November 20, 2008

South Texas kicks it up, See Page 15

SINCE 1943

Volume 65, No. 13

November 20, 2008

T CAMPUS

Buildings undergo brick wall modifications

By Kristen Cabrera THE PAN AMERICAN It was 15 months ago when the north side of the Social and Behavioral Science building’s wall fell apart due to worn out, rusted pins.

Two weeks immediately following the incident, maintenance crews went straight to work on the SBSC building as well as older buildings to make sure that The University of Texas-Pan

American was a safe campus.

“I called the maintenance project my three year plan, which we ended up doing in about 15 months,” said Marvin Boland, UTPA director for planning and construction at Physical Plant.

The university had to order more than 50,000 galvanized pins in order to prevent older walls from collapsing. The total cost of the maintenance project is $2.8 million, according to

Boland.

When additions to the then Pan American College were being done in the late 1960s the buildings were made of St. Joseph brick.

This brick acts like a sponge and holds water whenever it rains. What pinned this brick to the backing were ungalvanized pins unlike the galvanized ones now used for construction.

Galvanized pins are coated for the prevention of rusting pins. The pins

on the north side of the SBSC building were just rods of plain metal and had basically disintegrated into rust between the mortars of the bricks, creating a freestanding wall, which eventually collapsed.

When Boland saw the collapsed wall he walked over to where the Wellness and Recreational Center was being built and asked the contractor of A. Wilson Construction for help.

“I said to him, ‘Hey I need help in a hurry’ and that afternoon,” said Boland, “He had the SBSC building totally surrounded with fence and plywood tunnels to be able to get in and out of the building. Within five or six hours we had the building totally secured.”

Once the action was taken to secure the wall, Boland started to identify the problem and began test-

SEE BUILDINGS || PAGE 5

T DISTINGUISHED SPEAKER SERIES

Egypt’s Sadat brings message of peace

By J.R. Ortega THE PAN AMERICAN

Ben Briones/THE PAN AMERICAN

RALLY FOR PEACE - Egypt’s former first lady Jehan Sadat, the second in the Distinguished Speakers Series, talks to a full audience Monday night about the need for peace and the importance of human rights.

After Jehan Sadat concluded her speech with repitions of “yes we can,” those in the full auditorium rose to their feet to laud the former Egyptian First Lady’s message of peace. The human rights activist made her message loud and clear, that human rights and peace are attainable and essential.

Sadat said the 1981 assassination of her late husband, former president Anwar Sadat, was difficult to deal with, resulting in her retreat from public life and projects as first lady.

Despite the tragedy, the female visionary persevered, insisting on

carrying the message of peace sought by her husband.

“Without bold, visionary, courageous leadership and without peace, there can be no human rights,” she said as students, faculty, staff and community members remained attentive.

Her husband was gunned and grenade down in Cairo during an annual victory parade on Oct. 6, 1981. However, Sadat did not dwell much on the past, but rather remained optimistic about what the future holds.

During and after her husband’s presidency, Sadat became a firm human and women’s right activist.

SEE SADAT || PAGE 5

T STATE

State Rep. Lucio files bill for Valley medical school

By Abigail Muñiz THE PAN AMERICAN For pre-med students in the Valley looking to apply to and attend medical school, the closest choice is San Antonio. With only nine medical schools in Texas, four of which are part of the UT System, students’ options can seem limited.

Chris Treviño, a senior chemistry and biology/pre-med student at The University of Texas-Pan American, said that when it comes to medical school, Hispanic students in the Valley typical-

INDEX

ly do not want to travel far away.

“I know one thing, Hispanics really pride themselves is having a really close family,” Treviño said. “Students sometimes won’t travel very far because they want to stay close to home.”

For years, local activists have lobbied for a professional school in the Valley, but have not been successful.

However, a bill filed Nov. 10 by State Rep. Eddie Lucio III, D-Brownsville, would create a medical and a law school in South Texas. The bill, which was one of four that was pre-filed

OPINION

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before the next session, is a major part of Lucio’s legislative agenda.

“Establishing a fully developed medical school in the Valley is my number-one priority for next session,” Lucio stated in a press release. “The creation of such a school would have a tremendous positive impact in our area…”

Scott Gunn, a biology professor and pre-med adviser at UTPA, said he agrees a medical school in the Valley would be a positive step for South Texas.

“It would increase the potential for

NEWS PG. 3

getting new modern techniques down here,” Gunn said. “Most of our efforts have been to produce students that would stay here in South Texas.”

The downfall Gunn sees in the proposed Legislature bill is that the Valley might have to wait for a medical school as the University of Texas at Austin is also planning on one.

“The big caveat of this is that Austin also wants a medical school,” Gunn said. “A lot of people want it [in the Valley], but I don’t see we’re going to be able to out-compete Austin.”

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In late 2007, the UT System asked UT Southwestern Medical School to conduct a feasibility study for a possible Austin medical school. The San Antonio Business Journal reported last summer that the idea continues to steam ahead as UT Regents study the issue.

Cynthia Brown, vice provost for graduate programs and academic centers at UTPA, said that a medical school in the Valley would greatly benefit both students and the community.

“If it were in our area it would be good for the community and a fantastic

SEE PROPOSITION || PAGE 5

SPORTS

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November 20, 2008

THE PAN AMERICAN

T OPINION

Overtime should be extended in the NFL Ramiro Paez SPORTS CO-EDITOR

Sudden Death.

It wasn’t the best feeling if you were a Philadelphia Eagle or Cincinnati Bengal fan this weekend.

The Eagles and Bengals ended their overtime game in a 13-13 tie, the first since 2002. It left many NFL fans to question whether the league should implement a rule to declare a winner no matter the length of the game.

Currently, overtime regulations call for a sudden-death format where the first team to score wins.

Only one 15-minute extra period is played, except in the playoffs.

The rule needs to change.

Players are prepped, mentally and physically, to finish off games such as this one. Yes, they are given an entire extra quarter to claim the victory but why would you take an

opportunity to win a game away from a team just because 15 minutes weren’t enough? Overtime is used to avoid a tie or draw.

At the high school and collegiate level, a winner is declared based on what is called the Kansas Playoff system where each team is given one possession to score, starting from the opponent’s 25-yard line.

Whichever team leads at the end of the brief and exciting extra period wins, and in the event of a tie, another quickie ensues.

In 2001, the Arkansas Razorbacks and Mississippi Rebels played the longest game in college football history that finished in seven overtimes and lasted four hours and 15 minutes. If you are going to give high school and college athletes the chance to fully finish a game, then there is something wrong with the league for not allowing the same courtesy.

Nov. 20, 2008

Vol 65, No. 13

1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122 EDITOR IN CHIEF J.R. Ortega / ortega.e.jr@gmail.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Abigail Muniz / abby.muniz@yahoo.com MANAGING EDITOR Brian Silva / brian.silva2@gmail.com ASSOCIATE EDITOR Ana Villaurrutia / parker687@hotmail.com A&E EDITOR Laura Garcia / laurad500@hotmail.com ASSISTANT A&E EDITOR Isaac Garcia / izek_el@yahoo.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

ADVISER

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

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

STAFF Kristen Cabrera Abby Flores Sara Hernandez Onydia Garza Ben Briones

Issac Barrientes Marco Carbajal Andie Figueroa Pedro Perez IV

**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.

Illustration - Anthony Salinas

T EDITORIAL

Infrastructure needs upgrade Early on this semester the weather in South Texas was rather rainy, and the all too familiar afternoon shower would turn Sugar Road into a small canal. This is one case among several that demonstrates the inadequate campus infrastructure.

From traffic to flooding, our infrastructure needs to be closely looked at in and around the university by UTPA and Edinburg leadership. If a plan is already there, it needs to be updated and action needs to be taken.

The heavy vehicular and pedestrian traffic of Sugar between Schunior and University has a very poor capability of handling any rain shower. During and after such a rain, students at the stoplight crosswalk have to either leap across or wade through an area of water that sometimes nears the middle of the road.

During the same rain showers, students also have to wade through several inches of water in various segments of the covered walkway. If we don’t want to wade through water then we have to divert to the

muddy grass. We’re not going offroading, we’re just trying to get to class.

