04-18-2023

BASEBALL

Trout reaches wins milestone, reflects on coaching career

By Brendan Fielding Sports Contributor

On March 31, Texas State baseball head coach Steven Trout reached his 100th career win in less than four full seasons since being hired.

Through his high energy and great love for baseball, Trout has had an immense impact on the Texas State baseball program. The milestone calls for cheers, but Trout humbly credits the community that supports him and the baseball team.

“I was hopeful,” Trout said. “I was always confident in myself that we could do that and really and truly more confident in my staff that we could build a great team together.”

Trout grew up with the sport and eventually coached under some of the best coaches in the nation. He said he felt lucky to have the right capabilities to take over the Texas State baseball program in 2019.

Trout said the learning experiences that baseball offers him are among the most valuable parts of the game.

“I’ve been playing [baseball] since, literally, I could walk,” Trout said. “To me, you either lose or you learn, so we try to do a lot of learning. Even through our winning, even through our losing.”

Nothing beats Texas State's baseball culture, Trout said. The school setting, the former players and the hard work put into the production of games all play a role in making the spirit of the game what it is. As a result, there is incredible potential for the program to continue growing and thriving in the years to come.

SEE BASEBALL

PHOTOS BY CARLY EARNEST

Asian Cultural Showcase represents APIDA excellence

By Sarah Manning Life and Arts Contributor

Asian-American Pacific Islander (AAPI) appreciation month is traditionally celebrated in May, but on April 12, Texas State Inclusive Excellence - Student Connections and Belonging (IE-SCB) hosted a joint Asian market and Asian Cultural Showcase to allow Asian Pacific Islander Desi Americans (APIDA) to showcase their culture and gain interest for their organizations.

“The goal was to introduce the audience to Asian culture and heritage, including some glimpses of their traditions and history," Prasnna Patel, exercise science graduate student and member of IE-SCB, said. "To promote mutual respect and understanding for the APIDA individuals and the student organizations collectively.”

Performers had the opportunity to showcase their culture in unique ways. Patel showcased her custom handmade Anarkali gown, a gift from her family made in India, during the fashion showcase. An Anarkali gown is a traditional Indian dress used for official occasions.

“I was especially excited for the fashion show because I love wearing my traditional clothes whenever I get the chance, and this was a great opportunity for me to showcase my culture,” Patel said. “As it was Asian cultural celebration month, there was no better opportunity than this to present my culture.”

Yu Phoric, a drag performer and member of the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA), prefers to represent their culture subtly, performing Cà Phê Một Mình (coffee alone) by Minh Tuyết, a Vietnamese song. Vietnamese drip coffee was the performance's main prop.

“I feel like that's the best way we can show our culture is in small ways where no one would notice,” Phoric said. “It’s still a detail where people who get it get it.”

SEE APIDA MONTH PAGE 3

Heavenly

PHOTO BY SARAH MANNING

HEALTH CARE

COMIC BY JUNIPER FLOYD

Students call for action on ADHD medication shortage

By Christian Martinez News Reporter

Texas State students wonder when the ADHD medication shortage will end and what their local pharmacies are doing about it.

Last October, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a shortage of ADHD medication until further notice. According to the agency, the shortage is from supply chain issues

and a spike in adult demand.

Since the beginning of COVID-19, the drug could be prescribed online, causing many patients to order it and create a backorder effect.

“We will continue to monitor supply and assist manufacturers with anything needed to resolve the shortage and will update our website with new supply information as it becomes available," the FDA website states.

APIDA MONTH

(Right) Texas State head coach Steven Trout watching the game against Texas unfold, Monday, April 10, 2023, at Bobcat Ballpark.

(Left) Head coach Steven Trout gives pointers to freshman Chase Mora (36) on third base, Monday, April 10, 2023, at Bobcat Ballpark.

Trinity Building 203 Pleasant St. San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 245 - 3487

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Copyright Tuesday, April 18, 2023. All copy, photographs and graphics appearing in The University Star are the exclusive property of The University Star and may not be reproduced without the expressed written consent of the editor-in-chief.

