voL . 100, No. 10
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
November 11, 2014
dAcA numbers increase in el paso By JoSe Soto
The prospector
By KimBerly Valle The prospector Hueco Tanks is about an hour away from El Paso, heading east. It is known for its historic sites, state park and small neighborhoods. Since the neighborhood’s settlement, there have been minor changes, although one issue still remains. UTEP student Damaris Reyes, junior multimedia journalism major, said she and her family have to monitor how much water they use every day. Neighborhoods in Hueco Tanks do not have city water pipes running through their homes. “There’s been times were we don’t keep track of how much is left, and we have gone two or three days without water,” Reyes said. Reyes has been living with her parents’ for about 17 years. A blank tank stands next to their home taller than the house itself. This tank holds up
to 2,800 gallons of water. Every six months a Mountain View water truck carefully tracks how much water is being used at a cost of $50 dollars each time Water pipes from the tank run into the home. Next to the tank, there is a wooden shed that stores a small blue tank that pumps the water into the pipes that go into the home. “We do limit ourselves with water usage just for the fact of knowing that there is only a certain amount that we have,” Reyes said. Because Hueco Tanks is not within El Paso city limits, there is not much city limits can do Timothy Collins, sociology and anthropology professor, said the reason why these neighborhoods do not have city water is because there are not enough people living in the Hueco Tanks area. It
see WATer on page 5
millennials delaying marriage, couples waiting for financial stability By amanDa guillen The prospector
ruby CerIno / the prospeCtor
According to a 2010 report done by the Pew Research Center, 26 percent of young people in their 20s are married. This is compared to 68 percent of 20-somethings in 1960. The report calls the decrease in marriages the “marriage gap,” which is aligned with a growing income gap. The survey found that those lower on the socio-economic ladder are just as likely to marry as those with secure, well-paying jobs, but noted that they do place a higher premium on economic security as a condition for marriage. The survey also found that young men are likely to view cohabitation without marriage as favorable. Senior art major Veronica Chaparro is 22 years old. She and her 24-yearold boyfriend of two years are among the 74 percent of 20-somethings that have not jumped the broom. Finances and higher education are the reason behind the delay. “We talk about marriage all the time even though we are not engaged. We have dreams and hopes about our future and one day we will get there,”
Chaparro said. “We are both striving to become successful in our careers and our focus is on each other and ourselves to reach our goals.” According to a survey conducted by TheKnot.com and the WeddingChannel.com, the average wedding in the United States costs $29,858, excluding the cost for a honeymoon. “He wants me to graduate and follow my dreams,” Chaparro said. “I want him to follow his dreams of going back to school and get another degree and once we have helped each other, we can then grow a family and our marriage.” The average income for someone with a high school diploma is $30,000, and with a bachelor’s degree the income increases to $46,900, according to the U.S. Department of Education. TheKnot.com and WeddingChannel.com survey also found that Utah and West Texas have the youngest brides, ranging on average from 25.7 to 26.7 years old. Despite delaying marriage due to finances and life goals, Chaparro said that this isn’t the case for other young people.
see mArriAge on page 3
The Diocesan Migrant and Refugee Services, a local immigration law clinic, has seen a gradual increase in undocumented immigrants interested in applying for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. “Here at DMRS, we’ve seen a lot of people coming in that are interested in applying for the plan,” said Melissa Lopez, executive director and attorney with DMRS. “A lot of them are renewing their application, but there are also a good amount of people who are applying for the first time.” Lopez said that there is more trust in the plan now that it is in its second year, and that undocumented immigrants are not as fearful. “Since many people have seen firsttime applicants remaining in the country without deportation orders, they feel like this time around they can trust that applying doesn’t mean something unfavorable will happen,” Lopez said. “They’ve seen friends and family go through the process without negative side effects.” Lopez also said that, assuming the applications keep coming in and the plan continues, she would consider it a success. “People should come in and get a real idea of what the plan offers,” Lopez said. “It’s like people coming out of the dark.” El Paso Rep. Beto O’Rourke, D-TX, said that DACA is a functioning plan but it still needs work. “An August 2014 report by the Migration Policy Institute shows impressive application figures for DACA during its first two years,” O’Rourke said. “Comprehensive Immigration Reform’s success or failure will likely have a large impact on the number of people planning to enroll in DACA in years ahead.” O’Rourke said that comprehensive reform is the way to fix what he believes to be a broken immigration system. “I think we can do better,” O’Rourke said. “We need to overhaul our immigration and visa programs so that individuals can legally come to the U.S. to contribute to our economy. It is illogical that we train immigrant scientists and engineers at our universities, but then deny them a visa to stay and help grow our economy.” Undocumented students who are considering applying or have applied for DACA may find it difficult to continue or start their post-secondary education. Jose Ruben Torres, assistant director of the financial aid department at UTEP, said that students who are not documented are not eligible for financial assistance.
see DACA on page 4
PAGE 2 November 11, 2014
perspectives
Editor-in-Chief
Lorain watters, 747-7477
How I met the catcall By Jasmine Aguilera The Prospector Channeling my inner Ted Mosby, Kids, I’m going to tell you the story of how I learned the damage of a simple catcall. Now, in case you don’t know, catcalling is something that happens on a regular basis. A girl is walking down the street, minding her own business, and someone decides to single her out with a very public compliment— using that term loosely—or greeting. This is sometimes done with a simple, “How are you doing?” or “Hey, babe.” Sometimes words aren’t even used, and a man will decide to whistle at her or make some other inappropriate gesture. So, back to my story. In the spring of 2013, I was very lucky to find myself in Washington, D.C. I was working as a reporting intern and I had made myself some pretty amazing friends. You know your Aunt Jess and Aunt Basi. Your uncles Ian and Ryan were there too. It was a Friday night. We had just left work and decided to head down the street for a night at Adam’s Morgan, a block made up of bars, clubs and restaurants. It was the perfect place for a group of 20-somethings. So we had our fun, and before we knew it, it was time for last call. Jess, Basi and I began walking up the street to get to the bus home. That’s when it happened. “Mmm, girl, I know you want your ovaries licked,” he said, as he looked us up and down. And the other guys around him laughed. I began to think that maybe I was dressed inappropriately, or maybe he saw that I had been at a bar and thought I was looking to hook up. I felt disgusted by him, but also ashamed, insecure and embarrassed. But as my time in D.C. progressed, and I began walking home alone more often, I learned a few things. One was I had to expect that I was going to be catcalled at least a few times a week. Next I learned that it wasn’t my fault. I began realizing that catcalling has nothing to do with how attractive you are or what your demeanor is— sometimes it doesn’t even matter how you’re dressed—catcalling has everything to do with how comfortable a man feels singling you out in front of everyone. It’s societal. Yes, kids, we were hanging out at a bar that night, but if there’s one lesson I want you to get out of this story, it’s that no one has the right to harass
you, and in-turn, you should never feel entitled to disrespect anyone. There were a lot of awful things we had to face just trying to get from home to work and back every day. There was one time a man yelled out to your Aunt Basi and said: “Damn, you’re the thickest Asian I’ve ever seen.” Or the time I was on an escalator at a mall in Virginia and the man behind me started telling his friends that he couldn’t control how hard he was getting. Then there was the time a woman got stabbed right outside our apartment in the Petworth neighborhood.
