2005 11 29

Page 1

C a l i f o r n i a S t a t e U n i v e r s i t y, F u l l e r t o n

DAILY TITAN

Tu e s d a y, N o v e m b e r 2 9 , 2 0 0 5

Inside

Stepping it up for CSUF

Vo l u m e 8 1 , I s s u e 4 7

California’s endangered lands

This Issue Sports

w w w. d a i l y t i t a n . c o m

Wildlife habitats have changed as stateʼs population has grown By BRYAN BARNETT Daily Titan Staff

James Marshall, a construction worker, spotted the first shiny speckles of gold dotting the floor of Californiaʼs American River more than 150 years ago. He bent over the icy waters and reached into its depths, pull-

ing out the future of California, clutching it tightly. For more than 800 animal species it was a dark, foreboding future. The discovery of gold sparked a massive influx of people into the state, and the growth has continued. In the past decade, development of certain areas of California has peaked, and the pollution caused by its new residents has imperiled more than 800 animal species, according to a two-year government study released last week. “We looked at region by region and we found that the main factor

here is development,” said coauthor David Bunn of UC Davis in a report. Bunn, as project manager for the Wildlife Health Center, manages many different conservation jobs for the state. His work deals with animals, such as mountain lions and sea otters, that are on the verge of endangerment. But for Bunn, this particular project was a chance to secure millions of dollars from the state and federal governments to save the California wildlife. More than half of the 800 species in jeop-

ardy cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Bunn and his 12-person team met with conservation experts, water agency workers, farmers and other groups from nine regions of California to compile the nearly 500-page report. The results offer specific goals for each region of the state to help conserve habitat and species, especially in rapidly urbanizing areas. “For example, the Riverside region has a lot of biodiversity but a lot of growth as well,”

Bunn said, adding that growth has already peaked in much of Orange County. In Marshallʼs time, grassland covered 25 percent of Californiaʼs landscape, and hundreds of species of birds used the pristine locales lining the coast as layovers on their annual migratory flights from Canada to South America. Today, less than 1 percent of the original grasslands remain, WILDLIFE 3

Junior point gaurd ‘Little Bobby’ fills big shoes for team despite absence of last season’s leaders 6

Faculty Focus

RACHEL TERLIZZI/For the Daily Titan

CSUF graduate skates back to class, as part-time teacher, full-time student; still has time for surf 2

Briefs Saddam lashes out in trial, travelers stranded by storm, Bush presses for immigration reform 2

Surf Report Huntington

1-3 ft. ankle- to waist-high and fair conditions.

San Clemente

1-2 ft. ankle- to knee-high with and poor-fair conditions. Compiled from www.surfline.com

Weather Today Partly Cloudy 68º/50º Wednesday Partly Cloudy 70º/51º Thursday Mostly Cloudy 70º/53º Friday Few Showers 63º/49º Saturday Partly Cloudy 63º/44º Compiled from The Weather Channel

Putting AIDS on radar Changes made to Campaign promotes safe sex, knowledge about sexual diseases By PAUL SAIEDI For the Daily Titan

A campaign to cover safe-sex issues and AIDS prevention is held this year on campus in freshman-level classes and in residence halls. Thursday, CSUFʼs Health Center will host a World AIDS Day celebration to promote abstinence and safe sex in front of the Titan Walkway from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. “During the campaign last year, the slogan we ran was, ʻHey Titan, Cover Your Trunk,ʼ” said Mary Herman, director of health education and promotion at CSUF. The number of low-income black and Latino women infected with AIDS is on the rise in Orange County, Herman said. An increase in the number of people getting tested for HIV and AIDS caused a drop in the number of people tested for other sexually-transmitted diseases such as herpes, syphilis and gonorrhea, she said. This caused the number of sexually-transmitted-disease cases to rise and focused attention

