January 29, 2019

DEFENDING THE FIRST AMENDMENT SINCE 1911 TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2019

@universitystar | universitystar.com

Volume 108, Issue 16

From the ashes: Iconic Village to rebuild apartments destroyed in blaze

By Sandra Sadek News Editor

Two Iconic Village and Vintage Pads buildings are to be reconstructed following a July 2018 blaze that killed five residents and displaced over 200. The new buildings will be up to the latest fire Workers demolish the burned Iconic Village code and will include a memorial apartments Jan.15 on North LBJ Drive. for the five killed students PHOTO BY JADEN EDISON After a months-long investigation,

the deadly fire at 222 Ramsay St. was ruled incendiary by fire officials during a Nov. 30 city-held press conference. The San Marcos Fire Department is offering a $10,000 reward for any information that may lead to the apprehension of a suspect. Individuals with any information can call the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives at 888-283-8477.

The over-40-year-old apartment

complex's fire safety equipment was grandfathered into code compliance, meaning it wasn't up to modern standards but was given a pass. Now, the proposed two three-story buildings will feature 60 new units within the up-to-date fire code, meaning there will be sprinklers, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in every unit or every 75 feet in common areas.

SEE RECONSTRUCTION PAGE 2

Government shutdown hits close to home

By Diana Furman & Jenna Carroll Life & Arts Editor & Life & Arts Contributor

(TOP) Students use new self-serving kiosk Jan. 25 at Jones Dining Hall.

PHOTO BY CAMERON HUBBARD

(BOTTOM) Jones Dining Center, one of the 5 dining halls throughout Texas State's campus.

PHOTO BY RAYLENE NORIEGA

BITTERSWEET JONES No-cash self-serve kiosks dish out controversy on time and cost efficiency

By Samantha Guerrero News Reporter Jones Dining Hall's new cashless kiosks have sparked concerns over the efficiency of the initiative and whether student employees' jobs will be at risk.

Chartwells, the company overseeing on-campus dining services, claims the kiosks will aid on-the-go students and improve the university's commitment to enhancing technological usage. According to Root, workers will be stationed by the kiosks during the first few weeks to aid in the transition.

"It's basically the way of the future," Director of Auxilary Services John Root said. "There are a lot of restaurants in the retail world that are becoming more commonplace. It takes out the human interaction so to speak, so students can probably do more things. You can order quickly and pay at the kiosks."

The kiosks debuted at the top of the semester, and though they may save some time, some students have had trouble with the kiosks and think they are an ineffective

LIFE & ARTS Turn down the music and turn up the podcast SEE PAGE | 4

replacement. While using one of the kiosks, Twitter user @ Hannah_white23 said she accidentally ordered 23 coffees.

"Dear txst, Please uninstall the kiosks. Robots are not a replacement for humans.

Love, the girl who accidentally ordered 23 coffees."

Others, like international studies freshman Jake Mouer, thinks the kiosks haven't impacted the day-to-day bustle in Jones and that they're a little easier to use. He believes it is pretty much the same as it was before the kiosks were placed.

"I think that they're easy to use," Mouer said. "People aren't used to it, so it'll bother them if something goes wrong or if they mix up their orders."

Dining Services informed student workers of the change and told all cashier workers they would be reassigned to different stations. At this time, The University Star is working on obtaining physical evidence to back this claim, as well as to see if any work hours would be scaled back.

Manuel Zapata, an international studies sophomore and a Jones Dining Hall employee, believes the new kiosk system might make the job easier.

SEE DINING PAGE 2

OPINIONS #studentpressfreedom is an investment in democracy SEE PAGE | 7

SPORTS This bobcat doesn't give a puck SEE PAGE | 10

President Trump has recently announced a temporary lift on the government shutdown after 35 days.

1,500 of miles away from DC, central Texans are beginning to feel the burdening effects.

The shutdown has been temporarily lifted as of Jan. 25. President Trump announced the government will shutdown again on Feb. 15 if no consensus is met.

The shutdown has been in effect since Dec. 22, resulting from a disagreement over a bill regarding border security. It was the third government shutdown in 2018 and the longest lasting in U.S. history.

The shutdown is partial, meaning it began when most government agencies have already received appropriate funding. Payment to federal employees not paid through congressional appropriations is not affected. Congress members continue to receive pay.

While payment to federal workers ceased during the 35 days, payment for work during the shutdown should be disbursed now the government has reopened, though it is not guaranteed.

President Trump proposed a counteroffer Jan. 14 in exchange for $5.7 billion in border wall funding. His proposal offered temporary protections for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals beneficiaries and temporary protected status holders.

The following week of Jan. 25, the Senate voted against his proposal and a bill proposed by Democrats that offered a clean stop to the shutdown.

Over 670,000 federal employees are unionized by the The American Federation of Government Employees.

However, AFGE cannot provide funds for federal workers during the shutdown because workers must be on labor strike.

A strike is not an option, due to a law banning the action that was passed in 1978 under President Carter.

While some federal employees are expected to work without pay during the shutdown, others are furloughed: granted a temporary leave of absence.

Texas Congressman Dan Crenshaw recently tweeted that the House GOP voted to pay federal furloughed employees their first paycheck in 2019.

However, it failed to gain enough Democratic votes and did not pass.

SEE SHUTDOWN PAGE 4

PHOTO ESSAY Student remember Martin Luther King Jr. in annual march SEE PAGE | 6

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

Editors Editor-in-Chief: Carrington Tatum, stareditor@txstate.edu Managing Editor: Sawyer Click, starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu Associate Managing Editor: Bayley Bogus, starmanagingeditor@txstate.edu News Editor: Sandra Sadek, starnews@txstate.edu Life & Arts Editor: Diana Furman, lifeandarts@txstate.edu Opinions Editor: Carissa Liz Castillo, staropinion@txstate.edu Sports Editor: Jakob Rodriguez, starsports@txstate.edu Design Editor: Gloria Rivera, stardesign@txstate.edu Multimedia Editor: Cameron Hubbard, starmultimedia@txstate.edu Engagement Editor: Holly Hearn, starsengagement@txstate.edu

Advertising Staff Account Executive: Katy Goerss starad3@txstate.edu Account Executive: Carmel Lujan starad4@txstate.edu

2 | Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Sandra Sadek | News Editor

The University Star

Former mayor attempts to duck campaign ad payments

By Geoff Sloan News Reporter After losing his re-election bid last November, former San Marcos Mayor John Thomaides attempted to not pay previously negotiated campaign advertising costs owed to The University Star.

