October 19, 2021

SCHOOL NAMED AFTER TATARIAN Fresno State’s Award-Winning Newspaper

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

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IT'S WEEK! Learn everything you need to know about the festivities Page 2 Jesús Cano • The Collegian

'Dogs streak snapped Page 11

Mystery eases stress Page 6

NEWS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

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Homecoming welcomes Bulldogs old and new

Jesús Cano • The Collegian

Homecoming week activities began on Oct. 18 with the Homecoming Pawrade, featuring decorative golf carts and community members in a parade throughout the university campus.

By Miranda Adams Reporter Traditionally, homecoming is a time to celebrate school spirit and welcome back alumni, but after COVID-19’s disruption and a year online, this week Fresno State is celebrating the homecoming of all Bulldogs, both current and vintage.

Whitney Ballard, graduate student and member of the homecoming committee, said this year’s theme, “The Rise of the Bulldog,” was inspired by the football team’s strong start to the season and represents the return of a renewed sense of Bulldog pride.

“Homecoming doesn’t really feel like a typical week because there’s always something that’s going on,” Ballard said. “It really brings the Bulldog spirit to campus, and I’m excited that we’re finally able to celebrate that feeling together again.”

Normally, the committee begins planning in Spring, but due to COVID-19, this year it only had a few months to coordinate the event, committee member Bianca Palmer said.

“If things were perfect, we would have had a committee together since last spring,” Palmer said. “But because of the circumstances, we had at most three months to collaborate and figure out what we’re doing.”

Nevertheless, the team of eight was able to pack homecoming week with plenty of spirited activities.

The week of events began Monday with the Fired up by the Fountain Kickoff and the Paw-

rade.

Activities continue Tuesday at 11 a.m. with Spirit and Swag in front of the Kennel Bookstore. Tie dye and free homecoming gear are available from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. outside Graves Hall.

Wind down on Wednesday with a 1-mile wellness walk. The 11 a.m. joint collaboration between the homecoming committee and the Health Center will also feature music, fresh fruit and various activities on the lawn in front of the Bookstore.

Later in the evening, turn up the action and watch the Avengers’ “Black Widow” from the Bulldog Stadium lawn.

Arrive early to catch up, enjoy some music and grab a bite to eat. Gates open at 5 p.m., and the movie starts at 7 p.m. No lawn chairs or pets are allowed.

Watch the women’s volleyball team as it competes against the San José Spartans Thursday evening at the Save Mart Center. Stop by the student spirit zone for giveaways.

Bring out neon clothes for this Friday for “Let’s Glow Crazy.” The glow in the dark party kicks off at 7 p.m. in front of the bookstore and will feature live music by DJ Kay Rich, mini golf, free prizes and more.

Jog with the ‘Dogs virtual 5K also begins on Friday. Complete the marathon from any venue, snap a photo and log the time for an opportunity to compete for several prizes.

Participants can jog with their dogs for a chance to win them a spa treatment from Victor E. III’s personal groomer. One of the prizes

Jesús Cano • The Collegian

Photo booths and props were available for students to use at the Pawrade event.

will be awarded to the most spirited runner, so make sure to wear red and show off that Bulldog pride.

This Saturday, the Bulldogs football team takes on the Nevada Wolfpack at 4:30 p.m..

Prep for game day with a mindfulness walk. The hour and a half, three mile stroll starts at the Smittcamp Alumni House.

Afterward, join fellow football fans for the official student tailgate. Tailgating starts at 2 p.m. with music, food, games and homecoming giveaways.

All on-campus events are free; “Black Widow” and the virtual 5k are also free, but registration is required.

Visit the homecoming committee’s webpage for more details.

Jesús Cano • The Collegian

Victor E. Bulldog greets attendees.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS

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School renamed after renowned Armenian journalist

By Zaeem Shaikh Editor-in-Chief Following a tense debate, the Fresno Unified school board voted to rename Forkner Elementary after H. Roger Tatarian, a Fresno State alumnus and former journalism professor, on Wednesday.

The board’s vote was unanimous to rename the school. Tatarian is the first Armenian to have a school named after him in the Fresno district.

The school was previously named after J.C. Forkner, who was famously known for developing Fig Garden, which spans 12,000 acres. But journalist and author Mark Arax discovered controversial history in Forkner’s past that sparked a debate in the summer to rename the elementary school in northwest Fresno.

Arax uncovered that Forkner separated and excluded various races from home ownership in parts of Fresno. These restrictions eventually developed into a plan of redlining and residential segregation.

In an advertisement promoting Fig Garden, Arax said in a Fresno Bee editorial that Forkner wrote “those who buy [here] will be fully protected from resale of property to undesirables.”

Paragraphs in real estate documents uncovered by Arax in the editorial state that Forkner said properties could not be sold or leased to anyone who wasn’t white.

