Men’s Basketball p. 6AM

Volume 79 Issue 14

Jan. 18, 2013

AGERPArt Exhibit p. 4

Reported residence hall burglaries and vehicle burglaries kept students on edge as they returned to campus from winter break.

During the first week in January, four male suspects were caught on video surveillance at Plaza Verde, according to an e-mail sent to students and faculty. Less than a week later, two car burglaries were reported in the Vincent Nursing-Physical Science Building parking lot.

“[There are times] where we don’t have any burglaries, and other times we might have one or two,” University Police Patrol Lieutenant Marc West said. “It just depends.”

According to www.collegestudentsafety.com, 80 percent of all crimes reported at colleges and universities across the United States are property crimes.

“It is scary knowing that there are burglaries happening and it makes me realize the importance of putting valuables in a place where only I know where they are,” junior Kenia

Cruz said.In order to prevent burglaries,

making sure dorm room doors are locked is important, West said.

“Be aware of what is going on at campus and around campus,” West said. “If you see anything out of the ordinary, don’t hesitate to call and report what you have seen.”

According to http://articles.usa-people-search.com, there are simple tasks students need to remember

while on campus. A few key pointers to keep in mind

when on campus are to; always walk in a bright lit area, avoid walking

alone, do not leave personal information in common areas, and have your keys ready so there is no time spent having to search for them.

“It is easy to forget the minor things you can do in order to stay safe,” Cruz said. “I make sure I am alert when walking around campus because you never know what could happen.”

Report It, a free, online program available to the public, allows people to insert specific information about property or items they own, West said.

“This website is accessible 24/7,” he said. “You can go in and write a description of the item(s), brand, make and even include a picture. The obstacle in many crime

cases is being able identify property. Write down the serial number for each product that has a serial number that way it can be positively identified.”

See SAFETYPage 3

Burglaries take place on campus over break

Becoming more aware of your surroundings

Allison Price Managing Editor

Photo Illustration by Rio VelasquezVideo surveillance caught four male suspects entering Plaza Verde, where they broke into several rooms.

“Make sure to lock your car doors

and roll up the windows. If there are any items of

value in plain sight cover them up.”

- University Police Patrol Lieutenant Marc West

Planetarium increases its reel time

Do you already need a break from class this semester? The ASU Planetarium will have its first show of the semester next Thursday, Jan. 24, at 7 p.m.

Admission is free for ASU students, faculty and staff upon showing your school ID. Admission is $3 for adults and $2 for children, senior citizens and active military.

“We have about half ASU students and half families coming in to the shows,” Director of the Planetarium Mark Sonntag said. “We promote the shows on bulletin boards in the lobby of the Vincent building. We also make announcements to our classes, and it is posted on the ASU website.”

The planetarium will have shows every Thursday throughout the semester, and will change according to the season.

“We have a variety of shows,” Sonntag said.

See MoviesPage 3

More movie showings every Thursday

Jennifer Valdivia Staff Writer

Group sets out to bring local media to students

The Society of Professional Journalists Angelo State Chapter will be hosting a ‘Media Meet and Greet’ at the LeGrand Alumni Cen-ter on Thursday, Jan. 24, from 6:30 - 8 p.m.

The event is tailored towards Mass Media and Communication majors and minors, but open to all students, president senior Victo-ria Lacy said.

SPJ is a national organization. This is their first event of the school year.

“The purpose of the Meet and Greet is to facilitate communication between media students here on campus and local media professionals,” Lacy said. “We are hoping to promote SPJ as an organization on campus and maybe grasp a couple new members.”

This is a business casual event, she said.Representatives from local media groups

such as Standard Times and KSAN/KLST have been invited for students, vice president senior Cheyenne Benson said.

“It’s a great opportunity for students to get to know the media and informally learn about the industry. We figured this would benefit Mass Media and Communication students the most.”

This come and go event is free and refresh-ments will be served.

For more information contact vice president Cheyenne Benson at cbenson3@angelo.edu.