Originally due on Dec. 6, 2018, the former mayor waited until Jan. 25, 2019, to make the final payment, citing exhausted campaign funds for the inability to pay $1,084.50 in advertising costs. When prompted for the outstanding payment by University Star director and faculty adviser Laura Krantz throughout December and January, Thomaides was not willing to pay incurred obligations to The Star.

In a phone call between Krantz and Thomaides, Thomaides attempted to renegotiate the terms of the advertising

invoice The Star provided him.

The invoice, signed by Thomaides' campaign manager Katie Orr, included two campaign advertisements in The Star's print editions for Oct. 23 and 30, 2018.

According to Thomaides' January 2019 filing of political expenditures and contributions through the Texas Ethics Commission, other expenditures were made, like advertising, but The Star's invoice was the only unpaid incurred obligation from the 2018 campaign.

The invoice is also the only advertising invoice that has either been defaulted on or attempted to be defaulted on with The Star.

The January 2019 filing details two separate political expenditures made from political contributions paid from the campaign to Thomaides as partial reimbursements of expenses totaling $9,147.56. The January filing also

shows political contributions from various sources paid to the campaign after the election as late as Dec. 28, continuing past the Dec. 6 advertising due date with The Star.

Shortly after being contacted about this story, the advertising costs were paid-in-full to The Star by the Thomaides campaign. Orr was contacted for a comment about the situation Jan. 25 and declined to comment. Shortly thereafter, the payment came through to The Star.

Thomaides was contacted afterward, declined to accept an interview and said, "you do your story and I'll be communicating directly with Dr. Trauth."

The University Star will continue updating this story as information comes available.

FROM FRONT DINING

"(Dining Services) explained that no jobs were in danger. No one is losing their job or anything. Only thing that is going to change is that the cashiers' job will no longer be available," Zapata said. "So now, they will be helping serve customers (and) the new system isn't affecting anyone really."

According to Root, the plan is to completely eliminate paper cash. This has caused some issues among students,

like psychology freshman Kindalynn Ortega. She said going completely cashless is unfair to students who can only pay with cash.

"Not everyone has a card," Ortega said. "Upperclassmen don't have a meal plan and some people can't have a debit card. It's not fair to people who can only pay with cash."

At the center of campus, Jones holds six food options for students, faculty

and staff. At this point, there won't be kiosks in any other dining hall, but if the initiative is successful, Texas State will look at adding them in Commons Dining Hall and Harris Dining Hall.

For more information, visit Texas State's Dining Services website.

The University Star will continue updating this story as information comes available.

FROM FRONT RECONSTRUCTION

Account Executive: Jazmine Barrios starad1@txstate.edu Account Executive: Mykl Miller. starad2@txstate.edu

Full-Time Staff Director: Laura Krantz, laurakrantz@txstate.edu Student Publications Cordinator: Mayra Mejia, mm1894@txstate.edu

Advertise With Us For advertising inquiries, please contact us at advertising@universitystar.com.

512-245-2261

About Us History: The University Star is the student newspaper of Texas State University and is published every Tuesday of the spring and fall and once a month in the summer semesters.

It is distributed on campus and throughout San Marcos at 8 a.m. on publication days with a distribution of 5,000. Printing and distribution is by the New Braunfels HeraldZeitung.

Copyright: Copyright Tuesday, January 29, 2019. 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 are brought to our attention will be corrected as soon as possible.

Visit The Star at universitystar.com

The aftermath of the deadly July 20 fire at Iconic Village Apartments.

PHOTO BY CAMERON HUBBARD

Amanda Hernandez, development services manager for the city, said the new apartments will have to pass a fire inspection before it can be inhabited.

According to the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals' Jan. 17 agenda packet, old units will be refitted with fire extinguishers, new smoke alarms and building alterations to slow a fire's pace. These are the only concrete steps given for old units, but Matt Goebel, a representative for San Marcos Green Investors, the apartment's owners, stated more change could come.

"The ownership is also committed to working with the Fire Marshall and other City staff to explore additional retrofit options," stated the agenda packet, submitted by Goebel.

Goebel's request on behalf of San Marcos Green Investors to request to the Zoning Board of Adjustments and Appeals for the right to rebuild the destroyed multifamily units was passed 4-1 on Jan. 17. Rick Henderson, board member and a senior political science lecturer at Texas State, was the only one to vote against the request.

Elise Rosen, a former Iconic Village resident, urged the board to vote against the request during the Jan. 17 hearing,

citing poor management.

"We were treated very poorly, especially for the amount we were paying," Rosen said. "They don't need more buildings on top of the people who lost their lives."

At this time, Goebel said there is no timeline for the construction so far since no building permits have been submitted yet. Demolition of the burned-down buildings began in December 2018 and is ongoing.

Brian Kyle Frizzell, a former Iconic Village resident and brother to Haley Frizzell, said its "absolutely disgusting" the request was "approved in secret" and that families and residents were not notified.

"If my family and I had known, we would have fought this decision," Frizzell said. "Now, the city of San Marcos is complicit in their treacherous money-grubbing tactics. I'm extremely disappointed in our city council and its utter lack of compassion for the students of San Marcos."

A memorial space is expected to be created to honor the killed residents: Haley Michele Frizzell, David Ortiz, Dru Estes, James Miranda and Belinda Moats.

The design has yet to be announced.

"The apartment complex thinks that

'considering a memorial' is enough to make up for their gross negligence but it is not. It never will be," Frizzell said.

The memorial hasn't been set in stone yet, according to Goebel, but the owners are expected to seek input and feedback from residents on what it should look like.

"The memorial idea has been discussed since the early days after the fire and has always been a part of our vision for the reconstruction," Goebel said.

The owners are also requesting permits for non-conforming rights already in place prior to the fire to be reinstated.

This would allow the reconstruction to exceed the base zoning density of 24 units per acre to 28 units per acre; the reconstruction and restriping of the non-conforming parking area; the reconstruction of the units reflecting improved, but not full, compliance with the current multi-family design standards; and to allow other minor areas of non-conformity to allow for the reconstruction indicated on the attached conceptual plan.

The University Star will continue updating this story as information comes available.

