Fall2015 issue4

www.thecrcconnection.com

Hard-fought game ends in 0-3 loss for CRC See Page 12

LeShea Munoz | The Connection

Crime on campus

Campus police respond to recent incidents.

News, Page 3 ISSUE 4 Fall 2015 Student voice of CRC since 1970

‘Speedforce’

Students have podcast for the CW’s “The Flash” series.

Features, Page 6

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Movember is back

People all around the globe get ready to drop the razors.

Opinion, Page 9

TWITTER @crcconnection

New Head Coach

Basketball coach brings a new energy to the team.

Sports, Page 10

INSTAGRAM @thecrcconnection

Page 2

October 29, 2015

>>News

Placement test changes give second chance

By Nichelle Heu nheu.connect@gmail.com The Los Rios Community College District will allow students to retake their placement tests 30 days after taking it for the first time.

This is regardless of any college(s) they attended prior to Cosumnes River College as well as regardless of whichever assessment tests they plan to take, according to an email sent by the LRCCD. Students usually take the placement tests before registering for college courses to determine their English reading, writing and math levels, as well as what classes their scores say they are prepared for, intellectually.

Previously, students were not allowed to retake the tests, but they were able to petition to retake them though it was not guaranteed they would be able to.

This new rule will give students the opportunity to do better, said Student Services Supervisor Salena Mamuyac.

This new rule for all Los Rios campuses will give students a second chance to study and achieve a better score.

Nichelle Heu | CRC Connection

CRC students Dante Henderson, 18, undeclared major (right) and Max Lopez, 19, general education (left) take their English reading and writing placement tests in the Placement Center on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

“I’m kind of disappointed that I got set back at least one math class and for some people who got mad at the same situation that I did, it’ll be great for them,” said 19-yearold computer science major Trevor Donovan.

The district has had dif-

ferent rules for every college regarding the placement test, but now with this new rule put in play it will help align district practices.

Health major Gary Gill, 18, said he did not score so well on his first placement test and plans to retake it.

“It [had] been four months since I did math and I didn’t really remember,” Gill said. “For example, I was so out of it after vacation that I couldn’t even remember what a fraction symbol looked like.”

Gill said he wants to retake his placement test because of

how much it will benefit him.

“Maybe with a light review, if I take it now I could probably get into the right math class,” Gill said. “I could probably land in a higher math class and I can do higher level transferable units and transfer sooner.”

Faculty and staff participate in diversity training

By Kayleen Carter kcarter.connect@gmail.com Last semester Los Rios Community College District employees began participation in diversity training so that the district’s hiring panel is able to ensure that they employ people without bias.

about the laws and procedures related to diversity and the hiring process, help attendees become aware of their own biases and help attendees understand and be able to assess cultural competence as part of the hiring process,” McLain said.

Training is for employ-

will be evaluated by employees that have had diversity training.

“The core mission of community colleges is to serve a diverse community of learners,” said Public Information Officer Kristie West. “CRC believes that when you hire diverse people you set better

“In any group of people there are differences. Each one of us is multicultural

because we have many different threads that weave together to make up the fabric of who we are. You just go through all the individual threads that make us who we are as individuals and that’s the broadest diversity that we’re talking about. ”

-- Katherine McLain

Dean of College Planning & Research Starting this fall the diversity training became a requirement, Cosumnes River College’s Dean of College Planning & Research Katherine McLain said.

The program is designed to, “inform all employees

ees who will be serving on a hiring panel for intended job selection. Within that panel, the diversity training seeks to make the hiring process moreunbiased.

All applicants going through the hiring process

service, a better educational environment and a stronger community.”

The training is a two-hour session in which McLain and the attendees, speak about a wide variety of issues which include topics such as age,

race, bias and socio-economic background.

“I agree that people should have perspectives and have an understanding of where other people come from,” said 20-year-old psychology major Kimberly Matthew. “And not just by how they look, but what they stand for.”

Diversity Training is a direct result of Title 5 State Law of the California Code of Regulations which requires that all hiring committees within each community college district receive the training, according to an article from the California Code of Regulations.

All applicants going through the hiring process will be evaluated by employees that have had diversity training.

“It is for all positions that have a defined hiring process, including full and part time faculty and permanent classified employees.” McLain said.

A “permanent” position

such as those previously listed are positions in which the job holder will stay in until he or she decides to retire, McLain said.

“I think it’s pretty cool their trying to gain different aspects [or] outlooks that each diverse race might have,” said 18-year-old undeclared major Michael Uribe.

There are 15 participants who engage in each training session, which are all scheduled according to the participants flexibility, as well as their time.

There are 152 employees in the program overall.

“In any group of people there are differences,” McLain said. “Each one of us is multicultural because we have many different threads that weave together to make up the fabric of who we are. You just go through all the individual threads that make us who we are as individuals, and that’s the broadest diversity that we’re talking about.”

THECRCCONNECTION.COM

PAGE 3

LRPD responds to recent crime incidents

By Alec Gonsalves and Sean Pastrana agonsalves.connect@gmail.com spastrana.connect@gmail.com In light of recent criminal incidents that happened on Oct. 19 and 23, gun violence has now reached campus, making many students and staff members feel unsafe at school, they say.

The crimes that occurred last week involved two separate incidents in which three female students were held at gunpoint by male suspects.

Since the increase of criminal activity on school grounds, the Los Rios Police Department has increased the number of officers on duty, primarily in the evening, said Public Information Officer Kristie West.

“We brought in two additional officers on ‘swingshift’,” said Police Capt. Christopher Day. “Also, we have brought in two more campus patrol officers, which double the previous amount of officers and on-campus patrol from two each to four each.”

In addition, the Los Rios Police Department has since been in contact with the Regional Transit department to increase security from 7 to 10

p.m., and have come in contact with district and citywide agencies to work in conjunction to solve future crimes.

“Between jurisdiction based on a memorandum of understanding and shared information amongst departments, assistance from other agencies [Sacramento Police Department] can offer more officers and triage in response to crime,” Day said.

The services provided by the LRPD are also influenced by these factors: the location of the crime, type of emergency and visibility.

Several different programs on campus have been implemented to support campus safety.

The Emergency Operation Center is overseeing, coordinating and providing support during emergencies.

The Action Coordinators for Emergency survival are overseeing building evacuations and general building safety, while the Campus Community Emergency Response Team is assisting first responders with triage, first aid, search and rescue and scene management.

Lt. Dan Broussard of the Los Rios Police Department has encouraged students to be extra attentive to detail when

leaving campus during the evening hours.

