VOL . 100, nO. 6
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
OctOber 14, 2014
EVENtS
— Isabel Aleman,
Step-daughter of a
breast cancer survivor
By Maria EsQuinCa The Prospector The color pink, especially in October, has become emblematic of breast cancer awareness, but its bright hue is offset by the dreariness of statistics related to the disease. According to the Susan G. Komen Foundation, it’s estimated that in 2014 there will be 232,670 new cases of invasive breast cancer, 62,570 new cases of in situ breast cancer and 40,000 breast cancer deaths. Hispanic women are among the worst affected by breast cancer. In 2012, it was estimated that 17,100 new cases of breast cancer would occur in
Hispanic women and 2,400 of these women would die as a result. Men are affected too, 430 are estimated to die from the disease in 2014. The stats are not surprising for Marilyn Aleman, senior multimedia journalism major, and her sister, Isabel Aleman, senior public health major. “All the women in my family on my mom’s side have had at least a lumpectomy,” Marilyn Aleman said. A lumpectomy is the removal of cancerous tissue. That includes her grandmother, her two aunts and her mother. They were all diagnosed with breast cancer. According to Giulio Francia, assistant professor of biological sciences
2014 breast caNcer stats
232,670 NeW cases 62,570 iN sitU
40,000 deaths
see cancer on page 4
students voice opinion on delayed immigration action By aManDa GuiLLEn The Prospector
SPECIAL TO THE PrOSPECTOr president barack obama will delay immigration reform until after elections.
Voters affected by immigration issues may be torn at the polls with the upcoming midterm elections just around the corner and a delay of immigration action at the forefront. Students on both sides of the political spectrum have come together to voice similar opinions on President Barack Obama’s decision to delay any action on immigration reform. Some claim that the president’s decision is a political tactic being used to protect the chances of Democrats winning congressional seats, allowing his party and himself to win control of the chamber.
This has led many Latino voters, who were once enamored by his platform and promises of change in immigration law at the beginning of his campaign, to quickly lose hope and trust in him. The Latino vote has proven to be a deciding factor in many elections in recent years. According to February census data, a record 24.8 million Hispanics are eligible to vote in 2014– up from 21.3 million in 2010. In a study conducted by Latino Decisions, in conjunction with The Center for American Progress, Latinos were asked if they would feel more enthusiastic about voting in the November elections and if they would
see immigratiOn on page 4
ability aWareNess Week eveNts tUesday, oct. 14: disability related seNsitivity aNd etiQUette traiNiNg 9 - 10:20 a.m. in the Acacia Room, first floor Union Building East Service Animals: A Helping Hand 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. in the Andesite Room, first floor, Union Building East WedNesday, oct. 15: resoUrce Fair aNd sports cliNic 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. at Liberal Arts Lawn Will showcase assistive technology and sports demonstrations, services and employer job fair. There will also be door prizes. thUrsday, oct. 16: edUcatioNal semiNars hoW to maNage special NUtritioNal coNcerNs: lookiNg at Food allergies, celiac disease aNd overall NUtritioN 9:30-10:30 a.m. at Health Sciences & Nursing Building, Room 206 PhotoVoice: Transformation Toward Universal Design on Campus 10:45 a.m.- 12 p.m. at Health Sciences & Nursing Building, Room 206 see eVentS on page 4
PAGE 2 OctOber 14, 2014
perspectives
Editor-iN-CHiEf
LORAIn WATTERS, 747-7477
CoLUMN
beware the snappening By MiCHaELa roMan The Prospector If you think you’re making the right call by sending nudes or inappropriate pictures through Snapchat, think again. In today’s world, the new norm is to document our daily lives, and social networks have provided many options for that with outlets like Instagram and Facebook. Although it has always been advised to watch what you put out there, in fear that it may affect your chances for a future career, it may affect much more. For a while, it seemed as if there was a loophole. Since September 2011, Snapchat has allowed its users to share images that their friends can view for no longer than ten seconds. There is something that comforts me about posting a picture, being able to select who sees it, and how long they see it, then poof! It’s gone forever. Though I would never use this to send inappropriate pictures of myself, there are users that do. This has backfired big time because of sites like Snapsaved.com. Snapsaved allows you to cheat the Snapchat system. When logged into Snapsaved, you can view your received snaps, even after they were supposed to self-destruct, replay them as many times as you’d like, and the sender will not be notified. Not all Snapchat users are on this website, but it is important to know that you have more to fear than someone simply taking a screenshot of your picture—in which case you are notified. Apparently, someone has hacked Snapsaved and has leaked 13GB of snapchats, from around 200,000 personal accounts. The snaps in-
cluded both videos and pictures. Media is referring to this hacking as “the Snappening.” If celebrities could not even keep their private pictures safe in their phones with the recent iCloud leaks, there is no reason to think your pictures will be safe when distributing them through an app. I feel there is never an appropriate time to send inappropriate pictures of yourself, but if you think you absolutely need to, you should know the risks you’re taking. As an avid user of Snapchat, my best advice would be to know your audience and make sure they’re people you trust. I have a habit of taking unnecessary snaps, check marking all my best friends and pressing send without much thought. They’re usually pictures filled with randomness, and definitely not things I would post on my Facebook or Instagram. I trust this list of people to not post them anywhere publicly, or if they take a screenshot, they’ll keep them to themselves. Even then, if one of those pictures got out, it would not be the worst thing in the world. Some people believe sending nude pictures is a way to express themselves sexually. I for one, do not share that belief. Even as someone who is constantly taking pictures every hour of the day, that is where I draw the line. That’s just me as a person, but more than that, there are far too many risks involved. Until there is an actual privacy law passed, there is no safe place on the internet to post inappropriate pictures. Free expression or not, our current reality doesn’t protect us from hackers like those infiltrating Snapsaved or other big companies like Target or Home Depot, so we can’t behave in careless ways.
From the vaUlt
Michaela roman may be reached at theprospectordaily.news@gmail.com.
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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 Publications Editorial 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 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 |
October 14, 2014
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Voting
November ballot to include prop for highway funds
FILE PHOTO
By Luis Barrio The Prospector Construction, construction, construction—it seems it never ends on campus and throughout the city. A new proposition may mean El Paso may see a lot more construction in the years to come. Come Nov. 4, voters in the general election will have the option of choosing to allow an amendment that would provide a fund dedicated solely to assistance, maintenance and reconstruction of public roads and highways, not including toll roads. The funds would come from onehalf of the general revenue of oil and gas production taxes, which are currently used for Texas’ rainy day fund.
By 2040, it is estimated that 18 million more drivers will be on the road in Texas. It is estimated that $1.7 billion will be funded in the first year alone, free of taxes, fees or debt. A separate fund would avoid relying on debt and toll roads as the primary sources for funding such a project. Upon receiving the necessary votes, transfers would be applied to the comptroller’s budget that was made after Sept. 1, 2014. Since 2001, the state of Texas has received funding by borrowing from public and private interest groups. Supporters say there has been negligence to public roads for too long. There is an estimated $5.1 billion worth of reconstruction to do on Texas roads.
Greg Abbott, attorney general and Republican
gubernatorial
candi-
date, recently released his TV campaign ad in which he told viewers that he agrees to add money into Texas roadways.