If we’re to be a university of prestige, then let’s at least allow students to get to class with dry feet.

Another issue of our aging infrastructure is its inadequacy in handling traffic.

True, Sugar Road has no additional space to grow. But, there are other roads around the university that could. During peak class-hour times, Jackson can often get a little backed up as people try to take that road to get to Schunior and the parking lots on the northwest side of campus.

The thing with all of these roads is that they’re only one lane both ways, and narrow ones at that. The light at Schunior and Jackson is set up as if the City of Edinburg plans to expand the road, but no expansion of construction currently exists.

An implementation of a traffic plan that will better guide traffic through, in, and around the university is needed. We need a better system to bring in the large portion of

the 17,000-student population that commutes to school.

In addition to infrastructure upgrades, the City of Edinburg and UTPA need to come up with a solution to better handle pedestrian and traffic interaction on the roads that run around the university. Students often come within feet of speeding cars that resist following the yieldto-pedestrians signs and/or the school-zone speed limit.

On the Sugar side, since there are many students who frequent the stoplight crosswalk, maybe some sort of overarching walkway would be helpful, so that traffic and students are not impeded from continuing on their paths.

If the university leadership wants UTPA to be considered one of the leading higher education institutions in the 21st century, then it will have to implement 21st-century infrastructure.

We urge students to speak up about this issue to their Student Government Association representatives and tell them to fight for our need of better infrastructure.

Dates to Know: Thanksgiving Holiday Nov. 27-28

Educate yourself on AlterNet Rides Tuesday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. SU Commons

November 20, 2008

Page 3

THE PAN AMERICAN

T COMMUNITY

Local nonprofits deal with economic downfall

By Ana Villaurrutia THE PAN AMERICAN The holiday season has always been a time of giving back as much as getting, but with a largely ailing national and international economy, it seems this seasonal tradition may be in jeopardy.

As prices rise and people become hesitant to invest, consumers are spending less this year and many com-

panies from the banking business to the car industry are facing bankruptcy.

And as Americans are cutting back on new products and services, they may also trim charitable donations.

Armando Garza, communication director at the Rio Grande Valley Food Bank, said he is worried about bare shelves in the bank’s future.

“It’s never good timing to not give, but this is the time people should be giving more,” said Garza.

Garza said 30 to 40 percent of the Food Bank’s donations come from the public. They rely on not just monetary donations but items such as canned foods, diapers and over the counter medications.

The Food Bank collected 18 million pounds of food for fiscal year 2007 and 21 million pounds of food this fiscal year, which ended Oct. 1.

Despite the increase in donations, the real worry, said Garza, is the rise in

need.

The organization distributes food and other donations to 200 nonprofit agencies like Boys and Girls Club and Mujeres Unidas in 11 counties from Brownsville to Del Rio. Garza said the organization has seen a 56-percent increase of need for fiscal year 2008 when compared to the previous year, but 45 percent of that increase has come from the last six months. About 1.2 million jobs have

been cut this year and about 3.5 million Americans had trouble securingfood in their housholds in 2006.

“Basically they (last six months) have been the worst we’ve seen,” said Garza, attributing the rising need to the national recession; he knows that while the organization is stocked at the moment, an imbalance may set them back in the long run.

“We do not receive the impact

SEE NONPROFIT || PAGE 6

T CULTURE

Russian teacher calls UTPA home

By Nadia Tamez-Robledo THE PAN AMERICAN “One, two, three,” 29-year-old Maya Zhivokina says as she points to numbers on the marker board.

“One, two, three,” her students repeat, following her hand from number to number.

This could be a typical kindergarten class if not for the fact that the students are all adults and they are speaking in Russian.

“Adeen, dva, tre,” they say again, making it all the way up to dyehsets, 10.

“Kharasho,” Zhivokina says.

“Good.”

Her class is part of the Office of International Program’s Language and Culture Sessions, which hosts instructors from abroad who teach their native languages. Zhivokina, who arrived at The University of TexasPan American in mid-August, is an English language teacher at Voronezh State University in Voronezh, Russia.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to

travel to the country of the language of which I am teaching and also to share the language and culture of my own country,” she said.

One of the things Zhivokina looks forward to getting from her time in the United States is real-life experience to share with students in her English-language class back home.

“Sometimes your students ask you what it’s like there. ‘What do they say here? What would they say in this situation?’” she said. “And you can’t say for sure. You can’t just be guided by the stereotypes or by the books you read or by the programs you saw.”

But Zhivokina said that it’s not just the academic or professional aspects of her life that she expects will benefit.

“I think it will be very useful to my personal experience, to broaden my outlook, to see new things in life,” she added.

One might think that moving to the opposite side of the world may take a little time to get used to, but

SEE ZHIVOKINA || PAGE 6

Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

IN FROM THE COLD - Fulbright Scholar Maya Zhivokina traveled halfway around the world to teach University of Texas-Pan American students how to speak Russian as part of the Office of International Programs’s Language and Culture Sessions.

T ACADEMIC

Criminal Justice career day serves justice for students

By Abby Flores THE PAN AMERICAN Despite the rain and muggy weather, some University of Texas-Pan American students took advantage of the career opportunities offered during the Criminal Justice Career Day held last Thursday on the front lawn of the Social and Behavioral Sciences building. Students were able to speak with police officers, border patrol agents and other officials.

With the help of the Career Services department, students were

able to ask questions regarding their field of interest. According to National Guard Cadet Rick Torres from Weslaco, there was a good turnout, something they were not expecting due to the weather.

“Several students have stopped and asked questions, they’ve showed a lot of interest, which helps with recruiting,” Torres, the 25-year-old criminal justice major said.

Other governmental departments that took part during Career Day were the Texas Parks and Wildlife along with Houston Police Department, U.S.

Secret Service, the Texas Attorney General’s office, and U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.

“We encourage any students interested in becoming a Texas game warden to apply for the summer intern,” said Ira Zuniga, who holds the position for Hidalgo County. “It’s a great way to see what it’s all about, and once you’re accepted to the academy, you’ll have a better understanding.”

Philip Ethridge, UTPA associate professor of criminal justice, said he believes that people should know their rights and it is good to have some

knowledge in criminal justice.

“Each of us has almost a 100 percent chance of becoming involved in the criminal justice system during our lifetime - either as a victim, suspect, or just getting a speeding ticket,” Ethridge said.

He also said that the number of students interested in criminal justice as a minor or a major has steadily increased over the past several years.

“Students who look for employment after graduation realize that the federal, state and local criminal justice agencies including law enforcement, corrections,

courts and juvenile, are always going to be recruiting and hiring,” Ethridge said.

“This was made clear at the criminal justice Career Day.” Susana Chapa, assistant director of Career Services, said many students are becoming more aware of the diversity of offerings in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and are taking part in internships while in college to help prepare them.

The most frequent agencies accepting interns are congressional offices, Texas Parks and Wildlife, psychological firms and local law offices.

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ADVERTISEMENTS

November 20, 2008

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NEWS

November 20, 2008

PROPOSITION continued from Page 1

SADAT continued from Page 1

opportunity for our students,” she said.

“I believe we’ve got very significant facilities in the area to support it.”

Brown says one of the opportunities the school would offer students would be the option of staying close to home while getting a med-school education.

The community would benefit economically as well.

“The direct benefit is that when we have higher-level education, it is good for the community in that anytime there is an increased level of highly educated people, it generates all sorts of economic activity,” Brown said.

Economic activity is something

She set up SOS Children’s Villages democracy in another while being in International in Egypt. The SOS vil- their territory, because it appears lages house mothers of both Muslim threatening. She added that she sees and Christian children and a father for Obama’s plan to have troops leave each village to offer Egypt’s orphaned Iraq as offering a chance for the counchildren the opportunity to live nor- try’s residents to take control themmal lives as much as possible. selves.

“He wanted to put an end to blood“His (Bush’s) intention was to give shed,” she said. democracy to “My husband said “I believe Obama will do a Middle East. For he would go to the lot of change as he said. We the first time Iraq end of the earth to will have to give him time.” can choose a presimake peace.” dent,” she said.

