February 5, 2009 by UTRGV Student Media

Former baseball player gives back to UTPA, See pg. 16

Volume 65, No. 18

THE PAN AMERICAN

February 5, 2009

University bids farewell to a president By Brian Silva The Pan American

Ben Briones/The Pan American

FINAL FAREWELL - President Blandina “Bambi” Cardenas blows a kiss to the crowd of students, faculty and staff who gathered in the University Ballroom last Friday.

As the sun’s rays streamed from behind her, Blandina “Bambi” Cardenas stopped at the doorway with a wide smile on her face and flung open her arms in an embrace to the crowd. As she stepped into the University Ballroom Jan. 23 for her retirement celebration, the recently retired UTPA president was greeted with a blast of mariachi music and a roar of applause and cheers. She had arrived to her farewell just as she had arrived to her welcome four and a half years ago; a line of mariachis at her side and a crowd of students, faculty and staff eager to greet her. Hundreds of people, nearly all standing, were gathered in the Ballroom to not only pay tribute to the civil rights and education advocate, but also to hear her speak for the last time as the university’s eighth president and first female leader.

The crowd, who enjoyed plucking from elegant tables of food, was made up of students, including Student Government Association members to students dropping by hoping to give Cardenas one last hug, to faculty and administration, and local current and former politicians. University staff members were also present, with a notably large number of Physical Plant workers, and many of them gave Cardenas very powerful embraces. Vice President of Academic Affairs and Provost Paul Sale, acting president until Feb. 23, spoke about Cardenas’ legacy and introduced several speakers, some of whom gave gifts to the retiring president, like an easel from SGA. Following Sale’s comments of thanks to Cardenas for her service and leadership, Staff Senate Chair Terry Garcia spoke of her appreciation as well. “President Cardenas has spent her

See CARDENAS || Page 8 & 9

STUDENT ACTIVITIES

Outdoor sign sparks freedom of speech concern By J.R. Ortega The Pan American A sign promoting The University of Texas-Pan American student organization Pinche Huevon, has raised some eyebrows and freedom-ofspeech concerns from UTPA and Valley communities. The 12-foot-by-5-foot wooden

sign on the corner of University Drive and Sugar Road, which reads Pinche Huevon.com, was publicized earlier this week on KGBT News Channel 4. The club started as a comedy sketch on YouTube and shortly after was trafficked to his Web site. The organization name, when translated into English, means “stingy lazy.” However it could also be

ACADEMICS

translated from Spanish as “fucking lazy” or “lazy ass.” “People have called in expressing their concern, it’s been faculty, staff and community members,” said Marisela Gonzalez, coordinator of campus activities at the Office of Student Development. Despite public uproar over the display, Gonzalez said the three-member

organization is within the guidelines of UTPA’s Handbook of Operating procedures, and that the sign will not be removed because of the objections. She added when the OSD explained this to concerned people, many understood; however several others remained hesitant against the display.

“Some people don’t understand,” she explained. “This is because they have their own thoughts.” According to Gonzalez, the OSD permits official organizations to file a request to place signage around campus as long as it follows the HOP. A sign can only be taken down if it is deemed obscene or violent.

See SIGN || Page 5

F INANCIAL

Grant paves way for Recession nixes university ATM more cancer research By Naxiely Lopez The Pan American

By Abby Flores The Pan American For Seniors Sonya Rivera and Robert Rodriguez, their last year at The University of Texas-Pan American has not been quite the usual routine. Expected to graduate in May 2009, both students have played a big part in a $1.5 million grant given to UTPA in

INDEX

September. “I have concentrated a lot of my time and effort into my projects during my last year at UTPA. I spend at least 20 hours a week working in the lab,” said Manager in the research study and president of the Chemistry Honor Society

See CANCER || Page 5

OPINION PG. 2

The sign that hangs where the University of Texas-Pan American’s ATM once stood now stands as a reminder of an ailing economy. On Jan. 8 the university’s only ATM was removed from the Student Union because of lack of business, leaving students, faculty and staff without campus access to their cash.

NEWS PG. 3

“We were notified by Bank of America, the university’s main checking account, that they no longer wanted to keep it there,” said James Langabeer, vice president for business affairs. “The number of transactions did not meet the minimum required to at least pay for itself.” The ATM offered banking services such as cash withdrawal, account transfers and balance inquiries. Langabeer recognizes that it was a conve-

ARTS & LIFE PG. 11

nience for the university community, and tried to negotiate a deal so the machine could remain on campus. He said he offered to decline the $100 the university received from the bank for keeping the ATM on campus, and even offered to pay them the fee instead. The bank, however, was not interested. “I was willing to pay them $100 a month just to let us keep it,” Lang-

See ATM || Page 5

SPORTS PG. 14

Page 2

THE PAN AMERICAN

February 5, 2009

Opinion

Students need to take responsibility for campus J.R. Ortega Editor in Chief Walking down the many corridors here at the university there are areas in which the landscaping is beautiful, serene. There are several areas around campus that have loaned and extended Mother Nature’s hands to us, such as the butterfly garden outside the Executive Tower and the patio/garden outside the Health and Physical Education Complex building. However, the beauty should not stop there. As I walked through the north side of the Health Sciences and Human Services West building, a small garden right outside faculty offices was littered with plastic bags from the Student Union, loose-leaf paper and other waste. I felt repulsed. It seems the public has grown exhausted of hearing about going green, so the sensitive topic will not be touched. One does not have to go out and become a recycling Nazi or show support for the campus initiative to go green. But couldn’t people just take a hand in

bringing out the true beauty of The University of Texas-Pan American? Sure, recycling is a means of helping beautify the campus, but helping beautify the campus grounds is much easier than that. It is throwing away your Coca-Cola can in the trash. It’s throwing away the napkin you used. It is being conscious of the responsibility we should all feel innately, to clean up our campus. We should also take into consideration the members of university maintenance, who have constantly picked up lazy people who can’t use a garbage can five feet away. The UTPA community should not take for granted the long hours and late nights our maintenance staff has put in to clean this university. It is they and those who have willingly taken the responsibility to pick up after themselves, who have made UTPA not just a higher learning institution, but a welcoming, aesthetically pleasing campus. I urge students, faculty and staff to extend their own hands and help beautify this 85-year-old campus.

Vol 65, No. 18

Feb. 5, 2009

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 ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ana Villaurrutia / parker687@hotmail.com A&L EDITOR Laura Garcia / laurad500@hotmail.com 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@gmail.com DESIGN EDITOR Roy Bazan / rbazanzz@yahoo.com ADVISER Dr. Greg Selber / selberg@utpa.edu ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE Anita Reyes / areyes18@utpa.edu ADVERTISING MANAGER Samantha Quintana / spubs@utpa.edu

**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.

Illustration by Anthony Salinas

Opinion

Let freedom speak Brian Silva Managing Editor For the first time since I transferred to The University of Texas – Pan American, I’ve seen a real challenge to freedom of speech. The student organization Pinche Huevon posted a large billboardstyle sign on the front lawn at the corner of University Dr. and Sugar Rd. This sign displayed one thing: pinchehuevon.com. The purpose of doing so was to support the group’s Web site by driving traffic to it. However, given the alternative names to the Web site, a small firestorm of controversy was created. Of course, this controversy is to be expected when one of the alternative meanings to the name is derogatory and resides in a clearly visible way on the university’s prominent front lawn. This lawn is basically the welcome mat for anyone visiting the university, so people generally take pride in it. At the root of this, though, is the actual phrase in derogatory alternative meaning: “fucking lazy.” However, the intent behind the group is for the name to say “stingy lazy.”

