Incoming TXST student’s message lives on after death to fentanyl overdose
By Lesdy Hernandez News Reporter
Driven, well-spoken and loyal are only some of the words Angela and Gavin Wright used to describe their 18-year-old son Matthew Wright who died from fentanyl poisoning on May 2, 2024.
Texas State welcomed 8,182 new freshmen this fall, making it the largest freshman class in university history, however Matthew is one student absent amongst the class of 2028. The youngest of three boys, he had just been accepted into Texas State University when he unexpectedly died from taking counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl.
He planned to pursue a degree in psychology to advocate for mental health and help others who were struggling.
Weed decriminalized in San Marcos but not TXST
By Ryan Claycamp Senior News Reporter
The T exas Office of the Attorney General (OAG) has appealed the dismissal of its lawsuit against San Marcos over marijuana decriminalization. However, neither the dismissal nor the appeal affect marijuana enforcement at Texas State.
The appeal was filed just one day after Judge Sherri Tibbe of the 453rd Judicial District in Texas ruled the state did not have the jurisdiction to sue. The lawsuit will now go before the 3rd Court of Appeals.
“I think the appeals about [the case] being appealed are like any of the concerns we had previously, I think it is ultimately up to a judge’s interpretation of the law,” Eric Martinez, executive director of Mano Amiga said.
The lawsuit was originally filed by Attorney General Ken Paxton against Austin, Killeen, Denton, Elgin and San Marcos on Jan. 31. The OAG believes cities cannot decriminalize marijuana without violating state drug laws.
Mano Amiga was one of the organizers behind Proposition A, the 2022 ballot measure that decriminalized up to four ounces of marijuana in San Marcos.
SEE LAWSUIT PAGE 3
“From the moment we were visiting the campus he said, ‘oh this is definitely more my vibe and they gave me a bigger scholarship’,” Angela said. “He was really looking forward to it and we were excited for him ”
Matthew grew up in Cedar Park with his older brothers, Nathan and Sean, who shared what Gavin and Angela described as a typical, spirited sibling rivalry
“I am also the youngest of three, so I bonded with him on that and you could see there were definitely times he would show off trying to impress his brothers,” Gavin said. “You could see he was definitely trying to make them proud and they were
Texas
State dean brings Olympic values, experience to campus
By Brendan Fielding Assistant Sports Editor
With the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in the rear-view, many around the world have renewed senses of hope and competition, but John Fleming, Texas State’s Dean for the College of Fine Arts and Communication, always has them.
As an Olympic torch bearer, Fleming strives to bring the foundational values of the Olympic games to Texas State.
Approaching the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Fleming received an entry form from his teacher for an application to a Milwaukee business competition. The prize was participating as one of 10,000 Americans and 675 Greeks to escort the Olympic flame to Los Angeles via torch-running.
“[The competition] was basically based on grades, community service and an essay,” Fleming said. “It just happened that I was also a distance runner at the time, that I ran track and cross country at the same time.”
The 18-year-old Fleming earned his place in the competition by excelling in his academics and being an active member of his community. However, the thoughtful values he displayed in his entry pushed him over the line, bringing him the opportunity to run for his country and the world as a whole.
“The Olympics represent a time when countries can set aside their differences and come together to engage in peaceful competition,” Fleming said in his 1984 competition entry. “The Olympic torch is a ray of hope for unity and shows the burning desire for peace. I want to be a part of this movement that carries the torch of peace.”
Though 4 0 y ears p assed s ince t his e ntry,
SEE OLYMPICS PAGE 7
Football season from Aug. 23-31.
Presented by Texas State Athletics, Zelicks Icehouse and the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce, local businesses were encouraged to participate in a decorating contest by demonstrating school spirit on the inside and outside of their buildings. Many of them painted windows and hung decorations on their buildings on The Square.
KnD’s Boutique, located at 312 N LBJ Drive, participated in the contest this year. The store was decorated with a balloon arch and maroon and gold streamers. Boko also made an appearance, dancing with the San Marcos High School drill team to music played by the high school’s drumline.
