The Advocate Vol. 50, Issue 30 - May 29, 2015

The Independent Student Voice of Mt. Hood Community College

May 29, 2015

Volume 50, Issue 30

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Volcanic views next to you Page 4

Nepal earthquake relief Page 6

Baseball finishes second Page 8

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You Tube

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OPINION

May 29, 2015

Editorial|

Senate’s indecision on Patriot Act is harmful; eliminate section 215

proposed a bill that is much less of a compromise than the Freedom Act, which would give the NSA another two years to wind down its data collection. It’s not expected to pass. The Senate isn’t expected to reconvene until 4 pm Sunday. In short, at this late point an attempt to pass anything other than the USA Freedom Act would result in a lapse of the NSA’s phone-monitoring program.

Currently, three Republican lawmakers who voted against the bill face tough odds for re-election in their next races, and Sen. Mike Enzi, R-Wyoming, wasn’t present during the vote on the Freedom Act; these senators’ votes are unpredictable at the moment.

The Advocate staff’s main problem with the Patriot Act is a freedom of speech issue. If our speech is truly free, then citizens should be allowed to aim or restrict their speech to whomever they choose, and the government isn’t exempt from that.

Just because a lot of our information is now virtual, that doesn’t make it any less private.

If the Patriot Act and the NSA haven’t been on your mind, there’s probably still a good chance you’re on theirs (so to speak), or at least your calls are. The NSA has been registering to-and-from information from our phone calls since the Patriot Act was instituted after 9/11.

But this is old information.

What’s new is the U.S. Senate’s scrambling to determine whether or not to keep alive the more darker spying tools the Act inadvertently created, set to expire late Sunday, at midnight, if Congress fails to reauthorize it.

In recent days, there’s been huge debate across party lines, being kicked off by the filibuster against reauthorization by Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, where he was aided by Oregon Sen. Ron Wyden, a Democrat.

The ball is in the Senate’s court right now, since it earlier rejected by three votes the “USA Freedom Act,” a relatively moderate replacement bill that passed in the House of Representatives, 338-88.

Sen. Richard Burr, R-North Carolina, has

Imagine if this happened in the physical world: The NSA would just casually waltz into your home and start rooting through your desk, and personal letters.

“Whoa there, pal, calm down... If you’re not doing anything wrong, you’ve got nothing to worry about.”

It sounds kind of like a bad joke now, huh?

We understand the opposition, though. To Patriot Act supporters, protecting our national interest is important, and a lot of those surveillance issues should be confidential for the time being. The indicator of the NSA’s success then becomes how many terror attacks or other crimes have been thwarted, versus how much data has been collected that was intended by all of us to remain private.

The answer? Literally, one threat was foiled, according to deputy NSA Director John Inglis (after having the NSA’s original claim of 54 plots uncovered and stopped, was factchecked, and then revised to four plots, and then again to one).

Only one plot has been prevented, and Inglis still didn’t disclose any details as to how this happened, or what the plot was.

Then there are further Constitutional issues: Namely, is this call-monitoring unreasonable search and seizure? The Advocate believes, by definition, yes, it is. Information is being taken with no prior cause, legally speaking. This stems from another issue – the NSA’s interpretation of Section 215 of the Patriot Act, which in a nutshell says that the NSA can collect relevant business data. This led to the mass collection of phone data since the NSA views it as business information, since it’s through a telephone provider, and that it’s relevant since it helped solve one case.

Considering all this, the Advocate can’t in good conscious support the USA Freedom Act, or the remaining sections of the Patriot Act, and believe instead it should be allowed to expire, with nothing to amend or encourage the continuity of anything similar to our current data-collection fiasco.

Chat with Barney

Encryption, Edward Snowden, the NSA and you Sam Krause the advocate

“For the past decade, the NSA has lead an aggressive, multi-pronged effort to break widely used Internet encryption technologies.”

That could be the lead to this column, but that’s actually from a 2013 PowerPoint slide that was part of the documents Edward Snowden leaked in June of 2013. Yeah, and it gets better.

“Vast amounts of encrypted Internet data which have up till now have been discarded are now exploitable.”