A few weeks after Arax gave this evidence to the school board and published the editorial, the district received a letter on June 21, requesting the name of the school be changed.

The discussions developed over the next several months, emblematic of the nationwide debate to remove signs of historical figures who are symbols of systemic racism.

Following a Sept. 8 meeting, the board put the renaming of school as an action item for discussion and approval on Wednesday. Feedback was mixed among community members.

While the name change was cheered on by many, including those in the Armenian community, parents, teachers and administrators tied to Forkner in attendance didn’t view it in the same light.

Jessica Bedwell, teacher at Forkner Elementary, said the history uncovered by Arax is an embarrassment to her city and school district, but it should not be met with a knee-jerk reaction rooted in politics.

“Singling out one school over a large school district sets the precedent that this board and the district will randomly and inconsistently consider the renaming of schools without a

Zaeem Shaikh • The Collegian

A memorial plaque is located on the ground in the Roger Tatarian Memorial Plaza outside of the McKee Fisk building. deeper analysis by a committee,” she said.

Others echoed her opinion. Arielle Meisner Dipinto said she walked onto Forkner Elementary as a kindergarten student two decades ago.

She said that, although Forkner made mistakes, he still made major advances for the community, saying the name change would teach students “cancel culture.”

Ryan Duff, the principal of Forkner Elementary, was not opposed to the idea of renaming the school. However, he was opposed to the timing of the debate, saying it has become a huge distraction and causing a great deal of emotional stress on campus.

“It’s very hard telling a little 7-year-old [with] tears in his eyes why his school name might be changed,” Duff said. “They absolutely love their school. It has nothing to do with the person it was named after.”

Several other members in the audience spoke in support of Tatarian and denounced Forkner.

Danielle Shapazian, a 40-year resident of northwest Fresno, said she never met Tatarian but knew he understood the value of education from reading his newspaper columns. Marshall Moushigian said Tatarian is a role model while nobody has said that about Forkner.

“I’m sure this entire board and everybody in this room and everybody in this city cannot live with separating and excluding people based on their race nor should we continue honoring somebody at an elementary school whose claim to fame or infamy was just that,” Moushigian said.

Arax was one of the last members of the audience and defended his findings.

“We’ve been doing this for six months… This is not about culture wars, masks, vaccines,” Arax said.

“This is not Fox News. This is about history, J.C. Forkner is the most consequential racist in Fresno history.”

Arax added that the restrictive real estate covenants put in place by Forkner affected his own family, and also countless Black, Asian and Latino families. He urged Duff and Bedwell to use this as a teaching moment to see the damage Forkner did to Fresno.

Following a motion to rename the school by Trustee Keshia Thomas, the board unanimous-

ly voted for the name change. Officials weren’t clear exactly when the name change would occur, but staff recommended it in the summer.

It comes months after several Armenians in the community asked the district officials to name Fresno Unified’s newest campus at Ventura and 10th, which is projected to open in 2023.

District staff launched a survey for the community to give a list of names and geographical locations for the school. The survey had over 1,600 submissions, and Tatarian had almost 1,000 nominations while the next highest name – longtime Fresno Unified administrator Dolphas Trotter – had a little more than 100 votes.

Instead, the board voted 5-2 on May 19 to name the school after Murray and Francine Farber, who are both known for giving thousands of dollars to local education according to The Fresno Bee. Members of the Fresno State community praised the board’s decision including Fresno State journalism professor Jim Boren.

“In my almost five decades in the news business, I never met someone who had a stronger impact on our profession than Roger Tatarian,” Boren said.

“He had a high ethical standard that was not subject to compromise, and he brought out the best in every writer as he guided them in developing their stories.”

Fresno State Professor and Berberian Coordinator of the Armenian Studies Program Barlow Der Mugrdechian said the decision by the board “was long overdue, considering the long history of Armenians in the San Joaquin Valley and their many contributions to the success of the Valley.”

Man dies in fatal collision near campus on Shaw

By Jesús Cano Managing Editor The Fresno County coroner’s office has identified the person who died in a traffic collision early Sunday morning.

Demonte Captain Sr. of Clovis was pronounced dead upon arrival, police said Monday afternoon.

According to Fresno Police Department spokesperson Lt. Bill Dooley, the incident took place Sunday around 5:30 a.m. off East Shaw

and N. Cedar Avenues.

Dooley said Captain, 30, was driving his motorcycle westbound at a high rate of speed on Shaw Avenue and struck a van that was hauling an enclosed trailer as it was turning westbound from the northbound lanes.

Dooley said that, according to witnesses, the motorcycle ran a red light and struck the back of the trailer. Captain Sr. died on impact. Alcohol was a factor in the collision.

The driver of the van stayed at the scene and cooperated with police, according to Dooley.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS

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A&E

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

COLLEGIAN.CSUFRESNO.EDU

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Improv group helps students de-stress with mystery

By Adam Ricardo Solis Reporter

Brad Pitt dead, a room full of suspects and improv that had the whole room dying.

