Vol. 99, No. 5 - 11/09/2011

With the current installation of Wi-Fi access points and a new Internet phone system, university officials expect to initiate a network authentication process as their next project after completing the wireless expansion.

The university recently increased the broadband bandwidth and installed a new $2 million Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone system. Installation, which began in November, is currently taking place with the set-up of Wi-Fi access points and cabling to increase the saturation and coverage to all academic buildings and halls. The six-week project is expected to be finished at the beginning of the spring semester.

The new network expansion plans to cover all university academic buildings and academic halls with 100 percent Wi-Fi coverage so that faculty, staff and students can access a strong wireless signal from their laptops and mobile devices. The project will cover 25 additional classrooms and other locations with complete wireless network coverage and add wireless areas to the Bill Greehey Arena and common areas located in the second floor of the University Center. The area around Java City/Subway and Founders Hall courtyard will also be covered. This Wi-Fi expansion will cost approximately $117,000. The new outdoor sports complex indoor spaces will also have Wi-Fi coverage when construction is complete.

Although the library is one of the current places that gets Wi-Fi, the university plans to expand it to other campus buildings. / Photo by Rubi Doria.

By Austin W. NewtonStaff Writer

Wi-Fi is expected to be available in all academic buildings by spring 2012.

University strengthens connections

Cont. on PG. 3

A St. Mary’s Student Publication since 1925 • Vol. 99 Issue 5 • November 9, 2011 • stmurattlernews.com

rattlerthe

15 SPORTS

Volleyball seniors say farewell at final game

10 FEATURES

Students share experiences as commuters

12 ENTERTAINMENT

Batman: Arkham City new game is thrilling

University celebrates international education

3 NEWS

Check out the “Major Breakdown”

PG. 8

NewsThe Rattler2 November 9, 2011www.stmurattlernews.com

The Rowdy Rattlers, a student spirit group, cheers for the volleyball team in a game against St. Edwards University on Thursday, Nov. 3 at the Athletics Alumni and Convocation Center. The team lost in three sets. / Photo by Sarah Dwyer.

STAFFEditor-in-ChiefAzhmir Acosta

Managing EditorAmanda Cano

Copy EditorNick Canedo

Layout/Design Editor Chrystalla Georghiou

Web EditorEmily Scruggs

News EditorKatherine Benavides

Commentary EditorBriana Perez Features EditorArturo Osteguin Jr.

Sports EditorJoe Rodriguez

Entertainment EditorDania Pulido

Photo EditorFelix Arroyo

Assistant Photo EditorJennifer Sims

Advertising ManagerLeo Reyes

Staff CartoonistsEric VijilJasmain Aquino Faculty AdviserBrother Dennis Bautista, S.M., Ph.D.

Alex Meyer Lena ScalercioJessica VallesJulie LosoyaBrian MagloyoanEmily ArtalejoBrissa Renteria

Alexander EakinsAustin W. NewtonAngelica RadacinskiChris ChildreeDenice HernandezMercedes KelsoFrances Mell

STAFF WRITERS

Nicolas Campana Alejandra DiazMiriam CruzAnalissa CantuBrittany HorakSarah JardineCheyenne Palmer

Sarah DwyerChanti Lee VongRubi DoriaMelina CavazosMiriam DorantesMaria Correa

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

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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Saturday, Oct. 22Male student in Chaminade Hall was reported bleeding. Found that intoxicated male student forced himself on female student who struck male in head with metal can. Charges filed against male student and referred to Judicial Affairs.

Saturday, Oct. 22Mother drove vehicle into university perimeter fence in Lot O, causing $1,800 in damage. Surveillance showed that student was actually driving; student and mother interviewed again. Mother confessed student caused damage. Fines assessed and student referred to Judicial Affairs.

Wednesday, Oct. 26Student reported that clothes in Lourdes Hall were removed from dryer without authorization. Approximate value of $200.

Saturday, Oct. 29Unknown person arguing with student in Lot O. Suspect punched student twice in the head.

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Powwow to help raise Native American culture awarenessIn correspondance with Native American Heritage Month, members of the Native American Student Association will be hosting their annual Learning Traditions Powwow event on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 10 a.m. at Pecan Grove. The celebration and will include music and dances and is the organization’s biggest event of the year.

Can you hear the rattle?Show your spirit by going to Rattler Madness on Thursday, Nov. 10 at 9 p.m in the Alumni Athletics and Convocation Center. Activities include spirited giveways, various games, performances and a pep rally. A tailgate sponsored by the Student Government Association will take place at 7 p.m. with the Spurs Coyote making an appearance.

Want to judge a storytelling competition?Particpate as a judge in a storytelling competition the Theatre Departement will be hosting on Friday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. at the Quad Amphitheater. Students will be competing for scholarship awards with $200 as first place. To find out how to participate, contact Adam Burke at [email protected].

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November 9, 2011

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News The Rattler 3November 9, 2011

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Breakdown of wireless access points

Areas with wireless:

Compiled by Austin W. Newton

Source: Office of the President

Loans prove to be manageable for alumni and students

With the average financial aid package offered for the 2011-2012 school year at $22,439, the average indebtedness for a university graduate is $24,058 for four years, according to College Board.

To attend the university for the school year, students must pay a direct total cost of $32,906, according to the Office of Undergraduate Admission. The university provides financial assistance for more than 90 percent of students in the form of grants, scholarships, student employment and government loans that must be paid off after graduation.

Many students, according to College Board, take out more

loans than awarded by the university.

Although these numbers may seem a bit high to the average college student or graduate, Chris Cantu, coordinator of the Marianist Leadership Program and civic engagement and 2006 graduate of the university, is not stressed about owing money because his “education is a long term investment that I continue to appreciate [and] wouldn’t be who and where I am today without St. Mary’s.”

Cantu anticipates paying back his loans for the next 18 to 20 years. He received various academic scholarships, grants and government loans while attending the university.

Similarly, Gus Segura, a 2004 criminal justice graduate and current police officer for the

San Antonio Police Department, received academic scholarships and worked as a residence assistant that covered his room and board costs. He anticipates paying off his loans for four more years, since graduating, he had “a good job without financial hardship and pays low interest rates on his loans.”

While alumni continue to pay back their college loans, freshmen students are just beginning to encounter the financial aid process.

Freshman theology and sociology major Elijah Lopez receives financial aid in the form of academic scholarship, loans and work-study for University Ministry. Though he stresses about having to pay back college loans for a long time, Lopez is “thankful for his low

interest rate loans and work-study aid because work in the ministry department will help in [his] future career as a Catholic youth minister.”

Though some may be concerned about taking out loans to receive a higher education knowing that they may not have the guarantee of fiscal security, Cantu said, “If university students are motivated and take full advantage of the opportunities offered in college, they will have high success in finding financially sound jobs after graduation.”

Understanding that the fear of debt should not prevent people from receiving a higher education, the government has established programs including the Stafford Loan Forgiveness Program for teachers where “those teaching

in low socioeconomic status schools for five consecutive years are eligible to receive loan forgiveness,” said Cantu.

Freshman undeclared major Bridget Hennessy is stressed out about having to take out student loans. Hennessy said, “I know my education is worth it and I need to focus on the here and now rather than worrying about the debt I will have when I graduate.” She is, however, interested in teaching after graduation in order to have her loans forgiven.

Though many university students and graduates find the loan process to be overwhelming and stressful, as Segura said, “It’s not the end of the world, especially to attend a university like St. Mary’s.”

