T H E
U N I V E R S I T Y
O F
T E X A S
A T
A R L I N G T O N
Tuesday February 23, 2011
Volume 92, No. 80 www.theshorthorn.com
Since 1919 INDEX Calendar World View Opinion News Classifieds
2 3 4 3,5 5
Movin’ Mavs alumnus and U.S. paralympian Jay Nelms helps the wheelchair basketball team train for next month’s tournament.
Back in action
SPORTS | PAGE 6
STUDENT GOVERNANCE
SC hosts concealed carry forum Bills would give students right to carry concealed handguns on campus. BY BIANCA MONTES The Shorthorn staff
Student Congress will hold a forum 6 p.m. Thursday in the University Center’s Rosebud Theatre to discuss effects of potential future handgun legislation on campus. Three bills that would afford college students the right to bear arms on campus have been proposed in the Texas House and Senate; HB 86, SB 354 and HB 750. More than half of Texas House members have signed on as co-authors for the passing of HB 750. The forum was originally set for Feb. 3 but was postponed
Going the
Distance Student trains to swim across the Pacific The Shorthorn: Aisha Butt
BY KEVIN CROUCH
A
GOING THE DISTANCE
The Shorthorn staff
UTA student who was the first man to swim across the Atlantic Ocean plans to take on the Pacific. Benoit Lecomte, a 43-year-old architecture graduate student, is preparing to swim across the Pacific Ocean next spring. Lecomte will start the 5,419-mile swim in Choshi, Japan, and finish in Los Angeles, a length about eight times the width of Texas. He plans to follow the Kuroshio current, a 75-degree Fahrenheit current, to stay in warmer waters. Lecomte’s father died of colon cancer in 1991, which inspired him to raise funds for cancer research through long-distance swimming. He Benoit Lecomte, hasn’t selected any foundations, but architecture wants to involve several organizations graduate student for donors to choose from. He cross-trains three to four times a week, including bicycling, swimming and running. He said age will slow him down, but his endurance has increased with time and training. With more than a year before the big swim, he’s making good progress in his training, said Gurtej Singh Bains, who helps Lecomte with marketing and business relations. LECOMTE continues on page 5
Pacific Ocean
Los Angeles
Choshi, Japan Hawaii
Architecture graduate student Benoit Lecomte plans to swim from Chosh, Japan, to Los Angeles next spring. He swam across the Atlantic in 1998.
HOW FAR IS THAT? Pacific Ocean swim: Starting in Choshi, Japan, and ending in Los Angeles Distance: 5,419 miles That’s equal to about eight times the width of the State of Texas. Atlantic Ocean swim: Started in Hyannis, Mass., and ended in Quiberson, France Distance: 3,176 miles
Want to know what students think about concealed carry on campus? Go to our opinion section on page 6 to find out, then give your own take at theshorthorn.com.
because of inclement weather. The purpose is to have an informative event where everyone can hear all perspectives, said Jennifer Fox, SC External Relations director. Criminology professors Sarah Phillips and Randy Butler and assistant criminology professor Jaya Davis will present an overview and background on concealed handguns, crime statistics on FORUM continues on page 5
STUDENT LIFE
Homecoming week shortened to four days Committee members say compact week allows more students to attend events. BY BIANCA MONTES
The Shorthorn: Marissa Hall
MORE COVERAGE
MORE COVERAGE Want to know more about Homecoming? Visit our special section online at theshorthorn.com.
The Shorthorn staff
University officials have condensed Homecoming celebrations from a week to a three day festival to increase involvement. Comparisons with other universities and feedback from alumni about past events are a few of the primary reasons that the Homecoming committee decided to shorten this year’s events, Seth Ressl, Greek Life and University Events director, said. “There has always been that discussion of ‘do we shorten Homecoming’,” Michael Taddesse, Greek
Life and University Events assistant director, said. “This year, everybody in the committee decided that it was time to give it a shot.” When Homecoming was spread across the entire week there was a lot of work for the committee planners to deal with, and if they compacted the celebration more students and alumni would be able to attend, he said. “We know that there are classes, and work and life to contend with,” EVENTS continues on page 5
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
ENGINEERING
Group information compiled on new website
Jobs expected to spike in D-FW
MavOrgs allows students to more easily search and communicate with members. BY MELANIE GRUBEN The Shorthorn staff
A new community website will clear up communications among student organizations by facilitating the groups that join its services. MavOrgs, hosted by Student Governance and Organizations, is a cohesive website on which student organizations can communicate without using Facebook or paper advertising. “We’re trying to have a site that is all UT-Arlington,” Carter Bedford, Student Governance and Organizations director said. “Where can you find a site that’s all UT-Arlington events? And that’s what we’re trying to do with this site.”
The site is currently up and functioning, he said, but not in full motion because not all student organizations are registered. Bedford said he can’t advertise to the student body until enough groups are online. “It’s a work in progress,” he said. “This is the first semester we used it. We’re still getting our groups to register.” MavOrgs works much like any social media site, but has a fairly simple interface. On the site’s home page an interactive corkboard displays the digital image of fliers seen all around campus. An individual group’s profile includes a home page, a news page, an “about” page, a roster of group members, a photo gallery and a page where users can download documents. Contact info for group representatives can be WEBSITE continues on page 5
Aerospace, industrial, civil, others are projected to grow 11 percent over seven years. BY JOHN HARDEN The Shorthorn senior staff
Aerospace engineering senior Brandon Johnson submitted his résumé to five companies at a career fair Tuesday, hoping to get a job after he graduates in May. Johnson’s worried he won’t have a job related to his field after graduation because of the country’s unsteady job market. “It’s scary being a senior and not having any job prospects,” he said. “Hopefully, someone will call after this and then I’ll stop worrying.” More than 100 students filtered through Nedderman Hall’s atrium during the Engineering Career Fair, hoping their résumés and cover letters would generate potential job opportunities. FAIR continues on page 3
The Shorthorn: Aisha Butt
Chief Rob Chastain, Navy officer programs recruiter, speaks with Manuel Saucedo, mechanical and aerospace engineering freshman, about becoming a nuclear engineer in the U.S. Navy at the Engineering Career Fair on Tuesday in Nedderman Hall. The fair included employers from aerospace, computer science, electrical, software and mechanical engineering companies.
Page 2
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
THE SHORTHORN
THREE-DAY FORECAST
ALUMNI
Today
Alumna goes beyond borders
Chance Showers • High 70°F • Low 60°F
Chance Thunderstorms • High 73°F • Low 42°F
Friday Sunny • High 66°F • Low 48°F — National Weather Service at www.nws.noaa.gov
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.
