Vol. 98, No. 7 - 02/16/2011

A St. Mary’s Student Publication since 1925 • Vol. 98 Issue 7 • February 16, 2011 • STMURATTLERNEWS.COM

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NEWS ENTERTAINMENT SPORTS

3 16Broken machines are a pain for residents Students visit Austin to support TEG Sweeten up your day with a cupcake The baseball team faces high expectations

4 13

Get the facts on how to file your 2010 taxes.PG. 12

Students have the will, but do they have the weights?Gym officials make plans to improve equipment. PG. 14

Marketing senior Charles Schlecht works out at the gym. Currently, there are several hand weights missing from the gym. Photo by Jennifer Sims

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NewsThe Rattler2 February 16, 2011www.stmurattlernews.com

INDEX

STAFF

CONTACT US

newscommentaryfeaturesentertainmentsports

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8-1112-13

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Editor-in-ChiefSarah Mills

Managing EditorDenice Hernandez

Copy EditorAzhmir Acosta

Layout/Design Editor Jasmine Garcia

Web EditorSara Cornejo

News EditorKatherine Benavides

Commentary EditorAlex Salinas Features EditorAmanda Cano

Entertainment EditorDania Pulido

Sports EditorDiana Garcia

Photo EditorFelix Arroyo

Assistant Photo EditorJennifer Sims

Advertising ManagerLeo Reyes

Staff CartoonistEric Vijil Faculty AdviserBrother Dennis, S.M., Ph.D.

Robin JohnsonAlex MeyerCesar Montalvo Selena RangelAri Rivera Matthew RodriguezLena ScalercioJessica VallesJulie Losoya

Mariah VillarrealCarla RodriguezLynzee VillafrancaDarlene DiazStephanie FloresAnthony De JesusChris MontemayorCarlos RodriguezEmily Artalejo

STAFF WRITERS

Nicholas CampanaAlejandra DiazRobin JohnsonJenny Wendover

Michelle KafieAnalicia PerezEmily ScruggsFernando Armendariz Jr.

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

OFFICE: 210.436.3401FAX: 210.431.3407EMAIL: [email protected]: www.stmurattlernews.com

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The Rattler St. Mary’s UniversityOne Camino Santa Maria Box 83San Antonio, TX 78228

Assistant professor of biological sciences Christine Gray, Ph.D, talks to middle school girls attendeding the Expanding your Horizon program Saturday, Feb. 11. Students visited the university to learn about careers in science. Photo by Robin Johnson

The Rattler upholds the Mission Statements of St. Mary’s University. The Publication follows the Canons of Responsible Journalism, the Associated Press Stylebook and the Student Publication Policy.

The Rattler is a member of the Associate Collegiate Press, the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, the Society of Professional Journalists and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

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NEWS IN BRIEF

POLICE BLOTTER

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1.30.11Student burned food setting off the fire alarm in Chaminade Hall. Director on duty was already on site as the building was cleared and searched.

2.1.11Student in Founders Hall having breathing difficulties. It was reported the student sucked on helium earlier in the eve-ning. EMS was refused.

2.2.11Student’s knee gave way at Treadaway Hall. EMS was refused. Was provided an ice bag and friend helped her back to room.

2.2.11Student in the UC spilled hot soup on hands causing serious burns. EMS was refused and was transported to Student Health Center where basic first aid was applied until the center opened.

2.7.11Student found consuming alcohol in Garni Science Hall. Referred to Judicial Affairs.

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Presentation on child soldier issues set for Feb. 21A Uganda speaker will discuss the issues of child soldiers on Feb. 21, beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the UC. Amnesty will be hosting the presentation and will also be screening a new Invisible Children’s film titled “Tony,” which documents the story of a former child soldier.

Not your typical Saturday at St. Mary’sOn Saturday, Feb. 25, prospective undergraduate students along with their families and friends will visit the campus as part of the Saturday at St. Mary’s program. Some program events include touring the campus, meeting faculty members and learning about student life. The program begins at 8:30 a.m. in conference room A of the UC.

Looking for a job or internship?The Career Services Center is hosting a Government and Not-for-Profit Career Expo in the UC on Wednesday, Feb. 23. The event, beginning at 1:30 p.m., provides students with resources to find job and internship opportunities with different sectors. Students are asked to dress professionally and bring multiple copies of their resume. For more information, contact Tina Korte at [email protected]. Source: Stmarytx.edu

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Despite the problems students are encountering with the washers and dryers in the residence halls, new machines will not be installed soon, according to James Villarreal, director of Residence Life.

When Residence Life signed a contract with the laundry vendor Mac-Gray in fall 2009, all previous models of washer and dryer sets in the residence halls were replaced with new ones from the vendor. For Founder’s Hall, the vendor provided washers and dryers that would correlate with the number of students in the building. Older halls were replaced with the number of machines they already had, said James Villarreal, director of Residence Life.

Although the laundry machines are fairly new, many students have experienced recurring difficulties.

“I have lived here since the second week of the semester and one of the washers has gone out twice,” sophomore political science major Mercedes Torres said, a resident of Anthony Frederick.

Torres said she believes the machines break because of misuse by residents, not because of a defect in the model.

Villarreal agrees, saying that students may still be adjusting to the newly added models.

Parts coming loose, “over-sudsing,” and machines shutting

down are the major problems being reported. Physical Plant usually receives the call if the resident does not contact the vendor first, and then are transferred to Mac-Gray who is “100 percent responsible for all repairs to their equipment,” Manager of Maintenance Services Luis Rodriguez said.

When Mac-Gray receives the call, it usually takes a day and a half, meaning that the problem will only be fixed once the vendor is notified. Thus far, Mac-Gray has received 231 service calls during the 14-month period working here.

During August of 2009, Mac-Gray representatives taught Residence Life staff procedures and proper machine use through training. Currently, Res Life collaborates with the vendor to inform residents of proper machine practices through flyers, meetings and websites.

Mac-Gray said that students can avoid breaking machines by being careful not to over-pour detergent, which creates a high, foamy tide within the machine and lifts dirt above the water level making it unable to rinse away. According to the Campus Clothes Line website, two tablespoons of detergent is the correct amount to wash laundry. Another tip the website offers is to run full loads of 6-8 lbs. of dirty clothing, to most efficiently use the machines.

Residents can use the LaundryView website or its

texting service to better monitor their laundry. LaundryView lets residents know the status of their machines and Campus Clothes Line offers useful laundry tips. The websites can be accessed through www.stmarytx.edu/reslife.

Through the resources Res Life and the vendor provides, Villarreal believes students who are more aware of proper machine practices can prevent the machines from malfunctioning.

News The Rattler 3February 16, 2011 www.stmurattlernews.com

Residence Life does not expect new washers, dryers

This spring, seniors are being asked to fill out a new survey that will help the university make plans for future civic engagement initiatives.

The survey, recently sent out by the Association of Marianist Universities via e-mail, aims to measure the attitudes and behaviors of seniors to examine how civically engaged they are. The foundation of the survey is based on five dimensions: practical wisdom, community building, engaging diversity, engagement in public square and vocation for justice.

However, the effectiveness of the survey is a concern to some because of availability online only via Gateway.

Kristen Sepulveda, a senior political science major, believes that many students may not respond and that perhaps the survey should be administered

under a different method. Still, Sepulveda believes that

having a Marianist education is positively unique.

“Using what I learned to help others to better the community and having civically engaged professors is what is unique about St. Mary’s that you won’t find anywhere else,” said Sepulveda.

Chris Antons, director of Institutional Research, will help analyze the information and anticipates maximum participation in the survey.

