February 12, 2004

S PORTS

PAGE 16

Killer Bees Friday, Feb. 13 vs.

Feb. 14, at Laredo, 7:30 Feb. 15 Austin, 6

NBA Schedule Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 33-19 7:00 29-22 Dallas Mavericks vs.

Feb. 18 at Cleveland, 6 Feb. 21 Houston, 7:30

vs.

29-22 7:30 16-33 Houston Rockets vs.

Feb. 21 at Dallas, 7:30 Feb. 22 Atlanta, 7:30 Feb. 24 at San Antonio,

7:30

Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 35-18 6:00 25-25 San Antonio Spurs vs.

Feb. 20 at Cleveland, 6:30 Feb. 22 at Minnesota, 2:30 Feb. 24 Houston, 7:30 All games p.m.

AL OGLETREE CLASSIC Standings BRONCS CHAMPS! Teams x-UTPA Lamar SHSU Kansas

W 2 2 1 0

T 0 0 1 1

L 1 1 1 2

PCT .666 .666 .500 .000

x-tournament winner

Friday, Feb. 6 Lamar 3, Kansas 2 SHSU 7, UTPA 2 Saturday, Feb. 7 UTPA 8, Kansas 6 Lamar 7, SHSU 4 Sunday, Feb. 8 SHSU 8, Kansas 8 UTPA 2, Lamar 1

■ Tennis . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 ■ Sports Clipboard . . . . . 13

Warner not throwing towel in yet

By ED CHRNKO The Pan American

Killer Bees vs. Laredo Bucks at Dodge Arena, 7:30

■ Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

PHARR - Kurt Warner, Super Bowl champion, MVP, and current backup quarterback for the St. Louis Rams, gave an inspirational speech to area athletes, coaches, and fans at the Pharr Convention Center Monday night.

The Río Grande Valley chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which staged the event, celebrated its 21st anniversary during the annual “Share the Victory” night.

“To share that victory that we’ve been given, it correlates so much with athletes and it’s talked about a number of times in the Bible,” Warner said. “I’ve learned so much being an athlete and those aspects of winning and teamwork, and that’s kind of the issue I want to share. Taking what I’ve learned on the football field and showing people how to apply that to living their lives for Jesus.”

Warner has recently been embroiled in some controversy due to comments he made suggesting that the reason he has been riding the Rams’ bench is because of his faith. This something St. Louis head coach Mike Martz denies, and he recently said that he does not believe that his second-string quarterback would make such an allegation.

Last Thursday Warner apologized for the comments and his agent explained that they were taken out of context.

A lot of critics think that the Super Bowl

XXXIV MVP has gone as far as he is going to go and that his decline is evident, especially since he has been on the bench the past two seasons. He was replaced by Marc Bulger, who led the Rams to the playoffs and earned a Pro Bowl berth.

Warner came out of nowhere to become a NFL star, and he said the riude isn’t over yet. He believes that because he has not played much the last two years, he still has something to prove, despite having reached the zenith of the NFL on two occasions.

Playing in the Super Bowl is a feat several great NFL players never accomplished.

“I’m extremely excited about next season,” Warner said. “We’re still at the point right now where we’re not quite sure what next season’s gonna bring. [I] Definitely want to get back out onto the football field, I’ve got too much to offer, I believe there’s too much left ahead of me, and I’ve got too much football left in me to want to spend another year on the bench.”

The relegated signal caller is optimistic that he will return to the Rams next season, but is open to any other opportunities that might present themselves. Some have speculated he could end in Dallas, where the Cowboys made the playoffs this season under Quincy Carter but are still said to be unsure whether Carter is the leader of the future.

“That’s what I’m focused on, getting back out there and playing the way that I’ve

It came down to the final five seconds, but Sergio Sánchez’s last two trips to the line proved to be the difference in the Broncs 70-67 win over Arkansas State University Indians at the Field House Wednesday night.

Sánchez and Andrius Sakalys led the Broncs with 16 points a piece and were able to hold off the Indians who came into the second half with a one-point lead.

The win puts the Broncs at 10-13 on the season, and due to the amount of games left this season, they have surpassed their winning percentage from last year.

The Broncs, who held the strongest lead of the night with six points, could never quite climb away from the Indians, but stayed out of foul trouble and were able to ink the win.

With the victory the Broncs move to 5-0 since their four-game losing streak in January. Senior Matt Hall attributes their recent success to rhythm.

“We finally hit our stride,” Hall said. “I wish we could have hit it earlier, but we’ve found it and our goal now is to win out.”

See BRONCS page 14

February 12, 2004

B-104 or WILD 104?

An Inside Look: News ............................................2 ■ A & E............................................7 ■ Sports ........................................16 ■

See Page 8 for details

GROWING TRADITION Latest Homecoming celebration might be biggest yet

By CLARISSA MARTINEZ The Pan American

Photo by Daniz Rivera

Super Bowl champion and MVP Kurt Warner chats with a young See WARNER page 14 fan. Warner gave a speech at the FCA’s “Victory” banquet.

Hall who came off the bench to provide two key free throws late in the second half, sees the close home victory as a great accomplishment.

“A close win is always great,” Hall said.

“You gain a lot more confidence.”

Coming into tonight’s contest the Indians were 14-7, and were coming off a three-game winning streak. But the Broncs were able to hold ASU’s lead scorer J.J. Montgomery to 12 points in the game, and were able to limit the Indians to 37.5 percent from the field.

The Indians’ Dewarick Spencer, who led all shooters with 22 points on the evening, had the opportunity to send the game into overtime with three seconds left in the game, but was unable to hit a three while under pressure. The rebound was picked up by the Broncs just as the game was signaled over.

Bronc head coach Bob Hoffman was pleased with his team’s performance.

“They struggled hard,” Hoffman said.

“We were able to hold it together through the whole game.”

The Broncs’ next contest is at home against the TAMUCC Islanders on S a t u r d a y.

HAPP Y B-DAY!

T h e S t u d e n t N e w s p a p e r o f T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f Te x a s - P a n A m e r i c a n

SID Broncs edge Indians School’s calls it quits

By BRIAN CARR The Pan American

THURSDAY

REAL OPINIONS

was honored as an All-American twice.

According to Weidner, Mike UTPA sports information Bond, who served as assistant director Dave Geringer stepped SID under Geringer, will handle down from his post Monday, cit- operations while the spot is being filled. ing personal reasons for “Bond will remain his departure. as assistant and will According to UTPA resume the functions Athletic Director Bill of the office,” Weidner the move did Weidner said. “We not signify any ill feelhave complete confiings. dence that Mike will “[Geringer] resigned be able to fill the for personal reasons,” position and allow us Weidner said. “We are time to do a thorough wishing him well, and search. Once we get we will be conducting a a new director it will national search to find a Dave Geringer be business as replacement for him.” usual.”

Geringer was in his third Geringer, who was in his 18th year as sports information director for the Broncs, after having year in the sports information relocated from the New York field, was responsible with mainInstitute of Technology. In his taining and establishing media first year as SID the Broncs went relations as well as promotion of 20-10, and were considered for a UTPA’s athletic teams.

Geringer could not be reached spot in the NIT. And during his tenure, track man Westly Keating for comment on his departure.

By BRIAN CARR The Pan American

the Homecoming Court, which ends today, as well as are part of the school,” Mariscal said. “So we provide games and food booths during the activity hour. A programs such as Homecoming, to provide students homecoming ‘bash’ will be held on Friday night with experiences that create a sense of belonging. Any Jessica Olivarez, of Theta Phi Alpha is one of eight marking the final event or department that women hoping to become the next homecoming queen festivities before the provides programs for Homecoming King Candidates at UTPA. There are also four candidates competing for Homecoming Game students is promoting the title of king, and in general students seem to be Saturday evening. school spirit.”

Emmanuel Butler Black Student Association showing more enthusiasm for homecoming festivities Mariscal explained Freshman Adrianna Jesse Martinez Real Sociedad than in the past. that this year’s bash Saldana assisted with the Omar Riojas Young Adult Catholic Ministry With music on the quad, games set up, organizations will include games, voting process because of David Campbell Alpha Kappa Psi selling food and ballots being passed out, it might seem free fajita tacos, and her job at the University that snacks, an Center. She said that a Homecoming Queen Candidates homecoming outdoor large number of students at UTPA is a viewing of the Elena Guerra were voting, but since Kappa Delta Chi tradition in movie “Friday Ana C. Cabrera many had not validated Young Adult Catholic Ministry the making. the 13th,” and their IDs, fewer students Mayra J. Lopez Association of Migrant Students Last year the could actually vote. Even Delta Zeta marked the announcement Gabby Garza though Saldana was Theta Phi Alpha first year that of the finalists Jessica Olivarez working the Black Student Association UTPA for this year's Monika Hannah booth, she still decided to Homecoming Dora Olivares said she Sigma Lambda Gamma revamp Court. A managed to enjoy Cindy Y. Martinez Leading Interviewers and homecoming “Dress Like a herself.

Video Excellence (LIVE) festivities.

Famous “I actually didn’t According to Couple” think that the school David contest is also on the schedule. These events would have a homecoming,” Mariscal, will take place at the Quad from 6-10 p.m.

Saldana said. “It’s been fun so far, and I think everyone Franco Caballero/The Pan American assistant Despite an enrollment of nearly 16,000, is enjoying themselves.”

VOTER— Melina Trevino casts a ballot for dean of UTPA is a commuter school without a football Also among the many students enjoying the Homecoming elections Tuesday at the Quad. students, team, and these factors militate against a entertainment, are students on a mission. students have strong homecoming celebration. But the Connie Martinez was helping campaign for her been showing up to vote as well as attending activities university is working on it. sorority sister, Elena Guerra who is a candidate for during Tuesday’s activity period.

“School spirit occurs as a result of feeling like you See HOMECOMING page 12 Events students can participate in include voting for

Chavez successor recalls past glories, talks of future

By EDWINA P. GARZA The Pan American McALLEN - Arriving in a Ford Taurus with a bumper sticker reading “UNIONS: You’d notice them a lot more if they weren’t here,” Arturo S. Rodriguez, president of the United Farm Workers, addressed over 300 students and faculty at South Texas Community College last week as part of a series of distinguished speakers. Rodriguez spoke to the audience about the obstacles the union overcame through its legendary leader Cesar Chavez, who encouraged members to create change in their world.

Since it’s inception in 1962, the UFW has helped farm workers across the country with non-violent protests, marches, fasting, and deliberation with growers. The Valley has felt its impact on many occasions through the years.

“Our movement here helped pass field sanitation for farm workers,” said Rebecca Flores, the director of the

state organization, who introduced Rodriguez.

Before the UFW came along, Flores said there were no toilets and no drinking water for workers, conditions that laborers today take for granted. All the issues and laws that were passed, she said, could not have been accomplished without the help of the national union.

Flores credited Chavez and UFW Vice President Dolores Huerta with taking the first steps to making change possible. With the death of Chavez in 1993, Rodriguez then took his place, stepping into “huge shoes,” Flores said.

Rodriguez, a native of San Antonio, first became involved with the UFW in the 1970s when he offered to volunteer. Now he is the second president the group has ever had.

“Many folks thought it would die when Cesar died, but Arturo and the board that he has, and the workers that he has committed to this movement have kept this going for all of these years,” Flores said.

Rodriguez attributed his involvement with the UFW to Flores, who he said is one of the leaders in the

movement. But throughout his years of involvement, he also watched Chavez and Huerta for role models and inspiration.

“When Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta began this organization, they had no idea what could happen,” he said.

Chavez and Huerta began working together in the ‘50s, organizing information for Latino communities involving civil rights around California. “Then they finally decided, you know what, we need to do something for the farm workers of this country.”

In the early stages of the UFW, farm workers were eliminated from labor laws that were in existence, Rodriguez said. Despite all the work done in the past four decades, Rodriguez said that California is the only state where farm workers are allowed to collectively bargain.

Chavez spent 10 years of his life as a migrant farm worker, dropping out of school in the eighth grade, and as the number of Hispanic farm workers grew, he decided

See FARMERS page 11

PAGE 2

February 12

2004

OPINION

Sports

February 12, 2004

letters

■

editorials

■

cartoons

Ben sets record in opener at Houston

By MATT HALL The Pan American Senior Rashaad Ben broke his own record in the 60-meter hurdles at the Houston Indoor Invitational at the University of Houston Saturday evening.

This meet was the season opener for the Broncs, and Head Coach Ricky Vaughn cannot think of a better way to have started the season than with such a stellar performance.

“He ran a great race, he broke the school record in both pre-lims and finals,” said Vaughn of Ben. “He is in the best shape he has been in since he has been here and he is healthy with a couple of more races he will be where he needs to be.”

The record in the 60-meter hurdles was 8.34 seconds and Ben ran the race in 8.09.

The NCAA Division I provisional qualifying high for nationals is 7.95 seconds, so Ben is just .14 seconds off the mark. The UTPA senior believes he will qualify and he will just get stronger as the season pro-

1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122 http://www.panam.edu/dept/panamerican 53rd Year – No. 18

Editor Arianna Vazquez gareyjup@aol.com

News Editor Belinda Reyes mstxbellezalatina2003@ yahoo.com

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Sports Editor Ed Chrnko echrnko@yahoo.com

Graphics Editor Daniel Aguilar kerygma_@hotmail.com

Layout Designers Dagoberto Perez Ginmarie Mabry Reporters Brian Carr Vanessa Castillo Julian Cavazos Edwina Garza Dulce Gonzalez Matt Hall Christina Harris Aaron Lozano Vanessa Lucio Clarissa Martinez Amy Medellin Photographer Franco Caballero Copy Editor Joe Anna Moreno Student Pub. Secretary Jo Anne Murphy Adviser Dr. Greg Selber

The PA N 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 university.

gresses.

“Setting records is cool, but my main goal is to qualify for nationals,” said Ben. “I do plan to get faster and stronger and I want to qualify as soon as possible and make it to the big time meet.”

UTPA finished in the middle of the pack at the meet, placing 12th out of 22 teams on the men’s side and 18th out of 21 teams on the women’s.

Other bright spots for the men were Hector Gandara, who finished third in the 5,000 meters in 15:45.81, Rashaad freshman Jason Tejada was right on his heels, placing fourth in 16:13.02.

Vaughn believes this meet was one for

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NEWS

Campus Democrats steel for coming election battle

By ANGELA I. CANALES The Pan American Valley residents are preparing for the election year, as local elections are March 9 and the presidential event is set for the first Tuesday in November.

Among these getting ready are the Young Democrats, an organization at UTPA that strives to get Democratic candidates into office and increase knowledge and awareness of Democratic ideals and policy stances.

Terence Garrett has taken the job as the adviser for this organization. He was the adviser of a similar organization at his previous school, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and now works in his first year for the UTPA chapter.

The cost is $5 to become a member of the organization of which there are 60 current members. The interesting point is, it’s not necessary to be a student to gain access.

“The thing is that under the national charter of the Young Democrats, anyone under the age of 34 can become a member whether they are a student or not,” said Garrett. “Anybody from the community can actually join the Young Democrats.”

Those older than 34 can join as an associate member of a student

organization with national affiliations.

“It is tied in with the National Democratic Party, it is a subsidiary,” said Garrett, who added that the main focus of the group is to get Democratic candidates elected into office.

Though that is the focus, in the early phases, the goal is somewhat different.

“We work on all levels of primaries,” said Danny Garcia, copresident. “We don’t endorse anybody at the primary stage: what we do is give everyone a chance.”

The organization is involved in all types of elections from local and state all the way to national. The Valley is predominantly a Democratic stronghold, although there are more Republicans in the area in recent years.

“We help out the Democratic candidates from the lowest level all the way to the national level in any way that we can by holding forums and getting out the vote by registering people to vote,” said Garcia.

The importance of having such organizations should be valuable to students, staff, faculty members, and members of the community.

“I think it is important to have these organizations so that everybody really gets to enjoy their college experience,” said Garcia. “People from all different mentalities can get involved in these organizations so that they can express their views and meet people with like minds. It’s a social thing to meet people who think like you.”

The students of this organization are very active in trying to achieve their goals. The organization does everything from holding forums and protests to getting involved in community service. The most recent event was the protest against the UTPA visit of former President George H.W. Bush.

“We hope to set a precedent to that kind of activism,” said Garcia. “Once the primaries are over, then we endorse the Democratic candidates and we push for them to be elected.”

Bringing the Democratic candidates to present themselves to the students and faculty is also a priority for the organization. Democratic candidates Eddie Saenz and Aaron Pena are scheduled to appear today at noon. The candidates for state representative will speak for 15 minutes each and then there

See DEMOCRATS page 11

Date Nov. 1 Jan. 31 Feb. 1 Feb. 3 Feb. 6 Feb. 6 Feb. 7 Feb. 7 Feb. 8 Feb. 8 Feb. 13 Feb. 14 Feb. 15 Feb. 17 Feb. 20 Feb. 21 Feb. 22 Feb. 27 Feb. 28 Feb. 29 March 6 March 9 March 12 March 13 March 14 March 16 March 17 March 19 March 20 March 21 March 23 March 24 March 26 March 27 March 30 Apr. 6 Apr. 7 Apr. 9 Apr. 13 Apr. 14 Apr. 16 Apr. 17 Apr. 18 Apr. 23 Apr. 24 May 7 May 8 May 9 May 11 May 12 May 14 May 15 May 16

Opponent Green and White

Score GREEN, 2-1

Texas State-San Marcos L 7-8 Texas State-San Marcos L 2-6

Texas Kingsville W 6-3, 3-2 Lamar vs. Kansas 3-2 Sam Houston State L 2-7 Kansas W 8-6 Lamar vs. Sam Houston 7-4 Sam Houston vs. Kansas 8-8

Lamar Lamar Lamar (2) Lamar

W 2-1 4:00 1:00 1:00 Texas A&M-Kingsville 6:00 Sam Houston State 2:00 Sam Houston State 2:00 Sam Houston State 1:00 Washington State 7:00 Washington State 2:00 Washington State Noon Arkansas 7:00 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (2) 1:00 Texas-San Antonio 7:00 Texas-San Antonio 7:00 Texas-San Antonio 1:00 Texas-Arlington 7:00 Texas-Arlington 2:00 Oral Roberts 7:00 Oral Roberts 7:00 Oral Roberts 1:00 Texas-San Antonio 2:00 Texas-San Antonio 2:00 Dallas Baptist (2) 4:00 Dallas Baptist 1:00 Texas 6:30 Texas State-San Marcos 6:30 Texas State-San Marcos 1:00 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi(2) 1:00 Texas-San Antonio 7:00 Texas-San Antonio 2:00 Arizona 9:00 Arizona 9:00 Arizona 3:00 Dallas Baptist (2) 4:00 Dallas Baptist 1:00 Southeastern Louisiana 7:00 Southeastern Louisiana 7:00 Southeastern Louisiana 1:00 Arkansas 7:05 Arkansas 7:05 Oklahoma 7:05 Oklahoma 7:05 Oklahoma 1:00

All games p.m. unless noted.

experience and he is anticipating a stronger finish at the next meet.

“Overall it was an average performance and we lack a lot of experience indoors,” said Vaughn.

“It was our first indoor meet and the rest of the fields third or fourth meet.

It really showed and I anticipate a much better performance this week.”

Ben also has a message for the students at UTPA. “Thanks to Coach Robinson for sticking with me and support for my teammates and coach Vaughn,” said Ben. “The track team is coming, so be on the lookout, because it is Ben our year.”

For the women freshman Amber Kelly was the highlight, placing fourth in the 20-pound weight throw with

Photo by Delisa Guadarrama/The Pan American

2004 UTPA Broncs Baseball Schedule

■ Charity Drive . . . . . . 3 ■ Student Profile . . . . . 4 ■ Nature Series. . . . . . 6

Page 15

AB 16 11 14 21 14

H 6 4 5 7 4

PITCHING Sam English Juan Sáenz Ricky Broyles Phillip Rodríguez César Peña

APP 1 2 3 1 2

W-L-S 0-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-3 0-0-0 2-0-0

UTPA Men’s Basketball Leaders

The Broncs baseball team celeSCORING brates after beating Lamar 2-1 and Sergio Sánchez winning the Al Chris Fagan Ogletree Classic Allen Holcomb Sunday.

GP

PTS

PPG

22

271

12.3

AVG .375 .364 .357 .333 .286

3-POINTERS

3FG-FGA PCT

ERA 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.29

UTPA Baseball 2004 Stats HITTING Louie Alamia Matt Eichel Juan Sáenz T.J. Gilmer Aaron Flowers

a toss of 49 feet, 11 inches, third on the school’s all-time list.

She also was eighth in the women's shot put with a throw of 43-2. The shot put was also kind to junior Deneb DeLuna, who turned in her best indoor mark with a throw of 43-1.

Strength was not the only plus for the Lady Broncs. They also had some speed too, as junior Claudia Rosas finished seventh in the 5,000 meters in 19:14.68.

Sophomore Dannely Flores had a personal best in the 800 meters with a time of 2:25.85.

Vaughn was pleased with the effort of the whole team and especially for these individuals.

“Amber Kelly had a great meet and that was outstanding, Deneb threw well too.

Claudia ran a great race,” said Vaughn. “I think throughout the year we will have others step up too, but you could see, by the look in their eyes, that our freshmen were scared to death.”

HR 0 0 0 0 0 IP 3.0 5.0 3.0 1.0 7.0

Broncs 2, Cardinals 1 Feb. 8 at Edinburg Baseball Stadium Lamar 000 010 000 - 1 5 1 (2-1) UTPA 001 000 10x - 2 6 0 (4-3) Pitchers: LAMAR – K. Poenitzsch; C. Buechner (6).

UTPA – T. Sorden; J. Sáenz (6); R. Broyles (9).

Win – J. Sáenz (1-0) Save – R. Broyles (3) Loss – C. Buechner (01) Time: 2:57 Attendance: 475 Broncs 8, Jayhawks 6 Feb. 7 at Edinburg Baseball Stadium Kansas 103 010 001 - 6 5 1 (7-4) UTPA 000 033 02x - 8 9 2 (3-3) Pitchers: KANSAS – C. Smart; M. Zagurski (6); D. Czyz (8); C. Schambach (8). UTPA – J. López; C. Peña (5); R. Broyles (9).

Win – C. Peña (2-0) Save – R. Broyles (2) Loss – C. Smart (2-2) Time: 2:35 Attendance: 1,137 Bearkats 7, Broncs 2 Feb. 6 at Edinburg Baseball Stadium SHSU 001 200 040 - 7 9 1 (1-0) UTPA 100 100 000 - 2 4 1 (2-3) Pitchers: SHSU – R. Rafferty; C. Gressett (7). UTPA – N. Gregory; J. Gibson (8); C. Linder (8); A. Guerra (8).

Win – R. Rafferty (1-0) Save – C. Gressett (1) Loss – N. Gregory (0-1) Time: 2:46 Attendance: 368

21

219

10.4

21

188

9.0

Ray Castillo

22

195

8.9

Andrius Sakalys

22

168

7.6

Ray Castillo

53-124

.427

Sergio Sánchez

48-133

.361

Chris Fagan

19-53

.358

Zach Weir

11-36

.306

Eric Montalvo

17-56

.304 Photo by Delisa Guadarrama/The Pan American

FREE THROWS

FT-FTA

PCT

Sergio Sánchez

63-73

.863

Andrius Sakalys

42-55

.764

Chris Fagan

62-82

.756

Derrick East

21-28

.750

Eric Montalvo

29-39

.744

Andrius Sakalys helped lead the Broncs over Arkansas State 70-67 Wednesday night. Sakalys scored 16 points and went a perfect 5-for-5 from the line.

Next Game:

UTPA BRONCS vs. OPPONENTS (season averages) CATEGORY

UTPA

OPP.

Scoring

70.6

73.1

FG Pct.

.389

.446

3-PT Pct.

.326

.375

FT Pct.

.686

.657

Rebounds

39.4

38.6

Assists

12.7

14.4

Turnovers

16.4

17.5

Steals

7.9

7.6

(Statistics as of Tuesday, Feb. 10)

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at UTPA Broncs What: UTPA Broncs vs. Texas A&MCorpus Christi When: Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: UTPA Field House Radio: KSOX 1240 AM Records: Broncs (10-13); TAMUCC (13-8) Last meeting: TAMUCC won 58-54 on Feb. 15, 2003 at Memorial Coliseum.

All-time series: Islanders lead 4-2.

Notable: The Broncs have won five straight games since Jan. 28.

Sports

February 12, 2004

Page 14

Bronc tennis extends streak to four

By MATT HALL The Pan American

The University of Texas-Pan American men’s tennis team notched victories over Xavier, 5-2, and Dayton, 6-1, at Eastern Kentucky's Greg Adams Tennis Center to push its win streak to four.

The Broncs started the weekend by defeating host team Eastern Kentucky, 6-1, and this set the tone for the rest of play.

In singles action junior Jeremy Salvo, sophomore Nik Porter, freshman Gary Bianco, sophomore Oliver Steil and sophomore Rehman Esmail all handled their opponents in straight sets for victories.

Head Tennis Coach Eduardo Provencio was pleased with how the weekend started and the attitude his team came to play with, especially after a rough early start.

“I was really disappointed with our play against Texas A&M. We didn’t know how good the teams were going to be this weekend, I had an idea,” said Provencio. “You File Photo can make a name for yourself playing out The UTPA men’s tennis team improved its record of region and I was really impressed with to 4-1 after defeating Eastern Kentucky, Dayton, our guys.” and Xavier Feb. 6-7 at Richmond, Ky. The Broncs UTPA continued to dominate Eastern will face St. Louis Feb. 14 at San Antonio.

Warner

continued from page 16

always played and winning some more championships,” Warner said.

Warner is well aware that he has several critics about his ability to continue playing in the NFL and especially about his faith and how it does not coincide with their [critics] beliefs of religion not having a place in sports.

“I know there’s a lot of people out there that think ‘he must be done, his career must be over, something must be wrong, injuries or what have you,’” Warner speculated. “From that standpoint, there’s a little bit of something to prove, but when I go out there and play, that’s never in the back of my mind.

I think that through the situation that I’ve been in, three years on top, two years on the bench, and now believe that I’m going to be back on top, it’s going to be even a stronger testimony.”

Warner feels strongly about his faith and beliefs, and has been one of the most vocal athletes in recent times in terms of exercising his right of freedom of expression. He echoes the lifestyle of many ex-players, including Cowboy’s Hall of Famer Roger Staubach and Chicago Bears’ great Gale Sayers.

“Everybody says that faith and football don’t mix,” Warner said. “But the way I approach my life is that faith is number one: that’s who I am.”

The backup quarterback’s faith has taken him far in the past seven years, since he has become a devout Christian as a result of his wife’s (Brenda) influence.

