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Editor-In-Chief Norma Gonzalez
Editor-In-Chief lea victoria juarez
multimedia editor michael aguilar
design editor francisco rodriguez
news editor Susan gonzalez
co-sports editor marco torres
Arts & life editor May ortega
co-sports editor kristela garza
The Pan American thepanamerican@gmail.com 1201 West University, ARHU 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 665-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122
Adviser:
Dr. Greg Selber
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photo editor Adrian castillo
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Anita Reyes
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Josue Guzman
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Victoria E. Valdez 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.
opinion By Lea Victoria Juarez The Pan American
Located on the corner of the first floor of the ARHU is Room 187 - The Pan American Newsroom. Waves of journalists have marched in and out of the doorway throughout the years, leaving their impression on The Pan American newspaper, which celebrates its 70th anniversary in fall 2013. If these walls could talk, they’d recite all the sleepless nights that went into producing a paper that has dwindled from 16 to eight pages the past two years. Layered with old issues and newsroom jargon, they’d recount the first mentioning of a website, which is now panamericanonline.com, and gets about 150 hits per day. This four-walled, two-doored, windowless room that many have called their home has seen the development of a video
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section and the rise of social media, expanding our networks and changing the face of TPA. Now, these walls have seen the production of a magazine it’s very first magazine to celebrate our platinum birthday. Stepping into this new territory has been a challenge. Mistakes have definitely been made along the way, but the goal is to learn and come back stronger. Plans for another magazine are in the making; maybe annually, maybe semiannually. But every day this newsroom sees the evolution of journalists, the content and the medium. We’ll continue to grow and adapt, and try new things. If these walls could talk, they’d speak of the dedication that goes into proving that we’re not just a newspaper anymore. Happy birthday, Pan American! My, how you’ve grown.
cartoon
By Itzel A. Lopez/The Pan American
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. We cannot publish anonymous letters or submissions containing hate speech or gratuitous personal attacks. Please send all letters to:
thepanamerican @gmail.com
Vol. 70, No. 1
#UTPA Tweet at and follow us @ThePanAmerican
They still use footage of me dancing at pan am for the utpa commercial haha cool! #utpa -@RaachaelLeaal I want to be on a basketball team for intramurals but I’ve never even seen a girls team play. If y’all exist recruit me :( #UTPA - @13iankaa
We meet again #UTPA this time ill be victorious! - @HelloJoJo My schools fitness center is incredible hopefully I can discipline myself to be in there every day. #utpa - @brandon_it Can’t wait to move out and start school!!!! #utpa #FreshmanYear -@josh_bugsy
PROJECT SOUTH TEXAS BEGINS Photos by Adrian Castillo Story by Susan Gonzalez The Pan American
More than 500 people attended the ceremonial signing of Senate Bill 24 July 16, including University President Robert Nelsen and University of Texas at Brownsville President Juliet Garcia. Texas Gov. Rick Perry ceremonially signed Senate Bill 24 in the Student Union Theater on this day, but this legislation was officially signed June 14. This bill will merge UTPA with UTB and create a new medical school in the Rio Grande Valley - a plan called Project South Texas. According to Nelsen, it took “149 state representatives, 30 senators, mayors from throughout the Valley, three executive vice chancellors, county judges, a governor, 10 regents, a chancellor, a chairman of the board (and) a president at UTBrownsville� to make this merger possible. Highlights of the projected timeline for this new institution include finalizing the new university name by the end of 2013 and the announcing of the president of this institution in January or February 2014.
Fisher case sent back to lower court, uncertainty for affirmative action By Karen Perez The Pan American
Crusaders and challengers of affirmative action are watching closely as Supreme Court Justices seek “strict scrutiny” over racedbased college admissions and prepare to take another case involving the use of the controversial policy. In Michigan’s Schuette v. Coalition to Defend Affirmative Action, individuals who favor the use of affirmative action urge the removal of Proposal 2, an amendment in the Michigan Constitution which bans statewide use of affirmative action in public education, employment and contracting. The case will be heard by the Supreme Court Oct. 16. HISTORY Affirmative action, a policy first introduced in the 1960s, is tailored to counteract historical discrimination faced by underrepresented groups, such as women and ethnic minorities, including Hispanics and AfricanAmericans. Currently, courts, like universities, are questioning the constitutionality of race-conscious admissions policies that seek a diversified student body and to remedy past inequalities. In Fisher v. University of Texas, Abigail Fisher, a white student, challenged the way some universities use race as a determining factor in college admissions. In 2008, the Sugarland resident filed a lawsuit which claimed she was denied admission to the University of Texas at Austin on the basis of her race. In a 7-1 decision, the Supreme Court decided to send the case back to the lower court for a strict review June 24. The justices ruled that the lower court did not review the university’s affirmative action program carefully enough. The court allows universities to
continue using race as a factor in admissions in order to achieve diversity. However, universities must prove that “available, workable race-neutral alternatives do not suffice” before considering race in admissions. AT UTPA According to a 2013 Gallup poll, a strong majority opposes affirmative action in college admissions. In the United States, 67 percent of Americans believe applicants should be admitted solely on the basis of merit. Although UTPA does not consider race when making an admission decision, according to Director of Admissions Debbie Gilchrist, students on campus expressed mixed views toward
“You want diversity, but you also want people that are ready and qualified,” Ruiz said. “If I applied to UT and I get accepted because of affirmative action, I might not be ready for UT. A smaller school (might) be better. I might not be ready for the challenges.” Niki Cavazos, an education major, echoed Ruiz’s opposition to affirmative action. The 23-yearold senior said admissions to universities should only be based on academics. “(Selection) should be based on your education, on what you know,” Ruiz said. “Your race or gender...should never be taken into consideration.” However, not all students are against affirmative action, including Karla Garcia, a graduate
You want diversity, but you also want people that are ready and qualified. - Sahara Ruiz
Special education major
affirmative action, mirroring the divisions among the nation. Sahara Ruiz, a special education major, said she does not believe in the field-leveling technique. “It shouldn’t be based on race - and giving preference to minorities has racism in there, like reverse discrimination,” the 20-year-old senior said. “If I’m the minority and she’s the white girl, and she’s more qualified than I am to get into the school, she should be able to get accepted. I’m probably going to be accepted because I’m the minority.” Ruiz said if affirmative action continues to be used in college admissions, universities would have to prove why a minority should be accepted over another applicant that is white.
