TXST reflects on its Hispanic population
By Lesdy Hernandez News Reporter
PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA
Documentary captures TXST mariachi student’s journey
By Jamin Ochoa Life and Arts Reporter
Abigail Garcia, social work junior, reflected on what she took from the experience of the Edinburg North High School (ENHS) Mariachi Oro preparing for the state mariachi competition while on camera in Netflix’s new documentary, “Going Varsity in Mariachi.”
The film, released Aug. 29 on Netflix, was originally filmed throughout the 202021 academic school year and focused on the obstacles Garcia and her team overcame to medal at the UIL Mariachi competition. It also documented four seniors and their plans following high school, with Garcia as one of them.
In the film, Garcia goes to San Marcos to tour the campus and audition for Mariachi Nueva Generación. She received a scholarship package from the audition but believes she would have chosen Texas State as her new home regardless.
Texas State kicked off its annual Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) Week celebrating Hispanic and Latino students’ cultures, histories and communities for Hispanic Heritage Month.
Under Title V of the Higher Education Act, an HSI is an institution of higher learning where at least 25% of its full-time equivalent undergraduate student population is Hispanic.
Jorge Velez, a dance education junior, said during Hispanic Heritage Month, Latino and Hispanic students have the opportunity to get further in touch with their cultural sides. Although his experience as a Hispanic student at Texas State has been a positive one, Velez said there is still room for more inclusivity on campus.
“[Texas State] does a lot for us to always have different events, different opportunities for us to go to and experience being involved with our culture,” Velez said. “But it’ll never feel 100% genuine and [Texas State] could try a bit harder.”
In 2011, Texas State earned recognition as an HSI, and by 2022-23, it was one of 111 universities in Texas to hold this designation.
SEE MARIACHI PAGE 6
San Marcos community reflects on 15 years of LGBTQ+ advocacy
By Cassandra Tamez Life and Arts Contributor
Since 2009, Sylvia Sandoval, longtime resident of San Marcos, played a role in organizing LGBTQ+ events.
Coordinating the 10th annual San Marcos Pride Festival, Sandoval reflects on the challenges and progress of the LGBTQ+ community over the years. When she first became involved with the community in San Marcos in 2009, she noticed it struggled to find acceptance and safe spaces.
“There wasn’t much support, and finding places where we could gather safely was difficult,” Sandoval said.
In response, Sandoval launched “Rainbow Nights,” a weekly event at a local bar designed to create a safe and inclusive space for LGBTQ+ individ-
Voter registration efforts increase before elections
By Ryan Claycamp Senior News Reporter
Local political and non-partisan groups are increasing their voter registration efforts before the Oct. 7 registration deadline.
Organizations such as the League of Women’s Voters (LWV) of Hays County are registering people on and off campus since the first day of the fall semester. These efforts are in line with National Voter Registration Day on Sept. 17, the largest non-partisan campaign to register voters ahead of major elections.
“It is important so that young people can shape the future of the country, the state and this county. We need young people to participate in the election process so we can keep it alive, vibrant and growing,” Diann McCabe, a volunteer deputy registrar (VDR) and member of the LWV of Hays County, said.
While most voters have to register at their current address, college students can register at either their permanent address or their dorm room, however, they can only vote at a single location.
uals. Initially, the event faced significant resistance as vandalism ensued, and the few bars who agreed to host soon declined to continue.
Sandoval and her supporters persisted despite the obstacles, and Rainbow Nights lasted from 20102014. In 2014, Stonewall Warehouse opened, becoming the only physical location the LGBTQ+ community could call home and serving as a hub for support and celebration. However, on Jan. 1, 2023, the business closed for economic reasons, leaving community members bereft.
Despite this history of challenges, the 10th annual San Marcos Pride Festival showcased the progress the LGBTQ+ has made, and Sandoval expressed her excitement about growing positive political support.
“It’s a very unique time,” Sandoval said. “This one is election season with everybody who wants to be a part of making a difference. I get to see that crowd come in, the ones that want to make a difference.”
Last Saturday, the festival kicked off with the traditional Pride Parade, where participants walked from LBJ MLK Crossroads Memorial around the block to Railyard Bar and Grill. A Pride Proclamation followed, where San Marcos community leaders celebrated LGBTQ+ progress and emphasized the importance of community resistance against discriminatory policies and the need for voter mobilization. Nonprofit groups also highlighted financial resources available to the community and concluded with a call to action for continued advocacy.
Parking communication for midweek games must be
By Editorial Board
The Texas State Bobcats hosted the Arizona State Sun Devils on Thursday, Sept. 12. Despite the opportunities the game gave the football team, it negatively impacted students’ daily lives in the process.
University Police Department (UPD) must ensure students are informed on parking changes for future midweek games and events, more in advance than Thursday’s game and through more mediums.