— Catcalling has everything to do with how comfortable a man feels singling you out in front of everyone. It’s societal. - Jasmine Aguilera, senior multimedia journalism major Kids, these things are serious. There are people who have attempted to showcase this, like the Hollaback organization that is trying to end street harassment. Their video featuring a woman walking down the streets of New York for 10 hours is a good example, but they’ve been met with mockery by both genders. A lot of people say: “don’t overreact,” or “it’s just a compliment.” I’ve heard men call the video “an attempt to spread hatred of men.” Blogger Anna Jorgensen wrote that women should thank the men who catcall them. She said, “Saying ‘thank you’ isn’t going to get us raped or killed. I’d venture to suggest that saying ‘thank you’ may do just the opposite—rebuild the innate nature of men to protect us women from all dangers—including ill-intentioned men.” Kids, it’s not a good thing that some men feel so confident to call a woman out on the street. And it’s not okay that women take the blame or deal with the consequences of their behavior. That night going home from Adam’s Morgan, Jess, Basi and I waited at a nearby McDonalds for Ian and Ryan to catch up with us. We knew it wasn’t a good idea to walk home without them around. And that, kids, is how I learned the damage of a simple catcall. Jasmine Aguilera may be reached at theprospectordaily. news@gmail.com.
STAFF VO L . 1 0 0, n o. 1 0 Editor-in-Chief: Jasmine Aguilera Managing Editor: Amanda Guillen Layout Editor: Diego Burciaga Assistant Layout Editor: Jacobo De La Rosa Copy Editor: Luis Gonzalez Sports Editor: Javier Cortez Entertainment Editor: Andrea Acosta Photo Editor: Michaela Roman Photographers: Ruby Cerino, Cristina Esquivel, Justin Rodriguez Multimedia/Online Editor: Amanda Guillen Staff Reporters: Luis Barrio, Luis Gonzalez, Ashley Muñoz, Jose Soto, Kimberly Valle Christopher Zacherl Cartoonist: Blake A. Lanham
Contributors: Jason Green, Gianfranco Languasco, Andres Martinez, Jaime Quesada Asst. Director-Advertising: Veronica Gonzalez Student Ad Manager: Anna Almeida Ad Executives: Genesis De la Cruz, Mariel Mora Ad Layout Manager: Edgar Hernandez Ad Designers: Damian Balderrama, Fernando Enriquez Accounting Specialist: Isabel Castillo Student Assistant: Ashley Muñoz Student Publications Director: Kathleen Flores Administrative Secretary: Marcela Luna
Apreciar, apoyar y asistir a eventos de este estilo tambien es importante Por Jose Soto The Prospector Que sera lo que nos retiene a tener mas alfabetismo? A leer un poco mas y apreciar mas la literatura? A apreciar mas los eventos culturales y productivos? Seremos una especie estancada? De poca abilidad de disfrutar de lo intelectual y sustancial? Este pasado viernes, se presento el escritor y personalidad de radio americano David Sedaris en el Plaza Theatre. Yo, obviamente, estaba estatico al recibir la noticia. Sedaris ha sido mi escritor favorito por varios anos. Sus producciones son unas de humor inigualable e impresionante. Su entendimiento de la sardonia no se repite en la pletora de autores de la lengua inglesa. Es ganador de varios premios, incluyendo el Premio Literatio Lambda para humor de literatura y sus libros han sido bestsellers del New York Times. Aqui en la publicacion para la cual yo trabajo, estuvimos regalando boletos a los estudiantes y miembros de la facultad de la universidad para el
Speak your mind
evento. Solo se requeria que se presentaran con el anuncio en nuestro periodico. Facilmente se podian haber llevado los boletos gratuitos. Podian haber disfrutado de uno de los escritores mas importantes de esta generacion, un personaje de gran influencia, y haber formado parte de un evento que raramente suele pasar en nuestra cuidad. Para el concierto de One Direction y ahora para el de Pit Bull, no faltaban los entusiasmados. Pero para una noche de literatura, de humor inteligente, de estar en la presencia de personajes publicos de gran importancia, nada. Hubo muchos boletos de sobra. Hay muchos eventos de entretenimiento que se agotan aqui en El Paso. Los juegos de futbol, agotados. Los conciertos ofrecidos por artistas populares, agotados. Festivales de alcohol, agotados. Una presentacion por un gran autor de gran relevencia, cuantos van a ser? Muchas de las veces, las galerias y las exposiciones estan vacias. La poesia la oye nadie. La orquestra le llega a pocos. Se me hace triste y vergonzoso que nosotros como estudiantes preferimos los eventos de cero talento, como el concierto de One Direc-
tion, que asistir a eventos de mayor intelecto. Claramente, a todos no les va a gustar David Sedaris. No a todos les gusta leer. No a todos les gusta la literatura. Pero es absurdo creer que a solo tres personas en toda la escuela si les guste. Ese es la cantidad de estudiantes que vinieron a recibir su boleto gratis. Esto pudo haber sido el resultado por solo dos razones: o no les importo o no leen nuestra publicacion. Espero que no sea la segunda. En general, necesitamos apreciar, apoyar y asistir a los eventos culturales y artisticos—sin confundir lo artistico con lo fabricado—que se presentan aqui en nuestra escuela y en la cuidad. Deberiamos ser mas abiertos a eventos mas intelectuales, mas profundos y con mas valor. No es decir que los juegos de futbol o los conciertos no sean eventos de valor. Lo son. Pero igual y tambien deberian atraer al gentio como lo hacen eventos deportivos y divertidos. Se supone que somos estudiantes, que no? Gente inteligente? Personas de sustancia? Si lo es asi, hay que comprobarlo. Jose Soto puede ser contactado en 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 |
November 11, 2014
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marriage from page 1 “I don’t see it as a common issue in our generation,” she said. “I constantly see people on Facebook getting engaged and getting married who are my boyfriend’s and my age. Some couples tell us, ‘Oh, just go get married at the courthouse. It’s the same thing.’ But it is not the same for us. Our bond is greater than a piece of paper, and we want to share it with those we love.” Junior multidisciplinary studies major Melody Samifua is 22 years old and has been married for two years. She said that marriage could be beneficial when it comes to finances because of combined income. “I think financial reasons are a factor but sometimes it is easier with two people or if you guys have a plan and have two incomes that is easier if you are living on your own,” Samifua said. Samifua said that although finances are not as much of a problem, time and married life can sometimes take its toll. Samifua’s husband is in the military. When they were stationed here, her credits from her previous