Robbery A student reporter that at 2:55 p.m. two unknown suspects robbed a student at 700 Mitchell St. near Kalpana Chawla Hall. The suspects fled the scene after taking the student’s iPhone. Officers were dispatched to the Medical Center of Arlington to speak with the victim. The case is still active. Minor Accident At 9:10 p.m. an accident occurred in Lot 33 at 800 UTA Blvd. by the Maverick Activities Center between two students. There were no injuries. Minor Accident At 2:44 p.m. a minor accident occurred in Lot 47 North at 800 S. Oak St. near the Business Building. There were no injuries and the two students exchanged insurance information. Injured Person, Medical Assist At 2:25 an officer observed a car pulled to the side of the road on 900 Davis St. near the Studio Arts Center. The passenger exited and ran to another vehicle also stopped. The officer stopped to investigate and found a student having a seizure. An EMS was called. Investigation At 1:47 p.m. a staff member reported a student made threatening comments about himself at Nedderman Hall. The officers determined the student was not a danger to himself or anyone else. Investigation At 10:51 a.m. an officer investigated a verbal argument between two students regarding a parking space that occurred in Lot 47 800 S. Oak St. near Kalpana Chawla Hall. Minor Accident At 9:53 a.m. a minor accident occurred at the intersection of West and Doug Russell streets at the southeast corner of Lot 49. There were no injuries and they exchanged insurance information.
CORRECTIONS In Tuesday’s story “Four file for District 5 so far” the headline incorrectly stated all four candidates filed to campaign in the election. Only one candidate filed, the others announced their intent to file. In Monday’s front page story, “Board approves campus projects,” the location of the community garden was incorrectly identified as 406 Summer Ave. The garden will be located at 406 Summit Ave. Also, President James Spaniolo was quoted without first name and title.
News Front Desk ......................... 817-272-3661 News after 5 p.m........................ 817-272-3205 Advertising ................................. 817-272-3188 Fax ............................................. 817-272-5009 UC Lower Level Box 19038, Arlington, Texas 76019 Editor in Chief ........................ Dustin L. Dangli editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Managing Editor ................... Vinod Srinivasan managing-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Assistant professor talks women’s empowerment Melia Belli, art and art history assistant professor, will present a brown-bag lecture at noon today in University Hall Room 4 on architectural patronage of 18th century Queen Ahilyabai Holkar. Belli believes her lecture, “Gender, Legitimacy, and the Visual Vocabulary of Queenship: Ahilyabai Holkar’s Memorial Commissions,” fits perfectly with Women’s Studies. “In contemporary society, people tend to think of women of the past as being disempowered and not commissioning works of art with any political meaning,” she said. “Queen Holkar ruled in her own right.” She said it’s important for students to understand that women with extraordinary power in history existed. Queen Holkar’s commissions caught her attention when she conducted her dissertation research in India. “I saw all these monuments that were commissioned by her and I wanted to share them with my students,” Belli said.
Thursday
MONDAY Criminal Mischief or Vandalism At 6:10 a.m. a maintenance personnel reported someone had tried to break into the machine that sells laundry cards used for washing machines at the Centennial Court apartments at 700 Mitchell St. The case is still active.
WOMEN’S STUDIES
— Stephanie Knefel
STUDENT LIFE Courtesy: Kaci Hickox
Alumna Kaci Hickox has worked as a nurse around the world since 2005. Hickox has been a part of Doctors Without Borders for four years. She also has been to Indonesia with the International Medical Corps.
Alumna Kaci Hickox spent her winter break aiding Yellow Fever patients in Uganda. The outbreak in the east African country was so severe that Hickox was asked by Doctors Without Borders to do medical work in a clinic for a month. This was the latest service she’s had with Doctors Without Borders in her four years of history with the organization. She said someone was available 24 hours a day across the globe to help medical professionals handle emergencies in different countries. “I was in Uganda for a month, and I was never alone,” she said. Hickox joined the organization because her goal was to
work overseas as a nurse. “I don’t think I was made to stay in one place,” she said. The Cleveland, Texas, native said she learned a lot working with Doctors Without Borders for the past four years. She experienced this when she started her international career in December 2005 in Indonesia with the International Medical Corps helping tsunami victims. She said she was able to see diseases that she had only read about. She said a child walked into the clinic and the doctor immediately recognized him as a measles patient — something Hickox hasn’t seen before. “At that moment, I realized I had a lot more to learn,” she said. Hickox said assistant clinical professor Ellen L. Palmer helped her realize that she could make a difference in the world. “Kaci looked for opportunities in international nursing, not
CALENDAR
uta.edu or 817-272-5658.
Calendar submissions must be made by 4 p.m. two days prior to run date. To enter your event, call 817272-3661 or log on to www.theshorthorn.com/calendar
Intramural 4-on-4 Flag Football entries due: All day. Maverick Activities Center services and information desk. $20 per team. For information, contact Campus Recreation at 817-272-3277.
Kaci Hickox ventures to Uganda, Indonesia to help others in need. BY VALLARI GUPTE The Shorthorn staff
TODAY
Exposure: Photos from the Second Battle of Fallujah: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Library sixth floor. Free. For information, contact Erin O’Malley at omalley@uta.edu. Engineers Week, Career Fair: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nedderman Hall atrium. Free. For information, contact John Haroutunian at john.haroutunian@mavs.uta. edu.
What You Wish the World Could Be: The Early Years of Six Flags Over Texas: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Library sixth floor. Free. For information, contact Erin O’Malley at omalley@uta.edu. Combat Narratives: Stories and Artifacts from UTA Veterans: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Library sixth floor. Free. Free. For information, contact Erin O’Malley at omalley@uta.edu. Art Exhibition in The Gallery: “Sedrick Huckaby & Barbra Riley:” 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Gallery. Free. For information, contact Patricia Healy at phealy@
News Editor ............................... Monica Nagy news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Assistant News Editor ............. Andrew Plock assistant-news.shorthorn@uta.edu Design Editor .............................. Marissa Hall design-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Copy Desk Chief .................... Natalie Webster copydesk-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Scene Editor ............................ Lee Escobedo features-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
everybody does that,” Palmer said. Palmer said Hickox is a role model for nursing students as they search for different opportunities in their careers. Hickox graduated in 2002 but was involved during her time at the university as a member of the Student Advisory Council. Wendy Barr, masters in nursing education program director, taught Hickox critical care nursing. Barr said Hickox is courageous to go into areas that are perceived dangerous. “It is really gratifying to see so many students you have taught and to see what great service they are giving,” she said. Currently Hickox is pursuing a dual master’s degree in nursing at Johns Hopkins University. VALLARI GUPTE news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
UTA Men’s Basketball vs. McNeese State: 7 p.m. Texas Hall. Free for students, $8 for public. For information, contact Jason Chaput at 817-272-7167. THURSDAY
Job Fair: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Maverick Activities Center. Free. For information, contact Debbie Villagomez at careers@uta.edu or 817-272-2932.
Commuter Appreciation Breakfast: 7:30-9:30 a.m. Maverick Activities Center. Free. For information, contact Brian Joyce at 817-272-3213.
Focus on Faculty — Kenneth Roemer: Noon. Central Library sixth floor. Free. For information, contact Tommie Wingfield at wingfield@uta.edu or 817272-2658.
