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.
You Can’t Always Get Your Wish
By Cheval John
Clint Dempsey always had a chip on his shoulder.
He never had an entitlement like others who play the sport of soccer had during their childhood.
He grew up in a lower-middle class family in Nacogdoches, Texas where he had to fight for everything.
He carried that attitude all the way to the English Premier League, where he displayed his talent and ability to score at will for Fulham, F.C.
During that time, he played under four head coaches and each time, he had to prove himself time and time again.
That what separated him from the others as he became the first American international to score 50 career goals in the EPL and establish himself as one of the best players in the world.
Dempsey always had a knack for knowing what he wants.
He got a taste of what it was like to play in a European club competition when Fulham played in the UEFA Europa League during the 2009-10 season.
His most memorable moment came in the second leg of the match against Juventus in Craven Cottage, when he chip in a beautiful ball from outside the penalty area into the net for the game-winning goal that knocked the Italian club out of the competition.
They made it to the final that season, but lost to Atletico Madrid.
He knew that he was not getting any younger and that he made it clear that he wanted to play for an UEFA Champions League club.
To him, it was not about the money, but the very opportunity to experience the atmosphere of playing in what is arguably, the most prestigious club competitions in Europe.
Liverpool, F.C. showed interest in acquiring Dempsey during the off season.
Dempsey didn’t travel with the team for training and was determined to get out with all possible means.
The Reds wavered because they did not meet the asking price by Fulham.
By the time the 2012-13 season began, Dempsey did not report to the team, which indicated that he was done with the club.
On the other hand, Liverpool tried to make a last ditch effort by midnight on Friday before the transfer window, but to no avail.
It seemed as if Dempsey was going to remain at Fulham.
But, at the last minute, Tottenham Hotspur reached an agreement with the Cottagers to acquire Dempsey.
The Spurs are currently in the Europa League this season after being knocked out by Chelsea, who won the UEFA Champions League final last season.
Though it wasn’t the team that Dempsey wanted, he got his wish because not only is he playing for a club that came close to play in the Champions League, but he doesn’t have to move miles away from his home in London.
Some see this drama as him being selfish because he is making millions of dollars and is playing in the best league in the world.
But to others, they see a player who wants to experience the atmosphere of playing in the Champions League.
Depending on which side of the fence you’re on, one thing is certain; Dempsey will not make the U.S. National team when they play Jamaica in the qualifier matches for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil that is set to begin in a couple of weeks.
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