November 5, 2009

Volume 66, No. 10

THE PAN AMERICAN

November 5, 2009

Nelsen vote Thursday, welcome ceremonies Nov. 18

By Brian Silva Brian.silva2@gmail.com

Next Thursday the University of Texas System Board of Regents will vote at 10:30 a.m. on the confirmation of Robert S. Nelsen as the university’s next president, according to remarks made by Interim President Charles “Chuck” Sorber before the Faculty

By Ana Villaurrutia A.villaurru@gmail.com Starting Monday, students, faculty, staff and the rest of the community will have their voices heard on a proposed rise in designated tuition

Senate Wednesday afternoon.

Several other sources confirmed that the Regents will host two welcoming ceremonies for Nelsen on Nov. 18 at the university in Edinburg. Several Regents along with System Chancellor Fransisco Cigarroa and Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs David Prior will preside over the events.

The first event will be for the uni-

and various changes in fees. A series of town-hall style meetings will ensure that.

Each of the three meetings will be an hour long, taking place Monday and Tuesday in the Student Union Theater from noon to 1 p.m. and the

LGBT organization to host advocacy forum

By Brian Silva Brian.silva2@gmail.com In an effort to advocate for rights and open-mindedness, the state’s GayStraight Alliance leaders will host an open forum Nov. 14 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. at a location on campus to be determined soon.

The event comes at a pivotal moment in the LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) movement for civil rights.

- First amendment of photography gets attacked

Tuesday’s general election yielded varying results on the issue. From a reversal of a same-sex marriage law in Maine, to the expansion of domestic-partner benefits in Washington, in addition to President Obama’s call for the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act a few weeks ago.

The Texas GSA network, a program of the LGBT youth advocacy group Out

SEE RIGHTS || PAGE 7

- SGA hosts Coffee Side chat to meet fellow students and hear complaints - Financial aid scam hits students

versity community and will be at the Student Union Theatre at around 3:30 p.m. The second will take place at 5:30 p.m. in the IT II building and serve to introduce Nelsen to the community at large.

The Regents are scheduled to hold their regular meeting on Nov. 11-12 in Austin at the UT System offices.

Regents voted unanimously on Oct.

12 to name Nelsen as the sole finalist for the university’s chief executive spot. He was one of four to come to campus during a weeklong series of presidential candidate campus visits.

Nelsen is currently the associate vice president of academic affairs at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, a position he has held for the past year. Previously he served for about a

year at the University of Texas at Dallas as vice provost. Before that, he was an English professor there for 18 years.

Nelsen’s wife, Jody, is the vice president of finance and administration at TAMUCC. She will continue in that position, but will make occasional commutes to UTPA. Nelsen holds a master degree in

College of Education Building in Room 1.102 on Wednesday.

Student Government Association President and Cost of Education Committee member Raghuveer Puttagunta said students will be able to give their input on various increases

that the committee will draft for the university president in January and present to the Board of Regents in March for final decisions.

“It’s an opportunity for students to be heard if they want to increase, how much they want to increase, or if they don’t want an increase at all,” he said.

“Decisions are largely depending on what students say.”

The university sets the designated tuition, unlike statutory tuition that is set by the state.

The tuition will rise from $2764.03 for 15 hours to $2904.01 in the fiscal year of 2011 and $3,043.96 in 2012.

A cap on designated tuition is set at 14 hours, for those above those hours will only pay $140.

“Theres no doubt that designated tuition will increase,” said Punttagunta. “What that increase goes toward is another thing.”

Puttagunta said designated tuition mostly goes toward academic areas taking care of faculty salaries, new classes, student assistantships and research. Financial aid programs such as UTPAdvantage, the Be On Time Loan and the UTPA assistance scholarship are also funded through desig-

nated tuition.

He said the importance of increasing the tuition has been a shortage of faculty members and funding more courses. The former of which Puttagunta said has affected student to faculty ratios and prevented students from graduating on time because classes are not available.

“There are a lot of things other universities can provide but we can’t,” he said. “We’re fine but we can do better.”

Puttagunta said the beginning of the meeting will be for presenting and explaining increases to designated tuition and fees.

Later in the session, those in attendance will get a chance to give their opinions, especially the students who will incur the increased cost.

COEC also said a blog will be available for those who prefer or can’t attend the meetings at utpa.edu/ coec.

Puttagunta hopes that many students will come, saying the more people at the meetings, the more clout their opinions may draft.

“The more people that say it, the more powerful it will be,” he said.

SEE NELSEN || PAGE 7

Symposium educates on past/future Valley

By Roxann Garcia nevaeh09@msn.com The Rio Grande Valley has seen much growth and progress since major and official incorporation began in the early 1900s, and in recent history the population of the area has boomed to over 1 million.

As a way of discussing the historical progression and future to come, collaboration with the University of Texas-Austin and South Texas College has created a four-day event of discussions. A symposium called

- Winter fashion wear comes early as students strut - Featuring a new comic, Larry and Skwerl

Old Valley/New Valley: Analyzing the Past, Present and Future of the Lower Rio Grande Valley, will be held at STC’s Pecan Campus. The event starts today and lasts through Saturday and is free to the public.

STC history instructor Trinidad Gonzalez organized the event with Jose Limon, Mexican-American Studies professor and director of the Center for Mexican-American Studies of UT-A after meeting at a conference in Austin the pair bonded over their interest in Valley history and decided to organize an event

- Golf wins first UTPA Classic -Volleyball welcomes three-game winning streak

for the public. The symposium was planned in little over a year and will host five different sessions.

“The purpose is to get as much of a holistic picture as possible,” Gonzalez said. ”(We’d like) to get information out there and utilize it in different ways to benefit the Valley.”

Hidalgo, Cameron, Starr and Willacy counties have grown to include 1.1 million people, with the population spiking 22.4 percent since 2000. The McAllen-Edinburg-Mission metropolitan area is

SEE VALLEY || PAGE 7

- Awareness for Internship Weeks infects campus

November 5, 2009

2

Commentary Vol 66, No. 10 November 5 , 2009 1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122 EDITOR IN CHIEF Brian Silva basilva1@utpa.edu ASSISTANT EDITOR Ana Villaurrutia alvillaurru@utpa.edu ONLINE EDITOR Kristen Cabrera kristenmichellecabrera@yahoo.com ASSISTANT VIDEO EDITOR Victor Ituarte victor.ituarte@gmail.com A&L EDITOR Isaac Garcia izek_el@yahoo.com ASSISTANT A&L EDITOR Andrielle Figueroa j27ig@yahoo.com SPORTS EDITOR Kevin Stich k.stich@gmail.com ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Sara Hernandez sarahdzm@hotmail.com DESIGN EDITOR Gregorio Garza the_nataku@yahoo.com SENIOR DESIGNER Roy Bazan rbazanzz@utpa.edu PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Alma Hernandez alma.e.hdz@gmail.com Anthony Salinas/ The Pan American

Asst. PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Daniel Flores daniel_adrian_flores@yahoo.com ADVISER Dr. Greg Selber selberg@utpa.edu

Photography’s first amendment right

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSOCIATE Anita Reyes areyes18@utpa.edu ADVERTISING MANAGER Mariel Cantu spubs@utpa.edu WEBMASTER Jose Villarreal josemvillarrealcs@gmail.com

**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.

Isaac Garcia Arts & Life Editor Don’t ever let yourself be bullied by anyone who tells you that it’s illegal to take public photos of whatever you damn well please.

It happens all the time.

