March 24, 2010

Volume 66, No. 22

THE PAN AMERICAN

March 24, 2010

Provost Sale tenders resignation VPAA to teach effective April 1, Ana M. Rodriguez named interim

By Brian Silva The Pan American

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Paul Sale has resigned, effective April 1, according to President Robert S. Nelsen. Sale will return to teaching and become a tenured full professor in the College of Education at that time, but will first go on development leave.

The message of the provost’s resignation was sent via e-mail to the university community Wednesday morning, as a memo from Nelsen.

Ana Maria Rodriguez, who currently serves as the university’s senior vice provost for Academic Affairs, will fill in as interim provost while the university

conducts a national search for its next academic leader.

Nelsen expressed confidence in Rodriguez as the right person for the interim position because of her extensive experience that includes a previous stint as interim provost. He suggested the university is lucky a seasoned vet is on hand to take over for now.

Both Nelsen and Sale said the naming of a new second Paul in command is a common occurrence after the arrival of a new president. Sale noted that this is an appropriate juncture to step down, while Nelsen backed up the point by saying the completion of faculty workload issue provides a

Memorial good-bye for ‘Big D’ packed

By Roxann Garcia The Pan American Family and friends gathered at the Student Union Theater Saturday to mourn the passing of 23-year-old Daniel “Big D” Flores, a student at The University of Texas-Pan American and member of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity.

The junior died unexpectedly of a heart attack at his home in McAllen Thursday evening during the recent Spring Break. Many attended the service, coordinated by members of the fraternity, to reminisce about the beloved frat brother.

“He was an awesome friend and brother and at the end of the day he

always made us laugh,” said Frank Lara, a fraternity brother, during the service. “I don’t think somebody like him passed away; I believe he was promoted to heaven.”

Tranquility filled the room instead of somber moods, as friends made their way to the front of the theater to share memories of “Big D.” The political science major was described as a fun-loving jokester who always made the best of life.

“Every time anyone saw him, he always had that smile on him. Without him most of us wouldn’t have known each other,” Thomas Saenz, another fraternity brother, noted at the service.

SEE MEMORIAL || PAGE 6

better finish line for Sale’s tenure at the university.

Sale said his return to teaching will free up some space to allow for another provost to bring in new ideas and harness the renewed academic energy that comes with a new president.

The resignation comes in the midst of a stormy period. Two weeks ago the Faculty Senate circulated a draft resolution rebuking Sale for his handling of the faculty workload criteria development.

However, Nelsen emphasized that the resignation has nothing to do with his performance on the Sale workload issue. He said he and Sale have been contemplating the move for a while and that the decision was not made with haste.

“This has nothing to do with me being displeased with Paul,” Nelsen said.

Sale pointed out that with renewed energy comes the need for revamped momentum in the provost’s seat.

“It’s important we not have a lame duck provost,” Sale said, while Nelsen also stressed that point.

When it comes to other administrative opportunities, Sale said he is keeping all his options open, commenting that he has not actively sought any other administrative positions over the past year. Actually, he plans to stay here for the next 20 years, and expressed excitement about educational research opportunities in the Valley.

Sale has been with the university since 2006, having entered the administration of former president Blandina “Bambi” Cardenas, who resigned last January.

Nelsen expressed his deep appreciation for Sale, and said they have had a “very strong partnership,” saying that Sale made it much easier for him to transition into the role of the

presidency.

In his e-mail message, Nelsen credited Sale with creating “wide channels” of communication and collaboration among many other things. He called his tenure as provost “remarkable,” adding that “his service and expertise as provost/VPAA are very much appreciated.”

Sale said he’ll go back to educational psychology and that he’d be pleased to work the rest of his career here with his fellow education colleagues.

“I get to go back and work with kids,” Sale said. “It’s my passion.”

Before joining the Valley he was the dean of the College of Education and Human Development at Radford University in Virginia.

He received his bachelors and master’s degrees in special education from Virginia Commonwealth University, and a doctorate in education from the University of Georgia.

Norma Gonzalez /THE PAN AMERICAN

SOMBER MEMORIES - John Edwards, vice president of Enrollment and Student Services, looks at pictures of Daniel “Big D” Flores at a memorial service just outside the Student Union Theatre Saturday night.

Downtown Edinburg could soon come alive with Master Plan

By Alejandra Martinez The Pan American After reaching its centennial in the fall of 2008, Edinburg has rapidly grown but has left the development of its downtown area behind. To remedy this situation the mayor, along with the Planning and Zoning commission, has put together a team of consultants

Page 2 - Big business might Commentary: Grab bag have packed their bags, but topics they never left discussed

of

led by the firm Broaddus and Associates to design a Master Plan to revitalize the overlooked area.

The Downtown Master Plan Steering Committee, which is composed of community leaders, business people, and public sector representatives like City County Government, Edinburg School District and The University of Texas-Pan American, was Page 3 - appointed Jobs after VP for Newly graduation becoming scarce

IT services

appointed by the Edinburg City Commission to provide input to consultants conducting the study.

“They [Broaddus and Associates] have been meeting with the community to discuss all the different things they would like to see for the downtown revitalization, as well as the university,” said Marianella Franklin, director for sustainability

Vagina Monologues visits Page 11 - Holiday gift guide UTPA campus

programs at UTPA. The goal is to make downtown more attractive by designing large sidewalks and shaded areas, and install proper lighting to create a friendlier infrastructure for pedestrians. There’s also a plan to create more alternative transportation that will result in more bike lanes and less traffic so that people will feel more

& fiwith eld season PageTrack 14 - Q&A volleyball player Rebecca kicksToddy off

comfortable walking around, said Franklin.

An art district that will be closely connected to the university has been proposed as well, and there’s been talk of light rail transportation to serve as the connection between the UTPA and downtown. Another idea being discussed is the possibility

SEE DOWNTOWN || PAGE 6

Multimedia: Meet the SGA presidential candidates

March 24, 2010

Vol 66, No. 22

2

Illustrated Commentary

March 24 , 2010

1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122

EDITOR IN CHIEF

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

Roxann Garcia/ nevaeh09@msn.com MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Kristen Cabrera / kristenmichellecabrera@yahoo.com ARTS AND LIFE EDITOR

Andrielle Figueroa / j27ig@yahoo.com SPORTS EDITOR

Sara Hernandez/ sarahdzm@hotmail.com PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR

Alma Hernandez / alma.e.hdz@gmail.com SENIOR DESIGNER

Roy Bazan / rbazanzz@utpa.edu

Anthony Salinas / The Pan American

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

**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.

Commentary

Secular blurbs of thought for the week Andrielle Figuerroa A&L Editor

SGA The time has come to elect new officials for the University of Texas-Pan American Student Government Association, try saying that two times fast.

Moving on. What does SGA really do? According to the Web site, they “assist with the facilitation of the more than 30 campus committees that affect the lives of our of our student community.” Yeah, those were not my typos. SGA is supposed to have strings into groups all over campus, but those strings have been tied up for years. It seems more that the groups that hang out with each other are the ones that care. You could say the same for any other groups across campus but, ask, does

SGA directly affect me and my life on campus? Nope. This is not an attack; this is more to enlighten readers and those in the running. If there is one, it is possible there are others who feel the same way. This should give fuel to candidates to talk to students outside of the government norm, and push students to care more about the campus that we pour so much money into.

Spring Break Spring Break is over, students are back in school and the topic of the first few days is what sights were seen and who did what to whom?

