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BOLD NEW U
NO.
Students reject fee increase for new union.
T
he two-year long campaign for the Bold New Union came to a grinding halt last week after a majority of students voted in opposition of the fee increase which would fund the facility. The result of the vote was announced alongside the winners of next years’ Associated Student, Inc. (ASI) positions Thursday, March 30, at the University Student Union pavilion. The new union voting outcome was the last item announced and was received by a silent crowd – in comparison to the cheerful claps moments before when the 15 senators and three
By Diana Giraldo | @diana_inspired other executive officers were announced. Dr. Frank Lamas, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, who was a main proponent of the Bold New U, said that although he wished the referendum passed, he respects the opinion and the vote of the students. “I am very disappointed that it did not pass. However, the voice of the students was loud and clear that they did not want a fee increase,” said Lamas. “The pros and cons of having a new facility and the fee is something that they obviously
were concerned with, given the vote.” The final tally was 1,846 no votes to 1,217 yes votes. The University Student Union Board of Directors responded to the outcome, also acknowledging that the students’ voices were heard. “We will take this as an opportunity to reflect upon the many conversations that we had with the thousands of students that were for and against the initiative,” the statement read. “We will continue to work with our campus partners and will not give up on the Bold
New U. There is still a need for a new student union. As the student body continues to grow and evolve, Fresno State needs a facility that meets the needs of current and future students.” Within the student population the reactions to the results varied. “The students spoke – there was about a 500 to 600 vote gap in there, that’s what they decided,” said Blake Zante, ASI president-elect. “That’s how they feel.” Many were not as neutral as See BOLD NEW U, Page 3
OPINION
GOT OPINIONS? We want to hear them. COLLEGIAN-OPINION@CSUFRESNO.EDU MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017
2
ASI ELECTIONS
Students vote ‘no.’ Now what? By Amber Carpenter @shutupambs
Thursday afternoon, after months of campaigning from Student Involvement and other campus organizations, students voted against the Bold New U fee referendum – meaning they also voted against student fee increases for future Fresno State students and against the construction of a new facility on campus. The news arrives as a double-edged sword – it’s not completely unheard of to have a new facility on campus that showcases new technology, but it seemed unfair for current students to make financial decisions for students who haven’t yet even decided to attend the university. This “no” vote could be considered a huge loss for Student Involvement. Fresno State Student Involvement and Student Affairs spearheaded the effort to inform and reinforce the need for the new student union on campus. Not only could this be considered a monetary loss – between the #BoldNewU swag, the many informational student forums and the time spent lobbying with students for a vote in favor of the new facility – but also a loss of morale. The way campus organizations championed the project was problematic in nature – insinuating that students should vote in favor of constructing the new student union, citing the lack of financial responsibility that they will personally experience and placing that same responsibility on future students. Even throughout the week of ASI elections, representatives from Student Involvement were still strong in their effort, handing out stickers to students in favor of the #BoldNewU, next to the voting station.
Christian Ortuno • The Collegian
Fresno State students, faculty and staff watch as the ASI election results are announced at the Pavilion in the USU on March. 30, 2017.
Even those who voted against the new student union were shocked at the loss, especially because the referendum flopped by nearly 600 votes. This is shocking, considering the amount of student backing the Bold New U project appeared to have. So what do organizations like Student Involvement or campus institutions like Student Affairs do after a decision like this? The rejected referendum should not be considered a pipe dream. Those in favor of the new facility saw an opportunity to grow the campus and worked hard to make it a reality. However, the marketing of the facility as a need and not a want was misleading – and could have caused the loss. If students have outgrown the current facility and there is a genuine need for a new union on campus, efforts should be made to accommodate
either the renovation or construction of a new building. Selling the new student union project as “it’ll be their problem and not yours,” may seem beneficial in theory, but in regards to the vote, didn’t fly for the majority of the student population. All hope is not lost for a Bold New U, but it would be wise of Student Involvement to take a look at these results and the decision of students and consider other needs first – needs that include a more diverse staff, classroom upgrades and increased safety are among the first to come to mind. The Student Recreation Center, a building on campus financed by student fees – the same fees that would go towards the construction on the new student union – is falling apart before our eyes. In a letter to the editor published in Oct 2016, a Fresno
State student cited almost 15 machines as “out of order.” Shouldn’t we address these needs before a brand new building is built? However, there’s no telling whether or not this vote was merely a formality. In a year or two, it’s probable that the Bold New U will not be an option, but a fee increase and facility implemented on students without their vote. If or when the time comes when students don’t have the opportunity to vote, it would be in the best interest of students and faculty if campus needs are tended to initially, and then private funds are raised in order to ensure minimal fees to the students eventually paying for the new student union. Fresno State administrators were already willing to raise more than 10 million dollars for a new union, why not challenge that as much as possible and raise even more, thus reducing fees for future students? That’s where the voices of students come in – it is our responsibility as students at this university to challenge administrators to minimize student fees as much as possible. The referendum vote is not enough. We must hold administrators accountable to keep student fees as low as possible, especially in the wake of the Bold New U results. Eventually, a day will come when the student population has truly outgrown the current USU – and the university should be able to provide a place that facilitates student growth without the dramatic increase of fees. At the end of the day, students used their voices and it was bold for administrators to leave the decision up to students, considering the investments of time and money on the account of Student Involvement.