LIFE & ARTS

The University Star

Diana Furman | Life & Arts Editor

Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | 3

BEAUTY

Art exhibit breaks down unrealistic beauty standards

By Ivy Sandoval Life & Arts Reporter Society often upholds an unrealistic standard of beauty for women based on plastic surgery and extreme diets.

However, one local art exhibit is defying those expectations.

The National Bold Beauty Project showcases women with varying disabilities along with their personal stories. The project seeks to raise awareness of women’s strength and spirit, and in the process, change perceptions of "typical" beauty.

The project began nationally in 2006 as Uncensored Life: Raw Beauty, a photography show that benefited the Center for Independent Living.

Shelly Baer, a licensed clinical social worker and Vanessa Silberman, active in public relations, had a goal to create a story of women with disabilities that would shatter all preconceived beauty paradigms.

After the one show in 2006, the project was not launched again until 2015, with a new team and commitment to helping women embrace their inner and outer beauty. The show was displayed in Washington D.C. as a fundraiser for United Cerebral Palsy and the Association of University Centers on Disabilities.

Additionally, the photos were displayed as exhibits in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., before moving to Texas. The team seeks to find local models from each state the exhibit progresses to.

The exhibit is a series of photos displaying women with disabilities. The models chose their own poses, settings and ways of telling their stories. The photos present the idea that, outside of popular culture, there are real women who fight daily battles in living with various disabilities.

Bob Cook, project leader and photographer, said the photographs aim to assist the audience in developing an

Photos of models in Texas Bold Beauty Project January 23.

PHOTO BY IVY SANDOVAL

appreciation for what the models have lived through.

“As a man these (women) could be my sister, mother, wife, girlfriend or daughter," Cook said. "The realities of these women is astonishing."

Paige Lambert, model with TAR Syndrome for the Texas Bold Beauty Project, said she hopes to change others' perspectives of beauty.

“I get to show other women what it’s like to embrace their differences and that identity is not based on how you

look, what you do or how successful you are,” Lambert said. “My hope is that I can change one person’s perspective on their own differences or the differences of those around them until a whole generation is changed forever.”

Diana Stevens, member of the San Marcos Activity Center, attended the exhibit. She said the stories were beautiful and caused her to become emotional.

“I really enjoyed these photos and the stories,” Stevens said. “(The exhibit) is so amazing. These stories really brought me

to tears.”

The project functions as a way to expand the perspective and standards of beauty. It aims to provide inspiration and courage and encourages people to embrace what society may deem as flaws.

The exhibit will be on display in the San Marcos Activity Center until Feb. 15. It is open weekdays from 6 a.m.- 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

More information on the models' stories and other locations of the project can be found at texasboldbeauty.com

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4| Tuesday, January 29, 2019

CAREER

How To: Prepare a resume

By May Olvera Life & Arts Contributor The first step to getting a job is building a solid resume. The pressure of creating the perfect showcase of knowledge and experience can be overwhelming for any job applicant, but there are various tips that will set Bobcats up for success in landing their dream job.

1. TAILOR THE RESUME One of the most important things for students to remember is that a single version of a resume will not translate positively to every job application.

Madison Tabersmith, career advisor, said it is a good idea to have a long, detailed document that lays out all of the applicant’s experience. Then, pull information from that document to craft a resume that is directed to a specific job.

“The biggest point we’ll drive home is that it needs to be tailored, it needs to speak the same language that the employer is speaking,” Tabersmith said.

Recent Texas State graduate Nick Laughlin snatched a prestigious internship with NPR in Washington D.C. immediately after graduating.

Laughlin said he credits a tailored resume as part of the reason he was offered an interview and an internship.

“I think that NPR were most interested in how my experience translated to their job posting," Laughlin said. "Really tailor your application to what they are looking for."

Diana Furman | Life & Arts Editor

The University Star

PODCAST

Turn down the music and turn up the podcast

By Brianna Benitez Life & Arts Contributor Racism, sexuality and self-love can be difficult topics to discuss. However, one student-run podcast is sparking conversation about these issues.

Womyn of Content is a studentrun podcast that aims to bring awareness to discrimination, minority representation and women. The podcast is lead by Asia Daggs, digital media senior, Jenise Jackson and Alexandra Cochran, public relations seniors.

Womyn of Content was launched in early spring 2018 as a branch of KTSW’s podcasts. Daggs, Jackson and Cochran were all part of the web content team. The podcast began after Daggs was asked to fill the position of her former director. At the time, Jackson was the writer for the web content team and Cochran was creating YouTube videos for KTSW. Womyn of Content was only a part of KTSW for a semester. After creative differences and personal obligations, the members of Womyn of Content decided it would be best to pursue the podcast sans KTSW. “We have very distinctive voices on our own, so it was hard to dial back when we’re so passionate,” Daggs said.

Additionally, Daggs, Jackson and Cochran did not like the limitations placed on their creativity.

“There were things I wanted to write about but I just didn't have the freedom to write about them,” Jackson said.

Most importantly, the members of Womyn of Content wanted their podcast to be a voice for women, yet they felt their own voices were being silenced by KTSW. Now that Womyn of Content has separated from the university's radio station, they have many goals they wish to achieve in the near future.

Goals for members of Womyn of Content include getting on a biweekly upload schedule and launching their podcast on both Apple Podcast and Spotify.

"We want to bring people on and interview them," Jackson said.

"Especially women of color and women in the work field."

Although running a podcast on their own has not been easy, the members of Womyn of Content are extremely proud of their work and find comfort in discussing opinions and passions.

“Every time we finish recording it’s like leaving a therapy session,” Cochran said.

Daggs said running a podcast, while time consuming, is a lot of fun.

“When I first got into it, I thought it would be a lot of work but it eventually turned into being the love of my life,” Daggs said.

Womyn of Content was created

with hopes of bringing awareness to more current events in the future like black women in healthcare and discrimination of minority communities. The podcast targets issues that are often swept under the rug or considered controversial.

“I think there's a big genocide on our people (women of color)," Daggs said. "There are so many things hindering us from being a prospering community so I really just want to bring awareness to those things."

Womyn of Content currently has four episodes available on SoundCloud. Each episode discusses a variety of topics; racism on campus, the lack of representation of minority women in media, the importance of sexual education and beauty tips.

"Sexuality and Stigmas is one of my favorite episodes because it (includes matters) that aren't expected to be talked about," Cochran said. "I just think conversation lacks in our age group, especially with women in their early 20s."

