INSIDE
Campus landmark to find new home... Page 9 Texas A&M University-Kingsville
The South Texan
Volume 93, Issue 21
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Farewell Seale Hall Building demolished 84 years after first built
BRITTANY GONZALEZ Contributing Writer Seale Hall (1935-2019) served as the first male dormitory on campus and was named after Dr. Edward Wynn Seale who served as the second President of Texas College of Arts & Industries (now Texas A&M University-Kingsville). The demolition of the 84-year-old building began earlier this month and has sparked many emotions. “At first, my jaw dropped, I knew it was going to happen eventually, but I guess I just wasn’t prepared to actually see it. It was surreal. So many
hours spent in the building that at that time housed the Alumni Association, my first job,” said Kimberly Whitley, TAMUK alumnus. The University Police Department was also located in Seale Hall on Santa Gertrudis before relocating to Lewis Hall on University Boulevard. Lieutenant Todd Burris of the Texas A&M University- Kingsville Police Department recalls pros and cons about the move closer to campus. “Everyone knew where we were located [at Seale Hall]. It was easily accessible as far as parking for anyone who needed to come see us. Now it’s a little more difficult to park,” Burris said. Burris said Seale Hall had to undergo plenty of maintenance to keep up with different building codes. The move to Lewis Hall was favorable, having more interaction with students on campus and not worrying about equipment being damaged with the flooding that affects the Kingsville area. Although many students were hopeful for a new parking lot, the area
Thursday, March 28, 2019
Photo by Matias Perez
The gradual demolition of Seale Hall. will remain vacant until the approval for construction of a new building next year. “We already have a design for the new building which will include areas like Development and Alumni Affairs, Career Services and University Po-
lice,” said Dr. Teresa Riley, VP of student affairs Texas A&M University- Kingsville loses a piece of its original history but many memories will live on in those who shared experiences with Seale Hall. Gone, but never forgotten.
University website prepares for upgrades Marketing and Communications Department hopes to reinvigorate www.tamuk.edu DYLAN DOZIER Reporter On April 1, online visitors, students, faculty members, and content creators across campus will be introduced to an updated website. The Marketing and Communications department plans on providing content creators with a more user-friendly design.
Web and information designer and leader of the web services team James Pollock anticipates a simpler future regarding campus information sharing. “We are looking for an easy-to-use intuitive design, not only for the average user that comes across the website but also for the content creators across campus,” Pollock said. The current and soon to be old website design requires content creators to possess some knowledge of HTML. HTML is a cornerstone programming language of the World Wide Web. For more than 20 years, it has been a top choice for creating web pages and applications, but with the advent of more open source-management systems, a working knowledge of coding languages is less necessary for sharing information. The MARCOM team hopes to limit the amount of coding done by website users.
“The templates that we had in the past require the user to know more about HTML. The templates we are using now are more like a WordPress,” Pollock said. “They just fill in form fields. The end result is more appealing.” Currently, the web services team is in the process of designing templates that will be available to content creators campus-wide. The new templates will expedite webpage construction and simplify the creative process. They will also provide the university website with a uniformity that is currently absent. “In the old system, content creators designed their own pages and they weren’t always uniform across the website,” Pollock said. Content creators aren’t the only ones who will benefit from the update. Visitors will find that the new website is easy to navigate. No longer will they have to read
through paragraphs of information to find links to get them to their desired location. Excess information is being tossed out so that users can navigate the website with expediency. Engineering students Kevin Carrillo and Joseph Coulaf look forward to the update. “I feel that updating the website would be of good use,” Carrillo said. “I run into minor problems such as it crashing on me every now and then.” Coulaf hopes the new design will take on a new look that does away with wordy links. “I’d like the links to not be complete words. More pictures would make it look nice,” Coulaf said. “It needs to look more official.” Though the website update rolls out in April, the MARCOM team will continue to update the website so that they can continually meet and surpass user expectations. “We are always going to continue to make it better,” Pollock said.
Page 2 - Campus
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Thursday, March 28, 2019
Club of the week- Wildlife Society
Club gives students hands-on experience with wildlife ILIANA FLORES Managing Editor For students at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) interested in volunteering, working with wildlife and getting networking opportunities, the TAMUK Wildlife Society is a club for you to check out. The TAMUK Wildlife Society has been an active club on campus for more than a decade. Over the years it has won a few awards such as The Wildlife Society Student Chapter of the Year and Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society Student Chapter of the Year. The club focuses on being “A professional student organization created to help members become better wildlife professionals through educational experiences in the field and classroom,” the club’s Facebook page said. Throughout each semester, the club hosts various events that allow club members to do volunteer work, work with wildlife animals, hear lectures from professionals in the field, and get job and internship opportunities. “We do like a little bit of everything. We do Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) certification courses. We also do a lot of hands-on training like trailer backing up skills. We teach people how to fly fish. We work closely with the Caesar Kleberg [Wildlife Research]
Institute and we work with their grad students and they take us on deer captures...We volunteer a lot with the Quail Coalition. “We do education outreach. We go visit schools between first graders to seniors and we give them a sum of what we do,” the club president Autumn Sheedy said. By participating in the various events the Wildlife Society hosts, a plethora of job and internship opportunities can be opened up. Both Sheedy and the Vice-President Lori Massey, express that being in the club has personally provided them a pathway to receiving jobs. The club treasurer Megan Granger shares the same sentiment. “When I first joined the society as a freshman, I was able to gain a lot of volunteer work and network with some guest speakers from our meetings. Without that opportunity to do those things or speak to some of those people, I would not have had the experience to get summer internships or work for grad students at TAMUK. I hope to try to give incoming freshmen those same opportunities as I was able to take advantage of,” Granger said. The club has many events coming up this semester. One is a crawfish boil during which students can get all-youcan-eat crawfish for $15. On April 27, they will be participating in a Wildlife Day at J.K. Northway. The club will also be hosting a photo contest during which participants can submit wildlife photos. The contest winner will receive $50. The club does require paying dues, however, those who pay receive a Wildlife Society T-shirt and are given
the opportunity to receive a scholarship which is given to two members who are actively involved. The club is open to all TAMUK students, not just those who study wildlife. The club hosts meetings every other Thursday. At the meetings, there is a
social hour during which members get food and do different activities. The meeting also has special guest lectures occasionally. To see what events the club has upcoming and when the next meeting is visit the club’s Facebook page @tamuk.wildlifesociety.
