CHECK THE WEB Arrastrándose por el lodo Los jugadores de béisbol participaron en una pista de obstáculos, parte del “Bronc Challenge.” panamericanonline.com Broncs Beatdown Check out the total recap of the Broncs’ 69-52 win over TAMUCC online at panamericanonline.com WWW.PANAMERICANONLINE.COM Volume 68, No. 13 December 8, 2011 All new or returning students, including entering graduate students, at UTPA must get vaccinated against bacterial meningitis before being allowed to register for classes because of legislation passed in May. The new law as well as the old one are a result of two serious cases of meningitis in Texas. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Jamie Schanbaum caught meningococcal septicemia (meningitis) in November 2008 while living on campus at The University of Texas at Austin. The sophomore, at the time, contracted a flesh-eating bacterium while undergoing surgeries, which caused her to lose both her legs and her fingers. In 2009, after pressure from her family, the Texas 81st legislature passed House Bill 4189 in Schanbaum’s name. The law required all Texas students staying in resident halls at any university to receive the meningitis vaccination 10 days before their first day. In February, Nicolis Williams, a Texas A&M student, died within 24 hours of contracting bacterial meningitis. Williams lived off- campus because no campus housing was available when he enrolled. In May, Gov. Rick Perry signed Senate Bill 1107 that requires all new entering students and returning students who have not been enrolled for a semester or students under the age of 30 in any Texas university get the shot. Texas is the first state in the country to have this law for university students, and Director of New Student and Visitors Services Deborah Gilchrist said she understands why it is necessary. “Just reading about these students (who have contracted meningitis) helps you realize the importance of the vaccination,” she said. By Daniella Diaz The Pan American *Cleveland Clinic SEE MENINGITIS || PAGE 3 Mario Lopez/e Pan American
Transcript
CHECK THE WEB
Arrastrándose por el lodo Los jugadores de béisbol participaron en una pista de obstáculos, parte del “Bronc Challenge.”panamericanonline.com
Broncs BeatdownCheck out the total recap of the Broncs’ 69-52 win over TAMUCC online at panamericanonline.com
WWW.PANAMERICANONLINE.COMVolume 68, No. 13 December 8, 2011
All new or returning students, including entering graduate students, at UTPA must get vaccinated against bacterial meningitis before being allowed to register for classes because of legislation passed in May. The new law as well as the old one are a result of two serious cases of meningitis
in Texas.Meningitis is an inflammation of
the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection.
Jamie Schanbaum caught meningococcal septicemia (meningitis) in November 2008 while living on campus at The University of Texas at Austin. The sophomore, at the time, contracted a flesh-eating bacterium while
undergoing surgeries, which caused her to lose both her legs and her fingers.
In 2009, after pressure from her family, the Texas 81st legislature passed House Bill 4189 in Schanbaum’s name. The law required all Texas students staying in resident halls at any university to receive the meningitis vaccination 10 days before their first day.
In February, Nicolis Williams, a
Texas A&M student, died within 24 hours of contracting bacterial meningitis. Williams lived off-campus because no campus housing was available when he enrolled.
In May, Gov. Rick Perry signed Senate Bill 1107 that requires all new entering students and returning students who have not been enrolled for a semester or students under the age of 30 in any Texas university get the shot.
Texas is the first state in the country to have this law for university students, and Director of New Student and Visitors Services Deborah Gilchrist said she understands why it is necessary.
“Just reading about these students (who have contracted meningitis) helps you realize the importance of the vaccination,” she said.
By Daniella DiazThe Pan American
*Cleveland Clinic
SEE MENINGITIS || PAGE 3
Mario Lopez/� e Pan American
As a youngster, I remember the thick yellow border of National Geographic issues peering out of a stack of letters every day once my parents brought in the mail.
Nevermind the bills - hand me those colorful photos!
� e pile of issues we had at the house seemed to accumulate almost immediately after the � rst one arrived. I kept asking my old man why we had so
many and what we were going to do with all of them but he would simply hand one over to me and soon my thoughts turned to whatever subject was at hand in that month’s issue.
Guess he knew the attention span of his little girl quite well.
Keep in mind at the time I was much younger than today and the only thing that I seemed to be interested in were the magni� cent photos jumping out at me. But soon enough I began to actually read the articles.
I can recall cutting out maps that sometimes Nat Geo was nice enough to include and taping them to the walls around my room. While reading an article I would map out the journeys these people would go on.