“My faith is key in everything that I do,” Warner professed. “Its been key for the victory run, the two Super Bowls that we went to, and the victory we had. Its been key these last couple of years when I’ve been on the bench, a lot through injuries. There’s no doubt it’s going to be instrumental in the rest of my football career and the rest of my life after that.”

WOMEN’S INDEPENDENTS Texas A&M-Corpus Christi UTPA IPFW Savannah State

W 17 10 7 6

L 8 13 15 16

Pct. .529 .435 .318 .273

Lady Broncs 70, Lady Cougars 63 Feb. 9 at Prairie View, Texas UTPA Min FG-A FT-A Reb A PF Pts M. Daniel 15 0-2 3-5 1-2 1 2 3 A. Oler 28 4-10 2-3 2-3 2 2 10 K. Dudley 25 5-12 4-9 3-5 1 5 14 A. Carlow 37 7-12 3-4 1-1 2 3 20 D. Cheadle 22 4-8 4-6 1-0 3 4 12 A. Knox 9 0-1 0-0 0-1 0 0 0 J.Piwonka 17 0-0 0-0 0-0 1 1 0 M. Schamel 22 0-5 1-2 1-2 2 5 1 M. DeCock 8 0-0 1-2 0-0 1 0 1 A. Coleman 4 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 S. Gooden 13 1-2 7-8 3-3 0 2 9 Percentages: FG .404, FT .641. 3-Point Goals: 3-6, .500.

Team Rebounds: 39. Blocked Shots: 4. Steals: 12.

PVAMU Min FG-A FT-A Reb A PF Pts L. Moten 32 1-6 1-2 0-2 2 5 4 N. Adams 24 6-7 6-11 3-5 1 5 18 C. Hopkins 37 5-9 3-6 2-7 2 2 13 K. Butler 39 2-7 2-2 0-0 7 2 8 A. Smith 40 5-11 3-6 0-1 3 2 16 C. Hart 15 1-3 0-0 1-2 0 5 2 V. Higgins 2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 E. Mayhorn 11 1-2 0-0 0-0 0 3 2 Percentages: FG .467, FT .556. 3-Point Goals: 6-17, .353.

Team Rebounds: 31. Blocked Shots: 4. Steals: 4.

UTPA 33 37 - 70 PVAMU 27 36 - 63 Refs: R. Drake, T. Hale, D. Williams. Attendance: 289

Lady Broncs’ next game:

at What: Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns at UTPA Lady Broncs When: Monday, Feb. 16 at 5 p.m.

Where: UTPA Field House Records: Broncs (10-13); LouisianaLafayette (11-9).

Last meeting: Louisiana-Lafayette won Jan. 11, 2004 at Earl K. Long Gym. All-time series: Ragin’ Cajuns lead 24-9.

Notable: The Lady Broncs have won 3 of their last 4 games.

Kentucky by winning all of the doubles matches. Against Dayton the green and orange relied on their singles to set the tone.

Porter, Bianco, Esmail, Salvo, and Steil all won in straight sets to get Pan Am off to a good start.

Bianco and Esmail defeated Murphy and Downs of Dayton, 8-2, at number two doubles and Tom Mangelschots and Martinez defeated Cabrera and Kathary of Dayton, 98, to clinch the victory for the Broncs.

Provencio believes the team is coming together as a unit and this will only help when conference play rolls around.

“We showed real good team unity and the guys were there for each other,” said Provencio. “You are only as strong as your weakest player and we are trying to get our guys accountable to each other. They were there for each other this weekend.”

Against Xavier Porter got the Broncs on the board with a victory at number two singles, 6-2, 6-4. After this the green and orange got rolling and took care of business.

Bianco defeated Rob Simpson of Xavier at number three singles, 6-0, 7-5, Steil

UTPA Women’s Basketball Leaders SCORING

GP PTS PPG

Ashley Roberts

15

158 10.5

Molly Schamel

22

176 8.0

Amanda Carlow

21

142 6.8

Kristi Dudley

21

119 5.7

Mary DeCock

22

114 5.2

3-POINTERS

3FG-FGA PCT

Amanda Carlow

26-70

.371

defeated Ryan Potts of Xavier at number four singles, 6-3, 6-2, and Esmail defeated Matt Zollman of Xavier at number five singles, 7-5, 6-4.

UTPA then went to doubles action to polish off Xavier by winning two of the three matches.

Esmail and Bianco defeated Simpson and Randall of Xavier at number two doubles, 8-4 and at number three doubles Porter and Martinez defeated Zollman and Justin Reyes of Xavier, 8-5.

These doubles victories clinched the doubles point and the match for the Broncs.

Provencio believes his team is getting better and better with every match and thinks the Broncs will be ranked soon.

“We have St. Louis University next and then Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, who is ranked 66 nationally, at home and we feel we have to win all of these to put ourselves in a position to be ranked,” said Provencio.

“There is a real hunger to be ranked in the top 75 again.”

The Broncs will be back in action on Valentine’s Day as they travel to San Antonio to play against St. Louis University.

Broncs

The Broncs will hope to carry the momentum of their five-game winning streak into the competition, but Hoffman realizes that it might not be easy.

“The Islanders are the closest thing we have to a rival,” Hoffman said. “Funny things happen in games like that, and you can’t really look at stats.”

The Broncs and Islanders have not played each other since last season. Then it was the Islanders walking away with a 58-54 win at the Field House. This weekend’s game will be the first of two between the two teams, with the second competition at Corpus Christi on Feb. 28.

Arrita Oler

4-12

.333

Ashley Roberts

22-67

.328

Jennifer Piwonka

10-33

.303

Mary DeCock

23-77

.299

MEN’S INDEPENDENTS Texas A&M-Corpus Christi UTPA IPFW Savannah State

FREE THROWS

FT-FTA

PCT

Broncs 70, Indians 67

Azzie Knox

9-11

.818

Amanda Carlow

30-45

.667

Mary DeCock

13-20

.650

Stacey Gooden

25-40

.625

Ashley Roberts

16-27

.593

LADY BRONCS VS. OPPONENTS (season averages) CATEGORY

UTPA

OPP.

Scoring

54.5

63.4

FG Pct.

.356

.397

3-PT Pct.

.289

.322

FT Pct.

.557

.642

Rebounds

37.9

40.8

Assists

14.0

13.3

Turnovers

20.7

20.8

Steals

11.0

10.2

continued from page 16

W 13 10 3 1

L 8 13 19 22

Pct. .619 .435 .136 .043

Feb. 11 at UTPA Field House ASU Min FG-A FT-A Reb A PF Pts D. Spencer 40 8-22 6-6 4-8 2 4 22 K. Adams 35 2-5 1-3 6-9 2 4 5 T. Little 8 0-0 0-0 0-2 0 1 0 Montgomery 33 4-12 4-4 2-5 0 2 12 A. Rambo 33 2-8 0-0 0-1 3 4 5 C. Moore 11 1-4 0-0 0-0 0 2 2 King-Holland 5 0-0 0-0 0-1 0 0 0 T. Thompson 20 5-10 4-5 0-2 0 0 17 L. Hampton 11 2-3 0-0 0-0 0 5 4 E. Sokolov 4 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 5 4 Percentages: FG .375, FT .833. 3-Point Goals: 4-18, .222.

Team Rebounds: 38. Blocked Shots: 5. Steals: 6.

UTPA Min FG-A FT-A Reb A PF Pts C. Fagan 36 2-10 2-2 2-5 2 4 7 A. Holcomb 30 3-8 2-4 2-12 0 2 8 A. Sakalys 35 5-11 5-5 0-1 2 2 16 E. Montalvo 22 3-5 0-2 5-4 1 5 7 S. Sánchez 39 4-13 6-6 1-0 5 1 16 M. Berry 17 2-9 5-6 3-4 1 2 10 R. Castillo 4 0-1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 M. Hall 1 0-0 2-2 0-0 0 0 2 R. Lange 10 2-5 0-1 5-0 1 1 4 Z. Weir 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 Percentages: FG .339, FT .786. 3-Point Goals: 6-21, .286.

Team Rebounds: 48. Blocked Shots: 5. Steals: 7.

ASU 26 41 - 67 UTPA 25 45 - 70 Refs: R. Hall, G. Guercid, M. Huges. Attendance:

February 12, 2004

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 3

Charity assumes various forms depending on demographics “The young say time and the old say money,” stated Huberty.

Huberty said, when you’re older, you don’t have that much time left, but you do have the resources and when Webster’s dictionary describes charity as a love for you’re young, the prospects of making money and having mankind, generosity or leniency, alms, and as an money are all dreams, but you institution for relief of do know that what you have is the needy. A volunteer is time, a lifetime of time. defined as a person who According to a survey found offers to help or work at the Winter Texan Guide to without expecting Volunteerism website, hosted by payment or reward; the the University of Texas-Pan verb form is to offer American, 36 percent of Winter oneself as a volunteer.

Texans volunteer for non-profit According to a recent organizations. study released by Twenty-one percent of those Thrivent Financial for who do not volunteer said that Lutherans, 58 percent of they would volunteer to support Americans ages 18-34 an organization if they could say giving their time is find one that suits their interests. their most important gift This data suggest that as to a charitable cause, many as 51,000 Winter Texans while only 28 percent of Make-A-Wish Foundation/The Pan American (at the peak of the season there seniors 65 and older GIVERS— The Make-A-Wish Foundation is one of several are 143,000 Winter Texans in the agree, saying that giving charitable organizations which employ young people in Rio Grande Valley) are currently money is more vital. community service and philanthropy roles. volunteering, and another The survey was 30,000 are willing to volunteer if conducted by phone between Nov. 20 and Dec. 4, using a nationwide sample they can find the right organization.

UTPA students are some of those young people on the of 1,000 American adults 18 and older. It had a margin of end of the line who make volunteer and charity work error of plus-or-minus 3 percentage points.

According to Robert Huberty, executive vice president seem like a piece of cake.

Omar Riojas, member for the Young Adult Catholic at Capital Research Center in Washington, each group Ministry organization on campus, believes in the spirit of values what it has the most of. charity for those people less fortunate than himself.

By VANESSA L. LUCIO The Pan American

“The Ozanam Refuge Shelter project that YACM is volunteering their time to is an event I enjoy participating in,” stated Riojas.

The Ozanam Refuge Shelter is a homeless center is located in Brownsville, which receives many homeless families every month, so supplies are scarce. Donations for the shelter project include: toilet paper, shampoo, hand soap, diapers, cotton swabs, baby powder, and deodorant.

For more information about YACM and the shelter project, contact Alfonso at (956) 383-0133.

Sandra Alcocer, a Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority sister at UTPA, said that volunteering is hard work but worthwhile when you help someone.

“For me, it’s the satisfaction of being there for someone else,” she said. “It makes me feel good even if it takes a little of bit of my time. You really learn a lot in the process.”

SLG has been involved with GEAR UP, Star Search, Upward Bound, and mentoring programs that are nationally recognized and federally funded.

These programs encourage teenagers to continue their education after high school.

“You are more like a tool for some of these kids who need someone to tell them, they can do it,” said Alcocer.

“They can go to school, they can do whatever they want to do.”

Some other volunteer work includes Relay for Life, beach cleanups, walking the animals at the local Humane Society, and helping the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The group is on the council committee for the Make-AWish foundation and helps brainstorm how wishes for

See CHARITY page 12

Student stuggles for education aided by Region I

By CECI CASTANEDA The Pan American “Example one, we’re on example one.”

The stout and tanned middle-aged instructor looks up quickly with hopeful eyes and a frozen, nervous smile.

“Okay, did you count the number of places?”

Silence.

She stares at nine downcast heads, hunched over bleached white paper. One man looks up. He wrinkles his brown, worn forehead, chewing on his bright, yellow No. 2 pencil. He finally stretches his neck back down at the page, again chewing on his pencil.

Every week he rides down to this local junior high, peering, chewing, learning. Every week he stares at walls of forestgreen chalkboard upon which are scrawled foreign letters and numbers. Every week he lugs his paper weights, one for quicker grammar, one for faster comprehension, one for better English.

So it has been every week for the past 10 years.

He is Julian Rios, one of the many adults attending Adult Education classes held by Region I in Edinburg. This spring, eight other students scatter around him in small, wooden desks, some young, some old, some Hispanic, some white.

They all converge for a purpose: an opportunity, a promotion, a better life.

The supervisor of the program, Priscilla Leal, stares across the room.

"A lot of these people are coming because it's harder to get jobs without a high school diploma,” she says. “Some want to continue their education; Some need it for health insurance; Some want it for promotions; Others are just trying to hold on to the jobs they already have."

Next to Rios sits a dark-skinned woman with frazzled brown hair. She holds her mechanical pencil up, clutching her calculator with the other, and leans closer over the book she shares with Rios. Like a few others, she needs her GED to continue her education; to get her master's, that is. Hilda De Rio, a licensed chemist in Mexico, already obtained a

bachelor’s at Universidad de Nuevo Leon. Now, she plans to lived in McAllen nearly all his life and almost graduated from tackle graduate school at Pan Am. But first, subtracting McAllen High. However, in a lapse of judgment, he was decimals at the junior high level. In English. deterred, and did not return to school.

"Thirty-seven point eight!" shouts a voice from the side of Like 90 percent of the classmates around him, he quit in the the classroom. eleventh grade to work fullFrom the far time. Now prepositions and right of the class decimals are stale to him, shouts a young covered in entire layers of man, one of the rust. Practice is his only youngest, working polish. quickly through Phillip Pearce his math problems. empathizes. He hunches His face is bristled over his paper, scribbling and rough, his furiously although his mind head shaved struggles to recall bits of except for a curly high school. More than 30 strand falling an years have passed since he inch from the nape quit his San Antonio high of his neck. His school to work full-time. cut-off shirt “I decided to work,” exposes two Pearce explained. “The tattoos to match principal wanted me to stay another blue ink in school but I only stayed in carving crawling school for my dad. After he up his skinny calf. died, I figured I could make Franco CaballeroThe Pan American "Wow, you're more money if I just DREAMLAND— At the Region I center in Edinburg students of all quick," says the worked. Been working ever ages and many nationalities are completing their education under instructor, patting the experienced eyes of a group of instructors. Long-time gaps in since.” his shoulder. "What education are being filled every semester.

Though in his late fifties, grade did you get Pearce's ambition drives him to?" through discouragement and He looks up at her and beams with pride, the quickest in the opposition. His motivation is strong, a motivation spurred on class. by his wife.

“I graduated but I got expelled so they took my diploma.” he “She always told me to get it,” said Pearce, smiling, staring said, half smiling at his completed list of correct decimal sums. to the corner of the room, staring farther than anyone else in His partner glances over at him, still struggling with his the room could understand. paper. He throws his head back down at the bleached white Like Rios, Cavazos and all the rest, he attends classes paper he scribbles over, dirty blonde hair falling across his faithfully, concentrating on the pages of endless words, cheek. Moses Cavazos, brushes the hair away, sighing. He has

See REGION I page 11

February 12, 2004

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 4

Future doctor finishes busy UTPA career

By LUIS SAAVEDRA The Pan American

Walter Quiroga is looking forward to the future. Not only will the UTPA senior culminate his studies as a chemistry major this May, but he will also head to medical school in August. A long-time dream is taking shape.

“I knew that I wanted to go into medicine since I was in junior high,” Quiroga said. “And I got my acceptance letter to Baylor in Houston last December.”

STUDENT PROFILE A native of Mexico City, he moved to Matamoros, Tamaulipas with his family when he was in 8th grade. His father, who was a doctor in Mexico, had always wanted to emigrate to the United States but keep working in his country; thus the border proved to be the perfect solution.

Like his father, Quiroga also expects to come back to the area once he finishes his studies, maybe to practice on both sides of the border.

“I would like to come back to the Valley.

Whether I’ll end up in Mexico or here I still don’t know,” he said.

In the meantime, the 21-year-old finds time between classes to assist Dr. Hassan Ahmad of the chemistry department in doing research on cancer prevention.

“The idea is to try to prevent cancer by natural methods,” Quiroga explained. “We study the compounds of food that [people] eat every day and see if they help the enzymes in the body. We try to identify

which compounds are responsible for that accompanies the chemistry lab manuals. and which are the most promising.”

Other than his brush with fame as poster After two and one-half years working boy for lab safety, one of Quiroga’s most with Ahmad, Quiroga’s main satisfying experiences has been witnessing responsibility now is to pass on the his own progress in four years of higher knowledge he has education. gained to his “With every colleagues in semester you research. progress, learning “It’s sort of a more and more in the passing of the classes you take,” he torch,” he said. said. “It’s interesting “Now that I’m to see how all the leaving in May, I knowledge that you have to show the built in the first two others the way the years can be applied experiments are in the following years done.” to increase your Assisting Ahmad understanding of in research is not the other classes. It’s only work Quiroga really rewarding.” has done at UTPA. Among the many Last summer he rewards Quiroga has became a most experienced during Walter Quiroga familiar face among his college years, science majors, recognizable to just about making friends and spending as much time anyone who has stepped into a lab on as possible with them is on top of his list. campus.

“Unfortunately there’s not much time It all started when he introduced a bottle left after classes and work, sometimes of water into one of the labs, unaware that even the weekend becomes a victim of he was violating the Environmental, work,” he said. “Last semester my Health and Safety program’s regulations. roommates [at BRONC Village] and I used Unfortunately for him, safety specialist to run at night.

Richard Castello was doing rounds at that “One of my roommates was in the time and noticed Quiroga’s violation. To ROTC so he would lead us through the compensate for the misdemeanor, Castello course that they run,” he added. “But this asked Quiroga to pose for the posters semester because it has been quite hard, currently promoting safety measures in all despite what everyone says about your last university labs. In addition to this, year being easy and relaxed, I haven’t Quiroga also starred as the EHS really had time to exercise.” spokesman in a CD-ROM that Still, because of the lack of exercise and

some past experiences with bad eating habits, he tries to maintain a healthy diet.

“During my sophomore and junior years I would skip a lot of meals and not eat anything,” he said. “Eventually it started wearing out on me. I started feeling sick and couldn’t concentrate.”

Since then, Quiroga has learned his lesson and now he strives to eat well and cut down on soft drinks, which sometimes, he says, are the only choice available to students on campus.

When he is not busy with school, work, or spending time with his friends, Quiroga’s favorite pastime is hitting the books.

“Ironically, as much reading as I have to do for school I like to read stuff outside the required readings,” he said. “I like reading novels or political science books, especially the ones related to politics in Mexico.”

Last year posed some challenges for Quiroga. He took the oft-dreaded medical exam, the MCAT, and started applying for medical school.

“You always hear that they are a hard test and they’re not joking,” he said. “But with a good understanding of the subjects and definitely a lot of practice before the exam you can get a good score.

“The challenge is to go beyond and above of what they teach you in class,” he continued. “Because the test is not about if you know an equation or not, is about finding a new use for the equation, to apply it.”

All the hard work he has done paid well for Quiroga who will go to Baylor in August. Thus, Quiroga is another example See PROFILE page 12

The search for the perfect career is a quest many students go on while venturing though a labyrinth of undergraduate struggle and triumph. There are many keys that may unlock the doors to success, but who has them and how can students obtain them?

According to Cooperative Education Coordinator Susie Chapa, hundreds of keys are available, students just need to apply for one.

Internships are an important part of the journey to finding that perfect job, but many do not take advantage of a variety of available internships.

“Not enough students are aware of career placement,” said Chapa. “Many students come to school and then leave without becoming familiar with our office because they have other obligations and responsibilities.”

Imagine conducting finance research for a major corporation like PriceWaterhouseCoopers, or learning what it is like to be a buyer for Target. Try and visualize what it would be like working in Washington D.C. with Sen. John Cornyn, or at the Smithsonian Museum of American Indians.

A sports marketing internship with the Dallas Cowboys in San Antonio last fall was one of the best experiences junior communication major Andrea Longoria ever had. She was able to work with worldwide corporations like American Airlines, and Miller Lite. She mentioned that for the

duration of the internship, the interns stayed at the Marriott Hotel, affording chances to make many new friends.

“I learned so much,” she said enthusiastically, “but a good GPA means nothing if you don’t have hands-on experience.”

That type of experience is an opportunity to help a student advance in the field of choice.

It allows a student to become part of a network they would have never become associated with without participating in an internship.

“An internship sets you apart from other students,” said Chapa. “It makes you a solid candidate for a job. These days finding a job for some people in certain fields of interest with an undergraduate degree, is like having a high school diploma because there are so many students with an edge out there.”

Some majors such as education and nursing require a student to intern before they can graduate, but some do not require firsthand experience at all. Often, great competition for jobs means that without internship experience, a student’s application for work might not even get past the first round of judgments.

There are usually requirements for students to meet in attaining internships. For example, a recent opportunity to work with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn requires applicants to submit two letters of recommendation, their college transcript, and an essay explaining why they want to work with his office. Internships are available at several of his offices across Texas, including Valley location in Harlingen.

Cornyn’s positions are tailor-made for communication and political science majors;

however all students are encouraged to apply.

Other internship applications are much more specific and demanding. The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities requires a GPA of at least 3.0. The organization helps students secure an internship in an array of areas, promising glimpses at career opportunities with JP Morgan Chase to the Library of Congress.

Also possible is the chance to find out a thing or two about yourself and the type of work the subject you are majoring in has to offer.

HACU can be of great assistance to those looking for a job that fits.

Internships can help shape and mold a career. They can open the doors to a permanent position and also give students a chance to see different parts of the country or world. Some are paid and some are strictly for credit. Many companies pay for all travel expenses, provide housing and even pay for clothes.

Some simply provide students with the opportunity. Grades, applications on deadline, transportation, housing, and especially clothes are up to students to provide.

Students at all stages of the college journey can get on board. Internships offer a chance to test the waters of a field before graduation and also to double-check if the career field is right for them.

The Career Placement Office is in the Student Services Building, room 125.

Internet websites are available in this office as well as brochures and magazines with information on the specifics of different internship availability and requirements.

Resume help and advise on career attire is

also offered in this office. For more information on how to participate in the total college experience and get a head of the game can start by contacting Susie Chapa at 3812244.

Current Internship Opportunities LOCAL VAMOS Ford Congressman Hinojosa Dodge Arena John D. Garcia South Texas Export Center Aladan Academy Attorney General of Texas Edinburg Police Department US Marshal Senator John Cornyn HACU Walgreens Mervyn’s Target Sherwin Williams Lockheed Martin Xerox Hastings Hidalgo County Community Corrections Department

Koech wins 10K

UTPA Men’s Basketball Date

Opponent/Time

Scores

Nov. 4

Monterrey Tech

W112-46

Nov. 8

Houston Quest

W 111-59

Nov. 22

Southern Methodist

L 59-69

Nov. 25

Texas A&M-Int’l

W 90-50

Nov. 29

Texas-Arlington

L 75-81

Dec. 1

SWA of God

W 90-60

Dec. 4

Missouri-Kansas City

L 80-104

Dec. 6

Texas-San Antonio

W 86-83

Dec. 12

Mississippi Valley St.

L 67-85

Dec. 14

Sam Houston State

L 66-92

Dec. 17

North Texas

L 81-87

Dec. 20

Rice

L 58-69

Dec. 22

Oklahoma State

L 61-96

Dec. 29

Oklahoma

L 57-72

Dec. 31

McMurry

W 90-58

Jan. 6

Baylor

W 55-54

Jan. 8

North Texas

L 53-71

Jan. 14

Wright State

L 60-82

Jan. 19

Missouri-K.C.

L 69-77

Jan. 21

Texas-Arlington

L 54-73

Jan. 28

IPFW

W 81-60

Feb. 2

Alcorn State

W 74-52

Feb. 4

Lamar

W 90-78

Feb. 7

IPFW

W 57-55

Feb. 11

Arkansas State

W 70-67

Feb. 14

TAMUCC

7:30

Feb. 16

Air Force

7:30

Feb. 19

Central Baptist

7:30

Feb. 28

TAMUCC

7

March 1

Arkansas State

7:05

Men’s Tennis Spring Season

An estimated 4,500 runners participated in Saturday’s 2K race at the 22nd Annual Edinburg All-America City Run/Walk event, while another 2,600 ran in the 10K race.

Gilbert Koech of Kenya won the men’s division and set a new course record by running the race in 29:06.

In the women’s division, Emily Samoei of Kenya won the 10K event with a time of 33:48. She missed setting the course record by 10 seconds, which was set by Russian Albina Gallyamova, who did not participate in the race this year.

Benefit golf tourney The Fourth Annual Former Bronc Hoopsters Golf Classic will be held Saturday at Palm View Golf Course in McAllen. Tee time will be at 8 a.m.

The golf tournament will also include a benefit raffle by the Bronc Alumni Association. The tourney and the raffle are to raise funds for basketball scholarships in the former UTPA basketball coach Sam Williams. Donations are also being accepted.

For more information, contact Jim Board at 630-3320 or 454-6996.

Date Jan. 19 Jan. 19 Feb. 6 Feb. 7 Feb. 7 Feb. 14 Feb. 21

Opponent Time/Results Trinity W 4-3 Texas A&M L 1-6 Eastern Kentucky W 6-1 Dayton W 5-2 Xavier W 6-1 Saint Louis 2 TAMUCC 2

Feb. 26

Laredo College (Exh.) 1

March

March 11

Abilene Christian

5:30

14-15

March 12

Prairie View

TBA

March

March 13

Texas Southern

10 a.m.

29-30

March 24 April 3

UTSA DePaul

2 1

April 4

Texas-Arlington

10 a.m.

April 7 April 8 April 9 April 17 April 30 May 1 May 2

Texas Southern 2 Lamar 3 Southeastern Louisiana Noon TAMUCC 2 SLC Championships SLC Championships SLC Championships

Men’s Track & Field Indoor Season

2004 UTPA Men’s Golf

Opponent

Time/Results

Date

Tournament

Feb. 9-10 Ricer Intercollegiate

April 5-6

Trojan Cup Hal Sutton Intercollegiate

April 23-24Andrea Brotto Cavalier Classic May 7-9

National Minority Golf Championships

2004 UTPA Women’s Golf Schedule Date

Tournament

Feb.

Bronc Intercollegiate

March

Xavier Invitational

Houston Invitational 12 of 22

12-14

Feb. 14

Houston/RunSport

TBA

March

Baylor/Tapatío Springs

March 12

NCAA Indoor Track TBA & Field Championships

19-21

Shootout

All games p.m. unless noted.

Result 14th of 14

Bearkat Invitational

Feb. 7

HOME GAMES IN BOLD

2003-2004 Sports Schedules

México faces Chile, U-23 eliminates U.S. The Mexican men’s national soccer team will face Chile Feb. 18 at the Home Depot Center Stadium in Carson, Calif. in an exhibition match.

This will be the first match of the year for the Mexican side who will be preparing to begin the region’s World Cup qualifying tournament, while Chile is currently competing in the South American qualifying tournament to the 2006 World Cup to be held in Germany.