In case of students deleting the e-mails with the link to complete the civic engagement survey, reminder e-mails will be sent out every week until Spring Break, the deadline for participation, according to Antons.

President Charles Cotrell and Art Vega, assistant professor of political science and Norma Gaier, former director of Career Services, were involved in the formulation of the survey.

This survey is being administered to all three Marianist universities in the U.S., which are St. Mary’s University, the University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio and Chaminade University in Honolulu, Hawaii. This is the first semester that AMU is conducting a survey of this nature.

Tom Hoffman, professor of political science, will help analyze the information gathered from the survey and believes the survey will be helpful for the future of the university. The information will “[assess] where we are and where we need to go in the area of civic engagement,” said Hoffman.

The information students submit in the survey will be kept confidential, and those who participate will be entered in a drawing for two iPads toward the end of the semester, a small reward for tremendous results the university hopes to obtain.

By Katherine BenavidesNews Editor

Dougherty Hall resident Aicyd Galang sits atop a washer as she prepares to do her laundry after classes. Photo by Jenny Wendover

ClarificationA statement in the FAFSA article

last issue was misleading. The following article provides clarification.

With 80 percent of university students receiving financial aid, the Office of Financial Assistance continues to urge students to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid even after Feb. 15, the priority deadline which gives students the opportunity to secure financial aid on time.

Students who do not complete a 2011-2012 FAFSA by the priority deadline risk receiving reduced aid amounts or no aid at all, Enrollment Marketing Manager Vanessa Torres says.

To be “on time,” the university Office of Financial Assistance must receive a student’s FAFSA results from the federal processor by March 31, explaining why the office members urge students to complete the FAFSA by Feb. 15. The deadline is to ensure that the office gets the results on time.

“If you miss that date anyways, do it anyway,” Torres said. “That is just our suggested date.”

Since the FAFSA works on a first come, first serve basis, the Office of Financial Assistance emphasizes filling out the application as early as possible to meet that deadline.

Students are encouraged to turn to the Office of Financial Assistance for help with their FAFSA or other personal financial questions. Members of the office welcome student walk-ins, appointments, calls, and e-mails, David Krause, director of financial assistance, said. Some good ways of contacting the office include e-mail, [email protected], or making appointments in their office across the street from St. Louis Hall.

Krause says it is important to address the high financial need that a majority of the students typically face. Not having a parent fill out the application should not stop students from completing it.

“Just get it in,” Krause said. “We’ll figure out the rest. Just guesstimate or estimate what you need to. You don’t have to wait until the FAFSA deadline to get it in.”

By Katherine Benavides

By Alex SalinasCommentary Editor

Tips from students on how to do yourLAUNDRY

Lindsey JohnsonFreshmanLourdes Hall

“Give your-self more

than enough time to do your laundry. Use dryer sheets, that’s the most important thing.”

Mercedes TorresSophomoreAnthony Frederick Hall

“Do your laundry right when you get out of class because that’s when they’re likely to be open.

Fabian HernandezFreshmanFounders Hall

“Just follow the rules

because too many people put too much clothes or detergent and that’s why they break.”

New senior survey aims to measurestudents’ civic engagement participation

At the Texas State Capitol in Austin, eight university students met with members of the 82nd Legislative session of Texas State Congress on Feb. 8 to voice their support for the Tuition Equalization Grant, which provides grant aid to students in need of financial aid who wish to attend universities in Texas.

Since the Texas budget is currently facing a $27 billion dollar shortfall, Governor Rick Perry says state lawmakers are beginning a “historic legislative session” that will affect people’s lives socially and economically. With over 47 percent of law, graduate and undergraduate students receiving T.E.G. in Texas, according to Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas, university students are not strangers to the grant. To continue receiving the T.E.G., students must meet GPA and enrollment requirements.

ICUT is a non-profit organization that promotes the interests of the state’s system of higher education to the government.

The current T.E.G. funding is less than 1 percent of the budget for higher education and the proposed cuts would further reduce the program. The university currently receives the fourth-highest amount of T.E.G. funding out of 40 independent universities in

Texas source, according to ICUT. The proposed budget has become a pressing issue for students who are T.E.G. recipients.

To help address the issue, students like junior political science major Daisy Chaparro prepped before going to the session.

“The Texas Equalization Grant has such a huge impact on private school education,” Chaparro said. “Students at private universities have chosen small schools because it is where they felt they could learn best, and ultimately succeed.”

In 1971, University President

Charles Cotrell, and fellow professionals advocated for state funds to be allocated for students at independent universities, which helped create the T.E.G.

“The Tuition Equalization Grant is unique in that the funds are distributed directly to the student, not the university,” Cotrell said.

Cotrell said that he and his colleagues understand that legislators must budget more conservatively during times of economic shortfall, but oppose such drastic cuts.

“The T.E.G. program has

extremely impressive results in retention and graduation rates,” Cotrell said. “Independent universities enroll 10 percent of Texas college students, but award over 23 percent of undergraduate, and 25 percent of graduate degrees. A program as successful as T.E.G. should be a high priority to the Texas Legislature.”

Assistant Director for Development Jenee Gonzales believes the most important strategy to convince legislators to revise the proposed budget lies not in statistics, but the effects the

grants have on students. “Legislators constantly hear

from experts,” says Gonzales, a St. Mary’s alumna and former Committee Director for Senator Leticia Van de Putte. “Students are the ones who face potential cuts and therefore need to be the face of this cause.”

Denise Barrera, a junior political science and speech communications major, gave testimony at the Senate Finance Committee Meeting.

“I want the state to invest in me; I vote, I have high career aspirations and maintain good grades,” Barrera said. “I will definitely contribute back into the Texas economy by earning much more income than I would, had I not attended college.”

During her speech to the Senate Committee, Barrera thanked them several times and added that a three-minute speech was not enough to “explain how much the T.E.G. has affected my life.”

On Feb. 11, members of the university met with committees in the Senate and House to further advocate for T.E.G. funding. They planned on advocating Feb. 14 and for the remainder of the legislative session.

David Zapata, a graduate public administration student, points out the importance in collaboration.

“The T.E.G. affects everyone: students, faculty and staff,” Zapata said. “Without T.E.G. funds, the diversity of a school such as St. Mary’s would diminish.”

NewsThe Rattler4 February 16, 2011

www.stmurattlernews.com

Students visit state Congress to express TEG support By Emily ArtalejoStaff Writer

(From left to right) Daisy Chaparro, Alexa Burdett, Bonita Sarah Babu, Kimberly Salazar, Alex McCoy, Leo Benavides and Erika Ibarra, visit Texas State Congress to voice their support for T.E.G. Photo by Jenee Gonzales

Plans for expanding closed-circuit television channel is in the works

Residence Life is currently planning to expand ResLife Cinema, a closed-circuit channel that provides students with movies and announcements.

In fall 2011, the expansion will allow organizations and departments on campus to display advertisements on a monthly calendar between movie showings on channel 123.

The channel already includes, “movies, educational videos, or commercials about underage drinking, doing laundry, security and relationships,” said James Villarreal, director of Residence Life.

The expansion will be exclusive to students of the university, said Villarreal.

Residence Life staff is working on protocols and guidelines with the Academic Media Center to get the calendar featured on the channel.

“I had hoped to do it by this semester, but the timing didn’t work out right,” Villarreal said.

Although timing and protocol planning pushes back the expansion, Villarreal does plan to pilot it later this semester.

Even if the advertising aspect is not

available, residents can still use what ResLife Cinema offers to gather informational meetings and group discussions.