Photos submitted by Autum Sheedy
Members of the Wildlife Society.
Fiesta Friday at CfSS Register for the Fall semester during Fiesta Friday ARYSSA ENRIQUEZ Campus Editor Don’t forget to register for the Fall semester, and join Fiesta Friday at the Center for Student Success. Fiesta Friday offers Freshmen Javelinas an opportunity to register for Fall semester courses from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on April 5. The Center for Student Success is located in Room 210 of the Jernigan Library. The CfSS encompasses Career Services, Writing Center, UNIV, the tutoring center and advising, which are all geared in guiding students toward the path to success. “The goal of the event is to provide a one-stop shop experience for the students. Students can look forward to on-the-spot advising with an academic advisor, assistance with registering for summer and fall classes, learning how to use College Scheduler, a program that will help you build your schedule without having to handwrite it, free food and giveaways,” said Veronica Salas, Center for Student Success director of advising. Faculty advisors will be able to help students navigate through the registration process and help answer any questions students might have. While at Fiesta Friday, the CfSS will provide freshmen Javelinas with a
tasty nacho bar, and a time to enjoy with friends. “Fiesta Friday will have a festive atmosphere with giveaways, free food and camaraderie, just like all of the events the Center for Student Success hosts. We will feature a nacho bar with all the fixings, and there will be computers available for students to use to register,” said Nicole Morris, FirstYear Seminar coordinator. The Center for Student Success helps provide a seamless transition from high school to college by offering several resources and guidance for freshmen students. The CfSS is dedicated to promoting the success of all students, and is constantly striving to help students attain new levels of accomplishments. Before attending Fiesta Friday it’s crucial for freshmen Javelinas to meet with their academic advisor to develop a plan and know what classes to enroll in for the Fall. The registration process may be confusing, so it is essential to come prepared. “In any endeavor you do in life, know that you don’t have to do it alone. We are here to be supportive and give our students access to resources in any way we can. It’s the whole idea of community and working together to help our students be successful,” said Patricia Hennessey, First-Year Seminar instructor. Join Fiesta Friday, and be one of the first to register for the Fall semester. Remember, classes get filled up fast, so take advantage of the opportunity. You can follow the CfSS on Instagram and Twitter @TAMUK_CFSS to keep updated on any upcoming events and workshops.
Featuring BERNIE DRESEL
Drummer, leader of The BBB Featuring Bernie Dresel
EVENTS Friday, March 29, 3 - 6 p.m. High School/Middle School Jazz Competition March 29, 7 p.m. | Free Admission Friday Evening Concert Featuring: Latin Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Bands III & IV Saturday, March 30, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. High School Jazz Competition March 30, 7 p.m. Saturday Evening Concert Featuring: Jazz Bands I & II and Special Guest, Bernie Dresel, Drummer with Jazz Band I Tickets: $7 General Admission
March 29 & 30, 2019 Jones Auditorium on the campus of Texas A&M University-Kingsville
For more information contact Paul Hageman 361-593-2806
Thursday, March 28, 2019
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Page 3 - Campus
Spring Colors bringing in good vibes ISA celebrates the death of evil, the triumph of good ARYSSA ENRIQUEZ Campus Editor Texas A&M University-Kingsville embraces culture and diversity as students organized the Annual Festival of Colors, March 21, in Mesquite Grove. Each year the Association of Indian Students (ISA) hosts the Festival of Colors. The Festival of Colors is dedicated to celebrate Holi, a traditional Indian holiday that celebrates the death of evil and the victory of good in the world. The Indian festival lasts for two days, it initiates with a bonfire the day before Holi and concludes by promoting optimistic thoughts and good vibes. The bonfire symbolizes the burning of impurities and the colors represent the good within society. “It is also sometimes called the ‘fes-
tival of colors’ as on this day people get to unite together forgetting all resentments and all types of bad feeling towards each other. It is celebrated by throwing colors at each other,” according to a TAMUK press release. The vibrant colors used in Holi promote joy and goodness into the lives of those who participate in this festival. During the festival students were seen enthusiastically spreading positivity into each other’s lives by throwing a combination of yellow, purple, pink and orange colors at each other. “We are celebrating Holi, this is a festival of colors…the colors represent the death of evilness and welcome positiveness,” said Shweta Kudale, an Electrical Engineer major. The event was open to all students and offered students from different religious backgrounds an opportunity to come together and receive a cultural enriching experience. The combining of cultures allows for students to become aware of different ethnicities and develop an open mind towards different cultures. “[It] celebrates different cultures, it’s a collusion of religions, basically Holi depicts the death of evilness we make the day before and the next day we use colors to celebrate,” said Chaitanya Rames Hapase, a Comupter Science major.