México leads the all-time series 12-8 and have won the last four meetings.

Tuesday night, the Mexican men’s under 23 national soccer team routed the United States 4-0 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, México and eliminated the U.S. side in the semifinals of the region’s qualifying tournament for this summer’s Olympic games to be held in Athens.

The U.S. held out for 26 minutes in front of 57,000 fans at Jalisco Stadium before Rafael Márquez Lugo (’26 and ’54) put the ball in the back of the net, which opened the flood gates.

Diego Martínez (’28) and Ismael Iñiguez (’90) scored the other goals of the match. México will face Costa Rica in the Final Feb. 12.

Mexican Soccer League 2004

Schedule

23-24 Date

Page 13

SPORTS CLIPBOARD

2003-2004 Sports Schedules

Gaining experience before ‘real world’ key

By VANESSA CASTILLO The Pan American

Sports

February 12, 2004

March

Arkansas-Little Rock

29-30

Invitational

May 7-9

National Minority Golf Championships

Result

Team Chiapas Toluca Guadalajara U.N.A.M. Club San Luis U.A.G. Querétaro América Monterrey Pachuca Irapuato Cruz Azul Santos Atlante Necaxa Tigres Veracruz Morelia Puebla Atlas Group I 9 - Toluca 5 - Monterrey 5 - Pachuca 2 - Puebla 2 - Atlas

W-D-L 3-0-1 3-0-1 3-0-1 2-2-0 2-1-1 2-1-1 1-3-0 1-3-0 1-2-1 1-2-1 1-2-1 1-2-1 1-1-2 1-1-2 1-1-2 1-1-2 0-2-2 0-2-2 0-2-2 0-2-2

GF:GA 8:5 5:2 4:2 7:3 6:4 7:8 7:6 6:5 5:3 6:6 6:6 4:5 6:6 4:4 5:6 8:10 6:8 4:7 3:6 2:7

Group II 8 - U.N.A.M. 7 - U.A.G. 6 - América 6 - Querétaro 4 - Santos

PTS 9 9 9 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 2 2 2 2

Scorer / Team C. Blanco, AME A. Fernandes, MTY W. Gaitán, TIG E. Marcón, UAG S. Blanco, SL M. Delgado, CA S. Cabañas, CHI A. Silvera, TIG B. Marioni, UNAM G. Biscayzacú, VCZ

G 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

13 Tied with 2 goals.

Group III 9 - Chiapas 7 - San Luis 5 - Cruz Azul 4 - Tigres 2 - Morelia

Group IV 9 - Guadalajara 5 - Irapuato 4 - Necaxa 4 - Atlante 2 - Veracruz

Week 4 results Feb. 7-8: Veracruz 1, Atlas 1; Toluca 2, Morelia 0; Tigres 1, Querétaro 2; Cruz Azul 1, San Luis 4; Guadalajara 1, Pachuca 0; Necaxa 0, Chiapas 1; U.N.A.M. 3, Santos 2; Irapuato 2, Monterrey 1; Puebla 1, Atlante 1; U.A.G. 1, América 1.

Week 5 schedule Feb. 14-15: Chiapas vs. Puebla; Morelia vs.

Guadalajara; Tigres vs. Irapuato; San Luis vs. Veracruz; Atlas vs. U.A.G.; América vs. Monterrey; Pachuca vs. Necaxa; Querétaro vs. Toluca; Atlante vs. U.N.A.M.; Santos vs. Cruz Azul (March 24).

UTPA Women’s Basketball Date Nov. 7 Nov. 21 Nov. 22 Nov. 25 Nov. 29

Opponent/Time Houston Air Force.

Boise State/Dayton TAMUI St. Edward’s

Scores W 91-77 W 68-67 W 63-57 W 84-55 W 79-42

Dec. 5

St. Louis

L 45-77

Dec. 6

Kansas State/Sac.

W 60-50

Dec. 14

Oral Roberts

L 57-67

Dec. 17

Texas

L 25-90

Dec. 19

Marshall

L 59-74

Dec. 21

Central Michigan

L 40-56

Dec. 28

Tulsa

L 41-71

Dec. 31

Prairie View A&M

W 64-52

Jan. 2

UT-Arlington

L 46-85

Jan. 7 Jan. 9

Sacramento State San Diego State

W 49-47 L 38-59

Jan. 11

Louisiana-Lafayette

L 54-62

Jan. 13

SE Louisiana

L 58-60

Jan. 22

SW Missouri State

L 34-69

Jan. 24

TAMUCC

L 43-73

Jan. 27

Incarnate Word

W 63-46

Jan. 31

IPFW

W 75-72

Feb. 3

Northern Colorado

L 56-57

Feb. 9

Prairie View A&M

W 70-63

Feb. 16

Louisiana-Lafayette 5

Feb. 19

IPFW

5

Feb. 24

TAMUCC

7

Feb. 28

SE Louisiana

7

March 3

Northern Arizona

8

Women’s Tennis Spring Season Date

Opponent

Feb. 6

UTEP

Time/Results L 0-7

Feb. 13

Sam Houston State,

3

Feb. 14

Northwestern State

1:30

Feb. 15

Stephen F. Austin

9 a.m.

Feb. 21

TAMUCC

2:00

Feb. 26

Laredo College (Exh.) 1:00

March 11 Abilene Christian

5:30

March 13 Texas Southern

10 a.m.

March 17

Wyoming

TBA

March 18

Jacksonville

Noon

March 19

Long Island

TBA

March 20

Bethune-Cookman

TBA

March 27 Air Force

8:30 a.m.

April 7

2

Texas Southern

April 8

Lamar

3

April 9

McNeese State

9 a.m.

April 16

IPFW

TBA

April 16

Northern Colorado

TBA

April 17

TAMUCC

2

Women’s Track & Field Indoor Season Date

Opponent

Feb. 7

Houston Invitational

Time/Results 18 of 21

Feb. 14

Houston/RunSport

TBA

March 12

NCAA Indoor Track TBA & Field Championships

HOME GAMES IN BOLD All games p.m. unless noted.

THE PAN AMERICAN

February 12, 2004

STUDY ABROAD staying in HCU dorms during their stay, giving them an even greater chance to experience student life in Japan. The orientation meeting for the Japanese Summer II session is Feb. 26 in room 180 of the COAS building.

However, 13 programs are available and they reach a variety of destinations worldwide. Dr. John Bokina, political science professor, has attended study abroad programs for two consecutive years in Salamanca, but now he has changed his mode and plans to teach in the Greece and Turkey program.

“I am a great believer in the studying abroad program and its educational value,” Bokina said.

Bokina also said that although he had a good time in Salamanca, he had a special interest where he had visited once before, and another in Turkey where he plans to visit for the first time. He mentioned that the history discussed in his lectures are interpreted differently when students hear them in their place of origin.

SHERIFF

NATURE SERIES

continued from page 6 Study Abroad Summer Orientation Program Date Salamanca, Spain Chile Italy/France Costa Rica Germany China Guadalajara Paris, France Oaxaca Canada Japan Turkey/Greece Argentina

Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. TBA TBA

12 12 17 17 19 19 24 24 26 26 26

For more information contact the Office of International Programs at CAS 125

continued from page 5

According to Trevino, the homicide rate of Hidalgo County has gone up 30 percent in the past year. He also said that the clearance rate – referring to how crimes are taken off the books as they are solved - has gone down 19 percent. Escalon, Trevino says, also chooses not to have a relationship with the county’s district attorney.

“Escalon refuses to have a relationship with a district attorney,” Trevino said. “It is for the sake of the people. People of the county elect a sheriff who they trust will give them safety, security, and well-being.”

Contrarily, Sheriff Escalon says that he has had disagreements with the district attorney, but the problem does not lie with the sheriff.

“Of course there wouldn’t be any disagreements between Trevino and the district attorney because that is his

HOMECOMING queen. Last year, Kappa Delta Chi’s Adele Clinton won the title, and it seems the girls are trying to help their new candidate claim the title also.

“I think it’s important for student organizations to get involved,” Martinez said. “We can express our school spirit and have fun at the same time.”

Olivarez, a junior English major, explained how one is nominated for the Homecoming Court: a student organization can choose a candidate to represent the club and then begin campaigning around campus in hopes of having the candidate elected.

“I think this year’s Homecoming is better than last year’s,” Olivarez said.

“There are more people coming out, and more events, too. I know that my sorority is going to have a game booth set up, and there’s probably going to be different types of things to try.”

Rodney Gomez, coordinator of Student Development, is managing this event. So far, Gomez has seen a positive response. Though he has only been at UTPA for six months, and didn’t attend the university as a student, he brings a

Page 12

(Trevino’s) boss,” claimed Escalon. “Yes, the district attorney and I have disagreements, but the result stays in the district attorney’s hands. He answers to the public. I am going to continue to do what I feel is right.”

This race, much like the state representative battle in District 40 between incumbent Aaron Pena and challenger Eddie Saenz, has a considerable amount of disagreement and controversy.

Election day, March 9, will tell the tale of which candidates are best able to reach the public with their message. Early voting will be from Feb. 23 through March 5, though voter registration ended Feb. 7. The UTPA Learning Center will be a designated early voting poll, so students will be able to vote on campus.

continued from page 1 possibly helpful outsider’s perspective to the festivities.

“Based on my experience with other colleges and their Homecomings, I would say ours is a fairly good one so far,” Gomez said.

The planning for the event has illustrated effort from students as well as administration. The United Student Organization Council (USOC) is the sponsor for the event, and the Office of Student Development helped coordinate homecoming activities with USOC members.

“USOC held several committee meetings discussing Homecoming, and we at OSD helped them to implement their plans,” Gomez said. “As with any big event, we tried to eliminate activities that didn’t work last year and keep those that did. Then we had to research the logistics of the activities, contact vendors, and make sure everything was consistent with university policy. Above all, we wanted to make sure that students would want to come to the event, have fun, and show their school spirit.”

the audience while sharing his love for wildlife.

He asked audience members what images were triggered when they thought of the Rio Grande Valley. Responses included palm trees and orange groves, among others.

CHARITY

food banks.

To find out more about volunteering with SLG, e-mail the organization at www.sog_utpa@yahoo.com.

According to Alcocer, “Anybody can volunteer and that is great. Charity is not always about money and helping someone should be on everyone’s to-do list.”

continued from page 4

of UTPA’s reputation as the school with the highest rate of med school acceptance in Texas.

Still, because he wants to specialize in surgery, he is well aware there is yet a long way to go before he can conclude his studies.

“In my path, I still have at least another nine years to go, so I can really say that I’m doing what I want to do,” he said.

“And I really want to excel considerably in whatever field I choose.”

COSTEP

“This is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the country,” Carlo said.

“The weather is different from other northern states, and these habitats have the ability to be homes of animals that might not survive elsewhere. It’s really something.”

continued from page 3

terminally ill children can come true.

One year SLG visited a sick child at a local hospital, dressing up like Disney characters from movies like Snow White and Cinderella.

SLG also does charity work for the women’s group, Mujeres Unidas, offering clothes and donating canned goods to local

PROFILE

continued from page 6

Although not sure of the specific type of surgeon he would like to be, Quiroga is determined to make an impact in the world of medicine.

“I would like to discover something.

Make a medical discovery,” he confessed.

“There’s a lot of work that could be done out there and I’m using [my experience with Dr. Ahmad] as a learning experience to apply everything I learn here to my career.”

continued from page 5

extension after the 6- month repayment grace throughout Texas, focusing on the South Texas period has passed. region where 80 percent of students are There are also deferments if a student becomes unemployed after graduation or has problems finding a job.

“We don’t particularly like to see student Federal Family Education Loan with a financial aid debt after graduation,” Program (FFELP) stated Taylor.

With budget cuts and tuition increases all over Texas COSTEP has been very busy with Stafford Subsidized requests for help concerning financial aid for students.

“Some students are taking more hours due STUDENTS to the tuition increases,” stated Taylor.

When asked for some names of students currently using their non-profit organization Dependent Students as a source of support, COSTEP was adamant about protecting the privacy of its clients/students due to government policy.

1st year $2,625 Another way the group makes it easy to follow any of the steps listed above is by 2nd year $3,500 sending the Mobile Education Resource 3rd/4th year $5,500 Vehicle, (MERV) to campuses for Internet access.

Professional/Grad $8,500 “We take the Internet to the student, the campus cruiser provides access to transmit the FAFSA form or any scholarship Independent Students information at their fingertips, literally,” Taylor said.

At the scheduled events, MERV has 1st year $4,000 wireless Internet access, flat screen Dell 2nd year $4,000 computers, and 10 computer stations along with trained COSTEP staff.

3rd/4th year $5,000 MERV travels to high schools, colleges, and universities throughout South Texas.

Prof./Grad $10,000 “Once we started going to the schools the teachers and counselors realized what a great addition it was to their existing resources,” stated Smith.

COSTEP’s mission is to provide free Provided by the CO-STEP Edinburg office. information for college-bound students

February 12, 2004

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 5

Shootout in sheriff race continuing to wire

By JULIAN CAVAZOS The Pan American The election for Hidalgo County sheriff nears, with less than a month left before early voting starts. Current Sheriff Enrique Escalon and challenger Lupe Trevino are head to head, striving to hold the post for the next four years.

Feeling confident, Escalon is up and running again, hoping to be re-elected. If Escalon wins, he assures that he will continue his successful tradition of service.

“I think I’ve done well, and there’s no question who the better man is here,” he said. “They have had me in office, and I’d like for them to support me again for another four years.

“I have my experience, my track record in building confidence to the sheriff department, and I have accomplished duties with actions. If I’m elected I’ll keep improving, and get the department up to where it needs to be.”

Escalon is proud of having brought in millions of tax dollars and expanded the Enrique personnel of the department.

“Over 10 million dollars of tax dollars that Washington D.C had we brought back in grants to put back in the county for personnel and equipment,” he said.

“Now it is over 12 million. I’ve also been able to double the personnel from 49 to about 90 deputies.”

Escalon has over 30 years of experience in law enforcement. He served in the U.S Army for three years, and afterward worked as a police officer in Mercedes. There, he was promoted three different times, ending up as a chief investigator after only two years. Many more years of law enforcement and criminal examination experience came his

his extensive career experience and was promoted many way, all leading up to election as sheriff. Escalon has been times. He worked in undercover narcotics, undercover vice, Hidalgo County sheriff since 1994, having been and as an undercover agent in the crime bureau. After 14 elected the past two terms. years, he decided to move back to the Valley to raise his Escalon campaign volunteer Letty Garcia believes that his family. Trevino got hired at a district attorney’s office, and honesty and hard work will keep him in office. initiated a state and federal drug task force. Currently, “He (Escalon) has done a good job, with a great Trevino is on a leave of absence from his task force to fully background of being honest and fair to the people,” Garcia focus on the campaign. He also said. “We need to keep teaches criminal justice at UTPA. people like Escalon Trevino said that he is confident because of their his platform will lower the crime honesty and work rate and open up a two-way they’ve done. There’s dialogue between the community no reason to remove and sheriff’s office. him.”

His goal is to create an openHowever, before door policy for his employees, as Escalon and his well as the public and department campaign are able to heads including leaders of the warm their seats in county, commissioners, county assurance of his judges, district attorneys, chiefs of winning again, Escalon police, and federal agency heads. is being challenged by “What I intend to do is Lupe Trevino. personally communicate with all Trevino’s campaign county commissioners, judges and coordinator, Pat district attorneys in Medina, feels that investigations,” Trevino said. through Trevino's Escalon Lupe Treviño “Criminal investigations are a way of being, the team effort, and you need legal public would really presence. If you have no legal direction, then you will fail in like him as sheriff. your investigation.”

“I guarantee you that if you were to give Trevino just five With his platform, Trevino has confidence he can improve minutes, you’d like this man,” Medina said. “Not only that, the county’s problems, something he suggests the incumbent but you will also like the way he carries himself, the way he has not done well enough. works, and his ethics.”

“I think people have come to realize what kind of sheriff Trevino, born and raised in McAllen, and like Escalon, has he (Escalon) is, and I am actually giving the them an option,” 30 years of experience. After going to UTPA for college for Trevino said. “A real choice between an apple and an three years, he decided to join the police force in Austin. orange.”

While working there from 1974 to 1988, Trevino developed

See SHERIFF page 12

Financing education easier using COSTEP

By VANESSA LUCIO The Pan American Walking into the Edinburg-based office of the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) one would not expect by the modern decorum that there is a finely tuned machine that goes beyond the bold color choices on the chair cushions and past the 3D patterns to match. There is a new-age work ethnic that is designed and manufactured specifically to fit the needs of the students of the Valley.

This machine is the staff of the non-profit organization founded in 1972 with a mission to offer student loans, loan servicing, marketing and administrative support services, as well as provide information on financing a post-secondary education.

The organization theme, “Your Future made Possible” sums up 32 years of support service.

According to Bruce Taylor, vice president for the COSTEP Marketing Department, “We at COSTEP want students to know the money is out there and it’s available. If money is the only barrier stopping more people from attending college, that can change.”

With only 43 employees from the Valley up through San Antonio, COSTEP promotes from within. Staffing levels remain at a fixed number due to constant re-training and relearning requirements employees complete in time for the wave of technological enhancements and improvements.

“The industry of financial aid has evolved from quick, fast paperwork to quicker and faster computer system work,” stated Taylor.

COSTEP is comprised of six departments including Sales and Marketing, Loans Origin, Customer Service, Consolidations, Payments and Collections, and an IT (Information Technology) department.

COSTEP provides a friendly atmosphere where students can feel comfortable when talking to a credit counselor in regard to grant or loan programs.

How does COSTEP help a student get started?

The student must follow four basic steps when researching

the source of their financial aid support system.

1. FAFSA Outreach, making students aware of these programs.

COSTEP begins by visiting local high schools and providing counseling nights or financial aid seminars where high school counselors get together to talk with students specifically about COSTEP and other means of financing their secondary education.

At these events, students are able to get help filling out their portion of the FAFSA form for the government as well as getting their parent(s) involved in the process by completing W2 forms or the income tax portion of the FAFSA. At the filing sessions students are also given the opportunity to set up a pin number used to gain access to online services at www.COSTEP.org.

This service is free of charge as opposed to other services which claim to help the student but include payments of up to $100 for providing the information that is free at COSTEP. 2. Government Assessment, what he/she is eligible for After the FAFSA form is completed and sent to the government the government sends the student a Student Assessment Report (SARS) detailing how much money, if any, he/she is eligible for.

After the FAFSA is filled out, most money is given to persons over 24 years of age, veterans, married couples, and students with children, dependent on the school’s financial situation.

On the FAFSA form the student can indicate which school they want their financial aid information sent to.

3. Funding, campuses get together with student to come to a financial agreement.

Once the school receives this information then each campus, (with their certain financial aid limit) will send an award letter to the recipient stating that they do/do not qualify on the government level and that the institution can accommodate their needs on certain terms 4. Free Money At this point, the money has already surfaced through steps 1-3 and the student has a clear understanding of what is

available.

COSTEP provides a budget planning guide, which shows how to tackle management of finances. Students can receive three types of Federal Family Education Loan Programs: Stafford Subsidized, Stafford Unsubsidized, and Parent (Plus) Loan.

Students have the option of choosing their lender when it comes to receiving money for their education. Available lenders include First Financial, IBC Bank, Broadway Bank, Southwest Research Center Federal Credit Union, and Lone Star National Bank.

“Our goal is to get students the free money first. But if additional funds are needed, then we walk them through the process of applying for student loans, it can be confusing for anyone,” stated Taylor.

Newly promoted after 20 years experience with COSTEP Irene Smith, market sales manager for the South Region, has learned a lot from the students and parents she works with daily.

Smith worked her way through college at the University of Texas-Pan American because she said she wasn’t educated about financial aid opportunities.

She began her career with COSTEP working on the operations side of student loans but now is in charge of Edinburg, McAllen, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Laredo and Kingsville.

Smith stated, “COSTEP provides a pathway for students by removing roadblocks that would normally get in the way if they did it alone. I could not do my job without my team at COSTEP.” Smith and Taylor agreed that COSTEP is a team effort and only works because everyone helps each other out.

Taylor said that the number one aspect students need to be aware of is that COSTEP is available if anyone needs help; the organization is a support system service.

COSTEP even provides exit counseling right before a student graduates.

He/she has the option of loan consolidation, or asking for an

See COSTEP page 12

THE PAN AMERICAN

February 12, 2004

Page 6

Santa Ana Refuge Nature Series topic

By CLARISSA MARTINEZ The Pan American

Hidden behind highways, fast food joints, and malls are wildlife features endemic to the area, from palms to the green jay to hundreds of butterfly types.

The natural wonders of the Rio Grande Valley are currently on display. The McAllen Chamber of Commerce, along with The Valley Nature Center, hosts the weekly McAllen Great Outdoors Nature Series on Tuesday nights through March, highlighting different wildlife facts and finds.

Tuesday, Feb. 10, Mike Carlo gave a presentation on Valley habitats, highlighting the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge in Alamo. Carlo spoke to nearly 40 people, mainly Winter Texans.

Held at the Chamber until March 26, the admission fee for adults is $3.

Upcoming sessions include Linda Laack: Wildcats of South Texas on Feb. 24 and Tom Langschied: The Birds and Habitats of King Ranch on March 2.

Norma Philips, of Missouri, said she found out about the Nature Series from the Sunday edition of The Monitor.

Carlo’s talk was the first event she has attended this year, but she has participated in past series.

“I really enjoy the presentations,” Philips said. “Yesterday, my sister-in-law

told me about this series so I had to come check it out. I was really curious to find out what type of wildlife exists in this part of the country.”

Blanca Cardenas of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce said that education is one of the major goals of the events.

“We are here to educate people on the importance of preserving wildlife,” Cardenas said. “We are very fortunate to have this type of life in our region.

We’ve been receiving a wonderful response from those attending our seminars, and they have been wellattended.”

Those involved with the Nature Series have been trying to promote the events through newspapers, businesses, and talking with school districts.

“They [Nature Series] are open to anyone. We have students from elementary schools come in, and even high school students who take notes on different types of information,” Cardenas said. “If everyone of all ages better understands what we have, then they won’t take it for granted. People might even be motivated to help protect the environment.”

Carlo’s presentation focused on the different animals, plants and waterways that exist in Cameron and Hidalgo counties. With the Santa Ana National

such as the indigo snake and endangered ocelot cat.

The refuge was first protected in 1943, and preserves a world that has disappeared from 95 percent of the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

Awing the crowd with photos Franco Caballero/The Pan American of rare POINTERS— Mike Carlo lectures the Nature Series audience on the wonders of birds and Rio Grande Valley habitat Feb. 10 at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. The butterflies, weekly Nature Series continues on Tuesdays throughout the month of March, Carlo highlighting a different wildlife facet each week. shared the knowledge Wildlife Refuge at the tips of the of wildlife he has obtained since living community’s fingers, Carlo took the in the area. attendants on a “tour,” through photos Imitating bird calls, telling stories of showing what exists in South Texas. encounters with different animals, and Resembling a rainforest, Santa Ana is even sharing the secret of how a 2,088-acre plot including nearly 400 photographers sometimes pose animals bird species, half of all butterfly species to get a great photo, Carlo entertained found in North America, and rarities See NATURE page 12

Solis heads new SBA push Study trips are developing

By VANESSA LUCIO The Pan American The McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has named Gilbert Solis new Small Business Administration (SBA) economic specialist. He replaces Alonso Gracia, who retired from SBA after 35 years.

The U.S. SBA assists small businesses by providing one-on-one counseling for anyone needing loan information or financing a new business in the McAllen, Pharr, Mission, and Edinburg area.

“Our national initiative is to create an outreach program that cares about its employees and customers,” said Solis. “SBA is guided by its principles to inspire leadership, integrity and entrepreneurship.”

SBA guarantees 75-80-percent loan coverage in short-term and long-term loan program, after the loan banking institution clearance check.

Enthusiastic individuals who are willing to work and ready for a change can visit the SBA office for basic training about small business management. Those with an existing small business who are ready to expand and add to their working force/capita

can contact SBA as well.

SBA cannot help those involved in non-profit organizations, real estate development, and adult entertainment industries with explicit content.

How can UTPA student get involved?

“If UTPA students are dynamic entrepreneurs or have dreams of being one, they can definitely contact me and my office,” said Solis. “Small business is the backbone of the economy, it would really be a great opportunity for students interested in business.”

According to the SBA website (www.sba.gov) small businesses nationwide provide approximately 75 percent of the net new jobs added to the economy and represent 99.7 percent of all employers.

Small businesses account for 97 percent of all U.S. exporters and hire a larger proportion of employees who are younger workers, older workers, and part-time workers.

The Hispanic Chamber houses a satellite SBA office from 8:15 a.m. to noon every Thursday in the Bank of America building located at 222 E. Van Buren Suite 500 in Harlingen. For further information contact Solis at (956) 427-8533.

U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce FACTS Current buying power of the U.S. Hispanic market is more than $383 billion.

Hispanic-owned small businesses amount for about 44% of all small businesses in the U.S. Source: www.uschamber.com

By ARTHUR HAGEY The Pan American The Office of International Programs offers students the chance to visit other countries while continuing their education with the Study Abroad programs.

Many students attend during the intersession or summer sessions. There are programs available for spending an entire year abroad as well.

Ivonne Tovar from the Office of International Programs believes that studying abroad is an exceptional opportunity for UTPA students.

“Studying abroad lets you get in touch with another culture and people,” Tovar said. “It’s a very enriching experience for students, personally and academically.”

Students will have classes Monday through Thursday, giving them time to see the local sights and explore Friday through Sunday. An assortment of tours will be presented to give students a chance to visit landmarks and gain a new understanding of the society they are in.

Tovar said the most popular program is the summer session to Salamanca, Spain. It is the longest running program, having been available for several years.

“Spain has become so popular because the students have been able to hear about it,” Tovar said.

As a sophomore, UTPA student Norma Padron studied in Monterrey, Mexico at ITESM University. The university made accommodations for groups of students to stay in local

homes close by to make things easier.

They also provided activities for students to participate in.

“I was never bored,” Padron said.

“There was always plenty to do.”

When not in class, Padron took classes in Pilates, a physical and mental exercise, and dance lessons.

“Monterrey is such a big, beautiful city,” Padron said. “I’ve already made friends there.”

During the intersession May 10-28 students can take a variety of business classes in Germany. Students will be attending the University of Luneburg in northern Germany. Field Seminar in European Business and a graduate class in Issues in European Business will be taught by Dr. Evelyn Hume of the Accounting and Business Law department.

In the past, the university has offered activities such as a visit to the local theatre to see a Friedrich Schiller play, trips to the Café International, as well as a weekend in Berlin.

The orientation meeting for Germany is Feb. 19 in room 180 of the COAS building.

