SPORTS: CSU men’s basketball closes historic season with 25-6 record

from Thursday, March 24, 2022 Vol. 131 No. 25

SEASON RUNDOWN

CSU men’s basketball closes historic season with 25-6 record

By Taylor Paumen

@taytaypau

About five months ago, the Colorado State University men’s basketball team started their 202122 season with hopes of a great year. As fans look back, it was nothing short of that. The CSU Rams had a season filled with breaking school records, honors and awards, sold-out games and a taste of postseason play.

CSU started their season with an 11-game winning streak, which included being champions at the 2021 U.S. Virgin Islands Paradise Jam tournament, where they took down Bradley University, Creighton University and Northeastern University.

Powerhouse David Roddy came out of the Paradise Jam with a total of 93 points, earning him the tournament’s Most Valuable Player honor and giving fans a sneak peek of his abilities away from Moby Arena. The Rams also had the highest number of 3-pointers in the school and tournament’s history, with 20 made threes against Creighton.

The Rams then returned to Fort Collins, where they went 3-0. That included a 74-58 win over Saint Mary’s College of California, which added a good look for CSU come postseason.

Following their 9-0 record, the Rams had one of their biggest pre-conference games. They faced Mississippi State University in a neutral zone, also strengthening their season summary. Roddy became part of the 1,000-point club while snatching CSU’s 10th win of the season with a close 66-63 victory over MSU.

After a 23-day break following the MSU win, the Rams headed into their 18-game journey through the Mountain West Conference. After a quick win against the United States Air Force Academy — during which Isaiah Stevens became the second Ram this season to join the 1,000-point squad — CSU headed to their first away MW game.

Colorado State’s 11-game winning streak was broken in a shocking 79-49 loss against San Diego State University. But after the lowest-scoring game of the season, there was nowhere to go but forward.

The Rams had no problem moving on from the SDSU game, going 5-0 in their following conference games, taking three victories at home and overtaking San Jose State University and Air Force on the road.

Going 16-1 thus far, the Rams had their first sellout game of the season but obtained their second loss, falling to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in a heartbreaking 88-74 final.

Three days later, CSU headed to the annual Border War in Laramie, Wyoming, where Cowboy Hunter Maldonado troubled CSU with his 35-point game. The Rams pushed the game into their first overtime extension but couldn’t hold a lead, losing 84-78 to the University of Wyoming. However, the Rams headed back to Fort Collins, where they hoped for revenge in a second sellout match against SDSU.

Moby Madness cheered CSU in a nail-biting 58-57 win against the Aztecs, which boosted the Rams’ confidence in continuing the season. Improvement showed with four more wins to CSU’s record, including a third Moby sellout against California State University, Fresno and an away overtime 7774 win over future MW champions Boise State University.

Continuing their season in Las Vegas with a 21-3 record, CSU met their match, going 0-2 against UNLV with a 72-51 loss. The Rams had a chance to redeem themselves following the game drop, hosting part two of the Border War with yet another home sellout. Roddy dropped 26 points and 11 rebounds with help from fifth-year transfer Chandler Jacobs, who finished with 18 points and seven rebounds, getting the Rams a 61-55 win over UW.

With two games left in conference play, CSU finished the regular season with a bang. Senior Kendle Moore added massive pressure to Utah State University’s defense, finishing with 23 points, joining Roddy and Stevens in the 1,000-point squad, ultimately taking a 66-55 win.

The Rams’ final game of the season came on senior night and, for the first time in CSU’s MW era, was the last of five consecutive soldout games. The game to wrap up the season was against Boise State, in which the three 1,000-point leaders all finished with double-digit points. The Rams took a 71-68 win, finishing the regular season 24-4.

Next on the Rams’ schedule was the 2022 Mountain West Men’s Basketball Championship. Roddy was named Mountain West Player of the Year just a few days before. Colorado State got a first-round bye, meeting Utah State in the quarterfinals, where the Rams scraped by with a 53-51 win.

The Rams then advanced to the semifinals, once again taking on SDSU, who gave CSU some issues earlier in the season. Both teams brought their best abilities to the court, but Colorado State fell in a close 63-58 match.

Despite the short run in the MW tournament, Selection Sunday for the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament was the opposite, as the Rams waited to hear their name. CSU was seeded No. 6, the highest in the program’s history, facing off against No. 11 University of Michigan.

The Rams headed to Indianapolis, Indiana, for their first time at the Big Dance since 2013 and were the first game of the tournament. While CSU had a powerful first half, Michigan kicked it into gear coming into the second. Colorado State fell behind after a seven-point lead at half, concluding the game and their season with a 75-63 loss to U-M.

