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A FRESHMAN’S

GUIDE TO

CAMPUS

Students crowd around the Henry Madden Library in between classes on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016 — Day 2 of the fall 2016 semester.

PAGE 6

Khone Saysamongdy • The Collegian

NAMES

Choosing your preferred name moves forward

By Marcus Karby @MKarby

Fresno State has taken yet another step toward allowing students to use a preferred name throughout their education experience. At the annual fall assembly, Fresno State President Dr. Joseph Castro said,

“The LGBTQ community’s desire to allow students to select their name preference was put into action.” Specifically, Castro meant it is now possible for students to have their preferred name on their Fresno State ID cards instead of their legal name as well as on their class and grade rosters. This means that students who prefer to use a name different from their legal name will be able to go to

classes and sporting events without issue. According to Shirley Armbruster, associate vice president of university communications, “Students can add a preferred name (first and middle) in PeopleSoft. They would log into the MyFresnoState portal to access their student center. Once there, they can click on My Personal Information and then click on ‘Names.’ That is where they can add a preferred first and

middle name. It will take a day or two to get through to Blackboard and the ID card system.” Changing to a preferred name will also alter class and grade rosters and student center. However, changing your preferred name on your student center will not change your

See NAMES, Page 3

Downtown Fresno: living, working and playing By Jessica Johnson @iamjesslj

My, how things have changed in Fresno — more people are saying, “Let’s go downtown.” In 2010, plans were put in motion to begin the Downtown Fresno Revitalization project. The goal is to bring more financial and cultural prosperity to the heart of Fresno, and nearby neighborhoods. The project consists more than structural rehabilitations. It includes new modern lofts, live music, art events, new restaurants and tea houses.

ArtHop, The Market on Kern, CArtHop, Movies in the Park and ComedyHop are some of the newest and most popular events. Fulton Street is one of the most talked about changes. The once-popular pedestrian mall is now becoming car friendly. The $20 million project is expected to take 14 months. Construction on Fulton Street between Inyo and Tuolumne streets began in March. Daniel Zack, assistant director at the Development and Resource Management Department is hard at work overseeing the completion of the downtown plans.

See REVITALIZATION, Page 6

Khone Saysamongdy • The Collegian

Fences wrap around specific areas of Downtown Fresno during construction for the revitalization project on Aug. 22, 2016.

OPINION

GOT OPINIONS? We want to hear them. COLLEGIAN-OPINION@CSUFRESNO.EDU WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016

RIO

COVERAGE OF THE 2016 OLYMPICS: THE SEXIST EDITION By Megan Bronson Special to the Collegian

Not every story about sexism in the Rio Olympics is actually sexist. A flush of trite finger-wagging articles are seemingly published every hour of the games, with one intention: to call out perceived sexism. “Sexism” seems to be the buzzword of the Rio Olympics, with writers sitting in comfortable chairs across the world complaining about the coverage. This is not to say that there isn’t a horde of horrible things going on or being said about the female competitors. But today I want to look at some instances that have cranky writers up in arms about what they perceive as “sexism.” Take for example: the print headline that read “Phelps ties for silver in 100 fly” with a subhead reading “Ledecky sets world record in women’s 800 freestyle.” The Internet has been up in arms over this headline for a week now, calling it sexist and belittling to Olympian Katie Ledecky. Here is why this is perceived sexism. When headlines are created, they are made with the intent to draw you in to read more. Headlines have to start with the best foot forward, or readers won’t bother scanning the article. Right now the talk of Rio is Michael Phelps. Middle class moms are obsessed with sharing articles over this swole swimmer – so from a media standpoint it makes perfect sense to start with Phelps. The audience craves his wins and disappointments. What the audience doesn’t know, for the