away from HIV and AIDS issues, access HIV care and treatment. Herman said. Minorities may encounter socio“AIDS is not on peopleʼs radar economic and cultural barriers to educational and preventive servicscreen anymore,” she said. State health officials in August es, primary care and treatment and reported 138,198 cases of HIV access to costly drug therapies, and AIDS in California and 6,637 said Dr. Dennis T. Wong, the physician who ran the analysis. in Orange County. “Our objective before and after Orange County has the fifth highest number of HIV and AIDS the analysis is the same, to provide cases, trailing Los Angeles, San the drugs these people need and Francisco, San Diego and Alameda cannot get a hold of,” said Kathy Russell, section counties. chief of the AIDS HIV, human During the camDrug Assistance immunodeficiency paign last year, Program. virus, weakens the There are 17 immune system the slogan was, kinds of antiand can lead to ‘Hey Titan, Cover HIV drugs that AIDS. Your Trunk.’ are given in varyStudents can Mary Herman ing combinations receive an HIV Director of health as standard care, test at Cal State education and promotion Lange said. Fullerton for $16. The AIDS In Orange Drug Assistance County, many facilities provide confidential HIV Program can be accessed at over testing and treatment options, 230 sites offering enrollment, eligibility and screening. Herman said. Every state offers drug-assisThe AIDS Drug Assistance Program provides medication tance services for people with and treatment for 128,078 low- AIDS, but California has one income HIV and AIDS patients in of the most generous, providing help for anyone making less than California. A February analysis of the AIDS $50,000 a year, Russell said. The AIDS Drug Assistance Drug Assistance Program by the California Department of Health Program was established in 1987 Services said it might be more and has an operating budget of difficult for blacks and Latinos to $265 million for 2006.

CPR guidelines Methods ʻimprove victimsʼ chancesʼ of surviving heart attacks By CARMELLIA MUNGUIA Daily Titan Staff

The American Heart Association on Monday released new guidelines and recommendations for medical personnel to perform CPR. Implementing new guidelines will not occur overnight, but with the changes, medical professionals will have to learn new skills. Sergio Islas, a communications director at the American Heart Association in Los Angeles, said there is no need for the layperson to update his or her existing certification. However, once the person is up for renewal, he or she should receive training based on the new guidelines. The new regulations are mainly for medical personnel and professionals. The changes are to “improve the victimsʼ chances of recovery and to simplify teaching CPR skills.”

At the Cal State Fullerton Childrenʼs Center all master teachers and major staffers are certified to perform CPR, cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Betsy Gibbs, director of the Childrenʼs Center, said all certified personnel will update their CPR certificates in January, when new staffers and parents are trained. According to the heart associationʼs Web site, abnormal heart rhythm is the most common cause of cardiac arrest. Tom Mercier, a registered nurse and regional faculty member for the association, said there are two types of CPR, one that is performed by the layman and one performed by the medical professional. The layman is sometimes uncomfortable with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, but it is better to compress the chest than nothing at all. The Associated Press reported that about 75 percent to 80 percent of all cardiac arrests outside a hospital happen at home, and effective CPR can double a victimʼs chance of survival. CPR 4

Students can get ahead with leadership program Classes offer campus involvement, career training, diversity By VALERIE SWAYNE Daily Titan Staff

While most Cal State Fullerton students are looking forward to a break at the end of the semester, others are planning for spring internships and extracurricular activities. “Thereʼs a lot of competitiveness out there,” said Cynthia Viramontes, a fourth-year communications major. “The more prepared you are,

the less stress youʼll have.” With help from the Student Leadership Institute, students can breathe a bit easier. The Student Leadership Institute started at CSUF in 1992 as an introductory skill-building program. Originally part of Greek Life activities, its success allowed it to expand to serve the entire campus community. Each semester, 40 CSUF faculty and staff members volunteer their time to give students presentations on various self-development topics such as time management. There were 227 applicants in the beginning of the fall semester, but only 170 completed the programʼs

orientation. “One of our challenges is to find ways for students to commit to the workshops,” said Kevin McGinnis, coordinator of the leadership program. The program recruits students from New Student Orientation, classroom presentations and table displays at different colleges on campus. Looking for a way to get involved on campus, Viramontes signed up for the Student Leadership Institute after seeing it on the Dean of Students Web site. In her first year at CSUF, she completed the certificate tracks in Peer Education and University

