October 28, 2009

Volume 66, No. 9

THE PAN AMERICAN

October 28, 2009

Clinton addresses leadership H1N1 flu

vaccine shortage hits UTPA

COMING SOON INTERNSHIP WEEK

By Ana Villaurrutia A.villauru@gmail.com

CAREER SERVICES HOSTS FAIR FOR INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

his life that he will cherish.

The president of the Student Government Association said the experience was exhilarating. Etched across the top of his speech was a message from the 42nd president thanking Puttagunta for his remarks.

“It wasn’t necessarily the introduction, but the importance of being able to inform people about an individual that has made a profound impact in history and in the lives of so many people in the Rio Grande Valley,” he said.

Clinton told the crowd that whether “you’re on the right or the left, you

As the threat of the Novel H1N1 flu (or swine flu) gathers steam on the eve of the seasonal flu onslaught, a nationwide shortage of the vaccine is causing concern.

October has been deemed a priority month to vaccinate for swine flu, but according to a recent Associated Press article the promise of 120 million doses by mid-month has not been met and only 11 million have been produced. However, a surplus of the shot is expected by January, a time when seasonal flu shots are most in demand.

The University of Texas-Pan American’s Student Health Services is also experiencing this shortage. Director of Environmental Health and Safety Richard Costello said 3,000 to 4,000 doses of the vaccine were scheduled to arrive by mid-October, but that they still don’t know when the arrival will happen.

“The vaccination manufacturers are just behind,” Costello said. “We’re watching this closely but if it keeps up, I don’t think we can expect them until December.”

Costello believes the shortage may signal a larger demand for the vaccination, and this demand cannot readily be satisfied.

“What it says is the initial vaccination quantities are not high enough for the public,” he surmised.

Director of SHS Glenn Gray said the

See CLINTON|| Page 6

See SWINE || Page 6

COMING SOON GHOST HUNTING VIDEO OF A & L STAFF SEARCH FOR EVIDENCE OF PARANORMAL ACTIVITY AT CASA DE LAS PALMAS HOTEL

COMING SOON TENNIS REGIONALS THE 2009 WILSON / ITA TEXAS REGIONALS GETS RAINED OUT DESPITE GOOD SHOWING

Hector J. Garcia/The Pan American

LIGHTS ON - Former U.S. President Bill Clinton holds up a solar powered flashlight, similar to the ones sent to Haiti to light up powerless homes. He spoke at the Fine Arts Auditorium last Thursday evening.

By Brian Silva Brian.silva2@gmail.com Last Thursday marked a moment in the university’s history of distinguished guests when former U.S. President Bill Clinton, 63, spoke to the university community at the Fine Arts Auditorium about his initiatives and experiences.

The speech, free of cost to the university, centered on his programs such as the Clinton Global Initiative Fund, created shortly after his term as president; he encouraged students to identify problems in their community, create innovative ideas, and implement

Carnival to entertain university families

By Roxann Garcia nevaeh09@msn.com The University Program Board at The University of Texas-Pan American will host the 43rd annual Carnival of the Great Pumpkin on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the UTPA Field House.

The event is free and open to all students, faculty and surrounding community. As in the past, invitations have also been extended to public

INDEX

solutions.

“I think that for all the problems … this is still likely to be the most prosperous, peaceful, exciting time in human history,” Clinton said. He reiterated to students that their generation will be just fine, “as long as you realize that we’re all in this together.”

Clinton talked about how individual acts can collectively make the biggest difference in the world.

“I want you to think about one thing,” said the former commander in chief. “What can you do?”

For Raghuveer Puttagunta, shaking hands with and introducing former President Clinton marked a moment in

OPINION PG. 2

schools surrounding the university.

The event, which began in 1966, is a community favorite with an estimate of 4,000 to 5,000 people attending last year, noted UPB Festival Committee chair Jesus Buitron.

University organizations also look forward to the night as a fundraising tool, as booths will be set up offering many activities such as face-painting, food and games; the groups hope to make money from customer donations.

Other activities also include laser tag and three different costume con-

NEWS PG. 3

tests, by age group. Prizes include an iPod, digital camera, bicycle, and scooter. There will also be gigantic slides, inflatables and a haunted house.

This year 43 organizations will be present at the carnival, including several fraternities and sororities.

“I have to admit we did that (got 43 organizations) on purpose just to celebrate the 43rd year,” Buitron said.

The carnival’s name originated from the classic story, “It’s a Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown,” the creator of the event, has changed the tagline of

ARTS & LIFE PG. 10

that movie to the saying for the carnival: “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Bucky.”

“It’s a great way for the community to interact with the university. We are expecting people from all over the Valley and even as far away as Chicago.

I had a family verify their attendence from there just last week,” Butiron said. “I think that was really neat.”

Last year UPB along with the Student Union spent an estimated $12,000 for the event. This year those organizations have put in $10,000 and expect a great turnout, noted Buitron.

SPORTS PG. 14

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THE PAN AMERICAN

Correction

October 28 , 2009

Opinion

Key hike, bike players Last week, in the Oct. 22 issue of The Pan American we printed the story “Hike-and-bike trail to run around UTPA” on the upper section of page three. The story had a few fact errors due to the misinterpretation of facts presented.

We apologize to those who were not adequately represented in the story.

Travis Hughes was mistakenly quoted as the chair of the Wellness Committee. In fact, the group that worked on the grants for the trail is the Wellness Taskforce Subcommittee, which is chaired by Chelse Benham. According to Benham, the subcommitee was responsible for initiating the application for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Recreational Trails Fund grant.

The committee was put into contact with Mick Sawyer who had drawn up a map of the proposed trail, which was referred to as the

Vol 66, No. 9

Master Regional Trail System. Benham noted that Sawyer has had the map drawn up for several years now.

Hughes joined Benham in the writing of the grant later in the process, with Hughes focusing on cost and Benham handling the narrative.

Hughes, who is the Interim Director of the Wellness and Recreational Center, and Benham, who also heads up Reel to Red, were the Principal Investigators in the Texas Parks and Wildlife grant application.

Other key players in the process were John Edwards, vice president of enrollment and student services, and Richard Trevino, who serves as co-chair of the Wellness Taskforce Committee with Grant Benham.

To update the process, the grant was not received, however those involved intend to reapply. They also intend to reapply for the Texas Department of Transportation grant, which was also previously denied.

October 28 , 2009

1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 381-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122

EDITOR IN CHIEF Brian Silva / brian.silva2@gmail.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Ana Villaurrutia / alvillaurru@utpa.edu VIDEO EDITOR Naxiely Lopez / naxiely@myway.com 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 Figuerroa / j27ig@yahoo.com SPORTS EDITOR Kevin Stich/ k.stich@gmail.com ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Sara Hernandez/ sarahdzm@hotmail.com DESIGN EDITOR Gregorio Garza / ggarzaz26@utpa.edu SENIOR DESIGNER Roy Bazan / rbazanzz@utpa.edu ADVISER Dr. Greg Selber / selberg@utpa.edu 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.

The decline of modern morality Kevin Stich Sports Editor This nation is in dire straits -- and not just financially. It’s something that perhaps takes precedence even over swine flu, and is certainly directly related to most other issues within the government and it’s people – ethics.

Lack of values in our nation is the real pandemic, especially in our youth. Such a topic is difficult to discuss, because so much of morality is subjective, not to mention that somehow religion is usually brought into the debate.

But I’ll take a crack at being as objective as possible…

The laundry center at my apartment is located so that I have to walk right past the pool to get to it. Sunday night from my living room, I could hear kids screaming and splashing and I thought, “It’s amazing that the weather is warm enough to go swimming. I’ll bet their parents are happy to keep those guys occupied for a while.”

As I walked by, carrying my basket of dirty clothes and going over the list of things I had to do before leaving to Austin this week, I heard a kid -- no more than maybe 8 or 9 years old -- scream

“Fuck you! You’re a stupid bitch!” to what was presumably his brother. I did a double take, trying to decide whether I had imagined it, or if it had actually happened.

The kid continued to scream and shout profanities at the top of his lungs adding such colorful visuals as, “I’m going to stick a shotgun up your ass and pull the trigger.” But instead of being hurt or offended, the child he was playing with responded in turn, using the same vulgarities and speech patterns as his counterpart.

Now, I’m no saint and I cuss like a sailor at sea at least once a day, but I’d like to think that I make up for it with a thirst for knowledge and a respect for the profound. This new breed, they seem to be a different game altogether.

Maybe I’m jumping the gun here; maybe it’s not as bad as I think – or maybe it’s worse. I don’t remember being capable of stringing any form of profanity together until I was at least 12 or 13, and even then it was a half-hearted effort.

