August 31, 2009

For Convocation news see pages 8 & 9

Volume 66, No. 1

THE PAN AMERICAN

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NEWS NIGHT CARE STARTING THIS FALL -UTPA’S CHILD DEVELOPMENT

August 31, 2009

King likely AD, sources say

By Kevin Stich The Pan American It’s been a long grueling process, but it looks like the University of Texas-Pan American will finally have its new athletic director come Wednesday morning. Multiple sources inside the university close to the decision process have said that it is likely that Chris King, the University of Alabama associate athletic director, will be the

next AD at UTPA. However, interim president Charles Sorber said via e-mail to The Pan American that a selection had not been made and would not be announced until some time next week. John Edwards, the vice president of enrollment and student services, declined comment on the matter.

A press release was sent out Friday by the athletic department saying that the new AD would be announced

Wednesday at the visitor’s center, but did not provide a name.

In a phone interview, King said he was under instruction from Edwards not to comment in the interest of preserving the process. However, three days earlier, King had confirmed that he believed the decision had come down to him and one other candidate; he said he didn’t know the name of the other candidate.

Sorber and Edwards have been

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A&L JUDY GARCIA WEIGHS IN -MMA FIGHTER TALKS ABOUT

By Roxann Garza The Pan American

TRAINING AND PREPARATION FOR THE FIGHT MINUTES BEFORE HER AUG. 15 BOUT

female student in one of his classes, who wished to not be identified, said university staff came into the class, talked to students individually, and asked her questions concerning sexual misconduct.

In the memo, Sale said he has become aware of allegations that suggest Leibowitz may have violated provisions of HOP 6.5.1, which outlines faculty’s rights to academic freedom and their responsibility for the use of

The Student Government Association will hold its first Valley Leadership Summit Sept. 17 at the Student Union, hoping to come out of the event with some answers to important issues.

SGA will be inviting elected officials such as Texas representatives to speak with students about issues and laws that directly affect the student body. Also invited to attend are students, faculty, mayors and district commissioners.

“A lot of the things that SGA focuses on are things that have to do with the university,” explained Raghuveer Puttagunta, SGA president.

“But we want an opportunity for those students to be aware of things that happen outside of the university as well. “ Elected officials expected include Ryan Guillen from Rio Grande City, Ismael Flores from Palmview and Armando Martinez from Weslaco.

Representatives from the offices of Ruben Hinojosa, originally from Edinburg, and Henry Cuellar, originally from Laredo, are expected to make presentations as well.

The summit is expected to begin at

See INVESTIGATION || Page 6

See SUMMIT || Page 6

MOUNCE DUO HEADS FOR THE STAGE PROFESSORS

HOPING

TO

TEACH COMMUNITY ABOUT BALLET

SPORTS MORE THAN JUST POM-PONS -SECOND-GENERATION HEAD

Brian Silva/The Pan American

CHEERLEADER STRIVES FOR HEAD COACHING JOB

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INDEX

See DIRECTOR || Page 5

SGA to hold Valley area leadership summit

STUDENTS, FACULTY AND STAFF

-UTPA

discussing the decision since Aug. 18 when the AD search committee, headed by Richard Treviño, made its recommendation.

“We as a committee, as we begin to go through applications we look at several things,” Trevino said. “We essentially, months and months ago, came up with a job description. Certainly we were looking at the leadership of the individual, their ability to

CARTED OFF - Melissa Garza, an 18-year-old mechanical engineering major from Rio Grande City, settles into her dorm room at Unity Hall on Bronc Move-In Day along with other incoming freshmen.

Provost memo on Leibowitz surfaces

By Brian Silva The Pan American A memo from Provost and Academic Affairs Vice President Paul Sale to sociology professor Steven Liebowitz confirms the presence of an investigation of the tenured professor.

It also contains a directive ordering Leibowitz to remove himself from all activities that cause him to come into contact with students.

The memo was obtained by The

OPINION PG. 2

Pan American through the use of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

It is dated July 2, 2009 and is signed

by Sale.

According to Sociology Department Chair Chad Richardson, he cannot comment on the issue because of the ongoing nature of the investigation. Van Reidhead, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, was unavailable for comment.

Leibowitz was suddenly reassigned from his teaching duties on July 2. A

NEWS PG. 3

ARTS & LIFE PG. 10

SPORTS PG. 14

THE UNIVERSIT Y OF TEXAS-PAN AMERICAN

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THE PAN AMERICAN

August 31, 2009

Letter from the Editor

your Fill in on here mati infor

Cho ose them all Vol 66, No. 1

August 31, 2009

1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122 EDITOR IN CHIEF Brian Silva / basilva1@utpa.edu ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ana Villaurrutia / alvillaurru@utpa.edu VIDEO EDITOR Naxiely Lopez / naxiely@myway.com A&L EDITOR Isaac Garcia / izek_el@yahoo.com SPORTS EDITOR Kevin Stich/ k.stich@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Ben Briones / ben.briones.jr@gmail.com DESIGN EDITOR Gregorio Garza / ggarzaz26@utpa.edu SENIOR DESIGNER Roy Bazan / rbazanzz@utpa.edu ADVISER Dr. Greg Selber / selberg@utpa.edu ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE Anita Reyes / areyes18@utpa.edu ADVERTISING MANAGER Mariel Cantu/ spubs@utpa.edu WEBMASTER Jose Villarreal / josemvillarrealcs@gmail.com

The Pan American student newspaper has joined the forefront of student journalism organizations by offering a new medium for our newspaper.

That medium, www.panamericanonline.com, will allow us an amazing new opportunity to explore the world of online journalism. In a day and age when the world of journalism is quickly changing, the new site offers an array of elements that can build the different skills we need to be better journalists.

The new features include commenting, receiving breaking news alerts and newsletters, multimedia, and LiveBlog It. Every story will have a feature that will allow anyone to leave a comment about the story. The area to leave remarks is located toward the end of the article. Also in the same area will be comments left by other people. All readers have to do is fill in their name, comment, and write in the anti-spamming code. Then press the submit and your comment will be displayed for others to read.

Breaking News Alerts is a great feature that allows people to receive breaking news from The Pan American on their e-mail. Any time a breaking news story happens an e-mail with the story will be sent to registered users. Also, a newsletter will be sent out providing our readers with brief tid bits about what is in that week’s issue and stories that are exclusively online.

All you have to do to receive this email notifications is sign up as a user on our site. To sign up all you have to do is fill out a few pieces of information and submit.

One of the most exciting new adventures we’re embarking on is the multimedia area of journalism. To be a journalist now means you must be much more skilled than what was re-

ink ou th y t a h us w Tell

**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.

ews!

Live n

quired of journalists before. We must now be able to not only write, but also take our own photography and video.

Because our Web site allows for unlimited space, we will now be able to provide every facet of a story on the site. Pictures that we didn’t have space for can now all be put online. Short videos on the story can now be packaged with it. This not only allows us student journalists to build our skills to be 21 century journalists, but it also allows you to see a wider scope of news coverage of the UTPA community.

Another element being established is a feature called LiveBlog It. During live events this feature will allow you to see through the descriptions our reporter provides at an instantaneous moment. What happens is the reporter blogs in real time and describes the event that is under way. It also allows for users to comment alongside the reporter’s remarks, adding a fully interactive element to this multimedia feature. At times we’ll also be able to provide pieces of video to go alongside the reporter’s observations.

