The S tate Hornet February 2, 2011 HORNET INSIDE SAC STATE MEN’S HOCKEY CLUB WRAPS UP SEASON
How did the Sac State men’s club finish out the season? Find out how the hockey club almost did not play the last game of the season.
Sports B3 PIANIST PREVIEW
C alifornia S tate U niversity , S acramento
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O ne C opy F ree
Media questions Sac State assaults By Marshall Hampson and Tim Sandoval news@statehornet.com The California Statewide University Police Officers Association issued a press release Thursday that called into question recent media coverage of last semester’s string of sexual assaults. The release states the media should place its focus elsewhere. On Jan. 25, KXTV News 10 broadcast a story about the sexual assault victims on cam-
pus. The association found that the “assaults were being called into question” and the approach of the story blamed the sexual assault victims instead of solving the problem, according to the association’s press release. “They challenged the veracity of the witnesses coming forward,” said Jeff Solomon, president of the association. “They blamed the rise in numbers because of people reporting them. But what does that have to do with anything? We should be saying, ‘Great that’s what we
want.’” Last semester, Sacramento State witnessed seven sexual assaults and increased patrol by adding more officers throughout the school day to reduce the chances of another sexual assault – bringing the total to 21 police officers. “We want victims to feel that they can report crimes, that their trauma will be taken seriously and that we’ll do everything possible to apprehend the perpetrators,” Solomon said. “Sacramento State has been the
scene of eight sexual assaults and one murder in the past school year – this is a sad fact. How the cases were resolved does not diminish the crimes committed or the victims’ suffering.” News 10 reviewed all seven assaults from last semester and noticed one of the victims was assaulted at 7 p.m. walking back from her last class, which ended at 2:45 p.m – more than four hours after her last class, according to a News 10 story. “Essentially they said we
skewed the sexual assault numbers,” Solomon said. “They said they weren’t all rapes, and I don’t think that anybody said that they were all rapes. If you touched the outer clothing of women’s breast or other private area, it’s a sexual assault. And they challenged the credibility of these reports.” Gloria Moraga, Sac State’s public affairs associate vice president, was previously the see Assault | page A6
Change for a safer semester
Preview the international pianist Evelyn Chen as she gets set to perform Saturday at Sac State.
Features B1 TACO BELL BEEF?
Taco Bell has been enjoyed by millions in America. But the beef in Taco Bell has been put to question. Is it really beef? If it isn’t beef, then what have we been eating?
Opinion A7 GOLD SHUTTLE
The Gold Shuttle will remain in service this semester. Why was it originally on the brink of shutting down?
News A3
Packers or Steelers? Our sports staff makes predictions on the Super Bowl. Hear their discussion on statehornet.com.
Photos by Nicole Lundgren State Hornet
Graphic by Alicia Palenyy State Hornet
By Marshall Hampson news@statehornet.com Police officers patrolling on horses is something Sacramento State students will be getting used to as the University Police are taking extra steps to provide a safer semester. After sexual assaults last
semester, University Police Lt. Joseph Green said this semester the police staff is working hard at creating a safer environment for students walking around campus. “We’re making sure that we have every single officer, including investigators and lieutenants, spending the time out on patrol being very visible,” Green
Month devoted to financial aid By Marshall Hampson news@statehornet.com In the midst of another fee increase to Sacramento State, the Financial Aid Office is full-force with Financial Aid Awareness Month. Students continuously line up at the beginning of each semester to start getting information about the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid forms, scholarships and student loans. “Jan. 1 is when FAFSA is available for students and March 2 is pretty much the priority deadline,” said Thuy Nguyen, financial aid analyst. “So February is the perfect month to make sure (students) know what they need to do.” This semester the financial see Finance | page A6
Online News statehornet.com
The State Hornet Issue 2 | Volume 63 | No. 16
Ashley Neal State Hornet
Students wait in line in the Financial Services Center to settle financial aid issues.
Top: Sgt. Lisa Maneggie and officer Bill Lyons patrol the campus. Bottom right: Psychology major Christine Zhu sits on a bench in front of campus waiting for the Hornet Shuttle to arrive.
said. “We’re kicking off this semester by bringing in extra patrol officers in the evenings for the first couple of weeks and we just hired an additional eight or 10 Community Service Officers.” Statewide University Police Officers Association President Jeff Solomon said campus police have made some positive
adjustments for spring 2011. “Their reaction to last semester is definitely a plus,” Solomon said. “And now that we have the appropriate amount of staff to have a two-officer minimum patrolling campus is a major plus.” Community Service Officers will be spending this semester passing out “safety tip cards”
to students, reporting any suspicious activities on campus and informing students about assault prevention. “What we do is we patrol around. If we notice anything suspicious, we radio it in,” said Community Service Officer Stephanie Remlinger. “Basisee Safety | page A8
Majority of Health Center services paid for by tuition By Sean Keister skeister@statehornet.com After moving into The Well last semester, the Health Center is now settled into its new location. The new facilities contain in addition to other services available to students, an urgent-care center, counseling and psychological services and a vision care center. “Anyone who pays regular tuition already pays health fees as part of their tuition,” said Lisa Johnson, associate director of clinical operations at Student Health Services. “Whether or not they have insurance really doesn’t matter.” Johnson said the health Center sees 100-150 students per day and 30-40 percent of the student population has used student health in the past year. “It’s most beneficial for students without health care,” said Janet Dumonchelle, doctor of pharmacy at the Health Center. “Most services are free or at cost.” Johnson said she is proud of
Robert Linggi State Hornet
Radiological technologist Orlando Castro views X-ray files on the Health Center’s new computerized system.
the up-to-date equipment the center has added since reopening, including computerized radiography in its X-ray department. “We have a more modern facility that created a more welcoming environment from the very start,” Johnson said. In additional to physical health problems, the center also deals extensively with mental health. The Counsel-
ing and Psychological Services program, for example is offered to help students who might be coping with stress or personal problems that are interfering with their school work. “The most rewarding part of my job is helping students feel better and have the tools they need to make sound decisions regarding health,” Johnson said. see Health | page A8
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Wednesday - February 2
News Section
NEWS ROUNDUP Sac State’s weekly news briefs and campus events CSU Early Start program for high school juniors
The Early Start program, which was introduced in March 2010, will now be mandatory beginning in the summer of 2012. The program allows high school juniors to take a proficiency test in Math and English to see if they are ready for collegelevel courses at CSU schools. On Jan. 25-26, the CSU Trustees received an update of the program. The 23 CSU campuses will be setting up a different Early Start program. So far, 1.7 million students have taken the Early Assessment Program test. The CSU Early Start program will be finalized by summer 2014. For more information on the Early Start program, please visit www.calstate.edu/ eap/index.shtml.
New student social network starts nationwide
In the start of the spring 2011 semester, a new social network called FMyCampus.com is launching its beta version to allow students to voice their comments, concerns and questions about issues on campus. Sac State was selected to start the beta version and will allow students to view and share submissions made on the website. FMyCampus started as an attempt by college students for a place to spread concerns about campus issues.
Sacramento State nursing students help community
Sac State nursing students allowed people in the community who do not have health providers and medical care to create a personal health record online. The students also held immunization clinics at Healthshack at the Wind Youth
Center. While at the Wind Youth Center, students were able to help clients with illnesses, minor injuries and referred the clients to emergency rooms, if necessary. For more information, contact the Wind Center at (916) 443-8333.
Nominations begin for Future Latina History Maker
Future Latina History Makers can be any 18-25 year old woman who is involved in activities that benefit the community, advance an academic field or provide research or inventions. Over the last three years, up to five CSU students have won the award as Latina History Maker. For more information, contact Stacy Maldonado at smaldonado@latinas.org or Clara Potes-Fellow at Cpotes-fellow@ calstate.edu. ▶◀ ▶◀ ▶◀ Contact Marshall Hampson in the News department at (916) 278-7248. ▶◀ ▶◀ ▶◀
Corrections Last week, in the “Police Chief receives vote of no confidence” article on A1, the sentence should read, “Using Department of Justice guidelines, this would translate to 65 patrol officers working at Sac State.” In the editorial on A7, Joseph Sheley’s title is Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. The Student Relationship Union meeting times are 5 to 6:30 p.m., instead of 5:30. The State Hornet apologizes for these errors. Please contact Katrina Tupper, print managing editor, for corrections at (916) 278-7300 or ktupper@statehornet.com
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Wednesday - February 2
News Section
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A3
Gold Line shuttle returns despite talk of canceling route By Brett Johnson bjohnson@statehornet.com Plans to discontinue the Gold Line, a route for the Hornet Express Shuttle, have been halted by the university. The proposed removal of the route had been
scheduled for fall 2011 resulting from a lack of funding. The cost of running the shuttle was exceeding the revenue available for the shuttle program, according to an announcement the university made through the Sacramento
Photos by Nicole Lundgren
The Gold Shuttle has cancelled removal for the next two semesters as it gathers ridership data .
State Bulletin in November 2010. Instead of removing the Gold Line, ridership data will be examined along with other means of cutting expenditures, according to University Transportation and Parking Services Senior Director Nancy Fox. The Gold Line provides shuttle service to Arden Way, Exposition Boulevard, Fair Oaks Boulevard, Fulton Avenue, Northrop Avenue and Howe Avenue. This shuttle route has been in use for 22 years. “It’s one of our busiest routes,” Fox said. “The problem with the Gold Line isn’t the ridership, it’s the redundancy. Most of the locations reached by the Gold Line are overlapping with the routes taken by the Sacramento Regional Transit.” The high-traffic streets taken by the Gold Line are also frequented by the Regional Transit buses at regular periods of time. Regional Transit is cost-free for Sacramento State students upon presentation of a OneCard inside of a valid student commuter sleeve. “We work very closely with Sacramento State,” said Regional Transit spokeswoman Alane Masui. “We offer transportation services where they are needed, and as far as I know, there wouldn’t be a problem with offering those services to a larger volume of students.” Many students would have
been forced to use Regional Transit as an alternate means of transportation had the plan to eradicate the Gold Line gone through. For Sac State student Kyler Levine, freshman criminal justice major, having to use Regional Transit would have made for an easy transition. “I’ve used both,” Levine said. “The Gold Line shuttle makes a stop slightly closer to where I live, and that’s really the only reason I prefer it.” Senior speech-language pathology and audiology major Stephanie Borja has chosen to ride on the Gold Line every day for nearly a year, but the Regional Transit only twice. “The amount of stops that the Regional Transit buses have to make seems to cause some delay,” Borja said. “It’s not that I would really protest having to use Regional Transit, but the Hornet Shuttle seems to make the commute to school much faster.” Sac State student Amanda Tilley said she would have started driving to school if the Gold Line had been removed, and was thankful that the plans had been temporarily put on hold. “The Regional Transit buses are gross,” Tilley said. For now, the future of the Gold Line remains uncertain for students using the shuttle. “I cannot say what will eventually happen with the Gold Line,” Fox said, “The last thing
I’ve heard from higher-ups is that the route will continue running on the new schedule.” Schedule changes implemented this semester will reduce the amount of hours that all three shuttle lines will be in commission. The proposal to both remove the Gold Line and change the schedules was made by UTAPS in November 2010. Shuttles that were once in operation Monday through Friday from 6:50 a.m. to 7 p.m. will now only operate between 7:40 and 10:15 a.m. and again between 2:20 and 4:55 p.m. Stops along the Hornet Line will be visited at a higher frequency, from every 40 minutes to every 10 minutes. Service on the Gold Line will remain at 40-minute intervals. Collected ridership data indicated that fewer students were using the shuttles earlier than 7:30 a.m., between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and after 5 p.m., according to the November 2010 announcement. The schedule changes that affected the operation of shuttles during these times came about in an effort to further cut back on expenses, Fox said. “We monitor what routes have the highest volumes of riders and during what times. This is how we usually decide on what shuttles and routes are terminated when there’s funding problems,” Fox said. Students that are employed as
shuttle drivers have their own concerns about the potential outcome of schedule changes and the Gold Line. Shuttle driver David Hart said that his working hours have been reduced from 16 hours a week to only five or six hours following the recent changes. “My hours have already been halved because of the new schedule, and I can’t imagine how things would be if the Gold Line had been removed.” Hart said. “The real problem lies in the funding. The school puts their name on the side of these buses, yet these shuttles are funded completely by the money made from parking tickets and fines – the school gives us nothing.” Hart continued on to voice his worries about the future of students working as drivers for the Hornet Express Shuttle. “Let’s just say there won’t be any drivers hired for a long, long time,” Hart said. The revenue garnered through parking citations continues to be the sole source of funding for the Hornet Express Shuttles going into the fall 2011 semester. The university will gather ridership data for all routes following its suspension of plans to get rid of the Gold Line, according to the UTAPS website. There is no word on when the topic of the Gold Line’s elimination will be revisited.