In between the giggly jokes, the members engage in conversations begging to be addressed. The podcast is a celebration of different personalities, identities and backgrounds.

To learn more about Womyn of Content check out their Twitter @ WomynofContent and SoundCloud page.

2. KEEP IT SHORT While academic CV’s are meant to be long and exhaustive, resumes are better left short, sweet and filled with only the most relevant information.

“I like to use the term ‘write tight’ when writing a resume because we try to get them down to one page if possible,” Tabersmith said.

Because employers are often looking through a bulk of applications, they don’t always have the time to look through information that is not relevant to the job posting. It is important to only include information that is directly related to the prospective job.

3. PAY ATTENTION TO THE COVER LETTER With little space to expand on experience, the cover letter becomes extremely useful in introducing new concepts that otherwise wouldn’t fit into a resume.

Tabersmith said it is a great way for applicants to align their values with that of the employer. It is helpful and proactive to do research on the company or organization and see what core values are important to them.

Because cover letters are meant to be extremely job-specific, it is once again vital to tailor it effectively.

BONUS: BUILD A PRESENCE ON LINKEDIN On top of building a great physical resume, it’s useful for students to create a presence on LinkedIn to help them connect with possible employers and helpful contacts. LinkedIn is especially helpful in facilitating communication between alumni using Texas State as a common thread to build professional relationships.

“LinkedIn is a great way to start conversations and informational interviews with people," Tabersmith said.

For more information on how to build a successful resume or to find out more about the resources provided by Career Services, visit their website or find them on the fifth floor of the LBJ Student Center.

Digital logo of the Women of Content.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WOMYN OF CONTENT

FROM FRONT GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN

Amya Oliver, University of Texas student, is feeling the repercussions of the shutdown. Her father, who works for the government, was furloughed.

She said it has not had a significant financial impact on her family, as they have accessible savings. She said they may be in trouble if the family did not have money saved.

“Honestly, I’m more concerned for other people than I am for my own family simply because I know that there are a lot of Americans who are forced to live paycheck to paycheck," Oliver said. “(I think it's hard) especially since the (government) shutdown happened close to Christmas time. I know that that's tough as any parent to look (your kids) in the eyes and say, ‘I’m sorry, we can’t afford Christmas presents.'”

According to CBS News, the government shutdown resulted in approximately 42,000 members of the Coast Guard to work without pay.

Sheridan Lewis, senior, is an active coast guard member. Lewis said she first felt effects of the shutdown when she did not receive her Jan. 15 paycheck.

“Normally I've volunteered at food banks, but this is the first time where I've ever actually had to go to a food bank (for a meal of my own),” Lewis said. “I’m having, for the first time, to actually take a loan out.”

Lewis said the government

shutdown has had an impact on her family as well. However, her parents have helped to ease her stress with financial and emotional support.

"I can't imagine other people right now that don't have the support like I do from my family,” Lewis said.

Lewis said some of her classmates are unaware of the shutdown, regardless of the fact it is a national issue.

"You’re just kind of shocked that it can affect (you) so significantly, yet it's not even a thought in someone else's mind,” Lewis said.

According to NPR, the government shutdown has caused court hearings regarding immigration to be canceled.

Anaelle Lahitte-Crohare, UT student, is currently awaiting her U.S. citizenship ceremony. Lahitte-Crohare moved to the U.S. from France in 2003 because of a job opportunity offered to her father.

Lahitte-Crohare filed for citizenship in April 2018 and had her interview Nov. 2018. The final step of the citizenship process is a naturalization ceremony, which typically occurs oneto-two months after the interview.

However, the shutdown has deterred Lahitte-Crohare's naturalization ceremony.

Lahitte-Crohare said it made sense for her to obtain citizenship, as she plans on going to medical school and it is more competitive to apply as an international student compared to an

American student.

Lahitte-Crohare has plans to go abroad in June, and said her citizenship must be received before getting a passport and being allowed to leave the country.

"I can't officially tell people I'm a citizen until after the ceremony so it's kind of frustrating just waiting for it to happen," Lahitte-Crohare said.

"Because even though I passed the test, I'm still not completely a citizen until the ceremony."

Lahitte-Crohare said she has not heard any update on whether or not her ceremony will take place since the shutdown has been lifted.

“I’ve lived here for most of my life, and I’m planning on staying here for the rest of my life as well,” LahitteCrohare said.

The Washington Post has provided in-depth information on how the shutdown can affect day-to-day lives.

Americans have joined forces to support one another during the 35-day-long shutdown. Websites have been created in order for people to buy beers for furloughed workers or raise money for those that have gone without pay.

With the shutdown temporarily lifted, the future is still uncertain for those that have been affected.

According to USA Today, it may take a while for pay and work to resume normally.

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6| Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Diana Furman | Life & Arts Editor

The University Star

Students march while holding signs advocating for African American justice and peace. The march took place at the 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Celebration Jan. 22 at LBJ Student Center.

PHOTO BY CHUBU NWADIEI

THIS IS OUR TIME T

exas State students marched from the LBJ mall Jan. 22 invoking the memory of Martin Luther King Jr. Modernizing his non-violent philosophy, they carried images of messages like, "brown skin is not a crime". The face of Trayvon Martin followed to remind onlookers of the often statesanctioned violence that disproportionately falls on the shoulders of young African-Americans.

Students placed an emphasis on action and urgency with the theme, This Is Our Time. The mantra demands that our community reject complacency and apply a fervor for justice that matches the severity of the injustices that maintain a comfortable residency in our society. "This is our time," calls into question any reason to delay on challenging the status quo. King provided the answer in a speech given at Southern Methodist University: "Somewhere we must come to see that human progress never rolls in on the wheels of inevitability. It comes through the time and persistent work of dedicated individuals who are willing to be co-workers with God. Without this hard work, time itself becomes an ally of the primitive forces of social stagnation and irrational emotionalism. We must help time and we must realize the time is always right to do right."

A student holds up a poster stating "Brown Skin Is Not A Crime" at the 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Celebration Jan. 22 at LBJ Student Center.

PHOTO BY CHUBU NWADIEI

(TOP LEFT) Students put on a demonstration at the 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Celebration Jan. 22 at LBJ Student Center.

(BOTTOM LEFT) Students hold up signs advocating for people rights at the 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Celebration Jan. 22 at LBJ Student Center.

