Issue 2-16-17 by The South Texan

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

TheSouthTexan

SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM

City Hall updated on Wilson plans

SGA VP resigns position; elections planned

Crystal Zamarron Editor-in-Chief @CrystalSoTex

At an every week committee meeting between President, Vice-President and Chairs, the Student Government Association had talked about a change in its executive board. Christina Williams resigned Monday morning from her vice president position. Williams is a senior majoring in Environmental Engineering from Austin. She has been involved in SGA since coming to the university. “It was something necessary I had to do in order to move forward faithfully. I love SGA and there was no conflict or negativity thrown into my decision to leave,” said Williams. The former SGA member will be replaced by Enzo Soza, previously senator pro tempore of SGA. Senator pro tempore always steps in when the vice president is absent or resigns. “I’m feeling a little nervous, I was shocked when I heard what happened and wasn’t really prepared for it,” said Soza, a history major. Last semester, Soza along with Christina Williams and Ethen Peña all ran for vice president. Williams won for this current semester. Plans for elections have not yet been announced. “Just moving forward, having an ear keen to the voice of the lord and whatever direction that takes me in. I don’t have all the answers, I just know who my rock is and where I can rest,” said Williams. “I have to step up and finish the session as strong as I can, which is only a few months so I believe I can do it. And hopefully I can pass the gavel to the next Vice-President who will continue to improve and help SGA,” said Soza. If you have any questions or comment contact SGA at tamukstudentgovernment@ gmail.com or (361) 593-3610.

VOLUME 91, ISSUE 16

Bobby Puentes Circulation Manager

Supporters gather to hear stories at community festival at the Kingsville Islamic center.

Photo by David Barrera

Kingsville community gathers together to show support, kindness, and faith for those seeking it Dakota Roberts Editorial Editor

ineteen days have gone by since the Victoria Islamic Center was set ablaze. Roughly two weeks after the incident, the experts employed at the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms have concluded that this instance indeed is a case of arson. The tragic scene grabbed national headlines when investigators considered the timing; the occurrence happening mere hours after President Donald Trump implemented his national travel ban. While of course a time of tragedy in Victoria, the community has refused to let the incident polarize the people any further; instead taking the time to unify. Luckily for Kingsville, standing a meager two hours away from Victoria, our students have

decided to do the same. A night of revelry and feasting was held at the local Islamic Society; choosing to dub the evening as the South Texas Festival of Peace and Unity. The name reflected the neighborly atmosphere provided at the venue. Tours of the mosque were offered to guests and any question about the often-stereotyped religion of Islam was answered in a candid, helpful manner. A local girl scout troop arrived early and decorated the outside parking lot with messages of support and empathy. The event was organized by KDChi Alpha Delta, a Texas A&M UniversityKingsville sorority, and TAMUK’s International Student Association. However, the mosque’s congregation came out as the shining stars of the night, representing their religion with grace. Members of the church approached their guests with respect, answer-

ing any and all questions an outsider might have about their practices. Once the Sun had gone down and darkness covered the building, flood lights were placed and the banquet began. The food was a mixture of traditional, cultural food and local Domino’s pizza; something for everyone. After everyone had their fill, the final lesson was provided inside the mosque. Unknown to most, the mosque has been standing since the 1960s, holding a potluck every second Saturday of the month. Topics were tackled such as the separation of the sexes, the wearing of the Hijab, the five Pillars of Islam, and what Islam really means, both personally and literally. Sam Fugate, mayor of Kingsville, made a surprise visit to the event. Near the closing hours of the feast he got up to speak, “I know these are troubled times and

people question authority. I just want everyone to know, the City of Kingsville, and I represent the city of Kingsville… we are a sanctuary city for religion in this country.” Fugate continued, “The Muslim community here in Kingsville, you add to the quality of life of our city, and we welcome you as brothers and sisters; we are here for you. I promise that.” With bellies full and lessons learned, people slowly began to leave the mosque; perhaps more enlightened. The congregation wanted the community to know that their doors are always open to outsiders, and that if anyone had any questions they took it as their duty to answer it. The Kingsville Islamic community seeks to represent their faith through kindness and hospitality, a message that became absolutely clear by the end of the South Texas Festival of Peace and Unity.

Minds at Work

Writing center to students: Grow your voice with us Emmanuel Ibanez Contributing Writer

The voice of a writer is usually the hardest to bring out. It’s the aspect of writing that makes us show our emotional side through practice and individual experience that sets us apart from everyone else. It is that part of being vulnerable that the new director of the Writing Center, Dr. Steven Corbett assistant English professor, along with his staff aims to help students with.

“Twenty years of educational experience in writing centers, in the classroom and programs- my philosophy has been that: writing is a human intensive endeavor... we have to work towards growing our voice,” said Corbett. In such a small space, there are so many talented minds at play. The facility is always bustling with activity. There is always someone coming through door. Employees, staff and students are all greeted with a smile

Photo by Pablo Villanueva

Steven Corbett is seen here teaching his writing class. and helping hand. “I’ve been working here for a while, and it’s not usually this quiet- but everyone seems happy to work here... it’s a great place to have

people come in to relax and get some help,” said Hope Ramos, graduate writing consultant.

