Spring 2014 - Issue Four

www.thecrcconnection.com

FROM PITCHER TO COACH Sports, Page 11

With low voter turnout last year, senate looks to engage students | News, Page 3

Distracted Driving Texting while driving can be as dangerous as drunk driving | Opinion, Page 9

‘Divergent’ Can the book-turned-movie stand out in a saturated young adult market? | Features, Page 7

Stephan Starnes/The Connection

ISSUE 4 03.27.2014—04.10.2014 Student voice of CRC since 1970

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MARCH 27, 2014

>>News

University study highlights prevelance of rape culture

By Kaley Andrews kandrews.connect@gmail.com

A study of college-age students found that 35 percent of college men anonymously admitted that under certain circumstances, they would commit rape if they could get away with it, according to Four In One USA. These statistics are the result of a phenomenon called rape culture.

Rape culture is an environment in which rape frequently occurs and sexual violence against women is normalized or rationalized, and perpetuated in media and society in ways that may be difficult to notice.

For example, the language of rape and sexual assault casually used to describe a loss on the sports field or in video games, or a joking threat.

“The ideas associated with rape are promoted throughout our American culture,” said Nyenbeku George, a Cosumnes River College professor of sociology. “We have to look at it in terms of... what normal conversations like that have to do with promoting rape. Using the terms so normally, to where we desensitize ourselves toward the language that is often very [much] a part of rape culture.”

Beyond the language of rape culture are the societal conditions that foster this outlook, including the unspoken rules and gender dynamics of social interaction.

Women are frequently subjected to unwanted sexual attention, from catcalls from strangers as they walk down the street to aggressive attention from men in social settings despite clear disinterest. Yet rape culture has normalized these behaviors and made them frighteningly acceptable, even commonplace to experience, said George.

“People feel like they’re comfortable enough to be like that,” said Kandice Jones, an 18-year-old undeclared major.

“It’s not okay. It’s degrading.”

The university survey revealed that 43 percent of men admitted to using coercive behavior such as physical intimidation, ignoring a woman’s protest or using force to attain

HAWK’S EYE

Sexual Assault

by THE NUMBERS

60 percent of

Every 2 minutes, another American is sexually assaulted.

sexual assaults are not reported to the police.

1 out of every

97 percent of

rapists never spend a day in jail.

There are an average of victims of rape and sexual assault each year.

237,868

6 American women

have been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime.

9 out of 10 rape

victims are female.

Source: Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network

sex.

Rape culture is built upon more than just normalization of this behavior and these attitudes toward rape. Rationalizations for sexual assault and rape also play a significant role in the perpetuation of rape culture, George said.

“A lot of it is victim blame,” said Shanea Jones, 21, a nursing major. “I’ve heard ‘she dresses like a slut anyway, she was asking for it, she wanted it’, stuff like that.”

Numerous discussions with both men and women on campus revealed that many said that victim blaming is widespread, and often involves claiming that a victim had some responsibility in placing themselves at risk.

They said this creates an environment of fear and shame that can lead victims to avoid coming forward or revealing what has happened to them.

“I would say it [victim blaming] is a common occurrence,” said Josh Greer, 19, a photography major. “I’ve had friends that have been through that, and they’ve never told anyone.”

Moreover, rationalization promotes continued myths, ignoring the fact that a vast majority of rapes and sexu-

al assaults are carried out by perpetrators known to the victims, and often in close proximity or even within their own homes, according to the US Department of Justice.

Nor do these justifications address rape and sexual assault at the hands of family members, loved ones or friends, George said.

Drinking, walking alone or wearing certain clothing does not give perpetrators the right to commit sexual violence, but this culture of acceptance and justification continues to perpetuate these ideas, George said.

“Justifications are born out of ignorance,” George said. “They’re born out of male privilege, to not have to deal with that, to metaphorically change the channel.”

Women may feel pressured to give in to men, and men to aggressively pursue women despite protests and rationalize their behavior, George said.

“There needs to definitely be education for women and for men,” George said.

“Sometimes you could argue more for women, not because they are victims, but that so they can feel they have the fundamental right to say no.”

News in Brief Decade old college tool gets an upgrade The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office launched the redesigned website for the financial aid awareness program called I Can Afford College, on March 19.

I Can Afford College is a website designed to help current and prospective students navigate the world of financial aid. The new website is easier-to-navigate, offers a clear picture of the many different types of financial aid available and directly connects students to the required forms or to one-on-one assistance at their local college, according to the CCCCO’s press release.

“We’re delighted to announce this redesign,” California Community Colleges Chancellor Brice W. Harris said. “The ‘I Can Afford College’ campaign has been providing students at our 112 community colleges the critical information they need so that they can begin their higher education journey. With today’s launch it will be easier, faster and more convenient for students to find out about the types of aid for which they are eligible and how to apply so they can make their higher education dreams a reality.”

The original website was launched over a decade ago, with the new site aimed to bring a modern touch to a financial aid resource, according to the press release.

With the redesign, the site includes links to Salary Surfer, a website that allows students to see an estimate of the potential wages earned from their chosen field after graduation, the Student Success Scorecard, which gives an overall view of where the 112 colleges of the CCC are performance wise, and links to the web-

sites for the Associate Degree for Transfer which provides information on the special degree that aims to make it easier for students to transfer from community colleges into the California State University system.

According to the press release the new I Can Afford College site still includes key features from the previous site like access to forms for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the Board of Governors Fee Waiver.

Board of trustees vaccancy to be filled by voters After the passing of Los Rios Community College District Board of Trustees member Terry Cochran on Feb. 14, the board unanimously decided on March 12 that voters in the Nov. 4 general election will vote to fill the vacancy, according to a LRCCD press release.

Cochran represented Area 3 since being first elected to the board in 1996.

Trustee area 3 comprises the city of Folsom and most of the El Dorado County area, according to the press release.

Residents of Area 3 who are registered to vote and are qualified to vote are eligible to run for the position. According to the press release, the nomination period will run from July 14 through Aug. 8 with the necessary forms available after July 14 at the Sacramento County Voter Registration and Elections Office.

Cochran was in his fifth consecutive four-year term when he passed, a term that would have ended in 2016.

The winner of the Nov. 4 election will complete the remainder of Cochran’s term before becoming eligible in 2016 for re-election to a full four-year term of their own, according to the press release.

