experience, what do we do with the rest of our lives?” With state of the art CGI to make both Pitt and Blanchett age younger and older, the film transports us to another world which could easily rival “The Wizard of Oz” and “Edward Scissorhands.” The film takes place in New Orleans and other parts of the world such as Russia, India, New York, but it is The Big Easy where the film truly breathes as breathtaking. Both Pitt and Blanchett are on top of their game here. Both savor the emotions of their characters so that the audience can actually feel what they are going through. “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” is a film not to be missed. It is not only the best film of this year, but the best film of this decade. If you don’t mind sitting through a 170-minute movie, then go see it. If you want to be transported to a world so magical and mythical that you can’t believe what you’re seeing, see it now. Don’t be surprised to see “Benjamin” be the leader on the Best Picture board for the next Oscar’s.

Page 12

January 12, 2009

ARTS & LIFE

T COMMUNITY

City runs contest for landmarks By Victor Ituarte THE PAN AMERICAN MCALLEN – A committee is scouting for designs that will potentially identify the four entrances into the area known as the Heart of the City of McAllen and the four districts therein. The Gateway Committee will judge the entries and award the victor $5,000 and bragging rights for the new city landmarks. Such gateways can be arches, monuments, or anything the designer can dream up. The Heart of the City is boxed in by 10th Street, Business 83, Main Street, and Pecan, and includes the entertainment, historic, arts, and historic retail business districts. Member Jim Deuser, who spearheaded the competition, said that the committee’s job is to make the interior part of the city thrive. He explained that gateways would improve visitors’ perception of McAllen as a destination city. “At this moment in time, McAllen is a destination city for shopping, medical care, some nature activities, and hotels,” Deuser said. “We want to become known as a destination city for

that there’s been an ArtWalk for five entertainment.” The Gateway Committee is com- years,” she said, referring to the monthprised of The Heart of the City of ly event on Main where over 20 venues McAllen Improvement Corp. (HOTC) participate with open galleries, performin partnership with the McAllen ances, and vendor tables. The next Historical Preservation Council, ArtWalk will take place Feb. 6. Ramirez hopes that the result of the McAllen Arts Council, and the Public Art Committee. HOTC is a not-for-prof- competition will be to bring more it organization whose goal is to improve tourists and transform the Heart of the & revitalize the Heart of the City urban City into something similar to Austin’s renowned 6th Street core through private “We’re at the cusp of a or San Antonio’s and public interest. own art district. It is the commit- whole generation change.” “We as artists tee’s intent to distinneed to show people guish areas of interest there’s more culture for people living here Isaac Guerra here than just a and those who are Business owner shopping place,” visiting. “Our goal is to identify these districts she said. “We’re more than that.” Ramirez stressed the importance of so people are driving by and something will hit them in the forehead and they buying original pieces of artwork and supporting the artist, as opposed to setcan say, ‘Wow, we’re here!’” he added. Aside from the city’s image, business- tling for impersonal, mass-produced art from stores like Ross. es in the four districts will also benefit. Isaac Guerra, owner of España Monica Maria Ramirez, owner of the coffee shop/cultural center Art restaurant and Cine El Rey, agrees with Expressions on Main Street, believes Ramirez. “Plan on buying something at the that the gateways will be an important ArtWalk,” Guerra said. “Not only will it addition to the entertainment area. “A lot of people here still don’t know enrich your life, but it will enrich the area.”

He recalls growing up in McAllen and not being able to see a concert, art, or much less, displayed art. The owner said 20 to 30 years down the line we’ll be able to look back and see that now is when it all started. “We’re at the cusp of a whole generation change,” he promised. Guerra sees the gateways as a great way to advertise to a certain district. “It’s always worked out for the best for anyone involved with establishing areas,” he said. Criteria for proposals include that the designs should reflect McAllen as a modern, sophisticated, fun place and that it’s also known as the City of Palms. Gateways should be “buildable” with an anticipated construction budget of $75,000 for entrances into the area and $50,000 for district entrances. Possible gateways could be archways, monuments, or other creative concepts the designer thinks up as long as they have continuity. Deadline for entries is 5 p.m. on Feb. 13. Finalists will be announced in March. For more information and for a complete list of criteria, contact the Heart of the City Improvement Corporation Inc. office at (956) 686-4357.

