WEDNESDAY April 12, 2017 Vol. 101 • No. 6
www.therambler.org
OPINION
Wesleyan hosts annual UCD Hannah Onder
hlonder@txwes.edu
Should doctors legally have the opportunity to lie? On March 22, Texas Senate Bill 25 was proposed to make it illegal for parents with disabled children to sue doctors.
NEWS
University College Day focuses on sports. This year’s event will incorporate Ram Jam, a panel of guest speakers and a movie screening.
CAMPUS
GPNA students give back to the helpless in a sweet way.
Not long before Texas Wesleyan professor of philosophy and education Ron Reed died in 1998, he created University College Day as a way to gather students and staff to present their research. “After he passed away - he was a close friend of mine - several of us wanted to keep it going, because students enjoyed it and it seemed to be a really nice event on campus,” Provost Allen Henderson said. “Students could share, learn to present, and listen to other students and other faculty, too.” More than 15 years later, UCD has evolved into an annual campus-wide event unique to Wesleyan. This year the event will be held April 19 and will consist of 136 presentations, guest speakers, Ram Jam, and a movie screening of Tickling Giants. This year’s theme will be Diversity: Building Success for a Touchdown. “I would like to see everyone participating,” UCD chair Dr. Lisa Dryden said. “I would love it if we had a high percentage of our students and faculty participating, because it’s a unique opportunity. It’s a fun day so I hope they take advantage of it by coming out to as many secessions and getting involved in as many ways as they can.” Dryden, who is serving as the chairperson for a second year in a
row, said that in place of the closing ceremony, this year Tickling will be screened at 6 p.m. in the Science Lecture Theatre. “It’s going to be free for our students so I’m really hoping that they’ll come out,” Dryden said. “It’s an international film that is takes a look at the Egyptian government. We watched a screening of it as a committee and it looks really good. I’m excited.” Dryden said the theme for this year’s event is exciting because it ties into Wesleyan’s excitement for the return of football this fall. “There’s just this sense of excitement around campus,” Dryden said. “We decided as a committee to do something in connection with football, so our theme is Diversity: Building Success for a Touchdown. There will be four panel members (Emily Snow, Mike Leslie, John Henry, Claudia Castillo) speaking along with our football coach, coach (Joe) Prud’homme, as the MC. Following that we’re going to have Everson Walls, a retired Dallas Cowboys player, speak. We’re really excited about that as well.” The central part of UCD is the student presentations. Dr. Cary Adkinson, who is also a chair on the University College Day Committee, said there are two types of presentations. “In combination of having traditional face-to-face presentations, we
April Suarez Olvera
asuarzolveraz@txwes.edu
A&E
Theatre Wesleyan’s musical production guarantees laughs. The musical production Urinetown: The Musical will run April 20 through April 22.
SPORTS
Photo by April Suarez Olvera
After two years of teaching at Wesleyan, Dr. Sarah Roche plans to continue her journey in Austin with her fiance, Brennan Mittal.
The team is preparing by working on base offense and defense plays and incorporating seven-on-seven in practices.
ONLINE
Celebrate reading with the library.
West Library celebrated National Library Week with food and fun on April 10.
UCD. page 3
Roche moves to a new chapter
Each year, GPNA students host a candy apple drive to get donations for hospitalized patients.
Rams football players prepare for Blue and Gold Scrimmage.
Graphic by Hannah Onder
University College Day will take place all day on April 19 and classes will be cancelled in order to encorage student and staff participation.
After two years of teaching at Texas Wesleyan University, Dr. Sarah Elise Roche, assistant professor of marketing, will be joining her fiancé in Austin. Her decision to teach at Wesleyan was influenced by her own experience at St. Mary’s University, in San Antonio, Roche said. “They’re [St. Mary’s University] a little bit bigger than here [Texas Wesleyan University], maybe twice this size,” Roche said. “But, you know in the world of universities that’s still pretty small.” During her time at St. Mary’s marketing professor Dr. Mathew Joseph took her under his wing. He encouraged her to begin her first research project, which was later published and helped her into a Ph.D. program, Roche said. “He was the one who gave me the confidence that I could do it and it
would all be okay and to take that direction,” she said. From her own experience at a small university she hoped to be able to influence her students just like her professor had influenced her, Roche said. “That is why I picked a small school, because it allows [me] to really get to know my students, have that more personal touch, and have a lot more innovative class activities,” she said. “I’m not limited by the fact that there’s 150 people in the room.” She loves that she gets to see her students on campus, attend their sports activities, and encourages them to do internships. Currently, most of her free time is consumed by wedding planning and spending time with her family and fiancé, Brennan Mittal, Roche said. “I’m getting married in August and right now that takes up most of my free time,” she said. “The wedding planning is like its own part-
ROCHE page 3
Olalde keeps Wesleyan in the family Sarah Owens sdowens@txwes.edu
Jacquelynn Olalde is a freshman at Texas Wesleyan, but her family’s connection to the university runs deep.
