Wednesday, March 11 - Tuesday, March 17, 2020 Weekly Print Edition
Vol. 106, Issue 26 www.thedailyaztec.com
San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
Classes to go online-only Aztecs fall to Utah due to coronavirus fears State in conference
championship game
by Aaron Tolentino & Kyle Betz
Photo by Alexa Oslowski
The CDC recommends people wash their hands for at least 20 seconds as one of the primary methods of preventing coronavirus.
by Kaitlyn Little Michael Cline
&
San Diego State will require all in-person courses to transition to a virtual platform immediately following spring break, according to a campus-wide email sent by President Adela de la Torre. “Immediately after spring break, and effective April 6, all courses shall be conducted using fully online or distributed modalities,” the email said. The decision was made after a vote of the University Senate held March 10. The vote was held one day after the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts announced in an email to students that most
courses would move to virtual platforms beginning March 9. ONLINE LEARNING Exceptions for smaller lab courses and those with a clinical component, field schools and art studios will be granted on a caseby-case basis by the deans of the respective colleges. The transition to virtual platforms leading up to April 6 is currently voluntary and up to the discretion of individual faculty members, however the university is encouraging all courses to move to a virtual setting as soon as possible. Campus will remain open for business, academic and other services — with the exception of study abroad courses, according to
university officials. All other nonessential domestic and international travel has been suspended. The CSU system also sent a statement on March 9, encouraging campus leadership to “consider shifting the delivery of as much of the curriculum as possible to non-face-to-face modalities.” The statement also said there are no confirmed cases of coronavirus on any of the CSU campuses, but that classes may have to be canceled for two to four days while faculty and staff work out the details of transitioning to virtual learning. “Employees will continue to
SEE CORONAVIRUS, PAGE 3
LAS VEGAS -- With 26 seconds left and the score tied at 56, Utah State senior guard Sam Merrill secured a rebound off a miss by San Diego State junior guard Malachi Flynn. Merrill took it upon himself to bring the ball up the court and win it for the Aggies. He did so by hitting a contested 3-pointer in the face of Aztecs senior guard KJ Feagin with 2.6 seconds left. Those three points were the most significant of Merrill’s game-high 27, along with playing all 40 minutes. Though the Aztecs were up as much as 16, the final score would be 59-56 Utah State over SDSU in the 2020 Mountain West Conference tournament championship game on March 7 at the Thomas and Mack Center. For the second year in a row, the Aggies (26-8, 12-6 MWC) will hoist a trophy at the expense of the Aztecs (30-2, 17-1). “We wouldn’t have it any other way – best player, best defender on our team on Sam Merrill,” Aztecs junior guard Matt Mitchell told The Daily Aztec outside the losing team’s locker room. “Sam just made a tough shot at the end of the day. That’s
just all it is to it – nothing we can do about it. KJ did everything he could, (Merrill) made a tough shot.” Here are three observations from the Aztecs’ 59-56 loss to Utah State. 1. AZTECS SHOOT 34% WHILE AGGIES DROP 38 POINTS IN THE SECOND HALF After putting up just six points, six rebounds and three assists in 27 minutes against Boise State Friday, senior forward Yanni Wetzell had a first half to remember Saturday. He nearly totaled a doubledouble in the first 20 minutes by scoring nine points and collecting 10 rebounds. The New Zealand native did all that while holding Utah State sophomore forward Neemias Queta to four points and four rebounds in the first frame. The second half, though, belonged to Queta more than it did Wetzell. Queta tallied 11 points and three rebounds, while the Aztecs’ big man only totaled three points and three rebounds. Wetzell said he struggled to play a full 40 minutes. SEE CHAMPIONSHIP, PAGE 8
Coronavirus could affect SDSU in next week’s NCAA Tournament by Luis Lopez STAFF WRITER
San Diego State men’s basketball didn’t walk away with a Mountain West Conference tournament trophy after losing to Utah State 6663 in the final last Saturday. Although the win gave Utah State an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament, the Aztecs’ name will still be called on Selection Sunday at 3 p.m. Here are three things to look out for before the Aztecs begin their quest for a National Title. 1. CORONAVIRUS AND ITS EFFECT ON THE NCAA TOURNAMENT The NCAA, along with most professional sports, has quickly begun to realize the impact of the coronavirus and how it is going to affect its events going forward. Conferences have started to hold games without fans in attendance. The Ivy League canceled games altogether, as the league decided to cancel its conference tournament. Yale will represent the Ivy League in the NCAA Tournament based off its regular-season championship.