Sometimes it’s an uninformed security guard hurling rules that came from up high, and other times it’s individuals not wanting their picture taken. But if you are out in public under most circumstances, feel free to shoot until your fingers bleed.

Bottom line: just because someone doesn’t like what you are doing doesn’t make it illegal.

I learned this the hard way. One day while shooting photos in Downtown McAllen I became extremely obsessed with the Bentsen Tower and the way that the blue sky and bright clouds seemed almost to be painted onto the ugly façade of the glass building.

Inching closer and closer while snapping some pretty neat shots, my viewfinder was overcome by a big man in blue. (Rent-a-Cop blue) “What are you doing?” he asked. As if it wasn’t clear to him that I was taking photographs. I responded with the obvious and he quickly snatched my camera from my grip.

“It’s illegal to take photos of a federal building,” he said. As he started deleting my pictures one by one, I pleaded with him that he was in the wrong and that he recheck the law.

He quickly handed my camera back and told me to get off the

federal lawn. Apparently I could be prosecuted for obstructing government facilities and endangering the security of the building. This seemed like Patriot Act hogwash but I complied and walked off the lawn.

As I was walking away I started to doubt his knowledge of the law and I remembered that one of my photography professors once told me, that as long as the photographer was in public, then snap away; the law is on your side.

I stepped on the sidewalk and continued taking photos. I KNEW that because I was on the sidewalk I could plead my case if anyone questioned me. That way I was not on federal property, which seemed to be the technical problem. But sure enough he lunged at me again. This time more angry and he threatened to have me arrested.

In disbelief I walked away and out of pure spite I drove my car

around the building snapping photos as I pleased.

General U.S. law, although vague, stipulates that for the most part the general public can take photographs of whatever they choose granted that they are out in public, although there are certain limited expectations of privacy, plus issues of private property. Amateur and professional photographers are protected under the Constitution.

Web site Krages.com has a full list of photography rights. The attorney at law Bert P. Krages II has devoted the site to informing the public of their rights and has even posted a printable version of what he calls The Photographers Rights.

Following my encounter with the Bentsen Tower security guard, I called and spoke with a front desk clerk who just gave me the runaround on the issue. I left my name and number and never received a call back.

3 Students advised to avoid costly aid middlemen November 5, 2009

By Alejandra Martinez al_ex16@hotmail.com The University of Texas-Pan American prides itself for being community-friendly and going out of its way to help students get the most out of their college education. This prominently includes trying to get them help when it comes to paying for college; in an economically disadvantaged area, having some support is a big deal.

And as the amount of available aid continues to increase, so do the opportunities for Valley students to continue their education after high school.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is a term the average high school or college student has have heard often. When students enter a college or university, they’re informed of all the services they can be entitled to under the umbrella of financial aid.

FAFSA is one of those services.

However, universities are not the only ones offering this type of service.

There are national companies like College Financial Advisory (CFA) in California that push financial aid services to college students nationwide.

If students go into Web sites like fasfa.com or fasfa.net, they can receive information on how to apply for financial aid and what steps they must follow.

However there is a detail students must consider: this service is not free

of charge, and some organizations are trying to make money off unwitting dupes.

According to Felipe Olivarez, financial aid assistant at UTPA, companies like these target students via mail to encourage them to start applying for financial aid as soon as possible. As it happens, often students are told that they must process their application no later than Dec. 31.

However, according to the financial

aid form issued by the federal government, the earliest date students can start submitting applications is Jan 1.

The priority deadline UTPA has for submission of applications is April 1.

This emans that the warnings issued by certain firms to act now are not truly authentic. Olivarez says it’s all part of a marketing ploy to get students to pay a $59 fee to submit their application.

“If they have an earlier deadline,

SEE AID || PAGE 7

SGA brews up some outreach SGA holds first Coffee Side Chat of the semester

By Lupe Flores darkblue_of_saturn@yahoo.com

Alma Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN

SAY IT - Maribel Roque, freshman nursing major, makes her voice heard at SGA’s coffee side chat at the Student Union.

Students at The University of Texas-Pan American were able to grab a cup of hot chocolate, a cookie, plus a chat with the SGA for a few hours Oct. 27.

In efforts to be seen and heard by a growing student body, the Student Government Association sponsored its second annual Coffee Side Chat, which allowed the organization’s senators to reach out to student-constituents and hear any concerns abuzz on campus.

“One of the major problems we have is a lack of communication with students,” said Alex Rodriguez, a SGA senator at large and a 21-year-old junior international business major. “In order to hear what is important to them, we have to reach out. Our student body is over 18,000, so it is hard

Scantrons and Blue Books, though she to do.”

While senators approached crowds didn’t need them.

“It’s good that they are providing of 20 to 30 students throughout the event, some came up by their own will. us with testing material, but I have For student Obedt Cruz, 18, a wheel- enough of that already,” the Edinof-fortune encircled by lists of prizes burg native said. “I am glad they are available for answering an SGA-relat- reaching out to us students, and I enjoy being a part of ed question was an events here at the attention getter. “ One of the major Union.”

“I came up and As part of the they asked me problems we have is a lack Ace the Test proabout the food serof communication with gram, implementvices at the Union, ed in fall of the if I had any constudents. In order to hear 2007-2008 acacerns regarding my what is important to them demic year, the college or anything SGA provides stuelse,” the Edcouch we have to reach out. ” dents with free native said. testing materiThe table of al such as short, snacks was not the only feature Alex Rodriguez long or full-page Scantrons, blue of interest. StuSGA Senator at large books, and pendents like sophocils twice a week. more Joanna LoBefore receiving pez, 21, who spun the wheel and could not decipher the their items of choice, however, stuacronym SGA, still got free tries until dents must present a valid student ID and complete a short survey. the arrow granted her a prize.

“The program brings about 100 stuLopez, a rehabilitation services major, said she was happy to know that dents per week, so it’s a good method SEE COFFEE || PAGE 7 SGA was providing students with

UTPA student inventing alternative to paper route New software could make the cell phone an acceptable tool for class

By Roxann Garcia nevaeh09@msn.com He’s got nothing against paper, really he doesn’t.

But UTPA student Ruben Trevino has helped develop new software that communicates with new technology.

His goal for the university is to reduce the need for printing paper by sending information via cell phone to cell phone.

“What it could do for universities is it allows syllabuses, quizzes, and power-point presentations to be sent from the professor to a person’s cell phone,” Trevino said.

Trevino, a 27-year-old general studies major from Monterrey, Mexico, who now lives in McAllen, started the project three years back with the help of his father’s company and two men from Mexico. It became La Egipcia, as the operating system it runs on is originally from Egypt.

The company Trevino runs is called Bubble, and along with help from Oscar Dibenko and David Gucciardo, he used those resources to help create the program with the operating system, Linux. Employing Linux’s operating system, a seldom-seen program will be a benefit, he says.

“Since only 4 percent of the world uses Linux, there are hardly any viruses designed for the program, which is a major advantage for us,” noted the designer. “This is why we chose it over Windows.”

Establishing the program began with a little over two years of research and development. The designers experienced many trial and errors, noted Trevino.

“There were a lot of headaches.

Sometimes the program wouldn’t work altogether or just with different brands,” he recalled. “But we perfected the glitches about a year ago.”

To take advantage of La Egipcia, a student will need a SIM card and Bluetooth. A SIM card is Subscriber Identity Module, a device used to store informa-

tion in mobile phones.

