The Connection Vol. 60 Issue 1 9/20/2012

Volume 58,Issue Issue1 1 Volume 60,

www.thecrcconnection.com

September 20, 2012

Course repeatability to be limited starting June 2013 II, Piano III and Piano IV, Piano V, Piano VI, students are allowed to take four of the six courses in the Thinking about re-taking family,” said Beachler. one of your favorite classes? Well This legislation will come you should consider taking it into affect almost a year after the this coming spring because as of most recent change of school polJune 1, 2013, the repeatability of icy in regards to the repetition of certain courses will no longer be classes, also known as the threepermitted in the Los Rios district. strike policy.

Repeatability of active parThe three-strike policy ticipation courses, such as classes means that “if you have already in physical education, visual arts, attempted a course three times, performing arts and others, will you will not be able to enroll in no longer be allowed. In the place that course again (even if you are of repeatability there will be a planning to take it at a different family, of progressing courses of Los Rios college),” according to which a student can take up to the CRC website. four, according to mandates from The policy, enacted summer the California Community Col- of 2012, means that any total of lege Chancellor's Office. three “F,” “W,” or “D” grades in a Judy Beachler, the Dean of class will remove the possibility Instruction and Student Learn- of taking the class a fourth time. ing at Cosumnes River College, This policy is also retroactive, explained the concept of a family meaning that all past academic atof courses. tempts are included and counted “Using Piano as an example, towards the three-strike total. where the family is Piano I, Piano >>Repeatability, Page 2

By Josh slowiczek jslowiczek.connect@gmail

Stephan Starnes | The Connection

Penny Her, a psychology major, and Lisa McAlister, a music major, act in an improvised scene in their Theory and Techniques of Acting I class. The class is just one of many that will be grouped into families of courses that will be limited by legislative changes that will go into effect on June 1, 2013.

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Campus expansion benefits students, community Get

By Osay Ogbebor kogbebor.connect@gmail With all the ongoing construction throughout Cosumnes River College, visual enhancements are becoming apparent.

“I’m very excited about the construction around the campus,” said CRC President Debbie Travis.

“It indicates to me that we’re going to be able to serve our students and the community by having facilities that are wonderful state-of-the-art learning environments,” Travis said.

As part of the Facilities Master Plan, Regional Transit approached to CRC with an opportunity to extend it’s line. In preparation for the light rail, a five-floor parking garage with 2,000 secured parking spaces in April 2013.

“Student voice” aims to fill empty senate seats

It will be available to the public, but parking prices for students will not change.

Christina Alvarado, Student Senate President, commented on the new construction.

“It’s a great idea because with CRC's population growing, CRC have the expansion to be able to give students what they need,” Alvarado said.

By September 2015, the Regional Transit’s light rail service will be running to give South Sacramento and Elk Grove access.

Mary Garcia | The Connection Despite the campus being occupied with construction, the The Winn Center for Construction and Architecture continues to be Northeast Technology Building a work in progress. The two-floor building will be done July 2013. was usable in time for the fall semester.

In conjunction, larger labs for for Construction and ArchitecThe technical building added construction and welding were ture is under construction.

Wathen describes the new three additional classes, natural built on campus over the summer.

Next to the Learning Re- building to be a modernized lighting windows above the classsource Center, the Winn Center >>Expansion, Page 2 rooms and tool rooms.

one room." tural activities on campus to bring Serving her second term, Al- a balance that enriches campus varado said her main goal to start life, LaNier said.

Funds for the ASCRC to put The Associated Students of the semester is to gain more representation for the student body on events come from two sourcCosumnes River College serve as by filling the empty positions on es, LaNier said. Money allocated the voice of the student body of the Student Senate and the Clubs from the district based on previthe campus and operates under ous fall enrollment and fundraiser the direction of officers elected by and Events Board.

"We need students in order money gathered by the associathe student body, according to the for it to work overall," Student tion for events and scholarships. campus website.

Associate Adviser Winnie LaNier A third source of money The Student Senate within the ASCRC, formerly known as said. "It's an excellent way to learn comes from a student representathe Associated Student Govern- project development and man- tion fee of $1 that is paid by each ment, are advocates of the student agement for careers. You don't al- student not using the Board of body and represents them at the ways have to start at the bottom of Governor’s Fee Waiver. district level, Student Senate Pres- the totem pole."

Alongside serving as the adident Christina Alvarado said. vocates for the student body, the >>To view the full story, "We provide their voice," Alplease visit our website at ASCRC also provides the entervarado said. "We represent that www.thecrcconnection.com voice when they can't get us all in tainment and the social and culBy Scott Redmond sredmond.connect@gmail

Connected

New recruit brings energy to women's soccer

pg. 6 New CVPA Dean: his journey through CRC

pg. 3 See how incoming freshmen are prepared for college

pg. 2 Check out photos from events this semester

pg. 8 Check out the internship and career fair on Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Quad

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Los Rios Community College District budget update "We, like all community college districts, are awaiting the outcome of the November election as the passage or failure of Proposition 30 will greatly determine our future budget scenario," said Associate Vice Chancellor,

Communications and Research Susie Williams.

