The Prospector, March 8, 2011

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This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Special Collections Department at DigitalCommons@UTEP. It has been accepted for inclusion in The rP ospector by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@UTEP. For more information, please contact [email protected]. The University of Texas at El Paso · March 8, 2011 theassayer of student opinion Men & Women’s Conference USA brackets on pg. 13

prospectorOne free copy per student www.utepprospector.com VIDEO C-USA TOURNEY PREVIEW Visit The Pro spector’s Dark-horse teams online multimedia could dominate section to watch SPORTS • 13 video of UTEPIA.

Inside this special issue: • Students head to SXSW festival • Vacationers stay away from Ciudad Juárez

Vacation spots UTEP students travel to C-USA Tourney is here BY WILLIAM VEGA Mexico despite advisory The Prospector It came as a surreal feeling to El Pasoans when it was announced in May 2010 that the Sun City would be the site of the 2011 Conference USA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championship. Nearly 10 months later, the much-awaited event is fi nally here. “Th is is heaven if you’re a basketball fan,” said Edward Davis, UTEP alum and owner of Cap- petto’s Italian Restaurant. “It starts Wednesday morning at 11 and it’s going to go all day for the next two days. I’m going to love to be able to go to the (Don) Haskins Center and watch basket- Special to The Prospector ball all day.” Despite escalated violence in Mexico, Puerto Vallarta and other UTEP and El Paso are doing their parts to accommodate C-USA visitors. Locally-owned beaches remain popular travel destinations. Cappetto’s has supplied pre-game meals for the “Even though many warnings have UTEP men’s basketball team all season and will BY DIANA ARRIETA now open their doors for visiting fans and teams. been made for tourists, my friends The Prospector “People don’t come to El Paso to eat Italian and I know the country well, and this food, they come to eat Mexican food. We did Despite the travel warnings issued year we are going to Puerto Vallarta.” some Internet advertising with the school ath- by the U.S. Department of State, Th e U.S. Department of State is- letic departments to let fans know we’re here,” some UTEP students will spend their sued a travel warning statement in Davis said. “I will be hosting (teams) for dinner spring break on the warm beaches of September 2010 informing U.S. citi- and work with the hospitality room, so whatever Mexico. zens about the security situation in DIANA AMARO / The Prospector we can do to help make this a success. High tide “I don’t think there is any better Mexico and the country’s narcotics- lift s all boats and this is great for the city.” place to spend my spring break than Memorial Gym has been prepared for the C-USA Women’s related violence, more specifi cally Mexico,” said senior computer infor- Basketball Tournament. see C-USA on page 5 mation systems major Monica Flores. see MEXICO on page 7 You Deserve It!

Become our Fan 1700 Curie, Suite 2400, El Paso, TX 79902 | xÎÎUÎ{È£ÊÊÊ schustereyecenter.com Optional 0% financing on bilateral procedures with no previous eye surgery. PAGE 2 you think? This week’s poll question: Will you spend spring break out of town? March 8, 2011 WHAT DO WHAT editor-in-chief perspectivesAaron Martinez, 747-7477 vote at WWW.UTEPPROSPECTOR.COM Column Column POLL RESULTS 21% Should the Texas yes Legislature adopt a bill Students want similar to Arizonaʼs SB Mean what you say, 79% no 1070? to keep guns say what you mean out of UTEP BY LUCIA MURGUIA BY AARON MARTINEZ blame the people who published Special to The Prospector them. The Prospector Aft er hearing While I am trying to be as vague about the Virgin- A word is just as possible about the situation we a word and ia Tech shooting are currently dealing with, I truly nothing more. in 2007 and the Most of the time wish I could scream it out loud so Northern Illinois when we speak everyone could hear. For I know shooting in 2008, we really don’t most, if not all, would fi nd it amus- the thought of students carry- think about the ing and a waste of a lot of people’s ing concealed literal meaning time. weapons on campus is daunting to of what we ac- As editor-in-chief, I try my hard- tually said. But once that word has many. est to write and assign stories that been printed, published, recorded With more than half of the mem- or repeated in any matter, it may not bring light to the struggles that stu- bers of the Texas House signing as sound like what we meant it to. dents face every day on campus. So co-authors of a proposal that would Whether for good or evil, once a far during my tenure, as being my allow concealed handguns on col- word is put down for all to see or toughest critic, I believe I have done lege campuses, many UTEP students wonder how safe the classroom will hear, the one who said it may not a respectable job at covering these like the way it comes off . Although, be. issues. “I wouldn’t feel safe knowing that everyone has their own take on what Whenever a situation is brought a word actually means or what they the person sitting next to me in class to our attention that impacts the believe it to infer, I like to believe could be armed,” said Diana Gloria, that anyone with common sense health and safety of the UTEP com- SGA president. can tell the diff erence between what munity, we will always cover it. Not Because of the high risk that guns words were used and what the ac- just to be “controversial,” not just to would pose on campus and in the general well-being of students, the tually message of those words were get students to pick up the paper, UTEP Student Government Associa- intended to mean. but because it is an important issue Last week, a professor of mine said tion feels that it is by all means nec- that people should be aware of and essary to prevent the legislature from something that really struck a chord so that changes can be made to cor- passing such a law. SGA has taken with me. So much so, I had to write rect the problems. the initiative to begin a petition and it down immediately. Little did I Whenever any newspaper covers a resolution for UTEP students to be know how true those words would a part of. become for me just a few days later. a big issue the emotions this brings up are passionate, and may even in- Th ere will be a rally on campus for “Language is a smokescreen; we students, faculty members and the cite anger and fear. But, the worst rarely say what we are truly think- public to attend March 9 at noon in ing. We hide our thoughts behind a thing it can bring forth is a lack of Leech Grove. Th e rally will consist of wall of words,” my professor said. caring about the issue at hand or an information session along with a Th e truth of this statement may people who care more about what live signing session. become painfully obvious when a someone may think about them be- “We believe that if we attain at person is being interviewed for a cause of what they said. least 2,500 votes opposing concealed news story. Whether it is a contro- Although, drama and hassles weapons on campus, we can push versial issue or a puff piece, the in- may be caused by our coverage, we Governor Rick Perry away from the dividual will almost always hide the signing the bill,” said Pablo Padilla, will never stop reporting about the way they truly feel due to the fear of senior microbiology major and orga- saying something politically incor- important issues concerning the nizer of the event. “Students have the rect. And when the words they have health and safety of students. In the power to make that change happen.” said loud and clear do not come off end, as journalists, we all know that Th e petition was created by stu- as profound and righteous as they “no good deed goes unpunished.” dents who feel that having concealed weapons on campus could pose believed they would, they always Aaron Martinez may be reached [email protected]. threats for everyone at UTEP. Th e rally will give students a chance to voice out their opinion and initiate a change in the state legislature. Once The Prospector wants you! enough votes are attained, the petition will be sent to Governor Perry. The Prospector is looking for correspondents Everyone is encouraged to attend. (sports, entertainment and news) for spring “We feel that guns have no business 2011. If interested, please apply at The Pros- being inside the classroom,” said Pa- pectorʼs offi ce, Union Building East, Room 105 dilla. “Student safety comes fi rst.” or visit www.utepprospector.com. Lucia Murguia may be reached at [email protected]. the SPEAK YOUR MIND vol. 94, no. 31 prospectorstaff Submit a letter to the editor! Letters will be edited for clarity and brevity. Letters over 250 words are subject to Editor-in-Chief: Aaron Martinez Ad Representatives: Selene Macias, Alheli Tocoli, editing to fi t available space. Please include full name, street address and telephone number and e-mail address, Layout Editor: Sarah A. Burchett Karina Sandoval, Claudia Martinez, Jesus C. Online Editor: Sergio Ramirez Martinez, plus major, classifi cation and/or title if applicable. Entertainment Editor: Matthew Munden Sports Editor: Sal Guerrero Student Ad Manager: Fernando Hernandez Address and phone number will be used for verifi cation only. Multimedia Editor: Nicole Chavez Senior Ad Designer: Yasmin Marquez Write to 105 E. Union, e-mail [email protected], call 747-7477 or fax to 747-8031. Photo Editor: Diana Amaro Ad Layout Manager: Alejandra Guerrero Copy Editor: Vanessa M. Juarez Ad Designers: Esteban Marquez, Javier Vil- The Prospector (USPS 448-020) is published by the Student Publications Board, 105 E. Union, 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX 79968. During Fall & Correspondents: Avelyn Murillo, Anoushka Valodya, Spring semester The Prospector is published twice weekly: Tuesdays and Thursdays, except holidays and when classes are not in session, once a week on Beatriz A. Castañeda, Diana Arrieta, Jazmin Salinas, lanueva Wednesday during the summer session. Subscription rates: $20 per year, $4 taken from fees to pay for student copies. Periodicals postage paid at El Paso, Audrey Russell, Jackie Devine, Alejandro Alba, Celia Accounting Specialist: Isabel Castillo TX. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Prospector, 105 E. Union, El Paso, Texas 79968-0622. The Prospector is not responsible for claims made by Aguilar, William Vega, Kristopher Rivera Classifi eds: Marcela R. Luna advertisers. Additional policy information can be obtained by calling The Prospector at 747-5161. Opinions expressed in The Prospector are not necessarily Photographers: Diego Bedolla, Bob Corral, Daniel those of the university. Student Publications Director: Kathleen Flores Rosas, Greg Castillo Cartoonist: Blake Lanham Editorial Advisor: Lourdes Cardenas Asst. Director-Advertising: Veronica Gonzalez Work-studies: Marisa Montilla, Catherine Jones THE PROSPECTOR March 8, 2011 PAGE3NEWS

