The last stampede Final homecoming as UTPA
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Volume 71, No. 21
March 5, 2015
ONLINE CONTENT
panamericanonline.com
FESTIBA
Daily coverage
Medical school takes step toward accreditation
Anime Blog
Tokyo Ghoul
ONLINE CONTENT utbcollegian.com
Spring Break
Events for South Padre Island
Adrian Castillo/ The Pan American
STORY ON PAGE 7
2
opinion
March 5, 2015
The Pan American
thepanamerican@gmail.com 1201 West University, ARHU 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539 Phone: (956) 665-2541 Fax: (956) 665-7122
Editors-in-Chief: Andrew Vera May Ortega
Marco Torres
Sports Editor:
Marco Torres
Arts & Life Editor: Nerio Celaya
Photography Editor: Jon Nutt
Design Editor:
Alicia Rangel
Multimedia Editor: Michael Aguilar
Social Media Editor: Nathaniel Mata
Copy Editor:
Andy De Llano
Adviser:
Dr. Greg Selber
Administrative Associate: Anita Reyes
Advertising Manager:
Verónica Rodríguez
Webmaster:
Sharath Kumar Aitha 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
Sports Editor
In 1997 he became the youngest competitor to reach the No. 1 spot at age 22, in Professional Golf Association history. Ratings were through the roof for the world’s best and most intruiging golfer. Now, almost 20 years since his professional debut August 1996, Eldrick “Tiger” Woods is almost irrelevant. According to Tigerwoods. com he has won 105 tournaments since 1996, 79 during the PGA Tour. Along the way he became the first golfer to hold all four professional major championships at the same time. Since turning professional there has been no golfer more known or more popular than Tiger Woods. Through 2013 he won $109,504,139 on the PGA tour and $132,349,133 worldwide. But Woods was limited in nine events during the 201314 season due to a recurring
Is golf done without Eldrick “Tiger” Woods? back injury. In early February, he withdrew from competition due to injuries for the sixth time since 2010. He has had a long list of problems with his Achilies Tendon, knee and back, which have prevented him from surpassing the great Jack Nicklaus in all-time major victories. As Woods has faltered, the game itself has as well. Last year the U.S. Open had a broadcast rating of 3.3 which is a 35 percent decrease from the same event in 2011, according to Austin Karp, assistant managing editor of the Sports Business Daily. As of now Woods is taking an indefinite leave from the game due to his health, saying that his game is not up to his standards. He has also expressed the desire to spend time with his children. Before his recurring injuries, according to ESPN.com, golf ratings from January 2007 to December 2009 there were 21 instances where golf telecasts
drew a rating of 4.00 or better and TaylorMade, majors victories behind the and Woods was involved in ev- as of increasing all-time leader, Nicklaus. The ery one of them. In 2009 alone, the size of question is not whether he will 19 tourney ratings were 3.00 the hole surpass Nicklaus, but if he can or higher; Woods played 17 of to 15 even compete with current golfthem. His popularity was unri- inches in ers like Rory Mcilroy, who is valed. diameter, which is currently currently No. 1 in the world. Woods has been on his 4 ¼ inches, and trying to The question is: will golf be the downslope since the mid 2000s popularize foot golf, a version same without a person like the and so has the sport. of the sport in which a soccer Tiger Woods of old? But golf is at an all-time low ball is used instead of a golf for ratings. The owners of vari- ball. ous companies suggested that These techniques are meant golf should be reinvented and to speed up the game and representatives are pushing to lower scores, which they bechange the sport and increase lieve will bring in newcomers. participation. Golf has been At age 39, Woods has four trying new ways to get younger generations involved Before his recurring injuries, acin the sport. cording to ESPN.com, golf ratings Ideas to increase from January 2007 to December t h e 2009 there were 21 instances where golf poputelecasts drew a rating of 4.00 or better and l a r Woods was involved in every one ity of the of them. sport are being pushed by Adidas
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
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 Vol. 71, No. 21
@ orliehernandez
Tweet at and follow us @ThePanAmerican If I can’t find parking I’m not going to class. #utpa
-@RegineCosmo
I just want the @AmericaFerrera essay winners to be announced already. #UTPA @UTPAUnion
-@kassie_placi2
I counted 30 mustangs while looking for a parking spot. All basic #utpa -@val_danny
Juanita Renée Rivas/ The Pan American @babydepp
Students playing football as they kill time before their next class on the quad March 4.