Even with either meaning translated, I’m still rather lost as to what the defined purpose of the group is. But, I’m betting it probably has some loosely artistic-related aesthetic value. It is a comedy group after all. It’s just not comedy that I personally can find humor in. However, just because I don’t understand their art doesn’t give me any right to complain about the group’s promotional efforts. We need not create controversy from a fear of something we don’t understand. The group followed every law and regulation, and its intent was not to be derogatory. So, if they’re not saying anything obscene why are we creating a fuss about it? I believe it was the great poet Maya Angelou who said that we as people give words meaning. If we read out the word “pinche” then the meaning translates into what our mind gives it. If we say to ourselves that it means “stingy” then that’s what it’ll be. It’s kind of like how other common slang develops. The word ‘cool’ a century ago referred to a lower temperature. However, in

modern times it often is used as a positive term. The meaning of it changed because we as individual people changed the meaning of it in our minds. Let’s just stop the ruckus over the name and let it be their freedom of speech. They followed all of the rules and regulations, and not one law was violated. The procedures of the Handbook of Operating Procedures were met, and the sign went up without any procedural problems. Although I have no problem with the advertisement of the group’s Web site, I do take issue with the disruption of the university’s pristine welcoming lawn. It isn’t to specifically shoot down this organization’s sign, but all signs in that area. The area of the university that faces University Drive is what all visiting future students and dignitaries see. We need to leave them with the best of impressions, and convince them we take pride in this university. Let’s leave all other areas of the university for our large sign advertisements. It’s a point of pride in our campus that leaves us looking better, classier.

Dates to Know: Love-themed scrabble tournament Monday 2:30 p.m. Student Union Commons February 5, 2009

THE PAN AMERICAN

Make Your Own Valentine’s Card Monday 10 a.m. Student Union Commons Page 3

PROGRAMS

Environmental science degree in mix for fall By Ana Villaurrutia The Pan American The College of Science and Engineering has now seen the finish line of a six-year effort to make environmental science the newest major within the college. Starting next fall, students can begin an interdisciplinary major that incorporates math, chemistry, biology, physics, and geology with a focus on environmental issues.

“A lot of us had wanted this degree,” recalled Frank Judd, biology research professor. “It was something we had wanted for awhile it gives students another avenue for employment.” Since 2004, Judd has worked on a task force team to get the environmental science degree. In late December the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board approved it. Biology professor Robert Edwards was appointed director of the

COMMUNITY

new major and will serve until the program is stable enough to become a department and attain a chair. Edwards said the major will introduce a new career option for students. “We have a lot of new environmental laws that affect industries, cities and countries,” Edwards explained. “There are whole environmental consulting firms that consult with these entities.” Environmental science is a comprehensive field that focuses on

investigating issues like climate change, pollution and future sustainability. “They will learn environmental impact and analysis,” Judd added. “And they will learn how to apply it for a job that they would apply for at a firm or company.” Students may go on to work for government agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency. Biology student Briana Arzate said she would be interested in an

environmental science degree. “I like environmental science because I like to learn about the environment…it affects everybody and we all have to worry about it,” said Azarte adding she couldn’t change her major because she was a senior already. Anatomy student, Jalyssa Garza said conversely said she would not change her major to environmental science, but she believed a lot of

See DEGREE || Page 6

SEEN AND CAPTURED

Rio Metro contract not finalized with university By John Gallagher The Pan American Since last September the Rio Metro Urban Transportation System has carried UTPA student Laura Contreras across city lines to give her a ride to school. But as UTPA students take their free rides, the ink still has not dried on the contracts that give them that right. “I live in Pharr so I need a ride to school, without the buses I wouldn’t be able to attend classes,” said Laura Contreras, a 20-year-old engineering major. “If the buses weren’t free I’d have to pay for a ride every morning,” The bus route was established primarily to increase the number of potential UTPA students in the Hidalgo County area. The transit system services 16 cities in a 30-mile radius

from Edinburg. Although the buses began transporting students last fall, UTPA has not officially completed the contract with Lower Rio Grande Valley Development Center . “Were still in the process of drafting an agreement, unfortunately it will be a drawn out process,” said Letty Benavides, director of auxiliary services. The process involves a ping-pong method of negotiation, in which the university and LRGVDC negotiate proposals sent back and forth to ensure each side has had its say in the matter. Benavides said one part of the agreement UTPA will not budge on is the necessity of bus arrivals before morning classes and in the afternoon after classes. Buses arrive at 7:30 a.m. and

See RIO || Page 6

Ben Briones/ The Pan American

SUPER BOWL FEVER - Students watch the Super Bowl this past Sunday in the Student Union Commons. The Student Union offers facilities to show major events, such as Barack Obama’s presidential inauguration.

ALUMNI

ACADEMICS

Cursive not widely taught, professors say Nursing alumni stagnant, donors may be cautious By Abby Muniz The Pan American

There was a time when loved ones employed ink and flowing writing to communicate with each other from long distance. But times such as those are long gone as the electronic age has ushered in faster, more efficient ways of keeping in touch. E-mails, text messages and instant messaging are now the norm, especially among the young, and experts are starting to consider actual pen-topaper cursive script a lost art. Cursive, which is taught at the

elementary level across the country, usually in second and third grades, has not been emphasized as much in recent years because of the use of technology, said Janine Schall, assistant professor of curriculum and instruction at The University of TexasPan American. “We’re moving more and more to computers,” said Schall, who used to teach third through fifth grades. “A lot of schools start (teaching) keyboarding in first grade and second grade.” Although cursive is still taught nationwide according to a handwrit-

ing study conducted by Vanderbilt University in 2007, Rocio Coria, a 2006 graduate of UTPA who is now a fourth-grade teacher at Valley View Elementary in Pharr, has witnessed the decline in its impact. Coria believes standardized testing has affected cursive writing’s place in lesson plans as in the wake of preparing for exams, cursive has slipped through the cracks and students are not getting enough practice. “There is no time for it to be taught,” she explained. “When the

See CURSIVE || Page 6

By J.R. Ortega The Pan American The growing need for professional nurses in the country influenced The University of Texas-Pan American’s nursing department to take on its own alumni association in late 2004. However, despite the steadily growing number of graduates; the association remains stagnant in activity and alums. Sylvia Ybarra, the association’s event planner and a retired nursing sec-

retary, said that she and nursing professor Jackey Williams have been working toward receiving sponsors for the organization’s 40 Years of Nursing Celebration, scheduled for March 14. The celebration aims to bring together the more than 2000 graduates over the past 40 years. “It hasn’t taken off like we would have like it to have had,” she said about the event’s sponsorship planning and

See ALUMNI || Page 6

Page 4

ADVERTISEMENTS

February 5, 2009

Dates to Know: ALEGRIA Concert Feb. 6, 7:30 p.m. Fine Arts Auditorium February 5, 2009

THE PAN AMERICAN

Music: Mardi Rock Feb. 6, 7 p.m. KC Hall; Mercedes

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SCENE

New downtown bar offers a taste of the blues By Andrielle Figueroa The Pan American