By Mercedes KelsoStaff Writer

“Having full coverage and full strength saturation of classrooms in indoor public spaces, some outdoor public spaces and common areas of residence halls all seem to make sense to the world in terms of what a university should do in terms of learning and I.T.,” said university president Charles Cotrell.

The sponsorship committee—which includes the university’s executive council, Executive Director of Technology Resource Planning Luisa Martin, Executive Director of Technical Operations Todd Yates and Executive Director of Academic Technology Michael Cheng—has been in discussion to improve the bandwidth strength and coverage for over six months. The Faculty Council Committee and Student Consultation Committee have also assisted in the discussions to improve the information technology aspect of the university.

“Right now, we are at 65 to 70 percent of classrooms that have Wi-Fi coverage. There are some classrooms that don’t have adequate coverage,” Cheng said. “You may have a space where there

are only two bars [displaying on your device]. We want to make sure that you not only have full coverage, but adequate coverage. If you have 20 people turning on devices, you can get online with good bandwidth.”

Cotrell hopes that the new project process will be finished in the expected time.

“The plan would be to attempt to complete our work this semester, in terms of placing the hardware in classrooms and getting software completed properly,” said Cotrell. “I am hopeful this will really add, for me and other classrooms, not only wireless but a greater need to which people can download and so on with a stronger signal.”

The next president of the university will be responsible with addressing the issue of individual residence hall rooms having Wi-Fi coverage. The cost of having wireless coverage in residence hall rooms would be $250,000.

Senior English communication arts major Kirk Dunlap, a member of the student consultation committee for information technology, expressed a need for technology improvements at the university.

“I would greatly appreciate the change to the access points and the authentication process,” said Dunlap. “We are in an Internet age, whether we like it or not. How can we live our lives without proper access to the Internet?”

University officials continue installation of Wi-Fi accessCont. from PG. 1

o 64 undergraduate and graduate classrooms

o 7 law

o 5 Family Life Center

Areas to add wireless:

o 18 undergraduate and graduate classrooms

o 4 law

o 3 Family Life Center

Cost: $87,000

Tuesday, Nov. 16 to Wednesday, Nov. 17 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fair Trade Sale, UC Atrium Get your Christmas shopping done by buying a variety of handcrafted items, food, clothing and bags.

Wednesday, Nov. 175:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Global Trivia Tournament, UC Room BTeams of four or six answer questions on topics regarding geography, flags, world history, sports, holidays and current events.

Wednesday, Nov. 17 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.Chinese Festival, Founders CourtyardGain insight on the Chinese culture by learning the traditions, how to eat with chopsticks and writing in Chinese.

Thursday, Nov. 186 p.m. to 9 p.m.Filipino Student Association table, Pecan GroveLearn about the Filipino culture and witness a culture performance.

International Education Week Events

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We are in an Internet age, whether we like it or not. How can we live our lives without proper access to the Internet?

- Kirk DunlapSENIOR ENGLISH

COMMUNICATION ARTS

Dean’s List4 The Rattler November 9, 2011

To earn the honor of being on the Dean’s List at St. Mary’s, different criteria apply to the different schools of the University.

To be eligible for the Deans’ List in the Schools of Humanities and Social Sciences; Science, Engineering and Technology; and Bill Greehey School of

Business, students must be full-time status (12 earned hours) and earned a grade point average of 3.60 or above. The Dean’s List for these Schools consists of three categories: Highest Honors, earned grade point average of 3.90 to 4.00; High Honors, earned grade point average of 3.80 to 3.89;

Honors, earned grade point average of 3.60 to 3.79.

Graduate students who earn a grade point average of 3.9 or higher in the Graduate School, have accumulated eight hours of graduate study, were enrolled in at least six hours, and did not have an Incomplete (IC) at the time of consideration are

selected for the Dean’s List.

Bill Greehey School of BusinessALK 203

Humanities & Social Sciences CF 2

Science, Engineering & Tech.MT 201

Graduate School REIN 105

Note: The Deans’ List, published in the RATTLER, Fall 2011 is based on Spring 2011 grades provided by the Registrar’s Office and the Graduate Dean’s Office as of October 3, 2011.

Dean’s List Criteria

Undergraduate Dean’s ListBill Greehey School of BusinessTanuja Singh, Ph.D., Dean

Highest HonorsAbdullah Abdulrahman Al HadhramiAnosh N. AnthonyVicente T. CabeiroBianca CalderonKelsey L. DavisSofia Yolanda Del CidSamuel F. DeThorneDyana GarciaYvonne GarciaRachel Lynn GrahmannAbigail R. HernandezRaul A. HernandezAlan D. HooverThomas F. HuttenhoffJasmine R. Ibarra

Miriam L. JohnsonMichelle M. KafieAmanda L. KroppKristina K. LindseySuzanna LopezLeslie A. LuLori N. MayfieldDenise L. McGlothingLyla M. MoonBessie A. MunozRichard I. OginJames U. RossAndy I. VargasTrevor M. WaiteMatthew R. WhiteSara J. WilkinsonDonette R. WilliamsYudovich Yarrito

High HonorsAngelica A. AgredanoGrant G. BuehrerErica DominguezJon M. English

Crystal M. EstradaSissi P. FernandezGinnette M. GarciaGregory J. HerbstAllison M. HuertaMelissa R. LaraAndrew A. LupinskiLisa M. MartinezEric NarvaezJeremy NarvaezCarlos N. OleaMarquielle C. OrwatClarissa PenaHolly O. PressKimberly A. PruskeVictoria C. ReyesRoxanne O. RodasLuisa M. RodriguesBrandi N. RodriguezKatherine M. SalazarJoseph D. SantosDavid A. SilbermanMegan A. TorresJennifer L. Wendover

HonorsClarissa F. AcostaLaura E. AgueroDania C. AngelesAustin A. BrangwinWeiyuan ChenEshraf A. ChoudhuryJeffrey CrainLorna V. CruzNabila M. DabdoubJesus DeLunaAngelique De OliveiraFei DuJohn A. ElderNinfa M. EscobarMartha T. FernandezCelina GarciaVanessa GarciaSteven H. Garcia-LevisAaron M. GodinezJose G. GonzalezRichard A. GonzalezChristina V. Gove

John A. GutierrezKeith D. HartleAnahi HernandezBrittany M. HorakBenjamin J. ItzAmira KalifaAndrej B. KlipaAntonio LafuenteKenna A. LedfordCristabel LermaJulian LopezEileen C. Lopez-BuesoShane I. LozaMichael D. LunaFrancine M. MassoKori P. McCarverTimothy S. McCormickMathew McStravicEthan T. MedolaAndrew D. MichalekAllison N. MurrayErnesto M. Negrete PapadakisPaola Ostos

Bret R. PetersRebecca PradaValerie RamirezStefanie Random-BeckerJose R. ResendizTomas L. ReyEric A. RogersLauren M. RomeroChristopher M. RuesewaldAngelica M. SaenzMatthew H. SisnerosJoshua E. SotoWillliam D. ThompsonElizabeth TolentinoElena T. VasquezJeanette A. VazquezDelissa A. VillaAntonieta Del Valle YammouniRynah M. Young

