TRU Issue 15 Final.Indd 1 2/2/17 6:55 PM Contributors & Staff

The

Valentines Issue

1 The independent student voice of NMSU since 1907 . Volume . 118 Issue 14 . Monday, February 6, 2017

TRU Issue 15 Final.indd 1 2/2/17 6:55 PM contributors & Staff

Corey Stevens Albert Luna Rush Allen Katie Kilbane Executive Director Editor-in-Chief Lead Designer Marketing Director truexec@nmsu .edu truprint@nmsu .edu trudesign@nmsu .edu trumktg@nmsu .edu (575) 646-3743 (575) 646-5434 (575) 642-5140 (575) 646-7680

Derek Gonzales David Mares Jianna Vasquez Isaiah Silva Sports Editor Photo Editor Cultural Editor Academic Editor trusports@nmsu .edu truphoto@nmsu .edu truculture@nmsu .edu truacademic@nmsu .edu

Vanessa Chavez Donovan Duran Joseph Fullbright Luis "Luigi" Finston Advertising Director Comptroller Staﬀ Writer Staﬀ Writer truads@nmsu .edu donovanl@nmsu .edu trunews@nmsu .edu trunews@nmsu .edu

Armando Arellano Nick Arias President Bryan Chavez Larry Jackson Carlos Trujillo Vice President Larkins Legacy Photography Photography Fundraising Chair Larkins Legacy Intern Intern Larkin's Legacy

TRU Issue 15 Final.indd 2 2/2/17 6:55 PM Photos by: David Mares Contents In this issue Legal By: ALBERT LUNA The season of love is now upon us, and with it comes Why Equestrian Had To Go...... 4 mixed emotions across the board for many . What was once Academic Life a day of exchanging store-bought cards and candy in ele- mentary school, has now matured into typically spending the Elena Davidson: Computing Her Future ...... 6 day exclusively with one special person . At least, that’s what a fraction of people will say about February 14th . However, Culture for another segment of the student population, Valentine’s is NMSU's Chicano Programs...... 9 simply just another day . Keeping with the theme, we have decided to give Valentine’s Day its proper due this issue, while Kiss and Tell ...... 10 also realizing it is not the only thing that occurs on the 14th . So, for the love birds and singles alike, we have something Sports for each crowd . Whether it’d be tips for a special Valentine’s Men's Basketball...... 13 Day date or reading about the accomplishments of a computer science student here at NMSU, we have it covered in Softball Preview...... 14 the next few pages of TRU . We are proud to submit to you our fifteenth issue of the school year as we present “The Val- TRU Opinion...... 16 entine’s Day Issue ”. I hope you enjoy, give us feedback, and as Dixie & Dusty...... 17 always, keep your ears to the ground and continue to write your own story . 3

TRU Issue 15 Final.indd 3 2/2/17 6:55 PM TRU legal Luna: Why Equestrian Had to Go

By: Albert Luna The New Mexico State Equestrian team reached its unceremonious end on Friday, January 20, as the NMSU Board of Regents voted to dissolve the team, eff ective, July 1st .

The last season of Equestrian being a sport sponsored and fi scally supported by the University is thus offi cially underway, with a win over top ranked Texas A&M, occurring just a week later on January 28th .

The team, as documented previously in TRU, was initially cut by the University, in conjunction with the Athletic Department, last summer during the period the University had to make over $12 million in cuts across the board . Howev- er, after a local public outcry concerning the decision, President Carruthers stepped in and vowed to make the numbers work for just one more year, ensuring the team would be able to compete for at least one more season; after that, they would be on their own . As a result, it should come as no surprise when the team, after being almost $200,000 short of the roughly $480,000 needed to be self-sustaining, was formerly voted out as a sponsored sport . There was still a fair amount of public criticism in regards to the move . However, many may not realize that as diffi cult as it was for the all parties involved (especially the student athletes), it simply had to be done . A few points that should be considered when evaluating this decision:

The Cuts Had to Come from A Women’s Sport NMSU is already at the NCAA minimum (six) number of Men’s sports . In order to be in good standing with the NCAA and still be able to compete in other sports, the cuts had to come from the Women’s side . The entire program being cut itself was also not done simply from the University administration just picking out a women’s sport of their choice . Instead, this was an internal cut, meaning that the Department of Athletics evaluated its allotted budget for a fi scal year and deemed this the best course of action for the department to make up that money going forward . The decision was then presented to the University administration and the Regents at a time that many other departments across the board were required to report cuts with a now reduced and limited budget . So, the decision to cut the Equestrian team likely stands out more because it was a standalone cut in January, instead of being a part of a wider group of cuts, many of which went widely unnoticed, that were primarily carried out in the summer . Another reason that Equestrian cut was highlighted was simply because it was the most popular of the cuts . Rarely do universities cut programs, so it mer- its a little extra media attention .

Equestrian Was Not Revenue Generating Both on the men’s and women’s side, there are a handful of sports that are able to generate some sort of revenue for the University . This certainly does not mean that the Athletic Program is making money off of these other sports, (in fact roughly less than 20 Universities in the nation make a profi t off of football, let alone any other kind of sport) . Additionally, the cost of maintain the horses for competition could also begin to become expensive in its own right . The program was never expected to bring back a return on investment for the University, but simply keeping up with the expenses, in exchange for a minimal number of fans and essentially no revenue in the form of tickets, or even merchandising seemed to have caught up with the program . It should be noted as well that within the athletic department, there were cuts taking by seemingly every sport in this process; Equestrian was not the only one that felt an impact .

