09-11-2014

thursDAY, sept. 11 - SUNDAY, sept. 14, 2014 • VOLume 101 • ISSUE 10

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SEPT. 11 - 14, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: KRISTIAN IBARRA • SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

THE FOOTBALL ISSUE

ARE YOU READING FOR SOME FOOTBALL? KRISTIAN IBARRA SPORTS EDITOR _______________________________

ummer vacation has S come to an end and the fall semester is upon

us. It’s time to spend way too much money on books and attempt to make it on time to your 8 a.m. class. It isn’t all bad news for you, Aztecs— this means San Diego State football is back in action for what’s poised to be another compelling year on the gridiron.

Check out page five to read an exclusive story about star wide receiver Ezell Ruffin prior to the injury he suffered against the University of North Carolina Tar Heels.

Turn over to pages 12 and 13 to see how staff

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writers graded individual sections of the 2014 Aztec team.

As an editor, I feel important that we provide sports-specific content not only for the avid sports fan, but for the general newsreader as well. Human-issue stories, such as men’s soccer forward Donald Benamna’s journey from Bangui to San Diego on page 10 or Director of Athletic Bands Bryan Ransom’s experience in the Super Bowl on page 14, will captivate anyone looking to learn about the Aztec athletes that create a wide sense of pride around the Mesa.

Enjoy the following pages and visit TheDailyAztec.com for online-exclusive content.

SEPT. 11 - 14, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: david hernandez • news@thedailyaztec.com

news 3

#greeklife

Fraternity to welcome new house Michelle Monroy Senior Staff writer _______________________________________ For the first time in more than 40 years, San Diego State will be home to a new fraternity house.

Construction for Theta Chi’s future home began in August and will be the largest fraternity house on the west coast at 24,000 square feet, according to the fraternity. The building will be three stories tall and have an underground parking garage, library, chapter room and recreation room to better accommodate the social fraternity.

“It’ll be the nicest fraternity house at State,” previous national president and SDSU alumnus David DeVol said. “It’ll be an outstanding place to live and a great place to meet both for undergraduates and alumni. It’ll help us attract members and will be something to be proud of.”

SDSU’s Theta Chi is part of 139 active chapters. It works with several philanthropies, including the United Service Organizations, the National Bone Marrow Registry and the Starlight Children’s foundation. At SDSU they currently have the highest GPA of all the fraternities at 3.2, founding president Cody Rominger said.

Theta Chi was the first national fraternity established at SDSU in 1947. In 2008 the fraternity was suspended from the university along with six other fraternity groups in connection with drug dealings, but Rominger re-established the fraternity in 2012.

“I just see all these successful people that have been through this organization and it’s unfortunate that a couple bad apples ruined a true legacy that we have built on this campus for half a century, but it happens,” Rominger said. “I like to argue that the chapter now is as strong as ever.”

Rominger said the fraternity reinitiated with 51 members and has grown to 95 members since.

The new house will accommodate 41 members and include suites for six executive officers and one graduate advisor.

DeVol said costs for the construction project are estimated at $4 million, which will be funded by Theta Chi alumni donations, bank loans and loans from the national fraternity.

Rominger attributes the new construction project to Theta Chi alumni.

“These men who have had fruitful successful lives understand and appreciate that Theta Chi is the foundation where it came from and Theta Chi gave them the tools early on to blossom into the successful lives they’ve had,” Rominger said. “I think that this house is a symbol and a testament of the success of Theta Chi at San Diego State.”

The new house will be located on 55th Street and Linda Paseo and is scheduled to open next fall.

“I think this house will basically hold intact the ideals of our fraternity and really make a positive impact on the lives of thousands of students who will come to San Diego State,” Rominger said.

TOP: Cody Rominger re-established Theta Chi after it was suspended from San Diego State in 2008.

BOTTOM: David DeVol is an SDSU alumnus and previous national president of Theta Chi. michelle monroy, staff writer

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SEPT. 11 - 14, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: david hernandez • news@thedailyaztec.com

#robotics

Robo Expo builds interest Quinn Owen senior Staff writer _____________________________________ San Diego State engineering students along with robotics enthusiasts and industry professionals gathered at the San Diego Hall of Champions on Saturday for the Robo Expo.

Several booths featured many types of interactive technology, from small remote controlled cars to 7-foot tall bombdiffusing robots.

The event was hosted in part through a collaboration between SDSU’s Exploring STEM Careers Initiative and the San Diego Science Alliance. The goal was to introduce students of all ages to science, technology, engineering and mathematics, also known as STEM. SDSU grad student Gene Rayford is one of the engineers who helped set up some of the hands-on projects for younger students.

“The basis of our project is to show people that anybody can get involved,” Rayford said. “We’re showing students that it doesn’t matter what age they are.”

One of the projects Rayford works on is an underwater mini-submarine, which students can control from outside the water. For aspiring scientists, the minisubs provide a more tactile introduction to STEM subjects than a tradition classroom setting.

Greeting visitors as they entered the expo was Russell, a fully functional robotic giraffe. Standing at 18 feet when his neck is fully extended, this mechanical animal was built to scale. His head is able to move gracefully back and forth and he can walk backwards and forwards while carrying up to 30 people. Russell is equipped with

Who’sWho? Editor In Chief Monica Linzmeier Managing Editor Madison Hopkins News Editor David Hernandez asst. News Editor Camille Lozano Sports Editor Kristian Ibarra asst. sports Editor Terence Chin Opinion Editor Elpin Keshishzadeh asst. opinion Editor KC Stanfield

Robo Expo featured Russell, a 18-foot tall giraffe, in hopes of engaging children.

Quinn owen, staff writer

a full set of anatomically correct, flashing neon teeth that resemble the exact number and placement of teeth in a real giraffe.

Lindsay Lawlor is the designer and creator of the electric giraffe. He says kids are always more engaged in learning when they can physically interact with the material.

“You can explain to (kids) how gears work all day long, but the moment you put the gears in their hands, the lights come on right away,” Lawlor said.

