The South Texan Vol. 95 Issue 22

TheSouthTexan!"#$ Texas A &M University-Kingsville Award-Winning Student Publication Monday, June 28, 2021

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@thesouthtexan

under control.

“We had a pipe explode due to the freeze which caused a piece to

School of Music repairs timeline set !"#$$%&'(")*+,- |!!"#$%&'($)(*+,$!"#$%&#'()!#*+$)!,%-$)$!./'0(%1

The low temperatures that caught everyone by surprise in mid-February has left a lasting impact on The School of Music.

The new building experienced a severe water leak running from the second The leak was reported to Music Director Dr. Paul Hageman early that morning and University Facilities Management were contacted to get the issue

sent thousands of gallons of water into our main performance hall and into the percussion wing. Luckily we were able to save nearly all of our percussion equipment but both parts of the building have had to be renovated…” graduate student Brandon O’Donohue said.

The freeze affected the performance hall, percussion suites, and two methods classrooms were rendered temporarily unusable. A computer

lab and a piano lab also sustained some damage but remained open to students.

Remediation began immediately during the weather event and construction began in May. The unexpected damage caused some classes and events to be relocated.

“It’s been harsh for us who were eager to create experiences in the building as it was being constructed, since we were not able to at the beginning of the pandemic when the building was first constructed due to uncertainties of the spreading illness and now again with

the renovations. Although this obstacle has made it to keep practicing and performing, we were able to keep doing what we love in not-so-ideal situations using the spaces that we had remaining,” James Segovia, music education major, said.

The School of Music has adapted to sudden changes and looks forward to completed renovations

by Fall 2022.

“We are eager for the repairs to be complete, but we know doing so will take time. We are hopeful that repairs to the Percussion Suite and

Photo by Ronni Reyna

Clean up vehicels ouside of the School of Music following the freeze.

adjacent classrooms will be completed by Spring 2022. The Performance Hall—because of the specialty wood items needed to complete the construction—may be complet-

ed by Fall 2022. We look forward to the day when we can once again open the entire building to our amazing and talented students and faculty,” Hageman said.

Photo by Ronni Reyna

Loreal Robertson Assistant Director of Student Activities

Tanya Allen Head Volleyball Coach

Annual awards recipients named !"#$$%&'(")*+,- |!!"#$%&'($)(*+,$-

Rebecca Trant Director of CKWR

Loreal Robertson, Tanya Allen, Rebecca Trant, Chelsie McMillion and Shelly Salazar were the recipients of the 2021

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Coming out of a year of uncertainty and unexpecting changes, TAMUK’s ebrated individuals who overcame adversity and empowered Javelina Nation along the way.

“This year’s honorees truly embody the spirit of Javelina Nation. Each of them demonstrates exceptional skill and dedication to the university and the community we serve.

No matter their assigned division or job title, each of this year’s honorees excore values of Excellence, Integrity, Opportunity, Discovery and Service,” Miranda Joiner, vice pres-

Awards.

Robertson was recognized with the Inclusion and Diversity Champion Award.

“This is a personal feat, as my work in diversity, equity and inclusion and my own life often intersect, there’s not much separation. I live this every day. I am IT,” Assistant dent Activities Robertson said. “I pride myself in creating and promoting spaces, opportunities and environments at TAMUK one can see themselves as part of an experience and feel they are being considered and represented. My role each day is to build awareness that fosters

Chelsie McMillion Administrative Associate

Students standing in line at TAMUK’s first on campus vaccine site.

Shelly Salazar Academic Advisor

Vaccine opportunities to continue

understanding and acceptance, improve the campus climate and increase cultural competence.”

Robertson is dedicated to making TAMUK a more inclusive campus and aids in cultivating a welcoming environment that embraces diversity. mittee not only recognizes those who strive to make a change but those who lead.

Head Volleyball Coach Allen was the recipient of this year’s Leadership Award.

“I’m truly honored to be receiving this award.

It’s a great feeling knowing I’m able to be a good leader for my athletic team and my department… I was very surprised [by the award] because it’s something I work so hard at especially with the year we’ve had. I’m really grateful for the recognition and

honored that I can serve as a role model,” Allen said.

Allen has worked at Javelina Nation for a decade and has helped strengthen the volleyball programs through her work ethic.

Under her leadership, Javelines have competed at the national level.

Another longtime employee who has made an impact is Trant.

Trant was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award. She began her career with the institution in 1986 making her the longest serving

promoting his gender id e nt it y.