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university didn’t transfer, which has delayed her graduation. “I was a junior back home and then we came out here so I had to still be a junior not a senior because all my credits didn’t transfer so it was harder trying to finish school and balance being married and cooking and stuff and working,” Samifua said. Unlike the average American who spends $29,858 on a wedding, Samifua said she spent less than one-eighth of that on her wedding. She said if you really want to get married and make it work, there are ways, it just depends on the couple. “We spent about $2,000 to $3,000 we had a ceremony at our church and then just rented out a building for afterwards, and food, and decorations,” Samifua said. “We kept it really simple because that is money you are wasting and could be saved for your marriage or for your student loans, I just see it a completely different way.” In an interview conducted earlier this year, associate director of the University Career Center, Betsy Castro-Duarte weighed in on the delay of big-life decisions amongst students.
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“I think once they find their comfort level and develop a skill set, things come at a certain point,” Castro-Duarte said. “They want to be secure in their job and sometimes it takes them longer to find a job, which delays them getting married and delays them buying items like cars and houses.” Regardless of the situation, with cost of living increasing every year, the cost of getting hitched will increase as well. Millennials and the upcoming generations will continue to be faced with the burden of love and money. For Chaparro, marriage is in the cards but not until she’s ready financially, mentally and spiritually. “We want to accomplish our dreams and then share our dreams with each other and with our future family. Our happiness and love can only help our future grow,” Chaparro said. Amanda Guillen may be reached at theprospectordaily. news@gmail.com.
special to The Prospector
THEPROSPECTOR
| 4 | NEWS see DACA from page 1 “Individuals who are renewing their application for DACA or applying for the first time are basically in limbo,” Torres said. “Therefore, they are not eligible for financial aid until they are either granted residency or they become citizens.” Torres also said that students who are here without proper documentation and attended high school in the United States can classify under House Bill 1403 for in-state tuition.
November 11, 2014
Also, by completing a Texas Application for State Financial Aid, students without legal status can qualify for some state funding. According to a report published by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in June, more than 638,000 immigrants have applied for DACA since it was initiated, with more than half of the applicants residing in Texas and California. According to a factual spreadsheet provided by Migration Policy Institution, there are 10,000 potentially eligible
candidates for DACA in El Paso, 6,000 of which are immediate eligible youths ages 15 and over. According to the offices of State Rep. Mary Gonzalez, approximately 40 individuals participated in an October workshop held at the El Paso Community College Mission del Paso campus for interested individuals. Present Barack Obama passed an executive order in 2012 issuing Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals. The plan is a discreet and offers a limited option provided by the Department
of Homeland Security for immigrants who find themselves in the process of removal, have their final removal paperwork or who have never been in the process, but emigrated as children and have grown up in the U.S. Individuals who are waiting for deferred action proceedings can, under U.S. law, apply for employment and for permanent residency or citizenship. DACA is offered to individuals who entered the country before they were 16 years of age and were under
31 years of age before 2012. They also must have resided within the U.S. continuously from 2007 to the present. Under DACA requirements, applicants must be currently in school, have graduated from high school or have received their GED. Jose Soto may be reached at theprospectordaily.news@ gmail.com.
cristina esquivel/ The Prospector According to a report published by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in June, more than 638,000 immigrants have applied for DACA since it was initiated.
THEPROSPECTOR
NEWS | 5 |
November 11, 2014
CURE from page 4 would cost a lot to construct pipes in the neighborhoods. “Any decision they make has to be considered in terms of whether it’s cost effective or not, whether they are going to lose money. It’s going to cost a lot to deliver the infrastructure, there’s not the demand to justify it,” Collins said. “The city will say ‘oh it’s a horrible situation,’ however it is outside our jurisdiction, we don’t have the authority of what’s going on in the colonias.” The Hueco Tanks territory is owned by private owners who do not provide the resources that city housing does. “Farmers sell lands promising the people that will get resources sent to them, they sell land with out services in order to make money,” Collins said. Many people cannot afford city houses in the El Paso area, therefore, they purchase territory that sits well with in their pocket and build houses outside city limits.
Reyes and her family have to use a limited amount of water. The water in the tank is not drinkable, so Reyes and her family have to stock up with two, five-gallon water jugs and packs of water bottles. The average conventional toilet can use from to five to seven gallons per flush.
We do limit ourselves with water usage just for the fact of knowing that there is only a certain amount that we have. - Damaris Reyes, junior multimedia journalism major
michaela Roman / The Prospector Junior multimedia journalism major Damaris Reyes demonstrates the way her family collects water for daily use. -.
