‘Come Together’ Online
Cover band to perform Beatles tribute
April 11, 2013
Volume 69, No. 24
ONLINE CONTENT
panamericanonline.com
Weekly Updates
Catch up with baseball, golf, tennis and track and field scores
Norman Mailer
Class on Pulitzer Prizewinning author
Lower Numbers
Butterfly migration hits lowest level in 20 years
Honoring Chavez
Annual march for immigration reform
Video Coverage of march
Eduardo Guerra doesn’t feel safe in Reynosa, Mexico, anymore. Mexico’s drug war has turned the 17-year-old high school student’s home into a cartel battleground. And most recently, during Spring Break, there was a large shootout in Reynosa which reportedly killed three civilians, though bystanders claimed they saw trucks full of dead bodies leaving the scene, according to The Monitor. Different sources reporting different data have been a regu-
lar occurrence during the conflict since it became a topic of concern in 2006. In the beginning of 2012, the Mexican attorney general’s office reported a death count of 48,000 since December 2006 and a total of 35,000 in 2010. The numbers haven’t been updated since, but critics argue (specifically, the Milenio, a daily newspaper based in Monterrey) the count is about 60,000 since 2006, not including the missing, or “desaparecidos.” The government never involved itself directly with the
drug cartels until 2006 when Mexican President Felipe Calderón sent 6,500 federal troops to the state of Michoacán to stop the violence, an event known as Operation Michoacán. The operation is considered the starting point of the war between the government and drug cartels. Gary Mounce, a University political science professor who has researched Mexican politics and written about various Mexicanrelated topics for the online newspaper The Rio Grande Guardian, said he believes much of the infor-
mation reported on the Mexican drug war is “chisme,” or gossip. As a result, no source has authentic numbers, except maybe the cartel members themselves, he said. “We depend a lot on broad statistics and no one quite trusts the Mexican statistics,” Mounce said. “They seem to obviously want to tone down the numbers of murders...It’s all guesswork and it’s all chisme and...you can’t go down there and do research safely.”
Mounce refers to the fact that journalists are reportedly being murdered, and disappear completely, in Mexico. Last year, the Mexican government placed the journalist death count at 67, not including 14 who disappeared since the start of Calderón’s presidency in 2006. As a result, most Mexican journalists no longer pursue in-depth research to report factual Mexican drug war information, in order to prevent threats
CONTINUED ON PAGE 3
2
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. We cannot publish anonymous letters or submissions containing hate speech or gratuitous personal attacks. Please send all letters to:
thepanamerican @gmail.com Dear UTPA, It has come to my attention that The Pan American has come under scrutiny over a series of ads placed on the back page of last week’s edition. The ads which promote an adult novelty shop, a bar and a strip club have made some at my alma mater question whether or not the student paper should be funded at all by the University. As a former employee of the paper I have to say that whoever decided it was a good idea to start a petition to defund The Pan American – although they are within their rights to do so – has no idea how important that institution is for students who work there every day. Many graduate from UTPA with a communications degree, however, few go on to actually work in a field that is gradually shrinking across the country. The only reason I have a career in journalism now is because of the hard lessons learned in the newsroom at The Pan American. To suggest a cut in funding to the student paper would not only take away the free voice of the student body, but it would also dash the career aspirations of many. I learned to make hard decisions on production night thanks in great part to people like Dr. Greg Selber and my Co-Editorin-Chief Nadia Tamez-Robledo, but I never had to make the decision of placing an ad for a strip club on our pages. That being said, if I was in the same situation of a down-sized paper with less funding from the University I would have gladly made the same choice the current Editorsin-Chief did. Remember, the paper is a free service offered to students with money earned from selling ad space. If you don’t want to be offended by particular ads then buy an ad your self, or ask UTPA to increase funding so your paper stays “pure.” Sincerely, Reynaldo Leal Photojournalist at the StandardExaminer UTPA class of 2012 P.S.- Grow up.
