Wednesday, April 4 - Tuesday, April 10, 2018 Weekly Print Edition
Vol. 104, Issue 29 www.thedailyaztec.com
San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
usic on Campus Issue SEE COVERAGE, PAGES 6-12
Photo by Kelly Smiley
Ben Lusher of Thirdstory sings during their San Diego show at the House of Blues on March 21. See full story page 7.
March for our lives hits streets of San Diego By David Santillan SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR
Thousands of people poured into downtown San Diego to show their support for student activists marching for stronger gun control laws as part of the nationwide March for Our Lives. The event, which was organized by student activists with the help of Women’s March San Diego, began at Waterfront Park before protesters headed through the streets of downtown San Diego. The march was led by teenagers and young adults who say they’ve had enough of gun violence and want to see changes in laws from politicians in the wake of the Feb. 14 shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., where 17 people died. “Something needs to be done about the shootings that are going on,” Lincoln High School senior Hector Enriquez, one of the student speakers, said after his SEE MARCH FOR OUR LIVES, PAGE 3
Elevate SDSU sweeps A.S. elections — save for one seat by Bella Ross SENIOR STAFF WRITER
Just before students left for spring break, Associated Students election results the night of March 22 showed every member of the Elevate SDSU slate will sit on next year’s A.S. executive board, except one. The executive board will consist of Chris Thomas as president, Nick Wohlman as executive vice president, Michael Wiafe as vice president of external affairs, Christian Onwuka as vice president of financial affairs and Ronnie Cravens — who defeated Elevate candidate Anya Shutovska — as vice president of university affairs. “Anya’s been working for this position since forever — since I met her as a freshman,” Thomas said. “She’s going to keep working and I’m going to make sure that she stays involved and does what she needs to do.” Prior to her loss, Shutovska said she is happy to have worked with “such a great group of people” and that she will always care for SDSU. “I still love SDSU and I’ve given it everything that I have,” Shutovska said. Cravens said he wants SDSU
to feel like a “home away from home,” and that he is confident in his ability to take on his new role as vice president of university affairs. “I’m confident in everything I do,” Cravens said. “I wouldn’t have signed up for this position if I wasn’t confident in everything I’ve done.” Despite competition from two write-in candidates, Chris Thomas was still able to secure his spot as A.S. president. While he was distraught over Shutovska’s loss, he said he has many aspirations for his time as president. “I never want to be known as ‘A.S. President Chris,’” Thomas said. “I want to be known as Chris.” Wohlman was one of three candidates who originally ran for executive office unopposed — Thomas ended up with two write-in opponents late in the campaign. Despite this, he said he worked hard talking with students to explore their expectations. “I wanted to have them show me what they’re about and I wanted to show them what I’m about,” Wohlman said. He said, for him, the work in his role as executive vice president starts now. “I’m going to start working
right away,” Wohlman said. “I love everything I’m about to do in this position. There’s no sleep, I can’t take my foot off the gas.” Latrel Powell, the losing candidate for vice president of
external affairs, ran alongside Cravens on the It’s Time SDSU slate and lost to Wiafe. Powell said while he was sad for his own loss, he was extremely proud of Cravens.
“I’m so proud of Ronnie because I know he’s going to make a lot of people proud SEE A.S. ELECTION RESULTS, PAGE 3
Photo by Andrew Dyer
Vice president of university affairs candidate Anya Shutovska, third from left, reacts to the results of the 2018 A.S. elections while Presidentelect Chris Thomas consoles her.
2 / The Daily Aztec
Apr. 04-10, 2018
News
April 4 - April 10, 2018 EDITOR: Will Fritz, news@thedailyaztec.com
The Daily Aztec
3
Chelsea Manning to speak at San Diego State by Bella Ross SENIOR STAFF WRITER
Photo by Andrew Dyer
Surrounded by fellow candidates and supporters, President-elect Chris Thomas (seated) reacts to the election results.
A.S. election results:
continued from page 1 and represent everybody we’ve (vowed) to represent,” Powell said. Paige Doherty, computer science sophomore and one of three campaign managers for
It’s Time SDSU, said she was let down by Powell’s loss. “It was definitely hard to see Latrel in the position like that, seeing all the work that he had put in and all of the heart and passion,” Doherty said. “But I’m excited to see what he does this year regardless.” Political science sophomore Tiana Loving said she has mixed feelings about the election results. “I feel like a lot of people really
deserved the positions that they gained tonight, and at the same time, I’m a little bit sad about some people that didn’t get positions that worked really hard for this election,” she said. At the end of it all, Thomas said he is ready for what’s next. “Elections are elections, and you gotta move forward,” Thomas said. Will Fritz contributed to this story.
Chelsea Manning, a transparency activist and former intelligence analyst for the U.S. Department of Defense, will speak in the San Diego State Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center on April 9 at 5 p.m. The event notice said Manning is set to discuss national security and democracy, artificial intelligence, activism and the intersection of technology and people’s lives. The conversation will be moderated by Mark Wheeler, associate professor of philosophy and director of the SDSU Institute of Ethics and Public Affairs. “Our goal is to have a conversation about the question of national security and democracy,” said International Security and Conflict Resolution Director Latha Varadarajan, who organized the event. “We just want to have a conversation about it and have people think about these kinds of questions.” According to the event notice, Manning is best known for her leak of classified U.S. government documents to Wikileaks, an act that revealed human rights abuses and corruption in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. This resulted in a 35-year sentence in a military
prison until former President Barack Obama commuted her sentence just before the end of his second term in 2017. She’s also known as a prominent transgender figure. She began her gender transition while serving her sentence. Most recently, Manning has announced she will be running for U.S. senate in the state of Maryland, according to a video posted on her Twitter account on Jan. 14. Varadarajan said in the past few years there has been an influx of discussion surrounding the topics of national security and democracy in the political science classes that she teaches. Manning comes up often in these discussions, and Varadarajan said it is important to bring figures like her to campus despite their controversial nature. “Conversations pertaining to democracy are extremely important, especially in this day and age,” Varadarajan said. “I think the university is a place where there should be freedom of deliberation and discussion on important issues.” Varadarajan said this is a free event and the public is welcome. She said attendees can expect about 45 minutes of moderated discussion followed by time for questions.
