November 15, 2007 by UTRGV Student Media

Thursday Nov. 15, 2007

58th Year No. 12

DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES

CAMPUS

Kennedy speaks on nature, society Class time changes possible

Environmental activist says U.S. is distracted

By ABIGAIL MUNIZ

By J.R. ORTEGA The Pan American

The Pan American

THIS WEEK

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addressed a full auditorium at The University of Texas-Pan American Wednesday, emphasizing the need for community members to stay abreast of environmental issues such as global warming. “We (must) recognize that nature is the infrastructure of our community,” he said. Kennedy, an environmentalist and lawyer and keynote guest for the campus’ International Week celebration, described ecological problems throughout the world and spoke about media distractions keeping people from learning about ecological issues. The conservationist said media focus too much on celebrity instead of issues such as global warming, pollution and environmental sustainability. “(Media) focus too much on entertainment,” said Kennedy, one of Time magazine’s “Heroes for the Planet” in 1999. “We hear more about ‘Brangelina’ than we do about global warming.” Kennedy, 53, said that 90 percent of the news that reaches Americans comes from conservative corporations such as Fox. He explained that most conserva-

An informal committee was recently appointed to discuss and make recommendations for a possible schedule change in the fall of 2008. The committee was formed at a Department Chair Leadership Development meeting Oct. 3, and has discussed changes in the schedule that would affect Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon classes. “What we’re trying to do here is provide opportunities for students to build their schedules in ways that would be helpful to them, that’s the bottom line,” said Ana Maria Rodriguez, senior vice provost for undergraduate studies. Photos by Nick Dodd/The Pan American ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS - Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whose speech marked the end of this semesterʼs Distinguished Speaker Series, addresses an auditorium full of students, staff and faculty at The University of Texas-Pan American.

Tuition increase possible for fall 2008 See Page 3

A&E Art aids war veterans in recovery, experts say See Page 7

SPORTS Bronc basketball men win season opener See Page 15

DEVELOPING

tives don’t understand the immediacy of environmental problems. “Eighty percent of Republicans are Democrats that don’t know what’s going on,” he said. “We are leaders of the free world but we have no idea what is going on in the world.”

Campus PD responds to phone threat

SPREADING AWARENESS Kennedy said that in order to help expand awareness about environmental issues, the U.S. government and its cit-

By SANDRA GONZALEZ The Pan American

See KENNEDY page 11

SERIES

NEWS

See SCHEDULE page 11

Technology changing education Profs ponder use of innovations in classroom setting By BOBBY CERVANTES The Pan American Between quiz clickers, Web CT and smart classrooms, The University of Texas-Pan American is well within the technology swing of things. But with an increasing number of teachers using new technology in their classrooms, is tradi-

tional education history? A majority of recent college graduates say that universities and colleges should place more emphasis on the “concepts and new developments in technology,” according to a study by The Association of American Colleges and Universities in 2006. 59 percent of recent graduates agreed that future graduating classes should be required to learn more about technology than they did in the past. In an attempt to keep up with the

See TECH page 11

The University of Texas-Pan American Police Department is “in the process of investigating” death threats made against a campus employee Wednesday, Assistant Chief James Loya said. Several anonymous sources suggest the threats, delivered by phone Wednesday, were against Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs Paul Sale, who had “no comment” about the incident. In the wake of the shooting deaths at Virginia Tech last year, concern about a possible situation at UTPA spread quickly Wednesday, but most officials were mum as to any details. Despite early breaking rumors of bomb threats and an Executive Building lockdown, Loya said there was never an immediate threat on campus. Visit www.utpa.edu/dept/panamerican for updates as they become available.

Page 2

O PINION

November 15, 2007

THE PAN AMERICAN

PONDERINGS

Celebrity gaffes are overhyped BY: JEANETTE PEREZ

he entertainment world in all its glory keeps churning out juicy, embarrassing revelations. Whether you like him or not, recently Duane Chapman, popularly known from A&E’s “Dog, the Bounty Hunter” has been in the news for racial slurs. After a leaked recorded phone conversation (private, may I add), Dog has been targeted as a racist for repeatedly using the so-called n-word toward his son Tucker’s girlfriend. I mean, the man does sport that long, blond trailer-trash mullet and carries around that wide-load of a wife, so why does it come as a surprise?

What surprises me is that the entertainment world is so quick to turn their back on celebrities when a situation such as this arises. Racist or not, the man had a popular show that suddenly was removed from the air after the network heard of this fiasco. It’s the same story. Every news station, gossip column and program struck gold with Don Imus’s insensitive remarks. The comedian/writer/radio talk show host was put under serious heat for his comment on the Rutgers women’s basketball team. As a result, MSNBC canceled his morning radio show and his once-good name has been tainted ever since. And of course, who could forget Michael

Richards (Cosmo Kramer of “Seinfeld”) and his unfortunate comedy act breakdown? A heckling incident turned into headline news and what do you know, Richards is labeled a no-good, AfricanAmerican-hating white man. What I don’t understand is why people like Chapman, Imus and Richards get in trouble for an outburst during a vulnerable moment yet people like Strom Thurmond remain public figures (and racists). The man left the Senate office at 100 years old, as the longest-serving senator, and oldest at the time. So why do people make such a huge deal when a celebrity is associated with discrimination, but when a govern-

ment official does it, it’s OK? People may have still resented him, but nobody made him resign. It’s a sad thing to know that the public is more informed and concerned with what goes on in the entertainment industry than what happens within their government. Entertainment personas have more influence on the general public than the government ever will. It’s the cold truth.

Are you tired of hearing about celebrities and their politically incorrect blunders? fae_myst@yahoo.com

QUIPS FROM QUINTERO

When friendly matches turn violent he first couple of knocks I didn’t mind too much, but when the short little guy went for my legs for a second time, I’d had enough. I was taken back through time, to my younger days when I used to bartend and kick out rowdy winos and loudmouth boozers, and felt like reverting to the old ways. Hey, what can I say? That was actually the coolest thing next to a nice tip in that line of work. I kept my cool, slowly got back up after hitting my second three-pointer, and walked away. For the last few years I’ve had to do a lot of that because I am and always will be the bigger man. It was crystal clear: the dude simply knocked me down, but no whistle. The best I could do was give the referee my best evil-eye, from there things progressively worsened. Fouls galore, a

tackle here and there, it was all fair game. Maybe it was my face. I’ve been told on many occasions I should smile more; I’d rather not, I hate wrinkles, but it was the only thing I could think of. ‘Maybe I come off as a douche?’ I thought. Maybe the refs didn’t like me, although I highly doubt a personal vendetta was on their to-do list. I pleaded with one of them for the sake of everyone’s safety on that court. His response: “You all are playing dirty too.” My jaw nearly dropped. Oh and by the way I was complaining even when we had a 12-point lead. Look, I enjoy a good physical basketball game and I love the Intramural 5on-5 league the Wellness and Recreational Sports Complex put together, please don’t misunderstand me. But when the safety of participants

is compromised - especially my own - I tend to worry. The games run for about an hour and I imagine the expediency factor that goes into refereeing several back-toback games is the reason fouls aren’t called every time. That’s cool too, but diving at someone’s legs constitutes a foul in anyone’s book. Normally I’m not one to complain, I think that type of attitude is reserved for…well I rather not say. The two refs clearly overlooked the safety of the players for the entirety of the game. I know they’re students and are probably doing it for a little extra cash, but if you’re going to do something, do it right. Take a little pride in your job, go to the video store and pick up “Refereeing 101,” it might help. Don’t like that suggestion? Then just do the right thing.

If they can’t control the game and everything that goes with it, including players’ tempers which tend to flare when fouls aren’t called, fights will break out. Well surprise, surprise. As I later found out from the student manning the front desk, a fight did break on the other court, the campus police came and whisked the perpetrators away. Case in point. I could go on and on about refereeing or the lack of it, but I have a game in a few minutes. Yeah I’m going back. I feel ready: after all last night I stayed up late watching “Fight Club,” just in case.