Jordan Bradley • The Collegian
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THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS
PAGE 3
Majority votes against Bold New U BOLD NEW U from Page 1 Zante. Dan Waterhouse, alumnus and current student who was a panelist for The Collegian’s Campus Conversation on the Bold New U, said he was disappointed with the decision. “As most of campus knows, I supported the proposed Bold New U,” he said. “I still do. It is needed along with new and renovated classrooms. Although I’m disappointed with Thursday’s ballot result, I’m confident this project will eventually move forward.” Alejandra Rocha, a natural sciences major, said she was happy about the outcome because she did not want student fees to be increased. “We had people come to our classroom and speak about what they wanted to do with it and from what I got from it was kind of they wanted it for aesthetic purposes. I feel like [the Bold New U] was not for us, it was more for them to attract new students,” Rocha said. “They told us it was going to come out of our pocket. Also, they said it wouldn’t affect financial aid students, but it is going to affect them. I’m kind of happy it didn’t pass because, me personally, I don’t have the kind of money to be sparing.” Andrew Dadasovich, a political science alumnus who also was a panelist in the Campus Conversation, said he is proud students are recognizing the need to keep fees low. “Diversity in our student body must be a priority over luxury buildings like the
Christian Ortuno • The Collegian
Fresno State students, faculty and staff clap as they hear the ASI election results at the Pavilion in the USU on March 30, 2017.
[Bold New U],” Dadasovich said. “Thank you all for taking on the challenge of voting against the administration in favor of future students.” Looking forward Lamas said he would be meeting with Fresno State President Dr. Joseph Castro, other colleagues, student involvement, ASI and students to regroup, learn and see what might be the best next steps. “We will rethink it. We will learn from the situation and there is always possibility we could come back next year and have a referendum,” Lamas said. “We will be trying to better understand what happened.” Lamas added that a referendum and a fee increase were voted on when the Student Recreation Center was presented to students a few years ago. Student fees – of which Fresno State has the lowest in the California State University system at about
$895 a semester – pays for all the student involvement and engagement activities. This includes events such as FresWOW in the beginning of the year and other Rec Center activities. To ease the impact that raising student fees would have on students, the administration was looking to fundraise at least $15 million, out of the potential $80 million the student union project would cost. “We have mentioned that we can fund-
raise even more than that, that we would reduce the fee if we could find more money – we just didn’t know if that would be possible or not,” Lamas said. “We were talking a best guess of how much we could fundraise, but obviously if we could fundraise more we would have lowered the fee at that point.” He added: “There, at some point, has to be trust. We said we would not move forward until we would have at least $15 million raised for the new union. So minimally we were looking at $15 million, so at that point it was a commitment we’ve made for this brand new facility.” Although disappointed in the decision, Lamas said he commends the students who came out and voted – for or against – because it is part of a democratic system. Now starts the period of seeing if the referendum should be proposed again or “whether we should just hear the vote and move on to other things – that’s where the balancing act will be in the future.” This story was contributed by Jessica Johnson.