Leadership. “SLI motivated me even more to seek more leadership roles on campus and be involved in school,” Viramontes said. After completing the Public Service and Non-Profit and Career Leadership tracks in her second year, she worked as the marketing coordinator for the program and founded a club in the fall of 2004 as a way to bring fellow and former leadership students together. Since her involvement in the program, Viramontes feels the leadership skills she learned will benefit her when sheʼs job hunting in the future. “One thing I learned in SLI is

how to present myself to employers in interviews,” she said. “Also, handling conflict is important because you have to deal with different people in the workforce.” Director of the Student Leadership Institute Susan Amdahl first became involved with the program as a participant in Educating Myself for Better Racial Awareness and Cultural Enrichment. “That was really eye opening. It allowed me to become familiar with other cultures and identify with my own culture,” she said. The program offers a “safe environment where people can dive into LEADERSHIP 4


NEWS

2 Tuesday, November 29, 2005

News IN RIEF World

www.dailytitan.com

news@dailytitan.com • (714) 278-4415

Calendar

Smokin’ tradition

NOV. 29, 2005

B

Today: ASI is hosting Bowling Mania. Students can win prizes by knocking down different colored pins. For more information, call (714) 278-2144.

Saddam lashes out at U.S. in hearing

Today thru Dec. 8: Volunteers are needed for the Orangewood Childrenʼs Home Holiday Party. The party will be Dec. 8, from 5:45 to 8 p.m. For information, call the Volunteer and Service Center at (714) 278-7623.

BAGHDAD, Iraq – A combative Saddam Hussein lashed out Monday at his treatment by American “occupiers and invaders” and lectured the chief judge about leadership as his trial resumed in a rambling and unfocused session. Two of the seven other defendants also spoke out during the 2 1/2-hour hearing, complaining of their treatment in detention or dissatisfaction with their court-appointed counsel.

Nation Government falls in no-confidence vote TORONTO – A corruption scandal forced a vote of no-confidence Monday that toppled Prime Minister Paul Martinʼs minority government, triggering an unusual election campaign during the winter holidays. Canadaʼs three opposition parties, which control a majority in Parliament, voted against Martinʼs government, claiming his Liberal Party no longer has the moral authority to lead the nation.

Travelers stranded in snowstorms

DENVER – Travelers trying to get home after Thanksgiving were stranded across the Plains on Monday as the regionʼs first big snowstorm of the season closed hundreds of miles of highways, reducing visibility to zero and piling snow drifts 6-feet high. Snow driven by winds of about 70 mph fell from North Dakota to the Texas Panhandle, shutting down schools, post offices and South Dakota state government.

Bush presses for immigration reforms

TUCSON, Ariz. – President Bush said Monday that he wants to crack down on those who enter the country illegally but also give out more visas to foreigners with jobs, a dual plan he hopes will appease the social conservatives and business leaders who are his core supporters. “The American people should not have to choose between a welcoming society and a lawful society,” Bush said. “We can have both at the same time.”

State Republican Rep. says he took bribes SAN DIEGO – Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham, an eight-term congressman, pleaded guilty to graft and tearfully resigned Monday, admitting he took $2.4 million in bribes, mostly from defense contractors in exchange for government business and other favors. “The truth is I broke the law, concealed my conduct, and disgraced my office,” the 63-year-old Republican said at a news conference. “I know that I will forfeit my freedom, my reputation, my worldly possessions, most importantly, the trust of my friends and family.”

Pilot survives plane crash unscathed SAN DIEGO – The pilot walked away from the wreckage of a small plane that crashed in the rural Eucalyptus Hills area near state Route 67. The uninjured pilot was the only person on board the single-engine aircraft, which was on a flight Sunday from Livermore to Gillespie Field in El Cajon, the Federal Aviation Administration said. The name of the pilot wasnʼt disclosed. Reports compiled from The Associated Press

DAILY TITAN EDITORIAL

Executive Editor Managing Editor Production Manager Asst. Production Editor News Editor Asst. News Editor Asst. News Editor Sports Editor Asst. Sports Editor Entertainment Editor Asst. Entertainment Editor Opinion Editor Photo Editor Photo Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Copy Editor Internet Editor Adviser Main Line (714) 278-3373 News Line (714) 278-4415

Nicole M. Smith Kim Orr Manuel Irigoyen Virginia Terzian Courtney Bacalso Nick Cooper Henry Truc Kevin Metz Laurens Ong Amanda Pennington Mahsa Khalilifar Julie Kim Gabriel Fenoy Oana Pucar Dianika Abbott Matt Ballinger Laura Peltakian Joshua Sigar Tom Clanin Editorial Fax (714) 278-4473 E-mail: news@dailytitan.com