news
March 5, 2015
3
DISCUSSING IMMIGRATION Texas Tribune hosts current issues forum at UTB
By May Ortega The Pan American More than half of Texans, 59 percent to be precise, believe all undocumented individuals should be deported, according to a Texas Tribune poll cited by its CEO and editor-in-chief, Evan Smith. This was his opening statement as moderator at “Immigra-
tion: The Next Five Years” at the University of Texas at Brownsville’s Student Union Feb. 27. The school hosted the Tribune’s second installment of a series of statewide discussions on various major topics. The immigration event was set in Brownsville due to its proximity to the U.S.Mexico border, according to Smith. The discussion was held by a panel of four individuals: Chair of UTB’s Government Department Guadalupe Correa-Cabrera; Sen. Eddie Lucio Jr., D-Brownsville; his son Sen. Eddie Lucio III, D-Harlingen; and Rio Grande City Mayor Rubén Villarreal. There was also an audience of 200 in attendance. The hour-long discussion pertained to President Barack Obama’s November 2014 executive order on immigration, the economic impact that de-
porting more than 11 million undocumented persons would have on the country and the condition of border security, among other issues. Smith had a series of poll results and questions ready for the panelists, including how each speaker believed extended assistance from the National Guard would help with future security. Lucio Jr. said he supports Gov. Greg Abbott’s belief that beefing up the presence of state police and National Guard forces has improved local safety and their presence keeps it that way. For seven years, Villarreal has been in charge of a city that sits right on the border in Starr County. He explained that in an effort to decrease unlawful entrances into the country and to eradicate other illegal activity, security forces have been stationed “every 2, 2 ½ miles,” in Rio Grande City. He provided information on how the additional help has improved safety in the town, citing a decrease in reckless driving cases from 199 in 2013
to 80 the following year. However, he saved “the most impressive number” for last. “(In) January of 2014 … we confiscated 7,600 pounds of marijuana. In January 2015, 695 pounds of marijuana (were) seized,” he said. “I can give you practical numbers but the sense that (Lucio Jr.) says about safety is absolutely true. It works.” Correa-Cabrera, however, believes government funding for increased security is not being allocated in the right ways, and she finds it “worrisome.” She cited a February 2013 report by the Congressional Research Service which found there is no single, quantitative method to measure a score on border security enforcement. “You’re throwing out money, what is your objective? Are you complying with your objective?” she said to Smith. “DPS reports say that for the past four years, the border is secure. You’re throwing out money, multiplying your money and you still have a problem … then it’s a matter of competency. Your authorities are not competent, that’s why you’re throwing out money and your border isn’t secure.” Another subject Smith touched on was how undocumented immigrants affect the nation’s labor pool. Earlier in the conversation, Lucio III stated that undocumented individuals make up 6 percent of the U.S. workforce before alluding to the struggles DREAMers may face in their mission to become “productive members” of American society. These are people who came to the U.S. at a young age and attended school in the country as well. The Development, Relief and Education for Alien Minors Act would have granted some of them citizenship, but it has failed to pass in Congress several times since 2001. In addition, Smith called the subject of in-state tuition for undocumented students a “hot button issue” among Texans with 42 percent in favor and 43 percent against. Lucio III said revoking in-state fees would put college beyond the DREAMers’ reach. “We live along the border. We have some excellent, highperforming students who are undocumented,” he said. “They are offered scholarships to go all over the country to school, especially since they’re first-time Hispanic college students. They can’t get past the checkpoint to go to those schools. They have to remain local. We have great
alternatives to that, but there’s so many barriers for these students already.” He went on to explain how making progress when it comes to immigration is “tough” on a large scale, so any further action would require small steps. The Harlingen senator’s father, Lucio Jr., said immigration reform presents obstacles for lawmakers and undocumented residents alike. He filed Senate Bill 838 the morning ending to the immigrant search of the event to strengthen the for what he called the “land of right departments in the future. milk and honey.” “It requires the Office of Im“I think that the process (as a migration and Refugee Affairs whole) needs to be reformed. We to work with the Secretary of need an immigration policy that State and statutorily designates is made by Congress, that way it the Secretary as the office’s co- has the strength of law,” he said. ordinator. It improves the effec- “And even if it’s done piecemeal, tiveness of the office