news
editorial
April 11, 2013
The debate on ethnic studies has reached our doorsteps with a bill by Republican Texas Senator Dan Patrick of Houston. Patrick’s proposed Senate Bill 1128 seeks to prohibit special topics courses like Mexican-American or African-American History from counting towards core curriculum requirements in Texas institutions of higher education. UTPA students may not understand the severity of this issue considering our university already prohibits this option (Que gacho, no?); however, it is common practice in many institutions, including the University of Texas at Austin and South Texas College, to allow students to take courses like the ones described above to satisfy core requirements. The Dan Patricks of the world, however, argue courses like these give too much emphasis to topics that don’t matter, like race and gender. Patrick arrived at this conclusion with the aid of a report by conservative think-tank the National Association of Scholars, which is committed to opposing “liberal bias” and “trends” like multiculturalism and diversity in education. The NAS report claims “all too often courses give strong emphasis to race, class, and gender,” and not enough focus “in subjects of American history such as military, diplomatic, religious, and intellectual history.” When confronted by African-American and Latino groups who fear this policy is another attempt to standardize Anglo-centric perspectives in classrooms, Patrick responded with, “I wish these groups would support my bill for more choice.” Perhaps I’m confused, but how does limiting the courses students may choose give us more choice? Does Patrick believe he must micromanage our courses because we are incapable of deciding what best fits our academic interests? What about intellectual freedom? Patrick claims the historical contributions of all ethnic groups will be included in what he calls “broad and comprehensive” American history courses, but I find it difficult to trust Mr. Patrick. Rubén Garza
Dear Pan American, I am very disappointed with the add on the back page of the Pan-American advertising a strip club. I understand that your intentions were to gain profit from this and that you might say you "operate independently of the UTPA brand," but you have to understand that the name of your newspaper is very similar to that of our university and you have a logo of a bronc on the front page of it. Whatever is advertised on the Pan American will reflect on the school. You have just prostituted the name and prestige of our university for $3,250 dollars. Was it really worth it? The last place I would think someone would advertise sex and alcohol to me would be my university. I hope you know of the strong alcohol addiction that we have in our community and that many psychologists include sex as a potential addiction. Thank you for collaborating in the deterioration of our community, Alan Padilla Officer of two UTPA Organizations
Dear Pan American, It is business and a reality. Stiletto’s Cabaret is an adult entertainment establishment that has survived through the recession and actually been operating since 2000, a decade and counting of success in their business specialty. I , as a female Alumni, do not stress any concern in the “proactive advertising “ done in March. The Pan American represents, The University of Texas Pan American greatly in the community and it’s contributors have won several digital design awards. People may want to see things differently and more liberal. THINK. How do they know it wasn’t an honor to have been the chosen models? Furthermore, I would emphasize that people have a choices in life, in this case one can look at or put the Pan American back down. This is life.
Vol. 69, No. 24
The Pan American
thepanamerican@gmail.com 1201 West University, ARHU 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 665-2541 Fax: (956) 316-7122
Editors-in-Chief:
Karen Antonacci Daniella Diaz
News Editor:
Charles Vale
Sports Editor:
Norma Gonzalez
Arts & Life Editor:
Lea Victoria Juarez
Photography Editor: Adrian Castillo
Design Editor:
Karen Villarreal
Multimedia Editor:
Elizabeth Espinosa
Social Media Editor: Ismael Melendez
Adviser:
Dr. Greg Selber
Administrative Associate:
Anita Reyes
Advertising Manager:
Elva Ramirez
Webmaster:
Jose Villarreal
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.
Next Delivery: April 18 at noon #UTPA
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news from neebo Bookstore signs contract with new owner
By Karen Perez The Pan American Students can expect not only a new bookstore location, but a new owner as well. To ensure students receive the best value, the University issued a new bid March 1 to bookstore operator Neebo Complete College Outfitter, said Leticia Benavides, director of auxiliary services at UTPA. After an eight-year contract with Follett Higher Education Group, Benavides said the timing to re-bid the bookstore contract was right, due to the contract’s expiration March 31, in tandem with the relocation of the bookstore to the Library. “The bookstore industry has changed significantly since we first started the contract in 2005 that the financial considerations offered to the University had been renegotiated,” Benavides explained. Prior to the contract with Follett, the book store selfoperated the bookstore. Although Follett was part of the re-bidding process it failed to win a second contract. “We respect the campuses’ decision and have done our best to ensure a smooth tran-
to open its doors to the UTPA community April 19, when the staff will test its operations. The official opening will take place April 22 with a grand opening to be announced at a later date. The Writing Center, previously located in Library Room 101, was temporarily moved to the Academic Services Building. The current bookstore building, located on the east side of the campus on the corner of 1201 West University Drive and N. Fourth Ave., is expected to receive renovations in preparation for housing a program from the College of Health and Science. The Physician’s Assistant program was originally considered but the final plan remains uncertain, according to Benavides. “We hope that the centralized location in the Library will allow for the campus community to visit the bookstore more often instead of cyclically,” she said. “It also allows for the bookstore to become more integrated with campus life and events.” As announced in an email sent to students, faculty and staff March 27, Neebo is expected to provide a variety of affordable course material options which include the follow-
As with any great partnership, we hoped our relationship would continue. - Bill Boney
Regional Manager, Follett sition for the entire campus community,” said Bill Boney, regional manager for Follett at UTPA. “As with any great partnership, we hoped our relationship would continue.” Boney said the bookstore industry has seen a steady and disturbing decline in sellthrough, which he defines as the amount of materials sold as a percentage of total enrollment within a class department or school. He said the biggest factor is the growing collection of online sources that offer textbook materials. “Students are savvy shoppers and the increase of larger online competitors has given them the opportunity to really explore what’s out there and at what price,” Boney explained. THE MOVE ON CAMPUS Neebo began its transition to Library Room 101 April 10. The bookstore is expected
ing: matched prices on textbooks with other local stores or online websites, all textbooks available for rent, a large selection of digital textbooks and the online buyback program which will allow students to know how much their book is worth in advance. “Neebo understands that different students have different needs-and the more options there are for course materials, the better,” said Amy Turnip, South Texas regional manager for Neebo. “Through our used textbooks, Rent Every Textbook program, and our Best Price Promise, students will have an immediate way to save money.” The new bookstore operator will also be expanding other merchandise areas such as electronics, office supplies, and
Continued on Page 3
April 31, 11, 2013 2013 January
integrate into the campus and serve its students. “UTPA’s modern focus on global education indicates that it puts its students first and continually evolves to meet the changing needs of real-world preparation,” Turnip said. ”That’s the kind of school we want to work with, and we are excited to get started.” STUDENTS RESPOND According to Boney, UTPA students saved approximately $2.2 million through Follett’s rental, used, buyback and digital programs in the past three years. He said he believes Follett was successful in meeting its central goal of maximizing student access to affordable textbook options. However, not all UTPA students were satisfied with the textbook policies at the Follett-owned bookstore. Freshman Mario Castillo said he only bought one textbook, at the beginning of his first semester at UTPA, something the computer science major quickly regretted. “(Textbooks) are way too overpriced. I just don’t buy them at the bookstore,” the Mission native said. “I prefer buying my textbooks on Amazon or getting them used through a friend.” According to CollegeData, an online college advisor, the average cost for books and supplies for the 2012-2013 school year was $1,200 at public colleges. Although biology major Robert Martinez rarely gets his textbooks at the bookstore, opting for “cheaper” ones online, he said he plans on stopping by the new bookstore. “A new bookstore won’t affect me but I’ll still check it out just because it’s new,” he said.
