Issue 1

www.thecrcconnection.com

Softball team Softball team shows promise shows promise with strong with strong preseason preseason See Page 12 See Page 12

Alicia Ilaga | The Connection

LRCCD initiative

District shows support for undocumented students News, Page 2 ISSUE 1 Spring 2017 Student voice of CRC since 1970

Black History Month Black Student Union prepares awareness month Features, Page 5

FACEBOOK /crcconnection

The age of Trump

Student analysis of Trump’s first acts as president Opinion, Page 9

TWITTER @crcconnection

New athletic dean

Stronger focus on academics among student athletes Sports, Page 10

INSTAGRAM @crcconnection

Page 2

February 9, 2017

>>News

District’s resolution protects undocumented students

By Julie Wallinger jwallinger.connect@gmail.com The Los Rios Community College District has reaffirmed its commitment to diversity by signing a new resolution in support of undocumented students and employees.

On Jan. 11 the LRCCD Board of Trustees unanimously passed Resolution 2017-02, which takes a stance in support of students and employees covered by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

DACA, a federal program providing lawful status and work authorization to undocumented individuals, allows students to pursue their education and are allowed employment opportunities by educational institutions.

The resolution states that the district will not cooperate with federal efforts to create any registry on their students based on religion, national origin, race or sexual orientation.

The district will not disclose their students’ confidential records, unless required by law, and the Los Rios Police Department has been instructed not to target students in suspicion of immigration status.

Professor of anthropology and coordinator of the Safe Spaces program at Cosumnes

River College, Anastasia Panagakos, said she is proud to work in a district that takes a strong stance for their students.

“We have a strong focus on diversity and this strong idea - especially in our district that the goal here is to educate students, and I’m not going to ask a student, beyond their name, to tell me anything else unless they want to. It’s really none of my business what their background is,” she said.

“The fact that the district has extended that to include the police force, saying, ‘You won’t detain students, and we are not going to use our resources to detain students, because they may be undocumented,’ I think that’s a powerful statement,” said Panagakos.

President Trump’s plans to target undocumented citizens was a factor for the district’s preemptive measure to protect their students and employees, according to LRCCD 2017-02 resolution.

This resolution exemplifies its solidarity with schools in other districts who are also fighting for their students after State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson urged Californian educators to declare schools as safe havens against deportation.

Many students, like

Number of foreign students studying in the U.S. in 2015-16 from each of the affected countries named in the immigration ban

Institute of International Education

33-year-old Christopher Joseph, a film and media studies major, agreed with the district’s stance in protecting their students.

“Since they are already here, and usually younger and brought here by their parents, I feel like they should be able to stay,” he said. “Because, through no fault of their own, they are here going to school and trying to better themselves.”

CRC has been continually monitoring various federal immigration policies very

closely becase it concerns their students.

A month before resolution 2017-02 was passed, Cosumnes River College President Edward Bush sent an email to campus students reassuring them that the district and the school were dedicated to supporting their students.

“We are here to support you and want you to know we will continue to advocate on your behalf,” Bush wrote.

Film and media studies major Matt Walter, 19, said he is glad to see the school has

taken steps to demonstrate its commitment to students in the last few months.

“It feels like the school really cares about the students here,” he said.

On Feb. 3, during a White House press briefing, Press Secretary Sean Spicer was asked when to expect President Donald Trump’s termination of programs such as the DACA and the issuance of work permits.

“The president has made significant progress on addressing the pledge he made to the American people regarding immigration problems that we face, and I think we’re going to see more action on that in the next few weeks,” Spicer said.

It is unclear whether the White House will keep DACA. Little is known about the future of the program.

Panagakos said that she has noticed a general growing anxiety among students since Trump has taken office, and wants to help those that fear being thrown into a chaotic situation.

“We don’t ask or judge in terms of anyone’s background whatever that may be,” she said. “Our goal is to make sure that everyone is getting what they need and that this environment remains open and safe.”

First Year Experience program in second semester

By Kristine Yabumoto kyabumoto.connect@gmail.com Beginning college at Cosumnes River College can be scary and hard for freshmen.

The First-Year Experience program was created to help assist students in getting accustomed to college life.

The FYE started this past summer and has since shown to be effective in guiding students through their first year as freshman. The program focuses on guiding students to achieving their goals and helping them with their academic careers. To be eligible for the program, a student needed to enroll in 12 units, consisting of one college level English and math class.

Having a sense of commu-

nity, knowing that they have a group of students from day one that they can come to with any type of questions they might have and also having the FYE staff and faculty to help them is a really big help said Student Success and Support Program Specialist Khalid Kiburi.

“The more connected a student is to the campus, the more likely they are to succeed,” said Kiburi. Students in the FYE program have been able to get a sense of community and also connect with people they can feel comfortable going to for help.

Freshman students who aren’t in the FYE program can be presented with challenges said Michael Chap-

pell, a counselor at CRC. “Those students who don’t have it-they’re not equipped, so they don’t know certain deadlines, they don’t know certain degree objectives, they

don’t know we have certificates, we also have majors, we have transfers; going through this program, they get a better scope of what the community college has to offer, rather than trying to just go around here trying to find yourself in classes,” Chappell said.

Shannon Mills, developer of the FYE program and anthropology professor, said that the students enrolled in the program have more hands-on direction and support in getting their general education requirements done in a timely manner.

She also said that the program’s students will be more likely to have a Courtesy Photo solid foundation in read-

ing, writing and math than students that otherwise do not choose to take these courses when they first arrive.

“We are also spending more time working with the counselors to specialize in FYE so that the new students coming in the fall will have the best possible experience in planning their future pathway,” Mills said.

FYE intends to keep growing and will continue to evaluate how it can best serve its students through every step of the process, said Kiburi.

“We’re looking to expand next year, we’re looking to have more students be a part of the program and have more services available to them but stay tuned for more of that,” said Kiburi.

thecrcconnection.com

Page 3

>>News

Blood donations exceed set goal

By Julie Wallinger jwallinger.connect@gmail.com BloodSource came to campus for the first mobile blood drive of the year on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

Bloodmobiles were parked on the main walkway in front of the library from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days of the drive.

A registration table and canopy with chairs were set up for students and faculty to register and wait for their turns in the mobile blood units.

It’s important to give blood because you never know who, or how, it will help, said firsttime donor, 20-year-old undeclared major Ana Vang.

“I’m donating blood because I just want to,” she said.

“I just want my blood to help somebody. Maybe it could help people.”

Whole blood donations that were collected from the drive will be separated into three components - platelets, plasma and red blood cells, which will all be used to treat a variety of different medical needs, according to the BloodSource website.

The goal for the drive was to collect about 70 donations, said BloodSource volunteer Moran Henson.

Henson said that donating blood was incredibly important because blood is “a needed resource that is highly in demand, as well as other blood drive products.”

Henson said that around noon was the drive’s busiest time, “because the separation between the morning and the afternoon classes” meant that more students and faculty were coming and going through the walkway past the bloodmobiles and had an hour to spare.