Despite the fact the game was hosted on a Thursday evening, according to a Sept. 10 email sent to all faculty, staff and students by Finance and Support Services, all students were required to move their vehicles from the Aquarena Lot and UFCU Stadium West lot by 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 11 and from the UFCU Stadium East Lot by 4 p.m. on Sept. 12.
According to UPD Chief Matthew Carmichael, additional parking was provided in the Mill Street Lot, which houses cars with a gold parking pass, and the Thorpe Street Lot which
is located behind the Track and Field Facility and is a barren grass lot.
“[Thorpe Lane] added an approximate 400 spaces for the day,” Carmichael said. “Matter of fact, we had even another contingency ready to go that we didn’t advertise if Thorpe Lane went to capacity.”
Social work junior Abby Garcia sits in front of the TXST sign on campus, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, at Bobcat Trail.
Malibu Imported performs in the drag marathon during the 10th annual SMTX Pride, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Railyard Bar and Grill.
Cars fill up the west side UFCU Stadium parking lot, Monday, Sept. 16, 2024. The west and east stadium lots are two of the main parking lots commuters can park at on campus.
PHOTO BY KATHERINE REA
Residents to vote on Hays County road bond at November general elections
By Jamie Moore News Reporter
The Hays County Commissioners Court unanimously approved placing a road bond on the Nov. 5 general ballot, which will affect property taxes and road quality if passed.
The bond calls for the county’s use of $439 million to work on the maintenance, construction and operation of 27 county road projects.
If the bond is approved, property taxes would go up by about 2 cents for every $100 of a home’s value, according to the proposed road bond plan. This would be an annual increase of about $80 for a $400,000 home, or approximately $7 a month.
“There is a hairpin turn that is a death trap,” Commissioner Walt Smith said. “There’s other places that are death traps and there’s been multiple wrecks in those areas... To say we are not going to try to make needed improvement to those curves is untrue.”
The commissioners court approved the order for a bond election at its Aug. 13 meeting. County residents would either vote for or against the borrowing of money for the bond projects.
The proposed road bond plan stated the reasons for the bond include improving safety and mobility, responding to rapid population growth, addressing current infrastructure and supporting economic development. According to U.S. Census data, Hays County had a growth of around 39,000 people from 2020 to 2023.
“I think a lot of the projects on this proposed bond, whether east or west of the county, most of them are prob-
ably behind the growth,” Commissioner Lon Shell said. “It’s hard sometimes to get ahead of things when you are growing this fast...but I think most of them are probably at the point of needing improvement.”
There are four Buda projects, three Dripping Spring projects, seven Kyle projects and two San Marcos projects.
The two San Marcos projects include Leah Avenue and Centerpoint Road.
The Leah Avenue project is estimated to cost $1.8 million and is designed to connect two existing road segments of Leah Avenue. The Centerpoint Road project is estimated to cost $30.7 million and will construct a grade separation over a Union Pacific railroad.
However, several Hays County environmental organizations, including the San Marcos River Foundation (SMRF) and Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, submitted a letter to the Hays County Commissioners Court on Aug. 9, requesting a delay in placing the road bond on the ballot.
“Many of the roads included in the proposed bond package would cross and encroach upon high-quality creeks and rivers, along with the watersheds and tributaries and the native species and habitat that rely upon them,” the organizations wrote in the letter.
The organizations argued there weren’t enough public meetings about
the bond and the proposed road project would harm the environment.
“We feel like there could be a better bond packet put together and voted on next year with more community input to take into account the true needs of the county... whether they be safety or congestion and avoid environmentally sensitive areas,” Executive Director of SMRF Virginia Parker said.
The joint letter additionally states the concern that this bond was properly publicized. In an email statement to The Star, Bill Bunch, executive director of Save Our Spring Alliance, wrote public notices for the court meetings were “inadequate and intentionally misleading.”
A proposed agenda item suggested creating committees in each precinct to share information about the road bond with the public. However, the Hays County commissioners did not take any action on this item when it was on the court’s Aug. 20 or Sept. 3 meeting agenda.
At the Aug. 13 meeting, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra said he supported the placement of the bond on the Nov. 5 ballot because it is a presidential election year, meaning more people will be voting than usual.
According to a Hays County press release, informational open houses about the bond will be held prior to the election through the county to better inform citizens. Dates for those are yet to be finalized.
“Our view is that the proposal was intentionally slipped through and put on the ballot with almost no one knowing about the proposal or having a voice to help shape what was put on the ballot,” Bunch wrote.
SMPD officers undergo mental health training
By Ryan Claycamp Senior News Reporter
The San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) will require all patrol officers to complete a 40-hour crisis communication class by the end of 2025.