Opportunity to learn about the media industry

Mariah Powell Editor

Welcome Back!

- Ram Page

Friday, Jan. 18, 2013Page 2 NEWS

Events CalendarGet involvedon campus!

Here’s what’s going on this week.

Friday, Jan. 18

Art Exhibit: “Childhood Play/Adult Realities” by John Hartley. Located in the Carr Education-Fine Arts Building, Room 193. The exhibit opens at 9 a.m.

Saturday, Jan. 19

Women’s Basketball: ASU at Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Men’s Basketball: ASU at Incarnate Word in San Antonio, TX 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 21

No classes/ University offices are closedMartin Luther King, Jr. Day (University Holiday)

Tuesday, Jan. 22

Continuous: Art Exhibit: “Childhood Play/ Adult Reali-ties” by John Hartley.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. Located in the University Center Lobby from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Wednesday, Jan. 23

Continuous: Art Exhibit: “Childhood Play/Adult Reali-ties” by John Hartley.

Women’s Basketball: ASU vs. Abilene Christian @ Junell Center 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Men’s Basketball: ASU vs. Abilene Christian @ Junell Center 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 24

Continuous: Art Exhibit: Childhood Play/ Adult Reali-ties” by John Hartley.

“The Essence of Branding: It’s more than a LOGO; It’s an Experience.” Presentation by Becky J Benes. Located at the Business Resource Center from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Weekly Planetarium shows. 7 p.m. Stars of the Pharaohs- Take a trip to Egypt. 8 p.m. Cosmic Journey: A Solar System Adventure- Vol-canoes, hurricanes, and multicolored rings. 9 p.m. Secrets of the Sun- A close look at the sun. Planetarium is located in the Vincent Building.

Submit event requests by 5 p.m. Tuesday for Friday publication to rampage@angelo.edu

Professor publishes fifth book

History Professor and Department Head, Dr. Kenneth Heineman, recently had his fifth book published Dec. 24, 2012, “Civil War Dynasty: The Ewing Family of Ohio,” and it is receiving positive feedback.

“Kirkus [Reviews] is known as a particularly thorough critic,” Heineman said. “I was not expecting anything from Kirkus. It was amazing.”

“Civil War Dynasty: The Ewing Family of Ohio” focuses on William T. Sherman’s in-laws, he said.

“Usually in all of Sherman’s biographies, the focus is on him, and they mention in passing his father in-law, who was politically influential,” Heineman said. “That never quite added up to me because it never went anywhere beyond that. This is about a self-made man from the wilds of West Virginia; Thomas Ewing who taught himself Latin at the age of seven and went on to own half of Downtown St. Louis.”

Publishers Weekly wrote, “Heineman’s fast-

paced narrative brings to life a now-neglected American family as it comes into its own against the complex backdrop of a nation struggling to overcome political and social differences,” according to an ASU news release.

“I have always been interested in families,” Heineman said. “This was a chance to write a story across a couple of generations. It is an incredible family and their story had never been told. It was intriguing.”

In addition to writing five books, Heineman said he has written about 30 essays and articles, and 40 book reviews.

“In my History 1301 class, I do a lecture that draws from Tom Ewing Jr’s experiences,” Heineman said. “My [research] is also the basis of a lecture we gave for the Civil War Series.”

While writing “Civil War Dynasty,” Heineman said he received help from the English Department.

“Nicole McDaniel and the professional editing class had gone over various chapters while I was writing it as an assignment for their class,” Heineman said. “It’s really nice to have a university like ASU that have sibling departments and faculty that can help. I am very grateful for my

colleagues.”As Heineman

continues teaching, he also continues his research dealing with articles from Texas politics in the 1930s and 40’s.

“Texas had some remarkable political figures in the 1930s and 40’s,” Heineman said. “It is interesting to see [what is going on under the radar].”

“Civil War Dynasty: The Ewing Family of Ohio” was published by New York University Press. It

can be found on amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, booksamillion.com, as well as bookstores nationally at a retail price of $35.00.