Division III games are also being held without fans, as their tournament games at Johns Hopkins University took place in an empty arena. March Madness could be the next big sporting event to be impacted by the coronavirus’ impact. SDSU has taken measures of its own, keeping teams informed about the threat of the virus and how to prevent it from spreading, according to men’s basketball head coach Brian Dutcher. “We’ve kind of kept them posted as best we can. Everyone is aware of it, they’re all familiar with the medical condition,” Dutcher said. “The university health department and the CDC has done a great job of keeping everyone posted.” With Ohio closing off all its sporting events to spectators, don’t rule out the possibility of California following suit. Aztecs junior forward Matt Mitchell gave his thoughts on potentially playing in front of an empty arena. “Weird,” he said. “Honestly, I think potentially if we were to play in an empty arena, I’d rather play
in the JAM Center, that’s the way I feel.” Mitchell added: “I think fans and spectators are important to the game of basketball, I think they’re what makes the game fun and what makes it exciting.” With their rabid fan base that has a tendency to travel, the Aztecs could feel the effect of playing without fan support a bit more than other teams, especially because the first two rounds are likely driving distance in Sacramento. “Our fan base has become a big part of San Diego State and who we are is the student section, The Show, so I’d hate for it to come to the fact that our fans wouldn’t be able to come see (us),” Mitchell said. Dutcher touched on the issue further, referencing a comment from LeBron James, who jokingly said he wouldn’t play without fans in attendance. Despite all the news surrounding the virus, Dutcher did have one sarcastic option for the NCAA. SEE NCAA TOURNAMENT, PAGE 8
Photo by Kareem Jones
Head coach Brian Dutcher looks down in disappointment during the Aztecs’ 59-56 loss against Utah State at Thomas and Mack Center on March 7.
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The Daily Aztec
News
March 11 - 17, 2020 EDITOR: Kaitlyn Little • news@thedailyaztec.com
SDSU students react to Super Tuesday results; most choose to support Sanders by Charlie Vargas STAFF WRITER
On March 3, students gathered around a screen at the Aztec Student Union Courtyard to watch primary results pour in for California and 15 other jurisdictions. Some students were there for the free pizza while others watched in anticipation, shifting their focus between the big screen projecting results in the union and their phones. “I am losing hope in the country,” interdisciplinary freshman Maya Tomasik said. “Biden is leading and I don’t really have faith in him.” Tomasik was among those who voted for Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, and although he won California just minutes after the polls closed, he did not perform well in other states. Journalism senior Alexis Camel lives close to campus and voted just hours before the polls closed. “I’m hoping for a win for Bernie. I think he should’ve won the last
election,” Camel said. “It’s going to be very interesting seeing the results come in.” Television and film senior Khalonii Westly said she voted for Biden and was pleased with his performance. “Things are going exactly how I voted,” Westly said. Television and film sophomore Joshua Lee said he had mixed feelings about the primary results but was mostly unsurprised. “In a way, I’m kind of surprised but not really surprised because I understand what other states were thinking when they chose Joe Biden,” Lee said. “I feel like more people wanted to choose someone more moderate.” Others were more surprised by the results. History senior Isaiias Ortiz Vazquez, who voted for Biden, didn’t anticipate his success on Super Tuesday — a day in which the former vice president took 10 states. “I heard all my friends voting for Bernie, so I was expecting him to win,” Ortiz-Vazquez said.
Television and film freshman Mireya Walker was among those students who were registered in other states and missed the deadline to register in California. She said she would have supported Sanders. Interdisciplinary studies junior Alison Aiken was upset because she was not able to vote due to a flight and ballot delay. She said she supports both Warren and Sanders and was surprised by Biden’s victories. “I think he’s a little out of touch with the times, (and) I don’t think he fully represents the society that we currently have,” Aiken said. Undeclared freshman Brandon Heck was unable to vote as well. He said if he did have the opportunity, he would have voted for Sanders based on his proposals. “It would be nice if Sanders won because of the population that’s behind him,” Heck said. “I know he wants to alleviate student debt, he cares about the environment and I think he has a good agenda.” Music freshman Rexelljone De Leon
decided to vote while she was at work. She said she voted for Biden with the intention of slowing down Sanders’ momentum after watching him win previous states. She was surprised by Biden’s performance through the night. “I really thought Bernie was going to pull through,” De Leon said. History senior Leonor Rodriguez was initially going to vote for Pete Buttigieg before he dropped, but choose Sanders as her second choice. She stressed the importance of the millennial and Generation Z votes because she thinks that is what will get President Trump out of office. “If we all go out there and vote, we can overpower the Baby Boomers,” Rodriguez said. The primary is expected to go until June if there is no clear winner of the 1,991 state delegates needed to become the Democratic nominee. If neither reaches the requirement, a contested convention in July will decide the nominee who will face off against President Trump in the November general election.