For more information on Prop 30, subscribe to The Connection's website and pick up Issue 2 when it comes out on Oct. 4

Repeatability: new legislation worries teachers and students Continued from page 1

Beachler explained that the two pieces of state-mandated legislation, the repetition of courses and the repeatability of them, will work in conjunction with each other come June 1, 2013.

“Repetition affects repeatability,” Beachler said.

If you are confused, you're not alone.

While still nine months away and in a constant state of change, the general idea is that a strike in the three-strike policy will count as an attempt at one of four possible classes to be taken in a family, in regards to repeatability.

Theater Professor Frank Condon, who has been teaching at CRC for the past 18 years, has two classes affected by repeatability, both beginning and advanced acting.

“For students who are interested in developing the craft of acting, I believe it hurts them,” Condon said.

The students themselves seem to agree.

“How are you supposed to develop your skills as an actor if you can't take the class over and over?” asks Jenny Cox, a 19-year-

old theater arts major.

However, all is not set in stone and school districts across the state are working with the Chancellor's Office to plan out how certain classes will be affected by the new rules.

A few classes are exempt from the legislation, such as work experience and expanded learning courses. Individual student exceptions will be made if classes are required by a legal mandate or an employer.

With state-wide budget cuts to public education and the approaching vote on California Gov. Jerry Brown's Proposition 30, CRC is “responding to a current climate,” said Celia Esposito-Noy, the Vice President of Student Services and Enrollment Management.

As of now the administrative goal of CRC is to ensure that students are completing their degrees in a rapid manner.

However, as the year progresses students should not worry they are being left in the dark, as CRC is “committed to keeping students informed as it [the legislation] develops,” said EspositoNoy.

News Editor: Stephan Starnes Features Editor: Ashley Boucher Sports Editor: Zach Hannigan Online Editor: Stephan Starnes Faculty Adviser: Rubina Gulati

Staff

Editors

The Connection Britni Alford, Mike Almanza, Takara Campbell, Cody Durham Emanuel Espinoza, Kevin Frodahl, Mary Garcia, Latisha Gibson, Angel Hasson, Ariel Hevesi, Joshua Lee, Yegor Lyashenko, Victor Macias, Alex Mosqueda, Osay Ogbebor, Brittany Patrick, Andre Pratt Scott Redmond, Jonathan Rich, Micah Meekins Simon, Josh Slowiczek, Jacqueline Williams, Mozes Zarate

The Connection is an award-winning newspaper published bi-weekly by the Journalism 400 newspaper 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 (JACC).

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 Website: www.thecrcconnection.com E-mail: connect@crc.losrios.edu

It is the duty of The Connection to report all news with the highest accuracy, brevity and clarity as possible. All feedback regarding stories and photos should be sent to connect@crc.losrios.edu.

News

Expansion: construction continues Continued from page 1

phy professor Jim West.

“The ability to go to the new LEED Platinum certified building and energy efficient two story facility when the Winn Center is 24,000 square feet architecture fa- accessible, we will be able to give cility that will provide rooms for the students current job skills photography, architecture, phar- training so they can go out and macy and architectural design get work. Change is progress, we are looking at a amazing facility technology students.

Leadership in Energy and that’s going to benefit students Environmental Design certifica- years to come.”

National Student Design tion provides independent verification that buildings are designed Competition winner for the Caliand built to meet standards in fornia region and former CRC human and environmental health, student Nathan Dea, along with according to United States Green his teammates was able to comBuilding Council. Platinum is the bine their ideas from the competition with the architect to make highest rating.

“I’m excited,” says photogra- the final project for the building.

The Center, a $16.6 million project, will include eight lecture rooms, 13 classrooms, a community room for large group meetings and 37 offices, to accommodate a capacity of approximately 795 students. The project will be completed late July 2013.

“I think the other thing I’m excited about is the fact we’re able to do construction because the citizens of the community passed bond measures by their votes so we would have funds that could only go for construction and that means, in my opinion, that the taxpayers are supporting higher education,” Travis said.

Financial aid continues to be a hot topic

By Alex Mosqueda atmosqueda.connect@gmail With the start of a new semester many Cosumnes River College students make the inevitable trip to the financial aid office.

“We have actually awarded more students this year to date than the same time last year,” said Financial Aid Supervisor Alice Kwong via email.

As of July 1, 2012, new qualifications for the Federal Pell Grant were officially enacted.

The federal law now limits the number of Pell Grants to 12 full-time semesters a student can receive towards their first undergraduate degree or equivalent, which according to the official student aid website.

Students without a high school diploma or GED equivalent will no longer be eligible for student federal aid. In conjunction with the new qualifications, the option of passing approved

tests (ATB) or completing at least six college units without a high school diploma or GED will no longer be offered, as stated in the CRC Financial Aid fact sheet.

Many students still have a hard time qualifying for any monetary assistance.

“I understand the government wants to limit the funding to those who really need it,” said 31-year-old biology major Elyssa Hipsher. “But they reduce the amount of people eligible so often they don’t realize they’re actually doing more bad than good.”

