the
advocate
Volume 51 Issue 9
November 18, 2016
Independent Student Voice of MHCC
ASG leaders find footing PAGE 3
MHCC alumnus lands a job on ‘Portlandia’ PAGE 5
Saints guard works towards D1 PAGE 8
'Don't snitch. Ever.' When a protest becomes a mob PAGE 2
‘Bang Bang’ resonates with cast members
PAGE 4
2016 FIRST PLACE
General excellence Oregon Newspaper Publisher Association
OPINION
November 18, 2016
Editorial
Protesting the way we protest The last week has brought a lot of attention to our area, for better or for worse. And because of a crowd of selfish people who hijacked what started off as a peaceful post-presidential election protest, Portland has been thrown onto the world stage in an unflattering light. When the way a group presents a message eclipses the message itself, we have a problem. In the world we live in, we tend to be drawn to flashy, dramatic displays to prove a point, or to show the world what we believe – much like a child holding her breath until she turns blue in an attempt to get her way, when she wants a puppy, or something. We as adults can find ourselves doing basically the same thing if we have something we want, or in this case don’t want, enough to turn our collective faces deep shades of blue. The recent episodes in Portland are a prime example of this. In this case, we had a group of (mostly) level-headed people who didn’t get their way so they threw a tantrum, destroying property and causing mayhem under the guise of “protest.” There is a right way to protest, and a wrong way to protest, and this was surely not the former. As of midweek, Portland police had arrested roughly 115 people in connection to the protest events, a large portion of whom, it turns out, couldn’t even vote in Oregon. It looks as though a large group of people basically hijacked the protests from the original, and respectful
participants. Normally in these situations, a group starts out small, grows and then violent sentiment spreads. In this instance however, there were fliers initially posted threatening media and citizens against using recording devices, and encouraging protesters to “show your rage” and “yell fuck the police,” ending with the grim words “Consider this a warning.” This is disappointing, does nothing to help the underlying cause, and actually detracts from it. Now, we’ve all heard the saying “a bad apple spoils the bunch.” Unless we make sure to put a to these stop these bad apples from becoming a part of our legitimate protests, activists or causes we may support won’t accomplish anything. We have a responsibility as citizens who exercise our rights to free assembly and freedom of speech, to make sure the protests we are a part of don’t cause harm or damage to anyone. If we don’t take the burdens that come with our rights, then our rights are diminished. Journalists were targeted by these anarchist individuals. The very people whose job it is to MAKE SURE the point of view of the protesters was heard had bottles and bricks thrown at them and their equipment trashed. We at the Advocate believe that unless you are ready to point out the disruptive people you hear, or see, starting to turn your right to protest into an ugly, angry mob, then you’re just as
responsible for the destruction and should be arrested right along with those who threw the bottles and bricks. That being said, we don’t offer just a wagging finger. We have a couple of suggestions to make future protests more successful, and less of a riot. First, everyone needs to make sure that the people who are there to protest are doing so for the right reasons. If there are people wielding bats, and
point, they are there to make sure everyone is safe, and that everyone follows the rules. Basically, the point is that if the police are not your enemy, that shouldn’t be where your focus is. Put your focus where it belongs. Lastly, if you’re going to be there to protest something, maybe make sure that the people there are all aware of what you’re protesting and that you’re all protesting the same
Photo by Andy Ngo
Flier circulated at November 9 protest near Pioneer Square.
bottles and bricks, that’s a good indicator that they are probably not looking for a nonviolent protest. Second, if you see someone doing something that could hurt someone or damage property, tell the police. The police generally aren’t there to stop you from making your
thing. It doesn’t do much for your message if the world isn’t sure if you’re mad that Trump is going to be president, or that women’s rights are in jeopardy or that racism is still a concern for people. Remember, unified voices echo loudly, but it’s easy for a message to get lost in a sea of issues.
Homeless targeted by police violence Teela Bright the advocate
In San Francisco, 45-year-old Luis Gongora was described as a nice man by neighborhood residents. Local children would practice their Spanish by talking to him and even played soccer with him on occasion. He resided in a homeless camp that was stationary for 14 years. Then, on the morning of April 7, at about 10 a.m., he was shot by police with bean bags, and then with real bullets. Police claimed Gongora had rushed them with a knife. San Francisco police have been known for claiming knifes during fatal shootings. Another such instance: 26-year-old Mario Woods, shot by five officers in 2015 while he was supposedly wielding a knife. All through 2016, similar stories of violence against the homeless just kept coming, from the West Coast and elsewhere, even here in Oregon. Regrettably, most of the police involved have faced no charges for their actions, and some are repeat offenders. Here are just a few more incidents: In San Diego on Sept. 19, a mentally ill homeless person was shot for no reason other than carrying a shiny pen that was not noticeable in the video of his shooting. The San Diego police officer Neal Browder shot Fridoon Rawshan Nehad dead in an alley. Surveillance video shows the man walking, a squad pulls up, the driver comes out and immediately shoots, with no warning. The footage shows no clear evidence of a weapon. It happens that the man was homeless and suffered from a mental illness.