“The company sends us a guide for certain movies,” Resident Hall Association President Tim Matthes said. The guides are designed to facilitate educational programs after viewing a film. Residents can plan to order a guide as long as the movie has one and is selected to show during that month.

The movie schedule is prepared by the RHA, the Wellness Committee, and the executive board and is posted on stmarytx.edu/reslife.

During the RHA meetings, the schedules, which are developed a month in advance, are constructed according to a combination of monthly themes, new releases and classics. Depending on when Assistant Director of Residence Life Jackie Pena receives the list affects who gets to decide it.

“Every month, ResLife Cinema sends us a suggested movie list,” Pena said. “They have different categories and we just kind of keep that in our thoughts as we select our movies. We only meet with the RHA general assembly every other week….so it just depends on how quickly we get these and how much time we have until we have to turn it in.”

The committees at the RHA meetings collaborate to create a 12-titles list according to their selection of monthly themes, wellness and other categories. The list is made up of categories according to ResLife Cinema’s selection of themes, and offers more movies in their library but sends off this list to better accommodate the committees.

Residents are encouraged to attend and

participate in these meetings to become aware of what Residence Life staff is planning such as the channel expansion.

“I just thought the channel was another service that students need to have,” Villarreal said. “Part of the job Residence Life does is to provide services for the students to live in the residence halls. We have some good services we are providing.”

By Katherine BenavidesNews Editor

Graphic by Sara Cornejo

The Rattler 5February 2, 2011

What’s Shaking?st.mary’s sees a snowy scene

Submit your own news photos to: [email protected]

www.stmurattlernews.comFebruary 16, 2011

Background photo: Humberto Sandoval and Gabriella Hernandez, photo courtesy of Jasmine GarciaTop left photo: Cassandra Antell and Jessica Valles, photo courtesy of Jessica VallesMiddle left photo: students make snow angels, photo courtesy of Jasmine Garcia

Bottom left photo: (left to right) Adrianna Hernandez, Aaron Sepulveda, Thushari Alahapperuma, Ly Nguyen and Leslie Escobedo, photo courtesy of Ly NguyenBottom right photo: Nam Nguyen, photo courtesy of Jasmine Garcia

Students got to experience a rare occurance of snow early morning on Feb. 4. Class was cancelled the same day due to the snow and ice on the road. It may have been less than inch of snow, but students made the most of it.

Texans seem to think they are immune from the rest of the nation’s woes. This was especially apparent when local newscasters were having a laugh as snow blanketed all those buffoonish yankees. And then the unimaginable happened, and the Lone Star State iced over just like the rest of the country.

From the early days of the Alamo and more recently, the rhetoric Governor Rick Perry routinely spews about independence from the federal government, Texans have always placed state pride above all else.

However, Texas is not immune from a wintery mix now and then, or a stumbling economy.

The state budget for the next two years is about to be drafted in Austin, and estimates of the revenue shortfall range from $14 to $27 billion, according to a report by the Dallas Morning News. Now lawmakers are scrambling to find ways to fix this large problem.

The legislature could take hints from states like Illinois and New Jersey, who are doing the unthinkable — raising taxes — to ensure that essential services are maintained.

Instead of keeping the services the state needs, Austin lawmakers are proposing to slash spending. Worst of all, those cuts are coming largely from education spending.

Perry’s proposed budget for 2012 and 2013 will cut nearly $5 billion from public education funding. That means local school districts would see their funding decrease by around 23 percent, according to the Dallas Morning News.

That is a serious cut in a state that already lags behind the rest of the nation in education. Texas consistently ranks at the bottom for high-school graduation rates and national test scores. This is a trend Texas should resolve immediately, considering the amount of youth educated in Texas schools.

These proposed cuts would also affect college students receiving financial aid. The budget for the Texas Grants program, which provides financial aid to 150,000 students, would be cut by 41 percent, from $366 million to $256 million, according to the Dallas Morning News. This means that during the 2012-2013 school year about only 80,000 Texas college students would receive this grant.

For many students, these grants are the only thing that allows them to go to college. In a state where only 18 percent of African-Americans have college degrees and 8 percent of Hispanics, bridging the educational gaps in this diverse environment should be the utmost priority, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In metropolitan areas like San Antonio and Houston, where minorities are the majority, this is particularly detrimental.

By ensuring a quality education to all citizens, especially minorities, an investment in the future is being made.

Maybe Texans should smarten up and pay the extra penny now to ensure that the state doesn’t drift into educational and economic obsoletism.

Just as our country was built on clear, strong s t a t e m e n t s of faith, p o l i t i c i a n s s h o u l d c o n t i n u e to express their faith as

the foundation for decision-making and leadership.

“Separation of church and state” is not a phrase in the Constitution, but actually a phrase Thomas Jefferson wrote in his letter to the Danbury Baptists Association in which he affirmed the legislature should “make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” The Constitution states in the first amendment that we are to “make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” Therefore, the false notion that religion and government must be separate is invalid. Rather, for the faithful, it is faith that is the foundation for many decisions, and the government is not to prohibit the practice of such faith.

Political leaders should have the freedom and encouragement to openly express their faith and morals to support their stances and decisions. It is expected for there to be full disclosure on a politician’s life — finances, voting records, personal lives — why should the standards that form the actual basis of his or her decision-making process be kept private?

An elected official’s

decision to express their faith is not important. The important factor is constituents being aware of the motivation for their voting records. If we know — because they have openly stated so — that they believe in honesty and fairness for all, then we can trust that their votes will be honest and fair, not because they will capture the next election or benefit themselves, but because they speak and live by their faith.

Just because they profess a faith does not mean they will represent the faith well, however, there are positive e x a m p l e s . C h r i s t i a n C o n g r e s s m a n Chris Smith, R e p u b l i c a n representative of New Jersey, has been at the forefront of defending life while being on the bipartisan congressional caucuses like the pro-life caucus, human trafficking, combating anti-Semitism and more. Former Arkansas governor and presidential Republican candidate Mike Huckabee is another example of an elected official that could be counted on for his consistent Christian voting record.

Not only should politicians continue to have the freedom to express their faith, but they should take a step further to communicate it to their constituents if they use it, as they should, for decision-making. It is our American duty to hold them accountable. Faith is good in the political arena.

T h e s e p a r a t i o n of religion and politics is a long-s t a n d i n g t r a d i t i o n in the U.S. P o l i t i c i a n s are expected to keep

their religious beliefs separate from their political ideologies. The basic outlines of the First Amendment of the Constitution were meant to offer a guide for solving and avoiding conflicts between religious and political interests. However, this is not the world or political climate

we live in today. Human nature

is to combine all aspects of life into one single moral belief system; often the same moral beliefs that guide our personal decisions also guide

our attitudes toward policies and government.

There is nothing inherently wrong with that; it would be foolish to assume that someone could truly separate their faith from impacting their thought process on political issues. However, the harm comes from the divisive nature religion can bring into the political realm.

Yes, it is true that the U.S. is a primarily Protestant Christian nation. Yet despite that, the U.S. also prides itself on diversity and progression. However, excessive usage of Christian imagery and vocabulary can marginalize non-Christian voters and citizens, which can distract

people from the real issues at hand.

Religion in modern-day political usage tends to emotionally charge rhetoric to another level. Politics is heated enough as it is, and religion inevitably further aggravates the banter.

Politicians should leave their personal spiritual beliefs on the sidelines and religion off the campaign trail. It should not matter what politicians privately worship, but what policies they plan to implement.

Religious language is often used in politics as a way to manipulate voters to not delve into the policies at stake. By slapping a Jesus sticker across a politician’s platform, it can easily lead to him or her from hiding behind the name of that particular religion. This can lead voters to be affixed by a religious belief, which can result in them “giving their vote to God.”

