03-14-2018 by The Daily Aztec

Wednesday, March 14 - Tuesday, March 20, 2018 Weekly Print Edition

Vol. 104, Issue 27 www.thedailyaztec.com

MARCH MADNESS SPECIAL: Jalen McDaniels Poster Inside!

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

LET

THE MADNESS BEGIN

SEE TRUMP VISIT, PAGE 2

SEE FRATERNITIES, PAGE 2

San Diegans both protest, welcome Trump Throngs of protesters took to the streets of San Diego on Tuesday as President Donald Trump arrived in California to view prototypes of the border wall his administration plans to build. It’s Trump’s first visit to the state since he took office last year. One of the protests took place on the east side of the neighborhood of Otay Mesa, near the wall prototypes and not far from the border. Demonstrators — both for and against the president — lined opposite sides of a street, while a line of police in the

middle of the street divided the two groups. We’re here to welcome Trump and demonstrate the California is not against him,” said Sherry Stone, a resident of Ventura County who traveled to watch the president head to the wall prototypes. The prototypes are about four miles from the area where protesters and supporters gathered to see Trump. People were not able to see them up close, as access to the prototypes is restricted. Trump was not scheduled to arrive in Otay Mesa until around noon, but people were gathered in the area hours before. Gary Jones, 62, was in the area before 7 a.m., accompanied by

his daughter, Jacqueline Jones, 16. “We were hoping to be able to see the president up close and greet him, but we weren’t able to because of the security,” he said. Jacqueline Jones said she didn’t understand why people wouldn’t agree with the border wall proposal. “Mexico has a wall,” she said. “So does China. I don’t understand why it’s a big problem.” Before about 9 a.m., the majority of the demonstrators were supporters of Trump. Many streets around Otay Mesa were closed. William Stanhope, of Chula Vista, was one of the first protesters against Trump to

NEWS EDITOR

arrive in the area, and was on the same side of the street as sympathizers of the president. “I think that Trump is the worst thing to happen to our world since Adolf Hitler,” he said. Around 11 a.m., many more protesters from both sides began to arrive. San Diego County sheriff’s deputies also arrived to assist the San Diego police. Laura Molina, who was there to protest Trump’s visit, said she was scared because there were about 50 sheriff’s deputies in the area. “It’s a little intimidating,” Molina said. “I sent my mother

Photo by Kelly Smiley

Trey Kell holds up the Mountain West Tournament MVP trophy after the Aztecs defeated New Mexico 82-75 at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 10.

STAFF WRITER

By Will Fritz San Diego State’s Interfraternity Council placed all 15 of its active member fraternities on a social moratorium late Friday. The moratorium prohibits fraternities under the council from hosting or engaging in events with alcohol at their chapter houses, according to an announcement from the council. “The social moratorium is a result of ongoing concerns related to alcohol and other cultural issues within the community,” the announcement said. The council came to the decision after two fraternities were placed on interim suspensions last week, resulting in six fraternities — more than a third of the council’s membership — on an “elevated” judicial status, the statement said. University spokesperson Cory Marshall said in a statement two fraternities were subjects of “ongoing investigations” but could not confirm whether those were the two that the council statement was referring to. “When they are complete and the decisions are rendered, it will be published on the fraternity/ sorority life website,” she said. According to SDSU’s Greek Life page, three other fraternities are currently on suspensions or probations: • Kappa Alpha is on probation with stipulations through the rest of the month for alcohol violations during the university dry period. • Phi Gamma Delta is on suspension in abeyance followed by probation through June 2019 for alcohol violation and harassment. • Sigma Nu is on probation

SEE FULL STORY, PAGE 16

By Vladimir Salazar

‘Social moratorium’ hammers fraternities

News

The Daily Aztec

March 14-20, 2018 EDITOR: Will Fritz, news@thedailyaztec.com

Trump visit:

continued from page 1 a message to let her know her daughter was surrounded by armed police.” Trump passed through the area around the protests, escorted by various law enforcement officers. The demonstrators against Trump showed him their contempt with screams and insults, while his supporters applauded and shouted their support. The president spent almost an hour viewing the prototypes, and during this time, the demonstrators shouted one another. Although the police monitored the situation, some supporters of the president managed to get into the counter-protesters’ area begin an argument. Manny Aguilar, a U.S. military veteran and an immigrant from Mexico, said he traveled from Los Angeles to support the Mexican-American community. “I want Trump to see that he can’t categorize all Mexicans,” he said. “I have been a good representative of my country of Mexico.” After about an hour, the president left the area, and the protests subsided.

Fraternities:

continued from page 1 with stipulations through October 2018 for alcohol violations. Phi Kappa Theta was also removed from campus late last year. “With more than a third of chapters on a status, the IFC believed that it was necessary to take action to mitigate any further incidents for the safety of the IFC and SDSU communities,” the IFC statement said. The purpose of the moratorium, the council said, is to “provide the opportunity for reflection and planning” within the council’s member fraternities. “It is important to note that this is a decision IFC student leaders have chosen to impose on themselves,” Marshall said. The council covers the largest contingent of fraternities on campus — the “social” organizations. It does not cover •

Photos by Kelly Smiley

Protesters at anti- (top left) and pro-Trump (top right) rallies on Monday. Jonathan and Steven, who asked their last names not be used, from Orange County at a proTrump rally on Monday (bottom).

sororities, cultural or academic fraternities. A Delta Upsilon member speaking on the condition of anonymity said he heard on Friday that there was “a chance” Greek organizations could be suspended for the rest of the semester, then was told later that day about the moratorium by one of his fraternity’s executive members. “Everyone is really sad and angry about how it happened,” the fraternity member said. Fraternities included in the Interfraternity Council will now be allowed to host only one event with alcohol at a thirdparty location for the rest of the semester. The event must have licensed bartenders and security, be registered with the council and must not have any official or unofficial pre- or post-parties or gatherings. No one under the age of 21 may be served alcohol at the event, and fraternities won’t be allowed to hold the event if they violate the moratorium beforehand.

Please note that this product cannot be delivered on campus as SDSU is a smoke- and tobacco-free environment. Must be 21and older.

Mar. 14-20, 2018

The Daily Aztec / 3

Opinion

The Daily Aztec

March 14-March 20, 2018 EDITOR: Dana Tsuri-Etzioni, opinion@thedailyaztec.com

Editorial: 2018 A.S. elections short on choice and change The issue: Most of the Executive Officer seats up for grabs Our take: Students need to step up and get involved. A student

in the impending Associated Students election only have one candidate running.

government in which the most powerful seats are not competitive undermines the legitimacy of the election and student government.

EDITOR IN CHIEF Andrew Dyer MANAGING EDITOR Lilly Glenister NEWS EDITOR Will Fritz ASST. NEWS EDITOR Jasmine Bermudez

The Editorial Board

OPINION EDITOR Dana Tsuri-Etzioni MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Jocelyn Moran ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Cami Buckman

Associated Students elections are a time when students are able to stand up and not only voice their opinions, but also put representatives in place who will have a direct impact on the university. It is a time for hope and potential change. This year’s election, however, while big on hope, offers little in the way of change. Three of the five executive board positions — 60 percent of them, including A.S. President — have candidates r u n n i n g unopposed. An election with no choices is not an election — it’s a coronation. Why didn’t anyone step in to challenge the status quo? C r i t i c s complain the Greek community has a hold of A.S. That might be true, but it will not change without people willing to stand up, step up and run. The current presidential candidate, Chris Thomas, was once a member of Phi Kappa Theta, a fraternity permanently booted from campus for repeated alcohol violations. Otherwise, T h o m a s ’ performance as V.P. of University Affairs has been exemplary. He could be the best possible choice, but the students of SDSU will never know, because he won’t be put to the test. He won’t have to face the challenges of competing against other candidates.

It is not Thomas’ fault he’s running unopposed, but without having to best a field of contenders, his inevitable win loses some gloss, and could provide fodder for critics to undermine his term. Any mistakes will be scrutinized more harshly than other presidents. With so many unopposed

executive seats, it’s not just Thomas’ legitimacy that’s threatened, but the entire student government. It’s going to take a Herculean effort to motivate an already apathetic electorate, and, without options, this year could set record lows in voter turnout. So who is at fault? To their credit, A.S. does a lot to encourage involvement. Their calendar is chock full of events and there are numerous opportunities to get involved. It’s not fair to blame the organization or this year’s executive board. If there’s anyone to blame for this year’s dearth of candidates, it’s the student government’s staunchest critics. Last year, when the mascot resolution failed, several members of A.S. walked out and quit. The example of quitting when things went another way set a toxic precedent, one that says important issues are not worth fighting for. The students of this university deserve representatives who will fight. Where are the fighters? The Daily Aztec calls on the student body to take control of its government. Make the competition fair. At least make it a competition. It’s not too late. W r i t e - i n applications are due in A.S. on Friday, March 16. We call on anyone with a gripe about student government, A.S. or administration in general to stand up and sign up. Give voters a reason to vote. Give them an option. Illustration by Adriannah Esparza

A.S. Elections: Monday, March 19-Tuesday, March 22

SPORTS EDITOR Abraham Jewett ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Alex Piscatelli PHOTO EDITOR Kelly Smiley MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Mirella Lopez SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR David Santillan

VOLUNTEER COPY EDITORS Brian del Carmen Katherine Cooke SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Cassidy McCombs Sydney Sweeney

STAFF WRITERS Kyle Betz Julie Cappiello Bella Ross Lauren J. Mapp Camille Dejoras Emily Caplan Stephan Early Vladimir Salazar Paulette Villicana Kemi Giwa Justin Wylie Kyle Saunders Tristi Rodriguez CONTRIBUTORS Chelsea Crowne STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Samantha Bopensiero Joe Kendall Perla Sanchez ________________________________ ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Connor Brooke SALES MANAGER Peter Saridakis ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES George Saridakis John Weil Josh Diaz Rauda Valerie Barrientos Miguel Souza Kaden Cowles Garrett Munt ACCOUNTING & CONTRACTS Tyler Burnett Meah Mapp ________________________________ GENERAL MANAGER/ADVISER Jay Harn GRAPHIC DESIGN SPECIALIST Luis Valenzuela ________________________________ EDITORIAL 619.594.4190 editor@thedailyaztec.com ADVERTISING 619.594.6977 advertising@thedailyaztec.com PRINT The Daily Aztec publishes 5,000 copies of its weekly print edition every Wednesday throughout the semester WEB Daily content is available at www.thedailyaztec.com QUESTIONS/COMMENTS letters@thedailyaztec.com ________________________________ The views and opinions expressed in this issue do not necessarily reflect those of The Daily Aztec.

March 14- March 20, 2018 EDITOR: Dana Tsuri-Etzioni, opinion@thedailyaztec.com

Opinion

The Daily Aztec

Pretending a dog is a service animal is selfish, insensitive and a faux ‘paw’ by Chelsey Crowne CONTRIBUTOR

Loving your pet too much can put people with disabilities at risk. Buying a vest off of Amazon, pretending your unqualified pet is a service dog and taking them into public spaces damages common perception of what the purpose of these animals are. I would love to shop, dine and travel with my dog, free from restrictions. But, the rules in place to regulate animal access to stores are there for a reason. The consequences of bringing imposter service dogs into places they do not belong gives real service dogs a bad reputation. Service dogs undergo many hours of training to tune out the outside world and focus exclusively on their handler — a practice that isn’t the standard for every puppy sold worldwide. No matter how well-behaved a dog is, there is no guarantee that they won’t become a nuisance if spooked or uncomfortable. It’s disrespectful to feign

disability because you want to bring Princess into Vons. People wouldn’t normally tell someone that their prosthetic limb or walking cane is cool or that they wish they had one, so why is it different when the personal assistance is an animal? The purpose of having a service dog goes far beyond nurturing humans’ innate need for companionship. In many instances these hard-working canines perform tasks their human partners are unable to do such as retrieving medication or interrupting a PTSD flashback. Their purpose is to make the life of someone living with disabilities a little easier. The vast majority of people who wish they could take their dog everywhere with them would probably be unwilling to live with the disability required to make that happen. It’s incredible what service dogs can be trained to do. Don’t discredit their important work by using a faux vest for a pet. Chelsey Crowne is a sophomore studying journalism.

Illustration by Adriannah Esparza

People of color should be allowed It’s about time students to celebrate Black Panther without stood up for their safety and protested gun violence opposition or cries for inclusion by Julie Cappiello STAFF WRITER

by Kemi Giwa STAFF WRITER

After the release of Black Panther I thought, “Finally, this is our movie, a movie for black people.” After I said this, someone asked me why it has to be a movie for black people. Why can’t everyone be excited for it? Why am I segregating? Then, a couple of weeks ago, a few people weren’t happy with my piece about how Adele de la Torre’s position is of particular importance for women of color. Someone asked me why she can’t be an important symbol for all women. Are all women not important? These responses aren’t new to me. Since the emergence of the Black Lives Matter movement, I’ve been met with similar responses by people who dislike the idea of being left out of anything — even if it involves a matter that doesn’t impact them. My response is always: “No, I said what I said.” When I say black people, I mean black people, not all people. When I say women of color, I mean women of color, not all women. When I say black women, I mean black women, not all women. And it’s exhausting to have to consistently explain to white people why it’s not always about them.

Photos courtesy of Wikimedia Commons

Letitia Wright and Chadwick Boseman speaking at the 2017 San Diego Comic-Con.

The reason Black Panther is our movie is because many of us know our childhood would have been much different had we been given positive characters to look up to and identify with during our youth — a time when our self esteem is constantly fluctuating and we look to the big screen to reaffirm it. I know my childhood would’ve been different if I saw images similar to that of Nakia and Ramonda, strong black women who take pride in their natural hair and dark skin, and are capable of defending an entire country. Perhaps, I would’ve learned to appreciate myself much sooner. So when I say this is a movie for black people, I mean it wholeheartedly. It’s a huge deal for a group of people who are just now getting figures to identify with. It’s a big deal for the many young black girls and boys who can now actually see themselves

as superheroes. When I say de la Torre’s position will be of significant importance to women of color, I mean it. Not only in terms of representation, where girls and women now have a successful Latina figure to look up to, but also because of her experiences as a woman of color. Which will lend her a perspective into the often ignored and silenced experiences of woman of color on college campuses. The intersection of sexism and racism make women of color more susceptible to sexual violence, so de la Torre’s position is symbolic. People of color should be able to celebrate these meaningful symbols that we are so rarely given, without opposition. Let us have something for once. Kemi Giwa is a junior studying public relations with a minor in political science. Connect with her on Twitter @_KemiG.

The Stoneman Douglas High School shooting sparked a movement across the nation advocating for gun reform. That movement hit San Diego State University with Wednesday’s SDSU Walkout for Gun Violence Prevention. Since the shooting happened, marches, walkouts and sit-ins were set up for the next two months. The time for gun control is now and students are at the forefront with the students of Stoneman Douglas High School as the leaders. Their persistence is empowering for student across the U.S. Instead of cowering, they used their platform to call out Congress on their lack of initiative. On March 14, the #Enough walkout, endorsed by the Women’s March organizers is happening. The walkout is to protest Congress refusal to take action on gun violence. The walkout will last 17 minutes — one for every Stoneman Douglas student who lost their life. March 24 is the March for Our Lives — a march on Washington organized by the survivors of the Florida shooting. On the website is a petition for an act to pass new gun legislation. The petition calls for a ban on selling assault rifles and the prohibition of high-capacity magazines.

