October 5, 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

October 5, 2006

Faculty member’s firing raising concerns

By SANDRA GONZALEZ The Pan American A shadow of unanswered questions and allegations of policy violations lingers even after former political science professor Terence Garrett has walked away from The University of Texas-Pan American.

Garrett, who chose not to speak with The Pan American because of pending legal action against UTPA, was dismissed

from UTPA at the end of the spring 2006 semester after a series of complicated events. However, the five Ws and H of the situation still remain hazy more than one year after the initial conflict occurred. One thing remains certain, though: UTPA faculty members want answers.

“Some of the things are really murky, just baffling,” said James Aldridge, professor of psychology and

anthropology and vice president of Pan American United Faculty (PAUF).

Samuel Freeman, an associate professor of political science, said he has spoken with Garrett, who worked at UTPA for around five years, several times following the events that resulted in his dismissal, in search of those answers. What he has found is Garrett’s side of the conflict but no answers to the most important

question: Why was he fired?

TRIALS AND ERRORS According to Freeman, the entire incident transpired after Garrett, who was in his second year on tenure-track, was not paid for two months after teaching the second summer session in 2005. By the end of August, Garrett had not been paid

See PAUF page 11

Taxi for the tipsy

Celina Gilpatrick/The Pan American MURKY - Yellow-tinged water flows from the College of Science and Engineering’s dean’s suite kitchen faucet.

Less than clear water baffles one office’s staff

By CELINA GILPATRICK The Pan American

By ANA LEY The Pan American San Antonio drinkers have one less excuse for driving under the influence. PointZero8, managed by computer video game consultant Marc Groleau, is a new subscription service offering less-than-sober clients—and their cars—a ride home after a night of clubbing and bar hopping.

PointZero8 guarantees student members a ride home for the current annual fee of $40, with a $25 fee for each trip within a 10-mile radius of the starting point. Extra miles cost $1.50 each. Nonmembers can get a ride for $35 for the first 10 miles and $2 for every mile over.

In comparison, the average 10mile cab ride in San Antonio costs

$16.60, according to Fodors Online Tour Guide.

While PointZero8’s services are more expensive that just taking a cab home, the advantage is than they take your car home too, saving members from possibly having their cars towed.

“I thought of the idea because I go out a lot, and I see that a lot of people are cracking under the pressure of driv-

ing after they drink,” he said. “I know when I go out, I always want my vehicle to be in my parking lot the next day.”

Coined by Groleau, the name of the service is a spin-off of the state’s .08 percent legal blood-alcohol limit.

The designated driver service offers various memberships, such as

See DRIVING page 11

The water from the College of Science and Engineering dean’s suite is usually used for coffee, oatmeal in the mornings and washing dishes. That stopped about a week ago, when yellow water started pouring out of the kitchen faucet.

Staff in the dean’s office found that the water from the kitchen sink was tinted yellow and the earlier you used it, the darker it came out.

Leticia Dutschmann, secretary for the School of Engineering and Computer Science, was the first to notice the abnormality and reported it to the university’s Office of Environmental Health and Safety.

“Initially, I wanted to know if my health was at risk,” Dutschmann said. “I didn’t know what chemical was causing the yellow coloring.”

While Dutschmann’s concerns are valid, Oscar Villarreal, director for facilities maintenance and operations, assured her and everyone else that the water is not being chemically treated and

See WATER page 11

News

A&E

Sports

Army cadet stands out as he ranks in the top 12 nationally

Classic play of power, betrayal comes to UTPA

Boxing matchups showcased excitement in Edinburg last weekend

See page 8, 9

See page 16

See page 5

PAGE 2

READER FORUM

October 5, 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 56th Year – No. 7

Web Site Review By: Sandra Gonzalez Back by popular demand! OK, I lie. It’s just two weeks since I’ve last done my Web site review thing, so it’s time for me to do another. I couldn’t deprive the many fans (love you both) of my literary gold much longer. I wouldn’t want anyone to start crying because they miss me now. Actually, I’d like it very much.

Sadism is a wonderful thing.

Editor Claudette Gonzalez ThePanAmerican@gmail.com News Editor

A&E Editor

Sandra Gonzalez sandra_panamerican@yahoo.com

Frank Calvillo

Sports Editor Roderick Dorsey roderickdorsey @sbcglobal.net

Asst. Sports Editor Luke Koong lkoong2004 @yahoo.com

Design Editor Erika Lopez lopez475@ yahoo.com

hennero@ msn.com

Photo Editor Onydia Garza north14star @aol.com

Designers Roy Bazan crazy_restless @yahoo.com

Laura C. Gomez lm.gomez@ yahoo.com

Gregorio Garza the_nataku@ yahoo.com

Reporters and Photographers Brian Carr Ana Ley Javier Cavazos Maria Mazariegos Leslie Estrada Kristyna Mancias Sam Iglesias Angela Salazar Patrick Kennedy Trey Serna Adviser Dr. Greg Selber Secretary Anita Casares Ad Manager Carolina Sanchez

Asst. Ad Manager Lillian Villarreal

Advertising information spubs@panam.edu

Hrs. of Entertainment:

Does finding the love of your life start with a click?

If you are a Facebook and Myspace fan, two hours easy.

I’ve always been a strong believer that your significant other should not give you carpal tunnel, but after being mildly insulted by someone, I had to admit that it had been a while since my last date. I decided to swallow my pride and become one of those people. I promised myself that I’d attempt to clear my head of any preconceived notions I had about online dating before creating my profile at Match.com, which is about as hard to do as attaining virginity again. But, I figured that I’d heard some success stories, so it couldn’t be that bad. My mind countered, however, saying I’d seen Dateline catch predators before, too. Eventually, I put my reservations aside and signed up for a free profile, took the self-portrait and delved deep within the depths of my black hole to find the answers to Match.com’s captivating questions. I had to really dig deep to answer things like: What age is my dream guy? What color of eyes do I like to stare into? What color of hair do I like to run my fingers through? And do thunderstorms turn me on? And no, I didn’t word those that way. It’s how they are written on the questionnaire. But as cheesily written as the questions were, I have to admit I’d never had to sit down and think about it. I had always been under the impression I’d end up with Wentworth Miller, but I guess it’s nice to have a Plan B. While some of you may be thinking ‘It doesn’t matter to me, as long as they’re nice and…,’ stop and think. Do you really want to look like Anna Nicole Smith and Howard J. Marshall on your wedding day because you ‘didn’t want to age discriminate’ when picking your mate? We all have standards. Match.com just makes you ask yourself what those are.

Web Site Overview:

Delivery Thursday at Noon

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.

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.

Photos had to be the best part of Match.com.

Plus, it was the only way I was able to decide who I was going to click on. Anyone who said you can’t judge a book by its cover has never been on Match.com or looked for a book. You can’t possibly click on everyone and you can’t read every book before buying.

Again, you just have to have standards. My initial look at Match.com was disheartening, though, because while I went looking for a knight in shining armor, I often just found the horse. A few pages in, things started to get better, or my expectations lowered. I’m not quite sure. In addition, be wary of strategically placed hats and over-sized aviator sunglasses. While some one may look nice with them on, often lurking behind those items are curly red afros and unibrows. At any rate, it was not a hard web site to navigate nor was there a lack of visual material.

Graphics/Photos:

While you can’t control what is written on Match.com, it is interesting to see exactly how people perceive themselves.

You have your blatant narcissists: those who have things like “Hot property” and “tall, dark, and hansom” written on their profiles. Statements of such beg the question: if you are, in fact, property, does that mean you are selling yourself? In a way, everyone on Match.com is selling themselves with dues to join starting at $14.99 per month for six months. But if I were really looking to purchase a person, I’d get one of those high-class man-whores that the rich, old madams buy. In addition, a guy that claims to be “tall, dark and hansom” usually turns out to be 5 feet 7 inches, with a tan like George Hamilton, without a lazy eye. Aside from self-descriptions, another interesting read is each person’s idea of a good mate. However, I was troubled by one overwhelmingly popular sentiment among my supposed “matches.” Many said women with power and money are a turn-off. The problem is they are looking for a female in the year 2006, not 1952. The years of June Cleaver are dead, and may her submissive nature rest in peace. I have a feeling that some of these guys would rather be poor and homeless than have their wife provide for them. Sad. Nonetheless, while I got a bit riled up reading the buffoon files, I enjoyed some profiles to such an extent that I “favorited” them, just in case I feel so inclined to become a full member one lonely night. With the possibility of deception very high on any profile site, that is also the case when you meet someone in person. I myself felt a little deceiving, but I had no choice.

“Maneater” was just not on the list of best qualities. I suppose I felt bad for not giving a fair warning. Perhaps there should be a “fair warning” box. I want to know who has excessive gas, insulting odor or (ehem...) deformities. While it bothers me that the person on the other end of the computer could be the real-life version of Buffalo Bill, so could the guy sitting right next to me. I won’t lose sleep at night, unless my match comes and kills me in my sleep.

Content:

Match.com made a good impression on me despite having Dr. Phil as a spokesperson. Do you have a Web site you think I’d like? Do you have a Web site to promote your band or where you go for entertainment? If so, email Sandra_Panamerican@yahoo.com.

Even if you just want to e-mail me and complain about how mean I am or get my Match.com username, I invite it.

Sidenote:

Correction: In last week’s The Pan American, “STC enrollment surpasses UTPA,” a source was wrongly identified. Vice president for student services at South Texas College is William Serrata.

IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF

THE PAN AMERICAN

Available Oct. 12

Going green

iWorld

- Find out what one company is doing to help the environment

- Find out why iTunes has become the world’s leading source for everything multimedia

NEWS

News in brief:

Oct. 5 is the last day to register to become a pledge or sponsor for the Muslim Student's’ Association one-day Fast-a-thon scheduled for Oct. 19. The campaign is geared toward raising money for hunger relief. Those interested in participating are asked to call Javeria Farooqi at (956) 212-6221.

New club gives members a taste of outdoors

By MARIA A. MAZARIEGOS The Pan American What began as an idea between siblings has now become one of UTPA’s newest organizations-the Outdoor Expedition Club.