The software, however, does not reach iPhones or Blackberrys. But, noted Trevino, the program has room to grow. Once a student receives the information they can then send it to others, including those with iPhones and Blackberrys.

The program would also allow students to pick and choose which professors and subjects to receive information from.

“With this, students wouldn’t be subject to spam or receiving unwanted notices. They can pick and choose which ones they want,” Trevino promised.

The program would also allow trailers theatre shows, upcoming events such as games and commercials to be

passed on as well, explained Trevino, noting, “This could very well become the future of advertising. Another great advantage would be that it could create jobs. Someone is going to have to maintain it and upload the media.”

Companies that already use the software through Trevino and his business partners include universities in Mexico such as Universidad de Monterrey and Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey. Organizations include Tecate, Monster, Trojan, Bud Light, and Coca-Cola.

“Right now there are still plenty of unanswered questions but our main concern is if it is accessible. We are concerned with how will it interface

SEE SOFTWARE || PAGE 7

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VALLEY

continued from Page 1 the third-fastest growing place in the country. Themes of demography, education, economy, and culture will be discussed in order to flesh out the growth picture.

“These are all key thematic issues that are important to the Valley’s future,” said Gonzalez.

Discussions on health care were also planned but were canceled after

November 5, 2009

NEWS several speakers backed out.

Events today will include talks on the economy featuring five economists including Vice President of Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas Bill Gilmer, Regional Delegate in Moneterrey of the Banco de Mexico Agustin Del Rio, Local Government Assistance and Economic Analysis Division of the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts Jojo Estrada and author and borderland historian Armando C. Alonzo.

Currently the Hidalgo County’s unemployment rate is 11.6 percent

and 10.8 percent in Cameron County, with the national average nearing 10 percent. Gonzalez said the panel members will discuss the area’s fluid economic trade with neighboring Mexico. Texas is Mexico’s biggest source of exports, totaling about $3.1 billion in 2008 according to an article in the Monitor.

“There is much world trade around the country but we’re at the front end with Mexico,” Gonzalez said.

UT-A and STC each put in $10,000 for the symposium, which will host a diverse group of speakers experienced in border politics and history.

“We’ve been securing all the presenters for a year and a half,” said Gonzalez. “We shot for as much as we could get and we pretty much got it.”

Gonzalez said he hoped to attract college students, history buffs and policymakers such as state representatives and members of government entities. He also believes non-profit organizations can use the information from the sessions to their advantage.

“Non-profits can benefit from this as well and can use this data to help them find out what’s happening presently,” he noted such as the demography sessions.

To learn more about the symposium visit lass.southtexascollege. edu/events/ovnv/index.html or contact Trinidad Gonzalez at 872-3513.

RIGHTS

continued from Page 1 Youth, hopes to grow a GSA unit in the Valley, according to Texas GSA spokesman Geronimo Ruedes. The forum will bring down the director of the Texas outfit, Heather Lenox.

The senior advertising/public relations major said a major goal is to bring GSA programs to local high schools and develop a network of support and advocacy within the Rio Grande Valley community.

“Youth do not have the facilities or resources to educate themselves,” Ruedes said. “The only outlets are clubs… which are not great places to learn about oneself.”

Ruedes said the GSA has an established network in Texas’ major cities, but that the Valley region lacks that type of support. He noted that the Valley has a more conservative culture, but that people show they can be open-minded while

NELSEN

continued from Page 1 political science from Brigham Young University, and a doctorate from the Committee on Social Thought at the University of Chicago.

If confirmed, Nelsen will replace Sorber, who stepped in for Blandina “Bambi” Cardenas as the university’s president after she retired on Jan. 30 af-

respecting its heritage. He said the culture has its traditions, but new traditions are always being made: traditions to recognize the civil rights of LGBT. And the forum should help; it’s open to anyone who is curious, questioning, or wanting to be advocates, according to Ruedes.

“What this forum will provide is one full circle of helping each other out,” Ruedes said.

He also reiterated this is an opportunity for those still figuring out themselves to become educated on how to identify their sexuality and sexual identity.

“We’re here to allow for a common voice that people can relate to,” he said.

The organization offers advice to those wishing to come out, a process Ruedes believes is important and necessary.

“A person behind closed doors cannot see the world for its true beauty… we want everyone to see life on equal terms,” he said. “Open the door at your own pace, but don’t lock the door and lock people out.” ter four and a half years in that capacity.

Since her retirement, Sorber has served as the university’s interim president.

About two weeks ago he said Nelsen would likely fill his new role around mid-January. Sorber said he’ll stay around till the end of January and will serve as a transition adviser during the shift of power.

Sorber had reiterated that there will only be one president and that his role will only be in the adviser capacity once the power of the presidency has been handed to Nelsen.

NEWS

continued from Page 3 people might think that they are getting their financial aid done that much faster,� Olivarez explained. “If they’re doing it now, then if they wait until January, but that’s not actually the case.�

The CFA does tell students that they are entitled to a refund after 10 days if they did not qualify for aid. Still, this is a process that students can avoid altogether, says Olivarez. “This is a service that a student doesn’t actually need to look into,� he said. “The application is free for any student to submit off the federal government’s web site, if they need assistance, we provide that for them.�

Olivarez says that companies like CFA don’t get student information from universities or from the federal govern-

SOFTWARE

continued from Page 3 with what is already in place,� said Patricia Martin, assistant to the dean of students.

Trevino is currently still in the process of contacting university officials.

He presented his project in at a Student Government association meeting to a warm reception.

He’s looking to sell La Egipcia to UTPA at the rate that he purchases it for, which is an estimated $500. Al-

ment.

When a student applies for a credit card, or has a profile on social networking sites like Facebook or Myspace, it is easier for groups to collect those details, which they then use to entice students into using the companies as gobetweens.

Olivarez stressed that what these companies do is not illegal, they are just charging for their services. However, is not exactly in the students’ best interest to undertake such an expense when the same service is offered at their university for free.

What the financial aid office at UTPA wants to do is to create awareness among the student population.

Next time a student receives a form in the mail encouraging him or her to apply for financial aid, they are advised to inquire with Student Financial Services, to avoid making an unnecessary payment.

COFFEE

continued from Page 3 of receiving student input,� said Esther G. Herrera, a senator for the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, about the materials give-away.

Herrera, also chair of the Public Relations Committee, added that their primary goal now is to bump up student participation in school-sponsored events, and “to increase school spirit.�

Herrera said striving for this is essential so the SGA can better serve students, as well as for the betterment of the University overall. “It’s important that we serve the student body. In turn, the university can grow in terms of involvement and have a more student-friendly environment,� she said.

A senator for the College of Science and Engineering, senior biology major Eliza Sebastian said that events like The Coffee Side Chat, in its third semester of implementation, mark the only times all SGA senators can meet students and vice-versa. “We do have minor events and programs every month, like student forums, where we go to different colleges and residence halls and give out surveys and talk to students regarding UTPA issues and concerns,� Sebastian

said.

But since Coffee Side Chat is heavily advertised and takes place at the Student Union, Sebastian says they get many more students, thus more feedback. “All senators have the skills to be approachable, so our charisma is essential when talking to fellow students,� Rodriguez said. “The most important thing is to help implement what they want done.�

A report being compiled by the senators indicates so far that more lounging room at the Union, additional sidewalks for scooters and bike-riders, increased student ID fees, and the end to campus flooding are main points of interest for students.

