SMPD, FBI investigate false shooter threat at San Marcos High School
By Blake Leschber Managing Editor
The San Marcos Police Department (SMPD), in collaboration with the FBI, is investigating the false
active shooter threat in San Marcos High School (SMHS) on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
At a Sept. 25 SMPD press conference, San Marcos Communications played a recording of the 911 phone
call reporting an armed individual at SMHS. In the call, two gunshots went off. After the first gunshot, the caller did not continue communication with the dispatcher.
“I was walking in the hallway to the
bathroom and I saw a guy walking and he had a gun in his hand and I ran away and he was yelling,” the caller said on the 911 call recording. “…He told me to stop running and aimed a gun at me.”
SEE CITY PAGE 3
Annual Security & Fire Safety Report shows increase in Violence Against Women Act offense reports
By Lucciana Choueiry News Editor
Texas State released its 2024 Annual Security & Fire Safety Report that outlines reported crimes for the past three calendar years that occurred on and off the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses on
County polling locations found inaccessible for disabled voters
By Ryan Claycamp Senior News Reporter
Hays County reached a settlement agreement with the Department of Justice (DOJ) that will require the county to increase accessibility for disabled voters.
The DOJ investigated 14 Hays County polling locations used in 2023 and determined the locations violated Section II of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination against disabled individuals by state and local governments.
The settlement will require the county to address physical issues at all polling locations and give elections staff more ADA training.
“The right to vote is a cornerstone of our democracy and must not be diminished or restricted,” U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza said in the DOJ’s Sept. 23 press release. “People with disabilities are entitled to equal opportunity and full inclusion at the ballot box. Under this agreement, eligible voters with disabilities in Hays County will be able to exercise their fundamental right to vote and participate in our democracy.”
Issues found at the locations included ramps that were too steep, missing handrails, lack of van accessible parking, gaps and level changes on exterior walkways, along with other issues.
The settlement requires the county to work with an accessibility expert to evaluate both current and potential to ensure ADA compliance. According to the DOJ release, this means ensuring increased accessibility at all polling locations.
According to a Hays County statement emailed to The Star, improving voter access will include training, evaluating polling locations and focusing on curbside voting.
“Hays County goes to great lengths to ensure that its polling places are accessible to voters with disabilities. Hays County, like other Texas counties, is proud to partner with the Department of Justice to ensure that the County’s polling places are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act,” the county wrote in its statement.
Both the Hays County Elections Office and U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas did not respond to a request for when the changes would be made.
Thursday, Sept. 26.
The reported crimes in the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report are split into four categories: primary crimes, arrests and referrals, hate crimes and Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) offenses.
Texas State reported 29 rapes in 2023, all on campus and of which 28 were specifically in resi-
dential facilities on campus. This is a nearly 28% decrease from 40 rapes in 2022, of which 38 were on campus.
The university also reported 14 fondling cases in 2023 and 23 in 2022 – all on campus.
SEE CRIME PAGE 3
Breaking down Texas State’s loss against Sam Houston State
By Jacob De Luna Sports Reporter
Holding a 22-0 lead entering the second quarter and then a 32-21 lead at halftime, Texas State lost to Sam Houston State 39-40 in the H-Town Showdown after Christian Pavon drilled a 24-yard field goal with six seconds remaining Saturday at NRG Stadium.
The Bobcats have now lost back-toback games in which they were leading by multiple possessions. They led 21-7 against Arizona State in week three and lost 31-28. Additionally, Texas State nearly blew a lead in week one against Lamar, pulling out a 34-27 win after leading 18-0.
SEE FOOTBALL PAGE 8
Alumnus and Broadway veteran acts alongside students in play
By Carlene Ottah Life and Arts Editor
Set on a theatrical stage with a lack of traditional set pieces, “Our Town” brings its audience into a story told by Eugene Lee, program faculty, as Texas State students portray the scene around him.
Lee has over 50 years of experience in acting, appearing on and off Broadway three times and working in multiple regional theaters in the U.S. He said he acts in or directs a play at Texas State every other year, but his last acting role was his return to “A Soldier’s Play” last year with the Center Theatre Group at Ahmanson Theatre.
With “Our Town,” Lee could enjoy not only learning the processes of a new play but also teaching by example as an actor instead of a director.
“I’m told that just watching me work in rehearsal is a lesson,” Lee said. “I teach at heart.