“Civil War Dynasty” receives positive reviews

Allison Price Managing Editor

Photos Courtesy of Professor Kenneth HeinemanDr. Heineman signed copies of “Civil War Dynasty: The Ewing Family of Ohio” at the Sherman House in Lancaster, Ohio.

Outdoor Adventures prepares to host the Texas Outdoor Leadership Conference

ASU’s Outdoor Adventures pro-gram will host the annual Texas Out-door Leadership Conference (TOLC) Friday, Jan. 25 through Sunday, Jan. 27.

Friday will open with registration at 1 p.m. at the ASU Lake House, fol-lowed by a 4 p.m. tour of the ASU campus facilities. Friday evening will feature dinner at 6:30 p.m., followed by live entertainment and other ac-tivities at 8:30 p.m.

Education sessions are scheduled for Saturday and will include topics from risk management procedures to research into the effects of rock climbing on bone mineral density, according to a TOLC press release.

Sessions will take place at the ASU Lake House, the Center for Human Performance and the Houston Harte University Center, according to the press release.

Graduate Assistant for Outdoor Adventures, Aaron Kentner, will be presenting one of the educational sessions on the effects of rock climb-ing on bone mineral density, a six- week study he did during the fall se-mester.

The conference will end with a practicum-based clinic and skills ses-sions at the Lake House from 8 a.m. to noon.

Other activities will include an adventure race, Dutch oven cook-ing with food preparation and com-petition, entertainment will feature Manny Campos and Joshua Heim-becker, and Laurence Parent will be the Keynote speaker. Parent will be discussing the book he wrote, “Death in Big Bend”.

The event rotates to different Tex-as universities and colleges each year. Majority of attendees come from Tex-as universities, but the conference is also open to Arkansas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma schools, according to a TOLC press release.

“We’re expecting 75 to 100 profes-sionals and students to participate in the conference,” Kentner said.

Ian Brown, Assistant Director for

Outdoor Adventures, said the con-ference is an opportunity for the stu-dent staff involved in the program to get an opportunity to develop them-selves a little bit more.

“They’re the ones that are actu-ally putting the conference on. They manage the logistics, room reser-vations, the catering, and the edu-cational sessions,” Brown said, “In doing so it’s providing them an expe-rience so when they get on a career path, they already have prior experi-ence of event management.”

Student Supervisor for Outdoor Adventures, John Zafereo, will be working on the logistics aspect of the conference, such as setting staff schedules.

“This event definitely gives you a better look at the responsibilities that go into planning a conference like this,” Zafereo said. “There is a lot more that goes into it than I thought there was, and it’s a good way to learn,”

For more information or to register for the conference, go online to www.angelo.edu/tolc or call ASU Outdoor Adventures at (325)486-6918.

Conference focuses on the ever changing environment

Adam Sauceda Staff Writer

Snow piles up at ASU

Photos by Rio VelasquezErika Baeza and Haley Zapata, with the Multicultural Center, enjoyed the snow that fell in San Angelo over Christmas Break. The town received between three to four inches of snow within a 24-hour period.

TOLC ScheduleJan. 25 1 p.m. -Registration begins at the ASU Lake House.4 p.m. -Tour of ASU’s facilities.6:30 p.m. -Dinner8:30 p.m. -Live Entertainment

Jan. 26 Education sessions @ the Lake House, CHP and UC.

Jan, 27 8 a.m. to noon -Practicum-based clinic and skills sessions at the Lake House.

Go to www.angelo.edu/tolc to register online or call ASU Outdoor Adventures at (325) 486-6918.

NEWS Page 3Friday, Jan. 18, 2013

$2.00DRAFT BEER

midnightrodeosanangelo.com

San Angelo Police Department presents ‘Bully’ documentary

The San Angelo Police Department presented the documentary “Bully” on Thursday, Jan. 17, at 7:30 p.m. at Cinemark Tinseltown theatre of San Angelo.

“Bully” is a documentary that follows five children throughout their school year and shows the audience how bullying affects the lives of students who are being bullied and who are bullying others.