Russell was a hit among the younger kids, but the expo also featured more technically sophisticated robotics. SDSU’s Mechatronics Club featured its selfdriving submarine, which is designed to navigate an underwater obstacle course without remote control. It competed against submarines from other schools this past summer.

Mechanical engineering senior Austin Owens is founder and president of the club. He and his team put in an incredible

number of hours designing and building the underwater machine.

“The last month right before the competition, I put in about 18 hours a day for a straight month just trying to get this sub up to speed,” Owens said.

The robo-sub project is a combination of sophisticated computer programming along with mechanical and electrical engineering.

From interactive projects to advanced robotics, the Robo Expo showcased a diverse variety of automatons. Dave Massey is the robotics program education manager for the San Diego Science Alliance, an organization affiliated with the San Diego State Research Foundation.

He’s also the event organizer for Robo Expo. Massey said the thing that surprises him the most about the event is the large number of younger kids in attendance.

“I think the age group of our demographic really is aware of robotics and its importance in society … and robots are just fun,” Massey said.

Entertainment Editor Nick Knott asst. entertainment Editor Ryo Miyauchi Features Editor Kelly Hillock asst. features Editor Chelsea Baer Photo Editor Jenna Mackey video editor Wesley Beights Digital Content EDITOR Kelly Gardner Production Designers Kate Leonard Mark Anthony Santos volunteer writers Michelle Monroy Matthew Bain Ryan Posner Jose Guzman Zachary Loper Cameron Salce Patrick Carr Anthony Reclusado Ethan Bailey Mike Heral Maria del Carmen Huerta Quinn Owen __________________________________

#Rankings

SDSU continues ranking climb David Hernandez news editor ____________________________________ San Diego State has received the No. 149 spot in the U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of national universities, moving up three spots from its No. 152 ranking last year.

The annual report also positioned SDSU among the top public schools at No. 78, up three spots from last year’s list.

Ranked among national programs of its kind, SDSU’s Rehabilitation Counseling program ranked No. 9 “We’re very pleased to continue to be ranked in top 10,” Chair of the Department of Administration, Rehabilitation and Postsecondary Education Caren Sax said.

She added that the Council on Rehabilitation Education has awarded the Rehabilitation Counseling another eight years of accreditation, which is the maximum number of years awarded.

“I’ve heard from those that employ our graduates that they know our graduates come to them with a solid foundation in the field,” Sax said. “They have the knowledge, skills, and most importantly, the professional ethics and behavior to successfully work in partnership with individuals with disabilities in helping them obtain gainful employment.”

Meanwhile, SDSU’s International Business program ranked No. 10 among other similar programs in the country.

monica linzmeier, editor in chief

“It’s a recognition of our unique and creative degree that places equal emphasis on business acumen and linguistic and cultural expertise,” Director of International Business Ramona Perez said. “I think that if any degree program on campus represents the SDSU mission, it is International Business.”

Perez said international business students are required to learn a foreign language to a level of fluency, study abroad for at least a semester and complete an internship that allows them to practice their foreign language.

“By the time our students walk out the door with their degree, they have lived and worked as a global citizen, not just studied it from the comforts of a classroom,” she said.

Other rankings Several of SDSU’s graduate programs were among the top 50: Speech Language Pathology, at No. 25; Clinical Psychology, at No. 26; Audiology, at No.

27; Nursing Midwifery, at No. 29; and Public Health, at No. 30.

Graduate programs positioned among the top 100 include psychology, health care management, social work, fine arts, public affairs, education, business and mechanical engineering.

Valued SDSU undergraduate programs include business and engineering, ranked at No. 73 and 91, respectively.

U.S. News & World Report also placed SDSU among top 20 universities in the nation for ethnic diversity, and named the university a top 20 school for students graduating with the least amount of debt.

New data included U.S. News & World Report published campus crime, such as criminal offenses on campus, and safety information pertaining to individual universities for the first time this year. The information, which most colleges are required to report annually, was not factored into the rankings, but is available on each school’s profile page in an effort to make it more accessible to parents and students, according to a U.S. News & World Report press release.

Three-year federal loan default rates are included also for the first time on a university’s profile page. This information can be used to understand how a school’s recent graduates have been affected by loan payments, according to the U.S News & World press release.

Advertising Director Tony Disarufino Sales Manager Adam Zabel senior Account Executive Radbeh Rabaz Account Executives Alfonso Barajas Shannon Lubar Kamila Sikorski Accounting & Contracts Michael Bratt Kim Le __________________________________

General Manager Jay Harn Graphics Specialist Chris Blakemore __________________________________

What’sWhat?

ADVERTISING 619.594.6977 advertising@thedailyaztec.com editorial inquiries 619.594.4190 editor@thedailyaztec.com Print The Daily Aztec publishes 5,000 copies twice a week on Monday & Thursday during the school year, and 3,000 copies every other Monday during the summer.

CORRECTION: In the opinion story titled “Sexual assault unmasked,” published on Sept. 8, it was stated that only 0.05 percent of sexual assault reports have lead to arrests, when the number is actually 5 percent.

SEPT. 11 - 14, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: kristian ibarra •sports@thedailyaztec.com

THE FOOTBALL ISSUE

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QUICKHITS! with

Ezellruffin wide receiver #3

What do you do in free time?

Chill with teammates, play “NBA 2K14” Favorite SDSU professor?

Professor Butler from Chicano Studies favorite musical artist?

Drake favorite tv show(s)?

“Family Guy”, “Fresh Prince of Bel Air”, “The Walking Dead” favorite movie?

“Tropic Thunder” dream vacation destination?

To go watch Cristiano Ronaldo play for Real Madrid favorite part of sdsu?

I would say the diversity we have on campus. Everybody’s friendly. Everybody gets along. You can go up to anybody and talk to them and they’ll talk to you back. where do you see yourself in five years?