I figure everything out there I can learn. It’s my responsibility as an artist to pass it forward to the next generation.”
Lee met the cast and creative team on the second week of rehearsals and said working with them was a learning process for everyone involved. Ronisha Reneus, acting junior and Mrs. Gibbs in “Our Town,” learned Lee would be the Stage Manager during callbacks along with the rest of the cast. She said it was inspiring watching Lee’s professionalism and his insight into each character.
“[Lee’s] professional, but he also is a person, and he loves to talk to the cast and connect with all of us,” Reneus said. “It’s fun to see his creative mind, how he thinks about each character and how he wants to connect to everybody, since some of the main points of the show is about connection and community.”
SEE THEATER PAGE 6
Students reunite with their parents after being released, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024, at San Marcos High School. Some parents were outside the school since the initial call occurred at 3:32 p.m.
Texas State junior running back Ismail Mahdi (21) gets tackled by Sam Houston States defense during the H-Town Showdown game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, NRG Stadium.
PHOTO BY MANDALYN LEWALLEN
PHOTO BY MARISA NUÑEZ
SMTX grapples with overcrowding at animal shelter
By Jamie Moore News Reporter
The San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter continues to deal with overcrowding, operating above capacity since spring 2022, reflecting a broader overcrowding issue affecting Central Texas.
The shelter took in 3,700 animals from October 2023 to August 2024, a 13% increase from 3,267 intakes in fiscal year 2023, according to the city of San Marcos website.
Despite the overcrowding, the shelter had more live outcomes than live intakes for the first time in 2024 in August, with 402 animals entering and 418 leaving.
“We have been overcrowded for about two years,” Minnie Buckhaults, San Marcos Regional Animal Shlter’s community engagement coordinator said. “A lot of animals are coming in, but not as many are getting out, so we’ve slowly accumulated more and more.”
According to the Hays County website, the San Marcos Regional Animal Shelter is the only intake facility in Hays County, receiving 25 to 100 animals a week from every city in the county, according to Buckhaults.
The shelter started 2023 with 243 animals and ended with 251, showing no improvement in capacity.
“We’re starting to see an intake go back to what was normal before COVID-19, so that intake increase combined with the slowing down of adoptions has increased length of stay for animals in shelters,” Lee Ann Shenefiel, Hays County Pet Resources Center director and Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) executive advisor said.
According to Sydney Medina, veterinarian at the Animal Care Center of Hays County, overcrowding severely affects animals’ well-being, leading to behavioral issues like anxiety and increased reactivity, as well as physical problems, including lower immune function and a rise in infections.
“It’s crazy how much stress can impact the overall health of a pet, but if they’re all housed in one location… they’re all sharing germs back and forth,” Medina said.
Buckhaults said residents should consider alternatives before surrendering pets, such as seeking help from APA!, which offers medical assistance and rehoming services.
APA! partnered with Hays County in April 2023 to establish the Hays County Pet Resource, Education and Research Center, which provides temporary housing, low-cost veterinary care and financial assistance.
“What we do know is that more resources are needed by our community members, we need to increase access to affordable and accessible spay, neuter and veterinary services,” Shenefiel said. “We have certainly seen an increase in demand for those types of affordable resources.”
Both Shenefiel and Buckhaults agree that spaying and neutering can help address overcrowding. Hays County and San Marcos fund Pet Prevent a Litter (PALS) of Central Texas, which offers free and low-cost spaying and neutering along with other resources.
Medina said while there are many myths surrounding spaying and neutering, such as people believing it may change their pet’s personality, the Humane Society of the U.S. states
dogs live longer and have less health complications when they’re spayed or neutered.
Besides adopting, Buckhault said students can help by fostering, volunteering, donating or spreading information through posts about the shelter on social media. The shelter has a Dog’s Day Out program where people can volunteer to take a dog on a “field trip” for a few hours to make sure they still get enrichment.
If students want a permanent pet and live in apartments, they may have to pay a one-time pet deposit or monthly pet rent as a part of their bill.
“It seems like we’re in this repetitive cycle of bad news about shelters… and I think sometimes that feels like there’s nothing you can do about it like you as an individual can’t impact that,” Shenefiel said. “We know what gets animals out of shelters… but we have to invest in those programs and resources to make that happen.”
Scan the QR code to read about San Marcos pet adoption.
Parenting students reflect on TXST’s new policy
By Candace Taggart News Reporter
Following the implementation of policies last spring to accommodate pregnant and parenting students in compliance with the Texas Education Code, this semester marks the first full term in which these accommodations are available.