Luckily, I get to add nothing to conversation but not because I got to stay home and be lazy, pfft….I wish. Spring Break is supposed to give everyone a

small vacation from the work that has endlessly been layered on since January. Working two jobs and going to school full-time I feel is definitely breakworthy. Have to work hard for that dough, which makes me despise all of the simple-minded girls who went to be ‘Girls Gone Wild’ at the beach and all of the desperate guys who went to watch them.

I would have given anything to wake up late and watch movies all night, sleep and repeat. It goes without saying; jobless, horny kids do not deserve a break to get drunk and be irresponsible. Maybe it is the bitterness talking, but nevertheless, if you work hard, you deserve a break…just try to keep your clothes on while doing so.

Health Care Plan Whether you are in the loop with the health care plan or not it’s safe to say everyone has at least heard a smidgen of information on the subject. With all of the chaos surrounding the bill it’s scary to see what people are capable of thinking. On March 20, tea party protesters yelled racial profanities and spit on United States Representatives at the U.S. Capitol. Georgia congressman John Lewis was called a “nigger” and he simply brushed it off as something no worse then what he tackled in the Civil Rights fights of the ‘60s. With madness spreading across the country and hatred being spilled on the streets, one has to wonder if this is all really about the health care plan at all.

3 Graham takes over as associate VP for tech support March 24, 2010

By Erin Menendez The Pan American Following an in-depth search, the Information Technology Support Services has appointed a new associate vice president.

Jeffrey Graham officially began March 1, with 22 years of IT experience developed throughout his career working for General

Motors/Delphi in Reynosa, Mexico.

The Michigan native relocated to the Rio Grande Valley in 1988 for the position and continued to advance with the company over the years eventually leading to his last assignment as engineering group manager overseeing 200 products from design to production.

He won the Shingo Prize in Operational Excellence for improvements and processes. The achievement has been referred to as the “Nobel Prize of manufacturing” and is awarded annually.

Further, Graham is credited for the site preparation and implementation of SAP replacing over 200 legacy

systems which are old methods of computer systems or applications.

These outdated systems can become confusing as terms are no longer applicable and replacing the structure with new technological methods is more efficient.

He graduated in 1998 from the University of Texas-Pan American

with a master’s degree in business administration.

Graham attained his bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from the University of Michigan, and a master’s in electrical engineering from Texas A&M-Kingsville.

He completed his Ph.D. in computer information systems via distance learning from Nova

“ The

things I am going to

concentrate on are how

to make ourselves more effective as a university. ”

Jeffrey Graham

VP for IT Support Services

SEE GRAHAM || PAGE 7

Flight program seeks to augment STEM interest

By Pamela Morales The Pan American

Northrop Grumman Foundation

HEADS UP - A unique, nationwide teacher/professional development program, Weightless Flight of Discovery is coming to South Texas in April with the help of the University of Texas-Pan American.

Science has always been part of human curiosity starting from the beginning of time, and it always finds a way to inspire awe.

Since 2006, the Northrop Grumman Foundation’s Weightless Flight of Discovery program has traveled across the country for students and teachers to experience not only the “mimicking of temporary weightlessness of space travel” but to further entice students onto science and math careers. To further expand this interest, UTPA has partnered with Northrop Grumman Foundation to support science, technology, engineering and math studies, known as STEM. UTPA and McAllen were selected to be one of six locations

to host the program in for two days in April. UTPA and the NGF expect 30 new teachers to participate, which will add to list of 1,120 educators involved with middle school science and math teachers with direct influence on student attitudes toward STEM studies.

“Middle school students are at a key age,” said Gus Gulmert, corporate director of communications at Northrop Grumman. “When STEM courses can be perceived as ‘uncool’ or ‘too hard.’”

The Weightless Flight of Discovery program may foster a deeper meaning and enable a connection between students and teachers as the former use workshop methods concerning the exhibit in the classroom. The plan

SEE FLIGHT || PAGE 7

Mock disaster drill to test UTPA readiness

By Naxiely Lopez The Pan American On April 16 a truck carrying 165 gallons of two hazardous chemicals that should not be mixed will veer off the road in order to avoid being hit, and will spill its content near the Child Development Center a t the University of Texas-Pan American. The driver will step out and try to stop the chemicals from further spilling, but he will collapse after inhaling the cloud of smoke that is growing and drifting toward the playground where children are located.

Luckily, this “accident” will

be staged by graduate students enrolled in an emergency response training course, the UTPA Department of Environmental Health and Safety, and members of the community who have come together to prepare for an actual disaster by simulating one.

UTPA social work professor Sharon Pittman, also a worldwide disaster responder trainer, is heading this exercise along with Dr. Richard Costello, the director of the university’s Environmental Health and Safety department.

“Should a true emergency happen, our campus needs to be better prepared,” Pittman said.

SEE SPILL || PAGE 7

Alma E. Hernandez /THE PAN AMERICAN

GUITAR HERO - Arnold Fonseca, a computer engineering freshman, plays his guitar for Iliana Jimenez, a graphic design freshman, in the library lobby March 23.

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March 24, 2010

NEWS

DOWNTOWN

continued from Page 1

Freddie Martinez /THE PAN AMERICAN

PULITZER FINALIST - Distinguished Speaker Luis Alberto Urrea speaks to a crowd at the Fine Arts Theatre Tuesday night. The last speaker in the Series told students to never let anyone get in their way. The native Mexican told the crowd stories of his youth and how such stories became the basis for his award-winning literature pieces. Most of Urrea’s work center’s on border culture.

of turning 13 th Street into an attraction zone similar to 17 th Street in McAllen.

“Right now downtown Edinburg is a couple of restaurants and a lot of attorneys’ offices, there’s no attraction in that.” Franklin said. “This will create revenue not only for the city but also for the university because as the city becomes more attractive, it attracts more students from out of town and out of state.”

Other areas of focus in the plan includes a proposal to redesign the Hidalgo County Courthouse square to incorporate a green area suitable for farmer’s markets, pedestrian access, and outdoor entertainment. Another proposal suggests the building of a hotel with a conference center for both community and university events.

“It’s not just about entertainment; it’s about having mixed-use development. We want people living downtown, we want people eating, making art, and entertaining downtown,” Franklin explained.

“And there’s no reason why it can’t be, as long as we bring all those type of amenities that attract people and do it in the right way.”

According to Franklin this is a long-term commitment that

involves both the community and the university. Revitalizing the whole downtown area can take up from 15 to 20 years.

Although rebuilding might mean taking away property from some people, in the long run this will be beneficial, she said.

“It’s bringing downtown Edinburg back to life, that’s what revitalization means. You’re taking a five-minute walk to what you need,” Franklin said. “Whether it’s entertainment, food, a clinic, shopping, it’s all going to be within that area, and you’re going to want to go because you know it’s a safe and attractive place.”

According to Edinburg City Manager Ramiro Garza, the hope is to finalize the process by May in order to start adding steps on the implementation of the Plan and begin talks about funding.

A possible source for funds is the Economic Development Corporation.

“The idea is to combine whatever public improvements are made to be leveraged with private investment.

Our goal is to finalize the things that need to be done so that funding can be made available starting the first day of the fiscal year, which is October 1,” Garza said.

MEMORIAL

continued from Page 1 “He brought us friendships; he was the always cracking jokes.”

Well over 100 friends gathered glue that brought us all together.”

More attendees began to enter the theater as family sat in the front row near the as the room filled with more laughter rather Greeks. Throughout the night many paid their respects as they walked up toward than tears over stories told about Flores.

“I remember taking a trip with ‘Big the stage area. Loved ones suggested D’ up to Kansas for a fraternity event. that latecomers back from the break We had to pass through Oklahoma and might have swelled attendance even by that time we were starving so we more had they been able to come.

