Ludacris, Even 6 and All-American Rejects Performed At SHSU
Ludacris at Sammypalooza
by Cheval John
The start of another school year is on the horizon.
Incoming freshman looking forward to start their collegiate careers for the first time while transfer students are happy about an opportunity for a new start.While many were worried about what classes to take or moving into a new dorm, students at Sam Houston State University were looking forward to another concert before classes begin on Wednesday.
Every year since 2005, the Office of Student Activities in collaboration with the Department of Recreational Sports put together a concert series in the fall called “Sammypalooza.”
They would bring in well known music artist to perform for the students and give them a reason to transition into student life.
Ludacris, Eve 6 and the All-American Rejects were this year’s performers at Sammypalooza that was held on August 27 at the Bernard G. Johnson Coliseum.
Between 4,750 and 5,500 people attended the well-anticipated event.
Lead Singer Tyson Ritter of All-American Rejects
Though the concert started at 7 p.m., many were at the door at noon.
Eve 6 started the night with a bang.
They performed many of their hits including “Inside Out” and “Here’s To The Night.”
It was even more special as guitarist Jon Siebels was celebrating his birthday and the band they wished him a happy birthday.The All-American Rejects continued the momentum.
Many accompanied the band to their well known song, “Dirty Little Secret.”
“I am an All-American Rejects fanatic,” SHSU junior softball player Erin Martin said.
“I saw them in concert when I was fourteen and they were always my favorite band.”
The place got electric when Ludacris came on the stage.
The rapper from Atlanta performed many of his hits including “Area Code” and “Act A Fool.”
He returned from a concert in Canada the night before and was excited by the energy of the crowd.
“I grew up listening to Ludacris,” SHSU student Megan Herring said.
“To actually see him at my school right here for free, it can’t get any better than that.”
The concert was a much needed boost before the beginning of another school year and many believe that it has put SHSU and Huntsville on the map.
Sammy the Bearkat with Volunteer Workers at Sammypalooza
“Not a lot of schools can get these type of people to come to their schools for free,” Herring said.
“It’s pretty awesome.”
Ragin’ Cajuns Gets First Win Of The Season
by Cheval John
The Ragin’ Cajuns finished the tournament on a high note as they defeated the Tigers in straight sets by the score of 25-18, 25-17, 25-12.
The Cajuns are now 1-2 for the season.
Blair Claypoole led the Cajuns with 6 kills and 4 digs.
Andrea Hole was second on the team with 5 kills and three players contributed with four kills.
Mandy Gavin had 23 assists and five aces.
Both teams combined for a 35 errors in the match.
Buffaloes Win Second Game In Dominating Fashion
by Cheval John
The second day of the Bearkat Volleyball Invitational began with the University of Colorado Buffaloes defeated the University of Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns in straight sets 25-16, 25-20, 25-21 at the Bernard Johnson.
They are now 2-0 for the season.
Emily Alexis led the Buffaloes with 13 kills.
Alexis Austin was second on the team with 8 kills while Kelsey English contributed with 6 kills of her own.
The Buffaloes dominated in the first two sets of the match, recording 31 of their points on kills while committing only eight errors on their attempts.
They started the third set with a 4-1 run and appeared as if they were cruising to their second win of the season.
But the Cajuns fought back as they went on a 4-0 run to take their first lead of the match by the score of 5-4.
After a back and forth battle, a kill by Alexis Austin put the Buffaloes on top 7-6 and they would go on to win by the score of 25-21.
Lavinia Tataran and Blair Claypoole totaled 8 kill each in the losing effort for the Cajuns.
The Cajuns are now 0-2 for the season.
The Cajuns will finish the tournament against Texas Southern while the Buffaloes face host Sam Houston.
Start time are at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., respectively.
Bearkat Wins First Game In Five Set Thriller
by Cheval John
After months of training, the Bearkat volleyball team were looking forward to their season opener against the University of Louisiana-Lafayette in the Bearkat Invitational.
They were ready to show how much they learned in practice.
They knew that they had to earn every point in order to start the season off with a bang.
They did just that as they defeated the Ragin Cajun in five sets 14-25, 25-21, 25-27, 28-26, 15-11.
“We started out a little slow,” senior outside hitter Kendall Cleveland said.
“We needed to get the jitters out. …Once we did that, we went on a roll.”
The Raging Cajuns started off the game on a 5-1 in the first set.
Sophomore Devene Wells-Gibson led the charge for the Kats with 19 kills and 14 digs.
But the Bearkats scored three straight points on two kills by Cleveland and a kill by sophomore Devene Wells-Gibson.
That was as close as they would get as the Cajuns maintain control and took the first set by the score of 25-14.
The Bearkats woke up with a 5-1 run in the second set and went on to win it by the score of 25-21 to even the match at 1.
Both teams fought hard in the third set as they exchanged points between each other.
The Ragin’ Cajuns eventually take the third set by the score of 27-25.
The fourth set proved to be crucial for both teams as they intensified their play.
The Cajuns seemed to be in control of the set as they kept the Kats off balance.
But with grit and determination and great defense, the Kats came back and took the fourth set to even it at 2.
“They came out a little stronger than we did,” Wells-Gibson said.
“You have to start out strong and finish strong to win the game.
That is exactly what they did in the fifth set as they scored three out of the four points to lead it 3-1.
Though the Cajuns tried to make a run of their own, the Bearkats did not let up and put the match away to win the set and the match.
Cleveland finished the game with 14 kills and 16 digs while senior middle blocker Kim Black contributed with 12 kills and 5 digs.
The Bearkats next two matches are against Texas Southern and the University of Colorado at 1 p.m and 6 p.m.