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FROM FRONT HEALTH CARE

ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, is a disorder that causes difficulty paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors or being overly active, according to the CDC. From the National Institute of Health, the average of adults with ADHD is 4.4%. Of those, the population that takes medication for their ADHD is 69%.

ADHD medication is used to improve concentration, help focus attention and reduce impulsive behavior. Adderall, Vyvanse, Evekeo, ProCentra and Dyanavel are all examples of common ADHD medications.

The Student Health Center is aware of this situation and has advice for students experiencing this shortage. Luciana Mendoza, a pharmacy supervisor at the Student Health Center, said the pharmacy is encouraging other methods of obtaining the medication.

"The pharmacy is encouraging patients to shop local pharmacies," Mendoza said. "Pharmacies use different suppliers, so often when one pharmacy is out another has it in stock. If a patient cannot find the medication, then they are encouraged to talk to their provider about changing the medication to something that is available."

Mendoza said they are checking the wholesaler every day to make sure they can get the medication for students.

"We can only see what the wholesaler has in stock each day," Mendoza said. "Some of the medications are being allocated so the pharmacy can receive a small amount each week."

The pharmacy also does not know when the shortage will end since manufacturers are the ones that control the medication supply. They recommend students check the FDA's website, which updates regularly to inform the public about the current state of the shortage.

"The pharmacy checks the wholesaler supply each day," Mendoza said. "The order is placed if the wholesaler has it in stock."

Ollie Payne, a technical theatre senior, said students are worried about what will happen when they run out of their supply of the medication.

"I have to call around between different pharmacies to see if they even have just a simple like one-month prescription,” Payne said. "Having the Adderall really helps keep my days more organized and complete. Not having my medication really throws me out of the loop.”

Payne calls for manufacturers to figure out the shortage quickly since they fear what will happen to people who need this medication.

“There are people that rely on these medications to live,” Payne said. “I can actually do things and now not having my

medication I'm having to struggle 10 times harder than a normal person just to do daily functions.”

Since the shortage, students are trying to get three-month supplies instead of the typical one-month supply.

“I have called all around and I’m starting to lose hope,” Zamantha Taboada, a computer science junior, said. “This shortage is hurting me and I can’t imagine how many other people are being affected. I need my medicine.”

Taboada wants answers on what pharmacies are doing to get more ADHD medication for students.

“I just don’t understand why there is a shortage. They were fine for so long,” Taboada said. “I want to know when this shortage will end, and how frequent are they [pharmacies] getting their supply of medications?”

INFOGRAPHIC BY EVA BOWLER

This shortage is hurting me and I can't imagine how many other people are being affected. I need my medicine."

ZAMANTHA TABOADA Computer science junior

69-year-old goes for his third degree

By Bella Vogiatzis Life and Arts Contributor

Steve Ussery spent the last 30 years as a successful Silicon Valley engineer but has recently seized the opportunity to study one of his biggest passions, jazz music.

Steve is a 69-year-old freshman pursuing a degree in jazz music at Texas State. After moving back to Texas with his wife five years ago and retiring two years ago, he decided to put his newfound free time to use.

REMEMBRANCE

“I said, ‘What am I going to do next?’ So, I decided to go back to school and pursue a third degree,” Steve said. “This time something that actually interested me not something for a job or work.”

Steve discovered his love for jazz music in his teenage years, and he still loves it to this day.

Steve began his college journey at Texas A&M College Station where he earned his bachelor's degree in civil engineering in 1977. He received a draft notice to serve in the Vietnam War and

spent two years in the Navy one year post-war following his graduation.

Read the rest of the story on The University Star's website.

Remembering Awad Abdelgadir: Sudan's giving tree, leaving more than a legacy

By Haley Velasco Assistant Life and Arts Editor

Born in 1954 in Az-Zawrat, a village in Northern Sudan along the Nile River that didn’t have health care, safe water or good schools, Awad Abdelgadir was determined to make it a better place for his family and neighbors.

He grew up to create a water purification system and a health clinic and assisted in making a better school for Az-Zawrat. His love for others and his village was so strong that Abdelgadir’s long-term illness of seven years wasn’t known by many, placing great sadness among the thousands of lives he touched when Abdelgadir died of that long-term illness on March 7.