THECRCCONNECTION.COM

PAGE 3

Student government looks to raise student awareness with elections and social media “I feel I don’t get to know them very well,” said Elena Marez, 21, an English major. “I As the time for mid-term know they do stuff on campus elections throughout the nathat I appreciate, but I feel like tion nears, closer to home I don’t get to know them.” elections of a different sort are The student senate makes about to occur. the problems of students who The Associated Students contact them a “top priority,” of Cosumnes River College Mitchell said.

Student Senate elections are in “I really wish that more April, and the current student students would come forward senate is hoping to increase with issues, because we don’t student participation. get that many,” said Mitchell.

“The student senate serves “Are there not any issues here? as the direct line of communiDo students not know where cation from students to the to take those issues? Do they higher powers here on camjust feel like, ‘Well, I’m only pus, and also in the district,” here for my class and then I said CRC Stugo home. It dent Senate There are around 14,000 students at CRC, doesn’t really President and matter.’ If evElection Com- I understand that not every single student erybody has mittee Chair that mindset DJ Mitchell. is able to vote but I would love to see that then it’s nev“We can then number increase.” er going to solve some — D.J. Mitchell change.” issues ourStudents Student Senate President selves that are wishing to adcampus based Mitchell said, in an eff ort dress issues with the ASCRC and those that are out of our power, or jurisdiction if you to alleviate this dismal amount can go to the SCOR office, will, we can direct those issues of votes, the election will be which is across from L111, or to the proper people who can online this year on April 8 to the Student Development Ofhandle those issues. It’s people April 9 from 7 a.m. to 11:30 fice both located in the Library building. we have connections with that p.m.

“Students can access that ASCRC is holding a candistudents wouldn’t as easily be from home,” Mitchell said. date’s forum on April 2 from 12 able to talk to.”

“They can [also] access that p.m. to 1 p.m., in the cafeteria, The current senate has organized events such as the from their phones, which will where students can view each March in March and Welcome make it a lot easier than hav- candidate’s mission statement Days/Club It Up, in addition ing a polling station only set and ask each candidate quesup on certain days.” tions. Students can also view to vendor fairs.

With the election on the the mission statement for each “In the fall Vendor Fair we were able to get food trucks al- way, many students said they candidate, which will be postlowed on campus for the first are unaware of what the stu- ed throughout the campus on flyers, Mitchell said. time,” said Student Senator Jo- dent senate does.

“I think [awareness of the Attending this type of seph Johnson.

While food trucks at the student senate] is one of the event helps students gain inVendor Fair were an immedi- things that need to be worked formation on what the senate ate victory, long-term benefits on,” said Monica Gol, 19, a so- views as a priority for students may have been gained as well. ciology major. “I have no idea and each candidate’s agenda, “Money is raised through what they’ve done or what Mitchell said. “[I’m looking for a canvendor fees we charge busi- they need to do.”

Many students said they didate] that is a good student nesses to sell or promote themselves on campus,” Johnson felt the student senate may themselves,” said Law. “If said. “Charging vendor fees is not act on issues they had, they don’t have integrity in one way the senate can raise and some, such as 19-year-old their own student life, like money to fund our activities nursing major Hanna Law, with professors, with other said they “don’t know where students and grades, then no on campus.” one will respect them.”

In the past the extent of to go” if they had a problem.

By Emiliano Martin emartin.connect@gmail.com

Candidate: Student Senate President

the senate’s advertising was through flyers, but they are branching out because student participation has been low, Mitchell said. Only 233 students voted in the last election for student senate, according to statistics provided by Student Senate Advisor Winnie LaNier.

The senate is looking towards social media to increase student awareness.

“There are around 14,000 students at CRC, I understand that not every single student is able to vote, but I would love to see that number increase,” said Johnson.

Candidate:

Clubs & Events Board Commissioner

“

Katelynn Rodriguez Interest to Serve:

I am interested in this position because I have had great role models who have encouraged me to be a better person and a better leader, as well as pushed me to get involved. I believe working selflessly for the students is part of being the greatest I can be.

Main Issue/Concern:

One of my main concerns is to continue addressing the lack of a student center on CRC campus. All students should have a place to meet with each other to discuss common interests, as well as have all offices and spaces meet ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) standards.

Leadership Qualifications:

I feel I am qualified for this position because of experience working in this school year’s ASCRC as secretary, as well as leading many clubs and participating in events to establish and protect student rights.

Online Voting Opens: Tuesday, April 8 and Wednesday, April 9 7:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Go to your eServices account and click on the VOTE! tab Open positions will be filled by appointment or special election at a later date For more information, contact: Winnie LaNier at 916-691-7669, lanierw@crc.losrios.edu

Source: ASCRC Voter’s Guide

Malcolm Nash Interest to Serve:

I believe my experience as Director of Legislative Affairs in the past few months and my ability to represent students will help me effectively carry the duties of being the Commissioner.

Main Issue/Concern:

A great leader is willing to listen to others and their opinions of the ones they represent. It is always a privilege to be able to fill the shoes of a leadership role and leave an everlasting legacy of student involvement to continue to make CRC great.

Leadership Qualifications:

If I am elected into the position of Commissioner of the Clubs and Events Board I will continue to be a leader who will be able to effectively communicate and unify students. Gaining the experience through Student Senate will help me develop into the Commissioner who is needed for this campus.

Source: ASCRC Voter’s Guide

Source: ASCRC Voter’s Guide

PAGE 4

THECRCCONNECTION.COM

Courtesy Photo

New drinking game takes competition to social media

By Heather Kemp

elderly or has a medical condition, the While the popularity is growing liver can easily become overwhelmed across the globe, students are divided and the person can suffer from alcohol on the game. rinking games have always intoxication, which can be deadly.”

“Hell yes I’d play the game, it been popular with the college The game, whose origins are in sounds fun,” said James Sapigao, a crowd, and in 2014 it only Australia, is now becoming increasing- 23-year-old architecture major. makes sense that they have found their ly popular all over the globe, accordLai Saeteurn a 28-year-old sociolway onto social media.

This should be as popular as the Harlem Shake is now in about two Neknominate is a social media based drinking competition with a simple basis; you guzzle down your weeks. I am pretty unfamiliar with the game, but I would imagine favorite alcoholic beverage and post a when the next trend comes along this one will pass.” video of it on a website like Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.

In the past the drinker must - Professor Robert Snowden hashtag Neknominate and call out the Radio and Digital Media two or three friends that they want to challenge to out drink them.