TRU Issue 15 Final.indd 4 2/2/17 6:55 PM The Sport Is Still Too Young As noted previously, the sport has come close on a few occasions of being taken off the NCAA list for emerging women’s sports . This is in large part due to a stagnated growth, from a popularity standpoint, amongst fans . Like any sport, there are a fair number of good knowledge and caring supporters of equestrian, however, not nearly as much public interest as sports such as softball, basketball, or even track and fi eld . As a result of a smaller public interest, it can lead to less people being aware of exactly how the sport, in terms of how rules and certain events, even work . This culminates in simply more common sporting fans being less inclined to attend any of the events the team hosted or keep up with them on a contest-by-contest basis . NMSU is not alone in this either . To date, there are about a total of 17 school sponsored and funded Equestrian teams around the nation, a number that has been declining in recent years .

The University Did Not Leave Them Out to Dry With the extra year of funding, courtesy of Carruthers, the team was able to compete one more season, as opposed to having to simply cease all operations in the summer . With this, it gave student-athletes within the program an extra year to fi nd a new home if they wished to continue their athletic career, or to have a last season and a proper send off to the program . It should also be noted that, in credit to the University, all scholarships that were given to the student-athletes will still be honored in their entirety until they graduate (or until 2022, whichever comes fi rst) . It has also been suggested that there is a possibility of converting the team into a club team (similar to the NMSU Rugby Team), as there is already over 300 groups around the nation with that struc- ture .

Ideally, no athletic program should be cut from the university and have to endure what the members of the Equestrian team has had to endure these past 8 months, however, given the hand NMSU was dealt, it simply had to be done . This is not a result of the team not being important to the University and Las Cruces community as a whole, but instead this was simply due to a shrink- ing budget and a sport that only exists in a few number of universities, with no signs of growing in the near future . It is unfortunate for the student-athletes, yet it necessary to keep not just the athletic department, but the University, in a better fi scal position going forward .

TRU Issue 15 Final.indd 5 2/2/17 6:55 PM TRU academic Elena Davidson: Computing Her Future By: Isaiah Silva Before her junior year of high school, Elena Davidson “About halfway through that semester, I realized that had many different ideas of what she wanted to do in the future . wasn’t the university for me, it wasn’t the right feel and it just She toyed with the idea of being a lawyer, a teacher, and even an wasn’t the right fit for me . So, I called my mom, I think around engineer . Once summer came, all of those ideas went flying out of Halloween and I told her I was transferring and I would see her in the window . December ”.

“There’s a camp here at New Mexico State University Since arriving at New Mexico State, Davidson said her called the Young Women in Computing Summer camp and when whole perspective on college and how it should be changed . I was a sophomore in high school, my mom and an AES facilita- NMSU, she says, is where she found a community that was inviting tor sort of ganged up on me and forced me to do the computer and welcoming . science camp,” Davidson said . “College all of the sudden was challenging and it was Now a sophomore at NMSU majoring in Computer Sci- fun . There was never a dull moment . It was exciting and engaging . ence, Davidson says that thanks to that camp, she knows it is what There’s definitely days where it’s difficult and it’s challenging, and she wants to do for the rest of her life . I mean its not easy, but its hand down the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done,” Davidson said . “I thought computer science was going to be hard; I thought it was going to be boring . I thought it was going to be One thing Davidson loves about NMSU is how personal scary” Davidson said . “I thought I wasn’t going to be good at it, her education has been . She says that her professors know their but they said to just go and try it, and I went for one week and I students by name and what they’re involved in . absolutely fell in love with computer science ”.

The decision to pursue Computer Science as a career certainly seems to be paying off . Davidson is one of the recipients of the Conroy Achievement Scholarship .

“My graduating class year is the first year that it was awarded to anyone . Basically you don’t have to apply, it’s pretty cool . In high school you were designated as a National Merit or National Hispanic Recognition scholar, you are eligible for this scholarship,” she said, “It’s an incredible scholarship because not only does it provide you with financial help and pays for your tuition and it gives you a housing stipend, it gives you this really unique network of other Conroy scholars that you get to hang out with and talk with ”.

In addition to receiving her scholarship, she believes that NMSU has had a big impact on her success and opportunities . Elena started at a different, much larger university . She was there for one semester, decided to transfer to NMSU, and does not regret the decision one bit . 6 ____ Photo by: Isaiah Silva

TRU Issue 15 Final.indd 6 2/2/17 6:55 PM academic

“The CS Department at New Mexico State is wonderful . is a very involved community . They allow you to get involved really The professors know you by name and talk to you in the hallways, early in your college career which can kind of be uncommon at and they really want you to succeed . They’re willing to meet with other universities . The CS department has given me incredible you one on one to make sure you understand everything,” she skills,” Davidson said . said . Davidson was given an internship with Google for the culture “I have to include Dr . Chaiken in there . I’ve never had summer of 2017 . In late May, Davidson will journey to Google’s one of her classes but she’s just been so supportive . Whatever head office in Mountain View, California . She will be participating question I have whether its some little question about housing, or in their engineering practicum internship . something big like my stipend isn’t showing up on mynmsu, she always responds to me super quickly . She knows all her students “I’m excited for that because it’s super hard to get into by name, what they’re involved in, she’s incredible . She’s honestly Google . I’m still in disbelief . It’s just an amazing, surreal opportuni- like a superhero ”. ty .”

