september 22, 2011
DESCRIPTION
The September 22 issue of The HoustonianTRANSCRIPT
“You have the same 24 hours everyone else has, the question is what do you do with that? “
Author, Educator, and Businessman Stedman Graham questioned all in attendance during the SHSU President’s Speaker Series hosted by President Dana Gibson Wednesday in the James and Nancy Gaertner Performing Arts Center theatre.
Graham is the chairmen and C.E.O of S. Graham and Associates, and has authored several books with the revolving theme of leadership and self-branding. He initially recognized his call for leading and helping others when he was a young adult.
“I was someone who wanted to be someone,” Graham said. “I wanted to make a difference.”
While in college, Graham founded a black student union, was very active in organizations, and also made an effort to assist the disadvantaged.
Although he possessed many outstanding leadership qualities, the Hardin-Simmons University graduate described himself as an “average” student.
“I didn’t understand how to be a good student, I got it pretty much without studying,” Graham said. “I didn’t understand the
meaning of education until later on in life. I wish I would’ve learned that earlier.”
Still, without the educational push, Graham managed to be successful.
In his lifetime, he has travelled the world, operated a successful public relations firm in Chicago, and has enjoyed working with different community outreach programs. His life really changed, however, when he discovered the “power of information”.
“Not just information, but the ability to take information and education and make it relevant to who I was as a human being to change my life,” Graham said.
It changed my thinking and then it changed my habits. It transferred back to my mind, and I was able to create my own future. No one teaches you that.”
Since his discovery, he has taught his message
of maximizing success to many major corporations and identity building to individuals, which he to be the key to reversing the process of being a worker.
“You have to stop becoming a worker and move into leadership. You have to lead your own life and learn how to take the information and all the resources in the world to make it relevant. All the power is in you. All the growth is in you. All the opportunities are in you,” Graham said.
“The question is can you transform from a worker to a leader?”
In his lifetime, Graham has acknowledged having 100+ mentors but he credits Oprah on being one of his biggest influences.
“She understands how to define herself instead of letting others define her based on her race, gender, background, and where she came from.”
Lawrence Russell Brewer, a member of the Confederate Knights of America, a white supremacist gang, was executed Wednesday evening for the 1998 dragging murder of James Byrd, Jr., an African-American from Jasper in East Texas.
Byrd, 49, was chained to the back of a truck and dragged to death across an asphalt road 13 years ago. He died when he was
decapitated after hitting a culvert. The hate crime drew international attention for its viciousness.
Brewer’s appeals to the courts dissipated, and no last-day attempts to save his life were made.
Brewer, 44, was transferred to the Walls Unit in Huntsville Wednesday for execution for his role in the crime.
The grounds surrounding the Walls Unit hours prior to his death were riddled with two separated groups: those for the death penalty and those against it.
“Nobody should kill people; the state shouldn’t kill people,” said civil rights activist Dick Gregory.
A handful of protesters spent Tuesday night fasting and holding a vigil for Brewer’s life, including Gregory and activist Ricky Jason.
“I joined in with Dick Gregory and Ricky [Jason]… because I wanted to make a statement against capital punishment,” said Dave Atwood, the founder of the statewide group The Texas Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty. “What’s particularly powerful, I think, about this situation with Dick Gregory and Ricky Jason is that they’re both African-Americans and they’re opposing the death penalty for somebody who committed a horrible, racist crime. It speaks volumes about their characters, and it’s a lesson for all of us.”
As if the five separate security agencies weren’t enough to put a stop to any violence before it began, the opposing groups could not see each other due to distance and landscaping, reinforcing that no violence would ensue. On the other side of the prison’s foreground were people in favor of the death penalty.