NOVEMBER 15, 2007

Editor-in-Chief Sandra Gonzalez................................................. sandra_panamerican@yahoo.com

Designers

Secretary Anita Casares..........areyes18@utpa.edu

BY: ERICK QUINTERO

THE

PANAMERICAN 1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122 www.utpa.edu/dept/panamerican

News Editor Ana Ley....................analey23@yahoo.com

Rick Gamez Greg Garza Reporters and Photographers

A&E Editor Jeanette Perez.........fae_myst@yahoo.com

Brian Carr

Sports Editor Erick Quintero................................................. erickquintero4@hotmail.com

Onydia Garza

Photography Editor Veronica Gonzalez........................................... vdgonzalezz@gmail.com

Lezette Villarreal

Design Editor Roy Bazan......................rbazanzz@yahoo.com

Adviser Dr. Greg Selber..........selberg@utpa.edu

Leslie Estrada Ramiro Paez

Laura Garcia

Have you had a bad experience with a lousy referee, too? Tell me about it at: erickquintero4@hotmail.com.

Advertising Manager Samantha Quintana.....spubs@utpa.edu Assitant Advertising Manager Jacqueline Iglesias................................... jiglesiasz@broncs.utpa.edu *** Delivery Thursday at noon The Pan American is the official student newspaper of The University of Texas-Pan American. Views presented are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the paper or university.

Savethesedates November

The next edition of The Pan American hits stands

Newsinbrief TOY DRIVE The Social Work Student Association will host a toy drive from Nov. 8 to Nov. 28. The toy drive is sponsored by Court Appointed Special Advocates, a non-profit volunteer organization that utilizes trained citizens to provide abused or neglected children a voice in court. SWSA is asking the campus community to assist CASA reach its goal of gathering 500 toys for the children that they currently serve. SWSA will be placing donation boxes in the following buildings: SBSC, COAS, BUSA, STUN, HSHSE, and MAGC. The toys should be in their original packaging and their value should be $10 to $20 dollars. For more information, please call 381-3578.

DISCUSSION On Nov. 8 at Unity Hall, the Global Awarness Project held a discussion forum about the Jena Six trials. The trials involved six AfticanAmerican teens accused of beating Justin Barker, a white teenager, at Jena High School on Dec. 4, 2006. The committee invited Dr. Jessica Lavariega-Monforti, political science professor; Philip Etheridge, criminal justice professor; and Aje-Ori Agbese, communication professor to share their views.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Pan American accepts letters of 300 words or less from students, staff and faculty regarding recent newspaper content, campus concerns or current events. The Pan American reserves the right to edit submissions for grammar and length. The Pan American cannot publish anonymous letters or submissions containing hate speech or gratuitous personal attacks. Please send all story ideas to thepanamerican@gmail.com. Individuals with disabilities wishing to acquire this publication in an alternative format or needing assistance to attend any event listed can contact The Pan American for more details.

November 15, 2007

N EWS

Page 3

THE PAN AMERICAN

ECONOMY

HEALTH

Gas prices fluctuate, drivers to adjust

Schools fighting staph

By LEZETTE VILLARREAL The Pan American Oil costs are rebounding after a steep drop on Tuesday, and those planning car trips next Thanksgiving weekend will have to plan for fluctuating prices as they gas up. Americans have had to adjust to fluctuating gas prices since the 1970s, and in recent years have seen the price at the pump rise consistently. Wednesday, crude for December delivery rose $2.55 to $93.72 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange after a $3.45 drop Tuesday, according to The Associated Press. The statewide average gas price for this week is $2.66 per gallon, according to the San Antonio-Express News. Houston enjoyed the cheapest gas this week at $2.60 per gallon. Gasoline prices remain above $3 in 39 states. “Historically gasoline prices fall in

See GAS page 12

Hygiene is emphasized as infections sprout By LUPE A. FLORES The Pan American Health officials at the University of Texas-Pan American are reevaluating their cleaning methods to ensure a safer and cleaner campus, following recent local and national news reports of a staph infection borne from bacteria recurring in various schools and communities throughout the country. In October schools throughout the United States were closed and events were canceled in Connecticut, Maryland, North Carolina and Ohio. School officials in Mississippi, New Hampshire and Virginia reported student deaths from the bacteria, while officials in at least four other states reported cases of student infections. There have been reports of students with staph infections in the past at UTPA’s Student Health Services Center, with the most recent diagnosis being about one month ago, said Rick Gray, director of health services. The person diagnosed was treated, and the infection was cleared after proper and

immediate care, he said. Director of Environmental Health and Safety Richard Costello said it is important that the university has policies in place that “do not result in or facilitate a (Staphylococcus Aureus) infection in the UTPA community.” Staph infections were the primary cause of skin and soft tissue infections in American communities until the 1990s, when a different strain known as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, associated mostly with healthcare facility infections since the 1970s, became another leading cause of severe infections. Dr. Rachel Gorwitz, a medical epidemiologist at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, said that when the staph bacteria is exposed to uncovered, damaged skin and skin tissue, it starts becoming infectious and begins eating away the host’s tissue and skin as the bacteria multiplies. The recent staph infection increase has some people worried, but medical health professionals say that the community-associated MRSA, a strain immune to penicillin and other antibiotics, has been around for decades, so students and the general public alike should take a deep breath and simply reevaluate their own personal hygiene methods. For that reason, Costello said the

Staph infection?

school is ensuring Staph is the shortened name for that buildings are Staphylococcus, a type of bacteria equipped with that can live harmlessly on many hand-washing skin surfaces, especially around facilities, and the nose, mouth and genitals. But that common equipment in when the skin is punctured or brofacilities like ken for any reason, staph bacteria weight rooms are can enter the wound and cause an properly disinfecinfection. ted on a daily basis as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control. “This is not a new problem,” Patti Koo, a physician’s assistant for Student Health Services - Cleanliness and good hygiene said. “(MRSA) is Wash hands frequently and bathe or shower just getting more daily. media hype these days, which is a - Keep injuries clean good and bad Areas of skin that have been injured — such as thing. Good cuts, scrapes, eczema, and rashes caused by allergic reactions or poison ivy — should be because people cleaned and covered, and use any antibiotic can understand it ointments or other treatments that your doctor and prevent it; bad suggests. because it gets blown way out of proportion.” -kidshealth.org Rosalinda Rossaw, a nurse practitioner at UTPA’s

How to prevent it:

See STAPH page 12

ACADEMICS

TUITION

Tuition cost proposals may hike prices Committee gives plans enhancing student services

What is

and staff, reviews tuition and fee proposals and later makes recommendations to the president of the university. This week, The University of Texas-Austin

announced an 8-percent hike in tuition, as colleges across the nation are being forced to raise rates for various reasons.

See PROPOSALS page 12

Faculty reflects Core curriculum group to revisit possible changes

By ABIGAIL MUNIZ The Pan American

By SANDRA GONZALEZ The Pan American

The Cost of Education Committee at the University of Texas- Pan American held an open forum Tuesday to discuss proposals for a boost in fees and designated tuition costs for UTPA students through the next two academic years. A UTPA student taking 15 semester credit hours currently pays $2,413 for tuition and mandatory fees. In the proposal, the student would be paying $2,938 by 2009 and $3,200 by 2010. The 22-member committee, comprised of nine students and 13 faculty

Over one week after the Faculty Senate voted against proposed changes to The University of Texas-Pan American’s core curriculum, reflection on the process and discussions leading up to the vote has begun. Paul Sale, vice president/provost for academic affairs, said the monthlong dialogue and forums on the matter were a positive. “I hope that I can take at least part responsibility for opening discussions about matters of importance to the cam-

Veronica Gonzalez/The Pan American INCREASE - Tony Matamoros, president of the Student Government Association, presents a proposed tuition and fee increase for the next two years.

pus community. Following Dr. (Blandina) Cardenas’ lead, we’re trying to be very transparent and have open discussions,” he said. “What we find is that we get a lot of perspectives — neither side is right or wrong, but it’s important to get them all on the table to make the best decision we can.” The debate over the core curriculum proposal was abundant in perspectives, with many arguing the validity of various courses to overall student education, Sale said. The proposed curriculum omitted requirements for kinesiology, a foreign language and a computer course, among others. LOADED ISSUE Lewis Weger, assistant professor of physician assistant studies, said while he had objections to the proposal because

See COURSES page 12

November 15, 2007

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November 15, 2007 NEWS

November 15, 2007

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Education Beyond

CAMPUS LIFE

Thurs. Nov. 15

EVENTS

....... .......