Wide Receiver in the NFL

Senior wide receiver Ezell Ruffin suffered a broken collarbone in last week’s game against the Tar Heels. jenna mackey, photo editor

#Aztecfb

Aztecs, Ruffin in rough shape Matthew Bain Senior Staff Writer _____________________________________ Twitter jolted to life in San Diego last Saturday like it does every time San Diego State senior wide receiver Ezell Ruffin makes a spectacular play. His 59-yard catch-and-run against the University of North Carolina Tar Heels drew multitudes of Twitter mentions and even a “Ruffin up #UNC” pun.

But those diving into the Twitter-sphere may not have noticed how hard Ruffin fell to the turf when two Tar Heel defenders tackled him.

Ruffin didn’t play again and watched from the sidelines wearing an ice pack, a sling and regular clothes.

After the game, head coach Rocky Long told reporters that Ruffin had sustained a broken collarbone.

The following day, SDSU fans learned Ruffin would miss 6-8 weeks.

Ouch.

A huge blow, not only to Ruffin, but to his teammates who lose him for critical road games against Oregon State University, California State University, Fresno and possibly the University of Nevada.

Fortunately, Ruffin returned to play his senior year at SDSU for more than on-thefield accomplishments and statistics. “(I wanted) to graduate,” Ruffin told The Daily Aztec prior to his injury in the Fowler Athletic Center. “Only a couple people in my family have graduated, so that was important to me first and foremost.”

Ruffin also wanted to lead his teammates in the way great Aztec receivers Vincent Brown and Dominique Sandifer did before him.

“I just always thought that was cool: to show that you could step up to that

position,” the Aztec captain said. “To take leadership and carry on a group of guys that trust you and that believe in you, and vice versa.”

SDSU will need Ruffin’s leadership more than ever as the team will play a group of receivers that amassed just one start last season.

The star receiver could have declared for the NFL Draft last year after his explosive junior season. He submitted paperwork requesting his draft projection from the NFL and received word that he’d be a fourth-to-late round draft pick, he said.

But he always knew he’d return to SDSU. “(I knew) even before I got the paperwork back,” Ruffin said. “You only get one senior year in college. The NFL will be there, so I’m not worried.”

Yes, the NFL will be there, and will most likely come calling in May. But Ruffin’s road to playing on Sundays is now full of hurdles that didn’t exist before Saturday night.

In the best-case scenario, Ruffin will play SDSU’s final six regular season games and any postseason games the Aztecs reach. If SDSU reaches the Mountain West Championship game and a bowl game, Ruffin could potentially play eight more games.

Worst-case scenario: Ruffin misses eight weeks, the Aztecs play poorly and don’t reach any postseason games, and Ruffin plays just three more games at SDSU. Scenarios and injury timetables aside, Ruffin can still enjoy his favorite aspect of SDSU football while leading from the sideline.

“The relationships you make with your teammates are like no other,” he said with a smile. “They’re like brothers. And, I mean, you can’t really top that.”

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THE Football Issue

#aztecfb

COMMENTARY

SEPT. 11 - 14, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: kristian ibarra • sports@thedailyaztec.com

#aztecfb

COMMENTARY

Defense struggling Offense must early in new season trust in Kaehler ryan posner STaff columnist ______________________________________

S

an Diego State’s offense will look to make its presence known on the ground this season, much like they have every year in the Rocky Long era with running backs such as Adam Muema and Ronnie Hillman in the past. with ruffin This year sophomore running back Donnel Pumphrey w/o ruffin stepped into the starting running back role, and has proven he is more than qualified. In the preseason, he was named to the Doak Walker Award watch list—a list that recognizes the top running backs in the nation—and already has at least 100 yards rushing in each of his first two games this season.

A huge blow to the offense came in last week’s game against the University of North Carolina, when senior wide receiver and captain, Ezell Ruffin, broke his collarbone, effectively putting him out for six to eight weeks.

B+ C+

Ruffin opted to return for his senior season, instead of going to the NFL. He was the Aztecs’ leading receiver last season.

This was terrible news for the whole program, but may be the most detrimental to senior quarterback Quinn Kaehler who had an affinity for passing the ball to No. 3.

Kaehler is going into his second year as the starting quarterback at SDSU and has proven to be a quality manager, leading the Aztecs to a 9-3 record and a bowl win after taking over as the starter.

The loss of Ruffin will undoubtedly test Kaehler harder than he ever has before in his young career, and will have to rely upon unproven receivers such as sophomores Eric Judge and Lloyd Mills.

Judge will likely fill in as the No. 1 receiver, as he showed glimpses of his potential last week against UNC by grabbing a 56-yard touchdown catch—his first collegiate touchdown.

In the trenches, the Aztecs are anchored by their left tackle and captain, senior Terry Poole. Senior Zach Dilley moved from right tackle to center this year, and provides leadership for a critical spot on the offensive line.

Before the Ruffin injury, the outlook for the offense was fairly bright. However, losing its leading receiver was a huge loss that will downgrade the offense significantly.

Jose Guzman STaff columnist _____________________________________

I

t is important to give credit to the defense after the Aztecs’ first two games. It may be difficult to grade their work since they first faced an easier opponent against defense Northern Arizona University, but last Saturday they were outplayed by a nationally ranked team— the University of North Carolina. As of this moment, I give them a grade of a C+ since they showed good qualities against NAU, but were unable to protect the result giving up 17 fourth-quarter points in a loss against UNC. The Aztecs’ defense couldn’t hold on to a 14-point lead that they held in the third quarter against the Tar Heels. Overall, SDSU’s defense has to be more solid if the team aspires to win more games than it did last year. After two games, they have played poorly on the pass rush only recording just two sacks this season.

On the bright side, some key players on defense have shown up, particularly freshman redshirt defensive back Trey Lomax. Lomax currently leads the team

C+

Sophomore linebacker Micah Seau lines up before the snap against Northern Arizona University. jenna mackey, photo editor

with 16 tackles, so keep an eye on him.

Senior J.J. Whittaker is one of the leaders of the defense as another defensive back and has also reached double digits in the tackles category with 13. Other key players on the defense are junior defensive linemen Jon Sanchez, and sophomore linebacker Calvin Munson who have each recorded an interception this season.