Hipsher’s comment sheds light on the most drastic changes to both federal and state student funding. The California Communtiy College Chancellor's Office announced the administrative change in the calculation of elgibilty for BOG Fee Waivers and FAFSA. “The federal methodology or the formula to calculate a student’s eligibility has changed where the family income ceiling

to qualify for federal financial aid has lowered; reducing a student’s eligibility,” said Kwong.

Kwong said with the beginning of summer 2012, a student must establish a minimum financial need of $1,104.00 whereas in the prior year a student only needed to demonstrate need of at least $1.

However, Kwong reassures that if students are having difficulty qualifying for any financial aid there other ways to receive monetary help.

“There are federal student loans where students who have financial need but not for the federal grant can receive a Subsidized Federal Direct Student Loan,” said Kwong.

Except Kwong still advises that students should at least try to apply for BOG Fee Waivers and FAFSA. “All students should apply and apply early,” said Kwon. “The FAFSA and the BOG Fee Waiver processes are free and simple.”

CRC helps new students get acclimated

By Cody Durham cdurham.connect@gmail

“The counselor led

me into the direction wanted to go...

”

I

-Cindy Stutler Student

Every year, thousands of freshmen stumble onto community college campuses without a solid plan of attack.

Students who enter community college without an idea of what they want to do can find themselves stuck for a handful of years taking classes that they don’t need.

This brings up the issue of how high school students and college freshmen are being prepared for the workload transition.

Monterey Trail High School believes in getting their students on the right track early.

“Starting freshman year, we meet with students twice a year, assessing them, figuring out what they want to do,” said Jayne Captein, a career center counselor at Monterey Trail, via telephone.

“Hopefully by junior year, the students have a firm plan on what they want to major in.”

Monterey Trails also offers a program put on by California state universities called Pique.

Pique is a program that trains parents and students about what they need to do to get into a California university.

Once they have graduated from Pique, they are guaranteed admissions to a CSU as long as they have fulfilled their A-G requirements.

Cosumnes River College has resources to help students find the path to success, including the career center, tutoring centers and a plethora of counselors.

“The counselor led me into the direction I wanted to go and where I needed to be,” said Cindy Stutler, 36, human services major.

“They really paved the way for me.”

In addition, CRC also has classes specifically designed to help students decide what they want to major in and how to handle the college level workload.

Most notable is the freshman seminar.

Freshman seminar is a class that has been provided at CRC for six years now and is designed for people coming out of high school to help them have a smooth transition to college life.

“Not only is it a class that will help students make the smooth transition to college, it also fulfills general education requirements,” said tutoring coordinator Sharon Padilla-Alvarado.

CRC also offers a college success class, which focuses on study skills and career development.

Both of these classes help students learn important college life skills such as money and time management.

If new students need more than just classes, CRC also provides a new student guidebook that will be available online in the fall.

This way it is accessible to parents and students, and they can learn everything they need to know about being successful in college, before their first day.

CRC’s curriculum has earned two major statewide awards from the California Board of Governors, and the college has been asked to present it’s innovative information at other colleges.

“The Freshman Seminar awards from the Board of Governors speaks to the commitment CRC has to helping students transition from high school to college,” said public information officer Kristie West. “When students take these classes, they learn how to navigate the college environment and many of them have told me they feel a lot more confident about their goals after taking Freshman Seminar. The awards are testament to these successes at the individual level.”

Features | September 20, 2012

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Powell shares how he went from a struggling high school student to college administrator

By Ashley Boucher aboucher.connect@gmail A once “knucklehead kid” who first arrived at Cosumnes River College intimidated, Torence Powell found his way back to the college that pushed him towards the right path.

Even with a supportive family to go home to each day, Powell had managed to get into trouble as a kid.

“In the 90s, it was pretty bad,” Powell said. “There was a lot of gang violence. I lost three friends to gang violence growing up before I was 18, murdered behind ridiculous stuff. I got in a fight my first week at Valley High, which is why I had to transfer [schools].”

Now, in slacks and a striped tie, Powell walks in the VPA office and through the door with a plaque on the right labeled “Dean’s Office.”

Relaxing in his chair, though with his energetic personality clearly evident, Powell continues to describe his journey.

For the new Communication, Visual and Performing Arts dean, now 32 and a graduate of Cailifornia State University, Los Angeles, CRC was an important aid in his path.

“To be encouraged and nurtured by the McDonald’s faculty here was huge CLIENT: andJOB thatNUMBER: was one of the catalyst 36922 SARC forELEMENT: me coming 300-AD back here,” Powell said.

LIVE: A few of the professors that TRIM: 10”w X 7”h Powell met during his years as a BLEED: student are now his colleagues.

In particular, photography Pro-

“I lost three friends to gang violence

growing up before was

18, murdered

I

behind ridiculous stuff.

I got in a

fight my first week at

Valley High, which is why I had to transfer [schools].”

- Torence Powell

Zach Hannigan | The Connection Torence Powell, the new Communication, Visual, and Performing Arts dean, considers his time as a journalism major at Cosumnes River College to be what put him on the path to academic success. fessor Jim West seemed to have he understands how much of an the director, and shared that he grasped a connection with him entry point community colleges was very dedicated to his job and during that time. are for many people. encouraging.