To view the full unabridged story, visit: advocate-online.net
the advocate Editor-in-Chief Gloria Saepharn
Sports Editor Jamie George
Ad Manager Joseph Frantz
Cover by Prisma Flores
Opinion Editor Donovan Sargent
Graphic Design Team Svetlana Meshcheryakova Prisma Flores
Advisers Howard Buck Dan Ernst
Photo Editor Isaiah Teeny
Staff Writers Ryan Moore Monique Mallari Kyle Venooker Greg Leonov Brody Mathews Maddy Sanstrum Glenn Dyer Erik Walters Teela Bright Copy Editor Position Open
Contact us! E-mail: advocatt@mhcc.edu Phone: 503-491-7250 Website: advocate-online.net
News Editor & PR Manager Gloria Saepharn Creative Director, Arts & Entertainment Editor Matana McIntire Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor Megan Phelps
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Assistant Photo Editor Davyn Owen Photo team Porcha Hesselgesser Video team Cory Wiese
Twitter: @MHCCAdvocate Facebook: facebook.com/TheAdvocateOnline Instagram: @MHCCAdvocate #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.
NEWS
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Grim reality looms due to possible repeal of DACA Kyle Venooker the advocate
With a lot of conversation about possible repercussions of Donald Trump’s presidency, moving to Canada is a popular escapist fantasy. But, with all jokes aside, many people’s lives will be drastically affected by some of the policies advocated on the campaign trail. Immigration reform is a prominent aspect of Trump’s platform, and he vowed to repeal DACA, an executive order signed in 2014 by President Barack Obama. DACA (or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) allows certain undocumented immigrants to the U.S. who entered before their sixteenth birthday and before June 2007 to receive a renewable two-year work permit and exemption from
deportation, but does not provide a path to citizenship. Among other things, DACA enables people to get driver’s licenses, health care, build credit, have a legal job, and, in many cases, pursue a college degree. We sat down with a student here at MHCC (who asked to remain anonymous) who is able to attend the college, in part, thanks to DACA. How long have you lived in the U.S.?
(F)or approximately 28 years. What was your legal status prior to the enactment of DACA? When I was 23 years old, my father (of legal resident status) petitioned for my lawful residency. My case is still pending. I am 30 going on 31. This gives you an idea of how long the process can take. What differences has DACA made in your life?
DACA has made all the difference in the quality of my life. I can get a license, bank account, job, travel within the U.S., etc. Everyday things that are a necessity to thrive, those things that are taken for granted, mean safety and security to me. Are there any opportunities you would not have had without DACA? Without DACA I would be forced to survive here by means that are against my values. For example: tolerate abuse (sexual assault) in my job just to keep my (unlawful) employment. Sadly, before DACA, I lived a life believing I didn’t deserve basic rights. This was due to internalized oppression. I would not be able to have a voice against my oppressors if it wasn’t for DACA. As president-elect, Donald Trump has expressed that he wants
to repeal Obama’s executive orders (DACA being one). What are some of your thoughts/opinions on the possible repercussions of a repeal? I was guaranteed (I can’t remember if it was by my attorney) that my information would not be given over to ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement). Whether that will change under Trump, I don’t know. I feel powerless but not helpless. I don’t know what to expect of the new government and now, my neighbors. The thought of returning to my country of origin, a country that I don’t know, concerns me. I cannot begin to imagine what the transition would be like. You mentioned earlier you prefer to be transparent. Given the current political climate, has that changed at all? Due to the threat of deportation,
I am now having the conversation with more of my acquaintances. I’m not saying good-bye, I just want them to know that their fellow church member /co-worker/ classmate/ friend may soon be affected, and that they will be affected too, to some degree. Is there a community on campus for students who would be affected by this or students who wish to support them? Debbie Derr, MHCC president, sent out a message in conjunction with Melinda Bullen, Diversity Resource Center coordinator, stating that Mt. Hood aims to provide a safe, welcoming campus for all students. The DRC exists to give students a safe space and provide them with a place where they can share any feelings or anxieties they may have.