“[Texas State] is attracting all types of students and we’re acknowledging that not every student is going to be the first time, traditionally-aged college student,” Senior Associate Dean of Students and student parent liaison Laramie McWilliams said. “We’re providing the infrastructure and the resources to support their success.”
The 88th Texas Legislature amended the Texas Education Code to include sections requiring Texas higher education institutions to provide protections, accommodations and resources for pregnant and parenting students, effective Sept. 1, 2023. The section also required universities to adopt a student parent liaison position.
“I enjoy being the support that says, ‘we’re in your corner and we can work together to make sure that you can move forward in your educational career,’” McWilliams said.
According to Texas State’s policy, the student parent’s liaison responsi-
bilities primarily consist of providing students with “information regarding support services and other resources available to parenting students.”
Texas State awaited guidance from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB) before officially implementing its policy on April 5.
Before this new policy, pregnant and parenting students would seek accommodations or aid through the Compassion Advocacy Resources & Education (CARE) Center. As senior associate dean of students and student ombudsperson for the
dean of students office, McWilliams worked with pregnant students at the CARE center for about two years before stepping in as student parent liaison on Aug. 1.
Some of the guidance from THECB allows pregnant or parenting students to take a semester break and return to classes without having to reapply if they’re in good academic standing.
“Normally, if a student’s out for a long semester, [they] would have to reapply which comes with an application or reapplication fee-- it’s $75 or $90 for an international student,” McWilliams said. “That was another barrier for our student parents that this legislation takes away.”
Editor-in-Chief: Marisa Nuñez stareditor@txstate.edu
News Editor: Lucciana Choueiry starnews@txstate.edu
Sports Editor: David Cuevas starsports@txstate.edu
PIR
Director: Laura Krantz laurakrantz@txstate.edu
Managing Editor: Blake Leschber starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu
Life & Arts Editor: Carlene Ottah starlifeandarts@txstate.edu
Multimedia Editor: Kobe Arriaga starmultimedia@txstate.edu
Digital Products Developer: Sri Naga Sri Govvala starweb@txstate.edu
Design Editor: Sarah Manning stardesign@txstate.edu
Opinions Editor: Rhian Davis staropinion@txstate.edu
Engagement Editor: Diego Medel starengagement@txstate.edu
Creative Service Director: Jen Nguyen starcreative@txstate.edu
Scan the QR code to read the rest of the story.
Copyright: Copyright Tuesday, October 1, 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:
Lucciana Choueiry
INFOGRAPHIC BY SHREYANI PULIGAL
INFOGRAPHIC BY SHREYANI PULIGAL
PHOTO BY KOBE ARRIAGA
Texas State communications and Spanish senior Maritza Smith studies for her upcoming exam during class time, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at Centennial Hall.
The caller identified himself by name and provided a verified phone number. According to SMPD Chief Stan Standridge, the number that made the 911 call is connected to at least two other swatting incidents; one in Hunt County, Texas and one in Kent County, Michigan.
Aggravated assault cases increased by approximately 28% from 36 in 2022 to 46 in 2023, of which 42 were on campus, two were off campus and two were on public property. According to the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report, public property includes “thoroughfares, streets, sidewalks and parking facilities, that is within the campus or immediately adjacent to and accessible from the campus.”
There was an increase to seven hate crimes in 2023 compared to six in 2022. Of the seven, Texas State reported one vandalism incident characterized by sexual orientation on campus, one vandalism incident for religious reasons on campus, two vandalism incidents connected to race on campus, one intimidation incident connected to sexual orientation on campus, a vandalism incident connected to sexual orientation at a student housing facility and one theft related to national origin also at a student housing facility.
Texas State reported a decrease in burglaries from 32 in 2022 to 26 in 2023 – 25 were on campus and one was off campus. Robberies decreased from two in 2022 to one in 2023.
The report defines burglary as unlawfully entering a premises to commit a felony or theft, while robbery involves the act of taking or attempting to take something of value from a person through force, threats or violence.
“San Marcos’ offense was premeditated, as evidenced by the suspect knowing the address of the high school when asked by the dispatcher and having pre-recorded sounds of gunfire or at least that mimic the sounds of gunfire,” Standridge said. SMPD, alongside the FBI, are investigating the origin of the 911 call and the person who made it. Currently, the caller has not been identified.