So far, five deaths have been at- ing to the same article from CNN. ogy major had a different opinion on tributed to the overuse of alcohol in Recently France’s National Asso- whether or not she would take part in Neknominate, according to an article ciation for Prevention of Alcoholism the game. from CNN. and Addiction began a push to have “I don’t drink a lot anymore,” she “Even as a healthy adult, our liv- the game count as charges for endan- said. “I drink socially like here and er can only process a small amount of gering the life of another or forcing there. I don’t binge drink anymore.” alcohol at a time, one drink per hour minors to drink excessive alcohol, both Brandon Mosley, 24, an English for most adults with fully functioning of which are crimes punishable with a major, was unsure about whether or livers,” said nutrition Professor Tima- sentence of up to two years in prison, not he liked the idea of Neknominate’s ree Hagenburger. “When that rate is according to an article from The Inde- unsocial social media aspect. exceeded, or if the person is young or pendant.

“Yeah, if say you moved out of

D

hkemp.connect@gamil.com

“

SAVE THE

DATE

31ST ANNUAL TRAIL RIDE AND DINNER

Saddle up for Project R.I.D.E. on their 31st annual memorial John Lewis trail ride on April 5. Join them for a wonderful breakfast and lunch and two trail rides at the lovely Barton Ranch in Sloughhouse, then a big barn party back at the Project R.I.D.E. arena.

Attendees can also participate in live auctions and raffles. For more information call (916) 685-7433.

“LOS RIOS NIGHT”

The Sacramento River Cats take on the El Paso Chihuahuas for Los Rios Night on April 25 at 7:05 p.m. Group rate discout tickets are available for Los Rios Community members if purchased before the day of the game.

Los Rios Night also include Los Rios Teacher Appreciation Night as well postgame Sutter Health Fireworks and a home grown garden gnome giveaway to the first 2,500 fans.

“SISTER ACT” ON BROADWAY

town and your friend base was out of town then it’d be kind of fun to do, but then it promotes drinking by yourself so I don’t know, I’m split there,” he said.

On the possible dangers of Neknominate, Mosley said he thinks it’s safe if you know your limits.

With social media sites and games coming and going so quickly in this digital age, the longevity of Neknominate is in question.

“This should be as popular as the Harlem Shake is now in about two weeks,” said Robert Snowden, a radio and digital media professor. “I am pretty unfamiliar with the game, but I would imagine when the next trend comes along this one will pass.”

Whether the game is still played in two weeks or not, it is causing very real problems right now.

“The hard part is the you may never know how much alcohol it will take for any given person,” Hagenburger said. “Some have died after only a few shots, while other people have survived after drinking much higher quantities of alcohol.”

Sister Act is Broadway’s feel-amazing musical comedy smash! Featuring original music by 8-time Oscar winner Alan Menken. A sparkling tribute to the universal power of friendship, Sister Act is reason to REJOICE! Sister Act is showing at Community Center Theatre on April 8 to April 14. Ticket prices range from $21 to $88 and can be purchased online at Broadway Sacramento.

SACRAMENTO DOG SHOW

The Sacramento Kennel Club’s “Sacramento Dog Show” is one of the longest-standing dog shows in the country, at almost 100 years old, as some of our first records date back into the 1920s.

The event will be held at CalExpo on April 10 through Arpil 13 from 7:00a.m. to 4:00p.m. For more information, go to www.sacramentodogshow.com.

March 27, 2014

Page 5

>>Features

Safe Spaces promotes equality

By Heather Kemp hkemp.connect@gmail.com While students roam around the Cosumnes River College campus, they are bound to see the “Safe Space” stickers posted on many professors’ office doors and windows.

Those blue and orange stickers indicate that behind that door is a place where anyone can open up and get help for any issues they may be encountering on campus or off.

Safe Spaces is a program developed on campus by anthropology Professor Anastasia Panagakos.

Safe Spaces aims to abolish any bias or intolerance happening on campus with no regard to a person’s sexual orientation, race, religion or any other possible ‘X’ factor, according to the Safe Spaces page on CRC’s website.

Panagakos shared that her goal was, “to help promote a positive and bias-free learning environment for students and to offer support to anyone on campus who feels they have been discriminated against.”

The program works with the campus’ administration, counseling center and police department if necessary, according to their page on the school’s website.

“My goals for working with Safe Spaces is for access to individuals who need

help, someone to talk with, or a place to go without a sense of judgment,” said Estella Hoskins, a CRC counselor. “I got involved for the same reason I became a counselor. The need for openness, acceptance, resources and a spirit of giving in an environment that we endeavor to establish as free of bias, discrimination, harassment and/or abuse. “ Panagakos opened up about why she got involved with Safe Spaces.

“I thought it was important to promote the idea that students or staff that do not feel safe on campus have a place to go where they do feel safe,” she said. “Not every issue is a matter for the police, the counselors or the administration. It is important for students to know that there are people on campus who are willing to listen and help without judgement.”

Counselor Lynn Fowler also spoke on why she got involved.

“I became involved because I experienced harassment as a young person and I remember how difficult it was to feel there was no place to go at school where I could feel safe, until I had a teacher who stood up for me.” Fowler said. “So my interest in involvement was basically so that other young men and women would know the wide variety of people and places on cam-

pus where they could be assured of a safe space.”

So, what kind of problems can Safe Spaces deal with?

Whatever you are struggling with, Safe Spaces is a good jumping off point for resolving it.

“I have helped both students and staff. Some issues included helping a student find the right resources for domestic abuse and discussing with another student issues of sexual orientation and perceived bias in a classroom setting,” said Panagakos.

Panagakos explained what the Safe Space faculty does.

“Sometimes, Allies, what we call people who have the sticker in their workplace, just listen, sometimes we are required to take action, and other times we are there to provide information for people to get help that we can’t provide,” she said.

The Safe Spaces page can be found on CRC’s website under support services.

Once you get there, finding someone to talk to is easy.

There is a link with a map of designated safe spots all around campus with names and locations, making it simple for individuals to find a faculty member who they feel best suits their needs.

Rachel Norris/The Connection

The door of the kinesiology, health education and athletics department at Cosumnes River College bears the Safe Space sticker, showing that faculty and administration in this department are allies of the program.

Should partners watch porn together?

By Rachel Norris & Scott Redmond

She Said:

Porn sites get more visitors each month than Netflix, Amazon and Twitter combined, according to an article by the Huffington Post.

If you are single and watch porn, then it’s a different story, but there are many reasons why watching a porno with your partner is a bad idea.

