November 6, 2008 by UTRGV Student Media

BIG RIVER FESTIVAL; SEE PAGE 3

Volume 65, No. 11

SEE PG. 3

November 6, 2008

SINCE 1943

T SECURITY

UTPA sounds alarm with new security system By J.R. Ortega THE PAN AMERICAN The Department of Environmental Health and Safety at The University of Texas-Pan American has entered into a roughly $25,000-a-year contract with MIR3 Intelligent Notification, a service which will alert the UTPA community within three to four seconds via text message, e-mail or voicemail in the event

of a natural or manmade disaster. Next week, the university is also expecting the placement of 50 sirens at various locations around campus to link with MIR3 in alerting students, faculty and staff in the case of an armed gunman, severe thunderstorm, or even a terrorist attack. Richard Costello, director of EHS, said the crisis management team at UTPA has been discussing implementing the system since post-9/11 and

Virginia Tech. “If it happened Originally, EHS “The system is only as good to Virginia Tech, wanted to system to as the number of people the question is why “piggyback” with we adhere to that sign up for the service.” didn’t Hidalgo County’s it?” said Costello, warning routine, adding that beefing however slow Richard Costello up campus security Director of Environmental has become a progress in making that happen Health and Saftety necessity across the prompted EHS to country. move in a different direction to get the Costello said many issues were disball rolling faster. cussed and tightened after school

shooting events. Issues of gun control and campus security took priority. Costello said that after the Virginia Tech shooting on April 16, 2007 schools across the nation began to delve into more student security. “The system is only as good as the number of people that sign up for the service,” said Costello. “The more people that sign up, the better effective it (system) is.”

SEE MIR3 || PAGE 5

T CAMPUS

Bronc community enters Spirit Week By Abby Flores THE PAN AMERICAN

Isaac Barrientes/THE PAN AMERICAN

BRONCIN’ AROUND - Diana Ramirez, a senior International Business major, puts the finishing touches on her car along with some Greek council members during Spirit Week’s “Write Pride.”

Spirit Week kicked off Monday with sales of annual Spirit Week Tshirt at the payments and collections office, along with the availability of free sundaes at the Student Union. Among those students participating was freshman Joel Garcia who’s experiencing the week for the first time. He was surprised to see such an effort being made. “Being that it is my first year in college it’s nice to hear of all the events taking place to promote school spirit,” Garcia said. “I didn’t think college students would be so involved.”

Monday students were able to meet and greet UTPA athletes, and see special features like yard art and Spiritize My Ride, where students got to promote school spirit by decorating their car. “This year we chose to get all the different sports involved. We didn’t want to only focus on basketball,” said UPB Campus Life Committee chair Arianne Co, a junior majoring in nursing. Spirit week organizers also decided to expand the annual celebration to all colleges and sports on campus. Co said that the decision has improved turnout, though they have not calculated how many students

SEE SPIRIT || PAGE 5

T ACTIVITIES

T CAMPUS

Carnival another trick or treat for young, old

Students swap time for volunteering

By Janette Gonzalez THE PAN AMERICAN Halloween night was not enough to quench Rio Grande Valley residents’ thirst for candy treats and scary fun. Kids filled their candy bags a day later at the annual Carnival of the Great Pumpkin in the Health and Physical Education II building. The carnival, which was free to the public, drew more than 3,000 to its 42nd anniversary.

INDEX

“There was a lot of people and a lot of happy faces” said Crystal Ruiz, a 19-year-old sophomore music major from Elsa. This was no surprise to Marisela Gonzalez, adviser for the University Program Board since fliers had been sent to Edinburg schools to advertise the event. “We did about 30,000 flyers, distributing them to the Edinburg School district from Pre-K through High

SEE CARNIVAL || PAGE 5

FEATURES

PG.

By Ana Villaurrutia THE PAN AMERICAN Jennifer Kaladon spent her Spring Break digging and planting trees in bitter 50-degree weather in Lake Charles, La. Though it wasn’t exactly an easy break away from stressful coursework, the thought that she would be helping repair the eco-system in hurricane-ravaged Louisiana was incentive enough. The Students With A Purpose program at The University of Texas-Pan American takes students like Kaladon

OPINION

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to different parts of the country during their breaks to volunteer. The group is currently planning a project for the week of Jan. 4 to Jan. 9 in the Galveston areas that were hit by Hurricane Ike. “It felt really good giving back, it was the feeling of accomplishment,” said the education major who said the group helped plant 5,000 trees in Lake Charles. “We had park rangers coming up to us and telling us we were doing a good job.” Student Life and Transition Services program coordinator Annel Zamarron created SWAP at UTPA

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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three years ago and said the program’s goal is to give students not just a chance to add to their volunteer hours, but to build teamwork and networking skills as well. “We don’t want them to come to the university and leave, we want them to learn some leadership skills,” Zamarron explained. “We want them to learn leaderships skills by coming together to pick up trash or clean.” Projects have included trips to disaster areas like New Orleans in March 2007, where students cleared debris from houses around the Lower Ninth

SEE SWAP || PAGE 5

SPORTS

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UTPA Generations: The Series Watch for Bronc history lessons intermittently throughout the semester Aug. 25 - Introduction Sept. 4 - ‘20s & ‘30s Sept. 25 - ‘40s & ‘50s