The Metropolitan Environment and Social Justice: 9:30-10:30 a.m. Trimble Hall Room 115. Free. Part of the environmental and sustainability studies lecture series. For information, contact Jeff Howard at 817-272-5119.
The Blazer Sale: 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. University Center mall. One for $5, two for $8. For information, contact Travis Boren at tjboren@uta.edu or 817-2720694. $2 Movie — Legend of the Guardians: $2. 5:30 p.m. Planetarium. For information, contact the Planetarium at planetarium@uta.edu or 817-272-1183. Your Spare Time is Your Most Important Time: 6-7 p.m. Nedderman Hall Room 100. Free. For information, contact Tracey Kocher at 817-272-3679.
Opinion Editor ...................... Johnathan Silver opinion-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Sports Editor ............................. Sam Morton sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Photo Editor ......................... Andrew Buckley photo-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Online Editor ........................ Taylor Cammack online-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Webmaster ......................... Steve McDermott webmaster.shorthorn@uta.edu
Breakfast to express commuter appreciation The Off Campus Mavericks program will offer a free breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Thursday in front of the Maverick Activities Center in honor of commuter students. The breakfast will include doughnuts, coffee, orange juice, fruit and other snacks given out at a few tables set up. “We think it’s important that commuter students know that they’re valued and appreciated on campus, and this is just one way that we can do that,” Brian Joyce, Off Campus Mavericks associate director, said. This will be the fourth time they’ve held this event, but the first time it’s been held in front of the MAC, a location they chose for being a high traffic area. Joyce said they hope to wrap up the event by 9:30 a.m. — Melanie Gruben
ARLINGTON
City council delays hike and bike discussion again Arlington City Council delayed discussion for the Hike and Bike Master Plan and Arlington Thoroughfare Development Plan until March 1. The Hike and Bike trail would create a system of bike lanes, sidewalks and trails throughout the city. The council expected to address the plan during the Feb. 22 city council meeting. The plan has been delayed several times since it was originally brought to the council in November. Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck decided to postpone the discussion. “We wanted to discuss it a bit ourselves before opening it to public hearing,” Cluck said. — Ali Amir Mustansir
PERSONAVACATION by Thea Blesener
DMS Workshop: Let’s Get Down to Basics - Adobe Illustrator: 10 a.m. to noon. Digital Media Studio, Central Library. Free, must register. For information, contact the Digital Media Studio at 817-272-1345 .
ONLINE View more of the calendar and submit your own items at theshorthorn.com/calendar.
Student Ad Manager ........... Dondria Bowman admanager@shorthorn.uta.edu Campus Ad Representative ........ Bree Binder campusads@shorthorn.uta.edu Marketing Assistants................... RJ Williams, Becca Harnisch marketing@shorthorn.uta.edu
FIRST COPY FREE ADDITIONAL COPIES 25 CENTS
THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT ARLINGTON 91ST YEAR, © THE SHORTHORN 2011 All rights reserved. All content is the property of The Shorthorn and may not be reproduced, published or retransmitted in any form without written permission from UTA Student Publications. The Shorthorn is the student newspaper of the University of Texas at Arlington and is published in the UTA Office of Student Publications.
Opinions expressed in The Shorthorn are not necessarily those of the university administration.
OFF CAMPUS MAVERICKS
Commuter Breakfast THURSDAY, FEB. 24, 2011 7:30 A.M. TO 9:30 A.M. IN FRONT OF THE MAC. SERVING DOUGHNUTS, COFFEE, BANANAS,
AND JUICE TO SHOW APPRECIATION FOR COMMUTER STUDENTS WHO DRIVE EVERYDAY TO CAMPUS.
your life. your news. your website. theshorthorn.com
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Page 3
The ShorThorn
World VieW
liBeral artS
linguistic students preserve languages
Stephanie Knefel news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Police investigate reported robbery
CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — Search teams used their bare hands, dogs, heavy cranes and earth movers Wednesday to pull 120 survivors from the rubble of a powerful earthquake in one of New Zealand’s largest cities. Officials raised the death toll to at least 75, with 300 others listed as missing. As rescuers dug through the crumbled concrete, twisted metal and huge mounds of brick across Christchurch, officials feared that the death toll could rise further, ranking the 6.3-magnitude earthquake among the island nation’s worst in 80 years.
Gadhafi’s vow: Will fight to ‘last drop of blood’
The Shorthorn: Jacob Adkisson
Show me the money Freshmen Leaders on Campus member Semerdeep Singh waits as music freshman Lissie Patience flips her wallet inside out to donate to the Koi Koi House fundraiser, Change for Change. FLOC members will be around campus all week collecting money for orphanages in Uganda.
Q: I am wondering if it is normal to to be replaced by deeper feelings of “not feel anything� when my boy- love. Sexual feelings when your friend is doing stuff for me down boyfriend touches your genitals there. I don’t get that butterfly feel- don’t produce such butterflies. ing like one would get from a first The sensations are based in your crush at a young age, but genital area, particularly I assume that just goes your clitoris. But just beaway with age and time cause someone -- even a with someone. I love him, boyfriend you love -- is and we have been togethtouching you doesn’t er for just over a year, mean that you will feel and we haven’t slept toaroused. If, for example, gether yet. I don’t know if you feel guilty, or if you there is something wrong don’t have enough priwith me, but I think it is vacy and feel you might normal to feel pleasure. Dr. Ruth be interrupted, or if you Should I be feeling some- Send your just don’t feel ready for thing physical? I know he questions to such stimulation, then is doing this stuff right; I Dr. Ruth Westheimer you won’t feel the pleathink it is just the lack of c/o King Features surable sensations. This feeling on my part. I’m Syndicate happens to many young so confused. I feel like an 235 E. 45th St., women. You certainly awful girlfriend should not have sex with New York, NY your boyfriend until you 10017 A: First of feel aroused by him in all, you’re confusing the these other ways, as it type of feelings you get from be- means that you are not ready. Many ing in love or having a crush with young women do have sex sexual feelings. While they can be too early, don’t enjoy it fully and connected, that’s not necessarily feel it is their “fault,� but it only so. So the butterflies that you might means that they are having sex too feel when you first fall in love with early. someone do disappear after a while,
 Â? Â?Â?Â? Â?  ÂÂ
Â?€‚€Âƒ‚„„…†
WASHINGTON — A federal judge on Tuesday threw out a lawsuit claiming that President Barack Obama’s requirement that all Americans have health insurance violates the religious freedom of those who rely on God to protect them. U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler in Washington dismissed a lawsuit filed by the American Center for Law and Justice, a Christian legal group founded by evangelist Pat Robertson, on behalf of five Americans who can afford health insurance but have chosen for years not to buy it. Kessler is the third Democratic-appointed judge to dismiss a challenge, while two Republican-appointed judges have ruled part or all of the law unconstitutional.