See Writing, page 6

A “conceptual” look into the future of the old Wilson building in the historic downtown district was presented to Kingsville City Hall. A spokesperson for Texas A&M University-Kingsville introduced plans for a new Engineering Innovation Center to city officials on Monday. A demolition and subsequent building of a research center at 231 E. Kleberg Ave. has been an idea since 2013. Chris Vera, the director of facilities, planning and construction for TAMUK, gave a brief presentation on plans the university has for a new building inside the downtown district. “We have a lot of issues dealing with building code. Main and existing systems inside the Wilson building aren’t up to code; a lot of it has to do with ADA compliance, asbestos and hazardous material issues,” Vera told the city commission. “Phase one” is to demolish the current Wilson building and “build a better shell of a building,” Vera said. “The existing conditions impede new building code standards,” he said. The new building will be built with the same redtinged brick as the rest of the historic district. The building itself is not historic, but lies in the heart of old downtown. Vera still wants the new building to blend and not be the “oddball” of the downtown area. Commissioner Al Garcia asked about parking for the new building. “A plan on Feb. 27 will be presented that has a very comprehensive parking analysis of downtown that will show where existing parking is along with proposed parking. Long term there is a plan to increase parking availability downtown; it may not be something that is right in front of the building, but none-the-less something that’s walkable,” said Jesus A. Garza, Kingsville city manager, who responded to Garcia’s question. Vera said the university is ready to hire a contractor and begin work. “We are absolutely close on moving forward and getting this project on the way,” he said. The city commission will still need to approve plans. The commission will vote on moving forward at a future meeting.

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Entertainment

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM

Musicians attend TMEA convention

Crystal Zamarron Editor-in-chief @CrystalSoTx

SAN ANTONIO—Staff and students of Javelina nation were absent from the Bellamah Music Building late this week, as they traveled to San Antonio for the fourday Texas Music Educators Association (TMEA) clinic/ convention. TMEA is the largest music education organization in the country, and has been open to all music educators and musical enthusiasts since 1920. “It was great being around so many people that share the same love for music as you do,” said Laura Garcia, music education major. TMEA held a variety of different clinics hosted by several artists and music educators. They also had musical showcases, where ensembles performed for an audience, and an area where univer-

sities were given an opportunity to promote their music department to future educators, and a large area for vendors to sell their own merchandise. “I went to a seminar about how to practice for the TexEx exam and they gave us a bunch of websites and sources that are really going to help me study for semesters to come,” said Garcia. “Having this once in a life time opportunity to watch the well known, [great] trumpet player Arturo Sandoval, to the Phi Mu Alpha step sing, and being reunited with family across Texas, singing together, appreciating the art and advancement of music in America; and the simple fact of brotherhood. I would say my experience at TMEA had been the best one yet,” said Mark Saldivar, music education major. A few of TAMUK’s music education students made presentations along side Assistant Professor of Music

Education Dr. Tu, at the College Division Research Poster Session on Feb. 9. Laura Garcia presented: Can a Literacy-based Music Curriculum Enhance Linguistic Skills in Preschool Children? “I was glad that my hard work paid off and that I got to give people more knowledge about how music can affect the minds of people and children,” said Garcia. Others who presented: Favian Treviño presented on A Cross-cultural study on Young Children’s Interactivity With an iPad App - The Carnival of the Animals. Monica Gonzalez made a presentation discussing The Effect of Instructional Use of an iPad and Music on Challenging Behavior and Academic Engagement for Two Students with Mild Autism. Lead by Dr. Sholtis, professor of music - horn, the TAMUK Horn Ensemble performed on Feb. 10. They played an assortment of pieces in 30 minutes

Photo by Crystal Zamarron

TAMUK Horn Ensemble gather after their music showcase performance at TMEA “The performance was ending with TAMUK’s tradibeneficial experiences I’ve outstanding and to see many been through so far,” said tional song Jalisco. people there supporting us “Playing with the horn Saldivar. was an amazing sight to ensemble was an honor “I don’t see myself misssee.” especially since it was at ing the convention in sev“It was one of the most TMEA,” said Jorge Uresti, eral years. TMEA is always eye opening, progressive, music education major. great,” said Uresti.