High 71 High 71 High 76 High 78 High 79 High 77 High 77 Low 36 Low 36 Low 45 Low 48 Low 49 Low 45 Low 39

Construction Parking spaces cut as lot undergoes development

BY BEATRIZ A. CASTAÑEDA would include housing on some lev- ably have to park somewhere else or els, offi ce space, stores, pedestrian- get a more expensive decal.” The Prospector friendly areas and restaurants. Some students chose to buy that For some students, parking in cer- “We originally envisioned some- decal because it is one of the lowest tain areas of the R-5 lot, also known thing that enhances campus commu- priced. Despite the loss of parking as the former Rudolph Chevro- nity, campus life and the neighbor- spaces in the future, some students let Lot, will become prohibited as hood,” Villa said. “So we felt that this think it will be a positive addition to UTEP begins to develop a plan that is what best achieved those goals.” the campus community. will transform the land into a retail If terms are kept with the inves- “I really hate all the hassle of park- center. tors, UTEP would ground lease the ing here but on the other hand, I For the past few years, the univer- property so the group would have think it’s great they’re expanding sity has been planning and seeking the rights to develop the site. In this lot to become something bet- outside consultation on what to do the process of development, the lot ter for the community,” said Steven with the lot and is currently envi- would lose six acres of parking spac- Sambrano, senior civil engineering sioning its transformation. es. However, Villa said the parking major. “We are currently in discussions spaces are not heavily used. Villa said the project has been with the developers on terms and “Th e parking lot is never full, and a work-in-progress that has taken conditions for us to sign a long term part of it is used for Miner Metro years to be at the point where it is contract,” said Cynthia Villa, vice shuttles and for trailers for con- now and said the community will be president of business aff airs. struction,” Villa said. “Most faculty satisfi ed with the fi nalized project. According to Villa, UTEP issued a and staff are willing to pay a little “I think the campus community request form proposal for a mixed- more to park in an area that is more and the El Paso community will be use development to local developers convenient.” very well served by this project,” last year and has now received those Th e R-5 parking lot is one of the Villa said. “It’s well conceived and as proposals back. Diff erent proposals furthest away from campus and the I see it developing, all of us on cam- included retail operations with mar- parking decal for the entire remote pus and the community will be very DIEGO BEDOLLA / The Prospector ket rate housing and fi nancial pack- parking lots cost $90 for students. proud of (it).” Nearly six acres of parking lots are expected to be closed off in the ages dealing with concepts and ideas Amanda Zepeda, sophomore Beatriz A. Castañeda may be reached at prospector@ R-5 lot as the university begins to develop the land. for the site. physics major, owns a green R-5 de- utep.edu. UTEP has selected North Campus cal and parks there every morning Investors to negotiate and design the before class. site. Villa said they are still in the ear- “I like the parking I have because ly stages of discussing how the land I’m used to a routine of coming will be developed. Th e retail center here,” Zepeda said. “Now I will prob- THE PROSPECTOR PAGE4NEWS March 8, 2011