March for Our Lives:
continued from page 1 speech. The event came on the heels of the National Walkout Day, an event in which high school and college students around the nation walked out of their classes to protest gun violence. At San Diego State, the event was organized by student Jack Dentzman and members of the local advocacy group San Diegans for Gun Violence Prevention, to commemorate the lives lost during the Florida high school shooting. Enriquez, who was recently accepted to UC San Diego, said he’s no stranger to gun violence. “Some of my uncles, they’ve actually been shot,” Enriquez said. “Laws need to be set forth to ban people from getting their hands on weapons that will cause a lot of destruction.” California currently has some of the strictest gun control laws in the nation, banning most sales of assault weapons and requiring permits to carry other gun types. High Tech High School freshman Gigi Butterfield, who marched alongside her friends, expressed her thoughts on the new wave of activism she and her peers were suddenly thrust into. “Quite frankly, I find it ridiculous we have to march at all,” Butterfield said. “But I think if anyone is going to make a change it’s going to be the students and this responsibility has fallen on us and we have to make it happen.” School officials at Butterfield’s high school recently found threatening graffiti scribbled
Photo by David Santillan
Protesters march south on Harbor Drive at the downtown San Diego March for Our Lives.
inside of a girl’s restroom oncampus, prompting them to heighten security at the school and launch an investigation according to an official statement from the school. Parker Frost, also a freshman at High Tech High, agreed with Butterfield and says they shouldn’t have to feel unsafe at school. “The fact that this is even an issue and that people aren’t willing to do something about
it, who are in power, is just enraging,” Frost said. Both teens say their parents have given them advice in case a shooting were to happen in their school. Elizabeth Walcott, an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego who was at the march, said it’s a conversation she has had with her own teenage daughter. “I tell (my daughter) to use common sense,” she said. “But I also don’t want her to live in a
constant state of fear and anxiety. It’s sort of a delicate balance.” As a professor, Walcott has considered the possibility of a threat occurring on her campus, but disagrees with President Donald Trump’s suggestion on arming teachers in the classrooms. “Absolutely not, classrooms are for learning, they’re not a place where guns belong,” Walcott said. Across the nation marches were
held, the main one taking place in Washington D.C. where student activist Emma Gonzalez, one of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting survivors, delivered an impactful speech where she commemorated her fallen classmates. With midterm elections fast approaching, activists are vigorously reminding people that their best chance for pushing for gun reform is by registering to vote and going to the polls.
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Opinion
The Daily Aztec
April 4- April 10, 2018 EDITOR: Dana Tsuri-Etzioni, opinion@thedailyaztec.com
Maya, Olmeca residents pay unfair housing rates for the quality they get by Chelsey Crowne CONTRIBUTOR
Not all living situations are equal, and none are more aware of this than the residents of Maya and Olmeca, two of San Diego State’s freshman dorms. Neither hall has been renovated since their construction in 1960, which has led to a wide array of problems from regularly broken amenities to evacuation-forcing mold levels. Residing in any kind of dorm has its downsides, but conditions in Maya and Olmeca are unacceptable for the cost students pay. “It is unfair that Maya and Olmeca have the same mandatory price as the other nice dorms when they have zero advantages over them and haven’t been renovated, besides maybe a paint job, in so long,” said finance sophomore Teague Quillin who lived in Olmeca as a freshman. The price of living in any SDSU freshman residence halls is steep, at more than $1000 a month, even before factoring in extra required costs such as meal plans and ARC memberships. That’s just the price of living on campus. But, it is absurd that students living in the newly renovated South Campus Plaza and those living in Maya or Olmeca pay the same despite the substantial gap in housing quality. This gap in living conditions
is appalling when one considers that the majority of freshmen are required by the university to live on campus. New students are subjected to lower living standards than they may be able to find off-campus for a cheaper price.
Both buildings are scheduled to undergo remodelling this summer. This only kicks the problem further down the line. Given current construction trends, it looks as though all residence halls will be receiving a makeover at some point in the near future. But, there is no reason to believe that SDSU will not neglect another housing facility for another 50 years. It should have never gotten to this point. SDSU housing should take into account the problems that its residents face, and if such instances that have occurred in Illustration by Adriannah Esparza Maya and Olmeca occur in another hall one day, SDSU offers cheaper rates for those students should be offered those who dorm with multiple a discounted cost or at least the roommates, so it should be option to transfer to another possible for them to give discounts building. to students assigned to Maya or Olmeca as compensation for Chelsey Crowne is a sophomore the potentially, and historically, studying journalism. unsanitary living conditions.
SPECIAL COMMENTARY
How SDSU counseling and psychological services failed me when I needed them most by
Trish Hyde
My freshmen year, I came to San Diego from 1,500 miles away, knowing no one but my roommate, whom I had met on our class of 2020 Facebook page. That idea is terrifying for most people, but I found it exhilarating — at first anyways. My chronic depression, which I had been dealing with since I was 15, was moderately under control with a regular dosage of antidepressants and knowing my mom was only a phone call away. I expressed some concerns early into first semester to my RA about my depression and after a particularly rough anxiety attack, she directed me to Counseling Services. After a 15 minute consultation in which I made it clear that I had a history of self-harm and suicidal thoughts, I was told that San Diego State could do nothing for me because I needed more long term help and they didn’t have any openings for the rest of the semester. It was October. “Oh by the way, are you a danger to yourself or others?” I was asked right before the call ended. I thought it was a joke. Was there nothing they could
do? I thought about calling back and telling them that maybe I was a danger to myself and seeing if they would do anything then, but I ultimately decided that would probably get me removed from campus. A year later, and I’m a sophomore living in on-campus housing and am experiencing extreme depression that I hadn’t experienced in years. It was terrifying. I called again and asked to make an appointment to talk to someone and, to my surprise, I was able to schedule one — two weeks out mind you, but still an improvement from the last time. I walked into the appointment thrilled at the prospect of working on my mental health. I sat in the office, and after revealing to the doctor that I was on antidepressants already she asked what I was doing there. I was caught off guard. I was just hoping I could talk to someone about the thoughts I’d been having. The doctor continued saying that she can’t help because she’s a psychiatrist who prescribes medications. I stumbled out of the room confused and upset up to the fourth floor of Calpulli where I attempted to make an
appointment with a counselor. After looking in my file they determined again, that there was nothing they could do for me. I understood I needed something more long-term, but I really just needed someone to talk to. I was told that they were sorry, but that they don’t want to start treatment here if I’m just going to have to restart somewhere else, and that they could give me some recommendations for counselors in the area based on my insurance. As upset as I was that the counseling services seemed to never actually do any sort of counseling, I hoped that perhaps I could find someone not affiliated with the university to help me. Unfortunately, all four numbers they gave me were not accepting new patients for approximately two months out. I guess it’s a good thing I wasn’t a danger to myself or others because then SDSU would have a real liability on their hands. I, however, am just one of many students who have tried to access the “services available” through the Counseling and Psychological Services. According to the Wright
State University of Medicine, depression rates among U.S. college students have doubled and suicide rates tripled in the last 15 years.Why are students with severe mental health concerns treated with such little regard? If SDSU wants to continue to pride themselves on having such a forward-thinking counseling and psychological services center, they need to spend more time listening to the concerns of students and actually helping, rather than paying for massage chairs to be added to their office. A massage chair won’t prevent me from self-harm. And the real kicker? Because I had come to the Counseling and Psychological Services Center in the past with concerns about my mental health, I came home yesterday to find a “Sophomore Year Survival Guide” left by them. What advice did it include? Some of my personal favorites were “Study hard! Drink less!” “Focus on school, not boys!” and “Just believe in yourself.” Ah yes, thank you SDSU, these cured my depression. Trish Hyde is a sophomore studying international business.