Kristan Machado, KnD’s Boutique owner, said she hoped to win Most Spirited this year. kicks off football season
SCHOOL SPIRIT PAGE 6
Matthew Wright poses with University Interscholastic League medal after his win with the Cedar Park High School Band in November 2021.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ANGELA WRIGHT
Texas State Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, John Fleming, hangs his plaque and Olympic torch in his office, Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024, in Old Main.
these values have held true to Fleming, and he uses them to propel Texas State’s College of Fine Arts and Communication to a higher level with strengthened merit.
PHOTOS BY KOBE ARRIAGA
By Chloe Rawlinson Life and Arts Contributor
Throughout The Square, local businesses decorated their storefronts in spirited shades of maroon and gold, preparing for the start of the college football season. Back the Bobcats, an event aimed to boost school spirit across San Marcos, returned for its second year to kick off the 2024 Bobcat
SMPD enacts crisis communications policy
By Ryan Claycamp Senior News Reporter
The city of San Marcos established its first formal crisis communications policy in July.
The policy controls the city’s communications with the public and media in the aftermath of a crisis such as a mass casualty event, officer-involved shooting and other events.
The policy was created due to advice from the Chief’s Advisory Panel, public comments at City Council meetings and conversations with relatives of people who were killed by police, San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) Chief Stan Standridge said in a press conference.
“In a crisis, timely, accurate and effective communication is essential. The purpose of the Crisis Communications Policy is to ensure that San Marcos residents, residents in the surrounding area, city employees and their families, visitors and the media are kept informed in case of a law enforcement crisis,” the policy wrote.
According to Standridge, the policy was discussed for at least three months before being officially adopted.
During a crisis, the SMPD and city manager’s office will establish an Incident Command System (ICS), which will coordinate a response and handle communications for the duration of an incident. If an incident involves multiple departments, such as a fire,
a Unified Command is established to manage communications.
“Public messaging remains the responsibility of Unified Command until delegated. In our case, most press conferences would be done by the respective chief [police or fire], while most messaging would be done by communications. This is subject to change, and will change, depending on the severity and length of the
crisis,” Standridge wrote in an email to The Star.
The new policy requires the release of initial information within two hours after an incident occurs.
The policy also requires updates to be released as new information becomes available.
“A communications specialist will respond to the site to coordinate media inquiries and updates. This
San Marcos revives warning sirens for emergencies
By Eleanor Munoz News Reporter
Originally installed in 2011, the Outdoor Warning Sirens are fully operational in San Marcos again as of Aug. 1.
According to Rob Fitch, emergency management coordinator for San Marcos, the city spent the last three years repairing the 14 nonfunctional sirens across the city, as well as installing upgrades.
“What the towers are for is to alert people of any alert such as extreme weather, tornado, wildfire or an event that happened in the city [where] people need to seek shelter or to listen up to an emergency broadcast,” Fitch said.
According to Fitch, the Outdoor Warning Sirens were operational and installed in 2011 but some towers went offline over time.
Fitch said three years ago, Mayor Jane Hughson and San Marcos City Council decided to upgrade and repair the towers.
“The great thing about the new system, as opposed to the old system, is that we can go ahead and expand this system so we can put more towers up if we want,” Fitch said. “We can also encourage cities around us to hook up to the same system.”
Testing for the alert towers began at 11 a.m. on Aug. 1. According to the city’s website, the towers will sound their alarms at noon on the first Saturday of each month to ensure functionality.
Fitch said the upgrades included repairing damaged solar panels, replacing out-of-date batteries and adding new solar panels, radios and other systems.
The sirens originally could only trigger
History
specialist, with coordination from the Director of Communications or his/her designee, will use appropriate public messaging to provide timely information to citizens,” the policy wrote.
The policy requires SMPD to hold a press conference within two business days of a mass casualty event, officer-involved shooting or any other crisis.
SMPD has already held two press conferences under this policy: one in response to a death in police custody and one for the release of bodyworn camera footage of the death of Malachi Williams.
The policy also prohibits the release of body-camera footage during an ongoing investigation, grand jury proceedings or a criminal trial. There is an exception for family members of those killed in an officer-involved shooting to see the footage within 30 days, as long as they are not also involved in the case.
Scan the QR code to read the rest of the story.
through a police dispatch, Fitch said. Now, it can also be activated through the fire department, the emergency management office or by the National Weather Service automatically.
Tricia Brite, a resident who has been living in San Marcos for 28 years, said she only ever heard the sirens go off once about six or seven years ago during a testing period.