Women are completely objectified in porn. Your girlfriend should be looked at as a treasure, not some howling animal getting spanked for being a “bad girl.”

Men also tend to become decreasingly satisfied with their partner’s sexual performance, body image and sexual imagination, according to a study done by researchers Dolf Zillmann and Jennings Bryant.

It’s a pretty sad relationship if you have to watch porn together because your girlfriend can’t give you a hard-on anymore.

Some say that watching porn with your girlfriend or boyfriend helps and mends relationships.

How does watching a girl being degraded and objectified on a camera all of a sudden fix a relationship? It doesn’t. Because good relationships don’t make sex the number one priority.

The more that a man or woman watches porn, the more that their sexual pleasure amongst each other decreases and, eventually, diminishes, according to Bryant and Zillmann.

So, if somebody wants to try watching porn with their partner to spice things up, nobody is stopping them.

But don’t be surprised when the result ends up being the opposite of what you were hoping for.

He Said:

You’re snuggled up on the couch with your significant other and ready to pop in a movie, and as the opening credits roll it starts off with an explicit sex scene.

That’s because it’s not any ordinary movie being watched, it’s porn.

Let’s just get to the point here, watching porn as a couple is fine.

A survey from Cosmopolitan magazine said that watching porn was bad because it made women feel self conscious about themselves. If you have a strong relationship, your significant other will find you much more attractive than the material parodied as being something teenage boys jerk off to.

There is fear with porn that it will cause a partner to fantasize about others or stray from a relationship.

Let’s get real. This isn’t a Hollywood movie where you and your partner only truly have eyes for one another.

People who are loyal and faithful still notice others who are attractive, they’re not dead after all.

While the threat of straying might be a concern, according to an article by the Huffington Post, the chances of straying go down when a couple engages in watching porn together because couples are sharing their fantasies and keeping their sex life fresh so that desire to look outside of a relationship for satisfaction isn’t likely to occur.

It’s perfectly healthy to pop in the filthiest porn DVD you can find and grab your loved one and prepare for the very likely night of sex to come afterwards.

You might even pick up a new position or two and make a fun night of it. That sounds like a win for everyone involved.

Do you think partners should watch porn together? Let us know your thoughts at www.thecrcconnection.com.

www.thecrcconnection.com

Page 6

Professor teaches abroad, expands student learning

By Damon Hickman

dhickman.connect@gmail.com It’s not everyday that a college professor has the opportunity to not only teach on more than one continent, but also impact students on a global level.

Cosumnes River College Communication Studies Professor Colette Harris-Mathews had the opportunity to teach at the University of London in the United Kingdom in fall 2013 through the Los Rios Study Abroad program.

Harris-Mathews, along with three other professors, taught across the pond through the Northern California Consortium, who partners with the American Institute for Foreign Studies, she said.

“The experience was enriching for me professionally and personally,” Harris-Mathews said via e-mail.

“I most enjoyed the cultural experience of traveling to work via the tube and the opportunity to teach without walls. Students were amazed by their opportunities to learn outside the classroom.”

Whether educating students in America or the UK, teaching has always been a big part of Harris-Mathews’s life.

“Teaching was always the thing I liked to do. Prior to teaching, I worked in the public sector as a manager. One of the things I liked to do was teach people how to do their job better,” Harris-Mathews said.

Harris-Mathews said being an educator is much more than simply standing in front of a classroom lecturing or assigning pages out of a textbook, regardless of the continent she’s teaching on.

These aspects are necessary to successful teaching, but she said she believes teaching is a growth process in which teachers act as catalysts to help students arrive to ‘their own truth.’

“You need to get to the point where people really

Courtesy of Colette Harris-Mathews

Harris-Mathews (left) and professor Sondra Saterfield (right) from the College of San Mateo visit Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England as a part of the British Life and Culture class. Students had many opportunities to learn outside of the classroom by combining lectures with organized field trips.

grow, they arrive to their own truth. The whole purpose of college is you’re searching for your own truths,” Harris-Mathews said. “My philosophy to teaching is that students learn through doing.

I believe that all students can learn, [but] they have to be open to the education process.”

Harris-Mathews’s core teaching beliefs have proven beneficial, according to her students.

“She makes [the public speaking] really comfortable, like the way she acknowledges everyone. She’s really easy to get along with,” said Mike Duran, 21, a physics major, who is currently taking Harris-Mathews’s Communications 301 introduction to public speaking course.

Sandra Gomez, 21, a psychology major who is also in Harris-Mathews’s Communications 301 course, agrees with Duran. “[The class] is a good environment,” Gomez said.

“She gives a lot of time for

“You need to get to the point where people

really grow, they arrive to their own truth. The whole purpose of college is you’re searching for your own truths. ” —Colette Harris-Mathews Communication Studies Professor

Courtesy of Colette Harris-Mathews

Harris-Mathews and some students from the Study Abroad program pose for a group picture in the city of Bath in Southwest England. The Study Abroad program visited the historical city to learn of the Bath Roman History as a part of the British Life and Culture class.

students to get to know each other and feel comfortable. If you need help, she’s always available.”

In addition to ensuring her students are in a comfortable classroom setting, 18-year-old psychology major Mindy Ou said Harris-Mathews also does what she can to help her students reach success.

“She’s really informative, and she helps you reach your goals and always answers questions,” Ou said. “She’s [also] funny and nice.”

Teaching is a method through which Harris-Mathews said she hopes to prepare students for not only their future, but also their futures in prospective careers, and as thinkers.

“I try to help students see the connection of theory and application. I believe I am preparing students to be intellectually curious, but also successful in today’s workforce. There should be a balance of intellectualism and practical skills relevant for tomorrow’s workforce,” she

said via e-mail.

Students who haven’t already taken one of Harris-Mathews’ communication studies courses will have the opportunity to, as she said there currently are no plans to end her teaching career anytime in the foreseeable future.

“I plan to teach as long as I feel I am making a difference in the classroom and contributing to higher education,” she says. “I am a lifelong learner, so I believe I will always remain connected to education.”

thecrcconnection.com

Page 7

‘Divergent’ offers love, action and societal discourse

By Scott Redmond sredmond.connect@gmail.com Following in the footsteps of “Harry Potter” and “The Hunger Games” another highly popular young adult book hit theaters. “Divergent,” the first in a trilogy of novels, made its debut on March 21.