Although he had always loved his village, the big inspiration to do something for Az-Zawrat was rooted in Abdelgadir’s experience in graduate school at Texas State, then Southwest Texas State University.

After arriving in Yemen in 1977 to work as a legal advisor and teach Arabic and ESL at Sana’a International School, Abdelgadir married his wife Linda Boxberger in 1986. In 1988, the newlyweds moved to Austin, Texas, so Abdelgadir could receive his master’s degree in early childhood development from Southwest Texas State to pursue his dream of educating students.

In Kathleen Fite's graduate-level early childhood education class, Abdelgadir struggled to find an idea for a class project. He had the idea to create a children’s chapter book, “Life on the Nile,” about animals, food and cultural aspects of Az-Zawrat. It made his motivation to share his love for Az-Zawrat grow stronger.

“When I first had him in class, he was very different in appearance and behaviors and everything from my other students because he just arrived in America and things were different for him,” Fite, a retired Texas State professor, said. “He was very bright; he was very energetic, but when he came, he didn’t really have in mind what he wanted to do for a class project. That’s how we really bonded.”

Soon after graduating, Abdelgadir and Fite went on to do professional presentations about Az-Zawrat in elementary schools, including schools in Austin ISD, Dripping Springs ISD and Eanes ISD as well as the University of Chicago and a couple of youth groups and detention centers.

After sharing a glimpse of Az-Zawrat with American students, Abdelgadir took on his first project in 1994 to give Az-Zawrat safe water. He was a member of the South Austin Rotary Club soon after arriving in Austin in 1988 and received a Rotary International Grant to start drilling in the ground and create pumps to purify the water in AzZawrat.

The project was officially completed in 2001, and now all houses in Az-Zawrat have a distribution system for clean water. Along with the grant, other funds were raised through Nile Valley Herb Inc., Abdelgadir’s hibiscus tea shop dedicated to funding his projects.

After Abdelgadir’s water project was a great success, he took on another to create the Kolomiseed Health Clinic in AzZawrat. The Rotary Club could not fund buildings, only equip them, so Abdelgadir had to find another solution to raise $169,000.

He established the Mother Maryam Foundation, a charitable organization created to honor Abdelgadir’s mother, Maryam Saeed Ahmed, in 2006. The foundation started off with multiple board members, including his wife Boxberger and Keith Smith, past president of the South Austin and Austin-Westlake Rotary Club and other Rotary

Club members.

“The clinic opened in July of 2011 fully equipped by the Rotary but with the building it took us six years to fundraise and build,” Boxberger said. “It’s been running ever since then. As we’ve gone on over the years, the clinic has started to be more and more community-run. It’s like we used to say, ‘we want to have this happen’ and its gotten more and more where they’ll tell us what they’re going to do and I really like that.”

With the help of the Mother Maryam Foundation and Nile Valley Herb Inc., Abdelgadir and the board members of the Mother Maryam Foundation were able to remodel Kolomiseed Elementary School, build funds for an elementary school in Gambia, deliver 281 wheelchairs to disabled people in Sudan and more.

Allison Batlin, a South Austin Rotary Club member, believes Abdelgadir embodied the Rotary Club’s purpose.

“Rotary’s motto is ‘service above self,’” Batlin said. “He personified it in everything that he did. Everything that he did. He set the bar for what we all strive to be.”

Abdelgadir's legacy will continue through the Mother Maryam Foundation and Nile Valley Herb Inc.

“Even though Awad was the leader, it’s not just Awad; it’s the foundation and we’re going to be carrying it on,” Boxberger said. “The other board members and I have reassured everyone. It was just that strength of Awad wanting to do things to help others that just made him a really welcomed presence in this world. He’ll be missed by many people in Austin and many people in the states that I didn’t know that were touched by him.”

To donate to the Mother Maryam Foundation, visit https://mothermaryam.org/donate-now/.

FROM FRONT APIDA MONTH

Organizations in the showcase also show appreciation for the unique cultural aspects they represent. Members of the Gamelan Lipi Awan ensemble were first-time performers and played blessed instruments from Bali. None of the members are Indonesian, but Claire Richardson, Gamelan Lipi Awan director, aims to show appreciation for traditional Indonesian music.