Courtesy Photo

John Wick: Sequel goes bigger, badder

Robert Breedlove Entertainment Editor @Breedlovecam

2014’s John Wick came like a sudden and violent punch to the gut, surprising audiences and critics with its unflinching masterful gun-fu fight choreography, efficient bread and butter plot, and well-crafted world of assassins and hit-men. But if the 100-minute long John Wick was quick and lean ballet of stylized violence then the sequel John Wick: Chapter 2 is a grand opera bringing in more characters, bigger and bolder set pieces, and expanding the Wick universe both geographically and in the lore and code of the underworld. Chapter 2 begins right where chapter one left off or at least a day or two afterwards. It’s highly recommended that you watch the first one before diving into Chapter 2;

there’s so many story beats and pieces of lore that pay dividends in the sequel. In the case of the opening scene we find out what happened to John Wick’s car after he took out 90% of the Russian mob. What follows is perhaps one of the most creative car combat scenes since Mad Max Fury Road, where Wick (played by Keanu Reeves, with car stunt work done by Jeremy Fry), uses his classic Ford Mustang as an extension of his body, spinning tight and dizzying donuts and knocking out goons with the car doors. This is only the opening salvo in a series of increasingly stakes-raising and visually arresting fight sequences including a beautifully edited montage of three different fights inter-cutting between each other, and a climatic battle that will leave viewers wondering “How the hell did they pull that

off?”. The 52 year-old Reeves threw himself fully into the project, attending a military-style boot camp for three months to get himself familiar with firearms and hand-to-hand combat, and that effort really shows. When in other movies the editor would put in a flurry of cuts to hide the stunt performer, Reeves’ intensive training allows the camera to linger on him longer and makes the incredible fight choreography pop even more. Director Chad Stahelski (a stunt-man who doubled Reeves in the Matrix movies) has some incredible long tracking shots in this movie, most notably a gunfight in a sewer that sees Wick reload through several magazines, and switching weapons on the fly all while a camera follows him over his shoulder as if he were a character in a third person shooter video

game. It’s hard to go back to watching, say, Jack Reacher or Jason Bourne after seeing the first two John Wick films; it really makes almost every contemporary western action film look amateur in comparison. Like in the first movie the plot and characters are secondary, serving more to get to the next action set piece. Wick’s retirement only lasts 12 hours, before a fellow assassin, Santion D’Antonio returns to fulfill the other half of a blood pact that allowed Wick to retire from the underworld before the events of the first movie. Wick is forced to carry out an assassination on

D’Antonio’s sister, the head of the crime family, and a member on the council that governs the criminal underworld of the film’s universe. The rules and machinations of this organization are left vague enough as to not distract from the action set pieces and break the pacing, but just tangible enough to make the world feel lived-in. The supporting cast is also game; Common shows that he could probably carry an action movie all on his own as a bodyguard who seeks revenge after John Wick kills his mentor. Laurence Fishburne reunites with Reeves as the Bowery King, munching up the scenery.

It’s a little jarring since every character before him in played with a sort of understated self-seriousness, but he does end up delivering the best line of the movie. Finally Ian McShane gets an expanded role as Winston, the manager of the Continental the neutral zone hotel for assassins where “business” is strictly forbidden. In a film that’s so kinetic, he probably puts in the best performance out of all the cast, all while sitting in a chair for 90% of the movie. The end sets up perfectly for a Chapter 3, and with a strong performance at the box office, it looks like action fans are in luck.

Clarissa Madrigal Reporter

participating. Miguel Padron, a Student Development Specialist living in Martin said, “This is like a movement to try and help the planet.” Padron says there are a lot things that can be recycled, “the plastic bottles, the paper, the foil paper, sometimes the food also can be recycled”. Carlos Gonzalez, a kinesiology major working in Martin Hall said, “I like to go hiking and going outdoors and seeing plastic, like chip bags, water bottles, it looks bad in the trail and it makes it less enjoyable.”

Luis Villasana, majoring in Cultural Studies said, “I believed that the implementation of recycling in the dorms is important, because it allows the students to be presented with opportunities to help the environment”. Over the past few years, the university has attempted to become an “environmentally” friendly institution, with the incorporation of printing credits to reduce waste. Recycling in the dorms will hopefully continue the trend towards environmental consciousness, all over the campus.

Recyclemania to be held on campus to promote recycling This year at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, the students are going green for our planet by recycling. The University is having a contest between the dorms on campus called Recyclemania, that will be from Mar. 5 to Apr. 1. Students that live in the dorms are able to participate and whichever dorm has the most recycled goods will get a party. Bishop, Lucio, Lynch, Martin, Mesquite Village West, and Turner are all

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017

101

Campus

SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM

keys to success Author Jullien Gordon offers TAMUK students fresh ideas on best ways to complete college America Quintero Reporter What is success? Most people attend college in hopes of becoming successful, yet the true definition is a mystery. How do we measure success? Are we really in college to become successful? All these questions were raised Feb. 9 at a presentation inside Jones Auditorium given by Jullien Gordon, co-author of “101 Things to Do Before You Graduate.” The book is aligned with Texas A&M University-Kingsville’s Common Read Program. Each year, the program chooses a book distributed to all TAMUK freshman students and promoted throughout campus. “101 Things To Do Before You Graduate” is a detailed list of 101 experiences students should achieve while attending college. Gordon is author of three other books, How To Align your Personal and Professional Purpose, Good Excuse Goals: How to End Procrastination & Perfectionism Forever, The Innerview: Everything You Need To Know & DO Before Your Job Interview. He has traveled to several universities, motivating students to become successful individuals. To Gordon, success is more than just focusing on one’s own wealth or status, but on the relationships built and how many people transformed. “My definition of success is the alignment of my purpose, passion and profit. Am I being who I want to be, am I doing what I want to do, and do I have enough to continue being what I want to be and doing what I want to be doing?” Gordon explained that the three most important