Photo by Pacience Walker
Photo by Amanda DeFrees Photo courtesy by Sensational Color
Students celebrating Holi in Mesquite Grove.
Page 4 - Opinion
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My walk with Rufus
The South Texan The First Amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for redress of grievances.” The South Texan is a student publication produced by Texas A&M University- Kingsville students. The views, opinions and commentary do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas A&M University system. The South Texan uses student fees in part to publish. The South Texan is part of the Art, Communications, and Theatre Department (ACT), The Javelina Broadcast Network (JBN), and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA).
STAFF Darcy Ramirez Editor-in-Chief Iliana Flores Managing Editor Aryssa Enriquez Campus Editor C.R. Neal Editorial Editor Colby Sims Sports Editor Jaylin Morales Advertising Manager Reporters Josue Villarreal Ashley Gonzalez Aaron Monreal Kelby Sprinkles Hector Landin Adam Pena Zachariah Wilson Dylan Dozier Susan Cortez Rachel Tapps Leti Torres
BRENDA RIOJAS Reporter I’ve always been a daddy’s girl, always. My dad used to take me to eat a breakfast taco at a restaurant of my choice on early Saturday mornings. One day I chose a place called “Big Taco,” which was the same restaurant my grandma used to work at. We ate our tacos, and on our way out I saw a little white puppy with dark orange spots that was very tiny and lonely. My heart bursted with flames as I asked my dad to take it home, knowing he’d say “no.” He saw the desire I had for this puppy and said, “Yeah, we can take it. Let’s just hope mom doesn’t get mad.” That was my biggest worry, too, my mom’s opinion on taking home this puppy since we already had another dog. My brother was as fascinated as I was with this dog when we brought him home. We had different name ideas for him, but my dad proclaimed he’d be named “Rufus.” My brother and I looked at each other and said, “What? Why Dad?” He said, “Oh well, ‘Rufus’ is the name of Rachel Ray’s dog, so that’s going to be the name of our dog, too.” We agreed on the name because we too loved Rachel Ray. After a few months of having Rufus, we learned he was going to stay a small size, and be very energetic. He would run around our large backyard, tear up our garden and literally jump with us on our trampoline. Until one day we noticed that he couldn’t anymore. He couldn’t run or
Nicole Morris Adviser Advertising The South Texan at thesouthtexan@tamuk.edu or call (361) 593-4370. Letters to the Editor Letters must be typed, signed and include a phone number. Letters considered for publication must be 300 words or fewer. Letters may be emailed to thesouthtexan@tamuk.edu The South Texan, Manning Hall 165, Texas A&M University-Kingsville Kingsville, Texas 78363
jump, and wouldn’t even bark. How could this be? What had happened to him? We decided taking him to the veterinarian was the best option. We were told he had heartworms, and would need surgery very, very soon. My parents both knew how much Rufus meant to us, and saving him would be essential to our childhood, so we wouldn’t have to experience a heartache as children. He went for surgery, and everything Photo By Brenda Riojas was perfect. We had Rufus smiling for the camera, while laying in our dog back, and life couldn’t be any better. his cage. This was all until about 10 months the next day. Since it was my dad’s day later when we decided to take him for off he brought me McDonald’s during a walk around the street. What could lunch time, my favorite, and said Rupossibly happen? We were finally tak- fus was home and okay. I was grateful ing our little puppy around the neigh- for my parents, and the efforts they borhood for all of the neighbors to see. took to have him saved. He was a small dog, well behaved This all happened about 13 years for the most part, and we thought he ago and today, Rufus is doing perfectly wouldn’t run away from us. It was my fine. He still runs around like he’s that mom’s idea to take him on this walk tiny puppy I first fell in love with. without a leash. We trusted my mom’s He’s been there through all of my instinct to let him roam around the bad days, and especially my good street until we learned it was a mistake ones. Sometimes I wish he’d really unand the worst happened. derstand what I’m saying to him, so I About 10 minutes into our walk, Ru- can thank him for always being loyal fus was run over by a car, and my heart to my family and me. I’d tell him he’s was broken. I knew all of the memo- my first true love, and my childhood ries we had jumping on the trampoline friend. and running around our yard were all Ultimately, I’m in love, with my dog, over. I saw my mom’s guilt as she saw and it’s a love that only a pet owner my heart break. Rufus was my life. would understand. Over time your pet I’d come home to him every day after will become more than just your pet, school, and now he’s just gone. and more like another family member. Immediately we jumped into our I love my dog just as much as I love family car, and rushed him in a box to a my own family members. As it’s easier nearby animal clinic. The doctors told said than done, I hope he lives forever, us he’d need emergency surgery, and just to have more time and share more wouldn’t know any results until after memories with him. it was over. My parents took us back I’m in love with my dog, and nothhome to go to bed as we had school ing can change that.
