July 13, 2006

THE

PAN AMERICAN

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

Cardenas ranks well with faculty

By LUKE KOONG The Pan American The University of Texas-Pan American President Blandina Cardenas walked away with flying colors after faculty completed an evaluation of the second-year leader.

Cardenas said she was very pleased with the results and gladly welcomed the evaluations given to her by her peers.

“I want to thank all the faculty who participated in this insightful process,” Cardenas said. “It was indeed a learning experience for the entire administrative team.”

Cardenas added that the great response is reassuring that the university adminstration is doing the best it can.

“It’s difficult to CARDENAS expect a more positive result, not only for myself, but for all administration across the board at this university,” she added.

Her evaluation results are some of the highest in UTPA history.

The survey, officially titled the Faculty Sponsored Evaluation of Administrators, also included assessments of the six university deans; its results were released in the spring semester by the Faculty Senate.

All full-time faculty members were asked to complete the anonymous survey that consisted of over 20 questions and statements with respondents answering on a Likert scale (The scale consists of five rankings: strongly disagree, disagree, agree, strongly agree or insufficient information.)

A few of the categories faculty were asked to evaluate were: maintaining trust, effective problem solving, working well with faculty, communication and vision.

See CARDENAS page 4

July 13, 2006

High

Risk

New study reports Hispanic teens attempt suicide more often than other groups

By JAVIER CAVAZOS The Pan American Ricardo Rios, a sophomore biology student at The University of Texas-Pan American, has known at least two people who have tried to commit suicide.

If the results from a recent federal survey conducted in public and private high schools across the country prove true, it is most likely that the two people Rios knows are Hispanic teens.

The survey, which gauged risks in teenagers’ lives, had students confidentially answer questions about topics ranging from drug use to their sex lives and their emotional state. It found that over 11 percent of Hispanics surveyed said they had attempted suicide compared to rates around 7.5 percent for blacks and whites.

Karen Snodgrass, a professional psychologist and counselor in Harlingen, attributed the higher suicide rates to increases in social stressors and the obvious rise in the number of Hispanics living in the United States.

“Teenagers are seeing more and more difficult living situations,” Snodgrass said. “Sometimes they have to work, or their family life is in trouble, or they really don’t have anyone to turn to. All these could be reasons for someone turning to suicide.”

“This information should be used

to

Fact: Over 11% of Hispanic teens said in a federal survey that they had attempted suicide.

combat some of these pressures and see what we can do to ease tensions for our teens so they don’t kill themselves,” added Snodgrass.

The study also found an increase in the number of Hispanic teens using drugs and having sex without condoms.

There might be a connection between these facts and the suicide numbers.

“These other issues can easily lead

to thoughts of despair and hopelessness,” said Snodgrass. “Drug use and risky sexual behavior can lead to problems where a child’s only way out seems to be death”, she added.

The federal study also found that Hispanics felt “prolonged feelings of sadness or hopelessness” at a higher rate than black and white students.

“It makes you wonder if the push to teach abstinence in schools is really worth it,” said Joe Aguilar, a political science senior at UTPA. “We should focus more of our resources on education and doing something to prevent these kids from possibly ruining their lives.”

In a culture where emotions and sex aren’t openly talked about, Lucila M. Petrie, a licensed psychologist in Brownsville, said it’s important to have communication and support from family members and other adults when dealing with trying situations.

“These kids really need someone to talk to and they probably don’t feel they can ask their parents about sexual or emotional matters,” Petrie said. “If you have these young adults trying to make decisions that older adults would find difficult, it’s most likely going to end up badly.”

In addition, black students had the highest rates of sexual activity and television watching, and white students were the most frequent smokers and heaviest drinkers according to the survey.

Moreover, while all the issues addressed in the survey are important, Rios said the fact that Hispanic teens are contemplating suicide more than any other group is troubling because of the grave consequences.

“The problem is the world still goes on and you only leave behind people who are filled with grief and questions,” said Rios.

Business donates large sum to UTPA

By JOHN TAMEZ The Pan American Adolfo Martinez, one of the owners of Art’s Truck and Equipment, remembers laboring in a field and realizing that an education would be his escape from life as a migrant.

Martinez’s confidence in education has continued through his many professional successes. Now, he and his wife Bertha are sharing the fruits of that success by committing $100,000 to create an endowed scholarship at The University of Texas-Pan American.

For many students in the area, an education is difficult to fund due to socioeconomic tribulations. Fortunately for those in need, as the Rio Grande Valley evolves and grows so does the commitment from residents who have excelled financially and have bared the fruits of their success.

“We’re financially able to do it now, so it’s time that we give back,” Adolfo Martinez said.

For Martinez, his success is a culmination of many years of hard work.

As a teenager, under the guidance of his mother, he invested in a small house. He later expanded that house into a series of smaller houses that he rented out to local residents. This would be his first success.

However, he remained intent on getting an education, later attending St. Mary’s University in San Antonio. He remained adamant about the great need of financial support for the young minds of the Rio Grande Valley.

“These are our people. We’re from here…the support must stay here,” said Martinez.