Vacation destination Travel plans Students plan to avoid Juárez for spring break

BY ANOUSHKA VALODYA The Prospector Texas Department of Public Safety HEATHER KENNEDY / Special to The Prospector Director Steven McCraw recently cit- SXSW music and film events take over Austin’s vibrant downtown ed violence near the border as a reason for Texas college students to avoid district, especially locations along 6th Street. traveling to Mexico. “Drug violence has not discrimi- nated – innocent bystanders and peo- SXSW event becomes ple who may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time are among the casualties,” McCraw said in a written spring break hotspot statement on March 1. “Our safety message is simple: avoid travelling to File photo Mexico during spring break and stay Even with more federal police patrolling Ciudad Juárez, many stu- alive.” dents plan to stay away from the city during spring break. BY CELIA AGUILAR SXSW, which spans from March 11 Although the U.S. Department of to March 20, is a convergence of mu- State has also issued travel warnings The Prospector Abhilash John, sophomore pre- Marcela Diaz, freshman nursing sic, independent fi lm and interac- for Americans planning to go to Mex- major, said she would be staying in Th ousands of people will fl ock to tive conferences. Th e daytime off ers ico, many UTEP students, who reside pharmacy major, said he would be El Paso because of work. Although Austin this spring break to experi- expositions and panels in the Austin on the border between the U.S. and going to Virginia to visit family. John she’s has visited Juárez in the past, she ence the South by Southwest con- Convention Center, while the night- Mexico, have no choice but to go to adamantly said there was no way he said that she would feel too insecure ference and festivals, which will cel- time explodes with music. Ciudad Juárez because of work and would go across the border to visit to return. ebrate its 25th anniversary this year. Th e fi lm portion of the confer- family. Juárez. “A couple of weeks ago, my former For this reason, 2011 is expected to ence not only screens hundreds of Many other students have elected John wasn’t referring to the recent classmate was found dead in Juárez, be the largest SXSW yet. independent fi lms, but off ers a space not to go across the border because of spate of violence he’s heard about, but lying in the middle of the street. Her Th e event draws in college students for networking and immersion into the rampant drug war violence, even rather a fi rst-hand experience that mom was killed too,” Diaz said. the art and industry of fi lm making. during spring break, a time when happened years ago when he and his from around the nation, especially Area travel agencies say that Mexico since it falls around spring break. Th e interactive conferences focus on college students usually travel for family visited Juárez. innovative technology through pre- was a hot-ticket item in the past, es- Freshman digital media production pleasure. “I was sight-seeing with my family sentations, showcasing new digital pecially during spring break. Patricia major Sabrina Elguea hopes to make “Juárez is not what it used to be. It when we saw fi ve men chasing a guy works, video games and immerg- Morales, travel consultant from the it to SXSW soon. was a nice, peaceful place with a good across the street. Th ey were shooting ing ideas from the international Rio Grande Buck Rogers Travel agen- “It’s on my bucket list. At SXSW, family environment,” said Armando at him,” he said. Although John and cy, said her clients don’t book trips to community. music and art intertwine together all Armendariz, junior business ma- his family were inside of a car, he said Mexico as much as they used to. But perhaps the most popular as- week,” Elguea said. “It’s also a great jor. “Now, there’s no telling what can they were still fearful. “Now people are really scared be- pect of SXSW among students is happen. Th ere’s a lot of violence. You opportunity to get out of El Paso for Martin Rodarte, senior mechanical cause of the violence,” Morales said. don’t feel safe, even with the federal spring break.” see SXSW on page 10 engineer major, said he was planning “Before, the number one spot was police.” on studying and catching up with his Cancun. Now it’s Florida or Califor- course work over spring break. He nia because of Disneyland.” said he visited Juárez two months ago Rosa Carrasco, senior education and wasn’t afraid. major, said that because of work and “Th e last time I went, everything her young daughter, she would be was okay. I took precautions and staying in El Paso during the break. avoided public places,” he said. Carrasco said it’s been three years since she’s been to Juárez and she doesn’t plan on going there soon. “Friends of my friends have been killed in Juárez. It’s kind of scary with all the violence going on there,” she said. Elizabeth Dominguez, sophomore psychology major, said that she’s never been to Juárez and doesn’t plan on going there because of the violence she’s heard in the news and through co-workers. “I’m afraid that I’ll get abducted or held at gunpoint,” she said. For spring break, she plans to hang out with friends in El Paso and spend time with her 2-year-old daughter. Carlos Rodriguez, sophomore electrical engineer major, said that he would be going to Ruidoso to camp with friends. It’s fear, he said, that keeps him away from Juárez, although he hasn’t experienced any problems there. “For Christmas, I went to Juárez, and at fi rst, I was scared because of all the violence that’s been happening,” he said. “But I didn’t see any violence during the entire trip.” Alejandra Sandoval, sophomore in- dustrial engineer major, is planning to go to Los Cabos, Mexico, with her family for spring break. Sandoval lives in Juárez, but she doesn’t recommend that students go there unless they have to. “It’s dangerous, even with the mili- tary presence. You don’t even know if they’re involved (in the drug cartels) too,” she said. Anoushka Valodya may be reached at prospector@utep. edu. THE PROSPECTOR March 8, 2011 PAGE5NEWS

C-USA from page 1 Question of the week Th e El Paso Marriott will be short on vacancy the week of the tournament, as the hotel will host the men’s Tu- What are your plans lane, Marshall, UAB and East Carolina teams. A sales representative said they have been preparing for the teams’ ar- for spring break? rivals a week and a half before they even land in El Paso. Th ey are also set to open up the rooms once each team is eliminated, particularly given that Tulane, Marshall, and East Carolina will not receive a fi rst round bye and play on Wednesday. DIANA AMARO / The Prospector El Paso’s Enterprise Rent-A-Car is The C-USA tournament will be played in the Don Haskins Center and off ering fans a discount for the four- Memorial Gym. day tournament. Fans can go to www. enterprise.com and enter promotional dren from 4-8 p.m. March 9-10, from directly adjacent to the Don Haskins code 3401300 with the pin COR to 4-10 p.m. March 11 and from noon-5 Center. receive fi ve percent off their total fee. p.m. March 12 Tickets will be sold in terms of ses- Enterprise Holdings has partnered Games will tip off for the men at 11 sions so that one ticket will allow en- with the NCAA for the past six years a.m., 1:30 p.m., 5 p.m., and 8 p.m. on try to either the fi rst two games March and has continued that tradition with March 9-10. Th e women’s tournament 9-10 or the last two. Purchasing just JASON NEWSON EDGARDO PEREGRINO UTEP Athletics for the last fi ve sea- will be hosted at Memorial Gym at 12 one individual ticket to either the junior mechanical engineering major senior applied mathematics major sons. A representative of Enterprise p.m., 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. for semifi nals or the fi nals will allow entry “I will be sleeping, drinking and maybe “I’m going to be visiting family members said their company enjoys supporting the fi rst round and the quarterfi nals. into any game each day. A men’s ticket studying.” in Mexico.” UTEP and wishes to continue contrib- All four semifi nal games will be played gets you into any women’s game for all uting to the community. at the Don Haskins Center at 9 a.m. four days. As for the host university, UTEP and 11:30 am for the women and at 2 “What (the conference tournament) Senior Associate Athletic Director p.m. and 4:30 p.m. for the men March is doing is big. Th e national exposure Brian Wickstrom will oversee the en- 11. Th e men’s championship game will El Paso will get is huge,” Wickstrom tire tournament operations, including start at 9:30 a.m. and the women’s will said. “It will impact El Paso and hope- their main entertainment event. Th e be at 6 p.m. March 12. fully bring in the $3.5 million revenue Glory Road Block Party will take place Single game tickets for the confer- they are expecting. We are bringing in on the corner of Glory Road and Ran- ence tournament range from $18-$53 11 schools and we hope their fans will take back with them the observation dolph between the Brumbelow Build- and went on sale March 7. Individual that El Paso has great weather, coming and Memorial Gym. Food and tickets can be purchased through the souvenirs will be sold, as well as live University Ticket Center or at their munity and hospitality.” entertainment and activities for chil- offi ces located on 2901 N. Mesa St., William Vega may be reached at [email protected].

REBECCA JUAREZ TERRI LUNA sophomore biology major sophomore pre-nursing major “I plan to travel to San Antonio with my “I’m roadtripping to Austin with friends.” ! family and possibly go to Six Flags.”

CLAUDIA CRUZ GRACE HURLOCKER sophomore marketing major junior pre-nursing major “I’m going to Arizona for a friend’s “I’ll just (be) chilling, spending time with wedding.” family and friends.”