Gross.

In 2013, the NSA expected to “Reach full operating capability for SIGINT access to a major Internet Peer-to-Peer voice and text communications system.” And to “Complete enabling for encryption chips used in Virtual Private Network and Web encryption devices.”

From a Top Secret NSA report, “NSA collects, on a representative day, (about sign) 500,000 buddylists and inboxes. More than 90% collected because tasked selectors identified only as contacts (not communicant, content, or owner).”

This is what Snowden wanted us to know.

“This is mass surveillance. Encryption is the only kind of technology we have that can prevent that mass surveillance, and it’s being taken apart, it’s being weakened from right here inside of the country,” said Mathew Greene, a

cryptographer and professor at Johns Hopkins University’s Information Security Institute.

What is encryption? Encryption is a digital lockbox, and the key to the box is held only by the people you want.

That’s not going to stop your message from getting hijacked, but it’ll prevent the message from being read.

How is it used? Encryption is used for financial transactions, personally identifiable information, and anything that could be considered sensitive.

Government and corporate whistleblowers use encryption “lock boxes” set up by WikiLeaks, The New York Times, and The Guardian.

With that in mind, the Patriot Act, a holdover of the Bush Administration and reauthorized by Democratic and Republican congresses since, is on the verge of renewal.

The Patriot Act is the bill that NSA and other government officials have used to justify collecting U.S. citizens’ data and information, and allows the agency to operate with little, if any, oversight.

Every the Libertarians’ Golden Child, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, successfully filibustered the reauthorization earlier this week, but that is just one part of the effort.

The other part of the effort to is to let congressmen and -women in Washington D.C. know that the reauthorization of the Patriot Act will just continue to chip away at our Bill of Rights.

For me, I’m not holding my breath. The track record of the Patriot Act, and anything regarding surveillance under the guise of security, is that it will be reauthorized, or pushed through by executive order.

the advocate - first year issue

The first year issue is produced by students who will be on staff next year.

Editor-in-Chief Adam Elwell

Opinion Editor Adam Elwell

Copy Editor Greg Leonov

Sports Editor David Teas

News Editor Sam Krause

Ad Manager David Ahlson

Lifestyle Editor Ivy Davis

Photo Editor Beka Haugen Graphic Designers Heather Golan Shawnie Fortune Video Editors Aurora Angeles Thomas Stewart

Reporters David Ahlson Jon Fuccillo Greg Leonov Steve Olson Brandon Raleigh Alex Seymour Emily Wintringham

Advisers Howard Buck, Dan Ernst Bob Watkins E-mail: advocatt@mhcc.edu Phone: 503-491-7250 www.advocate-online.net #mhccadvocate

Mt. Hood Community College 26000 SE Stark Street Gresham, Oregon 97030

The Advocate encourages readers to share their opinion by letters to the editor and guest columns for publication. All submissions must be typed and include the writer’s name and contact information. Contact information will not be printed unless requested.

Original copies will not be returned to the author. The Advocate will not print any unsigned submission. Letters to the editor should not exceed 300 words and guest columns should not exceed 600. The decision to publish is at the discretion of the editorial board. The Advocate reserves the right to edit for style, punctuation, grammar and length. Please bring submissions to The Advocate in Room 1369, or e-mail them to advocatt@mhcc.edu.

Submissions must be received by 5 p.m. Monday the week of publication to be considered for print. Opinions expressed in columns, letters to the editor or advertisements are the views of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of The Advocate or MHCC. Cover graphic by Shawnie Fortune - the advocate

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OPINION

May 29, 2015

FIFA’s actions demean soccer everywhere Emily Wintringham the advocate

It’s hard to juggle a football – okay, a soccer ball – knowing that indifferent tycoons are disfiguring the entire nature of the beautiful game. It’s hard taking in the fact that your beloved sport has become a slave in a giant, capitalist cesspool.

“Today, we are issuing FIFA a red card,” Richard Weber, U.S. Chief of I.R.S Criminal Investigation declared on Wednesday, a dark day for the sport’s international governing body.