“I just want to make it clear to the decided to stop at a Burger King,” Phi family that this Sigma Kappa room would member Daniel have had people Lopez explained. “ He was an awesome “We wanted a friend and brother and standing for ‘Big D.’ This is only Texas double but a fraction of the u n f o r t u n a t e l y at the end of the day he people’s lives he Burger King touched,” Lopez in Oklahoma always made us laugh. said. doesn’t carry I donʼt think somebody After hearing Texas doubles.” n u m e r o u s “So we asked like him passed away; I testimonies of if they could just the impact the throw some bacon believe he was promoted young man made, and jalapenos but to heaven. ” George Flores, they kept telling Flores’ older us that they brother, ultimately couldn’t modify Frank Lara made his way to our meals,” the Phi Sigma Kappa the front. brother continued.

“My family “It was late; they and I are in awe weren’t having it, over the turnout but as we were getting ready to drive off, ‘Big D’ looks tonight. We had no clue as to how great over at me and back at the drive-thru my brother’s impact was,” Flores said. cashier and says, ‘Oklahoma sucks!’ “We appreciate all of this and that’s what as we drove off. But that was ‘Big D,’ we really want to express.”

Friends and family were not the only ones in attendance; some faculty members from UTPA also made an appearance.

“I think it’s amazing that the university along with the students were able to gather so quickly. I feel that it is evident that here at Pan Am, we are all family,” UTPA President Robert Nelsen commented after the service. “We should all support each other.”

The Office of Student Development along with Counseling and Psychological Services at UTPA were instrumental in arranging the service.

Counselors stood nearby for anyone that may have been interested in talking.

“There are many stages of grief that an individual goes through,” noted Christopher Albert, clinical supervisor. “The important thing is that we’re here to listen.”

Advisement through the Counseling and Psychological Services is offered to anyone that may need a helping hand with a crisis. Its offices are located at the University Center, Suite 215, and are open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Thursday.

Offices close at five on Fridays.

“If there is a student dealing with a crisis, we’re here to work them through it,” said director Lise Blankenship.

For further information students can contact the center at 381-2533 or through e-mail at Blankenship@utpa. edu.

Freddie Martinez/THE PAN AMERICAN

UNDER CONSTRUCTION - UTPA is working closely with the City of Edinburg to redevelop the downtown area with friendlier infrastructure for pedestrians.

March 24, 2010

NEWS

FLIGHT

GRAHAM

continued from Page 3 is to target middle school teachers but education majors on campus too.

“This program will give teachers the tools to go back into their classrooms,” said Jessica Salinas, director of community and economy development at UTPA, “and shape our students into our next generation of future engineers and scientists.”

Students and teachers will expect the zero gravity flights performed on an FAA approved aircraft called G-Force One, which will be conducted in “dedicated airspace 100 miles long by 10 miles wide.” The trained pilots will create a sequence of maneuvers called parabolas, or arcs, between the altitudes of 24,000 feet and 32,000 feet. The many angles will then create a 30-second “temporary zero-gravity environment,” such as the moon, on the flight. The many workshops will be primarily about experiments dealing with weightless so teachers and students will know what to do on the day of the flight.

According to a survey taken by teachers from a post-flight, 98 percent said their experience with

Page 7

continued from Page 3 Weightless Flight of Discovery “significantly inspired their teaching career.” The survey has been given to the participating teachers every year since the program started. This will help NGF see the effectiveness and defects of the program such as the number of students becoming interested in any study within STEM. Overall, it’s valuable information to help inspire other teachers to apply and students to be able to become interested in fields of studies that affect college embodiment of STEM majors and graduates.

“The Weightless Flights programs will give UTPA students a creative solution,” Gulmert suggested. “This they can apply in the real world and it’s a oncein-a-lifetime experience.”

This experience will focus on workshops throughout the day April 10 and participants can experience weightlessness with their very own space suit April 30 at the McAllen Miller International Airport.

To apply for the program or seek further information, look into the Web site: www.northropgrumman. com/goweightless by March 26.

New tech boss seeks efficiency for UTPA achieve department goals. This includes working with students, faculty, and staff to create the most cost effective methods to providing support services.

“I have always had an interest in engineering and I have always been interested in technology and how it is used to be more efficient,” Graham said. “The things I am going to concentrate on are how to

Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale-Davie, Fla. Graham said about his decision to make a career change, “I found the position on the Pan American Web site and I have always watched the university grow over the years and applied for the position.”

Graham will work closely with the Vice President of the IT Department in partnership to

make ourselves more effective as a university.”

The department plays a vital role in the functioning of various aspects including managing computing labs, networking, telephone services, help desk, repair services, video resources, and internet services.

According to Graham the IT department is continually working

FESTIBA Highlights

College of Arts & Humanities event continues through Friday Thursday, March 25 Lectures •“Border Music: Conflict, Resistance and Identity” 10 a.m., FIAC 103 •“Democracy and Revolution” 4:30 p.m., Museum of South Texas History Friday, March 26 Film •“Mexican Revolution’s

SPILL

continued from Page 3 “And that is what this learning partnership much higher before the April 16 test of the campus-wide Bronc alert system.” class is all about.”

Lizeth Maldonado, a criminal justice It is called a learning partnership class because of two seminars that will be open major, said she was not signed up for Bronc to health and human service professionals Alerts, but says she’ll do it.

“My sister received a text message about from the community before the April 16 a leak in the Education Building a couple disaster simulation.

“We have community first-responders of months ago, and it said they cancelled who are partnering with us in this training classes,” she added.

According to the UTPA Web site, Bronc exercise,” said Pittman, who is teaching both a graduate social work class and the Alerts is composed of an outdoor warning system, an indoor warning system, and seminars.

Sarah Herrmann, a graduate student an emergency messaging system that will send an e-mail, voice mail, enrolled in the course, text message, and fax to says that the students are devices divided into several teams, “Should a true emergency communication designated by the UTPA all of whom have specific happen, our campus needs community recipients. roles or tasks in the mock Students, faculty, and chemical spill. to be better prepared.” staff can sign up by going to “My team is in charge www.utpa.edu/emergency. of networking – making They will be asked to contacts throughout the community and acting as Sharon Pittman provide an e-mail address, the central brain of the UTPA social work professor a cell phone number where they can receive a text operation,” she said. message, a phone number Herrmann added that there is a media group in charge where they can receive a voice mail, and of advertising and marketing. They’re possibly an alternative voice mail.

Those who do not wish to receive a text, trying to get students to sign up for Bronc Alerts, the system used to notify the UTPA or specific type of notification can leave community in the event of an immediate that field empty. Those who sign up can threat to campus health and safety. The also remove themselves from the system.

In any case, the emergency responders for Alerts program has not caught on yet.

“Only three percent of our current staff this mock chemical spill hope that you are not and students are using this system,” Pittman one of the uninformed when the smoke begins Said. “We would like to get that number to build April 16.

Impact

on

European 20th century” 2 p.m., Student Union Theater Presentation •Writers’ Bloc Presents “Con la Pluma en la Mano” 2:30 p.m., TBA Panel •“The Decline of Positivism and the Mexican Revolution” 3 p.m. Museum of South Texas History

THE PAN AMERICAN

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March 24, 2010

THE PAN AMERICAN

March 24, 2010

Meet the SGA candidates

Page 9

Go to the panamericanonline.com for EXCLUSIVE Multimedia coverage including a video interview and animated political points.