Davidson continued on to praise her professors such as Also in Elena’s future, is a hope for happiness . Of course, Dr . Cooper . She has had two classes with him and she says he puts she wants to graduate, hopefully with Honors, but above all to en- an emphasis on getting to know his students . joy herself and be happy with whatever position she finds herself in . “He’s not just a professor, he wants his students to succeed not only in his class, but in college,” Davidson said . “During the first semester where I was at the university where I wasn’t happy, it taught me that instead of planning every- “If I had to include one more, I would have to do Daniela thing out like I had before, it’s more important to have a direction Miranda . She’s just been so encouraging and so supportive . rather than a step-by-step plan,” she said, “You can have goals and Whatever I needed whether it was a letter of recommendation achieve them along the way, but I think it’s important to remem- or a quick question about a workshop, she always got back to me ber that the direction is the most important part and realizing really quickly . She was one of the first people to tell me to go for it that it’s life and plans change ”. when I’m questioning whether or not I should try something ”. “You’re not defined by your GPA, or that one test grade, Elena’s support system doesn’t stop there . Her family has it’s all part of your journey, so just kind of embrace it . Life’s fun been there for her every step of the way . and messy and wonderful so just go with it,” she said .

“I cannot speak highly enough about them [friends and With all of her achievements, it’s hard to believe Elena family] . They have been the most incredible support team for is in her second year of college . She certainly appears to be set me . My dad would stay up with me to help me study for a physics up for continued success and is already a role model Aggie with test and my mom would proofread my English essays, so they’ve much more to still offer . always encouraged me,” she continued, “My little sister is incredible too . She called me her role model once and I think I teared up honestly . She’s my best friend ”.

“All my friends have just been so supportive . I don’t even know how to word it beyond encouraging and supportive,” Davidson said .

When looking to her future, Davidson has many big plans and she says she would not be where she is within the field of Computer Science without NMSU .

“It was because of the Young Women in Computing organization that I even got the scholarship to attend the conference where I got the interview with Google, so without that whole spi- ral of events I wouldn’t have the internship that I do . Not only that, but NMSU 7

TRU Issue 15 Final.indd 7 2/2/17 6:55 PM Defining The Relationship culture for that “Special” Someone

Relationships in college have different Friends with Benefits: stages . Most find their relationship evolving with It may seem that since you’ve both drawn a clear line in the a significant other from freinds to possibly more . sand you don’t want the emotional attachment that gifts aren’t appropriate, wrong . Gifts don’t have to be extravagant . We suggest to opt for Here are some of the best that TRU’s staff came up more low-key entertainment to level out the expectations Valentine’s Day with and how we defined these stages, as well as brings . possible things to do on Valentine’s Day . Enjoy!

NetflixFor him:and Chill- Order his favorite food and binge watch his favorite Friendzone: show . Keep it low key – No need to have the entire world know about the rela- You’re both in the friendzone and you’re both cool with it . Some tionship just yet, go to low traffic buisnesses with dim lighting, potentially of the best friendships are with the opposite sex and it’s time to show older crowds, or possibly even get the food to-go . your love for them . These gifts not only signify how much they mean to you, but also open up the opportunity to go and have a new experience .

Movies-For her:Fifty Shades Darker, La La Land and Split are great choices when you both just want to ignite those tingly feelings or get cozy in the theater . CasualFor Hangouthim: – Grabbing lunch and possibly seeing an 11 o’clock movie . 2 A .M . text messages about her guy problems may also occur as well as Gift cards- Odds are you don’t know enough about her to get her anything constantly being told “you’re like a brother to me ”. of sentimental value, so going with a safe play like a giftcard to starbucks seems appropriate .

BlendingFor her: in, Not Sticking Out -Gets called “dude” a lot . Spending a day going through his Instagram followers and hearing him pick put the one’s he things are the cutests, up to and including your best friend . Long Distance: As the Proclaimers once sang, “I would walk 500 miles and I Girlfriend/Boyfriend: would walk 500 more,” and many modern relationships do just that . Long distance relationships are on the rise, according to Long Distance Rela-

tionships Statistics . 32 5. percent of college relationships are long distance . They’re hooked and you’re hooked on them . Whether it’s a new This takes strong individuals and showing that you care for one another significant other or one that’s been around to hashtag a throwback photo can be challenging . Here are some ideas on how to make the distance not on Instagram, these gift ideas might be the right inspiration to impress the seem so far away . love of your life .

CareFor package- him: Send favorite memories of your relationship in a box , just *For - Romantic him: Hike- If he is active and so are you take him on a hike up to pay for the shipping . Dripping Springs . The weather is getting warmer so this is the perfect time to take a trip up the mountain . Pack a homemade lunch for extra Concert Tickets- If your significant other lives in a bigger city than Las brownie points . Cruces, odds are there is more entertainment there . Look for local shows and events that you can send them to while you are apart .

