THURSDAY, OCT. 19, 2023 VOLUME 98 ■ ISSUE 3
LA VIDA
NEWS
OPINIONS
SPORTS
PHOTO
Tech’s Forensic Science Society attracts students who are passionate about chemistry, crime and investigation.
As Halloween approaches, Tech PD offers precautionary measures regarding candy tampering.
The DT goes head-to-head in a fight column over the best Halloween candy bar.
Incoming Tech men’s basketball general manager Kellen Buffington shares his secrets to success and determination to win.
Looking forward to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, photos from Jacob Lujan highlight Tech’s Goin’ Band from Raiderland.
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SOCCER
Offensive duo pushes team forward
JACOB LUJAN/The Daily Toreador
Junior forward Ashleigh Williams dribbles, looking to score, in a match between Texas Tech and Texas Christian University at John Walker Soccer Complex Oct. 8, 2023.
By ADAM SIERRA sports reporter
With the regular season coming to an end, two Texas Tech soccer leading offensive players have comprised over half of the team’s overall 40 goals. Junior forward Ashleigh Williams and graduate forward Alex Kerr have greatly impacted the team, combining for 22 goals and boosting the Red Raiders to the No. 6 rank in the nation, tying the
highest in program history. Tech also leads the Big 12 Conference in rankings, according to Tech Athletics. “I think we’re (Kerr and Williams) both just hungry,” Kerr said after beating the University of North Texas 6-1. “We just want more, and every time we’re looking for that opportunity. We’re never going to stop and put the gas on ... We’re just excited. We’re gonna keep going every game.” Williams, an Allen native, be-
gan playing for the Red Raiders back in 2021. During her freshman season, Williams accounted for eight of the team’s goals, four of which were game winners, and had her first career hat trick, according to Tech Athletics. The following season, Williams recorded a team-leading nine goals, tallying three gamewinners and earned her first Big 12 player of the week. Williams also was named to the All-Big 12 second team, according to Tech Athletics. “She’s got a few different ways to score now than she had when she came in as a freshman and needed to happen a certain way. Sophomore (year) a few different opportunities presented themselves,” said Tom Stone, Tech’s head soccer coach. “Her game has improved each and every year, for the past three years, and we’re lucky to have her.” Being in her third year as a Red Raider, Williams has had her most productive year yet setting a career high in goals. The Allen native has recorded 12 goals, five of which were game winners and recorded her second hat trick of her career against Ball State. Williams also was named the Big 12 player of the week twice and the College Soccer National Player of the Week, according to Tech Athletics. “I would describe her as dominant. She’s obviously produced
in the past, but like this year, she’s so dominant,” said graduate defender and captain Hannah Anderson. “ ... Obviously, she’s a goal scoring machine too, so, I just feel like I said dominant in the field and like, just getting more and more comfortable about what she’s doing.”
Moreover, the Vanderbilt transfer Kerr has had a breakout year setting career highs for herself in her final season. The impact that the fifth-year senior has had on this team has improved Tech’s offense compared SEE SOCCER, PG. 5
JACOB LUJAN/The Daily Toreador
Graduate forward Alex Kerr takes a shot on goal in a matchup between Texas Tech and Texas Christian University at John Walker Soccer Complex Oct. 8, 2023.
COMMUNITY
Centennial volunteerism vitalizes servant heart By AYNSLEY LARSEN L a Vida, News editor
One hundred years ago, a siteselection committee visited several West Texas towns in search of a home for the newly approved Texas Technological College. As the committee members entered Lubbock, a crowd of nearly 3,000 people lined the streets to show their support and excitement for the university’s construction. A month later, Lubbock received word it had been selected. In his depiction of the enthusiasm that gripped Lubbock in the years before it housed Texas Tech, Director of Centennial Coordination Blayne Beal said as the city expanded, so did its need for people willing to serve. The Centennial volunteerism and service initiative has set a goal of logging 1 million volunteer hours over the course of Tech’s Centennial year. As Tech students, faculty, staff and alumni move into their communities to complete this goal, surrounding nonprofits and service organizations benefit. Beal said it was important to everyone involved in designing the celebration that the year served a larger purpose than one extended birthday party. “When we started planning this campaign four years ago, it was important to us that we didn’t just have a year worth of parties and celebrations,” Beal said. “We wanted to do something impactful for our communities. … When people looked at
Texas Tech, we wanted them to see service.” Just over 750,000 hours have been logged thus far, with more than 35,000 alumni, students, staff and faculty contributing hours to the goal, Beal said. Individuals, organizations and causes can participate, according to the Tech Centennial website, and hours can be logged for both individuals and organizations online. The ambitious goal was set with the intention of including past and present Red Raiders in the Centennial celebration, Beal said, and to allow Tech affiliates across the globe to participate in the Centennial goals and festivities. “The volunteerism portion of our campaign is really important because it’s, you know, it’s the one thing that no matter who you are, where you live, you can participate … . Volunteerism and doing for others is sort of in the DNA here at Texas Tech,” Beal said. “We want, when students come here, to develop a heart for service, to understand that serving others is greater than serving yourself.” This heart for service has extended specifically into the Lubbock community. Riley Toguwa, engagement coordinator for Volunteer Lubbock, said the organization has seen an increased number of student organizations and Alumni Association members reaching out for service opportunities. Toguwa said volunteering