Students attending the Summer II session in Japan will have the opportunity to be taught in certain classes by Japanese professors.

Students will attend class in the Hiroshima City University. Japanese Language and Japanese Art class will be held by HCU professors, giving students an exceptional chance to be taught by instructors with a rich background in their field.

The Japanese program has students

See STUDY ABROAD page 12

THE PAN AMERICAN

February 12, 2004

DEMOCRATS

continued from page 2

will be a 30-minute question-and-answer session. The Young Democrats, along with the Political Science Association and the Pre-Law Society, are presenting the forum.

However, this is not the only kind of activism the organization demonstrates.

Members are also involved in helping the community in other ways, aside from pushing education about the Democratic Party.

“They do community service projects, they have food drives, they raise money for the poor and the colonias,” said Garrett.

The organization has its work cut out in

REGION I

an election year. With primaries ending and elections coming up, members are striving to accomplish their goal of putting a Democratic candidate into the presidency, replacing current President George W. Bush, who was elected in 2000.

Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry appears to be the frontrunner, having won a series of primaries and caucuses recently, surging ahead of early frontrunner Howard Dean, of Vermont. North Carolina’s John Edwards and former Gen. Wesley Clark are the other main Democratic candidates. Texas votes in its primary March 9.

continued from page 3

scribbling and staring at crusty chalkboards.

All of them always try, throwing their effort into their learning. To their growing minds, mistakes in the past remain only where they can cause damage, in the past, in a memory soon to be erased. They hope in their future; they trust in determination.

“Mr. Villa, how are you doing,” the instructor says, walking to his side.

“Pues, I’m trying.” Rios looks up, smiling.

“But she explained to me in Spanish.”

He turns to Del Rio, his partner, smiling again and continuing with his scratches of points and numbers. His eyes squint, but he never stops.

Another instructor, Enedima Q. Lopez, trots around the room, encouraging each student.

FARMERS

Page 11

She stops.

“They want to be here. They want to learn.

They’re eager.”

She smiles, she believes they can do it.

Most 50- or 60-somethings spend their evenings lounging in warm, retired havens of trailer parks or socializing with old friends at Bingo games or buffet dinners. Not Phillip Pearce. Not Julian Rios. They spend their evenings cramped in a desk built for sixthgraders, chewing on pencils for schoolboys, kept in four walls cluttered with posters of pretty words.

“Believe in yourself,” one reads, over a picture of a four-foot boy sitting on a basketball. “All things are possible.”

Franco Caballero/The Pan American

WEIGHT TRAINING— “Sumo wrestlers” perform their sport in the Quad Tuesday as part of the Homecoming Week celebration. The students were rewarded with Tshirts for their effort, and their participation helped bolster support for the week.

continued from page 1

that he should do what he could to make the working conditions better.

“The determination was there, the commitment was there, the decision was made that despite how powerful the agriculture business is we need to take it on,” Rodriguez said.

Taking the $27 billion industry in California on began with the table grape in 1965. The most powerful agricultural business in the United States allegedly controlled the police and politics, keeping the UFW from having its complaints heard.

Following leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., UFW members used their consumer power by starting a grape boycott, with the famous cry “¡Uvas no!” A vital approach to their plan was non-violent protest, espoused

by King and Gandhi, among others, and Rodriguez as well.

“That was one critical thing that Cesar believed in, we cannot be violent: we cannot utilize the same tactics and strategies that the growers use against us,” Rodriguez said.

The result was thinking of innovative ways to relay a

message to the table grape growers by marching, fasting, vigils, and picket lines. This new effort of putting pressure on a large industry for social change all depended on volunteerism, on people willing to help make a change. And thousands of Chicanos and socially conscious people answered the call, according to Rodriguez.

“It was that whole idea of volunteerism that attracted Rebecca, attracted me, attracted many of us others to come work because we knew that that here was someone, here were two people -Cesar and Dolores - that were sincere about what they were doing,” Rodriguez recalled.

“They were really trying to do something beneficial for the community, they weren’t getting rich off it, and so as a result of their dedication, they attracted a lot of people.”

The new social movement started in the homes of farm workers, as UFW members talked to them, asking for their support, and discussed bringing about change.

“We cannot expect someone from Washington, D.C., somebody from Austin, Texas, or somebody from Sacramento to bring about change for us. We have to do

it, we have to be determined enough to do it,” said Rodriguez of the group’s ideology at the time.

The UFW won its first boycott in 1970, changing the lives of the farm workers. They were then able to discuss with the growers what issues needed addressing, working conditions and hours. They began to sit with their employers as equals, having a voice in company decisions.

Over the years, the UFW overcame obstacles and Chavez created a name for himself as a leader among Chicanos. Highways and schools were named in his honor and a holiday as well. But these were accolades he would not have cared for, according to the man who succeeded him.

“That didn’t mean much to him,” Rodriguez said. “He never allowed that to happen while he was alive.”

Keeping the organization alive was Chavez’s main concern, and Rodriguez and the UFW are doing that by helping farm workers across the nation. Members have made efforts in California boycotting against a winery labor contract, and have fought for collective bargaining for strawberry workers. They have also tried to better the conditions of mushroom pickers in the West, and continue a strong presence in the Valley, having just marched in Mission’s Citrus Festival parade.

But still, despite all this work, the job is just beginning, Rodriguez said to the crowd at STCC. ”You guys are the future, you’re going to have to carry on, you’re going to have to continue doing what Cesar Chavez started 40-something years ago, and ensure that we continue representing on behalf of our community,” he exclaimed.

Hearing firsthand the struggles of Chavez, Huerta, and thousands of other farm workers led students to understand the union’s importance.

Irma Reyes, an education major, found Rodriguez’s speech impressive, saying it taught her about issues she had only heard about as a child.

“I’ve heard a lot about Cesar Chavez and what he’s done for a lot of people in the Valley, and I think it’s a very good movement,” Reyes said. “It’s good to know there’s someone out there helping people.”

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

February 12, 2004

Page 10

Stars turn ugly to win an Oscar Caesar

By AARON LOZANO The Pan American Oscar favors the "uglies."

The incredibly stunning Nicole Kidman transformed herself into a manic poet by masking her face with a large and unattractive nose for last year's, "The Hours." Hilary Swank stuffed her jeans, wore flannel, taped her breasts up, and sported a boyish haircut in "Boys Don't Cry." And Oscar loved them for it.

The 2002 Oscar for best actress in a leading role went to Kidman, while 1999’s award went to Swank. Let’s not forget Halle Berry's Southern down and dirty Oscar-winning look in 2001's "Monster's Ball."

Is ugly, yet talented, becoming an Oscar favorite? If so, what can we expect for Charlize Theron's monstrous transformation role in "Monster?" The Golden Globes have already honored her for best actress in a drama.

What is it about physical transformations from hot to not-so-hot that appeal so much to movie critics?

Some actors claim that any type of

Who will take home the Oscar?

Dance

physical transformation helps them.

Reese Witherspoon once said that wearing high heels, dying her hair blonde and dressing in sorority-type outfits helped her become Elle Woods, the legal bombshell from the “Legally Blonde” films. Her voice would transform along with her mindset. She became someone else. Of course, she was lucky enough to get a make-up instead of a “make-down.”

Witherspoon did not land an Oscar nomination for her portrayals of Elle Woods.

Theron isn't the only nominee this year whose not-so-glamorous masked performance is up for an Academy Award. Renee Zellweger has a chance to claim her first Oscar for her tomboy character performance in “Cold Mountain,” a less glamorous role than her last year's sultry character s in Chicago.

Zellweger has often changed her physical appearance to better fit her roles.

The most obvious example is in her weight gain for the role of Bridget Jones in 2001’s “Bridget Jones’ Diary.” She was nominated for an Oscar that year.

The versatile actress is gaining weight again, for the highly anticipated sequel.

Zellweger and Theron are certainly wise picks for the Oscar in 2004. Their talent is remarkably present in their work this year, even though they themselves are not recognizable.

The 76th Annual Academy Awards will air Sunday, Feb. 29 on CBS.

Photo courtesy of yahoo.com Renee Zellwegger plays a rough-talking tomboy in the Oscar-nominated film, “Cold Mountain.

Actor in a Leading Role Johnny Depp Ben Kingsley Jude Law Bill Murray Sean Penn

Actress in a Leading Role Keisha Castle-Hughes Diane Keaton Samantha Morton Charlize Theron Naomi Watts

Actor in a Supporting Role Alec Baldwin Benicio Del Toro Djimon Hounsou Tim Robbins Ken Watanabe

Actress in a Supporting Role Shohreh Aghdashloo Patricia Clarkson Marcia Gay Harden Holly Hunter Renée Zellweger

continued from page 7

enrolled in 15 hours and is in the show, playing the part of Juliet. She has been dancing for 18 years and mentioned that she takes her tasks one at a time. The junior goes to school in the mornings, then goes home to a bit of homework, and finally goes to the dance studio where she is a ballet and jazz instructor and participates in her technique classes. She stressed that she just tries to balance everything and is appreciative of the opportunity she has been given.

"I am very thankful and very pleased to work with a dance teacher like Mrs. Deborah and with a choreographer that is worldwide known," said Pedraza. "I am just very thankful that they gave me the opportunity to participate in a ballet like this one and be Juliet."

According to Ossadnik, the choreography for “Romeo and Juliet” is different than the usual conceptual interpretations. The choreography is set similar to a game of chess where each side is portrayed in a different color. Unlike in chess each side is represented by blue and red. The choreographer mentioned that the characters in the ballet would be doing what was done in the past, which was to fight each other.

Unlike many interpretations of “Romeo and Juliet,” Ossadnik remarked that the show ends on a high note because the families will realize what they have caused.

In order to prepare for a show like this Ossadnik said that it takes practice. He believes that only through constant repetition is progress achieved. The dancers are required to be coordinated and synchronized with each other in order to make their movements flow as one.

"They need to be coordinated which is quite intricate," stated Ossadnik. "It takes a lot of hours to produce a piece like this."

Tickets for the festival of dance are $8 for adults and $6 for senior citizens and children 12 years of age and younger. Tickets can be purchased at Broadway Hardware, Renee's of Sharyland, Mom's Pharmacy, the Deborah Case Dance Academy, or at the door one hour prior to the show. For additional information call (956) 682-2721 or visit the Deborah Case Dance Academy at 205 Pecan Blvd. in McAllen.

For those who cannot attend the Festival of Dance or simply wish to attend another performance, South Texas Dance and Gym will host a recital. The McAllen Ballet Studio Ensemble under the artistic direction of Babilr Gandara present Bailando! at the McAllen Civic Center. The performance dates are March 6 at 7:30 p.m. and March 7 at 1:30 p.m. reserved tickets are $7 and $12. For more information call (956) 630-3287.

Best Picture The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Lost in Translation Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World Mystic River Seabiscuit Reviewer’s choice to win are in Bold

continued from page 7

"Stage combat is like a dance," said Warren. "It's never real speed because it's dangerous for the actors. The length of the sword separates each person, unlike a real fight where the opponents are much closer and everything's faster."

Making the scene look easy is up to the actors because they have to learn how to isolate blows and know how people might duck and shield themselves. The defense is supposed to act first, and they have to make sure that the person is in place before they strike otherwise the other person could get seriously hurt. If the attack is directed toward the head it is always right above the head, but any false move in the choreography can be dangerous.

The first battle scene is in the prologue, and the battle is between two soldiers, played by Arturo Benavidez and Bobby Palacios. The actors and director hope that this opening scene draws the audience into the play and hooks them so that they are enticed by the action from the beginning.

"When I'm fighting with [Palacios] and he's attacking, if anything occurs or a sword might fall, we're prepared not to follow through," said Benavidez. "It involves trust, like any real relationship."

Palacios, who plays the opposing soldier, agrees that a lot of work has been put into each combat scene.

"The emphasis is on safety," said Palacios. "We've worked on [the choreography] every weekend. Hopefully it looks like a real fight scene."

A different aspect that Warren brings to the show is the slow metamorphosis from a period play to one with a more modern feel.

He said that “Julius Caesar” could be compared to real life, so he tried to incorporate that into his vision of the play. Since many young high school students are going to be attending the show, he tried to make it as exciting as possible.

"I think many times young people are exposed to only a kind of stiff reading of Shakespeare, maybe actors from a BBC recording reading the play in very measured and prim tones," Warren said.

"Our production is deliberately fluid, vibrant, vigorous, yet still articulated clearly as possible, hopefully the way Shakespeare intended it to be performed for the often rowdy audiences of his day."

Warren believes that students can benefit from seeing one of Shakespeare's plays, especially in the Rio Grande Valley.

"I certainly recognize the need for quality productions of Shakespeare in the Valley," said Warren. "The messages found in his plays have not lost a bit of their impact and relevancy, and it is important for students to see live performances to truly understand these messages."

Alegria comes to UTPA

By BRITTANY HOLT The Pan American The university’s UTPA Folkloric Dance Company was founded in 1970 and continues to strive to educate the Valley about Mexican culture. Francisco and Maria Munoz, artistic directors of the company, work hard to create a production that draws a crowd.

“We are the most visible organization on campus,” Francisco Munoz said. “We attract more people than any other organization. Between 15,000 and 20,000 people attend each year.”

This month the dance company once again seeks to educate the Valley about Hispanic culture, with its annual presentation of Alegria 2003-2004. This dramatic performance showcases 36 dancers and musicians who perform various types of dance and music traditional to different states in Mexico.

The dance styles are drawn from the states of Zacatecas, Tamaulipas Norte, Nayarit, Guerrero, Tabasco, and Jalisco. Along with dances from these six states, the company will perform a sacred dance ritual of the Yaqui Indians of Sonora, “El Venado” (the deer).

“El Venado” is a dance depicting two hunters while they stalk a deer. This piece focuses on intricate footwork and technique. It adds variety to the show because it includes ballet. Juan Garcia, majoring in business, is one of two people who play the deer. He claims that his love of dancing began as a mistake in high school.

“My counselor put me in a folk dancing class and I didn’t like it at first,” Garcia said. “My teacher said he would change it, but he never did. I ended up liking it.

I keep dancing for fun and because it’s my heritage.”

This year new dance numbers have been added to the program. One is “Llorona,” also called “The Weeping Woman.” “Llorona” is a well known folktale about a woman who drowns her two daughters and comes back as a spirit filled with remorse.

Another new dance number is a duet about Huasteca religion. The piece is a love story between two people.

“It’s a happy story,” Francisco Munoz said. “They are trying to court each other, entice each other.”

Alegria is a student-orientated production. No other faculty members other than the Munozes help with production of the show. The only portion of the show that is created by professionals is the choreography; students run all other aspects, such as lighting and sound.

“The crew [students take] care of everything,” said Munoz. “There is a light designer, but students run the light board. It is unique because you usually hire someone to do that kind of work.”

Not only do the students dance and run the show, but also they perform the music. The production features student performances of live music, such as mariachi and conjunto, instead of recorded music.

The emphasis of this annual production is to break down stereotypes and educate the public about Mexican traditions. That is why Rebekah Quintero, a dance major, performs in Alegria.

“I’m doing it because it’s like a collage of Mexican history,” said Quintero. “It gives a background of each state depicted. It offers an understanding of how the people dressed and acted.”

According to the Munozes, understanding is exactly what they are trying to achieve with these spectacular dance numbers and traditional music.

PAGE 7

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Around Town Play Feb. 12-15 at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. on Sunday Place: Camille Lightner Playhouse in Brownsville Event: Volunteers at the playhouse will perform the award winning musical “My Fair Lady”.

Price: Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for students with ID and children under 12.

Phone: (956) 542-8900 Movies Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Place: El Rey Theater Event: For the superstitious or those who enjoy scary films El Rey is showcasing two classic horror films on Friday the 13th. Grab a loved one and enjoy “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” and “The Creature from the Black Lagoon” in 3D. Price: Tickets are $5.

Phone: (956) 971-9829 Concert Feb. 14 at 8 p.m.

Place: Dodge Arena Event: To see Intocable on Valentine’s Day purchase tickets at the Dodge Arena Box Office or any other RGV ticket outlet.

Price: Tickets range from $30 to $40.

Phone: (956) 843-6688 Recital Feb 14 at 1 p.m.

Place: Edinburg Public Library Event: Dr. Kurt Martinez displays his musical styling at this guitar recital.

Band Feb. 15 at 3 p.m.

Place: Simon Sauceda performing Arts Auditorium in Donna Event: See a performance by the U.S. Navy band.

Comedy Show Feb. 20 at 8 p.m.

Place: Harlingen Municipal Auditorium Event: Comedy duo, the Smothers Brothers blend topical humor, sibling rivalry and song in their unique performance.

Price: Tickets range from $27 to $39.

Phone: (956) 430-6690

■ Love . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 ■ Oscar’s Review . . . 10 ■ Alegria . . . . . . . . . .10

Theatre group takes a stab at ‘Caesar’

By CHRISTINA HARRIS The Pan American This month many battles will take place at the university, where men will go head to head with real swords, fighting to the death.

At least that's part of the excitement that will be featured in the University Theatre's production of "Julius Caesar."

Sword fights, war, and backstabbing (literally), are the highlights of the show, along with Shakespeare's dramatic flair and classic lines.

The University Theatre's production of William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar will premiere Feb. 24 at the Albert L. Jeffers theatre, located inside the Communications Arts and Sciences building. The show will run from Feb. 24 through Feb. 28 at 8 p.m., and on Feb. 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for reserved seating, $5 for general admission, and $3 for students. UTPA faculty, staff, and students get in free with a school ID. For ticket information, reservations, or special accommodations, contact the box office at 381-3581 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Director Brian Warren, however, wants to make the battle scenes the hook for the audience. Certified in stage combat, Warren is qualified to teach students how to use proper fight techniques with basic weapons such as fists, the broad sword, and the rapier and dagger.

Warren's knowledge of different fight choreography stems from various workshops he has attended in his career.

The workshops taught him to perform scenes with knife fights, as well as how to use swords, whips, shields, and everyday items as possible weapons.

Depending on what the scene entailed, Warren learned to control his body and to behave as if he was really fighting.

Bobby Soto, a theatre performance

major who plays Octavius Caesar, plans to attend a fight workshop with Warren this April.

“Eventually I want to get certified in theatre combat,” Soto said. “[It] will take some time, but it is what I desire and love.”

Since “Julius Caesar” has four fight scenes in it, and few of the actors have stage combat training, it was up to Warren to teach the actors the

choreography for each fight.

"It's like an athletic performance," said Warren. "We warm up and stretch for preparation, then we teach the blocking, and practice the moves at phases at a time."

According to Warren, an important factor when performing fight scenes is doing it at a slow speed because the fight is over fairly quickly.

See CAESAR page 10

Daniel Aguilar/The Pan American (left)-Bobby Palacios, left, and Arturo Benavidez, right, practice the prologue fight scene yesterday. (top)-Benavidez receives tips from director Brian Warren on how to raise his sword. (bottom)-Palacios attacks Benavidez from above.

Area dancers to take stage in February artistic grace and beauty.

This month local Valley dance academies are showcasing their hard work and talent. Each school will Rio Grande Valley residents have present a recital, featuring various the opportunity to enjoy several quiet themes and dance styles.

Sunday afternoons in the presence of The first recital to inaugurate the month of performances was put together by Melba's School of Dance and Gymnastics.

The school, established in 1958, presented Performance 2004 on Sunday, Feb. 8 at the McAllen Civic C e n t e r .

According to Anne Bowling, artistic director, the recital consisted of “Sleeping Beauty” and “The Tap and Jazz Spectacular.” A of 47 Gin Marie Mabry/The Pan American total company students Christiaan van der Graaff and Yessica Pedraza practice a dance performed in the for their leading roles in “Romeo and Juliet.” first act, while 88

By DULCE GONZALEZ The Pan American

tap and jazz students participated in the second act.

Deborah Case Dance Academy, which serves as the home of the Rio Grande Valley Ballet, will present Festival of Dance on Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. at the McAllen Civic Center, featuring four different concert pieces each lasting approximately 20 minutes.

This year's show has choreography from Paquita, Le Corsair, Russian character dances, as well as original choreography to “Romeo and Juliet.”

Deborah Case, artistic director, said that the show features about 60 dancers who worked with German choreographer Alex Ossadnik for the past six weeks. Ossadnik created the original choreography to “Romeo and Juliet.”

Ossadnik, who is from East Germany, started doing ballet on a serious level in 1979. He worked on different projects with Case and for the past four years. Ossadnik was in America working looking for a summer workshop. At the same time Case was doing a summer workshop while searching for a Ballet Master who was trained in the Vaganova syllabus, which is the Russian method she teaches at her dance academy.

Case mentioned that Ossadnik had the qualifications she required.

"It was a match and we've been together [teaching] ever since," said Case.

The Vaganova syllabus was created in Russia in 1950. Case mentioned it is scientifically based for the dancer's body to perform the difficult moves of ballet without injury. There is a set sequence for teaching, from level one to the advanced level eight.

Case stressed that being part of the show requires a lot of time, hard work, and effort. Rehearsal for the show happens every weekend, plus each dancer must attend their daily technique classes, which are an hour and a half. She also mentioned that besides rehearsal time the dancers are required to be healthy, dedicated, disciplined, and extremely focused.

The dancers are advised to get a lot of protein, calcium, and to eat healthy diets.

"I never talk about their weight, I only talk about positive behaviors, which are to eat healthy," stated Case.

"If they do that along with their physical exercise from ballet they will be strong."

Yessica Pedraza, a management major and dance minor at UTPA, knows the struggle of time management. Pedraza is currently

See DANCE page 10

What do you think about the change the radio station B104 made to WILD104?

“It’s stupid! They are just like 96.1 now. When they were B104 they played everything, rap hiphop, rock, pop and it was awesome. I know they have lost a lot of listeners from this bad choice.”

Emilee Clifton Freshman Theatre Performance “It’s made quite a transition. It’s pretty much just a hip-hop station. It’s cool if you like to listen to that all the time.”

Bobby Palacios Senior Management

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 8

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

“In entertainment, change usually symbolizes maturity and growth, but now when it comes to style. People sometimes figure that a change must be done with the times. This change just does to show you how far a radio station will go to stay alive.”

Angel O. Leal Sophomore Political Science “I thought the purpose of the ‘radio makeover’ was to improve the station!? I heard Wild 104’s new songs and DJs and I didn’t see any improvement. I took the station off my radio settings.

You should do the same.”

Dägoberto Pérez Senior English

XOXO

S

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 9

everal members of the base with each other a couple of university’s faculty and times a day, and often get to eat staff can vouch for that lunch together.”

The two are in their 22nd year of statement.

Vault, an online marriage, but don’t plan to celebrate workplace research and Valentine’s Day with the masses of news site, recently featured an article loving couples.

“It’s ‘amateur day,’” Norman said. on the possibility of negative effects “We try to be good partners all year of an office romance. long.”

“Work is an obvious place to meet a mate,” Julie Z. Love at Rosenberg wrote. “But Work acting on your romantic Work is an feelings in the workplace obvious place Newer could end up costing you couples are your reputation, your job and to meet a exchanging even your career.” mate. e a r l y But pairs of university Valentine’s professionals are living proof - Julie Z. Rosenberg, Vault reporter gifts, like of the opposing side of Dr. Salma Rosenberg’s statement.

Ghanem, Various staff and faculty couples have found one another on communication chair, and Dr. John campus, off campus, or said their Bokina, political science professor. vows at the campus chapel. All the Bokina gave Ghanem a stylish ring. duos show that love and work can Actually, she picked it out, but the love is still present. The pair mix. exchanged more traditionally Love in School symbolic rings at their wedding three months ago.

Teresa Norman and Dr. Kenneth Their bond began when they Buckman met when they were in attended a meeting on campus for college.

International Studies two years ago.

“He was a graduate student and I Bokina has been teaching at UTPA was an undergraduate in the same for over 20 years and Ghanem has program,” Norman said. “We didn’t been here for 10 years, but this was talk to each other until we both went the first time the two encountered to the same party. Then we were one another. totally smitten.”

According to Ghanem, sharing the Norman explained that Buckman same type of profession made their arrived at the university first as a connection easier. She said that as tenure track professor, and she came married academics they are able at the same time and was hired as a relate better, have more lecturer. Now they both give their understanding of one another, and love of philosophy to students at can exchange nice stories.

UTPA. Another perk was being able to “We both love teaching and teach attend a summer study abroad trip to the same discipline, so we are very Salamanca together in 2003, sensitive to the issues that arise with although this happened by chance. students and in the profession,” Eventually the pair would like to do Buckman said. “We get to touch a joint project that blends their fields

“

D A R

Story by: OMAIRA GALARZA

The top locations for finding “The One” are parties, the beach, and outdoor sporting events, according to Lisa Daily of eNotAlone.com, but love is by no OPINIONS means limited to those locations.

REAL

February 12, 2004

L

“

February 12, 2004

of study.

Love on Valentine’s Day George and Virginia Haynie Gause, UTPA librarians, shared interest in the same field of study, which led them to meet in graduate school. They moved from Tennessee to the Valley and began working at different libraries. The couple wanted to work at different types of libraries. George favored public historical libraries and Virgina preferred academic libraries, but time eventually put them in the same place.

This Valentine’s Day will be their 12th anniversary. George Gause claims that the date was picked so he wouldn’t forget the anniversary date.

Their marriage date is not the only plus in the relationship--working in the same vicinity has had its perks.

The two feel that driving to work together is not only economical, but also gives them time to chat and enjoy each other’s company. Every positive comes with negatives and the Gauses know this fact.

“If you hear someone saying something bad about the other it hurts,” Virginia Gause said.

Love and Others Other faculty and staff of the university have brought their love to campus, such as Thomas and Sheila Pozorski from the anthropology department, who said their wedding vows at the UTPA chapel.

Other UTPA couples include James and Wendy James-Aldridge of the psychology department, John and Linda Sargent from the college of business, as well as Paul Henggler, history and Pam Kromer, writing center. Dean of Students Jerry Price is paired with his wife, who works in athletics.

Who’s your darling?

I

N

G

D. George & Virginia Gause A. Paul Henggeler & Pam Kromer R. John & Linda Sargent L. James Aldridge & Wendy Aldridge I. Kenneth Buckman & Theresa Norman N. Victoriano & Maria C. Huerta G. Edwin & Opan Jane LeMaster Photo “A” by Daniel Aguilar. All other photos courtesy of Panorama 2003

What do you think about the change the radio station B104 made to WILD104?

“It’s stupid! They are just like 96.1 now. When they were B104 they played everything, rap hiphop, rock, pop and it was awesome. I know they have lost a lot of listeners from this bad choice.”

Emilee Clifton Freshman Theatre Performance “It’s made quite a transition. It’s pretty much just a hip-hop station. It’s cool if you like to listen to that all the time.”