Rhythm and Brews is showing promise by building a reputation for having some outstanding performances in an interesting atmosphere. What defines a bar? Music, drinks, the look, the sound; all of these things are key to having a good one, and Rhythm and Brews seems to hit the spot. Located in rapidly growing downtown McAllen on 214 South 17th St., it is strategically placed in the midst of other bars, making it accessible to the avid bar-hopper. The entrance has an Austin feel with a flashing marquee comparable to that of a vintage theater. Though most of the buildings are narrow in the downtown area, this bar definitely works with the limited space. With the inside covered with rust-colored brick walls, dim lighting, and wooden platforms, people can sit and socialize; it’s small, but fits like a glove. Jonathan Reyes, a 21-year-old San Juan native, enjoyed his first time out to the bar. “There are a lot of people in the Valley who would like to get out of work or school and just sit back and relax,”

Reyes stated. “With this new venue, it makes the Valley a bit worldlier and adds another option.” Moving on to the beverages (for those 21 and up) are not for the lighthearted. When you order a beverage there is no fooling around because the drinks are strong enough to grow a beard on any person. Drinks and looks are what make a bar appealing, but the traditional element is: a bar is supposed to be a place to unwind, a place where the troubled can drown their sorrows in a good blues song and some hard spirit. Soulful blues was brought to the table by Tish Lancaster and the Mizzbehavin’ Band on Jan. 31, though they are currently the house band for the Chuggin’ Monkey Bar on Sixth Street in Austin. “We have Ruben Muñoz on bass, Jeff Grant on lead guitar, and Benjy Portnoy on drums,” Lancaster said. With the three men on stage, an audience member might assume it was all the band had to offer. That is in no way a complaint Once the band started with the bluesy guitar solos, Grant’s deep-aged voice, and the booming bass the audience was suckered in.

Then came the element of surprise as Tish Lancaster jumped on stage with a presence no one could resist. Singing songs from “I Feel Good” by James Brown to Tina Turner’s rendition of “Proud Mary,” she hypnotized the audience with her strong voice backed up by a strong attitude. McAllen local Yvette Angeles, 21, felt Lancaster brought something different to the Valley. “Once the vocalist stepped on stage, she brought energy out of the whole band. Inebriated or not, that woman could make you sing, dance, and enjoy the blues,” Angeles said. As one of the area’s only rock bars, Rhythm and Brews helps as a stepping stone for others. “This is one of the hottest places to be, the bar hand picks all of the bands that play here,” Lancaster stated With the bar scrutinizing every band that plays, it is obvious the Valley can expect this bar to expand with the new modern vibe the area undoubtedly deserves. To learn more about Tish Lancaster and the Mizzbehavin’ band, readers can visit their MySpace page at www. myspace.com/mizzbehavinband.

Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN SING IT - Tish Lancaster (right) and Jeff Grant of Tish Lancaster and the Mizzbehavin’ Band rock downtown McAllen Saturday.

LOCAL

Music promoters flash back with ‘80s-themed prom By Russen Vela The PanAmerican Big hair, fuchsia taffeta dresses, and of course Wayfarer glasses are back from the past with M3 Productions recreation of the notorious, glamorous ‘80s prom. Bust out the Aqua Net, fishnet stockings, and fedoras, because with Valley local DJ BOSCO and DJ ELECTROLUV, everyone will be Wang Chunging on Feb. 7 at Moods Lounge. Lucas Martinez-Salas, a bookkeeper and filmmaker from Pharr, is part of M3 Productions; a production company based in McAllen. A three-man team which includes Martinez-Salas, Ramiro Martinez Jr. and Jeric T. Alvarez, the production company produces films and events, and also promotes local music and artists. They are currently the promoters of Music After Hours, a free concert series cosponsored by the City of McAllen and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. When asked about the idea of an ‘80s prom, Martinez-Salas was enthusiastic and excited about the event. “We were thinking of ways to fundraise for our next film and we thought it would draw a large crowd,” Martinez-Salas said. “Plus it’s our favorite decade.” M3 Productions’ new project is a horror film, which has yet to be titled, and is being shot on location in Sarita, TX.

This is not the first retro event from M3 Productions. “This is our second ‘80s Prom,” Martinez-Salas said. “The first was back in 2006 at the Pharr Convention Center. It drew a crowd of 300, but the space was so massive we wanted to try something a bit more personal and that’s how we ended up at Moods Lounge. It’s a large space, but not huge like the convention center.” And the prom theme is none other than “Pretty in Pink” meets high-octane ‘80s New York backdrop. “The prom’s theme this year is Urban Cityscape,” Martinez-Salas explained. “The colors are black, pink and pearl, and there will be tons of activities just like any other prom.” Activities include a crowning of a prom king & queen. Martinez-Salas said that he and his team from M3 Productions have been working closely with The Monitor to collect nominations that opened Jan. 30 and closed Feb. 3, to be followed by voting. “We’ll also have a special M3 backdrop where couples and friends can commemorate the night and take pictures,” MartinezSalas said. The type of people MartinezSalas hopes to expect at the prom is people from that decade and people who love that decade. “Eccentric, hip people always show up to events like this,” Martinez-Salas said. “I mean who doesn’t love the ‘80s.” Moods Lounge tops at about 180 people

capacity, and Martinez-Salas says the first people to arrive will receive “swag” bags filled with goodies and art pieces from local Valley artists. “We drew a large crowd of people at the first prom,” he said. “We’re hoping for the same crowd to come back and we’re posting posters at many stores in the area. We also have a large street team handing out flyers at local events and colleges.” Laura Muñoz, a sophomore rehab major, expressed a desire to attend the event. “I was born in 1988,” the McAllen native said. “So while the best part of the ‘80s had past, I still felt a connection to them, because my parents loved the ‘80s, especially the music.” Muñoz cites New Order, Madonna, The Cure and Cyndi Lauper as her favorite ’80s musicians. The age limit to attend the prom is 18, and Moods Lounge will provide necessary beverages including mixed drinks to the popular beer choices. Tickets are $10 presale and $15 at the door, and are available at Melhart’s Music, Lionel’s Western Wear, Polarisol, and Wireless Toyz. Moods Lounge is located at 200 S. Broadway in McAllen. The decade’s most popular music will be played at the event and M3 Productions promises a night filled with ultra glam, electro new wave music, and the oh-so’80s techno dancing. Get into the groove.