most part, is who Katie Ledecky is. If the headline was “Ledecky sets new world record,” readers wouldn’t recognize the name and probably wouldn’t bother reading the article. Was it insensitive? Probably. Did people read the article? Clearly. Not many would have read it if the headline had read differently. Before you accuse me of “mansplaining” and scroll to the top of the article to see if a man wrote this, let me tell you that constantly blaming the amorphous idea of “media” does not solve actual sexism. The “media” wrote an article about Ledecky’s win. She was covered, as belittling as a headline is, that headline made people read about her accomplishments. Be on the lookout for moments where women were erased – there is no shortage in Rio. One such erasure happened during an interview with U.K. tennis champion Andy Murray. BBC presenter John Inverdale was interviewing the tennis champion after he was asked how it felt to be the “first person to win two gold medals” for tennis. Murray disagreed saying that he was not – Venus and Serena Williams have won four each. This is an example of actual sexism. Someone in media “forgot” that women were people, too, as if all significant athletic accomplishments belonged to men. As a member of the media it is imperative to be well-researched on those you are interviewing, as well as the subject matter. To not know about the Williams sisters and their accomplishments means one of two things: you either live under a rock, or you do not

Brian Peterson • Minneapolis Star Tribune/TNS

U.S. swimmer Katie Ledecky set a world record in the 400-meter freestyle and won the gold medal on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2016 at the Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

care about female athletes. If you are reporting on the Olympics, you don’t live under a rock. That leaves Irvendale as the latter and therefore an insufferable troglodyte. The immediate problem is that Irvendale is employed. The underlying problem is that female athletes do not hold the same reverence as male athletes. The fact that we call men’s tennis “tennis” and women’s tennis “women’s tennis” is proof of that. The word “women’s” is attached to every sport because being a woman is a qualifier in the athletic world. It is an addendum

that essentially is saying, “well, I guess we don’t want to trick people into watching women play sports” because evidently female athletes must linguistically be separated. And we all know how “separate but equal” turned out. Keep a critical eye turned toward anyone who shouts “sexism” in a crowded theater. Keep a critical eye out for those who are erasing women in the “oh so common” way in which we are accustomed to hearing. The Olympics are over, but learn from them. Hopefully we can rinse and never repeat in 2020.

Kaitlyn Lancaster • The Collegian

THE COLLEGIAN The Collegian is a student-run publication that serves the Fresno State community. Views expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or university. fresnostate.edu/collegian

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THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016

PAGE 3

BACK TO COLLEGE

Target hosts Back to College event for Fresno State students By Marina McElwee @MarinaMashelle

What do school supplies, giveaways, games, and DJ’s have in common? Target at Sierra Vista Mall brings all of these things together once a year for the Target Back to College event exclusively held for Fresno State students. Krista Kracher, executive team leader at Target said this year’s event would be much more exciting than the last. “We have a lot more participation from Coke who is our vendor partner for the event,” Kracher said. “It allowed us to have a lot more money for the buses and DJ.” Kracher said each year about 2,000 students attend the event and participate in games, raffles, and great deals. Prizes include tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood, Six Flags Magic Mountain and Target gift cards. In the past, Target would send several

charter buses over to the dorms to bring people over to the event at 9:30 p.m. This year, it sent a party bus to transport students instead. Mia Bustillos, a freshman, came to Target on the party bus with her roommate Rosa Perez. “It was like a little party in there,” Bustillos said. “We were really surprised when the bus pulled up for us, it felt like we were going to a quince.” Perez was more excited about the exclusive part of the event. “I’m really excited to see what’s going on inside,” Perez said. “It’s really cool how they do this just for Fresno State.” Students were lined up around the building when the doors opened and target members welcomed everyone in with coupons, music and the Target mascot. As students filed inside, they found Monster Energy Drink giveaways, coupons for the newest Pokémon video game and free snacks. As students explored the store, they

Marina McElwee • The Collegian

Bullseye — Target’s mascot, welcomes students as they enter the store in the Sierra Vista Mall for the Back to College event on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016.

discovered waterpong tournaments and cornhole games in the toddler section and free chips and salsa samples in the school supplies section. On their way out, attendees received goodie bags filled with a few college essentials: gum, beef jerky, energy drinks, soap and other toiletries.

Though Target really raised the bar on giveaways this year, Fresno State student A.J. Barco said last year was more fun. “Last year felt like there were more people and more vendors,” Barco said. “But I got some pretty good stuff. Overall, it was pretty good.”