Bobby Palacios Senior Management

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 8

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

“In entertainment, change usually symbolizes maturity and growth, but now when it comes to style. People sometimes figure that a change must be done with the times. This change just does to show you how far a radio station will go to stay alive.”

Angel O. Leal Sophomore Political Science “I thought the purpose of the ‘radio makeover’ was to improve the station!? I heard Wild 104’s new songs and DJs and I didn’t see any improvement. I took the station off my radio settings.

You should do the same.”

Dägoberto Pérez Senior English

XOXO

S

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 9

everal members of the base with each other a couple of university’s faculty and times a day, and often get to eat staff can vouch for that lunch together.”

The two are in their 22nd year of statement.

Vault, an online marriage, but don’t plan to celebrate workplace research and Valentine’s Day with the masses of news site, recently featured an article loving couples.

“It’s ‘amateur day,’” Norman said. on the possibility of negative effects “We try to be good partners all year of an office romance. long.”

“Work is an obvious place to meet a mate,” Julie Z. Love at Rosenberg wrote. “But Work acting on your romantic Work is an feelings in the workplace obvious place Newer could end up costing you couples are your reputation, your job and to meet a exchanging even your career.” mate. e a r l y But pairs of university Valentine’s professionals are living proof - Julie Z. Rosenberg, Vault reporter gifts, like of the opposing side of Dr. Salma Rosenberg’s statement.

Ghanem, Various staff and faculty couples have found one another on communication chair, and Dr. John campus, off campus, or said their Bokina, political science professor. vows at the campus chapel. All the Bokina gave Ghanem a stylish ring. duos show that love and work can Actually, she picked it out, but the love is still present. The pair mix. exchanged more traditionally Love in School symbolic rings at their wedding three months ago.

Teresa Norman and Dr. Kenneth Their bond began when they Buckman met when they were in attended a meeting on campus for college.

International Studies two years ago.

“He was a graduate student and I Bokina has been teaching at UTPA was an undergraduate in the same for over 20 years and Ghanem has program,” Norman said. “We didn’t been here for 10 years, but this was talk to each other until we both went the first time the two encountered to the same party. Then we were one another. totally smitten.”

According to Ghanem, sharing the Norman explained that Buckman same type of profession made their arrived at the university first as a connection easier. She said that as tenure track professor, and she came married academics they are able at the same time and was hired as a relate better, have more lecturer. Now they both give their understanding of one another, and love of philosophy to students at can exchange nice stories.

UTPA. Another perk was being able to “We both love teaching and teach attend a summer study abroad trip to the same discipline, so we are very Salamanca together in 2003, sensitive to the issues that arise with although this happened by chance. students and in the profession,” Eventually the pair would like to do Buckman said. “We get to touch a joint project that blends their fields

“

D A R

Story by: OMAIRA GALARZA

The top locations for finding “The One” are parties, the beach, and outdoor sporting events, according to Lisa Daily of eNotAlone.com, but love is by no OPINIONS means limited to those locations.

REAL

February 12, 2004

L

“

February 12, 2004

of study.

Love on Valentine’s Day George and Virginia Haynie Gause, UTPA librarians, shared interest in the same field of study, which led them to meet in graduate school. They moved from Tennessee to the Valley and began working at different libraries. The couple wanted to work at different types of libraries. George favored public historical libraries and Virgina preferred academic libraries, but time eventually put them in the same place.

This Valentine’s Day will be their 12th anniversary. George Gause claims that the date was picked so he wouldn’t forget the anniversary date.

Their marriage date is not the only plus in the relationship--working in the same vicinity has had its perks.

The two feel that driving to work together is not only economical, but also gives them time to chat and enjoy each other’s company. Every positive comes with negatives and the Gauses know this fact.

“If you hear someone saying something bad about the other it hurts,” Virginia Gause said.

Love and Others Other faculty and staff of the university have brought their love to campus, such as Thomas and Sheila Pozorski from the anthropology department, who said their wedding vows at the UTPA chapel.

Other UTPA couples include James and Wendy James-Aldridge of the psychology department, John and Linda Sargent from the college of business, as well as Paul Henggler, history and Pam Kromer, writing center. Dean of Students Jerry Price is paired with his wife, who works in athletics.

Who’s your darling?

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D. George & Virginia Gause A. Paul Henggeler & Pam Kromer R. John & Linda Sargent L. James Aldridge & Wendy Aldridge I. Kenneth Buckman & Theresa Norman N. Victoriano & Maria C. Huerta G. Edwin & Opan Jane LeMaster Photo “A” by Daniel Aguilar. All other photos courtesy of Panorama 2003

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

February 12, 2004

Page 10

Stars turn ugly to win an Oscar Caesar

By AARON LOZANO The Pan American Oscar favors the "uglies."

The incredibly stunning Nicole Kidman transformed herself into a manic poet by masking her face with a large and unattractive nose for last year's, "The Hours." Hilary Swank stuffed her jeans, wore flannel, taped her breasts up, and sported a boyish haircut in "Boys Don't Cry." And Oscar loved them for it.

The 2002 Oscar for best actress in a leading role went to Kidman, while 1999’s award went to Swank. Let’s not forget Halle Berry's Southern down and dirty Oscar-winning look in 2001's "Monster's Ball."

Is ugly, yet talented, becoming an Oscar favorite? If so, what can we expect for Charlize Theron's monstrous transformation role in "Monster?" The Golden Globes have already honored her for best actress in a drama.

What is it about physical transformations from hot to not-so-hot that appeal so much to movie critics?

Some actors claim that any type of

Who will take home the Oscar?

Dance

physical transformation helps them.

Reese Witherspoon once said that wearing high heels, dying her hair blonde and dressing in sorority-type outfits helped her become Elle Woods, the legal bombshell from the “Legally Blonde” films. Her voice would transform along with her mindset. She became someone else. Of course, she was lucky enough to get a make-up instead of a “make-down.”

Witherspoon did not land an Oscar nomination for her portrayals of Elle Woods.

Theron isn't the only nominee this year whose not-so-glamorous masked performance is up for an Academy Award. Renee Zellweger has a chance to claim her first Oscar for her tomboy character performance in “Cold Mountain,” a less glamorous role than her last year's sultry character s in Chicago.

Zellweger has often changed her physical appearance to better fit her roles.

The most obvious example is in her weight gain for the role of Bridget Jones in 2001’s “Bridget Jones’ Diary.” She was nominated for an Oscar that year.

The versatile actress is gaining weight again, for the highly anticipated sequel.

Zellweger and Theron are certainly wise picks for the Oscar in 2004. Their talent is remarkably present in their work this year, even though they themselves are not recognizable.

The 76th Annual Academy Awards will air Sunday, Feb. 29 on CBS.

Photo courtesy of yahoo.com Renee Zellwegger plays a rough-talking tomboy in the Oscar-nominated film, “Cold Mountain.

Actor in a Leading Role Johnny Depp Ben Kingsley Jude Law Bill Murray Sean Penn

Actress in a Leading Role Keisha Castle-Hughes Diane Keaton Samantha Morton Charlize Theron Naomi Watts

Actor in a Supporting Role Alec Baldwin Benicio Del Toro Djimon Hounsou Tim Robbins Ken Watanabe

Actress in a Supporting Role Shohreh Aghdashloo Patricia Clarkson Marcia Gay Harden Holly Hunter Renée Zellweger

continued from page 7

enrolled in 15 hours and is in the show, playing the part of Juliet. She has been dancing for 18 years and mentioned that she takes her tasks one at a time. The junior goes to school in the mornings, then goes home to a bit of homework, and finally goes to the dance studio where she is a ballet and jazz instructor and participates in her technique classes. She stressed that she just tries to balance everything and is appreciative of the opportunity she has been given.

"I am very thankful and very pleased to work with a dance teacher like Mrs. Deborah and with a choreographer that is worldwide known," said Pedraza. "I am just very thankful that they gave me the opportunity to participate in a ballet like this one and be Juliet."

According to Ossadnik, the choreography for “Romeo and Juliet” is different than the usual conceptual interpretations. The choreography is set similar to a game of chess where each side is portrayed in a different color. Unlike in chess each side is represented by blue and red. The choreographer mentioned that the characters in the ballet would be doing what was done in the past, which was to fight each other.

Unlike many interpretations of “Romeo and Juliet,” Ossadnik remarked that the show ends on a high note because the families will realize what they have caused.

In order to prepare for a show like this Ossadnik said that it takes practice. He believes that only through constant repetition is progress achieved. The dancers are required to be coordinated and synchronized with each other in order to make their movements flow as one.

"They need to be coordinated which is quite intricate," stated Ossadnik. "It takes a lot of hours to produce a piece like this."

Tickets for the festival of dance are $8 for adults and $6 for senior citizens and children 12 years of age and younger. Tickets can be purchased at Broadway Hardware, Renee's of Sharyland, Mom's Pharmacy, the Deborah Case Dance Academy, or at the door one hour prior to the show. For additional information call (956) 682-2721 or visit the Deborah Case Dance Academy at 205 Pecan Blvd. in McAllen.

For those who cannot attend the Festival of Dance or simply wish to attend another performance, South Texas Dance and Gym will host a recital. The McAllen Ballet Studio Ensemble under the artistic direction of Babilr Gandara present Bailando! at the McAllen Civic Center. The performance dates are March 6 at 7:30 p.m. and March 7 at 1:30 p.m. reserved tickets are $7 and $12. For more information call (956) 630-3287.

Best Picture The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King Lost in Translation Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World Mystic River Seabiscuit Reviewer’s choice to win are in Bold

continued from page 7

"Stage combat is like a dance," said Warren. "It's never real speed because it's dangerous for the actors. The length of the sword separates each person, unlike a real fight where the opponents are much closer and everything's faster."

Making the scene look easy is up to the actors because they have to learn how to isolate blows and know how people might duck and shield themselves. The defense is supposed to act first, and they have to make sure that the person is in place before they strike otherwise the other person could get seriously hurt. If the attack is directed toward the head it is always right above the head, but any false move in the choreography can be dangerous.

The first battle scene is in the prologue, and the battle is between two soldiers, played by Arturo Benavidez and Bobby Palacios. The actors and director hope that this opening scene draws the audience into the play and hooks them so that they are enticed by the action from the beginning.

"When I'm fighting with [Palacios] and he's attacking, if anything occurs or a sword might fall, we're prepared not to follow through," said Benavidez. "It involves trust, like any real relationship."

Palacios, who plays the opposing soldier, agrees that a lot of work has been put into each combat scene.

"The emphasis is on safety," said Palacios. "We've worked on [the choreography] every weekend. Hopefully it looks like a real fight scene."

A different aspect that Warren brings to the show is the slow metamorphosis from a period play to one with a more modern feel.

He said that “Julius Caesar” could be compared to real life, so he tried to incorporate that into his vision of the play. Since many young high school students are going to be attending the show, he tried to make it as exciting as possible.

"I think many times young people are exposed to only a kind of stiff reading of Shakespeare, maybe actors from a BBC recording reading the play in very measured and prim tones," Warren said.

"Our production is deliberately fluid, vibrant, vigorous, yet still articulated clearly as possible, hopefully the way Shakespeare intended it to be performed for the often rowdy audiences of his day."

Warren believes that students can benefit from seeing one of Shakespeare's plays, especially in the Rio Grande Valley.

"I certainly recognize the need for quality productions of Shakespeare in the Valley," said Warren. "The messages found in his plays have not lost a bit of their impact and relevancy, and it is important for students to see live performances to truly understand these messages."

Alegria comes to UTPA

By BRITTANY HOLT The Pan American The university’s UTPA Folkloric Dance Company was founded in 1970 and continues to strive to educate the Valley about Mexican culture. Francisco and Maria Munoz, artistic directors of the company, work hard to create a production that draws a crowd.

“We are the most visible organization on campus,” Francisco Munoz said. “We attract more people than any other organization. Between 15,000 and 20,000 people attend each year.”

This month the dance company once again seeks to educate the Valley about Hispanic culture, with its annual presentation of Alegria 2003-2004. This dramatic performance showcases 36 dancers and musicians who perform various types of dance and music traditional to different states in Mexico.

The dance styles are drawn from the states of Zacatecas, Tamaulipas Norte, Nayarit, Guerrero, Tabasco, and Jalisco. Along with dances from these six states, the company will perform a sacred dance ritual of the Yaqui Indians of Sonora, “El Venado” (the deer).

“El Venado” is a dance depicting two hunters while they stalk a deer. This piece focuses on intricate footwork and technique. It adds variety to the show because it includes ballet. Juan Garcia, majoring in business, is one of two people who play the deer. He claims that his love of dancing began as a mistake in high school.

“My counselor put me in a folk dancing class and I didn’t like it at first,” Garcia said. “My teacher said he would change it, but he never did. I ended up liking it.

I keep dancing for fun and because it’s my heritage.”

This year new dance numbers have been added to the program. One is “Llorona,” also called “The Weeping Woman.” “Llorona” is a well known folktale about a woman who drowns her two daughters and comes back as a spirit filled with remorse.

Another new dance number is a duet about Huasteca religion. The piece is a love story between two people.

“It’s a happy story,” Francisco Munoz said. “They are trying to court each other, entice each other.”

Alegria is a student-orientated production. No other faculty members other than the Munozes help with production of the show. The only portion of the show that is created by professionals is the choreography; students run all other aspects, such as lighting and sound.

“The crew [students take] care of everything,” said Munoz. “There is a light designer, but students run the light board. It is unique because you usually hire someone to do that kind of work.”

Not only do the students dance and run the show, but also they perform the music. The production features student performances of live music, such as mariachi and conjunto, instead of recorded music.

The emphasis of this annual production is to break down stereotypes and educate the public about Mexican traditions. That is why Rebekah Quintero, a dance major, performs in Alegria.

“I’m doing it because it’s like a collage of Mexican history,” said Quintero. “It gives a background of each state depicted. It offers an understanding of how the people dressed and acted.”

According to the Munozes, understanding is exactly what they are trying to achieve with these spectacular dance numbers and traditional music.

PAGE 7

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Around Town Play Feb. 12-15 at 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. on Sunday Place: Camille Lightner Playhouse in Brownsville Event: Volunteers at the playhouse will perform the award winning musical “My Fair Lady”.

Price: Tickets are $15 for adults, $5 for students with ID and children under 12.

Phone: (956) 542-8900 Movies Feb. 13 at 7:30 p.m.

Place: El Rey Theater Event: For the superstitious or those who enjoy scary films El Rey is showcasing two classic horror films on Friday the 13th. Grab a loved one and enjoy “Godzilla: King of the Monsters” and “The Creature from the Black Lagoon” in 3D. Price: Tickets are $5.

Phone: (956) 971-9829 Concert Feb. 14 at 8 p.m.

Place: Dodge Arena Event: To see Intocable on Valentine’s Day purchase tickets at the Dodge Arena Box Office or any other RGV ticket outlet.

Price: Tickets range from $30 to $40.

Phone: (956) 843-6688 Recital Feb 14 at 1 p.m.

Place: Edinburg Public Library Event: Dr. Kurt Martinez displays his musical styling at this guitar recital.

Band Feb. 15 at 3 p.m.

Place: Simon Sauceda performing Arts Auditorium in Donna Event: See a performance by the U.S. Navy band.

Comedy Show Feb. 20 at 8 p.m.

Place: Harlingen Municipal Auditorium Event: Comedy duo, the Smothers Brothers blend topical humor, sibling rivalry and song in their unique performance.

Price: Tickets range from $27 to $39.

Phone: (956) 430-6690

■ Love . . . . . . . . . . 8-9 ■ Oscar’s Review . . . 10 ■ Alegria . . . . . . . . . .10

Theatre group takes a stab at ‘Caesar’

By CHRISTINA HARRIS The Pan American This month many battles will take place at the university, where men will go head to head with real swords, fighting to the death.

At least that's part of the excitement that will be featured in the University Theatre's production of "Julius Caesar."

Sword fights, war, and backstabbing (literally), are the highlights of the show, along with Shakespeare's dramatic flair and classic lines.

The University Theatre's production of William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar will premiere Feb. 24 at the Albert L. Jeffers theatre, located inside the Communications Arts and Sciences building. The show will run from Feb. 24 through Feb. 28 at 8 p.m., and on Feb. 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for reserved seating, $5 for general admission, and $3 for students. UTPA faculty, staff, and students get in free with a school ID. For ticket information, reservations, or special accommodations, contact the box office at 381-3581 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Director Brian Warren, however, wants to make the battle scenes the hook for the audience. Certified in stage combat, Warren is qualified to teach students how to use proper fight techniques with basic weapons such as fists, the broad sword, and the rapier and dagger.

Warren's knowledge of different fight choreography stems from various workshops he has attended in his career.

The workshops taught him to perform scenes with knife fights, as well as how to use swords, whips, shields, and everyday items as possible weapons.

Depending on what the scene entailed, Warren learned to control his body and to behave as if he was really fighting.

Bobby Soto, a theatre performance

major who plays Octavius Caesar, plans to attend a fight workshop with Warren this April.

“Eventually I want to get certified in theatre combat,” Soto said. “[It] will take some time, but it is what I desire and love.”

Since “Julius Caesar” has four fight scenes in it, and few of the actors have stage combat training, it was up to Warren to teach the actors the

choreography for each fight.

"It's like an athletic performance," said Warren. "We warm up and stretch for preparation, then we teach the blocking, and practice the moves at phases at a time."

According to Warren, an important factor when performing fight scenes is doing it at a slow speed because the fight is over fairly quickly.

See CAESAR page 10

Daniel Aguilar/The Pan American (left)-Bobby Palacios, left, and Arturo Benavidez, right, practice the prologue fight scene yesterday. (top)-Benavidez receives tips from director Brian Warren on how to raise his sword. (bottom)-Palacios attacks Benavidez from above.

Area dancers to take stage in February artistic grace and beauty.

This month local Valley dance academies are showcasing their hard work and talent. Each school will Rio Grande Valley residents have present a recital, featuring various the opportunity to enjoy several quiet themes and dance styles.

Sunday afternoons in the presence of The first recital to inaugurate the month of performances was put together by Melba's School of Dance and Gymnastics.

The school, established in 1958, presented Performance 2004 on Sunday, Feb. 8 at the McAllen Civic C e n t e r .

According to Anne Bowling, artistic director, the recital consisted of “Sleeping Beauty” and “The Tap and Jazz Spectacular.” A of 47 Gin Marie Mabry/The Pan American total company students Christiaan van der Graaff and Yessica Pedraza practice a dance performed in the for their leading roles in “Romeo and Juliet.” first act, while 88

By DULCE GONZALEZ The Pan American

tap and jazz students participated in the second act.

Deborah Case Dance Academy, which serves as the home of the Rio Grande Valley Ballet, will present Festival of Dance on Feb. 15 at 2 p.m. at the McAllen Civic Center, featuring four different concert pieces each lasting approximately 20 minutes.

This year's show has choreography from Paquita, Le Corsair, Russian character dances, as well as original choreography to “Romeo and Juliet.”

Deborah Case, artistic director, said that the show features about 60 dancers who worked with German choreographer Alex Ossadnik for the past six weeks. Ossadnik created the original choreography to “Romeo and Juliet.”

Ossadnik, who is from East Germany, started doing ballet on a serious level in 1979. He worked on different projects with Case and for the past four years. Ossadnik was in America working looking for a summer workshop. At the same time Case was doing a summer workshop while searching for a Ballet Master who was trained in the Vaganova syllabus, which is the Russian method she teaches at her dance academy.

Case mentioned that Ossadnik had the qualifications she required.

"It was a match and we've been together [teaching] ever since," said Case.

The Vaganova syllabus was created in Russia in 1950. Case mentioned it is scientifically based for the dancer's body to perform the difficult moves of ballet without injury. There is a set sequence for teaching, from level one to the advanced level eight.

Case stressed that being part of the show requires a lot of time, hard work, and effort. Rehearsal for the show happens every weekend, plus each dancer must attend their daily technique classes, which are an hour and a half. She also mentioned that besides rehearsal time the dancers are required to be healthy, dedicated, disciplined, and extremely focused.

The dancers are advised to get a lot of protein, calcium, and to eat healthy diets.

"I never talk about their weight, I only talk about positive behaviors, which are to eat healthy," stated Case.

"If they do that along with their physical exercise from ballet they will be strong."

Yessica Pedraza, a management major and dance minor at UTPA, knows the struggle of time management. Pedraza is currently

See DANCE page 10

THE PAN AMERICAN

February 12, 2004

Page 6

Santa Ana Refuge Nature Series topic

By CLARISSA MARTINEZ The Pan American

Hidden behind highways, fast food joints, and malls are wildlife features endemic to the area, from palms to the green jay to hundreds of butterfly types.

The natural wonders of the Rio Grande Valley are currently on display. The McAllen Chamber of Commerce, along with The Valley Nature Center, hosts the weekly McAllen Great Outdoors Nature Series on Tuesday nights through March, highlighting different wildlife facts and finds.

Tuesday, Feb. 10, Mike Carlo gave a presentation on Valley habitats, highlighting the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge in Alamo. Carlo spoke to nearly 40 people, mainly Winter Texans.

Held at the Chamber until March 26, the admission fee for adults is $3.

Upcoming sessions include Linda Laack: Wildcats of South Texas on Feb. 24 and Tom Langschied: The Birds and Habitats of King Ranch on March 2.

Norma Philips, of Missouri, said she found out about the Nature Series from the Sunday edition of The Monitor.

Carlo’s talk was the first event she has attended this year, but she has participated in past series.

“I really enjoy the presentations,” Philips said. “Yesterday, my sister-in-law

told me about this series so I had to come check it out. I was really curious to find out what type of wildlife exists in this part of the country.”

Blanca Cardenas of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce said that education is one of the major goals of the events.

“We are here to educate people on the importance of preserving wildlife,” Cardenas said. “We are very fortunate to have this type of life in our region.

We’ve been receiving a wonderful response from those attending our seminars, and they have been wellattended.”

Those involved with the Nature Series have been trying to promote the events through newspapers, businesses, and talking with school districts.

“They [Nature Series] are open to anyone. We have students from elementary schools come in, and even high school students who take notes on different types of information,” Cardenas said. “If everyone of all ages better understands what we have, then they won’t take it for granted. People might even be motivated to help protect the environment.”

Carlo’s presentation focused on the different animals, plants and waterways that exist in Cameron and Hidalgo counties. With the Santa Ana National

such as the indigo snake and endangered ocelot cat.

The refuge was first protected in 1943, and preserves a world that has disappeared from 95 percent of the Lower Rio Grande Valley.

Awing the crowd with photos Franco Caballero/The Pan American of rare POINTERS— Mike Carlo lectures the Nature Series audience on the wonders of birds and Rio Grande Valley habitat Feb. 10 at the McAllen Chamber of Commerce. The butterflies, weekly Nature Series continues on Tuesdays throughout the month of March, Carlo highlighting a different wildlife facet each week. shared the knowledge Wildlife Refuge at the tips of the of wildlife he has obtained since living community’s fingers, Carlo took the in the area. attendants on a “tour,” through photos Imitating bird calls, telling stories of showing what exists in South Texas. encounters with different animals, and Resembling a rainforest, Santa Ana is even sharing the secret of how a 2,088-acre plot including nearly 400 photographers sometimes pose animals bird species, half of all butterfly species to get a great photo, Carlo entertained found in North America, and rarities See NATURE page 12

Solis heads new SBA push Study trips are developing

By VANESSA LUCIO The Pan American The McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce has named Gilbert Solis new Small Business Administration (SBA) economic specialist. He replaces Alonso Gracia, who retired from SBA after 35 years.

The U.S. SBA assists small businesses by providing one-on-one counseling for anyone needing loan information or financing a new business in the McAllen, Pharr, Mission, and Edinburg area.

“Our national initiative is to create an outreach program that cares about its employees and customers,” said Solis. “SBA is guided by its principles to inspire leadership, integrity and entrepreneurship.”

SBA guarantees 75-80-percent loan coverage in short-term and long-term loan program, after the loan banking institution clearance check.

Enthusiastic individuals who are willing to work and ready for a change can visit the SBA office for basic training about small business management. Those with an existing small business who are ready to expand and add to their working force/capita

can contact SBA as well.

SBA cannot help those involved in non-profit organizations, real estate development, and adult entertainment industries with explicit content.

How can UTPA student get involved?

“If UTPA students are dynamic entrepreneurs or have dreams of being one, they can definitely contact me and my office,” said Solis. “Small business is the backbone of the economy, it would really be a great opportunity for students interested in business.”

According to the SBA website (www.sba.gov) small businesses nationwide provide approximately 75 percent of the net new jobs added to the economy and represent 99.7 percent of all employers.

Small businesses account for 97 percent of all U.S. exporters and hire a larger proportion of employees who are younger workers, older workers, and part-time workers.

The Hispanic Chamber houses a satellite SBA office from 8:15 a.m. to noon every Thursday in the Bank of America building located at 222 E. Van Buren Suite 500 in Harlingen. For further information contact Solis at (956) 427-8533.

U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce FACTS Current buying power of the U.S. Hispanic market is more than $383 billion.

Hispanic-owned small businesses amount for about 44% of all small businesses in the U.S. Source: www.uschamber.com

By ARTHUR HAGEY The Pan American The Office of International Programs offers students the chance to visit other countries while continuing their education with the Study Abroad programs.

Many students attend during the intersession or summer sessions. There are programs available for spending an entire year abroad as well.

Ivonne Tovar from the Office of International Programs believes that studying abroad is an exceptional opportunity for UTPA students.

“Studying abroad lets you get in touch with another culture and people,” Tovar said. “It’s a very enriching experience for students, personally and academically.”

Students will have classes Monday through Thursday, giving them time to see the local sights and explore Friday through Sunday. An assortment of tours will be presented to give students a chance to visit landmarks and gain a new understanding of the society they are in.

Tovar said the most popular program is the summer session to Salamanca, Spain. It is the longest running program, having been available for several years.

“Spain has become so popular because the students have been able to hear about it,” Tovar said.

As a sophomore, UTPA student Norma Padron studied in Monterrey, Mexico at ITESM University. The university made accommodations for groups of students to stay in local

homes close by to make things easier.

They also provided activities for students to participate in.

“I was never bored,” Padron said.

“There was always plenty to do.”

When not in class, Padron took classes in Pilates, a physical and mental exercise, and dance lessons.

“Monterrey is such a big, beautiful city,” Padron said. “I’ve already made friends there.”

During the intersession May 10-28 students can take a variety of business classes in Germany. Students will be attending the University of Luneburg in northern Germany. Field Seminar in European Business and a graduate class in Issues in European Business will be taught by Dr. Evelyn Hume of the Accounting and Business Law department.

In the past, the university has offered activities such as a visit to the local theatre to see a Friedrich Schiller play, trips to the Café International, as well as a weekend in Berlin.