ASG president and VP work to make campus comfortable for all Greg Leonov the advocate
With the end of Fall Term approaching, Mt. Hood’s Associated Student Government (ASG) faced some uncommon challenges. The two main staff advisers of ASG are no longer employed at the college, so an interim adviser has stepped in. The adjustments, have not always been easy. “It took a lot of work to put everything together in terms of planning the first couple weeks of the term,” said Vice President Santiago Velasco. “We were able to figure out and work with (not only) the (one adviser) we had, but also with other advisers that work in this area.” Both Velasco and ASG President Kelly Bernardino are second-year ASG members, so taking office and serving Mt. Hood from the student executive position was a smooth transition. Bernardino was part of last year’s executive cabinet (EC), “So, that definitely helped, and just that communication, the kind of training with him (last year’s president) helped,” she said. “I definitely realized when I was in the position how helpful it was being a second-year student when we were training the other ASG members,” she said. The leadership duo was responsible for getting the rest of the ASG members trained for the year. “We have a team of 25, so we had to train them on all
of the responsibilities that come with being in ASG member,” said Bernardino. To date, ASG held a few campus events, including a club fair and a blood drive, and will host an Arab Cultural Celebration on Tuesday. Bernardino and Velasco want to do more work to bring Open Educational Resources (OER) to Mt. Hood classrooms, but there have been some roadblocks due to administrative restructuring at MHCC. OER are resources that can replace or supplement traditional textbooks, which are expensive. They usually have open licensing and are often available for free. OER are based on the “open source” software philosophy – a movement where software developers share their work and encourage others to change and improve it. Other challenges faced by this year’s top student ASG officers include getting students involved in the community, and getting effective feedback from students. Bernardino said she hopes to receive such feedback from students at an upcoming forum. She also wants students to feel secure on campus, especially those worried about the current political landscape. “We obviously want to create that sense of community on our campus and make sure that all of our students feel safe and comfortable,” she said. A DACA/undocumented (resident) “task force” is an idea
Bernardino said is possibile. This task force “could provide some legal help on campus for our DACA students and create that support for them, making sure they have the resources that they need,” Bernardino said. Velasco is considering holding a Career Day on campus where, instead of going to class, students go around and learn about different careers that are readily available for Mt. Hood graduates. “I know that we have career fairs that are successful, but I just want to change it a little bit,” he said. Above all, the ASG duo wants
students to feel comfortable on campus, and they appreciate any feedback they want to offer. We want (students to) get more involved (in) different ways,” said
Velasco. “We try to reach out to anyone and (hold) events that are relevant to (the entire) student population.”
Photo by Chuck Masi
ASG Vice President Santiago Velasco and President Kelly Bernardino. Both students served on ASG last year, which prepared them for their current roles.
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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
November 18, 2016
Mt. Hood production brings intensity to tough subject Erik Walters the advocate
This weekend, MHCC’s Theatre Club presents “Bang Bang You’re Dead,” a one-act play written by William Mastrosimone in 1999 who specifically suggests that performers incorporate their own experiences into the play’s characters. The cast and crew is almost completely comprised of MHCC students, save for Mt. Hood theatre instructor Mace Archer. The plot focuses on Josh, a high school student who murders his own parents and then five classmates. It is strongly based on the events surrounding Kip Kinkel’s violent actions in May 1998 at Thurston High School in Springfield, Oregon, where he opened fire on 27 of his classmates, killing two. The play is meant to be a dramatized public service announcement, drawing awareness to bullying and violence in schools. Please be aware, the portrayal of violence in visual media may cause past victims to encounter lifelike trauma; the intensity that the actors and actress deliver their performance
Photo by Erik Walters
The assembled cast of “Bang Bang You’re Dead”. FRONT ROW, LEFT to RIGHT: Jean-Louis Mock Van Mol, Eno Omon, Jet Black (Josh, main protagonist), Brea Grimes, Antonio Lucero. BACK ROW, LEFT to RIGHT: Shauna Kitchen, Mace Archer, Chase Jackson, Jarad Merchant, Angel Williams, Vern Porter, Christopher Wolfe, Laural Strobel.