The paradox of happiness
Photographer Amanda DeFrees
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Thursday, March 28, 2019
C.R. NEAL Editorial Editor I write to you now in a moment of desperation; the way a refugee begs for asylum from tyranny. I’m running like hell from myself in fear of what I might do. Escape is such an easy word to say that we forget it’s meaning. Escape. Escape. Escape. Why do we try to escape from some issues, but not others? What is worthy of escape? I have led a privileged life. I am a
straight, white man who has never truly been left wanting for anything, or faced any kind of institutional obstacle. What right do I have to feel cut off from the world? Why do I want to escape? Maslow’s hierarchy of needs states that we can only address our psyche once our basic needs have been met. Therein lies the paradox of happiness. We tell ourselves, “If I only had more money, I would have no worries and finally be happy.” We know this to be a lie, but we don’t allow ourselves to believe it’s a fallacy. When we have stable shelter and sustenance, we begin to introspect. This may not seem daunting to the unsuspecting reader, but if this finds itself in the clutches of someone who understands they will know the gravity of my situation, for I live in this mindset. I believe there is nothing more frightening than living in your own mind, but I cannot desist. I may be conversing with you, but I am judging myself at every sentence,
word and syllable. “Lovely weather we’re having.” What a stupid thing to say. They had to walk outside to get here. They know what the weather is like. “I got a new car today. It’s a convertible.” What a braggadocious thing to say. Do you think you’re better than them? No one cares what kind of car you drive. “Social media and increasing connectivity is making us more anxious and self-conscious.” What are you a philosopher now? You are pretentious. This is why no one wants to talk to you. “I’m he- he- headed home now.” Why can’t you just get a simple sentence out like a normal person? Where is the exit? Life is full of entropy and inherently meaningless. I know the solution is to live in the moment, but how can I when I’m not even sure I’m living? Every time I try I end up back at square one in a cyclical, meaningless existence. When will it end? Will I do it myself, or will I wait for the universe to decide it’s done having a go at me?
Thursday, March 28, 2019
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Page 5 - Opinion
‘Subscribe to PewDiePie’
A meme turned into the opening line of a mass murderer
JOSUE VILLARREAL Reporter A white supremacist shot and killed 49 people inside a Mosque recently, in Christchurch, New Zealand. Facebook live-streaming the whole atrocious event, the shooter said, “Subscribe to PewDiePie.” This was a reference to the most popular YouTube star in the world Felix Kjellberg, known by his YouTube username PewDiePie, and his recent campaign to maintain a bigger subscriber count than Indian film company T-Series. It’s important to begin this discussion with saying that PewDiePie obviously did not singlehandedly inspire this tragic event. The idea of that is absurd. The core reason for this shooting is white supremacy, as many white supremacist talking points are repeated in the manifesto.
While it is ignorant and absurd to say that PewDiePie caused this shooting, it is equally as ignorant and absurd to claim that he is completely guilt free of its inspiration. Prior to this shooting, PewDiePie has proven himself to be a controversial figure, to say the absolute least. While a predominant amount of his content is harmless and silly, there are several instances of horribly racist jokes and actions that have come from PewDiePie’s content. PewDiePie has said the N-Word on video, has promoted YouTube channel “E;R” a channel that has anti-Semitic hate speech, and even had popular Alt-Right public speaker Ben Shapiro, who is known for spreading transphobic and anti-Semitic rhetoric, on his channel. Being fair to PewDiePie, he has apologized for several of these transgressions, and is in all likeliness not a white supremacist. I do not believe that PewDiePie is a racist anti-Semite. However, I do not believe that matters to this discussion. Regardless of whether PewDiePie himself is a racist, he is objectively making racist jokes and opening the door for his young impressionable fanbase to more racist rhetoric. Take the YouTube channel he endorsed, E;R. At the time he had only seen one video about the popular an-
ime “Death Note.” Realizing his mistake, he apologized and deleted the video that had the endorsement. That didn’t stop E;R from gaining 20,000 subscribers as of the beginning of this year, according to GameRevolution. That is an extra 20,000 people that potentially see videos where he actively quotes white supremacist David Lane and shows footage of and makes jokes about Heather Hayes, the woman who was tragically killed protesting against the white supremacist rally in Charlottesville. There’s also the inclusion of Ben Shapiro, who just this year was making points about preserving “Baby Hitler,” has a video that is still on YouTube and has over seven million views. At this point you might be thinking I’m just overreacting at jokes, and that I’m just an individual that gets offended easily. For the adults, it is basic deflecting to avoid consequences. The young and impressionable kids who are watching might not know it’s a joke, or lack the mental capacity to take it as just a joke. The same way you may watch a comedian you might like and let their jokes seep into your philosophy, so too might these young kids. Even if PewDiePie himself isn’t the one who inspired his fan, his encour-
agement of Ben Shapiro or E;R could lead them to do research on them. It could lead them to other content creators and speakers who will spend more time filling that child’s head with racist rhetoric. A perfect example is that Ben Shapiro is often associated, and seen interacting, with Conservative Speaker Candace Owens, who is directly credited in the shooter’s manifesto as a direct inspiration to him. Once again, this could all be hidden beneath the veneer of jokes and memes, but I must ask if being a joke makes this okay? Is it just a coincidence that these shooters, alt-right protestors and white supremacists all follow these jokes and people? I can’t reiterate enough that PewDiePie is in no way directly responsible for what transpired in New Zealand. However, if he believes that after this he doesn’t have an obligation to clean up his content and be more careful with what he shows and endorses, then he is either foolishly ignorant or repulsively apathetic. You can think I’m overthinking, or you can believe that none of what I wrote here is real, but what is real is that there are 49 people dead at the hands of a young man that could’ve said anything and he chose to say “Subscribe to PewDiePie.” When does the joke go too far?
Man on the Street This Week’s Question:
How do you feel about the Arts department moving the paintbrush statue? (See paintbrush story on Page 9)
Name: Megan Buchen Major: English “I like the whole idea that they are moving the statue. I actually liked seeing it. I liked seeing an art piece there, and knowing that students here have made it. So, if they actually do something in Sculpture and make another thing to put there that would be cool. It shows that TAMUK is not just an engineering school. There are art students here, too.” Compiled by: Kelby Sprinkles
Name: Christopher Cook Major: Fine Arts “I am glad that they are going to give it a new home. I hope that they find something to replace it with that speaks to the vibrant community that the art department has. Something like a giant lima bean. That would be hilarious and inspiring because you don’t like it at first, but you know that it is nutritious and good for you.”