“Be aware of your surroundings, travel in well-lit and well-traveled areas, stay off cell phones and remove earbuds, travel with a group and do not leave belongings unattended,” said Lt. Daniel Broussard.

because now I would freak out and wouldn’t feel comfortable walking back to my car after dark.”

West’s advice on how students can decrease the chances of criminal activity happening to you is very similar to Broussard’s advice: just use common sense.

“The school is supposed to be a safe place. It’s

sad that I now have to think about safety when walking onto campus, because now I would freak out and wouldn’t feel comfortable walking back to my car after dark. ” -- Eric Arevalo

18-years-old, undeclared major Broussard said students should also know how to contact help when needed and know where the emergency blue phones are on each campus.

These are direct lines to the LRPD Communications Center. The number to contact is (916) 558-2221.

“The school is supposed to be a safe place,” said Eric Arevalo, 18, an undeclared major. “It’s sad that I now have to think about safety when walking onto campus,

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“Be alert, always, especially at night and use the escort service to get to your car,” West said. “Another option is to walk out to the parking lots with classmates. Criminals rarely target groups of people.”

There are classes hosted every year by the LRPD Emergency Management Team to ensure proper safety procedures are being taught and learned.

“These training classes for the Los Rios students, faculty

and staff are here to prepare them for all types of emergencies,” Broussard said.

Some students feel that the need to increase campus security can provide the peace of mind and sense of security that students are looking for.

“I’m thinking it’s a good precaution, and I’m looking for a strong security detail, because [my] concern for my own well being is important,” said Shelby Rice, 18, art major.

These safety classes not only spread awareness, but are tools in preparing for dangerous scenarios such as: building evacuations, first aid, search and rescue fire response, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and self-defense, just to name a few, Broussard said.

“We have had campus safety workshops in the past, but I think they are always good to remind people about ways to stay safe at CRC and in the community,” West said.

“These forums are designed to not only remind folks of how to stay safe, but to take their questions and discuss ways to improve the safety of the college for our students and employees.”

The College Safety Forum will be held at the library (L111) at 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Oct. 30.

Campus volunteer opportunities The Communication Visual and Performing Arts department is offering an opportunity for Cosumnes River College students to volunteer for an art gallery sitting, according to an email sent by Tiara Smith, Clerk III for CVPA. Volunteers will be responsible for monitoring the gallery, welcoming the visitors as they enter and maintaining a record of the visitors.

This will allow students to become more involved with the CPVA Division, see the gallery’s art displays and interact with the collectors and the artists.

The art gallery show has been going on for a while now and will soon start their phase two section.

The featured artists include Douglas Herr, Gregory Kondos and Ken Waterstreet.

The theme for the semester is the “Exploration of Natural Perspective.”

Students interested can volunteer for as many as two three-hour shifts from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or 2 - 5 p.m.

No previous experience is required for volunteers and this is a non-paid opportunity, but a chance to get some volunteer experience for resumes of community service requirements.

The gallery is currently open Monday through Thursday.

The “Natural Perspective” exhibit in the gallery is is currently open and is expected to run until Nov. 25.

OCTOBER 29, 2015

PAGE 4

Lost in translation Taking online classes may not be for everyone, study says

By Nicole Goodie ngoodie.connect@gmail.com The ability to login to your classroom can be convenient for a wide range of students. Although, a study published by the University of California Davis shows that some students are not prepared for an online classroom.

The study found that community college students are less likely to pass the online version of a course. The study was conducted on 217,000 new community college students from 2009 to 2012 by assistant professor at the UC Davis School of Education, Cassandra Hart.

One of many factors that affect a student’s potential to pass an online course is the misconception students may have about taking them.

Nutrition Professor Dana Wassmer said students shouldn’t take an online course because they think it is an easier way to pass. She said Cosumnes River College offers online options for those who can’t make it to a physical class.

“I don’t think it’s

going away. In fact, it is increasing . ” -- Dana Wassmer nutrition professor

“It gives them access to education,” Wassmer said.

“So it’s not to make the class easier, in fact it’s not different than our face-to-face courses.”

Some students are blinded by the convenience of on-

line and fail to understand the similar standards that the online version of a class requires, said horticulture Professor Dave Andrews.

“There’s a large amount of students who see the convenience aspect,” Andrews said. “But [students]don’t re-

maturity to realize what it’s going to take to be successful,” said mathematics professor Mary Martin.

Wassmer said passing courses online isn’t impossible but it is different and requires certain skills.

“Some will be more suc-

self discipline, online is their only option Martin said.

She said that the problem with online courses is that the students who are forced into it sometimes have such complicated lives that it can affect their success in the course.

Luckily, students today tend to be more texting comfortable and communicating through typing. Wassmer said this is a good skill to use in an online course because communication with the instructor can be beneficial, especially when life gets in the way of school. also Wassmer said how good communication with the instructor of the course can help lead to more one-on-one help.

“It takes the students’ initiative to communicate and ask questions,” Courtesy: UC Davis Wassmer said.

“Because me, as an instructor, I won’t know you’re cessful than others because having difficulties.” they are self-motivated, However, there is still they’re more of an indepen- a loss of translation when dent studier, they have great communicating digitally. reading comprehension,” Wassmer said she has Wassmer said. “Some of had trouble with students those skills are very helpful.” misreading her emails based Wassmer said she em- on the mood they were in phasizes the importance of when they read it. creating personalized schedSome professors will still ules to her online students hold physical office hours because the freedom of the for those students who need course isn’t great for some. to speak face-to-face.

“Before you take an onThere is also a Desireline class you have to know 2Learn sample online course that you have do something that students can take to for that class everyday,” said gauge if they are ready for 22-year-old biology major an online class.

Joshua LaCount, who has Although the success taken a variety of online rates are lower, Wassmer classes. said that gap is shrinking Whether it is reading or because online education is homework, he said it is im- constantly evolving and will portant to get into the habit continue to do so. of doing the class alone.

“I don’t think it’s going However, for some stu- away,” Wassmer said. “In dents, no matter the level of fact, it is increasing.”

2.3 million students per year have lower completion rates in online courses

alize the amount of time they have to dedicate.”

Before taking an online class students should know the amount of time and effort the course is going to take and if they are willing to challenge themselves.

“Every individual has their own ability to be dedicated to a class,” he said.

Multiple professors who teach online courses said that self-motivation is an important skill to be successful.

“For an online class, it has that little extra challenge of having a student be very self-motivated,” Wassmer said.

