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Friday March 6, 2009
Volume 90, No. 82 www.theshorthorn.com
Since 1919 INDEX
Taking Shots
Arguments for and against the concealed weapons on campus legislation. OPINION | PAGE 5
UT SYSTEM
Metroplex Day offers poster contest, research UT-Dallas, UT Arlington and UT-Southwestern unite for event today. BY BRYAN BASTIBLE The Shorthorn staff
The university hosts the third annual Metroplex Day, where people highlight research in the UT System institutions in the Metroplex,
starting at 9 a.m. today in the University Center. The goal is to stimulate thoughts about scientific opportunities and to establish collaborations among UTA, UT-Dallas and UT-Southwestern Medical Center, according to the Metroplex Day Web site. The day includes a research poster display contest
and research-related lectures. The poster contest entries had to be under one of nine topics, like bioengineering. Students, faculty and staff entered the contest. The posters will be judged on the research and the poster itself, with a $200 prize awarded for each of the top three posters.
Your Day News World View Opinion Sports
Nursing graduate student Mary Cazzell has a poster ready to show off her research. She said she likes that the three universities are coming together and that it will be another way to network. The event is important for new faculty, so they can DAY continues on page 3
2 3, 6 4 5 8
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Student to run for city council seat Political science junior Francisco Chinchilla is for cleaner parks in Bedford. BY SARAH LUTZ
WHEN AND WHERE Early Voting: April 27-May 5 General Election: 7 a.m.-7 p.m. May 9 at Pat May Center Last day to register to vote: April 9
The Shorthorn staff
Francisco Chinchilla wants his hometown to have independent energy, cleaner parks and more youth involvement in city politics. The political science junior decided the best way to get those things was running for a city council position.
Less than 30 minutes from campus, Bedford City Council has a mayor and six council members representing a population of almost 50,000. Chinchilla is running against Roger Fisher for City Council Place CHINCHILLA continues on page 3
A Musical Wary
R.B
VLADAMIR
Randell Brown, left, piano, percussion pad and vocals, Jimmy Edwards, hype man, and Ben Muir, guitar, make up the R & B band R.B
Brad Skinner, left, bass, John LaRosa, vocals and guitar, and Jamal Pedescleaux, vocals and drums, comprise VladamiR.
MySpace page: R.B does not have a music page
MySpace page: www. myspace.com/vladamir Courtesy Photo: Alex Solva
The Shorthorn: Meghan Williams
NEWS TEAM ASSEMBLE
BRANDON STEADMAN BAND Brandon Steadman, left, lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Jorge Rodriguez, lead guitarist, Chris Kofnovec, bass, and not pictured, Austin Smith, drums, form the Brandon Steadman Band.
Andrew Prahl, left, lead guitar, Luis Rolong, bass, Steve Stanley, vocals and rhythm guitar, and not pictured, Jeromy Bailey, drums and percussion, make up News Team Assemble at this year’s Battle of the Bands.
MySpace page: www. myspace.com/brandonsteadmanband
MySpace page: www. myspace.com/newsteamrock
Courtesy Photo: Julio Chavez
Courtesy Photo: Jessica Rockwell
Bands battle for coveted opening slot in Springfest 2009 BY DUSTIN L. DANGLI The Shorthorn staff
For some Battle of the Bands competitions, the competitors are nameless musicians performing for the crowd. The Shorthorn interviewed each band play-
ing at tomorrow night’s competition to learn why they’re competing and what separates each one from the others. The bands will compete to open for Springfest on March 28. All bands per-
HIT THAT Architecture freshman Logan Whatley swings a cricket bat at a ball thrown by architecture senior Mikhail Sookoor on Thursday in the Architecture Building Courtyard. Sookoor grew up playing cricket in his native Sri Lanka, and was showing his friend how to play after receiving the bat as a birthday gift from his girlfriend.
forming are connected to the university, meaning at least one member must be enrolled in at least six credit hours. BANDS continues on page 6
WHEN AND WHERE When: 8 tonight Where: University Center Bowling and Billiards Cost: No cover charge and free soda and pizza
EVENTS
Business Week kicks off Monday Stephen Jones of the Dallas Cowboys gives the keynote speech Tuesday. BY ALI MUSTANSIR Contributor to The Shorthorn
The Shorthorn: Michael Rettig
The Cowboys stadium is the centerpiece for the university’s Business Week, with at least one stadium-related event each day beginning March 9. The event has talks from
industry leaders about their experience in the field. Guests will present case studies from their companies during regular undergraduate and graduate classes. Those not enrolled in the classes may attend, but space is limited. College of Business Associate Dean David Gray, who was directly involved in organizing Business Week, said executives involved with the stadium will lecture on archi-
tecture, engineering and public relations. “We invite executives to campus and arrange for them to speak to classes,” he said. W. Jeff Williams, president of Graham Associates, Inc. will speak Monday about civil infrastructure and the stadium. The Executive Dinner features a keynote speech by SteBUSINESS continues on page 6
Page 2
Friday, March 6, 2009
THE SHORTHORN
YOUR DAY
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CALENDAR
Calendar submissions must be made by 4 p.m. two days prior to run date. To enter your event, call 817-272-3661 or log on to www.theshorthorn.com/calendar
TODAY
MAR. Diversity Week: all day, campuswide. For information, contact Multicultural Affairs at 817-272-2099 or multicultural_affairs@uta.edu.
6
GOAL!
Student Art Association — Art Exhibition: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., University Center Gallery. For information, e-mail Student Art Association at saauta@yahoo. com. Art Exhibition in The Gallery at UTA — Michelle Dizon/Vincent Valdez: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., The Gallery at UTA. Free. For information, contact Patricia Healy at 817-272-5658 or phealy@uta. edu. The Big Event Planning Committee: 11 a.m.-noon, UC Sabine Room. Free. For information, contact Brandon Henslee at 713-816-7530 or brandon. henslee@mavs.uta.edu. Maversity Workshop — Biracial and Multiracial Identity: noon, UC Multicultural Affairs office. For information, contact Multicultural Affairs at 817-272-2099 or multicultural_affairs@uta. edu. Students Who are Parents: noon, UC Sierra Lounge. Free. For information, contact kem2k3@yahoo.com or 817449-4522. The Long and Windy Road — Exploring Rotorcraft Airflow: 1:302:30 p.m., 105 Nedderman Hall. Free. For information, contact Janet Gober at 817-272-3747 or gober@uta.edu.
The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley
Architecture freshman Eduardo Reyes attempts to block a shot while playing soccer Thursday on the Maverick Activities Center west lawn. Reyes said this was the first time he has played outside since the MAC put up the goals.