Name: Sarita Deleon Major: English & Communications “I don’t think that it should be gotten rid of. It’s a small statement in-and-ofitself. I think that they should add to it. It’s such free space, and it’s right in front of the building. I don’t think that they are using a lot of the empty space that we do have. I just feel like it is a good place for expression. It’s a good canvas if you will.”
Name: Sara Jean Ruiz Major: Fine Arts “I personally feel like the paintbrush is painfully generic. I think it is a really generic take on an art department. I think we could have something way more interesting there, but I also have very sentimental feelings towards it because it has been here as long as I have been in school. I have slowly watched it fall apart. I think there is something nice about that. I like that they are moving it, and not just getting rid of it entirely.”
Page 6 - Sports
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Thursday, March 28, 2019
Javelinas compete in the ULM Bayou Bash TAMUK upsets ULM in Monroe COLBY SIMS Sports Editor
The Javelina beach volleyball team traveled to Monroe, La., to play four matches in two days against Nicholls State and University of Louisiana Monroe (ULM) in the ULM Bayou Bash this past weekend. On day one, the Javelinas took on Nicholls State and secured a win against their Division I counterparts. TAMUK cashed in on wins from all their teams but the four’s match and won the overall match 4-1. Later in the day the Javelina beach volleyball team faced ULM, another Division I squad. The Javelinas got wins from the one’s team who was led by sophomores Tenley Housler and Whitney Walker. They also got a win from the fives’s duo played by freshmen Christina Gragasin and Nicole Murff. The Javelinas fought hard but narrowly lost the match by an overall score of 3-2. Day two the Javelinas played Nicholls State once more and the Javelinas started hot and swept the scoreboard with wins from all pairs, beating Nicholls State 5-0. The Javelinas then took on ULM again looking for some revenge after a close loss the previous day. The Javelinas fought valiantly and upset ULM with an overall score of 3-2. Wins from the one’s, three’s and four’s duos helped clinch a win
against ULM in enemy territory. When asked about how the weekend went Javelina senior Madison Brabham said, “The team did very well this weekend. I think a highlight would be our upset against ULM on Saturday. We have been working hard to beat teams like this and we are going to continue to work hard throughout the rest of the season.” The Javelinas had previously faced ULM twice, losing by a single match each time, but on their last match of the weekend the Javelinas prevailed. Student assistant and former player Kyra Henderson said, “It was a great weekend because we were able to measure our progress better. The first two times we played ULM we fell short by a match, so it was great to see everyone take that step up to beat ULM and Nicholls State.” The Javelinas have certainly improved as the season has gone along, after beating some Division I teams and going 3-1 on this weekend, their record is above .500. The Javelinas will be back in action this weekend and travelling to Houston to compete in the HBU tournament March 29 and 30.
Photos by Javelina Athletics
Whitney Walker playing hard in ULM Bayou Bash.
Photo courtesy moltenusa.com
Photos by Javelina Athletics
Christina Gragasin takes a swing.
Preview ahead of NCAA Divion II 2019 event National track meet event hosted in Kingsville AARON MONREAL Sports Reporter Texas A&M Univeristy-Kingsville is hosting the NCAA Track and Field event this summer. This event will contain all of the NCAA Division II schools and while TAMUK has hosted big events such as the Lone Star Conference it has never hosted an event of this magnitude. While the event is still some time away, there are many plans and preparations that go along with it. David Brock, operations and events coordinator/track and field home meet director said plans are coming along well.
“We are in constant contact with the NCAA as far as their requirements and questions they may have or we might have with them,” Brock said. The requirements by the NCAA include such things as athlete and official housing, practice schedules, awards, signage, etc. Brock is not the only one helping with preparations. Athletic Director Steve Roach, Senior Association Athletic Director Ruben Cantu, Head Track Coach Ryan Dall and the University Police Department are all part of different areas of preparation. While putting together an event such as this can be hard work and stressful there is also excitement in
having it in Kingsville. “We’re excited about it; it’s going to be great for our university as well great for our community,” Ashley Alonso, an EC-12 major, said. “I think that’s pretty awesome, I mean to have the NCAA meet here and have that great exposure can only benefit not only the university but also the city.” The Kingsville community takes pride in the university, so much so that some have offered to serve as volunteers. “In the community we have a lot of volunteers that will be assisting us in many different areas from hospitality to actually helping with the events,” Brock said.
Photo courtesy of Javelina Athletics
Junior Johnathon Harper.
While hosting the event here at TAMUK there certainly will be high expectations for the track and field team, said Madeleine Maltais, a veteran thrower for the team. “I think it will be a huge competitive advantage for those who get the opportunity to compete in the National meet here,” she said. “As we all know, Kingsville is very hot and humid. Our athletes have been working in these conditions all year and we know what to expect.” Last year in the National Championship the men’s team won the meet so there certainly could be pressure on the team but Madeline said, “I don’t think added pressure is an issue; we
Photo courtesy of Javelina Athletics
Sophomore Dean Wallace.
Thursday, March 28, 2019
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Photo by Javelina Athletics
Senior Pablo Hernandez at bat.