The religious repartee focuses on hot button issues like abortion and gay marriage. Morality may come into play, but our primary focus should be on the law, and not on a higher power.

Abortion is an example of why religion and politics should be kept separate. The Constitution allows for the right to privacy, which is why abortion is legal. What a woman decides to do with her body is between her and her doctor, not the religious beliefs of others.

Perhaps politicians should refrain from bringing up faith and let the public decide how to vote without using religion as a persuasive technique.

The Rattler6 February 16, 2011

www.stmurattlernews.com

Commentary

Matt Schima

Briana Perez

Alex Meyer

Religious politicians should be accepted, but also held accountable.

Religious speech overshadows political reasoning in favor of hot-button issues.

Texas budget cuts will not help lagging education

POINT

POINTCOUNTER-

Religion and politics: Got faith?Cartoon by Eric Vijil

After 18 days of fairly peaceful pro-tests, Egyp-tians have their turn-of-the century revolution fos-tered incred-ibly by social networking,

and their thirst for freedom. When President Ben Ali fled

Tunisia a month ago, Egyp-tians tasted courage. The cour-age that it took for protestors in Tunisia to call for their own president’s resignation resulted in the courage of Egyptian pro-testors. And Yemeni protestors. And Jordanian protestors. A ripple effect has ensued, and

dictators in the area may be bit-ing their nails.

No longer fearful, protes-tors gained the courage to call for President Hosni Mubarak to end his presidency after 30 years. The world watched in wonder as hundreds of thou-sands of Egyptians chanted and waved their flags and prayed. As soon as Vice-President Omar Suleiman announced President Mubarak’s resignation, the people in Tahrir Square knew no fear in having a voice. Citi-zens already in their thirties, and their parents, had never before known the taste of such a freedom. Rest assured that the Egyptian people do not want to give it up.

Let them raise their voices

in victory and wave their flags with pride. After being op-pressed by the same dictator for 30 years under wretched human rights conditions and emergency rule, Egyptian citi-zens deserve a honeymoon. The initial euphoria will wear off as people return to their workplaces and daily lives, but the taste of freedom will not cease.

Immense efforts will need to be taken to effectively main-tain order and legitimacy by the Egyptian military. These ef-forts will need to focus on the people’s demands for democ-racy and freedom. But for now, the Egyptian people deserve to celebrate their victory. The rest remains to be seen.

The Rattler 7February 16, 2011www.stmurattlernews.com

Commentary

Mariah Villareal

Dania Pulido

M o r e than 265,000 women were d i a g n o s e d with breast cancer in 2010, according to the American C a n c e r S o c i e t y . B e c a u s e

nearly 40,000 women die from it every year, countless families are affected by the disease.

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in June and last summer, I learned the most meaningful lesson in my life: what it takes to be a hero.

Among that, there were other lessons to be learned that changed my perspective on life.

My mother had two major surgeries, and there was a period where there was a chance she would not make it through. But with perseverance, she demonstrated true courage and slowly overcame the disease. Superman would have applauded.

Breast cancer can be traumatic but its occurrence in my family taught me not to get caught up with daily trivial problems. Many of us are consumed by small problems in our daily lives every now and then, but it is ok to alleviate some stress and enjoy the day. There is a time and place for everything, and this includes work and play.

The problems and stresses

of the day may cause one to believe they are the only going through troubles. This is not true. We are never alone in the trials and tribulations of life. Realizing that there are others out there for comfort and aid is paramount to living a better life.

The disease also taught me the importance of support. In many ways, just being there to see and talk to my mom while she was ill helped her tremendously. Never doubt that the will to live often stems from a strong support system.

This is what I learned from the heroics of a breast cancer survivor. One does not have to leap over buildings or fight crime to be a hero.

Alex Salinas

President Mubarak’s resignation ends era and is well-received by Egyptians

Breast cancer: source of suffering, but also foundation for new life lessons

After 12 years of serving as University President, Charles Cotrell announced on Feb. 11 that he will be stepping down in 2012 to return to teaching. For students, faculty and administration this will be a major change. Everyone seems to be asking, who will be the next president? We just do not know what we will do without good ole’ Charlie.

But despite his decision to step down as president, it is interesting to know that Dr. Cotrell is breaking past the norm of simply retiring after his term ends. Instead, he has chosen to return to teaching at the university, where he has already been for 45 years.

It may seem unusual to go from being the president of a university to being a professor once again, but it seems that Cotrell’s passion for teaching is the guiding factor in his decision. Yes, he has been teaching in past years along with his presidency, but it seems that serving as president took too much time away from his passion.

The university has had significant changes under the presidency of Cotrell. Naturally, students, faculty,

administration, alumni and even the surrounding community will surely be asking if the university will continue to grow. It is hard to say what the future will bring, but until then, there will surely be excitement among students who want to take his political science classes.

Cotrell’s decision to continue teaching rather than just retiring is admirable. Sometimes it is hard to know when to step down from a position, especially if one still loves doing it. But realizing that there is much to explore and only a limited amount of time to do so is important. It allows a person to continue growing, no matter what his or her age is. Plus, it is great to be able to share one’s gifts with others, like Cotrell will be doing as a full-time professor.

Altogether, many will miss Cotrell as the president of the university. Cotrell has succeeded in leaving a legacy behind for the university that will not be forgotten. It is nice to see that the university has been his home for a very long time, yet he still is not ready to leave it behind. Where one chapter closes, another opens, and the university has a bright future.

STAFF EDITORIAL

Cotrell still plans to teach after presidency

Cartoon by Eric Vijil

F l o r i d a U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson recently declared that the Affordable Health Care for America Act, better known as “ObamaCare,” is unconstitutional.

Among some of the backlash that Vinson has received, he is being called an activist for referring to the Constitution and the decisions of our Founding Fathers to support this action.

The irony in this situation is that Judge Vinson is actually following a long held precedent. It is the ObamaCare Act that has violated the procedures of creating a new law.

The individual mandate of ObamaCare requires that every American purchase insurance. According to The Washington Times, Judge Vinson stated, “Never before has Congress required everyone buy a product from a private company (essentially for life) just for being alive and residing in the United States.” He also pointed out that

if Congress were given this power, eventually nothing would be able to stop the Obama administration from telling people whom to marry or what to eat.

This logic is sensible because although health insurance is not like purchasing a home or a car, it is still a “product” sold by private companies and this manipulates the standards of the Constitution.

However, the main argument for why ObamaCare is viewed as unconstitutional comes down to severability. A severability clause is implemented into every law that tries to be passed, so if part of the

law is struck down, the remaining part or parts of the statute may still be approved.

Because the ObamaCare Act did not implement a severability clause, even if other provisions of the act were validated, the entire thing is considered void because only one part cannot be severed. Because of this declaration, the entire 2,700 pages of the legislature were struck down in the state of Florida, according to a report by Fox News.

While it may sound “extreme” to strike down the entire act, it is actually more extreme not to

include a severability clause in the case being presented. Severability cases are so uncommon these days because it is generally assumed they are included in legislation.

It is a shame that the ObamaCare Act did not include the severability clause because there are other provisions of the statute that would benefit Americans.

While it may seem that Judge Vinson is acting like an overbearing Republican, his ruling is challenging the traditional standards on which the U.S. was founded.

“ObamaCare” unconstitutional; lacks severability clause

V.I.T.A.:helps students preparefor tax season

By Ari RiveraSenior Staff Writer

Tipsfor taxes

Tips ForInternationalSTUDENTS

International students should file taxes if earnings exceed $3,650, or if there may be a refund of money withheld.