For the full calendar, visit
THE SHORTHORN .com
POLICE REPORT This is a part of the daily activity log produced by the university’s Police Department. To report a criminal incident on campus, call 817-272-3381.
EVENTS Indian Holi Festival celebration brings music, food, fun and, most importantly, color to the university Saturday
WEDNESDAY Theft from a vehicle University police responded at 1:20 p.m. to a report of a theft in Lot 33, 800 UTA Blvd. A student told the responding officer that an unknown individual had stolen a vehicle part from his car.
For a crime map, visit
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CORRECTIONS Bring factual errors to The Shorthorn’s attention via e-mail to editor.shorthorn@ uta.edu or call 817-272-3188. A correction or clarification will be printed in this space.
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Participants will throw colored powder on each other’s faces and clothes as part of a festival intended to bring unity through food, music and color. The festival is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday on the Maverick Activities Center west lawn. Indian Student Association, Fine Arts Society of India and International Student Organization are sponsoring the event. Holi, is a Hindu festival of colors celebrated throughout India, Nepal and Indian communities all over the world in the spring. “It signifies good over evil,” said Amit Jain, Fine Arts Society of India vice president. Non-Indian students can attend the festival to learn about India and its culture, he said.
managing-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu News Editor ................................. Jason Boyd news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Assistant News Editor ................ Mark Bauer news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Design Editor .............................. Marissa Hall design-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Copy Desk Chief ............... Andrew Williamson copydesk-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Sports Editor ......................... Stephen Peters
“The motive is to bring people together, have fun, mingle with one another and enjoy being there,” Jain said. Playing with different colors brings unity in diversity, said electrical engineering graduate student Gaurov Narayanaswamy. People buy and wear new clothes and share food with families and friends on that day in India. Last year, about 60 people attended the color festival on campus. ISO Vice President Gayatri Desai said she expects about 200 people. Organizers will sell color packs and Indian snacks and sweets for $5 and Bollywood music will be played for entertainment.
— Shambhu Sharan
sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Scene Editor ................................Emily Toman features-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Opinion Editor ................................ Cohe Bolin opinion-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Photo Editor .................................... Rasy Ran photo-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Webmaster ........................... Troy Buchwalter webmaster.shorthorn@uta.edu News Clerk ................................ Jeanne Lopez
EVENTS Pow Wow to showcase American-Indian culture Saturday wear a long-sleeved shirt and carry a gourd, sash or vest, and a rattle. “It’s really powerful,” Roemer said. Powwows include drums and crafts, he said. Master of ceremonies Dennis Wahkinney of the Comanche Nation will explain what the art forms represent. Donations, raffles, programs and vendor fees all go toward the scholarship. Scholarships are not race-based. The 2009-2010 applicants have to attend the university in fall, must have made a contribution to the American-Indian community and meet a 2.5 grade point average requirement. At least $550 will be awarded per semester, Roemer said. Application forms will be available to people at the Pow Wow. Fry bread and tacos will be served. Parking and admission is free.
Pow Wow organizers said they hope the community will dance away with an understanding of the American Indian culture. The Native American Student Association and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society will have their 14th annual scholarship benefit Pow Wow 2-10 p.m. Saturday in the University Center Bluebonnet Ballroom. Powwows provide places for the American Indian community to meet and educate local students on American Indian customs, NASA adviser Kenneth Roemer said. The event will begin with gourd dancing, have a supper break at 4 p.m. then follow with a grand-entry dance in which all the dancers come together. The ROTC color guard officially begins festivities at 5 p.m., which continues throughout the evening. Gourd dancing is a ceremonial before the grand-entry dance. Dancers usually
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events
Graduate studies
UTA adds new degree program to Nursing school The curriculum focuses on health care practice rather than research. By elizaBeth Flores Contributor to The Shorthorn
The Shorthorn: Meghan Williams
Engineering sophomore Matt Lum speaks with special events coordinator Lori Norris about the College of Science on Thursday in the University Center Palo Duro Lounge. Lum was one of more than 145 students who attended the Transfer Day activities fair.
Transfer Day zeros in on policies, benefits Prospective students consider UTA in the light of economic downturn. By dustin l. danGli The Shorthorn staff
More than 145 prospective Mavericks attended Transfer Day at the University Center on Thursday. Many of them participated in the festivities to acquaint themselves with the university. The event had seminars with topics like Bursar Services, University Advising Center and a Financial Aid Session. University departments were also present at the activities fair. Prospective student Sarah Gibson showed off all the items she received from
the fair while talking about her visit to the university. “I decided to look at UTA for the psychology program,” she said. “I love it, and I like a close campus.” Gibson said she’s interested in transferring because she decided her major later in her college career, and her school didn’t offer a psychology program. Many students shared a similar story to Gibson’s and want to transfer to the university for a specific major. “I’ve been wanting to transfer schools for my major,” Kathrine McGeever said. Some, like Chris Bowling, who attends Baylor University, found themselves at the event because of economic concerns.