“I thought that maybe [the sirens] would have gone off a few months ago, back in May when we had a really bad storm,” Brite said. “I thought we were going to have a tornado. [I told my son] ‘look, get ready to grab the dogs and jump into my closet’.”
During the June 4 San Marcos City Council Work Session Councilmember Mark Gleason said several residents he talked to about the May 9 storm felt unprepared and thought their phone’s weather alert was just an Amber Alert.
“I also want [Emergency Management] to talk about [the sirens] being used for flood events,” Gleason said. “There are a lot of places in the country that use those towers for multiple sounds, and I think [the sirens are going to be] set up now for multiple tones and I think they should be done for that.”
San Marcos will use the upgraded sirens for emergencies such as flash floods, wildfires and public safety events. Different alert sounds will be used depending on the type of emergency to notify residents effectively.
“You don’t have to memorize [the different alert sounds], the key is if you hear that siren go off, tune in, find out
what’s going on and take shelter if you need to,” Fitch said.
According to Fitch, residents can sign up for Warn Central Texas and Everbridge IPAWs through Warn Central Texas which allows the city to contact resi dents’ phones for alerts as the main goal for the sirens is to notify residents that something is happening so they can figure out what’s going on.
“[The sirens] are oper ational right now,” Fitch said. “We want to make sure everybody under stands that because if they go off right now, something is happening. It’s not a test.”
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Copyright: Copyright Tuesday, September 3, 2024. 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.
Deadlines: Letters to the Editor or any contributed articles are due on Monday the week prior to publication. Corrections: Any errors that are in the pages of The University Star and brought to our attention will be corrected as soon as possible.
Lucciana Choueiry
PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA
INFOGRAPHIC BY DJ ROSS
The outdoor warning sirens sit on Mill Street, Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, in San Marcos.
Angela said throughout high school Matthew was a dedicated student; always focused on his studies, cross country and, like his older brother, his high school’s marching band, where he played the saxophone. Gavin said Matthew was a determined kid who, regardless of how challenging a task appeared, always pushed to complete it.
“We had people in a cross country meet that were asking us how on earth he keeps all this up and this is not anything we’ve driven him to do, he just wanted to do it,” Gavin said.
Angela recalled how effortlessly Matthew could engage in deep conversations and always made sure to share a laugh with friends and family. However, as time passed, Matthew’s mental health interrupted his drive for self-improvement.
The Wrights said Matthew struggled with mental health issues for years, specifically anxiety, depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, often being hard on himself for not reaching his desired improvement and living from one hyperfixation to the next.
“He started to have more anxiety and depression and started to feel like maybe he was doing too many things,” Angela said. “Then he quit band and then the following year he quit running so he just started to feel like it was all too much.”
Yet, it was his own experience with mental health that lit his spark for mental health advocacy, driving Matthew to pursue a career in the field—a path he had envisioned beginning within the halls of Texas State.
“He was very interested in how the brain worked and what causes these mental health issues,” Angela said. “All the experience and therapy he had, he hoped to use and help people in the future.”
Matthew was one of 2,644 people who died from fentanyl poisoning
from 2023-24 in Texas, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Cedar Park Police Detective Sean Fallon said since 2020, the city of Cedar Park has documented a spike in fentanyl overdose cases among people who are 16 to 24 years old.
“Matthew’s case was one of the quicker cases where we were able to establish a timeline and a suspect–almost three months from when Matthew overdosed to when we had a suspect in custody,” Fallon said.
From Cedar Park to Texas State, community support has helped the Wrights slowly begin healing throughout the past months.
“We were surprised by three different letters and found it very meaningful that President [Kelly] Damphousse and Dean [Mary] Brennan of the College of Liberal Arts wrote us personal messages of condolence,” Angela said.
Texas Against Fentanyl (TxAF), a nonprofit fentanyl awareness organization helped the Wrights share Matthew’s story and allowed them to connect with other families who have dealt with a similar loss.
Stefanie Turner, founder and president of TxAF, said after losing her 19-year-old son to fentanyl poisoning on Sept. 23, 2021 she created the organization to spread awareness about the dangers behind fentanyl-laced pills and help families who are grieving.
“We really try to be sensitive in supporting families where they are and Matthew’s family wanted to become an advocate and we’re helping them to be able to do that,” Turner said. “It’s a way to repurpose your pain and it helps to heal people.”
