EQUESTRIAN TEAM OPENS NEW FACILITY Page 7
Dust Bowl Fresno State’s Award-Winning Newspaper
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Air quality forces outdoor classes to close on Monday
Page 3 Larry Valenzuela • The Collegian
Dust hovers in the air over the Fresno State campus on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. The Air Quality Index reached a hazardous level of 520.
No Bowl? After a loss against Colorado State, Bulldogs' bowl hopes may be in jeopardy
SPORTS
Page 8
Larry Valenzuela • The Collegian
Khai Williams (30) walks off the field with his head down following Fresno State's loss.
INSIDE : HALLOWEEN TOWN: FRIGHTFULLY FUN EVENTS IN FRESNO
NEWS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019
GOT TIPS? We want to hear them. COLLEGIAN@CSUFRESNO.EDU
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$500k donated to Study Abroad program By Jennifer Reyes Reporter
Elizabeth Shields and her late husband John Shields, retired professors at Fresno State, have donated the largest gift to date for the Study Abroad program at Fresno State to help low-income students study abroad. The Shields’ gift of $500,000 comes with the hope of giving students the opportunity to experience and appreciate international travel by learning about another country. "Many students in the Central Valley have very limited opportunities to travel, sometimes it's a matter of finances, matter of family obligations," Shields said. "Sometimes they don't really think about it as an option and with this program, they can earn credits toward graduation. So it's not a waste of time in terms of graduating." The Shields married in Turkey and took about five months to travel to other countries, such as Iran, Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, southern and central Russia and lastly Scandinavia. Their travels were filled with meeting new people, seeing new places and learning about what life was like in other countries. The Shields’ daughter had a study abroad experience in China. They acknowledged the
way the program had changed their daughter’s confidence. The vision to help students at Fresno State will become a legacy and provide an unforgettable moment for many students. The Shields family was honored with a tree planting and recognition ceremony on Oct. 21 at the Social Science Quad, recognizing their generosity and support that allows students to get an unforgettable, life-changing experience. The university’s Study Abroad program has student-exchange partnerships with over 60 universities worldwide, giving a life-changing experience to more than 600 students that participate each year. “The Shields’ impactful and generous gift will fundamentally change our students’ worldviews in positive ways by providing them the opportunity to experience cultures and perspectives often vastly different than their own,” said Fresno State President Dr. Joseph I. Castro in a news release. The University Studies Abroad Consortium provides learning experiences in China, Chile, Japan, Italy, South Korea, Spain, Thailand and Uruguay. In 2016, the Shields family had established an annual scholarship grant that has helped 15 Fresno State students with the travel cost and program fees to study abroad. Jennifer Duran, one of the students who
received the Shields family’s grant, earned a bachelor’s in speech-language pathology. Duran said she believes that the study abroad experience can be scary at first, but it challenges you to overcome fear and enjoy the experience. She had chosen to study abroad in Seoul, South Korea, because she had made Korean friends at Fresno State who taught her about their culture and sparked her interest to visit their homeland. “I am very happy and have an indescribable feeling that can only be simplified as gratitude toward the Shields family,” Duran said. “Thanks to their scholarship, I was able to complete one of my dreams of studying abroad. Receiving the scholarship helped to reduce my financial burden and provided me with assistance in continuing to pursue higher education.” For Duran, the experience taught her “independence, openness, confidence and happiness.”
Courtesy Fresno State
“We would like to support students who would like to go abroad but did not have the financial means,” Shields said. Over the years, the Shields family has contributed by donating to the Study Abroad program. There are two criteria; one being students should go to a non-English-speaking country and the other is going to a country they were not so familiar with. Shields said this experience would get students out of their comfort zone and prove to themselves how much they can grow from such a life-changing experience.
'Let's Talk' offers free consultation services By Anjanae Freitas Reporter
Midterm season can be a stressful time for students to get through alongside the pressure of trying to juggle studying, deadlines, graduation, internships and jobs. Trying to balance mental health on top of these stressful factors may make students feel even more overwhelmed. Reaching out for help may seem like a scary process for some. It may be uncomfortable, but the willingness to be open to seeking help could prove to be life changing. Recently, the University of Miami started a health and wellness program to help students struggling with mental health get consultations to see what resources are available to better their mental health.