“I want to go to UTA because it’s something cheaper and closer to home,” he said. “Baylor is really expensive.” Undergraduate recruitment assistant director Gayonne Quick said the seminars focused on policies that affect transfer students and gave them information they might not find elsewhere. She mentioned the Maverick Track program which allows transfer students to receive the benefits of an enrolled student while they’re at another university. “They pay student cost for events like basketball games,” she said. Quick said Transfer Day substitutes for an orientation that the university doesn’t have. While the university has
one for incoming freshmen, a transfer orientation is in the works said Meighan Burke, Parent & Family Center and New Maverick Orientation Coordinator. This summer, the university plans to host three orientation sessions exclusively for transfer students. “They’re one-day sessions to give them a chance to get ahead of the game,” Burke said. While this summer’s sessions are to help them at the university, Burke said that the following summer will feature more in-depth orientation session. dustin l. danGli news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
“I want to go to UTA because it’s something cheaper and closer to home. Baylor is really expensive.” Chris Bowling,
Baylor University student
Chinchilla continued from page 1
1. All council members are elected at large, meaning they are elected by and serve the entire city rather than separate districts. The terms last three years. Fisher could not be reached for comment at press time. “I know I am going to win because I am running on a solid political platform that not only will embellish more our beloved city, but it will also give me the opportunity to look after the interests of our young and senior citizens,” he said. Chinchilla’s mother, Regina Berdugo, attended this year’s presidential inauguration with the inaugural scholars. She said as a child, Chinchilla loved to explore and fix things, and that even at a young age he was interested in politics and
serious issues. “I read the newspaper in the morning at breakfast and since he was very young, he would ask me to read him the newspaper. Even when I read the serious sections he would listen and ask questions,” she said. “He’s not happy until he knows deep inside what’s going on.” She said Chinchilla’s Tarrant County College and UTA professors have been supportive and helpful of his curiosity and campaign. “He has the great support from his teachers. He asks and they answer,” Berdugo said. “They are guiding him and every question he asks, he gets the answer and he’s putting a pretty good project for him and for Bedford, and he’s promised that his grades will not go down.” Chinchilla said he wants to clean up the Bedford Boys Ranch Park, remove the city from the power grid and rely
on solar and wind power instead. He also wants to bring more art to the city with sculptures and murals around the town. “I want to make it a leading city, not a following city,” he said. “I want to start leading into the environmental movement. I want to be able to go outside — or my children or my grandchildren — without a gas mask on. I want them to breath better air than I’m breathing right now.“ Political science senior Jose Lara said he knows Chinchilla from their campaigns and elections class. Lara said he playfully asked Chinchilla when he planned to run for something after an inspirational lecture. “He told me he’s running on his model of helping the environment,” he said. “And I think that’s the first thing we need — someone who cares for the environment, someone who’s running to promote clean
The School of Nursing added a new Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program to the fall 2009 rosters. The DNP degree program is a post-master’s program and a slight alternative to a Ph.D., as the primary focus is practice. UTA is one of five Texas universities currently offering the program. Applications are being accepted for the fall. With emerging needs and changes in health care delivery, this program will provide the knowledge and resources to better implement years of research. “A practitioner will take that information and make it come to life,” said Mary Schira, nursing associate dean. She said a doctorate degree in practice focuses on
Day continued from page 1
get an overview of area resources, said Robert J. Gatchel, Department of Psychology chairman. He said anyone can attend if they register in advance through www.uta.edu/metroplexdays. Keynote lecturer George Georgiou, UT-Austin Cockrell Family Regent’s Chair in Engineering, will speak about “Engineering the Next Generation of Protein Therapeutics.” “He represents a key component of a new wave of research that is interdisciplinary collaborative research,”
using research instead of doing research. The program is built from the current nursing Master’s programs. It will develop extended direct patient-care management knowledge for nurse practitioners. Its curriculum follows the American Association for CriticalCare Nurses’ criteria for doctoral education for advanced nursing practice. It equals 36 required credit hours and 9 elective hours in any other focus. Students are encouraged to take electives outside of the School of Nursing to gain perspective and apply it to their degree. Schira said some courses will include research, translation of evidence into clinical practice, vulnerable populations, epidemiology and specialized clinical practice in adults, gerontology, family, pediatrics and psychiatric-mental health. elizaBeth Flores news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Gatchel said. UTA biology assistant professor Cedric Feschotte, will talk about his research on comparative genomics of humans and other mammals. He said he’s excited about speaking and called it a great opportunity to showcase his research. He said there’s a good chance he’ll hear about something new the day that applies to his research. UTA President James Spaniolo and UTD President David Daniel and a UT Southwestern Medical Center representative will attend. They will have opening remarks. Bryan BastiBle news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
parks not only for the children of Bedford but all children.” Lara said he contributed to Chinchilla’s campaign, distributes business cards and spreads the word that a UTA Maverick is running for City Council. Chinchilla said he is paying for the campaign with his money and donations received from his Web site. He said he already spent $600. Chinchilla practices what he learns in class on the campaign trail, and after finishing his homework at night, he works on his campaign plan. “After reflecting for more than a year and after deciding that I can make significant contributions to our friends and neighbors of our constituency,” he said, “I made the decision to become a public servant to the people of the city of Bedford.”
Political science junior Francisco Chinchilla will run for Bedford City Council against Roger Fisher. Chinchilla said he hopes to make the city more dependent on wind and solar power as part of his environmental model.
sarah lutz news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
The Shorthorn: Andrew Buckley
World VieW
Page 4
The ShorThorn
Friday, March 6, 2009
in texas
economy
Inspector failed to flag salmonella-linked plant
Mortgage woes break records
DALLAS — A Texas agriculture inspector failed to note that a peanut plant at the center of a national salmonella outbreak was operating without a state health department license despite at least three visits in the years before hundreds of people got sick, according to interviews and documents obtained by The Associated Press. The inspector responsible for certifying the plant to process organic products noted after each visit that the plant had such a license when it didn’t. Health officials said problems at the plant operated by Peanut Corp. of America may have been flagged years ago had the inspector, who has since been fired, reported the plant’s failure to obtain the required license.
the associated Press
NeW YorK — Foreclosures are spreading by epidemic proportions, expanding beyond a handful of problem states and now affecting almost 1 in every 8 American homeowners. it’s an economic role-reversal: The economy, driven down by the housing bubble collapse, is causing the housing crisis to spread. Figures released Thursday show that nearly 12 percent of
Americans with a mortgage — a record 5.4 million homeowners — were at least one month late or in foreclosure at the end of last year. That’s up from 10 percent at the end of the third quarter, and up from 8 percent at the end of 2007. Also, the numbers now include many oncequalified borrowers who took out fixed-rate loans. data from the Mortgage Bankers Association also showed that a stunning 48
percent of homeowners who have subprime, adjustable-rate mortgages are behind on payments or in foreclosure. The reckless lending and borrowing practices in states like Florida, California and Nevada that were the epicenter of the problem are no longer driving up the nation’s delinquency rate. instead, foreclosures are being fueled by a spike in defaults in places like louisiana, New York, Georgia and Texas,
with rapidly deteriorating economies and climbing unemployment. on Thursday, the labor department said new unemployment claims last week totaled 639,000, lower than expected, but still at elevated levels. That trend highlights one of the biggest challenges confronting the obama administration’s mortgage-relief plan launched this week. While the $75 billion plan could help change the loan terms or re-
finance up to 9 million homeowners, unemployed borrowers will have a hard time qualifying. The key to the housing market is what kind of workers are losing their jobs. Unemployment for people with college degrees, some college education or technical training — those most likely to own homes and have prime fixed-rate loans — has nearly doubled over the past six months, according to the bankers association.