GreenLove’s Climate Action Resolution calls for carbon neutrality by 2030 by Jadyn Brandt SENIOR STAFF WRITER
“The University has a duty to the (San Diego State) and global community to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 through a fair and just transition,” reads the Climate Action Resolution — written by San Diego State’s Green Love Sustainability Commission. Members of Green Love — an organization within Associated Students that works to improve the sustainability of SDSU across all of the university’s campuses — presented the resolution to the University Council on March 4 with the intention of propelling the campus toward a higher standard of sustainability. Green Love’s Sustainability Commissioner and sustainability senior Courtney Ransom said the Climate Action Resolution makes an appeal for a Sustainability Director position at SDSU, as well as a Climate Action Committee — made up of students, staff and faculty — that reports to the president.
The action also demands complete carbon neutrality by the end of this decade. The resolution calls for SDSU’s commitment to climate action, justice and leadership as well as a full-scale sustainability movement. To members of Green Love, full-scale sustainability means campus-wide changes, from all members of the SDSU community “It’s a coalition, that’s what makes it a fullscale movement,” business management and sustainability junior Cassie Weinberg said. “It’s not just students, it’s not just faculty, it’s not just administration. It’s a combination and that’s what is going to make it work.” Marketing and comparative international studies major and Chair of the Climate Action Committee Sarah Karver said the resolution fully encompasses all of the work the commission has done in the past year and is a push for more action by the university. Karver said, despite the push for a fullscale movement, one of Green Love’s Photo courtesy of GreenLove
Photo courtesy of GreenLove
biggest obstacles is the university’s lack of knowledge on the subject of sustainability. This puts pressure on committee members to solve problems outside of their jurisdiction. “(The administration) wants to help, but they don’t know how,” Karver said. “It’s a lot of leaning on us when we’re undergraduates, we’re not the sustainability experts. If we’re the most informed people in the room it says a lot.” The resolution was presented to the University Council for commentary and questions. The council is made up of student representatives from all SDSU colleges. Weinberg said the reaction she saw from the council after presenting the resolution was more substantial than anything she’d seen in the past. “I’ve been in Associated Students for two years and this is the most reactive I’ve ever seen the council members, when we were just presenting the resolution, from the amount of questions we were asked and the amount of interest that people have,” she said. “It just goes to show that when you show your passion and show how important it really is then other people can
get on board.” Tom Abram, who recently left his position as SDSU’s Energy and Sustainability Officer, said the 2017 Climate Action Plan which he helped pass, had a goal to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. The new Climate Action Resolution shortens that time length by 20 years — calling for carbon neutrality by 2030 — which Abram described as a necessary change. “The problem with having a carbon neutrality goal of 2050 is we do not make decisions like we have a climate action plan,” he said. “It’s too far away, people think its aspirational, it doesn’t enter into the short-term or long-term decision making of the university.” Abram added that the biggest problem facing those in the fight for sustainability isn’t what one might assume it is. “The biggest obstacle to combating the climate crisis isn’t deniers,” he said. “It’s people who claim to believe the science and refuse to use their powers to make an impact.” Action will be taken on the Climate Action Resolution during the April 8 meeting of A.S. University Council.