The SGA plans to host another Coffee Side Chat in the spring. With ongoing student forums and the Valley Leadership Summit - to which Sebastian says they invite Texas representatives, senators and the Textbook Lending Program - the SGA plans to substantially improve the relationship between the student body and it’s governing organization. “Students aren’t well aware of the events nor the SGA services on campus,� she stressed. “So attracting and getting them involved is important so they can have some [successful] experiences to share with other students here.�

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² FACE TO FACE- Diana Carrasco, a pre-med senior, speaks with Eliza Sebastian of SGA on Oct. 27 as part of the Coffee Side Chat where students voiced their opinions, concerns and suggestions over cups of hot chocolate.

though business details may be re-evaluated, his ultimate goal is to eventually get hired because of the program; the entrepreneur hopes to set up a platform of recognition for when he graduates in fall of 2011. Trevino says he is not looking for profit but for project recognition and to improve the usual print and paper system. “I want to pass it on to other universities, save paper, create jobs, and eventually better the system,� he stressed. “Once it’s in the hands of a lot of people, we can harvest and improve the program.�

Alma Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN

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November 5, 2009

THE PAN AMERICAN

November 5, 2009

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THE PAN AMERICAN

Mac OS release dates Diana Tyink UTPA Librarian on Mac

Mac OS 9- 1999 Mac OS X 10.3 Panther- 2003 System 5-1987 System 1- 1984 System 3- 1986 Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard-2007 Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah- 2001 System 7- 1990

System 4-1987

Mac OS 8- 1997

I own a PC at home, but if I were to replace it I’d buy a Mac primarily for graphics, photos and video editing.

Windows 7 is finally upon us and Mac users are sticking to their guns. Thanks in part to the well-oiled machine that is Apple and its slew of products like the iPhone and the iPod. Let’s face it, although Macs remain functional and reliable, they have also developed a rapport with customers for quality and probably most important, being trendy.

As the Mac and PC battle continues,

Mac users should be worried about losing their edge. But thanks to pop culture and the ever so clever Mac commercials, they probably have nothing to fear. Let’s not forget that many Mac users consider themselves part of an elite tier, considering the starting price upward of $1,000 for new Macbooks. Besides, Macs can’t get viruses. Right?

Mac

PC

• Mac computer with an Intel processor • 1GB of memory • 5GB of available disk space • DVD drive for installation

System Requirements

• There are no viruses for Mac computers • Macs aren’t good for gaming

• A varying 10% of the market share Mac accounts for 91% of computer sales over $1,000

Dario Armendariz Biology on Windows 7

It’s exactly what they advertised.

It makes everything a lot easier, they don’t overcomplicate things so it’s more user-friendly.

Admit it, Windows Vista was a flop. It was too slow, too cumbersome and too much promise and not enough delivery. But with the release of Windows 7, Microsoft will look to regain the respect of computer enthusiasts everywhere. It remains a challenge for Microsoft to convince Mac users that their computer kung fu is superior, but with some eye-catching new

Urban Myths

• 1GHz or faster 32-bit or 64-bit processor • 1GB RAM or 2GB RAM (64-bit) • 16GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20GB (64-bit) • DirectX 9 graphics device

• PC hardware is inferior to Mac hardware • PC’s aren’t good for multimedia

• A varying 90% of the market share PC accounts for 9% of computer sales under $1000

Sales

features, Microsoft might have a true contender in its corner. A sleeker look and more customizability look to the desktop will have Apple fanatics copping a glance at the new interface. For those techie geeks, improved 64-bit performance while retaining 32-bit capabilities, and improved memory and processor efficiency, will have gamers licking their chops.

Windows OS release dates Windows 1.0- 1984 Windows 3.0- 1990 Windows 95- 1995

Windows 2.0 -1987 Layout By: Roy Bazan Content By: Isaac Garcia, Kevin Stich

Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard- 2009 Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger- 2005

Mac OS X 10.1 Puma- 2001

System 6-1988

System 2-1984

Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar- 2002

Windows 3.1 1992

Windows 2000- 2000

Windows 98- 1998

Windows XP- 2001

Windows ME- 2000

Windows 7- 2009

Windows Vista- 2006

Page 8

November 5, 2009

THE PAN AMERICAN

November 5, 2009

Page 9

THE PAN AMERICAN

Mac OS release dates Diana Tyink UTPA Librarian on Mac

Mac OS 9- 1999 Mac OS X 10.3 Panther- 2003 System 5-1987 System 1- 1984 System 3- 1986 Mac OS X 10.5 Leopard-2007 Mac OS X 10.0 Cheetah- 2001 System 7- 1990

System 4-1987

Mac OS 8- 1997

I own a PC at home, but if I were to replace it I’d buy a Mac primarily for graphics, photos and video editing.

Windows 7 is finally upon us and Mac users are sticking to their guns. Thanks in part to the well-oiled machine that is Apple and its slew of products like the iPhone and the iPod. Let’s face it, although Macs remain functional and reliable, they have also developed a rapport with customers for quality and probably most important, being trendy.

As the Mac and PC battle continues,

Mac users should be worried about losing their edge. But thanks to pop culture and the ever so clever Mac commercials, they probably have nothing to fear. Let’s not forget that many Mac users consider themselves part of an elite tier, considering the starting price upward of $1,000 for new Macbooks. Besides, Macs can’t get viruses. Right?

Mac

PC

• Mac computer with an Intel processor • 1GB of memory • 5GB of available disk space • DVD drive for installation

System Requirements

• There are no viruses for Mac computers • Macs aren’t good for gaming

• A varying 10% of the market share Mac accounts for 91% of computer sales over $1,000

Dario Armendariz Biology on Windows 7

It’s exactly what they advertised.

It makes everything a lot easier, they don’t overcomplicate things so it’s more user-friendly.

Admit it, Windows Vista was a flop. It was too slow, too cumbersome and too much promise and not enough delivery. But with the release of Windows 7, Microsoft will look to regain the respect of computer enthusiasts everywhere. It remains a challenge for Microsoft to convince Mac users that their computer kung fu is superior, but with some eye-catching new

Urban Myths

• 1GHz or faster 32-bit or 64-bit processor • 1GB RAM or 2GB RAM (64-bit) • 16GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20GB (64-bit) • DirectX 9 graphics device

• PC hardware is inferior to Mac hardware • PC’s aren’t good for multimedia

• A varying 90% of the market share PC accounts for 9% of computer sales under $1000

Sales

features, Microsoft might have a true contender in its corner. A sleeker look and more customizability look to the desktop will have Apple fanatics copping a glance at the new interface. For those techie geeks, improved 64-bit performance while retaining 32-bit capabilities, and improved memory and processor efficiency, will have gamers licking their chops.

Windows OS release dates Windows 1.0- 1984 Windows 3.0- 1990 Windows 95- 1995

Windows 2.0 -1987 Layout By: Roy Bazan Content By: Isaac Garcia, Kevin Stich

Mac OS X 10.6 Snow Leopard- 2009 Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger- 2005

Mac OS X 10.1 Puma- 2001

System 6-1988

System 2-1984

Mac OS X 10.2 Jaguar- 2002

Windows 3.1 1992

Windows 2000- 2000

Windows 98- 1998

Windows XP- 2001

Windows ME- 2000

Windows 7- 2009

Windows Vista- 2006

10 These boots were made for winter walking November 5, 2009

don’ts are popping up nationwide, but is the clothing coming off the runway onto Valley residents?