One of the key areas where we’ll be using LiveBlog It is during sports events. We’ll be able to tell you scores and descriptions of the plays in real time. During breaks in the games we’ll also be able to provide short video highlights, allowing you to see the game even if you can’t actually attend it. We strongly encourage you to check back during home games to see what the latest scores.

There are endless opportunities for us all to learn and grow via this new medium for our publication. Join us in our efforts and use the interactive features.

Thank you for reading!

Dates to Know: Deadline to drop or add a course for fall 2009 Thursday, Sept. 3 Registrar assist.utpa.edu August 31, 2009

Freshman convocation Noon to 1 p.m.

Thursday, Sept. 3 Quad and chapel lawn

THE PAN AMERICAN

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Professor emeritus’ lessons live on after death

By Ana Villaurrutia The Pan American Professor Emeritus Robert Henry Reeve left The University of Texas-Pan American in the last few years while technological advances such as wireless Internet and document cameras were being introduced to the university. Today, as the university mourns his death, they thank Reeve for contributing to the use of technology in the classroom.

Reeve died on Aug. 10 at age 85 after complications from surgery. He

is survived by his wife Shirley Ballard Reeve, his three sons, Cark, Alan and Gordon Reeve, and daughter Norma Reeve Wade.

Reeve grew up in northern New Jersey and joined the army during WWII. He advanced to corporal and went overseas three weeks after America’s historic invasion of Normandy. Reeve’s son, Gordon Reeve said his father decided to take advantage of the GI Bill and enrolled in Merryville College in Tennessee in 1946, earning his bachelor’s in biology.

At Merryville, he met his future wife.

Reeve then got his master’s in bacteriology in 1953 at Lehigh (Pa.) University and Ph.D in science education in the late ‘60s. Gordon Reeve said his father became increasingly interested in technology during the ‘50s when the Russian satellite, Sputnik, was launched into orbit and the United States started to focus on education in science and math.

“He was part of the army of science professors that really pushed the U.S. into the forefront of science,” Gordon Reeve recalled.

Reeve started teaching biology at

Florida State University. There, he experimented with distance learning by taping lectures and presenting them to public schools.

“It was an early experiment in using educational technology…it was successful for several years,” Reeve said.

The son also remembered his father’s constant upkeep with technology that would characterize his career as an educator.

“He would drive us nuts with the latest technology,” he laughed. “Every time we’d turn around there was a new

gadget.”

Reeve also taught at Ferris State University and Indiana State University until he finally settled in Edinburg in 1972 at what was then Pan American University, becoming a full-time professor. During his time at UTPA, he taught courses in instructional technology, science education, research, and curriculum.

Long-time colleague John McBride remembered the early days when Reeve would integrate technology in the

See REEVE || Page 7

New McAllen Teaching Site creates partnership

By Kristen Cabrera The Pan American

Hector J. Garcia/ The Pan American

CROSSING OVER - A student walks across the stoplight walkway on Sugar Road from the main campus to the dorms area. The university plans to enhance the infrastructure in the area soon.

Infrastructure upgrade in works

By Ana Villaurrutia The Pan American

Physical Plant representatives are drawing up plans for what they hope will be changes to the university’s road and crosswalk markings in order to alleviate pedestrian and vehicular traffic and prevent possible accidents.

Assistant Director of Physical Plant John Patton said they are hoping to present their plans and budget to the city by late fall, but are requisitioning plans for now.

“Once we bid it out to other contractors and have a budget, then it will be submitted to the city,” Patton said. “It’s not a rapid process, but we’re moving right along.”

The changes are based on a crosswalk study conducted by surveying firm Halff Associates, Inc. The firm visited campus

from April 13 to April 16 around Sugar Road, Schunior Road and Van Week Street. The study recommended five changes to the intersections around the Wellness and Recreational Sports Complex, an extension to the sidewalk north of Van Week Street, and modifications to Lot C, located behind the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.

Based on a six-hour study of three peak traffic times, vehicle traffic averaged from 560 to 1,021 vehicles at the SugarSchunior intersection and about 162 to 253 pedestrians per day.

WRSC INTERSECTION The study found that the WRSC intersection was the most utilized crosswalk and much of the study focused on it. The study pointed out the WRSC receives a large amount of weekly visitors about 25,000 visitors monthly in 2009.

The midday peak time and the time after classes were found as prime traffic times.

During these times, 38 drivers turned left within the six-hour peak time, despite there being a “right turn only” sign. The sign was implemented to prevent exiting cars from crossing three lanes and possibly colliding with students crossing the road. The study said during Sugar Road’s traffic hour, a driver’s view of the crosswalk would be blocked by traffic.

“With the opening of the Wellness and Recreational Sports Center, there are an increase amount of students crossing,” said Patton. “No one has been hurt yet.”

The study recommended several different medians, including a painted median with or without textured pavers to be placed north from the WRSC crosswalk

See STUDY || Page 7

The beginning of a new partnership between The University of Texas-Pan American, City of McAllen and the Rio Grande Valley community began Wednesday morning as UTPA had a ribbon cutting for new McAllen Teaching Site.

Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Paul Sale, Interim President Charles Sorber, City of McAllen mayor Richard Cortez and UT System Regent James E. Dannembaum all spoke at the ribbon cutting.

With thse new teaching site comes accessibility for local businesses and teaching professionals to expand their careers as graduate students while having to drive far less often to UTPA’s main campus in Edinburg. Vice President of Enrollment and Student Services John Edwards is credited as the man behind the graduate site in McAllen.

“I love Edinburg and love the university campus out there,” Edwards said. “But it’s difficult sometimes to get out there to the campus and sometimes just the thought of the distance and the drive will stop some people.”

According to Edwards, the proximity of the site will “reinvigorate the market” for professionals to expand their education and knowledge. Already the site has over 200 students enrolled in its courses and it is anticipated that the site will outgrow by demand.

Sorber voiced his projections of the expanding site’s enrollment.

“These 12 or 14 courses are just the beginning. We intend to expand our offering as the demand is there,” Sorber said. “We’re going to have to look for a larger facility or expand this one at some point in time if this trend keeps up.”

Students who are looking to get their master’s in teaching or MBA in business will be able to take courses at the site.

See SITE || Page 7

Daniel Flores / The Pan American

RIBBON CUTTING - (From left to right) Marco Barrera, Richard Cortez, Charles Sorber, James D. Dannenbaum, Paul Sale and Veronica Gonzalez cut the ribbon at the new McAllen Teaching Site.

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INVESTIGATION V continued from Page 1 that freedom.

The memo also mandates that he immediately be “reassigned from all teaching duties, all advising activities and all other activities that cause you (Leibowitz) to come into contact with students,” as a part of his employment with the university.

He was also ordered to turn over all his grades and student materials to evaluate students in his classes.

The memo also confirms that he was reassigned and was to report to Dean Reidhead.

Other documents concerning the investigation have been requested via the FOIA. However, the UT System Office of General Counsel is requesting that all other documents not be turned over because of certain ex-

emptions under the act. The request was sent to the Texas Attorney General for an opinion on whether or not the exemptions apply to this case.

Last week The Pan American received a copy of a addendum to a legal brief sent by System to the attorney general, which presented additional evidence for exemption.