In Reyes’ case, their low-flow model toilet uses up to 1.6 gallons per flush. Reyes and her family have to sometimes reuse the water for each load of laundry they do in a day. “In order to put it back into the washing machine, my mother has to use a smaller bucket from the big container that they already use and puts it back into the washing machine,” Reyes said. “The only time that water is thrown away is when they are washing whites and colored clothes.” Jorge Reyes, Damaris’ father, said if they do not notice they need to refill the tank on a Friday, they have to wait until the next business day for a water truck to be available. The lack of water in the tanks can destroy the pipes and the water pump, and replacing the damaged equipment can cost up to $200. “We refill the tank when we have 100 gallons left,” Jorge Reyes said. “In
the city, hardly anyone is taking care of the water. In the news, you hear them say take care of the water, but no
CHANGE YOUR LIFE
one understands, and for us it is not
SEE THE WORLD
only that we understand the impor-
HELP CHANGE THE WORLD
tance of it, but because we have to.” The people who reside at these neighborhoods have hosted district community meetings in order to
INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION EXPO
come up with a plan to bring in city water pipes. Damaris Reyes said every time these meetings happen, hardly any people make appearances, which delays making changes. “Besides the fact that there is not that many neighbors, I guess everyone has gotten used to it,” Damaris Reyes said. Kimberly Valle may be reached at theprospectordaily. news@gmail.com.
UTEP Union Breezeway 10AM 2PM Wednesday November 19 Hosted by Study Abroad
THEPROSPECTOR
| 6 | NEWS
November 11, 2014
question of the week
Are you delaying major life decisions like marriage? Why?
ruby cerino, andres martinez / The Prospector
Amber jipson
Andrew slaight
Ashley rubalcava
Claudia cantú
David arredondo
“I am delaying marriage only because I feel like I need to finish school so I can be stable both emotionally and financially before I get married.”
“I am delaying it until I have a career, that way I’m financially stable and can support my future family.”
“I am delaying life decisions like marriage because I am focused in getting my degree, so I won’t have to struggle with school and marriage at once.”
“I am slowly taking my decisions for what I want to be in the future, so I don’t think I am delaying them. I like to think about making the righ decisions, and if I make a mistake, learn from it.”
“I am not delaying life decisions like marriage, i’m letting it happen as natural as possible. Ideally I would like to finish school first.”
Erandy burciaga
Gloria contreras
Miguel Becerra
Thomas hubbard
Valeria quesada
“Yes, because life changing events like marriage can really impact your life if you make the wrong decision.”
“I think there is always one big decision that I am going to make every semester and that will determine all the other things I’ll end up doing in my life. I am just waiting for those decisions to pop up.”
“I’d say I am delaying making those decisions because I am procrastinating with what I am doing. I still don’t know what I want to do with my major.”
“I am getting married, and we are planning on that right now. So, we are kind of delaying it because we are both in school and studying science; not the decision, but the ceremony itself.”
“I am definitely delaying major life decisions such as marriage. I believe that certain things in life need to be prioritized. I personally believe that marriage should be aside until someone has completed their college education, and are financially stable .
Junior kinesiology major
Sophomore forensic science major
Freshman nursing major
Sophomore psychology major
Freshman biology major
Sophomore, psychology major
Freshman pre-education
Sophomore accounting major
Sophomore forensic science major
Freshman biology major
WINTER
2014 CO
Saturday, December 13, 2014
COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY TIMES: 9 a.m. Morning Commencement -College of Liberal Arts
2 p.m. Afternoon Commencement -College of Business Administration -College of Education -School of Nursing
7 p.m. Evening Commencement
MM
E N CE MENT
Don Haskins Center - The University of Texas at El Paso
THE DAY OF COMMENCEMENT 1. In order to experience an enjoyable Commencement ceremony, please arrive at Memorial Gym at least an hour prior to the ceremony. Check-in will begin inside of Auxiliary Gym (room 120) at the following times: •For 9 a.m. Ceremony: 8 a.m. (doors open at 7:30 a.m.) •For 2 p.m. Ceremony: 1 p.m. (doors open at 12:30 p.m.) •For 7 p.m. Ceremony: 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.) *Please ensure that you have checked-in and picked up your reader card during these times. 2. Arrive early and have your green screen Commencement portrait taken in Memorial Gym prior to the ceremony. 3. Please leave all personal items (backpacks, mobile devices, purses, coats, etc.) at home/automobile. These items (along with food, beverages beach balls, balloons, confetti, noise makers, silly string, etc.) will not be allowed in the Don Haskins Center.
-College of Engineering -College of Science -College of Health Sciences
4. Though your family and friends are an important part of commencement, childcare services will not be provided, and children may not accompany graduates during the commencement ceremony. Please make appropriate plans for the care of your children.
*All Ceremonies include graduate degrees corresponding to these Colleges.
5. Wear regalia and comfortable shoes, and out of courtesy for your fellow graduates, please remain for the duration of the ceremony.
Centennial Class of 2014
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE GRADUATES! For parking recommendations, tips for families and friends and other information: utep.edu/commencement Purchase your GRADPACK by visiting or calling the UTEP Bookstore at 915-747-5594 to take advantage of discounted cap, gown and tassel, and alumni products, including a 1-year membership, medallion, t-shirt and coffee mug! Office of University Relations
PAGE 7 November 11, 2014
entertainment
The prospector
It helps them be more self-aware, be more expressive, gives them more sense of accomplishment, and helps their self-esteem. -Laura Escobar, senior dance major
AnDrEA ACostA, 747-7477
ballet class impacts children’s lives
By KimBerly Valle
Dancing ballet since the age of seven, senior dance major Laura Escobar has used passion to benefit children with special needs. She discovered how light movements can advance health and overall quality of life for her senior capstone project. “The kids are really happy, the parents say they love to come,” Escobar said. “They enjoy it and I can see it in them. They are learning little things.” Her interest in the subject matter began as Escobar first researched on how ballet impacts the development of children with Down syndrome. She realized there are many things that benefit them physically, mentally and emotionally. “It helps them be more self-aware, be more expressive, gives them more sense of accomplishment and helps their self-esteem,” Escobar said. Escobar’s ballet class is made up of seven children and a percussionist who helps the children repond better to the music. Their joints and ligaments are loose, therefore Escobar tries not to do flexibility exercises within the class. Every movement is tailored so that they can all perform together without any difficulties. Jordan Simmons, occupational therapist assistant student, helps the children stay focused on the direction of the class. Simmons coordinates the children into every movement that Escobar is teaching them.