Science, Engineering and TechnologyWinston Erevelles, Ph.D., Dean

Highest HonorsAlvaro Aguilar Aracely Alcala James A. Almaguer Stephanie Y. Annor Trace E. Arnold Brian L. Singzon Arquisola Dina A. AttiaGilbert I. BarrazaTravis Barton Bianca R. BewleyPuja J. Bhakta Tiffany A. Brown Nicole E. CavazosAmber R. ClapperElizabeth Cortez Amador Cruz Daniel M. Duffau Alan L. ErwinMegan S. Foster Elizabeth R. GarzaHillary L. Garza Alyssa R. GonzalezDaniel P. Gonzalez Deborah J. Gonzalez Diana L. Gonzalez Jeanna Goodrich Gerald T. Harrison Gruber Samantha L. Hinojosa

Joseph R.JenningsChristine N. Khong Inez C. LealSarah M. MacAlino Aron E. Martinez Kristyn M. MathewsonNicolas E. MorenoBarbara Neusch Thi Kim Ly NguyenKelly M. NiemiecDamiana D. PenaValerie B. PrinceChristopher A. RamirezCristhian E. RamirezRodolfo De Jesus RamirezJose D. Retana Mario C. Reyes Rebecca RodriguezSandra V. Rosas Katherine T. RuesewaldAdriana Saenz Juan J. Saenz John P. Salcido Luis E. SanchezJohn B. SandlinEmily A. SegirAndrew C. Smith Brittany S. SullivanAlexandria Tami Lawadoin A. ToeMark A. TrujilloMichelle Renae Van HeckeSandra M. Vasquez-KayruzSarah T. Vega Carmela A. Paleracio Ver Arthur R. Wagner

Jordan M. Walter Shannon Warren Warrin A. Witten Alice S. Yang

High HonorsErik T. AlbachAustin W. Beatty Michael C. Bingham David C. Cadena Maria T. Chavez Loretta M. ClapperSandra M. Crusa Analicia G. De Los Santos Roberto De Los Santos Audiel A. Espitia Arthur FurlongKatherine E. Green Andrew G. Hansen Dylan L. Heart Lorena S. HepburnSanum Y. Khan Se Hee KimJohn P. Korban Dennise Lerma Wendy LinViolet M. MaldonadoAndrew MenezesHae Mi Noh Cesar OrnelasJo-Anna Palma Anastasia M. PembertonAnna M. PloteJustine C. ReillyCristine D. Saks

Cassandra E. SchindlerAaron A. SepulvedaChristopher B. SierraMaria Silva Cassandra A. StefanovicCamila TulyaganovaAnthony R. Vega

HonorsKirsten G. Acosta Thushari R. AlahapperumaRiyad S. Alamri Jordan N. Aluyen Jaqueline AlvaradoMarcela AlvaradoBrenda N. AlvarezKathleen M. BenavidesJaclyn Y. Bermudez Robert W. Boyd William R. BuckleyLauren A. Burdett Alan I. CarranzaFelix J. CarrilloAmanda M. ChavezJanet Chen Stephanie L. CrowellJordan M. DeanErik L. Dimmett Jennifer D. DyllaSharlene N. Flesher Thaddeus C. Fuller Andrew R. GonzalezJustin L. Haloot John M. HollandRodrigo IglesiasJulie C. KellsDaniel E. Landeros

Bradley T. LedfordJulian A. MartinezChristel M. McCormickMonique M. MendozaWilliam R. MilesAlejandra A. MirelesNerissa A. MisuelaRichard E. Molina Triana MontemayorThanh Vi D. NguyenGabriel A. NogueraNina Y. OlveraPearl L. OlveraDeanna S. PattersonAlicia A. PerezAnel M. PerezClaudia P. RamirezChristina RodriguezMauro D. RodriguezMiranda A. RodriguezGuy RuttenSandra M. RyanJuan M. SanchezFrancisco A. SantosJenifer M. SchnablTheresea A. SeifertBrian R. Serrato Jorge L. Sosa Frida A. TeranDante C. TezzaKayla M. ValderasTomas Vargas Melissa M. VasquezLashelle U. VillarrealAmjad A. Yamani

Dean’s ListNovember 9, 2011 The Rattler 5

Humanities and Social SciencesJanet B. Dizinno, Ph.D., Dean

Highest HonorsCamila F. AcchiardoChristine L. AndrewsEmily A. ArtalejoElaheh O. AshtianiBobby A. BaizaBrynna N. BergmanAlexandra N. BirrTanios A. Bou OnkElisha E. BryantKristen T. BurressJavier A. CalvilloRebecca R. CantuQuanesha L. CarmanJessica N. CarrilloAnabel O. ChavezChristopher M. ChildreeMariana D. DeLeonChristina DominguezJessica R. DorrycottCyra A. DumitruEmily M. FlowersCaroline M. FogwellMegan A. GalloBrittany R. GalvanDaniella E. GarciaJeremy L. GelwixCaitlyn H. GeraciElizabeth A. GetzElvira D. GonzalezRachel M. GutierrezVeronika A. GutierrezCaroline A. HartmannRichard HernandezJames R. HippCheryl L. HoelscherJames F. HopkinsJessica R. JamesRoxanne JimenezMatthew A. JirkovskySean S. JonezTruette D. JonezCrystal D. KellerAshlee E. KelpsChristine P. LeKyleigh D. LindbergCharles A. LopezAverie E. Maldonado

Crystal M. MaresItzel MartinezGilbert E. MataCarlie N. MathewsDanielle M. MatosAlexandra E. McCoyKevin P. McGloinSelena M. MendozaAdam M. MeyerKelly M. MontgomeryBrenda MontoyaFidel MoralesItzel M. MoralesTanairi Y. Ochoa RodriguezJose A. OrozcoDebra OrtaKarlie R. OrtegaSarai S. OrtegaSyrita R. OwensMahana A. PaigeAaron M. PerezStacey L. PierceCorrie L. PittmanMarisa PorrasCharles RamirezClaudia P. RangelSelena RangelHannah B. RendonJames P. ReynaStephanie Ruiz-AlbaJoseph A. SanchezSteven D. SanchezEmily J. ScruggsJared R. SelmanYvonne D. SendejoMichelle E. SheaRonald J. SpindelAnne M. SwensonRoger TamezKasey B. VasquezLynzee L. VillafrancaRoni L. VowelsMicah L. WalkerLinda A. WielandAlexia A. Wilson

High HonorsCyndy J. AlvarezAlison M. AyalaBonita S. BabuKelly N. BakerKristina J. BarcinasKatherine M. Benavides

Clarissa N. BroughtonKristine P. BrownJoseph Al CardenasColin M. CastilloFrancisca B. Castro-ReddittJanneth F. ClarkJessica F. ClarkIsabel De La CerdaCaleb DiazClaire T. EtterDaisy A. FloresLarissa C. FloresNicole M. FloresRose FonsecaBlake A. GillilandMario E. GonzalezKari R. GordsFennelle N. GuevaraAnalisia GutierrezAmanda M. GuzmanDaniella HernandezNatalie M. HightowerRobin J. JohnsonJennifer E. JonesKimberly E. KeatingAngell KimLeia M. KirchJames T. KochGai Thi LeAnna L. LichtenbergerZachary A. LutzOliver M. ManglonaJaneth MartinezStephanie MartinezRyan M. MchutchionMonica C. MendezAnita E. MontoyaVictoria E. MoonStacey L. MossYamel Y. MuzquizPuafuatausag M. NomuraJonathan R. O’HaraStefany OlagueAna M. OlivaresAnnia F. OlivaresDanielle V. OviedoAngela M. PalumboClarissa PenaBriana D. PerezBriana J. PerezRoberto RamirezStefanie N. RamirezRobert C. Regan