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A4
Wednesday - February 2
News Section
statehornet.com
Donation program helps faculty during medical absence By Inna Gritsak igritsak@statehornet.com For Sacramento State employees who need extended time off due to illness or injury, the Catastrophic Leave Donation Program provides a way to get necessary time off and still get a paycheck. According to the Sac State Monday Briefing, there are four employees approved for the Catastrophic Leave Donation Program. On average, three to four Sac State employees are approved for the program each week. “It allows an employee, if they or their family member are out for a catastrophic illness or injury, that other employees on the campus can donate their (sick leave or vacation) time to them,” said Joanne Davis, disability leaves’ manager at the Office of Human Resources. Kevin Ptak, art instructional support technician, was on catastrophic leave for the past three months due to a shoulder injury that required surgery and rehabilitation. “My arm was immobilized for six weeks and I couldn’t really lift anything,” Ptak said.
Ptak said the Catastrophic Leave Donation program helped his family make ends meet and allowed him to get back on “the road to healing.” “It was instrumental. We wouldn’t be able to make a mortgage payment without it,” Ptak said. In order to be approved for the Catastrophic Leave Donation Program, an employee’s doctor must make the determination that an illness or injury is “catastrophic in nature.” “That is exactly the language that we use,” Davis said. “We have a criteria list to give to the doctor … but if the doctor puts that language in there, then that’s what we go by, as far as getting someone approved for the program.” An employee must also deplete his or her own bank of sick leave and vacation credits before receiving catastrophic leave hours from others. For Ptak, that meant using 161 hours of his own vacation and sick leave to cover the first month of time off. “Without the other two months covered by this program, it would have been financially really difficult to get
through it,” Ptak said. Ptak said he found out about the program through the faculty and staff bulletin that gets posted online each week, but it was not until he needed
good news. “I was approved and I was ecstatic. It’s really an excellent program for those that really need it,” Ptak said. Employees who receive do-
Catastrophic Leave Donation Program Employees interested in donating time to the Catastrophic Donation Program should complete the Catastrophic Donation Donor form at www.csus.edu/hr/form.html#Disability and submit it to the Human Resources Disability Leaves Office in Del Norte Hall, Suite 3001. For more information, call the office at 278-3522.
help that he inquired about the program. After meeting with Davis and submitting the necessary documentation, Ptak received
nated leave hours do not always know who donates hours to them. This information remains confidential unless the donor decides to share this informa-
tion with the recipient. In Ptak’s situation, Ptak knew who donated leave hours to him. Daniel Frye, chair of the Art Department, spread the word about Ptak’s need and several faculty members joined him in donating their leave hours to Ptak as a result. Frye could not be reached for comment. “I am really thankful to all of them,” Ptak said. As a response to what the Catastrophic Leave Donation Program did for him, Ptak said he will donate his leave hours to others in the future. “I fully intend over the years on donating back all the time that I had used,” Ptak said. “Even if it’s 10 or 20 hours a year, I’m definitely going to give back to the people that need it. If there’s someone who comes along, specifically that I know, I’m for sure going to donate my hours to them as well.” Ptak encourages others to donate their hours as well. “It’s a fantastic thing for the people who need it,” Ptak said. Ptak returned to work Monday. However, his full recovery is still under way. “It’s a long process to go
from initial to surgery, and they’re expecting me to be back to almost 100 percent or 80 percent within nine months after surgery so I’m still looking at mid-summer … before I’m back to relatively normal again,” Ptak said. Like Ptak, employees can depend on catastrophic leave donations for up to three months and sometimes even six months if it is a critical situation. “It helps that when they run out of their leave credits, then they’ve got other people on campus that can donate their leave credits to them so that that gives them more money when they are off work,” Davis said. Davis encourages Sac State employees who need extended time off from work to apply for the Catastrophic Leave Donation Program. “When you think about it, catastrophic leave is a right. It’s a benefit that is bargained by the union, and when you’ve got something in the union, then obviously that’s something that’s a benefit to you,” Davis said. “You have to remember, it can happen to any of us.”
Department of Water Resources teams up with Sac State By Benjamin R. Schilter bschilter@statehornet.com The state’s Department of Water Resources signed a $300,000 consulting contract with Sacramento State in the hopes of finding solutions to some of the state’s water delivery and conservation issues. Civil engineering professor Saad Merayyan, a co-principal investigator on the Department of Water Resources contract, said this contract would provide Sac State – and the CSU system as a whole, with opportunities to share its expertise and work with one of the largest agencies involved with statewide water
resource issues. “If we can’t find the needed experts on our campus we will search the CSU system to identify them and forward their names to DWR,” Merayyan said in a press release. The contract calls for Sac State to provide consulting, research, education and training services to the Department of Water Resources through what are known as task orders. These documents lay out the schedule, budget and plans for a particular project, as well as a timeline for that project’s completion, Merayyan said. In the discussions leading up to the contract signing,
Merayyan said some sections within the Department of Water Resources were interested in working with the university, but others were not. He said many meetings between the university and the Department of Water Resources took place over the two years leading up to the signing in July 2010. The agency and university are now in talks to increase the dollar amount on the contract. While Merayyan and Ramzi Mahmood, another Civil Engineering professor involved with the contract, will be working with the Department of Water Resources for the first time, the water agency has depended on
Sac State’s services in the past as well. The Center for Collaborative Policy, part of Sac State’s College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies, was called on to assess ways to coordinate the activities of Butte, Glenn, Tehama and Colusa counties in regard to the Lower Tuscan Aquifer in 2008. This project lasted from January until August 2008, and involved developing an assessment questionnaire, identifying interview candidates for the assessments and analyzing the interviews, and preparing a report summarizing its major findings and recommendations.
The goal was to find out the best way for these groups to approach collaboration amongst one another, according to the project’s task order. The study found, among other things, a “widespread agreement that water supply, watershed, flood control and land use planning processes are often disconnected.” The study recommended the four-county area could “benefit from some sort of Area-wide water ‘visioning’ activity.” Also recommended was the creation of a longer term integrated water resources plan for the conservation of the Lower Tuscan Aquifer.
Until a common vision or goal was developed among these groups, the study found, anything the four counties came up with individually would lead to repeating basic differences of opinion. Regarding current projects with the agency, Merayyan said discussions were still taking place, but every facet of the campus will be used to fulfill the contract, from faculty and staff, to students and experts located throughout the university system. “This is a systemwide contract and we are the gatekeepers of that contract,” Merayyan said.
A5
Wednesday - February 2
News Section
statehornet.com
Nursing doctoral program denied for Sacramento State By Yvette Villasenor yvillasenor@statehornet.com On Jan. 26, California State University Board of Trustees met to consider proposals from the CSU system for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program; unfortunately, Sacramento State was not one of the CSUs selected. Sac State submitted a proposal to the chancellor’s office to be considered for the Doctor of Nursing Practice program with hopes to grow the nursing division, as well as to fulfill the shortage of nurses of the doctorate level. Last year, it was implemented that California was facing a critical demand for nurses. With this news, Gov. Schwarzenegger signed AB 867, allowing CSU campuses to offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree to prepare nursing faculty for the CSU and community nursing programs. The U.S. Bureau of Health Professionals estimates a shortage of more than 100,000 nurses in California alone in 10 years, according to the CSU’s Office of Public Affairs. The reason being a limited number of available spots in California nursing programs, which is in relation to the limited number of individuals qualified to work as nursing faculty. Now that the Doctor of Nursing Practice programs are in effect, it is determined by CSU Chancellor Charles B. Reed and the Legislature which CSUs are adequate to begin these nursing doctoral programs. According to the CSU administration, Reed’s decision was determined by the need and feasibility of each CSU. He also considered the accessibility of resources to be sufficient enough to establish and maintain the Doctor of Nursing Practice program. Reed also looked for professional academic affairs and regional accreditation, as well as recommendation of the California
Post Secondary Education Commission. “I understand and support the chancellor’s office’s decision. I do hope we will have a chance in the future to be considered for a nursing doctoral program,” said Carolynn Goetze, the nursing division chair. According to the Academic Affairs office, with recent budget cuts, Sac State faces a shortage of faculty as it is. The nursing division suffers a profound shortage in faculty, and it is most critical at the doctorate level. With Sac State facing a severe shortage in nursing faculty, nursing programs are unable to significantly increase enrollments, limiting the ability of the educational systems to respond to the nursing shortage as a whole. Recently the nursing division moved into Folosm Hall. The move provides a more efficient space to educate nursing students and allowing the nursing program to further grow and meet the needs of the continuous shortage of nurses said Victor Takahashi, Director of Facilities Planning and Construction Services. Although Sac State was ineligible for the possibility of offering a Doctor of Nursing Practice program, the nursing faculty was understanding about Reed’s decision and remained positive for a future program. Goetze said terms of the legislation, driving the nursing doctoral programs on other CSU campuses, will need to be met by 2018. Therefore Sac State hopes to be considered to offer a Doctor of Nursing Practice program by then if not sooner. The Legislative Analyst’s Office has further discussed the Doctor of Nursing Practice program and is hopeful more CSUs will be able to implement this program to help prepare more faculties to train more nurses to meet the state’s critical shortage.
The Legislative Analyst’s Office is an unbiased group that provides fiscal and policy information to the public, as well as offer advice to the Legislature. Six CSU campuses will begin the Doctor of Nursing Practice programs in the spring of 2012. Two of the programs will be offered jointly by multiple CSU campuses: Fresno State and San Jose State in the north, and CSU Fullerton, CSU Long Beach and CSU Los Angeles in the south. San Diego State will have a standalone program. Reed said the Doctor of Nursing Practice program will result in a 10 percent increase in tuition. The Legislative Analyst’s Office recommends that the Legislature further expand these possible programs in the Annual Budget Act. Judy Heiman, The Legislative Analyst’s reporter, also suggest that in order to expand these Doctor in Nursing Practice programs to other campuses, specified conditions should be publicized – such as the availability of enrollment growth or redirected
The University Budget Advisory Committee and Sacramento State have been working together to project the upcoming budget cuts the CSU system would face after Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposal. On Jan. 10, Brown released his initial budget proposal for the 2011-12 fiscal years. The proposal included cuts for the general fund for CSU, as well as the UC system by $500 million in each system. “These cuts will be painful, requiring sacrifice from every sector of the state but we have no choice,” Brown said in a recent press release. Joseph Sheley, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, said the advisory committee and the Academic Affairs Office are working together to discuss the plans for the new budget cuts in the next few days. These meetings are undergoing a possible strategic plan as to what to do when the budget passes. They will be discussing registration fees, enrollment statistics and what these concerns can possibly mean for Sac State as a whole. Sheley said he believes the plans for the projected budget cuts for Sac State remain uncertain at this time. Also, the administration of the CSU does not provide many specifics as to how the reductions will be accommodated which leaves students and faculty unsure of what to expect for the upcoming months. Sheley discusses the budget cuts as a large-scale issue and how it will affect students and faculty at Sac State Possible effects for the university as a whole includes: fee and tuition increases, students paying a higher share of cost and a decrease in student enrollment for
the university. While Academic Affairs and the advisory committee further plan a strategy about the budget reduction for Sac State, the Legislative Analyst’s Office offered advice as to what actions should be implemented for the CSU systems by Steve Boilard, director of higher education and analyst of the Legislative Analyst’s Office. The Legislative Analyst’s
Budget Proposal Key Points • $500 million budget cut proposal to the CSU system is ‘best-case scenario’ • $147 to be backfilled in new tuition revenue
Office is recognized for its economic and programmatic proficiency and unbiased analyses of the state budget. While students have already experienced an increase in fees and tuition this semester, Boilard said students also are paying a higher share of costs. Boilard said the proposed $500 million cut to state funding would partly be backfilled with $147 million in new tuition revenue, resulting in students paying a larger share of the cost of their education. However, Boilard also said students receiving financial aid would not be affected by the tuition increase due to the Cal Grant program and the CSU system institutional financial aid, protecting students who are in need of financial aid. As Boilard looks at the positive outcomes of the budget, Boilard believes the question is not what will be the cut to CSU but rather how will CSU absorb the cut. “It is important to make decisions early so students, em-
expertise and campus resources based on the existing nursing departments. With hope to grow and further expand the nursing division at Sac State, Goetze said she looks forward to another chance of being considered for a Doctor of Nursing
Practice program in the future at Sac State. For more information regarding the Doctor of Nursing Practice program throughout the CSU sytem, please contact Erik Fallis at the CSU Public Affairs office at (562) 951-4800.