“The crime was horrific
By Stephen GreenAssociate News Editor
By McKinzie BrocailSenior Reporter
By Chrystal GoldenCommunications Specialist
— See PROTEST, page 3
Vol 119 | Issue 9
Publishing since 1913 Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Viewpoints ...... pg. 2News ................ pg. 3A&E ................. pg. 4
Sports .............. pg. 5Special ............. pg. 6
INDEXKATlinks
To read the university’s latest social media policy, visit www.HoustonianOnline.com
ON THE LINE. The above graphic portrays the path most university policies have to take to become official. As of Sept. 21, this policy has only passed from the Marketing Department to the President’s Office.
Christian Pratt | The Houstonian
Q&A with SHSU TUTS stars of Guys and Dolls, pg. 4
Policy sparks legislation, protests
Jessica Gomez | The HoustonianLIKE A WEED. The opposing protestors of the execution of Lawrence Russell Brewer were confined to opposite sites of the prison grounds, ensuring no violence would ensue.
Brewer executed, protests held on prison grounds
— See POLICY, page 3
SHSU’s proposed social media policy has received harsh criticism in the past week from student and faculty groups who question its stance on censorship and the way it is being implemented.
Four student political groups with diverse ideologies will be jointly protesting the policy tomorrow with a “Free Speech Wall.”
The SHSU Lovers of Liberty, Bearkat Democrats, Young Democratic Socialists, and College Republicans are encouraging students to “exercise their freedom of speech” by writing whatever they choose on their wall tomorrow, according to the groups’ Facebook event.
Morgan Freeman, president of the SHSU Lovers of Liberty, said that the event will allow students to send a message to the administration that students “know their rights” and won’t let them be violated.
“There are so many problems with the way this policy is stated,” Freeman said. “Honestly, we could care less what the intent of the policy is. We are worried about the potential.”
The SHSU Social Media Policy and Procedures Manual affects anyone who joins the opt-in Social Universe group created by the university marketing department.
According to the policy, all groups who use the trademarked “SHSU” or “Sam Houston State University” must join the Social Universe, or remove the trademark.
Kris Ruiz, Associate Vice-President of Marketing and Communication, led the social media project that resulted in both the policy and Social Universe. She said that no one has spoken to her since the criticism of the policy began last week, but encourages anyone with concerns to talk to her about it.
Groups are contesting sections of the policy that would allow the university to remove any material without official justification, and that limit “freedom of speech.”
Freeman said a university should be a place of free-flowing thought, and that the policy violates that exchange.
“To place any limit on [the exchange of ideas] would violate the ultimate purpose of the university, [which is] to educate and promote this exchange of ideas,” Freeman said.
The types of groups coming together, Freeman said, is what shows how serious the event’s purpose is.
“It is a legitimate problem, serious enough to bring people from every end of the political spectrum,” Freeman said. “When we come together we can draw enough attention to battle the ultimate enemy of freedom: Apathy.”
Adam Robinson, member of the Young Democratic Socialists, agrees with Freeman and in addition said that students are facing difficult challenges from their government and that the university is asking students “to give up their right to speak out against
Jessica Gomez | The HoustonianLIKE A WEED. The opposing protestors of the execution of Lawrence Russell Brewer were confined to opposite sites of the prison grounds, ensuring no violence would ensue.
Stedman Graham’s 24 hours
SGA fails to meet quorum, pg. 4
Page 2Thursday, September 22, 2011Viewpoints
houstonianonline.com/viewpoints
PHOTOGRAPHERJessica Gomez
FACULTY ADVISERRobin Johnson
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AD DEADLINESTuesday’s Issue Friday 5 p.m.
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VIEWPOINTS EDITORKarmen C. King
Today in history:66 – Roman Emperor Nero creates the Legion I Italica.
1692 – Last people hanged for witchcraft in Britain’s North American colonies.
1776 – Nathan Hale is hanged for spying during American Revolution.
1789 – The office of United States Postmaster General is established.
1823 – Joseph Smith, Jr. states he found the Golden plates on this date after being directed by God through the Angel Moroni to the place where they were buried.
1888 – The first issue of National Geographic Magazine is published.
1896 – Queen Victoria surpasses her grandfather King George III as the longest reigning monarch in British history.