“Even though I am not of Asian descent, I am fortunate enough to highlight it,” Richardson said. “We get an opportunity to be a part of that culture, experience and help promote it as a wonderful thing. It’s really fulfilling.”

Richardson encourages anyone to join the Gamelan. No prior experience or major is required. Practices are from 1 to 3 p.m. every Sunday at the Colorado Building.

Other live performances featured individuals not a part of Asian descent or organizations like Estevan Gonzalez,

music senior. Gonzalez was invited by Delilah Sysavath, psychology sophomore and VSA member, to duet a piece for the performance who wanted to share his love for performance.

“I was there to support and perform,” Gonzalez said. “I always enjoy watching other people perform and knowing they’re in the comfort zone and headspace to know it’s their moment. I love to support that.”

Awad Abdelgadir (left) and Kathleen Fite pose for a picture with a product from Nile Valley Herb Inc., Sunday, May 22, 2022, in Abdelgadir's home in Austin, Texas.

Texas State student Steve Ussery sits at a piano before his class that he takes with his wife, Saturday, April 15, 2023

PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSE USSERY

Read the rest of the story on The University Star's website.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHLEEN FITE

Dillon Strine Opinions Editor staropinion@txstate.edu

Opinions in The University Star are not necessarily those of our entire publication, Texas State University’s administration, Board of Regents, School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Student Publications Board. GOVERNMENT

Quality education at Texas public universities is in danger

By Rhian Davis Assistant Opinions Editor

Senate Bills 16 and 18 directly attack academic freedom in college classrooms. Both bills are currently among Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick's top legislative priorities.

According to the Texas Tribune Senate Bill 16 will work to prohibit any college or professor from compelling a student to adopt specific political beliefs. The bill is heading to the House after being approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 18 will ban offering tenure to any professors starting Sept. 1.

If both bills pass, we can expect to see a change in Texas universities' operations. The proposed legislation has the potential to harm both faculty and students alike.

Academic tenure, first formally introduced in 1940, protects academic freedom in higher education. It ensures that professors can pursue research and not lose their jobs due to speech, publications or research findings. The road to tenure is difficult, but the benefits outweigh the costs.

Tenure provides universities with a sense of stability. When faculty members hold their position for long periods, they form bonds with students and the university itself. Students may also take comfort in academic tenure as they can be sure they receive education from high-quality professors.

Patrick stated last February that because tenured professors have substantial job security, they can "hide behind the phrase 'academic freedom'" and "poison" students' minds. SB 18 was created with the idea that removing tenure would prevent universities from

EDUCATION

being "taken over" by leftist professors.

This bill could cause an exodus of professors at Texas universities. With less freedom in the classroom and no job security, professors will seek better job opportunities in other states. The bill would also make it more work for universities to recruit faculty, which will affect the reputation of these institutions.

With the loss of top faculty, students will begin to rethink applying to schools in Texas. The erasure of tenure could lead to students needing more exposure to diverse ideas and academic philosophies. If students know they can receive a more

well-rounded education at an out-ofstate school, they will no longer want to apply to Texas universities.

SB 16 will further these ideas. The bill's language is overly vague and can potentially instill fear in faculty and students. Lawmakers argue that this bill is solely about professors attempting to indoctrinate their own certain beliefs in students, but what does this mean?

This bill is one small step away from complete censorship in Texas university classrooms. Professors will limit what they discuss in lectures because they fear violating the bill. Students will begin to ask fewer questions. Overall, quality

public discourse in Texas lecture halls will be a thing of the past.

Patrick explained that SB 16 would ban critical race theory (CRT) in higher education. Again, the bill's wording is vague so critical race theory is not explicitly outlined. Still, it is clear that one of the main goals is to eliminate any conversation surrounding it.

CRT is the idea that race is inherently a social construct and that racism is embedded into our legal systems. In 2021, Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill allowing the teaching of this theory to be banned in K-12 classrooms. Republican lawmakers believe CRT is propaganda against white people and has no place in schools.