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ARTS AND LIFE

February 5, 2009

T MUSIC

T A&L BRIEFS

Valley rockers well on their way in ‘09 Writers’ By Laura Garcia The Pan American There comes a time in each of our lives when we realize that all of the hard work has finally paid off. This moment brings much joy and we may be conflicted about whether to scream in delight or simply cry. For local rock band A Day of Ashes (ADOA), that moment has come in the form of its first album release, “TURMOIL.” Lead singer and band cofounder Rick Manzo, 27, is both anxious and excited for what 2009 will bring for his band. Manzo, an ex-member of A Faultered State and Drain of Life, goes by stage name Phoenix. It is a name coined by his cousin and fellow bandmate Marty Petrelli, for the former’s will to make a comeback after his previous bands disbanded time and time again. In the past two years ADOA has had ups and downs, from changing the lineup a few times to industry reps getting their hopes up, only to leave them hanging in the end. Several labels have shown interest in the past, but expected ADOA to pay them to get signed. The band consists of Phoenix, a Weslaco native, Petrelli (who sings back-up vocals and plays lead guitar), Mario Garza as the drummer, Manny Garcia on guitar, all from Mercedes and J.J. Garza on bass, who resides in Edinburg. Each member has had to make sacrifices and face obstacles and hardships on their own, but the members have persevered, all striving for the same goal and passion: music. Such sacrifices include time spent away from families and time off from school. Phoenix has an 8-monthold baby girl at home and admits that it is very hard to leave her behind while he’s on tour. “It’s hard having to sacrifice time with her, but my family supports me and believes in me and it’s something I’m doing for them,” he added. The youngest member of the band

is Garcia, only 15 he attends Mercedes High School, and explains that balancing school and the band is tough, but he makes it work. Garcia does have other goals and a Plan B just in case the whole rockstar path doesn’t work out. “I would like to be a music teacher maybe and teach guitar,” he said. Other members, however, are sure that they are on the right track to accomplish their life’s work. “I work my butt off to do this as a living, traveling and meeting new people, I would like to keep doing it professionally,” Petrelli noted. While ADOA has only been together for two years, each member brought along with him a fan following from their ex-bands and the group is currently making every PR move possible to get its name out. From MySpace to radio advertisements, the guys of ADOA are gaining a reputable following. Their MySpace page boasts 1,977 friends/fans and every show they see more and more people. However, their success hasn’t come without bridges to cross, just like any other musician trying to get ahead in the business. Since they aren’t signed with a label, they had to come up with the funding to record and release “TURMOIL.” While most bands strike a record deal first, then are given funding, ADOA decided to go ahead without a label and do all the dirty work themselves. The total cost to put out the album was about $7,000 and they were able to come up with the money by having a fundraiser. They held a concert at the livestock show grounds and sold tickets that gave fans access to the show, first dibs on the album and a special invite to their release party. A rocky start may have actually allowed ADOA to better appreciate the rewards in the end. The biggest one as of now has been producing their record and the potential of it reaching the masses. Most of the guys had been through the process before with ex-bands, but this is

workshop

Nason Rumfield ROCK ON - A Day of Ashes will perform during tomorrow night’s Mardi Rock event at the KC Hall in Mercedes. the first time they’ve cut an album. As for future goals, they hope to start touring in areas outside of the Valley and build their fan base along the way. So far they’ve covered all the bases, having played in Sharyland, McAllen, Brownsville and Laredo. In the meantime though, they’re perfectly content with serenading their South Texas fans. Upcoming concerts include stops at both The University of Texas-Pan American on March 31 and South Texas College on April 23. Aside from rocking out just about every night, the band is also involved with the American Red Cross, having partnered with that organization on several occasions to raise funds. Last year they participated in the “Ride for Red” concert and just booked a show to help the Easter Seals. Not surprisingly, Phoenix’s ultimate moment will come when he’s made a difference in someone’s life with his music. “I want to know that I’ve been an influence to someone, maybe someone younger who can look to me as a role model,” he explained. As far as any advice for a band trying to make it, they offer this:

“It’s a lot of fun being in a band, it is hard work and you will get rejected,” Phoenix promised. “You’ll be told you won’t make it, and your chances may be shot from the beginning, but you have to have hope and dream big enough to get to where you’re comfortable.” With an anticipated CD release date of March, they will also be throwing a release party. No dates have been set yet, but members are looking at sometime around Spring Break. Tomorrow night kicks off the start of their local tour during Mardi Rock. The event, which is put together by JG Productions, will also feature three other bands: Obscurity, The Jericho Machine and Affliction of Sin, at the KC Hall in Mercedes starting at 7 p.m. A Day of Ashes is currently in talks with record labels and with venues all over the Valley for possible in-store plays. It seems as though obstacles are a thing of the past for the boys and 2009 will bring nothing but better days for them. For more info on ADOA, check them out on their MySpace page myspace.com/adayofashes.

T ART

UTPA, STC host ‘Sell Your Fear’ conference By Marco Carbajal The Pan American These days one cannot help but be assaulted daily via television and newspapers with images and stories that ignite anxiety. The economic downturn may make you lose your job and house and pay hundreds of dollars in gas money! There’s lead in your toys, salmonella in your peanut butter, melamine in your baby formula and terrorists waiting for you to let your guard down!! Relax. While buying into fear has become an American way of life, now you can sell it. UTPA and South Texas College partner to bring “Sell Your Fear,” a conference and graphic arts exhibit dealing with the broad aspects of fear in the 21st century and the role of marketing and selling fear via the arts touches all disciplines. The event kicks off with a graphic exhibit open to the public starting March 26 at 6 p.m. at STC’s Pecan Campus art gallery and running through April 30. The conference will be held at UTPA on March 28-29 to coincide with FESTIBA,

the yearly spring creative arts festival by the College of Arts and Humanities. UTPA professors Robert P. Gilbert and David Martinez are coordinating the event along with STC professor and art gallery curator David Freeman. Gilbert, associate professor of graphic design, came up with the “Sell Your Fear” theme after Freeman suggested they do an art show together. Freeman then had the idea of making an entire conference to go along with the art exhibit. “It was originally going to be a graphic design conference on issues of morality in the design field and how it is used to create and perpetuate fear in politics and advertising,” Gilbert said. “Then we decided to open it up to people of all disciplines that speak about the idea of fear in America, so we want it to be very broad.” Entries are encouraged from all disciplines and open to anyone anywhere in the world. Submissions eligible for acceptance should come in the form or posters and abstracts, which are written proposals for a presentation within the event’s theme.

Of the call for posters for the graphic exhibit, Gilbert says the concept is simple. “We want people to create a piece of conceptual poster art that tries to sell their fear or make it seem desirable,” he said. “So it’s a little bit of a twisted kind of take on that.” Gilbert adds that entrants should stick to political, national or socioeconomic fears rather than personal ones. The poster should have a title, imagery, sub-copy, be unmounted and unframed, and 24 by 36 inches in size. Each accepted work must be clearly labeled and arrive at STC postmarked no later than Feb. 26. Entries will then be juried and artists chosen for the exhibit will be notified March 9 via e-mail. Recognitions for best in show and first through third place will be awarded. For entries in the abstract portion, written proposals should be submitted on a topic within the “Sell Your Fear” theme. Those chosen for the conference will then present research and papers, followed by a question-and-answer period and concluding with a panel discussion. “We’re looking for speakers who want to talk about the whole idea of fear and

negotiating fear,” said Martinez, assistant professor of graphic design. “We wanted to keep it pretty broad in terms of people who wanted to submit papers, or abstracts. So we’re very interested in multidisciplinary approaches and ideas here.” Sofia K. Perez, an art gallery assistant at STC, said the theme definitely makes the conference unique and relevant to everyone. “Fear is something that’s prevalent in our everyday existence,” she commented. “Whether it’s political or social, I think art is a form of expression and fear is such a strong emotion it can be expressed visually in an amazing way.” Though this is the first time the conference will be held, coordinators are hopeful they can continue the event annually, with a different theme. Entry forms are available at the UTPA art office and must be sent along with a $20 entry fee to South Texas College, C/O: Cashiers, P.O. Box 9701, McAllen, Texas, 78502. Both posters and abstracts must be shipped to Sofia K. Perez, South Texas College Library Art Gallery, 3201 W. Pecan Blvd. McAllen, Texas, 78501. For more information, contact STC at 872-3488.