According to SMPD, since 2019 all new peace officers are required to complete the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement’s (TCOLE) 40-hour crisis intervention class. Now, all SMPD patrol officers, even those hired before 2019, will be required to complete that same training that the Mental Health Unit and newer officers have.
“The reason it wasn’t required before now was that there were some different mental health courses that were required that [older] officers likely had if they were hired prior to those dates,” Joseph Osborne, the SMPD corporal in charge of the Mental Health Unit, said. “Since there’s a new class, and it’s a good class, the [SMPD Chief Stan Standridge] wants everybody to have it.”
At SMPD’s press conference about the death of Malachi Williams, Standridge said the training would help address a lack of full coverage due to SMPD’s Mental Health Unit’s size.
“The Mental Health Unit is comprised of a corporal and two officers, obviously three people cannot provide 24/7 services, so we are working aggressively to certify more and more of our patrol officers in additional mental training,” Standridge said.
According to Joseph, the TCOLE crisis intervention training covers a broad range of topics related to mental health scenarios and crises that SMPD officers could face.
“To briefly go over some of the topics that are covered in that [training] there is mental health conditions, so diagnosis, signs, symptoms, drugs, alcohol, things of that nature,” Joseph said.
Joseph said the crisis intervention training also covers post traumatic stress disorder, cognitive disorders, developmental disorders and suicidal behavior.
According to Joseph, the crisis
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intervention training is the exact same training that the officers assigned to the Mental Health Unit and patrol officers hired after since 2019 received.
“Just because they’re assigned to the patrol division, doesn’t mean they don’t receive the same type of training that we do on the Mental Health Unit,” Joseph said. “On the Mental Health Unit we specialize in it, so we respond to those calls every day and really focus on those trainings, but those patrol officers have that same type of training as well.”
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INFOGRAPHIC BY SOPHIE PICKERRELL
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Chair of Texas State’s HSI Community Council
Bob Vasquez said HSI universities help create and provide new educational opportunities for students past generations did not have access to.
“From academic affairs, student success, from advancement, lots of different aspects of research and lots of different voices represented,” Vasquez said.
Former Texas State President Denise Trauth approved the HSI Community Council, an advisory group aimed to elevate and assist the work for Texas State Latino student success.
“The whole university is an HSI, it’s not just students that are in HSI or football or academic, it’s the entire university,” Vasquez said. “If you’re going to have an advisory council regarding HSIs, then everyone, all voices need to be on that council.”
In an email interview with The Star, Vice President for Student Success Cynthia Hernandez wrote as an HSI, Texas State has access to various funding opportunities and communities of practice focused on expanding educational opportunities for all.
“We take pride that the demographics of the students who attend Texas State mirror those of the state of Texas,” Hernandez wrote. “Hispanic-Serving Institutions are places where everyone has an opportunity to learn and to succeed academically and professionally,”
As of fall 2023, Hispanic students are the leading student demographic, making up 40.7% of the overall student body with 39.2% being white, non-Hispanic. According to the Texas Demographic Center’s 2022 data, Hispanics also make
The
whole university
and Latino representation and support on campus.
Vasquez said the HSI Community Council’s primary focus is to work on integrating HSI status to the university’s Run to R1 efforts.
“The HSI council brings with it the HSI status to say, ‘How do we incorporate our undergraduate students in that process? How do we make sure they’re also contributing to graduate level student success?’,” Vasquez said. “It’s good that they’re here working on the bachelor’s degree, but we are also creating a pipeline for [undergraduate students] to pursue a PhD.”
is an HSI, it’s not just students that are in HSI or football or academic, it’s the entire university,”
up the biggest portion of the Texas population at 40.2%.
Velez said although he was not aware of Texas State’s HSI classification, he is glad to see Hispanic
Vasquez said cultural shock and imposter syndrome are only some of the struggles Hispanic students face when navigating their college careers.
“You have to make that adjustment, and the challenge then is, ‘Do I belong here?’ and I think that’s a big challenge for most freshmen, that sense of belonging, that sense of connection to that new place,” Vasquez said.
“Wherever you receive mail and sleep at night, that’s your home. The address that you put down when you register to vote, wherever it is that you live, does not have to match the address on your driver’s license,” Adriana Montoya, a geography graduate student and VDR, said.
A common misconception is voter registration can be done fully online, however, that is not true in Texas.
“There are a lot of voter registration websites run by national nonprofits that seem like you’re registering to
vote online, but if you’re in Texas that process is not complete until you print out a form and mail it, or register to vote with a VDR,” Montoya said.
Voters will be registered as long as they send their registration form postmarked on or before Oct. 7.
According to the Texas Secretary of State, voter turnout for individuals aged 18-24 for the 2022 midterm election was 45.85%. McCabe said she wants to see that number rise in 2024, but wishes the university would do more to encourage voting.