Monica A. RinconBrittney RodriguezLuis J. RomoElizabeth RutiagaDanielle I. SaavedraTina M. SanchezRosemary F. SeguraChristina V. SerranoPatrick M. SerratoMaria SilvaDavid A. StryculaCassandra M. VaraMelinda B. VillaNicole M. WellingtonShaquille C. WolefKelly Y. Zamora

Honors Azhmir AcostaIvonne AguilarPamela AlvaradoWendy AraujoBenjamin ArceoLuis J. BarajasKarla BayonaJake A. BecerraVictoria L. BonelliAdrianna L. BorregoTiara N. BouldinElizabeth E. BoydPhilip J. BrisenoEmily A. Bryant-MundschauNicole M. CanalesHugo A. CanoAngela M. CantuStephanie CapellaClaudia L. CarreteGabriella CasasEmily CastanedaRozzane A. ChavezMiriam D. CruzNatalie A. CusickAlexia J. DabdoubEduardo DavilaAlejandra De AndaXavier R. De La CruzMarisol DeLaCruzJeri-Ashley DeLeonMariana DelgadoAlejandra DiazRegina D. DukesKirk P. DunlapRichard J. Dutchover

Sarah A. EscamillaAdriana J. Esquivel MorenoMelisa EstradaRosileen FerioliAmanda Lynne FerraroJennifer D. FigueroaMartin FloresMegan A. FosterLizette GallardoVeronica GallegosArnold J. GallowayTiffany M. GalvanAdriane R. GarciaWilliam W. GilbertBebe M. GonzalezRobert D. GrayAlicia N. GreenGabriela M. GuajardoCrystal A. GuerraSarah P. HamiltonAmanda N. HapneyWoodrow Ellis Grey HardinCristina M. HebertDenice C. HernandezKarla Y. HernandezPriscilla T. HernandezMichael C. HollowayErika L. IbarraKatelyn S. KershnerJacob K. KjarMaria A. LabradoChristina M. LealEsther M. LealShelly A. LeeNatalia LeonChelssie C. LopezVeronica LopezWilliam P. MabieChristine M. MalloyAna L. MarquezMonica L. MartinezRoberto MartinezBethany J. MatochaKaitlyn E. McAshanJoshua A. MedranoAlex J. MeyerTainese V. MillerRonald S. MinardRoxana MirandaChristopher P. MontemayorSavannah G. Morrow

Monica G. NavarroChristopher NoyolaNina Y. OlveraAlfonso PachecoSamantha L. PadillaCameron E. PayneJuan A. PazDaniela A. PenaLaura PenaAlexis A. RamirezDavid E. RamirezNatasha D. RamirezGillian L. RedshawSamuel D. RegoniniJacqueline N. ReidCynthia A. ReyesBianca R. RiosDouglas E. RiveraGabriela J. Rivera Keily S. Rivero Maria S. Rojas Anthony A. San MiguelLena M. ScalercioLance SchneiderJames J. SchwentMauricio G. SeminoKristin R. SepulvedaKyle L. SeymourDarmeisha J. SlayElizabeth M. Stires Tara P. Stone Catherine A. SummervilleJeremy M. TamezPatricia TerrazasAngelica E. TorijaJames T. TracyKaren I. VegaKendrick VelaMatthew R. VelaDeandra L. VillaLuke N.VillafrancaJuan P. VillarrealPriscilla VillarrealTrinae M. Weldy Katrina M. White Dustin M. Wiblitzhouser Kyle M. Wilkinson Kevin J. Young Adriana Y. Zamarripa

Graduate SchoolHenry Flores, Ph.D., Dean

Shermeen I. AbdullahCarla E. AguilarCristina V. AguilarWissam M. Al TimimiSultan Alabdulrahaman Soha A. AlhelalyAhmed H. Ali James J. Allbright Khaled A. AlmgrenShoaeie M. AlotaibiShuroog AlsalehMonica L. Alvarez Martinez Douglas A. Alvarez Martha B. Andrade Pequeno Robert M. Andre Richard S. Arndt Emad A. Ashour Joseph G. Atilano Allison M. Atkinson Vedabrata Basu Linzui K. Berumen Paul D. Bozzo Lavelda J. Bradley Carmen M. Brenes Martinez

Christopher M. Brown Timothy P. Bryan Margaret L. Buckley Michael R. Byrne Christopher X. Cantu Stephen B. Carlton Alessandra ChavezGabrielle Childs Ivette M. Choiseul-Praslin Santos Carrie M. Clewett Valerie L. Cobos Karin S. Cole Kristen Crane Nicholas B. Creel Micheline N. Cruz William B. Dominguez Timothy Doolittle Georgina Elizondo Guajardo Alicia N. Ellis Sabrina M. Emm Leticia G. Espinoza Marcelo Eureste Joshua J. Evans Gina L. Farrell Matthew J. Fecteau Brittany L. Flaherty Crystal L. Fleming Theresa R. Ford Matthew B. Fowler Kevin L. Fox

Claudia Fraire de Cruz Tiffany D. Frias Jessica B. Fuller Micah A. Galindo Alicia M. Galvany Gerardo O. Garcia Boza Angela Nicole L. Garcia Matthew R. Gardner Tabitha A. Garibaldi Jennifer R. Garza Erica N. Gonzalez Vanessa M. Gonzalez Eileen C. Grose Hector G. Cardenas Steven A. Gutierrez Ryan A. Hackbarth Aaron C. Hanna Michele E. Harle Steven Henshaw Jennifer E. Hooker Stephanie A. Hopkins Andres Jaime Simran Jawanda Charles L. Jenkins Jessica D. Johnson Olena Johnson Ivy M. Jones Adriana Juarez Sarah A. Justus David C. Kaiser Logan J. Kimbrell Cynthia M. Klein-Wassink

Matthew E. Kotzur Liz N. Krenek Antje Kutzner William V. Lange Christopher P. Lasko Tirzah LeFeber Javier de Jesus Ley Tablada Angelica M. Lopez Julian G. Lopez Joel K. Lowther James A. Lucchesi Edlin Maldonado Tanya N. Maness Christie A. Martinez Courtney M. Massey Russell T. Matye Jose A. Mendez Desiree N. Mendoza Genaro Mendoza Maria D. Miranda Bouille SanJuanita Moncada Ryan Moore Mary E. Neal Kathleen S. O’Connor Christian A. Padron Krystal A. Parham Elise M. Parma Ana L. Patino Alarcon Sarah C. Payne Douglas A. Pelphrey Patricia M. Plaza Diaz

Beatriz E. Prieto Garza Tracie M. Pulido Sonia Quiroz Leal Betuel Raghunandan Seyed M. Rahimi Arzoo I. Rajani Jasmine L. Randell Stephanie M. Rasor Gilberto Reyes Garza Emily N. Robinett Kimberly Robinson Melissa A. Romero James U. Ross Roman Rozhavsky Shelby D. Ruff Jeremy Rush Alaa K. Salloomi Heidi L. Sanders Robert J. Santos Rafael C. Saucedo Andrew G. Schlessinger Jonathan W. Schneider Amanda M. Shaunessy Richard W. Shaw Dugan Sheehan Anuradha Siddabattula Florence M. Spelzhausen Jesus E. Suarez Ramos Tina A. Suida Nevine Sultan Erin M. Tedesco Valerie E. Torrez

John A. Trabucco Wade Trost Daniel Uresti David B. Vaio Kimberly A. Vela Amy Velasquez Carlos A. Velazquez Anissa R. Velez Rebecca S. Venters Alma L.Verastegui Gonzalez Elda M. Vidaurri Leal Rocio Villanueva Riley W. Waddell Jeremy Wasner Jenna Wessels Adam M. Wetz Katrina L. Willford Colby D. Wilson Cassandra M. Yardeni Mary Lou L. Yruegas Alejandra Zertuche

Graduate School’s Dean’s List

The U.S. invaded Iraq in 2003 to keep the country safe from the threat Iraq posed to national security after the 9/11 attacks. Leaving now because of political convenience will cost Iraq the progress that has been made in forming a functioning government. We need to remain as a strong presence in the

Middle East to continue to protect the safety of our nation. This should take precedence over approval ratings and upcoming elections.

