Issue 2-9-17 by The South Texan

INSIDER Entertainment----------- 2 CampusNews------------ 3 Ed./Opinion------------- 4 Sports--------------- 5,6&7 AD------------------------- 8

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017

TheSouthTexan

SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM

VOLUME 91, ISSUE 15

New music building details finalized

Dakota Roberts Editorial Editor

Texas A&M University-Kingsville has begun preparing for the construction of a new, state-of-the-art music building, slated to be built on what is currently the Manning parking lot. The new building was announced back in 2015, when the state legislature promised $60 million in Tuition Bonds; $40 million is to be used explicitly on the new superstructure. Dr. Paul Hageman, Music Department chair and Jazz Studies professor, recently attended a 9-hour meeting with contractors and the construction team to discuss the final details of the development plan. The building is going to be about 90,000 square-feet; the current music building stands at around 27,000 square-feet. Last year, foundation tests were completed on the parking lot to see if a building this size could indeed be built on the land. The tests revealed that the area was perfectly fine to begin construction. The framework for the building was not the only thing discussed. Dr. Hageman provided details of what the inside will consist of, “Let me kind of give you a breakdown. We will have a new performance hall that is going to seat around 500. We will have a new lecture/ recital hall that is going to seat about a hundred… And then we are going to have four rehearsal halls, one for the concert band, one for the orchestra and mariachi, one

Photo by Pablo Villanueva

Map illustration

Location of the, planned, new music building replacing the current Manning hall parking lot for the choir and opera, and one for the jazz program. Then we are going to have 32 faculty studios… and there are approximately 50 new practice rooms.” The current music building stands as one of the oldest buildings on campus, erected in 1959 and was designed with a carrying capacity of only 100 students. TAMUK’s music program has grown to serve nearly 250 students and an additional 30 faculty members, causing not just a lack of space but a plethora of other, supplementary problems. Professors have to share many classrooms together, losing class time constantly bringing in and removing equipment. With only 17 small, practice rooms available, students are always looking for an empty room to train. One obvious problem is the lack of insulated, sound-proofed walls. The Bellamah building was constructed with concrete cinder blocks; sound vibrates right through them. Dr. Hageman even

commented on the electrical problems with the building, “Our air conditioning system doesn’t even completely cover the whole building, so a few years ago I bought four room air conditioners that are in these four classrooms. The problem is that these two classrooms here on the first floor are on the same circuit. So, if you turn both air conditioners on at the same time, the circuit breaker blows.” Students need not worry, the new building will feature 21st century technology. Practice rooms are set to have recording devices as well as speakers you can set up and play music out of; for instance, a student can play solo piano with a recorded accompaniment. Due to the fact that all music majors learn piano, a new electronic keyboard lab is being included in the building plans. The lab will allow the professor to “tune-in” to any keyboard

See Music, Page 2

Laverne Cox delivers inspiring speech, “Ain’t I A Woman: My Journey into Womanhood” Tuesday.

Antidote to Shame Actress shares gender-bending journey

Alex Guerra Chief Reporter @alxgrr When you feel isolated, we will console. When you face adversity, we will challenge. When you seek protection, we will offer compassion. How do we conquer shaming? Empathy. Empathy is the antidote to shame. A young child chased every day after school for not acting rough or tough like the other boys. The same child fell in love with Gone with The Wind and impersonated a sassy Scarlett O’Hara with a hand fan at school. A teacher told the child’s parents to seek therapy. The child grew up to be transgender. A woman was cat-called while walking home and

before uttering one word, was brutally beaten. A man felt his manhood was being challenged. The woman was pronounced brain dead. She was transgender. “I have multiple iden-

“I STAND BEFORE YOU AS A PROUD TRANSGENDER WOMAN OF COLOR. I AM AN ARTIST, AN ACTIVIST, A SISTER.” -Laverne Cox

tities because I am not just one thing, and neither are you,” said Laverne Cox, the groundbreaking actress who delivered a powerful personal story to students Tuesday at a packed Jones Auditori-

um. The Orange is the New Black star recounted pivotal moments in her life when each passing milestone came with it’s own heft of disapproval from her family, peers, and the entertainment industry. The advocate sported a black ensemble, lace-up nude boots, exuding elegance. Cox took the stage and with a combination of humor and heavyhearted tales, shared how each hardship presented opportunity. When asked as a third grader what separates boys from girls, Cox answered “nothing.” The actress said she thinks her statement still holds true. It is others being insecure

See Cox, Page 3

Fox drafts Miss TAMUK for Super Bowl Javelina Broadcast Network reporter participates in halftime show

Bobby Puentes Circulation Manager @paperboybob

uper Bowl Sunday is usually spent watching the game and halftime show surrounded by food, family and friends in the comfort of your own home. Not many thoughts are put forth towards the planning and work that is dedicated to the show being broadcasted globally to the hundred million viewers. Tessie Ledesma, a senior at Texas A&M UniversityKingsville got to experience behind the camera as she was selected to help hands on with the production side of Super Bowl Sunday. Limited to only 50 volunteers Ledesma was initially put on a waiting list as all the spots had been already filled. It wasn’t until two weeks prior to the Super

Bowl, she got a call notifying her a spot had opened up on the production crew for pre-game, postgame, and halftime. Ledesma replied to the offer with “of course”. From Tuesday to Sunday, Ledesma having to skip classes was doing eighthour days helping with Fox News, Fox Sports, and local television stations from Houston and the production crew of half time performer Lady Gaga. “You see Lady Gaga freaking out about her halftime show, newscasters doing their prep work, while we still are helping out with cameras or whatever help is needed also as football players, hall of famers and celebrities are walking around. It was an awesome experience.” Ledesma said about some of the sights she saw while volunteering in Houston. Though just a volunteer gig, Ledesma’s internship past may have

Photo by Tessie Ledesma

Miss TAMUK, Tessie Ledesma, participated in the Super Bowl 51 halftime show Feb. 5, featuring Lady Gaga.