The leaves on the trees have turned a Pharmacy major Caitlin bright orange and are beginning to wilt Hinojosa, 18, explained some of off the branches as a cooler fall breeze the new fashion trends included has set in marking the onset of winter. boots with lace tights, and jackets This statement would be true in any that have a fur lining the inside. other part of Texas but not in the Valley, She mentioned that people follow where annually residents bask in just the trends, but in this area, winter two to three weeks of fresh weather clothing doesn’t really fit deep after the interminable summer abates South Texas. for a moment. The “Here in the weather grants Valley, when it permission for locals does get cold to wear seldom-seen “I donʼt think there are bad everybody thinks, winter fashion on ‘Yes!’ because we any occasion when grab at any chance fashion ideas, there are the temperature rises to wear winter different types of fashion, above 70 degrees. clothes,” Hinojosa Winter fashion stated. so it just depends on the are two words Many of the that are defined by new autumn/ things that you like.” scarves, jackets, winter fashions boots, dresses, jeans, can be seen and gloves. The in Glamour accessory at the top magazine or on KAREN MORA the CW’s latest of every girl’s list for Psychology major late-season apparel “Gossip Girl” is the winter boot. episode.

But The shoes range some students from the warm still believe UGG boot to the suede flat variety, and that fashion is not always decided even leather motorcycle boots. Girls on by popularity; it can also be based on campus can be seen wearing an array substance. of trendy shoes whenever possible, but 19-year-old Karen Mora, a McAllen they have to move fast; the average native, explained her winter wardrobe temperature in the area is above 70 is unrelated to what fashionistas are when counterparts up north get the wearing. chance to battle freezing weather with “Usually I wear anything I like, fun fashion alternatives. big sweaters and boots, but it’s mainly Martha Manjarrez, a 19-year-old art because I get really cold,” Mora joked. major, thinks that although it’s not that “So I wear whatever keeps me warm.” cold here, girls shouldn’t be deprived of If the winter has fashion musts, are the things they like. there don’ts? Is there a wrong way to “I like boots even if it is not that cold, approach keeping yourself warm? Mora just the way they look with shorts and explained that in her opinion there is no skirts, altogether it looks good,” she said. such thing.

As early as August winter accessories “I don’t think there are bad fashion started turning up, and males and ideas, there are different types of fashion, females alike seemed eager to show so it just depends on the things that you off trends. All the new fashion do’s and like,” Mora said.

By Andrielle Figueroa j27ig@yahoo.com

The Republican Party steps up in the game, but loses voice in New York.

‘The Fourth Kind’ takes over theaters on Nov. 6. The film is a mystery thriller set in Alaska.

Alma Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN

BRRR! IT’S COLD IN HERE - Caitlin Hinojosa, an 18-year-old pharmacy major from McAllen, models her winter fashion Friday.

International author to visit UTPA campus

Minus the Bear will rock the DGE event taking place at Los Palmas Event Center in McAllen Saturday, Nov. 7.

By Yngrid Fuentes htebazile1209@hotmail.com

UTPA will go up against St. Edward’s University Nov. 7. at 7 P.M. in the Field House.

Far from being an ordinary writer, she has an incredibly complex full name and an equally formidable family tree.

Princess Hélène Elizabeth Louise Amélie Paula Dolores Poniatowska Amor (otherwise known as Elena Poniatowska) is descended from the last king of Poland, Stanislaus Augusto Poniatowski and from the marshal of France, Prince Josef Ciolek Poniatowski. Among other distinctive ancestors, her family repertoire includes an archbishop, a musician and several writers, including Guadalupe Amor, popularly known as “Pita Amor,” a recognized Mexican poet from the 1940s to 1950s.

Born in France in 1932, Poniatowska, her mother and sister immigrated to Mexico fleeing the

dangers of World War II when she was 10. Once in Mexico, her mother’s home, she continued her elementary education and on 1943 she was sent to conclude formal schooling in the United States at the Convent of the Sacred Heart near Philadelphia.

Finally she came back to Mexico in 1953 to start a career as a journalist for the newspaper Excelsior.

Poniatowska will be on campus Nov. 10 to launch the Innovative Voices series, a project started last semester by the UTPA library administration.

The new series consists of a number of lectures spotlighting people who have made a difference with their life works, announced web and marketing librarian Virgina Haynie Gause.

“I think this kind of event is a good thing because it provides students an opportunity to learn and get more involved with authors from other

places,” said Cristina Rodriguez, UTPA student.

Today, at 77, Poniatowska has won several awards, including Premio Nacional de Periodismo, and Premio Alfaguara de Novela, is the author of more than 30 books from a wide range of literary genres, such as interviews, short stories, drama, chronicles, testimony, essays, and biography.

Poniatowska is best known for “La Noche de Tlatelolco” (published in English as “Massacre in Mexico”) composed of interviews with survivors of the Tlatelolco massacre in Mexico city in 1968 and with families of the diseased. Her latest work is “Amanecer en el Zocalo,” which came out in 2007.

In honor of the visit, the UTPA library has several of her books on display, including her biography, “Elena Poniatowska, An Intimate

Biography,” by Michael K. Shuessler, with a foreword by Carlos Fuentes, her contemporary and friend.

Despite her remarkable ancestry, and her princess title, Poniatowska is more interested in social issues than with being part of a literary vanguard.

And it’s been that way for some time.

“Elena was quite young when she became convinced that the only books worth writing were useful ones, books meaningful to her country” describes her biographer, Shuessler.

The lecture will be on Tuesday, Nov. 10 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Engineering Auditorium, Room 1.300. Before that, she will be talking with UTPA students, faculty and staff for a short session Tuesday afternoon from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m,; that session will be for those who make an appointment with Virginia Haynie Gause at vgause@utpa.edu.

ARTS AND LIFE

November 5, 2009

Page 11

Student helps the sole-less with TOMS

By Victor Ituarte victor.ituarte@gmail.com An old saying goes, “To understand a man, you’ve got to walk a mile in his shoes.” So what if the person you’re trying to understand doesn’t have shoes?

Katie Dunnavant, a 20-year-old sophomore at The University of Texas-Pan American, is doing what she can to help a shoe company that ensures more people around the world are not living without footwear.

TOMS Shoes runs on the “One for One” business model that transforms customers into benefactors, according to TOMSshoes.com. The idea is simple: for every pair of TOMS shoes purchased, a pair is donated to a child without them.

Blake Mycoskie, a 33-year-old Texas native, began the company after visiting Argentina on vacation in 2006. He noticed the children he met did not have any shoes.

The Web site explains one of the leading causes of disease in developing countries is soiltransmitted parasites that penetrate the skin through open sores children can get from walking on unsafe roads.

Barefoot children are also not permitted to attend school, as shoes are a required part of their uniforms, widening the educational gap in the nation.

The company has donated over 150,000 pairs of shoes between its inception in May 2006 and August of this year. It will give another 300,000 to children in the United States and around the globe by the end of 2009.

Dunnavant is supporting the cause as a campus representative for TOMS Shoes. Her first venture into the TOMS world was when she purchased her first pair a few years ago. Her collection has now grown to seven pairs.

“The first thing is honestly to buy a pair of shoes. I’m always, ‘Practice what you preach,’” she explained. “You can’t go out and tell people to buy these shoes if you don’t have them.”

Katie Dunnavant

The Las Vegas native became a TOMS Shoes representative for UTPA by simply filling out an application with a series of short essays and questions about her involvement with school.

Dunnavant also participated in a “shoe drop” in March, traveling to Argentina to help TOMS deliver over 5,000 pairs of shoes in eight days; she described a really intense trip.