On April 20 there will be another national walkout on the 19th anniversary of the Columbine high school shooting in Colorado. Columbine was the worst school shooting — at the time — with 15 deaths including the perpetrators’. The mission statement is the same as the others — there must be a change, gun control is needed. How many more students, teachers and school faculty have to die because the government cowers in the shadow of the NRA. Students of SDSU should voice their opinions and concerns for their safety on campus. As a community we should come together, join the conversations, sign the petitions and advocate for a change. It is necessary for students to express their distaste for current policy to create an influential . They change for the future are the ones who live with the consequences. If we do not make a difference and change the policy, then we will never be safe. SDSU should follow in the steps of the survivors of Stoneman Douglas High School and stand up for safety. The children are the future and they will not be silent anymore. Julie Cappiello is a sophomore studying journalism and media studies. Connect with her on Twitter @juliecappiello.

News

The Daily Aztec

March 14-20, 2018 EDITOR: Will Fritz, news@thedailyaztec.com

ARC expansion referendum narrowly passes by Paulette STAFF WRITER

Villicana

By a slim margin, student voters approved a fee increase to fund an expansion proposal for the Aztec Recreation Center in a campuswide referendum, according to returns released Wednesday night. The measure passed by 51 percent, with 3,371 ‘yes’ votes and 3,216 ‘no’ votes. A total of 23.18 percent of San Diego State’s student population turned out to vote on WebPortal. The current Student Body Center Fee will increase by $195 per semester, to $432, beginning fall 2021, when the proposed 70,000-square-foot expansion of the ARC that the fee pays for will be complete. The fee increase will also cover the cost of using the ARC for all SDSU students. Once construction is over, the current monthly membership model will be done away with. ARC membership is included in on-campus housing charges, but students who live off campus currently have to pay $19 per month to access the gym. Construction is set to begin in spring 2019, and will be divided into two phases. The ARC will maintain its 24-hour schedule during the construction. Associated Students Vice President of University Affairs Chris Thomas said what’s coming up next is the planning of the facility with the help of students. “The only thing that is set in stone is the square footage of the facility, everything else is our campus to make it what we want it to be as students,” Thomas said. He said the planning process will take eight to 10 months. “We’re going to ask students from different communities to make sure we account for everything that we want to put in the facility.” Thomas said. It was Associated Students President Chimezie Ebiriekwe’s final student campaign, and he said he feels accomplished. “We’re the last university to have the monthly (gym membership) model implemented,” he said. “This new recreation fee will be able to not only expand the ARC, but expand the student staff so

Photo by Kelly Smiley

Supporters of the fee increase and ARC expansion proposal -- including A.S. Vice President of Financial Affairs Hayden Willis, Vice President of University Affairs Chris Thomas, Vice President of External Relations Carmel Alon and President Chimezie Ebiriekwe, react to the outcome of the student referendum Wednesday night at Templo Mayor.

(there will be) more student employment and more student participation in all aspects of Aztec recreation.” For some present at the announcement of the vote totals at Templo Mayor in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union, the outcome of the vote was emotional. Students from the ‘Yes’ campaign hugged as students from the ‘No’ campaign held posters and took to the podium to protest the new fee increase. Among the members of the ‘No’ campaign was sustainability and American Indian studies senior Marissa Mendoza. “I’m hurting for people who do have to pay this fee,” she said. “I’m hurting for future generations.” Mendoza said she thinks Associated Students should devote its energy to other areas, like student hunger and homelessness.

“They need to start listening to students,” she said. Thomas said he understands their pain and is going to fight to get scholarships for students. “I completely sympathize and I understand where they’re coming from,” he said. “I’m going to fight tooth and nail to make sure that no student is left with that burden of having to pay out of pocket and having that as a burden.” He said he is “humbled” by the results and believes the passage of the referendum will give students new access to recreation and ultimately be to their benefit. “I believe in this project so much and the reason why I reacted the way I did, that genuine reaction of happiness, (is) because the value of this project really is going to help all students,” he said. “And we as current students can’t all see that but future students, when they benefit, it’ll be visible for sure.”

Photo by Kelly Smiley

Associated Students Vice President of University Affairs Chris Thomas tears up as he learns students voted to approve the fee increase to fund the ARC expansion.

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News

March 14-20, 2018 EDITOR: Will Fritz, news@thedailyaztec.com

The Daily Aztec

2018-19 Associated Students candidates

INTERVIEWS EDITED FOR CLARITY AND BREVITY

WHY DO YOU WANT TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT? I love what I’ve been able to do this past year as vice president of university affairs. The amount of impact I had left on the students was for me just — it didn’t make sense for me to be here a fifth year and not continue to do what I have done.

went through high school, I went through my whole freshman year not knowing anyone to being ASB president my senior year. And just seeing the transformation this year at this university, going from not knowing a single person my freshman year, to be being able to run for exec last year and then do it again this year is just (great).

WHAT MAKES YOU QUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION? Everything that I have been able to accomplish ever since I set foot on this campus has been really to just leave an impact on this campus and leave it better than when I found it. And for me that’s always been the case. When I

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE AT SDSU? The number one thing that I want to change and something that I actually started this year is the undergraduate research opportunities for students. Because for me, I started off wanting to go to medical school

MAJOR: Business management

WHAT MAKES YOU QUALIFIED FOR

THIS POSITION? Being the community service commissioner for Associated Students, I am already a council member on campus life council, which is what the executive vice president chairs so I know how that works, the ins and outs. I am the executive vice president for the interfraternity council, so I have a lot of experience working with very high stress and high risk communities and being able to kind of deal with a 1,600 person community effectively as well as being a two-time executive board member for Rotaract of SDSU, working three or four jobs throughout college and kind of putting a lot on my plate has

allowed me the time-management ability as well as the leadership abilities to be able to take on this position.

YEAR: Junior

WHY DO YOU WANT TO RUN FOR EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT? I have known that I wanted to run to be an A.S. executive officer ever since I came to SDSU for my orientation. I heard (the) A.S. president at the time, Blair Ward, give her speech and I turned to my dad and said, “I am going to give that speech one day.” I never was involved in student government in high school (or) anything like that. I did my community service, played my sports, but I never really was that involved and I wanted to kind of switch that narrative when I came to college.

have that. Now, I’m the vice chair of the financial affairs committee, and I felt like that was just a foundation of everything I had learned up to get to that role and to continue to work for students.

offered to do it again this summer, so I am pretty excited about that.

POSITION: President (unopposed) NAME: Chris Thomas YEAR: Senior MAJOR: Kinesiology

POSITION: Executive Vice President (unopposed) NAME: Nick Wohlman

POSITION: Vice President of Financial Affairs (unopposed) NAME: Christian Onwuka YEAR: Junior MAJOR: Business, finance emphasis

WHY DO YOU WANT TO RUN FOR VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCIAL AFFAIRS? For me, I am, obviously, a finance major, so that’s what kind of originally got my interest. And then I sat on the Financial Affairs committee, and I realized at the time that I was the only person who looked like me. When it comes to funding for student organizations, to continue to make sure that every student is granted the opportunity to voice and express themselves, you need different people at the table to ensure they get the funding that is deserve to them. So that’s why I originally joined (the) financial affairs committee, to continue to

WHAT MAKES YOU QUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION? For me, I have experience working with A.S. banking and funding. I’m the current treasurer for my fraternity, which is Phi Beta Sigma. With that prior knowledge, I will be able to inform all students of that. Off campus, I just interned this past summer with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management in their Financial Advisors Summer Analyst program. I just got re-

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and had all of these aspirations of being a doctor, and I just never had the exposure to the research and I was like, ‘Well everyone’s doing all of this research and I don’t have the opportunities but they are there, it’s just students don’t know where to go to them.’ So for example, this year I started the undergraduate research committee and that really, the initial task of what this group was tasked to do is create more opportunities and make it more visible as far as research opportunities for students. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO STAY THE SAME AT SDSU? I think, honestly, our trajectory

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE AT SDSU? I really would like to get students more involved, and I know that’s kind of a really hard thing to do is to engage students, especially because a lot of them are working jobs, taking classes, still trying to balance a social life too and I totally get that. I am someone who is currently working 50 hours a week on top of all my involvements and class, I don’t really of free time and I could see as where a lot of

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE AT SDSU? It’s apparent that we have a majority of students in a bunch of different underrepresented minority groups. I’ve always been big on (the idea that) we need to take our seat at the table, and it’s not just up to me. So something that I want to do is I want to get in a position and bring other students to empower themselves and give them these leadership opportunities and allow them to kind of grow and build their communities. That’s what I’m looking to do, and I’m glad I’ve

of what our culture has become here at San Diego State. From my freshman year, when I set foot on this campus, there was still that mentality of, ‘oh, it’s a party school, no one really cares about San Diego State,’ and now you see the transformation of what San Diego State has become over the past four years, especially, almost becoming a top 50 public university, all of these different trends that we’re seeing, like with research and all of these positives that have happened over the past four years — 93,000 applications, insane. Back when I applied there was probably only 50,000 applications or something like that.

students are working and taking class and that’s enough for them, but I really would like to engage them and all the things SDSU has to offer. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO STAY THE SAME AT SDSU? I would just say the campus culture and climate of it. Whenever I step on campus there is like this weird energy that I can’t really put a word on. It was the same reason why I came here. For me (...) this was my back up school school when I applied, and then I came here and I lstepped on campus and I love how alive the campus feels.

been able to do so. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO STAY THE SAME AT SDSU? I would say, people willing to be themselves. People aren’t afraid to voice their opinions, people aren’t afraid to stand up for what they believe in, and people aren’t afraid to have a disagreement or an argument with someone who thinks differently, and I think that’s beautiful. I think that’s what the world is all about, and I’m glad we’re learning it at a young age now, and allowing us to just continue to voice our opinions and be strong in who we are and not try to conform to what the system expects us to do.

News

The Daily Aztec

March 14-20, 2018 EDITOR: Will Fritz, news@thedailyaztec.com

2018-19 Associated Students candidates

POSITION: Vice President External Relations

NAME: Latrel Powell YEAR: Junior MAJOR: Political Science/Africana Studies

POSITION: Vice President External Relations

NAME: Michael Wiafe YEAR: Sophomore MAJOR: Political Science

POSITION: Vice President University Affairs

NAME: Anya Shutovska YEAR: Junior MAJOR: Business

POSITION: Vice President University Affairs

NAME: Ronnie Cravens YEAR: Junior MAJOR: International business, emphasis in Italian and Western Europe

WHY DO YOU WANT TO RUN FOR VICE PRESIDENT OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS? I wasn’t introduced into Associated Students until October — the College of Arts and Letters had a vacancy for the president of the student council position, and I was fortunate and able enough to go to that and take advantage of that opportunity, and give my speech and kind of dive head first into leadership. My position as president of the College of Arts and Letters has been such a great experience thus far. I’ve learned a lot and I’ve been exposed to a lot that I never anticipated. It kind of gave me a taste of student leadership here on campus and how student government goes,

and for that reason I really saw the potential for me to actuate the change that I want to see on campus through this position.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO RUN FOR VICE PRESIDENT OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS? I’m running for this position because I saw the power that students could have when they unite. Through Associated Students is actually how I began my advocacy journey. I’ve had internships and experience where I saw that this is the position for me because of the power that this position has to change legislation. That’s what the VP of external relations does, is they advocate to (government) on the state, local and national levels. Students have a lot of power when they put their voices together and I’m running for this position because I want those voices to come

together.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO RUN FOR VICE PRESIDENT OF UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS? Education has always been something that’s really important to me, and this position deals with the educational aspect of SDSU. It felt natural for me to go for this position. I immigrated here (from Ukraine) with my mom, and I didn’t really have any family here or any kind of connections who could help me out. I always knew going to college was my path to success and it’s what’s going to get me to where I want to go. It’s really been a priority in my life, so when I got to SDSU I focused hard on my academics. I also work in College of Business as an advisor, and I help a lot of students with

their classes and being on track to graduate on time. I’ve heard a lot of students’ concerns and problems when it comes to their classes, so I’ve been around that for a while and it’s made me realize there is a lot of improvement to be made. That’s something I’m really passionate about, and I hope that I can be the person who can make those changes.

WHY DO YOU WANT TO RUN FOR VICE PRESIDENT OF UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS? I decided to run for vice president of university affairs mainly because I want to be able to give back to San Diego State the same experience that I received. San Diego State is an amazing university that has given me the opportunity to foster friendships and relationships with people from all across the globe, which is something I wasn’t really capable to do back home. I’m from from Kansas City, Missouri, from an undereducated, lowincome background and coming here it just opened my eyes and I just want to be able to assure that every student has that fulfilling experience that I have. And as chief academic officer I

feel like that’s something that I hold dear because education is the reason Im at San Diego State. I was give nthe opportunity to attend this university free of cost from a full-ride scholarship funded by Bill and Melinda Gates for my exemplary display of leadership, community service and academic excellence so I just believe that I will be able to use those skills and implement then into this campus.

WHAT MAKES YOU QUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION? So, vice president of external relations, in a nutshell, is honestly a very political position and I know that the entire campaign is a very political process, but for this position in particular, we do things like advocating on behalf of the student body with California State Legislature, we do pretty much everything that pertains to SDSU outside of the borders of the campus. (...) I really wanted to take advantage

WHAT MAKES YOU QUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION? I am currently serving as vice chair of the external relations board and I’m a current Associated Students justice. As vice chair of the external relations board, I pretty much do what the vice president of external relations would like me to do as well as, when she was out on trips, I would chair the meetings of the external relations board which is the duty of the VP of external relations. I also went on three trips to the (Cal State Student Association) which is also the duty of the

WHAT MAKES YOU QUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION? Working in the business advising center is definitely good experience, because I do get to hear students’ perspective on a daily basis. I’ve also been in A.S. since my first semester

WHAT MAKES YOU QUALIFIED FOR THIS POSITION? I feel like I’m qualified because my diversity of thought, my diversity of experience and my diversity of action because of my background I was forced to learn leadership skills at a very young age. San Diego State has their

of that opportunity, because for myself, I’m really interested in public policy. For myself, as a person and the kind of work I want to do, I consider very big picture type of work. Even with my law degree. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE AT SDSU? There’s a few things. I think the diversity that we have here is beautiful, and it’s great, but unfortunately I don’t think that there’s enough opportunity for the student leaders here to feel like they have a streamlined access to community members in the broader San Diego community.

VP of external relations. I went without her, because she couldn’t go, and I’ve went with her before because (A.S. President Chimezie Ebiriekwe) couldn’t go. So, I have a lot of experience doing what the VP of external relations does as well as I have a vision of the future for students. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE AT SDSU? At SDSU I would like to change the amount of division I see between different groups of students. On campus we have a lot of different, diverse students because we’re a diverse school. I started to see within and outside of Associated Students how

on campus, and I started in our First Year Leadership Experience (FLEX) program. Last year I served as the Community Service Commission representative, so through that I learned a lot about how A.S. works and the things we’re able to accomplish. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE AT SDSU? I would like to change the student interactions with administration. I feel like when people, even myself, think of administration, they picture people in their offices and you don’t really know exactly what they do and what their jobs are. I think a lot of miscommunication

famous saying ‘leadership starts here’ but leadership started for me at the age of seven. I came to the understanding that I was being raised without a father and I came to that understanding because of a conversation I had with my mom when she had to fight through tears to explain to me that my father was murdered four months after she had become pregnant with me and digesting those words and seeing the struggle she went through, I came to the realization that if you could effectively communicate with every individual that you encounter, then you will eliminate the possibility of conflict, and an altercation is what took my father’s life. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO CHANGE

WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO STAY THE SAME AT SDSU? With changing demographics of SDSU, with the new appointment of President (Adela) de la Torre, I think that we’ve shown that we can kind of adopt certain kids -- whether they come from international, where they come from across the country or whether they come from San Diego. SDSU can adopt kids and really take up a mantra that ‘leadership starts here,’ so I definitely want to continue to emphasize that, and I definitely want to continue to provide a platform for leaders to take up these positions, to develop, to mature, to grow.

these diverse groups of students differ with each other and refuse to kind of listen to each other because they feel like they’re not being heard and their issues aren’t being addressed. They kind of antagonize each other and I’ve seen a lot of back-and-forth. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO STAY THE SAME AT SDSU? I would like to keep our diversity. I do enjoy our diversity. I love that and it’s one of my favorite things about this campus. We have so many different types of students with so many different types of viewpoints and I think that’s a beautiful thing to have on one campus.

stems from that. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO STAY THE SAME AT SDSU? I love how proud everyone at SDSU is to go here. When I was picking colleges that was one of my main requirements. I wanted the students, staff and faculty to be proud to wear SDSU gear. I have really seen that since I’ve been here and that’s what’s made me so passionate to go here. You see so many alumni helping current students get involved, get jobs, and get internships through programs like the Aztec Mentor Program. I think it’s amazing, and I hope to continue that and hope to make it even stronger in the future.

