october 11, 2011

6
Hearts across the world go out to Odie Harris while a local Huntsville business uses its gifts and talents to raise awareness and give back. Across from the courthouse, on a corner of Huntsville’s downtown area, stands Inscriptions of the Heart Gift Shop, owned by high school sweet hearts, James and Zelma Litzman. The Litzmans are the great-uncle and aunt of Odie Harris, a young man who fought the good fight against cancer and touched the lives of many along the way. Odie Harris was 13 years old when his father noticed he no longer felt like engaging in the normal, playful activities of a 12 year old boy. His father took him to the hospital in Louisiana where doctors found a tumor and diagnosed Odie with hepatoblastoma, or liver cancer in children, that had metastasized to his lungs May 2010. Odie was immediately flown to Memphis, TN where he began treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Zelma gives St. Jude many thanks and is very grateful for the warm environment the research hospital provided, explaining that St. Jude fosters family, not just patients. Odie survived almost a year to the date of his diagnosis, personally refusing any further experimental testing from doctors. He passed away in May 2011 at the age of 13. The journey over the past year showed many strangers to become concerned friends, with many lending whatever resources they had to make Odie and his family’s moments together more memorable. “It’s amazing the way people are have pulled together and are still pulling together,” James said. A Dallas business man who owns a Lamborghini dealership allowed Odie to drive one of his Lamborghinis. In the case of young, terminally ill children, the Make-A-Wish Foundation steps in and brings to fruition whatever dream a child has. Odie’s dream was to go on a cruise; however, the Make-A-Wish Foundation could not comply because of Odie’s condition and doctor’s orders. Instead, an anonymous donor donated a lake house for Odie and his family to stay in for one week. In one year, the Odie’s story spread like wildfire. His dream was to be a Unites States Marine. Upon hearing of his It was everything a rivalry game should have been. In a 45-10 win against Stephen F. Austin, the 86th annual “Battle of the Piney Woods” football game on Saturday featured tough defenses, explosive offenses, spectacular plays and even a little blood. With the win the Kats improved to 5-0 (2-0 in the SLC), the first time since 1994. Though they got the win the team isn’t gloating. “We are just trying to stay humble,” linebacker Darius Taylor who finished with two interceptions, said. “We’re just taking it one game at a time, and we are just trying to keep this thing rolling.” It was a tale of two halves for SHSU as it took the team a while to get things together. Early in the first half, SFA’s defense controlled the Kats offense and made it difficult to move the ball. But the SHSU defense stood their ground and continued to prove why they are one of the top ranked defenses in the Football Championship Series (FCS). With two minutes to go in the first quarter, the Kats defense created the first turnover of the day, as defensive back Daxton Swanson intercepted SFA quarterback Brady Attaway. But despite creating turnovers, SFA was able to put the first points of the day on the scoreboard, after SFA kicker Jordan Wiggs made a 40 yard field goal, putting the Jacks up 3-0. SHSU responded and with 3:22 left in the first half, quarterback Brian Bell hit wide receiver Torrance Williams with a pass. With his speed and his ability to break tackles, Williams ran it for a 49 yard touchdown that put the Kats up for good. “That’s a play we just put in this week. I got it, and I saw just one person and I wasn’t going to let them stop me,” Williams said. The Kats defense continued to create turnovers and on SFA’s next drive, Swanson was able to force a fumble that would give SHSU the ball at SFA’s 18 yard line. However, running back Tim Flanders fumbled the ball and gave it right back to the Jacks. Two plays later, Taylor would intercept the Jacks and returned it inside the redzone. The Kats would settle for a 30 yard field goal by kicker Miguel Antonio that gave the Kats a 10-3 lead going into halftime. On the first drive of the second half, the Kats offense would set the tone for the rest of the game, as Bell hit wide receiver Keith Blanton for an easy 55 yard touchdown pass. “I was thinking the same thing that everybody was thinking, I hope I catch it,” Job search Visit https://www.myinterfase.com/shsu/student/ to view more information about the Fall Teacher Job Fair and other upcoming career opportunities. By Zach Birdsong Sports Editor By April Sanders Copy Editor — See FLIP, page 6 Vol 119 | Issue 14 Publishing since 1913 Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University Tuesday, October 11, 2011 Viewpoints ...... pg. 2 News ............... pg. 3 Special ............. pg. 4 A&E ................. pg. 5 Sports ............... pg. 6 INDEX KAT Links For more information about Odie Harris, visit caringbridge. org/visit/odieharris By McKinzie Brocail Senior Reporter FLIPPING FOR IT. SHSU running back Tim Flanders, sophomore, flips over defensive back Caleb Nelson, sophomore, of the Stephen F. Austin State University Lumberjacks, bringing the score to 24.-3, Kats. Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian One giant flip for Kat-kind Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian CHAMPIONS OF THE PINEY WOODS. e Bearkats celebrate with the Battle of the Piney Woods award aſter axing the Jacks, 45-10. From leſt: Robert Shaw (23), Emory Miller (1) and Richard Sincere (6). Aldine ISD Alvin ISD Brazosport ISD Bryan ISD ChildCare Careers Clear Creek ISD Cleveland ISD College Station ISD Columbus ISD Conroe ISD Consulate General of Japan Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Dickinson ISD Education Service Center, Region VI Fort Bend ISD Galena Park ISD Garland ISD GETCAP Head Start Houston ISD Humble ISD Huntsville ISD Jefferson ISD KIDVENTURE CAMPS Killeen ISD Klein ISD Lamar ISD Livingston ISD Lufkin ISD Mesquite ISD Nacogdoches ISD New Caney ISD North Texas Teacher Job Network – Dallas Area Pasadena ISD Peace Corps Region 4 ESC Rice CISD SHSU College of Education SHSU Curriculum & Instruction SHSU Department of Health & Kinesiology SHSU Department of Language, Literacy & Special Populations SHSU Department of Library Science Spring Branch ISD Spring ISD Tomball ISD Ysleta ISD e registered districts are: Sam Houston State University is hosting its Fall Teacher Job Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Bernard Johnson Coliseum. The teacher job fair helps education students network and find teaching positions in Texas independent school districts. Over 40 ISDs are registered for the job fair this fall. Despite the state- wide budget cuts affecting many school districts’ ability to hire new teachers, many districts will be at the fair looking to fill teaching positions. Teacher candidates who are attending are encouraged to dress professionally and bring copies of their résumés. For more information contact SHSU’s Career Services in ABIV Suite 210 or call at (936) 294-1713. Teacher job fair returns Odie Harris 1997-2011 Photo courtesy of Zelma Litzman For the love of Odie — See LOVE, page 3 Homecoming candidate speaks up, pg. 2 Volleyball beats Nicholls, pg. 6