EDITOR IN CHIEF Andrew Dyer MANAGING EDITOR Lilly Glenister NEWS EDITOR Will Fritz ASST. NEWS EDITOR Jasmine Bermudez OPINION EDITOR Dana Tsuri-Etzioni MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Jocelyn Moran ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Cami Buckman SPORTS EDITOR Abraham Jewett DIGITAL SPORTS EDITOR Mary York 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 GRAPHICS ASSISTANT Maritza Garcia CARTOONIST Adriannah Esparza SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Julianna Ress Cassidy McCombs Nicole Badgley Sofia Bert Kayleigh Venne Bella Ross STAFF WRITERS Stacy Marquez Kelly Kerrigan Brenden Tuccinardi Angelica Wallingford CONTRIBUTORS Chelsea Crowne Mariana Aldaz STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Perla Sanchez Kayla Asencio ________________________________ ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Connor Brooke SALES MANAGER Peter Saridakis ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES George Saridakis John Weil Josh Diaz Rauda Valerie Barrientos Miguel Souza Kaden Cowles 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.
April 4-10, 2018 EDITOR: Jocelyn Moran, mundoazteca@thedailyaztec.com
Mundo Azteca
The Daily Aztec
5
Miembros de la comunidad participan en la Marcha para Nuestras Vidas en San Diego
Fotos por David Santillan
Estudiantes participan en la Marcha para Nuestras Vidas en San Diego el 25 de marzo.
por Mariana Aldaz & David Santillan
Miles de personas llenaron las calles del centro de San Diego el 25 de marzo para demostrar apoyo hacia los estudiantes marchando para leyes más estrictas del control de armas. La manifestación fue parte de la Marcha para Nuestras Vidas. La marcha—a la que asistieron más de 2,000 personas—se creó en respuesta a la masacre de 17 personas a manos de un asesino en una preparatoria de Parkland, Fla. el 14 de febrero. Tras los eventos trágicos, los estudiantes sobrevivientes se dieron la tarea de reunirse para planear protestas y marchas en honor a sus compañeros fallecidos. La manifestación en San Diego fue organizada por estudiantes como paralela a la que tomó
lugar al mismo tiempo frente al capitolio del país en Washington D.C., y fue dirigido por adolescentes quienes dicen que quieren ver cambios en las leyes por políticos. “Algo se necesita hacer de estos tiroteos que están pasando”, dijo Héctor Enríquez, estudiante de la preparatoria Lincoln High después de que habló ante la audiencia. Los activistas llevaban las manos llenas de carteles coloridas con frases como “mantengamos las armas fuera de nuestras escuelas” y “armémonos de sabiduría y no de pistolas”. Se hicieron presentes muchas generaciones, desde niños de apenas unos años hasta sus mismos abuelos; incluyendo a los estudiantes, quienes formaban la mayoría de los presentes y quienes dirigían la marcha. “Hay una responsabilidad por parte de los jóvenes de la nación
Una mujer lleva un cartel que lee “No argumento racional”.
Manifestantes llevan carteles en apoyo a leyes más estrictas del control de armas.
de demostrar que vamos a hacer cambios por el bien, y los vamos a hacer ya”, dijo Ana Espinosa, una activista y ex-alumna de la Universidad Estatal de San Diego. Espinosa sostenía un cartel que leía “Las armas SÍ matan”. Gigi Butterfield, estudiante de la preparatoria High Tech quien marchó con sus amigos, expresó sus pensamientos hacia el activismo que ella y sus compañeros de repente fueron empujados hacia. “Francamente, yo lo encuentro ridículo que nosotros tengamos que marchar”, dijo Butterfield. “Pero pienso que si alguien va hacer un cambio, va ser los estudiantes, y esta responsabilidad se ha caído en nosotros...” Elizabeth Walcott, una profesora en la Universidad de San Diego quien estuvo en la marcha, dijo que ha tenido
una conversación con su hija, quien es adolescente, sobre la posibilidad de un tiroteo en su escuela. “Yo le dije (a mi hija) que use sentido común”, dijo Walcott. “Pero también no quiero que viva en un estado constante de miedo y ansiedad. Es como un balance delicado”. El movimiento a favor de la reforma y el control de armas también reflejaba el disgusto de los ciudadanos por el presidente Donald Trump y su administración del país. Muchas pancartas hablaban del presidente y su presunta relación con la Asociación Nacional de Armas, quien se ha mantenido a la defensiva con respecto a los movimientos en su contra y la crítica que ha recibido en los últimos años con respecto a su presunta facilitación de compra de armas. Walcott dijo que como
profesora, ha considerado la posibilidad de una amenaza en su universidad, pero está desacuerdo con la sugerencia de Trump en armando a maestros en las clases. “Absolutamente no, las clases son para el aprendizaje, no son lugares donde las armas pertenecen”, ella dijo. Los activistas marcharon por varias calles del centro de San Diego, cuyas habían sido designadas y acordonadas por la policía de la ciudad. A lo largo del trayecto de ésta, se escuchaban gritos de apoyo desde las cimas de los edificios residenciales y restaurantes adjuntos. Con el acercamiento de las elecciones de medio término, activistas están recordando a las personas que su mejor oportunidad para pasar reforma del control de armas es a través de registrandose para votar.
Personas de la comunidad de San Diego se reúnen en frente de Waterfront Park como parte de la Marcha para Nuestras Vidas.
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The Daily Aztec
Music on Campus Issue
April 4-10, 2018 EDITOR: Cami Buckman, arts@thedailyaztec.com
DAYTRIP band seeks earworm power pop by Julianna Ress SENIOR STAFF WRITER
San Diego State alumnus Declan Halloran can and has been seen working with various acts around the San Diego music scene, but with his most recent project, under the name DAYTRIP, he just wants to have fun. Halloran, who graduated in 2016 with a degree in sociology, said an affinity for music is hereditary for him, especially since his father has been working with bands and radio stations since the late 1970s. “My dad’s been in the music industry for longer than I’ve been alive,” he said. “Even before I was really conscious of what my dad did, I’ve just always wanted to play drums for as long as I can remember.” Halloran serves as DAYTRIP’s drummer alongside guitarist, vocalist and chief songwriter Todd Anderson and bassist Andrew Loc. The former student also drums for local rock outfit Pumphouse, but hears stark differences between the groups. “Pumphouse is punk rock related, like ‘70s punk,” the drummer said. “(DAYTRIP) has influences from Nada Surf to Pixies to Buffalo Tom. It’s more alternative. It’s definitely more poppy in the sense that we write
catchier choruses.” With the emphasis on catchiness, DAYTRIP’s main focus is to make audiences remember it via earworm hooks and melodies. “We want people to walk away (from our shows) humming the words,” Halloran said. “We’re looking for people to remember the songs rather than showing off how good we are at our instruments. We’ve all been playing our instruments since we were 10, 12 years old but we’re focusing on just writing songs that people would want to remember and listen to.” This approach to songwriting has so far been successful for the group. SDSU alumnus Ryan Nolen describes the band as energetic, nostalgic and fresh and praised its energy. “(DAYTRIP has) great tones,” he said. “(It’s) music that’s indicative of good times. All the songs have their own dynamic.” Halloran said that the band also differs from his past projects in that he’s not in his usual role as the main songwriter. However, he has no problem with someone else filling that position, and still feels he maintains a creative voice in the band. “What I’ve learned about being in a band is that people carry different weights, but as long as everybody carries their SEE DAYTRIP, PAGE 11
Illustration by Adriannah Esparza
Thulani Kachingwe performs at the Aztec Dance Marathon in February 2018.