1919 – The steel strike of 1919, led by the Amalgamated Association of Iron and Steel Workers, begins in Pennsylvania before spreading across the United States.
1975 – Sara Jane Moore tries to assassinate U.S. President Gerald Ford, but is foiled by Oliver Sipple.
1980 – Iraq invades Iran.1991 – The Dead Sea Scrolls are made available to the public for the first time by the Huntington Library.
You remember that one time you had to stay up until 5 in the morning, downing Monsters and taking 15 minute power naps every 4 hours, just to finish that Research Methods paper that was due in the morning? The 20 page one that you’d known about for two months, but just couldn’t seem to find the time to write it. You spent the entire week before it was due stressing about it, then powered through that last 24 hours to get it done on time. And it actually turned out to be one of the best papers you’d ever written.
I’m not gonna lie…I probably write better under pressure. There’s just something about that deadline creeping up that makes the words flow. And to be completely honest, that applies to almost every other aspect of my life. I am the worst procrastinator I know. Don’t get me wrong; I always get
everything done, but it’s usually always at the last minute.When people label you as a procrastinator, it’s usually something that
has negative conations. “You’re lazy” or “you’re dumb” are probably the most common. But let me tell you this: me waiting until the last minute to type up an assignment doesn’t make me any less than anyone else. I just happen to have a different study method than you. I pull solid A’s and B’s waiting until the last minute.
So I guess all I really wanted to say was this: I’m a procrastinator and I’m okay with it. And all my fellow procrastinators out there can rest assured because I understand you. So own it, live it, and try to finish an assignment or two early. It’ll give you more time to procrastinate later.
It’s okay to procrastinateCristan Shamburger recommends doing last minute work sparingly
In theory, core classes are there to give you a solid foundation, or jumping off point, for the rest of your classes. The problem with this is that not only do the s t u d e n t s , for the most part, not care as much about these classes and therefore not try as hard, but the professors are being forced to waste their talents on the kids that don’t care. And the students that do care are missing out on a more attentive faculty and an engaged learning environment.
When you look at the big picture, core classes make sense. You should know how to do basic mathematical equations to help run a business or balance a budget. English is necessary to supplement what you may not have learned in high school and, arguably, in every job you could possibly get you will benefit from being well versed in written communication. In other words, English keeps you from looking stupid in front of your boss.
After that, it gets a bit murkier with required hours in such courses as science and philosophy. Some people are just better at some subjects than others, we all know this. So why are we forced into classes we have no interest in and are just a drain on our time, money and GPA?
The standard answer would be to expand horizons and let you find things that you love and excel in that you never knew before. That’s all well and good, but I still haven’t shown you the
real, practical reason these classes matter. And I’m not sure I will.
Can you explain to someone who knows, KNOWS, that they want to be involved in politics, why they need to take an entry level science class? You know what, neither can I. On the flip side, can you explain to a biology major why they need to take philosophy? Still no over here.
Unfortunately, these are vestiges of an era when you went to college to get a “well-rounded” education that would set you off on a career where you received most of your knowledge through on-the-job training. These days, however, college degrees have become increasingly specialized with employers expecting you to have learned what you need in college and be able to hit the ground running.
This new reality has decreased the value of core classes, and in a time of skyrocketing tuition, I have to wonder why we spend so much money on these antiquated notions of what should be included in higher education.
The real problem is that there is no solution. If you remove science requirements for humanities majors, then you eliminate their background in the scientific method (if you don’t know what the scientific method is
then you really need those core classes), which can be used for problem s o l v i n g and logical development of creative ideas. Or, if you eliminate philosophy for science majors, they lose out on an introduction to thinking
in new and different ways which could lead to discovery.
One solution to this would be to have specialized science or philosophy classes for each major or college of study. We already have this to some degree, but it’s still rather limited. It’s also not currently feasible as universities would have to expand faculty which would, in turn, raise tuition yet again.