“He is one of those kind of As dean, Powell’s first priority “He also counseled me on a guys that will do amazing SCALE things FILE is to BUILT continue to Scale support and even personal level and has encourTO: - PRINT @ 100% in his life,” West said. of the campus and aged me to better myself,” HurtaSTUDIO: enhance Matthewsome Anguiano And with his new position, community-based projects that do said.

TELEPHONE: 214 - 520 - 9700 Powell will be supportingPROPERTY West communication students engage Powell realizes a large porOF MOROCH & ASSOCIATES, and the rest of the faculty3625 underN. HALL in. ST., SUITE 1200 DALLAS, TXtion of time is dedicated to being 75219-5123 the CVPA department.

Greenforce program admin- a dean, and making accommoda“This is very personal to me,” istrator Lynn Hurtado worked be- tions for his other interests is just Powell said, making it clear that side Powell, who was previously another transition.

This year, he is taking a step back from coaching Little League and traveling. Instead, he looks forward to traveling locally with his family and fraternity brothers.

Powell is also taking time to get back into running, currently training with his buddies for the California International in Sacramento. He has yet decided whether to tackle the full marathon, with this being his first.

Powell follows the “work hard, play hard” method, which is just another piece of motivation he speaks about in a passionate tone.

With all his positive outlooks, in life and at work, Powell knows he will have to face an even harder challenge—more program cuts.

“Not knowing what we have to work with in terms of money is going to be a challenge,” Powell said.

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Features

One professor's hunger for education

“ My biggest fear is students falling asleep in my class.” -Man Phan

By Ariel Hevesi ahevesi.connect@gmail Man Phan sips his iced coffee while sporting a crisp button up shirt, slacks and gelled back hair. It’s another typical Monday morning in his office.

However, business Professor Phan’s days were not always so typical. He grew up carrying buckets of well water to and from his village as a part of his daily life.

“Coming from the outside to assume a full-time teaching position is pretty rare,” Phan said.

“I’ve been blessed and fortunate.”

Phan lived in a village in Vietnam until the age of 7, when he, his three brothers and his dad fled to America in hopes of a better life. Phan’s mother was not able to leave for another eight years.

She planned to flee with them, but because of circumstances in the village they had to reunite later.

During those eight years, “my father was my mother. That’s

why I love him dearly,” Phan said.

Phan now “rolls out of bed and into the classroom,” where he thrives on relating everyday life to concepts found in the textbook.

“It’s the ‘a-ha!’ moment that gives me joy,” Phan said.

Even at a young age, Phan knew he wanted to be an educator.

“I want to pique students' interest and inspire them to think and learn,” he said.

Phan spent most of his education career within a two-mile radius in the San Diego area.

A scholarship to the University of San Diego led Phan to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in international relations and a master’s degree in international business.

Phan is currently working towards his doctorate at California State University, Sacramento, focusing on community colleges.

“The community college administrators have given me a real vivid picture of how education affects students. That really rattled my interest,” he said.

Phan enjoys teaching and

“it’s the culture and climate that I appreciate being a part of here at Cosumnes River College,” Phan said.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to be on campus every day working with colleagues and helping students learn.”

Using the socratic method of teaching, Phan encourages his students to ask questions and engage in an active student-teacher dialogue.

“My biggest fear is students falling asleep in my class,” Phan chuckled.

Students showed no signs of heavy eyelids in the lively and interactive vibe during Phan's business introductory course.

“He tries to get people to participate and makes sure they’re involved,” said 24-year-old business major Brandon Martinez.

“If I can inspire a student by stirring his or her interest and motivating them to ask questions and seek knowledge, then I have done my part as an instructor,” Phan said.

From the village of Vietnam

to the classroom of CRC, Phan “My father always said, "seek hopes to inspire his students and out education available in the U.S.' strive for future success.

—I did just that.”

Britni Alford | The Connection

Professor Man Phan calls on a student to read aloud an article projected on the screen during his business introductory course on September 11.

A slide-show of his work was projected on a screen directly in Professor Margaret Woodcock front while his favorite Pandora pulls off the tape, holding her station played in the background. strong line, on her current “I try to look at angles that mixed media work. aren’t typical. To me that’s what house provides studios for over makes a photo different, and that 30 unique artists and is open to is what makes it something that educate the public in many art- someone else can’t create, ” Wray said. related subjects.

Brittany Patrick | The Connection

Artists captivate the public, painting town into a studio tour

By Brittany Patrick bpatrick.connect@gmail Passionate brush strokes, intriguing angles and an infectious buzz filled the streets of downtown Sacramento for the Capital Artists’ Studio Tour.

Beginning in 2006 CAST, put on by the Center for Contemporary Art, has grown from a small number of art studios showcasing work to over 150 participating members.

The event is a self-guided tour through downtown and midtown Sacramento, supporting local artists and interest in art.

This year’s event was split up into two packed weekends the first, occurring on Sept. 8 and 9, had a total of 132 participating artists and the following weekend holding 22.