questions students should ask themselves are, “Why am I here? What is my definition of success? What do I want?” At the presentation, Gordon revealed the reality most students will face after graduation. Current students are not just competing with their classmates or other universities, but with the entire world. Students might think they are safe because they graduate. However, Gordon explains that college education is only an expensive piece of paper. The value it has can only be determined by the experiences accumulated before graduating. That is where the book, 101 Things Before You Graduate comes in handy. Gordon mentioned how every minute a student spends at TAMUK costs $0.41. Eating, napping, and even breathing are costing students’ massive amounts of money. English Major, Kelby Sprinkles says students should focus and learn about time management. “We have to learn true responsibility. It’s the first time someone is not holding your hand and trying to get you to do things.” The book lists several activities and skills a person can accomplish. Some of these items include taking... a campus tour, creating a vision board, learning computer programs, and wearing a costume to class. Amanda Bakonyi, Biomedical major said her favorite item was doing something you’ll likely get rejected or fail at. According to Bakonyi, “You can’t find success without finding failure first. Failure is just a step closer to success.” Sprinkles said that her favorite item was writing a

Photo by Pablo Villanueva

Author Jullien Gordon chats with students after his Feb. 9 presentation at Jones Auditorium. Gordon delivered a talk based on his book “101 Things To Do Before You Graduate.” letter of forgiveness. “It helps us move on with college, which is a completely new phase in our lives. If you’re still holding on to things of the past, how are you supposed to grow and become the person you’re supposed to be when you’re holding on to all this hurt?” To Katy Garza, a Chemical Engineering major, students should follow the 101 list at their own pace. People have to do what they believe and know is important. Gordon explains that whatever choice students make will impact their future. Even a student’s decision to come to college is a costly and timely one. The four-year graduation rate at TAMUK is 17 percent, while the six-year graduation rate is 35 percent. A student’s decision to change their major can cost them up to two years of college. Even worse, the students who decide to drop out of college risk losing up to $1.2 million. To prevent looking at college as simply “more school,” Gordon suggests that students concentrate on their passions not their future profession. He also strongly encourages students to surround themselves with people who are want to be successful, not just social. For Angelica Rivera, a freshman at the presentation, the speech gave her clarity. Angelica shared that she is in the middle of changing her major, so the speech gave her a lot to think about. Rachel Smith, an Education major, said that the Gordon’s speech and his book, 101 Things To Do Before You Graduate, go hand in hand. To her, the book teaches students to not take the easy

Photo by Pablo Villanueva

Author Jullien Gordon answers students’ questions after his Feb. 9 presentation. His talk centered around multiple achievements students should make before graduation.

way out, while the speech has reinforced her to follow her passions. ¬¬Barbara J. Birdwell, Assistant Director of the GPS Mentoring and PACC Tutoring Centers says the book is a clear, concise road map that gives students a real starting point. “I think he’s very forthright with reality of the world. He paints a real picture that teaches students to focus on more than just academics,” Birdwell said.

Birdwell also added that every college freshman should get to know their professors, develop their resume, and begin and internship. Gordon is not through with his mission on helping others. He plans to keep influencing others through his presentations and writing. “I know that there are so many schools to reach. So right now, my focus will be to reach out to more schools and people. If I see there

are other things people are challenged with, I may have another idea for a book.” In a world where ¬¬students must compete with people from across the globe, a college degree is not the answer to success. It may not be a guarantee for a job, but it is a smart investment given the right choices. 101 Things To Do Before You Graduate is a book that helps guide students towards the right experiences and skills to compete.

Campus

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM

Upgrades across the motherboard

Computers on campus getting new software, equipment upgrades Alex Guerra Chief Reporter The university’s iTech is revamping software and swapping out old equipment across campus. Lonnie Nagel, associate chief information officer, provided the South Texan with some insight regarding to how the process of replacing technology takes place. Nagel noted that on JNet, there is a tab labeled Tech Help where many can seek assistance. Although replacements occur at the digression of individual departments, it takes a specific amount

of funding to replace older computer models. This specifically targets Windows PCs. The criteria for renovation includes being within five to seven years of operation that have not receive federal grant funding. The modifications do not include any auxiliary, residence halls, or Aramark based equipment. The iTech team will first attempt to refresh the entire system, along with software before actually swapping out the old with the new. Software programs are another story. Texas A&M University-Kingsville does not have the proper licens-

ing to distribute all of the Microsoft Office programs as well as the Adobe software. Only the music, art, and communication departments have approved Macintosh computers. All computers are federally mandated to operate through single sign on in order to monitor all activity. One student is making it his mission to revamp an outdated computer lab. Lelyn Adams, business major is going above and beyond to find ways to increase funding within his college. “I have created surveys asking students who walk in whether they prefer Macs or