AT SDSU? I would like change how certain individuals or any individual feels that they are not safe on campus. I feel like that’s the biggest thing, whether it be from being an undocumented student or a student affiliated with a certain organizatio,n I just feel like there should be no hostility in a climate like this. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO STAY THE SAME AT SDSU? I would like the diversity to stay the same. Like I said, I was able to foster relationships from students from all across the world, like I can’t even name every country in which I have friends from but it has to be the upwards of 15 or 16.

March 14-20, 2018 EDITOR: Jocelyn Moran, mundoazteca@thedailyaztec.com

Mundo Azteca

The Daily Aztec

Visita por Trump a los prototipos del muro causa protestas en San Diego

Foto por Kelly Smiley

Humbert Cabrera carga un cartel que lee “latinos americanos para Trump”.

Foto por Vladimir Salazar

Joshua Swan (a la izquierda) discuta con Manny Aguilar (a la derecha), un inmigrante de México.

por Vladimir ESCRITOR

Salazar

El martes, varias protestas surgieron en la ciudad de San Diego, debido a la visita del Presidente Donald Trump, quien vino a ver los prototipos del muro. Es la primera vez que Trump visita California desde que ganó la presidencia. Una de las protestas tomó lugar al este de la Garita de la Mesa de Otay. De un extremo de la calle, estaban los manifestantes en contra, y del otro lado, los de a favor de Trump. Una línea de policías parados a la mitad de la calle era lo que dividía ambos grupos. “Estamos aquí para darle la bienvenida a Trump y demostrarle que California no está en contra de él”, dijo Sherry Stone, una residente del condado de Ventura quien viajó para ver al presidente pasar escoltado por policías hacia la dirección de los prototipos. Los prototipos del muro están localizados aproximadamente a cuatro millas de donde tomó lugar la manifestación. Gente que fue a protestar y a recibir al presidente no iban a poder verlo de cerca, debido a que las calles estaban cerradas y el acceso a los prototipos es restringido por zona federal.

Trump tenía programado arribar a los prototipos alrededor de las 12 p.m., pero manifestantes en contra y a favor estaban ahí desde horas antes. Gary Jones, 62, estaba en el lugar de la manifestación desde las 7 a.m., acompañado por su hija, Jacqueline Jones de 16 años. “Esperábamos poder ver al presidente de cerca y saludarlo, pero no se podrá por la seguridad”, dijo Gary Jones. “Yo no pienso que esté en contra de la inmigración, solo la ilegal”. Jacqueline Jones dijo que no entendía el por qué la gente no estaba de acuerdo con la propuesta de Trump sobre poner un muro. “México tiene un muro, y también China”, ella dijo. “No entiendo cuál es el gran problema”. Alrededor de las nueve de la mañana, la mayoría de los asistentes quienes estaban en el lugar estaban a favor de Trump. Varias calles alrededor de la garita de la Mesa de Otay, fueron cerradas debido a que están cerca de los prototipos del muro. A pesar de que faltaban horas en que llegara, las calles ya estaban llenas de policías. William Stanhope, residente de Chula Vista, fue de los primeros protestantes en contra de Trump quien arribó al área y estaba del mismo lado que

Foto por Vladimir Salazar

Sheriffs del condado de San Diego llegan equipados con cascos y macanas en la Mesa de Otay.

simpatizantes de Trump. “Creo que Trump es lo peor que le ha pasado al mundo desde Hitler”, dijo Stanhope. “Quiero que sepa que no lo queremos en California”. Alrededor de las 11 a.m., la mayoría de los manifestantes de ambos lados comenzaron a llegar. Después de los policías, llegaron alrededor de 50 sheriffs del condado de San Diego, equipados con un casco y macana en mano. Los sheriffs encerraron al grupo de manifestantes en contra de Trump en un círculo. Laura Molina, una manifestante en el lado en contra de Trump, dijo que estaba asustada debido a que habían alrededor de 50 alguaciles rodeandolos. “Es poquito intimidante”, dijo Molina. “Le mandé un mensaje a mi mama para avisarle… que su hija estaba con policías armados”. Los manifestantes en contra de Trump le demostraron su desprecio a base de insultos y gritos. Mientras los que estaban ahí para apoyarlo, le aplaudieron y gritaban cantos de apoyo. El presidente estuvo casi una hora revisando los prototipos, y en ese tiempo, los manifestantes estuvieron argumentando entre ellos. Aunque la policía estuvo

Foto por Kelly Smiley

Seguidores de Trump se reúnen en San Ysidro para apoyarlo.

monitoreando en todo momento las acciones de los manifestantes, algunos simpatizantes de Trump ingresaron al área en donde estaban los manifestantes en contra, para argumentar por qué el muro era necesario. Manny Aguilar, un veterano de los EE.UU. que también es inmigrante de México dijo que él viajó desde Los Ángeles para apoyar a la comunidad mexicana. “Quiero que Trump vea en plena luz que no puede categorizar a todos los mexicanos”, dijo Aguilar. “Yo he sido un buen embajador representando mi país de México”. Aguilar tuvo una discusión con un apoyador de Trump, Joshua Swan, quien estaba del lado de los manifestantes en contra. A pesar de que estaban del mismo lado, ambos grupos solo se llegaron a gritar, pero no

tuvieron un encuentro violento. Swan se tuvo que defender constantemente de preguntas por la gente en contra de Trump. Después de una hora, el presidente fue escoltado del área de los prototipos, y la gente volvió a hacer lo mismo que hizo cuando pasó por la manifestación. A pesar de que llegaron a estar cara a cara, no hubo un enfrentamiento violento entre manifestantes de ambos lados, solo gritos e insultos. Otras protestas ocurrieron en San Ysidro, para Trump y en contra. Nora Rubio, residente de San Diego y seguidora de Trump, asistió una manifestación en San Ysidro. “(Vine) para apoyar lo que el presidente está tratando de hacer en nuestra comunidad, lo cual es asegurar nuestras fronteras y crear un ambiente más segura para nuestros hijos”, dijo Rubio.

Foto por Jocelyn Moran

Nora Rubio, residente de San Diego, carga un cartel que lee “latinos para Trump.”

Foto por Cami Buckman

Miembros de la comunidad protestan en la iglesia Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

10 / The Daily Aztec

Mar. 14-20, 2018

ASSOCIATED STUDENTS

GENERAL ELECTIONS 2018 CANDIDATE STATEMENTS EXECUTIVE OFFICERS PRESIDENT Choose one

CHRIS THOMAS

Hello SDSU! I am Chris Thomas and I am running to be your next A.S. President. While serving on the Associated Students Board of Directors as your Vice President of University Affairs, Commissioner of Recreation and Wellness for two years, and Chapter President of Phi Kappa Theta, I have the experience necessary to effectively serve the students and know the importance of a strong and unified SDSU community! As your Chief Executive Officer, I will work to enhance the academic prestige and value of SDSU, continue to enact change with concerns voiced by students, and facilitate conversations that will strengthen our relationships with campus departments. With a new vision and new direction, together as your executive officers we will #ElevateSDSU

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Choose one

NICK WOHLMAN

Hello SDSU! I am Nick Wohlman and I am running to be your next Associated Students Executive Vice President. While serving as your AS Community Service Commissioner, Executive Vice President of the InterFraternity Council, and two years on the Rotaract of SDSU Executive Board, I have expanded my involvements throughout campus, allowing myself to grasp the many opportunities that SDSU has to offer. As your Chief Operating Officer, I will engage and spark students’ passion by encouraging them to get involved and create their own SDSU experience. With our university’s commitment to sustainability, student success, and SDSU Pride, I strive to make our campus feellike home. With a new vision and new direction, together as your AS Executive Officers, we will #ElevateSDSU

VICE PRESIDENT OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS Choose one

MICHAEL WIAFE

Hello SDSU! I am Michael Wiafe and I am running to be your Vice President of External Relations. While serving as your Vice Chair of the AS External Relations Board, Vice President of Internal Affairs for the College of Arts and Letters Council, Justice on the AS Judicial Affairs Council and spending over 360 hours as a Legislative Intern in political offices, I have gained the skills necessary to advocate on your behalf from the local to the federal level on matters that affect you. As your Chief Communications Officer, I will challenge students to connect on campus and make sure that your voice is heard loud and clear. With a new vision and a new direction, together as your executive officers we will #elevateSDSU.

LATREL POWELL

Hello SDSU! I am Latrel Powell and I am running to be your next VP of External Relations. As President of the College of Arts and Letters Student Council, Executive Vice President of the Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society, and Recruitment Committee member for Rotaract of SDSU, I developed the leadership and communication skills necessary to elicit productive, dedicated efforts towards building solidarity amongst diverse networks. As your Chief Communications Officer, I will refuse to be silent while our efforts and concerns are ignored. Our stomachs remain hungry due to food insecurity. Tuition increases abandon any investment in student programs and fall straight into the pockets of the few. Enough is enough. #itsTimeSDSU to stand up and demand to be heard!

VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCIAL AFFAIRS Choose one

CHRISTIAN ONWUKA

Hello SDSU! I am Christian Onwuka and I am running to be your next Vice President of Financial Affairs. I currently serve as your Vice Chair of the Financial Affairs Committee, your Associated Students College of Business Representative and I have past experience interning with Merrill Lynch Wealth Management. From these opportunities, I have recognized the importance of fiscal responsibility and I will bring this to our SDSU Community. As your Chief Financial Officer, I will aim to keep money in your pockets; I will do this by creating a student committee to contact donors, establish an endowment plan and educate all student organizations about on campus funding opportunities. With a new vision and new direction, together as your executive officers we will #ElevateSDSU

About the Candidate Statements

Associated Students invited all candidates to submit a written statement not to exceed 125 words for today’s election special publication. Statements appear as they were submitted by each candidate. No corrections or editing were made by the A.S. or The Daily Aztec. However, some changes to formats for the purpose of uniformity were necessary. The views, opinions, statements or other content in these statements belong to the respective candidates and are not endorsed or fact-checked by the Associated Students, The Daily Aztec, San Diego State University or any of their officers or employees. Other Election Information

Please note: All regularly enrolled SDSU students paying the A.S. student body organization fee, may vote for the A.S. Executive Officers and Campus Life Council Representatives. Students may only vote for the A.S. Council College candidates from their respective colleges. Write-In Candidates are eligible for all elected positions after submitting required candidate forms in the A.S. Office, 3rd floor of the Conrad Prebys Aztec student Union.

Call 619.594.6555 for more info or visit www.as.sdsu.edu

VICE PRESIDENT OF UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS Choose one

RONNIE CRAVENS

Hello SDSU! My name is Ronnie Cravens and I am running to be your A.S. Vice President of University Affairs! I am the most qualified candidate for this position because of my diverse background, leadership experiences, and vision. I study International Business with an emphasis in Italian and Western Europe. I am a first-generation college student who overcame adversity to pursue higher education after receiving a full scholarship from the Gates Millennium Scholars Foundation. While at SDSU, I have become a member of the Greek Community, Rotaract, and serve as an AS Representative for the College of Arts and Letters. As your next A.S. Vice President of University Affairs I will bring Diversity of Thought, Diversity of Experience, and Diversity of Action. #itsTimeSDSU

ANYA SHUTOVSKA

Hello SDSU! I am Anya Shutovska and I am running to be your next Vice President of University Affairs. While serving on Associated Students Board of Directors, the executive boards for Rotaract and Aztec Dance Marathon, and as an Advisor in the Fowler College of Business, I have witnessed how campus involvements and academic opportunities develop well rounded graduates. As Chief Academic Officer, my goal is straightforward: make you feel safe on campus so that you can focus on why you’re here, your education. I will accomplish this by making updates to safety programs, establishing more resources for support in challenging courses, and bringing more prestige to your degree. With a new vision and new direction, together as your executive officers we will #ElevateSDSU

CAMPUS LIFE COUNCIL CONRAD PREBYS AZTEC STUDENT UNION PROGRAM BOARD COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE Choose one

EMMA WENGER

HEY AZTECS!!! My name is Emma Wenger and I am running to be your next Aztec Student Union Board Representative! I was selected to serve as one of five representatives for FLEX, the First Year Leadership Experience where I am able to shadow the executive officers. I am also currently a voting member of the Aztec Student Union Board, the Aztec Achievement Awards Committee, and the ARC Referendum Leadership team. In addition, I was chosen to represent our Aztec Student Union Board in an international conference to learn how to better our union. My goal is to make our union a more warm and inclusive space on campus. Thank you for your consideration. Tomorrow’s leaders, today’s Aztecs. #VoteForTomorrow

UBALDO MARTINEZ

AZTECS! I am Ubaldo Martinez and I am running to be your next Aztec Student Union Board Representative. During my first year, I have served as the ASUB Vice Chair of Aztec Game Experience and an active member of ASUB Operations Committee, Cru, Mock Trial, and involved with FLI; a First-year Leadership Initiative that has taught me how to become an active leader in AS and the University. As an ASUB representative, I will work to create an environment with Aztec pride and unity by providing students the tools to make SDSU a home they will never forget. Having a year of experience in ASUB, I understand what it takes to guide students to paint their own stories on SDSU’s evergrowing canvas.

CAMPUS COMMUNITY COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE Choose one

ASHLEY TEJADA

Hey Aztecs! My name is Ashley Tejada and I am running to be YOUR next Campus Community Commission Representative. In the last year in this commission, I have served as the Special Events Leader, where I have gathered a holistic perspective of the operations and events put on by Campus Community. I believe this commission has the potential to further unite the local community and the students of San Diego State University. My goal is to create an even stronger foundation for students to thrive on by maximizing opportunities for service projects and campus events. I aim to provide students with the means to grow and give back—together as one.

COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE Choose one

CONNOR CURLEY

HEY AZTECS!!! My name is Connor Curley and I am running to be your next Community Service Commission Representative. I was selected to serve as one of five representatives for FLEX, the First Year Leadership Experience where I am able to shadow the executive officers. I am currently a voting member on the Community Service Commission and I will use my leadership experience and the lessons learned from shadowing the executive officers in order to make the commission as efficient as can be. My goal is to use service to benefit everyone in the community, whether it be a clean-up or a fundraiser. Thank you for your consideration. Tomorrow’s leaders, today’s Aztecs. #VoteForTomorrow

Mar. 14-20, 2018

The Daily Aztec / 11

ASSOCIATED STUDENTS GENERAL ELECTIONS RECREATION & WELLNESS COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE Choose one

BRIANNA RULOMA

Hi everyone, I am Brianna Ruloma and I’m running to be YOUR Recreation and Wellness Commissioner! The Rec and Wellness Commission was the first organization I joined here on campus, and it has encouraged me to strive for so many opportunities at this university like SDSU Ambassadors, SBI Club, and SDSU Rotaract. For this reason, I want to be able to give back what this commission has given me, and I want to take it even a step further. I believe it is so crucial to live a healthy lifestyle, so I will actively work to IMPROVE and EXPAND the SDSU facilities essential for our students. My goal is to MOTIVATE students to understand the dimensions of wellness and to apply them throughout campus!