The brief cited attorney-client privilege under the exemption “Texas Rules of Evidence, Texas Rules of Criminal Evidence, or the Texas Disciplinary Rules of Professional Conduct.” The brief claims those individuals in the e-mail qualify for the university’s attorney-client privilege ruling because some of the content is within the “course and scope” of their employment.

Leibowitz was to teach five classes this semester: Principles of Sociology, Statistics for Behavioral Science, Social Psychology, and two Sociology Through Film classes.

Richardson said all of Leibowitz’s courses will be honored by the university.

“His classes will not initially be taught by him… but as of Monday his classes will be covered,” he said.

Richardson did not specify which faculty would cover Leibowitz’s classes.

He reiterated that students will not be without a class and there will be no disruptions to their work.

Leibowitz, who is the former chair of the Sociology Dept., has been with the university since 1975.

SUMMIT continued from Page 1 five o’ clock with representative presentations on issues that Students and faculty will be able to get a bit more personal they have collaborated on or feel should matter to students. with the elected officials and discuss issues and concerns They will also be encouraged to present changes that were that directly affect them.

“Because of the limited time and we have so many reprepassed during the recent Legislative session which concludsentatives there, it is very hard to get those personal stories ed this summer.

“Depending on the schedules of the representative we’ll out there therefore we wanted to have a meet and greet and show a commitment to our students,” Putbe preparing focus groups for them to have more time to get the issue out,” “...we want an opportunity for tagunta said. “This will also give pre-law students exposure and an opportunity to Puttagunta said. “Those groups could those students to be aware of introduce themselves to representatives.” be individuals that are affected by SGA will be putting up posters, sendfinancial aid, immigrants or illegal things that happen outside of ing out Broncnotes, and e-mails during aliens; it just depends on what they the university as well.” the second week of school to publicize the would like to talk about.” event even further.

The second part of the summit will “Events like this haven’t been planned include an open question-response before by student govsession. Appropriate questions will be Rhaguveer Puttagunta ernment, recently in posed ahead of time by students and SGA president my tenure, so we want faculty with the panel consisting of the to test it out and see representatives. Students can inquire on issues such as tuition and fees, financial aid, information how it would work and improve it,” on taxes, and voting rights. The Texas Grant and Pell Grant Puttgunta explained. “And that way maybe next semester we can plan somemay also be discussed.

The final part of the summit will include a meet and thing bigger and more ambitious.” greet with food provided by the Union, at seven o’ clock.

Seen and Captured

Brian Silva/The Pan American SECURITY TEST - Students participating in the university’s active-shooter drill on Aug. 21 explain to a security officer what the pretend shooter looked like.

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DIRECTOR continued from Page 1 be an administrator and certainly the Athlete Advisory Committee. The capacity for them to raise money, be- trips were kept relatively low-key, cause we all know that’s something with no media allowed to the on-camthe department has been trying to do pus forums where candidates fielded for many years. So, financial or fiscal questions from university students management was certainly very im- and athletes. portant to us.”

“I thought it went okay, I enjoyed Treviño also talked about the em- the students,” Rackley said in a phone phasis on choosing a leader who mod- interview. “I think the students are a eled honesty. little more diffi“There was a “There was a big question about cult to gauge, but big question about I thought it went integrity,” Treviño integrity... We’ve had some is- well with the staff said. “We’ve had sues with NCAA violations, so and the other peosome issues with ple that were there NCAA violations, we wanted somebody to come as well. I think I so we wanted have a lot to ofsomebody to come in who knew about that...” fer UTPA, but you in who knew about never know what that, and who someone’s thinkwould be able to Richard Treviño ing or what they work with the staff Search Committee chair truly want behind and the coaches to the scenes.” make sure that we After his visit, stop messing around with violations Rackley, who is from the University and do things properly.” of Findlay, said that he had not heard The search, which resumed in any news on the position and had May after an internal investigation of even inquired as to whether The Pan the men’s basketball program comAmerican had received word on the menced, came down to four finalists decision, further qualifying claims in King, Steven Rackley, William that the search had been narrowed.

Macriss and interim athletic director Though the final choice of King Ricky Vaughn, who has held the posihas not been confirmed, there is reation since June. son to believe that he has been tabbed The campus visits, which took as the next AD, though final confirplace Aug. 4 to Aug. 17, included mation is apparently not forthcoming meetings with the Student Government Association and the Student until Wednesday.

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STUDY continued from Page 3 to south of Lot C. Though this proposed median would not provide strong physical barriers to keep drivers from turning left out of the exit drive or into the entry drive, the study said the raised pavers would provide a “felt” barrier and “legally” drivers would not be allowed to turn left.

The study also recommended a more forbidding raised median but also said it would prevent emergency vehicles from traveling through Sugar.

SIDEWALK ALONG VAN WEEK The study also found the sidewalk close to the corner of Van Week and Sugar contributed to traffic. The sidewalk along Van Week cuts off at the first pathway into main campus. Most students, although the study does not cite how many, cross near the intersection of Van Week and Sugar, backing up traffic on Sugar.

The recommendation was to lengthen the sidewalk across the entire length of Lot C, about 190 feet according to Patton.

LOT C TRAFFIC Lot C was also studied with an eye toward improving traffic flow within the lot.

The entry drive across from the WRSC was also said to cause traffic.

Barricades on the west side of Lot C have also been proposed between the entry and exit sides in order to prevent cars from turning left into the way of pedestrians walking toward the crosswalk and cars exiting the lot. Another barricade to the right of the entry would keep entering vehicles from interacting with drivers coming south from inside the lot. However, Patton said these recommendations will involve more discussion between the

August 31, 2009

NEWS

police department and new Police Chief Roger Stearns.

“The modifications are a little bit involved,” he explained. “We will be speaking to the police department and police chief.”

OTHER OBSERVATIONS The study also observed lighting around the WRSC crosswalk and said the light was not strong enough for drivers to be able to observe crossing pedestrians.

However, the study said UTPA has taken precautions by installing “yield” and “reduce speed” school zone signs.

The study also found that pedestrians are often not aware of their surroundings when crossing intersections. Patton stressed that with the addition of the crosswalk, responsibility has now shifted.

“If we had left the sidewalks off, the responsibility would have gone to the motorist, but now the responsibility is also in the pedestrian’s hands,” said Patton.

Traffic peak hours -7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

162 pedestrians 562 vehicles -11 a.m. to Noon 227 pedestrians 767 vehicles -5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

253 pedestrians 1,021 vehicles

REEVE continued from Page 3 classroom, connecting a camera to a television so he could present lessons, graphs and diagrams to students.

“He made extensive use of the television and the speakerphone. He would call textbook authors and have them speak to a class and let the students ask questions,” McBride said.

At the university, Reeve and education professors Martha Tevis and McBride started the Rio Grande Valley’s Science and Math Collaborative in 1992, a Texaswide program that provides in-service classes for public school teachers and offered credit for master’s degrees. Jaime Curts, associate dean for undergraduate studies in the COE, elaborated on the success of the program.

“The collaborative is currently alive and continues supporting science and

mathematics teachers interested in obtaining a master’s degree,” he said.

Reeve also formed a partnership with The University of Texas Health Sciences Center in Houston, holding a summer lecture series through distance learning for public schools on topics such as diabetes, cancer, and obesity. The series lasted for about 10 years.