Olalde, an EC-6 bilingual education major, is the fourth member of her family to attend Wesleyan, and the fourth to be part of the university’s Partnership Speak Up Scholarship. The scholarship requires recipients to have completed studies at both William James Middle School and Polytechnic High School with a minimum 3.0 GPA, according to txwes.edu. She said that watching her aunts Olivia Olalde, Juanita Olalde and Karina Olalde earn their under-
graduate degrees from Wesleyan and pursue careers in education gave her the confidence to be where she is today. “They showed me that it was within reach, and I could do it, too,” Olalde said. Juanita Olalde, the third aunt to graduate from Wesleyan and currently an educator at Polytechnic, wrote in an email that, “The Speak Up scholarship allowed me to do just that, ‘speak up,’ as a more well-rounded, knowledgeable member of my community.” Olivia Olalde, the first aunt to graduate from Wesleyan, wrote in an email that one of her highlight moments at Wesleyan was realizing that her native language, Spanish, was changing the world of education.
Photo by Sarah Owens
Freshman Jacquelynn Olalde, (right, with her sister Elena) is the fourth in her family to attend to Texas Wesleyan.
“I have never been more proud to be a Latina and be fluent in two languages,” she wrote. “I always knew I had chosen a great career as an educator, but to be able to be a bilingual teacher that made me an educator, and an advocate - that was something beautiful.” Karina Olalde, the second aunt
to graduate Wesleyan, and currently a teacher at Fort Worth’s Alice Contreras Elementary School, said that Dr. Carlos Martinez, dean of Education and professor of bilingual education, made a lasting impact on her FAMILY. page 3
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Opinion
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Should doctors lie to their patients? EDITORIAL
The Texas Senate has recently made headlines due to considering Senate Bill 25, a bill that would prevent parents from suing their doctor if their baby is born with disability. The bill, which was proposed back in March, has become controversial because critics, including some doctors, say pro-life doctors would be able to withhold information or even lie during prenatal care. A doctor who sees that a fetus has issues may hide this fact into order to prevent parents from aborting the fetus without fear of repercussions. Huffington Post senior reporter Catherine Pearson, writing on the web site on March 2, noted that “opponents have slammed (the bill) as a thinly veiled attempt to to curb abortion rights by extending protections to doctors who mislead their patients.” This raises a moral question of should doctors lie or withhold information from their patients at any time? Doctors should never lie to their patients under any circumstances due to not only moral reasons, but also because doctors are paid for their practice. This bill goes back to the ever-debated abortion issue of whether or not women should be allowed to have an abortion at all or under certain circumstances. A doctor who lies about potential birth defects due to religious or moral reasons is in turn adding to a family’s hardship.
Photo courtesy of Gabe Otteson Senate Bill 25, which was proposed in March, can give doctors the legal ability to provide patients false information concerning their pregnancy.
There is also an economic aspect to this argument. Medical bills add up fast, and just getting through the initial stage of life for newborns with complications can add tens of thousands of dollars. Doctors are paid for a service, but if they lie, you can then make an argument that they have in a way cheated you out of money.
If someone walks into a fast food restaurant and pays for a burger, but instead gets three chicken nuggets, then you have been cheated. These are breaches of contracts, and agreeing to do one thing but then doing another is not right and deceives people. Everyone has their own beliefs and feelings, but should those beliefs affect others who do
not share them? Doctors need to set aside their personal feelings to better help their patients. If they truly feel strongly about their beliefs, then they are welcome to voice them, but they should never hide or mislead information that may be vital to patients.