ASI
Candidates reach the finish line, Zante wins presidency By Razmik Cañas @Raz_Canas
Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) election results for senators and executive members – with Blake Zante elected as next year’s president – were announced Thursday at the University Student Union pavilion. Some 3,228 students voted in this year’s ASI elections, according to Destiny Armendariz, ASI elections commissioner. The ASI referendum for the addition of two new senate positions was approved, the “Bold New U” fee referendum was not. Zante’s entire slate “Students United” candidates won their races, as well. “I’m really humbled and honored actually. I was really overwhelmed when they announced my name,” Zante said. “But I’m feeling great. I’m feeling all the hard work paid off and I’m really looking forward to continuing on next year as president.” Zante, ASI’s current executive vice president, plans to set a political agenda based on the needs that were addressed throughout the campaign period. “I really want to reach out to the other candidates that ran and make sure that I’m addressing their concerns and the issues that they campaigned on,” Zante said. “I think it’s really important that the groups of people that voted for them and the groups of people they represented are also being heard.” Now that he is elected, Zante wants students to continue their passion at Fresno State. “I want them [students] to know that I’m going to work hard to represent their needs and concerns,” Zante said. “I’m going to fo-
cus on the issues I talked about during my campaign. I want Fresno State students to get excited about their campus again and get involved.” Primavera Martinez and Cody Sedano won positions as senator at large. Their campaigns focused on expressing campus diversity and success for every student. Martinez was the only one from the “People of Action” slate to win a seat in the senate, lead by ASI presidential candidate Cecilia Ruesta. Their goal as a team was to actively support the concerns of the diverse student population. “As a senator at large, I will try to ensure that ASI continues to become more and more diverse and inclusive, and that it doesn’t take any step backwards,” Martinez said. “I think that although it would have been great to have my slate members in there, I definitely at least hope the people filling the executive positions will be open to some ideas as to how to make it more diverse and accessible.” Sedano and his slate “A Voice for All Students” all won their positions as senators at large. They want to bring attention to “nontraditional” students. Sedano is a veteran and a single father and hopes that students in similar situations obtain resources needed for their education. “I’m glad I won. I’m glad my slate won. They’re my best friends. We’ve been working in student government for over two years now,” Sedano said. “We love it. This is our passion. We love hearing what students want from us, and we do our best to adhere to that.” This story was contributed by Jessica Johnson.
CORRECTIONS: In the issue printed on Wednesday, March 29, the article “Hungry? Departments rolling out meal vouchers” said departments around campus are purchasing meal vouchers for students. They are not. Departments works with the Food Security Project to provide certificates. In the same issue, the incorrect story was published under the headline “Taking steps to prevent suicide.”
A&E
4
MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017
FASHION SHOW
Fashion students strut in movie themed collections Christian Ortuno • The Collegian
Models walk down the runway during Fashion Inc.’s fashion show in the Satellite Student Union on April 1, 2017.
By Marina McElwee @MarinaMashelle
The Satellite Student Union was transformed into a fashion runway on April 1 when over 100 students and community members came to witness “Lights, Camera, Action!” The fashion show hosted by Fashion Inc., featured student fashion designs and styles with 90 models. Each of the nine collections reflected the designer or stylist’s movie of choice. “Last semester everyone in Fashion Inc. voted on a theme and the theme that won was ‘based on a movie,’” said Carolyn Maxwell, senior fashion merchandising major and president of Fashion Inc. “So all of the designers and stylists will be basing their collections either from a favorite movie or a movie they gained style inspiration from or
connected with.” Maxwell said the club started planning the event a year ago. “Coordinating all of the models together and making sure everyone is in the same place at the same time is the most difficult thing,” Maxwell said. In between collections, Maxwell raffled off prizes that were donated to the show from Dutch Bros, Bebe O’s, Shi Nail and Spa and other sponsors. Krystal Smith, a theater arts - costume design major, created every outfit in her collection from scratch to match an interesting take on “The Little Mermaid”. “I chose to do a kind of Indian or Bollywood version of ‘The Little Mermaid’ because of the sparkles,” Smith said. “I’ve never made those types of outfits before, but I really wanted to do something unique. The biggest chal-
lenge is finding the fabrics. They are kind of hard to find.” Other collections included: Summer ‘91 – inspired by “Boyz in the Hood”; Poor Rich Girl – inspired by “Factory Girl”; Sick Boy – inspired by “Trainspotting”; Wannabe – inspired by “Spice World”; Witness Me – inspired by “Mad Max Fury Road”; Let’s Talk Fashion – inspired by “Confessions of a Shopaholic”; Wild – inspired by “Where the Wild Things Are”; and We Digital 2k17 – inspired by “Dope.” Designers and stylists were responsible for recruiting their own models. Some models were students, but others were friends of the stylists. Riley Soriano, a local model and friend of Smith, modeled in the “Under the Sea” collection. “[The show] adds art to the campus,” Soriano said. “We have a theater department.