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The October 11 issue of The Houstonian

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: October 11, 2011

Hearts across the world go out to Odie Harris while a local Huntsville business uses its gifts and talents to raise awareness and give back.

Across from the courthouse, on a corner of Huntsville’s downtown area, stands Inscriptions of the Heart Gift Shop, owned by high school sweet hearts, James and Zelma Litzman.

The Litzmans are the great-uncle and aunt of Odie Harris, a young man who fought the good fight against cancer and touched the lives of many along the way.

Odie Harris was 13 years old when his father noticed he no longer felt like engaging in the normal, playful activities of a 12 year old boy. His father took him to the hospital in Louisiana where doctors found a tumor and diagnosed Odie with hepatoblastoma, or liver cancer in children, that had metastasized to his lungs May 2010.

Odie was immediately flown to Memphis, TN

where he began treatment at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Zelma gives St. Jude many thanks and is very grateful for the warm environment the research hospital provided, explaining that St. Jude fosters family, not just patients.

Odie survived almost a year to the date of his diagnosis, personally refusing any further experimental testing from doctors. He passed away in May 2011 at the age of 13.

The journey over the past

year showed many strangers to become concerned friends, with many lending whatever resources they had to make Odie and his family’s moments together more memorable.

“It’s amazing the way people are have pulled together and are still pulling together,” James said.

A Dallas business man who owns a Lamborghini dealership allowed Odie to drive one of his Lamborghinis.

In the case of young, terminally ill children, the Make-A-Wish Foundation steps in and brings to fruition whatever dream a child has. Odie’s dream was to go on a cruise; however, the Make-A-Wish Foundation could not comply because of Odie’s condition and doctor’s orders. Instead, an anonymous donor donated a lake house for Odie and his family to stay in for one week.

In one year, the Odie’s story spread like wildfire. His dream was to be a Unites States Marine.

Upon hearing of his

It was everything a rivalry game should have been.

In a 45-10 win against Stephen F. Austin, the 86th annual “Battle of the Piney Woods” football game on Saturday featured tough defenses, explosive offenses, spectacular plays and even a little blood.

With the win the Kats improved to 5-0 (2-0 in the SLC), the first time since 1994.

Though they got the win the team isn’t gloating.

“We are just trying to stay humble,” linebacker Darius Taylor who finished with two interceptions, said. “We’re just taking it one game at a time, and we are just trying to keep this thing rolling.”

It was a tale of two halves for SHSU as it took the team a while to get things together.

Early in the first half, SFA’s defense controlled the Kats offense and made it difficult to move the ball. But the SHSU defense stood their ground and continued

to prove why they are one of the top ranked defenses in the Football Championship Series (FCS).

With two minutes to go in the first quarter, the

Kats defense created the first turnover of the day, as defensive back Daxton Swanson intercepted SFA quarterback Brady Attaway.

But despite creating

turnovers, SFA was able to put the first points of the day on the scoreboard, after SFA kicker Jordan Wiggs made a 40 yard field goal, putting the Jacks up 3-0.

SHSU responded and with 3:22 left in the first half, quarterback Brian Bell hit wide receiver Torrance Williams with a pass. With his speed and his ability to

break tackles, Williams ran it for a 49 yard touchdown that put the Kats up for good.

“That’s a play we just put in this week. I got it, and I saw just one person and I wasn’t going to let them stop me,” Williams said.

The Kats defense continued to create turnovers and on SFA’s next drive, Swanson was able to force a fumble that would give SHSU the ball at SFA’s 18 yard line. However, running back Tim Flanders fumbled the ball and gave it right back to the Jacks.

Two plays later, Taylor would intercept the Jacks and returned it inside the redzone. The Kats would settle for a 30 yard field goal by kicker Miguel Antonio that gave the Kats a 10-3 lead going into halftime.

On the first drive of the second half, the Kats offense would set the tone for the rest of the game, as Bell hit wide receiver Keith Blanton for an easy 55 yard touchdown pass.

“I was thinking the same thing that everybody was thinking, I hope I catch it,”

Job searchVisit https://www.myinterfase.com/shsu/student/ to view more information about the Fall Teacher Job Fair and other upcoming career opportunities.