Courtesy of Becca Hofheinz
Student producer talks music and career goals by Stacy Marquez STAFF WRITER
artists like Michael Jackson, NSYNC and Britney Spears. His music, which is available for streaming on SoundCloud, reflects those Pop elements while also incorporating hip hop and R&B. “As I got older, I really loved hip hop and I think that’s where a lot of my creation comes from, and inspiration comes from,” he said. Kachingwe said Childish Gambino and Kid Cudi’s music resonates with him because he can relate to the topics and issues they put within their music. Upon entering San Diego State, Kachingwe brought with
began his job as a programming assistant for the Aztec Student Union Board, a commission within AS Campus Life Council. “Get involved” is a statement Working with AS on their students constantly hear upon events showed him a different starting college, and the words aspect of entertainment, have become a broken record for yielding him to consider event many. programming. Interdisciplinary studies Rather than focusing all junior Thulani Kachingwe took of his energy on becoming a the tunes of that record and musician—a feat with its own made music of his own. uphill battle—he believes event Kachingwe was born in programming is where he can DeKalb, Illinois but moved to La find stability. Crescenta, California at an early According to him, music age. events will remain a vital part Throughout these changes, of music culture, meaning music remained a constant, opportunities to immerse himself something he was exposed to his in the industry. entire life. “Music shows “My dad sang and live music will in his choir when “I wanted to do something more always be around, he was younger and will always need creative, because I felt that I had a in his church and (event planning) then my sister creative side to me. a talented side of and so not only got into music will that be a stable me.” really early in her environment, but I age, too,” he said. also really love the It was not – Thulani Kachingwe, aspect of live music until later in Interdisciplinary studies junior and being a part of high school that planning an event,” K a c h i n g w e ’s he said. musical creativity A l t h o u g h evolved from an him a hunger to continue his Kachingwe aspires to work in after-school hobby to dedicated musical efforts. music events, he still continues production. During his first year at SDSU, to produce. Using the name Quiet Child for he joined Aztec Music Group, a On March 20 “Midnight EP” his music, his first track “Ghoul” campus organization that seeks dropped on SoundCloud. was released on SoundCloud in to introduce students interested This four song collaboration 2013. in the music industry. features Kachingwe with Natey “I wanted to do something He currently serves as the Z and serves as a taste of what’s more creative, because I felt that group’s president. to come in their first album, I had a creative side to me, a Kachingwe said he anticipated which they anticipate releasing talented side of me,” he said. a career working directly with this summer. Kachingwe’s work focuses labels and artists, however Kachingwe still finds joy in on music production, the through his involvement on creating music and will carry on composition of a song and its campus, he learned about the with his creative work while he various elements. various possibilities in the music plans for his next move. He is very much rooted in pop business. “Maybe I’ll become an artist, music. In May of 2017, Kachingwe but who knows,” he said. Growing up, he listened to
April 4-10, 2018 EDITOR: Cami Buckman, arts@thedailyaztec.com
Music on Campus Issue
The Daily Aztec
7
Illustration by Maritza Garcia
Up-and-coming trio Thirdstory makes harmonious tour stop in San Diego by Cami Buckman ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
Photos by Kelly Smiley
Ben Lusher, Richard Saunders and Elliot Skinner of Thirdstory stopped at The House of Blues in San Diego for their first headlined tour.
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Music on Campus Issue
The Daily Aztec
Thirdstory:
like me and I don’t like them,” she said. And just as the crowd felt the booming bass through their chests, they felt her lyrics even stronger. She spoke about a popular saying in Ireland, “it is what it is.” RuthAnne told about a time when she was “involved” with another person and their attitude was very much “it is what it is,” but that eventually began to wear her down. “The truth is when someone is inside I mean involved with you, someone is going to catch feelings,” she told the audience jokingly. “I wrote this song because I deserve better.” RuthAnne’s San Diego stop timed perfectly with the release of her first single “The Vow” that she included in her set. The Irish opener left the stage in a near perfect way — amping up the audience with sweet melodious tunes and buzzing ears wanting more. Minutes later the lights dimmed and the trio of young men took the stage. Immediately they jumped into the tunes on their newly released album “Cold Heart” with the song “Heart Hit the Ceiling.” Serving as one of the more upbeat songs on the album, this song immediately got the crowd going. However that excitement was quickly overmatched when the first note of the second song, “Grows Old,” played. Immediately the crowd vivaciously responded to the trio’s elongated harmonies. Psychology sophomore Najee Rice and psychology junior Xala
continued from page 7 When the stage lights dim and the house lights rise, crowds are meant to leave. But at Thirdstory’s San Diego show, the crowds kept dancing, grooving and singing to The House of Blues playlist, a reaction only fitting for the unforgettable preceding performance. The up-and-coming New York-formed trio’s popularity began with posting web videos of popular covers. The videos quickly went viral. This online success then turned into the band opening for singer Tori Kelly, which then opened the doors for the trio to accompany Chance the Rapper on his Be Encouraged Tour. However now Thirdstory is on a tour of their own and is making a name for themselves as a powerhouse trio with a harmoniously unforgettable presence. Their San Diego show began with Irish singer RuthAnne opening. Most of the crowd didn’t know of her name, but after her set, she left with hundreds of new fans. There was a rhythmic wave of head-bobbing and “YAS’s” as The House of Blues crowd quickly learned her lyrics and began humming to her original songs. In her song “Unrequited,” she expressed aspects of her personal life that contributed to the melody. “I have this pattern where I like them or they don’t like me, or they
Glover Pamittan were at the Thirdstory performance. “I saw their covers, then they put out an album, and now we’re here,” Rice said. Pamittan said Rice got her listening to the group, and ever since she has been listening to them nonstop. “(I’ve been) bumping it in the AS office, it’s a great time,” Pamittan said. Among the harmonious melodies from band members Ben Lusher, Richard Saunders and Elliott Skinner was equally harmonious head shaking and finger snapping from the ever attentive audience. Saunders introduced one of the group’s more popular songs, “G Train,” by telling the hidden inspiration in the lyrics. “There’s always a point after the first few dates where you think to keep it going,” he said. “Let’s get this going, or I’m gone.” The audience sang along with the choruses. “I’ve been losing patience / Your mind is always changing / Back and forth, I’m waiting (get going or I’m gone forever).” And while “G Train” got everyone moving, the band quickly transitioned to a solemn tone with “I’m Coming Round.” “We’ve been playing sad stuff, but this is like, really sad,” Lusher said. “Hope you enjoy it!” he chimed chipperly after. Thirdstory was able to create laughter and then effortlessly create a universal attentiveness with, as Lusher said, one of their saddest songs — this is what
April 4-10, 2018 EDITOR: Cami Buckman, arts@thedailyaztec.com