Fresno State has a similar program called “Let's Talk” that was started three years ago to help students combat these factors. Let's Talk is a program that provides instant access to informal, confidential and anonymous consultations with licensed mental health counselors from the Student Health and Counseling Center (SHCC) at Fresno State. Some obstacles preventing students from seeking mental health aid may include calling one’s health insurance, getting in contact with a therapist and then having to go through the process of waiting to get help when an individual is already at a breaking point. The services are open to students Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. located in the Kremen Education Building, Room 334 and also in Industrial Technology, Room 242. Lets Talk is a brief 20-30 minute consultation appointment where students meet with a
therapist to assess the type of support and resources they feel students can benefit from. The consultation can be beneficial for students who are unsure of the process in therapy, who are willful of seeking professional help but are interested in what perspective a therapist has to offer, and for students who have a specific problem for which they need one to talk through with. Although Let’s Talk is run by professionally trained counselors, it does not fall under psychotherapy or formal counseling. It is a consultation to the introduction of what is best for students based on the appointment. After the counselor has collected enough concerns or distress that one is struggling with, they follow up with the appropriate treatment for the individual’s needs. If the student is comfortable with the counselor’s referral, they may then be referred to
Counseling and Psychological Services for bi-weekly 40-50 minute appointments. If a student feels anxious about sharing, the process of Let’s Talk may provide a safe space for conversations to be kept completely confidential, aside from any threat of danger to oneself or others. Visits ae also never noted under one’s student office university record or in any way that may affect one’s career here at Fresno State. “Early reports suggest that students are finding our resources, services and therapists to be accessible, helpful and welcoming,” said Andrea Biel, a doctoral intern at the SHCC. However, the health fee is more than just for physical health; the fee also includes mental health, which provides students with free counseling sessions here on campus that they may benefit from during the more stressful times in their college career.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019
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THE COLLEGIAN • NEWS
Fresno State math professor remembered by colleagues By Seth Casey | Editor in Chief Late mathematics professor remembered by friends and colleagues Fresno State students, faculty, staff and community members gathered to remember and celebrate the life of Dr. Adnan Sabuwala in the Ellipse Gallery on Oct. 25 at 4 p.m. Sabuwala, an associate professor in the mathematics department, died on Sept. 29 at the age of 40. Several of Sabuwala’s colleagues and friends spoke to the group of more than 70 attendees about the legacy and impact Sabuwala had on all those he interacted with. Some told anecdotes of their time spent with Sabuwala, Courtesy Fresno State while others read poems that Dr. Adnan Sabuwala, 40, was an associate professor in the mathematics department at Fresno reflected their feelings for State, who died on Sept. 29, 2019. Sabuwala. Several years ago, sitting in his office and way to help future generations of students sucOne such poem was “Travelling” by William having a meeting with someone, Amarasinghe ceed while continuing Sabuwala’s legacy and Wordsworth, read by Christine Thibodeaux, noticed out of the corner of his eye, Sabuwala passion for mathematics. coordinator of special projects in the science pacing outside his door. “I definitely want Adnan’s name to be redepartment. “This was the typical Adnan we know,” Ammembered for a long -- very long time,” Ama“And no one can tell whither, my sweet arasinghe said. “When he wanted to get somerasinghe said. “I’m trying my best to create an friend. We two have had such happy hours tothing done, he kept on coming and asking about endowment with Adnan’s name, so that even gether that my heart melts in me to think of it,” it.” when we retire and go and pass away, still his Thibodeaux read. After his meeting, Amarasinghe went to name will be here with the university.” Dr. Rajee Amarasinghe, professor and chair Sabuwala and asked, “Adnan, what’s wrong?” Sabuwala came to Fresno State in 2008 of the mathematics department, was one of the Sabuwala answered, he wanted all of the after earning his bachelor’s degree in electrical speakers at the event. Amarasinghe discussed faculty to have matching shirts with the departengineering at the Indian Institute of Technolhis time working with and getting to know ment written on the chest. He added that once ogy in Mumbai, India, in 2000. Sabuwala went Sabuwala. they get the shirts, he wanted to take a picture on to attend the University of Florida, where Amarasinghe said that Sabuwala was not with all of the mathematics professors wearing he earned a master’s degree in electrical and only a colleague and an educator, but was a their shirts. computer engineering in 2002, a master’s in friend, father and an entertainer. To illustrate “He said he wanted to go to schools, and he applied mathematics in 2004 and a doctorate this last title, Amarasinghe showed a picture of wanted to represent the Fresno State mathein applied mathematics in 2008. the professors from the math department at a matics department.” Carol Fry Bohlin, professor and chair of faculty retreat. Those same red polo shirts could be seen the department of curriculum and instruction In the photo, Sabuwala stands out, even in worn by attendees throughout the crowd at the option, noted that Sabuwala helped not only the back row of the group, an enormous smile event. students at Fresno State but also helped to edon his face and his arms stretched out in the But, Amarasinghe said, Sabuwala’s greatest ucate prospective math teachers pass the state shape of an “L,” or more likely, a right angle. love was his daughter. licensure test California Subject Examinations In recalling Sabuwala’s vibrant personality, “Adnan had his most interesting, most enfor Teachers (CSET). Amarasinghe told a story of how the professors joyable last two years with his daughter,” AmSabuwala was also involved with programs in the mathematics department all came to arasinghe said. “He really loved his daughter. such as Math Circle and Math Field Day, in have matching red polo shirts with the departShe was his life.” which he helped K-12 students gain proficiency ment’s logo on them. Amarasinghe said that he is working on a in math.
