Issuu

T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F T E X A S AT E L PA S O

VOL . 102, NO. 22

M a r c h 7, 2 0 1 7

Spring Break Issue Week s s e n e r a w A l o h o Alc Pg 3. eak Craziest spring br tudents s m o r f s ie r o m e m Pg 4. Traveling advice Pg 6. Things to do in EP for spring break Pg 7.

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PAGE 2 March 7, 2017

OPINION

Editor-in-Chief

Michaela Román, 747-7477

College is not a sprint, it’s a marathon

By mike flores The Prospector Dropping a class is not something to be ashamed of in college. When everyone enrolls to become a Miner, they are allowed six drops throughout their college career. It’s for a valid reason because some classes can sometimes just be too difficult. There are many responsibilities with being a student, from deciding what to study for your future career, attaining the job, joining clubs that will benefit you and managing time between studying and handling all of the other priorities. Out of high school, I had no idea what I wanted to study or pursue. I

ended up picking business, and it didn’t work out for me. So, I dropped two of the classes that I believed I had no chance of catching up with the work either mentally or physically. I was embarrassed to go through the process of dropping a class so early in my collegiate career, but in the end, everything worked out like it should have. Letting go of those classes helped me in many ways, but the biggest was how a 10-minute process saved my GPA. An F in college can drop your GPA faster than you think. A student can earn five A’s and only one F, and their GPA for that semester is not going to be as pretty as it could have been. Other than saving my GPA, dropping classes helped with my other classes in the semester that I did keep. How? I could concentrate and put all my effort into the other subjects and dedicate my

time to boost my other grades. Instead of receiving a B or C, my final grades for my other courses turned into A’s and I became a happy student. The more people stress about letting go of a class that is required, the more stress they carry on their shoulders by not doing anything about it. I would never encourage any fellow student to look forward to dropping classes, but if it is necessary and the process is needed, it’s the right choice. Students can prepare for the class they dropped for the semester after and get ready for what is in store, since the class was already taken before it was dropped. Summer classes are a great way to play catch up, and there are also Wintermesters and Maymesters. Just because a student could not complete the course their first go around does not mean it will be

like that forever, maybe timing is key in some cases. It is important to talk to professors before actually going through with the dropping process. It could save a class from being abandoned because many professors like to work with their students and if they see that the effort is being made, most teachers will go the extra mile to lend a helping hand. It only takes a couple of minutes to email a teacher or meet them in their office. The stigma around a person letting go of a class is that they are dumber than others, or that they won’t graduate on time. Both are incorrect, an A is better the second time around rather than a C during the first go around. College is not a sprint, it is a marathon. A better GPA in five years of college is much more rewarding than a lower, “let’s finish as fast as we can” GPA.

The more time spent worrying about what others think is taking away from students’ time of actually succeeding in their own productive way. Just make sure to do something about any failing classes before the deadline has passed. For spring 2017, UTEP’s drop deadline is March 30. And only do it if it is needed. The simple step-by-step process of dropping a course is this: walk to the Mike Loya building and ask the front desk where the room is located for completing drops. Once you do that, just sign in and wait for the counselors to call you, then fill out the drop form and you’re free. Follow Mike Flores on Twitter @MikeyTheReal

Remembering Srinivas Kuchibhotla

the prospector staff The Indian Student Association is joining various organizations to hold a vigil in honor of Srinivas Kuchibhotla at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 11, at Centennial Plaza. The UTEP alum was killed on Wednesday Feb. 22, during a hate crime in Kansas. Kuchibhotla was 32 years old. He graduated with a master’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering in 2007, while specializing in digital signal and image processing. He was originally born in India and was now working for a GPS-making company in Kansas. Kuchibhotla leaves behind his wife Sunayana and will be remembered as being loving, caring and compassionate to everyone. For more information e-mail creddy0829@gmail.com or call 915-929-6465.

STAFF Editor-in-Chief: Michaela Román Layout Manager : Ana Ramos Copy Editor : Christian Vasquez Web Editor : Adrian Broaddus Spor ts Editor : Jason Green Enter tainment Editor : Leslie Sariñana Photo Editor : Gaby Velasquez Multimedia Editor : Andres Mar tinez Staff Repor ters: Grecia Sanchez, Rene A. Delgadillo, Mike Flores, Mariana Rodriguez, Eddie Velazquez Photographers: Claudia Hernandez, Nina Titovets Contributors: Gloria Heredia, Jeremy Carranco, Claudia V. Flores, Augie Touris, Ramirez, Andrew Rios, Alonzo Mar tinez

VOL . 102, no. 22

Work-Study Students: Ashley Muñoz, Malia Greene Ad Account Executive: Jacqueline Razo Ad Layout Manager : Jacobo De La Rosa Ad Designers: Vanessa Guevara, Laura Chaidez Administrative Secretary: Marcela Luna Accounting Specialist: Isabel Castillo Asst. Director-Adver tising: t Veronica Gonzalez Student Publications Director : Kathleen Flores

jason green, michaela Román/ The Prospector

Speak your mind

Submit a letter to the editor!

Letters will be edited for clarity and brevity. Letters over 250 words are subject to editing to fit available space. Please include full name, street address and telephone number and e-mail address, plus major, classification and/or title if applicable. Address and phone number will be used for verification only. Write to 105 E. Union, e-mail theprospectordaily.news@gmail.com, call 747-7477 or fax to 747-8031. The Prospector is published by the Student Media and Publications Board, 105 Union East, 500 W. University Ave. El Paso, Texas, 79968. The Prospector appears in print once per week on Tuesdays during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. The newspaper is not printed during holidays and when classes are not in session. The Prospector does provide news online at www.theprospectordaily.com. The Prospector is provided to students through student fees. First copy is free. Any additional copies, if available, must be purchased for $1 through the Department of Student Media and Publications. The Prospector is not responsible for claims made by advertisers. Additional policy information may be obtained by calling The Prospector at 915-747-5161. Opinions expressed in The Prospector are not necessarily those of the university.

THEPROSPECTOR

NEWS | 3 |

March 7, 2017

TUES

WED

THUR

FRI

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High 73 Low 44

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0% Chance for Rain

alcohol awareness Week events on campus By grecia sanchez The Prospector

MinDFulneSS MeDitation FoR alCohol WoRKShoP

Alcohol Awareness Week, March 6-9, is dedicated to educating students about the dangers of drinking and driving. Presented by the Office of Student Life, this year’s Alcohol Awareness Week is focused on students choosing not to engage in negative behavior. All during the week, Miners will have the opportunity at various locations around campus to “Pick to Pass the Key” by taking a pledge not to drink and drive.

10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. March 9, Acadia, Union Building East, room 102 A

aDvanCeMent SyMPoSiuM

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 9, at the Cactus Flower, Union Building East, room 102 C

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 7, University Suite, Union Building East, room 312 The symposium will offer a panel discussion about alcohol myths and facts, sponsored by Latino Alcohol and Health Disparities Research and the Collegiate Recovery Program. Screenings and interventions are available for interested students throughout the activity. There will also be free food and drinks and giveaways for all attendees.

