September 4, 2008

UPB presents They Mean Us & Hope for the Stars; See Page 10

Volume 65, No. 2

September 4, 2008

SINCE 1943

T CRIME

University reacts to Labor Day weekend murder One dead, three injured in early morning stabbing Nearly a week has passed since a quadruple stabbing early Sunday morning near the university campus

left 23-year-old David Vasquez dead and three others injured.

According to Edinburg police, 21year-old Jesus Felix of McAllen and 20-year-old Mark Anthony Guerra of Alice disrupted a party at Veranda Place Student Apartments, # 617 where they assaulted and stabbed David Cardwell Jr., 21, in the back of the head.

His brother Alex Cardwell, 18, was stabbed in the back and Vasquez in the

T HEALTH

T POLITICS

By J.R. Ortega THE PAN AMERICAN

Clinic says shots help avert disease

thigh; the latter died at McAllen Medical Center.

Twenty-year-old Eduardo Jaime Saucedo was also stabbed several times in the back and was seen leaving the area in the passenger seat of a vehicle, according to reports.

Both Felix and Guerra were taken into custody and after a thorough investigation, Felix was charged with the murder of Vasquez and two counts of aggravated assault on the Cardwell

SEE MENINGITIS || PAGE 11

INDEX

of Texas-Pan American, according to Police Chief Quirino Munoz.

With the investigation and case still under way, The University of Texas-Pan American student and Veranda Place resident Rachel Saldana reflected back on the weekend’s violent act, something she said she never expected.

“My dad was the one that told me,” said the 21-year-old theater major. “I

SEE STABBING || PAGE 11

Progress hits wall in border town

By Brian Silva THE PAN AMERICAN

By Abby Flores THE PAN AMERICAN Ever shared a drink or kissed someone you’ve just met? Every day, a college student is affected because of carelessness, and approximately 1,500 to 3,000 Americans are infected

by Meningococcal disease, also known as Meningitis, with 30 percent of those cases involving young teens beginning college.

To help prevent an outbreak, the Student Health Services is offering meningitis vaccinations on two different dates, Sept. 5 at the Student Union and Sept. 19 at the library lobby; the event will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on both days.

Freshmen are known to be an easy target to meningitis, along with anyone living in crowded areas, a group which often also includes college kids.

Athletes are also at risk of getting the infection due to sharing locker rooms and showers.

Plus, those who share items that have touched another person’s mouth, like utensils or drinking glasses, are susceptible due to the exchange of saliva.

Given these facts, the university decided to do a little prevention work

brothers: Guerra was charged with aggravated assault of Saucedo.

If convicted of the murder charge, Felix may face up to 99 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Guerra is looking at up to 20 years in prison if convicted of aggravated assault.

Police believe alcohol, and a dispute over a gang tattoo between Guerra and Saucedo, sparked the quarrel. None of the men involved in the incident are from The University

Photo by Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN

URGE TO BE HEARD - Shirley Rickett embosses the word “my” at a recent Border Wall event in Granjeno. Attendees were given the opportunity to make their own signs and post them throughout the city.

FEATURES

PG. 2

NEWS

PG. 3

civil rights, but he won,” he noted. “It takes pressure.”

The rally was hosted by the newly Wally Hochbaun, 84, observed formed Resist The Wall organization, from his wheelchair as speakers took with an assist by a veteran group, La the mike at an anti-border wall rally in the Granejo Public Facility Union de Pueblo Entero, or LUPE. Monday night. The former Air Force The rally was moderated and led by sergeant had flown over Germany Nick Braune, a local philosophy produring WWII and later witnessed the fessor, who chose not to reveal the horrors of the Nazi concentration name of his school.

“We are here to tell you that you’re camps. However, this seasoned comnot alone,” Braune said in opening bat veteran said there is another different sort of tragedy occurring local- remarks.

The border wall, which is already ly; the border wall encroaching on the under construction, will eventually homes in Granjeno, Texas, located extends along the near Mission. backside of homes Hochbaun, who “I don’t think there has in the southern half resides in Mission, has lived a life of been enough of an effort of Granjeno, at coming withactivism, primarily to awaken the conc- times in a few yards of up in Chicago for science of America.” residences.

With various causes, i.e. the process already the anti-nuclear in motion, the and anti-draft David Anshen town’s 24-year-old movements. His Asst. Professor of English mayor, Vicente latest fight now is Garza Jr., admits with those who that goals have would construct a wall separating the changed.

United States from Mexico.

“It cuts off our experience of natu“I’ve been fighting for those ral habitat and way of living,” Garza things since I left the service,” said.

“We’re going to have to find a Hochbaun said. “A lot of the stuff we fought for we fought as the minority. different way because people are But, we won, we won as the minori- going to have to adapt to the way it is with the border wall in the way.” ty.”

Garza said the town would have Hochbaun said the people must pressure their leaders to win the fight. lost approximately 50 homes if “Look at Martin Luther King, Jr., Hidalgo County officials and the U.S. he was in the minority in his fight for Department of Homeland Security

SEE BORDER || PAGE 11

A&E

PG. 7

SPORTS

PG. 13

UTPA Generations: The Series Watch for Bronc history lessons intermittently throughout the semester Aug. 25 - Introduction Sept. 4 - ‘20s & ‘30s Sept. 25 - ‘40s & ‘50s Oct. 16 - ‘60s & ‘70s Nov. 6 - ‘80s & ‘90s Dec. 3 - 2000 & Beyond

Page 2

September 4, 2008

THE PAN AMERICAN

Sept. 4, 2008

V 65, No. 2

Breaking Ground: The birth of UTPA

By J.R. Ortega THE PAN AMERICAN

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

EDITOR IN CHIEF J.R. Ortega / ortega.e.jr@gmail.com NEWS EDITOR Abigail Muniz / abby.muniz@yahoo.com A&E EDITOR Laura Garcia / laurad500@hotmail.com SPORTS EDITORS Ramiro Paez / ramiropaez@aol.com Gregorio Garza / the_nataku@yahoo.com PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Roxy Solis / roxysolis34@yahoo.com DESIGN EDITOR Roy Bazan / rbazanzz@yahoo.com COPY EDITOR Adriana Acosta / acostaa@hotmail.com

It has a historical marker and some of the buildings still stand. Though the structures may be weathered, The University of Texas-Pan American still sees itself in the shadow of the former Edinburg College just east of campus.

Edinburg College, the original incarnation of what is now known as UTPA, was founded in 1927 as a two-year community college governed under the Edinburg School District.

The city’s educational endeavor was a local affair, as nearly all the school and administration buildings were located in a two-block radius.

Attending college in the late 1920s early 1930s was no easy feat. Women had just been given the right to vote and some American views on females in educational institutions were still skewed toward the classic ‘women in

the household’ role.

Despite the many obstacles women and minorities like Hispanics faced in a time where many city venues were segregated, Edinburg College attempted to break the mold.

In its first year, the college housed 200 students and offered classes in science, engineering. Its initial president was H.C. Baker, who served in that capacity from 1927 to 1930.

Though it is hard to find surviving graduates from the original college, a sampling of their personalities can be read simply by looking at their yearbook picture.

The yearbook of 1929 has senior pictures with name and description right below. Skimming across the pages of the yearbook, The Midlothian, readers come across a classy-looking woman like Evangeline Hinojosa, who was described by her class as “A small bundle of pep.”

Also existent was the original student newspaper The Scotchman, which was headed by Editor John Wray. On Sept.

29, 1929, the first issue hit the stands, according to documentation from The Midlothian.

The student press was an intermittent publication until 1943, when The Pan American began.

Looking through the yearbooks of the the universities beginnings, one of the only forms of documentation, offers a glimpse of the past.

Even in the 1920s and ‘30s, Broncs were alive with pride. Sophomores started a tradition in which they helped freshmen get acquainted with one another by holding meetings to help the entering class elect class officers.

“Education in the spirit of life is dynamic, progressive, practical, recreative, friendly, cooperative and idealistic,” stated Baker in the 1929 yearbook.

When the college first began, many

of the students knew one another and most of the athletes in ‘29 were from the original 1927 class.

In 1930, H.W. Miles became the dean of the college and superintendent of the Edinburg schools. The college was going through a stage of substantial growth.

Miles’ reign however only lasted a year. In 1931, the longest reigning president presided over the college. R.P. Ward took over, and in 1933, the only higher learning institution in the Valley quickly grew enough for the college to go through its first name transition, into Edinburg Junior College.

Ward served as president from 19311943 and then left for World War II, returning to the role in 1946 before finally retiring in 1960. All told, Ward served 26 years.