We are giving Iraq the opportunity to become a self-sufficient, functioning democratic state. Taking away our support opens the door for Iranians to influence Iraq and cause the current government to fail. In the past six months, we supported the overthrow of dictatorships and government structures in Libya and Egypt. Since that time, Iranian and other terrorist groups seem to be taking over the new Egyptian and Libyan governments, putting American and Middle East security at risk.

A major source of conflict in the Middle East is the tension between Islamic tribal branches, which have had a contentious past with one another for over 1,000 years. The two most prevalent are the Sunnis and the Shiites. In a New York Times editorial, the emergence of the branches was described as a result of a major schism in the Islamic religion that developed after the death of Mohammed. Egypt and Iraq had a Sunni dominated government before they were overthrown, but Iran is still Shiite.

Since Saddam Hussein was removed, there has been no strong Sunni government keeping the Iranian government under control. The Sunni governments in the area are falling to the unrest stimulated by Iran, who may turn their focus to Saudi Arabia. This could greatly destabilize the Middle East and American security.

Besides this, we have allocated a vast amount of resources into this project. By walking away early, all of the American

lives sacrificed, money and time spent into making the Iraqis free people will have been wasted. Supported or not, the U.S. has an obligation to properly finish what was started. The whole world will be watching our every move as we exit Iraq, and the U.S. is accountable for all the consequences, positive or negative.

November 9, 2011Commentary6 The Rattlerwww.stmurattlernews.com

Every year, over $40 billion is spent on weight-loss products and programs in the U.S., according to Consumer Reports. Fitness buffs often agree on their supplement of choice—protein—that includes the popular supplements

Myotein, Syntha-6, Muscle Tech and Muscle Milk. Protein supplements have been hyped up and driven into the minds of consumers as a supplement necessary for muscle gain and weight loss. This, as discovered by many researchers, is not the case.

Many people are unaware of how much protein our bodies actually need. According to a study conducted by the University of Washington, the average American consumes double the amount of protein necessary for the body. Americans have been led to believe that their diet is lacking in protein and their consumption should be adjusted as such. Many Americans use protein shakes as meal replacements or snack on protein bars throughout the day in hopes of losing weight and gaining muscle. This misconception goes beyond the scope of false advertisement.

A side effect that the supplement industry will not advertise is that excess protein not used by the body is actually stored as fat. University adjunct professor Catherine A. Padberg, who teaches food and nutrition courses explains, “If you consume more protein than you need, your body makes fat out of the extra amino acids.” Padberg stresses that even an athlete seeking to gain muscle doesn’t need any extra protein than what can already be found in the average American’s daily diet.

The study at the University of Washington also concluded that excess protein intake can cause stress to the kidneys and increase calcium loss that could potentially lead to osteoporosis. T. Colin Campbell, a professor of natural sciences at Cornell University and former senior science adviser to the American Institute for Cancer Research, claims there is "a strong correlation between dietary protein intake and cancer of the breast, prostate, pancreas and colon." Many scientists have urged consumers that protein supplements should only be used for those diagnosed with a protein deficiency.

When considering the use of supplements, be sure to consult a physician first. If there are ever any questions regarding how to maintain a healthy body weight, remember this tip from the Mayo Clinic—the key to losing weight is burning more calories than you consume. Choose healthy foods, and include physical activity in your daily routine.

Leaving Iraq: America ends 10 years of war

As a mob gathered in the streets—peacefully protesting—police forces shot tear gas into what they saw as a dangerous crowd. In the chaos, several activists were left seriously injured.

This wasn’t dissent in some distant land. This was an Occupy Wall Street protest in downtown Oakland. The protestors at the event claim they did not

incite the police violence, that they were simply voicing their discontent with the state of America.

One of those protestors was Iraq war veteran Scott Olsen. After two tours in Iraq, Olsen is currently battling for his life in a Bay Area hospital. Olsen survived the hell of war in an oppressive state only to be struck down while protesting in the streets of democracy.

This madness in Oakland came just days after President Obama announced that the administration would keep its promise and have all remaining American troops home from Iraq by the end of December 2011.

It’s about time. It seems asinine that pride in Baghdad should take precedence over prosperity in America. Our government is building nations in the Middle East when there is a nation in desperate need of rebuilding right here.

Critics of the withdrawal say that we can’t just simply pull out. They argue that America has a moral obligation to protect the Iraqi people, and maintain stability.

But at what point do we stop? Since we invaded Iraq in March of 2003, we have lost 4,000 service members and spent billions of dollars.

Our real enemies in the Middle East won’t be defeated with military operations. Our enemies are religious extremists and terrorists who fight covertly. They have no flag or seat in the United Nations, and they will certainly not be stopped through a continued military presence.

Instead, security will be achieved in the Middle East by special operations—much like the one responsible for killing Osama Bin Laden.

And while we do have an obligation to the Iraqi people, that obligation cannot trump our obligation to the American people. It’s time to stop investing our resources thousands of miles away when there is such alarming discontent here. Veterans like Scott Olsen deserve better.

False beliefs about protein mislead public

Cartoon by Jasmaine Aquino

C O U N T E R

Pointa

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PROPulling out of Iraq will allow the U.S. to focus on internal issues.

Abandoning Iraq will endanger the nation's security.CON

Alex Meyer

FrancesMell

LenaScalercio

Commentary 7www.stmurattlernews.com

The RattlerNovember 9, 2011

Divide and conquer. This is the current strategy that Amazon Publishing is utilizing as they subtly wage war on traditional book publishing.

The company has already eliminated bookstores through Amazon.com, whose effects could be seen when Borders closed this summer.

Now publishers are being removed from the picture as well, prompting writers to self-publish, without using the middleman. The first of these writers was Timothy Ferriss, a New York Times bestselling author known for his self-help books that encourage and instruct readers to put in a minimal amount of effort to achieve significant goals in their lives.

According to the New York Times, Ferriss is praised for his methods of self-promotion and investing in the shiny promises of advancing technologies. While Ferriss was published by Crown publishing, he approached Amazon about a book deal because Crown would never be able to match the offer he hoped to receive.

It is devastating not only to see money-seeking authors get the upper hand in the publishing world, but also the choices in literary material made by Americans who put these authors on the best-selling lists. Ferriss’ quick solutions to laziness epitomize the American population today who revel in instant gratification. How shameful that not only have we become too idle to drive to a bookstore and neatly stack our bookshelves, but we’ve also thrown meaningful literature out the window for the opportunity to be fooled by a self-made pop culture figure, backed by an overgrown company monopolizing the business.

Author Laurel Saville is an example of how Amazon Publishing is creating its own bestsellers. According to the New York Times, Saville kept paying for the publication of her memoir. When Amazon noticed a mixed review of her book in a Publisher’s Weekly list of self-published writers that she had, once again, paid to be included in, they offered to republish the book with a new cover and title and agreed on a deal without an agent.