TxAF held an awareness panel in honor of Matthew back in June at City Reach Church. In the panel, members of TxAF, also known as angel families, shared their experiences with losing a loved one to the
In a sad way, Matt will still help people, just in a different way now,”
Angela Wright
Matthew Wright’s mother
fentanyl epidemic.
“Talk about bravery and leading with their heart, [the Wright family] were willing to share such a personal story to save others,” Turner said.
Gavin said he believes kids are most vulnerable to the fentanyl crisis because they are often unknowingly sold laced drugs by their own peers, like in Matthew’s case.
Fallon said the dosage unit of fentanyl that causes lethal effects is 2 milligrams that equates to 3 grams of salt, making fentanyl 50 times more powerful than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine.
Though the fight against the fentanyl crisis continues, Hays County—one of the hardest-hit areas among students—has seen a decrease in fentanyl-related deaths. The efforts to combat the issue have spread all throughout Texas, making its way to
Martinez said his organization was excited to hear the lawsuit was dismissed, and is not disheartened by the case being appealed. He said Mano Amiga will continue to oppose the lawsuit by filing briefs.
“We will continue to submit friends of the court briefs and show up to provide a public community presence to show the appeals court that this is a widely supported community initiative,” Martinez said.
Catina Voellinger, the executive director of Ground Game Texas, another organization behind Proposition A, said she was not surprised by the OAG’s continued fight against marijuana decriminalization.
Voellinger said the OAG was not acting as if they were really focused on the case.
On Aug. 13, the 3rd Court of Appeals sent a letter to the OAG to notify them they had failed to meet the original deadline to pay for records for the trial court clerk’s records.
“It looks like they missed the first deadline to advance the appeal in San Marcos early. It is not a huge error, but it shows there’s not a lot of teeth in what they’re doing,” Voellinger said.
Voellinger said Ground Game Texas will continue to oppose the lawsuit as long as they can afford to do so.
“These things are going to take years. So we’re going to keep working, and we’re going to keep organizing for progressive policy and what we can do locally until there is nothing to oppose,” Voellinger said.
Until a ruling is issued by the 3rd Court of Appeals, the San Marcos Police Department will still not issue arrests for possession of four ounces or less of marijuana, unless another crime is committed.
university grounds.
Texas State announced the Naloxone (Narcan) Distribution Program on Feb. 1, 2024, which provides students, faculty and staff access to free Narcan at selective locations in the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses. In 2023, TxAF helped pass House Bill 3908 titled Tucker’s Law, which requires public schools to bring in fentanyl abuse prevention education and drug poisoning awareness.
Now, by sharing Matthew’s story, the Wrights hope to spread awareness of the fentanyl issue and help others who need it most, just like Matthew dreamed of doing.
“In a sad way, Matt will still help people, just in a different way now,” Angela said.
No court dates are currently scheduled for hearings or the trial of the lawsuit in the 3rd Court of Appeals.
Lawsuit or not, Proposition A does not extend to the University Police Department (UPD). This means that UPD is free to make arrests, or issue citations for marijuana possession on or off campus.
“We changed our practice to be mostly citations, or warnings, versus an arrest for misdemeanors,” UPD Chief Matthew Carmichael said.
Under the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, universities are required to enforce federal drug enforcement laws. Failing to enforce drug laws could result in the complete loss of federal funding, including financial aid for students.
Carmichael said in most cases, students who are arrested are referred to the Dean of Students.
“I know students think that is to get them in trouble,” Carmichael said. “For us, that is to make sure Student Success knows that you aren’t in crisis, that you’re healthy and that you may have to go through health education.”
Under House Bill 1325, passed in 2019, Texas legalized hemp, which was defined as any cannabis plant that contained less than 0.3% Delta 9 THC.
“We have very little interactions with those products because what’s different from the city is that we’re a smoke and tobacco free campus. You can’t vape, you can’t smoke, you can’t chew, you can’t spit and you can’t have those products,” Carmichael said.
INFOGRAPHIC BY EVA BOWLER
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.
Wildfire awareness begins with Texas State
By Faith Fabian Assistant Opinions Editor
Currently, in Central Texas over 4,900 acres of land burned as a result of wildfires in 2024. On Aug. 22 in Mason County, about 112 miles from San Marcos, a wildfire started after being ignited by a lightning strike, marking the biggest wildfire in Central Texas this year.