The criteria for the financial assistance is mainly need-based and the stu-

See ENDOWMENT page 3

News

A&E

Sports

UTPA researchers study Hispanic women, mammograms

New, trendy sport proves great entertainment for participants, crowd

Coyotes look toward second half with finishing all-star break

See page 3

See page 5

See page 8

PAGE 2

July 13, 2006 THE

PAN AMERICAN 1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122 http://www.panam.edu/dept/panamerican 55th Year – No. 31 News Editor Sandra Gonzalez sandra_panamerican @yahoo.com

Letters policy

A & E Editor Meredith Canales meredith_canales @hotmail.com

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, classification/title and phone number.

Sports Editor Daryl Gonzales daryl_gonzales2002 @yahoo.com Graphics Editor Franco Caballero Franco.Caballero @gmail.com Photography Editor Onydia Garza Designers Roy Bazan crazy_restless @yahoo.com Laura C. Gomez lm.gomez@yahoo.com Reporters Frank Calvillo Javier Cavazos Roderick Dorsey Adriana Garza Luke Koong Krystina Mancias Fernando Martinez Pechs

SUMMER

R EADER F ORUM

Students, faculty and staff: Summertime is here and The Pan American wants to know what you are doing all summer. Whether you’ve traveled to far-off destinations or stayed at home drawing, we want to know all about it. Please e-mail any poem, short story, travel photos, art work, or cartoon to Summer.PanAmerican@gmail.com. Your submission could end up in the next summer edition of the paper.

-The Pan American summer staff

UTPA writer’s guild: By: Jesus Ambriz, freshman Spanish major

“La mer” “Please… stay forever…” Her echo returned as I stepped into the sand. It was a long time ago, in this same place, in this same spot, when my fears had disappeared into nothingness. She was really beautiful. I can still recall the taste of her lips and the essence of her soul touching me delicately. Her fingers sprawling all over my body as we laid in the sand. Those are the most beautiful memories in my life.

And now, here, all alone with the singing of the birds, resting above the water with their muzzles open. The waves stream slowly as if they were trying to reach me somehow. I looked at my feet… bare, clean, immaculate, yet full of depression, of dark thoughts.

My body had started to project a shadow in the sand. The sun sinking slowing over the horizon, the lights beginning to go out. That’s my life. Go now, you’re free… I am nothing after all, and what concluded my soul was lost long ago. It is funny how you try to remember everything, returning to your favorite place, searching for clues. You’re not searching. What you really want to do is mourn at the happiness you once had.

The beach was changeless. The sand with its perpetual hidden emotion between whirlwinds, cold at the touch of your hands, of your feet. The never-ending sound from the living creatures, from the nature itself, denoting a sense of acceptance. How many times did I sleep while the ocean sang his song? How many times I laughed with the seagulls in perfect harmony? Exchanging my soul with theirs? Countless. But everything changed afterwards. As a boy I dreamt of a mermaid, calling me, intimately, whispering in my ear, telling me again and again I was hers. A bond of love, for children always seeks the love of someone, a feeling we have until we die.

Carolina Sanchez

This mermaid, I prayed God every night, was everything I ever wanted. I opened my eyes in the present, the sun had almost disappeared. Soon, I was peering into darkness, searching my senses while I was listening to the sea, my sec-

Trey Serna

ond greatest love. With that simple sentence I began to remember everything about my mermaid. Everything began

Adviser Dr. Greg Selber

when I graduated from college. I stepped forwards, searching for refuge in the sand. It was the perfect moment for remembering. If I cried, my tears would be dissolved with the wind, creating one solid emotion with

Secretary Anita Casares

mankind. I took a seat, my ankles near to my face, crossing my arms so I could get a grip from reality. This

Advertising information spubs@panam.edu Delivery Thursday at Noon

is going to hurt… I know. The night wrapped me silently, while I began with the process. Maybe I could be a writer after all, but now… All I want to do is picture her face once again. If dreams can become reality, then it was possible right now for her to appear right at my side and grab my hand. Katherine… how I miss you....

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.

To read the rest of the story, email the.vampire.ambriz@hotmail.com

IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF

THE PAN AMERICAN

Available July 27

Innovative research at UTPA

The Golden Age of Hollywood

The university is leading a study on the use of alternative medicine among minorities

A look at Cine El Rey’s summer-long showcase of classic films.

NEWS

News in brief: There will be a student-only summer luau held on July 18 from 11:30 a.m.-1p.m. on the chapel lawn.

Researchers find Latina women skip on mammograms

By CAROLINA SANCHEZ The Pan American

Onydia Garza/ The Pan American PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE- Mammograms are the best ways to detect breast cancer, yet Hispanic women are not going in for the scan.

ENDOWMENT continued from page 1 dent must possess at least a 2.7 cumulative grade point average, or a “B” letter grade for entering freshmen.

Debbie Gonzalez, UTPA’s director of planning and giving, said with tuition on the rise, every little bit of assistance can make a big difference.

“It’s our life experience that has led us to know that everybody needs a helping hand,” Gonzalez said.