Abbott appeared as a man in a wheelchair saying: “A guy in a wheelchair can move faster than traffic on some roads in Texas.” Those who oppose the proposition argue that taking money from the rainy day fund can directly or indirectly hurt credit ratings in the years to come. The state has always had a comfortable balance in the rainy day fund and proved to be a good asset with strong credit in times of recession. Along with this, opponents argue that funding education is a problem of the state and the funding of public roads over assisting education is sending a wrong message. It is not a guarantee that a political party will unanimously agree or disagree on a single proposition, especially one such as highway reconstruction. Individuals have their own perception regardless of political stance. The College Republicans chapter at UTEP is headed by senior Moises Blankenship, and although he is in favor of educational restoration in the state, he favors the proposition.
“It makes sense because the state’s oil and gas fuel the cars,” he said. “The cars go on the highways, so if the highways are not running smoothly, I think it is a concern to have them fixed. It makes sense that it all comes from an industry which is geared towards cars.” Blakenship said that during his drives through the state he has noticed the rough condition of the roads. In a statement to The Prospector from Texas Sen. Jose Rodriguez, D-El Paso, he too expressed support of what is known as Proposition 1. “Texas must invest in its infrastructure in order to maintain it competitive position in the national world economy,” Rodriguez said. “Failure to do so will eventually erode our future. We can and should maintain the infrastructure that helps maintain the Texas economy.” Luis Barrio may be reached at theprospectordaily. news@gmail.com.
THEPROSPECTOR
| 4 | NEWS
October 14, 2014
Cancer from page 1 who is researching treatment for metastatic breast cancer, the number of lumpectomies performed in El Paso is much higher than the national average, hovering around 80 percent compared to 60 percent. “To know that that’s where my sister could possibly be in the future is kind of a little overwhelming,” Isabel said. Despite being paternal sisters, Isabel identifies Edna Aleman, Marilyn’s mother, as her own. “She is kind of like my mom, I’ve known her since I was in diapers,” Isabel said. “I love her like a second mother.” When Edna began her battle with breast cancer, the sisters handled the fight differently. “She was going through breast cancer and I was having cervical problems,” Marilyn said. “At that time we really took each other seriously and we kind of gained a new relationship that way.” While Marilyn Aleman tried to support her mother by being with her and attending every radiation treatment, every day for seven weeks, Isabel tried to be supportive in another way. “I wouldn’t treat her any differently when she was going through that because she already got the sympathy from everywhere else. I didn’t want
Your life is more valuable and its the only thing you have, really. - Isabel Aleman, senior public health major her to feel like a cancer victim, I wanted her to feel like a person,” she said. Marilyn said she was able to see the empowerment cancer brought for her mother. “When she finished it was very empowering and I remember they filled her office with balloons everywhere and I remember taking her out to eat and see her just relax,” Marilyn said. Still, the vulnerability beneath the struggle was apparent. “I’ve never seen someone that strong look that vulnerable,” she said. Both witnessed the physical sacrifice that came with the cancer after
Edna underwent treatment and had to undergo a lumpectomy. “Radiation therapy, I’ve seen it on my mom, your skin turns a dark orange and her nipple was turning purple, it does damage,” said Marilyn Aleman. “She says it’s hard to look in the mirror and accept who she is.” Both also agreed that the best advice they can give to women is to get their mammograms done in order to screen themselves for breast cancer. “Take care of yourselves, women,” Isabel said. “You’re life is more valuable and it’s the only thing you have, really.” The Breast and Cervical Cancer Services program offers clinical breast examinations, mammograms, pelvic examinations, and Pap tests throughout Texas at no or low-cost to eligible women. BCCS is partly funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. For more information and eligibility requirements on BCCCP, please contact Pat Morales or Adriana Valdes of the El Paso affiliate CCDC at 771-6305.
Events from page 1
Universal design on campus 10:45 a.m.- 12 p.m. at Health Sciences & Nursing Building, Room 206
Evacuation chair training 12-1 p.m. at the Undergraduate Learning Center, third floor
“endless Abilities” Film and panel on recreational sports for people with disabilities 1:30-3:30 p.m. at Health Sciences & Nursing Building, Room 135
Maria Esquinca can be reached at the prospectordaily@gmail.com.
Friday, Oct. 17: Second annual interdisciplinary symposium Defining the Future in Health Promotion and Disability Outreach 12-5 p.m. at Union Building East, third floor Symposium designed to expose students and the community at large to the advances in health and disability promotion and research in progress at UTEP. For more information, contact Barbara Schoen at baschoen@ utep.edu or visit chs.utep.edu/mrc/symposium.
immigration from page 1 support Democratic candidates in this election. Participants of the survey were given two scenarios. In the first, participants were asked how they would vote if Obama did not sign any executive orders and if he did not make any changes to immigration policy or—in the second scenario—how they would vote if he did enact executive orders on immigration policy before the midterm elections. In the first scenario, 57 percent of Latino voters said that failure to act on immigration reform would leave them less enthusiastic about voting for Democrats and in additional 54 percent said they wouldn’t be enthused to vote at all. In the second scenario, 87 percent of Latino voters said that implementation of executive orders on immigration policy would have made them more enthusiastic about voting for Democrats in the midterm elections. Associate professor of political science, Jose Villalobos, said he believes that times have changed and the faces that are coming out to vote have done so as well. “The Latino community is a very strong voting block that is there ready to be wooed and is a voting block that has a very strong memory,” Villalobos said. “Moving forward to future elections, the Latino community is a major mover and shaker in American politics, it is no longer a sleeping giant, it is an active voting block that deserves a lot of attention.” Moises Blankenship, senior history major and president of the College Republicans, said that although he
is a Republican, he isn’t strictly bent on typical Republican views. He, like many other others, did show some early support for Obama, but during the 2012 election was in full support of his party’s candidate. “I wanted to see what Obama would propose, but he hasn’t done anything in the last six years that he’s been in office and it is sort of dissatisfying,” Blankenship said. “I know that if I was a Democratic voter, I would be very dissatisfied with the way he has been handling the immigration issue.” Lorraine Perez, senior communication studies major, has worked for Democratic campaigns in the past. She said that although she is frustrated with Obama’s decision, she stands by the Democratic Party and the decisions that have been made. “I firmly support immigration reform, so delayed action is a little frustrating, but I also understand that there is a way of doing things,” she said. “Sometimes rushing or forcing changes isn’t the best way to resolve the issue.” Immigration reform is an issue that hits close to home for many students. “I myself have family that at one point or another could only dream of immigration reform,” Perez said. “We are much closer to it and I can certainly relate to the frustration and angst, but if we continue to support the leaders who have come through for us and vote in the ones that will, immigration reform will become a reality.” Amanda Guillen may be reached at theprospector. news@gmail.com.
THEPROSPECTOR
NEWS | 5 |
October 14, 2014
inbrief
And Action! The Department of Theatre and Dance will recreate Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew in their first production of the fall semester. The first showing will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 17 and will run all the way through October 26th. The play is directed by associate professor Chuck Gordon. Gordon is choosing to move away from the traditional renaissance theme and instead setting the play in 1964 New York’s Little Italy.
utep volleyball The UTEP Volleyball team will be home during the weekend when they play the Rice Owls at 7 p.m., Friday Oct. 17 at Memorial Gym followed by a Sunday matchup with Western Kentucky at noon. The Miners are 4-14 overall and 2-5 in Conference USA matches.