Fixing issues through mutual respect Matt Smith Content Producer mxsmith@txwes.edu
America’s mood is bitter to say the least. Many Americans are stressed from working long hours and receiving low pay; frustrated with an economy of rising prices and declining jobs; worried about a generation growing up in unstable households and a weak education system; and neurotic from a hostile social and political environment which sees everyday citizens quick to hold distrust and ill will toward their peers, friends, and even family. What I primarily want to focus on is that last point, the division among us. Division is an integral part of America’s history, be it politically, socially, economically – it’s one of this country’s defining blemishes that gets a little better with each passing decade, but never seems to go away. But the division we experience now came into to its current form from Donald Trump being elected president. The current division sees Americans mentally pitted against each other as a malignant tension hangs in the air. The actions of Trump and his administration, as well as both Democrat and Republican politicians; propaganda from the media; and so many people choosing emotion over logic – all have given voice to many corrupt and ignorant people, as well as bringing out the worst in fair, law-abiding citizens. People who claim to be liberals are fervidly launching polemics at others on the basis of race, religion, sex, and gender – the very thing
Photo courtesty of pixabay.com Americas bitter mood and sense of polarization can be addressed through mutual respect, cooperation, unity and good will toward others.
the left has always been known to campaign against. People who claim the right have become deaf – to the struggles of the people around them and to the wrongdoings of those in power whom they’ve elected. So the situation stands as two wrongs going at it mano a mano to be seen as right, instead of looking for real solutions for America’s problems. How can we fix this? Well, the only thing that will truly disperse this tension and finally bring the atonement so many want is equal cooperation – a genuine, unified effort to make amends and, ultimately, have all of us stick together. To achieve that, the first step is peace. People need to calm down and humble themselves and admit their flaws yet assert their griev-
ances, all in a respectful tone with well-intentioned purposes. The second step is discussion. People need to collaborate and have open, honest discussions about solutions for problems. Again, respect is a must, and understanding is a big part as well. Offending remarks stated out of ignorance should be corrected by being informative, not offering more offending remarks out of anger. The third step is action – that is, doing what’s actually preached. We have solutions for our problems, but they’re stuck in our minds. If a few of us took the time to roll up our sleeves and work toward genuine solutions for issues such as pollution or homelessness, these things wouldn’t be issues in the first place. Coming together and putting in hard, sincere work toward problems with no bias, only righteous-
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ness, will actually see many issues we are facing began to wane rather than worsen. The final step is to maintain togetherness and build strong relationships that are untouchable by the most fervid conflicts of race, religion, politics – you name it. Besides having great solutions to many problems clogged in pipe dreams, another big problem in this country is how alienated we are from each other. Cooperation achieved from working through tough issues will help separated communities and small groups mingle with each other and become more like families and less like cliques. The result of cooperation can be an America that is both welcoming and promising – a true land of opportunity.
Rams up Thumbs up to Urinetown: The Musical, opening April 22. Thumbs up to Career Services celebrating student employees. Thumbs up to Easter Break being two days long. Thumbs up to great music recitals.
Rams down
Thumbs down to basketball season ending. Thumbs down to Theatre Wesleyan’s 2016-17 season ending. Thumbs down to Senate Bill 25. Thumbs down to head women’s basketball coach Bill Franey retiring.
Wednesday | April 12, 2017|3
News
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UCD
continued from page 1 also have the poster presentations,” Adkinson said. “Throughout the entire day students and faculty are encouraged to go to whatever presentations or posters that they feel are interesting and exciting.” Most of the presentations will be in the Armstrong-Mabee Business Center and the Ella C. McFadden Science Center. Adkinson’s favorite part of the day is watching his students present. “I always try to go see at least a few presentations that I’m sponsoring and give students support by letting them know that their faculty actually does care,” Adkinson said. “To me, that’s one of the more rewarding aspects of UCD, getting to see students take the lessons that they are learning in the classroom and spread their wings by giving a presentation.” Dryden’s favorite part of the event is also watching students present, especially firsttime presenters.