Instead of having a set time and place that students must meet for class, the time they focus on the online course is truly up to them.

“It takes students a certain level of experience and

SAVE THE

DATE ART GALLERY

The art gallery, “Exploration of Natural Perspective,” will begin its phase two on Oct. 29.

The featured artists are Douglas Herr, Gregory Kondos and Ken Waterstreet.

The gallery is currently open and will continue until Nov. 25.

The exhibit is open Monday - Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

STUDENTS FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

The Students for a Sustainable Future Club will hold a meeting on Nov. 6 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in L105.

The club’s purpose is to create an environmentally-aware campus by educating the student body about the ecological impact they have, to envision new ways to make CRC more environmental.

VERTERANS DAY

All of the Los Rios Community College District campuses will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11 for the commemoration of Veterans Day. All offices will be closed throughout campus and no classes will be session on this day.

School will resume its usual schedule, the next day, on Thursday, Nov. 12.

HAWKS NEST NOW HIRING

The Hawks Nest Bookstore is currently hiring temporary student employees for any students looking for a seasonal job.

The job will pay the regular minimum wage of $9 per hour.

Students will only be employed from Jan. 5 to Jan. 29.

For applications or any other questions students can ask the employees at the counter in the bookstore.

Page 5

thecrcconnection.com

>>Features

Students start businesses while in school

By Nichelle Heu nheu.connect@gmail.com Attending college has helped students land jobs, create their own businesses and has helped them earn money from the knowledge they’ve learned at Cosumnes River College even before graduating with a degree.

A recent study by Deloitte revealed that 70 percent of millennials want to start their own business and prefer to work independently rather than the traditional business environment.

Many students are taking advantage of the classes they are taking in college to build valuable skills that will help move them forward in their work environment and help improve their own businesses.

“I work at Picture People and having that ‘I was in college and that photography was my major’ helped me get

that job,” said 21-year-old photography major Marissa Tinsley. “The skills I learned there, I apply it to what I do on my own and the stuff I learn in school.”

For some students, having their own business gives them control over their own schedule, money and rules.

“I didn’t want to work for anybody, I wanted to be my own boss,” said 20-year-old business major Julian Garcia.

“You have two options, either you be an entrepreneur and hire the people or you stand around and get hired.”

Having his own business, Garcia is able to do produce the kind of films and photos he wants to.

He said he is now working on a horror film called “Voices” about a woman who is a schizophrenic and goes on a camping trip with her friends. During the trip, she runs out of her pills and things

get blood curdling.

When starting a business, it takes more than just being good at what you love to do, it’s also understanding how to run a business as well, said Willis.

“From CRC I’ve learned the dedication in which, you have to be really invested in your craft,” said 23-year-old photography major Ceejay Willis. “And it has helped give me the skills on how to conduct my business and make sure I have the legal stuff down as well as the creative stuff.”

Many students go to college with no clue as to what they want to major in. They see it as a place to explore and try to figure out what they’re passionate about, Tinsley said.

She saw how other students were taking pictures and making income so she decided to take the initiative and started taking photo classes.

“I didn’t want to work for anybody, I wanted to be my own boss.”

-- Julian Garcia business major “Last year I only took one class and it was with Patty Felkner. Everything she taught, I pretty much just soaked it all up and used it in my own way,” Tinsley said.

Tinsley said how taking certain courses such as Photoshop helped her with her freelance work.

“I’m learning a lot about photoshop in Jim West class,” Tinsley said.

She said that she can now use these skills to help her own work and move her forward in Picture People.

Willis said being an entre-

preneur, producing and promoting your best work is how well your business will grow.

“When it comes to my photography, I’m kind of a control freak,” Willis said. “If I start my own business, and run it under my own name, I could have everything the way I wanted so I could produce the best work that represents me.”

Garcia said that there are good and bad things about committing to your own business but he advises students to take control and do what they love because at the end of the day it’s not your friends or family, it’s your life and eventually, if you work hard, everything will turn out how you want it to.

“There’s pros and cons to it, late nights and early mornings,” Garcia said. “But at the same time, I’m doing what I love and I’m getting paid for it.”

Ready for Spring classes?

Ever thought of seeing your work in the pages of The Connection? We need YOUR help to make our award-winning student newspaper and website even better.

We’re looking for photographers, writers, editors, online producers, videographers, cartoonists and more.

The Journalism Department offers general education courses for transfer as well as A.A. and A.A.-T degrees. Our graduates work for publications, websites, public relations firms and broadcast television and radio stations.

Enroll in Journalism 410 (Course Code 15080) or email Professor Gulati at gulatir@crc.losrios.edu to find out more about spring classes.

Come learn more at our

Open House

Thursday, Nov. 19 in LRC 109 12 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Drop in between classes or stay a while and chat with current students, counselors and faculty.

You coming?

October 29, 2015

Page 6

CRC student podcast commits to ‘The Flash’ fans

By Cole McCarthy cmccarthy.connect@gmail.com For some fans, watching the latest episode of the CW’s “The Flash” isn’t enough.

Luckily for them, there’s the ”Speedforce” podcast, which focuses on all things related to the “The Flash.” The podcast now has 68,000 total listeners and continues to climb.

Cosumnes River College students Philip Maynard, a 21-year-old film studies major, and Anthony Hernandez, a 22-year-old history major, started the superhero-themed podcast in September 2014.

“We talk about key things we want to mention and shout outs to people who help us,” Hernandez said. The two hosts were compelled to create this podcast because of their shared fandom for superheroes and the DC Comics universe.

“We’re local and we’re not doing this for the money. It’s a fan podcast for the fans and we want to stay fan-oriented.”

-- Anthony Hernandez “Speedforce” co-host Maynard said he saw the advertisement for the CW’s

Courtesy Photo

Philip Maynard, 21, film major and Anthony Hernandez, 22, history major started a podcast to explore deeper into “The Flash” series on the CW. After a year of being on the air, their podcast has gained 68,000 listeners.

series “The Flash,” then called his fellow host Hernandez, and told him they’re doing a “Flash” show so we’re doing a podcast.

The second season premiered on Oct. 6. “The Flash” is broadcast on the CW every Tuesday at 8 p.m. Speedforce has returned from the off season to find more easter eggs in the series.

The co-hosts record and post their podcasts to their site on Thursdays. Older shows

can also be heard on their page.

Hernandez said he is a bigger fan of “The Flash,” but Maynard is no stranger to superheroes.

“I’m a huge superhero nerd on every front,” Maynard said.