Sadat said she “What happened, believes peace is Jehan Sadat happened, let us possible and that Egypt’s former first lady and look to the future through persistence human rights activist now.” and determination Provost and Vice of the people it is attainable.

President of Academic Affairs Paul “Peace and human rights are the Sale, who helped introduce Sadat to heart and soul of me,” she said. “In UTPA, mentioned that UTPA is the our hearts we must remember people 2nd best UT System school when it are people and we are all God’s cre- comes to studying abroad. ation.”

He said that the main goal for sendSadat continued by mentioning ing students abroad is to promote how she and her country are hopeful “global understanding,” something U.S. President-elect Barack Obama Sadat said she stands firmly behind. will soon ease the tensions with Iraq.

“I believe Obama will do a lot of NEXT SPEAKER change as he said,” she said optimistically. “We will have to give him time.”

Sadat was the second and last She said President George W. Bush distinguished speaker this is highly criticized, mainly because semester. The Distinguished his decision to go into Iraq was made Speaker Series will continue under false pretenses. on Jan. 27 with Robert “It is practically impossible to fight Ballard, who discovered the terrorism and protect its people without losing human rights,” she said wreck of the RMS Titanic in offering her stance on the current war.

1985.

She said one country cannot instill

medical schools like The University of Texas Medical School at Houston for example, have been good for, as it provides residency and training to its students, which in turn generates jobs.

Treviño is part of the UTPA and Baylor College of Medicine Premedical Honors College, which was established in 1994 to increase the number of physicians in South Texas, and has already had 135 graduates.

He is expecting to attend Baylor College of Medicine once he graduates next year. But he says that he would have considered attending medical school in the Valley.

“I would definitely consider stay-

ing if there were a medical school here,” he said. “This place has so many opportunities.”

According to an October 2007 report by the Association of American Medical Colleges a new medical school could cost up to $50 million although the funding would come from a variety of sources including health care systems, state Legislatures and the parent university.

AAMC also reports that the medical school community is experiencing growth and that it is possible that between 10 and 15 new schools could be created throughout the United States by 2015.

TEXAS MEDICAL SCHOOLS Baylor College of Medicine Houston, Texas

Established 1900

Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine College Station, Texas

Established 1977

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Paul L. Foster School of Medicine El Paso, Texas

Established 2008

University of North Texas Health Science Center at Ft. Worth/Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine Fort Worth, Texas

Established 1970

The University of Texas Medical School at Houston Houston, Texas

Established 1969

The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston - School of Medicine Galveston, Texas

Established 1891

The University of Texas Medical School at San Antonio San Antonio, Texas

Established 1968

The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School Dallas, Texas

Established 1943

BUILDINGS continued from Page 1 ing out different methods to re-pin the bricks within a week. Replacing the entire buildings with new brick would have been too expensive.

For the Student Services Tower alone it would have cost $8 million to replace all the brick, according to Boland.

Boland also came to the assumption that it must be happening to all the other older buildings as well.

“We prioritized what we thought were the older buildings that needed to be done first,” Boland said.

“Particularly the ones where students could walk right by a wall. We jumped from there (SBSC) to

Business because there was a wall that was almost falling on the west side of the building.”

In order to secure the buildings, maintenance crews drilled each pin 16 inches apart both vertically and horizontally forming 16-inch squares that are hardly noticeable at first glance.

In February 2008, Steve Getz, president of Construction Tie Products in Chicago, flew down to Edinburg to find out why such a large number of galvanized stainless steel pins were being ordered all at once.

“My company operates state to

state, coast to coast,” Getz said. “And ter break on the coast of the pins,” we are used to big orders. But his Boland said. “He was amazed that (Boland’s) order cleared my shelves. most of the time his pinning crews It’s kind of a knock would do 200 to to the head because “We prioritized what we 300 pins a day of the large amount, thought were the older while our crews got so I just had to go to the point that down and see what buildings that needed to be they were about done first.” was going on.”

1,000 a day.”

The reconstrucWhen Getz was made fully aware of tion was put to the the circumstances, Marvin Boland test when Hurricane he gave UTPA a Director of planning and con- Dolly came stormreasonable discount struction ing through the Valley this summer. for the rest of the project.

If the walls of older buildings had not “After that he gave us a much bet- been addressed, Dolly would have

blown down more walls, according to Boland.

Nearing the end of the project the only building left to secure are the one story Physical Science Building, which should be finished by the end of November.

Boland, along with other Physical Plant members, are currently on a trip to Austin, Tyler and Amarillo, looking at performing arts buildings at those universities to get ideas for the construction of UTPA’s own center, which will cost $50 million.

The scheduled dates of commencement and completion have yet to be decided.

NEWS

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November 20, 2008

ZHIVOKINA continued from Page 3 Zhivokina said that is not the case.

“The reason that I didn’t experience culture shock, in my opinion, is that I feel at home,” she said.

Zhivokina sees similarities between her warm welcome here and the way visitors would be treated in her own country.

“That’s how Russians receive guests,” she said. “Russian hospitality is well known all over the world, and I see the same thing here.”

Friendliness aside, Zhivokina said the rest of what she has seen is “absolutely different” from Voronezh, which is one of Russia’s industrial hubs.

“The Valley can be compared to very modern and civilized Russian villages,” she said.

“However, people in Russia do not think of America as this way. They think about skyscrapers, about business centers, and all that stuff.”

Her friends and family had their own ideas about what her surroundings would be like.

“When they heard I was coming to Texas, the first thing they said was, ‘Oh, you’ll meet cowboys, you’ll visit a ranch,’” Zhivokina said. “But no cowboys, no ranch. The only thing I see is Pan Am. I haven’t traveled at all.”

She was able to go for a swim in the Gulf of Mexico earlier this month thanks to one of her students, but the Voronezh native said she doesn’t have much time for sightseeing. In addition to teaching beginning and intermedi-

ate Russian, she also takes an introduction to Spanish class as well as an English as a second language course.

“I love my Spanish class, and I’m quicker than the other students,” Zhivokina said. “Finally we came to the conjugations of present continuous. It’s tough enough to enjoy learning because everything else was easy.”

Zhivokina appreciates the effort her pupils put into learning.

“I just admire each one who took this challenge to study Russian, which is tough,” she said. “I fully realize that it’s not an easy task to do, but I fully respect their bravery.”

Zhivokina knows what it’s like to struggle language. She began studying English in grade school, a requirement HEAD OF CLASS for all students in her native country.

As for her own classroom, “Actually I was very bad at Zhivokina was excited to see the tools English, and my parents decided to she was going to be find a tutor for “It’s not that it’s America that me,” able to utilize. she “The classroom is is changing me, it’s not that recalled. “That perfect. In Russia, in some certain people are chang- tutor changed most cases you have ing me. The fact that I’m here my life. She board and chalk,” developed love she said. “[I’m enriches me personally.” for the English enjoying] the opporlanguage in me, tunity to use modern Maya Zhivokina and by the time technology like the Fulbright Scholar I had to enter a projector and comuniversity, I puter,” said Zhivokina. “There is one knew English pretty well when commedia classroom [at Voronezh State pared to the rest of my classmates.”

University], but it is always engaged Zhivokina graduated from by senior teachers and other presen- Voronezh State University as a linters.” guist interpreter, but when it came to Wayne E. Miller, 62, an adjunct put her degree to use, jobs for intermath teacher at South Texas College, preters were difficult to find. enrolled in Zhivokina’s class to prac“The market for interpretation is tice what he had learned in last semes- not too wide in Voronezh,” she said. ter’s Russian language and culture “It might have been my mistake not to session. look for it with more determination.”

“The class is very good. I’m learnEven with the scarcity of job opening what I wanted to learn, which is ings, Zhivokina didn’t spend much more conjugation and sentence struc- time circling want ads in the paper. ture,” he said.

She was offered a position as an

NONPROFIT continued from Page 3 immediately because we’re pretty much planned explained. “It makes it harder for us to clothe for it, but people tend to cut back in time of these people because people come in with only need,” he explained. what their wearing.”