Junior Dischon Thomas led the Rams in their NCAA debut with 15 points, which included four of CSU’s eight 3-pointers at halftime. Although the Rams’ NCAA journey ran out faster than some were expecting, Roddy said he was proud of all the team achieved in his first three years here and had no hesitation on their drive for the next season.

“For us to do it and flip a team from 12-20 to 25-6 in about three or four years is very impressive,” Roddy said. “It was an amazing journey this season, and (I) couldn’t be more proud of this team and this program.”

While the Rams’ end of the season was abnormal to the majority of the whole season, the team had an unforgettable year, finishing with several new school records. Roddy and Stevens accounted for almost 20 different awards and honorable mentions, and head coach Niko Medved was named United States Basketball Writers Association District Coach of the Year.

The Rams seem to be on a steady incline to even more success and will be heading into the 2022-23 season with a new hunger and sight of being a stronger threat come postseason. Until then, Ram Nation will be patiently anticipating the building energy of next year’s squad.

Reach Taylor Paumen at sports@ collegian.com.

TRASH TALK

How do the Denver Broncos move forward?

Javonte Williams (33) runs the ball against the Washington Commanders at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium in Denver Oct. 31, 2021. PHOTO COURTESY OF ALL-PRO REELS VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

By Chase Hontz

@hontzcollegian

Since the start of the NFL offseason, the Denver Broncos have dramatically altered the course of their franchise both by hiring an offensive-minded coach and also acquiring Super Bowlwinning quarterback Russell Wilson. Considering this, I feel it’s only fair to assume the organization has been taking advice directly from my writing. In my previous article, titled “The Denver Broncos: 5 years of irrelevance,” I suggested the organization begin its offseason by taking these two major steps.

As such, I now consider it my own personal responsibility to guide the Broncos organization forward. In the best interest of both the organization and its fans, I’d like to take this opportunity to highlight how the Broncos can best navigate their way through the remainder of this NFL offseason’s free agency period.

In the time since the organization’s hiring of coach Nathaniel Hackett and its blockbuster trade for Wilson, the team has been relatively conservative in its approach to free agency. Aside from some minor contracts given to a small group of depth players on both sides of the ball, the only two starting-caliber players the team has acquired since the Wilson trade are defensive tackle D.J. Jones and outside linebacker Randy Gregory.

As such, the Broncos currently stand with somewhere around $15-20 million in cap space and eight draft picks in this year’s coming NFL draft.

So where does the team go from here?

While $20 million in cap space isn’t a game-changing amount in the NFL, it’s certainly enough for the team to add a pair of impact players prior to this year’s draft.

The first roster hole the Broncos must address is the cornerback position. More specifically, I believe the team desperately needs a competent slot cornerback. The simplest solution for this particular position would be to re-sign Bryce Callahan. However, while he has been productive when healthy, Callahan’s long history of being injury-prone may deter the team from bringing him back.

In this instance, I’d recommend the Broncos consider a reunion with Chris Harris Jr. Since leaving the team for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020, Harris has proven that despite his age, he is still very productive in the slot. In addition to this, Harris’ experience as a veteran combined with his familiarity with the Broncos organization would position him as an invaluable voice in the locker room. Betting on a proven veteran rather than the potential of a younger player is a move that makes more sense for this true contender of a team that is seemingly ready to push in all of their chips for this coming season.

The next position I’d suggest the Broncos look at upgrading through free agency is running back. While second-year back Javonte Williams is poised to become the team’s workhorse after an impressive rookie season, the depth behind him is lackluster at best. The most obvious solution to the Broncos’ lack of depth at the running back position would be to re-sign running back Melvin Gordon III. Gordon recently expressed interest in returning to the Broncos for the upcoming season, and the team should be eager to do so as well.

Read the rest of this story at collegian.com.

Reach Chase Hontz at sports@ collegian.com.

CALATHEA

Plant Bio

The Calathea is a genus of perennial plants that are known for their beautiful patterned and colorful leaves. This plant is also known as the “prayer plant” due to its unique leaf movements. This plant’s leaves close up at night and open again during the day, which is known as nyctinasty. Some varieties of this plant, like the white fusion, are particularly fussy to care for. Other varieties like the Calathea Lancifolia or the Calathea Ornata are less care-intensive. These plants do prefer higher humidity levels. Using a humidifier or pebble tray filled with water will help give this plant the extra humidity it likes. Calathea plants are not toxic to pets.