T SEEN AND CAPTURED

Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN

SING IT - Rapper T.I. works the crowd at the Jan. 3 concert held at the McAllen Convention Center as part of his Paper Trail tour.

SOUND CHECK - Members of The Child Forgives and Creates test their equipment as they gear up to play at the Art Walk.

T CONCERT REVIEW

Eli Young Band By Laura Garcia THE PAN AMERICAN “When it rains, I don’t mind being lonely, I cry right along with the sky When it rains, I don’t pretend to be happy, I don’t even have to try When it rains, Some people get down, They’re sporting a frown, so I fit right in.” These are the words that caused a mini-riot at the Las Palmas Racetrack in Mission Jan. 3. Not to be confused with material from a tear-filled blog, or an “I hate the world” diary entry, these are the words to the Eli Young Band’s song, “When It Rains,” which has received the most play than any other single off its first album “Level” since its air-wave release. Boots, beer and buckles were on the scene and Stetson-wearers were out in full force to show support for the Denton-grown band’s first ever concert south of Corpus Christi. “It took us eight years to come down here” the lead vocalist Mike Eli told the crowd, causing an uproar of excitement. And no, Eli Young is not an actual band-member; it’s a combination of last names from the two founding members, Mike Eli and James Young, who actually started off as roommates while attending the University of North Texas. Bassist Jon Jones and drummer Chris Thompson later joined the quartet, completing the band. The Mission concert was part of Las Palmas Texas Country Live concert series, which is responsible for having brought down such names as Kevin Fowler, Stoney LaRue and No Justice. The series began in September of last year and has plans of bringing down Gary Allan in February. Another song that sparked some interest was, “It’s Always the Love Songs.” The finely coifed guys proved there was much more to them than just pretty faces. The words flowed freely from their mouths with a romantic, yet edgy tone, perfect for the Texas rebel trying to win a cowgirl’s heart. The Eli Young Band also played more of their recent songs off their latest album “Jet Black and Jealous”. Who knew the Rio Grande Valley had such a big country-music following, but then again why not? Some of us can look out the front window from our home and see a horse and goats roaming free among the pasture. Oddly enough, rapper T.I. made a pre-jail visit to the Valley the same night as well, attempting to fill a bigger venue like the McAllen Convention Center. Country lovers stayed true to their hearts and though some may have been conflicted, made the right choice in the end. The Eli Young Band was welcomed with open arms. We are Texans and deal occasionally with the cowboy stigma from some quarters, but judging from Saturday’s concert, we carry it proudly.

Dates to Know:

January 12, 2009

Women’s Basketball

Men’s and Women’s Tennis

vs. Texas A&M International Wednesday, 7 p.m. UTPA Field House

College of Southwest Saturday Orville Cox Tennis Center Page 13

THE PAN AMERICAN

T ATHLETICS DEPARTMENT

Darling, Hubbard resign from head coach position By Ramiro Paez THE PAN AMERICAN In a time where most people rejoice, Rob Hubbard couldn’t help but experience mixed emotions during the holiday season. Hubbard expressed excitement and eagerness about his new venture in Maryland but hovering over his head was the thought of leaving the places he has most treasured for more than 30 years, The University of Texas-Pan American and the Rio Grande Valley. The former men’s and women’s tennis coach resigned in midDecember and left for his newly acquired head coaching position at The University of MarylandBaltimore County after interim athletic director Ricky Vaughn offered him a one-year, no-raise contract. Hubbard returns to his hometown of Baltimore but says he is extremely down about leaving UTPA and his team behind. “I’m sad because I’m leaving my alma mater,” said Hubbard, a former standout on the Pan American University men’s tennis team from 1974 to 1978. “I’ve made some great friends down here too so that bothers me. I inherited a program where both the men and women were a disaster and leave them both extremely

healthy. That was making me sad too because they were my second family. “I felt very attached and it was very difficult for me to tell them that I had to leave but I had to take care of my family first and foremost.” Hubbard became the third coach to depart from the athletic program in 2008, joining former men’s Dennis Darling and women’s cross-country Former track coach and track coach Dennis Darling, who also resigned in midDecember, and former baseball coach W i l l i e G a w l i k . Darling’s resRob Hubbard ignation Former tennis coach comes after a solid fall season, where the former Olympian received the Great West Conference Men’s Coach of the Year award after the men’s cross-country team captured the first-year GWC title Nov. 1.