student studying guidance and counseling. The 24-year-old said the policy can help create more diversity in universities when used fairly to help qualified minorities. “I think it’s better when the minority group has a chance to get more opportunities,” Garcia said. “When we have more diverse universities, we can learn from other cultures and races.” On both sides of the argument is 24-year-old Alfonso Jaramillo, who believes affirmative action can be a good thing when applied properly. The history major said the policy makes up for the people that are discounted because of their race, despite their skills. “I’m for it as an equalizer - it’s good to have diversity,” Jaramillo said. “I saw a graph of a city in
the Midwest and I think it was 97 percent white and three percent every other minority, so if you can avoid that in college, that would be best to get different viewpoints. It’s a better learning environment...people are not always from the same background.” Jaramillo, however, acknowledged that affirmative action can have its downside, supporting Fisher’s argument. He also said applying the policy in the workforce can be more challenging. “If both (applicants’ qualifications) are exactly the same, it’s more of a coin toss,” Jaramillo said. “In single-race areas, if you want more diversity, then yes, you have to take (race) into consideration. If (the minorities) are not as qualified, that (could potentially) cause problems.” Texas practices what is known as the Top 10% Rule, a law established in 1997 guaranteeing high school students who graduate in the top 10 percent of their class automatic admission to any state-funded university. UT recently changed the law to automatically admit the top eight percent of high school graduates. The remaining applicants are then reviewed and selected based on academics, skills and, in some cases, by their ethnicity. Fisher, who carried a 3.59 grade point average and ranked in the top 12 percent of her high school class, failed to receive automatic admission. She claims UT’s affirmative action policy gave preference to racial minorities from her class who had lower grades than she did. Gilchrist said the University does not use race when making an admission decision. In addition, she also said UTPA has
never applied affirmative action in the process. Selected applicants who do not qualify for automatic admission based on high school rank or ACT and SAT scores may be eligible for admission through the University’s Admission Review Program. According to Gilchrist, applicants can receive admissions approval or denial based on a combination of the following holistic criteria: academic record, work-related activities, leadership roles, community activities, performance level of the applicant’s high school and prior college credit earned. Colleges with holistic admissions evaluate the whole applicant rather than just using a few pieces of empirical data, such as test scores and GPA. IN THE WORKFORCE Although affirmative action has garnered the most criticism when practiced in college admissions, the policy’s origins stem from the 1960s movement for equality in the workforce. The policy is practiced when hiring faculty and staff in the University. According to UTPA’s Office of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action webpage, the University seeks to make goodfaith efforts when implementing its Affirmative Action Plan. According to a 2011 report by UTPA’s Affirmative Action Plan, out of 1,839 employees, 1,388 are minorities and 919 are women. The average salary of a male professor is $96,355 while a female professor earns an average of $92,916. UTPA has faced opposition in the past due to gender-based discrimination. Hilda Medrano, an education professor, was demoted as dean for the College of Education in 2005. In 2009, she discovered she was paid less than her male counterparts during her time in the position. Medrano, whose salary was $116,322 annually, was the lowest paid dean at the time while the highest paid one made $143,556 per year. A dif-
ference of $27,234. Medrano’s lawsuit against the University for gender discrimination won her $230,000. According to a jury, the University had willfully violated the Equal Pay Act, a law passed by Congress in 1963 declaring that women and men must receive equal pay for equal work. THE FUTURE Although the winner in Fisher v. University of Texas has yet to be determined, both parties claim the Supreme Court’s decision was a victory. The case will be re-evaluated by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit, a federal court that reviews appeals from district courts within the states of Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. In a press release, UT President William Powers said he was “encouraged” by the ruling. “Today’s ruling will have no impact on admissions decisions we have already made or any immediate impact on our holistic admissions policies,” Powers said June 24. “We remain committed to assembling a student body at The University of Texas at Austin that provides the educational benefits of diversity on campus while respecting the rights of all students and acting within the constitutional framework established by the Court.” However, by sending the case back to the lower courts, affirmative action policies used by universities may be at stake. Fisher, who received her finance degree from Louisiana State University, will remain the plaintiff as her case is expected to return to the federal appeals court in New Orleans. “Of course we’re happy with it,” Fisher said of the decision in an ABC article June 24. “You know, they gave us everything that we asked for, and I’m very confident that UT won’t be able to use race again.”
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09/11/13
09/11/13
c
2013 Cinemark USA, Inc. Century Theatres, CineArts, Race and Tinseltown are Cinemark brands. “Cinemark� is a registered service mark of Cinemark USA, Inc.
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By Susan Gonzalez and Lea Victoria Juarez The Pan American
*Source: Texas Legislature Online
House Bill 2 • Will not allow abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy • Require abortion clinics to meet the same standards as outpatient surgical centers • Require any doctor performing abortions to have hospital privileges no further than 30 miles from the abortion clinic • Effective Oct. 29, 2013 (Abortion clinics will have until Sept. 1, 2014 to comply with new safety standards.) House Bill 29 • Will require public universities to offer incoming undergraduate students a four-year, fixed-rate tuition option • Effective immediately Senate Bill 1907 • Allows all people, including students, with concealed handgun licenses to store their firearms in their cars on a university campus or in parking lots • Neither public nor private universities can create a law prohibiting it. • Effective Sept. 1, 2013
House Bill 1090 • Relating to the creation of Texas Task Force 1 Type 3 Rio Grande Valley • Texas Task Force 1 Type 3 Rio Grande Valley would be a program of the Texas Engineering Extension Service, providing training and responding to assist in search, rescue and recovery efforts following natural or man-made disasters. • Vetoed by Gov. Rick Perry June 14 House Bill 217 • A public school may not sell, or allow to be sold, any type of beverage other than the following: water without added sweetener, milk with a fat content of one percent or less, milk substitutions, 100 percent vegetable juice, 100 percent fruit juice, zerocalorie electrolyte replacements or zero-calorie vitamin-enhanced water beverages to students on the school campus. • Vetoed by Gov. Rick Perry June 14
Senate Bill 16 • Relating to authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds to fund capital projects at public institutions of higher education • Would have issued nearly $2.7 billion in bonds for campus construction projects around the state • Senate refused to concur with House amendments to the bill; House declined to acknowledge the Senate’s request for a conference committee • Bill did not pass by last day of legislative session
House Bill 5 • High school students will take a foundation curriculum of four English credits, requirements for science, social studies and math have been reduced to three credits each, two foreign language credits, one fine arts and one physical education credit and five elective credits. • A fourth science and math credit would be added when they select one of five diploma “endorsements” in areas including science and technology, business and industry, and the humanities. • Reduces the number of standardized exams, State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) tests, that high school students must pass in order to graduate from 15 to five • Effective immediately, but graduation requirements go into effect for the 2014-15 school year Senate Bill 2 • A mandatory sentence of life in prison, with possible parole after 40 years, for 17 year olds who commit capital crimes • Effective immediately Senate Bill 460 • Requires instruction in the detection of students with mental or emotional disorders as a part of the training for any education certificate that requires a person to possess a bachelor’s degree • Effective Sept. 1, 2013