could impact viewers directly. The cast does a great job of elevating an important drama to a psychological thriller. Shauna Kitchen, who plays Jessie, suggests that viewers “immerse themselves in the story.” The lead character, Josh, is quickly portrayed as cold and angry,
but just as in real life there is much more to his story. This play resonated with me on a personal level, I was in school and easily remember the Thurston and Columbine High School (Colorado) shootings. As a teen, I fit the profile of the shooters. I was often bullied, put
down, and outcast. I had experience with, and access to guns, as well. I was able to learn to ignore the negative comments and focus on the people in my life that really mattered; meantime, I recall people being much nicer to me around that time. Brea Grimes, a cast member,
points out that “We need to be careful with how we treat one another, because you don’t know what happening in that person’s life. You don’t know where they are, emotionally.” I had an opportunity to sit down with members of the cast earlier this week. I was surprised to find out that each player was able somehow to connect with their character, they felt only subtle changes to the script were necessary for the Mt. Hood production. Lead actor Jet Black (Josh) recommends that the audience “pay attention to the subjectivity; try to see yourself in every role.” It is easy to label Josh as an evil character, but the reality is that there is so much gray in the real world, even he has hopes and dreams for the future. While the show opened Thursday, there are shows at 7:30 p.m. tonight and Saturday, and 2 p.m. matinee show on Sunday. I recommend everyone see “Bang Bang You’re Dead” this weekend at the MHCC Studio Theater, and stay for the thoughful discussion following the performance.
Improv troupe warming up for new season of comedy
First performance draws plenty of laughs, due to improve with time Matana McIntire the advocate
“It’s like drumming. If you miss a beat, you create another.” - Sam Shepard, quoted in a conversation about improvisation with Patti Smith, published in her 2010 book, “Just Kids.” On Nov. 10, Mt. Hood’s studentled improv troupe took to the Studio Theatre stage and gave its first performance of the year. The group consisted of five performers – one man, Benjamin Rulla - and four women, Ashley Fray, Jade Rabell, Laurel Strobel, and Michelle
Benson. As the Advocate reported on a Feb. 12 performance during the last school year (and loved it) the troupe’s initial performance of the 2016-17 season was at the top of our to-do list. Walking into the Studio Theatre, I certainly had expectations. Last winter, I had raved about my love of comedy and its special place in my heart. In general, I believe comedy is hard to rate simply because of how subjective it is. And like the Shepard quote above, the spontaneous nature of an improv show makes it a special kind of comedy.
Jade Rabell (left) and Laurel Strobel (right) scream on stage as they improvise. PA G E 4
It can be argued that group chemistry can make or break an improv performance. As I watched the troupe’s first performance, there were many aspects that made me laugh. But for each of those, there were times where the chemistry fell flat. It felt leagues apart from the previous performance I had been to, and I couldn’t help but compare. Granted, the members are (mostly)
different this year and it was their first live performance together; I’m certainly excited to see them develop with each show. Overall, I can truly say I loved it. A favorite from last year, Michelle Benson, has returned to the troupe and brought to the table her awkward, random and hilariously funny humor. By the end of the show, I grew to really f a v o r Jade R a b e l l ’s strong, split-
LEFT to RIGHT: Benjamin Rulla, Jade Rabell, Ashley Fray, and Michelle Benson.
second character decisions. Laurel Strobel reminded me so strongly of Kristen Schaal that I felt bad she was voted-out-by-applause during a knockout-round skit. I think as the year progresses, as the troupe performs more, it will only get better. That is why I invite you to see their next performance, on Friday, Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Studio Theatre. It’s a holidaythemed event with a performance by the MHCC choir club, and it’s free. I’ll be there.
Photo by Matana McIntire
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
advocate-online.net
A
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s ’ r n e n n I Gle r ‘Arrival’ review Co
where your studies can take you
From concert coverage to the ‘Portlandia’ set
Glenn Dyer
the advocate
Ryan Moore the advocate
Many students enrolled in the Integrated Media program here at MHCC are motivated to find a career in which they are able to express themselves and be creative. That was exactly the case with Kristina Strickland, a Spring 2016 graduate of the IM program. For those not familiar with the program, there are four focuses available as majors: photography, video, broadcasting, and graphic design. Kristina chose video as Photo provided by Kristina Strickland her major because she was always ABOVE: Kristina Strickland in action, interested in it, but she says it was getting inspired by her surroundings. a bit of a tough call since she knew rience writing for the Advocate more about photography. Luckily for her, many of the newspaper here at MHCC to skills covered in the program write reviews for the concerts she overlap, a concept many of the in- has covered. She explained that as she bestructors convey to students and particularly important because gan getting hired to cover conbeing more well-rounded makes certs, she started out writing for really small publications. Since you more employable. One advantage students in then, her opportunities have exthis program have is the hands- panded. “The more people you on education that comes with know, the better,” she said. This was certainly true with the major they choose. “I really liked all the technical stuff with her latest gig, taking her video the cameras and everything,” said skills she learned from IntegratStrickland, who began a bit un- ed Media and landing a job with certain but then grew to really the popular sketch comedy TV show “Portlandia,” thanks to an like the program. Besides her interest in video internship opportunity lined up and photography, Strickland’s oth- through the IM program. “It was super unexpected, and er big passion is music. Ever since she went to one of her first con- it went by really fast. I was lucky to certs, My Chemical Romance, at get the internship,” she said. While about age 12, she said, “I thought it on set, she recalled all the training she got in school and that gave would be cool to capture that.” This soon led to her first over- her a pretty good advantage, even all goal in IM, which was to find compared to some of the staff something that would combine members there, she added. “They noticed that even as an elements of video, photography, and music. From there she got her intern this was something I was inspiration to get into videoing and passionate about and I actually photographing live concerts. She wanted to do,” she said. What advice would Strickhas covered several bands so far, land give to current Integrated including Foals, Bear Hands, The Neighbourhood, and The 1975, Media students? “Work hard, pay attention, who she has covered two times. This has taken her to venues such do your assignments, and take as the Roseland Theater, Crystal it seriously,” she said. “Create a Ballroom, and the Arlene Schnitzer work ethic, and make good connections with your classmates Concert Hall. Along with getting some great and teachers, because a lot of visuals of these performances, this type of work is based off the Strickland also used her expe- relationships you build.”