The accolade eclipsed a distressing accident that occurred in early September, involving Darling and the women’s cross-country team. The team was on its way to the Texas State Invitational when Darling lost control of a 15-passenger van. According to the police report, Darling claimed he may have fallen asleep but later denied those statements in an interview. Vaughn says disciplinary actions were never taken with Darling and none were going to be implemented. The issue of Darling’s departure also had nothing to do with a contract not being renewed. Darling, who was in his second season as head coach before his departure, will now join The University of Texas at Arlington men’s and women’s track and field coaching staff, as an assistant for the Mavericks where he will oversee the sprinters. Darling and UTPA will reunite four times this year, beginning Friday as the Broncs and Lady Broncs kick off the campaign in Houston at the Leonard Hilton Memorial meet. “I took the (Arlington) job because of the sprint program,” Darling said. “It’s a great sprint program, they have people going to nationals every year and it’s my area of expertise.”

SEE RESIGNATION || PAGE 14

Dennis Darling

Men’s and Women’s Track and Field Assistant coach - 2006 Head coach - 2007-2008

Darling started his career with The University of Texas-Pan American in 2006 as the assistant coach for the men’s and women's track and field program and was promoted within a year to the head coach position, which he held for two years. As an assistant coach, he helped with the sprinters where he was asset in the UH/RunSport All-Comers meet where 23 records were broken for the Broncs and Lady Broncs. With Darling's guidance, senior Vanessa Brown was able to break her own record in the 400-meter dash twice in one season. Darling also assisted in the progress of Ashlon Martin where she received her first outdoor title in the 400-meter dash at the Border Olympics. The following year as head coach, Darling produced an All-American out of high jumper Will Littleton for Littleton's third title. Darling finished his inaugural season as head coach with two regional qualifiers, one in distance runner J.J. Hernandez and the other in discus thrower Stephanie Perez. In his last year as head coach, he recieved the Great West Conference men’s Coach of the Year award. As well, the men’s cross-country captured the Great West Conference Championships crown.

Rob Hubbard

Men’s and Women’s Tennis Head coach - 2005-2008

Hubbard spent four seasons at the helm of the men’s and women’s tennis program. In the 2007-08 season he led the Lady Broncs to a 17-8 record, one of the best campaigns in school history. Various members of the team were honored with multiple awards. Two members of his men’s tennis team, Marcus Dornauf and Brett Bernstein, received Aeropostale Southland Conference Player of the Week honors and Aswin Vijayaragavan and Marcus Dornauf earned All-Southland Conference Second Team laurels. Silke Buksik, Megan Bedeau and Luisa Cantu all received First Team AllIndependent Singles and Doubles Team with Julie Cirne-Lima and Stephanie Willerding receiving First Team All-Independent Doubles Team and Second Team AllIndependent Singles Team. Buksik also received UTPA Female Athlete of the Year for her outstanding season with a 19-3 record in singles. The women’s team earned a spot on the 2008 Women’s Division I Final Regional Rankings in 15th place. In the same season Hubbard was awarded the Independent Coach of the year.

T IN THE LOCKER ROOM

Athletes speak out over resignation of former head coaches By Sara Hernandez THE PAN AMERICAN The last weekend of the fall semester sent a shockwave through The University of Texas-Pan American track and field and tennis teams. On Dec. 5, after the Green and White Inter-squad meet, Dennis Darling, the two-year track and field coach, roused mixed emotions from his athletes when he announced his resignation. Darling began holding an assistant coach position at the University of Texas at Arlington Jan. 5. “I was a little mad at first,” said Cecilia Lott, a junior 200-meter runner. “Then I became sad because he brought us a long way from where we were and he also wanted all of us to do well.” The following night, UTPA alumnus Rob Hubbard informed the tennis teams of his decision to leave the head coach position after four years. “There were a lot of mixed emotions around the group,” sophomore Marcus Dornauf said. “As a team, we