“I was bullied in high school,” sophomore Krysta Whitehead said. “I was verbally bullied, it happened mostly my freshman and sophomore years in high school. What’s done is done.”

Drug Resistance Education and Mentoring (D.R.E.A.M) Officer Erica Morris came up with the idea to try and get the film to San Angelo.

“Last summer was the major release

of the film, I called the theatre here and they were not slated to get it, so I started talking to corporate to get a private screening and to find venue,” Morris said. “Initially I was trying to get a private screening for SAISD but it didn’t work out. Tugg.com is an event hosting website that was a liaison for us, all we needed, was to sell a minimum number of tickets.”

As the word spread about the film through social media, radio and television interviews, over 200 tickets were sold, Morris said.

“I think bullies know they are doing something wrong but aren’t necessarily bad people,” junior Evan Herod said.” Some people, if not all people, like to feel superior to others and bullying is how they achieve that. It is a great idea to show this film, if I would’ve known about it sooner I probably would have gone to see it.”

This is the first time in at least four years a film like this has been brought to San Angelo, Morris said.

“It gets better as you get older, Herod said. “There are always people out there that you can talk to help you deal with it.”

Film shows the affects of bullying.

Jennifer Valdivia Staff Writer

- December 1, 2012ROTC hosted the Wounded

Warrior Run, raising $2,700 for the Wounded Warrior Project.

- December 3, 2012History professor Dr. John

E. Klingemann was awarded a conference faculty fellowship by the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education and will be attending the organization’s national conference in San Antonio.

- December 4, 2012A search committee sets out to

name a new ASU vice president and provost. They hope to have top candidates and be narrowed down to one finalist by May 1

The Small Business Development Center relocated off-campus. After 23 years of campus life, the center now resides at 69 N, Chadbourne St.

Send your events to rampage@angelo.edu.

December’s news.

Center for Disease Control shares tips on fighting the Flu1. Get the

vaccination.Free flu shots are still available to

ASU students, while supplies last.

2. Take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of germs.

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you are sick with flu-like illness, CDC recommends that you stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

Wash your hands with soap and water. If soap or water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Infections spread that way.

3. Take Flu antiviral drugs if your doctor prescribes them.

If you get the flu, antiviral drugs can treat your illness.

Antiviral drugs are different from antibiotics. Antiviral drugs can make illness milder and shorten the time you are sick.

Flu-like symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People may be infected with the flu, and have respiratory symptoms without a fever. Thermometers are available for free at the UC Info desk and at Residence hall operation desks. If you have a fever call the clinic at (325)942-2171 and isolate yourself. Students that live on campus can also get help through their Resident hall staff.

For more information visit http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm

Cont. from p.1The same tips for preventing

residence hall burglaries go for vehicle burglaries as well.

“Make sure to lock your car doors and roll up the windows,” West said. “If there are any items of value in plain sight, cover them up.”

Always be aware of your surroundings and if there is anything suspicious, pick up the phone and have a description of the people of

involved, West said.A $500 reward is available for

anyone with information about the suspects involved with the burglaries at Plaza Verde.

If you have information regarding the burglaries or would like more information about precautions you can take, please contact the University Police at (325) 942-2071 or the anonymous tip line at (325) 942-ACTT (2288).

Numbers to CallUniversity Police:

(325) 942-2071 ACTT anonymous tip line:

(325) 942-2288

Remember that any leads you have will help.

Safety Tips1. Make sure to lock your dorm room every time you leave the room.2. Be alert when walking late at night.3. Use the Emergency call boxes located on campus if there is ever an emergency.4. Report any suspicious activity on campus.5. Make sure items of value, either in your room or car, are hidden and not in plain site forothers to see.

Safety tips in affect to help prevent burglaries

8 p.m.“Cosmic Journey: A Solar System Adventure”

9 p.m.“Secrets of the Sun”

7 p.m.“Stars of the Pharaohs”

Cont. from p.1“They aren’t all about stars and galaxies. The shows usually change about four

times a year. We have winter, spring, summer and holiday programs.”“Stars of the Pharaohs” takes the audience on a trip to Egypt to see how pharaohs

use stars to tell time and make calendars.“I would probably go see “Stars of the Pharaohs”,” senior Amy Fogleman said.