Graphic by Prisma Flores
4/5 on the Arrival alien spaceship scale
Are you tired of today’s fastpaced, brain-festering science fiction spectacles that are poured into theaters every half hour? Would you prefer something that took its time and told a solid, well thought out sci-fi story with interesting ideas and themes? Something
similar to say, “The Andromeda Strain” or “2001: A Space Odyssey”? Well, “Arrival” is not nearly as good as those two, but it’s the thought that counts. When 12 alien capsules land all around the world, sparking political uproar and hysteria among the masses, it is up to Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner to use their combined talents to communicate with the alien beings and determine the answer to one question: Why are they here? Let’s start off with the good parts. The film’s strong suit is definitely its atmosphere, particularly in the first half. The tension builds very effectively as we get closer and closer to seeing the aliens in the flesh. I would like to give specific praise to the
opening scene, where Amy Adams shows up to her job as a linguistics professor to find that most of her students are gone and those who remain seem very distracted by alerts they are getting from their phones. Then again, that’s pretty typical in most of my classes. Other things to acclaim would be the two leads, who are very believable in their roles; the design of the aliens themselves, which are a unique cross of squid, crab, and pure nightmares; and the heavy emphasis on a slow pace and rich sci-fi storytelling, a rarity outside of the 1970s.
To view the full unabridged story, visit: advocate-online.net
Are you looking for a new Birth Control method?
IRB Approved: 3/4/2016
Research Opportunity
The OHSU Women’s Health Research Unit is conducting a study at Mount Hood Community College. We want to learn how having a Birth Control Resource Center on campus can help women access their preferred method of birth control. You can help us learn more by participating in our research.
You may be eligible for this study if you are: A woman between 17-30 years of age, Enrolled in a 2-year certificate program at MHCC with at least one semester left, Looking to start birth control or switch from your current method, At risk for pregnancy, Seeking to avoid pregnancy for the next year. Qualified participants will be compensated up to $120 for time and travel for this study. During the study you will meet with study staff on campus and learn about your birth control options. You will either receive your preferred method of birth control on campus, or be given information about where to get this birth control. Study participation is completely voluntary and your decision to participate will not affect your care. If you are interested in participating, please call the Women’s Health Research Unit Confidential Recruitment Line at (503) 494-3666 or email whru@ohsu.edu for more information.
Birth Control Resource Center Study Principal Investigator: Jacqueline Lamme, MD IRB# 15715 PA G E 5
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
November 18, 2016
Jazz musical expression brings on more performances Monique Mallari
Some people may be preparing for the Black Friday sales, but others are getting into holiday swing in a musical way. M H C C ’s Jazz Ensemble, along with guest soloists Dmitri Matheny and Charles McNeal, are ramping up the holiday spirit this season with their first performance on Nov. 30. The ensemble’s currently working on polishing up its pieces and working diligently towards the concert. With just a handful of rehearsal days left, Jazz Director Dan Davey plans to ensure that the group’s focus is sustained. That shouldn’t be an issue, if Monday’s rehearsal was an indicator. The musicians were clearly
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Grapics by Svetlana Meshcheryakova
the advocate
Photo by Porcha Hesselgesser
Driector Dan Davey, right, helping the Jazz Ensemble prepare for its Nov. 30 performance in the Visual Arts Theatre here on the MHCC Gresham campus.