Cosumnes River College’s very own art Professor, Margaret Woodcock, had her studio located south of the thriving William Land Park.

Woodcock has participated in CAST since 2006 and has enjoyed people coming through and “responding” to the lines and colors of her art.

She showcased her paintings and mixed-media art work out of her working studio nestled be-

tween her house and lush green garden.

“I like to garden. I like outdoor stuff so that tends to be my imagery,” Woodcock said. “I don’t have a set idea that I sketch out or paint towards, I literally just develop it as I’m working.”

Woodcock built all of her own wood panels as her starting block. She works with the hard surface so she can really “push into and drag through it” with different media. From there she just starts putting on colors and collaging.

The Verge Center for the Arts is housed a short drive from Woodcock’s studio. This ware-

Hands-on experience in print art is also provided for tour-goers.

A brisk walk from the Verge Center, a pair of artists shared an underground studio down an alley on 10th Street.

Marked only by a black door with “nicholaswray.com” spray painted in white on the side.

“For us we have gotten a lot of people down here who wouldn’t have normally come to our studio,” said Nicholas Wray, a 31-yearold professional and self-dubbed Brittany Patrick | The Connection street photographer. “Just being Andrew Patterson-Tutschka of Verge Studios able to show our uses acrylic paint to capture this life scene of stuff to the public Elk Grove. who wouldn’t have normally seen it. I Bove had his colorful abkind of enjoy it.” stract paintings creatively placed Jason Bove, a 36-year-old along his space, coming off of abstract painter and studio-mate the walls. An old wood window of Wray, enjoyed showcasing his stood above his desk that was work to the public and absorbing comfortably cluttered with inspirtheir advice, critiques and com- ing odds and ends. pliments.

Tourists could be found “People have been really re- strolling around the entire town ceptive,” Bove said. with cameras in hand while artWray’s half of the studio ists passionately presented their consisted of black and white pho- work and gave process demontos of street scenes presented on strations. tall planks of plywood. To the Those who visited gained left a photo of a bicycle tire and an invaluable insight on how the its shadow at an intriguing angle art “just comes out,” explained by caught the eye. many artists.

Sports | September 20, 2012

Follow us on twitter @CRCConnection | 5

Hawks lose two Hawks baseball wins first state title in a row, fall to Mt. San Antonio in tough game first half and held the Hawks to one significant shot on goal.

The men’s soccer team lost Hawks’ sophomore their second match in a row to keeper Marvin Hernandez made nationally ranked No. 24 Mt. a handful of saves to keep the score 1-0 going into the midway San Antonio on Friday.

Cosumnes River College break.

The Hawks started off the played a hard, physical game, but were overmatched by the second half with more aggresmuch faster and crisper Mount- sion, and in the 3rd minute they had their best chance to score ies as they lost 3-0.

“They are a very dynam- when sophomore forward Evan ic, incisive and decisive team,” Alcala’s chip shot floated just Hawks head coach Ron Preble over the goal.

“My teammate put a lot of said. “They are fit and organized spin on the ball and I couldn’t and are so quick about knowing get a good hit on it,” Alcala said. what they want to do.”

The Mounties were able to Both teams started off the game with a lot of inten- settle down afterwards as they began to sity. However, control the the MountThey are a very dynamic, p o s s e s s i on ies’ precision battle. passing and incisive and decisive team.

In the patience al- They are fit and orga10th minute lowed them to nized and are so quick A r m a n d o’s control posabout knowing what they b r o t her, session of the sophomore ball early and want to do.” forward often. ­—Ron Preble N o r b e r t o Within Head Coach Ochoa, inthe first five creased their minutes of lead with a the match, the wide open goal.

Mounties had already put heavy Armando then broke the pressure on the Hawks, taking- game open when he cashed in multiple shots on the goal. on a penalty kick, his second In the 17th minute, Mount- goal, just five minutes later that ies’ freshman midfielder Ar- put the Mounties up 3-0. mando Ochoa broke the tie Sloppy passing and impawhen he was able to get by the tience prevented the Hawks from Hawks’ defense and put a quick scoring before the match ended. shot past the goalkeeper.

The loss brought the Hawks “I went down the line and record to 2-3, while the threejust tried to hit the back post,” time defending state champion Ochoa said. “The keeper curved Mounties remained undefeated. in and I was able to get it past “We don’t think about the him.” past,” Mounties head coach Juan The Mounties maintained Sanchez said. “We are going to possession for the rest of the take it one game at a time.”

By Cody Durham cdurham.connect@gmail

“

Mary Garcia | The Connection

Freshman defender Mohammed Jagun falls over Mt. Sac goalkeeper Julian Sanchez while trying to score. The Hawks were shut out.

Mayra Fuentes | Special to The Connection

The Hawks celebrate after winning CRC's first-ever state title. The team beat nationally ranked No. 3 Rio Hondo 8-6 on May 20 in Bakersfield to secure the championship. Pitcher Austin Ales won MVP honors.

Baseball coach’s ‘old-school’ approach helps college win state championship Coach’s team-first mentality infused work ethic in team, players say

By Zach Hannigan zhannigan.connect@gmail “Play every day like it’s your last.”