We have art and dance and all that stuff, but this is also a big portion of art that I think is unique.” Brandon Sepulveda, ASI vice president of finance, was in the audience and said ASI donated $2,600 to the event. “I think these kinds of events give students that are involved in extracurricular activities the chance to showcase their skills and their passions,” Sepulveda said. “Planning the event, organizing it, getting all of the models – fashion and design is a lot of work, so it really helps to get themselves out there, and we are glad to support them in any way we can.”
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FRESCON
Heroes and villains geek out at FresCon By Eric Zamora @TheCollegian
A sea of people with multicolored hair, extravagant costumes and peculiar props gathered in the North Gym at Fresno State to celebrate their shared love of all things geeky. FresCon, Fresno State’s own two-day, multigenre entertainment and comic convention, celebrated its third year on campus with a variety of events for all guests. The event was held in 12 rooms across campus, from the Satellite Student Union to the North Gym. Each room featured different activities for guests such as live music and anime viewing. On Saturday, students gathered in the University Student Union for a video games tournament featuring three games: Pokkén Tournament, Street Fighter 5 and Super Smash Bros. 4. “I get tired of playing my brothers every day,” said Jesus Herrera, a fifth-year philosophy and religious studies major, who came
to FresCon purely for the Super Smash Bros. 4 tournament. He initially came to compete with the other guests but looked around other aspects of the convention as well. While many people came for just one event like Herrera, FresCon offered a wide range of events and vendors that appealed to all age groups. Megan Barrow was one of the vendors with her booth “Megan’s Mess,” where she sold her handmade crafts such as crocheted hats, stuffed animals and recycled crafts. “Conventions like this are nice because they’re smaller, so they’re more family-friendly [and] you don’t have to worry,” Barrow said. “Everyone gets to have fun; I feel like that’s a really good thing, especially for families that they have more outlets than just what’s readily available at home.” Many vendors and attendees echoed those sentiments regarding the family aspect of smaller conventions like FresCon. Throughout the many events and lectures, such as a cosplay work-
shop, parents who accompanied their children were just as engaged in the events as the kids. FresCon was also a way to bring more people onto the Fresno State campus. While many students did engage with the events, even more families and people came to the convention. “FresCon is one of my favorites because it’s my local school, so I want to come support and represent here,” said Esther Yang, a third-year business major selling her handmade jewelry. The two days culminated with a panel featuring Erika Harlacher, a voice actress from Los Angeles, on Saturday and a live performance from the Super Soul Bros. on Sunday. “We’re building a community here,” said Oliveri. “That’s the most important part about this: having a geek kind of setting but also being more family-friendly and community organized.” WATCH: For video on this story, visit our website: http://fresnostate.edu/collegian
Khone Saysamongdy • The Collegian
Cosplayers mimic the movements of a robot at FresCon near the North Gym on April 1, 2017.
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THE COLLEGIAN • A&E
MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017
PAGE 5
COMMUNITY EVENT
Big Hat Days brings big fun to Clovis By Megan Trindad @megan_TP
The Table Mountain Casino Big Hat Days filled the streets of downtown Clovis with rides, crafts, food and music during the weekend. The sunny weather brought pleasant warmth to visitors at the festival as they indulged in unique foods and strolled by endless craft booths. “I’ve been coming here since 2007,” Shirley Cathey said.
Megan Trindad • The Collegian
Audrey Amador performs her henna skills on a customer during the BIG Hat Days festival.