From being kicked out of the Cat hol ic church and picking out his new name, he’s faced m a n y !"#$%&'($#$)'* highs and 45678! lows that .%9#,)% culminate into who he is today.

“My name is Evan Apollo Hernandez. I let my mom choose my name because I didn’t know what would suit me,” he said. “All I knew was that I wanted a Greek middle name because of my practice and religion.”

Hernandez identifies as nonbinary transmasculine.

“This means I am assigned female at birth, but I don’t feel like a female, but I also don’t exactly feel like a male even though I express myself in a masculine way,” he said.

He recounts knowing from a young age his gen-

Hernandez holding Unity banner with other members

from his assigned sex at birth.

“Believe it or not, I was three when I realized I didn’t feel like a girl,” Hernandez said. “I was devastated when I was growing up because I looked like a girl, I sounded like a girl, and had to act feminine. If I didn’t act feminine, my family and strangers would ask ques-

tions and that was always uncomfortable. It hit me hard when I was in middle school. I never felt like I belonged and it just made me isolate myself more because I was also being bullied for being bisexual even though I never told anyone that I was.”

Hernandez came out in August 2017 to close friends and to family in

the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute (CKWRI) she served as an she now serves as Director of CKWRI and has been part of the university for more than 40 years. !""#./"01()**+,*-

TAMUK to give vaccines during summer and fall semesters .%"%/&0,#(% |.,)$&'!/,0&'%,'

The Kleberg County Mobile Vaccine Unit has administered 300 COVID-19 vaccines at Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAMUK) since April 14.

The Vaccine Unit has been visiting campus throughout the summer, with the most recent clinic hosted Saturday, June 26, and is present during new student orientations.

The vaccines given by the campus are not only being distributed this summer, TAMUK has plans to continue giving the vaccinations well

into the fall semester.

“We understand the critical role vaccination will play in continuing to keep our campus safe,” Director of Marketing and Communications Adriana Garze said. “The COVID-19 Response Team will inform the campus community of vaccine clinic dates as the fall semester nears.”

With the distribution of vaccines on campus, TAMUK’s COVID-19 positivity rate is 4.7 percent with only 190 positive on-campus cases from Fall 2020 to Spring 2021, according TAMUK’s COVID-19 Dashboard.

In order to qualify for a vaccine on campus, students do not need to currently be enrolled in !""#!"##$%"&$'%()**+,*-

Online Do you not subscribe to !"#$%&!"!#'()*+%,?

Catch up on exclusive stories about our campus when you sign up for our newsletter.

V-tech Camp TAMUK partnered withTexas A&M AgriLife Extension veterinary science camp that was held from June 14 to 16. The camp was open to high school students with veterinary intrests.

Hernandez shares experience 01(()&0,#(% |!1,23!"#$%&' '!2,0!"#$%&+$)!,%-$)$!./'0(%1

Each year though the month of June, Pride is celebrated by members of the Lesbian, Gay Bisexual, Trans and Queer (LGBTQ) community and allies naloudly and remember the lives of LGBTQ members taken too soon.

Pride can be found everywhere, especially here on campus through TAMUK’s very own Unity club.

Evan Apollo Hernanand secretary of Unity, has faced many challenges in

Submitted photo

December of the same year.

“My parents and grandmother took it very well, however, my older brother did not,” he said.

Hernandez has received many reactions to his coming out.

“I’ve gotten really good reactions where people !""#+0$12)**+,*-

Campus

2

Steinke court recieves renovations !"#"$%&'()" |!"#$%&'(")%&*"&

Every seven to eight years, Texas A&M University-Kingsville (TAof the Steinke gym to the original wood. During these renovations, varnish and painted court lines are sanded down to start over as if the gym court is brand new.

Every year the Athletic Department renovates some varnish is knocked re-covered with new varnish. However, the court’s appearance was able to be changed more

this year.

“The court lines are back in the same area, but they have changed colors,” Sr. Associate Athletic Director Ruben Cantu said.

“The logo is now a wood-based logo, so instead of painting the screaming hog with blue paint, we varnished it into wood color.”

Because of changes made by the NCAA, lines on the court for basketball and volleyball were able to be added to make sure TAMUK stays up to par with the NCAA codes and guidelines.

Volleyball poles and their sleeves were also upgraded during the gym renovations.

The new poles are now lighter, which should help in taking the nets down and putting them me know that my hard

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recognizes those who enhance the customer service experience and have gone above and beyond the call of duty to ensure the success of a department though the Rising Star Award.