“Since our chairs are already full, we’re doing pretty good,” he said. “And we’re doing pretty well, overall.”

Donors received a complimentary T-shirt from BloodSource that read “Donating blood is my superpower” and featured a superhero with a bandage on their arm alongside the recognizable figures

“I’m donating blood because I just want to.

I just want my blood to help somebody. Maybe it could help people.”

— Ana Vang Undeclared Major of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman.

Nursing major Bianca Aboytes, 19, said it’s important to give often because the blood products collected from donations save lives.

“I’ve been doing it since I was like 15,” she said. “Too many times to count.”

However, Henson said that there are several things that could disqualify a person from being able to donate blood.

“If you’re sick within the last 72 hours, we won’t want to have you donate,” he said.

“As well as if there’s any antibiotics you’ve been taking, it needs to be three days after your last consumption of antibiotics.”

Henson said that there is a quick blood test, which the nurses will administer before the donation proceeds that checks a donor’s iron levels.

If the test shows that there is an iron deficiency, the donation will not proceed.

There are also restrictions if donors have recently travelled, Henson said.

“If you’ve been out of the country, or in areas where there might be a high instance say, like, of malaria or tuberculosis, those will disqualify you even if you weren’t in contact with the disease itself,” he said.

During the two-day drive, students donated 146 units of blood, said College Nurse Michelle Barkley.

That total exceeded the original goal set for the drive of 70 pints.

The next campus blood drive will be on May 2 - 3, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the main walkway.

Courtesy Photo

Cosumnes River College will host a retreat for women at Woodleaf campsite, above, on March 10 - 11.

Campus organization plans retreat for female students

By Jannah Khalil jkhalil.connect@gmail.com A Focus 4 Women has scheduled a women’s retreat event for female Cosumnes River College students at Woodleaf in Challenge, Calif..

A Focus 4 Women, an organization at CRC responsible for last semester’s “First me, Then You: Relationship Building” women’s conference, has planned a two-night retreat for female students on March 10-11 in which students and faculty will focus on self-care, self-love and self-healing.

“My goal is to empower our women,” said Jacqueline Mathis, an Extended Opportunity Programs and Services counselor and the head of this project. “Women, I believe, get their strength from other women.”

The retreat is for female students only. Student must pay a $10 refundable deposit, due at registration.

The trip includes overnight lodging, all meals and snacks and bus transportation from CRC. The overnight trip will also include team-building activities, motivational speakers and will give these women a chance to relax and get away, said Mathis.

Some team building activities that will be offered during the event include an obstacle and ropes course, both of which are meant to induce challenges and team-building experiences for visitors.

Jeanne Edman, research coordinator and psychology professor at CRC, has agreed to be the keynote speaker at the event and will be giving motivational speeches about body image. Another speaker, Lee Lipton, will provide lessons for the students about balance in their personal life, as well as lessons in meditation.

The goal is to gather a party of 150 students to sign up for the retreat, said Mathis.

Diana Atkins, 77, a sociology major, said she’s going to the Women’s Retreat because she “needs to relax” and wants to “establish new friendships.”

“We can leave backpacks at home. We can leave the books at home and just relax,” said Atkins. “We can laugh and sing and eat together. It will just be a nice sense of communion and community.”

Kelly Melanson, a 20-yearold management information systems major signed up to attend the retreat, said she was inspired to attend the event by guest speaker Ruthie Bolton, a former professional wom-

en’s basketball player, and the speech and group discussion at the Focus 4 Women continuation of the “First me, Then You: Relationship Building” conference last semester.

Melanson said she really felt like she was a part of the CRC women’s community because of the event.

“Going to this women’s retreat will help me feel more confident in my strength and ability as a woman,” said Melanson. “I also need to take pride in what makes me a woman and how having more intimate female friendships can help me learn about myself and others, and how we can support each other as a community of women at CRC.” Because of the success of the Women’s Conference events last semester, Mathis and the Focus 4 Women organization have been trying to create more events for female students at CRC. “We want to have something for our female students every semester,” said Mathis.

“We don’t want to do something just in the fall. We want something ongoing, all the time.”

Students can sign up for the retreat until Feb. 17 in the EOPS office located at L-106.

FEBRUARY 9, 2017

PAGE 4

SAVE THE Students react to executive orders

By Justin Cordero and Julie Wallinger jcordero.connect@gmail.com & juliewallinger.connect@gmail.com

DATE CLUB RUSH Club rush is an activity held during Welcome Days where students can learn about campus clubs. It is located in the Fountain Quad Feb. 6-9 from 9a.m. 4:30 p.m.

INCOME TAX PREPARATION CRC is offering free tax preparation to students, staff, and the entire community from Feb. 10 to March 31 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.

LIGHT WORKS OPENING RECEPTION

There will be a reception for the new gallery featuring artwork from Kurt Fishback, Richard Murai, Bill Santos and Donald Satterlee on Feb. 10 from 6-8 p.m. in the CRC Art Gallery.

Students at Cosumnes River College have been reacting to the controversial executive orders signed by President Donald Trump.

According to the White House website, Trump signed eight executive orders, 12 presidential memoranda and two proclamations as of Tuesday.

“Executive orders are granted in Article II of the Constitution,” said Elizabeth Huffman, professor of political science at Cosumnes River College. “And the idea is to allow the executive to take action to uphold or execute the law.”

Huffman said that the amount of executive orders Trump has signed is not unusual for a new president. What is unusual, she said, is how he’s using executive orders to address a scope of big issues.

“Typically, especially in the first weeks, especially in the first year, a congress of the same political party is going to be very willing to deliver the president,” she said. “So the fact that he chose to go this route, using executive order, rather than the legislative process, is unusual.”

Huffman referenced Trump’s executive order titled “Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States.” The order suspends the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for 120 days and immigration from Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Iraq, Iran and Libya for 90 days.

Isaac Coleman, a 23-year-old engineering major, said that the order was in line with what Trump promised during his campaign.

“I don’t support it at all because, yes I can understand the reasoning, these are nations chosen by the last administration as high for terror,” he said. “But you’re essentially accusing someone of a crime before they committed it.”

Jacob Goldman, 21, a nursing major, said that the order caused a lot

Courtesy Photo

of overreaction from both sides of the political fence.

“Personally I think the whole issue is a little blown out of proportion,” he said. “I don’t live in fear of terror attacks happening, so I don’t think his travel ban will do anything.”

Huffman said that while the content of the order was not surprising, Trump did not need to use an executive order to make changes to immigration policy because congress would have passed the legislation on the floor.

“In some ways, you can see it as setting a tone for his administration,” Huffman said. “Alright, so he’s promised he’s going to go in there, he’s going to make changes, he’s going to get things done. And that’s exactly what he’s doing with these administrative [orders]. What he is not doing, which is equally telling, is consulting with State Department, Department of Justice, congressional republicans.”