Reeve’s work with technology and using distance learning was not lost on Curts, who feels that these early efforts are being presented in classrooms today.

“He immediately caught my attention on how he expanded the horizon of teacher preparation through the application and integration of technology to curriculum,” Curts noted. “When I participated on the College of Education New Building Committee, he approached

me and said, ‘Remember Jaime...the new building’s philosophy should be brick and click.’ Indeed that is currently reflected on College of Education smart-classrooms as he envisioned it more than 20 years ago.”

McBride said Reeve’s most favored lesson was “lifelong learning,” a philosophy inscribed on a plaque awarded to the latter when he was named professor emeritus in 2007, about two years after his retirement.

“He was up every morning at 5 a.m. every day and he’d be working on something,” McBride said. “He was always keeping up with new issues in science.”

The COE is setting a goal to raise $25,000 for his endowed scholarship, Robert Reeve Endowed Scholarship, which was set up on his retirement.

SITE continued from Page 3 Other majors will be added as the site grows. Vice Provost for Graduate Studies Cynthia Brown spoke about a promise she made to a group of teachers participating in a teacher’s scholarship program.

“When we started the program last year… we promised to have the courses at a more convenient access for the teachers,” said Brown. “We have teachers driving from Starr County, Cameron County participating in this (scholarship program) so this is a more convenient, central location.”

The facility has eight smart classrooms equipped with the latest technology

that links back to the main campus as well as class sizes of 30 in the smaller classrooms and 48 in the largest. There is also an outside student lounge area and conference rooms with live video streaming into UTPA’s main campus computer labs.

Cortez related how eager he is for the budding opportunities to come of the university, the city and the surrounding community.

“The folks that showed up demonstrated the various partnerships that we have … we believe that our roles are to be a major partner in the

communities, plural because its not just McAllen, it’s Mission, it’s Edinburg, it’s Rio Grande City where we have our Starr County (center).”

McAllen is not the only site that UTPA has reached out to in order to better serve students. In Rio Grande City the university has the Starr County UpperLevel Center, which opened in 2003 with a modest trio of portable classrooms and a computer lab. Currently the construction of a permanent building for the center is in the works.

The McAllen Teaching Site is located at 1800 S. Main St. off Expressway 83.

THE PAN AMERICAN

August 31, 2009

August 31, 2009

THE PAN AMERICAN

: Brian Silva ory By t S • n a az B y Ro

President lauds faculty, staff in address

Des ig

ne d

By :

Page 8

Photo By: Hector J. Garcia

Last Friday Interim President Charles “Chuck” Sorber addressed faculty and staff at the Fine Arts Auditorium for Convocation. The president highlighted many of the university and faculty’s accomplishments over the past year.

His remarks ranged from the initiatives of different divisions to the budget and presidential search.

On the subject of the university’s budget he announced that the UT System Board of Regents had recently approved this fiscal year’s budget. He said that higher education institutions were somewhat surprised by the increase given the downturn in the economy.

Still Sorber cautioned that a majority of the increase will disappear in a couple of years when the next session occurs.

“Unfortunately, the way the Legislature did this is by providing three percent of funding though stimulus funding,” he said. “We’ll be looking at a much tighter fiscal environment in two years and in four years.”

On a more upbeat note, Sorber told the audience that enrollment is expected to increase in the fall by around three percent. This would

Photos By: Daniel Flores

ent process.”

He said that once the finalists are named they will be brought onto campus and forums will be held for individuals to meet the finalists.

On the subject of technology Sorber unveiled the university’s freshly redesigned Web site, which went live on Friday. The front page of the site is completely redesigned and different widgets have been added to some divisions.

Charles Sorber The president highlighted some of the uniInterim president versity’s accomplishments. He touted the fact ACT scores had risen. He also noted that the the university awarded its 50,000th degree, number of students who have to take remedial making it onto Forbes magazine’s Top 100 Best Public Colleges, the naming of the Guerra classes had fallen.

“This reflects that all we’re doing is a suc- Honors Program, the groundbreaking of the cess,” Sorber said.

Starr County Upper Level Center, the recently Sorber updated faculty and staff on the process opened McAllen Teaching Center, and refurto find a new permanent president. He declared bishing of the Veterans Assistance Center.

Sorber also introduced the new Student Governto faculty that in a short period of time the uniment Association executive team to the audience. versity will have a new permanent leader.

He then recognized faculty that had made He said the presidential search committee had whittled down the pool of candidates to 10 people. emeritus, reached the rank of professor, assis“We expect the UT System to name finalists tant professor, and those who had attained tenby around the end of next month,” Sorber said. ure. He also spoke of the various faculty recog“From this point on it will be a pretty transpar- nitions and awards they had received. put the university’s enrollment at over 18,000, which would be the first increase after enrollment growth stalled the past two years.

Sorber went on to say that students’ average

“This reflects that all we’re doing is a success..”

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THE PAN AMERICAN

August 31, 2009

August 31, 2009

THE PAN AMERICAN

: Brian Silva ory By t S • n a az B y Ro

President lauds faculty, staff in address

Des ig

ne d

By :

Page 8

Photo By: Hector J. Garcia

Last Friday Interim President Charles “Chuck” Sorber addressed faculty and staff at the Fine Arts Auditorium for Convocation. The president highlighted many of the university and faculty’s accomplishments over the past year.

His remarks ranged from the initiatives of different divisions to the budget and presidential search.

On the subject of the university’s budget he announced that the UT System Board of Regents had recently approved this fiscal year’s budget. He said that higher education institutions were somewhat surprised by the increase given the downturn in the economy.

Still Sorber cautioned that a majority of the increase will disappear in a couple of years when the next session occurs.

“Unfortunately, the way the Legislature did this is by providing three percent of funding though stimulus funding,” he said. “We’ll be looking at a much tighter fiscal environment in two years and in four years.”

On a more upbeat note, Sorber told the audience that enrollment is expected to increase in the fall by around three percent. This would

Photos By: Daniel Flores

ent process.”

He said that once the finalists are named they will be brought onto campus and forums will be held for individuals to meet the finalists.

On the subject of technology Sorber unveiled the university’s freshly redesigned Web site, which went live on Friday. The front page of the site is completely redesigned and different widgets have been added to some divisions.

Charles Sorber The president highlighted some of the uniInterim president versity’s accomplishments. He touted the fact ACT scores had risen. He also noted that the the university awarded its 50,000th degree, number of students who have to take remedial making it onto Forbes magazine’s Top 100 Best Public Colleges, the naming of the Guerra classes had fallen.

“This reflects that all we’re doing is a suc- Honors Program, the groundbreaking of the cess,” Sorber said.

Starr County Upper Level Center, the recently Sorber updated faculty and staff on the process opened McAllen Teaching Center, and refurto find a new permanent president. He declared bishing of the Veterans Assistance Center.

Sorber also introduced the new Student Governto faculty that in a short period of time the uniment Association executive team to the audience. versity will have a new permanent leader.

He then recognized faculty that had made He said the presidential search committee had whittled down the pool of candidates to 10 people. emeritus, reached the rank of professor, assis“We expect the UT System to name finalists tant professor, and those who had attained tenby around the end of next month,” Sorber said. ure. He also spoke of the various faculty recog“From this point on it will be a pretty transpar- nitions and awards they had received. put the university’s enrollment at over 18,000, which would be the first increase after enrollment growth stalled the past two years.

