09-05-2018 by The Daily Aztec

Wednesday, Sept. 5 - Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2018 Weekly Print Edition

Vol. 105, Issue 4 www.thedailyaztec.com

San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

WHAT’S INSIDE

HEIR APPARENT Juwan Washington is set to take over as the focal point of the Aztecs’ offense. PAGE 6

CREATING HOLES The Aztec’s offensive line is set to continue its string of successful seasons. PAGE 8

Photo by Aaron Tolentino Illustration by Michael Abshear

ONE WIN AWAY Senior quarterback Christian Chapman flirts with history behind center. PAGE 7

TOUGH LOSS ON ROAD SDSU fails to contain Stanford’s pass attack in opening week loss. PAGE 5

Fraternity party ban likely to extend to October by Bella Ross NEWS EDITOR

The fraternity party ban that began last semester has been extended at least through October. Interfraternity Council President Jacob Mahony said doing so will give fraternity chapters more time to complete the educational requirements for ending the social moratorium. Mahony said the social moratorium, which went into effect in March, was self-imposed by the IFC in response to a national climate that threatened the long-term sustainability of fraternities because of issues like

sexual harassment, excessive alcohol and drug consumption, hazing and toxic masculinity. Caryl Montero-Adams, assistant director of student life and leadership for fraternity and sorority life, said the death of Penn State student Timothy Piazza in February 2017 from an alcoholrelated hazing incident sparked the larger national conversation about fraternity behavior. “That incident, followed by numerous others, really led a variety of institutions or universities to make the decision to place either their entire fraternity and sorority community, their interfraternity council, any

combination of organizations of campus on some kind of suspension or moratorium,” Montero-Adams said. Back at home, SDSU was experiencing its own problems relating to fraternities on campus. Six out of the university’s 15 chapters are currently facing suspensions or probations. Mahony said the IFC never intended for there to be a hard deadline for the end of the social moratorium. Instead, he said the council decided it would be best to slow down and put more focus on the educational components of the decision. In order for the social

moratorium to end, Mahony said fraternity chapters must have a certain percentage of their membership attend four kinds of events focused on alcohol and drug use, hazing prevention, toxic masculinity and being a good neighbor. “After the springtime, we calculated the (attendance numbers) and we’re close but we’re not there yet,” Mahony said. “So, we’re taking the month of September and we’re planning all four of these types of events again for the fraternities who didn’t SEE PARTY BAN, PAGE 2

South Campus Plaza dining options now on meal plans SECONDARY STRUGGLES Aztecs’ secondary exposed during loss to Stanford PAGE 5

by Shauny Silas STAFF WRITER

Nearly a year and a half after the opening of the dining and housing complex, some South Campus Plaza restaurants will be added to student meal plans. The Broken Yolk, Eureka, Epic Wings N’ Things, Poke One N Half and Which Wich Superior Sandwiches, all located below student housing at South Campus Plaza, will now be accepting payment from student meal plans. The move to include these restaurants on student meal plans originally began after sales for the Spring 2018 semester were not

as high as originally projected for all five locations, according to the The Broken Yolk’s manager Sophia Salazar. “We had a lot of people coming in here before we were on meal plan asking if we accepted their student meal plans and we’d tell them ‘No, unfortunately we’re not,’” Salazar said. “Then they would just walk out because those were the only funds that they had available.” Salazar said since The Broken Yolk was added to the meal plan, their sales have tripled. Trader Joe’s is the only dining location in South Campus Plaza that was not added to the meal plan. According to SDSU Dining

officials, the grocery chain is not expected to be added to meal plans any time soon, given the nature of the business. Exclusions regarding what students can use their meal plan funds for do apply. These include the students’ inability to use their meal plan to pay for tips, merchandise and alcohol purchases. The location, food variety and opportunity to enhance SDSU Dining were a few factors that were considered while deciding whether to add the five locations to the meal plan according to the Director of SDSU Dining, Paul Melchior. “SDSU Dining is always

looking to add more options for the students,” Melchior said. “All of the restaurants newly added to the meal plan give the students opportunities to try new things as well as healthy food options if they choose.” While the increase in restaurants available to meal plan users has diversified campus dining options, all of these new restaurants are on the east end of campus. Melchior said a new Aztec Market and coffee shop are expected to be added in the new student residence hall that SEE MEAL PLAN, PAGE 3

News

The Daily Aztec

Sept. 5-11, 2018 EDITOR: Bella Ross • news@thedailyaztec.com

Campus ceremonial events embrace Kumeyaay tradition by Lauren J. STAFF WRITER

Mapp

For the first time in San Diego State’s history, traditional Kumeyaay bird singers opened the New Student and Family Convocation and the All University Convocation on Aug. 25. Kumeyaay is an indigenous nation from the Southern and Baja California region, whose bird song cycles are used for various religious and secular events, said Margaret Field, American Indian studies department chair. The decision to include these songs in the ceremony was to teach the campus about the traditional culture of the region,

Party Ban:

continued from page 1 reach their numbers to reach them now.” He said Oct. 1 would be the goal date for ending the moratorium, but whether this actually happens is dependent on when all the fraternity chapters meet their event attendance requirements.

said Aaron Bruce, Student Affairs Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Equity Officer. “It’s to pay respect to the original people of the region and it was a teachable moment for our students, faculty and staff to learn about the Kumeyaay culture,” Bruce said. “The response has been very positive and I think it shows a commitment to the community.” Though there have been requests to include bird singing in campus-wide events in the past, this was the first time that the idea was implemented. Kamper speculated that it may have been included in part because of newly-appointed President Adela de la Torre. “The idea had been floating around previously, but there

wasn’t quite the will or maybe the sort of resources to make it happen,” Kamper said. “I personally feel like there are some fresh attitudes about a lot of things with the new president.” Field said bird singing has been used to open Native American events on campus for years. Having advocated to include bird singing in campus-wide activities for years, she is pleased that it was included in these events this year. She said bird singing is used to open any major event or ceremony in the culture, and that it is appropriate to begin ceremonies like college convocation with it. “I think it is always appropriate because we’re on Kumeyaay land, so I am really glad to know that the university recognized

that,” Field said. Field co-wrote a paper on Kumeyaay oral traditions and bird songs with Kumeyaay singer Jon Meza Cuero. She said those who sing bird songs serve an important role in their communities. “If you’re a bird singer, especially if you have a group that regularly performs, it becomes a humongous responsibility where you have to go, especially if it’s for a traditional event or a death,” Field said. “I don’t think they are obligated to come to San Diego State anytime that we have an important event, but I think it is wonderful that (SDSU) asked.” David Kamper, former department chair and current professor of American Indian Studies, said that the inclusion of

bird singing should be seen as an important aspect of the overall campus culture. “Too frequently, people don’t realize we’re on Kumeyaay lands, people don’t realize that the Kumeyaay were the people that occupied this space we’re at — they think it’s other indigenous groups — or don’t realize that it was an indigenous group at all,” Kamper said. “Having that cultural expression of welcomeness signifying the land is really important for the university’s as far an educational mission to understand who’s land we are lucky enough to occupy.” Bruce said that the university hopes to continue to include bird singers in future events whenever possible.

When it comes to party culture at SDSU and what’s generally permitted, things can become murky. Dean of Students, Randy Timm said enforcing rules regarding alcohol at student organization-hosted events requires a lot of defining. “Sometimes, you have a group of people who are living together and they’re watching TV, it’s a Friday night and, next thing you know, people are drinking

beer, they’re watching a football game, that grows and it grows and it becomes larger,” Timm said. “These are what I often hear called ‘kickbacks,’ where they’re hanging out and the party grew.” Timm said when it comes to gatherings like this, university involvement looks far different from organized events that follow the guidelines in the Student Organization Handbook. So far, Mahony said the IFC

has not had any issues enforcing the rules of the moratorium. He said IFC executives have gone as far as to do nightly “walkthroughs” to ensure there are no parties occurring. In the next month while the IFC tries to get all of the chapters to meet their event attendance requirements, Mahony said the most important thing he is hoping to focus on it encouraging lasting change to the campus

fraternity culture. “It’s been good for the fraternities to have this extended period of time not having social events to really think about the way they’re running things and really working with the risk management managers for each chapter going over their policies and procedures to make their events safer,” Mahony said. “These are all things I hope will create a lasting change.”

Good until end of September 2018

Sept. 5-11, 2018 EDITOR: Bella Ross, news@thedailyaztec.com

News

The Daily Aztec

San Diego Democrats endorse SDSU West by David Santillan ASST. NEWS EDITOR

The San Diego County Democratic Party has joined the list of groups endorsing the SDSU West ballot initiative. The group backing the initiative, Friends of SDSU, sent out a press release on Aug. 30 stating that a majority of the SDDP members voted to endorse Measure G and voted against Measure E, the SoccerCity initiative. “The San Diego County Democratic Party’s endorsement of Measure G is a testament to the value of investing in higher education in our region by supporting the expansion of San Diego State University through an open and transparent process,” San Diego City Council President Pro Tem Barbara Bry said in the press release issued by SDSU West. “Creating the opportunity to educate more students in our region by approving Measure G in November is one of greatest accomplishments our City can achieve.” The endorsement announcement for SDSU West comes after a summer during which the legality of both the SDSU West and SoccerCity initiatives were put into question by San Diego’s city attorney.

Courtesy of Carrier Johnson & Culture

A rendering of the SDSU West innovation district.