genders and backgrounds. And makes Thirdstory stand out. “When we first started we as different as each body was in weren’t really sure what we were,” The House of Blues, there was a Lusher said to the crowd. “We’re mutual understanding and respect like three really different people, for the unique sound and utter brilliance of Thirdstory. musicians and artists.” This, unsurprisingly, resulted By wardrobe appearance alone, each member of Thirdstory is in a three song encore with visibly different with each of their them playing both acoustic and own notable styles. Often taking produced versions of their original much of the stand out vocals, song “Still in Love,” in addition to Saunders’ perfectly matched pitch doing one of their first Youtube was adorned by his pinned up, covers of San Smith’s “I Know I’m proper style. Lusher on the other Not the Only One.” With that, the concert ended hand, with his pulled back hair and loose button down shirt, full circle. What started as seems to elongate his vocals, often Youtube covers led Thirdstory trailing off and becoming lost in to accompany acclaimed artists, the moment. And Elliot, reguarily which then lead to a headliend flashing guitar solos and vocal tour that stopped in San Diego. belts that caused gasps from the It only seems fitting that this will packs of female fans, wore a basic then lead into further success. hoodie. Three different wardrobes. Three different voices. One powerhouse performance. “It hits to why we’re still a band and why we still do music,” Elliot said while becoming emotional. “Music is about bringing people together.” What’s special about Thirdstory is how the seemingly unknown band brought out CAMI BUCKMAN GIVES THIRDSTORY crowds of fans. FIVE STARS! Fans of all ages
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April 4-10, 2018 EDITOR: Cami Buckman, arts@thedailyaztec.com
Music on Campus Issue
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SDSU rap duo mixes diversity with drops by Kelly Kerrigan STAFF WRITER
In college, it seems as though the smallest similarities with others can result in the greatest relationships. For rap duo Colly & Whomptie what sparked their connection was as simple as spelling the name Colin with only one “L.” When communication junior Colin Monasterial, who is Whomptie in the duo, and marketing junior Colin Moe, who is Colly, met while rushing the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, the two immediately knew they had a lot in common. “After the one “L” conversation the rest was history. We’re low key actually the same person,” Colly said. The San Diego based rap duo writes and creates hip hop and EDM music centered on the stories and experiences they have faced throughout their lives. They said their diverse upbringing separates them from the normal rap stereotype and is one of the biggest influences on their music. “A big difference is I’m white and Whomptie is Filipino. It breaks the stereotype compared to others,” Colly said. The two have put a strong focus on releasing their music on Soundcloud and performing shows around the San Diego
area. With the help of San Diego State and its Greek life, Colly & Whomptie were able to generate a fan base of their own. “We were rushing Sig Ep and I don’t think either of us really intended on rushing a fraternity. We rushed, you know what happened out of that? We ended
The Soundcloud rappers’ melodic verses that build off one another are what drive the spirits of their music. The lyrics relate to a modern day audience as the themes of their music coincide with partying, success and Gucci—the duo is known for wearing intricate, and some
The twenty-year-old musicians sat back on the warn down couches on their house patio dressed in casual sweats, unlike their normal fashion seen while performing, and discussed their goals and dreams for the future. “The ultimate goal is the polarization of my ultimate fear,
Courtesy of Colly & Whomptie
Colly & Whomptie perform at The House of Blues on January 21.
up networking with hundreds and hundreds of people that gave us the opportunity to grow our network,” Whomptie said. “We would have never met without SDSU.”
would say, boujee outfits. Some of their biggest Soundcloud hits include the singles “Gucci Snakes” and “Shawty Wanna,” both produced by Nicky Glassez.
failure. My ultimate goal is success. Why? Because success brings anything concrete you can think of,” Whomptie said. “You want money? Be successful. You want a good job? Be successful. I feel like
that applies to everything.” On April 24 the duo will drop their first EP titled “The Pregame” that has been 9 months in the making. The eight track project is the first of many that the rappers will be releasing independently. Although the sounds of the tracks are trying to be party hits, Colly & Whomptie say it is important to listen to the lyrics that lie behind the beats. “The title ‘The Pregame’ not only reflects it being the kind of album you play at a party, but it also signifies where we our in the journey,” Colly said. “The project is essentially a pregame for what is to come for us.” While their career is just at the starting line, the two still have a long road of work to come. The positive and modest attitudes they induce on one another makes their stage presence music so enjoyable. Based on the passion they relay about the music industry, it is clear that they will settle for nothing less than achieving their goals in the future. “It’s all about creating,” Colly said. “The Pregame” can be found on Soundcloud at the end of the month on Colly & Whomptie’s profile. The duo can also be found on Instagram @Colly&Whomptie and can be contacted at CollyWhomptiemusic@gmail. com.
April 4-10, 2018 EDITOR: Cami Buckman, arts@thedailyaztec.com
Music on Campus Issue
11
The Daily Aztec
SDSU class mixes hip hop with religion by Brenden STAFF WRITER
Tuccinardi
Hip hop is a musical genre and even a culture, but is it a religion? In Religious Studies 356: Hip Hop and Religion, Professor Roy Whitaker challenges his students to answer that question for themselves. “The class was first offered as a graduate level course called Hip Hop Aesthetics,” Whitaker said. However, this class did not specifically focus on hip hop and religion. After spending a week going into depth on the subject of hip hop and religion and receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from students, Professor Whitaker pitched the idea of offering a class specifically about hip hop and religion to the Weber Honors College in 2012. The course is now offered to all students once a year through the Department of Religious Studies in the College of Arts and Letters. It also fulfills the upper-division humanities general education requirement. The course covers all eras of hip hop. Students learn about the origins of hip hop in New York during the late 1970s, the “golden age” of hip hop in the late ‘80s and ‘90s, and thet even study contemporary artists like Kanye West, Kendrick Lamar and Jay-Z. The connection between hip
hop and religion is not hard to see. Rappers like 2Pac and Kanye West reference it in their lyrics. For example, Kanye West wears a crown of thorns on the cover of Rolling Stone. “In the class, we look at how artists are using religion and their music and their life,” Whitaker said. “We are reconceptualizing what religion is.” One can only imagine how eye opening this class can be for someone who is a fan of hip hop or is involved in the culture. “I am a big hip hop fan and have been for many years and have always been really interested in religion, and this class definitely gives a different perspective on things,” biology freshman Jason Broesamle said. “One thing I have learned is that there is a spiritual aspect (to hip hop) that I never considered before. “ Beyond impacting students, this class strengthens the music community on campus. “I have directly and indirectly helped students and student organizations bring hip hop artists to campus to either perform or participate in a discussion,” Whitaker said. This semester alone, Italian rapper Amir Issa was a guest speaker in the class and Professor Whitaker, along with other faculty, organized an event where Issa was able to give a talk open to the public.
Illustration by Adriannah Esparza
Journalism and media studies freshman Bryce Evans, who is not in the class, regrets not taking the class. “I wish I would have known about this class. I love hip
hop and I think it would be interesting to learn more about the genre and culture and how it ties into religion,” he said. So as not to take away from the other interesting courses
offered by the Department of Religious Studies, Hip Hop and Religion will not be offered in Fall 2018 but the course will return in Spring 2019.