He even wrote a novel about a high school for superheroes titled “The Eclipses: Freshman Fiasco,” which is available anywhere that e-books are sold.

His debut publication as an author was written for National Novel Writing Month in November.

“NaNoWriMo” challenges authors to complete a novel within the month. Maynard said the novel was completed after only 26 days.

On the “Speedforce” podcast, Maynard and Hernandez take a deeper look at episodes so they can point listeners to the hidden “easter eggs,” or references the show’s cre-

ators try to sneak in as hidden tributes to the original comic books. But Maynard said they’re all about the fans.

“We try to get the entire fan base connected,” Maynard said. “That’s our main thing.

We want to get the fans involved.”

One of those fans is Jason Ritter, a regular “Speedforce” listener and consistent email correspondent for the podcast.

“I really like the podcast because it provides good insight and fun theories about the show,” he said.

Ritter also said “Speedforce” has good interaction with their listeners.

Hernandez said he hopes one day future writers for comics, movies or other shows about “The Flash” will go back and listen to their commentaries as a research source.

“Ten years from now it could happen, it really could,” Hernandez said.

The podcasters have been featured on the local broadcast program “Good Morning Sacramento” twice and will more than likely be returning this December for a third appearance.

“We’re local and we’re not doing this for money or fame,” Hernandez said. “It’s a fan podcast for the fans and we want to stay fan-oriented.”

When the show is off the air, Maynard said he and Hernandez review fan-chosen animated DC Comics films.

#TrendingNow Compiled by Cole McCarthy All photos are courtesy photos

“I guess it’s funny because everybody’s blowing it out of proportion,” said Linda Le, 18, a biology major.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is pushing lawmakers to raise the age at which any products containing nicotine can be purchased to 21 with the hopes of decreasing the number of teen smokers.

“I think tobacco should be treated the same as alcohol because of the health effects and also how social media portrays drinking and smoking,” said 24-year-old computer science major Jeramie Paraiso.

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The unusual dance moves hip-hop artist Drake demonstrates in his music video for the song “Hotline Bling” became a trending topic of discussion for social networkers following its release. Memes from the video were posted to many different viral outlets.

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California-based company, Skytran, is debuting their sky taxis for testing and are anticipated to reach some cities in the U.S. and other places around the globe by 2018.

These flying taxis are cheap to produce and could lessen air pollution.

“It would help with a lot of problems created by traffic and make it safer for pedestrians,” said Faith Ross, 21, a veterinary technician major.

THECRCCONNECTION.COM

PAGE 7

Students act in annual haunted maze

By Quincie Pruitt qpruitt.connect@gmail.com During the day, the West Sacramento Vierra Farms offers a family-friendly environment where kids can ride farm animals and pick out pumpkins in the patch. Once the sun goes down the place takes on a new life.

That’s because the farm is home to Decades of Darkness, a haunted maze that was intended to terrify groups of people at a time.

Each year the maze includes performers as well as individuals who help scare the crowd before they enter the maze. This year some of those performers are Cosumnes River College students.

“I’m a tour guide and it’s a lot of fun,” said 24-year-old theater major Michelle Nadra.

“I know what’s going to happen, but I still get scared.”

David Carter, 26, a film production and stage acting major, said that he found out about the job openings for Decades of Darkness through Craigslist.

“I was perusing the talent

Courtesy Photo

Every October, Vierra Farms transforms their corn maze into a Halloween attraction. Three CRC students were hired to perform in the maze.

gig section and I happened across an actor training program in West Sacramento,” said Carter. “I went, auditioned, and was cast as a tour guide.”

He said that the perform-

ers have received great feedback from guests and management and that “the creativity the employees possess is like an incubator for [Carter’s] own process.”

As a tour guide, Carter

leads people through the 25minute haunted maze tour.

Visitors have a chance to see various performers roaming acres of land dressed as different creatures, sometimes just staring through the corn maze or popping out when least expected.

Some found the maze through word of mouth.

“I found out about this opportunity in class from David, and now I love it so much,” said Larry Glenn, a 22-yearold theatre and art major.

Glenn started off as a tour guide like Carter and Nadra but got recast to scare people within the maze.

“These past weekends turnout have been pretty great,” Carter said. “It seems the overall likeability and enjoyment of the maze is pretty well received. It’s been greenlit for next year.”

The haunted maze will be open every night until Nov. 1.

General admission is $15 and tickets can be purchased online or at their box office.

Nadra recommends children who attend the maze be at least 10 years old.

Fright Planet Park

Cal Expo is hosting their Halloween theme park on Oct. 28 through the 31 from 7 p.m. to 12 a.m.

Visitors can explore haunted houses, rides and attractions. Admission is $19.95 and unlimted passes are available for $39.95

Kings & Queens of Poetry

The best poets in the area will be performing their spoken works on Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. The event is at Laughs Unlimited on Front Street. General Admission is $10 but two-forone tickets are available on eventbrite.com.

Movie Premieres

Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse: Oct. 30 The Peanuts Movie: Nov. 6 The Outskirts: Nov. 6

Study: Freshman 15 not as severe as once believed

By Tyler Santana tsantana.connect@gmail.com Going off to college comes with many new stresses and pressure for the incoming students, one of them being the notorious freshman 15, which is where college freshman are likely to gain 15 pounds during their first year.

The freshman 15 today is more like the freshman five as fewer students are experiencing a large amount of weight gain within the first years at college, according to a study done by Ohio State University.

“The ideas of affordability and convenience can influence a lot of students to make questionable food choices, which can lead to some weight gain,” said Cosumnes River College campus nurse Michelle Barkley.

The study shows true as most of the students interviewed said they haven’t experienced any gain in weight since coming to college.

“I haven’t experienced any gain in weight,” said 25-year-old biology major, Jessica Potch.

Courtesy Photo

A study from Ohio State University shows that the freshman 15 scare isn’t that concerning. Fewer students are gaining unwanted weight.

This tended to be the same response of many of the students on campus.

“I try to keep the same habits that I had in high school,” said Linsey Raney, 19, a computer science major.

“I get out of the house often, don’t eat a crazy amount of food and usually snack on fruits or granola.”

Raney also said that she lives with her parents, which is an advantage for some community college students who still have help to guide them with their eating habits and

food choices.

“There are freshman all over, some going to a fouryear university and some attending community college, so it depends on the level of independence and knowledge,” Barkley said.

Barkley said that a lot of it comes down to “human development” and that the age of 18, the age of most college freshman, is a very crucial time for most people.They are becoming their own person.