WRITING, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 “The number one thing to keep in mind is that you’re dealing with human beings here- you’re dealing with more than numbers. You’re dealing with human emotions,” said Corbett. He emphasized the importance of emotions being what holds us back from our voice. “Respect, earning trust, friendliness and the ability to listen… or to try to listen, are the most absolute paramount thing to do in our business. Everything will roll after that-

some people get scared with their voice.” “Everything is relaxed and diligent…we are just a wonderful melting pot of people who want to help as many people as we can- we don’t do anything subpar,” said staff member, Alexandra Lichtenberger. The perfect atmosphere is vital in a workspace, especially for creative minds. The facility provides a spacious seating area where students can utilize tables or the

Bone marrow events begin next week For some a bone marrow transplant is the only cure. For patients with leukemia, lymphoma, and blood cancer they go through chemotherapy, different type of trials and medications and it does not work. Every year thousands of blood cancer patients are searching for a marrow match to save their life when traditional chemo and radiation fail. It only takes 10 minutes to join the registry FUN FACT: IN ORDER TO DONATE BLOOD YOU MUST BE THE SAME BLOOD TYPE. WITH BONE MARROW, YOU MUST BE THE SAME ETHNICITY.

insisting some paperwork and a cheek swab. The Health & Wellness Center and the Student Government Association are partnering up with GenCure Marrow Donor Program to have booths around Texas A&M University-Kingsville. The Bone Marrow Donor Registration Event will be held Feb. 20-22nd from 9 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. each day. “On this campus, we had Isabel Mata signed up and she matched and she donated to a little baby,” said Jon Hudson, GenCure Community Engagement Lead. “Taylor Wilkins thanked us because he got a bone marrow transplant and it came from this bone marrow registry.” There are two ways to donate, 75% it can be donated from the bloodstream, similar to a plasma donation.

Pcs and how they feel about the confined space,” said Adams. He’s hoping that the demand for an update will make way for a collaborative study integrated lab. Adams feels as though the numbers are not there and feels as though the

couch. “Our atmosphere is overall welcoming- and the philosophy I have is that you have to be willing to enjoy learning something in order to learn it,” said Andrea Martinez, administrative assistant. She explained that being involved with the University Writing Center helps others see how education can take place outside of the classroom. Getting her start at the writing center will help Martinez as she move towards her long-term goal of becoming a librarian.

Donate for a cure

Crystal Zamarron Editor-in-Chief

Photo by Pablo Villanueva

Computers in The South Texan office sit unused even as production deadline looms.

FUN FACT: AFTER A BONE MARROW TRANSPLANT, THE PATIENT BLOOD TYPE CHANGES TO THE DONORS’ BLOOD TYPE.

25% of the time it is donated during an outpatient procedure where the individual is unconscious. There will be a competition between student organizations with a possible $300 prize. The organizations with the highest number of committed donors win. If you’re interested in volunteering, RSVP for Ambassador training Sunday, Feb. 19th by emailing jon. hudson@gencure.org All volunteers will receive a shirt, once signing up to a link after emailing Jon Hudson for interest.

College of Business is seen as inferior. He plans to propose his efforts to Natalya Delcoure, dean of College of Business, hoping that a committee will emerge and find ways to receive donations and additional funding. Jesse Ochoa, RTF ma-

Educators grow with their students, and the staff as a whole has grown due to the impact of new and old members. The direction in which Corbett gears his program is not simply a means of showing students what mistakes there are in papers, but what they can do retain their voice while providing opportunities to grow. This provides a better understanding of individual strategies and self-growth for writers. “My advice for anyone looking to improve their writing is that

jor, feels that it is great to have iTech taking the time to maintain all computer systems across campus. “Hopefully each TAMUK college will receive enough grant funding to provide state of the art equipment across the board,” he said.

we all have a voice and should be patient with ourselves. Persevere and practice. We can help you find that here,” said Corbett. Corbett spoke of the future endeavors. “We do not have a rush of kiddos right now yet, but we will soon. Until then, some our tutors have been accepted to present at the South Central Writing Assistance Conference in Edinburg. I’m excited and proud of them!” The University Writing Center is located at Jernigan Library on the second floor and works by appointment.

Opinion

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM

Final Thoughts: The Super Bowl

Dakota Roberts Editorial Editor

A record 166 million pounds of wings, 75 percent of American households tuning in, half a billion dollars generated in advertising alone, two pro teams contending to be crowned champion, what else could it be but the Super Bowl? Even with average game viewership declining annually, the “Big Game” still has no equal when it comes to bringing football fans together. Even if your favorite team was knocked out of the running long ago, missing the Super Bowl can seem sacrilegious to some. What makes this game so much different? Is it just the amount of money spent on marketing or could it be the spectacle it has become? Is it really the strongest two teams clamoring to be the best? Maybe it is just the chance to witness something historical, the moments of the Super Bowl that leave fans screaming and cheering; bouncing around in their living rooms with barefaced joy. Of course, not every Super Bowl is like this. Not every Super Bowl has that stunning halftime show complete with juicy controversy to discuss after hours. There are those years where we aren’t presented with clever, entertaining ads that delight in the games breaktime. There have even been times where the game has failed to impress the most devoted gridiron addict. Yet, we still watch. Every year, legions of