took it pretty well, considering the timing of it.” On Dec. 18, Hubbard was officially named the men’s and women’s head coach at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Athletes from both teams admit that their coaches’ resignations, coming only a month away from the start the seasons, took them by surprise. However, they reassure that the motivation is still there and they look forward to a successful 2009. Jameson Strachan, a sophomore sprinter, mentioned the challenge of returning from the winter break without a leader. “Not having a coach is going to be very hard to come running the way we left,” said Strachan, who, like Darling, is from the Bahamas. Lott assures that the absence of Darling will have an effect on team morale, but that the athletes will overcome this feeling and be able to perform as usual. “It is going to hurt to finish a race

with a PR (personal record) and not see him there,” the McAllen native said. “But I think we can continue to step as we always have.” Similarly, the men’s and women’s tennis crews expressed that Hubbard’s absence will leave an empty spot in practice. But with the support of third-year assistant coach Oliver Steil, also a UTPA alumnus, they will be the ones responsible for performance on the court. “If we stay together as a team and help Oli out, we can still make this season work,” Dornauf said. “At the end of the day we are the guys out there swinging the racket around trying to win for our team.” Luisa Cantu stressed that the leadership of four juniors - herself, Megan Bedeau, Sarah Burton and Stephanie Willerding - will be crucial to helping make the women’s team succeed. “We know that it is up to us,” she said. “We are going to motivate and show the freshmen how a dual match works and how things are during

season.” Before the arrival of Hubbard as the head coach in 2004, the UTPA tennis program had gone through six years of discontinuity during which four coaches held this position. Regarding the possible arrival of new head coaches for both sports, athletic director Ricky Vaughn thinks that carefully electing a potential mentor is more important than scrambling to fill the vacancies too quickly. “Our goal is to make sure that we hire good quality for our students, someone who would help them continue to get better, win and give them the best opportunities not only in athletics, but also in the classroom” he said. “We are not going to hire someone just to fill the spot.” Athletes feel the same way about waiting for the athletic department to find the right person to lead their teams. “We have to be open to a new coach, but I feel that we would rather do a full initial search to find a coach

rather than just rushing to find one,” Dornauf said. Although Strachan believes that replacing Darling will be difficult, he hopes that the incoming coach will be able to mine the team’s full potential. “I would expect someone who would help us strive for the best and help us stay focused,” he said. Activity for the track and field team will begin Friday in Houston at the Leonard Milton Memorial meet under the guidance of assistant coaches Jennifer Leatherman and Hugo Cervantes. On Saturday, the Broncs and Lady Broncs will welcome the College of the Southwest at the Orville Cox Tennis Center to start their spring season. Even with the pressure both teams will endure to kick off the year, the athletes remain hopeful and focused on making it a successful one. “I believe we can continue to run, focus well, bring home PRs and hopefully something that says conference champs,” Lott concluded.

Page 14

January 12, 2009

SPORTS

RESIGNATION continued from Page 13 vision I opponents, and finished 15th HUBBARD SPEAKS Hubbard was in his third season as in the 2008 Women’s Division I final head coach for the men’s and women’s regional rankings, making them the tennis team after arriving at UTPA in best squad in program history. Hubbard’s job seemed to be intact the fall of 2005. In the recent years before his arrival, the tennis teams had after vast improvement since 2005 but not experienced much success, losing he was not awarded a multi-year concredibility from the name the sport had tract by the athletic department, somebuilt for itself during a long and suc- thing he felt he had earned. This caused cessful run from the late 1950s into the him to resign. “Nobody’s perfect in what they’re 1970s. Hubbard, with a determined de- doing, but no one can doubt that Pan meanor, did not want to settle for medi- Am is in my heart and that I am very ocrity or anything less and launched his proud to be at my alma mater, and vision of restoring credibility within that I was successful in rebuilding the program to what it was,” Hubbard the program. said. “…I felt that I had earned a And he did just that. That year the men finished with a three-year contract. I know that other 7-14 record, the most victories coaches have been signed to multiyear deals; I guess recorded over the last five seasons. “Nobody’s perfect in what the question is, Last season, Hub- they’re doing, but no one can Why wasn’t I? certainly bard helped the doubt that Pan Am is in my That weighed in my Broncs jump two heart and that I am very mind when spots in the South Central Region proud to be at my alma mater, UMBC, made the rankings to 12. It and that I was successful in phone call and was the fifth time in rebuilding the program to asked for my resume.” seven seasons that what it was.” So why wasn’t the Broncs had obhe? tained a regional Rob Hubbard “We deal with ranking. each (coach) on an But perhaps the Former tennis coach individual basis,” biggest achievement came on the women’s side last season. Vaughn said. “I’m not going to make The Lady Broncs ended the year with a any comments about anybody’s con17-8 record, with all games against Di- tract because I think that’s a private and