This whole topic could have us running around in circles forever. One solution causes another problem, and the solution to that problem causes a whole new problem. What needs to be agreed upon is the solution to the problem that causes everyone the least amount of pain, which is the basic principle of utilitarianism, something you would learn in your core philosophy class. But, each person will find a different solution to be most beneficial to them.
On the whole, I think most of us would agree that core classes are annoying, but we can also agree that they hold some value to our education. I just wish someone smarter than I would come up with a better way to do it.
The core value of core classesKarmen King explains why those tedious, mandatory classes are actually beneficial
SENIOR REPORTERMcKinzie Brocail
COPY EDITORApril Sanders
BUSINESS MANAGERPaty Mason
PRODUCTION MANAGERMeagan [email protected]
Need advice about school, friends, roommates or relationships?Write Beca for advice at [email protected]
- Cristan is a junior Political Science major.
The individual opinions on the Viewpoints page are not necessarily affiliated with the view of The Houstonian or SHSU. The Houstonian is published semi-weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is a news publication of Sam Houston State University, a member of the Texas State University system, and is produced by students. It is self-supporting and welcomes all advertisers. Those interested in placing ads or classifieds should call 936-294-1495. The Houstonian is a member of the Associated Press and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.
Dear Sam Houston Students, Staff and Faculty and Alumni:
The Houstonian would not survive were it not for the continued involvement and dedication of the SHSU student body. We welcome all column submissions and letters to the editor. If at any time you feel the need to express an opinion, please do not hesitate to email your thoughts or drop by our office in the Dan Rather communications building. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you as always for your continued support of the Houstonian.
Karmen C. KingViewpoints [email protected]
Letter to the Student Body
- Karmen is the Viewpoints Editor.
Paws Up
P a w s D o w n
“Paws UP” to the return of volleyball to Johnson Coliseum. Welcome home Kats!
“Paws UP” to the faculty senate for passing a resolution that protects free speech.
“SIDE Paw” to Facebook’s newest update. Some people love it, and some hate it.
“Paws DOWN” to the breakup of R.E.M., the pioneers of alternative rock.
All
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ourte
sy C
reat
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The SHSU Student Government Association could not tend to any regular business items at Tuesday’s meeting due to a lack of attendance.
Moments after the meeting began, roll was called. To the dismay of student body president Tyler Eberhart, quorum was not met. Without a majority of the Senate’s presence, legislation and motions cannot be passed.
Immediately Eberhart called to impeach Senate members that do not consistently show up to meetings.
The senators who were present began nodding and murmuring in pensive agreement.
According to Steven Perry, the rules and regulations chair of SGA, to impeach a senator, 10 senators must sigh a petition bringing charges against each individual senate member that has yet to fulfill their duties by attending meetings. Once the charges have been filed, the accused members can
either fight the charges or resign from their position. If a senator chooses to fight the charges, a trial is held in front of the entire Senate.
A large number of new senators elected in the recent election, including those who ran with “Bearkats4Bearkats” tickets make up a great portion of the senators in question.
Impeachments have not started yet, but will the Senate will begin taking action early next week said Perry.
“Zero percent participation will be dealt with,” said Eberhart. “It’s not what we expect from the senators, but I’m proud of the folks we have that continue to run [for the senate] and show up.”
Because reports could still allowed to be made, Eberhart stressed to the senators present at the meeting that the wildfire relief effort is still his number one priority at the moment, along with spreading the news of the efforts to other university organizations.
Page 3Thursday, September 22, 2011News
houstonianonline.com/news
By McKinzie BrocailSenior Reporter
SGA fails to conduct business
Photo courtesy SHSU SGA website.
QUORUM NOT MET. Tyler Eberhart, President of SGA, said that members who fail to participate will be punished, including possible impeachment for those who miss more than two meetings.
Please recycle your copy of The Houstonian
SHSU Career Expo & Graduate School Fair
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Bernard Johnson Coliseum
Professional Dress Attire -
Bring Copies of Your Resume!
Over 60 Organizations Attending!