File Photos
Left: (pictured from left to right) Jason Estella, Ben Cobbold and Glen Romabiles practice nursing skills they learned from Sacramento State on a dummy. Above: Estella, Cobbold and Romabiles help inject a test dummy patient.
Advisory group focused on solving future budget cuts By Yvette Villasenor yvillasenor@statehornet.com
funding, a sustainable level of requirements for programs and consider other possible ways to meet that demand like multi– campus programs, off–campus and online options. The program is meant to build on the CSU faculty
ployees, and the general public know what to expect,” Boilard said. Boilard advises to reduce the number of courses students need to take, pay closer attention to transfer requirements, major prerequisites and graduation requirements; all of which can lower costs for the university. Although the Legislative Analyst’s Office advises CSU systems about how to approach the budget reduction, Academic Affairs will continue to work with the advisory committee, until the budget passes. Sheley believes that although the budget still remains uncertain, it is anticipated that in the next month, students and faculty will have a better understanding of what to expect with the estimated reduction of $500 million for the CSU system. Even though budget cuts are looming, the University Budget Advisory Commitee and Sac State enrolled 3,000 new and transfer students for the spring 2011 semester. The advisory committee and Academic Affairs plan to report to the university about the final budget data thoroughly as the months progress, Sheley said. Although there are several downfalls to the budget, officials continue to stay positive for a brighter future in higher education. “I think there are positive things that can come out of this – more accountability and efficiency, for example, and perhaps a greater attention to the value and purpose of higher education,” Boilard said. “Let’s do what we can to come out of this with a more thoughtful, logical, efficient higher education system. That’s the silver lining of opportunities brought on by crisis.”
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Finance: FAFSA workshops available for students Continued | page A1
Ashley Neal State Hornet
Sac State students wait in line for any help regarding financial services.
aid staff is dealing with the new format of FAFSA - including “skip-logic” technology on the application form. Skip-logic is a new technology that provides students with necessary questions based on the previous question’s answer. Financial Aid Awareness Month is also introducing four workshops for students who need help filling out the FAFSA. “The best part of the FAFSA workshop is that it’s a oneon-one thing,” Nguyen said. “We allow students to come in and ask questions - as well as parents. Even though you or your parents haven’t filled out your taxes, you can still apply for FAFSA.” With tax information and deadlines involved in the process, Financial Aid Director Craig Yamamoto said the process is not as intimidating as it seems. “It looks very confusing. So when they come to the workshops and my staff can help them with the process,” Yamamoto said. “I think they
can see it’s not as complicated as they think it is.” In the case of junior Spanish major Nicole Dyer, being around the Financial Aid Office and applying for scholarships for the first time became a lot to take in. “This year I actually have to pay fees and try to figure out the whole financial aid situation right now,” Dyer said. “I’m just trying to figure out what fees are due and when all my scholarship forms get through.” Dyer made it through her sophomore year of college before she needed financial support and said without financial aid, her path for getting through college would drastically change. “I would have to go slower through school and try to pay my way through,” Dyer said. “My parents are trying to help out. But in my family, we have three kids in college, so I have to pay some of my own fees.” Unlike Dyer, Nguyen said a lot of students get overwhelmed the first weeks of school when tuition payments are close to
due. “The first week of school they come in because they need their money for tuition, to enroll and money for books,” Nguyen said. “These students mostly stress for the first couple of weeks and they acknowledge their free time is ending.” The Financial Aid Office is sending out emails, handing out fliers and holding the workshops to reach the mass of students who are unaware of financial aid benefits. Nguyen said she has already seen a lot of improvement over last year due to the students who messed up the forms last year or who were too late filling them out. “This year we got a volume of documents turned in correctly and a lot of FAFSAs filled out – which is a huge success,” Nguyen said. “A lot of them come in and want to be more informed of what they can do on their end, so they can get their money in on time.” Students are able to make phone calls to an financial aid analyst or stop in the office to get any questions answered
regarding FAFSA, scholarships and loans. Dyer said she thinks it is important to figure out a lot of information by doing the research before going meeting with an analyst. “They are pretty helpful and willing to answer questions,” Dyer said. “I can go and get answers online or through their support staff.” As the March 2 deadline for filling out the FAFSA gets closer, Yamamoto said any student who has financial difficulties should be a part of financial aid. “Try to meet the deadlines and ask for help,” Yamamoto said. “Some of the students don’t go through the process because they think they make too much money. But the other thing to remember is that loans are a part of financial aid and some students will need loans as a part of their solution to handle their college expenses.”
Assault: Police association ensures victims’ safety Continued | page A1 managing editor at News 10 and could be considered a conflict of interest, according to the police officers association’s press release. On the other hand, in response to the outcry for more protection on campus, Sac State Police Chief Daniel Davis recently received a vote of no confidence in a 14-1 vote by fellow Sac State officers. Although Davis received a vote of no confidence, Interim Vice President for Administration and Business Affairs MingTung Lee said he still appreci-
ates Davis’ work dealing with the last semester of assaults. “Chief Dan Davis has my full support in regard to the job he has done to protect lives and property on the university campus,” Lee said, according to a recent press release. “Under his leadership, the campus police department has implemented and improved several public safety initiatives, including bicycle patrols, the Community Service Specialist Program, the Emergency Notification System and the Community Service Officer Program.” Coordinator of Violence and Sexual Assault Services Jessica Heskin works closely with the
sexual assault victims and said Sac State’s assault numbers are not unusual compared to other campuses with the same enrollment. “If you take our statistics and compare them to San Diego State, they average about 15 sexual assaults a year,” Heskin said. “When you compare us to other campuses of our size, we are no more out of bounds within what is the normal limits.” Heskin said the university has taken proactive steps like sending out the campus police bulletins on the assaults, email alerts, provided a self-defense class that occurred last semester and implementing a mandatory
online tutorial for all new students about alcohol and sexual violence. She said that everyone needs to work together to solve any sexual assault crime on campus and that every student should be aware of these situations. “Sexual violence is a community problem not an individual problem, and we all need to take responsibility,” Heskin said. “The problem is that most sexual assaults go unreported, so we may not know about a sexual assault.”
News 10 Broadcast/SUPA Press Release For more information on News 10 Broadcast, visit: www.news10.net/news/local/ story.aspx?storyid=119813&catid=2 www.news10.net/news/local/ story.aspx?storyid=119626 For more information on the SUPA Press Release, contact SUPA President at 888-787-2108.
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Safety: Campus members Health: Center does not take precautionary steps require prior insurance Continued | page A1
Continued | page A1
cally we’re the eyes and ears for the cops since they can’t be everywhere at once. We try to be saturated on campus to let (students) know what’s going on.” Students have even made sexual assault prevention tactics a part of their lives. For freshman Nicole Bee, she said carrying a whistle and mace on her keychain made her more comfortable on campus this semester. “I’m 18 and I’m not trying to get raped or sexually assaulted, so I think it’s the best idea any girl can have,” Bee said. “I was scared getting out of my 5:15 (p.m.) class walking to the parking structure because that’s where a majority of them happened. I’ve actually had the mace on my keychain since I was a junior in high school. I used to get out of work late, so it was a precautionary gift from my mom.” Traveling around campus has been seen as a sexual assault risk to students, but Green said the blue phones around campus
“Disease prevention is what we encourage.” The Health Center claims that the care students would receive is the same type they would receive anywhere else. “The physicians and providers at Student Health Services are board certified and licensed by the state of California,” Johnson said. “They are no different than providers in any health care setting.” However, if a student had a more serious issue, such as ongoing cancer treatments, the Well could not completely manage his or her care. “If they had a chronic illness we could co-manage, but we couldn’t fully manage their condition,” Johnson said. Johnson said students can easily make appointments online at csus.edu/hlth for primary care visits and other medical issues. Joy Stewart-James, the executive director of Student Health and Counseling Services at the Health Center, said they are updating the center’s website to make it even more convenient to students in terms of programs it offers. “We’ve actually started looking at different sites, our goal is to get it up and going this summer,” Stewart-James said. Janet Dumonchelle, doctor of pharmacy, said it is a busy time of year for them with students still getting the flu, and spring allergies coming up, but the Health Center encourages students to keep conscious of their health all year round. “Wellness is the new prevention,” Dumonchelle said. Senior organizational communications major Matt Prosser said his experience at the Health Center has been good for the most part. “The facilities are fantastic, and the convenience of it is nice
Nicole Lundgren State Hornet
Students have recently started carrying mace after the multiple assaults.
Nicole Lundgren State Hornet
Sac State recently used maintenence funds to install more lighting at night.
should be used for all students if they are scared to cross campus. “For anybody who feels uncomfortable for any reason, only needs to pick up a phone and give us a call,” Green said. “We’ll have either an officer or a Community Service Officer meet them and either give them a ride in a golf cart or walk with them to their next class, dorm room or car.” The university police have also made efforts this semester to escort students leaving campus to their surrounding apartments. Even with the help the university police are providing this semester, students still fear the police will not do their job in a better manner. Freshman sociology major Unique Orduna said she walks in a group with her good friends to class instead of relying on the campus police. “They didn’t really do their job last semester so how are they supposed to do their job this semester?” Orduna said. Police Chief Dan Davis recently got a 14-1 vote of no confidence by fellow officers based on eight sexual assaults and a homicide on campus this past year. While Remlinger was inform-
ing students on campus about safety tips, she said students were not as originally informed as they should be. “It was quite a surprise that a lot of students on campus didn’t know dispatch’s number or know what the blue emergency phones did,” Remlinger said. It is not hard as a student to notice the abundance of officers providing help and patrolling campus. “I’ve actually had three or four instances where I’ve had people come up to me and say, ‘There sure are a lot of cops walking around campus,’” Green said. “And that’s how we’re going to stay. We’re going to remain very, very visible.” Green and the rest of the staff are making improvements to last semester’s approach to providing a safer campus for students and said students should not hesitate on a sexual assault situation. “Be aware of your surroundings. Have our number programmed into your phone and use the escort services,” Green said. “And most importantly, if someone is a victim of a crime, please don’t hesitate to report it. The longer the delay, the less of a chance to apprehend someone.”
as well,” Prosser said. The move into the Well allowed for the Health Center to expand and incorporate new equipment into its offerings. “We are so excited to be in our new facility,” Johnson said. “Any challenges we have seen as a result of our move are far overshadowed by the opportunities we have in serving our clients in a facility that offers so much promise.” The Health Center was formally in its own facility called the Student Health Center near Parking Lot 1. “The move to the Well couldn’t have gone any betterespecially since before I had no idea where it was,” Prosser said. According to the Student Health Services department, its mission is to provide exceptional, cost-effective care. “It’s a good alternative for students who don’t have health
The Health Center is not only for addressing urgent health needs of students, but also an outlet for outreach programs on campus. One of the programs Johnson said she is particularly proud of is the Student Health Advisory Committee, which includes both alumni and current students working to spread awareness of certain issues on campus. Through such programs as alcohol, tobacco, and other drug education, mental health education, and violence and sexual assault support services, these groups aim to make a difference in the lives of students. Johnson said one of the main goals of the Health Center is to help make students successful academically as well. Now that the Health Center is
Robert Linggi State Hornet
An exam room in the Well’s Health Center is ready for use by any students with any illness or ailment.
insurance,” Prosser said. “Most of the time you can come in here and see someone within 40 minutes. It beats the hell out of an ER.” Johnson said not every service is covered; lab fees, specialty services, crutches would all be charged.
in its new home, Johnson said she is grateful for the support that helped bring it there. “We look forward to serving students and appreciate the vision and support we have had over the last three years in helping us make the Well a reality,” Johnson said.