business decision between the administration and the coaches. We’re going to make the best decisions as an administration that we see needs to be made.” Hubbard replaces Keith Puryear at UMBC, who coached 19 seasons for the Retrievers. Puryear, a long-time friend of Hubbard’s, will take over duties with the Navy women’s tennis team. UMBC, close to his original home, offered Hubbard a long-term deal and after UTPA did not counter with a better offer, he had no choice but to resign. “The opportunity presented by UMBC is an excellent one,” Hubbard said. “It’s a chance to continue the kind of work that I am doing now. I’m not inheriting a program that was in the shape that I had inherited at Pan Am, but yet they’re on a path of where I wanted to go with the men’s and women’s program here and that’s back into the national rankings.” Hubbard says he leaves UTPA with a heavy heart and will always remember the only other home he’s ever known. “I love the Valley, it’s sad,” he stressed. “I certainly love the great weather. Those things run through my mind but first and foremost the team and kids that I brought here. They’re a great bunch of kids and I’ll miss them terribly. That’s the thing that has been gnawing at me the most.”

The 2009 class of inductees includes: T Abe Lemons - The program’s all-time leader in winning percentage with .775, the former head men’s basketball coach never had a losing season at UTPA. T Jim McGurk - Helped guide the Broncs to the 1963 NAIA National Championship and capture the title of national champions. Finished his career with 1,281 points where he is currently ranked 10th in the record books, third in the record books in rebounds with 948, eighth in fieldgoals made (514) and 10th in free-throw made with 253. T Ken Lang - In 1963, Lang earned NAIA Singles National Champion, NAIA Doubles National Champion along with teammate John Hunter, and was named NAIA First Team All-American in singles and doubles. T George Kon - Was the 1965 NAIA Singles National Champion. Helped guide the ’65 men’s tennis team to an NAIA National Championship title. During his tenure with the Broncs, Kon was also named NAIA First Team All-American. T Delilah Johnson - Two-time All-American in the women’s discus, holds three number-one records in the books and a number-five record in the books. Accumulated 13 titles with two titles during the indoor season with one Sun Belt Conference championship title in the shotput and another in the American South Conference. During the outdoor season, earned 11 titles and was also an NCAA National Qualifier. Earned two Sun Belt Conference Championship titles in discus, two in javelin and three in shotput. In the American South Conference, earned another title in shotput, two in discus and one in the javelin. T James Tyrone - Currently holds the number-three spot in the record books in batting average with a .363 and the number-six spot in stolen bases with 71. James was also a part of the 1971 College World Series team where he was named an All-American, for the second consecutive season. T Wayne Tyrone - Lettered during the 1971 and 1972 seasons. Signed a professional baseball contract with the Cubs in 1976 after his two years with the Broncs. T Leonard Tyrone - Ranked fifth in runs scored (141) and stolen bases (79), seventh in batting average (.387) and eighth in games played (182). T Jim McKone - Spent 30 years as the Sports Information Director and received the CoSida Lifetime Achievement Award in 1999 for all his efforts with the UTPA Sports Information office. McKone was also the past president of the National Baseball Writers Association from 1980-81. T Lupe Garcia - Served as equipment manager and a bus driver for all athletic sports during his tenure of 35 years with the UTPA athletic department. T The 1971 College World Series baseball team. The UTPA Athletics Hall of Fame will be held on Feb. 21, 2009. For more information, contact the UTPA Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at (956) 381-2221.