“Me and my brother were thinking about getting a club together during the summer and we set up when all the clubs were setting up and put it together,” said Elizabeth Kennedy, a freshman theater major from Weslaco and co-founder of the outdoorsy club.

The Outdoor Expedition Club’s mantra is, “outdoors is made for every-

body and everybody should get the experience to participate in the outdoors.”

It was this love of being in the open air that led to the club’s creation this semester.

“My brother used to be in Boy Scouts. He was an Eagle Scout, and we used to go camping all the time,” she said. “We just decided maybe other people are interested in camping and want to go and try the experience.”

Currently there are about 20 official members but numbers keep increasing; less than two months ago there were 11 and the Outdoor Expedition Club’s cur-

See OUTDOORS page 12

Outdoor Expedition Club THE GREAT OUTDOORS - (top) The Outdoor Expedition Club aims to give members a chance to experience nature. On Sept. 29, the club took its first outing to South Padre Island where one member caught a 5 foot stingray. (left) Randy Johnson, of Weslaco, and Elizabeth Kennedy, a freshman theater major, pitch the tent while on an overnight campout at South Padre Island. While at SPI, club members engaged in activities such as spear fishing with a harpoon gun, fishing on the north jetties, surf fishing, swimming and barbequing.

Freshmen class expected to mark new era of higher education

By JAVIER CAVAZOS The Pan American The University of Texas-Pan American recently changed policies and procedures in an attempt to get more students back into school, make their experiences on campus more enjoyable and education more affordable.

In addition to policy shifts UTPA has also started its “Class of 2010” campaign, which focuses on the latest crop of future graduates and challenges they face in their academic pursuits.

The changes come after Texas ranked poorly on the National Report Card on Higher Education, published

annually by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education.

The report grades states in areas such as percentage of students who complete a degree, affordability and preparation for college, and offers comparisons based on age, race, ethnicity and several other demographics.

Schools all over Texas have begun focusing more attention and resources on these aspects necessary for success, graduation and retention rates, both institutionally and individually.

“The idea is to encourage students to graduate within four years,” said Dennis McMillan, UTPA associate vice president

of enrollment and student services.

According to McMillan, the national average amount of time it takes to attain a degree is over five years. At UTPA, administrators are interested in decreasing that average.

“Schools like UTEP and UTSA are also focusing on improving graduation and retention rates,” said McMillan. “All three schools have high numbers of firstgeneration college students and this may also delay graduation since the college experience is new and sometimes overwhelming.”

Many students here work while they attend school or don’t register for a full

load of 12 or more hours, adding to the amount of time it takes to reach graduation day.

By working closely with the new freshman class and the financial aid office, McMillan said UTPA hopes to increase the amount of funds that students receive; they are also trying to make it less costly for students who enroll full-time.

Officials have also been exploring different summer schedules as a way to boost degree completion numbers.

Onydia Garza/The Pan American

EASING MONEY WOES John Edwards, vice president of

See EDUCATION page 12

CLASS OF 2010 - Nick Freeman, a freshman pre-med, wears a “Class of 2010” shirt while playing ping-pong.

Univision host’s concert raises funds for cancer patients

By LEZETTE VILLAREAL The Pan American Gabriella Gutierrez, one of the hosts of Univision’s morning show “Alegre Despertar” (Happy Awakening), worked until she no longer could. She had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, a non-aggressive type of cancer. But with a survival rate of 93 percent, she thought she could afford to be candid.

“I wanted people to be aware of the physical changes going on,” Gutierrez said.

More so than the physical changes she endured, Gutierrez was all too aware of the financial difficulty that cancer sufferers must endure, especially those who are not covered by health insurance.

Unfortunately, many people in the

Rio Grande Valley cannot afford health insurance and therefore often must pay out of pocket for hospital visits, medication, and treatment. In Texas, an estimated 25 percent of residents — about 5.6 million people — are uninsured. Some areas have parts of South Texas have uninsured rates three times that figure, according to the San Antonio Express.

The uninsured struggle every day to

survive this disease, and not having the necessary monies for treatment can make a person’s life even more difficult, according to Gutierrez.

Knowing the intense treatment and financial burden of having this disease, Gutierrez organized a concert on behalf of the organization Unidos Por Ti, which raises money to assist cancer patients in the Rio Grande Valley.

“I received many phone calls from my viewers, during the time of my illness, who were concerned with my well-being, many of them relating stories of their own illness,” Gutierrez said. “I became very aware of the responsibility I had to my community. I feel blessed my medical insurance covered the cost of my treatment, but many people aren’t fortunate

See CONCERT page 12

NEWS

Page 4

October 5, 2006

Visitor shares views on global marketing

By SANDRA GONZALEZ The Pan American Atul Tandan remembers when India first gained economic liberation in the early 1990s. It would mark the first time consumers had options and product choices to make.

“The founding fathers of the Mudra Institute of Communications Ahmedabad (MICA), which sprung out of an advertising agency, realized that with the opening up of the Indian economy there would be increased consumer choices,” Tandan said. “There would be a much larger activity in the media and mediated technologies as well as fragmented media. Therefore, there would be a need for understanding how consumers behave.”

Now that India has had some time to establish itself as a major consumer market, Tandan, the current director of MICA said it is time for the United States and India to correspond and form relationships as partners in education.

During his two-day visit to The University of Texas-Pan American last week, that’s exactly what Tandan was trying to do. He spoke with marketing classes and several from the department

of communication about Indian marketing and MICA, an Indian institute that specializes in teaching communications and marketing.

Tandan added that if the two institutions were to engage in student, faculty or research exchanges, everyone would have a lot to learn. Specifically, he said students would have a chance to learn about marketing using the theory of semiotics, or the “meaning behind the language.”

Semiotics, Tandan explained, can be used to analyze why things are the way they are in different cultures. MICA is one of few institutions that uses semiotics as an approach to understanding consumer behavior.

“In your culture, when you get married, you wear white. In our culture, when you become a widow you wear white,” Tandan said. “If you’re looking at colors, language, there’s a cultural context to it. Understanding that is very crucial to understanding communication.”

This form of understanding comes in handy when those in the marketing business in India have to get messages to all 1.1 billion people, including those in the very rural areas of the country who won’t have access to television or newspapers.

Tandan used the advertising approach of the Coca Cola Company to further explain how a culture can effect advertising. In India, he explained, one advertisement showed an ice cold Coke.

While the concept in itself is not much different than U.S. advertisements for the beverage, the one printed in India showed the Coke being kept cold by putting it in the bucket and lowering it into a well.

“Would you ever imagine Coke, an international brand from your country, using that as a piece of advertising here?

No. Because that is alien to you,” Tandan said. “But to be able to understand that you can internationally market a brand by finding different ways of communicating can be huge learning for everyone because I’m sure that Coke wants to sell another 100 million bottles to 100 million Indians.”

While still in the initial stages of planning cooperation between UTPA and MICA, Tandan said he hopes both universities can explore all the areas they can do research in, engage in direct exchanges, participate in joint research proposals and joint book publishing.

Currently, MICA is also in contact with the University of Florida-Tallahassee.

Sandra Gonzalez/The Pan American MARKETING MAN - Atul Tandan, director of the Mudra Institute of

Communications Ahmedabad, visited UTPA Sept. 27 and 28 to speak to students and faculty about marketing in India and possibilities for future academic partnerships.

NEWS

October 5, 2006

Page 5

Cadet ranks as one of best in nation

By LUKE KOONG The Pan American Cameron Anderson, a senior interdisciplinary studies major from Harlingen, was named one of the nation’s top 12 cadets at the Army’s Leadership Development and Assessment Course held in Fort Lewis, Wash.

“To finish as the top guy in the regiment, you’ve got to be a lot better than a lot of really good, bright, physically fit and capable leaders from all across the nation,” said Maj. Andre Dean, a professor of military science and instructor for the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Bronc Battalion.

Anderson and 10 of his peers from the Bronc Battalion went to Fort Lewis for the course. All of them performed exceptionally well, obtaining scores higher than previous years, according to Dean.

“This program rated against all the other programs in the state, based on what our history is and what we’re expected to commission each year, we’re doing better than Texas A&M and UT-Austin,” Dean said. “If you look at the quality of cadet we’re producing, we are well ahead of those guys overall.”

Over 4,193 junior cadets from all over the nation, including the Citadel and Virginia Military Institute attended

the six-week course. Each cadet was placed in one of 12 regiments and at the end of the course were evaluated and ranked by their instructors.

On top of being evaluated on leadership abilities, the cadets were also ranked on physical fitness and peer evaluations.

Anderson said receiving the honor was indicative of the effort he always puts into reaching a goal.

“It felt really relieving because I always set a high standard for myself and if I don’t meet that, I feel like a failure,” Anderson said.

For Anderson, high standards are a

way of life.

“If you become a leader, you have to set certain standards,” he said. “You have to set standards for yourself, because if you don’t meet these standards, you can’t expect your subordinates to try and achieve high standards.”

He attributed his results to the guidance of his instructors and to his life experiences.

Anderson, 22, has one son and a wife of two and a half years. He attended Texas Lutheran University and played football before enlisting in the Army.

Anderson said everything he’s done, good and bad, has been

Onydia Garza/The Pan American DEDICATION - Cadet Cameron Anderson, a senior interdisciplinary studies major from Harlingen, participates in UTPA’s ROTC program training. Anderson was recently named one of the top 12 cadets in the nation.

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instrumental in shaping his character.

“A lot of things have happened in the last five years that have molded my character,” he said. “I don’t do things that I would have done in the past because I’ve seen the results of when you make bad results and how you pay for it.”

He enlisted in the Army and served as a combat medic with the 10th Mountain Infantry. After two years of service, he entered the ROTC program at UTPA, which currently has 61 cadets.

Anderson said he learned a lot from his time in the Army.

Retired Master Sgt. Michael Miles, Anderson’s primary instructor last year, said Anderson’s focus and maturity have been important to his development.

“Anyone who can manage not only being a father of a family, but a full-time student load and ROTC, and do all three of those well, is a step above the norm,” he said.

He also said Anderson excels in all aspects of leadership.

“To pick one out of all of the 23 leadership dimensions that make him a success or failure is unfair because it takes a combination,” Miles said. “Being from a smaller school, people kind of forget there are a lot of quality individuals down here.”