Just like “Hunger Games,” “Divergent” takes place in a world that has been devastated long ago by war, where a new system has risen to try and bring stability and peace to the world.

That is where the similarities between the two franchises end, besides the requisite love stories that come with most stories and movies.

“Divergent,” like most post-apocalyptic world stoCourtesy Photo ries, is not built upon the Beatrice (Shailene Woodley) trains for her initiation into the faction Dauntless as senior faction member “Four” interest being in the world (Theo James) oversees. as we know it having ended. It’s about the characters dite, the intelligent and logical where they can then choose age for the test, which sets up and the political and societal science minded class; Candor, the faction they want. the future conflict in the movissues that are brought to the the blunt and honest justice Once you choose a facie because her results show surface through whatever system class; Dauntless, the tion, that is the group you are that she is a divergent, meansociety the creator paints for daring and brave class that part of for life, and all other ing someone that doesn’t just this new world. police and protect the society; ties from the past are left befit into one faction.

Hundreds of years after and Abnegation, the selfless hind.

The only other choice is Choosing Dauntless, a war that ravaged much of faction who runs the governto become part of the FactionBeatrice, shortened to Tris, the country, in the city of ment and the faction which less, the wandering masses leaves her family and the Chicago there are five factions the main character belongs at without a faction. world she knows behind, that people are placed into in the films beginning.

The major theme of the which briefly turns the movie order to bring peace, or so the Once citizens turn 16, film through is one of control. into a story of the hardcore leaders say. they are put through a test Beatrice, played by Shailene training she and others must The groups include that will determine which Woodley (“The Secret Life endure.

Amity, the happy and simple, faction they should belong of the American Teenager”), Like other popular young peaceful farming class; Eruto, and they go to a ceremony reaches the appropriate adult books that are turned

into movies, “Divergent” sets up the drama and action that drives the story into future installments of the trilogy, focusing on the character interactions and strength.

While the romance between Tris and Dauntless member Tobias “Four” Eaton (Theo James, “Underworld: Awakening”) seems almost too forced and pre-ordained, the personal battle that Tris has trying to prove her strength and the one to save those she cares about when the system begins to exert too much control are very well done.

Miles Teller, Jai Courtney and Zoe Kravitz round out a cast of newer actors with Ashley Judd, Mekhi Phifer, Maggie Q and Kate Winslet as the seasoned veterans of screen.

“Divergent” is a strong opening act for the rest of the trilogy that will be coming to the silver screen soon. Having not read the series before hand wasn’t a deterrent to enjoying the film as the story is a compelling one.

With the second novel “Insurgent,” already greenlit to arrive in theaters on March 20, 2015 and the third “Allegiant” for theaters on March 18, 2016, it’s a good time for fans of the trilogy.

author’s score out of five

#TrendingNow Compiled by Greg Prouty and Kaley Andrews All photos are courtesy photos

“I strongly believe there’s always going to be a threat from them,” said Halima Allahyar, 21, a nutrition major. “Countries are always going to mess each other up, legally or extralegally.”

The long awaited movie Maleficent will hit theatres on May 30. The film features Angelina Jolie as the infamous dragon lady known from ‘Sleeping Beauty’.

“Maleficent is the greatest villain of all time,” said Salwa Mikbel, a 19-year-old business administration major. “She is pure evil.”

paper books?’

‘Ebooks or

The United Nations is attempting to persuade Russia to stop the annexation of Crimea from the Ukraine.

ficent’

‘Male

‘Rus

sia’

With new tablets being released that have paperless versions of books, there is a debate on whether they are better than the paper competitors.

“I’m not a big fan of the Kindle,” said Carlos Uriarte, 19, an art major.

“I think it’s bad and takes a lot of jobs away.”

PAGE 8

MARCH 27, 2014

>>Opinion EDITORIAL

Colleges must do more to address sexual assault There is no question that being sexually assaulted will traumatize a person for the rest of his or her life. Unfortunately, 84 percent of the women who reported sexual abuse experienced the incident during their first four semesters on a college campus, according to an examination of sexual violence against college women by the University of Mississippi.

So, what are colleges doing in order to help curb those numbers on college campuses? Not enough.

Between 20 and 25 percent of women will experience an attempted or completed rape during their college career, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

That’s one out of four women who will have to live with the horrible experience of being raped for a lifetime, as well as the potential of becoming pregnant or catching a sexually transmitted diseases from the rape.

Rape is not something that somebody can just “get over,” and the amount of sexual assaults on campuses do not look like they are going to decrease anytime soon.

If college administrations take rape more seriously, the numbers of rape occurrences on campus will decrease.

The appropriate response to any sexual assault is taking every occurrence seriously and avoiding assumptions that a victim is lying.

More than half of those raped tell no one of the attack, and only 2 percent of reported incidents turn out to be false, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Campuses should create a policy strongly encouraging victims to report rape incidents.

The term rape is thrown around as a term of amusement for a lot of young adults. Campus-based sexual assault programs should educate students that rape is nothing to be taken lightly, and especially not for entertainment or amusement.

President Barack Obama is pushing to curb sexual assaults on college campuses by recently announcing the development of a task force, spotlighting the issue of rape on a national level.

The aim of the task force builds on administration efforts to curb sexual assault on campus. Under federal laws, schools are obligated to prevent and address sexual assault, and to report crimes on campus, according to an article from TIME magazine.

On a more local level, colleges can help rape victims and lower the number of sexual assaults with a few important steps.

Colleges should always provide educational programs and support services to students, as well as developing a set procedure when attacks happen to help ensure the safety of students.

Cosumnes River College took the appropriate steps towards rape prevention by holding a rape prevention panel on March 5 involving different community members discussing rape prevention, including Capt. John McPeek of the Los Rios Community College District police department.

Holding the perpetrators of sexual assault responsible for their actions, and not letting them off lightly is a start.

Blaming the victim or giving out a soft punishment for the attacker gives them the message they can do it again and get away with it.

Everyone on campus should work together and get as many people involved as possible to curb sexual assaults.

Nobody should have to worry about fending off a sexual attack when they attend college to better their lives. Let’s make the effort to enhance the safety of colleges and decrease the number of rape cases.

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

HAWK

TALK

How do you feel about distracted driving?

“I think it’s really dangerous, and a lot of people don’t realize when they do it how much they’re taking into their own hands when they text or are on the phone. They are Meghan Scurti 19, Evironmental Studies not only putting themselves at risk, but they’re putting other people at risk.”