with these local organizations allows people, especially students, to expand out of their comfort zone and become more familiar with their community and its needs. “(For) Tech students, it’s opening them up to a lot more organizations, because sometimes you can just be in your Tech bubble,” Toguwa said. “There’s a lot of nonprofits in downtown Lubbock and around Tech that you can learn a lot more about just by serving with them, and something that’s awesome about serving with them is that hopefully it’s a place that they can connect with and serve with longterm.” Luke Mason, director of development at Children’s Home of Lubbock, noted the impact of volunteers on the kids he works with, saying they benefit from seeing members of the community come work with them. “Volunteers bridge a gap for us. We have so many trauma and neglected children on our campus, they kind of get used to seeing the staff day in and day out,” Mason said. “So when a volunteer comes in, whether that’s to do like arts and crafts or run activities with kids or even maybe do some manual labor on campus, the kids see people other than staff, and that’s kind of special to them.” Groups of Tech students will come out to tutor kids, Mason said, and a group of staff members over the summer worked with the Children’s Home to
FILE PHOTO/The Daily Toreador
Arbor Day is an annual service day hosted byTexasTech’s StudentActivities Board. Last conducted April 28, the event features opportunities for students, faculty and staff to volunteer on campus, contributing to the Centennial goal of 1 million service hours.
paint picnic tables, restore cottages and prepare goodie bags for incoming kids. “On one side there’s always more to do, but on the other side, it’s always nice to see a big organization give back like Tech,” Mason said. In further pursuit of its million-hour goal, Tech will host a campus-wide Days of Service event starting Oct. 25, according to a release from Tech Centennial communications. The event leads National Make a Difference Day on Oct. 30. With the current number falling roughly 250,000 hours short of 1 million, the week will feature volunteer opportunities in hopes of achieving the ambitious goal by the end of the calendar year. Working in tandem with the
Student Government Association, October’s Days of Service event will further extend Tech’s heart of service into the Lubbock community, with hopes of reciprocating the support that has created the university seen today. “That’s at the heart of who we are at Texas Tech. This service, it’s who we are. We couldn’t have a celebration to celebrate our Centennial because, to get where we’ve gotten, to get where we are today, we’ve had to work hard,” Beal said. “So many people have poured into us, their financial resources, their volunteerism to help us get to where we are, and so now, truly, it’s incumbent upon us to pay some of that back.” @AynsleyLarsenDT
Page 2 Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023
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LA VIDA
STUDENT LIFE
FSS clarifies crime conundrums can take months or even years,” Monroe said. “It’s a very time-consuming stressful job and obviously, Hollywoodized shows are going to make it seem quicker and more rapid.” On the other hand, Rebecca Levingston, president of FSS, said some television portrayals of forensics can be too technically-oriented and fail to depict the full scope of such a multi-faceted field. “I always had heard of forensics on TV as like, it’s science in the lab. But you know, it’s not just that, there’s a lot more to it, at the police department and at the scene,” said Levingston, a forensic science graduate student from Lake Charles, PABLO MENA/The Daily Toreador Louisiana. “It’s not just what Sophomore chemistry student Issac Rodarte rolls his middle fingerprint onto a 10-print card to then exam- you see on TV.” To clarify the issue, ine at a Forensics Science Society meeting in the Mechanical Engineering South Building Sept. 21, 2023. Vazquez delineated the caboard composed primarily lar story. reer path of a forensic scienBy NATHAN KENISON of graduate students, but is “What drew me into it tist into two primary paths: Copy Editor open to Red Raiders of all specifically was the idea of investigative and chemistry. Texas Tech’s Forensic majors and classifications. being a homicide detec- While the chemistry path Science Society applies the Many members of the FSS tive. So I was raised on ‘The deals with evidence in an principles of hard science officer board found inspira- First 48’ and like, absolutely entirely lab-based setting, to the field of intense in- tion for their careers from a adored those shows, and I the investigative path more vestigative work, working common source: crime and thought it was the coolest broadly incorporates the to educate its members and forensics-based television job in the world,” Monroe deductive and judicial proreconcile the popular con- shows. Miriam Vazquez, said. “And then of course, cesses. ception of the field with a criminology major from ‘Forensic Files,’ and watch“So in forensics, you