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Monday 8 a.m. -2 p.m. (for new donors only) DOWNTOWN Tuesday - Friday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. 720 TEXAS AVE. VIRGINIA CAMPBELL TEXAS Saturday 532.5322 7 a.m. - 4 p.m THE PROSPECTOR March 8, 2011 PAGE7NEWS Nation Mexican President Calderón projects optimistic future for U.S.-Mexico relations

ons to the south without slowing building fi ve new high schools and and Mexico have existed.” Both coun- trade or commerce. three new university campuses in Cd. tries, Calderón said, should work to- “It’s a challenging task,” Obama Juárez, but Calderón said more eff ort gether to create a system that allows said. “We have a big border. We have is needed from local governments to immigration to happen “in a natural a lot of people going back and forth. build their own schools and police w ay.” It’s very important economically, but forces. “Th e current North American im- it is something that we have to con- Turning to the subject of the immigration system has become a bot- tinue to work on.” migration of Mexicans to the U.S., tleneck to growth and prosperity in Obama and Calderón also an- Calderón said, “We are losing, in each the region,” Calderón said. “Sooner or nounced they have reached a pro- migrant, our best people.” later we will need an immigration re- posed agreement on international He said there is a need for both the form, and sooner is better than later.” trucking, which would allow Mexican U.S. and Mexico to recognize that im- David Acosta, UTEP print media major, is an intern at trucks to operate in the United States. migration is a fact that has “been go- the Scripps Howard Foundationʼs Semester in Washington Obama said that the proposed agree- ing on for as long as the United States program. He may be reached at [email protected]. ment will strengthen safety, expand exports to Mexico and create jobs on both sides of the border. Mexico is the second largest importer of U.S. goods–a fact, which Obama pointed out, provides one million American jobs. At a public forum, which followed DAVID ACOSTA / SHF Wire the press conference, held at the Ron- Mexican President Felipe Calderón and U.S. President Barak ald Reagan Building and Internation- Obama held a joint press conference following their summit in Wash- al Trade Center, Calderón said that ington March 3. while he is committed to his current policy in Mexico’s war against organized crime, there is a need for “co- BY DAVID ACOSTA at a joint press conference with U.S. responsibility” by local authorities. President Barack Obama held at the Scripps Howard Foundation Wire “Th e worst case we have in Mexico White House. is Ciudad Juárez, in terms of vio- WASHINGTON – Mexican Presi- Calderón said that the bilateral lence,” Calderón said. dent Felipe Calderón expressed opti- committee, which the two leaders He also said that he has kept federal mism about Mexico’s economic prog- created last year, has agreed to a plan police in Juárez and “they are regain- ress, its fi ght against narco-traffi cking of action to create a “21st century ing control step by step.” and organized crime, and U.S. - Mex- His administration has also used border” and prevent violence along ico trade relations during his visit to an aggressive social policy, building the U.S. - Mexico border. Washington March 3. new schools and university cam- “In terms of the border, both Presi- Obama said he and Calderón dis- puses as well as providing health care dent Obama and I agree that we must cussed strengthening security on to the citizens of the city, which had turn this area into a land of opportu- both sides of the border to stop the more than 3,000 murders in 2010. nities and not confl ict,” Calderón said fl ow of drugs to the north and weap- Th e Mexican government is currently

MEXICO from page 1 Despite these conditions, some stu- tion seasons,” said senior communi- in the state of Chihuahua and Ciudad dents believe traveling to Mexico dur- cation studies major Marcela Agu- Juárez. ing spring break is worth it. irre. “Th is year I am going to spend However, Mexican authorities said “Personally, I believe that the vio- my spring break in Cancun, which I that tourism rates have not decided lence in Mexico is occurring in cer- feel is a highly touristic site and a safe substantially. tain confl icting areas. However, I feel place to go compared to other areas of “Th e violent situation going on in there are safe places to visit, especially the country.” the northern part of the country is of during spring break and other vaca- Diana Arrieta may be reached at [email protected]. special concern, however, the general tourism rates in Mexico have only de- clined about 10 percent over the past year,” said Claudia Villanueva, direc- #(u9v vp8 %'u9v vp8 tor of the Chihuahua Department of Tourism. “Overall, it remains strong, even in Chihuahua, where more than 200,000 international tourists visited l a s t y e ar.” wrwqtr5hyp Villanueva also said this 10 percent decline in tourism has been the prod- ry)( $'"'' # uct of the global economic crisis, the sh)( $$#!!"# country’s drug-related violence the pryy)( $!# (% natural events that have aff ected some international destinies. Yet, despite these circumstances, international students continue to visit the country’s most attractive sites during spring break. “Th e Mexican beaches continue to be the central attraction for spring breakers traveling to Mexico,” said Mayela Cornejo, director of the Macaro Travel Agency in Juárez. “Cancun, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta, and Acapulco are some of the most sought-aft er spring break locations. Right now, almost every hotel in Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta is sold out for that week.” While many spring breakers will fl ood the Mexican beaches in the days to come, no special security measures will be implemented by Mexican authorities. According to the Puerto Vallarta local police department, no specifi c security operations will be implemented during the spring break week, continuing with their normal schedule. PAGE 8

March 8, 2011 editor our viewDiana Amaro, 747-7446 Wind couldn’t stop UTEPIA

DANIEL ROSAS / The Prospector

DIANA AMARO / The Prospector GREG CASTILLO / The Prospector

DIANA AMARO / The Prospector Despite high speed winds, students still came out to the Geology Lawn March 7 for UTEPIA. The event included food, information and student organization tables, rides, games and fun activities.

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO ! " # $ % R '"! ( )#'* PAGE 9

March 8, 2011 editor entertainmentMatthew Munden, 747-7442 Theatre Column Second year at SXSW