Students and the community are invited to participate in the Winter Writers’ Workshop led by assistant professors of English Emmy Pérez and Dr. Philip Zwerling. At $40 per course, participants have the option of signing up for memoir writing, flash fiction (short form storytelling), screenwriting, or poetry writing. Classes will unfold in the span of Fridays and Saturdays at the International Trade and Technology building on Feb. 7, Feb. 21, March 6, and March 13. Students signing up for flash fiction will be trained to transform life experiences into short fictional stories. The memoir-writing workshop will consist of digging deep into the life and memories of participants. Screenwriting will allow students to explore turning their ideas into riveting images and stories into captivating scenarios. For more information, contact the Continuing Education Program at 3813661 or e-mail continuinged@utpa.edu. To register, visit www.utpa.edu/ce.

Hedda Gabler The University Theatre welcomes the New Year with “Hedda Gabler.” It is set to play at the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre off Sugar Road and University Drive in Edinburg, March 4-8. A tale of affairs, scandals, and broken dreams; “Hedda Gabler” is sure to make any novella look like a comedy. Newlyweds “Hedda Gabler” and George Tesman arrive home to their new house. Soon it is clear that she forced herself to marry Tesman only because she had reached the age at which society dictated she should wed. Not even a year into their marriage and Hedda is showing signs of boredom, even with a baby on the way. The tragedy concentrates on themes such as society’s determination of sex roles and personal identity, as well as the conflict between middle class illusions and reality. Ibsen’s plays relentlessly attacked the social norm and dealt with contemporary subjects. The dramatic approach in his plays was provocative, calling attention to inner psychological motivations and the way socio-economic environments exert an influence on people. By putting on “Hedda Gabler,” the University Theatre is allowing its students to better appreciate the fundamentals of realism in the theater, and to increase their chances of getting into graduate schools. The performance of Ibsen’s most memorable heroine runs at 8 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday evening, with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee, March 4-8, at UTPA. No children below the third grade will be admitted. For reservations or more information you may call the University Theatre box office at 381-3581.

Dates to Know: Men’s and Women’s Tennis vs. Southern University Saturday Orville Cox Tennis Center February 5, 2009

Kidfit Promotion Classes Saturday, 10 to 11 a.m. WRSC - Aerobic Studio

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 13

Wellness Center

Intramural basketball teams vying for trip to Arlington By Alvaro Balderas The Pan American Another chapter in The University of Texas-Pan American intramural sports history will be made this weekend with a much anticipated basketball tournament among fellow students. The Wellness and Recreational Sports Complex will hold the 2009 intramural basketball tournament Saturday comprising of 15 intramural teams. A single-elimination format will be in place with the winner advancing to the 2009 NCCS Region IV Basketball Championship in Arlington Feb. 28. “I have to say there are very good games that take place. There’s a good

atmosphere,” said intramural assistant Art Cabrera, who has been coordinating the tournament since it originated in 2002. “People that come and watch the games get a chance to see these guys fight and compete for the opportunity to go to Arlington.” The tournament has developed into a competitive and entertaining event with fierce rivalries. One current rivalry is between tournament favorites Beasty and Team Bro. Five-time defending champs Beasty is again ranked No. 1 followed by Team Bro. For the past three tournaments, Beasty has defeated its rival in the finals by close margins, creating

a heated rivalry between them. Beasty is 4-0 lifetime against Team Bro but members of the team are aware that their counterparts are a real threat, says team captain Diego Olague. “Our biggest competition is very good offensively. They move the ball well and shoot the ball even better,” said Olague, a kinesiology major from Edinburg. “We need to play good defense and good offense to beat them. If we don’t hit shots against this team (Bro), it will be all downhill from there.” With its core of players still intact, Beasty is looking to get back to the region tourney and better the Sweet 16 performance last year. The Beasty

squad is made up of former high school basketball players from around the Valley. Former Mission Veteran standout Ivan Dominguez handles Beasty’s offensive responsibilities, while former Edinburg Bobcat big man Mike Soto anchors the defense down low. “We’ve had this team for three years. Everybody has their role,” Olague said. “Our goal is to win it (tournament) and make it to the elite eight at Arlington.” Team Bro is a team-oriented squad that likes to move the ball around. Loaded with spot-up shooters such as former EHS All-District guard Rallie De La Rosa (sophomore), Team Bro’s

sharpshooters will rely on their ball movement. “We don’t have key players. Everybody can have a big game any time,” said junior Lucio Rodriguez, a former All-District wing at Edinburg High. “We move the ball around so everybody gets open shots. We don’t rely on one-on-one game.” Team Bro also maintains its group of core players. They are all made up of Edinburg High alumni with four of their five starters serving on the 2006 District 31-5A championship team Games will begin at 9 a.m. and will conclude at 4 p.m. with the championship game.

Women’s Basketball

Lady Broncs inch near all-time record for wins By Pedro Perez IV The Pan American The University of Texas Pan American women’s basketball completed their up-and-down month in January finishing 4-4. With only four games left before the National Independent Showcase in March the 12-11 Lady Broncs are still in contention to finish with their best record ever, under sixth-year head coach DeAnn Craft. “A lot better than a year ago,” Craft said about the Lady Broncs’ performance in January. “We’re still shooting for the ultimate goal and we really rebounded from our loss in Corpus (Christi) with a big win.” Last Saturday the Lady Broncs were in action, taking on future Great West rival Chicago State. In the second half of play Robin Garrett, who

finished the game with 18 points and six rebounds, stepped it up and had a 13-point half. “We’re rebounding better, our defense is solid and I think offensively we play pretty good ball control,” Craft said. “I really like the emergence of Robin Garrett.” Up next for the Lady Broncs will be Long Beach State on Valentines Day in Long Beach. The road trip continues when the team faces off against Cal State-Bakersfield on Feb. 17, a rematch from the Jan 17 UTPA loss at the Field House. The Lady Broncs are back at home against New Jersey Institute of Technology on Feb 21 and close the season against Chicago State Feb. 28. “We’re starting to see consistent minutes,” Craft concluded. “So we’re going to need that going on the road.”

Ben Briones/The Pan American

UP AND OVER - Forward Brittany Demery shoots for a two-point jumper over Chicago’s Laureen Pierson. The Lady Broncs will hit the road Feb. 14 against Long Beach State.