Ex-Palm Valley officer gets prison for gun sales BROWNSVILLE — A South Texas lawman who illegally sold guns has been sentenced to more than two years in federal prison. A federal judge in Brownsville on Thursday sentenced 37-year-old former Palm Valley police Officer Ramon Martinez to 29 months in prison. Martinez in October pleaded guilty to dealing firearms without a license. Investigators say Martinez in 2007 bought firearms from licensed dealers and private citizens, then resold them for a profit while he was a police officer. Some of the weapons were recovered in Mexico and traced to Martinez. AFL-CIO President John J. Sweeney, left, shakes hands with Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. after listening to President Barack Obama deliver remarks to open the Fiscal Responsibility Summit Monday in the East Room of the White House in Washington. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., is at center.
in the world
International meeting on Afghanistan proposed BRUSSELS, Belgium — U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton proposed on Thursday a high-level international conference on Afghanistan to be sponsored by the United Nations and attended by a wide range of countries including Pakistan and possibly Iran. Clinton presented the proposal at a NATO foreign ministers meeting where she said the session could be held March 31 and led by the U.N.’s special representative for Afghanistan, Kai Eide of Norway, who was appointed to improve coordination of international civilian assistance to Kabul. She said discussions were under way with the U.N. on possibly having U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon open the conference. — The Associated Press
AP Photo: Ron Edmonds
washington
Both parties deny economy responsibility the associated Press
WASHiNGToN — Sen. John McCain deployed heavy sarcasm. Fellow republican Marsha Blackburn trotted out
a chart. A group of conservative House republicans mocked: “’deficit we inherited?’ ... Spare us the false outrage.” The war between republi-
cans and democrats to frame the blame for the economy erupted in earnest this week. republicans pushed back against President Barack obama’s claim — echoed relentlessly by his Cabinet members and democrats in Congress — that he didn’t cause the mess and shouldn’t be judged yet on obligating taxpayers for a trillion dollars trying to fix it. Just how long democrats can credibly argue that they’re merely responding to — and not responsible for — a crisis
created under republican predecessors depends on which political and economic fortune tellers are doing the predicting. “Not for too much longer,” says Stanley renshon, a professor of political psychology at the City University of New York. “People are distracted by the sideshow only for so long, especially when the evidence is all around them. every day brings a new cash infusion for a new industry, and the stocks drop.” Polls show that voters are
taking a wait-and-see posture toward the blur of legislation flowing between the White House and Congress, from the bailout money to a $410 billion spending bill that includes funding for thousands of lawmakers’ pet projects. obama dispatched his economic team to Capitol Hill to repeat the same message he started delivering in January when he rolled out his stimulus package, continuing through his address to Congress and the rollout of his budget last week.
legislation
Calif. Supreme Court weighs same-sex marriage ban the associated Press
SAN FrANCiSCo — As thousands demonstrated outside, California Supreme Court justices weighed Thursday whether voters’ decision to ban same-sex marriage was a denial of fundamental rights or within what one justice called the people’s “very broad powers” to amend the state constitution. Gay rights advocates are urging the court to overturn the ban, approved in November as Proposition 8, on the grounds it was put before voters improperly, or at least prematurely. Under state
law, the legislature must approve significant constitutional changes before they can go on the ballot. Proposition 8’s sponsors, represented by former Pepperdine law school dean and Whitewater prosecutor Kenneth Starr, said it would be a miscarriage of justice for the court to overturn the results of a fair election. The ballot initiative, which passed with 52 percent of the vote, changed the California Constitution to trump last year’s 4-3 Supreme Court decision that legalized gay marriage. The court found that denying
same-sex couples the right to wed was an unconstitutional civil rights violation. California voters first enacted a ban on gay marriage in 2000. Minutes into the proceedings, the justices peppered lawyer Shannon Minter, arguing for same-sex couples, with tough questions over how the 14 words of Proposition 8 represent a denial of fundamental rights. Chief Justice ron George asked what rights were lost other than being able to label their union as a marriage. “relegating same-sex couples to domestic partner-
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ship does not provide them with everything but a word,” Minter said. “it puts those couples in a second-class status.” The Supreme Court heard arguments on three points: is Proposition 8 invalid because it constitutes a revision of, rather than an amendment to, the California Constitution? does it violate the separation of powers doctrine under the California Constitution? And, if it’s constitutional, does it affect the 18,000 marriages of same-sex couples performed in the 4½ months before it passed?
OPINION
ABOUT OPINION Cohe Bolin, editor opinion-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Opinion is published Wednesday and Friday. Friday, March 6, 2009
THE SHORTHORN
REMEMBER The Shorthorn invites students, university employees and alumni to submit guest columns to the Opinion page. Page 5
Gunning for School Bills for allowing concealed weapons on campus add safety
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ou have probably stood next to one in line at Wal-Mart. You probably sat next to one at the movies or church. You may soon be sitting next to one in class, if state Sen. Jeff Wentworth, R-San Antonio, and state Rep. Joe Driver, R-Garland, have any luck. I am referring to the filed Senate Bill 1164 and House Bill 1893 that would allow Texas concealed handgun license holders to carry weapons onto campus. I firmly support these two bills because they would give Texas students the tools to defend themselves against attackers on campus and on their commute. During the Virginia Tech shooting, it took the Virginia Tech Police Department 11 minutes to enter Norris Hall. That was enough time to allow Seung-Hui Cho to shoot and kill 32 people. He fired more than 170 bullets when he shot MATTHEW FOSTER himself because police entered the building. Many say this horrible event could have been prevented or at least stopped well before 32 people died if Virginia law allowed concealed handgun license holders to carry guns on campus. Many anti-gun individuals claim that a student could snap at a teacher or fellow student and begin shooting. The facts are completely opposite. An interim report on the prevention of targeted violence in schools done in 2000 by the Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center, the Department of Education and the National Institute of Justice, concluded that school shooters don’t simply “snap,” and a person’s downward spiral toward violence is typically accompanied by numerous warning signs. Many also claim this would create a dangerous learning environment. A study done by the Texas Department of Public Safety notes that 90,000 concealed handgun licenses were issued between Sept. 1, 2006 and Aug. 31, 2007, and 5 percent of those licenses are issued to individuals 21-25. That means you are more likely to run into someone who
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is illegally carrying a weapon than one who is legally carrying one. An analysis of the arrest rate of Texas concealed handgun license holders as compared to the arrest rate of the entire Texas population from 2000 done by the Texas Concealed Handgun Association found that a male over 21 who is not a CHL holder is 7.7 times more likely to be arrested for violent crime than one who has a license. According to a Texas House study conducted by the Law Enforcement Committee, 11 universities in the United States allow concealed handgun licensees to carry a weapon into the classroom. Of these 11 universities, there have been zero reports of incidents of gun violence or accidents by license holders. The same study notes that crime rates on all 11 universities have dropped. Texas students deserve to be safe and protect themselves. I urge everyone reading this to contact their senator and state representative and tell them to support S.B. 1164 and H.B. 1893.