Compelled to contribute further, the Martinezes have named the university as beneficiary of a community foundation account they have established in their estate plan. The reason they have done so is because Adolfo Martinez said that education never ceases.

“Education has to be continuous; life is a learning process,” he said.

Latinas between the ages of 40 and 64 years old have the lowest mammography screening rates in the country, and researchers at The University of TexasPan American and The University of Pennsylvania want to know why.

The universities have paired up in the Barriers to Breast Cancer Screening among Latinas in the U.S.-Mexico Border Region research study to find out why Latina women are not getting screened even though it is the group’s most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death.

According to Jose Pagan, professor of economics at UTPA and director of the Institute for Population Health Policy, along with the goal of developing and completing the study, the project hopes to help the UTPA community.

“The purpose of this project involves research training opportunities for UTPA faculty and students,” Pagan said of the four-year program.

Pagan said that Latina women often do not get mammography screenings because most have low income and/or health insurance.

He mentioned that the study will

benefit from the area’s large concentration of subjects in that demographic, and in turn benefit the home folk.

“Here in South Texas, we have the highest percentage of women without health insurance coverage,” Pagan said.

“About 1/3 of the population doesn’t have medical insurance. If you go to rural areas in the Valley, more than half don’t have it.”

The joint study between UTPA, IPHP, and the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics (LDI) at Penn State did not come from out of the blue. Aside from being one of the main supporters of the initiative, Pagan also helped establish contacts.

“I was with the University of Pennsylvania for two years. I developed a working relationship with researchers of the Abramson Cancer Center and the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics,” Pagan said. “Then we thought of different ways in which UTPA faculty could get involved in research projects.”

In fact, many students are also anxious to be part of the fight against the disease that kills almost 44,000 women a year. And many locals are concerned.

“Breast cancer is everywhere. We used to think that this was a problem that attacked people we didn’t know, but

Mammogram Facts: -are recommended for younger women who have symptoms of breast cancer or who have a high risk of breast cancer -have been shown to lower the chance of dying from breast cancer by 35% in women over the age of 50 www.breastcancer.org now, the problem is close to us, we need to do something to win the battle against breast cancer,” Maria Fernanda Rivera, a finance major, said. “I definitely think that mammography screening is the best way to have more chances to win.”

Mammograms are the best way to detect cancer; however, 13 million U.S women 40 years of age or older have never had one. They are recommended to be had at least once a year as well as a monthly self-examination.

Pagan said that this study is scheduled to be conducted between 2006 and 2010.

Newly appointed Region One director speaks about his love for educating

By ADRIANA GARZA The Pan American

Jack Damron, new executive director of Region One, always dreamt of becoming an educator while growing up.

“I think I always had the idea in the back of my mind that I would like to be able to teach and help students to grow and develop,” Damron said.

His dream was further influenced by his family of aunts and uncles who were either teachers or superintendents.

However, Damron, who turns 52 tomorrow, never knew he would be involved in education to such a large extent.

Damron, who was appointed to his position on June 1, credits his educational background for paving the way to the job.

“Growing up, I had some very good teachers at Lyford (High School) Sammy Iglesias/ The Pan American that really impressed me,” Damron said.

BIG BUSINESS - Located off of Expressway 83 in south McAllen, Art’s Trucks & As executive director, Damron’s Equipment is one of many successes Adolfo Martinez has experienced in life.

job is to respond to any issues that may occur and increase the schools’ success rates. Damron said he best describes it as being a “troubleshooter” by making sure everything is running smoothly and that

clients are getting what they need.

“Part of that is helping them analyze information and data, determining where the true needs exist, looking for

See DAMRON page 4

Sammy Iglesias/ The Pan American MOVIN’ ON UP - Though he has a deep passion for educating, Jack Damron, new executive director of Region One, decided to take the position to help students on a whole new level.

NEWS

Page 4

CARDENAS continued from page 1 The key finding is that of the approximately 180 faculty members completing the survey, 79 percent replied that they were satisfied with the president’s overall performance.

In regards to showing consideration for students, 82 percent of faculty surveyed found the president demonstrated concern for UTPA’s student body.

Additionally, 76 percent felt Cardenas has demonstrated an ability to maintain trust at the university.

Dora Saavedra, Faculty Senate chair, stressed the importance of being able to evaluate the president and other administrators.

“It is always good to give feedback

to administration,” Saavedra said.

While administrator evaluations are a helpful tool for the university’s leaders, Saavedra also said faculty members should inform administrators about their job performance to ensure a quality institution.

“It’s important to have a forum for evaluation of faculty and administration so that they can get feedback about what they might need to improve or what they’re doing well,” she said.

The next Faculty Sponsored Evaluation of Administrators will take place in three years.

Though only 30 percent of the university’s faculty participated in the sur-

July 13, 2006

vey, Saavedra said the chance to evaluate UTPA’s administrators is still important.

“We have the obligation to give faculty an opportunity to voice their opinions about administration,” she said.

Now that Cardenas has received input from her first evaluation, she hopes to use the results and recommendations to help improve the university.

“I was particularly interested in all the written comments regarding my own and other administrators’ leadership,” she said. “In some cases, there was cause for reflection for how we can do better, and in other cases there was affirmation on how we are doing things right.