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The end of the Bronc era
Merger will close chapter on UTPA, usher in a new beginning
By Susan Gonzalez The Pan American By August 2015, University President According to the timeline available on coordinator for the New Robert Nelsen will not be president of the the Project South Texas website, monthly University Project, gathering input from UTPA campus. Senate Bill 24 was officially town hall meetings start in August 2013, residents who will be impacted by the signed June 14; this bill merges UTPA and marketing for the new university begins in merger and the opportunities it presents, the University of Texas at Brownsville and October and the name for the new univeris important. will create a new medical school in the Rio sity will be finalized by the end of the year. “The New University Project is engagGrande Valley. However, while Nelsen will “Students will be asked to be on commiting community members through paper not serve as the executive vice president of tees. There will be town halls where students surveys to colonia residents throughout the the UTB or UTPA campus, he is planning will be asked to come and give their opinRGV and online surveys,” Herrera said. on applying for the position of president ions,” Nelsen said. “But as far as their day-to“With the help of BuildingCommunity of the new university, which will be anday lives, everything will work seamlessly.” Workshop, a non-profit out of Dallas, we nounced in January or February 2014. One committee that is currently collecting are also coordinating focus groups and “There will be one president of the endata for the new university is the New Uniworkshops throughout the months of July tire new university; there will be executive versity Project. Several non-profit organizaand August 2013.” vice presidents on each one of the campus- tions in the RGV, including La Union del Herrera, a UTPA alumna who graduated es, but that will not be me,” said Nelsen, Pueblo Entero, A Resource in Serving Equalwith a master’s degree in public administrawho was appointed the eighth president of ity, Texas Organizing Project, South Texas tion in 2012, said data from the surveys will UTPA in January 2010. “I want to remain Adult Resource and Training Center and the give community leaders a better idea of in the Valley. I want to remain as a leader Community Development Corporation of what residents’ main concerns are regardfor this new university.” Brownsville, are gathering input from Valley ing the new university and medical school. Now called Project South Texas, the residents regarding the new university. Examples of possible concerns include UTPA and UTB merger has been in the The new university and medical school the price of tuition and fees for students works since December 2012, when will help create between from low-income families, and affordable the University of Texas System 7,000 and 10,000 jobs, student housing on or near campus. Board of Regents officially each with an average “The new university with a medical September approved the plan. But salary of more than school is great news for all RGV residents,” Campus-based work teams according to Nelsen, no $60,000. According she said. “It will provide a means by which finalized; collaborative work changes as a result of the to Esther G. Herto improve the Valley’s education system, merger will be evident in rera, the project begins on new university fall 2013. mission goals, curriculum June and academic programs, Jan. - Dec. Governor Perry signs organizational structure, adNew university Senate Bill 24 into law to ministrative fuctions, etc. conceptual design create new university continues; academic December and administratice The University of Texas trasition plans initiSystem Board of May ated; recruitment of Regents approves Texas Legislature passes inaugral first class Jan. - Feb. plan to create new Senate Bill 24 authorizing President of university in South creation of new university in new university Texas South Texas that will also inannounced clude a previously authorized new medical school
2012
2013
2014
12 healthcare system and economic developThe Board of Regents unanimously aptunities that we can’t provide right now ment. It is very important for all of us to proved a $44.8 million deal in Brownsville because we don’t have the funds. The new work collaboratively to ensure this new uni- July 10 that allows the UT System to buy university isn’t about the new president, versity provides the services and resources and exchange property with Texas Southit’s about our students and what’s available its local residents need and want.” most College. This deal will help create for them.” One new resource for the RGV is accampus space for the new composite With a projected enrollment of 28,000, cess to the Permanent University the budding entity is expected Fund, a state-owned endowment to become the second largest that funds public higher education Hispanic-serving institution in the The greatest accomplishment through oil and gas revenues. United States. With this many stuof any president can be seen at Funds from the PUF are available dents expected to enroll, the new each commencement as students walk only to certain universities in the university, with or without Nelsen, across the stage and receive Texas A&M University System will continue what he considers his their diplomas. and the UT System, under the greatest contribution to UTPA Texas Constitution. Previously, issuing diplomas. - Robert Nelsen UTPA and UTB were the only “The greatest accomplishment UTPA President universities without access to the of any president can be seen at $13.9 billion because they joined each commencement the system after the PUF arrangement was as students walk across the university’s branch in downtown Brownsmade. According to Nelsen, these funds stage and receive their ville. This development is just the beginwill ensure a strong future for the RGV, but ning, Nelsen said, and though his future is diplomas,” he said. “I the transitional period could be difficult. have had the honor uncertain, he couldn’t be happier. “What worries me is that we’re in a of shaking thou“I don’t know what my future is with state of uncertainty. Whenever you’re in sands of hands.” the university,” he said. “But this is about a state of uncertainty, people become a wholly new university that will serve concerned about the future,” Nelsen said. so many students and will offer them so “The future is solid. We’re going to have many opportunities that we can’t offer a new university, we’ve already had $40 right now. It will offer new buildings, million come to the Valley.” new programs, new educational oppor-
August
Inaugural class enrolls in university
June
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools approves new university
April
New university prospectus due to SACS
Facts/Statistics Project South Texas is a temporary name for the University of Texas System-led initiatives in South Texas and the Rio Grande Valley that includes efforts to create a new university and a new medical school. The university merger and medical school will also help create between 7,000 to 10,000 jobs with an average salary of more than $60,000.
The Texas Legislature approved $100 million to construct a new University of Texas System campus in Brownsville and a $78.4 million science building for UTPA May 21.
Hidalgo County officials plan to secure 93 acres of land valued at $13 million near the UTPA campus for medical and research programs.
The enrollment at UTPA in December 2012 was about 19,000 students, the predicted enrollment of this new university is about 28,000 students. It would also have 1,500 faculty and 3,800 staff positions.
2015
Projectsouthtexas.com
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WARPED Photos and Story by Norma Gonzalez and May Ortega The Pan American
Vans Warped Tour kicked off June 15 in Seattle and concluded its final three of 40 North American tour dates in the Lone Star State Aug. 2-4. In total, 500,668 tickets were sold, 14,988 miles were driven and more than 300 bands and solo acts played across the nation, according to the Vans Warped Tour website. Thousands of people gathered at the AT&T Center’s parking lot in San Antonio for Warped Aug. 3. The day-long event featured more than 100 bands such as Bring Me The Horizon, Memphis May Fire, Bowling for Soup, Hawthorne Heights and many more. Warped provided nine stages for concerts: KIA Soul, KIA Forte, Tilly’s, #DOMO, Acoustic Bsmnt, Monster, Kevin Says, Ernie Ball and the Spotify stage. Concert goers also had the opportunity to shop from bands’ and business’ merchandise tables. To cool off from the 100 plus degree heat, Warped set up an inflatable water slide and provided multiple water stations where attendees could refill their bottles. Audiences ranged from a few dozen people for some performers to thousands for others. By the end of the day, many fans left the center’s parking lot tanned by the Texas sun while performers and crew members celebrated this year’s Warped Tour Prom together before heading to Dallas for the last day of the two-month-long festival.