invested and energized, and have rehearsed outside of class. It’s obvious that Davey and the group are in sync and ready to be successful. A flugelhorn player (a version of the trumpet), Dmitri Matheny, will host a jazz workshop at MHCC on Nov. 28. The session will be in
the Performing Arts center on campus, Room 2102, at 3:30 p.m. Every year while on tour, Matheney visits colleges, and public schools to present “melodic mastery” jazz improvisation workshops for
musicians of all ages. Each focuses on the mental aspects of that occur when performing a jazz solo and the skills for improvisation, with the goal of helping students gain confidence in freely improvising and creating something that’s
different, that’s “entirely new and profoundly personal,” he explains on his website. He invites and encourages local high school students to join the workshop. “Create your own melody. Tell your own story. Sing your own song!” Matheny encourages musicians. He will be joined by saxophonist McNeal for the Nov. 30 show, which starts at 7 p.m. in the Visual Art Theatre on Mt. Hood’s Gresham campus. Contact the Performing Arts department for concert details, at 503-491-6969. The next evening, Matheny is scheduled to premiere in “Cool Burnin’: a tribute to Chet Baker” at the Alberta Abbey Theatre. The show starts at 7:30 p.m., at 126 N.E. Alberta St. in Portland. Tickets are $20-$30. Visit pdxjazz.com/event/ dmitri-matheny-cool-burnina-tribute-to-chet-baker/ for more information. Meantime, area musicians interested in joining the improvisation workshop with Matheny should contact Davey for RSVP information at 503-491-7010.
SPORTS
advocate-online.net
Growing as a team: Pushing through a hard season Jamie George the advocate
The cross country season has come to a close and the Saints can be proud of what they accomplished this season. It got off to a bumpy start, but by the end the runners hit their stride together. “I think we did pretty well. We had a lot of injuries and illnesses throughout the season but overall I think we feel pretty good about the season,” said Erika Veltkamp. For one thing, the Mt. Hood women were able to field enough runners to compete in just about every meet, a challenge in recent years. Leah Rae Russell said, “It was a long season. Overall I felt like we did a pretty good job. We had an almost complete freshman team,
besides Jon (Morrell-Salter, only sophomore on either the men’s or women’s team), and we still managed to hold our own at meets.” Being nearly all freshmen, the Saints struggled a bit with team unity. But as the season progressed they grew close together. Jared Pohl said, “I felt like we did improve a lot, knowing that we’re probably the youngest team in the conference and that if everyone stays along, next year it would be better. Especially towards the end of the season we started to act like more of a team with each other. “We all just started to hang out more outside of practice,” Pohl said. “We started having team dinners, playing Ultimate frisbee and it didn’t seem like there was much awkwardness in the team much more.”
Photo by Isaiah Teeny
The Saints struggled with injuries but never stopped competing this season.
Pohl said his favorite moment came off of the track. “Just this last weekend at the championships being an overnight trip... our team just came together and actually hung out and we all went to Cabela’s, and I don’t think anybody had a bad time.” For Veltkamp, the season was a personal success because she made a change in her running style. “I learned how to fix my stride so I can run more easily. While I may not be the fastest, at least running has become more relaxed and easy for me,” she explained. She thanked head coach Jim Satterfield for the breakthrough. “I have had a poor running form for all of the years that I have been running, but he took the time to show me what I had been doing wrong and helped me practice the correct form until I got it right,” Veltkamp said. Pohl echoed her compliments, also praising Satterfield. “He was a very patient coach knowing we were a really young brand new team coming together and handled it pretty well,” Pohl said. He reflected on what he got from this season: “I’d just say it’s more of a year of learning to be a freshman student athlete at a college.” It is clear the young MHCC team did a lot of growing this season, not just as runners but as a
NWAC CROSS COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS Saturday, Nov. 12
Men’s 8K
Average Time
Total Time
Jacob Fry
5:43.8
28:29.1
Jon Morrell-Salter
5:55.1
29:25.1
Jared Pohll
6:14.6
31:02.1
Alex Derbyshire
6:55.5
34:25.7
Aaron Pettengill
7:41.4
38:13.8
Average Time
Total Time
Leah Russell
6:42.4
20:50.4
Sara Sjaastad
7:12.5
22:23.7
Hannah Lewis
7:40.0
23:49.3
Erika Veltkamp
7:45.7
24:07.1
Stephanie Lite
8:26.3
26:13.1
Average Time
Total Time
32:19
2:41:35
Average Time
Total Time
23:28
1:57:23
Women’s 5K
Men’s 8K Team Scores MHCC Cross Country Placed 10th/11
Women’s 5K Team Scores MHCC Cross Country Placed 7th/9
group of friends. Still, like all things in life that take up such a large portion of time, there is some relief in the season ending, the runners say. Pohl was really starting to enjoy the season so he’s disappointed to have it end. But he also is excited to rest up before running track next spring, if he does end up staying in school through Winter Term.