BY BEATRIZ A. CASTAÑEDA The Prospector It’s that time of the year again, when classes cease for a week and we get to enjoy a well-de- served break. Spring break means it’s time to relax, do some partying and escape intensive class work. As I’ve been looking into where students are planning to relax this year, travelers seem to be avoiding the traditional vacation hot spot – Mexico. With violence in Mexico escalating PHOTOGRAPHER / The Prospector for the past two years, traveling to Faculty member Chuck certain beaches is now out of most va- Gordon and UTEP senior Selena Navarez star in Harold Pinter’s ‘The Homecoming’ at the Fox Fine Arts Theater. cation plans and I would not encour- age students to expose themselves to the dangers that may exist. It also seems that many students are staying home due to hard economic Pinterʼs ʻThe Homecomingʼ staged at UTEP times. Many simply don’t have the fi - nancial ability to travel anywhere this year. Fortunately, I will actually be his family in northern London, but end nobody really wins anyway, who very funny and still unique in many BY JAZMIN SALINAS able to make it to the South by South- the play twists with sexual tensions wins means who wins the game.” ways—especially in its use of lan- west Music festival that takes place The Prospector Th is semester’s performance is not and an odd outcome. guage. Generally, three of the main annually in Austin – and for students Th e critically-acclaimed play “Th e the fi rst attempt to stage the play. “Of Pinter’s plays, I would put it considerations for play selection are with a tight budget and limited trans- Homecoming,” written by Harold Murray said they had tried to bring pretty near the top (of the list). A lot audience, director and materials.” portation options, this may be a good Pinter, will be performed by the “Th e Homecoming” to UTEP be- of people say it is his best,” said Tony Th e entire play lists a total of six vacation idea. UTEP Department of Th eatre and fore but rights to the play couldn’t be Staff ord, English professor. “In the characters, a sparse cast compared South by Southwest is expected to Dance. acquired. English language, Pinter is recog- to more traditional multi-character be particularly special this year be- “It’s one my favorite plays written “We tried to do it a couple years ago nized, of course, as one of the major cause it marks the 25th anniversary by one of the greatest playwrights to celebrate Pinter’s Nobel Laureate plays. playwrights along with Shakespeare of the festival and will feature bands over the past 100 (plus) years,” said award,” Murray said. “But it was being “I fi nd that the play only having six and Shaw.” characters is interesting, but I don’t from all over the world like A Place Joel Murray, director of “Th e Home- done in London and was headed for to Bury Strangers, Asobi Seksu, Th e Murray also said “Th e Homecom- know why (he did that),” Alejandro coming” and chair of the Depart- Broadway, so Pinter froze the rights. Bees, Klaxons, MSTRKRFT and ing” falls into a group of plays that Lopez, freshman theater major, said. ment of Th eatre and Dance. “Until He was one of the few playwrights more. his death a few years ago, he was have been called comedies of menace, who kept close watch on who was do- “My guess would be because Harold which have a dark side to them and Th is will be my second year attend- considered by most as the greatest ing his plays.” Pinter loved the number six itself or ing the festival and I am ecstatic to are painfully funny. working playwright. Th e play is true Th e unique aspects of the play ex- because he wrote the play in the ‘50s go once again. But it seems like the “It’s all about dominance and terri- craft smanship.” cite Murray to speak about them. and that was customary during that lineup is not as great as I thought it “Th e Homecoming” is about an tory--human and material,” Murray “Its structure is as air tight and lin- era.” would be. American professor, Teddy, who takes said. “Th e winners are oft en those ear as any of Ibsen’s well-made, re- Last year, I got to see some great his wife, Ruth, and two sons to meet who appear to be victims, and in the alistic plays,” Murray said. “It’s also see HOMECOMING on page 12 bands like Dr. Dog, She & Him, Jakob Dylan, Neon Indian, Eisley and Lu- cero, among others. Exhibition Th e bands that really drew me in were last year were the Local Natives, Th e Orion Experience and Eisley. I Online publication gives El Paso art a new voice got the privilege of meeting Local Na- tives here in El Paso before they got famous when they previously played BY CANDICE MARLENE DURAN at the Black Market bar two years The Prospector earlier. Th e one unfortunate thing about El Paso Art Alive, a new online SXSW is that music badges and wrist- publication created by the El Paso bands get admission priority at the Art Association, features stories on venues. Th e music badge runs about art events, exhibitions and promotes $750 and the wristband costs $165, artists within El Paso and the sur- prices that are a little too steep for rounding areas. me. Still, you can hear tons of great Robert Brown, creator of the music for free. Many parties are free website and a board member, said and open to the public with an RSVP. the idea for an online newspaper I never got either of those badges and came from making EPAA’s newslet- I still got to see some cool bands last ter, which was only being mailed to year. members and subscribers, accessible For those who are staying in town, to everyone by putting in online. there are plenty of things to do. Th ose “Th ey (El Paso Art Association) who only have a few days off from used to have a newsletter but only work and life’s other demands could the members would receive it in the take a nice day trip to Las Cruces, mail,” Brown said. “And eventually Ruidoso, Carlsbad Caverns or Al- the idea for the website to promote amogordo. Whether you decide to the arts came to be. It (the web- stay in town or leave, take the time to site) promotes art more than to just blow off some steam and relax. Aft er members, now it’s available to the all my friends, it is spring break, so community.” put the books away and let’s have a DANIEL ROJAS / The Prospector Brown initially created the website little fun! to fulfi ll his own internship. El Paso Art Alive features local artists showing their art at the Cross 9 gallery. Beatriz A. Castañeda may be reached at prospector@ see ART on page 12 utep.edu. THE PROSPECTOR PAGE10ENTERTAINMENT March 8, 2011 New Releases Best spring break ﬁ lms Hitting store shelves By Matthew Munden Spring break has a lot of terrible movies made about it every few years. Be it “Th e Real Cancun” or its ilk, few movies are able to tackle the week “Th e Walking Dead: Season One” you threw phones in my joke column BY MATTHEW MUNDEN that students do a lot of dumb things and forget everything they learned DVD/Blu-Ray on Charlie Sheen, when you only from the fi rst half of the semester. So take this list with a grain of salt. Only The Prospector Best Deal : Ama- threw one phone. I’m sorry to off end one has anything to do with spring break, the others are just about people “Dragon Age 2” zon.com/Best Buy you, dear gladiator, and your inabil- being stupid. 360, PS3, PC $22.99 (Blu-Ray), ity to understand the artistic use of MSRP: $59.99 $17.99 (DVD) hyperbole. “Piranha 3D” - the lone spring break fi lm. “Piranha 3D” Th is is the age of dragons…and Walk Dead Walk. was a fi lm that honored the drunken stupidity of spring dwarves…and Forty minutes an “Hannah Montana Forever: Th e 1 break, while adding tons of gore. elves…and a lot of episode. Final Season” fantasy shit. No, we 7 episodes a year. DVD “Jackass” (any of them) - Any of these fi lms (including part aren’t “Th e Lord Walk Dead Walk. Best Deal: Burn it 3 which is released on March 8 on DVD/Blu-ray) are about of the Rings.” See I loved the fi nal sea- 2 a bunch of idiots doing really dumb things and catching it all the blood… “Morning Glory” son that had Miley/ on video. Just like all the videos you will fi nd if you google that gives us street DVD/Blu-Ray Hannah smoking pot Spring Break on Dailymotion with the safe search off . cred. Best Deal: Not buy- and having the pic- “Grindhouse”/“Machete” - Films that are fun to ing it. tures uploaded on the laugh at the sheer audicity and violent glee of them. A woman in a internet. 3 Want to see someone repel down a building using an “Pokemon Black and White” news room? How intestine? Th ese are the way to go. Nintendo DS original! “Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind” MSRP: $34.99 Blu-Ray Can they open “Th e Next Th ree Best Deal: Who cares? “Th e Room” - So awful, it is great. “You’re tear- 4 ing me apart, Lisa!” a store that I Days” Anime, anime, anime. can buy this in DVD/Blu-Ray Miyazaki, Miyazaki, without feeling Best Deal: Phone to Miyazaki. “Rango” - Not spring break, not stupid. Th is has noth- like the cashiers the head! Nature, nature, nature. ing to do with spring break other than being in theaters are thinking that I’m only one step I’ll take the time to Now in HD! 5 during it. Please see this movie. It’s funny and originial, away from being on “To Catch a apologize to Russell Matthew Munden may be reached at prospector@utep. everything that most movies this year won’t be. Predator”? Crowe: Sorry I said edu.