According to SB 1056, swatting is,“[When] a person reports a crime or emergency or causes any report of a crime… to be made to a law enforcement officer and the person knows that the report is false and the report is reasonably likely to cause an emergency response from a law enforcement agency.” Swatting is punishable on the federal level for up to five years in confinement, according to Standridge.
“Because this [incident] crosses state lines, [SMPD] is working closely with the FBI to identify the source of these swatting calls,” Standridge said.
Standridge said the call was untrue, as no gunshots were reported, no casings were found and no injuries were inflicted.
“We were able to disprove the call to our dispatch center in about an hour’s time,” Standridge said.
According to Standridge, there were more than 50 law enforcement officers inside the school searching all the buildings.
“[The] two gunshots prompted a large response by police, fire, [emergency medical services] and school district personnel,” Standridge said.
While the lockdown was ongoing, law enforcement officers took two female students outside the building for questioning but they were not under arrest, according to Standridge.
One of the students texted the other as the lockdown was ongoing saying she saw someone carrying a gun in the building. This information was communicated to other students making its way to San Marcos Consolidated ISD (SMCISD) officials. This information was proven to be incorrect according to Standridge. These students were not connected to the individual who made the 911 call.
domestic violence account.”
According to Jacobs, when a crime is reported and falls within the four categories outlined by the Clery Act, it is included in the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report, regardless of the outcome of a police investigation. However, the report also features a section for unfounded crimes — those dismissed after further investigation. In 2023, no crimes were classified as unfounded.
“As far as the students involved, we are working with SMPD and our campus administrators are conducting their investigation and potentially, if found guilty, they would face not only criminal charges but school district charges as well,” SMCISD Superintendent Michael Cardona said.
According to Cardona, SMHS has six counselors, two social & emotional therapists and Project AWARE which is a five-year, state-funded program that “deploys evidence-based mental health resources to campuses”.
At 3:32 p.m., on Sept. 24, SMPD received a call saying there was an armed shooter in the building. This caused a complete lockdown until 5:30 p.m. Sawyer Barnett, freshman at SMHS who was inside during the lockdown, said at first students were placed under a hold which means no one can enter or leave classrooms. However, after less than a minute, the hold shifted into a lockdown.
“We had a hold at first and I was thinking it was a little fire,” Barnett said. “Then, [the teacher] put us in a corner and told us no phones, no Chromebooks, don’t make any noise.”
At 4:40 p.m. SMPD confirmed that no shots were fired at SMHS.
Students were released from the school starting at 5:30 p.m., according to Les Stephens, San Marcos Fire Department fire chief. Parents were able to pick up their kids and leave the school.
The school will provide additional law enforcement and counseling services.
Scan the QR code for our full coverage on the false shooter threat.
provide students a different option of who to go to, to report if [they] don’t want to go to the police…,” Jacobs said. “In housing [for example], all the RAs are CSAs, and they’re trained.”
The report states Texas State allows individuals to report a crime on a confidential basis. They can also report to CSAs without initiating a police or disciplinary investigation. However, as CSAs are also mandatory Title IX reporters, they have to report instances of sexual misconduct, dating violence and stalking, as well as the identity of the victim and accused to a Title IX coordinator.
Liquor law violation arrests saw a slight uptick from 14 in 2022 to 15 in 2023 – all on campus. So did drug law violation arrests from 112 in 2022 to 114 in 2023.
The number of reported arson cases doubled, rising from one in 2022 to two in 2023.
All VAWA offenses increased from 2022 to 2023. Dating violence increased from eight in 2022 to nine in 2023. Stalking increased from 50 in 2022 to 61 in 2023. According to Shilpa Bakre, director of internal communications, online stalking fits under the scope of the offense.
Domestic violence increased from 34 in 2022 to 39 in 2023. In 2023, all 39 instances happened on campus.
“In the state of Texas, roommates are included within the domestic violence statute,” Pam Jacobs, Texas State’s Clery Act compliance officer said. “If there is a roommate squabble that becomes physical or has some factor of violence to it that goes on our
However, if an incident involves multiple crimes the Clery Act follows a hierarchical rule and encompasses the lesser crimes into the gravest crime. For example, all lesser crimes are subsumed to rape. Some exceptions include arson crimes which are always counted and when a primary crime is also a VAWA offense it can be counted in both categories.