Jack Hwang 23, Music

“Usually when I have a passenger in my car [I get distracted], but other than that, usually I take my cell phone out of my pocket and throw it on the passenger seat to avoid being distracted.”

Marissa Patana 23, Music

Ashley Scurti 19, Kinesiology

“The most distracting thing in a car is when you have somebody next to you telling you how to drive, telling you where to go, touching all your knobs—that’s so distracting. The passenger is the most distracting thing in the car.”

“I do think the government might be taking it a step further than it needs to be with all the laws. It might be a problem, but I think that a lot of the laws are more restricting.

You should be able to answer your phone, maybe.”

Give us your opinion on Twitter using

#CRCHawkTalk

Scan this QR Code with your smart phone to view the Hawk Talk video.

Editor in Chief: Scott Redmond Features Editor: Rachel Norris News Editor: Scott Redmond Online Editor: Zach Hannigan Opinion Editor: Zach Hannigan Sports Editor: Nick Valenzuela Visuals Editor: Stephan Starnes Faculty Adviser: Rubina Gulati Staff: Kaley Andrews, Bobby Bishop, Jelina Cortero, Kayla Gangl, Stacey Marie Harris, Damon Hickman, Shafa Ilyas, Heather Kemp, Emiliano Martin, Greg Prouty

Compiled by: Jelina Cortero & Damon Hickman

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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THECRCCONNECTION.COM

PAGE 9

Blaming the bullied victims is never the appropriate response

By Scott Redmond sredmond.connect@gmail.com Imagine that someone just burst into your house and beat you and stole a bunch of your stuff. When the police arrive, their only response to you is that you should not have such nice stuff.

I bet that wouldn’t feel good at all.

This same victim blaming has plagued those who have been raped, and now it is spreading towards those who are bullied.

Blaming any victim for the pain and suffering they go through at the hands of another is truly disgusting.

Grayson Bruce, 9, from North Carolina was bullied and tormented daily about his choice of a My Little Pony backpack.

Instead of cracking down on the bullies, the school and the district told Bruce and his mother that he should not bring the bag This desire if he wanted to avoid teasto put blame ing as it was “trigger for on others, so abullying.” centas to avoid ly R eanother pissing off young boy, 11, tried to the majority commit suibecause has become cide he was teased for liking My far too Little Pony. prevelant in Just like blaming a society.” rape victim for wearing a short skirt or drinking at a party, much as Wall Street Journal columnist James Taranto tried to do recently, laying blame on a child for the bullying that comes from them just being themselves is the worst thing you can do.

Bullying is a horrible thing to endure. I should know.

Throughout my childhood, I was teased, horribly, and it left scars for a long time.

There was a point in the dark times that I contemplated just ending my life to avoid being teased.

While the teasing mostly focused on my weight or my looks, the fact that my best friend and I liked to play “Power Rangers” at recess brought us many years of hardcore bullying.

No one should ever be punished for what they like.

“

The world is full of television shows, movies, books and all other forms of entertainment for every type of person.

The school choosing to side with those who are obviously insecure about themselves and their lives that they pick on another student shows the issue with our society.

This desire to put blame on others, so as to avoid pissing off the majority has become far too prevalent in society.

The other side will argue that the school is looking out for Bruce by telling him to leave the bag at home, so that he won’t be teased any longer because they can’t always be around to stop those that are doing the bullying.

That is bullshit, if you’ll pardon my English.

While the school can’t be around at all times to stop bullying, to just brush it off and allow it to happen and punish the victim is not only lazy and irresponsible, but borderline insane.

While the school came around after a meeting with Grayson’s mother and changed their mind, allowing Grayson to bring his bag to school, it doesn’t change the backwards thinking they displayed previously.

If the logic is that one should not put themselves in a situation where bad things happen, should we tell shop owners that it’s their fault they got held up, because they have money on the premises?

Now it will be the bank’s fault they get robbed, because they have money or that guy that just got killed, clearly it was his fault for being alive, which led to someone killing him.

If only he hadn’t had that pesky habit of existing, he never would have been shot and killed.

Society needs to stop with this ridiculous desire to please everyone to avoid angering so called majorities and protect the victims of senseless crimes.

It doesn’t matter if you carry a My Little Pony backpack, wear a short skirt or happen to be chunkier than the other kids, no one deserves to be treated like crap and tormented.

Stephan Starnes/The Connection

Preoccupied drivers risk others’ safety with electronic devices

By Kayla Gangl kgangl.connect@gmail.com There is a killer on the loose. One that can change the lives of people in the blink of an eye, or in this case, the push of a send button.

Distracted driving is a fast-growing epidemic that motorists face on America’s roadways.

While using a phone is the most common form, distracted driving is anything that diverts a driver’s attention from the road, even something as simple as changing the radio station.

While snapping selfies behind the wheel might be an amusement for some, it has proven dangerous to not only themselves, but to others around them. So dangerous in fact, that it has been compared to driving under the influence.

At any given daylight moment across America, approximately 660,000 drivers are using cell phones or manipulating electronic devices while driving, a number that has held steady since 2010, according to the National Occupant Protection Use Survey conducted by the National Center for Statistics and Analysis of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

After being run off the road more than once by someone who was texting and driving, and having friends who

have been in accidents where someone was using their phone, my phone remains out of my reach while driving. It isn’t worth what I could potentially lose.

The facts of texting and driving should be enough to make someone think twice about tweeting to his friends or updating a Facebook status while on the road. According to Distraction, the Official U.S. Government Website for Distracted Driving, if someone is driving 55 mph and looks at his phone for five seconds, he will have traveled the length of the football field without having looked at the road.

What is worse is that many young adults, 77 percent in fact, are confident that they can safely text and drive, but texting while driving makes a crash 23 times more likely, according to NHTSA. For drivers 15-19 years old involved in fatal crashes, 21 percent of the distracted drivers were distracted by the use of cellphones, according to NHTSA. Even though teens and young adults are the largest group of distracted drivers, they aren’t the only ones to blame for endangering the lives of others. According to a survey done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 31 percent of U.S. drivers ages 18-64 reported that they had read or sent text messages or email messages while driv-

ing, increasing the age bracket significantly.

The consequences of texting and driving should be heavily considered before reaching for the phone.

Tickets can be issued just for texting and driving. According to the website Findlaw which tracks various state laws, in California the fines stemming from a texting-while-driving ticket can reach up to $300 for a first offense. That’s an awful lot of money to fork over for an “LOL :-).” With tickets can come driver’s license points and insurance penalties that raise insurance premiums.