RaiSe the baR ReSouRCe FaiR 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 8 at the Union Breezeway Health organizations will be in the Union Plaza to talk with UTEP students about dangers of drinking and driving. There will be a raﬄe, food and interactive activities.

tv ShoW SCReeninG anD DiSCuSSion: MoM 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. March 8, University Suite, Union Building East, room 312 Two episodes of the show “Mom” will be screened. The show focuses on a mother and daughter who are both alcoholics ending recovery. There will be opportunities for discussion and free popcorn.

Students can become mindful about the use of alcohol and how it relates to alcohol addiction in their lives. This seminar is offered by the University Counseling Center.

Dizzy in love: aRe you havinG Sex on the RoCKS? Hosted by the Healthy Miner Sex Positive Peer Education Program, this workshop will be about how alcohol relates to sex and how that may affect college students.

the a-GaMe alCohol aWaReneSS inteRaCtive WoRKShoP 3 p.m. March 9, Cactus Flower, Union Building East, room 102 C The events on Thursday will end with an A-Game, an interactive activity for students to learn about alcohol in a fun, interactive and participative way.

oRanGe FRiDayS CoFFee touR 9 a.m. to 11 am. March 10, at various campus locations The coffee tour hosted by the Office of Student Life is being extended to multiple locations on campus as the ending event for AA Week. Students can receive free coffee and free spring break bags, filled with different items to utilize during their spring break week. For more information, contact the Office of Student Life at 747-5648.

BANK ACCOUNT LOW?

bRieF alCohol SCReeninG inteRvention FoR ColleGe StuDentS 8 a.m. March 9, Desert Canyon, Union Building East, room 102 Sponsored by the Brief Alcohol Screening and Intervention for College Students, or BASICS, program.

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THEPROSPECTOR

| 4 | NEWS

March 7, 2017

question of the week

What was your craziest spring break? claudia hernandez, alonzo martinez, andrew rios, nina titovets / The Prospector

elexess Fountaine

Amy Medina

Andrew Dominguez

Daniela Garcia

Christian Ortiz

“By the end of the night, I realized that my heel was broken, I tried to fall asleep on the McDonald’s bathroom floor.”

“We went to Paris. It was the first time a lot of us were going abroad, so it was a new experience.”

“My family and I were in San Diego and there were these people next to us and they were completely naked and they were super drunk.”

“I told my parents I was going to spend the day with my friend at her house, but instead we took a trip to Albuquerque for the day.”

“A friend convinced me to go to an observatory down by Fort Davis, Texas, party and it ended up just being a bunch of old people.”

juan martinez

Katherine Davalos

Julie Ruiz

Eduardo Ramirez

Francisco Hernandez

“My friend and I were at a party, a fight broke out in the middle of my friend. She actually ended up getting punched in the face on accident.”

“My friends and I decided that we wanted to go to the beach. We cannot remember anything that happened. We ended up waking up in Ruidoso.”

“We went to Ruidoso and got very drunk. The funny thing was my friend jumped down the stairs because he thought he could fly.”

“I got so lit in Mexico City, I went like the whole week and with some friends and every day we got so lit, it was so crazy.”

Matthew Costa

Rebecca Gonzales

carlos diaz

Anja Martens

elisa rivera

“Me and a couple of buddies took a trip to South Padre Island. We had actually gone when Wiz Khalifa was there.”

“We were hiking (Ruidoso) and it started snowing and we had to cross a river all in the snow. It took us like an hour to get back home.”

“My friend and I got super drunk, so I was basically looking out for her. My friend started basically making out with everybody in the bar.”

“I went to Turkey to go skiing and I was at the top of the mountain. I ended up falling and rolling down like a thousand times and was left with a really big scar across my face.”

Sophomore civil engineering major

Freshman computer science major “I had just turned 18 and decided to go to New York by myself. A lot of people were against the idea, but I went anyway and had an amazing time and experienced a lot.”

Junior mechanical engineering major

Senior electrical engineering major

Sophomore biological sciences major

Sophomore nursing major

Senior business economics major

Junior psychology major

Sophomore mechanical engineering major “I spent four days straight out of the seven doing philanthropic projects. The other three days I spent sleeping.”

Junior psychology major

Senior geology major

Junior electrical engineering major

Senior international business major

Sophomore philosophy major

Sophomore mechanical engineering major

2017

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THE

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION Filing period will run March 27 - April 7, 2017 Election Week April 17 - April 20, 2017

POSITIONS AVAILABLE ARE: President, VP for Internal Affairs, VP for External Affairs, Senator At-Large (15), Collegiate Senators (one per college).

FOR MORE INFO VISIT THE SGA WEBSITE OR CALL US. utep.edu/sga | (915) 747-5584

THEPROSPECTOR

NEWS | 5 |

March 7, 2017

Win works to build network for female engineer students

design by michaela román/ The ProsPecTor one out of five engineering students at uTeP is female. women in engineering is preparing them in entering a male-dominated classroom and work enviorment.

By michaela romÁn The Prospector

Microsoft recently conducted a study that found young girls in Europe become interested in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) around age 11, but if the interest is not fully ignited in the ensuing four years, by age 15 their interest dies. The study says a lack of role models play a part in this loss of interest. “Role models play a big role, not just as a mentor, but role models play the part in the mentality of an individual thinking ‘oh that person did it so I can too,’” said Patricia Nava, professor and associate dean of engineering. Nava is one of the pioneers of support organizations for women engineers at UTEP. She’s now the director of UTEP’s WIN, (Women In eNgineering). As a teaching assistant, Nava wanted to help female students in engineering. One of the reasons she was promoted to director was to help foster female engineers. WIN is comprised of three organizations. WEST (Women’s Engineering Support Team), a venue of support for all female engineering department faculty, WIPP (Women Engineers in Professional Practice) and WINgineers, an organization for female students. Last semester, WIN began hosting WINning Wednesdays, monthly interactive lectures conducted by female faculty and local female engineers in the industry, where items such as inclusion, anxiety and how to deal with emotions in a maledominated field are discussed. Nava said 20 percent of UTEP’s engineering students are female. This statistic has remained consistent for approximately 20 years. The percentage matches the average female engineer student enrollment nationwide. “The only thing that made a big change was 40 years ago, when there was a lot of financial investment in trying to increase the number of women. That, of course, has now jumped off the radar completely,” Nava said. Junior electrical engineering major Monserrat Salas chose to pursue electrical engineering because she always heard it was the hardest engineering concentration.

“I like challenges because I believe they train your brain and body to be better. Eventually, I ended up loving it,” Salas said.

i strongly believe that it is not my gender that will make me successful in engineering. it is rather the effort i put into it and my ability to problem solve, - Monserrat Salas, junior electical engineering major Salas is starting to get involved with WIN and enjoyed the last lecture on March 1. She said she thinks it’s important to network with new people and you never know when they might need you or you might need them. “It’s also important for me to join in order to meet other female students and to support each other, hav-

TAKE

ing only male friends can be awkward at times,” Salas said jokingly. Senior mechanical engineering major Jocelyn Torres also chose to major in engineering because she knew she’d like the challenge. “I’ve gotten used to the difference of men to women ratio and it doesn’t bother me. In fact, it makes me gain more confidence to prove that a woman is capable of putting ideas on the table and handling the job,” Torres said. Miroslava Barua, WIN graduate student assistant director, plays an active role in setting up the lectures and services for WIN. She says it would be foolish for women to not prepare for certain situations in the workplace when they may deal with emotions differently. One of the main benefits Nava and Barua have seen come out of WIN has been validating students’ fears as being more common than they think. “Not just in engineering, in all higher education fields and it’s not restricted to women either. It’s called the imposter syndrome, where they think they’re the only ones that don’t belong or feel like they’re here, but someone is going to find out they shouldn’t be,” Nava said. Nava says it’s not uncommon for females, even in her department, to experience discrimination working with so many males.