Professor of economics Steve Lovell at The The shelter has collected $100,000 in donaUniversity of Texas-Pan American said nonprof- tions for 2008, a 10-percent decrease in donaits should not worry because most of their fund- tions from last year, and a 20-percent from what ing will be foundation-based. was expected this year.

“They should do well, there is a slowdown in Though Cortinas said she is saddened to see donations but it should only be a little drop, fewer people donate, she still believes the shelter about 10 percent,” Lovell will overcome, especially this said. “Their bigger donators coming season when it holds a are from foundations like “We do not receive the Thanksgiving dinner and United Way and federal impact immediately because Christmas party for past and grants.” we’re pretty much planned current clients.

Ozanem Shelter in for it, but people tend to cut “We’ll be all right…the Brownsville, however, has director usually sets money back in time of need.” been having trouble getting aside for the holiday season,” federal grants and foundation Cortinas said.

Armando Garza money, which accounts for 95 As for donations for the communication officer percent of its funding. rest of the year, Fuentes said Alex Fuentes, executive Rio Grande Valley Food Bank they are trying to find other director, said the drop has less programs that can accommoto do with the economy and more with the date the organization. group’s need to become more “professional” as a The Food Bank is also increasing the number of shelter. donation drop boxes in schools and businesses “Programs are becoming more and more com- across the Valley. Members have tried to be innopetitive, we have to show how professional we vative by offering free shirts at Killer Bee hockey are,” Fuentes said. games to fans bringing in three cans of food.

The shelter, which is open year-‘round, pro“We’re trying to get creative by increasing vides clothes and food, plus information on other drop off locations, we’re trying to encourage the nonprofit and government agencies that might public,” Garza said. benefit homeless people.

Lovell said this will be a good lesson for stuRosie Cortinas, a social worker at the shelter, dents who will soon face the financial world after said the flow of public donations including cloth- graduation. ing and food has been unsteady in the past four “There are going to be rainy days in this months. recession so we have to set money aside,” he “I used to see donations on a daily basis stressed. “But we can’t be callous about giving throughout the day… now only two or three back to the community, you should give back times a week and only one or two donations,” she some percentage of your earnings.”

English language teacher at her alma mater.

“It’s not all of a sudden that I started teaching without any qualifications,” she said. “When studying at the university, I finished a course on methodology of teaching English as a second language. I couldn’t find the job of an interpreter, and I was invited to the university to teach.”

In hindsight, the slim interpreter job pool may have been a blessing in disguise.

“I was happy when I got this job at the university,” Zhivokina said. “And frankly speaking, I think I am a better teacher than an interpreter.”

She defended her dissertation for a doctorate and earned her Ph.D in cognitive linguistics last year.

“When I finally got some free time for me, I decided to travel,” she said.

“And to travel not just to visit sites, but with some purpose.”

She was presented with the chance to apply to the Fulbright scholarship program, an exchange program funded by the Department of State that sends students and educators all over the world for study and research, and the timing could not have been more perfect.

“All the opportunities presented in this program so well fitted with what I wanted at that moment that I just immediately started getting the documents, writing the compositions, whatever was needed,” she said.

But even Ph.D holders are not

immune to uncertainty, and Zhivokina felt a twinge of self-doubt tugging at the back of her mind. She decided to go to the head of the department for some advice.

“I told her the competition will probably be too hard because it is for all of Russia, and who cares about a Voronezh teacher?” Zhivokina said.

“She said, ‘If you don’t try, you can never win.’”

That was all the encouragement Zhivokina needed. She was selected as a Fulbright Scholar after completing an interview in Moscow.

Now that she’s a transplant enjoying the other side of the world, at UTPA, Zhivokina said that she calls home regularly to check in with her parents and siblings, though she sometimes has to clear appointments first.

“They start speaking on end. I tell them, ‘Let’s wind up,’ and they say ‘No, no, I have something else to tell you. I went to the neighbors’ house,” she said.

“They want to share everything.”

Despite the distance, Zhivokina isn’t thinking about going home yet.

She’s looking forward to teaching during the spring semester and making the most of her time at UTPA. “Even now, two and a half months have passed, and I feel that I am changing,” she said. “It’s not that it’s America that is changing me, it’s not that some certain people are changing me. The fact that I’m here enriches me personally.”

Page 7

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November 20, 2008

Page 8

THE PAN AMERICAN

November 20, 2008

November 20, 2008

Page 9

THE PAN AMERICAN

POETIC EXPRESSIONS - (Right) Senior English major Veronica Sandoval recites her poem during the MFA Student Reading at Albert L. Jeffers Theatre.

Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

WALL FUNNIES - Senior criminal justice majors Jessica Gomez and Apolonio Cavazos laugh at the Spanish comic strips displayed at the UTPA Art Gallery in the COAS. Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT - (Left and Above) Hula Halau Ka’epa Tropical Productions perform rhythms of the native drums and exciting dances of Hawaii and Tahiti Tuesday, in the Student Union Theatre.

Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

Onydia Garza/THE PAN AMERICAN

INTERNATIONAL WEEK - Former first lady of Egypt Jehan Sadat speaks on peace and human rights at the UTPA Fine Arts Auditorium.

Layout By: Rick Gamez

Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

MEXICAN ART - Freshmen Lexis Garrett (left) and Shayla Ortiz converse about the Mexican art items on display at the Art Gallery.

Page 8

THE PAN AMERICAN

November 20, 2008

November 20, 2008

Page 9

THE PAN AMERICAN

POETIC EXPRESSIONS - (Right) Senior English major Veronica Sandoval recites her poem during the MFA Student Reading at Albert L. Jeffers Theatre.

Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

WALL FUNNIES - Senior criminal justice majors Jessica Gomez and Apolonio Cavazos laugh at the Spanish comic strips displayed at the UTPA Art Gallery in the COAS. Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT - (Left and Above) Hula Halau Ka’epa Tropical Productions perform rhythms of the native drums and exciting dances of Hawaii and Tahiti Tuesday, in the Student Union Theatre.

Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

Onydia Garza/THE PAN AMERICAN

INTERNATIONAL WEEK - Former first lady of Egypt Jehan Sadat speaks on peace and human rights at the UTPA Fine Arts Auditorium.

Layout By: Rick Gamez

Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

MEXICAN ART - Freshmen Lexis Garrett (left) and Shayla Ortiz converse about the Mexican art items on display at the Art Gallery.

Page 10

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November 20, 2008

Dates to Know:

November 20, 2008

Fine Arts Senior Exhibit

Dance Program Concert

Nov. 20, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Dorothy & Charles Clark gallery

Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m.

Fine Arts Auditorium Page 11

THE PAN AMERICAN

T MUSIC SCENE

Unwed Sailor brings tunes to Simon Sez

By Isaac Garcia THE PAN AMERICAN “Hello McAllen” and “thank you” were just a few words uttered by Unwed Sailor’s founder, Johnathon Ford during his band’s performance at Simon Sez Tuesday night. What was blatantly absent on stage were a microphone and lyrics, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise; Unwed Sailor has been an instrumental band since 1998.

Originating from Seattle, the group has strived to be more than just a typical instrumental band, using mainly rock and ambient drone sounds.

Spanning a 10-year musical career, Ford has rotated the lineup of the band, consisting mostly of close friends; they’ve performed alongside indie legends Pedro the Lion and Sufjan Stevens.

The band released a total of 11 recordings (EP’s and LP’s) from their 1999 debut EP “Firecracker” - featuring David Bazan of Pedro the Lion to their 2003 change in direction “The Marionette and the Music Box.” The latter album drove Unwed Sailor and their fans on a different path with the creation of illustrations and photographs to accompany the 17 instru-

mental parts, all of which collaborated to tell a story through classical sounds, a Baroque influence, and nursery rhyme melodies.

An EP (extended play) is composed of three to five songs and an LP (long playing record) is a full-length album.

Music at Simon Sez kicked off after 10 p.m. to a packed crowd of 21-andup. Presented by production company Goodbar Loves You, opening acts included Ideophonic, an indie rock band from Brownsville, and They Mean Us, an indie-instrumental outfit from McAllen.