These first two decades marked the starting ground work for an institution that would soon undergo not two but six transitions in 81 years.

REPORTERS, DESIGNERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Alvaro Balderas Russen Vela Isaac Garcia Andrielle Figueroa Onydia Garza Ben Briones Rick Gamez Ana Villaurrutia Pedro Perez IV ADVISER

Dr. Greg Selber --- selberg@utpa.edu SECRETARY

Anita Reyes --- areyes18@utpa.edu ADVERTISING MANAGER Samantha Quintana --- spubs@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.

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.

UTPA Generations: The Series The Pan American welcomes any pictures, anecdotes or memories from the past. UTPA community members are encouraged to contact us.

J.R. Ortega 1920s and 1930s 956-226-3741 ortega.e.jr@gmail.com

Abigail Muniz 1940s and 1950s 210-391-9809 abbymuniz@gmail.com

Brian Silva 1960s and 1970s 361-726-8724 brian.silva2@gmail.com

Adriana Acosta 1990s and 1980s 956-534-2783 acostaa@hotmail.com

Ana Villaurrutia 2000 956-655-7948 parker687@hotmail.com

September 4, 2008

Teach For America Info Session

Ribbon Cutting Museum of South Texas History

Sept. 4, 2008 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

College of Engineering Auditorium

Sept. 10, 2008 5:30 p.m.

121 E. McIntyre Page 3

THE PAN AMERICAN

T CAMPUS

University welcomes Class of 2012

By Abigail Muniz THE PAN AMERICAN Fresh faces filled the Student Union auditorium on Thursday during activity hour at the third annual Freshman Convocation. The auditorium reached its capacity as first-year students at The University of TexasPan American took their seats, greeted fellow classmates, and waited for the event to begin.

President Blandina Cardenas, amid

music playing in the background, welcomed students to the convocation.

She even took a minute to dance with Bucky the Bronc, the school mascot.

Maggie Hinojosa, associate vice president and dean of admissions, welcomed students and explained the importance of convocation.

“We are a family, and you are now part of this family,” she said.

“Freshman convocation is to affirm your membership in our family.”

To students, the event may be a formality that has to be attended to, but according to Hinojosa, the administration uses it to give rookies a warm welcome, and perhaps aid down the road in sticking around.

For the entering freshman of 2005, the two-year retention rate stood at 59.3 percent, up from 53.8 in 2004, according to retention and graduation information on the school Web site.

“Pretty much anything we do is

directed at keeping students here and helping them feel that sense of commitment,” Hinojosa said. “Anything we do is geared to helping them feel at home.”

Marcos Silva, Student Government Association president, also took to the lecturn and shared with students his advice of what a successful student needs to do in order to truly get the most of their college career.

“Be an active student,” said Silva.

“That means go to your classes, initiate the study group, get the number of the person sitting next to you… it’s those relationships that’ll help you pass your class.”

Silva also assured students that the SGA organization is there to speak for all students.

“Our main objective is to represent you, to carry out your concerns, your suggestions or comments that you

SEE WELCOME || PAGE 12

T CAMPUS

Bucky’s Block Party ‘bucks’ students into fall semester

By Janette Gonzalez THE PAN AMERICAN The University of Texas-Pan American held its third annual Bucky’s Block Party celebration at the Field House Aug. 28. The event, which is usually held in the quad, was switched after a week of heaving rains plagued the Rio Grande Valley.

The whole event, which cost the university $10,000, was free to all students.

While Bucky feasted on ice-cream cakes from Dairy Queen, the Office of Student Development and the Student Union set up for the rest of the student body.

Usually, the OSD goes solo in arranging all the festivities for Bucky’s Block Party but this year the Student Union assisted.

The Union provided food and novelties, while OSD also provided food and a little something extra: live entertainment.

The Field House was filled with a

variety of music from Tejano to ‘80s rock, played by the Manhattan Show, a local band form Hidalgo. The gym also had an obstacle course, a tricycle race, boxing, a photo booth with Bucky, and a butt sketch caricature.

The butt sketch caricature gave students a drawing from the top of their head to the bottom of their heel.

Carina Alcantara, coordinator of student development, said the party is a way for the university to reach out to both the UTPA students and the local community. It also allows students to get more out of their college experience and meet new people.

“The purpose of this event is to recruit students into organizations and to also give merchants, community service agencies, and the University of Texas-Pan American exposure among students,” Alcantara said.

As a promotional effort to gain student feedback, the OSD gave out nachos as an incentive for students to fill out a two-minute survey. The survey had a variety of questions that

Photo by Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN

BOOGIE NIGHTS - UTPA students learn how to disco at the 3rd annual Bucky’s Block Party Aug. 28 in the UTPA Field House. centered on which famous artist the students wished to see on campus performing live. The results of the survey are still unknown but the survey will help kick off a Spring event. The Student Union also raffled off several T-shirts and pens at the event.

Free food was the main source of

motivation for students to go from table to table, though some were eager to gain knowledge of different organizations. The Pre-Law Society organization at the event provided candies to students who joined their organization. They also informed students of their upcoming meetings and

how they can prepare for law school.

Other student organizations that attended were Delta Zeta, Omega Delta Phi and many more.

Local restaurants such as Maki, located on University Drive, offered

SEE PARTY || PAGE 12

T NATIONAL

Drinking age intiative avoided by UTPA

By Ana Villaurrutia THE PAN AMERICAN For years, Edinburg’s Mothers Against Drunk Drivers and Holiday Wine and Liqueur have ironically coexisted on University Drive, each evoking opposite sides on the topic of alcohol use. But a recent and contro-

versial suggestion to lower the drinking age has ruffled feathers both locally and across the country.

The Amethyst Initiative has already garnered support from 129 universities nationwide, including state colleges West Texas A&M in Canyon and the University of Incarnate Word in

San Antonio.

However, on Aug. 25, the University of Texas-Pan American decided to stay out of the divisive initiative.

A message from President Blandina Cardenas for the press stated that until UTPA is approached by

either the college professors supporting the initiative or UTPA students, the university will not consider taking sides.

“We have not been approached by the college professors supporting the Amethyst Initiative, nor have we been approached by our students on this

issue. Should that occur we would be compelled to study the data very closely before coming to a decision on which side to support,” wrote Cardenas.

Since 1984, the drinking age has been 21 thanks to the National

SEE ALCOHOL || PAGE 12

Page 4

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September 4, 2008

McAllen Artwalk

Cinesol Film Festival

Sept. 5, 2008 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

McAllen Arts District

Sept. 6, 2008 6 p.m.

Cine El Rey Page 7

THE PAN AMERICAN

T NIGHTLIFE

Acts deliver punchline, laughter

By Russen Vela THE PAN AMERICAN Comedy shows are known for wild and gasp-inducing monologues and have the tendency to leave audiences applauding thunderously with satisfaction of what they just witnessed.

While funny men and women can be enjoyed at shows across the United States, most notably in entertainment cities like New York, Florida or California, it’s been tough to find a good place to laugh in the Rio Grande Valley. The demand for comedy is there, but only a few venues have catered to comedians to date.

That is why brothers Bert and Isaac Guerra are bringing Comedy Night to their Cine El Rey Theater in McAllen.

“Wednesday Night Comedy is all about groups of friends and co-workers enjoying laughter together,” said

Bert Guerra, a 1991 UTPA graduate of communications and music. “We believe friends who laugh together stay together.”

The brothers, originally from Premont, reside in Edinburg and McAllen respectively, said they wanted to have events they personally wanted to see. Since there is no full-fledged comedy club in the Valley, they knew there was a need for one. Bert, the elder of the Guerra brothers, was the only one available for comment about the upcoming Comedy nights. “We (Isaac and I) knew a full comedy club might not be able to sustain comedy every night of the week like bigger markets,” said Bert. “So we decided to have it once a week.”

The fun began on Wednesday Aug 6, with comedian Cleto Rodriguez officially opening the comedy nights at Cine El Rey. The Guerra brothers are excited about the talent their promoter Nano Ramirez had scouted out for the weekly comedy night shows.

“Nano started in the beginning of summer and came across some very diverse and hilarious comedians.”

The list includes Cleto Rodriguez who won an award for Funniest Comic in the Southwest in 2006 from San Antonio. Richard Trevino, a regu-

lar at the Rivercenter Comedy Club in San Antonio who has opened for comedian Paulie Shore; and Slade Ham, who performed at the Cine El Rey theater on Aug 27.