(RIGHT) A student holds up a poster of Trayvon Martin at the 35th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Celebration Jan. 22 at LBJ Student Center.

PHOTO BY CHUBU NWADIEI

OPINIONS

The University Star

Carissa Liz Castillo | Opinions Editor

Tuesday, January 29, 2019 | 7

#StudentPressFreedom is an investment in democracy The rhetoric surrounding journalism in the Trump era is dangerous and hostile for journalists at large. In an age of fake news, shoddy journalism and Trump positioning the press as enemies of the American people, the First Amendment is consistently being brought into question. What this means for budding journalists, students especially, is that journalism’s landscape is rapidly changing, and a free student press is needed now more than ever. #studentpressfreedom allows the general public to obtain information about local, national and international issues from a wide variety of sources that ideally have no restrictions from the government placed on them. A free press is not only a vital component of informing the public, but it also is an essential cornerstone of democracy.

While all forms of the press are targets of anti-media rhetoric, student press is especially in danger. The First Amendment protects Americans’ rights to freedom of the press, but the student press doesn’t seem to receive the same respect for free speech from

their university administrations.

According to the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) and the Student Press Law Center (SPLC), student press censorship comes in the forms of prior restraint, prior review, funding denial, newspaper theft and the firing of student press advisors. These methods of intimidation and attempts to silence student press are unconstitutional and are dangerous to the freedom of expression.

Having committed or attempted a number of these offenses, Texas State remains one of the worst campuses for free speech according to the FIRE organization.

2018 marked the 30th anniversary of Hazelwood School District v.

Kuhlmeier, which was a court case that unleashed what is deemed a censorship tsunami for student press.

In a 5-3 vote, the Supreme Court ruled that when students at a primary and secondary level use a forum run by their educational institution—such as school newspapers—the school

can skim some First Amendment protections off the top. Schools no longer had to prove student press as disruptive in order to censor it.

The court case is a devastating setback for student journalists across America, and it shapes how some educational institutions handle student press. The former executive director of SPLC, Frank LoMonte, says that there are probably three times more journalists in America working for school credit than for a paycheck. However, unlike professional journalists, student press outlets do not always have the skills or financial means to combat censorship and/or the denial of access to public records.

Organizations such as the SPLC and New Voices assist student press outlets in finding legal help if they fall victim to the ruling of the Hazelwood case. The SPLC aims to promote, support and defend the rights of student journalists at the high school and college levels. New Voices is a project from the SPLC that works with advocates in law in order to create

more spaces for student voices at high schools and colleges.

These organizations are not the only ones who see the importance of protecting student media. Former journalists and current Virginia legislators Christ Hurst and Danica Roem introduced HB 2382, a bill backed by the SPLC that intends to allow student journalists at public elementary, secondary and higher education institutions the freedom of speech in school-sponsored media.

Private institutions are not protected under this bill, however.

Using student press to share information and tell stories from an array of diverse backgrounds should never be censored or repressed.

Attempting to gag student press hinders students from effective civic learning and devalues the First Amendment. Protecting student press is imperative to not only creating future journalists but also to developing citizens who are willing to challenge figures of authority when their rights are infringed upon.

The Main Point is the opinion of the newspaper’s editorial board. Columns are the opinions of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the full staff, Texas State University Student Media, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication or Texas State University.

EDUCATION

First-gen students need resources to combat unique disadvantages

By Carissa Liz Castillo Opinions Editor Higher-education leaders need to take steps to better support their firstgeneration learners.

Not everyone who attends college is fresh out of high school and enrolled as a full-time traditional student.

There are non-traditional students who enroll in college when they are older than 24, are supporting a family, are first-generation students, are financially independent, lack a traditional high school diploma, are part-time students or are military veterans. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 74 percent of undergrads fall into at least one of those categories, and many others fall into several.

When it comes to non-traditional students, particularly first-generation students, their needs are often swept under the rug. These students are at a disadvantage, as only 52 percent of first-generation students enroll in college right after high school compared to 82 percent of non-first generation students. Because firstgeneration students are often left without access to rigorous programs,

they tend to have increased drop-out rates.

First-gen students from lowincome households have a decreased graduation rate, with only 11 percent of them graduating within six years.

Students that fall into those categories, in addition to being a racial or ethnic minority, have an even higher risk for not graduating on time.

These statistics show that firstgeneration college students are a vulnerable population on college campuses and require special resources and increased involvement from their universities. Support from their institutions is vital for first-generation students to graduate successfully.

These students do not have a base to start their educational journey on, leaving them with fewer resources.

First-generation students in classes add greater diversity and different perspectives to discussions, proving that first-gen students are crucial to improved learning environments.

While first-gens help to advance the classroom, higher-education institutions are failing to maintain sufficient resources to support this vulnerable population.

Preparing first-gen students before

they even get to college might help contribute to their success in obtaining a degree. Collegereadiness programs help first-gens learn how to make connections with university professionals, giving the students a skill set that they weren’t privy to before. In college, joining campus organizations and creating a support group of friends helps social integration in the atmosphere new for first-gens.

First-gens who have high college social integration have greater enrollment and retention rates.

Furthermore, first-generation students who have easily accessible professors tend to have higher grades and greater academic success. Social integration and positive academic relations are two major assets in college social capital, leading to success in student’s college careers. Students who don’t have the resources to obtain social capital fall behind because they don’t have a steady foundation to build their academic careers on.

While first-generation students develop problem-solving skills navigating the college process alone, going their whole college career without guidance or a mentor

decreases their success level and these students end up lacking important skill sets needed after graduation.

Creating mentoring programs specifically for first-gen students is an important step in accommodating this population since first-generation college students are less likely than their non-first generation peers to have a mentor who is a college professor.

One step towards guaranteeing the success of first-generation students is for universities to first address, then explore the characteristics and issues that this unique population has. Developing programs or creating organizations with first-gen students' concerns in mind helps create a baseline of support where they can sympathize and uplift each other.

Higher-education leaders need to take steps to better support their firstgeneration learners. This population has many valuable and unique assets to add to college campuses, and with the right resources, they will be able to not only succeed in college but excel.

- Carissa Liz Castillo is an English senior

Letters to the Editor The University Star welcomes letters from our readers. Letters must be 500 words or fewer to be considered for publication. Please include your full name, mailing address, major and academic year designation, phone number and e-mail address when submitting a letter. Submissions that do not include this information cannot be published. This information is seen only by the editors and is not used for any commercial purpose. Letters become the property of The Star and may be republished in any format. The letter may be edited for length and clarity. You will be contacted if your letter is a candidate for publication. We will not run letters that are potentially libelous, discriminatory, obscene, threatening or promotional in nature. To make a submission, email stareditor@txstate.edu.