helped boost her image for the job. This past summer she was part of an internship with NBC Sports helping out with the NBA Finals, Stanley Cup for the NHL and a couple of major league games for baseball. “I’ve been on camera, I’ve been behind the camera, now I’m doing production. I got to help out behind the scenes, which we really don’t have any live events of this platform come around here. This helped me to get more hands on with the cords and putting together the stages, it was just something different.” Ledesma said of how this volunteer work will help in her career. The entire week is a grand memory for Ledesma but one event stands out amongst others. “Lady Gaga asking me for a ponytail holder. During her act she throws her holder so during rehearsals she

came up to my group and asked if anyone had an extra ponytail holder. I gave her one she said thank you and gave me a hug. That was so cool, she’s really humble and nice.” Having performed her job up to the standards of the NFL, Ledesma was asked if she would like to return next year to Minnesota to help with the production of Super Bowl LII. When asked if she had any advice for others wanting to do similar things as she has done Ledesma said “Throw yourself out there and volunteer for anything whether it be out of state or in state. The experience is what counts. Get the experience in because it’ll help on your resume and don’t be afraid to apply for anything because you never know. The worst the can say is no and on to the next opportunity you go.”

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017 SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM

Entertainment

A Series of Unfortunate Events brings colorful misery to Netflix Robert Breedlove Entertainment Editor

When A Series of Unfortunate Events was announced as a Netflix series in 2014, many fans of the original books approached it with trepidation, a word which hereby means worriedness or anxiety. Many were disappointed by the 2004 film adaptation starring Jim Carrey. However director Barry Sonnenfeld and author Daniel Handler (pen name Lemony Snickett) have taken helm of the series and the result (much like the source material) is uneven but colorfully dark and offbeat. The plot starts off, like 90% of YA literature, with our protagonists, the Baudelaire children becoming orphans after a suspicious fire burns down their house and seemingly takes their parents with it. From their Klaus, Violet, and infant Sunny are thrown into the “care” of the sinister Count Olaf. From the very first shot the set design, the costuming, and the makeup take center stage. The visual style takes cues from Brett Helquist’s Victorian and art deco-tinged illustrations from the novels, Wes Anderson’s doll house aesthetic, and perhaps most of all, Tim Burton’s twisted suburban Gothic. It’s a striking style, but one that’s efficient and cost-effective; most of the episodes are shot in only a

Music,

handful of sets per episode, but each is put to good use. Burton’s influence can also bee seen thematically. There is a sense that the adult world is oblivious, run with bureaucratic incompetence, and the only people that are aware of this and who can regularly outsmart the adults are the Baudelaire children. Whether or not one buys into this world will depend on how willing they are to accept this conceit. At times it works, as in the case of K. Todd Freeman absent-minded and emphysemic banker Mr. Poe is completely deaf by the Baudelaires’ attempts to unmask Count Olaf’s plots. But oftentimes it becomes maddening when a character who is ostensibly intelligent and aware of the existence of Olaf is easily fooled by his ridiculous disguises. Luckily all the actors are game and help prevent the show from falling apart at the seams. Neil Patrick Harris’ Olaf has a much more nasty and pretentious bite than Carrey’s hammy take, which is not to say Harris doesn’t go for big and broad. His best moments are when Olaf struggles to stay “in character” of whatever alter ego he dons as his rottenness seeps out. The whole casts plays it up as it if it were a theater production. Unsurprisingly Freeman, Harris, and Usman Ally (the Hook-Handed Man) all have

extensive stage backgrounds. On the other end of the spectrum the Baudelaires are comparatively underplayed, and have a similar problem to fellow Netflix shows Daredevil and Orange is the New Black in that the main characters tend to be the least interesting part of the series. While Malina Weissman (Violet), Louis Hynes (Klaus), and Presley Smith (Sunny) all put in decent performances, and the writing gives them plenty of agency in the resolution of the plot, their constant irritation with the adults around them can get a bit tiresome. Patrick Warburton puts in a surprise turn as the narrator and “author” Lemony Snickett. I’ve always imagined Snickett as someone who is constantly distressed, paranoid, and for lack of a better word, British, perhaps because Tim Curry narrated the audiobooks and Jude Law played him in the movie. Warburton’s take on Snickett, much like the setting, is dry, morose, and has a sharp ironic edge to it, and once you ease into him, he provides some of the funniest moments of the season. Handler also made the choice to bring the secret society aspect of the series more to forefront than they were in the books. Will Arnett and Cobie Summers have fun chemistry as Father and Mother, a pair of married rogues trying

continued from Page 1

Instantly and adjust that student accordingly. A recording studio will be included in the new building, with major improvements compared to the current generation. The studio will have two, separate isolation booths and a control booth for editing. At first, the recording studios will be used to record the individual groups within the music programs. Down the road, the studio will be free to students and possibly developing a sound recording program, perfect for the “behind-thescene” student. Also, the building will be completely sound proofed, equipped with extra thick, non-concrete, walls to absorb the sound. The current Bellamah building will have some construction of its own. Walls will be taken down and rooms renovated to convert the music building into strictly classrooms and perhaps faculty office space. The performance hall will be converted into a lecture hall, Dr. Hageman implied it could possibly become two.

The architectural firm in charge of the design is BRW Architects, a Dallas based company that have designed music buildings in the past.