Ham, a Beaumont Texas native, is not standard fare yet in the comedy world, but over the last 10 years, he’s generated a cult following. Like Dane Cook before him, his stand-up consists of rants and raves which cover social issues, the perils of his career the last eight years, and what he likes to call “train-wreck” or a relationship.

His audience not only howls with laughter at the show; they also enjoy listening to online rants he churns out weekly on his Web site Sladeham.com.

Cassandra Trejo, a sophomore communication disorders major, said that whenever comedians come to perform in the Rio Grande Valley, it always excites her about the different material they use.

“Sometimes they will talk about the immigration laws, which is always funny to us Latinos,” said the Edinburg native. “I also like their political outbursts and jokes about the presidential race, that always get the crowd wild and fired up.”

While some material may be inappropriate for minors, Bert insists that he and his brother Isaac have never had a problem with allowing minors as long

they were accompanied by an adult.

“We have featured a wide range of comedians from different racial backgrounds and also different sexes,” he said. “Some of the material is clean while some comedians leave you saying, ‘Oh my God! I can’t believe they said that,” said Guerra.

Regardless, the 61-year-old Cine El Rey will no doubt be the place to have huge amounts of laughter. Bert

added that if the Comedy Nights are a huge success, then they will continue to hold them for many years to come.

“Everyone who has gone has left with smiles on their faces,” said Bert proudly. “And nothing feels so good than seeing people enjoy themselves.”

Cine El Rey will also offer halfpriced tickets to UTPA students for Comedy Wednesdays when they present their student ID at the door.

Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN

LAST LAUGH - Slade Ham takes the stage at Cine El Rey in McAllen during the venue’s newly added Comedy Wednesday.

T FINE ARTS

She Loves Me takes cue from Hollywood

By Andrielle Figueroa THE PAN AMERICAN

Mid-semester, The University of Texas-Pan American theatre, music and dance departments will present She Loves Me, a musical filled with laughs and surprises that will run from Oct. 8 to Oct. 12.

You might be thinking, what is a musical? A musical is a production that includes musicians, actors, and dancers. All the music in the production will be played by an orchestra, not just through a sound system. All the dancing will be choreographed by a professional. Who is responsible for this merger of all this talent?

Directing the musical is Pat McEnnis. McEnnis graduated from Texas State University in the late ‘70s.

Raised in San Antonio, McEnnis has had a professional career in theatre for 10 years between receiving her BA

and masters in Business from Texas State University.

McEnnis explained that those who have never heard of the play may find that the story is more familiar than they think.

“Basically the story is based on the same theme as the recent Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan movie, You’ve Got Mail. The story is based on a ‘perfumery’ shop; two of the clerks are communicating through a personal ad in the newspaper,” she explained. “Of course, in ‘real life,’ at the shop, they can’t stand each other, so you can only guess what happens.”

She Loves Me is one of McEnnis’ many productions at UTPA, the most recent being The Rainmaker for PanAmerican Summer Stock, 2007. She Loves Me was written by composer Jerry Bock and lyricist Sheldon Harnick, the same pair who wrote Fiddler on the Roof. McEnnis said

she is attached to the former play.

“That play (She Loves Me) was presented by UTPA in the spring 2002,” she said. “It is not as well known as Fiddler but has long been a favorite of mine.”

What makes this production special is the fusion of the various performing university departments: theatre, music and dance. While it may seem hard to direct three different departments at once, McEnnis on the contrary is very excited and does not foresee any obstacles.

“I love working with the music department,” she said. “And the recent merger of the dance department with music has made organization of this project go very smoothly.”

Choreographing the dance portion is Melinda Blomquist, who also organized that area for Good News in 2003 and Fiddler in 2007. Music instructor Luis Alfonso Lopez will be

the musical director and conductor.

Lopez directed the Broadway Musical Revue last spring. Arturo Rodriguez, who played in the orchestra for Once upon a Mattress, will also help out with the October project.

Does this production have an advantage over regular plays because of the triple threat? Sharon O’Leary, from McAllen, auditioned for the leading role as Amalia. O’Leary expressed her opinion on the assumption.

“I don’t know if it is necessarily better,” O’Leary stated. “Though music intensifies emotion, and dance is visually pleasing. They are all great on their own but it is interesting to see them all equally bound together.”

UTPA students are excited about the production, like Adan Elizondo Jr., a 19-year-old majoring in communication disorders.

Elizondo, an Edinburg native, believes the audience can get some-

thing from any production.

“I like plays,” he said. “There are many kinds of plays from comedy to drama and historic to musicals. I feel as if you learn things by just watching them.”

She Loves Me will not just explain a story; it will also shine light on the use of so many of Pan Am’s talented artists. Not only will these students have to act, but dance and sing as well. Students are more in tune with arts, and McEnnis trusts that this is a positive.

“I believe promoting the arts is most essential for our young people.

The arts bridge the gap between, not only other places in the world, but other times and concerns,” she said.

“We are all just alike in reality, have the same fears, hopes, needs, and through the arts we can realize this oneness, and perhaps increase our understanding of each other.”

Page 8

September 4, 2008

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

September 4, 2008

Page 9

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

A walk in these shoes

By Marco Carbajal THE PAN AMERICAN

It is often said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. But for Michael Rodriguez, that trip instead began with a dance-step combination.

Rodriguez, a 19-year-old business management major, has been balancing being a full- time student and dance instructor for the past five years. Though many might consider him young for such a mentoring position, Rodriguez is actually a seasoned veteran, having danced since the age of three with the Deborah Case Dance Academy.

“... People should be inspired by their own heart and what they want to do. Their own heart should lead them.”

Michael Rodriguez Business management major Deborah Case Dance Academy instructor Photos by Isaac Barrientes

Design by Rick Gamez

A JOURNEY BEGINS “Both my mother and sister danced when they were younger,” explained the Edinburg resident and graduate of South Texas Science Academy. “My sister was dancing once and I was watching one of her classes.

Deborah Case saw me peeking in, picked me up and literally put me in class. After that, I just loved to dance.”

Rodriguez has been at the academy ever since and his repertoire now includes tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop and Latin dance.

“Michael is an inspiration to the other students because he is dedicated and very disciplined in his approach,” said Case, owner of the academy and artistic director of the Rio Grande Valley Ballet.

Similarly, Rodriguez raves about Case, referring to her as a “second mother.”

“Deborah Case taught me everything I know,” he said with a smile. “The Dance Academy is my second home.”

Amid performances in Romeo and Juliet, Like Water for Chocolate, Paquita, and The Nutcracker, Rodriguez recalls a turn as the court jester in Beauty and the Beast as his favorite.

“It’s the most fun getting to be the clown through the whole thing,” he said, laughing.

Not all the attention that comes with being a young male dancer was welcome, though.

“It’s hard for young boys to be dancers,” said Rodriguez. “You get teased a lot, but the more you fight it, the more they’re going to say it. But sometimes all that hardship builds

you into a better dancer. You show everyone that you’re doing this because you love it, and not for any other reason.”

When asked about what stirs his passion, Rodriguez says, “It’s just one of those things where your body is just moving in crazy ways and it really says a lot to people. Through dance moves you can tell a whole story.”

FROM THE HEART Though a love affair with the art of dance may be quite sweet, it can also be quite bitter. Rodriguez says he is prone to ankle sprains, has bad knees, and once threw his lower back out during a performance.

He also claims to wake up daily with at least 12 different body aches, but is also quick to downplay his injuries and sees them only as minor setbacks that make him stronger—physically and mentally. This same attitude has translated lessons the art has taught him into other areas of his life.

“Dance has always taught me to keep on going in everything I do,” he said. “I have had so many injuries stop me, but being able to get back up and try it again afterwards has really pushed me to know that whatever obstacle I encounter in life, I can always keep going.”

Rodriguez’s love of dance coupled with his discipline paid off. While still a freshman at the Science Academy of South Texas in Mercedes, Rodriguez became one of the youngest instructors at the Deborah Case Dance Academy.

“I began by subbing for other instructors when they were absent from class,” recalled Rodriguez.

“Deborah saw that I enjoyed it and she asked me to be an

instructor.”

Case said Rodriguez’s passion is one of the aspects that drove her to choose him to be a full time instructor.

“I needed a tap and jazz teacher

and he was one of the best for the job,” she said. “The students love Michael’s teaching and talents. He is a top-rated dancer and instructor and encourages others to strive to be the best they can be.”

Helen Garcia, a McAllen dance instructor, works with Rodriguez at the academy and also holds him in high regard.

“I’ve taught dance for ten years and worked with lots of people,” Garcia said.

“Michael is so young, but he’s professional and disciplined. He has so much creativity.”