UTEP SOCCER The UTEP Soccer team will take on the University of Texas-San Antonio 12 p.m. Oct. 19 at University Field. The women are currently tied for third place with Old Dominion and Rice.
RICARDO ARJONA Tickets will go on sale Oct. 17 to see one of the most successful Latin American artists. Ricardo Arjona is a Guatemalan singer-song writer with more than 20 million albums sold. He will be performing at 8 p.m. March 13 at the El Paso County Coliseum. Tickets will cost between $68 and $148.
utep enrollment breaks record A record breaking number of students have enrolled for the fall 2014 semester. The University registered 23,079 students for the fall semester, compared to last year’s previous high of 23,003. The total enrollment number includes 1,848 transfer students, most from El Paso Community College, an 8.3 percent increase over 2013.
Presentation on culture of Mexican refugees A presentation on “Resilience and Culture Among Mexican Refugees” by Silvia Chávez and Mark Lusk, will take place from noon to 12:50 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 15 in the Health Sciences and Nursing Building, room 211.
THEPROSPECTOR
| 6 | NEWS
October 14, 2014
Mosquitoes pose health risk, experts provide advice
By Jose Soto The Prospector Mosquitoes are nothing new to the city, but with alarming increased rates of mosquito bite-related diseases, warnings have been sent out to
Special to the prospector the public in order to maintain their health and safety. Mosquitoes are a common carrier of various diseases that are harmful and, in some cases, even deadly to a human being. Many large bodies of water have accumulated across the
city due to recent rainfall, leading to a growth in the mosquito population. Diseases such West Nile Virus and the newly resurfaced Chikungunya are transmitted by mosquito bites. “I don’t believe either virus is an immediate threat to the community, since the cases have been seldom,” said Jeorgina Balderrama, a junior nursing major. “But it is always very important to know which precautions to take and where to go in case you believe to have been infected.” By the end of August of this year, El Paso had six confirmed cases of West Nile virus. In September, an El Paso man was diagnosed with Chikungunya, according to a press release from the El Paso Department of Health. The man had recently returned from his trip to the Caribbean. No other known case of Chikungunya has been reported in the borderland. Sylvain Aldighieri, head of Pan American Health Organization IHR and epidemic response team, recently had a briefing about Chi-
kungunya during the organization’s council meeting. He said the virus had first been tracked in Saint Martin, a Caribbean island, during December of 2013 and it rapidly spread throughout the rest of the islands of the Caribbean. The most affected region has been the Dominican Republic, with more than 400,000 Chikungunya-stricken individuals. The name Chikungunya actually means “bent over,” which relates to the inability of patients to stand upright due to the joint pain it causes. Though rarely fatal, the virus can cause extreme joint pain for several months and even years after treatment. Louise Castro, director of the Student Health Center at UTEP, said that no student patient has been seen due to mosquito-related diseases. “The center does follow Center of Disease Control recommendations in case there is ever an individual with mosquito-related diseases,” Castro said. “We recommend that students don’t go near standing water, go inside when it’s dusk and dawn out, and
use insect repellent lotion with the highest DEET percentage.” Armando Saldivar, senior public affairs officer with the El Paso Health Department, agrees. “People should try and drain standing water whenever possible and dress with long sleeves and pants,” he said. “Most importantly, avoid outdoor activities at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.” West Nile Virus and Chikungunya have similar symptoms. Both cause nausea and fever, flu-like symptoms and joint pain. “We recommend individuals with these symptoms to get medical attention as soon as possible,” Saldivar said. “The earlier the virus is detected, the more easier treatment and recovery can be for the individual.” The Student Health Center is located in Union Building East and may be reached at 747-5624. Jose Soto may be reached at theprospectordaily.news@gmail.com.
Communities plan to increase accessibility By Ayana Stewart SHFWire WASHINGTON—For wheelchair users here and elsewhere in the country, hailing a taxi can be an arduous process. Less than 1 percent of the District’s taxi fleet is wheelchair accessible, and disabled individuals sometimes have to call hours in advance to make sure a vehicle will be available. A bill before the D.C. Council calls for a substantial increase in accessible vehicles—a move disability advocates say is long overdue. D.C. isn’t the only city making strides toward taxi accessibility—a New York judge approved a deal Sept. 16 to make half of New York City’s taxis accessible by 2020. In Chicago, city officials are developing a plan to double the number of accessible taxis by 2018. In Arlington, Va., a taxi company has license applications pending for 60 accessible taxis. The D.C. For-Hire Vehicle Accessibility Amendment Act is the result of a 2012 taxicab reform bill that called for several improvements to the city’s taxicab system, including accessibility. The vehicle accessibility bill, introduced in July by Councilwoman Mary Cheh, D-Ward 3, aims to make nearly 400 District taxis wheelchair accessible by 2018. The bill will be considered by the Committee on Transportation and the Environment and Committee on Finance and Revenue before the Council votes on it. Adam Gutbezahl, the transportation committee’s legislative counsel, said Cheh hopes to have the bill up for a vote by December. During a Sept. 30 hearing, advocates spoke to two D.C. Council committees about how difficult for-hire transportation can be for people with disabilities. The hearing focused on the logistics of the bill, including a tax credit that taxi companies would receive after purchasing wheelchairaccessible vehicles. Dennis Butler, 50, of Washington, who is looking for a job in public policy, is in a wheelchair due to injuries sustained during a skiing accident. He testified that, although he can request an accessible taxi by phone or Internet, it often takes more than an hour for a car to arrive.
Ayana Stewart / SHFWire Transco Office Manager Ariel Emata, who does not use a wheel chair, demonstrates how the D.C. company’s accessible taxicab vehicles operate as Transco General Manager Jerry Cregar looks on. “It’s been frustrating in general,” he said. Carol Tyson, a policy associate with United Spinal Association, called transportation a “civil right” in her testimony before the council. United Spinal Association is a nonprofit that represents Americans with spinal cord injuries. “We think everybody should be to just walk out and hail a cab. People with disabilities continue to lack equal access to transportation,” said Tyson, who is also vice-chair of the D.C. Taxi Commission Accessibility Advisory Committee. “D.C. can do better.” A 2012 report by the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that about 3.6 million Americans – 1.5 percent of the population – use a wheelchair. Almost 5 percent use a cane, crutches or a walker. Transit expert Joe Rubino said in a phone interview that cities will “have to get creative” with incentives for cab companies. “We have a situation where there are companies willing to make these vehicles, but very few taxi companies willing to buy them,” he said. “There’s no incentive to put a wheelchair-accessible vehicle on the road if you’re a cab company.” Rubino, who runs a transit consulting firm in St. Augustine, Fla., said taxicab operators are forbidden from charging wheelchair users more, even though accessible vehicles are often more costly to maintain. “There are only a few cities in the country that have a bunch of them,”
he said. “There are some cities that there’s none.” Transco, a D.C.-based business that owns 16 individual cab companies, is one of two companies with accessible service in the District, General Manager Jerry Cregar said. Twenty-one of the company’s 600 taxicabs are wheelchair accessible, and there are plans to add more in the near future. “We believe this type of transportation is greatly needed for our city,” he said. “We feel we can’t wait for the future. The future is now, and the demand is here.” While Butler says he hopes to eventually hail a taxi on the street without having to make prior arrangements, he said he thinks D.C. is headed in the right direction. “D.C. seems to be aware of national developments and to consider them in developing the system here,” he said. Rubino, who has not worked directly on D.C.’s bill, stressed the difficulty of getting some private companies to voluntarily spend more money on accessibility. “I would doubt that a tax credit alone is going to be enough to convince a lot of these companies,” he said. “You can’t make the private sector do something in which they’re going to lose money.” Ayana Stewart is a senior journalism major at the University of Florida. She is currently participating in the Scripps Howard Foundation’s Semester in Washington Program. She may be reached at theprospectordaily.news@ gmail.com.