CARE OF YOUR

WATER

KEEP IT

CLEAN

Do not dump waste, chemicals, paint, custodial waste, and general rubbish items (tires, old car parts, shopping carts, etc.) into storm drains, channels, or ditches. No tirar basura, aparatos electrodomésticos, muebles, llantas, y chatarra a canales y acequias del systema de drenaje pluvial.

ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY OFFICE

HERTZOG BUILDING ROOM 170 (915) 747-7124 EH&S@UTEP.EDU

“Everyone has a handful of stories–how they’ve run into this head on. We had one (female) faculty member who was being treated dif-

ferently and being overloaded,” Salas said. “We gave her words to use and words to stay away from and she came back to report that she had a very good exchange after being worried about the backlash. I felt that was a real win in our column on being able to provide advice.” Although Nava said that she hopes students don’t have to go through this, she wants to provide students with tools to communicate before it can become an issue. “I strongly believe that it is not my gender that will make me successful in engineering. It is rather the effort I put into it and my ability to problem solve,” Salas said. “It is not only guys that are smart.” Currently, WIN is looking into starting up an executive council of students. They want to have a student representative from each engineering department that will serve as a board member for WIN. “Our absolute goal is to empower and engage students and we’re moving toward a more distributive leadership so we can also empower them,” Nava said. michaela román may be reached at michaelairoman@ gmail.com

Laundromat

NEW STORE!

2400 N. Oregon El Paso, Tx 79901

Mon - Sat

7:00 am - 11:00 pm

www.thecleanerselpaso.com

Keep material out of the stormwater conveyance system (curbs, gutters, sidewalks, streets, drains, culverts, and arroyos). Dispose of grass, leaves, yard waste, and construction debris properly No tapar el flujo pluvial a canales, alcantarillas y arroyos con basura. Disponga correctamente de basura vegetal (césped, ramas, y hojas) así como basura de construción.

Report illegal dumping in storm drains, culverts, or arroyos to UTEP EH&S. Reporte el veritdo illegal de residuosen los drenajes o arroyos al departamento EH&S en UTEP

Sun

8:00 am - 10:00 pm

Leave natural vegetation in place where possible to prevent erosion. Si es possible, deje crecer a vegetación en forma natural para evitar la erosion.

Properly dispose of hazardous wastes, pesticides, and fertilizers. Call UTEP EH&S to schedule waste pickups. Deseche correctamente los residuos peligrosos, pesticdas, y fertilizantes. Llama al departamento EH&S en UTEP y agendar fecha para recoger los desperdicios.

Recycle oil, antifreeze, and other vehicle fluids, or dispose of them properly to prevent the pollution of stormwater, groundwater and the Rio Grande. Recicle aceite, anti-congelate y lubricantes o disponga propiamente de ellos para prevenir contaminación de sistema de drenaje pluvial, mantos acuíferos y el Rio Bravo.

Storm drains are easily identified with “NO DUMPING” decals at stormwater inlets. Alcantarifado fe aguas pluviales es identeficado con anuncions de “NO REVERTIR DESECHOS AQUI”

THEPROSPECTOR

| 6 | NEWS

March 7, 2017

ADViCE CoLuMN

Your guide to staying safe and prepared this spring break By adrian Broaddus The Prospector

Whether you’re off twerking to “Bad and Boujee” at South Padre Island, hitting up the gigantic clubs in Cancun, where bottles of tequila are way underpriced or taking off to a more relaxed place for spring break, safety precautions should be maintained throughout students’ designated spring break trips. Let’s be frank, spring break brings out the animal in the typical study-sleep-work-repeat college student, which makes them way more vulnerable when traveling or vacationing.

Traveling on the road

Here are some safety precautions to remember while on your spring break:

If it’s behind the wheel or on a plane, some of the worst travel accidents or thefts come from simply getting to or coming from their destination. When driving, it’s important to take turns behind the wheel. Rotating driving responsibilities keeps everyone rested while the other passengers can man the aux cord. The shotgun rider must be the eyes and ears for the driver as well, so dozing off is not an option in the front seats. Even though the driver could be one of the safest drivers out there, it’s always good to have two alert drivers who watch out for everything. One important pre-driving measure is to ensure everyone in the car has a valid driver’s license and the vehicle’s registration and insurance are all up to date. This is especially true when driving in another country. Passports and birth certificates are also something important to haul along and

should always be kept in a safe place. As dumb as it sounds, buying a map would be an added plus because something could always happen to a GPS device or phone, and it can be utilized as a sensible backup. It would also be smart to download an app that doesn’t require internet such as Sygic GPS Navigation, Navmii, CoPilot Premium or Navigon. Obvious precautionary tactics when driving are stashing valuables away from plain sight in a car. If it’s that valuable, it might be a good idea to lock it up in the trunk.

Traveling by plane

Planes and airports are also a prime spot for vacation spoilers to occur. Never leave your baggage unattended when waiting around,

and if need be, take your baggage with you to eat or the restroom at the airport. Taxis, subways or metro stations are also prime places for pickpocketing, so it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. When using taxi alternatives, such as Uber or Lyft, make sure to watch the maps and if anything goes wrong or something suspicious happens with the driver, try to get out of the vehicle or call the police. For those who have travel anxiety, a bad stomach or get motion sickness, one of the best supplements to bring along is Dramamine. Dramamine will not knock you out or make you feel euphoric in any sense, instead it simply calms you down and stabilizes all the movement going on.

Hotels

When checking into a hotel or an Airbnb, it would be wise to be as discreet as possible to avoid any sort of problems. Refrain from saying room numbers out loud for anyone to hear to avoid anyone knowing your exact location. Another thing to note is to make sure all valuables are out of plain sight to avoid any theft.

ATM’s

poop its diapers—you hope they don’t do it, but eventually they will. Make sure to go with a group of friends, who will have a sober monitor or someone who will minimalize their drinking to watch over the group. Planning how much you will drink could save you the eerie and troublesome feeling of losing bodily functions or making poor decisions. Maintain awareness of the liquor and alcohol laws wherever your location. One of the most important things when drinking is ensuring the safety of a drink. Leaving a drink unattended could lead to date rape drugs being slipped into the drink or any other sort of drugs. In a 2007 study by the National Institute of Health, reported that 89 percent of female undergrad sexual assault survivors claimed to have been drinking before their assault. This is not to hinder drinking habits or blame the girl in any way; but to make sure people are aware that these occurrences happen. At the end of the day, if all else fails, make sure to follow the “come with your friends, leave with your friends” mentality.