Huffman said that it was important to note that the Department of Homeland Security was not consulted because that is the government organization that will be responsible for upholding the order.

This is evidenced by the resulting

contention between the White House and the Department of Homeland Security.

According to Evan Perez, Pamela Brown and Kevin Liptak in their article for CNN, the Department of Homeland Security ruled that the immigration ban did not apply to legal green card holders.

The White House then overruled that judgment and said that green card holders arriving in the United States would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

“Let’s put it this way, had Trump even discussed [the ban] with some of his own staff, policy advisors, they would have told him that that’s not the way the system works,” Huffman said. “So there’s not evidence of consultation.”

Tre Murray, 23, a computer science major, said that he wasn’t happy about all the anger the immigration ban was causing.

“It’s already been super hard for Islamic people in a post-9/11 world,” Murray said.

Goldman said that so far in his presidency, Trump has succeeded in getting people involved with politics.

“The one good thing I’d say about it is that people are actually paying attention for once.”

“DEFAMATION - THE PLAY” Defamation is a courtroom drama that explores the highly charged issues of race, religion, gender, class and the law. It will show in the Recital Hall Feb. 21 from 12:30-2:30 p.m.

courtesy of Newseum

PAGE 5

THECRCCONNECTION.COM

>>Features

Annual celebration gives Black Student Union a platform

By Kristi Doan kdoan.connect@gmail.com It’s Black History Month and Black Student Union is hosting a celebration with a progressive purpose.

Black History Month is an annual celebration that recognizes achievements of African Americans in United States history.

“This month is a time where we can bring awareness to events in history everyone could get more educated with,” said BSU Vice President Toni Hudson, age, major.

According to the Cosumnes River College student clubs website, BSU’s purpose is “promoting educational opportunities and awareness of Black culture. To provide a sense of kinship and identity.”

“I think that the black students on this campus need to be identified as striving to become progressive minded, to establish a sense of higher learning and wanting to go farther,” said BSU President Diana Atkins, 77, human services major.

“So many times they have been stereotyped as lazy, gang bangers or weed heads,” Atkins said.

“We are products of our environment and many of these young people don’t have role models and become products of what’s thought of them, and I want to change that.”

Stories of African American heroes throughout history serve to inform and inspire “not just for African American youth, but underprivileged youth as a whole,” Atkins said.

She believes role models who come from similar backgrounds could motivate underprivileged youth to challenge their stereotypes and aspire for success.

“A lot of people don’t get to share their stories; they die with their story,” Hudson said.

“I feel like it’s a blessing that they even get a chance to give their story of what really happened because a lot of people don’t get to do that and that’s sad.”

By looking at the art of black history, this elevates the culture, Atkins said.

“Our purpose is we want to emphasis the crisis in black education,” Hudson said. “We want to know the problems we are facing and we want to find solutions.”

All of BSU’s events are free admission.

On Feb. 9, A Night of Gospel featuring local artist and poet Terry More, Local Praise Dancers and special guest Blinky Williams of Motown will be held in the Recital Hall from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.

BSU will host a talent show that invites “all students from all walks of life,” according to their flyer. Auditions will be on Feb. 13 in the quad. The talent show will be on Feb. 28 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the quad.

“Various instructors have agreed to show a film during their class will open their class up to the crc community,” said Teresa Aldredge, counselor of Diop scholars.

Some of the films that will be screened are “Race” which is about African American athlete Jesse Owens, “Sankofa” which is about African American fashion model that is spiritually transported back to the plantation in the West Indies, “Waiting for ‘Superman,” which is a film that criticizes the American public education system, and “13th” which is about the 13th Amendment.

By the end of Black History Month, Atkins said she hopes to not just “promote our culture, to bring awareness not just of our past as slaves, but to promote the culture and dignity of black people. There is a side other than hangings.”

BSU meetings are on Wednesdays from 3-4 p.m. in BS 147.

Black History Month events Feb. 9: Gospel Concert 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. | Recital Hall

Feb. 15-16: Black Lives Matter and Data Equality Walk Feb. 15: 12 p.m.- 1:20 p.m.; Feb. 16: 12:30 p.m.- 1:50 p.m. | Winn 150

Feb. 21: ‘Defamation’ - a play 12:30 p.m.- 2:30 p.m. | Recital

Feb. 22: African American Honors and Award Night 6:30 p.m.- 8:30 p.m. | Recital Hall

Feb. 28: Black Student Union Presents, “Got Talent” Featuring Royal Linage Music Group Purpose 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. | Fountain Stage

all access

Political themes seep into music industry

By Ashley Navarro anavarro.connect@gmail.com

From Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” to Green Day’s “American Idiot,” music has been used to express political discomfort.

Originally an anthem for the anti-lynching movement and further adapted to represent oppression during the civil rights movement, “Strange Fruit” is just one example of a protest song fueled by discrimination in the 1930s. Green Day’s 2004 “American Idiot” album features a song by the same name and “Holiday,” which heavily criticized the Bush administration’s involvement in war.

In between the iconic politically-charged representations in music, there were others, such as Woody Guthrie’s “This Land Is Your Land,” Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Fortunate Son,” Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power,” nearly every Bad Religion and Rage Against the Machine album, and now most notably the “To Pimp a Butterfly” album

by Kendrick Lamar.

These politically-charged songs come from anger and soul. There’s a feeling of resistance that sparks within the creator, and the skill of creative ability allows them to share their feelings with the world to bring awareness.

The entertainment industry has an incredibly large influence on the way people think. The media is heavily molded so what better way to spread awareness than music - not only a universal tool used to communicate around the world, but a tool that can be difficult to control?

The recent election has kept the flame of resistance going, even spreading it within the entertainment industry. Artist and celebrities are more vocal now than ever about their dislike of the new administration. Could this spark another strong era of politically charged music, and will those who have

stayed neutral in the past speak up?

Looking back at all the music produced, the majority of these songs come from the R&B, hip-hop, rap and rock subgenres. These genres are pushing boundaries with thought-provoking songs.

Pop artists have used their platform to voice their concerns about equal rights and social injustice, but very few of them incorporated it into their songs.

In 2012, Taylor Swift told Times magazine, “I follow [the election], and I try to keep myself as educated and informed as possible. But I don’t talk about politics because it might influence other people. And I don’t think that I know enough in life to be telling people to vote for.”

It’s understandable to keep politics separated from professions, but music is an art form. Art has always been used to break boundaries. Music itself is the easiest way to reach an audience, especially with someone like Swift’s reputation.

Even artists across seas have been giving their input on the U.S. government. The decisions of the country may or may not directly affect them, but if they are willing to get risky with their music, then why can’t some of our own major stars put a halt on singing about love stories and make something with depth?

I’m not saying Swift and artist alike should be singing about protesting, but many of them have been outspoken about different things in society. It only makes sense to put those thoughts into words of a song. They can use the platform they have and really push to make difference if they really believe in what they preach.

Only time will tell what will happen with the music industry the next four years.

Will it produce songs stronger than ever, or will it flatline and stay limited to the voices that have been fighting since the beginning?