“Every report of an alleged crime is reviewed and the hierarchy is followed where applicable. All alleged reports are counted (unless it is a duplicate report) as a Clery statistic,” a Texas State spokesperson wrote in an interview with The Star. “The prosecution outcome has no bearing on Clery statistics.”
While anyone can report a Clery crime on the University Police Department (UPD) website, Jacobs said UPD along with campus security authorities (CSAs) are the only ones required to do so. Faculty members are not CSAs unless they are also advisors of a student organization.
“Part of the rationale behind having CSAs is to
“For example, if an incident is reported to Title IX but they do not want to pursue a case via UPD, it would be reported via CSA report, but they may never file a police report,” Texas State wrote.
Local law enforcement agencies and UPD do not need to submit a CSA report. Texas State contacts those agencies based on jurisdiction and asks if any Clery crimes were reported.
“If we receive information that a Clery crime occurred within the applicable times and locations, they are added to the report,” a university spokesperson wrote.
The U.S. Department of Education investigated Texas State for failing to accurately report crime statistics in 2016 and 2017. In response, the university implemented changes in 2019 by introducing the eFORCE system and hiring staff to monitor Clery Act numbers daily.
“We implemented a Clery [Act] Data Integrity Subcommittee, and we’ve added several positions,” Bakre said. “The way that we hold ourselves accountable and in compliance has drastically changed and improved since 2016 or 2017.”
One of those positions is Jacobs’ position, which was established in 2020, according to Bakre.
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, established by Congress in 1990, was named after Jeanne Clery, a college freshman who was raped and murdered in her dorm in 1986 at Lehigh University in Pennsylvania. Her death brought national attention to unreported campus crimes, leading to stricter requirements for crime reporting and campus safety.
Some safety resources offered by Texas State to students include Bobcat Safe Rides, Emergency Call Boxes and safety training classes.
FROM FRONT CITY
FROM FRONT CRIME
INFOGRAPHIC BY SARAH MANNING
INFOGRAPHIC BY TANNER BROWN
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
Main Point: False threats harm all students
entire publication.
By Editorial Board
The fear of school shootings is present in young people all over the U.S. On Tuesday, Sept. 24, San Marcos High School (SMHS) students experienced that fear in real time after a false active shooter threat forced them into lockdown.
Though there is relief in the falseness of the threat, it was still extremely alarming for those involved. False threats in San Marcos and at Texas State must be addressed due to the impact they can have on students.
The call the San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) received on Tuesday sounded like a student calling to report an armed individual, and two gunshots went off before the call ended. SMPD confirmed the call was spoofed.
Since the school year started, there has been a wave of shooting threats throughout Central Texas. Bastrop ISD, Pflugerville ISD, Austin ISD, Hays CISD and San Marcos CISD all experienced threats resulting in action from law enforcement.
Hays CISD’s chief safety and security officer, Jeri Strocki, said since Aug. 13, there were five cases of violent threats in Hays CISD. These cases resulted in student arrests and were not the product of a swatting incident like the one at SMHS on Tuesday. Strocki said she suspects swatting incidents will only increase.
“I suspect that we will see more and more [spoofing],” Strocki said. “Spoofing is a very real threat, anonymizers are out there, they’ve been out there and that’s absolutely frightening.”
Texas State has also fallen victim to false threats that disrupt campus events and classes. Various bomb threats impacted students, including a threat that evacuated five residence halls in January. Bomb threats at Texas State instill fear in students and fracture the campus’ sense of safety.
Going through an active shooter protocol is also jarring for students as they prepare for worst-case scenarios.
Sawyer Barnett, a freshman at SMHS, said the active shooter threat was frightening.
“[The teacher] turned the light off and put us in the corner,” Barnett said. “I texted my mom, I texted my family. I was scared, I’m not going to lie.”
Decriminalizing fentanyl test strips in Texas will save lives
By Jolee Gavito Opinions Contributor
Fentanyl test strips (FTS) are a potential life saving measure that must be decriminalized in the state of Texas.
Of Texans aged 15-24 years old, 411 died of a fentanyl overdose in 2023. Fentanyl-related deaths are showing no signs of slowing down as there have been 142 deaths in the same age range this year.
FTS are a “harm reduction tool” that can detect fentanyl in different drugs and drug forms. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FTS are an incredibly important resource in preventing overdoses due to their low-cost and easy access in stores such as CVS and Walgreens.