State
Protestors rally against immigration bills AUSTIN — Several hundred people rallied on the South steps to protest bills considering anti-immigrant. Several people held up signs that read “No Arizona Hate in Texas.� Legislators are considering a handful of bills aimed at curbing illegal immigration, including one that would require local law enforcement to ask about the immigration status of a person upon arrest, regardless of the crime. Gov. Rick Perry and state lawmakers have long complained that the federal government should do more to crack down on illegal immigration. Rep. Lois Kolkhorst, RBrenham, has filed a bill that would allow sheriffs to take immigrants to the local offices of any U.S. representative or senator.
Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis
ACROSS 1 Court jester 5 Zoo barriers 10 Sourdough’s ground breaker 14 Quint’s boat in “Jaws� 15 Polite 16 Yemen seaport 17 Country singer with the 1961 hit “Crazy� 19 Trickery 20 __-mo replay 21 Vicinity 22 Submerge while sitting poolside, as one’s feet 24 Australian folk hero Kelly 25 Mine entrance 26 49th state 30 Like the son in a parable of Jesus 34 Bills of fare 35 Sudden ache 36 Heal 37 Old Norse mariner 38 1- and 64Across, and the first words of the four longest puzzle answers 39 Retain 40 Cranny relative 41 Russia’s __ Mountains 42 “Beau __� 43 Kitchen areas, perhaps 45 Fastening pin 46 Cereal grain 47 Also 48 Sponge for grunge 51 Play a round 52 Timing lead-in 55 “The Time Machine� race 56 Shameful emblem in Genesis 59 Puppy bites 60 Mindy, to Mork? 61 Teen bane 62 Reggae musician Peter 63 Doofus 64 Hammer or sickle
Instructions:
2/23/11
By Jerome Gunderson
DOWN 1 Dandies 2 Shouted, say 3 Septi- plus one 4 Vegas opener 5 Joel who was the first actor to portray Dr. Kildare 6 No longer squeaky 7 Adidas rival 8 Badge material 9 Snow pack? 10 Hockshop receipt 11 Beatnik’s “Got it� 12 Calaboose compartment 13 Pants part 18 2009 Series winners 23 Lend a hand 25 Synthetic fiber 26 Congressionally change 27 The king of France? 28 Atom with a negative charge 29 Remora 30 Mamas’ mates 31 Hotel client
Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved
Tuesday’s Puzzle Solved
DR. RUTH
John harden news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
2/23/11
The employment outlook for engineers looks promising because of a projected increase in the field, said Josh Miles, a U.S. Bureau of labor Statistics analyst. engineering jobs in the area are expected to grow by 11 percent within the next seven years, he said. “There are about 65,000 engineers working in the Metroplex and more than 1.7 million working nationally,� he said. “These jobs will play a huge role in the economic growth of the area in the next couple of years. So, students in the field are better off than some.� The highest fields of employment for engineers in the Metroplex are aerospace, industrial, mechanical, elec-
Judge tosses suit against health care plan
(c)2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
continued from page 1
nation
to grow. “it’s a good representation of what fields are hiring now,� said Timothy Press, a Siemens PlM Software representative. “Competition for these types of jobs will still be high but not impossible to gain.� engineering employers look for experience, dedication and people who are innovative, Press said. in previous engineering career fairs, students were hired right out of the fair, said Sarah Hussein, engineering Student Council president. “The career fair is very good for students, especially graduating students, because they can get hired right after the fair,� she said. “it’s a good thing, because getting a job today can be really hard.�
(c)2011 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
32 Sharp ridge 33 With 45-Down, Middle Ages quarantine area 35 Put through a sieve 38 “The Flying __�: Wagner opera 42 Explode 44 Padre’s hermana 45 See 33-Down 47 Memento
2/23/11
48 Pre-Easter period 49 Hodgepodge 50 “Uh-oh, I dropped it!� 51 Big smile 52 Crisp, filled tortilla 53 Sot 54 First-year law student 57 Ring icon 58 Sylvester, e.g.
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.
7 5 2 8 9 3 6 1 4
Fair
trical and civil, according to the bureau’s data. in the next seven years, the area we will see big increases in those fields, he said. The College of engineering’s enrollment by department closely reflects which jobs are growing. More students are enrolled in electrical, mechanical, civil and aerospace engineering than other departments, according to fall enrollment data. “it’s common to see students pursue majors that reflect their interests and the job market,� Miles said. “We’re seeing the same trend in nursing and teaching.� With a large number of students pursuing engineering careers, the Metroplex will begin to see more jobs created as a result, Miles said. Companies present at the fair included employers from the top five fields expected
CAIRO — A defiant Moammar Gadhafi vowed to fight to his “last drop of blood� and roared at supporters to strike back against Libyan protesters to defend his embattled regime Tuesday, signaling an escalation of the crackdown that has thrown the capital into scenes of mayhem, wild shooting and bodies in the streets. The speech by the Libyan leader — who shouted and pounded his fists on the podium — was an all-out call for his backers to impose control over the capital and take back other cities. After a week of upheaval, protesters backed by defecting army units have claimed control over almost the entire eastern half of Libya’s 1,000-mile Mediterranean coast, including several oil-producing areas.
6 3 4 1 7 5 2 8 9
– Monica S. Nagy
Earthquake death toll at 75, search continues
8 1 9 6 2 4 3 5 7
UTA may receive $35,500 for air quality monitoring, according to the agenda for Wednesday’s Texas Commission on Environmental Quality meeting in Austin. The funds are part of a Supplemental Environmental Project agreed to by Aruba Petroleum, Inc., after it was fined for air quality violations in Wise County. The project is a settlement a business or individual can agree to after a failure to comply with environmental laws. The money goes to a relevant environmental project, according to environmental agencies. Aruba Petroleum, Inc., agreed to the $35,500 settlement on Jan. 13 to mitigate the penalty by the commission. According to the agenda, UTA is set to receive the funding as a part of the Texas Air Quality Monitoring Network.
world
4 7 5 3 1 6 8 9 2
UTA may get $35,500 to monitor air quality
Lawmakers take up bill to cripple unions
3 9 8 7 5 2 4 6 1
environment
Opponents of Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker’s budget bill sleep in the rotunda of the Wisconsin State Capitol Tuesday.
MADISON, Wis. — With their Senate colleagues still in hiding, Democrats in the Wisconsin Assembly began introducing a barrage of 100 amendments Tuesday to try to stymie the Republican governor’s plan to strip unionized public employees of most of their bargaining rights. Both houses of the GOP-controlled Legislature convened shortly before noon amid noisy protests outside the state Capitol that began more than a week ago in an epic showdown that is being watched nervously by organized labor across the country. The Senate was unable to take up the union measure because its 14 Democrats skipped town last week, denying the chamber a quorum.