Victoria Flores/The Pan American Construction workers continue renovations to the new Bookstore location in the Library. The new location is scheduled to open April 19 to the UTPA community and will officially open April 22.
drug war continued from 1 and/or reprisals from cartels. However, Angel Saavedra Cisneros, a political science professor who was born and raised in Mexico, said the data from the Mexican government is more credible than people want to believe, only because many people have lost confidence in the government. “This is one of the problems with Mexico; people don’t trust the government...Yes, the numbers might be wrong, but I don’t think it’s deliberate,” he said. “I think it mostly has to do with the difficulty with coming up with accurate numbers from homicides that are directly related to the drug violence. The issue is, who do we trust?” THE WAR The Mexican drug war is the name given to the series of armed conflicts occurring in the country between separate drug cartels fighting for regional power, and against the Mexican government. Mexican drug cartels have been around for decades, but have become more powerful since the end
which used to be a united force but separated in 2007 after Gulf Cartel leader Osiel Cardenas Guillen was arrested. As a result, the Zetas, previously a bodyguard group of the Gulf Cartel, seized the chance to become their own organization and since then have been at war with their former partner. There is also the Tijuana cartel, Beltran Leyva cartel, Sinaloa cartel, Juarez cartel and La Familia Michoacana, according to a report by Congressional Research Service; however, the Rio Grande Valley is most affected by the Gulf Cartel and the Zetas because their territories are just across the border. “The violence has increased in the last six or seven years as the cartels split and the people got greedy,” Mounce said. “It’s a turf fight.” According to an article by globalpost.com, Mexican drug trafficking totals to revenue of $6 billion a year. The United States has the largest market for cocaine, heroin and marijuana, which makes the country the main mar-
added. “How do the drugs get through.... Somebody has to be on the (the other side).” SOLUTION Mounce said he believes the fix is to legalize drugs in the United States. “Until we legalize marijuana and cocaine, tax it and control it, have methadone treatment centers and have more education, then this whole question of violence won’t stop,” Mounce added. However, legalizing anything other than marijuana does not seem likely to happen anytime soon. As of now, 18 states permit the medicinal use of marijuana, and as of last year, two states permit recreational use of the drug - Colorado and Washington. As for cocaine, heroin, crystal methamphetamine and other drugs that are sold illegally in the United States, the political discussion has yet to have open up to using them medicinally or recreationally. Saavedra Cisneros said he believes that the United States couldn’t legalize drugs even if poli-
REPORTED
TOLL DEATH 2006-2012 MEXICAN GOV.
will be placed throughout campus for students’ convenience. Benavides mentioned the possibility of scholarship opportunities through Neebo and the University’s Scholarship Office. Criteria for scholarships will be released in the future. Turnip also said Neebo is in the process of interviewing existing bookstore employees and at the moment is unsure whether there will be more or less employees than before. According to Alex Valdez, UTPA procurement management director, the University sent out a competitive proposal last November through a Request For Proposal process that provides for the license of space for operating the bookstore. Interested vendors that replied to the RFP along with Neebo were Barnes and Noble College, Texas Bookstore College and Follett Higher Education Group, all of whom had until Dec. 7, 2012 to submit a response to UTPA. The evaluation committee, which consisted of groups such as the Student Government Association, Athletics, Center for Online Learning Teaching and Technology, Staff Senate, Faculty Senate, Business Affairs and Academic Affairs, focused on criteria before making a decision. The committee looked at the vendor’s prior experience with other university bookstores and its financial capacity to license, install, stock and operate the bookstore on main campus. “It was a lengthy process but we wanted to make sure the students were taken care of,” Valdez said of the evaluation process. “It was decided that Neebo best met the requirements.” Turnip said she is looking forward to partnering with UTPA and the opportunity to
47,515
MEXICAN NEWS
bookstore continued from Page 2
3
~60,000
operations somehow...they might go more into kidnappings and extortion because that’s how they get money,” Saavedra Cisneros said. “It’s a weird balance and we don’t really know whether there’s a way to solve it.”