Tolerates low, indirect light, prefers medium to bright indirect light

Water every 1-2 weeks, soil should dry out between waterings

Prefers higher humidity

Did You Know?

How does nyctinasty work? Nyctinasty refers to plant movements that occur in response to light. Many bulb plants have leaves or flowers that close up at night. Leaf movement is controlled by the pulvinus, which is a motor organ at the base of leaves. The cells in the pulvinus grow and shrink with a plant’s circadian clock.

COVER STORY

McKenna Hofschild makes basketball more than just a game

Mckenna Hofschild (4) guards against the Utah State University Aggies Feb 9. The Rams won 86-83. PHOTO BY MICHAEL GILES THE COLLEGIAN

By Michael Giles

@michaelrenee10

As Colorado State University women’s basketball finished out their 2021-22 season this past weekend playing in the Women’s National Invitation Tournament, star player McKenna Hofschild from Prior Lake, Minnesota, received much praise for her dedication and commitment to the team.

While the Rams lost in the first round of the WNIT on March 18 with a score of 72-63 against the University of Portland Pilots, Hofschild led the path of being an honorable athlete during the entire season. Hofschild’s success on the court landed her a spot on this year’s Mountain West AllConference team.

Hofschild ranked fifth nationally for assist-to-turnover ratio, being an exceptional point guard on the court while staying focused in the classroom as she studies marketing with a minor in sports management.

Hofschild started with a dream, just like anyone else. She was inspired to be like her older brother after attending many basketball practices her dad coached for him at a younger age. She turned her dreams into reality by remaining persistent and never giving up her dream of being a basketball player, which began when she was only four years old.

“My older brother played, and my dad coached his team,” Hofschild said. “So when they would have practices, he always kind of dragged me along and kind of just gave me a ball and (told) me to go kind of do my own thing, so I think that’s where it really started. And then as the years went on, I continued to always be in the gym with my brother and my dad. It just kind of sparked something that I was like, ‘Yeah, this is what I want to do.’”

Though Hofschild is the shortest member on the CSU team, standing at 5 feet, 5 inches, she is nonetheless an incredible powerhouse, and her commitment to achieving greatness hasn’t fallen short of that.

“I mean, obviously me and my stature doesn’t really look like I’d be able to excel on the basketball court with it being the big, athletic, tall game that it is, but just being persistent and always being strong-minded is super important — and never letting anyone tell you what you can’t do, just telling yourself what you can do,” Hofschild said. As she continues her career as a basketball player here at CSU, she hopes to leave a legacy beyond the court.

“I just hope I’m known for more than just basketball, more than just what I did on the court,” Hofschild said. “I hope being here, I can help bring a championship back to CSU, but then also off the court just being known for someone who’s really doing it for the right reasons, doing it the right way and just being an overall great teammate off and on the floor.”

Although Hofschild transferred to CSU after her freshman year at Seton Hall University, her past two years as a Ram taught her many lessons both internally and on the court.

“It’s helped me grow so much,” she said. “I think just being here and seeing how much everybody really cares for each other and how much everyone wants to see each other succeed has helped me grow in ways I didn’t even know I could. Being here for my second year, I’ve become more confident in what I do both on the court and off the court. Just having a good support system has helped me grow my confidence and realize what it looks like to be a good person at the end of the day.”

Hofschild’s advice as a player on the Colorado State women’s basketball team for people considering trying out or hoping to play any collegiate sport in the future is, “Division I collegiate sports can always be tricky because, you know, it’s a lot of time; it’s a lot of effort committed to one thing. But ... the relationships and experiences you get from the sports you play is monumental and will always stay with you, so I think just ... know it’s not always about the X’s and O’s on the basketball court, but it’s more about this part of your life being one of the better times in your life.”

Before Hofschild helped land her team in the final 2022 Mountain West Women’s Basketball Championship game against the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, she wanted to elevate her gameplay by “bringing the intangibles, like the energy and passion for the game, because when it comes down to the end of the season, that’s what it takes.”

“It’s a long season; it can be draining, so just coming in every day with the focus and energy to want to be where you’re at, I think that’s really what I could bring and step up for these next few games to try and get us to the point where we want to be in a championship game competing for the Mountain West title,” Hofschild said prior to the tournament.

Though the Rams did not bring the title back home to Fort Collins, losing to the UNLV Rebels with a score of 75-65, Hofschild reminded fans of the other fun parts of playing this collegiate sport.

“After the UCHealth game, just being able to see everyone connect and be part of something that was super special, super important and more than just one game or one day was really inspiring and touching for not just me but the whole team, so that was a really cool day for all of us,” Hofschild said. “I think it connected us in a different way, and it’s helped us since then.”