Javelinas take the series West Texas is taken down on a walk-off DYLAN DOZIER Sports Reporter Over the weekend, the Texas A&M-Kingsville baseball team (19-9, 3-1 LSC) participated in a three-day contest that exemplifies the best of what America’s pastime has to offer. After a decisive 6-1 loss in game one, the Javelinas came back an hour later and dealt the visiting West Texas A&M Buffs (22-6,1-3 LSC) an 8-0 thrashing. Zach Boyett received the win on the bump. The eight players around him were perfect defensively, accruing no errors. Friday’s double-header was spearheaded offensively by Seth Spinn, Will Arnold and Cameron Melcher. Outfielder Manny Loredo was another offensive leader in game two, going 2-for-3, scoring once, and knocking in two more. “It was very exciting,” Loredo said. “To see us take down a very competitive team the way that we did was awesome.” Game three sparked the wildfire of baseball diamond excitement that would go on to last 22 innings. The Javelinas had a cushy three-run lead going into the ninth, but the Buffs capitalized on defensive errors and shortened the Javelina’s lead to 1. Pitcher Eric Sandoz won the two-out matchup, securing his third win of the season. Loredo was excited to see the team realize the benefits of their teamwork. “It allows us to have a good understanding of where we stand collectively as a team. Players rose to the occasion,” Loredo said. Game four proved to be a barn
burner. Tied 3-3 at the end of the ninth inning, the game continued another four innings. In the bottom of the 13th, with the bases load, first baseman Pablo Hernandez dealt the killing blow with a walk-off grand slam. “Moments like that are what we work for all year. The grand slam ended it, but we as a team played a tremendous game and fought from start to finish,” Hernandez said. “Games like that are why you gotta love baseball.” Eric Sandoz got the win on the mound, extending his winning record to 4-0. Offensive leaders in game four included, Hernandez, Loredo, Giancarlo Servin and Austin De Leon. “It means a lot to beat a good team like them. We work extremely hard to win tough games, and that’s what we did,” Hernandez said. Both Hernandez and Loredo have their eyes set on their remaining conference games and plan to roll forward off the weekend’s big wins with appreciation and swagger. “We will continue to work and outcompete our opponents and continue to grind day in and day out to achieve the goals that we’ve set,” Hernandez said. “We will fight and never surrender and give all glory to God.” “You can expect us to be a very competitive ball club. We don’t take pitches off on either side of the ball,” Loredo said. “Expect energy and a pinch of arrogance.” The Javelinas continue Lone Star Conference play next week at Cameron in Lawton, Okla.
Page 7 - Sports
Page 8 - Sports
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Thursday, March 28, 2019
Gronk retires from the NFL, leaves everyone in shock Patriot tight end retires after his third Super Bowl AARON MONREAL Sports Reporter This past Sunday, the National Football League has lost - as some would argue - one of the most dominating tight ends in the league’s history. Former Patriot tight end Robert Gronkowski announced his retirement from the NFL via Instagram. In his Instagram post Gronkowski talked about from the moment of being drafted in the second round of the 2010 NFL draft by the New England Patriots. Also, he thanked Head Coach Bill Belicheck and Patriot owner Robert Kraft. “It was truly an incredible honor to play for such a great established organization and able to come in to continue and contribute to keep building success. To all my current and past teammates, thank you for making each team every year special to be a part of. I will truly miss you guys,” the tight end wrote. Gronk ends his career with honorable mentions as being a five-time Pro Bowl, four-time All- pro and threetime Superbowl champion. Career stats for Gronk ends with 115 games played, 521 receptions, 7,861 yards, an average of 15.1 receiving yards per reception and 79 touchdowns. His departure from the NFL certainly came as a shock to Patriot nation. Late in the 2018 season Gronkowski was asked about retirement. “I haven’t been thinking about that
at all,” he said. “We’re on the last game. Going into Week 17, we’ve got the Jets. That’s all I’m really worried about as of now.” Though certainly the tight end game stats took a dip. For example, the previous year in the first seven games Gronkowski had 34 receptions for 509 yards and five touchdowns and this past season he had only 29 receptions for 448 yards and one touchdown in seven games. While some may see it as minimal, his on the field agility certainly looked as if he played hurt. Though Gronkowski has certainly racked up a lot of injuries over his career. These injuries include in a high ankle sprain, inguinal hip pull, forearm fracture, torn ACL and MCL, concussions, etc. Either way whether Gronkowski was being a funny character or dominating the field, he certainly made a name for himself in the league and many show him support in his retirement. Teammates Julian Edelman posting on twitter with a picture of gronk with caption “the other goat” and longtime friend and quarterback Tom Brady stated: “Your fun-loving, inspiring and positive energy made an impact on everybody you came into contact with!” Brady continued, “Not just that, but for as great as a player you are, you are a better teammate and person. The NFL was a better place with you in it! But I have no doubt you will be a success in anything you do!!! Love you pal!”
Photo courtesy of businessinsider.com
Rob Gronkowski.
Photo courtesy of espn.com
Gronk’s last catch in the NFL.