After working for nearly two years at the university McMillion was this year’s Rising Star Award recipient.

“I’m honored to receive this award; it lets !"#$%)$.%2'(()*((+

welcome me openly, and I’ve gotten reactions that I did expect such as people telling me ‘you’ll always be (old name/ deadname) to me’ or ‘no, you’re still (deadname)’, and I’ve gotten worse reactions where people call me crazy.”

Deadname is a term used to describe someone’s birth name that they no longer recognize.

“When talking to someone that goes by a deadname, please use the name they go by unhe said.

Hernandez says he was kicked out of his Catholic church but has found comfort in Paganism.

“When I tell people my pronouns, I just say He/Him to avoid much

go unnoticed. As an administrative associate the best part of my job is working with the people. I believe in going above and beyond to give students the experience they deserve,” McMillion said.

Enhancing the college experience takes a village. Salazar received the Service Excellence Award for maintaining the highest level of service for students, facultension… even now it’s tough for me to correct people because I’m still seen as very feminine,” he said. “I’m still terriespecially with knowing how many people would be willing to harass me for it, seeing as many people are against the LGBTQ community.

Hernandez started transitioning socially in August 2017 and medically in July 2018.

“Personally, a really good support system is what I recommend to anyone whether it’s family or friends or even a support group on the internet. Support is one of the best things you can have,” he said.

TAMUK’s Unity is an LGBTQ organization for students to support one another.

“Members in Unity have walked with me to protect me when I

Completed gym floor of the Steinke court.

up quicker.

“This new court will be a huge morale boost for our team and our fans,” Head Volleyball Coach Tanya Allen said.

“I’m so thankful for all that were involved in making this happen.”

The Athletic Departthe community along with a high level of professionalism.

“As a university, it is imperative that we recognize and acknowledge the invaluable contributions of outstanding employees cant impact on our camcil Employee Awards program is one way to honor our colleagues’ successes, strengths and commitment to excellence in Javelina Nation,” Joiner said. don’t feel safe. When I changed my pronouns from He/Him to He/ They, everyone automatically listened to me and didn’t question me.

Unity showed me that I have a community that cares and accepts me, and that’s what I needed. Everyone is so open, accepting and loving.

Even if you need someone to vent to or talk to, there’s almost always someone available, even if it’s 3 a.m.,” he said.

According to its Twitter biography, Unity provides an environment for students that fosters a sense of belonging and promotes the interest of the LGBTQ+ community.

For more information regarding the organization contact tamukunity@ gmail.com or message them @unitedjavelinas on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Photo curtosy of Unity’s Twitter

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vaccine was great, my arm was just sore from the second dose.”

Active cases in May dropped tremendously, with only 2 positive cases in the month compared to April which had 64 total active cases.

“I respect everyone’s wish on not wanting to get the vaccine, but I will say it’s going to be more of a challenge of getting everything back to normal if you don’t

thesouthtexan.com

Submitted Photo

Group photo of members of Unity posed with organization banner.

classes and must be at least 18 years old.

Individuals interested in receiving vaccination must not have COVID-19 or have been exposed to the virus in the past 14 days.

“I got the vaccine to protect not only myself, but my family and friends as well,” Marketing major Danyelle Green said. “My overall experience getting the

June 28, 2021

get the vaccine,” Green said.

As cases trend down and the state lifts mandates, TAMUK no longer requires masks to be worn on campus or social distancing to be enforced.

For more information regarding campus vaccinations check your student email as updates and news on upcoming clinics will be sent there.

ment is also hoping to change the way the baskets in the court hang.

Right now, the baskets hang from the roof, but portable ones would be preferred in the future.

The department is also looking into upgrading the score tables for a

more digital and modern look.

“We have a number of players on campus this summer and they are extremely excited about Head Women’s Basketball Coach Michael Madrid said.

Renovations for the Steinke gym were completed this month and students and faculty members can look forward to seeing the changes to the gym in the upcoming semester as basketball and volleyball season nears.

MSUB closed for summer renovations Corrected story from June 14 issue !"#"$%&'()" |!"#$%&'(")%&*"&

The Memorial Student Union Ballroom (MSUB) has been up for a renovation to popular gathering locations for three years, but COVID put a stop to plans. After years of waiting, the renovastart of summer.

“As students return to campus, they will see two of their favorite food and Subway, with a new brighter, modern, welcoming environment,” Aramark Food Service Director Jackie Flores add several new menu items, as well as a new state-of-the-art ordering system. Guests will be able to place their order and pay at kiosks at the and when ready, orders can be picked up at the counter. Subway will be refreshed with new lighting, some additional seating space and new chairs and tables.”