While collegiate sports are focused on hard work and competitions, Hofschild shows there are many things to appreciate about this sport. It’s the beauty of sportsmanship and being a valuable and trustworthy teammate before receiving any titles. Hofschild will continue her career in basketball at CSU for another year, hoping to bring home the MW championship title next season.

Reach Michael Giles at sports@ collegian.com.

DID YOU COME BACK FROM SPRING BREAK WITH DID YOU COME BACK FROM SPRING BREAK WITH A LITTLE MORE THAN YOU BARGAINED FOR? A LITTLE MORE THAN YOU BARGAINED FOR? Hey Rams! We hope that you had a wonderful spring break whether you went to the beach, the mountains, or stayed right here in Fort Collins. Either way, here’s hoping that the sunburns are minimal and that you were able to get some well-deserved rest! At Alpha Center, we know that it’s possible that you might have come back from Spring Break with a little more than you bargained for… whether you’ve experienced symptoms or not. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are often asymptomatic, so if you’re sexually active, the only way to know that you’reintheclearis throughroutine STD screenings.Chlamydia is the most commonly spread STD in the United States, with an estimated 1 in 20 sexually active young women testing positive for Chlamydia. It’s important to keep in mind that STDs can be spread through any kind of sex, and semen does not have to be present in order to spread or contract an infection. In 2019 (the most recent data available), the Colorado Department of Health reported 29,820 cases of Chlamydia, along with 9,573 cases of Gonorrhea, 470 new HIV diagnoses, and 486 cases of primary and secondary syphilis. For both Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, these numbers represent historical highs, with Gonorrhea increasing 106.6% and Chlamydia increasing 18.5% since 2015. If leftuntreated,though you may notexperienceanyphysicaldiscomfort, STDs can increase your chances of contracting additional infections, including HIV. For women, an untreated STD can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, future ectopic pregnancies, and chronic pelvic pain. The CDC currently recommends that sexually active individuals get tested at least once a year, and that individuals who are at higher risk are tested even more frequently. Alpha Center offers free routine STD screening and treatment for the most common STDs, and we’re right across the street from campus on the corner of College and Pitkin, making it an easy walk or drive.

Hey Rams! We hope that you had a wonderful spring break whether you went to the beach, the mountains, or stayed right here in Fort Collins. Either way, here’s hoping that the sunburns are minimal and that you were able to get some well-deserved rest! At Alpha Center, we know that it’s possible that you might have come back from Spring Break with a little more than you bargained for… whether you’ve experienced symptoms or not. Gonorrhea and Chlamydia are often asymptomatic, so if you’re sexually active, the only way to know that you’reintheclearis throughroutine STD screenings.Chlamydia is the most commonly spread STD in the United States, with an estimated 1 in 20 sexually active young women testing positive for Chlamydia. It’s important to keep in mind that STDs can be spread through any kind of sex, and semen does not have to be present in order to spread or contract an infection. In 2019 (the most recent data available), the Colorado Department of Health reported 29,820 cases of Chlamydia, along with 9,573 cases of Gonorrhea, 470 new HIV diagnoses, and 486 cases of primary and secondary syphilis. For both Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, these numbers represent historical highs, with Gonorrhea increasing 106.6% and Chlamydia increasing 18.5% since 2015. If leftuntreated,though you may notexperienceanyphysicaldiscomfort, STDs can increase your chances of contracting additional infections, including HIV. For women, an untreated STD can lead to pelvic inflammatory disease, future ectopic pregnancies, and chronic pelvic pain. The CDC currently recommends that sexually active individuals get tested at least once a year, and that individuals who are at higher risk are tested even more frequently. Alpha Center offers free routine STD screening and treatment for the most common STDs, and we’re right across the street from campus on the corner of College and Pitkin, making it an easy walk or drive.

Alpha Center in Fort Collins provides STD screening for HIV, Syphilis, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea at no cost to you. No matter your story, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, immigration status, age or religion, we strive to provide excellent medical care. Request an appointment at www.thealphacenter.org or give us a call at 970.239.2272

Finally, always make sure to practice safe sex and *always* use a condom or dental dam. Any kind of sexual contact can spread an infection, so it’s better to play it safe. Your future self will thank you!