Thursday, March 28, 2019
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Page 9 - Features
Beloved paint brush relocating on campus DARCY RAMIREZ Editor-in-Chief Recyclable wood pallets, some scrap steel and roofing tin make up the giant paint brush in the courtyard outside the Speech building. It’s become a beloved and significant landmark on the Texas A&M University-Kingsville campus, but soon it will be relocated. Arrangements regarding the relocation of the paint brush are set to take place before the inauguration of Dr. Mark Hussey on April 25. The paint brush will be relocated to the grassy area between Manning and Nierman halls because of cosmetic and aesthetic reasons. “It was always temporary. We don’t have a problem moving it,” Todd Lucas, chair of the department of Arts, Communications and Theatre, said. After hearing the news students took to social media voicing their opinions against the extraction of the paint brush. “It should be restored and left there, it’s a symbol that sits right between all the arts and to take that away it sort of sucks. To me it feels like it was a way to represent the art, speech, drama and music departments,” Sarah Lindsay wrote. More than a dozen students supported Lindsay’s stance and posted similar comments with only a couple opposing opinions. Even “The Tea,” one of university’s radio shows hosted by Etta Enow and Troy Sanchez, joked about the directional consequences students will face if the paint brush is removed. An advanced sculpture class headed
by Lucas constructed the paint brush in Fall 2015 as a group project. The idea of a paint brush was devised by one of the students, Berlin Perez. It was forged as a temporary sculpture that would be replaced with a new project every few semesters. Because of the cancellation of classes, the rotation of art projects was halted, and the paint brush remained. Ashley Navarro, a graphic designer for the marketing department at TAMUK, is one of the former students who was in the advanced sculpture class that constructed the paint brush. Navarro is sad to see the piece removed and placed elsewhere but loves that during these four years it has impacted so many students. “It was never meant to last. That’s the beauty of these projects, they are meant to get worn out. There’s a kind of beauty to the certain class of Javelinas that was able to say, ‘That’s by the paint brush.’ “There’s only a few select Javelinas who will know what that means and having something replace it whether it be a new project that an artist comes out with or another group project that they decide to do would be cool. It’s a tradition that I feel should continue. And it’ll teach people about the art of letting go,” Navarro said. During Spring Break, Lucas gave his daughter Finnegan, bright fuchsia flowers and watched as she played outside in the campus courtyard. Today the paint brush is aged, dull, and slightly tilted but her flowers rest atop the paint brush mirroring a heartfelt gesture and the end of something. “It’s had its time. All good things must come to an end,” Navarro said.
Contributed photo
2015 art class that created the paint brush as a project.
Photo by Darcy Ramirez
The soon to be moved paintbrush with flowers on it.
Page 10 - Entertainment
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Thursday, March 28, 2019
Us is great but just barely misses amazing JOSUE VILLAREAL Reporter Despite what the headline says or any bit of criticism I might throw at Jordan Peele’s latest horror film Us, you should absolutely go see it. Original films of this budget are rare, and horror films have long been in a rut that Peele himself is singlehandedly taking them out of. After the unexpected critically acclaimed hit Get Out was released to the masses, Jordan Peele was immediately a director to watch. For good reason as well. Get Out is one of the finest films to come out in decades as it combines solid filmmaking with biting satire and truly disturbing commentary on casual racism in America. Making one of the best movies for an entire genre puts extremely high expectations on a follow up, and many were expecting greatness out of the Peele’s latest film Us. While I can confidently tell you that the movie is great, it does not reach the same level as his debut.
Us stars the Wilson family consisting of Adelaide played by the amazing Lupita Nyong’o, her husband Gabe Wilson played by Winston Duke, and their two kids Zora and Jason. Adelaide’s PTSD is triggered as the Wilson’s embark on a summer vacation to the same place Adelaide had a traumatizing experience when she was younger when she saw an exact clone of herself while her parents were inattentive of her. Right out of the gate, Us establishes itself to be far more ambitious from a filmmaking standpoint. Whether it’s long uncomfortable shots of rabbits that remind us of how innocence is often experimented on or a dance of combat in the shadows symbolizing that only context and perception can show what people will perceive as either civilized or animalistic, the film is oozing with style and creativity. As far as imagery and metaphor, Us is chock full of it. It’s the perfect film to sit down and discuss every shot and decisions for hours. However, that much content has its downsides, espe-
Photo courtesy of IMDb
cially since that meaning isn’t the main selling point of the film. Get Out was far more upfront with its message because the film was about its message. It worked with it to create cohesive narrative that was subtle yet blatant to understand and left an impact. Us, on the other hand, is a film about the good guys defeating the bad guys. The message and twist may lead you to think otherwise, but as far as how the movie is framed and how it is presented with its action scenes, jokes and clear distinction between characters it is a battle where the heroes try to kill the villains. I’d go so far to say that upon entering the second act, the film functionally stops being a horror movie and transitions to a slightly disturbing action movie. It stops being a terrifyingly powerful force chasing a scared victim and instead becomes an ongoing fight between two seemingly equal forces along with jokes and casual remarks about killing. The only frights to be had after getting around half an hour in are a few scary faces and imagery that is only mildly uncomfortable the first time you see it. None of this makes it any less fun, exciting or compelling. However, the movie appears to be so focused on action set pieces, creative imagery lore and continuously adding stakes that its message gets muddled and confused along the way. The core of the story and message lies within the Adelaides and the struggle of two people born of different classes and battling for who gets the richer style of living while the youth, Jason, watches on waiting to imitate it. Rich and poor, privileged and not, both become murderous animals in the face of their social standing being challenged in one of the most brutal portrayals of the effects of capitalism to date. Things get shaky when you take into account Gabe and Zora. They might have some independent meaning, but it is objectively not relevant to the plot. So, you get two people scared of some scary clones trying to kill them. They see it as self-defense and have no reason to see it as anything else, and that’s contradictory to the story they’re trying to tell. Also consider that the entire world has their own murderous counterpart, leading to questions about what they did to the other under class people that were still not privileged but more priv-
SCORE RATINGS
94%
of 100%
7.6 out of 10
ileged than the villains. This can lead to an uncomfortable display of a “who is more miserable” discussion in who we should focus on in progressivism, another concept that is contradictory to the message of the film. What Us gains in increased technical prowess is a loss of focus. A story where the message, while poignant in certain areas, is ultimately not the film’s most pressing matter leading it to be muddy and all over the place. This isn’t necessarily to the film’s detriment, nor does a film need to have a meaning to be good, but it doesn’t feel as impactful as Get Out did. It felt like it was frustratingly just outside the line of greatness. It was fingertips away from being transcendent, instead of just being great. Of course, ignoring the comparison to Get Out and taking the film as its own piece, Us is an exceptional film that showcases more than ever that Peele is one of the best talents currently working and deserves your attention. Excellent performances from everyone involved, especially Nyong’o, is some of the finest acting you’ll ever see in a horror movie. Whether it’s as good as Get Out or not, Us is a worthy addition to what will most definitely be legendary filmography. Peele is a once-in-a-generation talent, and you don’t want to miss history that’s happening right in front of your eyes.