“My favorite part of UCD is seeing the excitement that the students have from sharing their work, because for quite a few of them this is the first opportunity that they have had to do this kind of professional presentation,” Dryden said. “Sometimes they’re nervous and apprehensive about doing it, but it’s really nice to see the wonderful job that they do, the sense of accomplishment they get, and the confidence that it gives them. It just reinforces what great students and faculty that we have here on campus.” Henderson said hearing the student presentations makes UCD one of his favorite days of the year. “I don’t get to (hear from students) much as a provost nowadays,” Henderson said. “(UCD) gives me an opportunity to go out, see, and listen to students. That way I get a sense of what’s going on on campus and what seems to be of value and interest to students these days. That’s why it’s one of my favorite
days and it just represents a lot of good things that Wesleyan represents.” Henderson also values the event because of the cross-discipline learning students and faculty can receive, which was something Reed truly valued. “The mission of the university is academic, but it also is giving students experiences that are not just sitting and listening but active involvement, active engagement, and communicating to others,” Henderson said. “To me, UCD is a representation of a lot of really great things at Wesleyan: the diversity, the multiple disciplines, the skills we want to teach students, faculty and students working together, and students and students to working together. It’s a special opportunity that if students skip they miss a lot.” To check out the full UCD line-up, go to txwes.edu.
After her departure, the Wesleyan community is what she is going to miss the most, Roche said. “I found that the community here is really special, very supportive,” Roche said. “Everyone is just very understanding and takes initiative to reach out, so the relationships (are) the biggest thing I’ll take away from Texas Wesleyan.” Roche and Dr. Sua Jeon, assistant professor of marketing, both joined Wesleyan’s faculty in the fall of 2015. Jeon believed their time to-
gether would last longer, but she is happy for Roche’s future. “We’ve only been working [together] for two years, so I thought we would have more time to build up a better and vast relationship as colleagues and as friends,” Jeon said. “But I know that for her it’s a big decision, another chapter in life. I’m very happy for her future.” Treasure Lynn Ford, a senior marketing major, appreciates Roche as a professor and plans to remain in touch with her. “We have a great relationship,” Ford said.
ROCHE
Photo courtesty of Communcations
Dr. Ron Reed, professor of philsophy and education, created UCD shortly before his death in 1998.
continued from page 1 time job it seems.” Now that she is about to embark on a new journey, it only makes sense for her to move on and live in Austin with Mittal, Roche said. She hopes that in the two years she has spent with her students she has taught them to love learning and creativity. “I hope that my passion for learning, teaching, and creativity gets transferred to my students,” Roche said. “I hope that (learning) how to creatively think and learn are the things they take way from my classes.”
“She approached me about doing this independent study (focusing on collectivist cultures versus independent cultures and re-gifting) and I think she sees something in me, just like I see something in her. I kind of always thought that she would be here if I ever needed her.” In the end, Ford wishes only happiness in Roche’s future. “I want her to be happy, that’s what I would want above anything else,” Ford said.
FAMILY
continued from page 1 approach to teaching. “One day I met with Dr. Martinez, and he explained how I needed to participate more during class discussion, and emphasized how much more I would get out of his class this way,” she wrote. “It meant so much to me that he would take the time to encourage and push me to meet my full potential, that as an educator now myself, I make sure to look out for my quiet ones and encourage them to use
“It (Texas Wesleyan) completely changed my life, and has given me a sense of belonging.” - Jacquelynn Olalde their voice to get the most they can out of my class.” Jacquelynn Olalde’s younger sister Ele-
na Olalde, 16 years old and a sophomore at Polytechnic, does not plan on pursuing a career in education but hopes to follow
in her family’s footsteps and attend Wesleyan on the Speak Up Scholarship. Jacquelyn said that she wants to spend these next few years in college learning everything she possibly can, and is incredibly grateful for the opportunity the Speak Up Scholarship has afforded her. “It completely changed my life, and has given me a sense belonging,” she said.
No need to hunt for food off campus! Dora’s Cafe and The WEE have healthy & delicious options for everybunny!
4 |Wednesday April 12, 2017
Campus
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An apple a day could save a life
Shaydi Paramore ssparamore@txwes.edu
Texas Wesleyan University GPNA student Marissa Swindle’s life was turned upside down when she got word of her father’s death. In December 2014, Larry Kenneth Little died after his truck flipped during a hunting trip. When her fellow students found out, one of them, Carrie Wash, created an event that impacted Swindle’s life greatly. “(Wash) initiated the idea to make candied and caramel apples to sell,” said Interim Program Director and Associate Professor Tito Tubog. “She spoke with the clinical coordinator Dr. Melissa Kellam to make it happen.” Swindle was living in Mobile, Ala. at the time; many GPNA students stay at Wesleyan for a year and the remaining months they spend training at the Mobile Infirmary, Tubog said.