Faculty Sponsored Evaluation of Dr. Blandina Cardenas

at quite a few schools around the Valley.

He taught and coached in Santa Rosa for four years, Lyford for one year and Rio

Damron joined the Region One staff as a field service agent and worked there for nearly 11 years. He trained board members, superintendents and administrators, helping them become familiar with and utilize their campus and district plans.

“In a sense, I was an information broker too,” Damron said. “I would go out and look for information for them and get responses to administrators whether it was campus principals, superintendents or board members.”

However, Damron could not stay away from education any more. He went back to Lyford for 2 1/2 years to be the superintendent of the Lyford CISD. In his new position, Damron says he is

(excerpt from original survey of 25 questions) S.A. A D S.D. 35% 41% 4% 4% 1. effectively maintains trust 2. is open and receptive to faculty 33% 33% 9% 4% recommendations and critiques 3. deals effectively with problems 29% 36% 8% 5% 4. is willing to explain her 27% 38% 8.3% 4% administrative decisions 5. encourages a high quality of 42% 37% 4% 4% instruction 6. maintains faculty morale 34% 36% 11% 6% 7. works effectively with faculty 26% 37% 6% 5% members 23. Overall, I am satisfied with Dr. 44% 35% 6% 4% Cardenas’s performance

I.I. T.R. 16% 180 22% 180 21% 180 22% 180 13% 180 14% 180 26% 179 11% 179

Key: S.A.- Strongly Agree, A- Agree, D- Disagree, S.D.- Strongly Disagree, I.I.- Insufficient Information, T.R.- Total Response to Question

DAMRON continued from page 3 ways to address those issues and help them overcome obstacles that might be out there that would be detrimental to solving a problem,” he said.

After graduating from Lyford High School in 1972, he went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Texas A&I (now Texas A&MKingsville) in 1976.

Damron also has connections to The University of Texas-Pan American, as it is where he received his master’s degree and took mid-management courses later in his career.

It is these connections that he hopes help strengthen the current partnership Region One has had with UTPA for the past few years. However, even

though there is currently a good relationship between the two institutions, Damron says there is always room for improvement.

“Working for a collaborative effort and using as many partners is feasible, practical and possible. We can probably get a great deal more done in a shorter period of time,” Damron said. “It’s better than working in isolation with each one of us doing our own thing. So, certainly, the more we come together and pull our efforts and our resources, generally, the better off we’re going to be as institutions.”

Moreover, Damron knows what it takes to make an institution blossom.

Over his years in education, he’s worked

“...the more we come together and pull our efforts and our resources, generally, the better off we’re going to be as institutions.”

--Jack Damron, executive director of Region One on relationship with UTPA Hondo for four years before taking a job as Rio Hondo High School principal.

After eight years as principal,

ART OF PRESENTING - Rene Saldana, assistant professor of English, speaks to a smallcrowd on Wednesday as part of the English department’s Creative Writing Institute. Students from Saldana and Steven Schneider’s classes attended the panel held in the Student Union Theater. Both English professors spoke about presenting literary works to audiences, something which their students will have to do to complete their requirements for the summer classes. Each student will be given a chance to present their works tonight and Monday.

Luke Koong/ The Pan American

If interested, contact Student Publications at 381-2541 or email Sandra Gonzalez at Summer.panamerican@gmail.com The Student Publications Office is located at COAS 170

once again struggling with the switch from superintendent to executive director because of his love for teaching and students Despite his current “withdrawal” from the field, he said the decision to accept the position was the right thing to do because he’s still helping students.

It’s just more indirect now.

“Coming in following a very strong leader [Sylvia Hatten], I felt that with the support of the staff and with a good clear vision for the future, we could continue to build on the strengths that are here on the service center’s part and help this region to become eventually an extemporary region,” Damron said. “That’s what my vision is for this region.”

ARTS

E N T E&R T A I N M E N T

Editor’s Pick: Must-read book “Twelve Sharp”

by Janet Evanovich, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

UTPA alumnus funds theater scholarship

By MEREDITH CANALES The Pan American Each year, students all over the country enroll in college theater programs hoping to make it big some day. However, very few of them actually do. One did: Valente Rodriguez, who graduated from The University of Texas-Pan American in 1986, has not only made it big but given back to the institution in a big way in the form of a theater scholarship.

The scholarship consists of a $10,000 donation the co-star of ABC’s “The George Lopez Show,” gave in a lump sum to the department.

That money, which will be invested, is in a special account at the UTPA Foundation. The profit from it will fund the scholarship each year.

The principal is expected to have made enough profit by 2008 to begin giving a scholarship that fall.

Rodriguez attended UTPA for five years, one of them in the graduate program. During his time at the university, he impressed instructors with his dedication and talent.