“It’s fun to meet the people.” Cathey and her partner sold handmade custom-fitted toe rings, anklets and ear cuffs. She said she has a lot of customers come back each year during the festival. The two-day event did not just appeal to local residents. It also brought out-of-town visitors. Although Jose Cabezas is from San Pablo, he said he comes to the festival every year. Crowds stopped to listen to him play delicate hymns from his flute. Cabezas sells CDs and handmade flutes at his Native American booth. Henna was a popular item at Big Hat Days this year. Creative Henna from Orange County came to the festival offering 100 percent natural herbal henna to their customers. “We’ve been getting quite a good amount of people,” employee Audrey Amador said. She said there is a more-diverse number of people interested in henna this year. Creative Henna travels to different festivals and events throughout California offering henna services. Amador said although henna is not part of her personal culture, she works with Creative Henna to help improve her art skills. “Henna is just something I really use as influence in my regular art,” Amador said. “It’s good to develop your skills as an artist. If you paint basic things every day, you get better at painting the real objects.” Next to all the rides, food and craft booths, a pink fire truck, police car and motorcycles were parked outside a Clovis fire station. The local nonprofit organization, Fresno County Pink Heals, used this area to bring awareness about diseases like breast cancer and leukemia. “The truck doesn’t fight fires anymore, but she fights diseases,” Pink Heals president Lisa Benham said. “The thing about our organization is we want to honor people who have battled [a disease].” Fresno County Pink Heals supports people in the local area who are battling any sort of disease. The pink firetruck, police car and motorcycle each sported handwritten notes from individuals who lost someone due to an illness or who
Megan Trindad • The Collegian
Jose Cabezas plays the flute at his Native American booth as people gather around to listen to him play.
are a survivor. Each vehicle was donated and is named after a different individual who is battling, or has battled, a disease. “I’ve been in education for 28 years, and I feel like I’ve given a lot to the community and through my job. But this, there is just something different.” Benham said. “When you can make someone that’s dying smile. I’m a complete stranger, and they know that we love them and we support them and we want to be there for them.”
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NEWS
6
MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017
FUNDRAISER
Showcasing the ‘magic’ of Camp Kesem By Razmik Cañas @Raz_Canas
Fresno State’s Camp Kesem chapter raised more than $24,000 at its second annual “Make the Magic” fundraising event Saturday at the Fort Washington Golf & Country Club. The event was the biggest fundraising opportunity the group has had, so far, exceeding its original goal of $10,000. The money raised will send 24 students to Camp Kesem. Hannah Poore, a senior sociology and public relations major, was co-coordinator for the event and serves as a camp counselor. “‘Make the Magic’ is our biggest fundraising event of the year,” Poore said. “It’s really heartwarming to see the community want to support our campers.” The event consisted of a formal dinner, a live auction and testimonies from a current camper and former counselor. Students helped plan the entire evening, all with the hopes of getting as many children to camp as possible. Camp Kesem was founded in 2000 and provides free summer camps to children who have been impacted by a parent having cancer. The camps are run by student volunteers from across the country. “Camp Kesem is a really amazing, supportive organization for these kids who
Khone Saysamongdy • The Collegian
Navmit Dhesi known as “Coco” gives Sunshine a hug during the Make the Magic event at the Fort Washington Golf and Country Club in Fresno on April 1, 2017.
oftentimes are going through really scary situations in their family life,” Poore said. “The community that Camp Kesem brings together is just a really supportive environment for people who have gone through similar situations.” Three years ago, Fresno State became the first California State University (CSU) to have a student chapter for Camp Kesem. The team has grown to over 30 volunteers who work year-round, fundraising and organizing camps for children across the
Central Valley. Andrew Moeschberger serves as a summer camp director and purchased an entire table at Saturday’s event. “It was really well done for an event organized by full-time students,” Moeschberger said. “It’s a really impressive event.” He said it’s important to put on this event so children go experience camp. He was impressed with the number of people who donated during the evening’s live auction.
“This [event] is the vast majority of our operating funds for the year. To be able to raise that at an event like this is key to the organization being able to keep serving campers,” Moeschberger said. “Camp Kesem at Fresno State can’t operate without this event.” Poore said the camp is also a learning opportunity for the counselors through their service. “It’s really meaningful to give back to the community and to work with the kids in this way,” Poore said. “You also get to meet really awesome volunteers who are also students, and it’s great experience working with an organization and leadership experience.” She hopes the event can showcase the positive impact a camping experience can have on the community. “We really want to welcome all of the guests to the Kesem family and share with them the spirit of Camp Kesem and how magical of an environment it really is,” Poore said. Khone Saysamongdy contributed to this article.
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THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS
MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017
PAGE 7
‘I see myself becoming the leader for this team’ BASKETBALL from Page 8 develop that. He has to continue to want to do that, but he’ll have every opportunity to be one of those kind of guys.” Williams earned his starting spot on the court because one of the seniors did not take care of business off the court. Senior Karachi Edo was suspended for roughly the first half of the season, which gave Williams the chance to prove himself early. “He got a chance to learn on the job, training from the very beginning,” Terry said. “It was a learning curve for him, and it’s still a learning curve. But he’s trending in the right direction. He’s an extremely hard worker on the court and off the court.” Finding out about his first start made him feel great, Williams said. All of his hard work was paying off. Throughout the season, he focused on improving his overall game – especially his defense. “I was expecting to make an impact on this team, but I wasn’t really too sure because I knew the transition from high school to college is really dramatic,” Williams said. “I was doing what I could to get better, so I could make an impact on this team.” Williams said it means a lot to be the only person from Fresno on the team, which gives him an opportunity to play with teammates from all over the United States and see the differences in how they live. Family, friends and former coaches attended many games at the Save Mart Center, which made Williams very happy, and it was one of the reasons he chose to stay home. Roosevelt head coach Jamarr Chisom attended nearly every home game and even traveled to Las Vegas to watch Williams
Freshman forward Bryson Williams on Jan. 31, 2017, at the Save Mart Center.
compete in the Mountain West Tournament. “I actually had sweat in my hands in his first home game of the season,” Chisom said. “I was so nervous for him. I just wanted him to play well and be relaxed. But as a coach, it’s real satisfying when you get one of your own that stayed home, and you’re able to go reach out to them and watch them play every time he steps on the floor.” Chisom said that he thinks Williams played very well in his freshman year, but he still has much to learn from coach Terry. He said that he saw great support for Williams from the community, and is excited for the figure that Williams is in the community. “The community is [really] excited, be-
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cause you have one of your own that you watched grow up,” Chisom said. “It’s easier to go out and support the team because you actually feel like you know one of the kids personally.” Terry said that if Williams continues to have the right attitude, work ethic and approach, he will have an opportunity to have a very successful career and be an example for other local basketball players. “I think anytime you have a guy that has the rep that he has in the Valley and in the state – in terms of what he was able to do from a prep standpoint – it lends an opportunity for other local products to take a look and say, ‘You know what? Bryson
Christian Ortuno • The Collegian
stayed home. He stayed, and he’s having a great experience, and he has a chance to do some special things at Fresno State. Why not me?’” Terry said. Williams said he loved the camaraderie the team had after big wins, and he is looking forward to growing with his teammates to take them back to the NCAA Tournament. “I expect us to be a hard-nosed defensive team, a real tough team,” Williams said. “A team that will just play hard every night and give their all every night, no matter who’s the name on the opposing team’s jersey. I see ourselves just doing big things for the city of Fresno, doing big things for the program.”
SPORTS
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MONDAY, APRIL 3, 2017
SOFTBALL
THE PAWSPECTIVE
Willis walks her way to the top Khone Saysamongdy • The Collegian
Senior outfielder Kierra Willis (#14) at the plate against Cal Poly San Luis Obispo on February 23, 2017, at Margie Wright Diamond.
By Jenna Wilson @fsjennawilson
Senior outfielder Kierra Willis found herself at the top of Fresno State’s all-time walks leaderboard when she drew her 115th career walk on Friday against Nevada at Margie Wright Diamond. “That was one of my main goals – my whole career playing here – was to put my name in the books and do something to have my name always be here,” Willis said. “So it’s good to know that I’ve achieved something that I’ve always wanted, so it was like my dream come true.” The senior criminology major is in first place in the Mountain West Conference with 28 walks on the season after this past
BASKETBALL
weekend’s series against the Nevada Wolfpack. Willis passed former Bulldog shortstop Christina Clark to secure the record. Clark played for Fresno State from 2003-06. “What Kierra has done is amazing,” head coach Linda Garza said. “We just, in fact, were talking about Christina Clark, [who] is one of the best hitters to ever play here at Fresno State and is the leading homerun hitter. I grew up watching and knowing what was around her and actually they walked her a lot.” A Pleasant Hill, California native, Willis said she keeps the same mojo every time she steps into the box. She remains patient, but if a pitch is delivered and is a good pitch to hit then she is going to swing. “[Willis] actually knows the strike zone,”
Native Fresnan hungry for success at highest level By Daniel Gligich @danielgligich
Christian Ortuno • The Collegian
Freshman forward Bryson Williams goes up for a layup against UTSA on Nov. 11, 2016, at the Save Mart Center.