Anderson said being a leader is not something he attempts. Rather, it is a part of him that comes like second nature. “…I think that certain people have dynamic personalities that give them an advantage toward being a leader,” he said. “When I have a task where I’m in charge, I don’t consciously think that I’m a leader.”

During his time at UTPA, Anderson has held a 4.0 GPA. He took 21 hours upon entering the university in July 2005. He will graduate in May with his interdisciplinary studies degree and minors in business administration, military science and kinesiology.

Anderson would like to join the 82nd Airborne Division and eventually enter Special Forces.

EN ESPAÑOL

Noticias en breve: Oct.5 es el último día para registrarse para ser parte o patrocinar a la Asociación de Estudiantes Musulmanes día de Fast-a-ton previsto para Oct. 19.

La campaña marcha hacia conseguir fondos para el alivio de hambre. Aquellos interesados en participar se les pide llamar a Javeria Faroogi al 212-6221.

Cadete Anderson se destaca entre los mejores del país Por LUKE KOONG Traducido Por MERCEDES CANTU The Pan American Cameron Anderson, estudiante de estudios interdisciplinarios de Harlingen, fue nombrado uno de los mejores 12 cadetes de la nación en el Curso de Desarrollo del Liderazgo y Evaluación llevado a cabo en Fort Lewis, Wash.

“Para llegar a ser de los primeros en el regimento, tienes que ser mucho mejor que muchos buenos, inteligentes y capaces lideres de toda la nación,” dijo Maj. Andre Dean, profesor de la ciencia militar e instructor para el Batallon Bronc del Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

Anderson y otros 10 de sus compañeros fueron a Fort Lewis para el curso.

Todos preformaron excepcionalmente bien, con todos ellos recibiendo calificaciones de años pasados, de acuerdo a Dean..

“Este programa fue comparado con otros del estado. Basado en lo que nuestra historia es y lo que se espera de nosotros de comisión cada año, estamos haciendo mejor que Texas A&M y UT-Austin,” dijo Dean.

“Si ves la calidad de cadetes que salen del programa, vamos mas delante de lo demás.”

Más de 4,193 cadetes subalternos de toda la nación, incluyendo del Citadel y Instituto Militar de Virginia asistieron las seis semanas de curso. Cada cadete fue puesto en uno de 12 regimientos y al final del curso fueron evaluados por el instructor.

Además de ser evaluados en habilidades, también fueron clasificados en salud física y evaluaciones por otros cadetes.

Anderson dijo recibir el honor fue indicación del esfuerzo que siempre puso para llegar a la meta. Para Anderson, estándares altos son una forma de vida.

“Si te vuelves un líder, tienes que tener ciertos estándares. Tienes que tenerlos para ti mismo, porque si no los cumples no puedes esperar a que tus subordinados intenten y logren estándares altos,” dijo.

El atribuyo sus resultados a la guía de sus instructores y experiencias.

Anderson, 22, tiene un hijo y un matrimonio de dos años y medio. Atendió a la Universidad Luterana de Texas, y jugo fútbol americano antes de enlistarse al la mili-

tar.

Dijo que todo lo que ha hecho bueno y malo, ha sido instrumental en la formación de su carácter.

“Muchos cosas pasaron en los últimos 5 años, que han moldeado mi carácter,” dijo. “Yo no hago cosas que hubiera hecho en el pasado porque he visto los resultados de cuando tomas malas decisiones y cuanto pagas por ello.”

Se enlisto en el militar y servio como medico de combate con la décima infantería Mountain. Después de dos años de servicio entro al programa de UTPA, ROTC. Anderson dijo que aprendió mucho en el Militar.

Sgto. Master Retirado Michael Miles, instructor primario del ultimo año, dijo que el enfoque y madures de Anderson fueron importantes para su desarrollo.

“Cualquiera que pueda manejar ser padre de familia, ser estudiante de tiempo completo y estar en ROTC al mismo tiempo es fuera de lo común,” dijo.

Anderson dijo que no intenta ser un líder. Envés, es parte de el.

Sam Iglesias/The Pan American EN ATENCION - Cameron Anderson, estudiante de UTPA de Harlingen, fue nombra-

do uno de los mejores 12 cadetes de la nación, después de tomar el curso en Fort Lewis, Washington, con más de 4,193 cadetes de rango inferior de toda la nación.

“Yo creo que ciertas personas tienen personalidades dinámicas que les dan una ventaja para hacer líder,” dijo. “Cuando tengo una tarea en donde estoy encargado, no pienso concientemente que soy un líder.”

Durante su tiempo en UTPA, Anderson a mantenido una calificación de

4.0. Tomo 21 al entrar a la universidad en julio de 2005. Se graduada en Mayo con su titulo de estudios interdisciplinarios, y segunda especialidad en administración, ciencias militares y deportes. Anderson quiere ser parte del 82vo División Airborne y eventualmente entrar a las Fuerzas Especiales.

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PalmFest showcases area’s diverse culture

By ANGELA SALAZAR The Pan American The Rio Grande Valley will be home to the PalmFest International Folklife Celebration this weekend. The festival, created by the City of McAllen, will showcase the blend of cultures found in the Valley in a two-day event Oct. 7 and 8 at Municipal Park on Bicentennial.

Virgina Haynie-Gause, a coordinator for the event, said her interest was sparked by another festival she and her husband, George – a librarian at The University of Texas-Pan American - volunteered for.

“Back in the ‘80s my husband and I were volunteers for the Texas Folklife Festival over an 11-year period. We were introducers for storytellers,” HaynieGause said. “We would go around and see all the stages and we were so impressed with how many ethnic groups were in Texas.”

According to her, although the Valley is predominantly Hispanic, an eclectic mix of people of other cultures, such as Indian (New Delhi), Filipino and

African-American, has come to live here.

“I’m even more impressed to see the present-day Rio Grande Valley to see how many ethnic groups are living here. So the idea was, ‘why don’t we have a South Texas Folklife Festival?’” said HaynieGause The idea for the festival came about through the ideas of many different people and organizations such as Region One. For more information visit www.palmfest.org or contact the city of McAllen.

The festival will include a fajita cook-off and “Lonesome Dove” storytelling presented by the McAllen Heritage Center and the McAllen South Rotary Beach Bash. The McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will be holding “Raices de Mi Cultura.” And, along with these events there will be some entertainment from belly dancers, the South Texas Indian Dancers and local bands.

“This festival has to offer some great

entertainment. We’re not talking about big bands that you knock the fence over about. What we are talking about are our own people. The people who live in the Rio Grande Valley,” Haynie-Gause said.

Acts are coming from South Padre Island, Brownsville and Olmito.

Even though the festival will bring fun and entertainment, it’s goal is also to bring awareness about the fact that there are more cultures around us than we think. The chance to blend cultures and bring them together allows for all to grow and learn and realize the magic of the RGV. “Every once in a while my wife and I have fun. We make a trip around the world without leaving McAllen,” said George Gause, coordinator of PalmFest.

“We’ll go to McAllen. Our first stop will be a Filipino grocery store. Then we’ll go to an African store. Then we go across the street to an Indian grocery store.”

Not knowing that these cultures lie within our reach stifles the ability to reach out and learn and embrace what others may have to offer.

PalmFest International Folklife Celebration Main Attractions

McAllen South Rotary Beach Bash “Lonesome Dove” storytelling Hosted by the McAllen Heritage Center

“Raices de Mi Cultura”

Hosted by the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Fajita Cook-Off Along with these events there will be entertainment from belly dancers, the South Texas Indian Dancers and local bands.

New band to light up Valley stages in near future

By TREY SERNA The Pan American It was a rainy, Sunday afternoon and three of the four members of Valight gathered around a small table inside of Moonbeans.

The band name may not roll smoothly off the tongue or sound familiar, but that might be because it’s a made-up word.

“Val stands for village. To make it a word, we added ‘light,’” said guitarist Alex Daniel Salazar. “So, it basically means light village.”

While other local bands have established themselves in the local scene, Valight is just starting out. The band’s other members are drummer Oscar Andres Margain, guitarist/vocalist Eric Hilmy and Andrew Lazo, on keyboard/backup vocals.

While each member has years of musical experience, the band as a whole has only been together for a mere six weeks.

“We’re pretty busy with work and school, so we’ve been trying to manage our time to practice,” said Salazar.

Salazar, who spent most of his childhood in Baytown, Texas, before moving to the Valley, graduated from The University

Valight HELP WANTED - Valight, a newly-formed RGV band, is still looking for an additional member to join their rock ensemble.

of Texas-Pan American with a finance degree in May 2005. He currently works at Texas State Bank as a supervisor for customer service in the regional operation center.

Margain, originally from Monterrey, Mexico, moved to Iowa after junior high with his sister. He says his parents wanted him to practice his English and allow him a little independence to grow up. Margain

admits it was hard learning a lot of new things at once, and he became somewhat anti-social.

“I really got into music a lot more because of those hard times. I guess it was just the free time I had that led me to music,” he said. “I had always been into music, but that’s when it really took off.”

Margain is currently enrolled at UTPA as a broadcast journalism major. His interest in journalism was ignited in 2001, after the 9/11 attacks.

“I was stuck to the TV and I really started liking news,” said Margain. “That’s when I found my niche in journalism.”

Hilmy’s early childhood was spent in New York, until he moved to the Valley at the age of three. He says in grade school he was caught in the middle ground of fitting in with the “cool kids” and the “nerds.”

“I was lonely by default, not by choice,” said Hilmy, who added that he discovered he enjoyed music when he realized he hated his piano teacher.

“He was just unrealistically structured. You don’t make an 8-year-old kid sit there and go through scales for like nine hours a day,” said Hilmy. “But it was because of him, he kind of forced me to a

breaking point, where I realized I really did like music.”

Hilmy floated around after graduation from the Science Academy before he found his current career in real estate.

“It pays the bills and gives me the ambition and drive I need,” he said. “Now I’m just trying to be a rock star.”

The band says they play mostly cover songs by artists and bands such as U2, James Blunt, Coldplay, Maroon 5, No Doubt and others.

“We’re trying to get cover songs because that’s where the market is. You have to start with something that’s marketable and then make a transition to sneaking one original in there,” said Hilmy. “We hope to make it all originals one day.”

The band is currently looking for a fifth member – a bassist.

“We want someone that fits our influences. Someone who’s inspired to play well,” said Salazar. “We’re not here to just joke around but we also want to have fun.”

In the coming months, Valight hopes to make its debut and begin playing wherever they can get booked. The band will also have a MySpace page up in the near future.

Page 8

Story By: Frank Calvillo

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Graphic Design By: Roy Bazan

October 5, 2006

October 5, 2006

Today’s modern world is filled with many problems.

Dirty politics, adultery and greed are just a few of the many issues circling present-day society. However, did it ever occur to anyone that these problems did not spawn from the modern world we live in today, but have actually been around for a long time?

The University of Texas Pan American’s fall 2006 production of “The Lion in Winter” explores these themes and more. The play tells the story of an aged king and queen who come together at Christmastime in order to determine which of their three sons will inherit the throne when the king dies.

As a result, lying, cheating, backstabbing and manipulation ensue among all the characters.

“The Lion in Winter” is directed by Trey Mikolasky, a UTPA theater lecturer, and will be performed Oct. 4-8 at UTPA’s Albert Jeffers Theatre.

The play was written by well-respected playwright and novelist James Goldman, whose works include the plays “They Might be Giants” and “Blood, Sweat & Stanley Poole,” as well as the novels “Myself as Witness,” “Waldorf” and “The Man from Greek and Roman.”

Mikolasky, a graduate of Texas Tech, believes that many of the play’s themes are echoed in today’s world.

“Greed for sure is big in the play as well as vanity and wrath, and of course gluttony of power,” he said. “There are people trying to backstab and overthrow each other by planning and scheming.”

UTPA sophomore Jonathan Torres, who plays King Henry in the production, describes the play differently.

“It’s a classic that’s just as twisted as the craziest novella but with some amazing wit and beautiful dialogue, as well as an emotional tale of one family’s struggle to regain some measure of their lost love,” said the performance major.

The production itself has been a challenge to take charge of, according to stage manager Rachel Matthews, a senior TV/film major. Matthews was also stage manager for “The Last Virgin from Las Vegas,” which was performed in the spring.

“There is a ton of work going into this show. In terms of hours, every cast member will leave this show having put in

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

at least 90 hours of rehearsal time,” Matthews said. “This is not including the countless hours put in to building sets, sewing costumes, makings props, setting lights, designing sound, and the thousand other jobs that go in to putting on a play.”

One big problem for the production team was handling multiple cast changes, including recasting the lead shortly after rehearsal began.

“We had cast changes two weeks before the show, which would typically seem disastrous,” Matthews said.

“Fortunately we have incredibly talented actors working on this play and it would be a challenge for anyone to determine who has been working on the play since the beginning and who started working two weeks ago.”

Regardless of who gets cast in what role, people will be watching the actors more closely than in most other plays.

The reason for this is that “The Lion in Winter” is not only a famous Broadway play, but also a 1968 Academy-award winning film.

“The Lion in Winter” will be playing at the Jeffers Theatre from Oct. 4-7 at 8 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m.

The film starred cinematic legends Katherine Hepburn, Peter O’Toole, Timothy Dalton (in his film debut) and a very young Anthony Hopkins. A critical and financial success, the film garnered Oscar nominations for best actor, picture, director, costume design, screenplay, score and actress, winning in the latter three categories.

In 2003, the often controversial cable network Showtime produced a telefilm remake of the classic play, starring multiple Oscar nominee Glenn Close and “Star Trek” alum Patrick Stewart.

Just like its predecessor, the 2003 version proved to be a hit, scoring high in ratings as well as with critics. The film also ended up garnering a half-dozen Emmy nominations for best actress, directing and made-for-TV-movie among others, and eventually took home a statue for best costuming.

It is hard to know whether those who attend UTPA’s pro-

Page 9

duction of the classic play will be comparing it to one or perhaps both of the highly regarded film versions.

However, the cast and crew do admit that the film versions have helped in preparation for the demanding production.

Torres, who recently wowed audiences as Dr. Frankenfurter in last year’s studio production of “The Rocky Horror Show,” admits to watching the films in order to find a way to shape the character he is portraying.

“I did end up watching both films, but with my director’s guidance I hope that we have made this character my own and that I can do this epic role some justice,” Torres said.

Matthews also said that the film versions were useful tools in getting the current production together, from many different aspects.

“The movies have helped our prop master and cut her research time in half by showing us exactly what a person might drink out of or what kind of chair they might sit on in the year 1183,” Matthews said. “It also helped us with some of the pronunciations we couldn’t find online. There are quite a few names of French towns and French words that we would have garbled completely if not for the movies.”

However, Mikolasky, who had seen the 1968 version years before, felt there was no need for any repeat viewing, and insisted that this production all came from his actors’ own perspectives.

“There’s nothing specific that I took from the film.

Instead, I let the actors make their own decisions on how they should perform their characters,” he said.

Despite having to follow a successful run on Broadway and two award-winning film versions, Mikolasky hopes that UTPA’s “The Lion in Winter” will be thought-provoking for the audience.

“I want them to realize that this is all an idea of what the author thinks could have happened in the times of kings and queens and that some problems are truly universal,” he said.

So, as a classic line from the play states, “In a world where carpenters get resurrected, everything is possible.”

Page 8

Story By: Frank Calvillo

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Graphic Design By: Roy Bazan

October 5, 2006

October 5, 2006

Today’s modern world is filled with many problems.

Dirty politics, adultery and greed are just a few of the many issues circling present-day society. However, did it ever occur to anyone that these problems did not spawn from the modern world we live in today, but have actually been around for a long time?

The University of Texas Pan American’s fall 2006 production of “The Lion in Winter” explores these themes and more. The play tells the story of an aged king and queen who come together at Christmastime in order to determine which of their three sons will inherit the throne when the king dies.

As a result, lying, cheating, backstabbing and manipulation ensue among all the characters.

“The Lion in Winter” is directed by Trey Mikolasky, a UTPA theater lecturer, and will be performed Oct. 4-8 at UTPA’s Albert Jeffers Theatre.

The play was written by well-respected playwright and novelist James Goldman, whose works include the plays “They Might be Giants” and “Blood, Sweat & Stanley Poole,” as well as the novels “Myself as Witness,” “Waldorf” and “The Man from Greek and Roman.”

Mikolasky, a graduate of Texas Tech, believes that many of the play’s themes are echoed in today’s world.

“Greed for sure is big in the play as well as vanity and wrath, and of course gluttony of power,” he said. “There are people trying to backstab and overthrow each other by planning and scheming.”

UTPA sophomore Jonathan Torres, who plays King Henry in the production, describes the play differently.

“It’s a classic that’s just as twisted as the craziest novella but with some amazing wit and beautiful dialogue, as well as an emotional tale of one family’s struggle to regain some measure of their lost love,” said the performance major.

The production itself has been a challenge to take charge of, according to stage manager Rachel Matthews, a senior TV/film major. Matthews was also stage manager for “The Last Virgin from Las Vegas,” which was performed in the spring.

“There is a ton of work going into this show. In terms of hours, every cast member will leave this show having put in

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

at least 90 hours of rehearsal time,” Matthews said. “This is not including the countless hours put in to building sets, sewing costumes, makings props, setting lights, designing sound, and the thousand other jobs that go in to putting on a play.”

One big problem for the production team was handling multiple cast changes, including recasting the lead shortly after rehearsal began.

“We had cast changes two weeks before the show, which would typically seem disastrous,” Matthews said.

“Fortunately we have incredibly talented actors working on this play and it would be a challenge for anyone to determine who has been working on the play since the beginning and who started working two weeks ago.”

Regardless of who gets cast in what role, people will be watching the actors more closely than in most other plays.

The reason for this is that “The Lion in Winter” is not only a famous Broadway play, but also a 1968 Academy-award winning film.

“The Lion in Winter” will be playing at the Jeffers Theatre from Oct. 4-7 at 8 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 8 at 2 p.m.

The film starred cinematic legends Katherine Hepburn, Peter O’Toole, Timothy Dalton (in his film debut) and a very young Anthony Hopkins. A critical and financial success, the film garnered Oscar nominations for best actor, picture, director, costume design, screenplay, score and actress, winning in the latter three categories.

In 2003, the often controversial cable network Showtime produced a telefilm remake of the classic play, starring multiple Oscar nominee Glenn Close and “Star Trek” alum Patrick Stewart.

Just like its predecessor, the 2003 version proved to be a hit, scoring high in ratings as well as with critics. The film also ended up garnering a half-dozen Emmy nominations for best actress, directing and made-for-TV-movie among others, and eventually took home a statue for best costuming.

It is hard to know whether those who attend UTPA’s pro-

Page 9

duction of the classic play will be comparing it to one or perhaps both of the highly regarded film versions.

However, the cast and crew do admit that the film versions have helped in preparation for the demanding production.

Torres, who recently wowed audiences as Dr. Frankenfurter in last year’s studio production of “The Rocky Horror Show,” admits to watching the films in order to find a way to shape the character he is portraying.

“I did end up watching both films, but with my director’s guidance I hope that we have made this character my own and that I can do this epic role some justice,” Torres said.

Matthews also said that the film versions were useful tools in getting the current production together, from many different aspects.

“The movies have helped our prop master and cut her research time in half by showing us exactly what a person might drink out of or what kind of chair they might sit on in the year 1183,” Matthews said. “It also helped us with some of the pronunciations we couldn’t find online. There are quite a few names of French towns and French words that we would have garbled completely if not for the movies.”

However, Mikolasky, who had seen the 1968 version years before, felt there was no need for any repeat viewing, and insisted that this production all came from his actors’ own perspectives.

“There’s nothing specific that I took from the film.

Instead, I let the actors make their own decisions on how they should perform their characters,” he said.

Despite having to follow a successful run on Broadway and two award-winning film versions, Mikolasky hopes that UTPA’s “The Lion in Winter” will be thought-provoking for the audience.

“I want them to realize that this is all an idea of what the author thinks could have happened in the times of kings and queens and that some problems are truly universal,” he said.

So, as a classic line from the play states, “In a world where carpenters get resurrected, everything is possible.”

A&E

Page 10

October 5, 2006

Sushi bar, lounge updates McAllen’s restaurant scene

By LESLIE ESTRADA The Pan American A great atmosphere and delicious food is what Valleyites will experience when visiting ONYX, a new restaurant and lounge which opened in June, located on 2901 N. 10th St. in McAllen.

“We offer contemporary cuisine, which means something fresh and unique to the Valley,” said Oscar Garcia, general manager of the eatery.

“Our environment, our ambiance and our food are different to anything the Valley has offered in the past.”

People who have visited the restaurant seem to agree.

“They have good food, great décor and a nice selection of wine,” said customer Mario Elizondo. “The place is just beautiful, and you have the choice to go out to the patio to enjoy the music which is very relaxing.”

According to Garcia, who oversees all of the establishment’s duties including employee supervising, Chef Rod Sepulveda and owner Michael Aguilar are the ones who came up with the idea and the concept of the restaurant.

“Mike is a very important factor

when deciding what goes in the menu. He just knows exactly how everything works,” Garcia said. “Our food is like a fusion of Latin and Asian flavors. Rod really knows how to mix them together.”

ONYX also offers its customers a sushi bar that stays open until 2 am.

“It’s different in that you can actually come out and have something to eat late,” said Garcia.

This alternative is great for students like Manuel Galvan, a junior manufacturing englineering major, who has visited the restaurant.

“It is great to have this option,” Galvan said. “We can actually enjoy something fresh and very appealing late at night, instead of being limited only to fast food restaurants.”

Something that differentiates ONYX from other places is the ambiance and service.

“We try to offer service that isn’t typically seen in the area,” said Garcia. “Most people are used to corporate-style service. We try to step it up and make the experience more enjoyable for the guests.”

Not only will patrons enjoy great food and service, the décor is also amazing. Garcia said that was done by Eli Olivarez, who was

responsible for picking all the color schemes, art and furniture of the place.

After enjoying dinner, customers can stay at the bar and enjoy music - which is a fusion of modern Brazilian, samba and electric beats while having some of their favorite drinks.

“People can come and enjoy a great martini while listening to the mixture of styles we offer,” Garcia said. “We try to keep it upbeat, but not so loud.”

Garcia said that ONYX is pricier than most restaurants, but the quality of the service and food is worth it.

“We are not serving things out of a frozen bag,” said Garcia. “Our fish and products are flown in from Oregon and the Philippines.”

Garcia invites everyone to go and enjoy the experience, as they will cater their guests’ needs.

“I’ll definitely bend over backwards to take care of anybody that has a specific need,” said Garcia.

“Whether it is removing something from their dish or getting them a particular bottle of wine.”

ONYX is going through a little remodeling, but is still open every day to the public.

Moses Garcia/ The Pan American CLASSY DINING - With its unique atmosphere and elegant ambiance, the ONYX sushi bar and lounge adds to the diverse quality of eateries in the Valley.

A BUNCH OF BULL - Johnny Knoxville and the rest of the gang return for a second outing in “Jackass Number Two.”

Everyone’s favorite group of daredevils returns for “Jackass Number Two”

By BRIAN CARR The Pan American The catalyst of the MTV series “Jackass” and its subsequent movie installments was an article pitch to skate magazine “Big Brother” by budding free-lance journalist and part time actor Phillip John Clapp.

The article, titled “Self Defense Test,” had a simple albeit dangerous premise. Clapp would spray himself in the face with pepper spray, be Tazered with two different implements and finally shoot himself with a .38-caliber handgun while wearing a bulletproof vest. He then wrote about the effects of each self-defense instrument on the human body.

Clapp died during the “Big Brother”requested filming of the field research.

Fortunately for fans of the brand of comedy the project produced, he was immediately reborn as Johnny Knoxville.

“Jackass: Number Two” is the second full-length feature-film to come from the marriage of the Johnny Knoxville crew and Bam Margera’s “Camp Kill Yourself.” The first blockbuster outing, aptly titled “Jackass: The Movie” was a wildly successful film, garnering fans the world over. Its sequel picked up $28.1 million in its weekend release, making it the number one movie in America despite the film’s $11.8 million price tag.

The premise of “Number Two” is exactly the same as the original. Pseudo-stunt men Knoxville and company try to nearly kill themselves for your amusement.

But what has changed from the debut is the level of fame attained by cast and crew.

Margera and Dunn have found success with their MTV spin-off “Viva la Bam.” Steve-O and Pontius have done well with their show “Wild Boys.” And Knoxville has established himself as a mediocre yet moneymaking

movie star.

In fact everyone associated with the first release has achieved some amount of fame.

Clearly this should have an effect of maturation on the borderline psychotic cast, who should no doubt tone down their antics in hopes of maintaining their safety and furthering their careers. Right? Wrong.

The major players in the “Jackass” army have taken the reverse response to stardom, seemingly reducing their inhibitions in the hopes of dismissing all ideas that Hollywood may have made them soft.

This is most apparent in the project’s biggest star Knoxville, who in Rod Serling fashion is the voice of the franchise, as well as its chief creator. In this latest outing he punches a bear trap, is nearly killed while strapped to a giant rocket, and is bitten twice by an Anaconda in a bit called “Snake Ball Pit.” Opening with an epic bull stampede, the film quickly establishes itself as the original’s equal.

Over the course of the 95-minute neodocumentary, members of the cast sip horse semen, drink beer with their asses, and glue male pubic hair to their faces. Margera gets a penis branded onto his buttocks. Dunn freezes his scrotum to an ice sculpture of a horse.

But for all the idiotic and juvenile impulses of the cast, there is a foundation of genius at the core.

Millionaires several times over, the eternal sophomores have found a way to capitalize on their freewheeling pastimes, videotaping gross exaggerations of their everyday behavior.

In a crude way it is a broken return to the birth of cinema, and it parallels important footage like the Lumiere Brothers’ 1895 film “Train Arrival in the Station of La Ciotat.”

Fans of “Jackass,” however, may notice a lack of chemistry in the cast, but the end result is hilarious all the same.

NEWS

October 5, 2006

Page 11

WATER continued from page 1 that the problem is being addressed.

“The yellowing is rust from the hot water heater which we are currently trying to clean,” Villarreal said. “This problem does not affect the cold water or drinking fountains, and while this is not a desirable supply, we are taking immediate measures to correct this problem.”

While maintenance staff on campus are working to fix the problem, Dutschmann has had difficulty proving her discovery.

“I was told that there was nothing wrong with the water,” Dutschmann said.

“Even when I contacted the Environmental Health and Safety office, their response to the problem was to question me.”

Dutschmann has documented and saved samples of the yellow water. When officials first visited the office, she was able to provide them with a small white Styrofoam cup filled with all the evidence she needed.

“They all seemed quite surprised that I had actual samples with the date and time collected,” said Dutschmann.

“Experience has taught me that if you can't prove it, then it didn’t happen.”

Physical Plant staff has visited the dean’s suite multiple times to address the issue, and as of Tuesday, had posted a sign informing those using the kitchen sink that the hot water is out of service.

“We attempted to flush the hot water lines Monday night, and while we got better results, we continue to show some traces of sediment in the water,” said Villarreal. “We have decided to temporarily isolate the hot water in the building in an effort to change water heaters.”

Physical Plant is currently working with the dean’s office, Environmental

Health and Safety and other administrative offices to ensure that water will be safe to use for making coffee and oatmeal once again.

“We hope to have this problem resolved quickly,” said Villarreal.

Villarreal asks that those affected remain patient as the situation is being dealt with.

“I have asked the Environmental Health and Safety office to assist us in monitoring conditions so that we can assure everyone that there will be no cause for concern with these conditions while we make repairs,” said Villarreal.

process. Garrett never received a copy of Reidhead’s evaluation before his tenuretrack evaluation folder was passed on to then Provost for Academic Affairs Rodolfo Arevalo, which is a violation of the HOP. In addition, it is unclear as to whether or not Reidhead forgot to give Garrett a copy or if he did not do a review at all, Freeman suggested.

Arevalo accepted the folder and passed it on to Cardenas with a letter recommending Garrett’s dismissal, according to Freeman. If true, not only was it a violation of policy when Arevalo denied Garrett a chance to appeal his negative review, but also when Arevalo passed on the folder the same day to Cardenas.

Freeman added that Arevalo sent the folder and recommendation for dismissal to Cardenas on Dec. 14, 2005, one day before the deadline to notify a faculty member of their termination if they are to be dismissed at the end of the following spring semester. As a result, Cardenas issued a letter of dismissal to Garrett the same day she received his evaluation folder, according to Freeman.

“With Cardenas acting on the recommendation on exactly the same day that Arevalo did, she denied him the opportunity, not only to appeal Arevalo’s decision and her decision, she also denied him the chance to have the University Tenure Committee convene,” Freeman said.

Garrett, did not learn of his firing until Dec. 21.

wrongful discharge against the State of Oklahoma and the Board of Regents for Oklahoma Colleges.

In the end, a jury found members of the administration and Board of Regents liable. Regents later appealed the decision and it was overturned. However, for some members of the administration, the previous judgment remained.

PAUF continued from page 1 due to what was later found to be a clerical error.

Once the error was fixed, however, Garrett was still not paid. By late October, Garrett enlisted the help of Van Reidhead, dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Together, they attempted to find out about the delay in payment, but received no definite answers.

In his frustration, Garrett allegedly began expressing himself around the department. Specifically, his comments were noted on two separate occasions. In one instance, an unnamed witness said they heard Garrett loudly express his frustration while in a colleague’s office, quoting him as saying he was so mad he “could kill someone,” according to Freeman.

However, Freeman also added that the colleague claims they never heard the statement.

“The whole thing was nonspecific anyway. The person who reported that said Terry had not identified anyone,” Freeman said. “If we have anyone on campus threatening to kill somebody on campus, that should be taken seriously, there is no doubt about that. But if someone says ‘I’m so angry I could kill somebody,’ I’m sorry but that’s a figure of speech.”

Shortly after, a complaint was made by students to Reidhead about Garrett’s statements and the two met to discuss the matter. Immediately following Garrett’s explanation to Reidhead of what had transpired, Garrett was given a letter of reprimand, according to Freeman.

“The belief is that this wasn’t something that Dean Reidhead did on his own initiative,” Freeman said.

In response to the reprimand, Garrett filed a grievance against Reidhead, who had no comment about the situation. Garrett charged that he did not have a chance to give a proper explanation as Reidhead had the letter written before he was called into the office for the meeting. Aldridge said it was the context of the letter that was most trou-

bling since it did not give Garrett the benefit of the doubt.

“In the letter, there was no question in the mind of who wrote it that this person had done something wrong, as opposed to being misunderstood,” Aldridge said.

In addition, Garrett charged that the letter of reprimand referred to statements and allegations made by unnamed sources, which is a violation of university policy, Texas state law and UT Regent’s Rules. Section 7 of the rules states it is required that the employee being accused must be informed “either in person or in writing…[of] the names of any persons who have made statements about the disciplinary incident.”

Garrett soon completed the steps required to request the meeting of a University Grievance Committee, a request that was later denied by President Blandina Cardenas, according to Freeman.

Under the university’s governing Handbook of Operating Procedures (HOP), if all steps and requirements were fulfilled, Garrett should have been given a chance to meet with the committee. Freeman said to his knowledge, everything was done correctly and in his view Garrett was wrongly denied the committee meeting.

TENURE SIDE-TRACKED Around the same time, Garrett was up for annual tenure-track evaluation.

During this process, faculty members are given letters from several levels of peer faculty and administrators assessing their performance on a number of levels, prominently including teaching, research and service.

At any level during those evaluations, a faculty member by rule is allowed an opportunity to appeal a negative review as long as it is made within 10 days of receipt, according to HOP 6.2.6. In addition, a folder cannot be passed on to the next level sooner than 10 days after review unless the faculty member who is being evaluated approves.

According to Freeman, several violations occurred during Garrett’s review

HISTORY REPEATED? This is not the first time Garrett has been involved in a suit against a university. Following his dismissal from his previous post at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, Garrett sued several administrators alleging that they fired him from his position as a tenure-track assistant professor because he exercised free speech, according to papers obtained by The Pan American.

The suit stemmed from a 1999 incident where Garrett reported fire and safety hazards to the state fire marshal.

In addition to his lawsuit against SWOSU, he asserted a state-law claim of

ADMINISTRATION RESPONSE Because UTPA has an appeals process over which Cardenas often has final say, Carol Rausch, assistant to the president, said no comment could be made concerning the personnel matter.

“The reasoning is twofold; to assure the integrity of the process and to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the individuals involved,” Rausch said in a statement to The Pan American. “Rest assured, that the president makes every decision with the best interests of the university as a whole, faculty, staff and especially, current and future students.”

However, Arevalo, now the president at Eastern Washington University, said he doesn’t recall the incident.

“I wish I could help you, but I don’t remember,” Arevalo said in a phone interview.

THE BIG PICTURE At the time of the decision to fire Garrett, The Pan American United Faculty, a faculty advocacy group of whom Garrett was a member, was aware of the situation, according to Aldridge.

However, they took no action. While Freeman says Garrett was left “twisting in the wind” by his Master’s of Public Administration program, Aldridge said PAUF has its own reasoning for separating themselves.

“We, Pan American United Faculty, at that time made a strategic, conscious decision to hold back our public reaction because we assumed the president would straighten it out,” Aldridge said.

But for Aldridge, Garrett’s firing is in the past, and must remain so.

“We’re looking to the future. If the

See FACULTY page 12

DRIVING continued from page 1 student, professional, family, and nightclub/bar venue card memberships, which allow clubs and bars to provide free rides to its customers, and white-glove service memberships, which allow clients to ride around town all night.

A tipsy client, or someone else sober enough to dial, can call (210) 4440008 to request a ride home. PointZero8 then sends two drivers, one to drive the client in the client’s car, and the other to follow in another car behind them.

Groleau says he plans to respond to calls within 30 minutes.

Currently, PointZero8 covers anyone within Interstate 35 to Interstate 10 and downtown to Loop 1604. Drivers offer rides from 5 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Although PointZero8 has only been in operation for a month, Groleau says he hopes to expand.

“There is no question about it, I’m definitely hoping we can serve more people in San Antonio,” he said. “If it were up to me, we’d be all over Texas right now so that we can build our business and educate more people.”

PointZero8’s service area doesn’t reach the Rio Grande Valley, but some such as Ana Verley, victim advocate for Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s regional office, think it’s a good idea.

Verley said that the organization is always in favor of alternative methods of transportation such as PointZero8.

“We don’t endorse any particular organization, but we applaud whatever methods people use to keep intoxicated persons from getting behind the wheel,” she said.

Verley added that MADD is not an organization that promotes prohibitionist ways, but one that promotes responsibility.

“Our mission is to one day have a nation without drunk driving, and we think this service helps us work toward that.”

Mack Liao, a fine arts graduate student who recently moved to Edinburg from Phoenix, Ariz., says that while he might not benefit from the service because he is a very responsible drinker, some of his friends might.

“I know here in the Valley, a lot of times you have to travel long distances to go to bars and clubs,” he said. “I think a service like this would definitely provide a safety net for those who enjoy drinking but don’t want to drive drunk.”

Alma Quezada, a freshman English major from Edinburg, says that she is neither for or against PointZero8’s concept, but that she feels more options are always a good thing.

“Even if you don’t use the service, it helps that it’s available,” she said. “If there is a solution for drunk driving, it must be accessible to everyone, and it must be cheap.”

NEWS

Page 12

CONCERT continued from page 3 enough to have the insurance. So, I want to speak on their behalf.”

Gutierrez organized a concert, held Oct. 3, that featured the international group Reyli, and Tejano artists Bobby Pulido and Ramon Ayala.

The concert went along with a dinner provided by Crucita’s Kitchen. All proceeds went directly to help people in the Valley and surrounding districts in Mexico.

Monica Obregon, a sophomore accounting major at The University of Texas-Pan American, said she thinks Gutierrez’s contribution to the Rio Grande

Valley is admirable.

“It’s a stepping stone for the many families suffering with cancer who are without medical insurance,” she said.

“Any help is better than no help.”

Angela Garcia, a sophomore business major, said she is sure the concert helped many.

“I think the concert is a good idea because many people in the Rio Grande Valley need as much help as they can get,” Garcia said.

Any person interested in donating is encouraged to call Gutierrez at (956) 212-4497.

October 5, 2006

OUTDOORS continued from page 3

EDUCATION continued from page 3

rent mailing list is in the 140s.

“I am in it because in high school I was in the Venture Crew. It was like a coed Boy Scouts, so I was like hey I guess I will join this club because they are going to go camping,” said Tabitah Arze, a junior biology major from Weslaco and club historian.

The main purpose of the organization is to bring the joy of the outdoors to campus and to allow students to experience what nature is like in a safe manner.

“You learn skills here and the experience of just being outside and relaxing and not having to worry about other

stuff,” said Kennedy.

Their next activity will be a day of paintball called Fall Shoot Out on Oct. 21 at McAllen Paintball Future trips include skydiving at South Padre Island and a campout onboard aircraft carrier USS Lexington in Corpus Christi.

Membership into the Outdoor Expedition Club is still open and no dues will be required this semester.

The Outdoor Expedition Club holds meetings every Thursday at noon in COAS room 180. All interested are welcome to attend.

ty surrounding the firing, Aldridge said he remains positive about the future of the university.

“The people who are most baffled by it are the ones who are most optimistic about the future of the university, that includes me,” he said. “Everything was going so well. How could something like this be happening? That’s the way I think many, many, many of us are feeling.”

Croyle says she too continues to support Reidhead and Cardenas because of the positive things they have done.

“If I saw them as sneaky, underhanded and malicious, everything would make sense. However, I see them both as open, reasonable, bright people who are trying to do their best for the university, students and faculty,” she said. “In that context, the events of this case really make no sense at all.”

In a best-case scenario, Aldridge said he wishes the Faculty Senate would examine the situation, propose what needs to be done to fix it, and that this action would be followed by the administration enthusiastically endorsing it.

However, he feels unsure if that will transpire.

“A year ago, I would have told you that is the most likely thing to happen. Now, I don’t have any idea,” he said. “As we stand now, there is nothing to stop this from happening tomor-

row. And that needs to be fixed.”

enrollment and students services, said in the recent Student Government Association “State of the Student Body” address that allowing students who owe the university money to register again helped keep the retention numbers up and continue modest growth.

Edwards noted that some students had been barred from registration in the past for owing fees that were as little as $1 in some cases.

“Since we’ve put this new program in place many former students returned, 161 students were re-admitted to the university,” said Edwards, adding that his office would continue to look at programs around campus that can be modified to make them more successful.

Edwards claimed that there are currently 17,340 enrolled and paid students at UTPA, partly as a result of the new policy.

“We found that instead of barring students from registering for classes, we put a hold on their transcripts and more students stayed here at the university,” said Edwards in his speech.

McMillan added that trying to balance affordability and quality is often a juggling act.

Semester credit hours, which the university depends on for funding, were up three percent from this time last year and Edwards said more students were enrolling in more hours and saving thousands.

According to Edwards, 96 percent of the entering freshman class is enrolled in school full-time and 47 percent already had college hours when they started, up from 25 percent in 2000.

A program known as “supplemental instruction,” or SI, where an aide facilitates sessions in correspondence with traditionally difficult courses such as math.

Students labeled as “high risk” by the university go to the sessions for one hour twice a week. Currently SI has 1,500 students involved.

“We looked at classes that students were struggling with or that had high drop numbers and offered additional help for the students enrolled in these classes,” said McMillan.

FACULTY continued from page 11 person involved wanted to keep his job here and wanted to make a fight of it, we would be doing this on his behalf. But that’s not so much an issue anymore as trying to figure out what the status of the university is and fixing it,” he said.

“We’re trying to see if this happened because existing policies were violated or if we need new policies.”

Dora Saavedra, chair of the Faculty Senate and associate professor of communication, agrees, saying what happened is in the past.

“We’re looking to safeguard the rights of non-tenured faculty in the future,” she said.

Aldridge added that considering the sensitive position of tenure-track faculty, union officials want to make sure these faculty are protected as much as possible.

“It is true that untenured faculty are in a probationary status, and there is nothing wrong with that. But there is an assumption that in terms of the culture of college professors, that if someone is fired, it’s going to be because of their performance,” he said.

Kristin Croyle, an assistant professor of psychology and anthropology, says she hopes the incident is a one-time happening.

“What I am concerned about is that, since this case appears to be so senseless, that there is potential for it to

occur again without warning,” the tenure-track faculty member said. “That fact that it could occur is so scary that, whether or not it will occur again in the future, we have to assume that it continues to be a possibility.”

Aldridge added that PAUF is trying to find out on what grounds, specifically, tenure-track faculty members can be dismissed.

“If people can be fired over things completely unrelated to their performance, and if they can be fired using procedures that don’t seem much of an improvement over witch hunts, then everybody is in trouble,” he said.

The firing of Garrett, according to Aldridge, has made him appreciate his tenure status.

“I had always thought that tenure was overrated as protection. I no longer think that,” he said. “This would have been much harder to do to a tenured faculty member. It has made me much more appreciative of the whole tenure system.”

In addition, Aldridge said the university may be the ones to suffer the most as news of such events could deter new faculty from coming to UTPA. “It would deter me,” he said.

POSITIVE THINKING However, despite the lack of clari-

HOP RESPONDS Since the incident, while administrators have not said much, they have inadvertently responded by making proposed revisions and additions to the Handbook of Operating Procedures.

The two policies, HOP 7.7.2 on the dismissal of employees and HOP 4.12.1 on the prohibition of acts or threats of violence on campus, were proposed to the President’s Council on Sept. 25.

“I think these things, may be responses from the administration to the situation,” Saavedra said. “But as a faculty senate chair, I need to make sure I voice the concerns of the faculty about being included in the review process.”

At the meeting, Saavedra was allowed to request the tabling of the two policies and the Faculty Senate is currently reviewing them.

Cathy Vale, coordinator of policy and planning analysis, said once revised, they will go through a lengthy process to become HOP policies. However, if or when they are, the university community will be informed.

“It is my job to make sure that if someone has a revisions, it goes to the right place and everybody gets to see it,” she said. “Everything we do (with the HOP) is out in the open.”

The Law Offices of Daniel S. López, P.C. DWI LICENSE SUSPENSION OCCUPATIONAL LICENSE BOND REDUCTION MISDEMEANORS Call (956) 424-1600 to find out whether you are a candidate for a reduction to a lesser offense.

October 5, 2006

SPORTS

SPORTS CLIPBOARD Lady Broncs end fall season in 13th place at ORU Shootout Team looking forward to spring season The UTPA women’s golf team concluded its fall season at the Oral Roberts University’s Shootout, where the Lady Broncs finished 13th overall on Tuesday.

The Lady Broncs finished with a three-round tally of 986 (334-327-325) and were led by junior Elizabeth Rodriguez, who concluded the tournament with a 54-hole total of 238 (78-80-80) en route to earning 25th-place accolades.

Sophomore Mariale Camey posted a score of 248 (82-84-82) while finishing 54th overall.

Teammate and Rio Grande Valley native Rebecca de Leon finished 60th overall at the ORU Shootout with a tournament total of 250 (86-84-80).

Bronwyn Sandberg finished with a three-round score of 254 (92-79-83), as the UTPA sophomore earned 68th-place laurels, while freshman My Bark posted a score of 257 (88-85-84) for 69thplace overall.

Missouri State captured the team championship with a team score of 913, while Arkansas State (921), Oral Roberts University (926), The University of Texas-El Paso (933), and McNeese State (933) rounded out the top five. UTEP golfer Gerina Martinez claimed the tournament title with a three-round tally of 214 at the ORU Shootout.

The Lady Broncs will begin their spring season at the Islander Spring Classic hosted by Texas A&M-Corpus Christi on Feb. 26.

UTPA Sports Information

Page 13

SPORTS

Page 14

October 5, 2006

Bronc Soccer Club adds notch to its belt

By PATRICK KENNEDY The Pan American The men’s Bronc Soccer Club may be in for a sweet treat at the end of the month. The treat won’t come from Halloween, but from an invite to the Collegiate Club Soccer Association’s Texas Region IV tournament.

The continuing advent of The University of Texas-Pan American men’s Bronc Soccer Club as a behemoth of the regional soccer world continued, as an untimely forfeit by the San Antonio College Soccer Club gave UTPA the number-one spot in the Lone Star South Division. Whoever holds the top spot in the division by the end of the next two weeks of play will find themselves packing bags for a trip to San Marcos, where they will square off with the top 12 teams in the state.

“They just told me that they didn’t have enough players to play us,” said Soccer Club President Luis Aguirre, a junior criminal justice major, in reference to why San Antonio College failed to present itself for battle Saturday. Because of their absence, San Antonio College handed away an automatic victory to the Broncs, whose lead in the division was extended to three games.

To maintain that lead, the Broncs will have to defeat three more opponents this season. The first matchup will be against their arch-rival, The University of Texas-San Antonio, on Oct. 8. UTSA currently sits third in the division. The second game will be against Texas A&MKingsville (tied for last place in the division) Oct. 14 in Kingsville. The third contest will feature the Broncs against The University of Texas-Brownsville (second place) in Brownsville Oct. 15.

If the undefeated Broncs keep up their stamina and playing ability, these teams could be on the receiving end of a Bronc one-two punch that will land UTPA in San Marcos Oct. 27. UTPA’s chances of being knocked out of the running for the tournament late this month are slim, but there are two scenarios that would have to occur for such a debacle: The Broncs have to lose every game from here on out, and either UTSA or UTB has to win two of their next three games. The odds are favorable for UTPA, but an upset cannot completely be ruled out, which is why the Bronc team members are adamant about practicing hard.

Time is running out, and the race to be the best in the division is on. As of right now, UTPA is tied with Texas Tech University for the highest score in the

region, with Southern Methodist University right on their heels. All three of these teams could be facing off against each other in just a matter of weeks. They will be fighting for much more than just a regional championship. The top two teams in the tournament will receive bids to compete in the National IntramuralRecreational Sports Association’s National Soccer Tournament.

The UTPA Women’s Bronc Soccer Club also tasted its first victories on Sunday with the forfeit of two games by Tarleton State University. The two teams were prepping hard for the upcoming match when a member of Tarleton’s soccer team was seriously injured in an automobile accident Friday night. In a show of solidarity, the team opted to stay at the hospital and not attend the match. Tarleton team members declined to comment, but wished the Lady Broncs the best of luck.

The forfeit this past weekend seriously improves the standings of the Lady Bronc Soccer Club. They were formerly tied for last place in the division, but hopes for attending the Women’s Region IV Tournament in San Marcos at the end of the month are now in sight. Their win this past Sunday puts them only a few points behind the division’s undefeated front runner, Rice University, a foe that they will

SOCCER STANDINGS LONE STAR SOUTH DIVISION Mens Team UTPA UTSA TAMK SAC UTB

Wins 5 1 0 0 2

Losses Ties 0 0 1 0 2 1 3 1 2 0

Points 15 3 1 1 6

Women’s 2nd Division Team RU SHSU UTPA Tarleton LU

Wins 2 0 0 0 1

Losses Ties 0 0 0 2 1 1 1 1 1 2

have to take on this Saturday in Edinburg at 1 p.m.

Both the men’s and women’s soccer teams are practicing hard for their upcoming matches. As the end of the season

Points 6 2 1 1 5

draws near, hopes for success continue to rise. The end of October may see both UTPA soccer teams in a regional tournament vying for the chance to compete nationally.

Cross country improves at Cowboy Jamboree

By RACHEL REIDA The Pan American

Onydia Garza/The Pan American RUNNING WITH THE PACK - Senior Sharon Toroitich (left) paces herself with sophomore Rose Escovedo as they run during pratice.

The University of Texas-Pan American cross country team has returned to the Rio Grande Valley after a long trip to Stillwater, Okla., and the Cowboy Jamboree at Oklahoma State University.

The top finisher for the Lady Broncs was senior Falfurrias native Ashley Perez. She finished the 5K race with a time of 19 minutes, 33 seconds to get her a school-high finish of 44th place.

“Ashley had a solid performance,” commented Coach Ricky Vaughn. “The women had a great race. They only had about 45 seconds between the first-place runner and the sixth-place runner. It shows how well they worked as a team.”

Work as a team is what they did, for the Lady Broncs finished the meet 12th place overall.

Other top finishers included sophomores Rose Escovedo, and Sonya Rivera.

Escovedo recorded a 52nd place finish only 13 seconds behind Perez, while Rivera finished within five seconds of Escovedo in 59th place.

Freshman Carolina Izaguirre also had a good showing, finishing 61st with a time of 20:03.

“Carolina also had a solid performance,” said Vaughn. “I was really pleased with how the women ran at this meet.”

For the men, top finisher was sophomore Juan Davila of Donna, who crossed the finish line of the 8K with a time of 26:37 giving him 49th place overall.

“Juan put forth a good effort,” commented Vaughn. “He had a great race being our top runner for the men. The men overall had a solid performance but showed their inexperience in the race. We have a lot of freshman and for them it was their first big race. As the season progresses we will be better off for the championship meet, but there are areas where we need improvement.”

Overall, the men’s team finished in 17th place. Other top performers for the men included newcomer Omar Doria from Edinburg. Doria finished in 78th place with a time of 27:08 followed by Alex Moncivais in 80th. La Joya native and sophomore Bronc Luis Nava finished in 27:30 giving him 90th.

“Luis had a good performance, especially with him not being 100 percent,” said Vaughn. “His whole race was solid, and he really picked it up the last 3,000 meters for the finish.”

With the transition to not having a

coach after the resignation of Brian Cunningham two weeks ago, Vaughn felt that the teams really focused and competed well this weekend and didn’t let it affect their performance.

“They focused on what they needed to do this weekend,” said Vaughn. “I don’t think the change had any impact on their performance.”

Next up for the team is a big meet; they will be traveling to Terre Haute, Ind., to partake in the Brookes Pre-National meet hosted by Indiana State University Saturday, Oct. 14.