Crime
A student reported being robbed at 2:55 p.m. Monday at 300 W. Mitchell St. near Kalpana Chawla Hall. Two men approached her from behind and attempted to push her down, according to the police bulletin. When she attempted to flee, one of the suspects blocked and pushed her to the ground. One man kicked her while the other took her iPhone from her purse and left the purse, assistant police chief Rick Gomez said. “We’re still investigating whether it actually occurred or not,� Gomez said. He said the police need to ask questions to clarify some information and substantiate if a robbery occurred. He said she reported the robbery two hours after she said it occurred. Gomez said afternoon robberies are unusual. Last year’s cell phone robberies in November occurred at night. — Sarah Lutz
AP Photo/Wisconsin State Journal, John Hart
1 2 6 9 4 8 7 3 5
Colleen Fitzgerald, linguistics associate professor, presented her approach to student training in service learning with a language revitalization course at the University of Hawaii. Fitzgerald is a specialist in language revitalization, a field of study that focuses on preserving and teaching languages that are hard to access, but are still in use. in the presentation, Fitzgerald taught tactics she personally uses to approach language barriers of different cultures. She said she enjoys the knowl-
said they can’t return to their homeland in the U.S. to learn about their culture and how they live. “There is nowhere else for them to go to learn if they lose this,� he said. “They don’t want their children to forget where they came from,� Kilpatrick said the skill of being familiar with various languages is an advantage students can carry on with them into several careers. “The study of linguistics can be relevant in psychology, cognitive science, child development, gender studies and many others,� she said.
9 6 1 4 8 7 5 2 3
The Shorthorn staff
the traditional class settings. it allows for them to explore different sides of diversity.� Sean Cooper, linguistics graduate teaching assistant, is one student who taught techniques in oklahoma. Cooper is an oklahoma native, but seeing the demand for language revitalization was new to him. “it’s not something that publicized or shown to community,� he said. “But seeing how what i taught could help is really worthwhile and exciting.� Cooper said that because he is a German descendant, he can visit Germany at any time to learn about his culture and heritage. What separates Native Americans in oklahoma from other cultures is their lack of having a base, he said. Cooper
5 8 7 2 3 1 9 4 6
By Stephanie Knefel
edge shared during the presentations. “What i find from when i give presentations is that it inspires other instructors to use it,� she said. She conducted her research in oklahoma with the Chickasaw, Comanche and Gagauz communities and languages. She encouraged reflection before, during and after servicelearning activity. linguistics students also had the opportunity to participate in at least two trips to oklahoma to help preserve the native languages. Fitzgerald said she sees the best out of students when they are working directly with the communities. “i see the strengths i didn’t know they had,� she said. “i see the things you wouldn’t see in
2 4 3 5 6 9 1 7 8
Associate professor educates students on native languages.
Solution Solutions, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com
4 6 2 5 3 7 9 2 2 7 3 3 4 1 7 8 2 5 1 5 2 6 7 9 5 1
ABOUT OPINION Johnathan Silver, editor opinion-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Opinion is published Monday and Wednesday. Page 4
OPINION THE SHORTHORN
EDITORIAL/OUR VIEW
Concealed Carry: Your Opinion Counts
REMEMBER The Shorthorn invites students, university employees and alumni to submit guest columns to the Opinion page. Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Do more guns make a right?
Attend Student Congress’ forum to voice your concerns The student body has a history of appearing apathetic about important decisions. Last spring, less than 5 percent of the student body voted in the Student Governance elections. In a 2009 forum, only 14 people showed up to discuss whether the campus should have a tobacco ban. President James Spaniolo announced the ban later that year, effective this fall. Now, some of you may not think Student Congress makes important decisions but a very important one will be made soon: the student body’s stance on concealed handguns on campus. Student leaders need to hear from you. State lawmakers are considering the legalization of concealed handguns on college campuses. It’s a big deal. Students have the opportunity to show Student Congress that they care. Student Congress will host a forum on the subject 6 p.m. Thursday in the University Center Rosebud Theatre. Next Tuesday, Student Congress will vote on the student body’s stance on the issue. On our opinion page, online and in print for the following days, student leaders will appeal to you for your input. They’re desperate for your opinion. This is arguably the biggest issue that most members of the elected body have encountered. They don’t want to, and shouldn’t, vote based on personal beliefs. In fact, after hearing from you Thursday and through next week, Student Congress senators and Executive Board members should not be absent, late or abstain from this vote. This should be a transparent process. We should all know how each member will vote and how each actually votes. It’s the student body’s responsibility to speak for itself and decide the climate in which it wants to live and get an education. — The Shorthorn editorial board
DISCOMBOBULATION by Houston Hardaway
Since 1919
n:
or
We have the right to carry concealed handguns
W
Concealed carry threatens campus safety
ith the recent shootings in Arizona, UT-Austin and high school standoffs throughout the country, gun rights is becoming an important issue debated among citizens and state legislatures. There are already a number of bills regarding these issues on the table in Texas. Many of these directly address the issue of concealed carry on college campuses. If passed, law-abiding citizens would have the right to defend themselves at school. This may seem ridiculous to many people but why? A lot of people do not underCLAYTON stand who we are talking about SMITH when we talk about students carrying guns. If someone wishes to carry a handgun, they must obtain a Concealed Handgun License. The minimum age to obtain a license is 21, and applicants must complete and pass an extensive background check, which disqualifies felons and individuals who have been charged with a Class A or B misdemeanor within the last 5 years. Others Smith is an economwho would be disqualified in- ics and business clude those delinquent in child junior, Students for support payments and anyone with a history of mental illness Concealed Carry on or addiction. In addition, an ap- Campus UTA chapter plicant must attend a 10-hour member a guest class, which reviews the laws and columnist for The obligations applicable to a license Shorthorn. holder and teaches alternative methods of conflict resolution. Join the discussion Applicants must pass a shooting test that includes targets at by commenting at various ranges, up to 45 feet. theshorthorn.com. Needless to say, it is a difficult process that costs roughly $300. The people that pass all of the requirements are model citizens, so why are we so afraid of them? Statistically, in Texas a Concealed Handgun License holder is 38 percent less likely to commit a violent crime than the general population. Now, think about your average class size at UTA. How many of your classmates are over 21, have a squeaky-clean record and have the time or desire to go though all this trouble? Not very many. There are about 461,724 license holders in Texas or roughly 1.8 percent of the total population. They can carry to the movies, dinner, the mall and work. You are around them all day whether you realize it or not. Why are college campuses different? They are not the magical safe place that we would like them to be just because they have “No Guns” signs. In fact, in every case in which a mass shooting occurred on a college campus, the shooter was breaking the law. Yep, that’s right. Criminals break laws. The only people who respect and follow these laws are law-abiding citizens who want to protect themselves. Police have done a great job recently in responding to active shooter scenarios, but it still takes minutes to respond, allowing plenty of time for a crazed gunman to inflict massive casualties. Also, think about the students who walk to class at night alone and defenseless. How can we deny students the right to defend themselves? It is an individual’s right and responsibility to provide for his or her own protection. That means UTA Police and faculty are not responsible for your personal safety. You are. Why would you not give yourself every possible advantage?