“Criminalizing addiction, rather than treating it as a public health issue, has driven [individuals] into the shadows, where unregulated drugs such as fentanyl flourish,” Avery Guggenheim, political science senior and Texas State Democrats President, said. “Our leaders must act now to decriminalize these life-saving tools and take control of the substance supply to ensure that no more lives are needlessly lost.”
According to the Network for Public Health Law, in recent years, nearly 40 states decriminalized FTS. Despite this, FTS are classified as a Class C Misdemeanor in Texas, which is punishable by a $500 fine.
Texas lawmakers argue FTS fall under the umbrella of drug paraphernalia and therefore encourage people to abuse illegal drugs.
Though Gov. Greg Abbott has taken steps to combat the fentanyl crisis, he has continuously turned a blind eye on FTS and craned his neck, along with the majority of the Texas Senate, toward the border for blame.
The Texas House of Representatives passed Texas House Bill 362, otherwise known as
the fentanyl strip bill, in 2023. However, the bill died in the Republican-majority Texas Senate due to lawmakers believing it would influence people to use drugs.
If decriminalized in Texas, FTS have the strong potential to prevent accidental death. Fentanyl can be hidden in drinkable liquids such as water, solid digestive items and pills. Guggenheim said she lost her best friend, Savannah Crownover, to a fentanyl related accident.
There must be another bill passed for the decriminalization of FTS. It should not be too much to ask for Texas citizens to receive the bare minimum regarding potential overdose safety.
“We cannot continue to turn a blind eye to watch our community suffer, while families are being torn apart by tragedy that could be avoided,” Guggenheim said.
For now, one of the best options in fighting the fentanyl crisis is the nasal spray, Naloxone (Narcan). Texas State offers free Narcan to all students and staff at various locations on campus such as the Health Center.
Texas State students must be aware of potential dangers that have the ability to take lives. Ignoring the issue at hand will not make it disappear; action must be taken to fight the fentanyl crisis.
- Jolee Gavito is a journalism sophomore
After the incident at SMHS on Tuesday, the school is providing additional counseling services to students.
SMPD is currently working to investigate the caller’s origin. However, there is a bigger issue at hand. School shootings and gun violence plague schools all over the nation, and criminals and scammers are capitalizing on it.
Texas has the second highest number of school shootings in America, and it is home to some of the deadliest school shootings in history. The threat of gun violence in schools is high, especially because of Texas’ loose gun restrictions.
There must be serious consequences after a false threat. Because of the influx of violent threats, Hays CISD implemented a program called “Threat Regret,” which aims to communicate to students how serious threats are. San Marcos CISD should consider doing the same.
Though it is important for school districts to implement programs, the weight of each incident should not fall solely on them. Government officials must be aware of the effects loose laws have on students and faculty. Not only are school shootings incredibly present, but false threats such as the one that occurred Tuesday are only going to worsen if action isn’t taken.
Violent and false threats are common right now among Central Texas schools, and students shouldn’t have to live in fear. San Marcos must work diligently to investigate the false threat on Tuesday in order to prevent this from happening again.
LinkedIn is essential for TXST students seeking employment
By Madison Green Opinions Columnist
People who don’t find LinkedIn interesting or useful don’t properly utilize it. LinkedIn has many resources Texas State students should take advantage of.
With graduation in the near future, it is vital for seniors to establish a LinkedIn presence. However, it is just as important for underclassmen to ramp up their LinkedIn usage, as internships for 2025 are starting to open applications.
One of the main focuses of LinkedIn is assisting in job searching. Because of this, many students don’t utilize the app until they are actively seeking a job. However, the sooner students start using LinkedIn, the more benefits they can receive.
LinkedIn can help students solidify their career choices. The app has a feature where students can look up Texas State alumni in their desired field and connect. Through reaching out to these alumni connections, students can learn more about what it is like to work in their desired jobs.
Ross Wood, associate director of Career Services, said there are many past alumni that current students can easily reach out to via LinkedIn for an informational interview regarding their current jobs.
“We have 188,000 Bobcats accessible to us in a few clicks,” Wood said. “Touch base with a fellow Bobcat who has been in the same seat you’ve been in. Pick their brain a little bit and see how you could be successful someday too.”
- Madison Green is a psychology and advertising senior
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.