For more information contact: SHSU Career Services ABIV, Suite 210 936-294-1713 www.shsu.edu/careerservices
Thanks to Our Corporate Sponsors:
Solution: O D E A T T I C H O T P E A K G I R T H P A N E E L S E G E E S E R I C A C I T Y W I D E S C O R E R
H E Y T U X P E S O E S E R Y A N
D A C H A U T N T L O O N I L E S P R E E E T N A A L A E T A A T T A C K
S T I R A P R A C R E C O B E S C
I M B I B E A B A T A B L E T U R N B E F O G K I E V C L E G O P E R A C O V E H E W P A W N S S I N
Kats KrosswordSolution for Sept. 20 issue:
UPD Update
September 18, 2011Officer was dispatched to the Sam Houston Village parking garage (located at 1600 Sam Houston Avenue) at 6:02 p.m. where the complainant reported that there vehicle was damaged. Officer observed damages to vehicle in the area of the front bumper and driver’s side wheel.
September 17, 2011Officer met with complainant at 9:22 p.m. who reported that he witnessed a vehicle’s occupant steal a University flag in the 1800 block of Sam Houston Avenue. After obtaining suspect information, officer was able to locate two female university students who stole the flag. The flag was recovered and a copy of the incident report will be forwarded to the Dean of Students’ Office for review.
September 16, 2011Officer met with complainant at 2:57 PM where the complainant reported that their vehicle was damged while parked in a University parking area located in the 1200 block of 16th Street. Damage to the vehicle cosisted of a deep scratch and denting on the right front quarter panel area.
Officer responded to the CHSS Building area (located in the 1900 block of Avenue I) at 3:08 PM, in reference to an abonded bike. Upon checking the serial number it was determined that the bicycle was reported stolen to Kansas University Police Department. Images of the bike were forwarded to their police department where it was confirmed. The victim was contacted and is making arrangements to pick up the bike (1110106).
September 15, 2011Officer met with complainat at 11:17 AM who reported that he vehicle was “keyed” while parked near the South Paw dining facility. An incident report was compelted (1110062).
Attendance requirements not fufilled, Eberhart seeks to impeach members
and he deserves the death penalty. It was created for people like him,” said an SHSU alumnus who wished to remain anonymous.
Not all of the death penalty supporters viewed Brewer’s execution in such high spirits.
“I have mixed emotions about it,” said Lanora Brown, a sophomore
criminal justice student at SHSU. “I’m happy that it’s finally here, but sad because someone is losing their life.
Brown is a distant relative to Byrd and said that much of his family chose to stay home and not come to the prison.
Before his death, Brewer savored a last meal of chicken fried steak, a cheese omelet, a triple meat hamburger, a pound of barbeque, okra, fajitas, a meat pizza and a slab of
peanut butter.Brewer was pronounced
dead at 6:21 p.m. and reportedly showed no remorse for his actions.
John William King, 36, and Shawn Berry, 36, were in cahoots with Brewer the night of the tragic hate crime. King was convicted of capital murder and sent to death row; his sentence remains under appeal. Berry received a life sentence.
the university.”“It is important that
our different political and activist groups stand united in opposition to the implementation of the new social media policy,” Robinson said. “Despite our clear and near insurmountable differences, we have found some common ground on this issue: We are all students.”
The wall will be located in the Lee Drain Building from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
In addition to the student protests, the Faculty Senate passed a resolution saying all policy that affects faculty, staff and students will now go through additional channels, including the Council of Academic Deans.
According to Jamie Hebert, Ph.D., Provost and Vice-President of Academic Affairs, after a university
policy is created it goes before the President’s Cabinet.
After that, Hebert said, the President’s Council usually seeks advice from the Council of Academic Deans, Faculty Senate, Student Government Association, or other issue-relevant committees. (see graphic.)
Hebert said that the policy will be seen by all of the appropriate review processes. “Anything that remotely infringes on First Amendment rights or academic freedom will be carefully scrutinized by all appropriate administrative channels,” Hebert said.
In an article printed last week, faculty, staff and students voiced their opposition to the policy based on specific sections they say open up the possibility for infringement of freedom of speech.