As students, understanding wildfires is not only paramount to a well-rounded ecological education, but vital to our community and neighboring communities. Being in this region, Texas State students should take opportunities to volunteer in affected communities and partake in a culture that works toward effective fire management.
management in Texas, Oklahoma and Florida. Starns said land use changes can affect what fuels fires in Central Texas.
“The most recent outbreak of wildfires over the past few weeks seem to have been [started by] lightning, and that just corresponds to an increase in fuel,” Starns said. “A lot of that is a result of woody plant encroachment, primarily juniper, here in Central Texas. Junipers are especially volatile when exposed to fire.”
Support decisions and leaders who are trying to do the right thing, so that we have landscapes that can adapt to large fire [and] communities that are fire resilient.”
Dr. Christopher Serenari Associate Professor, Department of Biology
The factors behind what starts a wildfire vary, but according to the Congressional Research Service, 89% of wildfires are started as a result of human activity such as burning debris or tossing smoking material. In addition, many experts cite Central Texas’ changing climate and growing population as factors contributing to higher wildfire risk in places that were not as historically susceptible.
In May, Texas State professors Dr. Christopher Serenari and Dr. Heath Starns were awarded $230,000 by the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Joint Fire Science Program to support their research surrounding the multi-layered nature of wildfire
Volunteer work is one of the most important aspects of college life, as it builds experience and teaches valuable lessons about serving one’s community. For students looking to build their volunteer experience, becoming a disaster relief volunteer in places affected by wildfires is a great opportunity.
Mason County is about a two-hour drive from San Marcos, but the trip would be worth it to reach a recovering community. The county hosts disaster relief volun teers on their city website. There is also a disaster relief fund for volunteer firefighters and emergency responders anyone can donate to. Austin Disaster Relief is an organization closer to home, which also hosts relief volunteer programs.
While it may seem like wildfire management and
prevention is an issue with too many nuances and bounds far out of our personal control, it is not. Serenari and Starns agree in order for students to make a difference, they must build a culture that moves away from fear in order for organizations to work toward better fire management. After all, fires will never go away, and not all fires
“Support decisions and leaders who are trying to do the right thing, so that we have landscapes that can adapt to large fire [and] communities that are fire resilient,” Serenari said. “We also have to bridge the gap with
Along with a shifted perspective on fire, students should think locally. San Marcos has been experiencing intense stages of drought, with the city reaching Stage 4 drought restrictions in 2022 for the first time in eight years. If we want to prevent wildfires and maintain the habitats in our beloved Hill Country region, it is up to us to conserve water and make environmentally conscious decisions that work against climate change.
Students must respect campus food service workers
By Adriana Villanueva Opinions Columnist
The new year has started and many students are beginning to frequent restaurants on campus. It is important to remember respecting food service workers is essential for creating a positive environment.
By treating workers with courtesy, students can foster a more supportive community and contribute to an enjoyable dining experience for everyone.
Food service workers are an integral part of campus communities. They work long hours in demanding conditions to provide students with
essential services. Texas State Dining offers 28 locations students can work at, meaning a large portion of food service workers might be working to pay for tuition and other needs.
Alexandria Sosa, an agriculture animal science senior and former employee at both campus Starbucks locations, said due to the large amount of students ordering every day, it was difficult to keep up with the constant traffic.
“We had super long lines wrapped around the door almost every day at both Starbucks locations,” Sosa said.
“Unfortunately, we were only allowed so many people on the floor, and due to that we would be slammed
with so much.”
While some might think respecting food service workers is unnecessary as it’s their job to provide service, it’s important to recognize the positive impact respect can have on the individual, the worker and the campus community.
Sosa said students can show respect and kindness to food service workers by entering the dining halls with a positive attitude, making conversation and being courteous when waiting for orders. Even a simple “please” or “thank you” can go a long way for food service workers.
One benefit of respecting food service workers is it can help prevent mistakes on food orders. When workers are treated with patience, they are more likely to focus on their tasks and avoid errors.
Rushing workers can lead to mistakes and frustration for both the student and the worker. By being courteous, students can help create a pleasant dining experience for everyone.