by requir- but make it in one piece of legising it to apply for the maximum lation where you don’t have to be amount of federal funds for use waiting and guessing to see what in assisting state agencies, local the next cycle of politics is going government, nonprofit organi- to look like.” zations and faith-based organiThe session wrapped up with zations in addressing immigra- panelists taking questions from tion-related matters,” he said. the audience after discussing “And it maximizes the opportu- whether the terms “illegal,” “unnity for Texas to receive federal authorized,” or “undocumentassistance by requiring the office ed” are appropriate to apply to to seek reimbursement from the such people. federal government for any costs “We’re talking about human incurred by state agencies, local beings … (with) heartbeats. government, nonprofit organi- When you’re talking about somezations and faith-based organi- one who came here at six months zations in addressing immigra- to be a great person … and his tion-related matters.” whole life he’s been labeled as He said the bill’s purpose is to ‘illegal’ and he goes to school provide the state with additional with that mentality, what is his funds to avoid another humani- confidence going to be?” Lucio tarian crisis. It is also meant to III said. “Let’s talk about them improve the structure on how as human beings and let’s use the immigrant-related issues are han- word ‘undocumented.’” dled. Its progress in the Senate is currently at 25 percent while pending review. Mayor Villarreal said having good structure when it comes to immigration is key, adding that saving lives is of utmost importance. Finding drowned i m m i grants in the Rio Grande R i v e r, which sits less than a mile from parts of Rio Grande City, is a common Alicia Rangel/ The Pan American
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THE PAN AMERICAN
March 5, 2015
March 5, 2015
FESTIBA exhibits such as “Smithsonian Journey Stories” which began Feb. 17 and continUTPA is holding the ninth annual Festival of In- ues through FESTIBA. The ternational Books and Arts exhibit tells of what it was March 2-9 with the theme like to be mobile “Entre Dos Mundos: Unit- from colonial to ing Communities through modern times in America. Arts and Literacy.” Led by Dahlia FESTIBA 2015’s theme Guerra, dean of coincides with the monumental changes to be seen the College of Arts and Huin the near future: the creation of UTRGV as well manities, the festivities are made as the addition of a new to celebrate school of medicine which will be located on the Ed- creativity and inburg campus. The event promote literacy, will explore how leaders in being that the Rio Grande arts and literature are key in uniting the South Texas Valley has a low literacy rate. region and elevating the Only 50 percent quality of life in the local of adults were community. English literThe week long Festival was preceded with multiple ate in Hidalgo
By Nerio Celaya The Pan American
UTPA’s Homecoming 2015 is last before UTRGV By Jon Nutt The Pan American
colored mane, and won $150 for spending at the Bronc Dining Hall. Later in the week the Homecoming Parade and Spirit Rally took place in the quad where students and organizations marched around campus cheering and dancing to the sounds of UTPA’s pep band. Finally, the weeklong event came to a conclusion with the tailgate and barbecue contest before the Bronc mens basketball game, which was postponed due to inclimate weather Feb. 28.
This year’s Homecoming comes as a bittersweet celebration for the UTPA community as they enjoy the final semester as the Broncs before becoming UTRGV in the fall 2015 semester. Homecoming, an annual tradition for UTPA since 1963, kicked off Feb. 22 this year with “Color Me Bronc,” a window painting contest where student organizations compete for prizes by painting the windows around the Student Union. The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transexual Alliance came in first place with their window, which Photos by Alicia Rangel/ The Pan featured a Bronc with a rainbow- American
Page 5
THE PAN AMERICAN
UTPA’s annual celebration of art and literacy
County as of 2013, according to Valley Central.com. The week’s activities lead up to GEAR UP Days, or Gaining Early Awareness
and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, March 5 at the UTPA Campus as well as the Texas Book Fair March 6. Both events epitomize the core values of FESTIBA by first inviting GEAR UP students from all over South Texas to participate in presentations that illustrate how they can turn their passion for art into a lifelong sustainable profession. The Texas Book Fair will engage elementary school stu-
Alicia Rangel/ The Pan American
dents from Berta Palacios Elementary, E.B. Guerra Elementary, Emiliano Zapata Elementary, Robert E. Lee Elementary and Woodrow Wilson Elementary schools through a literacy program where authors across the country such as Carlyne Dee Flores, Laura Lacamara and Libby Martinez will present their work to local economically disadvantaged public schools. With an expected turnout of more than 7,000 people throughout the eight days, FESTIBA is alive and will continue to be so as UTRGV becomes its own entity.