STEVEN PLANTE

HEY AZTECS!! My name is Steven Plante and I want to be YOUR next Recreation and Wellness Commission Representative! I am serving as one of five representatives for FLEX, the First Year Leadership Experience where I am currently shadowing the AS executive officers. I have been a voting member within the Recreation and Wellness Commission since the beginning of the fall semester. I also had the pleasure of serving on a leadership team that is devoted to the new ARC Referendum. I am spearheading a social media team that positively promotes all of Aztec Recreation. If elected, I will devote my time to being the voice of ALL students, while spreading the importance of genuine wellness. Tomorrow’s leaders, today’s Aztecs. #VoteForTomorrow

STUDENT DIVERSITY COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE Choose one

LANE YAZZIE

Yá’át’ééh (Navajo Greeting) , My name is Lane Yazzie and I am running to be YOUR Student Diversity Commission Representative. Through my leadership experiences with the Native American Student Alliance, the College of Arts & Letters Council, and the Student Diversity Commission, I have worked closely with various multicultural organizations and underrepresented students. I have empowered communities by organizing actions against systematic oppression, educational workshops, and volunteering with various organizations. I have become a dedicated and passionate advocate for DIVERSITY, CULTURE and STUDENT INTERESTS. As YOUR SDC Representative, I pledge to FOSTER a welcoming & diverse SDSU community, to ADVOCATE for all underrepresented students, and to EMPOWER a more diverse student representation within A.S.. VOTE SDSU CommUNITY! I’m forever thankful to reside on KUMEYAAY LANDS.

STUDENT SUPPORT COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE Choose one

NOAH WINNE

Representative!

Hey SDSU my name is Noah Winne and I am currently running to be your Student Support Representative within Associated Students Campus Life Council. After sitting on this position for a semester I believe I have the qualifications to continue this position and further collaborate with you all directly moving forward. I excitedly anticipate our continual growth and success of the AS Food Pantry, the implementation of an annual Campus Safety Week, development of Career Services and further progress in providing YOU the resources and initiatives you all would like to see. I’m excited for the opportunity to stay in this great position and hope you vote Winne for your SSC

SUSTAINABILITY COMMISSION REPRESENTATIVE Choose one

STEVE A. SOTO

I am the President of the political organization Voice for Veg at SDSU. I have successes in extemporaneous speaking and parliamentary debate. I am academically dedicated to health communication and political science. As you read and contemplate who to vote for, I’m not quite certain which imagery comes most strongly to mind, in way where you find yourself growing truly excited about sustainability; but, I am certain that I would continue to invest myself fully to make SDSU sustainable. - Steve Soto

SABRINA SESSAREGO

Hey everyone! My name is Sabrina Sessarego and I am running to be the Campus Life Council’s Sustainability Commission Representative this upcoming school year. Throughout my time at SDSU as an Environmental Sciences major, I have become more knowledgeable of the inherent need for sustainable practices to be implemented across our campus. Within GreenLove’s Environmental Justice and Greeks Gone Green Committees, I have worked to cultivate awareness toward protecting the environment and achieving environmental equity. Our campus has demonstrated great leadership toward an effective use of resources, and I plan on emboldening our efforts in being one of the most sustainable campuses through LEED Certification and renewable energy. With your vote, I intend on making sustainability a part of every conversation within our student government.

CAITLIN SZIKSZAI

I have been in love with the great outdoors since I was young, so naturally sustainability has become one of my main focuses these past two years at university. I am currently the Chair of GreenFest, AS committee where we combine sustainability, diversity and SDSU pride. Along with educating students on how to live more sustainably, bringing Lil Yachty and Vic Mensa to campus have been a sweet part of this role. I hope to continue my sustainability efforts here on campus through this position. SDSU has set a goal to become carbon neutral by 2050. In order to do this, I plan on advocating for implementation of a zero-waste training for all students. Help me make SDSU more Green, vote Szikszai (6i) 2018.

Sustainability Commission Representative, continued

MAYER POHLOD

Hi Aztecs! My name is Mayer Pohlod and I’m a third year Communications and Journalism Major, with a plan to add Sustainability. I’ve been a part of Greenlove the past two and a half years while being a part of the Green Lunch Bag Series and Greeks Gone Green committees within it, and because of that I want to become your Sustainability Representative! If elected, I want to continue the amazing trend of environmental awareness and action that’s stemmed from the SDSU Campus and Associated Students, as well as reach out to other student organizations not associated with A.S. to make the entire culture surrounding SDSU one that protects the environment and advocates for a greener way of living.

STUDENT-AT-LARGE CAMPUS REPRESENTATIVE Choose two

LUKE FISHMAN

Fellow Aztecs, I believe we can build a better campus experience by bridging the gap between A.S. and the student body. My name is Luke Fishman and I am running to be your next Student-At-Large Representative. This year, I was fortunate enough to serve as this position on the Campus Life Council. After a year of representing students, I want nothing more than to once again have the opportunity to stand for the voice of the students and make the Aztec experience even greater. The leadership experience I have accumulated this past year has given me the tools to advance student interests, and perceive shortcomings that can be strategized differently for following years. If elected, together we can take SDSU #ToTheTop

SAM EMAMI

Fellow Aztecs, I believe we can build a better campus experience by bridging the gap between Associated Students and the student body. My name is Sam Emami and I am running to be your next Student-At-Large Representative. Over the years I have had the opportunity to serve as a leader all over campus, understanding the student voice and what is wanted from them. As the former Marketing and Communications Commissioner I was given the opportunity to have a seat on Campus Life council as well as mange marketing content and strategy for the entirety of Associated Students. My past leadership experience has given me the guidance to further student voice and enhance everyone’s campus experience. If elected, together we can take SDSU #ToTheTop

UNIVERSITY COUNCIL COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS REPRESENTATIVE Choose three

CHLOE BYCOSKIE

I am Chloe Bycoskie and I am running to be your College of Arts and Letters Representative. My leadership and involvement include being on the executive board of the College of Sciences, the Student Representative for the Senate Sustainability Committee, and a member of Alpha Phi Sorority, Green Love, GreenFest, and Voice4Veg. Outside campus, I combat climate change through nonprofits such as Citizens’ Climate Lobby. I strive to represent you in a professional, unbiased manner through attentive listening and communicating your voices, serving as a resource for students and organizations to facilitate their goals and aspirations. It is paramount to emphasize my utmost priority is YOU as a student. SDSU possesses great challenges, vast opportunities, and together, we will meet them. #VoteYOU

BRITNEY BUDIMAN

HEY STUDENTS OF SDSU! My name is BRITNEY BUDIMAN and I am running to be YOUR Arts and Letters Representative. As Delta Sigma Psi’s Alumni Chair, a Women’s Resource Center Volunteer, and lifelong artist and advocate for racial justice, I have developed a strong understanding of both creative and professional communication as well as a passion for amplifying the stories of the underserved. I believe that people are our greatest asset and want to ensure that your unique potential and skills are being nurtured at SDSU. As YOUR college representative, I will maximize student success by securing resources for CAL students and will create an environment in which ALL students feel empowered to speak up knowing that their voices WILL be heard. VOTE SDSU CommUNITY!

JOSH MURRAY

Hey SDSU students! My name is Josh Murray and I am a first year International Business, Spanish and Western Europe major. I am running to be YOUR A.S. Representative for the College of Arts and Letters. I am an effective listener and communicator, and I will be able to make sure that every student’s voice is heard. I am passionate about our campus and community, and will be an advocate for all. SDSU, the Greek Community, and the College of Arts & Letters has allowed me to meet and form relationships with people from many diverse backgrounds, and I am confident that I will be able to effectively represent my peers in this upcoming term. Thank you for your consideration! VOTE!

JADA JOHNSON

HEY SDSU STUDENTS! My name is Jada Johnson and I am running to be YOUR College of Arts and Letters Representative. Through my leadership roles within the Afrikan Student Union, Student African American Sisterhood, and Student Diversity Commission I have been given the platform to vehemently speak out against the oppression we face as underrepresented students on campus. My experiences as a Sociology major have shown me there is a strong need for diversity, unity, and representation within A.S. and CAL. As YOUR college representative, I will UNAPOLOGETICALLY VOCALIZE my fight for all of our voices to be heard at this university, ADVOCATE for intersectional inclusivity, and strive to BRIDGE underrepresented students on this campus. I am as we are. VOTE SDSU CommUNITY!

VOTE! March 19-22 on SDSU WebPortal

12 / The Daily Aztec

Mar. 14-20, 2018

ASSOCIATED STUDENTS GENERAL ELECTIONS College of Arts and Letters Representative, continued

STEPHANIE ESTRADA

Aztecs! I am Stephanie Estrada and I am running to be your next College of Arts and Letters Representative. Within Associated Students, I have been apart of the External Relations Board, Lobby Corps, and the University Affairs Board. It was my pleasure to have been Secretary Officer of Education Without Borders. In my leisure time, I work with various non profit organizations that benefit the underrepresented populations of San Diego. My experiences working with refugee youth and DACA recipients has fostered my passion to raise cultural awareness for equal opportunity. I am charismatic, motivated and not afraid to be heard. On the University Council, my main concern is YOU: your voice, your interest, and yoursuccess.Together we will prosper. Sincerely, Stephanie Estrada #VoteYOU

KAMIL ROBINSON

Hello! My name is Kamil Robinson and I am a third year Political Science major. During my time here at state I have had the opportunity to develop as a leader through Presidential roles within my fraternity and as a man who is motivated to serve within my community. As a representative for the College of Arts and Letters I want to renovate the relationship between CAL students and the College itself. Becoming more interconnected within their actual college will generate more success in the long run. I hope that throughout my term, CAL students will learn the unlimited resources such as scholarship, internships and organizations that enhance their college experience.

THOMAS HINTZA

Greetings, My name is Thomas Hintza and I am running to be one of your A.S. Representatives to the Council of Arts and Letters. I am a 3rd year political science major who plays rugby at San Diego State. I am in my second year as the Community Service Director of the Student African American Brotherhood where I ensure that my organization lives up to its highest ideals of developing relationships with our community. I have also served as the volunteer services coordinator for the nonprofit Pro Kids First Tee of San Diego and oversaw all volunteer activity at two locations. I believe that as students we are entitled to quality representation and I will utilize my experiences to best serve the students. #voteYOU

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS REPRESENTATIVE Choose four

ALLISON POWELL

Hello Aztecs! My name is Allison Powell and it would be my honor to serve as a representative for the College of Business. If I am elected, I will work hard to make sure every student in the College of Business has the tools they need to succeed and grow. I value professionalism, integrity, respect for the individual, and a good work ethic. As the current president of Alpha Phi sorority, I have experience leading groups of people working towards a common goal. I am convinced that my background in management and budgeting makes me the ideal candidate for this position.

TRENT WANN

Hello SDSU! My name is Trent Wann and I am running to be YOUR next College of Business Representative. I am a second-year Marketing Major with plans to Minor in Entrepreneurship. Through my experience as the current President of Theta Chi Fraternity, I have been able to garner all of the necessary leadership and communication skills needed to represent and advocate for YOU. With student success and involvement at the top of my priorities, I hope to offer opportunities for all Fowler College of Business students to get involved on campus and will strive to continue bridging the gap between students and faculty. Vote for Trent Wann as your AS College of Business Representative and allow me to serve as your voice.

JUSTIN VENCKUS

Hey SDSU! My name is Justin Venckus and I am running to be your College of Business Representative for Associated Students. I am a second-year finance major planning to pick up a minor in entrepreneurship and run a second term on the University Council. I value student success, professionalism, and advocating for student’s needs. As you’re A.S. Representative I will be the bridge between students and future employers by raising awareness about all of the tools the College of Business has in helping its students succeed in their career path. With the skills I have gained as Vice President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and A.S. Representative for Undeclared Studies I am confident that I will lead my peers on a bright path. VOTE!

JACOB MAHONY

Hello Fowler Students, My name is Jacob Mahony and I am running to be YOUR College of Business Representative. I am a second-year Finance Major with a Minor in I.O. Psychology. As an A.S. leader, I will work my hardest to represent and fight for the needs of all business students. It is my goal to help all business students acquire the tools they need to be successful. As current VP of Marketing for the College of Business Council, I have worked will all business organizations to increase membership and overall student involvement. With this experience, along with my time serving as President of Sigma Phi Epsilon, I am confident in my ability to lead the business community to new heights.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION REPRESENTATIVE Choose two

MATT BLUTINGER

Hello, My name is Matt Blutinger and I am running for re-election as your representative to the University Council. All year I have been your voice and ears in our Associated Students Government and the time has come for me to re-commit to all of you to do it again next year. Together we can be the voice for change in A.S., but in order for me to continue serving on your behalf, I need your help. Vote for Matt Blutinger for your College of Education Representative and let me go to work for you and the rest of our college at the university level.

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING REPRESENTATIVE Choose three

SOPHIE CHANCE

I hope to play a pivotal role in making the changes that SDSU’s engineers want to see implemented. SDSU’s engineering department has so much potential for being one of the top programs, and I would like to be a part of that happening. As a woman in engineering I have seen the hardships that women go through, but I have also seen the amazing progress that society has made in terms of accepting women into these roles. I was motivated to pursue the engineering representative to help facilitate that change even further and be a part of the growth within SDSU. We are so lucky to be a part of a school that is continuously growing and improving.

JORDAN WALKER

My goals as an A.S. representative are to assist with the upcoming growth of our program, tackle impaction head-on, and help alleviate some of the issues that may be presented to us in the shortcoming future. I have worked for A.S. for two years through Aztec Adventures, and I have served as a lead supervisor for one year. From this I have gained a sense of how to lead an organization and be a part of its foundational growth. I am motivated to make positive changes on this campus and make our program easier to maneuver for everyone. I believe that with such a large program, it’s pivotal to ensure that everyone has a voice in how their program should be constructed.

WINSTON LIEW

As an Associated Students leader, I intend to change the required units to graduate for Engineering majors. With the new registration deadline, it is very difficult for engineering majors with more than 120 units to graduate on time and get on track through summer courses. I am a member of Sigma Phi Delta, the engineering fraternity, as the College of Engineering Student Council representative. I am already getting involved in the college and seek a higher position to make a difference. I am also a resident advisor. I receive many opinions from these students, however, they do not know who to contact for change. I want to be that middle man to spread the needs of students through a position in Associated Students.

TAYLOR BURGESS

Hi, my name is Taylor Burgess and I plan to run for the College of Engineering Representative. In my three years here at SDSU I have been involved in various organizations and look forward to taking my experience and skills from them to A.S. Some goals I have for the next year would be to make labs more available to students as well as develop a plan to make it easier for undergraduate engineers to receive the classes needed. I look forward to the opportunity to represent all of you as a College of Engineering Representative.