The goal of these renovations is to continue providing students and faculty members with popular brands, satis-

Photo by Aryssa Enriquez The Memorial Student Union Building undergoing renovations to expand menu options and sitting area.

fying menus and better order technology. New for the dining area will be included in the MSUB renovations as well as the game room.

“This newly renovated space will provide a refreshed and innovative location for students to spend time in-between classes or in the evening without leaving campus,” Flores said. “The game room and dining area will have a new comfortable seating area with new chairs and tables, electronic charging stations, fresh paint, as well as other campus resources in the MSUB that will promote more student activities.”

Students enrolled in Summer and Fall classes can receive a free meal at the Javelina Dining Hall while renovations are taking place. They are expected to be completed by the upcoming Fall semester.

In the June 14 issue, we published that Pizza Hut would not be part of the food options on campus. However there was a miscommunication error on our behalf. Pizza Hut will continue to be part of our food options at the MSUB but will remain the same. No renovations are being made to Pizza Hut. Renovations pertain to ChickFil-A, Subway and seating space only.

ENTERTAINMENT 3 Review: rebooted iCarly’s nostalgia can only carry it so far

June 28, 2021

thesouthtexan.com

Hold my ‘Zumba juice’ this one is a doozy

LGBTQ+ character rathqueerness her entire personality.

what an audience wants

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Wake up the members of our nation because iCarly is back almost 10 le in 2012. The new iCarly streams on Paramount Plus and has three episodes available to binge.

This beloved show that Zillenials grew up watching is no longer a kids show; iCarly has gone adult.

This show’s goal is to appeal to the adult audience, or at least it tries. haustingly attempts to appear more adult-like and hip. References about the present day aren’t savored and spread out. They are used constantly and aren’t executed very well. The cues no more than an eye roll.

The quality of the acting has digressed; it is apparent that the actors are acting which is not

The character development struggled sweet, plain vanilla cupcake and Freddy is a two-time divorcé with an adopted child that easily rules over him.

Milicent, Freddy’s adopted child, is devious, easily manipulates Freddy, and is the epitome of cancel culture. Between her and Freddy, she has control, this is a character arch that has been overly used in Disney shows. It does not make the character cute or charming, it makes them annoying and increases frustration with how little the parent actually parents.

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a fairly decent character and becomes more likeable than Sam as the episodes progress. She is casually queer, meaning the writers did a good job portraying a real

still a lovable idiot that continues to occasionalcept now he is a rich and well-known artist.

The two absolute worst things about the show however are as follows: the infamous character Nora Dershlit and above all, laugh tracks.

While Nora is an iconic character from the randomly thrown into the show without much context. Just like how Nora has forced herself back into the lives of the did the exact same by tossing her in with no explanation.

Now, utilizing laugh tracks is the worst attribute of any show. It’s a ruse to convince the audience that the written comedy is on par and is used to disguise the poor execution of said comethat uses laugh tracks but is actually good, such as The Big Bang Theory, the tracks can

be forgiven and forgotiCarly is barely decent enough for me to block out the laugh tracks. Unless the jokes fall hard then I become aware and plagued by the sound of dead people’s laughter.

Although the show episodes progressed, everything eased into place. As an audience we start to see more of the characters’ developments, they become slightly more subtle and less on the nose and the footing. isode’s struggle, Jerry Trainer, A.K.A Spencer, salvages the show. Although there are some

written lines that do not do his acting skills justice. friendship is top tier; Freddy no longer simps characters seem so comfortable together. The friendship feels so natural and supportive. With how mature their relationship is, it makes me wonder if they are now ready to be an actual couple. Only time will tell.

The one thing that truly did not bother me as a viewer was the absence of Sam. I was never fond of her character, and neither was Jennette Mcplayed her. After ev-

went through while on iCarly, it is more than understandable why she chose not to reprise her role as Sam Puckett.

Overall, the writing needs to be incredibly improved. The writers need to avoid cliches and predictability. It’s that kind of hubris that will bring down the show. iCarly also needs to stop attempting to be hip and down with the Zillenials because that is just too painful to watch.

This is just the beginning of the series, however, and I believe as time goes on the show will improve and reclaim its throne as one of the best sitcoms and not have to rely heavily on nostalgia for popularity.