These ideals brought into Texas universities pose an even higher threat to honest and accurate conversations. Censorship in college classrooms should not be a discussion. Students pay thousands of dollars for the highest quality education possible; they deserve to learn the whole truth.

SB 16 and 18 are harmful and unnecessary. Texas lawmakers have no right to strip away job security and academic freedom; these should be a given.

- Rhian Davis is a journalism freshman

The University Star welcomes Letters to the Editor from its readers. All submissions are reviewed and considered by the Editor-in-Chief and Opinions Editor for publication. Not all letters are guaranteed for publication.

Satellite campuses could aid Texas State

By Megan Stanford Opinions Contributor

Planning for upcoming semesters should be simple. Students need more certainty due to increased concerns regarding parking, housing and finances.

These growing concerns, such as overpopulation in housing, transportation and parking permit grievances are common in student rhetoric. The search to alleviate some of this pressure on students is growing, but one solution Texas State could consider is the option of satellite campuses.

Satellite campuses offer a multitude of benefits to students pursuing different degree plans. An example of one university recognizing this is Texas A&M's engineering partnership program with Austin Community College (ACC).

Through this program, students can pursue an engineering degree from Texas A&M with the option of doing two years at select ACC campuses and eventually transferring to the main campus in College Station. For students who struggle with financial aid and transportation concerns, staying close to home and saving is a better option than spending the two or more years of tuition the main campus would require.

Texas State already has this partially available to some students through the Round Rock campus. Classes are available for those pursuing nursing degrees and allowing credits from community colleges. However, the Round Rock campus only offers select junior and senior courses.

As for satellite campuses, it is worth considering implementing a closer partnership with Texas junior colleges. Hosting classes on junior college campuses would broaden the Texas State student map to a grander and more accessible scale.

Another option Texas State may consider is a system similar to the Alamo Colleges District in San Antonio. The Alamo Colleges District is a five-college system that offers over 500 programs, including online courses, trade institution classes and continuing education degrees for students on and off campus. A partnership like this gives students more control over their degree plan and the financial advantage of a local college.

Texas State is a host to about 37,000 students. About 25,000 of those students attend online classes both in part and exclusively. The growing concerns surrounding admissions began exponentially increasing after the pandemic.

The convenience of community colleges, online courses and in-person main campus classes lessen the stark contrast of jumping from isolation to complete immersion in a giant campus. In addition, after

completing introductory courses and higher-level classes are required, students can transfer to the central university at their own pace.

More options were available for courses that could increase attendance rates.

According to Texas State's attendance statistics, about 80% of undergraduate students are full-time, and 20% are part-time. The hope of introducing satellite campuses is to decrease this gap to something less polar. Part-time students would have more accessibility to courses in their community which could encourage a full-time option. Since taking a class close to home is more accessible than trekking to San Marcos daily, satellite campuses could appeal to commuters.

A Texas State satellite campus option is also a cheaper alternative. Online courses and community college costs pale compared to a four-year bachelor's degree tuition statement. Under the Texas State umbrella, this alternative would encourage students to

transfer in and alleviate their financial concerns.

With the Texas A&M engineering program at ACC, tuition, financial aid and scholarships are handled conjointly by both schools, depending on the number of hours taken. However, the cost of housing, meal plans and other on-campus fees are nonexistent in this case. For in-state qualifying Texas State students, this cuts the overall attendance cost by over half, from $27,720 to $16,260. This is a game-changing option for students struggling financially or concerned with their future economic situation.

Satellite campuses, as well as joint partnerships between community colleges and universities, offer a multitude of problem-solving options for both the university and students. Alleviating pressures surrounding parking, finances and housing concerns is just the tip of the iceberg when exploring these outlets.

-Megan Stanford is an international relations junior

STAR SNAPS

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

(Left) Former director of Texas State Gamelan Lipi Awan Gordon Jones leads the group's musical performance of "Baris" (warrior song), Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at the LBJ Student Center Ballroom. Jones was a senior lecturer in the School of Music. He retired in 2020, but still participates in Gamelan Lipi Awan.