Sorber went on to say that students’ average

“This reflects that all we’re doing is a success..”

Page 9

Dates to Know: The Second City to perform Sept. 2, 7 p.m.

Student Union Theatre Page 10

“Of Mice and Men” casting Sept. 3 and 4, 7 p.m.

Studio Theatre CAS 107

THE PAN AMERICAN

August 31, 2009

Coffee shop brews again after seven-month hiatus

By Andrielle Figueroa The Pan American Organic coffee, vinyl records and sweet oldies -- this is not a description of a high-end Austin joint.

It’s what Valley people can find in their backyard; Ambrosia, a new haven for music and coffee lovers alike.

McAllen native Nicholas Anzaldua is the proud owner of the “new” coffee shop located on 6501 North 10th St. in McAllen.

This being the rebirth of Ambrosia, Anzaldua explains a move in location may be the ticket to being successful the second time around.

“There wasn’t enough traffic in our old location, we were breaking even for a while but it wasn’t a good decision to stay there,” Anzaldua said.

Though moving from downtown McAllen to the north part of town may be a big leap due to coffee shops like Starbucks and Moonbeans in that area, the owner is not afraid of the challenge.

“I don’t want to take anyone down I think there is enough money for everybody,” Anzaldua said. “I have no hard feelings towards corporate business or local ones; if anything, I wish them luck.”

Anzaldua is extremely passionate about coffee, but his idea was originally to have a record label.

“I’ve always wanted to support musicians; the whole idea was to start a label to put my music up as well as others,” he said.

Still hoping to get into the music business, Anzaldua has added a vinyl shop connected to Ambrosia called Green Cherry Records.

The generation of iPods and mp3s may be too young for vinyl, but Anzaldua believes that the nostalgia of records will bring in the older crowd but at the same time grab the interest of youngsters.

“I mean I have an iPod, but records just sound warmer and better,” Anzaldua mused. “We even have vinyl transfer, where you can bring in your record and we will change it to mp3 for a small fee.”

Aside from records and coffee, customers can also find good food and live acoustic acts. The menu includes coffee, smoothies, sandwiches, pitas, humus and falafel.

If the libations don’t reel you in, the ambience will.

Sitting in the shop opening day on Aug. 27 was Ambrosia’s regular, 47-year-old Tony Navarra.

When asked why he followed

Anzaldua to the new location he simply stated every café has its own personality.

“When I come in here I could either be inside, separate from all of the activity out front, or I can be out front and participate in conversation,” Navarra said. “It’s really nice to have a place to let your hair down.”

Ambrosia gives a comfortable vibe that customers and employees both enjoy.

Employee Jacqueline Sohocki talks about the perks of the coffee shop.

“I get to drink coffee whenever I want,” the McCook native joked. “The place has a great atmosphere; it’s like a breath of fresh air because it’s not like any other coffee shop.”

With the inviting aura the building gives off, Anzaldua hopes the shop is a comfortable place for anyone who decides to drop by.

“I think there is a snootiness that comes with coffee shops sometimes and we don’t want people to feel that way, because that’s rude,” he explained. “We don’t want to exclude anyone we want them to feel welcome, and we want to offer them a cup of coffee.”

Anzaldua is hopeful that the new location and vinyl shop will garner enough interest to keep people coming back for more

Daniel Flores /The Pan American WORK IT - NicholasAnzaldua sells Katz coffee purchased out of Houston. The shop also includes organic food, sugar and milk.

Independent author explores power of control, future of America

By Isaac Garcia The Pan American What if there were a contagious virus that has been quietly infecting millions of people across the world and will one day signal the end of America, as we know it?

In his new non-fiction book, Illinois author Tim Hall explores the power of control as a virus in a series of speculative essays aptly titled “How America Died: A Letter To The Future.”

Hall’s last release, “Full of it,” a pseudo-autobiographical tale of his time working on an underground newspaper was released in January 2009. He’s currently been working on a series of serialized text-comics, “Uplift The Postivicals,” and “How America Died” is currently in limited release.

Using self-discovery, Hall was able to put “How America Died” together.

“I performed a kind of self-exorcism in the spring. I felt I had come to the limit of what I could do with autobiographical fiction/memoir and felt tapped out.

So I burned a few cases of my own novels and then went into a weeklong trance after that,” Hall said. “That was the week when I wrote ‘How America Died.’

Maybe it was a nervous breakdown, I don’t know. Wouldn’t be my first.”

“How America Died” is an unbiased

exploration of control and abuse from a biological and sociological perspective.

The book seeks to answer what control is and how one can rid oneself of it. Hall argues that control is spread through society much like a virus by physical contact with those infected. By venturing through politics, biology and psychology, Hall argues how control is essentially a virus he has dubbed a “Vyron.”

So is Hall saying that he has discovered a new virus that will one day be recognized by the CDC? “Well, in a strictly literal sense I can’t be sure that control will be ultimately classified as a virus in the way we think of them now,” he said. “But it certainly behaves like one. I just learned there’s a group in Chicago that has been studying the similarities between gang violence and how STDs spread, for example, and they’re having fantastic results.”

But Hall doesn’t take full credit for exploring the world of the control virus.

“Artists are seers, canaries in the coal mine, they can often see the future. Burroughs was a drug addict, monster, and social pariah, but much of his writing has come true.

That’s a prophet to me,” Hall said. “I didn’t invent the idea of the control virus, but not enough people understand the connection. I’m just the town crier, trying to alert folks while keeping it entertaining.”

Just like any virus, people need to learn all they can to prevent infection and Hall can help.

“I think people should read the book to understand it better, but basically it spreads via trauma, which people can recover from in small doses but over extended periods causes infection by the control virus,” he commented. “Posttraumatic stress disorder is an example

of people who are fighting infection; the hippocampus actually shrinks, and certain brain chemicals are permanently altered, affecting the ‘fight or flight’ instructions of the brain.

“These people are on the edge, and I think they are the key for understanding how infection works.”

Although it only took Hall five days to complete the initial draft of the book, he later shortened it from 40,000 to 18,000 words and embarked on extensive research.

“I wrote everything from memory at first, then went back and started finding all the data to back it up, or made corrections where necessary,” he explained, “But this was all swirling around my head. I had to get it out.”

The book is in limited release, but friends and critics alike have already started to generate buzz and Hall has received invitations at speaking events.

“I’ve already been invited to speak at Columbia University, and have engagements in the works at Bard and a college on Long Island, I think,” Hall said. “I attribute the positive early reaction to the fact it’s not a political polemic, though of course I don’t expect people to agree with everything I’ve written. I’m looking at issues of trauma, fear, and control from a health standpoint, not an ideological one.

One of the interesting aspects of “How America Died” is that the book is alive. Not in the walking, talking kind of way, but Hall has devoted a special section in the book for essays and letters from people who would like to contribute their thoughts in later editions of the book.

“The Living Book is an entirely new approach to publishing I’ve created, to coincide with ‘How America Died’ by using print-on-demand judiciously, utilizing the technology itself as an art form,” he elaborated. “I’m adding to the book on a rolling basis. Most current affairs books are out of date by the time they’re in print; I’m keeping printings very small for now and updating the text like software. People who read and like the book can submit essays for consideration in upcoming printings.”