Paul Loeffler, chair of the Faculty Senate University
Affairs Subcommittee, said the policy is poorly written, and threatens not only freedom of speech, but also violates the review process for university policy.
“It was totally inappropriate,” Loeffler said. “It effects and involves student, faculty and other university community members. It should go through the Faculty Senate, SGA and the Academic Affairs Council.”
This week, college chairs received an email from the university asking them to begin implementing the policy by filling out applications to join the social universe.
The social media project was commissioned by University President Dana Gibson in 2010.
Ruiz will address the Faculty Senate on Thursday, Sept. 29 to discuss the policy.
From PROTEST page 1
From POLICY page 1
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EVENTS TO ASSOCIATE
NEWS EDITOR STEPHEN [email protected]
MARK JACKSON
Q: How did you first get involved in theater?
A: I got started in theater when I was nine years old through my aunt and cousin. I did a summer camp with the Young Performers program at the Ensemble Theater in Houston, and it took off from there. I also did work with Alley Theater when I was younger.
Q: Who were/are your influences in acting? Any shows or actors?
A: I really admire work when I see a show or a movie, but I don’t have a specific influence. I think as an actor, anything should influence me and it’s hard to narrow it down to one or two people.
Q: How has attending SHSU helped you?
A: I definitely have grown, especially in the dance aspect of performing. It helped me to get focused
on my career and what I want for my future. Also, it gave me a chance to train every day and perfect my craft. I got to do what I love every day.
Q: What has been your favorite class so far? Why?
A: It would have to be Auditioning for Commercial Theater. I think I grew the most the second time I took it. As an actor, it helped me to get comfortable with the aspects of auditioning.
Q: What tips would you give on what to do and what not to do in an audition?
A: Be prepared and be yourself. There is so many times when people go into auditions and are not prepared. Also, it is important to be relaxed and not be nervous so you can do the best you can.
Q: How do you personally prepare for a show besides rehearsal?
A: Dedicating a lot of time to learning lines,
learning my music, practicing my dance moves and researching my character. Even if I’m in the ensemble, I still have to develop a character. I also make sure to take care of myself by eating healthy and sleeping so I don’t get sick.
Q: What would you tell younger students who are just starting and want to know how to be successful in theater?
A: Don’t give up. Keep going and work on your craft and keep trying. You’re not going to get everything you want in this business, but just keep going is the main thing.
Q: What are some things you think an actor/actress must have to be successful?
A: Having a thick skin because there is a lot of rejection we deal with in this business. We can audition for a lot of shows and not get anything. Also, having a positive attitude is important. It can go a very long way because it
can help you keep jobs and network. Even if you don’t get cast or get the part you want, you should remain positive.
Q: What is your ultimate goal in your acting career?
A: I want to be on Broadway. I would love to be in film and television but I would be content in being in a Broadway show.
Page 4Thursday, September 22, 2011Arts & Entertainment
houstonianonline.com/a-e
BRITTANY HALEN
Q: How did you first get involved in theater?
A: I started out as a violinist. A neighbor of mine had started taking dance classes at Becky’s School of Dance and I went. They put me in tap shoes and I was hooked.
I started working with TUTS at 16 at Humphreys school. I got lots of really focused dance and singing experience.
Q: Who were/are your influences in acting? Any shows or actors?
A: My dance teachers helped me learn growing up by being extremely supportive and helping me to express my art and helping me to be who I am today.
I love Jean Kelly. He is inspiring to watch. I love seeing how he tells his story through his energy.
Q: How has attending SHSU helped you?
A: I think that time was when I started to find who I was as a performer and a
person and it helped me develop my craft in all three areas.
Q: What has been your favorite class so far? Why?
A: It’s either the ballet or the jazz class I took with Jonathan Charles. Ballet has helped me with my dance technique and so has jazz because there are a lot of styles involved with it. And it’s a lot of fun.
Q: What tips would you give on what to and what not to do in an audition?
