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About The Battalion. (College Station, Tex.) 1893-current | View Entire Issue (March 25, 1997)
Tuesday Page 7 March 25, 1997 lolo team prepares for national tour p' ! By Lara L. Zuehlke The Battalion any people are familiar with Ralph Lauren’s Polo collection, but for the sA&M Polo Club, polo is more just a brand of clothing. For e players, the game offers ard competition and an oppor- |ty to learn the art of the sport, nior club member and treasurer dy Cooper said polo is more gru- than people realize, ihey say in polo that if you ft fall off [the horse] then you’re trying hard enough,” Cooper . “It’s dangerous and everyone their fair share of falling off n they are first learning.” |ooper said the club has an membership and experience t a prerequisite. ^Ve get members from interest, er people see us practicing on polo fields or they just have an I rest in horses,” Cooper said. ' pie don’t have to know how to i, but it helps if they do. It makes ingto play polo that much eas- We have so many people that e out here that have never even on a horse, and we teach them everything from A to Z.” eA&M polo club is a part of the Recreational Sports program and has about 30 members. A team is chosen from the club’s members to represent A&M at intercollegiate competitions. Cooper said A&M has a men’s and women’s team, with four mem bers on each team. Both the men’s and women’s teams won the regional competition and will represent Texas A&M at the National Polo Tournament. The tournament will be held April 6-12 at the Brushy Creek Polo Arena in Burelson, Tx. The A&M men’s team will be de fending the national championship they won last spring. The women also have had their share of glory, winning back-to-back national champi- onships in 1994 and 1995. Senior club president and team member Scotty Chapman said he hopes the men’s team will do well at the national tournament, but said they must play as a cohesive unit. “Polo is a lot of teamwork,” Chapman said. “You can have a lot of good players on the team, but if they don’t play together, the team as a whole won’t do very well.” Chapman said experience will be the key to doing well in the tournament. “This is the same team that we had last year, with the exception of one player,” Chapman said. “A lot of the team has experience. This will Derek Demere, The Battalion Scotty Chapman, a member of the men's polo team, goes for the ball during practice Sunday. be the third year in a row for this group of guys to be there.” Representing the A&M men’s team at the national tournament will be: seniors Greg Ford, Adair Seager, Chapman and junior Kevin Coventry. The women’s team will consist of senior Rachel Redington and juniors Sunny Lasley, Paula Champlin and Cooper. Redington said the A&M teams have an edge over their competi tors, because the club has so many horses to practice with. “It gives you a great advantage to be able to ride a large number of hors es like we have here,” Redington said. “When you get to ride 20 different horses here and we go to regionals and nationals, we have had the expe rience of riding all kinds of horses.” Cooper encouraged everyone who is interested to join the club, because polo is a rewarding and en joyable sport. “You can be a good polo player just by putting time and effort into it,” Cooper said. “It does take some skill and coordination. But once you start to play it and learn how to play, it’s so much fun and you just want to learn more and more.” . ICKER ntinued from Page 5 ‘She has really shown that she feels more corn- able on the field,” Jackson said. “She attacks ^ti ] its better and is good at catching line-drive Is hit right at her because of her quick reflex- 1 Kami has also stepped up to the plate and de the right adjustments to get some good hits the team.” Last Thursday, Tucker exhibited her ability by hit- >her second home run of the season and the tie-winning run for the Lady Aggies against the iversity ofTexas-San Antonio at the Lady Aggie tbali Field. This year she is maintaining over a .230 batting prage and has started all but one game for the dy Aggies. [Tucker said she wants everyone to know the dy Aggies can still be a national powerhouse. ‘ "Before I graduate, I want us to win the Big 12 id make a good showing at regionals and the \MorldSeries,” Tucker said. “I usually stay back in the shadows but I want to help A&M excel and js^ake it known the team is alive and kicking and iteady to win.” Schmaltz Continued from Page 5 “I couldn’t be happier for Amy, because she has worked so hard and spent extra time to im prove, and not all players are willing to do that.” Senior first baseman Mya Truelove said she has known Schmaltz since they were young girls, and they played in softball leagues together. Truelove also said Schmaltz has more self- assurance now, which has elevated her play. “To me, Amy is one of the most improved play ers,” Tiruelove said. “I think she lacked a lot of con fidence, but this year she has stepped up so much. “I think she’s come around in hitting and catching, and she’s also really taken control, especially behind the plate. I think she has come so far, because she has stepped up and found her role on the team.” Schmaltz has indeed found her niche on the team this season. She is second in hitting with a .262 average and boasts a .452 slugging percentage. However, Schmaltz