Hernandez said from Sept. 15-Oct. 15, Texas State celebrates the histories of Hispanic communities inviting its students, faculty and staff to come together and celebrate the impact of these cultures.
Velez emphasized the importance of acknowledging Hispanic Heritage Month, especially at an institution like Texas State.
“Always be in touch with your culture because I know, when you are away from your families it is kind of tough,” Velez said. “Texas State offers those [HSI] events that I feel are the closest thing we can get to celebrating our cultures.”
Scan the QR code for Texas State student demographics
It is important so that young people can shape the future of the country, the state and this county. We need young people to participate in the election process so we can keep it alive, vibrant and growing,”
“There needs to be some organized, concerted effort on part of the university itself to register people in classrooms and dorms, [like having] VDRs at every info desk and high foot traffic area [to register students],” McCabe said.
Gov. Greg Abbott announced on Aug. 26 Texas removed more than one million voters from the voter rolls since SB 1 passed in 2021. Montoya said everyone should check their voter registration status to ensure it is valid and up-to-date.
Registered voters can check their registration status on the Texas Secretary of State’s website.
Isaac Gomez, a nursing freshman, said he was excited to register to vote on Sept. 9 at the Hispanic-Serving Institution Week Community Day event in the LBJ student center. The November election will be Gomez’s first time voting.
“I registered to vote because I believe in our country. I feel like my voice being heard really matters,”
Gomez said.
Gomez said he believes all his fellow students should register to vote and go to the polls on election day.
“Everybody has a different voice. We have all these opinions and can make something happen at the end of the day,” Gomez said The LVW of Hays County will continue holding events to register students and residents of Hays County until the Oct. 7 deadline to register.
Scan the QR code to check voter registration status.
Texas State junior accounting major Sebastian Perez Diaz registers to vote during the Hispanic-Serving Institution Community Day event, Monday, Sept. 10, 2024 in LBJ Ballroom.
FROM FRONT UNIVERSITY
Bob Vasquez Chair of Texas State’s HSI Community Council
Local band Andy and Fusion play traditional South American music during the Hispanic Heritage Exhibition Walk, Saturday, Sept.14, 2024, at Hays County Historic Courthouse in San Marcos.
PHOTO BY ROSEY MENDOZA
Diann McCabe Member of League of Women Voters of Hays County
PHOTO BY MANDALYN LEWALLEN
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.
FROM FRONT EDITORIAL
The Main Point is an opinion written by The University Star’s Editorial Board. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of our entire publication.
While UPD opened these spots for students, only one email was sent to students which means if someone missed that one email, they did not know that they had alternative means of parking.
“I had no knowledge of the [Thorpe Lane lot],” Emily Quartz, a psychology junior, said. “We get several emails a day... so that was not good. I think that’s a general reaction.”
Because Quartz did not have any knowledge of the Thorpe Lane lot, she paid to park in the LBJ Garage, which she had to wait over 30 minutes to enter.
“It’s frustrating just having to continue to pay even though I’m already paying for a commuter pass,” Quartz said. “I felt a little gypped by the situation.”
There is a finite amount of space for parking on and around campus, meaning it is not realistic for
What did you think of communication? Scan the QR code to answer a poll.
UPD to make new parking spots. However, the communication of changes was not sufficient for students and staff.
According to Carmichael, UPD received many complaints from students who could not find parking. The only way UPD communicated with students was through their Texas State email, which many may not have seen.
“One of the things where we fell short for parking this game was it was anomalous,” Carmichael said. “We don’t normally have a game on a weekday, and so in hindsight, I will say that we’re going to message out much sooner.”
If UPD wants to ensure commuter students are satisfied and knowledgeable about midweek gameday parking, they should be more proactive in their communication with students.
UPD can do this in two ways - first by sending
messages over a week before the parking changes, instead of the day before. If students are told further in advance, they will be able to make plans to ensure they can safely get to class on time.
Second, UPD should send messages in more ways than just through email. If UPD can communicate with students through social media and text messages, more students will be knowledgeable about changes. The Texas State official Instagram account has over 100,000 followers; posting on that page can give more exposure to students and staff about the changes.
Texas State football hosts another midweek game at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29. Carmichael said UPD is looking at how they handled parking and communication for the Arizona State game and will decide how to better communicate with students in the future.
TXST wages are too low for student workers
By Adriana Villanueva Opinions Columnist
Many students balance on-campus jobs and demanding academic schedules. Despite their contributions on campus, Texas State student workers earn significantly low wages.
Texas State must consider raising wages for students to alleviate financial stress, support academic success and boost morale among student workers.