Page 4
THE PAN AMERICAN
March 5, 2015
March 5, 2015
FESTIBA exhibits such as “Smithsonian Journey Stories” which began Feb. 17 and continUTPA is holding the ninth annual Festival of In- ues through FESTIBA. The ternational Books and Arts exhibit tells of what it was March 2-9 with the theme like to be mobile “Entre Dos Mundos: Unit- from colonial to ing Communities through modern times in America. Arts and Literacy.” Led by Dahlia FESTIBA 2015’s theme Guerra, dean of coincides with the monumental changes to be seen the College of Arts and Huin the near future: the creation of UTRGV as well manities, the festivities are made as the addition of a new to celebrate school of medicine which will be located on the Ed- creativity and inburg campus. The event promote literacy, will explore how leaders in being that the Rio Grande arts and literature are key in uniting the South Texas Valley has a low literacy rate. region and elevating the Only 50 percent quality of life in the local of adults were community. English literThe week long Festival was preceded with multiple ate in Hidalgo
By Nerio Celaya The Pan American
UTPA’s Homecoming 2015 is last before UTRGV By Jon Nutt The Pan American
colored mane, and won $150 for spending at the Bronc Dining Hall. Later in the week the Homecoming Parade and Spirit Rally took place in the quad where students and organizations marched around campus cheering and dancing to the sounds of UTPA’s pep band. Finally, the weeklong event came to a conclusion with the tailgate and barbecue contest before the Bronc mens basketball game, which was postponed due to inclimate weather Feb. 28.
This year’s Homecoming comes as a bittersweet celebration for the UTPA community as they enjoy the final semester as the Broncs before becoming UTRGV in the fall 2015 semester. Homecoming, an annual tradition for UTPA since 1963, kicked off Feb. 22 this year with “Color Me Bronc,” a window painting contest where student organizations compete for prizes by painting the windows around the Student Union. The Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transexual Alliance came in first place with their window, which Photos by Alicia Rangel/ The Pan featured a Bronc with a rainbow- American
Page 5
THE PAN AMERICAN
UTPA’s annual celebration of art and literacy
County as of 2013, according to Valley Central.com. The week’s activities lead up to GEAR UP Days, or Gaining Early Awareness
and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs, March 5 at the UTPA Campus as well as the Texas Book Fair March 6. Both events epitomize the core values of FESTIBA by first inviting GEAR UP students from all over South Texas to participate in presentations that illustrate how they can turn their passion for art into a lifelong sustainable profession. The Texas Book Fair will engage elementary school stu-
Alicia Rangel/ The Pan American
dents from Berta Palacios Elementary, E.B. Guerra Elementary, Emiliano Zapata Elementary, Robert E. Lee Elementary and Woodrow Wilson Elementary schools through a literacy program where authors across the country such as Carlyne Dee Flores, Laura Lacamara and Libby Martinez will present their work to local economically disadvantaged public schools. With an expected turnout of more than 7,000 people throughout the eight days, FESTIBA is alive and will continue to be so as UTRGV becomes its own entity.
6
arts & life
March 5, 2015
A Marine’s odyssey
UTPA student recalls journey to Showdown By Ena Capucion The Pan American Former Marine Bonnie Tisdale served two seven-month tours in Iraq in 2007 and another in Afghanistan in 2010. After leaving the Marine Corps in 2012, she returned to the Rio Grande Valley to pursue a degree in nursing at UTPA. Now a senior, she is going through a different kind of boot camp. Tisdale is currently participating in H-E-B’s annual Slim Down Showdown, a competition that encourages healthy weight loss and a more beneficial lifestyle. From training in Fit Camp to cooking in culinary school, the 2002 La Joya High School graduate is working her way back to the health and fitness of a Marine. Before the showdown and college life, Tisdale pledged her loyalty to the Marines. She was 9 years old when she decided to dedicate herself to becoming a Marine after she saw her cousin in his dress blues, or uniform. Throughout her time in the U.S. Marine Corps, she felt that comrades became her family and that life as a Marine was humbling. “I miss (the Marines) every day,” the 30-year-old said. “I miss my friends. We drive each other crazy, but nobody’s going to have my back like a Marine. We would die for each other. I miss being a part of something bigger than myself. There’s no better feeling in the world than being a Marine. You have the respect of a nation. It’s some-