When pulling out money at the ATM, make sure to travel in groups to avoid any type of theft. A quick 360-degree scan can save you from being robbed or allowing your pin to get stolen. Always cover your pin number when putting it into the machine to avoid any identity theft. Bringing along an unfashionable fanny pack would also be a fun and easy way to carry around cash.

In the water

Simply saying “drink responsibly” is like telling a baby not to

Sex

Drinking

What’s a worse combination than a Taco Bell beefy five-layer burrito and a Mountain Dew for your stomach? Drinking, sun and water. Drinking and sunshine and/or heat can lead to worse sunburns and an even worse hangover. Make sure to time your drinks and stay hydrated with water. Waterproof sunscreen can be your best friend, but apply it often.

It would be easy to say don’t have sex, sex is bad, m’kay, but it just sounds like a dad talking to his daughter. Our society’s hookup culture puts peer pressure on individuals to feel they need sex, and can influence someone do something they don’t want to. Nonetheless, ensure that you and your partner are 100 percent consenting to this activity. Silence, a belligerent drunk answer, or a no is not a yes. Consent must be a verbal commitment and can never be assumed. Next up, it’s extremely important to stock up on protection before going off on spring break trips. Ensuring the protection is properly intact is very important and can prevent STDs, pregnancies or any other diseases. Always carry condoms just in case. The best way to go about this is by planning ahead. Know what your sexual boundaries are and make sure to stay true to those plans and ideals. follow adrian Broaddus on Twitter @adrian_broaddus

PAGE 7 March 7, 2017

entertainment

EDitoR

LESLIE SARIÑANA, 747-7477

things to do in el Paso during spring break By eddie velazquez The Prospector

el Paso artist and Farmers Market

Every Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. As a year-round event, it is easy to overlook an El Paso institution such as the Downtown Artist and Farmers Market. However, its original approach to arts and genuine local vibe make it a great source for locally grown agricultural produce and a cultural reminder of the binational identity of the Sun City. Located on Anthony Street and San Antonio Avenue, the multipurpose space offers an environment that is friendly for all ages, with accessible activities for children and a great selection of food for everyone to enjoy.

electric Social Showcase

Friday, March 17, 2017, doors open at 9 p.m. Local label, Electric Social, will be showcasing some of the up and coming local talent at Lowbrow Palace. Local rapper Stan Z—who just released his newest LP—will headline the event, alongside 2017 Battle of the Bands winners Nico & The Silent Films. Indie veterans If We Were Turtles, Trost House and newly reshaped act Rose.Golden, formerly known as ANiMAL$OUL, will round up the showcase. Tickets are $5 at the door or can be purchased at: www.lowbrowpalace.com

Saturday, March 11, from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m. This free event will take place at 406 S. Durango St., where they will commemorate the release of DeadBeach’s bottled beer to the public. The brewery will introduce five different 22-ounce beers. Additionally, the event will feature 17 beers on tap including four new flavors. Aside from the local brew, guests can expect live performances from local bands such as Great Shapes and Ribo Flavin.’ Food from Kaedama Food Bus, Panini Bus and DeadBeach’s Smoke Wagon Texas Craft BBQ will also be available.

Downtown Ghost tour

The Prospector A new trend has hit El Pasopop-up shops. In trendy fashion, a pop-up vintage shop, Vintage Classis (stylized VNTGCLSSX) has opened up downtown at 115 N. Mesa St. VNTGCLSSX is owned by Ron Scott, Marisol McNeil and Patrick McNeil. Scott is a UTEP graduate with a master’s degree in clinical

psychology. He is a third-generation “thrifter,” which is inspired him to open up a vintage thrift shop. Patrick McNeil focuses on late-night social events and has even started his own production company. He is also heavily involved in the local music scene and is the owner of several businesses, including International, a bar downtown on Mills Street. “We’ve been dealing with that for years now (coming up with the

Saturday, March 18, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. For fans of the popular franchise, this Harry Potter-themed bar hopping experience is a fantastic opportunity to connect with other die-hard fans in El Paso. The pub crawl will start at Blackbird featuring Quidditch Pong. Hope and Anchor will be the next stop, featuring the Sorting Hat Drink. From there, attendees will travel to the Owl Emporium at The Hoppy Monk. Lastly, after a brief stop at Prickly Elder, the event will culminate at Rubik’s Arcade with a costume contest. Pre-registration is $5 ($7 at the door) and it includes a themed beer koozie, exclusive drink specials and the opportunity to win special prizes throughout the night. For information on tickets and pre-registration, visit www.eventbrite.com/e/ potter-pub-crawl-tickets-32427167531

5 6

Saturday, March 18, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. With the Wigwam Museum as its starting point, the Downtown El Paso Ghost Tour is a viable option to spend a chilly spring break night. As tourists spend the night walking the streets of haunted downtown El Paso, they will hear about the eerie symbolism in historic buildings and strange stories of yesteryear in well-known areas of the Sun City. For $15, the tour will feature places such as the Wigwam Museum’s basement and the Palace Saloon. For more information, Ghosts915 may be reached at 915-274-9531.

local thrift shop sets new trends By leslie sariÑana

Deadbeach block Party

Potter Pub Crawl

idea for the store), and it just felt like a right time to start a pop-up concept, which right now is pretty trendy,” said Scott. The conceptual focus of the shop goes beyond just clothes. VNTGCLSSX offers a unique place to shop, but It’s more than just a store. The concept behind VNTGCLSSX is creating an atmosphere where people can enjoy live music and drinks. “We wanted to incorporate a lot of that urban kind of conceptual art with what it is to go and shop around. But at the same time creating a social night scene and having a soiree kind of things, where they’re gathered and having fun, and still at the same time shopping,” Scott said.

see VNTGcLSSX on page 8

3 artworks in 30 Minutes

The El Paso Museum of Art is showcasing the graphic work of local artists Kim and Therese Bauer as part of its “3 Artworks in 30 minutes” series. Education Curator, Elisabeth Sommer, will give a free tour detailing the exhibit located at the Dede Rogers Special Events Gallery. Kim, an associate professor at UTEP’s Department of Art, focused on the printmaking aspect of this project, while Therese, a full-time lecturer for the same department, explored the different drawing techniques and materials used in this exhibit.

follow eddie velazquez on Twitter @ezvelazquez

gaby velasQuez / The ProsPecTor vntGClSSx opened March 3 and will remain at 115 n. mesa until may.

$1 TENDER ROLL$

3 4 3 5 N. Mesa St. ( Next to Wendy’s)

Limit 5 Tender Rolls per visit. Offer good at all BUSHs locations in El Paso. Offer good through April 1, 2017.