“AND OUR STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO LEARN EASIER AND QUICKER… HONESTLY WE ARE GETTING INTO THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY FINALLY.” -Dr. Hageman

An important factor as the building needs to be built with acoustical properties, including those thick walls. The architect team will work in correspondence with the construction team, Spaw

Glass, to keep the building within budget. These teams will break ground at the end of the semester, sometime in May or June. It is estimated that the construction time will be two years, hopefully the building can debut come 2019. Dr. Hageman hopes that they can expand the current programs while creating new ones. He hopes to allow for more recitals and chances for non-music majors to get involved as well. “I think it’s going to really help the quality of all our programs,” Dr. Hageman said, “because having good facilities allows us to be more efficient, more effective in our teaching.” The building itself seems a major victory for the university and all our music majors. The only problem is that it does raise the question, with construction by the end of the semester, and the building going on top of a major parking lot, what is to be done with parking? For more information on TAMUK music department visit: www.tamuk.edu/artsci/music/

Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris) welcomes the Baudelaires to their new home to get back to their children. Sara Canning plays an original character to the series, a canny and resourceful agent of the secret organization who intermittently aids the orphans. She does not get nearly as much screen time as she should and her best scene is spoiled in the trailer, though hopefully they’ll be more in store for her and the secret organization in season two. The serialization really works in the show’s favor. There are eight episodes in season one, two parts for each of the first four books, with each part clocking in between 45 and 60 minutes. This allows more space

for the characters to move around in and for each book to have their own fully formed arc. Still, the show has a similar problem to the novels in that plot beats quickly become repetitive, especially in Books two through four. Though the real cleverness doesn’t come from the plot machinations, but rather the moment-to-moment dialogue and word play. The teleplay will often go a long way for a pun, and its literary references are comically on the nose (See: the orphans arrive at Damocles Dock in episode five). Some of these moments are groaners, and for better

Photo: Joe Lederer, Netflix

or worse, the series carries over the running gag from the books where Snickett or Poe will overly explain the definition of a word. But overall it gives the series a unique feel and that makes it stand out among the Tim Burton clones. Netflix has renewed it for another season, this time ten episodes for the next five books, and Handler hopes to quickly film a third shortly after before the actors grow out of their roles. If they can find a groove and become settled within their own universe in the second season, this will quickly rise to the best of the Netflix Originals.

Campus

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017 SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Students participate in annual African American read-in

Clarissa Madrigal Reporter

February is Black History month nationwide and Texas A&M University-Kingsville has an array of activities taking place during the annual celebration. TAMUK opened its observance with the Twenty-Eighth National African American Read-In, with more than 40 students meeting at the Pavilion to read a portion of a book, poem or a song. The students were asked to read any article of interest from any African American Writer. The event took place under the supervision of the National Council of Teachers of English, who provide the guidelines and responsibilities for schools, churches, libraries and bookstores to host the Read-In annually since 1990. Readings are held nationwide and people can read any poem, book or song to celebrate African American Literacy. Dr. Bryan Christopher Hinojosa, an English lecturer, was in charge of this year’s African American Read-In on campus, now in its 21st installment. “This event is designed to spread

awareness of literature that binds the African American experience,” he said. The readings drew attention from some students and faculty, as several stopped to listen while they were walking through the corridor between the Biology Earth Science Building and the Memorial Student Union Building. The event dedicated five hours of reading on campus. Andrea Martinez, an English major, read “Faith Hasn’t Got No Eyes” form Zara Neale Hurston during her part in the event. The poem is about a person who feels discrimination first hand, but goes on to explain that eyes do not see discrimination; they only see faith. Martinez commented, “I always participate in this event, so I am here giving support and helping with my readings and adding to the understanding.” Irving Avalos, an Architectural Engineering student, believed the event was a great way to share culture on campus through reading. “[It is a] good idea because it shows us the interest of other ethnic groups and makes us remember acts of the past.”

Photos By: Clarissa Madrigal

Students Andrea Martinez and Robert Trujillo (above) read exerpts from African-American writers.

The Pavilion (right) drew students who had the opportunity to sift through poems, songs and books relating to the African American experience. The event was part of the university’s observance of Black History Month.

‘Tunnel of Oppression’ to help spread awareness on Campus

America Quintero Reporter

The presidential election of 2016 sparked a frenzy of political debate throughout the United States. Within hours of the election results, people marched and protested through the streets of Oregon and New York, others celebrated the news, while the remaining population was left puzzled by an uncertain future. The results of the election’s popular vote prove that the nation is divided, not just with regards to politics, but with its view on immigration, education, wildlife, and health laws. Texas A&M University-Kingsville will have its say on contemporary issues on Feb. 14-16 during its Tunnel of Oppression event. The event fetures an all-day exhibit that will take place on the first floor of the Memorial

Student Union Building. Exhibits will cover several of this year’s controversial issues, such as the Trump administration cabinet appointments, the Black Lives Matter movement, and immigration. This is the fourth year the Tunnel of Oppression is hosted at TAMUK. Delanie Silfka, a senior majoring in animal science, is helping organize the exhibits. Silfka explains the exhibits are meant to inform students on topics that are often avoided. “I think it’s a great event for the university, because it’s a great opportunity for students to be exposed to things that they might otherwise not be exposed to. It’s also very uncensored, but it gets the point across, and people really leave impacted by it,” said Silfka. Students at TAMUK have their own say on issues they think are important. “I know that a lot of

people argue about whether the government should control what people eat, at least at a certain age because small kids tend to eat what they give them. However, I feel that older kids should be able to dictate whatever they choose to eat,” said Cardoza, kinesiology major. Selena also said that issues on immigration and discrimination against minorities are of particular interest. “I think it’s a good idea that will help both staff members and students learn about different issues and maybe even come together to establish a common solution. I would probably like to see financial and political problems discussed because those are the ones that affect us most,” said Davis, computer engineer major. The Tunnel of Oppression will be open to all students, brining issues that are heavily debated into the spotlight.