“Independence comes with many lifestyle changes,”

Barkley said. “You are creating your own choices, some are eating habits, staying up later, and hanging out with different friends.”

There is also no one to really help guide many of the outgoing freshman along, like their parents, Barkley said.

She said that community college students might have an edge if they are still living at home.

Still college weight gain is out there and there are several ways to put a stop to it.

Barkley said the first and probably most well known way to combat weight gain would be a good diet.

“I always suggest eating clean, such as eating more fruits and vegetables and limiting the amount of junk food you eat,” Barkley said.

She said she also recommends taking at least one semester of a nutrition course in college.

“We have excellent nutrition professors on campus,” Barkley said. “I think a nutrition course should be a required class.”

Potch said she took a nutrition course with Professor

Timaree Hagenburger early on at CRC and said that it helped her quite a bit.

“Being aware of the nutrition content of foods you eat can help lead to weight loss,” Barkley said. “The food options on campus play a big role.”

Several of the students on campus agreed that there should be more of a variety when it comes to the food on campus.

“Overall I think they have a limited amount of food,” said Taba Best-Wilson, 20, undeclared. “It’s less than I would like to see.”

The cafeteria does have a salad bar but that is almost it when it comes to the healthy choices, and in the bookstore there is even less of an option.

“I feel like the school promotes sugary foods,” said 18-year-old art major, Julia Schteunin.

No matter the options, losing weight with a busy college schedule can be a challenge in itself.

“Don’t get discouraged,” Barkley said. “You have to talk to someone if you have questions, or need some support.”

PAGE 8

OCTOBER 29, 2015

>>Opinion EDITORIAL

Governor bill signing makes dent in California mess Gov. Brown is the guy you call when a mess needs cleaning. With a pen as his sword, Brown recently signed an array of bills that aggressively tackled many of California’s biggest issues. But what about the bills he rejected?

Not to take away from any of Brown’s glory after signing legislation like the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act, an ambitious “landmark climate legislation,” which has given California a leadership role in the battle against climate change by cutting “climate warming pollution,” according to the Office of the Governor.

However, looking at what’s been signed versus what’s been vetoed, the governor made some pretty contradictory decisions, aside from his ambitious ones.

Brown previously signed the “Gender Wage Gap” legislation that challenges gender wage inequalities in the workplace, but he recently rejected the Assembly Bill 1017, the “Women’s Wages” policy that would have allowed women protection from employers that could potentially use previous salary history to justify them getting paid lower wages than their male colleagues, according to the Office of Legislative Information.

In Brown’s veto message he stated, “Let’s give SB 358 [Gender Wage Gap] a chance to work before making further changes.” Although a contradicting decision, there is a lot of logic here. Why add to a solution before that solution has been given time to create progress?

In another case of contradiction, Brown previously signed the “Right To Die” legislation that allows terminally ill patients options for assisted suicide by way of drugs prescribed by an attending physician, but he rejected the AB 159, the “Right To Try” bill that would have given terminally ill patients access to potentially life-saving experimental drugs, according to the Office of Legislative Information.

Brown responded in his veto of the “Right To Try” bill by identifying the United States Food and Drug Administration’s compassionate program already allowing patients access to these drugs, and before “authorizing an alternate state pathway, we should give this federal expedited process a chance to work.”

Now, the question is: With all of these yay or nays, is there a pattern to some of these contradictions? The answer: It’s not quite that simple.

Brown just wants things to work.

The governor doesn’t seem to stick to any plan other than signing what he deems best for California, but he does seem to take into account any possibly effective plans that are already in motion.

Now within his third term as governor, Brown has been called “the adult in the room” by many of his colleagues. This doesn’t mean that every decision he’s made has been fully supported by them, but the guy gets things done.

This type of decision making did not necessarily make him a popular candidate during his three previous attempts at the U.S. presidency, one in 1976, 1980 then in 1992. Yet, Californians benefit from having a father figure like Brown around because, let’s face it, there’s still plenty of mess to clean up.

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

HAWK

TALK

What’s your stance on solving prison overcrowding by reclassifying some nonviolent felonies as misdemeanors?

“I can see it from a money standpoint. Our tax money is going to these prisons and they’re trying to make space for more people who are more deserving to be in prison.”

Kelly Melanson 19, engineering

Moua Khang 20, philosophy

Edinette Dasalla 20, English

“Just because the crime they got arrested for was nonviolent doesn’t mean that they’re not also involved in violent crimes, especially with drug offenses.”

“With resources that are available for the [nonviolent inmates] there’s rehabilitation, community service. They could be doing other things with their time and their lives that are more productive for themselves and for our community.”

“Prison isn’t just a place to keep violent people away, but it’s also your punishment for committing a crime. So it’s kind of like saying one crime is not as bad as the other.”

Kaday Sorie 20, biology

Compiled by: Cole McCarthy and Nichelle Heu

Editor in Chief: Nicole Goodie Features Editor: Nicole Goodie News Editor: Emily Lotz Opinion Editor: EJ Aguayo Sports Editor: Tyler Santana Online Editor: Matt Johnson Faculty Adviser: Rubina Gulati Staff: Kayleen Carter, Alec Gonsalves, Coy Granderson, Nichelle Heu, Cole McCarthy, LeShea Munoz, Taunika Ogans, Sean Pastrana, Quincie Pruitt, Kalaisha Totty

The Connection is an award-winning newspaper published bi-weekly by the Journalism 410 & 411 media production class. Editorials and opinion pieces do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the students, staff or faculty of CRC or Los Rios Community College District.

The Connection is a member of the Journalism Association of Community Colleges and California Newspaper Publisher’s Association.

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.

The Connection Cosumnes River College 8401 Center Parkway Sacramento, CA 95823 Telephone: (916) 691-7471 Fax: (916) 691-7181 www.thecrcconnection.com connection.crc@gmail.com

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PAGE 9

Sexy children’s costumes hard to avoid

By Taunika Ogans togansconnect@gmail.com Halloween is the one night of the year when people can dress outrageously out of the norm, becoming anything that people choose with just a bit of creativity.

However, the struggle of finding an age appropriate costume for children is becoming more frustrating.

Costumes that are meant for adults but replicated in children sizes have been increasing in stores.

Parents are not pleased with the sexualization of these costumes.

Lin Kramer said in an interview with Fox News Insider that when she browsed the Party City website for her 3-year-old daughter, she noticed her choices were limited.