FEBURARY 9, 2017

PAGE 6

Students question authenticity of holiday

By Steven Bryla sbryla.connect@gmail.com As the rain continues to fall on the Cosumnes River College campus, students only have a few more days until it starts raining hearts on Valentine’s Day. Cupid shoots his arrow hoping to bring single people together to enjoy a night of fun with one another or just let couples go out and spoil each other for one night.

But does it put stress on relationships?

“The emphasis on Valentine’s day in our society has pin pointed that you have to show more love on this day,” said 19-year-old journalism major Austin Ramirez.

Why is it that we are just showing more love and emphasis on this day instead of being year-round?

Ramirez said he believes that this special day is when you can focus and show your love and appreciation for the person you’re in a relationship with.

“It’s not all about gifts,” Ramirez said. “It can be about spending time with them and taking them out simply.”

He plans on taking his girlfriend out to one of her favorite Italian restaurants down-

town a n d going to the movies.

If you are not in a relationship or not dating, the day does have some positives. You don’t have to go out and spend money on anyone but yourself.

Some people honestly don’t care about the day.

Twenty-two-year-old communications major, Tiffane Vaughn isn’t fond of the day.

“I don’t care for it now because I don’t have anyone to share it with,” Vaughn said.

She said that when she did share the day with a significant other, she would much rather

just spend time with him and have good company.

She plans on enjoying her night at the Darius Rucker concert and said not to let being single on Valentine’s Day

bring y o u down, because it’s just another day.

The day can bring nervousness and potentially put stress on newly found relationships.

Joshua Sen, 24-year-old nursing major, is nervous about this upcoming Valentine’s Day. He is in a new relationship and has been dating for about

three months. He doesn’t think Valentine’s Day adds stress because it’s just a day you can make a little more special than daily.

“When I was single, I would despise it because I would see everyone around and as I got older, I matured,” said Sen. He suggested even if you’re not in a relationship, it doesn’t mean that you can’t go and talk to anyone.

Gelene Amog, 21-year-old biomedical engineering major, said she believes men get a lot of pressure put on them by people competing with what they receive from their significant other.

“I’m sure people are naturally competitive with each other because people put a price on love now,” Amog said. “They compare money with effort.”

She is planning on spending the evening with a man that she has been dating for three months, and they are going to dinner and a movie.

She doesn’t think it should be all romantic and that relationships should be celebrated more.

“I think you’re supposed to show it 365 days a year,” said Amog.

ArtStreet

A large scaled art experience produced by M5Arts, the non profit art collective that gave you ArtHotel is showing until Feb. 25.

Admission: free Location: The Mill, 300 First Ave.

Vicious Valentines Variety Show

A Variety show on Feb. 15 featuring: Burlesque, stand-up comedy, live music, circus, and spoken word.

Time: 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.

Admission: $10 standing $15 seating Location: Starlite Lounge, 1517 21st St.

Stand Up for Midtown Planned Parenthood

A protest to help defend Planned Parenthood from defunding on Feb. 11.

Time: 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m.

Location: Planned Parenthood: B St. Health Center

#StreamingNow:

Canceled Television Edition New year, another show to binge. Whether you’re wishing it was still winter break or counting down the days until summer, these are some old goodies to get you through it.

Compiled by Ashley Navarro

‘Community’

‘30 Rock’

‘Parks and Recreation’

‘Smallville’

This fantastic comedy series follows a group of adults attending Greendale Community College. The show is full of meta references and witty comments with a pretty star studded cast. The show maintains a loyal fan following for a reason. #SixSeasonsAndAMovie. HULU.

Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, Jane Krakowski, Jack McBrayer and Alec Baldwin playing roles that seem like they were made for them. The dynamic the actors have flourished throughout the seasons and nearly every episode has a ridiculous quote by Morgan.

Netflix.

A political comedy that takes place in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. Amy Poehler takes on the role of somewhat ditzy but determined deputy director, Leslie Knope. The show follows a lot of typical tropes of a sitcom and mockumentary but has nevertheless made people love it.

Netflix. HULU.

If you grew up in the early 2000s chances are the first thing you might think of when you hear Superman is this wonderfully adapted series. If you’ve seen newer comic series adapted shows then take a chance in watching or rewatching one of the first from this century. HULU.

THECRCCONNECTION.COM

Safe Spaces program holds event to unify students

By Kristine Yabumoto kyabumoto.connect@gmail.com Safe Spaces Day was held on Feb. 7 and was an event that raised awareness for the Safe Spaces program at Cosumnes River College. The program promotes an all-inclusive campus that strives to create a safe, open and bias-free learning environment for everyone.

This was the second year Safe Spaces Day has been conducted. Safe Spaces Day is always held in the spring to start out the semester and because a lot of students come in mid-semester.

“The idea is to be sure students are aware that the program exists,” said Anastasia Panagakos, the coordinator for Safe Spaces Day. “The focus this year is on meeting allies, and so in this case the idea would be that this is a good opportunity for students to meet faculty who are allies in the Safe Spaces program - people they can count on to go to if they need assistance.”

Panagakos said that this year, the focus has been on expanding people’s ideas of gender. The program has organized workshops with faculty members to make them more aware and respectful of students who are fluid in their gender identity.

One of the focuses Panagakos said the program has been working on is getting the first gender-inclusive bathrooms on campus. Safe Spaces has been pushing for all the bathroom

signs to be changed so that every single bathroom says “All Gender.”

“We are all on this campus to learn. We want the environment to be open and positive,” said Panagakos.

Professor Heather Hutcheson, an English faculty member a part of Safe Spaces, said a program like this is important now more than ever.

“I think there are people who are feeling as though they’re not included due to a variety of national level policies” said Hutcheson. “Our campus wants to make sure that people feel welcomed and safe on campus and that they know the resources available to help them if they face things like sexual assault, harassment, discrimination.”

Hutcheson said many teachers at CRC place Safe Space stickers on their windows, indicating that anyone in need of guidance can reach them if they need help.

A map with all faculty members who have Safe Space locations can be found on the CRC Safe Spaces website.

“We have an online form that if a student feels that they’re being discriminated, harassed, bullied-maybe because they don’t speak English well or because they have a lifestyle that others don’t approve of, those students can go online on the reporting form and report it,” said Professor Sandra Carter, a Safe Space ally and member of the Social Responsibility Committee.

Stan Smith | The Connection

Safe Spaces Day coordinator Anastasia Panagakos (center) and faculty allies raise awareness for the Safe Spaces Program on Tuesday.

“The administration of the campus watches to see if there’s a growing increase so we can track how much the social climate in this campus; if it’s positive or negative.”

Carter said the Social Responsibility Committee, the committee that puts on Safe Spaces Day, has direct contact with students and asks them how they feel about situations that have occurred to them and what films they’d like to show to raise awareness.

Some students on the committee have had film series based on what CRC students have suggested.