Letter to the editor: Firearm legislation to curb suicide Dear Editor, I commend news reporter Peyton Emmele for her superb reporting on the efforts of the San Marcos community to address the mental health issues affecting our young people.

This is a critically important topic, one that I hope The Star will continue to report on and will expand its coverage to include mental health

services on campus and the mental health issues that affect students at this university. Additionally, I’d like to expand upon the topic of suicide that was addressed in the article ran

by The Star.

According to the Texas Dept. of State Health Services, the most frequent method for committing suicide in Texas is by the use of a firearm. In this current session of the

Texas Legislature, we have the real opportunity to reverse this statistic by passing House Bill 316 and sending it onward for Gov. Greg Abbott to sign into law.

This bill provides funding for a public service announcement campaign informing Texans of proper safe storage practices for firearms, as well as touching on suicide prevention.

I urge my fellow Bobcats to contact their representatives in the Texas Legislature via capitol.texas. gov and urge for the passage of this critical piece of legislation.

From: Michael Clarke, junior, advertising

8| Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Carissa Liz Castillo | Opinions Editor

The University Star

NUTRITION

ILLUSTRATION BY ERIKKA POLK

Food insecurity in students leads to improper nutrition

By Carissa Liz Castillo Opinions Editor When thinking of the different types of college students, a “starving college student” who’s first meal is a cup of ramen at 4 p.m. comes into mind. This trope is supposedly a universal staple in college experiences, particularly the dorm experience.

Practicing improper nutrition and skipping meals have increasingly become normalized on college campuses. These tropes, however, are an unamusing reality for food-insecure students.

There are several reasons why college students are skipping meals.

Preparing meals is time-consuming, and a quarter of college students are both full-time workers and students who suffer from “time poverty.” After a long day of work and classes, many students arrive home with an empty stomach and don’t want to take an hour or two to prepare and cook a meal. The easiest solution is to dine out.

Most students don’t plan on skipping meals, however. They happen to do so a few times during a

particularly busy week or month, but skipping meals can easily switch from being circumstantial to habitual. It becomes etched into neural pathways, setting the decision-making part of the brain to sleep mode. So even though skipping meals isn’t always a decision students plan to make, it ends up becoming a part of their daily routine.

A solution to the issue of improper nutrition in college students is time management. While cooking at home does take more preparation time, it’s worthwhile in the end. The University of Washington Health Sciences/UW Medicine found that people who cook at home more often tend to have healthier diets with lower food expenses. They suggest meal prepping, which is planning and cooking your meals for the week on one day and storing the meals for later consumption, to cut down on the time it takes to prepare meals throughout the week.

Another reason students skip meals is the cost of food. Temple University and the Wisconsin HOPE Lab found in a survey of 43,000 students at 66 institutions in 20 states, 36 percent were food insecure. They also found

hunger insecurity disproportionately affects marginalized students who work long hours. The one-third of students who were food insecure either skipped meals or sacrificed home-cooked meals for fast food.

The study also found inflating college costs and inadequate aid packages alongside the growing enrollment of low-income students are to blame. Food insecurity is not a new issue, but it seems to be growing worse with the rising college costs and a stagnant minimum wage.

There are many unintended yet serious consequences that come with improper nutrition in college students. The Nutrition and Resources for Disabled Students and the Kendall Anderson Nutrition Center advise students to especially eat healthier when stressed because a poor diet can lead to decreased focus, energy and immunity. They also found a healthy diet can help students study better, have more energy and keep their minds focused.

Texas State states food insecurity is an issue that possibly up to 28 percent of its students face. To combat this, there is a program called Bobcat

Bounty which is a client-choice food pantry for students that is partnered with the Hays County Food Bank.

This program began in 2018 and is run by students under the direction of faculty from the Food Security Learning Community in the Nutrition and Foods program. Although students are the target group for this program, Bobcat Bounty is also open to those who are not affiliated with Texas State. The pantry is open on Thursdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

There are plenty of risks associated with not eating properly or at all. An unbalanced diet has both long- and short-term consequences. Short-term effects are decreased energy and focus, while the long-term effects include an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and cancer. Skipping meals and eating improperly should not be considered characteristics of college students. Instead, it should be met with solutions like Bobcat Bounty that aim to combat food insecurity within students.

- Carissa Liz Castillo is an English senior

ENVIRONMENT

Bees and straws aren't Earth's only worries

By Naomi Wick Opinions Columnist Bees are trendy. Even in 2019, there are countless students roaming college campuses nationwide with simple bee tattoos and stickers with the catchy, “bees are dying at an alarming rate” meme leaving their mouths in casual conversation. However, these docile insects are a reminder of the beauty and peacefulness of flowers and they are a necessary part of the ecosystem.

Without honey bees and their gift of pollination, the produce section of grocery stores would be significantly lacking. With all of the benefits humans glean from the humble honey bee, they have become an empty symbol of environmental awareness.

The tokenization of bees enables people to slap a sticker on their Nalgene water bottle and move on with their lives while ignoring the systems in place that continue to destroy the planet.

Studies show plastic bags produce the smallest environmental footprint, all things considered, yet are targeted by many as the culprit for global warming and the ever-increasing amount of plastic in our oceans and landfills. The same can be said for plastic straws.

The climate indeed cycles between extreme temperatures, but the industrial revolution sparked a massive, unprecedented increase in carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. This change is causing warming oceans, shrinking ice sheets, sea level rise and

extreme atmospheric events of which the Earth is unable to cope.

These are well-documented scientific facts and though singleuse plastic is an issue, it’s not the hill for consumers to die on nor is it much more than another way for big businesses to capitalize off surfacelevel environmental awareness while evading their own responsibility.

Studies overseas have shown fishermen have little incentive to bring found nets to a disposal point unless they’re paid to do so. It takes the crew’s time and resources to haul trash from one point to another, and though it would be virtuous of the captain to make that sacrifice, no one is held accountable for cleaning up after themselves.

One popular solution to the seawaste epidemic is a registry for commercial fishing gear. A commercial fishing boat is far less likely to discard barrels and nets in the water if is items are registered to the captain’s name and the crew is at risk of being fined.