March 11 - 17, 2020 EDITOR: Kaitlyn Little • news@thedailyaztec.com
News
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University names first Tribal Liaison to enhance American Indian representation, opportunities by Jadyn Brandt SENIOR STAFF WRITER
When Jacob Alvarado Waipuk graduated from San Diego State in 2014, he knew he would go on to make a difference in his community. What he didn’t know was that he would soon become the university’s first ever Tribal Liaison. After graduating from SDSU with a degree in American Indian studies, Alvarado — a member of the Kumeyaay nation — began teaching an American Indian studies course and collaborating with local tribes. Now, he said he hopes to use his new position to continue this work and create more change in the university system. “I want to enhance American Indian educational pathways and opportunities, advance tribal connections and partnerships, increase American Indian representation and recognition and increase recruitment, retention and graduation (of Native students),” he said. Alvarado said he also wants to create a curriculum that educates students, faculty and staff on the history of the Kumeyaay nation and bring experts of Kumeyaay history onto campus. Serving as SDSU’s Tribal Liaison is Alvarado’s way of giving back to his people. “I’ve always been an advocate for my people,” he said. “I grew up with Kumeyaay
Coronavirus:
continued from page 1 come to campus to maintain operations and support the academic enterprise,” the statement said. In just two days, a Change.org petition started by an anonymous student on March 8 received more than 9,000 signatures. The petition urged university officials to have all courses be shifted online, displaying strong student support for the decision to halt inperson learning. SDSU joins more than 20 colleges nationally, including Columbia University, University of Southern California and the University of Washington that have canceled in-person classes in response to the coronavirus, according to NPR. On March 9, University of California San Diego also announced in an email they would be shifting to teaching remotely for their spring quarter using both Zoom and Canvas.
Jacob Alvarado Waipuk was recently named the university’s first ever Tribal Liaison.
Photo courtesy of Scott Hargrove
traditions and culture. It was instilled at a young age to always give back to your people.” The rich history of the Kumeyaay nation is often buried, literally and figuratively, beneath newer establishments such as the university. Alvarado said he hopes to bring more awareness to the hidden history and culture of the Kumeyaay people. “When you lift up all this stuff, there’s villages that were here, the Kumeyaay nation’s stories are here, our way of life is here and the story of our people is here,” he said. “We
need to bring awareness by getting everyone to know who we are as Kumeyaay people, to hear our story and understand where we’re at.” Alvarado said since he has accepted his new position, he now has a place on multiple university government councils including the Inclusion Council, the Equity Council and the Senate Council. Along with universitycentered work, Alvarado said he also works with tribes in the area to build more collaborative relationships. One of the biggest problems Native people
FILTERING EVENTS Explore SDSU, the university’s open house for prospective students and other community members scheduled for March 21, has also been canceled, according to the Explore SDSU web page. The university will continue to evaluate the status of other campus events and large-scale meetings with guidance from the California State University system. Different criteria to make decisions about events. Some of which include the event size, the susceptibility for the audience and availability to offer or host the event using virtual platforms.
programs, according to the email. However, the university does not have the authority to suspend third-party partner programs. Currently, the university has suspended programs in China, South Korea and Italy — all countries with level three advisories from the Center for Disease Control — while SDSU assesses their other programs. Students were directed by the university to return home and self-isolate for 14 days, according to the university’s web page dedicated to COVID-19. To help with the process, the University Senate approved a waiver on March 4 for students who are currently studying abroad or need to in order to graduate.
STUDY ABROAD PROGRAMS The decision to migrate classes to a virtual platform came after a university-wide email sent out March 9 that announced the suspension of all spring and summer study abroad programs. The programs that fall under SDSU faculty-led programs, transborder programs, travel embedded SDSU programs and summer SDSU exchange
STUDENT PRECAUTIONS The school is encouraging community members who are sick to stay home and away from classes or work. The CDC also lists the people at higher risk as older adults and those with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and lung disease. Symptoms for COVID-19 include a fever,
face, according to Alvarado, is a mistrust of institutions like universities. He said because of the history of westernization through boarding schools and destructions of culture, Native people are still working to heal within these institutions. He added that the university’s acknowledgment of the land SDSU resides on as Kumeyaay land, as well as the creation of his position, were huge steps forward in building and healing those relationships with local tribes. Professor of American Indian Studies and Undergraduate Advisor Margaret Field said there was need for a Tribal Liaison because of the work the university and its students do with tribal communities. “We need one because there are various programs that interface with tribal communities on campus,” she said. Associate Professor of American Indian Studies and Department Chair David Kamper said the creation of the Tribal Liaison position was long overdue. “Several universities across the country have had this position for years and in the county of San Diego we are the last major university to do this, which is a little disappointing but we’re rectifying that,” he said. Kamper described the liaison position as a bridge between SDSU and local tribes. He added that Alvarado was perfect for the role because of his deep understanding of the Native community and of SDSU.
cough or shortness of breath, according to the CDC.Those who have also been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 or traveled from an area with a current outbreak could potentially be at risk. If anyone is experiencing these symptoms, it’s advised you reach out to their healthcare provider immediately. The university is also providing screening for students who visit Student Health Services who may be experiencing any of the above symptoms or upper respiratory infections. People have been advised to wash their hands for 20 seconds, avoid touching their face, stay at home when sick, regularly disinfect frequently touched objects and cover their mouth when coughing or sneezing, according to the CDC website. Students can reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services, while faculty and staff can use the Employee Assistance Program. There are currently no cases of COVID-19 within the SDSU community. SDSU will continue to provide daily updates on its efforts regarding coronavirus.