Women’s Basketball Season Stats (as of Feb. 3, 2009) Winfrey, Teshay Smith, Epiphany Jean, Rose Esther Demery, Brittany Grigsby, Aleeya Hester, Rachel Erlingsdottir, Mari Garrett, Robin Guzman, Marah Kostacky, Danielle Walker, Jessica Walker, Shavon Garza, Andrea Davis, Sherrel Session, Janita Schneider, Taylor TEAM Total Opponents

GP-GS

Min--Avg

|-----TOTAL-----| FG-FGA Pct

23-18 23-23 21-21 23-15 23-12 14-1 18-12 22-7 21-5 21-0 18-0 14-0 8-1 l6-0 18-0 11-0

633 27.5 820 35.7 621 29.6 451 19.6 568 24.7 194 13.9 301 16.7 210 9.5 205 9.8 189 9.0 164 9.1 69 4.9 50 6.3 26 4.3 117 6.5 32 2.9

92-213 64-195 65-160 52-127 47-101 24-59 27-84 30-60 16-38 13-40 10-33 7-23 3-12 1-5 4-22 0-5

23 23

4650 4650

455-1177 .387 478-1238 .386

.432 .328 .406 .409 .465 .407 .321 .500 .421 .325 .303 .304 .250 .200 .182 .000

|------3-PTS------| 3FG-FGA Pct

FT-FTA

Pct

38-107 32-108 2-12 2-9 6-13 11-30 9-34 0-1 2-6 3-11 6-23 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 0-4

.355 .296 .167 .222 .462 .367 .265 .000 .333 .273 .261 .000 .000 .000 .000 .000

43-52 63-81 17-29 48-65 18-31 4-9 5-11 22-28 7-10 7-10 0-0 3-12 1-2 3-4 3-4 0-0

.827 .778 .586 .738 .581 .444 .455 .786 .700 .700 .000 .250 .500 .750 .750 .000

111-359 132-433

.309 .305

244-348 217-324

.701 .670

|-----------------REBOUNDS-----------------| Off Def Tot Avg

Blk

Stl

Pts

Avg

40 6 41 35 45 3 13 13 3 5 4 9 5 3 9 1 61 296 321

33 42 54 59 29 18 22 30 11 11 8 5 7 1 5 4 0 339 338

0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

50 101 45 11 24 8 12 3 26 7 5 2 0 3 4 2

10 1 30 4 3 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1

32 31 50 22 13 13 6 7 14 7 6 6 3 2 4 0

265 223 149 154 118 63 68 82 41 36 26 17 7 5 11 0

11.5 9.7 7.1 6.7 5.1 4.5 3.8 3.7 2.0 1.7 1.4 1.2 0.9 0.8 0.6 0.0

4 -

303 318

52 74 51 49 45 18 20 22 21 4 13 8 4 2 10 5 36 434 433

51 54

216 186

1265 1305

55.0 56.7

87 35 62 67 68 6 23 25 10 20 13 10 4 2 10 2 64 508 497

127 41 103 102 113 9 36 38 13 25 17 19 9 5 19 3 125 804 818

5.5 1.8 4.9 4.4 4.9 0.6 2.0 1.7 0.6 1.2 0.9 1.4 1.1 0.8 1.1 0.3 5.4 35.0 35.6

Page 14

SPORTS

February 5, 2009

Men’s Basketball Season Stats (as of Feb. 3, 2009) Jones, Emmanuel Weiermiller, Nick Hawkins, Nathan Smith, Ben Valera, Luis Turner, P.J. Maree, Jared Allgood, Julius Smith, Andrew Jensen, Jason Trader, Jacob Zaney, Matt Silva, Steve Gonzales, Jesse TEAM Total Opponents

GP-GS

Min--Avg

|-----TOTAL-----| FG-FGA Pct

|------3-PTS------| 3FG-FGA Pct

FT-FTA

Pct

18-17 19-19 19-11 19-19 19-9 12-7 19-8 19-1 10-0 18-4 3-0 5-0 5-0 2-0

548 30.4 690 36.3 384 20.2 524 27.6 369 19.4 334 27.8 454 23.9 183 9.6 37 3.7 254 14.1 6 2.0 6 1.2 4 0.8 7 3.5

129-241 71-166 73-142 42-131 39-83 22-50 25-78 21-47 8-12 12-40 2-4 1-1 0-2 0-0

.535 .428 .514 .321 .470 .440 .321 .447 .667 .300 .500 1.000 .000 .000

0-2 37-87 0-0 35-116 0-1 3-9 8-31 2-14 0-0 6-24 0-0 0-0 0-2 0-0

.000 .425 .000 .302 .000 .333 .258 .143 .000 .250 .000 .000 .000 .000

52-85 34-48 37-80 9-14 34-53 18-29 20-30 10-17 4-8 4-4 0-0 0-2 0-0 0-0

.612 .708 .463 .643 .642 .621 .667 .588 .500 1.000 .000 .000 .000 .000

19 19

3800 3800

445-997 468-970

.446 .482

91-286 128-342

.318 .374

222-370 258-381

.600 .677

|-----------------REBOUNDS-----------------| Off Def Tot Avg

Blk

Stl

Pts

Avg

50 6 30 7 23 1 8 12 9 6 1 0 0 0 30 183 160

34 52 41 43 51 27 44 33 7 12 0 1 1 0 1 347 354

2 0 1 3 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0

20 114 8 45 5 45 23 9 1 18 1 0 0 1

13 0 1 6 5 1 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0

12 23 2 21 5 11 9 4 0 6 0 0 0 0

310 213 183 128 112 65 78 54 20 34 4 2 0 0

17.2 11.2 9.6 6.7 5.9 5.4 4.1 2.8 2.0 1.9 1.3 0.4 0.0 0.0

11 -

290 274

42 58 25 29 27 42 23 16 1 10 0 0 0 0 14 287 280

29 68

93 126

1203 1322

63.3 69.6

96 41 38 37 55 12 30 20 6 32 1 2 1 0 36 407 449

146 47 68 44 78 13 38 32 15 38 2 2 1 0 66 590 609

8.1 2.5 3.6 2.3 4.1 1.1 2.0 1.7 1.5 2.1 0.7 0.4 0.2 0.0 3.5 31.1 32.1

Bronc Review FALL ALL-ACADEMIC TEAM The 2008 Fall All-Academic recipients list was announced Tuesday by the Great West Conference with members of the men’s and women’s cross-country and volleyball programs representing The University of Texas-Pan American Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. From the men’s cross-country program, senior Luis Nava and Omar Doria were chosen as well as Carolina Izaguirre from the women’s group. Nava and Izaguirre also were recipients of the First Team AllConference for their on-track performances at the 2008 Great West Conference Championship in Orem, Utah.

Eight Lady Broncs from the women’s volleyball program made the academic honors list: Chelsea Blakely, Marci Logan, Noelle Mayor, Kellie Phillips, Danielle Reed, Deanna Schneyer, Rebecca Toddy and Ytzsel Trinidad. Requirements for selection to the All-Academic team include earning a minimum of a 3.2 grade-point average and having participated in at least 50 percent of the scheduled contests. The student-athletes were chosen based on their most recent GPA. HALL OF FAME The third annual University of Texas-Pan American Athletic Hall of Fame will be held Feb. 21. The 2009

class inductees include: Abe Lemons, Jim McGurk, Ken Lang, George Kon, Delilah Johnson, James Tyrone, Wayne Tyrone, Leonard Tyrone, Jim McKone, Lupe Garcia and the 1971 College World Series baseball team. McKone and Garcia will also be the first inductees to the UTPA Hall of Honor. The Hall of Honor is designated for people who were not UTPA athletes or coaches but had a great contribution to the athletic programs. The ceremony will be held at the Wellness and Recreational Sports Complex at 11:30 a.m. For more information, contact Silvia Ochoa or call the Athletic Department at 3812221.

Wellness Center February Events Schedule A.M. Bootcamp - Monday & Wednesday classes (free to anyone) Outdoor facilities Feb. 2 - March 13

6:15-7 a.m.

Climbing Wall Clinic #1 The Rock Feb. 5

3:30-9 p.m.