*For Wine Tasting-her: St . Clair in Mesilla Valley not only gives a great ambiance, Surprise Visit- Nothing makes a girl happier than suprises . but their wines are award-winning . Get a flight of wine and compare your ShowingFor her: up unexpectedly on her doorsteps will surely grant you more favorites . brownie points in the future . 8

TRU Issue 15 Final.indd 8 2/2/17 6:55 PM TRU culture NMSU’s Chicano Programs By: Jianna Vasquez The Chicano Programs and Chicano Programs provides the of Hispanic Proffesional Engineers (SHPE) . other “ethnic” programs were established community with “preparing for college” Chicano Programs provides leadership de- simultaneously at NMSU in the 1970s as workshop usually at churches or schools velopment for the student organizations . a result of heavy student protests occur- where they can provide information to ring on campus . Students felt the need students on financial aid and other re- To join any Chicano program’s to have faculty who not only understood sources available to students student organizations, students may sign- their background, but also the issues they up in the Chicano programs office in Gar- were facing . Administration responded by Dr . Gutierrez-Spencer says that cia Annex, located in room 138 . “Chicano” establishing different ethnic programs on parents of first-generation students are is intended to also include students who the NMSU campus . very supportive, but often don’t know how identify as Hispanic, Mexican-American, to be helpful or what advice to give them Puerto Rican, Cuban, Latino, etc . However, The NMSU campus is made up because they themselves have not gone to the Program is open to all students regard- of almost 50 percent Hispanic students college . However, Chicanos Programs want less of ethnic background . and the Chicano program is intended to to ensure that students have the tools that help first-generation/low income college they need in order to succeed at NMSU Chicano Programs at NMSU students in navigating the university envi- and sometimes that simply means giving is a support service that promotes and ronment . students some guidance . empowers all student success through education, advocacy and development of Dr . Laura Gutierrez-Spencer has President of the Hispanic Council, cultural literacy . been the Chicanos Program Director since and Aerospace Engineering Major, Esai 1996 . This is her twenty-first year serving Lopez, says that the Chicanos Program For more information on Chicano Pro- as the director . has had a significant impact on his college grams you can call 575-646-4206 or experience . Like many members of the contact Dr . Laura Gutierrez-Spencer at “It’s a privilege to come back to Chicano Programs, Lopez is the first in his lgutzspc@nmsu .edu Las Cruces and help our state by not only family to attended a university . getting students in school, but by getting our students to graduate and become “Chicano programs has impacted professionals,” said Dr . Gutierrez-Spencer . me a lot,” said Lopez . “They taught me how to speak properly and become more Chicano programs provide guid- professional ”. Lopez, thanks Dr . Gutier- ance to first-generation college students rez-Spencer for guiding him and teaching whose parents may not always understand him how the college system works . how the school system works by offering informal advising, help with economic Lopez received a scholarship of issues, financial aid questions, scholarship $1,100 through the Hispanic council . Chica- information and overall providing the no programs offer a variety of scholarships students a home away from home . available to those who are members of the programs . All students have to do is apply “A lot of students don’t come through Scholar Dollar$ . to college because no one in their family Apart from offering scholarships has so they’re scared and they think they and guidance, Chicano Programs has can’t afford it,” said Dr . Gutierrez-Spencer . multiple student organizations under the Chicanos Programs honors NMSU Land- Hispanic Council that anyone can join . Grant Mission of serving the working class Student organizations include: College As- of the state of New Mexico by not only sistant Migrant Programs (CAMP), Latinos advocating for students at NMSU, but also For Exito, Mexican American Engineers and for high-school students in the Las Cruces Scientist . (MAES), Mujeres y Hombres Ac- community as well . tivas Revolucionarias (MHAR) and Society 9

TRU Issue 15 Final.indd 9 2/2/17 6:55 PM TRU culture

By: Jianna Vasquez Kiss Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, but andfor students that Although this will betell the Aggie-Tech’s fi fth year doing the kiss-off don’t have a date, Aggies Activity Council and Barnes & Nobles has it is the fi rst year that they will be co-programming with Aggies Activity them covered . Aggies Activity Council will be co-programming with Council . Barnes & Nobles to bring the community a night of games, food and music on Monday, February 13 . “In previous years it’s just been the kiss-off so once the competition is over there’s nothing to do, but they’re bring live music and Barnes & Noble will host their fi fth annual Aggie-Tech kiss-off other things to the table that we’ve never had practice providing,” said starting at 5:30 p .m . The kiss-off will be a competition where a team VanOrder . of two people will hold a bottle of mouth wash between their chins with their hands behind their backs . The last team standing will win the Aggies Activity Council wants to take the pressure off of Valen- competition . tine’s Day for people who don’t have a date . “The idea was to have mixer,” said one of AAC’s program direc- “It’s a lot more fun than people think it’s going to be,” said Ag- tors, Michaela Van Wormer . “If you don’t have date you can come be gie-tech member and Marketing Major, Will VanOrder . Everyone who single, mix and mingle .” participates will receive a prize, but the three last teams left standing will receive bigger rewards; the third place team will receive a free This event is aimed at being interactive with one another and get- three-course-meal dinner on Valentine’s Day at Fultons Third Floor Bis- ting to know each other through fun and games . AAC will be hosting a tro, second place will receive two $100 gift cards for Barnes & Noble game where participants ask each other questions that they would not and the fi rst place team will receive the grand-prize of two matching usually ask each other . ipads . Apart from bring games, AAC will also provide food and entertain- In previous years, the longest time that the competition has lasted ment by the Indie-folk duo Beth and James . AAC will be giving away was two hours and forty-fi ve minutes, but last year it was less than an shirts for whoever gets up and participates in open-mic . Beth and hour . To sign-up for the kiss-off students can visit AggieTechKissOff . James will begin their performance at 7 p .m . EventBrite .com or show up to the door, but there will be a maximum of 50 teams who will be allowed to participate in the kiss-off . The dead- For the indie-folk duo from Austin, Texas, Beth and James Valen- line to participate will be at 4 p .m . tine’s Day is an enjoyable holiday because not only are they a musical duo, but they are also a couple .