By Zach BirdsongSports Editor

By April SandersCopy Editor

— See FLIP, page 6

Vol 119 | Issue 14

Publishing since 1913 Independent Student Newspaper of Sam Houston State University

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Viewpoints ...... pg. 2News ............... pg. 3Special ............. pg. 4

A&E ................. pg. 5Sports ............... pg. 6

INDEXKAT Links

For more information about Odie Harris, visit caringbridge.org/visit/odieharris

By McKinzie BrocailSenior Reporter

FLIPPING FOR IT. SHSU running back Tim Flanders, sophomore, flips over defensive back Caleb Nelson, sophomore, of the Stephen F. Austin State University Lumberjacks, bringing the score to 24.-3, Kats.Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian

One giant flip for Kat-kind

Jessica Gomez | The HoustonianCHAMPIONS OF THE PINEY WOODS. The Bearkats celebrate with the Battle of the Piney Woods award after axing the Jacks, 45-10. From left: Robert Shaw (23), Emory Miller (1) and Richard Sincere (6).

Aldine ISDAlvin ISDBrazosport ISDBryan ISDChildCare CareersClear Creek ISDCleveland ISDCollege Station ISDColumbus ISDConroe ISDConsulate General of JapanCypress-Fairbanks ISDDickinson ISDEducation Service Center, Region VIFort Bend ISDGalena Park ISDGarland ISDGETCAP Head StartHouston ISDHumble ISDHuntsville ISDJefferson ISDKIDVENTURE CAMPSKilleen ISDKlein ISDLamar ISD

Livingston ISDLufkin ISDMesquite ISDNacogdoches ISDNew Caney ISDNorth Texas Teacher Job Network – Dallas AreaPasadena ISDPeace CorpsRegion 4 ESCRice CISDSHSU College of EducationSHSU Curriculum & InstructionSHSU Department of Health & KinesiologySHSU Department of Language, Literacy & Special PopulationsSHSU Department of Library ScienceSpring Branch ISDSpring ISDTomball ISDYsleta ISD

The registered districts are:Sam Houston State

University is hosting its Fall Teacher Job Fair on Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the Bernard Johnson Coliseum.

The teacher job fair helps education students network and find teaching positions in Texas independent school districts.

Over 40 ISDs are registered for the job fair this fall. Despite the state-wide budget cuts affecting many school districts’ ability to hire new teachers, many districts will be at the fair looking to fill teaching positions.

Teacher candidates who are attending are encouraged to dress professionally and bring copies of their résumés.

For more information contact SHSU’s Career Services in ABIV Suite 210 or call at (936) 294-1713.

Teacher job fair returns

Odie Harris1997-2011

Photo courtesy of Zelma Litzman

For the love of Odie

— See LOVE, page 3

Homecoming candidate speaks up, pg. 2

Volleyball beats Nicholls, pg. 6

Page 2: October 11, 2011

Page 2Tuesday, October 11, 2011Viewpoints

houstonianonline.com/viewpoints

PHOTOGRAPHERJessica Gomez

FACULTY ADVISERRobin Johnson

936-294-1499

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF936-294-1505

Erin Peterson

[email protected]

ASSOCIATE EDITORStephen Green

[email protected]

SPORTS EDITORZachary Birdsong

[email protected]

WEB AND MULTIMEDIA EDITOR

Kolby [email protected]

GRAPHIC COORDINATORChristian Pratt

COMMUNICATION SPECIALISTChrystal [email protected]

STAFF LISTING

ADVERTISING MANAGERChelsea Boyd

[email protected]

AD DEADLINESTuesday’s Issue - Friday 5 p.m.

Thursday’s Issue - Tuesday 2 p.m.

VIEWPOINTS EDITORKarmen C. King

[email protected]

Today in history:1138 – A massive earthquake struck Aleppo, Syria.

1809 – Along the Natchez Trace in Tennessee, explorer Meriwether Lewis dies under mysterious circumstances at an inn called Grinder’s Stand.

1929 – JC Penney opens store #1252 in Milford, Delaware, making it a nationwide company with stores in all 48 U.S. states.

1950 – CBS’s mechanical color system is the first to be licensed for broadcast by the U.S. Federal C o m m u n i c a t i o n s Commission.

1968 – Apollo program: NASA launches Apollo 7, the first successful manned Apollo mission, with astronauts Wally Schirra, Donn F. Eisele and Walter Cunningham aboard.

1975 – The NBC sketch comedy/variety show Saturday Night Live debuts with George Carlin as the host and Andy Kaufman, Janis Ian and Billy Preston as guests.

1984 – Aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger, astronaut Kathryn D. Sullivan becomes the first American woman to perform a space walk.

2000 – NASA launches STS-92, the 100th Space Shuttle mission, using Space Shuttle Discovery. 2001 – The Polaroid Corporation files for federal bankruptcy protection.

Hey Bearkats! My name is Jessica Reis and I am running for this year’s homecoming queen! I am a junior family and consumer science major. I am president of the Kat Krazies, a member of Bearkat Democrats and Wesley Foundation, and I’ve also been a Bearkat Camp Counselor for the past two years.

I love this school with all of my heart, and am so proud to be called a Bearkat. But why vote for me?

First off, I am one of the most spirited people you will meet at this university. You’ll always catch me wearing orange or SHSU flair most days of the week, and I wouldn’t be caught dead wearing purple!