The orientation meeting for Germany is Feb. 19 in room 180 of the COAS building.

Students attending the Summer II session in Japan will have the opportunity to be taught in certain classes by Japanese professors.

Students will attend class in the Hiroshima City University. Japanese Language and Japanese Art class will be held by HCU professors, giving students an exceptional chance to be taught by instructors with a rich background in their field.

The Japanese program has students

See STUDY ABROAD page 12

THE PAN AMERICAN

February 12, 2004

DEMOCRATS

continued from page 2

will be a 30-minute question-and-answer session. The Young Democrats, along with the Political Science Association and the Pre-Law Society, are presenting the forum.

However, this is not the only kind of activism the organization demonstrates.

Members are also involved in helping the community in other ways, aside from pushing education about the Democratic Party.

“They do community service projects, they have food drives, they raise money for the poor and the colonias,” said Garrett.

The organization has its work cut out in

REGION I

an election year. With primaries ending and elections coming up, members are striving to accomplish their goal of putting a Democratic candidate into the presidency, replacing current President George W. Bush, who was elected in 2000.

Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry appears to be the frontrunner, having won a series of primaries and caucuses recently, surging ahead of early frontrunner Howard Dean, of Vermont. North Carolina’s John Edwards and former Gen. Wesley Clark are the other main Democratic candidates. Texas votes in its primary March 9.

continued from page 3

scribbling and staring at crusty chalkboards.

All of them always try, throwing their effort into their learning. To their growing minds, mistakes in the past remain only where they can cause damage, in the past, in a memory soon to be erased. They hope in their future; they trust in determination.

“Mr. Villa, how are you doing,” the instructor says, walking to his side.

“Pues, I’m trying.” Rios looks up, smiling.

“But she explained to me in Spanish.”

He turns to Del Rio, his partner, smiling again and continuing with his scratches of points and numbers. His eyes squint, but he never stops.

Another instructor, Enedima Q. Lopez, trots around the room, encouraging each student.

FARMERS

Page 11

She stops.

“They want to be here. They want to learn.

They’re eager.”

She smiles, she believes they can do it.

Most 50- or 60-somethings spend their evenings lounging in warm, retired havens of trailer parks or socializing with old friends at Bingo games or buffet dinners. Not Phillip Pearce. Not Julian Rios. They spend their evenings cramped in a desk built for sixthgraders, chewing on pencils for schoolboys, kept in four walls cluttered with posters of pretty words.

“Believe in yourself,” one reads, over a picture of a four-foot boy sitting on a basketball. “All things are possible.”

Franco Caballero/The Pan American

WEIGHT TRAINING— “Sumo wrestlers” perform their sport in the Quad Tuesday as part of the Homecoming Week celebration. The students were rewarded with Tshirts for their effort, and their participation helped bolster support for the week.

continued from page 1

that he should do what he could to make the working conditions better.

“The determination was there, the commitment was there, the decision was made that despite how powerful the agriculture business is we need to take it on,” Rodriguez said.

Taking the $27 billion industry in California on began with the table grape in 1965. The most powerful agricultural business in the United States allegedly controlled the police and politics, keeping the UFW from having its complaints heard.

Following leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., UFW members used their consumer power by starting a grape boycott, with the famous cry “¡Uvas no!” A vital approach to their plan was non-violent protest, espoused

by King and Gandhi, among others, and Rodriguez as well.

“That was one critical thing that Cesar believed in, we cannot be violent: we cannot utilize the same tactics and strategies that the growers use against us,” Rodriguez said.

The result was thinking of innovative ways to relay a

message to the table grape growers by marching, fasting, vigils, and picket lines. This new effort of putting pressure on a large industry for social change all depended on volunteerism, on people willing to help make a change. And thousands of Chicanos and socially conscious people answered the call, according to Rodriguez.

“It was that whole idea of volunteerism that attracted Rebecca, attracted me, attracted many of us others to come work because we knew that that here was someone, here were two people -Cesar and Dolores - that were sincere about what they were doing,” Rodriguez recalled.

“They were really trying to do something beneficial for the community, they weren’t getting rich off it, and so as a result of their dedication, they attracted a lot of people.”

The new social movement started in the homes of farm workers, as UFW members talked to them, asking for their support, and discussed bringing about change.

“We cannot expect someone from Washington, D.C., somebody from Austin, Texas, or somebody from Sacramento to bring about change for us. We have to do

it, we have to be determined enough to do it,” said Rodriguez of the group’s ideology at the time.

The UFW won its first boycott in 1970, changing the lives of the farm workers. They were then able to discuss with the growers what issues needed addressing, working conditions and hours. They began to sit with their employers as equals, having a voice in company decisions.

Over the years, the UFW overcame obstacles and Chavez created a name for himself as a leader among Chicanos. Highways and schools were named in his honor and a holiday as well. But these were accolades he would not have cared for, according to the man who succeeded him.

“That didn’t mean much to him,” Rodriguez said. “He never allowed that to happen while he was alive.”

Keeping the organization alive was Chavez’s main concern, and Rodriguez and the UFW are doing that by helping farm workers across the nation. Members have made efforts in California boycotting against a winery labor contract, and have fought for collective bargaining for strawberry workers. They have also tried to better the conditions of mushroom pickers in the West, and continue a strong presence in the Valley, having just marched in Mission’s Citrus Festival parade.

But still, despite all this work, the job is just beginning, Rodriguez said to the crowd at STCC. ”You guys are the future, you’re going to have to carry on, you’re going to have to continue doing what Cesar Chavez started 40-something years ago, and ensure that we continue representing on behalf of our community,” he exclaimed.

Hearing firsthand the struggles of Chavez, Huerta, and thousands of other farm workers led students to understand the union’s importance.

Irma Reyes, an education major, found Rodriguez’s speech impressive, saying it taught her about issues she had only heard about as a child.

“I’ve heard a lot about Cesar Chavez and what he’s done for a lot of people in the Valley, and I think it’s a very good movement,” Reyes said. “It’s good to know there’s someone out there helping people.”

THE PAN AMERICAN

February 12, 2004

STUDY ABROAD staying in HCU dorms during their stay, giving them an even greater chance to experience student life in Japan. The orientation meeting for the Japanese Summer II session is Feb. 26 in room 180 of the COAS building.

However, 13 programs are available and they reach a variety of destinations worldwide. Dr. John Bokina, political science professor, has attended study abroad programs for two consecutive years in Salamanca, but now he has changed his mode and plans to teach in the Greece and Turkey program.

“I am a great believer in the studying abroad program and its educational value,” Bokina said.

Bokina also said that although he had a good time in Salamanca, he had a special interest where he had visited once before, and another in Turkey where he plans to visit for the first time. He mentioned that the history discussed in his lectures are interpreted differently when students hear them in their place of origin.

SHERIFF

NATURE SERIES

continued from page 6 Study Abroad Summer Orientation Program Date Salamanca, Spain Chile Italy/France Costa Rica Germany China Guadalajara Paris, France Oaxaca Canada Japan Turkey/Greece Argentina

Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. Feb. TBA TBA

12 12 17 17 19 19 24 24 26 26 26

For more information contact the Office of International Programs at CAS 125

continued from page 5

According to Trevino, the homicide rate of Hidalgo County has gone up 30 percent in the past year. He also said that the clearance rate – referring to how crimes are taken off the books as they are solved - has gone down 19 percent. Escalon, Trevino says, also chooses not to have a relationship with the county’s district attorney.

“Escalon refuses to have a relationship with a district attorney,” Trevino said. “It is for the sake of the people. People of the county elect a sheriff who they trust will give them safety, security, and well-being.”

Contrarily, Sheriff Escalon says that he has had disagreements with the district attorney, but the problem does not lie with the sheriff.

“Of course there wouldn’t be any disagreements between Trevino and the district attorney because that is his

HOMECOMING queen. Last year, Kappa Delta Chi’s Adele Clinton won the title, and it seems the girls are trying to help their new candidate claim the title also.

“I think it’s important for student organizations to get involved,” Martinez said. “We can express our school spirit and have fun at the same time.”

Olivarez, a junior English major, explained how one is nominated for the Homecoming Court: a student organization can choose a candidate to represent the club and then begin campaigning around campus in hopes of having the candidate elected.

“I think this year’s Homecoming is better than last year’s,” Olivarez said.

“There are more people coming out, and more events, too. I know that my sorority is going to have a game booth set up, and there’s probably going to be different types of things to try.”

Rodney Gomez, coordinator of Student Development, is managing this event. So far, Gomez has seen a positive response. Though he has only been at UTPA for six months, and didn’t attend the university as a student, he brings a

Page 12

(Trevino’s) boss,” claimed Escalon. “Yes, the district attorney and I have disagreements, but the result stays in the district attorney’s hands. He answers to the public. I am going to continue to do what I feel is right.”

This race, much like the state representative battle in District 40 between incumbent Aaron Pena and challenger Eddie Saenz, has a considerable amount of disagreement and controversy.

Election day, March 9, will tell the tale of which candidates are best able to reach the public with their message. Early voting will be from Feb. 23 through March 5, though voter registration ended Feb. 7. The UTPA Learning Center will be a designated early voting poll, so students will be able to vote on campus.

continued from page 1 possibly helpful outsider’s perspective to the festivities.

“Based on my experience with other colleges and their Homecomings, I would say ours is a fairly good one so far,” Gomez said.

The planning for the event has illustrated effort from students as well as administration. The United Student Organization Council (USOC) is the sponsor for the event, and the Office of Student Development helped coordinate homecoming activities with USOC members.

“USOC held several committee meetings discussing Homecoming, and we at OSD helped them to implement their plans,” Gomez said. “As with any big event, we tried to eliminate activities that didn’t work last year and keep those that did. Then we had to research the logistics of the activities, contact vendors, and make sure everything was consistent with university policy. Above all, we wanted to make sure that students would want to come to the event, have fun, and show their school spirit.”

the audience while sharing his love for wildlife.

He asked audience members what images were triggered when they thought of the Rio Grande Valley. Responses included palm trees and orange groves, among others.

CHARITY

food banks.

To find out more about volunteering with SLG, e-mail the organization at www.sog_utpa@yahoo.com.

According to Alcocer, “Anybody can volunteer and that is great. Charity is not always about money and helping someone should be on everyone’s to-do list.”

continued from page 4

of UTPA’s reputation as the school with the highest rate of med school acceptance in Texas.

Still, because he wants to specialize in surgery, he is well aware there is yet a long way to go before he can conclude his studies.

“In my path, I still have at least another nine years to go, so I can really say that I’m doing what I want to do,” he said.

“And I really want to excel considerably in whatever field I choose.”

COSTEP

“This is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the country,” Carlo said.

“The weather is different from other northern states, and these habitats have the ability to be homes of animals that might not survive elsewhere. It’s really something.”

continued from page 3

terminally ill children can come true.

One year SLG visited a sick child at a local hospital, dressing up like Disney characters from movies like Snow White and Cinderella.

SLG also does charity work for the women’s group, Mujeres Unidas, offering clothes and donating canned goods to local

PROFILE

continued from page 6

Although not sure of the specific type of surgeon he would like to be, Quiroga is determined to make an impact in the world of medicine.

“I would like to discover something.

Make a medical discovery,” he confessed.

“There’s a lot of work that could be done out there and I’m using [my experience with Dr. Ahmad] as a learning experience to apply everything I learn here to my career.”

continued from page 5

extension after the 6- month repayment grace throughout Texas, focusing on the South Texas period has passed. region where 80 percent of students are There are also deferments if a student becomes unemployed after graduation or has problems finding a job.

“We don’t particularly like to see student Federal Family Education Loan with a financial aid debt after graduation,” Program (FFELP) stated Taylor.

With budget cuts and tuition increases all over Texas COSTEP has been very busy with Stafford Subsidized requests for help concerning financial aid for students.

“Some students are taking more hours due STUDENTS to the tuition increases,” stated Taylor.

When asked for some names of students currently using their non-profit organization Dependent Students as a source of support, COSTEP was adamant about protecting the privacy of its clients/students due to government policy.

1st year $2,625 Another way the group makes it easy to follow any of the steps listed above is by 2nd year $3,500 sending the Mobile Education Resource 3rd/4th year $5,500 Vehicle, (MERV) to campuses for Internet access.

Professional/Grad $8,500 “We take the Internet to the student, the campus cruiser provides access to transmit the FAFSA form or any scholarship Independent Students information at their fingertips, literally,” Taylor said.

At the scheduled events, MERV has 1st year $4,000 wireless Internet access, flat screen Dell 2nd year $4,000 computers, and 10 computer stations along with trained COSTEP staff.

3rd/4th year $5,000 MERV travels to high schools, colleges, and universities throughout South Texas.

Prof./Grad $10,000 “Once we started going to the schools the teachers and counselors realized what a great addition it was to their existing resources,” stated Smith.

COSTEP’s mission is to provide free Provided by the CO-STEP Edinburg office. information for college-bound students

February 12, 2004

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 5

Shootout in sheriff race continuing to wire

By JULIAN CAVAZOS The Pan American The election for Hidalgo County sheriff nears, with less than a month left before early voting starts. Current Sheriff Enrique Escalon and challenger Lupe Trevino are head to head, striving to hold the post for the next four years.

Feeling confident, Escalon is up and running again, hoping to be re-elected. If Escalon wins, he assures that he will continue his successful tradition of service.

“I think I’ve done well, and there’s no question who the better man is here,” he said. “They have had me in office, and I’d like for them to support me again for another four years.

“I have my experience, my track record in building confidence to the sheriff department, and I have accomplished duties with actions. If I’m elected I’ll keep improving, and get the department up to where it needs to be.”

Escalon is proud of having brought in millions of tax dollars and expanded the Enrique personnel of the department.

“Over 10 million dollars of tax dollars that Washington D.C had we brought back in grants to put back in the county for personnel and equipment,” he said.

“Now it is over 12 million. I’ve also been able to double the personnel from 49 to about 90 deputies.”

Escalon has over 30 years of experience in law enforcement. He served in the U.S Army for three years, and afterward worked as a police officer in Mercedes. There, he was promoted three different times, ending up as a chief investigator after only two years. Many more years of law enforcement and criminal examination experience came his

his extensive career experience and was promoted many way, all leading up to election as sheriff. Escalon has been times. He worked in undercover narcotics, undercover vice, Hidalgo County sheriff since 1994, having been and as an undercover agent in the crime bureau. After 14 elected the past two terms. years, he decided to move back to the Valley to raise his Escalon campaign volunteer Letty Garcia believes that his family. Trevino got hired at a district attorney’s office, and honesty and hard work will keep him in office. initiated a state and federal drug task force. Currently, “He (Escalon) has done a good job, with a great Trevino is on a leave of absence from his task force to fully background of being honest and fair to the people,” Garcia focus on the campaign. He also said. “We need to keep teaches criminal justice at UTPA. people like Escalon Trevino said that he is confident because of their his platform will lower the crime honesty and work rate and open up a two-way they’ve done. There’s dialogue between the community no reason to remove and sheriff’s office. him.”

His goal is to create an openHowever, before door policy for his employees, as Escalon and his well as the public and department campaign are able to heads including leaders of the warm their seats in county, commissioners, county assurance of his judges, district attorneys, chiefs of winning again, Escalon police, and federal agency heads. is being challenged by “What I intend to do is Lupe Trevino. personally communicate with all Trevino’s campaign county commissioners, judges and coordinator, Pat district attorneys in Medina, feels that investigations,” Trevino said. through Trevino's Escalon Lupe Treviño “Criminal investigations are a way of being, the team effort, and you need legal public would really presence. If you have no legal direction, then you will fail in like him as sheriff. your investigation.”

“I guarantee you that if you were to give Trevino just five With his platform, Trevino has confidence he can improve minutes, you’d like this man,” Medina said. “Not only that, the county’s problems, something he suggests the incumbent but you will also like the way he carries himself, the way he has not done well enough. works, and his ethics.”

“I think people have come to realize what kind of sheriff Trevino, born and raised in McAllen, and like Escalon, has he (Escalon) is, and I am actually giving the them an option,” 30 years of experience. After going to UTPA for college for Trevino said. “A real choice between an apple and an three years, he decided to join the police force in Austin. orange.”

While working there from 1974 to 1988, Trevino developed

See SHERIFF page 12

Financing education easier using COSTEP

By VANESSA LUCIO The Pan American Walking into the Edinburg-based office of the Council for South Texas Economic Progress (COSTEP) one would not expect by the modern decorum that there is a finely tuned machine that goes beyond the bold color choices on the chair cushions and past the 3D patterns to match. There is a new-age work ethnic that is designed and manufactured specifically to fit the needs of the students of the Valley.

This machine is the staff of the non-profit organization founded in 1972 with a mission to offer student loans, loan servicing, marketing and administrative support services, as well as provide information on financing a post-secondary education.

The organization theme, “Your Future made Possible” sums up 32 years of support service.

According to Bruce Taylor, vice president for the COSTEP Marketing Department, “We at COSTEP want students to know the money is out there and it’s available. If money is the only barrier stopping more people from attending college, that can change.”

With only 43 employees from the Valley up through San Antonio, COSTEP promotes from within. Staffing levels remain at a fixed number due to constant re-training and relearning requirements employees complete in time for the wave of technological enhancements and improvements.

“The industry of financial aid has evolved from quick, fast paperwork to quicker and faster computer system work,” stated Taylor.

COSTEP is comprised of six departments including Sales and Marketing, Loans Origin, Customer Service, Consolidations, Payments and Collections, and an IT (Information Technology) department.

COSTEP provides a friendly atmosphere where students can feel comfortable when talking to a credit counselor in regard to grant or loan programs.

How does COSTEP help a student get started?

The student must follow four basic steps when researching

the source of their financial aid support system.

1. FAFSA Outreach, making students aware of these programs.

COSTEP begins by visiting local high schools and providing counseling nights or financial aid seminars where high school counselors get together to talk with students specifically about COSTEP and other means of financing their secondary education.

At these events, students are able to get help filling out their portion of the FAFSA form for the government as well as getting their parent(s) involved in the process by completing W2 forms or the income tax portion of the FAFSA. At the filing sessions students are also given the opportunity to set up a pin number used to gain access to online services at www.COSTEP.org.

This service is free of charge as opposed to other services which claim to help the student but include payments of up to $100 for providing the information that is free at COSTEP. 2. Government Assessment, what he/she is eligible for After the FAFSA form is completed and sent to the government the government sends the student a Student Assessment Report (SARS) detailing how much money, if any, he/she is eligible for.

After the FAFSA is filled out, most money is given to persons over 24 years of age, veterans, married couples, and students with children, dependent on the school’s financial situation.

On the FAFSA form the student can indicate which school they want their financial aid information sent to.

3. Funding, campuses get together with student to come to a financial agreement.

Once the school receives this information then each campus, (with their certain financial aid limit) will send an award letter to the recipient stating that they do/do not qualify on the government level and that the institution can accommodate their needs on certain terms 4. Free Money At this point, the money has already surfaced through steps 1-3 and the student has a clear understanding of what is

available.

COSTEP provides a budget planning guide, which shows how to tackle management of finances. Students can receive three types of Federal Family Education Loan Programs: Stafford Subsidized, Stafford Unsubsidized, and Parent (Plus) Loan.

Students have the option of choosing their lender when it comes to receiving money for their education. Available lenders include First Financial, IBC Bank, Broadway Bank, Southwest Research Center Federal Credit Union, and Lone Star National Bank.

“Our goal is to get students the free money first. But if additional funds are needed, then we walk them through the process of applying for student loans, it can be confusing for anyone,” stated Taylor.

Newly promoted after 20 years experience with COSTEP Irene Smith, market sales manager for the South Region, has learned a lot from the students and parents she works with daily.

Smith worked her way through college at the University of Texas-Pan American because she said she wasn’t educated about financial aid opportunities.

She began her career with COSTEP working on the operations side of student loans but now is in charge of Edinburg, McAllen, Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Laredo and Kingsville.

Smith stated, “COSTEP provides a pathway for students by removing roadblocks that would normally get in the way if they did it alone. I could not do my job without my team at COSTEP.” Smith and Taylor agreed that COSTEP is a team effort and only works because everyone helps each other out.

Taylor said that the number one aspect students need to be aware of is that COSTEP is available if anyone needs help; the organization is a support system service.

COSTEP even provides exit counseling right before a student graduates.

He/she has the option of loan consolidation, or asking for an

See COSTEP page 12

February 12, 2004

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 4

Future doctor finishes busy UTPA career

By LUIS SAAVEDRA The Pan American

Walter Quiroga is looking forward to the future. Not only will the UTPA senior culminate his studies as a chemistry major this May, but he will also head to medical school in August. A long-time dream is taking shape.

“I knew that I wanted to go into medicine since I was in junior high,” Quiroga said. “And I got my acceptance letter to Baylor in Houston last December.”

STUDENT PROFILE A native of Mexico City, he moved to Matamoros, Tamaulipas with his family when he was in 8th grade. His father, who was a doctor in Mexico, had always wanted to emigrate to the United States but keep working in his country; thus the border proved to be the perfect solution.

Like his father, Quiroga also expects to come back to the area once he finishes his studies, maybe to practice on both sides of the border.

“I would like to come back to the Valley.

Whether I’ll end up in Mexico or here I still don’t know,” he said.

In the meantime, the 21-year-old finds time between classes to assist Dr. Hassan Ahmad of the chemistry department in doing research on cancer prevention.

“The idea is to try to prevent cancer by natural methods,” Quiroga explained. “We study the compounds of food that [people] eat every day and see if they help the enzymes in the body. We try to identify

which compounds are responsible for that accompanies the chemistry lab manuals. and which are the most promising.”

Other than his brush with fame as poster After two and one-half years working boy for lab safety, one of Quiroga’s most with Ahmad, Quiroga’s main satisfying experiences has been witnessing responsibility now is to pass on the his own progress in four years of higher knowledge he has education. gained to his “With every colleagues in semester you research. progress, learning “It’s sort of a more and more in the passing of the classes you take,” he torch,” he said. said. “It’s interesting “Now that I’m to see how all the leaving in May, I knowledge that you have to show the built in the first two others the way the years can be applied experiments are in the following years done.” to increase your Assisting Ahmad understanding of in research is not the other classes. It’s only work Quiroga really rewarding.” has done at UTPA. Among the many Last summer he rewards Quiroga has became a most experienced during Walter Quiroga familiar face among his college years, science majors, recognizable to just about making friends and spending as much time anyone who has stepped into a lab on as possible with them is on top of his list. campus.

“Unfortunately there’s not much time It all started when he introduced a bottle left after classes and work, sometimes of water into one of the labs, unaware that even the weekend becomes a victim of he was violating the Environmental, work,” he said. “Last semester my Health and Safety program’s regulations. roommates [at BRONC Village] and I used Unfortunately for him, safety specialist to run at night.

Richard Castello was doing rounds at that “One of my roommates was in the time and noticed Quiroga’s violation. To ROTC so he would lead us through the compensate for the misdemeanor, Castello course that they run,” he added. “But this asked Quiroga to pose for the posters semester because it has been quite hard, currently promoting safety measures in all despite what everyone says about your last university labs. In addition to this, year being easy and relaxed, I haven’t Quiroga also starred as the EHS really had time to exercise.” spokesman in a CD-ROM that Still, because of the lack of exercise and

some past experiences with bad eating habits, he tries to maintain a healthy diet.

“During my sophomore and junior years I would skip a lot of meals and not eat anything,” he said. “Eventually it started wearing out on me. I started feeling sick and couldn’t concentrate.”

Since then, Quiroga has learned his lesson and now he strives to eat well and cut down on soft drinks, which sometimes, he says, are the only choice available to students on campus.

When he is not busy with school, work, or spending time with his friends, Quiroga’s favorite pastime is hitting the books.

“Ironically, as much reading as I have to do for school I like to read stuff outside the required readings,” he said. “I like reading novels or political science books, especially the ones related to politics in Mexico.”

Last year posed some challenges for Quiroga. He took the oft-dreaded medical exam, the MCAT, and started applying for medical school.

“You always hear that they are a hard test and they’re not joking,” he said. “But with a good understanding of the subjects and definitely a lot of practice before the exam you can get a good score.

“The challenge is to go beyond and above of what they teach you in class,” he continued. “Because the test is not about if you know an equation or not, is about finding a new use for the equation, to apply it.”

All the hard work he has done paid well for Quiroga who will go to Baylor in August. Thus, Quiroga is another example See PROFILE page 12

The search for the perfect career is a quest many students go on while venturing though a labyrinth of undergraduate struggle and triumph. There are many keys that may unlock the doors to success, but who has them and how can students obtain them?

According to Cooperative Education Coordinator Susie Chapa, hundreds of keys are available, students just need to apply for one.

Internships are an important part of the journey to finding that perfect job, but many do not take advantage of a variety of available internships.

“Not enough students are aware of career placement,” said Chapa. “Many students come to school and then leave without becoming familiar with our office because they have other obligations and responsibilities.”

Imagine conducting finance research for a major corporation like PriceWaterhouseCoopers, or learning what it is like to be a buyer for Target. Try and visualize what it would be like working in Washington D.C. with Sen. John Cornyn, or at the Smithsonian Museum of American Indians.

A sports marketing internship with the Dallas Cowboys in San Antonio last fall was one of the best experiences junior communication major Andrea Longoria ever had. She was able to work with worldwide corporations like American Airlines, and Miller Lite. She mentioned that for the

duration of the internship, the interns stayed at the Marriott Hotel, affording chances to make many new friends.

“I learned so much,” she said enthusiastically, “but a good GPA means nothing if you don’t have hands-on experience.”

That type of experience is an opportunity to help a student advance in the field of choice.

It allows a student to become part of a network they would have never become associated with without participating in an internship.

“An internship sets you apart from other students,” said Chapa. “It makes you a solid candidate for a job. These days finding a job for some people in certain fields of interest with an undergraduate degree, is like having a high school diploma because there are so many students with an edge out there.”

Some majors such as education and nursing require a student to intern before they can graduate, but some do not require firsthand experience at all. Often, great competition for jobs means that without internship experience, a student’s application for work might not even get past the first round of judgments.

There are usually requirements for students to meet in attaining internships. For example, a recent opportunity to work with U.S. Sen. John Cornyn requires applicants to submit two letters of recommendation, their college transcript, and an essay explaining why they want to work with his office. Internships are available at several of his offices across Texas, including Valley location in Harlingen.

Cornyn’s positions are tailor-made for communication and political science majors;

however all students are encouraged to apply.

Other internship applications are much more specific and demanding. The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities requires a GPA of at least 3.0. The organization helps students secure an internship in an array of areas, promising glimpses at career opportunities with JP Morgan Chase to the Library of Congress.

Also possible is the chance to find out a thing or two about yourself and the type of work the subject you are majoring in has to offer.

HACU can be of great assistance to those looking for a job that fits.