— Matthew Foster is a nursing sophomore and the College Republicans vice president
Licensed or not, students aren’t mature enough to bring guns to school
W
breakup was to blame for the incident. At this point, I woke up and got to thinking, “What if this bill did become law? So many things could go wrong with it.” In Texas, the minimum age to purchase a handgun is 21. The average 18 to 22 year old is not mature enough to stay calm in a situation like the one described above. It is not outside the realm of possibility that the police may shoot the good guy in this situation. Another thing to consider is the fragility of the human psyche. Imagine if Texas A&M absolutely trounced UT. Then one die-hard fan walks into the UT locker room and shoots the team for losing. This “response” to the Virginia Tech tragedy is designed to help prevent incidents like it, but I’m not so sure it ROB MORTON isn’t inviting a similar tragedy. By considering this bill, the Legislature is starting a ticking time bomb that will go off at some point. We don’t need to throw more guns into the situation, we need to remove them. At the most extreme, the Supreme Court could revisit the Second Amendment. But since that won’t happen, let’s find a compromise.
hen I heard about S.B. 1893, the newly proposed law that would allow licensed individuals to carry concealed handguns on college campuses, I was somewhat indifferent to the prospect. I don’t own a gun, don’t plan to in the foreseeable future, and I graduate before the bill, if passed, takes effect. So I went to bed thinking, “It doesn’t affect me.” However, things changed when I woke up from a dream. In this dream, I’m in class at Preston Hall. It’s a normal class day. My classmates and I sit and listen to the professor. Then all hell breaks loose. Out in the hall, gunshots are heard with a lot of screaming and yelling. The action moves outside, and I look out a window to see what is happening. The gunman is making his way toward the University Center. Some distance behind him, someone draws a legally concealed gun and takes aim. Three shots are fired in rapid succession. One is from the legally concealed gun into the first gunman’s knee. The second and third shots are from the campus police who have just arrived. Both shots hit the two people with guns, killing them both. Fast-forward to a point after the investigation of the incident. It turns out that the original attacker was licensed to carry a concealed handgun and until he fired the first shot, he had yet to break a law. A messy
cks
on
— Rob Morton is an Interdisciplinary studies senior and a columnist for The Shorthorn
EDITORIAL/OUR VIEW
Education vs. Weapons Concealed carry on campus bills present temporary fix to a bigger problem Concealed handgun carry on university campuses in Texas isn’t the worst legislation ever filed in the house and senate, but it’s a knee-jerk reaction to the Virginia Tech tragedy that needs more exploration. Lawmakers cite prevention of mass shootings like Virginia Tech as reason for filing the bill, but concealed carry on campus isn’t preventive. Our Legislature’s motives are probably genuine, but for the sake of our wellbeing, we can’t permit emotion to dictate reason. Reason forebodes that guns, in already high-stress environments, will result in additional violence, not less. Instead of allowing our faculty and fel-
Since 1919
EDITORIAL ROUNDUP The issue:
Two bills were introduced into the Texas Legislature that would allow concealed handgun licensees to carry their weapons on campus. We suggest:
Taking a more proactive approach to the situation, rather than reacting to a tragedy with the potential for more violence.
low students to carry lethal weapons on campus as casually as they do an extra pencil or eraser, we should focus on true prevention — ways to quell violence before it begins. A Virginia Tech Review Panel report highlighted inefficient communication among departments at Virginia Tech
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joan Khalaf E-MAIL editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
that, together, would have signaled troubling behavior long before Seung-Hui Cho went on his shooting spree. Many universities have since organized referral programs designed to investigate behavioral problems observed in students by peers or faculty and staff. UTA’s Behavioral Intervention Team’s (BIT) goal is to protect the safety and welfare of the university community by providing a response to “students whose behavior is disruptive to themselves or the environment.” Once a student is referred to the program, the BIT representatives review the case and decide the next step, which is either additional investigation or imme-
The Shorthorn is the official student newspaper of the University of Texas at Arlington and is published four times weekly during fall and spring semesters, and twice weekly during the summer sessions. Unsigned editorials are the opinion of THE SHORTHORN EDITORIAL BOARD and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of individual student writers or editors,
diate attention. Gun advocates repeatedly say guns don’t kill people; people kill people — it’s a philosophy that is undoubtedly true. While the blame for campus shootings rightfully falls on the perpetrator, educating the student body about available resources is everyone’s responsibility. As such, the success of programs like BIT depend on an involved, proactive community that holds discourse and collaboration in a higher regard than bullets and brawn. The thought of concealed carry on campus is comforting for a moment but in the long-term merely slaps a Band-Aid on an issue rooted deeper than the flesh.
Shorthorn advisers or university administration. LETTERS should be limited to 300 words. They may be edited for space, spelling, grammar and malicious or libelous statements. Letters must be the original work of the writer and must be signed. For identification purposes, letters also must include the writer’s full name, address and telephone number, although the address and tele-
phone number will not be published. Students should include their classification, major and their student ID number, which is for identification purposes. The student ID number will not be published. Signed columns and letters to the editor reflect the opinion of the writer and serve as an open forum for the expression of facts or opinions of interest to The Shorthorn’s readers.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Business continued from page 1
phen Jones, Dallas Cowboys chief operating officer and executive vice president. Mark Penny, Manhattan Construction Company project executive, will discuss impacts of the stadium Wednesday. Allyn & Company Senior Vice President Brian Mayes and Vice President Erin Ragsdale, will talk about the public campaign for the stadium Thursday. Bryan Trubey, HKS Architects, Inc. principal and senior vice president, will speak Friday about the stadium architecture. Other lecturers from Arlington and the surrounding area will discuss topics like competition in the pharmaceutical industry, psychology in leadership and residential construction. Ali MustAnsir
event cAlendAr
ited seating.
March 9 What: “Ryan on Leadership,” speaker: Terry Ryan, senior adviser to the UT Arlington president and former president for the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce. When: 6 p.m. Where: UTA Fort Worth Center in class MANA 5312. Limited seating.
What: “Strategic Planning,” speaker: Richard Nordtvedt, director of portfolio management for Essilor of America When: 12:30 p.m. Where: 152 Business Building. Limited seating.
What: “Labor and Employer Relations,” speaker: Harold E. Moore, labor and employment arbitrator When: 7 p.m. Where: 251 Business Building in class MANA 5330. Limited seating. What: “Civil Infrastructure and the Dallas Cowboys New Stadium,” speaker: W. Jeff Williams, president of Graham Associates, Inc. When: 7 p.m. Where: 245W Business Building. Limited seating. March 10 What: “The Economic Development Impact of the Dallas Cowboys New Stadium,” speaker: Trey Yelverton, deputy city manager for economic development, city of Arlington When: 9:30 a.m. Where: 245 Business Building. Lim-
news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Bands continued from page 1
VladamiR The Shorthorn talked to vocalist and guitarist John LaRasa. VladamiR won last year’s competition and hopes to win again. TS: Why did you guys decide to compete this year? JL: We decided to sign up because we would be honored to play at Springfest again this year. TS: How would you describe the band’s musical style? JL: I think our music is a rock, rap, hip-hop, punk smoothie. We try to combine elements of all of our influences. TS: What are the band’s musical influences? JL: Nothing in particular. Whatever is loud, fast and has a good beat. Anything we can bob our heads to.