Scan the QR code to continue reading this column
The Main Point is an opinion written by The University Star’s Editorial Board. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of our
ILLUSTRATION BY DEVON CREW
ILLUSTRATION BY JARELL CARR
Originally written by Thornton Wilder in 1938, “Our Town” focuses on the lives of the Gibbs and Webb families who live in the fictional town of Grover’s Corners between 1901-1913. Lee plays the Stage Manager, who appears onstage, as he speaks to the audience and voices a few minor characters. He agreed to do the role to pass down what he knew to the next generation and because of a particular scene of the play he liked that aligned with its history.
[Acknowledging one another] feels like a living, breathing organism and ecosystem that we’ve created onstage where we’re bridging the gap between this narrator character and the characters in the scene.”
“Dramatically, the third act of [‘Our Town’] just sold me on wanting to do it,” Lee said. “It’s about life, marriage and death and all the things before it happens.”
The department’s “Our Town” also includes a feature different from other interpretations: a new “Ghost” character. They will shadow Lee in the play and act as his understudy if he cannot do the play. Jack Smith, associate professor and “Our Town” costumer designer, said Ghost got their name due to the intense color palette of the cast and they will match with the Stage Manager.
“I wanted the world of the living to be very rigid and unbending, so straight lines, plaids, that sort of thing became that world,” Smith said. “If that’s the living, the dead have to be the opposite of that, so florals and organic shapes and curves.”
For most of “Our Town,” all the cast members will be on the stage. Kevin Engel, acting
senior and Dr. Gibbs in “Our Town,” said Lee helped the cast engage more with their roles by serving as a liaison for the action taking place in the scene, having everyone collectively work together onstage.
“[Acknowledging one another] feels like a living, breathing organism and ecosystem that we’ve created onstage where we’re bridging the gap between this narrator character and the characters in the scene,” Engel said.
Scan the QR code for more information on “Our Town.”
Theatre junior Illiana Perez (Left) plays Emily Webb alongside theatre junior Nicholas May (Right), playing as George Gibbs, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, outside the Theatre Building.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN JURGEMEYER
Theatre junior Nicholas May(Left), playing as George Gibbs, gazes into the eyes of theatre junior Illiana Perez (Right), as Emily Webb, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, at Rhea’s Ice Cream.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN JURGEMEYER
Kevin Engel Acting senior playing Dr. Gibbs in “Our Town”
This Week at Texas State
a philosophy
Cornell University Assistant Professor, Alice J. Lee, presents Asian American history as American history during
dialogue, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, at the San Marcos Public Library.
PHOTO BY KHANG LE
PHOTO BY NATHALIE YANEZ
Texas State junior lieutenant Skylar Sherman performs during the halftime show at the H-Town Showdown against Sam Houston State, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at NRG Stadium.
PHOTO BY KHANG LE
Texas State Rugby members William Turner (Left) and Kyle Tucker (Right) celebrate their victory against UTSA, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, at the West Campus Soccer Fields.
PHOTO BY CARLENE OTTAH
Psychology senior Alexis Haro (Left) and public relations junior Gabriella Jimenez (Right) look at their class rings, Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, at the LBJ Ballroom. The two of them were friends since high school.
PHOTO BY KHANG LE
Texas State rugby member Cole Douglass celebrates victory against UTSA with his team, Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, at the West Campus Soccer Fields.
PHOTO BY MANDALYN LEWALLEN
Texas State freshman lieutenant Molly Bender performs during the halftime show at the H-Showdown against Sam Houston State, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at NRG Stadium.
After rushing for -17 yards in the first quarter, Sam Houston State made schematic changes and returned to its brand of football. The Bearkats rushing yard totals for the second, third and fourth quarters were 136, 83 and 112, respectively.
The Bearkats entered the matchup struggling to protect redshirt junior quarterback Hunter Watson and early in the game those struggles continued as the Texas State defense sacked Watson three times.
However, the adjustment to running the ball prevented heavy pressure applied to Watson and helped him get into a rhythm.
Texas State committed nearly double the amount of penalties that Sam Houston State did, as the Bobcats had 11 penalties for 88 yards, and the Bearkats had six penalties for 40 yards.
After stopping Sam Houston State near the goal line, redshirt junior corner Joshua Eaton received an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, giving the Bearkats a new set of downs. The Bearkats then went on to put the ball in the endzone.
Another personal foul on redshirt senior offensive lineman Chayse Todd cost the Bobcats. After the 15-yard penalty moved the team back, Texas State redshirt junior kicker Mason Shipley missed a 36-yard field goal.