Changing to a preferred name will also alter class and grade rosters NAMES from Page1 school email. Jessica Adams, coordinator of gender and LGBTQ+ programs and services, said, “It is a separate process. Updating your student center will not update your email.

New Friends

However, until the systems sync, or until Fresno State streamlines the process, students can contact me and I can assist them.” Another item that will not change along with the student center are the school admissions and records. Adams said, “Yes, any legal accounts, including school records

Parking... (Lolz)

36%

29%

“Hey Bulldogs! We’re 6 days away from the start of classes. What are you most excited for this semester?!”

(degree/transcript) or finances can only be updated with a legal name change.” Fresno State is still working toward making it easier for students to use the name they identify with, Adams said. “The University is working with IT to try to get all of the other systems on campus to

communicate with each other … but not every system at Fresno State is kind of caught up with that yet,” she said.

COMMENT: The Collegian is a forum for student expression. http://fresnostate.edu/collegian

“Being raised by immigrant parents in the Central Valley drove my aspiration to aid Valley residents by becoming an attorney.” Diego Andrde

B.A., Criminal Justice Fresno State

14% 21%

Athletic events

Campus activites

Law School 101

Wednesday, August 31, 7-9pm

You’re invited to this free program to learn more about the legal profession and what a law degree can do for you! At this forum you will be introduced to law school, from courses offered to admission requirements. Register at: www.sjcl.edu or 559/323-2100

Fresno Escape Room is a fun, challenging, immersive game experience taking place every day! Visit us at: www.fresnoescaperoom.com

A Degree in any Major Qualifies you to Apply to Law School. SJCL admitS StudentS of any raCe, CoLor, and nationaL or ethniC origin.

Application fee waived through December 31, 2016

A&E

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016

‘The Roommate Book’:

I now pronounce you roommates By Selina Falcon @SelinaFalcon

For many, college can be full of firsts: your first job, your first serious relationship, your first emotional breakdown in a parking lot because you can’t find parking And, of course, your first roommate— Adventures in roommating can sound fun to some, while others may dread it. Whichever side of the spectrum you fall under, Becky Simpson, author and illustrator of “The Roommate Book: Sharing Lives & Slapping Fives,” says the season of your life in which you take on this adventure, should be one you cherish. In “The Roommate Book,” Simpson’s positive attitude toward being and having a roommate is quite refreshing and matched with her sense of humor; it makes for a fun read while also offering some substantial advice and ideas on how to live with someone who isn’t a parent or significant other. The book is split into four sections. The first is a rundown of the different types of roommates one could encounter. Simpson takes a very relatable route when identifying roommate types and categorizes them as if they are the cafeteria tables in the 2004 film “Mean Girls.” My favorite part of this section — following the cafeteria tables, of course — is the tips Simpson gives under the title, “Marriage Advice Fit for Roommates.” She gives actual marriage advice, explaining that signing a lease is essentially like signing a oneyear marriage license, which I, had never thought about. Being and having a roommate is something you have to work at and dedicate time to. The second and third sections revolve around getting to know and having fun with your roommate. There are pie charts and flowcharts on how to reach roommate utopia, as well as personality tests that tell you things like what kind of houseplant you are (San Pedro Cactus, personally). Tips for hosting parties, advice on starting traditions and crafting ideas, all on a budget, are also explored. While I appreciate the ideas for party themes and the step-by-step directions on how to make a cheese plate, Simpson’s “A Case for Blanket Forts,” probably takes the cake for the best anecdote. The final section begins with what you need to know when it comes to sharing things with your

roommate. While this section could have worked at the beginning of the book, Simpson makes it clear why she put it at the end. She goes from talking about sharing, to a roommate getting too comfortable and finally to confrontation. She quickly moves on as she begins to talk about your time with a roommate coming to an end. Simpson’s final anecdote is one in which she recalls kindergarten nap time. As kindergarteners, we hated nap time and often took it for granted because we wanted to feel grown up. We didn’t cherish it. Then as we get older we long for a part of our day set aside, at school or at work, for nap time. She wraps her thoughts up nicely by saying roommates and the season in which you have roommates must be cherished: “Because like kindergarten nap time, when it’s over, it’s over.”