We as a nation seem to have lost sight of rooting ourselves in something other than cheap talk and big money. We have lost respect for reason and moral standards, and have become poorer for it.

There are no ethics classes as part

of a standard curriculum, and why?

Because parents oppose the teaching of philosophical morality in school or just because we ourselves don’t fully understand it?

It wasn’t until my college years that I received my first tastes of Aristotle, Plato and John Stewart Mill. Guiltily, I even indulged in a little bit of Friedrich Nietzsche (I am still amazed I can spell his name correctly).

I was given such a wide range of ethical philosophies I had no choice but to walk away with a better understanding of morality and myself.

I’m not religious by any means; hell, I oppose religion altogether. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a place for virtuous values.

Really, is this what we’ve amounted to? After the thousands of years of evolution, this is all we can manage?

Perhaps that’s why faith is convenient; it doesn’t require someone to understand, but rather just to accept. Well, I don’t just accept it.

Apathy has set in and people seem to be more desensitized than ever. And then, as I was sorting through my whites, a single thought crossed my mind, “Maybe I shouldn’t do laundry here…”

Dates to Know: Criminal Justice Career Day Today, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

University Ballroom

October 28, 2009

THE PAN AMERICAN

ASSIST Registration begins Advising starts Nov. 2

Page 3

$2.7 million to boost UTPA science effort

By Alejandra Martinez nevaeh09@msn.com The University of Texas-Pan American’s College of Science and Engineering has been awarded a grant of $2.7 million by the National Science Foundation’s Partnerships for Research and Education in Materials (PREM), to develop a materials research science center. This is a five-year grant that partners UTPA with the University of Minnesota Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) to develop new research and technology.

The grant consists of five different projects that have the following

objectives: to develop research collaborating. that will help create new and An actual facility will not more efficient forms of energy, be built; every participant will as well as ways to store it; work from their own space, and the creation of ingredients will have access to colleagues that will create smart flexible that are working in the same materials; the improvement area, as well as staff to help KAREN of mechanical properties of with the administrative part of the LOZANO grant and serve as lab technicians. materials that can help shield electromagnetic interference.

“Having a center provides the There are 10 faculty members from opportunity to focus our research projects the departments of physics, mechanical into an umbrella where we all can have engineering, and chemistry involved. access to instrumentation across campus, Each one of them will be in charge have a formal venue to exchange ideas, of a group of undergraduate and and motivate students to work in research graduate students. Overall there are 20 projects,” said Karen Lozano, associate undergrads, and eight graduate students professor of mechanical engineering and

PREM director.

Out of the $2.7 million, UTPA will receive $2.3 million and the University of Minnesota will get the remaining $400,000 in a period of five years.

The $2.3 million will be used to pay one summer month of faculty salary, yearly salaries for student workers, materials and supplies to conduct the research, and travel expenses. Project representatives from UMN will come down to Edinburg in January, and UTPA PREM participants will make their first trip north in September 2010.

One of the goals, says Lozano, is to use this project as a platform for junior faculty to develop their own research

work.

“By this they will increase the opportunities to acquire federal funding to therefore provide more opportunities to undergraduate and graduate students to work on research projects,” Lozano said.

“This will give students a competitive advantage when looking for a job.

According to Lozano, having the chance to work on research projects also gives graduate students the opportunity to get published in scientific journals, which will be of great help when applying to top Ph.D. programs.

Lozano, who has been a professor at the university for nine years and has

See GRANT || Page 7

Job fair promises shot for all majors connection that they hadn’t thought of.

“A lot of times students miss out on so many other areas they can actually go into to use their education,” she stated.

Tomorrow the University Ballroom “We need to make sure that our students will once again be filled with opportuni- who are getting their education have the ties for students to take advantage of as knowledge that there are so many things the 4th annual Criminal Justice Career they can do with it. But they must take Day will come off the initiative and ask, from 10 a.m. to 2 ‘what can I do with Th e purpose of the Criminal p.m. Susie Chapa, my major?’” associate director for Justice Career Day is so students Officials from Career Services, exseveral federal deplained the purpose can educate themselves on the partments such of having a career as Department of day for this specific various federal, state and local Homeland Security, job niche.

Office of Inspector “The purpose of opportunities.

General, Texas Dethe Criminal Justice partment of Public Career Day is so Safety Crime Lab, students can edu- Susie Chapa U.S. Secret Service, cate themselves on Juvenile Justice Career Services the various federal, Center, UTPA Postate and local opporlice Department and tunities,” Chapa said “These could be op- a number of local agencies will be there, portunities with internships or a full-time along with reps from the Dallas Police career using their bachelors or master’s Department. degree. This day is also not just for crimiChapa said that for any opportunity in nal justice majors.” a federal agency experience is definitely Chapa feels it vital to stress the impor- needed. It is also important for someone tance of attendance from students of all interested in a particular agency to have majors attendance. They might find a job See FAIR || Page 7

By Kristen Cabrera kristenmichellecabrera@ yahoo.com

“

”

* Along with the many employers at the CRIMINAL JUSTICE Career Day UTPA will be representing itS self with UTPA Police Department. Police Chief Roger Sterns will be there to recruit for internships as well as the new Law Enforcement Explorers Program. * Students will have the opportunity serve the UTPA community while gaining knowledge of the field. In the spring Stearns will send a team of students to compete nationally against other Explorer teams in a battle of law enforcement knowledge.

Center aids counseling path Students will gain valuable skills training

By Ana Villaurrutia A.villauru@gmail.com The lengthy process toward becoming a licensed professional counselor has become a bit more convenient with a new internship opportunity at The University of Texas-Pan American.

In order to help graduate education students get internships, the College of Education has set up a Counseling and Assessment Preparation Center.

By using the students as counselors, the center provides free services to the community for issues such as anger management, couples counseling,

behavioral problems, family therapy, and children’s therapy.

Santiago Silva, LPC program coordinator and CAP center director, said the center provides workers with a setting and resources found in most counseling clinics.

“We wanted a training center where students could their practicum,” Silva said who has worked at the university since 1976.

The students are monitored by Silva and a part-time LPC Yvonne Castillo through a camera that is hooked up in the 10 counseling rooms.

They then review the students and take control when the student can’t handle a session.

When clients come to the center for an appointment they are given consent forms that inform them that their sessions will be taped.

“They feel reassured that someone is licensed is watching and can come

in to help,” said Silva.

The CAP Center opened last spring and though Silva hopes to offer assessment testing, such as IQ testing and disability testing, the group doesn’t have the staff to oversee that yet.

He hopes to offer them next fall and organizers hope to hold group counseling on issues like anger management and parenting in the future.

“We would like to have that in the future,” said Silva.

With 13 students and two graduate interns working for their licenses, the center offers clients 12 sessions but the process can be extended if the counselor feels it is necessary.

Gabby Medina, a graduate student getting her LPC, said the center has helped her on the way to getting a license.

See COUNSELING || Page 7

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October 28, 2009

October 28, 2009

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NEWS

SWINE continued from Page 1 said we will be receiving both.

Swine flu spread across the United States and Mexico in April, eventually becoming a worldwide problem that has taken the lives of 1,000 people so far and hospitalized 20,000 more, according to an AP article.

Though swine flu is considered no more dangerous than the seasonal flu, it can pose a higher risk for children ages 5 and below, and adults who are 65 and older, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The CDC has listed influenza-like symptoms for swine flu, such as fever above 100.4 degrees, cough, sore throat, chills, muscle aches, vomiting and diarrhea. Long-term effects from swine flu include pneumonia, respiratory failure, and death.

To bring awareness to the UTPA community, Costello said that since the semester began Environmental Health and Safety and SHS have put up swine

CLINTON continued from Page 1 flu prevention posters across campus; these instruct people to wash hands, cover mouths before coughing, and contain the disease by keeping away from people who are sick. He also urged those experiencing the flu or who know someone who has symptoms to see a doctor and prevent the sickness from spreading on campus. “People are going to get ill,â€? he said. “They need to make sure to take responsibility‌tell them, ‘Hey, have you been to the doctor?’â€?

Costello also said the campus computer labs have been equipped with hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of the flu and other germs that may get on the equipment.

Hand sanitizer can also be requested for campus events. Students are instructed to keep checking utpa.edu/ safety for updates on the vaccination’s arrival.

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How H1N1 spreads

seasonal vaccine has also not arrived and may not come in by the December priority month. The SHS will help students find other clinics to get their shots.

Gray said there will not be a dramatic effect because student demand is usually very low. The SHS usually orders 400 doses of which 300 were used by students, faculty and staff last year. “It’s not very dramatic, they will have to seek other places to vaccinate,� said Gray. “We will be telling them where to go.�

The university planned to hold a high-risk vaccination session Nov. 18 for health-care workers on campus and pregnant students, employing the help of nursing and physician-assistant majors.