“Valente was my student the entire time he was at Pan Am,” said Marian Monta, head of the theater department. “He was truly outstand-

ing, both academically and in his the- actor,” said Grabowski. “It’s not hard gave it his all.” ater work on and behind stage.” to see why. No matter what he did, he Monta agreed that Rodriguez has Rodriguez’s abiliexceptional ability and ties, however, extended determination. past the theatre depart“He is in the top one ment and into the compercent of actors as far as munication department income is concerned,” she as a whole. While he was said. “It is extremely hard at UTPA, he won the to make a living in that department’s prestigious business and the fact that Opal T. White award, he has done so is a combigiven by the faculty to nation of talent, training, only those students who luck and dedication— are exemplary in every sticking to it when things respect—both with their were not so rosy. Many grades and contribution more people have the first to the department. It is two qualities, but it takes not awarded every year the third and especially but only when the faculthe fourth in huge quantity members agree someties to do well in the one deserves it. world of theater, televiAfter college, sion and film.”

Rodriguez left UTPA to Monta added that pursue his dream in Rodriguez is lucky to be California. According to able to give back to the Tom Grabowski, assisuniversity so quickly. tant professor and senior “A couple of other set designer, Rodriguez former students have has been successful since offered to start their he got there. scholarships by 2007,” “From what I she said. “One of the wchstv.com understand, he’s always FAME AND FORTUNE - Valente Rodriguez has donated a sub- great things about scholbeen employed as an stantial amount to fund a scholarship at UTPA. arship gifts is that they

frequently inspire others to do the same. However, most people have to wait until their kids are educated and out of the house to set up a scholarship. Valente is fortunate that he is doing well enough to start his major giving earlier in his life than most.”

Many who know Rodriguez are not surprised at his generous offer.

“That’s one of the things we tell all the kids: get famous and we ask you for money,” Grabowski said, jokingly. “He’s always been aware of his roots. He likes to give back to others.”

Certainly, the department is proud of Rodriguez and grateful for his altruism.

“With rising tuition costs,” Monta said, “this scholarship could mean the difference between a student completing college and having to drop out due to financial pressure.”

Rodriguez said it was the impression the university left on him that inspired the gift.

“I cannot forget how good the theater faculty was to me while I was here and how much those scholarship checks meant in making my education possible,” Rodriguez said in a recent press release. “I want to do the same for others.”

Theatre department keeps busy with new Web site

By LESLIE ESTRADA The Pan American The members of the theatre department have been very busy lately, on the stage and off. To help keep all of the department’s happenings straight and readily accessible to the public, its Web site has been redesigned to accommodate.

The site, currently up and running, was designed by Steve Maples, a graduate student in communication studies. Along with basic information about the department, it contains schedules of plays.

According to Marian Monta, head of theater, this feature would have come in handy when PASS, a theater workshop given during the summer, put on three plays recently.

The last play, “Moon over Buffalo,” finished Sunday, and Monta says the Web site’s publicity could have helped attendance.

“It was not well attended because it is hard for people to know about us,” said Monta. “That is why we’re so excited about having the Web site.”

Another interesting feature on the new site is information about productions put on as far back as 1971, so

people can access what the department has done in the past. There are also faculty and staff biographies, which will include pictures of every faculty member.

“The construction of the site was a huge project for us because we are more than an academic department,” Monta said. “We are also a production facility.”

Students are also thankful for the new addition.

“The site is an important factor that will help the theatre department get the diffusion necessary,” said Roel Cantu, a senior theatre-television and

film major. “We are the only theatre in the surrounding areas, and we do not get the promotion we need. The site will help us get more notice from the public.”

While Monta added that she hopes the site will answer any questions the public has about the department, those in the box office are also looking forward to a reduction in work load thanks to the site.

“We now have more information and more complete listings for our productions,” said Elva Galvan, box office supervisor. “More and more of our theatre customers are used to

shopping online. Though it will be another year before we can go to online ticket purchases, people can get a lot of information about every show by checking out the site.”

According to Monta, this is all part of the department’s constant devotion to serving the public.

“Since so many people are computer oriented, we figured that we needed to have a Web site that was active to better accomplish that,” she said.

To access the new site, log on to http://www.utpa.edu/dept/theatre/New look2006/Index.htm.

A&E

Page 6

July 13, 2006

Rolleristas bring unique sport to Valley Local women breathe new life into roller rinks of past

By TREY SERNA The Pan American A blast from the past is experiencing its rebirth, and this women-only trend sweeping over the nation has rolled its way into Texas and the Rio Grande Valley.

On June 1, the South Texas Rolleristas became an official, registered league with the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). In a short amount of time, the league has attracted a variety of women from all over the Valley.

Victoria Ruiz, a history major at South Texas College and mother of three, is the co-manager in charge of training and recruitment and pushes involvement with the sport.

“I encourage women 18 and older to join, even if you have not skated since you were 10,” she said. “You are trained in all aspects of derby, including how to properly fall.”

The sport is played with two girls in the front known as the “pivots.” A group of girls known as the “blockers” are in the middle and two more girls in the back are called the “jammers.”

A first whistle is blown by a referee, which signals the pivots and blockers to start skating (all girls skate on four-wheeled, traditional skates, not inline skates). A second whistle signals the jammers to start. The goal is for the jammers to break through the pack and then gain a full lap on the other skaters.

Each time a jammer laps on opposing skater, a point is scored.

According to an article on MSNBC.com, Roller Derby was created in 1932 b y

Leo Seltzer. To attract audiences and gain more appeal, dramatic, over-thetop penalties and other extreme tactics were added. By the 1970s, the sport fizzled out and didn’t get back into the spotlight until 2001. Now there are widespread teams forming throughout the nation, including one in the Valley, which has grown tremendously in a mere month.

The derby is filled with wacky outfits, girls with attitude and some crazy nicknames. Each girl has a “rink name” that she’s allowed to give herself. Ruiz is known as Enya Fayce, as in “in your face.”

“We get very possessive of our names. It’s an identity. It’s who you become in the rink,” Ruiz said. “The girls learn their derby names and at times forget their real names. You take on that persona and realize that you really are your name.”

Some girls have found that playing the sport has brought out a completely different side of them.

Kimberly Suzanne Avila, a.k.a. Sugar Skull, is usually shy and timid but has found her aggressive and athletic side with the derby.

“Since I’ve joined derby, I look forward to practice and can’t wait to get out there,” said Avila, a Valley native and recent graduate of University of Texas-Brownsville. “The best thing since I’ve joined is that I actually get off my butt and exercise now about eight hours a week, as compared to never before.”

Since its early days, a criticism the sport has faced is that it’s more of a show than a sport. However, members of the derby would strongly disagree.

“Back in the ‘70s, Roller Derby was more similar to pro wrestling than anything. Fights happen, but it’s closer to a weird mix of hockey and NASCAR,” said Annette Magurean, a.k.a. Bazooka Joan, co-

South Texas Rolleristas BABES ON WHEELS - The South Texas Rolleristas skate on and off the rink.

Here, they roll along in Brownsville’s “Salute to Freedom” Fourth of July parade.

manger of the South Texas Rolleristas.

“For me, it’s a sport with a side of theatre.”

However, some of the sport’s more theatrical elements, often called extreme penalties, have contributed to its label of being more of a show than a sport.

One of the penalties is called a pillow fight, which is self-explanatory.

Jousting is another penalty that is taken somewhat literally. This is where two girls, usually the offender and another picked from the other team, battle it out with large, foamy jousting sticks.

One of the most popular penalties is the Spank Alley. Before the game starts, any audience member who wants to be in the Spank Alley can purchase a ticket. Then, 10 ticket numbers are drawn and the winners get front seats near the players. They are given fly swatters, and if a girl commits a penalty, they’re able to take their fly swatters and swat the offending derby girl as she skates by.

While the unconventional nature of the sport is a big crowd pleaser, Magurean, who lives in Edinburg, said there are nonetheless a few restrictions.

“No spikes, long chains or sharp objects are allowed,” she said.

“Other than that, anything pretty much goes.”

The derby also often faces criticism for its underground appeal. It is also widely known that the sport attracts rebellious, antiestablishment women.

Roller derby can be considered subversive in some cases, but it is now being widely recognized and is experiencing a revival.

“The sport does attract the girls with tattoos, piercing and dyed hair, but it also attracts the soccer moms and quiet, normal-looking girls,” Avila said. “I’d say there is a pretty even

split. The crazy part is that everyone gets along like we’ve known each other forever.”

The anti-establishment term is an easy label to put on a sport that is accepting of different standards and is open to diversity.

“I think the term comes from the fact that anyone can join. Women who have either never been in a sport in their life or have not been on skates in years are welcome to join,” Ruiz said.

“Women who normally would not be accepted in a sport because of weight or lack of knowledge in sports are welcomed in derby.”

Women ranging from 18 to 33, with a wide spectrum of professions, have all joined the South Texas team.

“Accountants, nurses, mothers, hipsters and cowgirls have found themselves attracted to Roller Derby,” Magurean said. “There’s definitely a lot of variety, and our league is no different.”

With a high estrogen level, one would imagine tension and uneasiness among the ladies, but it’s proven to be the exact opposite. Magurean believes that the best thing since joining the Derby is being blessed with amazing friendships from so many people.

“It fit into my life like a jigsaw puzzle piece that’s been missing for three years, that a friend hands to you and says, ‘Here. Hope this helps,’” Magurean said. “A lot of derby girls say it’s not like they found roller derby, roller derby found them. I feel the same way. It just fits.”

The South Texas Rolleristas will be having a benefit show July 29 at Art Awakenings, located at 719 Dove Ave. in McAllen.

For more information on the league and the girls, visit their Web site at www.myspace.com/sotxrollergirls or e-mail them at rolleristas@yahoo.com.

South Texas Rolleristas NOT ALL FUN AND GAMES - Roller Derby involves much hard work and sometimes injury. Top, Arlene Brady, a.k.a “Pistol Kitten,” falls over a wall during practice. Center, Brenda Hall, whose derby name is the same as her real name, shows her athletic ability by jumping traffic cones. Bottom, Viki Ruiz, whose derby name is “Enya Face,” shows off an injury.