This isn’t a Tarantino film, it’s a University Student Union (USU) Production event put on by the Mission IMPROVable Comedy Team, who specialize in performing improvisation comedy for different colleges.

The event, themed “Hollywood Murder Mystery,” was a free interactive improv experience that students could attend to help solve the fictional mystery of who murdered Brad Pitt.

Organized by students involved in USU Productions, the idea behind this event was to provide a safe area for students to come together after class and have some fun away from the stress of classes.

Students had the chance to take on celebrity personas and comedically work their way through the mystery of discovering who the murder was.

Spoiler – it was Tom Hanks.

Performers included Zheryk Badugu and Aaron Fitzpatrick from Mission IMPROVable, who say they were blown away by the crowd that attended the murder mystery event on Friday Oct. 15.

They shared how the importance of events on campus, like the ones put on by the USU Productions team, help positively influence the student experience.

“I think it’s a great way to get people out of their shell. Your brain is engaged but it’s being engaged in a different way and a lot of this murder mystery is like we’re showing you a bunch

Adam Ricardo Solis • The Collegian

Mission IMPROVable performers lead students through the fictional mystery of who killed Brad Pitt. of silly things and we’re helping you kind of figure out and connect everything together,” Badugu said.

“Well the biggest thing is with the midterms and everything. We kind of wanted it to be like ‘Hey take an hour. Take a break, let your mind reset,’” Fitzpatrick said.

Angelica Quintero, a graduate student in higher education administration and leadership who coordinated with students for the event, said her focus for these events are to give students a reason to stay on campus.

Quintero, who joined the USU Productions team over a month ago, said it is important for students to stay academically focused, but still have places to go for a release from the stresses of class.

“I think it’s important for students to get

Adam Ricardo Solis • The Collegian

A few lucky students won prizes while attending the “Hollywood Murder Mystery” event.

involved because that is what helps them stay on campus… If you’re getting involved on campus, whether it’s an event like this or attending study groups, that’s how you make friends, and they keep you on campus, and to me that [is] really important,” Quintero said.

Bianca Palma, a sophomore majoring in English, was in charge of scheduling and pro-

moting this event on campus.

Palma said events like these help students understand that events put on by the USU are meant to give students a fun time and provide an environment where they can connect with different students.

“I hope that students are able to recognize USU productions as really fun, and [see] that we want to offer everything that our students want… It’s really important, that connection, which is why we plan things that we would enjoy so we know that [students] would enjoy it as well,” Palma said.

For students experiencing self doubt or hardships during the semester, Badugu said these events are a chance to let go and relax.

“I want to give you the encouragement, when you come in here for the murder mystery we gave everyone a name tag where they were a celebrity and I think for a brief moment where they … let go of who they really were,” Badugu said.

“For a moment they got to be Angelina Jolie, they got to be Beyoncé, they got to be Oprah, they got to be these people of power or people that we generally look up to.” “[Feel like] you are a celebrity, [like] you have a star inside of you, and let it shine.”

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

THE COLLEGIAN • A&E

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Panel focuses on journeys of men in LGBTQ+ community

By Edward Lopez Reporter For Ben Nehring, a Fresno State history graduate student, a birthday can be the most memorable, and yet uncomfortable, day of the year.

“I love birthdays, but sometimes I don’t [look forward] to them because my grandparents will get me cards. They’re like ‘Happy Birthday granddaughter’ on them and I’m like, ‘Oh yay, there’s $20 for a consolation prize, I guess,’” Nehring said.

As a transgender male, Nehring - and others within the LGBTQ+ community - often find themselves in a daily struggle for recognition and equity across the world.

To be simply acknowledged by the correct pronouns can be a heartwarming experience, yet oftentimes – and even by accident – being misgendered can ruin their day.

“Honestly, the emotional impact of being addressed by the correct pronouns is like – I don’t know how to express exactly how big and powerful and impactful it can be,” Nehring said.

“There are some days where literally just being misgendered once by accident can knock me sideways. I’m just out for the rest of the day.

I just don’t want to deal with people.”

Nehring was one of seven speakers for the “LGBTQ+ Men: at Intersections of identities,” presentation in collaboration with Fresno State’s Cross Cultural and Gender Center (CCGC) and Stanislaus State.

Panelists included Estevan Parra Guerrero, coordinator for the CCGC, and Daniel Soodjinda, Stanislaus State assistant professor.

Parra, alongside Soodjinda, began the initiative out of need to provide more programs for LGBTQ+ men, whom they believe are often overlooked.

The purpose of the presentation was to share stories of men in the LGBTQ+ community who have traditionally been underserved, as well as discuss the historical snapshot of the LGBTQ+ community.

Pryor led the historical presentation in discussing how homosexuality connects with gender, the contributions of men of color in LGBTQ+ history and the role of students in advancing LGBTQ+ equity within colleges and universities.

For Pryor, who identifies as a gay queer man from a rural town in the state of Kansas, homosexuality is historically defined through lenses of gender and gender expressions.

Pryor noted the term homosexual grew out of the rising industrial cities of the late 19th century in which individuals from rural and religious towns migrated and began to express their sexuality further in cities.

Although the term homosexuality would be widely recognized as an acceptable term for someone’s sexual orientation, men still face discrimination in places defined by traditional notions of masculinity to this day.

Pryor recalled how in the ‘90s Fresno had a series of pride parades in downtown Fresno, which were often protested by Central Valley chapters of the Ku Klux Klan.

Even with constant pushback against LGBTQ+ equity in the city of Fresno, Pryor highlighted the importance of LGBTQ+ activism on university and college campuses to help advance equity in higher education as well as in the city.

“One of the ways that we’ve seen success in higher education, and for the betterment of LGBT folks, have been those people who have come together on their own time, to advocate for expansion of campus services, expansion of policies that support and affirm our LGBTQ+ students,” Pryor said.

Pryor highlighted the recent raising of the

pride flag at Fresno State for the first time in history on Wednesday, June 9.

Although this victory was enjoyed by LGBTQ+ members of Fresno, the fight for equity continues across the state.

“I know that this summer we had a lot of great successes with the pride flag being flown at City Hall, at Fresno City campus and, of course, here at Fresno State,” Pryor said. ”But just down the road are friends and peers in Kingsburg, California, [who are] experiencing different forms of hostilities, and not that kind of acceptance that we saw,” Pryor said.

Despite currently experiencing staffing shortages at the CCGC, Parra Guerrero recommends students to come in and propose new events if they don’t see an event that represents themselves.

“Go to our Instagram [@FresnoStateCCGC] and look at all the events that are going to take place in the near future,” Parra Guerrero said.

“Is there an event that’s missing?... Let me propose it, but for the most part, we’ll make it happen.”

More information about these resources and regular presentations are available at the Cross Cultural and Gender Center.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

THE COLLEGIAN • A&E

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Literary festival ‘LitHop’ celebrates Fresno State student and staff writing

By Ashley Flowers A&E Editor LitHop, an initiative of the Fresno Arts Council founded by former City of Fresno poet laureate Lee Herrick and his wife, Lisa, in 2016, celebrated local literary talent again Oct. 16 in the Tower District. “[LitHop] was an incredibly ambitious initiative by Fresno’s inaugural poet laureate Lee Herrick to create a vibrant celebration of writing in the valley,” said Angela Chaidez Vincent, a poet who has participated in LitHop every year since its creation.

Vincent was one of over 100 writers who participated in the event from noon to 5 p.m. across seven venues. The writers ranged from beginners to long-time professionals. Many were Fresno State students and staff.

Writers are selected after an open call for submissions absed on seletion criteria and the need to have a “mix of voices and representation from our literary community,” said Von Torres, Director of LitHop and one of three members of the planning and organizing committee.

Four readers were each given 10-minute slots for a 45-minute reading event every hour at each venue, with readers changing every hour. Venues included Fresbrew, Hart’s Haven Used Bookstore, The Revue Coffee Shop, HiTop Coffee, Splash, Teazer’s and Fresno Music Academy & Arts.

Each venue was within walking distance of the other, making it easy for attendees to travel between events. Visitors were invited to support the businesses while attending and to travel between venues during breaks.

Venues were selected based on space and “the vibe to host a large group of people,” Torres said.

“Each of those venues offered something different for our readers and audience, and it was also a chance for our participants to support these small businesses.”

Each reading event was given a special theme, such as “Here and Queer,” “Unconventional Families” or “People of the Global Majority Speaking” for writers to compile their readings around.

One hourly event at Hi-Top Coffee showcased pieces around the theme “Ode to Those We’ve Missed.” Here Vincent shared several pieces, including the poem “Ode to iHop,” in honor of the experiences missed during the pandemic.

Vincent, who completed her MFA in poetry at Fresno State in 2006, said she cherishes the opportunity to share with the writing community in Fresno.

Ashley Flowers • The Collegian

The “Here and Queer” reading event at Splash was the venue’s first time working with LitHop and used a disco ball to light the area.

“Following the artistic trajectories of friends over many years and finding new writers to admire: both are delights,” said Vincent.

Kirk Stone, assistant director of Fresno State’s Writing Center, also took his opportunity to share at Hi-Top Coffee.

Stone was invited to participate in LitHop in 2016 by Megan Anderson Bohigian, Fresno’s fifth and current poet laureate. Stone has since participated three different times.

“When you’re a student, there’s a lot of chances to share your work… Once you’ve graduated, it’s hard to get an audience...But I’m more, like, writing to be heard. And so I want an audience that I can read it to,” Stone said.

Stone’s reading, “I Kept Failing at Everything and Still You Welcomed Me Back,” took the theme of loss in a poignant direction, lamenting the loss of friendships over the years

and celebrating those who remained.

“This is kind of a song praising my friends, but also mentioning some very good friends that I - that didn’t want to be my friends anymore,” said Stone.

Other reading events offered opportunities to reflect on cultural and societal experiences, such as Fresbrew’s “Writing the Domestic,” an event showcasing four women’s work about what it means to be an “unapologetically bad daughter.”

During this event, Cristina Sandoval, an MFA student who began her studies at Fresno State during the pandemic, shared pieces about the pressures of being a good daughter in a traditional Hispanic household.

Sandoval, who heard about LitHop through both Fresno State contacts and through an invitation from former Modesto poet laureate and

fellow reader Stella Beratlis, wrote three of her four pieces specifically for the reading event.

“I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember… I eventually took my first poetry class to fill a requirement, and I instantly fell in love with the form. That was around 2012. I have not stopped since,” she said.

Sandoval currently has two self-published poetry collections available for sale on Amazon: “We Need Bad Bitches” and “Moon Ride.”

2021’s LitHop attracted an estimated 700 visitors, Torres said. Many were left standing in the venues after seating ran out.

LitHop is an annual event and will likely return next year to the Tower District. Further details of the event will be shared at LitHopFresno.org.

“The planning and organizing committee hasn’t met yet to debrief and reflect on LitHop 2021. We’ll let everyone know what the plans are when we’re ready to share out,” Torres said.

COVID-19 previously forced LitHop to take a one year break in 2020 after a “capacity building year in 2019,” according to Torres.

“Since this is our first year back after the ongoing pandemic, I think we all need some time to rest and reflect. Hopefully we can continue to re-imagine and stay rooted in creating space for Fresno’s literary community,” Torres said.

Any who wish to read their writing at LitHop are able to submit reading proposals ahead of time.

“I would say to those considering being part of next year’s event, go for it. Get together with some friends who write, have fun and explore the possibilities of what you can write...It’s a wonderful opportunity to build community, bask in the glow of language, and really, just have a good time,” Sandoval said.

Ashley Flowers • The Collegian

Kirk Stone (left) and Angela Vincent (right) perform at the “Ode to Those We’ve Missed” reading event at Hi-Top Coffee Shop.

OPINION

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

Las Vegas will turn tables for Athletics franchise

By Jesús Cano Managing Editor The city of Oakland is on the verge of losing its third professional sports team in less than five years.

The Golden State Warriors settled across the bay in San Francisco and the Raiders went all-in on Las Vegas. Soon, the Oakland Athletics could also take a gamble on Southern Nevada.

The MLB commissioner Rob Manfred forced the A’s to explore other markets after deeming RingCentral Coliseum, not suitable for the organization’s future.

Dark glooms hover over A’s fans after the people of Oakland realized the team’s departure is probable. It is already hard being an A’s fan after the team’s disappointing playoff chase this season.

But as hard as it may be to accept, this is OK for A’s fans.

It wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world if the plans to remain in Oakland fail.

Las Vegas is a suitable location for sports.

The Vegas Golden Knights made a playoff run to the Stanley Cup in its inaugural season, sparking the talks of teams following success in Sin City.

The Raiders joined after. While the football team only being in the city for two months, similar success should follow too.

It’s also a better spot for opposing fans to come visit.

Oakland isn’t a top tourist location like New York, Los Angeles and San Diego.

Although Oakland may have the upperhand when it comes to the metropolitan area, the addition of having a baseball team can add to the Vegas experience.

The Las Vegas Aviators’, the Athletics’ Triple-A affiliate, attendance numbers are knocking it outta the park.

The team’s average attendance is 9,299 per game, which led all of minor league baseball in 2019, according to baseballdigest.com.

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.

Jesús Cano • The Collegian

The Coliseum oncc housed both the Raiders and Athletics, but now the A’s remain with the 56,782-capacity stadium after the Raiders officially moved into Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Oakland A’s vice president baseball manager Billy Beane, has high praise for Las Vegas.

“The facilities here are better than what we have in Oakland,” Beane said to 8 NOW Las Vegas. “When our guys get sent down to triple-A, they’re actually going up in terms of playing the stadium.”

The fans don’t show up in Oakland.

The A’s, who have been in Oakland since 1968, struggled with attendance in 2021, a season where fans were eager to come back to the stands.

According to Shayna Rubin of the Mercury News, the A’s averaged 20,521 attendance in 2019.

They have had more than 20,000 fans in attendance just five times this season.

On the same night there was a playoff push for the wildcard spot against the Seattle Mariners, the Fresno Grizzlies drew more fans.

A lot of factors are in play: A’s tickets seeing a small spike in prices, on-site parking

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being $30 and the big issue, and the stained concrete walls and consistent sewage leaking at the Coliseum.

That just makes casual or non-baseball fans look the other way, especially when San Francisco’s Oracle Park is across the Bay. It also doesn’t help when the A’s can’t keep fan favorites because of their paper thin payroll.

But the A’s aren’t making it easy on fans to come out either, as season ticket holders were informed that their ticket prices for next season would double.

Even if the A’s do get a new stadium at Howard Terminal, the fan attendance is an issue because the location of the new ballpark doesn’t have the best access to a freeway.

On the other hand, the Coliseum is right off California I-880 and has an overpass that is connected to the Coliseum BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) station.

But A’s fans will tell you, that’s OK.

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Even if the team heads to Las Vegas, or any other location, that is OK too.

The end is near in Oakland. The once concrete jungle tha housed the Raiders and the A’s will one day come crashing down and thunderous echoes of the structure will infiltrate the surrounding areas.

That echo is the sound of Oakland’s “Golden Era” ending.

Jesús Cano • The Collegian

The Oakland A's host the Boston Red Sox on Friday, July 2, 2021.

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SPORTS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

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Bulldog defense blanks Wyoming in shutout win

By Manuel Hernandez Sports Editor Fresno State’s defense dominated Wyoming in a 17-0 shutout victory Saturday at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie, Wisconsin.

After a loss against Hawaii last week, the Bulldogs said it was a tough defeat to get over and it hung over the players’ heads throughout the bye week, so they came into Wyoming with something to prove.

Instead of the ‘Dogs’ usual high-scoring, guns-blazing pass offense, the team proved it can not only win games but win in different ways – with defense. Although their offense receives the spotlight most of the season, this game saw defensive back Evan Williams shine.

The 6-foot junior created multiple problems for Wyoming’s offense with two interceptions and also recorded a team-high of seven tackles on Saturday afternoon. .

This was a game to remember for Williams as he came into the press conference laughing and hugging teammate Kevin Atkins. His energy cut through the screen as he talked about how he felt after his performance.

“Ecstatic, in one word. I mean I’m just excited. We’ve just put in so much time into this scheme and just bringing this defense together that when you see that our work kind of paid off, it feels great,” Williams said.

“So yeah, seeing that come to fruition is something. I’m a little excited right now – a little jittery.”

Williams was a big part of the ‘Dogs’ defensive strategy to lock down the Cowboys rushes, especially quarterback Sean Chambers who likes to run the ball himself.

In the middle of the second quarter, Wyoming was forced to pass more, and this change of playstyle seemed uncomfortable for the Cowboys because the ‘Dogs did not ease up on pass coverage.

Chambers threw the ball up the middle with 9:34 left of the second quarter, but the pass went low and right into the hands of Williams.

He returned it for 14 yards and energized his team as it celebrated after the play.

Williams and the Bulldogs already had a 14-0 lead in the fourth quarter, but the defense showed its ability to hold a lead.

After a punt by Fresno State’s Carson King, Chambers threw a short pass on the Cowboys first drive, and again Williams intercepted the ball.

Fresno State utilized the opportunity to increase the lead with a 41-yard field goal by Cesar Silva.

Troy Babbitt • Wyoming Athletics

Fresno State’s Jake Haener rushes the ball (top photo) and Ronnie Rivers fights through defenders (bottom photo) against Wyoming on Saturday, Oct. 16, 2021, at War Memorial Stadium.

“It was really cool to see [Williams] rise to the occasion,” head coach Kalen DeBoer said.

Despite a low-scoring game, the Bulldogs defense dominated with four interceptions, three sacks and one fumble recovery.

They limited Wyoming’s total rushes to 128 yards, the second-lowest of the season.

This was a completely different win for Fresno State because this is the first time for Fresno State this season an opponent had more total

yards, 271-259 but still win.

In the first quarter, Fresno State received the ball but went nowhere in its first drive due to an aggressive Cowboy defense.

However, in Wyoming’s first drive of the game, Chambers rushed for a couple of yards but was quickly met by Bulldog Arron Mosby, who stripped the ball for his fourth forced fumble of the season. Bulldog Elijah Gates recovered the ball.

Fresno State capitalized on the moment to create an offensive spark.

The rushing duo of Ronnie Rivers and Jordan Mims was the key for Saturday’s offense against Wyoming.

Fresno State totaled 163 rushing yards, the second-highest of the season. Mims led with 78 yards and Rivers followed with 73.

“We wanted to establish the run game. They gave us some favorable looks to run the ball,” quarterback Jake Haener said.

“Every day is different, so whatever it takes to win is what we’re going to do, and today was run game. So we got it down, and I couldn’t be happier about it.”

After the Cowboy fumble, Rivers ran for 13 yards and Mims and Jalen Cropper notched 11 yards.

In a 1-yard pass to Josh Kelly from Haener, Cowboy Rome Weber received a penalty for targeting Kelly in an illegal tackle. Weber was ejected for the remainder of the game.

Fresno State was now first-and-goal with 2 yards to the endzone.

Haener threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Juan Rodriguez for the first score of the game. The ‘Dogs led 7-0 with 6:57 left in the first.

The second quarter was a back-and-forth battle, but both defensive teams kept their foes from scoring the entire quarter.

Although it did not lead to a score in the second, Williams’ first interception foretold the ‘Dogs trend to score all their points after forcing turnovers.

With 2:28 left of the third quarter, it looked to be a close game until the final minutes.

Chambers attempted another short pass, but Bulldog linebacker Levelle Bailey tipped the ball into the hands of freshman Malachi Langley who returned it for 33 yards.

The defense gave the offense 6 yards from the endzone.

After a 3-yard rush from Rivers, Haener threw a 3-yard touchdown pass to Cropper to give Fresno State a 14-0 lead.

With a field goal by Silva in the fourth quarter, the ‘Dogs sealed the victory 17-0 against Wyoming.

The ‘Dogs felt like they proved their skills and their message is clear, Atkins said.

“We proved that you know we can go in there and bang with anyone… We’ve had questions about our d-line, and you know I hope those are answered today,” he added.

Fresno State is set to return home for Homecoming Week and will play the Nevada Wolf Pack on Saturday.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS

PAGE 11

Lobos end Bulldogs home winning streak

By Athena Clayson Contributor The Fresno State women’s soccer team lost its first home game in two years, falling 2-1 to Mountain West rivals New Mexico on Sunday.

The ‘Dogs had occupied first place in the conference after their overtime win over San Diego State on Thursday, but now the battle between the Lobos and the Bulldogs continues.

Both are tied for first place with 16 points in the conference.

A penalty kick in the second half, courtesy of New Mexico’s Jadyn Edwards, lit the Lobos fire after a steady first half from both teams.

That goal was answered 10 minutes later with a score from Fresno State forward, Kaelyn Miller.

Then with 15 minutes left of the game and the score even, Lobos’ Alexa Kirton shot the ball past the ‘Dogs’ keeper to the bottom left of the net, finishing the scoring at 2-1.

The clock began and play started with heavy pressure being applied by the Lobos.

Tension was running high for the ‘Dogs as they looked to keep their name at the top of the leaderboard in the conference.

Following their overtime win against San Diego State on Thursday, the ‘Dogs responded to the Lobos pressure with confident attacking as the ball was played end-to-end continually.

At 13 minutes, a yellow card was given to the Lobos.

Using this hesitation to the ‘Dogs advantage, Fresno State senior Jordan Brown saw an opportunity and took a shot, but the ball struck the near post in the 15th minute.

The ball continued to bounce between the

Lobos and the ‘Dogs, with neither team capitalizing on any pass to take it into their box.

With eight minutes to go in the first half, Bulldogs’ Julia Hardwick attempted a fiesty tackle on the right wing, which left her with an injured ankle and her being substituted off.

A free kick was awarded to Lobos’ Madi Hirschman.

“I think we started kind of slow. New Mexico is a really good team, and they’re really organized,” Fresno State head coach Brian Zwaschka said. “I think we were tired from our overtime on Thursday which didn’t help.”

With it being anyone’s game in the second half and various substitutions in place for both teams, the Bulldogs came up with a few differences.

“Overall in the first half, we had little things we needed to fix, and in the second half I think we did that,” Miller said.

But the Lobos saw no problem with the adjustments from Fresno State as a challenge from Bulldogs senior Robyn McCarthy led to a Lobos penalty kick.

Lobos’ Jadyn Edwards stepped up to the mark and ultimately fired the ball past Bulldog Ella Wilson’s waving hands into the bottom left corner.

The Lobos took the lead at 62 minutes, 1-0.

Despite the goal, the ‘Dogs never stopped fighting. They understood New Mexico wanted the No. 1 spot to itself.

“We were ready to compete. We were ready to fight. We knew it was going to be a battle and we’ll fight all the way, even if we’re down a goal,” Miller said.

After a stoppage in time due to a Kirton ankle injury in a tackle, the Bulldogs came out

Melina Kazanjian • The Collegian

Fresno State midfielder Sam Tristan steals the ball against New Mexico on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2021, at the Fresno State Soccer Stadium.

Melina Kazanjian • The Collegian

Fresno State defensive player Haley Espinoza guards the ball against New Mexico on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2021, at the Fresno State Soccer Stadium. firing with a shot on target by McCarthy. The ball was caught by the Lobos goalkeeper.

After a New Mexico foul against Hirschman in the 58th minute, the Bulldogs channeled this momentum into a free kick awarded to junior Chais Wright.

The free kick was played and soon the ball was back in the midfield.

A header from Brown launched the ball into the final third, which Miller sought to possess.

The problem was that Miller had a Lobos defender on either side of her as all three players sprinted for the ball.

Miller got possession, chipped the ball over the goalkeeper’s head and into the top right corner of the net.

“It felt really good to score that goal. As a team, we tend to get back up on top,” Miller said.

With the score now even and with 28 minutes to play, both teams were on the attack as they sought out a weakness in the other.

The Lobos seized an opportunity and hit the ball hard and low past the Bulldog defenders and goalkeeper to the right corner of the goal.

However, this goal was disallowed due to a foul in the box on a Fresno State player, and the fight continued.

But it did not last much longer as a corner kick in the 73rd minute from New Mexico’s Mackenna Havenor led to an opportunity for her teammate Kirton after a Fresno State defender deflected the ball out of the box.

Kirton had no defenders marking her, so she used the time to set herself with a small touch, and then struck a half volley into the top left corner of the Bulldogs’ goal.

“

We were ready to compete. We were ready to fight. We knew it was going to be a battle and we’ll fight all the way, even if we’re down a goal, — Kaelyn Miller,

Fresno State forward “In the final few moments, I think we just had a lack of energy. We were getting beaten to a lot of balls – losing first balls and we were losing second balls,” Zwaschka added.

The Lobos deflected a lot of balls in order to waste time and clinch the win over the ‘Dogs.

The ‘Dogs look to bounce back as they face Nevada on Friday, Oct. 17.

“We’re going to concentrate on recovery right now and try and win it on Friday,” Zwaschka said.

“I’m ready to keep winning and ,hopefully, get back on top,” Miller said.

“Now that we’re tied with New Mexico, their games are not in our hands. But all we have to do is win.”

Fresno State will travel to Reno to play the Nevada Wolf Pack on Friday.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2021

THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS

PAGE 12

Desiree Sukhov and Savanah Smith lead ‘Dogs in sweep win

By Tyler Van Dyke Reporter Senior outside hitters Desiree Sukhov and Savanah Smith were the difference makers in a sweep for the Fresno State volleyball team against Nevada on Sunday afternoon, winning the sets 25-21, 26-24, [25-12].

Sukhov, for the 10th time this season, led the ‘Dogs in kills, racking up 13 total in the win.

Smith was a kill behind getting 12, with her seventh double-digit kill match of the season.

Sukhov recorded a team-high three aces serving on the day.

What Sukhov said she cares about most is not her personal performance, but how to help the team compete hard in every match and do what it needs her to do to win.

“It is a team effort. I love my team so much, and everyone kind of did their job, and it transitioned into a successful play,” Sukhov said.

Smith was aggressive in critical moments all match and also hit a career-best .611.

“I think I did pretty well working on my connection with my setter. I think [that] has been a huge important factor for this entire season,” Smith said.

The Bulldogs jumped out to a quick 8-4 lead

Wyatt Bible • The Collegian

Fresno State outside hitter Savanah Smith kills the ball against Nevada on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2021, at the Save Mart Center. in the opening set on three kills by Smith and a kill each by Grace Doyle and Sukhov. Nevada then came back to tie it up at 10. Fresno State regained the lead 15-13.

The Wolf Pack once again fought back to tie it up at 18. Sukhov got two kills and a huge service ace to grab the lead and push it out to 21-19.

After a Nevada timeout, Sukhov served two more aces making it 24-19 with Smith adding a kill as well. The Bulldogs capitalized off of two errors and were able to get a set-winning kill from Smith to claim the first set, 25-21.

Another back-and-forth second set, which saw five lead changes and eight ties, started with the ‘Dogs letting the Wolf Pack jump out

to a 9-6 lead. Sukhov then got three kills, and Doyle added one to tie the set at 11. Fresno State took the lead at 15-13 with two kills by Amaria Kelley and one by Smith.

The Wolf Pack then came storming back and took a 19-16 advantage, forcing Fresno State to call a timeout.

Back-to-back kills by Sukhov and one by Doyle brought the ‘Dogs within a point at 19-18.

The Wolf Pack then pushed their lead out to 2118. Smith in a critical spot scored two kills in a row to cut it down to a 1-point lead for Nevada.

Fresno State went on to take the extremely close second set by a score of 26-24. After two close sets, the Bulldogs dominated the third set, taking the final set 25-12.

The leaders of the match were Sukhov with 13 kills and three service aces, Weiss with 26 assists, Rud with 15 digs and Kasey Purry with five blocks in the victory.

“Today was way better,” Winder said. “We passed better, and it allowed us to rest the offense and defense and everything just to kind of be a little bit more smooth.”

Fresno State comes back to the Save Mart Center on Thursday to battle Boise State at 6 p.m.