A mass vaccination day on Nov. 21 was also being planned.

There are two forms of the H1N1 vaccine, 80 percent of it comes in a shot and 20 percent in a nasal spray. Gray

October 28, 2009

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can’t deny we’re all affected by the negative things. Today everyone has to do something for the greater good of society. Learn as much as you can, do as much as you can.�

The message resonated, as Puttagunta noted that students, staff and faculty should be involved, using their particular skill-set to help the university community. This echoes earlier remarks from Clinton. “Use technology to bring your skills to bare,� the Hope, Ark., native had said as he raised a flashlight used to light powerless homes in Haiti. The flashlight is solar powered and built to hang on a ceiling, providing light for a house not connected to the power grid.

PERSONAL MOMENTS Clinton mentioned two UTPA students who have made a difference in the community. Chris Ramirez, who has since graduated with a degree in graphic design, and Nadia Tamez-Robledo, a senior print journalism major, submitted proposals to do unique community service projects.

Tamez-Robledo worked on a photography project that supported Mujeres Unidas, a local support group for troubled women, according to Clinton.

Tamez-Robledo, a senior reporter for The Pan American, said she decided to become involved when one of

her co-workers participated in a civil service commitment program. She said her involvement branched off after she joined the student organization Artists Unanimous, which showcases work at the McAllen Artwalk.

She began by selling her photographs, which made her about $50 at her first Artwalk. Surprised at her success, Tamez-Robledo then donated the money to Mujeres Unidas.

The San Benito native said she was very excited after receiving an e-mail regarding her invitation to attend Clinton’s college conference, which was held in Austin earlier this year.

Clinton said the Austin conference brought together students from all around the world to collaborate on innovative ideas and initiatives. “There were people who had volunteered in many different facets,� Tamez-Robledo said. “It was humbling and very uplifting to be around those people.�

She said her involvement now extends to the Si Se Puede Learning Center where she helps with afterschool learning programs in the Jardinas La Fonte community near Pharr. “You can’t help but feel like everything in your set heart is going to work out,� she said of Clinton’s ability to motivate.

UPB Calendar of Events Oct. 29 7 p.m. My Bloody Valentine 3D, Student Union Theater Oct. 30 7 p.m. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Quad (Rain Site: Student Union Theater) Oct. 31 6-10 p.m. Carnival of the Great Pumpkin, Field House Nov. 2 6-8 p.m. Steamy Salsa Nights, University Ballroom 7-10 p.m. UPB Executive Meetings, University Center, room 306 Nov. 4, 5, & 6 6-8 p.m. Steamy Salsa Nights, University Ballroom Nov. 9 6-8 p.m. Open Mic Night, Chapel Lawn (Rain site: Student Union Cafe)

Hector J. Garcia/The Pan American

LEADERSHIP - Former President Bill Clinton visited UTPA Thursday, Oct. 22. and spoke about his Clinton Global Initiative which he started to confront the world’s most important problems.

October 28, 2009

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NEWS

GRANT continued from Page 3

COUNSELING continued from Page 3

presented over 130 research articles, is involved in two of the ďŹ ve grant projects.

One is electromagnetic interference shielding, and the objective of this project is to eliminate electric obstruction like static noise on cell phones, or signals that can cause airplanes to crash. The second project deals with the self-healing nature of polymeric materials. What this does is release a kind of glue on plastic materials that makes them harder to break when they undergo stress.

The money was given by NSF to UTPA Sept. 1, and the program is still in the ďŹ rst stage, which entails the production and testing of samples, and purchasing of supplies. The goal is to have results before reaching the ďŹ ve-year mark. The research results can either be published in a journal or patented for market use. “If you patented, you are moving very close to industry application,â€? Lozano

“It helps the community, it is served through this program because we’re offering free counseling services which aren’t always available to them,� said the 31-yearold McAllen resident who works at . “Not everybody can afford to receive counseling services.�

Students working toward their LPC license need to have a graduate degree or be working on their graduate degree.

UTPA require 39 hours, plus 3 additional courses, one of them being the Practicum III course. The course requires 100 hours of direct service through an internship.

The students then need to take two exams, the National Counselors Exam and the Jurisprudence exam. After passing they apply for a temporary Texas LPC license and need to complete a 3,000-hour internship, which can also be done at the center.

Interdisciplinary studies graduate student Lucy Chapa said that the center has provided her convenience, as she can easily consult her professor at the center.

The center also provides a kitchen and resource room with two computers, a library and printer for their use. “It’s like a second home, we feel really comfortable here,� said Jackson Elementary School pre-kindergarten teacher in McAllen. “We have a lot of things that are very handy to us.�

The CAP center has been effective so far, as clients have been referred there by school districts, adult-probation courts, and private practitioners. Counselors have seen

explained. “If you publish, you are giving people information about what to do with what you found and maybe somebody else will think of something else and eventually it will come out to a practical application.�

Lozano said that this kind of program requires a lot of hard work and creativity, because research can be very unpredictable and can take the researcher onto a different path than was originally planned. “As long as you’re moving forward and trying to ďŹ nd ways to beneďŹ t society, I don’t care where you end. That’s what I always tell the students,â€? she said. “This is a ďŹ ve-year grant, so I don’t know if in ďŹ ve years we’ll be able to solve things or we will 0ďŹ nd something new. It’s like a puzzle, you never know what shape is going to have at the end.â€?

FAIR continued from Page 3 some type of knowledge on what the agency or department does.

The biggest question Chapa says students ask when it comes to applying for job is, ‘how do I go about applying for federal employment?’ anyone wishing to know how can come by the fair to ask and learn. “Applying to a federal agency is a unique process in that you need to know how to complete an application and also need to know how to market yourself toward that department,� she said.

The KSA – knowledge, skill, and abilities – is also a key to getting noticed at the fair according to Chapa.

“The KSA’s are very important,� she explained. “An employer needs to get a sense of is the student is capable of doing the job. In this way a student needs to understand how to market themselves.�

Career Services offers at least ďŹ ve5 different career fairs a year, including their 37th annual Career Day in the spring for all majors. Chapa suggests that such events aren’t just for students about to graduate. “Students need not wait until their senior to attend events like this,â€? she advised. “Students need to be educated, aware and conďŹ dent. They have a huge decision and must plan for the future.â€?

over 100 clients since they have opened.

LPC grads can go on to work for private clinics, or any agency that provides counseling or a behavioral center.

However, Silva said because the CAP center is relatively new and supervisors do not want the reach to exceed the capability and grasp, counselors do not see patients who are currently suicidal, psychotic or homicidal.

The CAP center is located in

room 1.272 in the COE building.

Appointments for counseling can be made at 318-5251. The center is open Monday through Thursday, 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Silva said the hours are set later in the day to accommodate clients’ usually busy morning and afternoon schedules. “Most of our clients like the later appointment times,� he said. “They might be working or have children going to school.�

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THE PAN AMERICAN

October 28, 2009

TOP HALLOWEEN COSTUMES Vampires - These classic undead villains have risen again thanks to the help of the book series “Twilight.” With the nation knee-deep in bloodsuckers, expect to see lots of children of the night roaming the streets

Michael Jackson - With such recognizable moves and outfits, the recently deceased King of Pop is expected to once again grace the world with his signature style and sequined white glove as kids pay homage to him.

Star Trek - The recent reboot of this decades-old classic has caused a resurgence in its popularity. No longer the jurisdiction of mere trekkies, people of all ages will welcome the attire from the 23rd century. Beam me up!

Kate Gosselin - One of the top homemade costumes this season is the infamous mother from “Jon and Kate Plus 8.”

Donning a wig or putting your hair up in her trademark ‘do will just about complete the outfit. Add some children’s dolls as the babies and you are set.

Comic book heroes and villains - A staple of any Halloween is superheroes, be it Batman or Superman. Though with such breakthrough roles for villains coming out don’t be surprised to see a Joker or two causing their own brand of mischief. When trick-or-treating remember, “Lets put a smile on that face.”

HAUNTED PLACES Alton The infamous bus crash site has been reported haunted since the accident in 1989, which killed 21 students. People driving and walking by report claims of screaming and apparitions in the caliche pit.

Edinburg A house on the corner of 18th Street and Schunior Road appears to be haunted. According to reports, terrifying noises are heard from within the home, leading people who rent it to ultimately leave.

McAllen Staff members at the Renaissance Hotel describe the third floor as being haunted. Some claim to have felt a dark presence and even seen two women dressed in black lurking on the hotel grounds.