reality. Dallas and vice president of ing that growing up, that can go through two differ“The broadest definition public relations for FSS, said was always the application ent routes: investigative of forensic science is just early exposure to forensics in aspect of it. So I took it senior or chemistry, and a lot of the application of science to the media as a child sparked year of high school, and I just people that go through the criminal and civil laws, basi- her interest in the field. fell in love with it ever since chemistry track use a lot cally meaning the biggest “I always grew up watch- then.” of chemistry and biology,” thing you do in forensics is ing Spanish crime TV shows Monroe said these shows Vazquez said. “Whereas if analyze evidence and testify with my dad … and I was can serve as an inspiration to you went through an investiin court,” said Gavin Monroe, like, ‘Oh, I would like being aspiring forensic scientists, gative track you go through, a forensic science graduate an investigator or something but often glamorize and like, all of the scientific student from Coppell. “We like that, that’s pretty inter- exaggerate certain elements method, proving something use the scientific method esting,’” Vazquez said. “Then of the discipline. happened and providing just like any other science once I went to high school I “In the shows, you kind evidence and then testing would, use it and apply it.” took a forensics class, so I got of see things done at a rapid your hypothesis.” Founded in 2009, the or- even more interested in it.” pace in certain scenarios, Whether the subcategory ganization is led by an officer Monroe recounted a simi- whereas a real investigation be investigative, chemistry
or somewhere in between, Vazquez said every branch of forensic science relies on expert opinion from a diverse range of scientific fields. “(There are) a lot of people working in different fields that pertain to forensic science. So you work and collaborate with others and sometimes if you hit a wall you can message or hire an expert and be like, ‘Hey, I’d like to get your advice on something,’” Vazquez said. “But they all work together very closely.” Levingston said this diversity of topics has maintained her interest in forensic science. “I’m still starting out. I’m still a student, and I think there’s always something new, always something different, always more to learn too,” Levingston said. “You can always learn about different specialties and fields but not everyone no one can be an expert in everything.
So there’s always more to learn. I think that’s the main thing.” To familiarize its members with this variety of fields, FSS regularly hosts guest speakers to educate members on the latest updates in the field of forensic science. Other events hosted by the organization utilize a more hands-on approach, including fingerprint workshops and “just-for-fun” events, such as a murder mystery nights. Levingston said information regarding upcoming events will be posted on the club’s Instagram @raiderfss. “Anyone can join, even people who don’t have forensic science on their degree at all,” Levingston said. “We have biology chemistry, all the science people who also have sociology, criminology, anything like that if you’re just interested.” @NathanKenisonDT
PABLO MENA/The Daily Toreador
A 10-print card is used by law enforcement to document a person’s fingerprints. A student practices using the card at a Forensics Science Society meetings Sept. 21, 2023.
MAINTENANCE
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Tech grounds crew helps enhance campus beauty By AVERIE PHILIPS
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Out on the West Texas plains in the city of Lubbock, a plot of land captures the attention of all passerbys because of its profound beauty throughout the years, in every season; this plot of land is home of Texas Tech campus. The landscape of Tech is tended by the grounds maintenance crew, which manages everything outside of the buildings on campus, including trees, flowers, parking lots and general landscaping. Charles Leatherwood, senior managing director of IT operations for the grounds maintenance crew, said the university’s visual appeal is important for maintaining a future for the university. “We always pride ourselves with our landscape, which is the first step in recruitment because we get students from all states, all countries, and everybody is trying to get the students to come to Texas Tech,” Leatherwood said. “If you come into Tech and you’ve got a nice curb appeal when you first get here, it’ll change your whole blossom.” Kassidy Gill, a freshman nursing major from Austin,
said she noticed the beautiful campus along with the unique architecture when she was considering Tech as an option for college. “The architecture with the Spanish descent and the flatland was very beautiful and different, which was what I was going for when I was going to college,” Gill said. “It is something different from a big city.” The visual appeal of the university does not come without work, especially because of the unpredictable weather of West Texas. Leatherwood said the grounds crew works hard to keep the campus in the best possible shape no matter the situation. “We got a good environment. One good thing about our department and this division, there is never there’s never a dull moment, there’s always something different popping up,” Leatherwood said. “You never do the same thing all the time for most guys.” Leatherwood said the crew takes things as they come and has a system established when something needs attention, allowing it to delegate when it is time to work. “We’ve got our campus split up into three areas.