Texas is a leading state in lowwage work, with minimum wage stubbornly set at $7.25. According to Oxfam America, 29.9% of Texas workers make less than $17 per hour.
Lou Wharton, an art education senior, has worked on campus since spring 2021 and is currently an art history teaching assistant. Wharton said they have faced challenges due to low wages.
“The hours I was allowed to log were limited,” Wharton said. “As a [teaching assistant], I have to do a lot of work outside of class - answering student emails, preparing study materials for students, meaning I’m doing anywhere from 2-4 hours of unpaid labor [per week].”
Despite receiving a recent wage increase from $8 to $10, Wharton said they remain dissatisfied. While the raise is significant, it’s still not fair pay considering the extensive work required beyond their official hours.
Low wages have a significant impact on Wharton’s ability to afford the rising cost of living in San Marcos. As of July 2024, average rent in San Marcos is $1,746. Despite working a second off-campus job, Wharton said they struggle to make ends meet, relying on food stamps to help with groceries.
“In a month... I only make $240,” Wharton said. “My parents aren’t in a
position to give me $400 a month or more. I ended up needing a second job in order to make rent, and even then, I am living paycheck to paycheck.”
The high cost of housing coupled with insufficient income forces many students to make difficult financial choices.
“Many students, like myself, rely on on-campus jobs due to transportation issues,” Wharton said. “However, since these jobs often pay poorly, this leads to students getting a second job, which leads to a challenge in balancing their studies. This cycle of low wages and additional work can be detrimental.”
Alejo Ruiz-Camauer, an engineering technology junior, said the hourly wage he earns working at the Student Learning Assistance Center (SLAC) is insufficient in meeting his financial needs.
“My starting pay was $12 an hour, I make $13 an hour now,” Ruiz-Camauer said. “I have the advantage of my parents paying for my rent, but I barely make enough for groceries and other expenses.”
As of September 2024, Texas State pay rates for student workers ranges from $7.25 to $17 an hour. While some higher-paying positions exist, many student jobs pay less.
Pay rates at colleges like the University of Texas at Austin range from $10 to $25 an hour. Austin Community College pays workstudy student workers $23 to $24 an hour. Though it is a work-study option, the goal of the program is to provide flexible and gainful employment opportunities for students.
Colleges in surrounding cities make it possible for students to have a sense of financial comfort and it’s time for Texas State to do the same.
-Adriana Villanueva is a geography sophomore
Booksmart program not adequate for students
By Emma Hall Opinions Columnist
In fall 2023, Texas State launched the Booksmart program hoping to provide students “quick and easy access” to their course materials each semester. The idea was to assist students with getting their books at a faster and cheaper rate. Unfortunately, it is doing the opposite.
Students are becoming increasingly frustrated with the program, as they are four weeks into classes and still not receiving their books and access codes for digital books.
According to Texas State Auxiliary Services, the primary purpose of the Booksmart program is to allow students to save money by offering a set price of $261 a semester for books provided online and through the university bookstore. Although Booksmart is a progressive idea, the program should be changed to be more efficient and offer better benefits to students.
Parker Lowe, a psychology senior, said he has had to purchase books from outside sources because of the delays this semester.
“Booksmart started my sophomore year at Texas State,” Lowe said. “There have definitely been delays [in previous semesters], but it has never been anything major until now.”
Going into the fourth week of classes, Lowe said he still does not have the access code for a digital book required to pass one of his courses.
Most students who buy from outside sources are typically only waiting on one more book and do not want to opt out of the program. So, they pay $261 per semester for Booksmart plus whatever books they have to buy from another source.
“A lot of people don’t like Booksmart because they feel like they are being scammed into it,” Lowe said. “I don’t know how you could feel good about Booksmart the way it is right now.”
-Emma Hall is a journalism junior
ILLUSTRATION BY MADELINE CARPENTER
ILLUSTRATION BY AUTUMN POTTER
Harvest Moon The
Jane Hughson, San Marcos mayor, joined a lineup of speakers urging support for LGBTQ+ children and adults.
“We must protect the children who are bullied in schools and elsewhere. We must support them in their quest to know who they are,” Hughson said. Hughson also emphasized the importance of supporting LGBTQ+ adults.
“I’ve flourished just as a person in every aspect, and I don’t think I’d change it for anything,” Garcia said. “It’s one of the best decisions I think I’ve ever made.”
She had to choose between attending the University of Texas at the Rio Grande Valley on a full-ride scholarship or coming to Texas State University with the chance of not receiving the same offer.
Abel Acuña, ENHS mariachi director, encouraged her to choose what she truly wanted regardless of the financial aspect.
“She wanted to get away from home, she wanted to spread her wings and be an adult and she wanted to study mariachi,” Acuña said. “[Texas State] was probably the best place for her to go.”