THE FOOTBALL ISSUE

SEPT. 11 - 14, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: kristian ibarra •sports@thedailyaztec.com

#aztecfb

7

COMMENTARY

Kicking issues are a thing of the past Zachary loper STaff columnist ___________________________________

Y

es, San Diego State fans, field goals are back for the Aztecs.

Kicking was something the team missed out on late last season as the position became a disaster for the team, scaring away the coaching staff from even attempting field goals late in the season. Last season’s big issue was kicking from outside 30 yards, which hasn’t been an issue so far. The new starter, junior Donny Hageman, has drilled kicks from 40 yards, 48 yards and 49 yards—already equaling

the amount of special teams 40-plus yard field goals from last year and beating out last season’s longest of 45 yards. However, through two games last year, the team was four of four on field goals, so we won’t get ahead of ourselves just yet. Hageman has been as reliable as one would want out of the kicking position minus his one miss and has done enough to prove he is the man for the job.

Senior Joel Alesi has done a good job as punter for the Aztecs through

B+

two games with an average of 39.7 yards per punt, a long of 50 yards and successfully pinning the opposing team within the twenty yard line twice.

Sophomore wide receiver Lloyd Mills has been the man returning punts and took one all the way for a 67yard touchdown in the season opener versus Northern Arizona University and should be a threat all season with his crafty moves and speed.

The kick return game hasn’t been anywhere near special, though, for the Aztecs. Through two games, they have used two different players, junior receiver Larry Clark and freshman running back Rashaad Penny, to return

#aztecfb

kicks. The team has averaged just 7.7 yards per return, much lower than the 23-yard average they are allowing on kickoffs. It’s still early, though, and someone could emerge for the position.

The team has the option of using Hageman’s foot for three points, which will open things up for the Aztecs’ offense. Through two games, special teams have shown a lot of positives, which gives us all hope. The Aztecs get a B+ with room for improvement.

COMMENTARY

Aztecs need more from Long, coaching staff cameron salce STaff columnist ___________________________________

W

hen Brady Hoke left for the University of Michigan in 2011, it was thought that the San Diego State football team’s coaching would take a substantial hit.

However, that has not been the case considering head coach Rocky Long

has taken the coaching Aztecs to three straight bowl games since 2011. Prior to being head coach, Long was SDSU’s defensive coordinator after spending time as the head coach for the University of New Mexico. During the Long era, the Aztecs have finished

C

with a winning record each season.

However, this year the grade for the coaching it would have to be a C, because they have nothing but average. The Aztecs are not off to a fast start this season beating Northern Arizona University 38-7, and losing a close game to the then-21st-ranked University of North Carolina 31-27. You can’t blame the offensive coaching for putting up nearly thirty points a game

to start the season, but the defensive coaching could improve after giving up 31 points to 71st-ranked offense in the nation in North Carolina.

The coaching staff and the players face yet another challenge when they take a trip to Corvalis to face Oregon State University on Sept. 20. This could be a chance for the coaches to get a much needed road win to turn the season around.

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10 the futbol issuE

SEPT. 11 - 14, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: kristian ibarra • sports@thedailyaztec.com

#aztecmsoccer

From Bangui to SD: Donald Benamna The Bangui-native looks to shine on the SDSU Sports Deck.

Patrick Carr staff writer ___________________________________ Donald Benamna, a San Diego State soccer player, isn’t your typical freshman.

While other freshman can drop a pin on Los Angeles or the Bay Area to call it home, Benamna’s pin would drop a little bit further from San Diego— it drops in Bangui, the capital of the Republic of Central Africa.

His journey to becoming an Aztec wouldn’t be easy, but few things in Benamna’s life ever were.

His love of soccer started when his dad taught him how to play soccer when Benamna was just five years old.

When he was 8 years old, his dad moved to Maryland to work in the Embassy of the Central African Republic, which is in Washington D.C. When his dad—whom Benamna played soccer with—left, he had to play with kids that were two or three years older than him so he could keep doing what he loved.

The older kids were stronger than 8-year-old Benamna, but that didn’t faze him.

Freshman forward Donald Benamna plays in front of Aztec fans at the SDSU Sports Deck. andy farra, Staff PhotograPher

“I’d get kicked and all that, but I just never gave up,” he said. “I kept on trying with them and I got better and better.”

When he was 12, he got the exciting news that he’d be coming to the United

States.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Benamna said.

“One day I heard that I’m coming to join my dad in America … I never thought I could be here.”

To this day, coming stateside is something that he’s still in a little disbelief about.

“In my country when you say, ‘United States,’ that’s like people’s dream,” he said. “That’s where people want to be.”

Upon arrival to Silver Spring, Maryland, he didn’t speak any English.

He spoke French and Sango—the language his tribe spoke in Bangui.

But in middle school, he had a couple of friends who spoke French, which made it a lot easier for him. It wasn’t until after middle school that he started to learn English.

Obviously the language barrier didn’t stop him from playing. He played on a club team in the eighth grade and all throughout high school, while also playing for Montgomery Blair High School’s team.

His impressive high-school career paved the way for him to come play at SDSU. While he said he dreams of one day becoming a professional soccer player, he also has his priorities.

“Hopefully I get my education and finish my degree here and help San Diego (State) with the soccer program,” he said.

In the meantime, he likes to read about famous athletes, to see how they become so successful and famous. “(I want) to see what it takes for them to be the players they are today, learn how to be great just like them,” he said.

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SEPT. 11 - 14, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC EDITOR: KRISTIAN IBARRA • SPORTS@THEDAILYAZTEC.COM

THE FUTBOL ISSUE

11

#AZTECWSOCCER

Aztecs kick off Nike Portland Invitational ANTHONY RECLUSADO STAFF WRITER ___________________________________ The San Diego State women’s soccer team will face its toughest road test when it heads up north to the Nike Portland Invitational. Not only will the Aztecs face two elite teams in the University of Washington and the University of Portland, but will also play their first games away from Montezuma Mesa.