Second, you know those krazy people at the football games that have painted letters on themselves and are banging that steel sign like mad? Those are my Kat Krazies and I’m so proud to be their President! I pride myself in my school and I love to support it.

Whether it is going to a football game, seeing the theatre department’s latest play or musical, or going to Program Council’s “Open Mic Night” to support all my fellow Bearkats who are brave enough to get up there and go for it, I’m there!

I’m also very down to earth. I can meet you in line at Chick-Fil-A in Paw Print, start talking to you about how long it takes for them to make

waffle fries, and by the end of the lunch break, we can be friends! I love getting to know people, and

I love to be a part of their lives, just like I love being a part of this school.

This brings me to my last and best reason why I am the best choice for homecoming queen this year. I love this school so much. I work so hard at representing my Bearkats that when I say “I bleed orange,” I mean it. When I go through my day, I show my Bearkat spirit and pride in every way possible. If that means wearing orange, smiling at all of you Bearkats on campus, axing those Jacks, or running for homecoming queen, I am doing it.

When I hear the motto “A measure of a life is its service,” I live it. And if that means doing free face painting at tailgating, collecting canned goods for a food drive, or just helping a complete stranger in need, I’m there. I want to show people what Sam Houston State University is made of.

I know that a lot of you have no clue that today and tomorrow are voting days for homecoming king and queen. And I am sure some of you don’t know any of the candidates. But I want you to get on your Sam email account, click on the link that was sent to you, and vote.

And when you do, I encourage you to vote for me, Jessica Reis, to be your 2011 Homecoming Queen.

Homecoming hopeful is krazy, Kat KrazyJessica Reis explains qualifications, what she brings to university

SENIOR REPORTERMcKinzie Brocail

[email protected]

COPY EDITORApril Sanders

BUSINESS MANAGERPaty Mason

[email protected]

PRODUCTION MANAGERMeagan [email protected]

Not another remakeZach Birdsong rails against remakes, urges originality

- Zach is the Sports Editor for The Houstonian.

The individual opinions on the Viewpoints page are not necessarily affiliated with the view of The Houstonian or SHSU. The Houstonian is published semi-weekly on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It is a news publication of Sam Houston State University, a member of the Texas State University system, and is produced by students. It is self-supporting and welcomes all advertisers. Those interested in placing ads or classifieds should call 936-294-1495. The Houstonian is a member of the Associated Press and the Texas Intercollegiate Press Association.

Dear Sam Houston Students, Staff and Faculty and Alumni:

The Houstonian would not survive were it not for the continued involvement and dedication of the SHSU student body. We welcome all column submissions and letters to the editor. If at any time you feel the need to express an opinion, please do not hesitate to email your thoughts or drop by our office in the Dan Rather communications building. We look forward to hearing from you and thank you as always for your continued support of the Houstonian.

Karmen C. KingViewpoints [email protected]

Letter to the Student Body

During the Houston Texans and Oakland Raiders game this past Sunday, I couldn’t help but notice some of the advertisements. One of those was for the re-make of the 80s movie, “Footloose.”

Simultaneously, I was on Facebook and one of my friends posted that he felt that the movie looked like the unintentional comedy of the year.

I agree with him, but not for the same reasons. While he was analyzing the actual trailer, I couldn’t get over the fact that Hollywood was so far out of ideas that they had to remake a classic movie, thus being a joke to me.

It was only a couple of hours later that I stumbled across a story that stated that the classic movie Scarface, featuring Al Pacino would also be re-made.

As my frustrations leaked out, I could only picture Pacino, in his role as Tony Montana, screaming and cursing at the idea of a re-make. Of course, this is all what I wish Pacino would say.

Now don’t get it confused, I am a huge fan of movies being re-released. In fact, I felt like a kid again as I was waiting in line to purchase the Lion King on Blu-ray. The enhancements to the picture quality and

sound of one the movies can help the movie stay true and make it enjoyable for current movie viewers.

But, enough is enough with these re-makes. And it doesn’t stop at movies.

Classic TV shows like Charlie’s Angles, Hawaii Five-0 and others have seemingly made their way back onto our television screens. Most resulting in a cancellation shortly there after.

Just last month, Puddle of Mudd, a rock band, put out their new album “Re:(disc)overed.” By new album, I mean a collection of songs by classic artists that the band decided to cover.

It’s one thing if they were to play a cover at concert (in fact most times it’s a pleasant surprise), but to dedicate a whole album to covers is absolutely absurd.

Maybe it’s me, but I miss the days of unpredictability and discovering something new and unprecedented. It’s what kept things new and fresh.

So I just have one piece of advice to the entertainment industry, stop with the re-makes and go back to thinking for yourselves.

The first question I often get when I tell people I’m running for Huntsville City Council is, “Why?”

My response usually starts with a big deep breath and goes into the many reasons why I love Huntsville and what I would like to do for the city.

I started attending Sam Houston in fall 2007 after a year of community college. I lived in Tomball and commuted every other day to Huntsville; the next semester I moved to Willis and commuted every day. I spent most, if not all of the daylight hours in Huntsville. Finally in August 2008, I moved into my first apartment and immediately felt “home.”

Over the next few years I learned that Huntsville is a unique city full of historical markers, family values and southern charm. This combination of things, along with the people who live here make me not want to leave, ever.

I decided I was going to run for Huntsville City Council last October. I had been a regular down at city hall and realized that the nine people elected by the citizens make all the important decisions in this town. Decisions like: approving the city budget, approving placement of a stop sign, approving placement and building of a sidewalk, or initiating a city wide recycling program. All of these things can be attributed back to city council.