A: Be yourself. Don’t have any expectations in an audition. Just go in and show them what you got.
Don’t let the audition affect you and what you do. Just because you don’t make an audition doesn’t mean you’re not good at what you do.
Q: What would you tell younger students who are just starting out and want
to know about how to be successful in theater?
A: You have to develop
your craft. This is a really hard business to get into, but it is important to have fun and enjoy the ride while you can.
Q: What are some things you think an actor/actress must have to be successful?
A: A great personality because it’s important for people to want to work with you. Also, a great work ethic and having an x-factor are good to have to show what you bring to the table as a performer that makes you different from others.
Q: What is your ultimate goal for yourself in your acting career?
A: To be happy doing what I’m doing. I do it because its fun and I love it so anywhere I end up performing I’ll be happy.
Students return to TUTS stageBy George Mattingly Contributing Reporter
STARTING YOUNG: Brittany Halen started out as a violinist and attending dance classes at age 9 before getting involved in theater .
Photo courtesy of TUTS MAKING A RETURN: Senior Musical Theater major Mark Jackson will return to the TUTS stage in Guys & Dolls on September 27.
Q&A session with stars of “Guys & Dolls”
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Two SHSU seniors will star in Theater Under the Stars production of the Tony Award winning musical comedy Guys & Dolls when the show opens in Houston on September 27.
Senior musical theater majors Brittany Halen and Mark Jackson, both alumni of Humphrey School of Musical Theater, will join the cast on stage as members of the ensemble as they return to the TUTS stage.
While at SHSU, Jackson starred in RENT and Thoroughly Modern Millie. His previous work with TUTS includes: When You Wish, A Wonderful Life, and The Stephen Schwartz Project. He also starred in Smokey Joe’s Café with Texas Repertory Theater Company and Gentlemen Prefer Blondes at Bayou City Musicals.
Halen has performed in SHSU’s productions of RENT, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Nine and Into the
Woods. With TUTS, she has starred in Urban Cowboy and The Stephen Schwartz Project.
The story of Guys & Dolls takes place during the swing era and follows gambler Nathan Detroit, who finds himself in need of help for his craps game. When he meets Sgt. Sarah Brown, she becomes the center of a wager between Nathan and gambler Sky Masterson. The stakes are high as he tries to hide his gambling from his girlfriend and avoid a trip to jail.
Guys & Dolls will run from September 27 through October 9. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. from Tuesday through Thursday and on Sunday. In addition, the show starts at 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday with matinees at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets start at $24 and can be ordered online at http://www.tuts.com/ShowPage/tabid/243/sid/73/Default.aspx.
Photo courtesy of TUTS
Upcoming Events
String Invitational in the PAC and Music Building: 9/24 - 9/25 at different times throughout the day“Young & Broke in Huntsville- No Cost Fun!”: 9/27 in the LSC room 315 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.Guest Concert in the PAC: 9/27 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Fisher Tull Auditions in the PAC Recital Hall: 9/28 at 5 p.m.School of Music Faculty Gala in the PAC: 9/29 at 6 p.m.
The SHSU football team will be on the road this weekend as they travel to take on the University of New Mexico Lobos.
Fresh off a win against Central Arkansas, the Kats were ranked number 20 in this week’s College Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). On top of being ranked, the team is also sporting a top FCS defense, ranking number seven in the division.
The schedule doesn’t get any easier for the Kats as they take on a New Mexico team that is a part of the Division One College Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
Despite the increase in the level of competition, the Kats aren’t worried and feel confident in their ability.
“I really feel like we have a bunch of guys that are eager to show what they can do against this type of opponent,” head football coach Willie Fritz said. “It’s just like any other game we play. We’re going out there and our goal is to win.”
While the stats for New Mexico aren’t overly impressive, they have played a tough schedule, as they’ve battled a tough Arkansas and tough Texas Tech team.