COVER STORY
Air quality warning in effect Outdoor classes and activities were canceled at Fresno State on Monday due to poor air quality. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the worst may have passed. Considering the improved air quality and the projection of fewer winds kicking up dust into the air, the campus is expected to remain open for the remainder of the week, according to a university news release. On Sunday, the Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 520, falling into the hazardous category, according to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) AirNow website. By Sunday evening, the AQI had fallen to 115 (unhealthy for sensitive groups) and was predicted to be at 62 (moderate) on Monday. The AQI was 95 at 6:30 a.m. on Monday but rose to 248 by 2 p.m., prompting the university to halt all outdoor activities for the day. By 8:30 p.m. on Monday, the AQI again fell, this time to 103. The EPA’s forecast only predicts the AQI up to 24 hours, which could fluctuate over the next few days. The AQI on Tuesday was forecast at 97 and fell to 71 by 7 p.m. and is expected to reach 101 on Wednesday. According to the NWS, there will be less wind causing particulate matter and dust to be kicked up into the air for the rest of the week. “It doesn’t look like there will be as much wind,” said Kevin Durfee, meteorologist at the NWS. “But it doesn’t take a lot of wind to kick up some dust.” Durfee said that the combination of dust from the winds and smoke from fires in California made the air considerably hazardous early this week. While there is not as much wind anticipated for the rest of the week, Durfee said that the air quality warning will likely remain in effect until Thursday for sensitive groups, including those with respiratory illnesses, young children and elderly adults. Durfee added there does appear to be a cold, dry air mass moving into the Central Valley, which could bring some of the coldest weather the Valley has seen since March, including some frost on the west side of the Valley. This cold front may also bring additional winds, though not as much as earlier this week. -- Seth Casey
A&E
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019
COLLEGIAN.CSUFRESNO.EDU
FRONT PAGE
Fun Halloween ideas
Tribune News Service
By Christina Tran A&E Editor
Halloween is coming up this week, and there are a variety of activities and fun experiences students can look forward to on campus, nearby in Fresno or to stay home and do for those on a budget this year. Here is a list of potential spooky activities, events and Halloween plans that students can look forward to participating in this Wednesday and Thursday:
Pumpkin Patches If you haven’t already taken a photo with a pumpkin yet, there are several different locations in Fresno that students can visit before October ends. Putting the hassle of buying a pumpkin aside, there are a couple pumpkin patches that also feature carnival rides and fair food. One such location is Planet Pumpkin, located at 640 E. Nees Ave. Ride a ferris wheel, hug a pumpkin or just take in the atmosphere as the crowd wanders around the haystacks and piles of pumpkins.
Tribune News Service
Movie Night Horrorland This event will be put on by the University Student Union (USU) Productions as a free Halloween event for all students to participate in on Wednesday night from 7 to 10 p.m. at the USU. There will be a haunted maze, live DJ, contests, games, prizes and more. If going back home isn’t possible, this can be the next best thing to dress up and hang out with friends for a Halloween celebration for students.