Story by Roxann Garcia / Photos by Kristen Cabrera

Mark Allen Vice presidential candidate

Eric Torres Vice presidential candidate

“We’re looking to create larger-thanlife moments for the student body.”

Daniel Lopez 24-year-old Presidential candidate

“We are truly inspired by our fellow students.

All must know they are listened to, and no concern is too small.”

Brian Silva Erika Perez

“I discovered that SGA allowed me to interact with other student leaders who shared their knowledge and experience.”

Alex Rodriguez

Presidential and vice presidential candidates

The changing of the guard is coming, as Student Government Association elections approach and candidates begin to make their way into the spotlight.

This year’s contenders include Alex Rodriguez and his running mate for vice president, Mark Allen; Brian Silva and current SGA senator Erika Perez; with ultimately, Daniel Lopez and McAllen native Eric Torres as the final set.

Announcements of the candidacies were made March 12 just before Spring Break. UTPA students were given the opportunity to meet the possibles Tuesday in the Student Union Commons Area. The Candidate Debate is scheduled to take place on Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. on the Library lawn. Each set of candidates will have an opportunity to lay out their platform with online voting running from March 29 through April 2.

22-year-old Rodriguez is a business management major with a minor in Spanish, while his running mate Allen, 22, will be attaining a bachelor’s degree in social

22-year-old Presidential canidate

studies composite.

Rodriguez, a Harlingen native, began his career at SGA in fall of 2007 as a first year intern.

“I discovered that SGA allowed me to interact with other student leaders who shared their knowledge and experience,” the current senator for the College of Business Administration said.

Shortly afterward the senior was appointed chair of the University and Community Affairs Committee and immediately began working closely with students on programs such as Ace the Test, which provides free scantrons to students in exchange for their input on campus issues.

“When I started to see more students coming into our office, I became even more motivated in approaching them easily,” Rodriguez noted.

Allen, a New Braunfels native, was also well on his way to becoming a student leader during this time. The two met at Freshmen Camp on campus in fall 2007.

Allen became involved with the Young Democrats and Political Science Association and held officer positions in both organizations. He is currently co-president of the PSA and started the Students for Obama for President chapter at UTPA, eventually becoming one of the few students invited to participate in a panel discussion with Obama during his campaign visit to UTPA in 2008.

“As of today, we both have combined our knowledge of student issues on campus,” Allen noted in reference to his running mate. “We know how important it is to advocate and give the student body the opportunity to be proactive and take the initiative on pressing issues.”

Rodriguez is set to graduate in May 2011 while Allen is scheduled for the following spring semester.

Brian Silva, 22, is a journalism major who has served on numerous city, county and nonprofit boards and commissions since the age of 15 in his hometown of Corpus

Christi. There, he fought for youth, student rights and initiatives. Silva also served on student government at Del Mar College where he worked to promote student issues to the Board of Regents and Legislature.

“Listening to student’s ideas and issues has led me to believe strongly in student government’s ability to bring all to the table and forge collaborative solutions,” noted Silva, who has been the editor-in-chief of The Pan American student newspaper for two semesters.

Erika Perez, a 22-year-old originally from Pharr, has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in communication. She is currently pursuing a master’s in counseling and guidance.

Perez graduated in the top 10 percent of her class under the Distinguished Achievement Plan from P-S-J-A High School, where she was also a member of the National Honor Society. She has been involved with SGA for the past two years and currently serves as secretary of the

Senate.

“We each have experiences that complement each other, ranging from our work pushing student rights and issues at the state and federal level, to using ourselves as a channel between students and UTPA administration,” the duo noted in its platform.

Silva is set to graduate in Spring 2011 while Perez is scheduled for the fall semester of that year.

“We are truly inspired by our fellow students,” Silva and Perez mentioned. “All must know they are listened to, and no concern is too small.”

The third set of candidates consists of Lopez, 24, and his running mate, 24-year-old Torres. Lopez, a La Villa native, is a communication major who is also in the process of attaining a minor in theatre. Torres is originally from McAllen and is working toward a bachelor’s in engineering.

Both Lopez and Torres are members of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, with Lopez serving as president and

Torres at second in command as vice-president of their chapter.

“We are part of the social side of the UTPA Student body,” Lopez noted. “Having become leaders of a social organization, we’ve learned how to organize responsibilities and better prepare ourselves for the working world.”

Both candidates hope to create a student life ‘so outrageous,’ that it will evolve into an everlasting Bronc tradition, the duo noted. The goal is to give more back to the students and find ways of creating scholarships while adding new programs within the community to better assist students.

“We’re looking to create larger-than-life moments for the student body,” Lopez said.

As aforementioned, online voting begins March 29 and is available for students through April 2 via e-mail.

A unique link will be sent to students directing him or her to a unique ballot to cast their votes.

THE PAN AMERICAN

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March 24, 2010

THE PAN AMERICAN

March 24, 2010

Meet the SGA candidates

Page 9

Go to the panamericanonline.com for EXCLUSIVE Multimedia coverage including a video interview and animated political points.

Story by Roxann Garcia / Photos by Kristen Cabrera

Mark Allen Vice presidential candidate

Eric Torres Vice presidential candidate

“We’re looking to create larger-thanlife moments for the student body.”

Daniel Lopez 24-year-old Presidential candidate

“We are truly inspired by our fellow students.

All must know they are listened to, and no concern is too small.”

Brian Silva Erika Perez

“I discovered that SGA allowed me to interact with other student leaders who shared their knowledge and experience.”

Alex Rodriguez

Presidential and vice presidential candidates

The changing of the guard is coming, as Student Government Association elections approach and candidates begin to make their way into the spotlight.

This year’s contenders include Alex Rodriguez and his running mate for vice president, Mark Allen; Brian Silva and current SGA senator Erika Perez; with ultimately, Daniel Lopez and McAllen native Eric Torres as the final set.

Announcements of the candidacies were made March 12 just before Spring Break. UTPA students were given the opportunity to meet the possibles Tuesday in the Student Union Commons Area. The Candidate Debate is scheduled to take place on Thursday from noon to 1 p.m. on the Library lawn. Each set of candidates will have an opportunity to lay out their platform with online voting running from March 29 through April 2.

22-year-old Rodriguez is a business management major with a minor in Spanish, while his running mate Allen, 22, will be attaining a bachelor’s degree in social

22-year-old Presidential canidate

studies composite.

Rodriguez, a Harlingen native, began his career at SGA in fall of 2007 as a first year intern.

“I discovered that SGA allowed me to interact with other student leaders who shared their knowledge and experience,” the current senator for the College of Business Administration said.

Shortly afterward the senior was appointed chair of the University and Community Affairs Committee and immediately began working closely with students on programs such as Ace the Test, which provides free scantrons to students in exchange for their input on campus issues.

“When I started to see more students coming into our office, I became even more motivated in approaching them easily,” Rodriguez noted.

Allen, a New Braunfels native, was also well on his way to becoming a student leader during this time. The two met at Freshmen Camp on campus in fall 2007.

Allen became involved with the Young Democrats and Political Science Association and held officer positions in both organizations. He is currently co-president of the PSA and started the Students for Obama for President chapter at UTPA, eventually becoming one of the few students invited to participate in a panel discussion with Obama during his campaign visit to UTPA in 2008.

“As of today, we both have combined our knowledge of student issues on campus,” Allen noted in reference to his running mate. “We know how important it is to advocate and give the student body the opportunity to be proactive and take the initiative on pressing issues.”

Rodriguez is set to graduate in May 2011 while Allen is scheduled for the following spring semester.