(Bottom) Texas State psychology junior Kieran Kitchen breaks through a wooden board as

Taekwondo Club cheers him on, Thursday, April 13, 2023,

Members of Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) sell tacos to students to support Austin Pets Alive!, Thursday, April 13, 2023, at The Quad. SIFE is a business organization that helps students strengthen their entrepreneurship skills with fundraisers benefitting the community.

PHOTO BY ODALIS IPINA

the

at The Quad.

(From left to right) Texas State education junior Adrian Medina, communication design senior Veronica Soto, painting junior Amelie Esquivel, electronic media freshman Kassidie Moya and education senior Camila Lastarria perform "Ditto" by K-pop girl group New Jeans, Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at The Quad.

Texas State theatre freshman Amira Atwood performs "Love" by K-pop boy group Monsta X, Wednesday, April 12, 2023, at The Quad.

PHOTO BY SARAH MANNING

PHOTO BY ODALIS IPINA

PHOTO BY FELICITY GUAJARDO

PHOTO BY CARLENE OTTAH

COMIC BY MADISON WARE

Carson Weaver Sports Editor starsports@txstate.edu

FROM FRONT BASEBALL

“It’s a really good place to play baseball,” Trout said. “Everybody says it's a sleeping giant in all sports, and I don’t know if it’s necessarily sleeping anymore, but this thing could be, year in and year out, a powerhouse, and that’s what we want to build.”

The relationship between Trout and the ballplayers is one of trust, respect, and consideration and is arguably the most important factor of the team. Trout said that while business is business, his care for his players is unwavering.

“They know I care about them not just as baseball players but as people as well,” Trout said. “It’s not just about how well they can hit a breaking ball or throw a fastball. It’s trying to make them better people and get them ready for this world.”

Trout has built a relationship with his players that radiates positive energy through his energetic and quality coaching methods. Texas State senior outfielder Ben McClain said the energy Trout brings to the field is consistent and inspiring.

“He does a good job of making sure when he comes to the field that he brings a lot of energy,” McClain said. “Even on the days that he might feel off, he doesn’t typically show it. He tries to keep it consistent because energy is one thing he tells us all the time.”

Senior pitcher Triston Dixon agrees that Trout’s energy is of a high degree and said that because of Trout’s family-oriented ways, he has connected with the team and coaching staff on a higher level than in the past.

“He treats us like a family,” Dixon said. “He brings that to the field and, you know, you’re able to connect with him and be able to connect with the team as well.”

Throughout his baseball journey, Trout has picked up on many values that make him the coach he is today. At Texas State, he shows them by continuing to build a culture of high standards and respect. According to Trout, this is because baseball is bigger than a person’s individual accomplishments.

“All the values we’re using on a daily basis help us to be better baseball players, to be a better team,” Trout said. “It just gives you that mindset that, you know, we’re not just trying to, you know, be average.”

Johnson, players reflect on up-and-down season

By Deondre Hayes Sports Contributor

Texas State men’s basketball ended the 2022-23 season with a historic run in the Sun Belt tournament being the first double-digit seed to reach the semifinals.

The Bobcats cut a 14-point deficit to two late in the game but fell short to the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. This marks the second-straight year in which the Bobcats' season ended at the hands of the Ragin' Cajuns.

Expectations were high early this season due to the Bobcats being crowned Sun Belt Conference champions the past two seasons and returning a team full of veteran players.

“We were able to shake off a super challenging situation in not being able to get a tournament win since I’ve been a head coach here,” head coach Terrence Johnson said. “It was a big deal for us, and then you turn around, and we’re able to string together a couple more wins. I was proud of how these guys played a high level of basketball down the stretch of the season.”

Texas State finished with a 6-12 conference record which is the first time the 'Cats fell below .500 since the 2017-18 season. Teams such as Old Dominion and Marshall defeated the Bobcats during the regular season. However, Texas State flipped the script in the tournament, securing wins against these teams and highlighting its capabilities.

The high expectations early on this season came from the confidence of senior guard Mason Harrell who returned for his fifth year to lead the 'Cats.

“Throughout the season we did feel like we let a lot of games slip, and there’s a lot of games we should have won,” Harrell said. “Going into the tournament just knowing that really gave us confidence to be able to compete with anybody in the Sun Belt.”