Internships can help shape and mold a career. They can open the doors to a permanent position and also give students a chance to see different parts of the country or world. Some are paid and some are strictly for credit. Many companies pay for all travel expenses, provide housing and even pay for clothes.

Some simply provide students with the opportunity. Grades, applications on deadline, transportation, housing, and especially clothes are up to students to provide.

Students at all stages of the college journey can get on board. Internships offer a chance to test the waters of a field before graduation and also to double-check if the career field is right for them.

The Career Placement Office is in the Student Services Building, room 125.

Internet websites are available in this office as well as brochures and magazines with information on the specifics of different internship availability and requirements.

Resume help and advise on career attire is

also offered in this office. For more information on how to participate in the total college experience and get a head of the game can start by contacting Susie Chapa at 3812244.

Current Internship Opportunities LOCAL VAMOS Ford Congressman Hinojosa Dodge Arena John D. Garcia South Texas Export Center Aladan Academy Attorney General of Texas Edinburg Police Department US Marshal Senator John Cornyn HACU Walgreens Mervyn’s Target Sherwin Williams Lockheed Martin Xerox Hastings Hidalgo County Community Corrections Department

Koech wins 10K

UTPA Men’s Basketball Date

Opponent/Time

Scores

Nov. 4

Monterrey Tech

W112-46

Nov. 8

Houston Quest

W 111-59

Nov. 22

Southern Methodist

L 59-69

Nov. 25

Texas A&M-Int’l

W 90-50

Nov. 29

Texas-Arlington

L 75-81

Dec. 1

SWA of God

W 90-60

Dec. 4

Missouri-Kansas City

L 80-104

Dec. 6

Texas-San Antonio

W 86-83

Dec. 12

Mississippi Valley St.

L 67-85

Dec. 14

Sam Houston State

L 66-92

Dec. 17

North Texas

L 81-87

Dec. 20

Rice

L 58-69

Dec. 22

Oklahoma State

L 61-96

Dec. 29

Oklahoma

L 57-72

Dec. 31

McMurry

W 90-58

Jan. 6

Baylor

W 55-54

Jan. 8

North Texas

L 53-71

Jan. 14

Wright State

L 60-82

Jan. 19

Missouri-K.C.

L 69-77

Jan. 21

Texas-Arlington

L 54-73

Jan. 28

IPFW

W 81-60

Feb. 2

Alcorn State

W 74-52

Feb. 4

Lamar

W 90-78

Feb. 7

IPFW

W 57-55

Feb. 11

Arkansas State

W 70-67

Feb. 14

TAMUCC

7:30

Feb. 16

Air Force

7:30

Feb. 19

Central Baptist

7:30

Feb. 28

TAMUCC

7

March 1

Arkansas State

7:05

Men’s Tennis Spring Season

An estimated 4,500 runners participated in Saturday’s 2K race at the 22nd Annual Edinburg All-America City Run/Walk event, while another 2,600 ran in the 10K race.

Gilbert Koech of Kenya won the men’s division and set a new course record by running the race in 29:06.

In the women’s division, Emily Samoei of Kenya won the 10K event with a time of 33:48. She missed setting the course record by 10 seconds, which was set by Russian Albina Gallyamova, who did not participate in the race this year.

Benefit golf tourney The Fourth Annual Former Bronc Hoopsters Golf Classic will be held Saturday at Palm View Golf Course in McAllen. Tee time will be at 8 a.m.

The golf tournament will also include a benefit raffle by the Bronc Alumni Association. The tourney and the raffle are to raise funds for basketball scholarships in the former UTPA basketball coach Sam Williams. Donations are also being accepted.

For more information, contact Jim Board at 630-3320 or 454-6996.

Date Jan. 19 Jan. 19 Feb. 6 Feb. 7 Feb. 7 Feb. 14 Feb. 21

Opponent Time/Results Trinity W 4-3 Texas A&M L 1-6 Eastern Kentucky W 6-1 Dayton W 5-2 Xavier W 6-1 Saint Louis 2 TAMUCC 2

Feb. 26

Laredo College (Exh.) 1

March

March 11

Abilene Christian

5:30

14-15

March 12

Prairie View

TBA

March

March 13

Texas Southern

10 a.m.

29-30

March 24 April 3

UTSA DePaul

2 1

April 4

Texas-Arlington

10 a.m.

April 7 April 8 April 9 April 17 April 30 May 1 May 2

Texas Southern 2 Lamar 3 Southeastern Louisiana Noon TAMUCC 2 SLC Championships SLC Championships SLC Championships

Men’s Track & Field Indoor Season

2004 UTPA Men’s Golf

Opponent

Time/Results

Date

Tournament

Feb. 9-10 Ricer Intercollegiate

April 5-6

Trojan Cup Hal Sutton Intercollegiate

April 23-24Andrea Brotto Cavalier Classic May 7-9

National Minority Golf Championships

2004 UTPA Women’s Golf Schedule Date

Tournament

Feb.

Bronc Intercollegiate

March

Xavier Invitational

Houston Invitational 12 of 22

12-14

Feb. 14

Houston/RunSport

TBA

March

Baylor/Tapatío Springs

March 12

NCAA Indoor Track TBA & Field Championships

19-21

Shootout

All games p.m. unless noted.

Result 14th of 14

Bearkat Invitational

Feb. 7

HOME GAMES IN BOLD

2003-2004 Sports Schedules

México faces Chile, U-23 eliminates U.S. The Mexican men’s national soccer team will face Chile Feb. 18 at the Home Depot Center Stadium in Carson, Calif. in an exhibition match.

This will be the first match of the year for the Mexican side who will be preparing to begin the region’s World Cup qualifying tournament, while Chile is currently competing in the South American qualifying tournament to the 2006 World Cup to be held in Germany.

México leads the all-time series 12-8 and have won the last four meetings.

Tuesday night, the Mexican men’s under 23 national soccer team routed the United States 4-0 in Guadalajara, Jalisco, México and eliminated the U.S. side in the semifinals of the region’s qualifying tournament for this summer’s Olympic games to be held in Athens.

The U.S. held out for 26 minutes in front of 57,000 fans at Jalisco Stadium before Rafael Márquez Lugo (’26 and ’54) put the ball in the back of the net, which opened the flood gates.

Diego Martínez (’28) and Ismael Iñiguez (’90) scored the other goals of the match. México will face Costa Rica in the Final Feb. 12.

Mexican Soccer League 2004

Schedule

23-24 Date

Page 13

SPORTS CLIPBOARD

2003-2004 Sports Schedules

Gaining experience before ‘real world’ key

By VANESSA CASTILLO The Pan American

Sports

February 12, 2004

March

Arkansas-Little Rock

29-30

Invitational

May 7-9

National Minority Golf Championships

Result

Team Chiapas Toluca Guadalajara U.N.A.M. Club San Luis U.A.G. Querétaro América Monterrey Pachuca Irapuato Cruz Azul Santos Atlante Necaxa Tigres Veracruz Morelia Puebla Atlas Group I 9 - Toluca 5 - Monterrey 5 - Pachuca 2 - Puebla 2 - Atlas

W-D-L 3-0-1 3-0-1 3-0-1 2-2-0 2-1-1 2-1-1 1-3-0 1-3-0 1-2-1 1-2-1 1-2-1 1-2-1 1-1-2 1-1-2 1-1-2 1-1-2 0-2-2 0-2-2 0-2-2 0-2-2

GF:GA 8:5 5:2 4:2 7:3 6:4 7:8 7:6 6:5 5:3 6:6 6:6 4:5 6:6 4:4 5:6 8:10 6:8 4:7 3:6 2:7

Group II 8 - U.N.A.M. 7 - U.A.G. 6 - América 6 - Querétaro 4 - Santos

PTS 9 9 9 8 7 7 6 6 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4 2 2 2 2

Scorer / Team C. Blanco, AME A. Fernandes, MTY W. Gaitán, TIG E. Marcón, UAG S. Blanco, SL M. Delgado, CA S. Cabañas, CHI A. Silvera, TIG B. Marioni, UNAM G. Biscayzacú, VCZ

G 4 4 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

13 Tied with 2 goals.

Group III 9 - Chiapas 7 - San Luis 5 - Cruz Azul 4 - Tigres 2 - Morelia

Group IV 9 - Guadalajara 5 - Irapuato 4 - Necaxa 4 - Atlante 2 - Veracruz

Week 4 results Feb. 7-8: Veracruz 1, Atlas 1; Toluca 2, Morelia 0; Tigres 1, Querétaro 2; Cruz Azul 1, San Luis 4; Guadalajara 1, Pachuca 0; Necaxa 0, Chiapas 1; U.N.A.M. 3, Santos 2; Irapuato 2, Monterrey 1; Puebla 1, Atlante 1; U.A.G. 1, América 1.

Week 5 schedule Feb. 14-15: Chiapas vs. Puebla; Morelia vs.

Guadalajara; Tigres vs. Irapuato; San Luis vs. Veracruz; Atlas vs. U.A.G.; América vs. Monterrey; Pachuca vs. Necaxa; Querétaro vs. Toluca; Atlante vs. U.N.A.M.; Santos vs. Cruz Azul (March 24).

UTPA Women’s Basketball Date Nov. 7 Nov. 21 Nov. 22 Nov. 25 Nov. 29

Opponent/Time Houston Air Force.

Boise State/Dayton TAMUI St. Edward’s

Scores W 91-77 W 68-67 W 63-57 W 84-55 W 79-42

Dec. 5

St. Louis

L 45-77

Dec. 6

Kansas State/Sac.

W 60-50

Dec. 14

Oral Roberts

L 57-67

Dec. 17

Texas

L 25-90

Dec. 19

Marshall

L 59-74

Dec. 21

Central Michigan

L 40-56

Dec. 28

Tulsa

L 41-71

Dec. 31

Prairie View A&M

W 64-52

Jan. 2

UT-Arlington

L 46-85

Jan. 7 Jan. 9

Sacramento State San Diego State

W 49-47 L 38-59

Jan. 11

Louisiana-Lafayette

L 54-62

Jan. 13

SE Louisiana

L 58-60

Jan. 22

SW Missouri State

L 34-69

Jan. 24

TAMUCC

L 43-73

Jan. 27

Incarnate Word

W 63-46

Jan. 31

IPFW

W 75-72

Feb. 3

Northern Colorado

L 56-57

Feb. 9

Prairie View A&M

W 70-63

Feb. 16

Louisiana-Lafayette 5

Feb. 19

IPFW

5

Feb. 24

TAMUCC

7

Feb. 28

SE Louisiana

7

March 3

Northern Arizona

8

Women’s Tennis Spring Season Date

Opponent

Feb. 6

UTEP

Time/Results L 0-7

Feb. 13

Sam Houston State,

3

Feb. 14

Northwestern State

1:30

Feb. 15

Stephen F. Austin

9 a.m.

Feb. 21

TAMUCC

2:00

Feb. 26

Laredo College (Exh.) 1:00

March 11 Abilene Christian

5:30

March 13 Texas Southern

10 a.m.

March 17

Wyoming

TBA

March 18

Jacksonville

Noon

March 19

Long Island

TBA

March 20

Bethune-Cookman

TBA

March 27 Air Force

8:30 a.m.

April 7

2

Texas Southern

April 8

Lamar

3

April 9

McNeese State

9 a.m.

April 16

IPFW

TBA

April 16

Northern Colorado

TBA

April 17

TAMUCC

2

Women’s Track & Field Indoor Season Date

Opponent

Feb. 7

Houston Invitational

Time/Results 18 of 21

Feb. 14

Houston/RunSport

TBA

March 12

NCAA Indoor Track TBA & Field Championships

HOME GAMES IN BOLD All games p.m. unless noted.

Sports

February 12, 2004

Page 14

Bronc tennis extends streak to four

By MATT HALL The Pan American

The University of Texas-Pan American men’s tennis team notched victories over Xavier, 5-2, and Dayton, 6-1, at Eastern Kentucky's Greg Adams Tennis Center to push its win streak to four.

The Broncs started the weekend by defeating host team Eastern Kentucky, 6-1, and this set the tone for the rest of play.

In singles action junior Jeremy Salvo, sophomore Nik Porter, freshman Gary Bianco, sophomore Oliver Steil and sophomore Rehman Esmail all handled their opponents in straight sets for victories.

Head Tennis Coach Eduardo Provencio was pleased with how the weekend started and the attitude his team came to play with, especially after a rough early start.

“I was really disappointed with our play against Texas A&M. We didn’t know how good the teams were going to be this weekend, I had an idea,” said Provencio. “You File Photo can make a name for yourself playing out The UTPA men’s tennis team improved its record of region and I was really impressed with to 4-1 after defeating Eastern Kentucky, Dayton, our guys.” and Xavier Feb. 6-7 at Richmond, Ky. The Broncs UTPA continued to dominate Eastern will face St. Louis Feb. 14 at San Antonio.

Warner

continued from page 16

always played and winning some more championships,” Warner said.

Warner is well aware that he has several critics about his ability to continue playing in the NFL and especially about his faith and how it does not coincide with their [critics] beliefs of religion not having a place in sports.

“I know there’s a lot of people out there that think ‘he must be done, his career must be over, something must be wrong, injuries or what have you,’” Warner speculated. “From that standpoint, there’s a little bit of something to prove, but when I go out there and play, that’s never in the back of my mind.

I think that through the situation that I’ve been in, three years on top, two years on the bench, and now believe that I’m going to be back on top, it’s going to be even a stronger testimony.”

Warner feels strongly about his faith and beliefs, and has been one of the most vocal athletes in recent times in terms of exercising his right of freedom of expression. He echoes the lifestyle of many ex-players, including Cowboy’s Hall of Famer Roger Staubach and Chicago Bears’ great Gale Sayers.

“Everybody says that faith and football don’t mix,” Warner said. “But the way I approach my life is that faith is number one: that’s who I am.”

The backup quarterback’s faith has taken him far in the past seven years, since he has become a devout Christian as a result of his wife’s (Brenda) influence.

“My faith is key in everything that I do,” Warner professed. “Its been key for the victory run, the two Super Bowls that we went to, and the victory we had. Its been key these last couple of years when I’ve been on the bench, a lot through injuries. There’s no doubt it’s going to be instrumental in the rest of my football career and the rest of my life after that.”

WOMEN’S INDEPENDENTS Texas A&M-Corpus Christi UTPA IPFW Savannah State

W 17 10 7 6

L 8 13 15 16

Pct. .529 .435 .318 .273

Lady Broncs 70, Lady Cougars 63 Feb. 9 at Prairie View, Texas UTPA Min FG-A FT-A Reb A PF Pts M. Daniel 15 0-2 3-5 1-2 1 2 3 A. Oler 28 4-10 2-3 2-3 2 2 10 K. Dudley 25 5-12 4-9 3-5 1 5 14 A. Carlow 37 7-12 3-4 1-1 2 3 20 D. Cheadle 22 4-8 4-6 1-0 3 4 12 A. Knox 9 0-1 0-0 0-1 0 0 0 J.Piwonka 17 0-0 0-0 0-0 1 1 0 M. Schamel 22 0-5 1-2 1-2 2 5 1 M. DeCock 8 0-0 1-2 0-0 1 0 1 A. Coleman 4 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 1 0 S. Gooden 13 1-2 7-8 3-3 0 2 9 Percentages: FG .404, FT .641. 3-Point Goals: 3-6, .500.

Team Rebounds: 39. Blocked Shots: 4. Steals: 12.

PVAMU Min FG-A FT-A Reb A PF Pts L. Moten 32 1-6 1-2 0-2 2 5 4 N. Adams 24 6-7 6-11 3-5 1 5 18 C. Hopkins 37 5-9 3-6 2-7 2 2 13 K. Butler 39 2-7 2-2 0-0 7 2 8 A. Smith 40 5-11 3-6 0-1 3 2 16 C. Hart 15 1-3 0-0 1-2 0 5 2 V. Higgins 2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 E. Mayhorn 11 1-2 0-0 0-0 0 3 2 Percentages: FG .467, FT .556. 3-Point Goals: 6-17, .353.

Team Rebounds: 31. Blocked Shots: 4. Steals: 4.

UTPA 33 37 - 70 PVAMU 27 36 - 63 Refs: R. Drake, T. Hale, D. Williams. Attendance: 289

Lady Broncs’ next game:

at What: Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns at UTPA Lady Broncs When: Monday, Feb. 16 at 5 p.m.

Where: UTPA Field House Records: Broncs (10-13); LouisianaLafayette (11-9).

Last meeting: Louisiana-Lafayette won Jan. 11, 2004 at Earl K. Long Gym. All-time series: Ragin’ Cajuns lead 24-9.

Notable: The Lady Broncs have won 3 of their last 4 games.

Kentucky by winning all of the doubles matches. Against Dayton the green and orange relied on their singles to set the tone.

Porter, Bianco, Esmail, Salvo, and Steil all won in straight sets to get Pan Am off to a good start.

Bianco and Esmail defeated Murphy and Downs of Dayton, 8-2, at number two doubles and Tom Mangelschots and Martinez defeated Cabrera and Kathary of Dayton, 98, to clinch the victory for the Broncs.

Provencio believes the team is coming together as a unit and this will only help when conference play rolls around.

“We showed real good team unity and the guys were there for each other,” said Provencio. “You are only as strong as your weakest player and we are trying to get our guys accountable to each other. They were there for each other this weekend.”

Against Xavier Porter got the Broncs on the board with a victory at number two singles, 6-2, 6-4. After this the green and orange got rolling and took care of business.

Bianco defeated Rob Simpson of Xavier at number three singles, 6-0, 7-5, Steil

UTPA Women’s Basketball Leaders SCORING

GP PTS PPG

Ashley Roberts

15

158 10.5

Molly Schamel

22

176 8.0

Amanda Carlow

21

142 6.8

Kristi Dudley

21

119 5.7

Mary DeCock

22

114 5.2

3-POINTERS

3FG-FGA PCT

Amanda Carlow

26-70

.371

defeated Ryan Potts of Xavier at number four singles, 6-3, 6-2, and Esmail defeated Matt Zollman of Xavier at number five singles, 7-5, 6-4.

UTPA then went to doubles action to polish off Xavier by winning two of the three matches.

Esmail and Bianco defeated Simpson and Randall of Xavier at number two doubles, 8-4 and at number three doubles Porter and Martinez defeated Zollman and Justin Reyes of Xavier, 8-5.

These doubles victories clinched the doubles point and the match for the Broncs.

Provencio believes his team is getting better and better with every match and thinks the Broncs will be ranked soon.

“We have St. Louis University next and then Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, who is ranked 66 nationally, at home and we feel we have to win all of these to put ourselves in a position to be ranked,” said Provencio.

“There is a real hunger to be ranked in the top 75 again.”

The Broncs will be back in action on Valentine’s Day as they travel to San Antonio to play against St. Louis University.

Broncs

The Broncs will hope to carry the momentum of their five-game winning streak into the competition, but Hoffman realizes that it might not be easy.

“The Islanders are the closest thing we have to a rival,” Hoffman said. “Funny things happen in games like that, and you can’t really look at stats.”

The Broncs and Islanders have not played each other since last season. Then it was the Islanders walking away with a 58-54 win at the Field House. This weekend’s game will be the first of two between the two teams, with the second competition at Corpus Christi on Feb. 28.

Arrita Oler

4-12

.333

Ashley Roberts

22-67

.328

Jennifer Piwonka

10-33

.303

Mary DeCock

23-77

.299

MEN’S INDEPENDENTS Texas A&M-Corpus Christi UTPA IPFW Savannah State

FREE THROWS

FT-FTA

PCT

Broncs 70, Indians 67

Azzie Knox

9-11

.818

Amanda Carlow

30-45

.667

Mary DeCock

13-20

.650

Stacey Gooden

25-40

.625

Ashley Roberts

16-27

.593

LADY BRONCS VS. OPPONENTS (season averages) CATEGORY

UTPA

OPP.

Scoring

54.5

63.4

FG Pct.

.356

.397

3-PT Pct.

.289

.322

FT Pct.

.557

.642

Rebounds

37.9

40.8

Assists

14.0

13.3

Turnovers

20.7

20.8

Steals

11.0

10.2

continued from page 16

W 13 10 3 1

L 8 13 19 22

Pct. .619 .435 .136 .043

Feb. 11 at UTPA Field House ASU Min FG-A FT-A Reb A PF Pts D. Spencer 40 8-22 6-6 4-8 2 4 22 K. Adams 35 2-5 1-3 6-9 2 4 5 T. Little 8 0-0 0-0 0-2 0 1 0 Montgomery 33 4-12 4-4 2-5 0 2 12 A. Rambo 33 2-8 0-0 0-1 3 4 5 C. Moore 11 1-4 0-0 0-0 0 2 2 King-Holland 5 0-0 0-0 0-1 0 0 0 T. Thompson 20 5-10 4-5 0-2 0 0 17 L. Hampton 11 2-3 0-0 0-0 0 5 4 E. Sokolov 4 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 5 4 Percentages: FG .375, FT .833. 3-Point Goals: 4-18, .222.

Team Rebounds: 38. Blocked Shots: 5. Steals: 6.

UTPA Min FG-A FT-A Reb A PF Pts C. Fagan 36 2-10 2-2 2-5 2 4 7 A. Holcomb 30 3-8 2-4 2-12 0 2 8 A. Sakalys 35 5-11 5-5 0-1 2 2 16 E. Montalvo 22 3-5 0-2 5-4 1 5 7 S. Sánchez 39 4-13 6-6 1-0 5 1 16 M. Berry 17 2-9 5-6 3-4 1 2 10 R. Castillo 4 0-1 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 M. Hall 1 0-0 2-2 0-0 0 0 2 R. Lange 10 2-5 0-1 5-0 1 1 4 Z. Weir 1 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0 Percentages: FG .339, FT .786. 3-Point Goals: 6-21, .286.

Team Rebounds: 48. Blocked Shots: 5. Steals: 7.

ASU 26 41 - 67 UTPA 25 45 - 70 Refs: R. Hall, G. Guercid, M. Huges. Attendance:

February 12, 2004

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 3

Charity assumes various forms depending on demographics “The young say time and the old say money,” stated Huberty.

Huberty said, when you’re older, you don’t have that much time left, but you do have the resources and when Webster’s dictionary describes charity as a love for you’re young, the prospects of making money and having mankind, generosity or leniency, alms, and as an money are all dreams, but you institution for relief of do know that what you have is the needy. A volunteer is time, a lifetime of time. defined as a person who According to a survey found offers to help or work at the Winter Texan Guide to without expecting Volunteerism website, hosted by payment or reward; the the University of Texas-Pan verb form is to offer American, 36 percent of Winter oneself as a volunteer.

Texans volunteer for non-profit According to a recent organizations. study released by Twenty-one percent of those Thrivent Financial for who do not volunteer said that Lutherans, 58 percent of they would volunteer to support Americans ages 18-34 an organization if they could say giving their time is find one that suits their interests. their most important gift This data suggest that as to a charitable cause, many as 51,000 Winter Texans while only 28 percent of Make-A-Wish Foundation/The Pan American (at the peak of the season there seniors 65 and older GIVERS— The Make-A-Wish Foundation is one of several are 143,000 Winter Texans in the agree, saying that giving charitable organizations which employ young people in Rio Grande Valley) are currently money is more vital. community service and philanthropy roles. volunteering, and another The survey was 30,000 are willing to volunteer if conducted by phone between Nov. 20 and Dec. 4, using a nationwide sample they can find the right organization.

UTPA students are some of those young people on the of 1,000 American adults 18 and older. It had a margin of end of the line who make volunteer and charity work error of plus-or-minus 3 percentage points.

According to Robert Huberty, executive vice president seem like a piece of cake.

Omar Riojas, member for the Young Adult Catholic at Capital Research Center in Washington, each group Ministry organization on campus, believes in the spirit of values what it has the most of. charity for those people less fortunate than himself.

By VANESSA L. LUCIO The Pan American

“The Ozanam Refuge Shelter project that YACM is volunteering their time to is an event I enjoy participating in,” stated Riojas.

The Ozanam Refuge Shelter is a homeless center is located in Brownsville, which receives many homeless families every month, so supplies are scarce. Donations for the shelter project include: toilet paper, shampoo, hand soap, diapers, cotton swabs, baby powder, and deodorant.

For more information about YACM and the shelter project, contact Alfonso at (956) 383-0133.

Sandra Alcocer, a Sigma Lambda Gamma sorority sister at UTPA, said that volunteering is hard work but worthwhile when you help someone.

“For me, it’s the satisfaction of being there for someone else,” she said. “It makes me feel good even if it takes a little of bit of my time. You really learn a lot in the process.”

SLG has been involved with GEAR UP, Star Search, Upward Bound, and mentoring programs that are nationally recognized and federally funded.

These programs encourage teenagers to continue their education after high school.

“You are more like a tool for some of these kids who need someone to tell them, they can do it,” said Alcocer.

“They can go to school, they can do whatever they want to do.”

Some other volunteer work includes Relay for Life, beach cleanups, walking the animals at the local Humane Society, and helping the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The group is on the council committee for the Make-AWish foundation and helps brainstorm how wishes for

See CHARITY page 12

Student stuggles for education aided by Region I

By CECI CASTANEDA The Pan American “Example one, we’re on example one.”

The stout and tanned middle-aged instructor looks up quickly with hopeful eyes and a frozen, nervous smile.

“Okay, did you count the number of places?”

Silence.

She stares at nine downcast heads, hunched over bleached white paper. One man looks up. He wrinkles his brown, worn forehead, chewing on his bright, yellow No. 2 pencil. He finally stretches his neck back down at the page, again chewing on his pencil.

Every week he rides down to this local junior high, peering, chewing, learning. Every week he stares at walls of forestgreen chalkboard upon which are scrawled foreign letters and numbers. Every week he lugs his paper weights, one for quicker grammar, one for faster comprehension, one for better English.

So it has been every week for the past 10 years.

He is Julian Rios, one of the many adults attending Adult Education classes held by Region I in Edinburg. This spring, eight other students scatter around him in small, wooden desks, some young, some old, some Hispanic, some white.

They all converge for a purpose: an opportunity, a promotion, a better life.

The supervisor of the program, Priscilla Leal, stares across the room.

"A lot of these people are coming because it's harder to get jobs without a high school diploma,” she says. “Some want to continue their education; Some need it for health insurance; Some want it for promotions; Others are just trying to hold on to the jobs they already have."

Next to Rios sits a dark-skinned woman with frazzled brown hair. She holds her mechanical pencil up, clutching her calculator with the other, and leans closer over the book she shares with Rios. Like a few others, she needs her GED to continue her education; to get her master's, that is. Hilda De Rio, a licensed chemist in Mexico, already obtained a

bachelor’s at Universidad de Nuevo Leon. Now, she plans to lived in McAllen nearly all his life and almost graduated from tackle graduate school at Pan Am. But first, subtracting McAllen High. However, in a lapse of judgment, he was decimals at the junior high level. In English. deterred, and did not return to school.

"Thirty-seven point eight!" shouts a voice from the side of Like 90 percent of the classmates around him, he quit in the the classroom. eleventh grade to work fullFrom the far time. Now prepositions and right of the class decimals are stale to him, shouts a young covered in entire layers of man, one of the rust. Practice is his only youngest, working polish. quickly through Phillip Pearce his math problems. empathizes. He hunches His face is bristled over his paper, scribbling and rough, his furiously although his mind head shaved struggles to recall bits of except for a curly high school. More than 30 strand falling an years have passed since he inch from the nape quit his San Antonio high of his neck. His school to work full-time. cut-off shirt “I decided to work,” exposes two Pearce explained. “The tattoos to match principal wanted me to stay another blue ink in school but I only stayed in carving crawling school for my dad. After he up his skinny calf. died, I figured I could make Franco CaballeroThe Pan American "Wow, you're more money if I just DREAMLAND— At the Region I center in Edinburg students of all quick," says the worked. Been working ever ages and many nationalities are completing their education under instructor, patting the experienced eyes of a group of instructors. Long-time gaps in since.” his shoulder. "What education are being filled every semester.

Though in his late fifties, grade did you get Pearce's ambition drives him to?" through discouragement and He looks up at her and beams with pride, the quickest in the opposition. His motivation is strong, a motivation spurred on class. by his wife.

“I graduated but I got expelled so they took my diploma.” he “She always told me to get it,” said Pearce, smiling, staring said, half smiling at his completed list of correct decimal sums. to the corner of the room, staring farther than anyone else in His partner glances over at him, still struggling with his the room could understand. paper. He throws his head back down at the bleached white Like Rios, Cavazos and all the rest, he attends classes paper he scribbles over, dirty blonde hair falling across his faithfully, concentrating on the pages of endless words, cheek. Moses Cavazos, brushes the hair away, sighing. He has

See REGION I page 11

PAGE 2

February 12

2004

OPINION

Sports

February 12, 2004

letters

■

editorials

■

cartoons

Ben sets record in opener at Houston

By MATT HALL The Pan American Senior Rashaad Ben broke his own record in the 60-meter hurdles at the Houston Indoor Invitational at the University of Houston Saturday evening.

This meet was the season opener for the Broncs, and Head Coach Ricky Vaughn cannot think of a better way to have started the season than with such a stellar performance.

“He ran a great race, he broke the school record in both pre-lims and finals,” said Vaughn of Ben. “He is in the best shape he has been in since he has been here and he is healthy with a couple of more races he will be where he needs to be.”

The record in the 60-meter hurdles was 8.34 seconds and Ben ran the race in 8.09.

The NCAA Division I provisional qualifying high for nationals is 7.95 seconds, so Ben is just .14 seconds off the mark. The UTPA senior believes he will qualify and he will just get stronger as the season pro-

1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122 http://www.panam.edu/dept/panamerican 53rd Year – No. 18

Editor Arianna Vazquez gareyjup@aol.com

News Editor Belinda Reyes mstxbellezalatina2003@ yahoo.com

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Layout Designers Dagoberto Perez Ginmarie Mabry Reporters Brian Carr Vanessa Castillo Julian Cavazos Edwina Garza Dulce Gonzalez Matt Hall Christina Harris Aaron Lozano Vanessa Lucio Clarissa Martinez Amy Medellin Photographer Franco Caballero Copy Editor Joe Anna Moreno Student Pub. Secretary Jo Anne Murphy Adviser Dr. Greg Selber

The PA N 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 university.

gresses.

“Setting records is cool, but my main goal is to qualify for nationals,” said Ben. “I do plan to get faster and stronger and I want to qualify as soon as possible and make it to the big time meet.”

UTPA finished in the middle of the pack at the meet, placing 12th out of 22 teams on the men’s side and 18th out of 21 teams on the women’s.

Other bright spots for the men were Hector Gandara, who finished third in the 5,000 meters in 15:45.81, Rashaad freshman Jason Tejada was right on his heels, placing fourth in 16:13.02.

Vaughn believes this meet was one for

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The Pan American reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and length. Please limit submission length to 300 words. The Pan American cannot publish anonymous letters, or submissions containing hate speech or gratuitous personal attacks. Letters are printed at the discretion of the editor and must include the writer’s name, class/title and phone number.

Readers with disabilities may request an alternative format of this publication at The Pan American business office.

For special assistance to attend any event listed in this publication, contact the coordinator of the event at least one week prior to the advertised date.

NEWS

Campus Democrats steel for coming election battle

By ANGELA I. CANALES The Pan American Valley residents are preparing for the election year, as local elections are March 9 and the presidential event is set for the first Tuesday in November.

Among these getting ready are the Young Democrats, an organization at UTPA that strives to get Democratic candidates into office and increase knowledge and awareness of Democratic ideals and policy stances.

Terence Garrett has taken the job as the adviser for this organization. He was the adviser of a similar organization at his previous school, Southwestern Oklahoma State University, and now works in his first year for the UTPA chapter.

The cost is $5 to become a member of the organization of which there are 60 current members. The interesting point is, it’s not necessary to be a student to gain access.

“The thing is that under the national charter of the Young Democrats, anyone under the age of 34 can become a member whether they are a student or not,” said Garrett. “Anybody from the community can actually join the Young Democrats.”

Those older than 34 can join as an associate member of a student

organization with national affiliations.

“It is tied in with the National Democratic Party, it is a subsidiary,” said Garrett, who added that the main focus of the group is to get Democratic candidates elected into office.

Though that is the focus, in the early phases, the goal is somewhat different.

“We work on all levels of primaries,” said Danny Garcia, copresident. “We don’t endorse anybody at the primary stage: what we do is give everyone a chance.”

The organization is involved in all types of elections from local and state all the way to national. The Valley is predominantly a Democratic stronghold, although there are more Republicans in the area in recent years.

“We help out the Democratic candidates from the lowest level all the way to the national level in any way that we can by holding forums and getting out the vote by registering people to vote,” said Garcia.

The importance of having such organizations should be valuable to students, staff, faculty members, and members of the community.

“I think it is important to have these organizations so that everybody really gets to enjoy their college experience,” said Garcia. “People from all different mentalities can get involved in these organizations so that they can express their views and meet people with like minds. It’s a social thing to meet people who think like you.”

The students of this organization are very active in trying to achieve their goals. The organization does everything from holding forums and protests to getting involved in community service. The most recent event was the protest against the UTPA visit of former President George H.W. Bush.

“We hope to set a precedent to that kind of activism,” said Garcia. “Once the primaries are over, then we endorse the Democratic candidates and we push for them to be elected.”

Bringing the Democratic candidates to present themselves to the students and faculty is also a priority for the organization. Democratic candidates Eddie Saenz and Aaron Pena are scheduled to appear today at noon. The candidates for state representative will speak for 15 minutes each and then there

See DEMOCRATS page 11

Date Nov. 1 Jan. 31 Feb. 1 Feb. 3 Feb. 6 Feb. 6 Feb. 7 Feb. 7 Feb. 8 Feb. 8 Feb. 13 Feb. 14 Feb. 15 Feb. 17 Feb. 20 Feb. 21 Feb. 22 Feb. 27 Feb. 28 Feb. 29 March 6 March 9 March 12 March 13 March 14 March 16 March 17 March 19 March 20 March 21 March 23 March 24 March 26 March 27 March 30 Apr. 6 Apr. 7 Apr. 9 Apr. 13 Apr. 14 Apr. 16 Apr. 17 Apr. 18 Apr. 23 Apr. 24 May 7 May 8 May 9 May 11 May 12 May 14 May 15 May 16

Opponent Green and White

Score GREEN, 2-1

Texas State-San Marcos L 7-8 Texas State-San Marcos L 2-6

Texas Kingsville W 6-3, 3-2 Lamar vs. Kansas 3-2 Sam Houston State L 2-7 Kansas W 8-6 Lamar vs. Sam Houston 7-4 Sam Houston vs. Kansas 8-8

Lamar Lamar Lamar (2) Lamar

W 2-1 4:00 1:00 1:00 Texas A&M-Kingsville 6:00 Sam Houston State 2:00 Sam Houston State 2:00 Sam Houston State 1:00 Washington State 7:00 Washington State 2:00 Washington State Noon Arkansas 7:00 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi (2) 1:00 Texas-San Antonio 7:00 Texas-San Antonio 7:00 Texas-San Antonio 1:00 Texas-Arlington 7:00 Texas-Arlington 2:00 Oral Roberts 7:00 Oral Roberts 7:00 Oral Roberts 1:00 Texas-San Antonio 2:00 Texas-San Antonio 2:00 Dallas Baptist (2) 4:00 Dallas Baptist 1:00 Texas 6:30 Texas State-San Marcos 6:30 Texas State-San Marcos 1:00 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi(2) 1:00 Texas-San Antonio 7:00 Texas-San Antonio 2:00 Arizona 9:00 Arizona 9:00 Arizona 3:00 Dallas Baptist (2) 4:00 Dallas Baptist 1:00 Southeastern Louisiana 7:00 Southeastern Louisiana 7:00 Southeastern Louisiana 1:00 Arkansas 7:05 Arkansas 7:05 Oklahoma 7:05 Oklahoma 7:05 Oklahoma 1:00

All games p.m. unless noted.

experience and he is anticipating a stronger finish at the next meet.

“Overall it was an average performance and we lack a lot of experience indoors,” said Vaughn.

“It was our first indoor meet and the rest of the fields third or fourth meet.

It really showed and I anticipate a much better performance this week.”

Ben also has a message for the students at UTPA. “Thanks to Coach Robinson for sticking with me and support for my teammates and coach Vaughn,” said Ben. “The track team is coming, so be on the lookout, because it is Ben our year.”

For the women freshman Amber Kelly was the highlight, placing fourth in the 20-pound weight throw with

Photo by Delisa Guadarrama/The Pan American

2004 UTPA Broncs Baseball Schedule

■ Charity Drive . . . . . . 3 ■ Student Profile . . . . . 4 ■ Nature Series. . . . . . 6

Page 15

AB 16 11 14 21 14

H 6 4 5 7 4

PITCHING Sam English Juan Sáenz Ricky Broyles Phillip Rodríguez César Peña

APP 1 2 3 1 2

W-L-S 0-0-0 1-0-0 0-0-3 0-0-0 2-0-0

UTPA Men’s Basketball Leaders

The Broncs baseball team celeSCORING brates after beating Lamar 2-1 and Sergio Sánchez winning the Al Chris Fagan Ogletree Classic Allen Holcomb Sunday.

GP

PTS

PPG

22

271

12.3

AVG .375 .364 .357 .333 .286

3-POINTERS

3FG-FGA PCT

ERA 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 1.29

UTPA Baseball 2004 Stats HITTING Louie Alamia Matt Eichel Juan Sáenz T.J. Gilmer Aaron Flowers

a toss of 49 feet, 11 inches, third on the school’s all-time list.

She also was eighth in the women's shot put with a throw of 43-2. The shot put was also kind to junior Deneb DeLuna, who turned in her best indoor mark with a throw of 43-1.

Strength was not the only plus for the Lady Broncs. They also had some speed too, as junior Claudia Rosas finished seventh in the 5,000 meters in 19:14.68.

Sophomore Dannely Flores had a personal best in the 800 meters with a time of 2:25.85.

Vaughn was pleased with the effort of the whole team and especially for these individuals.

“Amber Kelly had a great meet and that was outstanding, Deneb threw well too.

Claudia ran a great race,” said Vaughn. “I think throughout the year we will have others step up too, but you could see, by the look in their eyes, that our freshmen were scared to death.”

HR 0 0 0 0 0 IP 3.0 5.0 3.0 1.0 7.0

Broncs 2, Cardinals 1 Feb. 8 at Edinburg Baseball Stadium Lamar 000 010 000 - 1 5 1 (2-1) UTPA 001 000 10x - 2 6 0 (4-3) Pitchers: LAMAR – K. Poenitzsch; C. Buechner (6).

UTPA – T. Sorden; J. Sáenz (6); R. Broyles (9).

Win – J. Sáenz (1-0) Save – R. Broyles (3) Loss – C. Buechner (01) Time: 2:57 Attendance: 475 Broncs 8, Jayhawks 6 Feb. 7 at Edinburg Baseball Stadium Kansas 103 010 001 - 6 5 1 (7-4) UTPA 000 033 02x - 8 9 2 (3-3) Pitchers: KANSAS – C. Smart; M. Zagurski (6); D. Czyz (8); C. Schambach (8). UTPA – J. López; C. Peña (5); R. Broyles (9).

Win – C. Peña (2-0) Save – R. Broyles (2) Loss – C. Smart (2-2) Time: 2:35 Attendance: 1,137 Bearkats 7, Broncs 2 Feb. 6 at Edinburg Baseball Stadium SHSU 001 200 040 - 7 9 1 (1-0) UTPA 100 100 000 - 2 4 1 (2-3) Pitchers: SHSU – R. Rafferty; C. Gressett (7). UTPA – N. Gregory; J. Gibson (8); C. Linder (8); A. Guerra (8).

Win – R. Rafferty (1-0) Save – C. Gressett (1) Loss – N. Gregory (0-1) Time: 2:46 Attendance: 368

21

219

10.4

21

188

9.0

Ray Castillo

22

195

8.9

Andrius Sakalys

22

168

7.6

Ray Castillo

53-124

.427

Sergio Sánchez

48-133

.361

Chris Fagan

19-53

.358

Zach Weir

11-36

.306

Eric Montalvo

17-56

.304 Photo by Delisa Guadarrama/The Pan American

FREE THROWS

FT-FTA

PCT

Sergio Sánchez

63-73

.863

Andrius Sakalys

42-55

.764

Chris Fagan

62-82

.756

Derrick East

21-28

.750

Eric Montalvo

29-39

.744

Andrius Sakalys helped lead the Broncs over Arkansas State 70-67 Wednesday night. Sakalys scored 16 points and went a perfect 5-for-5 from the line.

Next Game:

UTPA BRONCS vs. OPPONENTS (season averages) CATEGORY

UTPA

OPP.

Scoring

70.6

73.1

FG Pct.

.389

.446

3-PT Pct.

.326

.375

FT Pct.

.686

.657

Rebounds

39.4

38.6

Assists

12.7

14.4

Turnovers

16.4

17.5

Steals

7.9

7.6

(Statistics as of Tuesday, Feb. 10)

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi at UTPA Broncs What: UTPA Broncs vs. Texas A&MCorpus Christi When: Saturday, Feb. 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: UTPA Field House Radio: KSOX 1240 AM Records: Broncs (10-13); TAMUCC (13-8) Last meeting: TAMUCC won 58-54 on Feb. 15, 2003 at Memorial Coliseum.

All-time series: Islanders lead 4-2.

Notable: The Broncs have won five straight games since Jan. 28.

S PORTS

PAGE 16

Killer Bees Friday, Feb. 13 vs.

Feb. 14, at Laredo, 7:30 Feb. 15 Austin, 6

NBA Schedule Tuesday, Feb. 17 at 33-19 7:00 29-22 Dallas Mavericks vs.

Feb. 18 at Cleveland, 6 Feb. 21 Houston, 7:30

vs.

29-22 7:30 16-33 Houston Rockets vs.

Feb. 21 at Dallas, 7:30 Feb. 22 Atlanta, 7:30 Feb. 24 at San Antonio,

7:30

Wednesday, Feb. 18 at 35-18 6:00 25-25 San Antonio Spurs vs.

Feb. 20 at Cleveland, 6:30 Feb. 22 at Minnesota, 2:30 Feb. 24 Houston, 7:30 All games p.m.

AL OGLETREE CLASSIC Standings BRONCS CHAMPS! Teams x-UTPA Lamar SHSU Kansas

W 2 2 1 0

T 0 0 1 1

L 1 1 1 2

PCT .666 .666 .500 .000

x-tournament winner

Friday, Feb. 6 Lamar 3, Kansas 2 SHSU 7, UTPA 2 Saturday, Feb. 7 UTPA 8, Kansas 6 Lamar 7, SHSU 4 Sunday, Feb. 8 SHSU 8, Kansas 8 UTPA 2, Lamar 1

■ Tennis . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 ■ Sports Clipboard . . . . . 13

Warner not throwing towel in yet

By ED CHRNKO The Pan American

Killer Bees vs. Laredo Bucks at Dodge Arena, 7:30

■ Track . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

PHARR - Kurt Warner, Super Bowl champion, MVP, and current backup quarterback for the St. Louis Rams, gave an inspirational speech to area athletes, coaches, and fans at the Pharr Convention Center Monday night.

The Río Grande Valley chapter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, which staged the event, celebrated its 21st anniversary during the annual “Share the Victory” night.

“To share that victory that we’ve been given, it correlates so much with athletes and it’s talked about a number of times in the Bible,” Warner said. “I’ve learned so much being an athlete and those aspects of winning and teamwork, and that’s kind of the issue I want to share. Taking what I’ve learned on the football field and showing people how to apply that to living their lives for Jesus.”

Warner has recently been embroiled in some controversy due to comments he made suggesting that the reason he has been riding the Rams’ bench is because of his faith. This something St. Louis head coach Mike Martz denies, and he recently said that he does not believe that his second-string quarterback would make such an allegation.

Last Thursday Warner apologized for the comments and his agent explained that they were taken out of context.

A lot of critics think that the Super Bowl

XXXIV MVP has gone as far as he is going to go and that his decline is evident, especially since he has been on the bench the past two seasons. He was replaced by Marc Bulger, who led the Rams to the playoffs and earned a Pro Bowl berth.

Warner came out of nowhere to become a NFL star, and he said the riude isn’t over yet. He believes that because he has not played much the last two years, he still has something to prove, despite having reached the zenith of the NFL on two occasions.

Playing in the Super Bowl is a feat several great NFL players never accomplished.

“I’m extremely excited about next season,” Warner said. “We’re still at the point right now where we’re not quite sure what next season’s gonna bring. [I] Definitely want to get back out onto the football field, I’ve got too much to offer, I believe there’s too much left ahead of me, and I’ve got too much football left in me to want to spend another year on the bench.”

The relegated signal caller is optimistic that he will return to the Rams next season, but is open to any other opportunities that might present themselves. Some have speculated he could end in Dallas, where the Cowboys made the playoffs this season under Quincy Carter but are still said to be unsure whether Carter is the leader of the future.

“That’s what I’m focused on, getting back out there and playing the way that I’ve

It came down to the final five seconds, but Sergio Sánchez’s last two trips to the line proved to be the difference in the Broncs 70-67 win over Arkansas State University Indians at the Field House Wednesday night.

Sánchez and Andrius Sakalys led the Broncs with 16 points a piece and were able to hold off the Indians who came into the second half with a one-point lead.

The win puts the Broncs at 10-13 on the season, and due to the amount of games left this season, they have surpassed their winning percentage from last year.

The Broncs, who held the strongest lead of the night with six points, could never quite climb away from the Indians, but stayed out of foul trouble and were able to ink the win.

With the victory the Broncs move to 5-0 since their four-game losing streak in January. Senior Matt Hall attributes their recent success to rhythm.

“We finally hit our stride,” Hall said. “I wish we could have hit it earlier, but we’ve found it and our goal now is to win out.”

See BRONCS page 14

February 12, 2004

B-104 or WILD 104?

An Inside Look: News ............................................2 ■ A & E............................................7 ■ Sports ........................................16 ■

See Page 8 for details

GROWING TRADITION Latest Homecoming celebration might be biggest yet

By CLARISSA MARTINEZ The Pan American

Photo by Daniz Rivera

Super Bowl champion and MVP Kurt Warner chats with a young See WARNER page 14 fan. Warner gave a speech at the FCA’s “Victory” banquet.

Hall who came off the bench to provide two key free throws late in the second half, sees the close home victory as a great accomplishment.

“A close win is always great,” Hall said.

“You gain a lot more confidence.”

Coming into tonight’s contest the Indians were 14-7, and were coming off a three-game winning streak. But the Broncs were able to hold ASU’s lead scorer J.J. Montgomery to 12 points in the game, and were able to limit the Indians to 37.5 percent from the field.

The Indians’ Dewarick Spencer, who led all shooters with 22 points on the evening, had the opportunity to send the game into overtime with three seconds left in the game, but was unable to hit a three while under pressure. The rebound was picked up by the Broncs just as the game was signaled over.

Bronc head coach Bob Hoffman was pleased with his team’s performance.

“They struggled hard,” Hoffman said.

“We were able to hold it together through the whole game.”

The Broncs’ next contest is at home against the TAMUCC Islanders on S a t u r d a y.

HAPP Y B-DAY!

T h e S t u d e n t N e w s p a p e r o f T h e U n i v e r s i t y o f Te x a s - P a n A m e r i c a n

SID Broncs edge Indians School’s calls it quits

By BRIAN CARR The Pan American

THURSDAY

REAL OPINIONS

was honored as an All-American twice.

According to Weidner, Mike UTPA sports information Bond, who served as assistant director Dave Geringer stepped SID under Geringer, will handle down from his post Monday, cit- operations while the spot is being filled. ing personal reasons for “Bond will remain his departure. as assistant and will According to UTPA resume the functions Athletic Director Bill of the office,” Weidner the move did Weidner said. “We not signify any ill feelhave complete confiings. dence that Mike will “[Geringer] resigned be able to fill the for personal reasons,” position and allow us Weidner said. “We are time to do a thorough wishing him well, and search. Once we get we will be conducting a a new director it will national search to find a Dave Geringer be business as replacement for him.” usual.”

Geringer was in his third Geringer, who was in his 18th year as sports information director for the Broncs, after having year in the sports information relocated from the New York field, was responsible with mainInstitute of Technology. In his taining and establishing media first year as SID the Broncs went relations as well as promotion of 20-10, and were considered for a UTPA’s athletic teams.

Geringer could not be reached spot in the NIT. And during his tenure, track man Westly Keating for comment on his departure.

By BRIAN CARR The Pan American

the Homecoming Court, which ends today, as well as are part of the school,” Mariscal said. “So we provide games and food booths during the activity hour. A programs such as Homecoming, to provide students homecoming ‘bash’ will be held on Friday night with experiences that create a sense of belonging. Any Jessica Olivarez, of Theta Phi Alpha is one of eight marking the final event or department that women hoping to become the next homecoming queen festivities before the provides programs for Homecoming King Candidates at UTPA. There are also four candidates competing for Homecoming Game students is promoting the title of king, and in general students seem to be Saturday evening. school spirit.”

Emmanuel Butler Black Student Association showing more enthusiasm for homecoming festivities Mariscal explained Freshman Adrianna Jesse Martinez Real Sociedad than in the past. that this year’s bash Saldana assisted with the Omar Riojas Young Adult Catholic Ministry With music on the quad, games set up, organizations will include games, voting process because of David Campbell Alpha Kappa Psi selling food and ballots being passed out, it might seem free fajita tacos, and her job at the University that snacks, an Center. She said that a Homecoming Queen Candidates homecoming outdoor large number of students at UTPA is a viewing of the Elena Guerra were voting, but since Kappa Delta Chi tradition in movie “Friday Ana C. Cabrera many had not validated Young Adult Catholic Ministry the making. the 13th,” and their IDs, fewer students Mayra J. Lopez Association of Migrant Students Last year the could actually vote. Even Delta Zeta marked the announcement Gabby Garza though Saldana was Theta Phi Alpha first year that of the finalists Jessica Olivarez working the Black Student Association UTPA for this year's Monika Hannah booth, she still decided to Homecoming Dora Olivares said she Sigma Lambda Gamma revamp Court. A managed to enjoy Cindy Y. Martinez Leading Interviewers and homecoming “Dress Like a herself.

Video Excellence (LIVE) festivities.

Famous “I actually didn’t According to Couple” think that the school David contest is also on the schedule. These events would have a homecoming,” Mariscal, will take place at the Quad from 6-10 p.m.

Saldana said. “It’s been fun so far, and I think everyone Franco Caballero/The Pan American assistant Despite an enrollment of nearly 16,000, is enjoying themselves.”

VOTER— Melina Trevino casts a ballot for dean of UTPA is a commuter school without a football Also among the many students enjoying the Homecoming elections Tuesday at the Quad. students, team, and these factors militate against a entertainment, are students on a mission. students have strong homecoming celebration. But the Connie Martinez was helping campaign for her been showing up to vote as well as attending activities university is working on it. sorority sister, Elena Guerra who is a candidate for during Tuesday’s activity period.

“School spirit occurs as a result of feeling like you See HOMECOMING page 12 Events students can participate in include voting for

Chavez successor recalls past glories, talks of future

By EDWINA P. GARZA The Pan American McALLEN - Arriving in a Ford Taurus with a bumper sticker reading “UNIONS: You’d notice them a lot more if they weren’t here,” Arturo S. Rodriguez, president of the United Farm Workers, addressed over 300 students and faculty at South Texas Community College last week as part of a series of distinguished speakers. Rodriguez spoke to the audience about the obstacles the union overcame through its legendary leader Cesar Chavez, who encouraged members to create change in their world.

Since it’s inception in 1962, the UFW has helped farm workers across the country with non-violent protests, marches, fasting, and deliberation with growers. The Valley has felt its impact on many occasions through the years.

“Our movement here helped pass field sanitation for farm workers,” said Rebecca Flores, the director of the

state organization, who introduced Rodriguez.

Before the UFW came along, Flores said there were no toilets and no drinking water for workers, conditions that laborers today take for granted. All the issues and laws that were passed, she said, could not have been accomplished without the help of the national union.

Flores credited Chavez and UFW Vice President Dolores Huerta with taking the first steps to making change possible. With the death of Chavez in 1993, Rodriguez then took his place, stepping into “huge shoes,” Flores said.

Rodriguez, a native of San Antonio, first became involved with the UFW in the 1970s when he offered to volunteer. Now he is the second president the group has ever had.

“Many folks thought it would die when Cesar died, but Arturo and the board that he has, and the workers that he has committed to this movement have kept this going for all of these years,” Flores said.

Rodriguez attributed his involvement with the UFW to Flores, who he said is one of the leaders in the

movement. But throughout his years of involvement, he also watched Chavez and Huerta for role models and inspiration.

“When Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta began this organization, they had no idea what could happen,” he said.

Chavez and Huerta began working together in the ‘50s, organizing information for Latino communities involving civil rights around California. “Then they finally decided, you know what, we need to do something for the farm workers of this country.”

In the early stages of the UFW, farm workers were eliminated from labor laws that were in existence, Rodriguez said. Despite all the work done in the past four decades, Rodriguez said that California is the only state where farm workers are allowed to collectively bargain.

Chavez spent 10 years of his life as a migrant farm worker, dropping out of school in the eighth grade, and as the number of Hispanic farm workers grew, he decided

See FARMERS page 11