“I like being a part of it because I personally used Safe Spaces at one point in time when I was going through some personal issues,” said Laura Roccucci, former student who participated in Safe Spaces Day the past two years and member of the Social Responsibility Committee. “It allowed me to have somebody to talk to and that was a comfort.”

“Every student has equal right to be here, and they have equal right to be treated with respect and given the same opportunity to pursue whatever academic goal they have,” said Carter.

College on a budget Compiled by Shannon Rusche srusche.connect@gmail.com

Pay with cash: Paying with cash makes you think twice about what you’re spending it on. Handing over money is harder mentally than simply swiping a card and thinking you’ll look at your transactions later. With cash, you’ll also have spare change you can save in a piggy bank or jar. They’ll add up!

Make a budget: Creating a budget will allow you to see where you’re spending your money. You can keep track of everything you spend on in a month such as food, clothes, rent, bills, etc. By keeping a budget, you can prioritize your expenses and recognize your spending habits. Do you order takeout too much or splurge on clothes too often? Are your daily coffee runs draining the money in your bank account?

Stop ordering takeout: If you made your own food instead of going out to eat, it would save you money and it would probably be much healthier for you.

Commit to a saving schedule: Try to take up a saving schedule like saving $10 every paycheck or keeping every $5 bill you come across. You could also try saving an extra dollar every week ie. week one you save a dollar, week two you save $2… week thirty you save $30.

Get thrifty: Some people cling to brands and can’t live without their Nike’s or Uggs or Victoria Secret’s. With thrifting, you don’t have to. There are so many treasures hidden in thrift stores waiting to be discovered.

Save with your student ID: Many establishments offer discounts to college students such as local movie theaters, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores, even online stores and services.

Rent textbooks: Always opt for renting textbooks. It’s cheaper to rent and return the book than buying it new.

Page 8

February 9, 2017

>> Opinion EDITORIAL

Informed decisions have been officially Trumped President Trump has signed eight executive orders in the first two weeks of his presidency. It’s not unusual to exercise presidential power immediately following an inauguration; however, most presidents don’t have the criticism and public outcry that Trump has faced.

Trump signed his most controversial executive order on Jan. 27. The order “suspend(s) entry into the United States, as immigrants and nonimmigrants, of such persons for 90 days,” according to the White House government website. “Such persons” was later defined as people from Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, and Libya.

Instead of securing the U.S. and ensuring protection, the order brought about confusion and chaos at airports as people with green cards and visas were detained. Social media posts described fellow college students being denied entry into America while on their way back to their school from their home country.

Much of the confusion is a result of poor communication between Trump and his cabinet. The New York Times reported that Secretary of Homeland Security Gen. John F. Kelly was still on the phone discussing details of the order when he saw Trump signing it on television.

Trump signed other executive actions with little or no legal review, ac-

HAWK

TALK

Compiled by Melissa Amaya & Kristine Yabumoto

Courtesy Photo

cording to a New York Times article on the chaos following the order.

From elementary school we are taught what a credible source is and how important it is to back up an argument with reliable data.

This lesson about credibility, truth and honesty follows us throughout college with Turnitin.com and honor codes punishing plagiarism.

But with distrust in the mainstream media and “alternative facts” from the government, is there a such thing as an objective truth anymore?

As citizens of a democratic society it is our responsibility to uphold the value of the objective truth, to scrutinize media so they publish facts instead of falsehoods, and to hold the government accountable to an unbi-

ased, ethical way of right and wrong.

It has only been two and a half weeks since Trump’s inauguration and he has already made poorly-informed decisions that will affect millions of people.

Trump’s executive order suspending immigration into the U.S. could affect 17,000 U.S. college students, according to statistical analysis organization fivethirtyeight.

Former presidents who have made poor, informed decisions in the past suffered the consequences.

Though Trump would not be the first president to make an ill-informed decision, his and many of his cabinet’s dismissal of objective facts and unwillingness to take criticism should concern all citizens.

Regardless of our political beliefs we must engage in the pursuit of truth.

Do your research. Speak out against things that are simply not true, whether it’s published by the President, the government, the media, or said by a family member.

When we allow those who disregard facts to spread falsehoods, our narrative will be told without any obligation to the truth.

Agree? Disagree? Let us know at connection.crc@gmail.com and thecrcconnection.com

Is protesting an effective form of creating change in our society?

Lillian Zahir 24, early childhood education

Rich Le 21, psychology

“I believe it is effective but, it’s not exciting. When people protest, it gets the word out there that a problem needs to be looked at but the final decision is not up to us. The ones making the decision don’t really care.”

“It’s very effective because without people banning together we wouldn’t get anything accomplished as individuals.”

Brandi Borders 20, undeclared

"I think when people come together it’s a good thing, like different nationalities and different types of people with different kinds of beliefs is a good thing. But as far as effective? No.”

Sheryl Farmbry 51, business management

“If I was protesting for a cause, I would want to be heard and see what we can do to resolve the issue. You have to do whatever it takes to get that change - but not fight - I don’t like violence, that’s not for me.”

thecrcconnection.com

Page 9

Through divided eyes, we examine Hopeful Pros & Obvious Cons

By Jared Lee jalee.connect@gmail.com This is quite an interesting time that we live in. It seems as though Americans have come to the agreement to disagree with each other about almost everything, all because of the overwhelming presence of one man: Donald J. Trump As Trump settled into his position as president, he decided to hit the ground running. During his first week in office, it seemed like my phone was permanently vibrating, buzzing constantly to notify me of every single thing that Trump has been doing. Reports of executive orders were flying out left and right, and I was just trying to figure out what was going on.

All the while, I heard cries of discontent all around me. And you know what? It makes me mad. But not in the way that I had thought it would.

I will be very blunt: I don’t very much care for Donald Trump. He has made it very hard for me to like him.

However, no matter how I feel about him, he became the president, and I will respect that.

America has a bad habit of becoming extremely polarized every now and again. Our country is full of people with drive and potential, but that doesn’t mean we always get along.

The blessing of the freedom to speak our minds often leads to the grudging acceptance that comes when we have to listen to others speak their minds as well.

We all have different opinions about how things are, and how they should work. But there are things that are not matters of opinion. We have to accept these things, and denying them is not the right approach.

Trump is a harsh and unlikeable person; I understand that fully. But, while he is not the best person in the world, he did what he was supposed to do. He ran a campaign. He was voted into office. He has said many things that are hurtful and damaging, but was elected fairly by the rules that our nation has established. This is something that our constant arguing is not going to change.

If we look at what he has done since he got into office, we can see where his priorities lie. Trump is a lot of things, but at the very least, he has been a man of his word.

He signed an order concerning the replacement of the Affordable Care Act, something he promised to do. He signed an order about the construction of a border wall, something he promised to do. He may not be a man of fantastic character, but he made a lot of promises to get this job, and now he’s trying his best to fulfill these promises.

There is so much anger towards Trump. However, from the perspective of the law concerning his campaign, he did nothing wrong.