PAGE 7 October 14, 2014
entertainment
Editor
andrea acosta, 747-7477
The seventh annual Chalk the Block draws huge crowds
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5 andres martinez/ The Prospector
1. Chalk the Block street contestant Ryu Furiuchi works on his drawing. 2. El Paso and Las Cruces based performers Odd Lab at this years Chalk the Block. 3. Chalk the Block attendees get rides around downtown. 4. Luca Alvarez and Staphany Garcia work on their drawing which won third place in the Franklin St. category. 5. El Paso and Las Cruces based performers Odd Lab at this years Chalk the Block.
2014 CONGRATS
THANK YOU
TO ALL
STUDENTS
WINNERS
FOR VOTING
PLAY AND SHOP
EAT AND DRINK BEST MARGARITAS
1ST PLACE CARLOS AND MICKEY’S
2ND PLACE CABO JOE’S 3RD PLACE ANDALE
BEST PLACE TO DANCE
1ST PLACE
LITTLE BIT OF TEXAS 2ND PLACE 301 3RD PLACE THE GARDEN BEST WINGS
1ST PLACE WINGSTOP
2ND PLACE WINGDADDY’S 3RD PLACE
BEST SPORTS BAR
1ST PLACE APPLEBEE’S
2ND PLACE BUFFALO WILD WINGS
BEST COFFEE
1ST PLACE STARBUCKS
BUFFALO WILD WINGS
2ND PLACE KINLEY’S 3RD PLACE DUNKIN DONUTS
BEST CHINESE FOOD
BEST VEGETARIAN
BEST LATE NIGHT FOOD
1ST PLACE
1ST PLACE
1ST PLACE
BEST DRINK SPECIALS
1ST PLACE CABO JOE’S
2ND PLACE APPLEBEE’S 3RD PLACE SONIC BEST MEXICAN FOOD
1ST PLACE 2ND PLACE 3RD PLACE ANDALE BEST SUSHI
1ST PLACE
WHATABURGER
THE SUSHI PLACE
2ND PLACE LIN’S BUFFET 3RD PLACE GRAND CHINA
2ND PLACE SUBWAY 3RD PLACE OLIVE GARDEN
2ND PLACE McDONALD’S 3RD PLACE TACO BELL
2ND PLACE SUSHI ZEN 3RD PLACE SUNNY’S
BEST PIZZA
BEST BURRITOS
PETER PIPER PIZZA 2ND PLACE PIZZA HUT 3RD PLACE THE PIZZA JOINT BEST BBQ
1ST PLACE
1ST PLACE
1ST PLACE
CRISOSTOMO
WHATABURGER
2ND PLACE BONNY’S 3RD PLACE RAFA’S
2ND PLACE McDonald’s 3RD PLACE WENDY’S
BEST ROMANTIC DINNER
1ST PLACE
BEST ICE CREAM SHOP
1ST PLACE
FAMOUS DAVE’S
OLIVE GARDEN
BASKIN ROBBINS
2ND PLACE RUDY’S 3RD PLACE SMOKEY’S
2ND PLACE CAFÉ CENTRAL 3RD PLACE ARDOVINO’S
2ND PLACE COLD STONE 3RD PLACE DAIRY QUEEN
STUDENT RECREATION CENTER
2ND PLACE EP FITNESS 3RD PLACE PLANET FITNESS
CAMPUS AND
CARNITAS QUERETARO
SOUPER SALADS
1ST PLACE
1ST PLACE
TACO TOTE
PANDA EXPRESS
BEST FAST FOOD
BEST GYM
CLASSES BEST TO WORK ON CAMPUS
1ST PLACE LIBRARY
2ND PLACE UNION BUILDING 3RD PLACE STUDENT RECREATION CENTER
BEST BREAKFAST
1ST PLACE
VILLAGE INN 2ND PLACE IHOP 3RD PLACE DENNY’S
BEST MUSIC VENUE
1ST PLACE
TRICKY FALLS
2ND PLACE THE LOWBROW 3RD PLACE THE GARDEN
SERVICES
BANK
1ST PLACE WELLS FARGO
2ND PLACE GECU 3RD PLACE CHASE
PICK AWARDS WINNERS CORINA OÑATE BEST CAR SHOP
1ST PLACE TOYOTA
2ND PLACE NISSAN 3RD PLACE SHAMALEY BEST SPA
BEST BIKE SHOP
1ST PLACE CRAZY CAT
2ND PLACE WALMART 3RD PLACE
THE MIND BODY STUDIO MODE OF TRANSPORTATION
BEST MAKE OUT SPOT
CAR
2ND PLACE BUS 3RD PLACE WALKING BEST TO EAT ON CAMPUS
1ST PLACE
UNION BUILDING 2ND PLACE PIZZA HUT 3RD PLACE CHICK-FIL-A PHONE SERVICE
1ST PLACE T-MOBILE
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THEPROSPECTOR
| 10 | ENTERTAINMENT
October 14, 2014
UTEP alum finds inspiration in found objects By kimberly valle The Prospector With the help of many artistic students from the university, it is becoming a tradition for the community to showcase artistic structures all over town. Over the last several years, the city has been developing its artistic reputation. Alejandro Almanza Pereda has become popular through his artistic sculptures that have been showcased worldwide. He has been able to express his imagination through materials we observe on a daily basis. “I’ve always been handy in a way, I find it so fascinating how you can create something with your own hands,” Pereda said. Pereda graduated from UTEP in 2005. After taking a semester of communication classes, he realized that wasn’t the route for him. Pereda started to get involved in art classes. One in particular was a sculpture class, which is where he met a professor who encouraged him to apply for an open call and showcase his sculpture at an exhibition in Maine. While in school, Pere-
da got accepted for the call and made his way to Skowhegan, Maine, one of the top residencies for art programs, to showcase his piece, which was made out of 18-wheeler tire tubes. “It was amazing because everyone there was finishing their master’s or was a professional artist, and I was there just like a kid doing stuff,” Pereda said. “I realized this was serious, so when I came back I pushed myself to do even better.” During the time Pereda was at the university, he came across an abandoned building on campus just behind the Fox Fine Arts Complex, now called the Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts. The building had been deserted for 20 years, and the desks, pencils and notes were still in the same place as they were before. Art students at the time used this building to work on their art pieces. “Friends and I sneaked in the building at night,” Pereda said. “It was something–like someone just ran out of there left everything in place.” Once she found out that the building was being used as an artistic get away for students, Kerry Doyle, now
the center’s director, decided the building should be turned into a center for visual arts. Pereda and other art students, along with construction workers, started tearing down the walls and began remodeling the building into what it is today. Doyle expressed the excitement over Almanza’s return to campus. “We have been pleased to watch Alejandro’s career develop over the years, and have been looking for the chance to invite him to exhibit his work at the Rubin Gallery,” Doyle said. UTEP’s Centennial celebrations provided a special opportunity to not only showcase the work of a great contemporary artist, but to connect that work to the UTEP Art Department, and to highlight the success of one of our own alumni.” Pereda’s artistic work deals with the relationship people have with objects, the architecture of buildings and the law of physics. “Sometimes I place really heavy things on top of pretty fragile ones, but then you realize, hmm maybe those fragile ones are not so fragile, so I kind of challenge the perception