Every student in the U.S. under an F or J visa must file a Form 8843 with the IRS.

VITA can help with Form 8843. The filing deadline is the same as the tax filing deadline in April. Extensions may be available.

Compiled by Sara Cornejo

Some students might be eligible for the American Opportunity Credit. The AOC is an education tax credit that can be claimed for tuition and fees you paid for higher education in 2010.

The purpose of the AOC tax credit is to help reduce the amount of income tax you may have to pay. The maximum credit an eligible student can receive is up to $2,500.

Talk to your personal accountant, financial advisor or a tax preparation company for more information on education tax credit because even if you are eligible, there are other requirements.

You can choose to e-deposit your tax refund to your bank account or receive a check in the mail.

If you are still waiting to receive other tax forms, then call your employers to make sure they have your correct address.

Deadline to file your taxes is April 18.

•

•

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S tudents who need to file their income tax can use the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for help, as long as they make under $55,000 a year. The

program is open to the city, but primarily serves students and community members. Initiated in the spring of 2003, the VITA program has assisted hundreds of households in the area. The number went from 400 to almost 800 over the last two years, according to Tom Madison, director of the VITA program and professor of accounting. All volunteers receive six to eight hours of training and must pass the IRS certification exam. Students who need to file their income tax are provided with helpful services on campus. Study abroad students and international students may need to file their taxes too, especially if they have a source of income. “It is rather complex to decide what an international

student needs to do,” said Patricia Britton, professor of accounting. Proper planning is essential to successfully filing income taxes, and students do not always have the paperwork that is required, according to Britton. “They are not always prepared with the information they need,” said Britton.Through VITA, students, faculty, staff and employees from Wells Fargo prepare the tax return for clients. Junior accounting major Sara Wilkinson has been volunteering at VITA for three years. “A basic return is not difficult if you know the components of a return,” she said.Wilkinson encourages students to be aware filing a return and getting the proper help needed rather than attempting to do a return on their own. “On the surface it looks very black and white; then you realize this is all about the gray,” said Wilkinson. “It’s

V.I.T.A.:helps students preparefor tax season

Graphic / Illustration by Sara Cornejo

Marius AlexanderJuniorBiology

"I'm using it for spring break."

Chelssie LopezFreshmanInt'l Relations

"Put it in savings to rent an apartment next year."

Mike GonzalezSeniorMathematics

"I would pay off all my fraternity dues."

Casey BenavidesFreshman Engineering

"I would buy all of my next semester's books"

BudgeTor $pend

Otto HerreraJuniorElectrical Engineering

"I would put all of it into savings."

Interest paid by U.S. banks is not a taxable income to a foreign student.

Foreign students are allowed to take the personal deduction of $3,650 available to U.S. citizens. However, most foreign students cannot take a standard deduction.

Students must have their pass-port and Visa document, and they must verify the exact num-ber of days present in the U.S.

Various foreign tax treaties allow tax exemptions for students who earn money while studying or gaining experience in the U.S. The treaties may also protect otherwise taxable portions of scholarship or fellowship grants.

Compiled by Ari Rivera Compiled by Jennifer Sims

YOUR TAX REFUND?

student needs to do,” said Patricia Britton, professor of accounting. Proper planning is essential to successfully filing income taxes, and students do not always have the paperwork that is required, according to Britton. “They are not always prepared with the information they need,” said Britton.Through VITA, students, faculty, staff and employees from Wells Fargo prepare the tax return for clients. Junior accounting major Sara Wilkinson has been volunteering at VITA for three years. “A basic return is not difficult if you know the components of a return,” she said.Wilkinson encourages students to be aware filing a return and getting the proper help needed rather than attempting to do a return on their own. “On the surface it looks very black and white; then you realize this is all about the gray,” said Wilkinson. “It’s

really important to do it; most students will get money back.” For students that do not know about filing income taxes, there can be several pitfalls. Deciding if one should file a dependency exemption is one of the common sources of confusion for families, said Madison. According to Madison, students cannot just decide to file as independent. “A dependency exemption is not a choice that they [students] make, but there are rules that they must follow,” said Madison. “Also students should know that the 1098T form goes to the parents if the student is a dependent on their income tax.” For further assistance, students can refer to the IRS website or visit the VITA site at the St. Mary’s Law School Center for Legal and Social Justice on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; no appointment is necessary.

February 16, 2011Features10 The Rattlerwww.stmurattlernews.com

Credit cards teach students to practice responsibility

Higher education comes with a high price. Even after grants, scholarships, loans and money from mom and dad, some students still have to turn to other options for money, such as credit cards.

Usually, students are offered credit cards created especially for them. While some students steer clear from them to avoid the risk of more debt, others take the opportunity to gradually build their credit scores.

Associate professor of finance Adrian Cowan advises students to carefully analyze their personality and spending styles before making the commitment.

“It depends on your self-control,” Cowan said. “If you can’t manage, don’t get one.”

Andy Medina, a junior psychology major, got his credit card when he was 18-years-old. He said that it has helped him financially.

“It helps build credit and will help me in the long run in case I ever want to buy a house or car,” Medina said. “Having good credit is a plus.”

Cowan agrees that a credit card can help build c r e d i t , which i s

important when buying a home, but that responsibility is key.

“I’m pretty responsible with my credit card,” Medina said. “I have yet to go into debt and every time I use my credit card I make sure to pay it back before its due date to avoid any penalties.”

According to Cowan, credit card companies are not concerned about whether you charge a book for school or dinner with friends; their main concern is getting their money in on time.

Some students have been paying credit card bills even before entering college.

Freshman political science and psychology major Evan Santos got his first credit card when he was 16-years-old.

“At first, the card was to be used when needed and in cases of emergencies, but within a few months I learned how to use the card,” Santos said. “After learning the simplicity of using a credit card, I started using it more for leisure purposes.”

As Santos has shown, getting a head start on financial responsibility can pay off by

teaching one how to manage a budget. Budget management is important

when owning a credit card, because some credit card companies

give fees and penalties. For example, according to USA

Today, some credit card companies are allowed

to charge fees larger than $25 if there is more than one late payment.

Some credit cards that have

been designed specifically for students include

the Journey Capital One Card. This card does not have an annual fee and has several rewards like

1 percent cash back on all purchases, 25 percent bonus on cash

back each month when bills are paid on time and it has a 19.8 percent Annual Percentage Rate.

According to the Bank of America website, APR is the cost of credit on a yearly basis expressed as a percentage. This includes the interest rate plus any interest charges.

Credit cards sought through banks also have student options. Bank of America offers a student Platinum Plus Visa card with 14.24 percent APR, no annual fee, and can be set up as a back-up plan on a checking account in case of an overdraft.

If one decides to get a credit card, professor of finance Richard J. Bauer warns students to be aware of certain factors, such as APR, inactivity fees, and minimum monthly payments.

“The thing about an annual percentage rate is that compound interest is not taken

into consideration,” Bauer said. “Compound interest is basically the build up of interest on interest. So a 12 percent APR is really 12.7 percent and 18 percent APR is almost 20 percent.”

Credit cards can be convenient for students travelling, according to Bauer. “It’s not a good idea to travel with hundreds of dollars of cash in your pocket.”

Bauer recommends students who are considering whether or not to apply for a credit card visit www.bankrate.com to compare offered interest rates to national averages.

Or, if getting a credit card seems like too much to handle, you can just abstain from getting one, like Cassandra Antell, a freshman biophysics major, has chosen.

“I have thought about getting one,” Antell said. “But the thought of getting into any debt stops me from applying.”