FADI ESSA

Hello SDSU! My name is Fadi Essa, and I am thrilled to campaign for the College of Engineering Representative! Through my time as a leader on campus and in the community, I have gained a well-developed idea of what it takes to enhance the College of Engineering. I plan on using this platform to educate students on all things A.S., collaborate with faculty and peers to create more opportunities for our students, and do anything I can to help take the College of Engineering to a new level. Whether it be one-on-one relationships, or a broad outreach to the greater SDSU community, I will be an asset and resource to help you succeed. Together, we can build a better future. Motivate. Dedicate. Innovate!

BRANDON KHAMENIAN

I am first year at San Diego State University majoring in mechanical engineering with an emphasis in biology. I am currently running for a position in Associated Student School of engineering representative. I have experience in leadership throughout my high school career in academics, athletics, and volunteer work. My leadership in athletics include being a captain in two different sports. As for my volunteer work, I was on the county board for Students against Destructive Decisions. At SDSU, I am in the Engineering Fraternity Sigma Phi Delta and clubs like Biomedical Engineering Society. I am dedicated to put in my full effort into campaigning and performing as an AS Engineering Representative and I am excited for the betterment of our school and opportunities.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES REPRESENTATIVE Choose three

ADELE VAUGHAN

Hello SDSU! My name is Adele Vaughan and I want to be your CHHS representative. It would be a pleasure to serve the SDSU campus for a fourth year in Associated Students. I have served students all across campus as Vice Commissioner of Internal Relations of the Aztec Student Union Board, Chapter President of Alpha Gamma Delta, Community Outreach Coordinator for Food Recovery Network, and a student assistant at the SDSU Office of Admissions. I hope to use my leadership experience to create an environment of academic opportunity, and should you choose to elect me as your representative I will work to improve your collegiate experience by providing adequate communication between faculty and students to give you a voice on campus and in A.S.

CEDRIC HOSKINS

Hello SDSU, My name is Cedric Hoskins and I am running to be your College of Health and Human Services Representative for Associated Students.Throughout my time at SDSU as a student; and as the current VP of Community Service and Philanthropy for Theta Chi Fraternity and Volunteer Coordinator for the Community Service Commission. I have gained solid leadership skills and experience working with others. If you choose me to be one of your representatives, I will make sure that every student in the College of Health and Human Services is well informed on every opportunity that is offered within our college. I hope to close the gap between faculty and students; making our campus a healthier environment for us all.

JULIA KARCZEWSKI

AZTECS! My name is Julia Karczewski and I am running for College of Education Representative. As a current Young Life team leader, member of the Delta Gamma Executive Board, College of Education Representative, and Best Buddies Team Leader, I have the experience, drive and skill set to take on this current position. If elected, I want to be advocate, listener and voice for students to help drive change. I want to make the SDSU a place where students can feel at home, take pride in our school, and have the opportunity for an incredible college experience. Go Aztecs!

Vote MONDAY, MARCH 19 (starting at 8am)

thru THURSDAY, MARCH 22 (ending at 7pm)

Mar. 14-20, 2018

The Daily Aztec / 13

ASSOCIATED STUDENTS GENERAL ELECTIONS College of Health and Human Services Representative continued

NOAH SIEGAL

Hello SDSU, My name is Noah Siegal and I am running to be your representative of the College of Health and Human Services for Associated Students. Throughout my time at SDSU, both in the classroom and as a leader in the community, I have experienced first-hand the importance and value of strong leadership and communication. That said, I am striving to bridge the gap between students, faculty, and administrators across campus. As a student, I understand the importance of capitalizing on the opportunities that the College of Health and Human Services has to offer. Now, I hope to create more opportunities for students and expose them to everything this University has to offer. Let’s be healthy, together.

MEEGAN TOGATOROP

Hey SDSU! I am Meegan Togatorop and I want to be YOUR next College of Health and Human Services representative! These past two years, I have served as a MarComm Promotions Executive, Children’s Center Representative for Student Support, and a member of the California Nursing Student Association. Using my leadership skills, I will commit to be your voice of reason and advocate for your needs. If elected as your CHHS representative, I will ensure there are opportunities for you to grow academically and professionally. I will work to close the gap between AS and the student body and strengthen student-faculty relationships on campus. I am enthusiastic, driven, and prepared to serve you and represent CHHS students.

COLLEGE OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES AND FINE ARTS REPRESENTATIVE Choose three

VICKY EVANS

Hey SDSU! My name is Vicky Evans and I am a second year Communication major. During my time at SDSU I have served on the Community Service Commission for Associated Students, been a part of Greek life, and participated in the Aztec Dance Marathon. I value the multitude of resources and organizations our campus has to offer and strive to help other students find the tools they need to succeed. As a Communication major I understand the importance and vitality of a strong relationship between students and administration. If elected, I will advocate for the interests of my fellow students and work to strengthen the connection between our administration and students. Vote Vicky Evans for your next College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts Representative!

CRYSTAL SANCHEZ

Hey Aztecs! My name is Crystal Sanchez and I am running to be your college of PFSA representative! I am a first year Public Relations major with a minor in Spanish, and I am an active member of Delta Gamma. Although I am a first year I plan on implementing my leadership skills and time to ensure the student voice is heard. Next year, through my dedication and hardwork I hope to encourage more student involvement amongst all students within PFSA. I plan to be the voice for all those who feel as if they have been outspoken, I will do this by increasing diversity in our student government and by creating more unity within our college. Vote Crystal Sanchez for your PFSA representative

EZRA DELBICK

HELLO SAN DIEGO STATE!!!!! My name is Ezra Delbick and I am running to be your College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts Representative. Throughout my experience as VP Philanthropy and serving on the extended executive board for AEPi, I have developed the leadership skills necessary to make sure that every student gets the best academic experience possible. I will bridge the gap between faculty and students as well as serve as your voice within Associated Students. I want to make sure everyone is fully informed of all of the opportunities within our college in order to thrive academically. I hope that you vote for me as I truly believe that I can make a difference for the students of my college and this university.

COLLEGE OF SCIENCES REPRESENTATIVE Choose four

GRIFFIN RECHTER

SDSU, My name is Griffin Rechter and I want to be your next College of Sciences Representative. I am a 3rd year Pre-Medical Biology student. During my tenure as Sigma Phi Epsilon Chapter President and time on the Inter Fraternity Council Executive Board, I developed the necessary leadership experience and established connections with student leaders and faculty to ensure your concerns are voiced to the appropriate individuals. My objective is to be a liaison between the students and the university as well as a resource for student organizations. I plan to offer direct communication lines where you can voice a concern or recommendation at any time and ensure that your voice gets heard to guarantee your success as a student in the College of Sciences.

ALEXANDER SEMON

My goal as an A.S. leader is to be unbiased, fair, and communicative with my constituents. Coming from Kansas City, Kansas, I have learned the arguments made by both the Left and the Right. I know how to represent both groups by pitching small ideas and concepts that can examined and begin to extrapolate with that towards larger concepts. What is important to understand when entering these conversations is that no group is after the other, they all want to express the best in all of us. This is what motivated me to seek a government leadership role, I act as a medium for discourse between the two different schools of thought. A combination of these ideas can lead to a sustainable future.

KEMAHNI BOOZE

Hello, my name is Kemahni Boozé and I want to be your College of Sciences representative. My purpose for running is to increase my involvement on campus and to positively support students in and out of my college. No campus is perfect, but we should always strive for improvement and I want to aid in the process. I am an active member of BSSO, ASU, Campus Curlz, BCM, and the Harambee Scholars program. Being an A.S. representative will allow me to further develop as a student leader, network with fellow students as well as faculty, and continue the leadership culture here on campus. Ultimately, I want to cater to the needs of students and ensure that the climate on campus is welcoming.

Vote! March 19-22 on WebPortal

College of Sciences Representative, continued

SABA ABRI

Hi SDSU! My name is Saba Abri and I am running to be YOUR next College of Sciences Representative! I am a third year biology major following the Pre-PA track. I have held appointed and committee positions for the Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, and I currently hold a director position on the Greek Life Activities Board. Off campus, I have acquired leadership proficiencies through volunteer work with non-profit organizations like the NEGU foundation and For the Unseen. My university and community involvements have generated my passion for student advocacy. My goal as YOUR representative is to advocate the welfares and opinions of our student body. I aspire to promote the growth of student research and supplemental success programs by acquiring sufficient funding.

AUSTIN TOBIAN

Hey SDSU! My name is Austin Tobian and I am running to be YOUR College of Sciences Representative! As a Representative my goal is to promote the involvement and prosperity of students throughout college. I plan to accomplish this goal by planning events that promote success in the sciences by providing networking and career opportunities for all sectors of the college of sciences. During my time at SDSU, I served as Recruitment Chair on the executive board of Pi Kappa Alpha, a mentor for the Miracle League of San Diego and strong advocate amongst the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. These leadership opportunities gave the passion and desire to leave a lasting impression in the lives of all students in the College of Sciences.

DALTON DAGGS

Hello SDSU, I am Dalton Daggs and I am running to be YOUR next College of Sciences Representative! I am a third-year Pre-Medical, Biology Major. My experience as President of FratMANers, a member of Rotaract, and Vice President of Recruitment for Theta Chi, I have acquired the leadership qualities necessary to be the voice that embodies the likes and needs of College of Science students. My goals include promoting the involvement and success of my fellow students, endorsing the development of new clubs in conjunction with the progression of those already established, and work to provide more research and networking opportunities. I will be a proactive liaison, making sure that your academic concerns are satisfied, ensuring your success at SDSU and in the future.

KENDALL ROLLIN

Hi everyone! I am Kendall Rollin, a first year Biology major, and I am really excited to run to be a representative for the College of Sciences. As an AS leader I plan to be an effective liaison between students of the College of Sciences and SDSU Faculty/AS Executive Board, as well as generating and inputting ideas to make SDSU a better learning environment. My goal is to speak for the students of the College of Sciences, and join different committees to be a voice for other SDSU students. As Captain of my club soccer team, President of my Chamber Choir in highschool, and member of the Campus Community Commission, I believe I am prepared to be a representative for the College of Sciences.

MEAGAN HARMS

Hello SDSU! I am Meagan Harms and I am running to be your next College of Sciences Representative! I am a third year Psychology major and the College of Sciences Student Council Secretary. As secretary, I facilitate communication between our campus’ science organizations and help coordinate events with the Executive Board. I also have worked as Administrative Assistant for the U.C. Office of the President, and mentored students in local elementary schools. As an Associated Students Representative, I plan to help bridge the gap between SDSU administration and my fellow students to better properly address their academic needs. I aim to serve as a catalyst for student involvement and help my peers find the resources they need to be successful in their future careers.

TIA ABUSHAM

Hey Aztecs! My name is Tia Abusham, I am running to be your College of Sciences Representative. I am a Biology major following the pre-med route. This year I was selected to serve as a representative of the First Year Leadership Experience, where I shadow the current executive officers. I am a member of the Aztec Professional Pre-Health Organization and a undergrad TA for Biology 204. As your representative I will advocate for those who want to be heard, I will ensure support for underrepresented communities, and I will create innovative opportunities for our students to develop and succeed as science majors. Your success means our success, together we can make our experience not only memorable, but influential as well. Tomorrow’s leaders, today’s Aztecs. #VoteForTomorrow

SAGE SALACUP

HEY AZTECS!!! My name is Sage Salacup and I am running to be your College of Sciences Representative. I am a Psychology major following the Pre-Dental route. This year I was selected to serve as a representative of the First Year Leadership Experience, where I shadow the current AS executive officers. I am a member of the Women in Science Club and I am on the Aztec Achievement Awards Committee. I will use my leadership skills to represent the College of Sciences and be a link between the students and A.S. My goal is to reach out to students both academically and socially in order to create an environment that helps everyone along their journey here at SDSU. Tomorrow’s leaders, today’s Aztecs. #VoteForTomorrow

UNDECLARED/UNCLASSIFIED STUDIES REPRESENTATIVE Choose one

JON SODEN

As your Undeclared Representative, my mission is to ensure all undeclared students receive the opportunities, guidance, and confidence they seek. I plan on helping students become more informed with undeclared workshops, as well as providing many opportunities to explore potential majors, such as meeting with other college advisors. Additionally, students will be more confident with their course schedules; that is, students will be able to meet with me or an advisor to plan out their G.E’s for coming semesters, as well as plan for prerequisite courses for a major they are interested in. Being undeclared seems overwhelming at times, but with me as your representative, I will make sure everyone is prepared and informed in order for them to pursue their passion.

GRADUATE STUDENT ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT No Candidiates

Choose one

14 / Sports / The Daily Aztec

2018 MOUNTAIN W

SAN DIEG

The Daily Aztec / Sports / 15

WEST CHAMPIONS

GO STATE Photo by Kelly Smiley

march madness

The Daily Aztec

March 14-20, 2018 EDITOR: Abraham Jewett, sports@thedailyaztec.com

Aztecs drop New Mexico in tourny finals by Abraham SPORTS EDITOR

Jewett

going on a 9-0 run to take the lead for good at 66-63 with 6:19 left. The run was punctuated by a four-point play by junior forward Max Montana, who was fouled as he swished his first three-pointer of the contest. “I told (Montana) that I thought he was going to do something special in this tournament,” Dutcher said. “He hit the big corner three and got fouled, attacked the offensive glass, and he had his moment.” Kell appeared to injure his shin with 8:34 to play, but the Aztecs senior co-captain said there was no way he was coming out of the game with the team trailing. “I felt like I was rolling at the moment. And I saw that we were down by about six,” Kell said. “So for me, coming out because of an injury wasn’t an option. I didn’t want to go home. It was just as simple as that.” A layup by Kell gave the Aztecs a 76-69 lead with 1:28 to play, matching their largest advantage of the night. The Lobos got to within 79-75 with 15 seconds to play, after a layup by junior guard Anthony Mathis, but they did not get any closer. Senior Malik Pope and junior guard Devin Watson joined Kell in double figures, scoring 16 and 12 points, respectively.

PANDEMONIUM! San Diego State men’s basketball came back from a sixpoint second half deficit to defeat the University of New Mexico, 82-75, in the Mountain West tournament championship game at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 10. “Congratulations to my Aztecs,” head coach Brian Dutcher said. “We’re grateful to be moving on to the NCAA Tournament after suffering disappointments in the conference tournament in the past.” Senior guard Trey Kell played hero-ball, scoring 21 of his careerhigh 28 points in a blistering second half which helped send the Aztecs back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since the 2014-15 season. “We came in wanting to win three, and we just needed one more tonight,” Kell said. “I tried to do whatever I could to make sure that happened. And I’m glad we came out on top.” The Aztecs came into the tournament as the No. 5 seed, and defeated No. 4 Fresno State University and No. 1 University of Nevada to make it to the championship game. SDSU found itself in a six-point hole with 7:39 to play, before

Trey Kell goes up for a layup during the Aztecs 82-75 victory over New Mexico in the Mountain West Conference championship game at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 10.

Pope said that the team did not panic as they faced the late deficit. “Stay focused. It’s a game of runs, you know what to do, lock in,” Pope said. “We knew stops and rebounds were going to seal the deal. And guys locked in and we followed through with that.” Senior guard Antino Jackson was one of five Lobos to score in double figures, finishing with a team-high 17 points to go with seven assists and four rebounds. “I just felt like tonight I just fought,” Jackson said. “I just feel

like all of us kept fighting. I won’t forget this for the rest of my life, just trying hard to the very end and not giving up.” The Aztecs went into the break with a slim 39-38 lead, after a back-and-forth first half that included three lead changes and saw neither team lead by more than eight points. SDSU’s biggest lead coming after a three-point play by Kell gave the team a 29-23 lead with just over five minutes left in the half. The Aztecs came out cold to

Photo by Kelly Smiley

start the game, falling behind 12-4 after making only one of their first seven shots. SDSU flipped with the script with a 14-2 run, punctuated by a three-point shot by freshman forward Matt Mitchell which gave the Aztecs an 18-14 lead midway through the first half. New Mexico then tied the game up at 29-29, after back-to-back threes by Jackson and Mathis. The Lobos shot 55 percent from behind the arc in the opening period, making six of 11 attempts to stay close.