India, Morocco, the Fiji Islands and Mount Everest were among the destinations. � is only fueled my ambition and desire to reach out of the Valley. It suddenly became more and more attainable. My mind was blown at the idea that a di� erent world existed
outside of my backyard, as silly as that might sound.
In my mind these people were “writers” simply documenting their adventures. I had never heard the term, “journalist” before. But I was hooked.
Whether it was investigative, war or music journalism, I wanted to do it - and maybe all of it. I was interested in disconnecting myself from home, traveling the world while writing about these experiences and meeting di� erent sorts of people while I was at it.
But I never realized how much work goes into such an under appreciated and sometimes overly scrutinized profession. Not to mention the ever-changing nature of it. But it’s not the appreciation that makes it worth it, far from it. It’s the excitement that I love and the knowledge that is garnered by it.
Not to mention the impact that this job entails. And the implications that come along with it. In associating myself with the newspaper and magazine on campus, I’ve been able to hear amazing stories and talk to many equally intriguing individuals.
I remember interviewing a woman at her home on 17th Street last semester. While sitting on her front porch in the already indented old chairs that she owned, she opened up about her life and how the neighborhood grew into the entertainment district it is now. Almost expectantly, for someone in their late 80s, she had quite a bit to say.
Another time I got to interview a fellow journalist from Mexico amid the height of the border war on drugs. And then there was that time that I got to meet Lisa Ling during a dinner prior to her speech last year. Words can’t express the excitement I felt when I got to take a photo with her.
Now my college career is drawing to a close and my time is up. It’s time to step out into the real world and I’ll tell you one thing, I’m scared as [insert gratuitous cuss word here.
But somehow I’ve managed to settle into a profession that I’m passionate about. How many of us can say that?
It’s all your fault, Dad
Roxann Garcia Co-Editor in Chief
Opinion
The Pan American accepts letters of 300 words or less from students, staff and faculty regarding recent newspaper content, campus concerns or current events. We reserve the right to edit submissions for grammar and length. We cannot publish anonymous letters or submissions containing hate speech or gratuitous personal attacks. Please send all story ideas to [email protected].
Individuals with disabilities wishing to acquire this publication in an alternative format or needing assistance to attend any event listed can contact The Pan American for more details.
Francisco Rodriguez / The Pan American
The Pan American is the offi cial student newspaper of The University of Texas-Pan American. Views presented are those of the writers and do not necessar-ily refl ect those of the paper or university.
Letters to the Editor
Delivery:Thursday at noon
1201 West University, CAS 170 Edinburg, Texas 78539Phone: (956) 665-2541
Russel Skowronek thought it was a prank when he heard the news last � ursday in the car.
� e Community Historical Archaeology Project with Schools program received a $99,425 grant from the National Endowment for Humanities, something that came as a surprise to Skowronek, the director of the program.
“I thought somebody was pulling an April fool’s joke a little late,” he said. “� is was the fourth proposal we had submitted in a calendar year…we’ve been turned down and turned down. I thought we’d be turned down on
this also, because you get so used to getting the thin envelope or the email that says ‘forget it.’”
� e UTPA CHAPS program aims to tell the Valley’s story by researching the change in its plant life, geology and
human population over the last 10,000 years. It engages the Valley community by doing activities with schoolchildren about local archeology and history.
“We’ll do a half day workshop with…middle school and beyond. Hands-on stu� in archeology,” Skowronek said. “Working with projectile points and pottery and how to do an oral history. Real hands-on experiential learning so we get them jazzed about what’s there.”
CHAPS has developed curriculum to teach these subjects to local schools and will use the majority of the money to fund workshops for teachers.
“(� e teachers) will be able to take back to the classroom what we show them and what’s exciting about this is then we will join them in the classroom… and be able to observe
their students and measure the successes of their students,” he said. “� en use this to develop even more speci� c curriculum right here on the Valley and celebrate our story down here.”
Skowronek said the almost $100,000 could not come at a better time, since school districts are cutting back on new teacher training and CHAPS has never had any funds to help the teachers.
“We’ve had no money. � at means that everything has been done with a smile and a handshake and the school teachers, we never had any support for them,” he said.
Skowronek said that since the grant is highly competitive, he hoped that its prestige will encourage other donors to support CHAPS.
“Money attracts money and I’m
hoping to not only attract more grants but I’m hoping to go to the foundations with this, and local folks will see, ‘By God, they did it.’ and we are out there doing what we said we would do,” he said.