“When this happened these students were really thinking of a way of how to help Marissa’s mother pay her bills, so they created the Little Memory Fund (in honor of Little),” Tubog said. Swindle was very excited by the massive support. “My heart is full,” she wrote on the Facebook page. “Carrie, the support is so incredible. I know he’s so proud! Love you!! Thank you for this memorial!” Clinical coordinator Dr. Melissa Kellam has encouraged the students to help by attending the “making of the apples” and then selling them. On the Little Memorial Fund Facebook group page, Kellam posted a video to Swindle about creating the fundraiser. “This whole project began one day by me telling Carrie that I had sent you [Marissa] a text saying I was thinking of you and I wanted to do more, but Marissa
that wasn’t enough for me,” Kellam said. “Carrie came up with this great idea about the gourmet apples and so the process begin. We got the anesthesia students together with some of your family members met at Lodge at Oak Hollow Farm and made about 120 apples. All 100 percent of the proceeds are going to you [ Marissa] and your mom I know it’s not going to take the sadness away, but I hope it puts a smile on your face and can help out some.” The event started the week before Valentine’s Day 2015; the fundraising group sold 120 apples for about $10 each, according to the Facebook page. The fund, now called The Little Memorial Fund, has continued every year since. “It was initially intended to support Marissa’s mother but eventually it was decided that the money obtained from this project will go to an indigent family that requires monetary help,” Tubog said.
The funds from selling the gourmet apples are now being used for families unable to pay their hospital bills at the Mobile Infirmary and the students hope to continue the fundraiser. In 2016, $5,000 was raised for two families with children battling chronic illnesses and cancer. The money raised this year will go to two families unable to pay hospital bills; Tubog said the event started in late January and went through Feb. 3. The total amount raised will be revealed on the group’s Facebook page. “GPNA trains our students to the best CRNA practitioners and we also remind our students to serve the community,” Tubog wrote in an email. “This is one way of doing it. We are proud of our students.” To learn more or interested in buying a gourmet apple, check out the Little Memorial Fund group page on Facebook or contact Tito Tubog at tdtubog@txwes.edu.
Photo courtesy of Tito Tubog
Resident registered nurse anesthesiologists assist with the 2017 Little Memorial Fund by making candied apples and caramel apples to sell.
M.D. Anderson
Pre-Professional Program ___________________________________________________ Look for our UCD Presentations:
Ram Jam
“Narrowing Down the Field: Tips for Graduate/Professional School Selection”
_______________________
“Faculty vs. Students: How to Resolve Conflicts in the Classroom”
_______________________
“Determinig the Direction of Your Moral Compass”
_______________________ Contact Ashley Coen, ATCOEN@TXWES.EDU, for 3PR questions & Information!
follow us @txwes3pr
What? FREE lunch, international desserts, and a live DJ playing music from around the world
When? Wednesday, April 19th (UCD) Noon - 2 p.m.
Where? Dora’s Dining Hall
See You There!
Wednesday | April 12, 2017
Campus
TheRambler.org | For news throughout the day.
Photo courtesy of Tito Tubog Texas Wesleyan GPNA students get their hands messy in the creation of this year’s gourmet apples.
Photo courtesy of Tito Tubog In late January through Feb. 3 of this year, people could buy an apple for $15 to help those in need.
GPNA students and Dr. Melisa Kellam (center) assist with the making and selling of this year’s gourmet apples for the Little Memorial Fund.
Let’s give Stormy a big round of a-“paws” for being The Rambler’s Pet Pick of the Issue! Stormy belongs to RMG Digital Media Editor Calvin Johnson. She enjoys modeling, taking long naps, and plotting for world domination. Would you like to see your pet featured in the next issue of The Rambler? Email pictures of your pet to IMG Director Dalise DeVos at dndevos@txwes.edu.
How are you #TicklingGiants? Are you brave enough to tell a joke? Come check out the screening of Tickling Giants! When? April 19th @ 6 p.m. Where? Science Lecture Theater FREE Register: @TicklingGiants-TexasWesleyan.eventbrite.com
(Seating is limited)
Screening is Presented by:
Texas Wesleyan’s Dept. of Mass Communication, School of Arts and Letters and the University College Day Committee
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Photo courtesy of Tito Tubog
Discover New Horizons. April 18 at 5:30 pm Wesleyan Chamber Ensembles Concert Brass, Woodwind, Flute, Percussion & Guitar 7:30 pm Guest Recital Alicia Wallace, soprano Keith Critcher, piano
_____________________ April 20 @ 7:30 pm Wind Ensemble Dr. Paul Sikes, conductor
_____________________ April 25 @ 7:30 pm Wesleyan Singers Dr. Jerome Bierschenk + Allison Ward, conductors Aimee Hurst Bozarth + Keith Critcher, piano