Switzerland officials, the U.S. IRS, justice departments, and federal prosecutors for the Eastern District of New York announced criminal charges against nine officials of FIFA (the Federation of International Football Association) and five business associates for an alleged $150 million in graft gained through bribes, money laundering, and wire fraud.

They also disclosed the convictions (and assumed cooperation in their investigation) of another four individuals who played central roles.

The depth of the graft was stunning, even though it merely confirmed what many observers suspected. The audaciousness of authorities’ crackdown also left the head spinning.

Culture, and even the quality of competition, isn’t really the main component in choosing the next country to host the World Cup, longtime fans understand. It’s money, pure and simple. It is no news that FIFA has taken bribes from the affluent in countries such as Brazil, South Africa, and soon to host, Qatar.

Jack Warner was one of the indicted members of FIFA’s governing body.

Corruption among FIFA officials has been long under investigation, but some, including Warner, were especially crafty in ambiguity.

According to the Guardian newspaper in London, several secret reports indicate that the former FIFA vice president had been taking bribes from Qatari FIFA administrator Mohammed Bin Hammam in 2011. That could explain why Warner suddenly resigned in 2011. He of course used the standard excuse of going his own way to work for the people in his own country of Trinidad.

He does not admit to any fraudulent activity, but the FBI recently uncovered evidence of his bribery activities that took place in 2010 and 2011.

I think the severity of FIFA’s actions cut deeper than just criminal activity.

To see the full story, go to www.advocate-online.net

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LIFESTYLE

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May 29, 2015

Hikes: Diverse beauty of the Northwest

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Each week the advocate supplies you with our top five songs for your play list. Since Jazz Band is doing a concert at Jimmy Mak’s on Tuesday we decided to throw you some jazz songs worth grooving too.

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FEVER | PEGGY LEE

View from the Silver Star hike overlooking volcanic outcrop and flowering fields.

Tommy Stewart the advocate

AT LAST | ETTA JAMES

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DREAM A LITTLE DREAM OF ME | LOUIS ARMSTRONG

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COME FLY ME TO THE MOON | FRANK SINATRA

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YOU GOT ME SINGING THE BLUES | ELLA FITZGERALD

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Hiking: a tradition born out of necessity for Native Americans and pioneers, then adopted by the homeless, now re-appropriated by urban hipsters.

The Pacific Northwest is known to have some of the best and most beautiful hikes in all of North America. This week, I trekked on some of the best local options, in my opinion.

I ventured above downtown Portland for the gorgeous Pittock Hike, then to the Columbia River Gorge to visit Hamilton Mountain, and after that loop, visited my home-turf Silver Star – the observatory of mountains. All three of these hikes were a blast and I encourage anyone who has a interest in the outdoors and having a good time to go out and try these places.

Pittock Hike, running up Portland’s west hills, starts at the Lower Macleay Park trailhead and ends at the historic Pittock Mansion.

The hike is about 5 miles round-trip. The area is beautiful, something you wouldn’t have guessed was hiding behind the urban jungle.

With all natural greens and flowers, the scenery for the hike is just heavenly if you wanna get out of the central city and see the other side.

The trail is moderately tough, so it’s excellent for beginners or people who took a break over winter. At the end of the Pittock Hike, if you haven’t guessed it, is Pittock Mansion, a huge home that overlooks the busy city 24/7. Pittock is nice during the day but if you go during

the night, make sure you bring a group of people, because during night the Pittock Hike can be dangerous. The reason I say this is because on our way back down the trail, we heard a man screaming “Help!” but then he went dead quiet.We did stop to look for the man but, as we started yelling back to ask where the man was, the voice went dead. Besides this, Pittock Hike is essential to put on your list for places to hike.

Now to the Gorge, where we visited the Washington side, at Hamilton Mountain. Hamilton Mountain is a 7.5-mile trail that goes up to the mountain and then loops around the back of Beacon Rock. This hike I remember well from all the blood, tears, and pain I put into it (I fell a lot). Hamilton, just like any other mountain in the Northwest, is gorgeous. What makes this place different, though, is the view into the Gorge. I, personally, haven’t found a better hike. With crystal-clear waterfalls and devastatingly beautiful views of the Columbia River, I would honestly take someone I really cared about on this hike: It’s perfect for a romantic getaway, with all the spots to stop and, uhh... watch bees pollinate the mountain flowers.