Being the director of an organization dedicated to telling the Valley’s story might seem an odd � t for Skowronek, who � rst came to South Texas in 2005 from California, but he said he was drawn by the dearth of archeological research on the area.
“I came down here and said, ‘Gee, this is a real interesting place. � ere have been Spanish-speaking people here for 250 years, must have been a lot of research that’s been done,’” the specialist in Spanish colonialism said. “But the last major project done here was in the 1940’s in Falcon Reservoir.”
Skowronek said he has high hopes for the future of the program, which includes eight other faculty members, a grad student and a class from the University.
“When I go to these schools, I tell (the kids) to please get through high school, go through college, get a PhD and come take my job,” he said. “Because I hope the next person that takes this job is someone that grew up here and I hope…whenever they do they will say, ‘You know, for something with no money, look what CHAPS did.’”
November 10, 2011 3December 8, 2011 3NEWS
It is estimated that over 1.5 million bicycles are stolen every year, according to the National Bike Registry (NBR).
According to the NBR, statistics indicate that bicycle theft is one of the few forms of larceny on the rise in the United States, with college campuses being one of the most vulnerable locations for this crime.
“Believe it or not, one of the top crime statistics here on campus that we’ve seen is theft,” Fidel Castro, a public safety and crime prevention officer, said. “And bikes are one of those that (are most commonly stolen). So that’s why we’ve been pushing for Operation Identification...it’s a crime prevention technique.”
Operation Identification (Operation I.D.) is an on-going program started more than a year ago and involves the engraving of a state driver’s license number on valuable items of personal property, such as bicycles. If the item is ever
lost or stolen and returned to the University police department, the owner of the item can be identified with this number and contacted so they may retrieve it.
Danielle Silva, an assistant professor of Portuguese, has seen signs around campus advertising Operation I.D. Despite using her bicycle often these past six months, she really wasn’t aware of what it was.
“There is just a phone number on the sign,” Silva, a visiting scholar, said. “There is no explanation about how to register the bike. It doesn’t say where we are suppose to go, it could be better explained.”
Despite this confusion, Silva still plans to eventually register her bicycle.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, junior communication major Amanda Lozano, knew all about Operation I.D. since she’s a resident assistant (RA) at Troxel Hall. They keep in close contact with the University police department so they can keep residents informed.
“I took my bike to get registered,” Lozano said. “It was cool. I thought ‘Well, it’s easy, it’s free. I might as well because, if it does get stolen, there’s a better chance of recovering it.’”
She thinks it’s a good idea and feels more secure knowing her bicycle is registered.
“A lot of people (steal) bikes, and it’s just easy,” Lozano, who has been riding her bicycle a lot this past semester, said. “You never know. It’s just really easy to steal these bikes. It’s free and it’s a good idea to go do it. Just taking the time to go to the police department and waiting for like five minutes and that’s about it. It’s a good idea, and I’m glad they have things like that. It’s taking care of my property and it gives me a sense of security.”
So far no items have been returned to owners as a result of this system, but Castro still encourages students to register items.
“We really encourage students to come out and get your bikes registered,” he said. “It’s free, it’s to your benefit, you can’t go wrong.”
Bacterial meningitis is more severe than viral meningitis. High fever, headache and sti� neck are common symptoms of meningitis. Both strains can be spread through direct contact with nose and throat secretions.
According to the Department of State Health Services, Texas had 336 cases of meningitis in 2009. � irty-four of them in individuals between 15 and 29 years old.
New students, including entering graduate students, at UTPA will have a hold on their ASSIST account if they have not received the vaccination yet. � is hold prevents them from registering for classes in the upcoming semester.
� e Student Health Services center on campus is o� ering the vaccination for $82 but there are certain instances that allow a student to be exempt from the vaccination.
“If you have a note from your physician that says it would be medically dangerous for you to take the vaccine, for instance if you were pregnant, we would wait until you delivered and then give you the vaccine,” Rick Gray, director of Student Health Services, said.
� e University is aware that some students may not be able to a� ord the vaccination.
“If a student cannot a� ord the vaccination, we can drop the cost on their student account,” Gray said. “� ey could either use their � nancial aid to pay it o� or pay it o� before the end of the semester. It’s up to them.”
Students that are already enrolled in the University do not need the vaccination in order to register for next semester. � e law is only for incoming students or students who have taken a long semester break from their university.