Bobcats need to take the skills college is giving them and implore their elected officials to care. Leading by example is one thing, but incessantly calling big businesses and informing them their actions and choices are doing irreparable damage to a planet they will soon leave is the proverbial missing link.

It will be uncomfortable, but the right thing isn’t always comfortable.

In an age of complacency and instant gratification, students must turn away from non-confrontational tactics and

ILLUSTRATION BY KENNEDY SWIFT

the easy route of turning down a straw to meet their environmental-awareness quota for the day.

College students need to force their elected officials and the owners of businesses that benefit from consumers to care, to understand that everyone’s actions have effects and that older generations need to adjust their actions for the sake of future inhabitants of the Earth.

All things considered, banning plastic straws will do little more

than getting a bee tattoo and sharing environmental memes will, but it’s worth doing anyway. The social shame of drinking through a straw is something, but it’s not everything.

Small actions for the betterment of Earth must be done in conjunction with tangible practices and holding the biggest perpetrators accountable for their waste.

- Naomi Wick is a journalism senior

BOBCAT TRIVIA 1. Which university president served three decades, led the college through World War I and the Great Depression? a. Thomas G. Harris b. Cecil Eugene Evans c. J. Garland Flowers d. None of the above 2. Which famous Texas State alumni adopted President Evans’ philosophy on opening higher education to more people? a. Lyndon B. Johnson b. George Strait c. Randy Rogers d. None of the above 3. What items of President Evans were donated to University Archives? a. A tri-fold leather key wallet with a total of nine keys b. President Evans’ papers c. Business cards d. Answers A and B 4. What doors to the keys unlock? a. Old Main b. JCK c. The knowledge of which doors the keys unlock remain lost to history. d. None of the abov

ANSWERS 1/22

BOBCAT TRIVIA ANSWERS 1. In what ways does the university keep President Johnson’s memory alive? a. LBJ Student Center b. Lyndon Baines Johnson Distinguished Lecture Series c. The LBJ Statue d. All of the above 2. How many times has the university changed its name? a. 6 b. 5 c. 4 d. None of the above

3. What day of the week is the official campus spirit day where students, faculty and staff can wear their Texas State clothing on campus to show off their Bobcat Pride? a. Wednesday b. Thursday c. Friday d. None of the above 4. Which campus building provides students with resources on how to be involved on campus and services to help them succeed at the university? a. J.C. Kellam b. LBJ Student Center c. Alkek Library d. None of the above

SPORTS

10 | Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Jakob Rodriguez | Sports Editor

The University Star

HOCKEY

SOCIETAL NORMS This Bobcat doesn't give a puck

By Claire Partain & Atkyn Garza Sports Reporters Most nursing majors dream of making a changing someone's life, but most probably don't do so armored with hockey gear. Enter nursing sophomore Courtney Weeks, Texas State's hockey goalie and the only woman on the team.

Inspired by The Mighty Ducks film franchise, Weeks knew she wanted to be an ice hockey player at a young age. She excelled in all the skills hockey required: balance, hand-eye coordination, stamina and toughness.

Even though Weeks had plenty of experience, she said her high school coach’s prejudices derailed her from playing “The junior varsity coach really liked me, but then we got a new coach and he was against women playing hockey," Weeks said. "He would not let me play on the varsity team and I had to basically take my junior and senior year of high school off.”

The idea of playing on a team with 20 men may intimidate some but Weeks said she enjoys the competition.

She describes the team as having fun chemistry and she credits her teammates with having great attitudes.

The Texas State Ice Hockey team places emphasis on academic performance, community leadership

tough in net to doing everything we ask of her with no complaints," Brownrigg said. "If we lose when she is in net, it’s because we messed up. A goaltender is the rock of the team, they need to stay strong when no one else is and Courtney does that for us."

Business marketing sophomore Topher Harding said the team fosters' a positive outlook on and off the ice.

“I’ve been on teams in the past where it’s been kind of cancerous in the locker room,” Harding said. “In this locker room, it’s all positive, even after a loss.”

Hockey team president Matt Hill said Week's took over as the goalie when the starter suffered an injury.

"Our starting goalie was injured due to a broken collar bone. A college hockey team typically need two or three goalies, so being a backup goalie is one of the most important positions," Hill said. “We would not be able to get through the season without Courtney."

Since the team's founding in 2011 by alumni TJ Wolling, the team Courtney Weeks, Texas State Hockey has transitioned from the American PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXAS STATE HOCKEY, PHOTO BY CODY KLEIN. Collegiate Hockey Association to the Texas Collegiate Hockey Conference.

The Bobcats will be playing their and standards of play. Weeks said she Forward Scott Brownrigg, health and next games Feb. 1 and 2 against the was looking for just this in a team. fitness management senior, said Weeks University of Texas at El Paseo Miners “I’ve always worked hard; has always is critical to the team - on and off the at the El Paso County Events Center in been my mentality," Weeks said. ice.

El Paso.

"There is another goalie, so there is “The team can count on her every always a competition between goalies.” time we need her to be consistently

TRACK & FIELD

Track and field continues to rack up accolades

By Claire Partain Sports Reporter The Texas State indoor track and field teams brought in 26 top ten Sun Belt titles at the Mark Colligan Memorial meet in Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday.

Bobcat athletes now lead in seven events and constitute 47 top ten slots in the conference.

Veteran sprinter Tremesha Hardy led both the women’s team and the conference with three top finishes. The senior is fastest in the Sun Belt in both the 60 m (7.44) and 200 m (23.71) and helped secure the top 4x400 title.

Hardy finished the relay alongside teammates Dawnshae Evans, Sadi Giles and Breonna Hall for a winning time of 3:50.30.

Adding to the women’s top scores were 60m hurdlers Kylah Smith (8.38), Javlyn Cameron (8.71), and Kaylee Krenek (8.74) The athletes swept the top Sun Belt times and took second, fourth and fifth in the meet.

Standout freshman Live Hilton brought in her third consecutive win

of the season in the long jump with a leap of 5.83 meters. Joining her on the men’s team was Ronnie Briscoe Jr., recording his season best with a winning 7.14-meter jump. Hilton is ranked second in the conference from a previous jump, while Briscoe now stands at eighth place with two winning distances this season.

Other strong competitors on the men’s team were sophomore thrower Brandon Busby and senior thrower T’Mond Johnson. The throwers lead the Sun Belt in both events with marks of 18.52m and 18.79m respectively.