The red and black have kicked off this season thoroughly outplaying their competition on both sides of the ball. In their four games, the Aztecs have outshot their opponents 97-36, hold a 45-18 edge in shots on goal and maintain a remarkable advantage in corner kicks at 32-12 that has led to a record of 2-1-1.

SDSU’s first match will be Friday at Merlo Field in Portland, Oregon against the University of Washington (4-1), which will be an excellent test for how Friesen’s team should fair this season on the road. The Huskies head coach, Lesle Gallimore, will also be able to use this game to test where her players are; as the last match they played against a team of the Aztecs’ caliber they were embarrassed on their own field to a score of 4-0.

This game will come down to defense and midfield play, as goals will definitely be at a premium in this match. The Aztec defense will have its hands full with the Huskies’ senior forward Jaclyn Softli, sophomore Becca Schoales and fifth-year senior midfielder Kate Bennett. On the flip side, the backline of SDSU, led by junior defender Tiffany Geer has gave fits to the opposition’s attacking line with their aggressive play style having a slight advantage in this matchup.

For the Huskies, their defense and midfielders will have to be on high alert every time freshman forward Aliyah Utush or Angella Mitchell touch the ball as they both have the ability to outrun their entire defense. Washington also has to take into account the senior forwards of SDSU; Hannah Keane, Kelsey Booth and Haley Locker who can all create shots when they are in their attacking third.

Two days later, the Aztecs will face an equally challenging opponent, the Portland Pilots (2-3). The Pilots were also roughed up by Wisconsin to a score of 3-0 and have lost all three games to ranked opponents.

This game will tether on possession and which forward line will be able to solve the other’s defensive code.

The defensive line for Portland has

Senior forward Haley Locker helps lead the women’s soccer team this year.

PHOTO BY STAFF

both speed and has faced their fair share of talented forwards, thus will be ready for when they face SDSU. The Aztecs will need their senior players to step up and break down the vice grip defense that the Pilots are capable of.

SDSU has an upward battle going into Portland this weekend and will be tested as a team. These games could determine if the road woes that greatly haunted this team last year have been exhumed.

12 THE Football Issue

SEPT. 11 - 14, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: kristian ibarra • sports@thedailyaztec.com

#aztecfb

COMMENTARY

The best of times Ethan Bailey senior Staff columnist _____________________________________

C

oming off four consecutive bowl game appearances for the San Diego State Aztecs, the team is primed to make a run at the Mountain West Conference title. A look back at the 2013 MWC standings tells you the Aztecs missed being conference champions by the hair on their ... never mind.

In all seriousness, the Aztecs missed being conference champs by a field goal. Do you remember last season’s home game against California State University, Fresno? I sure do. I remember a Quinn Kaehler-led offense that put together a dime piece of a drive deep into Fresno territory with time running out. I remember the special teams unit lining up for a game-winning, chip-shot field goal. I also remember that field goal coming nowhere close to the middle of the uprights. It’s like the pigskin itself looked at “The Show” and waved goodbye to a coveted conference championship.

Had the field goal been good, the Aztecs and Bulldogs would’ve swapped conference records and SDSU would’ve hoisted the trophy. But alas, it’s now 2014 and the Aztecs have a great shot at

being this year’s MWC champions. My colleague, Mike Heral, says the Aztecs and Bulldogs have some of the same issues.

No offense, Mike, but that’s just not the case this season, and here’s my reasons why: 1. Quarterback Remember Fresno State’s prolific spread-style offense from a year ago?

Well, it was led by a guy named Derek Carr who is now a starting quarterback in the National Football League. In 2013, Carr set FBS records with 5,083 yards and 50 touchdown passes against just eight interceptions. That kind of production won’t be replicated anytime soon for the Bulldogs.

Meanwhile, Aztec senior quarterback Quinn Kaehler is coming off a good season. Considering he didn’t even start last year as SDSU’s quarterback, it’s impressive he was able to put up more than 3,000 yards and throw 19 touchdowns with only nine interceptions.

While he hasn’t looked the same through the first two weeks of this season, it’s still in SDSU’s favor to have the leader of its offense returning.

2. Home Schedule Have you seen the Aztecs’ home schedule this season? It’s laughable.

Minus the home opener against Northern Arizona University, the rest of the games are as follows: • Week 4: University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Aztec players celebrate in front of the crowd after defeating Northern Arizona Universitiy. jenna mackey, photo editor

• Week 7: University of Hawaii • Week 9: University of Idaho • Week 11: Air Force Academy • Week 12: California State University, Fresno Holy Bob Toledo that’s a favorable home slate of games. Considering the level of competition the Aztecs will face on the road and outside of the Mountain West, they should be able to handle all five of these teams no problem. Should is certainly the key word in that sentence, but you get the drift.

As Mike eluded to, the Aztecs were much better on the road than they were at home a season ago which hopefully translates to this year’s team; SDSU’s away opponents include the Oregon State University Beavers next Saturday and the infamous Bulldogs one week after that. But a watered-down Mountain West conference and winnable home games will help the Aztecs lift the conference trophy at the end of this season.

3. Special Teams Don’t look now Aztec nation, but we actually have a kicker who can split the uprights. Junior Donny Hageman has made 3 of his 4 field-goal attempts this season with a long of 49 yards and is 8-for-8 on extra point attempts. Senior punter Joel Alesi has shown he’s got skills too, averaging 39.7 yards-perpunt. Don’t let the sub-40-yard average fool you—sometimes it’s more about placing the ball within the opponent’s 20 yard-line than it is kicking with power.

It’s for the above reasons I professionally disagree with my fellow writer and believe the Aztecs will win the Mountain West Conference.

WARNING: Obtaining this conference title will not be pretty. The process will be gritty, hard to watch and at times, heartbreaking.

But at the end of the day, I Believe That We Will Win.

SEPT. 11 - 14, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: kristian ibarra •sports@thedailyaztec.com

THE FOOTBALL ISSUE 13

#aztecfb

COMMENTARY

What’s the worst that could happen?