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dustin L. Dangli E-MAIL editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
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 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, Shorthorn advisers
Th
h
eS
Th
th or
er
en
les
B ea
W
ith the commotion generated by the recent event in Tucson and the suicide at UT-Austin, the Texas Legislature is taking up the task of trying to right these wrongs by allowing the concealed carry of handguns on college campuses. It is impossible for House Bill 86 and Senate Bill 354 to make up for what happened these days or any other day. The idea that allowing people on college campuses not sworn to protect and serve to do as much with a gun is abhorring. A common notion among adTONY vocates for concealed carry on CARRILLO college campuses is that students carrying handguns can prevent a person on a shooting rampage from killing more people. However, anyone drawing a weapon and discharging rounds downrange poses a risk to those nearby and to him or herself. Not to mention, any police officer on the scene would be immediately drawn to shoot at anyone with a gun and vice versa. In fact, a man carrying Carrillo is an aeroa handgun in Tucson could have space engineering killed a bystander he mistook for freshman, Student the assailant and been shot by Congress engineering police at the scene. There is absenator and a guest solutely no need for students to columnist for The be armed, because the university has police officers who are ready Shorthorn. to respond at a moment’s notice. In any case, the possibility of Join the discussion my fellow students carrying loadby commenting at ed firearms in my presence puts theshorthorn.com. me on edge. I am a prodigious shooter of rifles, shotguns, handguns, assault rifles and submachine guns. Yet, all of this experience has taught me that others at the gun range — who should know how to shoot — are dangerous. During my last outing to the range, a man who finished shooting nearby managed to point a loaded gun at me through ignorance of the rules of safety. If he managed to go one step further and pull the trigger, someone else would be writing this column. This occurrence makes me wonder why I should trust anyone on campus with a gun when I cannot trust anyone at the range with a gun. I do not see how having people around me who may surprise me with a handgun will comfort me. Tomorrow, there is an event to bring details surrounding this issue to light. It will take place at 6 p.m. in the University Center Rosebud Theatre. I encourage all to go and express their opinions to the Student Congress senators attending. Five days thereafter, Student Congress will be having a debate about the legislation proposed in the Texas House and Texas Senate followed by a vote on whether the student body approves or disproves of this legislation. I will do my best to bring the views of all sides into the discussion. However, when the final vote is taken, I will vote for the view that the majority holds. This action by your Student Congress is intended to provide a single, representative voice to our lawmakers. Please take the opportunity to be heard, and do not let me be the only one with a voice.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Comment on these articles at theshorthorn.com and send your columns and letters to opinion-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu.
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 telephone 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.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Events
Forum
continued from page 1
continued from page 1
he said. “It is definitely something new that we are trying out.” Taddessee said students should not worry about events from previous years being canceled — the core events are still there. “We’re going to put our best foot forward,” he said. “I think the most important thing that people have to realize is that you are not losing any events.” Mr. UTA Ricky Irving said when Homecoming was a whole week not as many people showed up. Taddesse said alumni are happy they will not have to miss any part of Homecoming this year. “If we can get more students and UTA community alumni to come together, that is what Homecoming should be, point blank,” Taddesse said. When Homecoming ends this year, Ressl said he and the committee would evaluate the turn-out and overall success of the event to see if condensing Homecoming is the best fit for their schedule going forward. Homecoming activities begin Thursday with MavSwap at 9:30 a.m. on the Central Library mall. Students are invited to trade in other collegiate wear for new UTA gear. Bianca Montes news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Page 5
The ShorThorn
when and where
campus, the legal aspects of concealed handguns and the implications of the introduced bills. Speakers will not deliver arguments for or against concealed handguns, Butler said. Davis will provide a statistical breakdown of crime on and off campus. The U.S. Department of Education reported that in 2009, 40 students out of the 16 million enrolled in universities were killed in mass shootings. “It’s infinitesimally small that someone is going to be
Lecomte continued from page 1
“He’s been in rhythm for the last several months,” he said. “He sounds confident.” Dr. Edward Coyle, UTAustin Human Performance Laboratory director, worked with professional bicycler Lance Armstrong and provided Lecomte with medical advice. He said Lecomte needs to prepare himself for the intense swim and tedious task of swimming day after day. “The most important thing is that he gets comfortable with all of his equip-
What: Forum on Concealed Handguns When: 6 p.m. Thursday Where: University Center Rosebud Theatre
the victim of that kind of crime of force,” Davis said. Discussing potential legal issues and the law as written, Phillips said she believes in the constitutional right to bear arms, but the right has not been interpreted to mean concealed arms. “I think there needs to be much discussion, debate and research on this issue because it is one that could potentially have permanent consequences if someone is ment on and swimming long distances,” Coyle said. “It’s a matter of how he paces himself.” As a teenager in France, Lecomte discovered he had a pinched disk in his back and that he couldn’t participate in his school’s ski program. He searched for a new hobby and found swimming. His love for the outdoors led him to open-water swimming. “It’s at my core,” he said. “It gives me a sense of meaning.” Finding a financial sponsor is the biggest issue, said Giri Prasad, who will work on technology and networking needs for Lecomte. The team will name them-
hurt, for students as well as faculty,” she said. SC President Aaron Resendez said concealed carry on campus has been on members’ minds since last semester. However, they chose not to take a side because it was not a bill at the time. As the representation of the student body, Resendez said the congress will vote on their stance in Tuesday’s general body meeting. SC will then head to Austin during this legislative session to discuss their decision with the Texas Legislature. The forum is open to all students, faculty and staff.