Harrell finished his final season as a Bobcat earning Sun Belt Conference AllTournament Team and led the team in scoring averaging 15.9 points per game. He shot 41.3 field goal percentage along with a 34.1 3-point percentage.

Season Stats

The 5-foot-9-inch guard was impressive in his final games and made clutch plays throughout the season in tight game situations.

Senior forward Nighael Ceaser also played his final game as a Bobcat finishing with 10 points and 10 rebounds to secure a double-double against Louisiana-Lafayette. Ceaser scored double digits in his final three games as a Bobcat and finished the season averaging 9.6 points per game and 6.5 rebounds per game.

With the two leading scorers departing, Texas State looks to build off key returners including freshman guard Jordan Mason who had three double-digit scoring efforts in the Sun Belt tournament.

The Bobcats welcome back other guards who were swapped within the starting lineup throughout the season, as well a solid front court with three players listed at 6-foot-8inches and above.

“I was just trying to help win games anyway I could,” Mason said. “We had no pressure, we went in with nothing to lose, we weren’t expected to win any games and we just stuck together and showed we could make a run.”

In the 71-68 quarterfinals victory versus Marshall, the Bobcats had five players hit double-digits while shooting 52.6 field goal percentage as a team. Multiple players this season showed scoring ability. Next season's offensive output needs to rise to offset the departure of Harrell and Ceaser.

“This team was more of a one-man show than we’ve had in the years past, usually were a team that’s led by three main guys or so and I think it’ll continue that way going forward," Johnson said.

The Bobcats will be a team to watch next season after their postseason run and allowing a young group to mesh and gain experiences to improve upon.

Texas State adds three players to the roster for the 2023-24 season: Kaden Gumbs a three-star recruit from San Marcos High School who is a two-time 26-6A Defensive MVP with over 1,000 career points and two 6-foot-4-inch guards with experience, Dontae Horne of Howard College and Elijah Tate of South Plains.

Alumnus donates $1 million to expand Bobcat Ballpark

By David Cuevas Assistant Sports Editor

On April 10, Texas State Athletics announced that $1 million was donated to expand Bobcat Ballpark.

Tyler Sibley, a Texas State alumnus and former All-American baseball player, is donating the leadoff gift. It is part of a proposed $8 million privately funded expansion of Bobcat Ballpark.

“Even after his amazing career at Texas State, Tyler continues to set records and make an impact on our university,” Texas State President Kelly Damphousse said in a press release. “He is once again leading the way by making the first gift to expand Bobcat Ballpark and most importantly, improving the studentathlete experience.”

The expansion project will add a new indoor-state of the art player development complex to Bobcat Ballpark.

Some of the features the complex will house are a locker room and gameday lounge for the baseball and softball teams, new box offices, an increased number of stadium seating and field boxes, an indoor hospitality lounge with a deck overlooking left field, three full-sized indoor batting cages, a fully air-conditioned pitching laboratory and new player development performance technology.

The complex will also be enhanced by graphics featuring notable former players, conference championships, postseason appearances, All-Americans and other awards and achievements the Texas State baseball program has achieved over the years.

Sibley, a four-time Texas State baseball letter winner, has remained active within the university’s athletic department, serving as the president of the Texas State Athletics “T” Association and currently sitting on its Board of Directors.

Texas State ranked 13 out of 14 teams with an average of 66.0 points a game.

Texas State ranked 5 out of 14 teams giving up an average of 66.7 points a game.

Texas State shot .307 percent from the 3-point line as a team.

Head coach Steven Trout communicates with players on the sidelines and takes call-ins during the game, Monday, April 10, 2023, at Bobcat Ballpark.

Read the rest of the story on The University Star's website.

MEN'S BASKETBALL RENOVATION

PHOTO BY CARLY EARNEST

INFOGRAPHIC BY SARAH MANNING

(top) Texas State freshman guard Jordan Mason (5) drives down the court, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023, at Strahan Arena.

(bottom) Texas State senior guard Mason Harrell (12) shoots the ball, Thursdy, Feb. 9, 2023, at Strahan Arena. PHOTOS BY SARAH MANNING