“Sounds like there would be some good history in that one as well.” “Stars of the Pharaohs” will be followed by two more shows at 8 p.m. and 9

p.m., “Cosmic Journey: A Solar System Adventure” and lastly “Secrets of the Sun”. In “Cosmic Journey: A Solar System Adventure,” the audience will travel through the solar system taking in the wonders of the planets and their moons.

The last show, “Secrets of the Sun” teaches the audience about the many uses the sun has in our solar system.

“The Cosmic Journey show sounds interesting,” senior Ashley Hagins said. “Seeing the different planets and moons in high speed sounds cool.”

Tickets will only be available at the door. For more information contact Dr. Mark Sonntag.

“I really enjoy going,” Fogleman said. “I really wouldn’t mind going sometime this semester.”

The planetarium is located in the Vincent Nursing-Physical Science building across from the Center for Human Performance.

Movies grant students a weekly leisure night for free

While you were away ...

Friday, Jan. 18, 2013Page 4 FEATURES

Art Exhibit: “Childhood Play/Adult Realities” by John Hartley

Singer brings big screen talent to ASU

Nelly’s Echo will give a free per-formance for students on Friday, Jan. 25, in the Plaza Verde Commons Area from 7 to 9 p.m., and the event will be the first to be hosted by Uni-versity Center Programming Coun-cil in that facility.

UCPC will host the event as one of its “Date Nights.”

Event Coordinator Allen Bennet said the event is not just a date night for couples.

“A lot of students don’t like to go out and party, so it’s just another al-ternative for them to do something on a Friday night and just kind of hang out and kick back,” Bennet said.

Fellow Event Coordinator, Alex Bryant said the event will be a great way for reserved students to get out and meet new people.

“We’re trying to give people a fun experience to come and join so they don’t feel that there’s nothing to do,” Bryant said.

Lead singer Nelson Emokpae formed Nelly’s Echo in early 2007.

Nelly’s Echo has been featured on the third season of The Voice along-side pop stars such as Christina Agu-ilera, who was Emokpae’s coach, Cee Lo Green, Adam Levine, and Billy Joel of Green Day.

“My experience on The Voice was an amazing experience,” Emokpae said, “It was definitely a rush and a growing up experience.”

Nelly’s Echo has shared the stage with Trombone Shorty, Travie Mc-Coy, and Sean Kingston, performed at hundreds of colleges, and enter-tained for troops in Cuba.

Emokpae is from Nigeria in West Africa and came to America as a ref-

ugee in 1996 but hopes to return to Nigeria and help people who are im-poverished build their own homes and schools so that children there can have hope and an outlet to ex-press themselves.

“Everyone is born with a certain amount of talents and measure of dreams and admirations,” Emokpae said, “You need to surround yourself with people who will reinforce those dreams.”

Nelly’s Echo has never played in San Angelo but is excited to experi-ence a new place, new culture, and see the campus.

Senior Casey Williamson is excit-ed about attending the performance on Friday night.

“I can’t wait to see him perform af-ter watching him on The Voice,” Wil-liamson said, “It’s going to be a great show and I’m excited.”

The event is free to students and faculty, and pastries will be provided.

Nigeria native excited to play in San Angelo

Adam Sauceda Staff Writer

Fort Worth-based artist John Hartley’s exhibit, “Childhood Play/Adult Reali-ties” is now on display in Room 193 of the Carr Education-Fine Arts Building. The gallery is free to the public The art-ist will present his gallery talk at 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 20 in Room 101.