“We saw little toddlers when they were first learning to walk to grandmas who are old and can barely walk and don’t have shoes,” she recalled. “I thought back to that drop we went on, and I was like, ‘Every pair of shoes that I put on someone’s feet were a pair that someone had bought.’ It was a reality. We put these shoes on their feet. That was a real eye-opener. I think that’s when I realized I couldn’t stop spreading the word of TOMS. I had to do something more.”

That something more was to found the organization Students for the Greater Good, which she noted was not an official TOMS Shoes group. Dunnavant explained that the UT System does not allow clubs to become campus organizations if they are affiliated with a for-profit company or organization.

While she is helping the club get on its feet, Dunnavant is continuing her work with TOMS. Visitors to the monthly McAllen ArtWalk can find her stationed in front of Roosevelt’s at 7 tomorrow spreading the word about the shoe company. The bar can be found at the intersection of Main Street and Ivy Avenue.

Dunnavant said one of the perks about being a TOMS campus is a discount code. Students can type in CAMPUSTXPAN to receive $5 off at the online store.

To join her in her efforts with TOMS Shoes or with Students for the Greater Good, e-mail her at utpatomscontact@aol.com.

“I think that’s what people need to realize,” Dunnavant said. “It’s a cool way to give when you’re getting something. People are more willing to do it.”

IN THEIR SHOES - An Argentinian child sits with his new pair of TOMS shoes in poverty-stricken Misiones, Argentina. Dunnavant said a lot of the kids’ feet were diseased from being covered in dirt.

A&LCOMMENTARY

Cancelled shows suck

By Andrielle Figueroa j27ig@yahoo.com The cancellation of the performance by pop-punk group New Found Glory was announced early last week, to the dismay of many fans that had already purchased tickets, not to mention to Goodbar Productions.

The group is on tour under headlining act Dashboard Confessional, and alongside Meg and Dia, Never Shout Never and The Single File. Due to a “family situation that is beyond our control,” Dashboard Confessional has cancelled all shows after Nov. 7 until further notice.

With Don’t Get Emo (DGE) bringing down Never Shout Never, this decision left Goodbar Productions and Don’t Get Emo (DGE) with a bad scene.

This is the most recent among other notable cancellations; the groups Showbread and Wavves have also opted out in the past six months. One could place blame on the production groups, but much planning and hard work has been put into these concerts, reflecting the credibility these organizers have gained.

The question is not, Are we lacking in experience. The real question is… Is the talent ready for the Valley experience?

Our reputation of being a poor, Mexicaninfested area seems to speak further then we think.

Not to say these bands did not have legitimate reasons for dropping out, which they did, there is the possibility that maybe they won’t make the money back they would waste coming down here.

Looking at rgvtexas.com, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s research the South Texas area is larger then the Austin/ San Marcos area. Research conducted by the State Data Center at Texas A&M predicts our area will have a population of 1.7 million by 2010 and 3.5 million by 2030.

This area is flourishing quickly and the growth is creating demand for all sorts of possibilities we couldn’t attain before. This growth could be the perfect concoction for demise or triumph over stereotypes that have hounded border residents for years.

For the three acts that dropped out, you still have the hearts of local fans; let’s just hope in the future they make some space for us in theirs.

Larry and Skwerl

Vanessa Mora / VANESSAMORA.WORK@GMAIL.COM

Page 12

ARTS AND LIFE

HACK-O-LANTERN - Students compete in a pumpkin-carving contest Friday, Oct. 30 as part of the Monster Bash Halloween celebration.

November 5, 2009

Alma Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN

November 5, 2009

ADVERTISEMENTS

Page 13

November 5, 2009

Men’s golf wins home tourney by six

By Sara Hernandez Sarahdzm@hotmail.com What seemed like a shaky start to the beginning of the week for the Broncs turned into a victorious Tuesday at the first home golf tournament in four years. The University of Texas-Pan American men and women’s golf programs finished first and second respectively at the UTPA Golf Classic Monday and Tuesday at Los Lagos Golf Club.

After day one, both teams stood in second place. On the men’s side, the Broncs shot rounds of 305 and 306 strokes with freshmen Brandon Reyna and Kevin Kirakossian leading the pack with a total of 149 strokes each after the first 36 holes.

Majo Camey led the tournament after the first two rounds as the Lady Broncs had rounds of 317 and 318.

But the teams weren’t satisfied, trailing Houston Baptist, also a member of the Great West Conference which finished day one leading both men’s and the women’s action shooting rounds of 615 and 630 respectively.

Two other GWC schools, Chicago State and North Dakota, attended the tournament in addition to SMU, which participated only in the men’s division.

Tuesday, HBU made it impossible for the women to come back and finished first with a three-round score of 941. Paige Gibson of HBU took the individual title with a score of 227.

Only four strokes behind Gibson, sophomore Majo Camey came second with 231 and the Lady Broncs remained in the same spot with a final tally of 951.

“We can’t be satisfied if we didn’t win,” said women’s head coach Ofelia Lopez. “It’s a reality check and a stepping-stone to see what we have to do for the fall season.”

The men came back on day two.

Senior Armen Kirakossian had an outstanding third round, shooting a tournament-best, 71-stroke round to finish tied in fifth with 225. Younger brother and freshman Kevin Kirakossian took the individual title with a score of 223.

“I felt confident, we had a good championship even though we didn’t have that good of a performance the first couple of rounds,” Kevin Kirakossian said.

Since UTPA will host the GWC Championship at Los Lagos, the UTPA Classic puts an end to the fall season for both teams allowing the athletes a chance to experience what it’s like to play at home.

14

Women turn over exhibition opener

By Alvaro Balderas Alvaro_tx@msn.com The atmosphere was lively as The University of Texas-Pan American women’s basketball team began its season Thursday night. Their smiles and body language during pre-game warmups showed the confidence that the Lady Broncs have for the season.

Unfortunately, a gritty Texas A&MKingsville squad dented the Lady Bronc morale by picking up a 67-58 exhibition win at the UTPA Field House.

With her team down four with 3:30 left in the game, Harlingen native, freshman Bianca Torre stole the ball but was unable to convert on the other end.

Instead, with momentum against them, Lady Javelina Kayla Naylor took it upon herself, leading her team on a 10-2 run by dishing two assists and scoring another bucket in the last three minutes.

“It was a tough game coming in, the crowd was great but we just ran our offense and it worked. We just keep playing our game,” the senior TAMUK point guard said. “Our ‘three P’s’ helped us get the win. Staying in the present, the possessiveness and staying in our process.”

New Lady Bronc coach Denny Downing expressed disappointment but admits the loss reveals what the women have to work on. Part of that is the 23 turnovers the team committed.

“The turnovers in the second half really hurt us. I thought our effort was good but we gave up too many second shots,” he said. “This was a good test and that’s what I wanted out of this game. We could have played somebody else but this is what we need. I think we realized how physical we need to play.”

Even though the game was tied at the half, it was evident that the Lady Ja-

velina aggressive style of play was prevailing as they got to the free-throw line 12 times compared to only two for the Lady Broncs after the break.

“I don’t know if that’s us not moving our feet or what. Our inability to get to the free throw line in the second half was crucial,” Downing said. “If you do the math the difference in the game was at the free throw line. The plan was to keep them off the line because they are a really good free throw shooting team.”

Seniors Aleeya Grigsby and Rose Esther Jean combined for 5-of-16 shooting. Grigsby had six points and eight rebounds while Esther Jean netted nine points, two blocks and six boards.