Mike heral staff Columnist ___________________________________

M

y assignment: Explain why San Diego State football won’t win the Mountain West Conference. Wow, Mr. Editor, thanks for letting me create friends on campus.

Before my readers plan my funeral, I think the Aztecs are closer to winning the conference than those pundits who picked the team to finish second during the MWC’s Media Days. They chose the easier path, assuming that the Mountain West consists of Boise State University and California State University, Fresno only, and dismissing SDSU’s recent run of success as an aberration.

But a careful analysis shows that the Bulldogs and Aztecs share the same issues, especially now that the Bulldogs lost its kicker when Colin McGuire took a leave of absence following the Bulldogs season opening loss to the University of Southern California.

However, a pro-championship column was assigned to my colleague, Ethan Bailey. My purpose is to come up with reasons why the Aztecs won’t. So, here are three:

1. SCHEDULE Playing the Broncos, University of New Mexico and University of Nevada at Reno on the road won’t be easy. However, those games aren’t conference cripplers because the Bulldogs also play those teams on the road. Besides, the Aztecs are road warriors. Last year, the Aztecs were better on the road (4-2) than at home (3-3). Under Long, the Aztecs are 11-5 on the road, but only 13-8 at home.

With that said, winning the West this year will come down to the Oct. 3 game in Fresno When two equally matched opponents meet, pick the home team.

The last time the Aztecs played there was 2012. They lost 52-40.

2. QUARTERBACK That year, the Aztecs had a better quarterback in Ryan Katz. This year, Quinn Kaehler reprises his role.

Kaehler proved his worth during last season’s magical run to the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. This year, he isn’t the same. At the time of this writing, Kaehler has only the Northern Arizona game to show for this season, but what I saw in that game is precisely what I saw watching him in practice.

Neither he nor Long will tell the public something is wrong, but the accuracy he displayed last year when he threw for 19 touchdowns against only nine interceptions isn’t there.

Whether it’s the residual effect from

elbow surgery during the off-season or poor mechanics remains to be seen.

Let’s hope it’s the former, because elbow soreness can be overcome easier than poor footwork.

3. DEFENSE The defense didn’t receive enough credit for last season’s revival. The unit was embarrassed during the first three games, surrendering more than 40 points in the first two games, followed

by Oregon State University scoring 34 points. They got it together during conference play, yielding more than 40 points only twice in nine games, despite playing five overtime games in the process.

That defense was the MWC’s fourth best in passing efficiency.

They achieved that honor because of strong play from the secondary and linebackers. This year’s squad, though, is a far different story. The safeties are inexperienced and the best linebackers are hurt.

Lost in the eventual rout against Division II Northern Arizona is that the Lumberjacks owned the Aztecs defense after halftime, until linebacker Calvin Munson’s interception took away the Lumberjacks’ will to fight. If a Division II opponent can put the Aztecs on its heels, what will the better gunslingers from the MWC do?

Don’t get me wrong, Aztecs fans. I think the talent on this year’s team is

Aztecs’ head coach Rocky Long watches his players take the field. jenna mackey, photo editor

among Long’s best.

That’s why this season will be an interesting, fun-filled journey leading to a fifth consecutive bowl appearance.

But for SDSU to win the conference, it’s going to need the safeties to grow up in a hurry, Kaehler to regain last year’s touch, and another strong road game coupled with a perfect home record against conference foes. It’s good, then, that SDSU always believes it will win.

14THE Football Issue

SEPT. 11 - 14, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: kristian ibarra • sports@thedailyaztec.com

#aztecfb

Behind the music: Marching Aztecs Mike Heral Staff Writer ___________________________________ San Diego State Director of Athletic Bands Bryan Ransom didn’t have to go far to find his dream job.

“I have the best job in the world,” Ransom said. “I graduated from here.”

Since 1988, Ransom leads his alma mater’s Marching Aztecs.

While fans enjoy the band’s work during each home football game, they might not think about the preparation required.

“Prior to (the fall semester), we do a week-long camp that runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” Ransom said. “Then we have just three rehearsals after that.”

That’s little rehearsal time for 250 Marching Aztecs—some of whom can’t attend the camp due to being out-ofstate—so Ransom modifies the first performance.

“We always do a complete pre-game, but we don’t do a full halftime show,” Ransom said.

“It’s too difficult to learn a marching drill for the first game so we just do a ‘park and blow,’” he continued.

Ransom says a “park and blow” happens when the band plays in a stationary formation, relying on the dance and flag units to provide the visual spectacle.

After that chaotic first week ends, it’s full speed ahead and the band begins

mastering the songs and drills it must know.

Three things San Diegans might not know about the Marching Aztecs: It’s the only collegiate-level • marching band in San Diego.

Non-SDSU • students may participate, but each must be enrolled in SDSU’s marching band class.

No • participant receives a scholarship, but he or she does receive a stipend.

The stipend is crucial for luring bandinclined students into the Marching Aztecs’ varied commitments, Ransom said.

“If you can’t pay a scholarship, at least pay a stipend,” Ransom said. “It’s for all the service (the band) does for the university and the community.”

That service includes at least 30 annual concerts at both regional schools and community events during the football season, Ransom said.

Each year’s stipend varies due to fund availability and band size. In previous years, the stipend paid $200 to $300, according to the School of Music and Dance’s Marching Aztec website.

Community, Chargers and the Super Bowl Serving San Diego’s community is as interwoven into Ransom’s life as honing his student’s musical abilities. In his

The Marching Aztecs perform during halftime at Qualcomm Stadium. monica linzmeier, editor in chief

side gig, he’s the San Diego Chargers’ on-field event coordinator, ensuring the performers are where they need to be ,when they need to be there.

“I think I’m good with the Chargers because I’m good at preparing and providing the right amount of information ahead of time,” Ransom said. “It’s all people moving.”

Ransom parlays his Chargers job with booking the Marching Aztecs for a Chargers game each year. This year, the band plays on Oct. 5 when the Chargers host the New York Jets.

And then there’s Ransom’s other job: the Super Bowl.

“This will be my 14th overall Super Bowl,” Ransom said. “I just happened to be in my office one night when a guy working for Radio City Productions said he needed some band-minded people.”

For the Super Bowl, he supervises approximately 400 workers as they load in, set up and remove the on-field stages used during the game’s entertainment segments.

Although he’s seen the bright lights of the Super Bowl, SDSU remains Ransom’s passion.

“I’m an Aztec for life,” Ransom said.

“I’ll be here until I shrivel up and they sweep me away.”

news 15

SEPT. 11 - 14, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: david hernandez • news@thedailyaztec.com

#CICS

SDSU opens research, tech center Maria del Carmen Huerta Staff Writer ____________________________________ San Diego State recently unveiled a new center to keep up with changing technological innovations in our community and worldwide.

The Center for Information Convergence and Strategy, located in Storm Hall and opened in August, has many unique functions that can help reporters and research analysts measure the world around them in concrete numbers and qualitative data.

The center’s capabilities range from state-of-the-art data gathering and visual analysis of content. Data gathered from the center can potentially provide new information about various subjects such as health care, law enforcement, security, education and public policy.

CICS is co-directed by Akshay Pottathil and Andre Skupin, both geography professors at SDSU. The launch of the CICS was made possible by the university in hopes of advancing the role SDSU plays within research leaders in information technology.

“I didn’t know we had a center like this on campus,” psychology senior David Romo said. “It’s about time that SDSU stepped up in the research game.”

CICS will use numerous technologies that focus on tracking current trends and developing new strategies to keep up with the advancement of the

Co-directors and georgraphy professors Akshay Pottathil and Andre Skupin spoke at the inagural event. megan wood, Staff PhotograPher

technological world.

CICS emphasizes the merging of modern technology because many of its applications tie in within the fields of geography and information technology.

The center is meant to be a means of support for various research methods ranging from a broad perspective of disciplines. There is an emphasis on

data acquisition and analytics, social media solutions, strategic mapping, and systems integration and development, according to its website. CICS will also utilize various information technologies to develop and evaluate current trends and strategies, which, for example, could help journalists cover disease outbreaks.

Atsushi Nara, associate director for the Center for Human Dynamics in the Mobile Age. plays a key research role in data analytics and modeling complex socio-behavioral systems at CICS. Nara said he analyzes the data acquired from various sources in order to extract knowledge including spatio-temporal patterns and trends, associations, semantics and contextual information underlying data.

“This helps us to understand complex mechanisms of spatio-temporal heterogeneity, non-linear system dynamics, interaction behaviors, multiscale feedback effects, adaptation processes and emergence,” Nara said.

He also utilizes the data and the extracted knowledge to build simulation models to predict system behaviors, which can support decision makings in various applications.

Nara is excited to work with colleagues in the center, research scholars on and off campus, government, industry and the local community to promote innovation and provide practical solutions at SDSU. Developing a decision support system for disaster management, disease outbreak and criminal behavior are some of the things Nara is working on.

“I think my research interests and the center’s missions match very well,” Nara said. “My research framework of spatiotemporal data analytics and modeling complex socio-behavioral systems can naturally fit to research of other members in CICS.”

CROSSWORDS

Across 1 Wildlife photographs may be a memento of one 7 Visit Overstock. com, say 11 It’s near Miss.

14 Reebok rival 15 Piece of glass 16 “Collages” novelist 17 Triangular chip 18 Zero degrees Celsius, for water 20 Go out with 21 Synthetic rubber, for one 22 Capacity limit 27 Turn down 28 Bathroom fixtures 29 Airline seat pocket item, briefly 30 Word with ball

or cup 32 Molar mender’s org.

33 University of Nevada city 34 Pinnacles 38 Not getting it, and, in a different way, what 18-, 22-, 52- and 58-Across are 42 Pound and Poe 43 Bounders 44 Santa __, California 45 Attorney’s thing 47 I-5, for one 48 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics year 49 Abbey recess 52 Moment of change 55 Viruses, worms, etc.

57 Bk. after Ezra

58 Sensitive spot 60 Be unable to stand 63 Squeeze (out) 64 Govt. agent 65 Like most wedding cakes 66 Who __ Nation: New Orleans Saints fans 67 Exists no more 68 Said down 1 In a funk 2 Stir 3 Diamond corner 4 Parting words 5 Olympic judge, e.g.

6 Equi- kin 7 Beach lotion letters 8 Horn honker of classic comedy

9 Score that often requires overtime 10 Spa treatment 11 Cartoon genre 12 Hotel housekeeping supply 13 Fuming 19 Louisiana music style 22 Forever __ 23 TV feed component 24 Hymn ender 25 Cranberry quality 26 Practical joker’s cry 31 Kennel sounds 33 Opposite of set 35 American Airlines Arena team 36 Film composer Morricone 37 Carpet blemish 39 Scatters, as petals 40 “Private Benjamin” star 41 Nestlé ice cream brand 46 Plays chords, in a way 48 Medit. hot spot 49 Unlike rock bands on MTV’s “Unplugged” 50 Insulated jacket 51 Winter fall 53 Aired again 54 Not reactive 56 Wine from Italy 59 Otitis-treating MD 60 Uno y uno 61 Law firm office, perhaps: Abbr.

62 Journalist Koppel

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16 the back page

SEPT. 11 - 14, 2014 • THE DAILY AZTEC editor: kelly hillock • FEATURES@thedailyaztec.com

#footballfan

Fall's favorite sport returns ethan bailey senior staff columnist ___________________________________

I

t’s time again to put on your smacktalking boots, Aztecs—football is officially back in full swing.

I, for one, couldn’t be happier. As summer ends and football begins, it signifies the end of the dark, freezing winter that is the NFL off-season. A fresh spring dawns upon the league’s 32 unique fan bases, each with high hopes of their teams finding a way to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in early February 2015. No longer are we reading training camp reports as if we were scavenging dogs hungry for scrap; we’ve already seen one week of juicy, choice-cut NFL action.