Cox, continued from Page 1 within their own sexuality that projects onto public displays of oppression. On one occasion, the star described her first experience being cat called by two men. One man only saw Cox as the women she projected, while the other tried to bring attention to the fact that she was in fact trans. It was then that Cox immediately felt ‘spooked’, meaning that the world was not reflecting back what she has strived so hard to evolve into. She immediately felt visible and unsafe. “Most trans women feel like being cat called is validating their womanhood,” said Cox. Overlooking differences such as hand and foot size, voice, and broad shoulders means that people are beautiful because of those things the activist proclaimed. Her journey to self-expression took her New York City. The big apple was a splitting image of Party Monster in which this magical place embraces and values people who are different. Out of the packed auditorium, one attendee brave enough to share his story with the South Texan, is all too familiar with the struggle of being his true self. Steven Brunt, Houston spectator who identifies as a trans man, noted that he was participating on a swim team, but soon

left after being ridiculed and shamed for transitioning. Brunt sought advice from Cox on whether or not he should pursue his passion in spite of the hostile threat the environment would impose. She praised Chris Mosier, the first trans athlete to make the Olympic team for prompting a change in the guidelines and inclusiveness. “If I could take away one thing from tonight, it would be to never give up on myself…like [Cox] said, I didn’t grow up having a role model to look up to and it was difficult being on a team where you’re around everyone and told what is and isn’t right,” Brunt said. He plans to get back in the gym and hit the pool, rejuvenated with an instilled sense of hope for a promising future. Other attendees included the Coastal Bend Trans Alliance organization. “To have a strong, powerful, black, trans woman come to South Texas will shed some light. Those who aren’t aware of gender identity will hopefully walk away and be able to tackle ignorance they encounter. Listening to someone who has experience more struggles than I have as a young, gay male living with HIV. I feel empowered… like I can conquer anything,” a representative said.

Opinion

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017 SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM

THE MECH MAN COMETH

Dakota Roberts Opinion Editor

A common trope of science fiction is the fear that robots, or advanced artificial intelligence, will rise above their intended use and subsequently wipe out humanity. Terminator, Chopping Mall, Hardware, Virus, I, Robot, even the latest Avengers movie all paint a negative, antagonistic perspective on what robots will do after their inevitable “rise.” Even terrifying thought experiments like Roko’s Basilisk haunt the dreams of techno futurists to no end. Of course, this is the fiction part of the genre. Not to mention there are a lot of examples that paint a correspondence between man and our mechanical counterparts. I mean Wall-E saves the day, right? Dangerous or not, robots seem to be on the way. What is noticeable is that they don’t possess the intense exoskeleton and piercing, red eyes as predicted. Instead what replaces them are small-scale factory devices, equipped with dexterous arms and intelligible, learning programs. As it turns out, this may be more dangerous. What does seem to worry economists, futurists, and blue collar workers alike is the impact automated apparatuses will have on an economy like ours. Technology has been here before, the industrial revolution brought about a surge of new jobs while making some seem obsolete. Workers began learning how to use

dangerously heavy equipment, improving efficiency at levels unprecedented before the age of coal and mechanics. Advancements were made piece by piece, bit by bit, for the sake of safety and efficiency. The economy changed along with humanity’s technical know-how. The internet did a lot of the same thing, creating new jobs while making others seem obsolete. Communications departments were swapped out for emails. Needed a record, look on our online database, don’t rummage through mountains of cabinets and files. As it grew so did the jobs, how else would we have gotten to the era of YouTubers and vine stars. The time of the automaton has come, but it brings with it something different; a can of worms we may not want to open. A Chinese factory responsible for assembling smart phones has achieved a spectacular rise in productivity, an incredible increase of nearly 250% efficiency. The cost was not in money; in fact, the change was at the minimal charge of preparation and electricity. The cost came when a factory worker looked around the warehouse, a building that used to be bumbling with 650 workers bustling about to do their jobs, and realized that only 60 people remained. The general manager announcing that he wants to get that number down to 20 by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the Robotic Industries Association has sited that 2016 holds the

record of most robots ever ordered. A whopping $1.9 billion was invested by American manufacturing businesses, a 10% growth rate from the previous years. The food industry followed as well ordering 32% more robots then the former years. The mobility of these appliances allows them to become applicative to a flood of different occupations. Self-driving cars have entered into the mining business. Advanced camera tech allows autos to navigate careful, nit-pick work in factories. Programs are learning how to diagnose diseases and even are beginning to write news stories. The Associated press uses automated algo-

rithms to pump out nearly 5,000 stories a quarter. This flood of robotics brings with it better efficiency, less costs, fewer deficiencies; everything that screams better business. This kind of tech can influence the top ten most populated jobs in the United States, industries that are certain to see major change the more we invest in robotics. Changes to the industry are yet to come, in the form of modern shopping. In Seattle,w Amazon Go has opened. Inside the shop hangs special, patented cameras that allow any customer with an amazon account to walk in and walk out without any human interaction

Cartoon by Siddharth R. Tuplondhe

whatsoever. The purchase captured by the camera and charged instantaneously on customers’ account. It’s not unheard of for things like this to come about. Coffee shops are learning to use robotic coffee makers, getting rid of the need for a barista. Self-check-out lines have appeared in places like Kingsville; allowing me to skip any need for human interaction. None of these things are necessarily evil or sinful, it’s the future coming. Farming, manufacturing, retail, mining, healthcare, journalism, fast-food, and plenty other industries will change under the inevitable might of the robotic age. In the change,

people may lose their jobs. For some, it will be devastating as well, because not every job is easily transferable. It’s difficult to just weigh the pros and cons of it all: do we make sacrifices for the good of the industry? Will these robots really cause a depression in human jobs or will the transition be smooth? Should the government regulate something like this in the same way trade deals are stunted for the sake of the American worker?

Celebrate black excellence this month Whitney Fakolade Contributing Writer

After taking a while to consider and ponder on what is my absolute take on Black History Month (BHM, for the sake of simplicity), I wanted to clarify a few things to some people who may not understand. BHM

is a celebration of black excellence. BHM is not a depiction of the “beauty of bondage” that everyone seems to like talking about. BHM is the education of perseverance in humanity through the eyes of the ONCE oppressed. BHM is not a mere 28 days for people to impose their history

on the majority of the ones listening. However, my opinion on BHM is this-black people should invest more time and resources in educating people around us to understand why this month is so important to us, especially as a collective group on the campus of TAMUK. Students must act independently of what the university dictates as black history.

Tell us what you think! Email a letter to the editor at: thesouthtexan@yahoo.com

We must have an altruistic attitude to educate all people to encourage unity in the society we live.

Letters must be signed by their author and limited to 300 words or fewer.

Additionally, there are many individuals that have made huge impacts for humanity, but they have yet to be discussed about. Take Surya Bonaly for example. She was called the “rebel” ice figure skater because of her ability to land a backThe South Texan is a student publication produced by Texas A&M University- Kingsville students. The views, opinions and commentary do not necessarily reflect the views of the Texas A&M University system. The South Texan uses student fees in part to publish. The South Texan is part of the Art, Communications, and Theatre Department (ACT), The Javelina Broadcast Network (JBN), and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA).

Staff

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 Jenny Barroso- Page Designer 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.

flip on one blade on ice (the only female skater who ever TRIED it), her amazing athleticism doing stunning tricks, and her endurance throughout her career; winning second during the 1991 Winter Olympics because she did not “look” like the ice princess that everyone expected. She made many records yet she has never been heard of to the current generation. The truth is that she inspired many ice figure skaters to do things they have always dreamed of. Now, she definitely sounds like someone I would want to learn more about! In conclusion, BHM is about educating all people on what blacks have done— for all people. This is not a time to seclude ourselves and celebrate on our own. We must have an altruistic attitude to educate all people to encourage unity in the society we live (we definitely need it). So as this month continues to move on, educate someone or learn from someone about how black people rocked the nation of America and the world! Advertising For advertising inquiries, e-mail the South Texan at thesouthtexan@yahoo.com, OR call (361) 593-4371 and ask for Sebastyon Spencer.

Distribution If you would like to carry the South Texan at your business, contact Crystal Zamarron or Bobby Puentes at (361) 5934370

Plaserae A Johnson

A Black Woman’s Words: Racism A social and political matter. No improving actions, just continuance in chatter. Y’all aren’t delusional. Blacks can too be exceptional. The words we too write are legible. If you cut me I too bleed red! How’s it the 21st century, and racism still isn’t dead? Your minuscule mind thinks pigment in my skin makes me inferior . Discrimination is in occurrence, because you believe you’re superior. Then you wonder why blacks are so furious. ‘Cause you choose to ignore a problem so serious. Not by choice, am I the voice, of my race. We’re devastated. I’m also sorry… for the other targeted groups that are hated. I can merely tell you I am exhausted! To hold on to the human race, ’cause it’s not lost yet. Presently, I’m less of judgment, and my acceptance has grew. As a black woman, that’s all I will say to you. Have an opinion? Contact the South Texan at thesouthtexan@yahoo.com or message us on our Facebook fan 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 9, 2017 SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM

Baseball starts season with sweep of Wiley at home Robert Breedlove Entertainment Editor @breedlovecam The Javelina baseball team ripped the doors off the start of the 2017 season with a three-game sweep versus the Wiley College Wildcats. Junior Seth Hubert took the mound for the Javelinas in game one pitching six innings of one-hit ball, walking three and striking out eight for the victory. The Javelinas quickly got on the board when newcomer Joshua craft led the game off with a double. Jimmy Roche plated him in on a single. Kingsville then put up two threespots in the third and fourth inning. Hunter Perkins doubled in Alex Gonzalez and then darted around to home on a throwing error to score the first two of those six runs. A Pablo Hernandez RBI single, a two-run Croft RBI double and a Christian Caudle RBI single rounded out the Javelinas 7-0 game one win.

The next day the Hoggies put up seven more in game two. It took a little longer for Kingsville to get on the board, but Dallas Stefano delivered an RBI triple to put the Hogs up 1-0 in the fourth. Stefano finished the game 2-3 with two RBIs. Hunter Perkins surrendered the first two runs by Javelina pitching and gave Wiley their only lead of the series in the top of the fifth. The Hoggies punched back with a six-run sixth inning, courtesy of a string of RBI singles by Stefano, Payton Geisinger, and Gonzalez to seal a 7-2 victory. The Javelinas were quick to score in game three, starting off with a Roche RBI single that plated Tim Gleinser. Roche came around to score along with Caudle on a Hernandez RBI double. Wiley struck back in the next half inning, tagging Sebi Palacios with the first home run given up by Javelina pitching. The Wildcats tagged two more runs

in the inning, although only two of the four were earned. But then the Javelinas opened up the floodgates in the bottom half, first with a Gleinser bunt single that brought in Levi Zents and Geisinger. Gleinser came around to score on an error, and Hernandez plated two more on a double, with Stefano pouring on with a two-run single. The following inning saw the Hoggies cashing in on Wiley’s mistakes, first with Tim Gleinser coming in on a wild pitch. Hernandez doubled in three to bring his RBI total to four on the game. Stefano picked up three runs batted in on the inning. and Gleinser also plated one. When the dust settled, the Javelinas dominated the Wildcats 20-4, earning them a 3-0 sweep to begin the season. This Saturday the Hoggies will play a scrimmage against the old timers at the alumni game and then will head off to Houston the following week to play in the new-look Minute Maid Park at the Houston Winter Invitational.

Photo by Juan Turrubiates

Javelina right-hander Seth Hubert winds up to throw pitch during weekend sweep of Wiley Wildcats.

Mens basketball team inspired to leave legacy Travis Demas Sports Editor @travisdemas We all have dreams and aspirations that we want to achieve in life, and the majority of us even set goals to try reach them. In the world of sports, some of these goals would be to have a winning season,

win your conference, or to win it all and be the best in the nation. It’s a way to gauge were we are at in life, and helps us to feel successful, or complete. The question is, what happens if you don’t reach your goal, and you fall short? Does that mean you’re incomplete, or unsuc-

cessful? There has to be something in-between, some kind of middle ground. For the Javelina basketball team, that place is Hog Heaven. “It’s a place where you want to leave your legacy here as a Javelina, a place I’m trying to get to,” said senior Duan Wright.

With this being his last year, Wright plans on doing the best he can to leave his mark on the javelina nation by giving it 100% every night in an effort to reach Hog Heaven. “ I want to look down the road and bring my family back here and they can see what I’ve done with my time here,” said Wright.