SOURCES:

Alpha Center in Fort Collins provides STD screeningColorado 2019 Sexually Transmitted Infections Annual Report. Colorado Department of for HIV, Syphilis, Chlamydia, and Gonorrhea at no cost to you. No mattePublic Health and Environment, Denver, CO. July 2021. r your story, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, immigration status, age or religion, we strive to provide excellent medic appointment at www.thealphacenter.org or give us a call at 970.239.2272 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, December 31).Detailed Std Facts - Chlamydia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia-detailed.htm al care. Request an Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, December 14). Which STD tests should I get? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/std/prevention/screeningreccs.htmFinally, always make sure to practice safe sex and *always* use a condom or dental dam. Any kind of sexual contact can spread an infection, so it’s better to play it safe. Your future self will thank you!

SOURCES:

Colorado 2019 Sexually Transmitted Infections Annual Report. Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Denver, CO. July 2021.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, December 31).Detailed Std Facts - Chlamydia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved February 28, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/std/chlamydia/stdfact-chlamydia-detailed.htm

CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY

7 issues WGAC focuses on to support survivors

Students sit outside the Women and Gender Advocacy Center March 23. The WGAC offers support to survivors of relationship violence. PHOTO BY LUKE BOURLAND THE COLLEGIAN

By Ivy Secrest

@ivysecrest

Women have historically experienced extreme horrors when it comes to their bodies and rights. Because issues like intimate partner abuse and other forms of gender-based violence continue, the Women and Gender Advocacy Center works to offer resources to people experiencing discrimination and abuse.

WGAC at Colorado State University provides programs and resources focusing on all genders through social justice and interpersonal violence prevention, according to their website. Here are seven issues WGAC provides support with. 1. Sexual assault

Anyone can reach out to WGAC for guidance should they or someone they care for encounter sexual assault. According to WGAC’s website, “Sexual assault is any sexual contact without consent and may include touching of intimate body areas, intercourse or penetration.” Many people fear reaching out for help due to the shame that can be associated with sexual assault. Survivors are encouraged to seek medical treatment within seven days after the assault; however, other help can be found after that time period. Mental guidance is also available to deal with this traumatic experience. 2. Relationship violence

Sexual, physical and mental violence can occur in relationships, and as young people enter the world of adult relationships, it can be difficult to recognize violent and abusive behavior. WGAC provides education on what abuse looks like and offers resources for victims and survivors. Being hit by a partner isn’t the only form of abuse, and taking the time to learn what abusive behaviors look like could protect you and your loved ones from harm’s way. 3. Stalking

Being stalked can be a frightening and confusing situation that many people don’t imagine they’ll ever encounter. Obsession can easily grow into a dangerous situation, and WGAC provides information on legal actions, definitions and how to recognize and protect yourself from stalking. The Stalking Resource Center from the National Center for Victims of Crime also provides invaluable information on how to deal with this unfathomable situation, as does the CSU Police Department. 4. Coping and self-care

It is likely that everyone will encounter some level of hardship in their adult life. They may even be coping with childhood traumas. Allowing yourself to be supported and coping are vital to the healing process. WGAC provides advice on how to emotionally ground yourself and find safe places where you can process without fear of being judged or hurt further. Through a variety of programs, WGAC supports survivors and the people around them in healing from interpersonal violence and other traumas. 5. Education

For those looking for more preventative support, WGAC provides education on topics such as “What is Consent?” and “What is Title IX?” They address rapesupportive cultures and body image and allow community members to request programs suited to their community’s needs. Knowledge is the best tool people can have against these sorts of incidents, and pursuing knowledge is helpful in protecting yourself and loved ones. 6. Involvement

Students passionate about gender-focused advocacy can become employed by WGAC and attend their events to further educate themselves and familiarize themselves with the supportive community available to them. 7. Anti-violence strategies and campaigns

It can be earth-shattering to watch violence of any kind enter the lives of our loved ones or even just acquaintances. One of the best things that can be done to prevent this is to address harmful behavior as it is witnessed and before it escalates. Calling out harmful jokes that encourage sexual and physical violence is an example of this. Addressing these behaviors in all communities and ensuring bystanders know how to intervene in potentially dangerous situations is not only essential to changing the culture around violence toward gender minorities but also is comforting information to have for those who are already familiar with how detrimental that violence can be.

Coming out of gender-motivated violence, sexual violence or abusive relationships can be damaging for survivors and those around them, who are often referred to as secondary survivors. Having access to a support system is essential. Should students need to speak with an advocate or utilize these resources, WGAC’s contact information and written resources can be found on their website’s homepage as well as their contact page. They can also be reached at their 24-hour hotline: 970-492-4242.

For additional information on WGAC, check out their Instagram @csu_wgac.

Reach Ivy Secrest at entertaiment@ collegian.com.