If people want to get angry, let’s get angry about something that’s actually worth getting upset about. According to multiple sources, including the United States Elections Project and fivethirtyeight.com, more than 40 percent of eligible voters in the United States did not vote.

Rumors of Harambe, a deceased gorilla, and Batman getting thousands of votes for president is ridiculous.

These are the things that we should be angry about. Not the man and his supporters who followed the law, but those who either didn’t bother to support the system or the ones who made a mockery of it for a cheap laugh.

These fights that we have been en-

The day of the election, I woke up early to drop off my ballot. It was the first presidential election I was able to vote in. Despite not favoring either candidate nor the candidate of my party, the Libertarian party, I voted for who I thought would protect my basic human rights along with millions of others.

That night I watched the electoral votes roll in and as the count for Donald J. Trump’s votes grew, I became increasingly aware of how the next four years would be lived in fear.

Every election is bound to create major disagreements. People have different views, it’s basic human nature. That being said, reports of dis-

gaged in are not working, plain and simple. When peaceful protests are quickly replaced with violent rioting, all hope for actual change goes out the window. Hate can’t be dealt with by throwing more hatred into the mix.

I am able to respect someone who decides to peacefully fight for what is right. I have no respect for those who damage both people and property to get their message across.

Here’s the bottom line: Trump is what we have. Many don’t like him, and I can’t really blame them. But he’s still our president.

When something goes wrong, who will the leaders of our nation fight for: the nation full of radicals acting like children, or the upstanding citizens who love their country and their fellow citizens? As Trump himself said in his inaugural speech, “It’s time to remember that old wisdom our soldiers will never forget, that whether we are black or brown or white, we all bleed the same red blood of patriots.”

We have to stop fighting amongst each other. The solution is not to battle until one ideology or concept comes out victorious. The solution is to come together, despite our differences, and try to make something better.

crimination around the country fo lowed the result of the election.

This election became more than just selecting a new leader to guide the country, it became about race, religion and sexuality. These are aspects that distinguish ourselves, and the freedom to be and think however we please is being severely threatened.

I have never been so struck with panic after watching an election. The first thing I thought of was the safety of my mom. I don’t look hispanic; I have a fairly light complexion.

My mom on the other hand is pretty dark, and I fear that it immediately makes her a target for discrimination.

My parents came to the United States illegally from different paths but together they made the decision to raise their family here to provide more opportunities. Before that, my great-grandmother was part of the first Braceros program - a program that recruited mexicans to the U.S. to work on farms. The workers were largely discriminated against and weren’t paid enough to have a savings despite the fact they were producing and maintaining agriculture that would make its way into the

By Ashley Navarro anavarro.connect@gmail.com

mouths of “true” Americans. My family history is just a small example of how immigration has been a helping hand to the U.S. workforce.

Trump wants to spend billions of dollars to build a wall to separate the U.S. from a country that has provided immigrants who have been nothing but helpful. How is that in any way logical?

In light of the executive orders and the overall idea of Trump’s presidency, there have been many protests around the country.

Trump signed an executive order attempting to ban a handful of middle eastern country travelers to enter the U.S. as well as limiting the amount of refugees accepted without any rational justification in doing so.

Another executive order signed

by Trump was to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Doing so takes away affordable healthcare for millions of people. This repeal comes without an actual planned replacement, leaving many concerned.

The day after Trump’s inauguration, hundreds of thousands of women around the world came together to march and demonstrate social injustice issues.

Trump’s motives are debatable, but it’s not always so much what he can do but what he represents.

Trump even defended Milo Yiannopoulos, a media troll with extreme nazi-like views, after UC Berkeley protested an event Yiannopoulos held. The man upholds hate speech and Trump defended it under the First Amendment.

It’s completely fascistic to tell people to be silent when they are fighting for civil liberties. Are we to ignore the past and how hard the women’s suffrage, labor workers, civil rights and LGBTQ movements have fought just to have a sense of equality and freedom?

I love my country, but I will not stand to be told to stay silent just to appease the minds of those who want to take away my rights as a woman of color. As splendid as oblivity may seem, we shouldn’t have to be white males to be happy.

The solution is to keep fighting because as history has taught us, the country gained its independence by protesting and fighting, African Americans pushed and fought to end the completely unethical practice of segregation, labor workers united for better treatment, women gained the freedom to vote and same-sex marriage was legalized.

These protest are not “special snowflakes” crying “liberal tears.”

These are your fellow neighbors stricken with perturbation.

PAGE 10

FEBRUARY 9, 2017

>>Sports

New athletic dean hopes to make a big difference

By Justin Cordero jcordero.connect@gmail.com The task of becoming a dean for an entire college’s kinesiology, health and athletics division may seem like a daunting task to some people, but to Collin Pregliasco it is an endeavor he is motivated to tackle.

Pregliasco, who previously worked as the associate athletic director at University of California, Santa Cruz, said he joined the Cosumnes River College administration because he has a passion for the community college level of education.

“I really think I can make the biggest difference,” Pregliasco said. “Academically, athletically, socially, emotionally, I think I can make my impact at this level.”

Some faculty members said they are looking forward to working with the new dean and believe he is a good fit for the position.

“He has great credentials, has great vision for the division,” said Interim Vice President of Instruction and Student Learning Robert Montañez. “He’s very faculty and student-centered, and I think he’ll do a great job.”

While working on his master’s degree in child development, Pregliasco started to coach and substitute teach at Prospect High School in Saratoga, California. There he discovered how sports impacted the development of young athletes, and how he could help them develop.

“Some of my greatest moments as a coach are seeing the ones that would’ve never been in college and seeing them

graduate,” Pregliasco said.

Pregliasco coached softball for Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, California. He had the top team in the state during the 2013 season, but at the end of the year his team was suffering from some injuries.

Despite the setback, “We battled,” Pregliasco said. “It was the most heart I’ve ever seen and most dedication in the tightest group.”

After spending 10 years coaching, Pregliasco realized that he had a lot of ideas that he wanted to implement in the college system, but while he was in his position as an assistant advisor or coach, he had no ability to move them forward.

“When you come up with all of these ideas and you put them forward, as an assistant advisor or coach, you don’t have a seat at the table. So I started to get really frustrated,” Pregliasco said.

This frustration is what prompted Pregliasco to move into an administrative position at UC Santa Cruz and to retire from coaching. As the associate athletic director, Pregliasco said that he was “running the day-to-day operations.”

Stan Smith | The Connection

Collin Pregliasco began his first semester on campus as dean of kinesiology, health and athletics in January.

“I did a lot of the social media, a lot of the marketing, sports information, administrative responsibilities as well, including budget,” he said.

“So I got to get my hands into a smaller “I really think I can make the athletic department biggest difference. Academically, and a lot of other things, to mold it athletically, socially, emotionally, how I wanted.”

Pregliasco said I think I can make my impact at that his primary obthis level.” jectives were ensuring student success and being a part of -- Collin Pregliasco new programs that Kinesiology, Health and focused on the acAthletics Dean ademic progress of athletes.