January 12, 2009

Page 15

SPORTS

T MEN’S BASKETBALL

Broncs suffer setback against UT-Arlington, drop to 5-10 By Kevin Stich THE PAN AMERICAN

isfaction about him. Pleased with his team’s efforts, his demeanor was calm, far removed from his alter ego, which is much more high-strung on the court. “I don’t think we could have played much better under the circumstances,” Schuberth said. “We were shorthanded with our players and our guys just responded and our intensity level was good and then we got breaks down the stretch and sometimes you need those. It’s always good to win games, it’s even extra special when you beat a rival and then that’s the fourth time in a row we beat them, so that puts a little icing on the cake.” The Broncs and Roadrunners will face off again Jan. 21 in San Antonio, where the Broncs will try to pick up their third road win of the season.

It was game night for The University of Texas-Pan American men’s basketball team. Spirits were high when the Broncs faced a showdown with rival University of Texas San Antonio, which had gained a win in their last meeting in January 2008. The warm Dec. 18 night brought shirtless fans from the rival school who cheered, insulted and gave hell in the front row of the UTPA Field House. But it turned out not to be their night. The Broncs, coming off a long road campaign that started in late November, showed no signs of fatigue and looked determined to chalk up one in the win column. Shoes screeched on the hardwood as sweat rolled down the faces of the HUSTON-TILLOTSON five men on the front lines – a Burned into the hot bulbs on the memento to their hard play. The Field House, although not scoreboard were the numbers 88 and packed, was still filled with energy. 84, but for those who were paying The game didn’t end up on any ESPN attention, it might as well have read, highlight reels, but a few times, senior “narrow escape.” With time expired forward Emmanuel Jones put moves and the stands mostly emptied, the on his opposition that would make University of Texas-Pan American basketball team breathed a sigh of anyone weak at the knees. Those obnoxious UTSA fans just relief – no longer threatened by a didn’t get it; they couldn’t stop him, charging Huston-Tillotson University not tonight. An “alley-oop” late in the team, having just edged them out in second half, where Jones got enough what might be summed up for the air to declare him in a state of sus- Broncs as a lackluster performance. The Jan. 5 meeting between the pended animation, gave merit to that two teams wasn’t nearly as highly statement. Jones posted 24 points on the visi- anticipated as other games, didn’t tors (going 12 of 17 from the field) have the panache and didn’t draw a along with nine rebounds and four big crowd, but it certainly provided a blocks, all while making it look oh, so bit of a scare and perhaps foreshadowed things to easy. The supporting cast played well “It’s always good to win come. The Broncs, too, as teammates games, it’s even extra special who were up by 16 Nick Weiermiller when you beat a rival and with 8:38 left in the second half, cruised and Nathan then that’s the fourth time in through most of the Hawkins added 11 minutes points (15 assists) a row we beat them, so that closing and 15 points, puts a little icing on the with the lead. That was, until respectively. cake.” the visitors found The game went the spark they had down to the wire early on, going on with the teams Tom Schuberth an 8-0 run and forcmatching each other Men’s basketball coach ing the Broncs’ blow for blow. After 10 lead changes and a hard-fought bat- hand. Several times early, standout tle, the game was capped at 74-72 when senior forward Emmanuel Jones, who UTSA missed a prayer of a shot and the finished the game with 28 points, was opportunity to win as the last seconds on the bench, looking frustrated. “I knew that I started off not ready ticked off the clock. The reactions of the crowd and play- - unprepared,” said Jones. “We got way too comfortable at the end.” ers said it all – this was a big victory. Head coach Tom Schuberth couldAfter the win, Jones emerged from the locker room. The guy looked tired. n’t disagree. “The team that played the hardest Nevertheless, he had a small spring in his step, and why not? The Broncs had and played the best didn’t win tonight.” Schuberth said. “We were just beaten a regional rival. “It feels good. It feels real good,” not entertaining and fun to watch Jones said. “To play, to come back tonight. If I was a fan I would have home knowing we had San Antonio, asked for my money back.” we knew it was going to be a live ANOTHER TRY crowd, and to come back home and Two days later the UTPA Field get this win, it feels real good.” Looking relieved, drenched with House is quiet. The last few fans sweat and proud of his troops, head trickle out as one by one the players coach Tom Schuberth had a quiet sat- make their way from the locker room

Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN

PROTECTING THE HOME FRONT - Senior forward Emmanuel Jones rebounds the ball during the Broncs’ latest home game Jan. 7 against the UTA Mavericks, where they suffered their first defeat at home 76-51. Jones averages 8.4 rebounds per game with a total of 126 rebounds this season. bruised and beaten, having just suffered a tough 76-51 loss to the University of Texas at Arlington. The Broncs (5-10 and 2-4 since Dec. 13) have seen the back roads this season, but after starting 3-0 at home, including a 74-72 win over rival UTSA, this one will be tough to swallow. There really was no place like home for the boys in green and white. Jones, who had been Superman at the Field House, must have found some kryptonite in that UTA team. And it wasn’t just him; the whole team seemed rattled. Schuberth knew this would be no cakewalk. But he, like all Bronc fans, expected more. “I thought that we would come out and play with a lot of fire,” Schuberth said. “But the bottom line is, you have to make plays at the right times and we knew there’d be a game of runs, and we just didn’t stop their big runs.” The Broncs will be on the road to redemption, as they will play their next three games away, before returning home to try and regain the magic they had found prior to their loss to UTA. They face North Carolina Central, UTSA, and Auburn before returning to Edinburg to take on Savannah State March 2.

Game Scores Men’s Drake Tournament Dec. 5 Dec. 7 Dec. 13 Dec. 18

Drake University North Carolina Central Air Force Texas-San Antonio

Dec. 22 Jan. 2 Jan. 5 Jan. 7

Weber State UTEP Huston-Tillotson Texas-Arlington

Des Moines, IA Des Moines, IA Colorado Springs, CO UTPA Field House

L, 59-57 W, 56-50 L, 71-50 W, 74-72

Southern Mississippi Tournament Biloxi, MS El Paso UTPA Field House UTPA Field House

L, 61-54 L, 60-42 W, 88-84 L, 76-51

Women’s Air Force Classic Dec. 5 Dec. 6 Dec. 13 Dec. 16 Dec. 18 Dec. 20

Miami-Ohio North Carolina Central Texas A&M Corpus Christi Baylor Texas Southern Schreiner

Dec. 28 Dec. 29 Dec. 31 Jan. 3 Jan. 10

Albany Troy Central Arkansas Oklahoma State Utah Valley

USAFA, CO USAFA, CO UTPA Field House Waco Houston UTPA Field House

L, 66-44 L, 62-57 W, 56-53 L, 73-27 W, 47-38 W, 73-36

Battle at the Border UTPA Field House UTPA Field House UTPA Field House Stillwater, OK UTPA Field House

W, 54-49 L, 54-39 L, 56-53 L, 85-36 W, 57-56

Page 16

January 12, 2009

THE PAN AMERICAN

T WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Sports Commentary

Everything for the love of the game By Gregorio Garza THE PAN AMERICAN

EPIPHANY SMITH

Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

By Pedro Perez IV THE PAN AMERICAN When November rolled around, The University of Texas-Pan American women’s basketball team started its campaign with a lot of questions lingering around the program. For instance, how were they going to fill the perimeter spots that had so much depth last year, and how was a young team going to step up and play? Also, who was going to fill the point guard position from which the departed LeKeisha Gray led the Lady Broncs to many victories? With two-thirds of the season in the books now, and a 9-8 record, many of those questions have been answered in a convincing way by this year’s squad. “We’re just thrilled we’ve been able to see some victories while we’re grooming this team,” sixthyear head coach DeAnn Craft said. Craft also said she is satisfied with the leadership that has emerged from the backcourt especially with the graduation of four perimeter players. She knows it’s always a big test to see who is going to step up and take control of those particular positions. Two players who have taken it are Arkansas freshman Epiphany Smith and senior Houston native Teshay