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THE PAN AMERICAN

Oct. 16 - ‘60s & ‘70s Nov. 6 - ‘80s & ‘90s Dec. 3 - 2000 & Beyond

November 6, 2008

The Transition: Pivotal changes, pivotal movement schools within a system like UT or A&M. Universities in Corpus Christi, Laredo, Kingsville, Edinburg and The changing landscape of The Brownsville also joined PAU. University of Texas-Pan American in “Talks to see what school system the ‘60s and ‘70s allowed it to open fit the university took place soon its doors for more growth, expansion after,” said Nevárez. “Each university and opportunities. In the 1980s came president came down and visited to the transition from students register- see what could be done.” ing for classes by hand, after standing After the merger, there was an in line for hours at the Field House, to increase in Institutional Development being able to do so by phone. funds that allowed the university to Issues concerning students varied create more undergraduate, masters through this 20-year period on cam- and doctoral degrees. pus; like requesting more parking Enrollment began to steadily spaces on campus, to challenging the increase throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s university for a and new buildings name change, to “Talks to see what school such as the fighting against A c a d e m i c increases in student system fit the university Services, Health fees; the tenor of took place soon after each Annex, and the the times in the university president came Science and 1970s still had left- down and visited to see Engineering buildover aspects of the ings were some of what could be done.” protest ‘60s. the new entities But the most sigcompleted after nificant and most Miguel A. Nevarez the university Former UTPA President important change joined the UT sysfor the university tem. Special Collections was the merging of Pan American On Sept. 1, 1989, PAU became ARENA REGISTRATION In the 1980s, students were required to register in the Field House. In the ‘90s students University with the UT system. The University of Texas-Pan The first such attempt to join the American and Pan American at transitioned into ASSIST Phone registration and registration was done with a touch-tone. big rime began with President Ralph Brownsville became the University of Schilling in the ‘70s, but due to local Texas-Brownsville, the latter to Phone) was created, allowing for regNov. 6, 2008 Vol 65, No. 11 opposition, it failed. include Texas Southmost College in istration through a touch-tone phone. The system informed students when In the mid ‘80s, talks began on the the name. potential of joining the nation’s secTexas A&I, Corpus Christi and classes were canceled or closed, and ond-largest university system. Laredo would join the Texas A&I sys- noted when students did not meet a The Mexican American Legal tem, becoming Texas A&M- prerequisite. Phone lines were open Monday to Defense and Educational Fund Kingsville, Texas A&M-Corpus 1201 West University, CAS 170 Friday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. This Edinburg, Texas 78539 (MALDEF) turned its attention to a Christi, and Texas A&M would be the only form of registration Phone: (956) 381-2541 lawsuit in 1987, against the state of International, respectively. Fax: (956) 316-7122 Texas – LULAC v Richards - chargThroughout the previous history of for classes until mid-2000, when online registration took effect. ing the state of Texas with discrimina- the university, students registered for EDITOR IN CHIEF STAFF By the mid 1990s, South Texas Kristen Cabrera Anthony Salinas J.R. Ortega / ortega.e.jr@gmail.com tion against Mexican Americans in classes each semester by going Abby Flores Issac Barrientes Community College had been creatSouth Texas because of inadequate through Arena ASSISTANT EDITOR Sara Hernandez Marco Carbajal ed. Abigail Muniz / abby.muniz@yahoo.com funding of colleges in the area. Registration, Onydia Garza Andi Figueroa “We knew there Ben Briones Pedro Perez IV This also included the lack of grad- standing in line at “You were pretty much out MANAGING EDITOR **Delivery** uate and professional programs that the Field House. of luck if you had your reg- was a need for a Brian Silva / brian.silva2@gmail.com Thursday at noon other universities around the state had. “You were istration appointment on community college ASSOCIATE EDITOR and we knew that The Pan American is the official student “I think that was the beginning of pretty much out of Ana Villaurrutia / parker687@hotmail.com the second day.” newspaper of The University of Texas-Pan would have an trying to do something for South luck if you had American. Views presented are those of the A&E EDITOR impact in our Texas,” said former UTPA President your registration writers and do not necessarily reflect those Laura Garcia / laurad500@hotmail.com enrollment,” of the paper or university. Miguel A. Nevárez, who was presi- appointment on Brad Nibert ASSISTANT A&E EDITOR dent from 1981 to 2004. “The lawsuit the second day,” The Pan American editor Nevárez said. “But Isaac Garcia / izek_el@yahoo.com yet we needed one, LETTERS TO THE EDITOR was heard in Brownsville courts and said Valley news1984-1985 so we supported the S PORTS E DITORS The Pan American accepts letters of the lawsuit was won.” man Brad Nibert, Ramiro Paez / ramiropaez@aol.com creation of STC.” 300 words or less from students, staff and Although the jury did not find the who graduated Gregorio Garza / the_nataku@yahoo.com With may students choosing to faculty regarding recent newspaper state guilty of discrimination, it was from UTPA in 1987. attend STCC, enrollment began to content, campus concerns or current PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR agreed that the legislature had failed In the 1990s, the early stages of Roxy Solis / roxysolis34@yahoo.com decline, but UTPA was able to put events. The Pan American reserves the to establish a “first class” system of computer technology began to emerge right to edit submissions for grammar and DESIGN EDITOR universities in South Texas. on campus. In 1990, a new registration more resources in the development of length. The Pan American cannot publish what the university is now like planRoy Bazan / rbazanzz@yahoo.com In 1993, the legislature passed the system called Student Information anonymous letters or submissions ning for the new Student Services South Texas Initiative and took steps System (SIS) promised relief to stuCOPY EDITOR containing hate speech or gratuitous Adriana Acosta / acostaa@hotmail.com to improve South Texas schools. dents on campus, getting them out of Building that was completed by the personal attacks. Please send all story early 2000s. At that time, Nevarez said, PAU long lines and into the Internet. ideas to thepanamerican@gmail.com. “I always equate the university to was trying to figure out what state But multiple glitches frustrated Individuals with disabilities A DVISER system fit its needs. students and extended arena registra- an individual. We go through several Dr. Greg Selber --- selberg@utpa.edu wishing to acquire this publication in an maturity stages,” Nevarez said. “The SECRETARY Joining some system a must, main- tion days, derailed SIS and by the fall alternative format or needing assistance Anita Reyes --- areyes18@utpa.edu ly to take advantage of increased state of 1991, ASSIST (Advance Services university is a living thing; we keep to attend any event listed can contact The ADVERTISING MANAGER Samantha Quintana --- spubs@utpa.edu funding that accrues to affiliated for Student Information Supported by developing and setting goals.” Pan American for more details. By Adriana Acosta THE PAN AMERICAN

Dates to Know: Blood Drive Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Engineering Lobby November 6, 2008

11th Annual Karate Championship Saturday HEPE building II gym 118 Page 3

THE PAN AMERICAN

T CAMPUS

Veterans to be honored in annual celebration By Marco Carbajal THE PAN AMERICAN Journalist and author Elmer Davis was director of the U.S. Office of War Information during World War II when he famously said, “This nation will remain the land of the free as long as it is the home of the brave.” His adage has certainly held true in the years since 1941, as millions of brave men and women have served to

keep our country safe and free. In keeping with that sentiment, the Student Union will host a Veterans Day celebration on Friday at 3 p.m. on the UTPA Chapel lawn. Highlights will include a welcome by mistress of ceremonies Candace Miles, presentation of colors by the Bronc Battalion, the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem, and remarks by UTPA Col. Christopher B. Rivers, assistant professor of military

science. Delma D. Olivarez, associate director of the Student Union, says that while it is important to recognize all who have served the country, this event is especially to honor the approximately 215 veterans who are current students on campus. “The focus is to celebrate our UTPA veterans,” she said. “Every day there are a lot of freedoms that we may take for granted, and it is impor-

tant to recognize our own small community of veterans who have served to protect those freedoms.” Veterans Day began as Armistice Day on Nov. 11, 1918. An armistice, or agreement of cease fire, was signed between the Allies and Germany at the end of World War I, in Compiègne, France. This agreement called for the cessation of fighting on the Western Front effective in the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh

month of the year. Nov. 11, 2008 will mark the 90th anniversary of Armistice Day. Traditionally, the United States has used the anniversary to celebrate and remember veterans of war service. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, there are approximately 23,816,000 living U.S. veterans, 1,780,000 of them female. The Student Union’s annual cele-

SEE VETERANS || PAGE 6

T BORDER

Big River Festival helps culture flow By Abigail Muniz THE PAN AMERICAN MISSION - It looked like spring in November at Anzalduas Park as families attended the Big River Festival Saturday to enjoy a day of outdoor activities. Mexican music played on the Mexican side of the border and it filled the air on both sides. The glistening water of the Rio Grande also served as a race area as kayakers from both the Mexican and American side participated in international races. Eric Ellman, executive director of Los Caminos del Rio, an entity that works at promoting and preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the Valley, was the organizer of the event. According to Ellman, the objective was to make people aware that the Rio Grande and areas surrounding it are available for the public’s enjoyment. “The event was to get people to realize that the river is a forgotten resource,” Ellman said. “We need

more places that we can do what we did (Saturday).” Ellman also said the festival was geared toward letting people know that the border can be a connector, and not a divider; many people don’t realize the river can be used by both sides. “The thing we’ve got to realize is that negative connotations of the (Rio Grande) river are very prevalent,” he said. “The Treaty of Guadalupe allows us to use the whole river and a lot of people don’t know that.” Among the attractions of the festival were the international kayak races, a Tex-Mex cook off, sports activities and guided tours. Patricia Hornung of Mission, who attended the event with friends and her two daughters, believes despite the Valley’s natural beauty, there is a lack of outdoor events here geared toward families. “It needs to happen more often,” Hornung said. “Now that it is, we’re embracing it and we will continue to

SEE FESTIVAL || PAGE 6

Brian Silva/THE PAN AMERICAN

KAYAKING ADVENTURE - Keith Kern (far right), Los Caminos del Rio assistant director, hands life jackets to children as they are about to embark in a kayak ride along the Rio Grande during the Big River Festival. The event drew crowds of families to Anzalduas Park Saturday.