Ultimately Hall is only seeking to spark thought and self-reflection.

“It’s a heuristic essay, meaning, it’s meant to provoke thought, not outrage or fear,” he cautioned. “I want people to put down the spectator glasses of politics for a while, turn off the damn television, especially the news programs and think outside their comfort zones for a bit. It’s not easy at first, but once you get used to it, you’ll almost never put the TV on again…I promise.”

August 31, 2009

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 11

When life gives you lemons, give it a ‘Valley Squeeze’

By Victor Ituarte The Pan American This summer when some students trudged through a job and/or arduous classes, Pharr native Leo Cavazos and a group of friends joined to create Valley Squeeze.

The Web site collates the area’s offerings in entertainment in one easy to find location: ValleySqueeze.com.

“It’s a different way to get to know the Valley,” said 21-year-old Stephanie Becerra, cofounder of Valley Squeeze and a broadcast journalism major at The University of Texas-Pan American. “We know there are probably a billion other Valley Web sites that tell you what the Valley is, but what we do is show you. With our videos, we get in-depth and intimate with the people and things we cover.”

It began when Cavazos’ father bought a Web site capable of streaming video, according to Becerra.

He told his friend about it and asked if she knew anyone that would be interested to help. That’s where Becerra comes in.

“We all got together and had a meeting talking about what we could do with it,” the San Juan native said. “As we were talking about all the things we could do, we realized that we wouldn’t have free rein of what we wanted to do because Leo’s dad would want input.

That’s when we decided to go on our own and start our own thing.”

The name was a finalist among the group. According to Becerra, “Valley Squeeze” was selected because the area is known for its citrus and it sounded good to them.

“I wanted to name it Valley Madre or Valley Syrup, but they quickly shot it down,” she said.

Reva Garza, a political science major from Rio Hondo, said the site is an excellent source of local entertainment news.

“There’s news on this Web site that normally you would know nothing about by just relying on hearsay,” said the 20-year-old. “If you are really looking for a good time without having to ‘guess’ what is up in the Valley, this Web site is definitely the place to go.”

Garza particularly liked the calendar of Valley events on the side of the site’s front page.

An all-ages concert in Harlingen with headliners Girl In A Coma from San Antonio for Saturday Aug. 29 was promoted on the site.

A live performance of Disney’s High School Musical for that same day at the McAllen Civic Center was also featured.

“Instead of just relying on the typical ‘let’s go downtown for the weekend’ mentality, this calendar gives you events and things to do almost daily,” she added. “Being that I’m a minor, its nice to know that there’s hot events going on without having to be 21 and

over.”

Visitors can find plenty to do on the page besides finding entertainment news.

There is an ongoing contest called “Where in the Valley is Leo?” that features the 22-year-old Pharr native at various locations in the area. Correct answers garner gift cards.

“Valley Soundcheck is a segment dedicated to bands, singers, and musicians established in the RGV,” said 19-year-old Lilliana Lopez, a broadcast journalism major. “Lunch with Lilli is a newer segment that focuses on Valley-owned and established eateries and coffee houses.” The first episode gave light to Jitterz Coffee Bar in Mission.

Unique to the site is a “dragumentary” series that provides a special look at regional drag queens.

“These are very interesting because you get to see the process that each drag queen goes through to get ready for a performance and hear what it was that inspired them to become a drag queen,” Lopez explained.

In addition to eateries and unofficial landmarks, Becerra joked that their list of plans for the future may reach Canada.

“We’re working on some new segments which include sports and videos that interact with our audience,” she explained. “We are also working on a new design.”

IMAGE BY: VALLEYSQUEEZE.COM

Page 12

ARTS AND LIFE

August 31, 2009

Mixed martial artist knocks out gender roles

By Andrielle Figueroa The Pan American

Judy Garcia, a psychology major at The University of Texas-Pan American, attended the weigh-in for her first sanctioned fight Aug. 14. Her presence was needed as part of regulations for her fight on Aug. 15 at the McAllen Convention Center with South Texas Fighting Championship 8.

To Garcia’s dismay, she lost to her opponent, Dallas native, Anita Rodriguez. Rodriguez won through submission one minute and 53 seconds into the first round.

Submission is a move that can explain a range of holds and choke positions. Usually when a fighter ends the round through submission, the opponent may be injured or in a large amount of pain.

From looking at Garcia, one wouldn’t be able to tell she is a hardtraining, mixed martial arts fighter.

From her glittering Nike shoes to her girly demeanor, she seems like your average 20-year-old gal. But she’s a warrior all the same.

MMA is rapidly vying for the number one slot as America’s favorite sport. A fierce sport, it gives a reality check of adrenaline for those who are involved physically or just observing.

The sport is a composite of jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, boxing, karate and kickboxing. Women’s role in the sport has also grown drastical-

ly; the MMA organization Strikeforce became the first to have a female fight as the main event on Aug. 15 at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, Calif.

Garcia’s love for mixed martial arts started when she was 6 and her parents put her in karate to keep her busy.

“Actually, it was just supposed to be a summer thing…when I was small, I hated karate,” she recalled.

“My dad would always force me to practice.”

Over the years, Garcia accepted fighting, and had developed a love for it despite her early dislike. She trains at Pump gym, also her sponsor. The training also extends over to the Jaycee Annex Building in Edinburg. There, Garcia trains and teaches a karate class of her own.

Recently, the Edinburg native realized that she can use her skills to teach others to protect themselves in dangerous situations.

“My dad is in charge of the police academy in Mission. A lot of his cadets are interested in getting private sessions,” she said.

Helping cadets to use martial arts as a defense mechanism on the job is a future goal Garcia hopes to attain, but this summer she was preparing for her fight.

When we caught up with Garcia, she was undergoing strenuous preparation for the event. The workouts consisted of intense physical conditioning Monday

through Friday.

Mornings start off at 5:30 with a run; after school and work, the prep continues with an hour of Jiu Jitsu, an hour of standing, striking, kicking and an hour of Muay Thai.

Not to mention the week before the fight she was limited to a diet with no carbohydrates, mainly vegetables, tilapia and chicken.

Garcia’s opponent Rodriguez, weighed in at 122-and-a-half pounds and had two wins and one loss entering the fight. Garcia weighed in at 121 pounds, but being nervous wasn’t an option. By training with males, she feels she can take on whatever a female brings to the plate.

“When it gets to practicing groundwork (fighting on the ground) the guys will put all their weight on me…they have always taught me to be confident,” she explained.

Garcia has taken a week-long break after the fight, but has started training again for a fight she hopes to do in November. Win or lose, Garcia knows it’s all a part of the game. The loss does not define who she is or cut down her determination.

“Anybody will tell you that I have a lot of confidence,” Garcia stated. “The way I see it is if I don’t believe in myself, nobody will believe in me.”

KICK IT - Judy Garcia lost the match against her opponent Anita Rodriguez, but that hasn’t stopped her from her daily routine of vigorous training.

Photos by Daniel Flores/The Pan American

Page 13

ADVERTISEMENTS

August 31, 2009

Page 14

August 31, 2009

SPORTS

Downing aims to usher in new era for UTPA women’s basketball

By Sara Hernandez The Pan American With hope for a fresh start for the Lady Broncs, the University of TexasPan American Athletic Department formally announced Denny Downing as the new head coach for women’s basketball.