ADVERTISING

Director of Advertising Asst. Ad Director/Classified Ad Production Manager Ad Production Designer Ad Production Designer National Sales/Promoting Entertainment Account Executive Account Executive Account Executive Account Executive Account Executive Account Executive Account Executive Project Director Ad Webmaster Distribution Business Manager/Adviser Main Line (714) 278-3373 Advertising (714) 278-4411

Can Sengezer Emily Alford Keith Hansen Andy Marsh Dan Herchek Jackie Kimmel Kimberly Leung Lesley Wu Derrick Salatnay Vanessa Rumbles Rich Boyd Sarah Oak Victoria Scott Leanne Saita Dan Beam Santana Ramos Robert Sage Advertising Fax (714) 278-2702 E-mail: ads@dailytitan.com

The Daily Titan is a student publication, printed every Monday through Thursday. The Daily Titan operates independently of Associated Students, College of Communications, CSUF administration and the CSUF System. The Daily Titan has functioned as a public forum since inception. Unless implied by the advertising party or otherwise stated, advertising in the Daily Titan is inserted by commercial activities or ventures identified in the advertisements themselves and not by the university. Such printing is not to be construed as written or implied sponsorship, endorsement or investigation of such commercial enterprises. The Daily Titan allocates one issue to each student for free. Copyright ©2005 Daily Titan

GABRIEL FENOY/Daily Titan Photo Editor

Nima Moradian, a member of the ASI Board of directors, smokes out of a hookah in the CSUF Quad the week before Thanksgiving. The Middle Eastern Student Society sponsored a free event to help introduce some aspects of Middle Eastern culture to students. The event featured music, dance and traditional foods.

Faculty

FOCUS

Part-time teacher, full-time student, allthe-time surfer, skater By DANICA HART Daily Titan Staff

That guy skateboarding across the street toward College Park every Tuesday and Thursday, the one in jeans and a T-shirt, with blond hair and brown eyes – that could be your teacher. Paul Wright, 26, teaches Human Communication Studies 100, a class that introduces students to the scientific and interpretive study of human communication. Wright graduated Summa Cum Laude from Cal State Fullerton in 2004 with a degree in communications, focusing on print journalism. He teaches at CSUF and is also a student going for his masters degree in Human Communication Studies. Being a 26-year-old part-time teacher and a full-time student doesnʼt leave much time for extracurricular activities, but Wright somehow manages to squeeze in surfing about three times a week. “Iʼve been surfing since I was 12. Surfers have to be the most selfish people on the earth; youʼll sacrifice relationships, jobs and the wellbeing of other people because the surf gets good so infrequently. Itʼs

all about getting the right combination of swell, tide and wind. Itʼs all consuming, like a disease,” Wright said. Born and raised in Huntington Beach, Wright can often be found at the Santa Ana River jetties, just on the border of Huntington Beach and Newport Beach. Although he would rise at the crack of dawn for a good wave, his true love is his skateboard. Wright started skating before learning to surf and still considers surfing “soft” compared to skating. Growing up, Wright skated with Huntingtonʼs legends and eventual professionals, such as Ed Templeton, Jason Lee, Chet Thomas and Thomasʼ cousin Steven Roberts. And, when he got home, he would go skate the half-pipe in his backyard. “Because I have the knees of a 40-year-old man, I donʼt get to skate as much as Iʼd like to,” said Wright, chuckling and sitting on his board casually rolling back and forth. Donʼt be fooled by the youthful face or skateboard in tow; he may look like a student, but heʼs definitely a teacher in the classroom. “My favorite part about teaching is encouraging the students to analyze the truth merit of the cultural norms, values and rules that they hold themselves up to,” he said. After transferring from Golden West College to CSUF, Wright still wasnʼt exactly sure about what he wanted to do with his education. But the course of his life changed when he enrolled in one of Robert Gassʼ courses, the Processes of Social Influence.

Today thru Dec. 10: Cal State Fullerton Grand Central Theatre presents “Two Original One Acts.” Tickets are $10. For general admission and $5 for advance Titan Discount. For information (714) 278-3371. Today thru Dec. 15: Titans can donate toys to children as the Camp Titan Toy Drive starts. For more information, call (714) 278-2468. Saturday: Join ASI for Bowling Family Night. Children under 6 bowl free with a paying adult, and children from 7 to 17 bowl free every other game with a paying adult. For more information, call (714) 278-2144.