T NATIONAL

No one to be left in dark after TV digital transition By Adriana Acosta THE PAN AMERICAN There once was a time when people chose between a PC and a Mac, when a phone was just a phone. But these days, technology has become so powerful and plentiful that many cannot remember a day without it. Along with new innovations like the iPod or multi-use phone come new dependencies and obligations. Consumers upgrade constantly now, sometimes fairly soon after the initial newfangled gadget gives way to the

new-and-improved one. The transition from analog broadcasting to digital broadcasting is an example of technology becoming obsolete, to being replaced by the latest evolution. Starting Feb. 17, 2009 all fullpower television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting in analog format and switch to 100-percent digital broadcasting. The mandatory move promises a clearer picture with more programming options, and will also free up airwaves for use by emergency responders.

The U.S. Department of Commerce through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is administering the program, which was announced a few years back. Gradually, American viewers have responded. At the 11th hour, the transition will only impact households that use “rabbit ears” or a rooftop antenna to watch analog-signal TV; it will not impact individuals who subscribe to cable or satellite services. People who have purchased a new set in the past five

years or so don’t have to worry, as manufacturers quit working with analog long before that, meaning they produce only digital products. However, in this area, there are more people who may be affected by the switch than across the rest of the nation. Approximately 33 percent of Rio Grande Valley residents use antennas to receive news and television programming. The Nielsen Company estimated that about 15.5 million households, or about 14 percent of all television households, rely on over-the air television broadcasts

for video programming. Nielson ratings states that 37.8 percent of households located in the border region rely on over-the-air broadcast television signals and do not subscribe to a paid television service – that’s 123,490 households. Those who have criticized the plan make the argument that the innovation forced an extra expense on folks from the nation’s most economically disadvantaged area. The counter to that is that the switch has to be complete or not done at all. Digital technology has

SEE DTV || PAGE 6

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ADVERTISEMENTS

November 6, 2008

MIR3 continued from Page 1 Already the service has had 1,000 people signed up for the MIR3 service but Costello helps for a better turnout after it becomes more publicized. Costello said EHS is currently working on getting word out via social networking sites, fliers and e-mail notifications. “If you look across the U.S., unfortunately we are finding out 30 to 40 percent people have signed up (with their notification system),” he said. “With 17,000 students, hopefully we can get more than that.”

Other UT System schools that have some type of emergency notification system including the UTAustin. Costello said other campuses nationwide have processed or are in the process of implementing such systems. Along with facilitating the new system, the university competed with other UT System schools for part of a $250,000 grant to bolster security. UTPA received $50,000 under the 2009 Risk Management Resource Allocation Program.

SWAP continued from Page 1 Ward, an impoverished area that was totally flooded after Hurricane Katrina. SWAP also tries to partner with other universities across the country. Last Spring Break 11 students from Ramapo University in Mahwah, N.J., worked with eight SWAP students to clean and paint an elementary school in Reynosa, Mexico. The students reunited at Ramapo University at the

end of the spring semester. “It was amazing to meet people from different parts of the country willing to volunteer down here,” said SWAP participant and senior biology student Stephanie Castellanos. “(This program) is really for people who want to spend time sharing cultures with different people.” During both trips students learned about immigration issues from many

With the grant, UTPA anticipates adding more emergency resources like MIR3, including a 70 kilowatt portable emergency generator, weather station, portable HVAC coolers, and a storm water snake to evaluate drainage obstructions. “We just want to make sure the institution is prepared in the event of an emergency,” Costello said. Costello added that President Blandina “Bambi” Cardenas is insistent and “in the mix” when it comes to propelling the notification system.

angles, from contact with the Santa Ana Refuge in Alamo, Texas, to work with the Head Start House on the Hill, in upstate New York. “We got to see both sides of immigration, from immigration lawyers that spoke to us, to the migrant children at Head Start,” Castellanos, 21, said. “It was important to me especially since I live by the border.” Zamarron said though students

Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN POP - Jesus Castillo, a senior mechanical engineering student at UTPA, holds his 1-year-old son Tony Castillo while he tries to reach for a giant bubble at one the booths at the Carnival of the Great Pumpkin on Saturday. The festival originally was supposed to be held in the Wellness and Recreational Center, but flooding damage prevented the event to take place there. The carnival was moved to the HPE2 and the date was changed from Halloween to Nov. 1. “I think we would have had a better outcome the day of Halloween but

Visit http://www.utpa.edu/emergency/ Click Bronc Alert Log on with username/password Input information for type of notification Save preferences and confirm information

should expect work to be labor-intensive, each project also incorporates cultural and educational activities. Suggestions of activities and future projects are welcome from students. The SWAP program is funded by student service fees. The Student Athlete Advisory Committee, the committee responsible for doling out student service fees, gave $4,000 to cover all three trips last year.

Zamarron said because SWAP is a university program and not an organization it only gets a small budget and cannot fundraise, so an additional fee is sometimes added. “We like to keep under $100 because we don’t want financial situations to exclude students. Even then if a student tells us straight up they can’t afford it we try to work out a payment plan,” Zamarron said.

SPIRIT continued from Page 1

CARNIVAL continued from Page 1 School. We also did a lot of posters as well as a radio promotion on KURV,” said Gonzalez. The Carnival of the Great Pumpkin was for students only rather than a community event, which Gonzalez attributes to knowledge gained from the university’s year book. “At one point way back when it was a carnival outside in the parking lot, they had a beer corral, it was all student organizations, it was a college event. But now we try and do it for both the little ones and college students.” Gonzalez said. This effort to make the carnival more versatile was led by 19-year-old Aaron Cervantez, a sophomore from Mercedes and the Festival Committee chair who tried to address complaints about last year. “The laser tag arena I felt both little kids and college students could enjoy. A lot of college student were at the Wax Hands booth, where they dip their hand in wax and it makes a mold of it, that cost around $20 at Six Flags and we had it for free,” Cervantez said. “We worked with Ultra Sound, a company that brought over the inflatables, wax hands and other rides.” The event’s expense ranged between $8,000 to $10,000, not including fees charged to participating student organizations. According to Gonzalez the money comes from the student tuition. “The money comes from student fees, UPB has a budget and we allocate a certain amount of money for Carnival of the Great Pumpkin,” she said. To participate, organizations paying a $30 fee were provided by UPB with three bags of candy and four Tshirts. The payoff for the groups like the Political Science Association came with the chance to raise awareness and funds through sales of food, drinks and other items during the night.