Head Coach Johhny Estelle, and former javelina basketball player explained the concept of Hog Heaven as a mind state that you get by building relationships while you’re here. “ It’s about making it to where they feel, it’s an emotion,” said Estelle. Ultimately, the term Hog Heaven has multiple mean-

ings. It could mean one thing for one person, and then something completely different to another. Like coach Estelle said it’s an emotion, and though we all have them, we convey them differently.

There’s no place like home

Men’s team needs a fix to win games away from S.P.E.C. Frankie Cardenas Managing Editor @FrankieJ_Suckaa The Javelina Mens basketball team has been nearly impossible to beat thus far this season on Hampton Inn court inside the Steinke Physical education center, with a home record sitting pretty at 11 wins and three losses; however, therein lies the problem when you look at their road record and the eventual future for the Hoggies when they go dancing in Allen, Texas for the Lone Star Conference tournament in March. For some odd reason, the formula away from home never seems to equal the performance when the Hogs are playing in Javelina

Nation. Their only win currently away from Kingsville in the LSC has been against Angelo State, in a battle that needed a 70-percent shooting, 24-point game from senior forward Duan Wright. Now, it’s not to say it’s awful that the leader of the team outscored virtually every person on the court, but in the case of the other games, no other player has eclipsed more than 20 points in the other match-ups, and the team has suffered as a result. Also, looking at the field goal percentages for the team in those road losses, the Javelinas have allowed opposing teams in three of the losses to shoot more than 45-percent from the floor. A whopping change to only

allowing their average 40 and below for the season. Their struggling defense can also be attributed to the lack of ball security on the offensive side of the floor, where the Javelinas have given up a three-to-one turnover ratio to opposing teams, which has resulted in transition buckets in the dozens. That in mind, what kind of changes can the team itself make? That’s all dependent on the amount of things that can actually be adjusted at this point in the season. This past weekend’s games were thrill rides from start to finish, but it’s not a welcome sight to see in the eyes of the players and coaches alike.

Programs enjoy seeing themselves win, but win big, and so far that has been a major problem even when the team has eclipsed point differentials of 16 or more during three games this season. It’s fairly uncertain what the Javelinas must do as the season crawls to a close, but knowing that the LSC tournament will be held away from S.P.E.C will prove to be the real test in how strong this team can be night in, and night out. Dorothy said it best in the times of old, “There’s no place like home.” But if the Javelinas want any shot at gold, they’re going to have to make home where the heart (or where the ball) is, always.

Photo by: Juan Turrubiates

Derrick Bryd awaits the pass aginst Cameron on his way to a 7 point game, and much needed game winning shot

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017 SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM

Sports

ONE FOR THE THUMB G.O.A.T going to Disneyland Mark Medellin COMM 3302 Sportswriting Class

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Is Tom Brady “the Greatest of All-Time”? After his performance in Super Bowl LI, many are claiming he is.

REFLECTION OF A LOSER Atlanta Falcons talk post-game disappointment

Jordan Harwell COMM 3302 Sportswriting Class The Atlanta Falcons will be going home disappointed after blowing a huge lead to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI, Sunday. Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan was on fire in the first half, connecting with Julio Jones and others with ease as the Falcons took a commanding, 21-3, lead in the second quarter. The Falcons led 28-3 at one point and few anticipated a 34-28 overtime New England victory. Momentum shifted toward the Patriots in the middle of the third period and Brady never looked back as the Patriots scored 31 unanswered points. Atlanta offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan will have all the off-season to

think what he could have done different with his play calling that might have cost the Falcons the victory. Here are some quotes from the Falcons after the game. Ryan summed it up best at a post-game press conference. “Yeah it’s disappointing I thought we did a good job preparing to come in and play we came out firing tonight but ultimately we didn’t get the job done,” he said. At issue was the play-calling in the second half when the Falcons had only five rushes for 20 yards. “You always want to run the ball when you can,” Kyle Shanahan, Atlanta Offensive coordinator said. “(But), you have to look at the situation, you know, what’s the down and difference. We had some big plays in the pass game and missed

some in the run game” Ryan did not fault Shanahan’s play-calling. “No I don’t think so; Kyle did a great job for us tonight we just missed on a couple opportunities to make some big plays. “ Reporter - Dan you guys looked well in control what happened? Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn was disappointed his team could not pull out the win.“Well for sure it hurts like hell,” he said. “Our guys battled hard and made plays. We thought the game would come down to the end and it did, two teams battling for it.” At the end, Atlanta’s offense misfired several times and the New England offense proved to be unstoppable as Brady burned the Falcons for a Super Bowl record 43 completions for a record 466 yards, also a re-

cord. Most of the yards came in the second half when New England seemed unstoppable en route to Brady becoming a Super Bowl MVP for the fourth time in his career, also a record. “For us it wasn’t one thing, but we knew it was going to be a battle and it was a fantastic game,” he said. “I am really proud on how are guys competed.” Perhaps defensive back Ricardo Allen summer it up best for the Falcons. “You have to compete all 4 quarters,” he said. For the Atlanta Falcons it’s going to be a long off-season with “what ifs” thoughts. The Falcons may need a new offensive coordinator quickly, however, Shanahan is expected to sign-on as head coach for the San Francisco 49ers.

Battle of the coaches Belichick turns ‘beast mode’ at 4th quarter

Briana Harris COMM 3302 Sportswriting Class The New England Patriots are used to being in the Super Bowl. They had won five Super Bowl championships this century. But Super Bowl LI seemed a little different. It seemed as if victory may elude them, this time. The Patriots were facing a 19-point deficit going into the fourth quarter and everyone had to be wondering what was going through the mind of head coach Bill Belichick as the minutes of the final quarter ticked away. Throughout the game, Belichick showed little emotion. There were no signs at all about him being worried about his team coming back to win the game. In the first three quarters,

New England Patriot Coach Bill Belichick

Atlanta Falcons Coach Dan Quinn

Belichick seemed cool calm and collected as if he knew his team was going to win the game. He stood on the sideline with his arms folded into his chest with his usual straight face showing no emotion. Belichick moved around on the sideline from timeto-time when there was a missed catch, dropped pass,

or a sack of quarterback Tom Brady. He never panicked. Going into the fourth, Belichick had a different look and posture on his face. His nerves were starting to get the best of him. However, with the clock winding down and time running out, it would be Tom Brady’s and Belichicks time to shine.

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The look on Belichick’s eyes and face turned into that of beast mode. He moved along the sideline with more confidence and called plays with ease and no pressure. With a 2-yard run by James White to tie the game and eventually send it into overtime, this would be Belichick’s time to shine. In overtime Belichick moved with more urgency as he and team would try and win the game with a touchdown, after winning the flip and received the ball. On the last play of the game Belichick had the face of confidence as he and his team would win Super Bowl 51 giving the franchise six Lombardi Trophies and six Super Bowl rings. It’s as if he never doubted the Patriots would win.

Most football fans could have predicted the Most Valuable Player for Super Bowl LI would turn out to be New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. However, no one could have predicted how the game itself turned out. Super Bowl LI will go down as being one of the most historic Super Bowl games in NFL history, and Tom Brady would be the man to thank. Brady may have proved to everyone he is the Greatest of All-Time as he led the Patriots to an unbelievable win, completing 43 of 62 passes for 466 yards to earn his fourth Super Bowl MVP award. All of these are records. The game appeared over in the first half as the Falcons scored three straight touchdowns and took a 21-3 halftime lead. Later, the Falcons added a touchdown in the third quarter to take a 25-point advantage. The most points any team

was able to make a comeback in the Super Bowl was 10-points, so it seemed like a long shot for the Patriots to make a comeback. It was in the second half where made his move in the first ever over-time Super Bowl, after regulation finished with a, 28-28, tie. In over-time, Brady took the Patriots’ offense on a 75yard, eight-play drive which was finished off by James White scoring the game winning touchdown on a two-yard run. The Patriots scored 19 points in the final quarter, including a pair of 2-point conversions, and then marched in the first possession of the overtime to seal the win with a touchdown. For Brady, who started the season with a four-game suspension because of the “Deflate Gate” controversy, it was a vindication and a “day of records”, as an ESPN analyst pointed out. To finish the historical night, Brady posted on his Twitter account; “Going to Disneyland”, officially making him “The Goat” of the game.

Lots of Love for the winners New England Patriots cherish comeback win

Jesse Ochoa COMM 3302 Sportswriting Class

“I love you, we did it!” said Quarterback Tom Brady to Coach Bill Belichick after his team’s 34-28 win over the Atlanta Falcons These post-victorious words spiraled their way out of Brady’s perfect-haired soul and into the ear of Coach Belichick and Patriots fans nationwide as Brady tightly hugged the man who has been by his side from the beginning of his NFL career. In what turned out to be the most awe-inspiring Super Bowl of all time, the New England Patriots pulled off a miraculous win scoring 19 points in the fourth quarter and tying the game 28-28, sending it into overtime. It took the star quarterback only one drive – 77 yards on eight plays including an unimaginable pass to Julian Edelmen – to deliver the final blow and claim the Patriots franchise the Lombardi Trophy for the sixth time, a first in NFL history. For Brady, who completed 43 of 62 for a record setting 466 yards, it was a game for the ages that cemented his NFL Legacy and set the tone for the winning celebration and postgame comments. “We have the best quarterback in the National Football League,” said New England’s Special Teams captain Matthew Slater. His eyes lit up as he described Brady’s remarkable Super Bowl performance. “That game we just saw puts an exclamation point on the career of the greatest quarterback in NFL history,” said Club President Jonathon Kraft. Coming back from a 25-point deficit is no easy task, yet it was no problem for Belichick, who kept his composure throughout the entire game and earned himself a spot in the five-timers club alongside his trusty

steed of a quarterback. The David and Goliath story of Super Bowl LI was nothing short of legendary, defining history with every hike of the ol’ pigskin and making all Debbie - downed doubters and faith-lost fans who may have thrown in the towel mid-game realize that it’s never over until it’s over especially when dealing with Brady and Belichick. The New England Patriots accomplished the impossible Sunday, showing the world that perseverance pulls through much stronger than skill alone. From their first three and out drive to the game-winning touchdown in overtime, Tom Brady and the gang never once gave up. “It was an unbelievable game, just an unbelievable game. These guys competed so hard. Down 21-nothing, 21-3, 28-3, missed an extra point, 28-9, couple of two point conversions, but they just kept fightin!” said Belichick on the struggle to obtain his fifth Super Bowl win Going into the second half, the world could have never predicted the eventual outcome of this mighty battle of the brigades. Patriots fans were leaving the stadium and fans of both teams were tuning out at home because of the seemingly apparent landslide victory that was unfolding before them. Social media outlets were blowing up with Anti-New England propaganda and “I told you so” arguments were emerging in discussion forums all over the Internet. Yet shockingly enough, the New England Patriots came out on top. As much as many outraged Falcons’ fans and Americans in general would like to deny it, they must now live with the reality that is Super Bowl LI until a brave and noble team comes along that can put an end to this now infamous New England powerhouse.

Sports

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017 SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM Lady Gaga performs at the Super Bowl LI during the Halftime show

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GAGA FOR HALFTIME SHOW 6 time Grammy Award winning artist performed at the Super Bowl LI

Sierra Zavala COMM 3302 Sportswriting Class

s the Pepsi Zero Sugar Super Bowl LI Halftime show approached, fans all over the country were wondering what did the one, the only, Lady Gaga have in store for us this year. For some, it isn’t about the ads, it isn’t about the game, it’s all about that half

time show and they were watching to see what pop icon Lady Gaga would do in Houston’s NRG Stadium. For pre-game fun, Gaga wore a pink football uniform and later could be seen rocking the field for photos with her Mother and Father. On her Instagram, she wrote a message to her fans confirming that she would be flying solo during the 13-minute performance. As the clock was ticking away, fans were asking, what over-the top

performance did she have in store and why can’t they just fast forward to the halftime show? Rumors had spread as the game drew near that Lady Gaga would perform on the roof of the stadium. Questions arose as to if she would really do it, or would they even allow her to perform up there. In the end, technologial trickery and pre-recorded segments added to the illusion of the event. Sure enough, the crowed

Fans’ Reaction

Kevin Hooks COMM 3302 Sportswriting Class True football fans will agree that Super Bowl LI was arguably the best Super Bowl ever. The game was won by the biggest comeback deficit in the history of the event and marked the first time a Super Bowl ever went into overtime. New England prevailed, 34-28, in one of the most exciting games in the history of this American classic. Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady solidified his place in history as the Greatest QB of All Time, as New England scored 31 unanswered points, including 19 in the furious fourth quarter, to secure the win. And the residents of South Texas loved it. The fans’ reaction during the first three quarters of the game was generally the same. While watching the Atlanta Falcons maintain a healthy 21-9 lead at the half, the fans just wanted to see a good game. “J.J.”, a fan who enjoyed the game at The Player’s Lounge in Kingsville, predicted the comeback of the Patriots in the second half, although he did not think they would win. He had his hopes set on simply seeing a close game. During the first half, that was all fans were hoping for – a good, competitive game. During the halftime show, I drove down to The American Legion where I ran into Potsi Weber, a local

looked to the stars as she performed “God Bless America” with a drone light show on the roof of the stadium. The drones shined America’s colors as she jumped to an acrobatic performance, descending to the taller pedestal with screaming fans. Fireworks blazing, she fired off her show performing her hit “Poker Face.” Still connected to wires she descended on to the main stage with her back up dancers performing “Born This Way.”

She then rose to her star platform performing “Telephone,” which led into the track that launched her career, “Just Dance.” Calming down the show, Gaga transitioned to “A Million Reasons” playing the piano then walking to the crowd where she touched and hugged the people below. She powered back up to “Bad Romance” which concluded her performance with the drones lights spelled out Pepsi. As she was performing

the tweets came rolling in with 41,000 tweets per minute on Twitter during the performance. Facebook was trending with variations of “she nailed it”, and “she did a great job.” On Facebook, 396,000 people per minute were also talking about Lady Gaga.Lady Gaga was on fire for the Pepsi Zero Sugar Super Bowl LI Halftime with a performance that will surely be engraved in the memories of Super Bowl and Lady Gaga fans.

Internationals go American

police officer who also said the historic overtime, fan and “The Super Bowl?” Well, Joshua Lin he just wanted to see a good loyalties switched from the they have a party and try to COMM 3302 Sportswriting game. Although aware of underdog to the comeback see what it’s all about. Class the potential record-breakkid. The Lin International ing and history-making that A pick-six interception by House hosted a party and KINGSVILLE, Texas – could be achieved by Brady, the Falcons, a missed extra invited international stuThe Super Bowl is one of Weber and his buddies point try by New England’s dents as well as friends and the biggest sports events for only desired a decent game kicker, the dropped passes family to watch the game. Americans to watch on TV. because a blow-out in the and bad throws by Brady Many international students Each year more than one Super Bowl can seem rather throughout the first half had third of the population tunes who attend TAMUK actually boring. many fans thinking Atlanta in to the big game. For some, didn’t know what is so “SuThat all changed after the had it in the bag, early in the per” about the Super Bowl; it’s a holiday-type atmothird quarter. In the middle game. in fact very few of them sphere. of the fourth, I was in Rivera We were wrong, but it even know what American Some watch the game for at the family gathering of did not matter. Football is. the Ads, and others watch it Joseph Fuentes to watch the The students who came end of the game and catch to the party were asked if more fans’ reactions. They they knew anything about went from cheering for the American Football and one Falcons to rooting for the student named Nirav said, Patriots, once it looked like “I think it’s the final game New England could actually that took place between win. the teams among the US.” Americans love the The rest didn’t know underdog, but last Sunday anything about football or night showed that many of the Super Bowl, it seemed. us love a great comeback While Nirav was off on even more. the whole how to get to the The good folks of South Super Bowl scenario, he Texas were fine with the Falwas right about the final 2 cons disrupting the Patriots teams that were playing. in the first three quarters The students were then because it was the team that asked why they decided shouldn’t be there against to watch the game. The the team that’s been there Joshua Lin majority responded to “go too many times – and won visit Bob and Marge,” the International students participate in watching the Super Bowl 51 at before. It was the everycouple who hosted those The Lin International House day “Dirty Bird” working students when they first class represented by Atlanta arrived in the US. Now, against the well-oiled arisThe unbelievable comethey were hosting a Super for the halftime show. Some tocracy of the Donald Trump back performance of Brady Bowl party. enjoy just getting together supported New England Pa- and his New England teamNone of them really with family and friends. triots. The heart of America mates reminded us that there wanted to actually go see Some often go to a Super was against the elite. This is one thing as Americans Bowl party just for the social the game for the game itself. was the true definition of the that we put before all else They just went to the gatheractivity and food. underdog becoming victovictory. No matter who your ing for the social aspect. But, But, what do internationrious. team was in this historic they did watch. al students at Texas A&M By the time New EnSuper Bowl, the greatest As the game went on, University-Kingsville do gland scored their second comeback in its history made most of the students were when it seems that most two-point conversion in a us all Patriots overnight. getting into the game more of the campus is talking row to tie the game 28-28 in so than when they initially football – American football the fourth quarter to force

intended to and they started to understand the rules a bit more. When halftime came around, the students liked the performance, but it was cut short due to technical difficulties from the television. The reaction to the ads wasn’t as noticeable because most of the students were too busy chatting. When the game came to the big finish, they were asked if they would like to go experience the Super Bowl again, and the majority said “yes!” While one said no, the social aspect was great and the atmosphere around the living room at the Lin International House was a great experience for them learning and experiencing what the Super Bowl is about. Turns out the Super Bowl is just a time to have fun with friends and that’s why it’s great to see people who aren’t from the US learn about the American phenomenon that is the Super Bowl.

Photo by Joshua Lin

International students participate in Super Bowl watching

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2017 SOUTHTEXANNEWS.COM