THEPROSPECTOR

| 8 | ENtERtAiNMENt

March 7, 2017

When you enter the shop, there are over 700 items out on display, but it’s the art on the walls that catches your attention. The graffiti on the walls inside the shopping center distinguishes VNTGCLSSX from all the other shops around it. The shop is located a block away from San Jacinto Plaza. Scott is working hard to reinvent the regular thrift shop and create something with a different environment. “Me and my partner have been dealing with thrift clothing and vintage shopping and commemorate of a bunch of different things,”

gaby velasQuez / The ProsPecTor owner Ron Scott brings sports memorabillia and rocker t-shirts to vnTgclssX.

we wanted to incorporate a lot of that urban kind of conceptual art with what it is to go and shop around. -Ron Scott, part owner of VNTGCLSSX

Scott said. “We’re planning on hosting events, having bands play and DJs, and things like that. We want people to come out and have

fun and look at some clothes while they’re at it.” Scott has been picking clothes for 14 years. His grandparents used to own a clothing store doing thrift sales in Mexico, and came to El Paso to collect vintage clothing. “People don’t realize that El Paso is a really big honey pot of vintage clothing. For some reason, there’s a lot of clothes traveling through

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“Handpicking, curating and collecting and really curating stuff that’s individualized to a person’s aesthetic is really the focus. It’s not about what you have but how you wear it.” Being a pop-up shop that constantly changes locations helps them stay relevant and alluring. It’s all about incorporating art and vintage clothes at VNTGCLSSX. “The whole thing is about concepts

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ize to people, and I think we’re doing Scott said. “We want to bring people this as their spot.” This is the first location of many for VNTGCLSSX. They had their grand-opening Friday, March 3. VNTGCLSSX will remain at the current location for a couple of months. You can check their Instagram for location

updates

@VNTGCLSSX.

E l P a s o Mu s eu m s & Cu l t u ra l Affa i rs D e p a rtme n t

leslie sarinana may be reached at theprospectordaily.ent@gmail.com.

THEPROSPECTOR

ENTERTAINMENT | 9 |

March 7, 2017

‘American Teen’ is a step in the right direction but falls short

By adrian broaddus The Prospector

At the age of 18, most El Paso teens are looking forward to graduating from high school, having a college future and transitioning into adulthood. That transition came differently for local R&B sensation Khalid Robinson. As a senior at Americas High School, the artist released his single “Location,” which changed his life forever. In fact, the song is currently no. 51 on the Billboard 200 list and continues to radiate waves. With “Location,” Khalid previewed eight singles that led up to the release

of his freshman album, “American Teen,” “Let’s Go,” “Hopeless,” “Reasons,” “Coaster,” “Saved,” “Shot Down” and “American Teen.” Upon its release on March 3, “American Teen” boomed not only on a local scale but nationwide. It reached the no. 1 spot in the R&B charts on iTunes, the no. 6 spot overall and it was featured on Spotify’s new music radar list. He received praise from artists and celebrities like Logic, 6lack, Kendall Jenner, Marshmello and more all over Twitter. Khalid called this album “the album that will change my life.” It’s true; Khalid isn’t the same 18-yearold El Paso teenager. “American Teen”

will project the now 19-year-old artist to new heights. They are the same heights that he never thought he could reach. On Friday, March 3, Khalid had an album release party at the F.Y.E. store in Bassett Place mall for all his hometown fans. Hundreds, maybe even thousands, came out to get a chance to meet the artist, and have him sign his record and take photos. So many people came out that Khalid had to eventually stop and take off before signing them all. He went onto social media to express his love for his fans saying, “I was signing CDs and taking pictures for almost five hours straight and I couldn’t continue, shit was hard, but I tried for all of you. I’ve never felt so much love out of all of the years that I’ve lived, like I’ve felt in El Paso. I really love you guys. I just dropped an album, a year and a half ago I was scared (because) I thought that I’d never do anything with my life or with my voice. It wasn’t just me who made this album happen, it was all of you. So yes, I cried. I cried (because) was upset too, but I cried (because) that’s love.” The project is everything he wanted and everything El Paso needed. His goal to put El Paso on the national scene and get better recognition was highlighted throughout the tape. Khalid is going in the right direction with his message and with his musical style, but at times “American Teen” feels very demographically centered toward the everyday U.S. teenager and sounds like high school pop. The record opens up with the albumtitled track, which introduces the project with swift pop beats and sounds of a

teenage anthem. His El Paso references on the track are a treat, singing lines like, “From the city of the 915/Where all the girls are pretty and they’re down for the hype.” From the get-go, however, Khalid doesn’t switch up any of his styles or experiment with different sounds. Khalid’s at his best on his upbeat songs where his lyrics flow smoothly, like on “Young Dumb & Broke.” Lyrically, on “Young Dumb & Broke,” the track takes an immature tone, but it works for Khalid. As it does on “8TEEN,” where he brings the listener back to his high school days, “Because I’m eighteen/ And I still live with my parents…Let’s do all the stupid shit that young kids do.” However, he strays away from a mature upbeat production on tracks like “Keep Me,” which tries too hard with an electronic beat. He’s found his niche and his target audience—the high school students who go out to parties and fall in love. It pays homage to the moments lived through in high school, which feels reminiscent and nostalgic. The most notable upbeat track, “Location,” feels like the benchmark Khalid is setting himself up for as far as upbeat songs go. It works for him on the nationally trending track, but none of the other upbeat songs sound much different. When Khalid released “Let’s Go” in 2016, it felt like his most skillful project to date. Fast forward to 2017 and “Let’s Go” still emits the same positive energy. While it was the upbeat songs that lifted him up to the scene, the album brings slowed down deeper lyric tracks. “Another Sad Love Song” has a dark, melodramatic feel with an odd upbeat

bridge and hook, which feels unorthodox and doesn’t quite fit with the rest of the album. But then, Khalid picks it back up on “Saved” and “Coaster,” where he’s backed up by better production and uses his harmonic voice to make up for the kindergarten-like lyrics. He hits highs with “Winter” utilizing more El Paso references to enhance the homey feeling, but misses opportunities to capitalize on groovy production on songs like “Cold Blooded” and “Therapy.” What is most impressive about Khalid is his voice. He could probably make “Happy Birthday” sound angelic. On songs that aren’t necessarily as strong as others, such as “Therapy,” Khalid still shines vocally. He’s at his peak when there’s a piano predominately in his track such as in “Shot Down” or “Angels.” Overall, the album is an impressive debut for his coming-to-the-scene movement, but it’s five tracks too long. His voice is so angelic and hollow, so it would be interesting to see a Bryson Tiller or DVSN-like production on his next project. This album parallels a lot of Frank Ocean’s hit mixtape, “Nostalgia Ultra,” because both showcased the artists’ talents vocally and foreshadowed how great they can both be one day. If he sticks with his R&B roots, Khalid can truly one day be amazing. Expect “American Teen” to be a teen sensation and maybe even reap some chart honors. However, do not expect “American Teen” to be an album one would listen to after two or three years.

you between my arms, barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song,” will remind you it’s the little things in a relationship that matter. In “How would you feel (Paean),” Sheeran talks about how he’s not rushing his relationship. The easy sound goes well with the message that Sheeran is trying to convey. He’s just relaxed, going with it, knowing that it is going to last. “I’ll be taking my time, spending

my life, falling deeper in love with you,” Sheeran sings. While most of Sheeran’s hit songs have been ballads about being or falling in love, he adds in a couple more upbeat songs talking about his grandparents’ love and traveling. The tracks may feel a bit unnatural from what fans are used to. His Irish influence can be heard in the last couple of songs of the album where Sheeran continues experimenting. In the tracks “Galway Girl” and “Nancy

Mulligan,” he adds instruments that shine a light on his Irish roots. Sheeran uses other influences such as African harmonizing in “Bibia BeYe Ye” and uses Spanish lyrics in “Barcelona.” Overall this album is bittersweet for Sheeran fans, who weren’t ready for a sudden change; they can still enjoy some of his new romantic ballads that stay true to who he is as an artist.