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NEWS

since they changed our venue so many times we had to change the date as well,” Cervantez said The main goals for the carnival were to show off the university to the community and contribute. “We wanted to give back to a community who has given to the university for so long,” said Gonzalez.

were in attendance. “I think its better this year because its not just one department participating, so no one is getting left out,” said Co. Activity hour was different than usual on Tuesday afternoon. UTPA athletes competed against students in their sport of interest during the Bronc Challenge sponsored by Student Health Services. “I use to play golf when I was in high school; I thought I’d give it a try,” Garcia said. “Of course, they beat me, but it was fun.” Athletes were able to show off their techniques and give students an idea of what each sport is like. With the help from FM 106.3, students like Garcia were beckoned by the music to the event. “The music caught my attention to go and see what was going on at the quad, I had no idea what events were taking place,” Garcia said. Along with promoting school spirit, members of the baseball, golf and track team hoped to interest students in improving attendance at games. “All sports want to see more students and faculty at their games, which is why we’ve focused on all sports participating in different events this year,” Co said. Preparations began in the summer, with each organization wanting to participate in Spirit Week meeting with the University Program Board each week. “Every department has been very helpful, we want to promote school spirit, and what better way than to get all the different organizations involved?” Co said. “More freshmen are involved this year and we’ve noticed that T-shirts are selling quickly.” The highlight of this year’s Spirit Week is the tailgate party scheduled for Friday evening from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Field House. Faculty and staff will participate in a fajita cook-

off, followed by the burning of the letters. Immediately after the tailgate party, Midnight Madness will begin at 9:30 p.m. Coming later than usual in the year, Spirit Week was planned in accordance with the Bronc basketball Midnight Madness 2008 in order to build up Spirit Week and have the tailgate party coincide with the basketball game. This year’s Spirit Rally and Tailgate party, sponsored by UPB, cost an estimated $3,500. Some students are starting to turn their heads about Spirit Week. “I’ve never been involved during Spirit Week, being that this is my last year, I wish I would have participated a lot more in the past,” said Donna native Vanessa Barreto, majoring in international business. “I think all entering students, not just freshman, should participate, I’m sure it will make their college experience a lot of fun.” Other activities which took place during Spirit Week were Spirit Patrol on Wednesday, sponsored by Child Development Center. Students were able to take pictures with Bucky at different locations on campus. The Spirit Walk will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. followed by the Spirit Rally from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Student Union.

SPIRIT WEEK 2008 Thursday Spirit Rally/Walk Where: Student Union Friday Tailgate Party and Midnight Madness Where: Field House

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November 6, 2008

NEWS

VETERANS continued from Page 3 bration has been well received in years past and as 2008’s event nears, many on campus are pausing to reflect upon its importance. Some, like Christina Douglas, a studio art major from Mission, feels the day should be a reminder of where we came from. “I think Veterans Day is important because America has a tendency to forget its history,” she said. For others, the day means a chance to express themselves creatively.

When asked why he feels it is important to celebrate and remember Veterans Day, Thomas Murray, art lecturer, says, “so we can make art.” The 90-minute event is free of charge and a reception will follow in the Student Union Commons. All are invited to show their support for classmates who have served the country and made Davis’ famous quote a reality. For more information, contact the Student Union at 316-7989.

WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS ON VETERAN’S DAY? “I think it is important because one day our kids will be remembering the soldier that died because of 9/11.”

“Well I think itʼs a shame that we donʼt really see it as very important because I think it means a lot to the older people.”

Veronica Guardiola Intʼl Business, sophomore

Noe Alonzo English linguistics, senior

FESTIVAL continued from Page 3 participate (next year).” Local musician Jake Cortez played for the crowds that gathered under the pavilion at the park. Cortez who plays guitar-driven blues solos, was also at the South Padre International Music Festival over the weekend, and took a break to partake at the Big River Festival. “I think activities like these are definitely important,” Cortez said. “People sometimes say, ‘We don’t have time,’ but all the children and people having fun here, makes me want to come back next year.” Jessica Moore, a graphic design major at The University of Texas-Pan American, participated as a lifeguard for kayaking activities and was fascinated by the fact that two countries came together for an event. “It brought a cultural tie that everyone could see at the park,” Moore, a

freshman said. “I think it’s important, especially for the Mexican-American heritage. The place shows the beauty of Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley.” Ellman said the festival will be at least a yearly event. He hopes to attract more teams in the kayaking races as only one professional American participated against more than a dozen Mexican competitors. Though the races didn’t count in any type of national or international ranking, Ellman hopes to change that in the following year to attract more kayakers. “We want to bring actual sanctioned races next year,” Ellman said. “These would determine placement in a national ranking.” Los Caminos del Rio, founded in 1991, aims to help preserve the natural and cultural heritage on both sides of the river.

Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

PADDLING IN THE RIO - Vanessa Garcia (left) and Mia Morgan take part in the Big River Festival’s kayaking event on the Rio Grande. Organizers hope the event will draw more kayakers next year.

DTVcontinued from Page 3 made analog obsolete, and there is simply no choice, and some local leaders see the logic. For sophomore Clarissa Castillo, technology has been an integral part of everybody’s lives that in a catastrophic event, we may feel lost without it. “Technology has taken over our everyday life, and we have become very dependent on it,” said the history major from Weslaco. “It may come to a point that if we have a big catastrophe we’ll be left alone with no way to communicate.” Castillo also said she believes the government should not be forcing new technology regulations. “I don’t agree that the government should be telling us what to do,

especially with something so simple as a television, when there are other things happening in the world,” she said. Political science major Mercedes Gonzalez says because of technology we are slowly forgetting the most simple tools provided to us. “Technology is making it easier for us to forget basic things we learned as children. Things like writing and spelling,” she explained. “We have software programs correcting our spelling.” She also believes having to convert from analog to digital television is a marketing ploy. “A lot of people can’t afford to pay gas much less buy a digital television,” she said.

CONVERTERS

Feb. 17, 2009 will be the deadline for going digitial. Those with antenna TVs can obtain coupons of up to $40 which can be applied for at dtv.2009.gov *** For more information 1-888-225-5322

November 6, 2008

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THE PAN AMERICAN

T ILLUSTRATED OPINION

T OPINION

Nervous start provides for needed experience Kristen Cabrera REPORTER

At exactly 10:09 p.m. cheers could be heard from the Hidalgo County Democratic Head quarters in Mission. Barack Obama had just made history. The head Democrats for the county were celebrating, various media outlets were snapping video and pictures, practicing dialogue...and I was a little fish in a big pond. I’m not going to lie, I’m pretty green when it comes to this and it was my first outside campus story dealing with big Valley names, like Congressman Rubèn Hinojosa and State Rep Veronica Gonzales. I was very nervous and also excited. The constant Negative-Nancy voice in my head was going, “What are you doing? You have no idea!” but the much louder voice of reason let me just stay back and soak it all in, and even enjoy it. I kept that all in the back of my

head as I was scoping through the crowd. I sat back and watched the local media pros walk around with recorders, cameras, pens and notepads interviewing the Valley Democrats. Whether I randomly became shy all of a sudden or was biding my time (I haven’t convinced myself which one yet) my paper was still blank. Then after Congressman Hinojosa spoke to the crowd, which was interrupted with an “Obama took Ohio!” yell, he began shaking hands and I jumped right in, introduced myself and started an interview. It’s always nerve-racking when starting something new or jumping into something that you’re anxious about, but in the end, that’s the only way to do it. Everyone needs to start somewhere and that’s what college is all about, establishing enough confidence and knowledge to be able to go out and do your job. So far, so good.

T LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Lobbing unfair attacks In the “Voting Obiden... Voting McCalin...” there is a trend that I’ve witnessed of Republicans making jabs at every opportunity at the people supporting Democratic candidates. Abigail Muniz’s article was sprinkled with phrases such as “young ‘uns”, “uninformed youth”, or statements claiming that students vote Democratic because it is the “cool thing” to do. Such accusations demean an increasingly sophisticated generation who is eager to make its voice heard and see that the country is taken in a more progressive direction than it has been going in the last 8 years. In Laura Garcia’s last paragraph she states that since Texas is a red state, Republicans are going to win it anyway with the electoral college vote. It sounds like she is saying that anyone voting Democrat in Texas is wasting their time and that their vote doesn’t matter, which aside from being smug, is also a very anti-democratic view of the electoral process.

Indeed, Garcia’s claim that Democratic voters are unaware of the facts and simply repeat political catchphrases when confronted seems bizarrely hypocritical considering that Senator McCain’s presidential campaign has been typified by furious shouts of “Socialist!”, “Un-American!”, or “Terrorist!” from crowds of mostly low-income voters who are unaware that under Senator Obama’s proposed tax policy they would save money. A tax increase of 3% to those earning the highest income is not Socialism, and the desire to give Americans suffering from job-loss, hereditary poverty, or just plain bad luck a break on their taxes is not Un-American. Claims of “Terrorism” by the Democratic candidate are so patently ridiculous that I will not deign to address them here. I’m sure that if Senator Obama actually did have any such ties he would have already been illegally detained at Guantamo Bay. -Robert Browning

Illustration - Anthony Salinas

T OPINION

Hope for America, Valley Brian Silva MANAGING EDITOR Let the good times roll. With the country in a New Year’slike euphoria, it’s not only a new period of hope for progression in America, but also for the Valley. A couple of weeks ago I was talking with a couple of local Democratic candidates about the negatives and positives for a solid Blue Valley. After wading through the standard political responses like, ‘It means we’re the best party,’ some interesting perspectives came to light. Most political scientists would agree that having two parties provides a necessary and automatic check-and-balance system, though, during the Valley elections Democrats were widely uncontested.

True, we don’t have anything close to a two-party system, but our politicians aren’t completely unchecked. We don’t have the harsh Republican vs. Democrat fights during the general election, but fights do occur in the primaries. Both Democrats I spoke to commented about their tough battles during the primary. One of them was elected to office Tuesday, and he said the electorate’s vetting process for the candidates is still very effective during the pre-election season. I wouldn’t say very effective, just somewhat effective. The Valley may lose out some because of the less effective process of candidate consciousness-raising, but at the same time they will reap the benefits. A solid Democratic Valley with a solid Democratic nation means more

attention and prosperity. During President Clinton’s reign in the ‘90s he visited South Texas and focused on some issues affecting the area, like healthcare and education. Now that the entire federal government is deeply imbedded with blue we’ll have more visits by national leaders who will give attention to our loyal land. Let’s not become complacent, though. We need to take full advantage of our new hope. Keep the flame lit under our local leaders so they take advantage of Washington’s blue hue. We need a veterans’ hospital. We can get it, yes we can. We need a professional law or medical school. We can get it, yes we can. We don’t need a physical barrier between our neighbors and us. We can tear it down, si se puede.

T LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Anonymous accusers should go public This letter is addressed to those UTPA faculty members who filed charges, anonymously, that President Cardenas plagiarized her 1974 doctoral dissertation. I am not writing to defend her against the charges, since I have no knowledge of her dissertation. (If it is as boring as mine was, I don’t want to bother reading it.) I object to the fact that the charges

were filed anonymously. That’s cowardice. A Nony Mous is clearly related to that other well-known rodent, Mickey Mouse. The difference? Mickey is not afraid to use his own name. Your defense is probably that you fear reprisals. Come on! I constantly let administrators know when they did wrong. Ask Dean Rocha, Provost Arevalo, Chief Howard Miller and, on occasion, President Nevarez. I

made it a point to tell them—directly—when I thought they erred. In some cases, it was a frequent occurrence. They are all gone. I am still here. If you are speaking the truth, you need not fear reprisal. If your charges are invalid, then you are both cowards and liars. Speak up, speak out, or shut up, Marian F. Monta Professor Emeritus

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November 6, 2008

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

By Pedro Perez IV THE PAN AMERICAN For the most part, music festivals run during the hot summer months when most people are on vacation. But on Halloween weekend, the South Padre International Music Festival celebrated its second year of existence

in the cool October breeze under the warm sun of South Padre Island. The festival boasted eight stages spread across the island with more than 50 bands performing at popular venues like Schlitterbahn, Louie’s Backyard, Wanna Wanna, Palm St. Pier and

Onydia Garza/The Pan American

Willie Nelson

Pelican West. Headliners for the festival included Texas icon Willie Nelson, hard rock pioneers Blue Oyster Cult, blues legends Foghat, Texas rockers Vallejo, hip-hop/jam band Boombox, the electronic Ghostland Observatory and reggae sensation Steel Pulse.

On Friday, the buzz of the festival was Ghostland Observatory from Austin. Stacey Hinojosa 27, a UTPA nursing major from Edinburg, made the trip specifically to watch the band on the recommendation from her sister. “It was a great show,” Hinojosa said. “My sister who lives in Austin

Isaac Garcia/The Pan American

Los Lonely Boys

November 6, 2008

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

told me about them (Ghostland Observatory) and suggested I watch them specifically. I would describe their music as electro drama rock.” Other bands that took the stage Friday were Los Amigos Invisibles at the Dunes Stage, and Grupo Fantasma at the Bay Stage. Hinojosa also enjoyed these two bands but due to an unfortunate food poisoning bout on Saturday, she had to call her weekend short. “I went to see Los Lonely Boys on Saturday, but after that I had to go to my hotel room because of a hot dog I ate at Tom & Jerry’s,” Hinojosa said. Saturday the music began at noon at Amberjacks restaurant with Frontera Jazz, a quartet from the Rio Grande Valley. Other shows that packed a crowd were by Del Castillo, a Latin blues band that plays out of Austin but began in Brownsville; baby boomers Blue Oyster Cult who play “Don’t Fear the Reaper” and Foghat who orchestrated the rock classic “Slow Ride,” plus Boombox, which incorporates not only a DJ and Emcee but a full horn section, guitar player and drummer. Paul Rogers of Edinburg saw Del Castillo and Boombox for the

first time in Austin while he lived dancing mood and helped me forthere and attended college. He get about the devastating loss the remembers listening to the band ‘Horns were hit with.” on Robert Rodriguez’s film “Once Even with the hour change on Upon A Time In Mexico,” and Sunday morning, due to Daylightmade it a point to watch them live saving time, Louie’s Backyard whenever he had the opportunity. closed at 2 a.m. The party Some of the members of Del Boombox started for about 100 Castillo sometimes collaborate people ended a long day of music with Rodriguez in the band with only two entertainers schedChingon, which uled for Sunday, consists of differ- “The man (Willie Phillip Thomas Nelson) is a living legent members of the Kellogg and Willie end and i came to music scene in watch him out of Nelson. Austin. Kellogg, a native of respect.” “Those guys (Del Harlingen who perCastillo) rock,” Gus Mendiola formed at the festival Rogers, 28, said. Austin last year, made a dras“It’s amazing to tic change in venues see what both (two brothers who from one year to the next. play guitar) of them can do on In 2007, he performed in one of those acoustic guitars. They don’t the smaller stages on the island stop, they just keep playing faster but this year due to his rising popand faster, making each solo ularity he opened for one of his sound great.” favorite artists of all time, Nelson. Rogers wanted to watch Blue “It’s great going from a small Oyster Cult also but decided to stage to the main stage,” Kellogg stay at his condo with his family to said. “It’s a better feeling and watch Texas Tech upset his alma when you see the people’s reacmater UT. Even though Rogers tion, the adrenaline is awesome.” was feeling down, Boombox was Kellogg commutes from able to take him out of his misery Nashville to Harlingen while and put him in to the groove. working on his first country “My wife and I headed out to music album with Johnny Garcia, Louie’s to watch Boombox,” former lead guitar player for Rogers said. “They put me in a Garth Brooks. It is scheduled to