Website continued from page 1
news.editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
found on the “about” page. Students and staff log in using their campus NetID and password. A user can post on the wall of an organization or add an event from the MavOrgs page to his or her Google Calendar. “We want to overall improve the atmosphere for student communications,” Bedford said. “We want to provide the best services possible.” Hussain Alamri, Saudi Students Association president, runs a group on MavOrgs. “I think it’s going to be very helpful to reach out to students at UTA,” Alamri said. “I can send invitations to UTA stu-
selves after the sponsor. Lecomte’s team expects the swim to cost between $500,000 and $1 million, compared to the nearly $100,000 price tag of his Atlantic swim. A sailboat, medical equipment and team compensation are among costs. The team plans to provide live coverage of the swim online, including a video feed on a website, Prasad said. Part of the website will track Lecomte’s physical condition as he progresses, which will come from a chip implanted in his body. The team will use a SharkPOD, a device that wards off sharks by creating an electro-
magnetic field to ensure his safety, Lecomte said. There are approximately 36 known shark species in the Pacific Ocean. In 1998, he swam across the Atlantic Ocean using money he inherited after his father’s death to raise money for the Association for International Cancer Research, a Scottish-based foundation. He swam 3,176 miles in two months using the “stage swim” method by resting in a boat when he became tired and beginning again from the same spot where he stopped. He plans to use the same technique in the Pacific, Lecomte said. After arriving in France,
Bianca Montes
ANNOUNCEMENTS
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
EMPLOYMENT
HOUSING
CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS CALLING ALL STUDENTS/ FACULTY interested in new campus group dedicated to music and art! Please contact Josh at jsgarcia88@gmail.com
GENERAL
GENERAL
GENERAL
HOSPITALITY/SERVICE
INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WELCOME Need P/ T telephone help 7am-12 midnight flexible. Good computer skills, Excel. Accounting, marketing, human resources, IT majors. $200-300/ wk. (682)552-6540 (817)8458820
HIRING IMMEDIATELY Nice family looking for energetic, creative, focused & fun young woman to work w/ our lovely daughter w/ disabilities. Prefer Nursing Students and exp., but will train everyone, pt or ft, flex hrs. Very close to UTA. You will work w/ other fantastic UTA students. $10/ hr. Call for interview. Mr. & Mrs. Phillips (817) 265-6009
TARRANT COUNTY KIDS has part-time position available to work in after-school care with children ages 5-12. Work hours 3-6:30pm every school day. $8/ hr. To apply, go to 2820 Matlock Road in Arlington (817) 468-0306
!BARTENDING! $250/ DAY potential! No experience nec, Training available, 18+ok 1-800-965-6520x137
HOMES 700SQFT, 1/1 ON CAMPUS! Un/Furnished, Wood/Tile/Carpet, Huge Bedroom/Bathroom/Closet. Pets Welcome $500 (817)868-0241
THINKING ABOUT VET SCHOOL? New pre-vet club planning meeting organizing now! Interested students and faculty please email prevetmavs@gmail.com
EGG DONATION
$5,000$7,000
PAID EGG DONORS for up to 6 donations + Expenses. N/ smokers, ages 18-27, SAT>1100/ ACT>24GPA>3.0 info@eggdonorcenter.com
EMPLOYMENT CHILDCARE CHILDCARE NEEDED FOR 1st grader after school pick up from school at 3:15 drive home or to piano or karate lessons, help with homework. 3:15- 7:30 Must drive and own car. Call for further info (678) 920 4596 BABYSITTER WANTED Monday and Wednesday 1:30-2:30 pm, $10/ hr on campus and free parking 817-223-2573 GENERAL THE SHORTHORN is currently accepting applications for the following positions for the Spring Semester; - Reporters Get a job description and an application TODAY! Student Publications Dept. University Center, lower level. All are paid positions for UTA students. For more information call (817) 272-3188 STUDENTPAYOUTS. COM Paid Survey Takers needed in Arlington. 100% FREE to join. Click on Surveys.
EARN $1000-$3200 A month to drive our brand new cars with ads placed on them. www. AdCarDriver.com
HOSPITALITY/SERVICE !BARTENDING! $250/ DAY potential! No experience nec, Training available, 18+ok 1-800-965-6520x137
BARTENDER APPRENTICE wanted $$$$$$$$$$$$ Showdown (817)-233-5430 SEEKING EMPLOYMENT FINANCE MAJOR with real estate education seeking employment. Email michael.hartman10@ gmail.com for copy of resume.
MERCHANDISE HOME ELECTRONICS 25” ZENITH TELEVISION FOR $30 call Linda 214 429 7608 or email me lindalam07@yahoo.com
dents through the website, and I can browse the other organizations if I’m interested in other cultures.” However, Alamri said the header requirement is very small and photos have to be tediously added one-by-one. He said before MavOrgs, his group did most of their connecting through Facebook, and still does most of it that way. Patricia Herrera, Baptist Student Ministry president, approved of MavOrgs in general as well. She said it was easy to set up an account with only a minor navigation issue. “I liked it,” Herrera said. “I think it will be a great tool later on when students start finding out about it.” Melanie GruBen news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
Lecomte proposed to his girlfriend and she accepted. “Never again,” he said when he reached land. However, after he recovered, he decided he would take on his biggest challenge yet. A challenge he has yet to reveal to his wife because he doesn’t want to worry her or cloud his focus. “When you finish something big like that, you can feel the pain and strain,” he said. “But when you look at it with a more objective view, it makes you want to do something bigger.”
Kevin crouch news-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
your life. your news. your website.
about sports Sam Morton, editor sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu Sports publishes Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. Page 6
sports
remember Don’t just wait for the Sports page to catch up on UTA sports. Go online at theshorthorn.com for everything Mavericks. Wednesday, February 23, 2011
The ShorThorn
Champ passes expertise Former Movin’ Mav gives team U.s. paralympic presence
women’s BaskeTBall
Mavs face off with East Beast
By Charlie Vann The Shorthorn staff
Jay Nelms, a Movin’ Mavs alumnus and U.s. paralympic standout, uses his championship experience to better the Movin’ Mavs during practice. “He’s got so much experience,” senior James patin said. “He sees the floor so well.” the Movin’ Mavs are gearing up for the 2011 National Intercollegiate Wheelchair Basketball tournament next month, which brings rivals Wisconsin-Whitewater and Illinois to texas Hall. Both teams have been a thorn in the side of the Movin’ Mavs, who have struggled to beat them in conference play. Wisconsin-Whitewater and Illinois have each beaten the Movin’ Mavs twice this season. Nelms knows how to beat Wisconsin-Whitewater, a team he defeated in 2002 as a key player for the Movin’ Mavs championship team. While Nelms has moved on to higher levels of competition, he stops by weekly and brings a competitive edge and intensity to the team’s practice. “Him going out and giving us a 100 percent in practice is preparing us for Whitewater or Illinois,” sophomore guard John Mcphail said. “Because they’re going to give 100 percent.” Nelms currently plays for the Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks, who won back-to-back national titles in 2009 and 2010. other Dallas Wheelchair Mavericks, Chuck Allen and Aaron Gouge, join Nelms in coming out and scrimmaging
Team is on the outside looking in as they travel to face top team in SLC. By TraVis DeTherage The Shorthorn staff
The Shorthorn: Daniel Molina
Movin’ Mavs alumnus Jay Nelms has been a member of Team USA since 2001 and won a gold medal with them in 2002. He played with the Movin’ Mavs from 2000-2005, winning a national championship, and graduated from UTA in 2006 with a criminal justice degree.