July 13, 2006

SPORTS

Page 7

Coyotes pull out of losing streak just before all-star break

By RODERICK DORSEY The Pan American The Edinburg Coyotes are a team that looked forward to the All-Star break this week, as they broke a six-game losing streak Monday after a recent slow spell. They had been defeated by the Amarillo Dillas 7-4 Sunday.

The Coyotes enter the midpoint of the season on top of the United League (ULB), but

the losing streak has sliced their margin of games ahead of the second-place San Angelo Colts to just 1 1/2 games at the break.

Getting back on track is a key for the team, and to do so, manager Vince Moore believes that the team needs to show poise despite their recent slide.

“We need to stay focused and keep swinging the bat,” suggested Moore, a former minor league baseball player who played the outfield and

Onydia Garza/The Pan American SIT ON A FASTBALL - La Feria native Eric Gonzalez sits and waits for the pitch during a game at the Edinburg Baseball Stadium.

managed the Edinburg Roadrunners before becoming the Coyotes’ first skipper this year.

“You know, baseball is funny,” he said. “In baseball, you can go on a ten-game winning streak and a ten-game losing streak at any time during the season. We just have to keep swinging and hang in there.

“To be honest, we’ve hit a wall. We’re banged up pretty bad; a lot of my key guys are hurt. We just have to keep fighting and clawing with the men we have out there now until our big guys get better.”

Despite the losing streak, the Coyotes have been playing better defense, with their pitching corps in particular holding its own throughout the season. The Coyotes have allowed the fewest home runs in the league (22). They also have the league’s lowest earned-run average (ERA) at 3.74 runs per game. No other team in the ULB has a team ERA below five runs per contest.

“We have a great (pitching) staff,” Moore boasted. “We’re struggling as a team right now, but overall I’m very pleased with our staff.”

Relief pitcher Edwar Ramirez has been the biggest spotlight for the Coyotes on defense. The right-handed hurler saved 16 games this season with a 1.07 ERA and 46 strikeouts, and opponents batted a meager .163 average against the ace.

His performance has earned him a spot in the New York Yankees minor league farm system.

The Yankees brought the rights to his contract on Monday and will send him to Tampa, Florida, where he will join the Tampa Yankees of the Class-A Florida State League.

“Edwar Ramirez was a big loss to us, but he went on to bigger and better things,” Moore insisted. “That’s what we’re all here for. Guys here that do a good job get picked up by the majors and get an opportunity to put in work.”

Although offensive woes have plagued the Coyotes during their losing skid, the team has experienced a couple of bright spots in their lineup. Coyote’s first baseman/third baseman Jose Olmeda has been the big spark for Edinburg this year. He has hit 12 home runs, driven in 41 runs, and is batting .294 this season.

“I just need to keep hitting the ball and driving in runs to help my team,” Olmeda explained. When asked about losing six games in

a row, Olmeda commented, “As long as we play hard, we will start winning again, and I believe we can win the championship this year.”

Backup catcher Eddie Wilson is also performing well this season, batting .333 in 78

Q “To be honest, we’ve hit a wall. We’re banged up pretty bad; a lot of my key guys are hurt. We just have to keep fighting and clawing with the men we have out there now until our big guys get better.”

Edinburg Coyotes field manager Vince Moore plate appearances. He believes that the team has to continue to play tough in order to get through the struggle of losing.

“We’re playing extremely hard right now,” Wilson said. “Coach knew this was going to happen. You hit a dry spell every now and then.

How you rebound from it will spell your whole season.”

Wilson insisted that if the team continues to fight, things would change for the better. “There’s no time to panic,” he replied. “We had a historic run in the beginning, but the main thing is that we don’t want to live off that. You know, most people would think we’d be uptight, but we know what’s going on and we know what we’re up against, so no sweat. Everyone in the clubhouse is having a good time on the field and just having fun altogether. The main thing is that we want to win a championship.”

The United League’s Inaugural All-Star game was played at Edinburg Baseball Stadium on Wednesday, where the Coyotes competed against the all-stars from the league’s other five teams combined.

“We get a chance to host the All-Star game in front of our fans on our home field,” Moore said before the game. “I wish my players could get more rest during the break, but I think we’ll be alright.”

Sammy Iglesias/The Pan American TEAM HUDDLE - UTPA Lady Bronc Deanna Schneyer huddles campers together before dismissing them for the day from a volleyball camp held earlier this week.

S P O RT S

Editor’s Pick: Game to watch

Houston vs. Florida Oswalt

Tonight at 6:05 p.m.

On Fox Sports South West

Willis

Bronc baseball reloads as they send off players to next level Broncs say goodbye to eight future big leaguers this season

By KRYSTINA MANCIAS The Pan American Another season has come and gone for the UT-Pan American baseball team and Head Coach Willie Gawlik is already working on next year’s program. After the signing of six pitchers to pro contracts and the graduation of several seniors, the coaching staff is working hard this

managed to pick up 15 wins despite playing against national powerhouses like the University of Texas (they lost 8-6) and last year’s National Champion Oregon State, against whom they suffered a close defeat, 54 in 10 innings.

"Everybody that we play on our schedule is a Division I team; we play nobody that’s Division II, nor do we play any NAI schools," said Gawlik.