Isaac Garcia/The Pan American

Blue Oyster Cult

be released in March 2009. He plans to return to the festival each year because the experience only gets better and he enjoys himself. “I enjoyed the festival, it’s always fun and I hope they keep inviting me to play,” he said. After Kellogg closed his set, the crowd grew at the Dunes Stage in anticipation of the main attraction of the weekend. Gus Mendiola, 32, from Austin was one of many fans that made the trip specifically for Nelson. He wanted to take the opportunity to watch the 76-year-old music icon before it was too late. “The man is a living legend and I came to watch him out of respect,” Mendiola said. “I remember I saw (Bob) Dylan last year out of respect. I knew he probably wouldn’t sound the way he did in the ‘60s but it was well worth just to say I’ve seen him.” Nelson performed a list of classics like “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” “Crazy,” a tune made popular by Patsy Cline, and even went through a Hank Williams medley that included “Hey Good Lookin’” and “Jambalaya.” “It was a great show,” Mendiola concluded. “I’m glad I was able to watch another legend on my list of people to see in concert.”

Isaac Garcia/ The Pan American

Foghat

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November 6, 2008

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Onydia Garza/The Pan American

Willie Nelson

Isaac Garcia/The Pan American

Los Lonely Boys

November 6, 2008

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Isaac Garcia/The Pan American

Blue Oyster Cult

Isaac Garcia/ The Pan American

Foghat

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Dates to Know:

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THE PAN AMERICAN

Midnight Madness

Women’s Basketball

Friday, 9:30 p.m. UTPA Field House

vs. Texas A&M-Kingsville Saturday, 7 p.m. UTPA Field House November 6, 2008

T VOLLEYBALL

Lady Broncs keep fighting with home, road wins By Kevin Stitch THE PAN AMERICAN The University of Texas-Pan American’s volleyball team recorded a 2-1 record in its past three games, including a win in its final home game of the season Friday and an upset over No. 79 Missouri State University Tuesday. The Lady Broncs defeated the Lady Bears 20-25, 25-23, 27-25, 26-24 but suffered a 3-0 setback Wednesday to Oral Roberts University. UTPA now sits at 6-14 overall. HOME FINALE UTPA’s volleyball team defeated Texas Southern University in its last home game of the season Friday. The Field House played host to the match as the Lady Broncs won in convincing fashion by taking the victory in three straight games. “It’s a win,” Lady Broncs coach Angela Hubbard said. “Hopefully we can just stay prepared and focused and finish out the season on a better note than it started.” Playing behind the cheers of their fellow teammates and a small crowd of loyal fans, outside hitters sophomore Marci Logan and senior Kellie Phillips led the Lady Broncs’ offensive attack with a combined 26 kills. Senior Chelsea Blakely also aided the offensive onslaught as she accounted for 26

end to win it 25-21. of the team’s 41 assists. In the third game, the Green and OrLogan, who had 15 kills and two aces, said that the team could build off ange gained a 6-1 lead by scoring five the win and that it was a good finish to straight points on their way to building a secure 18-8 lead, looking solid both ofthe last home game of the season. “We could have kept them down on fensively and defensively. Texas Souththeir points, but a win is a win and ern showed signs of resurgence at one point in the game, but it came too late as that’s what we wanted,” Logan said. The victory is a bright spot in the the Lady Broncs ended any hopes of a comeback, winning it team’s season as the 25-18. Lady Broncs racked up Remaining Volleyball Ashlee Cooper was a total of 47 kills and Schedule the standout for the eight service aces; they Nov. 14 Cal State-Bakersfield Lady Tigers with eight were able to capitalize Bakersfield, CA 3 p.m. kills and seven blocks, off of Texas Southern Nov. 15 Cal State-Bakersfield but the Tigers didn’t errors and followed Bakersfield, CA 1 p.m. have any answers to with superior play. compete with UTPA’s In the first game, National Independent proficient outside the women were down Tournament game. Texas Southern 7-6 and Texas SouthNov. 21 NIT head coach Dwalah ern looked competiOrem, UT TBA tive early until UTPA Nov. 22 NIT Fisher said, “I think rallied back to take a Orem, UT TBA we need to work on quite a bit of blocking commanding 18-10 lead. The Lady Broncs scored often on the outside. I think that was our problem today.” and easily, winning the game 25-15. In a season where victories have The second game would prove to be a more difficult test as the Lady Broncs been scarce and the team has seen its were down early and had trouble with the share of ups and downs, the win was visitors, falling behind 13-8 at one point. more than welcomed. The Lady Broncs will finish up their Solid play from Logan, who had seven kills in the second game, helped season on the road with a doubleheader UTPA tie it up at 16-16, after which Nov. 14-15 against Cal State-Bakersfield there were five lead changes. The before they head to Orem, Utah to comgame went down the last few points pete in the National Independent Tourbut the Lady Broncs pulled away at the nament (NIT) Nov. 21-22.

Onydia Garza/THE PAN AMERICAN

FOLLOWING THROUGH - Senior Kellie Phillips attacks the ball during Friday’s game against Texas Southern, when she finished with 11 kills.

T TENNIS

T WOMEN’S GOLF

Lady Broncs finish fall Vijayaragavan shines for UTPA tennis season in ninth place By Pedro Perez IV THE PAN AMERICAN

By Pedro Perez IV THE PAN AMERICAN At the end of two days of play, The University of Texas-Pan American golf team finished in ninth place to close its fall season in Gulf Shores, Ala., at the Peninsula Golf and Racquet Club. DAY ONE The third-annual UAB Fall Beach Blast opened Monday for 18 holes where the Lady Broncs finished in a two-way tie with Marshall University, in 11th place with a combined team score of 318. Senior Mariale Camey (76) finished in a six-way tie for 16th shooting a four-over-par, while and her sister, freshman Maria Jose Camey (80), ended her day in 34th scoring a four-over-par. Freshman Sarah Kothny (80) and senior Bronwyn Sandberg (80) were in 41st place

recording an eight-over-par. Sharing the 54th spot was Haley Hocott (83) ending Monday’s run with an 11over-par. DAY TWO After 18 holes on Tuesday, the Lady Broncs improved their play and finished in ninth place overall with a combined score of 313 for the day and a 55-over-par 635 for the tournament. Ale Camey (78) and her sister (74) finished the day tied in 20th place, shooting a 10-over-par 154. Hocott (79) jumped 11 spots from Monday, finishing in a three-way tie in 43rd place shooting 18-over-par 162. Kothny ended her run tied in 46th with a 19-over-par 163, while Sandberg finished four places back in 50th place shooting a 20-over-par 164. The Lady Broncs open the spring season in Corpus Christi at the Islander Classic Feb. 23.

