Vol. XLIII Issue 29 May 9, 2017
Summer fun Pg. 4
Tragedy strikes at North Lake
Pg. 2
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2 NEWS
May 9, 2017
A memorial is held for Janeera Gonzalez at North Lake College after she was kiled last week.
Staff photo Harris Sadiq
North Lake College campus in mourning after murduer-suicide HARRIS SADIQ Managing Edior
RichlandStudentMedia.com
Finals are under way at North Lake College as the campus tries to return to normal after a murder-suicide shooting on campus. Families and friends of Janeera Nickol Gonzalez are raising money for her funeral. They have started a GoFundMe page to help cover expenses. Adrian Victor Torres, 21, shot Gonzalez, 20, on May 3 in the Performance Hall Building on campus. Torres then killed himself in a locker room shower stall shortly afterward. The college went on lockdown at 11:43 a.m. as students and staff barricaded their classrooms, police searched the campus and secured the perimeter. North Lake, like Richland, is one of seven colleges in the Dallas County Community
College District. Chancellor Joe May released a statement saying, “On behalf of the entire district, I want to express our grief and sadness to the North Lake College family. We are working with the Irving Police Department on this investigation and we thank them for their assistance along with our North Lake police officers for their immediate response. Now we must move forward as a community to console each other and to help one another during this difficult time.” Richland President Kay Eggleston reached out to North Lake’s President Dr. Christa Slejiko to offer campus resources and to share her condolences. “We share the sense of sadness and grief for the lives lost in yesterday’s tragic events at North Lake College. I have reached out to President Slejko offering Richland’s support with our counseling staff and any other needed areas of support and facilities as faculty resume
Police arrive the at North Lake campus after a shooting left two dead.
Photo The Associated Press
preparation and administer final exams,” she said. She emphasized that Richland College police are capable of dealing with the challenges of an active shooter.
“I want justice. I want somebody to give me answers. I want to see my daughter.”- Lucy Gonzalez Slejiko said, “We’re heartbroken that such a tragedy has occurred on campus. We will address any needs for counseling on campus as soon as we re-open.” On Friday Gonzalez’s parents held a press conference outside of their home in Irving. Lucy Gonzalez, Janeera’s mother said, “I want
justice. I want somebody to give me answers. I want to see my daughter.” The family wanted more answers about the investigation and to know how Torres received his gun. They also claim he was obsessed with their daughter. A vigil for Gonzalez was held at Irving High School Monday evening. Robert Baker, commander of Richland campus police, raised police presence in response to the shooting. He said, “It is important that each of us stay ever-vigilant to aid in the safety and security of everyone at Richland College.” He urged everyone at Richland to review lockdown procedures for emergency situations. Richland College Counseling Center is staffed with licensed professional counselors available on a walk-in basis in the Lakeside Resource Center, El Paso Hall, E082. Phone: 972-238-377.
Students are evacuated from campus after the shooting
Photo The Associated Press
May 9, 2017
Richland bids a fond farewell to Dr. Blankenbaker
Rising Stars shine at Richland THU NGUYEN Staff Writer
HARRIS SADIQ Managing Edior
Richland College is losing a veteran leader at the end of the school year. Dr. Zarina Blankenbaker is moving on to become president of the Northwest Campus of Tarrant County College in Fort Worth. She served as executive vice president for academic affairs and student success at Richland for 20 years. Blankenbaker did not look for the position but was selected by Tarrant County to fill the vacancy. “They felt the culture of the Northwest Campus would fit my leadership style and what I value in a community college,” she said. Blankenbaker is excited to execute her style at the highest level. “I believe in being authentic and not putting on a persona but relating to people genuinely. I like to explore innovative strategies and so I want to be at a college campus that will allow me to do that,” she said. Blankenbaker expects faculty and staff to be open to new ways of improving the campus. Moving from vice president to president brings Blankenbaker to the top ranks of her career. She did not previously want to be a college president although she had been encouraged by colleagues throughout her career. Blankenbaker is an immigrant from Malaysia and found support in America to bring her this far in her career. Being president will
CAMPUS 3
Blankenbaker
Photo courtesy Dr. Zarina Blankenbaker
“provide me with the opportunity to pay it forward,” she said. It will also bring greater responsibilities, but Blankenbaker said she is up for the challenge. “I’m quite confident that I will do a very good job,” she said.