Obviously, if you are practically paying people to read your book and if publishing houses have never offered to publish it, then it is safe to say that your book is not up to traditional standards and does not qualify as literature that would appeal to audiences.

If Amazon Publishing takes your self-published work and reintroduces it to readers in a shiny new light to make it a bestseller because their name is all over it, then congratulations! Maybe the gracious sums of monopolized money that you will be receiving will be comforting enough to make up for the fact you were the only person who thought your writing was credible enough to sell because no real traditional publishing house thought it was.

Leaving Iraq: America ends 10 years of war

STAFF EDITORIAL

Borrowing our educationIn an attempt to quell dissent on college campuses where students are

beginning to vocalize a resistance to the price of higher education, the Obama Administration announced its hopes to reduce student loan debt. According to the New York Times, student loan debt is on track to reach $1 trillion in 2011 with the average college student graduating with $30,000 in loans. Luckily, our university students are graduating with about $5,000 less than the average, according to College Board.

The repayment program would come with a “Pay as You Earn” option that would allow graduates to pay 10 percent of their discretionary income for 20 years and have the rest of their federal student loan debt forgiven. This plan would start next year.

But students are not only walking away with 30K in student loans, but are also walking away with troubling job prospects. The unemployment rate for recent graduates is more than 10 percent, according to the New York Times.

Sixty percent of recent graduates said that they would need further education in order to be successful in their careers, racking up more debt. The average debt for graduate school is $30,000 to $50,000, while law and medical school reach the limits with $80,000 to $110,000 of debt, according to American Student Assistance.

These figures may seem daunting, but now is the time to determine what we are willing to pay for our higher education. Debt forgiveness would legitimize the notion that education is a basic right and should be free. However, the $1 trillion in student loan debt will continue to contradict this notion.

Until we invest in an educated and engaged society to create more space for creativity and debate, we must pay the cost of education. But we must be willing to have faith in what we can do with our education—no matter the cost.

Amazon hurts publishing tradition

The Silent Majority speaks out

Cartoon by Eric Vijil

What Rattles Your Cage?Is retaining traditional publishing standards important for the future of literature?

Share your opinion and see those of your classmates on our website: www.stmurattlernews.com in the Community section. Join the debate!

Thanks to Joe Klein, the voices of the “Silent Majority” are ringing loud and clear. In the most recent Time magazine cover story entitled “The Middle of the Road,” the political journalist travelled across the middle of America over the span of 19 days to uncover the political beliefs of its citizens.

The Silent Majority refers to the majority of citizens who feel that they are only partially represented in the media. The term has been used since the 1800s, but Klein’s interviews suggest that the Silent Majority have returned and are angrier than ever.

A surprising 81 percent of survey respondents reported that America was on the wrong track. Seventy-one percent think that America is in a serious decline, 60 percent believe that media and politicians do not reflect their view of what’s important and 89 percent believe that politicians should compromise on major issues. Seventy percent are upset or concerned about the country.

The biggest question remains, if the feelings of the Silent Majority are so strong, why do they remain unheard?

Klein attributes the majority’s silence as a fault of journalists and the media, which focus on the most sensational of political views, rather than the typical.

The Silent Majority are not dressed up in colonial garb like the tea partiers, or sleeping on Wall Street, but is composed of men and women who volunteer in local organizations, participate in school board elections and oppose the polarization of political views.

Klein also found that a frequently cited reason for not vocalizing strong opinions publicly is the incivility present in political discourse. Rudeness has become commonplace, and a regular occurrence. Klein quotes respondent Jane Miller, "We can't seem to have a reasonable conversation about anything anymore, and it reaches right down here to our neighborhood.”

Civility in politics may seem like an oxymoron to many, but it is exactly what the Silent Majority calls for.

Incivility in politics is not only a topic among the Silent Majority. Three northeastern Ohio universities—the University of Akron, the University of Mount Union and Cleveland State University—have created a research association to address the causes, effects and details of how incivility in politics occurs.

Until American political coverage becomes less sensational and rhetoric becomes more civil, expect the views of the Silent Majority to be confined to pages of Time magazine.

DaniaPulido

EmilyArtalejo

The Major Breakdown

Pick a school...

...explore the options

School of LawLaw

Common stereotype:

Cost of books:

Study time per week:

Favorite hangout:

Challenging classes:

Caffeine intake:

Average salary:

Skills needed:

“We are going to be lawyers.”

$1000-$2000

Too much

Law Library and Plaza

It’s law school--all the classes are hard.

5-7 cups of coffee a day

$110,000

Critical Thinking

Criteria

“Where would businesses be without any form of marketing? They need us!”

Amanda Rodriguez MarketingFreshman

Bill Greehey School of BusinessAccounting Marketing

Common stereotype:

Cost of books:

Study time per week:

Favorite hangout:

Challenging classes:

Caffeine intake:

Average salary:

Skills needed:

It’s a boring major that

leads to a boring job.

$400

10 hours

Alkek

Intermediate Accounting

A few cups of coffee or energy drinks per week

$32,000-$60,000

Proficiency in math

and Microsoft Excel

CriteriaMarketing majors have it easy and never have any homework.

$250

7 hours

Alkek

Microeconomics and Principles of Marketing

2 cups of coffee a day

$32,000-$40,000

Be able to talk to people

and sell anything.

“As the demand for other degrees is steadily decreasing due to today’s economy, the demand for accounting degrees is rising. I’m glad to know that although it is still a challenge, the odds of landing a job are slightly tipped in my favor as an accounting major.”

Xavier GuerraAccounting

Juniorfi

*Major breakdown ased on student responses.

Graphic / Illustration by Amanda Cano and Emily Scruggs | Illustration by Katherine Benavides

The Major Breakdown

Pick a school...

...explore the options

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

English Communications Psychology

Common stereotype:

Cost of books:Study time per week:

Favorite hangout:

Challenging classes:

Caffeine intake:

Average salary:

Skills needed:

It’s an easy major where students play with computers.

$150

15 hours

Treadaway or the Mac Lab

Media Writing & Reporting, Graphics and anything with Dr. Pressman

2 cups of coffee or 3 energy drinks a day

$34,500-$80,000

Writing, Photoshop and AP Style

Always analyzing people

$400

15 hours

Don’t really have one, bond at Psi Chi meetings

Statistics, Physiological Psychology, Abnormal Psychology

5 energy drinks a week

$35,000-$50,000

Perseverance and persistence

Criteria

School of Science, Engineering and Technology

Biology EngineeringCommon stereotype:

Cost of books:Study time per week:

Favorite hangout:

Challenging classes:

Caffeine intake:

Average salary:

Skills needed:

Students who spend all their time studying

$900-$1200

50 hours

Third floor of the library or the caf

Organic Chemistry

Way too much

$50,000-$80,000

Time management, good memorization skills

Dorks into sci-fi with no fashion sense or social skills

$500

20 hours

Math building or the library basement

Senior Design Project

1 cup of coffee a day

$60,000-$100,000

Communication and mathematical skills

Criteria

“I don’t bring my books to school, that’s how much they weigh.”

Priscilla OrtegaPsychology

Senior

“The beauty about engineering is that it creates innovating technology that makes the lives of people much easier.”