Each of those areas has a specific section and we’ll have a grounds keeper assigned to that section doing whatever hard work needs to be done in that area,” Leatherwood said. “So we’re all over campus, that’s why everything is clean and manicured.” Joann Wright, Tech’s associate director for events and marketing, said she understands it is the little things that make a big difference and the grounds maintenance crew takes pride in maintaining the small things so the university as a whole is noticed for its beauty. “If something does happen, for instance, that storm a couple of weeks ago, they got in there and they picked it up as fast as they could,” Wright said “Had they not we would have noticed it, but because they did it so quickly, people didn’t notice it.” Wright said she recognizes the crucial work the crew puts in and appreciates its hard work all year long because without it the university would be extremely different. “It’s real behind the scenes work, but it’s so essential. I really appreciate that about them,” Wright said. Without the work of the grounds maintenance crew, Leatherwood said Tech would not have the same charm in West Texas as it does today. The employees work hard to positively impact the campus and create a strong team environment. “They’re out there. So if you see them, come by and say hello,” Leatherwood said. @averiephill_DT
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Page 3 THURSDAY, Oct. 19, 2023
NEWS
SAFETY
Tech officers emphasize Halloween vigilance By CHRISTIAN JETER Staff Writer
Halloween is a time for scares, sweets and safety. Being aware of the potential dangers of this spooky season is just as crucial as the celebrations themselves. Capt. Amy Ivey of the Texas Tech Police Department said the potential threat of tampered candy is not something to be underestimated. “There’s definitely something there. You sometimes see candy altered during the Halloween season when a lot of kids get it out,” Ivey said. “We’re seeing more candy laced with fentanyl or other types of drugs that look like candy replacing regular candy.” According to the CDC, fentanyl is a synthetic opi-
oid designed to treat pain. However, in recent years, the emergence of illegally made fentanyl has been on the rise and sold through illegal drug markets, resulting in an increase of overdoses.
getting your kids out there in the general public,” English said. “Make sure they’re
ing and who they’re getting candy from.” Just as officers advise
Ivey also said razor blades and other sharp inserts pose a much less realistic, albeit a just as serious, danger.
“Not that it wouldn’t happen, but it would take a lot of maneuvering to get that razor blade in there,” Ivey said. Sgt. Tal English of the Tech PD, who formerly worked under the Lubbock Police Department, said remaining focused on safety is crucial. “It’s realistic to be vigilant — make sure you know what you’re doing when you’re
GRAPHIC BY CAMERON ZAPATA
going to the right places and know where they’re go-
caution but not panic this Halloween season, Tech stu-
dents also have their own sense of awareness for the community. Lily Reyes, a first-year Lubbock native majoring in psychology, said there is plenty of reason to be aware of the danger. “I do think it’s a little bit of paranoia just because when you hear a bad story, it kind of gets carried away, but that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t still take the cautions at all,” Reyes said. “We should not have the mindset that it won’t happen to us. We should always just be careful.” Although there may be a lot of stigma surrounding the Halloween season, Ivey said there are lots of precautionary measures that can be taken to protect one another. “Definitely inspect the
candy before you start letting your kids eat it. I usually look at the package and make sure it doesn’t look altered,” Ivey said. “You can feel around it — you can tell what a KitKat in a package is supposed to be.” Ivey also mentioned that attending more credible events will prove far safer than the alternative. “The biggest thing we can do is go to areas that are more trustworthy that you would expect not to have candy that’s been tampered with such as the Texas Tech Trunk or Treat or around the dorms when students give out candy,” Ivey said. “Stay with your children at all times. Don’t let them go off and trick or treat by themselves.” @CJeter_DT
PREVENTATIVE
Rise in campus bike thefts necessitates precautions U-bolt lock, the heavy duty … just the U-bolt makes it a little bit more difficult Texas Tech has seen a for a thief to take the bike,” surge in campus robberies Jakstas said. “I also recomof items such as wallets, mend in addition to that, keys, IDs and, most fre- use a cable lock. Maybe put quently, bicycles, according the U-bolt on the frame of to recent Tech Crime Logs. the bike and the bike rack Bicycles are one of the and then put the cable lock most common methods of between the front tire in transportation for students the frame.” on Tech campus. Trying to For students thinking cross campus in a span of about buying a bike or 10 minutes is a challenge thinking of Tech campus some students have to face. as their next home, Sgt. But, with robberies hap- Tal English of the Tech PD pening, students may be cautioned students against hesitant to bring their bikes buying excessively expenonto campus sive bikes. grounds. “I don’t “Consisthink I would tencies we actually recprobably see Keep your vehicles ommend are going to locked, belongings they get a be the bi- out of sight if bad bike, just cycle is not possible. Take around when secured. So those items of value you get some they’ll just inside your dorms, middle-of park it at a the-road lock them. bike rack and bikes … a lot just leave of students it there, SGT. CLINT JAKSTAS t h e y ’ l l g o whether TEXAS TECH PD across