has not gone phchal- lenged. McGuire has been compefihg with Schmaltz for the catcher’s position since their sophomore year. Evans said she has never seen a duo quite like Schmaltz and McGuire. “Those two have an amazing friendship,” Evans said. “In my 12 years of coaching I have never seen anything like it. They clearly com pete for the same position, yet they genuine ly want each other to do well. I am very im pressed with how they handle that.” Schmaltz has come into her own this sea son, taking control both behind the plate as catcher and in batting. Schmaltz said this season reminds her of how she used to play softball. “I feel like my old self again," Schmaltz said. “It’s silly to say I feel like I am in high school again, but that’s the way I feel when I play now. I was really confident and cocky in high school.” Evans said Schmaltz is the type of player that quietly does her job without seeking recognition in return. “Amy plays with a lot of intensity and heart,” Evans said. “She plays the game with passion and really gets after it. Amy doesn’t need a lot of attention and accolades like some players do. “She doesn’t have to be the center of atten tion, and she’s what you would call Tow main tenance.’ She always works hard, and I think she’s a big asset to our team.” [i 1 Jf STUDY ABROAD SPRING ‘98 AT SANTA CH1ARA! INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS - 154 BI2ZELL HALL WEST TUESDAY, MARCH 25 2:00 - 2:45 PM THURSDAY, MARCH 27 2:30 -3:15 PM STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS 161 Btstell Hall West 845-0544 Shades y5f Summer [SUMMER SESSION 1997 This summer, attend Colorado State University and earn credits during our 4-, 8-, or 12-week terms. Courses begin May 19, June 16, and July 14. No formal admission requirements. Call 1-800-854-6456 for a free Summer Class Schedule ido University Visit us at the Housing Fair NOW LEASING Brand New Phase II Opening Fall ‘97 • New 2 bedroom/2 bath • Fully Furnished • Alarm System • 2 Swimming Pools • Hot Tub • Club House • Tennis, basketball, & Sand Volleyball courts • Close to campus • Weight room • Computer room UNIVERSITY ♦ C () M \1 <) N S ♦ 950 Colgate 764-8999 Hours: M'F 9-6pm • Sat lOHpm • Sun P5pm RE-ELECT AMY BERGER C/O ‘99 TREASURER Political Advertisement Paid By Amy Berger http!// drugs.tamu.edu MSC Political Forum Big A1 Says.... STUDENT BODY C lail clears Political Advertisementf paid by Allen Martin F> R E S I D The following information appears in compliance with the 1987 State of Texas Hazing Law: Texas Hazing Law Texas A&M University On August 31, 1987, a new law went into effect in the State of Texas regarding HAZING. Below is an abbreviated summary, in question and answer form, of the contents of that law and the applicability and implications for students, faculty and staff at Texas A&M University. THIS IS ONLY A SUMMARY. Certain points in the law have been omitted in this summary for editorial purposes. For the full text of the law, please see Appendix VI of the 1995-96 University Regulations. What is the definition of Hazing? “Hazing” means any intentional, knowing, or reckless act, occurring on or off campus of Texas A&M University, by one person alone or acting with others, directed against a student, that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for the. purpose of pledging, being initiated into, affiliation with, holding office in, or maintaining membership in any organization whose memberships are or include students at Texas A&M University. The term included but is not limited to: (a) Any type of physical brutality, such as whipping, beating, striking, branding, electronic shocking, placing of a harmful substance on the body, or similar activity. (b) Any type of physical activity, such as sleep deprivation, exposure to the elements,con finement in a small place, calisthenics, or other activities that subjects the student to an unrea sonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the stu dent. (c) Any activity involving consumption of a food, liquid, alcoholic beverage, liquor, drug, or other substance which subjects the student to an unreasonable risk of harm or that adversely affects the mental or physical health or safety of the student. (d) Any activity that intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism, that subjects the stu dent extreme mental stress, shame, or humiliation, or adversely affects the mental health or dig nity of the student or discourages the student from entering or remaining registered in an edu cational institution, or that may reasonably be expected to cause a student to leave the organi zation or the institution rather than submit to acts described in the subsection. (e) Any activity that induces, causes, or requires the student to perform a duty or task which involves a violation of the penal code. in addition, Texas A&M University has also defined hazing to include: (a) Misuse of authority by virtue of your class rank or leadership position. (b) Any form of physical bondage. (c) Any form of “Quadding”. How do I commit a hazing offense? A person commits an offense if the person: (a) Engages in hazing (b) Solicits, encourages, directs, aids or attempts to aid another in engaging in hazing. (c) Intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly permits hazing to occur. (d) Has firsthand knowledge of the planning of a specific hazing incident involving