City Attorney Mara Elliott attempted to appeal an earlier ruling that had affirmed the legality of both measures, which are aiming to redevelop the Mission Valley site where the former Qualcomm sits. “The Soccer City and SDSU West initiatives essentially force

the lease or sale of City assets on terms set by the proponents,” Elliott said in a statement. “By filing writs with the Fourth District Court of Appeal, the City seeks clarity on whether this unprecedented use of the initiative process is legal.” On Aug. 6, the appellate court

College Area robberies lead to increased police presence by Bella Ross NEWS EDITOR

A pair of robberies in the College Area led to an increased police presence during the first week of classes at San Diego State. “In response to recent incidents, some suspects have been identified, detectives are following up on leads, and we are working with allied police agencies to provide an increased police presence in areas of concern — both on and off campus,” SDSU Police Chief Josh Mays said in the email. At the end of the week, an arrest was made on account of robbery charges unrelated to either incident. Mary Lane Drive and Dorothy Drive Robbery Around 12:22 a.m. on Aug. 25, multiple men forcibly took three cell phones and a set of keys from three SDSU students in the 5600 block of Mary Lane Drive and Dorothy Drive, Associate Vice President of Administration Jessica Rentto said in an email to students. One of the student victims was treated at a hospital for injuries related to the theft. The area where the thefts occurred is off-campus, but just a few hundred feet from the University Towers residence hall. The suspects were described only as “tall, thin male adults in their early 20s, wearing hooded sweatshirts,” according to the

email. It’s unclear exactly how many suspects were involved. Lindo Paseo and College Avenue Robbery Two men made off with a cell phone on the night of Aug. 27. On Aug. 28, police were searching for two suspects who reportedly pushed a woman and took her phone just before 6:45 p.m. Monday at the intersection of Lindo Paseo and College Avenue, according to an email sent to students by San Diego State police. After the incident, both suspects were seen heading south on College Avenue, the email said. One of the suspects was described as thin, about 6-feet2-inches tall and wearing black jogging pants and a black hooded sweatshirt. The other was described as being about 5-feet-7-inches tall and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and gray jogging pants. The area where the crime occurred is immediately adjacent to the South Campus Plaza dorms. Police didn’t say if they believe the two robberies were related. Both the San Diego Police Department and the San Diego State University Police Department were investigating this robbery. Robbery Arrest San Diego State police arrested a man on Aug. 29 for the theft of cell phones and other items on campus.

Anthony Joseph Green, 29, was taken into custody on the afternoon of Aug. 29 on campus in the 6000 block of Lindo Paseo, near SDSU’s campus. He’s suspected of arranging purchases of valuables like cell phones through online sales forums like OfferUp as a ruse for theft. “He would then meet victims on campus, take the items, and flee from the scene without providing payment,” a press release from university police said. SDSUPD spokeswoman Raquel Herriott said Green has no connection to the recent robberies that occurred in the College Area on Aug. 25 and Aug. 27. Green was being held at San Diego Central jail in lieu of $65,000 bail. He has had at least one previous run-in with the law. Fox 5 reported in December 2015 that Green had been arrested as part of a Craiglist rental scam that involved up to six victims. Police recommended that members of the campus community arranging sales over the internet make their transactions in the lobby of either the SDSUPD main station or the east campus substation to avoid safety concerns. Officers asked anyone with information on either of these incidents to call San Diego police at (619) 5312000, or to contact university police at (619) 594-1991 or by email at police@sdsu.edu.

decided to deny the petition, citing a 2006 case titled Costa v. Superior Court case as its basis and thus allowing both measure to continue forward and receive endorsements. Both measures would drastically change the current site of the ageing SDCCU Stadium.

Meal Plan:

continued from page 1 is currently under construction on the west side of campus. According to the SDSU housing website, the new project will house an additional 800 students and is expected to be completed in August 2019. The expansion of the Aztec Recreation Center will also provide new dining opportunities closer to the students on the west side of campus. The decision to expand the university’s gym, a project that includes plans for a healthy eatery, was passed through a student referendum in spring 2018. The amount of dining funds

SDSU West’s proposed plans call for building a new 35,000-seat football stadium and additional academic space, expanding the university campus. “We’re proud to have an unprecedented coalition of diverse voices all supporting Measure G, the SDSU West initiative,” said Measure G spokesperson Katy Temple in a statement regarding the growing support they’ve received. “This widespread support shows that San Diegans agree that Measure G is the only initiative that will create the opportunity to grow San Diego State University through an open and transparent process that will benefit our regional economy for generations to come.” SoccerCity’s plan calls for a smaller stadium that would host a professional soccer team and include new retail space. “SoccerCity’s entire focus has been on creating something San Diegans would embrace — a transformation of the crumbling Mission Valley stadium site into something for everyone,” SoccerCity project manager Nick Stone said in an email statement. A little more than two months remains until the Nov. 6 election, when San Diegans will take to the polls to decide which measure will redevelop Mission Valley.

students are allotted through their meal plans depends on what plan they sign up for. SDSU Dining offers four meal plan options to freshman students, three meal plan options to commuter students and three meal plan options to secondyear and upper-division students. Electrical engineering freshman Ruben Jaques, who is under the Flex-7 meal plan, said he is interested in exploring some of the new food options that SDSU is offering. “I haven’t had the chance to eat at a lot of places on campus yet but there seems to be a lot of good choices,” Jaquez said. “My favorite so far is Olive Oil, but Eureka looks like it has some really good things too.”

Photo by David Santillan

Poke One N Half is one of five South Campus Plaza restaurants that now accepts meal plan.

Opinion

The Daily Aztec

Sept. 5-11, 2018 EDITOR: Kemi Giwa • opinion@thedailyaztec.com

SDSU’s financial aid office should be more accessible by Ashley na CONTRIBUTOR

San Diego State offers students diverse services and directories online — including those of campus services, safety services, human resources and parking. This is a way to help direct students to resolve a problem that they are facing. With these resources, SDSU students are able to use these services to their benefit by either calling the office or sending an email to the department they are looking to reach. However, the only service that students are unable to send emails to just so happens to be the financial aid department. With the sub category labeled online as, “Student Finances,” students who are eligible for loans, scholarships, FAFSA and students who are simply looking to pay for tuition and fees are given three main options: “Money Matters,” “Online Student Account” and “New Student and Parents.” However, students with other issues or extremely important questions have no choice but to call the office during their office hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. As a student who is eligible for both Pell Grant and FAFSA, I’ve had my fair share of interactions with the financial aid office. For starters, my calls are usually picked up by an automated recording that states, “SDSU is receiving higher-than-normal call volume at the moment.” Then I’m usually given two options. A, to

stay on the line (which by the way, could take hours) until someone is available, or B to wait for someone to return my call (which by the way, often times never actually gets returned.) In order to pay bills, like tuition and fees, or to check the status of scholarship money, it is imperative that students have consistent access to the financial aid department. However, unlike other offices and departments on campus, SDSU’s financial aid office does not have an email account designated directly for them. Although they have a small contact information labeled as “scholars@mail.sdsu. edu,” an email comes right back in fifteen minutes directing students to either, “visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at Student Services West, Room 3615, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, or call our office at 619-594-6323 during those same hours to speak with a financial aid counselor.” They also mention the fact that the department “(does) not provide any financial aid assistance over this email address.” After speaking to one of the counselors at the OFAS, I was told the department does not offer email access specifically due to the confidential information such as “social security numbers and identity.” Despite confidentiality issues, the OFAS should find new solutions to help both international and in-state students for long waiting times. A simple

Macleod

Selfishness is a damned concept. The concept of putting yourself before others is taboo and often times looked down upon. We’re constantly being told to put others before ourselves and other people’s interests before our own, but by doing this, we lose ourselves. Let me tell you why. It’s in our nature to be selfish. And this is extremely important. _ We must take care of our needs before we take care of the needs of others or else our mental health deteriorates. You must be selfish to become who you are because the instant you lose sight of your goals due to the opinion and views of others, is also the instant you will lose your true self. For example, you want to become a lawyer, but your parents want you to become a doctor. Many of us can relate. The pressure becomes too much to handle, and we give in to our parents wishes, because... well, they’re our parents. They’ve loved and provided for us for as long as we’ve been alive. So, we throw away our own dreams and obey our parents’

MANAGING EDITOR Jocelyn Moran NEWS EDITOR Bella Ross ASST. NEWS EDITOR David Santillan OPINION EDITOR Kemi Giwa MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Vladimir Salazar ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Julianna Ress ASST. ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Lexington Howe SPORTS EDITOR Abraham Jewett ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Aaron Tolentino ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Dana Tsuri-Etzioni MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Mirella Lopez ASST. MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Amal Younis

Illustration by Katherine Cooke

solution may be designating an active email for SDSU’s OFAS department. Though this doesn’t address the issues of confidentiality, simply being able to communicate with counselors on a consistent basis would help so many students. Even if it’s only to schedule in-person or over-the-phone meetings. Simply having the security of knowing that you have a counselor there for you is extremely important. Considering the long wait time for both international and instate students, an active email for SDSU’s financial aid department should be set. Though it is clear

the office receives high levels of calls each day, prompt responses to these questions often save people the stress of worrying whether or not they’ll be able to attend the university. By adding an active and consistent emailing feature, students will be able to resolve issues and questions effectively and simply, without having to wait for hours on the phone or rip their hair out as they struggle to reach somebody. Ashley Na is a freshman studying journalism. You can connect with her on Twitter at @ashley.na

VOLUNTEER COPY EDITOR Katherine Cooke STAFF WRITERS Kyle Betz Ceighlee Fennel Carolina Lopez Diane Lopez Lauren J. Mapp Kyle Saunders Brenden Tuccinardi CONTRIBUTORS Cristian Alvarez Jermelle Macleod Ashley Na ________________________________ ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Josh Diaz SALES MANAGER Valerie Barrientos ACCOUNTING & CONTRACTS Samir Sandhu Meah Mapp ________________________________ GENERAL MANAGER/ADVISER Jay Harn