Photo Courtesy of Nelly’s Echo

“Second Amendment”

“Toy box Guernica”

“Military Venus”

“Blue Indian Chief ”

OPINIONS Page 5Friday, Jan. 18, 2013

PUBLISHING POLICYPublished every Friday and available to students, one copy per student, the student newspaper of Angelo State University is a public forum, with its student editorial board making all decisions concerning its contents. Unsigned editorials express the views of the majority of the editorial board.Ram Page welcomes all letters. Please include your name, classification/position and a phone number and/or e-mail ad-dress for verification purposes. Letters must be signed and be no more than 350 words. The paper reserves the right to edit letters for grammar and clarity, and all letters are subject to laws governing obscenity, libel and privacy. Deadline is 5 p.m., Monday. Submission does not guarantee publication. Letters may be mailed, e-mailed or submitted at the newspaper’s office, Room 324 on the third floor of the Porter Henderson Library. Opinions in letters are not necessarily those of the staff, nor should any opinion expressed in a public forum be construed as the opinion or policy of the administration, unless so attributed.

Ram Page Staff

2012-2013A n g e l o S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y

Editor: Mariah PowellManaging Editor: Allison PriceCopy Editor: Rachel RiggsOnline Editor: Riley MashburnStaff Writer: Stephen CoganStaff Writer: Adam SaucedaStaff Writer: Jennifer ValdiviaCirculation Manager: Mariah PowellPhoto Editor: Rio VelasquezPhotographer: Tim PeevyAdvertising Manager: Kaitlynn Glendinning Adviser: Dr. Cathy Johnson

Ram PageASU Station #10895

San Angelo, Texas 76909-0895

Editor: rampage@angelo.edu Advertising: rampageads@angelo.edu

Newsroom: (325) 942-2323 Advertising: (325) 942-2040 Fax: (325) 942-2551 Member of

The Texas Tech University SystemAssociated Collegiate Press

Texas Intercollegiate Press Association

“I really want to get all A’s and B’s this year

and actually try to study.”

“I want to get a sports bike within

six months. I already saved up $5000.”

“I want use my time more efficiently and I want to be more

responsible.”

“Mine would be to have a better semester and enjoy my friends and enjoy my classes.”

“I am hoping to survive this year and

to achieve it, I will study my [butt] off ”

Monique RichardsonJunior

Renee Jackson Junior

Linette CastanedaJunior

Angel ChavezSophomore

Kirsta MaganallesSophomore

What is your New Year’s Resolution?

Why make a New Year’s Resolution? Plan for every day to be better than the one before.

I hear people every year talking about how they will become a ‘new person’ or start on a ‘new path’ during the New Year … Why wait?

You can get the ball rolling before it’s time to change the calendar. I have never been the person to make a resolution, because I see too many people fail in this area, but instead year-round I have my goals posted on my refrigerator. Yes, sometimes they change so I re-write them but New Year’s Resolution is a ‘no no’ for me.

1. Every day should be a day you push to make better than the day before.

2. Most people do not have the will power to stick the year out fulfilling their reso-lution.

3. Why wasn’t it a goal be-fore Jan. 1?

Maybe people think when the date refreshes, their mind and actions will automatically do the same, but unfortunately it does not work that way. If your reso-lution is something you had the power to change all along, what were you waiting for? And is that thing that held you back last year going to hold you back again? You have to prepare mentally for a change if you control the variables.

Personal goals should be in effect at all times. I feel that every day a person should look to better themselves for their own benefit not just because you needed a resolution to bring in the New Year with.

Short and long term goals are important. Even if it’s as small as an attitude adjustment, you will see that the smallest things help out the most. I keep a list of things to do for myself and with my family.

A new year does not have to consist of a personal make-over, but people tend to gear their goals direct-ly towards their appearance. Try volunteering more, or helping in an area that you do not particularly fa-vor.

If you do make resolutions, I hope that you can stick to them. I know there are always temptations and obstacles. I am not knocking resolutions, but I am knocking the people that set one just because someone else does knowing they will not follow through. If you set them I feel you should take them a little more seriously and get through at least a month of whatever it is you set your goal to be. Some people don’t have the will power to keep up and discipline themselves, or they are afraid because they have not thought through what making the change will bring for them, and how it will affect their social life or family. I feel that if you want something so bad to the point that you can taste it, most of the time, and I repeat MOST OF THE TIME, it is worth going after.