Follow Adrian Broaddus on Twitter @adrian_broaddus

Ed Sheeran’s ‘Divide’ strays from traditional sound

By gaby velasquez The Prospector After a yearlong break from social media, singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran finally returned March 3, with the release of his third album, “÷ (Divide).” In a more upbeat premise, “Divide” is a slight departure from Sheeran’s usual mellow material. Sheeran mixes pop songs with similartoned ballads fans have grown to know and love. His new tracks “Happier,” “Perfect” and “How Would You Feel” are as strong as his previous hits such as chart-topper “Thinking Out Loud” because of the passion that Sheeran evokes through the songs. Longtime fans will be pleased with the familiar sounds now

special to The Prospector accompanied by Sheeran’s new musical discoveries. In his song “Happier,” Sheeran declares his emotions after seeing his exgirlfriend in someone else’s arms. He doesn’t talk about his jealousy of the other man. Although he feels miserable without her, and it hurts him seeing her with someone else, he’s just happy she can move on and be happy even if it’s not with him. The warm soothing melody of “Perfect,” could possibly become the new ideal song for couples to share their first dance to at their wedding. The song describes his perfect relationship with the perfect girl. He’s in complete disbelief that something so wonderful could have happened to him. Lyrics in the song, such as “dancing in the dark with

Gaby Velasquez may be reached at gabrielaavelasquez1997@gmail.com.

THEPROSPECTOR

| 10 | ENTERTAINMENT

March 7, 2017

Fifth-annual Fashion Ink show in the Sun City By claudia flores The Prospector

If you live for tattoos and fashion watch out for the fifth-annual Fashion Ink, an event that showcases tattoo artists and their work will take place at the El Paso Zoo from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. on March 9. Fashion Ink was founded in 2012 by Gracie Cain, an El Paso event coordinator and the creative director of the public relations firm Emajj, who in the past has noticed the segregation between the tattoo industry and the fashion shows

Sometimes dreams come true and Fashion Ink is here to make that happen for many, not only the local models.

-Abigail Prieto,Fashion Ink Model

courtesy of fashion ink facebook Fashion Ink show will take place at the El Paso Zoo on March 9.

around town. “Fashion Ink really brings the community together, I have lots of friends who will let me borrow their space for shoots,” said Roxy Van Ruiten, a 21-year-old digital media production major at UTEP and photographer for Fashion Ink. Fashion Ink also holds a tattoo competition called the “People’s Choice,” which

is hosted right after the fashion show, where artists airbrush a model without tattoos, then have the audience vote on their favorite design. “This project is pretty awesome; it’s very unique to El Paso,” said Abigail Prieto, a 27-year-old model for the 2017 Fashion Ink campaign. “Sometimes dreams come true and Fashion Ink is here to make that happen for many, not only the local models.” Since 2012, Fashion Ink has sought to promote the beauty of models with tattoos. Prieto joined the Fashion Ink team last December and became a part of the publicity campaign for the event. “For the first one they sent me a message through Instagram’s DM asking if I could go audition for the fashion show as they were looking for models,” Prieto said. “I just started this last December and so far it has been a pretty good experience; having some fun meeting a lot of people and socializing more than I normally do.” Fashion Ink has also opened doors for many of El Paso’s talented photographers and Roxy Van Ruiten is one of the lucky ones who has been able to show her talent with a camera. “I’ve been working in this project since New Year’s as far as photos and making the posters,” Van Ruiten said. “This is the second time I work with them and it’s been a great experience. I get to meet a lot of people including local photographers and makeup artists who have helped me out, not only with Fashion Ink, but personal shoots.” The tickets for Fashion Ink will be on sale at Eventbrite.com Claudia Flores can be reached at gigiberta43@gmail.com.

PAGE 11 March 7, 2017

Sports

Editor

jason green, 747-7477

Predictions, expectations and numbers of the C-USA tournament to the Bulldogs this season, by 20 in Ruston and then a heartbreaking one-point loss on their home court. Artis missed a close three-point shot as time expired that would have put the Miners ahead. What We Think: Mike: UAB handled business at home against La. Tech this season. However, the outcome in March will result in the Bulldogs getting revenge. In the first matchup, La Tech was victim to a hot shooting UAB team, who hit 50 percent from the field (29-58). With a top-three defensive ranking in C-USA, La Tech will right their wrongs this time around. The Bulldogs’ league-leading margin of victory, 11, is something to keep an eye on. UAB’s margin was only 2.5 during the season. Jason: La. Tech is just a better team. In fact, I think that they are the best team in the conference and should probably represent C-USA in the NCAA tournament. They rank sixth in turnovers, third in rebounds, fifth in 3-point percentage, fifth in free throw percentage and first in scoring margin. I say all of that to say that the home team is heading out of the tournament at this point.

By Jason Green and Mike Flores The Prospector

The Conference-USA men’s basketball tournament kicks off in Birmingham, Alabama, on Wednesday, March 5, with eighth-seeded Western Kentucky (15-16 overall, 9-9 C-USA) facing off with ninthseeded UT-San Antonio (13-18 overall, 8-10 C-USA) at 10:30 a.m. MT.

(#8) WKU vs. (#9) UTSA

The Miners faced WKU in Bowling Green back on Jan. 26 and lost 6252. UTSA split the season series with the Miners with both teams defending home court. In El Paso, the Roadrunners were held to a paltry 39 points by the Miners’ defense. What we think: Mike: I have WKU winning this matchup against UTSA. The Roadrunners are the worst 3-point shooting team in C-USA by a mile, while the Hilltoppers aren’t limited from the outside. UTSA is coming in losing five out of their last seven contests, and WKU won earlier in the year by 15 points. I expect no difference in the tournament. Jason: Although UTSA is the best rebounding team in the tournament, you need to be able to shoot the 3 come March and the Roadrunners are awful. They are the only team in the tourney shooting under 0.300 and their free throws are just as atrocious. They aren’t long for this tournament.

(#3) ODU vs. (#6) Marshall *projected

(#5) Rice vs. (#12) So. Miss.

The second game of the tournament at 1 p.m. MT, pits the fifth-seeded Rice Owls (21-10 overall, 11-7 C-USA) against 12thseeded Southern Miss (9-21 overall, 6-12 C-USA). UTEP defeated Rice by eight during their epic conference win streak in mid-February. The Miners split with Southern Miss. Once again, each team defended home court. What we think: Mike: This game is as lopsided as it gets in this year’s tournament. Rice will take care of business easily against Southern Miss. The Owls average 81.5 points per game, compared to the Golden Eagles’ worst offense in C-USA with 62.6 points per contest. I expect the guard play of Rice to have one of their biggest games of the year. Jason: Definitely an easy one for Rice, who is the third-best team in the tournament, statistically speaking. Although their 450 turnovers on the season scare me a little, they are the second-best rebounding team in C-USA, and shoot the 3 better than anyone else. Their 6.8 point win margin versus Southern Miss’s 8.5 means that this will be an easy one.