Why there’s nothing wrong with selfishness by Jermelle CONTRIBUTOR

EDITOR IN CHIEF Will Fritz

wishes. Sound familiar? In some cases, we end up doing what our parents want, but I encourage everyone to be selfish in instances like this. Do what makes you happy, and what you truly believe will help you grow. Here’s another example that might help. Imagine you have a test tomorrow but your friends want you to go out and party with them, and you really want to go to that party. Some of you might say, “Well, if I really want to go, then technically... I am being selfish by going!” On a base level, you’re correct. On a rational level, you’re far from it. Selfishness isn’t only about blind impulses, it’s about doing whatever it takes to advance yourself. Your selfishness must be rational or else you will be making foolish, primal and instinctual decisions that hurt you more than help you. Let’s return to the example I posed — If you are thinking rationally about your selfishness, your thought process will be along

these lines, “I want to grow, I want to get a job and thrive. If I attend this party, I risk getting a bad grade on a test because I’ll be too tired to study. I value my goals and my ideals so much that I’m willing to deny a few hours of pleasure, for what could quite possibly be a lifetime of success.” This is called, “rational self-

“You must be selfish to become who you are because the instant you lose sight of your goals due to the opinion and views of others, is also the instant you will lose your true self.” interest,” or rational egoism. Rational self-interest means being reasonable about your goals and how to achieve them. Notice the word, “rational” in the title. This is extremely

important, because in order to be selfish you must be able to act in your own self-interest rationally. Without rationality, you will be acting impulsively, but calling it selfish, which in the end, will hurt you more than help you. Selfishness is all about personal gain and doing whatever it takes for you to thrive. It’s not easy to act in your own self-interest, and when you do act in your own rational self-interest, you will find that you are making selfish choices without knowing and people will notice a change. But, there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. When looking at selfishness in this light, it’s clear that selfishness is necessary for one’s own mental stability, and it’s important that we come to terms with this. It is okay to put ourselves first. It is okay to say no to something that doesn’t help us grow or evolve. It is absolutely okay to be selfish, as long as it’s rational and beneficial to our growth. The faster we accept this concept, the quicker we thrive. I’m proud to be selfish. Are you? Jermelle MacLeod is a freshman studying philosophy.

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.

Sept. 5-11, 2018 EDITOR: Abraham Jewett • sports@thedailyaztec.com

Sports

The Daily Aztec

SDSU drops season opener at Stanford by Aaron Tolentino ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

San Diego State football slowed down Stanford University senior running back Bryce Love, but the Aztec defense got torched in a 3110 defeat in the season opener Friday night at Stanford Stadium. Much of the talk coming into the game was on stopping Love, a potential Heisman candidate who finished last year second in the FBS in rushing with 2,118 yards. The Aztecs successfully stifled Love, holding him to 29 yards on 18 carries, but left opportunities for the Cardinal passing game. Stanford junior quarterback K.J. Costello picked apart the SDSU defense with a careerhigh 332 yards passing and four touchdowns, completing 21 of 31 attempts. SDSU junior linebacker Kyavah Tezino said while Love was the focus on defense coming in, he was aware of the threat Costello presents throwing the ball. “I’m from LA and he’s a local guy from California so I already knew he could pass,” Tezino said. “I told the whole team about him. We all knew, but that’s not what we expected him to come in and do. We expected them to feed Bryce Love.” Head coach Rocky Long said the Aztecs made Stanford beat them through the air. “I think we made them throw it, whether they wanted to or not,” Long said. “We made them throw it.”

Photo by Aaron Tolentino

SDSU senior defensive lineman Chibu Onyeukwu battles Stanford offensive lineman A.T. Hall during SDSU’s 31-10 road loss against Stanford on Aug. 31.

The Aztecs, on the other hand, could not find their passing game. Senior quarterback Christian Chapman struggled to move the ball down the field, completing 10 of 15 attempts for 115 yards, an average of 7.5 yards per attempt. The Cardinal put pressure on Chapman all night. He was sacked five times, including once in the end zone for a safety that gave the Cardinal their first points of the evening and made the score 7-2 with 7:35 left in the second quarter . Another area of concern

for SDSU was the penalty discrepancy, with the Aztecs committing 11 penalties for 125 yards, while Stanford committed only three penalties for 20 yards. “We kind of beat ourselves at times, we had a lot of penalties, mistakes,” Chapman said. A bright spot on offense for SDSU was junior running back Juwan Washington, who scored the Aztecs’ lone touchdown and finished with a career-high 160 yards on the ground. Washington started off slow, but runs of 22 and 40 yards in the Aztecs’ second drive of the game

got him going for the rest of the night. “It started off slow a little bit,” Washington said. “I was trying to get a rhythm and a feel for the game at full speed, just trust my vision and holes and follow behind my o-line. Once I start doing that, it picked up a little bit.” Despite the loss, Long said the team showed positive signs. “We got some potential,” Long said. “Obviously, our secondary’s got to get better, but we ran the ball pretty well on a very good defensive team. I thought they

struggled to run the ball against us. Those are all positive signs.” Long said it “was pretty equal at the end of half.” The Aztecs committed a big miscue with 1:43 left in the first half when senior defensive end Noble Hall intercepted a Costello pass on third-and-5 but fumbled the ball on the subsequent return. Stanford got a fresh set of downs and capitalized with a 38-yard touchdown pass from Costello to Stanford senior receiver JJ ArcegaWhiteside, giving the Cardinal a 9-7 lead going into halftime. Long said Hall’s fumble on the interception was the biggest momentum shift of the game, and took away any momentum the Aztecs had headed into the locker room. “That was the biggest momentum shift in the game,” Long said. “We stop them and intercept a pass and fumble right back to them and they throw it over one of our cornerbacks for a touchdown when we should be running the clock out... I think that completely eliminated any momentum we had.” The touchdown was also the beginning of a big night for Arcega-Whiteside, who went on to finish with six catches for 226 yards and three touchdowns. Long said Arcega-Whiteside presented a mismatch for his defensive backs, and pinpointed it as the main reason for the loss. “They had a receiver we couldn’t cover,” Long said. “Otherwise, we played just as good as they did.”

COLUMN

Secondary must improve following poor performance by Kyle Saunders STAFF WRITER

The rematch of one of San Diego State’s best games last season was much like blockbuster movie sequels: it disappointed. SDSU had prepared for this game by focusing on stopping Bryce Love, Stanford University’s senior Heisman candidate at running back. They succeeded in stifling the run by holding Love to 29 yards on 18 carries, but the weakness in their defensive secondary was exposed. Stanford head coach David Shaw said the Cardinal offense had to adjust at half time, as they switched from focusing on the run to relying on their passing game. “(There was) a lot of blitzing and stunting. We tried to stay with them as long as we could. And in doing so they left obviously JJ Arcega-Whiteside, in particular, one-on-one,” Shaw said. “So we came back at halftime and said, okay, let’s just stop being stubborn; let’s go take advantage of it.” A big part of SDSU’s win last year depended on several mistakes made by then-starting quarterback Keller Chryst, but this season’s starter, K.J. Costello, gave the Aztecs almost nothing to work with. Costello finished with 332 yards through the air to go with four touchdowns and one

interception, and is a significantly better passer than Chryst, who transferred from Stanford after losing the starting job to Costello during the middle of last season. Stanford wide receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside looked more like the Heisman candidate Friday night, carrying the Stanford offense with three touchdowns and over 220 yards receiving. SDSU junior cornerback Ron Smith, sophomore warrior Tariq Thompson and junior cornerback Kyree Woods were unable to stop Whiteside from having a monster game. “They had a receiver we couldn’t cover,” head coach Rocky Long said. Last year, turnovers were the magic ingredient in SDSU’s win over Stanford. Stanford did not make the same mistake twice, only turning the ball over once after an interception by senior defensive end Noble Hall. Hall fumbled the ball, however, which Stanford quickly recovered. Omitting Hall’s fumble, the Aztecs committed zero turnovers, yet were called for 11 penalties for 125 yards. The secondary was responsible for five of them, including one Stanford scoring drive in the third quarter which included three pass interference penalties, two of them on consecutive

Photo by Aaron Tolentino

Junior cornerback Ron Smith (17) and sophomore linebacker Andrew Aleki tackle Stanford senior wide receiver Trenton Irwin following a catch during the Aztecs 31-10 loss to Stanford on Aug. 31 at Stanford Stadium.

plays. Long said the Aztecs must be able to rely on their secondary to play well. “You have to count on your DB’s to make a play every once in a while, which we didn’t,” he said. SDSU has changes in the secondary from last season. Big

time names and leaders like former safeties Kameron Kelly and Trey Lomax have graduated. SDSU is going to need someone to step up and fill the roles that players Kelly and Lomax once had. Junior linebacker Kyahva Tezino said the lack of experience played a part in the defensive

mishaps. “We just have to get our corners more experience,” Tezino said. “They found a weakness, I guess, in our defense.” Although it was a loss, maybe Stanford inadvertently lit a fire under the Aztecs secondary, one they desperately needed to succeed in the future.