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March Madness

March 14-20, 2018 EDITOR: Abraham Jewett, sports@thedailyaztec.com

The Daily Aztec

Team reacts to matchup and seed reveal by Abraham SPORTS EDITOR

Jewett

San Diego State men’s basketball found out its destination, seeding, and opponent in the upcoming NCAA Tournament on Sunday afternoon in the Fowler Athletic Center. The Aztecs (22-10) reacted with cheers as it was announced that the team will fly to Wichita, Kansas, as the No. 11 seed in the West Region, to face off against No. 6 University of Houston in the tournament’s first round on March 15. Houston (26-7) comes out of the American Athletic Conference, meaning that the first-round will be a battle of mid-major teams. Senior guard Trey Kell, named the MVP of the Mountain West tournament just a day prior, said that he does not view Houston any differently than a team from a Power Five Conference, and expects both teams to come out fighting. “You just have to approach every game the same,” Kell said. “They’re a really good team. We feel like we’re a really good team. At the end of the day it should be a fun game.” Kell was apart of the SDSU team in 2014-15 which made it to the Round of 32 in the tournament, and the senior said that he is excited for this years team to get to experience the magic of an NCAA tournament run. “The main thing I’m so excited about is everyone gets to experience what the tournament is about, watching it from the couch and just hearing about it doesn’t do it justice,” Kell said. “You

Members of the Aztecs react to their matchup announcement for the NCAA tournament on March 12 at the Fowler Athletic Center

have to experience it and be in it to understand how crazy and how magical it really is.” One player experiencing the big dance for the first time is forward Matt Mitchell, a freshman who started all but one game this season while averaging 10.7 points a game. “For me its just a blessing to be out here. It’s a blessing to be out here and be able to do what I do best and help keep this win streak alive. And for the seniors it’s just one more game for them keeping their streak alive and keeping their college career alive,” Mitchell

Photo by Kelly Smiley

said. “So as long as we can keep doing that, and keep getting wins, I mean the NCAA tournament championship will be nice as well to put on my resume.” Head coach Brian Dutcher said that he is happy for Kell and fellow seniors Malik Pope and Kameron Rooks to make it back to the tournament in their final year, but that it will also help motivate younger players, like Mitchell, as their careers progress. “I’m happy for the kids, you never take these opportunities for granted and our freshman now are going to be excited to go, and they’re going to think

they should go every year,” Dutcher said. “I want them to think that, but its hard to do, and we played well enough to put ourselves here.” Dutcher will be going to college basketball’s most prestigious tournament for the ninth time as an Aztec, and said that watching the selection show alongside his team never gets old. “I sat with the team and it never gets old, as many times as I’ve sat through them,” Dutcher said. “To see your name show up on the TV, show up on the board, and know your going to be playing a first round game is exciting. I don’t care how long you’ve been doing this.” SDSU came into the season projected to finish behind only (eventual regularseason champion) University of Nevada in the MW standings, but just one month ago were sitting with a record of 13-10. Following a 25-point loss to Nevada on Feb. 10, however, the Aztecs rattled off nine-straight wins, which Dutcher said is an exemplification of his team never losing faith in themselves. “Coming into this year we expected to go to the NCAA tournament,” Dutcher said. “The path was not smooth, there were some road bumps along the way… but the team always believed that they were good enough. And we had to put a magical stretch together over the last four weeks to make that happen.” Either the Aztecs or the Cougars will face off against the winner between No. 3 University of Michigan and No. 14 University of Montana, in the Round of 32 on March 17.

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march madness

The Daily Aztec

March 14-20, 2018 EDITOR: Abraham Jewett, sports@thedailyaztec.com

SDSU faces tough test in No. 6 Houston by Abraham SPORTS EDITOR

Jewett

No. 11-seed San Diego State men’s basketball will take on the No. 6-seed University of Houston in the first round of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament on March 15 in Wichita, Kansas. The Aztecs (22-10) head to Wichita on a nine-game win streak, and are coming off their first Mountain West Conference tournament championship since the 2010-11 season. Houston (26-7), meanwhile, comes into the tournament on a down-note, after losing by a single point to the University of Cincinnati in the American Athletic Conference championship on March 11. “We’re excited to be headed to Wichita to play a really good Houston team,” head coach Brian Dutcher said. “We’re excited for our opportunity, obviously everyone knows we’re playing well right now.” The Cougars are led by Kelvin Sampson, who has changed the culture of a team which was 1319 in his first year as head coach back in 2010. “They are extremely physical, they double in the post, they’ve got really strong guards that can shoot it and drive it and they defend at a high level,” Dutcher

said. “They reflect their head coach, (Sampson)… I’ve got great respect for him and what he’s done with that program.” Sampson is most well known for his tenure as the head coach at the University of Oklahoma, where he led the program to the NCAA tournament in 12 of his 13 years at the helm. Dutcher, meanwhile, will be making his first appearance as a head coach in the tournament, though he has gone to the big dance eight times already as an assistant coach for the Aztecs. “This is my first tournament, and I’m excited to go against a great coach in (Sampson), and I take great comfort that I have a really good team to do it with,” Dutcher said. “Hopefully they will make a first-time head coach look good.” Houston is led on offense by senior guard Rob Gray, who averaged 18.5 points per game this season, and recently scored 33 points in the Cougars AAC semifinal victory over No. 11 Wichita State. “(Gray’s) a dynamic guard, he’s great going downhill on the fast break, you give him momentum going forward… hell get to the rim on anybody,” Dutcher said. Houston has made 278 threepointers this season, with 102 of them coming from junior

guard Corey Davis Jr., and 82 from sophomore guard Armoni Brooks. “The three-point shot is such a weapon that we have to be conscious of where their shooters are and maybe extend our defense further than we want to at times,” Dutcher said. “We can not give up open threes, and I think everybody that is playing this time of year does not give up open threes.” The leading three-point shooter for the Aztecs is freshman forward Matt Mitchell, who has made 49 shots from behind-the -arc this season. “(Houston) plays tough, they shoot threes, they make them,” Mitchell said. “They’re just a really tough team, and I think we’re just going to have to go match that in Wichita.” The Cougars physically play will put strain on SDSU players like freshman forward Jalen McDaniels and senior forward Malik Pope. “They do such a good job of boxing out that well have to find a way to work ourselves around their bodies,” Dutcher said. “(McDaniels) is going to hit a forearm on the way in (the post), and then he’s got to either fight his way off it and still pursue the ball or give in. I think hell continue to fight.”

Senior guard Trey Kell makes a pass during the Aztecs 90-73 victory over Photo by Kelly Smiley Nevada on March 9 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

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March 14-20, 2018 EDITOR: Abraham Jewett, sports@thedailyaztec.com

march madness

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Kell and Pope make final tournament run by Abraham SPORTS EDITOR

Jewett

San Diego State men’s basketball seniors Trey Kell and Malik Pope have been to the dance before. The two co-captains came in together as freshman back in the 2014-15 season, which was also the year that the Aztecs made it to the NCAA tournament. Both players averaged just over five points per game that year, and were right alongside their teammates as SDSU lost to Duke in the Round of 32. It was nearly the last time the duo would ever get a taste of college basketball’s biggest stage. “When Trey and Malik went their first year, it seemed like, ‘Well hell, maybe we’ll go three more,’” head coach Brian Dutcher said. “Then it turned out we got to their senior year, and we had to really play well to get them there for their senior year.” It took a nine-game winning streak to propel the Aztecs back into the NCAA postseason, and no player came up bigger than Kell, who scored 18.3 points per game and was named MVP during the teams Mountain West Championship tournament run.

Senior forward Malik Pope and senior guard Trey Kell embrace after the Aztecs won the Mountain West Conference tournament championship, 82-75, over New Mexico on March 10 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

In the championship game against University of New Mexico, Kell scored a careerhigh 28 points, including 21 points in the second half to carry his team to victory.

For Kell, getting back to the tournament means a lot, after a season often ravaged by injuries and bad luck. “It means a lot to me,” Kell said from the postgame

Photo by Kelly Smiley

podium in the Thomas & Mack Center on March 10. “Being there my freshman year in the tournament, and seeing what it’s like and everything like that, I wanted to get back so bad.”

Pope, who has been a consistent presence in the starting lineup since day one, sat up on the same podium, and said that there were no words to describe the excitement he feels to get back to the prestigious postseason tournament. “I don’t think words can describe (our excitement) right now, to be honest. You can just see the smiles on our faces,” Pope said. Pope was not finished, and said that while getting back to the NCAA tournament is special, it is not the team’s ultimate goal. “We’re not content, we’re not really satisfied, we’re definitely happy with the outcome, but we’re still hungry,” he said. The No. 11-seed Aztecs will be playing their first round games in Wichita, Kansas, starting with a matchup against No. 6-seed University of Houston. After the team found out their seeding, opponent, and location on March 12, Kell was asked what his thoughts were on making the trip to Wichita. “I don’t know anything about Wichita,” Kell said. “It’s all going to be new to me, but I don’t care where we go--Wichita, Alaska, Antarctica--I’m good. As long as we are in the tournament, then I’m good.”

20 / The Daily Aztec

Mar. 14-20, 2018

Photo by Kelly Smiley

Aztecs head coach Brian Dutcher shakes the hand of SDSU President Sally Roush after the Aztecs won the Mountain West tournamnt championship on March 10 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Dutcher silences his critics as Aztecs go dancing by Abraham SPORTS EDITOR

Jewett

San Diego State men’s basketball head coach Brian Dutcher waited a long time for his moment. 34 years to be exact. Dutcher was Steve Fisher’s right-handman for 18 years on the Mesa, before finally being named head coach of the Aztecs following Fisher’s retirement on April 11, 2017. After a slow start, Dutcher’s Aztecs strung together nine-straight wins to make it back to the NCAA tournament for the first time since the 2014-15 season. Dutcher has been no stranger to success during his tenure at SDSU, having gone to the tournament eight times before with the team, but this time it will be different. This time he is the head coach. “I feel like even though its my first time as a head coach in the NCAA tournament, I’ve been fortunate enough to go multiple times,” Dutcher said, a day before his team took off for Wichita, Kansas, to play in the tournament’s first round. “I know what it’s about, I know how exciting it is, and now I get to step out there for my first time.” Only a little over a month ago SDSU looked like they were in position to come anywhere close to returning to college basketball’s brightest stage. The Aztecs were stuck near the bottom of the Mountain West Conference with a record of 13-10, having just been blown out by 25 points on the road against the University of Nevada. Expectations had been high coming into the new season, even though Dutcher inherited a team coming off a 19-14 record, which failed to make a postseason tournament for the first time in 12 years. People began to grumble about Dutcher and his team. Not anymore. “From (Dutcher), his staff to all the players, I think they’re steadiness and belief and trust to fight through some really hard times, when people were talking about how bad we were and how disappointing we were, and win the way we did and now have the confidence we do, it’s a testament to everybody,” Fisher said.

Senior forward Malik Pope has played under Dutcher for four years now, and said he was not surprised that his new head coach has had fast success after taking over the reigns. “I’m not surprised. I pretty much expected it coming from a legend like (Fisher) and (Dutcher) as a duo,” Pope said. “You could pretty much expect this outcome would be the case around this time of year.” Dutcher has shown time and again this year that he trusts his players out on the court. His willingness to let his team play even when they are struggling and others might call timeout, is in itself a testament to the kind of leader he is. “He just lets us play. That gives us confidence in anything I feel like,” Pope said. “If you have a coach that trusts in every position, and every play, it’s easy to have that connection and trust factor. That’s huge. That’s what drove us honestly I feel like. That loyalty and trust is huge. It’s huge.” Dutcher already has a national championship on his resume, from his time as an assistant coach for Fisher when the two were at the University of Michigan. The year was 1989, and Dutcher was making his first ever postseason appearance as a coach. It is yet to be seen if history will repeat itself, but junior guard Devin Watson said that just knowing how much experience his coach has brings the team a level of comfort. “It gives us and myself a lot of confidence knowing that coach dutch has been there before and done the things that he’s done,” Watson said. Freshman forward Matt Mitchell, who will be making his first postseason appearance of any kind as a college athlete, agreed with Watson, and said that there will be a sense of ease playing under coach Dutcher on the game’s biggest stage. “It gives me a high confidence, just knowing that (Dutch) has been there, hes been through it, he knows it pretty much inside out, so I think that speaks for itself and his resume,” Mitchell said. “I think we’re just going to sit behind him and do what we can, and do what we’ve been doing, and go out and play our game.”

Sports

The Daily Aztec

Week in review

March 14-20, 2018 EDITOR: Abraham Jewett, sports@thedailyaztec.com

Photo Illustation by Mirella Lopez

March 7

SDSU - 0 vs. No. 21 Long Beach State - 5

Women’s swimming

The Aztecs hit three singles in the loss and were shutout for the seventh time this season.

Sophomore diver Delaney Gallagher finished 18th overall in the NCAA Zone E Diving Championships, posting a total score of 406.75.

Women’s water polo T-No. 21 SDSU - 7 vs. No. 20 Harvard - 6

March 9 Women’s track & field Senior sprinter Ashley Henderson set a school record in the 200 meter dash with a time of 22.80 seconds in the prelims of the NCAA Indoor Championships.

Freshman utility player Emily Bennett and freshman defender Lucia Carballo scored two goals each T-No. 21 SDSU - 15 vs. Sonoma State - 3 11 different Aztecs scored in blowout win

Softball

Women’s lacrosse

SDSU - 0 vs. No. 16 Ohio State - 7

SDSU - 8 vs. No. 4 Boston College - 19

The Aztecs fall in their first game of the Louisville Slugger Invitational.

Junior attacker Kirstie Greenlaw scored a hat-trick off the bench, but the Aztecs fell to 5-3 on the season.

SDSU - 2 vs. Boston University - 5 Softball Redshirt junior second baseman Katie Byrd hit two singles and tallied an RBI in the Aztecs’ loss. Women’s water polo T-No. 21 SDSU - 2 vs. No. 12 Loyola Marymount University - 5

SDSU - 3 vs. Cal State Fullerton - 4 Aztecs lose in eight innings in their last game of the Louisville Slugger Invitational. SDSU has lost seven straight. Baseball

Freshman driver Karli Canale scored twice in the SDSU’s first Aztec Invitational contest Baseball No. 25 SDSU - 3 vs. Air Force - 2 Senior pitcher Jacob Erickson threw 7 innings, including eight strikeouts and one earned run, as the Aztecs improved to 9-4 on the season.

No. 25 SDSU - 3 vs. Air Force - 7 Redshirt junior designated hitter Chad Bible hit a two-run home run and two singles as the Aztecs dropped their first game of the doubleheader. No. 25 SDSU - 3 vs. Air Force - 2

March 10

Redshirt junior pitcher Garrett Hill’s record improved to 3-0 on the season as he allowed one hit and struck out eight in 6.2 innings.

Women’s track and field

Women’s water polo

Ashley Henderson placed fifth in the 60 meter dash and finished second in the 200 meter dash at the NCAA Indoor Championships. Redshirt junior pole vaulter Bonnie Draxler placed 16th in the pole vault

T-No. 21 SDSU - 5 vs. No. 5 Hawai’i Emily Bennett scored twice in her eleventh multigoal game in 2018 as the Aztecs fell to the Rainbow Wahine.