LIFE IN MEXICO Guerra said he’s grown accustomed to living within drug violence. “Normally, I just put on my earphones, sit on the bus and dedicate myself to my own things, even though no one really knows when anything is going to happen,” he said in Spanish. “I just like to pretend nothing is happening.” El Paso According to the death count provided by the Mexican Attorney General’s Office, most of the drug war killings have taken place in eight of Mexico’s 31 states, four CHIHUAHUA of which share a border with the United States: Tamaulipas, Nuevo Chihuahua León, Coahuila and Chihuahua. On the home front, UTPA COAHUILA has 930 international students, McAllen and a percentage of them travel Brownsville across the border from Mexico to NUEVO attend classes several times during Saltillo LEON the week. “In Reynosa, I would be very Ciudad cautious. Keep your eyes and ears peeled because you could unexVictoria pectedly be caught in crossfire. TAMAULIPAS Students from there come every day, and professionals do too,” Mounce said. “The main problem in Mexico is on the border, from By Eduardo Gamez/The Pan American Tamaulipas, Nuevo León, Coahuila and Chihuahua are the only Mexican states that border Reynosa to up the (Texas) border. Texas, and are four out of eight states where most of the drug war killings have taken place, (The violence) on the Mexican side, not the U.S. side.” according to the Mexican Attorney General’s Office. As for the rate of death among of Colombia’s Cali and Medellín Mexican journalists, it doesn’t apket for the Mexican drug cartels, ticians wanted to because it is too cartels in the 1990s. pear to be decreasing, according to according to information collected difficult to regulate drugs. Some say the Mexican drug by Visual Economics. “Who’s going to be in charge data collected by the Committee war is partly an effect of the UnitAlso, in June 2008, U.S. Con- of regulating the quality of the to Protect Journalists. The skewed ed States’ War on Drugs, an inigress passed legislation that provid- product, because we know that co- data will most likely not improve tiative coined by President Riched Mexico and Central American caine isn’t always pure,” he asked. until something changes within ard Nixon in 1971. The War on countries $1.6 billion as part of the “In fact, it’s always cut and you the country, Mounce said. Drugs aimed to reduce illegal drug Mounce and Saavedra CisMerida Initiative, a three-year as- don’t know what they’re cutting it consumption in the United States neros agree that they don’t see sistance plan that provided law en- with. So is the government going through educational programs in the problems stopping until the forcement training, equipment and to set the purity of cocaine? I don’t schools and increased jail time for United States and Mexico take a technical advances to strengthen think it’s going to happen.” dealers and users. Mexico’s justice systems. He also said he believes that more proactive approach to stopThe Mexican drug war, howStill, Mounce does not believe if the cartels lose the drug market, ping the violence. ever, is it’s own series of conflicts “It’s all about money and it’s all the United States is doing enough they’ll find other ways to make occurring within the country. on their part to stop the Mexican money, for example, by kidnap- about making more money. And it The direct cause of the Mexidrug war and its violence. ping wealthy people and through won’t stop,” Mounce predicted. can drug war is a power struggle “You would have to say extortion. between cartel groups, specifically that there’s corruption on “If you take away the market, the Zetas and the Gulf Cartel, this (U.S.) side too,” Mounce they have to resort to funding their
Ciudad Juarez
Monterrey
Reynosa
Matamoros San Fernando
Page 4
THE PAN AMERICAN
Meet your
BRONC coaches Page by Norma Gonzalez
The UTPA athletic coaching staff is a vital part of each Bronc team. Athletes would not be able to perform their best without them. Here’s a look into what they think of the Valley, the University and more.
FROM NEWEST TO OLDEST While Head Men’s Golf Coach Josh Fosdick wraps up his first season at UTPA, Women’s Coach Ofelia Lopez is the longest-lasting head coach at the University - completing her seventh season. Any time you’re new to a team and come in right before school begins, there’s a learning curve that has to happen rather quickly. Fortunately for me, the guys on the team have been wonderful and I’ve enjoyed getting to know each of them as the year has progressed. Overall it has been a very good year. I’m excited about the direction of the athletic department and the new university that will be unveiled next year. It should be a fun couple of years watching all that develop.
- Fosdick
The day that I’m not enjoying what I’m doing, or enjoying being here in Edinburg or Pan Am, I’ll leave... but right now I’m still enjoying what I do. Why am I the longestlasting head coach? I don’t know. I’m just thankful for it.
- Lopez
April 11, 2013
ADVERTISEMENT
April 11, 2013
Page 5
SINKING SHIP
Baseball assistant coach’s shaky beginnings Fidel Castro announced April 20, 1980 that Cubans would be allowed to leave the country by boats from Mariel, Cuba. So, 125,000 refugees fled to the United States, and Bronc baseball assistant coach Norberto Lopez was one of them. As they made their trip through the Gulf of Mexico, the boat carrying the 3-yearold Lopez’s sprung a leak and started going under. Occupants jumped out and started swimming, trying to stay afloat. “What I remember is being on top of my dad’s shoulders throwing up because I was seasick and my dad holding me up above water,” Lopez recalled. “Then we got on a raft to finally get out and then the coast guard saved us.” The family decided to come over to the United States to get Norberto Lopez Sr. out of jail.
Castro also allowed prisoners to leave during the Mariel Boatlift. “It kind of broke our family apart because my sisters were communists and they didn’t want to leave because they were communists,” Lopez said. “But my mom wanted us all to go because she wanted her husband out of jail.” Lopez’s father was a CocaCola salesman and, because of his job, would receive extra sodas. At the time, Cuban citizens were on rations; they would only be allowed a certain amount of chicken, rice, etc. The elder Lopez would sometimes trade extra Cokes to provide more food for his family. However, each neighborhood had an informant that would report back to the government. “Somebody reported my dad for bargaining out of his trade, so he got thrown in jail for
transitioning from player to coach Volleyball Assistant Coach Margot Frederick knew her boss on the court before she even made her way to UTPA. Before Brian Yale came to the Broncs, he was the head coach for Genoa High School in Ohio and Frederick’s coach in the early 2000s. Just the other day at practice, I had to jump in and set the scout team. So I started warming up my hands and he came over to set with me. He set a ball a few steps away and I bump-set it, to which he commented with a laugh, ‘That was like two steps away. Get your hands on that.’ It was an exchange that made me smile because it was something that would have happened exactly the same 10 years ago.
- Frederick
that,” Lopez said. Lopez is in his fifth year at UTPA, after he graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 2009 and was drafted by the Anaheim Angels the same year. Lopez returned to Nova Southeastern to pursue his master’s, which he received in 2006. According to Lopez, his father always stressed how important it was to get an education and not take for granted the opportunities he’s presented. “I’d probably definitely be working at the (family) farm,” Lopez said of where he would be had they not come to the United States. “I don’t know if baseball would have been a possibility or if I would have had the chance to play. They (Cuban government) only provide certain opportunities to certain people.”
Youngest coach Being a head coach at 28 has its challenges, but it was my goal to have my own team by this time, so I’m thankful for the opportunity I’ve been given. Now my focus is to work harder and getting our women’s team stronger each year.
- Stephanie Vallejos Head women’s tennis coach
Valley born To be a Valley native and have the opportunity to work at UTPA is a great feeling. - Jiovanna Martinez Assistant track & field coach, Pharr
Introducing the new basketball coaches Men’s basketball
Women’s basketball
- Last coached at University of Alabama - Coached 35 seasons total -15 seasons as a collegiate head coach - Collegiate record: 238-182 (.567) - Five conference championships - Two conference tournament championships - Three NCAA Tournament appearances - Five Coach of the Year awards
- Last coached at Lamar University - Coached 32 seasons total - 20 seasons as a collegiate head coach - Collegiate record: 385-236 (.620) - One conference championship - Four conference tournament championships - 10 postseason appearances
Dan Hipsher
Larry Tidwell
My one reason?
To help pay for books and tuition. You only need one reason to donate plasma.
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Page 4
THE PAN AMERICAN
Meet your
BRONC coaches Page by Norma Gonzalez
The UTPA athletic coaching staff is a vital part of each Bronc team. Athletes would not be able to perform their best without them. Here’s a look into what they think of the Valley, the University and more.
FROM NEWEST TO OLDEST While Head Men’s Golf Coach Josh Fosdick wraps up his first season at UTPA, Women’s Coach Ofelia Lopez is the longest-lasting head coach at the University - completing her seventh season. Any time you’re new to a team and come in right before school begins, there’s a learning curve that has to happen rather quickly. Fortunately for me, the guys on the team have been wonderful and I’ve enjoyed getting to know each of them as the year has progressed. Overall it has been a very good year. I’m excited about the direction of the athletic department and the new university that will be unveiled next year. It should be a fun couple of years watching all that develop.
- Fosdick
The day that I’m not enjoying what I’m doing, or enjoying being here in Edinburg or Pan Am, I’ll leave... but right now I’m still enjoying what I do. Why am I the longestlasting head coach? I don’t know. I’m just thankful for it.
- Lopez
April 11, 2013
ADVERTISEMENT
April 11, 2013
Page 5
SINKING SHIP
Baseball assistant coach’s shaky beginnings Fidel Castro announced April 20, 1980 that Cubans would be allowed to leave the country by boats from Mariel, Cuba. So, 125,000 refugees fled to the United States, and Bronc baseball assistant coach Norberto Lopez was one of them. As they made their trip through the Gulf of Mexico, the boat carrying the 3-yearold Lopez’s sprung a leak and started going under. Occupants jumped out and started swimming, trying to stay afloat. “What I remember is being on top of my dad’s shoulders throwing up because I was seasick and my dad holding me up above water,” Lopez recalled. “Then we got on a raft to finally get out and then the coast guard saved us.” The family decided to come over to the United States to get Norberto Lopez Sr. out of jail.
Castro also allowed prisoners to leave during the Mariel Boatlift. “It kind of broke our family apart because my sisters were communists and they didn’t want to leave because they were communists,” Lopez said. “But my mom wanted us all to go because she wanted her husband out of jail.” Lopez’s father was a CocaCola salesman and, because of his job, would receive extra sodas. At the time, Cuban citizens were on rations; they would only be allowed a certain amount of chicken, rice, etc. The elder Lopez would sometimes trade extra Cokes to provide more food for his family. However, each neighborhood had an informant that would report back to the government. “Somebody reported my dad for bargaining out of his trade, so he got thrown in jail for
transitioning from player to coach Volleyball Assistant Coach Margot Frederick knew her boss on the court before she even made her way to UTPA. Before Brian Yale came to the Broncs, he was the head coach for Genoa High School in Ohio and Frederick’s coach in the early 2000s. Just the other day at practice, I had to jump in and set the scout team. So I started warming up my hands and he came over to set with me. He set a ball a few steps away and I bump-set it, to which he commented with a laugh, ‘That was like two steps away. Get your hands on that.’ It was an exchange that made me smile because it was something that would have happened exactly the same 10 years ago.
- Frederick
that,” Lopez said. Lopez is in his fifth year at UTPA, after he graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 2009 and was drafted by the Anaheim Angels the same year. Lopez returned to Nova Southeastern to pursue his master’s, which he received in 2006. According to Lopez, his father always stressed how important it was to get an education and not take for granted the opportunities he’s presented. “I’d probably definitely be working at the (family) farm,” Lopez said of where he would be had they not come to the United States. “I don’t know if baseball would have been a possibility or if I would have had the chance to play. They (Cuban government) only provide certain opportunities to certain people.”
Youngest coach Being a head coach at 28 has its challenges, but it was my goal to have my own team by this time, so I’m thankful for the opportunity I’ve been given. Now my focus is to work harder and getting our women’s team stronger each year.
- Stephanie Vallejos Head women’s tennis coach
Valley born To be a Valley native and have the opportunity to work at UTPA is a great feeling. - Jiovanna Martinez Assistant track & field coach, Pharr
Introducing the new basketball coaches Men’s basketball
Women’s basketball
- Last coached at University of Alabama - Coached 35 seasons total -15 seasons as a collegiate head coach - Collegiate record: 238-182 (.567) - Five conference championships - Two conference tournament championships - Three NCAA Tournament appearances - Five Coach of the Year awards
- Last coached at Lamar University - Coached 32 seasons total - 20 seasons as a collegiate head coach - Collegiate record: 385-236 (.620) - One conference championship - Four conference tournament championships - 10 postseason appearances
Dan Hipsher
Larry Tidwell
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arts & life
April 18, 2013
‘The Valley’s soundtrack’
Melissa “Bones” Martinez
Local music scene strives to survive By Lea Victoria Juarez The Pan American Each weekend, artists across the Valley plug in their amps, set up their mics and prepare to perform for anyone who will listen. But while they’re playing their tunes in the limelight, empty seats in the venue don’t go unnoticed. A headcount of about 50 people attended the RGV Local Musicians Showcase April 13 at Barlow’s Rock Venue in Pharr. According to event promoter Waylon Magallan, that’s a large number when it comes to Valley shows. RGV Showcase is meant to expose local artists on the rise and get them known in the Valley community, Magallan said. A total of eight acts performed, ranging from rap and metal to acoustic. “I’m from San Antonio. They have a very good music scene there. When I came here, I was expecting it to be the same,” the 21-year-old said. “Over there you have a show and you’re like, ‘Man, only 200 people showed up.’ Over here you’re like, ‘Oh I had a good show, 40 people showed up.’ It’s just really different.” Magallan moved to the Valley in May 2012 and eventually began organizing live music shows with promoting company Ace’s High Productions. According to Magallan, he noticed a struggle in the local music scene, motivating him to get involved. As a musician himself, he said he wanted to do his part. “We wanted to do a show for artists who are barely starting some people’s first shows - just to help them out and get some exposure,” Magallan said of RGV Showcase. “Before I moved down here, everyone would say that McAllen had a very good scene and the local music had support. But when I moved down here, everyone said the
scene was dying. I just wanted to help it out.” According to Magallan, artists in the Valley don’t promote themselves well, resulting in a less-than-packed house, discouraging the artists. Lack of selfpromotion is one of the factors in the “struggling” scene, according to the promoter. Barlow’s owner Dante Becerra can attest to this theory. “As a venue owner, I feel bad for bands if they don’t have people. At the same time it’s the band’s responsibility to promote their show,” said Becerra, the singer of local band 22 to None. “A lot of bands, when they get booked, they assume that the
Arturo Villalobos/The Pan American
fans and artists, Becerra thinks it’s because there aren’t enough venues to play. BARS VS. VENUES According to Becerra, bars such as McAllen’s Simon Sez and Cypress Lounge are popular with bands, but many are ages 21 and up, leaving out the younger demographic. Barlow’s, however, doesn’t sell alcohol or allow smoking indoors, leaving that particular crowd to potentially seek other locations. Along with the venue, bar battle, Becerra explained that audiences get discouraged when they have to pay to see local bands perform and will complain about
I can be playing in front of like three people and I would still have brought the whole getup. It’s fun to me. - Melissa “Bones” Martinez Local musician
promoter is going to promote for them, but the bands have to bring in their own people.” Tucked away in a plaza, next to Taqueria Jalisco, lies Barlow’s Rock Venue, which opened in January. Becerra explained that he opened the venue because bands didn’t have many locations to play. “Too many local venues closed down, and since I’m in a band, it was hard to find places that let you play if you don’t bring in 50 to 100 people,” 34-year-old Becerra said. “I wanted a venue for the locals. The ones who don’t get to play anywhere.” While Magallan said he believes support is lacking from
a cover fee. The RGV Musicians Showcase charged an entrance fee of $4 with 10 percent of the cut for Ace’s High. There are reasons for this. As opposed to bars that use drink funds to pay bills, places like Barlow’s, which don’t sell alcoholic refreshments, rely solely on the cover charge to stay in business. “You’re not paying for a local band. You’re paying for the place to stay open so you can watch local bands,” Becerra explained. “We don’t sell anything, maybe water for a dollar. Cover pays the lights, the AC. It pays for the venue to stay open and a lot of people don’t like that.”
FOR THE MUSIC Regardless of the attendance, for some artists, the show will go on - a mentality that Secrets Told In Silence guitarist Melissa “Bones” Martinez follows. “As a person who has seen it all and has been struggling for years, it doesn’t matter to me,” the 30-year-old Weslaco native said. “I can be playing in front of like three people and I would still have brought the whole getup. It’s fun to me. This is what I do and I’m not going to half-ass it.” Martinez, whose band played at the RGV Showcase, explained that she’s been involved in the music since she was 12 years old, performing with bands and as a solo act. Although she said she will play music regardless of crowd size, she understands the importance of audience involvement. “If you have support and they show interest in you, it kinda adds motivation for the band to get out there and practice as much as they’re supposed to,” she noted. “If they see that people are starting to show interest in them then it kind of builds them up.” For shows such as RGV Musicians Showcase, Becerra and Magallan explained that it’s all done for the locals, and it’s something that they will continue to do while they can. “This is all we have. We don’t live in a big market city where there’s stuff to do all the time,” Becerra said. “It’s like, every movie has a soundtrack, this is our soundtrack. We need the support. I mean, we’ll play with or without it. Even if it’s playing in a garage for two people, we’re still going to play. This is the Valley’s soundtrack.”
MAS continued from page 1 diplomatic, religious, intellectual history),” Fonte wrote in the report. The bill comes on the heels of the Arizona effort to discontinue the teaching of ethnic studies in public schools. SB 1070, passed April 2010, stated that residents must carry proof of their citizenship upon suspicion. HB 2281, passed 2011, declared public school students be taught to value each other as individuals and not teach resentment and hate towards other races or classes of people. Sen. Patrick clarified in his Facebook post that he isn’t trying to rid universities of African-American and Mexican-American courses altogether, but trying to make sure students know all of America’s narrative as opposed to just a portion. “Both cultures have played a major part in our history and who we are today,” he said in the post. “Not understanding the great melting pot of race and culture that is a part of the fabric of America’s past would be to miss a major part of our history. That needs to be taught and falls into what I call a broad and comprehensive history of our nation.” Garza disagrees. “We look at the bill and what it’s going to do and we see that it’s limiting the courses we take,” the 24-year-old political science major said. “We feel like he’s trying to micromanage our courses and what we’re allowed to take. It comes down to academic integrity and intellectual freedom.” With the idea of intellectual freedom, MASC has already taken a step forward on the UTPA campus. RESOLUTION MASC drafted a resolution asking the University to consider an inclusion requirement course, allowing diversity initiatives at UTPA. “It’s just the institution making a conscious choice to promote diversity or inclusiveness within their campus,” Garza said. “So we felt that our University, being a Hispanic-serving institution with over 90 percent Hispanic population, that we should have something similar to that.” According to the UTPA Factbook, 89.2 percent of Hispanics made up the University population as of fall 2012. MASC is asking the University to adopt a course in the core curriculum or as subject within the core that examines the historical contributions of various groups, from areas
such as gender, ethnic, religious or LGBT community studies. “In a history course, you don’t necessarily study things about Mexican-Americans or about African-Americans,” Garza said. “So we’re really looking to change that and give students an opportunity to explore topics and issues that maybe they haven’t been introduced to, and maybe they might be interested in.” As of now, it’s still unresolved as to whether this would fit within the core curriculum without adding more hours or removing a core requirement such as, philosophy, literature and science. Faculty Senate member Lewis Weger sees two options: integrate an unspecified inclusion subject within the core or get rid of UNIV 1301 and put an inclusion course in its place. The only issue he sees with the latter is that a specific inclusion course would take its place. That single course would have to include studies from all types of minority groups, a highly difficult task, according to Weger. If they integrate an inclusion subject within the core requirements, students would have more options and majors with 120 hours can use the course to satisfy an advanced course need. “Why not have a variety of courses that are designated as meeting the inclusion requirement?” the associate professor said. “Have students free to pick whatever course it is they want to take, as long as there’s the understanding...that students must pick one course.” Several of the courses UTPA already offers would be able to count as an inclusion requirement such as Mexican-American politics, border studies, gender and politics and race immigration and studies. Although, Garza admitted the resolution process has been difficult and MASC doesn’t understand Sen. Patrick’s reasoning behind SB 1128, their main goal is to encourage discussion between the two groups and gain an understanding of each other. “Our goal is to not completely change people’s opinion but at least to begin a discourse with this,” Garza said. “We want to welcome conversation so people can understand where we’re coming from and equally, we want to see their side of the story as well.”
April January 11, 2013 31, 2013
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Australian pitcher Sam street leads broncs on the diamond
From
Melbourne to the
mound Adrian Castillo/The Pan American
By Norma Gonzalez The Pan American It seems when the Broncs team wants to win, they play their go-to pitcher. Australian native Sam Street is almost a guaranteed win when placed on the mound. Of the 14 pitchers on the roster, Street has clocked in the most time. His record currently stands at 6-1, after eight starts and 61.2 innings, almost twice as many as the second mostplayed pitcher, Dylan Badura, who has 37.1 innings in seven starts. “We have four pitchers that pitch for us on weekends and Sam is one of the four,” said Coach Manny Mantrana about the Bronc pitching rotation, who are 12-15 overall heading into the series against Chicago State University April 12-14. “He just has more innings because he has been more efficient with his pitches. The other three weekend pitchers for us have been Dylan Badura, Dusten Knight and Matt Daniels.” According to Mantrana, Street has been pitching well this season and, because of it, has earned the role of Friday night (No. 1) pitcher. However, Mantrana is also aware that, when it comes to championship games, it takes the whole staff to get the wins. Street also understands that the credit for a win belongs to the whole team, and not a lone player, but is grateful for the opportunities coach Mantrana has presented him. “Luckily I’ve been able to throw well so it’s been able to help me get deep in the games,” the right-handed pitcher said. “When he has trusted me in situations before, when it came down to a crunch, I got the job done - got a hold of the situation as best I could. So he’s rewarded me and keeps trusting me, which I like.” The junior pitcher was named the Madness Great West Conference Player of the Week Tuesday for his recent efforts on the diamond. Street led the Broncs to a 5-0 win in the conference opener against New York Institute of Technology April 6. It was Street’s fourth complete game, second shutout and the third time he pitched a complete game without an earned run. The New Mexico Junior College transfer also won GWC Pitcher of the Week March 1 and April 3. “It’s always good. Any time you do that, it’s good,” Street said of pitching a shutout game against NYIT. “Plus it was the start of conference, so you really want to try and set the tone.” The 21 year old is among the NCAA leaders in six categories. He ranks second in complete games (four), 13th in wins (six), 17th in games started (eight), 70th in strikeouts (49), 150th in WHIP (1.07) and 201st in ERA (2.48). “I wouldn’t say it puts us on the map under one guy’s effort,” Street said. “Everyone works hard and obvi-
ously it’s been good throwing to Chris (Torres) and Huck (Jacob Huckabay), who have helped a lot as well - a lot of trust back there.” Although baseball is known as America’s pastime, the 21-year-old Aussie pitcher has been playing on the diamond most of his life. His father used to play Australianrules football, but had to quit after a knee injury. The older Street then turned to playing baseball and from there, the younger Street found his love of the game. “So he played with my uncle and they stuck me in the outfield one day and just picked it up from there and started playing,” said Street, who remembers watching his dad play when he was really young. “Obviously the stereotypical playing catch in the backyard and stuff, just grew from there.” The Melbourne native first moved from his home country to New Mexico, where he played baseball for two years. Fall 2012, the 6-foot-3 hurler was on the Bronc coaches’ radar. “They came to me before the early starting period, when no one else had really given me much of a look because I don’t throw a 90-plus mile-an-hour arm,” Street explained. “I dealt with Coach (Norberto) Lopez throughout that process. He saw what other people didn’t see. That’s what got me here.” The junior doesn’t believe there was much change in moving to the Valley from New Mexico. He already knew what to expect in terms of playing baseball, getting to know new teammates and living away from home. However, the culture in Texas has proven to be quite different than what he’s used to. Coming from a city on the Southeastern Australian Bay, Street is used to hanging out on the beach with friends during his off time. “All the guys here, on their weekend off, they like to go hunting, fishing, all that sort of stuff or drive the big trucks,” he said. “I think everyone would look at me funny if I drove something like that back home.” He has also noticed a big difference between the way baseball is treated in his home country and in the United States. “The biggest difference is you play baseball every day,” Street said. “Back home, baseball you play once a week, train twice a week, and it’s almost more of a social thing. I mean, you play hard when you’re on the field, but once you’re off the field it’s all about having fun with your friends. Out here you live, breathe, sleep baseball.” Street is unsure of his future in the sport. Although he would like to play for as long as possible, the business major can always fall back on his education. “I’m sure I’ll probably move back home or play baseball as long as I can play baseball,” he said. “Hopefully I don’t have to go out too soon. That’s something I don’t look forward to but I’m sure the day’s not too far away. I’m studying business management right now, where that’ll lead me, I’m not sure.”
April 11, 2013
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