“It’s nice to be able to spend Valentine’s Day playing music together,” said the duo . “Also, chocolate’s the best .”

This will be the duos fi rst time performing in New Mexico .

“We are so excited to play at NMSU and meet everybody,” said Beth and James . “We’ve never played a show together in New Mexico, but we’ve always wanted to come .” Beth and James will be releasing their debut EP on April 28 . To stay updated on their releases students can visit their website at www .bethjamesband .com

Aggies Activites Council and the Aggie-Tech squad’s Valentine’s Day event are both free to whoever wants to participate . The event will be located at NMSU’s bookstore, downstairs in the Starbucks café area .

For more information on either event, students can contact 10 Aggies Activity Council at 575-646-3200 or the Aggie-Tech Squad at 575-646-1791

TRU Issue 15 Final.indd 10 2/2/17 6:55 PM 6 tips for Dating in College don’t do it. Enjoy yourself and have fun because college is a time to fi nd yourself and to become 1 whatever and whoever you want to be, but if you are going to do it here’s a list of fi ve other tips to help you out .

don’t get too serious if you are not ready. It’s okay if you don’t want to get serious in a relationship . Being in a relationship takes 2 a lot of work on both ends and sometimes you many not want to or you simply may not have the time—and that’s okay .

don’t miss out on opportunities for a signiﬁ cant other College is time for endless possibilities and opportunities that you may never get again, even more so, 3 opportunities that can help shape your future . If you get a chance to study abroad or take an internship in another city, do it because you never know what else is waiting for you out there .

always be yourself Dating someone means spending quite a bit of time with them, but just because you two spend a lot 4 of time together doesn’t mean you should lose sight of who you are or what is important to you . Your partner should always accept you for who you are and what you stand for . experience new things Dating should be fun and chances are you both don’t like the same things, but 5 that's okay because it’s what keeps the relationship interesting . Don’t be afraid to try something new . above all, stay focused Juggling classes, homework and a signifi cant other takes a lot of time, but it’s not impossible . Signifi - 6 cant others provide an escape from all the responsibilities of school-work, but don’t let them become a distraction! (missing class too often to spend time with them, texting them when you should be paying attention in class or worrying about a fi ght when you should be worrying about school) School should always come before your partner, but this doesn’t mean you two can’t focus on school together . Don’t forget study sessions are dates too .

Of course, as most students know college is a diff erent experience for everyone so what works for one relationship may not work for another . At the end of the day you decide what works best for you and your partner, there is no right or wrong . Just enjoy your time with each other . 11

TRU Issue 15 Final.indd 11 2/2/17 6:55 PM

New year, new openings Rounding up new staff! At THE ROUND UP! positions Avaliable: sports -graphic designer -legal editor -staff writer Come into tru's office or find us on twitter: @nmsuroundup