By Jessica VallesStaff Writer

Freshman Gabby De La Paz pays Aramark Supervisor Rosemary Arriola with her credit card at the Diamondback Café on Feb. 12. Photo by Jennifer Sims

Eliminate idling time: If you are at a large event and know that there will be a lot of traffic to get out, just wait. You are going to be waiting whether you are in your car or not so at least this way, you save gas.

Anticipate stops: If you see a reason to stop coming ahead-such as a stop sign, red light, or braking car, stop pushing the gas pedal. You are not necessarily braking yet, but you are not wasting any more gas either.

Proper fuel: Use the proper fuel for your vehicle. Most vehicle manuals should indicate which fuel is best for your vehicle.

Turn it off: If you plan on waiting for more than two or three chronological minutes, it is always best to turn off the vehicle. One minute of idling your vehicle consumes the same amount of gas as when you start it.

Do not tailgate: Slowing down and speeding up wastes gas so if somebody in front of you brakes or slows down suddenly, you will have to as well. If you give yourself enough room, you will have time to either change lanes to avoid slowing down or minimize the amount of miles per hour you have to slow down.

Accelerate slowly: The faster you accelerate, the more gas you waste. Driving is not a race so give yourself enough time to get to your destination without rushing or feeling the need to speed.

Travel light: The more weight there is in the vehicle, the more load it is on your engine. The heavier the load is, the less miles per gallon you get. Take out all things you will not need for your drive to eliminate unnecessary weight.

Carpool: If you and someone you know are planning on going to the same place, car pull with them. Not only will you save gas, but you will have great company!

Look ahead: Accelerating on a hill requires more gas than if you were to accelerate before getting to the hill. If you see a hill approaching, begin to speed up so that you will reach your desired speed by the time you are on the hill.

Avoid warming up your car: The proper amount of time it takes to warm up your car is 30 to 45 seconds. The healthiest way for the motor to warm up to it’s fullest potential (when the temperature gauge reaches the middle) is for you to warm it up by driving. For example, if a person is going to run, they need to warm up by walking, jogging, and then running. A vehicle is the same way. Slowly accelerate and give yourself enough time to break before driving your desired speed.

Students who apply for credit cards have to learn to use self-control with purchases and make payment deadlines

Graphic / Illustration by Amanda Cano

Go the extra mile: Save money and the environment

Compiled by Leo ReyesSource: fueleconomy.gov

Features 11www.stmurattlernews.com

The RattlerFebruary 16, 2011

How to: French tips

Pull the second strand under the first strand through the loop.

Flaunt your stylish scarf!

Apply the desired base coat of nail polish.

1.

Photos by Felix Arroyo

Once the base coat is completely dry, tape nails according to desired tip.

Apply desired tip color over the tape.

2.Remove tape once tips are completely dry.

3.

4.

to give us your own "how to" ideas. Let us know what you think.

STMURATTLERNEWS[DOT]COMVISIT US @

Celebrate Black History MonthBlack Student Union EventsPanel DiscussionFeb. 16 at 5 p.m. University Conference Room A

Gospel ExtravaganzaFeb. 20For more information on this event, con-tact BSU President Samone Hill or BSU Black History Chair Darmeisha Slay via Facebook.

Open Mic NightFeb. 23 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.Java City

City EventsDrumming Workshop with T-Bow GonzalezFeb. 19 at 3 p.m.Carver Library 3350 E. Commerce(210) 225-7801

Art Exhibit Celebrating Black History Month: Bernice Appelin-WilliamsFeb. 2 through Feb. 25St. Philip's College1801 Martin Luther King Dr.

The History of Black Economic EmpowermentFeb. 18 at 2 p.m.Pearson San Antonio19500 Bulverde Road(800) 745-8489

Cine en el Barrio: Inside a ChangeFeb. 20 at 2 p.m.The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center Theatre1301 Guadalupe St.(210) 271-3151$4 for non-GCAC members

Read-in Celebration of "The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass"Feb. 22 at 10:50 a.m. San Antonio College LSC Craft Room1300 San Pedro Ave. (210) 486-0881

Complexions Contemporary BalletFeb. 25 at 8 p.m.Carver Community Culture Center226 N. Hackberry(210) 207- 7211Tickets are $31

Compiled By: Amanda Cano Photos by Amanda Cano

Show off your beautiful french tips!

EntertainmentThe Rattler12

www.stmurattlernews.com

Coming Soon

ALBUMS

SHOWS

“Vanities”at San Pedro Playhouse

Until 3/6

MOVIES

Source: kingphillip.org

“And Then There Were None”at Harlequin Dinner Theatre

Until 2/19

Source: ccaggiano.typepad.com

“Unnecessary Farce”at Sheldon Vexler Theatre

Until 2/27

Source: dallas.net

Avril Lavigne“Goodbye Lullaby”3/8

Sara Evans “Stronger”

3/8

R.E.M.“Collapse Into Now”3/8

Lupe Fiasco“Lasers”3/8

Britney Spears“Femme Fatale”3/15

Panic! At The Disco “Vices and Virtues”3/28

Sources: dailystab.com, eurweb.com, musicrow.com, hiponline.com, dailystab.com, inktoronto.com

“The Adjustment Bureau ” 3/4

Sources: rottentomatoes.com

February 16, 2011

“Beastly” 3/4

“Of Gods and Men” 2/25 “Hall Pass” 2/25

Espana Bar de Tapas is already well-known among college students for its delicious exotic appetizers and drinks. But there is another reason to check out the venue: Wednesday night is karaoke night!

Whether these two little words send you running toward the stage or just send chills up your spine, the experience will definitely be a memorable one.

Jack Gribbin, owner of Espana, began hosting karaoke night two and a half years ago.

“The contestants used to be really good! People would take it very seriously and they had great voices,” said Gribbin, reminiscing on the days that resembled American Idol.

These days, karaoke night is open to anyone who just wants his or her 15 minutes of fame. The audience and contestants range from college students to older crowds (hey, someone has to sing those Disco oldies). But do not worry, the textbook-sized karaoke songbook has something for everyone. Even Greek organizations have been known to compete on stage trying to outdo

each other. If you have never sung karaoke before,

Espana‘s karaoke night is the best place to initiate your fake singing career. The venue has one of best karaoke setups in the city with big screen televisions that make it easy to follow the lyrics, even the fastest Lil Wayne rap songs.

The stage is big enough for you and your posse to perform together with multiple microphones, or for those brave ones, to perform solo with enough room to dance. Like most other bars, the place is dimly lit with lanterns and a foreign pub décor that will help hide your performance flaws.

Whether you are looking to shock your friends with your amazing voice or do not mind getting booed off a stage, make sure you check out karaoke night at Espana Bar de Tapas at 5638 Hausman Road, Suite 105 every Wednesday night at 9 p.m. for a guaranteed night of laughter and fun.

At least this way you get to sing your heart out without worrying about Simon, Randy and Paula judging your performance and airing that embarrasing audition all over national television.

By Dania Pulido Entertainment Editor

Top 10 Songs To Sing At A Karaoke BarJourney“Don’t Stop Believing”

Cyndi Lauper“Girls Just Wanna Have Fun”

Aerosmith“Don’t Want To Miss A Thing”

AQUA“Barbie Girl”

Gloria Gaynor“I Will Survive”

Garth Brooks“Friends In Low Places”

Spice Girls“Wannabe”

AC/DC“Shook Me All Night Long”

Def Leppard“Pour Some Sugar On Me”

Shania Twain“Man, I Feel Like A Woman”

calling allsongbirds

Graphic by Sara Cornejo

Entertainment The Rattler 13February 16, 2011www.stmurattlernews.com

Take a sweet trip to Gigi’s cupcakes and become acquainted with their four-inch tall cupcakes, frosting and all.