The last year I have been gathering information, meeting with city officials,

and attending meetings and w o r k s h o p s . I have even been to more c o u n c i l meetings than four of the current nine council members. I understand how the city works, and I’m ready to go on day one.

Unfortunately, SHSU gets overlooked often times by candidates when seeking office. What most don’t realize is that there is a huge voting base within the boundaries of campus. Also, even if students commute and don’t live in Huntsville, they still spend their money in this city, thus increasing the revenue for the city.

Lately I have been asking the question of “What is important to students?” The answers that I have heard are ones like: “sidewalks on Lake Road,” “a friendlier town to students,” or “a public transit system.” Good news is that if elected, I can help make these possible, or help move the city in the right direction.

So, why am I running for Huntsville City Council? I’m doing it for you.

If you would like more information about the campaign find us on Facebook or Twitter at @electkatie.

Katie Newman Guest Columnist

Ward 2 candidate is pro-SHSU

-Katie is a former SHSU student and a candidate for ward 2 Huntsville City Council.

-Jessica is president of the Kat Krazies.

Katie Newman loves the city of Huntsville

Jessica Reis & Sammy | Photo courtesy Jessica Reis/Melva Gomez

Paws Up

P a w s D o w n

“Paws UP” to the football team and Tim Flanders for making ESPN’s top 10 plays. The “Flanders Flip” brought national attention to our university.

“Paws UP” to the Bearkat winning weekend. Congrats to football, volleyball and soccer for the big “W!”

“Paws DOWN” to the SFA fan that bloodied up one of our fans. Thanks for proving the superiority of SHSU!

“Paws DOWN” to Firefest. It was so boring that it has earned a record THIRD “Paws DOWN!”

Page 3: October 11, 2011

Page 3Tuesday, October 11, 2011News

houstonianonline.com/news

Travis Watson traveled to Amman, Jordan as a part of a one-month intensive study abroad language program.

Five months later, Watson hiked a football to quarterback Brian Bell in the largest SHSU/Stephen F. Austin rivalry game in history.

As the center of the football team, Watson said there is a large misconception that athletes aren’t generally intelligent.

“To tell the truth there is a lot of thinking and studying that goes into football, just like academics,” he said. “It carries over from both. If you apply the things you’re doing in football, like the work ethic, into academics, good things come out of it.”

One of those good things for Watson was not only that trip to the Middle East, but being nominated for the 2011 National Scholar Athlete Award: the same award won by both NFL quarterbacks, Eli and Peyton Manning.

“Not every school nominates someone,” Watson said. “To even be nominated in the same category as [the Mannings] is a great honor.”

He was one of 127 athletes nominated across the nation for the award. A distinction Watson doesn’t take lightly.

Watson said, the work ethic he learned in football is what gives him the drive to do well in school.

“In college, I realized that it was time to get serious,” he said. “Luckily I found a subject matter I was interested in that makes it a lot easier. I do have to apply myself quite a bit, but it’s paid off.”

He currently majors in political science with a double minor in history and Middle Eastern studies.

The trip to Jordan, and one-day excursion to Israel, was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the senior.

While there, he studied practical Arabic and the culture while living with a host family on a scholarship from Sam Houston State

University and the U.S. State Department.

“Honestly, I think that was the best thing I did,” Watson said. “I definitely recommend it. It’s great to have the experience and a great benefit even if you don’t want to go into that field.”

Luckily for him, his future goals include the Middle East. The

experience of having the in-depth study of the Arabic language, he said, will be hugely beneficial for his future.

“The language I learned is a huge benefit,” Watson said.

“Just having the experience of being over there will give me a one-up by having that experience with the culture. That

includes learning their day-to-day activities.”

Eventually, he would like to work in counterterrorism forces, something that caught his attention in college.

“I came into college not really knowing what I wanted to do,” Watson said. “I was a history minor just to put something down. I’ve always been interested in current affairs and international relations. I got into some terrorism classes and political science…that really caught me.”

Counterterrorism work is just one of many goals has in his future that he “doesn’t want to put off.”

“When I get done with football, I’m planning on losing 50 pounds, getting in shape and joining the Marines,” Watson said. “So far, it’s all just fallen into place with what I want to do.”

“My grandfather served as a Marine in WWII. Growing up, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. If I didn’t do it, I would regret it for the rest of my life.”

That is one reason Watson isn’t considering professional football like his father. He says his goals are much larger than the football field. His numerous academic awards showcase that long-term dedication.

He has been on several Dean’s and President’s Lists and has been Academic All-Conference for the past two years. The finalists of the National Scholar Athlete Award will be selected on Oct. 26. Those finalists receive an $18,000 post-graduate scholarship and will vie for the William B. Campbell trophy, a recognition of the “best scholar athlete in the nation.”

Everday Bearkats: Travis WatsonBy Stephen GreenAssociate News Editor

illness, the Marine Corps made Odie an honorary Marine, presenting him with his fatigues while dressed in his blues at his school. He wore his uniform to his prom at St. Jude.

The Leatherneck, a magazine dedicated to the Marine Corps, wrote a full-page article on Odie, and it was through this article that the regional Federal Bureau of Investigation heard his story and immediately went into preparations to make Odie a Junior FBI Agent.

Odie’s journey ended before receiving this honor, but was sworn in at his funeral and his badge buried with him. His funeral was protected from hecklers by the Patriots Guard Riders, a unit of motorcyclist who attend the funerals of firefighters, US armed forces members and police officers to protect the deceased’s family from protesters.

In his memory and to help continue St. Jude’s research for current and future young patients, the Litzmans began accepting donations in the name of Odie during the Fair on the Square on Oct. 1, Odie’s 14th birthday, donating 10 percent to the research hospital.

Zelma is pursuing a special line of engraved tiles, called “For the Love of Odie,” that will be donated to hospital gift shops, the proceeds of which will remain in the hospitals for further research. The idea is to hand the line over to Odie’s mother to help her through the grieving process.

The Litzmans will continue to take donations at Inscriptions of the Heart, in the name of Odie to be donated to St. Jude, as well as online via Odie’s personal page, http://www.car ingbridge.org/vis i t /odieharris.

From LOVE page 1

Jessica Gomez | The Houstonian

ACADEMIC ALL-CONFERENCE. Travis Watson, a senior political science major, has been nomi-nated for the 2011 National Scholar Athlete Award along with 127 athletes from around the nation.

Football center up for national academic award

Homecoming royalty votes open today

Amber Rose Horde Ashlee Michele Palermo

Brooke Stevens Casey Leigh Hughes Jessica Nicole Jackson

Jessica Reis

Laura DuBose Lori LaShawn Brooks

Meagan Herring Stephanie Elizondo Trish Watson

Austin Pearce Johnathon Radcliffe Joseph Anderson

Homecoming Queen Candidates

Homecoming King CandidatesStudents should recieve an email in their

official SHSU email account with a link to the voting ballot. Voting will be open today and tomorrow (Oct. 11 and 12). Finalists will be chosen Wednesday night and will be printed in the Thursday edition of The Houstonian.

Page 4: October 11, 2011
Page 5: October 11, 2011

Dance companies from across the country showcased their skills as they took the stage for The Dance Gallery Festival in the Performing Arts Center on Friday and Saturday.

The festival was brought to SHSU from New York City for the second year by the collaborative efforts of associate dance professor Andy Noble and artistic director for the festival, Astrid von Ussar.

Eleven dance companies from New York, Texas, Florida and California, comprised of men and women, brought a variety of dance styles to the stage, such as contemporary, jazz and ballet.

For two hours, the dancers mesmerized the audience of about 200 with their detailed movement, stories, athleticism and emotions.

While some companies featured large groups, others featured one or two dancers and each piece conveyed a different story and emotion that made them unique.

One of the first dances of the night was a duet titled “Ashes of 1943”, and was the only performance not affiliated with a specific company.

“The concept comes from women who lost their husbands in World War II,” choreographer Trent

Williams, Jr. said. “It is about their journey together and has a sentimental purpose.”

For Williams, a graduate student at Florida State University, the festival was a chance to showcase his work in Texas.

Another dance piece titled “Roundabout” by NobleMotion, the dance company headed by Noble and his wife, dance lecturer Dionne Sparkman Noble, included students, alumni and a faculty member.

The performance consisted of a lot of intricate group movement that showcased the dancers’ athleticism. The group made good use of the stage as they transitioned into different sections of the dance.

Although most of the dances conveyed strong emotions, others added humor to the festival that drew laughs from the audience. “Wall Flower”, by somebodies dance theater, featured dancer Gina Sorenesen and made use of a large screen that displayed shapes and colors that mimicked the costumes.

Each time she tried to avoid the screen by changing her costume, new ones would appear. Sorensen also taught students a dance that they will performed in Dance Spectrum later this semester.

“I’m always looking for different moves and

perspectives when I watch a dance,” Kelly Marshall, sophomore theater major, said. “Each one has a story and I like to see how the point of view comes across.”

In addition to featuring performances, the festival was also an opportunity for students and choreographers alike. Dance students took classes from different choreographers while dance companies got access to the PAC facilities which are

difficult to come across for some artists according to Dance Coordinator Jennifer Pontius.

“The students had great energy and were very passionate,” Williams said, who taught an intermediate contemporary dance class. “It’s a very strong program.”

For senior dance student Caitlin Franco, the festival presented a unique opportunity.

She was among the four

students selected to perform with Von Ussar danceworks in a piece titled “Fellow Travelers” only a day before the performance.

“She (Von Ussar) taught us the main combination of the dance in class and had an audition based on that,” she said. “It was hectic but smooth because she was good at keeping us focused.”

The Dance Gallery Festival will head to New York City this week to

celebrate its 5th year performing at the Ailey Cititgroup Theater while Jane Weiner from Hope Stone Dance will stay to teach and set a dance that students will perform later.

“This year’s festival was really fabulous,” Pontius said. “It served as inspiration for the university and the community.”

For more information visit www.dancegalleryfestival.com.

Page 5Thursday, October 11, 2011Arts & Entertainment

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Dance Festival full of emotion

Students to work it all out

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By George Mattingly Arts & Entertainment Editor

Brandon Scott Contributing Reporter

Stories told through movements on stage

INSPIRING MOVEMENT: Dancers Oliver Halkowich, Cristian Laverde Koeing, Lindsay McGill and Andrea Dawn Shelley from “Infinite Movement Ever Evolving” displayed intricate movement and partner work in their dance titled “4Ward & 4Gotten” at the Dance Gallery Festival.

Photo coutesy of Astrid von Ussar

Fourteen campus organizations are joining NAACP Chapter 6816 to present “If You Really Knew SHSU 2” today to break down several social issues facing students.

The event, which debuted last fall and was organized by NAACP President Cortnie Crayton, derives from MTV reality series “If You Really Knew Me.”

The event will attempt to tackle a variety of social issues facing students, such as social peer pressure and the stereotyping of subgroups.

Organizations involved include: SHSU NAACP, Khaos, Alpha Phi Alpha, Royalty, The Exceptional Men of the Talented Tenth, Sigma Sigma Sigma, BSA, Sigma Lambda Gamma, Act One, Delta Xi Nu, Omega Delta Phi, Sociology Club, African Student Association, Phi Sigma Pi and Fade to Black Dance Ensemble.

Organizers said the purpose of the event is to unite students with discussions on topics of shared as well as opposing interests.

“It’s intended to be an eye-opener,” Camry Selden, the event’s co-chairman said. “Even though we’re here in college and we’re young adults, we can relate to each other on some level. We all go through different problems with generally the same type of goals in mind.”

Last fall, “If You Really Knew SHSU” was a success, according to NAACP members. With the success of last year’s event, it was all but a foregone conclusion that it would be back this year.

“We started as soon as we got out of school in the spring,”

Crayton said. “I had a really good experience organizing it last year. Our two (executive) board members, Philichell and Camry, volunteered and I know they have some awesome stories.”

Organizers want “If You Really Knew SHSU” to bridge the gaps between races on campus. Crayton said a few NAACP members noticed the racial separation between different cliques on campus and want to illuminate the commonalities between students.

“We kind of saw the need for it,” Crayton said. “With all of the different cliques, we wanted to just kind of show everybody that we’re not that different. “

The event will also feature a group discussion where the free flow of ideas is expressed based on the make-up of the groups.

“Our small group session is really just an

opportunity for the people to say anything that they want. Depending on the culture of that group, it goes really deep,” said Crayton.

“There are some really touching stories that come out of these small groups. That’s what I think makes it so special, that it’s unique to the group and no one is going to walk away with the same experience.”

“If You Really Knew SHSU 2” will be held tonight at 6 p.m. in the LSC Ballroom.

BREAKING BARRIERS: Several organizations bring MTV’s “If You Really Knew Me” to campus to help students break social barriers.

Photo by Kenyetta Foster

Fashions will hit the runway as the second annual Fashion Houston Week returns to Houston, featuring a variety of collections from internationally recognized designers.

The show will run through October 13 at the Wortham Center in downtown Houston and is presented by Audi, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, The Four Seasons and Laura Mercier.

Among the designers at this year’s show are Robert Rodriguez, Patrick Schwarzenegger’s Project 360, Czar by Cesar Galindo, Douglas Hannant, Jerri Moore, Barbara Tfank, Aries Milan, Camilla Franks, Fabiola Arias, Bibhu Mohapatra, Norman Ambrose and Project Runway winner and Houston native, Chloe Dao.

The show will feature an array of designs and styles from the sophisticated and ladylike work of Douglas Hannant to the beach

inspired and casual looks from younger designers such as Project 360.

Fashion Houston was created by philanthropist Jared Lang who, after visiting New York Fashion Week, decided Houston deserved its own fashion week.

While major fashion shows are usually seen in fashion capitals such as Paris and New York City, Fashion Houston is geared toward the community.

“The difference with Fashion Houston is that the shows are not aimed at buyers or just media, they are for the people of Houston and of Texas who love and appreciate fashion,” said Lang. “We are supporting and celebrating emerging local designers as well as internationally recognized brands.”

In addition to designer shows, Fashion Week Houston will feature designer trunk shows presented by some partners of the event including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and Tootsies in order to provide buyers

with retail wear options in addition to the high fashion presented on the runway.

Becca Cason Thrash, a long time fashion devotee and muse, will be presented with the Style Icon Award this year for her contributions to the Houston Community.

“She was chosen because she is a patron of haute couture (fashion),” Lang said. “She is a great fan of fashion, a wonderful Houstonian and one of our city’s greatest philanthropists.”

She will be closing Fashion Houston Week on October 13 with her own collection of Haute-Couture gowns.

“I would like for the audience to feel like they experienced high fashion [and] that they have experienced a fashion show on the same level as the shows in Paris and New York,” Lang said.

Doors will open at 7:30 each night and the shows begin at 8 p.m. For tickets information, visit www.fashionhouston.net

By George Mattingly Arts & Entertainment Editor

Haute-couture fashions hit Houston runwayOrganizations help address social issues

Page 6: October 11, 2011

Blanton said. “Coming out of the second half, we really needed that momentum change.”

With eight minutes to go in the third quarter, linebacker Andrew Weaver intercepted Attaway and gave the Kats great field position.

With 7:19 to go in the quarter, running back Tim Flanders had a ridiculous backflip into the endzone as he capped off a nine-yard touchdown run. On Sunday night, the play was featured in Sportscenter’s nightly top 10 plays of the night.

“My first thought was, please don’t get hurt,” Bell said. “When he jumped, I was saying my prayers and hoping that he came down safe.”

“(Flanders) is an outstanding running back,” head coach Willie Fritz said. “He can run it between

the tackles, run it outside. He’s just a complete back and we’re happy to have him.”

Flanders finished the game with 42 yards and added one more on the day.

Wide receiver Richard Sincere would score two more touchdowns and add 111 yards rushing out of the Wild Bearkat formation, as the Kats routed the Jacks.

Bell, who was out of last week’s game against UTSA with concussion like symptoms, was 16-23 for 214 yards on the game and really helped the Kats

offense. In total, the Kats held

the Jacks number 4 ranked offense to just 274 yards overall and were able to create five turnovers in the game.

“As a defense that’s the main thing, we try to create turnovers,” Taylor said. “Coach tells us to keep playing hard and keep going after the ball and they will come. And they came today.”

“Defensively we played great throughout the ball game,” Fritz said. “And then we were plus four in turnover and takeaways. Anytime that happens you are going to win the game.”

Next weekend the Kats will return to the comfort of Bowers Stadium and take on Nicholls State in the homecoming game.

Kickoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Saturday.

For information about the football team, visit gobearkats.com.

The volleyball team ended their four game road losing streak as they defeated Nicholls State Colonels on Saturday.

The team won in four sets, 25-21, 25-18, 22-25, 25-18, improving their record to 5-2 in conference play and 11-9 overall.

“We are happy that our team is back,” assistant coach Jason Curnalia said. “They are finally living up to the expectations that they set in preseason.”

Senior outside hitter Carli Kolbe led the Kats with 24 kills, 14 digs and two aces. It was her tenth double-double of the season.

“Getting 24 kills is fine, but I am happier that we got the win on the road,” Kolbe said.

With the score tied at seven in the first set, the team scored five unanswered points on two Colonels’ attacking errors and three kills by junior outside hitter Kendall Cleveland, sophomore middle blocker Haley Neisler and senior setter Kym Loving that gave them a 12-7 lead and would go on to win the first set.

The Kats continued to dominate in the second set, scoring the first nine out of twelve points and won the set easily.

In the third set, the Colonels would show some life and fight back as they scored the first three out of the four points to take a 3-1 lead in the third set. But the Kats came back, and scored two points to tie it.

The Colonels scored the next four points, widening the gap and winning the third set.

The Kats started the fourth set with a 5-3 lead.

The Colonels scored the next four points to take a 7-5 lead on two kills by senior reserved specialist Rachel Yezak and on a kill and service ace by junior middle blocker Jessica Addicks.

Sophomore outside hitter Kelli Stewart had a kill that put the Kats within one, while an attacking error by Cleveland gave the Colonels a 8-6 lead. Cleveland’s kill on the next

play pulled the Kats within one.

The Colonels increased their lead by the score of 9-7 on a kill by junior middle blocker Sarah Terry. The Kats scored the next two points to tie the score at nine.

After an error by senior middle blocker Kim Black that gave the Colonels a 10-9 lead, the Bearkats scored the next five points and opened up a 14-10 lead.

They would hang on to win the set and the match.

Black and Neisler finished the match with 10 kills each while Loving added 58 assists, 4 kills, 12 digs and an ace.

“Kym is connecting with our hitters a lot more,” Curnalia said. “She is adjusting her setting style

to the needs of the team and not just to her position.”

With the loss, the Colonels are now 2-4 in conference play and 15-7 overall. Junior middle blocker Sarah Terry led them with 13 kills, two aces and a dig.

The SHSU volleyball team returns home for

two matches against the University of Texas at Arlington on Thursday and Texas State University on Saturday.

Start times for both matches are at 7 p.m.

For more information on the team, visit gobearkats.com.

After losing two straight, the women’s soccer team returned home this weekend and got a 1-0 win against Northwestern State.

Despite a couple of good chances for the Kats to score, the game remained scoreless until the 77th minute when the Kats got the ball inside the box. Tricia Mallory’s shot was blocked, the ball was bobbled around and went to Megan Manis who went left with her shot, beating the goalkeeper.

“We made some offensive lineup changes this week, moving Kirby Zak up top to go along with Tricia Mallory, and

we played with a lot better attacking mentality,” Head Coach Tom Brown said. “We created some great chances and [Manis] finally stuck one in.”

“I was like, ‘OK I have a feeling it’s coming to me’,” Manis said. “I was in the perfect spot and I just had to place it.”

The Kats were able to hold a clean sheet thanks to another great performance by goalkeeper Mallory Garthwaite. She saved all three of Northwestern Louisiana’s shots on goal.

“Garthwaite continues to play with more confidence. She did a great job of getting to a ball in traffic right at the end to preserve the shutout,” Brown said.

On Sunday, against the University of Central

Arkansas, with just under eight minutes of play remaining in the first half, referees stopped the match due to an unplayable field. The sidelines were flooded and the ball was not rolling on the wet field.

“We were trying to kick [the ball] up and over, but the field wasn’t letting us do that,” Hillary Ackerman said.

The game will be rescheduled for a later date that will be announced later this week.

This weekend the Kats will travel to take on Lamar and McNeese State on Friday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.

For more information about the soccer team, visit gobearkats.com.

From FLIP page 1

Page 6Tuesday, October 11, 2011Sports

houstonianonline.com/sports twitter.com/HoustonianSport

By Cheval JohnSports Reporter

Marching past the Colonels

ByAmy TurekContributing Reporter

Soccer finds footing in win

Jessica Gomez | The HoustonianJUMP. Seniors Carli Kolbe (left) and Kim Black (right) defend the net against Stephen F. Austin. The Kats would get the win in four sets against both the Jacks on Wednesday and Nicholls State this past weekend. Overall the Kats have an 11-9 record, and 5-2 in Southland Conference play.

Team SHSU SFAYards 431 272Passing 214 251Rushing 217 23Turnovers 5 1

Key Stats