RRooaaddrruunnnneerr BBSSNN OOppttiioonn

12 Photo by: David Mares

TRU Issue 15 Final.indd 12 2/2/17 6:55 PM TRU sports Men's basketball wins three games in five-day stretch By Derek Gonzales The New Mexico State Aggie men’s basketball team shared possession and Chuha scored on a lay-up inside again to push the the second-longest winning streak with the University of Oregon with 16 Aggie lead to three with just 13 seconds left . UVU turned the ball straight wins (with a spot on Scott Van Pelt’s late-night Sportscenter info over on the inbounds pass, fouling Baker, who would split the pair graph), but after the Ducks fell to Pac-12 foe Colorado, the Aggies found of free throws while making it a two-possession game, thus putting themselves no longer having to share the accomplishment . NMSU trav- the game on ice . NMSU outscored UVU by 12 in the second half eled to three different cities in five days, but found a way to pull out wins against Seattle U, Utah Valley, and Northern New Mexico to extend their after trailing by eight by halftime . Baker led the Aggies once again winning streak to 18 games, behind only undefeated Gonzaga (22-0) . with 24 points on a much more efficient 8 for 15 from the field, including a few key shots in the second half to keep the Aggies within striking distance . Eli Chuha kept up his solid offensive season up with 19 points and 12 rebounds, while Jemerrio Jones provided NM State 71 his usual spark-plug energy off the bench with seven points and 13 Seattle 56 rebounds . NMSU got off to a slow start in Key Arena against a Seat- NM State 98 tle University team that has always played the Aggies tough under former-UCLA point guard Cameron Dollar . Though the Aggies shot just 34 .4 percent in the first half, the team did an outstanding Northern New job defending the Redhawks . SU went 0 for 12 from behind the arc, scoring just 20 points in the first half, eight of which came from the free throw line . SU would not shy away from the 3-point Mexico College 75 shooting despite their struggles, shooting another 18 in the second For the second straight year, NMSU traveled up to the half, turning in a 5 for 30 showing for the game . Their inability to Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho to face the Northern New knock down shots allowed NMSU to find their footing in the Great Mexico College Eagles . In an effort to connect to alumni and fans Northwest, not only improving on their shooting percentage to living in the northern part of the state, Paul Weir and the team 40 percent, but also getting to the line 12 times, making ten of put on an offensive show against the Eagles, with the 98 points them . Senior guard Ian Baker led the Aggies with 19 points, despite being the second-highest output for the Aggies this season (100 shooting just 4 for 17 from the field . His ability to get to the free vs . Arizona Christian on Nov . 11) . NNMC was just 4-20 on the throw line (9 for 10 in second half) kept NMSU afloat and pro- year coming into the game, but hung around from a majority of vided his usual scoring punch, albeit in a different way . Jemerrio the game, cutting the Aggie lead to as little as six with 13:31 left in Jones had 16 points and 10 rebounds off the bench and Eli Chuha the game . NMSU would eventually flex its muscle against the DII chipped in 14 points and eight rebounds . Eagles, reeling off a 20-7 run to swell the lead back up to 18 . Baker scored 27 points, while redshirt-freshman Jermaine Haley poured in a career-high 16 points . Five different Aggies scored in double figures, and the team came back to Las Cruces 21-2 on the season NM State 74 and 7-0 in conference play . (NMSU received two votes in the AP Poll for the week of Jan 30,. making its first appearance on the poll Utah Valley 69 since 2011) After trailing for the first 13:35 of the second half in Orem, After hosting Chicago State this past Saturday, NMSU will Utah, NMSU finally took the lead against the Wolverines by way head west for a crucial two-game road trip against and Cal-State of a Braxton Huggins 3-pointer with 6:25 left in the second half . Bakersfield on Feb . 9 and Grand Canyon and Feb 11. . CSUB nearly From there, it would become a see-saw affair until the last minute . beat the Aggies in their first meeting on Jan . 14, but a second-half Trailing by one, Eli Chuha scored a lay-up after UVU’s Issac Nielson surge propelled NMSU to a 63-58 victory . GCU will look to defeat missed two free throws that would have stretched the Wolverine NMSU in Phoenix for the second-straight year after knocking off the Aggies 79-75 on Jan . 9, 2015 . lead to three . UVU missed a shot in the paint of the next 13

TRU Issue 15 Final.indd 13 2/2/17 6:55 PM TRU sports Aggie softball set to open season this weekend By Derek Gonzales Head Coach Kathy Rodolph and the New Mexico State Ag- “We are going to need our power-hitting kids to step up, gie softball team open up their 2017 season this weekend, as the and right now, we are getting very solid contributions from team will host the Texas-San Antonio Roadrunners in a three- Kelsey Horton,” Rodolph said . “She was one of the top 10 fresh- game series starting with a Saturday doubleheader beginning at men in the country last season, and Victoria Castro and Kenne- 2 p .m . inside the New Mexico State Softball Complex . dy Johnson have all been stepping up offensively . We are going This year’s team features a host of new faces, including to need all of them to fill some really big shoes ”. nine freshmen and just two seniors . After leading the Western Returnees Haley Nakamura, Rachel Rodriguez, and Alexis Athletic Conference in almost every single statistical offensive Maynez, along with Castro, will look to lead the way in the field, category, Rodolph believes as defensively, NMSU fielded that this team will be a lot a 956. fielding percentage, different from the 34-win which was best in the confer- squad from a year ago . ence . “We are a very differ- Rodolph has tra- ent team so we are really ditionally schedule tough young,” Rodolph said, who non-conference opponents enters the season with to ready her team for con- 603 wins as a collegiate ference and post-season head coach . “We lost a play, and this year’s slate lot of key individuals from is no different . Ten games last year, but I feel like in against power-5 schools are the offseason, what we on the schedule, including learned about our team the welcoming of DePaul, is that we definitely have Oregon State, and Tennes- a lot more speed and we see into Las Cruces for the are going to be a lot more annual Troy Cox Classic . The aggressively offensively Aggies will also make a return and defensively ”. to Cathedral City, Calif . to play in the Mary Nutter Classic for The pitching staff will be anchored by sophomore Kayla the second-consecutive season . There, NMSU will face LSU, NC Green . The Tucson, Ariz . native appeared in 32 games last sea- State, Michigan, Oklahoma State, and San Diego State in a five- son, going 9-3 on the year while posting a 3 09. ERA in 97 innings day span . pitched . Freshman Samaria Diaz will also see significant time in For a team that has quite a bit of youth on the roster, the the circle for the Aggies, as will classmates Alexis Devers, Brandi Aggies will need to learn on the fly, as the schedule will not pro- Wilke, and junior Fahren Glackin . NMSU had the lowest ERA in vide any rest of the weary . the WAC last year (2 87). . “We believe that if we want a chance to really vie for a A huge cog in NMSU’s offense last season was senior in- National Championship, you have got to understand the level fielder Fiana Finau, who hit nine home runs and 50 RBI’s as the that that requires, so I have always believed in playing (non-con- Aggies’ clean-up hitter . Replacing Finau’s production will be a ference opponents) tough and scheduling hard,” Rodolph said . challenge this season, but the team looks to be more than capa- “That really challenges us to not necessarily show us what we ble of being every bit of the team that led the WAC in hits by a aren’t, but to show us where we are and give us a good founda- 39-hit margin (522) over the next closest team (GCU with 481) . tion of where we want to go ”. 14