Dominating the boards 46-37, the Lady Javelinas were able to limit the Lady Broncs’ second-chance points, especially in the last five minutes.

TAMUK coach Scott Hyland was convinced that their 86-percent secondhalf success at the charity stripe was major for them after they struggled in the first half going 7 for 12.

“We did a good job on the glass.”

Hyland said. “The first half we kept them off the offensive boards, but then in the second they attacked the glass a lot harder. We got some big rebounds when we needed them though. Dyana got a couple there late that were really big.”

Senior Dyana Bullinger snatched a game-high nine rebounds while netting seven points. Angela Franklin led the Lady Javelina offense with 18 points.

Former Hidalgo Pirate and 2008-09 All-Valley Girls Basketball Player of the Year, Victoria Gonzalez had a solid six points and three rebounds for the Lady Javalinas.

Junior Hester kept the Lady Broncs in striking distance throughout the

Alma Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN

BACK ON THE COURT - Rose Esther Jean struggles to pass TAMUK’s defense. The senior tallied nine points Thursday at the UTPA Field House. game, shooting 6 for 12 from downtown, ending with a Lady Bronc-high 18 points. The Plano native believes mental mistakes were huge as the women tried to mount runs.

“It’s disappointing to have lost; none of us expected to lose this game but this

is a good building block to start from,” she said. “Hopefully we can regroup and come with it in the next game.”

The Lady Broncs return to the hardwood Nov. 13 as they open the regular season against Oral Roberts in Tulsa, Okla.

Volleyball on three-game roll with win against NJIT

By Sarah Burton Burton_sarah87@hotmail.com The University of Texas-Pan American women’s volleyball team returned home after winning two games on the road, one against a conference team.

After a two-week break, the Lady Broncs headed to New Jersey to compete against Saint Peter’s College and New Jersey Institute of Technology.

The Lady Broncs defeated both teams and will head into their last two conference games with a three-game winning streak.

“The team played excellent,” head coach Angela Hubbard said. “Everyone raised their level of play and did a great job. Every single girl deserves credit for the wins we pulled off this weekend. We were strong both defensively and offensively.”

The women played Saint Peter’s College Oct. 29 at the Yanitelli Cen-

ter Court in Jersey City, N.J. The Lady Broncs overpowered the Peahens winning 3-0. Although each set was close, UTPA was able to stay focused and pull out every one. The Lady Broncs took the first set 25-21, the second 27-25 and the third 25-23.

The ladies out-dug Saint Peter’s 7056 and had an impressive 43 assists to the Peahens’ 26. Team captain and senior libero Rebbeca Toddy had 28 digs out of the team’s 70 total in the game, impressing a former teammate.

“I was very pleased with the girls this weekend,” said graduate assistant Deanna Schneyer, herself a Lady Bronc star a year ago. “They took advantage of having last weekend off to really refocus and prepare for the matches in New Jersey.”

The Lady Broncs had a day off before playing their conference game against NJIT Oct. 31 at the Estelle and Zoom Fleisher Athletic Center in New-

ark. Toddy had a match-high 27 digs, leading UTPA to a 3-1 win over the Highlanders in GWC action.

The solid performance came at the right time for a squad that has struggled to a 7-15 overall record this season, 4-6 in conference.

“This weekend we came in determined to prove to everyone that UTPA volleyball is a contender for the conference tournament and we came out with a win over NJIT proving to everyone that the championship title is up for grabs,” Logan said. “Both games this weekend we were solid both offensively and defensively, and when things got tight, our back row kept the ball alive and our front row was smart in placing shots and not making errors.”

The first and second sets were close as the Lady Broncs opened with a 25-21 win, before the Highlanders bounced back, 25-22, in the second set. The Lady Broncs were able to gain the upper

hand with a 25-23 win in the third set and came back in the final try 25-22, to clinch the match.

“Everyone stepped it up this weekend, and hopefully we can end our season on a high note and will be able to say that we left everything on the court,” senior Marci Logan said.

The win boosted the Lady Broncs into great position for their last two conference games at home before heading to Houston for the Great West Conference Tournament. They host Utah Valley Friday and Houston Baptist a week later Nov. 13. The tournament is a twoday event and is set for Nov. 20-21.

Their coach thinks that the recent road-trip success might be catching.

“I hope that we continue to stick with our game plan, as we are on a three-game winning streak,” she said.

“I know the girls are ready for the second time around playing Utah Valley and Houston Baptist.”

November 5, 2009

SPORTS

Page 15

Cross country slows to fifth-place finish at GWC Championship

By Benny Salinas Bsalinas.@broncs.utpa.edu The Bronc cross country team was unable to repeat last year’s success at the Great West Conference Championship this weekend in Bronx N.Y. Despite realistic expectations for the event, both men’s and women’s teams placed fifth overall, but the men were disappointed with the outcome.

“We knew Utah was going to come out on top today. But second through sixth place were going to be a toss-up,” said head cross country Coach Dave Hartman Saturday night from his hotel room. “Unfortunately, despite it being close on the men’s side, we came out on the back end of that and got fifth.”

Second through fifth place were all in the same 25-point range, with Seattle scoring 91, San Diego 96, New Jersey Tech 99, and UTPA 116, ahead of Houston Baptist, North Dakota and Chicago State.

“Right now, the men’s team just isn’t running at their potential. This whole season we’ve been running just to expectations and not really running to next level,” Hartman said. “We aren’t running horribly, but we could definitely be better.”

The team’s top male runner this weekend, junior Miguel Angel Ramirez, agreed with Hartman’s sentiments regarding their performance in 2009.

“We all know we haven’t been running as well as we can. We just haven’t had that one big race,” Ramirez said.

“Especially this week that was full of tests. A lot of us weren’t sleeping and we weren’t able to practice well.”

A stressful week wasn’t the only thing responsible for the Broncs’ lackluster performance.

“It was a very tough course. We had never run a course like that with such huge hills. The Valley is nothing like that,” Ramirez explained. “Mile two had a really steep incline and all of our legs were feeling it by the last thousand meters.”

This weekend was a disappointing one for the Broncs, who took home a first-place finish at last year’s Great West Championship under the guidance of head coach Dennis Darling.

“We aren’t running our top three guys from last year, and though we do have a handful of guys from then, we still don’t have a lot of experience,” Hartman said. “This is my first year coaching these guys so they’re still adjusting to my coaching style.”

Lack of experience and new faces are especially obvious issues for the women’s team, which is composed almost entirely of freshmen.

“The women ran well. They’re a young team but they started off aggressive and no one really had a bad race,” Hartman reported. “We beat Houston Baptist after they’d beat us twice before

this season.”

In two weeks, the men and women will head to Waco for the NCAA South Central Regional Championship Nov.14. The team is fully aware of what they need to do to ensure a good performance there.

“We really want to finish this season on high note,” Hartman said. “We need to stay positive and get in a good week of practice to do well at regionals.”

Final Standings Men - 8K Miguel Angel Ramirez 9th place - 26:49.50 Omar Doria 23rd - 27:33.27 Frank Garcia 27th - 27:46.00

Women - 6K Judith Chumpa 12th - 23:47.61 Cinthia Adame 22nd - 25:04.39 Diana Galloso 30th - 25:53.54

Hector J. Garcia/THE PAN AMERICAN

LEADING THE PACK - Judith Chumba wraps up her Wednesday morning practice after placing 12th at the GWC Championship last weekend.

November 5, 2009

Great Expectations ALMOST TIME - Rico Seagears listens attentively to coach Marks’ instructions.