Sports

The Daily Aztec

Sept. 5-11, 2018 EDITOR: Abraham Jewett • sports@thedailyaztec.com

Washington handed keys to offense Junior running back Juwan Washington is set to take over and looking to breakout as the focal point of the offense by Abraham Jewett SPORTS EDITOR

San Diego State football junior running back Juwan Washington has bided his time since joining the Aztecs. That is not to say that the 5-foot-7-inch rusher from Kennedale, Texas, has spent years riding the bench. Far from it. Washington has never missed a game in his collegiate career since redshirting in 2015, and through his last 20 games has a total of 17 touchdowns through both air, ground and special teams. What he has never had a chance to do, however, is play feature back for a football program which has taken the position to historic heights. In his freshman campaign in 2016, Washington played third fiddle to then-senior Donnel Pumphrey and backup Rashaad Penny. Pumphrey rushed for 2,133 yards that season, a number which Penny would eclipse during his senior year when he led the FBS in rushing yards with 2,248. It was the first time in NCAA history that a school has had running backs rush for over 2,000 yards in back-to-back seasons. Washington said before the season that he knows he will have big shoes to fill, but believes he has been put in the best position to succeed. “The bar has been set,” he said. “I don’t really like it as pressure, or more motivation to do the same thing those guys have done in the past. I know with everything that happened around me I’m in the best position that there is to be successful.” Washington backed up Penny last season, but still managed to finish with 759 yards and seven touchdowns on the ground, in addition to two kickoff return touchdowns, one of which came

was named to both the Maxwell Award and Paul Hornung Award watch lists. The Maxwell Award is given each year to the college player of the year, while the Paul Hornung Award is given to college football’s most versatile player. Washington said being given the preseason recognition is nice because it shows people are paying attention, but he also knows he now must live up to the hype. “(Getting the awards) just means (the media’s) noticing. That we have good running backs coming in and we’ve had a tradition,” he said. “I think it falls along that. It just makes me want to work harder just to live up to the hype.” Washington will be aided by running behind a more experienced offensive line, following a year where five different players made first-time starts at the position. One of the players creating holes up front is sophomore right guard Keith Ismael, who said before the season that so long as the line does its job, Washington should continue to keep SDSU running backs in the national spotlight. “(Washington’s) special, just like the rest of the backs. As long as we do our job he’ll be fine,” Ismael said. “He’ll get the yards that he wants, he’ll get the yards he deserves and he’ll get the yards he needs to get the recognition by everybody — the media, East Coast, they’re just not watching. It’s a big thing for us because we want to get our name out there.” Head coach Rocky Long said before the season that Washington has already shown he can play at this level, and expects the guys up front to do their part in aiding his success. “All you have to do is look at what he’s done the last couple years as the backup,” Long said. “If our offensive line plays well, which we expect them to do, I

“I know with everything that happened around me, I’m in the best position there is to be successful.” –Juwan Washington, Junior running back in the Aztecs loss in the Armed Forces Bowl to Army West Point. This year, it is Washington’s turn to lead the charge out of the backfield, and he said he will relish the role of being this year’s primary playmaker. “It’s really exciting just to know that, a lot of times there’s things going on a lot of people are going to look to you to help the team out in different ways,” Washington said. “Everybody would like to be in that position, and I think that it’s something you have to realize that you have a lot going on and you have to make the best of it.” Despite Washington not having played an expanded role before, media outlets have been paying attention, and he

don’t see a real drop off there.” Washington has shown he has big play ability since his inaugural season on the Mesa, when his 8.02 rush average was the highest by an SDSU running back since 1996, and included six touchdowns, four of which from 20 yards or longer. Offensive coordinator and running backs coach Jeff Horton said before the season that Washington can surprise opponents who are unaware of just how fast he is. “(Washington) kind of has deceptive speed,” he said. “It looks like he’s gliding sometimes when you see him run back the kickoffs for touchdowns and break long runs. He can certainly go get it.”

Horton said he believes Washington is ready, and that he has the proper skills needed to dominate at this level of competition. “I know (Washington) is ready to assume the role,” he said. “(He) has proven he can make plays at this level. He’s a big time playmaker.” Washington also has the support of senior Christian Chapman, the Aztecs longtime quarterback who has started 29 consecutive games since 2015. “We’ve seen what (Washington’s) done in the past. He’s special teams, and in the run game he can do it, he’s got the skill set to do it,” Chapman said before the season. “I don’t expect the run game to fall off much.” SDSU will be looking to return to the peak of the Mountain

“(He) has proven he can make plays at this level. He’s a big time playmaker.” – Jeff Horton, SDSU offensive coordinator

West Conference, after failing to make the championship game last year despite coming in to the season as two-time defending conference champs. Washington was a part of the team’s championship runs in both 2015 and 2016, and said that his goal is to get the Aztecs back on top while playing a bigger role than in the past. “My main goal for the whole season is to get another ring,” Washington said. “That’ll be my third one since I came in, and it’ll mean even more just to know that I’m contributing a little bit more to this one.” Washington has already gotten off to a fast start this season, rushing for a career-high 158 yards on 24 carries in the Aztecs week one loss at Stanford on Aug. 31. Washington scored SDSU’s only touchdown in the game, and after a slow start broke out for 84 total yards during a second quarter touchdown drive. “It started off slow a little bit,” Washington said after the loss. “I was trying to get a rhythm and a feel for the game at full speed, just trust my vision and holes and follow behind my o-line. Once I start doing that, it picked up a little bit.” Next up for Washington is to showcase his talents in front of the home fans, when the Aztecs take on Sacramento State in their home opener on Sept. 8 at SDCCU stadium. Washington told reporters on Sept. 3 that the team is ready to redeem itself in front of the Scarlet and Black faithful. “We’re really anxious, just getting in front of our home crowd, get in a good performance,” Washington said. “Just go out there and get better from the week before.”

Ernie Anderson, SDSU Athletics

Junior running back Juwan Washington rushes the ball during the Aztecs 31-10 loss to Stanford on Aug.31 at Stanford Stadium.

Sports

Sept. 5-11, 2018 EDITOR: Abraham Jewett • sports@thedailyaztec.com

The Daily Aztec

Chapman on brink of SDSU immortality by Abraham Jewett SPORTS EDITOR

San Diego State senior quarterback Christian Chapman knows how to win football games. With 23 wins against only six losses, Chapman is one victory away from replacing Ryan Lindley (2008-11) as the winningest quarterback in school history. A a local product out of Carlsbad High School, Chapman said before the season the chance at SDSU immortality is hard to fathom. “It’s surreal. Something I did not think would ever happen coming here,” he said. “It’s always a dream for people, a goal. But to actually almost be there and on the cusp of obtaining it is crazy.” Chapman has become a familiar face on the Mesa, having started 30 straight games under center. A streak which began with the final two games of his redshirt freshman season in 2015. “It’s crazy how many games I’ve played,” he said. “A lot of people don’t play that much in college football. My coach in high school always said it’s a marathon, you might not play until your junior or senior year.” Chapman’s current head coach, Rocky Long, said before the season that his quarterback does not get the respect he deserves, and should be seen on the same level as other all-time SDSU greats. “As long as he wins one more game as the starting quarterback, there’s an argument that he might be the best quarterback that ever played here,” Long

said. “And not one person has ever said that but me.” Chapman has shown through his career that he has the ability. His efficiency rating is the 17th best in the country since 2015, and he has never thrown for more than one interception in a game. Ever. Still, Chapman has his share of detractors, who argue his statistics are not good enough. Chapman has never thrown for 300 yards in a game, and in 13 starts last season, he threw for over 200 yards only three times, while throwing for under 100 yards on five separate occasions. Long said the only stat that should matter is winning. “I thought the criteria for being a great quarterback was how many games you win,” he said. “It’s not how many yards you throw for and all that kind of stuff, it’s how many games you win.” Another factor that hurts Chapman’s statline is the Aztecs historically good running game over the past two seasons. In 2016, Donnel Pumphrey finished with 2,133 rushing yards, en route to becoming the most prolific runner in NCAA history with a career total of 6,405 yards. Then, last season, senior running back Rashaad Penny ran for 2,248 yards. It was the first time in NCAA history that the same school had back-to-back 2,000 yard rushers. Chapman said while the Aztecs are historically run-first, his ability to sling it is crucial to the team’s success. “We’re a pro-style team, of course we run the ball first. But still, of course you’ve

got to throw the ball,” Chapman said. “When I am called upon to throw the ball, I need to be able to convert, move the chains to help those guys continue to do what they do.” This year, junior running back Juwan Washington is expected to be the newest focal point of the offense. Washington said before the season that having an experienced quarterback like Chapman makes all the difference. “He’s a great guy to be around and he’s

also smart,” Washington said. “He’s seen everything so he’s almost like a coach on the field, from the experience he has and he just knows everything.” Chapman has undeniably left a legacy at SDSU, and in his swan song year he has one final goal: win a conference championship. “My goal is to win another championship. I want to leave my legacy at this university on the right note,” Chapman said. “Be that tradition of winning.”

WE’RE CLEARING THE LOT OF 2018s!

[1]

BRING IN THIS AD

STUDENT OIL & FILTER CHANGE

36 95

[2] + tax and hazardous waste fee

INCLUDES: Shuttle service to & from campus

plus FREE and FREE

Comfortable Workspace

WiFi Access

Coffee & Refreshments

[1] Valid on lease or finance of new untitled Camry, Camry Hybrid, C-HR, Corolla, Corolla iM, Prius, Prius Prime, Prius c, Prius v, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Tacoma, Yaris, Yaris iA, or 86. Applies to consumers who have graduated a 2- or 4-year college, trade school, or degree program in the last two years or will graduate within 6 months from the contract execution date. Must provide proof of graduation and employment. See dealer for additional program details. $750 College Graduate Rebate will be applied to lease drive-off amount or the down payment on finance contracts, subject to Toyota Financial Services approval. $80 dealer document processing charge additional. Offer extended to 8/31/18. [2] Toyota, Scion, and Lexus models only. Must present ad when order is written. Limit one coupon per person. Includes up to 5 qts of regular oil and filter. Not valid with any other coupons or specials. Plus tax and hazardous waste fee. Cannot be used with prior purchases. Valid only at Toyota San Diego, 5910 Mission Gorge Road, San Diego, CA 92120, 888-812-9524. Offer extended to 8/31/18.

BIG

WE’RE REALLY

Then-redshirt junior quarterback Christian Chapman pulls back for a pass during SDSU’s win over Stanford on Sept. 16, 2017.