These are the words that baseball’s head coach Tony Bloomfield instilled in his players at the beginning of last season. A season that would bring Cosumnes River College its first state championship in one of the hardest ways possible.

The Hawks never played a home game, nor did they ever have a home practice due to construction at CRC. But through all the adversity, the road warriors, as Bloomfield coined them, did the impossible.

They won a state title without the support of home games the whole season.

“It’s hard to explain,” Bloomfield said. “I’ve been trying to do it for 22 years and I don’t think anyone has done it that way.”

Former CRC catcher Shawn Wheeler, who was a part of the state championship team and transferred to Sac State, believes Bloomfield had a lot to do with winning the title.

“He played a huge role. His back and neck probably hurt from carrying us all the way,” Wheeler said in an email.

Bloomfield’s love for baseball started at West Torrance High School, where he was a threesport athlete. He starred on the school’s basketball and football teams. Baseball always came third to the other two, he said.

After playing football in high school, he continued his playing career into college.

“I wanted to play football,” he said. “But I was a little guy and when I saw the size of some of the players, I said ‘No thank you.’”

So, Bloomfield started playing baseball for Los Angeles Harbor College, the same school

where he would begin his coaching career as an assistant under Hall of Fame coach Jim O’Brien.

“I knew I would be a coach from the get-go,” Bloomfield said. “I was a leader on the field.”

Following a 1990 state championship as an assistant with Harbor, Bloomfield took over as head coach and led his team to four consecutive conference championships.

Mayra Fuentes | Special to The Connection After a successful stint at “It just means I had good asHarbor, Bloomfield headed to CRC and has sistant coaches,” he said. “It’s never about the individual, it’s about coached here for 14 years.

Bloomfield also brought a the team.”

Bloomfield cared less about certain philosophy to CRC that the award, than he did about last he still abides by today.

“Our intention is never to season.

“It was a special bunch of make pro baseball players,” he said. “We’re trying to make hus- guys,” he said. “Team chemistry bands and fathers. We want to in- came along, and the kids bought into our philosophy.” still character.”

Of all of his accomplishments Bloomfield taught Wheeler a lot about life beyond the baseball in his 28-year coaching career, Bloomfield ranks the state chamdiamond, he said.

“One thing I learned from pionship at CRC near the top.

Bloomfield’s coaching style him was how to act on and off the field as a student athlete,” he and philosophy are just part of said. “How to be a man for the what Wheeler will remember most part, and definitely how to moving forward in life.

“I will remember his integbe disciplined.”

Bloomfield also holds his rity and his honesty and just how good of a guy he was, also his little players to a certain rule.

“Be a good teammate,” he smirk, you know you did somesaid. “Treat everyone the same thing funny or good when you see whether he is your best player or the smirk,” he said. “There is too worst player.” much stuff to remember about For his accomplishments the guy.” last year, Bloomfield was named But in typical Bloomfield the National Coach of the Year by fashion, he wanted to talk more the American Baseball Coaches about the team and less about Association. He will be honored himself. at a national convention in Chi“I’ve seen a lot of things on a cago, Ill. Admittedly, the award baseball diamond, but that was special.” means very little, he said.

September 20, 2012 |

6 | www.thecrcconnection.com

The Cheap Seats Column: Major League Soccer is shooting itself in the foot

By Zach Hannigan zhannigan.connect@gmail

The cheers of over 75,000 strong can be heard throughout Manchester, England on any given Saturday. There is a certain passion and electricity in the air. Old Trafford is packed with thousands of Red Devils fans cheering on their beloved Manchester United Across the pond, on a very similar Saturday night there is only a murmur coming from RFK Stadium, home of Major League Soccer’s D.C. United.

This potential playoff team­­—and one of the MLS’s founding teams—is only averaging 13,668 fans per game, according to The Washington Post. That’s down 10 percent from 2011.

So why is it that the same sport on the same night can thrive so well in one country, but not the other?

The answer is simple: The U.S. is not allowing soccer to grow.

America’s top soccer league, Major League Soccer, is failing to tap into huge markets. There is a soccerloving Cuban population in the Miami area that MLS has yet to capitalize on. There is also a market in Arizona, whose warmer weather and college atmosphere would be very conducive to soccer success.

It’s not as if soccer stadiums are costing an arm and leg for MLS teams to build either; 14 of MLS’s 19 teams play in soccer-specific stadiums.

The newest stadium belongs to the Houston Dynamo at a cost of $110 million. But the newest NFL stadium in East Rutherford, NJ—home of the New York Giants and Jets—had a stickerprice of $1.6 billion.

The number don’t lie, MLS can get a team into the same markets as the NFL for a fraction of the cost.

It doesn’t stop there either. MLS continues to shoot itself in the foot.

The league refuses to abide by the FIFA calendar and insists on a spring-to-fall schedule rather than the standard August-to-May format that the world’s top soccer leagues follow.

The current schedule conflicts with the World Cup and several other FIFA international tournaments. This forces the league’s top players to leave their respective MLS team for international duties that could take up to two months.