When making goals to better yourself, it is impor-tant to put aside what other people think about your goals and focus on you. That person may just be jeal-ous because they don’t have what it takes to change so they want to bring you down. Be stern when you make your goals. Be determined. And most of all be anxious to see your changes, internal or external.

Mariah Powell Editor

In addition to our official website try liking our page, leaving us comments and tweets, checking out our cool photos.

SPORTS Page 6Friday, Jan. 18, 2013

New teams seek to repeat last year’s success

The players are swinging the bats and breaking out the Rawlings gloves as ASU’s softball and baseball teams prepare begin their official seasons on Friday, Feb. 1.

Both teams won the Lone Star Conference champi-onship the previous season and will look to repeat as conference champions despite losing several key con-tributors their success.

Reigning Lone Star Conference MVP Elsamarti-na Apo will help the ‘Belles out from the dugout as a graduate assistant instead of hitting in the batter’s box.

Other notable graduates include the team’s former staff ace Claire Molina and slugger DeeshanaLynn Ta-fiti, but one ‘Belle is certain that the team can make up for their departed teammates.

“I feel like we don’t have odds against us,” junior Morgan Spearman said. “I feel like we have an equal amount of chance as we did last year and we’re just as good if we focus and are mentally prepared.”

Spearman said that she understood that the ‘Belles had lost some very important players, but still believes that this new team can still bring home the trophy.

Head Coach Travis Scott has been here before though as he has won six Lone Star Conference cham-pionships going into his 10th season as the softball head coach at ASU and he’s done it with a revolving door of players.

“Anytime you lose an Elsa Apo or Deeshana Tafiti

or a Claire Molina; that’s some big shoes.” Scott said. “Those are great players and that’s happened to us over the years.”

The ‘Belles have players ready to step in and con-tribute like freshman third baseman Lanie Robinson, who will take Apo’s spot now, and pitchers like fresh-man Kacie Brann and junior Sandra Serna, who will pitch to fill Molina’s role.

Scott said that ASU’s success over the years and the program’s reputation has been a key factor to the team’s ability to recruit and continue to keep a con-tending team together year after year regardless of the players that graduate or transfer.

As for baseball, the Rams are fresh off of celebrat-ing a celebration-filled 2012 season where they won 40 total games, went 20-8 in the Lone Star Conference, captured career win number 300 for Head Coach Kevin Brooks, and won the team’s second conference championship in eight seasons.

The Rams won the Lone Star Conference in 2007 and went 51-20 over the season, but fell to 39-19 the following season.

In 2013, the Rams have another chance to bring back-to-back conference championships to ASU, but will be short five guys in their starting lineup since se-niors Doug Snover, Brett Parsons, Zach Cohen, Toby Semler and Tate Allison graduated.

“On paper it looks like we’re the same team, but we’ve got less than half of our starting lineup back from last year,” Brooks said. “The four guys we do have back were really big contributors.”

Those four would be seniors Quaid McKin-non, Andrew LaCombe, Lee Neumann, and Ryan Greer.

LaCombe is a team captain while the other three have won Lone Star Conference Hitter of the Week awards.

In order to win, Brooks said that the re-turning four have got to play better, and the five new players in the lineup have to contribute.

As for the bullpen, the Rams lost several

senior pitchers; Matt Rechkemmer, Rick Reyna, Craig Blair, and Bren Schuehler.

However, there is one senior returning due to an in-jury the previous year and that is the other team cap-tain senior Bryant Rutledge.

“After not being able to play last year and to be able to play on a team that won it last year and we have a really good chance to win it again this year,” Rutledge said. “That’s extremely exciting for me; to be able to continue on with my senior year after surgery.”

Rutledge said the choice of him as captain does not put additional pressure on him but instead, he is go-ing to continue to be a hard worker and to push his teammates.

Rutledge said that his surgery has not only healed his arm, but has in fact, made a few things better.