The introduction took place at a press conference held at the UTPA Visitors Center Wednesday morning, where Downing committed to improve the team’s performance from last year, when it tied a program record with 14 wins. He noted that he wants to convince people to put their trust in the program.

“A lot of it is getting people to believe,” he said. “If everybody believes and everybody is trying to figure out how to make things work within what we are and who we are, it makes everything easier.”

Downing was selected from among three finalists that included Stephen F. Austin’s fifth-season assistant coach Taqueta Braxton and University of West Georgia’s head coach Craig Roden, who has been there for 13 seasons.

“We had three wonderful candidates for this position,” said Charles A. Sorber, interim president of UTPA. “Every one of these people could have come out here and done a good job, but Denny was the right person.”

Interim athletic director Ricky Vaughn mentioned that Downing’s qualifications were optimal for the posi-

tion since he has demonstrated his capabilities for success during his seven-year tenure at Texas A&M-Commerce in East Texas.

“He’s got good head coaching experience, he’s got an incredible record,” Vaughn said. “If you look at Texas A&M-Commerce, the resources they had were probably at the bottom of that conference that they’re in and he came in and has compiled multiple years of 20plus wins. They went to the elite eight, he’s actually had a young lady make the WNBA off one of his teams a couple of years ago, and I just think that shows that he’s got incredible coaching ability to do what he’s done there.”

Downing earned a 106-99 overall record with the Lady Lions, guiding them to the Lone Star Conference’s North Division championship in 2006-07; his star, Britney Jordan, was drafted by the pro Los Angeles Sparks in April.

Still, Vaughn admits that success depends in great part on the bond that the coach and the players will develop. But he thinks the situation gives both players and the new coach an opportunity to improve and strive for new goals.

“With head coaching changes you always know there’s going to be transition,” he said. “You’ve seen coaches go into programs with the same players and do incredible jobs, you’ve seen coaches go in and take championship level teams and do nothing with them.”

Ben Briones/The Pan American

BRING IN THE GUNS - New women’s head basketball coach Denny Downing will try to bring a winning culture to the Bronc program.

Downing said his approach to the team will be to identify with the players, and try to create a relationship that will encourage the Lady Broncs to accomplish their expectations.

“Coaching is really about players and getting them to play together and teach them how to be good teammates, and that’s one of the things that I’m looking to carry out,” said the 2006-07 LSC North Coach of the Year.

To guide the group into a smooth transition, seniors as guard Rose Esther Jean, Rachel Hester and Randall Chavez, as well as forwards Aleeya Grigsby and Taylor Schneider will return to finish their collegiate career with the Lady Broncs.

Vaughn added that Dawning’s experience with recruiting will bring a positive change to the group because his methods differ from what the program is used to.

“He’s going to have a lot of recruiting to do because we lose some key seniors and things,” he said. “But when we looked at his recruiting ability; that was one of the reasons we felt like he could get the job done here.”

Downing mentioned that, as part of the process, he will take time to appraise what the group is made of in order to make wise recruiting decisions.

“I think we’re going to evaluate what our needs are and if there’s an opportunity to bring somebody in or sign somebody early, we’ll probably do both,” he said. “But in no way do we want to sign somebody just to be signing somebody. There may be a situation where we don’t bring anybody in until 2010, 2011.”

The program is recovering from the controversial resignation of former head coach Deanne Craft, who left UTPA after six years and landed a head coaching position at Division II St. Anselm College days after her departure. There was also the transfer of promising guard Epiphany Smith, but Downing is not troubled about past struggles in the athletic department.

“I have no concerns with what happened before I got here, my only concern is moving forward and finding out what we’re going to do,” he said. “My job is to focus on what I’ve got to do. I never can speak for a professional decision that anybody makes”

Pearce, Kirakossian chosen for All-American scholar award

By Benny Salinas The Pan American There was an overwhelmingly positive tone to Head Men’s Golf Coach Santiago De Larrea’s voice as he spoke about Shane Pearce and Armen Kirakossian.

“They’re just great guys,” De Larrea said after speaking of their accomplishments.

De Larrea’s enthusiasm is easily understood. The two golfers have had great years at UTPA, culminating in both receiving the All- American Scholar award.

The award is given to exceptional college students who participate in extra-curricular activities while still maintaining high academic marks. The program requires a 3.3 GPA, nomination by teacher, coach or counselor, and a “well-balanced schedule of academics and extra-curricular activities.”

Both students were unaware that they had been chosen by the United States Achievement Academy, which

“I kind of remember filling out the gives out the award along with scholarships of up to $10,000, as they are application a few months back,” he both out of town for the summer. said. “I was really unaware that I was even being considPearce is currently in Anchorage, “Being an All-American Schol- ered for the award.”

Both students, Alaska and Kirakossian is in Dal- ar is a big achievement and the despite their differlas. highest honor, and both are very ences in reaction to the award, have They were not informed until a deserving of this award. Their proven themselves very worthy of it. week ago when De Larrea contacted hard work and dedication to They have both them. the school and golf paid off and competed and done well in nine tourna“I was really excited to find I could not be any prouder of ments throughout the last year, each out I had won this them for what they achieved.” with wins under award,” Pearce their belt. said.

“This is Pearce finsomething I had reished five under ally been working Ofelia Lopez Director of golf par at the Fairway for.”

Club Invitational Pearce and Kirakossian were two of only 108 stu- held August 8-9, 2008 with a twodents across the nation who won the day total of 139, winning him first award, one of the most prestigious in place. At the National Minority Colcollege sports. As special as the honor legiate Golf Championships with a is, Kirakossian seemed less enthusias- low round of 66, Kirakossian did the same. tic about it.

Both students have maintained a 73.6 stroke average throughout their college career.

In October, Pearce was named the America Sky Conference Golfer of the Week.

Off the golf course both students have proven themselves very successful. Pearce recently graduated with a degree in marketing, and Kirakossian has maintained a 3.4 GPA as he enters his senior year.

As successful as both athletes have been, their futures are still uncertain.

Pearce is currently undecided about his prospects in the professional world.

“He’s always changing his mind,” the coach said. “He’s very talented though, and could turn pro if he tried.”

Pearce’s plans are still in the air, doing what he can to keep his options open.

“I think I’m just going to compete in a few tournaments for now and see what happens” Pearce said.

Though undecided, Pearce maintains that he plans to keep golf as a part of his life.

“Even if I don’t play golf profes-

sionally, a marketing job within the world of golf would still be great,” Pearce said.

Kirakossian has the same feelings toward his future, though he still has a year to make up his mind. The business management degree he is currently working toward presents many opportunities within the golf world.

De Larrea is very optimistic about Kirakossian.

“He’s one of the best up-and-coming players I’ve seen,” De Larrea said.

“I really think he has a good shot out there.”

Their achievements up to now have earned these players the esteem of their coaches.

“Being an All-American Scholar is a big achievement and the highest honor and both are very deserving of this award,” said Ofelia Lopez, director of men’s and women’s golf, in a release from the UTPA Sports Information Department. “Their hard work and dedication to school and golf paid off and I could not be any prouder of them for what they achieved.”