What’s worse than ticket fines and increased insurance payments? According to Findlaw, a website that gives legal information, many states dole out hefty punishments, including jail time for behindthe-wheel texting that leads to serious injury or death and a number of cases exist in which texting drivers wound up with vehicular manslaughter or homicide charges.

So is it really worth risking everything to send a text while driving? While some may try to justify their actions, there is no way to justify risking their lives and the lives of those on the road around them.

That text can wait. So put the phone down, focus on the road and enjoy the ride.

Page 10

March 27, 2014

>>Sports

The tournament is madness Zach Hannigan zhannigan.connect@gmail.com It’s that time of year again, the ides of March are upon us. A month where average men become heroes and heroes become legends.

No, it’s not “The Hunger Games,” which admittedly I have no idea what month that takes place, the competition I am referring to may even be more entertaining than the latter spectacle.

It’s the annual NCAA Division I men’s college basketball tournament that we have fondly coined March Madness that is being referred to of course.

Along with the tournament comes bracket mania, the Cinderella story and at the end of it all, a champion.

This year’s Cinderella? Stanford. A team that found the glass slipper, kept it and seemed to have forced their foot into it, as they have danced their way all the way to the Sweet 16.

By the way, their opponent is 11-seed Dayton, who may not be wearing the glass slipper, but could be riding that “dark horse” that everyone likes to try and pick before the tournament.

These two bracket busters will battle it out Thursday night to see who will advance to the Elite 8.

Speaking of brackets, how is yours doing?

Probably about as well as NFL running backs in free agency, not so hot.

By the way, the odds of filling out a perfect bracket are 9.2 quintillion to one, according to CNN Money. That’s 18 zeroes, but who’s counting? In fact, as of last weekend, Warren Buffet will be keeping that $1 billion he promised to a person that fills out a perfect bracket.

Just for fun, here is a list of everything you have better odds of accomplishing: You’re more likely to have identical quadruplets (1 in 15 million).

You’re more likely to be attacked by a shark (1 in 11.5 million).

You’re more likely to be drafted in the first round of the NBA draft out of high school (1 in 22,000).

I think we can all collectively conclude those ridiculous numbers with one statement, “So you’re saying there’s a chance?”

Yes, there is always a chance, but as my bearded statistics professor would probably say to me, “don’t waste your time.”

While I admit I do not have that perfect bracket; I will say I picked the correct winner.

The Florida Gators will win the tournament this year. I say that because my 2-year-old niece picked their logo out of the 16 presented in front of her.

In the end, that method may be just as effective as any other.

Stephan Starnes / The Connection

CRC freshman pitcher David Smith pitches to Modesto Junior College freshman infielder Josh Miguel on March 20.

Hawks baseball rallies from early deficit to beat Modesto Pirates Scott Redmond sredmond.connect@gmail.com Hawks battle back to victory in close game against Pirates/ Hard fought game ends with Hawks victory over Pirates/ Hawks make Pirates walk the plank in close fought game In a tense back and forth battle, the Cosumnes River Hawks baseball team narrowly triumphed over the Modesto Junior College Pirates 9-8 on March 20.

In the first inning the Pirates managed to score two runs, the first coming after an overthrown ball to first base by the Hawks.

By the end of the second inning the score was 3-0 in the Pirates favor.

“At the beginning we didn’t execute, they scored two runs on one hit. We fumbled the ball at first base, we fumbled the ball at third base, our pitcher doesn’t have location so we got him out quick as we can,” said head coach Tony Bloomfield.

“Being down 3 nothing, that guy had a 0.86 era coming in their starting pitcher so we knew it was going to be tough but we got to them and kept bailing back.”

The Hawks rallied back from the early lead of the Pirates when in the bottom of the third sophomore outfielder Kasey Chapan managed to successfully steal second and then reach third after a dropped pitch by the Pirates sophomore catcher Kevin Bettencourt.

A hit deep to left field by freshman infielder Drake Atlee gained him not only a single but an RBI as Chapan came home for the first run scored by the Hawks.

It wasn’t the last for the inning as another dropped pitch by Bettencourt brought sophomore outfielder Josh Cosio to third and Atlee to second,

and a hit deep into center field by freshman first baseman Tyler Blake brought Cosio home.

The score was tied at 3 at the end of the third inning as a sacrifice bunt from sophomore infielder Hunter Carolan brought Atlee home.

“I think we did really well,” Cosio said. “We let them score early, but it was good that we battled back as a team and came back. Had to come back a few times, came back by three then we had to add on as we got runs we needed.”

After quick fourth innings for both teams, it was the fifth that brought the tie to an end as the Hawks took the lead that they kept for the rest of the game.

A double from a hit to right field that bounced off the wall by Atlee started the inning off.

Atlee managed to steal third off another error by the Pirates catcher before a sacrifice fly by Carolan managed to bring Atlee home again, bringing the score to 4-3.

It would be a grounder along the right field line by sophomore catcher Cody Morris that brought the bigger lead as both Blake and freshman pitcher Zachary Mahon came home bringing the Hawks a 6-3 lead.

“The big hit by Morris with two outs and two strikes down the right field line, that was a big hit,” Bloomfield said.

“It seems it’s a different guy each game for us, but we’re just trying to clean the game up and keep it simple as we can.”

Dropped balls plagued the visiting team again in the sixth inning allowing the Hawks to capitalize and gain another run in the inning.

A home run by the Pirates sophomore outfielder Kaden Cline in the sixth inning was the only run scored by the visiting team until the eighth inning when a double from freshman infielder Josh Miguel brought home both freshman infielder Mike Pereznegron and freshman infielder Gabe Garcia

thecrcconnection.com

Page 11

Stephan Starnes / The Connection

Cosumnes River College feshman catcher Logan Marston check his swing against Modesto Junior College on March 20. The CRC Hawks won the game 9-8 after an early rally.

home resulting in a score of 7-6 in the Hawks favor.

“We were down early then we came back, and more and more events happened where the game was real close but we took out a slight lead,” said sophomore pitcher Joshua Pigg.

“The team has basically found a way to win. So I think my team did really good today.”

The eighth inning for the Hawks brought runs as well as a single by Cosio followed by both Blake getting walked and Carolan getting beaned led to loaded bases.