Kevin Hooks Contributing Writer

people gather to celebrate a night of sportsmanship and chip-dipping, always giving a second chance to the game that does it all. Starting out as the AFLNFL World Championship Game, the “Super Bowl” was a carelessly organized event played between two different leagues that had major philosophical differences on how the game was to be played. The National Football League, which had been around since the 1920s, favored a traditional push-by-push playbook, often ending in broken jaws and cracked skulls. By the 1960s the American Football League had emerged, offering a new take on the game that allowed for less clashing and more scoring. Eventually the AFL became more and more popular to new and younger fans. A half decade later, the AFL and NFL were bitter rivals and an agreement was made, a single league under one brand that contained two different conferences (the NFC and the AFC). It took time for the modern NFL to emerge, somewhere in the 1970s it finally seemed complete. This year, Super Bowl LI sure as hell provided, but the game started risky. At the start, the game was looking to become a runaway spectacle. The Atlanta Falcons were just chipping away at the New England Patriots’ hopes of winning, scoring the first three touchdowns of the night. Rallying his team, Tom Brady was able to recover from a 25-point difference, earning the Patri-

Photo by D2football.com

TAMUK Javelinas football stadium with a crowd full of cheering fans that expect a victory. ots another record of biggest comeback in Super Bowl history. Even myself, one of the most unacquainted, uninformed people to ever write a football article, saw the skill these two teams exhibited. The way the Falcons stripped the ball over and over from the Patriots in the first half, or the last-second catch Julian Edelman miraculously made; the ball was literally a mere inch from the ground were exhilaration. The new camera drones that were placed all over the field allowed for some of the best sports shots that I’ve ever seen on television. At one moment I witnessed the absolute lethargy of the Patriots defense team; a close up of the sweaty, fatigued players just screamed how

Super Bowl. It’s families getting together, buddies spending time with each other. It’s watching ad culture reach its peak, an endless list of festivities that include food, sports, music, celebrities, controversy, and company. It’s an All-American experience and a culmination of cheerful content that rivals the festivals of old. Even the people who do not watch the Super Bowl, in the back of their heads know not only that the game is happening but that they are missing it. We expect this out of every championship game, from the Olympics to the Masters, from the World Series to our local football games. Fans demand, yearafter-year, a battle of champions - wherein the victor isn’t

The History of a Name

I identify myself as a black man. I was born in Lincoln Park, MI in 1977 as a citizen of the United States. As far as I can remember, I’ve been known as black all my life. As I grew older, I heard some of the other

names that people who look like me have been referred to and wondered about why if at all the monikers were relevant. President Trump recently announced that this month of February is officially called National African-American History Month. Some members of my community do not appreciate the idea of the president changing the name from Black History Month. After pondering why this would upset anyone, I came to the conclusion that it’s not only what you say, or how you say it. By whom it is said also plays an important role. In other words, if former president Barrack Obama suggested the change from BHM to NAAHM, my community would likely praise the change. Black people (or African-Americans) want to make our own decision on how we are to be referred, and we don’t need any help from that white guy living in that White House. We were first called slaves, since before the start of the country, and kept that status along with several derogatory names that came along with slavery. After the enslavement of humans became illegal in 1865, the

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badly the plays were going for them. Near the end, the suspense kept rising and rising, reaching its apex at the two-point conversion leading into overtime; the Patriots had officially comeback from the gutters. Like I said though, not every game is like this, there were even years that the Super Bowl was just the ultimate drab disappointment of the year - no great comeback, no fanfare, no grand stand showing of skill. Sometimes, to our woe, it’s just a game on a Sunday night. If you think about it though, people aren’t just excited about who will win. The game itself isn’t the only thing the crowd thinks about. This is the mysticism and the excitement of the

just good, they are masterful. Our expectations reach the clouds in these moments. I believe thoroughly that this will happen again come basketball season; its called March Madness so it’s a little on the nose, too. What makes us watch the Super Bowl is that holiday-esque feeling and the chance, like the flipping of a coin, that this game is just going to destroy all expectations. That maybe, just maybe, a moment will inspire and enchant even the most reserved of people to jump and holler and scream at the top of their lungs. Moments that I know were experienced this year, I saw them all over Facebook. That’s what makes The Game special. Every year people put their faith in two awesome teams to go out there and make some freaking history.