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Opinion
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F ebruary 2, W ednesday
| S p r i n g I s s u e 2 | S a c r a m e n t o S tat e
EDITORIAL
Health Center: A wasted resource
Riddle me this, Sacramento State: How many of you are aware that there is a pharmacy on campus? Did you know there is a vision center? While the Well has proven to be a popular place on campus, it seems like the number of people using all the features is low. There are a few other amenities on campus that need looking into, but let’s face it: The Well is new and cost the university a lot of money, so let’s focus solely on it for now. One of the possible reasons is that students simply do not know about all the features the school offers for free or discounted prices to students. Let’s put that line of reasoning aside for now, and instead look at what you might have been missing. The Well has such services as a vision center, pharmacy and nutrition center, but some 65 percent of students are
not utilizing them, said Joy Stewart-James, director of Student Health Services. On the bright side, now that the Health Center has moved to the Well, more students are coming in, Stewart-James said. “This past year the Student Health Center saw close to 39,000 visits which is up from the previous year of 35,000 visits,” she said. “The percentage of student users also increased from 37 percent to 45 percent this past year.” Those numbers look nice, but what do they really mean? More than half of students are not utilizing something they are already paying for. That’s right, most health services and admission to the Well is paid for through tuition. There may be additional fees for classes taken in the Well, but going there to work out is free. There are a few cases where
students will have to pay. Students without health insurance, which Steward-James estimates to be nearly half the students on campus, may have fees associated with a visit to the Health Center. For those who are covered, the health care provided at the Well in most cases has no copays or deductibles, StewartJames said. Considering you are already paying for the use of the Student Health Center, and there’s urgent and primary care offered, along with a laboratory and X-ray facility, it seems as if there should be no reason not to use it. There are three possible reasons, Stewart-James said: Students are unaware of the services provided, the hours of operation of the Health Center, or that the students are generally healthy and don’t need the Health Center. What’s more, one of those
reasons is being fixed. Plans are being made to increase staff and hours of operation by March, she said. Daniel Hall, sophomore business major, has used the Well, but only had a vague understanding of what the Health Center could be used for. Because he hadn’t had a reason to go, he “didn’t know what (the Health Center) is,” and would prefer to just use his own doctors and insurance. Hall had, however, used the Well. “It’s a place to work out, and it’s free with tuition,” Hall said. If you are still on the fence, look at other motivations to go to a fitness class, as sophomore dance major Diego Campos does. “I’m a dance major; I need to stay in shape, like other student-athletes,” he said. “Most of the dance majors use it.” He also enjoys the other
Taco Bell: Real beef or not, it is still delightful
By Dante Frattini dfrattini@statehornet.com
According to an Associated Press story published on Jan. 4, a class action lawsuit has been filed against Taco Bell that accuses the fast food company of false advertising. A huge corporation that profits off clogging the arteries of drunken college students not being truthful? Say it ain’t so. In its commercials, Taco Bell often lists the ingredients of the featured food product. The lawsuit claims Taco Bell is misleading customers when it refers to its “seasoned beef,” which is the staple of many of its food products. According to the law firm of Beasley, Allen, Crow, Methvin, Portis & Miles, a term like “seasoned science-experiment” might be more accurate. The law firm had the meat-mixture tested and said results indicate it contains less than 35 percent beef. What’s the other 65 percent? Supposedly a mixture of water, wheat oats, soy lecithin, maltodextrin, antidusting agent and modified corn starch. Anti-dusting agents? Sounds like the villains from the upcoming “Matrix””Grapes of Wrath” hybrid movie in which Keanu Reeves stars as Tom Joad. Taco Bell has issued a statement that denies these accusations. The corporation claims that its seasoned beef is composed of 88 percent USDA quality beef, while the other 12 percent is water, seasoning and ingredients that give the beef texture and consistency. Admittedly, the chances of me comprehending a legal dispute are about the same as Mel Gibson’s chances of getting laid at a Bar Mitzvah. However, since I love talk-
ing about things I don’t understand – the stock market, female orgasms, sobriety – I’d like to explore the possible outcomes of this lawsuit and jump to some conclusions founded in nothing but ego. What if Taco Bell is telling the truth? I find this to be the more unlikely of the two scenarios, but hey – innocent until proven guilty, right? If it is proven that Taco Bell’s seasoned beef is in fact 88 percent beef, what will be the reaction? Surprise, for one, as any pleasant news about fastfood companies tends to be unexpected. But also apathy, which will likely be the overwhelming reaction whether Taco Bell is telling the truth or found guilty of false advertising. Sure, it would be nice if all fast-food chains reformed their recipes, used only healthy and fresh ingredients, and also complimented your hair as you passed through the drive-thru. But it’s more likely that they will continue to cut costs wherever possible and only acknowledge their shrewd business practices when exposed by watchdog groups and labor unions. The only truth known at the time of this writing is that most of Taco Bell’s food is delicious. And that is all that will continue to matter to its customers. Besides, low-grade beef is far down on the list of things drunken college students wish they hadn’t put in their mouths.
Photo illustration by Robbert Linggi
Opinion Editor Cole Mayer prepares to bite into a taco at the Taco Bell located on La Riviera Drive.
benefits of the Well, such as the group workouts offered. “I go to the different classes; it’s fun,” Campos said. “I don’t like weightlifting, and I get to meet new people and exercise.” As for the rest of the Well’s services, it’s likely that students don’t have the free time. Students have so much to do, they just don’t have time to get in a workout. The rock-climbing wall sounds like great fun, but the 10-page paper on the evolution of culture during the Spanish-American War that makes up a third of your final grade is slightly more important. Or maybe it’s classes from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. with little in the way of breaks in between classes. By the time the classes of the day are over, you are exhausted and want to get home and crash. If you have time to read this,
then you have time to go and play racquetball or basketball. Go run on the track or pump some iron. Stop putting it off, find some free space in your schedule and go get healthy. Get those abs you always wanted. After all, you are already paying for the privilege to use the facilities; you might as well take advantage of it. Services at the Well include: • Primary & Urgent Care Clinics • Retail Optometry • Pharmacy • Laboratory Services • Psychological Services • Peak Adventures • Cardio/weight space • Indoor running track • Three fitness studios • Four basketball courts • Rock climbing wall • Four racquetball courts http://thewell.csus.edu/ well_facility_specs.php
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Dante Frattini is buzzed about students wearing pajamas and basketball shorts on campus. Visit statehornet.com on Thursday to hear all about it. Please send your comics or letters to the opinion editor at opinion@statehornet.com.
Hello Kitty, goodbye reality
By Nadiah Niazi nniazi@statehornet.com
Do you have a fetish for toys? Do you buy toys that are manufactured by Disney or Sanrio? Well, you’re not the only adult who still thinks of themselves as a child. Many adults are spending their money on merchandise such as Hello Kitty and Walt Disney toys. You would think that after elementary school, adults would stop buying things that are created for children under the age of … whenever elementary school ended. Yet, some adults do not grow out of childhood, when the person they admire is a cartoon figure. As adults, is it normal to still feel an attachment to your favorite cartoon figure or to your favorite stuffed animal? I wouldn’t say it’s wrong, but at some point you need to let go. It’s like an attachment to a special blanket when you were 3 years old. Your parents had to sit you down and explain to you that it was time to let go. Well, now you’re an adult. You should know by now that the SpongeBob bedsheets and pillow covers that you still have are not for you anymore. Because you now know that SpongeBob isn’t real and that there is no undersea town of talking sponges and fish. Nazia Khan, senior psychol-
ogy major, thinks its normal for adults to buy toys, but to an extent. “When adults associate themselves with fake characters to the point where they’re decorating their homes and furniture based on that association, then it’s really not normal,” Khan said. However, if adults cherish a toy that meant a lot to them when they were kids, then it’s obviously normal. Having an attachment to a fake character was something relatively accepable when we were children. As children we believed that there was such a man who was half-spider and halfhuman, and imagined at one point that we could possibly fly … with a wash towel. Though as we grew older, we came realize that there really was no such thing as SpiderMan or the ability to fly with just a piece of cloth. Unfortunately, some adults have yet to hit that reality; they have yet to realize that cartoon figures and toys are not real, but surreal. I think it’s normal owning a toy for the sake of reminiscing, as does sophomore business major Ashley Klopstock. “My stuffed animals let me connect to my childhood memories,” Klopstock said. But purchasing toys as adults due to the fact you’re still amusing yourself with them is totally not normal. As adults, we should be entertaining ourselves with books and associating with real characters, not fake ones. Although buying toys for the sake of childhood memories is normal, associating deeply with a fake character may
make others question your mental state or maturity level. If you find yourself in love with Hello Kitty pillow covers, bedsheets, watches, T-shirts and what have you, then you really might need to check in with reality. Remind yourself that you’re an adult, legally able to drink, to live on your own and do anything you want, except become a kid again. That goes against the laws of nature. OK, let’s not go that far though; let’s just stick with basic logic and reason. Say you’re a guy who loves Superman and who has a Superman T-shirt, keychain, steering wheel cover, boxers and bedsheets. It’s safe to assume, then, that you’re a guy who probably cannot carry on a simple conversation. You cannot possibly argue that a guy who believes himself to be a superhero is in fact mature and aware of the world around him. If he can’t differentiate between what is real and what is not, then how do you expect him to
understand what is right and wrong? Sean Reuyan, a junior psychology major, thinks otherwise. “Men are adventurous in nature,” Reuyan said. “We live out our fantasies through these characters, because we find it adventurous. I would rather have a guy idolize or mimic a superhero ratherthan a villain.” As children, each of us has imagined ourselves to be that superhero or villain. However, buying toys for the sake of simple amusement is not normal for adults. We know that toys such as Mickey Mouse and Hello Kitty are surreal. With that said, I think it’s normal to have a treasured childhood toy as it may remind you of your childhood memories. The next time you go out to buy a toy of any sort, be it Hello Kitty or Disney, remind yourself that those toys were for another day and time, which you’ve already lived.
Brittany Bradley State Hornet
For sale at the Hornet Bookstore is a rack of T-shirts some would view as out of place. These candy colored Hello Kitty T-shirts are newly available to Sac State students this year.
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Features
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F ebruary 2, W ednesday
| S p r i n g I s s u e 2 | S a c r a m e n to S tat e
Pianist has personal tie to CSUS Award-winning musician to perform at Sacramento State
By April Kenyon akenyon@statehornet.com Sacramento State students will have the chance to watch worldrenowned pianist Evelyn Chen perform Saturday as part of the music department’s 2010-11 piano series.
Chen, who has been playing the piano since she was 6 years old, has received several prestigious awards and won international competitions for her performances. She received her Doctor of Musical Arts degree from the Juilliard School in 1998.