Suman ChakravartyEngineering

Junior

fi

fi

fl

Di!culties and advantages of commuting to campusNovember 9, 201110 The Rattler

www.stmurattlernews.com

Professors implement different policies on technology useBy Shawna TurnerContributing Writer

I am very happy being a commuter student and I don't feel like I am missing out on anything.“

”

By Mercedes KelsoSta! Writer

November 9, 2011 The Rattler 11

www.stmurattlernews.com

Pageant winner walks hallsBy Arturo Osteguin Jr.Features Editor

Student attends school during the week and models on the weekends.

The Rattler12www.stmurattlernews.com

November 9, 2011

Riddle me this: Which super hero is back and ready to take on the villains of Gotham City with a vengeance? Read on to find out...

ARKHAM CITY:

By Colin O’DonnellContributing Writer

The Rattler 13November 9, 2011www.stmurattlernews.com

By Vivian RodriguezSta! Writer

St. Mary’s Strip recognized as new music and art hot spotBy Brissa RenteriaSta! Writer

November 9, 2011SportsThe Rattler14www.stmurattlernews.com

It’s Game Time

Men’s BasketballSat, Nov. 19 vs. University of Incarnate Word, Bill Greehey Arena 6 p.m.

Women’s BasketballSat, Nov. 12 vs. Fort Hays State University, Bill Greehey Arena 5:30 p.m.Sun, Nov. 13 vs. Pittsburg State University, Bill Greehey Arena 3 p.m.Wed, Nov. 16 at Tarleton State University, Stephenville, TX, 6 p.m.Fri, Nov. 18 vs. Northeastern State University, Bill Greehey Arena 5 p.m.Sat, Nov. 19 Southeastern Oklahoma University, Bill Greehey Arena 4 p.m.Tues, Nov. 22 at University of the Incarnate Word, San Antonio, TX, 5:30 p.m.

*Home games in Bold.

“The Admiral” David Robinson of the San Antonio Spurs and “The Dream” Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets revolutionized the center position in the NBA during the mid-1990s. Although they had many memorable battles, many basketball enthusiasts have been trying to determine who the greatest is.

StatisticsThese big men paralleled each other

in their style of play. Both Robinson and Olajuwon are two of only four players to record a quadruple-double in a game, a feat the likes of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Larry Bird weren’t able to accomplish. Throughout their careers, both Olajuwon and Robinson averaged 2.5 assists per game, over 21 points per game and 3 blocks per game.

However, the career playoff stats favor Olajuwon, who averaged 25 points per game in the playoffs compared to Robinson’s 18. All of Olajuwon’s statistics improved once the postseason began. Towards the end of his career, Robinson’s

numbers dropped while his protégé, Tim Duncan, began to take over.

Advantage: Olajuwon. Although it is a toss-up in regular season statistics, the playoffs are where it matters the most. Olajuwon raised his level of play in the 1994 and 1995 seasons when the Rockets won the NBA Championship. Robinson’s numbers decreased compared to his regular season numbers. The edge goes to “The Dream.”

ROBINSON: 0OLAJUWON:1Head-to-Head

In the 42 meetings Olajuwon and Robinson had with one another, Robinson dominated with an overwhelming record of 30-12. Both players were equally matched statistically, but in the 1995 Western Conference Finals, Olajuwon seemingly battled out the league MVP Robinson. Eventually, Olajuwon would lead the Rockets past the top seeded Spurs en-route to their second straight NBA Championship.

Advantage: Robinson. Although Olajuwon beat Robinson when it counted the most, the numbers don’t lie. The fact that Robinson and the Spurs had 30 victories in 42 meetings against Olajuwon is more than enough to prove that “The Admiral” wins this round.

ROBINSON:1OLAJUWON: 1Accomplishments

Throughout the span of their careers, both Robinson and Olajuwon have compiled many numerous awards and recognitions. Both were regular season MVPs (Olajuwon in 1994 and Robinson in 1995). Both won two NBA championships, as well as two Olympic Gold Medals. In 1996, both these players were named one of the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players. However, one thing that separates these two greats is that Olajuwon was named NBA Finals MVP twice. The most significant honor both these men have received is being enshrined in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame (Olajuwon in 2008 and Robinson in 2009.

Advantage: Tie. No one can diminish what these men have accomplished in the game of basketball. Although arguments can be made for both players, the simple fact of the matter is that both these legendary NBA centers are winners and champions.

ROBINSON: 1.5OLAJUWON:1.5Who’stheGreatest?

It is too close to say who is the greatest between these two NBA legends. Based on all the statistics, awards and head-to-head matchups, these men are mirror images of one another. Of course, Houston fans would side with number 34, while San Antonio fans would stand by number 50. At the end of the day, these players made each other great, raising each other’s level of competition. Both left their mark on the game of basketball as two of the greatest to play the game.

Big men battle in Greatest vs. Greatest: Texas Edition

Students often need energy drinks to help them when they an extra boost to do homework or stay awake in their classes after a long night of studying. However, most people never ask, how does the drink work?

Energy drinks are made up almost entirely of sugar and caffeine. The caffeine in a small energy drink is the equivalent of a cup of coffee. However, most people grab huge cans of energy drinks, which is the equivalent of about four or five cups of coffee. The sugar in the drinks acts like a fast-acting carbohydrate. This carbohydrate gives energy for about 15 minutes, at which time the caffeine will take effect.

Energy drinks are healthy to drink,

but only if taken in moderation. It does not have enough water to hydrate the body, so water should be drank with an energy drink.

The worst thing to drink with an energy drink is alcohol. The energy drink, an upper, and the alcohol, a downer, will make the body unable to tell how drunk it is, according to Conrad Woolsey from the Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education. This is dangerous because it can lead to overdrinking, and since the energy drink and alcohol are poor forms of rehydration it can lead to alcohol poisoning.

Dr. Mehmet Oz, known for his tv show, “Dr. Oz,” has proven that energy drinks can be addictive and unsafe when used incorrectly. Energy drinks should never be taken while exercising because the energy drink is a diuretic, meaning it signals the kidneys to release more fluids as waste than needed. Working out and energy drinks combined can cause severe dehydration.

While energy drinks are a great way to boost energy for a short period of time, they should not be consumed as if they are any beverage. Energy drinks are a great choice for energy if taken with a proper hydrating drink. A sports drink is a good choice because those replenish electrolytes and replenish water, but plain water is the best choice.

By Joe RodriguezSports Editor

Energy drinks require cautionDrinks dehydrate and are addictive.

Graphic / Illustration by Joe Rodriguez and Felix Arroyo

By Joe RodriguezSports Editor

Robinson and Olajuwon battle for title of greatest Texas center

November 9, 2011 Sports The Rattler 15

www.stmurattlernews.com

The volleyball season came to an end Saturday with the Rattlers losing in straight sets (25-20, 25-13, 25-22) to Dallas Baptist University.

Before the game, the Rattlers and their fans honored their four seniors—Adrianna Keys, Mallory Moeller, Kristen Chapman and Stephanie Proske—in their farewell game. The seniors had loved ones and family came out to help bid them farewell in their final game. All four seniors were given flowers from their family and head coach Jenny Warmack-Chipman. Coach Warmack-Chipman then started all four seniors for their last game.

The Rattlers enjoyed the best start in school history with a 10-0 start this season. However, their record then began to slide after injures to key players, such as Moeller and freshman Kelsey Huber. The Rattlers would end up going 7-13 in their last 20 games. The overall record of 17-13 was not good enough to get the Rattlers into the Heartland conference tournament, which they won last year.