(#7) UAB vs. (#10) Charlotte

Opening day continues with the host team, seventh-seeded UAB (16-15 overall, 9-9 C-USA) taking on 10th-seeded Charlotte (13-16 overall, 7-11 C-USA) at 4:30 p.m. MT. UTEP squeaked by UAB at the beginning of February with 63-59. In the last game of the season, the Miners defeated Charlotte 74-67 at the Don Haskins to see senior guard Dominic Artis in his final home game. What We Think: Mike: The hometown Blazers, who are 11-5 at home, welcome in Charlotte, who are 3-9 on road, which would result in a UAB victory. Of the 49ers’ three road wins, two of them were only by one point. It’s no secret that they miss playing away from Charlotte. Also, the 49ers are the worst rebounding team in C-USA and they will pay the price in the end. Jason: Although the Blazers turn the ball over at an alarming rate – 413, second only to Rice – it will not be enough of a problem to cause them to lose to

Charlotte. Charlotte could get hot from 3, they did shoot 0.372 on the season, but the Blazers weren’t far off with their 0.357. Nothing that the 49ers could do should be enough to worry the Blazers in their hometown.

(#6) Marshall vs. (#11) FAU

The final game of opening day pits the sixth-seeded Thundering Herd of Marshall (17-14 overall, 10-8 C-USA) against the 11th-seeded Florida Atlantic Owls (10-19 overall, 6-12 C-USA). At the end of January, UTEP delivered a huge first home loss to the Thundering Herd, 9168. UTEP defeated Florida Atlantic both times the two faced off, only by a combined six points. What We Think: Mike: Marshall’s high-flying offense that puts up 86.4 points a night will beat FAU soundly come Wednesday. The Herd has the leading scorer in all of CUSA, Jon Elmore, who scores over 20 every game, while FAU is led by the 30th leading scorer in C-USA, Adonis Filer (11 points per game). The Panthers don’t have the firepower to keep pace. In their only contest this year, Marshall took out FAU 89-72 on the road. Jason: Yet another opening-round game, where the higher seeded team will win. Sorry. Just the way it goes. Head coach Dan D’Antoni’s Marshall team is high scoring and doesn’t play defense, almost as if he cut his teeth in the NBA. He did. This one could be close, as FAU can be streaky, but in the end, the Herd will take it.

(#1) MTSU vs. (#8) WKU *projected

Our projected first second-round game would be the number seeded Middle Tennessee Blue Raiders (27-4 overall, 17-1 C-USA) and our pick, WKU. The Miners are the lone blemish on MTSU’s sterling conference record. UTEP pulled off a miracle, 57-54 win, ending the game on a 19-6 run. What We Think: Mike: MTSU steamrolled their way to 17 wins in C-USA for a reason—they are by far the most dangerous team in the league. In the two games between MTSU and WKU, the Blue Raiders beat them by a combined 41 points. On the road, WKU has lost six out of their last seven, while MTSU is 11-2 in away games. The Blue Raiders will continue their dominance. Jason: There’s a reason MTSU is the regular-season champion of C-USA. They don’t turn the ball over. Their 318 turnovers for the season is the lowest in the conference. Obviously with 17 wins, there are going to be a lot of win streaks during the season and the Blue Raiders are in the midst of a 9-of-10 run. It’s not ending to the Hilltoppers. It will end in Birmingham—just not yet.

(#4) UTEP vs. (#5) Rice *projected

The fourth-seeded Miners (14-16 overall, 12-6 C-USA) will finally take the court at 1 p.m. on Thursday against our winner of the Rice/So. Miss. match-up, fifthseeded Rice. The Miners already defeated

photo courtesy of confrence usa Rice by eight in their only match-up this season. What We Think: Mike: UTEP’s glorious turnaround ends here against the Owls. The Miners made nine 3-pointers in their first go around with Rice. That will likely not repeat itself. Rice’s big three, Marcus Evans, Egor Koulechov and Marcus Jackson who combine for almost 50 points per night, only put up 31 points on 7-for-26 shooting against UTEP. I expect the Owls’ top playmakers not to struggle again. UTEP is 6-5 on the road, and Rice is impressive at 9-5 during away games. Jason: Rice ranks third in my “very scientific” C-USA rankings that take into account things like 3-point percentage, turnovers, rebounding margin, etc. These are the things that matter this time of year. Can you hit the 3 when it matters? Rice has. 1,152 of them to UTEP’s 990. Can you hit free throws when it matters? Rice has. To the tune of a 0.729 free throw percentage compared to UTEP’s 0.660. Lastly, are you beating people soundly or just scraping by? Rice is. By an average of 6.8 points per game, compared to UTEP’s 0.8. Sorry guys, you were lucky to make it here at all, but once again, no C-USA championship, no NCAA tournament.

(#2) La. Tech vs. (#7) UAB *projected

Next up, at 4:30 p.m. MT is the first game for the second-seeded Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (22-9 overall, 14-4 C-USA) versus, most likely, seventh-seeded home team UAB. The Miners lost both games

The nightcap features the third-seed Old Dominion (19-11 overall, 12-6 CUSA) playing our opening game winner, Marshall. In ODU’s only meeting with the Miners, they won on two controversial calls in the closing minute of the game. The final score was 62-61 following Matt Willms’ waved off tip-in at the buzzer. What We Think: Mike: ODU’s defense (61.1 points per game) will be Marshall’s kryptonite to their soaring offense. The Monarchs allow the seventh fewest points in the nation, while the Herd has had trouble stopping anyone all year, giving up a league-worst 85.2 per game. On Feb. 23—the most recent matchup between the two—ODU thrashed Marshall 86-65. Jason: As much as I don’t want to agree on every game, this one has to go the same way. Old Dominion is all about ball protection (331 turnovers in 2016-17). When you’re not voluntarily giving the ball back to a team that doesn’t play any defense, it can make things very tough on them. It will be a close game – and honestly I’m not as sure about this as I am about other picks so far—but, ODU is a three-seed for a reason. They have won 7-of-10, while Marshall struggled down the stretch, losing three of their last five.