Veltkamp said, “I really like cross country so I am sad that it is over, but we’ve been working really hard all season so I think we need a little break to let out bodies rest up before we jump back into training hard for track.” It’s hard to blame these athletes for being ready for a little break after a long, hard season.
Basketball is more than a game, it’s her way of life Jamie George and Brody Mathews the advocate
Jessica Parker is a freshman point guard on the Mt. Hood women’s basketball team. She loves the game, and like most things in life that we love, she uses it as her getaway. “Basketball can be a stress reliever... Afterwards I always feels better,” she said. Parker has played since the first grade. “Basketball has been a part of my life since I was little. My dad coached me all through grade school and at the time I didn’t really realize how much it later would affect my life,” she said. “My love for basketball has grown over the years… It’s always something I know can cheer me up on a bad day. “When I’m in the gym it’s easy to forget about whatever else is going on in my life outside,” she said. Parker attended Country Chris-
tian High School, in Molalla, where she helped lead her team to the 1A state championship last year, her senior season. Leaving high school, she knew she wanted to continue to play basketball. “That’s been my goal since eighth grade. I didn’t care where, I just wanted to play. I wasn’t ready for it to be over,” she said. Mt. Hood gave her that opportunity. “It was between Mt. Hood and a few other schools. I chose Mt. Hood because when I came to my first open gym, the girls were extremely welcoming and It immediately felt like home.” Head coach John Hawley said the Saints will lean on Parker’s game. “We like where she’s at. She’s been a great team leader, and really picked things up,” Hawley said. “We want her to be more of a scorer, which she wasn’t before and she wasn’t expected to be. So we’re really trying to amp her game up to be
more of a floor general. “She’s a tough kid. She came on late, and has worked real hard. She’s been a solid player, and she wants to get better,” Hawley said, praising her work habits.
Parker said she wants to help make this Saints team stronger, because the stronger her team is, the better she can be. She is currently taking general studies classes, but is also taking
Photo by Isaiah Teeny
Jessica Parker is the Saints’ freshman point guard. She won the D1 state championship in high school with Country Christian last season.
a business class and is considering majoring in business. She wants to play basketball at a four-year college, after her sophomore year next season. She doesn’t have a clue where, but if she can play, she’ll be happy. She admits that her commitment to basketball does add an element of stress to her school work, but insists basketball is worth it. “Actually sometimes it helps me, because it keeps me motivated to keep good grades,” she explained. Right now Parker’s focused on what she can do to help the Saints succeed. Last season Mt. Hood finished in seventh place in its division, with a conference record of four wins and 12 losses – though it did that with only five healthy players – and failed to make the playoffs. Overall, the Saints went 9-18. This season is a fresh start, beginning tonight with a tough home game against Peninsula. And if Parker has her way, Mt. Hood will be competitive.
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SPORTS
November 18, 2016
Passion trumps size any day Jamie George the advocate
Elijah Fuller may stand just 6 feet tall, but the heart he plays with makes him a force on the court. Basketball is more than just a game to Fuller; it’s a career path. The work ethic he pours into the game may be what takes him far. Fuller is the Saints’ shooting guard, out of Yelm High School, near Olympia, Washington. He’s been playing basketball since first grade. He started really taking basketball seriously his freshman year, where he was a varsity player. At the time, he was only 5 feet 6 inches and 120 pounds, and was a point guard. By graduation he
weighed 140, but he immediately hit the weight room his freshman year at Yakima Valley College and now weighs 175 pounds. After an injury at Yakima, he transferred here to Mt. Hood this season. While point guard is Fuller’s true position, he says, he’ll play wherever is best for the team. “It’s about being the player my team needs me to be,” he said. In truth, he’s a scoring-first point guard, much like Stephen Curry, his basketball role model. “I watch a full game of Steph every night before I go to bed… I love Steph,” Fuller said of the Golden State Warriors star. Curry is just 6 feet 3 inches in a league filled with dominant scorers 6 feet 5 inches
If you missed it... Jared Goff, No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, will start for the Rams Sunday against the Miami Dolphins. He’s replacing Case Keenum, who’s 24th in completion percentage, 19th in passing yards, and 25th in touchdowns. Keenum also is second in interceptions thrown. Los Angeles fans have been asking for this move for weeks now; will the change pay off? It’s official: After much speculation, Tony Romo is now the Dallas Cowboys’ backup quarterback. Dak Prescott has led the team to 8-1 so far in his rookie campaign and Dallas has no intent to change what’s working. Romo said, “Dak Prescott has earned the right to be our quarterback.” Difficult words for him to say, but the truth, nonetheless. Three of the top four college football ranked teams lost Saturday. No. 2 Michigan lost at Iowa, 14-13; No. 3 Clemson fell at home to Pittsburgh, 43-42; and No. 4 Washington lost at home to USC, 26-13. All three teams were undefeated heading into the weekend. This is the first time since 1985 that 1, 2, and 3 all lost on the same day. Corey Seager, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ 22-yearold shortstop, won the National League Rookie of the Year award unanimously, it was announced Monday. It didn’t come as much of a surprise, considering he hit .308 with 26 home runs and 72 RBIs. Michael Fulmer, the Detroit Tigers’ 23-year-old starting right-hand pitcher, won the American League Rookie of the Year. He went 11-7, posted a 3.06 ERA, and struck out 132 batters.