Kramer “singled out the toddler section” as she left a comment on Party City’s Facebook page, arguing that the amount of sexy career costumes being sold was not acceptable, according to Fox. When Party City got the message, and responded to it by saying they’d appreciated the feedback, however, her comment was removed from their Facebook without an explanation.

The company has yet to publicly comment on the incident.

A young girl wearing a short skirt and placing her hands on her hips with handcuffs can give the illusion of being sexy.

Sexy costumes with these poses send the message to young girls that their bodies are more important than their minds, or anything else for that matter.

Being sexy at a young age is becoming more of a norm than it may once have been.

Because many costumes are taken over the top by including sexy props and other attire, this leaves little room for children to enjoy their time of innocence.

Throughout their lives they may continuously assume this standard after being forced to grow up much quicker than they should have.

For those trying to avoid sexy clothing for their children in general, they may face some difficulties because many child-like features are mixed in with those that are inappropriate.

“When I was a child,

my own mother had me create my own costume because she wanted me to look appropriate. She didn’t want me to overexpose myself.”

In a study conducted by Samuel B. Cummings Professor of Psychology, Sarah Murnen, she and colleagues stated that more than 97 percent of children’s clothing at many department stores, higher and lower end, are sexualized with child-like characteristics.

When I was a child my mother had me create my own costume because she wanted me to look appropriate. She didn’t want me to overexpose myself.

After I noticed that my daughter’s body was starting to mature dramatically, I decided to take that same route of keeping her safe and making her a costume.

She was still too young to understand what was going on, but I wanted her role playing to remain wholesome.

Ultimately, parents are responsible for making sure that their children are dressed appropriately.

If you come across a costume in question, do not be forced to settle whether your child likes it or not. Instead, keep looking and simply don’t buy it.

They’ll thank you when they’re older.

Grow the “mo” Lose the razor for men’s health Sean Pastrana spastrana.connect@gmail.com November, also known to many as Movember or No-Shave November, is right around the corner, and so is the opportunity to temporarily retire the razor, all for a good cause.

The Movember Foundation started this men’s health movement during the early 2000s in Australia, where they call a moustache a “mo.”

It was so successful that it eventually became a worldwide phenomenon.

For those who are not familiar with Movember, it’s an annual event for men across the world to grow out their facial hair and donate their shaving gear money to charity.

The Movember Foundation works year-round with global men’s health partners as well as academic and clinical institutions to ensure their programs accelerate improvements to health issues like prostate and testicular cancer, poor mental health and physical inactivity, according to the Movember Foundation’s online page.

Although the minimum requirement is to grow a moustache, not shaving your face altogether is also associated with raising awareness.

Don’t you ever wonder what your face might look like with an abundance of hair growing out of your pores?

The rules are simple. Go clean shaven on the first day of November, then grow and maintain a beard or moustache for the entire month.

The hardest part will be ignoring the naysayers about the abomination on your upper lip or the full-blown lumberjack beard you think you are sporting.

No-Shave November might just give you that urge to experiment with different looks, attempt to look more masculine and distinguished to the female population, or provide you with a cheap yet clever, post-Halloween mask.

In terms of sex appeal, men with full beards and heavy stubble have the edge over those with the light stubble and clean-shaven look, according to a study by the University of New South Wales about how men’s facial hair is perceived by both sexes.

The study also concluded that an intermediate level of beardedness was most attractive, while full-bearded men may be perceived as better fathers who could protect and invest in their offspring, adding to the previously mentioned attractive nature of those who are bearded.

So if your parents, boss or significant other questions your brash decision to grow some facial hair this upcoming month, you can tell them you’re doing it to support your fellow men while at the same time trying to look like a Greek God. Be proud of how nature intended you to look like after neglecting the shave life, and wear it with moxie. It’s only for 30 days.

Page 10

October 29, 2015

>>Sports

Campus ushers in new men’s basketball coach

By Matt Johnson mjohnson.connect@gmail.com As the men’s basketball team prepares for a new season, they will have a new head coach for the first time in 12 seasons. Devin Aye comes over from Lassen College to coach the same team he assisted in 2005 to 2006.

Aye’s coaching career began as a 21-year-old right here at CRC. He worked as a volunteer assistant for former coach James Giacomazzi for one season then worked as an assistant coach for his father, Denny Aye, at Chabot College from 2006 to 2008 and 2010 to 2012.

In 2012, Aye took over a Lassen program that had won just three games combined in the two previous seasons and turned them into a 23-win team in his first year there. Aye credits the quick turnaround to recruiting, bringing in guys with a chip on their shoulder and who wanted to prove themselves.

As a result of the substantial turnaround and making it to the Sweet 16 of the California Community College men’s basketball playoffs, Aye was named Golden Valley Conference Coach of the Year Aye faced his former team for the first time in a Sept. 26 tournament and described the experience. “They walked in and for a moment there I forgot which team I was coaching,” Aye said.

As Aye makes his return to CRC as the head coach, it’s a role he thought he would never have. “I just never envisioned him [Giacomazzi] leaving. So when I was working here it was never something where I was thinking ‘I’m going to take his job,’ it

Quincie Pruitt | The Connection

David Aye, far right, is the new head coach for men’s basketball. Aye was previously the head coach at Lassen Community College from 2012 to the 2014 season.

was more so getting experience so I could coach against him some day.”

He said he is excited about taking that next step as a coach, and coming to a program that has a lot to offer.

Aye mentioned some of the great resources CRC has to offer, “the best facilities, the administration is awesome, the athletic director has been great and the other coaches have welcomed me.”

It’s a major turnaround coming from a program where he washed jerseys, drove players to games and served as an academic counselor for his players. It’s an experience he has learned from, “It’s really made me appreciate everything I have right now.”

Aye understands the role of a coach providing a positive role model for his players. “I think it’s important

to be an example of what I want them to be. All coaches want their teams to be mentally tough and hard working.

If you don’t show that to your team, it’s hard for them to follow your lead,” Aye said.

He said he is proud of his educational background with two master’s degrees and wants to use that to show show the importance of education and the doors it can open. He also has a deep basketball background as both his father and brother are college basketball coaches.

“I feel like I’ve been doing it forever. I was raised in a household where other people might be watching “The Simpsons” on Monday night, but we were watching game film,” Aye said.

The team has already started practicing for the upcoming season and

as a new coach, Aye brings a different style than Giacomazzi. “James is more of a traditional, double-post, power game where he wants to get the ball inside. My style is more up-tempo, fast-paced, get it and go, spread the floor out with a lot of spacing,” Aye said.