Sac State professor and piano series director Richard Cionco also studied at Juilliard and was a fellow student of Chen’s. “She was a stunning pianist then, and now she has an international career,” Cionco said. Chen’s love for music began while she was living in Taiwan
as a young girl. She said her parents picked up on her musical inclination when she was a baby. They have told her stories about her singing songs like “Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head” when she was just a toddler in Taipei. When she was 5, Chen joined
the Yamaha music program overseas that teaches kids to play and read music, as well as to sing. Her instructor suggested that Chen’s parents enroll her in piano lessons, which she continued after moving to the United States when she was 12 years old. While she has won many competitions, Chen said her most meaningful first prize was from the 1981 Bach International Competition. “I was 14, and it was my first major competition at the international level,” Chen said. “It was very special to me.” Each year, Juilliard recognizes one emerging pianist with exceptional potential for a performing career and honors that pianist with the Petschek Award. The recipient is also awarded with a fully sponsored recital at Alice Tully Hall in New York City. In 1995, Juilliard selected Chen for the award. She said she credits this recital as her debut - a milestone in her professional career. Since then, she has traveled the world to play with symphony orchestras at famous venues, such as the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria, and the Tchaikovsky Hall in Moscow. Chen’s recent performances have spanned across five different continents, including North and South America, Australia, Asia and Europe. Chen now lives in Houston with her husband, professional cellist Brinton Smith, and their 9-year-old daughter. As an adjunct professor of piano for Columbia University, she travels to New York City five times each semester to teach graduate students. The program for her concert at Sac State is the kind crowds love, Cionco said. She will be performing Francis Schubert’s “Sonata in A
Major,” better known to some as the theme song to the ‘90s TV show “Wings.” “Schubert’s ‘Sonata’ is so interesting to the ear because of its character style. Listeners are drawn to its complexity and depth,” Chen said. Perhaps the most recognizable piece Chen will play is Franz Liszt’s “Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2,” which was popularized after a Warner Brothers cartoon featured Bugs Bunny playing the song. The piano series, which began in November and runs through April, is in its 17th season and features five solo piano recitals. Cionco said the concerts generate a lot of attention from local media and are attended by musicians and music lovers alike. “There is a demand for these concerts here. We have a big, wonderful audience who comes out religiously” Cionco said. “Sacramento has a lot of cultured people.” Although Chen has not performed at Sac State before, she said she is especially looking forward to this concert because of the personal ties she has to Sacramento. Aside from having friends in the area, Sac State music professor Kirsten Smith is her sister-in-law. Chen also has family traveling from Los Angeles and Phoenix to watch her upcoming concert. “I’m excited to play in Sacramento,” Chen said. “It’s not just another city to perform. It’s performing for my friends and family.”
Evelyn Chen will be performing at 7:30 p.m. Saturday in Capistrano Hall.
Courtesy Photo
Pianist Evelyn Chen has performed on five different continents. She is making her first appearance at Sacramento State on Saturday.
Actually, there is an app for that By Cayla Gales cgales@statehornet.com As smartphones become more and more popular, phone technology keeps advancing so much that virtually anything you would need a computer for, you can find right in your pocket. Ever since getting an iPhone more than a year ago, junior communication studies major Justin Christiansen said the only way he would ever go back to having a non-smartphone would be if he was financially unable to keep one. “Internet access at your fingertips so you can pretty much get online anything you need at anytime. I’m able to check stocks if I want to see those, I’m able to check weather, check MySacState – anything I need on the tip of my fingers,” Christiansen said. He owns a Samsung Captivate. But probably the most popular feature of smartphones that other phones don’t have are the applications. While a lot of applications are unnecessary and overpriced, there are a surprising amount of them out there that most college students would find useful, but may be unaware of. The ever-popular website, www.ratemyprofessor.com has an application available that students might want to consider using when choosing their classes. “It’s just like the website. Previous students go back and rate their professor. I use it to
register (for classes), and who wants a bad teacher? It helps you steer clear of teachers that don’t teach as well and is helpful sometimes because who’s going to know better than a student what a teacher’s like?” said freshman family and consumer sciences major Michael Benton, an iPhone 4 owner. When it comes to schoolwork, there are applications that students may find helpful to manage their classes. “‘Ihomework’ (is) basically an app where you can put in all your classes, and all your homework for those specific classes. It also keeps track of what you turned in, haven’t turned in (and) the grades or points for that assignment. For people that are more apt to using their phones it’s really beneficial,” said senior business administration major Geneva MacFarland, owner of an iPhone 3G. Other useful applications for classes are those that take the place of class required books. “My government class required a law dictionary so I got one (an app) for free instead of having to pay, and it’s on the go. I’m carrying two dictionaries on my phone where I would have been carrying it in my backpack, so now I’m carrying it in less than a pound,” said junior government major Dayana Cabellero. She owns an iPhone 3G. Another class-friendly application Caballero found useful see iPhone| page B2
Ashley Neal The State Hornet
While maintaining an original and artsy atmosphere, Pizza Rock uses locally grown organic ingredients in its dishes. The restaurant is now open for business and located on 1020 K St.
Pizza Rock: Award-winning cuisine with rock’n’roll flair By Dante Frattini dfrattini@statehornet.com Ruby Skye and Slide are two staples of San Francisco’s nightlife. Now, with the help of owner George Karpaty, Sacramento is getting its own little piece of Union Square. Part of the project to rejuvenate K Street is Pizza Rock, which aims to bring new life to a long-suffering area of downtown Sacramento. Located between District 30 and Dive Bar, which are all owned by Karpaty’s group, Pizza Rock is the trifecta’s familyfriendly destination. The hype leading up to Pizza Rock’s opening has made it a mustsee attraction, especially for younger socialites in the area. “I read articles (about Pizza Rock) on Cowtowneats.com and SacBee, that got me interested,” said customer Eric Kishi.
Since the doors officially opened on Jan. 14, Pizza Rock has been full of eager Sacramentans, said Pizza Rock’s co-owner Trevor Hewitt. The response the first two weeks has been crazy, Hewitt said; all three venues have been at capacity every day since opening. Hewitt and the rest of the ownership group have been looking for new opportunities outside the saturated San Francisco market in which they are based. “Sacramento is a really attractive market, with the type of people and demographics (here),” Hewitt said. The demographic of Sacramento’s young and active professionals is sure to be impressed with Pizza Rock’s aesthetic. Walking into the restaurant, you may be surprised by its vast and see Food| page B2
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Wednesday - February 2
Features Section
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iPhone: New applications are Food: A satire on the Sistine inexpensive, easy-to-use and Chapel and a monster truck help with time management make their debut downtown Continued | page B1
Continued | page B1 was the “inClass” application that helps manage classwork and reminders. Once users put in their schedule, they can update it with assignments and it will recognize which class they are in, as well as allow them to record lectures and sends reminders an hour ahead of time when they’re supposed to go to each class. Other helpful applications college students might find helpful include the “Cram” application, which allows students to create multiple-choice quizzes, study guides and flashcards. The “GasBag” application locates the nearest and cheapest gas, in addition to creating a gas purchase logbook and mileage tracker. Finally, the “Shots on us Ajax Bartender” application lists recipes for more 40,000 alcoholic drinks and can suggest drinks to make just by listing the ingredients of one’s choice. With phones on the verge of doing everything for us, it is easy to understand why people, especially college students, have come to depend on them so much. “Every time I leave the house without my phone I feel naked, incomplete. I can’t call anybody, I have no contacts, I don’t memorize my numbers, I have my reminders in there, alarms, a lot of things that keep me going through the day. I’d probably be lost without my phone,” said junior kinesiology major Chelsea Harris, who owns an Android Ally.
open interior. Its high ceilings and deep dimensions make it look like it could double as a basketball gym. A look upward might confuse you further. Michaelangelo’s painting “The Creation of Adam,” part of his work on the Sistine Chapel’s ceiling, has been recreated in Pizza Rock, but not without a rock ‘n’ roll themed modification. God can be seen handing Adam a guitar, setting the tone for the Pizza Rock’s tattooed and rebellious vibe. “I thought it looked awesome from the first time I saw it,” Kishi said. Along the right wall is a fully stocked bar. Lining the walls are flat screen TVs set to ESPN and other channels that are sports-bar favorites. The atmosphere was described as “kick-ass” by customer Daniella Ocon. “It’s relaxed enough for you
Pizza Rock is open from 11 a.m. to 3 a.m. daily.
Useful smartphone applications and prices • • • • • • • •
Rate My Professors, free iHomework, 99 cents inClass, free Cram, $4.99 GasBag, free Shots On Us Ajax Bartender, free Convert: the unit calculator, $1.99 CliffNotes To Go, $1.99 Ashley Neal The State Hornet
Sam Clendenin State Hornet
Specialized Electronic Gaming Association President Denny Ngo, senior international business major.
Students come together for friendship and video games Sacramento State’s social clubs make it simple for students to find a specific niche for themselves on campus. For those who love a video game controller in their hands and friends cheering for them to win it all, the Specialized Electronic Gaming Association is the spot for them. This social club is centered around video game tournaments and friendly competition so members can cultivate and employ their skills among fellow gamers. Sac State alumnus Som Keophiphat said that he started the Specialized Electronic Gaming Association in fall 2009 after discovering he was not the only student looking for a legitimate reason to game it up between and after classes. His inspiration for starting the club developed after realizing how often he played fighting games in the campus arcade between classes. Senior kinesiology major Raymond Monsada, a member of the Specialized Electronic Gaming Association, has also found his niche in the videogaming world.
tomatoes, the burger is a perfect meal to savor with a beer. The side order of fries was less impressive, but next to a burger that good, they became something of an afterthought. Of course, most people aren’t headed to Pizza Rock for burgers. The pizza, by all accounts, has really lived up to the hype. “I ordered their famous margherita pizza,” Ocon said. “(It) was out of this world.” So far, the most popular pizza has been the Sacramento, Pizza Rock’s take on a combination pizza. By the time you read this, let it be known that this reviewer will have tasted the Pizza Rock pizza. Not just in a defense of credibility, but to indulge the taste buds.
McClatchy Tribune
CLUB CORNER | SPECIALIZED ELECTRONIC GAMING ASSOCIATION
By Kayla Oliverio koliverio@statehornet.com
to feel comfortable and not out of place, but it has a real rock ‘n’ roll feel,” Ocon said. “I definitely love the huge truck above the bar.” The truck Ocon refers to is a unique piece of decor that also serves a function. The front cab of a semi-truck is bursting through the side wall of Pizza Rock like the Kool-Aid man. At night the truck is used as the DJ’s quarters. Despite the extravagant furnishings Pizza Rock is very affordable. A $15 “pizza napoletana” can easily feed two with slices to spare. Since there is no shortage of opinion on their pizza, this reviewer went a different route when it came time to order. The gorgonzola burger, while obviously not Pizza Rock’s staple, is absolutely fantastic. The Kobe beef is seasoned just right, so as not to overpower the natural flavors of the meat. Topped with gorgonzola cheese, pesto mayo, lettuce and
“When we had the arcade (on campus), I played every time (I was here),” Monsada said. An avid “Marvel vs. Capcom” game player on PlayStation 2, Monsada’s passion for fighting games continued to evolve into the need for social competition, resulting in the motivation to join the club. Keophiphat cultivated his talents in fighting games when he became the seventh nationally ranked competitor in the Tekken Evolution Championships, a tournament based on the popular PlayStation 2 fighting game. Monsada said the club “plays a lot in computer games,” but also dabbles in PlayStation 2 and 3, as well as some Sega Genesis. While the officers of the club, such as current president Denny Ngo, tend to be loyal to fighting games, they are “trying to have more variety” in genres Monsada said. The club has been loyal to fighting games from the start, but switching up genres will help to bring in new members and generate greater interest in joining. Ngo, senior international business major, took over as president of the Specialized Electronic Gaming Association
in fall 2010. He usually has the club meet in a classroom environment where three to four TVs are set up as different gaming stations. Members are polled to decide what game will be played on which station. Games, like Ngo’s favorite, “Super Street Fighter IV,” are typically turned into tournaments for the enjoyment of friendly competition. Although the club’s next meeting has yet to be scheduled, any interested students can contact the club by emailing the officers at csus. sega@gmail.com. For students looking for a way to socialize and compete while gaming, the Specialized Electronic Gaming Association is the ticket.
The Specialized Electronic Gaming Association does not have a regular meeting date. Contact csus.sega@gmail.com for more information.