“All students are getting a pop-up (window) on ASSIST (about the vaccination), but they need to read it,” Gilchrist said. “I have a lot of current students that think they need it because they are not reading the pop-up. � ey do not need the vaccination for next semester if they are already attending (the university).”
Matthew Sustaita, a sophomore art major and a student who will not be a� ected by this new law, believes all students should be required to receive this vaccination.
“I think that if (Texas) does these sort of policies, it should require the entire population (to receive the vaccination) rather than just a few chosen students because then the law wouldn’t be as successful in it’s purpose,” Sustaita said.
CHAPS lands $99,425
Archeological organization plans to use funds for Valley schools
Operation I.D. gears up against bike theft
By Karen AntonacciThe Pan American
By Susan GonzalezThe Pan American
MENINGITIScontinued from Page 1
Operation ID signs around campus ask UTPA cyclists to register their bikes.
the pan american December 8, 2011Page 4
El frío se empieza a sentir fuerte en la universidad y con él llega todo el estrés sobre los estudiantes y miembros del personal docente de la temida semana � nal.
Para muchos la última semana de � nales es muy esperada y para otros es la muerte en vida. ¿Como no sentirse asustado de tener cinco o seis exámenes, acerca de todo lo que viste en cinco meses resumido en 60 preguntas?
Cabe mencionar que algunos estudiantes se jactan de decir que no tienen ningún examen � nal, por lo general son alumnos de nuevo ingreso. Sin embargo, para quienes están más avanzados en su carrera sienten la presión de tener que lidiar con tanto estudio, trabajos � nales, presentaciones y una que otra prueba.
“Esta es la primera vez que experimento el sentimiento de estar preocupada
por los exámenes,” Fany Rodríguez, una estudiante recién ingresada a la Universidad del Sur de Tejas, o STC por sus siglas en ingles, comentó. “Solo tendré dos exámenes � nales pero me estoy preparando desde hoy para no tener que estudiar a última hora.”
En la Universidad, se ofrecen muchos tipos de ayuda. Por ejemplo el Centro de Ayuda al Aprendizaje, también conocido como LAC, en donde se brinda ayuda en diferentes materias como matemáticas, biología, Inglés, y muchas otras materias.
“De� nitivamente el estar a punto de graduarse pone un poco de estrés extra en ti, pero tienes que tomar las cosas con precaución, estudiar desde antes y utilizar algunas técnicas de estudio que te ayudan a lograr tu objetivo,” José Guzmán, estudiante de ingeniería dijo sobre el estrés de estar a punto de graduarse.
La procrastinación hoy en día es un detenére más para los estudiantes.
Maricela Martínez, graduada de UTPA y licenciada en educación, recomiende escuchar música mientras estudias o tomar mucho café para no quedarse dormido.
“Para combatir los síntomas del estrés, existen varias cosas que los alumnos pueden realizar. En primer lugar, siempre está el estudiar desde antes. El tener una preparación previa al día del examen siempre te da una ventaja,” Martínez dijo. “Existen muchas formas de estudio como lo es estudiar varios días antes cubriendo ciertos temas por día para no sobre cargar todo.”
Dentro de todas estas técnicas existe un factor incluido que sin él, estudiar no podría ser logrado: el esfuerzo.
“Otra de las formas más utilizadas por los estudiantes es crear grupos de estudio, el que alguien te ayude a aprender es mejor porque se convierte en alguien cercano quien te está ayudan do y no es un maestro.”
Existe más gente que pre� ere dejar todo para mañana cuando tienen tiempo de hacerlo hoy, y eso sin duda solo es el mejor aliado del estrés.
“Pongo música relajante, cierro todo en la computadora que no sea lo que tengo que estudiar, y preparo un café y donas. Para mí funciona esto porque me relajo,” Lorena García, estudiante de negocios, dijo sobre su técnica para estudiar. “Después de dos horas de estudio me tomo un descanso y luego vuelvo a comenzar. Si el estudio es largo incluso me doy una ducha de agua caliente para des estresarme y así me mantengo fresca y despierta para poder estudiar.”
Sabemos que la semana de exámenes � nales es difícil para aquellos quienes lidiaran con tres, cuatro, cinco y hasta seis � nales, pero no se desanimen. El semestre está por terminar y ya en la recta � nal lo único que queda por hacer es dar ese ultimo estirón.