 GREAT Selina Falcon • The Collegian

ARTIST TO LOOK OUT FOR

By Samantha Mehrtash @sam_mehrtash

British indie-rock singer Declan McKenna has entered the spotlight and he’s actually worth checking out. The 17-year-old singer, songwriter and guitarist won England’s Glastonbury’s Emerging Talent contest in 2015. Since then his name began receiving global recognition. His biggest hit “Brazil” made the Billboard Hot 100 list, peaking at no. 27. That’s quite a feat for someone who isn’t even of legal age to purchase a lotto ticket. He has released three singles since 2015. He has been included in various music festivals such as Outside Lands in San Francisco this August. This is the same festival that Radiohead and LCD Soundsystem headlined just hours apart. His Spotify has over 400,000 monthly listeners, and that number only continues to grow as more and more people hear about his music. McKenna’s distinct sound is far beyond his years. His tracks are self-written, and with lyrics like this, his songs easily resonate with people twice his age: “‘Cause you’re basic, you’re basically on your own/ I can’t say I’m into it, but who am I to moan/ I’m the saint/ I’m the hypocrite at your end of the phone.”

Declan McKenna

His music feels is as if Modest Mouse and Vampire Weekend met and had a child — and surprise, it’s a British boy. No matter how mature and evolved his music sounds, McKenna’s stage presence and overall attitude still remain that of a high school boy living out his rockstar wet dreams. In his live performances, McKenna’s humility and genuine shock from the crowd’s applause never gets old for him. Most 17-year-old boys are happy to get an Instagram like from a girl, let alone tour around the world to see thousands of girls screaming their name. Growing up in the spotlight can be detrimental to many stars. However, McKenna’s maturity will separate him from the rest. In an interview with AOL, Mckenna opens up about how the song “Brazil” changed his life, “It’s been crazy. I released ‘Brazil’ the first time at the end of 2014, just before my 16th birthday” he said. “Then it got picked up by a couple of labels in 2015 and then it just kind of spun out from there. It’s been a really, really crazy year, but it’s been really fun, as well. I’m just excited to do more of it.”

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016

THE COLLEGIAN • A&E

PAGE 5

Falling for little black boots

Yezmene Fullilove • The Collegian

Fresno State freshmen Mayra Ponce rocks a pair of brown boots on her first day back to school.

By Hayley Salazar @Hayley_Salazarr

From Kylie Jenner lip kits to Yeezus trainers, there’s no question as to what’s trending right now in the fashion industry. It’s a visual voice. On a walk through campus on monday there were many student style choices to capture. The infamous heat that is Fresno in August gives students the opportunity to pull out all of the stops when it comes to summer attire. A plain-colored cotton T-shirt and ripped jeans paired with metallic or brown colored sandals seemed to be the ongoing theme for female students who went for a more casual look on the first day of the semester. Others worked the lines of a business casual look: Floral dresses paired with a knitted cardigan, or dressy blouses paired with a chunky necklace and colored jeans were the trends to be seen across campus. As for shoes, female students raved about Birkenstock sandals for their comfort and ability to be dressed up or down. As the weather cools in late September and early October, swap a sandal for little black ankle boots. Add a pair of tights to your dresses and a frilly sock to poke out at the top of your ankle. Or match your boots with a pair of black cuffed jeans for a sophisticated and warm look.

“My go-to is black ankle boots.” said Jenna Van Fossen, a third year psychology major. “Really I’m waiting for autumn to start layering again.” Black ankle boots are a yearlong fashion staple. In the summer months, a perfect way to dress up any skirt or dress is by adding the black ankle boot. Rock it down the halls of school or wear it for those last-minute summer outings. Van Fossen described her personal style as “classic but edgy.” Dressed in black pants and a white collared button-up tank top, a classic color scheme, Van Fossen paired the look with edgy gladiator sandals and a black leather bag. “I love rings,” Van Fossen said. “Jewelry is a good way to tie any outfit together.” Many male students, like Jesus Arredondo, a junior majoring in international business, walked the campus sporting a monochrome shirt and dark jeans. Arredondo described his style as “athleisure,” a mixture of athletic pieces in a casual day-to-day style. “I like to wear a comfortable shirt in that cotton nylon material, jeans and Nike running shoes,” Arredondo said. “I’m not picky about wearing brands, but I do like Under Armor, Hurley and Vans.” Other fashion themes for males are colored polos, dark jeans and sneakers.

Yezmene Fullilove • The Collegian

Fresno State freshmen Johnny McWilliams and Bryson Williams on their first day of school

Yezmene Fullilove • The Collegian

Fresno State graduate student Erica Hughes pairs vibrant colors together to complete her back to school look.

NEWS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016

CAMPUS RESOURCES

The things incoming students should know exist By Chueyee Yang @chueyee15

Fresno State is not just a campus filled with classrooms, but a place that also offers various resources for students. “There are a lot of services that are on campus that are available for students,” said Tim Ryan, Associate Students Inc. president, “and I think the one that I probably want to touch on the most is the health services that are offered in the health center.” The Student Health and Counseling Center provides Fresno State students with an on-site pharmacy, psychological counseling, X-rays and accepts walk-ins when students want to see physicians and nurse practitioners. “I’ve gone there actually myself quite a few times,” said Kathy Cardona, a pre-nursing major. She said having the health center is convenient because walk-ins are accepted and a pharmacy is available. The health center is open to all Fresno State students. However, not everyone realizes that the services are available, Ryan said. Located in the Industrial Technology Building in Room 144, the Student Cupboard provides students with free food and hygiene products. “[Students] just have to go in and show

their ID and then tell the people in the cupboard how many individuals they need food for,” Ryan said. Students will then be given a bag they will be able to fill with products of their choice. “I think the more services that students can take advantage of, the overall better experience that they’re going to have on campus,” Ryan said. Colin Stewart, associate dean of student involvement, said the University Student Union building is “the living room of campus.” “It’s the heartbeat of campus where energy and excitement comes,” Stewart said. “Where student activism takes place and it’s where the fun side of the campus comes into place.” Inside the main level of the USU, students have a place to lounge, socialize, have study groups and more. “Downstairs you’ll see the food court area,” said Geraldine Panelo Elizondo, assistant director of student involvement. In addition, the United States Postal Service Express, the Union Snack Bar, the Golden 1 Credit Union, Juice it Up and Bulldog Bowl are available on the bottom level. The building also includes an information center which provides students with discounted tickets to Six Flags Magic Mountain, Wild Water Adventure Park and more.

The Fresno State Rose Garden on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2016.

“For example,” Stewart said, “if you want to get tickets to let’s say, Maya Cinema, you can get discount tickets to there.” Later this year, the USU and Henry Madden Library will be providing wireless charging ports in collaboration with the information technology department. “There’ll be other stops on campus eventually, but the pilot is going to be the USU and the library,” Stewart said. “We’ll be adding [wireless charging] into the actual study tables in the University Student Union.”

Khone Saysamongdy • The Collegian

Although wireless charging stations will soon appear in the library, students are able to check out phone chargers at the front desk, said Taylor Petersen, a library service specialist. In addition to phone chargers, students can check out tablets such as iPads and Surface Pros from the front desk and laptops from the laptop desk, she said. “I think that there’s a lot of students who aren’t financially stable, and that’s a great way to help them out,” Cardona said.

A day for random acts of kindness By Diana Giraldo @DianaInspired

Forgiveness was Doug Griffin’s instinctive response the Sunday morning in 2015 when he learned his daughter Molly was involved in a deadly traffic accident the night before. “Forgiveness is one of the best things you can do for your soul,” Griffin said. “It’s not one of the easiest thing but it’s definitely the healthiest way to live.” Molly was a Fresno State nursing alumna and a surgery nurse at Madera Community Hospital who only knew to

live through kindness, her father said. “We just want to keep her legacy alive and what better way to remember someone who was so giving, loving and kind than do an act of kindness in her memory,” Griffin said. “We hope people will reach out to others by demonstrating kindness, which improves the overall fabric of our culture when people are kind to each other.” Starting last year, the Griffins initiated “Molly Day,” on Aug. 26, which the family hopes will be a day people dedicate to random acts of kindness and then post about on social media using #LiveLikeMolly. After receiving a large amount of support from the surrounding community, Fres-

no State and others internationally the family decided to expand Molly Day. This year, the city of Fresno will proclaim Friday as Molly Day. Clovis Community College will be hosting a blood drive through the school day and in the evening Clovis Hills Community Church will be hosting a fair starting at 4 p.m. with a Christian concert starting at 7 p.m. The proceeds from the concert will go to a youth scholarship established by the church to send kids to camps and on trips — like the mission trips Molly would go to in Mexico. “What better way to help build community than to help others?,” he said. “I can’t think of a better way to do that.”

Courtesy Photo

Molly Griffin (right), 23, a nurse and Fresno State alumna, was killed on Feb. 21, 2015, the victim of a drunken driving crash. The man who pleaded guilty in the crash, Hector Castillo-Pichardo, was sentenced on Feb. 11 to 16 years in state prison. Griffin is pictured here with Daushá Calhoun.

The Fulton Mall do-over is in full swing REVITALIZATION from Page 1

“The completion of the Fulton Street project will probably result in a burst of storefront improvements, building remodels and new businesses,” Zack said. All businesses located on Fulton Street are open during construction. The blueprint for all this is complex. Zack said, “This project consists of three parts: The Fulton Corridor Specific Plan, which proposes a vision for the heart of downtown and policies that will help us achieve that vision; the Downtown Neighborhoods

Community Plan, which does the same for the residential neighborhoods surrounding downtown; and the Downtown Development Code, which contains new zoning regulations for both areas that ensures that new development projects conform to the new vision and contribute to the area’s revival.” The project is making good progress and has been embraced by the community, Zack said. If the momentum builds, Zack said, Fresno will have “The next great American downtown.” Zack said downtown should be economically strong, exhibit strong social ties and create pride within the community. He hopes

downtown becomes a safe, fun and diverse place to live, work and play. “There should be a lot of fun things to do, and it should also be a great place to work,” Zack said. “It should be economical-

ly strong — buildings should be fully occupied and in good condition. It should be a place that is comfortable to walk, and the sidewalks should be full of people, which makes it a safe and fun place, and also a good place to do

business.” Give downtown five to 10 years and the changes will be dramatic, Zack said. “Downtown should be the place where people from all walks of life gather and mingle.”

THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016

PAGE 7

RIO OLYMPICS

2016 Olympics Celebrates Diversity

Paul George celebrates with teammates after winning the gold medal on Sunday, Aug. 21, 2016 at the Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil.

By Razmik Cañas @raz_canas

Over 200 countries came together these past two weeks in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for the 31st Summer Olympic Games. Rio became the spotlight city of the summer by hosting the world famous event in a country filled with history and tropical beauty. Former Fresno State star Paul George helped Team USA secure a gold medal on Sunday in the men’s basketball final de-

feating Serbia 96-66. George averaged 11.3 points per game throughout the Olympics and came off the bench to provide leadership for the second unit. “We came and we did what we were supposed to do. We’re going home with this gold. This is what it’s for,“ George said in an interview following Sunday’s game. “This is what we made this commitment for...all to come together to do this thing. It’s amazing to go home with the best hardware you can get here.”

Team USA led all countries by winning 121 medals in total. A sampling of victories include gymnastics’ “Final Five” as they earned gold in the team all-around and multiple individual events led by Simone Biles. Swimmer Michael Phelps again made history winning six medals. This led Phelps to an individual medal count of 28, the most ever by an individual. Katie Ledecky added four gold medals to her individual achievements while breaking two world records. Sprinter Allyson Felix won two gold

Wally Skalij • Los Angeles Times

medals to become the first woman athlete to win five gold medals. The games were a chance for athletes to showcase their talents to the world. For even a small period of time the world came together in unity to watch these athletes compete in moments they had only dreamed about. Staff writer David Chavez contributed to this story.

FRESNO STATE FOOTBALL

Football Team Ready to Fight Back

Fresno State Athletics

Running back Dontel James rushes through the defense during a practice on Aug. 16

By Daniel Gligich @TheCollegian

The Fresno State football team is looking to rebound from last year’s 3-9 record by winning the Mountain West Conference

amid many changes in the program. The Bulldogs return 13 starters from the 2015 team as Tim DeRuyter enters his fifth year as head coach. DeRuyter brought in six new assistant coaches, most notably at the coordinator positions. Eric Kiesau will coach the offense after serving as an

offensive analyst for national champion Alabama, while Lorenzo Ward takes over as defensive coordinator after serving in the same capacity at South Carolina for the past seven years. Speaking on the coaching changes, DeRuyter said, “It’s been good. We started the process in the spring installing some new schemes particularly on offense, but I think our kids are playing as fast as we’ve played in a long time.” He said the team understands the new system, and the players are executing better than they have in a while. Kiesau’s transition to Fresno State has gone well, so far, and he says the team has made many strides since his arrival. “Right when we got here in the spring, the kids really jelled well and bought into what we are doing,” Kiesau said. “It’s quite a different culture than what we had last year here.” The team shuffled through four quarterbacks last year due to injuries and performance issues. Quarterback Chason Virgil enters his second year on the team after his 2015 season was cut short due to an injury sustained in the third game. Al-

though DeRuyter has not named a starting quarterback, Virgil is the favorite to win the position. DeRuyter said Virgil did a nice job in the spring and is the most experienced quarterback. “I think statistically he’s ahead of the other guys right now, but again we’re going to let the scrimmage play out and make some decisions after that,” DeRuyter said. Although Fresno State was picked by the media to finish fourth in the West Division of the Mountain West, DeRuyter is confident in his players and said the media rarely get it right. The head coach sees similarities to his first season. He said the team came off of a four-win season the year before to win the conference. He feels that if they come out and execute this year, they can be conference champions again. The Bulldogs open the season Sept. 3 at the University of Nebraska and come home the following week to face Sacramento State. The nonconference schedule continues with matchups against Toledo and Tulsa. The team opens conference play on Oct. 1 at UNLV and finishes the year on Nov. 26 at home against San Jose State.

SPORTS

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2016

AFCA GOOD WORKS TEAM

Paws for a Cause By Jenna Wilson @fsjennawilson

Fresno State football player Jacob Vazquez has been nominated for the 25th anniversary Allstate, American Football Coaches Association Good Works Team for his off-field commitment to serving the community. The 2016 AFCA Good Works Team will recognize 24 student-athletes and an honorary head coach out of 165 nominees for their dedication to the community and enriching the lives of others, while balancing academics with athletics. To be considered, nominees must maintain strong academic standing and be involved with a charitable organization or service group. “It was a great honor. Humbling,” Vazquez said. “There were a lot of great people that were nominated, and it was just nice to be considered.” And should he be selected when the final roster is announced in September? “That would be really cool,” Vazquez said. “I try not to do service projects and community service just for the awards. Whether I win or lose, I think the main point is that people are getting helped and

communities are being built up.” Vazquez participates in Fresno State’s Big Heroes, Little Heroes program at Valley Children’s Hospital where student-athletes are paired with seriously ill children to bond with them and spend quality time together. The returning starter also volunteers at local schools during Read Across America Week to educate children and teens on the importance of literacy and reading. He also coaches at local youth football clinics to improve the skills of young football players and teach them the importance of teamwork and dedication. Vazquez hopes being nominated for this award will change the way the football team is perceived and strengthen the bond between the program and the community. “He’s been a leader on and off the field,” Fresno State head coach Tim DeRuyter said. “He’s a great example for everybody.” DeRuyter said that it is extremely valuable having a player like Vazquez on the team, especially at the center position. “He’s a guy who is always steady,” DeRuyter said. “The guys know you can count on him and when you have that trust of a player, you don’t worry. It makes it a lot easier on the whole operation.” The Bulldogs’ senior offensive lineman,

FRESNO STATE ATHLETICS

Fresno State Athletics and ESPN Radio to Host Meet the Team Event

Fresno State Athletics

Offensive lineman Jacob Vazquez volunteers with the youth at a Bulldog football clinic.

a native of Cottonwood, California, said that his passion for community service was passed down by his dad. “My dad was really big in community service and so he helped me get involved a lot,” he said. Vazquez performed many community service projects in his hometown through his church and through his involvement with the Future Farmers of America program in high school. Vazquez made seven starts last season for the Bulldogs at center and right guard.

By David Chavez @d23chavez

Fans of Fresno State athletics will get the opportunity to meet this year’s football, soccer and cross country team scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 25, at the new Campus Pointe located on Shaw and Chestnut. The players and head coaches will be

TOP DOG OF THE WEEK Name: Sara Jo Ciapponi #23

Fresno State Athletics

By Jenna Wilson @fsjennawilson

JW: How did it feel scoring your first collegiate goal in such a crucial gametime situation? SJC: That was honestly one of the best feelings I’ve had. It was amazing. The environment was amazing. The way it happened was amazing. It was so nice to put us back in the game and to get us back to where we could really start to fight again. We really put them under some pressure, so it was a perfect opportunity for a first goal.

JW: If you weren’t playing soccer, what sport Sport & Position: Soccer, Midfielder would you be playing? Would you play a sport Year & Major: Junior, Recreation Administration at all? SJC: If I wasn’t playHometown: Alameda, Calif. ing soccer, I’d probably run track even though JW: How long have you been playing I don’t really like to run, but I’m kind of soccer? fast. My hand-eye coordination is awful, SJC: I’ve been playing soccer since I was so I would have to do something without about 4. a ball. JW: Where did your passion for playing JW: What are your plans once you soccer originate? graduate? SJC: I kind of just came upon it myself. SJC: After I graduate I am hopefully goNeither of my parents played, and I just ing to be working with a sports team as had a love for sports at such a young age. some sort of event planner. I hope to work I was a really hyper kid, and I was play- in the NFL or the NBA or something like ing all sorts of things. I tried basketball. I that and work with sports because sports tried everything, and I wasn’t very good. are such a big part of my life. They aren’t Then they put me on the soccer field, and going anywhere anytime soon. I just fell in love. I kind of just threw my- JW: If there is one thing you could tell self in it, and my parents kept me there. your younger self knowing what you JW: Who is your favorite soccer player, know now, what would it be? or athlete, and why? SJC: It would be that it’s not easy. I nevSJC: I really look up to Abby Wambach. er did think it was easy, but just looking Her outlook on games, the way she plays, back on my years playing here, it’s hard to and how she plays with such passion and be a student-athlete. It’s hard to motivate drive is really something that inspires me yourself and push yourself when you’re and inspires a lot of people. She just plays down or when you’re not having the best with such heart and such enthusiasm that game, when you’re losing. Pretty much, it echoes off onto the entire team. keep your head up. Don’t let yourself get

In an article on PR Newswire, Allstate Insurance Company top official Thomas Clarkson said, “The positive impact these young athletes have on their communities is an inspiration to us all and another reason to celebrate the good happening in our communities and in college athletics.” If selected, Vazquez would join an elite group of previous recipients including professional quarterbacks Eli and Peyton Manning, along with Heisman Trophy winners Tim Tebow and Robert Griffin III.

available for fans to meet from 6 to 7 p.m. Prior to that, at 5 p.m., event partners ESPN Radio will have its Gameday Live crew on the scene talking about the upcoming seasons. Along with being able to meet the teams and get autographs, fans will be able to purchase a 2-for-1 special on Bulldog football tickets.

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too down. Push through because everything works out in the end. JW: What does it mean to you to be a Bulldog? SJC: It’s really an honor to be a Bulldog. It’s an honor to represent Fresno State and all the people of Fresno. It means a lot to me. It makes me proud to be a Bulldog wherever I go. People recognize you. People know who you are. They come up and ask you questions and ask you for autographs. There’s no better feeling than to be a Bulldog.

Fresno State Athletics

Midfielder Sara Jo Ciapponi celebrates with teammate after scoring her first collegiate goal.