Prior to their performance members of Sailor stood attentively as They Mean Us played intricately, using a cello and a violin. Ford remarked on their performance. “These guys are good,” he said.

Later as the small bar grew even more crowded, cigarette smoke filled the space and as the temperature rose to a stuffy state, the back door swung open letting in the cool November breeze. Unwed Sailor walked in, set up and began to play.

Opening with a three minute long “Cooper Island” from their most recent release, titled “Little Wars,” the four-piece band swayed back and

forth channeling the reflective and brooding nature of the music as Ford regularly leaned on his amplifier and interacted with it, almost giving life to the inanimate object.

The crowd listened eagerly mostly sitting in their chairs while the more diehard fans stood only a couple of feet away from the band. They appeared taken with every keystroke and strum of the guitar.

Closing their 25-minute set with “Aurora” from “Little Wars,” Unwed Sailor let loose with wailing guitars, as a contented crowd looked on. After the last note Ford said, simply, “Thank you.”

One concertgoer yelled out, “Turn up the mike,” an obvious play on the fact that Unwed Sailor’s performance did not include vocals of any kind.

But because of their reflective rock/ambient/indie sound, Unwed Sailor’s music has no place for lyrics.

The music is the words and listeners can draw their own thoughts and impressions about meaning.

Unwed Sailor continues the tour in Austin to Tulsa before going overseas on Nov. 30 to play in Europe. They are also releasing a new record due out in early 2009 called “History.”

Isaac Garcia/THE PAN AMERICAN

REFLECTIVE TUNES - Band founder Johnathon Ford performs for a full crowd at Simon Sez in McAllen Tuesday night.

T SWEET AND STICKY TOUR

Queen of pop visits Houston after 18 years

By Russen Vela THE PAN AMERICAN With a bit of a pre-Christmas breeze surrounding Minute Maid Park in downtown Houston, thousands of people were snuggled up to each other hoping to get some body heat. On Sunday, Nov. 16, the event causing all this commotion was the “Queen of Pop” herself, Madonna in her “Sweet and Sticky tour.” It had been 18 years since the Material Girl last visited Houston to perform.

Her last performance was in 1990 with the “Blonde Ambition” tour at the Summit. For those who remember it, it was the tour where she wore the Jean Paul Gaultier pointy bra. Sunday, cheering began to erupt in the lines when security started opening doors, allowing the attendees to enter the park the Houston Astros call home.

“How long has it been?” and “Do you think she will out do herself?” were the murmurs among fans pushing and shoving their way into their seats. “I just want to fu—ing dance,” said another passerby, yelling to a lost partner in the crowd. Despite the trou-

WALLPAPER-OF-HOLLYWOODSTARS.BLOGSPOT.COM ble in the singer’s life with her pending divorce to British director husband Guy Ritchie, Madonna proved victorious in one of, if not her best, shows in years.

Once everyone was settled down, like most concert fans waiting for the entertainer to arrive, the crowd of more than 60,000 started doing the wave, and chanting Madonna’s name.

Some even decided to start singing and get everyone else in the park to join along. But once the black, heavily tinted Suburbans entered the park, everyone erupted into cheers and excitement. The show was about to begin.

“Hello Houston, Texas!” screamed the astonishingly fit 50-year-old. “I need you all to have a good time, I

don’t come here to Texas often.” The park went wild with laughter and cheers.

Her opener was “Candy Shop,” in which she and her dancers set up the theme of a sexy terminator entrance.

Dressed in metallic suites, the dancers performed robotic dance movements and Madonna appeared also dressed, in a metallic suite, probably from a designer friend, she too danced to the same movements as her dancers.

Lights were flashing, machines were exploding with smoke and fireworks, and the star danced as if she was on air. “Into the Groove” was retrofitted with a techno-rave beat and the star, clad in vintage ‘80s workout gear, ended the song by having a jumping rope off contest with the dancers. Like a dance off, a jump-rope off consisted of Madonna and dancers jumping rope until either she or the dancer passed out from exhaustion.

The fit mama of three (daughter Lourdes, son Rocco, and adopted son David) ended up winning the challenge.

“Borderline” was truly the stunner

of the show. Set to a Joan Jett-like rocker anthem, Madonna proved that the guitar she was playing was far more than just a prop.

The song “Vogue” was a less Marie Antoinette-ish rendition than she first performed at the 1990 MTV Music Awards; instead, the singer opted for a casual black corset and hot pants, dancing with dancers who modeled her past tour outfits, one with the infamous “Like a Virgin” bridal gown.

By the time she hit the finale of “Give it 2 Me,” the audience was in full frenzy. Madonna stomped and vogued across the stage, dancers at her side bumping and grinding to almost every move she made. She bid the audience farewell and said, “I hope you all liked me, so I can come back!” to which the audience yelled furiously “Yes!” Once the lights turned back on, Minute Maid Park became the largest disco dance floor anyone had seen, everyone was talking and buzzing, suggesting that the Material Girl should not wait another 18 years to come back to Texas.

Page 12

November 20, 2008

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

T FILM AND HISTORY

T THEATRE

Controversial film revisits history ‘Hedda’ audition dates set

By Andrielle Figueroa THE PAN AMERICAN

In 1863, the first woman was hanged by the court system in the state of Texas. Now Texas Sen. Carlos Truan is co-producing the film, “Chipita,” which revives the history of a wrongfully accused woman.

Josefa “Chipita” Rodriguez lived in San Patricio de Hibernia, Texas, this is according to the Handbook of Texas Online. The Handbook notes that many of the facts about her are only assumptions due to the lack of actual written history about her.

Chipita housed people on their travels along the Aransas River. One such traveler, John Savage, was murdered with an axe, on her grounds. It was reported that Savage had at least $600 in gold on him, which would serve as motive for Chipita and her son, Juan Silvera, to take his life.

Soon after the murder, Savage’s body was found with the money on his body. Still, Chipita was still considered to be guilty.

Now, Truan, with the help of QueTal productions, will be telling the story that not many people have heard. Truan graduated from Texas A&M in 1959 and later was elected state senator from District 20 in 1976.

He served out of the Corpus Christi area for over 30 years with the Texas Legislature and is now retired, and having some free time led him to work on a story about a woman he feels needs to be acknowledged.

QUE-TAL PRODUCTIONS The screenplay writer for the motion picture is Eddie Howell, Pan American University grad from 1973, and has degrees in counseling and guidance from UTPA as well as a certification in adult and vocational counseling from Texas A&M-College Station.

Howell further explained the Chipita’s situation in the 1860s, saying that, “pressure was placed on the sheriff by the ‘influential’ people in the area who wanted to expand the land and the vision of the new Anglo society and get rid of the Mexicans.”

In 1859 only a few years prior to this historical moment the Cortina

War was taking place, lead by Juan Cortina. A general in the Mexican army, Cortina was known as the Robin Hood of the Rio Grande area, he fought for the land the Mexicans allegedly owned.

In the time of Chipita’s death, the war between the Anglos and the Mexicans was still much alive, which made her a target for Anglos in the city. With her gone, it would be one less Mexican in the city, as well as more land for the Anglos, goes that line of reasoning.

Some may wonder why a state senator would get involved in a film,

more specifically this one. But in 1985 Truan had gone to the Texas legislature with a proposal to clear the murder charge from Chipita’s name.

On June 19, 1985 Gov. Mark White signed the proposal after it was passed by the 69th Legislature.

Pre-med biology and chemistry major Christa Villarreal had never ran across this piece of history. “I’ve never heard of Chipita, but I would like to learn more about her,” said the 18-year-old from San Juan. “It is important for people, especially women in this case, to learn and understand their history.”

People also might be puzzled as to why this piece of history was kept secret. Linda Asaah-Gyamfi, 19, a computer science major, explained why she thought the story stayed out of history books. “I think that not many people like to write about bad things that happened in history, I mean look at Germany, they kept the Holocaust out of their history books for a long time,” Asaah-Gyamfi stated.

The motion picture will be filmed in Corpus Christi, Roma and Rio Grande City in January, and is due to be released in the fall of 2009 Fall auditions have already been set in Austin, Corpus Christi, and McAllen.