_____________________ Visit Martin Hall.
6 |Wednesday | April 12, 2017
Arts&Entertainment
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Theatre Wesleyan takes the plunge Guadalupe Sanchez
gsanchez3@txwes.edu
Theatre Wesleyan will continue its 2016-17 season with the Tony Award-winning musical comedy Urinetown: The Musical, which opens on April 20. Written by Mark Hollman and Greg Kotis, Urinetown will be directed by professor of theatre Connie Whitt-Lambert, with musical direction by Kristin Spires, choreography by Elise Lavallee and assistant direction by Jacob Rivera-Sanchez. According to a Theatre Wesleyan press release, Urinetown is a hilarious musical satire of the legal system, social irresponsibility, bureaucracy, municipal politics and musical theatre. The production is the final show of Theatre Wesleyan’s 2016-17 season. “In a Gotham-like city, a terrible water shortage, caused by a 20-year drought, has led to a government-enforced ban on private toilets,” according to the press release. The musical begins with citizens being forced to use public amenities regulated by a malevolent company that profits by charging admission for one of humanity’s most basic needs: using the bathroom. Tired of the overbearing company, a brave citizen, Bobby Strong, revolts against the company and leads a revolution to free the city, according to mtishows.com. “This production is full of satire,” WhittLambert said. The musical pays homage to and pokes fun at other award-winning productions such as Les Miserables, Evita and West Side Story, according to broadwayworld.com. Whitt-Lambert said audiences can expect Theatre Wesleyan’s production to be full of laughs and high energy. “It’s an unusual topic written as an homage to the classic musical and includes a bit of satire,” Whitt-Lambert. Whitt-Lambert also said Theatre Wesleyan decided to do a contemporary large-cast musical since a small-cast musical was done last year. “Our department tries to cover a variety of styles, genres and eras when we select our entire season, based on the needs of our theatre students.” Whitt-Lambert said. “We’ve never done this musical before.” Jalan Calloway, a theatre fan and previously a liberal arts major at Trinity Valley Community College, said when she sees a production like Theatre Wesleyan’s she is attentive to how actors will fulfill their roles with music on stage. “I love any story that can pull me in,” Calloway said. “Musical theatre does that for me by giving me music to focus on with the story. ”
Photo courtesy of Theatre Wesleyan Urinetown: The Musical is a musical satire that completes Theatre Wesleyan’s 2016-17 season and runs at the Thad Smotherman Theatre.
Calloway also said she thinks Urinetown is a perfect production and depiction of modern American society. “I think it’s because the way you have to pay to use basic everyday needs in Urinetown mirrors the way you have to pay to be seen by quality medical personnel,” Calloway said. “How you have to pay seemingly extraordinary prices for food and drink and to go on in life is a hefty price tag. And the big dogs can see these people struggling but don’t seem to give a damn as long as their pockets are lined.
“On top of that, when people cannot afford to pay and try to bargain or beat the system, they are punished with ill health and actual punishments for trying to survive and live comfortably.” Calloway applauds the ridiculous humor involved in the show. “It seems like something that could go either a humorous or serious direction,” Calloway said. “I love a show with revolutionary with themes of anarchy and rebellion against the system that the play has and romances that
will make me laugh and cry in the same span.” Urinetown:The Musical runs April 20-23. Shows are at 7:30 p.m. except for April 23, when there will be a 2 p.m. matinee. All performances are at the Thad Smotherman Theatre. Tickets are $10 general admission and $5 for Wesleyan faculty and staff, as well as seniors, and available at 817-531-4211 or via the Theatre Wesleyan website. All Texas Wesleyan students can receive free tickets through the Student Theatrical Experience Fund (STEF).
LIVE ON PURPOSE We are changing the world by changing lives – one student at a time. That powerful purpose keeps me focused and productive. — Frederick G. Slabach, President, Texas Wesleyan University
Texas Wesleyan President Frederick G. Slabach knows that having a strong sense of purpose can help him make the grade. Improving students’ lives improves his own life by keeping him happy, healthy, and focused. Studies show that knowing your true purpose can add up to seven years to your life. Explore your purpose. Join Blue Zones Project,
FREE PURPOSE WORKSHOP Tuesday, April 18 6-8 p.m. Lou’s Place 1112 Wesleyan Street Fort Worth 76105
in collaboration with Texas Wesleyan University, for a FREE Purpose Workshop. The 2-hour, interactive
RSVP at:
workshop can help you discover where your gifts
txwesleyanpurposeworkshop.eventbrite.com
and talents lie so you can live on purpose.