He said it’s a quicker, more exciting brand of basketball, most similar to the Golden State Warriors. It’s an exciting style of basketball that Aye said will help with recruiting and allow players to showcase themselves.

He wants players “to be able to react on the court” and wants them to have fun.

His focus on recruiting will be talking about “the awesome facilities and support. An athletic director who is awesome and a great staff.”

Aye also has a background of getting players to the next level collegiately with 17 players accepting scholarships to universities in his three years at Lassen.

Aye wants to push his players both on and off the court. “Making them realize that they are better than they thought they were. As a student, as a basketball player, as a person,” Aye said. “As a coach you always want to challenge the guys. Push them, motivate them and be that example and role model for them.”

With less than 15 practices remaining before the season, Aye’s goal for the team is focused on academic success.

“I want them to be great students, carry themselves well and I want the program to reflect well on campus,” Aye said.

As for basketball goals, he’s just focused on getting ready for the season and winning the first game.

Women’s soccer forward named athlete of the week

By Quincie Pruitt qpruitt.connect@gmail.com With two recent wins against Sacramento City College on Oct. 13, and American River College on Oct. 16, Cosumnes River College sophomore Erica Lim helped lead her team despite her strained quad injury.

In the first half of Cosumnes River vs. Sacramento College, Lim took various attempts in trying to get a goal, in the end she succeeded with the help of her teammate midfielder Kate Burkhart.

In the recent game vs. American River College on, the Cosumnes River College soccer team took home another win. Lim was able to once again managing another goal in the first half.

“I think this past week I did earn

athlete of the week, because I scored one goal each game in the two games that we played,” Lim said.

She also said it was hard pushing through her injury and still managing to get things done out on the field.

Lim suffered a thigh bruise injury in the second half of the game against San Joaquin Delta College on Oct. 9.

Lim said she hasn’t let it affect her performance out on the field.

With being acknowledged this week on hard work and leadership to her team, most athletes should feel inspired to work hard and play harder.

Lim also had some advice for players trying to become the next athlete of the week.

“I think that you just have to work hard at the sport you play and do everything you can do to become better,” Lim said.

Quincie Pruitt | The Connection

Sophomore Erica Lim plays the forward postion and is a co-captain for women’s soccer.

THECRCCONNECTION.COM

PAGE 11

Freshman athletes working overtime on and off the field

By Alec Gonsalves agonsalves.connect@gmail.com Doing homework, reading textbooks, writing essays and studying are all basic academic challenges that the average college student endures on a daily basis. But have you ever wondered what it would be like to assume those responsibilities while involved in collegiate level sports as a freshman?

“The transition from high school to college was stressful,” said Erica Lim, 19, liberal studies major. “You have your own responsibilities like taking yourself to school which is challenging enough, and you’re all on your own with nobody to tell you what to do.”

With every passing year prefacing individuals to take on more responsibility, freshman student athletes enter the campus clinging to the notion that they are holding themselves accountable for executing their academic obligations.

“Balancing school work is definitely challenging because we practice four to five days a week for a couple of hours during each of those days, so the school’s workload really does pile up at the times you don’t want to do it,” said Clarissa Pacheco ,17, communications major.

Time management is what the 18-year-old basketball player Michael Murphy underlines in his experience on being both a student and an athlete playing for the men’s basketball team.

“Practice intervenes on studying and homework,

especially on the days that we have to compete at other campuses that are located pretty far, or during tournaments,” Murphy said.

It would be more surprising to hear that players are finding the time to perform well in their academics, because the majority of the Cosumnes River Hawks men’s basketball team’s games are taking place at 7 p.m. or later.

“Balancing school work is definitely challenging because we practice four to five days a week for a couple of hour.”

-- Erica Lim

women’s soccer player These games can take up to two and a half hours to finish, while the scheduled tournaments can take up to four hours to complete because there are more teams attending the hosting campus.

“Sometimes I do think I could have gotten better grades had I not been involved in sports, because I have two B’s but I know I could have gotten them up to A’s,” Pacheco said.

Yet, academics is not the only aspect in their lives that is being compromised by collegiate level sports.

“I didn’t really hang out with anyone outside of of my family and my teammates,” Lim said. “But a lot of my teammates became my best friends thanks to playing

soccer.”

Some student-athletes said they have a full schedule of classes making it almost impossible to socialize outside of school and sports.

“It’s hard to throw all of my classes together, you know. I’m taking six classes while trying to find time playing sports, and it’s compromising my social life outside of school,” Murphy said.

However, there are resources, departments and individuals that aid student athletes in performing well in school, such as: the athletic department’s team study hall, tutors involved in those departments to teach the players and the coaches themselves.

“Our coach stays on top of our academics,” Pacheco said. “We have to submit a lot of grade reports and maintain a 3.0 gpa average to compete.”

In regards to time management, Lim believes schoolwork comes before athletics and offers tips on the subject of succeeding in student athletics at CRC freshman athletes take notes.

“Making sure that school is first is definitely a priority,” Lim said. “Sit in the first two rows, get to know your professor, make friends in class, plan out your schedule ahead and provide yourself with a personal deadline so that you can manage your time correctly.”

With helpful tips like these, freshman athletes like Pacheco can stop “dividing attention between academics and athletics”, so that they have more time for having fun with friends.

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NFL fines player for honoring his late father

By Matt Johnson mjohnson.connect@gmail.com In the midst of the NFL’s “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” campaign, the true hypocrisy of the league’s policies and their selective enforcement was shown.

No example shines brighter than the NFL cracking down and disciplining athletes for uniform violations.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams and defensive end Cameron Heyward each had their own story of the NFL’s spotty policy enforcement.

Williams told ESPN’s Lisa Salters that he asked the NFL if he could wear pink throughout the season to pay tribute to his mother, who passed away in May 2014 from breast cancer.

The league told him no, because he would violate the league’s uniform policy.

It’s a similar story for Heyward. In an Oct. 12 game against the San Diego Chargers, Heyward wore eye black with “Iron Head” written across it, to honor his father Craig “Iron Head” Heyward, who died at the age of 39 from brain cancer in 2006. Heyward was fined two days later by the NFL for the “uniform violation” and shared the news on Twitter.

Heyward said he would continue to wear eye black to honor his late father and he followed through on Oct. 18. He was once again fined by the NFL, though they agreed to reduce it from the standard $11,576 for the second offense, when Heyward agreed to no longer wear the eye black.

These stories show the hypocrisy of the NFL. Telling Williams he could not wear pink season-long, while they partake in Breast Cancer Awareness Month, in which they sell pink merchandise for profit on their website.