DANICA HART/Daily Titan

There, Wright became enamored with the reasons why people are persuaded or influenced to believe or behave in a particular manner. After CSUF, he hopes to attend UC Santa Barbara for a doctorate in social psychology or communications, focusing on media effects and persuasion research. “My experience as a student at CSUF has been excellent. I highly recommend students take a course with Dr. Tony Rimmer in the communications department because he cares about the studentsʼ future maybe more than any other teacher Iʼve met,” Wright said. Besides CSUF, Wrightʼs resume includes coaching basketball at Marina High School in Huntington Beach, tutoring seventh- and eighthgraders in science and history and working weekends at Surfline.com. Whether heʼs in a wetsuit catching a wave or behind the desk at CSUF, his focus and determination is adamant. Maintaining straight Aʼs while attending CSUF is only an example of the standards he holds himself up to. “Weʼre so lucky to have the opportunities we do in this country,” Wright said. “I donʼt want to take anything for granted.”

Dec. 1: The Peer Health Education and the Health Center are hosting World AIDS Day 2005 Chalk Art Contest. The contest goes from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Titan Walkway. For more information, call (714) 278-2833. Dec. 1 thru Dec. 2: “Love Without Borders” an International Film Festival will be held in the Humanities and Social Sciences Building, Room 123. For more information, call (714) 278-2577. Dec. 2 thru Dec. 11: The Cal State Fullerton Department of Theatre and Dance presents “Bus Stop” by William Inge. Tickets are $9, $8 with advance Titan Discount. For more information, call (714) 278-2434. Dec. 4: Join the Fullerton Fire Department at the Fullerton Transportation Center for the Metrolink Holiday Toy Express train to promote the 13th annual Spark of Love Toy Drive. For more information, call (714) 7386500. All events are free and on campus unless otherwise indicated. To have a specific entry added to the calendar section, please send an email to news@dailytitan.com.


NEWS

Daily Titan

news@dailytitan.com • (714) 278-4415

Tuesday, November 29, 2005 3

Development trends encroach on state’s natural landscapes WILDLIFE

from page 1

leaving many species homeless. In Orange County, the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve exists to safeguard the natural state of Californiaʼs coast in that area. Nestled in the heart of Newport Beach near the familiar hum of traffic on Coast Highway, the preserve constitutes one of 19 remaining bays and estuaries for migratory birds in Southern California. There used to be hundreds. One species, a bird called the clapper rail, is almost exclusively found in the Upper Newport Bay, with only 30 percent of its entire population living elsewhere. “Itʼs worth taking the time to explain to people why itʼs important to protect these species,” said Sue Mcintire, a park ranger in charge of most of the preserveʼs affairs. Mcintire oversees the overall well-being of the park, including ensuring the safety of guests in the park and the protection of resources, and removing nonnative plants and clearing trails. She also offers classes a few times

a week to educate people about the sensitive state of the remaining 10 percent of Southern Californiaʼs wetlands. The other 90 percent has been developed. Mcintire said the Upper Newport Bay almost became a marina early in its life, but the overwhelming support of locals helped to turn it into a successful preserve, although one that requires steady attention. Urbanization has increased the preserveʼs need for special attention. An important element of any wetland is the ability of water to drain from surrounding areas properly and naturally. This area is referred to as a watershed, and proper drainage avoids sediment buildup, pollution, and habitat loss. While the watershed draining into Upper Newport Bay once comprised 32 square miles, this figure has quintupled to over 150 square miles because of artificial, man-made waterways. Matt Yurko, a volunteer at the preserve, said, “Pollutants like fertilizers and herbicides that run off the land out of the watershed and into the bay have a wider effect than just locally.” Yurko works in the bay growing and transplanting native plants