Brian Silva, 22, is a journalism major who has served on numerous city, county and nonprofit boards and commissions since the age of 15 in his hometown of Corpus

Christi. There, he fought for youth, student rights and initiatives. Silva also served on student government at Del Mar College where he worked to promote student issues to the Board of Regents and Legislature.

“Listening to student’s ideas and issues has led me to believe strongly in student government’s ability to bring all to the table and forge collaborative solutions,” noted Silva, who has been the editor-in-chief of The Pan American student newspaper for two semesters.

Erika Perez, a 22-year-old originally from Pharr, has a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in communication. She is currently pursuing a master’s in counseling and guidance.

Perez graduated in the top 10 percent of her class under the Distinguished Achievement Plan from P-S-J-A High School, where she was also a member of the National Honor Society. She has been involved with SGA for the past two years and currently serves as secretary of the

Senate.

“We each have experiences that complement each other, ranging from our work pushing student rights and issues at the state and federal level, to using ourselves as a channel between students and UTPA administration,” the duo noted in its platform.

Silva is set to graduate in Spring 2011 while Perez is scheduled for the fall semester of that year.

“We are truly inspired by our fellow students,” Silva and Perez mentioned. “All must know they are listened to, and no concern is too small.”

The third set of candidates consists of Lopez, 24, and his running mate, 24-year-old Torres. Lopez, a La Villa native, is a communication major who is also in the process of attaining a minor in theatre. Torres is originally from McAllen and is working toward a bachelor’s in engineering.

Both Lopez and Torres are members of the Phi Sigma Kappa fraternity, with Lopez serving as president and

Torres at second in command as vice-president of their chapter.

“We are part of the social side of the UTPA Student body,” Lopez noted. “Having become leaders of a social organization, we’ve learned how to organize responsibilities and better prepare ourselves for the working world.”

Both candidates hope to create a student life ‘so outrageous,’ that it will evolve into an everlasting Bronc tradition, the duo noted. The goal is to give more back to the students and find ways of creating scholarships while adding new programs within the community to better assist students.

“We’re looking to create larger-than-life moments for the student body,” Lopez said.

As aforementioned, online voting begins March 29 and is available for students through April 2 via e-mail.

A unique link will be sent to students directing him or her to a unique ballot to cast their votes.

March 24, 2010

10

Valley finds Expressionism through Fun Day

By Andrielle Figueroa the pan american

Talk show host Jerry Springer will be debuting “Baggage” on the Game Show Network. The dating show will feature three contestants revealing their faults to a potential date, while trying to steal their heart.

A film about four friends that travel in a bubbly time warp and find themselves back in 1986 opens March 26. Directed by Steve Pink, the comedy stars John Cusack, Craig Robinson, Chevy Chase and many others.

Last Sunday not only marked the end of Spring Break, but the beginning of a link between music, creativity and the Valley.

March 21 exhibited Fun Day; a day filled to the brim with tastes of South-by-South West (SXSW) in our own backyard.

Goodbar Productions pieced together the event of 21 bands, six vendors, four artists and two DJ’s at Ambiente music venue located on South 17th Street in downtown McAllen, the likes of which places like Austin and Chicago are no strangers to. The Valley on the other hand has seen attempts but not quite like this.

Rather than compiling a bunch of mainstream bands that would bring in the dough, they gave a more subtle approach to the idea of a festival. Usually when someone attends music events similar to this they pay gobs of cash for a place to stay, food, drinks, parking and the ticket. We are talking about hundreds of dollars, hundreds of dollars for a band you may or may not meet, and an $8 beer.

Moderately priced at $10 a head, the entrance served as a dance

16-year-old Illinois native Annie Levitz has developed carpal tunnel syndrome from constant texting.

Nielsen Research has found that the average teenager sends 3,146 text messages each month.

lastfm.com HEAR THEM ROAR - Miniature Tigers premiered mostly new songs to an excited crowd of music lovers late Sunday afternoon. The first single off the band’s second full-length effort will be Gold Skull.

While the Canadian members of Boys Who Say No stood around mingling with people, it brought a lot of attention to keyboardist Mike Lobel, who was recognized for his role on the Canadian series “Degrassi” on Teen Nick.

This unlikely combination of artist, musician, and arts appreciator is what Fun Day symbolized. In a day

and age of Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace, connecting with someone physically and musically is something deeper than a 140-character update.

A day with sunlight and fresh air is just what the doctor ordered, and actually returning to the ancient art of oral communication is something healthy, normal and not to be forgotten.

Annual festival offers melting pot of music, intimacy

By Victor Ituarte the pan american

That’s right, that adorable 15-year-old Justin Bieber has another album, and you know you loved the first single “Baby,” featuring Ludacris. You can say it’s for your little sister.

area where DJ’s bumped the beats and onlookers could order a drink.

Walking in, attendees came face to face with Simon Alexander, the conversationalist with his own booth where one could talk “aboot” anything. This led out to the patio that was lined with vendors from the Edinburg store Flipside to local artists Carl Vestweber and Justin Cockmonger.

The main stage faced west while the floor stage faced east, making the bands equal to cowboys in an old time Western; the gunfire was power chords and drum solos.

Writer Andres Sanchez, of local music blog ‘The Photon God’ admitted the show was full of excitement, and switches between stages kept the bands back to back, which added a good pace.

Local talent was all around but what drew in a lot of attention was the out-of-town faces.

Bands like Miniature Tigers, Japanther, Dawes and Boys Who Say No came from all over the U.S. and Canada. Miniature Tigers from Arizona brought a dancy feel to the evening. Singer Charlie Brand stepped off the stage to have a more intimate “dance party” with fans in the crowd.

Every year, the South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival and conference in Austin lures thousands upon thousands of visitors from every corner of the world.

What separates SXSW from most, if not all, music festivals is the opportunity to not only see a favorite band perform as many as six times, but sometimes pay close to nothing.

One may be overzealous to see their favorite artists, but there is nothing like discovering a new performer who also strikes a visceral chord within.

Sliimy – pop – Paris, France Coming in from France was 21-year-old Yanis Sahraoui, known to the world as Sliimy. He was recently introduced in America by way of the self-proclaimed gossip gangster known as the much-hated blogger Perez Hilton. Perezcious Music, Hilton’s label imprint on Warner Bros.

Records, signed Sliimy as its first artist. Hilton also brought him along to entertain the crowd on the Perez Hilton Presents Tour along with other up-and-coming artists.

A French foreign exchange student studying at the University of Texas at Austin shared that his performances in France sell out at about $50 or $60 per ticket. This show was made available for SXSW attendees at a measly $7.

Despite the attendance of around 50 people, it was quite clear that he performed as big as he might in an arena filled with fans.

It also does well to note that missing from his instrument arsenal were any sort of electronic devices, synthesizers, or keyboards to make the prevalent beeps and boops from his album “Paint Your Face.” One might think this would remove the “danceability” from his songs, but, using only the rock’n’roll staples, Sliimy still injected much energy and excitement into the attendees. During a rendition of “Trust Me,” he pranced around offstage offering the crowd an opportunity to sing into the microphone.

The Honey Brothers – new wave folk – New York, U.S.A. Whenever word reaches my ear(s) about the existence of an actor-turnedmusician’s band, I approach with caution. Curiosity, the convenience of sticking around after Steel Train’s performance at The Parish on 6th Street, and wanting to squeeze more value out of my $7 admission fee led me to The Honey Brothers, or “That Guy From Entourage’s Band.”

My dubious suppositions were laid to rest when the quintet took to instruments and expelled a funky, upbeat sound similar to ska minus the brass. A modified electric ukulele and a banjo assisted the other instruments in providing a simple, catchy beat.