For an exclusive look at the creepiness that surrounds the Renaissance Hotel, log on to panamericanonline.com as the Arts & Life writers investigate paranormal activity.

October 28, 2009

THE PAN AMERICAN

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TOP HORROR

MOVIE VILLAINS Freddy Krueger from “Nightmare on Elm Street” – Freddy is the ultimate horror movie villain. He’s got the look, the weapon and that creepy sense of humor. This guy would insult your family, then cut you to pieces, all in your dream. It doesn’t get much worse than not being able to go to sleep and having to go up against a villain that basically can’t be killed.

Pennywise the Clown from “It” – HE— WAS—IN—THE—DRAIN. The demon in “Paranormal Activity” – Released in 2007, this horror blockbuster recently hit the big screen and is scaring the living $%#& out of audiences everywhere as it is currently the number-one movie in America. This is probably one most people will disagree with, but the scene with the baby powder and footprints, had people sleeping with the lights on.

Regan from “The Exorcist” – For its time “The Exorcist” was one hell of a scary movie.

Those eyes, that smile, that circular rotation, what flexibility! Not only that, she can projectile vomit, giving her points on the gross scale.

Michael Meyers from “Halloween” -- The “Shape” known as Michael Meyers cannot be killed. He’s the ultimate murder machine, not to mention he pops out of everywhere when you least expect it. Armed with a knife, a merciless attitude and John Carpenter’s score, here’s a piece of advice: RUN LIKE HELL.

Bazan y o R : By Design

Dates to Know: Pumpkin and Costume contest Oct. 30, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Student Union Page 10

ARTS & LIFE

Sundaes on Monday Nov. 2, 12 noon Student Union Commons

October 28, 2009

New location for haunted house promises screams

By Nadia Tamez-Robledo ntamezrob@broncs.utpa.edu Outside an abandoned slaughterhouse in Donna, about a hundred people wait outside to enter the newly constructed house that looms a few feet away as a crisp breeze whips through the crowd. The throngs eerily resemble the animals that met their end at the building years before. Teenagers excitedly gab in the massive line until a piercing scream turns everyone’s attention to the side of the house. Decaying zombies excitedly chase a girl running into the crowd, eventually overpowering her and dragging her motionless body behind the house as onlookers watch in silence before breaking into applause.

Nightmare-inducing scenes like this are the everyday at Scream Factor X, a haunted house celebrating its sixth year of blood-and-guts entertainment. It is scheduled to keep its doors open for the season until Halloween night.

What started out as a hobby has turned into a full-time job for 26-yearold McAllen resident Rolando Martinez, who started the effort with little more than some cardboard and borrowed materials in 2003. Now it is a neighbor to Donna’s Corn Maze, but the ghoulish labyrinth spent the first five years of operation at the Rio Hotel in downtown McAllen. Martinez said that the old building came with its share of tales involving an unsavory clientele of drug dealers and prostitutes.

“Initially it wasn’t much planning.

It was, ‘Hey, we found this really cool building that no one wanted to move into because it kind of had a history,’” he recalled. “We would take whatever creativity we had and whatever we had seen from movies and try to make it as realistic as possible – which we failed to do big time – but we got such a good reaction the first time…and lucky for us there was already a group of kids that was interested in working.”

Martinez saw there was a demand for his creepy brand of entertainment, and the crew of Scream Factor X rolled up its sleeves to make sure it was more serious scare-fest the following year. After moving to McAllen from Houston six years ago, he was inspired to undertake

Daniel Flores /The Pan American AHHH! REAL MONSTERS - A group of haunted house enthusiasts ventures through Scream Factor X Sunday night. the creation of a haunted house in response to the lackluster local celebration he saw of one of his favorite holidays.

“When I was a teenager, I would go visit haunted houses throughout the month of October,” he said. “I moved down to the Valley, and guess what? Nobody knocks on my door. Not even for trick-or-treating on the 31st.”

Adrenaline junkies in search of a thrill continued to create a demand for Scream Factor X’s nightmarish brand of fun, and Martinez and company became increasingly serious about making the haunted house bigger and better with each passing year. The decision to move from the cramped space of Rio Hotel and put energy into reconstructing the old Donna slaughterhouse solved problems that had previously limited the performance; it also allowed the addition of a second house and outdoor portion to the main structure.

“We were working out of a hotel that had some permanent load-bearing walls,” Martinez said. “Sometimes it would become an obstacle from some of the groups going through there. It was a bottleneck effect. It was a smart move to make based on the demand for the product and how we wanted to expand it further than the area it was in.”

LOOKING AHEAD Around back, Martinez uses a flashlight to navigate the cast members’ dressing room. The floor is splattered with costume blood and masks line the wall. It’s a big upgrade for the crew, said Martinez, who recalls how the cast struggled to fit into a small changing area in the Rio Hotel.

Up front, a cast member yells to the waiting crowd, “Make some noise!”

A chorus of screams follows the rallying cry almost immediately after a group of patrons enter the first house.

“It’s getting full throttle,” Martinez said. “It’s getting started.”

One of Martinez’s priorities is to keep the show fresh, and to do this, the crew makes adjustments to the layout of the two haunted houses that now make up Scream Factor X. The first is an Amityville-esque wooden structure that has all the elements of a dimly-lit classic haunt, while the aluminum-sided slaughter house to the right is home to a toxic waste twisted funhouse of zombies and clowns. “ W e ’ v e watched every possible horror movie and we’ve visited other attractions

off-season throughout the United States,” Martinez said. “The first year we had Jason, we had Freddy Krueger, and that started getting cliché, so we started getting more original and bringing in our own characters.”

Martinez and a staff of six full-time crew members are responsible for the planning and construction of Scream Factor X every year. They take on everything from building sets and designing scenes to creating costumes and makeup for each character.

“There’s so much work behind the scenes,” he said. “It’s like a play. We put on a play every night, so there have been times where we need to spend the night because there’s so much work involved.”

Making sure the haunted houses are structurally safe is just as important to Martinez as any other part of the process.

He sited last year’s fire at Rotting Flesh Factory, an article in The Monitor stating that it was blamed on an electrical problem, as an example of why he is stringent when it comes to meeting city safety regulations. The blaze destroyed the Harlingen haunted house, but it was not open to the public at the time it burned down.

“It put a sour taste in everyone’s mouth as far as haunted houses, so we’ve been delivering over and beyond so that we can get that reputation back,” said Martinez.

The effort put into the show seems to be doing its job if the reaction of terrified patrons is anything to make judgments by.

“People walk out who have peed in their pants, vomited, asthma attacks all the time, claustrophobia attacks all the time,” Martinez said, adding that staffers have a code word that lets them know when someone needs to be taken outside. “It’s not unusual that we’re pulling someone out of the haunted house that has passed out. We have all these secret doors that we use as employees, get them out to the fresh air. Most of the time you have to get them to what they think is safe, and they pop right back up.”

Haunted house veteran Bonnie Ozuna made her way to the front of the line at the first haunted house with her husband and a group of friends. They seemed to get nervous before the structure was in sight, phrases like “You go first,” and “Be a man,” tossed

back and forth between them.

Ozuna and her husband are horror movie buffs as well as haunted house enthusiasts, having visited ghoulish attractions across Texas.

“You come here, and it’s kind of like the scary movie comes to life for a few minutes. This one is really good,” the 37-year-old San Juan native said.

“While I was in there I was actually trying to figure out how much time it takes to set this up. Even though it’s very dark, you can tell that it’s been done so that if you do actually get a glimpse of something that it’s all done up right.”

Things got intense for 16-year-old Rochelle Condes of McAllen, who accidentally rammed a friend into a wall after being startled by one of the characters.

“As much as it’s terrifying to be scared, you love it because of the adrenaline rush,” she said.

OUT FOR BLOOD At the front entrance, Scream Factor X event planner Mark Fantich outfits bracelets on people waiting to join Condes and Ozuna at the houses of horrors.

“Look at the line,” he said. “Thousands and thousands of people line up just to pay to get scared. Isn’t that bizarre?”

Forking over cash isn’t the only way to get in. Giving blood at the United Blood Services bus a few feet away from the entrance is good for two general admission bracelets.

“If you think about it, it’s a perfect match,” he said of the four-year partnership.

It was the spirit and dedication of his friends that Fantich said led him to be involved with Scream Factor X for the past five years.

“We’re not doing this because it’s a money maker. We’re doing it because it’s fun,” he said. “We’re impacting the lives of all these cool people who come in by giving them something to do, and as a bonus to all of that, we get a little treasure in Heaven because we’re helping out United Blood Services.”

For Martinez, inviting the blood bank to collect donations is a way of giving back for the success of Scream Factor X. “When we’re blessed with as many people as we have because we have such a great attraction, one of the things we do is give to receive,” he said “Don’t forget initially it was a hobby, so our hearts are in it.