The University of Texas-Pan American tennis team traveled to Austin last weekend to compete at the University of Texas Invitational at the Penick-Allison Tennis Center where three members of the team rallied to finals matches of their respective draws. “It was a great weekend for us,” said fourth-year men’s and women’s head coach Rob Hubbard. “The UT Invitational is always a very strong tournament. It’s the strongest tournament we’ve played this fall.” Sophomore Aswin Vijayaragavan breezed through the three-seed bracket of the tournament over the nation’s 46th-ranked player, Longhorn Olivier Sajous 6-2, 6-2. He then proceeded to dismantle Oregon’s Ayrton Wibowo on Saturday morning 6-2, 6-2 followed by an upset victory against Texas A&M’s Marcus Lunt 6-3, 6-4. “Aswin had a incredible tournament,” Hubbard said. “He knocked off

an incredible player from Marquette in loss in a third-set, super-set tiebreak. the first round and in the next round Bernstein made it to the singles A conthat afternoon beat the 46th-ranked solation finals but unfortunately came player in the country from UT on their up short to Jon Wiegand of Texas, 6-3, home court. So you know it was a great 7-6. Bernstein’s brother, freshman Beau accomplishment and a great win.” On Sunday morning, though, it Bernstein, defeated Jonathan Schwerin would be Texas’ Dmitry Kutrovsky, of Marquette 7-6 (6), 6-1 in the semifinals but came up ranked 7th nationally, who would end the Last Home Game short versus Juan Martin Paredes MarVijayaragavan’s imof the Fall Season: quette in the finals, 6pressive run as the 3, 4-6, (11-9). budding Bronc star “(The win) it was lost in the semifinal MEN’S AND WOMEN’S further enhanced by round of the Singles Brett and Beau BernA draw, 6-4, 6-4. Pro-Am Fundraiser stein because they “Finally in the Nov. 22 both had very strong semifinal (he) lost out to the seventh guy in Cimarron Country Club showings also,” Hubbard added. the country and it was The Broncs are back in action on a very good performance for Aswin,” Hubbard said. “And it served a little Nov. 22 for the Pro Am Fundraiser more notice that our program is climb- hosted by UTPA at the Cimarron Country Club in McAllen, marking the ing back up the latter.” For singles A consolation junior end of the fall season. The spring slate Sugarland native Brett Bernstein begins Jan 19. 2009, when the Broncs handed R. Shellenberg a 6-2, 1-6, 10-8 host College of the Southwest.

November 6, 2008

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SPORTS

T CROSS-COUNTRY

Broncs capture conference title, Valley natives dominate team By Ramiro Paez & Sara Hernandez THE PAN AMERICAN

FROM THE VALLEY When it comes to performance, The University of Texas-Pan There’s not one person who could American men’s and women’s cross have predicted the season The country teams have no limits. But University of Texas-Pan American what makes the program so special men’s and women’s cross-country goes beyond their finishes in top five teams would have this year. for every competition this year. From eligibility issues, an unfortuThe fact that all but one of the nate accident and Hurricane Ike plagu- cross-country team members graduating the 2008 campaign, the team saw it ed from a Rio Grande Valley high all and withstood the storm. And for the school gives the team special signifimen, the regular season ended with a cance to the UTPA community. sweet victory that will be remembered Cross-country assistant coach fondly in UTPA cross-country history. Hugo Cervantes said that even though The Broncs captured the Great West he considers recruiting athletes from Conference Championships crown other parts of Texas or out of state, he Saturday morning at Lakeside Park in has found what he needs in the local Orem, Utah, making them the first team area so far. to bring a GWC title to UTPA. Head “It goes to prove that there is a lot coach Dennis Darling was awarded the of talent here in the Valley,” he said. men’s Coach of the Year award. “There’s not a big need for me to go “We’re going to go down in history out of this area to recruit.” as being the first (program) to win a According to Cervantes, the team Great West Conference title,” Darling relates closely to the public because it said. “It’s a great accomplishment and is made up of Valley athletes who repit’s something that we definitely needed resent the Hispanic community. to get the athletic program going. I think “People can associate with the uniPan Am is going to make a good mark.” versity because their kids or their Five of the men’s seven runners friends are running for it, which closplaced in the top 10, which propelled es the gap between the community and the Broncs to finish in first with a team the university,” he said. score of 35 points. In addition, Senior Luis Nava Great West Conference giving an opportuled the pack, finnity to Valley stuResults ishing in second dent-athletes to be place after clockpart of a collegiate MEN ing in a time of sports team motiLuis Nava 25:57.0 vates other univer25:57. Nava, along 2nd Robert Najera 26:15.6 sities to step forwith newcomer 6th J.J. Hernandez 26:40.0 Robert Najera, 8th ward to recruit 9th Angel M. Ramirez 26:43.4 earned first team 10th Wally Gonzalez 26:46.5 Valley athletes. All-Conference 26th “It opens up Gilroy Martinez 28:45.9 honors. 37th Vidal Ruiz 30:26.4 the spectrum for Senior J.J. other universities Hernandez, sophWOMEN to look at the kids omore Angel 3rd Carolina Izaguirre 23:18.9 down here and see Ramirez and jun- 14th Sara Rodriguez 24:41.6 that we are just as ior Wally 16th Diana Galloso 24:44.5 talented as everyGonzalez finished 32nd Larissa de Leon 26:22.9 body else,” Sasha Suarez 28:09.0 Cervantes said. in eighth, ninth 41st and 10th place, Junior Wally respectively, and all earned second- Gonzalez of Edinburg shared that the team All-Conference accolades. fact that his teammates are from the Hernandez says being the first team same area makes the evolution of the to win a conference championship is a team concept work more smoothly. satisfying feeling and it gives the pro“We already know half of everygram a new identity. body,” said Gonzalez, who attended “We’re on the rise,” he said. “Last Edinburg North. “We’ve raced against year it wasn’t really a conference. It was each other since high school so it’s the same teams and we lost, so coming easier to adapt to our environment.” back and beating them in Utah, it says a Even though this may seem like the lot about our program. It was tough, we ideal condition to form a team, chalpaid a price going to the altitude, the lenges appear when the athletes have time zone change, it adds up. But we to overcome old rivalries before fought through it and overcame.” becoming part of the UTPA family. On the women’s side, the Lady Although high school contention was Broncs finished in fourth place with a factor at first, the team’s attitude Carolina Izaguirre taking home third changed from competing against each after a time of 23:18.9 in the 6K Race. other to working together. Next up for both teams are the Athletes like Brownsville native NCAA Regional Championships Nov. Carolina Izaguirre and sophomore 15 in Waco, where they look to secure Angel Ramirez of McAllen see the nationals spots. Valley blend as an advantage rather

than a weakness. “Even though we were once rivals we came together as a force to beat people from everywhere,” Izaguirre said. Ramirez says the team chemistry is an ironic situation. “We all bond together,” he said. “It’s pretty cool that we became friends with someone we used to run against.” Gonzalez sees the transition from rivals to teammates as a maturation process newcomers have to go through to adapt to the team. “Even though we were rivals, we can put that in the past and worry about the future because now we are a team,” he said. “You got to mature to it.” The cross-country team is made up of athletes from all over the Valley. Literally. Out of McAllen come Ramirez, freshman Andrew Lopez and junior Gilroy Martinez; Lopez and Martinez graduated from Nikki Rowe High School while Ramirez is a graduate of McAllen High School. Senior Luis Nava and junior Vidal Ruiz both went to La Joya High School. Edinburg provides the tandem of Gonzalez and sophomore Diana Galloso, (she graduated from Edinburg High). Freshmen Larissa de Leon and Sasha Suarez are natives of Mission with De Leon from Sharyland High School; Suarez is a proud Silver and Black alum from PSJA North, the

Onydia Garza/THE PAN AMERICAN

ANOTHER NOTCH ON THEIR BELT - (From left) J.J. Hernandez, Vidal Ruiz, Gilroy Martinez, Wally Gonzalez, Robert Najera and Angel Ramirez became the first team to capture Great West Conference honors. same school senior J.J. Hernandez ran for from 2002-2005. Izaguirre is a Brownsville Hanna alum, while newcomer Roberto Najera resides from Mercedes.