Creativity and passion spill into other areas of the young dance instructor’s life as well. Though short on time, Rodriguez counts music as a hobby and plays piano, guitar and saxophone.

Still, he counts faith as the most important thing and is heavily active in his parish, the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan, including being a member of a men’s catechism group.

The group recently returned from a missionary trip to Veracruz, Mexico, where they passed out school supplies to children in small mountain villages.

NOT WITHOUT OBSTACLES Balancing his school and dance life has always been a struggle and he admits to not always being successful at it.

“When I was younger, going to the Science Academy was painful because they pack you with so much work,” said Rodriguez. “After school, I’d go straight to teaching. I would squeeze in sleep whenever I found time and do home-

work at rehearsals.”

These days the busy dancer has the schedule down to a near art form, though he says he still struggles to find the perfect balance. “Like most people, I am just a busy person who struggles to keep things working,” he says.

While encountering a young person with so much discipline is rare, on the subject of being a role model and inspiration for others, Rodriguez acknowledges that it is scary but also very fun to help inspire others.

“But people should be inspired by their own heart and what they want to do,” he added modestly. “Their own heart should lead them.”

For now, Rodriguez is focusing on the fall semester and preparing for The Nutcracker with the Rio Grande Valley Ballet coming in December. As for the future, Rodriguez hopes to continue dancing, complete his degree, and have his own dance studio one day.

With his impressive track record, it looks like all systems are go.

“As long as you really want to do something, just push yourself to do it,” he said. “It could happen.”

Page 8

September 4, 2008

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

September 4, 2008

Page 9

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

A walk in these shoes

By Marco Carbajal THE PAN AMERICAN

It is often said that the journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. But for Michael Rodriguez, that trip instead began with a dance-step combination.

Rodriguez, a 19-year-old business management major, has been balancing being a full- time student and dance instructor for the past five years. Though many might consider him young for such a mentoring position, Rodriguez is actually a seasoned veteran, having danced since the age of three with the Deborah Case Dance Academy.

“... People should be inspired by their own heart and what they want to do. Their own heart should lead them.”

Michael Rodriguez Business management major Deborah Case Dance Academy instructor Photos by Isaac Barrientes

Design by Rick Gamez

A JOURNEY BEGINS “Both my mother and sister danced when they were younger,” explained the Edinburg resident and graduate of South Texas Science Academy. “My sister was dancing once and I was watching one of her classes.

Deborah Case saw me peeking in, picked me up and literally put me in class. After that, I just loved to dance.”

Rodriguez has been at the academy ever since and his repertoire now includes tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop and Latin dance.

“Michael is an inspiration to the other students because he is dedicated and very disciplined in his approach,” said Case, owner of the academy and artistic director of the Rio Grande Valley Ballet.

Similarly, Rodriguez raves about Case, referring to her as a “second mother.”

“Deborah Case taught me everything I know,” he said with a smile. “The Dance Academy is my second home.”

Amid performances in Romeo and Juliet, Like Water for Chocolate, Paquita, and The Nutcracker, Rodriguez recalls a turn as the court jester in Beauty and the Beast as his favorite.

“It’s the most fun getting to be the clown through the whole thing,” he said, laughing.

Not all the attention that comes with being a young male dancer was welcome, though.

“It’s hard for young boys to be dancers,” said Rodriguez. “You get teased a lot, but the more you fight it, the more they’re going to say it. But sometimes all that hardship builds

you into a better dancer. You show everyone that you’re doing this because you love it, and not for any other reason.”

When asked about what stirs his passion, Rodriguez says, “It’s just one of those things where your body is just moving in crazy ways and it really says a lot to people. Through dance moves you can tell a whole story.”

FROM THE HEART Though a love affair with the art of dance may be quite sweet, it can also be quite bitter. Rodriguez says he is prone to ankle sprains, has bad knees, and once threw his lower back out during a performance.

He also claims to wake up daily with at least 12 different body aches, but is also quick to downplay his injuries and sees them only as minor setbacks that make him stronger—physically and mentally. This same attitude has translated lessons the art has taught him into other areas of his life.

“Dance has always taught me to keep on going in everything I do,” he said. “I have had so many injuries stop me, but being able to get back up and try it again afterwards has really pushed me to know that whatever obstacle I encounter in life, I can always keep going.”

Rodriguez’s love of dance coupled with his discipline paid off. While still a freshman at the Science Academy of South Texas in Mercedes, Rodriguez became one of the youngest instructors at the Deborah Case Dance Academy.

“I began by subbing for other instructors when they were absent from class,” recalled Rodriguez.

“Deborah saw that I enjoyed it and she asked me to be an

instructor.”

Case said Rodriguez’s passion is one of the aspects that drove her to choose him to be a full time instructor.

“I needed a tap and jazz teacher

and he was one of the best for the job,” she said. “The students love Michael’s teaching and talents. He is a top-rated dancer and instructor and encourages others to strive to be the best they can be.”

Helen Garcia, a McAllen dance instructor, works with Rodriguez at the academy and also holds him in high regard.

“I’ve taught dance for ten years and worked with lots of people,” Garcia said.

“Michael is so young, but he’s professional and disciplined. He has so much creativity.”

Creativity and passion spill into other areas of the young dance instructor’s life as well. Though short on time, Rodriguez counts music as a hobby and plays piano, guitar and saxophone.

Still, he counts faith as the most important thing and is heavily active in his parish, the Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan, including being a member of a men’s catechism group.

The group recently returned from a missionary trip to Veracruz, Mexico, where they passed out school supplies to children in small mountain villages.

NOT WITHOUT OBSTACLES Balancing his school and dance life has always been a struggle and he admits to not always being successful at it.

“When I was younger, going to the Science Academy was painful because they pack you with so much work,” said Rodriguez. “After school, I’d go straight to teaching. I would squeeze in sleep whenever I found time and do home-

work at rehearsals.”

These days the busy dancer has the schedule down to a near art form, though he says he still struggles to find the perfect balance. “Like most people, I am just a busy person who struggles to keep things working,” he says.

While encountering a young person with so much discipline is rare, on the subject of being a role model and inspiration for others, Rodriguez acknowledges that it is scary but also very fun to help inspire others.

“But people should be inspired by their own heart and what they want to do,” he added modestly. “Their own heart should lead them.”

For now, Rodriguez is focusing on the fall semester and preparing for The Nutcracker with the Rio Grande Valley Ballet coming in December. As for the future, Rodriguez hopes to continue dancing, complete his degree, and have his own dance studio one day.

With his impressive track record, it looks like all systems are go.

“As long as you really want to do something, just push yourself to do it,” he said. “It could happen.”

Page 10

September 4, 2008

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

T VALLEY ENTERTAINMENT

Iglesias here Friday The Rio Grande Valley will get a special treat on Friday, Sept. 5, as besetselling international artist Enrique Iglesias takes the stage at the Dodge Arena in Hidalgo.

Iglesias, son of Julio Iglesias, one of the most popular Latin singer of the ‘70s and ‘80s. Madrid-born and Miami-raised, Enrique Iglesias is acclaimed as the biggest selling Spanish language artist in the world, with 18 No. 1 hits to date.

His latest album 95/08 dropped in March of this year, and within a few months it was declared double platinum, a prestigious honor for any artist.

The Spanish album is a compilation of his No. 1 hits, including “Heroe”

UTPA reacts to Iglesias concert

“I know who he is but I’m not a fan, I listen to Christian rock.”

“I don’t like him or hate him but I think it’s cool that they are bringing a wide range of artists and sound.”

“I personally don’t like him or that genre but I do think it’s good he’s coming to the Valley because it displays how much the Valley is growing”

Monica Garza, 23 Graphic design

Cassandra Reyes, 22 Public relations

Noel Ybarra, 23 Business administration

(Hero), the Spanish version of the song that seemed to unite all of America on that fateful morning of 9/11.

Iglesias was out of the loop for what seemed a long while to his biggest fans, but has made a comeback with the latest album, which also includes two new songs.

Joining Iglesias this weekend will be “The Kings Aventura,” a Latin group with its roots in New York.

They are a mixture of bachata with R&B, hip-hop and other American pop styles. Aventura’s latest album, KOB Live has sold more than 300,000 copies.

The concert starts at 9 p.m and the doors open at 8 p.m.

“It’s awesome that he’s coming down, he’s an incredible artist. I love his music... personally his latest album is the best.”

Tanya Cavazos, 19 Communication disorders

PICTURES FROM FLICKR

LATIN CROONER - Enrique Iglesias swoons the crowd at one of the many stops on his tour.