Open to all TxWes Students!
Wednesday | April 12, 2017
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Sports
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Blue & Gold Game to preview season Karan Muns kemuns@txwes.edu
Texas Wesleyan’s football team is ready. Ready to play in front of fans. Ready to tackle. And ready to figure out who the team’s leaders will be. Ready, in other words, for April 22 and the Blue & Gold Game, an intrasquad scrimmage at Farrington Field that head coach Joe Prud’homme says is the apex of the team’s spring workouts. “Everything we’re doing is kind of geared towards that,” Prud’homme said. “You know, just base offense, base defense and then just trying to have a real good scrimmage.” There will not be any special teams participating in the scrimmage because they are still perfecting those skills, Prud’homme said. “[I’m] trying to give everybody pretty much an equal amount of playing time [at the scrimmage] just so we can get everybody evaluated and look at them to give everybody a real shot,” Prud’homme said. The competitive nature of the players keeps them sharp, Prud’homme said. The competitiveness encourages them to work harder and be better. “There’s no getting lackadaisical or complacent,” Prud’homme said, “which is great if you’ve got that going in practices all the time and in game situations you do nothing but get better and better and better. And that’s what we’re trying to do.” The spring game will be a great tool to help the coaches evaluate the players and identify areas to improve, Prud’homme said. “We’re excited,” Prud’homme said. “I’m very pleased with their effort and I’m real happy with all the support. Everybody just seems to be ready to see some football and we’re ready to do it as well.” The men’s basketball team winning the NAIA national championship set an amazing example that Prud’homme hopes to model the football program after. “They won because they out-willed the other team; they outlasted the other team; they outtoughed the other team,” he said. “They played great defense. They did all the little things and intangibles that you have to do to win. And they did that from the beginning of preseason all the way through their season. The way they just came together and trusted each other. They just basically wanted it worse than anybody else.” Many of the football players are in “survival mode” but as they become more confident in their abilities the chemistry will become even
Photo by Iyanna Brown The team practices seven-on-seven on March 31 at Farrington Field. The Blue & Gold Game on April 22 will showcase all of the players.
better than it is now, Prud’homme said. “You kind of feel that piece coming together,” Prud’homme said. “But also, you get to that point when you know exactly what you’re doing on the field to where there’s no hesitation. Then you get stronger in those other areas.” The team is not only preparing for the spring game, Prud’homme said. They are also trying to install all of the basic skills the team will need to have for a successful season this fall. “Some people probably think that football is a situation where you just learn it and you do it and that’s what you do,” Prud’homme said. “There’s a lot of things that can change when you come to the line of scrimmage. There’s a lot of things that change between when you take that first step and that second step. All of a sudden things change and you’ve got to be able to adjust and learn to communicate that.” There is a lot of communication involved on and off the field that the fans don’t always see but is necessary to the game, Prud’homme said. “There’s a learning curve involved and their attitudes are great,” Prud’homme said. “They’re very positive. I couldn’t ask for a better group of guys.” Freshman quarterback Justin Arth said the team misses being in front of a crowd and all
the excitement that goes along with game day. “I’m looking forward to making plays against this defense,” said Arth, a business management major. The players are excited to get back to full hitting and testing their abilities in a game setting and not just in practice, Arth said. “These guys hit hard,” Arth said at the end of March, right after the team’s first practice in pads. “We saw it a little bit today, it being the first day in pads, but we’re ready for it.” The players are working hard in practice by “thudding” instead of full-on tackling so that they can prevent injuries, Arth said. “Thudding is basically wrapping up with light contact when we are in pads,” Arth wrote in a text message. “It’s not full-on hitting and tackling, but it’s still contact.” The team is preparing by working on base offense and defense plays and incorporating seven-on-seven in practices to instill confidence in the players, Arth said. “I mean we’ve gotta be confident in ourselves and confident in our abilities,” Arth said. “And have that confidence that kind of spreads over to everybody and raises their game up as we step up our game too.” Freshman middle linebacker Dewaun Colbert said the team cannot wait to step out onto
the field and be able to go full speed and tackle again in front of a game-day crowd. “I mean that’s me. I love to be in the spotlight,” Colbert said. “I love the crowd and all the fans and everything.” Colbert said he uses his natural confidence to inspire his teammates to play better and challenge themselves. “That’s one of the reasons I chose to play middle linebacker, because it’s the captain of the defense,” Colbert said. “And I like to run things and be the center of attention. Not to be too cocky but that’s just me.” The team hopes to use the scrimmage as a way to find out who the leaders of the team are really going to be, Colbert said. “I’m looking forward to being live and actually being able to hit because right now we’ve just been thudding up,” Colbert said. “So in the spring game, it’s gonna be a good time to see what guys really have that defensive mentality that go and get the ball.” There will be several activities before and after the scrimmage, including a pre-game cookout on campus, pre-game events held by Student Life at Farrington Field, Alma Mater and fight song practice, and players and coaches signing autographs on the field after the scrimmage. For more information go to txwes.edu.