At Pizza Rock, customers can enjoy watching the pizza makers throw dough into the air to create their dishes. Shown here is their 2007 World Pizza Cup winner, the Margherita Pizza, created by Tony Gemignani who was the first American to win the Naples competition.
Sports Updates MEN’S BASKETBALL vs. IDAHO STATE
JAN. 27
W 57-55 at PORTLAND STATE
JAN. 29
L 86-80 vs. PORTLAND STATE
FEB. 3
7:05 P.M. WOMEN’S BASKETBALL at IDAHO STATE
JAN. 27
L 76-51 vs. PORTLAND STATE
JAN. 29
L 97-73 at PORTLAND STATE
FEB. 3
7:05 P.M.
MEN’S GOLF ANTEATER INVITATIONAL COSTA MESA
Sports
www . statehornet . c o m
| S p r i n g I ss u e 2 | S a c ra m ento S tate
Basketball succeeds professionally By Dave Mason dmason@statehornet.com The University of North Carolina has produced 76 NBA players. CSU Fullerton has produced 11 NBA players. Sacramento State? Zero NBA players. OK, so Sac State may not be a basketball powerhouse like the North Carolina Tar Heels or even its foes in Orange County, but Sac State has 21 men’s basketball players who have played professionally overseas since 1997. Third-year Hornets head coach Brian Katz said it has nice to be able to have such success stories in the basketball program, but education still remains the top priority. “Obviously the No. 1 reason to be here first is to graduate,” Katz said. “Beyond graduation, the next thing a lot of kids, not all kids, want is to have
the opportunity to play pro ball overseas. That’s definitely a bonus for us and something that we feel good about because it’s something that a lot of these student-athletes want beyond completion of their eligibility and graduating.” Center Justin Eller spent three seasons playing for the Hornets and is now overseas in Leverkusen, Germany, playing for the Bayer Giants. The 6-foot-8 Eller is averaging 19.3 points and 7.4 rebounds in 31 minutes per game. “My experience so far has been great,” Eller said. “The transition from college to professional ball overseas took some time, but overall it has been easier than I thought.” Eller said his playing days at Sac State helped him on and off the hardwood. “My time at Sac State prepared me for so much more than just playing overseas. I think Sac State has helped me
strive to get better every single day,” he said. “I have many aspirations and goals down the road, but playing at Sac State has taught me that first you have to get better in every drill, every shot, every day I step foot on that court.” Eller said it took some time to adjust to the different rules in overseas basketball. “The rules are slightly different here and at first I had trouble adjusting to the fouls and travel calls,” he said. “At Sac State I was able to play very fast and physical but I had to change my game a little bit and slow down and work on my skills.” The rules of the game were not the only adjustment for Eller, who said the competition level is much more intense. “I didn’t realize how much my skills needed to improve until I played over here,” he said. “I have always relied heavily on see Pros| page B6
Hockey team makes playoffs By Joe Fleming jfleming@statehornet.com
FEBRUARY 7-8
TBA
GYMNASTICS at SAN JOSE STATE
JAN. 28
2ND PLACE 190.000 at CAL
FEB. 6
2 P.M.
SOFTBALL at FRESNO STATE
FEB. 12
1:05 P.M.
MEN’S TENNIS at WEBER STATE
FEB. 4
8 A.M. at IDAHO STATE
FEB. 4
2:30 P.M.
WOMEN’S TENNIS vs. PEPPERDINE
JAN. 29
W 4-2 vs. UCLA
JAN. 31
L 4-0
Photos By Nicole Lundgren State Hornet
Top: Ice flies as Hornet’s goalie Gokalp Gurer attempts to steal the puck away from Santa Clara on Saturday. Bottom left: The Hornets skate off of the rink after scoring a goal. Bottom right: Forward Joe Gordon rushes to reach the puck.
vs. NEVADA
FEB. 4
1 P.M. vs. ST. MARY’S
FEB. 6
1 P.M. Find out who the Hornet sports staff thinks will win the Super Bowl. Will it be the Pittsburgh Steelers? Or the Green Bay Packers? More on B4
W ednesday
Jon Krebs State Hornet
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THESTATEHORNET
F ebruary 2,
DOUBLE COVERAGE
Super Bowl: It’s all about the fans
By Cassie Kolias ckolias@statehornet.com The Super Bowl this year is going to be an epic battle. It’s a battle between the winner of the first two Super Bowls and a team who has dominated with two Super Bowl wins in recent history. It’s a battle of a team that
won three Super Bowls and nine NFL Championships before the Super Bowl era, against a team that has won six Super Bowl titles. But most importantly it’s going to be a battle between some of the most fervent fans in the NFL: the Cheeseheads against the Terrible Towels. The Steeler Nation was noted in 2008 as being the best fans in the NFL. In the same ESPN poll that named the Steeler Nation as the top fanbase in the NFL, the Packers were named the second-best. Originally this rank came out to be a tie between the Packers see Super Bowl| page B6
Lack of funding is just one of the setbacks the Sacramento State Ice Hockey Club has endured this season. The regular season came to an end on Saturday at Skatetown in Roseville. With a playoff berth on the line, the Hornets defeated the Broncos of Santa Clara University 12-7. With the win, the team clinched first place in the Pacific Collegiate Hockey Association North Division with an overall record of 11-6. Team members credit a majority of their success to the support they receive from fans. “These games are really exciting,” said team president and forward Joe Gordon. “We love the support from our fans. If it wasn’t for them it wouldn’t be worth playing.” The club struggled to make rent payments for the Skatetown rink in what the team’s coach Jeff Harper called a “controversial” money shortage from the Sac State Sports Club. The team received close to half of the funding it expected to get from the Sports Club program. Money was a constant issue for the hockey team since it is one of the three most costly sports clubs on campus, according to the team. The team spent $24,000 this season just for reserving the ice rink at Skatetown. That amount does not include other expenditures like equipment or traveling. With all the expenses it requires, Gordon said it is a higher level of commitment required to be on a team such as this one.
“We are self-administered, self-funded and self-run,” Gordon said. “(The players) realize that they need to take their dedication to the next level.” The players are also obligated to spend $1,300 up front or $1,500 over a payment plan in order to play on the team. The financial woes first struck the team during this season when it had to cancel a trip to Southern California where it were scheduled to play San Diego State and UC San Diego. But despite the financial setbacks early on in the season, the team was able to prevent the same thing from happening to its final game of the season. Gordon said the team is going to prevent this from happening again in the future. He claimed the team is exploring many options for funding sources for next season. Some of the possibilities mentioned were obtaining sponsors, fundraising and doing a car wash. Being able to come back and play again next year is something all the players want, not just for themselves, but also for the many fans that attended throughout the season. The players want people to come out and watch them play. “Get out here for sure,” said captain Brian Cowell. “It’s a good, fun time and it’s cheap.” Along with playing hard for the fans, having the opportunity to wear the green and gold is something that Gordon takes to heart. “The greatest feeling of being on the ice is representing Sac State,” he said. The Hornets will be in action for the first playoff game at 9:45 a.m. on Saturday in Fresno.
Tennis teams chosen to finish first in Big Sky By Matt Harrington mharrington@statehornet.com In a preseason poll Jan. 13, Big Sky conference coaches chose both the Sacramento State men’s and women’s tennis teams to finish first and continue their dominance over the conference. The Hornet women have won nine consecutive Big Sky championships, including 72 consecutive matches won against conference opposition dating back to the 2002 season. The team finished the season 19-7 overall and 9-0 in conference play. The Sac State women’s team returns five players from last season’s team who were consis-
tent starters as singles players. They are senior Milica Zivanovic, 2010 Big Sky most valuable player Tatsiana Kapshai and first team all-league selections Rebeca Delgado, Maria Meliuk and Clarisse Baca. The Hornet women received the maximum of 64 points in the poll, followed by Northern Arizona University with 55 points total. Sac State’s head coach Dima Hrynashka said he believes this year’s team is strong and has very few holes. “This year I feel we have a solid team from the No. 1 player to the seventh ranked player on the team. The team looks ready to compete against any team and I look forward to another
successful team,” she said. Hrynashka said the team will be focusing on the game so that at end of the season the team will be among the best in women’s college tennis. “We will be focusing on all parts of our game. We want to improve our singles and doubles play and right now things are looking good going into the season,” Hrynashka said. “And by the end of the season we want to be ranked in the top 20 in the National Collegiate rankings. Our goals include winning all our matches, win the conference championship and return to the NCAA women’s college tennis championships.” see Tennis| page B6
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Wednesday - February 2
Sports Section
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Sac State gymnasts follow in footsteps of their mothers By AJ Taylor ataylor@statehornet.com During a season in which women’s gymnastics coach Kim Hughes planned to rely on a core of senior gymnasts to lead his team, injuries have plagued the Hornet seniors, but still there remains a light shining for the team and it comes radiating from a freshman. The tale of Katie and Kaitie is one of many similarities and many dissimilarities. Senior Kaitie Kinser, and freshman Katie Osaki, both recruited walkons of the Hornets gymnastics team, have been solid members of their team in different ways. Kinser has always been a rock for the Hornets - averaging a 9.336 on the floor over the 2010 season - but this year she has struggled to even make the lineup because of a nagging knee injury. “Last year she competed on floor every meet,” Hughes said, “Because of this knee injury she has been struggling a little bit, but she certainly has displayed the character of someone who has prepared and been ready for the season. Unfortunately this injury has sidelined her a little bit from being one of the top competitors.” Kinser is far from the only senior with a hampering injury. Other seniors also nursing injuries this season include Lissa Zamolo, Jasmine Lipka, and Amanda Bieber. Osaki, fresh out of Lutheran High School in Elk Grove, has stepped up this season, Hughes said. Her floor exercise routine and vault performances have been integral in providing the Hornets high scores during a season in which a lot has gone
awry. “She’s been doing remarkably well for us and showing some consistency,” Hughes said. “And she’s a walk-on, very similar to (Kinser).” Osaki is a specialist for the Hornets, she averages a 9.633 on the floor and a 9.45 vault
Osaki said. “It’s my freshman year, I was trying to get acclimated to the team and everything, so I’d just say it was a good start.” Osaki’s quick and impressive start could have only been aided by her coach. Hughes has now begun his 27th season as head
after the 2003 season and the second in 2006. Hughes coached both Kinser and Osaki more than 30 years ago – not the Kinser and Osaki who now compete for the Hornets, but their mothers. During his time as an assistant coach at Chico State,
worked all four events. As I remember she excelled on floor and vault but she was an allarounder. She was powerful, she was one of our better tumblers, a lot like Kaitie in that respect.” Some may wonder who the better gymnast is. On the Kinser duo: “I’d say
Robert Linggi State Hornet
Left: Katie Osaki dives through the air before performing a flip during her floor routine at a Jan. 26 practice at Technique Gymnastics. Right: Kaitie Kinser practices her floor routine at the practice. score. She has been there for the Hornets when injuries prevented others from doing so. “I’ve been doing pretty well,”
coach of the Hornets. He is the winner of two Coach of the Year awards, both coming after championship seasons, the first
Hughes coached the two current Hornets’ mothers. “(Mother Kinser) was an all arounder,” Hughes said. “She
they’re about equal status. Not to be diplomatic.” But Hughes had a stronger opinion on the Osaki family.
“Katie, in this case, was probably ... it’s different though,” Hughes said, “(Osaki) is a powerhouse, like Kinser. Her mom was more style and grace and she was more, I’d say elegant on floor and the same style (on vault), but she was also an all-arounder, so that would probably be the difference.” Either way, Osaki and Kinser are today providing strong support for a cast of highly touted, but “beat up” gymnasts. “It was kind of a rough start,” Kinser said. “But we’ve been picking it up and improving every week and doing what we need to do in the gym.” So far in 2011 the Hornets are not far from having a winning record with 2-4. Before joining the WAC in 2006, the women’s gymnastics team had won five of its conferences championships in six years, including two Western Independent Conference championships, and three Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championships. In their first two seasons competing in the WAC the Hornets’ gymnasts stole the crown in ‘06 and ‘07. The goal remains the same for the Hornets. Another WAC championship is constantly in their sights and even after a less than ideal start, their confidence remains high. But Hughes sees that adjustments need to be made, the way things are going right now “our chances are slim” Hughes said, but the injuries are beginning to heal and much of the season remains. The team will be waiting to see if the tale of Kaitie and Katie has a happy ending.