Your Degree

NEWS

Great American Smokeout From 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Chapel Lawn

SU: Air Hockey Tournament From 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the SU Game Room Career Services: Tips on Federal Employment SU Sage Room 12 - 1 pm Play: Frida, Un Retablo Starting at 7:00 p.m. at the SU Theater Disabilities Awareness Fair From 1 :30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the SU Commons/E. Patio Fri. Nov. 16

UPB Movie: Ladr贸n Que Roba a Ladr贸n Starting at 7:00 p.m. at the SU Theater

Tues. Nov. 20 Ultimate Money Skills: Scholarships, Dollars, Budgets, & Bills Starting at 5:30 pm at the SU Theater SU: Turkey Bowling From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Student Union UPB Coffeehouse: Guitar Hero Tournament Starting at 7:00 p.m. at the SU Caf茅 Wed. Nov. 21

SU: Fan Frenzy Contest From 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the SU Commons

For more info or to request special accommodations, please contact us at 381-2660 or log on http://dos.utpa.edu

ARTS&ENTERTAINMENT

November 15, 2007

Page 7

THE PAN AMERICAN

I ART & COMMUNITY

I CAMPUS

War veterans turn to art for therapy Students By LAURA GARCIA The Pan American The Rio Grande Valley is home to roughly 45,000 veterans, many of whom have turned musicians, poets, artists, and writers to enjoy the helpful power of creative therapy. One might not expect a tough soldier to focus so delicately on a craft, but with the help of the McAllen Vet Center and Dr. Marsha Nelson of the Creative Journaling Expressive Arts program, many have discovered a healing tool. “Through the right side of the brain and the use of your non-dominant hand, the arts, music, intuition, creativity and higher power are accessed,” said Nelson. “While many people think vets are bitter old men telling stories, and never letting go of their battle wounds, we see a different side to them when they express themselves through the arts.” After months, sometimes years, of hellish, combat scenes, soldiers return to a “normal” environment again, but soon after they may develop a condition known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Although anyone having experienced a severely traumatic situation may suffer from PTSD, official traces of it were first noted in study of veterans of Vietnam combat. According to Nelson, PTSD is caused by the left side of the brain trying to make reason of the traumatic event. Many resort to medications or succumb to the evil triad of drugs, sex and alcohol in order to forget the painful scenarios. That’s where CJEA comes in. “The art therapy tools allow the individual to unhook from the reoccur-

ring thought patterns and creative alternative neropathways which are free of trauma,” said Nelson. The healing program is used at the McAllen Vet Center under the direction of Sylvia De Leon, during counseling sessions to help the men and women find a hobby and get closer to their families. “We use creative arts clinically, it is a way to help soothe the mind,” said De Leon, a counselor at the MVC. Local veterans are no exception. In fact, Nov. 4, the Pharr Convention Center hosted the third annual Veterans Creative Arts Expo, an event featuring the work of ex soldiers from paintings to woodworks to computer skills. Each year the men and women who have served the country look forward to the event, and as for the change the counselors strive to make, it’s a positive one. “More guys come out and you can tell they become less reserved, kind of like saying ‘I have issues but I can still express myself in this way,’” said John Najera, also a counselor for the Vet Center. PROGRESS MADE Bob Wright, a Vietnam Veteran, was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer caused by exposure to Agent Orange (a toxic herbicide used to defoliate in Vietnam). He had both prostate surgery and hernia surgery in the past year resulting in what the Veteran’s Administration calls "adjustment disorder and depression.” One technique that has proved helpful for him is “Dancing on Paper.” A CD with nine samples of emotions each 2 to

learn firsthand the business of music

By RUSSEN VELA The Pan American

Nick Dodd/The Pan American CREATIVE HEALING - Luis Garcia, vet and UTPA graduate of 1975, expresses himself through painting, one of the various art forms used in the healing process.

3 minutes in length is played, and participants use paper and markers. The participant is given 10 sheets of paper, dancing on it using the colored markers that they feel best matches the music. “I ask the participants to ‘skate’ along on the paper just making lines, no artistic pictures. The participant is just allowing the emotions to be expressed on the paper by either using both hands (a marker in each hand) or the non-dominant hand only,” said Nelson. Wright says the techniques help him get the physical pain associated with the emotional pain onto paper, giving him an outside-in perspective rather than having his emotions trapped inside. “The significant change I have experienced has been positive,” Wright

Nick Dodd/The Pan American HONOR - (from left) Tony Cordova, Elliot Moore, Ray Molano and Tony Anenas were among the veterans at the 3rd annual Vets Creative Arts Expo held Nov. 4 at the Pharr International Convention Center.

said. “Along with counseling sessions with a Vet Center social worker and anxiety/depression medication prescribed by my primary care physician, this has made most of the ‘cloud’ hanging over me, some of it from 38 years ago as a combat medic in Vietnam, seem to disappear.” Nelson is also the executive director of Project Insight, a non-profit group designed to help get the CJEA program into the military so that soldiers can begin the coping process before it’s too late. “For a soldier, that is the greatest fear of being labeled crazy. Thirty years after the war, they go into the Veteran’s Affairs to see if they can get a diagnosis of mentally impaired because they honestly feel crazy,” she said. “This is when I get them in my programs at the Vet Center. They feel hopeful and have fun.” Soldiers recently deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan were equipped with the proper tools. Included in their care packets were: journaling prompts, a CD, a journal, a pen and a box of Kleenex, all in a zip-lock bag. According to De Leon, a counselor at the Vet Center, when many vets go for intensive therapy they are better prepared due to their involvement with the CJEA tools. Veterans are able to identify with their hidden talents and at the same time take their mind off certain disturbing aspects of their time in the service. For more information about services, please contact the McAllen Vet Center at 956-631-2147 or Marsha Nelson at 956-383-6045.

Last spring, students in Michael Minor’s class spent a semester listening to ZZ Top violating copyright on a John Lee Hooker blues song. Copyright violations are only part of what the music business is comprised of. Minor, a Nashville native and professor at The University of Texas-Pan American, has taught “Music Business,” which employs students with knowledge about the popular business, since spring of 2007 and will do so in the spring. What makes this class different from many other business courses, said Minor, is that it’s very open-minded. “This is the only class of its type at UTPA, and I believe the only one south of San Antonio, it is also one of the classes which welcomes majors from all disciplines,” said Minor, who has been teaching business courses at UTPA since 1990. The course is not only a class for business majors, but for everyone. Last spring, Minor had music, business, and communication people in the class. “I don’t require any business prerequisites, so anyone who is a junior or senior can take the class,” said Minor. The class, he added, is very handson and provides an in-depth experience for students. In fact, last semester, Minor adopted a structure similar to that portrayed in the movie “School of Rock,” (starring Jack Black) in which students created a band. “One of the students suggested that we have a ‘School of Rock’ experience. Eventually I agreed,” he said. The band, which was named “Hello, Deidra,” consisted of students Cynthia Escaname and Fernie Hinojosa who played keyboards, Olivia McCord and Natalie Haime as singers, Armando Veliz as the drummer, and chair of the band-naming committee, Deidra A. Johnson. Johnson, a senior marketing major,

See MUSIC page 10

November 15, 2007

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November 15, 2007

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

f the

rez o lando Pe r O , n ti s Ar pany Priscilla nce Com a D n e ll McA

Earth poetry and coffee hour

Solenne Aya

Suteki’s Andro Lopez, Fernanda Sturgell

t was an array of dancing, ethnic foods and flavors, cultural diversity and earthly topics as The University of Texas-Pan American hosted the seventh annual International Week. With its “Earth Matters” theme, International Week went ‘green,’ addressing issues of global warming,. It offered environmentally friendly alternatives to create awareness among students and the community of other languages, cultures, politics, economies and issues throughout the world. Aside from the educators, panel discussions and guest speakers, the university hosted various environmentally friendly

activities throughout the campus. Students and the community indulged in the free food tasting and sampling during Monday’s “International Night,” the first event to kick off the weeklong activities. Assorted sushi rolls, sliced fruit, seafood were among the various other international delectables which lined the tables set alongside the university library media courtyard. The night was not without its entertainment. Dancing troupes of flashy belly dancers, spicy flamenco and salsa movement and traditional Mexican folklorico performed for the crowd. Acoustic music from a live band and the delicate sounds of Japanese instruments filled the air.