8 | Wednesday | April 12, 2017 TheRambler.org | For news throughout the day.
Franey retires, Trachier takes over
Photo by Little Joe Valdez Head coach Bill Franey (left) speaks with the onlly three-time All-American in program history, Katelynn Threats, during an 83-58 win over University of Science & Arts Oklahoma on Feb. 11.
Kayla Prachyl klprachyl@txwes.edu Bill Franey says he will remember the smiles the most. Franey, who is retiring after six years as the head coach of the women’s basketball team, said he will take with him the memories of smiles of the women he coached. “I have had the great fortune to work with so many young ladies whom I will never forget,” he wrote in an email. “The smiles they brought to practice and to the office made every day a great one. “That is what I will remember, that is what I will miss.” Franey, who announced his retirement in late March, compiled a record of 103-82 at Wesleyan and led his team to the NAIA national tournament for the second time in program history, according to ramsports.net. Franey coached 15 All-Conference selections, four NAIA scholar-athletes, and the program’s only three-time NAIA all-American, Katelynn
Threats. Franey wrote that for now he plans to focus on his club team for their final season. “Some of those kids have been with me since third grade,” Franey wrote. “Watching them play their final summer will be exciting; after that only time will tell.” Franey wrote that there was not an exact reason for retiring right now. “Just felt the time was right,” Franey wrote. “I hope my legacy is a good person who recruited quality student athletes and who treated them well.” Franey joined the coaching staff in 2009, and brought 35 years of experience to the Lady Rams, according to ramsports.net. His coaching career included junior high, high school, NCAA DI and NCAA DII teams. He also coached men’s basketball, and has an 83 percent high school and college winning record. Athletic Director Steve Trachier, a longtime friend of Franey, will take over as the women’s team’s head coach, according to ramsports.net. “Coach Franey and I have been friends for
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a very long time,” Trachier wrote in an email. “We even coached together some years ago. He has done a great job here changing the culture of the program and the team has been very competitive. Though I am sad to see him leave, I know he will stay close to the game of basketball and the coaching profession. It is in his DNA, and it is who he is.” Trachier wrote that the last time he coached in public schools was the early 1990s, but since then he has coached elite-level high school teams for more than a decade. “The last time I coached in public schools we were still shooting at peach baskets,” Trachier wrote. “Almost all of those (high school) kids earned scholarships at the college level. It was the best playing against the best, and I found it more enjoyable than coaching in public school ball. I have continued to stay current in the game knowing that one day I would return to the thing I love the most, coaching basketball.” Trachier wrote that he is excited to work with the returning players, including two allconference selections, Ashlie Bruner and Bai-
ley Broadnax. “We have a productive core of high character kids coming back next year,” Trachier wrote. “They work hard, and I like that. We are in a very challenging conference but I really like our chances (of success).” Broadnax, a junior forward, wrote in a text message that Franey will be missed on and off the court. “There’s not just one thing that I will miss, but everything,” Broadnax wrote. “His personality always finds a way to make us laugh. He’s a very open-armed person, always a coach and if you ever feel the need to vent he’ll always lend an ear.” Broadnax wrote that her expectations for Trachier are higher than ever before. “I have a different mindset as a senior,” Broadnax wrote. “I’ll do what I have to on the court and to push my team. I expect nothing less from him. He already showed us what it’s going to take to get to the top and with the dedication we give I expect to get there.”
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