(#1) MTSU *projected vs. (#5) Rice *projected

The semi-finals tip-off on Friday at 10:30 a.m. MT with MTSU versus Rice, according to our picks. The number-one seeded Blue Raiders would face off with the number-five seeded Owls, should UTEP fail to defeat Rice as projected by the seeding. What We Think: Mike: MTSU’s last loss, other than UTEP, took place nearly four months ago on Dec. 21. Since then, the Blue Raiders have made teams look like they don’t belong on the same court. In Friday’s game, Rice will fall to the top-seeded C-USA squad that prides themselves on the defensive end of the court. And the Owls’ downfall is taking care of the ball (450 turnovers this year). Turnovers are crucial in March, Rice will see. At home, Rice could not overcome the Blue Raiders earlier this season. Nothing will change on the road.

see TOURNEY on page 12

THEPROSPECTOR

| 12 | SPoRtS

March 7, 2017

Jones and Plinke impress at nFl Combine By adrian Broaddus The Prospector

Over the weekend, former UTEP running back Aaron Jones and tight end Hayden Plinke tested their strengths and skills at the 2017 NFL Combine in anticipation of the 2017 NFL Draft. Jones participated in running back drills on Friday, while Plinke showcased his skills with the tight end group on Saturday. Jones, who is among some of the best NFL candidates in years, turned some heads due to his day at the Combine. He measured in at 5-foot9, 208 pounds vwith an arm length of 32.5 inches. Prior to his drills, he hit 16 reps on the bench press Thursday. “The Combine is like a summary course in college,” said Leigh Steinberg, Jones’ agent. “It’s the Super Bowl of testing the strengths and weaknesses of players.” Jones’ next on field test was the 40-yard dash. His first rep clocked in at 4.52 and his second was a 4.50. His time was enough to register him as the sixth best among the running backs, and beat out the likes of LSU’s Leonard Fournette and Tennessee’s

Alvin Kamara, who are projected to be drafted in the first round. “He ran a faster 40 than most people projected,” Steinberg said. “It’s hard to do something like that because they’re tired. They’re running like it’s a boot camp. Training speed on field is hard to replicate running higher numbers and he’s one of the few athletes to run a faster time in both.” His vertical jump hit a 37.5-inch mark, which was tied for the second best compared to other running backs. His broad jump hit a 127-inch mark, which was the third best. Jones also participated in catching drills, proving his ability to be a multitalented back. “After the Combine is the Pro Scouting Day, and it’s a summary where if there’s any drills they could improve on, the players would do so. Aaron did very little of them,” Steinberg said. Steinberg went on to say that Jones not only impressed scouts on the field, but also one-on-one. “He interacted with all sorts of teams and as the process goes on, he’s become more engaging and teams like it,” Steinberg said. “Teams loved his personality and the feedback was positive on him.”

Steinberg, who has been an NFL agent for over 40 years, says Jones reminds him of Warrick Dunn. Dunn was a three-time Pro Bowl player and played nine years in the NFL with teams like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Atlanta Falcons. “Other than size, he reminds me of Warrick,” Steinberg said. “Both are high runners. Aaron is able to see holes quickly and he’s able to break tackles and get down the field rapidly.” Like Jones, Plinke is competing in a highly competitive tight end class, and he clocked a time of 4.97 in the 40-yard dash on Saturday. Plinke leaped a 28-inch vertical, 109-inch broad jump and hit 18 reps on the bench press as part of his Combine showing. Both players still have UTEP’s pro day scheduled for March 9, as their last chance to impress scouts on the field. follow adrian Broaddus on Twitter @adrian_broaddus

TOUrNEY from page 11

Jason: If Rice beats UTEP with the three, let’s say 10 of them, then watch out for them in this game. The best shooting 3-point team in C-USA could get hot in the tournament and ride that all the way to a surprise berth in the NCAA Tournament. It happens every year. In the previous meeting between the two teams, both hit nine 3-pointers. For Rice, Koulechov scored 31 and grabbed 14 rebounds. Rice grabs more boards and shoots the three better than MTSU, but turns the ball over more. Fix that, and it’ll be an upset. But, it’s not happening. MTSU wins it.

(#2)La. Tech *projected vs. (#3) ODU *projected

The second semi pits the number two seed against the number three seed. Louisiana Tech against Old Dominion. This could easily be the best game of the tournament if it works out this way. What We Think: Mike: La. Tech is talented enough to win the C-USA tournament. They have playmakers and have performed well all season. The Bulldogs’ ability to share the ball will be key in this game, and there is no other team in the league that averages more assists as a team per contest than La. Tech. Since I expect this game to come down to the last minute, free throws could be the difference. La Tech knocks down free throws (71 percent) at a much higher rate than ODU (64 percent). Unlike ODU, which has the worst offense and best defense, La Tech is balanced with top three rankings in both offense and defense. Jason: I don’t honestly think that there is much difference between MTSU, Rice, La. Tech and ODU when it gets down to the final four of the CUSA tourney. This is the point where stars win. March is about leaders and about winners. ODU has nobody near the top of C-USA in scoring. The Bulldogs on the other hand have forward Erik McCree at sixth with 17.7 points per game and guard Jacobi Boykins with 15 ppg, ranking him 15th. It’s time for the stars to shine and take the Bulldogs to the finals.

(#1)MTSU *projected vs. (#2) La. Tech *projected

PhoTo courTesy oF sean kugler’s TwiTTer tight end hayden Plinke was one of two miners invited to the 2017 nFl combine this past weekend. Plinke and aaron jones greatly impressed nFl scouts.

Our championship game has Middle Tennessee facing off with Louisiana Tech –number one versus number two, the way it should be. These two teams had the best regular season records in the conference. Middle Tennessee knocked off Ole Miss and Vandy early in the season, finishing with a stellar 27-4 record. La. Tech played close games against South Carolina and Cal before settling into a 22-9 overall record.

Now, it’s finally time for a showdown. Well, another showdown. MTSU already defeated the Bulldogs in Murfreesboro by a final score of 71-61. The Bulldogs led at halftime 32-28, then saw the Blue Raiders outscore them 43-29 to take the victory in the battle for C-USA supremacy. Now, for round two. What We Think: Mike: Expect Middle Tennessee to be dancing come NCAA tournament time. They are the most complete team that the C-USA has to offer, while just being outside the top-25 ranking. In the first contest between the two teams, MTSU came out subpar to start off the game, but kicked into gear and outlasted the Bulldogs’ lackluster closing half effort. I expect both teams to be winded from the weekend tournament, and the second half will be the deciding factor. Last season, MTSU beat Michigan State and this season they also showed that victories over elite competition are not a problem for them. The Blue Raiders are the most tournament ready team. They are battle tested and ready for C-USA’s best competition. Jason: The biggest question following this game will be whether MTSU can still get into the NCAA tournament based on resume alone. It didn’t happen last year for the 29-5 UTEP women who lost in the C-USA tournament. They ended up in the WNIT. In case you hadn’t figured out by now, I’m picking the Bulldogs. Yes, La. Tech turns the ball over more, but they rebound better and they shoot free throws better. They also outscore opponents by half a point more. McCree and Boykins are La. Tech’s biggest scoring threats and shoot 38 percent and 41 percent from 3, respectively. It’s that time of year. Hitting big shots wins championships and those big shots are going to put the Bulldogs in the “Big Dance.” So, there you have it. It’s a split from this portion of the Prospy sports staff on who’s going to win the C-USA Tournament. For what it’s worth, our third voter, web editor Adrian Broaddus picked MTSU as the tie-breaker. “Middle Tennessee’s forward duo of JaCorey Williams and Reggie Upshaw will be McCree’s best test, and the duo will come out successfully to win MTSU’s second consecutive C-USA title,” said Broaddus. Good luck to everyone in the tournament and good luck filling out your C-USA bracket! follow Jason green on Twitter @greenevansj and mike flores on Twitter @mikeyTherealenevansj