Texas State competed against North Dakota State, Oral Roberts University and meet the hosts the University of Nebraska. Both teams placed third overall with the women’s team raking in 122.5 points and the men’s scoring 106.

The teams will travel to the Southern Alabama stadium back-to-back for both the Jaguar Invitational on Feb. 3rd and the Sun Belt Indoor Championships Feb. 18.

Tramesha Hardy running during the 2018 Sunbelt Indoor Track and Field Championship TEXAS STATE ATHLETICS COURTESY PHOTO

#doctorobvious

SPORTS

9 | Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Jakob Rodriguez | Sports Editor

The University Star

Women's basketball falls at home to Georgia Southern Women's tennis suffers 4-3 loss at Xavier, La. T h e Bobcats would suffer a 4-3 loss to Xavier University of Lousiana Sunday afternoon. t h e Bobcats would take Tennis Senior Joy Chia Ming Ming the first lead of the match, Navajo-Melendez winning a 6-3, 6-2 decision against Angela Charles-Alfred.

Increasing its lead on the court No. 5, where Joy Chia Ming Ming would earn a 6-3, 6-3 victory over Yi Chen Pao, giving the Bobcats a 3-1 advantage.

The Gold Nuggets answered back and closed to within 3-2 after Josefina Cassara fell 6-1, 6-4 against Baklouti in the No. 4-seeded match. Xavier tied the score with Ana Perez falling in three sets against Borodii by the score of 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 on the top-seeded bout.

The final point was decided in another hard-fought match when Rishona Israel-Lewis lost a first-set tiebreaker and fell 6-4 in the second set against Charlene Goreau on the No. 2 court.

The loss drops Texas State's record to 2-1 this spring and the Bobcats return home to host Presbyterian on Feb. 1 at the Bobcats Tennis Complex.

Bobcats fall to Eagles at Statesboro the 16-3 Bobcats fell to the Georgia Southern Eagles in H a n n e r Fi e l d h o u s e Saturday afternoon.

Despite two comeback attempts and Junior guard, 2, senior guard Tre'Larenz Nottingham Tr e ' L a r e n z Nottingham scoring a season-high 25 points, the Bobcats could not consistently attack on offense. the final score 74-58.

Georgia Southern led by eight points, 55-45, when Nottingham scored on a fast break to pull the Bobcats within eight. However, it was Georgia Southern who answered with a 12-0 run to make the score 67-47 lead with 5:18 remaining in the game.

The loss drops Texas State to 17-4 this season, and the Bobcats are tied for first place in the Sun Belt Conference standings with Georgia State at 6-2.

Texas State Texas State returns home next Saturday, Feb. 2, and hosts UTA in a Sun Belt contest beginning at 4 p.m. in Strahan Arena.

(LEFT) During the jump ball, Da'Nasia Hood attempts to push the ball to a teammate.

(TOP) Brooke Holle pushes around a Georgia Southern defender in order to bring the ball to the basket.

(BOTTOM) Toshua Leavitt dribbles around a Georgia Southern player to reach the basket.

PHOTOS BY KATE CONNORS

By Cade Andrews Sports Reporter Texas State women’s basketball fell to Georgia Southern Eagles by a final score of 65-55 Saturday afternoon in Strahan Arena. This is Texas State’s (9-11, 4-4 Sun Belt) second consecutive loss.

Head coach Zenarae Antoine said that the team and coaching staff will make some adjustments after the pair of losses.

"These back-to-back losses are really hard, especially when you are able to play in front of your alumni base," Antoine said. “We need to re-evaluate as a coaching staff what we can do to help this team. We gave up a lot of offensive rebounds.”

Freshman forward Denasia Hood led the Bobcats with 21 points and eight rebounds, both career highs in Sun Belt conference play. This was Hood’s first career start along with freshman guard Kennedy Taylor.

Taylor added a career-best 19 points, five rebounds and five assists. Coach Antoine adjusted the starting lineup before the opening tip and placed Taylor at the point and Hood as the stretch-four.

Antoine said the adjustment of rotating freshmen players comes with

pros and cons as they are able to alleviate the existing offense and create opportunities, but also have to adjust to game time challenges.

"The thing about freshmen is that they don't know what they don't know, so they'll come out and play hard. Sometimes that means making mistakes but, they'll try to make up for those mistakes.

Hood and Taylor made up 40 of the Bobcats’ 55 total points. They combined to shoot 16-of-27 from the floor and 7-10 from the 3-point line.

The rest of the Texas State team failed to make a 3-pointer and shot 4-of-25 from the floor.

Despite only shooting 30 percent from the floor (24-65), Georgia Southern was able to score a couple times off second-chance baskets. The Eagles received another 30-point performance from junior guard Alexis Brown. She recorded a game-high 31 points on 12-21 shooting. Brown tallied a career-high 34 points on Jan. 17 against Troy. Junior forward Hailey Dias-Allen also contributed with 10 points and eight rebounds for the Eagles.

The Bobcats gained an early lead after Taylor and Hood scored 11 of TXST’s first 15 points in the game, but trailed by a pair after 10 minutes.

Georgia Southern went into the half with a four-point lead behind 18 points from Brown.

Georgia Southern opened up the second half with a basket from DiasAllen. Texas State scored the next six points of the game to tie it up at 32 with 6:37 to play in the third quarter. However, the Eagles opened up the game by scoring 14 of the final 19 points in the quarter, including a banked buzzer-beating 3-pointer from freshman center Alisha Owens. The Eagles had the lead 46-37 going into the final frame.

Texas State was able to cut the lead down to five (55-50) but that was quickly erased after Brown took over in the fourth. Texas State decided to adjust to man defense for the last quarter but wasn’t able to get stops late in the game. Brown scored the final 12 points for the Eagles. She hit two big shots on back-to-back possessions as Texas State was desperately making an effort to come back.

Texas State will travel north to Arlington to take on in-state rival UTA for their next game. The game will tip at 2 p.m. on Feb. 2 inside College Park Center. The game will be broadcasted on ESPN+. The Bobcats will return to Strahan arena on Feb. 14 to take on Arkansas State.

SHORT SEMESTER.

BIG IMPACT. There’s still time to earn the transferable credits you need this spring.

Sign up for a 12-week or 8-week class at ACC! austincc.edu/shortsemester