Review: The Conjuring 3 Predictably creepy, lack of good horror 5--"'%*"(6&$"'&*(| ,$-+%#$%

Just when we thought we had seen everything in The Conjuring Universe, another thrilling story is born.

The story is set in the year 1981 when the Warrens are called to the Glatzels’ family house, where eight-year-old David is showing signs of progressive possession.

While the Warrens some peace and manage to save David, they don’t realize that it was just the beginning. As things seem to have calmed down Debbie Glatzels’s

boyfriend, Arne Johnson begins to have frightening experiences.

Arne is caught walking down the side of the road by the police, but what caught their eye was the amount of blood on his white shirt. After being arrested for the murder of a man, Arne denies that he committed the crime and Debbie is the only one who believes him until the Warrens come in.

The story of The Conjuring 3: The Devil Made Me Do It type of story compared to the last two movies in the franchise, making it intriguing. While the

audience is used to the Warrens dealing with spirits, the third franchise dives into the concept of witchcraft.

Although the thought is interesting, the events that occur can be described as predictable.

There were several parts that I hoped would come as a shock to me but never really did meet my expectation as it was seen coming from a mile away. One shocking revelation that came was the use of necromancy which I wouldn’t consider scary but creepy.

I don’t think anyone would like a dead over-

ly exposed man chasing them in the dark.

Even though events were predictable, something that always keeps me interested in the learn more about Ed and Lorraine’s relationship as well as their hopes and fears. Throughout for Lorraine’s safety is shown now more than ever, especially as he is used as a pawn to hurt her several times. an amazing job when

it comes to playing a young man being haunted by terrible hallucinafear and paranoia that Arne experienced very well that in some ways you can feel as though you are experiencing it wouldn’t be anything without Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson who never disappoint as they have been doing thrillers for years. Both actors have a way of representing the love that Ed and Lorraine shared

throughout their years together and the protectiveness they have for each other.

Overall, this horror thriller may not live up to the original in the franchise but if you are a fan of the movies and like the feeling of a slight case of goosebumps running down your arms then this is the movie for you.

If you are interested in until July 4 and is in theaters.

How to Adult: Student on a budget Review: Loyola Beach time to ask yourself how much do you want to cut back or start saving?

From there look at the

Cut the extra spending, save do so, or here are some you can just start some money things doing.

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As a college student money can be tight.

From tuition and textbooks to fast-food and know when and where to cut back. You’re on time, maybe you’re starting a new job, have a paycheck and, well, you may lose control with spending now that you have access to a little bit of money. Not to fear because budgeting can be your friend and helpful partner as you make your way through adulthood. So, if you need a few tips keep reading.

Start by looking at your bank account, where you spend your average amount you spend a week. It may be a frightening thing to do but it’s a step you need to take. Once you have the average amount, it’s

That

morning

Star-

you may want it, think about how much overall you’ll be spending on home. With the amount you spend on let’s say make dozens at home -

tive price. If you can’t quit Starbucks, consider cutting back the number of times a week you stop by.

Or, if you have a meal plan USE IT. Budget the money on your student occasional meal at the SUB, the more you take advantage of your meal plan the more money you’ll be saving.

If these things don’t apply to you, write out

the numbers and list of things you want to save for. Take a certain amount from each paycheck and put it aside, literally. If possible, get some envelopes and a safe hiding place. Withdraw the amount in cash that you’d like to put away and store it in an envelope. You can even label your envelopes and split it up to save for ing money out of your account in this fashion unnecessary spending as it’s not at your disposal anymore.

If you’d like to go a more virtual route, try move funds into your account and you can even order a free debit card that comes with your account. Start placing your spending money in that account and track it, or only use the card for certain personal spending. to budget, start now. It won’t be easy to do but the longer you keep with it the more you save. So drink you can home brew; your bank account will thank you.

A secluded piece of serenity near us )"."/'"0(10"2&3(| ,$-+%#$%

Some of you may have heard about a little pier out on Loyola Beach in Riviera, while others have never seen nor have heard of this hidden gem. Loyola Beach is just a few miles southeast of Kingsville and could frankly be considered the most peaceful place around town.

From campus, it’s about a 30-minute drive, but the serenity you experience when you get there makes every minute of the drive worth it.

When you turn into Loyola, there’s a big parking lot and the majority of the time, that parking lot is near empty.

That’s one of the best things about this tiny pier. It’s secluded. You never have to make the drive and worry about the place being too packed for your liking.

Once you park, you have limited options on what you can do, BUT they’re all pretty good options.