TRU Issue 15 Final.indd 14 2/2/17 6:55 PM Women’s Basketball Week-in-Review By: Joseph Fullbright The New Mexico State women’s basketball team is continuing its WAC dominance as they are currently on an 8-game winning streak and have yet to lose in 2017 . NM State 73 NM State 63 Seattle 69 (OT) Utah Valley 46

Fans were treated to a hard fought affair in a The Aggies finished off the first half of the 2017 battle between the top two teams in the conference WAC schedule with a 63-46 victory over Utah Valley last Thursday . last Saturday .

New Mexico State’s 73-69 overtime over Seat- Scoring was hard to come by for both teams in tle had all the makings of a thriller from start to finish . the first half, as the Aggies only held a 22-21 lead . Offense was a problem for the Aggies in the first quarter, as they trailed the Redhawks (7-13, 4-1) 21-18 after Like the previous game, Brooke Salas, who put one, led by leading scorer Alexis Montgomery, who had up 14 points in the third quarter, ignited the Aggies on 11 points . offense . Her efforts help the Aggies break the game open 48-36 heading into the fourth quarter . NMSU sophomore Brooke Salas took over the second quarter, scoring and assisting on all 12 of the Late in the fourth quarter, Moriah Mack hit a team’s first points . That led to a 19-3 run and eventually jump shot for her 1,000th career point at NMSU . She put them on top 43-36 at halftime . It was arguably the became the 22nd player in Aggies history to score best-looking quarter from the Aggies this season . 1,000 points . She joins teammate Brianna Freeman, who accomplished the feat on January 7 vs . Chicago Heading into the fourth quarter, NMSU was up State . 59-55 . Offense was non-existent on both sides, as the teams only combined for 14 points in the final frame . The Aggies would cruise to the 63-46 victory . Redhawk guard Kamira Sanders made one of two free Salas once again had a stellar effort, scoring 24 points throws to send the game to overtime tied at 64 . and nine rebounds .

In what was a tight finish, Moriah Mack capped With the two victories, the Aggies improved to off her career-night with the game-clinching steal and 15-6 overall and remained in first place in the WAC with free throws to secure the 73-69 victory . a perfect 7-0 record . They return to action on Thurs- day @ Cal-State Bakersfield at 7:00 . Mack finished the night with a career-high 26 points and three steals . Salas also tallied 26 points and 12 rebounds in the win . Tonishia Childress added a solid nine points off the bench as well . 15

TRU Issue 15 Final.indd 15 2/2/17 6:55 PM TRU opinion No Cause Is Too Big to Conquer ___

The Ivory Game is one of my elephant tusks, some weighing in he saw a purpose greater than him- most recent watches on Netfl ix . at over 100 pounds . According to self . Leonardo DiCaprio, who is an activist the BBC, one pound can be worth on environmental issues, was exec- up to $ 1,100 . A lucrative business Thankfully, ivory is now going utive producer of the documentary for poachers involved . The tusks to be harder to obtain . China an- that chronicles the alarming amount are counted, sorted and eventually nounced at the end of 2016 that all of elephants being killed in Africa . burned . ivory sales will cease at the end of 2017 . Elephants now have a chance The World Wild Fund for The fi lm follows men who see to make a comeback to their habitats Nature says nearly 35,000-40,000 el- an opportunity to make a diff erence, and activists can continue to be the ephants are killed every year leaving even if it might leave them in dan- voice for these mammals . an estimated 415,000 left in Africa . gerous situations . Hongxiang Huang is a native to the country and since The Ivory Game does not just Their ivory, which has a large he ‘blends in’ with the population, promote the protection of African market value, is sold at high prices exploiting illegal ivory trade came Elephants, but rather tell a story of and thousands of elephants are left much easier to him . Hooked up with individuals working together from to scavengers looking for a meal . The secret a camera and mic, he was diff erent walks of life, countries and animals can even be cut up and have able to get evidence that suggested even languages to make a diff erence Katie Kilbane their meat and skin sold . sellers were overstepping the legal in the world . Their documentary amount of ivory trade . Watching shows that no cause is too big to Photos by David Mares One of the images shows Huang risk being exposed for his conquer . a warehouse overfl owing with true purpose is courageous because