Gigi’s offers a unique daily menu of cupcake creations to choose from along with a daily special. Each day, they offer eleven delectable choices ranging from flavors like Tiramisu, Strawberry Short-cake, Texas Milk Chocolate and Hunka Chunka Banana Love.

Some of Gigi’s bestsellers include Strawberry Milkshake, a strawberry fla-vored cake with buttercream icing, a straw and strawberry whoppers to top it off, and the Grasshopper cupcake, which has dark chocolate cake mixed with Andes Mints,

a mint cream cheese frosting and drizzled with ganache.

This cupcake shop is relaxing and chic with coffee tables and various bars to sit at. Enjoy a snack break with your best friend, sisters or even your significant other. It also has a special room the can be reserved for private cupcake parties.

These cupcakes can be taken to go; they are boxed in a compact gift box that makes for a perfect present.

Each cupcake costs $3 and is well worth the cost.

Gigi’s Cupcakes is located at 434 North loop 1604 West, Suite 1101. Stop by and grab yourself a cupcake from Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

By Lynzee VillafrancaStaff Writer

Gigi’s sweetens up San Antonio

Gigi’s Cupcakes offers a variety of delicious new flavors. Photo by Fernando Armendariz

Mexican Manhattan’s authenticity attracts customers

The city is full of “authentic Mexican restaurants,” often making it hard to choose one. But since its opening in 1958, Mexican Manhattan has taken pride in maintaining its roots by being family-owned. Currently, the restaurant is managed by Kenneth Karam’s sons, Steve and Larry. In March, they will be celebrating the restaurant’s 53rd anniversary.

Owners Kenneth Karam talked about their success.

“First and foremost, good food and good service,” Kenneth said. “People like to go to a family owned [restaurant] because they are greeted by the managers.”

Mexican Manhattan houses regular customers that have frequently visited the restaurant for decades.

Interestingly, the Karam brothers do not advertise their restaurant to attract new customers, but instead they rely on the quality and service of their food.

“Our best advertisement comes from word of mouth,” Kenneth said.

Mexican Manhattan’s most

popular dish is the Manhattan Dinner, consisting of two enchiladas, rice with chili, beans and a large guacamole salad, sure to stuff any hungry belly. “[We

have] very generous portions,” Karam said.

The Karam brothers are the only managers at the restaurant, constantly greeting and

conversing with customers, giving Mexican Manhattan a comfortable ambiance that makes everyone feel at home, complimented by a friendly staff and of course, great

food that makes gaining new regulars an easy task.

Over the five decades since its opening, Mexican Manhattan has expanded, adding a patio that overlooks the Riverwalk and a bar area that offers happy hour with drink and food specials. It continues to attract customers looking for great, quality food in a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant also now offers free parking at dinnertime for its customers, but the incentive to visit Mexican Manhattan is the appetizing menu, welcoming staff and the Karam brothers.

“There are a few things that people are loyal to and one of them is restaurants, so we want to thank our clientele over the years for their loyalty here at Mexican Manhattan,” Kenneth said.

Mexican Manhattan is a place of one of a kind authentic Mexican food, with a touch of home free of charge.

“Come and see us,” Kenneth said.

Mexican Manhattan restaurant is located on 110 Soledad St. downtown. Their hours of operation are Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

By Robin JohnsonSenior Staff Writer

This family-owned restaurant relies on word of mouth to attract hungry customers. With mouth watering dishes like these, it is no wonder they are confident enough not to pay for advertising. Photo by Robin Johnson

February 16, 2011

www.stmurattlernews.com

SportsThe Rattler14

CHAN’S DONATION LIST

DumbbellsA piece of equipment used in weight training, and is a type of free weight. They can be used individually or in pairs (one for each hand).

Squat RacksAn item of weight training equipment designed to allow for a safe free-weight workout using a barbell (used in weight training, weightlifting, and powerlifting.) It essentially comprises for vertical posts with two horizontal bar catchers on each side.

Curl BarsA piece of exercise equipment used in weight training, weightlifting and powerlifting. Barbells range in length from 4 feet (1.2 m) to 7 feet (2.1 m). The central portion varies in diameter, but is close to one inch (2.54 cm), and is often engraved with a knurled crosshatch pattern to help lifters get a good grip. Disc weights (plates) are slid onto the outer portions of the bar to obtain the desired total weight.

Dip BeltsA piece of fitness equipment that consists of a U-shaped bar, usually about 1inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, which surrounds the user’s body at the waist.The user grips the bar with both hands, and supports their body weight on it.

Gym officials plan to purchase equipment

When it comes to regulars at the gym, staying fit is a big priority. However, working out at the Alumni Athletics Convocation Center can be hard when weights and other equipment are missing.

After noticing that the AACC was lacking in gym equipment, Jules Chan, a class of 2008 alumnus, decided to try to donate various supplies to help out his alma mater.

With help from his friends Javier Barron, a graduate student, and senior marketing major Charles Schlet, Chan was able to confirm a meeting date with AACC and campus recreation officials to propose his plan.

However, the process of donation is harder than Chan imagined. For any changes, including anything that needs to be replaced, added, or taken out of the AACC, Campus Recreation officials and the Athletics officials must both agree.

After much discussion between Chan, Intramural Coordinator Leah Bowen and Karyn Williams, who is the Director of the AACC and campus recreation, the

university has accepted Chan’s donation of hand weights, but other equipment has yet to be accepted.

“I wanted the process to be weeks, but it’s taken a few months due to the approval process,” Chan said. “But a few months is better than years.”

Williams said that the hand weights should be arriving in March, but that any other new equipment would take longer depending on if recreation center and athletics department officials agree on the proposed purchases.

“In reality, the weights were a common denominator,” Williams said. “They needed them and we needed them.”

When purchasing new equipment, officials take into consideration price and whether or not the average student can utilize it. Equipment also has to be able sustain long-term use, so it usually has to be purchased from special retailers.

Chan, who visits the gym when he returns home to San Antonio to see friends, said that the gym helped him improve his fitness. He was saddened when he realized the AACC’s condition continued to get worse.

“The gym was actually in great condition about seven years ago,” Chan said. “The calculators on the machines, the humongous workout plan computer and the equipment was clean and new and they worked.”

Williams said that campus recreation and athletics officials are planning for more gym improvements.

“We are looking at removing the desk that is in the [gym] room and expanding the free weight area,” Williams said. “We have already upgraded by bringing

in new elliptical, bikes, medicine ball racks and small hand weights, but now it is the big stuff we have to look at.”

In the meantime, Chan plans to continue raising awareness about his prospective donations by creating a Facebook page called “STMU Gym Upgrade,” in which he encourages students, alumni and faculty to voice their opinions or to contribute to the donation.

“I think what Jules Chan is trying to do is great because it not only helps out the current students but it also encourages to bring new people into the gym,” Barron said.

Chan hopes that by this movement he has been able to make a mark of improvement.

“I just wanted to show that the quality of gym equipment has gotten so bad that the students and alumni have taken matters into their own hands rather than depending on St. Mary’s,” Chan said. “But more importantly, I wanted to show that St. Mary’s has had such a positive impact on students’ lives that they are willing to come back as alumni to give back so that others can have the same experience.”

By Diana GarciaSports Editor

Jules Chan helps raise awareness about the current conditions of the Alumni Athletics Convocation Center

Courtesy Photos by Wikimedia

Definitions by Wikimedia

These are some pieces of equipment Jules Chan is trying to donate to the St. Mary’s work out room.