with the Movin’ Mavs every Wednesday. Head coach Doug Garner appreciates having Nelms around, who he said brings more insight to practices. “Another set of eyes is huge in helping the guys,” he said. But Nelms doesn’t just have an ordinary set of eyes. He’s one of the most decorated wheelchair basketball players around. Within his first year of college, Nelms was invited to a U.s. paralympic team tryout and immediately earned a spot. “Before I got to UtA, I didn’t have aspirations for UsA,” Nelms said. “I didn’t
Jay nelms aCColaDes 2002 International Wheelchair Basketball Federation Gold Medal 2002 Movin’ Mavs National Championship 2006 Mayor’s Cup MVP 2009 International Wheelchair Basketball Federation MVP 2010 International Wheelchair Basketball Federation Bronze Medal
think it was even a possibility.” During his time with team UsA, Nelms won a gold medal and traveled the globe playing the game he loves. “I’ve been to 20 different countries now,” he said. “It’s amazing to be able to go and experience all the different cultures of the world.” In 2009 Nelms was named
MVp for the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation World Championship qualifier in Canada. Nelms will participate in the Movin’ Mavs Alumni game at 4:30 p.m. on saturday at the Maverick Activities Center. Charlie Vann sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
It’s not a must-win game for UtA, but a win against McNeese state Wednesday will go a long way toward making the southland Conference tournament. After blowing a 12-point halftime lead in saturday’s loss to southeastern Louisiana, the Mavericks are in ninth place in the sLC standings. McNeese state has the best conference record and is undefeated at home. Head coach samantha Morrow said it’s going to be tough to beat the beast from the east. “they’re the best team in the conference.” she said. “they’ve only lost one game. We have really dug ourselves a hole, and we have to shake some stuff up and turn things around or we won’t even be in the tournament.” the team finds itself on an entirely different path than McNeese state. the Mavericks lost six of their last eight games, while the Cowgirls won 12 of their last 13 games. Despite the fact that the Mavericks haven’t beaten a team with a winning record all season, senior shalyn Martin remains optimistic that the team will win. “If we play the way we are capable of playing and not beat ourselves up with turnovers and play good defense,
SLC Standings East SLC McNeese State 11-1 Lamar 10-2 Central Arkansas 7-5 Northwestern State 6-6 Southeastern Louisiana 3-9 Nicholls State 3-9
Overall 19-6 21-5 15-10 11-14 11-13 8-17
West Sam Houston State UTSA Stephen F. Austin Texas State UTA Texas A&M–CC
Overall 15-11 12-13 10-15 9-16 7-17 2-23
SLC 9-3 8-4 7-5 4-8 4-8 0-12
UTa aT mCneese sTaTe When: 7 p.m. Wednesday Where: Burton Coliseum | Lake Charles, La. Live Stats: www.mcneesesports.com
then we can come out with a win,” she said. senior tamara simmons said the team is not worried about McNeese state. “We are going to come out and try to do everything that we can to win,” she said. “We know they are a good team, but we have to overcome that.” After McNeese, the Mavericks close out the season against teams with losing records. the team will host Northwestern state this weekend before they play texas A&M-Corpus Christi and Utsan Antonio next week. If they win three of the next four, they will be in a better position to make the tournament. TraVis DeTherage sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu
men’s BaskeTBall
10 teams sit in tight sLC race UTA’s only one game out of first place and host division leader tonight. By Josh Bowe The Shorthorn senior staff
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Residence Life Hall Decorating Contest Student Organization Spirit Competition Begins Mav Swap Library Mall, 9:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m.
The Bash
University Center, 9:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Military Science Hall of Honor*
University Center Palo Duro and Bluebonnet Ballroom, 10:30 a.m.
Paint Your Ride with Maverick Pride
Maverick Parent & Family Association Meeting
Homecoming Step Show
Tailgate Party & Chili Cook off
Arlington Hall Turn Around, 12:30·2:30 p.m. Texas Hall, 7:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25
Student Organization Spirit Competition Continues Spirit Friday Golf Cart Parade University Center and Library Mall, 12:00 p.m.
Homecoming Pep Rally
Library Mall, immediately following Golf Cart Parade
Student Leader Alumni Reception*
University Center, Rio Grande Ballroom, 7:00 p.m.
Head coach scott Cross wants what any other coach wants: his team to dominate its conference. But sometimes parity runs rampant, and such is the case with the southland Conference this season. the conference boasts 10 teams with at least six conference wins, and all 10 of those teams are within two games of first place. “We’d like to be one of those top-tier teams,” Cross said. “perhaps down the road, we’ll be able to do that. But everyone has good players, and it’s a well-coached league.” the leaders of the East and West divisions, McNeese state and texas state, have eight conference wins. UtA sits with three other teams at 7-5, while four other teams are even at 6-6. sophomore guard Cameron Catlett believes the league is evenly matched, because there isn’t a gap in talent between schools. “the team that plays the hardest that given night is probably going to be the team that wins, because the talent differential really isn’t that
SLC Standings East McNeese State Northwestern State Nicholls State Southeastern Louisiana Lamar Central Arkansas
SLC 8-4 7-5 6-6 6-6 6-6 1-11
Overall 16-9 15-12 12-10 12-12 12-14 5-20
West Texas State Stephen F. Austin Sam Houston State UTA UTSA Texas A&M–CC
SLC 8-4 7-5 7-5 7-5 6-6 3-9
Overall 13-13 16-8 14-11 13-12 13-12 8-19
mCneese sTaTe aT UTa When: 7 p.m. Wednesday Where: Texas Hall Radio: KVCE 1160 AM Last Meeting: UTA 70-58
big,” he said. “You’ve got to come ready to play day in and day out.” Without cupcake teams on the schedule, Catlett believes the motivation to continue during a long season is heightened. He, along with the rest of the team, knows that a small losing skid could result in being the odd team out. “of course we’re watching other teams in the standings, but we’re still paying attention to ourselves. [We] have to focus on the next game,” he said. “[First place] is right there within reach.” the fact that UtA already has seven conference wins
Davis Hall University Club, 11:00 a.m. Trinity Hall Parking Lot, 12:00 p.m.
Homecoming Basketball Game vs. Northwestern State
OVERWHELMED???
Texas Hall, 2:00 p.m.
Homecoming King & Queen Coronation Texas Hall, Half Time
Movin’ Mays Alumni Game
Maverick Activities Center, 4:30 p.m.
Movin’ Mays Alumni Reception PE Building, 6:00 p.m.
* By invitation only
NEAR UTA
Reduced Fees for Students School Work Relationships Depression Anxiety PATRICIA LUX, LCSW Anger www.patricialux.com Communication
PSYCHOTHERAPY & LIFE COACHING Discouraged Academic Problems Stressed Confused ADHD
817-480-6151
1408 W. Abram St. #107 Arlington 76013
(Between Davis & Fielder)
and remains in the hunt for a championship is a surprise to most people, considering they were picked to finish 11th in the preseason polls. Junior forward LaMarcus reed said youth has something to do with it, but youth means this tight race will only better prepare the team in the coming seasons. “If we could show the critics that they made a mistake, that’d be huge,” he said. “Especially for this team. It’s such a young team, and we have everyone coming back. I think it could be something we could build on.” tonight UtA will face one of the division leaders in McNeese state, the first matchup between the schools this season. Cross said the Cowboys like to mix defensive styles to confuse a team’s offense. A win would pull the Cowboys and Mavericks even in the standings. With seemingly every team breathing down the Mavs’ necks, Catlett is excited to prove doubters wrong. “I knew what we had coming into this year,” he said. “I wasn’t expecting them to think highly of us. that’s just more fuel to the fire. We can prove them wrong and show them we can play ball.” Josh Bowe sports-editor.shorthorn@uta.edu