T AROUND CAMPUS

UPB delivers ‘Stir In Your Muse’ concert

By Laura Garcia THE PAN AMERICAN University of Texas-Pan American students were exposed to a different type of music Tuesday night at the University circle. Different in the sense that no one had the mic in their hand blaring obscenities at the crowd, and there was no relentless moshing (the act of audience members slamming into each other), thus no elbows to the head.

The University Program Board (UPB) put together the “Stir in Your Muse” concert as part of N2Tunes, a division of its Coffeehouse series, which promotes musical entertainment on campus. The concert showcased two local bands that describe themselves as “instrumental,” They Mean Us and Hope for the Stars.

People may not be too familiar with what instrumental music consists of. But Stacy Sanchez, a UPB committee chair, described it.

“It has an electric feel, with the use of synthesizers and no words at all,” said the sophomore public relations major. “But they use a melody, which still keeps it interesting.”

The instrumental genre isn’t one that receives too much exposure, thus making its debut on campus a bit

more exciting. When the drummer from They Mean Us was asked about audience feedback, he was optimistic.

“I hope they walked away with a new experience,” said Hector Perez Jr., a 26-year-old Mission native. “We have something different to offer because we don’t use vocals, so it’s a different way to listen to music. We hope to expand their minds a bit.”

He went on to explain that because there is no singing, listeners don’t get handed the meaning behind lyrics; they have to go beyond and explore a little.

Sanchez has partnered with Don’t Get Emo Productions and the MySpace network to bring both local and out-oftown bands together to make the Valley music scene more appealing.

Hope for the Stars drummer Art Hurtado was asked pre-show what set his group apart from others.

“Well we put a lot of heart and work into the music we play and that in turn has affected how we play live,” noted the 23 year-old from Brownsville.

“We’ve been called intense and at times even violent in our performances but always passionate.”

Sanchez’s plan for the concert series is to give UTPA students a chance to mellow out a bit after all the work.

“We want to give each concert a different theme to spark interest, it’s a

good way to relax and get away from it all, a way to loosen up,” he explained.

With the help of cookies, coffee and hot chocolate the crowd was able to do just that, although it may still have been a few degrees too hot for warm beverages. The school year has only begun and more of these

unwinding concerts will offer a surefire way to disengage from day-today stress.

“With school already in its second week I think it’s a great way to relax, it’s also a great way for entering freshmen to socialize and make friends,” said Elvira Villarreal, a 22-year-old

political science major.

The UPB looks forward to upcoming events such as “Spin Your Beat” on Oct. 7 from 7 p.m. to midnight, when area DJs will come together in the ballroom and spin the night away.

For more information please contact Stacy Sanchez at 956-624-3600

Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN

SOUND OFF - They Mean Us performs at the University Circle on Tuesday night, as part of UPB’s Coffeehouse series. The UPB will put on several musical events throughout the semester.

September 4, 2008

Page 11

NEWS

MENINGITIS continued from Page 1 STABBING continued from Page 1 ahead of time.

“Every year more college students are being diagnosed, and it’s important that we help prevent the problem here on campus,” said Susan Hall, a registered nurse with Student Health Services.

Many young teens and college students are not aware of how serious the disease may be.

It can cause swelling of tissue around the brain and spinal cord, leading to brain damage, loss of limbs, or death within a few hours of contraction.

But it’s out there, and it’s dangerous, making the vaccinations a smart move.

“A lot of my friends have no clue of what meningitis is,” said freshman nursing major Stefany Perez, of Hidalgo. “I think it would be scary to meet someone, and not know that they might be infected. I will definitely sign up, they’re offering it at a very inexpensive price and it’s for my own benefit.”

There are five types of Meningococcal bacteria: A, B, C, Y and W-135. The most common among college age groups are C, Y or W-135, which are vaccine-preventable.

Approximately 100 to 125 cases of meningococcal disease occur in college campuses each year, and five to 15 will result in death.

Many of the symptoms of Meningococcal disease are very similar to those of the flu. They may include high fever, headaches, stiff

neck, vomiting and nausea.

The disease moves quickly, and it is important that one see a doctor if developing two or more of these symptoms.

“So far, 100 students have already signed up for both days. Hopefully more students will gain interest in this campaign and we can add another day,” Hall said.

The university initiative has been praised so far.

“It would be nice to see prevention campaigns more often. They help us be aware, and they’re very informative,” said senior education major Kristen Esquivel, of Edinburg. “It’s important that not just freshman, but all college students get vaccinated.

You just never know.”

Other ways to help prevent Meningitis: not sharing items that may have touched another person’s mouth, strengthening your immune system, not smoking or drinking alcohol, and getting enough sleep.

No reports have been made of the disease here on campus. This is why the Student Health Services department asks that you take part and get the vaccination.

Students can register for the vaccine at the Student Health Services building between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. It will be available for students, staff and faculty for $14. Regularly, the price of the vaccine can be as much as $120 to $130 at a clinic or doctor’s office.

was alarmed and shocked that something could happen so early in the semester.”

Security at Veranda Student Apartments, located at 941 N. Sugar Rd., is not good enough, she said.

Saldana said she knows of just one security guard who patrols the complex, which that makes her feel uneasy. She added hiring more security guards would benefit the small apartment community.

At full capacity, the complex can house 576 tenants.

“I’m always with others,” she said

with some confidence. “I try to not be alone, especially at night, and I make sure my front door is always locked.”

Veranda Place Student Apartments was unable to comment due to company policy.

Jessica Nix, the complex public relations spokesperson, said the Labor Day weekend crime had been brought to her attention.

“We take every situation similar to this very seriously,” she said.

“However this was an isolated incident.”

Nix said there are 40 Veranda Place

Student Apartments and that sometimes situations like this are in the hands of the tenants.

“It’s an unfortunate situation that could have happened anywhere,” she added.

UTPA assistant police chief James Loya said that although the incident did not occur on UTPA property, the proximity of the crime really hits home.

“When it’s a situation like that, it’s important when you have get togethers to know who you are letting into your doors,” he said.

Photo by Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN

CRIME SCENE - Veranda Place Apartments, which opened in mid-August, was the site of a quadruple stabbing Labor Day weekend.

BORDER continued from Page 1 hadn’t agreed to a compromise that saved the homes. Now that the residences are secure, Garza said his goal now is to plan for the future and see how the town can learn to work and live with the barrier.

“We have to find a way as to how

“Progress now just means someone listening to us.”

Martha Sanchez LUPE organizer

Photo by Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN

POUNDING IN SOME SENSE - David Saavedra helps local Granjeno residents display throughout the city.

we can benefit from this wall, and how we can bring up our economy,” he admitted.

LUPE organizer Martha Sanchez, 55, expressed citizens’ disappointment with the government and also acknowledged a drop in morale.

Despite having won a partial battle with the 50 houses, the fact that the wall project is going forward has been a blow.

“We thought they (DHS) were going to listen to us, but they didn’t,” Sanchez said. “Progress now just means someone listening to us.”

Sanchez said one of the main reasons they held the rally was to help boost the morale of Granjeno, where “The people just feel powerless,” she stressed.

A COLLEGIAL ASSIST Along with Braune, five professors from UTPA were in attendance at the rally in support of the anti-border wall movement, in addition to two South Texas College teachers. David Anshen, UTPA assistant professor of English, was among the speakers of the event and spoke of the wall as representative of the worst aspects of American intolerance and racism.

“It’s not designed to stop immigration. I think its designed to make sure immigrants when they come into the United States will be more easily victimized and made into cheap labor,” Anshen claimed. “It stands against the basic principles of human solidarity. I think its possible in the long run this wall can come down as other walls around the world have come down.”

Anshen said that American history has shown that taking the high moral ground can result in accomplishing the impossible.

“There‘s a saying, ‘If the people lead, the leaders will follow,’” he said.

“I don’t think there’s been enough of an effort to awaken the conscience of America.”

The English professor surmised that over time, people will create a more just society, but added he doesn’t expect it to happen in the immediate future.

In the crowd of citizens observing

the rally was a man isolated in his opinion. Rod Rodriguez, who would only would say he was from the Valley, said he didn’t understand the concept of the townspeople’s argument.

“Why are they complaining? This is about the security of our country,” Rodriguez said. “If a person breaks the law they have to be held to it. We have to follow the laws of our country.”

At the end of the rally, participants took marker to sign and hammered signs with phrases like “Not in My Name” and “No Border Wall” along the road in front of the event area.

Several others also took their signs to the border wall project area, but were chased off the job site by construction workers.