Staff

Crystal Zamarron- Editor-in-Chief Frankie Cardenas - Managing Editor/Reporter Sebastyon Spencer- Advertising Manager Bobby Puentes- Circulation Manager Travis Demas- Sports Editor Dakota Roberts- Editorial Editor Siddharth Tuplondhe- Cartoonist Alex Guerra- Campus News

Editor/Chief Reporter Robert Breedlove- Entertainment Editor America Quintero- Reporter Clarissa Madrigal- Reporter Ashley Gonzalez- Online Editor Pablo Villanueva- Online Editor Dr. Manuel Flores- Adviser Matthew Ward- Adviser

First Amendment Right 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.

populous began to call us “Freedman.” In the late 1880s as the older former slave population began to die off, Whites began using the term colored to describe those who were born free. Colored did not hold for long because black folks felt it set them aside from the rest of the country without giving them an exact sense of identity. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), one of the country’s biggest civil rights organizations, was formed in 1909 and it is surprising that its name has not been modified. During the same time that colored was being used, the black free press attempted to have us called “Afro-American” to mirror the white immigrant’s national trend of pride in names such as Irish-American or Italian-American. Though Afro-American did not find footing at that time, a derivative would appear later and continue to the present day. 1776-1865 - Slave 1865-late 1880’s - Freedman Late 1880’s-1915 – Colored (Afro-American suggested) 1915-1960 - Negro 1960-1990 - Black 1990-Present – Black/African-American (Present proposition – The Global Majority) The word Negro began to be used from the early 1900s and lasted through 1960. Negro is the word in some dialects that is a direct translation to black. This began to set the blacks apart demographically from Advertising For advertising inquiries, e-mail the South Texan at thesouthtexan@yahoo.com, OR call (361) 593-4371 and ask for Sebastyon Spencer.

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other people of color such as the Asians and Natives. Black people accepted the term Negro as it gave them a separate national identity, but that word was too close phonetically to that other N-word that has always been so hateful. In the 1960s, amidst protests and struggles for national identities across the country, the word black emerged. This was the first time in the history of the nation that we took control of what we would be called. Black was a simple descriptive that in itself was extremely powerful. Black, however, was not accepted by a lot of people of color due to the negative denotation of the word. If black folks are known for anything, it’s making a positive out of something negative; Black Power, Black is Beautiful, the Blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice, etc. In 1988, The Rev. Jesse Jackson, along with other black leaders, decided that African-American was an all-inclusive word that should be used to address blacks in the country. African-American shows not only pride in one’s heritage, but serves as a name of assimilation in this great melting pot. President Trump, you are not wrong for officially naming February National African-American History month. It is in your rights as the leader of this nation to do so. I prefer black myself, but maybe that has only to do with the generation to which I was born. Although African-American does not bother me in the slightest, let’s just wait until our next black president to be elected before we go changing names.

Have an opinion? Contact the South Texan at thesouthtexan@yahoo.com or message us on our Facebook page. Letters to the Editor

Letters must be typed, signed, and include a phone number. Letters will be edited for grammar, punctuation, libel, and profanity. Letters considered for Publication must be 300 words or fewer. Letters may be hand delivered or emailed to thesouthtexan@yahoo.com Please send letters or inquiries to The South Texan at Manning Hall 165, Texas A&M University-Kingsville Kingsville, Texas 78363 (361) 593-4370

Sports

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM

Javelinas claim wins on new tennis courts

Travis Demas Sports Editor

@travisdemas

With the new tennis courts available, The Javelinas successfully took on Northeastern State University, Dallas Baptist University, and University of Texas of the Permian Basin. The Hogs started on Feb.9 against Northeastern State in San Antonio where the Javelinas fell short to the Riverhawks 7-2 in a highly competitive match. Although the Javelinas lost all of their doubles matches, Valerie Ruiz and Vivian Ortiz would go on to win two singles matches for the Javelinas. Ruiz would win her first match in singles No.3 in straight sets (6-3,7-5). Ortiz would follow with a win in singles No.4 in a tightly contested match after losing the first set 4-6. Ortiz would rally for

two straight wins after that (7-5,10-4). The Javelinas would take on Dallas Baptist on Feb.10 as their season opener on their new courts. Lisa Carvajal would be the first Javelina to claim a victory on the new courts by winning singles No.1 (6-4, 6-2). Erika Larrea would also pick up her first singles win of the season in singles No.4 in an entertaining match against Bianca Tijerina (6-3, 2-6, 10-7). The Hogs would lose all three of their doubles matches and go on to lose 7-2. The Hogs took on University of Texas of the Permian Basin on Feb.11 at their home court again for the second straight day, and swept the Falcons. It started with a competitive win by Valerie Ruiz and Victoria Romanovskaia with an 8-6 win in doubles No.1. Followed

by Tabata Lua and Lisa Carvajal’s crushing 8-1 win in doubles No.2. Erika Larrea and teammate Vivian Ortiz teamed to win the last doubles match 8-2. The Javelinas would go on to win all their singles matches over the Falcons. Key standouts were Julia Rauer in singles No.4 (6-1, 6-2), and Stephanie Baerman in singles No.6 (6-1, 6-0). “It was awesome for everyone of us and we are really excited that we got new ones,” said Rauer about her first time playing on their new court. Coach Autumn Williams had this to say about the team having their first game on the new courts,” It was exciting. To truly be at home and have your student body, family, and friends come out and support you is very important.” The Javelinas take on Trinity University this Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m.

Photo by Pablo Villanueva

Vivian Ortiz (left) discusses strategy with Julia Rauer (right) during their doubles match Feb. 10 against Dallas Baptist University.

Richardson breaks school record at indoor track meet

Photo by Juan Turrubiates

Tarleton State ended the Hog’s six-game win streak in a brutal 78-41 away game loss on Feb. 9. The Hogs would lose again Feb. 11 to Texas A&M Commerce.