How does a league expect to succeed without its top players? The NBA would have a hard time succeeding without Lebron James or Kobe Bryant.

So why is MLS trying to force the issue?

That brash scheduling also discourages some of the world’s best soccer players from coming to the U.S. The formula is simple - missed economic opportunities coupled with a lack of world talent equals failure. How MLS has kept afloat this long is nothing short of a miracle.

MLS must get its act together or the U.S. will always be second-tier to Europe when it comes to soccer.

Sports

Knee injury leads freshman recruit to women’s soccer team

By Brittany Patrick bpatrick.connect@gmail The women’s soccer team welcomed their new forward Jena Mamola, a 17-yearold business major, back from a terrible injury.

Mamola tore her meniscus four months back, during a high school game her senior year. Her team was winning the game 6-0, Mamola was credited with two of those goals. Her coach wanted her to get a hat-trick, so he put her back in to get a third goal.

Reliving the moment, Mamola said that she went in for the goal at about the six-yard box, and took her shot.

During her follow through, one of the opposing team members ran into her and twisted her leg, while another defender slide tackled her.

Both of these players’ charge on her caused her knee to pop out, tearing her meniscus.

“I can probably count how many times I’ve cried out on the field on just one hand, in my entire life,” Mamola said, “but I knew this was not good, and I was just crying.”

The freshman forward recovered for a month, enduring a series of X-rays and MRIs and was told that her meniscus tear was scarring behind her kneecap. Consequently, the scarring always caused her to play in pain.

In order for her to ever be 100 percent and play without pain she would need a lateral-release surgery, that would get rid of the scar tissue.

After the surgery, it took her three and it was uplifting to be pat on the back months of rehabilitation in order to by her teammates after her debut. get clearance to play again.

Mamola had the game-winning Mamola said it was “paingoal in a 1-0 victory against Cuesta ful” to be on the sidelines, esCollege. It was only her second pecially during warm-ups game back from her surgery. before a game, because she Mamola was originally was excited for the games set to go to William Jessup and wanted to play badly.

University on a scholarShe said she w a s ship. anxious to get “They signed me back onto the while I was still on field. crutches,” she said.

“When But she didn’t like I got cleared, the team or the girls, so when they said I turned down the opportucould kick the ball, not nity. play, but kick the ball I was Enter Mamola’s career out there doing my moves,” at Cosumnes River College.

Mamola said. “It just felt so Hawks Coaches Cesar Plasencia good to be out there.” and Leo Rojas, came up to MaHer first game back mola after a game again McClatchy High School, prior to her injury, to from the injury was talk to her about CRC. Mamola against Cerritos Colhad already had her mind set on lege. She had only Jessup so did not give the idea been able to too much deliberation. participate in But after her decision to two practices forgo Jessup she said, “The first prior and was person I called was Cesar. The “so nervous” to day after school started and he be playing in said, ‘Come in today, and we will get a game again. you your classes.’”

She didn’t want to disappoint The next day Mamola had all her her new teammates or coaches, because she didn’t know how she was going to play classes and all of her signatures with perin her first college-level game fresh off of mission numbers and she was playing.

“To me things happen for a reason, and surgery. The game was a 4-1 loss, but Mamola said that the team played “amazing” this turned out amazing,” Mamola said.

Britni Alford | The Connection

Members of the Board of Trustees, Elk Grove Unified School District board members, and Valley High School principal cut the ribbon to officially dedicate the stadium. A plaque will be placed in the stadium to honor the partnership between EGUSD and CRC.

New stadium opens after renovation

on the long history of partnership between the two districts. Sharpe also spoke about the merits of two like-minded groups putting their focus on benefiting students and the community as a whole with this endeavor.

Renovations began on the stadium in October 2011 and were funded by bond Measure M and A, according to the CRC

By Scott Redmond press release. Measure M funded CRC’s half sredmond.connect@gmail of the project, Sharpe said.

Los Rios Board President Ruth ScribBraving the heat and direct sunlight ner, EGUSD Superintendent Steven Ladd, more than 50 people gathered for the official dedication of the new Cosumnes River Ed.D., EGUSD Board President Chet Madison Sr. and Valley High School Principal College stadium and athletic facility.

Chelsea Bowler all spoke in succession ofGuests of the dedication were greeted fering their thanks to their partner district with shade tents, iced bottled water and and the taxpayers for helping make the statrays of cookies, as well as an enthusiastic dium a reality. welcome by the Hawks’ mascot.

“This new facility matches the pride “This is uplifting to our college, our we have in our students and our program,” partner Elk Grove Unified School District Bowler said. and our region.” CRC President Deborah CRC’s stadium will host football games Travis said in her introductory speech. for Valley High School and soccer games for Interim Los Rios Community College CRC. It will also provide for a variety of culDistrict Chancellor Jon Sharpe spoke next tural and educational events, Scribner said.

LRCCD trustees Kay Albiani, Dustin Johnson, Pamela Haynes and Scribner next presented the temporary partnership dedication plaque in lieu of the one that will be placed before the main gates in the future.