Being president will “provide me with the opportunity to pay it forward,”
-Dr. Zarina Blankenbaker Staying at Richland in the position of vice president would be easier, but she said, “if I wanted easier I wouldn’t be in higher education. There are many professions that pay better and that are less demanding. Education truly helps improves lives because it’s a portal to a better job and better quality of living.”
President Barack Obama proposed a federal program called America’s College Promise back in January 2015. Hoping to increase the number of students who graduate from college, the promise would make the first two years at community colleges free for eligible students seeking transfers, associate degrees, job training or certifications. Inspired by America’s College Promise and based on the poverty and educational levels, the Dallas County Community College District (DCCCD) Foundation created the Rising Star Program as its own promise to students. According to the Rising Star website, the foundation believes “everyone should have a chance to realize the American dream and a college education through each of the colleges of DCCCD.” The Rising Star program is “a way to provide incentives and encouragement for students to stay in high school and graduate in order to receive a scholarship to come to one of our DCCCD colleges,” said Pyeper Wilkins, Ed.D., DCCCD Foundation executive director. Since 1999, more than 15,000 students have joined Rising Star. The program provides financially needy students graduating from a Dallas County public high school with academic support services and up to $5,500 for tuition, fees and books, according to Wilkins.
To become a Rising Star candidate, a student must graduate from an eligible Dallas County public high school, one of the Dallas Can Academies or an approved charter high school and prove financial need. He/she must either graduate in the top 40 percent of their class, graduate with a B average (80 percent or better on a 100-point scale), or pass the required assessment test to enter any of the seven DCCCD colleges. The Rising Star also has transfer scholarships available for those interested in pursuing higher academic goals at a four-year university. The program partners with local universities to give DCCCD students the opportunity to compete for funding without competing against an entire incoming college class. Transfer scholarships are only available to applicants who initially come through the Rising Star program. To apply for a Rising Star scholarship, students should complete an admission application, an online Rising Star application and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Admission applications can be completed online, by mail or fax, or in person. A current official high school transcript is also required. Rising Star applications should be completed in the senior year of high school. Applications for the Rising Star class of 2017 are being accepted now through July 1, 2017. For more information, visit the Rising Star office at Richland in Crockett Hall, Room 150A or visit: www.dcccd.edu/PC/ScholOther/ Scholarships/RisingStar/Pages/default.aspx
JOYCE JACKSON Copy Edior
Students who are 65 years of age or older and have lived in Texas for at least one year are eligible to take six hours of credit classes for free at Richland College. A large crowd of enthusiastic Emeritus plus 50 students showed up April 20 at the LeCroy Center to learn about the exciting variety of summer courses being offered. Among them are computer classes, iPhone/iPad, Photoshop, genealogy, Medicare and Social Security, classes, among others. All classes are geared to those age 50 and over. A few of the instructors spoke at the center about their classes. Cindy Berry, Emeritus director, said the printed class schedules are being discontinued and students will have to register for classes online or in person at the Continuing Education office. “Our new dean has decided to take all of the classes in Continuing Education and put them under six different umbrellas,” Berry said, showing the changes on a large screen. “There will be a difference between Community (noncredit) classes and Emeritus classes
(credit) in the fall. With the Emeritus classes, you have to be at least 65 years old to take a credit class. That will make it easier for people to understand.” Students of any age can take the noncredit classes, as well as the bus trips offered through the Emeritus plus 50 program. Everyone, no matter what age, pays for noncredit/continuing education classes. Physical education professor Bill Neal informed the attendees about his summer exercise class schedule. “We have morning exercise classes that meet during the summer Monday and Wednesday mornings,” he said. “Everything we do has a focus. We work every muscle group in the body. Following that class, something that has taken the nation by storm now is a game called pickleball.” Neal said pickleball is similar to tennis and so popular it’s difficult to get a reservation at a recreation center. Neal encouraged the students to stay active. “The average age we have is the late 70s and early 80s in our classes. We do have folks who are in their 90s. Keep movin’ and they can’t throw dirt on you,” he said. Berry said the fall “Back-to-School Kickoff” will take place July 20 from 9:30 a.m. to noon
RichlandStudentMedia.com
Emeritus kickoff features summer class offerings
Staff photo Joyce Jackson
Joe and Cheryl Goldwater attend the Emeritus kickoff at the LeCroy Center.
in Sabine Hall, Room S118. Seating is limited. Call 972-238-6972. The Emeritus Office is
in Thunderduck Hall, Room T160 or go to www.richlandcollege.edu/emeritus.
4 TRAVEL
May 9, 2017
Travel tips for budget-conscious adventures ALY RODRIGUES Editor-in-Chief
Travel season is just around the corner and like many student globetrotters I am always looking for ways to save money. Many adventurers would like to travel the world and save money doing it, so I’m offering some website tips for students who are planning a trip and seeking less expensive lodging.
WorldPackers.com WorldPackers is a website that connects travelers to a work-for-accommodations exchange. After creating a profile, contact them through their website to find opportunities to volunteer to work for a few hours a week in exchange for free stay. Receptionists, housekeepers, photographers and translators are some of the positions available. The best part of this option is that a lot of people from over the world do the same. For more information visit: www.worldpackers.com/
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Cedar Ridge Reserve – This place is a natural habitat of different trees, wild flowers, and animals. One of most popular spots to take a hike in Dallas. For more information and directions visit: www.cedarhilltx.com/
Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Gardens Famous for its beautiful gardens and views of White Rock Lake, its a great place to have a picnic with the family and friends. For price and directions visit: www.dallasarboretum.org/
Great Trinity Forest – Experience the Trinty trails on horseback at the Texas Horse Park and explore more than 6,000 acres of natural forest. For more information visit: www.trinityriver.audubon.org/
Airbnb.com Airbnb offers different kinds of accommodations all over the world. Most of them are rooms, apartments and houses with cheaper rates than hotels. The good thing about Airbnb is that it feels comfortable and more like you’re at home. From castles to private rooms; from Dallas to foreign destinations, many options are available. For more information visit: www.airbnb.com
Couchsurfing.com Couchsurfing connects travelers with people who have a free place to stay. This platform requires an account. Members should be careful when staying at someone’s house. Do your research. Make sure to read comments and reviews about the host and location and have fun. For more information visit: www.couchsurfing.com
Workaway.info Workaway is a volunteer search tool for those who are interested in doing something good for others on your vacation. Workaway connects volunteers with organizations and even farms that are looking for people willing to work in exchange for free stay. For more information visit: www.workaway.info/
Hostelworld.com For those who want to spend their time traveling instead of volunteering, Hostelworld is one of the biggest search tools available. The website lists hostels throughout the world and offers an opportunity to compare locations and rates. Hostels are a great place for young travelers who don’t have the money to spend on fancy hotels. It's also a chance to meet new people and share travel experiences. For more information visit: www.hostelworld.com/
Coyote Drive-In - Unlike the conventional theater, a drive-in theater has the movie screen set up in the great outdoors. For more information, rate and directions visit: www.coyotedrive-in.com/fortworth/
Perot Museum of Nature and Science - Natural history and science museum offers lot of fun, attractions and exhibitions that inspire curiosity for all ages. For prices and more information visit: www.perotmuseum.org/
Dallas Museum of Arts - Free exhibits and museum entry all summer with childrens crafts and art sessions. Grab some grub from food trucks out front. For more information and paid exhibition, visit: www.dma.org/
Fort Worth - Stockyards – A city with the heritage of the wild west offers nice restaurants with traditional Texas cuisine and attractions for all ages. For more details and directions visit: www.fortworthstockyards.org/
Six Flags over Texas/ Hurricane Harbor in Arlington - Theme park/water park with more than 50 rides each. They are a perfect destination to enjoy the Texas summer. A little pricey but discounts are always available at the website. www.sixflags.com/overtexas/
– Yen Nguyen
MOVIES 5
RICKY
RICKY MILLER
Entertain-
Entertainment Editor
“Guardians of the Galaxy Volume 2” I thought the original in 2014 was the best movie of that year. The dynamics between the players in this film are awesome, especially Bradley Cooper as the voice of an abused raccoon named Rocket. NOW PLAYING
“Valerian and the City of a Thousand Planets” One of my favorite directors, Luc Besson helmed two of my favorites in 1990s with “Leon: The Professional” and “The Fifth Element.” Based on the 1960s graphic novel, ‘Valerian’ is just now being released due to advances in technology. OPENS:
JULY 21
“Wonder Woman” Gail Gadot had a minor supporting role in 2016’s “Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice,” which amounted to nothing. In this year’s “Wonder Woman” she flies solo, battling Germans during World War I. OPENS:
JUNE 2
“An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power” This is my movie event of the summer. Forget “Guardians” and “Wonder Woman.” This is going to be the real deal. Vice President Al Gore looks at the impact of technology and how it’s changing our planet.
OPENS:
JULY 28
“The Mummy” Not Brendan Fraser, but another A-lister in Tom Cruise. Oscar winner Russell Crowe stars as both Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The mummy in this one, Ahmanet is played by Sofia Boutella, (“Kingsman: The Secret Service”). OPENS:
JUNE 9
“Atomic Blonde” Oscar winner Charlize Theron portrays the title character, an MI-6 agent, who fights off the bad guys in the middle of the Cold War.
OPENS:
JULY 28
“Spider-Man: Homecoming” The third incarnation in the Spider-Man series features Todd Holland returning as the web-slinger Peter Parker aka Spider-Man. The film also features Marisa Tomei, Robert Downey Jr. and Michael Keaton. OPENS
JULY 7
“The Dark Tower” After years of waiting, this Stephen King adaptation arrives on the big screen with Idris Elba as the gunslinger and Matthew McConaughey as the dreaded man in black, the antagonist of this tale.
OPENS:
JULY 28
“Dunkirk” Christopher Nolan directs this World War II entry that follows the victims and heroes of this decisive conflict where thousands perished overseas. The film features Kenneth Branagh, Tom Hardy and recent Oscar winner Mark Rylance. OPENS:
JULY 21
“Baby Driver” This new Edgar Wright flick promises to be intriguing. The film stars two hot properties in Ansel Elgort (“The Fault in Our Stars”) and Lily James (2015’s “Cinderella”). It also features heavy hitters Kevin Spacey, Jamie Foxx, Jon Hamm and Jon Bernthal (“The Punisher”). OPENS:
JULY 28
RichlandStudentMedia.com
May 9, 2017
6 CAMPUS
May 9, 2017
Photos highlight spring semester at Richland
CHRONICLE Richland
STUDENT MEDIA LEADERS Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Design Editor Copy Editor Entertainment Editor Page-Layout Editor
Alessandra Rodrigues Harris Sadiq Quan Tran Joyce Jackson Ricky Miller Ahlam Maryam Al Mahrooq
ON THE COVER Staff illustration Quan Tran
COVER AND FONTS
Certain cover fonts are provided by the following www.nymfont.com – www.bvfonts.com
STUDENT MEDIA STAFF
Photo courtesy Paul Knudsen/ Richland marketing
Coach Bill Neal named coach of the year by the National Collegiate Wrestling Association.
File photo
Annual cutural festival inspires students like Kenechukwu Enemo to share cultural traditions.
Tru Armstrong Drew Castillo Maria Etetere Gloria Gergen Zoë Gilbert Chassedy Johnson Kevin Lavender Thu Nguyen Yen Nguyen Kammonke Obase-Wotta
Marisol Orozco Jorge Perez Henry Pham Esther Reese Fernando Rodriguez Pete Shannon Kathleen Spurger Joe Stumpo Tommy Thompson Dara Wimea
STUDENT MEDIA ADVISERS Erica Edwards Jack Fletcher Meg Fullwood
David Goodloe Tim Jones Larry Ratliff
ISSUE DATES Next issue Aug. 15
AWARDS
T’Duck Mario Gasarabaga during a match at UNT. Richland’s wrestling team ended their season with several victories and awards.
File photo
CORRECTIONS
File photo
RichlandStudentMedia.com
Tiffany Nguyen, left, Swikritis Pandyal enjoy Chinese new year celebration at Richland.
File photo
Richland’s Chris Lozano takes a swing at baseball during a home game.
File photo
Edward Sesay, left, Larissa Rubio and Tony Prieto Loreto clean up campus during Earth Day.
In the May 2 issue, a photo in the story “Banquet honors successful Thunderducks” misidentified members of the group AMRA – Together We Can as Phi Theta Kappa. The AMRA members won the community service award for raising funds to help children living in poverty purchase school supplies. In film reviews, the Feb. 21 issue of Take 5 gave “The Red Turtle” a B+. The correct grade should have been a C. In the Feb. 28 issue, the year of release for “Red Tails” was given as 2014 and should have been 2012. Also, “Hidden Figures” was a trio of women and not a quartet as reported. In the March 7 issue, the article about Bill Paxton mistakenly stated that he performed in “Predator” but should have stated “Predator 2.” In the April 25 issue, the film, “Your Name.” left out the period as part of the title. The Chronicle regrets these errors.
ACP Newspaper Pacemaker Winner, 2016 CMA Two-Year Radio Station of the Year 2015 ACP Best of Show Award 2015 ACP Photo Excellence Award 2015 CMA Newspaper of the Year Finalist, 2014 1st Place – TCCJA Overall General Excellence, 2014 2nd Place – Pinnacle College Media Award, 2014 1st Place – TIPA Sweepstakes, 2005 3rd Place – TIPA Online, 2005 & 2006 ACP Pacemaker Winner, 2000, 2001, 2007 ACP Pacemaker Finalist, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2006, 2007 ACP Online Pacemaker finalist, 2007, 2008 Nearly 300 Texas college journalism awards since 2000
CONTACT INFORMATION
El Paso Hall, Room E020, 12800 Abrams Rd., Dallas 75243 Newsroom: 972-238-6079; richlandchronicle@gmail.com Advertising: 972-238-6068 Email: Advertise@dcccd.edu Fax: 972-238-6037 Staff meetings: Monday and Wednesday at 2 p.m. in E020 Letter Policy Letters to the editor may be edited for space. They will be edited for spelling, grammar and malicious or libelous statements. Letters must be the work of the writer and must be signed. For identification and verification purposes, letters also must include the writer’s classification (grade level), full name, address and telephone number, although address and telephone number will not be published. Editorial Policy The Chronicle is the official student-produced newspaper of Richland College. Editorials, cartoons, columns and letters are the opinions of individual students and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of other individual student writers, editors, advisers or the college administration. © Richland Chronicle 2017
SPORTS 7
May 9, 2017
Richland soccer MVP heads to University of Kentucky Staff Writer
At first glance, he appears unassuming, quiet and soft spoken, but with the ball at his feet he transforms into a gazelle with a deft touch. It is his incredible ability with the ball that has garnered Mikkel Rohde Pedersen a lot of acclaim. Pedersen left Denmark for the United States in August 2015 after playing for Varde IF, a Danish football club in the Danish 2nd Division, for less than nine months. For a soccer player with lofty ambitions to go pro, some might have been puzzled at his decision to leave Europe and come to America, but Pedersen saw it as a second chance to see if playing soccer was truly the career path he wanted to take. It also was an opportunity to have a new experience in addition to getting a college education. Fast forward to Nov. 13, 2016, Wehrum Stadium in Herkimer, New York. It’s Richland vs. Camden County and the most important game for Richland in more than eight years. It is the 77th minute of the game. Irvin Dominguez, the diminutive Richland midfielder, is fouled outside the penalty box. Up steps Lucio Martinez to the spot of the foul. He sets down the ball and, before Camden County can find their bearings, Pedersen swiftly curls the ball into the back of the net. The Camden County goalkeeper is visibly upset as he scolds one of his teammates. The Richland players could not care less. “And that’s the fourth!” exclaims the announcer as the Richland players mob Pedersen. The goal was the fourth and final
the win was much more special because in his freshman year Richland narrowly missed out on the final; they lost 3-2 in semifinal to Nassau Community College. Pedersen said, “It was very tough for us as a team, the coaching staff and the players, so it was a great feeling to win the title.” The next chapter of Pedersen’s life in America is going to be at the University of Kentucky. The school offered him a scholarship and he is going to be playing Division 1 soccer for the 2017 and 2018 season. “It is a good transition. It is definitely a step up and it is going to be a huge challenge. I’m confident he’ll succeed with his dedication, hard work and overall ability as a soccer player, because that’s the highest level of college soccer we have in the United States,” said Worley. “From there he will have an opportunity to play pro but his first step is to make sure that he does well for Kentucky and I’m confident that he will.” It is only natural, at this rate of progression, that Pedersen will become a household name in Major League Soccer (MLS) and beyond. He certainly hopes so, with his eyes set on FC Dallas in the not-so-distant future.
UPCOMING EVENTS All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise indicated. Final exams: May 8-11 Summer 1: June 5 to July 7 Summer 2 : July 11 to Aug. 10 May 29: Holiday – campus closed
May 12 9:30 a.m. to noon Richland Gaming Development Festival
i
Sabine Hall, Room S118
Fri. 19 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. i
Brazos Gallery 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. Photo Courtesy Mirco Daniel Mbega Ndoumou
Mikkel Rohde Pedersen in training match.
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Richland wrestlers pin hopes on continued success
Tru Grit Four-year schools have programs that are expensive and hard to get into. For the last three decades, wrestlers from the Metroplex had few options after high school because there wasn’t a two-year wrestling program in Texas. Now young men and women can come to Richland to fulfill those dreams. As the largest two-year school in Dallas County, Richland College is the home to many inspiring students. Some are athletes such as Dustin Basham, George Haskins and Greg Weasah. These three gentlemen represent a wrestling team that has been the focal point of accolades all season long. Wrestling coach Bill Neal was excited that the program was back and quickly went to work. The goal was to give wrestlers who were a year or more out of high school the chance to wrestle and get a good, affordable education close to home. Basham, Haskins and Weasah got the best of both worlds in North Dallas. Dustin Basham is the product of Byron Nelson High School in Trophy Club where he was a two-time All-American in wrestling. Despite having dyslexia and a limited number
of options after high school, Basham never gave up. He knew that making the transition from high school to college was going to be tough because of his grades. Now, happily settled at Richland, Basham quickly adapted to college life where he can get one-on-one attention, not only with Neal but with his professors as well. This big boost of motivation and confidence has helped Basham become successful in wrestling and academics. In wrestling, Basham improved from last season’s exhibition matches. This season he produced 20 wins and was ranked ninth in the nation. Before coming to Richland, George Haskins wrestled and played football as a linebacker at Lewisville High School. Prior to college, he went down the wrong road, but as a young
Keep your eyes on the Thunderducks. The best is yet to come. adult, was given a second chance. Neal helped Haskins turn his life around by teaching him the fundamentals of folk style and GrecoRoman wrestling, but more importantly, the fundamentals of life outside the sport. Coach
Planes, Poppies and Heroes
Neal encouraged Haskins to stay in school and use that as a tool to get through life. Although he fell short of All-American status, he produced a well-done performance in the nationals. Liberian native Greg Weasah had a weight on his shoulders. Despite facing troubles in his former home of Kansas City, Missouri, Weasah became successful at Dallas’ Lake Highlands High School in wrestling and track and field. This former Wildcat came to Richland as a Rising Star scholarship student as well as a member of the National Honor Society. In addition to wrestling, Weasah is involved in several organizations at Richland including the Male Achievement Program (MAP), a higher education based student development association that seeks to increase the retention and college completion of male/minority students. Weasah displayed a great deal of character because it’s not always about wins and losses. He loves it here at Richland and finds family value in the wrestling team. This season was a wakeup call but next season, keep your eyes on the Thunderducks. The best is yet to come. Read the rest of this column online at www.RichlandStudentMedia.com -Tru Armstrong
Richland College Wall of Heroes El Paso Student Lounge
June 11 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (women’s) 7 to 9 p.m. (men’s) i
Soccer team tryouts Soccer field
July 20 9:30 a.m. to noon i
Emeritus Back-to-School Kickoff Sabine Hall, Room S118
Aug. 3 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. i
The Richland Music Department in concert: “Summer Sounds”
Fannin Performance Hall Aug. 15 Fall registration deadline
RichlandStudentMedia.com
KAMMONKE OBASE-WOTTA
point of the evening wrapping up a dominant performance by Pedersen that included a shift with a goal and two assists. For Pedersen, it meant his tally for the season was three goals and 19 assists in 17 games. He was at the forefront of Richland’s title win for the 2016 season, the result of phenomenal performances throughout the season, including the one in the finals that earned him the most valuable player (MVP) honors. Pedersen is the second player in Richland’s history to be named MVP since Hall of Famer Jesus Rodriguez won the coveted prize in 2002. “I didn’t really focus on being the MVP because I know that it [soccer] is a team sport and we are all doing it together,” said Pedersen. “We won the nationals as a team, but obviously I was happy and excited that I won the MVP of the tournament.” It seems that his decision to leave Varde IF was not such a risky choice after all as he is reaping the fruits of his labor. Richland men’s soccer coach, Sean Worley was full of praise for the young midfielder. “Mikkel is a very good soccer player; strong on the ball, a precise passer and he has an extremely dangerous left foot,” said Worley. “He is also a leader. Not much of a vocal leader, but more of a leader by example.” In addition to his attributes on the field, Worley said, “He is just as good off the field regarding his academic pursuits, his commitment and being a good overall citizen as it pertains to life. He’s always on time, a good person, a good friend, players like him. He is just a solid person.” The National Junior College Athletic Association championship win in 2016 ended a nineyear barren spell for Richland. For Pedersen,
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May 9, 2017
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