You have the choice

the water, spending time around the playground, watching the sunset, or having a mini photoshoot out by the rocks.

If you get hungry or want something to eat after, Kings Inn and Bafby.

The pier itself is small, but since there’s really never anyone there, you you want to set yourself you are going to Loyola mend going early in the morning because rumor has it that’s when the The playground area is probably where you won’t have to worry about running into anyone because most people don’t go to Loyola to go play on swings.

As a college student, it’s always a fun idea to go to a playground late at night with your friends and be nostalgic without having to feel judged by a bunch of moms and their children in public. Loyola is the

perfect place to do just that.

At this beach area, there is a line up of rocks that go out into the water and it is the perfect place to take pictures for the Gram.

If you go around six in the evening the sunlight will hit the water just right for the ultimate captured moment. Summer is the ideal time to go to Loyola because the place just looks and feels brighter.

You can even catch the sunset if you go at the right time. When people or hanging by the water, people associate that with summer, so why not associate that with Loyola?

My favorite time to go however is at night when you can see all the stars in the sky above the water.

You can walk on the little shells on the ground by the water and hear the waves hit the rocks and for just a moment in time, for a second in this chaotic world, you feel at peace.

SPORTS

4

June 28, 2021

thesouthtexan.com

Gonzales snags All South Central honors

Freshman earns LSC recognition !"#$%&'$%()*+&| !"#$%&'()*%#$ !"#$%!&'()%#$*%+'!#,%+%'-./&0#1

Freshman Kayla Gonzales was not only one of four Javelinas to earn LSC (Lone Star Conference) First-team Honors after this season, but also ended the year being named to the National Fastpitch Coaches Association All-South-Central Region Second Team.

Hailing from San Antonio, Gonzales put together a monstrous in the LSC’s top 10 in batting average, hits, percentage, and on-base were second among all LSC Athletes and 10th in the entire nation.

“Getting selected for All-South-Central Re-

gion Second Team was such shocking news to me,” she said.

“I never knew that I would earn an award like that because of how many talented girls are in our region and conference. When I found out that I earned this award, I was so proud of myself and so happy, but I mainly cried. It really made me think of my dad and how proud he would be of me today. He is the reason I am the player that I am right now. We worked so hard to get to where I’m at, he’s the reason I play softball.”

Tragically, Gonzales was one of thousands across the country affected by the pandemic as her father passed

with those in the Texas A&M University-Kingsville community.Gonzales opened up about her experience.

“It was a heartbreaking experience for me to where I wanted to stop playing for a little bit because of how playing the game we loved was making me reminisce of everything he’s taught me over the years and how he helped me grow as a player,” she said.

“I had to think about it a little bit but after a talk with my mom she made me realize that I had to play the game for him because of how important the game was to my dad. I just wish he were here to see me get the awards I received at the end of the season.”

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this year. The virus has true national test of this new generation and it

it was personal or the world of sports. Coach Craig Nicholson ex-

Javelina Athletics

Gonzales finished the year in the LSC’s top 10 in batting average, hits, homers, RBIs, slugging percentage and on-base percentage.

after the season ending loss at the South Region Tournament.

Ideally, we get back close to normal next year, play a full schedule and have

was a huge challenge for us this year with our season being interrupted on

season,” Nicholson said.

For Gonzales, even though the season came to an end with no hardware to bring home, she -

I just felt like we never really got in a rhythm.

son.

“We did not really want the outcome we got but, in the end, it’ll make us stronger for next season.

“We know what we need to work on to get further and bring the title home,” she said.

Familiar faces join staff Allen taps Morris, Nicholson !"#$%&'$%()*+| !"#$%&'()*%#$ !"#$%!&'()%#$*%+'!#,%+%'-./&0#1

Recently, Tanya Allen, head coach of the woman’s volleyball team, announced that she has added two new faces to Javelina Athletics

Spinn earns acadmeic player of the year and Garza is recognized as Newcomer of the Year.

Spinn and Garza earn annual awards at Lone Star Conference Baseball standouts of 2020-21 season !"#$%&'$%()*+| !"#$%&'()*%#$ !"#$%!&'()%#$*%+'!#,%+%'-./&0#1

As the 2020-21 baseball season came to an end there were many standouts worth mentioning this year but none more than junior LHP Logan Garza (Round Rock, Texas) and senior OF Seth Spinn (Holland, Texas) as Garza was awarded the Lone Star Conference Newcomer of the Year and Spinn was named the Academic Player of the Year.