camthey run pus they’ll into class be in a hurry and come back out or go and forget to lock it up,” to their dorms but it’s not English said. “If you’re secured and it’ll be stolen,” going to be that way, you said Amy Ivey, captain of probably want to buy a the Tech Police Depart- cheaper bike because ment. “The other way is there’s a good chance it with a cable lock, which is may disappear.” really easy to cut within a For students looking for split second, they get bolt other ways to keep their cutters, pop it and then property safe, some options steal a bicycle.” could be putting bikes in Some thieves look for the back of a truck or parkthe easy target such as one ing them in a well-lit area, lock or no lock at all. Sgt. Jakstas said. With some Clint Jakstas offered a few bike racks not in the best suggestions for students to spots on campus, property keep their belongings safe. left in the dark or behind “I recommend for stu- buildings is at a higher risk dents to use bike locks, a of being stolen. By ALEX SERRATTI NeWS reporter
“Keep your vehicles locked. belongings out aside if possible. Take those
items of value inside your dorms, lock them in the trunk of your vehicle,” Jaks-
tas said. “A lot of SUVs have the tarp deluging pullover, put them in the back for
they’re out of sight out of mind.” @AlexSerrattiDT
2023 Fall Season All Events 7:00 PM TAYLOR SHERIDAN | THE BUDDY HOLLY HALL
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OPINIONS
FIGHT COLUMNS
Battle of the bars: KitKat vs. Twix Throughout the history of Halloween, candies have come and gone from the giving hands of parents and for decades children have sat on their kitchen floors arguing with siblings over what candy stands above the rest. Since I was a young boy, I’ve questioned friends and family alike as to what Halloween candy is truly the best of all time, but a simple taste of KitKat’s crisp wafers covered in that smooth milk chocolate coat gave me all the clarity I needed. Dating back to its emergence on the shelves of gas stations and grocery stores across America, KitKat has set the standard for Halloween candy. Households everywhere have heard the cries of joy on the night of Oct. 31 as their children find a beautiful red wrapper donning the double K in their basket. While nationally KitKat
Ty Kaplan is a sophomore journalism major from Round Rock.
doesn’t garner the same love that a Hershey’s bar or a Snickers bar might, nothing surpasses the satisfaction of snapping a KitKat in half at your desk amidst a long day. Thanks to the iconic 1988 “Give Me a Break” ad, those of all ages were introduced to the greatest stress reliever in American history, and according to my own studies, 100% of the time my night is 110% better when I hear the snap of a KitKat bar. Additionally, a beautiful aspect of the bite-sized KitKat is that its parent company, Nestle, has committed to a peanut-free promise making each of the delicious pieces in a peanut-free facility in Canada,
according to Nestle. Halloween nights for many end in smiles and laughter but for those with a nut allergy, severe discomfort can quickly ruin the holiday. Allergic reactions to peanuts and tree nuts spike 85% on Halloween, according to the Smithsonian Magazine. My personal night of revolution to the KitKat supremacy began with a basket in hand and a stomach ready to consume more candy than should be legally allowed. When the festivities finally came to a close and I sat on the kitchen floor with my three friends, we poured out truckloads worth of candy to trade. Thoroughly I looked through each of their piles searching for the treat that would complete the night when the candy above all candy caught both my eye and heart. @TyKaplanDT
I have no distinct Twixrelated childhood memories, no clear revelation or well-defined moment of candy clarity; the Twix bar has simply persisted, a chocolate-coated constant that I could rely upon in my formative years. The Twix provides that satisfying crunch that just can’t be found in inferior candies such as the wildly overrated Milky Way or mediocre Three Musketeers. Even the much-lauded KitKat’s flaky texture pales in comparison to the solid cookie crunch accompanying every mouthwatering Twix bite. Additionally, the Twix is the only candy bar that places the power of choice in the hands of the candy consumer: Left or right? This age-old dilemma has baffled and delighted candy enthusiasts for countless Halloweens. In
Nathan Kenison is a sophomore psychology major from Houston.
a way, the iconic question is beautifully reflective of the dichotomous decisions that face each and every one of us during the fall season. Spooky skeletons or homely jacko-lantern decor? “Saw X” or “It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown?” Which way West Texas man? In any case, the way to go is most certainly not with the KitKat. The candy’s obsession with bar bifurcation is absurdly overboard. Just how many bars must I break to enjoy my piece of candy? The task is borderline laborious. Twix, on the other hand, is as simple a candy as can be. Just open the wrapper and enjoy a tasty
snack. Speaking of tasty, it’s time for a delicious piece of trivia: According to the official Twix website, when the confectionery masterpiece was introduced to Europe in 1979, it was initially called the ‘Raider.’ What better name for a treat fit for a Red Raider? I rest my case. The Twix’s delicious blend of mystery, simplicity and consistency all add up to an experience that I will return to time and time and time again. Twix transcends the childhood years as it is enjoyable at any age and any time. There are several textures and flavors and the candy itself is capable of satisfying the soul. I couldn’t ask for a better childhood friend made of caramel, cookie and milk chocolate. @NathanKenisonDT
CARTOON
Raider Red’s biggest fear?