michaela Roman / The Prospector Junior Mulitidisciplinary Studies major Rebecca Portillo explores Alejandro Almanza Pereda’s exhibit at the Rubin center for the Visual Arts. we have of certain things and objects,” Pereda said. Each sculpture Pereda showcases deals with the title of the exhibition. For each country he visits, the majority of
the time Pereda displays a distinctive figure. He uses materials that are found and starts his process from scratch. “They fly me (in) before so I can have time to find things I need for the sculptures and come up with something,” Pereda said. For this upcoming show at the Rubin Center, Pereda, along with students from the sculpture area of the university, have been invited to showcase how people perceive architecture. He will be building a container that will reflect the force of keeping all things together, and the relationship of containers and the content. Pereda said this is a way he can communicate with the public . “I think as an artist you have to challenge different aspects,” Pereda said. “You can reflect on it and communicate to other people–that to me is being an artist.” His artwork has been showcased in Germany, Brazil, Russia, Italy and Mexico. However, he said he spends more of his time at his home, which is in Brooklyn, New York. Several UTEP students are looking forward to seeing his sculptures on campus. Nicolle Ramirez, a freshman communication major who loves art and enjoys painting, said she is excited to see Pereda’s sculptures. “It’s impressive to know such a big artist graduated from UTEP,” Ramirez said. “It makes me feel like it’s something very important.” For Carlos Robledo, freshman business major, it was a surprise when he found out that Pereda would be showcasing his work at UTEP and of how well known the artist was internationally. “That’s overwhelmingly awesome,” Robledo said. “It shows UTEP students that they can make a name for themselves and can travel around the world and showcase their projects.” Pereda said he felt humbled to be back at the university that helped him kick off his career. He is thrilled to showcase his art with current art students. Pereda advises art students who want to follow in his footsteps to start building a strong portfolio in order to be eligible to get into programs and even get the chance to get into exhibitions. “You need to work twice as much to create your own work, you need to fulfill the class requirements and also wok double,” he said. “I’ve been successful and lucky to show my work. After 10 years, I am here again, so it’s fun.” The sculptures are being showcased at the Rubin Center until the beginning of November. For more information, call the Rubin Center at 915-747-6151 or email rubincenter@utep.edu Kimberly Valle may be reached at theprospectordaily. ent@gmail.com.
THEPROSPECTOR
ENTERTAINMENT | 11 |
October 14, 2014
Wise Family Theatre to premiere shrewd Shakespearean production By Joseph Esposito The Prospector The UTEP Department of Theatre and Dance will be hosting their first play of the semester, “The Taming of the Shrew,” which will open on Oct. 17 at the Wise Family Theatre. “The play will absolutely be a success, the center section and front row is already sold out,” said Vanessa Keyser, actress and theater administrator for the El Paso Playhouse. “A lot of people come out just for Shakespeare’s name. The modernizing (of the story) will appeal to a wider group.” “The Taming of the Shew” is a comedic play within a play written by William Shakespeare. The Wise Family Theatre will be presenting an updated version of the play that takes place in the 1960s with an Italian spin, instead of more than 400 years ago like the original version, directed by Chuck Gordon, associate professor of theater and dance. “I think every performance of this play is unique in their own way, but this is an automatic conflict with the nature of the show, taking place dur-
ing the women’s rights movement with the way women are treated in the play,” said actor and junior theater major Abel Garcia. “I think this has a deeper meaning because of that.” The department began working on the play during the second week of the fall 2014 school semester for four hours each day, six days a week. The actors are unpaid and many choose to be a part of the play for acting experience, for their future careers or just for fun. “The experience of it is more useful than getting paid for it. It’s an opportunity to practice what we want to do for the real world,” Keyser said. “(What I like most about theater is) stepping outside of yourself and representing a different person or expressing a side of your personality that you may not get to show very often. To bring reactions out of the audience and get a full house laugh or cry directly from something you have done on stage by yourself or with a partner is absolutely amazing.” The theater department will be presenting several other performances at the Wise Family Theatre throughout
ruby cerino / The Prospector “The Taming of the Shrew” will open Oct. 17 at the Wise Family Theater. the year. Beginning Nov. 3, the department will begin working on their next piece, “A Christmas Carol,” to be presented beginning on Dec. 14. A
large amount of the actors’ practice will take place during finals week.
“Our seventh day of the week is for homework and our personal lives, we don’t get to rest,” actor and junior theater major Patrick Marshall said. “If there was a day between Saturday and Sunday, that’s where we’d rest.” Tickets cost $9 for UTEP students, $11 for UTEP faculty and staff, senior citizens, military, groups of ten people or larger, UTEP alumni (with an alumnus identification card) and non-UTEP students. General public tickets cost $13. Italian restaurant, Bella Napoli, located at 6331 North Mesa St., is partnering with UTEP’s theater department. Customers who visit the restaurant with a ticket stub will receive a free desert. This offer is valid from Oct. 17 to Oct. 30. Tickets may be purchased at any TicketMaster location or at the Department of Theatre and Dance. All shows are on sale. Buyone-get-one-free tickets may also be purchased with an appropriate ID on certain nights. Call 747for more information. Joseph Esposito may be reached at theprospectordaily. ent@gmail.com.