This hike, however, is not for beginners, with winding steep hills that literally go on for hours. I haven’t taken so many breaks on a hike in my life. Hamilton Mountain is a place I encourage everyone to check out at least once, especially since it’s overshadowed by Beacon Rock.

Now for my favorite spot to hike, Sil-

Photo by Tommy Stewart - the advocate

ver Star. Located almost at the edge of Earth (Yacolt, WA, northeast of Battle Ground), Silver Star Mountain is a 4-mile round-trip hike.

But, God, is it gorgeous! The scenery is literally something out of the “Lord of the Rings” movies, with its beautiful flower-filled plains, drop-dead ridges, and knockout views of the surroundings. At the top of Silver Star, you can see the urban zones of Portland and Vancouver, plus if you look around closely you see Mounts St. Helens, Rainier, Adams, Hood and Jefferson. Silver Star Mountain is a hot spot as well, with mountain bike competitions in the late summers, and a place where people can be seen camping. Silver Star, out of all three trails, is the farthest away, and the drive up there isn’t easy. If you do choose to make the journey, take a car that has 4-wheel drive, for the rough road. Silver Star Mountain is a just mind blowing, and I encourage hikers to go and explore. It’s just too outstanding to miss.

This summer, if you do get a chance to hike I would look into these. These three hikes are all different and show diversity in their terrain and beauty. But if you do choose to hike, don’t be stupid about it. Go with friends – it is never safe to hike alone. Bring plenty of food and water; they don’t have vending machines on the trails, that I’m aware of.

So go get your hiking bag, and, homeys, get out there and explore the Northwest.

Check out new videos and footage at

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NEWS

May 29, 2015

Student coordinates with MercyCorps to help Nepal

Sam Krause the advocate

The Asian country of Nepal suffered a 7.8 magnitude earthquake on April 25 and then on May 12, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck the region another blow.

An MHCC fundraiser has been organized, with donation boxes placed around the campus. All funds will go to MercyCorps, a Portland-based nonprofit agency providing aid in the affected region.

Tenzin Yangchen, Associated Student Government (ASG) director of diversity resources, from Kathmandu, Nepal, put the fundraiser together.

“The quake shattered hundreds of thousands of people’s lives and reduced countless homes and religious monuments to rubble,” said Yangchen in an open letter to the college.

At least 8,633 people have died in Nepal, according to the Nepal Red Cross Society.

Staff from MercyCorps was able to reach and serve 43,910 people in the month after the earthquake.

“Right now the team has been pretty focused on meeting the urgent needs of the survivors and getting them emergency supplies,” said Pax Bennett, community giving officer for MercyCorps.

Emergency kits include supplies for temporary shelter, hygiene products, food items, and water purification liquid.

Food items and emergency supplies were purchased and provided in partnership with groups in Nepal to support the local economy there.

“So far we have been very lucky in procuring supplies from local vendors because that stimulates the local economy more than if we ship them materials from Home Depot in San Diego,” said Bennett.

MercyCorps went to “invisible” villages that may not have received aid in the early days of the relief effort.

There was a careful assessment of damages after the earthquake in order to first reach those people who needed

Calcagno sent by voters to MHCC to change the ‘status quo,’ he says Sam Krause the advocate

Michael Calcagno will soon be the youngest member of the Mt. Hood Community College District board of directors.

In the local May 19 election, he unseated current board chair Diane Noriega and beat Michael Langley, a Parkrose School District volunteer.

Calcagno said he thinks voters are “really concerned Michael Calcagno with the state of education in Oregon, and I think rightfully so.”

When he listed his phone number in the voters’ pamphlet, he garnered a wide range of responses, he said. “A lot of people gave me their feedback that they want to see our young people, our teenagers, more engaged in learning, and take more of a stake in their own future.”