Page 6
The ShorThorn
What: “IFRS and Audit,” speaker: Danny M. Goldberg, director of SOX compliance for Dr. Pepper Snapple Group When: 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Where: 101 College Hall. Limited seating. What: The Executive Dinner with keynote speaker Stephen Jones, chief operating officer and executive vice president of the Dallas Cowboys on “Dallas Cowboys New Stadium” When: 6 p.m. Where: University Center Bluebonnet Ballroom. Sponsorships and tickets available for purchase at http://arlingtontx.com/site/showevent/250/.
wAter boy In center, David Vesper, 2, plays along the edges of the Fine Arts Building and Architecture Building fountain with his brother Jacob, 4, Thursday. The two waited with their father for his mother, a UTA student, to pick up books from the Architecture and Fine Arts Library.
Source: www.uta.edu/business/bw09. html
Check www.theshorthorn.com for the full schedule The Shorthorn: Rasy Ran
TS: What are you guys bringing to this year’s show? JL: We will play some of our favorite songs — the ones we feel generate the best crowd response and a few new ones we hope they will enjoy. TS: As the returning champions, how does it feel to be back? JL: It feels great. I love the hospitality UTA has shown us. The battle is fair and most of all, it’s fun! It is a great venue to showcase the talent here. Brandon Steadman Band The Shorthorn spoke with the returning band’s front man Brandon Steadman and lead guitarist Jorge Rodriguez to ask them about the competition and the band’s university roots. TS: Why did you guys decide to compete this year? BS: We competed last year, and we won crowd favorite. We like to perform for the UTA crowd because they’re our main fan base.
TS: How would you guys describe the band’s musical style? BS: I don’t really like categories but if you’re going to put us into a category, I’d say Texas country. JR: The best way it could be described is a rocked-out distortion sound with good country hooks. TS: What are the band’s musical influences? JR: Of course, many of our influences are in the same genre as us, such as Eli Young band, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Wade Bowen, Reckless Kelly and Randy Rogers. Other influences from different genres include Led Zeppelin, Tom Petty, Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Beatles. BS: We try to mix in rock and country. TS: What are you guys bringing to this year’s show? JR: We will bring, as we always do to every show, a good solid energy of four upbeat songs — three of which are
original songs “Lonely,” “Front Row Seat” and “Keystone Girl.” We will also play a cover by Tom Petty, “Free Falling.” TS: What would opening for Springfest mean for the band? JR: It would be amazing to open for a major artist! Our main fan base is UT Arlington students, and playing for Springfest would open us up to many students that have not heard us or our style of music, and we would love to gain some more fans and share our music to the masses. News Team Assemble Drummer Jeromy Bailey spoke with The Shorthorn about why they say the band sounds like, “The Jonas Brothers partying with Andrew W.K. at a Beastie Boys basement show.” TS: Why did you guys decide to compete this year? JB: Well, we were kind of hoping the prize was $1 million, and sometimes we are
greedy people. We love playing music, and it’d be another show to expose us to a different crowd. But, really, its gotta be playing for the girls — or for the boys. TS: How would you describe the band’s musical style? JB: Pop, rock — we’re closely related to Forever the Sickest Kids. We’re upbeat, fun, with good moral values. TS: What are the band’s musical influences? JB: Blink 182, Captain Geech and The Shrimp Shack Shooters, Celine Dion, Box Car Racer, Michael Bolton and ABBA — just to name a few. TS: What are you guys bringing to this year’s show? JB: The most energetic show in the world and the message of love. TS: What would opening for Springfest mean for the band? JB: A lot, to be able to open for a huge band and have more people listen to us and experience our vibe.
R.B The Shorthorn met up with front man Randell Brown to speak about his confidence in the competition. TS: Why did you guys decide to compete this year? RB: I perform, and I wanna make it do what it do. TS: How would you describe the band’s musical style? RB: R & B slash hip-hop and soul. TS: What are the band’s musical influences? RB: Erykah Badu and Paul McCartney. TS: What are you guys bringing to this year’s show? RB: Everything that I do is fresh. It’s new. It’s different. I play piano and percussion pads at the same time. TS: What would opening for Springfest mean for the band? RB: It would be like a refreshing opportunity to expand. dustin l. dAngli news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Friday, March 6, 2009
Page 7
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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Events The Shorthorn and UTA proudly present
Housing Fair 2009 Wednesday April 8 10:00AM-3:00PM University Center Palo Duro Lounge FREE ADMISSION OPEN TO THE PUBLIC www.TheShorthorn.com 817-272-HORN (4676) Smash out AIDS Gospel Hip Hip concert March 6, 20009 $4 in the Lonestar Auditorium in the MAC. Benefits AIDS in Africa!
Personals Kaity Wilson! I loveeee you! Happy 19th Bday! You are a grerat friend, sister, and blessing in my life! LITB, Hillary Happy 19th Birthday Kaity! Me, Matt, your family and your AXΩ sister all love you! xoxo, twin for life Sergio, Glad we’re friends again. PsStop by. I’ve got something for you! Dearest Toni, Here is your ad! Can we pleaseeeee hang out soon? Text a girl once in a while =] Love you! Hillary
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Arlington Law Firm is seeking a Part-time Clerk/Runner for 20-25 hrs/wk. You must have reliable transportation, good driving record and car insurance. Must be able to work 1:30-5:30 M-F. Please e-mail resume to: kathyg@rockywalton.com STUDENTPAYOUTS.COM Paid Survey Takers needed in or fax your resume to: (817)429-3469 Arlington. 100% FREE to Clerical, PT, join. Click on Surveys. Need people and phone skills, SELL AVON, $10 start Irving, 15 min to Arl., Jen McCown (817)938-8539 9:30am-6pm shift, flex. days YourAvon.com/JMCCOWN $9/hr CHEF’S BISTRO AND BAKERY Small family oper- Call Melody (817) 808-3838 ated restaurant/ bakery lookTeaching/Tutoring ing for part-time counter and kitchen help. Looking for enNeed a tutor for grades ergetic, friendly, and cus9-12. Contact Lucy at tomer oriented individuals. 817-561-0770 Experience preferred but not HOUSING necessary. Close to UTA. Please contact Paul @ Apartments (817) 303-7174 SURVEY TAKERS 704 Lynda Lane 1 bd/ 1 ba NEEDED: Make $5-$25 per $400/mo laundry on property, survey. GetPaidToThink.com free basic cable & water paid. Help Needed! Ink cartridge (817)-274-1800 refiller. No prior experience 2bd/ 1ba, all new apt. $525 necessary. 10 minutes from UTA. Cartridge World. 3648 w/ UTA ID. Water included. Matlock Road. 817-557-0300 Walk to Arl Memorial Hosp. 1218 Gibbins Rd Covenant United Methodist Tel: 817-907-4932 Church in Arlington is looking for qualified candidates Quadrangle Apt. 509 Bowen for full time director of our li- Rd. 1/bd 2 level apt. 475/mo censed child care program. includes water. $150 deposit (817)274-1800 State mandated minimum qualifications are required. If Remmington Square Apts interested please send resume 1006 Thannisch. Large 1 bd/ to Reverend Mike Redd at 1 bath. $450/mo. Free cable 3608 Matlock Rd. Arlington, and internet. 817-274-1800.