File Photo

and very

Friendly

go go

888-812-9524

Hablamos Español

GOTTA GO! ToyotaSanDiego.com 5910 Mission Gorge Road, San Diego, CA 92120

Start your day oﬀ right. ACOUSTIC OPEN MIC

Saturday nights between 6 PM and 9 PM IN THE COURTYARD Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Open Everyday 6am-1am 5900 El Cajon Blvd. | 619-286-8434 www.livingroomusa.com/lrsdsu.html

FREE Wi-Fi

@livingroomcafe_

Buy One Item, Get the 2nd*

50% OFF! *Any item of equal or lesser value. Valid only with this ad. Expires 10/31/17.

Sports

The Daily Aztec

Sept. 5-11, 2018 EDITOR: Abraham Jewett • sports@thedailyaztec.com

O-line looks to build on breakout season by Aaron Tolentino ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

San Diego State football’s offensive line is a part of history. In each of the last two seasons, the Aztecs had a running back for over 2,000 yards, the only FBS school ever to do so. SDSU operates out of a prostyle offense that places emphasis on running between the tackles, so having a stout offensive line is key. Last year, the offensive line paved the way for Rashaad Penny, who led the nation with 2,248 rushing yards despite running behind a line which included five different first-time starters. Coming into the 2018 campaign, the Aztecs offensive line will have gained another year of experience, and head coach Rocky Long said before the season that they are now one of the team’s biggest strengths. “They’re not young anymore,” Long said. “I think that’s one of the strengths of our team. They had a lot of ups and downs last year, but toward the end of the year, they were a pretty good unit and they’re all back, so we ought to be real good there.” Two first-time starters that had breakout years were redshirt sophomore right guard Keith

Ismael and redshirt sophomore left tackle Tyler Roemer. Both Roemer and Ismael received 2018 first-team allMountain West preseason selections. Ismael said playing against topnotch competition, such as Pac12 teams Stanford and Arizona State, pushed the offensive line to grow and get better. “We got tested a lot of times: seniors, all-conference Pac-12 players, all-Americans, we’ve played against them,” Ismael said. “We didn’t shy down and we never do, and I feel that’s a big part of the culture we have here at State, to compete as hard as we can.” Senior right tackle Ryan Pope said before the season that the offensive line is more confident and smarter in identifying defenses. “You can see it in our confidence,” he said. “You can see it in our technique. We’re a lot smarter. We can identify defenses better and quicker.” The offensive line has shown an ability to bounce back from adversity. Last season, the line allowed 10 combined sacks in weeks two and three against Arizona State and Stanford University. However, the group allowed only three sacks combined in subsequent games

Photo by Kareem Jones

Offensive line scrimmages at the annual Fan Fest at SDCCU Stadium on Aug. 18.

against Air Force, Northern Illinois and UNLV. Offensive coordinator Jeff Horton said before the season that the offensive line has grown and will use their experience to help them recognize opposing defenses. “Recognition, understanding what coach (Mike) Schmidt wants, being able to have something to fall back on from the previous game or play,” Horton said. “When we see

that again, they can anticipate it sooner (and) be able to make adjustments from the sideline.” Horton said the line’s maturity and growth have attributed to the team’s success. “I think off the field just, anytime you go from the squirrelly redshirt freshman to not-so-squirrelly sophomore(s) that, maturity-wise, you’re just growing up,” he said. “Hopefully understanding what’s important, not only in your life but football

and the commitment it takes and the dedication.” The quarterback the line will be protecting is senior Christian Chapman, who said before the season that the experience the line has gained will make the difference. “They have in-game experience, especially how they were playing last year,” Chapman said. “They played really good ball, so I expect them to be really good this year.”

I CHOOSE TRANSIT. How I get there defines me.

BUS & TROLLEY PASS

Special student discount. Unlimited rides all semester.

$154

On sale until October 3 at the Viejas Arena Box Office.

NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS.

Price includes a $20 University subsidy. Current, valid college student picture ID required.

sdmts.com/college

Sept. 5-11, 2018 EDITOR: Abraham Jewett • sports@thedailyaztec.com

Sports

The Daily Aztec

Sophomore warrior leading secondary by Abraham Jewett SPORTS EDITOR

San Diego State football sophomore safety Tariq Thompson is well-decorated for a player heading into only his second collegiate season. Last year, Thompson became the first SDSU true freshman to start since 2009, and was named a Freshman All-American by both the Football Writers Association of America and USA Today. This season, the local product from St. Augustine High has been named to the 2018 Mountain West Preseason All-Conference Team. Thompson said before the season that while receiving the award is an honor, his only focus is on improving and helping his team win games. “My goal is to come out everyday and get better,” he said. “The preseason awards are nice, and it’s a true honor, but I’m more (interested) about the team and how (many) games we can win.” Thompson did his fair share last season, racking up 63 tackles to go along with a team-high of five interceptions. Despite this, Thompson said he feels he wasn’t in the best shape last season, and that this year he will be able to contribute even

File Photo

Ron Smith (17), Tariq Thompson (14) and Parker Baldwin (73) celebrate a defensive stop in their game against Boise State on Oct. 14 at SDCCU Stadium. The Aztecs lost the game 31-14.

more. “Last year I feel like I kind of got bullied a little bit, and I got fatigued,” he said. “This year I feel like I’m in better shape, better strength wise, better condition, just (going to) do better this year.” The Aztecs have been voted to finish second in the West division this year, behind Fresno, the first time the Scarlet and Black have not been the division favorite since 2015. Thompson said being voted

second is a reminder of how the the team came up short, but this year the goal is to once again win a conference championship. “Every year our goal is to win the championship,” he said. “To see us not predicted to win is kind of a reminder of how we didn’t win last year.” Thompson will be starting in one of the two Warrior spots, which will have him running around in the defensive backfield in head coach Rocky Long’s 3-3-5

defense. “Any coach Long defense, every safety should be involved in run-pass,” Thompson said. “It’s kind of a variety of jobs you have to do so you never really get to do much of one thing.” Thompson’s advanced skill set has placed him in the position of being a leader on a team, which will be looking for him to set the tone among the defensive backs. First-year defensive coordinator Zach Arnett said before the season

that the best way for Thompson to lead is to perform out on the field. “(Thompson’s) just going about his business,” Arnett said. “Obviously the best way to be a leader is to be a really good player and master your job.” Another player with a leadership role on the defense is senior linebacker Ronley Lakalaka, the Aztecs reigning tackle leader with 82. Lakalaka heaped praise on Thompson, and said before the season that he expects him to thrive in his new role. “(Thompson’s) a very genuine leader. He shows his leadership through his hardwork and his dedication on the field. He’s very humble,” Lakalaka said. “I’m looking forward to him taking that leadership role because the knowledge that he has for the game is up there with all of us.” Thompson said he still has to work on getting used to his role as a leader, but he accepts the challenge and is relying on help from upperclassmen, for support. “I still have a lot of upperclassmen ahead of me that are helping me lean into that (leadership) role,” he said. “It’s definitely something I’m working on trying to be more vocal (about), and just trying to be the best person I can be.”

$6 for a $12 wash with current RED ID

dual belt conveyor = no scratched rims ask us about about our Unlimited Wash Club

eco-friendly

Hours Mon-Sat 7am-7pm Sunday 7am-6pm 3474 Massachusetts, Lemon Grove 91945 NW corner of Massachusetts & Broadway

10 / The Daily Aztec

Sept. 5-11, 2018

Paid for by GOAL San Diego. YES on E, NO on G. Sponsored by MLS SD Pursuit with committee major funding from Ptolemy Capital, LLC Bridgewest Ventures, LLC Steve Altman Funding details at www.sandiego.gov/donors.

Sept. 5-11, 2018 EDITOR: Abraham Jewett • sports@thedailyaztec.com

Sports

The Daily Aztec

Army sends Aztecs to home opening loss by Cristian CONTRIBUTOR

Alvarez

San Diego State men’s soccer lost its first home game of the season, falling to Army West Point 2-1 on Sept. 1 at the SDSU Sports Deck. Head coach Lev Kirshner said the Aztecs were unable to recover after losing an early 1-0 lead. “Unfortunately, on our side we did not recover well enough,” Kirshner said. “We lost control of the game.” The Aztecs had opportunities to equalize in the final minutes, but were unable to salvage any goals. “We just got ourselves into a position, not to be able to finish off a couple of the chances in the end to equalize,” Kirshner said. SDSU’s lone goal came from junior midfielder Pablo Pelaez, after sophomore midfielder Keegan Kelly crossed a ball from the left wing to the far post, which Pelaez connected for a one touch goal in the 22nd minute. “I ran into the box and saw Keegan had a perfect pass to me, and I was wide open, so thankfully I was there to finish it,” Pelaez said. The Black Knights leveled the score in the 58th minute, when junior forward Keenan O’Shea capitalized off a penalty kick in

Raymond Gorospe

Sophomore midfielder Tevenn Roux dribbles the ball between two Army players during the Aztecs’ 2-1 loss to Army on Sept. 1 at the SDSU Sports Deck.

the box. “Goals change games in soccer. They (Army) came out at the half with a higher energy… they get that goal for all that high

energy and are rewarded for it,” Kirshner said. Tension built up as the Aztecs struggled to maintain possession of the ball in the second half.

Players physically and verbally got involved with one another. Army made adjustments that helped them gain momentum deeper into the game.

“They found some pockets in between our midfield..they did a better job of dealing with our pressure,” Kirshner said. SDSU senior forward Damian German was given a yellow card in the 69th minute, after challenging for a ball in the southeast corner of the field, which reflected the level of frustration on the team. Ten minutes later, Army West Point gained a 2-1 advantage after sophomore midfielder Christian Takaki scored his first goal of the season in the 79th minute. Although unhappy with the result, senior defender Aleks Berkolds said the match was a learning curve. “I think we have got to reflect on what we did well tonight and what we also can take away,” Berkolds said. “These next few games are really important for us.” Kirshner said his team will move forward. “I think the message is really that it is very hard to win at this level,” Kirshner said. “And we’ve got to start learning what it takes to do so.” This was just the second time in school history the Aztecs faced the Black Knights. The teams met in Aug. 2017 of last season with Army defeating SDSU 1-0. The Aztecs’ next chance will come against LIU Brooklyn on Sept. 7 at the SDSU Sports Deck.