On Second Thought: Super Bowl Predictions Which team will win the Super Bowl XLV? Will it be the Pittsburgh Steelers who win a third championship in six years? Or will it be the three-time champions the Green Bay Packers? Members of the sports staff chime in.
By Dave Mason dmason@statehornet.com Green Bay and Pittsburgh. Two historic franchises and two cities that are known for their tough, blue-collar attitudes. Will Big Ben bounce back after a tough year? Can the Steelers capture their seventh Super Bowl victory? The sad things is, I don’t care about any of that. The two weeks of hype leading
By Dustin Nosler dnosler@statehornet.com There’s almost nothing more unstoppable than a quarterback who’s on fire. Aaron Rodgers is that guy. Rodgers, the Green Bay Packers’ signal-caller, is playing as well as he’s ever played and even the top-ranked Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense won’t be able to slow him down. With his performance this postseason, he can finally shut up all those “experts” who said he’d never live up to Brett Favre’s
up to the big game is unnecessary, so we need the media to spice things up with its coverage. We need FOX Sports to put a camera in Brett Favre’s living room. I want to see the old gunslinger’s reaction when Aaron Rodgers dissects the Steelers defense. Does he jump with joy when the Packers make a big play? Or does he turn the channel to Puppy Bowl VII on the Animal Planet? I can see it now … Brett Favre wearing his Wranglers while his replacement, Rodgers, throws for more than 300 yards, three touchdowns and captures the Lombardi Trophy along with the Super Bowl MVP. Packers 34, Steelers 27
legacy. Rodgers is now in the discussion with Tom Brady and Peyton Manning as the best quarterback in the game. While the Steelers boast the 12th-best passing defense in the league, that won’t be enough to stop Rodgers and the Packer receiving corps. Greg Jennings, perhaps the most underrated wide receiver this side of Reggie Wayne, gives the Packers an edge over the Steelers’ best cornerback, Ike Taylor. The Packers also have Donald Driver, James Jones and Jordy Nelson – all of whom are better than the Steelers’ No. 2 through 4 corners. The other determining factor in this game will be the Packers’ No. 5-ranked defense. The Steelers have a solid offense, but the Packer defense is playing as well as any defense right now. It will cause at least two Steelers’ turnovers. Packers 27, Steelers 20
years ago, the Steelers already have a feel for what needs to be done to get the victory. The Steelers have a full arsenal with key players like Ben Roethlisberger, Troy Polamalu and Mike Wallace. These three alone pack enough strategy and threat By Stacey Adams sadams@statehornet.com Super Bowl XLV is just around the corner and with that I have only two words: Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh has not only the drive, but also the experience to get another Super Bowl victory under its belt. Having already won six Super Bowls in the past, Pittsburgh is feeling the pressure to bring home another win. Having been there only two
By Matt Harrington mharrington@statehornet.com After 17 weeks of the regular season and another three weeks for the playoffs, it is still unclear to me who will win on Sunday. It’s tough to choose between the team I love, the Green Bay Packers, and the team I respect, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Each quarterback has his own attributes and faults. Aaron Rodgers of the Packers is a good pocket passer. However, once he is flushed out of the pocket, he
to carry out a plan to lead the team to victory. With Roethlisberger’s strategic mind, Wallace’s plays and Polamalu’s defense, the Steelers have a great advantage to take it all the way. The Steelers have the talent and the drive to be the champions once again. Super Bowl XLV will be another accomplishment for the black and yellow. Steelers 21, Packers 14
becomes an average quarterback and forces the ball to his receivers when he should eat it. As for Ben Roethlisberger, the quarterback for the Steelers, he has great size, which is not normal for his position. He has great play-making ability, the ability to read defensive coverages, and can make plays when there is none to be made. It is hard to contain him in the pocket because he will tuck the ball and run 10 or more yards into the secondary of the defense. The Pittsburgh and Green Bay defenses are ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, and each has allowed just over two touchdowns per game. But since I have to pick someone to win this game, I will go against my love and go with the team with the better defense. Steelers 24, Packers 15
By AJ Taylor ataylor@statehornet.com On Sunday, Cowboys Stadium, home to Super Bowl XLV, will see the winner of Super Bowls I, II and XXXI, the second-most tenured franchise in the NFL today – the Green Bay Packers – play the oldest franchise in the AFC, one of the the NFL’s most successful and storied franchises, and holders of more Super Bowl trophies than any other team – the Pittsburgh Steelers.
By Joe Fleming jfleming@statehornet.com Super Bowl XLV is a “who ya got” toss-up. Both teams play smash-mouth brand football. The Packers defense, led by Clay Mathews, can intimidate even the elite offenses in the league. And lets not leave out the “Steel Curtain,” or more recently called “Hitsburg” by James “Silverback” Harrison who has been known to knock the lights right out of players. Defensively speaking, this should be a close
A historic match-up indeed. And on paper, it looks to be a close contest. Young gun Aaron Rodgers has led his team through the Brett Favre controversy, and three seasons later, to the Super Bowl. Or will it be the battle hardened Ben Roethlisberger, quarterback of two Super Bowl wins already? Each team has an impressive supporting cast. The Steelers’ Troy Polamalu leads the way with seven interceptions and countless bone-crushing hits. And the Packers’ Greg Jennings, who has compiled an impressive 1,265 receiving yards, hooking up with his quarterback. But if you ask me, it will be the intangibles that win this Super Bowl, specifically the experience of Roethlisberger and the Steelers’ iron-curtain defense that bring the trophy, once again, back to Pittsburgh. Steelers 35, Packers 22
game, but I give a slight nod to Pittsburgh. On the other side of the ball, both teams have key players that must perform offensively in order to hoist the Lombardi trophy. It goes without saying that if Aaron Rodgers underperforms, Green Bay is just a ship lost at sea. In order for the Packers to win they need to establish a running game, hope they get out to an early lead, and the Oline can give Rodgers time to work. Here’s what will probably happen. The game will remain close going into the fourth quarter. Let’s say seven points either way. Then the X-factor will rear its head and the experience of the Steelers will come through in the clutch. The game will be great, but Roethlisberger and company will be taking home the hardware. Steelers 31, Packers 28
Wednesday - February 2
Sports Section
statehornet.com
B5
Fellowship provides religious outlet for athletes, students By Dave Mason dmason@statehornet.com The life of a college athlete is much more than competition. Whether it is the constant ribbing and pranks in the locker room, or the peer pressure to party, the student-athlete faces the inevitable task of upholding their moral standards without losing credibility in the locker room. It is a type of lifestyle that few live, and one that brings together a diverse collection of people from all walks of life. For some student-athletes, the team bonding process is tough to handle. “I think that’s what’s so hard about it,” said club member senior Leah Larot, who spent four seasons playing women’s soccer for Sac State. “A big bonding thing is to go out and party together, and when I started to not go out, it was a big thing.” Larot, a devout Christian, found a place on campus where other Christian athletes meet. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes has provided Sacramento State student-athletes a place to socialize, watch movies and study the bible with other Christians. Senior Ronald Brookins, one of the leaders for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, is headed into his fourth season on Sac State’s track and field squad. “All my teammates know I’m Christian and I still go out with teammates,” Brookins said. “I don’t judge them and they don’t judge me. It’s a mutual respect and I try not to force my religion on anyone.” Brookins said the Fellowship of Christian Athletes has made him more comfortable with his religious beliefs. “In high school I was a lot more quiet about my religion and in college, I wanted to be vocal about who I am,” Brookins said. “You have to be vocal, you have to tell
people who you are and what you’re about.” The group meets at 7:15 p.m. every Wednesday in the Broad Field House near Hornet Stadium, with attendance ranging from 30 to 40 people per week. “It’s cool, it’s fun, you’ll be with other athletes,” Larot said. “It’s just a night to hang out and socialize.” The club has also participated in outreach programs with other campuses including UC Davis. Some outreach has included feeding the homeless. Despite the success of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, many sports are not represented, including men’s baseball, soccer and basketball. “It takes that one person to come to see how fun it is,” Brookins said. “Once you get in, you’ll start to like it more and more and realize how much fun it is.” The club has representatives from women’s basketball, soccer, softball, members from track and field and a couple of football players. The ultimate goal for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes is to expand and get more campuses, Brookins said. “We want to become a family, grow closer, include all the sports on campus; some teams aren’t represented,” Brookins said. “We’re still a Bible study and want to get to know our God, but still we’re trying to expand and become closer, and use it as a networking tool.” Some athletes may be uncomfortable expressing their religious beliefs but NFL quarterback Tim Tebow has been outspoken about his, even wearing eye black that referenced Bible passages. “I think it’s important that other athletes see that,” Larot said. “It’s a constant struggle to be open about your faith.” Brookins said he does not know where he would be without his religion, and his faith is a big reason for his athletic success.
“I’ve been through some times, good and bad,” Brookins said. “I’ve just learned that my body, the only reason I have my talent, everything I do, good or bad is to give him praise.” The Fellowship of Christian Athletes was established in 1954 and is the largest Christian sports organization in the United States. The nonprofit organization has worked with more than 7,100 campuses worldwide, according to the organization’s website. “FCA has a lot of resources and they have great success on campuses all over the country,” said track and field director Kathleen Raske, adviser of Sac State’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes club. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Sac State is student-led, which Raske said is unique. “I can’t say enough about our leadership,” Raske said. “They’re very mature in their faith and they’re very organized.” Sac State’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a free club and it is not just for athletes; everyone is welcome. “You’re going to learn a bit about the Bible, meet a great group of friends and be part of a great community,” Brookins said. Larot credits the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for helping her grow as a person. “Starting to go to the FCA was a big thing for my faith,” Larot said. “It wasn’t me to go out and party, and it helps that I have friends that have a good time without drinking.” Larot said attending Fellowship of Christian Athletes meetings has even helped her dating life. “It’s really life changing,” Larot said.“It’s a good place to be.”
Courtesy Bob Solorio
File Photo
Above: Senior Ronald Brookins is one of the leaders of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Left: Leah Larot uses the Fellowship of Christian Athletes meetings as a place where she can meet with other Christians.
Sixth Man Club supports men’s basketball team By Stacey Adams sadams@statehornet.com In every group there is the one person who is willing to do what it takes to make sure everyone else succeeds: the sixth man. The Sixth Man Club on campus was founded on this single principle. A principle that they hope will help gain the basketball program respect. This club was made to help build the basketball program, enhancing the opportunities to the men who play. “The sixth man is the first man off the bench,” said Terry Wanless, athletic director. “He’s the guy that comes in and gives the team a spark.” The Sixth Man Club was founded in 1985 by alumnus and former president Jack Ford. The club was in effect until 2000, and was revitalized later in 2006, said basketball operations director Travis Okamoto. The club was framed around
the sixth-man principle to er a set amount of money the Club members are placed in a their own ranking and amount provide extra support and enof benefits they will receive. program expects to earn from subgroup based on the amount couragement for the basketball The amount of benefits a memdonations. In a normal year, the of donations contributed. The program. ber receives depends on how club can get up to $20,000 in subgroups that make up the It provides extra money to much they donate. donations. Sixth Man Club are: the Basesupport the team’s activities Contribution benefits that Not only do the student-athline Club, the Victory Club, the through the various donations members receive include name letes and coaching staff receive Coaches Club, the Above The from club members. recognition on the team’s benefits from the club, but conRim Club and the Katz Klub. The extra money is spread website, monthly chats with tributing members do as well. These subgroups each have throughout the entire coach Brian program, however the Katz, banquet two main areas where invitations and the money is used to season tickets to enhance the team are games and events, recruiting and supplies, email updates on Wanless said. club events and “The major goals are lunches hosted by to enhance the men’s Katz. basketball program and The Sixth Man the experience that the Club is giving the student athletes have in young men of the that program,” he said. basketball team Club members can a chance to feel make donations of their accepted by the choice to support the community as program. The amount of well as Sac State. Brittany Bradley State Hornet money brought in varies “Those young on how many donations men that play The 6th Man Club enjoys a pre-game meal from Chipotle in Yosemite Hall, the club receives in a year. before the Sac State basketball game on Jan 22. After the meal there was basketball feel Wanless said there is nev- a presentation from coaches about synergy. when their
basketball career is over that the university did everything it could to support them and give them a positive experience,” Wanless said. Being built on the sixth man principle, the Sixth Man Club provides a family community to the basketball program. It shows the team that there are people other than the Sac State family who care about their success and well-being, Wanless said. Both Okamoto and Wanless said the Sixth Man Club is beneficial to the success of the men’s basketball program. “It helps the people that support the basketball program kind of rally around the cause and contribute to helping the basketball program become better,” Wanless said. “And for the coaching staff and the student athletes it also gives them a sense of encouragement in knowing that people care.”