Thursday, March 28, 2019
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Wildlife Society wins big at state meeting SUBMITTED ARTICLE The Wildlife Society Student Chapter from Texas A&M University-Kingsville brought home a number of awards from the Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society (TCTWS) state meeting. In addition, a number of faculty members also won awards. Kelly Wood, a senior from Victoria received one of the highest honors, the Colin Caruthers Award. That earned Wood, the Texas A&M-Kingsville chapter’s Distinguished Student Award. Michael Page, a senior from Kennedale received the Charly McTee Award and Mikayla House, a master’s student from Helotes, received the Sam Beasom Memorial Award. Two faculty members received major awards. Dr. David B. Wester, professor, received the Educator of the Year award and Dr. Bart Ballard, professor and C. Berdon and Rolannette Lawrence Endowed Chair in Waterfowl Research, was made an Honorary Life Member. In the student poster competition, Texas A&M-Kingsville brought home second and third place awards. Jason Loghry, a senior from Rockport, placed second with his poster Wetland Use and characterization of Mexican wetlands used by wintering midcontinent Greater White-fronted geese. Placing third in the graduate student class was Brandon Palmer from Rochester. His poster topic was Quantifying the spatial and temporal distribution of thermal refu-
gia for northern bobwhites using an unmanned aerial vehicle. Two graduate students placed second and third in the photo contest. Silverio Avilla-Sanchez from Tampico, Mexico placed second followed by Palmer in third. The plant identification team placed second as a team with individuals placing second and third. Kye Johnston, a junior from Victoria, placed second and David Rosales, a senior from Laredo was third. Team members include graduate students Dillan Drabek from Schulenburg, Jose Cortez from Roma and Darrion Crowley from Seadrift; seniors Rosales, Marco Urive from Mission and Rudy Rosales from Laredo; junior Johnston; sophomores Micayla Pearson from La Vernia; Alejandro Bazaldua from Harlingen and Weston Stone from Breckenridge; and freshman Sam Stone from Austin. A group of faculty also won an award for their popular article Things you may have heard about chronic wasting disease published in the February 2018 issue of Texas Wildlife magazine. Those faculty include Dr. David Hewitt, professor and Leroy G. Denman Jr. endowed executive director of Wildlife Research; Dr. Fred Bryant, professor and director of development; Dr. Charlie DeYoung, professor emeritus and research scientist; Dr. Randy DeYoung, associate professor and research scientist; and Dr. Clayton Hilton, associate professor and director of veterinary technology.
Page 11 - News
22nd Sigma Delta Pi
STUDENT SYMPOSIUM Friday, April 12, 2019 100 Sam Fore Hall 9:30am - 2pm
Texas A&M University, Kingsville Guest Speaker - Dr. Isabel M. Córdova, “Ways of Knowing, Ways of Living: The
Shifting Assumptions and Care of the Birthing Body in Late Twentieth Century Puerto Rico”
Call for Abstracts 8 April 2019 5pm Deadline
Dr. Isabel M. Córdova is an Associate Professor of La9n American and La9no History at Nazareth College and recipient of the Na9onal Women’s Studies Associa9on, Gloria Anzaldúa 2018 Prize, for her book, Pushing in Silence: Modernizing Puerto Rico and the Medicaliza9on of Childbirth (UT Press, 2017). Her research focuses on 20th Century Puerto Rico, the family, reproduc9on, and medicine.
Sigma Delta Pi invites you to submit an abstract for the 22nd Sigma Delta Pi Academic Student Symposium. The 150 word abstract should briefly describe your research and include the title of your work. Submit your abstract by Monday April 8, 2019 to Danny Olvera - danny.olvera@students.tamuk.edu Marco Íñiguez - kfmoi00@tamuk.edu
Sponsored by: Sigma Delta Pi, Gamma Lambda Chapter, the Spanish Program, the Department of Language and Literature, Transculturation Program, & Student Organization Forum Committee For more information: 361 593-2516
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Thursday, March 28, 2019
Texas A&M University-Kingsville University Housing & Residence Life
Current Residents Amenities:
Barbecue and Picnic area Exterior card access system Game tables Ice machines & Vending Machines Intramural teams Lounges with living rooms and TVs Planned residence hall activities Professional staff members Resident/Community Advisor staff Smoke-free building Student leadership opportunities
Don’t Forget to Sign your Housing Agreement with us to lock in your rate freeze for the 2019-2020 academic year. The priority sign up period begins March 21st. Don’t forget to attend your Wing Meeting. TURNER/BISHOP/MARTIN HALL $2,096 PER SEMESTER LYNCH HALL $2,311 PER SEMESTER LUCIO HALL & MESQUITE VILLAGE WEST $3,394 or $3,604 PER SEMESTER
Email: residencelife@tamuk.edu Phone: 361-593-3419
Lucio Hall, Office 119, Kingsville, TX 78363-8202