In addition to the rally and speakers, an area was set up to give people a chance to tell their stories on camera. The filming is part of the ongoing Border Wall Documentation Project, and allows for the stories taped to be sent to congressional leaders and committees, according to project organizer Stephanie Herweck.

“We will let them know exactly what kind of impact the border wall is having on the Valley,” Herweck said.

The project also allows for the education of leaders, and help borderissues groups record what life is like along the border wall. Herweck said the project’s videos and are also sent to lobbying groups.

PARTY

ALCOHOL

continued from Page 3 free samples of their most popular sushi. A girl dressed in an Asian-style outfit showed curious students how to properly use chopsticks.

Edgar Reyes, a 20-year-old junior biology major, said he “loved the experiences of different organizations” and that it was interesting “trying something new like sushi.”

Reyes also visited Buckle for its discount you receive when you work there and GameStop for its games.

Also present was a Border Patrol booth, which 20-year-old Jahaciel Villarreal found to be of particular interest.

The dietetics major said the Border Patrol’s stories of how members stop illegal drugs and immigrants from crossing the border caught his ear.

continued from Page 3 “I especially liked the service the school provided,” Villarreal said after receiving brochures and free novelties from different organizations.

There are more than 200 student organizations on campus but only 43 attended the event.

The OSD was pleased to have more than 800 people attend this event. The newer location helped increase the student participation because it allowed them to get better acquainted with every organization.

Booths now were set-up in lines and not scattered like in previous years.

Although, Bucky the Bronc kept himself busy eating ice cream he never revealed his true identity. So, Bucky the Bronc remains a student in the university but is still a mystery.

WELCOME continued from Page 3 have about the university,” he said. “If any of you ever run into a bumpy road or have any new ideas, we’d like to invite you all to our office.”

Cardenas shared a similar message with the students.

“You’ve got to be engaged, you’ve got to be active, you’ve got to be excited about this time in your life and the great opportunities that you have,” Cardenas said. “If you’re bored at UTPA, there is something wrong with you because there are just too many things to do here.”

September 4, 2008

NEWS

Page 12

Joanna Herrera, a freshman nursing major from Edinburg, said her biggest fear entering her first year is chemistry.

“It scares me,” she said.

But after hearing the speakers, Herrera suggested that she now has a better outlook on the coming semester and the years to come.

“It was pretty cool of the speakers to talk about the things they did,” she said. “Some of the things the president said really gave me the confidence I needed.”

Minimum Drinking Age Act, but Middlebury College President John McCardell began the Amethyst Initiative after accusing the drinking law of helping lead to “clandestine binge-drinking” among underage drinkers.

Supporters of the initiative believe that since 18-year-olds can vote, serve on juries and join the military, they should be able to drink alcohol legally. The plan asks for elected officials to rethink the act.

UTPA Interim Dean of Students Jeanette Broshears believes the reason some universities support the initiative derives from their large on-campus population, which allows the schools to separate students by age groups.

Since UTPA has such a small number of students living on campus, fewer than a thousand at last count, this just hasn’t been an issue to date.

“It’s not so much that we (UTPA) didn’t decide to sign it, we decided to focus on other things,” said Broshears.

“We just don’t think we have the drinking population.”

Miguel Lopez, coordinator for the university alcohol and drug abuse program, has conducted surveys among the UTPA student from all ages and classifications. The survey took place during spring 2007 to fall 2008 and found that 27 percent are non-

drinkers, 47 percent are casual drinkers and 16 percent were binge drinkers.

On the national average, 31 percent of college students fall under alcohol abuse.

While the administration would assert that it doesn’t have a “party school” problem, some students have different opinions about the matter.

Senior Percal Lopez, 22, believes there is a drinking population at the university.

“You hear it a lot in class like, ‘Party today, were going to get so wasted.’” said Lopez, who believes the drinking age should remain at 21.

However some students, like 20year-old sophomore Fernando Olivarez, want to join the initiative.

“I feel like people in high school are going to use fake IDs any ways,” explained Olivarez. “I don’t hang out with anyone that doesn’t want the drinking age to be lowered.”

Meanwhile, South Texas MADD affiliate executive director Jennifer Northway said her organization was unhappy with the universities who signed the Amethyst Initiative.

“We are extremely disappointed with the presidents that have signed the petition,” she said.

Northway, who is in the process of proposing the creation of a university chapter of MADD called UMADD at

UTPA, believes the initiative was supported by “misguided research,” and that lowering the drinking age would only increase excess and binge drinking.

“We know that 21 saves 1,000 lives a year, it has gone down since the law in 1984.” said Northway.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates from 1982 to 2007, there have been 8,100 fewer drunk driving fatalities.

As the debate rages on, Cardenas will keep UTPA out of it until the student body says otherwise. Even then the administration will conduct research on whether underage drinking suits the university.

TTIDBIT South Texas affiliates of Mothers Against Drunk Driving are looking for students interested in starting a university chapter. Andrea Bryant, newly appointed UMADD program specialist and executive director Jennifer Northway encourage students to contact their offices at (210) 349-0846 for more information.

September 4, 2008

Page 13

SPORTS

T SOCCER

Expectations high for men’s, women’s soccer units

By Sara Hernandez THE PAN AMERICAN A challenge has been perceived on The University of Texas-Pan American soccer field. While the men’s soccer club tries to exceed an outstanding 2007 season, the Lady Broncs have a new team attitude and are ready to establish themselves as a competitive team in the Texas Collegiate Soccer League.

The Broncs, led by coach and kinesiology professor Marcelo Schmidt, return from last year’s 9-2 performance, good enough for fifth in the South Conference League behind high-scoring universities like Texas Tech and Texas State.

Juan “Puma” Reynoso, a senior dietetics major, returns as the team’s top scorer after scoring 16 goals in 16 games. However, though he is satisfied with his performance, he has one goal in mind: avenge losses against Texas and Texas A&M. “They have good teams and they beat us but they didn’t treat us well, so we want to go out and beat them this time,” said Reynoso.

Although Schmidt is confident in his team’s ability to succeed in the fol-

lowing months, he knows his men have to take a one-game-at-a-time approach this season.

“Our goal is to qualify to nationals, but we have to keep in mind we have to win regionals first, which means to be first in our conference,” he said.

The league’s South Conference is composed of University of Texas 2, The University of Texas-San Antonio, Saint Edwards University, Texas A&M-Kingsville, and Lamar University.

On the women’s side, a renewed sense of commitment is inspired by new head coach Hugo Zuniga. The Lady Broncs are eager to build on last year’s 2-6-1 campaign; despite the few victories, the women got some good experience. Zuniga, under his winning philosophy, is ready to lead his team to its potential.

“All games are going to be hard,” he said. “Every game has a special condiment.”

Junior Gabriela Soto and Edinburg native Yoli Pena look to be this year’s leaders for the Lady Broncs. Pena, from Edinburg North High School, will make the move from forward to goalie this season and is certain the

Broncs name Mantrana latest baseball coach The wait is finally over. A new leader will be handling the reins of the University of Texas Pan-American’s baseball team for the upcoming 2009 season. Manny Mantrana, from Saint Thomas University, was named head coach Friday after an extensive nationwide search.

“I hope he comes and turns the program around with his experience,” said catcher Jordan Rutenbar.

“I’m eager to see what type of coach he is and how he’ll conduct practice and operate the team during games.

I’m sure I’ll learn from what he has to say.”

Mantrana, the winningest coach in STU baseball history, brings an impressive background to UTPA. Most notable is the fact that he won 70 percent of his games along with helping St. Thomas compile a 98-percent graduation rate.

In his stint with the Bobcats, he produced a record of 434-193-1 and took his team to the College World Series three times. As a player, Mantrana had a 10-year career while playing in the Milwaukee Brewers, Detroit Tigers and New York Mets farm systems.

“I think Mantrana is a great hiring for us. With all his experience and accolades, I think we‘ve found our-

File Photo

THE OTHER FUTBOL - The men’s and women’s soccer clubs are gearing up for the 2008 Texas Collegiate Soccer League season.

T SPORTS INFORMATION

T BASEBALL

By Alvaro Balderas THE PAN AMERICAN

team will show considerable improvement.

“We have more girls and we are looking better in practice,” she said.

“We expect to do a lot better.”

Defender Cynthia Sanchez shares her teammate’s point of view.

“I’m hoping to do better,” she said.

“We changed coaches and we like Hugo’s coaching style. Hopefully we’ll have a better season.”

The teams will kick off their seasons Sept. 13 as they men play host to UTSA, their “natural rival,” according to Schmidt, while the girls will travel to College Station to face the Aggies.

Members from both soccer clubs encourage the UTPA community to attend their games this season in order to establish Bronc soccer as a legitimate power. They state that a significant fan base could prove to be the difference in winning or losing.

“I would like everybody to go support the team and see how successful we are, not only on the field but also outside of it,” said Schmidt.

“We are more than a soccer team. We do community service and would like to set an example for the students of UTPA.”

selves a great coach,” said interim athletic director Ricky Vaughn. “I look forward for him to get here and get things started.”

“All the candidates were strong but when you consider what he’s done, he rose to the top of the list and I think he’s going to be a great coach that will bring excitement back to the Bronc baseball.”

The Miami native replaces former head coach Willie Gawlik, who was relieved of his duties in June after the administration decided not to renew his contract for a seventh season.

The Broncs, once one of the nation’s best baseball programs, have struggled since legendary coach Al Ogletree retired a decade ago. They failed to have a winning record in any of Gawlik’s six seasons at the helm.

McAllen native Abraham Garcia says he’s looking forward to a fresh start and hopes the Bronc tradition can be restored.

“It’s good to know that we finally have a coach after without one the whole summer,” said Garcia. “We are used to start workouts right away in previous years so it‘s a good feeling to know we can start right away.

From what I’ve heard, he brings a lot to the table and I‘m anxious to see his style. Hopefully, he can bring the winning tradition he has to our team and school.”

T SCHEDULE

Saenz returns to familiar ground

By Alvaro Balderas THE PAN AMERICAN When seeking breaking news, score updates and exclusive information on University of Texas PanAmerican athletics or its athletes, the athletic Web site (www.utpabroncs.com), which is run by the sports information department, is the place to find it.

The sports information personnel are the people responsible for posting the latest athletic information.

Beginning this fall, the department will be guided by a new and confident director in Bernie Saenz, a former sports information interim.

“Our main thing here is that we need and are going to celebrate our victories. That is the focus,” said Saenz. “In order to do, that we have to work well with the public and also have good relationships with the media, staff, faculty and students. We know we’re not going to change things overnight but we’re going to chip away and we’re going to have a positive impact on the university.”

The sports information department handles the way the UTPA community receives its athletic news through various forms of media. Members are in charge of statistics and communicating messages from athletes and coaches to its fans.

“We apply the media aspect of Bronc athletics to everything,” said Pedro Perez, a sports information writer and also a staffer with The Pan American. “We are the ones who run the Web site and therefore we have a

responsibility to let everybody know what’s going on in athletics.”

Saenz, a 2000 UTPA graduate, recently took over as the assistant athletic director for media relations.

Veteran Jim McKone, who worked at the university from 1969-1999, had filled in last year after SID Joe Monaco left to take a similar position at TCU in Fort Worth. Rick Vaughn, former track coach, is now the interim athletic director as the department seeks to fill its vacancies as quickly as possible with the busy fall sports season up it.

With a broad background in writing, media collaborations and community involvement, Saenz is looking forward to returning to his collegiate roots and establish a respectable department.

“First, Bernie is a fan of Bronc athletics and he brings a total package,” said interim athletic director Ricky Vaughn of Saenz’s work ethic. “I think we made a good decision bringing in a person that knows a little bit about what the previous occupant was doing. When you look at what he’s in, publicity, relations with the community and connections with media outlets, it was an easy decision to make when hiring him.”

Saenz, who worked at a television station before returning to UTPA, knows the commitment ahead but doesn’t hesitate to create a welcoming environment.

“Words can’t explain what it means to be here,” he said. “The fact is I’m very happy to come back to Pan Am. I remember working in this exact office in 1999. I remember because I helped bring in this furniture.”

Soccer Clubs’ Season Schedule MEN Sept. 13 UTSA Sept. 14 Houston

3 p.m.

11 a.m.

Sept. 27 @ St. Edward's

3 p.m.

Sept. 28 @ Texas 2

1 p.m.

Oct. 4

3 p.m.

Texas State

Oct. 11 @ Lamar

3 p.m.

Oct. 12 @ Texas A&M

1 p.m.

Oct. 18 TAMU-Kingsville 3 p.m.

WOMEN Sept. 13 @Texas A&M

5 p.m.

Sept. 14 @ Sam Houston 1 p.m.

Sept. 20 Texas State

3 p.m.

Sept. 21 @ UTSA

3 p.m.

Sept. 27 SFA

5 p.m.

Oct. 4

Baylor

5 p.m.

Oct. 5

Texas

1 p.m.

Oct. 25 UTPA (@ San Marcos) vs. Texas Tech 5 p.m.

*Home games in bold face

Page 14

ADVERTISEMENTS

September 4, 2008

Page 15

SPORTS

September 4, 2008

T VOLLEYBALL

Lady Broncs open season 1-3, host tourney

By Pedro Perez IV THE PAN AMERICAN The volleyball team (1-3) will get a rare chance to play at home this week, as the Lady Broncs host their own tournament.

At the conclusion of the Labor Day weekend, the team dropped three matches at the Century Tel Premier Tournament in San Marcos, Texas.

But despite a 1-3 start to open the 2008 campaign, the Lady Broncs got passing marks from the coach.

“Overall I was pleased with the progress we have made,” said head coach Angela Hubbard. “We played some tough competition this weekend, historically very good teams.

We kept our poise throughout the matches, however we made too many errors and need to work on cutting those in half.”

The Lady Broncs will look to climb over .500 as they host the twoday UTPA Tournament at the Field House starting Friday. They will face Prairie View A&M in the first day with the match slated for 6 p.m., followed by a doubleheader Saturday at 11 am and 4 p.m.

The team hopes to take advantage of the home court, as the next seven games will come on the road.

“Competing at home is an excite-

ment in itself but I know the team is looking foward to showing our fans how much they have improved over the last year,” said Hubbard.

DAY ONE In their first match on Friday, the Lady Broncs dropped a close one to Sacramento State (14-25, 25-27, 2325).

In the first set, the Lady Broncs only connected for a .105 hitting percentage and had seven kills on 19 attempts and five errors. With the Lady Hornets hitting percentage at .385, it was smooth sailing as they collected 14 kills on 26 attempts and had only four errors.

In the second and third sets, UTPA showed tenacity on the court, going toe to toe with the Lady Hornets but falling short by two points in each, though the Lady Broncs did record a better hitting percentage and number of kills than Sac State.

Later in the day, the women collected a dominating win as they breezed by Louisiana-Monroe 3-0.

The Lady Broncs hit .400 with eight kills on 15 attempts and only two errors in the first set (25-13), and held the Lady Warhawks to a .038 hitting percentage in the second (25-17). The final set ended with a 25-10 victory.

Defensively, the team was led by Deanna Schneyer, who had eight kills, while Kellie Phillips finished with nine kills, and three blocks.

Senior Chelsea Blakely had 23 assists and libero Rebecca Toddy added nine digs.

DAY TWO On the second day of the tournament, the Green and Orange dropped two 3-0 matches against Miami University and tournament host Texas State.

Against the Lady ‘Canes (10-25, 21-25, 20-25), outside hitters Noelle Mayor and Phillips led the team, with the latter marking 12 kills on 44 attempts, and the former recording 10 kills on 28 attempts.

“Noelle Mayor was very solid for us offensively,” said Hubbard. “She made very few errors and did a good job of seeing the court and executing to the open areas.”

The Lady Broncs rounded out the tournament with a 21-25, 22-25, 2426 loss against the Lady ‘Cats.

Blakely finished the contest with back-to-back double-doubles, getting 26 assists and 14 digs.

“Chelsea showed great leadership this weekend and really stepped up her game,” said Hubbard. “She did an

excellent job giving our hitters oneon-one situations that would allow them to score.”

The second-year head coach added

that the tournament allowed the team to work on different lineups to see which was most successful, including spotting weaknesses.

Photo by Onydia Garza/PAN AMERICAN STAFF

NO PLACE LIKE HOME - The women will host the UTPA Tournament at the Field House, where they recorded a 4-0 mark last season.

T BASKETBALL

Schuberth boosts troop morale in Middle East

By Adriana Acosta THE PAN AMERICAN For The University of Texas-Pan American men’s basketball coach Tom Schuberth, the opportunity to travel with a group of NCAA basketball coaches and tour Iraq and Kuwait was something he had never imagined.

In his third year as Bronc coach.

Schuberth was selected to be part of

Operation Hardwood V, an initiative launched in 2005 to boost morale among U.S. military men and women serving in the Middle East. In the five years of the operation, there has never been a team that has gone in to Iraq; Schuberth and the other coaches were the first.