While the energy was high for the first few songs, The Honey Brothers’ choice to go with slower, ukuleleexcluded songs brought down the energy after a spell.

Overall, though, their live show was a very positive, surprising, and fun performance. However, after researching a couple tracks online, it became clear maybe The Honey Brothers should only be experienced live. But with a surely enjoyable time and a chance to cast your glances on a TV star, that may not necessarily be a bad thing.

Oh No Ono – ???? – Copenhagen, Denmark One of the best finds this year was Denmark’s Oh No Ono. The group received the honor of being one of Spin Magazine’s Best SXSW Bands for 2010. Not bad for a band whose first performance in the United States was two months ago.

Frigid Saturday temperatures and an outdoor setting did not stop over 200 people (not the least of whom was Drake Bell from Nickelodeon’s “Drake & Josh”) from invading the backyard of the house-turned-bar Lustre Pearl for a show sponsored by Dickies.

Much energy burst from Malthe Fischer’s quirky voice, which went hand-in-hand with Kristoffer Rom’s playful bashing of the drums.

Oh No Ono sounds a lot like a chilled out MGMT with less experimental melodies and instruments.

MEN OF SXSW- Sliimy, Oh No Ono, and The Honey Brothers (topdown) make music in Texas.

March 24, 2010

ARTS AND LIFE

Page 11

Vagina Monologues: Attendees not shy on issues was a superlative thrown around like confetti in the immediate moments following the performance.

The cast shared the stage as well as “Cunt! Cunt! Cunt!” Thus came possessed it, all donning black outfits the chorus from the crowd, chanting with a splash of red, in the form of along with Arlene Cornejo during her bandanas, shoes, patches, scarves, or “Reclaiming Cunt” monologue. belts. With use of humor, the group As President of VOX: Voices for tried to illustrate what it’s like for Planned Parenthood, a nationwide a woman coming into her sexuality student group promoting sexual while perhaps dealing with issues health, she was instrumental in not ranging from insecure clichés to much only the actual performance, but also too ignored “real issues.” making sure awareness of the message “We’re just trying to create a was augmented. new vehicle to promote using and “I hope everyone leaves feeling as knowing your body,” said Cornejo, a though they’ve pushed their comfort psychology major at UTPA. level,” she said in Throughout the introduction to the monologues the latest rendition and confirmed by of The Vagina the show’s bareM o n o l o g u e s , “Iʼll admit it was a boned conclusion, the popular bit difficult to watch. its main aim activist dramatic was to promote exhibition which My comfort level was the cessation of has traveled the definitely pushed, and itʼs femicide, a word country promoting used to describe w o m e n ’ s something Iʼll be thinking both verbal and e m p o w e r m e n t about for the next few physical abuse since 1996. The against women, UTPA version days, certainly.” particularly in was performed the Democratic March 20 at 7 Republic of Congo pm at the Albert where “rape is Jeffers Theatre on used as a weapon Martha Reynfield of war to torture campus.

Brownsville native T h e and humiliate overarching theme women and girls.” was stopping As far as violence against the show itself, women, but it’s The Vagina also a play about women being familiar Monologues is a nationally displayed with their bodies. Through jocular production with local adjustments and serious anecdotes, women talk depending on where it is seen. Many of about being disgusted by themselves, the monologues will be recognizable confused about their bodies, fearful of to those familiar with the original how they’re perceived by the opposite script, but the women set themselves sex, and also coming into their apart with honest acting, seeming to sexuality in various ways. feel a personal connection to each At times it borders on monologue. overwhelming, but that’s the point.

“It’s like a sisterhood. We’re all The play serves as a statement about directing ourselves, while taking female sexuality, and “powerful” pointers from each other,” Cornejo said.

By James Sullivan the pan american

Pat & Rowley Illustrated by Anthony Salinas the pan american

Norma Gonzalez / THE PAN AMERICAN THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID - VOX: Voices for Planned Parenthood presented The Vagina Monologues at the Jeffers Theatre March 20. All proceeds from the performance will benefit the Planned Parenthood Association of Hidalgo County and Mujeres Unidas.

The show was powerful but as is usually the case, dealing with raw subject matter was trying for the participants.

“It was a bit difficult,” actor Beckie Rodriguez admitted. “But it was fulfilling being up there doing it ourselves.”

Each bit carried a distinguishable feature from women of all different backgrounds. The show opened with a Spanish-language monologue and segued gracefully into an elderly woman talking about “down there,” and how she hadn’t been down there since ’53.

After the show, there was a gettogether involving the cast and some of the audience. The remarks were positive while many admitted their comfort levels had been pushed.

“I’ll admit it was a bit difficult to watch,” said Martha Reynfield, a 63-year-old retired teacher making the trip from Brownsville. As she exited the theatre, she maintained that the purpose was served. “My comfort level was definitely pushed, and it’s something I’ll be thinking about for the next few days, certainly.”

Though this is a play about women, it isn’t geared solely

toward them. In fact, the original purpose of the production is to raise awareness about women’s issues among all people.

“It was really insightful,” said Javi Gonzalez, biology major. “Just how it is to be a woman, all their struggles, what they have to go through—it was really powerful.”

VOX, along with some help from the Women’s Studies program at UTPA, noted a solid turnout, and members of each encourage anyone interested in becoming involved in women’s issues to e-mail at vox.utpa@ gmail.com for more information.

Page 12

the Pan American

March 24, 2010

13

March 24, 2010

Women’s basketball finishes season at GWC tournament

By Sara Hernandez The Pan American

Alma E. Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN

OUTSTANDING - Freshman Bianca Torre was the most effective scorer for the Lady Broncs this season with an average of 13.6 points per

The season is done. After defeating Houston Baptist 69-61 in the first round of the Great West Conference Tournament the University of Texas Pan-American women’s basketball program fell 72-61 against Utah Valley in the semifinals at Orem, Utah.

“We were very excited, it was the first time at a conference tournament for all of us,” freshman Bianca Torre said. “We were hopeful we’d win it all, but we gave it what we had, we worked hard and played well but fell in the second round.”

The loss was an unfortunate one.

The Lady Broncs led throughout the game until the last eight minutes, when the Wolverines caught up and overcame them.

Following the victory against UTPA, Utah Valley defeated North Dakota 70-62 Saturday. North Dakota came into the GWC Tournament as the leader in the standings but the host school came through with an upset.

For the Lady Broncs, the 2009-10 season demonstrated that a team can improve based on daily work and finding team chemistry. The record

stood at 2-12 by the end of 2009 but game this season.

“It’s a great honor, I think there improved to 11-6 in 2010 adding up to a 13-18 mark. The women fell one were a couple of girls in the team who triumph short of tying the school re- deserved it too, but I thank God and my teammates. I was cord for most wins in a very excited,” she season.

Coach Denny “It’s a great honor, I think said.

Now that the seaDowning, who came to there were a couple of UTPA last summer, re- girls in the team who son is over, Torre looks at her first camflected on his first year deserved it too” paign as a collegiate as head coach, mentioning that commitBianca Torre player as a good experience, which she ment to the program is GWC All-Tournament attributes to support what moved the squad from coaches and forward as the season teammates. Particuprogressed.

“I can’t say enough about the kids larly, she holds reverence for the exitI inherited. There is not a kid on the ing seniors – Rose Esther Jean, Aleeya team that I recruited,” he pointed out Grigsby, Marah Guzman, Rachel Hesin a press release. “We started the sea- ter, and Taylor Schneider – who set an son 0-8. Had we won today, we would example of the way a veteran player have tied the school record for most should lead.