It’s something that we would do even if we weren’t making money.”

October 28, 2009

THE PAN AMERICAN

Page 11

Local yerberia offers insight into cultural mysticism

By Veronica Gonzalez vdgonzalezz@gmail.com It was a slow Monday for Yerberia La Gloria, as heavy rain continued to flood 17th Street in McAllen. Irma Cavasos (she chose to withhold her real name), waited patiently in the small, crowded back room. Boxes with saint’s names labeled on them were stacked on top of each other, while prayer candles lined the wall.

Cavasos sat behind a small purple velvet-covered table as she stared out into the storefront. Statues of La Muerte icily gazed from their place on the shelf along the ceiling, while the smell of herbs, or “yerbas” and incense filled the room. Sprays to ward off envy and negative energy were stashed on a shelf by the door, along with more candles.

A customer casually walked in asking about dragon’s blood.

No, not the winged lizard you’re thinking of. The plant, which has been used by indigenous tribes throughout Peru and Ecuador since the 1600s, is typically used for healing and treating intestinal problems.

This isn’t your mama’s supplement nutrition store. Cavasos, whose 24-yearold daughter started the business four years ago, has seen many people of all types come in search of remedies for whatever ails them.

“In our culture, since the times of our ancestors, herbs have been used as medicine. It’s the belief in being healed,” Cavasos said in Spanish. “The culture has been around since pre-Hispanic times. It’s not necessarily from Mexico, but from many places. These are beliefs from Mexico as well.”

Hispanic culture and beliefs still carry a heavy influence from the Aztecs, Mayans and Incans.

The Spanish may have brought Catholicism onto the continent, but vestiges of the pre-Hispanic Indian world have stayed and continued to mix and evolve.

Yerberia stores have become a source for the mixed cultural beliefs and traditions of old that continue to be passed down from parents to children.

“I come from a family rooted in the Yerberia traditions in Mexico. My parents were traders, but apart from that, I’ve always loved to read and learn about it,” Cavasos reminisced. “If I can help someone with a reading or herb or whatever, I will.”

Many people come in looking for remedies for joint ailments, colic, sleep problems, or even herbs to help encourage pregnancy. Riñosan is popular among Cavasos clientele for kidney health.

Among the many such stores that line 17th Street, each has its own clientele, Cavasos explained. They may not come every day, but word of mouth continues to bring people in. They come when they need to.

“Instead of going to the doctor— because you know how doctors charge— whatever ails them can be taken care of by a remedy,” the Mexican native said.

The mysticism behind the array of beliefs found in a Yerberia is as diverse as the amount of stores found along the border and in Hispanic-influenced communities. The stores carry similar object, but each one caters to a more specific area than others.

“It all depends on the type of person.

There are some people who like to go to only a few. Some visit them all,” Cavasos said. “But the herbs are what sell the most.”

There is a dark side to the mix of beliefs, but it’s not just about the dark side, Cavasos explained.

DEATHLY WORSHIP Saint Jude, Saint Martin Caballero and the infamous Virgin of Guadalupe have suddenly found themselves fighting for the popular number-one sale spot. But, within the past decade, La Muerte has become the winner among inhabitants along the border.

“It’s a belief that has come in from the interior of Mexico, and now it’s here in the Valley. It’s the most popular saint that is sold now,” Cavasos said. “I heard that those who were close to the saint were those involved in drugs or things like that. I don’t get involved or pray to La Muerte but I respect all the beliefs.”

Santa Muerte, goes by many names.

“El angel de obscuridad” (Angel of Darkness), “Señora de las Sombras (Lady of the Shadows), Señora Blanca (White Lady), Señora Negra (Black Lady), Niña Santa (Holy Girl) and La Flaca (The Skinny One).

The saint-like figure worship comes from a hybrid of pre-Hispanic Meso-american and Catholic beliefs. Death has always maintained an important role in Mexican culture. It even has it’s own holiday. “Dia de los Muertos” remains a serious celebration every year from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2.

The skeletal figure is typically clad in a long robe and carries a scythe and globe, but the image tends to vary depending on the person and their

Isaac Garcia/The Pan American

BEWITCHED- Yerberia La Gloria, open for four years in McAllen, serves patrons of all beliefs, offering alternative medicines and potions. petitions. Much of the worship is done within the privacy of one’s home, due to the fact that the practice is condemned by the Catholic Church in Mexico.

“I am Catholic and I believe strongly in the power of the saints…but at some Yerberias you won’t find religious saints,” Cavasos noted. “You’ll find satanic images and things like that.

But I am a mother and a grandmother.

I don’t want to get involved with negative things.

“There’s not just good and bad things in the Mexican culture. It’s in every culture. We know that if the good exists, the bad will exist as well,” Cavasos said.

“It’s just like those who petition for good things, there are also those who want to petition for bad things.”

FUTURE PLANS The economic state seems to not have had much effect on Yerberia La Gloria. Cavasos continues her study of herb remedies plus tarot card and palm readings, in hopes of continuing to help as many people as she can. Her daughter Gloria Gonzalez, who was away in Dallas with her husband, hopes to expand the business up north.

“As long as there’s a need, people will come,” Cavasos said.

Library has muerte events Renaissance Hotel in McAllen hosts tales of paranormal activity

By Victor Ituarte victorituarte@gmail.com

The Special Collections Office at The University of Texas-Pan American library will host a celebration for Day of the Dead (or “Dia de los Muertos”), a Mexican holiday that occurs on Nov. 1 and 2. “Pan de muerto” (bread of the dead), hot chocolate, displays, and videos will be a part of the festivities in Room 112.

George Gause, Special Collections librarian, has offered some sort of attraction for the holiday for at least 10 years.

“I probably started off making Day of the Dead altar for maybe one or two years, but then the students pretty much got turned on by it,” Gause said. “Now they pretty much do it on their own. I don’t really critique what they do. It is their altar.”

Altars are built in remembrance of loved ones that have passed. Items such as photographs, trinkets, and candles are placed on them. Families and friends sometimes opt to pray around the altar and exchange experiences about the deceased.

“Pan de muerto” is traditionally made to eat at the loved one’s gravesite along with other “ofrendas,” or “offerings,” which may include some of the departed’s favorite foods.

An art exhibit is also set up in the area behind the elevators on the first floor.

Senior Beatriz Guzman from Reynosa has numerous works on display with a theme of death. Gause and his wife

Virginia Gause first approached Guzman at a McAllen ArtWalk where she had work on display with Artists Unanimous, a student organization at UTPA. “They asked me if I wanted to have my own show at the library,” said the 22-year-old art and English double major who completed some of the work through classes. “Two of them I’ve had since last year. The four big ones I did during the mini-term. Five of the paintings I did during spring. All the rest I did during time that I had.”

A majority of the work depicts death in the form of skeletons involved in normal, day-to-day things like getting a haircut or playing ball.

“I wanted to create something that was, not new for Dia de los Muertos, but experiences I’ve had in my life,” she said. “I wanted to get the meaning of Dia de los Muertos. (The spirits of the deceased) come down that day and they get to do whatever they want to do, so I started thinking about what I would like to do. That’s why I portrayed things here in the Valley like ‘la feria’ (the fair) and Mexican cemeteries.”

Guzman spoke excitedly about feedback she has received.

“Virginia Gause wrote me an e-mail from one of the political science professors. I had no idea that they would go and see,” Guzman said. “They were impressed with what I was doing and they thought it was important for other students to see it.”

The exhibit’s final day of display is Monday, which coincides with the Day of the Dead.

By Andrielle Figueroa j27ig@yahoo.com

Frank Guerra, 22, is currently a computer science major at South Texas College who has been working at the Renaissance since As All Hallows’ Eve descends into 2004. In time he has worked at the hotel the Valley, stories of paranormal run- Guerra explains he has never encountered ins suddenly pop up out of hibernation. spirits, but he has definitely heard many Everyone has a tale of a ghoulish stories from other people. experience and it is never said the same “I’ve heard that there is an old way twice. The Valley is home to many lady who walks in the basement, colegends, such as The Big Bird and La workers have seen her,” Guerra stated Llorona. In McAllen there’s a place “There are also two other ladies who where not many people would look to walk around dressed in all black, with find ghosts and creepy happenings. But black veils.” they’re there.

The women who The Renaissance supposedly roam Sometimes when you walk Casa De Palmas around the hotel are Hotel, located on on the third floor you can feel not the only things 101 N. Main St., workers are afraid was originally built someone standing behind you, of. There are twin in 1918. In 2000 it towers at the top of was revamped and especially if you are alone. the hotel that were modernized. once used as suites, The hotel has but now serve a a Spanish-style decorative purpose.