Just for ughs UTPA student la doubles as
HA HA HA HA
stand-up comedian
By Jose S. De Leon III The Pan American
Despite the popularity of female stand-up comedians, such as Kathy Griffin and Joan Rivers, Jessica Muchow believes that comedy is largely male-dominated, with women not as equally represented. “It seems like a bunch of women in the business are more of a niche than anything else,” she said. “I’ve also noticed that a lot of them gain notoriety because of their raunchiness, but I try to keep my act as clean as possible.” Muchow is a UTPA student and an award-winning comedian. The 24-year-old communications major burst on to the local comedy scene only a few years ago, but she has been involved in several big local shows. Among these performances was opening for comedian Pablo Francisco July 12 at the McAllen Civic Center. Muchow won the opportunity to open for Francisco when she took part in the 2013 RGV Funniest Comedian Competition in April at Casa Havana in McAllen. The winner was selected by the audience and the top prize included, among other things, opening for comedian Dustin Diamond in April (Screech from the 1990’s TV sitcom Saved by the Bell) and then Francisco. Muchow beat out 15 other comedians to win the top prize. She fondly recalled the experience with much elation. “I was on cloud nine when it happened,” the 24-year-old UTPA BroncLine Call Center operator said. “I went in thinking that I’d be myself, but wasn’t thinking I’d win. I felt so wonderful when it happened. Opening for Screech was such a new experience for me.” Muchow was nervous about the night leading up to the event, but was able to dissuade her anxiety.
“At first, I was scared of what would happen,” she said. “Then I remembered, I’d won the slot to do this. I deserved to be here tonight.” Muchow’s shtick is composed of funny life experiences, which she talks about in a sarcasAdrian Castillo/ The Pan American tic, witty manner, often Comedian Jessica Muchow performs at the Historic Cine El Rey modeling her humor after her idols, Jerry Sein- Theatre July 31. Muchow is currently enrolled at UTPA and is a feld and Roseanne Barr. communication major. Her comedy is a mixture of sarcasm and “Whenever I tell witty mannerisms. someone that I go to laugh, but no one told me, ‘You’re so funny, you UTPA, they always ask me, ‘What are you should do stand-up,’” she said. “I decided to do it taking?’”she said during her performance. “I to see if I could make a bunch of strangers laugh.” answer ‘Xanax and Zoloft.’ And then I reMuchow saw comedy as a way to alize, that’s not what they meant.” express herself, also finding After her performance, the it as a source of Orange County, Calif. native therapy. admitted how much she thrives on performing onstage. “The laughter was overwhelming,” she said. “I couldn’t tell how many people were in the audience until I heard the laughter. I felt at home; the laughter was so disorienting, it excited me.” Muchow admitted that she never saw herself as a stand-up comedian, but decided to try it to challenge herself. “I can make my friends
CONTINUED ON PG. 19
19 CONTINUED frOm PG. 18 “I needed an outlet, something to focus on to use as a release,” she said. “Musicians get lost in their music. I get lost in the lights, the energy that I feed off while performing.” Another reason Muchow went into stand-up was the sudden death of her father, a victim of a heart attack in January 2011, which impacted her tremendously. She even has a tattoo of a clock with the time of his death on her left forearm. Muchow first tried out as a comedian when she saw a flier for Cine El Rey’s weekly Wednesday Night Comedy in fall 2011. She decided to enter as a birthday surprise for her mother. She approached Cine El Rey Manager Bert Guerra, and begged him to allow her to perform. “They took a leap of faith with me because I was an unknown, and the guy gave me five minutes to perform before the headliner,” she recalled. “I was so nervous, but the crowd liked me and I’ve gone from making guest spots to hosting local comedy shows.” Geraldine Barrios, a close friend of Muchow who attends Del Mar College in Corpus Christi, described how Muchow’s love of the stage led to her becoming a stand-up comedian. “She’s loved being in front of people onstage since our high school One-Act Play and improv class,”
the McAllen native said. “She’s not afraid of being in front of a large crowd and she’s always so vivacious and hilarious.” Muchow even includes her family in her routine, using a discussion between her parents. “My parents used to always debate over who I used to like the most, as if I was going to get a prize or something,” she said. “Finally, my dad settled the debate by saying, ‘She looks nothing like me or her mother, she’s ugly.’” She called her mother an inspiration and has a tattoo that serves as a tribute to her of a microphone with a quote from the 1995 Tracy Chapman song “Give Me One Reason” on her left bicep. Even if Muchow doesn’t reach mega-success, she said she’s still content with what she’s doing and will continue to entertain. “I just want to keep doing this until it stops making me happy. And if that never happens, then I’ll gladly keep doing it.”
HA HA
Musicians get lost in their music. I get lost in the lights; the energy I feed off while performing. - Jessica Muchow Student comedian
HA HA HA
Ghostbusting for charity By Osmar Alanis When Henry Mendoza joined the RGV The Pan American Ghostbusters, it was all for fun. There were
pictures with fans and fascination with the familiar movie equipment, but a sudden turn of events, when his daughter was diagnosed with cancer, led the group on a different path. Ghostbusters, released in 1984, follows a group of ghost exterminators. With a wave of ‘80s nostalgia, fans create their very own proton packs and uniforms, just like a group of friends in the Valley known as the RGV Ghostbusters. Composed of Mendoza, Rey Banda, Joseph Banda, Rene Ayala, Randy Moses and Raul Martinez, the group began its venture as the RGV Ghostbusters in September 2011, building proton packs that highly resembled the ones used in the film. The equipment was a big hit for Halloween. “We took our packs down to 17th Street in McAllen and we couldn’t take two steps without getting mobbed and being asked to take a picture,” said Mendoza, a 37-year-old business consultant. It was at that point that Mendoza realized their costumes attracted attention and could be used for more than Halloween costumes. The group began attending conventions such as Horror Con, a horror, science fiction and Halloween convention. The group also attended charity events for the Driscoll Children’s Hospital’s Christmas toy drive and the McAllen Traffic Department. A day after the Christmas toy drive for the children’s hospital, Mendoza’s family was given difficult news about their now
7-year-old daughter. “My daughter was diagnosed with cancer and all these charity events began hitting close to home, so we went deeper into doing events for charitable causes,” Mendoza said. After Mendoza’s daughter was cleared from cancer July 22, the RGV Ghostbusters have continued to attend events to raise money for her medical expenses along with other charities. They are also looking into attending the Driscoll Children’s Hospital gala next year and donating a proton pack to raise money for the hospital. Mendoza said the Ghostbusters will begin looking into becoming a business project sometime in the future. “The business part of the group will
a change,” said Ayala, a 34-yearold supervisor for the Texas Workforce Commission. The parents of some of the group’s members have supported their sons’ long-time fascination with the film. “My parents have gone to one of our events where we entered a costume contest and my dad filmed it, so they’ll say, ‘We supported you when you were 7 or 8, and we’re still doing it at 33,’” said Banda, 33-yearold teacher at B. Garza Middle School in Weslaco. All members of the two-yearold group agree that their favorite memory was meeting Ernie Hudson, one of the original four Ghostbusters, at last year’s Horror Con. “At Horror Con we actually met Ernie Hudson, who was an awesome guy, very down to earth, and he actually showed great appreciation for us,” Ayala said. According to the members of the RGV Ghostbusters, the group is still in its beginning stages and they plan to grow and support the community for as long as fans continue supporting them, or as long as their backs continue to support the weight of their proton packs.
incorporate marketing, expos and corporate events, and we also plan to build packs for anyone who wants to purchase one,” he said. Valley fans of the films have expressed their support by posing with the RGV Ghostbusters for a quick picture or by admiring their proton packs, and although some family members of the group might find their pastime geeky, they’re fully supportive. “As most people would, my family say (RGV Ghostbusters) is kind of dorky, We couldn’t take two but now that steps without getting we’ve actually mobbed and being asked to grown and done a lot more, take pictures. they’re starting - Henry Mendoza to see that we’re RGV Ghostbusters member doing something positive and trying to make
Belen Diaz/The Pan American
RGV Ghostbuster Henry Mendoza shows fans his homemade Proton Pack. The group made an appearance at McAllen’s Cinemark Hollywood USA’s showing of Ghostbusters Aug. 7.
Video game addictively sweet? By May Ortega The Pan American Tying a tourniquet around an arm and sticking in a heroin-loaded needle gives users an intense high and, sometimes, a life-changing addiction. But there is another sweeter thing that has taken over the lives of adults and children worldwide. It rakes in about $1 million every couple of days and most who use it do so openly, sharing details with family and friends on Facebook. According to Socialbakers, a social media statistics site, Candy Crush Saga’s Facebook popularity rose from 140,000 to about 165,000 from mid-May to early June. Colorful and portable, the video game was created for King.com in March 2011 and broke its way into Facebook in April 2012, then into Apple and Android markets a few months later. The objective of the game is to line up three or more of the same candy in order to eliminate them from the board, giving Candy Crushers, as players are known, points to reach the amount needed for access to the next level. As the level increases, so does the difficulty. Francisco Hernandez, a 22-year-old UTPA student who
uses Candy Crush on a daily basis, said his current craving is a more complex version of Bejeweled, another colorful match-three game. But unlike Bejeweled, Candy Crushers can have up to five “lives” and once those run out, they must wait 30 minutes for one more life in order to continue. Although the game is free to download and use, social media news website Softpedia notes that in-app purchases for things such as additional lives or moves, priced at 99 cents each, help bring in about $633,000 daily. With over 93 million downloads in the Google Play Store for Android, the game quickly gained momentum, its Facebook fan base growing by more than one million people weekly, according to Socialbakers. “On my Facebook news feed, I kept seeing people sending lives to each other,” Hernandez said. “I was seeing all these statuses about it and I became curious, because I’m a competitive gamer, so I wanted to see how it worked.” The television and film major at UTPA joined the sweets-themed amusement in February 2013, then began to use it avidly in March and has played on a daily basis ever since. He also said he uses the game several times throughout the day and during class, turning down his phone’s brightness setting to secretly complete more levels throughout lectures. The Michigan native, who is at level 377 out of a possible 400, said his mass storage of lives contributes to his success and devotion to the game. He has reached the highest possible levels at times and waited hours, sometimes even days, for an update with more levels. “You know how some
people get their phone out when they’re going to sleep? Well, I was doing that at like 1 in the morning and I kept playing until 4:35 (a.m.), when I realized I had to go to sleep,” he said. “I had like 120 lives stored so, if I needed any, I would use them. If I didn’t have so many lives, I would’ve stopped.” CROSSING THE LINE Russell Eisenman, an associate professor of psychology at the University, said being hooked on a game like Candy Crush, which doesn’t give players any physical incentive, is rewarding on a different level. “(People) like novelty. We like doing things that are different and things that challenge our minds,” he explained. “The reward is the intellectual stimulation. So people who get good at these games get especially hooked because...the reward is the fun of seeing that they did it right.” According to online magazine Ezinearticles, games like this are meant to make the user think, find and evaluate solutions and choose the most suitable ones. They also force players to face the consequences of their acts and start the level all over again if they fail to meet all requirements or do not make the right decisions. Another UTPA Candy Crusher, 33-yearold Nicole Laas, started playing in March 2013 and is in the process of purging herself of her self-proclaimed addiction to the game. Since Laas got rid of her Internet access at home and no longer has a cell phone due to financial issues, the amount of time she uses Candy Crush is limited to weekdays. Now she only competes when she’s on campus, while waiting for her next class to begin.
22 Laas, who is currently at level 86, used to said. “Sometimes I get really angry about play as often as she could and said she would it. Other than that, I like the fact that it’s drive from the University to the McAllen challenging, because you have to think 10 Public Library to calm her cravings on the moves ahead.” computers there and used other methods to Laas compared the feeling she receives benefit herself as well. while playing Candy Crush to playing the “My kids, I have their usernames and lottery, saying that the anticipation of being passwords for Facebook. That was the agreesuccessful is exciting and fun. ment; as long as they live in the house, I Hernandez said he still crushes virtual have access to their accounts,” the biology candies because he is skilled at it. Despite major said. “I would go into their accounts and send myself lives through there, and I would play for hours and hours.” Although Candy Crush does not seem There’s something really to cause physical changes like drugs do, it does not mean constant use is healthy for weird and creepy about the an individual. Eisenman explained that music...it draws you in. there’s a thin line between doing something recreationally and being addicted to it. - Nicole Laas “That’s where the thing has control of Candy Crusher you. You don’t have control of it,” Eisenman explained. “Part of it is good because it’s so exciting and gathers your interest, and it fits your need to be competitive, but part of his constant usage, he said he is not obsessed it is not so good if you’re overdoing it.” with Candy Crush, though he believes its deThere are individuals hooked on drugs, velopers use certain tactics to hook people. gambling or sex, and Eisenman said gaming “I think they do it intentionally where addictions are similar, but added he is not it’s so colorful, and they have these sound familiar enough with research about the correeffects,” he suggested. “I disable the music lation between drugs and videogames to know and the sound. If you listen to the music a if they have similar effects on the mind. lot, you feel like a drone.” “People who are playing these games are Laas agreed with Hernandez about the using their mind, solving puzzles,” Eisensights and sounds that come along with man said. “They’re addicted to something the action. interesting and exciting, whereas people “There’s something really weird and creepy who do drugs are very unhappy, depressed about the music… it draws you in,” she said. people. So (drug and gaming addictions) are “I’ll even catch myself walking around the kind of similar and kind of different.” house, whistling the tune. It’s creepy but it’s also, in a weird way, soothing.” Eisenman said that its developers likely CRUSHING COMPETITION used techniques that were aesthetically pleasWhereas drug addicts have rehabilitation ing to people to hook them, and a soothing centers to turn to, video game addicts have melody is one of them. online support groups, such as Olganon, Even if such methods are used to entice where addicts and former addicts share their folks, Hernandez and Laas agree Candy Crush experiences and offer their assistance. But will most likely follow in the steps of other neither Hernandez nor Laas believe they are once-prominent video games, such as Angry so hooked that they need such help. Birds, where players strategically aim and While Laas also said she feels competitive launch birds at pigs defended by fortresses. about the colorful puzzler, that isn’t what Angry Birds first hit the iTunes store in drives her to use it. December 2009 for free, but now costs 99 “It’s challenging and I like that about cents. It quickly became the most downit, but sometimes I feel like it’s set up to loaded game in both the Google Play Store make you fail, so you have to play the same and iTunes, and had over 700 million downlevel over and over,” the Mission resident
loads as of March 2012. According to Socialbakers, this game’s flame has been dying down lately, with its Facebook popularity plummeting from slightly below 400,000 people discussing it in February to slightly above 100,000 in late June. Candy Crush also seems to be losing its luster, with the amount of people discussing it on Facebook almost down to 130,000, lower than it’s been in several months. “The reason people sometimes stop is because the novelty wears off. The appeal that it’s different gets old,” Eisenman said. “But it’s different for different people. At some point, the person finds it not sufficiently exciting, so it’s not really rewarding anymore.” Both Laas and Hernandez say they wouldn’t quit unless someone paid them or offered them something, and even though the game’s popularity is slowly declining, Laas said that others will replace Candy Crush. Hernandez said that at some point or another, every player will reach a level that is too difficult to pass, causing them to quit. While getting clean is an option for drug users, they could develop cravings for more potent substances. For some Angry Birds enthusiasts, what was first a fun pastime may have led them to be “Candy Crushed.” And the next big mobile video game that sweeps the nation could already be in production in somebody’s basement or computer lab.
- Bryant Stites
- Derek Hagy (top) and Shane Klemcke
ALL FOR NOLAN Photos and Story by Norma Gonzalez The Pan American
The UTPA baseball team was named one of six recipients for the 2013 Tom Walter Inspiration Award July 26 by CollegeBaseballInsider.com for their work in helping 5-year-old leukemia (MDS) patient Nolan Naranjo. In May 2012, the Broncs held a blood drive in Nolan’s name. His condition deteriorated over the summer and he developed myelodysplastic syndrome. The Brownsville native was in need of a bone marrow transplant. The Broncs went on to host a bone marrow drive in September 2012 in hopes of finding a match for Nolan. Along with the team, 250 people registered to become bone marrow donors. A month later, when the team learned about Nolan’s hair loss, they once again showed their support by shaving their heads in honor of the 5-year-old. Nolan visited his Broncs Jan. 29 as they held another blood drive in his name. The Inspiration Award is named after Wake Forest coach Tom Walter, who donated a kidney to freshman outfielder Kevin Jordan before the 2011 season.
- Head Coach Manny Mantrana (left) and Nolan Naranjo
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BRONC INVASI N By Kristela Garza and Norma Gonzalez The Pan American
After graduating in May 2012, Mike McCarthy’s plans were to move to El Paso, live out of Vinnie Mejia’s garage and the pair would go out to baseball tryouts in the hopes of continuing their baseball careers. “(Mejia’s) dad was setting up the garage for me to stay there, work out and go to tryouts,” the Connecticut native said. “But then I planned on going home. Once this came up, I decided to stay down here throughout the spring semester and work out.” As fate would have it, both players, along with two other former Broncs, found themselves on the roster for the Roswell Invaders of New Mexico, part of the Pecos League, and reported to the team in May. According to Mejia, playing for the Pecos League was not something he planned. He was originally going to continue his education at UTPA, but when the team called asking him to play, Mejia couldn’t refuse. The men faced an unexpected opportunity, but despite this, the men enjoyed their time spent on the Invader’s field. While with the team, players are set up with host families to provide a place for them to live during the season. Roswell officials worked it out so all four could live together. According to McCarthy, they all stayed in one room and he and Mejia even shared a bunk bed. “I remember getting there and getting introduced to our host family, and looking at our home from the summer, to winning our first championship,” Mejia said. Although the former Broncs suited up with Roswell on a whim, the four men were soon
turning heads. The Invaders finished their season July 29 as the Pecos League Champions, while second baseman Mejia earned regular season MVP honors and catcher McCarthy earned postseason MVP honors. “Honestly, it’s pretty cool. It feels good to be MVP of a league; I don’t care what league you’re in,” said 23-year-old Mejia. “It’s not only for myself, but for my dad and family. After years of baseball, it all felt worth it.” Not only are these men recognized by their current league, but they are also fondly remembered by their friends and old teammates. Adrian De La Rosa,
It’s not only for myself, but for my dad and family. After years of baseball it all felt worth it. - Vinnie Mejia is close friends with all four alumni. He played alongside them as Broncs and his baseball roots with Mejia go back to when they played high school ball together in El Paso. “Vinnie (Mejia) is unbelievable,” De La Rosa said. “He can hit for power...he hits the longest home runs that anyone one has ever seen here at the baseball field in Edinburg.” Though he is closest with Mejia, De La Rosa considers all four men his compadres. “We roomed together here at Pan Am for the last couple of years,” 24-year-old De La
Rosa said. “We grew to be like brothers. We made a deal to stay in close contact, being the close friends that we are.” All four players finished their collegiate baseball careers in 2012, when the program finished with their first winning season in 12 years. It was quite a stepping stone for thenfour-year Head Coach Manny Mantrana. “All four of these young men were outstanding baseball players and more importantly they were all quality people,” Mantrana said. “They were instrumental in moving our program forward and really contributed to our success. All four of them will be successful in whatever endeavor they choose in the future.” ON THE DIAMOND The players may have plenty of close ties to the Valley, but that isn’t stopping them from showing off their skills with the Invaders. Bernal played shortstop for the Invaders and was hitting 0.31. In his rookie season he’s had five double plays, one triple, one home run and 49 runs batted in. He stole a total of 14 bases in 66 games. McCarthy played catcher with the Invaders and was hitting .328 with 13 doubles, one triple and five home runs to his name. This includes 34 RBI in 52 games. Mejia played third base and was 19th in the Roswell league in hitting at .396. In 255 at bats he hit 19 home runs and had 88 RBI. According to the team’s website, Mejia was one of the best offensive players on the Pecos League’s Best Team (the Roswell Invaders). Right-handed pitcher Sa was second in the league with a pitcher score of 200. He struck out 54 in 73.1 innings. THE PROS Four other Bronc alumni are also currently playing professionally.
Former Broncs Mike McCarthy (left) and Vinnie Mejia (bottom) were recruited to play for the Roswell Invaders of New Mexico, along with Jonathan Sa and Roger Bernal. Mejia now plays for the Lake Erie Crushers as of Aug. 3.
Adrian Castillo/The Pan American
Right-handed pitcher Dusten Knight was drafted in the 28th round of this year’s MLB Draft by the San Francisco Giants. Right-handed pitcher Michael Zouzalik signed as an undrafted free agent by the Texas Rangers last summer after completing his eligibility with the Broncs. Third baseman and Sharyland alumnus Angel Ibañez was selected in the 28th round of last year’s MLB Draft by the Houston Astros. Frank James Jr., a left-handed pitcher who played for the Broncs from 2001-02, was drafted by the San Angelo Colts. As of Aug. 3, Mejia was traded to the Lake
Erie Crushers of the Frontier League. Mejia will continue the rest of the season with the Crushers and will most likely have his contract extended to 2014. Although Mejia is continuing his baseball career, players can never be certain of what’s in the future. According to McCarthy, all they can hope to do is continue playing. “I have no idea what’s in store for next year. I’ll see if another team calls, another league. There’s a lot of factors,” McCarthy said. “I’ll just go one step at a time.”