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For you, the living, this crossword was meant too ... ACROSS 1. In Texas, you must remember it! 6. The nation’s first line of defense 9. 1000 pounds 12. Strenuous 14. Johnny Cash shot a man here (just to watch him die) 15. Where my laboratory is? 16. Systems that alert pilots, abbr. 17. Where you get your driver’s license 18. Theseus’ enemy, the ___taur 19. Give the slip 20. Soft, silky type of rayon 22. Lupine Halloween guest, included with 46 across 24. Golden calf, e.g. 25. Celebrations with copious alcohol consumption 2 7. J e a n - J a c q u e s Rouss___ 30. Term of respect for a lady 31. Shoe size for bigfoot 32. Seasonal song, clued by 15, 22, 46 and 54 across 35. Ers and ___ 37. That took quite a ___ 38. Article adjectives used before vowels 39. Nickname for “Father of the Symphony” Joseph 42. Downloadable files, often used for video game emulators 46. Vampiric Hallow-
een guest included with 22 across 47. Where anyone can perform 5 0 . Nacho cheese brand often sold at movie theaters 51. Japanese art of making sculptures from rice straw 52. Approximate advent, abbr. 53. For the poor 54. What my eyes beheld 57. British apartment 58. Annually 59. “What will it take for her to see the man behind the ___ and notice me?” 60. “I’m just ___, anywhere else I’d be a ten” 61. Chip dip
DOWN 1. Extinct primate species 2. Not as much 3. Quantity abbreviation 4. Swedish city connected to Denmark by Copenhagen bridge 5. “_ _ the loneliest number...” 6. Could mean “hi” or “bye” 7. Could follow shut or walk to make plural nouns 8. Popular variety show contest created by Simon Cowell, abbr. 9. Shawnee chief and creator of Native American Confederacy 10. Together for dinner and the movies, maybe
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11. “Ridiculous! That makes __ __!” 13. Brightest star of cygnus 14. De Wolfe, of the Rock-afire Explosion 15. 406 in Roman times 19. Composer Danny 21. Egyptian monarch ___patra 22. ____ and tear 23. Comes after pano-, di- or cyclo26. Job of a copy editor
28. Greek mythological character transformed into neighing bird 29. As per ___ 32. Female counterpart to yellow arcade puck 33. “__ __ little harder” 34. Global academic database, abbr. 35. Hangglider’s aid 36. Anne Shirley’s guardian Cuthbert 40. Aggressively confront
41. Problem for a scuba diver 43. Ends? 44. Iranian god of light 45. Shoo! 48. What a predator does upon its meals 49. Piece of cake, classwise 51. Surname of architect Sir Christopher, or family of brown bird
54. Potential nonverbal response to 54 across 55. Made from a rib? 56. Possible ending for Nathan or Dan
Answers will be published Oct. 19, 2023 at d a i l y t o r e a d o r. com
@DailyToreador www.dailytoreador.com experience of a lifetime,’ and we’re so thankful that CONTINUED FROM PG. 1 she did because you need to their previous three sea- numbers.” sons. Kerr has been a solid ad“We felt we didn’t score dition to the team, recording enough goals last year, so 10 goals, two of which were when the portal did its game winners. Kerr also thing and Alex Kerr’s name recorded her first hat trick popped up on there, we of her career against UNT, jumped in with both feet,” according to Tech Athletics. Stone said about the addiIn Kerr’s four prior years tion of Kerr. “... All these SEC at Vanderbilt, she scored teams wanted her, and we’re 12 times, making her 16 like ‘no, come to Texas, matches with Tech all the
SOCCER
SPORTS more impressive, according to Vanderbilt Athletics. “I’m really appreciative of everyone on the field who helps me score those goals,” Kerr said. “I wanted to go out with a bang in my fifth year and so this is exactly what I wanted, and I’m really proud of everyone and just happy and excited for the road to come.” With the addition of Kerr this season, opposing teams must account for both for-
wards as they’re equally lethal in the box Stone said. “She (Williams) likes pressure, but her responsibility has not gotten bigger. It’s actually gotten smaller, because she can focus on being the box goal scorer that we need and back to goal nine that we need because Kerr is equally as dangerous and frightening to play against,” Stone said. “... So that twosome has really given both Alex and
Page 5 THURSDAY, Oct. 19, 2023 Ashleigh the freedom, I think, to be real comfortable in that setup.” The two forwards have assisted the Red Raiders in recording the best regular season in program history as the team never has seen two goal scorers each with ten goals under their belt. Reflecting on their play, Stone said it is surreal to witness the season they’ve had so far. “I mean they’re just you
know, they’re in great sync. Their runs in the blocks are sharp and kind of threatening. They want to be dangerous and their hold up play has been good,” Stone said after Williams and Kerr combined for five goals in 6-1 over UNT. “... I think right now they’ve created a lot of ways to create issues for themselves or for you know, their teammates to score.” @AdamSierraDT
MEN’S BASKETBALL