Brian Dutcher inks contract extension through 2023 by Kyle Betz STAFF WRITER

San Diego State men’s basketball head coach Brian Dutcher signed a contract extension on Aug. 22 that keeps him at the helm through the 2022-23 season. Dutcher is entering his 20th season as part of SDSU’s coaching staff, and his second year as head coach following the retirement of long-time head coach Steve Fisher in 2017. Dutcher, who led the Aztecs to a 22-11 record and a trip to the NCAA tournament in his first year, said that he is pleased to have been given an extension and does not take his position for granted. “To have an extension, a rollover one more year to start my five-year contract anew, is a great feeling. This is the job I’ve wanted since I stepped on campus,” Dutcher said. “This is not a stepping stone, this is a big-time job and a big-time program, and I’m honored for the opportunity to be the head coach here.” As Dutcher prepares for the new season, four freshmen forwards will join the Aztecs roster: Aguek Arop, Nathan Mensah, Joel Mensah, and Ed Chang. Dutcher said that the coaching staff will work hard to get the best out of a talented incoming class. “They have length,

athleticism, and now we have to make them into basketball players as quickly as we can,” Dutcher said. “They’re a hardworking group as we’ve ever had as freshmen.” Dutcher will rely on veteran leadership through senior guards Devin Watson and Jeremy Hemsley, as well as junior forward Nolan Narain. Other returning starters include sophomore forward Matt Mitchell and redshirt sophomore forward Jalen McDaniels, the latter being the Aztecs’ team-leader in rebounds last season. “We do have good veterans returning that will hopefully keep us off to a good start as the young guys catch up,” Dutcher said. With three starters returning to SDSU’s lineup this season, Dutcher said he is confident that the Aztecs will be better at handling pressure situations. “There’s comfort in the fact where they’ve been through the wars already, so at the start of the year, to have that kind of veteran presence on the floor is going to make my transition easier,” Dutcher said. “I know I can put guys out there that have been in these situations.” Dutcher said that this kind of veteran experience in tough situations will make it easier as he grapples with his plans on playing the freshman class. “It gives the freshmen a little bit more time to develop — they’re not thrown in the fire

quite as fast,” Dutcher said. Before the start of fall semester the Aztecs had six weeks of summer school and four hours of practice every week. Now that fall semester has begun, Dutcher has the chance to evaluate his team before the start of the season. “We’re just getting started. Excited to get another look at my new team and start piecing it together,” Dutcher said. The Aztecs start their season on Nov. 1 in an exhibition game against Chaminade at Viejas Arena. Following home matchups against the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and Texas Southern, the team will travel to Hawaii to play against Duke in the Maui Jim Maui Invitational. In addition to San Diego State, the tournament will feature some of the nation’s best teams, including Duke, Arizona, Gonzaga, Xavier, Iowa State, Illinois and Auburn. Dutcher said he is excited to play in a tournament with so many strong opponents, which will give him an early idea of how the Aztecs match up. “It’ll be a real test to see how we do against maybe the best field in Maui history,” Dutcher said. “That will be a good early tournament for us to kind of gauge where we’re at.” Other notable home matchups during the season include the University of San Diego and former conference rival Brigham Young University.

Ernie Anderson, SDSU Athletics

SDSU head coach Brian Dutcher walks the sidelines during the 2016-17 season.

Mundo Azteca

The Daily Aztec

Sept. 5-11, 2018 EDITOR: Vladimir Salazar • mundoazteca@thedailyaztec.com

Chicano Park se viste de Low Rider por Alejandra Diane López

Luna &

La comunidad de Barrio Logan se unió al evento familiar, La Vuelta. Este evento se llevó acabo en Chicano Park el 25 de agosto, comenzando a las 10 a.m. donde hubo música, arte, baile Azteca, comida, y la atracción principal los lowriders. La Vuelta es un crucero de lowriders que ocurre cada miércoles durante los meses de verano. Los participantes llegaron al evento desde temprano para organizar los autos en el festival, y que no ocurriera ningún accidente con la audiencia especialmente con los niños. “Son los eventos que hacemos todos los fines de semanas, si no es aquí, es en Tijuana o Las Vegas”, dijo Marco Ariano, un participante de La Vuelta quien lleva 40 años manejando y haciendo lowriding. “Nos gusta enseñar lo que manejamos, es la pasión que tenemos para los carros lowriders”. Dentro de la audiencia no solo habia gente de etnicidad latina. El público contaba con gente anglosajona que tenía interés en los low riders y la comunidad latina. Victor Manuel Rodríguez, un estudiante de segundo año de la Universidad Estatal de San Diego, decidió asistir el evento.

“Asistí a La Vuelta porque me gustan los lowriders y la música en vivo, arte y todo eso”, dijo Rodríguez. Además de los lowriders, muchos asistieron para involucrarse con la cultura latina y apoyar a su comunidad. “Los lowriders, los bailarines son parte de mi cultura”, dijo Melissa Salazar, una de las asistentes de la Vuelta. “La cultura azteca es lo que amo y también la música y la gente”. Las inscripciones de automóviles se agotaron un mes antes del segundo festival anual de La Vuelta, donde los clubs de autos, como Nocturno, exhiben sus automóviles arreglados y pintados con colores llamativos. Jaime Ramírez, uno de los miembros de Nocturno, un club de autos que participó en el evento, quien es carrocero en San Diego, dijo que es el primer año en que su grupo asiste a este evento. Ellos cuentan con 35 carros en varios partes del mundo como Japón y Nueva York. “Hemos estado desde el 2001”, dijo Ramírez. “Desde que somos niños jugábamos con carritos, armamos carros así y compartimos los mismos gustos de los carros y somos un club de famila”. Durante el evento, hubo varios tipos de entretenimiento como Banda Paso De Tecuala, B-side

Foto por Alejandra Luna

Había una fila de low riders en el evento La Vuelta en Barrio Logan.

Players, DJ Active y Calpulli Mexicha. “El grupo de danza se llama Calpulli Mexihca, significa casa grande y unión de familia”, dijo Juan Manuel Flores, un bailarín de Calpulli Mexicha. “Es el segundo año que venimos a participar a este evento pero estamos trabajando siempre con la comunidad, con las escuelas, uni-

RANKED AMONG

hat T e m a G Play The ge Your Life... Will Chan

IN USA

NE O Z A R T L at U “COLLEGE COLLEGE NIGHT”

LATE NIGHT at the ZONE

GROUP EVENTS

Thursday — 3rd Game FREE

Fri & Sat — 11pm to 1am $6.50 per Game

Huge Party Area to 200 Guests

SDSU Greeks / Student Orgs:

20% OFF Your Event! Contact a Group Events Coordinator at lasertag@ultrazonesandiego.com

www.ultrazonesandiego.com • 619.221.0100 3146 Sports Arena Blvd. • San Diego, CA 92110

#ultrazonesd

versidades, e iglesias”. Flores también dijo que uno de los propósitos de la danza es transmitir a los jóvenes que no olviden de donde son, como también, para entretenerlos para que no se involucren en pandillas o acudan a las drogas. Debido a que el crucero ha sido prohibido en muchas partes de San Diego, muchos aprovechan

la oportunidad de estos tipos de eventos para ver autos que no suelen ver en las carreteras y pasar el rato con familia y amigos. “Realmente, no se ve esto en el día a día en las autopistas, las carreteras comunitarias ahora como se solía hacer en los años 50, 60, 70”, dijo Kimberly Ortiz, estudiante de SDSU. “Estamos tan acostumbrados a los autos modernos”.

Sept. 5-11, 2018 EDITOR: Vladimir Salazar • mundoazteca@thedailyaztec.com

Mundo Azteca

The Daily Aztec

De intercambio: Comparando la cultura occidental con la de China por Carolina ESCRITORA

López

Tras un mes de estancia en China y de regreso a EEUU, me encuentro en una encrucijada por no poder responder a la pregunta tan sencilla de “Y cómo te fue?” Suspiro profundo y respondo con una sonrisa. No sé si comenzar a contar el crecimiento espiritual, madurez mental, o tremendas diferencias culturales que experimenté. Todo comenzó con la clase de la Universidad Estatal de San Diego que se llama “Volunteer to Teach English in Rural China”. A diferencia de otros intercambios que solo son para turistear, la parte de ser voluntario en una zona rural, no solo hizo adentrarme y conocer íntimamente la cultura China, si no que hizo de esta experiencia algo significativo. El entender la diferencia entre una cultura colectivista en donde las necesidades de los demás son la prioridad, como lo son México y China, y una individualista en donde todo gira en torno al individuo, como lo es Estados Unidos, ayuda a encontrarle una explicación a los siguientes comportamientos en la cultura China. A diferencia de Estados Unidos en donde (en teoría) todos son iguales, la cultura China se destaca por el valor del respeto a los mayores. Nunca había recibido tanto respeto y admiración como la obtuve con los alumnos de secundaria y preparatoria en aquellas provincias. Los niños dejan de hacer lo que están haciendo para saludar al adulto que entra, y no se levantaban ni se sientan en sus escritorios al menos de que un mayor se les pida. Pero a la misma vez, estos niños son rígidamente educados que crecen tímidos e inseguros de sí mismos. Otro aspecto de la cultura col-