But the joy of football returning isn’t reserved only for the pro game. College football also makes its triumphant return this time of year, full of highintensity rivalries and high-scoring affairs.

Speaking of college ball, how about our Aztecs? Although the team has a 1-1 overall record, it’s looked darn good through two games. Yes, the Aztecs lost to the University of North Carolina last Saturday, but the Tar Heels were a nationally ranked team— No. 21 to be exact—and in case you didn’t know, there are more than 120 teams in the FBS. So while losing to a top-25 team is indeed heartbreaking, it isn’t the end of the world. We’ll have our spirits lifted when the University of

Hawaii Warriors come to town midOctober for a scarlet and black beat down at Qualcomm Stadium, believe me.

On the topic of recovering from loss, my favorite pro team is already 0-1 with a good chance to lose a bunch more games by the time the season ends. This is especially unfortunate for my wallet, which already takes a beating from weekly and obligatory Wings N Things trips. It’s a simple financial formula: Undying fandom plus more losses equals more beer being consumed by yours truly. Don’t judge me—I know I’m not the only person on this campus who deals with certain issues by dousing them with alcohol.

if i wanted to bore myself with contactless hogwash, i'd go to a padres game.

Another aspect of this season that could drive me to alcoholism is the way illegal contact and defensive holding penalties are being called in the NFL this year. If you don’t understand what those penalties are, ask Siri or something because I’m too fired up to stop and explain.

God forbid a defensive back brushes against a wide receiver in the middle of his route when the offensive and defensive lineman smash their heads

and bodies together on literally every single play. There are already too many terrible pass-interference calls as it is, and now defensive backs have to worry extra about the other two fouls being called more often. If I wanted to bore myself with contactless hogwash I’d go to a Padres game.

Fantasy football also returns in September, which is a load of hogwash in itself. Naturally, I’m in two leagues and couldn’t be giddier about the rosters I’ve put together. On one hand, fantasy football brings out my inner smack-talker like no other, raising me on a metaphorical pedestal above my peers. On the other hand, I find myself cheering for players on rival teams surrounded by people in bars wearing rival teams’ jerseys. The struggle is real, people.

If you’ve ever questioned why football fans are so passionate, consider this: Unlike baseball or basketball, the professional football regular season consists of only 16 games spanning 17 weeks. Major League Baseball teams can drop 25 games for pure giggles and still make the postseason but in the NFL, every week—every game—counts. There are no throw-away games in the NFL, nor are there seven game series’ in its postseason. If your team is fortunate enough to make the playoffs then it better not screw up because it’s either win or go home.

So later this December when you’ve got a hot cup of coffee while watching the Chargers take on the Kansas City Chiefs in frigid Arrowhead Stadium, be joyous. Football season is the most wonderful time of the year and, like all great things, it doesn’t last forever.

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The Aztec Bowl

The Marching Aztecs practice at The Aztec Bowl. The stadium is where the football team played before Qualcomm Stadium was built.

PLEASE NOTE: The views expressed in this issue do not necessarily reflect those of The Daily Aztec.

Express your concerns by emailing letters@thedailyaztec.com

HOROSCOPE happy Birthday (9/11/14) - Build and improve supportive networks this year. A creative turning point arises around 10/23. Communications provide power and connection through 12/23, when a new 2.5-year domestic phase begins. Savor springtime romance. Plan celebrations and rituals. Pull together for family. Simplify and save for a rainy day.

Prioritize love, freedom and beauty.

HOW IT WORKS: 10 is good, 1 is bad.

Aries (March 21 - April 19) - Today is an 8 - A brilliant idea regarding infrastructure comes to light. Experience plus excellent service make a winning combination. Watch for hidden treasures. Invest in your family's comfort, while keeping the budget. Relax.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) - Today is an 8 - Change your mind. Tackle a delayed project. Let an expert solve a technical problem. Invest in home, family, and real estate. Confer with your team.

Stay home instead of going out. Soak up peaceful moments.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) - Today is a 7 Appearances can deceive. You're making money by saving money. What seems sudden has actually been planned. Keep practical considerations in the forefront.

You have strange ideas and admirable discipline. Make use of them.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22) - Today is a 6 - You can see farther now, and are free to venture outside your safe zone. Stick to your budget. Friends help you do the job. Networking plus focused efforts equal a raise in status.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) - Today is a 7 Work out your plan in seclusion. Figure it out for yourself. Offer advice only if asked. Check out an unusual investment.

Present practical decisions to your family. Be watching for bargains. Shop carefully.

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) - Today is a 7 - A radical idea poses an unexpected benefit to your family accounts.

Encourage creative thinking. Ask someone with more experience to teach you. Notice potential difficulties.

Friends help you make a long-distance connection. Listen carefully.

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) - Today is a 7 - A challenging new opportunity arises in a partnership. Get feedback from a variety of perspectives, and move ahead.

Paying debts boosts your credit. Your team is hot. Offer encouraging words and helping hands.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) - Today is an 8 - A passionate moment kindles.

Put the work in to get the results you're after. Friends can help beat a deadline.

Sparks build to steady flame with patient tending. Entertain new ideas and suggestions. Encourage creativity.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) - Today is a 6 - There's some excellent fun available. Toss the ball to a teammate.

Things may not go according to schedule or budget, and a diversion could distract. Spontaneous playtime may beckon. Communication works.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 19) - Today is a 7 - Keep digging and find the truth.

Include personal insights, and establish the rules at home. Listen to children and elders. Teachers come in many forms.

Continue building your equity. Rest deeply after extra efforts.

Aquarius (Jan. 20 - Feb. 18) - Today is a 6 - Do the best job possible.

The bottom line is a surprise with unexpected value. Find what you need far away. Amaze even yourself with the solution... the crazier the better. It's the right decision. Talk it over.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - March 20) - Today is an 8 - Dive into a family project. Follow your inner voice. Look at a situation from a new angle. Breakthrough! Take it one step at a time. Increase efficiency. Use your imagination. Get it down in writing.