Howell cannot wait to work with co-writer John Carlos Trevino and the film itself.

“I look forward to assist in putting my vision of this story into movie magic,” he said. “It will be powerful and unforgettable, guaranteed.”

T MOVIE REVIEW

Bond flick breaks box office records

By Marco Carbajal THE PAN AMERICAN The blonde Bond is back and he’s badder, bolder and better than ever.

Daniel Craig headlines the latest installment of the James Bond 007 franchise which rocked the box office this past weekend raking in $70.4 million domestically, making it the biggest Bond opening in history.

Directed by Marc Forster (“Finding Neverland,” “Monster’s Ball”) “Quantum of Solace” is the first James Bond sequel ever and seems to be even better than its predecessor, “Casino Royale.”

As Bond struggles with the death of his girlfriend Vesper Lynd, killed at the end of “Casino Royal,” the sequel picks up as Bond seeks revenge against the menacing group that blackmailed Lynd to betray him.

A tip about a bank account in Haiti puts Bond hot on the trail of cold-blooded businessman Dominic Greene, beautifully played by Mathieu Almaric. Greene could possibly be one of the best Bond villains ever, with his trademark eccentricity balancing the cool, slick knack he

has for making Bond doubt everything - and everyone - in his life.

Greene’s master plan is to overthrow a South American regime, replacing it with a cunning dictator, and taking control of the biggest source of freshwater in the world; it’s a little far-fetched, but still does nothing to curtail the excitement and suspense of the film.

Craig is arguably one of the best Bonds ever. He is strong, willing and able, and the rage Bond feels to avenge his girlfriend’s death could be the only thing getting in the way of completing his mission by down the deadly organization known as Quantum.

While some may have once opposed Craig as the new Bond, his fair hair, disarming face and classic looks are a great counter to the tough, emotionally wounded, vengeanceseeking Bond we see onscreen. With classic deadpan humor, Craig’s delivery of Bond is exactly what you’re looking for: the perfect balance of danger and dryness.

Of course, no Bond movie would be complete without a beautiful leading lady, and Olga Kurylenko steps perfectly into the role as the tough-

as-nails Camille, who also has a quest for revenge, and plans to finish it with or without Bond’s help.

The movie is shot beautifully with sweeping sequences across Austria, Italy and South America. Forster heaps on loads of exciting and suspenseful action, with graphic violence kept to a minimum.

Aside from the visual aspects and the obvious excitement of such spy

films, perhaps the most unique aspect of “Solace” is the reality of the suffering and punishment that Craig’s new Bond endures as he struggles to complete his duty. Apparently, it’s not just business, it’s also personal.

With nail-biting plot twists and plenty of eye candy for both men and women, “Quantum of Solace” is poised to solidify itself as one of the best Bond movies ever. Grade: A-

Auditions for “Hedda Gabler,” the great literary classic by Henrik Ibsen, are scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 30 and Monday, Dec. 1 in the Studio Theatre (Room 107), of the Communication Arts and Sciences Building. The next play by University Theatre Productions will be performed at the Albert L. Jeffers Theatre in March.

Auditions will begin each night at 7 p.m. Those who bring a head shot and resume will be seen first.

Actors may perform a monologue of one-minute duration from any play other than “Hedda Gabler,” but doing so is not necessary. Passages from the play will be available for reading at the audition.

Scripts are available in all the local libraries and in many play anthologies. Scripts may also be checked out for a brief time from the Box Office.

A $10 refundable deposit is required on these scripts.

Director Eric Wiley is looking for a cast of three young adult men and three young adult women. A fourth woman must be able to play a much older person.

No experience is necessary, but each person must bring a copy of their spring work/school schedule so Wiley can develop a rehearsal schedule.

Rehearsals will not begin in earnest until January. Wiley is holding auditions early so the cast can be measured for costumes. “Hedda Gabler” is a period play with heavy costuming demands. Actors will receive scripts early so they can familiarize themselves with lines before rehearsals start.

In addition to actors from the university and community, University Theatre Productions also welcomes those who would like to work on the technical side of the production building costumes, props and scenery.

Anyone interested may come to auditions and fill out a contact sheet, or send an e-mail to the Box Office, galvane@utpa.edu with their contact information and interests on it.

For additional information, contact the Theatre Business Manager, Elva Galvan by e- mail or telephone, 3813581, during regular university hours.

-UTPA Box Office Release

ʻHedda Gablerʼ Auditions: Nov. 30 & Dec. 1 Studio Theatre Rm. 107 Contact: Elva Galvan 381-3581 PHOTO FROM SONYINSIDER.COM

November 20, 2008

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Page 13

Dates to Know:

Page 14

Tennis

Rockin’ Turkey

Pro-Am Fundraiser Saturday Cimarron Country Club

Tuesday, 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

WRSC Rock Wall November 20, 2008

THE PAN AMERICAN

T MEN’S BASKETBALL

Broncs overpower Sul Ross, hit snag with UNLV

By Sara Hernandez THE PAN AMERICAN After a rout in their exhibition game Saturday, the University of Texas-Pan American men’s basketball team hoped to continue its momentum in its season opener.

But the University of Nevada-Las Vegas ruined those plans after a 7348 bashing of the Broncs (0-1) Tuesday night.

SUL ROSS STATE Saturday afternoon marked a thriving beginning to the 2008-2009 basketball season for the Broncs, which dominated against the Sul Ross State Lobos in an 84-59 victory.

Bronc fans gathered at the Field House to witness the season kickoff, eager to see new faces like junior forward Luis Valera, sophomore guard P.J. Turner, freshman forward Andrew Smith and freshman Jared Maree; they blended well with more experienced players like forwards Emmanuel Jones and Nathan Hawkins and guard Nick Weiermiller.

The Broncs held control from the tip off when Weiermiller opened the score for the home team with a jumper, assisted by Turner. But Jeremy Hammond responded with a three-pointer that led the Lobos to an early lead before two consecutive dunks by Jones put UTPA up, 13-10.

From there, the Broncs exploded, making it impossible for the visitors to catch up. UTPA finished the first half 22 points ahead of the Lobos with a score of 47-25, accumulating 19 rebounds and 18 assists.

Fellow UTPA student-athletes from

the baseball team supported the bas- and 11 assists, also noted that teamketball crew with loud, witty com- work was a key factor in the opening ments that not only distracted the game’s success.

“I thought the team worked very well Lobos, but entertained fans sitting near them throughout the entire game. They together,” the returning sophomore said. positioned themselves behind the visi- “The team chemistry is starting to come along and everytor’s bench to put Men’s Basketball 2008 one’s really looking pressure on Sul forward to the seaRoss’s substitutes Schedule son.” and coaching staff.

Valera, a 6-foot-7 During the second Nov. 20 University of CaliforniaBerkeley Venezuela native, half, UTPA didn’t Berkeley, CA 9:30 p.m. commented that the allow the opponents AIR FORCE TOURNAMENT Broncs’ willingness to close the gap to less Nov. 22 Wofford than 20 points. Smith, Colorado Springs, CO 2:30 p.m. to play in conjunction is an advantage who scored four Nov. 23 Colorado State-Colorado when it comes to points, wrapped it up Springs Colorado Springs, CO TBA giving results. with a jumper with 45 LAS VEGAS TOURNAMENT “Everyone seconds remaining. knows their role,” he Head coach Tom Nov. 28 vs. North Carolina A&T Las Vegas, NV 4:30 p.m. said. “We are not Schuberth said he Nov. 29 vs. Western Illinois/Coastal selfish and that’s alwas satisfied with the Carolina performance of the Las Vegas, NV TBA ways positive and helps to win games.” incoming players in DRAKE TOURNAMENT Dec. 05 Drake University Valera scored the season opener.