Local comics featured at event
By kimberly valle The Prospector
It’s time to search through your closets, dust off your old comic books and action figures, because a comic book convention will be hosted at 6 p.m. on Oct. 28. The event will take place at the Joe Vinny & Bronson’s Bohemian Café, located at 824 N. Piedras St. “You always hear, there is nothing to do in El Paso, that’s why I’m here at the bar. Actually there’s a lot to do in El Paso, but people don’t tell you about it,” event coordinator Juan Gaytan said. “What we do is try to make events that people can actually go to and we try to surround them with other closer events. We make our own dates.” Gaytan has been collecting books since he was 10 years old. The idea to gather all comic book fanatics in El Paso came about with a simple conversation at the Persian Inn Hotel between Gaytan and Ben Perez. Perez, UTEP alum and a former army engineer, along with his partner Matthew Rothblatt, also UTEP alum, will be special guests at this event and they will showcase their comics to the public. Family and friends will also have the chance to experience action figures and five comic books featured by Gaytan, Rothblatt is the co-founder of Phi3 Comics and co-creator and co-writer of “Spiralmind.” “They will be in a clear box, you will be able to see the front and back of the books, not the inside,” Gaytan said. Although the comic books will be locked in a clear box, you will still have the chance to see what is inside of each comic book. Gaytan will showcase the pages through a projector. Children are encouraged to dress up as their favorite characters. The Ninja Industry, one of the many comic book stores in El Paso, will bring comic books and action figures to sell. You don’t have to be child to enjoy this event. Students such as John Robledo, junior theater arts major, is looking forward to this event, as he enjoys reading comic books and is a fan of the characters. “It is important for the community to recognize graphic novels and comic books as literature,” Robledo said. “For people who think it’s important to read comic books and are complete nerds, we’re just going to have a good time.” Guillermo Gomez, senior criminal justice major, said he will invite
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Special to The Prospector “Spiralmind” is created by UTEP alums Ben Perez and Matthew Rothblatt. friends and spend some quality time with them. “I love reading comic books, I look forward to attending this event with friends that also enjoy comic books,” Gomez said. Gaytan’s goal is for everyone to enjoy themselves and have a good time with others. He encourages everyone to bring a comic book that they could sell or trade with another comic fanatic. “Usually at most comic cons there is an entrance fee and they have rules, we don’t have set rules to sell,” Gaytan said. Free “Spiralmind” pins from Perez and Rothblatt’s comics series will be given away to the first 25 people who show up. In addition, Perez will be
raffling one of his own comic books at the end of the convention. “I want to show them some old comic books that they have never seen or even heard of,” Gaytan said. “I would like to invite all comic enthusiasts for a night of sharing and discovering comic books.” This event is free and open to all ages. For more information, call 915-564-1899. Kimberly Valle may be reached at theprospectordaily. ent@gmail.com.
THEPROSPECTOR
| 12 | ENtErtAiNMENt
OctOber 14, 2014
a rebellion on the dance floor comes to the Udt By GianFranCo LanGuasCo The Prospector It is 2014, but it also could be 1984. Still, everything is surprising again. The music is blasting, everybody just wants to dance, and even though they have to struggle to move accordingly; they do it with a smile– their hands, their feet, their hips. This whole idea of being free on the dance floor is being free after all. The UTEP Dinner Theatre will be kicking off their season with the production of “Footloose—The Musical” at 7 p.m. on Oct. 17. Thirty years later, “Footloose-The Musical” is still a great hit, not only in movie theaters, but also on the radio. The same music that a young rebellious Kevin Bacon used to make a sad town dance to is heard on every radio station. “This is how we are, this is what we do,” is the statement that “Footloose” created that targeted the ‘80s generation. With the help of Patricia Provencio as music director, every song from the movie will be played and remembered, from “Holding Out for a Hero” to “Let’s Hear it for the Boy.” The audience will be unable to remain still to the soundtrack that once sold more than 15 million copies. “The music from this movie was super popular, I mean, you could turn on the radio and hear any of the songs from that movie,” costume designer and director Jaime Barba said. “I always remember having the cassette tape and listening to it in my bedroom, in my car, wherever I could. A cassette tape, mind you.”
“Footloose” gained a lot of recognition for their national tour and four Tony nominations including Best Original Score and Best Choreography. Director Jaime Barba first thought of bringing this production to the UTEP stage when he saw it 15 years ago at the Plaza Theatre. However, according to him, finding the correct talent pool and having more dance performances was absolutely necessary. “I wanted the cast to have some kind of an outlet to perform because our previous shows were more about singers. I wanted something that performers on campus would want to be in by displaying their dancing abilities,” Barba said. “One of the reasons why I wanted to do the ‘Footloose’ musical was because I wanted to showcase the young talent, who carry the bulk of the show, that we have here at UTEP.” And it worked. The auditions were filled with young faces most of the them were not born yet when the film was released in 1984. “I wanted to do something that will bridge generations. Generally, we have an adult audience, but we are getting a younger audience coming to the shows, so this a good opportunity to bridge them both together,” Barba said. “Adults remember this music from 30 years ago, and now it is being exposed to these kids who are excited about performing it.” Julian Maldonado, junior dance major, who will play the role of Ren McCormack, said he didn’t have any problem getting into character. “I have a connection with Ren. When I read his lines for the first time
MICHAELA rOMAn / THE PrOSPECTOr the Utep dinner Theater’s musical Footloose will open on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. I realized he will say certain things like I exactly would, it was kind of funny,” Maldonado said. “My father also left me, like Ren. It was a really hard time for me and dancing was a way to get out from my problems. I totally empathize with my character, for me it’s really special.” As for Josh Harris, who will be playing the conservative Reverend Moore, there were multiple ways he used in order to properly get into Moore’s authoritative and demanding character. “He is a big figure in the community and probably the oldest character, therefore he demands a lot of respect from others. In rehearsals, I discovered the famous evangelist preacher Billy Graham and it helped me to build my character,” Harris said. “I took not only a lot of his gestures but his passion on
giving his sermons—in fact, I listen to him on my way to rehearsals.” Aside from the cast finding techniques to properly portray their roles, putting the overall show together was not easy. For Provencio, it wasn’t hard to get into the groove of the show. In order to get the entire company on the same frequency, she gave the actors some homework for the first two weeks of rehearsals. “They had to watch the movie, listen to the songs and familiarize with the environment and a crew that, besides the 20 cast members include a music band consisting of nine people,” Provencio said. “All the cast seemed to love this music, everything that is said and that is danced. That’s why they love the show, the music helped them to go along with the story.”
According to Provencio, “Footloose–The Musical” is going to be really close to the original movie, having the same storyline and characters, but there will be more songs to get the characters such as Reverend Shaw Moore, Vi Moore and Willard more involved. “I don’t think the audience really needs to see the movie before, but if they come with the idea that they are going to see the movie, they will have to consider that this has a musical setting,” Provencio said. “Even if you don’t know the story, I think you can relate to it.” Barba is expecting audiences to identify with the characters and relate to what’s happening on stage. “I’m going to stand in the audience and I bet I’m going to see a lot of smiles on their faces because they are going to remember what was happening to them when that song was popular,” Barba said. “I’m expecting the adults to relive what happened 30 years ago. The younger generation are going to be exposed to that music as well, but to a type of musical theater they can identify with and probably be more accepting of it.” “Footloose—The Musical” will run from Oct. 17-Nov. 2. To purchase tickets or for more information, call 747-6060. Gianfranco Languasco may theprospectordaily.ent@gmail.com.
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PAGE 13 OctOber 14, 2014
Sports
Editor
JAVIER CORTEZ, 747-7477
miner backfield full of depth By JaviEr CortEz The Prospector At homecoming, the UTEP football team found its footing again after a deplorable showing on the road the past two weeks. They found their success on the basis of their running attack, and the Miners now seem to be off life support. Starting in 2013, head coach Sean Kugler has tried to instill a new brand of football that is based on physicality and running the ball. Although Kugler had a go-to running back in Nathan Jeffery, who came off an impressive sophomore season in 2012, Kugler and his assistant coaches never latched onto the phrase “go to back.”