December 8, 2011 5
Por Carlos ArteagaThe Pan American
ESPAÑOL
Top 10 universidades estresadas1. Columbia University2. Stanford University3. Harvard University4. University of Pennsylvania5. Washington University in St. Louis6. University of Chicago7. Massachusetts Institute of Technology8. Vanderbilt University9. Northwestern University10. Yale University
Los costos altos de matrícula, la competitividad entre pares y las bajas tasas de aceptación de estas universidades hace que sean los campus más estresados en los EE.UU.
Estresados
Photo illustration by Reynaldo Leal/THE PAN AMERICAN
Consejos para reducir el estrés de
exámenes1. Habla a tí mismoIdenti� ca el problema y di a ti mismo la razón por el estrés, que puedes hacer y que todo va salir bien.
2. Come saludablementeFrutas y vegetables siempre son buenos para la salud, pero también han demostrado que reducen los síntomas de estrés.
3. Respira profundamente Respirando profundamente oxigena tu sangre, ayuda centrar tu cuerpo y aclara tu mente.
4. RíeteLa risa libera endor� nas que mejoran los niveles de estado de ánimo y disminución de la tensión que causan hormonas cortisol y adrenalina.
5. Prueba el téLa cafeína te causa estrés, entonces mejor prueba el té verde. Contiene antioxidantes saludables y teanina.
6. EjercicioAunque sea por un minuto, acele-rando tu circulación libera endor-� nas y puede mejorar tu estado de ánimo, casi al instante.
7. Duerme mejorEstudiando toda la noche es la peor cosa que puedes hacer. No solo estarás cansado y no podrás enfocar, pero tu falta de sueño en sí mismo será un factor de estrés. El sueño puede ser el destructor de estrés más e� caz.
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Causantes del estrés en universidades
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS TIMES
Ayudas otros
estudiantes estudiar en tu
tiempo libre.
Fuiste a clase
todos los días,
completaste
todas las tareas y empezaste a estudiar tres semanas antes del examen.
Fuiste a clase regularmente y empezaste a estudiar la semana del examen.
Recibiste las notas de un compañero,
sabes que temas debes de estudiar y tienes un grupo de estudio.
Estas consciente del examen, pero de nada más.
Faltaste clase todo el semestre, no conoces a nadie en
clase, ni compraste los libros y todavía tratarás de pasar el examen.
El internet no sirve y no encuentras el plan de estudios
para pedirle al
profesor que te cambie la fecha del examen.
Estudiantes de UTPA batallan con el estrés de exámenes fi nales
35%Presión �nanciera
35%Competitividad
10%
10%
10%Tasa de aceptación
Programa de ingeniería
Crimen en el campus
THE PAN AMERICANTHE PAN AMERICAN December 8, 2011 December 8, 2011 Page 7Page 6
THE PAN AMERICANTHE PAN AMERICAN December 8, 2011 December 8, 2011 Page 7Page 6
Sure, the line of customers waiting to order breakfast tacos goes all the way to the door, but the wait is completely worth it. � ree tacos would be enough to satisfy most people, and Rocha’s o� ers favorites such as potato and egg, barbacoa and machacado. Add a canned soda, and the total is about $3. You can de� nitely feed a whole family on a budget here. Just don’t let the 15-minute wait scare you.
If you miss the burgers from the streets of Reynosa but don’t like dodging bullets, Yum-Yum is the place to go. To get there you de� nitely have to travel to the middle of nowhere, but you should have no problem splurging on gas at such cheap food prices. � ese burgers already come with ham and cheese, and they also include fries and a canned soda. Yum-Yum o� ers traditional items found at a typical raspa stand. Next time you get lost in Mission, try them out.
� is mom-and-pop shop is still fairly new, but they o� er a twist on regular frozen treats. Most popsicles are water-based, but their popsicles are made of 2.75 delicious ounces of ice cream. Customers have about 50 di� erent to choose from like ChocoCherry, Chocolate Pecan and Strawberry Cheesecake. � e place o� ers seats inside and booths outside to enjoy the nice temperatures when we have them.
– N.G.
4) Ron Fu Mongolian Grill7001 N. 10th St., Suite A-1, McAllen / 618-3666M-Sun. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.Lunch bowl ($7.99)
If you’re looking for a simple Asian meal but can’t stand the same tired bu� et o� erings from other eateries, then Ron Fu has the hot bowl of noodles you’ve been craving. Belly up to the wide variety of ingredients with one small bowl, which you’ll � ll with beef, chicken, pork, or shrimp, and a large bowl meant for your choice of noodles and raw vegetables. Add any of the 10 sauces for � avor and spice before handing your concoction over to the cooks. Although the plate is pricey in compari-son to the other meals on this list, most mortals will not be able to � nish the entire bowl, turning this meal into two when you reheat it later. – R.L.