Garza this year beschool history to earn the Newcomer of the Year.

On March 20, Garza out performance in 17 years over 6.1 innings in a 7-6 win over Lubbock Christian. The last Javelina pitcher to record at least 15 strikeouts in a game was All-American Garrett Murdy, who set the program record with 19 against Tarleton on March 5, 2004.

“As cliché as this is going to sound, I honestly just worked hard to help the team win,” Garza said. “We had a lot of guys on this team that wanted to win and just wanted to ball out together. It feels amaz-

ing to be recognized but I know it wasn’t just my doing. I have coaches, friends, teammates here at Kingsville, teammates back at my other school that I transferred from mid-year, people back home where I trained over the summer and winter to prepare for this opportunity who pushed me, helped me learn and grow not only as a player but as a person. It’s just really cool to see that all the hard work I have put in and all the people in my corner who have helped me develop, they get to see this success and it’s something we will all remember.”

The transfer from Our Lady of the Lake stood tall on the hill for the Hogs all season as he hurled a 4.72 ERA with a team-best 101 strikeouts in 61 innings pitched. It MUK pitcher recorded at least 100 strikeouts in a season since Murdy did so in 2004 with 158. Garza is currently ranked fourth in university history in strikeouts in a season. Garza also trails Mike Adams, who posted 115 strikeouts in 2001 and 105 in 2000.

Spinn, meanwhile, became just the second Javelina ever to be named Academic Player of the

honored with the award after the 2014 season.

Spinn led the Javelinas with a .352 average and an impressive team-high 43 hits on 122 at-bats, ples and four homeruns. drew 30 walks from pitchers this year and was an absolute thief on es while compiling a .598 slugging percentage, a .481 on-base percentage, centage.

Spinn started the year on an 11-game hitting streak and 20-game streak where he reached base safely.

The entire year, Spinn had high percentages across the board and was a consistent bright spot for head Coach Jason Gonzales. named

Second

Team

talents, he received the conference award for academic excellence as well.

“I am grateful that I got another year to play the game that I love and was very excited to get accepted into the masters’s program. To be able to have two 4.0 semesters while being able as well, I am just truly thankful from God,” Spinn said.

Roxanne Morris and Olivia Nicholson are no strangers to how coach Allen operates her team.

The pair both played this past season under Allen’s system, assisting in bringing home TAMUK Volleyball’s should serve well to the development of future athletes.

Morris, who recently received First Team AllLSC this past season in indoor volleyball, startbefore making her way to Kingsville in 2019.

Since arriving she has accumulated 37 aces, 67 blocks, 531 digs, 253 assists, and 265 kills.

After such a successful playing career that ended with her being recognized by the Conference,

Morris is ready for her new role.

“Volleyball has always been a passion of mine sports in general,” she said. “I’ve grown up in a gym and I was raised by a family of coaches; it will always be a part of who I was and who I am and being able to have the opportunity to play for Coach Tanya Allen, Joe Morales, and Gary Payne here at TAMUK was already a great experience in itself but now being able to get the insight from a coach’s perspective and learn from them in that aspect is going to be a great opportunity to widen my knowledge of the game.”

In beach volleyball, Morris never missed a single match and spent her entire career in the and Gold, collecting 16 career victories.

Nicholson spent most vision I stage playing indoor volleyball at Colorado State University where she played in 110 matches for the Rams, seeing time at every position except setter. her career with 783 digs, 364 kills, 198 total blocks

and 73 aces, including a team-best 37 in 2018.

She produced heavily for CSU, aiding them to win three Mountain West Conference Championships and reach the NCAA Tournament four straight years. She also is a four-year member of the MWC Academic All-Conference roster and was chosen three times as a Mountain West Scholar Athlete.

“I love volleyball and I love competing, but I also love helping girls and young women navigate the season of life during their college years. College (especially undergrad) can be a

are lots of changes and challenges, however I feel that having supportive coaches and role models can be a huge help,” Nicholson said.

Nicholson spent her last season on the TAMUK beach volleyball squad paired with Morris in all 23 matches.

Allen praised both women.

“Roxanne is passionate, smart and a very good communicator,” Allen said. “She knows our system and she can be a good leader on the sidelines for the team.”

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“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.”

Self-love, celebrating Pride June is known as Pride Month, the month where LGBTQ+ members and allies celebrate as well as honor the Stonewall Uprising that occurred long ago.

The month is also to remind members that it is okay to be proud of

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who they are and celebrate the freedom to be themselves.