“It’s just frustrating when you lose a game like that. We played well at times. Just penalties and turnovers are going to get you,” Texas State Head
Coach G.J. Kinne said. “We have to come together, coach better and have to be more disciplined. That is the bottom line. We have to be more disciplined if you’re going to win the games.”
On the same missed 36-yard field goal drive, Texas State faced a third and 10, and the offense opted for a four-yard pass. The team scrambled on the sideline before quickly sending out the field goal unit. Shipley nailed the 36-yarder before Kinne iced his own kicker by calling a timeout, and he missed the following attempt.
The timeout used before Shipley’s missed kick proved valuable later on. The Bearkats drained the clock on their way down to kick the game-winning field goal, and Texas State had zero timeouts left.
Texas State’s special team woes did not end there. Junior wide receiver Kole Wilson muffed a punt during the second quarter, setting up Sam Houston State deep in Bobcat territory. The Bearkats capitalized on the mistake and put the ball in the endzone shortly after. Wilson muffed another punt during the game but was fortunate to be able to jump on top of it before the Bearkats.
Now facing back-to-back losses, Texas State has another quick turnaround as it will travel to play
Troy University, the defending Sun Belt Conference Champions to open up conference play.
Kickoff between Texas State and Troy is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3, at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Troy, Alabama. The game will be available to stream on ESPNU.
High jumper transfer aims to bring national championship to Texas State
By R.J. Porcher Sports Contributor
Former Arkansas Razorback high jumper Kason O’Riley is ready to start his final year of collegiate track and field at Texas State.
O’Riley spent his sophomore and junior years at the University of Arkansas. O’Riley said he decided to transfer because the coaches made him feel at home.
“Coach [Kendall Gustafson] and Coach Frazier; they’re great people,” O’Riley said. “As far of coaches I’ve had so far, they’re the most personal. They make you feel at home as soon as you get here.”
O’Riley competed in many different events in track and field such as high jump, long jump and the 300 meter hurdles. He found a love for the high jump because of his mom, who was a former high jumper.
“My mom, she high jumped in high school and college,” O’Riley said. “She had the state record in Arkansas for 14 years and she was the first women signee at Arkansas State University for women’s squad. Growing up she would go help people all the time for high jump, and I would go out there and watch her.”
Texas State jumps coach Kendall Gustafson said she wouldn’t be surprised if O’Riley competed at an extremely high level this season.
“[He is] more than capable of doing that, but other people aren’t expecting it,” Gustafson said. “It would just make me super proud.”
In five of the nine meets he competed in the 2024 season, the Texas native finished in the top three.
O’Riley said he has the same level of excitement for both the indoor and outdoor season; though he feels as if he has something to prove during the indoor season.
“I’ve made the nation championship for outdoors, but I have not made one for indoors yet,” O’Riley said. “Indoors, I have something to prove. I’ve always missed it by a centimeter or two, and it bugs me. I’ve always dreamed about winning a national championship in college, and this is my last year to do it.”
O’Riley said he has lofty goals coming into the season, including winning a national championship.
“Coach [Kendall Gustafson] has a great plan to help me get to my goals,” O’Riley said. “I have plans to win the conference, both indoor and outdoor. I have another plan to try and win nationals for them or place top three. I just feel like they could help me succeed to jump around the heights I want to jump like 7-5 and 7-6.”
When asked about post-college plans, O’Riley said he hopes to qualify for and compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympic Games
for the U.S. Track and Field Team.
“I’m hoping to jump good enough and be able to get a pro contract; if not, get a contract straight out of college, just work toward it,” O’Riley said. “Just keep on working and try to figure out what to do going into the Olympic year 2028. See what happens and try to make that team.”
O’Riley qualified for the NCAA Championship in high jump his freshman year after clearing 7-0.5 (2.15) at the NCAA preliminary rounds. He won the silver medal that same year after clearing 7-2.25 (2.19) during the Big 12 Championship meet. He also recently competed
during the Olympic trials for Team USA in June.
O’Riley will compete in the high jump for the maroon and gold on Jan. 25, 2025, during the Ted Nelson Invitational.
Texas State freshman wide receiver Jordan Martin (14) and his teammates celebrate his touchdown during the game against Sam Houston State, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, at NRG Stadium.
Texas State senior high jumper Kason O’RIley takes a photo during track and field media day, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, at Strahan Arena.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXAS STATE ATHLETICS
PHOTO BY MANDALYN LEWALLEN