“I’m really sad, they were very wins in a season.”

In addition, freshman Torre was good leaders; they made my first exnamed to the GWC All-Tournament perience very memorable,” Torre said.

Team, and is the conference Newcom- “Whoever is coming next as a senior er of the Year. Torre scored 22 points next year must fill in their shoes. We against Utah Valley, and led the stats are going to be wiser next year, we averaging 13.6 points per game with know other teams better, and we can a total of 407 points in 30 games. The adjust now because we want to win the Harlingen native started all but one conference.”

Broncs advance to semi-finals, Tennis wins one of three on SB weekend fall short against South Dakota

By Benny Salinas The Pan American

The Broncs spent the beginning of their Spring Break in Orem, Utah for the Great West Conference Basketball Tournament, advancing to the semi-finals after winning against Utah Valley in the first round, 56-53. They lost to South Dakota in the next round however, 76-71.

“From the standpoint of my team, I couldn’t be prouder of these guys,” Ryan Mark, head men’s basketball coach, said in a press release. Though the season ended in Utah, the program showed improvement as the year progressed, rebounding from a 1-17 start to go .500 the rest of the way.

“Our record at the end doesn’t really reflect the distance we have come as a team,” Marks said. “If you go back and watch games we played earlier through now and evaluate the caliber of basketball we are playing, we have come light-years.”

The first game of the tournament against Utah was a tough one, with the score remaining close until the end. Utah led at the half 25-23 and the second half was littered with ties and lead changes. Utah’s last advantage of the game was on a two-point jumper with only 58 seconds left on the clock, bringing them up 53-51.

The Broncs answered with a three pointer by junior Nick Weiermiller for a one-point bulge. Two free throws by junior Matt Mierzycki cinched the

By Neena Hernandez The Pan American

deal, giving the Broncs a 56-53 win.

Weiermiller, Mierzycki and junior Julius Hearn were all in double digits this game, scoring 18, 10 and 11 points respectively.

Following their victory against Utah, the Broncs faced the top team in the Great West Conference, the University of South Dakota. USD swept the Broncs in both meetings this season and compiled a 21-10 record heading into the tourney. USD would continue the dominance but not by much, winning by five in a close game featuring seven lead changes and a Bronc lead for the majority of the second half.

The broncs lost the momentum but stayed strong, with a pair of free throws from USD with fou seconds left finally sealing it.

The Broncs remained optimistic about their season. Marks said that despite the number of close losses the team went through they kept chipping away at things to become a better team. besides losing seniors Luis Valera and Ben Smith, the program welcomes back most of the cast that made strides in 2010.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the team for doing something of that magnitude,” Marks said. “I have a lot of returners and I look forward to building on this with them next year.”

Coming in with a streak of five straight wins, The University of TexasPan American men’s tennis team fell short in two tournaments last weekend.

Their first game took place at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La., March 20. Although the rain left the No. 6 spot hanging until the next day, it didn’t help any for UTPA. The tally overall was Nicholls 5, UTPA 4.

The only Bronc to beat out a Colonel for the singles competition was Ashwin Vijayaragavan, a junior from Andhrapradesh, India. He defeated Radu Ionescu in two out of three sets, 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.

The team’s overall record is now 6-9 heading into the next action Tuesday at home against TAMU-CC. “I believe the loss was disappointing, we didn’t come through but we take it in stride as a team to do better for a next match,” said Vijayaragavan, a finance major. “I think I did a good job in my matches, they weren’t easy but I’m glad I came through.”

For the doubles competition, UTPA won two out of three slots. The brothers from Sugar Land, Beau and Brett Bernstein, defeated Ionescu/Viad Popa 8-5 and the team of Vijayaragavan/Nirvick Mohinta defeated Phenyo Matong/ Dmitry Kozlonov 8-4.

Bouncing back that Sunday afternoon from their loss, the men came to win with doubles 3-0 and singles 5-1.

UTPA won all but one singles competition. Vijayragavan defeated Steffen

Daniel Flores/THE PAN AMERICAN

EYES ON THE BALL - Junior Aswin Vijayaragavan, UTPA’s number one player, won all three singles matches he played this weekend.

Giles-Osborn 6-2, 6-3. Brett Bernstein defeated Hassan Abbas 1-6, 6-2, (119). Beau Bernstein defeated Cameron Knowles 6-1, 6-1. Marcus Dornauf beat Mario Myles 7-5, 6-2. Andrew Irving bested Mikhail Vaval 6-3, 6-4.

In the doubles, all UTPA men won their matches. The Bernsteins defeated Giles-Osborn/Abbas 8-4. Nirvick Mohinta/Aswin topped Knowles/Sean

Richardson 8-4. Dornauf/Irving toppled Vaval/Myles 9-7.

“After a tough loss to Nicholls, I’m happy with how the guys rebounded in the afternoon,” Coach Chris Taylor concluded. “I wouldn’t say we’re playing our best tennis right now but the guys came out strong in the doubles and did a great job of keeping the momentum through the singles.”

March 24, 2010

Page 15

Sports

Broncs keep momentum, prepare for road trip

By Alvaro Balderas The Pan American

Although only a month into the five-month season, the Bronc baseball program seems poised to have a successful campaign this year with a 9-5 record including two wins against Notre Dame and a tough 2-1 loss against third-ranked University of Texas.

During the break UTPA lost a 10-9 nail-biter to Stephen F. Austin Tuesday, and wrapped up the home stint by taking two of three during a weekend series against Big 10 Conference foe Iowa.

After winning 7-4 on Friday and 13-2 in the first game of Saturday’s twinbill, the Broncs’ chances of

sweeping the Hawkeyes were vamoosed as they lost 13-3. After last year’s 14-win campaign, a 9-5 record is a pleasant surprise.

Though it was the team’s first lopsided loss, head coach Manny Mantrana is not concerned but pleased about how his team played overall against the Hawkeyes. Not being able to sweep the series is something his team needs to learn about and take advantage of, he said.

“I like where we’re at right now.

One thing I told the guys is that once we get to that last game and we have a chance to sweep we have to come through,” Mantrana said. “Our bats are swinging well. We’re still working on some things like getting quality at bats. Those two-out hits with runners

in scoring positions, they’re going to win championships.”

So far the Broncs have the best record of all Great West Conference outfits, and a big reason is pitching, which leads the conference in ERA with a low 4.74, a run better than last year’s mark.

Junior left-handed pitcher Kyle Kotchie picked up the win on Friday allowing no earned runs while striking out two in six innings. Cody Plunk snatched Saturday’s 13-2 win also in six innings of work, which included four strikeouts and two earned runs. During the four games UTPA used 10 different pitchers.

“This was a good weekend for us.

We threw very well. There’s guys in the bullpen we can really go to

and that is big,” said Mantrana, the second-year coach.

Ontario, Canada, native Kotchie had earned the Great West Conference Pitcher of the Week honor for his performance against the Longhorns three weeks ago, striking out 11 s in the March 2 defeat.

But pitching isn’t the only reason the Broncs are atop the GWC. Their bats lead the conference in almost every statistical category including average (.337), runs (129) and hits (172).

Senior first baseman Garrett Bivone has been carrying the big bat for the Broncs lately. Bivone’s batting average of .706 in the last four games earned him GWC Player of the Week.

Although their offense seems to be

clicking, Bivone expressed the team’s desire to be more consistent on the defensive side of the ball.

“We’re taking these games like conference games. Our main thing is to win series,” the marketing major said. “I think if we tune up defensively we can be in a lot better shape. We can always be better.”