Des Moines, IA 7 p.m. nine points and con“We got a lot of tributed six rebounds inexperience - young Dec. 07 North Carolina Central Des Moines, IA 11 a.m. against the Lobos. guys - but for the Jones and most part we played Dec. 13 Air Force very unselfishly,” the Colorado Springs, CO 4 p.m. Hawkins led the Broncs with 27 and third-year coach said. Dec. 18 Texas-San Antonio UTPA Fieldhouse 7 p.m. 17 points, respecMaree of Houston Jones expressed excite- SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI TOURNAMENT tively. recorded four asment after complet- Dec. 22 Weber State Biloxi, MS TBA sists and four reing his first game bounds Hawkins’ presence was crucial with the Green and Orange squad.

“My first college game is something on the boards, as he recorded a teamI’ve dreamed for my whole life,” said high seven rebounds.

“We were pleased but we have to the 6-foot-3 guard, who had four points, three rebounds and three assists. “I have continue to improve and play a little great teammates that I look up to and harder of we are going to have the success we really want to have,” play up to.”

Wiellermiller, who totaled 11 points Schuberth said.

Onydia Garza/THE PAN AMERICAN

ON FIRE - Senior forward Emmanuel Jones drives home a slam dunk against Sul Ross on Saturday at the UTPA Field House. The Broncs went on to capture the exhibition game, 84-59.

T LOCAL SPORTS

Lady Broncs win one on road, hope to bring momentum back home

By Ramiro Paez THE PAN AMERICAN The University of Texas-Pan American women’s basketball team can eliminate one hurdle off its new season. After dropping their season opener, the Lady Broncs rebounded with a 59-48 victory against Tennessee-Martin Monday night at the Elma Center in Martin, Tenn.

The win marks the first road victory for the women in two years as they sit at 1-1 on the season after having dropped a 65-53 decision Friday against Arkansas-Pine Bluff.

Turnovers played the key role in both of UTPA’s games. In the loss

against the Golden Lions, the Lady Broncs committed 29 miscues, including 16 in the second half. The women played catch up all night and every time it seemed they were going to make a run, a turnover ruined the possession.

The Golden Lions scored 16 points off UTPA’s fumbles in the second period and 23 points for the game, which allowed them to lead by double figures for the majority of the second half.

But against the Skyhawks, it was a different turnover tale.

The Lady Broncs limited their losses to 15 and forced 24 Martin turnovers, coming up with 18 steals.

The women trailed only once in the

game at 5-4 and built a comfortable 3020 cushion by halftime that propelled them to the victory.

Teshay Winfrey showcased her best career performance, exploding for 23 points on 8-of-16 shooting. The senior guard collected nine rebounds, four assists and six steals in 36 minutes of action. Junior Rose Esther Jean and newcomer Brittany Demery also were in double figures with 13 and 10 points, respectively.

The Lady Broncs will resume play tomorrow against Texas Lutheran with a scheduled tip-off for 7 p.m. at the Field House, followed by a second home tilt against Air Force on Wednesday at 5 p.m.

Box Score Texas-Pan Am vs. UT Martin Nov. 17 at Elma Center - Martin, Tenn.

Texas-Pan American (1-1) UT Martin (0-1)

1st 2nd Total 30 29 - 59 20 28 - 48 TOT-FG 3-PT REBOUNDS FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF TP A TO BLK S

Demery, Brittany Erlingsdottir, Maria Smith, Epiphany Winfrey, Teshay Jean, Rose Esther Session, Janita Walker, Jessica Guzman, Marah Garza, Andrea Kostacky, Danielle Garrett, Robin Walker, Shavon Schneider, Taylor Grigsby, Aleeya TEAM Totals

5-10 0-2 2-7 8-16 6-15 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-1 2-2 0-0 0-0 2-4 25-57

0-0 0-0 1-2 1-4 0-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 2-8

0-0 0-2 0-0 6-6 1-2 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 0-0 7-10

3 0 0 3 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2

3 2 3 6 3 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 1

6 2 3 9 6 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 1 3

11 22 33

3 1 0 1 3 0 0 0 2 1 3 0 0 1

10 0 5 23 13 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 4

0 1 3 4 5 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

4 0 1 3 2 0 0 1 0 0 1 2 0 1

0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

15 59 14 15 2

4 0 0 6 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 18

November 20, 2008

Page 15

SPORTS

T LOCAL SPORTS

RGV to receive soccer franchise in upcoming year

By Ramiro Paez THE PAN AMERICAN Over the past decade, the Rio Grande Valley has seen several professional sports teams establish themselves for the region’s entertainment. Valley natives have enjoyed action in arena football (Dorados); ice hockey (Killer Bees); baseball (Coyotes/Whitewings) and basketball (Vipers), and in 2009, locals will be able to add the world’s most renowned sport to the list: soccer.

On Nov. 12, the Valley was awarded a professional soccer franchise of the United Soccer Leagues Premier Development League during a press conference at Palenque Grill in McAllen.

“This franchise is a reality, it’s not a promise of one coming to the Valley,” said Edgar Salas, the club’s media relations director who was one of the team’s three speakers at the conference.

Miguel Puente, director of business development, and Efrain Valdez, director of marketing, were the two other guest speakers on behalf of the RGV organization, which currently doesn’t boast a team name.

“This team will be for the community and of the community, from boys to girls, from men to women,” Valdez said. “We’re not bringing a professional soccer team to the area, we’re bringing you your RGV soccer team.”

What will make this franchise even more significant is the fact that the majority of the players will be Valley natives. The ownership preached that local talent forming the makeup of the team was very important to the success and establishment of the newly

Roxy Solis/THE PAN AMERICAN

FÚTBOL FEVER - Miguel Puente (left), business development director for the United Soccer League, flanked by Edgar Salas, media relations director, speaks Nov. 12 in McAllen about the RGV becoming part of The Premier Development League franchise in 2009. acquired club.

“The majority of the players on our team are going to be players from the Rio Grande Valley so we’re going to be able to take advantage of the talent that we have locally,” Valdez said. “It’s going to give us the opportunity to bring the community together. This is not a team of McAllen, Harlingen or Brownsville; this is a team for the Rio Grande Valley.”

Valdez said the idea of bringing a

professional soccer team to the region has been in motion for years but action was never taken because they had to look at the bigger picture to see what they really wanted to bring.

Open tryouts will begin in January and currently, there is no required age limit for a player to participate. The ownership is looking into setting an age limit in the following weeks and create a reserve youth system with

local academies and soccer leagues.

Creating a reserve youth system will deepen the roster since the Valley boasts some talented high school soccer athletes. In 2004, Brownsville Lopez claimed the Class 4A state title and neighbor Brownsville Porter defeated nationally-ranked Coppell 2-1 in 2006.

Depending on the final decision made by the ownership, the new organization could benefit the University of

Texas-Pan American men’s soccer team, too, as players would be able to try out for a chance to fill the pro club’s roster. Kinesiology professor Marcelo Schmidt says he thinks there should be no age limit on the new soccer team, though using high school athletes should be the only concern.

“What happens sometimes when you get these semi-professional teams or USL’s professional team, it can become a distraction for college kids as well,” said Schmidt, head coach for the UTPA men’s soccer club. “The important thing is for students to understand that education is first and then they’ll have an opportunity to participate.”

“The time that it takes to participate at that level is so much that it might actually interfere with studies and that’s what I would be concerned about.”

The RGV squad will compete in the Mid South Division of the Southern Conference of the PDL, beginning in the 2009 season. The PDL is an amateur league of the USL, who serves as the parent organization to the men’s lower division. Major League Soccer (MLS) is the top division.

The division champions Austin Aztex, Laredo Heat and El Paso Patriots will serve as new rivals. The regular season consists of 16 games, eight home and eight away, plus exhibition contests, and they will have a chance to qualify for the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup at the end of the season.

The stadium, logo and name, along with a technical director of the team, are still pending and will be announced at the next press conference scheduled for Dec. 10.

T CROSS-COUNTRY

Broncs finish season strong, place 6th overall at Regionals

By Kevin Stich THE PAN AMERICAN

Onydia Garza/THE PAN AMERICAN

FINAL LAP - Senior J.J. Hernandez takes a lap around the UTPA track. As part of the men’s cross-country team, he placed 32nd at the NCAA Regionals held in Waco. The team had a final standing of 6th overall.