Calcagno grew up in Gresham and earned a journalism degree in 2009 from the University of Oregon. He owns a local media business and has done freelance work with nonprofits, small businesses, government agencies, and MHCC itself.

“It was really a natural, organic process of me getting in to these classrooms, listening to how (career and technical education) is impacting students,

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and teachers and community members, and businesses,” he said of his run for office.

Some people may view Gresham and the college as a hidden gem, but Calcagno said that’s the problem.

“We’ve got to do a better job at telling our own story and shining a spotlight on the graduates of MHCC. Community outreach and public perception are so important, and we’ve got to dial that up if we’re going to see real progress at the college,” he said.

Both are key to asking voters to support a proposed general obligation bond, now under board consideration, he said.

“Pay raises for mid-level managers, tuition hikes, low completion rates, low enrollment rates, one of the highest-paid faculties of the community colleges in the Northwest,” he said, listing perceived Mt. Hood negatives. “Those things people care about and they notice.”

Calcagno said he agrees the college needs a facilities upgrade. But, to sell the bond to voters the college will have to send bold signals the status quo is over, he said.

“I’m undecided right now. I think we still have a long ways to go. We still have a lot of crafting and dialing on just what we want in that bond measure in order to signal the community that we’re listening,” he said.

Calcagno will be one of two at-large board members, serving the entire MHCC district for four years. He and three other newly elected members will be sworn in during the July board meeting.

MercyCorps aid for Nepal by the numbers

Graphic by Shawnie Fortune - the advocate

help the most.

“We were in this first wave of organizations to travel and to deliver the supplies, and some of those places are still inaccessible by roads – especially after the second earthquake and all of the aftershocks that have totaled all of the roads,” said Bennett.

Many people are sleeping alongside multiple families under one temporary shelter. Hygiene supplies become very important in close quarters.

“My own family and relatives are living in open spaces in makeshift tents fearing the frequent aftershocks,” Yangchen wrote in her email to the college.

Supply kits have been distributed to 31,400 people, and a local partner delivered food to 12,510 more people.

MercyCorps workers still want to reach an additional 75,000 families in the coming weeks, sooner if possible, and also provide them with $75 cash to use in local markets.

Recovery efforts will lead to rebuilding efforts that will include providing cash to families to stimulate the local economy, providing more temporary shelter as homes are rebuilt, managing potential flooding as the monsoon season hits, and providing seed and proper equipment to facilitate agriculture.

“This is what we’ll get back to, once Nepal is rebuilding; we’ve been helping small farmers who have been doing a lot of agriculture and food planting there,” said Bennett. “We’ve helped them produce and learn how to cultivate crops that are more high value like ginger, potatoes, cardamom, things that small farmers can grow in small batches that actually increases their income.”

Nutshell News Marking a first for the program, The Advocate participated in the Pacific Northwest Association of Journalism Educators’ (PNAJE) inaugural student journalism contest. The PNAJE is an organization that works to bring journalism students in the Northwest together. It also works to improve journalism educators’ teaching skills. The PNAJE consists of community colleges from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana.

The awards The Advocate won for the 2014-15 academic year are: -First and third place for best news reporting, with one honorable mention.

-Second and third for sports feature reporting with one honorable mention.

-First place for best editorials.

-Honorable mentions for columns/commentaries, reviews, editorial cartoons, and sports photos.

-First and second place for best sports photos.

-Third place for best website.

-Greg Leonov

Join the Diversity Resource Center and the ESL/IECC Programs for Free Global Breakfast on Wednesday, June 3, from 9 to 11 a.m. There will be breakfast from different countries, examples of traditions, and a celebration of the countries represented on campus.

The steering committee of the Powell-Division Transit Project will meet at 4 p.m. on Monday, June 1, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 9901 S.E. Caruthers St. in Portland. Please email powelldivision@oregonmetro.gov for more information.

The MHCC Planetarium is gearing up for its last show of the term, on Tuesday, June 2.

It will feature Pluto and its New Family. There will be three showings at 6, 7:15, and 8:30 p.m.

Admission is $2 for community members and free for MHCC students.