Buffington looks to bring ‘crystal ball’ magic to Tech By JAMAR BROOKS SportS reporter
In his first year as the general manager of Texas Tech basketball, Kellen Buffington is looking to bring his eye for talent and help rebuild the new-look Red Raider program. Confirmed in a media release by Tech Athletics on July 31, Buffington joined a revamped staff surrounding new Tech head coach Grant McCasland. But for Buffington, his decision to come to Tech didn't revolve around the game of basketball itself. Instead, his commitment was predicated on the mutual emphasis he and McCasland placed on the value of family. “I was able to identify with who he (McCasland) was as a person first and foremost. Like Grant’s kids grew up in my events. Jett and Beckett, I’ve been around them forever,” Buffington said. “He’s such a family man, and you know, I got a wife and three boys so it was important for me to work with somebody who valued family as much as I do.” In his new role at Tech, Buffington said the identification and scouting of players will be one of the key responsibilities he will bring to the program. However, contrary to what others may do when identifying players to bring into the fold, Buffington said his focus isn’t solely on the talent level of a player. Rather, Buffington opts for a more holistic approach, citing the analysis of intangible factors including the support system a player
surrounds themselves with. “That’s part of your investigation piece. That’s why I never missed, because ultimately your ceiling is reached by what’s around you, not your ability,” Buffington said. “So who’s around you? Who’s pouring into you? Who’s taking away from you? That is so important for young athletes right now.” With many years spent at the grassroots level — at The TB5 Reports and The Blueprint 5, both of which he established — Buffington has been instrumental in the identification and development of many highlevel players. Chief among the list of players Buffington helped bring to prominence — including NBA lottery picks Keyonte George, Cason Wallace and Anthony Black — is the first-overall draft pick of the 2021 NBA Draft and current member of the Detroit Pistons, Cade Cunningham. Buffington said his scouting of Cunningham was the start of using the crystal ball as a metaphor of sorts for his innate ability to hone in on elite talent. “About six, seven years ago, I started my scouting service The TB5 Reports, and one of the first players that I was able to identify early that was gonna be special was Cade. So I used the crystal ball for it,” Buffington said. “ So I went out and termed the phrase ‘Numero Uno.’ That was for him, and I put the crystal ball next to it and Cade ended up being the number one pick in the NBA Draft. So I don’t use this for everybody. You don’t get this
PABLO MENA/The Daily Toreador
New men’s basketball general manager Kellen Buffington poses for a photo with his iconic crystal ball. The crystal ball represents Buffington’s skill and eye for finding talented athletes, an ability he plans to utilize as he transitions to Texas Tech.
for being good, you get this for being special.” Though GMs in the general world of sports is by no means a novel concept, they are just beginning to populate at the collegiate level. With no established blueprint to follow, Buffington is seeking to draw on the connections he established during his time at the grassroot level to assist in his development. “Grassroots is the foundation of basketball from the NBA down. So my time in that space, I think it’s adequately prepared me to filter through whatever needs to be done to attract the best players and retain
them once we get them,” fostering that very talent, Buffington said. “I’m hop- particularly in the modern ing I’ll be able to lean on landscape of college sports. that experience to help fa“For us, I think the bigcilitate my growth and my gest thing we want to try role here.” to do is reB u f f tain players. ington also We want to stressed the Y’all give us some grab good importance time, we gonna ones early of his role, give you a winner. I in the prowhich allows cess, identipromise you that. the coaching fy them early staff around KELLEN BUFFINGTON a n d r e t a i n him to focus GENERAL MANAGER them,” Buffless on reington said. cruiting and more on the “That's a big part of what on-court proceedings. I do too. Just being around In addition to his innate our guys and being someability to recruit high-level body that they can talk to individuals, Buffington said and listen to, it's roster he knows the importance of management.”
Though he’s only been on campus for a few months, Buffington is not shying away from the expectations he has for Red Raider basketball. “The community and this school has been so much bigger and better than what I imagined it to be. Like I literally still pinch myself coming in here, it’s crazy,” Buffington said. “Just trying to build it though, but we got the right people. Y'all give us some time, we gonna give you a winner. I promise you that. I promise you that.”