The Broncs kick off the season Saturday at 7 p.m. at the UTPA Field House in an exhibition game against St. Edward’s.

BRONCS 2009-2010 SCHEDULE Nov. 7

St. Edward’s # UTPA Field House 7 p.m.

Texas A&M-International # UTPA Field House 7 p.m.

Louisiana Tech UTPA Fieldhouse 1 p.m.

Lamar Beaumont 7 p.m.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi Corpus Christi 7 p.m.

Nov. 9 Nov. 14 Nov. 16 Nov. 19

South Padre Island Invitational Nov. 22 Missouri Columbia, Mo. TBA Nov. 24 Mississippi St. Starkville, Miss.

TBA Nov. 27 Chattanooga South Padre Island 2:30 p.m.

Nov. 28 TBA South Padre Island TBA Dec. 2

Alma Hernandez/THE PAN AMERICAN

The Broncs start the season with a clean slate as a new line-up of players and staff hit the hardwood

By Sara Hernandez Sarahdzm@hotmail.com New faces, a new leader and new expectations – that’s what the University of Texas-Pan American men’s basketball team is managing this year.

Although the team has only six returners from the 16-player 2008-09 roster, the new coaching staff has brought a sense of kinship to the program.

“I think the best teams are the ones that function like a family,” first-year head coach Ryan Marks said. “Obviously, when you bring together a collection of individuals nobody replaces your true family, but I think your team and your teammates need to be a close second.”

The Broncs had a record of 10-17 last season under the guidance of Tom Schuberth, whose contract was not renewed in March. In May, Marks was introduced as the new head coach after having accomplished a 91-54 record in his five-year tenure as men’s basketball head coach at St. Edward’s University.

And with Marks came P-Diddy, a stuffed penguin that accompanies the Broncs during practice and will be present at all home and away games.

P-Diddy represents the unity of the team, which Marks illustrates to his players by explaining penguins’ relationships with each other. Luis Valera explained that penguins are seldom seen alone, and are always working as a team -- a metaphor for the attitude the Broncs have adopted.

Junior guard Rico Seagears added that penguins work together to raise a family because it takes more than a single individual to make things work. This emphasizes the necessity for team members to look after each other and keep in mind that if everyone does his task in the team, victory can be achieved.

“There’s no ‘I’ in the team,” Seagears commented. “It’s a team concept and I think we all know and understand that it takes more than one person to win, so we all have a role we play and I think that if we all play our role the right way we’ll have a successful season.”

As the team is composed of mostly newcomers, it adds to the transition of having a new head

coach, Marks recognized that the lack of experience will make it difficult for the Broncs on the court. Still, hope reigns in the group environment.

“No matter what, there’s nothing that replaces time and experience of a team being together,” said Marks. “We know that there’s going to be a lot of ups and downs early in the year, but the enthusiasm and the effort of our players and the ability level of our players have been encouraging, so I think our ability to develop over the course of the season is going to be something that’s important for us.”

Players such as Seagears, a transfer from Chandler-Gilbert (Ariz.) Community College, are seeing the development of the team from a combination of sole players to a family closely tied to the goals of a new situation.

“It’s a new experience to everyone, so we are all learning,” the Washington D.C. native said. “I see a lot of success for us, having a winning season, I see us learning from our mistakes early in the season, so we can grow and be more a competitive team and try to compete against big-time teams and win our conference.”

Marks explained that the small roster, in addition to the new players and new coach situation, brings the team unique circumstances that prevent him from setting clear win-loss goals at the start. According to him, the team’s quality will improve with time as the players get accustomed to strategies needed to overcome other teams.

“I think there’s a great chance that we’ll probably be, from a height standpoint, the shortest team in the country,” he said. “I’m not sure if that’s necessarily a strength or a weakness but that just means that we’re not going be a conventional team, so we’re going to have to figure out ways to make our dynamic difficult to make the dynamics that we have difficult to our opponents.”

For this reason, the head coach sees the success of veteran players Valera, Nathan Hawkins and Ben Smith, as one of the main goals in the season.

“I would like to see them individually have

the best seasons of their careers,” he said. “If we can see those guys have really good seasons relative to what they’ve done in the past and have a good year, I think that would be satisfying.

“We really need a lot of other guys to sort of come along and emerge for us, particularly guys that are going to be guys returning beyond this year, (so) that a year from now we know what we can count on them for.”

Seagears mentioned that the leadership of these seniors has been crucial in the first stages of training, when the majority of the newcomers are getting used to the university and athletic environment.

“They’re here helping us out with learning all things, being leaders, being vocals, so it’s a good experience,” he said. “They’ve been at this level for the last two years… they just help us out to feel comfortable and at home.”

Senior forward Valera, who had an average of 5.6 points per game last season, said that having new coaches who have different expectations from him and teammates gives a new personality to the team and motivates him in the start of his last collegiate season.

“I feel very good, excited because we are going to start very soon, practicing hard because we are in a new team so there’s a little pressure, but I’m focused and ready to play,” the Venezuela native said. “It’s my last year and I want to have a good season and do it well.”

Hawkins, who started 16 of the 27 games he played last season, averaged 9.7 points while Valley native Smith had 6.0 points per game and started 20 of the 27 games.

Although the starting lineup is not certain for the Broncs, Marks mentioned that the two exhibition games against St. Edwards and Texas A&MInternational will serve as an evaluation curve to determine which men will get to start and, most importantly, who will be out there to close the matches.

The exhibition games will take place Saturday and Monday respectively, both at 7 p.m. at the UTPA Field House before the official campaign begins Nov. 14 at home against Louisiana Tech.

16

Dec. 5 Dec. 7 Dec. 15 Dec. 18 Dec. 22 Dec. 28 Jan. 2 Jan. 5 Jan. 7 Jan. 14 Jan. 16 Jan. 20 Jan. 25 Jan. 28 Jan. 30 Feb. 4 Feb. 6 Feb. 10 Feb. 13 Feb. 20 Feb. 27 March 4 March 6

Nebraska Lincoln, Neb. 7 p.m.

Texas State San Marcos 7 p.m.

UTSA San Antonio 7 p.m.

Texas Austin 7 p.m.

UTSA UTPA Field House 7 p.m.

Louisiana Tech Ruston, La. 8 p.m.

Northern Arizona UTPA Field House 2 p.m.

Air Force Colorado Springs, Colo. 8 p.m.

Virginia Charlottesville, Va. 8 p.m.

Northwestern Evanston, Ill. 6 p.m.

NJIT * UTPA Field House 8 p.m.

Chicago State * UTPA Field House 4:30 p.m.

TCU Fort Worth 7 p.m.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi UTPA Field House 7 p.m.

North Dakota * UTPA Fieldhouse 8 p.m.

South Dakota * UTPA Field House 4:30 p.m.

Utah Valley * Orem, Utah 8 p.m.

Chicago State * Chicago, Ill. 8 p.m.

Houston Baptist * UTPA Field House 8 p.m.

Utah Valley * UTPA Field House 4:30 p.m.

NJIT * Newark, N.J. 7 p.m.

Houston Baptist * Houston 7 p.m.

South Dakota * Vermillion, S.D. 7 p.m.

North Dakota * Grand Forks, N.D. 7 p.m.

Great West Conference Tournament March 10 TBA * Orem, Utah TBA March 11 TBA * Orem, Utah TBA March 12 TBA * Orem, Utah TBA # denotes exhibition games * denotes conference games