Other Division I coaches that were part of Operation Hardwood V included Jerry Wainwright (DePaul

University), Jeff Jones (American University), Brian Gregory (University of Dayton), Reggie Minton (National Association of Basketball Coaches) and Fran Fraschilla (ESPN).

Schuberth was selected to take part in the event after he expressed interest in wanting to go; he was also recommended by other coaches. In June, he was informed he would be

Courtesy of UTPA Basketball

MIDDLE EAST KING - UTPA men’s basketball coach Tom Schuberth celebrates a tournament championship with his team of U.S. troops, this summer in Iraq.

part of the team.

“This was a once in a lifetime opportunity,” he said. “There are many coaches that want to be a part of it.”

In August, Schuberth, along with eight NCAA Division I coaches and a basketball analyst for ESPN, flew into Kuwait and visited troops at different military bases. Then they flew to Iraq and spent the majority of their time in Camp Victory, a huge complex outside of downtown Baghdad – this is where the basketball competition took place.

Each coach was given a 12-member team of soldiers came from different bases in Iraq. They had less then three days to practice with their squads before the tournament began.

Each team played until the last two standing teams got to compete in the championship. An experienced basketball coach with 25 years under his belt, Schuberth was able to take the men’s basketball team to five wins, including one over a team representing The University of Texas San Antonio.

Schuberth’s team won the event.

“We went 5-0 and that was nice.

The trip would have been great even if we had lost all my games, but to see the smiles on their faces was great,” he said.

The winning team was awarded

medals and was recognized by various media outlets.

But before his win in Iraq, as part of Operation Hardwood V, Schuberth visited Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio to meet wounded soldiers in the burn ward. After his visit, he joined the rest of the coaches in visiting Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington D.C. where he met men and women who have been injured in combat.

“The visit to the hospitals and seeing the soldiers was a life-changing experience for me,” Schuberth said.

He added he enjoyed his visit with the soldiers and was glad to be part of the whole thing.

“This is something I’d love to do,” he said, reminiscing about the experience. It was a way to give back to the troops defending our country.”

He said the camaraderie with other coaches was outstanding, giving them a chance to get to know one another.

All 10 coaches bunked in one of Saddam Hussein’s hunting houses near one of his palaces.

The UTPA coach was also most impressed with the soldiers’ attitudes, describing them as “uplifting.”

“I have great respect for what they do,” he said. “I will never forget that.”

Dates to Know: Applications for flag football are due Friday. Play begins Monday.

For questions, call 292-7808 or e-mail Art Cabrera at aacabrera@utpa.edu.

September 4, 2008

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 16

T UNIVERSITY SPORTS

QuotesFrom TheStands “They’re a good team and hopefully they can make it to the Super Bowl. I do expect for them to have a good season and a good team but there are some hard teams just like the Cowboys.”

By Ramiro Paez THE PAN AMERICAN When you see a player fumbling the football a yard short of the gametying touchdown and two perennial powerhouses taking the matchup into an overtime thriller, it can mean only one thing: football is back.

The 2008 football season began with a bang on ESPN2 last Thursday when the Cardinal of Stanford University surprised fellow Pac-10 nemesis Oregon State in a 36-28 victory, where a yard was the difference in an overtime upset. And on Monday, Tennessee’s inconsistent kicker helped the UCLA Bruins to a 27-24 overtime upset over the No. 18 Volunteers, after Daniel Lincoln missed a field goal in overtime.

But really, who cares about how other states fared? This is Texas, where football is considered a religion and is unlike any other counterpart in the nation.

“People just seem to take Texas football more seriously down here,” said Oscar Barrera, a member of The University of Texas-Pan American men’s track and field team. “It’s got a lot of tradition. Also with the Dallas Cowboys, since they’re America’s Team, that’s where it all started.”

Football fans around the Rio Grande Valley are gearing up for another electrifying installment of high school, college and NFL football that will serve as their entertainment for the next six months. Only time will tell if Texas teams in the collegiate and NFL ranks will rise to glory but in high school football, one local team has already sent a shockwave through the state.

The Edcouch-Elsa Yellowjackets,

The Monitor’s No. 1 ranked team, certainly lived up to their standing after taking down the state’s No. 7ranked Corpus Christi Calallen Wildcats Friday. The well-known Coastal Bend Jinx that has plagued the Valley for years was broken in Zero Week on a game-winning touchdown pass inside the final minute of a 14-7 win. So with one historic win in the record books, the renowned victory promises to set the tone for an always unpredictable high school football season.

In college, the four Big 12 Texas schools split season openers, with The University of Texas and Texas Tech trouncing their opponents. The Longhorn win coupled with a loss by Clemson to Alabama allowed Texas, which returns nine starters on offense and four on defense, to move into the No. 10 spot in the Associated Press Poll. The Red Raiders remained at No. 12.

Quarterback Colt McCoy, coming off a mediocre 2007 campaign, will return to try and lead his Longhorn team (10-3) back to national championship contention. During his reign at Texas, McCoy has not captured a win over arch rival Texas A&M, who was upset Saturday by Arkansas St. The two teams will play this year on Thanksgiving Day. However with Oklahoma, Missouri and Texas Tech on schedule, the road to the BCS championship game Jan. 8 will not come easy. The boys from Lubbock are picked by some experts to emerge at the top of the Big 12 this year, especially with the return of the passing threat of senior quarterback Graham Harrell to sophomore wide receiver

Michael Crabtree.

Adrienne Champion, a junior business management major, says she hopes all four Big 12 Texas schools have good seasons.

“I’m excited the 2008 (college) football season has started, I’m ready to see if any other Texas teams can get up in the polls,” said Champion.

“Although Texas A&M and Baylor had losses this opening weekend, I hope they can turn it up a notch. We want our Texas teams to do great.

When it comes to choosing sides though, I personally am rooting for the Texas Longhorns, so we’re hoping for a great season.”

But as college football takes center stage, the eyes of Texas will be upon the Dallas Cowboys.

“I’m expecting for the Cowboys to win over 13 games,” said Mario Peralez, a freshman mechanical engineer major. “They should have a winning season because they’re loaded with talent and the experience, since they were pretty much a young team last year.”

The Cowboys (13-3) are coming off a disappointing 2007 season despite winning the NFC East title.

The No. 1 seed proved to be worthless as the eventual Super Bowl champion New York Giants shocked ‘Boys fans all over the country by upsetting Dallas.

Although America’s Team has hit snags in their last two playoff runs, many experts still believe Dallas will emerge as Super Bowl champions, according to ESPN.com. They return the nucleus from last season and have added key acquisitions in defensive tackle Tank Johnson, linebacker Zach Thomas, cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones and first-round draft choice

Felix Jones, a back from Arkansas.

Expectations for the ‘Boys are certainly running high at UTPA, as many die-hard Dallas fans are expecting nothing less than a Super Bowl victory.

“I think they’ll win the NFC East title again and hopefully make it to the Super Bowl,” said Mark Hernandez, a freshman history major. “I think they’ll have a really good season because they have everyone returning. Wade Phillips does well with big games and none of them play for themselves, they play for the team.”

In the AFC, the Houston Texans will look to record their first playoff berth in franchise history. But saying it is much easier than executing it as the Texans compete in the AFC South, arguably the league’s best division, with the likes of 2007 playoff teams Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars and division rival Tennessee Titans. They were 8-8 last season.

The NFL will kick off its season today with a primetime NFC East division rival showdown between the Giants and Washington Redskins.

The Cowboys and Texans both find themselves on the road in Week 1 Sunday as Dallas travels to Cleveland, while Houston pays a visit to Pittsburgh.

So here we find ourselves again, what many refer to as “the best time of year,” a time where players leave everything on the field in hopes of becoming champions. A time packed with six months of drama- filled, hard-hitting action that will push our nerves to the edge. But if football season is truly the best time of year, then we will gladly welcome a little paranoia.

Jorge Luis Sanchez On the Pittsburgh Steelers Sophomore Biology major

“My favorite team is the Dallas Cowboys and this season they should make it to at least the Super Bowl with all the talent they have. With Felix Jones, one of the fastest running backs behind Darren McFadden, they should do good this year.”

Albert Ramos On the Dallas Cowboys Sophomore Criminal justice major

Editor’s Picks HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Edcouch-Elsa @ Yellowjackets

Harlingen Cardinals

Friday 7:30 p.m.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Miami Hurricanes

@

Florida Gators

Saturday 7 p.m. (ESPN)

NFL

Dallas Cowboys

@ Cleveland Browns

Sunday 3:15 p.m. (FOX)