SXSW from page 4 the hundreds of music artists from around the world who play in vari- ous venues across town. In 2010, almost 2,000 bands performed on 89 stages within a fi ve-night period in Austin. By working in conjunction with the conference, SXSW off ers local !) businesses the opportunity to book international acts. Besides the of- !" fi cial SXSW venues, there are also $) $ multiple aft er parties where artists oft en play past 4 a.m. Th is year, #$ % & #' Moby will be playing at 2 a.m. at Th e

( )) * +'," PureVolume House. . While for most students, going to SXSW is an opportunity to par- - .#. SEAN MATHIS / Special to The Prospector SXSW, long considered ty during spring break and take in a music and film industry event, is quickly some live shows, Elizabeth Derczo, becoming a popular tourist spot due to the success of the festival, publicist for SXSW, said the con- which will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year. ference isn’t just about attracting tourists. “Th is is a music industry event, not just a spring break destination,” Derczo said. Th e event is designed to showcase up-and-coming talent and provide networking possibilities for individ- uals within the music, fi lm and technology industries. Still, the festival continues to be a hot destination for spring breakers. Th ough money may be an issue for Cristobal Chavez, sophomore civil engineering major, he said he is going to Austin to catch the free shows. “I’m going because Levi’s is having a free Strokes show. Last year I got to see Kanye West,” Chavez said. Indeed, SXSW features free outside shows at Auditorium Shores, located on Lady Bird Lake every year. Th is year’s lineup includes Th e Strokes, Bright Eyes and Ozomatli, among many others. Th ose who favor hip-hop may be interested in the Atlantic and Elek- tra Records show featuring Cee Lo Green, Lupe Fiasco and Wiz Khalifa, whose recent hit single “Black and Yellow” topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Th e full schedule of events is available at www.sxsw.com. Celia Aguilar may be reached at [email protected]. THE PROSPECTOR March 8, 2011 PAGE11ENTERTAINMENT Economy Juarez business ﬁ nds new life across the border

Special to The Prospector Ke’Flauta is one resturant that has made the jump across the border to find better business in El Paso.

BY BEATRIZ A. CASTAÑEDA expanded to the U.S. Th ose who used to shape the entertainment scene in Originally published by Borderzine / Juárez have kept the party going by Special to The Prospector bringing their businesses to El Paso. EL PASO – Drug-war violence has Pockets Billiards & Fun opened up crippled the economy of Cd. Juárez, shop in El Paso three years ago on sending many business owners pack- Zaragoza Road and a second location ing along with their customers to the on North Mesa Street has been in busi- safer sister city across the border. ness for two months. Pockets also suc- El Paso has become the benefi ciary cessfully expanded to other Mexican of that middle-class migration since cities such as Tijuana, Mexicali and the criminal activity began to escalate Mexico City. in 2008. “We came to El Paso for the expan- Ke’ Flauta, a restaurant in west El sion,” said Franz L. Ortega, general Paso, is one of many businesses that has manager of Pockets. “It wasn’t so much fl ed from its original location in Juárez. because of the violence, and it’s nice “Unfortunately, Juárez has gotten because people can have fun without hit very badly with the violence,” said going to Juárez anymore.” Raul Aguilar, owner of Ke’ Flauta. “Th e La Red, an organization made up of economy is greatly aff ected and there Juárez business owners who are now are scary threats from extortionists doing business in El Paso, provides against businesses all the time.” support to Mexican exiles so they can Aguilar started his Juarez business begin their business activities a new. about four years ago and February José Luis Mauricio, president of marked its second anniversary in El La Red, said this immigration is also Paso. At Ke’ Flauta, customers have bringing lawyers, architects and engi- their choice of typical Juarense delights neers to El Paso. – fl autas and a selection of tacos and “I believe this opportunity is contrib- diff erent tortas (sandwiches). uting much with entrepreneurs and Juárez Chamber of Commerce Presi- this situation will make El Paso better,” dent Daniel Murguia said that at least Mauricio said. “With the incorporation 6,000 city businesses closed in 2010, of these new businesses, El Paso will be according to Mexican Interior Minis- expanded and will create much oppor- try fi gures. tunity and innovation, which will have Aguilar said many Americans used creativity as well as competition.” to travel to Juárez and enjoy the Mexi- Local real estate broker and develop- can eateries, but now, he said, restau- er Walter Passero said this is something rants are coming across the border to benefi cial for El Paso’s community. fi nd their customers. “Regardless of the circumstances, we “People are fi nding an alternative. are very fortunate for people to be com- Most do not travel to Juárez anymore, ing to El Paso, investing their money, so the practical thing is to off er them hiring people and venturing into our our product here in El Paso,” Aguilar economy,” Passero said. “(Th is migra- said. tion) Defi nitely puts more money in Other types of businesses, which our economy and there is no question have not been greatly aff ected by the about that.” violence in Juárez, have also moved or Beatriz A. Castañeda may be reached at [email protected]. THE PROSPECTOR PAGE12ENTERTAINMENT March 8, 2011

HOMECOMING from page 9 Staff ord said. “Lots of silences and viewers an idea of what the play is lots of pauses. It’s really diff erent, but Murray said the play’s language about. structure and use of silence will test he’s been very prolifi c over the years.” “Th e fl iers are not intriguing if I am all six cast members. Th e mysterious posters advertising walking down a hall or driving,” said “Th is is a challenge for even sea- the show plastered all around campus Iris Soriano, senior multi-disciplinary soned performers—one must know/ have posed many questions about the major. “Th is poster portrays a vam- learn sensitivity to language, economy content of the play. Th e poster, de- pire image; the glass being 1/3 full of movement, making absolute sense picting red lettering, a glass of water might symbolize a deceiving aspect, out of pauses and silences, learning only fi lled a third of the way and a or something defi nitely missing. But the rules of the game,” Murray said. woman’s red lipstick stain set against it would not lead me to what this play “Th ese characters use language in bi- a black background, has been gener- zarre ways that seem almost surreal— is about.” ating some interest. pauses and silences pack more punch Th e prices for the tickets are $8 for “Th ey’re interesting and attractive than words.” the general public and $6and UTEP enough to where you want to read DANIEL ROJAS / The Prospector Th e play is considered pinteresque students with a valid I.D.. Th e play them,” Lopez said. “I think they at- The publication, El Paso Art Alive, feature stories about local and describes Pinter’s playwright will run from March 9 through March characteristics. tract people.” artists, exhibitions, and events.. 13 at the Fox Fine Arts Th eater. “He has a unique style. Very terse, Others feel the poster may be aes- very minimalistic and understated,” thetically pleasing but doesn’t give Jazmin Salinas may be reached at [email protected]. NEWSPAPER from page 9 El Paso Art Alive is in need of reporting, marketing and design “I went to talk to the El Paso Art interns. Association about it, and to the “Th e internships defi nitely made president, and she liked the idea, had me present it to the board, they me interested in working for the liked the idea, and they told me to go website,” said senior Zyanya Dick- for it,” Brown said. ey, multimedia journalism major. Th e number of applicants to the “When I read it was going to be an online newspaper caused Brown art newspaper I thought that would to become editor-in-chief of the be really cool because I am very pas- project. However, Brown explained sionate about art. I want to base my that it would be a confl ict of inter- career on writing, but I’ve always se- est to apply and then be the boss at cretly wanted to be an artist.” his own internship site, so he hopes Dickey is the reporter for the web- that more students will apply to the site and is responsible for covering internship soon. all stories. “We defi nitely need more appli- “Th e best part of working here is cants,” Brown said. “Our depart- getting to meet the artists,” Dickey ments are our three intern students. said. “Getting to talk to them and We need more students involved defi nitely getting the experience.” because it allows them an opportu- In the future, Brown hopes to ex- nity to not only be involved in news pand El Paso Art Alive and create a but also to be involved in creating a newspaper and establishing it. So television broadcast that would air they get many benefi ts. We do ev- once a week. erything for the paper.” “We’re going to need anchors To raise funds for the website, El and co-anchors and reporters,” said Paso Art Alive will hold a fundraiser Brown. “I would allow students event on April 2, which will display to get a diversity of experience; it art from UTEP students. EPAA doesn’t have to be just in the studio. believes this is a great opportunity We’re going to need to create the sets for both the website, which will get and we’ll need video-editors and more funding for their newspaper, this opportunity should give inter- and the students, who will attract est to many students.” more publicity by displaying their Th e exhibit and the fundraiser art. will take place April 2 on the second “My staff came up with the event,” fl oor of the Art Junction, located at Brown said. “Th ey came up with 500 W. Paisano. Deadline for artists the idea of a fundraiser so we can to participate in the event is March get equipment and supplies that we 25, and all proceeds will go to the need. So we got the go-ahead from website. the president of the art association Information on internships at El to have our own fundraiser for our newspaper. We decided for it to be Paso Art Alive is available on elpa- for UTEP students. Because they soartalive.eznuz.com. need a place to exhibit their art Candice Marlene Duran maybe reached at work.” [email protected].