The cross-country teams consist of a variety of Rio Grande Valley natives from different cities, ranging from the tip of Texas, Brownsville, to Encinal.

“They’re representing the university, the community, and themselves,” Cervantes said. “I’m very proud of their accomplishments and everybody around campus and the community should be.”

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November 6, 2008

THE PAN AMERICAN

T WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

By Ramiro Paez THE PAN AMERICAN There is a new team attitude surrounding The University of Texas-Pan American women’s basketball team. With the 2008-2009 campaign only two days away, the Lady Broncs want nothing more than to establish themselves as a legitimate Independent contender before beginning Great West Conference play next season. Head coach DeAnn Craft says the new season will present a challenge to her team but they are glad tobe in the final days of identifying as an Independent university. “We really want to make this a special year for UTPA basketball because we’re moving into the Great West next year,” said Craft, who enters her sixth year as head coach. The Lady Broncs will host Texas A&M-Kingsville Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Field House in an exhibition game, looking to begin improving last year’s 13-18 record. In 2007-08, the Lady Broncs ended the National Independent Tournament, hosted at the Field House, with a 1-2 record but could have advanced to the championship game if hadn’t been for a late stumble in the second round. The Green and Orange upset top seed Utah Valley University in the opening round but succumbed to New Jersey Institute of Technology’s late rally, falling 59-49. Craft says in order to avoid repeating struggling performances, consistency and road-game momentum are imperative to catapult her team toward success. “We need to play well away from the Field House,” she said. “Last year we set another record for Pan Am basketball. We had 10 home wins so winning at home is not our hurdle, we play well here. It’s taking what we do

Sport Shorts

well and being able to put it on an opponent’s floor and competing there. That’s consistency, mental toughness and it’s also somewhat of an experience factor.” UTPA returns nine players from last year’s roster and will need every bit of veteran leadership to compensate for losing four seniors who accounted for 51 percent of the team’s offense. The biggest absence is guard LeKeisha Gray, who led the Lady Broncs in points, assists, rebounds and steals. Gray recorded 14.2 points, 3.3 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 2.1 steals in 29 games played. Senior Robin Garrett will lead the women this year as the 6-foot-3-inch center looks to torch opposing teams with her inside presence. Garrett emerged as a reliable inside player last season and served as a spark for the Lady Broncs when the team needed offensive production. The Nacogdoches native averaged 6.9 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, and connected on 47 percent of her field goal tries. “I think (our season) is going to be a lot better than last year,” Garrett said. “We didn’t win as many games as we’d like to so I’m really looking forward to see how that’s going to play out. Our team chemistry is great and as far as basketball-wise, we’re a work in progress.” Senior guard Teshay Winfrey and junior forward Aleeya Grigsby will

also look to have improved seasons after consistent offensive performances. Winfrey averaged 6.0 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, while Grigsby, who finished as the leading rebounder 10 times, posted 4.7 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. RECRUITING CLASS In early September, the Lady Broncs signed junior transfer guard Rachel Hester from Elon University. After the team lost 3-point threats Gray, Tiona Wilson and Tamara Vaughn, Hester’s perimeter shooting should make up for the deficit and bring UTPA’s offense some firepower. Hester averaged 7.1 points and connected on 73.3 percent of her free throws during her two-year stint with the Phoenix. The Plano, Texas ranked fifth in 3-pointers two seasons ago in the Southern Conference for Elon. In addition, six freshmen will join the women this season, including forward Brittany Demery, who was the first signee of the new recruiting class. Demery, a 5-foot-9-inch Oklahoma native, concluded her senior campaign at Millwood High School shooting 52 percent from the field and 67 percent from 3-point land. Demery hopes to give the Lady Broncs the same production she gave her former team, which claimed the 3A

state title earlier this year. “I’m the type of player who likes to have a challenge, so playing with this team is a challenge and I think I’ve adapted well,” she said. SCHEDULE The Lady Broncs will feature a balanced schedule with 12 home and 14 road games slated for the upcoming campaign. After Saturday, the women begin their season at Arkansas-Pine Bluff Nov. 14 and will host Texas Lutheran and Air Force Academy Nov. 20 and 26, respectively. The Lady Broncs hope to hand the Lady Falcons the same upset the Broncs achieved in 2002 over the then No. 27 Falcons. On Dec. 28-29, UTPA will host the annual Battle at the Border Tournament, which includes a tournament field of Albany, Troy, and Montana State. The Lady Broncs captured the tournament title last season after defeating St. Louis University 66-62 in the championship round. Seven homes games will remain after the tournament, including a fourgame homestand in January. Key games against Baylor and Oklahoma State, both of whom advanced to the 2008 NCAA tournament, will highlight the road schedule for the women before they wrap up the season in March with the National Independent Showcase in Orem, Utah. Craft said the key to managing the demanding schedule was not scheduling road games too close together, giving her team a chance to restore its form and regain the edge. “That allows your body to recoup because a Division I game is extremely physically demanding as well as mentally challenging,” Craft said. “I think that will help us because the road is a beast, there’s no other way to say it.”

SOCCER Having finished the regular season with two blowout wins, the University of Texas Pan-American men’s soccer club went into the Region IV conference tournament last weekend with the hope of reaching the finals and getting a chance to compete in nationals. But unfortunately for the Broncs, those goals will have to wait another year. The Broncs went winless in the tournament, losing 3-0 to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette Friday and 4-1 to Texas State Saturday. UTPA ends its season with a 5-4-1 mark. The Broncs snapped their twoyear streak of advancing into the semifinals. There were very few chances of scoring for the Broncs in the tournament. Finding themselves down 2-0 at the half during both games, UTPA could not find a way to jumpstart an offensive barrage. Head coach Marcelo Schmidt said the opportunities to score that were created were well constructed but could not be completed. “We went up there and fought. I am confident we could have done a lot better, but strangely enough we did not have any standout players,” Schmidt said. “It was the same great team, our same great players but it turned out to be one of those days where nothing went our way. Some of our guys are graduating seniors and it is sad that they have to leave on a sad note, even though it was a great soccer experience.” The Lady Broncs ended their season Oct. 26 with a 1-6-1 record.

Editor’s Picks HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL

Memorial Mustangs

Donna Redskins

Thursday 7 p.m.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL

Oklahoma St. @ Texas Tech Cowboys Red Raiders Saturday 7 p.m. (ABC)

NFL

New York Giants

@ Philadelphia Eagles

Sunday 7:15 p.m. (NBC)