DAYTRIP:
Halloran finds that, even in the age of constantly updated Spotify playlists, the best way to find out about new bands is to see them perform live. “Instead of looking at music as an accessory, like ‘I’m going to have this song for my playlist and it’s going to be for my studying or for my workout music,’ people who really like bands and actually want to follow a band and grow up with them, will find out when they’re playing live and when there’s new music,” he said. “There’s nothing wrong with discovering bands on Spotify, but the people we’re trying to engage are the people who will want to see us live.” Concert-goers looking to
attend a DAYTRIP show can expect a setlist featuring far more than the band’s four track EP, but to still be encouraged to sing along to the infectious choruses. “We want people to feel that they don’t just have to watch us, they can dance if they want to, sing along if they can figure out what the words are,” Halloran said. “We keep it exciting because the more we play the songs the better we understand them and the better we can play them.” DAYTRIP can be found performing at Title TK April 7, the Che Café on April 18 and Merrow on April 24.
continued from page 6
DAYTRIP performs at The Merrow in San Diego September 2017.
Courtesy of Becca Hofheinz
own weight, even if one person is carrying more than other people, then the band can move forward,” he said. “Todd (Anderson) brings most of the songs and then (Loc and I) basically come in, tear it apart, look at it, analyze it and just say, ‘What can we do to make the song sound better?’ Then it morphs into something the band made.” DAYTRIP released its selftitled debut EP on March 9 via Bandcamp, Spotify and iTunes, and the members’ main focus is now on performing live.
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The Daily Aztec
Music on Campus Issue
April 4-10, 2018 EDITOR: Cami Buckman, arts@thedailyaztec.com
Newly formed campus collective promotes artists through throwback vibes and energy Creative State seeks to promote artists of all mediums through collaborative efforts and their vintage aesthetic by Cami Buckman ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
Creativity strikes in the unlikeliest of places. For Paul McCartney, the conception of Beatles song “Yesterday” was inspired from a melody he heard in a dream. For Lin Manuel Miranda, the creativity behind the smash success of “Hamilton” was sparked from his hip hop influence growing up in Washington Heights. But for the founders of Creative State, it began in Consumer and Marketing Behavior 471 and a dingy garage known as “the incubator.” “(Creative State is) an outlet for people who want to get their work out there in the world but are hesitant to do so because they’re scared of being judged,” Marketing senior and Creative State co-founder Noah Chen said. The group serves as a platform for emerging artists in the San Diego State community, whether that be in music, fashion, visual art and so on, to share their work and spread the group’s unique vibes. Jonathan Gruaz, marketing senior and Creative State cofounder, described the concept of Creative State as a “creative collective.” Gruaz is a Chicago native who, before the formation of Creative State, wanted to find a community of like-minded individuals. “My goal for coming out to San Diego was to find a group of creatives that could work together and create cool-ass stuff that people could enjoy, and I didn’t really find that when I came out here,” Gruaz said. However after a discussion while drinking beers at Eureka! with Chen and soon-to-be third Creative State co-founder Jared Zhang, the idea for a creative collective was ignited. Soon after reaching out to different social groups, people gathered from diverse artistic mediums and agreed to form the collective. “A group of people from varying backgrounds literally came together and met one day
at the koi pond and said, ‘Let’s do this,’ then Creative State was born,” Gruaz said. In February, interdisciplinary studies junior Thulani Kachingwe, also known musically under the moniker Quiet Child, approached Gruaz with an opportunity to showcase Creative State at an event he was performing at. They were in. With two days to create a pop-up shop, the creative collective found a Salvation Army and, as Gruaz said, “finessed” vintage items to pair with their look. Old tube TVs, ally-found rugs, borrowed Christmas lights and a sofa, paired with items like Chen’s fashion line and Gruaz’s photography, contributed to the overall energy of Creative State. The pop-up was a success and Gruaz said people told them they had never seen anything like Creative State before. “People (at SDSU) are too used to raging all the time instead of spending time together and meeting different people from different communities and just enjoying this cool vibe,” he said. But what are the vibes of Creative State? Chen described it as “open,” with a vintage futuristic ‘90s aesthetic. Gruaz described the group as motivated. “We’re some smart kids, we’re business majors who learned a lot in school and now just want to use it for creating what we do creatively,” Gruaz said. Creative State also tries to stay as inclusive as possible, meaning all content from Creative State was made from people in the collective. Whether that be with elements of videography as shot by television, film and new media junior Brandon Nash, logo design, fashion or radio programming, the group is entirely self-sufficient. “It’s full circle, Creative State,” Gruaz said. The collective is planning an end of the year outdoor main stage event on April 28 that will incorporate a fashion gala and musical acts. Every artist involved in the event will have a SDSU
A Creative State sign sits in the back of Khayri Carter’s garage, otherwise known as “the incubator.”
Members of Creative State gather following a group meeting on April 2.
connection. While the conception of Creative State took effect this semester, Chen said they’re working on making the collective an actual business for post-grad. The group has goals to expand, but the roots will always be at SDSU. Gruaz said San Diego is the perfect market for something like Creative State because
cities like Los Angeles are too flooded. “Out here there is so much opportunity to show how cool this creative community can be,” he said. At it’s core, Creative State is at the beginning of what it’s members know will become something unlike the creative community has seen. “We all came to an agreement
Photos by Cami Buckman
where if we stick together, it will happen,” Gruaz said. To hear more from Creative State and the content they produce, or to join the collective, follow them on Instagram and listen to Gruaz’s KCR radio show at 9 p.m. every Wednesday. Be on the lookout for their Youtube channel and website coming soon.
Schools in PSFA announce new director positions for fall 2018 by Angelica STAFF WRITER
Wallingford
Two schools in the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts will have new directors for the fall 2018 semester. Charles Friedrichs and J.D. Hopkins, the current directors of the School of Music and Dance, and the School of Theatre, Television, and Film, will be stepping down from their positions at the end of the semester. The announcement for the director position was announced in November 2017, according to Eric Smigel, a music professor and search committee chair. Candidates for the director position for both schools will tour the campus throughout March, while final candidate for the School of Theatre, Television and Film is scheduled after spring break. “The process just takes a while and a faculty position has to be set aside, the dean has her concerns,” Friedrichs said. “She sets aside then they get a committee and they do the advertising and now they are in the process of bringing somebody… for interviews.” Friedrichs decided to retire a year and a half ago after 42 years
of teaching, with the last five of those as the acting director. For Hopkins, his decision to leave the director position at the School of Theatre, Television and Film was due to a strong internal pull towards his loves of teaching and research. “I’ve had a great experience running the school and working with my colleagues,” Hopkins said. “I think we’ve came out of the recession over the last six years and moved into a really strong position in a lot of measurable ways.” Hopkins also serves on the hiring committee for the director position of the School of Music and Dance. He said it was decided by PSFA Dean Joyce Gattas that the directors wouldn’t be involved in hiring for their own position, a policy she’s held for a long time. “There was some discussion on whether or not there would be looking for an internal candidate or doing a national search, and it quickly moved to the direction of national search,” Hopkins said. Of the roughly 60 applicants for the director position for the School of Music and Dance, Scott Lipscomb from the College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, John Sposato from the University of
Houston and Elizabeth Cooper from the University of Hartford were chosen for on-campus interviews. The candidates for the School of Theatre, Television and Film are Niyi Coker Jr. from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Andrew Shea from the University of Texas-Austin and Ann Archbold from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. “The Dean will make her decision after that (visit) and offers will go out. I wouldn’t venture to speculate on the timeline after that point,” Hopkins said. “We intend to have decisions made by the end of the semester.” Even with changes to leadership, Director of Jazz Studies Bill Yeager feels optimistic about the future of the School of Music and Dance. “We have the very best instructors available in all areas and an amazing amount of student talent,” Yeager said. This high level of teaching, combined with outstanding students, ensures a bright future.” Firedrichs’ last day is acting director will be May 31 while Hopkins is slated to stay on until June. The new directors’ contracts will begin on July 1.