Dining Guide cheap eats Francisco Rodriguez/� e Pan American
By � e Pan American Sta� :
8) Panini Café & Deli1620 W. University Dr., Edinburg / 292-0133M-F 9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.� e Giardino ($5.40)
Panini Café & Deli is a small, tasteful restaurant right across the street from UTPA. � e eatery o� ers panini, deli style sandwiches, smoothies and co� ee. Vegetarians will appreciate the meat-free options on the menu, notably the Giardino. It’s a Panini � lled with onions and tomato utilizing avocado as the “meat” of the sandwich, all on a � at grilled piece of Italian bread. � e Panini comes with a side of a sliced deli pickle and a small cookie for dessert. � e meal is surprisingly � lling for a vegetarian option. � e restaurant is compact, but there is a series of bleach paintings by local artists adorning one of the walls to add a bit of � air.
–J.D.
Sometimes students just don’t have the money to eat at fancy places, but being broke shouldn’t necessarily exclude them from the world of tasty cuisine. � e Pan American sta� set out to investigate where to � nd food that is easy on both the stomach and the wallet. From Mission to Harlingen, breakfast to dessert, you too can enjoy the luxury of being served a meal that doesn’t come from a microwavable foam cup.
Contributors: Justin O’Donnell, Roxann Garcia, Norma Gonzalez, Alma E. Hernandez, Lea Juarez, Reynaldo Leal, Sarah Perrill and Nadia Tamez-Robledo
If you’re looking for a real right-o� -the-grill � avor on a budget, there’s an authentic Texas barbecue restaurant a few blocks from campus. Willie B’s Barbeque also serves pounds of chicken, sausage, turkey, fajitas. Entrees can be ordered alone, in a sandwich or in a traditional Mexican taco plate with sides like beans, rice and potato salad. In-side the restaurant, Dallas Cowboys memorabilia decorates the walls along with Texas ranch-themed signs, and more than a thousand signatures of people who have visited � ll all corners of the walls.
– S.P.
5) Las Tortas2718 N. 10th St., McAllen / 630-3007M-F 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.Torta de milanesa ($4.75)
At � rst glance, the sandwiches at Las Tortas may seem simple and unassuming. Don’t let appearances fool you. When you � rst bite into the crunchy French bread wrapped around crispy pieces of steak, you’ll wonder why you ever thought the microwaved slop you get at Subway was any good. Located in a small corner suite in the Colonial Village shopping center, Las Tortas serves hot sandwiches that blend the famil-iar tastes of deli meats with a Mexican twist of top-pings like beans, queso fresco, and a variety of salsas.� ere are 16 di� erent tortas to choose from, none more expensive than $6. For an extra $2.50, you can turn your meal into a combo, which includes a soup or salad and drink.
–R.L.
7) Armando’s Pizza & Subs 1900 W. University Dr., Edinburg / 383-8053M-F 10:30 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sat. 11:30 a.m. - 10p.m.Combo #1 lunch special ($4.99)
Don’t be put o� by half-missing sign that adorns the threshold of Armando’s Pizza & Subs. � is restaurant prepares the dough and sauce for their menu items in-house, and Combo #1 o� ers two slices of two-topping pizza and a drink. � e thin-crust pie strikes a balance with light sauce and a generous helping of mozzarella. Customers can choose from traditional topping and more unconventional options like broccoli or meatballs. Daily lunch specials are available from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
– N.T.R.
6) Rex Café & Bakery 321 S. 17th St., McAllen / 686-9074M-F 6 a.m. - 8 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 6 a.m. - 7 p.m. Huevos con papas breakfast plate ($3.75)
Rex Café & Bakery began serving up Tex-Mex staples before most of the people who frequent downtown McAllen were born. A few storefronts down from Cine El Rey, the eatery’s old-fashioned lunch counter is throwback to its opening 1947. � e breakfast plate specials o� er hearty portions of eggs with a choice of potatoes, chorizo, ham, sausage or tocino. � ree tortillas and a drink are included. � ough the special is o� ered from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m., � nding parking may still present a chal-lenge.
– N.T.R.