RACHEL TERLIZZI/For the Daily Titan

The Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve provides layover space for birds that migrate through Southern California. Several volunteers work to restore native plants and wildlife in the area. Just 10 percent of California’s wetlands remain undeveloped. from flats into seedlings, and eventually to areas in the bay. Native plants usually serve as food and shelter – commodities Yurko believes are becoming scarce – for local wildlife. “Weʼre trying to restore the wildlife habitat,” he said. “Weʼre losing a lot of it … food, water, shelter, space. This is one of the best spots

in the North American Pacific flyway for migratory birds.” This particular path for birds, one of the four major world migratory pathways, flows twice a year when birds fly from breeding areas in Canada during the spring to southern areas for winter. Without as many stops during this intercontinental journey, many birds arenʼt

making the trek. Bunn hopes the report compiled by the Wildlife Health Center in concert with the state Department of Fish and Game will help generate funds to provide land and shelter for these birds and other animals affected by human actions. He hopes people will recognize the significance of this endeavor and

that its success is worth more than the currently allotted annual $3 million, a figure higher than any other stateʼs. “Hopefully it will get the state or federal government to invest in wildlife conservation. These resources belong to everybody, so in some way everybody should chip in,” Bunn said.


2 Tuesday, November 29, 2005

NEWS

www.dailytitan.com

news@dailytitan.com • (714) 278-4415

LEADERSHIP

from page 1

their personal feelings.” Students confront cultural stereotypes as well develop tolerance for othersʼ differences. “Because of what I took away from it, I want to give other people the opportunity to grow and learn about things they can use in order

CPR

from page 1

Sudden cardiac arrest can occur after a heart attack or as a result of electrocution or a near drowning. More than 300,000 Americans die each year of cardiac arrest. The Heart Association estimates that more than 95 percent of

to be successful people,” she said. “Itʼs important for me to know that people can walk away from this program with a positive impact on their lives.” While each track requires approximately 10 to 11 individual workshops in order to earn a certificate for completion, students are welcome to attend any of the sessions to gain insight into aspects of leadership that can be learned

through the program. McGinnis hopes they will “plant the seed to get them to think about it.” “The goal is to become a better leader,” he said. “The certificate is just a piece of paper…. What I would want students to get out of the program, besides specific skills like event planning, would be to recognize the pervasiveness of leadership in everything they do.”

cardiac arrest victims die before they get to the hospital, the article said. Studies show that chest compressions can enhance blood flow through the heart to the rest of the body, buying time until a defibrillator can be used or the heart can pump blood on its own. Studies have also shown that blood circulation increases with each chest

compression and must be built back up after an interruption, according to the article. Mercier works with CME Associates in Orange and trains CPR trainers. He said his organization will likely incorporate the new guidelines between January and July. Mercier and his staff will attend workshops and then teach new instructors.


SPORTS

6 Tuesday, November 29, 2005

www.dailytitan.com

sports@dailytitan.com • (714) 278-3149

Stepping it up The junior point guard they call “Little Bobby” is filling big shoes on a Fullerton basketball team with even bigger expectations. By HENRY TRUC Daily Titan Asst. News Editor