Fast forward to Kugler’s second season and that rings true. The Miners best represented their depth and talent in the backfield against Old Dominion. Four Miners ran for at least 50 yards in the game and, in total, the team finished with 334 rushing yards, which accounted for 68 percent of the Miners’ total offense. The Miners’ success is solely predicated on whether they can run the ball or not, and their statistics show the drastic difference. In the Miners’ two blowout losses to Kansas State and Louisiana Tech, the Miners rushed for a mere 59 and 81 yards, respectively. In the Miners’ three wins they have averaged 336 rushing yards per game. The Miners’ slow and methodical attack on the ground is their calling card, and what sophomore
running back Aaron Jones calls special. “We all feel like we can do as another one does,” Jones said. “I feel like that’s what makes our running back group special.” Every pack has a leader and Jones is just that for the Miner backfield, leading the team in every statistical rushing category. The Burges High School grad had a great start to the season, ranking inside the top five nationally in rushing yards at the start of the season. To go along with settling at the top of the nation in rushing yards, Jones is among the best running backs in Conference USA, if not the best— ranking second in rushing yards, sixth in yards per attempt and fourth in rushing touchdowns. Behind Jones is senior running back Nathan Jeffery, who has been
It’s fun to watch. I’m the type of guy to just sit back and watch the show - Autrey Golden, junior offensive specialist
a consistent second player to Jones, racking up 295 yards this season, while averaging 4.8 yards per carry. The rushing troop doesn’t stop there. Fullbacks Darrin and Jeremy Laufasa have been consistent lead blockers all season, and senior Josh Bell made his name known against Old Dominion, rushing for three touchdowns. “It’s just fun to watch,” said offensive specialist Autrey Golden. “I’m the type of guy to just sit back and watch the
MICHAELA rOMAn / THE PrOSPECTOr the miners rush offense ranks third in Conference USA. show. We love watching our teammates be successful— especially when you see them put in the work all week. When you’re just a spectator watching them have fun, it’s a great feeling.” Whether the Miners can right the ship and find continuous success coming off their homecoming victory, the answer lies within the run game. Sixty-two percent of the Miners’ total offense comes from their running attack, and it accounts for nearly 70 percent in their wins. In the offseason, the focal points where the Miners needed to improve were on defense and in the passing game, and neither has come
to fruition. The Miners’ defense still ranks as one of the worst in the nation and the pass offense is averaging a 142.3 yards per game, which is the lowest since 1984. Slow and methodical is they way the Miners like to go, and head coach Sean Kugler wouldn’t have it any other way. “I’ll take slow and methodical, that takes possessions away,” Kugler said. “That’s the plan, to steal possessions. We milk the clock, and that doesn’t work unless your run game is extremely efficient.” Javier Cortez may be reached at theprospectordaily. sports@gmail.com.
footbALL
miners look to bye week for extra preparation By Juan CarLos navarrEtE The Prospector After a strong win against Old Dominion at home, the Miners find themselves alive in conference play with a 1-1 record, and a 3-3 record overall. The 42-35 win over Old Dominion was bigger than just a homecoming win, more importantly, it was a win that could possibly turn the season around. Now the Miners will enter their second bye weekend of the season, which will give the team time to recover and rethink their strategy going into the next game against UT San Antonio on Oct. 25. “We are at the bye juncture and we all need it,” head coach Sean Kugler said. “We are 3-3 and 1-1 in the
conference, and I think our kids are energized and I love the way they fought back.” There is no doubt that after a promising start to the season in games where the Miners won convincingly against New Mexico and NMSU and had a moral victory against Texas Tech, they went into a slump with two humiliating losses to Kansas State and Louisiana Tech, where both of the winning teams scored 50-plus points. At homecoming, the Miners found themselves fighting through even more adversity. The Miners blew a 14-point lead and nearly the game against Old Dominion. But the Miners sustained the Monarch blow and went back to the game plan and controlled the clock by run-
ning the ball. Despite mishaps, coach Kugler is glad the Miners had to fight for the win. “To be honest with you, I’m glad the game played out the way it did,” Kugler said. “We had to fight through adversity again and these guys refused to lose in that game.” With a favorable schedule ahead, the Miners will look to gather momentum in the closing stretch of the season. The next four opponents that UTEP will face are all 0-2 in conference play and all hold sub .500 records. It will not be until they play Rice that the Miners will play a school with a .500 record overall. For a school that lost by a margin of 113- 31 in its past two games, the Miners’ win against Old Dominion could make fans forget about the
tough losses that once seemed to have the season destined for doom. The Miners find themselves at the midway point of an otherwise upand-down season—where the highs are very high and lows are very low. The biggest challenge for the Miners this year has been putting together consistent play. “We always try to remind ourselves how 2-10 felt last year,” said specialist Autrey Golden. “We don’t want to go through those types of things again, so that’s our motivation. We dig within and that gives us our motivation.” If UTEP can gather steam and take this win with them the rest of the season, then the win against Old Dominion could be the game that lit the fuse on the rest of the Miners’ season.
The Miners have two weeks before they head to San Antonio to face UTSA for the first time ever at the Alamodome. Last year, the Miners lost to the Roadrunners 32-12 at home. Coach Kugler believes that the win against Old Dominion should spark the Miners going into San Antonio. “Winning heals a lot of things,” Kugler said. “It energizes players, guys aren’t as hurt, and they come back and practice harder because they’re energized. The players are excited right now and they’re looking forward right now to the prospects of the rest of the season.” Juan Carlos navarrete may be reached at theprospectordaily.sports@gmail.com.
THEPROSPECTOR
| 14 | SPORTS
October 14, 2014
SOCCER
Miners ready for last home stand of the season
michaela roman/ The Prospector The Miners are currently in a four-way tie for third place in Conference USA. (Bottom right) Junior midfielder Angela Cutaia leads the team in goals 16 games into the season.
By Luis Gonzalez The Prospector The UTEP women’s soccer team has now gone into overtime in six of their last seven games after a win and a tie on the road this weekend against Western Kentucky and Marshall, respectively. The Miners now prepare for their last home stand of the year, beginning with a meeting with UT San Antonio on Oct. 19 at University Field. In UTEP’s first road game last week, they responded quickly to falling behind on the board, scoring just six minutes after Western Kentucky took the lead. For a second game in a row, a Miner freshman scored her first career goal when Margaret Handley received a ball from midfielder Bri Thomas. Handley chipped it over the keeper and into the net. The game remained tied through regulation as the teams went back and forth trading goal opportunities–each team recorded five shots on goal on 13 shots for UTEP and 14 for WKU. Just over six minutes into overtime, sophomore Aleah Davis won a ball off a corner kick and headed it in for her third goal of the season and the eighth Miner victory of the season.
The schedule turns in our favor now. We will focus all of our attention on a very good UTSA team
- Kevin Cross, UTEP women’s soccer head coach “I am so proud of UTEP soccer tonight,” UTEP head coach Kevin Cross said. “That was a huge win to rally from one goal down to beat a top C-USA team (Western Kentucky) in overtime in difficult conditions.” A scoreless tie in Huntington, West Virginia, increased UTEP’s game streak without a loss to three. For a school record fourth-consecutive game, the Miners played into overtime, but unlike the previous game on Oct. 10, the winning goal never
came. The Miners were outshot 25-8 throughout the 110 minutes of play, but they created some of the most dangerous opportunities on goal of the game. Senior Mackenzie German and Handley both hit shots off the post during regulation, and in overtime, junior Angela Cutaia beat the Herd’s keeper only to have a defender clear the ball off the line to keep the tie. The Miners’ struggles in front of goal continued, scoring just four goals in the last eight games, but coach Cross is not really worried. “It’s kind of streaky with goals. Against these tough teams, they play great defense, there is so much parity in our league,” Cross said. “We would like to get more (goals) and we’ll keep working on that.” UTEP now returns home for three consecutive home games that start with a clash against the UTSA Roadrunners. Tied with three other teams for third place in the Conference USA, the Miners have a 3-2-1 conference record, with one win and one loss at home. UTEP has had seven shutouts in the season, second best in the conference, and boasts the third-best average in goals allowed. UTSA will come to El Paso as the second-worst team in Conference USA, only ahead of the winless
Southern Missouri Golden Eagles. The Roadrunners have an overall record of 5-8-1 and three of their five wins, including their lone conference victory, have come on the road. They are stuck in a four-game losing streak, in which they have been outscored 9-1. Their last victory though, came at the expense of one of the teams tied with UTEP in third place, when they trampled Middle Tennessee, 3-0. The Roadrunners will bring with them sophomore Emma Makela, picked in the preseason as the best goalkeeper in the conference. She earned a spot in last season’s All-Conference Second Team after playing all 19 games and recording 90 saves. The highlight of her season came against the thenranked number 12 Texas A&M Aggies, where she made 13 saves. The Miners will continue to rely on their strong defense as they look to find better luck offensively and clinch a spot in the conference tournament. Being home for three of the final four conference games won’t hurt either. “The schedule turns in our favor now. We will focus all of our attention on a very good UTSA team,” Cross said. “We hope our awesome fans will come out and cheer us on at home next Sunday.”
Luis Gonzalez may be reached at theprospectordaily. sports@gmail.com.
THEPROSPECTOR
SPORTS | 15 |
October 14, 2014
COLUMN
It Doesn’t Matter What Other Coaches Think Unlike the men’s team, the newcomer to the league—Western Kentucky’s team is very good. They made the NCAA tournament last season. Middle Tennessee is the returning regular season and conference tournament champion. As I said, it’s hard to argue with these rankings, but it also hard to argue with one very important fact that rings true for both of our teams--our coaches are outstanding.
Whatever coach Keitha Adams has to work with, she will make the most of it. The same goes for coach Floyd. Another thing that is true about both of them (and all of the coaches in CUSA) is that nobody knows how this season will shake out. If we, the student body, pack the Don—anything can happen. Just ask coach Adams. Jason Green may be reached at theprospectordaily. sports@gmail.com.
michaela roman/ The Prospector The UTEP men’s basketball team is predicted to finished second and conference, whereas the women’s team are predicted to finish fourth.
By Jason Green The Prospector Conference USA released the league’s preseason rankings last week. Voted on by the league’s coaches, the UTEP men’s basketball team was picked to finish second, behind Louisiana Tech. I understand that coach Tim Floyd gets to submit his preseason rankings as well, but really, who cares what the other coaches think about our team? All of the league’s coaches, with the possible exception of Western Kentucky’s head coach Ray Harper (because this is WKU’s first season in the league), should know how the other teams did last year and what they lost in the offseason. That would be great if this was the only knowledge needed to guesstimate who was going to win the conference. Chances are that Ray Harper, or any of the other coaches including coach Floyd, know just as much about the other teams’ incoming freshmen and transfers as any other coach. Coach Floyd may have recruited a few of the other teams’ freshmen, but C-USA is too broad geographically for anyone to have scouted all of the newcomers in the league. How were coaches supposed to decide who is going to win the league with such limited knowledge? We would have to assume that each coach voted for his own team to finish first out of those top four—Louisiana Tech, UTEP, Charlotte and Old Dominion. Then the bottom-tier teams in C-USA are left to decide which of the top four they like best. So, when you know nothing about the freshmen that are coming in, how do you go about voting when you are a busy college basketball head coach? This is how I envisioned it happening. Coach’s door swings open and he yells into the hallway, “Hey, what team in our conference has the most starters coming back?” “Louisiana Tech, sir,” the lackey yells back. “Hey,
they finished first in the conference last year, huh?” “Yes sir, they were in a four-way tie for first,” the lackey blabbers. Coach turns around to his email and writes Louisiana Tech in first place. So, why is this so wrong? I’ll tell you what the lackey didn’t tell his boss. Louisiana Tech’s recruiting class was ranked fourth in the conference, while UTEP’s was second. These rankings also don’t take into account the transfer of Earvin Morris, coming to UTEP from Tallahassee Community College, who was considered a three-star prospect by most recruiting services. One more thing that the lackey may have neglected to mention is that Louisiana Tech had three of the top 40 scorers in C-USA last year and that two of the three are gone. UTEP, on the other hand, had three as well ,but only lost John Bohannon. In my rankings, UTEP is in first. Who cares what the other coaches think¿ I don’t and you shouldn’t either. Our players most definitely shouldn’t. It’s a very long season that just began on Monday. We still have almost a full month until we get an actual look at our team during the Orange and White scrimmage. As we saw last season, anything can happen in college basketball. I wouldn’t bet against this year’s team. The team that finished one game out of first has only gotten better.. That does not mean Louisiana Tech isn’t good, they should get an atlarge bid to the NCAA tournament, and that can only be a good thing for all of C-USA. The women’s basketball preseason rankings came out at the same time as the men’s. The UTEP women were picked to finish fourth, with Middle Tennessee, Western Kentucky and Southern Miss ahead of them. In all honesty, it’s hard to disagree with these rankings. We all remember the UTEP women’s amazing run at the end of last season, losing in the finals
of the women’s NIT. But, the stars of that team are now playing professionally in Europe and Jenzel Nash will sit out this season as she is expecting her first child.
HELP SHAPE TEXAS HIGHER EDUCATION POLICY APPLY FOR A PRESTIGIOUS STUDENT LEADER POSITION! Student Regent, UT System: This non-voting position is open to all majors and classifications. Responsibilities of the Student Regent include meeting attendance, meeting preparation and interaction with the UT System Board Office. Student Representative to the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board: The Student selected for this non-voting position will serve alongside members of the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.
Are you interested and in good academic standing?
Pick up an application at the UTEP Student Government Association Office in the Union East Building, Room 304 or download an application online at
http://sa.utep.edu/sga/applications/
Applications are due by noon on Friday,October 24, 2014.
Please contact the SGA office at 747-5584 or stop by for more information.
PAGE 16 OctOber 14, 2014
Our view
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PHoto Editor
MICHAELA ROMÁn, 747-7477
celebratiNg ceNteNNial homecomiNg
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MICHAELA rOMAn / THE PrOSPECTOr 1. senior wide receiver Jacob Garcia celebrate after the Miners defeated Old Dominion. 2. Senior running back Josh Bell rushes the ball on his way to three touchdowns. 3. Junior Autrey Golden and senior Ian Hamilton celebrate after touchdown. 4. UTEP Alumni are honored at half time. 5. Offensive specialist Autrey Golden scores the game winning touchdown. 6. UTEP Homecoming king senior Marco Vega and queen senior Bianca Gomez.