The New Mexico offense is led by quarterback Tarean Austin who has completed 43-83 passes for 528 yards, and one touchdown for the season. Austin also leads the team in rushing with
126 yards. “The thing that makes
them tough is that they do a good job of throwing the ball deep,” Fritz said. “The big thing that we have to do is stay over the top. We can’t let people get behind us and we can’t give up a cheap, long touchdown. We’ve got to make them earn their yards.”
The Kats had two players honored this weekend as wide receiver Richard Sincere and safety Darnell Taylor received Southland Conference players of the week. Taylor finished the game against Central Arkansas with 13 tackles, while Sincere finished with 107 yards and two touchdowns.
“We’re excited for both of those guys,” Fritz said. “Football’s a team game, but sometimes you get a guy or two highlighted and that does an excellent job of playing within the team framework and both those guys certainly did last week.”
Against Central Arkansas, the team was able to rush the ball for 316 yards, while opening up to an option play. The Kats are hoping to be able to do the same against New Mexico this weekend.
“It’s going to be a huge part of our game,” offensive lineman Travis Watson said. “We’ve got an amazing stable of running backs. But on the flip side of that, the running game puts us in a position to air the ball out a little bit. The more we can open it up in the ground game, the more explosive plays we can get through the air.”
This will be the first road game of the season for the Kats and they are excited to travel this weekend.
“We’re coming in with
our mindset, win this game,” defensive end Andrew Weaver said. “We want to come back with a victory.”
“We’re not ready to get out of Bowers Stadium, because it’s our home, but it’s going to be fun to get away a bit and play a good ball club and hopefully get a victory,” quarterback Brian Bell said.
The game will not be broadcasted on TV, but kickoff for this week’s game against New Mexico is scheduled for 5 p.m.
“Go make your own footsteps.” That was the advice that was given to current rodeo coach Edward “Bubba” Miller when he was hired in 2008 by the Department of Agricultural and Industrial Sciences chair, Dr. Stanley Kelley.
Since then, coach Miller has built a strong rodeo team that won the 2011 College National Finals Rodeo in Casper, Wyoming this past summer for the first time since 1968.
“It was amazing,” coach Miller said. “It was the highlight of all of our hardwork and determination.”
To appreciate the accomplishment, you have to understand the journey.
Miller started competing in rodeo competitions when he was young. By the time he was in high school, he excelled in competitions that allowed him to compete in state finals.
After graduating from high school, he attended Wharton County Junior College where he won the regional finals to advance to the college finals.
From there, he was recruited by then head coach Sonny Sykes of Sam Houston State, where he also won the regional and finished fifth in the nation at the College National Final Rodeo.
Even though he participated in competitions as a professional, his dream job was to become a coach in order to teach others what he has learned from his experience.
Then one day he found out that the coaching position at Sam Houston State University was available. After applying, he got the job.
“It was a dream come true and I am blessed to be here,” coach Miller said.
Since taking over he has recruited top-quality talent from around the country including Cody Teel, who won the bull-riding individual competition that helped the team win the title earlier this year.
Elizabeth Combs also won an individual championship for her performance in barrel racing.
Even though the team has been successful since Miller became head coach, his main goal is to see them get an education.
“The students are successful in the classroom and my motto is ‘education first, rodeo second’,” coach Miller said.
The rodeo team begins the 2011-12 season next month.
For more information, visit the Department of Agriculture and Industrial Sciences website. Additional information about the team is also available on collegerodeo.com.
Page 5Thursday, September 22, 2011Sports
houstonianonline.com/sports twitter.com/HoustonianSport
By Zach BirdsongSports Editor
Players ‘eager’ to face FBS team
By Cheval JohnSports Reporter
Miller wrangles up title
RUNNING WILD. Wide receiver Richard Sincere scores a touchdown against Central Arkansas. Sincere finished the game with 107 yards and scored two touchdowns. Sincere was honored for his performance last week as he received Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Week.
Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian
Photo courtesy of Bubba Miller’s Facebook
WINNING BIG. Rodeo Coach Edward “Bubba” Miller (right) stands and explains something to his students. Under Miller, the team won the National Championship this past summer.