Editor
“We’re just trying to help facilitate normal movement. In this class, we’re letting them all move together—we’re trying to get them to move period,” Simmons said. “We have seen many improvements in students. For a while they were all not wanting to participate, and now they are getting along better and participating more. They’re getting the hang of it.” Simmons places a red tape on their right foot and a blue one on their left. This way they are aware of the direction they should take. “They follow directions, but trying to get them to participate is where we were having the most trouble—to stay on task and participate,” Simmons said. Parents of the children are delighted about the ballet class where their children can interact. Crystal Arsobela, UTEP alumni, takes her 8-year-old son to Escobar’s ballet classes and has seen an improvement in her child. “It was kind of a hard decision because he’s a male, but we decided to do it,” Arsobela said. “He loves to dance.
He doesn’t speak because he has a speech delay. He’s usually upset when he doesn’t want to do something, but as he arrives here, he does his own thing and he doesn’t get upset.” There is a recital on the last day of classes, for parents to witness what their children have learned and how it has helped them be open and expressive. “My goal is to hook them up with ballet and that they like it,” Escobar said. “It’s hard to learn a lot of ballet, but it’s disciplined and it’s a form of art.” Escobar hopes to expand these classes until next semester with the help of a therapist and parents. “There is a waiting list for people who want to do more. They don’t want to stop. If parents want to keep bringing their children, then we will continue,” Escobar said. Kimberly Valle may be reached at theprospectordaily. ent@gmail.com.
mIChaela roman/the prospeCtor laura escobar teaches ballet children with special needs. this activity has allowed for chidren to improve their quality of life and advance in their health.
Alpha XI delta promotes autism awareness By JosEPh EsPosito The prospector The members of Alpha Xi Delta, a UTEP sorority, are hosting the Xi Man male beauty pageant in an effort to raise money and awareness for people diagnosed with autism. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around one in 68 American children have autism, roughly 10 times higher than the percentage of children with autism 40 years ago. Symptoms of autism are most apparent when children are aged 2 and 3. Research has shown that autism is caused by a combination of gene mutations and environmental factors that influence early brain development in children. “People are unaware of autism and it’s growing rapidly, so we can raise money and awareness for autism through these events. Raising a child
with autism costs about $50,000 a year, so the money we’re raising goes to that,” said Vanessa Daw, sophomore pre-nursing major and Alpha Xi Delta program vice president. The pageant will be held at 5 Points Bistro, located at 3019 Montana Ave. All money raised by Alpha Xi Delta as well as 20 percent of the restaurant’s profit the day will go to Autism Speaks, which has formed a national partnership with the sorority. There will be a $2 admission fee as well as raffles for rewards such as gift cards from sponsors. “Alpha Xi Delta introduced me to their philanthropy and that hit home for me because my little cousin—he’s 10—he has autism. I can relate to (the philanthropy),” said Mikayla Rodriguez, freshman cellular and molecular biochemistry major and sorority member. “It makes me happy to be a part of something that brings aware-
ness. (The sorority) means a lot to me, it’s nice to be able to connect with it.
It makes me happy to be a part of something that brings awareness.
- Mikayla Rodriguez, freshman cellular and molecular biochemistry major major
It makes me happy to see that people care enough to do that.” Across the country, Alpha Xi Delta has more than 150,000 initiated members who participate in one of seven competitive events each year in The AmaXIng Challenge, the sorority’s signature fund-raising event in an attempt to help those with autism. This year’s choice is the Xi Man beauty pageant. Other AmaXIng Challenges include Football FrenXi, a flag football tournament, Puzzlepalooza (a team puzzlesolving competition) and Karaoke for the Cure, a karaoke competition. “I think (the challenges) are great, they bring awareness to people,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve met a lot of really hard-working girls and it’s nice to surround yourself with goodhearted people. I really like the people I met and I’m involving myself more with school and stuff. (These events) share facts, some people don’t
know about autism, so it’s good to spread the word.” Autism Speaks is an organization that wishes to “change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders,” as stated on the Autism Speaks website. Founded in 2005 by Bob and Suzanne Wright, the organization uses donations to fund research that aims to find causes, preventions, treatments and ultimately a cure for autism. Autism Speaks also helps to provide for the needs of people with autism and their families. “Autism Speaks is about finding the missing piece: the cure for autism. (In Puzzlepalooza), we spread awareness by putting pieces around campus, raising money and awareness at the same time,” Daw said. Joseph Esposito may be reached at theprospectordaily. ent@gmail.com.
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November 11, 2014
The Color Run looks to paint the town red By Joseph Esposito The Prospector The Color Run, known as the original color crazy race, will brush through El Paso on Nov. 15 as one of its 240 events in its 2014 Kaleidoscope Tour. “I wanted to create an event that would encourage people to get out and run just for the fun of it,” said Travis Snyder, founder and CEO of The Color Run. “I wanted people to
enjoy the community experience of running together, and I wanted to add something a little out of the ordinary to the race, something that could serve as a sort of visual reward for all the hard work these runners put into training for the event.” Founded in 2011, Snyder’s inspiration for the colorful 5-K run came from his experiences with day-glow events, Disney’s World of Color and various color festivals. Having created many other high-endurance events,
File photo The Color Run willl start at 9 a.m. on Nov. 15 at Ascarate Park located on 6900 Delta Dr. Snyder wanted to introduce the healthy runs to a spectrum of colorful events. “Seeing how happy The Color Run has made all different kinds of people has been very rewarding,” Snyder said. “It really is an event for all fitness levels, ages and backgrounds. Our tag line is ‘The Happiest 5k on the Planet’ for a reason. That line was created after seeing how happy it made people (and) we take a lot of satisfaction in the fact that our events lead people to have a more healthy and active lifestyle.”
In an effort to encourage participation, the event is not timed, and each runner may take as long as they would like to complete it. Athletes and first-time runners alike are welcomed to participate in the events with the common goal of enjoying the healthy activity. Participants are sprayed with the famously colored powder at each kilometer mark and are asked to dress in white clothes that they won’t mind having covered in paint-like substances. “I did color run with my friend (last year) and it was so much fun. This is the type of race you do not want to do alone,” alumni Sergio Maldonaldo said. “The race was different, the atmosphere was not competitive. It was more about enjoying the moment rather than seeking first place. All my roommates and I signed up (for this year’s event). This is the perfect first race for anyone. Great way to get motivated.” The growing event will visit more than 50 countries during the 2014 Kaleidoscope Tour, which introduc-
es life-sized kaleidoscope triangles, viewfinder kaleidoscopes, confettifilled balloons, bubbles and rainbow arches at the finish line. The idea for including kaleidoscopes in the races is that they demonstrate the beauty of motion and change, tying in with The Color Run’s goal of inspiring people to run for fun. Visit thecolorrun.com/el-paso to purchase tickets. Prices range from $45 for individual participants and $40 for participants in teams of four or more. Each participant will receive a custom T-shirt, a tricolor headband, a shoulder bag, temporary tattoos and more. Deluxe packages can also be purchased for an additional $25, which includes a T-shirt, headband, hat, sunglasses, bracelet, socks, souvenir magnet, color packet and temporary tattoos. Joseph Esposito may be reached at theprospectordaily. ent@gmail.com.
file photo El Paso is one of the 240 events in this years’ 2014 Kaleidoscope Tour.
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November 11, 2014
events UTEP BEST FOR VETS The Military Times named UTEP one of the Best for Vets colleges for 2015 on November 10. The honor goes to institutions that are committed to providing opportunities to U.S. Veterans and military affiliated students.
THANKS MESSAGES At noon on Tuesday November 11 at the Union Plaza, the MSSC will have postcards available to anyone who would like to send thank you messages to deployed Fort Bliss Soldiers. The 1st Armored Division show band will also perform.
DAYS OF VALOR The city of El Paso Museums and Cultural Affairs Department Public Art Program will host a dedication ceremony for “Days of Valor,” featuring a sculpture by local artist Jimmie Bemont, on November 11 at 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park.
GOOD WILL HUNTING On Wednesday November 12 at 6 p.m. in the Union Cinema, the Office of Student Life will host the screening of “Good Will Hunting.” A panel discussion will also take place.
18TH ANNUAL VETERANS DAY The 18th Annual Veterans Day Parade and Celebration parade will take place on Saturday at 9 a.m. at Thompson and Socorro Roads and will end at Veterans Memorial Plaza in front of San Elizario Church.
THE INVISIBLE WAR On Thursday November 13 at 4 p.m. in the Blumberg Auditorium inside the library the of of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution will host the screening of The Invisible War.
Bestselling author David Sedaris awes crowd with signature humor by Jose Soto The Prospector With his usual crude humor; astonishing wit and use of satire, David Sedaris gracefully took the stage at the Plaza Theatre on Friday, Nov. 9 to an almost packed venue. Sedaris has become one of America’s favorite humor writers with bestselling books such as “Me Talk Pretty One Day” and “Naked” and various radio appearances on “This American Life,” broadcasted on NPR. His nonchalantly sardonic approach to almost everything has left many laughing and others with their jaws hanging open as he gracefully jumps around from topic to topic with his undeniable talent and charisma. As part of a new tour, which includes 50 appearances, 57-year-old Sedaris seemed pleased and at ease while on his second visit to the borderland. Surprisingly, the Plaza Theatre seemed rather packed despite an obvious lack of promotion and attention to Sedaris’ visit. I had enthusiastically spread the news of his coming to many fellow college students, whom responded with either
disinterest or bewilderment. Even here at our publication, we had offered Sedaris tickets to the students and faculty of the university as long as they came and showed the advertisement found inside the newspaper. This, however, came to no avail. To my fortunate surprise, this didn’t seem to be the response from the entire city itself. Sedaris attracted both a young and vibrant group as well as an older, mature one as well. This caused a mingling of the audience of people who understand his humorous reminiscence of past occurrences with those who enjoy his current pomposity for political and cultural events. The elegance of the Plaza Theatre helped create the regal and posh settings readers have come to know from reading Sedaris’ books, accompanied by the raw and boisterous features of his esoteric mind. Sedaris, a man of small stature, but grandiose stage presence, spoke nonchalantly yet hilariously about everything from preferring to own dogs over children and his sister’s suicide. Sedaris is one of “too many children,” as he would describe it (there are actually six in the Sedaris
clan), and leave it up to him to saturate such delicately natured life events with humor. “Just awful,” his father would say. “A person’s life reduced to a lousy box.” Sedaris corrects his father. “Actually, there are two. Two lousy boxes.”
special to the prospector Sedaris’ ability to add humor to the apparent mundane reality of life can uplift even the most jagged and jaded
of spirits. Even while pushing the envelope a bit, Sedaris made it comical enough to brush off and enjoy his blatant and whimsical discussions about sun-tanning as a child and being mistaken for a woman over the phone. “We’ll be right out, sweetie,” Sedaris was told when he had called out for a tow truck. Sedaris’ humor was abundant that night at the Plaza Theatre. For someone who follows his style of comedic writing, it was a pleasurable experience to witness his talent live. It isn’t often that El Paso hosts prominent and relevant writers, especially ones as prolific and important as Sedaris. Sedaris ended the night with a brief but funny Q&A. When asked why he would prefer to own dogs over children, Sedaris answered: “At this point in my life, I would be too old to adopt a baby. If we’d go by age alone, I would have to adopt someone who would currently be 30. Now what would be the social perception if they saw an almost 60-year-old guy walking around pampering a 30-year-old guy?” Jose Soto may be reached at theprospectordaily.ent@ gmail.com.
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November 11, 2014
Former professor uses his talent for the public eye By Kimberly Valle The Prospector After 29 years of teaching art at UTEP, Ray Parish is now using his passion for constructing metal sculptures, which are now being showcased on Rim Road, close to Scenic Drive. Parish, who retired last year, showcased his art on the same street in 2002, but this year is different. Artist Angel Cabrales; Moises Bravo, Geoff Herbst, Daniel Lehman, Raul Monarrez, Becky Hendrick, Jessica Pizaña, Greg Elliott, Chris Bevins and Kat Bevins will also be adding to the milelong road. The public can check out the artists work from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays, until Nov. 16. “Art on the Rim” has been brought back by Ana Aleman and Amy Parker, the organizers of the event.
Two of Parish’s pieces, one called “Arabesque”—a tribute to his 12-yearold granddaughter—and his second called “Hero”—a tribute to all who work for the protection and betterment of others—will be showcased. Parish said his inspiration comes from his surroundings. He also said that his ideas often keep him up all night until he comes up with the ideal sculpture. He spent three years working on an environmental series. “The mental process is often what generated the concept in the first place, but there is a great deal of thought about how the sculpture is working and how could it be more effective,” Parish said. “I am a compulsive builder. The most important thing is making the work, but having it seen completes the process.”
cristina esquivel / The Prospector “Art on the Rim” is being showcased on Rim Road, close to Scenic Drive. This exhibit includes art from UTEP retired art professor Ray Parish. Parish’s sculptures are also exhibited on Alabama Street and in front of the Don Haskins Center. The Rim Road Neighborhood Association supports the idea with funding, as putting up the show costs approximately $4,000. Parish said he would also like to showcase his art in other locations if there were funds available to do so. Joaquin Vasquez, senior studio art and graphic design major, said he enjoys how Parish used certain objects to come up with his sculptures and looks
forward to walking around Rim Road to get a closer look. “The forms that he is playing with intrigue me. I enjoy the scale of his work. Not to put other forms of art down, but with sculpture, when I see one, I know it is interactive,” Vasquez said. “I can walk around it and see it from different angles, something you can’t necessarily do with a painting or a print. I would definitely consider taking a trip out to see his collection of work.” Alexsandra Annello, junior art major, said she admires Parish’s close detail on each structure and the time he took to continue his passion. “I think it is also super cool to recognize someone who took a lot of their time and career to help other people with their sculptures,” Annello said. “I can say as an art student at UTEP, I sometimes forget that our professors basically have two careers and all the extra time they take to help us is taken away from their personal work.”
Annello said Parish’s unique touch adds to both the community and to the scenery. “While being incorporated with the landscape of El Paso is really interesting, it kind of forces people to look at something (like a view on Rim Road) that they are familiar with in a new way,” she said. Parish said that although being an artist is challenging, he is thankful to have had a position at UTEP that supported his ambition. He offered advice to students who are dedicated to their passion for art. “If one is an artist, one can’t really be happy not being an artist. In my 29 years at UTEP, we graduated many who have become successful visual artists, but I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who isn’t completely committed,” Parish said. Kimberly Valle may be reached at theprospectordaily. ent@gmail.com.
PAGE 11 November 11, 2014
Sports
Editor
JAVIER CORTEZ, 747-7477
Men’s team ready for Washington State challenge By Javier Cortez The Prospector After a resounding 47-point win over Southeastern Oklahoma this past Sunday (Nov. 9), the UTEP men’s basketball team will open the 2014-15 season against a Pac-12 opponent Washington State at the Don Haskins Center. The season opener against the Cougars is what many believe to be a start down the path to the NCAA tournament in March. The Miners are predicted to finish second in Conference USA and are returning all but two players from last year. In the Miners’ only exhibition of the season against Southeastern Oklahoma, their depth on the bench was apparent. Consistently throughout the game head coach Tim Floyd would make platoon swaps at five-minute intervals. Five players would come in and five players would come out, and there was never a moment when the level of play suffered. “Coach (Floyd) would sub five in and five out, and whenever the second group came in we didn’t lose anything,” said senior guard Julian Washburn. “This year’s team is going to be way deeper than last year’s team and that’s going to help us a lot.” To no surprise, coach Floyd went with a veteran lineup in the exhibition consisting of senior C.J. Cooper, senior Julian Washburn, sophomore Vince Hunter, senior Cedrick Lang and senior Hooper Vint. The Miners traditional two guard, two
forward, one center lineup was effective, but coach Floyd said that no starting five is set in stone, it all depends on the matchup. “No idea about lineups right now,” Floyd said. “Washington State will dictate some of that, but we feel comfortable that we have grown in terms of depth. We’re not going to make that a big topic all year long in terms of who is starting and not starting.” In the Cougars’ exhibition game they played a guard-heavy lineup, and like the Miners, they have plenty of depth in the backcourt. Last season, five of the six leading scorers on the team were guards and all five guards are returning this year. The biggest name returning is senior guard Davonte Lacy, who led the team in scoring last year with 19.3 points per game and was second in the Pac-12 in ppg. Washburn will most likely guard Lacy, which will make for one of the most intriguing matchups of the game. Last year, the Cougars finished with a dismal 10-21 record and had one of the worst offenses in college basketball. In the Dec. 21 matchup last season between both teams, the Miners held the Cougars to 51 points, which was the third-lowest point total at home for the Cougars last season. Under new head coach Ernie Kent, the Cougars will look nothing like the team last year. Kent has an impressive resume spanning over 30 years in college basketball. Kent’s longest tenure came at Oregon, where he led
michaela roman / The Prospector Freshman point guard Lew Stallworth pushes the ball down court in the Miners Nov. 9 exhibition against Southeastern Oklahoma. the Ducks to five NCAA tournaments am very familiar with, he had great “It’s an exciting thing having a Pacand two Elite Eight’s. teams at the University of Oregon. 12 opponent in your opener,” Floyd Kent is known for playing a guard- This is going to be a much different heavy lineup, and at his time in Eu- Washington State team then we saw said. “We want a great crowd in here. Between them and the Aggies (New gene he coached future NBA guards a year ago.” Luke Ridnour, Fred Jones and Aaron If there is one thing coach Floyd Mexico State), I’m hoping we have Brooks. The question of who has the expects from Friday’s game besides back-to-back knockout crowds and better rotation of guards will have one of the more intriguing answers a win is a packed house. In the press people jacked up about this team beconference after the Miners’ exhibithis Friday. cause we are, as a coaching staff.” “They have a new coach that has tion game, Floyd insistently stated Javier Cortez may be reached at theprospectordaily. taken two teams to the Elite Eight,” how he would love to start the season Floyd said. “Ernie Kent is a guy I off with a big crowd. sports@gmail.com.
Lady Miners continue to fight to end of season After the match, it was apparent that this loss hurt more than the others. At times during the season the Miners could see defeat. Although the Miners’ attitude after matches was somber, this loss left some players disheveled. “It’s hard to comeback after losing the first two sets,” said sophomore setter Lindsey Larson. “I mean we fought to the end, but it just sucks about the outcome.”
I just want to see us go out fighting, Every set, every point. Just go out with a bang, we won’t be able to go to conference but the fact that we don’t give up and keep fighting for every point will still be that much better for next year. michaela roman / The Prospector Sophomore middle blocker Dominque Millette attempts a kill against the Miners in the last conference home match of the season against Charlotte on Nov. 9. Millette is fifth in total blocks in Conference USA for the season.
By Javier Cortez The Prospector This past Sunday (Nov. 9), the UTEP women’s volleyball team lost for the 19th time this season against the Charlotte 49ers. Compiled with the other 18, the loss might not stand out to most because it all but ends the Miners’ hopes of competing in the conference tournament, but the effort brought forth by the
Miners on Sunday was nothing short of commendable. Like most times this season, the Miners beat themselves rather than the opponent. Charlotte took the first two sets with ease and came out of the 10-minute intermission looking for an easy sweep. Uncharacteristic of the 2014 squad, the Miners came out and took control of the match. They stormed back from two sets down to push the match to a
fifth set, which is a rarity that has only happened four times this season. In the fifth set, the Miners gained control early, but the 49ers went on a 7-1 run that shut the door on the Miners’ comeback win. “It was a fight for sure,” said defensive specialist Ashley Peak. “We came back and fought as hard as we could. We really want to go to conference (tournament) and we we’re fighting for that I just don’t think we got the end result that we wanted.”
- Lindsey Larson, sophomore setter The effort does not match the end result, but the Miners’ competitiveness over the past month has improved. The Miners have lost six of their last 10 matches, but have been competitive in all but two of the matches. All season long, the Miners have had trouble gaining any consistency to stay competitive from match to match. But now, as the season comes
to a close, the Miners are playing their best, win or lose. Larson attributes the late-season spark to the chance of a C-USA tournament bid. “I feel like we felt an urgency to win,” Larson said. “Just the fact that the conference tournament was lying on the line, we needed to put some fire under our butts. It got us playing better and more competitive.” The Miners’ last two conference matches and the slim hope of getting into the C-USA tournament will depend on their games against Western Kentucky and North Texas. In late October, the Miners lost narrowly defeat to North Texas in five sets, and in mid-September Western Kentucky easily defeated the Miners, 3-0. “We’re not completely eliminated,” said head coach Holly Watts. “I think we feel like there is some hope and something to play for. There is always pride to play for and getting better.” Unless the Miners can will themselves to play some of their best volleyball against two quality teams, their season has a set end date. After the Miners’ last two conference road matches, they will play New Mexico State and Texas Christian University at the end of November. Whether the Miners’ destiny is already sealed, they will play the season out with pride. “I just want to see us go out fighting,” Larson said. “Every set, every point—just go out with a bang. We won’t be able to go to conference, but the fact that we don’t give up and keep fighting for every point will still be that much better for next year.” Javier Cortez may be reached at theprospectordaily. sports@gmail.com.
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November 11, 2014
Miners looking for elusive bowl-bid win
michaela roman/ The Prospector Senior defensive back Nick Gathrite leads the team in pass break ups and is 11th on the team in total tackles.
By Juan Carlos Navarrete The Prospector After losing on the road to Western Kentucky, the Miners are back home looking to get back on track against North Texas. For the second straight
week, the Miners will be playing for the chance to become bowl eligible. UTEP fell to the Hilltoppers, 3527, in a game where UTEP’s defense was anywhere but in Bowling Green. UTEP gave up over 320 passing yards and three touchdowns in the loss.
The Miners will have to look to bounce back at home in order to secure a bowl game. For the second week in a row, UTEP will face a team with only one conference win and an overall losing record.
North Texas is 1-4 in conference play and 3-6 overall. Much like their game against Western Kentucky, UTEP will be playing a team with a season on the line. Unlike Western Kentucky though, North Texas does not have a highpowered offense that puts up over 40 points per game.
The strength of our team, I really felt all year, has been our senior leadership. They have bounced back from difficult games. These guys have fight in them and I think you’re going to see it one more time this weekend.
- Sean Kugler, UTEP football head coach Granted the record for North Texas is not strong, it is nearly identical to Western Kentucky’s, and on paper UTEP should win this game, but football is not played on paper. Case in point, last week in a game that should have been an offensive shootout for the Miners, UTEP didn’t even have 160 passing yards and although they ran the ball well, UTEP faced too many three and outs in the fourth quarter to defend their early game lead. UTEP needs to play this game with a chip on its shoulder, go back to what has worked in the past and run the ball. UTEP has three games left to get one win and should see this game
as an opportunity to get a three-game winning streak going. In past games, it has become clear that running the ball is successful for the Miners. Having Aaron Jones back in the lineup can prove to be a big factor going into this game as the Miners can set the tempo of the game with the run. With Jones in the backfield, the Miners are a different team offensively, and it is in the best interest of the team if he plays. Head coach Sean Kugler rested Jones last week in the hopes that he would return this week healthy “We’re hoping to have Aaron back healthy,” Kugler said at the football media luncheon. “It was in the best interest of the team and Aaron to get him completely healthy. I didn’t want it to be a nagging and repetitive thing for him; we have a lot of football left. I wanted him healthy for the duration and I think he will be. That will be a big boost and benefit to our offense.” UTEP will face a Mean Green defense that has allowed an average of more than 30 points per game, something that should sit will with head coach Sean Kugler in preparations for this game. When UTEP runs the ball well, they are able to establish play action that opens up the passing game—something that will help a passing offense that has hit a wall in the last two games. The Miners will face a team whose offense resembles that of their own— a run-first, pass-second type of offense. Although North Texas has not been impressive through its passing game by only passing for 175 yards per game, their running game, on the other hand, poses a much greater challenge for UTEP. The running game accounts for most of North Texas’ success this season as it accounts for almost 160 yards per game. To no surprise, the Miners can expect a heavy dose of run plays. “They’re getting back to their roots,” Kugler said. “They want to hammer the ball and do play actions. They’re better when they’re doing that. They have the line that can get it done. They are kind of going back to their roots and they are benefiting from it. I expect that’s what we’ll see.” If UTEP can neutralize their running game and force them into obvious passing downs, then they can take control of the game defensively. UTEP may have the opportunity to control the game on both sides of the ball. They go into this game with a dominant running game that will have big contributors back, ones who can play this game and win. The tone of this game will be much like the one against Western Kentucky, win and you’re bowling in December. The Miners should take advantage of this game to not only earn a bowl game, but also to regain their confidence as they try to close the season out. The result of Saturday’s game will depend on senior leadership, like it has all year. “The strength of our team, I really felt all year, has been our senior leadership,” Kugler said. “They have bounced back from difficult games. These guys have fight in them and I think you’re going to see it one more time this weekend.” Juan Carlos Navarrete may be reached at theprospectordaily.sports@gmail.com.