-Sam Krause

the advocate

SPORTS

May 29, 2015

Green bids farewell to Saints after two strong years Brandon Raleigh the advocate

After two spectacular seasons with the Saints, star sophomore catcher Mercedes Green will say her goodbyes to Mt. Hood, a school that made her childhood dreams a reality.

“When I was little, I knew that I wanted to play college softball, but Mercedes Green I never thought it was really possible,” said the 5-foot, 10-inch power hitter, who recorded a team-best 10 home runs, along with 45 RBIs in 2015.

“I started out with tee ball and moved up to Little League and then I was on ASA (Amateur Softball Association). ASA was really competitive so I started getting a feel for it and that’s when I really realized that I might be able to play,” Green said.

She began to really excel in softball while playing for Springfield High School in Springfield, Oregon. She was a four-year letter winner and was named first team all-league three times and second team all-league the other year.

With all the success Green had at Springfield High, she began contacting college coaches. It wasn’t until she played in a summer league that she found her perfect fit, however: Mt. Hood.

“There were three other girls (Chelsea Spanier, Sierra Benson, and Kelsey Reams) on my summer ball team that were coming here to (Mt. Hood CC). They talked about how much they loved it. The coach seemed really nice. It just seemed like the right fit for me,” she said.

Last year, in her first year as a Saint, Green started as catcher for the eventual NWAC-champion Saints. She and her teammates were able to take down South Region foe Clackamas CC, 4-2, in the title game. She played a vital role, hitting a three-run homer after the Saints were trailing, 2-0, to turn the game around.

Green won’t soon forget about that home run.

She gives a lot of credit to Saints head coach Meadow McWhorter and her teammates for having the same goal in mind: win.

“I like how the littlest thing can change the game dramatically,” Green said of the Saints’ tight focus. ”One little hit could end the game.”

As a catcher, Green enjoys all the responsibilities that she has. Be it calling a pitch, catching the ball, or throwing it back, she is always doing something.

Academically, she is close to earning her Associates of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree, and would like to pursue a degree in the medical field.

Green profile Continued on Page 8

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the advocate

SPORTS Saints come up short of title, finish second May 29, 2015

Jon Fuccillo

It was pretty emotional. Lots of people were crying.

- Joe Balfour

Saints starting pitcher and ace

NWAC championship results Game 1:

Game 2: Game 3:

WCC

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MHCC 6 MHCC 6 TCC

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MHCC 9 DC

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Game 4:

Game 5:

Game 6:

MHCC 7 TCC 3 LCC 1 MHCC 2 LCC

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MHCC 1

Standout NWAC performers Joe Balfour (Pitcher): 2-0, 18.0 innings innings, 1.00 ERA 4 strikeouts, 2 walks, 14 hits First team All-NWAC Southern region MVP Louis Wolf (Catcher): .385 (10-for-26), scored 4 runs, 2 walks, 2 RBI First Team All-NWAC

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fter fighting all the way back from the loser’s bracket, the Saints baseball team earned a berth in the NWAC Championship series, where Mt. Hood came up just short of the ultimate prize on Monday.

Instead, the Saints (20-4 in the South Region, 35-14 overall) finished in second place after losing, 6-1, in the second of two games against Lower Columbia College (24-1 in the West Region, 41-10 overall) in Longview, Wash. The Red Devils have now captured 11 championships and their first since 2010.

The Saints had battled all the way back after losing a one-run game in Round Two action against Tacoma, three days earlier.

Sophomore ace Joe Balfour (10-1, 1.19 ERA) pitched a gem in Game 1 against Lower Columbia earlier Monday to help the Saints stay alive and force a winner-take-all rematch.

Balfour pitched all 11 innings in the Saints’ 2-1 victory. He scattered six hits and only gave up one unearned runs, struck out three, threw a season-high 116 pitches. He said head coach Bryan Donohue wanted him to go deep into the game. He did just that.

“That was one of the best pitching performances of my career,” said a modest Balfour. “My arm felt good and things kept rolling and rolling. We were just taking it inning by inning and I told coach I was fine.”