“A few of the men need to get more fit,” said Vaughn when asked what improvements needed to be made before the next competition. “Some of the younger men need to develop and hold their strategy. They need to learn that they can’t just go out and run at this level.

They need to stick to the race plan so they don’t die at the end.”

On the women’s side, Vaughn said they will up their efforts, especially at the start of the race.

“The women have realized they are in better shape, they just need to push the pace more in the beginning. We would move up four to five spots ever meet with better times each race. They need to just push harder.”

SPORTS

October 5, 2006

Page 15

Complex to offer variety of health amenities

By RODERICK DORSEY The Pan American Beginning in August 2007, students at The University of Texas-Pan American will get their chance to live the ultimate fitness experience when the brand new Wellness and Recreational Sports Complex opens.

So far, the construction crew has achieved major progress; currently they are ahead of schedule, according to Jim Watson, director of intramural and recreational sports.

“Even despite the weather setbacks that we’ve had, they have not been significant, because we were about eight weeks ahead of schedule, and now we’re probably four to five weeks ahead of schedule,” Watson said.

Watson explained that the construction crew spends several hours putting in work during time periods when most people are sleeping.

“They’ll be out there working a lot of times around 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Saturday morning, just unbelievable hours,” he explained. “They just don’t want to get behind, even with the sig-

nificant rain we’ve had over the last few weeks.”

The most exciting thing about the new facility will be the most important element involved: its amenities. The complex will be a wireless facility with lounges available for students who want to kick back and browse the internet.

There will also be a health and wellness clinic/office for medical situations and information available to all students.

Wellness includes health, diet and psychological issues as well.

From a sports perspective, the new complex will offer some of the same features and amenities one would find at a local fitness gym. However, the WRSC will offer even more than that.

Inside the building the first thing students will experience is a climbing wall, which will be “one of the main features for students,” Watson said.

Next to the wall will be the cardiovascular and weight area.

“There will be machine. Some are select drive, some of them are free weights,” Watson said. He explained that above that weight area will be two aerobics studios accommodating 60

people per studio, and a running track and cardio room with machines (bicycles, treadmills, and step masters).

“In the cardio room, we’re talking about somewhere in the area of 20 televisions all around the track so that people can watch TV as they work out,” he said. “Then there’s going to be music in the background as well, so that it’ll have the cardio-theatre type of effect.”

The complex will also feature three racquetball courts and three gymnasiums (for basketball and volleyball), one of which will be named the MultiActivity Gymnasium, or the MAG. This gym will be different from the other two in that it serves the purpose of facilitating a campus event. The MAG will be designed so that it can be isolated from the rest of the facility, Watson said.

“If there is an event that a student organization wants to do outside of the normal hours of operation, then they can still open that facility, use it, and not have to worry about renting out the entire facility,” he said.

Watson said there will be several lounges available for social interaction,

as social interaction “is also a part of wellness.” The lounges will also be available for blood drives and conference rooms will be used for seminars on stress management, nutrition, and other general health topics and information.

With a plethora of features inside the building, one cannot forget about what the facility has to offer outside.

The main attraction will be an outdoor leisure pool with a whirlpool. It will also have a resistance pool where the water runs in a circular pattern.

“The whole idea is to walk or swim against the current; this will build your muscles and endurance,” Watson said.

There will also be outdoor sandvolleyball courts, full-court basketball courts, and tennis courts (two of each).

These facilities will be located next to the playing fields for soccer, softball and flag football.

For more information on the Wellness and Recreational Sports Complex, students are encouraged to visit the website, http://dos.utpa.edu/intramurals/main.ht m. Watson said that students will be

James Watson charged a $75 fee in their tuition fees during the fall and spring semesters, and $35 during each summer session, a provision voted on successfully four years ago by Bronc students.

“This is a great deal, because anyone going to a regular fitness gym will pay more in initiation fees than students here will pay for an entire semester to enjoy our facilities,” he said.

Broncs succumb to opponents, drop to 4-15

By KRISTYNA MANCIAS The Pan American

Onydia Garza/The Pan American EYES ON THE BALL - Chelsea Blakely (11) and Monique Schaal (3) jump up to the net defensively, preventing a score on Sept. 29 against their opponent, North Dakota State University.

It was a hard weekend for the Lady Broncs as they fell to 4-15 on the season, after dropping “road home” games on Friday and Saturday.

Due to HESTEC events taking place at the Field House, the Lady Broncs were moved to an alternative site, McAllen Memorial High School.

On Friday night, North Dakota State entered the contest with a 7-9 record looking to improve, and from the start the Lady Bisons took control. The University of Texas-Pan American fell in three straight sets (30-21, 30-19 and 30-23), and was unable to get anything going against North Dakota’s dominating hitting. The Lady Bisons finished with a .273 hitting percentage.

“We had way too many hitting errors.

If you look at our total number of kills it was a little less than North Dakota’s,” said head coach Dave Thorn. “Error-wise we were way over what our opponent did and that pushes our hitting percentage way down. We’re just giving too many points with our hitting errors. That’s something that we’re working in practice.”

On the bright side, Chelsea Blakely finished with a team-high 31 assists and senior Chrissie Carrigan collected 16 digs.

UTPA came out ready to play

Saturday night but failed to pick up a victory. The Lady Broncs were in each set but could not close out the Utah Valley State, falling 30-28, 30-27, and 30-22.

With only four wins on the season, the Lady Broncs have struggled but Thorn believes in his squad and remains positive.

“I try to challenge the girls throughout the season, regardless of the situation, whether you’re up or your down, winning matches or losing matches,” he said.

“Always play with maximum intensity, take pride in your game and in your teammates and give maximum effort.”

To that end, the coach says his team has responded.

“I’ve got to give it to my team. We are struggling, as far as wins and losses but they’re battling hard and they’re working they’re butts off,” he said. “Really as a coach you can’t ask more from my team to work hard.”

UTPA senior Heather Bravo had an outstanding night as she finished with 10 kills and a team-high 19 digs. More than halfway through a disappointing season, Bravo remains optimistic.

“You have to stay positive.

There are still a lot of games left, regardless of how the year is going,” she stressed. “We have a 30-game season, so at this point we have to kick it up a notch and just win these last few games so we can end

with a positive note and it rolls over to next season.”

The Lady Broncs will now turn their attention to this weekend, as they play back-to-back games against South Dakota State on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.

“We play at home this weekend, which is going to help us because we only have so many home games,” Thorn said.

“South Dakota is a quality opponent and we’re looking for two great matches with them.”

NEXT GAME UTPA vs South Dakota St. When: Oct. 6 Time: 7 p.m.

Where: UTPA Field House

Chrissie Carrigan

SPORTS

Editor’s Pick: Game to Watch When: Oct. 8 Time: 3:15 p.m.

Where: Lincoln Financial Field Dallas Cowboys

Game will be aired on FOX Philadelphia Eagles

‘Back with a Vengeance II’ scores KO

Onydia Garza/The Pan American

Onydia Garza/The Pan American STICK AND MOVE - Local favorite Pablo “Baby” Pena dodges a left hook from Gilbert Elizondo during their bout Saturday evening. The match ended with a loss for “Baby” making his record 9-5.

By JORGE HINOJOSA The Pan American Valley firecracker Roberto “La Amenaza” Garcia exploded on opponent Homer “The Nature Boy” Gibbins at Edinburg Baseball Stadium Sept. 30 in the third round of a scheduled 10-round fight.

He shook Gibbins’ equilibrium in the third after a great display of his skills. All those who attended “Back With A Vengeance II” were in complete pandemonium as the referee waved his hands to call the match.

Garcia improved his record to 21-2 (16 KOs) and sent Gibbins to 44-15, knocking his adversary down once in the third round before finishing him off with a ferocious left that stopped the fight at 2:03.

“I was very impressed with his performance. He knocked him out in the third round,” said promoter Julio Marines, who put on the card. “That was a guy with a lot of experience, a guy that had dealt with many professional fights, a guy who went 12 rounds with the legendary Hector ‘Macho’ Camacho about seven or eight years ago and lost the decision, so I was really thinking that this fight was going to go the distance.”

There was no belt at stake at this bout. Perhaps the only things at issue were

pride and pleasing the home fans, and “La Amenaza” proved to be successful at both. Garcia holds two professional championship belts and

PUNCHOUT - Rod “Lord of the Rings” Willis throws a hard right jab into the defense of Ron “The Bear” Smith. The fight was action-packed as Willis walked away with a win.

is currently ranked No. 13 by the International Boxing Federation.

“He was very happy to perform for his fans and all the people from the Rio Grande Valley that were

very supportive of him,” Marines said.

“He was excited that he was able to deliver, and he promises his fans down here he’s going to keep working hard until he gives them what they want, which is the world championship.”

“His defense was very good. The guy was trying to hit him but Robert’s defense was phenomenal.

Offensively he’s always been great, so you know he’s becoming the complete fighter.”

- Julio Marines Promoter

Robert Garcia

For the past eight weeks Garcia had been training with a new team for this fight. He will be resting for about a week before heading back to Little Rock, Ark., where he normally works. Marines Promotions is looking to bring Garcia back down to the Rio Grande Valley Nov. 11 or Nov. 18.

“He looked better than ever. That’s

what everybody is saying. I think he might have got hit maybe three or four times,” said Marines. “His defense was very good. The guy was trying to hit him but Robert’s defense was phenomenal.

Offensively he’s always been great, so you know he’s becoming the complete fighter.”

There were a total of eight fights for the evening and three resulted in knockouts. Another Valley favorite, Pablo “Baby” Pena of Edinburg, was knocked out by Gilbert Elizondo in the very first round of the bout. Pena slipped his record to 9-5 while Elizondo improved to 4-0.

Elizondo of San Antonio came quick in the first round, throwing hard punches that sent Pena to his knees three times before the referee finally stopped the welterweight battle. The crowd commended Elizondo and gave him a round of applause.

The other knockout was at the cruiserweight division when B.J. “El Peligroso” Flores of Willard, Mo., dropped Gary “Twisted Steel” Dydell, of St. Josephs, Mo. Dydell resembled Mike Tyson with his short black trunks and black shoes, but his style was nothing like it. The power came from his opponent who threw powerful hooks that further twisted Dydell’s so-called steel.