April 5, 2006

Lady Bronc volleyball prepares for 2006 season

see Page 15

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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

Professor gives speech as part of Pan Am Days

By ADRIANA GARZA The Pan American

Arturo Vasquez, a marketing and business professor, was a bit nervous when he walked into Room BA 110 at 7 p.m. Monday. The whole auditorium was full of students and faculty. There was not one seat left to sit in when they first began.

Vasquez shared his research in a speech titled “Is it the End of Market Economics in Latin America?” Jose Nicolas Barragán, director of the international accreditation program at the Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo León, combined his research on “The Informal Economy in the World: Figures and Trends” with Vasquez’s work.

The presentation by Vasquez and Barragán focused on self-employment in Mexico. They explained how, in Latin America, the informal economy is not controlled and can seem out of control.

Informal economy refers to someone

See PAN AM DAYS page 5

April 5, 2006

Decisions: SGA forum sets stage for elections

By SANDRA GONZALEZ The Pan American On Friday, candidates for 20062007 Student Government Association president took the podium outside of the Student Union. Though the 30 mph wind gusts caught some off guard, the strong rhetoric exchanged by some candidates proved to be even more unforeseen.

NECESSARY CHANGE? In one instance, Ruben Ramirez, SGA presidential candidate and a senior international business major, claimed that he and his running mate, senior international business major Miguel Zambada, had their eyes set on changing SGA for the better.

“One thing to understand is that most of the people sitting here are on SGA. And they have failed you,” he said. “I’m sorry to say, but they have definitely failed you and it’s time for a change.”

Ramirez added that SGA has thus far been “too administration friendly.”

See ELECTIONS page 11

Ramirez Zambada

Colemenero

Pepito

Gonzalez Hinojosa

Bustos

Barrera

Candidates ELECTIONS - Pictured clockwise from bottom-left: Juan Colemenero, Miguel Zambada, Ruben Ramirez, Crystal Gonzalez, Mayra Hinojosa, Argelia Barrera, Bonnie Bustos, and Rae Pepito.

Valley reacts to immigration reform

By CLAUDETTE GONZALEZ The Pan American Irma Guzman, 36, is taking the lengthy, legal route to becoming a United States citizen. A native of Colombia, Guzman waited patiently for seven years before the government granted her a green card and permanent resident status. Now Joel de La Rosa/The Pan American living in San Benito, she is looking at ECONOMICS - Arturo Vasquez another five-year wait before becoming a speaks to an audience of students U.S. citizen. and faculty Monday night in BA 110.

UT system tuition growth UT-AUSTIN

UTPA

UTB

2005 - $1,738

2005 - $1,948

2006 - $2,080

2006 - $2,198

2006 - $3,815

2007 - $2,335

2007 - $2,203

2007 - $3,835

Even so, she does not begrudge undocumented immigrants the opportunity for legal status that is being proposed by the Senate Judiciary Committee.

“It doesn’t bother me at all,” Guzman said. “Many undocumented immigrants have spent the same amount of time as I have waiting. The only difference is that they did it here.”

According to University of TexasPan American political science department chair Jerry Polinard, however, the issue of

they have an opportunity to pursue citizenship without having to return to their country.”

The situation has become the hottest news item in the country the past several weeks as partisans line up on one side or the other for a contentious debate.

Proposed by the Senate Judiciary Committee, the bill includes provisions for permitting illegal aliens currently in the

See IMMIGRATION page 11

Officials: tuition increase necessary

By SANDRA GONZALEZ The Pan American

2005 - $3,486

Source: San Antonio Express-News

whether or not undocumented immigrants should be given an opportunity to become citizens without ever leaving the country is a point of contention among Congressmen.

“The key divisive issue focuses largely on the question of citizenship track, with the hard right part of the Republican Party saying there should be no possibility of citizenship for the estimated 11 billion undocumenteds in the country,” Polinard said. “The more moderate approach is that there should be some provision whereby

It is a simple fact of present day life that goods and services cost more than ever. The University of Texas-Pan American is no exception.

The University of Texas System Board of Regents recently voted to increase tuition rates at all nine of its

universities. In fiscal year 2007, UTPA in-state students will pay $2,335 in tuition for 12 credit hours.

While some students may be dismayed at the decision, Adrian Sandoval, a senior political science major and outgoing Student Government Association president, said that the Cost of Education Committee (CEC), the group charged with drafting

the tuition proposal, saw few options.

“Historically, funding from the State Legislature has decreased percentage-wise in the past decade,” said Sandoval, who was also co-chair of the CEC. “As a response, funding for institutions has to be made up somewhere and the only way that the institutions can keep going is by

See TUITION page 11

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April 5 2006

OPINIONS UNPROTECTED TEXT

THE

PAN AMERICAN 1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122 http://www.panam.edu/dept/panamerican

T-shirt protest missing the mark Is anything really gained by display?

By DAVID RODRIGUEZ The Pan American

55th Year – No. 25

Editor Claudette Gonzalez claudetteelena @gmail.com News Editor Sandra Gonzalez sandra_panamerican @yahoo.com A & E Editor Meredith LaGrone meredith_lagrone @hotmail.com Sports Editor Daryl Gonzales daryl_gonzales2002 @yahoo.com Graphics Editor LyLony Cazares lylony@gmail.com Photography Editor Joel de la Rosa delarosa.joel @gmail.com Designers Brian Carr carr.ba@gmail.com Erika Lopez lopez475@yahoo.com Laura C. Gomez lm.gomez@yahoo.com Advertising Mgr. Rafael Villarreal spubs@panam.edu Reporters Adriana Garza Ana Ley Angela Salazar Claralexis Rios David Rodriguez Frank Calvillo Jorge Hinojosa Luke Koong

The PAN AMERICAN is the official student newspaper of The University of Texas-Pan American.

Views presented are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the university.

Letters policy The Pan American gladly accepts letters from students, staff and faculty regarding newspaper content or current issues.

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.

Maria Mazariegos Trey Serna Photographer Joey Cortez Translator Mercedes Cantu Adviser Dr. Greg Selber Secretary Anita Casares Delivery William Watts Thursday at Noon

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. Articles are written and published at the discretion of The Pan American newspaper. Should readers wish to submit story ideas to the editor, please allow two weeks for processing.

When giving your opinion, especially when publishing it, you run the risk of being misconstrued or misinterpreted. Now, when trying to give your thoughts on serious subjects and do it with a bit of flair and a penchant for the acerbic, that risk doubles.

Usually this is just standard fare and, honestly, part of the thrill of opining. However in this instance I am especially worried about being mistaken for an iconoclast or an emotionless heel because I’m going to address a sensitive issue. It’s right up there with racism, abortion, and God. The issue is rape.

Like the other three I mentioned, if you are trying to ingratiate yourself with an audience it is one of the last things you should talk about.

In fact, pretty much any issue involv-

ing men and women is probably taboo, as I learned a couple months ago when a column I wrote about Maureen Dowd elicited a nasty little e-mail from a professor who simply wanted to let me know that I was a childish chauvinist. However, once more into the breach, dear friends…

The other day I happened by an interesting display on campus involving a row of plain white T-shirts detailing the horrors of rape and instructional messages revolving around the same theme. Some shirts had whole paragraphs describing what I can only assume to be true personal accounts of rape. Others had messages a little more oblique.

It goes without saying that rape is a terrible thing. Although it is a physical attack, its most devastating, longreaching effects are mental. Rape destroys the confidence and self worth of women. It robs many girls of their innocence and many more women of their faith in men and society in general, not to mention how it warps what is, in its original essence and intent, a beautiful thing.

However, I have to take issue

with this particular display. I truly found it completely misguided and more than a little juvenile.

I’m not really sure who the intended audience was. I don’t really believe this had anything to offer anyone. I doubt that laundry, no matter how artistically placed, will deter a rapist. I also don’t believe this demonstration offered much to non-raping men. The only thing I could see that women who haven’t been raped would take away from this whole thing would be an over-arching distrust of men which, personally, I believe there is way too much of anyway, rape notwithstanding.

Another disconcerting impression I got deals not just with the shirts but the messages of some of them. One in particular read “Stop Marriage Now” with the word “RAPE” stamped across marriage. Now the subtext, and I use the word loosely, of this particular message is that all sex is rape, even between a man and a woman in a committed relationship. This sort of extremism is one of the most insidious facets of rabid feminism. It casts a dirty pallor on the institution of mar-

this happen in Based On A True Story: Does the men’s room too?

riage as a whole and completely marginalizes something that has been a sacred pillar of our society since time out of mind.

Again, don’t get me wrong, I have nothing but sympathy for women who have been raped and nothing but disgust and revulsion for men who rape. But I just can’t get past what seems to be such a pointlessly divisive display. It’s like when people walk out at the end of a Spike Lee movie and black and white people file out looking at each other suspiciously. What was gained? What information or knowledge was truly shared? Rape is wrong.

Everyone knows this already. What have you done but exacerbate the already tenuous relationship between men and women? This is not the way to get converts, especially of your runof-the-mill male student who no doubt wondered where all these girls missing their shirts were.

To me, the method completely overshadowed the message. And what’s worse, the message was nebulous at best.

Please send all hate-mail to davideric@gmail.com.

by Laura C. Gomez

NEWS

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Student Union assesses current services

By ANA LEY The Pan American The University of Texas-Pan American Student Union is a place for students to relax and socialize.

Edna Zambrano, associate director of Student Business Services, would like to keep it that way.

“We want it to be somewhere students can have fun, and we try to keep up with student needs so we can do whatever we can to tailor the Union to their needs,” she explained.

In order to continue with the Union’s upkeep, the Student Union Advisory Board (SUAB) is conducting its annual assessment survey this week. Zambrano and other SUAB staff will hand out surveys to students in the library, residence halls, and cafeteria, hoping to target those who do not normally go to the Union.

“Really, we want to know why these individuals aren’t going to the Union,” said Samuel Smith, director of Student Union Services. “If we can provide something they’re looking for, or take suggestions from them and implement them, then maybe we can get more people to come.”

Normally, the surveys are given to professors to hand out during class. However, this year, the Office of the Dean of Students is also conducting the Noel-Levitz Student Satisfaction Survey, to determine the level of student’s approval with services on campus.

“We didn’t want to take a lot of their class time, so we decided to just go out and look for students at other after-class locations on campus,” said Zambrano.

In addition to providing opinions via surveys, stu-

See UNION page 12

Joey Cortez/ The Pan American SURVEY - Edna Zambrano, associate director of student business services, give surveys to freshmen Chantal Ramirez (left), a dietician major, and Dalia Ocañas (right), speech pathology major.

Long-time professor honored for 40 years of service

By CAROLINA SANCHEZ The Pan American

External Affairs HONORED - The University of Texas-Pan American honored Martha Tevis, professor of curriculum and instruction, with a scholarship in her name.

Not many people can say they have been working for the same institution almost 40 years.

However, Martha Tevis, a professor of curriculum and instruction at The University of Texas-Pan American, can.

In honor of this rare achievement, a scholarship has been named after her. Tevis, who has worked at UTPA since 1967, will be recognized at a dinner on April 7 at the McAllen Country Club from 6 to 8 p.m.

Tevis, who also serves as a graduate adviser for the College of Education, said she was excited upon hearing the news.

“It is the nicest thing that’s ever happened to me professionally, and I really think this scholarship will help the following generation by providing tuition assistance,” Tevis said.

Student workers recognized

By MARIA ALEJANDRA MAZARIEGOS The Pan American Each year colleges and universities all over the country recognize the importance of student workers during National Student Employment Week, the second week of April.

The University of Texas-Pan American also takes part in celebrating student workers, or “workstudies,” as they are better known, by holding Work Study Appreciation Week April 3-7.

“At UTPA we move our celebrations a week up or back to accommodate for competing campus events as well as the availability of the facilities that will be needed,” said Jael E. Garcia, work study coordinator.

The weeklong celebration will include a “WorkStudy of the Year” luncheon Thursday during the noon activity period. Every student that is nominated is invited along with their supervisor.

Out of 850 work-studies on campus, there will

only be one “Work-Study of the Year.” A second and third place will also be recognized and every nominee will receive a certificate. The first place winner receives a $300 scholarship, second is given a $150 scholarship and third place receives a $75 one.

This award is based on the national contest held by the National Student Employment Association (NSEA).

Supervisors are asked to nominate their workstudy students based on criteria such as reliability, quality of work, initiative, professionalism, uniqueness of contribution, academic achievement and community involvement.

The winners are chosen by a group of judges composed of five to seven UTPA staff and faculty from areas that do not have any nominated students.

Garcia said work-studies are an important part of campuses nationwide, and UTPA is no exception.

“For the majority of our offices, student employees are crucial for the day-to-day functioning of the

See WORK-STUDY page 12

The scholarship, aimed at students who want to get a master’s in secondary education, was made possible thanks to a $5,000 donation from Yvonne Anderson, UTPA Foundation International Women’s Board member. Anderson, a longtime friend of Tevis, said no one deserves this more than she does.

Tevis, originally from Wichita Falls in North Texas, received her bachelor’s and specialization from Our Lady of the Lake in San Antonio, and her doctorate from The University of Texas-Austin.

But her passion for teaching did not develop over night. Her mother, Valerie McLamore Tevis, was a teacher until her 75th birthday. Tevis says she was just one of many inspirations.

She also finds inspiration in her colleagues such as John Anderson, Amilda Thomas, Arnulfo Martinez and T. Lawrence White, who were teaching when she came to UTPA.

After so much time here, Tevis has developed a model for what she thinks makes a good teacher.

She says teachers should be well-educated in their teaching fields and understand the relationship between those content areas and the effective use of technology. She also said the historical and philosophical background of education is important.

Currently, Tevis teaches courses on the graduate level for elementary and secondary education majors and on the doctoral level in research, the history of education and the philosophy of education.

In her years at UTPA, Tevis has seen UTPA grow. In fact, she’s practically an expert on predicting where it will go next.

“I definitely see UTPA as a research-oriented institution in the following years,” said Tevis.

“I feel I’m a very fortunate person, who has had an excellent example from her family and mentors,” she added.

MIT aids in development of $100 laptop for education

By LUKE KOONG The Pan American In a matter of years, the world might be filled with laptop computers costing less than $100. The only catch: they won’t be for sale.

One Laptop per Child (OLPC) is a non-profit organization researching the development of a $100 computer. Those laptops, while not for commercial distribution, will be distributed to schools around the world to serve the educational needs of children who might otherwise not have access to technology.

OLPC was first proposed by Nicholas Negroponte, who serves as the project’s chairman.

Members of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Media Lab have also joined forces on the project. According to the project Web site, they hope to “provide children around the world with

new opportunities to explore, experiment, and express themselves.”

IS IT POSSIBLE? While OLPC’s project has received a lot of support, it has also gotten some criticism. Bill Gates, corporate chairman and chief software architect of

See LAPTOP page 12

One Laptop per Child PROTOTYPE - The first laptop was shown at the World Summit on Information Society.

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April 5, 2006

NEWS

April 5, 2006

Page 5

Pan American Days brings knowledge, culture

Ronald Claflin/ The Pan American

PAN AM DAYS

continued from page 1

By ADRIANA GARZA The Pan American

learn first hand or when you’re doing hands-on work.

“For us, we think that this will provide an avenue of learning of the issues related to Latin American studies,” said Marilu Salazar, director of international programs. “This is important because of our location and we are celebrating our strategic location here on the U.S.Mexican border where we have a very close affinity with Latin America and the Americas.”

The committee has provided UTPA with a plethora of events to satisfy a diverse institution. There has been an average of four events going on each day since Monday. The Committee has brought in experts, lecturers, and artists of all kinds from different countries, including Bolivia, Haiti, and Mexico.

There will be debates and panel discussions as well.

A handful of UTPA professors and staff will also be participating in the events. Whether they are hosting, speaking, presenting, or just setting-up, these educators are duly needed for this type of event.

“I think The University of Texas Pan American, the students, faculty and staff, need to have as many events as possible to help broaden their perspective or challenge them, get them thinking, expose them to different things,” said George Gause, UTPA librarian.

The main highlight of Pan American Days, according to Salazar, is going to be the the talk that goes on today at 7 p.m. at the library auditorium.

The Honorable Jaime

who sells things out of their home Raul Roel Ramos, a freshman or on the street. international business major, had no clue “It was good that they mentioned what Pan American Days was all about. the formal and informal economy that Now, he says that the event is a good is taking place in most Latin idea because it gives students a chance America,” Martinez said. “I know to know what the real world is like. they mentioned samples of basically “It doesn’t just include the Valley taquerias on the street, informal busiand it gives them a chance to take the nesses that are currently in Mexico knowledge that they’ve learned and use and what would be some of the it in the real world,” Ramos said. “No advantages for those businesses to two cultures are the same and for that transform into a formal business.” reason, you need to know what you’re They also spoke about alternadealing with. Pan American Days is tives that Latin American governgoing to help people, especially busiments are ness majors, with understanding the i m p l e differences among different cultures or menting, societies.” like comHe also believes that the university b i n i n g is fulfilling its job by cultivating the some marminds of students with knowledge ket ecothey might not nomics normally learn with social in the classprograms, room. A lot s e l f of the things Barragan employyou learn in ment and solutions to poverty. life, you “People are unhappy with market economics even though growth was okay and some people have lots of money. The majority of the people didn’t get money. They were unhappy because of that,” Vasquez said.

He added that new governments in Latin America are trying to solve the problem by combining growth and investment with stronger social programs that people need in order to get them out of poverty and into employment.

John Cross, a professor of sociology and one of Pan American Days’ committee members, added that he thinks Pan American Days helps to broaden the cultural and academic perspective of students. However, he said, there is a slight downside to the celebrations.

“I guess if there was a negative side to Pan American Days, it would be that I don’t think a lot of students really take advantage of it,” Cross said. “Very few students come voluntarily and that’s a problem because Joel de la Rosa/ The Pan American students think that all they have to do RHYTHM - Eric Dannenbaum plays the conga at the Cuban Drum Workshop on is take their classes to succeed.”

Monday. He is part of Danse Adje, a band based out of Austin, Texas. The workshop is one of many events that make up Pan American Days.

Joel de la Rosa/ The Pan American VISUAL AIDS - Students watched “Maria Full of Grace” on Tuesday in the Shary Room in the library. The movies depicts the lives of young female drug smugglers.

Aparicio Otero, former ambassador of Bolivia to the United States, will give a speech titled “Political Changes in Latin America and Bolivia.”

The international office hopes that having such high-powered guests will stimulate interest in the student body.

“I guess it’s really for them to realize the significance of why we’re called Pan American,” Salazar said. “We’re very close to Mexico and Latin America, so I think it’s sort of an identity that we need to establish for our university and for our students” The first part of Pan American Days has already come and gone. On Monday and Tuesday, two Fulbright scholars visited the campus. Alfredo Angulo Rivas presented “What is Happening in Venezuela?” Monday, while Isidro Morales, presented his work “Contested Regionalism in the Americas: U.S. vs. Brazilian Approach.

Convergence or Confrontation?”

Tuesday.

On Monday there was a Chicano and Mexican Folk Art Exhibit opening ceremony at the library. Ben Varela had his art on display for everyone to see and free food tasting.

“I think it’s really nice,” said Angelica Palacios, senior psychology major. “Free food, nice music. It’s a good night.”

Palacios added that the event is a great opportunity for students to get more involved on campus and exposed to different cultures.

LESSONS - (above) Jorge Luis Sierra, managing editor from El Rumbo ,explains how photographers have begun wearing bulletproof vests on dangerous assignments in Mexico. (left) A percussion class partakes in a cuban drum workshop on Monday instructed by Eric Dannenbaum from Austin.

Joel de la Rosa/ The Pan American

Calender of events to come Thursday, April 6 Traditional Folk Therapy in the Americas 10:35 a.m. - 11:50 a.m., SBS 111

Populist Movement Trends in Latin America 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., SBS 101

Hemisphere Free Trade: Pros & Cons 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m., SBS 101(Tentative)

Cuadro Flamenco 7:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., Fine Arts Auditorium

Venezuela’s Geographical Variation 2:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Shary Room, Library

Friday, April 7

The Revolution will not be Televised(Venezuela) 3:00 p.m. - 5:00p.m. Shary Room, Library

Creative Writers Panel 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.,COAS 350

La Experencia de Nuevo León 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Piñero (United States) 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., Shary Room, Library

Round Table Discussion 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m., COAS 351

Cuadro Flamenco 7:30 p.m. 9:00 p.m., Fine Arts Auditorium

Page 6

EN ESPAÑOL

April 5, 2006

El Valle responde a las reformas migratorias Por CLAUDETTE GONZALEZ Traducido por CARLOS GONZALEZ The Pan American Irma Guzmán, de treinta y seis años, está tomando la via legal, por lo general bastante larga, para hacerse una ciudadana de Estados Unidos de America. Nacida en Colombia, Guzmán esperó pacientemente por siete años antes que el gobierno le concediera su green card y condición de residente permanente. Ahora vive en San Benito y enfrenta una espera de otros cinco años antes de llegar a ser una ciudadana Americana.

Aún asi, ella no se da por ofendida si a los inmigrantes indocumentados se les concede la oportunidad de legalizacion en el pais como lo propone el Comité Judicial del Senado.

“No me molesta para nada”, dijo Guzmán.

“Muchos inmigrantes indocumentados han esperado el mismo tiempo que yo. La única diferencia es que ellos han esperado aquí,” De acuerdo con el decano del departamento de ciencia política de la Universidad de TexasPanamerican Jerry Polinard, sin embargo, el asunto de si a un indococumentado se le debe dar la oportunidad de llegar a ser ciudadano sin tener que salir del pais es un punto de disputa entre los congresistas.

“El asunto clave de la division se enfoca principalmente en el punto de si se les abre el camino a la ciudadanía o no. La linea dura de derecha de los Republicanos dice que no debe haber posibilidad de ciudadanía para los 11 billones

(estimado) de indocumentados,” dijo Polinard. “El enfoque más moderado es que debe haber alguna clase de provisión por la cual ellos tengan una oportunidad de aplicar a la ciudadanía sin tener que regresar a su pais.”

El proyecto de ley planteado por el Comité Judicial del Senado incluye provisiones que permiten a los extranjeros indocumentados en el pais la oportunidad de aplicar para ciudadanía sin tener que regresar a su pais nativo. La ley también proteje de acusación a las iglesias y a las organizacines de caridad que ayudan a los indocumentados, regula el infujo al pais de trabajadores temporarios, y refuerza las fronteras de los Estados Unidos.

El debate del Senado llega sólo tres meses después que la Cámara de Representantes pasó la H.R. 4437 en Diciembre. Este controversial proyecto de ley convertiría en crimen el estar en el pais ilegalmente, criminalizaría el acto de ayudar a los incocumentados, y crearía una muralla entre los Estados Unidos y México.

A medida que los proyectos de ley que reforman la inmigración progresan através del congreso van creando oleajes sociales, especialmente en regiones con gran número de inmigrantes, tales como California, Arizona y Texas.

Petra Guerra, profesora de del departemento de comunicación, quedó muy impresionada con el número de personas que se tomaron la calles a lo ancho del pais. En su opinión, los manifestantes

pusieron sobre la mesa un asunto que necesitaba antención.

En medio de estas protestas y debates a nivel nacional, los residentes del Valle están formulando sus propias opiniones en diversos puntos que caen bajo el tópico de la reforma a la política de inmigración.

Mientras la mayoría de los manifestantes estaban en contra de las provisiones el proyecto de ley H.R. 4437, para Guerra, un punto clave es el programa de obreros temporarios presentado por el Comité Judicial del Senado. Para ella, la idea trae recuerdos desagradables de un programa similar instituido en 1942.

“Mi padre trabajó como un Bracero, bajo un programa similar a lo que ahora tratan de implementar de nuevo, que en realidad fué horrible porque todos estos hombres estaban siendo traidos al pais y eran puestos en cuarteles, casi como campos de concentración,” dijo Guerra.

Sin embargo, Polinard cree que se puede hacer mejorías para evitar situaciones similares.

“Pienso que se debería introducir provisiones en el programa de obreros temporarios que protejan a los trabajadores,” dijo Polinard. “No queremos explotar a los trabajadores”.

Muchos, sin embargo, como Polinard, se oponen a provisiones del proyecto de ley de la Cámara, tales como convertir en crimen el estar en el pais ilegalmente.

“Los trabajadores indocumentados son trabajadores. Eso es lo que ellos hacen. Ellos no son

“Como una nación de inmigrantes, siempre hemos adoptado posturas antiinmigrante. Eso nunca tuvo sentido para mi.”

Q

-Jerry Polinard personas que vienen aquí a robar los bancos,” dijo Polinard. “Especialmente, siendo que muchos han contribuido por tanto tiempo, no tiene sentido que se les trate como a traficantes de droga o como a una cosa.”

En la opinión de Polinard, los sentimientos anti-inmigrante expresados en el proyecto de ley de la Cámara, son inapropiados, especialmente ya que historicamente los Estados Unidos se ha compuesto de grandes poblaciones de inmigrantes.

“Como una nación de inmigrantes, siempre hemos adoptado posturas anti-inmigrante. Una vez aquí, queremos subir escalones,” dijo Polinard.

“Eso nunca tuvo sentido para mi.”

De cualquier forma, el proceso para que los proyectos se conviertan en ley es largo y requerirá de compromisos entre la Cámara y el Senado.

Si el proyecto de ley del Senado llega a votación y es aprobado, debe ir un comité conjunto compuesto por miembros de la cámara y del senado para que se resuelvan las diferencias entre el proyecto de la cámara y el del senado.

Si se puede llegar a un acuerdo, el proyecto será presentado al presidente.

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A&E

Lighthouse Cinema . . . . . 8 & 9 Jimmy Buffett . . . . . . . . . . . .10

STC hosts annual student film contest Event designed to give filmmaking amateurs exposure

By FRANK CALVILLO The Pan American It’s lights, camera and action as the Writers in Literary Discussion’s (WILD) Original Films Contest, a competition of student-made films, arrives April 7. The contest, sponsored by South Texas College (STC) features an assortment of original films - each running no longer than 15 minutes - created by students, with works ranging from comedies to tearjerkers and everything in between.

The event will take place at the administrative auditorium next to the library at STC’s Pecan Campus.

While admission to the event is free, the audience will also be playing the role of judges, as those in attendance will be given ballots to select the best entry in categories such as Best Horror Film or Best Cinematography. The winners will be announced in early May at a ceremony sponsored by Hastings in McAllen.

WILD was founded in 1996 and serves as an outlet for local artists who specialize in different forms of creativity.

Tom Fuschetto, an English professor at STC who has a master’s in drama, has been responsible for the contest since its beginning.

“It originally started as just a film festival, and then it became a contest as a way to give these students recognition,” said the 2004 University of Texas-Pan American graduate.

One of his former students, UTPA junior Deborah Laurel, speaks highly of Fuschetto’s dedication to the project.

“I’ve known him for two years, and I’ve never seen anyone as passionate about theater, or art in general, as Tom is,” said the anthropology major.

According to Fuschetto, all films were screened before a committee, which gave its seal of approval to the majority of those who entered.

Although the genres of the films are all diverse in their subject matters, Fuschetto insists that humor is the one similarity that all of the entries share.

“The element of comedy and humor in general is the biggest commonality in all of the films we plan to

show,” he said.

All films shown are the products of student work throughout the semester.

Nora Leos, an office administration major at STC who will be showcasing her film at the event, said the experience has been fulfilling.

“I made the film because I’ve always had this feeling of wanting to make something like this in me,” said the freshman.

Leos, who produced, wrote, directed and acted in her short film, described the theme as being both relevant and classic.

“It’s about the dreams children have, the obstacles they have to face and the sacrifices that have to be made for family,” Leos said.

So while the hit film “Crash” took home the Best Picture Award at last month’s Oscar ceremony, the question of which WILD film entry will take top honors will be left to the people of the Valley.

The film contest will begin at 7 p.m. at STC’s Pecan Campus. For more information on this and other community events, visit http://www.artsrgv.com.

Joel de la Rosa/The Pan American AND THE WINNER IS - Tom Fuschetto, designer of WILD’s film contest, hands out awards at last year’s event.

‘Unwritten’ artist gaining momentum in music world

By ANGELA SALAZAR The Pan American It has become almost a requirement for most female singers who want to break into the world of pop music have the following: bleached blond hair, bare midriffs and shallow lyrics. Slowly, however the tide of the music stream seems to be changing.

Natasha Bedingfield is an up-andcoming artist who is changing the face and sound of pop music. Her 2004 release, “Unwritten,” has hit double and triple platinum in several countries around the world including Ireland and the United Kingdom (UK).

Her interesting fusion of soul, R&B

Reporter’s Rating:

★★★★✩

beats, unique vocals and heartfelt lyrics has helped her finally capture the attention of audiences in the United States. Her album is now no. six on the billboard charts and is still climbing higher.

The native New Zealander grew up in London, and from an early age began exploring her musical talents.

Bedingfield came from what she called “a musical family.”

Her older brother, Daniel Bedingfield, has already made a name for himself in the UK and here in the States with songs like “Gotta get thru this.”

It is sister Natasha, however, who is being compared to such famous artists as Pink.

The lyrics to her song “Single” are an affirmation to all the single women in the world who

don’t believe they need a male counterpart in order to think of themselves as whole. The opening line, “I’m not waiting around for a man to save me, don’t depend on a guy to validate me,” pretty

much says it all.

Her latest single on the charts and video countdowns is “Unwritten,” an eclectic mix of catchy hooks and emotional lyrics. She even goes as far as having a choir sing her chorus near the end of the song, which for some artists can come off cheesy (anyone remember Meatloaf’s comeback?). But it seems to work with her song style.

Bedingfield’s vocals and range are a blend of soothing melodies and raspy rock. Her debut is a shiny blend of singersongwriter sensitivity and bigvoiced R&B, said www.rollingstone.com.

And so what does she expect a listener to gain from her music? “Identify with it, be inspired by it, and dance to it,”

Bedingfield says on her Web site www.natashabedingfieldusa.com Before deciding on a full-time music career, Bedingfield actually studied psychology and credits it with helping her write better lyrics.

She has been quoted as saying, “but even then, I was interested in psychology because I knew that’d make me a better songwriter. It’s given me a deeper insight into people. I was sick of empty music people whip up a melody then any kind of words to fit…”

So, if you want to try a new blend of pop music with depth and catchy beats, then “Unwritten” is the album of choice.

It gives a well-deserved break from the usual pop tart image that has plagued music in recent years.

For more information on this artist visit www.natashabedingfieldusa.com or www.rollingstone.com.

Page 8

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

April 5 , 2006

I

April 5, 2006

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 9

T’S FRIDAY NIGHT AND YOU’RE IN A CROWDED PARKING LOT TRYING TO FIND A PARK-

ING SPACE AT THE LOCAL MOVIE THEATER. AFTER CIRCLING THE LOT A FEW TIMES,

YOU FIND ONE AND HEAD TO THE BOX OFFICE, TO STAND IN LONG LINE FOR A TICKET THAT COSTS NEARLY $10. YOU MAKE YOUR WAY INSIDE TO STAND IN ANOTHER LONG LINE TO PURCHASE OVERPRICED CONCESSION ITEMS. THEN IT’S TIME TO TRY AND

FIND A SEAT IN A PACKED THEATER. FINALLY, YOU TAKE YOUR SEAT ONLY TO DISCOVER THAT THE PERSON BEHIND YOU HAS THAT VIBRATING FOOT THAT FINDS ITS WAY TO THE BACK OF YOUR CHAIR. THE PERSON NEXT TO YOU HAS A CRYING KID AND SOMEONE AROUND YOU FORGETS THEY’RE IN A THEATER AND STARTS CHATTING AWAY ON A CELL PHONE. IF YOU’RE TIRED OF THIS SCENE, SOMETHING NEW HAS ARRIVED IN THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY.

BY: TREY SERNA DESIGNED BY: ROY BAZAN

Port Isabel’s famous landmark is the lighthouse, built in 1852. According to the city’s official Web site, the lighthouse has been out of commission since 1906 but has remained a popular tourist attraction. Now visitors and residents can enjoy a new feature there.

The Lighthouse Establishment Cinema projects movies onto the side of the structure and allows people to gather around and watch a movie under the stars. There are two speakers set up on the hill that project sound to the audience around and below. This year’s season is set to start June 30 at 9:30 p.m.

for this came from.”

This is the second season of the LHE Cinema, after the first proved to be very successful.

“Last year was very well attended,” Meza said.

“We had about 400 people attend a showing last year.”

The reason behind people’s positive reactions and the event’s success is that the community gets highly involved and feels a sense of ownership to this unique idea, according to Bates and Meza.

A list of dates and the choice of movies are available online. There is a survey on the Web site for people to fill out to help decide which movie they’d like to see on what date. Voting ends April 10.

The movies shown somewhat correspond with the month. During the 2005 season, “Van Helsing” was shown around Halloween, and “It’s A Wonderful Life” around Christmas.

one at the end of November or early December.”

Bates and Meza must get distribution rights to show each film. Older movies are shown instead of new releases for a simple reason.

“We don’t show the new movies because then we’d have to be competing with the movie theaters,” Bates said. “We show older movies, some more recent than others, but we still have to get distribution rights to show them publicly. We can’t show Disney movies because those movies are only allowed to be publicly shown during certain times of the year.”

Admission is free, and on top of the movie, customers can enjoy a concession stand there. People are more than welcome to bring their own ice chests, but alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited due to the fact that the lighthouse is considered a state park and historical landmark. It’s also recommended to bring a

“WE WERE TELLING GHOST STORIES AND HAVING FUN I HAD PUT TOGETHER A COMPILATION OF HORROR IMAGES, AND WE CAME UP WITH THIS IDEA TO PROJECT THEM ON THE SIDE OF THE LIGHTHOUSE. IT ALL STARTED THERE.” -VALERIE BATES, CITY OF PORT ISABEL MARKETING DIRECTOR

The idea came to life two years ago when Valerie Bates, marketing director for the City of Port Isabel, and Edward Meza, director of historical preservation, were commemorating the city’s Day of the Dead Celebration.

“We were telling ghost stories and having fun,” Bates said. “I had put together a compilation of horror images, and we came up with this idea to project them on the side of the lighthouse. It all started there.”

The name for the idea was inspired by the Light House Establishment (LHE), which was in charge of ensuring that navigational traffic flowed smoothly to Port Isabel, the Port of Matamoros and northeast to New Orleans, when the lighthouse was still in operation.

“We found a button that came from the lighthouse keeper’s uniform,” Bates said. “Inscribed on the button were the letters L-H-E, so that’s where the name

Last year’s season debuted with the film “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow.”

Bates and Meza were surprised to see so much excitement from the audience.

“People were clapping and cheering at the end,” Meza said.

Perhaps one of the biggest highlights was last year when the sing-along favorite “Grease” was shown.

“Before the movie ‘Grease’ started, we had a karaoke machine set up and so many people were singing,” Bates said. “We also had an Elvis impersonator who performed.”

The energy didn’t stop when the karaoke did.

“People were really enjoying themselves,” Meza said. “They were singing along with the movie.”

CONTINUED ATTRACTIONS The same is expected for the 2006 season, a sixshow activity starting June 30.

“We try to choose ‘campy,’ classic movies,” Bates said.

“There’s usually a horror one in October and a Christmas

blanket or lawn chair and set up a place to relax on the hill and enjoy the movie. Pets are discouraged, though some choose to still bring them. Those who decide to bring a pet will be asked to clean up after it.

Parking is available all around the lighthouse, and down the streets.

“Some people park around the area or some even park at the museums and walk down to the lighthouse,” Bates said. “There’s never been a problem with parking.”

So when the weekend rolls around and you find yourself with nothing to do, try something traditional with a new twist. A movie without the usual annoyances.

“People should just make a night of it,” Meza said.

“They can go out to dinner on Friday, watch the fireworks display and then come to the lighthouse and enjoy a movie and have a good time.”

For more information on the Lighthouse Establishment Cinema and other Port Isabel attractions, visit http://www.portisabel-texas.com.

Page 8

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

April 5 , 2006

I

April 5, 2006

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Page 9

T’S FRIDAY NIGHT AND YOU’RE IN A CROWDED PARKING LOT TRYING TO FIND A PARK-

ING SPACE AT THE LOCAL MOVIE THEATER. AFTER CIRCLING THE LOT A FEW TIMES,

YOU FIND ONE AND HEAD TO THE BOX OFFICE, TO STAND IN LONG LINE FOR A TICKET THAT COSTS NEARLY $10. YOU MAKE YOUR WAY INSIDE TO STAND IN ANOTHER LONG LINE TO PURCHASE OVERPRICED CONCESSION ITEMS. THEN IT’S TIME TO TRY AND

FIND A SEAT IN A PACKED THEATER. FINALLY, YOU TAKE YOUR SEAT ONLY TO DISCOVER THAT THE PERSON BEHIND YOU HAS THAT VIBRATING FOOT THAT FINDS ITS WAY TO THE BACK OF YOUR CHAIR. THE PERSON NEXT TO YOU HAS A CRYING KID AND SOMEONE AROUND YOU FORGETS THEY’RE IN A THEATER AND STARTS CHATTING AWAY ON A CELL PHONE. IF YOU’RE TIRED OF THIS SCENE, SOMETHING NEW HAS ARRIVED IN THE RIO GRANDE VALLEY.

BY: TREY SERNA DESIGNED BY: ROY BAZAN

Port Isabel’s famous landmark is the lighthouse, built in 1852. According to the city’s official Web site, the lighthouse has been out of commission since 1906 but has remained a popular tourist attraction. Now visitors and residents can enjoy a new feature there.

The Lighthouse Establishment Cinema projects movies onto the side of the structure and allows people to gather around and watch a movie under the stars. There are two speakers set up on the hill that project sound to the audience around and below. This year’s season is set to start June 30 at 9:30 p.m.

for this came from.”

This is the second season of the LHE Cinema, after the first proved to be very successful.

“Last year was very well attended,” Meza said.

“We had about 400 people attend a showing last year.”

The reason behind people’s positive reactions and the event’s success is that the community gets highly involved and feels a sense of ownership to this unique idea, according to Bates and Meza.

A list of dates and the choice of movies are available online. There is a survey on the Web site for people to fill out to help decide which movie they’d like to see on what date. Voting ends April 10.

The movies shown somewhat correspond with the month. During the 2005 season, “Van Helsing” was shown around Halloween, and “It’s A Wonderful Life” around Christmas.

one at the end of November or early December.”

Bates and Meza must get distribution rights to show each film. Older movies are shown instead of new releases for a simple reason.

“We don’t show the new movies because then we’d have to be competing with the movie theaters,” Bates said. “We show older movies, some more recent than others, but we still have to get distribution rights to show them publicly. We can’t show Disney movies because those movies are only allowed to be publicly shown during certain times of the year.”

Admission is free, and on top of the movie, customers can enjoy a concession stand there. People are more than welcome to bring their own ice chests, but alcoholic drinks are strictly prohibited due to the fact that the lighthouse is considered a state park and historical landmark. It’s also recommended to bring a

“WE WERE TELLING GHOST STORIES AND HAVING FUN I HAD PUT TOGETHER A COMPILATION OF HORROR IMAGES, AND WE CAME UP WITH THIS IDEA TO PROJECT THEM ON THE SIDE OF THE LIGHTHOUSE. IT ALL STARTED THERE.” -VALERIE BATES, CITY OF PORT ISABEL MARKETING DIRECTOR

The idea came to life two years ago when Valerie Bates, marketing director for the City of Port Isabel, and Edward Meza, director of historical preservation, were commemorating the city’s Day of the Dead Celebration.

“We were telling ghost stories and having fun,” Bates said. “I had put together a compilation of horror images, and we came up with this idea to project them on the side of the lighthouse. It all started there.”

The name for the idea was inspired by the Light House Establishment (LHE), which was in charge of ensuring that navigational traffic flowed smoothly to Port Isabel, the Port of Matamoros and northeast to New Orleans, when the lighthouse was still in operation.

“We found a button that came from the lighthouse keeper’s uniform,” Bates said. “Inscribed on the button were the letters L-H-E, so that’s where the name

Last year’s season debuted with the film “Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow.”

Bates and Meza were surprised to see so much excitement from the audience.

“People were clapping and cheering at the end,” Meza said.

Perhaps one of the biggest highlights was last year when the sing-along favorite “Grease” was shown.

“Before the movie ‘Grease’ started, we had a karaoke machine set up and so many people were singing,” Bates said. “We also had an Elvis impersonator who performed.”

The energy didn’t stop when the karaoke did.

“People were really enjoying themselves,” Meza said. “They were singing along with the movie.”

CONTINUED ATTRACTIONS The same is expected for the 2006 season, a sixshow activity starting June 30.

“We try to choose ‘campy,’ classic movies,” Bates said.

“There’s usually a horror one in October and a Christmas

blanket or lawn chair and set up a place to relax on the hill and enjoy the movie. Pets are discouraged, though some choose to still bring them. Those who decide to bring a pet will be asked to clean up after it.

Parking is available all around the lighthouse, and down the streets.

“Some people park around the area or some even park at the museums and walk down to the lighthouse,” Bates said. “There’s never been a problem with parking.”

So when the weekend rolls around and you find yourself with nothing to do, try something traditional with a new twist. A movie without the usual annoyances.

“People should just make a night of it,” Meza said.

“They can go out to dinner on Friday, watch the fireworks display and then come to the lighthouse and enjoy a movie and have a good time.”

For more information on the Lighthouse Establishment Cinema and other Port Isabel attractions, visit http://www.portisabel-texas.com.

A & E

Page 10

April 5, 2006

Jump-start summer reading

Buffett’s island classic stands the test of time

By MEREDITH LAGRONE The Pan American

1060west.blogspot.com

Whether we realize it or not through the haze of the massive workload mid-semester has dumped on us, summer draws near. Many students and educators revamp their wardrobes, music collections and personal libraries when the freedom of summer approaches.

In looking for good summer reading, Jimmy Buffett

Reporter’s Rating: ★★★★★

BUFFETT

HANGING OUT - Jimmy Buffett is sometimes as silly as the plots in his books.

is just the author to add to a collection.

“Where is Joe Merchant?” is one of Buffett’s most expertly crafted tales. Buffett is best known for his famous song, “Margaritaville,” and the accompanying book that follows a wayward cowboy, Tully Mars, from Wyoming to the Florida Keys. In fact, his most recent release is a sequel to that tale.

However, “Merchant,” set in the Bahamas, Key West and Cuba, has a backdrop which is summer at its finest. Although released in 1992, the paperback never gets old. It is a pirate story, a

Joel de la Rosa/The Pan American POETRY - Amalia Ortiz, a poet from San Antonio, presents some of her original work Saturday night at Nueva Onda Poets’ Cafe.

romance and a modern work in its entirety. It is a complex tale, and one has to work to follow its many twists and turns.

The story begins with Frank Bama, a pilot with a small plane. He lives in the Keys with his deceased father’s best friend, Billy Cruiser. The two own a hanger and flight service. Bama, also known as Brillo, soon discovers his seaplane is about to be repossessed. He is all set to paint over his lucky totem pole on the tail when a long-lost love, Trevor Kane, comes rushing back into his life, full force.

Kane, a beauty to say the least, has a hold on Brillo and convinces him to look for her brother, Joe Merchant, who has been presumed dead.

Through many twists and turns, the real mystery becomes not where is Joe Merchant, but who he is, as the surprising ending reveals the true identity of one character.

This “novel tale” contains every character imaginable, including an overweight ex rock groupie, Desdemona, who is trying to fly a phalliclooking boat to Mars through the use of crystals she finds by channeling aliens at a secret watering hole to a pirate. The pirate, Monty Potter, lives on one of the most dangerous island cities, Boomtown, in the Keys or Bahamas and holds what Desdemona believes to be the last crystal that will launch her ship to the Pleiades.

This book is a must-read, as any Parrothead knows, for summer fun. So, grab your margarita, take your floating raft (complete with cup holder) to the pool, and dive right in. This is one manuscript anyone could read over and over again, and, assuredly, you won’t want to come up for air until the tale is through.

NEWS

April 5, 2006

TUITION continued from page 1 increasing tuition rates.”

He also added that students had a chance to voice their opinions, and those opinions were considered when it came to decision making.

“Through the forums and discussions we had, the issue was that people want a better school,” Sandoval said. “We want better resources and better services; we want to invest in our institution.”

Despite the increase, however, The Monitor reports that 70 percent of UTPA students will go relatively unaffected as most of their tuition and fees are covered by Federal Pell grants.

James Langabeer, vice president of business affairs, added that even for those students who will be affected, the situation is better than it could be.

“They have been getting a bargain and they are still getting a bargain compared to other public institutions of higher education,” he said. With the tuition hike, UTPA will be the second cheapest school in the system, next to UT-Brownsville.

Even with that in mind, affordability was also an important factor when making the making the proposal for new tuition rates. In fact, UTPA President Blandina Cardenas made a cut to the rates herself. According to Sandoval, the initial proposal recommended that they

ELECTIONS continued from page 1 university charge $26 per credit hour. That figure was cut down to $20 by Cardenas.

“In general, we want to keep our institution reasonably affordable,” Sandoval said. “But at the same time, we want to invest in it so we can grow and mature and become the diamond in the rough.”

According to the CEC budget proposal, the new tuition rates will allot approximately $3.35 million for new faculty in fiscal year 2007 and $1.25 million for new staff.

Along with faculty and staff growth, Langabeer said the university will use the money to make up for a million dollar increase in utility costs.

“Our utility bills are going up about a million dollars a year,” he said. “The tuition increase is to make up for the difference.”

Langabeer said that he hopes students understand that the cost of education has gone up over the last few years, and UTPA is simply catching up.

“We’ve eaten into our reserves and we simply have to appropriately budget our expenses and that will result in an increase in tuition,” he said. “It’s trying to deliver a bigger package and a better package of educational opportunities to the students,” he said.

IMMIGRATION continued from page 1 country to apply for citizenship without having to return to their native countries. The bill also shields churches and charities that help undocumented immigrants from prosecution, regulates the flow of guest workers into the country, and strengthens enforcement of U.S. borders. But it angers one side of the debate, where opponents say it rewards lawbreakers by granting amnesty.

The Senate debate comes only three months after the House of Representatives passed H.R. 4437 in December. The controversial bill would make it a felony to be in the country illegally, criminalize the act of helping undocumented immigrants, and build a wall between the U.S. and Mexico, and several other more moderate elements.

As the immigration reform bills make their way through Congress they are making a big splash, especially in regions with large numbers of immigrants, such as California, Arizona, and Texas.

Petra Guerra, a professor in the communication department, was most impressed by the number of people who took to the streets nationwide in favor of the Senate bill. In her opinion, the protesters brought to the forefront an issue that needed attention.

In the midst of these national protests and debates, Valley residents are formulating their own opinions on policy reform.

While most of the protestors were against provisions in H.R. 4437, for Guerra, a key point is the guest worker program presented by the Senate Judiciary Committee. For her, the idea brings back unpleasant memories of a similar program instituted in 1942.

“My father worked as a Bracero, the program they’re trying to bring back, which was really horrible because they were bringing all these men and they had them in barracks, just like concentration camps,” Guerra said.

However, Polinard believes that improvements can be made in order to avoid a similar situation.

“I think that provisions should be made in the guest working programs to provide protections for the workers,” Polinard said. “We don’t want to exploit the workers.”

Most, however, such as Polinard, took exception to provisions in the House bill, such as its proposal to make it a felony to be in the country illegally.

Page 11

Illegal immigration In a poll of 1,003 adults by Ipsos for the Associated Press, American expressed their feeling on current illegal immigration issues.

“Are you running for a position or are you running for the students?” he said.

When it came time for her turn to speak and presidential candidate, Argelia Barerra, a senior political science major, defended SGA saying they have taken many actions on the road to advancement.

“This year our president almost filled appointments to every committee. These committees met with students. We are impacting the decision making process of this institution,” she said the current SGA senator. “We have not failed you, and we are not catering to the administration.

We have established a better relationship with them.”

Barrera cited recent improvements in campus safety with the addition of lights in previously dark areas on campus.

“We have not failed you and I refuse to accept that idea.”

FUTURE PLANS Vice-presidential candidate and Barrera’s running mate, Bonnie Bustos, a senior biology major, highlighted other advancements they hope to make if elected.

“I don’t know about you all, but when I walk into the Student Union during activity period, things just seem a little too crowded,” Bustos said.

“The Union is an important location for the many aspects of our campus life. This is why we are in full support of the current assessment of the union...and the proposal for expansion.”

However some candidates, like Juan

Colemenero, a junior political science and philosophy major, said they are campaigning agenda-free.

“My partner (Rae Pepito, a senior mechanical engineering major) and I… are not coming into SGA with a list of five or ten things we want to accomplish by the end of a certain timeline,” he said. “What we are promising is that we have the know-how and the skills to accomplish these things.”

ODD COUPLES Colemenero added that he and Pepito are just the unlikely pair to accomplish the goals set by students.

“The way we’re going is: let’s hear what the students have to say to the senators. And then with our know-how, Rae Pepito being an engineer and I being a…philosophy and poli sci major, use our intellectual skills to accomplish these skills,” Colemenero said.

However, Colemenero and Pepito were not the only people from two ‘worlds’ coming together.

SGA presidential candidate Crystal Gonzalez, a junior philosophy major, and running mate Mayra Hinojosa, a junior interdisciplinary studies major, also hope to bring together different parts of UTPA’s population.

“We represent to very different parts of this university. We [would] reach out to more students than ever before,” Hinojosa said.

Students who wish to vote should check their preferred email, for a link to an online ballot.

Voting runs thru Friday.

Would you favor or oppose allowing illegal immigrants with jobs apply for temporary worker status?

Favor 56%

Oppose 41%

Do you think illegal immigrants mostly ... ?

Contribute to U.S society 51% Drain on society 42%

Do you think entering and staying in the U.S without proper documentation should be a ... ?

Serious criminal offense 47%

Minor offense 51%

Source: Ipsos for AP

LyLony Cazares/The Pan American “Undocumented workers are workers. That’s what they do. They’re not people coming over here to rob banks,” Polinard said. “Particularly since so many have contributed for so long, it just doesn’t make sense that they should be treated like we treat drug dealers or something.”

In Polinard’s opinion, the anti-immigrant feelings expressed in the House bill are inappropriate, especially since the United States is largely an immigrant population historically.

“As a nation of immigrants, we have always taken anti-immigrant postures. Once we’re here, we want to pull up the ladder,” Polinard said. “That never made much sense to me.”

Either way, the process for the bills to become law is long and will require compromise between the House and the Senate.

If the Senate bill gets to a floor vote and is passed, it will then go to a joint committee made up of members of the House and the Senate to work out the differences. If a compromised can be reached, the bill will then be presented to the president.

TAKE A STANCE ON IMMIGRATION POLICY REFORM

The Pan American is asking for student submissions on the issue of immigration policy reform. An editorial board will read all entries and pick two to be published in an upcoming issue of The Pan American.

Explain your point of view: -What do you think of the current policy changes being debated in congress?

-Do you have a better solution for the immigration policy?

-Support your claim in under 500 words.

Deadline for entries: Wednesday, April 12 at noon.

Submit entries at the Student Publications Office (COAS 170) or e-mail thepanamerican@gmail.com Office: (956) 381-2451

NEWS

Page 12

WORK-STUDY continued from page 3 office,” said Garcia, “So take a little time this week to show them they are appreciated.”

However, Garcia added that this week is about noting that work-studies don’t just aid the one office they work in.

“Work Study Appreciation Week is designed to remind work-studies that they are an integral part of UTPA’s success,” said Garcia, “and that their contribution does not go unnoticed.”

Many departments plan to celebrate their students by having pizza parties and other goodies to express appreciation.

“We are planning to take our work-studies to lunch,” said Claudia Marquez, a clerk in the criminal justice department. “We still don’t know exactly where, but it will be somewhere nice.”

And all the kind acts departments are doing for their work-studies are not going unnoticed by their young employees.

“It’s cool that there is a week especially for us work-studies,” said Madalyn Ochoa, a sophomore pre-pharmacy major and biology work-study. “It motivates me to do an even better job since I’m going to be noticed for it.”

Students interested in becoming work-studies may request the Work Study Award by going to the UTPA Financial Aid Web site at www.utpa.edu/finaid and clicking on the “Additional Financial Aid Request” link. Using this form, a student with a completed FAFSA form can request additional aid that they have not received, including work-study monies.

UNION continued from page 3 dents can also become members of the SUAB. Students in representative positions have the ability to partake in the control of Student Union fees, policies, and committees. Currently, there is a position on the Board for a student organizations representative.

Rebecca Gadson, director of the Office of Student Development, believes this is a good way of giving students more power in how the Union is managed.

“They really are able to do a lot when they’re on the Board. They’re right up there, making a lot of important decisions with administrators,” she said.

With more and more students going to the Union, the importance of administrative decisions is coming to the forefront.

“It’s become a habit to come over to the Union and hang out with friends here because the dorms are depressing. You can’t really talk in the library, and it’s harder to meet in one of the colleges, especially if your friends don’t have the same major as you,” said Savannah Martinez, a freshman psychology major.

Martinez said she often goes to the Union.

She’s even categorized its regulars into their respective hangouts.

“The study rooms usually have guys playing

video games, the couches downstairs are usually for the more social people who’ll talk to anyone they meet, and gamers are usually the ones that hang out upstairs,” she explained.

Kimberly Fernandez, a 19-year-old freshman majoring in criminal justice, says that whether the Union is full or not, she will still make an effort to stay.

“If I come to the Union and it’s full, my friends and I will sit on the ground or stand or whatever. It’s not really a big deal or anything,” Fernandez said.

Many students say, the main attraction of the Union is not its amenities, but simply the people.

“I see it get really packed in here a lot, especially on Tuesdays and Thursdays, because there’s a break at noon,” said Luis Gonzalez, a sophomore computer integrated systems major who is also a work study employee for the Union.

“People like to come because they don’t have to be quiet here, and they can socialize with all types of people on campus.”

While the Union attempts to attract more students, those who visit regularly remain loyal to the place.

“The Union has a friendly atmosphere, and you really feel accepted when you’re here,” said Martinez.

Joel de la Rosa/The Pan American OUTDOOR FUN - (left to right) Andy Garza, 5, and Max Aguilera, 4, play with a pair of sunglasses Friday in the Quad. Aguilera and Garza, along with other children, participated in activities such as kite flying under the supervision of their teachers from the Child Develpment Center.

April 5, 2006

LAPTOP continued from page 3 Microsoft, mocked the project at the Microsoft Government Leaders Forum on March 16.

Peter Ng, a computer science professor at The University of Texas-Pan American, said there is no reason to discount the effectiveness of OLPC’s project, however.

“With today’s technology, this project can certainly come into reality. If a computer today is reliable, so is this new computer,” he said.

The laptop proposed by OLPC will be Linuxbased and able to display DVD-quality or sunlightreadable images. Additionally, it will include a 500 MHz processor. Each machine will come equipped with wireless access and will use different sources of power, including a wind-up mechanism. One major piece of hardware that will be missing, however, will be the hard drive.

Hardware is any physical component of the computer, such as the processor or the graphics card. In order to run a computer, software - which consists of programs that run the hardware - must be present.

Ping-Sing Tsai, a professor in computer science, said that the largest issue the OLPC project will likely face is determining what hardware components to integrate into the laptops.

“Software is not the issue. The issue is the hardware,” Tsai said.

The quality of the component will also be a big factor. For processors, the lowest prices range from $10-20. However, even with those prices, minimizing costs will be tough.

“Based on the commercial products at this moment, $100 is not that easy to achieve,” Tsai said.

But that doesn’t mean the $100 laptop is impossible to build.

“Hardware cost-wise, it’s feasible,” Tsai said.

“The question is, is anyone willing to do it? If manufacturers don’t have enough profit margin, who’s going to want to do it?”

Ng said that the low cost of the machine should not limit its effectiveness.

“Today, Dell sells a reasonably good laptop with many features below $600,” he said. “The input/output for a computer can be used in different ways to meet each individual.”

Tsai admires the project by OLPC and the MIT team. And while UTPA currently doesn’t have any projects like it, he said he would be interested in doing something similar.

“At MIT, they have the resources and the funding. Here, we don’t have those kinds of resources,” he said. “But if I had the opportunity, then yes, I’d do it. It’s fun doing those kinds of projects.”

One Laptop per Child BLUEPRINT - OLPC released three possibilities for its laptops. These laptops will not be for sale to the public but used for educational purposes.

April 5, 2006

SPORTS CLIPBOARD Bronc rally falls just short against Roadrunners UTPA falls to 15-21 on the season The UTPA baseball team used a six-run sixth inning to get back in to the game but were unable to overcome a 10-1 deficit, losing to the University of Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners by a score of 10-8 on Tuesday in Edinburg.

UTSA got to Bronc starter Ryne Foster early, getting back-to-back singles and then pulling off a double-steal. With two men in scoring position, the Roadrunners scored a run on a ground ball to first base.

In the top of the second inning, UTSA scored five runs on six hits to jump out to a 6-0 lead. The Broncs finally answered in the bottom of the third on a Louie Alamia single up the middle that drove in Chris Lozano from second base, making the score 6-1.

UTSA further built its lead in the sixth inning when they scored four runs on four hits, punctuated by a bases-loaded double from Michael Rockett that drove in three runs. Down 10-1, the Broncs went to work in the bottom of the sixth. Patrick Brooks opened the inning with a single, followed by a Lyndon Bartosh walk. Osiel Flores then drove a single through the left side, scoring Brooks and moving pinch-runner Ruben Shives, Jr. over to third. Shives then scored on a ground ball to second base. With two outs, three straight Bronc hitters were hit by pitches and then Brooks doubled to left field, driving in two runs. In total, the Broncs scored six runs on three hits in the inning.

Trailing by three, UTPA closed the gap to two in the seventh when Lozano lined a base hit to right field, bringing Flores home. The Broncs got the first two runners on in the bottom of the ninth and then got two men in scoring position with one out after a sacrifice bunt. The next two hitters could only manage ground balls in the infield as the rally died.

Foster suffered his first loss of the season, lasting five innings and allowing seven earned runs on 10 hits. Aaron Guerra pitched three innings and allowed three earned runs while striking out four. Tim Haines pitched a scoreless inning in the ninth, striking out the side.

UTPA next plays this weekend as they have a three-game set scheduled against Birmingham-Southern College in Birmingham, Ala . The first game is Friday at 2 p.m.

SPORTS

Page 13

FOR THE RECORD UTPA SPORTS

PITCHING

IP

Baseball

Foster Guerra Haines

Tuesday, Apr. 4 UTSA 10, UTPA 8

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 R H E

UTSA 1 5 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 -10 14 0 UTPA 0 0 1 0 0 6 1 0 0 - 8 12 1 BATTING

AB

3 4 5 2 0 1 1 4 4 4 4 3 35

R

R

BB

5.0 10 7 3.0 4 3 1.0 0 0

4 2 0

SO AB

3 4 3

28 14 3

Win - Benedict (1-0). Loss - Foster (01). Save - Barton (1).

UTPA

Gilmer Alamia Brooks Bartosh Shives Smith Whittleysey Flores Garcia Honeycutt Lozano Powers Totals

H

H

RBI

SO

1 1 0 2 1 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2 3 0 0 0 1 2 2 1 0 8 12

1 2 2 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 8

0 1 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 4

E - Alamia. DP - UTSA 2; UTPA 1. LOB - UTSA 8; UTPA 9. 2B - Todesco; Rockett 2; Brooks. HBP - McKennon; Gilmer; Lozano; Powers. SH - Johns; Buhagiar. SB - Voyles; McKennon; Ponz. CS - Rockett.

Upcoming schedule Apr. 7 Birmingham-Southern Apr. 8 Birmingham-Southern (DH) Apr. 13 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Apr. 14 Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Home games in bold.

(DH) denotes double-header

Golf Men’s Upcoming schedule Apr. 29-30 Independent Champs.

May. 5-7 National Minority Champs.

Women’s Century Tel/Bobcat Classic Apr. 3-4 1. Louisana-Monroe 2. Lamar University 3. McNeese State 4. Texas State 5. UT-Pan American

6. Sam Houston State 7. Xavier 8. St. Edward’s University 9. McLennon CC 10. UT-San Antonio 11. Centenary College 12. Lon Morris CC 13. Tyler JC 14. UT-Brownsville Individual stats: 5. Stefanie Maynard 73 T6. Daniela Cortes 80 25. Nicole Boychuk 79 T48 Bronwyn Sandberg90 T57. Melissa Uriegas 86 64. Natalie Haime 95

74 76 82 87 93 93

84 76 81 79 90 92

231 232 242 256 269 280

Upcoming schedule Apr. 29-30 Indie Women’s Champs.

May 5-7 National Minority Champs.

Tennis Men’s upcoming schedule Apr. 8 Texas Southern Apr. 28-30Southland Conference Tourn.

Home matches at home.

Women’s upcoming schedule Apr. 8 Texas Southern Apr. 15 Sam Houston State Apr. 21 Indy Women’s Tennis Tourn.

Home matches in bold.

Maynard and Cortes record top-10 finishes at TSU The Lady Broncs finished fifth overall The University of Texas-Pan American women's golf team concluded the CenturyTel/Bobcat Classic in fifth place on Tuesday after shooting a team total of 957 (318-319-320) at the Palm Creek Golf Club in Kyle.

Stefanie Maynard, who entered the tournament tied for the lead, shot an 84 in the final round en route to finishing fifth overall. For the tournament, the UTPA senior finished with a three-round tally of 231 (73-74-84).

Senior Daniela Cortes tied for sixth overall with a three-round score of 232 (80-7676), including shooting the team's lowest round of 76 in the final round.

Nikki Boychuk finished 25th overall with a three-round total of 242 (79-82-81) while Bronwyn Sandberg tied for 48th overall with a final score of 256 (90-87-79) in the tournament.

Melissa Uriegas was tied for 57th overall with a total of 269 (86-93-90) while junior Natalie Haime competed as an individual where she finished 64th overall with a total of 280 (95-93-92).

The Lady Broncs will be back in action at the first-ever National Independent Women's Golf Championship on Apr. 29th in Greeley, Colo.

UTPA Sports Information

Dorados routed by Coyotes in opener RGV offense lackluster in the second half The Rio Grande Valley Dorados were handed their arenafootball2 season opener setback at the hands of the Central Valley Coyotes, 65-34.

The Dorados (0-1) found themselves in a hole early, trailing the Coyotes 216 at the end of the first quarter. Though a late first half surge from the Dorados got them within seven, but the Coyotes maintained as they pushed their lead to 31-21 at the half.

The Central Valley (1-0) offense turned up the productivity, outscoring the Dorados 34-13 in the second half en route to a victory.

The Dorados’ next game will be Saturday against Tulsa at 7:30, at the Dodge Arena.

Onydia Garza/The Pan American DIAMOND ACTION - (Clockwise from top left) Chris Lozano reaches for a throw from the catcher at second base; relief pitcher Tim Haines hurles a pitch against UTSA; junior T.J. Gilmer runs to first for the single; Patrick Brooks slides into third.

Page 14

SPORTS

April 5, 2006

Women’s tennis struggles against Islanders Looks to make strong return at home competition against Texas Southern

By FERNANDO MARTINEZ PECHS The Pan American

The University of Texas-Pan American Lady Broncs tennis team hosted the Lady Islanders from Texas A&M Corpus Christi Saturday at the Orville I.

Cox Tennis Center. The Islanders overpowered the Broncs 8-1 in singles, and 3-2 in doubles. The Lady Broncs now stand at 4-10 on the season.

In singles action, Parisian Marine de Bourqueney was defeated by Carmen Abeaboeru 6-4, 6-4 at number one singles, while Filipa

Onydia Garza / The Pan American A BIG RETURN - Senior Elysia Sloan works hard to make a return of a volley during practice.

Track has strong weekend Broncs off to state capital for Texas Relays

By DARYL GONZALES The Pan American The University of Texas-Pan American track and field teams were spread across the country over the weekend, and were able to hold their own against some of the nation’s best.

At the Stanford Invitational, UTPA was represented well as the program’s stud, long distance runner Westly Keating placed second overall in the 10,000-meter race, shattering his own program record by almost 17 seconds.

The new mark to beat is 28:24.08, which qualifies Keating for the 2006 NCAA Division I South Central Regional Championships.

“Westly seems to keep improving every week, and this past weekend was no different,” coach Ricky Vaughn said.

While the senior Bronc was running in California, the rest of the UTPA men’s and women’s track and field teams competed at the Victor Lopez/Rice Bayou Classic in Houston, where nine athletes notched top-10 performances. The field athletes led the way.

Earning a pair of top-five finishes in the hammer throw and shot put was Amanda Ferris.

She captured her first hammer throw title of the season throwing a personal-best of 172-0, while taking fifth in the shot put with a 41-1 3/4 heave.

Following just short of Ferris’ mark was teammate Michelle Elizondo with a toss of 40-4 for sixth.

Continuing what has been a good outdoor season, freshman Wendy Wells had a throw of 142-7 for second place in the javelin competition.

“Her progress over this past month has been really great,” added Vaughn about Wells.

For a second competition in a row, Liliana Cavazos captured respectable finishes in the triple and long jump competitions. She finished fifth in the former with a leap of 38-6 3/4, and 11th in the latter at 17-6 3/4.

Vanessa Brown was the only Lady Bronc with a top-ten finish on the track as she placed eighth overall in the 400-meter dash with a time of 57.76. She also placed 11th in the 200 meters at 25.82.

On the men’s end, J.J. Hernandez continued his progress in the 3,000-meter steeplechase with a time of 9:25.90, good enough for fourth overall.

“J.J. has been doing pretty good considering the steeplechase is a new event for him,” Vaughn commented.

Teammates David Trevino and Alex Moncivias both notched respectable performances. Trevino placed 13th overall in the 800-meter race with a time of 1:58.01, while Moncivias also garnered a 13th place finish in the 5,000 meters with a time of 16:07.33.

Sprinting his way toward a top-ten finish in the 100-meter race was Ruben Cantu with a time of 11.05, while senior Matt Clinton finished sixth overall in the hammer throw with a distance of 155-11.

“I thought that our program had a good overall performance this past weekend,” Vaughn concluded.

The Broncs and Lady Broncs will be back in action on at the four-day Texas Relays in Austin, which begins on today at the University of Texas.

Figueiredo won over German Silke Buksik by a 63, 7-5 decision. Nicole Garcia at number three singles and Elysia Sloan at five also lost in straight sets. Erika Iriarte beat Sloan, 6-2, 6-2, while Amanda Brahim was a 6-1, 6-3 winner over Garcia. Edinburg native Sheila Mabulac competed hard with Lana Burton but failed to get the win in the third set. Burton won the tiebreaking set 10-7 after taking the opening set 6-0 and failing to the Lady Bronc 5-7 in set two. Hidalgo native Jessica Nanez was the only winner in singles; she defeated Lauren Schmidt in the sixth match 6-3, 6-3.

In doubles play, de Bourqueney and Sloan confronted Abeaboeru and Schmidt but were beaten by the Lady Islanders 8-4. Valley natives Nanez and Mabulac failed to achieve victory in the third match by 8-2. Buksik and Garcia were the only doubles winners on Saturday, besting Figueiredo and Iriarte 8-4.

Head Coach Robert Hubbard is animated by the Lady Bronc progress compared to last year’s results. Hubbard commented about the squad’s growth and preparation.

“In every match there is progress. Our most important qualities are the discipline and the consistency that we put up in the courts,” Hubbard said. “We might not have top quality

GOT TIPS?

players as other teams do, but we play with a lot of heart.”

As the season comes to a close, Hubbard commented about the Lady Broncs’ preparation to finish the season strong. They are scheduled to host the Texas Southern Tigers on Saturday, April 8 at the Orville I. Cox Tennis Center. The games begin at noon.

Q “In every match there

is progress. Our most important qualities are the discipline and the consistency that we put up in the courts. ” -Robert Hubbard UTPA Tennis Coach “We follow a normal practice schedule.

We usually have one day off a week, so we can recover from injuries,” he said. “At practice everyone works hard to improve their game.

Some girls work with their doubles play, and some others with physical condition.”

E-mail The Pan American ThePanAmerican@gmail.com

SPORTS

April 5, 2006

Page 15

Bronc volleyball wraps up spring training UTPA Sports Information The University of Texas-Pan American women's volleyball team concluded its 2006 spring season in dominating fashion as the Lady Broncs finished with a 6-1 record during consecutive weekends.

“I was extremely pleased with the way that we played in our matches,” said head women's volleyball coach Dave Thorn. “It was nice to see that the things we have been emphasizing in practice were put into play during the matches.

It's always nice to come away with some victories during the spring, but it was more important for us to see that we were progressing and improving as a team.”

The Lady Broncs put on a little teaser for their fans this past weekend when they welcomed Texas A&M-Kingsville to the UTPA Fieldhouse for a four-game spring match. The women's volleyball faithful watched a dominating exhibition by the Lady Broncs as they captured all four sets (30-21, 30-23, 30-25 and 30-28).

Thorn believes one of the main reasons why the Lady Broncs were able to control the match as effectively as they did was based on their improved serving ability. Coming off a season where the Lady Broncs accumulated 171 services ace - averaging 1.5 aces per gamethat number should increase during the upcoming campaign.

“Overall, I thought that we served very well, and it forced the other team into a bad

position right from the get-go. It's been one of the main things that we've worked with the team on during the spring, and we've made great strides in our progress in that area.”

Along with their serving ability, the Lady Broncs have also focused on their offensive transition, passing the ball to the right spots, retooling team blocking at the end and breaking down their technique at several positions.

“It's been a very positive spring season for us because we've made a lot of improvements as a team in all facets of the game. Everybody has gotten better, and most importantly, we've gotten better as a team. It's good to see that they are receptive to change and have a desire to improve, and hopefully, that will mean good things for us in the future,” Thorn added.

Along with their dominating match against Texas A&M-Kingsville, the Lady Broncs also made a successful trip to San Marcos two weeks ago where they competed at Texas State University and came away with a 5-1 record in pool play. UTPA handed setbacks to the University of Mississippi, Alvin Junior College and St. Mary's University on their side of the tournament bracket before falling to the hostsquad Bobcats in a three-set finale.

“The team played very well for their first spring match,” Thorn said about the weekend.

“They were loose throughout all of the matches and played with an aggressive tempo, which was encouraging to see. They responded very well on runs, and it was a good sign of

The Pan American PICK IT UP - Sophomores Kellie Phillips and Chelsea Blakely watch senior Chrissie Carrigan dig it out.

their progress.”

Heading into the 2006 campaign, the Lady Broncs will be returning eight lettermen, including a pair of All-Independent performers, as well as six players listed in the

all-time record books.

The season for the Lady Broncs is tentatively set to begin on August 25th in San Marcos, for the Texas State Bobcat Volleyball Invitational.

Men’s tennis strives on Will strong effort mean strong performances?

By KRISTYNA MANCIAS The Pan American

Work-study Student Employees wanted to work part time, in assisting the office of “Admissions and New Student Services” with new student orientation; office procedures; assist/direct students; tours; campus errands and other duties.

Ten positions available, for more information contact:

Marina Escobar 316-7947 escobarm@utpa.edu if interested in assisting with office procedures, campus errands Nidia Aguirre 318-5206 naguirre2@utpa.edu if interested in assisting with new student orientation Jesse Montoya 292-7335 jmontoya2@utpa.edu if interested in assisting with tours/direct students

A late and windy start led things off for the University of Texas Pan American Men’s tennis team as they hosted the Southland Conferencepowerhouses Texas-Arlington Mavericks at the Orville Cox Center Sunday.

The Broncs suffered a 7-0 loss to the Mavericks on Senior Day. Rehman Esmail, Oliver Steil, and Nik Porter were each awarded a plaque after the doubles match for all their hard work and dedication to the squad.

“My last four years have been great. I have to say that my freshman year was the best because we were nationally ranked,” said Steil.

In the doubles match, seniors Esmail and Steil came out victorious winning a close one over Sandy Farquharson and Daniel Omana 8-4.

“I was a little nervous because we always come close to winning the match and fall short but today we were able to close it out,” said Esmail.

UTPA’S other senior, Porter, and Andrew Bost dropped the second flight while Danny Farias and Enrique Montemayor fell in the third flight.

In the singles competition the Broncs fell in all six matches. Porter lost 6-3, 6-4 to Farquharson in the top flight. Steil fell 6-2, 6-2 in the second flight and Esmail was beaten 6-4, 6-2 in the third. Montemayor was defeated in the fourth flight and Farias was handed the sixth loss

to Niels Buksik 6-4, 6-0.

Despite the loss to the Mavericks, coach Robert Hubbard has no complaints on how his team performed.

Q “We had a good shot at

winning the doubles but unfortunately it slipped away. They played with their hearts. ”

-Robert Hubbard UTPA Tennis Coach

“Guys played well, we had a good shot at winning the doubles but unfortunately it slipped away,” said Hubbard. “They played with their hearts.”

In four years the tennis program has changed coaches four times and Hubbard is determined to turn the program around for next year.

“The number one thing is recruiting. Right now recruiting is going extremely well in both the men and women,” said Hubbard. “April 12 is the signing day. I’m excited we are going to have a strong team.”

The men have a 1-11 record and are scheduled to face off against the Texas Southern Tigers on Saturday at 10 a.m.

SPORTS

Clipboard..........................13 Track.................................14 Volleyball..........................15

Venezuelan Ricky Ibarz: Man on the mound

By JORGE HINOJOSA The Pan American On the mound, pitcher Ricky Ibarz continues to make improvements with his throwing arm. Already at somewhat of a promising point in his baseball career. Ibarz hopes to finish the season well enough to start making pro scouts turn their heads and pointing radar guns, Ibarz, a junior transfer who hails from Venezuela, can top out at a speed of about 90-92 mph, usually staying in the upper eighties, “My arm feels great. I’m in shape. I’ve been running a lot,” said Ibarz, who has won three games and leads the nation’s Independent hurlers in strikeouts. “Coach [Justin] Meccage does a great job.

We also have this certain running program that we do in between starts. It’s great stuff.”

Since the age of five, Ibarz has been swinging the bat and throwing the baseball, and as of yet he has not missed a beat, not even when he skipped over to the United States at the age of 16. Although Ibarz participated in other sports, such as soccer and karate, he definitely stressed how much baseball was number one in his life.

“I always had a good arm since I was little. I liked it more,” said the lefty starter. “I had more fun than other sports. I didn’t like soccer practice or karate. It was kind of boring. Baseball was more entertaining for me.”

With a powerful arm at a young age, Ibarz struggled to find the control necessary to be a persistent and successful pitcher. For awhile he had to put his pitching career on hold while occupying a position in the outfield.

“I was pretty wild, I would scare people because they thought I was going to hit them all the time,” said Ibarz.

Now the South American has proven that he can control where he wants the ball to go and he feels that his fastball and change-up are his most feared pitches.

Although he may be able to paint the black at a higher percentage with those pitches, Ibarz is also working on a curve and a

slider to increase his arsenal.

Ibarz has been the team’s best starter, compiling a 3.26 earned run average and allowing opposing hitters a measly .216 batting average. In 58 innings the Bronc has struck out 81 batters, or about 12 1/2 per nine innings pitched.

Getting to this point was hard work, but with a little support from family Ibarz was able to get to this level of play.

“Both my mom and my dad were there, my mom was the one that always took me to practice, and my dad was always there for the games,” said Ibarz. “My dad has been my biggest Ricky Ibarz c r i t i c throughout my life, and my younger brother also plays baseball so me and him criticize each other pretty

good. My family circle is my mom, dad, and brother.

They have definitely been there for me all the time.”

Outside of the family Ibarz looks up to major league players. One pitcher he likes a lot has 20 years MLB experience, was born in San Angelo, Texas, and is now a pitcher for the Chicago Cubs. A little baseball trivia for you baseball buffs out there: do you know who it is?

“My favorite pitcher is Greg Maddux, just because of the way he throws. He gets the most out of nothing. He doesn’t really throw hard. He’s not overpowering and he still dominates like nobody else,” said Ibarz. “Also, my high school coach was a big influence when I first came into the States, he kind of took me under his wing, and walked me through it.”

Ibarz aspires to do great things in his baseball career. Not only does he look up to Maddux, but he is in a way also trying to follow him.

“Definitely turning professional is my number one goal. That’s the reason why I came to the United States to begin with,” he said. “Education is very important, but I left my family and country and everybody I knew to become a professional baseball player, and that’s what I’m trying to do here.

“It’s my number one goal. I’m definitely working hard everyday towards it, and hopefully sometime soon, this year or next year I will become a professional baseball player.”

Joel de la Rosa / The Pan American

Men’s golf going strong, improves upon ranking

By RACHEL REIDA The Pan American The University of Texas-Pan American men's golf team has just returned from a two-week, threetournament road trip that extended from Sam Houston State all the way to Oregon.

Upon their return, the Broncs brought home with them two third-place finishes, one seventh, and an individual championship.

“It was tough for them,” commented head coach Andrew Tredway on the long road trip, “and I could see how tired everyone was after we finished our last round. I was even tired so I know how exhausted they were!”

After the team’s return many were in high spirits because of how they had performed, especially Tredway.

“I'm extremely happy with how our season is going," exclaimed Tredway. "This is the highest that the UTPA golf team has been ranked in quite some time, and by no means am I content with that. I feel like we have the capability to be a top 100 team very soon.”

The Broncs started their two week road play at Sam Houston State where they competed at the Bearkat Classic taking home third place out of 12 teams. Senior swinger Craig Berger captured the

individual title. The strong showing marked personal accomplishment.

“I think he's learning that if you never give up during a tournament, good things can happen," Tredway said. “You just keep fighting as hard as you can and add them up at the end.”

After the great finish at Sam Houston, it was off to Stephen F. Austin for the Broncs where they played in the Crown Classic. Here the team finished third out of 12 teams again.

“I'm impressed with the way my guys act on the course,” said Tredway. “They never back down to anyone no matter how good they are or what they are ranked. More than anything though they act like gentlemen and that says a lot about them when they are in the heat of battle.”

Battle they did, as it was off to Oregon, a trip which would prove a huge test for the Broncs. There they competed against some of the best, and with a lot of hard work came away with a seventh place finish out of 12.

“There were good teams at that tournament. The best we’ve seen this year,” commented Tredway. “We didn't play our best and still beat some very good West Coast teams. I think if we would have played like we did at Oregon as some of the other tournaments we would have won those by 10 shots!"

Just around the corner for the Broncs are the

Independent Championships, and Tredway and the team have been working on some different things in practice to ensure a good finish at the tourney. The Independent Championships are in Colorado on April 29-30.

“We're working really hard on our short games,” proclaimed Tredway. “We've spent almost the entire year getting the ball in play and now that we've done that it is time to do all of the little things in order to keep improving. We are also going to get into better shape physically for Colorado. With the tournament being played at high altitude we have to be in better shape which means lots of cardio!”

There are high expectations being held by Tredway for the team as well as individuals for the upcoming tournament in Colorado.

“I expect the same thing that I always do from them,” said Tredway. “That we prepare to win a golf tournament and we prepare like a champion would. I expect them to make mistakes in every round and that’s OK, but we just have to limit our mental mistakes.”

With the season comes to a close, the Bronc golf team has seen its ups and downs. After already having accomplishing a lot this year, the team hasn't really gotten much credit, and with more hard work, determination, and focus they can accomplish a great finish at the Independent Championships.

“People don't realize how tough college golf is,” remarked Tredway. “Thirty-six holes in one day equals 12 hours on the golf course. Throw in bad weather and you have al the makings of a very long day. Try concentrating for 12 hours on one thing while carrying a bag that weighs 50 pounds.

Golfers ARE athletes!”

Joel de la Rosa / The Pan American EYE ON THE BALL - Sophomore Blake Hughley watches his drive at the Cimarron Country Club.