Garza said. “Not only have they tried to pitch around her, but right now she is earning walks because she has a great eye at the plate. It’s a very hard thing to do, to go up there and to be that patient especially, with the numbers that she can put up as a hitter.” Garza said she is proud of Willis’ amazing accomplishment and her ability to be selfless and trust what the offense can do behind her. Willis has reached base safely in 16 straight games. Her 17th career triple in Sunday’s game lifted her into a tie for fifth place for the most triples all-time at Fresno State. The Diamond ‘Dogs take the field again on Friday, April 7, to take on Utah State in Logan, Utah, at 2 p.m.
Although the men’s basketball season is over and the Bulldogs are losing three seniors, freshman power forward Bryson Williams gives Fresno State a bright future. Of the 17 athletes on the roster, Williams is the only one from Fresno. He attended Roosevelt High School and is the school’s all-time leading scorer. When Williams was a sophomore at Roosevelt, Fresno State head coach Rodney Terry offered him a scholarship. He committed and never wavered when Pac-12 schools came calling. In his first year as a Bulldog, Williams started 26 games, averaging 7.7 points and 4.4 rebounds a game. Fresno State made it to the National Invitation Tournament, but was knocked out in the first round by Texas Christian University. “It was a great experience,” Williams
said. “It made me hungrier to be able to play in the NCAA Tournament and make it to the highest level of NCAA basketball.” For the Bulldogs to make it to the NCAA Tournament next year, players will have to step up to replace four-year starter and team MVP Paul Watson. Williams sees himself as someone who will step up and lead the team. “I see myself becoming the leader for this team,” Williams said. “We’ve got a lot of older guys that take care of business, as well. I see our team needing a role like that. I’ll be very happy to embrace that role, and just be the right thing for our team and do what I have to do to help us win.” Terry said that leaders cannot be designated, but they must establish themselves as leaders by how they carry themselves on and off the court. “When it’s time for him to go to the court, guys will follow you on the court if you have the same work ethic that you have off the court,” Terry said. “So he has to continue to
See BASKETBALL, Page 7
Valley kids are the way to go By Nugesse Ghebrendrias @nugebear13
After finishing the season 18-15 overall and 8-10 in conference play, the Fresno State women’s basketball team missed out on postseason play for the first time since the 2006-07 season. They lost in the Mountain West tournament to rival Boise State 66-53 in the final. It is the second year in a row that the ‘Dogs have lost the championship game, and the team stands to lose three seniors this season, leaving holes to fill. The best girls high school basketball team in the country is in their own backyard, Clovis West, which should be lucky for the ‘Dogs. The Clovis West girls basketball team, named State Team of the Year by Cal-Hi Sports, capped a magical 34-2 season with a state championship along with an impressive No. 1 in the national rankings by ESPN. The girls team played a grueling schedule against a total of nine different teams ranked in the top 15 in the country, defeating three of the top five at the time. The team also added a championship at the Nike Tournament Of Champions – which is the nation’s best tournament – in Arizona. The team has five Division 1 players continuing their careers next season. However, none are attending Fresno State. Being a top team in the conference, Fresno State should have no excuses why it can’t lure talent – especially talent in their own city. The graduating girls decided on San Jose State, UC Santa Barbara, Arizona State and Boise State. This means that Fresno State lost a Central Valley athlete to division rival Boise State, just after it beat the ‘Dogs for the Mountain West crown. The Fresno State team in the 2016-17 season was made up of players ranging from Modesto to Australia. Not a single player from the Fresno area is on the roster. Only three players on the team are California natives. It’s inexcusable to let talent this close to the university sign somewhere else, especially when it’s to a rival. Tess Amundsen, from Clovis West, averaged 12 points a game and will head to Boise after playing a large part in the Golden Eagles’ success this season. With the ‘Dogs losing multiple seniors this season, talent is needed to bridge the gap. We would be hard-pressed to find more talent than the Golden Eagles. Clovis West has won five straight section titles along with consecutive season appearances in the second round of the postseason tournament before winning the program’s first state championship. With head coach Craig Campbell finishing up his 12th season, the Golden Eagles expect to bully the conference yet again. The ‘Dogs have to show some attention to the Golden Eagles moving forward, or they risk eventually being left behind in their conference. Missing out on postseason play for a team like the ‘Dogs is disappointing to say the least. There is a reason why the ‘Dogs wear a “V” emblem on their jerseys. It’s time we start capitalizing on the abundance of talent here in the Valley.