Hogs fail to extend record

Tarleton ends Hogs’ 6-game win streak

Travis Demas Sports Editor

@travisdemas

The Javelinas six-game winning streak came to a halt this past weekend as the Hogs fell to the #11 Tarleton State University Texans (213,12-2 LSC) 78-41 on Feb.9 at Wisdom Gym. The Hogs would also lose to Texas A&M–Commerce (17-7,9-6 LSC) 77-59 on Feb.11 at the field house. The Javelinas are at home Thursday, Feb. 16, against West Texas A&M University. Tip-off is at 7:30 p.m. in the Gil E. Steinke Physical Education Center. The Hogs got off to a quick start against the Tex-

ans, sparked by an emphatic dunk from Duan Wright to give the Javelinas a 5-1 lead. The lead quickly diminished as the Texans responded by going on a 14-2 run and taking the momentum for the rest of the game. The Javelinas ended up having a season low 41 points on a bad-shooting night. Shooting only 25 percent from the field, while the Texans shot 45 percent including shooting 15-16 from the charity stripe in the second half to seal the game away for the Texans. Will West led all Javelinas in scoring with 10 points, and Trey Sumpter led the team in rebounds with 5. Feb. 11, the Javelinas took on the Lions in an attempt to

bounce back after losing to Tarelton State, but were unsuccessful as the Hogs lost. Similar to Fridays game against the Texans, the Javelinas jumped out to a quick to lead to start the game, but it was quickly answered by a 7-0 run by the Lions who would not relinquish the lead for the rest of the game. The hogs would struggle shooting again only shooting 38 percent from the field and 21 percent from behind the arch. Duan Wright would lead all scores with 21 points and 3 steals on his way to eclipsing 500 total career points as a Javelina. Robert Stevenson would led the team in rebounds with 8, and in blocks with 5.

UPCOMING GAMES West Texas A&M @Kingsville 2-16 at 7:30 pm

West Texas A&M @Kingsville 2-16 at 5 pm

@Angelo State 2-17 at 5pm 2-18 at 12 am & 2 pm

@Trinity 2-18 at 1 pm

UT Permian Basin @Kingsville 2-18 at 2 pm

UT Permian Basin @Kingsville 2-16 at 4 pm

@Texas A&M Inter. 2-21 at 12 pm & 2 pm

Texas-RGV @Kingsville 2-19 at 1 pm

Courtesy photo

Deana Richardson broke TAMUK track’s 60-meter dash record last week at the Indoor Track and Field Classic in Frisco. Staff ReportsThe Texas A&M University-Kingsville Javelina Track and Field teams competed in the Indoor Track and Field Classic in Frisco, Texas at Ford Center this past week. The men and women both brought home a total of 16 provisional marks for both days. Day one was filled with ten of the 16 marks, including a record setting feat from Deana Richardson, who broke the program record in the women’s 60-meter dash with an automatic qualifying time of 7.40 seconds. It was also the fastest time amongst all the Division II participants in the event. Kaina Martinez and Plaserae Johnson also chipped in a few points for their team and two provisional marks apiece. Martinez finished first in both the women’s 200-meter dash running at a time of 24.37 seconds, and the women’s 400-meter dash with a time of 55.97 seconds, garnering 20 total points. Johnson is credited with eight total points, after her

sixth place finish in the 60-meter dash (7.60s) and a 200-meter run of 25.04s. Other notable performances came from Brittney Webley and LaGae Brigance who combined for 11 points. Webley finished second in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 8.82 seconds. Brigance finished sixth in the high jump with a height of 5’ 6”(1.68m). In day two, Richardson would run the women’s 60-meter dash in 7.53 seconds, only earning fourth place. Johnson would follow three spots behind, finish with a time of 7.62s. Martinez would hit the sandbox with a leap of 15.67m For the men, four competitors were able to contribute points for the team total score. Kenneth Jackson concluded his 200-meter run in first place (21.54s) and finished sixth in the 60-meter dash clocking a time of 6.83 seconds. Javier Lopez threw in a fourth place finish for five points, finishing his 60-meter hurdles with a time of 7.95s. In the field events, Chris-

tian Garcia finished first in the shot put for a long throw of 16.50m, allowing the Javelinas to add six points to their score. And finally, James Passley’s 16.93m jump in the long jump, gave the Javelinas five more points to wrap up day one. The final six provisional marks were allotted in the following day, as the Javelina men lit up the field respectively. Charles Greaves recorded a second place Division II qualifying mark of 15.49m in the men’s long jump, and following suit was Passley finishing fourth with a distance of 15.11m. Lopez would improve in the second day finishing third in the 60-meter hurdles, earning a provisional mark and running for 8.02s. Garcia would also eclipse his previous mark from the day before, throwing 16.84m, but would finish in third this time around. The Javelina’s next stop on in the season as at the Lone Star Conference Indoor Track and Field Championships on Feb. 18-19, in Alamosa Colorado.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2017 SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM