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www.southplainscollege.edu/ppress PLAINSMAN PRESS Levelland, Texas A bi-weekly collegiate publication Vol. 59 • Issue 11 • April 18, 2017 Livestock Judging Team wins national championship by STEVEN GEHEGAN 20 events from December to youngest head coach to win that he had made that history. Along with the hard work, overall in team results and Sports Editor March of this year, finishing a national championship. He “It took a little bit for it to Newsom said, “a good work sixth overall in team cattle. The South Plains Livestock ethic with Individually, Kelly placed Judging Team made history a lot of sixth in the individual, and while doing something that hours and seventh in individual swine. has not been done in more than dedica- Scott placed seventh in the two decades. tion, it all individual, and first in indi- The Livestock Judging came to- vidual goat and sheep. Bostick Team brought home a national gether.” placed ninth in individual, championship from the Hous- “ A second in the sheep and goat, ton Collegiate Judging Contest little fifth in individual cattle and that took place on March 20 luck met eighth in individual reasons. participating. Three students prepara- McBride placed fourth in also placed in the top 10. tion,” he individual swine, and earned It is the first national title said of All-American honors for hav- for the Livestock Judging the team’s ing a 4.0 grade point average. Team since 1991, under the success. Criswell placed second in leadership of head coach Con- The alternate contest. ner Newsom. mem- The Houston Livestock “It’s pretty exciting to say bers of Show and Rodeo has become the least,” Newsom said. “It the soph- to be one of the largest live- took a lot of hard work for this omore stock show and rodeos in the team to win a national champi- team that world, attracting 2.4 million onship. It took a lot of work, a won the people to this event. lot of time and dedication into national The future seems bright, it. It also took a lot of long Photo courtesy of Connor Newsom champi- according to Newsom, who nights and early mornings.” onship added,“Expectations are real- Newsom joined SPC in include: ly high. I have a really good 2013 and has led the Livestock in the top in each event. said it was “kind of surreal and soak in that this actually hap- Tyler Kelly of Bullard; Ster- team to follow these guys.” Judging Team in more than Newsom, 25, became the shocking” when he found out pened,” Newsom added. ling Scott of Lubbock; Dylan Next year, Newsom will Bostick of Bangs; Trace Mc- have a team of 13 members Bride of Abernathy; Kelton who are currently freshmen, Matthews of Abilene; Logan who have impressed Newsom Journalism students awarded Bauer of Llano; and Kenzee all season long. These compe- Criswell of Dora, New Mex- titions are important to help ico. open doors for students to gain at intercollegiate competition In addition to the overall full scholarships to four-year by PLAINSMAN PRESS Marshall placed first for Golden currently serves as man from Schulenburg, placed championship, the Livestock universities. Judging Team placed first in STAFF News Feature Story for an entertainment editor of the third in the category of Gener- article she wrote about a stu- Plainsman Press. al Column. both goat and sheep, tied for South Plains College stu- dent who hung a banner from Matt Molinar, a sophomore Students participating in the first in swine, finished second sgehegan2284@students. dent Sara Marshall was se- a building in downtown Lub- public relations major from trip and also competing in live overall in team placing, third southplainscollege.edu lected as Editor of the Year for bock which had made national Levelland, placed second in contests were: Marshall, who two-year colleges and current news, Feature Page Design for the category of Opinion/Edito- competed in News Writing and or former Plainsman Press her page layout featuring a rial Page Design and received Newspaper Design; Brandi University graduate staff members won 11 other butterfly exhibit at the Science an Honorable Mention Award Ortiz, a sophomore public awards during the annual Spectrum in Lubbock, and in the category of News Story relations major from Lamesa Texas Intercollegiate Press Single Subject Presentation, for coverage of a Black Lives who competed in News Photo; discovers passion in Association spring competi- Desiree Mendez, a sopho- tion and convention. more from Levelland, who escorting, adult films There were 519 partici- competed in Feature Writing; But after years of dedica- pants representing 45 com- Steven Gehegan, a sophomore tion, he’s discovered just how munity colleges and univer- print journalism major from profitable a double life can be. sities from across the state Lubbock, who competed in Upon first impression, it is at this year’s TIPA conven- Print Sports Writing; Jordan clear that Adam is studious, tion, which was held March Patterson of Lubbock, who hard working and maintains 30-April 1 at the Crowne competed in Sports Photo; a proper diet and exercise Plaza Hotel in downtown Tovi Oyervidez, a sophomore routine. Dallas. TIPA is the largest photojournalism major from Known online as “Tex- student press association in Lubbock and Molinar, who [Editor’s note: This story is asBull,” Adam is most well the nation. competed in Two-Person Pho- the fifth part of the multi- known for his film work. The Plainsman Press also to Essay; Alex Perez, a soph- par series “Risque Business,” He has earned the no. 4 spot was recognized with an Hon- omore public relations major examining the dangers of in the Adult Entertainment orable Mention Award in the Plainsman Press staff poses with TIPA awards. from Lubbock, who competed prostitution that begins Broadcast Network ‘s top 10 category of Overall Excel- TOVI OYERVIDEZ/PLAINSMAN PRESS in Feature Photo; Golden, who with Issue #7 and con- male performers. On top of his lence. competed in Critical Review; clues in Issue #12. Several film work, Adam works as an Tyler York, a freshman and honor she shared with for- Matter protest in Lubbock. Molinar, who competed in staff members took it upon escort in the Lubbock area. print journalism major from mer staff members Chesanie Molinar currently serves as PR News Release Writing; themselves to interview take “I do many things, really,” Tallahassee, Florida, received Brantley of Sudan and Nicole associate editor of the Plains- Brittny Stegall, a freshman photographs, and conduct Adam said. “I provide sexual an Honorable Mention award Trugillo of Amherst. Marshall man Press. print journalism major from research. The results of their services, I offer a masseuse for Headline Writing during a also placed third for Newspa- Dominick Puente, a soph- Crosbyton, who competed combined efforts follow.] service, and I model. I started live on-site competition held per Ad Design. omore print journalism major in Editorial Writing; Stacy [Be advised: In order to acting and escorting when I on March 30. Among other Plainsman from Levelland, placed sec- Johnson, a sophomore general protect his identity, the started college, which helped Marshall, a sophomore Press staff members receiv- ond in the category of Sports studies major from Lubbock, subject’s name has been cover some of the tuition. I’ve photojournalism major from ing awards for Previously Column for a story he wrote who competed in Copy Ed- got a few top-selling DVD’s Andrews who currently Published material is Riley about the accusations of rape iting; and Aric Mitchell, a changed to “Adam.”] with my face on the cover.” serves as editor-in-chief of Golden, a sophomore print involving members of the Bay- freshman radio, television and by MATT MOLINAR Adam has been been a the Plainsman Press, won journalism major from Lub- lor University football team. film major from Lubbock, who Associate Editor part of the sex industry for three first-place awards and bock. Golden placed first in Puente currently serves as a competed in Live Video News. For one Texas Tech Uni- four years. During the four a third-place award in the the category of Critical Re- sports writer and editorial as- Plainsman Press staff mem- versity graduate, a job in the years, he earned a Bachelor competition for Previously view for his article featuring sistant for the Plainsman Press. bers have won 156 awards in sex industry wasn’t his first Published material. the “Bioshock” video game. Kaci Livingston, a fresh- TIPA competitions since 2004. choice. see “Male” on page 2 Cover to Cover News Feature Entertainmment Sports Spotlight Opinion... page 4 Board of Regents approve Students, faculty participate Mark Hamill and Stan Lee Men’s basketball team plac- U.S Border Patrol trainee Feature... page 7 housing cost increase. in fifth annual Dancing make appearance at Dallas es third at the NJCAA na- gives insight into daily life Entertainment page 10 With the Texans live event. Comic-Con. tional tournament. at training academy. Sports... page 13 Spotlight... page 16 page 3 page 6 page 10 page 13 page 16 2 News April 18, 2017 Plainsman Press Male escort gives insight on life in sex industry Continued from pg. 1 actor. He says that actual en- point is due to the notoriety he nine times a week. However, couple who are just asking for caught doing porn and Ivy joyment of the job is crucial has received from doing film due to his price point, actual a massage – nothing sexual.” League students holding escort of Science Degree in chem- in the sex industry as well as work. He says his clients come business calls only happen Adam says that there is a services to pay for school. It’s istry from TTU. He says that a certain skill set. from all different walks of about four times a week. He stereotype that people who the oldest living profession.” while his job schedule life, including some says that many of the requests find jobs in the sex industry Adam says he has learned and school schedule of- who hold high-pro- he gets are non-sexual. are “mindless and stupid.” many life lessons from his job, ten clashed, he doesn’t file jobs. “There are a lot of times He says that, on the contrary, as well as how much he enjoys regret any of the deci- “I’ve worked where people will call and pay many of the people he has the notoriety. sions he has made. with a philanthro- for me to just sit down and have worked with in the industry “I’ve learned from this job “I really enjoy what pist, as well as the a chat with them,” Adam said. are educated and respectable. that life shouldn’t be taken that I do,” Adam said. “It head of a compa- “When you’re an escort, as “I work with somebody seriously,” he said. “I can do was hard to balance my ny that caters to opposed to a prostitute, you’re who currently holds a master’s this, and I can enjoy it. And new job and school. football players, catering to a lot of different degree and continuing on to it doesn’t stop me from doing You have to plan your politicians, and needs and interests. There is a do doctoral work,” Adam anything else.” schedule out very care- massive par- distinct difference between an explained. “He loves this job. fully. It’s important to ties,” Adam said. escort and a prostitute. Some- You hear about it all the time emolinar0541@students. take into consideration “There are cons, times, I’ll get a call from a – professional athletes getting southplainscollege.edu when you have exams of course. People and classes in order to can be pushy and plan when you do your try to force their Service animals becoming job. Sometimes, there is friendship on me. a certain season for film- Some can even be ing that gets in the way.” dangerous. But more common on campus Adam says he began here, in Lubbock, thinking about the pos- there’s nobody who [Editor’s note: This story is role in the seeing-eye dogs There are a few consid- sibility of a career in is really too dan- the first part of the three-part utilized by those with vision erations students should be the sex industry while gerous.” series “Doggone It!” exam- impairments. aware of for having service he was in high school. Adam says that ining the differences between Service animals go through or emotional support animals He says that during the while there may therapy dogs, service dogs extensive training, often for on campus. years leading up to col- be a higher request and emotional-support ani- several years, before they are Handlers of both ESAs and lege, he was sexually for female escorts, mals that begins with Issue #9 ready to serve a handler. service dogs should always oppressed and described there is a higher and concludes in Issue #12. “Service animals are gen- promptly and properly dispose himself as a “prude.” risk of danger for Several staff members took it erally trained to do a specif- of any waste. In addition, “The first time I ever TexasBull, a sex industy worker, enjoys women in the in- upon themselves to interview, ic task,” said Young. “They ESAs specifically are not had to change in front of offering services to clients while inde- dustry than there take photographs, and conduct range widely. Most of us know allowed in classrooms, and other people in a locker pentandly studying. is for men. research. The results of their of them from someone who is must remain in a student’s room, my peers began “I’ve been do- combined effors follow.] visually impaired who uses a dorm room. pointing out certain BRANDI ORTIZ/PLAINSMAN PRESS ing this for about service animal to navigate. Students should always attributes that I had,” four years now,” “But now we’re seeing strive to represent themselves he said. “They would he said. “I’ve nev- more service animals used in as positively as possible. This jokingly say, ‘You should do “If you’re doing it for the er once truly feared for myself. different areas,” she added, “in includes any service animals porn.’ As the years went on money, don’t do it,” he said. I’m a big man, and not many psychiatric areas, in mental or ESAs they may have in and I heard it more and more “This job requires you to be people would try something health, and certain disabili- their care. and as I made the transition comfortable with expressing like that with someone like ties.” “Your dog is an extension into college, it just kind of yourself. The sex industry isn’t me.” The training can be sepa- of you,” said Young. “There happened.” some get-rich-quick scheme. Websites such as Backpag- rated into two categories of are many who actually need Adam says he spends much It’s just like any other job in es.com are where escorts and actions: “work” and “tasks.” these animals to help relieve of his free time eating, exer- any other industry. You have prostitutes would normally Tasks are behaviors that are symptoms of their disabilities. cising, and doing indepen- to work hard for it. You have advertise their services, but prompted by commands, while So if they aren’t trained to dent study in chemistry. He to maintain your successes.” due to the increase in human work is cued by environmental behave properly, they will be also spends time studying Adam says that the cash trafficking, the site has taken factors, or even a reaction in asked to be removed.” the languages of French and he earns is spent on personal down its “adult services” page. the handler’s body. These rules are in place to Mandarin. expenses, developing his port- “It’s a big epidemic,” Adam For people with memory help ensure that students who “Somewhere along the line, folio and occasionally spent said. “Underage boys and loss issues, a service dog could need the assistance of a service I’d like to get a job as a lab on his siblings. He says if his girls are brought from over- remind a handler to take his animal aren’t punished be- technician,” Adam explained. siblings, who are currently seas where they are sold to by TYLER YORK or her medication regularly, cause of those who just want to “Learning French and Manda- going through college, need traffickers against their will Online Editor or to find a mobile phone. If try to sneak a pet on campus. rin are just something I have financial help, he is happy to for the sake of their families someone experiences halluci- “What I would hate to see,” been interested in recently.” contribute. having the ability to afford a After decades of absence, nations, a service dog might said Young, “is for the law to Adam says that a large For an hour of service, green card.” service animals are becoming be trained to help the handler become so restrictive because amount of effort is required Adam says he charges $300. Adam says that, on average, more of a fixture at South discern what noises or people everyone else abused it that to be an escort, or adult film The reason he has a high price clients will contact him around Plains College. are real. people who need service ani- In the Disability Services In some extreme cases, a mals can’t get them.” Office, Linda Young, disability handler might struggle with There are likely students accommodations specialist at something such as deper- who are uncertain about how Math Department hosting SPC, noted that despite her 30 sonalization, or a detached to best handle themselves years of time with the college sensation of being an observer around service animals, be- and the 27th anniversary of in one’s own body. A service cause their only experience is Advising Day for students the American Disabilities Act dog can provide tactile stim- with dogs as pets. For those (ADA) coming this summer, ulation via petting or deep students, Young has a key pressure therapy to help relax piece of advice. All students who currently Math and Science depart- service animals have only by BRANDI ORTIZ and ground the handler, there- “Always talk to the han- major or are planning to major ments, as well as their con- recently made an appearance News Editor by providing some relief for dler,” said Young. “A handler in either of those related dis- tinued journeys beyond their on campus. symptoms that can otherwise will be trained to say no to Math and Engineering stu- ciplines are highly encouraged time at SPC. “It’s not an accommoda- be difficult to manage alone. certain things. You never want dents who are struggling to to attend the event. Any high school students tion,” explained Young. “It’s a Young recommends that to go to pet an animal, and plan their schedules for the If a student wishes to set who are interested in a STEM right protected under the ADA. anyone with a service animal then distract them, and that Fall 2017 semester at South an appointment with a faculty major are also invited and But we’ve only really seen on campus should have his or would keep them from doing Plains College now have the advisor, he or she will only be encouraged to attend. them here on campus in the her animal registered with the their job.” chance to ask for help. scheduled after the Advising Pre-registration for the fall last two or three years.” office. Students shouldn’t be afraid Faculty in the Math Depart- Day on April 21. Advisors will semester will start on April 19. There are three distinct cat- “A student does not have to be around service animals ment at SPC will be hosting an not be setting up any meetings Those interested in request- egories of support animals rec- to be approved through the on campus, because they are Advising Day for all Mathe- regarding scheduling prior to ing more information can con- ognized in the United States: Disability Office to have a well-trained for the situations matics, Computer Science, and that day. tact Shirley Davis, associate emotional support animals service animal,” explained they encounter. Engineering students on April Former SPC students, as professor of mathematics, at (ESAs), therapy animals, and Young. “But it is recommend- 21. The event will take place well as representatives from (806) 716 – 2699. service animals. ed that they identify it with us in the Sundown Room on the surrounding universities, will Service animals come in so we know the animal is on [email protected] Levelland campus, beginning attend the event to speak about bortiz8423@students. many varieties, but most peo- campus.” plainscollege.edu at 8:30 a.m. their experiences both in the southplainscollege.edu ple may recognize a common

PUBLICATION STATEMENT The Plainsman Press is published every two weeks during regular Editorial Staff Staff Writers & Photographers semesters by journalism students at South Plains College in Levelland, Charlie Ehrenfeld / Advisor Texas. Opinions herein are those of Sara Marshall / Editor-in-Chief Hannah Nelson Noell Luna the writer and not necessarily those Matt Molinar/ Associate Editor Mariah Deleon Vanessa Delgado of the staff, the administration, Brandi Ortiz/ News Editor Ryan Shanks Jordan Patterson Board of Regents, advisor or Brittny Stegall/ Opinion Editor Desiree Mendez Shelby Morgan advertisers. Alex Perez/ Feature Editor Ryan Fitzgerald Chanise Ray Riley Golden/ Entertainment Editor Steven Gehegan/ Sports Editor Tovi Oyervidez/ Photo Editor LETTERS TO THE EDITOR POLICY Tyler York / Online Editor The Plainsman Press encourages Stacy Johnson/ Editorial Assistant signed letters to the editor. Sergio Madrid/ Editorial Assistant Published letters are subject Dominick Puente/ Editorial Assistant Plainsman Press to editing. Letters should be South Plains Colege brought to CM 130 or mailed to 1401 S. College Ave. PHONE: (806) 894-9611 ext. 2435 our address at the college. Levelland, TX 79336 EMAIL: [email protected] News 3 Plainsman Press April 18, 2017 Former student recalls sexual assault experience [Be advised: The names and According The walk is held in order to places in this story have to the Na- raise funds and awareness been changed or generalized tional Sexu- about the issues of sexual to protect the identity of the al Violence assault and sex trafficking. sexual assault survivor. In Resource The march is a one mile order to protect anonymity, Center, (NS- walk, and participants can, the survivor’s name has been VRC), most if they choose, don 4-inch- changed.] victims of high stilettos to speak out physically against sexual violence. by SHELBY MORGAN forced or in- The event will be held on Staff Writer capacitated April 22 from 8:30 a.m. to sexual as- 10:30 a.m. at South Plains College is supposed to be sault were Mall in Lubbock. one of the best times in the assaulted by If you or someone you lives of students. But for one someone they know is a victim of sex- former South Plains College knew (79 ual assault, help can be student, the experience was percent and found at Voice of Hope of tainted by unwanted sexual 88 percent, Lubbock, The Health and advances. respectively). Wellness Center at South Abbey Rogers, not her real “I didn’t Plains College, the County name, was the victim of sexual report it be- Health Department, or by assault during her sophomore cause I didn’t calling the National Sexual year of college, following a want to be Assault Hotline at 1-800- night out with friends. shamed for 656-HOPE. “I had gone out with some being drunk,” friends, and we met up with says Rogers, some guys who were buying “or for some- Photo illustration by JORDAN PATTERSON/PLAINSMAN PRESS us drinks,” she recalls. “We one to tell were all having a good time, me that I was and Prevention Month is rec- Walk a Mile in Her Shoes non-profit agency Voice of [email protected] but then I blacked out. It’s like asking for it that night. I was ognized during April. It is is an annual march for the Hope: Rape Crisis Center. plainscollege.edu everything that happened after having a good time with my an annual campaign to bring midnight was erased from my friends and had too much to awareness to sexual assault. memory” drink, and someone took ad- According to RAINN.org, the Denim Day serves to educate students Incidences such as the one vantage of that.” rate of sexual assault and rape Rogers experienced, where The NSVRC reports that has fallen by 63 percent since the victim is intoxicated, are less than 5 percent of complet- 1993. on sexual assault, victim blaming extremely common. Sexual ed or attempted rapes against Every two minutes, some- was overturned “because the focus to victim blaming, be- by RILEY GOLDEN assault campaigns across the college women are reported to one in America is raped. One victim wore very, very tight cause that’s something that is country have adopted the law enforcement. However, in in six American women are Entertainment Editor jeans, she had to help him re- a big problem in our society.” phrase, “Just because she two-thirds of the incidents, the victims of sexual assault. That move them, and by removing The Health and Wellness didn’t say no doesn’t mean victim did tell another person, means that someone you know Students, faculty, and staff the jeans, it was no longer rape Center is selling buttons for she’s saying yes,” in hopes of usually a friend, not family or has been or could be the vic- at South Plains College are but consensual sex.” $1 as well. educating and bringing aware- campus officials. tim of sexual assault. It could encouraged to wear denim on Enraged by the ruling, “If we did Denim Day tra- ness to the stigma that drunk “I wish guys and girls knew be your mother, aunt, sister, April 26. women in Italian Parliament ditionally, it would be a fund- girls are fair game. that just because you’re too daughter, friend, or the girl They will be joining more began protesting the verdict raising event for Peace Over “I woke up in a strange bed drunk to say no, doesn’t mean next to you in class. Sexual than 155,000 people across by wearing jeans to work. This Violence,” Straface explained. with a guy who I barely knew that it’s OK,” Rogers says. violence has become an epi- the United States who have call to action spurred the Cali- “But, to my knowledge, they and instantly had a moment “Don’t see the drunk girl at the demic and affects the families pledged to wear denim to bring fornia Senate and Assembly to don’t have an organization of regret and started to blame bar as an opportunity.” of victims, friends, co-work- awareness to sexual assault. do the same. that impacts this area, and we myself,” Rogers says. Sexual Assault Awareness ers, and communities. In Italy in 1992, an 18-year- The movement made its didn’t want to raise funds that old girl was picked up by her way to Patricia Giggans, ex- would leave the area. So it’s a 45-year-old driving instruc- ecutive director of Peace Over way for us to raise money for Board of Regents discuss housing tor, taken to an isolated road, Violence, and the first Denim Voice of Hope in Lubbock.” where he pulled her out of the Day in Los Angeles was in For more information, go to car, wrestled one leg out of her April 1999. It has continued to denimdayinfo.org to register cost increase, curriculum changes jeans, and raped her. spread across the nation every as a supporter of the cause. they’d like. Fifty dollars would Jennifer Galey and Kenneth Later that night, she told her year since then. So, on April 26, wear jeans by SARA MARSHALL more than offset what we were Alan Foster. Graduating from parents about the incident, and “This is the first [Denim with a purpose and make those Editor-in-Chief receiving on the current ma- SPC’s Nursing Program in they helped her press charges. Day] we’ve done,” said Chris around you aware of sexual Increases in housing costs, chines. Upkeep costs will go 2004, Galey has pursued a The man was convicted and Straface, counselor at South assault and victim blaming. curriculum changes and the up, but we feel like this will be career in nursing and is now a sentenced to jail. He appealed Plains College. “But Denim proposed 2017 employment an opportunity for our students Family Nurse Practitioner in his sentence and it made it Day has been around for 18 list were among topics dis- to have access to that, which Littlefield. Graduating from all the way to the country’s years. The whole purpose of [email protected] cussed during the April meet- they don’t currently have.” SPC’s Welding Technology Supreme Court. The verdict Denim Day is to bring some plainscollege.edu ing of the South Plains College The Board voted upon the Program in 2004, Foster has Board of Regents. proposed Fall housing increas- pursued a career in mechanical Cathy Mitchell, vice pres- es, unanimously agreeing upon engineering and is currently ident for student affairs, pre- the change. employed by Lyondell Basell sented the Board with a com- Further changes happening as a technical assurance man- parison of SPC’s housing and for the Fall 2017 semester ager for global projects. dining costs to comparable include several curriculum “Our Distinguished Alumni colleges in the area and across changes. Dr. Ryan Gibbs, vice awards selection committee the state. president for academic affairs, reviewed nine different nom- “It’s been several years presented the Board with 34 inations this year, and these since we have increased these courses which were brought up two individuals rose to the costs,” Mitchell said. “Even for deletion by the Texas High- top,” John said. “We’re proud though our board costs con- er Education Coordinating of both of these former stu- tinue to increase on our side, Board. Of these 34 courses, 99 dents and the success they’ve we have not increased the cost percent of them were deleted. achieved in their careers.” of housing for the students in SPC has also added 40 As the end of the spring several years.” courses for Fall 2017, many semester nears, Dr. Satter- Dr. Robin Satterwhite, of which are substitutions white updated the Board on president of SPC, continued for courses which have been upcoming events. The Student Mitchell’s housing discussion, deleted. Ninety three courses Awards Assembly will take asking the Board to approve have also been revised for the place on May 4 at 7 p.m. in the an increase in student housing Fall 2017 semester. Texan Dome. The Retirement cost. “Sometimes that’s as simple Reception will take place the “Our room and board is, on as a name change,” Dr. Gibbs following day on the Level- average, about $550 less than said. “Most of the time, it’s an land campus in the Sundown our counterparts,” Dr. Sat- addition of a special course Room of the Student Center, terwhite said. “This increase fee or a raising of a special beginning at 1:30 p.m. would only affect those in the course fee to meet the needs The Employee Recognition residence halls.” of the supplies of a particular Banquet will take place on The total recommended course.” May 11, in the PE Complex at increase is $150, which Dr. Dr. Gibbs also presented the 6 p.m., and the ADN Nurses Satterwhite explained would Board with a list of faculty for Pinning will happen in the cover a $100 increase in fall the 2017 – 2018 school year. Texan Dome at 8 p.m., also housing costs, as well as pro- According to Dr. Gibbs, there on May 11. vide resident students with free will be 453 faculty members The Commencement Cer- washer and dryer access for at SPC. This number includes emonies will take place on another $50 increase. both full-time and part-time May 12 in the Texan Dome, Mikayla Holmes, a freshman broadcast journalism major from Lubbock and presi- “This is becoming more and faculty members, with more with ceremonies at 9:30 a.m. dent-elect of the Student Government Association, was elected to the State Student more of a benefit that colleges than 50 percent being com- and 1 p.m. Government Director of Public Relations Position on April 2 in Houston at the State posed of full-time members. provide to their students,” Dr. Student Government for Junior Colleges Conference. This is the first time an SPC Satterwhite said. “We have Stephen John, vice presi- many students that don’t have dent for institutional advance- student has been honored with a position on the state level of student government in the opportunity to wash and ment, presented the proposed smarshall4759@students. more than seven years. dry their clothes as much as 2017 Distinguished Alumni: southplainscollege.edu BRANDI ORTIZ/ PLAINSMAN PRESS 4 Opinion April 18, 2017 Plainsman Press BackTalk: Controversy develops around proposed wall Build relationships, not borders Wall could enforce war against drugs not how hard you try to keep will make the United States make hundreds of millions Patrol implements. The more them out. a prime target for terrorists, of dollars flooding in these effort that is enforced to God said love your neighbor because of the “they think drugs, families and friends regulate and eliminate the as you love yourself. We are they can keep us out, think have to deal with loved ones drug trade will keep the streets not following God’s command again” mentality. It will be overdosing on heroin and safe, along with crippling the by keeping everyone out. Just a challenge for terrorists, being imprisoned for pushing power of the cartels creating because a few terrorists have and everyone likes a good meth and cocaine to make a safer lifestyle for the people harmed the United States, challenge. As for keeping the some money for their next of Mexico who are affected by that does not label everyone illegal aliens out, that will not hit. Extra measures such as the cartels. as a terrorist. People need keep them out. It might make building a wall should be taken With the wall built and a chance; everyone needs a it harder for them to enter the without thought to prevent drug traffic limited even by BRITTNY STEGALL chance. United States, but it will not by DOMINICK PUENTE these harmful chemicals from more, drug abuse and sellers Opinion Editor President Trump is hiding prevent it. It will just harm and Editiorial Assistant entering the streets. will decrease. The amount of behind his words. He is not kill many more humans than Building a wall will not crime and number of deaths With President Donald facing the problem itself. He the border already has. While creating a wall to solve the overall problem will decline as well. While Trump wanting to build a is just creating an even worse We need to think about separate the United States with limiting the amount of limiting drug flow, crime wall, it is making the United problem by talking about the the future of our children and and Mexico is thought of drugs being pushed across will become less common, States look like cowards. their children. It will tear as absurd or necessary by the border. However, it will including theft in order to pay A proposed wall families apart, harm them, different groups of people, cut out a portion of the drugs for drugs. between the United States and possibly even kill parts I believe creating the wall while also limiting the income Jails and prisons will be at and Mexico is one of the of their families. Many would help both countries. cartels receive. a safer capacity, as the number bigger controversies today. illegal aliens come this way Some groups call for a wall For years, the cartels have of people who are faced with Many in the world say the to protect their families, to be built in order to decrease been pushing drugs into the drug-related charges will United States of America to get them out of harm’s the number of illegal aliens United States. As the years decrease due to the lack of is where dreams are made, way, or to obtain a better coming into the United States. have gone by, the government usual drug flow. Keeping the the home of the brave, the life for them. It is too hard I see the wall benefiting both has implemented technology to inmate count at a reasonable land of the free, where to legally enter the United countries as far as limiting the limit the drug flow. However, number will allow jails and opportunities are made. States. That is why many amount of drugs and money while the governments try prisons to run efficiently and How will it be possible to are coming illegally. They flowing back and forth. to adapt to the new methods keep the court system focused make dreams if there is a need a quicker way to make I understand that building of drug smuggling, cartels on more important issues and wall put up around us? It their way into the United the wall is a way to limit continue to stay a step ahead cases. shows we are scared and States. They do not need illegal crossing into America. of both the Mexican and Death tolls will go down do not trust people. It will to be waiting for months or However, the war on drugs American governments. as well with the decline of hurt more people than it years to get a better life or is taking a back seat in the Establishing a wall will overdoses and hallucinations will help. protection for their families. debate. Yet it affects all parties help in the defense against that lead to death. Homicides Nearly 6,000 aliens They need a sanctuary. in negative ways and continues the war on drugs, along with will also decline with a limited have died trying to cross They need the United States to take lives and hurt people ensuring the wall has a good amount of drugs flowing the Mexico-U.S. Border since wall. He is supposed to protect to help them, not scare them. in both countries. Although amount of width and length through the streets which 2000. Think about how much the citizens of the United We need to come together limiting the amount of people to avoid tunneling for drug influence turf wars within worse it could be if there is a States, as well as everyone as a country and speak our crossing the border illegally smugglers. While people side gangs. wall put up to “prevent” them who enters into it. If the wall minds about this issue. We is important, it is not the only against the wall for personal Although building a wall from entering the United is a problem just talking about need to love our neighbors. point that should be discussed reasons, drugs will continue to will enrage a large number of States. It would kill hundreds, it, think about how big the We need to take a stand for within the debate. flood the streets and continue people, it will help the streets if not thousands, and possibly problem will escalate if there those who cannot stand for While marijuana has to cripple Americans. stay clean of harsh drugs and even more if the wall is put up. is a wall. themselves. We do not need become more available in If the wall is built, there keep cities and neighborhoods Aliens are entering the United I know many may agree a wall. this country, the drug cartels will be a sure obstacle that safe. States illegally already. If the with the wall being built to are transporting chemically- cartels will have to consider, entry to the United States “protect this country” or “to engineered drugs such as along with different variables was easier, they would not keep illegal aliens out.” That methamphetamines, heroin of smuggling in drugs, such as be entering illegally. It is is not the way I believe it will [email protected] and cocaine across the the technologies and strategies dpuente3388@students. about how hard it is to enter, work. If a wall goes up, it plainscollege.edu border. While the cartels that the United States Border southplainscollege.edu Medical drug abuse becoming wide spread in college are on several medications for depend on medications to When college students crazy that I am only 20 years met throughout college have various reasons. Some of these overcome their own obstacles misuse or abuse medications, old and I have known countless at least tried one drug. include anxiety, depression, instead of dealing them head- they are also more likely to people who have had to go to One is just the beginning. and ADHD. on with a clear mind. turn to illegal drugs such as rehab in order to treat their One leads to two, and then Only recently, has In some cases, medication cocaine and marijuana. They addiction. three. The goal should be to medical drug abuse become is required. But I feel that are also more likely to be binge I had heard stories but stop it in its tracks. a pandemic among college many students exaggerate drinkers. These are messy and never thought it would Apparently, in college, students. For even the slightest their supposed diagnosis. This dangerous combinations. happen to people I was close some students seem to think reason, a student can acquire causes many people to become Most students indulge in to. Thankfully, many of my it is cool to use drugs. Many prescription medication. addicted to medications. drinking throughout their years friends have turned their lives users don’t understand the It is no secret that college Many people may be in college. So those who take around. serious risks that come by VANESSA DELGADO students tend to be broke. ignorant to the truth, but it is drugs such as Adderall and One of the best and simplest with many of these drugs. Staff Writer Many students who are on there nonetheless. Not only Vyvanse while drinking have things that someone can do More information should be these medications tend to sell are many people overusing In this day and age, an even higher risk for alcohol to help someone in the same available to college students. medications are being over them to others who do not these drugs, they are using poisoning, heart problems, and situation is to provide moral The situation needs to used and abused. have prescriptions. So for them recreationally and not for behavioral issues. support and encouragement. be taken more seriously by Being a college student those who may be recovering, their intended purpose. Medical drug abuse may With drug abuse in colleges college campuses and students. is stressful, and apparently it is still easy to get their hands Medication also has side only be the beginning for rising, more actions needs to many students are taking on more and relapse. effects. When they are abused, some students. It can lead to be taken in order to get the that same complaint to the It seems that students are the chance of these side effects even harder drugs that have situation under control. The vdelgado0878@students. doctor. Many of my friends becoming mama’s boys. They surfacing is increased. the potential to ruin lives. It’s majority of the people I have southplainscollege.edu Man on the Street Should we keep daylight savings time?

“I like it, because there is “No, because you lose an “It’s mutual because I lose “No, because I like sleep.” “No, because it feels like “If I am losing an hour, I a change. You have more hour of sleep. But the after- an hour of sleep one time, we are losing a part of our think it’ll be more stress- time to do stuff during noons don’t get as dark.” then gain one another. ” Mikail Toralva day, especially for the peo- ful on a college student, t h e d ay.” Freshman ple that sleep in.” because they wouldn’t be Alejandro Gonzales Dario Rafael Architecture Engineering awake during class or fo- Arlene Ortez Sophomore Sophomore Tahoka Elijah Cisneros cused while doing their Sophomore Mechanical Engineering Business Freshman homework.” Graphic Design Slaton Dallas Radio, Television, Film Bovina Slaton Victor Martinez Freshman Constructional Engineering Compiled by Noell Luna and Mariah Deleon New Home Opinion 5 Plainsman Press April 18, 2017 College students underrated in eyes of society or a die-hard student who is having an amazing planner is underrated in the sense that student’s world and think as well. For any human being, constantly on his or her laptop necessary. not everybody appreciates that it is a necessity to have there is a necessity to have doing homework or some There are so many students, and acknowledges the intense a job and to have a source of interaction with other people kind of student organization such as myself, who have amount of effort they are income, which is true. But in and to take breaks from a requirements. Yes, there are encountered this very stressful putting in to achieve their order to have time for a job, it high-stress life. For some those students in real life. But and high-intensity lifestyle. In goals in life. Professors, for takes a balancing act. Having students, this isn’t as easily more often than not, most some cases, they drop out of example, give out assignments a job and going to school achieved because there is not college students enough time in the day to are a mix of that, work, do homework and which is honestly have dinner with some a talent to achieve. friends. Of course, As a college student, everybody has there will be invites to their majors, and different parties and some even have dinners, and along with two. But every it is this stigma that you by ALEX PEREZ student has a can’t say no to any of Feature Editor master’s degree them. If you do, then in multitasking. you’re not cool, or Welcome to the real world, Multitasking is an you’re a “buzz kill.” This where you have to juggle essential skill to stigma can also translate school, work and a social life have in college, into the professional side as a college student, all while especially if you of interactions, as you trying to not drown in debt work and go have to constantly keep because of tuition and that to school. I am networking with people really cute dress you saw at a sophomore at any chance you get to Zara. South Plains get a job after school. Life in college has its ups College, and That also causes a lot of and downs. But let’s be honest, before last week, stress in itself. there are more downs than I had two jobs. I College is not the ups. When people think of am a writer and editor for the college or have to quit a lot of like the student does not have fulltime, and doing it well, is easiest thing to do in the college students, they think of award-winning Plainsman things in order to make time any other classes, when, in a talent that not everybody has. world. But it should not put either kids who are partying Press and a full-time student for the rest, which, in a lot of fact, most students have other When a student can achieve students through as much until they wake up in a field four days out of the week. So, cases, is very unfair. classes that they have to do this without having a mental stress as it does. Working covered in their own vomit, of course, multitasking and College students are very homework for, and then some breakdown very five minutes is students are constantly on the if they are involved in any a great achievement that should go and achieve so much in the student organizations. be at least acknowledged. little time that they are given. College students have so I’m not saying that students Acknowledging the effort Controversy arises from much on their plate as it is, and should receive accolades for from students is needed in to add to that they have to get having a job and still keeping today’s society, and I think it a job or even two to continue up a decent GPA, but some is about time we get it. recent Pepsi commercial to survive is crazy. It should be acknowledgment would be (five times as many down votes Soda companies sell harder looked at as an achievement, nice. as up votes), and Twitter and to young consumers than to not a necessary requirement. Work is not the only thing Facebook lit up with people anyone else, and they’ve Parents and professors that is thrown into a student’s [email protected] pointing out just how gauche been pitching to that coveted sometimes look into a college life, but socializing is important plainscollege.edu the whole thing was. Activist demographic messages of DeRay McKesson called global unity for years. The it “trash,” adding “If I had most well-known of these carried Pepsi, I guess I never attempts is Coca-Cola’s peace- would’ve gotten arrested. Who for-all 1971 “I’d like to buy College requirements for knew?” the world a Coke” (The one People made memes Don Draper dreamed up in the (some even reaching back series finale of “Mad Men”). students amendcause them to better educatefrustration two science courses should be and evoking Pepper Spray But even before that, Pepsi students. Requiring students to required, or that there should Cop). Rightfully, many people was targeting youth culture take a financial planning or tax be creative arts requirements. pointed out that using protest with slogans such as “Pepsi preparation Even if I did retain by RYAN SHANKS imagery in order to sell soda, Generation” and “For Those course the information I Staff Writer particularly images that Who Think Young”—both of would have learned in evoked the photo of Ieshia which launched in the ‘60s. make more class, when am Pepsi is getting a lot of Evans facing down police Soda companies have sense than I ever going to heat for their latest television in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, continued to aim for hip College put it to use as a commercial. last year, was pretty tasteless. kids throughout the ensuing Algebra or journalist? It’s official title is “Live for It was one of the few times decades with celeb-packed Statistics. Colleges need Now Moments Anthem” and the internet ever agreed on ads featuring everyone from As a to teach students features reality star and alleged anything. Michael Jackson to Drake to a journalism to have life skills model Kendall Jenner. It tries And that, in and of itself, truck-driving P. Diddy. Now major, I am that will benefit them to portray that we should is noteworthy. For years, Pepsi has tried to cross the never going to need and focus more on students’ stand together and “join the conversation online has streams, pairing a millennial by SHELBY MORGAN to know the Pythagorean majors. A class on how to conversation.” mega- Staff Writer Theorem, or how to graph effectively create a resume In that way, celebrity with a circle, in order to write or compose a business e-mail the Pepsi ad what the The general education or edit a column effectively. would be a tremendous help was successful. company requirements that college to a college student who has It did indeed clearly students have to complete are never had to create one before. provoke thought ridiculous. There is a serious problem conversation was a fun Most of the courses that are among college graduates who about Pepsi’s spin on the required have already been are applying for jobs that either tone-deafness. ability of taken in high school and are lack the education or lack the In the young people just a repetition of what has experience required for many 2-minute-39- to change already been learned. entry-level positions today. second “short the world. Typically, you Using the time spent film,” Jenner Between spend 12 years in in Art Appreciation throws off 1971 and school learning basic could be better spent the chains of now, though, fundamentals such as preparing for the the modeling people got math, reading, and workforce. industry by the tools to writing. You know A class that teaches taking off her wig, then brought out the best and respond to the misguided your strengths and basic life skills, like leaving a photo shoot to join worst in everyone. But this mash up on a mass scale in 140 weaknesses by the how to change a tire or a protest. After sharing some ad, with its effortlessly cool, characters or less. time you graduate. how to perform CPR on knowing nods and fist bumps politically-aware millennials From Black Lives When you go to college, you someone who is choking with her fellow protestors, in color-coordinated denim Matter to the Women’s are going into a certain field I personally know that I am would be very useful in the “Keeping Up with the outfits, was the one thing Marches, politically active and should be able to focus terrible at math. Therefore, everyday life. Many nursing Kardashians” star manages everyone agreed to oppose. people are already affecting on the career path you have I would never attempt to be schools require students to take to bring everyone together by A Twitter search for “Pepsi” change around the world, chosen. an engineer. The only thing an etiquette class to prepare handing a cop a Pepsi. The reveals that virtually no one and they’re not doing it with On average, students have having to take an Algebra class them for job interviews and message is clear: All those is coming to the commercial’s soda and reality stars. They to have 42 semester hours does is add stress to my life. real-life scenarios that they Women’s Marches, Black defense. In fact, not even Pepsi are using the same tools that of core credits in order to While it may be beneficial may encounter. Lives Matter protests, and is defending it anymore. Earlier organized those movements graduate. So, on top of the for an engineering major to I don’t believe that all demonstrations outside Trump today, the company pulled the to express how ill advised it time spent learning these basic play sports or take a music of the general education Tower would be much more ad. “Pepsi was trying to project was to use their work to sell skills, students have to spend class, it isn’t going to be very requirements should be effervescent and effective if a global message of unity, carbonated beverages. The another two years learning beneficial to his chosen career removed or changed. But there someone had just brought peace and understanding. reaction to Pepsi’s ad, not some of the same things they choice and should therefore is an issue with the current some soda. Clearly, we missed the mark the ad itself, brought people learned in high school. be an option, and not a requirements that should be The Internet, as you might and apologize,” Pepsi said in a together. That’s refreshing. I think that it would be a requirement addressed by the state. suspect, disagreed. Within 48 statement. “We did not intend more beneficial use of students’ I don’t mean to just pick hours, the video got nearly to make light of any serious [email protected] money and financial aid funds on the math requirements, smorgan9504@students. 1.6 million views on YouTube issue.” plainscollege.edu to cut the required courses, or because I also don’t agree that southplainscollege.edu 6 Opinion April 18, 2017 Plainsman Press Student sees Border Patrol from different perspective trainee, it’s waking up before fluent in Spanish. I always blank. I, on the other hand, After lunch, we did the best saw so many things they do to sunrise and heading down to believe communication is key needed another hand pressed thing our stomachs could ask train the best agents possible. the chow hall and rushing out with people. against my back so I wouldn’t for. We headed to the driving The physical training, learn- before 7:30 a.m. before the first After Spanish scenarios, we fly away. course to get in on their driv- ing Spanish, and driving skills class. Being ing skills. We were are just a few of the skills the late is not each given our agents need. acceptable. very own Border Capturing my time there Spanish Patrol SUV and was beyond amazing, and ev- class was driver. My driver, eryone was very courteous and first on the Richie, was the generous. We felt welcomed agenda. first person I have everywhere we went. Never The class ever felt so com- once did anyone bring up the uses local fortable driving wall. The main things they are residents as with. His skills trying to stop from entering volunteer were impeccable, the country are terrorists and by TOVI OYERVIDEZ actors who and the ride was drugs, especially heroin. The Photo Editor speak Span- so smooth, even agents know even with a wall, Building a wall between ish to help though the tactics they are still going to be doing the United States and Mexico participate we were experi- their jobs. has been a very heated topic in scenarios encing were wild, I have never felt so safe in ever since President Donald such as bor- especially when any type of facility, and I knew Trump announced it during der check- we were practicing we were in such good hands. I his campaign. points that pitting and pur- am very grateful to have wit- With American’s differenc- the trainees suits. nessed the special training that es about the wall, has anyone might need I never really is required to protect this land. ever thought about the people to help them knew how much I’m most grateful for the men who protect it every day? in the field. time and effort and women who protect and I was given the privilege It can be a Border Patrol agent demonstrates vehicular tactics and maneuvers on March 10. went into becom- serve our borders every day. of visiting the United States challenge TOVI OYERVIDEZ/PLAINSMAN PRESS ing a Border Pa- Border Patrol Academy in Ar- to use your trol Agent. We toyervidez1544@students. tesia, New Mexico on March training you learned and then headed to the gun range. Let Eating lunch in the chow were only there for a day, and I southplainscollege.edu 9. With my own eyes and speak Spanish at the same time, me just say that I have never hall was probably the cheap- camera, I was able to capture without messing up. Not all the shot any kind of automatic est meal I have ever eaten. It and witness the training that trainees are Hispanic, and most rifles before. Cheers to the was better than the food at a Students in college protects our borders. do have to learn Spanish. Every women who can stand their college cafeteria, which I wish Like any morning for a graduating officer becomes ground and shoot targets point could be as cheap. susceptible to more Experience with Border Patrol stress, depression I do not always go to my counselor to vent, or cry. shatters preconceived notions Sometimes, I like to go just to talk. I have friends I talk to, of some of the agents assigned a shooting range and shoot a reflexes and cool minds make course. However, I find it more there. target at the end of the day: for extremely level-headed, useful to talk to my counselor While staying at the Federal it can be fun and a way to capable law enforcement because I usually find out more Law Enforcement Training destress. It’s their end of the personnel. about myself and what type of Center, the agents exposed day beer, so to speak. So it’s Many attending the person I am. With my friends, me to some of their intensive definitely not something to Academy, as far as I saw, I am uncensored and I can say training and proved that they scoff at, as long as they’re have prior law enforcement just about anything. But with train potential agents to ask doing it in a safe and controlled experience or had law a counselor, obviously I can questions first and assess a environment. enforcement backgrounds. say anything. But when I feel situation before reacting. Prior to this experience, I Many trainees are well as if I am embarrassed to tell I had the opportunity to always assumed those Border educated, holders of college my counselor something, or shoot various weapons, under Patrol agents were gun- degrees. Not the racist by CHANISE RAY before I say it and I think it the supervision of experienced wielding hillbillies, ready to hillbillies I had been lead to Staff Writer sounds funny or incompetent, agents, of course, and I shoot any Mexican they saw believe. I realize that maybe I have an learned how the agents are fit. This was not the case. They Surprisingly enough, many Untreated mental illness opportunity to grow. In other by SARA MARSHALL trained to react to situations. are encouraged to always be trainees are at the academy could be seen as an epidemic words, I feel as if counseling Editor-in-Chief because it offers in the United States. has made me a better person. them an opportunity As a college student I Students who are athletes Not all opinions to be outdoors and can personally say college in college could benefit from are set in stone… in nature. Many is very stressful. Students, a counselor not only for their Sometimes people can love interacting with who conjointly have a load studies but also for their change their minds weapons, but in a safe of stress, can be treated. Most performance in their sport. A I used to have this environment. Others college campuses have a friend of mine who currently unexplainable negative choose to go to the health and wellness program plays basketball for Florida attitude toward the border to ensure their where counselors can be State University tells me all United States Border families are safe from used at students’ disposal the time about how the team Patrol. I’m honestly cartels and the drugs just to talk, or vent. Talking has access to a therapist. He not sure why. Maybe it being smuggled. to someone can help relieve says his coach believes that was all the bad press I It was extremely stress and ease your mind. a healthy mind helps with would hear about when eye-opening as I Carrying stress inside and efficiency on the court. So the I was growing up, or slowly realized that not talking about it could be players are not stressing about the way the movies these amazing men unhealthy. anything during game time. tend to portray law and women are College students are Of course, counseling is not enforcement and Border normal people with jam packed with things to the quick fix to being perfect Patrol agents. normal lives, just do. Not to mention college all the time. Everyone has Maybe it was because like me. Some have athletes have even more to breakdowns and bad days. But of my own personal families that they do, especially if they obtain having someone to talk to when assumptions. When I go home to. Others a scholarship. Being sleep these breakdowns occur can be think I’m right, I’m stay at the Academy deprived because you have to very abating. right. Don’t we all? and live in their on- stay up until 3 a.m. writing a College is especially Who knows at this campus dorms, much paper could put anyone in a stressful when dealing with point? But I believed like I do at South bad mood. Sleep deprivation the workload put upon most that I was right; that Plains College. is known to play a role in average students, not to mention the U.S. Border Patrol So overall, I had an depression. the social life mixed in. It was full of racist, amazing experience Depression is relatively can be pretty overwhelming. misogynistic, “Make and learned so many common among college College campuses are more America Great Again” new things about our students because of the vulnerable to acts of bullying kind of people. country and about the everyday stress of homework. and assault. These things And I was happily U.S. Border Patrol. I Students can utilize their can be traumatizing to some surprised to find out believe that we, as a academic advisors as well. students and can cause them something that nearly country, need to have They specifically aim to help to abandon classwork and class never happens: I was an open mind about with students’ studies and in general. Counseling can be wrong! our law enforcement possibly their organization. especially beneficial to these I was absolutely and personnel and those However, being able to students because of the affects inexcusably wrong in the Border Patrol. vent to a person who knows these things may have on them. about how I had been We are all humans, about what you are going I would recommend thinking all these years. Border Patrol agent instructs student on proper firearm techniques on and we should through and can possibly counseling to every one of my During spring break March 10. give everyone the explain why you could be classmates because of how this year, I had the TOVI OYERVIDEZ/PLAINSMAN PRESS benefit of the doubt, experiencing certain things is helpful it has been in my life. wonderful opportunity without considering very refreshing. There is always someone that not only to research and preconceived notions As a student at SPC, I is willing to listen to you vent, write a story about the Before I thought large guns on guard in case a situation of negativity. utilize the college’s counselors and you are not alone. U.S. Border Patrol Academy were extremely scary and goes awry, but these amazing because I believe it is very in Artesia, New Mexico, but unnecessary. Now I realize men and women learn to first smarshall4759@students. healthy to decompress and [email protected] interacted and even befriended why some people just go to be human beings. Their quick southplainscollege.edu talk about everyday things. plainscollege.edu Feature 7 Plainsman Press April 18, 2017 Cosmetology instructor inspires students with lifetime of experience by DESIREE MENDEZ awesome person,” said Jazz him, “Dude, I want to be just Instructor’s license. He has Partida is like a parental in Dancing with the Texans at Staff Writer Partida. “He’s hard working like you. He told me, “Go to been an instructor for 10 years. figure to some of the kids in SPC. He also takes ballroom and knows how to enjoy life. school, get licensed and find a He is also the cosmetology the cosmetology program. dancing classes, taught by Instructor by day, rock star My dad has always been a hair team to get on with.” instructor for the Levelland They always come to him for Vanessa Moffett. at night, Juan Partida is a man mentor and role model to me. Partida decided he was High School program. When fatherly advice or problems “Dance is life,” stated of many talents. He has always been there to going to prove people wrong he first started the high school they are having, because he Partida, who has not been Partida, who some may push me and help me every who didn’t believe in him and program, he only had five has kids and he has been able to participate this year know as Johnny Rockstar, is an step of the way, and I am lucky told him that he would never students. Five instructor of Cosmetology at to have had such a great dad.” make it. years later, he South Plains College. He was Partida became a “Back when I was in has 31 to 35 a born and raised in Levelland, cosmetologist 21 years ago cosmetology school, it was semester. attending Levelland High after his wife talked him into very hard for a male to “I became an School and succeed, because it instructor because graduating in was a very female- I was traveling 1986. Partida oriented field,” way too much, then attended explained Partida. and my kids were SPC three times Partida then getting to that age for an Auto started to work that I needed to mechanics for Sexy Hair as be around more,” certificate, a stylist for hair explained Partida, Cosmetology shows. It was one who opened a certificate and day in Los Angeles second salon, his Cosmetology that he helped the Bella’s, in 2010. Instructors owner of Sexy Hair Partida said he certificate. on the platform. For enjoys passing Partida has eight years, Partida on his knowledge been married was a platform to the next for 27 years to artist. generations of Lori Partida. “I love being able cosmetologists. They have two to make a difference “Teaching Cosmetology professor, Juan Partida, enjoys being a hair dresser and kids together, in someone’s life,” can be very sharing his vast knowledge to his students at SPC. Madalynn and said Partida. “When challenging, and DESIREE MENDEZ/PLAINSMAN PRESS Jazz Partida. someone comes to every day is an His son-in-law, you for a haircut or adventure,” said Taylor Colwell, a color, they come Partida. “But I wouldn’t through those types of things after having knee surgery in also attends SPC in looking one way, change anything about it. before. December. for cosmetology. and then you help Getting to meet new people “He is very nice, blunt In 2009, Partida ran Partida has two them feel better and every day and building new and very helpful,” said Sara for mayor for the City of granddaughters, they leave looking life- time friendships is worth Quintanilla, another one of his Levelland. Even though he Analeigh and like someone waking up every day and students. “He is always willing didn’t win, he still does his part Lyllah. Partida’s totally different. coming to work.” to help you, no matter how to help the community. mother, Maria That is what I love Partida wanted to be able many times you ask for help. “Being able to help students Partida, has been being able to do.” to give advice and help teach He’s just fun to be around.” make a difference in the world, a cosmetologist In 2000, Partida students on a level that he Partida currently has 11 and make friendships that will for 30 years. Jazz opened his own didn’t have while he was in seniors and 17 juniors in his last me a life-time, I wouldn’t is also a cosmetologist. They going to see two brothers who salon, Attitudes. “There is school. He wanted to inspire high school program. change any of that,” said both work along side Partida performed on stage while only Juan cut,” is the slogan students to create art with hair Partida isn’t just an Partida. “Whether it is being at his Levelland salon. cutting hair. on his billboard. and to never give up on their instructor and hairstylist, a hairstylist or an instructor, Partida wasn’t always an “When these two brothers “I opened Attitudes because dreams. he also has a father-and- helping people is what I love instructor for Cosmetology. were on stage, they’re cutting I was always told that I would One of Partida’s students, son duo called “LEWD and to do.” He also taught boxing for 10 hair and flinging hair and never make it, and here I am Jackie Guadalcasar, a second- TATTOOED.” They are an Rock star at night, instructor years to his son, Jazz, and slinging their shears around, today,” said Partida. “Never semester cosmetology student, ‘80s cover band, and he is and hairstylist by day, Partida another student who was deaf. with the lights and the music, give up your dreams, no matter said, “Juan is so open and known as Johnny Rockstar. is living life to the fullest. Partida learned sign language it was like a concert but for what anyone tells you. Always easy going. He’s not one of Along with their band, they so that he could help this hairdressers,” recalled Partida. believe in yourself!” those people that are super are also members of the band student learn boxing. “I ran into Altriera Power Hair, In 2007, Partida went back judgmental and won’t criticize where they attend church. dmendez2933@students. “Well, my dad is an and when I saw him, I told to SPC for his Cosmetology you. He gets it.” In 2016, Partida participated southplainscollege.edu Songwriting group allows students to create original music by HANNAH NELSON together away from the class to each other’s strengths and help thought…constructive ideas,” is creativity that is right here people who have their own Staff Writer share writing ideas. each other with weaknesses.” adds Patterson. in our own backyard. Why not instruments, such as an “We have so many great song A big part of what the group The meetings are different share it with each other?” acoustic guitar, bring it to the Passionate members of writers living on this campus, does during their meetings every time, depending on what The group meets most meeting. the South Plains College or at least in Levelland,” involves individuals sharing members bring in. Tuesdays in the lobby of the “If you have absolutely no community are uniting to Patterson explained. “Why what they have written, and the According to Patterson, Lamar residence hall. The song writing experience but make new music and spark not have something right here members collectively giving there are many goals that meeting typically runs from 8 want to learn how to write creativity. in Levelland for those people feedback and helping build he hopes the group can p.m. to 10 p.m. or 10:30 p.m. songs, then I say come in, A few students and staff so they don’t have to go all the the song. accomplish for this semester “I say, if you want to be a observe, listen, and feel free to members have created part of this, the best things are ask questions,” Patterson says. a song writing group a good attitude and a spirit of within the college cooperation,” says Patterson. [email protected] to give the people a He also recommends plainscollege.edu chance to write music collectively. One of the group’s members, Jeremiah Patterson, had been interested in song writing since he was in high school. Once he came to SPC, he realized all the resources that where available for song writing. “When I got here, I found out they had a CD that they did of original music, and Songwriting group formed by students meet to encourgae original music and practice their there was even a class musical talents. Members include Matt Cross, Davis Alaniz, Jermiah Patterson, Mylon Hembree, for it,” said Patterson. This lead Patterson and Jason Sains. to the thought of HANNAH NELSON/PLAINSMAN PRESS getting into writing more and having others be part of it with him. way to Lubbock to find people “We have someone start and semesters to come. “I was like, you know what, to write with?” off on a new idea they have, These goals include having a it would be really cool to The group is a way for whether it’s a completed performance to showcase what try and do stuff with other budding songwriters to get song, just lyrics, just music,” the group has been writing. students involving original together, show what they have, Patterson said. “Hopefully, this semester, music,” Patterson recalls. give each other ideas, and A member is able to present if not next semester, we want He began talking with grow. his or her work to the group so to have a little performance people within his song writing “When you are working that he or she can receive input on campus of the songs that class. They decided that it with someone else,” says from others. we’ve been writing through would be great for them to get Patterson, “you can feed off “We give ideas on what we this,” Patterson explained. “It 8 Feature April 18, 2017 Plainsman Press Hobbs, Thompson shimmy to victory at Dancing With the Texans by BRANDI ORTIZ and a staff contestant. The professor of chemistry, and and Adeva Jennings, who who participated were role, [students] were able News Editor night opened with a group Ashton Steffey. They danced danced to two variations encouraged to go back to to teach [the role] easier and dance to the theme song to the “Glee” cover of Amy of the “Spiderman” theme where they started and learn learn how to teach it.” Costumes, music, and a from “Saved by the Bell.” Winehouse’s “Valerie.” The song. The sixth pair the opposite roles of what Near the end of the shiny disco ball. second pair was consisted of Hobbs and they are used to. night, Moffett performed Season Five of “Dancing Miranda English, Thompson, performing to the theme song from “I with the Texans” was held academic advisor, their rendition of “Fresh Dream of Jeannie” with in the Sundown Room and Lawrence Prince of Bel Air.” The judge Joshua Flores. at the Student Center on Hernandez, who final pair was Dennis “I’ve always wanted to April 13 at South Plains danced to “The Churchwell, director of do a dance to “I Dream College. Members of the X-Files” theme purchasing, and Katelyn of Jeannie” because I SPC Ballroom Dance Team song. The third Albrecht with their take on love the show and I love and selected faculty put on a “American Bandstand.” the music,” said Moffett. performance and competed pair consisted of Katheryn In between acts, there “When the students voted to win the disco ball trophy. for the theme to be “TV This season’s theme was Townsend, were special performances associate professor from members of the SPC Night” [it was perfect].” “TV Night.” With their Moffett said she hopes jazzy take on the “Fresh of chemistry, and Ballroom Dance Team, Joseph Hinojosa. along with intermissions that contestants who Prince of Bel Air,” Justin participated will continue Hobbs, assistant track They danced to when the audience was the theme song invited to show off their to participate in dance or and field coach at SPC, another form of exercise. and sophomore Rebekah of “Inspector moves. Gadget.” Throughout the night, “[We] encourage Thompson took home the people to dance and get prize. The fourth pair it was evident that each included John participant put forth a lot out on the floor and try “We work hard, and something new outside Justin Hobbs and dance partner Barnes, instructor of time and energy into we just try to make it as of their comfort zone,” Rebekah Thompson celebrate after of law enforcement their performances. fun and enjoyable as we Moffett said. “Hopefully, winning Season Five of Dancing With technology, and “They all did could,” said Hobbs. “With they will find an exercise outstanding,” said Vanessa so many good dancers out The Texans on April 13. Mirna Gonzalez, they like or an activity there, we just go out, do our who danced to Moffett, instructor and that they like, that doesn’t thing, have fun and hope TOVI OYERVIDEZ/PLAINSMAN the “Game of choreographer for the SPC “It was a challenge for really feel like exercise.” everything works out.” PRESS Thrones” theme. Ballroom Dance Team. some of them, because they There were seven teams They were “They all put in a whole lot have never done the opposite competing in “Dancing with followed by Dustin of work, and it turned out part,” said Moffett. “By the Texans,” each consisting The first pair to perform Wimmer, recreational really well.” coming to my basic class [email protected] of one dance team member was Laci Singer, assistant activities coordinator, Dance team members and learning the opposite plainscollege.edu Synthetic drug use creates risk for teens, young adults by BRANDI ORTIZ they honestly don’t know that synthetic marijuana offers the (Material Safety Data Sheet) Williams says she sees a so it could be smoked and News Editor they are ingesting poison.” heady highs and the dangerous lists things like chloroform. case of synthetic drugs on a consumed. The drug was being While states are focusing on According to Williams, with lows. All of these chemicals and daily basis. sold as synthetic marijuana how to control the legalization both Lubbock and Levelland “Now we are seeing a lot ingredients say,‘If ingested, “Just last week, I had two under the name of JWH-018, of marijuana, they might not be being college towns, synthetic of the aftermath that these can be harmful or deadly.’ patients in the same zone also known as, Spice, one of paying close enough attention marijuana is one of the more drugs leave,” says Williams. Then people who get it here, that were both on synthetic the most common synthetic to the lab-created drugs that common synthetic drugs. “Whether it be permanent lace it with other chemicals, marijuana and were causing drugs in West Texas. are even harder to control and Synthetic marijuana, or anxiety, heart conditions, like Drano, ammonia. So, problems,” says Williams. “If you want to get high, are destroying families. synthetic cannabinoids, as seizure disorders. Many of you don’t know what is in the “One guy wrecked his car, do not do this drug,” said In West Texas, synthetic some law officials prefer to them are not the same person drug.” and the other was smoking in Williams. “Nobody who has drugs have caused many call them, has been on retail as they were before.” NEIDS has originally only his room.” used this drug comes in and families heartache and shelves since the early 2010s. Many users have described done presentations at small According to the National says, ‘it was great, it was a grief. In 2015, Lubbock’s Going by names such as being high on synthetic drugs schools. But after word got Institute of Drug Abuse, great high.’ They are only University Medical Center “K2”, “SPICE”, and many is “what hell is,” leaving users around of their program, synthetic drugs weren’t complaining of being sick or (UMC) helped to create ill.” more, the product consists of with violent and irrational they were contacted to testify always meant to be dangerous. NEIDS, Nurses Educating on If you or someone you dried plant leaves sprayed with behavior, becoming paralyzed, in Austin before the State Instead, they began with Illegal Drugs & Synthetics. know has taken synthetic synthetic cannabinoid like even committing murder, Legislature. the best of intentions, as NEIDS is an outreach group drugs, seek help. THC, the primary ingredient according to Williams. “In the state of Texas, they an attempt to create a safe, whose “mission is to provide “Call somebody who can “Legal Weed” has often education to the public on the in marijuana. Some retailers made four bills making the medicinal and legal form of help,” said Williams. “Do not health risks and hazards of the package them with names that been described as “herbal sale of synthetic drugs illegal marijuana. Researchers had try to help them yourself, a use of synthetic marijuana and could appeal to kids, such as incense” or plant fertilizer. based on our testimony,” says been interested in developing lot of time, people who take other harmful drugs.” “Scooby Snax” or “Blueberry But even then, a 2012 National Williams. synthetic forms of THC in the synthetic drugs have hurt “We are Emergency Room Haze.” Institute on Drug Abuse survey After the Legislature passed hope of developing a licensed our paramedics, officers, fire nurses, and we have noticed Per findings of Texas found that 11 percent of high the so-called “analogue laws,” drug that could relieve department, and our nurses. an influx of patients that were Attorney General Ken Paxton, schoolers have tried them, and which restricted the sale of the symptoms of previous Patients that are on bath salts dying due to synthetic drug many users are 12 years old more than 11,000 ER visits look-alike drugs, synthetic forms of synthetic drugs. and synthetic marijuana have use,” said Charlie Williams, to 20 years old. Paxton also were associated with the drug. cannabinoids seemed to After a chemist at Clemson killed people, have done a lot one of the co-founders of found that the younger kids “You don’t know what is disappear from retail counters. University, John W. Huffman, of damage. I recommend to NEIDS and a registered nurse. believe that “because the drugs in [synthetic drugs],” says But, in 2015, calls to the published his results from just call someone who is able “None of our medications are ‘fake marijuana,’ they will Williams. “The chemical nation’s 55 poison control creating hundreds of synthetic to help them.” worked, and a lot of our be less likely to hurt them.” compound comes from China, centers about synthetic drug cannabinoids (JWH-007), a patients were dying. It kind But oh, are they so wrong. and who knows what is in overdoses increased from the new drug was produced in of fueled our fire to go out and According to Williams, just that. The list of ingredients 3,700 calls in 2014 to more Germany that included plant bortiz1552@students. educate the public, because like other lab-created drugs, found from reverse MSDS than 7,800 calls in 2015. leaves sprayed with chemicals southpalinscollege.edu

NEIDS hosts synthetic drug awareness booth in the Student Center on the Levelland campus on March 22. TOVI OYERVIDEZ/PLAINSMAN PRESS Feature 9 Plainsman Press April 18, 2017 Alum finds career with Border Patrol after criminal justice degree by SARA MARSHALL ing because of the great repu- at SPC was meeting my wife, ferent for college students the [U.S. Border Patrol’s] catching the bad guys, espe- Editor-in-Chief tation of the Law Enforcement Katrina, in the Texan Dining now, than when I was at SPC,” highest award for valor and cially those who bring drugs Program and of SPC’s overall Hall. We have now been mar- Harris said. “Primarily in the courage, the Newton-Azrak into our country. It is a remark- [Editor’s note: This story positive reputation. ried for almost 27 years.” technology world. My advice award.” able thing to serve and protect. is part of an ongoing proj- “I gained I would never ect in conjunction with the so much from change any- South Plains College Alumni attending thing about my Association. The project SPC,” Harris career choice.” highlights former SPC stu- said. “From Harris said dents and their achieve- the education his favorite ments.] and experi- part of being a Dan Harris, Jr. has law en- ences to the Border Patrol forcement in his blood. relationships, agent is that he His father had duel careers just so much. gets to make serving in law enforcement I was named a positive dif- and education. He was a Den- one of two ference in the ver City police officer and Outstanding security of the reserve commander of the Law Enforce- country every Yoakum County Sheriff’s De- ment Students day. partment and with the Denver in 1989, and “As with City ISD as a coach and even- today we both any law en- tually high school principal. are senior forcement of- “I am a sixth generation law leaders in our ficer, you have enforcement officer,” Harris Law Enforce- times of great said. “As a small child, all I ment agencies hardship and have ever wanted to do was and still work together.” While attending SPC, is not to let that technology In July 2017, Harris took challenges, shear terror and be in law enforcement, a true Coming from a small town, Harris kept himself extreme- such as the Internet ruin your over the Artesia Border Patrol tragedy,” Harris said. “Those calling in my blood.” Harris found that the small ly busy. While taking a full future. It can be such a great Training Academy as the Chief are what make your job so The Denver City native community of SPC was very course load, he worked full thing to help you, especially Patrol Agent. challenging. But when you moved to Seagraves before similar to the atmosphere of time for Levelland EMS, with your studies, but there “I wanted to make a posi- save someone’s life, when his sophomore year and soon his high school. served as president of the SPC are a lot of you make a posi- graduated from Seagraves “The transition was very Law Enforcement Club and bad people tive difference in High School. easy, and the staff and my was a member of the Student and bad someone’s life and Harris chose to attend South fellow students were great,” Government Association. things on in the protection of Plains College after graduat- Harris said. “My best memory “Times are definitely dif- that web.” our country, well, After words can’t describe gradu- how incredible your Student breaks college ating in service truly is. My 1989 with experiences have a degree been absolutely phe- stereotype at older age in Crim- nomenal.” inal Jus- Out of the many by HANNAH NELSON Most of Mabarak’s classes “I asked the instructor if he tice, Harris years of being in the Staff Writer consist of music. He takes two would listen to him, and if he moved to Border Patrol, Har- guitar classes a week, bass les- would take him,” Mabarak San Ange- ris has had his fair With a degree in chemistry sons, and keyboard. says. lo, where share of crazy and and having already attended up “I am really taking more Now the oldest boy is a he went to wonderful moments. to nine different colleges in his classes than I should be, be- church choral director and his work for “There are so lifetime, Jim Mabarak is not a cause I am a very slow learner,” three children all play instru- the city as many best mo- typical South Plains College Mabarak says. “But I still enjoy ments. a police of- ments it would be student. it, so I do it.” “It’s a whole family thing,” ficer. Soon hard to define just Originally from Michigan, After Mabarak finished says Mabarak. “It’s been after, he one,” Harris said. Mabarak was married and has school, he worked in Indiana passed down from generation went on to “Receiving the U.S. three sons, along with a few with Western Electric as a to generation.” attend the Border Patrol’s grandchildren. chemist for 40 years. He has In his free time, reading is U.S. Bor- highest award for Mabarak, who will be turn- also worked with the Federal one thing that Mabarak enjoys der Patrol valor and courage, ing 78 in May, attends SPC Government Navy Facility, doing. Every time he goes to Academy, the Newton-Azrak solely for the fun of learning. managing hazardous waste. the SPC Library, he likes to using his Award would be “I take courses check out the prior educa- one of those. Re- just for enjoyment,” new books tion to aid ceiving that honor says Mabarak. “I available. him while in memory of our don’t worry about He has even moving up fallen heroes, those Dan Harris credits his time at SPC for giving him the train- grades. If I can au- been asked the ranks. who have died in dit the classes, I do, to leave the “My ing in criminal justice prior to joining the Border Patrol. the line of duty and unless I feel that I library while SPC edu- PHOTOS BY TOVI OYERVIDEZ/PLAINSMAN PRESS knowing that 10 need the pressure of staying past cation has years ago this year a test.” closing time. helped me in my current role tive difference in the training two of my fellow officers did He doesn’t worry “I’ll tell as a great foundation of both and education of both our not come home with us after about the credits and my kids I general and law enforcement future agents and our current that call, well, honoring them doesn’t keep any of was asked education and experience,” force of over 19,000,” Harris will always be one of those his diplomas. to leave the Harris said. “My role now is said. moments.” “Some of them are library, but to lead those who provide the According to Harris, the Harris has so much wisdom like 50 years old, and I won’t tell most outstanding training to U.S. Border Patrol is a law to share with current SPC I don’t really need them why,” new Border Patrol agents and enforcement agency under the students. them for anything,” Mabarak advance training to approxi- U.S. Department of Homeland “Whatever career field you says Mubarak. said with a mately 20,000 current agents. Security and U.S. Customs and choose, be your absolute best Mabarak has at- laugh. “They My SPC education is a key Border Protection with the pri- and don’t let anyone or any- tended many col- will think part of that.” marily responsibility to keep thing ruin your life,” Harris leges through the grandpa is In 2008, Harris was recog- terrorists and terrorist weapons said. “Work hard and enjoy years, including Uni- getting in a nized as a Distinguished Alum out of the United States. These every minute. I sure enjoyed versity of Dayton lot of trou- by the SPC administration. agents are responsible for every minute of SPC. I’m so and the University ble.” “It is a huge honor to be protecting the areas between proud to be an SPC alum and of Michigan. He dis- One of recognized as a SPC Distin- the land border ports of entry. wish everyone at SPC the ab- covered SPC while Mabarak’s guished Alum,” Harris said. “I “I chose the U.S. Border Pa- solute very best.” listening to YouTube. favorite past was awarded for my leadership trol for many reasons,” Harris He found an instruc- times is to sit in the law enforcement profes- said. “I love the outdoors, the smarshall4759@students. tional video on how in the cafete- sion, including being awarded desert, our country, and love southplainscollege.edu to play a song. When Michigan native, Jim Mabarak, travels to SPC to ria and talk he looked up the in- continue his education, fulfilling his desire to learn with other structor in the video, continuously. students. he found out that the HANNAH NELSON/PLAINSMAN PRESS “The stu- instructor taught at dents will SPC but had since call me over retired. From there, and say, Mabarak looked up the college. He had taken music lessons ‘Come on, sit over here,’ or “I checked out the tuition, while attending grade school they will come join me,” says and it was very low, even for and started taking lessons from Mabarak. out-of-state students,” says a college while working in Mabarak says that he Mabarak. Another reason why Indiana. spends up to three hours a day Mabarak chose SPC is the “I think if a person takes sitting in the cafeteria during weather. music, it’s kind of with them all breakfast, lunch, and dinner, “It was warmer than Mich- their life,” says Mabarak. “just sitting, hanging out, even igan in the winter time,” he He started taking piano les- having a third or a fourth cup explains. sons from an instructor who of coffee.” Mabarak attended SPC only takes on adults. However, last spring semester as well to while taking lessons, Mabarak escape the winter weather in discovered that his oldest son hnelson3713@students. Michigan. had some talent. southplainscollege.edu 10 Entertainment April 18, 2017 Plainsman Press Blink-182 puts on intense show for Lubbock crowd by SERGIO MADRID attendance, the wait was Ours.” It’s a very invigorating Alisa Xayalith, was cut off The crowd would ease up everyone light up their phones, becoming almost unbearable. song all on it’s own, but it and join in a sing along to as they played a couple of Editorial Assistant during her band introduction to People were shouting, pushing, seemed to give everyone be informed they were cutting “Baby Got Back.” It was songs in the dark. God shed some tears the and shoving, all eager for the chills, as the rain came pouring their set short to prepare for enough to invoke tons of Having released their latest night Blink-182 came to show to start. back down not long after the Blink-182. laughs. album, “California,” last Lubbock. Finally, the lights went song started. I’ve seen sets get cut short, When Mark Hoppus (bass, summer, Blink still made sure Hundreds waited in line out, and the crowed roared People raised their hands, as well as people get cut from vocals), Travis Barker (drums), to play both new and old fan in front of the Lonestar in excitement as the opening welcoming the rain as they a show, but never have I seen and Matt Skiba (guitar, vocals) favorites. Amphitheater on March 28 act, The Naked and Famous, swayed from side to side in a band get on stage and only of Blink-182 walked onto the They played songs such to see Blink-182. When gates came on stage. There was an pure emotion. Captivated by get to play one song. stage, the crowd lit up. as, “Bored to Death,” “Los opened at 7 p.m. Starting the Angeles,” and “She’s Out people piled in for concert with a familiar of Her Mind” from their about 30 minutes, tune, “Hey Ho, Let’s new album, as well as older but some were Go,” Blink-182 got hits, including “First Date,” stopped after the crowd going right “All the Small Things,” and reports of an away. This short cover “What’s My Age Again.” oncoming storm. of the classic Ramones The show was full of The line came song led into one of emotion, made apparent by to a halt when a Blink’s biggest hit fights that broke out, the drugs lady came out to songs, “Feeling This.” passed around, love and anger tell those in line After every line, the between couples. To top it all to take cover. No words, “I’m feeling off, a very unfitting mosh pit one was getting this” followed as broke out. in until the rain everyone in attendance Of course, for the last song stopped, and all joined in a chorus-like on their set, Blink jumped into they could do was fashion. their most prominent song, suggest taking Hoppus made sure “Dammit.” cover to wait out to keep the crowd As most bands do, they the storm. involved for the made the most of this one, Most people majority of the show. letting red and white confetti left to take shelter After “Feeling This,” fly as they threw picks and in their vehicles, Hoppus said, “I have drum sticks. Hoppus even though there to do this at least once brought a kid on stage to go were some who while we’re here.” And wild on the drums alongside endured the wind he shouted, “the stars him. and rain to hold Blink-182 performs at the Lubbock Amphitheatre on the evening of March 28. at night, are big and Though the show seemed their place in line. SERGIO MADRID/PLAINSMAN PRESS bright,” and the crowd to have ended abruptly, and After about an responded with, “deep without an encore, this was hour of waiting, in the heart of Texas,” still an intense show you the gates opened at 8:45 p.m. opener before them, Makeout, an electronic wave of quarter It would be almost another accompanied by the famous would expect to see from the Once inside the theater, people but they were cut due to time notes from the keyboard hour before Blink would start five-count clap. leaders of the punk-rock genre. bunched together, trying their constraints caused by the cutting through the rain into and the crowd showed its Hoppus also said they best to squeeze past each storm. their ears, the crowd was putty impatience, with yelling and would do something to share other, attempting to get as Without saying a word, The in the hands of the Naked and complaining, throwing beer with everyone after the show. close to the stage as possible. Naked and Famous, kicked off Famous. cans, boos, and unnecessary He had the Amphitheater turn smadrid2508@students. With hundreds in the show with, “Hearts Like After the song, lead singer, cheers. off the lights and requested southplainscollege.edu Dallas Comic-Con helps fans escape reality by RYAN FITZGERALD “The Boondock Saints,” “The have tons of shopping - aisles Comics may not be your from “The Walking Dead,” see, no one has to go it alone, Staff Writer Power Rangers” and the CW’s upon aisles of rare comic thing, nor manga, independent “Dr. Who,” and the original and there are people scattered “Arrow,” just down from books, figurines, costumes, film, or even cosplay. But cast from “The Rocky Horror far and wide that find pleasure DALLAS -- Fans across the Adam West, Burt Ward and Hollywood memorabilia, maybe your escape is music, Picture Show.” in the weirdest of things. state flocked to Dallas for the original Batmobile. autographed merchandise, sports or video games. Whether Additionally, the event Everyone has a chance to 2017’s Fan Expo with hopes Among the lines of fans and artwork. a world of science fiction and wouldn’t have been worthwhile rip through the fabric of their of seeing the best in popular waiting for photo-ops and All of this taken as a fantasy or one grounded in the if it wasn’t for the fans. The woven reality, to bring out the culture and mainstream autographs were cosplayers whole, the event exists to post-apocalyptic world that’s lines were long, the staff adventurous side each fan has entertainment. bringing their unique takes to provide an environment that to come, the convention has disoriented, and directions tucked away deep inside. If Located in the heart of video game characters, comic is an opportunity to find a something for everyone. few and far between. But you’re niche was “Star Trek,” downtown Dallas, bit of peace and Consider the convention among the disorganized go buy an authentic phaser the Kay Bailey enjoyment in the a form of “personal messed, the beauty of from the original series, or Hutchinson pop culture niche development.” Your personal frustrated fans relying on one maybe you prefer a Jeffrey Convention of your choice. development comes in many another for details or a little Dean Morgan-autographed Center was the Children and shapes, sizes and even art comic relief while waiting in replica of “Lucille,” Negan’s site for thousands adults, women forms. Sometimes individuals line with hundreds of others infamous baseball bat from the of attendees and men, lawyers, have to simply improve was the most enjoyable part. latest season of “The Walking who travelled doctors, high themselves, through whatever Discussions related to “Star Dead.” hundreds and schoolers, and medium works for them. Life Wars,” everyone’s daily finds, I know it may blow your even thousands college students – is about the process of learning their favorite panels and mind to think that people would of miles for all running around to work through the hard the shared hatred of wading actually flock to a convention the state’s dressed as anything realities we all face during through packed aisles of hall full of notorious books largest comic from Batman to our lives, week in week out. sweaty fans while trying to from the golden age of comics convention, Kevin Smith That is why “escapism” exists. find a specific vendor offering and hard-to-find action figures. which was held impersonators, to The event offered a little the rarest in books, toys and But sometimes people just the first weekend Jedi and random bit of everything: from Q&A memorabilia. need to re-connect to that one of April. Pokémon that only panels with the best in comics So you see, escapism is a part of their past that brings a The three attendees including Jim Lee, a DC comics necessary aspect of our lives, smile, as they remember a time convention itself actually recognize, staple, writer Scott Snyder of because being berated day in their life that once was. is more than who are in search “Batman” and Image Comics after day by the same routine a centralized of that must have fame, and Lubbock’s own Sam tasks in the name of earning location for fans Pop! figure or wait de la Rosa, who is among the a paycheck to cover the bills, of all ages to don in line with fellow best at drawing Spider-Man, simply wears on you. You can outlandish, yet nerds just to snap to photo-ops and autograph become the hero of your own rfitzgerald@ creative, outfits a picture in front signings with cast members story – or someone else’s. You southplainscollege.edu paying homage of a life-sized to fictional heroes “Star Wars” land of old and new – speeder. it’s a celebration That’s the whole Bring your grades back to life of all things nerd purpose behind the culture. comic convention This year’s “craze.” During most famous Mark Hamill talks about the highlights of his career the first night guests included at Dallas Comic-Con at the Kay Bailey Hutchinson of Fan Expo Mark Hamill, Convention Center on March 21. weekend, Mark Tim Curry, Stan Hamill, known for Lee and even an RYAN FITZGERALD/PLAINSMAN PRESS portraying Luke appearance by Skywalker in the ‘70s rocker, Meat beloved “Star Visit the South Plains College Library Loaf. On top of that, there book heroes, and other familiar Wars” franchise, addressed a were tons of panels and booths figures from the silver screen packed ballroom of fans on Levelland Campus Reese Center Plainview Center packed with cast members of in an attempt to connect to this very subject. Every person 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Sun 8:00 am - 8:00 pm Mon-Thur Librarian on Duty the “Walking Dead,” including the mythical and fictional in the entertainment industry, 7:45 am - 8:30 pm Mon-Wed 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Fri Noon - 6:00 pm Wed-Thur Norman Reedus, Jeffrey Dean influences from their own every star who portrays a 7:45 am - 4:00 pm Thur & Fri Closed Sat & Sun Morgan, and Khary Payton. lives. character in any television Closed Sat rfitzgerald@ Across the exhibit hall was Aside from the best in iconic show or in a movie, is in the southplainscollege.edu the cast from “Harry Potter,” celebrities and cosplayers, you escapism industry. Entertainment 11 Plainsman Press April 18, 2017 ‘Batman Detective Comics’ executes great Rebirth story by RILEY GOLDEN challenge on its head in the unrefined but extremely de- former partners, Tim Drake, unexpectedly, is Clayface, Batman escapes captivity Entertainment Editor most unexpected way. Wear- termined. Batman made the a.k.a. Red Robin. He is a tech or Basil Karlo. Karlo was an on his own and investigates ing a homemade purple and mistake of underestimating her genius and the most tactically actor until an accident turned the headquarters on his own The vigilantes of Gotham minded part- him into a giant clay monster. until Colonel Kane finds him City are being watched. ner that Bat- Often an enemy of Batman, and holds him at gunpoint. Batman has his suspicions, man has ever it’s great to see him willingly Out of nowhere, Batwoman but as Batman typically does, had. Previous- help Batman for the possible shows up and tells her father he’s keeping his team in the ly donning a chance of getting his life back. she picked a side, and tells her dark. He lets them know what red, gold, and As the mission begins, Bat- team to attack. they need to know to do their black cos- woman is training the rest of The Colonel reveals to Bat- job, but nothing more, and tume, he’s the team at the Belfry while man that he developed these nothing less. now in a more Batman works to figure out Batmen in order to destroy In the DC Universe Re- traditional what exactly is going on. The the League of Shadows, which birth of “Batman: Detective red, green, Belfry was designed by Tim is a ruse to take attention off Comics: Vol. 1 Rise of the and yellow to be a new frontline for the the real threat, the League of Batmen,” Batman puts togeth- Robin cos- war on crime. It’s basically a Assassins. Colonel Kane tells er one of his most versatile tume. Tim and massive Batcave in the center Batman he’s blinded by his teams yet to take on an army Stephanie are of Gotham City, and, accord- ego. But, on the contrary, I of Batmen. romantically ing to Tim, it’s now fully think the Colonel is blinded Batman cannot do this one involved, and operational. by his ego, especially when he alone, and he knows his loner Tim is on the While Batman is out inves- doesn’t even entertain the idea mindset will not be benefi- verge of put- tigating, 50 soldiers trained to that the League of Shadows cial to the mission. He needs ting away the fight like him, and assisted by might not be real. someone who thinks like him, tights and go- an algorithm in their helmets, But after this interaction, but is also military minded. ing to an Ivy ambush him. they decide that all of the So he recruits his cousin and League Col- Back at the Belfry, the team Colonel’s targets are innocent ex-marine, Katherine “Kate” lege full time. watches the recordings of Bat- people. Their targeting system Kane, or Batwoman, to help He believes he man’s fight with the Batmen. would not only kill the 100 him train and prepare the can save more It’s brutal, and they win. They innocent targets, but hundreds younger generation of vigi- people glob- capture Batman, so it’s time of people in the same vicinity. lantes. ally with his for the team to go on the of- So, Red Robin hacks their I have never read any Bat- brain than by fensive to save Batman. systems and tells their target- woman comics, and I think fighting crime Batwoman brings in her ing drones to come after him. “Rise of the Batmen” does a in Gotham dad for help, and it is the worst He sends all of the drones after great job of telling her sto- City. thing she could’ve done. Col- himself, to help save hundreds ry in conjunction with the Then onel Kane was behind it all. of innocent lives, even if it main story of the comic. Her there’s Or- He’s been studying Batman for means giving up his. Tim was dad is Bruce’s uncle and an phan. Her years so that he could take his ready to go to college and Army colonel. Kate was dis- name is Cas- abilities and apply them to the move on from being Batman’s honorably discharged by the sandra Caine military. And now that Batman partner, yet he did the most Marines for being lesbian, so and her father is trying to stop him, he has to selfless thing possible to save she turned to fighting crime, was a master act on the team so that he can the people of his city and his vigilante style. Her costume assassin who keep progressing. friends. This hits me right in is black, with red details, and more engi- The Batmen storm the Bel- my Bat-heart. And although although she keeps her head neered her fry, and Clayface forms a ball it doesn’t quite seem like the buzzed, there’s a long, red wig than raised around the team, and they drop end of Tim Drake, the reader attached to her mask. her. Her first 300 feet into the Old Gotham is left wondering what will Next is the Spoiler, Steph- language was subway tunnels, escaping the happen to him. anie Brown. Trained by Cat- violence. Bat- Batmen. This is a great Rebirth com- woman and raised by two gray costume, with her long once, and he won’t do it again. man is the first person to ever Back at the Batmen head- ic that has a great story, great geniuses, she turns every blonde hair hanging out, she’s Next is one of Batman’s show Cassandra affection, and quarters, Batman is being action, and amazing art, adding she admires him for it. Accord- held captive and two soldiers a layer of emotion to Batman ing to Batman, Cassandra is are going through his utility that is so often lost under the the most dangerous fighter that belt, which provides one of cape and cowl. I give “Batman ‘Get Out’ delivers modern he has ever seen in action and my favorite scenes from the Detective Comics: Vol. 1 Rise they’re lucky to have her on comic. The men have almost of the Batmen” 5 out of 5 stars. the side of justice. She wears catalogued 40 items from his take on racism, horror a black-and-gold costume with belt, and they are barely half- a solid black mask that covers way done with it. They find would have any science fiction like comedic thrillers, this is by VANESSA DELGADO her entire face and appears antitoxins, lock picks, tools, elements, so it definitely took the film for you. Staff Writer to be stitched right over the an ungodly amount of bata- me by surprise. The movie’s cast was cho- mouth. rangs, and, of course, a chip [email protected] Many movies portray rac- I wouldn’t say the change sen well. The cast includes Finally, and probably most of Kryptonite. plainscollege.edu ism, but they don’t always was very drastic or affected Daniel Kaluuya, Allison Wil- portray it as it is in the real my overall perception of the liams, and Catherine Keener. world. film, but it did not increase None of these actors or ac- In the new movie, “Get tresses seemed to Out,” racism is shown in be extremely well a more current setting. It known. It is kind of focuses on white people tar- a relief to see some geting the black community. unfamiliar faces. It The story is about a allows you to picture young couple, Chris and the actor or actress Rose, who have reached the in their new role, parent-meeting stage in their instead of them pos- relationship. They go on a sibly reminding you trip to meet Rose’s parents, of another movie and it quickly turns into a that they were pre- nightmare for Chris. Chris’ viously in. instincts work in his favor These fresh-faced throughout the movie. movie stars really Some of the real-life situ- made the film en- ations portrayed in the mov- joyable, bringing it ie are when Chris fears his to life. Each one fit girlfriend’s parents will not their role well. like him simply because he The director, Jor- is black. Another is how they dan Peele, does a only kidnap African Amer- great job of portray- icans throughout the entire ing a deeper mes- movie, as well as when a cop sage of racism. Once asks for his ID when Chris skin color starts de- did nothing wrong. fining how people “Get Out” is a psycholog- my enjoyment either. It does are perceived, we have already ical thriller. All good scary leave a couple of questions lost our humanity. movies should come with a unanswered, though they were The movie is great, except sudden twist or turn of events, very minor details. It was for aspects that didn’t match and “Get Out” did not dis- nothing that was pertinent to my particular movie tastes. If appoint. The movie portrays the main plot. some plot details would have many real-life situations spe- As a lover of scary movies, been changed, I would have cifically related to racism. I would say it is a great date liked the movie a lot more. I The movie is great overall, movie. It is interesting, and give this movie 3 stars out of 5. except the ending is a little the few parts that might have too far-fetched for my taste. you jumping in your seat are They turned a movie that is the perfect excuse to cuddle based on real-life situations up to your significant other. It into a science fiction film. In also has a nice blend of come- the movie trailer, it doesn’t dic relief without making the vdelgado0878@students. seem as though the movie movie cheesy. For those who southplainscollege.edu 12 Entertainment April 18, 2017 Plainsman Press ‘Rangers’ reboot: teens fight monsters, feelings by TYLER YORK the main complaint of weak- their identities, and it asks the raw materials present here easy to imagine that seeing a movie feel, if not like a great ness and the commendation of an interesting question: Is turn up more refined in future superhero with similar traits superhero movie, at least like Online Editor strength for the “Power Rang- it harder to be a superhero, films. finding a place and making a a solid action film that a new In a world containing se- ers” reboot is that it offers no or just a regular teen? But “Power Rangers” feels like difference is an empowering generation may or may not cret, ancient alien technology, more explanation for its plot these moments tend to get it started to tread new ground image. choose to care about. There the new “Power Rangers” than either the original series lost behind others when it’s in character diversity, but it But it toes a weak line, are a wide variety of other movie spends a lot of time on or movies did. unclear what emotion lands short of that goal. even failing to say the word superhero movies with bet- far less interesting subjects. Elizabeth Banks as Rita is attempting to be The ensemble is ra- “autism,” almost like it’s a ter-reasoned plots and more Growing up in the late Repulsa still wants to destroy conveyed based on cially diverse, but dirty word, which ends up relatable characters. But very 1990s and early 2000s, “Pow- the Zeo Crystal, killing all no more so than the casting it back into the shad- few of those have giant robot er Rangers” was less of a life on Earth. Bryan Cranston show was. ows of something to hide out battles, so only time will tell. blowout phenomenon than as Zordon, the former Red It also of shame. It isn’t offensive As an action movie, it it was an understood part of Ranger, appears as a face stuck whatsoever, but one could checks a lot of the boxes for after-school entertainment. in a wall. When faced with argue it’s two steps forward an enjoyable spectacle. As a It’s easy to look back now finishing off an opponent, nei- and a step back. fresh retelling of a childhood and see the show through ther side does the smart thing, If you’re looking for ac- favorite, it does a lot of the a parent’s dismissive eye, instead electing to either drag tion and visuals, this is what job right there, too. If you’re with the nonsensical story out a fight or start explaining will bridge the gap between in the mood for an easy watch and over-the-top antics. But their actions. “Power Rangers” fans both that doesn’t ask for much in “Power Rangers” were what This sounds like a put-down, old and new. There are plen- the way of brainpower, with a the youth of the day held up and, to an extent, it is. But what ty of dangerous cliff-dives. healthy hit of nostalgia on the as awesome heroes capable it means is the movie remains There are giant mechanized side, “Power Rangers” should of anything. no less enjoyable and evocative animal battles. The kids feel be a good fit. For the 2017 reboot, I’m of a similar nostalgia as the more super-powered and less I give “Power Rangers” 3.5 not sure newcomers to the source materials were several like spandex-clad high school out of 5 stars. franchise will have as much decades ago. a general facial seriousness features a gay ranger, Trini, acrobats. to draw them in as the original The acting is better than and a clenched jaw. It’s not and even a ranger with a psy- A sheen of metallic flares first did more than 20 years expected for a group of un- readily apparent whether this chological disorder, Bobby. and modern Hollywood pol- ago. knowns. There is a sense of is directing confusion or the This is a move in an admi- ish both provide a credibility The film hinges on an un- authenticity in seeing these actors’ inexperience. But it rable direction, and for kids that audiences tend to look tyork0243@students. usual contradiction. Both young characters struggle with wouldn’t be surprising to see on the autism spectrum, it’s for today. It helps make the southplainscollege.edu New ‘Kong’ movie brings excitement to classic by RYAN FITZGERALD ness of the journey to Skull don’t relate to the scene being as the ‘everyman’ character Rising” and “Run Through providing an allusion to the Staff Writer Island stays hidden among depicted on screen. When and giving the audience a re- the Jungle,” following Black classic image of the beauty the darkness and fog, where Preston Packard (Jackson), latable character to agree with Sabbath’s “Paranoid” and being held by the beast, even “Kong: Skull Island” the cinematography builds up a hard-nosed, unforgiving, throughout the film. Jefferson Airplane’s “White if only for a few seconds. brought action-packed ex- the ambience of mystery and paranoid colonel, references One of director Jordan Rabbit,” with a dash of David Set in the same universe citement, along with a new delusion, while the characters, the Vietnam conflict, claiming Vogt-Roberts’ better ideas Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust,” as Gareth Edwards’ 2014 violent and honest take on the and even viewers, struggle to “we didn’t lose the war, we was setting the film in the year helps bring life to the nostal- “Godzilla,” Vogt-Roberts classic film. honestly accept the reality of abandoned it,” the text, along gives us a scaled up Kong The picture chronicles the the dangers that are continu- with its context and tone, with all the human-smashing, tale of scientists, soldiers ously found on the island. really fall on deaf ears, as im- monster action he could fit and adventurers who unite to The action and special ef- ages of a hard-nosed napalm into the movie’s 118-minute explore a mythical, uncharted fects are top quality, making it attack on Kong is seen from run time, matched with some island in the Pacific Ocean. is especially fun to watch the every seat in the theater. At of the most captivating vi- Cut off from everything, they monsters in action. However, best, it is an attempt at fore- suals and special effects the venture into the domain of in terms of the overall story shadowing the encounters and industry has to offer. Though the mighty Kong, igniting the and the quality of writing, the quarrels to come as a result “Kong: Skull Island” is only ultimate battle between man film falls flat. of the unprompted assault on Vogt-Roberts’ second feature and beast. With stars such as Gold- Kong and his territory. But it film, it is obvious the director A mission originally fo- en Globe-winners Tom Hid- still remains misplaced during struggled to adapt and react cused on discovery soon be- dleston and John Goodman, the film. from small-screen story-tell- comes one of survival. What alongside the Oscar-nominated Oddly enough, the actor 1973. Set on the tail end of the gic backdrop of action-riddled ing to a world of big budget remains of the original group Samuel L. Jackson and the Os- who runs away with the entire Vietnam War, the time frame combat sequences and a story blockbusters. of wayfarers must fight to car-winning Brie Larson, au- movie is John C. Reilly. for “Kong: Skull Island” al- of survival. I give “Kong: Skull Island” escape a land they weren’t diences should have expected Portraying Hank Marlow, lows for a spirited choice of The film finishes strong 3.5 stars. meant to control. a narrative with an intriguing a Cubs fan and pilot who has music, which is reflected in with homage to the original Fans of the classic narrative plot, as well as complex and been stranded on the island the selection of classic rock ‘n’ 1933 movie. Mason Weaver were given a monster-mash- deeply personal development in the South Pacific since his roll favorites from the decade, (Larson), the empathetic and ing, gory, grisly approach to of characters. Instead, they’re plane crashed there during explicit with their political- gutsy war photographer who the Kong origin story. Mixed not really impressionable. the Second World War, Reilly ly-centric overtones. understands Kong’s need with a splash of “Apocalypse Movie-goers ended up with continually brings heart and The mix of Creedence Clear- to protect all that is his, is rfitzgerald@ Now” reverence, the mad- an underacted mess of lines that wit-filled comic relief, serving water Revival’s “Bad Moon eventually saved by Kong, southplainscollege.edu Real Book and Western Swing ensembles perform in Tom T. Hall in the Commercial Music Building on the Levelland campus on April 6.

PHOTOS BY CHANISE RAY/PLAINSMAN PRESS Sports 13 Plainsman Press April 18, 2017 Texans finish third at national tournament after falling short of perfect season by STEVEN GEHEGAN Northwest Florida State Col- Northwest Florida State fense into the game, holding from both teams, late heroics a one-point lead with 10.4 Sports Editior lege, in the third-place game was able to stay close with the the Texans’ offense down in from Brangers helped the Tex- seconds left. With only five of the National Tournament on Texans during the first part of the first half. Yet the Texans ans to a 69-67 victory. seconds left, Brangers hit a The South Plains College March 25. With a hot shooting the first half, with the score be- deep three-point shot to win men’s basketball team fin- ing 22-20 with 10 minutes the game for the Texans. ished the season in third left. But SPC was able to Green says the shot was “a place after advancing to the go on a run and stretch the great made basket by an out- national tournament for the first-half lead to 47-34. standing basket maker.” fourth time in six years. The Texas opened play Brangers led the Texans in The Texans finished the in the second half with scoring with 19 points, while season with 33-2 record, stifling defense, dominance sophomore forward Montell following a perfect regular in the paint and superior McRae chipped in 11 points. season. bench play to cruise in the Webster was able to lead the “It was an outstanding second half to the tune of team in rebounding with eight season,” said Steve Green, 56-41. points and four assists. Com- head men’s basketball coach Sophomore guard Jor- ing off the bench, sophomore at SPC. “We introduced a dan Brangers had a game- guard Roberto Gallinat added new style of playing to the high 20 points, while fresh- 11 points. league, a team built around man guard Raquan Mitchell The Texans took on the a three-point attack.” tossed in 10 points. Fresh- number 15-seed Panola Col- Green credits the success man guard Josh Webster lege in the second round of the to the players and coaches. led the team in rebounding NJCAA tournament on March “Who wouldn’t want that and assists with eight and 21. Both teams were locked if given the choice at the be- six, respectively. He also in a tight battle throughout ginning of the year,” Green added five steals. the contest, before the Texans said. “To run the table in Coming off the bench, pulled out an 88-84 victory. both the conference and forward Shawntrez Davis The Texans were able to entire regular season is a added 18 points, while get off to a good shooting half tremendous accomplish- freshman guard Grantham while holding Panola to an ice- ment for these players and Gillard chipped in 11 cold shooting half from behind coaches.” points. the arch. The Texans went on Jordan Brangers shoots over The Texans advanced The Texans took on the to take a 41-36 lead at the end to the Division I National defender against Eastern Florida sixth seed, Eastern Flor- of the first half. Junior Collegiate Athletic State College during a game on ida State College, in the Both teams were able to Association Men’s Basket- March 24 at Hutchinson Sport semi-finals of the NJCAA Josh Webster dunks on a defender against Eastern pick up the scoring in the ball National Tournament, Arena. tournament on March 24. Flordia State College during a game on March 24 at second half. With dominating which was held March 20- PHOTOS COURTESY OF In a defensive slug fest, a Hutchinson Sports Arena. performances from both Tripp March 25 at the Hutchinson JORDAN IRVINE poor shooting night from and Brangers, the Texans were Sports Arena in Hutchinson, the Texans caused a 77-65 were able to still keep things Both teams struggled to find able to hold on for the victory, Kansas. night and tenacious defense, loss to Eastern Florida State. close in the first half, trailing their offense in the first half of despite being outscored 48-47 The second-seeded Texans the Texans pulled away for a Eastern Florida State only by three points, 33-30, the game. After going back and in the second half. took on the number-eight seed, 103-75 victory. brought their top-ranked de- entering the Brangers led the team second half. with 18 points, while In the sec- McRae chipped in 14 Lady Texans end season after falling in ond half, both points. Tripp contributed teams were a double-double with 14 second round of national tournament able to keep up points and 10 rebounds. the defensive Webster led the team in Texans trailed the Saints 69- finish off her career as a Lady by DOMINICK PUENTE pressure. With assists with five while 54 going into the final quarter. Texan. Editorial Assistant about 12 min- adding three blocks. Gil- With the clock winding In the opening round of the utes left, the lard added 12 points off down on the Lady Texans, NJCAA National Tournament, After earning a trip to the Texans took a the bench. Seward continued to attack SPC defeated Monroe College NJCAA Division I Women’s 46-45 lead, but When looking back on offensively, scoring 18 points 85-73 at the Rip Griffin Center Basketball National Tourna- they were not past teams and how this to expand the lead. in Lubbock on March 20. ment, the South Plains Col- able to hold on. team compared, Green SPC worked to find open After a slow start in the lege women’s basketball team SPC was out- said, “South Plains Col- lanes and squeeze out points first quarter, the Lady Texans advanced two rounds before scored in the lege has been home to in the end, scoring 15 points in encountered early trouble having the season come to second half 44- many outstanding teams, offensively, only scoring Jahlil Tripp drives against a defender against an end. 35. and this club will take its 11 points and allowing 17 Northwest Florida State College on march 25 Finishing the season at Brangers respective spot near the points on defense. at Hutchinson Sports Arena. 28-6, the ninth-ranked Lady led the team in top along with others.” Trailing 17- 11 in the Texans fell in the round of 16 scoring with 18 points, while forth for most of the first half, “An undefeated regular second quarter, the Lady to Seward County Commu- Tripp chipped in 11 points Vincennes was able to take a season, unblemished through- Texans found offensive nity College, 87-69, at Rip while leading the team in 33-32 lead. out what is arguably the most momentum, outscoring the Griffin Center in Lubbock rebounds with nine. Gillard The Texans traded baskets competitive conference in juco Lady Mustangs and flipping on March 21. came of the bench to score 11 with Vincennes for most of the basketball, and scoring at a 90- the lead. SPC scored 26 The Lady Texans worked points. first part of the second half, be- plus point per game average points in the second quar- quickly to gain an early lead In the quarterfinals, the fore SPC went up by four with is worth special distinction,” ter while holding Monroe in the first quarter, jumping Texans faced the seventh-seed- 14:45 left to play in the game. added Green. College to 14 points, taking out to an 8-0 advantage. ed Vincennes University on With the game remaining a 37-31 lead going into However, as the quarter March 23. close for the rest of the game, sgehegan2284@student. halftime. came to an end, the Saints After poor shooting nights Vincennes was able to take southplainscollege.edu found offensive production With a six-point differ- around the three-point line, ence entering the second pulling within one point of half, the Lady Texans con- SPC at 17-16. tinued to attack offensively Impressive seasons earn basketball players multiple honors The Lady Texans’ of- throughout the third and by DOMINICK PUENTE Brangers was selected as who advanced to the NJ- fourth quarters. fensive attack was being Editioral Assistant the conference Most Valu- CAA National Tournament, led by sophomore forward Monroe rallied by scor- able Player, as well as the sophomore guard Brittany Yanina Inkina. SPC found ing 21 points in each of the After the completion Freshman of the Year in the Smith was selected as the open looks on the inside, last two quarters. of the 2016-2017, sever- WJCAC. Defensive Player of the along with down-range However, the Lady Tex- al members of the South Brangers set the SPC re- Year. Smith, who led the de- three-pointers, to open the ans outscored the Lady Jasauen Beard looks to pass Plains College men’s and cord for most three-pointers fensive attack for the Lady floodgates for point produc- Mustangs with 23 points in a season with 131, while Texans, also landed herself during a game against Seward women’s basketball teams tion with 25 points in the in the third quarter and 25 have received All-Western leading the Texans in of- a spot on the All-Confer- Community College on March second quarter. points in the fourth quarter. Junior College Athletic fense, averaging 20.9 points ence team. As for Seward County, 21 at the Rip Griffin Center in After capping off an of- Conference honors. per game. Jasauen Beard, a soph- defensive struggles allowed Lubbock. fensive night for the Lady With the Texans mak- Sophomore guard Josh omore guard, received SPC to stay close, but the PHOTOS BY JORDAN Texans, Beard finished with ing an impressive run Webster, who has com- Co-Newcomer of the Year Saints’ offense gained mo- PATTERSON/PLAINSMAN a career-high 31 points. throughout the season that mitted to Texas Tech Uni- and made the All-Confer- Inkina finished the game mentum as well, finishing PRESS culminated at the NJCAA versity, was selected as ence team to add to her the second quarter with 30 with 22 points, while Cera National Tournament, the Defensive Player of the resume. Beard presented the points to take a 46-42 lead the fourth quarter. Defensively, chipped in 13 points. mastermind behind every Year and Newcomer of the ability to drive inside and going into halftime. the Lady Texans struggled to After completing her sec- decision, head coach Steve Year, along with making the find offensive production. With only a half to go and shut down an efficient Saints ond year and leading the Lady Green, was selected as WJ- All-Conference team. Along with that presence, trailing by four points, the offense. Texans to the NJCAA National CAC Coach of the Year. Other Texans to receive she also was a solid de- Saints continued to put pres- The Lady Texans had four Tournament, SPC head coach Coach Green has been All-Conference honors are fender. sure on the Lady Texans de- players score in double digits Cayla Petree was named a the leading the Texan pro- freshman forward Jahlil Also earning All-Confer- fense in the third quarter. in the contest. finalist for the 2017 United gram for 17 seasons, ac- Tripp and sophomore guard ence honors was sophomore Seward took advantage of Inkina led the way with 18 States Marine Corps Women’s cumulating more than 400 Roberto Gallinat. Tripp be- forward Yanina Inkina. Ink- early momentum and scored points. Sophomore guard Eliz- Basketball Coaches Associ- victories. The NJCAA Hall came a force for the Texans ina led the charge offensive- 23 points to keep the lead. abeth Cera finished the game ation National Coach of the of Fame coach has con- on the inside offensively, ly and defensively on the The Lady Texans stalled with 15 points, while sopho- Year award. tinued to bring in top-ti- along with being a staple inside, using her 6-foot-2 on offense in the third quarter more guard Jasauen Beard was er athletes to SPC, along on defense. Gallinat was frame to control and dictate and could not get shots to fall close behind with 14 points. with sending off players to a rebounding force and a the inside game. in their favor, scoring only 12 Sophomore guard Brittany dpuente3388@students. NCAA Division I. defensive standout. dpuente3388@students. points. However, the Lady Smith scored 11 points to southplainscollege.edu Shooting guard Jordan For the Lady Texans, southplainscollege.edu 14 Sports April 18, 2017 Plainsman Press Rice speaking out about domestic violence experience

and facing consequences after may not believe in second sexual assault can own up to Jersey recently to talk about he should be granted his wish choosing the wrong path. chances, the fact that Rice is their actions and consequences his sexual assault incident, and as long as he stays on a clean Al- he also has been path and does not make any though volunteering at more life-changing mistakes. Rice has New Rochelle He has gone out of his way faced High School in to help shape the minds of negative New Jersey for young students and athletes head- the football team while educating the younger lines and throughout the generations on sexual assault. stories, I year. Rice is doing more than any believe His he has message become of being a better able to and re- have qual- spect- ity deci- able man sion mak- for his ing, along by DOMINICK PUENTE actions with per- Editioral Assistant now that severance, With domestic violence and he is at- are traits sexual assault cases becoming tempting that kids common in sports across the to help need to be globe, former Baltimore Ra- kids taught at ven Ray Rice is attempting to learn an early help prevent sexual assault by how age to de- telling his story. terrible crease the In September of 2014, Rice sexual chances of was released by his team after assault is sexual as- a video of him punching his and how sault in the fiancée became public. While it can future. being one of the best running impact Many ath- other athlete who has been backs in the NFL at the time, letes who face involved in sexual assault. this incident caused the fall of sexual assault al- While sexual assault is an his career. legations do not occurring problem, having the After investi- go the extra mile ability to prove to the public gations past forgiveness that he has overcome the ob- were and apologizing stacles he has faced during the while continu- past three years should be good ing their careers in sports. enough to reinstate Rice with complete, Rice at- Rice has gone an extra step to the rest of society. tempted to get his career talk to college and high school Rice deserves a second back in order and return students to spread awareness. chance to do what he wants to the NFL. However, Yet when the topic of sexual as a career. Instead of being due to sexual assault assault is brought up, Rice labeled as a monster, he is cases beginning to cause more is one of the notable people attempting to rewrite his leg- uproar, teams refused to sign lives in a negative brought up out of hatred and acy in a positive way, and he Rice to avoid tarnishing the way. Not only do these ac- spite. is proving why he should be franchise name. tions affect him, but he has attempting to talk to young kids to help Whether coaching at Don thought of as a reformed man. Three years later, Rice has finally understood that what to help people through them before they make the Bosco High as a running back begun to speak to programs he had done affected the lives his mistakes shows that he same mistakes he made. coach is what Rice wants to and different schools about of others. deserves to be given a second Rice has visited Don Bos- do with his life, or returning dpuente3388@students. the topic of decision making Although people may or chance. Few guilty parties of co Prep High School in New to the NFL for another shot, southplainscollege.edu Relocation of Raiders could hurt city of Oakland One reason the move is not come to see any NFL team a home crowd. However, it ing a team to Vegas would be most areas of the country, it is confusing is the fact that the when going on a vacation. might be easier for the Raiders the issue of gambling. The still illegal to gamble. So why Raiders are moving to a place Most people are loyal to a team to draw fans than the Rams. NFL has always taken a hard would the NFL want to put a where the team full of rich players NFL will in a town where it can not be be easy to get carried able to away? The easier it is support to have access to gam- a team. bling, the more likely The city players might do it. This of Las could cause problems Vegas is for the Raiders and the the tour- NFL the same way in ist capi- did in Major League tal, where Baseball and for Pete people go Rose. by STEVEN GEHEGAN to gamble Another problem Sports Editior and have would be mainly for a good the players mostly. But It seems that the National time. But who would want to live Football League cares more people in Vegas? While it may about making money than will be a cool place to vis- its fan. it, most people would After never want to live there. mov- For one thing, the heat is ing the unbearable, plus there is Rams the fact that the city of out of Las Vegas might St. Lou- not be around in is to Los the distant future. Ange- that they The Raiders A huge city in the les, the grew up have had middle of the des- league around more recent ert is quickly run- wants to or an area success and ning out of water continue that they are projected for the people who to allow live in. So to be a good live there. teams to why put a team for the For these rea- move from team in Ve- next several sons, the NFL places with gas, where years with needs to leave strong fan not that many Derek Carr teams in the city bases to places people live in on offense that they are thriv- where support is the surrounding and Khalil ing in, instead of nonexistent. Now area? Vegas is a Mack on de- trying to fit teams the NFL is going to place for tourists to fense. But with Vegas mainly stance against sports betting. in cities they do not belong in. move the Raiders go. catering to tourists, it would So it seems strange to put a from Oakland to Las It could be a fun place be hard for the Raiders to draw team in one of the biggest hot Vegas. For several rea- for the fans of the visiting a consistent home crowd like spots for gambling. Betting sons, that team will never teams, but it would seem they have in Oakland. on sports can compromise sgehegan2284@student. be able to thrive there. hard for that team to draw in Another problem with mov- the integrity of the game. In southplainscollege.edu Sports 15 Plainsman Press April 18, 2017 Track teams trounce competition with outstanding performances by STEVEN GEHEGAN Rotich placed first with a time In the shot put, sophomore Abrocquah finished eighth In the 110-meter hurdles, In the javelin, Williams Sports Editor of 10:06.15. Kiona Bradshaw placed third with a time of 3:42.14. Watson placed first with a placed first with a throw of In the 4 x 400-meter relay, with a throw of 14.56 meters. In the Sprint Medley Relay, time of 14.22, while sopho- 65.68 meters, while Witt sophomore Robert Downs, Katelyn Clarkston placed a team of Abolaji, Hill, Bright more Robert Dunning placed placed third with a throw of The South Plains College freshman Dekaryea Freeman, first in the javelin with a throw and Smith finished 10th with a second with a time of 14.32. 41.23 meters. Sophomore track and field teams con- Holmes and Watson placed of 38.52 meters. time of 4:06.07 Weh placed third with a time Zach Hancock placed fifth tinue to have outstanding third with a time of 3:17.20. The track and field teams In the long jump, sopho- of 14.37. with a throw of 33.63 meters. performances as the season In the long jump, freshman also competed in the Clyde more Melody Korie finished In the 400-meter hurdles, In the women’s 200-meter progresses. Laquan Nairn placed second Littlefield Texas Relays on eighth with a jump of 5.70 Holmes placed first with a time run, Prieto placed first with The track and field teams with a jump of 7.75 meters, March 29 – April 1 in Austin. meters. of 52.54, while Watson placed a time of 23.84, while Bright competed in the David Noble and sophomore Saahir Bethea In the 400-meter hurdles, The SPC track teams com- second with a time of 52.81. placed sixth with a time of Relays on April 6 – April 8 in placed third with a jump of Williams placed eighth with a peted in the University of Freshman Myles Scott placed 24.57. San Angelo. 7.61 meters. time of 52.25. Texas at El Paso Relays on seventh with a time of 54.71. In the women’s 400-meter In the 200-meter run, fresh- In the women’s 100-meter In the 4 x 400-meter re- March 25. In the 4 x 100 Relay, a team run, McDonald placed second man Jordan Atkinson placed run, sophomore Mauricia Pri- lay, freshman Junior Charles, In the 400-me- of sophomore Roje with a time of 53.60, while first with a time of 20.98. eto placed first with a time of Holmes, Williams, and fresh- ter run, Jackson-Chin, Smith placed ninth with a time In the 800-meter run, fresh- 11.44, and freshman Omotayo man Montel Hood placed third Williams, soph- of 57.18. man Felix Kosegi placed first Abolaji placed second with a with a time of 3:07.72 omore Derrick In the 5,000-meter run, with a time of 1:58.05, while time of 11:54. In the high jump, sopho- Monroe and At- Gahekave placed second with sophomore Omero Rodriguez In the 200-meter run, more Kwaume McGee fin- kinson placed a time of 18:52.32, while Mer- placed second with a time of freshman Natassha McDon- ished 10th with a jump of 2.05 first with a time of 40.65. cer placed fifth with a time of 1:58.75. ald placed third with a time meters. In the 4 x 400 Relay, a team 21:39.41. In the 1500-meter run, of 23.95, and freshman Safia In Section A of Williams, Holmes, Hood In the 4 x 100-meter relay, Kosegi placed first with a Bright placed fourth with a of the long jump, Charles and Charles placed first with a team of sophomore Joi Gill, time of 3:58.95, while Rodri- time of 24.17. Nairn placed third with placed sec- a time of 3:13.62. Abrocquah, sophomore Shir- guez placed third with a time In the 400-meter run, soph- a jump of 7.83 me- ond with In the pole vault, freshman ley Vunatup and McDonald of 4:02.41. omore Latriceia Smith placed ters. a time of Jonathan Witt placed first with placed third with a time of In the 110-hurdles, fresh- second with a time of 57.12. In the 48.03, while a jump of 3.95 meters, and 46.37. man William Watson placed In the 5000-meter run, javelin, Hood placed third freshman Collin Rodriguez In the 4 x 400-meter relay, second with a time of 13.97, freshman Seselia Dala placed soph- with a time of 48.15. placed third with a jump of a team of Smith, freshman and freshman Mason Weh second with a time of 18:45.96, omore In the 800-meter run, 3.65 meters. Ashley Hughes, sophomore placed third with a time of while freshman Caitlyn Mer- Adrian Downs placed first with a In the long jump, Nairn Kadrienne Sanders, and Vu- 14.03. cer placed eighth with a time Williams time of 1:53.58, and Freeman placed first with a jump of natup placed third with a time In the 400-meter hurdles, of 21:01.20. finished 10th with a throw of placed sixth with a time of 7.54 meters, while freshman of 3:56.13. sophomore Okeen Williams In the 3000-meter stee- 63.94 meters. 1:55.80. Derrick Monroe placed second In the shot put, Bradshaw placed first with a time of plechase, sophomore Poro In the women’s 800-me- In the 5,000-meter run, with a jump of 7.44 meters. placed first with a throw of 51.04, while freshman Rayan Gahekave placed first with a ter relay, a team of Abolaji, Kosgei placed first with a Freshman Patrick Johnson 14.05 meters. Holmes placed second with a time of 11:49.33. Bright, Hill and Prieto finished time of 15:20.61, while Rotich placed fourth with a jump of time of 51.32. Watson placed In the 4 x 100-meter relay, 12th with a time of 1:37.98. placed third with a time of 6.24 meters. In the shot third with a time of 52.24. sophomore Taylor Hill, Prieto, In the 4 x 400-meter relay, 16:19.25. Freshman Leobardo put, freshman Mclendon Hill In the 3000-meter Steeple- Bright, and Obolaji placed first a team of Smith, McDonald, Michel placed seventh with a placed second with a time of sgehegan2284@students. chase, sophomore Nicholas with a time of 45.68. Prieto and freshman Agnes time of 17:32.52. 14.99 meters. southplainscollege.edu Rodeo teams have good performances with season winding down by STEVEN GEHEGAN event, freshman Baylee Hen- sophomore Kade Cotton post- man Jhett Trenary posted a for eighth. In the steer wrestling event, Sports Editor derson posted a time of 2.9 ed a time of 7.7 seconds in the time of 9.5 seconds in the long In the barrel racing event, McCarley posted a time of 4.4 seconds in the long run and long run and 11.9 seconds in run and 109.5 seconds in the Robinson posted a time of seconds in the long run and The South Plains College 12.5 seconds in the short run, the short run, scoring 20 points short run, placing 10th. 17.61 seconds in the long run 7.2 seconds in the short run, men’s and women’s rodeo scoring 10 points and tying for and placing seventh. In the steer wrestling event, and 17.55 seconds in the short placing first. Freshman Chase teams are having strong in- ninth place. The rodeo teams also com- Boren posted a time of 4.1 run, scoring 140 points and Wilson posted a time of 6.1 dividual performances as the In the men’s competition, peted in the Western Texas seconds in the long run and placing second. Odle posted seconds in the long run and season progresses. freshman Chet Boren posted a College Rodeo on March 30 3.9 seconds in the short run, a time of 17.65 seconds in the 5.6 seconds in the short run, The teams competed in the time of 4.2 seconds in the long – April 1 in Snyder. placing first. Freshman Cam- long run and 17.71 seconds in scoring 110 points and plac- Howard College Rodeo, which run and 3.9 seconds in the short The women failed to earn eron McCarley posted a time short run, scoring 100 points ing second. Freshman Payson was held April 6 – April 8 in run in steer wrestling, scoring any points in the events that of 5.4 seconds in the long run and placing fourth. Moore posted a time of 4.4 Big Spring. 160 points and placing first. they participated in. and 3.8 seconds in the short In men’s competition, Tre- seconds in the long run and In the barrel racing event, Sophomore Coy Surrett posted In the goat tying event, run, placing second. nary posted a time of 9.1 15.3 seconds in the long run, sophomore Rainy Robinson a time of 4.8 seconds in the freshman Sierra White posted The teams also competed seconds in the long run and scoring 55 points and placing posted a time of 16.35 seconds long run and 4.1 seconds in the a time of 7.6 seconds in the in the Ranger College Rodeo, 10.6 seconds in the short run fifth. Kirkpatrick posted a time in the long run and 16.45 sec- short run, scoring 100 points long run and 10.6 seconds which took place from March in tiedown roping, scoring of 5.2 seconds in the long run onds in the short run, scoring and tying for third. in the short run, placing 11th. 23-March 25 in Ranger, Texas. 70 points and tying for fifth. and 100 seconds in the short 60 points and placing fifth. In the team roping event, Freshman Megan Burbidge In the goat tying event, Sophomore Hadley Cloward run, scoring 20 points and In the breakaway roping freshman Denton Halford and posted a time of 7.6 seconds in Burbidge posted a time of 7.7 posted a time of 9.4 seconds in placing ninth. the long run and 10.7 seconds seconds in the long run and the long run and 23.1 seconds th in the short run, placing 12 . 11.6 seconds in the short run, in the short run, scoring 20 sgehegan2284@students. In the barrel racing event, scoring 30 points and tying points and placing eighth. southplainscollege.edu freshman Alex Odle posted a time of 14.27 seconds in the long run and 19.38 seconds in the short run, placing 10th. The men’s team scored 215 points at Synder, which earned them sixth place. All off their points were scored by Boren, who tallied 150 points, and freshman Zach Kirkpat- rick, who scored 65 points. In the tiedown roping event, Kirkpatrick posted a time of 9 seconds in the long Cameron McCarley ropes a steer at practice on March 27. run and 11.1 seconds in the TOVI OYERVIDEZ/PLAINSMAN PRESS short run, placing fifth. Fresh- 16 April 18, 2017 Sp tlight Plainsman Press Securing Our Borders . . . Future Border Patrol agents endure rigorous academy training by SARA MARSHALL “Academics were definite- Then we would go to either fairly small. But other than Editor-in-Chief ly the hardest thing for me,” scenarios or another classroom that, it is nice to be able to go Sidwell said. “I have always session.” back and just relax by your- ARTESIA, N.M. -- In an struggled in academics, no After that, Sidwell would self sometimes. You just uncertain world, brave men matter what it is. I had to study go to lunch. After eating, have to get used to it and women train every day more than I ever have, even for he would have PT for two whether you like it or to protect America’s borders college exams.” hours. After PT, Sidwell not, because you have to from potential threats. Trainees also participate would go to some call this place home for Jaron Sidwell, a 23-year- in Physical Techniques (PT) sort of law class, a while.” old U. S. Border Patrol Agent five days a week throughout which would de- Now that Sidwell’s Trainee, has gone through their time at the academy. PT pend on how far training is nearing an grueling training and real-life isn’t just about physical fitness he was into the end, he can reflect fondly situations which tested his though, trainees are taught course. on his experiences at the entire being. how to defend themselves “For the Border Patrol Acad- “I will be completely hon- It is every day, five days a first month, emy. est,” said Sidwell. “The first week. According to Chief it was tough “My best mo- reason that kept me going was Patrol Agent Dan Harris, the getting used ment was by far my wife and family. I could training associated with PT to every- walking across not have lived with myself is more than just physical thing, es- the stage and knowing that I let my family fitness and conditioning. It pecially PT seeing my fam- down because I quit. The sec- also includes skills such as right after ily sitting in the ond reason is this: How many defensive tactics to keep you lunch,” Sid- crowd because I people can say that they are safe when attacked or when well said. “The graduated from a Federal Agent? Not many, someone resists arrest, arrest hardest part about Basic Training at because, it’s not that we can techniques, handcuffing, post the day was stay- the Border Patrol and others can’t. It’s that we arrest searching, and safely ing awake for our Academy,” Sid- will, and others won’t.” least,” Sidwell said. “When him to continue to the U.S. securing someone who has last class of the day, well said. “I also Pulling on his prior expe- you apply, you are always Border Patrol Academy in just been arrested. because PT had my dad pin my rience, Sidwell made a big waiting for something, so it Artesia, New Mexico. For “Physical fitness here at would drain badge, which was jump from one federal agency definitely tests your patience.” students who are close to grad- the Academy is no joke,” Sid- you mentally something I will to another. To begin the application uation and wish to become well said. “They push you to and physical- never forget. That “When I was in ly.” day goes by so fast, college, I interned Once his but you will never with the ATF (Al- daily activi- forget that day be- cohol, Tobacco, ties were done, cause it is a huge Firearms, and Ex- Sidwell would accomplishment.” plosives),” Sid- go back to his Sidwell says an well said. “I then room to study. important part of being got a chance to talk “This is no in the Academy with so to a former Border joke either,” said many other trainees for Patrol Agent and Sidwell. “The aca- weeks on end is to bond was hooked from demics are mentally with your classmates, there on. I have challenging, and if because you never know always loved the you do not study, you when you will need to rely outdoors. I am a will not do well. And on them some day. huge hunter and you have to march in “You will get on a bus fisherman, and as formation everywhere with people you have never soon as I heard you go. That will get met before in your life and that the Border Pa- annoying, but you then realize five months later trol spends a lot of would be surprised that you would take a bullet time outdoors, I fell in love.” process, Sidwell had to take a involved in the Border Patrol, your limits because they want how well for them any day,” Sidwell Once Sidwell had made written entrance exam, which Sidwell suggests applying as you to break and go home. you come said. “That bond is huge up his mind to join the Bor- included a comprehensive soon as possible, since the The funny part about PT is together as and will go a long way. Even der Patrol, he started on Spanish exam within it to application process can take that you hate your instructors team. You will right now, I have two weeks the long road prove you are capable of learn- so long. when you first meet them. And question your- left in Spanish training, and to becoming ing the language. After pass- “Being a trainee is obvi- then, once you graduate, your self a lot every sometimes I feel like I hate an agent. ing this exam, ously not as good as being a PT instructors become your day on why they make you my classmates, because I’ve “Going there is regular agent,” Sidwell said. through the an exten- “But I love learning new application sive back- things, especially for my ca- process ground reer. Before I came was nerve check here, I viewed life racking and the in a different as- to say the first phys- pect. Once you go ical test. through all of this, “I had it changes you an oral mentally and physically, and defi- nitely pre- pares you for life in the pa- trol.” A t panel interview five the Fed- hours away from eral Law home and then the Enforce- second physical fit- ment Center ness test was around (FLETC), that same location,” trainees have favorites and you really look do certain things, but you just been with them 24/7, seven Sidwell said. “The to go through up to them.” have to keep pushing.” days a week, for six months. thing that gets most courses which Sidwell says he never really According to Sidwell, the Although, in the end, you still people is the poly- include Com- had a typical day at the Border housing is pretty nice. The come together, fight alongside graph exam. I sat in a munications, Patrol Academy because train- rooms are set up in dorm-like of each other and will defend room for nine hours being Ethics and ees are always doing some- buildings with private bed- each other at all costs.” asked questions strapped Conduct, Re- thing different day-to-day. rooms and bathrooms. Each to a chair. Needless to port Writing, “My day always started by room has a small TV, and each PHOTOS BY TOVI OY- say, the application pro- Introduction getting breakfast,” Sidwell trainee receives daily maid ERVIDEZ/ PLAINSMAN- cess is not enjoyable, but to Comput- said. “But after breakfast, we service. PRESS it is definitely worth it in ers, Finger- would go to either the shooting “You get your bed made the end.” printing, and range or go to class for the and room cleaned every day Sidwell passed all his Constitution- first two hours, depending on while you are at work,” Sid- smarshall4759@students. exams, which allowed al Law. what day it was of the week. well said. “The shower is southplainscollege.edu