NBA Power Rankings

With the football season com- 2. San Antonio Spurs (36-11) 4. Houston Rockets (35-16) ing to an end this past Sunday and baseball still another two months As it seems to be every season, the Mike D’Antoni has done what away, the NBA is the center of the Spurs are quietly doing what they everyone expected him to do in his sports universe . With that, it has always do: winning . They currently fi rst season as the Rocket’s head been an interesting season with a lead the battle for the second seed coach: insane off ense with little lot more to come . If you’ve fi nally in the West- which really is just defense . James Harden is having started to pay attention to the ‘who gets to face the Warriors last an MVP-caliber season averaging NBA, let’s take a look at the top in the playoff s .’ 28 .4 points, 8 .2 rebounds, and 11 .5 fi ve teams right now . assists per game . 3. Cleveland Cavaliers (32-14) 1. Golden State Warriors (42-7) 5. Boston Celtics (29-18) The only team that has shown the The Golden State Warriors are ability to consistently beat the Isaiah Thomas had an amazing easily the best team in the Western Warriors is the Cavaliers . Despite month of January where he av- Conference and right now sport their slow start to 2017, the fact eraged 32 .9 points per game- the the best record in the entire that LeBron James is still the best fourth most by a Celtics player Joseph Fullbright league . New addition Kevin Durant player on the planet even in his in history . His play has quietly (26 .3 points and 8 .4 rebounds per 14th season should ease Cavs fans launched them into fi rst place in game) has only made the best stress . Nobody in the East comes the Atlantic Division . regular season team in NBA history close to Cleveland . better than they were last year .

TRU Issue 15 Final.indd 16 2/2/17 6:55 PM Dixie and Dusty have been on the run way too long and have decided that The Round Up will be the perfect hideout for them. Trying to keep a low proﬁ le from authorities, they want to blend in to everyday campus life and start working for TRU. Traveling through the west, meeting many types of people, they want to help anyone who has questions about life, love and school.

Dear Dusty: Dear Dixie: My boyfriend just gave me a beautiful How do you come back necklace . The problem is that it’s because we just got in a huge fi ght where from a drunk text? we almost broke up . Should I keep the necklace?

A:This is an awkward A: That’s a predica- situation, but don’t think ment, darlin’ . My advice y’all can’t ﬁ x it. I’ve be to you is to return the known to have one too necklace . I know this many and say something might be an awkward I regret, whether it’s a situation for y’all and he complete truth or some- might get angry, but ex- thin’ that was supposed to plain to him that although never be said . Just take it the gift is somethin’ you’d and own your mistake . No wear and somethin’ you’d one is perfect and sometimes really like the timin’ of it just we can get carried away with isn’t right . Such an extravagant what we say, just reply to the indi- gift shouldn’t be given in times of vidual with the truth . Apologies with disagreement because if you are to no excuses to the event will help y’all break up, that could be an ongoing argu- out . Y’all can’t ignore the problem ‘cause ment and turn y’alls breakup into a much big- than y’all will start to create a situation where you ger deal than it really is . It’s brave to discuss this and ignore the individual, create rumors or ﬁ ght about a text that even if he is hurt by you returning it, just say in the could have been solved simple with a “sorry .” Respect is key end fl owers are a much better sorry . This is not to and if it’s a lady friend or a lady you like, don’t create a ripple insult his gift; it is to prepare for any future situations in the relations . Don’t place the blame on the drinks and don’t you might go through because you excepted a gift forget y’all are human and mistakes happen now and again . that might not be have been for the best intentions . Be strong and he will eventually understand .

Send in your questions to RoundUp@nmsu .edu . 17

TRU Issue 15 Final.indd 17 2/2/17 6:55 PM TRU comics

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TRU Issue 15 Final.indd 18 2/2/17 6:55 PM Aggie events calendar

Monday 6 Tuesday 7 WEDNESDAY 8

* General NSSLHA Meeting- 11:00 am – * Mass on Campus- 12:10 pm – 1:00 pm * Aggies Activities Council Info Event- 12:00 pm @ Corbett Center @ Spiritual Center 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm Corbett Center

* CRU’s Freshman Bible Study- 6:00 * Career Services Meetup- 1:00 pm – * Inter-Fraternity Council General pm – 9:00 pm @ Corbett Center Aggie 2:30 pm @ O’Donnell Hall Meeting- 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm @ Corbett Underground Center * RUF Worship Service- 7:30 pm – 8:45 * Lighthouse Fellowship Meeting- 6:00 pm @ Spiritual Center * Aggies Activities Council Movie Night- 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm @ Corbett Center pm – 8:00 pm @ Domenici Hall Room Auditorium 006 * Arts and Sciences Council Meeting- 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm HJLC 125 * Spirituality Club Meeting – 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm @ Spiritual Center

THURSDAY 9 FRIDAY 10 SATURDAY 11 * __Mobile Blood Pressure Clinic- 11:15 am – 12:45 pm @ O’Donnell Hall Lobby * Bid Day for Greek Chapters- 4:00 pm * WWE- 7:30 pm @ Pan Am Center * Panhellenic Council Meeting- 4:00 pm – – 5:30 pm @ Corbett Outdoor Stage 6:00 pm @ Corbett Center * Bible Study- 7:00 pm – 8:45 pm @ * NMSU Chess Club Meeting- 4:30 pm – Corbett Center 6:30 pm @ Crossroads in Corbett Center

* CRU Worship Service- 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm @ Corbett Center

Print discounts * ASNMSU Senate- 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm @ Discounts are available for Corbett Center consecutive ads larger than * NMSU Women’s Basketball vs . CSU one-eighth page: Bakersfield- 7:00 pm @ Pan Am Center 5 issues = 5% OFF 1 semester= 15% OFF Contact our Cultural Editor, Jianna Vasquez or our Advertising Director, Vanessa Chavez, about publicizing your event with The Round Up for February , 2017 .

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