The team had a solid year despite

their young roster that featured seven freshmen and a walk-on sophomore who were playing collegiately for the first time. Of those seven freshmen, three contributed and started at some point in the year and libero history major Victorria Martinez was named Heartland libero of the week.

Although the Rattlers had a good year on the court, the memories that they will take away off the court are just as important. “At one of our away games, when we were on the bus, we had a soul train line in the middle of the bus. We were just dancing having little competitions,” said senior biology major and right side hitter Adrianna Keys. “The fun stuff like that is what I’m going to take away.”

Senior political science major and middle blocker Stephanie Proske mentioned that “the life-long friends” was what she was going to take away from her time playing at the university. The volleyball team had a good year, but fell short of their goal to get into the tournament. The seniors from this year will be sorely missed next year, but they should be thanked for their dedication during their collegiate career.

By Joe RodriguezSports Editor

Volleyball ends season with farewell to seniors

The Rattlers celebrate after winning a point. The Rattlers finished the year with a 17-13 record after a 10-0 start. / Photo by Sarah Dwyer.

The Rattlers finished their season November 5th. The team featured six freshmen, four sophmores, one junior, and four seniors. / 2 left Photos by Joe Rodriguez. / 2 right photos by Sarah Dwyer.

A brief review of the St. Mary’s Rattlers’ season

Not much of a surprise, a recent student poll shows that an overwhelming amount of our university athletes say that listening to music keeps them focused and helps them “get in the game.”

Studies have shown that an athlete’s music preferences help the athlete become more focused, less stressed and more prepared for their upcoming event or game.

“Music gets me pumped up,” says freshman marketing major and golf player Bailey Ferguson. “Since a round of golf takes so long, it gets me focused before I even get on the course, so I stay focused throughout the round.”

“I listen to rap music, because the lyrics can be very aggressive. It gets you in a mood that has a lot of intensity,” said third baseman for the softball team and junior English/communication arts major

Jared Gonzalez. The rhythm of the music helps the athletes fall into an aggressive mode so they can dominate their competition.

For basketball player and exercise and sports science major Amber Polvado, music helps her focus. “I like rap songs, like Lil Wayne and Chris Brown, because the music gets me in the right mind for a big game.”

A study conducted at Ohio State University had nine men that ranged from ages 18 to 30 run on treadmills for half an hour at a maximum capacity of 70 percent. They each listened to some upbeat rock music while they ran and then they ran days later without the music. The men all agreed that after the run while listening to the music,

they had exerted themselves less, felt less stress and pain and felt they were in a good mindset.

A significant amount of athletes listen to music to get the right mood set. Whether it’s for a big game, a scrimmage or even just a practice, music can do extraordinary things and it’s obvious that music is just another reason why our athletes are always prepared for their games.

Do you listen to music to prepare for games?Yes: 87%

No: 13%

Top music genres to jumpstart any game

1. Rap2. Hip Hop3.Dubstep4.Alternate5.Techno

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November 9, 2011 Sports The Rattler 16

QUICK FACTS: Was the MVP of last year’s Heartland Confrence tournament that the Rattlers won. Was injured twice this year, but still managed to contribute, noteably with a big game against Texas A&M International where she had 14 kills.

HOW HAS IT BEEN PLAYING BOTH VOLLEYBALL AND BASKETBALL?“I’ve played volleyball and basketball together since I was in middle school. I’d go straight from volleyball to basketball. Going into college was a little different because college expects so much more out of you. The hours that you put in are way more.”

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR VOLLEYBALL SEASON?“It was not what I saw happening at all. I was injured for a lot of it, which was extremely disappointing. I came back from an injury and I could never really find my rhythm. When I finally started to find my rhythm, I got hurt again. So I was trying to find my rhythm again, and now the season is over.” WHAT MEMORIES WILL YOU TAKE WITH YOU?“Just being with everybody. Making great friends, and on the court memories are just as important as off the court memories.”

DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOUR SENIOR CLASS LEFT A MARK HERE AT THE UNIVERSITY?“I think we did. I think we did a great job, and I hope that the entire incoming freshman and the rest of the team know that they can carry it on. We did turn around the program last year, and I think we have the bar set real high.”

THEHOT

SEAT

www.stmurattlernews.com

Compiled by Joe Rodriguez

Mallory MoellerSenior, Outside Hitter

Pregame music helps athletes focusBy Lane SwensonContributing Writer

The 2011 Major League Baseball season ended with a number of historic games, including an 11 inning Game 6 of the World Series. It was in this game that the World Series Championship was not won by the St. Louis Cardinals, but rather given away by the Texas Rangers.

While the Rangers had a more relaxing entrance into post-season play, winning the AL West by ten games over division rival Los Angeles Angels, the Cardinals finished their season with a 23-9 record after being 10.5 games behind the San Francisco Giants in the Wild Card race. Four of the wins came at their last bat, defining Tony La Russa’s club’s character—they do not quit!

After the first five games of the World Series, the Rangers had the momentum entering Game 6 in St. Louis, having won the past two games and leading the series 3-2. After five innings, the Rangers maintained a

4-3 lead. During the fifth inning, Washington replaced pitcher Colby Lewis with Alexi Ogando after a rare Michael Young fielding error that ruined a double play opportunity. Lewis’ relief was the first sign on Washington’s sudden change to a conservative style. The Cardinals were then awarded a game-tying run in the sixth inning after Ogando walked the only two batters he faced with the bases loaded. The Rangers’ best players rebounded though, as Adrian Beltre and Nelson Cruz hit back-to-back solo homeruns, giving the Rangers a 6-4 lead. Ian Kinsler added an RBI to give the Rangers a 7-4 lead entering the eighth inning. The Rangers were six outs away from clinching their first championship in franchise history with a three run lead, but Washington’s conservative coaching style prevented this.

Washington replaced Young at first base by Mitchell Moreland, after the former gold glove winner

committed two errors for the first time in his career. At the beginning of the game, Fox Sports mentioned a comparison between Young and Yankees player Derek Jeter. Sorry to spoil the ending, but could you imagine the Rangers winning their first championship in franchise history without their franchise player? The Rangers blew their two run lead in the bottom of the ninth inning, and their collapse continued into extra innings.

Josh Hamilton’s two-run homerun in the top of the tenth inning gave the Rangers a 9-7 lead, and commentator Joe Buck reflected, “90 percent of baseball thought the game was over.” However, the Cardinals’ persevering attitude was shown, as Lance Berkman hit a game-tying single after the Rangers intentionally walked Albert Pujols. In the bottom of the 11th inning, David Freese was the only St. Louis player to bat as his walk-off homerun won the game for

St. Louis. St. Louis headed into

game 7 with all momentum behind them. The Rangers scored two runs in the first inning, only to allow the Cardinals to score two runs of their own. The series concluded with a 6-2 St. Louis victory in a game where the Rangers’ determination was not even comparable to that of the Cardinals.

Throughout the last two games, when the Rangers would give St. Louis a breath of air, the Cardinals would turn it into an oxygen tank. After two consecutive Fall Classic losses, what is next for Nolan Ryan’s club? C.J. Wilson is the most coveted player on the free agent market, but is it a bad idea to let him go? The Cardinals enter the offseason with their 11th World Championship, but with Tony La Russa’s retirement, and the reestablished concern of Pujol’s future, the Cardinals cannot be at complete ease. But for now, they can take pride in the championship that was awarded to them.

Rangers gave Cardinals World SeriesSPORTS COMMENTARY

By Raymond TorresContributing Writer

Compiled by Lane Swenson