“It can be overwhelming when we have a lot of drink orders to fulfill and need to do so quickly,” Sosa said. “Often we get people who say ‘I had to wait 20 minutes for a drink that should have been quick’ and when I apologize for the wait they
ignore me, which doesn’t exactly create a positive experience.”
Additionally, respecting food service workers can contribute to a more positive campus environment. When individuals feel valued and appreciated, they are more likely to be productive.
Many of these workers are students themselves, balancing classes with jobs to help pay for tuition and living expenses. It can be hard for workers when some students view them as service providers rather than individuals with their own experiences, aspirations and goals.
Recognizing these workers are also peers who face the same academic pressures can foster empathy and understanding within the student body.
When students see their peers treating workers with respect, they are more likely to follow suit. This can help to create a culture of respect on campus students should abide by. It’s important to remember service providers are people too. They have feelings and experiences just like everyone else. Treating them with respect can make a significant difference in their day-to-day lives.
-Adriana Villanueva is a geography sophomore
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.
-Faith Fabian is an English junior
ILLUSTRATION BY ADRIANA VILLANUEVA
ILLUSTRATION BY SOPHIE PICKERRELL
“[Back the Bobcats] has a huge impact on our store because we get to show off our game day merch, which leads students to purchase items from our store on The Square,” Machado said.
Last year’s contest winners included a tie between Edward Jones-Crystal Dixon and KnD’s Boutique for Most Spirited, Gumby’s Pizza for Best Exterior and Body Shop Movement Studio for Best Window Signage.
The Texas State Athletics Department and the San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce started the event as a way to build morale for the football team and San Marcos.
According to the founding parties, Back the Bobcats was brought back for a second year because of its positive effect on businesses, students and athletes.
“[The Chamber of Commerce wanted] to increase visible support for the university and students among the business community,” Page Michel, San
Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, said.
Zelicks Icehouse, owned by Texas State alumni, joined to host a block party at the end of the week-long event.
The decision for Zelicks to host the party was a mutual agreement between the business owners and the Athletics department, as Zelicks’ owners were glad to assist in the project.
“It started with the goal of getting our community excited about the upcoming football season,” Katz said.
“We are proud alumni and love all things Texas State Athletics.”
Scan the QR code for the Back the Bobcats 2024 Competition Winners.
SMRAS helps more pets find homes during campaign
By Carlene Ottah Life and Arts Editor
The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter (SMRAS) is participating in an annual nationwide campaign called Clear the Shelters.
From Aug. 10 to Sept. 10, it waived adoption fees for all ready-to-go pets, though pre-adoption fees still apply. Ready-to-go pets are cats and dogs that are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on vaccinations, microchipped and have their vet exam completed.
The goal of Clear the Shelters, which is celebrating its tenth year, is to help pets find homes.
“The shelter is not the best place for an animal to be,” Christie Banduch, animal services manager, said. “Any time we have some event, our focus is to get animals into homes where they deserve to be and where they need to be, instead of at a shelter.”
Banduch said SMRAS has participated in Clear the Shelters for over four years. The campaign also helps make room for more animals. As an open
admissions shelter, SMRAS does not have an intake limit, so it takes in animals even when it is full.
According to Banduch, since the event started, the total capacity population decreased from 160-170% to 110-120% as of Aug. 26.
“We’re trying to get some animals adopted so that we can make some space,” Banduch said. “There’s no more room at the end right now... so we want to get some out into homes so that we have space for some inevitable new guys that are gonna come in.”
The campaign attracts residents and students to the shelter. Shaniya Davis, animal sciences senior, followed SMRAS’ Instagram and found its post about the special. She wanted a cat as an emotional support animal for her depression and anxiety.
Reading the description of Enchanted, a 4-month-old cat with a shy and sweet nature similar to hers, and getting to hold her convinced Davis she found the one.
“I plan to take her wherever I go if we have that close bond,” Davis said.
Bentleigh Inocencio, criminal justice junior, discovered the event on Facebook. She came to the shelter to find a cat for her and her roommate since they both wanted a companion while in their apartment. Although she wanted to take advantage of the waived fees, the cat she chose was not considered ready-to-go.
“I’m not even getting [a pet] that the fee is waived [for],” Inocencio said. “I’m getting one that I’m still gonna have to pay [the adoption fee], but it’s fine because they all need good homes.”