Despite losing two of their top scorers and a slew Vocal leadership was something that Brown and the of veteran leadership, the Cal State Fullerton menʼs coaching staff worked on over the summer. Despite basketball team is expected to have a better season than being one of the teamʼs best players, Brownʼs verbal last yearʼs National Invitation Tournament appearance. leadership skills did not fully progress until recently. Thatʼs because junior point guard Bobby Brown is “[In the past], he used to be more quiet,” said red-shirt finally ready for his breakout season. sophomore Scott Cutley, who played with Brown in The 6ʼ2”, 170-pound Westchester High School prod- high school. “Heʼs becoming more of a leader everyday. uct has been overshadowed his entire basketball career He knows this is his team.” by former high school teammates like Arizona Wildcat Brownʼs transition into leadership may have been guard Hassan Adams and New York Knick forward eased by his magnetic personality, an asset that helped Trevor Ariza and then by Titan standouts Pape Sow and recruit some of the Titanʼs best and most promising Ralphy Holmes. players like freshmen Jerard Moret and Jerrel Lake, and “I didnʼt feel bad,” said Brown, who added that he Cutley, all of whom played at Westchester. loved playing with Sow and Holmes. “It was just some“The big thing about him is that heʼs the type of kid thing that made me stronger as that other players are really a person on and off the court. It drawn to because they really [Brown] is one of the added fuel to my fire.” respect his athletic ability and really great stories in The 21-year-old communihis passion for the game and cations major known as “LB” his winning attitude,” Burton college basketball – short for Little Bobby - looks to said. “He really draws players because he’s a kid who lead the reloaded Titans to a sucto him. He is probably, to be wasn’t really highly cessful season in order to live up really honest, the best recruitrecruited, and now he er weʼve had in this program. to expectations and garner more has a chance to play in Heʼs really responsible for at attention from NBA scouts. the NBA. least three or four players being “Heʼs such an interesting here, and they came because he story,” said CSUF Head Coach Bob Burton was here.” Bob Burton, the person Brown Fullerton Coach Even with his new status, credits for playing the biggest role Brown hasnʼt let his success in his basketball career. “Heʼs one of the really great stories in college basketball because change his personality. “Bobbyʼs still the same person,” Cutley said. “Always hereʼs a kid who wasnʼt really highly recruited, and now cracking jokes. Heʼs been one of my best friends since he has a chance to play in the NBA.” As a youth growing up in the rough streets of back in Westchester … He gets along with everybody.” On the court, the Titan faithful have already seen Inglewood, Brown used basketball to stay out of trouble. But his lack of size - he was only 5ʼ2” as a freshman an emotional player with an improved jump shot and at national powerhouse Westchester - kept him on the stronger court-vision. bench where his skills went unnoticed. It wasnʼt until In the teamʼs season opener, a blowout-win against his senior year that Brown had the opportunity to start Hope International, Brown scored 13 points in the first full-time, grabbing the attention of CSUF coaches. half and sat out the second with the game decided. “We recruited him basically because we needed help “Heʼs grown up to be what a point guardʼs supat the point guard position,” Burton said. “We actually posed to be,” said senior forward Jamaal Brown, who had no idea he would play as much as he did as a fresh- is expected to have a very big season of his own and man [in college], but because of our team at that stage, has already shown the ability to carry the Titans for he was thrown into the fire and was allowed to play on extended stretches in games. “His whole game is better the spot and learn at the college level.” and heʼs more verbal. Heʼs the leader of this team and Brown proved to be a fast learner, earning Big West heʼs who we look to when adversity comes around.” Freshman of the Year honors and showing growth Adversity came around when the team played potential as his statistics continued to improve. His sec- Pepperdine. With five minutes left in the game and his ond season with the Titans, Brown averaged 16.8 points team down by three, Bobby Brown took over. Using - four points shy of beating Holmes for the Big West crossovers and hitting the clutch shots, he scored 10 scoring title in 2004 - and 4.6 assists per game. straight points as the Titans cruised to a 76-66 win. “Coming in. I knew I had to be a leader. Iʼm the With the excitement of a promising season, the NBA point guard, itʼs kind of like being the quarterback of draft rumors, and his leadership responsibilites, Bobby the team.” Brown said. “Coach [Burton] preached that Brownʼs biggest challenge may be to stay focused. [Iʼm] going to have to be the leader. [Iʼm] going to have “Itʼs fun,” he said. “But Iʼm going to stay humble to be more vocal.” though.”

CARLOS DELGADO/For the Daily Titan

Bobby Brown has been a focal point of the Titan’s offense this season, averaging a career high 17.5 points per game in wins over Hope International and Pepperdine University. The junior point guard, who has stepped up his vocal role on the team as a leader, took control of the game at Titan Gym last Wednesday with his skills on the court. Brown out-scored the Waves 10-0 late in the second half, propelling his team to a 76-66 victory.

In-Depth, Drawn-Out Career highlights: - Big West Freshman of the Year for averaging 13.2 points, 3.5 assists, and two rebounds a game during the 2003-2004 season. - Big West Honorable Mention his sophomore year, when he averaged 16.8 points, 4.6 assists and 2.6 rebounds a game to help his team advance to the third round of the National Invitational Tournament. - Pre-season Big West All-Conference selection this season, where he has assumed a leadership role as captain and point guard of the the Titans, who are projected to finish first in their conference.

Career highs:

CARLOS DELGADO/DFor the Daily Titan

Bobby Brown prepares to shoot a free throw in practice last week at Titan Gym. The Titans will be on the road for the entire month of December.

30 13 7 6

points against Eastern Washington in a 70-68 win on the road on 12/10/04. assists in a 107-73 home victory against Hope International on 11/27/04. rebounds in an 85-69 second-round win at University of San Francisco in the NIT on 3/18/05. steals in a 63-60 loss at San Diego State on 12/21/04.


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.