Plaza Tiananmen en Beijing, China

ectivista que noté en China fue el cuidado hacia las personas de la tercera edad. En EEUU por ejemplo, existen los asilos de ancianos en donde muchas personas pasan sus últimos dias. En China, ves a los hijos cuidando de sus padres hasta sus ultimos dias. Pude ver este contraste cuando de regreso, frente a un grupo de alumnos mexico-mericanos, se me dificultó obtener su interés, atención, y obediencia. Fue evidente esta diferencia en actitud por el lenguaje corporal de gran agradecimiento con los alumnos chinos, en vez de falta de interés como lo fue regresando a casa. A la misma vez, pude presenciar el tremendo énfasis que se le pone al sistema educativo. Mis estudiantes se despertaban a las ocho de la mañana y terminaban con la escuela a las ocho de la noche. Tras varias lecciones de mi profesora y mis observaciones entendí de que si se valora la educación en China es para tener buena reputación y respeto de los demás. En EEUU, es para fines económicos, porque en ello se dice estar la felicidad. Tanto se enfocan en la reputación que el tipo de empleo que un estudiante puede conseguir depende de la calidad de universidad a la que fueron. A diferencia de esto, en los Estados Unidos, el enfoque está en el tipo de conexiones profesionales que se tenga en alguna industria. Por ende, esto agrega más presión a los estudiantes de preparatoria en el examen de admisión de universidad. Es decir, este examen determina si un estudiante llega a progresar fuera de su provincia o se queda en ella por el resto de su vida. Otra observación que se me hizo difícil aceptar fueron los complejos de belleza que existían en mis alumnas. Cada vez que

Foto por Carolina Lopez

salía de dar una clase, nos seguían los estudiantes para tomarse fotos, puesto que son contados los extranjeros que hay en China. Todos tomaban las fotos en una aplicación móvil en donde se aclaraba la piel, los ojos se engrandecen y la cara se adelgazaba. Quise criticar estos complejos, pero reflexioné en el hecho de que en EEUU, las mujeres se exponen al sol para agregar color a su piel y similarmente, en China se cubren las piernas por inseguridad a que estén muy oscuras. Es distinto, pero la razón es por el mismo complejo de belleza. Entendí que como estadounidense y estar expuesta a la tensión de razas durante toda la historia, una crítica respecto al color de piel oscura es inaceptable, pero en China es visto como inofensivo. Entre otros de los comportamientos que quise tomar personal, fue el que no existe el espacio personal, es decir, aprendí a no ofenderme y mejor reír al hecho de que si estaba parada en público, la gente no dice ‘con permiso’ solo te avientan bruscamente con sus cuerpos. En una cultura individualista, no es muy comun que se viole el espacio personal. También pude comprender la desorganización y el servicio al cliente de baja calidad que experimenté en varias ocasiones. La calidad de atención al individuo en EEUU es relativo a la cultura individualista. Según la expresion en ingles “The customer is always right”. Al mismo tiempo, se nos dice en EEUU que hay que escalar, tener éxito y ser el mejor. En China, todo es improvisado y hay poco enfoque en tener el tiempo estrictamente controlado como en EEUU, que todo monótono y con poco enfoque en la familia. Un mito que logré discutir con varias perspectivas fue el de la tensión en EEUU hacia China y supuestamente que puede ser la primera potencia. La economía está creciendo, pero a lo que percibí, está muy lejos de ser tan rico como EEUU Por ejemplo, en Shanghai, que es una de las ciudades más ricas de China, había mucha pobreza y hasta lugares de apariencia tercermundista. Nadie tiene acceso a pistolas, y por ende la violencia es mínima. Por otro lado, había cámaras a cada cinco metros que caminaba, la gente no tiene libertad de expresión. Como una joven universitaria que comienza a procesar los tantos problemas a nivel global, me fue muy difícil decidir qué país tiene una mejor estilo de vida. Decidí que es una pregunta demasiado compleja, que aun para los grandes expertos y líderes mundiales es un debate sin fin. Aún así es un país completamente en el otro extremo, no solo geográficamente hablando. Vale la pena visitar el continente de Asia, y descubrir lo que para mi terminó siendo otra dimensión, y un estilo de vida distinto al mío.

Se ven cámaras de seguridad en las calles.

Foto por Carolina Lopez

The Daily Aztec

Arts & Culture

Sept. 5-11, 2018 EDITOR: Julianna Ress • arts@thedailyaztec.com

A.S. Expo promotes campus involvement by Lexington Howe ASSISTANT A&C EDITOR

Calling all creatives, planet savers, astute learners and sports enthusiasts: Whatever it may be, getting involved on campus is an important aspect of building community with other students throughout college life. At the Associated Students Expo, A.S. presented studentrun programs and organizations on campus that bring creative, intellectual and engaging activities into student life. This expo took place during welcome week on Aug. 29 from 10 – 2 p.m., but these groups can be directly contacted via A.S.’s Student Life and Leadership page. Here’s just a few of the many different groups out on campus making an impact. For creatives out there, the Backdoor Studio is a place for students to exercise their creativity and record in studio, whether it be for music, filming for green screen, professional photography, or even a place that students can meet to create concepts and ideas to further their interest in the industry. The studio, named for a former music and concert venue on campus, initially wasn’t a studio, but an idea — students wanted a creative space to not only experience other artists, but to collaborate on their own

projects. It is now located in the Student U–nion, and continues to be an outlet for creative inspirations and artists alike. Film senior Amy Williams began as a reservation assistant in A.S., and before the studio opened up, she helped troubleshoot and design. “I would recommend that (students) come to Backdoor Studio if they have anything creative they’d like to do,” she said. “The studio is really good for all majors.” For environmentalists, Green Love is a group that strives for protecting the Earth. Students meet Wednesdays from 12 – 1 p.m. on the first floor of the Student Union, and more information on these meetings and times can be found on Green Love’s website. Their desire to raise awareness is prompted by acknowledging what is harmful, and what can be reduced simply by everyone taking a hand in cleaning up not only SDSU, but our day-to-day environment. Cassie Weinberg, a double major in Sustainability and Business Administration, said she joined Green Love after seeing their booth at last year’s A.S. Expo. “We are striving for education and advocacy about sustainability on campus, in the community, in the world... everything that we can do,”

Photo by Lexington Howe

Setup is underway as groups prepare for the A.S. Expo, an event geared toward student groups and student life on Aug. 29, from 10 - 2 p.m.

Weinberg said. Another group is just one of SDSU’s many sites for sports enthusiasts: the Mission Bay Aquatic Center. This offers a variety of outdoor activities and class courses that can be taken for credit. The activities range from kayaking, surfing, wakeboarding, and paddle boarding, and even offers sailing courses, excursions and one-on-one training. A discount is offered to SDSU students, and anyone can be a part of the Aquatic Center, no matter the skill level.

SDSU alumna Jill Sundlof, has been working at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center since 2012. “This has been a stepping stone for me, kind of like a passion project,” she said. “I’ve always enjoyed working the summers at the Aquatic Center, getting out on the water… it’s given me a lot of skills that I can use for my long-term career goals as an educator, and it’s such a positive environment.” These are just a few of the many organizations offered on the SDSU campus that provide an active voice within the

student body and its campus. “Whatever it is, finding your community and really being able to build that is really important,” A.S. President Christopher Thomas said, adding “when I first started here, I got involved with A.S. right off the bat, joined recreational wellness and that created that sense of unity working out because that’s really what I love doing, and it really gave me a foundational set of friends to really go forward…it has helped push me to where I am today.”

New artistic recycling bin campaign launches on campus by Lauren J. STAFF WRITER

Mapp

Students returning to San Diego State this semester may notice something different about the recycling bins in the quad near Love Library. Wraps featuring four women who designer Tess Wiley said are fundamental influencers in sustainability now adorn the bins, with the hopes of encouraging students, faculty, and staff to recycle. Marine biologist Rachel Carson, sustainability and indigenous activist Winona LaDuke, Kenyan

political activist Wangari Maathai, and primatologist Jane Goodall are featured on two recycling bins each. Wiley, who is a sustainability alumna, said the wraps on the recycling bins were inspired by these four and other women who work in the fields of sustainability, activism, ecology, conservation and biology. “I wanted to use it as a platform to highlight certain ideas as well as certain women, and use it as a way to empower women in science,” Wiley said. Comparing SDSU to other universities, Wiley wanted to participate in this project not only

The newly-painted recycling bins can be found near the Love Library and Hepner Hall.

to “draw attention to the recycling bins,” but also to increase the presence of art in public spaces on campus. “SDSU doesn’t — at least on the main, central campus — have a lot of artwork,” Wiley said. “Other campuses tend to have student art, or murals around campus and it creates a good atmosphere on campus. It’s just as simple as making it even more beautiful of a campus and bringing some color and intrigue into the main campus area.” “It kind of brings awareness not only to the concept of taking care of the Earth, which is very literal in the sense of recycling, but

Photo by Julianna Ress

also in the sense of empowering individual women that they can be in these roles and have a profound impact on the world,” Wiley said. Coachella’s Global Inheritance program served as the inspiration to include art on the bins for Travis Freeman, a sustainability senior and an intern for Sustainable SDSU in Facilities Services. “Every year, (Coachella) has their recycling bins that are designed by artists,” Freeman said. “They basically have incentives, based around art, to encourage recycling.” Similar to the painted benches on campus, one the goals of the program is that the project would also help to improve the university’s aesthetic value, said Tom Abram, assistant director of sustainability. “Those concrete bins are just kind of drab, and we thought it would be nice to spice it up a little bit,” Abram said. “We wanted (them) to stand out. On purpose, we just picked the recycling bins to make those really attractive and make people really think about those and look at those and make people really notice them.” Plans are currently in the works to expand the recycling art program to more bins across the campus, Abram said. This semester, School of Art and Design lecturer Gary Benzel will work with his students to develop designs to decorate additional bins. The effort is a part of an ongoing attempt to increase the

college’s recycling diversion rates, said Abram. All dumpsters are weighed every time they are picked up, Abram said. In doing this, the school is able to keep track of its recycling diversion rate and compare rates between specific buildings on campus. “We have a dedicated truck on campus — in the morning, it picks up all the trash, then they take it back to the central station and weigh it,” Abram said. “They also do that with the recycling — they have a separate truck that comes to pick up our stuff and send it back to get weighed. So, we have the recycling rates from that.” Facilities will soon be launching a dashboard online to see this progress and compare how various parts of the campus are performing, he added. Current waste diversion rates are at about 34 percent, which includes the compost program. With demolition and construction added into the equation, the rate can be up to 70 percent, Abram said. SDSU hopes to increase the waste diversion rates to 50 percent by 2020, Abram said. By 2050, the college aims to be carbon neutral, according to the school’s Climate Action Plan. “Ideally, we’d like to see zerowaste — that’s what we need to go to as a society,” Abram said. “We have some interim goals on that path...we are hoping that (adding) post-consumer compost will help us to reach that goal.