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March 8, 2011 editor sportsSal Guerrero, 747-7445 Basketball Conference USA Tourney kicks off BY WILLIAM VEGA points but did post wins against The Prospector Memphis, Southern Miss, and at Tulsa. Th e Mustangs racked up their With possibly the only NCAA tour- most wins since 2002-03, and won nament invitation residing on the au- their most C-USA games ever be- tomatic bid, this year’s Conference USA Men’s Basketball Championship hind the possible C-USA player of may shape up to be just as tight as the the year, senior forward Papa Dia. regular season panned out. “My opinion is (Dia) is the best “I think we all feel that this year’s player in the league. I wouldn’t trade league is the best it has ever been. him for anybody else. He’s the heart Th is league deserves two or three and soul of our team,” SMU head teams in the NCAA Tournament,” coach Matt Doherty said. “He’s the UAB head coach Mike Davis said. emotional leader of our team. He has “It’s going to be a very exciting tournament, maybe the best tournament really matured as a player and as a in recent memory—in terms of over- person. Th at comes across in grand all talent of the teams and coaches in fashion with his leadership on and off this league. Any team has a chance to the court. He’s tough to stop inside, win it.” is a willing passer and improved his Th e C-USA regular season title defense as a shot blocker.” wasn’t decided until the fi nal day of Another possible player of the year the regular season, a feat that has candidate could be this year’s scor- not been seen since the fi rst year of ing leader, senior guard Justin Hurtt realignment. In the 2005-06 season, Memphis fi nished a game ahead of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane. Tulsa of second-place UAB and just two is locked in as the number two seed games ahead of third-place UTEP. and will be looking to make the semi- For the fi rst time in C-USA history, fi nals for the fourth time in a row. the men’s tournament will be without Similar to last season’s player of an AP top 25 school. Memphis was the year, Randy Culpepper, senior the national star from 2006 to 2009 BOB CORRAL / The Prospector forward Gary Flowers fi nished third and UTEP placed in the top 25 last in scoring and led his Southern Miss season. UAB will receive the honors Marshall head coach Tom Herrion and his team are coming into the tournament a sixth seed. The Thun- of a number one seed as the poten- dering Herd will face Houston at 7:30 p.m. March 9 at the Don Haskins Center. Golden Eagles to a number fi ve seed. tial tournament favorite, but because Southern Miss, however, fi nished the of this year’s close race, they also had the position we are in. It’s our job as shall Th undering Herd have shown ers unless both teams make it to the season on a three game losing streak the most conference losses for a top a coaching staff to keep our players improvement over the last month, semifi nals March 11. and dropped from a tie for fi rst Feb. seed at 12-4. focused on our next opponent and winning six of their last seven con- Another possible dark horse could 23 to their current position. Along “We are in the position we want simply getting better every day.” come out of the seventh seed, the tests by an average of 10.3 points. with Flowers, head coach Larry Eu- Over the past four years at least same seeding last year’s Houston to be in, but now we have to fi nish,” stachy thinks his starters deserve Davis said. “Ask any coach and they one team that played in the opening Th eir only fall back was a loss to team made their run from. SMU much more than just a team award. would tell you they want to be able to round (seeds 5-12) has advanced to UTEP in El Paso but their road may fi nished the season on a three-game control their own destiny and that’s the semifi nals. Th e number six Mar- not have to run through the Min- skid, losing by a combined eight William Vega may be reached at [email protected]. 2011 C-USA Menʼs Basketball Championship C-USA Womenʼs Basketball Championship

Wednesday 3/9 11 a.m. March 9-12 Wednesday 3/9 11 a.m. March 9-12 8 East Carolina 16-14 7 UAB 15-14 The first two rounds of the Thursday 3/10 11 a.m. Thursday 3/10 10 11 a.m. C-USA Women’s Basketball 9 UCF 19-10 1 UAB 22-7 Marshall 9-20 2 19-10 tournament will be held in UCF Memorial Gym Friday 3/11 2 p.m TV: CBS C Friday 3/11 11:30 a.m.

Wednesday 3/9 1:30 p.m. Wednesday 3/9 1:30 p.m. 5 Southern Miss 21-9 Thursday 3/10 1:30 p.m. 6 Memphis 19-11 Thursday 3/10 1:30 p.m. 4 22-9 TV: CBS College Sports 12 Tulane 13-16 Memphis 11 Southern Miss 10-19 3 Rice 18-12 Don Haskins Center

Saturday 3/12 8:30 p.m TV: CBS C Saturday 3/12 6 p.m Wednesday 3/9 5:30 p.m. Wednesday 3/9 4 p.m. 6 Thursday 3/10 5 Marshall 21-10 5:30pm CT East Carolina 15-14 Thursday 3/10 4 p.m. 3 11 Houston 12-17 UTEP 23-8 12 Tulsa 5-19 4 Tulane 20-9 TV: CBS College Sports Don Haskins Center

TV: CBS C Friday 3/11 4:30 p.m El Paso, Texas Friday 3/11 8 a.m. Wednesday 3/9 8 p.m. Wednesday 3/9 6:30 p.m. 7 SMU 17-13 Thursday 3/10 8 p.m. 8 SMU 14-15 Thursday 3/10 6:30 p.m. 2 Tulsa 18-12 9 1 25-4 10 Rice 13-17 UTEP 15-13 Houston TV: CBS College Sports Don Haskins Center TV: CBS C THE PROSPECTOR PAGE14SPORTS March 8, 2011 Basketball UTEP draws SMU in first round of tourney