Sports
April 4-10, 2018 EDITOR: Abraham Jewett, sports@thedailyaztec.com
The Daily Aztec
13
Softball’s struggles continue vs. Boise by Abraham Jewett SPORTS EDITOR
San Diego State softball had held a potent Boise State University offense in check heading into the series finale of a threegame slate at SDSU Softball Stadium on March 31. The Broncos (23-11, 6-3 MW) came into the series with a combined batting average of .351 – the third highest average in D-1 – but had been limited to 11 hits and a batting average of .200 over the first two games. That all changed on Sunday afternoon, as Boise lit up the Aztecs (10-23, 1-5 MW) for 11 runs on 14 hits, winning 11-1 in five innings to take the series two games to one. Five of the Broncos runs came in a seven-hit first inning, which saw the team hit for the cycle and chase sophomore pitcher Marissa Moreno (2-12) from the game before she could record a third out. “They’ve seen our pitchers now three days in a row, so you get used to it and you kind of make your adjustments and you know what you’re up against,” head coach Kathy Van Wyk said. “(Boise) came out much more aggressive and getting the hits that they needed.” Freshman first baseman Alison Seng put an exclamation point on the first inning onslaught with a three-run home run, before junior pitcher Julie McDonald came in and finally stopped the bleeding following back-to-back two-out singles. “(Moreno) got a couple pitches up and that set the tone for them and got their spirits going,” Van Wyk said. “Hitting is contagious, and we haven’t found the bug yet.” SDSU is batting only .219 as a team, and faced a formidable opponent in Boise
Photo by Perla Sanchez
Senior Zaria Meshack goes for a hit during the Aztecs 11-1 loss to Boise State at SDSU Softball Stadium on March 31.
sophomore pitcher Kelsey Broadus (8-5), who came in with an ERA of 2.48 and limiting batters to an average of .175. Broadus loaded the bases in the first inning, but escaped after only giving up one run, and finished the game allowing three hits with zero earned runs and seven strikeouts in five innings pitched. This was the second start of the series for Broadus, who was the tough-luck loser after allowing three runs in six innings during the Aztecs 3-1 seriesopening victory on March 29. “Credit to (Broadus), she did a great job in both games,” Van Wyk said. “She
probably felt like she didn’t deserve to lose that first one, so it’s the way the game goes.” Boise added two more runs in the second inning after junior dp Morgan Lamb hit her first home run of the season, bringing home junior shortstop Rebekah Cervantes. The Broncos completed their scoring in the fourth inning, after senior third baseman Madison Anthony smacked a three-run homerun to left field off of senior pitcher Alex Formby. The Aztecs threatened to score and extend the game in the bottom of the fifth
inning, placing runners at first and third following a two-out rally, but redshirt junior second basemen Katie Byrd struck out to end the game. SDSU will now hit the road for a threegame slate against UNLV starting on April 6, and Van Wyk said that her team will remain focused as they move forward in conference play. “We have good things happening, and we are progressing and obviously its mental,” she said. “We are going to keep working on those things, and just go out and fight harder and do the best that we can.”
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Sports
The Daily Aztec
April 4-10, 2018 EDITOR: Abraham Jewett, sports@thedailyaztec.com
Seniors honored at Aztec Invitational by Abraham Jewett SPORTS EDITOR
San Diego State track & field completed its first home meet of the 2018 outdoor season, hosting the 40th annual Aztec Open & Invitational from March 22-24 at the Aztrack Sports Deck. The meet welcomed in around 1,500 men and women athletes from over 40 different school across the country, including D1 schools, NAIA schools, and local community colleges and high schools. “This is a big deal for a lot of people to come out,” SDSU head coach Shelia Burrell said. “It’s a lot of work, but I think that it’s been a positive experience and we’ve got some good feedback on it.” The Aztecs competed in a total of 21 individual events during the open and invite portions of the meet, finishing with three first place finishes and 11 topthree finishes. “We’ve had some ups and downs, some areas where we expected a little bit more, there’s some areas where we did well, I think that’s the nature of track and field,” Burrell said. SDSU’s first place finishes came during the open portion of the meet, and included graduate student Tyra Lea in the 400-meter dash with a time of 56.19, junior Angela Wilson with a time of 2:15.92 in the 800-meter run, and junior Je’Neal Ainsworth, who cleared 11.77 meters in the triple jump. Senior Bonnie Draxler also finished in first place – in the pole vault invite with a height of 4.27 meters – but was competing unattached as she is redshirting for the outdoor season. Freshman Asia Smith competed in five events during the the heptathlon portion of the meet, and had three second places finishes to go with a fourth place finish. Senior Ashley Henderson – the Mountain West Women’s Indoor Track and Field Student-Athlete of the Year – said that she was not surprised by her teammates success. “I wasn’t surprised when I saw
Members of the SDSU track & field team pose during a ceremony honoring the team’s senior class at the Aztec Invitational at the Aztrack Sports Deck on March 24.
(the first place finishes) because they work hard,” Henderson said. “Everybody on this team works really hard. I’m just proud that it’s more and more of us able to step up and make a name for ourselves and this team.” Henderson was part of 14 seniors who were honored during a break in the meet, when a ceremony was held to recognize all of their contributions to the team. “For me, personally, (the ceremony) meant a lot,” Henderson said. “I was listening to the announcer say some of the accomplishments and things that I did, I completely forgot about some of those things. It was good and refreshing to hear that and see how far I’ve come.” Senior Cindy Flores was also honored during the ceremony, and was joined at the meet by both her high school (Kearny High School) and community college (Mesa Community
College). “It’s kind of like looking back at your roots,” Flores said. “Literally my whole story is here competing at this one meet.” SDSU freshman Danielle Scott ran in the 800-meters during both the open and invitation portion of the meet, and said that it was an honor to have all of the different schools come together to compete on the Aztecs home track. “I have been watching collegiate track ever since I have been in high school, and its nice to be able to be apart of it now and see all these teams that I’ve watched and followed forever,” Scott said. “It’s an honor to have them all here at our track, we’re very excited and welcomed to have everybody it’s great.” Among the athletes from other schools was Brigham Young University junior Jared Lorimier, who finished in first place in the men’s high jump open with a height of two meters.
Senior Jasmine Young (right) competes during the 400-meter hurdles during the Aztec Invitational at the Aztrack Sports Deck on March 24.