Softball T-No. 21 SDSU - 11 vs. Bucknell - 7 SDSU - 5 vs. Michigan State - 6 Junior catcher Molly Sturdivant hit an RBI double and scored a run as the Aztecs lost to the Spartans.

Emily Bennett netted six goals SDSU finished the Aztec Invitational with a 3-1 record.

Junior catcher Dean Nevarez heads back to the dugout after hitting a home run during the Aztecs 3-2 victory over Air Force on March 11 at Tony Gwynn Stadium.

Photo by Perla Sanchez

Aztecs, Falcons split doubleheader by Justin Wylie STAFF WRITER

No. 25 San Diego State baseball split a doubleheader against the Air Force Academy on Sunday, dropping the first game 7-3, before winning 3-2 in the nightcap at Tony Gwynn Stadium. The Aztecs are now 10-5 on the year, and improved their Mountain West Conference record to 4-1. A performance to remember came in the second game of the day, after SDSU junior pitcher Garrett Hill (3-0) did not give up a hit through the first five innings. Hill’s no-hit-bid was broken up in the top of the sixth inning, after a single through the left side of the infield by sophomore outfielder Ashton Easley. Hill pitched 6.2 innings in total, allowing one hit and striking out eight Falcons batters. “I was just trying to trust my stuff, hit spots, and get outs,” Hill said. “I’m just trying to keep it going, starting with a good base and going to keep that going throughout the whole season.” Hill was pulled from the game after plunking two Falcon hitters with two outs in the top of the seventh inning, which brought the tying run to the plate. Sophomore pitcher Adrian Mardueno

came on in relief and proceeded to walk the bases loaded, but got out of the jam after Easley hit a ground ball to senior shortstop David Hensley. The Aztecs started the scoring in the very first inning, after an errant throw by Falcons third basemen Ryan Robb allowed freshman outfielder Matt Rudick to score. A sacrifice fly by junior infielder Jordan Verdon would bring in Hensley for the second run of the inning. Junior catcher Dean Nevarez extended the Aztecs lead in the second inning, blasting his first homerun of the season over the left field wall. “I was just trying to keep things simple, trust my ability and put a good swing on the ball,” Nevarez said. In the first game, the Falcons used a four run fifth and a two run sixth to pull away from the Aztecs. SDSU redshirt junior pitcher Harrison Pyatt (1-1) was saddled with the loss after giving up eight hits and six runs (five earned) in five innings of work. Air Force junior pitcher Matt Hargreaves (1-3) earned his first win of the season, allowing only one run on nine hits in seven innings. The Aztecs next game will be against University of San Diego on March 20 at USD’s Fowler Park.

Lacrosse loses against a goliath in No. 4 Boston College by Kyle Betz STAFF WRITER

San Diego State lacrosse fell to No. 4 Boston College 19-8 under light rainfall on March 10 at Aztec Lacrosse Field. Boston College, last year’s NCAA champion runner-up, came out hot and took a five goal lead over SDSU within the first seven minutes. The Aztecs drop to 5-3 on the season with the loss, while the Eagles remain undefeated, improving to a record of 9-0. Head coach Kylee White said she was pleased with how her team matched up against Boston College, despite the loss. “I was very happy with how we came out after the first five goals we gave them,” White said. “We played probably 80 percent of that game really tough and I was really excited about how we competed.” Although the Aztecs lost by 11 goals, White said that the final score was not

representative of how the game went. “I don’t think (the score) represents how close the game actually was,” White said. “I think we made them work for most of their opportunities. We just got a little bit careless in our turnovers towards the end.” SDSU was pressed by the Eagles throughout the afternoon, and it turned the ball over 13 times. Sophomore attacker Sam Apuzzo, the top scorer in the nation, scored six goals for Boston College for a new total of 43 on the season. For the Aztecs, junior attacker Kirstie Greenlaw and sophomore midfielder Morgan Taylor came off the bench to score five combined goals. Greenlaw, who finished the game with a hat-trick, credited her teammates for helping her find open shots against the Eagles. They knew when it comes time, when I see that lane and I’m going, everyone just has a vision of, ‘That’s my lane and

no one gets through,’” Greenlaw said. “So it was all up to my girls and it’s just a really great feeling just to keep going and not have to be stopped.” Greenlaw said that her team played well against a tough opponent. “They may be the fourth ranked team in the nation, but with our defense and our midfield, just how we worked together, it was unanimous. We still did a great job,” Greenlaw said. Redshirt freshman Lexi Tan and junior midfielders Grace McGinty and Natalie Peel also contributed a goal for SDSU. The Eagles held a shot advantage of 32-17, leading to 13 saves for Aztecs redshirt sophomore goalkeeper Katy Sharretts. SDSU’s netminder had a double-save two-and-a-half minutes into the contest, and White said that she was impressed with Sharretts’ performance in the net. “We made them work for some of their goals, but they had some clear, open opportunities,” White said. “(Sharretts),

she stood on her head and had 13 saves. You can’t save some of those ones.” Sharretts now has 72 saves this season, and praised the Aztecs defensive effort against the Eagles. “I thought our defense played awesome. They played really good 1v1 defense, and if they got beat, our help was ready to slide,” Sharretts said. “They played great crease defense, which really helped.” The Aztecs are now set to travel to South Carolina for a two-game tandem against Furman on March 16 and Wofford on March 18. Greenlaw believes that SDSU will use its speed to compete against its next two opponents. “I think we definitely need to pick it up in our transition; just being able to get those scrappy balls and just to rely on our legs and run up the field,” Greenlaw said. “We’re a fast team, that’s what we’re known for. We’re just gonna plow them down in the next two games.”

March 14-20, 2018 EDITOR: Abraham Jewett, sports@thedailyaztec.com

march madness

The Daily Aztec

March mayhem

Almost perfect

by Tristi Rodriguez STAFF WRITER

by Kyle Saunders STAFF WRITER

The most exciting month in college basketball is here, and it’s not because of a little green leprechaun. 68 teams. Intense rivalries. Packed stadiums. Stakes are high. Whole country watching. One champion. March Madness. The annual NCAA singleelimination basketball tournament takes place every spring. Teams from all around the nation fight for the crown, while star players attempt to will their squad to victory. Sociology senior Jaime Garcia said he enjoys watching the tournament for a sneak peak of the future. “I don’t really have a team, or root for anyone in particular,” Garcia said. “I just enjoy watching these young college players in their prime.” There have been a history of upsets that take part in the overall madness. The underdogs come in the basketball version of the David and Goliath story is portrayed. Kinesiology senior Isaac Lopez said he loves how unpredictable the tournament is. “No matter if you’re the first seed or the last seed in that bracket, anything can happen,” Lopez said. “I loved watching Florida

Gulf Coast University beat Georgetown about four years ago. I’m a big FGCU supporter now because of that upset.” Students that don’t know anything about basketball, or sports for that matter, find themselves going crazy over supporting their school. The hype surrounding the tournament plays a huge role in the overall success of March Madness. Things really start to get interesting as teams get eliminated and the brackets wind down. Bets get made and emotions run wild. “I love making bets with my friends ever year,” kinesiology junior Junior Berruecos said. “It’s so intense and up in the air.” School spirit is key behind a school’s success. It becomes not only a battle against the two basketball teams, but a battle against the two schools. Fans are at war throughout the whole tournament, leading to a lot of trash talk. Electrical engineering senior Kathrina Lorenzo said she enjoys being a part of all the chaos. “Watching your school come together all rooting for one team, it’s nice to see the unity,” she said. “With all the division that’s been going on in the world, it’s nice to see sports bring us all together.”

There are always those enticing ads on television and social media when March comes around, that read “PICK THE CHAMPION WIN A MILLION DOLLARS.” Well, what happens when you are literally .4 percent from a 100 percent bracket? It was second semester of my freshman year here at San Diego State. I filled out three brackets for March Madness, all of them picking University of North Carolina as my winner. At first I did not even realize how well my bracket was doing, because I hate checking how many things I got wrong early. It is so easy to get the first round games wrong because an upset can strike at any time. As it turned out, I incorrectly picked a game in the first round. That was the only reason I didn’t get a perfect bracket. There are 70 million brackets filled out each year, and I could have made history. There has never been a verified perfect bracket, and the odds of correctly picking a perfect bracket, according to ESPN, is 1 in 9,223,372,036,854,775,808 (9.2 Quintillion). I could’ve become famous with just one tiny change. Do I regret it? Not really. 75

percent of my picks were random in the beginning, and I was lucky enough to get as many right as I did. I thought it was pretty cool I picked the right champion, that is hard enough on its own. Once North Carolina won, I looked at my bracket and I started celebrating. 99.6 percent! I had to have won something, right? How many people can say they’ve done that? Well, I was among 5,000 people who also got 99.6 percent, and it turns out we all won nothing. The best part about picking a 99.6 percent bracket, is that no one really cares. I ran around my dorm bragging about my results and how lucky I was, until people asked me what I won. When my answer was nothing but bragging rights their attention on me left as quickly as it came. Although it was an emotional rollercoaster for me, all I have now is memories and a screenshot of my near-perfect bracket. Do I think I’ll get another 99.6 percent bracket this year? It remains to be seen, but I’m going to bank on San Diego State making it to the sweet sixteen. While perfection is nearly impossible when it comes to the NCAA tournament, it sure is fun to chase it.

Bracket advice

March tradition

by Kyle Betz STAFF WRITER

by Justin Wylie STAFF WRITER

My experience filling out March Madness brackets has been full of highs and lows. Last year marked the first time I’ve correctly picked the winner of the National Championship in a bracket, after North Carolina defeated Gonzaga. Out of a high school class of over 150, I finished with the third-best bracket. Now a freshman at SDSU, this will be my fifth year filling out a March Madness bracket. Each year, I experience some sort of twist in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. After years of watching, I now know what to expect as this year’s tournament approaches. Here are some key points to consider when filling out your NCAA Tournament bracket. Take a risk and pick a few upsets. Consider choosing a 12-seed over a 5-seed and an 11-seed over a 6-seed. Every year, a 12-seed and an 11-seed seem to pull off an upset. After I learned San Diego State would be an 11-seed in this year’s tournament, I chose the Aztecs over 6-seed Houston without hesitation. Don’t overthink when picking teams in your bracket. It’s easy to do extensive research while trying to figure out who will win, but the reality is that anything can happen. If you know the best

players in college basketball that can lead their team to a surprising victory, think about how they can impact their team’s overall performance in the tournament. When I’m unsure about picking the winning team in a matchup, I look at both team’s records, key player stats, and how they performed against ranked opponents in the regular season. Lastly, enjoy the tournament and devour the madness that comes with it. March is one of my favorite times of year because I can watch basketball for several hours a day at a time. The madness concludes on April 2, when one team will be crowned champion after the National Championship Game. Good luck to all those filling out brackets this week.

College sports brings people together in many different ways. Whether it’s comradery, tailgating, or school pride. Come March, madness also comes to a college campus. The NCAA men’s basketball tournament is one of the most widely viewed tournaments in college sports. It allows 68 schools to compete against one another in hopes of winning a national championship. Making personal brackets and trying to predict which teams are going to beat one another has become so popular that even our previous president, Barack Obama, televised himself making brackets for both men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments during his tenure. Myself, I analyze, critique and depict every single team in the field of 68. From the familiar faces such as Duke, North Carolina, and Villanova, to the cinderella hopefuls like VCU, Middle Tennessee, or Florida Gulf Coast. Making a March Madness bracket has been a tradition amongst my friends ever since I arrived at San Diego State. It has always been in good fun, playing for bragging rights rather than for money (which is somehow worse than giving your a buddy 10 dollars). Making a bracket can ruin Photos by Kelly Smiley

friendships, and even open doors to new ones that you didn’t know were possible. Yes, this sounds a bit dramatic, but when you have that feeling of reassurance because someone else has the same national champion as you, they suddenly become your best friend. Upsets are the name of the game when it comes to making a bracket. You must be confident enough in selecting the powerhouse schools to beat their matchups but also sprinkle in some upsets. The tough part is trying to decide which school is going to take an early flight home. If you know that then you look like a genius, but if not, you’re feeling the pain like most of the rest of the country. It becomes interesting finding out between your friends whose bracket is turning out to be the most accurate, and who actually picks the correct upsets. There is always that one friend who swears they knew it was going to happen and feels on top of the world, but it’s that same guy who will miss the easiest early round matchup because he was feeling “risky.” March is the time for your group of friends to put down the video games, grab the chips and salsa, sit back and watch madness ensue in front of their eyes. No distractions, just pure entertainment, with a side of suspense.

March 14-20, 2018 EDITOR: Cami Buckman, arts@thedailyaztec.com

Arts & Culture

The Daily Aztec

SDSU’s older crowd of students seeks to have greater representation on campus Senior citizens and older students enrolled at San Diego State strive to have wider presence and a voice on campus by Stephan STAFF WRITER

Early

Learning isn’t a competition. There are countless clichés to describe why it’s okay to go back to school at any age. The variety of ages among students at San Diego State illustrates this point. However, the oldest segment of SDSU’s student population may be somewhat underrepresented. The 50 and over crowd is alive and well at State. Senior citizen students are here to learn and they have work to do. “My brain is like a sponge and I just love absorbing all the new knowledge,” Lee A. Taylor, an older fourth year student studying criminal justice, said. “It just gets harder as you get older.” Older students are combating stereotypes of senility and notions of seniors being too old to continue their education. SDSU has several programs to help seniors achieve their learning goals, no matter what those goals may be. The 60-plus program is available to certain qualifying senior students at SDSU who are 60 years or older. For these students, tuition is waived. This allows this group to pursue degree programs and save money in the process. Some older learners are taking full advantage of this program like Taylor. However, Taylor has stated concerns about the program in her 2016 article “Creating a Space for Senior Life at SDSU” in the San Diego Free Press. “Very few seniors were aware that this 60-plus program even existed, as it is not being fully marketed by SDSU,” Taylor wrote. She said that some older learners she has encountered only found out about the program because she told them about it. “I wouldn’t be here now if I hadn’t joked about a senior discount to the SDSU reps at my junior college,” Taylor said. “I mean, who knows to ask such questions?” She also said the assistance the program provides may not be enough to meet the needs of many older learners. “Don’t get me wrong, paid tuition is an absolutely wonderful benefit, but why not extend it further?” Taylor wrote. Degree programs aren’t the only course of action senior citizens can take advantage of at SDSU. There are the more publicized lecture-only classes and workshops available through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, known as “OLLI,” from the College of Extended Studies. These classes are available to seniors who just want to engage

in informational and hands-on workshops. These courses allow senior citizens who aren’t in the market for degrees but still care to continue their education to do so in less formal settings. “Try one class, try five classes, there’s no obligation at all,” OLLI student Mike Friedman said. “See what you like, and if you don’t like it, try something different.” The classes range from any number of subjects and offer lectures, workshops and outings. The class Friedman happened to be attending was titled “There’s No Business Like Show Business: The History of the American Musical,” taught by Maya Ginsberg. Ginsberg, who is an SDSU alumna with a master’s of art in music, teaches students major talking points of musical theater from the early 1960s to present day. This time frame being taught in class aligned perfectly with many of the class members’ ages. The class offers information

students may not have known, but many members have firsthand knowledge of much of the subject matter because they lived through it. While this approach may be a more leisurely side of academia,

student Linda Wright said. Wright spoke of the rewards and benefits of getting out, learning and sometimes relearning information provided through the OLLI program. Another benefit that stems

“It’s so easy to live your life without thinking where you should throw away a plastic cup or how long you should leave your lights on, but as soon as you become more conscious of it, you reduce your footprint by a lot.’” – Caitlin Szikszai, International business sophomore

these students still have issues any other SDSU student would be familiar with. “Oh, it’s difficult to get here sometimes with traffic and parking, but it’s worth it,” OLLI

from this type of program is the availability for like minded seniors to get together. “I’ve met several people that are fun to talk to because everybody is kind of different,

everybody lives in different places and is interested in different things,” OLLI student Joyce Swett said. “It’s an easy place to make friends.” This sense of community is something that was missing for older students in degree programs according to “seniorsenior” Taylor. She said she wanted a space for older students to meet and share with each other. So, she started the Aztec Seniors 50+ Group. “I’m a fixer, I try to find solutions to problems and this was a problem,” Taylor said. As president and founder of the club, she invites SDSU’s older population to get involved so they are represented on the campus as the force that they are. She also said that she hopes not only people over 50 come to check it out because it’s a group with a lot to offer. “We are ‘Aztecs for Life.’ We are also seniors in life and living much longer, so let’s empower

Cartoon by Adriannah Esparza

Arts & Culture

The Daily Aztec

March 14-20, 2018 EDITOR: Cami Buckman, arts@thedailyaztec.com

Student business gets cozy with customers by Emily Caplan STAFF WRITER

Everyone loves a comfy blanket. They’re soft, cozy and great for a rainy day. But, what’s better than a regular blanket? A blanket with a pocket for feet! Introducing the Bomfy, a blanket big enough for two while also being soft, and a great place to put those cold toes during the winter season. The Bomfy was created by San Diego State alumnus Cooper Lopez and business management senior Carlos Cortes. Their goal was to create the most comfort with minimal effort. The founders said it all started while laying on the couch and realizing that feet are not always covered when lounging around. With that, the foot pocket was born. “The main idea was to create a brand made for everyone,” Lopez said. By adding extra fabric to the end of a blanket and tucking it underneath, the idea became a true reality in short time. Manufacturing of the Bomfy began in May 2017. Since then, the Bomfy has just had its second restock shipment and is now being seen in numerous areas around the SDSU community. The blanket comes in two different sizes, the 6 feet by 4 feet and the 6-by-4-feet. This blanket can be bought to share, or just for oneself. This is great for those Cooper Lopez and Tyler Thren table their product at Entrepreneurship Day on March 7.