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DR. RUTH Q: We hear quite a lot about breast cated and much more risky. augmentation and reduction. Why then, with so many questions about Q: I have a pleasant problem. I'm penis size, is there not a procedure for 60-something years old, and for the increasing or decreasing the size of a past six months, three girls in their 20s man's penis? At least, I have never have been hanging out with me. read about or heard of any They're becoming a probmedical procedure to lem. They love partying five address this topic. Is this a nights a week, and I have topic that does not get distrouble getting them out of cussed because it is a male my condo. I must get rid of issue? Although I would them before they do me in. think that women would How do I do it? have some comments on this issue as well. Males always A: Maybe what you have comments about breast should be doing is increassize. ing your rate of exercise so Dr. Ruth that you develop the stamina A: There are several rea- Send your to keep up with them. Since sons why you hear less questions to Dr. you're writing to me, I about penis enlargement Ruth Westheimer assume that you are having surgery. The most obvious is c/o King sex with these young that when a woman underwomen and that by "partyFeatures goes this type of procedure, ing" you don't just mean the effects are very visible, Syndicate, 235 E. drinking with them. While I so that's going to draw some 45th St., New don't recommend such a comments. But the other York, NY 10017 scenario, I suppose they reason is that very few men must feel safe with you, undergo this surgery because it doesn't though if they also have sex outside the really work and there are potentially relationship, then you might not be so negative side effects. So, since it's not safe being with them, with regard to widely done, you don't hear that much catching a sexually transmitted disabout it. This all makes sense when ease. However, if you were to end this you consider that unlike breasts, which relationship, I would imagine that just hang around, so to speak, the penis you'd have a hard time replacing it has to perform -- that is, become erect with one just as exciting, so maybe you -- so having surgery on an organ like shouldn't be so quick to want to end it. this is going to be much more compli-
CROSSWORD PUZZLE Instructions: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 grid contains the digits 1 through 9 with no repeats. That means that no number is repeated in any row, column or box.
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about sports Stephen Peters, editor sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Sports publishes Tuesday through Friday. Page 8
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remember Subscribe to “Sports Shorts” on iTunes. Search the iTunes store for Sports Shorts. Friday, March 6, 2009
The ShorThorn
O O X X X
Uta SportS Calendar
Uta 7, iowa weSleyan 1 Iowa Wesleyan ab Smith 4 Cruz 4 Jimenez 4 Marquez 4 Olson 4 Barcelo 4 Starkey 4 Klosterboer 3 Morales 3 Acevedo 0 Hernandez 0
By Stephen peterS
Baseball vs. Sam Houston State Time: 6:30 p.m. Place: Huntsville
The Shorthorn sports editor
Saturday Women’s tennis vs. McNeese State Time: 10 a.m. Place: UTA Tennis Center Men’s tennis vs. UC-Santa Barabara Time: 10 a.m. Place: UTA Tennis Center Women’s basketball vs. Texas A&M Corpus Christi Time: 1 p.m. Place: Corpus Christi Softball vs. Nicholls State Time: 2 p.m. Place: Allan Saxe Field Softball vs. Nicholls State Time: 4 p.m. Place: Allan Saxe Field Men’s basketball vs. Texas A&M Corpus Christi Time: 4 p.m. Place: Texas Hall Baseball vs. Sam Houston State Time: 5 p.m. Place: Huntsville Men’s track at NCAA Qualifier Time: All day Place: Ames, Iowa Sunday Women’s tennis vs. Lamar Time: 10 a.m. Place: UTA Tennis Center
Conference play begins today in Huntsville for the baseball team, but there was one item of business to take care of beforehand. the Mavericks (5-5) defeated the NAIA’s Iowa Wesleyan (9-9) 7-1 thursday night at Clay Gould Ballpark a day before taking to the road to open a three-game series with sam Houston state. pitcher Drew Clementz, a senior from Katy, provided a solid start for the Mavs, who were looking for a pick-me-up following a 11-3 drubbing at the hands of tCU on tuesday. Clementz settled in after a first-inning triple by striking out two in five innings of work and giving up no runs, keeping his earned-run average at zero. “I knew they were a fastball hitting team,” Clementz said. “so I made a lot of good pitches with change ups and stuff like that. the arm felt well and I just tried to get guys out and swing.” Head coach Darin thomas said he was pleased with Clementz’s work this season, who improved to 2-0 in two starts. “He’s done nothing but
Totals
UTA r 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0
h 1 2 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0
rbi 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
ab 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 0 1 0 35
McCoy Steggal Choice Otteman Kainer Storms Davis Raley Price Holt Wright Clementz
34 1 7 1
r 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 7
h rbi 2 0 1 1 0 0 3 2 3 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 14 6
Tigers
000
020
010 —
1
7
2
Mavericks
020 031
10x —
7
14
1
DP — Mavericks 1. LOB — Tigers 6, Mavericks 8. 2B — Marquez (3), Kainer (3). 3B — Cruz (1), Otteman (3). HR — none. SB — Holt 2(3). CS — Davis (1), Price (1). SH — Steggall (1).