The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 12-7 p.m. and Wednesday and Saturday from 12-5 p.m.
Scan the QR code for more information on adoptable cats and dogs.
A stray cat, Sargent, anticipates its forever home while waiting in a kennel, Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, at the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter.
A playful dog, Kazuki, jumps in his kennel as he waits for his future owner, Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, at the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter.
PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA
KnD’s Boutique decorates its storefront with school spirit, Friday, Aug. 30, 2024, near The Square in downtown San Marcos.
PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA
PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA
“The original modern Olympic movement was founded on the values of excellence, friendship and respect. The goal was not just about sports, but also culture and education with an overall view of building a better world,” Fleming said. “Then I said that ‘what we do in the College of Fine
Arts and Communication is rooted in similar values, similar aims.’”
According to Fleming, the Olympic motto, ‘swifter, faster, higher,’ provokes thoughts of aspiration, which is why he presents it to his faculty and student body.
“In its own way, [the Olympic
motto] challenges us to strive for excellence in teaching, research and service,” Fleming said. “As teachers, we have to foster opportunities for students to exceed their initial expectations.”
Taking action on his word, Fleming uses his position as dean to accelerate the success and goals of his students. He aids their connectivity through networking and advocating for ‘The Legacy of Tomorrow––’ his focus in the College of Fine Arts and Communications’ 125th-anniversary college report.
Fleming highlighted and mentioned 235 alumni in this year’s college report. He said through this, students may see what possibilities lie ahead and strive for academic and career-related wellness themselves.
“The larger purpose [of this annual college report] is that idea of ‘The Legacy of Tomorrow,’ as by high-
lighting alumni, it also shows current students what is possible,” Fleming wrote in this year’s report.
In the end, the $200 reward Fleming received for his participation in Olympic traditions wasn’t the only thing he pocketed. New values and a strengthened sense of longevity remained to Fleming a sentiment which is reflected in Texas State’s community, day after day.
“[Following the Olympic motto] demands that we continually innovate, [and] that we ensure that we are offering our students the cutting edge knowledge and skills they need to succeed in an ever-evolving world,” Fleming said.
Fleming’s torch now sits in a metal hand mounted on the wall of his office in Old Main. However, the eyes of Texas State can see it isn’t the only relic remaining from his participation.
The original modern Olympic movement was founded on the values of excellence, friendship and respect. The goal was not just about sports, but also culture and education with an overall view of building a better world.”
John Fleming Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication
Volleyball transfer on the road to recovery prepares for debut season at Texas State
By Hope Monte Sports Contributor
Texas State volleyball welcomed transfer redshirt sophomore outside hitter, Nina Moorer, to the team in the spring. After overcoming her stress fracture injury, the team now anticipates her return to the court.
Moorer spent two seasons with the University of Louisville, where she redshirted as a freshman and sidelined most of the 2023 season due to a stress fracture injury.
According to Moorer, recovery from the injury is going smoothly with a one-day-at-a-time mindset.
“[I’m] just resting and [rehabbing] a lot, but hopefully this will be the end of it,” Moorer said. “[I’m] just getting over these last bumps and finishing out treatment and getting back into it. But so far, everything has been pretty steady.”
After spending the spring semester with the Bobcats, Moorer enters the fall season with playing eligibility and better health.
“She’s been battled with some injuries, and so I don’t think we’ve seen her best just yet,” Head Coach Sean Huiet said. “But the thing that Nina fits into our program is her as a person. She just takes care of business.”
Due to frequent moving throughout her childhood, Moorer bounced around various club teams, including the Houston Skyline where she played alongside Texas State junior middle blocker Bailey Hanner. Now, years later, the two reunite on the hardwood as college teammates.
“It’s literally the exact same as when [Hanner and I] played together in club [sports]. We started playing together our 17th year, and I just moved to Houston from Florida,” Moorer said. “She was one of my best friends on the team.”
Moorer’s connection with Hanner provided Texas State’s coaches with an awareness of her in the transfer portal and played a factor in her ultimately choosing to become a Bobcat.
“[Moorer] committed to Louisville early, so we didn’t actually do a lot of the recruiting process early with her,” Huiet said. “She played club with Bailey, so we’ve known her for a long time. It just kind of all fell into place for us with Nina.”