“Once I tried the Bomfy, I knew I had to have one.’” – Marchella Marconi, Marketing junior

“Netflix and chill” nights, or even a study night at home with roommates. “Once I tried the Bomfy, I knew I had to have one. They’re so comfy and soft,” marketing junior Marchella Marconi said. One of the main visions the creators had was for the Bomfy to be used as a source of entertainment, and as an aid for the nights when guests come over. The Bomfy comes in a variety of colors to fit any room and can be folded up small enough to be stored when not used. The Bomfy is currently being sold in mint green and black. “The Bomfy is a very versatile blanket

and can be used for a variety of things. “The fabric is my personal favorite part,” international economics senior Stellan Christensen said. The Bomfy seems to be the talk around SDSU and according to Marconi, her friends always fight over the fun blanket. These two entrepreneurs have only started their journey with the Bomfy and are thinking about possibly attending a Shark Tank expedition as well as many other events to further their product. The Bomfy can be used by anyone and for anything, and that is what sets the brand apart. The Bomfy was sold in the Conrad Prebys Aztec Student Union student on campus on March 7 at Entrepreneur Day. Many students that day embarked on “The Bomfy Experience.” The best way to purchase the Bomfy is at bomfyb.com and check out the product on Instagram @bombfyb. Go get comfy, and get that Bomfy.

Photo by Cami Buckman

The Bomfy blanket features a special foot pocket sewed at the bottom.

March 14-20, 2018 EDITOR: Cami Buckman, arts@thedailyaztec.com

Arts & Culture

The Daily Aztec

‘Power to the People’ Italian hip hop workshop crosses language barriers by Lauren J. STAFF WRITER

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Politics, African diaspora, European subcultures, hip hop music and autobiographical books might not seem like they’d be a part of a single, cohesive conversation, but during a combination workshop and discussion event on March 6, the diverse themes flowed in and out of one another. Italian independent rap artist Amir Issaa — who published his autobiography “Vivo Per Questo” (“I live for this”) in 2017 — led a rap workshop in the Digital Humanities Center at San Diego State during his book tour through the U.S. During the workshop, Issaa helped small groups of students to compose rap lyrics in Italian. The workshop was followed by a cross-cultural hip hop discussion with American hip hop artist Parker Edison and Issaa’s manager Flavio Zocchi. Organized by the Italian Club at SDSU, the trio talked about the history of rap and hip hop music in Europe and how the genre has evolved and grown since Issaa began rapping in the 1990s. With more than 200 songs under his belt, Issaa has spent his musical career and his personal life breaking through barriers. In Italy, there are a lot of negative stereotypes and prejudices against hip hop music, Issaa said. “Italy has a strong traditional, Italian music and it’s hard to start to create new, musical movements like rap music and hip hop music,” he said. “When I started, and all the rappers started, the people in Italy say ‘You want to act like American guys.’ I dressed with my baggy pants, and the people say ‘You’re not Italian.’” Born in Italy to an Italian mother and an Egyptian father, he said he is often mistaken as a muslim immigrant instead of being associated with the Italian culture he identifies most with. When he was a kid, his father spent time in jail for drug trafficking, causing Issaa to be quiet at school. “This is a strange story in Italy in this period,” Issaa said. “(They were) real pioneers of the mixed couple.” Rap music, he said, helped to get him to let go of the negativity in his life and get out of his shell to open up as a teenager. “The first time I listened to rap music, I listened to a song from Run DMC. This changed my life, because I think ‘Wow, now I start to talk — to talk about my

Photo by Joe Kendall

Amir Issaa spoke to students in a workshop setting about hip hop and Italy on March 6 on campus.

life,’” he said. “For me, it’s easier to talk about the problems and issues with rap music than to talk with people.” Telling his story, Issaa said rap music is a medium through which people can express themselves. As a teacher, he uses rap as a tool to communicate with students, especially those who might not be responsive to traditional teaching methods. “Rap music, for me, is a medium to express without money, without big cars, without clothes, chains,” he said. “It’s a medium, it’s a language, like the cinema.” Agreeing with the concept of rap being it’s own language that crosses cultural barriers, Zocchi said he learned how to speak English through listening to rap and rock music. “(I had) no years of English classes for me to learn English,” Zocchi said. “I just learned French, and then I listened to hip hop music, listened to heavy metal music and listened to hardcore music to try to learn something in English.” In the early days of Italian rap there were two front-running categories of the

genre. Artists fell into the campy, commercial style or their lyrics were deemed political. Not associating himself with either genre and simply trying to be true to his own personal style, Issaa said he was left without an audience. Issaa’s genuine approach to rap music might keep him from being a mainstream artist, but Edison said that is what makes him unique as a rap artists. “I’ve had the chance to do a lot of different podcasts, and I thought that Amir was incredibly honest — I think that’s something that’s real dope about him,” Edison. “He’s not trying to be machismo or the ‘typical rap character.’ “You would probably ‘fit in’ better if you were being fake, but you’re being real and I think that really comes through.” During his 22 years of performing as a rapper, Issaa has steadily grown his fanbase in the Italian hip hop scene, even recording the full soundtrack for the 2011 film “Scialla! (Stai Sereno)” (“Take it Easy! (Stay Calm).” Hearing about his journey from his

troubled youth to the underground Italian rap scene, and eventually into mainstream Italian music market was inspiring, said Mariana Barrios, treasurer of the Italian Club at SDSU. “I really loved getting to know what the music means for him and what he is trying to transmit to us,” Barrios said. “There’s a story behind everything, so it was great getting to know what the music meant for him and what a great passion he has for it and all the struggles he had to go through. It’s great because it makes me appreciate his music so much more.” Though she had listened to Issaa’s music prior to the event, Barrios said that hearing his story has inspired her to give his albums another listen. “Now that I heard all of his story, that I heard his interest in it, his passion, everything that he’s given to arrive and get to where he is right now, it’s great,” she said. “It makes me want to listen again to those songs and really pay more attention and look for deeper meanings in his words.”

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March 14-20, 2018 EDITOR: Cami Buckman, arts@thedailyaztec.com

Arts & Culture

The Daily Aztec

‘Transforming Existence’ Downtown Gallery explores surrealism and society by Sydney Sweeney SENIOR STAFF WRITER

Fête gallante is a French phrase used in art, defined as a representation of elegantly dressed groups at play in a rural or parklike setting. However, for San Diego State graduate student Remi Dalton, the words fête gallante double as the title of her kitschy and colorful mixed media piece currently featured at the SDSU Downtown Gallery. The new group exhibition called “Transforming Existence” explores surrealism and its focus on releasing the creative potential of the unconscious mind. Dalton’s artwork – a vintagelooking tablecloth embroidered with flowers, spotted with golden patches of cellophane and topped off with paintedgreen mini polaroids – is one of the exhibition’s more romantic pieces, and its surrealist qualities are cleverly subtle. Until one steps close to the quilt, they might view Dalton’s creation to be nothing short of agreeable. On the surface it seems like the kind of DIY project even a close-minded grandmother would enjoy. But the artist, who’s studying for her master’s in fine arts in painting, notes that this detail is where the piece’s surrealism rests heavy: mountain climbers lay dead on the top of Mount Everest, while a chesterfield chaise lounge sits below a twinkling chandelier. “It’s supposed to have the energy of a picnic on the grass, but as you get closer to it, you realize that it’s actually weird, cheesy material,” she said about Fête Gallante, also revealing that the piece reflects her art practice of using domestic materials, like blankets or tablecloths found

“Untitled #4” by Carlos Castro displays enamel on found broken glass and metal bars.

at a yard sale, as objects that challenge people’s perceptions of tastefulness. In this way, her personal interest in romanticism joins surrealism in her quilted piece – she finds the “romantic side of mundane stuff” by weaving it with oddities, such as the strange snapshots stitched to the square cloth. And though Fête Gallante is one student’s inimitable take on surrealism, it’s merely one of more than 50-something pieces featured in “Transforming Existence.” From painting, photography, furniture and mixed media, to sculpture, jewelry, ceramics and digital art, the exhibition epitomizes the idea of diversity and inclusivity in art, and its assortment of art forms enables curious observers to remain alert and engaged as their travelling eyes greet the pieces that portray surrealist aesthetics uniquely fashioned by their creators’ imaginations. Perhaps at the core of “Transforming Existence” is the

“Free Association” by Kline Swonger uses plaster, string and resin.

power of imagination. The surrealist movement was spurred by artists who were interested in subconscious liberation and desired to maximize their imaginative potential to improve their art, said David Fobes, professor in the School of Art and Design, whose mixed media artwork – a brightly stunning piece incorporating audio, highdefinition video and painting – has its own isolated space in the gallery. “It doesn’t get more imaginative than (surrealism),” Fobes said. “When you think about ‘imagination,’ the word embedded in there is ‘image.’ “I think if artists are creating works that are imaginary, inventive, creative or curious, we’re thinking visually. We’re thinking about images and asking, ‘How do you get that image out there?’ That thought process is a huge part of making certain kinds of art.” Fobes also said in the realm of art, analyzing an artists’ career

Photo by Samantha Bonpensiero

and looking at the way their work has transformed over time reveals a sense of imagination. Artists like MFA student Marie Bravo – whose featured oil painting and copper jewelry piece mark her first exhibition showings – said her work pulls from imaginative, mythical concepts, such as mermaids and fairy tales. “I’m really fascinated by the works of artists like (Salvador) Dalí and the psychedelic state of mind,” Bravo said. “I really like exploring dreams and finding meaning in them, and combining that with my interest in fairytales.” The concept of imagination is tightly hinged to surrealism and the featured pieces in “Transforming Existence,” but this is no coincidence. As the fourth show in an annual series of exhibitions inspired by SDSU’s campuswide initiative called the “Common Experience,” which serves to facilitate interactions among the university’s faculty, staff and students through a

focus on contemporary themes, the new exhibition aligns with the initiative’s current theme, “Experience Imagination.” Beyond its thematic relevance, the Downtown Gallery’s latest exhibit matches the purpose of the “Common Experience” by showcasing the talents of not only 39 undergraduate and graduate students, but also seven faculty members, including Fobes, whose interactive piece titled “Psycho Dos Us” is the immersive, 9-minute-and-20second result of a summer’s worth of intensive video editing on both his iPhone and MacBook. Amongst the exhibition’s dozens of artworks, this mixed media presentation is certainly the most psychedelic piece in “Transforming Existence.” After entering the secluded area of “Psycho Dos Us,” tossing a pair of headphones and melting into the rich, geometric patterns and rainbow images of Fobes’ creation, it’s almost impossible to leave the enclosed room afterward without words like “trippy” or “woah” floating to the front of one’s mind. Members of the SDSU community can experience the surrealist artistries in “Transforming Existence” through April 8 at the SDSU Downtown Gallery. But students featured in the show, such as Dalton, want those interested in the exhibition to know that a knowledge of surrealism, or experience in art, is not necessary to enjoy the showcase. “We’re always interested in (everyone’s) comments and opinions,” Dalton said. “There’s something for everyone at the show, and people who are into any kind of art can find something they like. Hopefully they’ll discover something new.”

Photo by Samantha Bonpensiero

“Blown Away” by Stewart Parker uses paint, wood, expanding foam and found objects.

march madness

The Daily Aztec

March 14-20, 2018 Editor: Abraham Jewett • sports@thedailyaztec.com

The march to the madness 67-56 71-59 72-64 79-74 87-77 94-56 Air Force SJSU Boise State Neveda Wyoming UNLV Feb. 14

Feb.17

Feb.21

Feb.24

Feb.27

March 3

Coming off a 25-point loss at Nevada, the Aztecs begin their six-game win streak with a victory over Wyoming, at the more-friendly confines of Viejas Arena.

With renewed confidence, the Aztecs demolish the visiting Runnin’ Rebels. The win avenged a loss to UNLV earlier in the year, and gave fans a hint of things to come.

Road struggles were put aside, as the Aztecs went into Colorado and emerged victorious over Air Force for the second time this season.

The Aztecs bond together with Malik Pope out of the lineup for the first time this season, defeating a struggling San Jose team.

With the No. 5 seed in the MW tournament within reach, the Aztecs pulled away in the second half to to extend their streak and bring drama to the upcoming season finale.

Nearly one month to-theday after the team’s last loss, the Aztecs handed regular-season champion Nevada only their third conference loss of the season on Senior Night.

64-52 Fresno State

In the quarterfinals of the Mountain West tournament the Aztecs took advantage of a sloppy Bulldogs second-half, advancing to the semifinal game behind 16 points from Trey Kell.

90-73 Nevada

Absolute domination by the Aztecs in their semifinal matchup against the regular-season champs. The team led by as many as 34 points in the opening half and coasted to the tournament finals.

82-75 New Mexico

Trey Kell scores a career-high 28 points to lead the Aztecs past New Mexico in their toughest test of the tournament. Kell scored 21 of his points in a blistering second half to help erase a six-point deficit lead his team to their first Mountain West tournament championship since the 2010-11 season.

LEFT: Members of the Aztecs men’s basketball team hold up the Mountain West Conference tournament trophy after defeating New Mexico 82-75 on March 10 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. ABOVE: Head coach Brian Dutcher celebrates with senior forward Malik Pope. BOTTOM LEFT & RIGHT: Head coach Brian Dutcher and freshman forward Matt Mitchell cut down the net after the Aztecs win. Photos by Kelly Smiley

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