12) Casa De Marisco 502 W. Pike Blvd., Weslaco / 968-1777Sun.-� urs. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. F-Sat. 10 a.m. - 10:30 p.m.Daily lunch special ($6.50)
One of the best values found in the Mid-Valley is the lunch special at Casa De Marisco. � e plates vary by day with either your choice of a seafood or Mexican plate and include a glass of tea. You can’t go wrong with Wednesday’s cat� sh and shrimp basket served with fries and rice or Friday’s enchilada plate served with rice and beans. � e special is available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
– A.H.
13) � e Pizzeria 1610 E. Tyler Ave., Harligen / 467-1477Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m., F-Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.Two slices of pepperoni, medium drink ($5.55)
� e Pizzeria’s pizza is so delectable it’s like baked happiness covered in sauce, cheese and almost any topping one can think of. � e best part is that it’s a� ordable. Slices’ costs may vary regarding toppings and crust, but with about 20 di� erent kinds of pizzas and other traditional Italian dishes, � e Pizzeria is suitable for any student trying to save a buck. Yummy appetizer samplers are always available, and re� lls for beverages are free and in� nite. Be it a pizza, sub or pasta, the Pizzeria will always serves a generous portion that’s easy on the pocket.
– L.J.
10) Casa Del Taco321 W. Univeristy Dr., Edinburg / 383-0521Sun.-� urs. 7 a.m. - 10 p.m.F-Sat. 7 a.m. - midnightHappy hour margarita ($3)
You’re in the mood for a drink but don’t want to drive too far from campus. No judgment. � e question is then where to go and what to put into your system to get your � x. Easy, broke college student. Casa del Taco’s daily happy hour from 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. features a $3 margarita. It looks like it might not hit the spot, but coupled with the casual atmosphere, you’ll be sure to unwind just in time for your last � nal. Go ahead. You deserve it. You’re at least 21, after all.
– R.G.
9) Quick Wok505 W. University Dr., Edinburg / 316-1883M-Sun. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.Kung Pao Beef Plate ($5.90)
No one can say they’ve truly appreciated the crunchy texture and pizzazz of peanuts in their food until they have tried the Kung Pao Beef Plate at Quick Wok. Not only do you get a hefty amount of food, but it also comes with an eggroll, soup and more than enough rice to balance the saucy � avor. After you’ve � nished feasting like a proud Viking, sit back and relax while you read your fortune cookie. Good news is likely headed in your direction.
– R.G.
THE PAN AMERICAN December 8, 2011Page 10
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� e fall semester drawing closer to an end means that the Christmas break is here. For most, if not all college students, the holiday break is synonymous to a period of rest and relief from books.
But for the UTPA men and women’s golf teams, their three-month span between tournaments is no time for rest.
� e women’s last competition was a � rst-place � nish at the University of Texas at Brownsville Women’s Fall Shootout on Nov. 7 while the men placed second at the Savannah State University Tiger Fall Invitational a day earlier.
So while our bellies are still recovering from the beating it took during the � anksgiving break, and prepping for another food coma on Christmas, the only thing the Broncs are hungry for are more titles.
� ey’ll have to wait for their � rst tournaments in February. � e women compete next at Texas State University on Feb. 19 and the men travel to Jackson State the same day.
“Obviously I give them a week o� when fall season ends, a lot of them are studying and have things going on,” UTPA men and women’s Director of Golf operations Ofelia Lopez said. “I have them working out three hours and I utilize my eight hours a week to coach them up, evaluate them and have our
individual meetings.”� e contents of the meetings go far
beyond the golf course. Lopez wants her athletes to be in the best state of mind in school and in their personal lives as well. In short, she calls her evaluations ‘time well spent.’
“I give them evaluations on grades, attitudes on the course and other things,” Lopez said. “I’m brutally honest with them. It’s one of those things where we want to get better on and o� the course. We want to bring home those championships.”
Under Lopez’s tutelage, the Lady Broncs golf team won the Great West Conference championship in the school’s � rst year as a member in 2008-09.
She has also led the men’s team to their most recent championship at the America Sky Men’s Golf Conference in 2009-10 at the Los Lagos Golf Club in Edinburg.
� is year though, the men have su� ered from sub-par � nishes in tournaments. � ough the men have not won a tournament this year, Lopez is con� dent her guys can bounce back from a shaky start to the 2011-12 campaign.