After joining Texas State, Moorer became known among the team as a player with strength, determination and a positive energy regardless of the injuries she worked through.
“Nina is a breath of fresh air–– she just adds some spice to the team,” fifth-year senior setter Ryann Torres said. “I know she’s been overcoming a lot with her stress fractures [and] I think how hard she works in the gym is really inspiring.”
Moorer first experienced issues with a stress fracture injury in the spring 2023 season at Louisville. Now seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with recovery, Moorer is expected to provide extended offensive value for the roster.
“We needed to get some depth at the outside hitter position, so naturally she fit into that,” Huiet said. “She has the potential to score a lot of points for us. She can play either outside or right side [hitter], so that helps with our depth on this team.”
By getting involved in spring practices, fall camp and the maroon and gold scrimmage, Moorer left an impact on coaches and teammates with promise of future potential.
“I think she’s a really good attacker on the right side; she has a good hand with different angles, so I think it could be really interesting for the team during the game,” junior
middle blocker Jade Defraeye said.
Moorer said she capitalized on finding chemistry with teammates on and off the court throughout her times of recovery and rehab.
“Two people that come to mind are Ryann [Torres] and [Samantha Wunsch],” Moorer said. “They are constantly talking to me; just giving me feedback and really helping me figure out the new systems. They’re just doing a great job of really over-communicating everything and just giving me that extra boost.”
With less than a month until conference play begins, Moorer continues preparations through practices and training while keeping a close eye on maintaining her injury recovery.
“Right now, my main priority is staying healthy and just figuring out what role I have on the team here and trying to execute that as best as I can,” Moorer said.
Football Season Predictions
Max Martinez, Sports Reporter Record Prediction: 9-3, Bowl Game win
After a historic 2023 season, Texas State looks to bring its new quarterback to light and stun everyone. I believe the Bobcats will finish with a record of 9-3 with a big upset win against Arizona State.
Jacob De Luna, Sports Reporter Record Prediction: 13-0, Sun Belt Champions, Bowl Game win In seemingly the biggest game of the year, the Bobcats will take down the defending Sun Belt Champions, the Troy Trojans. The Bobcats will have the resume for a College Playoff Berth but will need some help from other teams.
Daven Meredith, Sports Contributor Record Prediction: 11-3, Sun Belt Conference runner-ups
The Bobcats will meet and exceed expectations, but not without growing pains along the way. The Bobcats will produce a 10-2 record, suffering two losses against Old Dominion on the road and Arkansas State at home.
Jude Botello, Sports Contributor Record Prediction: 12-1, Sun Belt Champions, College Football Playoff berth
After years of coming up short, the Bobcats will finally be able to crown themselves kings of the Sun Belt. Led by McCloud and Mahdi, the offense will surely see the end zone often.
Scan the QR code for full list of predictions
Texas State redshirt sophomore outside hitter Nina Moorer celebrates a point during the Maroon and Gold scrimmage with her teammate, middle blocker Jade Defraeye (5), Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Strahan Arena.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXAS STATE ATHLETICS
Texas State Dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication, John Fleming, sits below his Olympic torch, Tuesday, August 27, 2024, in Old Main.
PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA
BOBCATS ARE BACK!
Biology sophomore Carli Marshall (Left) and interior design freshman Aiden Peterson (Right) wave bubbles at students walking to their first day of classes, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, outside Derrick Hall.
Students scroll through posters during the first day of school, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, at Bobcat Trail.
PHOTO BY KATHERINE REA
Concrete and industry junior Matthew Pasemann (Left) helps health sciences freshman Jassi Gupta Shrestha (Right) put rubber bands on a watermelon until it bursts, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, on The Quad.
PHOTO BY MEG BOLES
Boko's Army cheers on Texas State women's soccer team from the sidelines, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, at Bobcat Soccer Complex.
PHOTO BY MEG BOLES
History senior Olivia Garcia and pre-nursing senior Anisah Lopez take first day of school photos at the Latinas Unidas booth, Monday, Aug. 26, 2024, on The Quad.
PHOTO BY MEG BOLES
PHOTO BY BLAKE LESCHBER
Boko's Army celebrates Texas State women's soccer team scoring a goal, Thursday, Aug. 29, 2024, at Bobcat Soccer Complex.
PHOTO BY MEG BOLES