The Red Devils countered with their ace, Kade Kryzsko (8-0, 0.84 ERA on the year), who pitched seven scoreless innings before handing the ball over to closer Christian Parsons (3-2, 0.91 ERA and five saves), who was tagged with the loss in 3.2 innings of action. “(Balfour) did a great job,” said Lower Columbia head coach Eddie Smith. “He was ahead of our batters all day and got into some great counts and was able to Joe Balfour throw three pitches for strikes.”

Trailing 1-0, Mt. Hood right fielder Nick Gawley started the Saints’ mini-rally in the bottom of the eighth inning. He hit a sacrifice fly to deep center field, and drove in left fielder Evan Tommy Lane Jones.

With the game still tied at 1-1 in the 11th inning, Saints first baseman Tommy Lane stepped up to the dish with two outs, with center fielder Isaac Benard standing on third base with the winning run.

Lane waited on his pitch and drove a pitch to center, brining in Benard to end the game.

Lane would finish the season with 49 RBIs, to go along with his NWAC-leading 11 home runs.

“The batter in front of me walked and their guys had a meeting at the mound,” said Lane.

“I went down and talked with (coach) Donno and he told me to get my pitch and to relax.

After the first strike I got a bit anxious so I stepped outside of the box and took a deep breath.”

In the finale, the Saints sent Seth Rayburn (5-4, 2.77 ERA) to counter Sacramento Statebound Tanner Olson (6-1, 2.77 ERA), going for the Red Devils. Olson kept the Saints in check from start to finish. He limited them to six hits and went the distance on the mound – pitching all nine innings.

After two scoreless innings, the Red Devils would piece together three runs in the top of the third inning. They added insurance runs in the fifth, seventh and eighth innings.

“We feel pretty fortunate to come out on top,” said Smith. “I told my players not to get down because of Game 1... We knew coming out of the winner’s bracket would benefit us.

And once we got going in the third inning we never looked back.”

According to Balfour, no one on the Mt. Hood team hung their heads in the aftermath of coming up just short of a championship trophy. Instead they shared a special moment in the parking lot.

“It would have been a incredible task to beat Lower Columbia twice in one day,” he said, giving the hometown Devils full credit.

“They were consistent all year long.”

“It was pretty emotional. Lots of people were crying,” Balfour said. “We’re one big family and we’re all so close.”

Lane, the Saints’ slugger, voiced a similar response.

“Don’t get me wrong. It’s always disappointing,” Lane said, but there was much for the Saints to feel good about in 2015.

After each season, all players meet with teammates and coaches and have their farewell meeting.

“It’s called the circle of honor,” said Balfour. “We went around and said nice things about one another. It was really special and hard for us (departing sophomores).”

Photo by Beka Haugen - the advocate

Green profile Continued from Page 7 Away from the diamond, Green enjoys doing anything and everything outdoors, listing hiking and playing sports as favorite hobbies.

Her brother, Levi, is someone that she looks up to, she said. “Even though I was little, I always wanted to do what he wanted to do.

He always wanted to play sports” and so did she, she said. “I just always looked up to him.”

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Green spoke on what it’s like playing under McWhorter. “I love it. I love her competitiveness. She’s always out to win no matter what we’re doing. Even in the littlest games she expects everyone to be at their top game.

“I also like how she’s like a second mom to everyone on the team,” she said. “You can go to her no matter what it is and she’ll help you.

She’s always there for anyone.”

McWhorter spoke highly of Green both

as a player and a person.“Mercedes is a player who, when she walks off the field can always say she left it all on the field,” she said. “She is a phenomenal leader. She has excellent game smarts. She is someone who I have loved to coach, and we are going to miss her so much.”

Green’s impact can be seen through the praise of teammates. “She (is) such a great catcher. She (is) not only a great athlete, but also a great team leader,” said Saints freshman

pitcher Kelly Scott.

“Mercedes was the general on the field. I appreciated her as my catcher and as a great example who taught me and the other freshmen how to be a Saint,” Scott said.

Next, Green hopes to continue playing softball at a four-year university. She is leaning towards signing with Western Oregon University in Monmouth, after receiving some interest from various schools, she said.