Sept. 5-11, 2018 EDITOR: Julianna Ress • arts@thedailyaztec.com

Arts & Culture

The Daily Aztec

A.S. holds Block Party to welcome students by Ceighlee STAFF WRITER

Fennel

The Associated Students Union Board brought the party to campus Wednesday, Aug. 29. Grass replaced the cement plaza in the Student Union and games were supplied. There were bright beach chairs and umbrellas spread out for students to relax on. The Block Party was in full swing with popular music and a cardboard cutout of Zac Efron. This Block Party is held every year at the beginning of the fall semester because the ASUB committee wants to show new students who they are as an organization and what they are about. “The block party theme was probably picked because it has an inclusive vibe and it is all about a neighborhood coming together for a party,” said Harris. “The union is like our neighborhood of the school, so we get to celebrate it with this block party.” They also had a scavenger hunt to get students familiarized with the different aspects of the union. “With this event, we want to get new students to see all of the places in the

union and to help them understand it,” Luke Harris, a junior child and family development major, said. “Many people don’t know how to use the union to their advantage, so we wanted to show them the locations in the union and to get ASUB’s name out there.” Luke Harris is the vice commissioner of internal relations. He volunteered at the event along with many other A.S. board members. The group had two tents where they handed out free items and gave people a sheet to fill out for the scavenger hunt. Students had to go to different places in the Student Union to get stamps on their scavenger sheet. If a student collected three stamps, they got free lemonade or ice cream. Then if they collected all the stamps, they were entered into a raffle for $100 to be used at any dining spot in the Student Union. Other than the scavenger hunt, students could play the different games included at the party. Cornhole, spikeball and Connect Four were all set up on the grass. “The party was pretty nice because I really liked the chairs and the music,” Madison Salmina, a freshman psychology major, said. “My favorite part was the

music because it adds to the environment and puts you in a happy mood.” ASUB has a variety of other events planned for the rest of the year. Next up is a free concert in the Student Union on Sept. 5 featuring student musicians.

Other upcoming events include a night of treating students to sweets called Treat Yourself, a showing of “Black Panther” for Monday Movie Night and a workout session called the Fit Palooza.

Photo by Ceighlee Fennel

Activities at A.S.’s Block Party included cornhole, spikeball and Connect Four and a raffle offered food-related prizes.

Music student looks to overcome opera’s physical demands by Brenden STAFF WRITER

Tuccinardi

When talent, determination and training harmonize, it seems as if there are no limits to what can be achieved. Catherine Durcan, a senior voice performance major, is very familiar with this phenomenon. As an opera singer, she pushes her body to the very extreme every time she

practices and performs. Durcan began singing at age 9 merely as a fascination and hobby. Her mom encouraged her to take voice lessons as a way to meet new people while doing something she loved. “I didn’t know I wanted to pursue singing professionally until I was eighteen,” Durcan said, “I was tentative.” Her interest in opera truly blossomed

when she saw Giacomo Puccini’s “La Bohème.” “Listening to Puccini is so impressive because (he) has such beautiful lines,” Durcan said. “When I first heard (“La Bohème”) I said, ‘I want to do that with my body.’” Singing opera is an art form that requires the entirety of the body, not just the parts that contribute to creating sound.

The challenges that opera singers face range from tightness in their jaw to soreness in their back. “The difference between opera singers and pop singers, for example, is that it takes so much more vocal stamina,” Durcan said. Unlike other types of singing, opera does not utilize a microphone. It relies heavily on the strength of the performer to project and use the power of their voice all while keeping in time with the music and reciting lyrics frequently in a different language. The best opera singers make this seem effortless. “A challenge I face most often is that my body can’t get out of its own way to sing,” Durcan said.

“The difference between opera singers and pop singers, for example, is that it takes so much more vocal stamina.” – Catherine Durcan, vocal performance senior “(Singing opera) requires so much coordination… You have to be comfortable with your body in a way that (singing) comes second nature.” When she is singing, Durcan has to be mindful of several different aspects of her body. Her larynx, jaw and breathing are just a few examples. “It is a lot of trial and error, and you have to communicate what you are experiencing,” Durcan said. Alexander Stanescu, who has seen Durcan perform, said he was astounded by all that goes into the art of opera. “You have to truly appreciate the immense amount of artistry and skill that go into producing such powerful and intricate sounds,” he said. “It is hard to believe that the human

Voice performance senior Catherine Durcan’s opera singing is a physical as well as an artistic feat.

Courtesy of Catherine Durcan

SEE OPERA, PAGE 16

The Daily Aztec

The Back Page

Sept. 5-11, 2018 Editor: Julianna Ress • arts@thedailyaztec.com

Photo by Lauren J. Mapp

The remains of the Althing in Þingvellir National Park, which dates back to the 10th Century and is where Iceland’s government met annualy until 1798.

Iceland offers many breathtaking sites by Lauren J. STAFF WRITER

Mapp

Traveling to Iceland in the summer means missing out on seeing the northern lights, but one of the biggest summer draws is the ability to hike on various trails during a trip around the Ring Road. Hiking throughout the land of fire and ice is a great way to observe the gorgeous terrain and geological landmarks of the island. Keep in mind, while hiking in Iceland, the weather can be fairly unpredictable, so be sure to be equipped with water-resistant hiking books and an all weather jacket. Þríhnúkagígur There’s nothing quite as thrilling, beautiful and horribly frightening as being lowered 700 feet into a volcano — even if it has been dormant for about 4,000 years.

Guided hiking tours into Þríhnúkagígur include taking a bus from Reykjavik to a ski resort in the surrounding lava field before walking the two mile trail to the base camp. Inside the camp, you will receive a helmet and harness, then smaller tour groups will hike to the top of the volcano to be lowered into the magma chamber on a window washing machine. The hike is fairly easy with the most difficult part being the ascension from the base of the volcano to the peak. Expensive as it might be — the cost of a single ticket is ISK 42,000 ($388) — skimping on the cost of accommodations during the trip in order to go on this hike is definitely worth it. Skaftafell Glacial hikes are also available as part of guided tour options while traveling in Iceland. While there are several options to

choose from, one of the hikes is offered by Glacier Guides and begins at Skaftafell in the Vatnajökull National Park. Drivers bring you to Falljokull (the falling glacier) on a bus before tour guides lead the way around the glacial lake and up the glacier. In the distance you will sometimes hear what sounds like thunder but is actually the crashing of pieces of the glacier falling down. Make sure to wear warm layers that you can easily remove, as climbing up the glacier can make you a little warm. Also be sure to wear sturdy hiking boots to attach the crampons to, and while the hike itself is easy, having metal claws attached to your feet can take a little time to get used to. The trip only takes about three and a half hours, so if you schedule it early enough in the day, there is still time for a second short hike to the Svartifoss waterfall at Skaftafell.

Svartifoss is a waterfall that is distinguishable by its hexagonal, basalt columns. It takes about 45 minutes to hike up to the waterfall, making for a beautifully scenic detour. Hverfjall Located in northern Iceland, Hverfjall is a 1,300 foot tall volcanic explosion crater that was formed about 2,500 years ago. Hverfjall’s two trails are easy but steep, upward hikes to the top of the crater, and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to climb. Once on top, visitors can walk along the rim to view the inside of the crater and see beautiful views of the surrounding area. Lake Mývatn can be seen from the top, and once off the volcano, make sure to stop at the Grjótagjá hot spring cave made famous from a scene in the HBO series “Game of Thrones.”

A small iceberg floats in the Jökulsárlón glacial lake in southeastern Iceland.

Photo by Lauren J. Mapp

The Svartifoss waterfall at Vatnajökull National Park is known for its basalt columns.

Opera:

continued from page 15 body can achieve this.” Beyond the physical challenges of singing opera lies the competitiveness of the industry. Opera, and music in general, is a difficult field to find lasting success in. “You have to be really good to get to the top, and you have to network,” Durcan said. “Unfortunately, it is not just a talentbased system.” Most professional opera singers’ careers begin later in life since opera involves such intensive training. This past summer, Durcan had the

opportunity to attend a Russian opera workshop in Philadelphia, and further her skills. “It was an amazing experience,” she said. “It really opened my eyes to where I am in my progression in learning to be a singer… and it really motivated me.” Despite the competitive nature, opera singing and music performance is an extraordinarily tight-knit community, especially here at San Diego State. Durcan, along with other music performance majors, is participating in SDSU’s production of Jonathan Dove’s “Flight,” which premieres Friday, Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. with additional shows on Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 18 at 2 p.m.

Photo by Lauren J. Mapp

INTRAMURAL SPORTS LEAGUES Registration is Open. Free for ARC members.

Experience It. arc.sdsu.edu/intramurals