“My guys started o� with a rocky semester. In order for us for us to give ourselves a shot, we have to shoot even par,” Lopez said. “� ey are fairly young; we have two freshman guys that have travelled with us all year long, but we
need to get better.” An important aspect of improving is
self motivation. In order for the Broncs to reach back to a championship level, they must prove it in the o� season.
“� e o� season is when we have the most pride, we’ll have a mental game session where they play nine holes on one day,” Lopez said. “We set up their short game, and give them di� erent drills to pump their swings.”
Currently, the only senior on the men’s roster is Santiago Bueno from Veracruz, Mexico.
� e women, however, carry a bit more experience with four returning letterman, including Majo Camey, who holds the record at UTPA for shooting 69 in her very � rst tournament at the University of Cincinnati Invitational four years ago.
With that momentum and experience, Lopez believes the women can improve on last year’s GWC second-place � nish and return to the championship form they held three years ago.
“� ose veterans have been outstanding,” Lopez said. “Majo is such a great golfer and Sam Garcia, on any given day, can win tournaments. I want my girls to place individually, and I know we can compete.”
� e women’s GWC championship is at Utah Valley on April 24-26, meanwhile the men’s America Sky Conference Championship is at Hartford, CT from April 29 – May 1.
BATTERS UPSPORTS
America may not still consider baseball its favorite pastime, but don’t tell that to the University of Texas-Pan American ball club
who looks to improve from last season’s 21-30 campaign.� e season is slated to begin against
border foes, the University of Texas at Brownsville Scorpions in “� e Battle of the Orange” at Edinburg Baseball Stadium on Feb. 21. � e Broncs will also play their � rst 11 games of the season in the Rio Grande
Valley, hosting the Al Ogletree Classic that includes four games in three days against Southern Utah from Feb. 24 through 26, a three-game
series against Arlington Baptist College on March 2 and 3 and
a two-game series against the Universidad Autonoma de
Nuevo Leon on March 10 and 11.
“We’re very pleased with the way that fall
practice has gone. Our players have
shown a lot of character,
they’ve shown a lot of desire and lots of commitment,” Mantrana said. “When you get those three qualities in your players that’s gonna make you a lot better.”
Mantrana was adamant about improving on every aspect of the game heading into the spring and it all begins in the o� season.
“We’ve improved on our pitching, our defense, and our team speed,” he hinted. “So in all areas of the game we’ve gotten much better.”
Perhaps one of the Broncs’ main concern entering this season is improving on the road. A year ago they dropped 21 out of 27 games when playing away from home, but with the return of veteran players like Mike McCarthy and Vincent Mejia, who were both � rst-team Great West Conference selections, expectations will be as high as ever.
“I don’t think we understood what it took as a team to win on the road a year ago. I hated those eight-hour bus rides home after losses,” McCarthy said. My goal for this team is to win at least 35 games. � e talent di� erence from this season and two years ago is like night and day.”
Catcher McCarthy led the Broncs in batting average (.372) and in RBIs (43) a year ago and hopes to translate
his individual success to team fruition. In� elder Mejia played in all 51 games and led UTPA in home runs with four.
In addition to the savvy players that return, Mantrana believes that this year’s recruiting class will give the club a nice boost as well.
“We’re very pleased with the recruiting class this year. We’ve got a number of guys who are going make an immediate impact, the Broncs’ third-year coach said. “Players like Will Klausing, Derek Hagy, Dusten Knight and Dylan Badura. We expect those guys to come in and help out immediately and have an impact on the season this year.”
Laredo Community College transfer Derek Hagy, an in� elder, and former All-Region 14 Conference member tallied a .409 batting average during his � nal year at LCC. Badura who is also a junior college transfer, will bring pitching depth to the squad from Indian Hill Junior College where he was recognized as a Second-Team All-Region member and carried a 5-3 record and � ve saves.
� e Broncs o� cially opened up the baseball season with their annual intrasquad Green and White World Series on Dec. 1, which was won by the white team 2-1.
BRONCS LOOK TO IMPROVE FROM LAST SEASONBy Jonathan SalinasThe Pan American
Staying On ParStaying On ParFaith Aguilar/� e Pan American
IRON DRIVE IRON DRIVE -- Senior Majo Camey holds the school record Senior Majo Camey holds the school record for shooting a round of 69 at the Cincinnati Invitational.for shooting a round of 69 at the Cincinnati Invitational.
Reynaldo Leal/� e Pan American
MIKE MCCARTHY CATCHER
� e talent di� erence from
this season and two years ago is like night and day.