Although from experience it can be hard to be proud of who you are during this time, one thing we have to keep in mind is that self-love is important. It can be hard to fully accept yourself when you feel that others may not, but that is why Pride Month exists.

This month can remind us that we do not need to be afraid of who we are and to not only be proud,

who have fought for what we have today, as well as to remember how far we have gotten.Self-loving can be hard but it can be done, one thing to avoid while learning to self-love is to not knock yourself down. There will be times when someone out there in the world will let it be known that you did not meet their expectations, but it is important to remember to not let them cloud who you want to be.

You are your person, who you choose to be is your decision and your path to create as well as fol-

it can be done and will be worth it.

Another thing to do is to not let worry consume you, while we may tend to worry about the fear of acceptance or judgment, we have to keep in mind to not let that ruin the pride and love we have for ourselves. Whether we choose to see it or not there is always someone out there who is willing to listen and one or group just like TAMUK’s very own UNITY. Lastly, while learning to self-love it is important to be grateful. Always remember the things that you have in your life right now; sometimes it may not feel like much but those things that we have are what got us here today. Be mindful and take in the things that make you, you, and love those things.

Always remember that there is a support system for you and that you are not alone. It is time to realize that you are loved, brave and unique.

Our Opinion: Violations of our First Amendment Rights The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution grants the freedom of press, granting journalists to publish without government control.

There have been three instances in the last few months in which media organizations have reported federal authorities seizing journalists’ records in an attempt to identify sources for national security stories published during the Trump Administration, according to the Associated Press.

In order to report this fairly it must be known that the Obama Administration carried out similar actions when claspublished, almost pav-

ing the way for Trump to do the same.

The Obama Administration won a case in the Fourth Circuit of Appeals against New York Times reporter James Risen. The ruling determined that reporters had no privilege that would protect the anonymity of their sources in a criminal trial. Reporters are then forced to choose between breaking a promise to a source or going to jail.

As journalists we have the right to protect our sources. If we decide to grant anonymity, we grant it and we protect those sources from any repercussions. For the government to properly function, someone has to

hold them accountable and watch the moves they make. job as the watchdogs of society. We report on things that need to be made known to the public; it’s our right and our job.

Since the Trump Adin 2017, journalists were persistently attacked and harassed for reporting news he claimed as false.

This seizing of information and harassment attacks the integrity of journalism as a whole leading to the narrative of false news and distrust of news itself.

No matter what, journalists will always have

inside sources, and no matter what, we will never discontinue publishing information we feel the public should know. We are simply doing our jobs under our rights granted by the Constitution.

Yet, journalists still get investigated, still have our calls recorded and work taken from us. We are simply doing a job that informs the public.

Journalists have the right to report the truth without government control, so why are we being targeted?

This seizing of information does not attack

or news organization, it attacks and violates the rights of every citizen.

Letter to the Editor: China Economics I study all kinds of economic systems: capitalism, socialism, Titoism, slavery, feudalism, barterism, debt Jubilee’s, worker co-ops, etc., And it appears that there is a new system is coming to town.

So get ready for a shock! The new economic system that is coming will be called “China-Capitalism.”

What the (expletive)! Is that possible?

My research shows that within the next eight years China will

have the world’s Largest, Strongest and Fastest growing economic system in the world. They plan to “Kick Our Asks”!

How did this happen? It’s mainly because the American business people (also known as capitalists) made a deal with the Chinese government. The deal is that the American business class gets access to growing Chinese markets and cheap obedient labor in exchange the Chinese get access to American technology, know how,

capital and investment.

The Chinese DID NOT steal our technology, we gave it to them in exchange for more American Corporation CapitalThis is why there are so many good economic predictions that predict the Chinese will become the world’s number one economic superpower house within the next eight years.

In 1996 billionaire Ross Perot was correct when he said that the NAFTA trade agreement Ronni Reyna News Editor

Jakki Barrera

was going to create a “large sucking sound,” and that sucking sound has been steadily sucking away our American jobs for the last 30 years.

NAFTA was just another Wealth Inequality scheme.I hope some of you will read up and do some research on some of my remarks.

You might also get a head start on learning how to words you should learn are the curse words.

Tomas Cantu,economic researcher Reporters Sarah Reyna Brieana Casarez Nathan Soord Susan Cortez

Digital Editor

Nicole Perez Morris Adviser

Calista Reyes The South Texan is a student publication produced by Texas A&M

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University- Kingsville students. The views, opinions and commentary do Texas A&M University system. The

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