Onydia Garza/The Pan American SIDE-ARM HEAT - Former Bronc pitcher Tim Haines is one of a handful of players that have signed with professional teams. Haines recorded 10 saves in ‘06 as a sophomore.

summer to replace most of a team that finished 24-29, marking the most wins in a season since 1997.

Last year the Broncs had their work cut out for them as they played most of their games on the road, and

"When you’re playing a schedule like ours it makes our players better because we’re playing tough competition on an everyday basis."

The Broncs hope to continue the steady climb, after besting the 2004

record of 15-39.

"The biggest difference this year was that our guys worked really hard.

We avoided injuries; that’s always a key. We had good mesh and our players played hard the entire season," Gawlik said.

Six Broncs signed pro contracts this summer including Edinburg product Aaron Guerra. Guerra was the second Bronc to sign a professional contract with the Edinburg Coyotes. As a member of the United League Baseball team, he joins fellow Bronc Kelly Casares.

Guerra led the Broncs with five victories during the 2005 season while posting 89 innings, which were the most among UTPA pitchers. He also led the Broncs with 69 strikeouts while surrendering only 18 walks.

Joining Guerra and Casares in the pro ranks are Bronc hurlers Bobby Gomez, Tim Haines, Alex Guajardo and Dane Mason. Mason, Gomez and Haines signed with MLB teams and Guajardo signed a professional contract with Saraperos de Saltillo in the North Zone of the Mexican Baseball League, a Triple-A minor league baseball organization in Mexico.

Along with the draftees, the Broncs will suffer greatly with the loss of four-year starter Louie Alamia to graduation. The Edinburg native excelled on the field as he broke several records at UTPA, including

the most consecutive hits (23) and most hits in a career (199).

"Louie has had a fabulous career here at UTPA. When I look at what he has done, he’s had the best career of anybody who has played here because he was here for four years," said Gawlik. "He’s a great young man and he will be successful in whatever he does."

Seniors Alamia, Guerra and Otis Powers excelled academically, all finishing with grade-point averages over 3.5. Powers is set to graduate this summer and Alamia in December.

Recently Gawlik applied for the head baseball coaching position at his alma mater, Sam Houston State.

When asked about applying Gawlik said it was a favor to a close friend, who asked him to do it.

"I have no intentions in leaving; I have a passion for this university, and that’s the reason I came here,” he said. “My goal here for this baseball team is to get this program back to being one of the top teams in the nation and I want this team to be in the World Series. I’ve been there as a player, now I want to be there as a coach. That’s my dream and you have to believe in what you dream and I believe in that."

If there is one thing that the Broncs are missing, it’s that they are still not in a conference. Being part of one would make the program a lot

stronger in recruiting and enhance its overall worth as a university.

"We are a mid-level Division I and we don’t get the players that UT gets or the University o f Oklahoma get so we really have to work h a r d GAWLIK coaching, and our players have to work hard," Gawlik said. “One of the big things that this university is trying to do is get into a conference. I know they want it. I hope that comes into play one day.

With the 2006 season in the books, now Gawlik and his coaching staff will look forward to next season and try to rebuild and replace many of the key contributors from last season.

"I really appreciate these guys and it’s tough to see them go. There’s a lot of emotion in that, just like in the last game and it’s going to be tough next year. I know they all will be very successful in whatever they do," Gawlik said. "We’ll probably be voting for these guys in a couple of years from now."

Commentary: United League Baseball All-Star break significant

By DARYL GONZALES The Pan American The United League Baseball’s inaugural All-Star break took place Tuesday and Wednesday of this week and it is something that the Edinburg area has not seen in quite a while.

The all-star break did its best to involve the public, providing

impersonators, luncheons with mascots and a special presentation on the history of baseball in the Valley.

In the wake of the United States’ early departure from the World Cup, the American public needs something that they know can be reliable. In our little area of the world, the first place Edinburg Coyotes have made it routine again to win.

Unfortunately, the Coyotes were not left with much time for rest and relaxation this week, while most of the other teams’ players put their feet up.

In the ULB, the first-place team

takes on the all-star selections from the rest of the league’s squads. In other words, the game will feature the Edinburg Coyotes versus the United League All-Stars.

“We get a chance to host the All-Star game in front of our fans on our home field, but I wish my players could get more rest during the break, but I think we’ll be alright,” Vince Moore,manager for the Coyotes, said.

Just before the break, the Coyotes snapped a six-game losing streak that stretched their lead by 2 1/2 games over the nearest opponent, the San Angelo Colts.

The involvement with the

public was there, but the main concern would have to be the team itself. The ugly departure of the old Edinburg squad makes it even more of an incentive for our team to be successful.

The Edinburg squad is suffering from fatigue and the departure of the team’s spotlight hurler, Edwar Ramirez. His performance this season was good enough for the Tampa Yankees to snatch him up on Monday, a single-A farm club affiliate to the New York Yankees.

At mid-season, the Coyotes and Onydia Garza/The Pan American Moore will need to recuperate to DIRTY JOB - Coyote center fielder ensure the second-half of the season Evan Cherry finds out how dirty baseball ends better than the first. can be.