Kidfit Promotion Classes (no dependent membership required to attend in February) Aerobic Studio Feb. 7 10-11 a.m. Zumba Fusion (three hours of non-stop dancing) Aerobic Studio Feb. 12 Rock of Love The Rock

6-9 p.m.

Feb. 12

3:30-9 p.m.

Climbing Wall Clinic #2 The Rock Feb. 19

3:30-9 p.m.

February 5, 2009

SPORTS

Page 15

Men’s Basketball

Broncs break five-game losing streak with 76-52 win By Sara Hernandez The Pan American A sense of anticipation invaded The University of Texas-Pan American Field House Monday as the men’s basketball team entered the last stretch of the 2008-09 season. Coming in with a 5-13 record, the Broncs saw their expectations extinguished by Savannah State’s stiff defense which complicated their attempts to finish the year on a positive note. The result was a 64-58 home loss Monday. Junior forward Nathan Hawkins opened the game with a jumper at the 18:49 mark followed by Ben Smith’s three-pointer, but the Tigers responded with a trio of three-pointers, which started Bronc struggles to close the gap by less than five points. After almost two hours of battle between the two squads, a layup by sophomore guard Nick Weiermiller cut the deficit to 59-55 with only 40 seconds remaining but a series of fouls gave the Tigers the opportunity to get ahead and end the match there. “I’m very disappointed we lost,” men’s basketball coach Tom Schuberth said. “At times, we did some good things to get back in the game, but we never should’ve been in that position.” The men have had a difficult season, but according to freshman Jared Maree, the results have not reflected the progress that the young team has made since the beginning of the year. “Even though the season is not going as planned right now, I feel that we are a new team and the chemistry in

the team gets better and better pretty much in every game,” said Maree, a guard from Houston. Only five returning regulars returned to the Broncs this season from last year’s remarkable 18-win team: seniors Julius Allgood and Emmanuel Jones, juniors Hawkins and Smith and sophomore Jacob Trader. The coach agreed with Maree that there have been bright moments. “Having a young team, you’re gonna go through some growing pain,” Schuberth said. “I’m not pleased with our record but I think we’re improving as a team.” Freshman forward Andrew Smith explained that improvement will come with the maturation of freshmen like himself and Maree. “The more the season is going on, the more that we’re understanding how college basketball is and how it’s supposed to be played,” he commented. “I think we can turn a lot of the last games into wins.” With only eight games remaining, positivity still engulfs the Bronc locker rooms. And despite the hard times, the Green and Orange refuse to surrender against adversity. “Everybody can do good in prosperous situations but how you respond to adversity is the key to being a good team, a good coach and a good player,” Schuberth said. Andrew Smith stressed that difficult situations inspire the team to give everything in each play. “We live for the game,” he said. “Every one of us tries during bad times and good times. We’re not gonna give up.”

With that mentality, the Broncs have faced some of the toughest duels, including recently against SEC power Auburn Jan. 27 when UTPA scratched its way back from a 14-point deficit but fell 66-63 after a late missed opportunity. “As the game went by we started gaining confidence, we started playing harder because we realized the other team wasn’t as hard as we thought,” Venezuela native Luis Valera said. “With the game so close, we wanted to win so bad, we gave it all out.” With the exception of Texas A&M International, the last eight games are against Independent teams. “We have six home games remaining and they’re all against Independent teams,” Schuberth said. “We’ll see what we’re made of and hopefully come out on top.” With the challenge of finishing the season on a positive note, Jones reiterates that the possibility of success in the last games will rely on the team’s drive and focus to make things work. “We can win the last set of games,” he said. “But at the same time if we don’t bring it and play hard we can lose the rest of them.” NOTES: On Wednesday, the Broncs defeated Texas A&M International 76-52. Jones finished with 18 points with four rebounds while Hawkins and Maree scored 13 and 12 points, respectively. The Broncs will host Chicago State Saturday at 7 p.m. before returning for a second three-game home stand, beginning Feb. 14, after a road contest at Longwood.

Ben Briones/The Pan American

JUST IN TIME - Forward Emmanuel Jones gracefully drops the ball into the net with three seconds left on the shot clock during Wednesday night’s victory against Texas A&M International.

Player Focus

Broncs get boost from Weiermiller’s persistence, commitment By Kevin Stich The Pan American Monday night, The University of Texas-Pan American sophomore guard Nick Weiermiller lingered around the locker room after the game – he would be one of the last to leave, as usual. Most of the other Bronc basketball players had promptly made their way out by now, having just suffered a fifth straight loss, at the hand of Savannah State, for salt in an open wound. With the band shuffling out and the Lady Broncs warming up for a late night practice session, the UTPA Field House stood steady. Weiermiller washed away the sweat, grease and grime from the game, and after exchanging his Bronc jersey for a long-sleeved T-shirt, he casually walked out. Weiermiller, with a modest 6-foot-1 frame, isn’t a prolific scorer from the arc or a physical goliath in the paint, but he puts in the work and plays a blue-collar game. He averages 11.2 points an outing as the team’s second leading scorer and leads the team with 114 assists. In the team-leading 690 minutes (the next closest is 548 minutes) that Weiermiller has played this season, he

has shot approximately 43 percent from the field and 43 percent from 3-point range. But what the stats don’t show is his grit. “I just try to go in there and just play my game and make the right decisions and the right plays and let everything else take care of itself,” Weiermiller said. “I just try to do my job when I’m in at point guard, to handle the ball and get us into the offense and at shooting guard knock down my open shots.” The international business major, 20, is from Elmira, N.Y. where he picked up the game at the age of 5, becoming a backyard basketball junky before joining a youth league at the YMCA. After attending high school at Elmira Free Academy, he went to the International Management Group (IMG) Basketball Academy in Bradenton, Fla., and eventually made his way to UTPA. This season Weiermiller has had to shoulder a heavy load due to the team’s injury plight, playing close to 40 minutes a game, and only recently has been granted some relief. Head coach Tom Schuberth recognized the difficulty of Weiermiller’s task. “He’s done a great job under the circumstances,” Schuberth said. “We’ve

had a lot of injuries and P.J. Turner was ineligible for a while, so Nick has had to play more minutes than he really needs to and that puts him in a tough position. So, when he’s had to do that he’s really stepped up.” Schuberth thinks that the long season has worn on Weiermiller, but adds that he has accepted his role wholeheartedly. “He’s gotten fatigued. His shooting has been good, but we’ve got to get him to play that all-around game with ball handling and passing and so forth. But he’s done a good job under the circumstances,” Schuberth said. “He’s had several games where he has played the entire ballgame. That’s very difficult, especially back to back, sometimes three games in a row. So, you’re going to make mistakes when you’re fatigued, but he’s accepted that because he knows we need him.” While he isn’t flashy and may not drop 30 points on any team he faces, the guy has a nonstop motor. Despite the fact that the Broncs, currently 6-14, have seen the slums this season, Weiermiller remains optimistic about soaking up the experience. “It’s fun being around the guys, going to practices and traveling to all these different cities around the country,”

Roxy Solis/The Pan American

JACK-OF-ALL-TRADES - Sophomore guard Nick Weiermiller leads the team in minutes played this season and is willing to accept any job for the betterment of the team. Weiermiller said. “It’s really just a good time playing on this team.” With fellow point guard Turner now healthy, Weiermiller will get some much

needed rest. But he has made it clear that his intent is to be exactly what the team needs him to be, and that he will give it his all when called upon.