FRIDAY Math Center: LEAC 114 Science Center: LEAC 130 Social Science: LEACE 106
Adrian Castillo/The Pan American
Diggin’
- Nycole
Setter Masaki
By Marco Torres A new season in a new conference is on the horizon, and with it comes unanswered questions for the Lady Bronc volleyball team. One of the team’s former players, Michelle McNamee, who led in kills with 243 and total attempts with 886, transferred to the University of Louisiana-Monroe in January. Her departure left UTPA searching for a new face to step up and take the reins of the team and lead it into the Western Athletic Conference. In total, Lady Broncs lost four players and Assistant Coach Margot Frederick, now at Loyola University in New Orleans, from last year’s team that went 10-19 and set an attendance record of 5,109 fans in eight matches, beating the old record of 3,266. Sarah Davis, Ijanae Holeman, Juri Franzen, along with McNamee, are gone, but Coach Brian Yale has added six new incoming faces. “In addition, we have a talented group of incoming players that will be expected to contribute as well,” Yale said. Three of the new players are transfers and the others are from the high school
ranks. Yale got a couple of transfers from Panola College in Carthage, in East Texas. Nausheen Merchant, slated to be Franzen’s replacement at libero, was named Libero of the Year in the Region XIV North Conference as a sophomore after averaging about five digs per game during conference play. She was also first team All-Conference after receiving second team honors her freshman year. Her Panola teammate Angelica Vargas will be joining her at the University as a defensive specialist who earned honorable mention after placing second on the team in digs with 81. But it takes more than talent to win on the collegiate level and beyond. The veterans will have to come through for the Lady Broncs, who start the season Aug. 30 at the Houston Baptist Tournament. Setter Nycole Masaki is the only returning senior, in her second year with the team. She will have to bring her experience and team-leading 955 assists from last season to a new conference and different teammates. But she is not alone, she will have help from eight returning teammates.
Maria Kliefoth, middle blocker who will enter her fourth season at UTPA, and three-year veterans Krysta Freitas (right side,outside hitter), Diara Reynolds (outsider hitter) and Macey Singleton (a defensive specialist) are going to be the catalysts. “This is the first time that our roster is not dominated by freshmen and sophomores,” Yale said. “Our roster is larger this season, which provides us more depth at each position, so I expect our practices will be more competitive than the past.” With the roster loaded with experience, the Lady Broncs have a set of athletes that will work in the next couple of weeks to increase the skills and talent level of the team. “As with any year, we will continue to ask and expect more from our returners,” said Yale, who is in his third year at UTPA. “But each player will be expected to set higher goals and work to expand their role, or compete to change it altogether if they’re looking for more.”
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to get back on the court In mid-July the Lady Broncs and coaching staff finished a week of practice with current high school and junior high volleyball athletes to sharpen their skills. The volleyball camp provided the women the opportunity to teach younger generations some skills and hone their own, along with improving their overall game. “It’s time to take some big steps and generate some signature wins,” Yale said. “We must show that we’ve gained maturity as well as experience over the past two seasons.” The Lady Broncs have one senior, six juniors, four sophomores and three freshmen. According to Yale, recruits from afar are seeing the progress of the program and are excited about being a part of it. “Going forward, we’ve received multiple future commitments from players that will excite the fans for years to come,” Yale said. Having been admitted into a new conference brings the challenge to qualify for the conference tournament. According to Yale, they need to qualify for the WAC tournament each and every year. There are a total of nine teams in the
WAC conference: Cal State-Bakersfield, Chicago State, Grand Canyon, Idaho, Missouri-Kansas City, New Mexico State, Seattle University, Utah Valley and UTPA. The first WAC conference game is Sept. 28 at home against the defending WAC conference champion, New Mexico State. The Lady Aggies beat Idaho in last season’s WAC Conference tournament finals. “Getting into the conference tournament and competing for the WAC Championship also allows us to then think bigger than the WAC,” Yale said. “It gives us that opportunity to go earn the right to compete in the NCAA Tournament.” The coach stated he is “excited about the future of this program.” But he knows that the WAC is going to be a tough conference to compete in. “It is an extremely competitive volleyball conference with some long established teams,” he said. “It will be great to be playing top-notch competition each and every night we step on the floor.
9/10
Univ. of the Incarnate Word
6 p.m.
9/21
Huston-Tillotson Univ.
3 p.m.
9/28
New Mexico State Univ.
2 p.m.
9/30
Utah Valley Univ.
7 p.m.
10/3
Univ. of Idaho
7 p.m.
10/4
Seattle Univ.
7 p.m.
10/21
Grand Canyon Univ.
7 p.m.
11/6
Texas Southern Univ.
7 p.m.
11/7
Chicago State Univ.
7 p.m.
11/9
Univ. of Missouri - Kansas City 2 p.m.
11/20
CSU Bakersfield
7 p.m.
Photography by Adrian Castillo Story By Kristela Garza
Ruthless
Ruth “Peacewar” Williams #27
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Rio Grande Valley five-year veteran Ruth Ann Williams has aspirations to one-day travel the world playing roller derby. She tried out in Seattle for the USA Roller Derby team Aug. 12. Unfortunately, she did not make the team but she’s eligible to try out again next year. According to Williams, it would be an achievement to play for Team USA and skate alongside the best in the business. “I want to play for Team USA because it’s the highest level of roller derby,” she explained. “And it would be an honor. You get to go all over the world and play against the best.” Trying out for team USA is a feat. As of July 11, the Aug. 1 Seattle tryout spots were sold out, leaving only two other dates available. In order to control the amount of auditions allotted, the team mandates that those wishing to try out must pay. Tickets range in price from a $10 spectator pass, to sit and watch the tryouts without participating, to a $40 tryout pass for those willing to audition in person. There is also a $40 videoaudition ticket, if skaters can’t make it to the tryout, they can send in a video of their skills. The 23-year-old from Weslaco skates as No. 27. She’s been participating in the sport since early 2009 and has moved up the ranks to become the co-captain of the South Texas Rolleristas as well as the the captain of Fallout Brigade.
I’m very passionate about roller derby and I want to be the best I can be.