“(SDSU) has a great facility obviously, nice tracks, it’s the perfect place to compete,” Lorimier said. “The surface of the track is nice, the atmosphere, the weather’s really good. I mean there are good teams that come here too.” Cal State Los Angeles senior Khallifah Rosser was another firstplace winner, after breaking his own meet-record time of 49.69 in the 400-meter hurdles invite with a new time of 49.61.
Photos by Kayla Asencio
“It’s definitely a privilege. I understand not too many get the opportunity to compete at this invitational,” Rosser said. “Some of the elite athletes at the time, to be in that conversation, to be in the heat seeded invite section, it’s a blessing and it won’t be taken for granted.” The Aztecs followed up the invite with five first place finishes in the Jim Bush Legends Invitational in Los Angeles on March 31.
Senior Ashley Henderson (front right) holds flowers during a ceremony honoring the team’s senior class at the Aztec Invitational at the Aztrack Sports Deck on March 24.
April 4-10, 2018 EDITOR: Abraham Jewett, sports@thedailyaztec.com
Sports
The Daily Aztec
15
Senior pitcher overcomes rocky start
Senior pitcher Alex Formby stands on the pitchers mound during the Aztecs 11-1 loss against Boise State at SDSU Softball Stadium on March 31.
by Abraham Jewett SPORTS EDITOR
San Diego State senior softball pitcher Alex Formby sat on the team bus, listening to music with one of her closest friends, junior pitcher Julie McDonald. They kept listening to one song. It’s theme was simple: tomorrow is a new day. Hours earlier, Formby had been standing in the pitcher’s circle, during the first inning of the first game of the Aztecs season opening tournament appearance in the Kajikawa Classic back in February. Formby was chosen to start the opener against the University of Georgia, a formidable opponent which came into the year ranked No. 25 in the country. Bulldogs senior outfielder Cortni Emanuel came up to the plate to begin the game, and Formby readied herself to throw her first pitch. Emanuel singled to get on base, stealing second and scoring after Formby gave up a walk to sophomore infielder Justice Milz and a three-run home run to junior infielder Alyssa DiCarlo. Formby was able to calm herself and retire the next two batters, but they would be the the last two outs she would get. Formby’s final statline for the game: 0.2 innings pitched, eight
hits, 11 earned runs in a 23-2 five-inning loss. Formby — along with some of her teammates and coaches — spoke to The Daily Aztec in February about herself and her performance. “I’ve never been beat that bad in my entire life,” Formby said. It was a crushing start to the season for the player from Mater Dei High School, who transferred to SDSU following her freshman year at the University of Virginia. “I felt like I let down my team,” Formby said. “We’ve worked so hard, and then to come out and start that way was really rough.” It would have been easy for Formby to hang her head and give up, but instead she went out and pitched a scoreless inning that very same evening in a 4-0 loss to Stanford. Formby continued to pitch during the Kajikawa Classic a six-game in three day event - and gave up no earned runs for the rest of the tournament, throwing 16.2 innings with 13 strikeouts. “After the first game (Formby) was unbelievable, and that shows a lot of mental fortitude for her to come back strong like that,” head coach Kathy Van Wyk said. “It could have ruined some pitchers season to be beat around that much, not even
Photo by Perla Sanchez
make it out of the first inning in the first game of the season, but she showed a lot of fortitude coming back strong.” Van Wyk credited much of that mental fortitude to Formby’s growth since she first came to the Mesa, after struggling to a 3-14 record and 7.30 earned run average during her 2015 freshman season at Virginia. “I’ve seen (Formby) grow up so much, when I think back to when she first got here from her sophomore season,” Van Wyk said. “She was already lacking confidence, and it was partly because of a rough time in her freshman year, and then (being) a new person feeling her way around.” Formby also seperated from her identical twin sister, Andie, who played softball alongside her at Virginia. “I think that (Formby and her sister) made a conscious decision when they left Virginia and decided to transfer to split up,” Van Wyk said. “Its allowed (Formby) to really blossom herself and not worry about what everybody else
is thinking about her sister or anybody.” Van Wyk said that Formby’s new freedom has allowed her to take off as her own person, and for her unique personality to shine through. “(Splitting from her sister) has really turned (Formby) into a more independent person,” Van Wyk said. “She’s extremely smart, she’s extremely thoughtful, she’s extremely hardworking…its given her a lot more confidence in herself not worrying about the other half of her, and just going and being what she needs to be.” Formby would eventually give up a run during the Aztecs 5-0 loss to the University of Kentucky on Feb. 15, ending a streak of 18.1 consecutive innings pitched without giving up an earned run. 18.1 innings pitched since that first inning. “The Georgia game was really an outlier for her performance this year,” assistant head coach Stacey Nuveman Deniz said. “She’s been solid in that relief roll, really shutting down teams no matter who it is.” One factor that cannot be overlooked when evaluating Formby’s initial performance is the quality of opponent that Georgia is. The team is currently ranked No. 6 in the country and has a record of 31-4. In the Bulldogs victories this season they have outscored their opponents by a combined score of 245-30. “You see a big name and you see their stats and you know how good they are,” Formby said. “Instead of reading into all that next time I’m just going to play the game like I know how.” The defeat was hard for everybody on the Aztecs, a proud team with a winning heritage, that came into the year on a run of 12 straight seasons with 30 wins or more. “You almost have to laugh and joke, like it didn’t happen, because it was so ridiculously bad,” Van Wyk said. “I went back and watched tape and tried to see how much of it was us and how much of it was them, and it was a combination
of both.” SDSU finished the Kajikawa Classic with only one win in six games, and while it was a long opening weekend, the support that Formby received from her teammates never wavered. “It was awesome to see (Formby) bounce back from a tough loss to Georgia, and a tough weekend for everyone, really,” junior catcher Molly Sturdivant said. Formby credited her teammates with helping her get over her rocky start, and said it allowed her to take the necessary mental steps forward. “It definitely helps you move on because it’s important for me to let it go, but sometimes you need to get out of your own head,” Formby said. “Having other people remind you ‘we’re not judging you based on that game, we know your better than that’, it’s really, really nice.” One thing that Formby draws support from is her inclusion into an exclusive club, or more specifically, a pitchers club. “Pitchers have a bond,” Formby said. “Me, (sophomore pitcher Marissa Moreno) and (McDonald), we stick together we’re like a trio, got to have eachothers back.” Moreno agreed that pitchers have a special bond, and credited Formby with helping her feel more at home during her first year of college. “Last year she really helped me a lot,” Moreno said. “Overcoming my fear (of the) college experience, and I mean I’ve developed and she’s helped me along this way.” The team has struggled this season while putting together a record of 10-23, but Formby has remained a consistent presence in the pitchers circle. “The way (Formby) carries herself on the mound, everybody feels comfortable with her when she’s out there,” Van Wyk said. “She’s come into her own, feels good about what she’s doing and I think she’s proven herself.” Formby was named the Mountain West Conference Pitcher of the Week back in February, and currently leads the team with an earned run average of 2.58 while limiting opposing batters to an average of .214. Formby’s play on the mound this season has made it clear that she is no longer looking towards tomorrow. Her time is now.
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April 4-10, 2018 Editor: Cami Buckman • arts@thedailyaztec.com
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