Winfrey relates that Smith and the Winfrey. “We knew she (Smith) was good other young players are playing because she had great success at the great because at this point in the seahigh school level,” Craft said. “But son the Lady Broncs still have a to be able to see that translated into chance to have their best record ever. the enormous responsibility of what They won 14 games in the 2004-05 that position (point guard) means, campaign. “I think the younger players are the maturity level in which she plays, I pinch myself because I can’t doing well this year,” said Winfrey, believe she’s ours for three more who leads the team in scoring at 11.5 points per game. “She (Smith) came years.” Smith is shooting 32.8 percent in in playing a point guard, the hardest position on the field goals and 30.9 from three- “It’s going to be real interest- floor. I think all the point range, with ing to see, in these next 13 freshmen are doing 66 assists. She games if our will is imposed great this year.” Winfrey also said seems to underon who we’re playing or if that this year she stand the pressure and the responsi- their will is imposed on us. thinks they have a bility that come These are going to be very better chance to win Independent with the position difficult games for us because the tournament because and is content we’re not a physical team.” they’re playing with her status as more like a team a Lady Bronc. and the young playShe stepped up DeAnn Craft ers are playing well with 14 points Women’s basketball coach too. and six assists as “I think this year we’re more the team defeated Utah Valley State motivated because we definitely 57-56 Saturday night at home. “It makes me feel good to be a have something to go for,” Winfrey leader as a freshman,” Smith said. said. “I’m not saying we didn’t (have “It’s a lot more pressure being at the the motivation) last year but this one spot than it has ever been for me, year it’s still possible for us break sometimes I handle it good and other the season record and to win the times I don’t think I do such a good Independents.” Performance-wise, the Lady job.”

Broncs are almost where they need to be to succeed in the last third of the season. Their assist-to-turnover ratio is the best it’s ever been, defensively they’re hovering in the top 50 in the country, allowing 56.3 points per game. But where they are lacking right now is in shooting the ball. “The area we’re obviously working on, and our kids are giving us everything they have, is the fact that we’re still not shooting the ball well,” Craft said. As team the Lady Broncs are shooting 36.7 percent from the field, compared to 39.3 for their opponents. Ultimately though Craft wants the Lady Broncs be a team that can win on the road; UTPA is 3-6 on the road and the upcoming teams are going to be more physical than they’ve played this year. The Lady Broncs defend the UTPA Field House on Jan. 14, Jan. 17 and Jan. 19 against Texas A&M International, Cal State Bakersfield and Houston Baptist respectively. All three games tip off at 7 p.m. “It’s going to be real interesting to see, in these next 13 games if our will is imposed on who we’re playing or if their will is imposed on us,” Craft said. “These are going to be very difficult games for us because we’re not a physical team.”

Sports, in its many forms, have been integrated into the various levels of our society, from our speech to markets and even our values. We have Little League, plus sport programs in middle school and high school. There are intramural teams in colleges and scholarships for those that have that special touch of athleticism. There are semi-pro leagues and pro leagues. Some companies support their own sport programs. There can be no doubt that as a culture, we are based around sports. The very values that we are taught are manifest in sports: drive, humility, sportsmanship, cooperation and tenacity. The feeling of playing sports is something just about everyone can relate to. Whether it was in elementary, picking kickball teams, being picked first or being picked last, or the feeling of making the last score of a game for the win. The feelings that sports give us teach us more than we realize. The win we achieve makes us feel great and makes us want to experience that feeling again, teaching us drive and the ability to make goals and achieve. Then there are those moments in sports where we are taught humility after a loss. The spectators themselves are involved in the game and the momentum of it. The roar of the crowd after a great play inspires the players, just as people leaving early after their team is on the receiving end of a beating, just to avoid the traffic, can demoralize them. The spectators control the mood and they know it. People dress up in all manners of clothing, and sometimes without certain clothing, wearing paint of their team’s colors, weather be damned. Whether watching from the comfort of the home or hanging with friends in the local pub, was people gather together they are united with unseen bonds as they cheer for their team. The feelings and memories that sports give us are not to be taken lightly. As the world ages and civilizations rise and fall, one thing that has stayed the same is the love for competition. And as the new year starts, one can only look forward to what experiences and memories we will share with each other, spectator and athlete alike.