Roy Gallegos look, with three Guerra related an floors that surround Front desk clerk evening when a a swimming pool stranger outside giving the place a cozy, romantic feel. called the McAllen Police Department to With dangling lights and lots of plant check on an eerie woman lurking in one life, supernatural activity would be the of the towers. last thing on anyone’s mind if they were “The officers went upstairs with their staying in this hotel. guns and flashlights, and as soon as But throughout the years stories have they went in the worker who opened the accumulated from guests and staff about door for them would not go in,” Guerra how unexplained occurrences seem to be explained. “As soon as they went in, the the theme in the homey hotel. door slammed shut, and they were stuck

“

”

in there for a while.”

After battling with the door for some time, the officers were able to get out.

Front desk clerk Roy Gallegos has also missed out on the ghost occurrences.

The closest he’s gotten to the supernatural is with hotel phones that have a mind of their own.

“I have heard the speaker phone goes off by itself while people are away from the phone,” Gallegos said. “You have to press a button down and then you can hear the dial tone.”

Many of these things can be explained by the age of the hotel, or maybe coworkers having a laugh, even overly paranoid customers. Gallegos believes that although he hasn’t experienced anything, the legends may not be fictitious.

“The stories are probably along a whole different line because things get added on, but it can be real,” Gallegos said.

Gallegos concludes that the ghosts have in no way affected the amount of customers the popular Renaissance has, including the stays on the third floor which has proven to have the most paranormal activity. Many workers would rather not roam around alone, but it is a part of Guerra’s job.

“Sometimes when you walk on the third floor you can feel someone standing behind you, especially if you are alone,” Guerra stated. “I’ve never heard anything or seen anything, and I don’t want to.”

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ARTS AND LIFE

October 28, 2009

October 28, 2009

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Page 13

Date to Know:

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SPORTSCOMMENTARY

The argument for a UTPA soccer squad

By Alvaro Balderas Alvaro_tx@msn.com Sports in the Rio Grande Valley have always been a staple in the community and have produced a talented crop of athletes capable of competing on the collegiate level. Yet the University of TexasPan American sports program doesn’t recruit enough homegrown talent. It is not as if UTPA is an elite sports school like USC or The University of Texas, who have the luxury of recruiting the finest athletes in the country. UTPA can afford to take chances on local talent, especially with a sport like soccer.

Futbol may not be a top-four sport in the United States but this is South Texas and the population is largely Hispanic or Mexican American, making this region rich in soccer talent. Last year the Hidalgo High School Pirates won the Class4A soccer state championship, adding to the two other Valley soccer state championships, by Brownsville Lopez (2004) and Brownsville Porter (2005). With few opportunities in sight, Valley soccer players either showcase their talent at upstate universities or decide to go pro, as was the case with current Hidalgo senior Jesus Mireles, who surrendered his amateur status by signing with United Soccer League’s RGV Bravos FC last season. By doing so, Mireles is ineligible to play any high school or college soccer.

The ratio of outside to Valley recruits at UTPA is 3-to-1 and the majority of those natives are in cross country and track and field, which rarely have home meets.

Basketball, baseball, volleyball and tennis at least have the advantage of playing on campus, giving students and the community a chance to see sports played at the next level.

UTPA currently has a soccer club; emphasis on club. It is basically an intramural squad made up of students who participate for the love of the game and who have to cover the majority of expenses (travel, lodging, food).

The campus has a large population of soccer aficionados as seen throughout campus. The university has a stadium, fan base and a potential increase in enrollment. What is the problem?

Title IX compliance? Women’s soccer at least would be an interesting start. The women have five Great West Conference schools with programs plus nine affiliates. The men only have two in the conference plus five affiliates. Affiliates are universities that can participate in the Great West Conference as guests.

Last year the Bronc baseball team had an abysmal 14-41 record while the basketball squad also shared a losing season, going 10-17. Soccer would be a nice place to add a sport and have chance at winning games with local talent.

Cross Country

Golf

Great West Conference Championship Oct. 31 Bronx, NY

UTPA Golf Classic Nov. 2 Edinburg October 28, 2009

SPORTS

Golf set for UTPA Classic at home course

By Benny Salinas Bsalinas.@broncs.utpa.edu For the first time in four years, The University of Texas-Pan American will be hosting its own golf tournament: The Pan American Classic, at Los Lagos Golf Course in Edinburg Nov. 2. Chicago State, Houston Baptist, North Dakota, and SMU will travel to the Valley to join the Broncs for the first home tournament the team has seen under golf director Ofelia Lopez.

After a Sunday practice for all participating teams and individuals, play will take place over the next two days, ending Nov. 3. Both the men’s and women’s teams are preparing hard for this tournament, hoping to make a good showing on their home turf.

“Right now we’re playing a very mental game. Every person on the team is practicing individually, asking themselves ‘What do I need to work on?’” Lopez said. “We’re trying to see the course from a different perspective than we normally do because we do play here often.”

Men’s coach Santiago De Larrea, a former professional golfer who has competed in 120 tournaments in multiple countries, is especially aware of the mental aspect of the game and how it affects play.

“It’s important that we go in with the right attitude. We’re a good team but we need to be patient,” De Larrea said. “We need to understand that things don’t always work out as well as you’d like them to, but also that you need to play with the same intensity. We can’t relax just because we’re at home.”

Though the team acknowledges the need for consistent performance against high level competition, members are also

aware of a distinct advantage.

“I’m not going to lie. We do have a pretty good advantage,” Lopez admitted. “Not only do we know the course well, we’re also used to the wind and weather down here and the way they affect our game.”

Weather conditions have played considerable roles in many of the tournaments the Broncs have played this season. The final round of the Lady Red Wolf Classic in Arkansas played by the Lady Broncs Oct.13 was cancelled due to rain; the team finished ninth. In Huntsville on the same day, the men’s team finished fifth after heavy rain reduced the tournament to two rounds at the Elkins Lake Fall Men’s Golf Classic.

Rain also shortened Monday’s day of golf for the men’s team at the Husky Invitational hosted by Houston Baptist. Only seven holes into Monday’s round of golf, play had to be cancelled, shortening what should have been 54 holes to only 36.

The Broncs finished the tournament on Tuesday, tying for a sixth place finish.

The team was led by Brandon Reyna, who scored 2-over-par146, and Kevin Kirakossian, scoring 3-over-par 147, tying for sixth and ninth respectively. Kirakossian’s older brother, Senior Armen Kirakossian, placed 16 with a 4-over-par 148. As a team the Broncs posted a team total of 602, tying with Centenary College for sixth place.

Despite the uncontrollable factors that have become a theme in Bronc golf, the team remains optimistic about its performance and individual abilities. And the director agrees.

“It really comes down to how bad you want it. I really believe in my team,” Lopez said. “I’ve always believed that ‘Why show up if you don’t think you have a chance?’

So yeah, I think we’ll win in Edinburg.”

Daniel Flores/The Pan American

AT HOME - High Wongchindawest prepares for the UTPA Classic. The tournament will take place Nov. 2 at Los Lagos Golf Course.

Broncs to defend conference title at GWC Championship

By Sara Hernandez Sarahdzm@hotmail.com It will be a big weekend for the cross country teams. Saturday, the Broncs will defend the conference title earned last year when the University of Texas-Pan American men and women’s cross country programs compete at the Great West Conference Championship in Bronx, N.Y. In August, the men’s team was ranked second in the pre-season conference poll. After the loss of J.J. Hernandez and Luis Nava, last year’s seniors who led the Broncs to the 2008 GWC Championship, the team has been going through an adaptation period in Dave Hartman’s first campaign as head coach; now it’s ready to defend the title.

“We’re not coming in as favorites, but they have a lot of pride and are not going to go up there to give away the title,” Hartman said. “They’re excited because even though the season hasn’t been as smooth, this is when it all counts, it doesn’t matter what you’ve done all year.”

After the Texas A&M Invitational was cancelled due to bad weather in College Station, the Broncs placed fifth in the Brazos Valley Open, seventh in the Islander Splash hosted by TAMUCC, and third in

the HBU/Puma Invitational in Houston. nounced as men and women’s track and Junior Angel Ramirez said that de- field and cross country head coach in Febspite the rough beginning due to the ruary. “I think Chumba has an opportunity team’s adjustment to the different style to potentially win or be in the top five.” of training Hartman brought, the group’s Freshman Judith Chumba said that focus is on succeeding in the last stretch the team is prepared now that Diana of the season.