thing you’ve earned and no one will ever be able to take that away from you.” During her 2010 tour in Afghanistan, Tisdale realized what she wanted to pursue at UTPA. A fellow Marine stepped on a 38-pound explosive device and she remained by his bedside for five hours. “He had his left leg and his testicles amputated,” the nursing major said. “He was basically on his death bed. I sang to him and cleaned the sweat off his brow. No one thought he was going to make it. But fast forward five years later and I found him on Facebook and he has a little girl who’s 2 years old.” While Tisdale’s primary focus as a nursing major is to help people, she’s also taking the initiative to live a healthier lifestyle. THE SHOWDOWN According to Tisdale’s biography on H-E-B’s Slim Down Showdown website, she said that one of two things happen when you leave the military: you get fit or you gain weight. Since she left the Marine Corps to pursue her education, the 5 foot 6 inch McAllen native gained an additional 80 pounds, now weighs 230 pounds. The former Marine is one of 15 contestants in the state of Texas participating in H-E-B’s fifth annual Slim Down Showdown, which began in January. Tisdale was encouraged by her best friend of 24 years, Andie
Gonzalez, to enter the competition. “(Andie) is a registered dietitian who works for H-E-B and she posted an application on her Facebook page open to anybody who wanted to apply,” the journalism minor said. “(She) told me that the support system was great and that I’d learn so much. I had all of these doubts when I sent in the application, but now I’m one of 15 out of about 5,000 applicants.” The Showdown is a 16-week long journey that began Jan. 18 and is designed to provide competitors the education and tools with which to live a healthier lifestyle. The grand prize winner will receive $10,000 based on performance in three categories: health screening improvement, online engagement with the community and overall participation. The contestant with the most improvement in health will receive $5,000. H-E-B and its sponsors equipped Tisdale with her own personal registered dietician, a health coach, a one-year membership to Gold’s Gym, custom running shoes known as Brooks from Fleet Feet and a FitBit One bracelet, an accessory that keeps track of physical activity and sleep quality. Not only did H-E-B supply her with gear, but reps from the company took Tisdale to San Antonio Jan. 5 to participate in Fit Camp, a five-day event where the participants were educated about nutrition, physical activity and weight
management. During the camp, Tisdale and the other competitors attended H-E-B’s Culinary School where they learned to cook healthy dishes like center cut sirloin roast and spicy pork with pasta and green beans. The competition’s grand finale will take place May 9 at the H-E-B Health & Wellness Expo in San Antonio. Two winners will be revealed followed by the contestants walking down a runway to reveal their new looks to family and friends. While Tisdale is aiming for the grand prize to help with her education, she understands that regardless of winning, she’s a living testimony for others that have struggled with their weight. “It’s not just about weight loss. It’s about an overall balance: mind, body and spirit,” she said. “And don’t be so hard on yourself. It’s a slow process. I know we want results fast, but you really have to be patient. And you need the support system because there’s going to be temptation everywhere and when you fall you’re going to need to have that. You can do it. I know it’s hard, but it’s worth it.” Once the showdown ends Tisdale said she will be continuing her healthy lifestyle and preparing for the half marathon at South Padre Island Nov. 14. During July the future nurse will also reunite with Michael Gonzales and his family, the former Marine that clung to life with Tisdale by his side.
Alicia Rangel/ The Pan American
EVENT CALENDAR March 6
March 7 - 8
March 7 - 8
Borderfest 2015
McAllen Art Walk
Burger Revolution
Cyclonia South Padre
Free Film Screening
One-day advanced tickets are $8, available at Stripes stores in Hidalgo County. Guest artists include Pierce the Veil and Sleeping with Sirens.
Arts and crafts, vendors and the live outdoor music series. There is music after hours as well. Free and open to the public.
Truck & Car Show + Tattoo Expo SPI to host car & truck
Pazuzu, Winter Texan, The
Padre Boulevard will befamilies to bike, walk, run
Free admission and popcorn for a different film every week.
Time: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Place: Padre Blvd, SPI
Time: 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. Place: Cine El Rey, McAllen
March 5 - 8
Time: 5 p.m. - Midnight Time: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Place: State Farm Place: Archer Park, Main Arena, Hidalgo Street, McAllen
show with tattoo expo.
Cycles and more perform.
March 9
come a Car-free space for
March 10
and play.