@JamarBrooksDT
VOLLEYBALL
Correa embodies leadership in libero position
JACOB LUJAN/The Daily Toreador
Junior libero Maddie Correa digs the ball in a matchup against Wichita State during game two of the Under Armor Challenge hosted at United Supermarkets Arena Aug. 25, 2023.
By TY KAPLAN
SportS reporter
A libero on a volleyball court is much more than just an athlete who directs their team or earns the game-saving dig. They are an athlete who leads their teammates both on and off the court. Finding a player with that capability can be rare, but
Texas Tech’s libero has embodied that role throughout her career. Serving as an orchestrator on the court for the Red Raiders, junior Maddie Correa has cultivated a positive atmosphere over her two seasons as the team's primary libero. Head volleyball coach Tony Graystone said when scouting Correa, her leadership skills
were evident and a large factor in her recruitment. “For me, a libero is someone who makes a really positive impact even though they don’t score any points, and in any sport, you know, if you can have an impact without moving the scoreboard then that’s a special player,” Graystone said. “They’re the captain of the defense and they take
charge back there when things get out of system. They’re in control of managing that point and those are the things that we saw in her.” Now in her third season at Tech, the team is facing its worst conference start since 2016, going 1-8. Despite the struggles, Correa said she is rallying her team by looking to the future rather than sitting in the past. “It’s tough to see, numberwise, looking at the record and knowing like, we’re not winning games, but it’s still kind of taking it one game at a time and not looking so far ahead or looking at it as a whole,” Correa said. “Just seeing what we have coming up and keeping the talk on, ‘OK, who’s our next opponent? How are we going to gameplan that? How are we going to take advantage and kind of where can we score?’ That type of thing.” The veteran libero’s leadership skills are ones that her father and previous high school coach Larry Correa says she has possessed all her life. “She’s been God’s gift,” Larry Correa said. “... She’s always had that natural knack, and she has that gift of that personality that you just can’t train sometimes. She’s always been the kind that’s very nurturing and caring, and she
doesn’t want to see anybody hurt.” Paralleling Larry Correa’s sentiment, Reagan High School head volleyball coach Rachel Torvick said she and Maddie Correa shared similar leadership styles. “She was definitely an extension of me on the court,” Torvick said. “I think anytime that we lost focus as a group, she found a unique way in order to be able to hold people accountable but also she was very nurturing as far as just individual feelings and keeping people engaged.” Correa’s success at the high school level began early as she was one of the only freshmen to start in the varsity lineup in 2017 when Reagan made it to the regional round of the State Volleyball Championships. As the years progressed, Torvick said the leadership from Maddie Correa showed itself through her personability and vocality. “As far as her progression goes, like skill-wise, she’s always had the skill,” Torvick said. “I think she got more comfortable and competent from her sophomore to junior and finally her senior year, really just being the vocal person on the court. She’s never really been like a rah-rah kid,
but she’s been that calming presence.” Maddie Correa’s growth in high school enabled her to pave her own path to college, but Torvick said Correa’s love for Tech was clearfrom the beginning. “She was always looking to play somewhere that was going to be competitive,” Torvick said. “... I know she went out there (Lubbock) and had some camps and really had some good conversations with Tony (Graystone) and he was a big part of it. I think not just the culture of the city but having a good relationship with a coach has always been important to her.” Now three years out of high school and almost 400 miles from Reagan, Torvick said Maddie Correa still has the support of her parents and coaches. “I watched her on TV a million times, it’s really been exciting,” Torvick said. “She’s a special kid. I couldn’t have asked for a better kid to be able to be successful and find success past just volleyball. I know she’ll be successful long term in life because of who she is.”
@TyKaplanDT
Page 6 Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023
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GOIN’ BAND
Marching to Broadway’s beat in Macy’s Day Parade
JACOB LUJAN /The Daily Toreador
A month away from its first historic appearance in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, the Goin’ Band from Raiderland sports its flashy red and black Double T flag during its pregame show against Kansas State Saturday. The Goin’ Band is representing Texas in the parade’s 97th run throughout the streets of New York City Thursday Nov. 23. The band’s performance in the parade will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock on Thanksgiving Day.
JACOB LUJAN /The Daily Toreador JACOB LUJAN /The Daily Toreador
The Goin’ Band will march in the 2023 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade from 9 a.m. to noon on Thanksgiving Day. The band will venture through 2.5 miles of New York City streets while performing its set list of songs for the parade. It will perform alongside decorative floats, towering balloons and an additional nine bands also selected to perform on the national broadcast.
Joel Pagán, director of the Goin’ Band from Raiderland, will lead the ensemble during its first venture to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in NewYork City. This performance will lead Texas Tech to its Centennial finale at the Carol of Lights on Dec. 2.