The Shorthorn:Andrew Buckley
Senior outfielder Blake Holt slides into third base Thursday during the Mavericks’ 7-1 win over Iowa Wesleyan at Clay Gould Ballpark. The Mavericks will compete in their first conference series against Sam Houston State at 6:30 tonight in Huntsville.
pitch well when he’s started for us in mid-week games,” thomas said. In the second inning, UtA was able to rough up Wesleyan’s senior pitcher Hector Acevedo for two runs on three hits, and it was all the Mavs would need. senior outfielder Matt otteman supplied the offense for the Mavericks, going 3-for-4, driving in two runs and boosting his batting average to a team-high .450. “I was just trying to get on
base and drive [runners] in if they were on base,” otteman said. “It just happened to work out tonight.” Michael Choice, the sophomore phenom, showed he was human thursday night, going 0-for-4 and leaving four runners on base. It was a night, however, in which Choice had his teammates step in and supply the offense. “He’s going to have those games,” thomas said. “What Michael has shown is that against the better compe-
Iowa Wesleyan Acevedo L, 2-1 Wood UTA Clementz W, 2-0 Boydston Martin
IP
H
R
ER
BB
SO
7.0 1.0
13 1
7 0
5 0
0 1
3 0
5.0 2.2 1.1
5 2 0
0 1 0
0 0 0
0 0 0
2 2 2
Time — 2:01. Attendance — 214. Records — Iowa Wesleyan (9-9), UTA (5-5).
tition, he’s better. the good things about it, he wasn’t himself tonight but Matt otteman picked up the slack right behind him.” thomas also credited his team’s ability to bounce back from the tough loss to tCU earlier in the week and pinned the team’s recent slide on the loss at No. 4 texas last week. that night, the Mavs were up 4-3 in the bottom of the 10th with two outs, but lost on a two-run double. “Baseball’s a game about
momentum,” thomas said. “You’re either feeling good about yourself or you’re not. We do need to play better. At times we’re playing oK and at other times we’re just going through the motions.” UtA takes on sam Houston state starting at 6:30 tonight at Don sanders stadium in Huntsville. the Bearkats are coming off a victory against No. 8 rice on tuesday. Stephen peterS sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
athletiCS
Softball vs. Nicholls State Time: noon Place: Allan Saxe Field Baseball vs. Sam Houston State Time: 1 p.m. Place: Huntsville
BaSKetBall COnFeRenCe W-L Pct 1. Stephen F. Austin* 12-3 .800 2. Sam Houston State* 11-4 .733 3. Nicholls State* 11-4 .733 4. Texas A&M-CC* 10-5 .667 5. UTA* 9-6 .600 6. UTSA* 8-7 .533 7. Texas State 7-8 .467 8. Lamar 6-9 .400 SE Louisiana 6-9 .400 McNeese State 5-10 .333 Northwestern St. 3-12 .200 Central Arkansas 2-13 .133
pitching, hitting powers Mavs Team travels to Huntsville to begin SLC play against Sam Houston State.
Today Men’s tennis vs. UTSA Time: 2 p.m. Place: UTA Tennis Center
SLC Men’S STAndIngS
BaSeBall
Mavs to sport new jerseys Maverick teams have new duds to help promote themselves. By Cory armStrong Contributor to The Shorthorn
OVeRALL W-L Pct 20-7 .741 17-11 .607 18-10 .643 16-14 .533 16-12 .571 17-11 .571 14-14 .500 15-14 .517 12-16 .429 11-19 .393 11-19 .367 9-19 .321
*clinched playoff spot Top 8 teams advance to Southland Conference Tournament March 12-15 in Katy.
the men’s basketball and baseball teams will wear special-edition jerseys at an upcoming game to help promote themselves. the basketball team will wear the orange jerseys March 7 for their last regular season game against texas A&M-Corpus Christi. the baseball team will wear green jerseys March 17 for its game
against Minnesota at Quik trip park in Grand prairie. “It’s not a new idea, a lot of different people do it,” said Gregg Elkin, UtA athletics communications director. “Major league teams do it, professional teams do it. It’s just something to try to create some awareness and get some buzz going.” UtA approached pepsi for sponsorship, wanting to incorporate the orange Crush brand, but pepsi declined the proposal. “they didn’t want to do it,” Elkin said. “It’s got nothing to do with pepsi.” FedEx declined a similar proposal from the Memphis basketball team last month. “our head coach John Calipari and head Athletic Director r.C. Johnson wanted to pay tribute to FedEx for what they do in the community,” said Bob Winn, Memphis’ External Affairs Associate Athletic Director. “But FedEx, as humble as they are, said we like to give back but don’t need the recognition.” Winn said the shipping company has offered support for many athletic
events in the community and did not feel the company should be singled out. the basketball jerseys that will be worn on saturday have been sold, but the baseball jerseys will be available for purchase soon online at the UtA Web site. “they can call ahead, e-mail in and, there will be a minimum bid on them,” Elkin said. “there will be about 40 baseball jerseys.” Both jerseys will be similar to the ones usually worn by the teams but with different colors and trimming. UtA basketball coaches scott Cross and reggie Brown picked out the basketball jerseys. “of course I thought it was a great idea,” Cross said. “Anytime you can get a new uniform, the guys get excited about it.” the Athletic Department hopes to generate some awareness and get the student body involved by asking fans to wear orange to the basketball game saturday.
Cory armStrong sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
The Shorthorn: Jacob Adkisson
Senior infielder Jaimee Stinson tags out Texas State outfielder Fra’Shekia Knight on Feb. 25 during the Mavericks’ 4-0 loss. The team will play a double-header with Nicholls State at 2 p.m. today.
moving ahead Mavs hope to improve as season continues By roBert matSon Contributor to The Shorthorn
the Maverick softball team is looking to get its season rolling this weekend, as conference leader Nicholls state comes to Arlington for a three-game series. so far this year, the Mavs have struggled with defensive breakdowns and inconsistent hitting, which led to their 5-13, 1-5 conference record. UtA hasn’t played since sunday and is optimistic that a good week of practice will clean up the sloppy play. “Errors are killing us right now,” said sophomore third baseman Whitney simpson. “If we can continue to work on eliminating those and put a few hits together, we will be fine.” simpson leads the Mavs with three home runs and a .522 slugging percentage. she is second on the team with 24 total bases and has committed just one error in 18 games. the need to solidify the defense is highlighted by the Mavs .958 fielding percentage. In comparison, opponents are fielding at a .973 clip against the Mavericks. Equally troubling is no Maverick starter is batting above the .300 mark. the Colonels come in this weekend with five players batting over .300. Despite defensive shortcomings, freshman Court-
ney Zink has stood out for the Mavs. the second baseman has committed no errors this season — the only starter who can make that claim. Head coach Debbie Hedrick has been extremely pleased with the play of her young infielder, who has become the Mavs mostconsistent defensive player. “[Zink] has been a wall over there,” she said. “she has good lateral movement, and the ball just sticks in her mitt. she just does not let anything get through her, which gives us an opportunity to win when the ball comes her way.” Hedrick has been challenging the players all week to step up their game in preparation for the Colonels. “We have made a few adjustments to our swing when we went back and looked at the film,” she said. “We changed some drills up a little bit, so maybe that will help.” Hedrick said she wasn’t sure if the week was enough time to see an instant turnaround, but is encouraged by the results so far. UtA faces Nicholls state (16-6, 6-0) in a doubleheader saturday at Allan saxe Field. First pitch is set for 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. the series wraps up sunday at noon. roBert matSon sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu