Vol.128, No.14 Friday, Aug.24, 2018 (special edition)

INSIDE THE LINES The fight of Jamal Hicks

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The junior leaders of CSU page 10 Vol. 128, No. 14 Friday, August 24, 2018

The walk-on pedigree

page 12

9 9 . $9 12PK CANS

2 inside the lines

PROJECTED MOUNTAIN WEST STANDINGS Mountain Conference

West Conference

1. Boise State

1. San Diego State

RB Alexander Mattison (1086 yards, 12 TD, 5.1 ypc) QB Brett Rypien (2877 yds, 16 td, 6 int)

QB Christian Chapman (1873 yds, 13 TD, 4 int) RB Juwan Washington (127 car, 759 yds, 7 TD)

Key contributors:

Key contributors:

Key contributors:

Key contributors:

2. CSU

2. Fresno State

WR Olabisi Johnson (41 rec, 595 yards, 2 TD) RB Izzy Matthews (132 car, 642 yards, 8 TD)

QB Marcus McMaryion (2726 yds, 14 TD, 5 int) WR KeeSean Johnson (77 rec, 1013 yds, 8 TD)

Key contributors:

Key contributors:

QB Jordan Love (1631 yds, 8 td, 6 int) WR Ron’quavion Tarver (48 rec, 569 yds, 7 TD)

QB Armani Rogers (1471 yds, 6 TD, 5 int) RB Lexington Thomas (211 car, 1336 yds, 17 TD)

Key contributors:

Key contributors:

QB Tyler Vander Waal (redshirt freshman) WR Austin Conway (61 rec, 549 yds, 3 TD)

QB Ty Gangi (2746 yds, 25 TD, 11 int) RB Kelton Moore (164 car, 855 yds, 4 TD)

Key contributors:

Key contributors:

QB Arion Worthman (217 car, 821 yards rushing, 13 TD) WR Ronald Cleveland (44 car, 418 yards rushing, 3 TD)

WR John Ursua (47 rec, 667 yds, 5 td) QB Cole McDonald (22 yds, 1 TD, 0 int)

6. New Mexico

6. San Jose State

RB Tyrone Owens (139 car, 770 yds, 4 TD) WR Jay Griffin IV (29 rec, 394 yd, 4 TD)

QB Montel Aaron (1531 yds, 8 TD, 10 int) RB Tyler Nevens (163 car, 670 yards, 1 TD)

3. Utah State

4. Wyoming

3. UNLV

5. Air Force

4. Nevada

5. Hawaii

Key contributors:

Key contributors:

Mountain West projected standings courtesy of Mountain West Wire. Records are last season.

Lory Student Center Box 13 Fort Collins, CO 80523 This publication is not an official publication of Colorado State University, but is published by an independent corporation using the name ‘The Rocky Mountain Collegian’ pursuant to a license granted by CSU. The Rocky Mountain Collegian is a 6,500-circulation student-run newspaper intended as a public forum. It publishes four days a week during the regular fall and spring semesters. During the last eight weeks of summer Collegian distribution drops to 3,500 and is published weekly. During the first four weeks of summer the Collegian does not publish.

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inside the lines

3

CSU’s Jamal Hicks has emerged on and off the field since his injury

By Eddie Herz @Eddie_Herz

The current moto for junior safety Jamal Hicks, who is healthy and ready to contribute in the secondary again, is to pick up where he left off.

Hicks broke his right arm in the first quarter of a late-October game against New Mexico last season. The safety had to get surgery and was forced to miss CSU’s five remaining games, but remained glued to the sidelines during spring ball while he was still recovering from the season-ending injury.

Since safety Jake Schlager and cornerback Kevin Nutt Jr. both graduated, Hicks will be counted on more in the secondary as an upperclassman. But, it is not as if Hicks did not play a role in his early years, causing the injury to sting further.

Hicks began to earn time as a starter near the end of his freshman season in 2016. The safety recorded 25 tackles that season and became the first true freshman to record an interception for CSU since Jasen Oden Jr. in 2012. Hicks recorded 33 tackles and forced three turnovers in eight games as a sophomore last season.

Hicks’ production was

stopped dead in its tracks, a feeling all too similar for the Gardena, California native.

When Hicks was a junior at Narbonne High School, he broke his ankle and had to watch the state championship game from the bench. His past prepared Hicks to deal with the mental strain that came with suffering the arm injury last season.

But, after all, college is a significantly larger platform than high school. Hicks stressed how much harder coping with an injury at the collegiate level was.

“I was way more hurt not being able to be with my team this time around,” Hicks said.

“And for those losses, I feel like I could have helped. They were all close. Imagine if I was out there and I made one more play for my teammates. It hurt me to see them hurt.”

Flash forward to now and there are no indicators, mentally or physically, that Hicks is coming off of a devastating injury.

Hicks gained 15 pounds of muscle during the offseason and is in season-ready physical condition. During fall camp, the safety’s performance helped him maintain a starting role in the secondary.

Hicks’ leadership and mental edge he gained when injured also helped him succeed in camp. “(Hicks) doesn’t back down,” coach Mike Bobo said.

“He’s leading. He’s like ‘this is my football team and this is my secondary.’”

Senior Jordan Fogal, Hicks’ good friend and counterpart at safety, has no doubts about Hicks’ ability to bounce back effectively. Fogal praises Hicks’ talent and potential to keep improving. Fogal not only believes that Hicks is the best safety CSU possesses but maybe the best he has played alongside in his collegiate career.

“He can really do it all,” Fogal said. “He can play down in the box. He can stop the run game if he needs to. He can cover guys. He can play in the post.

You can stick him anywhere.”

Hicks is right where he needs to be, but the road he faced was a long one.

Hicks has been described by his coaches and teammates as one of the most passionate, charismatic members of the Rams. Bobo described Hicks as a player who “just loves ball and always wants to talk ball”.

Fogal explained how Hicks’ “enthusiasm and energy is top

Jamal Hicks is back this season after a broken arm ended his season last year. PHOTO BY JAVON HARRIS COLLEGIAN

five of what I’ve played with in my entire life.”

On top of rehabilitation, Hicks had to deal with family trouble.

As a result, Hicks felt the best thing for his psyche was to take his mind off the game for a little while. So, he turned to his father James for support.

“I didn’t want to talk about football,” Hicks said. “When I got hurt, my Grandma had passed and I was just trying to be there for my family, for my dad. Me and my dad were just talking about life, about how time flies and you just need to

cherish every day.”

When Hicks was ready to turn back to football, Fogal was there for him every step of the way. Hicks and Fogal, both California natives, have been extremely close friends since Hicks first suited up in green and gold.

The two safeties’ relationship blossomed further during the spring. Since Fogal was injured for the duration of spring ball as well, he had a place on the bench right next to Hicks.

see HICKS on page 4 >>

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4 inside the lines

Hicks >> from page 3 While going through the same struggle, the two confided in each other and motivated each other to return stronger.

“When we were injured, we worked out and rehabbed together,” Fogal said. “We were always together. Now during camp, we’ve given each other that extra motivation. We can’t get hurt again this year. We’re tired, but imagine where we were six months ago. It’s little things like that where we can relate to each other.”

In addition, Hicks’ maturation off the field appears to have translated to his current leadership role with the Rams.

The catalyst was Hicks’ ability to spend more time with his three-year-old daughter, Kamilah, while he was injured.

Hicks talks to her every day and flies back home to see her whenever he gets a chance. Kamilah has also traveled to Fort Collins for two CSU games and will be back to see her father play more this season.

“Since I met him, he has matured so much,” Fogal said.

“Especially since his daughter has been out here more often.

Obviously, on the field he’s going to mature, but I think off the field he’s becoming a man and a father.”

Hicks is also carrying on what he learned from former players.

Schlager was the veteran in the secondary, more specifically at the safety position, when Hicks injured his arm last season. Schlager, who was third on the team in tackles last season, was a senior at the time.

The former safety was given the opportunity to take Hicks under his wing when Hicks first took the field in 2016.

“Jake (Schlager) was on me for the little things,” Hicks said.

“I learned a lot from Schlager

and he made a big impact on my production. I carried that on to the (younger) guys.”

Schlager witnessed and contributed to Hicks’ development and was there for the injury.

Though he graduated by the time Hicks started to recover, Schlager is confident that Hicks will come back hungrier than ever.

“I’d say that him going down with the injury and just how that injury happened motivates him a little bit more,” Schlager said. “It puts another chip on his shoulder and gives him that extra edge to have a year like none other and really make up for the year that he lost.”

Transitioning from an injury has not been the simplest task for Hicks. Like most players, the transition from high school to college was not the easiest for Hicks. Schlager recalls Hicks struggling with his backpedal as a freshman.

However, he found a way to adjust. Schlager acknowledged that he “definitely saw that maturity and growth in the little things, like the backpedal,” from Hicks’ first season to his second.

In terms of the injury, Hicks is undeniably adjusting in a drastic manner.

“I can definitely see him progress into a leader of that secondary and be able to lead that entire defense,” Schlager said. “He’s someone that loves the game and is motivated to be the best that he can possibly be.

Not only for himself but for the team.”

Hicks will have his first shot at redemption against Hawaii in front of the home crowd.

Eddie Herz can be reached at sports@collegian.com.

Jamal Hicks is back this season after a broken arm ended his season last year. PHOTO BY JAVON HARRIS COLLEGIAN

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inside the lines

The CSU Rams football team will play their first home game of the season this Saturday at 5:30 p.m. against Hawaii. PHOTO BY ASHLEY POTTS COLLEGIAN

The CSU Rams volleyball team will play their first home game of the season tonight at 7 p.m. against No. 12 Illinois. PHOTO BY ASHLEY POTTS COLLEGIAN

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6 inside the lines

In Their Own Words Rams Should exceed expectations this year Mack Beaulieu @Macknz_James

Going into the season with relatively low expectations, the Colorado State football team is an interesting young team with a wide variety of possible outcomes.

There are four games on the schedule that the Rams should win, with only two games they should lose. Everything else is up in the air. If K.J. Carta-Samuels, or one of the other Rams’ quarterbacks plays well, it could be a strong season.

The season starts on Saturday, with the University of Hawaii at home. This season does not figure to be much better than last year’s 3-9 for the Rainbow Warriors. Both the offense and defense were outright bad. This should be a confidence builder for the Rams going into the next game against the University of Colorado in the Rocky Mountain Showdown.

The Buffs are in an ongoing rebuild. The run defense was

terrible last year and the Buffs lost two key cornerbacks on top of that. The Rams could establish the run game and then hit the outside. One key will be if a developing defense can contain Philip Montez. The Buffs are trying to be more up-tempo in their offense but may struggle with the loss of multiple skill-position players.

These games should be a very good gauge for where the Rams fall in terms of offense.

Wide-outs Olabisi Johnson and Preston Williams have a chance to be next in line in the Rams’ recent run of greats at the position. Quarterback is the question mark.

It is best not to think too deeply about the SEC matchups the Rams will have after the showdown. The University of Arkansas was not very good last year, especially on defense.

If things are clicking for the Rams on offense, this could be a shootout and a winnable game.

The University of Florida may be a different story.

The Gators should have a capable offense and one of the strongest defensive fronts in the

SEC East this year. This is the most likely loss for the Rams after four games.

Following Florida, the Rams have three games that they should win. The Rams will face an FCS opponent, in the Illinois State Redbirds that they should win. The next two against San Jose State and the University of New Mexico feature teams both rebuilding and adjusting after terrible years.

The Rams have the benefit of playing most of their easiest games early, with a few upper level opponents thrown in. However, none of the Rams last five games look like sure wins.

The Rams start with Boise State, who many are picking to win the Mountain West. With so many question marks on the Rams, including a young and changing defense, it would be hard to say the Rams have a good shot at winning in Boise. The three following games will loom big for CSU’s bowl chances.

The Border War should be interesting as the biggest question for both teams going into the season is the quarterback position. The University of Wyo-

ming has a chance to be remarkably good in its third year under coach Craig Bohl. If the Rams are anything like they were last year on offense, with the Cowboys struggling at QB, it could be another classic.

The University of Nevada looms following the rivalry.

They lost a lot of games by small margins last year and return key players to an offense that could put up a lot of points. This should be a competitive match-up and one the Rams’ will likely need a win.

Utah State may be the second-best Mountain West team the Rams will face this season.

Last year, they lost three games by one possession. This year, they return much of a decent defense from last year. They have very big receivers on the outside with speed guys in the slot. The Rams will likely be underdogs coming in.

The Final game of the season is at Air Force who comes back with their usually solid run game and a defense that ranked 101st in points allowed last year. This game could come down to who is better at dictating tempo, with

Junior wide receiver Olabisi Johnson (81) reacts after an offensive pass interference call on the Rams that cost them a touchdown. PHOTO BY JAVON

HARRIS COLLEGIAN

the Rams running a pro-style offense, juxtaposed by the Falcons utilizing the option.

If the quarterback play is solid, the Rams offense should be good all around with the defense being more focused and aggressive than last year.

An absolute worst-case scenario for the Rams is if the offense does not come together.

Record Prediction: 7-5... again Biggest win: Colorado Mack Beaulieu is a reporter and columnist for the Collegian and can be reached online at sports@collegian.com

CSU will take a step in the right direction this year Mamadou Balde @mamadou_balde62

Colorado State football will blend their new and returning players together in harmony to improve from last season’s record.

Once again the Rams will be without quarterback Collin Hill, who tore his ACL earlier in the summer while playing basketball. Hill was slated to take over at CSU after former quarterback Nick Stevens graduated.

This year, the Rams will rely on University of Washington transfer K.J. Carta-Samuels to kick off the season as the starter against Hawaii. Carta-Samuels was the backup quarterback to Jake Browning before transferring to CSU. The Rams finished last season with a 7-6 record while going 5-3 against conference competition. Expect the Rams to improve upon that record in 2018.

One of the biggest returning pieces for the Rams is running

back Izzy Matthews. The Redding, California native rushed for 613 yards and eight touchdowns during the 2017 season.

Though a slight drop in production from 2016 when he rushed for 713 yards and 13 touchdowns, Matthews did play in two fewer games in 2017. Matthews will take over the starting job for the Rams with the departure of Dalyn Dawkins, leaving the position in good hands.

With Michael Gallup moving on to the Dallas Cowboys and Detrich Clark graduating last year, expect senior wide receiver Olabisi Johnson to also have a dominant season. Johnson finished the 2017 season with 41 catches and racked up 595 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns. Johnson is also CSU’s record holder for most yards in a single game with 265 yards in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl back in 2016.

With an entirely new offensive and defensive coordinator, the Rams could look a lot different this season.

CSU will face four non-conference opponents before finishing the season with seven

Colorado State running back Izzy Matthews scores CSU’s first touchdown in the new on-campus stadium. The Rams defeated Oregon State 58-27. PHOTO BY ELLIOT JERGE COLLEGIAN

conference opponents. After playing Hawaii, the team will head to Denver for the annual Rocky Mountain Showdown.

Despite a disappointing loss to the Buffaloes in last year’s Rocky Mountain Showdown, I expect the Rams to bounce back and get a win.

The Rams will face three power-five schools in the University of Colorado, Arkansas

and Florida. These games will be the biggest competition for the Rams this season outside their conference.

If the team can get their offense and defense in a rhythm early on in the season, expect the trend to continue going into the second half of the season once the schedule lightens up. The Rams are poised for a strong comeback season against a number of

opponents they have matched up well against in the past.

Predicted Record: 8-4 Biggest win: Colorado Collegian sports reporter Mamadou Balde can be reached by email at sportas@collegian. com

inside the lines

7

In Their Own Words A slight improvement awaits, but next year will show greatest growth Luke Zahlmann @lukezahlmann

The tale has been average, but a step forward awaits for Colorado State football.

Outside of their opening weekend against the Rainbow Warriors of Hawaii, the Rams will face a gauntlet of Colorado in the Rocky Mountain Showdown, Arkansas the following weekend and Florida in The Swamp as the cherry on top.

In the last 10 seasons, the Rams are 3-7 against the Buffaloes. Several lopsided scores to date, CSU has seen the rivalry between the in-state foes favor the team from the west drastically, an all-time record of 6522-2 to show for it.

Previous personal optimism aside, the Rams, though riding winning seasons in the Mountain West, will succumb once again to their Power-Five opposition, falling in the MileHigh City for a fourth-straight year.

Coming out of the Showdown, the Rams will be riding a .500 record into their matchup against Arkansas, a game that stands as their third in a row to begin the year as the home team. Arkansas, though at times a southern mainstay, is going into a rebuilding season under Chad Morris. An offense that was inadequate last season will once again fail to outproduce the opposition allowing the Rams attack to overpower the Razorbacks.

The defense for Arkansas failed to perform much better than the offense, setting the team up to compete in high-scoring affairs with an offense that is inept.

Once again in their fourth matchup of the year, the Rams will face a past perennial powerhouse in the University of Florida, who also features a new leader. The difference between the Razorbacks and Gators in the level of coaching will be readily apparent as the Gators will utilize their homefield advantage and Dan Mullens to overpower the Rams.

With a 2-2 record to start the year, the Rams will rally to string together a trio of wins against Illinois State, San Jose State and New Mexico, a pair coming at Canvas Stadium.

With two of the three matchups coming against inferior competition and the Rams starting to mesh, the Rams will begin to show signs of the offense they possessed last year.

Despite the loss of Michael Gallup, the Rams will be led by a better stable of recievers, as well as a reformed running back corp led by a a bruiser in the backfield in Izzy Matthews.

The team will fall back to earth, taking a loss in yet another pair of “rivalry” games to both Wyoming and Boise State. Despite both teams losing their starting quarterbacks, the Rams will be unable to overcome the Cowboys and Broncos respectively.

The Rams carry a talented offensive team, but questions remain on the defensive side.

Finishing as one of the worst in the country last year, the Rams have a long way to go to

Colorado State players run out of the tunnel prior to a Border War game against the Wyoming Cowboys. PHOTO BY ELLIOTT JERGE COLLEGIAN

break even under new coordinator John Jancek.

K.J. Carta-Samuels, at least for the beginning of the year, will provide similar production to the departed Nick Stevens, with a lesser offensive line to support him. The skill positions will be present in bulk, but the offense will be relying on things to click on the offensive line early and often.

The season will look very similar to last with the Rams

soaring on offense, with an improved, yet average defense in the first year under Jancek.

This year will pose as a rebuilding yet competitive year, with Mike Bobo’s best work waiting for next year.

Record Prediction: 8-4 Biggest win: Arkansas Luke Zahlmann can be reached at sports@collegian. com.

CSU Rams will fall back due to tough out-of-conference matchups Eddie Herz @eddie_herz

Uncertainty surrounds the Colorado State Rams for the 2018 season.

The Rams’ five-year streak of reaching a bowl game is up in the air with plenty of questions looming. The culprit is that a plethora of key players, both on offense and defense, have graduated.

Of course, CSU’s offense carried the team last season while the defense struggled significantly. Led by Nick Stevens and one of the most productive offensive lines in program history, the Rams had the 11th best offense last season in terms of total yardage.

Stevens and the bulk of that front five have graduated. Star receiver Michael Gallup, along with leading rusher Dalyn Dawkins are gone as well.

It’s extremely difficult to imagine the offense improving from last season considering so many new roles will have to be filled. However, that is not to say the offense will not be productive. It actually should be pretty solid as the season

goes on and players adjust. It just will not be as good as last season’s.

Washington graduate transfer K.J. Carta-Samuels looked good in the spring and has earned the coaching staff’s full trust in running the offense. His experience practicing against Washington’s defense, which was the eighth best in the country last season, should bode well for him in the Mountain West.

Collin Hill will also be in the starter discussion once he is fully cleared to play.

Once again, CSU will have lethal options throughout the air. Even though Gallup is gone, the Rams’ wide receiver situation has the potential to be the best since Bobo arrived in 2015.

After being the second option for the last two seasons, Olabisi Johnson is more than ready to be the go-to guy. Tennessee transfer and former four-star recruit Preston Williams is eligible as well. Williams was listed as the fifthbest incoming freshman at his position in 2015 and possesses impressive speed for his big frame.

Sophomore wide receiver Warren Jackson is set to have a breakout season as well.

Jackson caught two touchdowns against Alabama last season and overall gathered 265 receiving yards as a true freshman. CSU coaches could not be more excited about Jackson. Bobo and wide receiver coach Alvis Whitted have stated on numerous occasions that Jackson has the potential to be the best receiver in program history.

The size and quickness throughout the wide receiver core will give opposing defense a lot of trouble this season.

Defensively, CSU ranked 97th in yards allowed per game last season and was victim to many explosive plays. Though the defense has lost some key names, it may actually be improved this season.

In new defensive coordinator John Jancek’s 4-3 scheme, the Rams’ linebackers provide the most depth.

Josh Watson, the leading tackler from last season, is returning and has All-Mountain West honors on his mind. Redshirt senior Tre Thomas and junior Max McDonald round out an experienced unit.

Returning safeties Jordan Fogal and Jamal Hicks, who are both coming off of injuries, have been leaders in camp and will play crucial defensive

Head Coach Mike Bobo yells after an unsportsmanlike conduct is called against the CSU defense late in the 4th quarter of the Rams 59-52 loss against Boise State. PHOTO BY JAVON HARRIS COLLEGIAN

roles as well.

Schedule-wise, the Rams will not have an easy start. After facing basement-dwelling Hawaii to open the season, winning any of the next three games for CSU will be difficult. The Rams play Colorado, Arkansas, and Florida to complete the first four games of the season.

CSU is fortunate enough to avoid San Diego State and Fresno State. However, the Rams do have to travel to Ida-

ho to face No. 22 Boise State.

Frankly, CSU has a lot of games within the Mountain West that could go either way.

Hawaii, San Jose State, and New Mexico should not be difficult for the Rams to handle.

On the other hand, Wyoming, Utah State and Air Force will pose a threat.

Record Prediction: 6-6 Biggest win: Wyoming Eddie Herz can be reached at sports@collegian.com.

8 Friday, August 24, 2018 | The Rocky Mountain Collegian

The Rocky Mountain Collegian Friday, August 24, 2018

9

10 inside the lines

The season of third-years for CSU Rams volleyball

By Luke Zahlmann @lukezahlmann

When the lights awaken in the confines of Moby Arena, Colorado State volleyball will set their sights on a 24th consecutive playoff bid, a tally rivaled by only six programs in the nation.

The new season will be the 22nd under coach Tom Hilbert, and the third for some of the squad’s brightest stars as reigning Mountain West player of the year and setter Katie Oleksak, middles Kirstie Hillyer and Paulina Hougaard-Jensen and returning libero Amanda Young will all enter their junior seasons. Though Hillyer poses as a redshirt junior, the trio alongside her pose as true third-year players.

Though a quartet of Rams moved on due to graduation, this year’s team will feature several players with tournament and Mountain West experience, nary a senior departing after the year.

Added to last year’s returning crop is the recruiting class, three players deep, that features a blend of an outside hitter in Jacqi Van Liefde, middle Sasha Colombo and setter Ciera Zimmerman.

The trio looks to be one that will have a hard time seeing the floor as four of the six starters for the Rams will likely reside in the form of the returning juniors. The other two spots, both outside hitters, will likely be split between the trio of junior Olivia Nicholson, redshirt sophomore and last year’s Newcomer of the Year Breana Runnels and

redshirt junior Jessica Jackson.

Though the two formers have shown their prowess on the court for the Rams, Jackson has yet to see a ton of playing time under Hilbert. In her limited time last season, Jackson shined in her largest allotted time, registering eight kills on a .636 percentage against Albany. The match represented eight of her 15 total kills on the season.

At their official media day however, Hilbert opened the door to all comers for the open outside positions.

“We have some really active competition for all of our pin positions,” Hilbert said. “I think the only person who you could say (is) probably being the most heavily considered is Breana Runnels and the other spots are wide open.”

The competition, though fierce in practice between the departed Jasmine Hanna and Runnels last year, will be more open than last year. With an entire spot open for grabs, the Rams will rely on practice and individual game performances to determine their starting lineup, one that fluctuated often last season.

The oft-injured Alexandra Poletto was featured in the group that departed as she transferred to the University of Southern California to participate in beach volleyball. The loss of Poletto is lessened given the development possible for Hougaard-Jensen last season when Poletto was out.

An injury to Hillyer limited the Rams to a degree in the middle as well, but both will be present

Sophomore Kirstie Hillyer celebrates a kill against Duke during the season opener on Aug. 25, 2017. PHOTO BY ELLIOT JERGE COLLEGIAN

against the net this season.

Regardless of who is hitting for the Rams, whether it be through the inside or out, the Rams will once again be led by Oleksak, the premier setter of the conference and recipient of conference’s top honor last season.

“Our setting is as good as it’s ever been,” Hilbert said.

Oleksak is coming off a year in which she led the league with 12.16 assists per set and paved the way for the Rams to lead the conference as a team in hitting percentage (.319).

The Rams are positioned to once again win a Mountain West

title without much trouble as the rest of the conference struggles to keep pace. CSU has only lost six games within their conference in the past five years.

Outside of their conference schedule however, the Rams loaded their schedule with talented squads. Among them is Florida State, Michigan, LSU and Illinois. All pose formidable challenges, with opportunities to increase an RPI ranking throughout the year that suffers from the lack of competition in their conference. The team missed out on an opportunity to host last season due to the inept programs in the

Mountain West dragging down their strength of schedule.

“It’s a really tough non-conference schedule,” Hilbert said.

“We will be tested, it’ll be good for us.”

The Rams’ first match of the season comes against No. 12 Illinois as they will host the Illini at Moby Arena, a game that Hilbert has sought to sell out by way of distributing tickets to local businesses as well as encouraging the students to attend. The game will be played under the glare of a whiteout on Friday.

Luke Zahlmann can be reached at sports@collegian.com.

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10 inside the lines

The season of third-years for CSU Rams volleyball

By Luke Zahlmann @lukezahlmann

When the lights awaken in the confines of Moby Arena, Colorado State volleyball will set their sights on a 24th consecutive playoff bid, a tally rivaled by only six programs in the nation.

The new season will be the 22nd under coach Tom Hilbert, and the third for some of the squad’s brightest stars as reigning Mountain West player of the year and setter Katie Oleksak, middles Kirstie Hillyer and Paulina Hougaard-Jensen and returning libero Amanda Young will all enter their junior seasons. Though Hillyer poses as a redshirt junior, the trio alongside her pose as true third-year players.

Though a quartet of Rams moved on due to graduation, this year’s team will feature several players with tournament and Mountain West experience, nary a senior departing after the year.

Added to last year’s returning crop is the recruiting class, three players deep, that features a blend of an outside hitter in Jacqi Van Liefde, middle Sasha Colombo and setter Ciera Zimmerman.

The trio looks to be one that will have a hard time seeing the floor as four of the six starters for the Rams will likely reside in the form of the returning juniors. The other two spots, both outside hitters, will likely be split between the trio of junior Olivia Nicholson, redshirt sophomore and last year’s Newcomer of the Year Breana Runnels and

redshirt junior Jessica Jackson.

Though the two formers have shown their prowess on the court for the Rams, Jackson has yet to see a ton of playing time under Hilbert. In her limited time last season, Jackson shined in her largest allotted time, registering eight kills on a .636 percentage against Albany. The match represented eight of her 15 total kills on the season.

At their official media day however, Hilbert opened the door to all comers for the open outside positions.

“We have some really active competition for all of our pin positions,” Hilbert said. “I think the only person who you could say (is) probably being the most heavily considered is Breana Runnels and the other spots are wide open.”

The competition, though fierce in practice between the departed Jasmine Hanna and Runnels last year, will be more open than last year. With an entire spot open for grabs, the Rams will rely on practice and individual game performances to determine their starting lineup, one that fluctuated often last season.

The oft-injured Alexandra Poletto was featured in the group that departed as she transferred to the University of Southern California to participate in beach volleyball. The loss of Poletto is lessened given the development possible for Hougaard-Jensen last season when Poletto was out.

An injury to Hillyer limited the Rams to a degree in the middle as well, but both will be present

Sophomore Kirstie Hillyer celebrates a kill against Duke during the season opener on August 25, 2017. PHOTO

BY ELLIOT JERGE COLLEGIAN

against the net this season.

Regardless of who is hitting for the Rams, whether it be through the inside or out, the Rams will once again be led by Oleksak, the premier setter of the conference and recipient of conference’s top honor last season.

“Our setting is as good as it’s ever been,” Hilbert said.

Oleksak is coming off a year in which she led the league with 12.16 assists per set and paved the way for the Rams to lead the conference as a team in hitting percentage (.319).

The Rams are positioned to once again win a Mountain West

title without much trouble as the rest of the conference struggles to keep pace. CSU has only lost six games within their conference in the past five years.

Outside of their conference schedule however, the Rams loaded their schedule with talented squads. Among them is Florida State, Michigan, LSU and Illinois. All pose formidable challenges, with opportunities to increase an RPI ranking throughout the year that suffers from the lack of competition in their conference. The team missed out on an opportunity to host last season due to the inept programs in the

Mountain West dragging down their strength of schedule.

“It’s a really tough non-conference schedule,” Hilbert said.

“We will be tested, it’ll be good for us.”

The Rams’ first match of the season comes against No. 12 Illinois as they will host the Illini at Moby Arena, a game that Hilbert has sought to sell out by way of distributing tickets to local businesses as well as encouraging the students to attend. The game will be played under the glare of a whiteout on Friday.

Luke Zahlmann can be reached at sports@collegian.com.

YOU ARE WELCOME HERE. Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ Progressive, immigrant-welcoming, open and affirming to

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The Rocky Mountain Collegian | Friday, August 24, 2018

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11

12 inside the lines

CSU’s latest walk ons: It takes love

By Mack Beaulieu @Macknz_James

Listening to the latest players to receive a walk-on scholarship for Colorado State University, it becomes clear the values coaches want in a walk-on are in offensive lineman Barry Wesley and kick returner Brenden Fulton. Their home life and love of the game got them there.

“Every walk-on’s been through the dog days where they kind of take a step back and think, ‘What am I doing here?’”

BRENDEN FULTON WIDE RECIEVER

KCSU IS OUT OF THIS WORLD

In In Wesley and Fulton’s eyes, to be a successful college walk on you need a love of the game more than anything else.

“No situation can prepare you for college athletics,” Wesley said.

Fulton grew up in a home where he was always steadied.

His parents, John and Shana Fulton, taught at Fulton’s schools growing up. Wesley’s family was made complete by his stepfather, Dave Luedke, when he was ten. Both consider their male role models as a big part of why they’re still here.

“Coming out of high school with zero offers and opportunities to walk on, me and my Dad had a talk,” Fulton said. “He said, ‘We’re not quitters in our family’ … He said the first year as a new walk on is always the

see WALK ONS on page 14 >>

Colorado State WR Brenden Fulton makes a catch during the 11th spring practice April 11, 2017. PHOTO BY ELLIOTT JERGE COLLEGIAN

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The Rocky Mountain Collegian | Friday, August 24, 2018

13

14 inside the lines

Walk ons >> from page 12 hardest year, so if you can get past that first year, it will be more smooth sailing.”

Wesley’s relationship with his birth father wasn’t always great in comparison, when Luedke came into his life, Wesley had someone to look up to.

When Wesley was a sophomore, Luedke almost died from a septic stomach. His survival helped galvanize Wesley’s own fight.

“Having a stepfather, it’s really nice to have someone in your life who’s been through so much,” Wesley said. “I don’t think quitting has ever been in my blood. It’s not going to be in my children’s blood, it’s not in my family. So even if I wasn’t awarded a scholarship, I knew I wasn’t going to quit college football at all.”

As with most walk-ons, it hasn’t always been smooth sailing. There have been moments of doubt.

“Every walk-on’s been through the dog days where they kind of take a step back and think, ‘what am I doing here?’”

Fulton said. “You kinda have to just get past those days… I mean I think every walk on has kind of had ‘the talk,’ from their parents when they think about quitting.”

With Fulton always having a steady hand and with Wesley now having that and early struggles, it’s not surprising that they fit the mold coaches are looking for.

“I just want good people in our program,” defensive coordinator John Jancek said. “We typically need scout offensive linemen, because those guys are banging everyday ... but the biggest thing with the walk-ons is just that they’re good people and that they want to be here.”

Wesley has proven that he’s more than just a body to bang on. He’ll start at left tackle this season and has proven what he brings to the locker room.

“What (Wesley) brings is flexibility,” said offensive coordinator Dave Johnson. “He can handle both the left and right side, he has some horizontal skills at the guard position and some vertical skills at the tackle position ... He’s always trying to get better every single day and that’s something that rubs off.”

Wesley will have a big chance to prove that he was looked over coming out of high school. Fulton will see most of his time returning punts but hopes to help in the receiving game as well.

“I’m not the 6’5” Preston Williams on the edge or the Bisi Johnson who had over 265 receiving yards in one game,” Fulton said. “I’m just the short, white kid that does his job the best he can. I feel like I can open up some things in the offense and realize my role to get myself some plays or even moving some coverages around so other people can make a play.”

Fulton and Wesley agree on one thing: It’s not a lack of will that makes other walk-ons less successful.

“There’s so many other walk-ons who quit. I’m not judging them because if it’s college football and you don’t still love it then you can’t really do it,” Fulton said. “If you don’t love what you’re doing, I don’t blame you at all for quitting and going to get a job or focus on school ... I just think it’s passion for the game and our love for the game just hasn’t died out yet.”

Collegian sports reporter Mack Beaulieu can be reached at sports@collegian.com

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inside the lines

Young but experienced Rams ready to lead team into volleyball opener

By Sergio Santistevan @TheRealsSergio

The Rams enter the season ranked No. 25 in the country by the American Volleyball Coaches Association, but for the Rams to continue the winning standard they will have to do it without any seniors on the team.

“Our core group is still here,” redshirt junior Kirstie Hillyer said. “I think the team culture is still really good ... was good last year and I think that carried on to this year.”

After the graduation of four seniors, CSU heads into their opening weekend with a young but experienced squad led by 2017 Mountain West Player of the Year Katie Oleksak, along with Mountain West All-Conference players Hillyer, Breana Runnels and Paulina Hougaard-Jensen.

“The four returning all-conference players are still playing, now they’ve got to try and make the other people around them better,” said coach Tom Hilbert.

Even with a younger team, the Rams will continue to approach their game the same way.

“We still prepare the same,” Oleksak said. “We have a lot of experienced girls and most of us know what we’re doing out here, so it’s cool to prepare the same way and get in there and get ready.”

Unfortunately for the Rams, they will have to prepare without one of their best players, Olivia Nicholson, when they take on No.12 Illinois on Aug. 24 and

UNC-Wilmington on August 25 due to an injury sustained in practice.

“Now, we’re trying to put a different puzzle together and decide who is going to be played where,” said Hilbert. “Olivia (Nicholson) was an all-around player … She played all the way and she was very good at all assets.”

With a lack of depth, Hilbert will look at his young squad to step up and replace Nicholson.

Since Nicholson was effective on both sides, Hilbert says he’ll have to replace her with both a front and back row player.

With Hilbert unsure of who will step into the starting lineup in place of Nicholson, he will rely on his all-conference players for their leadership this weekend.

Hillyer and Oleksak know they are regarded as leaders on the team, but they expect others to step up as well.

“We’re all leaders in our own way,” said Hillyer. “Wherever it’s vocal, leading by example or off the court, and I think that’s what really cool about this team.”

Once the crowd fills up Moby Arena and the whistle blows, Oleksak hopes to give advice to the young Rams that she wishes she would have had.

“Don’t place so much expectation on yourself in the first games,” said Oleksak. “It’s still just a volleyball game. You’re still playing what you do every day.”

Collegian sports reporter Sergio Santistevan can be reached at sports@collegian.com

Katie Oleksak leads committee of leadership

By Mack Beaulieu @Macknz_James

Colorado State volleyball’s Katie Oleksak is coming into the season at the head of what should be another powerhouse Mountain West team.

With three other all-conference players from last year on the roster, she will come into the season as head of the committee.

Leading the team from the setting position, after leading the Mountain West in assists and assists per set, Oleksak has spent the summer building that chemistry to an even greater level. After graduating a few seniors, the stellar sophomore class of last season will guide the team this season according to coach Tom Hilbert.

Oleksak, however, may have a little bit more expectation on her because of the way she’s always carried herself. Along with being recognized as the best player in the Mountain West.

“She’s been a leader since she walked in as a freshman,” Hilbert said. “So now it’s very clear that she’s the one with wisdom on our team because all the older players are gone. That’s the difference, but she’s always been a leader.”

Oleksak and others take after their coach of keeping a level head and a strong mindset. Hilbert likes to keep his mind on the present and not focused on accolades.

“We’re the same whether she got that label or not,” Hilbert said.

“She’s the same person, same player, doesn’t matter if she’s player of the year, she’s a great player, everybody likes her, she’s very popular and she’s a great leader.”

With a top-25 match-up against No. 12 Illinois coming up this weekend, the Rams’ leaders are keeping their heads on straight.

“These are some really good players and a really good team,”

“Our core group is still here,” Oleksak said. “We did graduate a big class, but I think the team culture is still really good. I think that carried on to this year...we have a lot of experienced girls and most of us know what we’re doing.”

KATIE OLEKSAK CSU SETTER

The CSU volleyball team huddles in anticipation during a game.

COLLEGIAN FILE PHOTO

15

Kirstie Hillyer said. “So I think it’s important to remember that we are too and to have the mindset that we’re going to go out there and give it our all, but we’re going to have fun while we do it so

Setter, Katie Oleksak, celebrates a successful play against Wyoming during the game on Sept. 26, 2017. The Rams swept the Cowgirls in three sets.. PHOTO BY ASHLEY POTTS COLLEGIAN

we can really give them our best shot.”

Outside hitter Breana Runnels built on that sentiment.

“Obviously we want to win,” Runnels said. “But really it’s just controlling what we can do on our side, we want to play CSU volleyball.”

With a band of returning players, yet still carrying youth, it will be on the juniors to lead a team that does not have a single senior.

It seems both Hilbert and the team will have no trouble moving beyond that fact.

“We don’t talk about old players,” Hilbert said. “We just have to develop the people on the team and try to get the most out of the people that are here...there have been a lot of great players to come here and they all graduate.”

Oleksak seems confident that the team will keep a similar culture that has been so important at CSU. “Our core group is still here,” Oleksak said. “We did graduate a big class, but I think the team culture is still really good. I think that carried on to this year… We have a lot of experienced girls and most of us know what we’re doing.”

Oleksak, who has shown high prowess already, has been working on her weaknesses as well as her strengths as the season ap-

proaches.

“She’s a better defensive player,” Hilbert said. “She has more of an understanding of how to get that pivotal ball to a player. Her locations are much more consistent.”

Hillyer echoed her coach.

“The biggest thing is working with each player and figuring out what they need,” Hillyer said.

“She’s done a really good job of figuring out the needs of each of her hitters.”

Oleksak may be the defacto leader of this team, but she and the other girls made it clear that it is a group effort. Hillyer and Oleksak could not help but keep naming leaders.

“A lot of people lead by example,” Oleksak said.

Identified as maybe the loudest of the leaders, Hillyer gave her two cents on what excites her.

“We’re all leaders in our own way,” Hillyer said. “Whether its vocal or leading by example or off the court. I think that’s what’s really cool about this team.”

The Rams open the season against Illinois dawning all white along with the crowd at 7 p.m. on Friday.

Mack Beaulieu is a reporter for the collegian and can be reached online at sports@collegian.com

16 Friday, August 24, 2018 | The Rocky Mountain Collegian

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