Page 16

THE PAN AMERICAN

February 5, 2009

Feature

By Ramiro Paez The Pan American As students file into their Theory of Baseball class every Monday and Wednesday afternoon, Richard Flores quietly sits in his chair at the front of the room, pondering some mysterious thought that leaves one extremely curious as to what he’s thinking. Once the class looks more than half full, Flores, a part-time kinesiology lecturer at The University of Texas-Pan American, begins his lesson 10 minutes before its initial start time and routinely shares some conventional life wisdom with his students. He excitedly continues with his baseball lecture, sporadically confusing some terminology with football jargon, until 10 minutes before the class’s end time. As the students exit the class, his animated character quickly fades while Flores packs his briefcase and makes a refined departure. Flores, 69, now lives a rather simple and calm life. However, don’t let his tranquil demeanor fool you, as there was a time when things weren’t so undemanding. THE GLORY DAYS The best was always expected out of Flores. Communities around the Rio Grande Valley held him up on a pedestal for being an illustrious public figure after serving 15 years as a high school football head coach. Flores, a UTPA alumnus, coached the Rio Hondo Bobcats, Lyford Bulldogs and Edinburg Bobcats in his coaching career, leaving a legacy as one of the most successful coaches in the Valley. His achievements led him to three Hall of Fame honors, including entrance

Sports Commentary

into the Rio Grande Valley Sports Hall of Fame, once he retired after the 1989 season. After that he was EHS athletic director for over a decade. “It’s been a great ride,” he said. “I’ve been blessed with some great parents and I’ve had the opportunity to participate in sports that brought me my profession in focus. That’s why great is great.” But coaching high school football was never in store for his future. The Edinburg native always had the dream of becoming a baseball player and initially wanted to coach baseball when he began looking for employment after graduating from Pan American University in 1962. Baseball was his passion. From the day he watched a Major League exhibition game in San Antonio with his older brother as a kid, Flores breathed baseball. He was part of the 1956 EHS team that advanced to the state tournament, where the Bobcats were defeated by Abilene High School, 7-5, in extra innings. Abilene went on to capture the state baseball championship. Flores lettered all four years in high school and went on to play for the Broncs after graduating. He was a catcher the first two years and following a knee injury, pitched and played in the outfield his last two years. In the ‘60s, there weren’t as many sports for people to involve themselves in, so when he struggled to land a baseball coaching position, football became his second option, though he was an offensive lineman for the Bobcats in high school. “I had to perfect what I did, footballwise, so I could get a position and that’s the way it worked out,” he said. THE FOOTBALL MAN After coaching eight years in the

junior high ranks, Flores attended Sam Houston State in 1969 to pursue his masters and it was then when he landed the Rio Hondo head coach position. He coached the Bobcats until 1974, winning two district titles, and after a year at Lyford, became the Edinburg High School coach and athletic director. And it was “Bobcat Pride” that brought him his success. Flores never had a losing season while he was at Edinburg, something he says he is most proud of, and advanced to the postseason eight consecutive years. He saw it all as a coach and experienced any kind of sports-feverish drama you could imagine, including a game that still lives in Valley high school football glory. “Of all the games, I would have to say the McAllen game of 1977,” Flores said of his most memorable game he’s ever coached. “It’s historical for a fact that it was my third year at Edinburg as a coach. The first year my team had gone 8-2 and the next year we went 6-4. We never seemed to beat McAllen until we had the game.” With the Bulldogs holding a tight 7-3 lead late in the fourth quarter, the game came down to the final play with the Bobcats facing a fourth-and-22 from the Bulldog 22. Flores, along with ssistant coach Larry Salinas, called a doublehitch pass, a play that was only practiced about two times a week. Bobcats quarterback Mike Flores completed a lateral pass to his wide receiver, who then found a diving Richard Salaiz in the end zone after running a T-slant route. Salaiz caught the pass and the Bobcats left McAllen’s Veterans Memorial Stadium victorious. Salaiz, who currently serves as the postmaster at the Edinburg Postal Of-

fice, says it was honor for Flores to design and choose that particular play for him during the intense moment. On a chalkboard in his office is the exact draw up of the play, which was done by Flores four years ago. He says he will never remove it unless he happens to leave the office one day. “It was sheer luck that I caught it,” said Salaiz, who was also one of the best kickers in Valley history. “It was the highest anyone could feel. It was something that I’ll never forget. I am honored to have played for him, period, because he is a legend.” After experiencing many unforgettable moments throughout his coaching career, Flores admits football surpassed baseball as his beloved sport. Baseball will always be a part of him but it was football that brought him the recognition and success that gives him his humble demeanor. “After I got involved in football, I think (my heart) bypassed baseball,” he said. Life after football is much simpler for Flores these days. He likes to refer to himself as a “busybody” so when retirement got tedious, he decided he wanted to return to teaching but this time in the academic setting. “I always had the passion of teaching what I know best and Pan Am offered me that opportunity to keep me busy,” he said. Flores jokingly says one thing he doesn’t miss about coaching is the RGV heat but admits he misses the Friday Night Lights, and attends high school football games every so often. However, he knows his time in the spotlight was fulfilled and now just goes about his days spending quality time with his family.

Ben Be n Br Brio ione ness/T /The he P Pa an America an

Coach put me in, we can win this one By Pedro Perez IV The Pan American There’s a somber feeling some people get when football season is all said and done, as February through July might be considered the doldrums. But for the others, attention turns to the NBA. From now until June, teams like the Boston Celtics, L.A. Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs will be vying for the Larry O’Brien NBA Championship Trophy. So here are the facts. On Monday the Spurs faced off against the Golden State Warriors. This was their first game on the road due to the rodeo that’s been housed at their beloved AT&T Center. The Spurs made good in their outing against Golden State 110-105, giving them a threegame win streak. Tim Duncan scored 32 points, collected 15 rebounds and a block; Tony Parker scored 23 points and had seven assists and Manu Ginobili finished the game with 32 points and two steals. But all good things come to an end. This was the same for the Spurs’ win streak. The overtime performance against the Warriors was apparently too much for San Antonio’s Big Three. Against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday head coach Gregg Popovich decided to give Duncan, Parker and Ginobili the night off. At least Ginobili had good reason to sit out with his bruised hip, but Duncan and Parker should have played. If they had been in the lineup, the team would have won. The Spurs’ Big Three are just too much for Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups. But the Spurs’ bench can’t handle them. And it showed on Tuesday night. What’s one more game? If they have hearts of champions, shouldn’t they want to play no matter what happened the night before? So it was a long game against Golden State, get over it, babies! Popovich’s decision to sit the trio out for a game to give them more rest before Sunday’s big tilt against the Celtics was only partly logical. Ginobili’s benching due to injury was a good move considering he’s definitely going to be needed if they stand a chance against Boston. Four days of rest is more than enough time to be fresh for a game, especially considering the physical fitness of NBA players. For Duncan and Parker, hopefully the night off will pay some extra dividends in the long run. But come Sunday, if the Spurs lose to the Celtics the last thing they can use as an excuse is being tired. Hopefully the Big Three show up to play against the “Boston Three Party” because Ray Allen and Paul Pierce are hot, even without Kevin Garnett who’s been out for the last three games with flu like symptoms. The Celtics match up against the Lakers tonight with Garnett back in the line up and come Sunday the Big Three will definitely have their hands full.