Zareen Alam

Noriko Urade Zambian Vocal Group (from left) N Yolanda S orma Silva, Cassa n anchez, M ayda Villa dra Mendoza, franca

Solenne Ayala with the McAllen Dance Company

November 15, 2007

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November 15, 2007

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

f the

rez o lando Pe r O , n ti s Ar pany Priscilla nce Com a D n e ll McA

Earth poetry and coffee hour

Solenne Aya

Suteki’s Andro Lopez, Fernanda Sturgell

Zareen Alam

Noriko Urade Zambian Vocal Group (from left) N Yolanda S orma Silva, Cassa n anchez, M ayda Villa dra Mendoza, franca

Solenne Ayala with the McAllen Dance Company

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November 15, 2007 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

I MUSIC REVIEWS

I TV CORNER

Zeppelin delivers classics, while Jay-Z reforms

What

By BRIAN CARR The Pan American

he recently packaged Led Zeppelin “Mothership” is essentially a Cliff’s Notes version of the legendary arena rockers’ portfolio. Comprised of two CD’s and one DVD, “Mothership” consists of 24 audio tracks and 19 videos. The set includes all of Zeppelin’s most memorable songs, from “Dazed and Confused” to “Stairway to Heaven.” Old and new fans alike will appreciate the catalogue of hits, and lesser known, yet extremely well crafted, standouts. But the greatest achievement of this “Greatest Hits” album, is the producer’s ability to string the playlist together seamlessly while packaging Led Zeppelin with an eye toward a younger market. Led Zeppelin’s staying power is a result of the band’s legendary antics, powerful songwriting and genius marketing. “Mothership” looks like a White Stripes album cover. It’s a black and red screen print of a zeppelin hovering over a stereo shaped building. Inside the album are stamped images of each of the members; John

You’re

Not

such as Jay-Z to step out of retirement. And while “Kingdom” did generate commercial success, garnering Jay-Z endorsements with Budweiser, it seemed a low point in his catalogue. “American Gangster” should be regarded as Jay-Z’s return to form, however the odd parallel message of the album might leave fans scratching their heads. Jay-Z’s latest album debuted at no. 1 and sold more than 425,000 copies to date. This is Jay-Z’s 10th chart-topping debut, making him tied in second place alongside Elvis for most No. 1 albums.

Amazon.com

ay-Z’s “American Gangster” is not a soundtrack to the Denzel Washington movie of the same name. It is, however, a parallel to the film, as it samples the movie liberally and is also based on the life of Harlem drug-lord Frank Lucas. In this regard, Jay-Z attempts to develop “American Gangster” as a concept album and a tribute to the ex-heroin dealer Lucas. But his brag-rap tradition gets in the way of this goal, as Jay trips over his own ego en route to the feat. But despite the missed mark “American Gangster” has several redeeming qualities. The album is rich and unique. Horns drive many of the hooks and artists Al Green and Marvin Gaye are both sampled. The result is a musical atmosphere that hints at Lucas’s time period. “Blue Magic,” a track named after the Lucas-branded heroin for which the criminal became legendary, floats like chocolate and blends steady drums with cool synthesizers and sparse lyrical brag antics. “I’m getting / I ain’t talking about it / I’m straight living it.” “American Gangster” is the perfect follow up for “Kingdom Come” which seemed a paltry reason for an elite artist

Amazon.com

magine waking up from a coma with no memory of your past life. For Samantha Newly, played by Christina Applegate (“Married with Children”) that is reality. Every day is a new adventure as she battles amnesia in ABC’s latest fall hit, “Samantha Who?” In the comedy, Applegate’s character is a 30-year-old psychiatrist who, after becoming the victim of a hit-andrun accident, wakes up from an 80-day coma with amnesia. Attempting to reconstruct who she was before the accident, Newly discovers that the life she led before was not very promising. She was an awful person who partied too much. Horrified at her previous life, she decides it’s time to better herself and repair the damage that’s been done. Follow Newly on her everyday discoveries as she attempts to put the pieces in her life back together, Mondays at 8:30 p.m. on ABC.

the College of Business last spring in the media theater. The band is no longer together, because as Johnson explained, “Hello Deidra” was created mainly for the course. But its members still remain friends on campus. Teaching students the business aspect of an industry surrounded by glamour was one of his main hopes when the idea to bring the course to UTPA first came to Minor in 2004. “There are two different points for two separate groups of people. First, to prepare the aspiring artists to have a successful career in music and second,

to provide a career path for those wanting to be in the entertainment business but whose career may not include performance,” said Minor. “I think any artist or group would have a better chance of success as a result of taking a course like this.” Minor knows from experience; he’s in a band. “Playing in a band taught me about finding gigs and developing industry contacts, contracts, equipment, and a little about recording,” said Minor enthusiastically. Olinda Almanza, a junior education major, is excited about taking the class

in spring 2008. “When I heard I could take this class even though I am not a business major, I rushed for it,” she said. “It’s exciting to know all the stuff that famous musicians or record producers need to know to survive in the business.” Melissa Garcia, a senior business major, finds the class beneficial to those seeking knowledge of the music world. “[My cousin] went all the way to Corpus Christi because supposedly they have a music business class there, but now he can be here and take the class,” she said excitedly. The class offers an opportunity that

many aspiring musicians wouldn’t otherwise look into. “Many students would like to have a career in music, but may not be lucky enough to have careers as an artist,” Minor said. “This course shows other non-artist careers within the industry, such as being an A&R (“Artist and Repertoire”) executive who is in charge of finding artists for a record label, getting them recorded, and deciding how to promote them.” Minor is anxiously awaiting the upcoming semester, when he will be adding some new features to the course.

Paul Jones, John Bonham, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page. For those unfamiliar with the legacy of Led Zeppelin, their career spanned from 1969 to 1979, during which time they were widely regarded as the best arena rock band. They had a thick driving edge, probably the best guitarist of the era in Page, and a penchant for otherwordly, Tolkienesque lyrics. “Mothership” is an extremely cost effective introduction to their breadth of work, or a great addition to a true fan’s catalogue.

Led Zeppelin

Jay-Z

Watching “Samantha Who?” By JEANETTE PEREZ The Pan American

MUSIC continued from page 7 was responsible for coming up with the name. She decided to use MySpace as a way to get suggestions from her friends. “I presented all the names to the class and then Minor threw in the ‘Hello, Deidra.’ He said it had a nice ring to it,” said Johnson. “The whole class withdrew their votes for the other band names and unanimously voted for ‘Hello, Deidra.’” The band covered many songs including Gloria Gaynor’s 1970s hit “I Will Survive,” and performed at the MMIB (Management, Marketing, and International Business) department for

Page 11

November 15, 2007 NEWS

SCHEDULE continued from page 1 The proposal has recommended that morning Monday-WednesdayFriday classes stay as they are, while classes starting after 11:45-12:35 be offered only on Mondays and Wednesdays, extended in length from the current duration of 50 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, or equivalent to Tuesday/Thursday classes. There would also be a given timeframe for Friday afternoon classes if a department were willing to hold classes that day. According to Rodriguez, head of the scheduling committee, a similar effort took shape three years ago with a task force made up of deans and faculty. The group had proposed a similar schedule but at the time, the school “wasn’t ready for a number of reasons,” she said. One main reason was a change in admin-

istration when Paul Sale replaced Roland Arriola as vice president of academic affairs. “There are some questions coming up about it about how many students would be positively or negatively effected by this and what our classroom utilization would be if we changed it,” said Sale. “One of the things we realized was that the Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule...doesn’t utilize Friday afternoon.” Sale said most students are probably worried about having to get used to a new schedule, though he assured they would get comfortable with it eventually. He added that the school would try to accommodate significant concerns. “I was actually an undergraduate at a college that had a schedule similar (to the proposed one) and you get use to it

after a while,” he said. “We’re going to make sure to talk to the Student Government Association to make sure we’re not disadvantaging anybody.” Rodriguez said a president’s executive committee would meet Monday to discuss the matter with all of the vice presidents at the university. She added that the proposal was sent to the Council of Deans so that the committee could get feedback before presenting it as an official proposal. “There is a lot of support for it, but there are also some concerns that we have. It’s not perfect,” Rodriguez said, adding that “nothing is official yet.” Kelly Alvarado, a freshman music major, said that the change sounds like an overall good idea, but the students should have options. “I think that there should still be

that option for MWF classes for students who need the time between classes to be spread out,” said the Harlingen native, adding that it might be an adequate schedule for upper-level students, giving them more options. Rodriguez admits that while the university once considered changing class schedules during the 2005-2006 school year, they have yet to take the proposal to student for their input on the matter. Administrators hope to collect student feedback at a forum next Tuesday during activity period in the SBS auditorium. Maria Roberts, assistant professor in the education department, said that the most important thing to consider is how it meets the students’ needs. She also pointed out that longer afternoon periods would give professors the oppor-

tunity to actually finish a lesson, something she, along with other professors, has a hard time doing in a 50-minute session. “As far as it goes, you can’t get much done [in MWF sessions]. It doesn’t leave [a professor] time to offer individual help,” Roberts said. “Ultimately though, the undergrads are the ones that are going to decide if this is what they need.” Rodriguez agreed, saying that their primary goal is to help students, and that it’s important to recognize if the proposed changes would be beneficial to them.

But in the past 10 years, it has come to seem almost obsolete to some students with the advent of other options. A more commonly used technology at UTPA is distance learning with Blackboard, an online classroom alternative where teachers can post anything from lecture notes to quizzes. Maria Flores, a Spanish lecturer and instructional technology coordinator at UTPA, thinks technology helps students connect more directly with the lesson and provides broader access to class information. “I believe that the visual impact is very important in teaching students about

use. Though they recognize technology’s great benefits in enhancing the experience, they are also aware that it should not substitute for traditional faceto-face teaching. Shelia Pozorski, an anthropology professor, said she uses innovation only when she “truly [believes] it enhances the class.” “I don't really believe that PowerPoint lectures enhance or improve a class,” she said. “I like to see my students, read their faces and encourage them to interact. This is much more difficult if we are all in the dark staring at a screen.”

I A forum on the proposed class time changes will be held next Tuesday at noon in the SBS Room 101.

TECH continued from page 1 times, most universities offer online classes whereby students learn from the comfort of their homes; they are usually required to be on campus for tests only, sometimes not even then. UTPA is no exception, offering nearly 60 online courses for the spring 2008 term, according to university course listings. Stephen Crown, a mechanical engineering professor, said that it is a mistake to replace the more traditional approach to education with technology completely, but admits it may “revolutionize the teaching environment.” He uses technology quite often in

laboratory classes, recording himself doing a lab and allowing the students to view the video when they are having difficulties. “I used to run the lab where I would demonstrate lab up front and put that on my Web site,” he said. “So when (the students) are receiving instructions, they can simply pause the video. That way, I’m addressing them individually.” At one time, Microsoft’s Power Point – a program that allows instructors to present information on visually appealing slides – was the most technologically advanced media at a teacher’s disposal.

“I don't really believe that PowerPoint lectures enhance or improve a class.” -Shelia Pozorski anthropology professsor culture and language,” she said. “Power Points help the student by having a chapter from a text available online for easy access by the student. Resources online are easy to use and it gives the students easy access from any computer.” However, many professors take a middle-ground approach to technology

KENNEDY continued from page 1 izens must first “restore democracy by (reforming) America’s media and corporations.” “This is the most entertained and least informed (generation) in the history of America,” he said. Amy Silva, a 21-year old junior nutrition and pre-med major from Harlingen, said she enjoyed the speech and has considered becoming more involved in the pro-environment movement. Kennedy’s speech only help increase that aspiration. “I feel motivated to help change the environment,” she said, adding that Kennedy’s talk boosted that motivation. “Sometimes it feels like it’s you against the world.” Among other criticisms, Kennedy said “this is the worst White House” when it comes to dealing with the environment. He said the Bush administration ignores major problems in the world’s ecologic system. Kennedy is a nephew to former U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s.

“(Media) focus too much on entertainment. We hear more about ‘Brangelina’ than we do about global warming..” -Robert F. Kennedy Environmentalist Distinguished Speaker guest His father, Robert F. Kennedy, served as U.S. attorney general in the early 60s. He was one of President Kennedy’s most trusted advisers and worked closely with the president during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He is also co-

host of the Air America radio program “Ring of Fire.” Kennedy’s speech was hosted in part by UTPA’s 7th annual International Week, whose theme was “Earth Matters,” because its events and presentations centered on environmental issues. It was the second and final installment of the Distinguished Speaker’s Series this semester. In October, former president of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev, the first presenter of the semester, spoke about peace in the 21st Century. While the Distinguished Speaker Series Committee is still deciding on a second speaker, it currently has one planned presenter.

I Coming Jan. 30, 2008 The next Distinguished Speaker will be Paul Rusesabagina, a Rwandan hotel manager who saved 1,000 civilians during the Rwandan Genocide of 1995.

Veronica Gonzalez/The Pan American GREEN GREETING - Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (right) speaks with Brazilian Senator Cristovam Buarque (left) meets up with before his speech Wednesday.

November 15, 2007

Page 12 NEWS

COURSES continued from page 3 of its educational philosophy, which replaced some courses with others and omitted some altogether, the issue was twofold for him. “We weren’t under mandate to change the core curriculum,” he said. “It put a wedge between a lot of departments.” Weger said that while many institutions within the UT System and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board are moving toward reducing the core curriculum, “a movement is not a mandate. If we don’t have to do it, why cause unnecessary friction, heartburn and discord?” he said. “The last thing you need is animosity among the ranks.” Among the “hotly contested” areas, Weger said, was the placement of a logic course, which focuses in teaching math theory, as a substitute for algebra. “A couple of those courses were picked because they were theoretical,” he said. “But I tend to think that functionality is a little more important.” In the end, a group of 227 votingeligible faculty won the majority, striking down the proposal, as 174 were in favor. An estimated 57 percent of eligible faculty voted. WHAT IS NEXT? While voting on the issue is complete, the development of a new core curriculum is hardly over, Sale said. “What’s important to remember is that curriculum is a living, breathing entity at every university. Any university that stops talking about curriculum is a university that is behind the times.” he said. “If we don’t continuously ask ourselves ‘what is the best education for our students?’ and ‘how do we keep the cost of education manageable while still providing a quality education year after year?’ then we’re not doing our jobs.” Sale said he is very appreciative of the administrators and faculty for embracing wider discussions, but that “we all must keep in mind that there is a time for discussion and a time for action, with a fine line in between. “Universities are traditionally slow to change. Some would view that as a good, but I would say that the change cycle in America is becoming shorter and shorter and you can see that in a variety of indicators,” he continued. “But I think institutions that are able to be nimble but thoughtful in their change processes will be the ones with a competitive edge in the future.” Sale said that issues aside, it is important to “make sure we’re doing what we need to be doing, which is helping students graduate in a timely manner.” Weger said that the discussions, while over for now, were beneficial. “If down the road we are mandated, then we have the groundwork laid,” he said.

GAS continued from page 3 with the price of oil,” said Jorge Vidal, an economics professor at UTPA. “And right now, oil, the main ingredient in gasoline is…(fluctuating) up and down.” But the winter season could also provide relief Vidal said, due to the annual decrease in driving during this period. A major factor in the cost of gasoline is the price of crude oil production. When gasoline prices increase, it is due to the rise in the cost of crude oil, costs of which have ranged from $70 to $100 a barrel for the past 10 years depending on several factors in the Middle East, a region Americans have grown dependent on through the years. Damian Damianov, associate professor of economics, said unpredictable gasoline prices have been a topic of

more intense debate for about 10 years because of the large impact they have had on peoples’ lives. Though prices have gone down dramatically from time to time, people rarely notice, he added. “At least two or three times a year we have these discussions about what the factors are that cause this certain surge in price,” he said. “Actually, when we take a look at it, the price is going down. But at the time they’re going down nobody notices because it’s good for consumers.” But with oil approaching $100 a barrel, the price of crude oil is still high compared to 10 years ago. Vidal believes an overall high gas cost may have negative effects on student spending. “If students commute, it’s obvi-

ously going to be a negative effect because you’re going to have to pay more for gasoline,” said Vidal. “It’s going to affect their consumption in other goods and services because they have to spend, more on gasoline so they have less income for other things like entertainment and vacations during Christmas break.” But Damianov thinks other expenditures take a bigger toll on student wallets. “If you look at the price of books, I think that’s much more of a concern because a book costs about $100, so all the changes in price in gasoline will cost about half a book or more per month,” said Damianov. “So for the entire semester, it will probably add up to one book that they can buy.”

Victoria Martinez, who lives 20 miles away from the university in San Juan, said she has taken various measures to cut back on gas consumption in recent years. “I have big breaks in between my classes, so I don‘t go home during them anymore,” said Martinez. “I try to stay (at UTPA), so I won’t be going back and forth.” Martinez, who drives a Volkswagen Beetle, also accommodates high gas prices by carpooling and only making necessary trips. “Gas prices have gotten to be so ridiculous. It takes me about $40 dollars to fill up my Beetle every week if I just go and come to school,” she said. “If I didn’t have extra financial aid money I wouldn’t make it.”

major and dorm resident, said he feels no threat of a staph infection because he says his hygiene practices are good. Since he began college at UTPA, he hasn’t seen anyone with a wound who developed an infection because of personto-person contact at the dormitories. “I hadn’t even heard of that form of infection and that it can progress from a simple wound or curable boil,” he said. To inform students about the threat of staph infections and teach ways of

treating and avoiding them, UTPA officials have placed posters around campus illustrating the practice of good hygiene and proper care of wounds. “I think it’s good that the university is publicizing the bacteria,” said Gracie Montanez, a freshman accounting major, about the school announcements. “I always carry hand sanitizer and practice good hygiene, and I don’t see why other students should find harm in doing the same.”

STAPH continued from page 3 Student Health Services center, said carrying a bar of soap is a good way of preventing a staph infection — probably more effective than methods to create sterile facilities. “We all carry this bacteria (under our fingernails, inside our nose), and it’s been a part of us since birth,” Rossway said. “It’s only a matter of practicing good hygiene and caring for open wounds.” Since students and athletes who live in the dormitories on campus seem

to have more physical contact with others, it may seem they are more susceptible to catching the infection, especially since they sweat and shower together in common facilities every day. But ironically, Gray said that the probability of them contracting an infection is the same as for people in a regular community, where people also have constant skin-on-skin contact with one another. Jose Lopez, a sophomore English

PROPOSALS continued from page 3 According to Tony Matamoros, cochair of the committee and president of the Student Government Association, UTPA is “far behind the average of what other universities are charging [in tuition].” UTPA’s tuition and fees currently cost $627, or 20.6 percent, less than the average of what other universities in the UT System charge. “Revenue (from higher tuition) will be used to enhance the quality of education at UTPA,” Matamoros said. Committee members added that there are many benefits in upping tuition costs. Student services would be enhanced, classrooms would be equipped with better technology and the school would have more money to recruit faculty. COEC said one main reason the school is having to dip into tuition and fee money is because of a decrease in appropriations funding and an increase in salaries, utility and technology costs. University budgets receive just over 30 percent of their monies from the state, as compared to nearly 75 percent in 1975. Juan Gonzalez, assistant vice president for business affairs, said that the proposed changes would take effect in the fall of ’08 if passed. “We go through this process every

year, but the current one is looking at two fiscal years,” Gonzalez said, adding that fee costs could vary dramatically from year to year. Although the final decision rests on the UT Board of Regents, John Edwards assured students that their input is valuable. “We want your responses, we want to know what you’re thinking and we want to be the university you would want us to be,” said Edwards, co-chair of the committee and vice president for enrollment and student services at UTPA. “For us to get there, we’re simply going to have to ask for more money in the process.” If the measure passes, students will also see an increase in available financial aid award money. A portion of the money are required to be set aside for this purpose; the estimated amount set aside for 2008 is $2.7 million. By 2010, that figure would rise to approximately $6.6 million. For those wishing to provide feedback to COEC, the committee has created a Web site with the presentation and an online form to submit feedback. The site will be available until Nov. 16, 2007. It can be accessed at http://www.utpa.edu/coec/forums.html.

SEEN AND CAPTURED

Roxy Solis /The Pan American LETʼS GET PHYSICAL - Faculty and staff had a chance to test their levels of fitness Nov. 14 at the Wellness and Recreational Center during the Faculty and Staff Fitness Challenge.

Page 13

November 15, 2007 SPORTS

VOLLEYBALL

UTPA sweeps Texas Southern, improves to 13-17 Lady Broncs primed for NIT in Orem, Utah By ALEX DEL BARRIO The Pan American The Texas-Pan American women’s volleyball team has put a cap on their 2007 regular season and their first under new Head Coach Angela Hubbard after sweeping two consecutive road matches versus Prairie View A&M and Texas Southern University. They will now get ready for the post season as they will participate in the National Independent Tournament November 16th and 17th in Orem, Utah. The Lady Broncs won their match on Friday Night by a tally of 3-1. The PVAM Panthers captured the first set by a score of 30-20, but the Lady Broncs came on strong in the second set to take a 30-24 victory. The Valley’s program took advantage by winning the third game over the Panthers with a 30-27 triumph before taking the fourth and decisive frame 30-25 en route to capturing the road victory. Deanna Schneyer led the Lady

Broncs with a team-high 16 kills to go along with a .273 hitting percentage. Chelsea Blakely quarterbacked the Lady Broncs’ offense as the UTPA junior setter dished out a match-high 56 assists to go along with 13 digs en route to recording her 10th double-double of the season. “As a staff we were very lucky to have someone like Chelsea here,” UTPA Head Coach Angela Hubbard said. “I’ve said it before she is probably the best setter I have ever coached. She is a great leader; she bought into our system and brought the girls along with her.” In their final contest of 2007 the Lady Broncs swept past Texas Southern with a three games to none victory. In the first game, the Lady Broncs were able to pull away at the end of the match to record the 30-22 victory followed by a hard-fought 36-34 triumph in the second set to give UTPA the 2-0 advantage heading into the third and final set. “I was really pleased with our performances as we finished out the season,” Hubbard said. “I was excited to see us grab a couple of road wins it will help us build confidence going into the NIT (National Independent Tournament).” In the final match, the Lady Broncs

slid past the Lady Tigers by a final score of 30-24. Kellie Phillips recorded her eighth double-double of the season with an 11-kill, 15-dig performance while Chelsea Blakely dished out a match-high 26 assists. Sophomore Rebecca Toddy added a match-high 22 digs for the Lady Broncs. “Rebecca Toddy has been great for us this year,” Hubbard added. “She has really stepped into the role that we gave to her and she has improved every single game. We are very proud of her progression.” The Lady Broncs will open the National Independent Tournament on Friday in Orem, Utah as they take on the Friars of Providence College at 1 p.m. mountain time. They will later face Utah Valley State in the Round Robin style tournament in a 4 p.m. match. “We’re excited for the NIT. We’ve practiced hard and watched tape on everyone,” Hubbard added. The Lady Broncs enter the tournament having won four out of their last five games going into the tournament. NOTES - Turn to Page16 for an in depth look into the National Independent Tournament and a team by team breakdown.

National Independent Tournament Schedule Pool 1 - Providence, Utah Valley, UTPA Pool 2 - CSU Bakersfield, Chicago State, NJIT

Friday 9 a.m. 11 a.m. 1 p.m. 4 p.m. 6 p.m. 8 p.m.

Pool 1: Pool 2: Pool 1: Pool 2: Pool 1: Pool 2:

UTPA vs. Providence NJIT vs. Chicago State Utah Valley vs. Providence CSU Bakersfield vs. Chicago State Utah Valley vs. UTPA CSU Bakersfield vs. NJIT

Saturday 1 p.m. 5th place match: Pool 1ʼs No3 vs. Pool 2ʼs No3 3:30 p.m. 3rd place match: Pool 1ʼs No2 vs. Pool 2ʼs No2 6 p.m. Championship match: Pool 1ʼs No1 vs. Pool 2ʼs No1

Onydia Garza/The Pan American TOURNAMENT TIME - UTPAʼs outside hitter Kellie Phillips attacks the net while freshman Charity Cucancic defends during practice Wednesday. The women play Providence College Friday in the National Independent Tournament.

RPI - Rating Percentage Index Utah Valley: 187 CSU Bakersfield: 233 NJIT: 261 UTPA: 269 Providence: 277 Chicago State: 306

November 15, 2007

Page 14 SPORTS

NCAA CROSS COUNTRY

UTPA runners struggle in South Central Regional Luis Nava placed 13th, two spots shy of Nationals By GABRIEL SALDANA The Pan American Competition was stiff after the Bronc men’s and women’s programs took the course at Agri Park when the University of Arkansas hosted the NCAA Division I South Central Regional competition Saturday. The University of Texas-Pan American men’s squad clinched a 12th place overall standing in 10K action with a team tally of 2:43:54.11, and completed a pair of personal bests in the season-ending meet. The women took home 13th place in the 6K run, at 2:00:17.40 Leading the men’s division with a time of 30:15.3 was junior standout and La Joya native Luis Nava, notching 13th place out of 105 competitors with a personal best time at the regional meet. Nava was projected to be a strong contender for nationals after clinching

first at the National Independent Championships Oct. 27 but missed qualification at the regional. The top four finishers advanced. “There was a lot of competition,” said Nava. “Even though I didn’t qualify, I knew I’d left everything I had out there at the race. I didn’t accomplish the goal I wanted but I did accomplish other goals like improving my time [by] 1 minute. I did OK and the rest of the team knows whether they did well” Crossing the end line behind Nava in the 39th position was PSJA North grad J.J. Hernandez with a 10K personal best of 31:37.4. Freshman McAllen native Angel Ramirez and Edinburg North HS alum Rolando Vela came in with the 66th and 87th positions and times of 32:41.2 and 33:47, respectively “Nava and Hernandez both hit personal records,” Coach Dennis Darling said. “I was pleased with those performances. The rest of the [men’s] team gave it their all and I felt that they did pretty well.” The University of Arkansas took first place in the men’s competition with

the University of Texas–Austin, Texas A&M, Lamar and LSU rounding out the top five of 14 schools. Brownsville Hanna HS ex Carolina Izaguirre led the women with a 53rd-place showing in the 6k run recording a time of 22:46.7 while junior Pharr’s Sara Rodriguez claimed the 74th spot marking 23:27.9. Diana Galloso closed out the top 100 for the Green and Orange group in 89th place with a time of 24:07.8 to wrap up the 2007 campaign. Rice University claimed victory on the women’s side by posting a total team tally of 1:46:04.40. The University of Arkansas, Baylor, Texas A&M and UTAustin recorded second through fifth. “The women were sub par and I felt like they really didn’t go out and compete as well as they should have,” Darling said. “But they can go back, train and come back stronger than ever. I felt that they learned something this weekend and [they] know what to expect for next year.” A new cross country season begins fall 2008 but both teams look to the ensuing track and field schedule in the spring.

BASKETBALL

Former UTPA center Lien debuts with RGV Silverados Silverados’ game benefits flood victims in Mexico By DANNY GARZA The Pan American Continental Basketball Association action is now in full swing for the Rio Grande Valley as the Silverados hosted the first exhibition game against the Houston Blaze, defeating them 117-108 Saturday night at the P-SJ-A Memorial Gymnasium. The game kicked off pro hoops in the Valley, but also was played to raise money for the Mexican state of Tabasco, where rainstorms caused the worst flooding there in more than 50 years. “We’ve been doing community work since day one,” said Silverados coowner Art Gonzalez. “We’re very happy that the community has accepted us and we’re just giving a little back in these charity fundraisers.” Charity aside, the basketball team took care of business and did so with authority as the Silverados played physical all night, wearing down the Houston team. RGV head coach Steve Tucker said his team played hard but still need a lot of improvement before the regular season begins Nov. 17. The Silverados will play their first regular season game against

Oklahoma, at the McAllen Convention Center. Tip-off is at 7:05 p.m. “We won the game and I know that’s all that matters. But were we sloppy? Yes. Did we find a way to win? Yes,” he said. “We’re not always going to play great but we’ll play hard and playing hard leads to winning games but we still need a lot of work though.” This was the first game ever for the Silverados, who have been joined by the NBA Developmental League’s Vipers as the area welcomes not one, but two new squads. Considering its newness, the team didn’t seem all that rusty, shooting 65.9 percent from the field in the first half. However, RGV did commit 16 turnovers in the half as Houston took advantage of the mistakes to put up points on 12 of the 16 turnovers. The Blaze shot a staggering 79.2 percent from the field to take a 6058 lead at the half. Trailing at the start of the half, RGV was sparked into the lead by shooting guard Toby Smith, who had a game-high 26 points. The University of Tulsa product scored eight points in an 11-point run early in the third as the home team took command. From there the Silverados played hard defense with fullcourt pressure in the fourth quarter to wear down the Blaze. The outstanding shooting continued for both sides, however, as Houston shot

54 percent and RGV 67 percent. RGV took another 9-0 run against the Blaze late in the fourth en route to a well deserved first-game win. “We just came out of training camp so we started off a little rusty,” Smith said. “But I think we played team basketball and did our thing and took care of business. Now we just have to get ready for the next one.” Smith shot 12 for 14 from the floor

and raked in three steals. Teammate Tim Pledger, a 5-foot-9 point guard who played college ball at Delta Sate, had 14 points. Houston’s Colin Lien, a two-year starter for The University of Texas-Pan American who finished his eligibility last season, had 24 points for the Blaze while teammate Terry Connerway had a teamhigh 25. Lien suited up for a shorthanded Blaze squad and logged heavy minutes

on his way to earning valuable experience for the upcoming season, which tips off Saturday at 7:35 against the Oklahoma Calvary. The Silverados logged in another exhibition victory on Monday night when they defeated the San Antonio All Stars, 117-108 at Harlingen South high school. Lien scored seven points off the bench while Bahamas national team member Ray Rose scored 19.

Nick Dodd/The Pan American WELCOME TO THE PROS - Colin Lien warms up before his first professional basketball game with the RGV Silverados Saturday at P-SJ-A Gymnasium. Lien suited up for a short-handed Houston Blaze team instead, finishing with 24 points.

November 15, 2007

Page 15 SPORTS

NCAA MEN’S BASKETBALL

Give it to Trader: Broncs add two more to win column Trader tabbed as go-to guy after 23.5 ppg outing By RAMIRO PAEZ The Pan American It might be early in the 2007-2008 basketball season, but the University of Texas-Pan American men’s basketball team are certainly proving to many that their seven game improvement from a year ago should be considered legit. In Tom Schuberth’s first year as head coach a season ago, he led the Broncs to a 4-0 start and now has them right back on that track as they are 2-0 after posting wins in their home openers. They defeated the University of TexasPermian Basin on Saturday, 77-65, and Texas A&M International University on Tuesday, 101-75, both of which were held at the UTPA Fieldhouse. Much of the success that the Green and Orange are encountering this season is due in large part to three seniors: guards Briand Burrell, Paul Stoll, and up-and-coming forward Zach Trader. Since dramatically turning around his average of 3.1 points per game during his freshman campaign to 7.9 ppg last season, Trader already is averaging 23.5 ppg in the first two contests this year.