Carving Pumpkins For some, buying pumpkins at a pumpkin patch may be a little pricey, so picking one out at the grocery store can be a cheaper option. Grab a buddy to go pick out some pumpkins and get a simple carving kit to make the night a little more exciting. Taking part in the Halloween tradition doesn’t need to be expensive if you’re making the most of it with good company.
Bar Hopping In Tower District, there are a few bars and clubs that will have themed nights for young adults 21 years old and up to dress up for a night out. Strummers will have a free Halloween Party on Oct. 31 from 8:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., where attendees can look forward to karaoke, dancing, drinks, costume contests, prizes and more.
If going out isn’t an option for you or something you’re interested in, there are endless possibilities of popular Halloween movies on Netflix and Hulu to choose from. Spend the night in with some snacks and settle in for a horror-themed movie extravaganza in the safety and comfort of your home.
Scary Experiences For lovers of being scared at haunted houses and similar experiences, Hobb’s Grove in Sanger and Raisin’ Hell Ranch in Madera can be great options if you’re up for the drive from Fresno. There are four more days, starting Wednesday, for anyone interested in going to Hobb’s Grove for the Haunted Hayride, Haunted House or Haunted Forest. For Raisin’ Hell Ranch, there are two more days, starting Wednesday, to visit a couple different corn field mazes to give you some nightmares to remember.
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Open house educates young kids This past Saturday, the Kremen School of Education and Human Development hosted its first-ever open house event in front of the Education Building in accordance with Fresno State Homecoming. The goal of the event was to inform adults and future students in the community of the opportunities Fresno State provides and to help get the people in attendance more familiar with the university. “Part of the event is starting young and getting kids to become comfortable and familiar with the Fresno State campus,” said interim dean of the Kremen School of Education and Human Development Laura Alamillo. “My philosophy is that this is their campus … and we’re just trying to continue that [philosophy].” There were more than 20 tables providing information about clubs and organizations, community partners and Fresno State programs and resources, which included the Fresno Family Counseling Center and San Joaquin Valley Writing Project. The event at the Education Building was one of many events taking place on campus in celebration of the university’s Homecoming and with hundreds of people already on campus, it helped attract more attention to the Kremen School. “We wanted to be a part of the Homecoming event, so we thought it was a good opportunity to publicize the programs that come out of the Kremen School,” Alamillo said. “The focus was to make it a family and child-friendly event.” The children who attended the event were treated to a multitude of activities, including bounce houses, STEM-related booths, photo opportunities with the Fresno State mascot Timeout and free popcorn and cotton candy for attendees. Many of the organizations that were tabling at the event had child-orientated arts and crafts activities for those who stopped by. Alamillo hopes to hold more events like the open house to promote the university and the Kremen School in the near future. “I am committed to continuing this as long as our faculty and our staff are willing to spend their Saturday to do this type of work,” Alamillo said. -- Anthony De Leon
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019
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THE COLLEGIAN • A&E
Check out Save Mart Center tickets on sale By Christina Tran A&E Editor
Find out which concert tickets are going on sale at the Save Mart Center (SMC) for entertainment performances throughout the year and into 2020 below:
Combate Americas
Larry Valenzuela • The Collegian
The Save Mart Center is located at 2650 E. Shaw Ave.
See a Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) tournament hosted by Combate Americas return for the third time this year. The lightweight main event presents two rising stars in the MMA world, Ignacio “Nacho” Bahamondes and Salvador Becerra. The women's strawweight features a contest between Corina Herrera and Caroline “Taz” Gallardo. This event will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, 2019. Ticket prices start at $25 and are available now at ticketmaster.com or at the SMC Box Office.
Blake Shelton
2019 International Cello Festival held on campus By Christina Tran A&E Editor
The “2019 International Cello Festival” will take place on the Fresno State campus from Oct. 31 through Nov. 3 and will include two large gala concerts with orchestras, a concerto competition and many master classes and lecture sessions, according to a Fresno State news release. Attendees can look forward to local violin makers also showing their instruments and answering any questions. There will be international guest artists present, one of whom will be Tsuyoshi Tsutsumi. He was a professor of cello at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, president
of the Toho Gakuen School of Music in Japan, music director of Kirishima International Music Festival and is currently the president of the famed Suntory Hall in Tokyo. The “Cello Mania” concert features the Fresno State Symphony Orchestra and will be at 8 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 1 at the Fresno State Concert Hall. Tickets can be purchased by attendees for $15 for general admission, $10 for employees and seniors and $5 for students. The 2019 Fresno Concerto Competition is at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Fresno State Concert Hall in the Music Building. Admission is free. The “Closing Gala Concert” is at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4 at Fresno High School’s Royce Hall. Admission will be free.
Country music superstar Blake Shelton will be performing in Fresno for his “Friends and Heroes 2020” tour. The event will take at place 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, 2020. The concert will also include country pop special guest Lauren Alaina, as well as appearances by the Bellamy Brothers, John Anderson and Trace Adkins. No group sales are available for purchase for this event. Ticket prices start at $39 and are available now at ticketmaster.com or at the SMC Box Office.
Ana Gabriel See Mexican singer and songwriter Ana Gabriel perform. The event will take place at 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 15, 2020. Her work has earned her numerous awards, including a Grammy Award nomination, four Latin Grammy Award nominations, 13 Lo Nuestro Awards and many more. No group sales are available for purchase for this event. Ticket prices start at $44 and are available now at ticketmaster.com or at the SMC Box Office.
Thinking about Graduate School? “My husband’s military service to our Country allowed me to obtain a law school education to pursue a second career.” Monique Taylor, Esq.
English Major, University of Houston Juris Doctor, SJCL
Career Panel
thursday, november 7, 2019 from 6:30-8:30pm In honor of Veterans Day, our alumni panelists are veterans.
register now: www.sjcl.edu or 559/323-2100
SJCL admitS StudentS of any raCe/ CoLor, reLigiouS Creed, nationaL origin/anCeStry, age, gender, mentaL or phySiCaL diSabiLity, mediCaL Condition, maritaL StatuS, or SexuaL orientation.
Deadline to register for the Jan. 13 LSAT is is Dec. 3
OPINION
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019
GOT OPINIONS? We want to hear them. COLLEGIAN@CSUFRESNO.EDU
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Central Valley crisis Stop ignoring the signs By Rene Salas
Poverty is such a critical issue in the Central Valley. I am a student at Fresno State, and for the past couple of weeks we have been doing some reading about poverty in the Central Valley in our Sociology 130W class. In the past few weeks, I have become more knowledgeable about poverty in the Central Valley, and my findings have had a tremendous effect on me personally. I feel that every individual must be knowledgeable about the social issues that define the
We have to play an integral role in policymaking that shapes social norms along with policymakers. We have to be involved as common citizens as much as, if not more than, policymakers in developing the rules and regulations that create the social structure of the Central Valley. What strikes me most is that even though the Central Valley produces agricultural products in abundance, there are children who are unable to access those agricultural products that are produced. Fruits and vegetables are abundant in the Central Valley, but they are inaccessible due to increased prices for men, women and children. I urge readers, students and faculty to con-
society in which we live. For us, it is critical to be well aware of the socio-economic problems that make up the Central Valley.
tact their respective representatives to inquire about any forms of assistance for people affected by poverty in the Central Valley.
Sociology Major
The cycle of poverty By Mayra Gallardo Pre-Social Work Major
Could you imagine picking up your son from school one day and for him to say, “Our school, Fort Miller, is ranked the lowest compared to all the other middle schools in Fresno?” I can. Unfortunately, this was my experience one day, and it was devastating. The worst scenario was being able to explain to my son that his school was ranked the lowest because, unfortunately, it’s in an impoverished part of town. Living in a poor part of town means the resources that the school receives don’t compare to the resources other schools get. As I’ve learned in my sociology class, we are prone to live this way because the system is
The Collegian is a studentrun publication that serves the Fresno State community. Views expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily reflect the views of the staff or university.
structured this way. I was assigned to read an article titled “The Enduring Challenge of Concentrated Poverty in America: Case Study of Fresno, California” by Naomi Cytron. In her article Cytron mentions, “Generational cycles of poverty are perpetuated by the limited range of constructive education.” In other words, the generation of poverty cycles will continue because those schools in the poverty parts of town do not receive enough funding. They are limited in what they can provide; this leads to an unbalanced education between schools, and sadly, our kids are the ones being affected. I propose, as parents, we do all that’s in our power to help our children succeed no matter where their school stands, and the only way to do so is by advocation.
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People in abusive relationships often have had their spirit broken. In order to help them, they have to be encouraged to begin to take action in their own lives and have hope for a new beginning. (MCT)
By Kelsey Garcia Stop and take a look around you. The girl sitting next to you in class, the professor who stands in front of the class, the woman that rings you up at the counter could be covering his/her wounds up with makeup. Being in a domestically violent relationship can happen to anyone: women, men, wealthy people, poor people, there are victims of every race that can be exposed to this kind of toxic behavior. We should not have to wait for a victim of this crime to be murdered as a wake up call in our community. Do not let it be too late for that
Seth Casey Anthony De Leon Marilyn Castaneda Christina Tran Jorge Rodriguez Samantha Domingo Larry Valenzuela Anjanae Freitas Hector Mendoza Rachel Lewis Jennifer Reyes
General Sales Manager General Sales Manager Special Projects Manager Special Projects Manager Special Projects Manager Art Director Distributor General Manager Financial Manager Advertising Faculty Adviser Editorial Faculty Adviser MCJ Department Chair
victim. We, as a community, play a big role in preventing domestic violence from happening. We need to stand together and let victims of domestic violence know we are here, and we are listening. It is easy for someone to overlook the red flags of a new relationship. Do you know the signs of a future with domestic violence in a relationship? For anyone looking for more information, please visit mmcenter.org. This program is located in Fresno at 1600 M St. and can assist domestic violence victims with a safe house, legal assistance counseling and crisis support.
Jovanni Cardenas Joy Lyle Daisy Dellinger Alessandra Mazman Jacob Mulick Jeff Vinogradoff Zachary Perkins Richard Marshall Kevin Fries Jan Edwards Timothy Drachlis Betsy Hays
The Collegian carries four different ethnic supplements inserted several times throughout each semester into its print publication. Each supplement is produced by its own staff and advisers and is separate from The Collegian. The news stories or opinions in the supplements do not reflect those of The Collegian.
Each member of the campus community is permitted a copy of The Collegian. Subscriptions are available for $25, on a semester basis. Staff positions at The Collegian are open to students of all majors. All content Copyright © 2018 The Collegian. Letters to the Editor (collegian@csufresno.edu): All letters submitted to The Collegian should be between 250-500 words in length, must be type-written, and must be accompanied by a full name and phone number to verify content. The Collegian reserves the right to edit all material for length, content, spelling and grammar, as well as the right to refuse publication of any material submitted. All material submitted to The Collegian becomes property of The Collegian.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019
Wrestling preview By Marc A. Lopez | Contributor Three years following the return of Fresno State wrestling, many of the wrestlers have their sights set high for a competitive season. The 2018-2019 season finished with the team barely over a .500 winning percentage in both overall record and conference record. The team’s record allowed it to make it to the Big 12 Conference Championship Tournament, where it finished in fifth place. Following the Big 12 tournament, five members of the 2018-2019 roster went out to compete in the NCAA Championship. Those five members included now redshirt sophomores Jackson Hemauer and Gary Joint, junior AJ Nevils, redshirt senior Khristian Olivas and senior Josh Hokit. Hokit will not be able to join the rest of the team until the football season has been completed. However, several wrestlers, like redshirt Junior Greg Gaxiola, will not waste any time this season to achieve their goal of adding their names to the list of NCAA tournament-qualified Bulldogs. “I feel like it is my time,” Gaxiola said. “I’ve wrestled people that I have beat, and they have qualified. So I feel like it is my time now.” This confidence from Gaxiola isn’t just an individual outlier. He said that head coach Troy Steiner always tells the team that, “We want to be ranked in the top 10 in the nation.” Fresno State is in solid positioning to reach its rankings goal. The Bulldogs received six votes from the National Wrestling Coaches Association’s (NWCA) coaches poll on Tuesday. With some recognition from the NWCA under its belt and the kickoff for the 2019-2020 season happening on the road this Friday, Nov. 1 at the “Battle of Midway,” Steiner hopes that a full wrestling roster brings out the best Fresno State has to offer on Friday. “This is the first time we’ve really had competition to make our lineup. We are now a full roster of 32 and before [we] weren’t,” Steiner said. “We’ve seen great energy and focus in the room because they know if they don’t do the job, there’s a guy behind him that will take his spot.” Although the team starts the season on the road, both Steiner and Gaxiola hope that everyone comes out to the home opener to help set the attendance record against Rutgers on Friday, Nov. 15. “We want everyone there. We want the students there in the Save Mart Center,” Steiner said. “We would like to set the attendance record, and we need all of you to do that. There is nothing more exciting than wrestling in front of your classmates and other Bulldogs.”
THE COLLEGIAN • SPORTS
PAGE 7
FRONT PAGE
Equestrian's new facilities
Larry Valenzuela • The Collegian
Fresno State equestrian team celebrated the grand opening of the Equestrian Center located at the Student Horse Center on Friday, Oct. 25, 2019.
By Jorge Rodriguez Sports Editor
After defeating Oklahoma State 14-5 last Friday, the Fresno State equestrian team celebrated the grand opening of its new Equestrian Center. Located at the center of the Student Horse Center, the new Equestrian Center will house offices, locker room and even a laundry room for the team. Before the ribbon cutting ceremony, the equestrian team held a pre-ceremony mixer event where guests were invited to mix and mingle with the student-athletes and get to know them. The pre-ceremony mixer offered light refreshments for those in attendance. The ceremony took place after 4 p.m. with Senior Associate Athletics Director for Development Tim Collins making the opening remarks. Fresno State President Dr. Joseph I. Cas-
tro and Director of Athletics Terry Tumey also spoke to the students during the ribbon cutting ceremony. Tumey spoke about how the facility took longer to complete than anticipated but was something a lot of people worked hard on to complete. Castro told those in attendance that he was proud of the student-athletes because they held good grades while being at the top of their competition. After Castro was done speaking, he invited the team captains Nicole Campbell, Erica Rosinski and Shea Gilson, along with head coach Eric Hubbard to come up and, along with Tumey, cut the ribbon celebrating the grand opening of the facility. The Equestrian Center consists of a reception area and several offices that will house the coaching staff members, as well as a laundry room for students to wash and clean their equipment and uniforms. The most anticipated part for many was the brand new locker room for the team, which
consisted of individual lockers with name plates and private drawers that locked. Another part of the locker room that was a big hit with the athletes was the showers and bathrooms just feet away from their lockers. Rosinski said that the team had been waiting a long time for this and that everyone was excited to finally see the new locker room. “This was like Christmas morning … you’re very excited to open up your present and see what’s inside and honestly, it did not disappoint,” Rosinski said. “We are very thankful and very blessed to be able to have this.” Hubbard said that even though it took a long time to get here, this facility not only helps them with private offices, but also as a recruitment tool for the program. “It’s taken a long time to get here, and we’re excited for it, and we’re thankful for it,” Hubbard said. “[The office] is more private. We can have a one-on-one conversation with a student-athletes … being able to have these offices is just fantastic.”
Home games to be televised By Hector Mendoza Reporter
Fresno State Athletics has come together with KAIL-TV to provide a broadcast package that will bring the football, men’s and women’s basketball teams to its over-the-air network during the 2019-2020 season, according to a Fresno State athletics news release. KAIL-TV launches with this Saturday’s football game as the ‘Dogs travel to the University of
Hawai’i in a pivotal MW Conference game. The game starts at 9 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, 6 p.m. local time. KAIL-TV will also carry five basketball games for both the men’s and women’s programs during the teams’ seasons, starting with three non-conference men’s games during the holiday season and two MW matchups after the New Year. The five games that will be broadcast will be MW matchups, which will be held after the New Year.
Before all 10 of the basketball broadcasts, there will be a 30-minute pregame show to kick off the games. KAIL-TV, also known as My Central Valley or MyCV, reaches about 1.4 million viewers in Fresno, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Kings and Tulare counties in HD, according to the release. The broadcasts for these games can be found on channel 7.1 over the air, or antenna, in the greater Fresno area. To find KAIL-TV on cable, contact your local cable provider or visit the KAIL-TV website.
SPORTS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2019
COLLEGIAN.CSUFRESNO.EDU
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EDITORIAL
Wednesday Warmup: The final stage is acceptance
Armando Carreno • The Collegian
Fresno State quarterback Jorge Reyna gets thrown to the turf by a Colorado State player during the Homecoming game celebrated at Bulldog Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019.
By Anthony De Leon Managing Editor
While sitting in the media room at Bulldog Stadium as joyous cheers of the visiting athletic director and his guests were audible from the room next door, I realized the possibility that this Fresno State football team may fail to become bowl eligible may have become a reality. As the weeks pass, every goal that was thrust upon the 2019 Bulldogs has begun to falter, one by one. So far, a New Year’s Six bowl, Top 25 Ranking, Mountain West Championship and finishing first in the MW West Division have all been crossed off the list. If the Bulldogs continue to perform the way they did this past week, bowl eligibility will be the next to fall. This past week, the Bulldogs’ loss could be chalked up to numerous mistakes, including allowing big plays to the Colorado State offense, a season-high nine penalties for 74 yards and offensive ineptitude when it came to third-down conversions (2-13 on third down efficiency). The biggest hindrance to the Bulldogs’ offense is its inability to put itself in manageable third down situations. On Saturday, the Fresno State offense found itself facing a third and long (beyond five yards) in nine of its 13 third-down attempts, only able to convert once on a third and 9 in the third quarter.
Head coach Jeff Tedford addressed the issue of third-down conversions in his press conference stating, “I think the third-down situations happened from not staying on schedule. When it's third and long, it's tough to convert.” A bright spot for the Bulldogs continues to be the efforts in the run game by Ronnie Rivers, who ran for a season-high 146 yards on 14 rushes, and Josh Hokit, who continues to be a useful force in the red zone, adding two more touchdowns to his team-high nine on the season. In the past two games, both Rivers and Hokit have accounted for nine of the 11 touchdowns scored by the Bulldogs in those matchups. But with Fresno State continuing to put itself in long yardage situations, the run game is all but null and void. The way this season has been going, it becomes increasingly easy to try and find a scapegoat, with many saying it was Tedford’s play calling that cost them the game or that Reyna should have ran, when he instead chose to pass for the first down during a crucial drive. But it may be time to accept that the loss to a 2-5, 14-point underdog Colorado State team was a team effort. The season-high penalties, allowing 500 yards of offense, failure to convert on third down and turnovers in crucial situations were done as a team. With the Bulldogs currently sitting at 3-4 overall and 1-2 in the MW, the recent play of
the team makes it plausible that Fresno State won’t be victorious in any one of its upcoming three games. In the next three games, the Bulldogs will be traveling to Honolulu, Hawaii, to face a 5-3 Rainbow Warrior team that has wins over Pac-12 opponents (Arizona and Oregon State), a competitive Utah State team and a newly-ranked No. 24 San Diego State in San Diego. It is very unfortunate for the Bulldogs that during a down year for the team, the MW has become one of the most difficult leagues to play in in 2019, with two of the best mid-major teams in the conference (Boise State and San Diego State) and many other teams that have been competitive this year. Island of Terror It is quite fitting that in the same week as Halloween, as Fresno State will be traveling once again to “The Island” to face a good Hawaii team and also fight the supernatural hold Aloha Stadium has over Bulldogs. Hawaii, in the past, has always been a place where good Bulldogs teams go to die, with Bulldog greats like Kevin Sweeney (’86), Trent Dilfer (’92) and David Carr (’01) all suffering losses while leading some of the best rosters in program history to Honolulu. Aloha Stadium hasn’t been as scary of a place to play for Fresno State like it has been in the past after winning all five matchups
since 2009 against the Rainbow Warriorsand exorcising the ghosts that have plagued the Bulldogs every time they travel to Honolulu every December by beating Houston in the 2017 Hawai’i Bowl. But despite recent success, the Bulldogs currently have a 13-14 all-time record in Hawaii and beyond their series with the Rainbow Warriors, Fresno State has played in a bowl game at Aloha Stadium four times and has only emerged as the victor once. During the Bulldogs’ bowl history in Hawaii, the ‘Dogs have suffered losses in 1993 against the Colorado Buffaloes 41-30 in the Aloha Bowl, while also losing 43-10 to the SMU Mustangs -a team led by another Bulldog quarterbacking great, Derek Carr -- and a 2014 loss to the Rice Owls 30-6, both in the Hawai’i Bowl. The Bulldogs will now travel across the Pacific to face one of the top offenses in the MW and one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in Cole McDonald, a week after allowing 500 yards to Colorado State. McDonald ranks fourth in the country in passing yards (2,521), passing touchdowns (24) and total offense (2,857 and 357.1 yards per game). On top of his ability to score through the air, McDonald has rushed for 336 yards and three touchdowns. This week will be another tough matchup for the Bulldogs defense, a defense that has proven to be incalculable in the past few weeks.