Galloso, this year’s sole returner for the “Conference and Regionals are the Lady Broncs, is back after having her goals, the season is coming to its climax tonsils removed Oct. 8, and that the team and I’m expecting has been focusing great things,” he said. They’re excited because even on gaining speed “We’re excited, we’re for the big day. confident that we can though the season hasn’t been “I am excited reaffirm our title; and nervous bego out there to keep smooth, this is when it all cause I know it’s what’s ours…all the going to be a big little things come into counts, it doesn’t matter what race,” Chumba said. place and no one can “Something to be you’ve done all year. stop us right there in excited is the fact New York.” that we’re going to The women, who New York, but at the finished fifth in the Dave Hartman same time we know Brazos Valley Open, Cross country head coach we’re going to meet seventh in the Islander big schools where Splash, and third in the HBU/Puma Invi- they have some good athletes, so I know tational this season, placed third in the it’s going to be hard.”

GWC Championship last year and were Besides it being the most important ranked fourth in pre-season polls. meet of the season, the Broncs and Lady “They’re looking forward to it as an op- Broncs have been waiting for this weekportunity to be in the top three if they have end because it will also be the first time a good race,” said Hartman, who was an- for many members to visit the Big Apple.

“

”

“It’s so thrilling; wow, I’ve never been to New York,” said Chumba, a Kenya native who first came to the United States in August to be part of the UTPA cross country team.

Ramirez mentioned that the weather conditions will also add an extra complication to the race, but that the teams are prepared for the different situations this may bring. Weather forecasts predict a Saturday temperature of between 55 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit with scattered showers in Bronx, NY. “I’ve never been there before,” he said.

“It’s going to be a different atmosphere because you never know with the weather.”

Although Hartman mentioned that the group is going to visit a few tourist sites like Times Square, and attend events such as the New York City Marathon (that will take place Sunday morning) along with the festive environment that the city will experience on Halloween weekend, he clarified that this will only be after their main objective is taken care of.

“That trip is going to be a phenomenal opportunity to travel outside the state of Texas,” Hartman said. “My job is to make sure that we’re going to stay focused and do everything we can to defend the Great West Conference title.”

October 28, 2009

SPORTS

Page 15

An untold history: the UTPA tennis team through the decades

By Sarah Burton Burton_sarah87@hotmail.com “Toss the ball up, racket facing contact point – you’re off and racing. Got it in the left-hand court, easy now, it’s backhand sport! Doubles, singles, nylon, gut, metal, wood – I am learning, but all the rules, my mind is hazy – to chase a tennis ball, I am crazy!”

“Ode to Tennis,” by Shirley Meckler, former UTPA student.

Tennis has developed much over the years, as it began at monastery courtyards in southern France, to the stadium court of the U.S Open. The sport has endured good times and some bad, just like the university program.

BOOM YEARS Crowds were drawn to the courts back in the day when professionals like Pancho Gonzales and Jack Kramer took the court, just like the crowds were drawn to Pan Am tennisin its “boom years,” said Robert Hubbard, former Pan American player from 1974 to 1978 and coach from 2005 to 2008.

“When I played, all of our home matches were filled to capacity with spectators. The fact that we were also one of the top teams in the nation at the time too didn’t hurt us,” Hubbard said.

“Without a doubt collegiate tennis was more popular when I played at Pan Am than when I returned to coach.”

In recent years, the program has not seen season records like it had in the late ‘50s and ‘60s.

‘ADVANTAGE TENNIS’ The PAC (Pan American College) men’s tennis program began in 1953 under the coaching of Mary Lee Rabke, who led the team to three winning seasons until Harry Meng took over. Meng would have his name splashed throughout every media guide the program produced back then, as well as in newspapers upstate.

The Monitor, San Antonio Express, St. Petersburg Times, The Times newspaper in Maryland, The Daily Review in Edinburg and the World Tennis magazine all boasted about the flourishing Bronc tennis program. Meng made a huge mark in tennis as he led the team to three NAIA Championships, the school’s first titles in the sport.

He wrote a book, “Advantage Tennis Anyone?” in 1976; in it he explains everything one needs to know about tennis from the beginning of a tennis career to the end. His knowledge about the sport was a mile wide and a mile deep. He knew the ins and outs and ups and downs of the sport and his expertise helped his team to thrive, as Meng contributed to the success and development of a number of state and nationally ranked players.

He had trained at the University of Miami under famous tennis coach Mercer Beasley. Meng then went on to compete in The U.S pro tennis circuit in 1946, 1947 and 1949.

“Meng was considered by many to be the top tennis coach in South Texas as his tennis team has emerged with the NAIA Championships the past three seasons in 1961, 1962 and 1963,” said James A. Brooks, former director of athletics at Pan American, in a media guide from the 1970s.

BACK IN THE DAY Meng headed the program from 1957 to 1963, piloting his players to seven winning records in a row. The program dominated not only Texas tennis, but also pro-

grams throughout the United States with records such as 11-1, 12-4 and 10-3.

Heading into the 1959 spring season Meng said in a Monitor article, “this year’s crop of tennis hopefuls is one of the best in a long time…we will be a powerhouse this season.”

In 1959 and 1960 the team would finish second at the NAIA tournament and by the end of Meng’s coaching career in 1963, the team had won three national singles titles, by John Sharpe (1961), Don Russell (1962) and Ken Lang (1963). The team also dominated the national doubles play by winning five championships under his coaching.

But what kick-started the program and brought it alive to local audiences was the 1959 Orange Bowl tournament.

Edinburg tennis fans anxiously watched the championship match of the biggest national tournament, held in Miami.

PAC netters Sharpe and Russell were the number-one seeded doubles pair from Down Under and ended up on top after they dominated their match 6-2, 6-4 (Sharpe also won the singles title at the Orange Bowl that year).

“I think it is a really big accomplishment…This boy Sharpe beat yesterday (Harry Hoffman of Presbyterian College) is, I think Harry (Meng) told me, ranked 18th in the nation. I’m really proud of them and I think there is more to come,” Brooks said in the papers.

THE DUO FROM DOWN UNDER Through the years, the university has had over 20 Australian players, some leaving their mark on a positive note and others not so much. Sharpe (1959-1962) and Russell (1959-1962) made a name for themselves throughout the United States after they arrived from Melbourne in 1959.

The Australian tandem recorded national doubles wins in 1959, 1960 and 1961 at the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) tournament. Sharpe captured the NAIA singles championship in 1961 to advance his ranking to 36th in the nation. The Australian star, ranked 19th in singles by the United States Lawn Tennis Association, had a win over Whitney Reed, then the number-one player in the United States.

Russell, on the other hand, had the strongest net attack on the PAC squad and a very powerful first serve. The latter he used strategically to get himself to the net where his stop volley would usually finish the point. Russell later took over the tennis program at PAC as head coach from 1965 to 1967 to continue the team’s winning streak and outstanding home court reputation. Russell was just as successful a coach as he was being a player, as his team had back to back 11-7 marks in 1965 and 1966 and a 10-9 record in 1967.

HOMECOURT ADVANTAGE Something must be said when a team strings together 33 conference wins in a row on their home turf. Between 1959 and 1960 that was what the PAC tennis program accomplished, and one of those conference wins will forever be etched in the history of the team.

“Lamar Tech will attempt to set a major milestone against the Broncs Tuesday when the Cardinal netters try to post their 50th consecutive match victory against the Rio Grande Valley college,” stated a Monitor article in 1960.

After eight years of playing Lamar Tech in 50 dual matches, losing every match, Pan American finally put the guys from Beaumont 4-3 to shame at Orville I.

Cox Stadium in Edinburg. That win was the greatest accomplishment the team has witnessed to this very day and since then, the Broncs’ biggest rival remains Lamar.

Not until April 2009 would the men’s program again feel what it was like to beat Lamar, as the current tennis team handed the Cardinals a 4-3 loss on Pan Am’s home courts of the Orville I. Cox Stadium. This stadium has been the site for many generations of Bronc tennis players and holds several grand memories.

ORVILLE I. COX STADIUM Orville I. Cox of McAllen is known as the “father of tennis at Pan American College.” The $75, 000 Cox Tennis Stadium located on campus was named in honor of Cox, an attorney and former president of the college’s Board of Regents. It was built in 1958 to seat 1,000 fans to view tennis at its best being played across the six-court stadium.

This stadium was the center of the activities for the 11th annual National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics tournament in February 1964. The Broncs had won the tournament the prior three seasons and took the title again at home for 1964.

“Having these special courts at our constant disposal will certainly enhance the enjoyment of outdoor play for both our players and spectators,” said Bronc Coach Dennis Conner (1969-1975) at the time. “At least one annual professional tournament will become a part of our overall tennis program at Pan Am.” ‘LOVE SET’ Having Cox Stadium did enhance the enjoyment for both players and spectators, but what really got the audience and school behind the team were the umpires.

“There will be a new look for Bronc tennis opponents – as well as fans – in Edinburg during 1973. Alert and attractive female umpires will be in charge of calling out the score for each individual match,” wrote Jim McKone, PAU sports information director, in the 1973 team media guide.

The duty of this group of 11 Pan-Am co-eds was to offer their enthusiastic and attractive services as umpires to support the nationally ranked team. In addition, , the girls would also be official hostesses during the 20th Annual PAU Intercollegiate Invitational Tennis Tournament.

By 1975 the group of exquisite and charming umpires and hostesses decided to have a name for themselves and the group became “Love Set,” adding class and glamour to the PAU tennis program.

“We loved our duties on court,” said Jane Cross, current lecturer at the university and former “Love Set” member. “We loved being around the men’s tennis team as they were the hunks on campus…I guess the girls and I were sort of groupies.

I actually asked your coach Robert Hubbard out once, but he turned me down and said he was seeing someone else.”

The girls also helped advertise the NCAA National Championship tournament that PAU hosted at the H.E.B. Tennis Center in Corpus Christi in June 1975.

PRESENT-DAY WOES To this day the peak of the universities tennis program was from the late 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s, but there is no one reason why the program cannot reach that level of success again.

“The tennis team received a ton of press and media coverage when I played.

We had a lot of ‘bragging rights’ back then,” said Hubbard, who believes that

Athletic Department

ONE TO REMEMBER - The 1959 Broncs were stars of the tennis world as they received national recognition. changes have to be made. “I don’t believe the university has a strong commitment or understanding of what a commitment to athletics would entail. As a result, they have a weak athletic administration which continues this domino effect of lack of commitment to the teams.”

He left the university at the end of the fall 2008 season and accepted a head coaching position at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County.

Until earlier this month, when new coach Chris Taylor was hired, the program remained without a coach and has not had stability in the position since Hubbard left.

Members of the team wonder why it has taken so long to hire a new coach.

“As a player, when you feel like no one is supporting you, it is very hard to fight on court for an institution that lacks interest in the program,” said Brett Bernstein, a current Bronc tennis player. “A team needs to be rewarded and recognized when they have an enormous win, and in the past three years, the team has had several big victories against Lamar University and Texas A&M University Corpus Christi…But there was little to no recognition and this can take the wind out of a program’s sails.”

Athletic Department

THE NEW LOOK - It was decided in 1973 that UTPA would use female umpires to call home matches.

Page 16

October 28, 2009

SPORTS

UTPA: BETTER, FASTER, STRONGER pass, just doing what we came here to do and

By Kevin Stich play ball. The way we play is different, we’re K.stich@gmail.com faster – way faster.”

Tuesday morning and the University of TexBoth Grigsby and Esther Jean said they were as-Pan American Field House is all business. hungry to get the season underway and looking New head coach Denny Downing and the Lady forward to rivalry match-ups against Chicago Broncs basketball squad are earnestly preparing State and New Jersey Tech. The girls will also for their Oct. 29 home exhibition game versus have some tough non-conference games on their Texas A&M-Kingsville. schedule as well, including Big 12 foe Baylor “Hold up, hold up!” Downing orders with an (Dec. 30), which finished last season ranked air of frustration, pulling his hands to his face as sixth in the nation (ESPN/USA Today poll). he does a once over, pulling taut the skin under The Lady Broncs will also face Missouri and his eyes. “Give me ten; I’ll hold the ball.”

Oklahoma State, Dec. 10 and Jan. 2 respectiveA player ducks to the ground and puts out the ly. Downing said that he likes to schedule big 10 pushups. Physically, most of the girls tower over games like that to let people know one thing – the new coach, but he conducts himself so that he he’s serious about being a big-time program. garners nothing but their respect --and it shows.

“In the future we want those people on our “We have to be realistic that there is a tran- schedule because I think it helps recruiting,” he sition period any time there’s a new coaching said. “Playing three Big 12 teams, I think that’s staff and a new system in place,” Downing said. one of the things we’ve got to do, is create an “We’re implementing things slowly. Right now atmosphere that we’re trying to compete on a their mindset, they’ve really bought into what very high level. we’re trying to do, and I couldn’t be happier “From a coaching standpoint, some people may with the leadership our seniors have shown.” see it as, ‘Why are you doing that? You just got The practice has its ups and downs; a few times here, why don’t you get some easy games, some assistant coach Britney Jordan high-steps with that easy wins?’ But I can already tell you, we’re selling “Oh baby, that’s what I’m talkin’ about” look on her the opportunity to our recruits of who we’re going face. Oh, and for the record, Jordan is a former Los to try to play. I think that really changes the mindset Angeles Sparks player – that’s WNBA, folks. of who we are and what we want to do.”

But a lot of the practice consists of Downing The chemistry between players has remained stopping to explain how it should be done. Two strong, despite some issues that plagued the prosenior leaders to watch this season will be guard gram during the offseason, including the pubRose Esther Jean and forward Aleeya Grigsby. lic drama between then interim athletic direc“So far I think we’re looking good,” Esther tor Ricky Vaughn and former guard Epiphany Jean said after the practice. “I think if we run Smith and coach Craft; both Smith and Craft the floor and rebound, we have a good chance have since left the program. at having a great Despite that, season…

The the team feels good strengths are about what it’s doing. speed, three-point “I have a good shooting and I feeling about this think everyone because we enjoy has a quick first practice, everystep, and I think body works hard,” that’s going to be said Esther Jean. an advantage.”

“There’s never a day The girls have where you gotta be some stout tallike, ‘What are you ent, and have a doing? Come on chance to shed you need to get on that heavy burden board.’ We just reof not having a ally get along well.” winning season in Downing’s cathe program’s hisreer at Texas A&Mtory. After going Commerce was stel14-16 under forlar, as he became the mer coach DeAnn program’s all-time Craft during the “winningest” coach.

2008-2009 camThe new head coach paign, the girls and company look to have will nine reachieve similar sucturning letterwincess at UTPA, startners to help extining with a win against guish that title.

TAMU-Kingsville.

So what’s it goThe women will look ing to take to get gain momentum over the hurdle?

Alma Hernandez/The Pan American early and maintain “Playing the it to the Great West game,” Grigsby FULL-COURT PRESS - Aleeya Grigsby goes Conference Tournasaid. “Not over- for a lay-up during practice Monday. The women ment in Orem, Utah, thinking every face TAMU-Kingsville Oct. 29 at home. in mid March.

LADY BRONCS 2009-2009 SCHEDULE Oct. 29 Nov. 13 Nov. 18 Nov. 22 Nov. 25

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

Oral Roberts Tulsa, Okla.

7:05 p.m.

Texas Southern UTPA Field House 7 p.m.

Long Beach State South Padre Island 2 p.m.

North Texas Denton 7 p.m.

Longwood Tournament Nov. 28 Nov. 29 Dec. 1

Longwood Farmville, Va. Gardner Webb Farmville, Va. Arkansas-Pine Bluff UTPA Field House

2 p.m.

Noon 7 p.m.

Rice Tournament Dec. 4

Rice Houston TBA Houston

Dec. 5 Dec. 10 Dec. 12 Dec. 19 Dec. 30 Jan. 2 Jan. 4 Jan. 6 Jan. 14 Jan. 16 Jan. 28 Jan. 30 Feb. 4 Feb. 6 Feb. 10 Feb. 13 Feb. 20 Feb. 27 March 4 March 6

TBA TBA

Missouri Columbia, Mo. 6:30 p.m.

St. Edward’s UTPA Field House 2 p.m.

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi UTPA Field House 5 p.m.

Baylor Waco 7 p.m.

Oklahoma State Stillwater, Okla.

2 p.m.

Le Tourneau UTPA Field House 7 p.m.

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

NJIT * UTPA Field House 5:45 p.m.

Chicago State * UTPA Field House 2:15 p.m.

North Dakota * UTPA Field House 5:45 p.m.

South Dakota * UTPA Field House 2:15 p.m.

Utah Valley * Orem, Utah 5:30 p.m.

Chicago State * Chicago, Ill. 2 p.m.

Houston Baptist * UTPA Field House 5:45 p.m.

Utah Valley * UTPA Field House 2:15 p.m.

NJIT * Newark, NJ TBA Houston Baptist * Houston 5:35 p.m.

South Dakota * Vermillion, S.D .

6 p.m.

North Dakota * Grand Forks, N.D. 1 p.m.

Great West Conference Tournament March 11 TBA * March 12 TBA * March 13 TBA *

Orem, UT Orem, UT Orem, UT

* denotes conference games

TBA TBA TBA