Garcia has no regrets about choosing Texas State. She wanted independence from her family, which coming to San Marcos gave her. Garcia said being in the mariachi program gives her a sense of home that is possible due to her scholarship opportunity.
“Those scholarships are what everyone is depending on because we don’t have anything else to fall back into,” Garcia said. “I think [universities] need to expand on scholarships because that’s what was holding me back: financial aid.”
Garcia claims that mariachi has preconceived stereotypes, and seeing high schoolers be passionate about the music on screen can be beneficial. San
“We must protect and support our adults who are ready to embrace who they are, and also those who may not be quite ready,” Hughson said.
Heather Aidala, executive director of the Bobcat Pride Scholarship Fund, discussed key LGBTQ+ support initiatives, including the Jeremy O. Torres Emergency Stabilization Fund and the Victor Saldivar Academic Scholarship. Additionally, the San Marcos Queer Council — an organization
Juanita Vasquez, mariachi music education junior and Mariachi Nueva Generación member, also believes it will be good for representation of the culture. She hopes that regardless of cultural background, viewers can learn something new about Mariachi music and its ties to Latino culture.
“[Mariachi’s] not just like ‘oh I want to have one at my party for Fiesta,’” Vasquez said. “It’s an entire community of people who are learning music. It’s an art form.”
Both Vasquez and Garcia hope students do not shy away from pursuing their dreams. Whether it is the financial aspects holding students back or the fear of failure, they want students to do what makes them happy. Garcia hopes those students who are currently in the middle of planning their future, as she was not too long ago, may watch the film and get a new sense of clarity.
“I want the biggest take away, even if [students] aren’t doing mariachi or music, is to go for what you want and to take that step no matter how scary it looks,” Garcia said. “If it’s one person it inspires, that’s a huge thing for me.”
initiated at the close of the Stonewall Warehouse — highlighted its presence as a community-building organization aimed at fostering connections among local residents.
The festival also included a performance by Los Gatos 512, a Pride Drag Show marathon, and closed with a dance party.
Brianna St. James, one of the festival’s entertainers and one of four original drag queens to help open Stonewall Warehouse, reflected on the transformation.
“I can’t believe we’re at our 10-year anniversary, helping out the community and doing fundraisers,” St. James said. “It’s been a beautiful ride to see where the community started 10 years ago to where we are now.”
For Sandoval, the support of the San Marcos community and the growth of the drag queens are among the greatest takeaways from her work. Watching them since 2009, she noticed how much they changed and took their roles in the community as a responsibility.
“[The girls] didn’t take it as, ‘I’m just putting on a show,’” Sandoval said. “They took it as a responsibility to teach others, to set the example to be great citizens of San Marcos. I’m super proud to see the development in their life. It’s been an honor and a pleasure for me to watch.”
TXST hosts Black and Latino Playwright Celebration
By Chloe Rawlinson Life and Arts Contributor
The Texas State Department of Theatre and Dance hosted the 22nd annual Black and Latino Playwright Celebration (BLPC) from Sept. 2-8 for its first shows of the season.
The week contained rehearsals, which were open to the public, a playwriting workshop with New York University professor Judy Tate and a tribute performance for Eugene Lee, Texas State alumnus and accredited writer and performer.
According to the BLPC section on the Texas State Fine Arts website, the event was started by Lee as a way for Texas State to highlight lesserknown Black or Latino playwrights, actors and crew members both local and nationwide.
The festival prioritized diversity in the selection of the plays and the casts, eventually choosing The Brunch Crowd by Dillon Yruegas, Texas State alumnus, as one of the featured plays. The cast consisted of people of color and LGBTQ+ identifying individuals.
“This festival allows our stories to be the focus,” Carl Gonzales, The Brunch Crowd director and theatre alumnus, said.
The event carried impact for everyone involved, as the task of exemplifying the diversity of Texas State’s theater program and amplifying more untold stories brought the casts and artistic teams’ pride in
their identities.
“[People of color and LGBTQ+ individuals] are often reduced to side characters and secondary plots, and here we take center stage,” Brian Willery II, junior theatre student and actor, said. “As a queer person myself, it was nice to [portray] a character that I related to so much.”
The event was also a reunion between Yruegas and Gonzales.
The two had studied theater at Texas State for college and were in Alpha Psi Omega, where Yruegas was paired with Gonzales as a part of its big/ little program.
“I think having an alumni creative team on The Brunch Crowd allowed [Yruegas and I] to truly put ourselves in [the student actors’] shoes and set examples of what professional artists that come from Texas State look like,” Gonzales said.
The reunion between the two also made the show process more smooth. Gonzales said he is lucky Dillon and him stayed close over the years.