“CRC and the Elk Grove Unified School District have a long-standing, exceptional partnership,” Johnson read from the plaque.

“And share in a mission to educate students and develop academic, cultural and recreational opportunities for residents of the local community.”

The new facility benefits the students of CRC and Valley High as well as the community, Johnson said.

As excitement continued to fill the air and thank yous were given, the respective members of the boards gathered together for the ceremonial ribbon cutting at the pathway to the home field side of the stadium.

With laughter and smiles they posed with giant golden scissors for photos and with a three count the ribbon was cut by Albiani and Madison, officially opening the stadium for the fall 2012 season.

Sports | September 20, 2012

Follow us on twitter @CRCConnection | 7

Hawks volleyball loses to Columbia College Victor Macias vmacias.connect@gmail

Fresh off the CRC Classic, the Cosumnes River College volleyball team looked to build off their strong performance in the tournament where they went 2-1.

The Hawks went up against Columbia College on Sept. 12, but they didn’t look like the same team that showed up to play in the tournament.

Columbia won in three sets by the scores of 19-25, 18-25 and 23-25. With the loss, the Hawks have dropped two in a row.

“It definitely helps going 2-1 in your own tournament and knowing that the last one was in our reach, that was our match to lose,” said head coach Natalie Wells. “Maybe some of them got a little over confident.”

The Hawks were able to keep it close in the first set trailing 19-16 after the first timeout was called, but lack of communication and costly errors resulted in points for Columbia, putting the first set out of reach.

“I think we could work more as a team, communicate more on the court,” sophomore outside hitter Hoang Nguyen said.

“We lack that, which we demonstrated today by losing all three games.”

At the beginning of the second set, the Hawks took a 9-6 lead, forcing Columbia to call a timeout. The timeout seemed to kill the Hawks momentum as Columbia stormed back to take a 16-14 lead, forcing CRC to call a timeout of their own.

After the Hawks timeout, their lack of communication and sluggish play continued. Only

Jonathan Rich | The Connection #13 middle hitter, Marquesa Harris (left), #2 setter, Laura Villano (middle), #9 setter, Candice Bohlmann defend a spike from Columbia College on Sept. 12 at Cosumnes River College. The Hawks failed to win a set.

being able to rally for four more points in the set. That trend continued into the third set.

“For me, I need to be more vocal on the court, like speaking to my setter and asking what set do I set,” freshman middle hitter Rose Koloamatangi said.

N AT I O N A L

The third-and-final set saw a lot of back-and-forth action between the two teams and it was either teams set to lose.

Down 11-8, the Hawks managed to climb back and keep the game tied at 20-20.

However, Columbia rallied

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VOLLEYBALL SCHEDULE Opponent

Location

Date/Time

San Jose City College

San Jose

9/21-9/22 - 1 p.m.

American River College

ARC

9/26 - 6:30 p.m.

Delta College

Delta

9/28 - 6:30 p.m.

Santa Rosa Jr. College

CRC

10/3 - 6:30 p.m.

Opponent

Location

Date/Time

Mesa College

Mesa

9/22 - 3 p.m.

Mira Costa College

Mira Costa

9/23 - 11 a.m.

American River College

CRC

9/27 - 7 p.m.

Modesto Jr. College

Modesto

10/2 - 4 p.m.

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With the loss, the Hawks record dropped to 3-4, with the San Jose City College Tournament just around the corner.

“We have a long way to go and it doesn’t matter how we start, it’s how we finish,” Wells said.

MEN'S SOCCER SCHEDULE

Our campus in Rancho Cordova offers programs in: •

to pull off three points late for a 23-25 victory.

“We’re going to work harder tomorrow,” said Nguyen. “Definitely come in with more chemistry and more intensity and we’re going to have a better attitude toward the next game.”

Opponent

Location

Date/Time

Modesto Jr. College

CRC

9/21 - 3:30 p.m.

Sacramento City College

SCC

9/25 - 7 p.m.

Diablo Valley College

DVC

9/28 - 3:30 p.m.

Delta College

CRC

10/2 - 3:30 p.m.

September 20, 2012 |

8 | www.thecrcconnection.com

Photos

In case you missed it...

Mary Garcia | The Connection

Freshman midfielder Jessica DeAnda cashes in on a penalty kick against Fresno City College on Aug. 28. The Hawks eventually won the game 2-1, after a goal in stoppage time.

Stephan Starnes | The Connection

"I haven't been able to give blood for a number of years and I took the first opportunity I had," said 29-year-old brewing science major Juan Cuevas, while in the Blood Source coach at Cosumnes River College's Health Resource Fair on Sept.13.

Kevin Frodahl | The Connection

Philosphy professor Rick Schubert gave a lecture on bioethics that covered the issue of informed consent on Sept. 12.

Mary Garcia | The Connection

Outside hitter, Hoang Nguyen, spikes a ball past Hartnell's defense to score for the Hawks during the CRC Classic on Sept. 7. The Hawks were 2-1 for the tournament, losing their third game to Hartnell.

Mike Hendrickson | The Connection

The development from spring to fall, the new parking structure is almost ready for completion.

Mary Garcia | The Connection