“Everything that I’ve done has just come through the offense,” said Trader. “We’re being patient on offense, moving the ball, being real unselfish. I’ve just got shots through the offense, got rebounds and put them back; just the little things, that’s my role.” GAME 2 After the 12-point win in their season opener, the Broncs picked up right where they left off as they completely dominated the Dustdevils in all facets. Eleven out of the 12 players for the green and orange helped contribute in the walloping win over A&M International, with Trader recording a double-double at 25 points and 10 rebounds. Burrell recorded 17 points, 5 assists and 4 rebounds, while newcomer Emmanuel Jones added 14 points. Unlike in the exhibition, UTPA was red-hot in the second half, shooting 56.7 percent from the field compared to 47.1 percent in the first. They also connected on 7-of-11 from beyond the arc in the second half. “That’s what you got to like about this year’s team compared to last year’s team, they like to be on the end of an assist rather than score and they’re always looking to get their teammate involved,” Schuberth said. “I think that’s contagious now and you bring guys in and they recognize that.” Indeed the 101 points scored looked

probable as the game started in a quick pace with the Broncs holding a one point lead just five minutes in. From there on out, it was all UTPA. They held a 14-point lead at halftime, despite going without a field goal in the last 6:55, but connected on nine out of 12 free throw attempts. In the second half, it was more of the same story as UTPA never let the Dustdevils get into rhythm and put a signature on the win with two slam dunks by guard Damon Franklin in the last minute that ignited the crowd. “It was a great team win,” said Trader. “Mostly everybody got on the board. Obviously, we scored 101 points, played good defense and we got back better on transition. That was one thing we were really focusing on and we were patient on offense and defense and that is what we need to do to win all of our games.” SEASON OPENER The season opener for the Broncs was almost a mirror image of their second game. They built a 12-point lead at halftime and proved to be enough to stave off the pesky Falcons as they made two second half runs to reduce the green and orange’s lead to single digits. Jones scored nine of his 12 points in the second half and, like in the second game, ended it with a slam dunk. Burrell recorded 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists, while Trader

led all scorers with 22 points along with five rebounds. The Broncs will take their 2-0 record to Springfield, Mo. for their first road matchup tomorrow in the Missouri State

University Tournament. The two-day event pits UTPA against UNC-Greensboro Friday at 5:30 pm and Saturday against the winner of the Missouri State and Harding University game.

Onydia Garza/The Pan American GO-TO GUY - Forward Zach Trader looks for an open man during Tuesdayʼs 101-77 exhibition victory over Texas A&M-International at the Field House. Trader led all scorers with 25 points and posted his first double-double.

NCAA WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Erlingsdottir and Gray lead UTPA past Dustdevils, 77-55 By ERICK QUINTERO The Pan American Much was made over the summer arrival of 6-foot-2 Icelandic National Team standout Maria Ben Erlingsdottir to the University of Texas-Pan American women’s basketball team. And with good reason. On Monday night the three-year Icelandic National team member reminded everyone why she was worth every mile of the trip to Edinburg, delivering the goods Monday night during a UTPA 77-55 victory over Texas A&MInternational, the Lady Broncs sole exhibition game of the year. Rarely do freshmen come in and provide instant offense in college hoops, as most need a year or so to get acclimated to the pace and faster game play not seen in the high school ranks. Not Erlingsdottir. When the dust settled against the Division II Lady Dustdevils her stat line read: 21 points, five rebounds and one block. She led all scorers in that game, not bad for a first collegiate ball game. “She just had a fabulous game, hit

some important baskets. The thing she didn’t get to show tonight is what a special passer she is,” said fifth-year coach DeAnn Craft. “If you don’t get to double team her, I think it’s going to spell trouble for opposing teams. “She’s just a very court-savvy player with a great shooting touch.” UTPA senior tri-captain and ultraquick point guard LeKeisha Gray, as expected, had a monster game too, with 19 points, nine assists, six rebounds and two steals. Simply put, Gray was everywhere but it was Erlingsdottir who remained the talk of the night. “That’s how she got people. People think that she came in to be an inside player, but she had the outside game too as well so they’re going to have to learn how to defend her,” Gray said about Erlingsdottir. The Lady Broncs took a 36-30 halftime lead after Teshay Winfrey connected from three-point land with seven seconds left to play. Winfrey finished with seven points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals and Tamara Vaughn chipped in with seven points, four boards, two dimes and one steal.

TAMIU opened the second half on an 11-5 run to tie the game at 41-41, but UTPA answered with an 11-1 run after Erlingsdottir connected on a couple of freebies from the charity stripe to pull the Lady Broncs ahead, 53-42 with 11:23 left in regulation “When they made their little run, we were just going and not getting back on defense, but then again they weren’t getting back either,” Gray said. “So what we did was we just had to calm down and get our defense. That’s what we’re known for, we’re a good defensive team.” Erlingsdottir scored five of the last 10 Lady Bronc points, her last three-pointer, a corner beauty, gave the Green and Orange women a decisive 68-55 lead. “I think we played good, we played good defense and we were making some good shots and that’s what it takes,” Erlingsdottir said. “I think we’re ready for Baylor.” Today the Lady Broncs are in Waco for a date with Big 12 opponent Baylor University (3-0) with tip-off scheduled for 7 p.m.

Onydia Garza/The Pan American SWEET STROKE - LeKeisha Gray gets perfect lift on a three-pointer over two Texas A&M-International defenders Monday during the UTPAʼs 70-55 exhibition victory at the Field House. Gray scored 19 points and handed out nine assists.

S P O RT S

Page 16

November 15, 2007

THE PAN AMERICAN

BASKETBALL

StatsAtAGlance

Number of regular season wins UTPA’s volleyball team, a seven-game improvement from last year’s 6-25 record

By ERICK QUINTERO The Pan American fter posting an incredible turnaround under the direction of firstyear head coach Angela Hubbard the women’s volleyball team enters the National Independent Tournament hosted by Utah Valley State with a 13-17 record. But they’ll have to finish the season without their leader. The Lady Broncs are winners of four out of their last five games, including a 3-0 sweep of Texas Southern in their regular-season finale Friday at Houston. UTPA has played four games on their home court, winning three; the rest of the games have been played on the road or at neutral sites. With everything clicking, the women travel to Orem, Utah, to play in a two-pool tournament that will determine the Independent National Champion. It’s simple, win two games and they’re in the championship game. Only thing is they’ll be doing it without Hubbard, who is to give birth to her first child Sunday. First-year assistant coaches Talia Ogle and Leah Johnson will take over the coaching duties for the Lady Broncs. “The good thing is Leah, Talia and I work together as a team to coach this team so they’re used to them being in charge and having feedback from them,” Hubbard said. “I think that obviously records don’t necessarily mean that much, Utah Valley is a great team, and we know that. Providence, we don’t know too much about them but we’ve got tape on them, we’re preparing for them and I think the girls will do fine.”

Number of points freshman Maria Ben Erlingsdottir scored in her first game as a Lady Bronc in a 70-55 win over Texas A&MInternational

See Page 13 for complete schedule.

23.5

Zach Trader’s scoring average through the first two season games

“TheySaidIt”

“For us to go up and

win would be a huge monument. We’re excited about it though; challenges are what this program is about.” - Tom Schuberth UTPA menʼs basketball head coach on the upcoming Missouri State Tournament

ShortSports BASEBALL The first pitch of the University of Texas-Pan American annual GreenWhite Baseball Series was thrown yesterday at 3:30 p.m. at Edinburg Coyote Stadium. The three-game series concludes fall semester workouts and the team’s season and gives head baseball coach Willie Gawlik a chance to look at the team’s myriad of new faces. Game two is today at 3:30 p.m. and game three Friday at 6:30 p.m. “It’s a fun time for our squad. We have been working hard since August and,” Gawlik said. “It gives the team a jump start to get ready for the season.”