During his last semester at UC Santa Cruz Pregliasco said that he only had six at-risk students out of 330 within his department and that the athletic GPA was 3.2.

He was also a part of one of UC Santa Cruz’s new workshops, which helped athletes plan how they would attain their master’s degrees, study abroad or prepare them for job interviews in the future.

Pregliasco said after aiding UC Santa Cruz with their athletics division, he wanted to return to his community college roots.

“I went to Santa Cruz with the goal of saving athletics and

gaining some experience with my ultimate goal of finding the right fit at a community college level,” Pregliasco said.

Now that he is a dean, he wants to implement all of the things he has learned throughout his time as a coach and advisor into making a difference at CRC. Jeanne Calamar, the assistant athletic director, said that Pregliasco is “extremely fit” for the job.

“I think he’s going to come in, assess our situation, evaluate what we’re doing well, what we’re not doing well with and what we need to improve on,” Calamar said.

Be sure to check out www.thecrcconnection.com

Follow us on Twitter! @CRCConnection

Follow us on Snapchat! crc_connection

Follow us on Instagram! @crcconnection

Like us on Facebook! facebook.com/crcconnection

PAGE 11

THECRCCONNECTION.COM

Women’s basketball loses in tight game against Sac City

By Alicia Ilaga ailaga.connect@gmail.com The women’s basketball team had a strong defense coming into the game, they were defeated 59-47 in a close and aggressive fight against rival Sacramento City College Panthers on Friday.

With a hopeful start to the game, the Hawks ended the first quarter leading 13-11 against Sacramento City.

“We tried really hard to fight through with everything that was against us,” said sophomore guard Gina Ingravallo. “I think all in all my fight as well as the teams was something to be proud of.”

In the bottom of the second quarter, the Hawks led 19-13, only for Sac City to shoot two three-pointers and bring the score to 19-19.

The Sac City fans could be heard yelling “Defense!” at the Hawks’ ball as Ingravallo scored, bringing the Hawks to the lead at 22-19.

“It always feels good to make a shot,” Ingravallo said of her basket that broke the tie in the Hawks’ favor at the beginning of the third quarter.

Sac City tied the game again at 22-22.

Hawks fouled Sac City and the Panthers were up 22-26.

After a few more intense baskets from both teams, the score was 26-29. Sac City was fouled and missed both free throws, but Hawks sophomore guard Daija Ward rebounded and took the ball all the way to tie the game 29-29.

Sac City fouled Ward and she led the team 31-29; however, the Panthers were right back to tie the game 31-31. Ward shot and led the team 33-31 with less than a minute left in the third.

Sac City tied the game at the free throw line 33-33 with 30 seconds left on the clock.

It was the Hawks’ ball, but they were fouled once again. With 22 seconds left on the clock, CRC sophomore guard Jasmine Chapman was fouled and made two shots, giving the Hawks the lead at 35-33.

The Panthers once again tied the game, but just as quickly scored again to lead the Hawks by three. The Hawks got the ball back and scored 37-38, but Ingravallo shot at the freethrow line and tied the game 38-38.

The panthers fired back with a three-point-

Editor in Chief: Courtney Fong News Editor: Julieanna Wallinger Features Editor: Ashley Navarro Opinion Editor: Kaelyn Blizzard Copy Editor: Jared Lee Photo Editor: Stan Smith Faculty Adviser: Rubina Gulati Staff : Missy Amaya, Steven Bryla, Jeannie Cordero, Justin Cordero, Kristi Doan, Alicia Ilaga, Jannah Khalil, Shannon Rusche, Kristine Yabumoto

NBA ends popularity contest with a new voting process

By Steven Bryla sbryla.connect@gmail.com

Stan Smith | The Connection

Sophomore forward Daiji Ward shoots over a Sacramento City College player during a close game Friday.

er and the game came to 38-41 with six minutes left in the fourth quarter.

CRC fouled Sac City and was down by five, but Sac City fouled back and Hawks sophomore guard Taneisha Dyer took the free throw line, closing the gap in score to 41-43.

“As we go on, we’re seeing what we can do,” said Dyer. It’s the little things, like her free throws, that put the team to 43-49 with a minute and 40 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

CRC was back at the free throw line, and the game score was 45-49. Continuous fouls from CRC allowed the Panthers to take a 45-57 lead.

Sac City fouled CRC one last time with 20 seconds left on the clock and the final score is 59-47.

“You don’t win if you don’t put the ball in the hole,” said Head Coach Coral Sage. She said the team had a hard time not getting to the free throw, but she expects the team to bring the same aggressiveness throughout the rest of the season.

The Hawks will take on American River College on Tuesday, Feb. 7 at ARC.

Check out

The Connection is an award-winning The Connection newspaper published bi-weekly by the Cosumnes River College Journalism 410 & 411 media production 8401 Center Parkway class. Editorials and opinion pieces do Sacramento, CA 95823 not necessarily reflect the opinions of the students, staff or faculty of CRC or Los Telephone: (916) 691-7471 Rios Community College District.

Fax: (916) 691-7181

www.thecrcconnection.com connection.crc@gmail.com

Letters to the Editor must be typed, signed and include the first and last name of the author and a phone number. They must be 200 words or less and may be edited for length, clarity or taste.

Facebook.com/crcconnection Twitter: @CRCconnection Instagram: @CRCconnection Storify.com/TheConnection #CRCcampus

It’s the time of year when the biggest stars in three of the four major U.S. sports gather for a weekend of fun competition and fan interaction.

The National Hockey League and the National Football League just finished their All-Star festivities in Los Angeles, California and Orlando, Florida. New Orleans, Louisiana is the next American city hosting the National Basketball Association All-Star Game from Feb. 17-19.

But are the players selected for the games the right ones?

The NBA finally got the voting system right - at least for this season. That is all fine since the fans are the ones spending the money and going to the different festivities that All-Star weekend has to offer.

The process of how the starting rosters were selected for this year’s NBA All-Star game improved dramatically this year. The new format had fan votes counted as 50 percent, media members got 25 percent and the players got 25 percent as well.

This went away from the old format of letting fans have official control of the votes for 100 percent of the starting roster spots.

If the old format was still in effect, the outcome of this year’s Western conference starters would have had a player in the lineup who isn’t an elite player in the NBA. Golden State Warrior center Zaza Pachulia, who is a native and star of the Georgian national team would have been a starter for the Western conference.

According to TNT, Pachulia finished second in the frontcourt voting polls with 1,528,941 fan votes and over half a million votes more than third-place-finisher, forward Kawhi Leonard.

When all 324 player bal-

lots were cast for who they believed should be All-Stars, the numbers served justice on who knows what players should be starting. The NBA released the player ballots and Pachulia finished 12th in voting where he received only 19 votes.

However, fans shouldn’t have the opportunity to send just anyone to a game that is meant for the best players in the sport to square off.