- Jamie George
Tony Romo during his speech on becoming the backup QB.
PA G E 8
and above. It’s not that he’s an unusually small point guard; in fact, he’s right at the NBA average for point guards. But don’t be mistaken, there’s nothing average about the two time MVP Curry. It only makes sense Fuller would model his game after Curry, considering their similarities and abilities. “It’s his decisiveness, how much of a magician he is,” Fuller explained. “The way he can maneuver someone else’s body to get around them, as a smaller guard… When I watch him all I see is his confidence.” Fuller said he works to be quick and ferocious with the ball, forcing the defender to question whether he will drive inside. His main threat is his jump shot, much as with Curry. He’s best on the catch-and-shoot, but quickly adds, “Aren’t we all?” He has the ability to pull up and shoot, or get to the lane and fade away. He’s a versatile scorer who should help the Saints on offense.
Putting in the work Mt. Hood head coach John Hawley likes what he sees in Fuller. “Obviously he has athleticism, his work ethic is great. He spends
Photos by Davyn Owen
Top right: Guard Elijah Fuller, transfer from Yakima Valley College, brings the ball up court during practice. Bottom Left: Pulling up from the corner in practice.
extra time in the gym and that’s the kinda kids that we want to recruit,” Hawley said. “We want kids that want to spend the extra time to become better basketball player, become a better person and a better teammate. And I think thats what Elijah was looking for... he was at another school (Yakima), and sometimes like I said, the fit is not right... “Elijah has worked real hard, his offensive game has been real good. He played really well last Sunday, and shot the ball real well,” the coach added. He also credits Fuller for working on his weak points, and helping the Saints focus on player accountability. “We want them to be men and except responsibility of mistakes they make, and he has done a great job at that.” In truth, the part of Fuller’s game he models the most from Curry is the confidence he plays with. Those who watch Curry on the court have no doubt he feels like he can’t miss. His face says it all, and that’s what Fuller is trying to take from him, he said. Basketball is so much about a player’s confidence in his game, and Fuller has learned that early on. Look at all of the great players over the last 50 years: They all play with an element of arrogance, an ego. Kobe, Michael, LeBron, Magic, Bird, they play with ultimate confidence that allows them to take their game to the next level. And Fuller
has noticed. While he’s at Mt. Hood right now, Fuller has all the intent in the world to take his game to a Division 1 school. He laughs that he’d be willing to go to schools such as Duke or Kentucky. “I want to go as high as I can; Division 1 is obviously the goal… If I put the work in and I put everything into God’s hands, its like if I don’t go D-1 then it wasn’t God’s plan,” he said.
Looking ahead From there he says, “I just want to go to the NBA. No Plan B’s… If you got a Plan B, then you think Plan A is going to fail.” Saints assistant coach Nate Bowie said, “He’s got the talent for D-1, he’s just got to be willing to put in the work. He could be our best scorer.” Fuller doesn’t allow himself to just focus on offense though. He knows there’s two sides to the game, one just as important as the other. “Defense is always key, that’s how you win games. We always focus on that at practice,” he said. Teammate John Tibbs had high praise for him, “He brings the uncontrollable work ethic that can’t be scaled.” Fuller knows no matter how much confidence he plays with that at the end of the day, what he puts in is what he’ll get out. Right now he’s putting in everything he’s got.