“When we started working [together on the show,] we fell into [the process] like it was yesterday,” Gonzales said. “I think the trust we have in each other as collaborators allowed the script and story to naturally grow and the relationships in the cast to develop quicker. [Dillon and I] saw ourselves in them.”
Another unique aspect of this year’s BLPC was a tribute performance for Eugene Lee, honoring his impact and legacy among Texas State’s
theater program.
“Who wouldn’t [want to work so] closely with Eugene Lee,” said Willery. “It was an absolute honor.”
The plays also offered diverse outlooks on life. The Brunch Crowd centered on a group of transgender people of color and their daily conversations, which may not be familiar to the general public.
“It’s fun to see the similarities and differences between [the actors’] perspectives on the events in our show,” Willery said. “[My character]
is very complex and chaotic, and so am I.”
The actors, along with the playwrights’ guidance and vision, could embed pieces of themselves into their characters.
“[The actors] ask [the creative team] questions and provide a different perspective that we may have overlooked or forgotten,” Yruegas said. “[The festival is] truly a collaborative process where we can all learn from each other.”
FROM FRONT MARIACHI
ENHS Mariachi Oro member Abigail Garcia performs her last high school mariachi concert, May 2022, at Edinburg North High School.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ABIGAIL GARCIA
Cast and crew of the Black & Latino Playwrights new works play “Culture Shock” under the direction of director Loana Alfonso and playwright Gloria Majule, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, at the Theatre Center.
PHOTO BY LUCAS KRAFT
Local band Los Gatos 512 performs onstage for SMTX Pride, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Railyard Bar and Grill.
PHOTO BY ALLISON DRINNON
FROM FRONT PRIDE
Turnovers, penalties plague TXST against Sun Devils in nationally broadcasted game
By Jacob De Luna Sports Reporter
Texas State entered Thursday’s matchup looking to make a statement to the entire country with a win over a Power Four team.
However, costly late game miscues allowed Arizona State to leave San Marcos with a 31-28 win.
Despite the loss, Texas State Head Coach G.J. Kinne believes the Bobcats still made a statement.
“I hate it for the [players] that we weren’t able to get that win but I think we performed well and I think we earned a lot of respect around the country,” Kinne said.
With nine minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and a 28-28 ball game, Texas State looked to drive down the field to break the deadlock. However, early in the drive, junior running back Ismail Mahdi fumbled on the Bobcats’ 22-yard line, setting up shop for Arizona State.
“[Arizona State] is a good team,” Kinne said. “Credit to those guys for coming out for scratching and clawing back and getting the win. They found a way [to win].”
After, leading 21-7 in the second quarter the Bobcats seemingly had all the momentum on their side. However, the Sun Devils rallied putting together back-to-back scoring drives to close out the first half.
“Going into the game Coach [Kenny] Dillingham talked about not getting too high or too low,” Arizona State redshirt freshman quarterback
Sam Leavitt said. “We responded really well and came up with two quick touchdowns that put us back in the game. All week we were harping on that so we did a good job of being emotionally stable.”
With five minutes remaining in the game on third and 11, redshirt senior quarterback Jordan McCloud dropped back and launched a deep ball to junior wide receiver Kole Wilson. However, the ball drifted toward the middle of the field and was intercepted by Arizona State redshirt junior defensive back Xavion Alford.
Texas State had yet another chance after making a defensive stop. With 2:45 left on the clock, Kinne and Texas State faced a third and two. A shotgun pitch to Mahdi was the chosen play, resulting in the offense losing three yards.
On fourth-down and five with the game on the line, the Sun Devils made the stop they needed to give the ball back to the offense. On the ensuing drive, senior running back Cam Skattebo iced the victory with a first-down run.
“I went for it a bunch on fourth down, we converted them and I’d rather just go out there and go for it,” Kinne said.
The Bobcats turned the ball over three times throughout the game. The Sun Devils committed one turnover in the third quarter, but the Bobcats did not capitalize on it and gave the ball right back to Arizona State.
Texas State also finished with eight
penalties for 69 yards compared to ASU’s eight penalties for 34 yards. These came in key drives for the Bobcats.
Kinne said though these mishaps can look like the fault of an individual, the team as a whole takes responsibility for them.
“We executed very well at times, the turnovers and the penalties were on everybody. It is not the offense, defense, special teams or the coaches,” Kinne said. “It’s collectively as a group. We will do a better job of coaching next time.”
Kinne said penalties were the Bobcat’s Achilles heel in this game, as they stumped the Bobcats’ momentum several times.
“Really everything [I thought we did well]. I think penalties are really the only thing that stopped us in the first half,” Kinne said. “Timely penalties and turnovers probably halted us.”
The heartbreaking loss potentially takes Texas State out of the conversation for a playoff berth as it will no longer control its postseason fate.
Heading into bye week, Kinne said the team will reflect on the loss and move forward with a one day at a time mentality.
“We have a bunch of good leaders and a bunch of good coaches,” Kinne said. “We’ll come together and watch the film, get in the training room and recover and get ready for the next [game].”
TXST cross country aims for successful season
By Jacob De Luna Sports Reporter
With the hiring of assistant coach Randal Grizzle for cross country and distance running, Texas State cross country program is working toward a more successful season than in recent years.
The men’s cross country team is projected to finish fourth place behind the University of South Alabama this season, according to the 2024 Sun Belt Preseason Coaches Poll.
In the 2024 Women’s Cross Country Sun Belt Preseason Coaches poll, Texas State is projected to tie for eighth place with the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.
According to junior Abigail Parra, the cross country program is receiving more interest from athletes than it has in recent memory.
“My freshman year, I came onto the team, and we [had] to pull track girls who did not want to run cross country. It is crazy to think how far we have come,” Parra said. “We have girls being recruited who are capable and very fit, wanting to do cross country to help the team. That alone is very good for building our program.”
Parra said the hiring of Grizzle has
benefited the team thus far.
“We did not have a stable coach— last year, coach Randal came in around track season. The team was not as stable, and we did not have as many athletes compared to this time around,” Parra said. “A big thing for us is we have recruited more girls and gotten a few transfers from the portal.”
are close together as a team, which is what we want,” Jimata said.
Texas State opened the season at the Incarnate Word Twilight, where the women’s team placed second overall in the 4k and scored 56 points, while the men’s team finished third in the 6k and tallied 96 points.
At the meet, Parra finished fourth overall with a new personal record
Even though we are not projected to win much this year, our goal is to be in those top three positions.”
According to Parra, goals are set high this season for both herself and the women’s team.
“An individual goal of mine is to finish top five in the conference,” Parra said. “For the team [we’re] building towards a first-place finish in the conference, which is very capable for us. It is not something I would be surprised by if it [happened].”
Redshirt junior and men’s captain Koket Jimata said the team looks better starting this season, and the group is extremely bonded.
“We, as a team, did very good compared to last year’s season opener. It is exciting because everyone’s times have improved, and we
of 14:12, almost a full minute faster than her previous best time.
At the second meet of the season, the Incarnate Word Invitational, both the men’s and women’s teams finished in second place. The women’s team had five runners placed inside the top 20 with a combined 52 points, while the men’s team had three place in the top 20 with 71
total points.
Jimata said he aims to improve from his performance last season as he hopes to grow into more of a leader.
“I want to place as high as possible at the cross country championship, compared to last year,” Jimata said. “Being one of those top guys competing for big team points.”
According to Jimata, the men’s team wants to make a name for itself this season and is not discouraged by outsider predictions.
“As a team, we definitely want to see more impact,” Jimata said. “We want to put ourselves out there and compete as a team. Even though we are not projected to win much this year, our goal is to be in those top three positions.”
The Bobcats’ cross country program will be on the hunt in Grand Prairie on Oct. 5 for their next scheduled meet, the Old Glory Gallop Invite.
Texas State senior wide receiver Joey Hobert (10) hurdles over an Arizona State defender, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at Jim Wacker Field at UFCU Stadium.
Koket Jimata Redshirt junior, Men’s Cross Country Captain
PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA
Sophomore runner Abigail Parra makes her way to the finish at the Old Glory Gallop in Grand Prairie, Texas, Saturday, October 7, 2023.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXAS STATE ATHLETICS
This Week at Texas State
The Texas State marching band marches off the field following its halftime performance during the game versus Arizona State, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at UFCU Stadium. Bobcats lost 28-31.
PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA
Members from Texas State’s first co-ed spirit fraternity “Hellcats” get loud in the student section crowd during the football game versus Arizona State, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, at UFCU Stadium.
PHOTO BY MEG BOLES
Bo Moore and his band perform cover songs at the Tunes at Noon event on campus, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at the LBJ Amphitheater.
PHOTO BY KATHERINE REA
Tunes at Noon sees Bo Moore and his band perform for students on campus, Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, at the LBJ Amphitheatre.
Theatre sophomore Irina Hernandez views a pair of earrings during Market Days, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024, at the Mayan Culture Stilo booth on The Quad.
PHOTO BY KATHERINE REA
PHOTO BY CARLENE OTTAH
PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA
The Texas State student-mariachi band performs music in front of the entrance to UFCU Stadium, Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, ahead of the football game versus Arizona State.
PHOTO BY ALLISON DRINNON
Texas State student and musician Angela Lyn of Los Gatos 512 performs onstage for SMTX Pride's 10 annual event hosted by Kelly Kline, Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, at Railyard Bar and Grill.