Track team enters spring season, projected No. 1 By Matt Harrington mharrington@statehornet.com
out for the 2011 indoor track and field season. On Jan. 4, the Hornet women The Sacramento State womwere selected by the other Big Sky Conference Indoor track en’s indoor track and field team has a bull’s eye on its back while and field coaches as the unanimous No. 1 team in the conferthe men’s team has its work cut ence, earning eight firstplace votes, for a total of 80 points. This vote comes on the heels of last year’s Big Sky championship win, where the women earned their second title in three years. The Hornet women dominated the entire field by amassing 167.5 points, 76.5 points more than secondplace Northern Arizona University. The Sac State men’s Ashley Neal State Hornet team on the Blair Wallingford is spotted by his coach other hand, during practice on a January day at the received just outdoor track on Sac State’s campus. one first-place
vote, earning a total 64 points, good for a third place preseason mark. Coach Kathleen Raske feels that the women’s team is primed to defend its 2010 indoor championship. “I feel that the women’s team probably has the most talent we have ever had in the history of the program. So we are in the position where we have a lot of depth,” Raske said. “With that, we will be looking at some strategic redshirts so we can be better down the road.” The women’s indoor team will be returning a majority of the 2010 team that was instrumental in earning the 2010 indoor championship, including All-American middle distance runner, senior Lea Wallace and seven other conference champions in multiple events. One of several captains on the women’s team, senior hammer and discus specialist Andi Behring feels the team can win another conference title. “We have a ton of extremely talented individuals but only when we come together as a family do we win championships. It’s also important for us to never be content,” Behring said. “The team has claimed two out of the last three confer-
ence titles, winning has almost become routine. It’s important that we never take that opportunity for granted and always give 100 percent no matter who we’re up against.” Behring said the team discussed its goals for the indoor season and beyond winning another team title, the team also wants to go national. “We have a list of goals posted up in the locker room with all of our goals for this season. On the list it includes sending as many people on to nationals as possible,” Behring said. “Additionally we stress having a positive attitude. We’ll win the races, but we’ll also have a smile on our face and shake your hand with respect after we beat you.” In the first meet of the season on Jan. 21-22 in Boise, Idaho, at the Boise State Invitational, the women’s indoor team had a strong showing by many of its members. This included the recordsetting throw in the shot put by Behring, who hit a school record mark of 49-02.50 to break the record of 48-01.25 set by fellow senior Ify Agwuenu last season. The Hornet women won first place in six events during the
two-day event. As for the Sac State men’s indoor team, Raske has high expectations for the men that include a higher finishing mark and a team title. “Our goal is to finish higher than third place in conference. Our goal is to win a title,” Raske said. “We have won two indoor titles in the past by just one point. This year I feel we have enough experienced veterans on our team to send a clear message to everyone on the team that we need to be 100 percent perfect in competition during the Big Sky championships.” Like the women, the men also had a strong showing at the Boise State Invitational. One of several captains on the men’s team, senior jumping specialist Emilio Hernandez, was among those who marked, set and reset school records in several events. In the triple jump, Hernandez finished first with a mark of 4710.50, which was fourth best in school history. Senior Ronald Brookins recorded the fastest time in the 60-meter hurdles in both the qualifying round and finals. His time was just .02 seconds off of his own school record and
placed him 13th in Division I this year. Brookins also qualified for the Big Sky Championships with a long jump of 23-01.25. In shot put, the mark of 5011.50 moved Taylor Weldon into a tie for third best all-time. In the 60-meter hurdles, sophomore Tyler Creswell was third overall with a time of 8.33 which ranks sixth at Sac State. In the mile run, Nathanael Litwiller ran a personal-best of 4:17.30 to finish third. His time was also the fifth-fastest in Hornet history. Hernandez feels the preseason rank will not be a defining factor for the men during the indoor season. “Yes, we were picked No. 3 in the conference, but rankings are meant for pieces of paper. On championship day, the team that is ranked number one on paper doesn’t necessarily win,” Hernandez said. “To win conference, we have to show up as a single unit and not as individuals. Collectively, we have to forget about rankings and know that on any given day, it’s anyone’s game.”
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Wednesday - February 2
Sports Section
statehornet.com
Tennis: MVP Harbasiuk returns to lead men’s tennis team Continued | page B3 Hrynashka said the Hornet women will be led by the allaround play of team co-captains, juniors Clarisse Baca and Maria Meliuk. Meliuk, the No. 3-ranked player on the team, said the team needs to stay the course and not worry about polls. “I feel the team needs to go about its business because we have beaten everyone in the conference for the last nine seasons,” Meliuk said. “We need to focus on what we have been doing and we will be successful.” Baca, the No. 4-ranked player on the team, said she is confident the team will meet its objectives for the season. “Our goals as a team include: playing our best in every match, play as a team and to be ranked at the end of the season. We have a lot of great players and so we want to get as many ranked as possible,” Baca said. “We had two good weeks of training before the season started, so our fitness has
improved greatly. There is no reason why we can’t achieve all of our goals.” As for the Sac State men’s team, it finished the 2010 season with a 17-12 record overall and 7-1 in conference play. The Hornet men also won their eighth conference title in the last 13 years. All total, the Hornet men and women have combined to win 17 conference titles and make 16 NCAA tournament appearances since 1999. The Sac State men return four players from the 2010 championship team and welcome seven new players to this year’s lineup. They will be led by team co-captain and the reigning two-time Big Sky MVP Kiryl Harbatsiuk, who is ranked No. 16 in the nation. Harbatsiuk will be accompanied by first team all-conference selection, junior Jason Smith and senior Marko Starcevic. The Hornet men earned 63 out of a possible 64 total firstplace votes, while Northern
Arizona followed in second with 53 points. Sac State’s head coach Slava Konikov said the early part of the teams schedule is tough and will prepare them for league play. “At the beginning of the season we play teams that are very good. Those matches give us perspective on what we need to do to get better and compete against teams in our conference,” Konikov said. Konikov said he must introduce his new players to this unfamiliar level of tennis. “I have explained to the team that we need to work on every aspect of our game. We have three new active players and they don’t know what college tennis is yet,” Konikov said. All-conference selection Smith said the team will be working on a conference championship. “One of our goals is to make it past the first round of the NCAA tournament. Have yet to get past the first round when we have been in the tournament,”
Dan Ward State Hornet
Left: Javier Millan is starting his first season with the men’s tennis team. Right: Clarisse Baca attempts a volley during her routine tennis practice. This is her fourth season with the women’s tennis team. Smith said. After losing the first two matches of the season to No. 2 USC and No. 8 Stanford, Harbatsiuk, the No. 16-ranked
player, feels the information the Hornet men have learned will guide them through the season. “After losing we realized that we have to fight for every ball,
for every point. And not think just because the other team is ranked that we can just quit and not fight to the very end,” Harbatsiuk said.
Pros: Former players spend time playing in leagues overseas Continued | page B3 athleticism and hard work, but over here everyone works hard and they all have a tremendous skill set. The fact that there is room to improve is a huge motivation for me. I know I haven’t tapped into my whole talent just yet and I work everyday to get better.” Other former Sac State players playing professionally include Joel Jones who plays in Cyprus, Davon Roberts who plays in Germany, Angel Alamo who plays in Puerto Rico and Pablo Gonzales who plays in Belgium. Gonzales has spent 10 seasons playing overseas and Jones has played in four different leagues since 2002, including a stint with the Puerto Rican National Team during the 2007 Pan-American Games. Guard Jameel Pugh spent two seasons playing for Sac State, from 2003 to 2005, and was drafted by the Dakota Wizards of the NBA Developmental League. He was later waived before playing for teams in New Zealand and Australia. Pugh, who is working on his master’s degree at USC, said the life of a basketball player is much different overseas. If a team fails to live up to expectations, the imports are the first to go. “I played fairly well but the thing about playing overseas, they will get rid of imports
first,” Pugh said. Pugh looks back positively about his time at playing at Sac State because he grew as a person. “Sac State represents a unique growth period in my life,” Pugh said. “I came in as an underdog and people viewed me attending Sac State as a failure. It was a time for me to prove people wrong … it’s when I became a man, and that is an experience that I will never forget.” Sophomore forward John Dickson does not want to think too far ahead in his basketball future. “I’m more focused on education,” Dickson said. “It’s good that we have a players that are overseas playing, but I know at the end of my life I’m not going to always be playing basketball.” The adventure of a professional athlete is one of ups and downs, but for many it is an experience they will never forget. “My time overseas has been an adventure and I would recommend it to anyone who is open to new experiences and a better understanding of the world,” Eller said. “Even though I haven’t been in school for a whole year, I have learned so much since I left.”
Basketball players who have made it to the professional level • Angel Alamo - Puerto Rico • Tony Champion - Germany • Jason Davis - Turkey • Damond Edwards - NBA Development League • Justin Eller - Germany • Anthony Flood - Australia • DaShawn Freeman - Germany • Rickie Glenn - Mexico • Pablo Gonzales - Belgium • Haron Hargrave - Romania • Jason Harris - Australia
• Sean Houston - Australia • Joel Jones - Ukraine • Derek Lambeth - Germany • Loren Leath - France • Aaron Perry - Kuwait • Jameel Pugh - Australia • Davon Roberts - Germany • Michael Selling - Germany • Troy Selvey - Romania • Jeff Westerman - Germany Jon Krebs State Hornet
Super Bowl: Terrible Towels will take the trophy Continued | page B3 and the Steelers, but ESPN’s John Clayton broke the tie, because he is a Pittsburgh native. ESPN cited Steelers’ fans for a 299 consecutive-game sellout streak. The Associated Press also called the Terrible Towel “arguably the best-known fan symbol of any major pro sports team.” The reason the Steelers were able to build Heinz Field was because the fans voted to approve public funds to build it. They also have one of the top waiting lists for season tickets in the NFL, which would put you on what is said to be around a 26-year wait with about 60,000 other people. The Packers’ fans have been dedicated, no matter how the team is playing. Since 1960, Lambeau Field has been sold out. The Packers have one of the longest waiting lists for season tickets in any professional sports team, and the longest in the NFL. Their list has more than 83,000 names on it, and puts you on about a 40-year
wait. I guess they share more in common than their blindingly yellow-gold uniform pants. Since the two teams have the best fanbases in the NFL, the Packers and the Steelers will both be well represented come Super Bowl Sunday. Articles are saying it will be one of the most difficult Super Bowl games to get tickets for, since the fans are so dedicated. This Super Bowl will come down to the fan support this year. This might finally put to rest the idea that the two teams are tied for the best fans in the NFL. Will the fans who cheer
louder be the winners? Maybe. Will it be the team who has more fans show up in Arlington, Texas, on gameday? Could be. But which team’s fans will go home Sunday with smiles on their faces? Will it be Ben Roethlisberger backed by the Terrible Towels who gets his third Super Bowl ring? Or will it be the Cheeseheads’ Aaron Rodgers who gets his first Super Bowl ring? My money is on the Big Ben and the Terrible Towels. You know what it is, black and yellow.