Time: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Place: SPI Convention Center
Time: 9 p.m. - 3 a.m. Place: Thirsty Monkey, McAllen
sports By Nathaniel Mata The Pan American Until last weekend, Bronc baseball hadn’t swept a season series against Lamar University since 1988, but that was not the only milestone achieved recently. UTPA’s final 11-8 come-from-behind win over Lamar University Feb. 28 marked the 600th win for Head Coach Manny Mantrana in his college coaching career. He kept things business as usual after the sweep. When asked about the 600-win accomplishment, the Bronc coach of seven years was quick to shift the praise to his athletes and assistants. “At the end of the day it’s all about the players. If you get good players and put them in a good system you’re going to be successful,” said Mantrana who has led the program since 2009. “I’ve been very blessed throughout my career to have very good players and really, really good assistant coaches. My thought is that you do the best you can, you try to do things the right way and the
March 5, 2015
7
Hot start, Mantrana milestones wins will come along.” And the wins have come, following Mantrana wherever he has gone. The game after his 600th win was Sunday’s finale against Lamar where the Broncs earned a sweep and the team’s sixth straight home triumph. The 6-4 victory also counted for Mantrana’s 150th win in a Bronc uniform. His first 11 years of coaching were spent at Saint Thomas University in Miami Gardens, Fla. He said getting to number 600 in UTPA colors was special because of the legacy left before him. He gave his respect to the winningest Bronc in program history. “I couldn’t think of a better place because this is where Coach Al (Ogletree) spent most of his career,” Mantrana said. “He did such a wonderful job. It’s humbling to know I’m wearing the same uniform. It’s a great treat for me to be able to coach his Broncs.” Ogletree led UTPA to 1,084 wins in his 29 years in charge of UTPA baseball through 1997. The Al Ogletree Classic, is held annually to honor
his time. Plans were also announced Feb. 27 to build the Coach Al and Joann Ogletree Plaza in front of the main entrance to the Edinburg Baseball Stadium. It will be named after the famed coach and his late wife. Last weekend, Ogletree was named a Presidential Pillar of UTPA for all he contributed to the program and school.
trana’s) longevity is because of his wins; it’s because of the person he is,” Lopez said after the series. “He’s going to do things right and when you do things right, the wins are going to come. That’s why I’ve seen progress every year. It’s not about the results or perfection. It’s about progress. That’s what we’ve been doing every year, having progress. I believe
You don’t say what (Mantrana’s) longevity is because of his wins; it’s because of the person he is. - Norberto Lopez Assistant coach On the current coaching staff, assistant coach and recruiting director Norberto Lopez has been a part of Bronc baseball as long as Mantrana. Lopez added that the head coach’s success is not limited to what happens on the baseball diamond. “You don’t say what (Man-
it’s because of the vision (Mantrana) has.” This year UTPA’s running start of 8-3 overall has been led by a strong showing from young student-athletes. Freshman designated hitter Manny Loredo, McAllen Memorial High School graduate is hitting .400 with seven RBI.
Freshman pitchers Ryan Jackson, graduate of Nikki Rowe High School in McAllen and Corpus Christi Calallen’s Robert Quinonez have both earned wins in their home starts. Sophomore business administration major Andrew Padron, also from Nikki Rowe High School has earned six saves in nine appearances as well as a win in his new role as closer. Lopez said the responsibility given to young players is a reflection of Mantrana’s trust. “He preaches mental toughness and he doesn’t care if you’re a freshman or a senior,” said Lopez, a 1999 draft pick of the Anaheim Angels after a career at Nova Southeastern University. “I’ve seen what coach does in our practices and he really pushes them to be mentally tough and focus on the process and not the result. I think that’s why (the young players) are doing so good. At this level everyone has talented young freshmen, but what are you stressing in practice?” With only five seniors on the roster, redshirt sophomore Jacob Huckabay is already
stepping into a leadership role as the everyday catcher. He pointed toward winning at home as a key to making the season in which Mantrana reached 600 wins. “It’s huge getting these first few going,” the kinesiology major said. “Until (Western Athletic Conference) games start you definitely want to start at home with these wins, trying to get as many as you can. It’s good to get that confidence.” The Broncs will try to keep the confidence going when they travel to No. 11 Texas A&M University for two games against the Aggies March 10 and 11. The next home match is March 13 when they host Arlington Baptist for a threegame set at the Edinburg Baseball stadium. The Broncs are currently 8-3 in the season and a perfect 6-0 at home.
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March 5, 2015
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Renee Alicia Rangel/ The Pan American