With the bases loaded the Hawks were in position to score again and they did as the Pirates pitcher managed to bean freshman outfielder Elway Santistevan which led to Cosio coming home bringing the Hawks lead to 8-6.

The Hawks last score came as Morris hit the ball deep to be caught, allowing Blake to come home bringing the Hawks runs to 9.

In the top of the ninth a home run by Pirates sophomore infielder Aaron Pangilinan brought the team two runs as it also brought sophomore out-

fielder Patrick Mulry home as well.

It would be the final runs scored as the Hawks relief pitcher Chapan managed bring the game to an end leaving the score 9-8.

“Tuesdays game was flawless, we played great baseball on Tuesday,” Bloomfield said.

“We came out today and it was an ugly game and we found a way to win. So that’s all you can do right now. We have to work on the fundamentals playing catch, throwing strikes and putting the ball in play.”

Ex-pro baseball player coaches Hawks’ athletics Shafa Ilyas silyas.connect@gmail.com Humble, enthusiastic, committed and a drive to push every Cosumnes River College baseball player to play superlatively. This is the perfect description of the Hawks assistant baseball coach and former Oakland Athletics pitcher Brad Kilby.

Kilby was born in Modesto and graduated Laguna Creek High School in Elk Grove, Calif. in 2001. He then went to San Jose State University to play college baseball with a scholarship to play baseball for them.

Kilby played with many minor league baseball teams such as the Vancouver Canadians, Kane County Cougars, Stockton Ports, Midland RockHounds and the the local minor league team the Sacramento River Cats. He played exceptionally well when playing for the River Cats.

In 2008 while playing with the River Cats, he pitched 3.5 ERA in nine games, the next season in 2009 he pitched 2.1 ERA in 45 games.

Kilby was drafted by the Oakland Athletics, a professional Major League Baseball team in 2005. Kilby began his professional debut in 2009 against the Kansas City Royals.

Unfortunately, due to a shoulder injury, he had to retire.

“I had tore my labrum. There’s a low percentage of guys that come back from this injury, about 15 percent,” Kilby said. “I was never able to come back. That’s why I came into coaching.”

Kilby has been coaching the Hawks baseball team since last season.

“This year we are looking to ride the ship, get back in the state champion. That’s our goal.” said Kilby “I think he is a very good pitching

coach, and he will not stay at our level long,” said Head Coach Tony Bloomfield. “He will be at the next level, or division one, pretty soon.”

Bloomfield has known Kilby since he attended Laguna Creek High School. He recruited him in high school and then later, when Kilby retired, Bloomfield asked if he would like to coach at CRC. Kilby often uses his professional experience during practice to help improve the players.

“He shows up everyday, and helps us get the ball down and throw more strikes,” said Pitcher John Knerl, 20, a biology major. “He always tells

us stories and relates them to what needs to be related to.”

Kilby has coached at Franklin High School, and has recruited many players to the baseball team at CRC. Kyle Von Ruden, a 19-year-old pitcher for the CRC Hawks, has been coached by Kilby since he attended Franklin High School.

“He’s a nice guy, gives me a lot of confidence all the time. It’s always good to hear from him.” Von Ruden said.

Every player that was asked about Kilby had nothing but nice, sincere and kind words to say about him.

“He is a great asset to the coaching staff, he brings a lot to the teams as an ex-pro. He helps the pitcher a lot with mechanics,” said Second Baseman Mason Watkins, 20, a business major. “He is a big motivator on the team, gets the guys going. He gets us up when we are down.”

Page 12

March 27, 2014

Men’s basketball ends season, stays positive

Kayla Gangl / The Connection

Hawks’ sophomore center Jaycob Velasco stands amongst the rest of the men’s basketball team in practice on March 4. The Hawks would lose to Fresno in the playoffs the following day.

Nick Valenzuela nvalenzuela.connect@gmail.com

A season of many ups and few downs culminated in a final playoff game for Cosumnes River College’s men’s basketball team.

That last playoff game, the Northern California Regional Semifinal, saw the Hawks fall to Fresno City College by a five-point deficit, 71-66.

“We lost in the Sweet 16 on the road at Fresno City by five,” said men’s head basketball coach James Giacomazzi. “It was a very close game, and I think it could have went either way. When you look at it from that aspect, it’s a tough one.”

The team’s season was hindered by injuries and unforeseen circumstances that reduced the team’s roster from 13 players to nine.

Despite the roster reductions, the Hawks came off a strong season, with 9-2 records both at home and on neutral ground and a 5-5 record in away games, with an overall record of 23-9.

Assistant men’s basketball coach Nicholas Podesta said he was happy with how the team’s season went. “[It went] really well. Any time you win 23 games, and we were right in it for the conference championship until the last game of the season,” Podesta said. “Overall, great season, we were very pleased with how it went.”

Not quite as ecstatic with the loss fresh in his mind, Giacomazzi was nonetheless still happy with his team’s performance.

“I thought it went well, I mean obviously it’s tough when you lose, but everybody’s going to lose their last game except one team,” Giacom-

azzi said.

Giacomazzi was most pleased with the team’s improvement throughout the year.

“From a team in the summer where we were kind of up and down, to a team in the fall that wasn’t predicted to do very well during the season, and then from a team that wasn’t predicted to do very well in the league, to play for the championship, I think we exceeded some expectations from a lot of people on the outside,” Giacomazzi said.

Giacomazzi noted that while the season “wasn’t just a one-man show,” two players, sophomore center Jaycob Velasco and sophomore point guard AJ Bridges, were key to the season’s success.

Bridges, who was named First Team All-State, echoed the coaches’ sentiments about the season and said he thinks they “could have went a lot further, but [he’s] happy with what they did.”

As for next season, the coaches hope to exceed the accomplishments of this season and avoid losing players to injury.

“We recruit to have everybody have a role, a piece to the puzzle,” Giacomazzi said. “When those pieces start going away, we kind of lose a little bit from here and there. I think if we’re able to have some luck and keep the team intact as we’ve planned it, I think we would’ve been more successful.”

Bridges’ performance this season resonated in his piece of advice to next season’s team.

“Keep the winning mindset and

Kayla Gangl / The Connection

Sophomore guard Rodney Cook practices on March 4 before the Hawks’ last game March 5.

not settling,” Bridges said. “Make this a habit, don’t just let it be a one-time thing. Make it something that we consistently do, make winning a part of our program.”

Read more stories on Cosumnes River College’s athletics at thecrcconnection.com or follow The Connection on Twitter @crcconnection