Mantrana seconds Bivone’s notion of tightening the bolts, saying they are going to have to get really greedy especially as the start of conference play nears April 9 against Northern Colorado.

The Broncs hit the road to Houston this weekend to face conference foe Houston Baptist in a non-conference matchup.

Daniel Flores/The Pan American

Alma E. Hernandez/The Pan American

KEEPING UP WITH THE BRONCS...

Top left: Senior Scott Wingo took the win on March 12 in the Broncs’ second game against Notre Dame. UTPA defeated the Fighting Irish, 9-7 and 10-4.

Top right: Freshman Angel Ibanez from Mission has scored 14 runs in 14 games, ranking third after Vincent Mejia (26) and Bryant Elliot (15).

Bottom left: Disappointment was sensed in the dugout as the Broncs weren’t able to score in the bottom of the ninth inning; Stephen F. Austin put UTPA down 10-9 March 16.

Alma E. Hernandez/The Pan American

15

March 24, 2010

March 4, 2010

Track and field is now out and about A windy Cactus Cup hosted by Texas A&M-Kingsville, where the women placed second and the men last, gave the UTPA men’s and women’s track and field teams a feel of the adversities that await in the outdoor season.

Norma Gonzalez/THE PAN AMERICAN

NO TIME TO WASTE - Freshman Veronica Tabb prepares for the long jump before the Cactus Cup. The UTPA track and field team gathered to practice during Spring Break.

By Neena Hernandez The Pan American In the Cactus Cup March 20, The University of Texas-Pan American track and field teams competed against three schools. The women placed in 13 of 19 events, earning 159 points and a second-place finish, nine points behind Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and two points ahead of Texas

A&M-Kingsville.

The men placed in only nine of 19 events and scored 84 points, putting them in last place.

“We have more long-distance runners than the men do, that’s why we got more points than they did,” said Samantha Villarreal, a freshman from San Benito majoring in political science.

Villarreal, a sprinter, came in sec-

ond place in the 100-meter dash with came third in 16.78. Alboniga went on a final of 9.56 and second again in the to finish in third place in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 1:08.16. In the 200 with 22.04.

“There is more competition in col- 4x400 meter relay, Schulze, Alboniga, legiate running than there is in high Villarreal, and Frank won the race for school running,” she said. “It’s more UTPA with a final time of 4:05.73.

The Lady Bronc field event perforintense.”

The meet marked the transition mance was solid, as Melinda Sarmiento came in second from indoor track for the high jump and field to outwith a mark of door, and nature “I was proud that our team kept 5-0. In the long was a factor at the fighting throughout the whole jump, Cici Lott Cactus. entire meet. That will toughen was third with Isai Pina, a us up for bigger competitions 17-1. Brittany Tasophomore from down the line.” lamantez came in McAllen Memosecond in the shot rial High School, Dave Hartman put with a toss runs sprints but Head coach of 38-4 and for wasn’t so happy the discus throw, with his perforKelly Eddington mance on Saturplaced second day because of the wet, cold, and windy day. Pina placed with 103-7 with Talamantez right be14th out of 18 runners in the 200 with hind Eddington for third place with a time of 20.69 and sixth out of 17 in 100-7. Talamantez and Eddington placed again, this time for the hammer the 400 at 51.73.

“I really don’t think I did too well,” throw with Talamantez in first with Pina said. “The wind was crazy. Our 141 feet and Eddington at 119-10.

Men’s results include Jameson times could have been better had it not been for the weather. As for the overall Stachan running third in the 200 team ranking, if we had more sprinters (22.23). In the 800-meter run, Andrew we would have a complete team for re- Lopez came in second with 1:59.61 with Omar Doria third for the same lays resulting in a better score.”

In this type of weather, to Coach event with 2:00.35. Doria again got Dave Hartman, the beating of the wind third, in the 1,500 meters, stepping off at 4:06.02. and rain is like a training mechanism.

For the field events, coming in third “I was proud that our team kept fighting throughout the whole entire for the shot put was Jesus Alvarez with meet. That will toughen us up for big- 46-3, while in the discus, Oscar Barger competitions down the line and rera took third with a throw of 136-3 I’m proud of the team for doing that,” feet. In the hammer throw, the men had their best showing of the day, takhe said.

Further results include Ashlee Lobe ing the first three places with Barrera in third place for the 100-meter dash in first with 156-9 feet, followed by with 13.46, Destiny Schulze in first Scott Bann with 131-3 feet, and Alplace with 1:01.39 in the 400 meters, varez with 130-2 feet. Jose Sciaraffa as well as Alexia Frank, who placed came in third place with a javelin toss second with 1:01.98. In the 800-meter of 154-11 feet.

Next up for the UTPA track and run, Mekka Edwards White was third with 2:26.07. Sara Hernandez placed field teams is the Victor Lopez Bayou first in the 100-meter hurdles with a fi- Classic on March 27 in Houston, folnal time of 16.56 and Sylvia Alboniga lowed by the Texas Relays in Austin.

Great West Conference Players of the Week

Megan Bedeau - Women’s Tennis Haley Hocott - Women’s Tennis

Kyle Kotchie - Baseball Garrett Bivone - Baseball

Lady Broncs succeed during Spring Break

By Alvaro Balderas & Benny Salinas THE PAN AMERICAN

After starting the season 0-9 The University of Texas-Pan American women’s tennis program attained their first win of the campaign during the break, in a rare Valley appearance. The Lady Broncs beat The University of Texas at San Antonio 4-2 March 14 at the Cimarron Country Club in Mission.

However the taste of victory didn’t last long as the Lady Broncs were defeated 6-1 by Nicholls State on March 20 at Thibodaux, La. Swept in doubles action, UTPA’s lone win came from sophomore Czech Republic native Andrea Salvetova, who notched a 6-3. 6-3 wins in line six.

At Mission six days prior, Megan Bedeau had led the way, winning 6-4, 7-5 in singles and 9-8 in doubles alongside teammate Luisa Cantu. Bedeau’s impressive play against the Lady Roadrunners helped her earn Great West Conference Player of the Week for the first time.

As the Great West Comference tournament nears, April 10 at Grand Forks N.D., this victory might be what UTPA needs in order to get rolling.

Senior Nina Ciric continued her successful season by getting a 6-2, 6-2 win at Cimarron to leave her first on the squad in victories with a 7-1 record.

The Lady Broncs hit the courts next Monday and Tuesday in their last home matches of the year. They face Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Monday and McNeese State Tuesday. After that UTPA will go to Houston and face Prairie View A&M April 10 and finish the season at Louisiana-Monroe a day after, also in Houston.

WOMEN’S GOLF After three rounds and two days of golf in Victoria at the Claud Jacobs women’s golf tournament, the Lady Broncs came in 15th among 16 teams place with a total score of 1002, behind such powers as Oklahoma, Stephen F. Austin and host team and winner Texas State.

At the end of day one the Broncs were in 15th with a score of 668. Their top competitor for the day was sophomore Majo Camey, who finished the day in 21st place with a score of 158 after completing two rounds with the same score of 79. Behind her was Junior Haley Hocott who finished tied for 43rd with a score of 162 with her two scores of 77 and 85.

The second day had the Broncs finishing up the event still at No. 15 aftera last round with a score of 334.

Hocott finished on top for the Broncs, finishing 34th with a final score of 241.

Behind her was Camey in 44th with a finish of 243.

They Lady Broncs will next compete March 29 at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock Classic.

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THE PAN AMERICAN

March 24, 2010