The University of Texas-Pan American men’s cross-country team traveled to Waco Saturday for the NCAA South Central Regional Championships hosted by Baylor University at the Cottonweed Creek Golf Course. A total of 17 teams competing for the title of regional champion and the chance to advance to the NCAA National Championships in Terre Haute, Ind., Nov. 24.

The race was a 10k endurance trial with the top two teams automatically advancing to the national competition.

Texas A&M University won the event and produced the top finisher, senior Shadrack Songok, with an individual time of 29:52.1, while second place belonged to The University of Arkansas, followed by Lamar University, The University of Texas and Rice University.

The Broncs, who this season have experienced great success; placed sixth for the best finish in school history.

“I think they did exceptionally well,” head coach Dennis Darling said.

“We are ranked 6th in the region, you can’t really ask for anything more.”

Senior Luis Nava led the Green and Orange with a 21st place finish and a time of 31:40.8, and team captain J.J. Hernandez finished 32nd with a time of 32:19.6. Also contributing to the Bronc success were sophomores Angel Ramirez, who placed 41st, and Robert Najera, who placed 44th, recording times of 32:36.0 and 32:40.3, respectively.

Junior Wally Gonzalez finished 62nd with a time of 33:18.6 and Gilroy Martinez of McAllen finished in 100th in 34:44.8, while Vidal Ruiz, Jr. finished 118th recording in 40:22.7.

With the majority of the UTPA team coming from high schools across the Valley, assistant coach Hugo Cervantes said that the most difficult task this season was extinguishing the rivalries between teammates.

“The biggest difference between this year and the previous years is leadership. It starts from the top,” Cervantes said. “Once we started working together, we started pushing each other. That was the turning point; that was the dif-

ference for the season. We started working as a unit.”

Being a tightly-knit group, the team shared a common goal over the course of the season: leave nothing to chance.

“The guys are real closely bonded.

They are always together. They are always cheering each other on,” Darling said.

Facing the big schools like UT and Texas A&M, emotions ran high and with a steely resolve the team gave it all.

“I think overcoming all the obstacles that we had to face this year, I think we went out there and did what we had to do, you know. We weren’t distracted in any way when we got there,” Hernandez said.

The highlight of the team’s season was its win at the Great West Conference Championships earlier this month. The NCAA South Central Regional Championships mark the end of a highly successful 2008 campaign for the program.

Darling and company will look to carry over that success into the spring, as the track and field season will go into full swing.

Page 16

November 20, 2008

THE PAN AMERICAN

T WELLNESS CENTER

Sports Commentary

One ball to rule them all

By Gregorio Garza THE PAN AMERICAN

By Pedro Perez IV THE PAN AMERICAN It took a friend to convince the senior criminal justice major to compete in the first ever Sports Derby at the Wellness Recreation Sports Complex, but when Claudia Mercado finally gathered the nerve to do it, she surprised herself by winning best overall female with a time of 74.63 seconds in four different events.

“I feel very excited I won it,” said Mercado, also an employee of the WRSC from Edinburg. “I actually wasn’t going to do it. I really didn’t want to do it, I never compete in the events but my friend got me in and I did it. I didn’t expect it and at the end I found out I won.”

Mercado was one of the 20 women to compete in the derby that was open to all members of the WRSC; men and women competed in volleyball, basketball, football and soccer.

On the men’s side of the competition there were over 80 participants that competed; they fell victim to third-year cross-country assistant coach Hugo Cervantes, who finished with an overall time of 61.85 seconds.

“It was a bit of a surprise,” Cervantes said. “I’m a natural competitor and I was nervous actually but I know I won two of the events overall (basketball and football) but the soccer kicked my butt.”

The Sports Derby was something different for Colleen Price, the WRSC marketing and member services coordinator, since the focus of individual competition had been less important that the wellness, fitness and conditioning aspects the WRSC usually offers.

“We’ve been focused, since our building opened, on health and fitness, aspects of strength and conditioning and cardiovascular endurance,” Price said. “One of the things we (WRSC) wanted to do was offer something that was sports specifically. We have intramurals and club sports so we thought this was a great opportunity to showcase people’s athletic abilities as opposed to just health and fitness.”

For the football obstacle course participants would make their way through foot speed agility latter and then proceed to throw three footballs through a hoop hanging from the basketball rim.

For the basketball competition participants dribbled a ball around some cones, threw a bounce pass into a ring

and shoot a three-point shot.

Participants would then compete in the volleyball section and spike balls into hoops on the ground. The soccer competition was filled with a dribble area, goal kicks and an area where participants would head a ball into a trashcan.

Another reason for the event was to try to gear away from group activities.

Up until the Sports Derby, the only other individual event that the center held was the bench-press competition last month.

“The things that usually go on here are geared towards group events,” said Senior Gabriel Quintanilla, a WRSC marketing intern and Public Relations major. “This event, besides the benchpress competition, showcased individual talents as skills. It’s an opportunity for people to come out of intramurals and team sports to show what they’ve got as individuals.”

One of the things Quintanilla enjoyed was hearing people say, “No I don’t want to do it,” but many left saying they enjoyed themselves. But nothing compared to when the center, as a staff, met its quota within the first hour.

“It was fun to see people that are like, ‘No I don’t want to do it,’ to say ‘Wow, I had a blast,’” Quintanilla said.

“Colleen told us, ‘if you all get 50 (participants), I’ll be satisfied with that,’ but we got that in the first hour…towards the last minute we had to cut off entries because of intramural basketball.”

The success of the Sports Derby was exactly what Price and her staff had hoped to achieve. The event will be held once every semester from here on out.

“I’ve got a great promotional team called the WRSC Crew and this is going to be their signature event each semester,” Price concluded. “So we’re going to put this on with the hope that we’re going to find the best allaround athlete on campus each year.”

Onydia Garza/THE PAN AMERICAN

OBSTACLE EFFICIENCY Sophomore kinesiology major Robbie Cruz of Raymondville (above) was one of 80 male participants at the first Sports Derby.

Julian Fuentes (left), a senior psychology major, competes in the football obstacle course, aiming to throw a football through a hoop hanging from a basketball rim.

Football was just one of the four courses set up at the Wellness and Recreational Sports Complex.

When talking about the traditional movers and shakers of U.S. history, thoughts go toward the big names of the last century, from the likes of JFK to current President George W. Bush. However, their contributions to the grand spectacle that is our current world are minute when compared to those from the game called the “National Pastime:” baseball.

Most people can see where baseball comes into our culture with such idioms like, “ballpark figure,” and who hasn’t heard the terms of baseball as an analogy to relationships? Even famous comedians have used baseball as material, from the famous “Who’s on first?” routine by Abbot and Costello to George Carlin as he compared baseball to football.

The modern version of the game made its first mark in history when Alexander Cartwright created it in 1845. Through the years, the game offered a relatively inexpensive form of entertainment and recreation. So important was the game that during World War II, President Franklin Roosevelt wrote a letter to then commissioner Kennesaw Mountain Landis urging that baseball to continue during wartime to help boost morale.

Many leaders have had baseball connected with their political careers and personal lives, as President Taft created the now well-known seventh-inning stretch and threw out the first First Pitch in 1910. JFK even appointed an “Undersecretary of Baseball” so that he can be kept in the loop with any new developments. President Ford signed a bill allowing girls to play Little League in December 1974. President Bill Clinton even saw fit to get tangled up in the 1994 baseball strikes by ordering both sides to resolve the issues by Feb. 6, 1995.

Also the position known as the “Second Most Powerful Man in America,” that of baseball commissioner, has been offered to many people of influence on the national stage. After Nixon resigned from office, he was offered the job. Even the current president, Bush, had been considered for the role in 1992, as he was then a managing partner of the Texas Rangers.

No other sport has had such an impact on the modern world as baseball.

Remember when Michael Jordan retired from basketball to play baseball, pursuing the dream his father had for him? The game even marks great milestones in history, such as when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in 1947, long before the nation at large desegregated.

For better or worse, baseball has made its mark in history and continues its influence. Time will only tell where the game will take us in the future, but rest assured nothing will dethrone baseball.