“My velocity has increased significantly,” Rutledge said. “My changeup has gotten a lot better and those were tools I didn’t have my first year pitching. I threw a lot of breaking balls in my first year and now I can work with all three of my pitches.”

Both ASU teams are going through significant changes, but the goal and the destination hasn’t changed at all and they are going to pursue them.

Rams open up their season against Oauchita Bap-tist with a noon doubleheader in Arkadelphia, Ark.

The ‘Belles open up their season up in San Antonio, TX with a noon game against East Central University and a 4 p.m. game against St. Edwards University.

Photo by Rio VelasquezHead Coach Travis Scott hit balls toward the outfield during practice on Friday Jan. 11.

Coach Brooks aims for win no. 400 this Saturday

Photo by Rio VelasquezSenior Quaid McKinnon (left) and freshman Luke Mckin-non (right) both played infield during Tuesday practice.

Women’s Head Basketball Coach Sally Brooks has accomplished many things since taking over ASU’s program in 2000.

She has led the ‘Belles to four Lone Star Conference Championship wins, coached 33 All-LSC players, appeared in the NCAA tournament seven times, been LSC Coach of the Year twice and has raised her two children with her husband Kevin at the same time.

Now, Brooks is just a Saturday’s win away from another prestigious achieve-ment.

If the ‘Belles win their 2 p.m. game against Incarnate Word in San Antonio on Saturday, Jan. 19, Coach Brooks will have earned her 400th career win as the head coach at ASU.

Brooks’ continued presence here echoes the dedication she has not only to basketball, but to ASU itself.

“I thought this was a great job when I took the opportunity and came here,” Brooks said.

“I never had any intention of leav-ing here. I love being a D-II basketball coach and I think ASU is a great place to coach and San Angelo is a great place to live.”

For 13 years, ASU has been lucky to have Brooks and her strength and lead-ership continue to shine 399 wins later.

“That’s a huge accomplishment,” ju-nior center Lauren Holt said. “I cannot even fathom 400 wins, so we’re going to get this win for coach and get off to a good winning streak.”

If the women can defeat Incarnate Word, they will have a chance to have that winning streak that Holt wants with a home game against Abilene Christian on Wed Jan. 23.

The ‘Belles have had an even year with 7-7 overall record and a 4-4 con-ference record after Wednesday night’s 65-51 win over Texas A&M-Kingsville University.

Women’s basketball team hopes to achieve win for coach.

Stephen Cogan Staff Writer

Photo by Rio VelasquezThe ‘Belles attempted for a rebound in the first half and then shot two free throws.

Photo by Rio VelasquezSophomore Dakota Rawls (left) prepared to pass the ball as junior Zach Jones (right) waved his arms ready for the pass.

Rams improve to 5-10 with 81-67 win on Wednesday

After pulling off an 81-67 win over Texas A&M University-Kingsville, the Rams remind themselves that there re-ally is no place like home.

The Rams won their fifth game of the season on Wednesday and are now 5-3 at home while 0-6 on the road and 0-1 on neutral courts.

The Rams now have to pull off a ma-jor win streak if they want to be con-tenders for the Lone Star Conference Championship and according to junior guard Bryan Hammond; they are going to be better.

“I think that’s what we really needed was to get a home win,” Hammond said. “Since we’re winning at home, we’re in a good spot. We’re just building on it and everybody’s excited.”

Despite where the Rams are record-wise; multiple team sources have said that the experience that this young group of players gains with each game is important and helpful for improve-ment.

“I can see it in practices and games,” Hammond said. “Everybody is learning to play with each other more and more as the season goes on.”

Head Coach Fred Rike said he was pleased with the improvements.

“We just got to continue to improve and play our best basketball in Febru-ary,” Rike said. “We got a lot of young guys and I think we’re playing a couple freshmen [and] a couple sophomores and I think they’re growing up.”

Rams must win next games to make it to the LSC.

Stephen Cogan Staff Writer

The Rams will take the court in San Antonio against

Incarnate Word on Jan. 19 at 4 p.m.