I understand that fans of his native country want their natural-born son on one of the biggest stages in the world, but voters must have the common sense to remember that an All-Star game is for the best athletes in the sport at their position, and Pachulia is not even close to being one.

The NBA rosters have a maximum limit of 12 spots available for each conference in the All-Star game, so the chances of being named to a roster is slim to none for most players in basketball.

The NHL let the fans choose one overall player from each division to be a captain and the remaining 10 players for each divisional roster would be chosen by operating officials in the league.

The NFL thankfully went back to the old format of old AFC vs. NFC format and the players played in their perspective conference with the fellow players who were the best during the season.

It was a good sign to see that the NBA took the time to change up the way voting is done this year.

Even though the actual game will have no defense whatsoever and just be an extended dunk contest from the night before, the fans are still getting what they want to pay and watch.

All of the major sports should stick to one voting system for the All-Star games and that should just be 50 percent of votes counting towards starting lineups like the NBA did.

Page 12

February 9, 2017

Softball team prepares for season with enthusiasm

By Alicia Ilaga ailaga.connect@gmail.com There’s something in the air for the Cosumnes River College women’s softball team this season; their cleats are on and they’re ready to move with intensity.

“You have to take it one game at a time,” said Head Coach Kristy Schroeder, and with the fight the team has, she hopes to carry the 4-0 streak to the end.

Last season, a few players, including this year's returning pitcher Ashleigh Berg, were injured. However, the team has been conditioning since the fall to strengthen and prepare for the long season ahead.

Berg was issued a Medical Redshirt last season and had to quit halfway through the season, she said.

However, she took statistics for the team and was at every practice discussing with coaches what was wanted from the pitchers.

As for this season, Berg has continued to work through her injuries and work on her conditioning and strength so she's ready to take on the season, said Schroeder.

“One of our goals early on was to make sure everybody

was in shape, so we can continue throughout the season and hopefully avoid injuries,” said Schroeder.

The Hawks went 14-7 in the Big 8 Conference last season with an overall record of 33-12.They have high hopes of making it to the NorCal Super Regionals this year.

“We’re starting to build a tradition to make it to post-season and do well in post-season," Schroeder said.

"I think everybody on the team has that goal and they know we have the talent to win ballgames, it's just a matter of playing consistently throughout the season."

With the late inning wins the team had this past weekend, the team hopes to keep the fight and momentum going throughout the season.

Since the start of the spring semester, the team has been working on different fundamentals and strategies as well as how to work as one on the field.

During Tuesday’s practice, the girls could be heard yelling “Atta babe!” to one another as Schroeder hit balls in different directions for each girl to catch and throw. The country music blaring from their practice speaker made

Alicia Ilaga | The Connection

Softball players practice throwing in preparation for the season. The first conference game will be on Saturday.

the environment fun and lively.

“I'm looking forward to the season. Everybody has a lot of excitement that they come to practice with,” said Schroeder. “Everybody wants to be out here so it makes it fun for me.”

Sophomore outfielder Alexus Acosta said she believes that the chemistry the team has is good on and off the field.

“We all get along so well,

we just mess around and we joke around all the time,” said Acosta, “but when it comes down to the game it’s a team sport, and everybody doing their part and getting wins is all we really want.”

Confidence is burning within the Hawks this season, and Schroeder said she wants the returning sophomores to help showcase that confidence to the freshman so when they step onto the field, the team knows they can win.

This season's roster carries seven sophomore players and seven freshmen.

The Hawks were rained out last week on their home opener. They will play their first conference home game on Saturday against Feather River.

The game was originally scheduled for tomorrow, but was moved to Saturday. It will be a doubleheader at noon with the second game starting at 2 p.m.

Hawks throw away late lead in season's first loss

By Jared Lee jalee.connect@gmail.com In a close game that was decided in the final inning, the Skyline College Trojans edged out the Cosumnes River College Hawks men’s baseball team 5-4 on Tuesday.

Both teams played well, showing great skill. In fact, the game was scoreless until the top of the fifth inning.

Head Coach Tony Bloomfield complimented the Trojans, but said that he felt the Hawks should have been able to win the game.

“We expect to win every time we suit up, so we should have won that game,” said Tony Bloomfield. “We just gave it away at the end.”

The game was largely decided by the Hawks’ pitching. The first half of the game was pitched by Hawks players Steven Talbert, who pitched for the first three innings, and Anthony Castaneda, who pitched from the fourth until partway through the fifth.

“The starting guy [Talbert] did a good job, he struggled about with his command,” said Tony Bloomfield.

“Castaneda came in and threw really well the fourth inning. He lost a little bit the fifth inning when they got their two runs.”

In the top of the fifth, the Trojans scored two runs. Castaneda then switched with freshman pitcher Donovan Harrison. After giving up a walk, the Hawks made a double play to finish the inning for the Trojans.

In the bottom of the sixth inning, sophomore player Brett Bloomfield was able to get the ball rolling for the Hawks by getting a single and sophomore Brian Morley got to first base.

Sophomore Billy Rockefeller was able to seal the deal for the inning by nailing a homerun out to right center.

The Hawks scored three runs off this play, putting them ahead of the Trojans 3-2.

“I was pretty pumped up,” said Rockefeller. “It was a big, big moment for us to get a lead change.”

Tony Bloomfield said he recognized the importance of Rockefeller making the hit when he did.

“He’s supposed to make big hits.

He’s supposed to hit for power, but that was a big hit,” he said. “He put a

“We feel like we can win every game. We're playing against the game, not our opponents.”

-- Billy Rockefeller

Sophomore first baseman good swing on it, put us ahead.”

At the top of the seventh inning, the Hawks put out freshman pitcher Daniel Vitoria. Vitoria pitched well, helping the Hawks to keep the Trojans from scoring for two innings.

“I just felt focused. I felt prepared because lately I’ve been doing well in bullpens,” said Vitoria.

“This was only my second college game, so I had to bring a lot more focus than I’m used to and it did pretty good for me, and if I can continue to do this, maybe I can continue to be successful.”

The Hawks scored again in the seventh when Morley got a hit, allowing Brett Bloomfield to score a run, putting the Hawks up 4-2.

Unfortunately for the Hawks, the

ninth inning proved to be a pivotal moment for the Trojans. Hawks sophomore Jordan Yu came out to pitch but was unable to put the Trojans away, allowing them to score a run.

The Hawks switched Yu for freshman John Treat, who was able to field a bunt and give the Trojans one out.

However, he was unable to put them away, and the Trojans scored two more runs before they finished the top of the ninth, taking the lead over the Hawks 5-4.

The bottom of the ninth was tense as the Hawks attempted to score, but the players were unable to get further than first base as they quickly got three outs to end the game.

Rockefeller said that he and the team have to be able to finish strong and close out games.

“We feel like we can win every game,” Rockefeller said. “We’re playing against the game, not our opponents.”

The men’s baseball team plays today, tomorrow and Saturday at College of the Canyons. Their next home game is against College of the Sequoias on Feb. 16 at 2 p.m.