BY SAL GUERRERO en’s basketball team has been prepar- in El Paso,” head coach Keitha Ad- ing for the opening round match up ams said. “SMU is a great team and The Prospector against the SMU Mustangs March 9 at we know we are going to have to play With the opening round of the Memorial Gym. extremely well.” Conference USA tournament right “We’re very excited about the tour- Th e Miners (15-13, 7-9 C-USA) around the corner, the UTEP wom- nament. It is great that it can be held have not fared well against the Mus- tangs (14-15, 7-9 C-USA) this season, dropping both meetings. Th eir last match up came only a week and a half ago (Feb. 27) on Senior Night when the Mustang’s guard Raquel Christian shot 8-of-12 from the 3-pointer, leading SMU to a 70-64 victory. With less than two weeks removed from the last meeting with the Mus- tangs, the Miners will have to rely on better defense to get out of the fi rst DIANA AMARO / The Prospector round C-USA tournament. Junior forward Erika “We have to get out there and Warren has played a key role for the Miners guard a little better,” Adams said. this season filling in for the injured starters. “(Christian) was in the zone—there’s no question about that. Th ey (SMU) Th e Miners have fared well in the terfi nals. In the 2008-09 season they have several guards that can shoot on last few seasons of the C-USA tourna- lost in the quarterfi nals to Marshall in any given single day. We understand ment. Last year they beat Rice in the a 72-70 overtime game. that we have to guard and get a hand opening round and lost in a close 57- Th is year El Paso has vied for the in their face.” 55 battle against Houston in the quar- C-USA tournament, giving UTEP the home-court advantage, which should We are more than SUSHI.... prove well for the Miners in tough situations down the stretch. “It is a home game for us, so we’ll Treat yourself today! have the crowd on our side,” junior guard Dietra Caldwell said. “Th e sixth man is always important, with !" them cheering us on and the fact that #$"% &$ "" we’ve lost to (SMU) twice already, that is enough said right there.” Caldwell didn’t seem like herself in # the last meeting against the Mustangs, Mon-Thurs. 11:30-10:00, Sat-Sun 11:30-11:00, Sun 12:30-7:00 see SMU on page 16 THE PROSPECTOR March 8, 2011 PAGE15SPORTS Basketball Home court advantage plays into Miners favor

BY WILLIAM VEGA “We know that momentum is everything. We The Prospector know if we’re playing well everything will be BOB CORRAL / The Prospector With a number-three seed and Senior guard Julyan Stone dunks over a Marshall defender March 2 fi rst-round bye, the UTEP Miners going good for everybody. We know the things will enter the Conference USA Men’s at the Don Haskins Center. Championship with momentum and we have to do like defending, rebounding and home-fi eld advantage on their side. getting the ball moving, and when we do that “Of course we feel like (a number one team). We have home court we’re really hard to beat.” advantage,” senior forward Jeremy Williams said. “It’s always great - Christian Polk, senior guard playing as the home team. Our fans are looking forward to it and we’re nals in all three and winning two of the Marshall Th undering Herd’s looking forward to it.” them. Th is will be El Paso’s first post- fi ve-game-winning streak March From Feb. 16-23 UTEP lost three season tournament since the Miners 2, behind seniors Randy Culpep- out of four games. However, the won the 1990 WAC tournament. per’s 24 points and Julyan Stone’s 12 Miners immediately rebounded Head coach Tim Floyd is well ac- points, 12 rebounds and seven as- from the losses, fi nishing the regular quainted with the Miners’ accom- sists. Against an SMU team that had season with a three-game winning plishments during the fi rst three previously lost their last two games streak. WAC tournaments from 1984-86. by a combined fi ve points, senior “We had some ups-and-downs… He was an assistant coach under guard Christian Polk caught fi re everyone has some by this time of en route to a 59-56 victory March the year,” Williams said. “We had a former head coach Don Haskins and saw UTEP take home two WAC 5. He fi nished with a team high of few lapses but we got it together over 18 points going 7-for-11 from the the last couple of days and we’ve tournament titles while making all three fi nals. Th e fi rst two postseason fi eld including 4-for-6 from 3-point been successful. If we play the way range. we’ve been playing over the last few playoff s were held in El Paso where Floyd has succeeded in his fi rst year. “We know that momentum is ev- games I feel like we’ll be fi ne in the erything. We know if we’re playing “We’ve played well at home and postseason.” well everything will be going good we’ll be coming back (in the tour- Th e Miners may get to witness that for everybody,” Polk said. “We know nament),” Floyd said. “But I don’t success if history is able to repeat the things we have to do like defend- think it’ll have anything to do about itself. UTEP will enter the C-USA ing, rebounding and getting the ball anything. It’ll have everything to do tournament hoping to win a post- moving, and when we do that we’re with who we’re playing and how we season event for the fi rst time since really hard to beat.” they won the Western Athletic Con- match. Th at’s how tough this league Floyd doesn’t see the recent turn- ference tournament in 2005, having has become.” around as a measurement for suc- never won or hosted the C-USA Th e Miners’ guards have stepped cess in the conference tournament, tournament. UTEP held three WAC up as of late against some streaking postseason playoff s, making the fi - conference teams. UTEP snapped see ADVANTAGE on page 16 THE PROSPECTOR PAGE16SPORTS March 8, 2011

ADVANTAGE from page 15 If the Miners continue to take but would rather have his team con- each game one at a time they will have to see improvement where they tinue doing what they have been do- needed it most this season. Against ing all year long. the six conference teams ahead of “I think we’re playing well right them in the off ensive rebounding now, but I don’t know how big of a category, UTEP went 3-4 against deal that is right now,” Floyd said. those squads. Th e Miners fi nished “I’ve never understood the word dead last in defensive rebounds and momentum. I think more oft en than next to last in rebounding margin in not it has a lot to do with how hard C-USA. you’re playing on defense.” William Vega may be reached at [email protected].

DIANA AMARO / The Prospector Sophomore forward Kristine Vitola passes the ball to a teammate against SMU Feb. 27 at the Don Haskins Center.

SMU from page 14 “We’ve played them twice so ob- freshmen team. Along with Will- viously we should know what we’re ingham, junior transfer forward going 1-7 from the fi eld, totaling going up against,” freshman point Gloria Brown received conference three points on the night that came guard Kelli Willingham said. “It was recognition being named to the All off a lone 3-pointer. In the Min- a lot of little things we didn’t do in C-USA second team. ers’ fi rst match up against SMU, the last game and we’re just going to Th e Miners will face SMU in the Caldwell recorded 12 points and have to do them this time around.” opening round of the C-USA tour- pulled down four rebounds, but Willingham has been a key part nament at 7:30 p.m. March 9 in Me- UTEP came up short losing in over- in Adams’ off ense this season. With morial Gym. point guard Briana Green out for time 81-79 “Th ird time’s a charm. We’ve the season with a knee injury, she SMU and Houston are the only played them twice and know what has taken over the starting role, mistakes we made,” Caldwell said. two teams in conference that UTEP leading the team in assists with 116. “We’re getting prepared for them BOB CORRAL / The Prospector has lost to twice this season. But For her eff orts this season, Will- here…we should be ready.” UCF sophomore guard Marcus Jordan dribbles around UTEP point even with that, the Miners are self- ingham has been tabbed to one assured in their game. of fi ve spots on the C-USA all- Sal Guerrero may be reached at [email protected]. guard Julyan Stone.