August 31, 2009

Photo By: Hector J. Garcia

CAPTURED

Volleyball’s first home game is Tuesday at 6 p.m. against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi.

Photo By: Ben Briones

Photo By: Tammy Ayala

Ricky Vaughn’s days as athletic director seem to have come to an end with the AD search.

The Bronc cheerleader crew prepares for the 2009-2010 season of UTPA Athletics.

Page 15

Photo By: Hector J. Garcia

SEEN AND

Photo By: Ben Briones

SPORTS

New women’s basketball head coach Denny Downing poses with Bucky the Bronc at his introductory press conference.

AD candidate Steven Rackley (left) chats with LAC Director Richard Treviño, member of the selection committee.

Page 16

SPORTS

SET FOR SUCCESS: TEAM CHEMISTRY

By Kevin Stich The Pan American

Head volleyball coach Angela Hubbard has high hopes for the Lady Broncs, and not without good reason.

The University of Texas-Pan American volleyball team has been readily preparing for the upcoming season by putting an emphasis on team chemistry in hopes of creating a more cohesive squad.

“The outlook is good I think. We have a very young team, so we still have a lot to learn and some things to work out, but the ceiling is high and I’m excited about what I think that this team could do this year,” she said. “Our goal for preseason was improving every day and to create team chemistry, and with there being so many new girls, that was really important to us for them to get to know each other and learn how to play with each other.”

Hubbard added that the team’s setters, a group comprised of juniors Ariana Bermea and Charity Cucancic as well as freshman Rita Gonzalez, will play key roles in the offense, setting up hitters like junior Marci Logan (2.24 kills per game in 2008) and senior Noelle Mayor (1.43 kpg) on the outside.

Mayor and her comrades have bought into the team chemistry philosophy as well, practicing unity on and off the court.

“We are already starting to gel together nicely,” she said. “We definitely spend a lot of time together outside of the court. We have lunches and team bonding activities that we do. Me personally, I just try to keep everybody involved in decisions that we make, whether it be what

Hector Garcia/The Pan American

REACHING HIGH - Ijanae Holman from Niceville Fla. is one of the new additions this season. She stretches to reach a ball during an inter-squad scrimmage Wednesday. music to put on our warm-up tape, or what shirts to wear, or where we’re going to go to dinner.”

The Lady Broncs were ranked fifth out of the seven teams in a recent Great West Conference preseason poll, with the top spot belonging to Utah Valley State. But the team doesn’t mind the underdog role.

“It’s always better to come from behind I guess,” Hubbard said. “It doesn’t really affect me at all, I don’t think that it’s an indicator of what

we’re doing. Our goal is to go into the (Great West Conference) tournament a top three team, and I think we still have the potential to do that if we continue to work hard and come together.”

However, Mayor said that the ranking does give her some quiet motivation.

“I definitely think that us being ranked fifth gives us a goal to work toward,” she said. “And I think we’re going to take people by surprise because it’s always easier to come from behind.”

Hubbard is 23-36 at the helm of the Lady Bronc team in her third year as head coach. After a 15-18 record in their 2007 campaign, the women went a disappointing 8-18 last season, despite a solid 4-4 record at home.

The coach attributes last season’s woes to lack of quality numbers on the roster, but said she thinks that the team has jumped that hurdle.

“We just didn’t have enough depth in our lineup to push us, and I think that’s the strength this year,” she

explained. “We have enough girls to push each other, and to come off the bench and do great things. You know that was a problem we’ve had in the past and I think that we’ve got past that.”

The team will open the season at the Comfort Suites SHSU Invitational in Huntsville, where they will face Louisiana-Lafayette and Sam Houston State Friday, finishing with Southern Utah and Delaware State Saturday.

Wednesday the women held a green versus white inter-squad practice to help them prepare for the start of the season.

“I think we have a really good chance of doing well this weekend,” Hubbard said.

“We’re still young, we’re still working through some things, but I think we have a really good chance of being competitive.”

The last time the Lady Broncs met Louisiana-Lafayette (8-20 in 2008) they suffered a 3-0 setback, giving up 43 kills to the opposition. Sam Houston (15-19) and UTPA have not met since 2007, when the Lady Bearkats handed the Lady Broncs a 3-2 loss.

None of Hubbard’s UTPA team’s has faced either Southern Utah (inaugural season) or Delaware State (16-11).

The Lady Broncs will look to gain some momentum early in the season to stay competitive going into conference play starting September 17.

The team will have its first home game September 1 against Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, followed by a “Battle of the Orange” match-up against the University of Texas Brownsville.

2009 Volleyball Home Schedule Rebecca Toddy 2008 statistics Digs: Assists: Aces:

370 35 17

Sept. 1

Texas A&M- Corpus Christi

6 p.m.

Sept. 2

UT- Brownsville

7 p.m.

Sept. 9

Cal State-Bakersfield

7 p.m.

Oct. 8

North Dakota

7 p.m.

Oct. 10

South Dakota

7 p.m.

Nov. 6

Utah Valley

7 p.m.

Nov. 13

Houston Baptist

7 p.m.

Noelle Mayor 2008 statistics Digs: Kills: Blocks:

86 99 28

August 31, 2009

Sports Commentary

Attention AD

By Kevin Stich The Pan American If it’s true that Chris King is slated to be the University of Texas-Pan American’s next athletic director, then UTPA might be on its way to athletic success.

Unfortunately, the new director is going to inherit some of the old problems, including a big one in the departmental budget. Perhaps an equally daunting task is attracting new talent to a university that has seen its fair share of controversy in the past year.

Between coaches and players leaving, and public issues, the new athletic director is going to need more than just knowledge of sports and the teams. He’s going to need charisma, and a lot of it.

It won’t be easy, as the department’s reputation has become tarnished and shrouded in a drama worthy of daytime television.

The new director will need, not only integrity, but also openness -- something that interim athletic director Vaughn lacked. In his tenure Vaughn had a habit of being a media misfit, often tiptoeing around subjects and playing the “no comment” card, almost by force of habit.

Sure, it’s okay to give a calculated answer to hot-topic issues, but when it comes to information that doesn’t impose on an individual’s well being, there’s no need to drag one’s feet – just be candid. Sometimes there’s no viable reason to give a political answer, when the honest answer will do just fine.

That expression seems to have become ubiquitous whenever controversy rears its head at UTPA, especially in athletics. The DeAnn Craft and Epiphany Smith dilemma was poorly handled, and it became apparent that the department as a whole wasn’t being run properly.

A few athletes were even willing to come out and say that they were unhappy with the way things were going in athletics. What was more astounding is that there are even more student-athletes who are unhappy and aren’t saying anything.

“It just really seems like they’re focusing on the wrong stuff, when they need to be focusing on the athletes and taking care of us,” said one athlete who wished to remain anonymous. “If I were to try to recommend a friend where to go school, I definitely wouldn’t tell them to come here.”

Of course there is great effort put into keeping these complaints underneath the radar. With that being said, there are things that the new athletic director won’t be able to keep quiet even if he wants to.

The Freedom of Information Act is a journalist’s godsend. It allows the media – with some degree of inherent difficulty due to “open interpretations” of requests – to acquire information that may be pertinent to a story, and keep the readership well informed.

If it is King, he needs to be ready to answer tough questions; if not, tough luck.