The Rolleristas are the only amateur flat track roller derby league in the Rio Grande Valley. Formed in June 2006, the Valley’s premiere roller derby league is skater-owned and operated. The league includes three teams: Fallout Brigade, Nerdcore and the Traumakazes. Their interleague season runs from January to May while the travel team goes on to derby from January to November. The travel team includes more advanced players who play all over Texas, going as far as Amarillo. She and her teammates met for practice at the Rink-n-Roll in Weslaco, off South International Boulevard. By dusk, there was crowd of women, children and men standing outside waiting for the doors to open and practice to begin. Out of the mix of bodies comes Williams, who is 5-foot-5 with bright blue eyes and eye shadow to match. She is commonly referred to by her derby name, Peacewar. Williams dedicates much of her time to roller derby, working out from five to six days a week and even paying regular visits to a chiropractor. The doctor alleviates the stress and injuries she receives from training and playing so regularly. “It’s derby life,” Williams said. “It’s very timeconsuming once you get super into it like me, but it’s definitely what you make of it.” Roller derby can also be dangerous, it is a full-contact sport, after all. The players use force and strategy to vie for
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positions on the floor against an opposing team and to score points. The game is played on an oval flat track. Because of the rough nature of the sport, all athletes must be 18 years of age or older. In 2007, Women’s Flat Track Derby Association took part in a injury survey and, out of 1,070 roller derby participants, 46 percent reported an injury that kept them from playing a game on one or more occasions. In addition, 12 reported an injury that required immediate emergency hospitalization or prolonged physical therapy. There is one type of injury that stands out: 46 percent involved knees. Though this study was done in 2007, a new one is currently being conducted by the Department of Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. According to Williams, in her nearly five-year career, she has taken quite the punishment, including her knees. “I’ve sprained my left knee and right knee,” she said. “(Sprained), like almost all my fingers, injured my left collarbone for about a month. Also, my jaw got hit so bad once that now I get lockjaw sometimes.” Players like Williams are not only attracted to the roughness and athleticism of the game. But to the variety allowed by the many positions the players can take. “There is the jammer, they are the
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35 CONTINUED frOm PG. 34 ones with the stars on their heads, ” explained Daniela Dwyer, a Rolleristas referee, a.k.a. The-Reyna-Terror. “Then there are the blockers, they make up a team of up to five or more.” Williams often transitions from position to position through a game but prefers the fast-paced job of the jammer. “They have the most fun,” she explained. “But I still love the feeling of helping your teammate get through the pack and then afterwards, have them tell you they love having you block for them ‘cause they know you have their back.” Despite the bumps and bruises along the way, Williams has gained a lot of experience. She is listed on the Rolleristas facebook page as the “fresh meat trainer.” New recruits are referred to as fresh meat and are put through training and skills tests before they are allowed to fully participate in bouts. “She’s (Williams) really friendly and welcoming,” said 23-year-old Isabela Zepeda, a fresh meat in training. “She’s one of the star players, the famous Peacewar. She’s known for hitting hard, but then she’ll just laugh her crazy laugh and say, ‘Well, you know me.’” For players like Peacewar, this sport is about more than just the pageantry and rocking cool nicknames. “I’m very passionate about roller derby and I want to be the best I can be,” Williams said. “I set goals every year for myself, and to me roller derby is not only a sport but also a way of life.” Ruth Ann Williams takes a quick break from roller derby practice at the Rink-n-Roll Roller Rink at Weslaco. Williams began practicing roller derby since 2009 and is now the captain of the South Texas Rolleristas and of the Fallout Brigade.
Welcome TO THE
As of July 1, the University joined the Western Athletic Conference. After an addition of both male and female soccer programs, two unrenewed basketball contracts and a resignation, the Athletic Department has new faces on the courts leading the Broncs. Following Denny Downing and Ryan Marks, the former women’s and men’s basketball head coaches, are Larry Tidwell and Dan Hipsher. Former men’s tennis Head Coach Paul Goode resigned earlier in the summer. In his place is Brandon Stokes. Although the first season won’t begin until fall 2014, UTPA welcomes Glad Bugariu as the University’s first women’s soccer coach. Joining the other coaches, they all have the opportunity for better postseason play and Automatic Qualification.
GET TO KNOW THE NEW COACHES Previous Employer: Florida Atlantic University -
Coach Brandon Stokes Head Previous Record:
• 2008-09 18-8 during the 2008-09 season • 2010-11 and 2011-12 led FAU to the Sun Belt • Conference Tournament finals during his first season and then a semifinal berth. • Led FAU to four winning seasons and a record of 56-37 (.602) while coaching eight All-Conference studentathletes. What interested you about working at UTPA? My interest in UTPA started with...Director of Athletics Chris King. He has made a tremendous impact in his four years here and the momentum continues to surge. I have always wanted to be part of something bigger than myself that honors the past, is honest about the
Larry Tidwell
Previous Employer: Lamar University Head Coach Previous Record: • Overall record at Lamar 106-55 • Southland Conference title • Led the Lamar Lady • Cardinals to NCAA Tournament and the WNIT. What interested you about working at UTPA? UTPA has always intrigued me, as I believe it can become a major player in women’s basketball. We can build a loyal fan base here within the Rio Grande Valley and our visiting Winter Texans and, when you fill stands, that enables you to sign top recruits that can contend for WAC championships. And, with knowledge of the merger of UTPA and UTB before accepting the job, I realized that we could educate our students as well as any school in the country, and that is huge for me because we are student-athlete’s first and foremost. What are you worried about this season? Every season presents new challenges and we definitely have our share. My style of play consists of defensive intensity and offensive transition, and with that style, a team must be athletic and they must have depth. Every opponent on our schedule has the ability to defeat the Lady Broncs, but we go by the motto: respect all, fear none. When we play, my job is to make sure that we play for the name on the front of the jersey and not on the back. I must make sure that we leave no regrets on the court and never, never give in.
By Clarissa Martinez The Pan American
present with proven results and articulates a vision not of delusional grandeur, but a vision based on who we are and filled with the right people full of positive energy and a relentless work ethic. We have this in the Bronc athletic department. I am lucky to have the opportunity to help fulfill this vision. What are your expectations for the team this year? I expect the seniors to finish what they started. Finish on our terms. Leave a defining legacy for future Broncs to be challenged and inspired by. Right now, my expectations are not as important as my current team’s expectations. We need to get to know each other. I believe in a process, and it will not be defined entirely by me from the top down. That does not work—trust me. Relationships between a coach and student-athlete are complex and intense.
Dan Hipsher
Previous Employer: University of Alabama Associate Head Coach Previous Record: • Led Tide to score an average of 58.1 points per game. • Finished last season with a 21-12 record and helped lead the team to its first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2006. What interested you about working at UTPA? (The Valley is a) great place to live and go to school. (UTPA) joining the WAC, (is an) exciting environment of new institution in the Valleycombining of UTPA and Brownsville. What are your coaching goals? Everything remains for me on the short-term. Goals are, number one, to recruit and graduate true student-athletes. Number two, give those kids a style of play and system in place that gives them a chance to be successful each and every night, both personally and as a team. What are you worried about this season? Any specific teams? Just getting these kids ready to compete and play at their best, that’s always the challenge. What are your expectations for the team this year? My expectations are to compete for championships, never less.
Glad Bugariu
Previous Employer: South Carolina State Head Coach Previous Record: • 2012 year at SCS - overall 18-12-0 • 2011 year at SCS - overall 5-11-3 • 2010 - led the SCS to an undefeated season in the GWC East Division. What interested you to work at UTPA? I believe UTPA represents a growing university with tremendous potential for success, much like most of the RGV area. It is a program that will compete for the Western Athletic Conference title after two recruiting classes and I wanted a program where immediate success was possible. What are your coaching goals? Short-term? Long-term? To produce winning teams using extremely modern methods where players enjoy the training environment. I would like to build a team that can immediately compete for a conference title in a very short time. I am not a patient man and I am a firm believer that building a program does not take years and years. We will be with a shot at a title within only two recruiting classes. Bugariu is currently out scouting for UTPA’s first women’s soccer team. The Broncs are set to begin the inaugural season of women’s soccer at UTPA as a member of the Western Athletic Conference in 2014.