The NFL made upwards of $7 billion in revenue last year, which we learned when the Green Bay Packers revealed to the Green Bay Press-Gazette that theymade

$226 million from revenue sharing, an amount each of the 32 teams receive.

While the NFL claims they are big supporters of women’s health and breast cancer research, the NFL’s spokeswoman Clare Graff told The Washington Post that just 12.5 percent of the sales price from products goes to charities.

The NFL cares deeply about women, as long as they are buying their pink jerseys and gear. In fact, the Dallas Cowboys would greatly appreciate it if women bought a pink Cowboys shirt then sat down and cheered on the Cowboys’ defense.

A defense that includes defensive end Greg Hardy, who was suspended four games this year after being charged with domestic violence. Charges that were dropped after a civil suit agreement, but previous testimony by the woman spoke to a horrifying situation where Hardy told her he was going to kill her as he threw her down on a bed covered in guns.

Some will argue that the NFL is just enforcing its uniform policy and rules are there for a reason, they can’t have players wearing whatever they want.

That would make an ounce of sense if the NFL enforced their rules consistently.

The NFL enforces rules that benefit them. Players like Williams can honor their mother in NFL-licensed commercials about breast cancer. It’s not about morality or common sense, because those things would tell you Williams and Heyward should have been allowed to honor family members.

So remember this when watching a football game and see pink towels on the sideline to support breast cancer research. The NFL would love for fans, especially women, to buy pink merchandise. They just can’t let the players do that, because that would violate a rule.

Page 12

October 29, 2015

Women’s soccer loses an aggressive conference match against Sierra College with a score of 0-3

By Kayleen Carter kcarter.connect@gmail.com The women’s soccer team played Sierra College at home on Oct. 22. CRC lost to Sierra with a score of 0-3.

After a game with American River College a week previous, the Cosumnes River College Hawks faced off against the Sierra College Wolverines.

The Hawks made valiant efforts but came short during the game.

“We didn’t play very well.

A little bit flat.” Said CRC head coach Cesar Plasencia.

With 45 minutes on the clock, the game began with both teams making an attempt to gain control of the ball.

Breaking through to make a shot proved a challenge for the Hawks in the first half. At 20 minutes and 45 seconds on the clock, the first goal was scored by Wolverines’ forward Alyssa Rapisura.

Four minutes later the Wolverines lost defensive midfielder Milana Wolsle-

ben to an in-game injury to the arm, when she and CRC Hawks midfielder Kate Burkhardt came into contact.

“Me and number four were going for a ball and she [Burkhardt] just shoved me and I just landed on it,” Wolsleben said, who was taken out of the game.

At six minutes and 25 seconds, and nearing the end of the first half, the Wolverines scored a second goal by Rapisura. The first half ended with the Wolverines on top with a score of 2-0.

With 22 minutes left in the second half, the Wolverines scored the third goal scored again by Rapisura.

Falls and injuries were prevalent as the night led into the second half.

Both the Hawks and the Wolverines struggled to stay on their toes, as the women made frequent collisions and bumps with each other.

The Wolverines lost defender Kyli Olesen out with an injury to the leg after colliding with Hawks’ defender Taylor Arlin with just 15 min-

LaShea Munoz | The Connection

Midfielder Kate Burkhardt backs up her teammate forward Breona Robinzine, as she steals the ball from Sierra.

utes left in the game.

The Hawks lost with a final score of zero and the Wolverines three.

“They were good and when you have a bad night

against a decent team this is what happens,” said Plasencia.

There was no real “big steps” in the Wolverines game playing that night, said

Sierra College’s assistant coach Brendan Dunne.

The Hawks will play at home against Santa Rosa Junior College on Oct. 30 at 3:30 p.m.

Men’s basketball will be implementing a new run-and-gun playing style this year, coach says

By Alec Gonsalves agonsalves.connect@gmail.com A fresher men’s basketball team is headed this way, consisting of 13 freshman student-athletes, an out-ofstate sophomore player to complete the veteran duo and a new head coach for the upcoming 2015-2016 season -- emphasis on fresh.

However, a team predominately comprised of freshmen is not always a bad thing.

A younger squad also means there are quicker legs on the court for a more aggressive playing style.

“We focus on playing a more run-and-gun style of offense,” said men’s basketball coach and Kinesiologist Professor, 31, Devin Aye. “We like to play more athletic, mobile and fast-paced com-

pared to the team’s previous seasons.”

The Hawks had already displayed their speed at the California Community College Men’s Basketball Pre-Season Showcase at Chabot College on Sept. 25-27 during six scrimmages against other junior colleges, like Lassen College.

Aye said he likes his defense like he likes his offense: Fast.

“Our team focuses on full-court pressure, so that we can run down the court as fast as possible and not let the other team gather their defense,” said Michael Murphy, scoring guard.

In fact, the team collectively agrees that defense is their strong suit since the roster yields nine players that measure over six feet tall; two

of which are above six feet and 10 inches.

“Our height does not compromise our pace one bit, because our big men are athletic enough to sprint down the court with ease, quickly strafe while on defense and are mobile enough to defend guards at the perimeter,” Aye said.

Along with regularly scheduled practices on campus, team and individual training sessions are stressed amongst the squad so as to supplement and enhance their athleticism prior to the beginning of any practice.

“We hit the gym everyday either by ourselves or together on campus. Do plyometrics Tuesdays and Thursdays and we primarily focus on our conditioning for the upcoming season,” said Kenny Doss,

scoring guard and Chicago native.

Aye continues to break the ice with his new team by putting them through rigorous training and it’s all to serve one purpose. Keep the opponents on their toes.

“We like to play more athletic, mobile and fast-paced,” -- Devin Aye

Head Coach

“We press all of the time, and on fast breaks you’ll see that we prefer to shoot the three rather than take the easy lay-up because our speed allows us to set up faster in transition,” Murphy said.

Players must be knowledgeable of their team’s strengths and weaknesses

before attempting such bold actions to mark up those extra points.

“I have confidence in our team’s shooting abilities when it comes to fast breaks, and every player is tall enough to challenge and grab offensive boards if we miss -- even our guards,” Doss said.

In the end, all of their efforts in the upcoming season boil down to playing “well” in the conference matches.

“In order for us to play well in conference we need to communicate and exercise effective teamwork by allowing every player to touch the ball, because anyone could be our leading scorer in a game,” Aye said.

The Hawks’ season will be crossing its way over to the courts on Nov. 9 at Feather River College in Quincy.