Freshmen Jerry Hernandez and Alex Alaiz were working out together at the AACC on Feb. 11. Photo by Robin Johnson

“I wanted to show that St. Mary’s has had such a positive impact on students’ lives that they are willing to come back as alumni to give back so that others can have the same experience”

- Jules Chan

Alumnus of 2008

Hot seat: Ryan MorrowClassification: SeniorMajor: BuisnessPosition: Catcher Hometown: Bulverde, TX

Quick Facts: Senior Ryan Morrow’s contribution to the teams record was recently recognized by being named Conference Player of the Week/Catcher of the Week. This honor came after a victory against Newman University. Last year, Morrow was selected by the Atlanta Braves in the 44th round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. He finished his junior year with a record of 56 walks, the second highest in the nation, receiving the first ever Heartland Conference Gold Glove as catcher.

What are your goals for the season?“Work out harder in the cage. We got to make sure everyone keeps focus including myself, and keep the team average.”

What is your motivation?“Just knowing that we have a chance to compete at the highest level knowing the team will be there for you. It is having the chance to be out doing something you love.”

Who is the team’s toughest competition in the conference?“University of Texas Permian Basin or St. Edwards would be ones to deal with.”

What has been your most memorable moment so far with the Rattlers?“When we went to regional’s last year. It was exciting because we were closer to our goal of National Champions.”

Do you have a favorite professional team and athlete?“Brian McCann from the Atlanta Braves. I have actually met him and got to play alongside him for a summer. He gave me his glove.”

February 16, 2011 Sports The Rattler 15

UPCOMING GAMES

Men’s BasketballFeb. 17vs. Dallas Baptist University7:30 p.m.

Women’s BasketballFeb. 19 vs. University of Arkansas- Fort Smith2 p.m.

Women’s GolfFeb. 20 St. Mary’s University Invitational MultidayTBASan Antonio, TX

Men’s GolfFeb. 27Golfweek InvitationalOrlando, FlTBA

Women’s TennisFeb 18. @ University of the Incarnate Word1 p.m.

Men’s TennisFeb 18. @ University of the Incarnate Word1 p.m.

SoftballFeb 18.vs. Emporia State University11 a.m.vs. Tarliton State University 3:30 p.m.1900 Blanco Road , Phone: (210) 735-3552, www.chrismadrids.com

A “mecca for burger lovers.”

Warmer weather is near, the sunglasses are coming out and so are the softball bats.

This 2011 season, the softball team opened up with wins against Cameron University, Abilene Christian and Eastern New Mexi-co. Already holding an impressive winning record of 4-1, the team is preparing themselves for more Heartland Conference victories.

The team is motivated, with the phrase “All the way to May” set in their minds. May is when the team will play the Heartland Con-ference softball championship.

The team is being led by four seniors, second baseman Alyssa Alfaro, outfielder Lauren Miller, catcher/infielder Chelsea Wen-ske and catcher Kelly Baker, all of whom have helped the team through many hard fought wins

and losses before. While all of the team members

are hoping to win the conference game, each player has a personal goal.

“My goal is to perform to the best of my ability and do whatever it takes for my team to win,” said Richelle Morales, a junior short stop on the team.

The team not only wants to finish at the top of the Heartland Conference, but especially wants to win against the St. Edward’s University Hilltoppers. The Hill-toppers were voted the No.1 team expected to win the conference by the Heartland Conference Softball Preseason Poll. Conference coach-es and sports information direc-tors vote in the poll, according to Heartlandsports.org. St. Edward’s has won back-to-back regular Heartland Conference champion-ships in the past two years and looks to extend that streak in 2011,

but not if the Rattlers have any-thing to do about it.

In the Preseason Poll, the Rat-tlers are just behind the Hilltop-pers in second place. But this is not discouraging for the team.

“This year our team has gotten together really well,” Morales said.

Sophomore first baseman and pitcher Heather Haas looks back on last season.

“I don’t want to the team to make the same mistakes,” she said. “We want to be able to execute all the way through the season.”

With the right attitudes in the dugout and everyone’s full focus on playing hard and winning, the Rattler softball team hopes to bring home the Heartland Conference title.

“Never relax, never give up, and never be satisfied,” Haas said referring to the mentality that ev-ery person on the team has to have during every game.

Compiled by Ivonne Aguilar

Time to take out the softballs and mitts

By Danielle TorresStaff Writer

The softball season is here and the Rattlers hope to make it “all the way to May.”

Third basmen Jared Gonzalez warms up with the team before practice. Photo by Robin Johnson

Photo by Jennifer Sims

Photos Courtesy of stmarytx.edu

February 16, 2011 Sports The Rattler 16

Baseball team works toward a great season

Did You Know?

1902St. Mary’s baseball team was known as the St. Louis College baseball team.

1925The rattlesnake was officially adopted as the school mascot.

It was said that before every practice they had to clean the field of rattlesnakes.

The student newspaper also took on the name The Rattler that pervious fall.

2001St. Mary’s won thier first National Championship.

Danny Heep was the first former St. Mary’s baseball player to have his jersey number retired.He went on to play for the Astros, Mets, Dodgers, Red Sox playing on two World Series Champion teams.

Skye SevernsJuniorPos. RHP6’2”Claremont, Calif

Weston BarosSeniorPos. 2B5’10”San Antonio

UPCOMING GAMES

February 18vs. University of Texas-Permian Basin(Game 1) 2 p.m.@ Home

(Game 2) 4 p.m.@ Home

February 19vs. University of Texas-Permian Basin1 p.m.@ Home

A Heartland Conference Championship game win is No.1 on all of the baseball players’ wish lists.

Photos by Jennifer Sims

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By Claire EtterStaff Writer

The baseball team, which began its season on Feb. 5, is ranked 18th in the nation and 4th in their region by the Heartland Conference Preseason Baseball Poll. These rankings, which are primarily based on the team’s performance last year, have created high expectations for this season’s team.

Last year, the Rattlers finished 40-19 and won the Heartland Conference championship before falling to Abilene Christian in the playoffs. With seven returning starting field players which include Ryan Morrow, Josh McElroy, Reagan Moczygemba, Greg Herbst, Jason Garcia, Tyler Migl and Weston Baros, the Rattlers have been voted the team to beat in the Heartland Conference by the leagues head coaches and sports information directors.

To stay on the winning track this season, Head Coach Charlie Migl brought in new position players and pitchers. Joining the team this year are Kyle Bumpas, Rene Solis, Cameron Payne, Rick Villa, Weston Heiligman, Coy Chafin and Jimmy Schwent.

With so many returning players, Coach Migl said, “We are in a position where we are older and excited about that.” Among these returning players

are catcher Ryan Morrow and left fielder John McElroy, who last year were voted first team all-conference.

Also returning are Greg Herbst, Weston Baros, Regan Moczygemba and Jason Garcia who were second team all Heartland Conference last season. Pitcher Matt Holland who last year won a Gold Glove Honor also returns for the Rattlers.

In order to prepare for their season, the team practiced from 2:30 to 6 p.m. on Monday through Thursday, and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays. Now that the season has started, practices are used to fine tune different aspects of the Rattlers game.

After a solid season opener against Newman in which the Rattlers won all three games, Coach Migl said that “guys are starting to grasp what we have to do this season” as his players have executed their game plan well. Currently, the Rattlers are 4-1, as of Feb. 12.

As far as expectations go, the Rattlers know what they are capable of. “It is our goal to win another Conference Championship this year,” freshman Bumpas said.

Charlie MiglHead Baseball Coach

Josh McElroyJuniorPos. OF6’0”Helotes