a student of Texas A&M University, or firsthand knowledge that a specific hazing incident has occurred, and knowingly fails to report said knowledge in writing to the appropriate University official. Does it matter if I did not intend to hurt anyone? No. Texas A&M’s policies state that if one of the above occurs, it is HAZING, regardless of the intent. Does it matter if the person being hazing agrees to the activity? No. The new law and Texas A&M’s policies state that if one above occurs, it is HAZING, regardless of the consent or cooperation of the recipient. What is the penalty if I am found guilty of hazing? (a) Failing to report hazing: Fine up to $1,000 and/or up to 180 days in jail. (b) Hazing resulting in no serious bodily injury: Fine of $500 to $1,000 and/or 90-180 days in jail. (c) Hazing resulting in serious bodily injury: Fine of $1,000 - $5,000 and/or 180 days to 1 year in jail. (d) Hazing resulting in death: Fine of $5,00 - $10,000 and/or 1-2 years in jail. (e) Except where the hazing results in death, the student may be required to perform com munity service in lieu of confinement in jail. (f) The student may also be subject to University disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the University, in addition to or regardless of any penalty imposed by the state. Can an organization be found guilty of hazing? Yes. An Organization commits an offense if the organization condones or encourages hazing or if an officer or any combination of members, pledges, or alumni of the organization commits or assists in the commission of hazing. Can I get into trouble for reporting hazing? No. Any person who reports a specific hazing incident involving a student to an appropriate University official is protected from civil or criminal liability. However, a person who reports in bad faith or with malice is not protected by this section. Where do I report hazing? Office of the Commandant (845-2811) if the hazing was committed by members of the Corps of Cadets. Department of Student Activities (845-1133) if the hazing was committed by members of a Greek organization or other recognized student organization. Student Judicial Affairs Office (845-5262) all other incidents of hazing. The following information appears in compliance with the 1987 state of Texas Hazing Law shown above: Student Organization Hazing Violations: Organization name: Alpha Kappa Psi Date of Incident: February 28, 1995 Description of Incident: Subjecting pledges to activities that “intimidates or threatens the student with ostracism, that subjects the student to mental stress, shame or humiliation, or that adverse ly affects the mental health or dignity of the student”. Pledges were blindfolded, led into a room and told to kneel; when the blindfolds were removed they found bowls of ice cream and no uten sils and were told to eat the ice cream. Pledges were subjected to ridicule by active members as they attempted to eat the ice cream in this manner. Some pledges were told the ice cream contained alcohol although it did not. Action Taken: The chapter was put on a one year probation. They must revise the chapter pledge program and submit it to the Department of Student Activities. The chapter was also required to sponsor an educational program on Texas Hazing Laws and University policies. Organization name: Company P-2, Texas A&M University Corp of Cadets Date of Incident: Fall 1995 Semester and earlier Description of Incident: It had become “company policy” for cadets of the sophomore class to be hit periodically by a junior cadet for “motivational purposes”. Additionally, other cadets were sometimes hit with an ax handle for “passing down” positions or for similar reasons. Refusal to accept licks was allowed, but few declined. Action Taken: University hearings were held for those individuals involved with sanctions rang ing from University suspension for two semesters to multiple Corps disciplinary actions. Company P-2 was placed on Conduct Probation and most of the leadership was replaced. Organization name: Pi Kappa Alpha Date of Incident: February, 1996 Description of Incident: Activities that included, but were not limited to forced exercise, sleep deprivation, forced ingestion of inedible mixtures, exposure to the elements, forced work. Action Taken: Fraternity on a 2 year probation through Spring 1998; meetings with Greek affairs staff 2 times per semester throughout probation; sponsor and fund an outside speaker on posi tive pledge programming for Greek community; 400 hours of community service to be complet ed by 75% of chapter membership by Spring 1996; semester report for each pledge class and risk management program; written letter of apology to landowner where hazing took place. Organization name: Kappa Alpha Order Date of Incident: October 14, 1996 Description of Incident: Pledges were taken to a remote location late at night and forced to undergo a “lineup” that included forced exercises, such as push ups, calisthenics, and army low crawl in the dark. Pledges were denied any water, were subjected to degrading confrontations by activities and were physically “manhandled” - pushed to the ground or picked up forcefully. One encounter resulted in, severe injury, hospitalization and emergency surgery of a pledge. Action Taken: Fraternity suspended until Fall, 1999 - a joint decision of the University and the fraternity’s national headquarters. 0