Opinion Be media literate with coronavirus news 4
March 11 - 17, 2020 EDITOR: Catherine Van Weele • opinion@thedailyaztec.com
The Daily Aztec
by Jessica Octavio CONTRIBUTOR
Over the last several weeks, San Diego State has been sending out emails about the coronavirus regarding its effect on study abroad programs and in-class meetings. There is a lot of information going around and it can be overwhelming, but it is important that we are receiving accurate and rational information. When there is a widespread health concern, the role of the media is to raise awareness and provide valuable information to the general public. A quick Google search on coronavirus or a visit to the Twitter news tab shows that web giants are working to make sure people are directly plugged into reputable sources such as the Center for Disease Control and World Health Organization, along with mass media outlets like The New York Times and Washington Post. However, a recent poll by The Daily Aztec showed that SDSU students are more likely to receive news via social media than any other media platform. Although social media
is awesome for giving people a space to voice their concerns, engage in discourse and share memes about coronavirus, it’s a hotbed for misinformation and sensationalism. It’s entirely within our rights as Americans who enjoy free speech to use the internet to say what’s on our minds, to joke around or to try our best to understand a virus that’s affecting thousands across the world. However, in the conversation about coronavirus, it’s important to make a distinction between what ought to be a matter of opinion and what should only be discussed as a matter of fact. Right now, I can go online and blast that this is the end of the world and that everyone should mob to Costco to stock up for doomsday. On the other hand, I can also post that nothing — not even coronavirus — is going to stop me from eating food off the ground within the five-secondrule, and everything will be fine. Although I probably shouldn’t do any of those things, it would ultimately fall upon my followers and friends to understand that my speculations about coronavirus
don’t mean a whole lot. Even if I posted about the virus for a laugh, some likes or an ounce of attention, I’d have to reflect if the trade-off for those things are worth contributing baseless views to a vast online audience. I don’t think there is a consensus among the general
experts, including news sources and even our faculty here on campus. This is the time to check our media literacy and critically evaluate the sources we get news from, especially when it comes to topics that may be unfamiliar to us. This includes
“I think it’s valuable to hear perspectives from mulitple sources and health experts, including news sources and even our faculty here on campus.” public or experts on how exactly this disease will play out in the next several months, and it’s impossible to try to predict the future. Understanding other epidemics throughout history, such as SARS in 2003 and the Spanish Flu of 1918, is helpful for predicting how diseases can spread. Although, this can also invite people to make hasty comparisons between COVID-19 and other events in the past. That’s why I think it’s valuable to hear the perspectives of multiple sources and health
public health and viral disease risk management. The present-day reality of the impact of coronavirus is indisputable, and it must be acknowledged. The rules for disease prevention remain the same: wash your hands with soap and water, use alcoholbased hand sanitizer when soap and water isn’t available and avoid touching your face – especially the nose, eyes and mouth.
On March 3, the people of California and 15 other jurisdictions casted their votes for the nominee of the Democratic party who will ultimately go on to face President Trump. After the Super Tuesday results were made public, the race quickly narrowed down to just two candidates with any chance of victory: Sen. Bernie Sanders and former Vice President Joe Biden. It is important for the Democratic Party to elect a moderate if they want to be
on all forms of media in the Super Tuesday states, from AM radio to Youtube. Many accused him of trying to buy the election, which is largely true, considering he spent an unprecedented sum of more than $500 million in just the Super Tuesday states. But he struggled to get 15% in most states and only succeeded in winning the tiny territory of American Samoa. Just one day after this disappointing showing, he dropped out and endorsed Biden as well. Bernie Sanders has managed to consolidate support from the progressive and socialist
“Biden instead courted a more diverse base of support. He has the largest support among black voters, old voters and conservative-to-moderate-leaning Democrats.” successful in the presidential election. Mayor Pete Butigeig and Sen. Amy Klobuchar had a strong showing in early states due to having large, wellfunded campaign presences. Their goal was to perform well enough to gain traction nationally, but that effort was largely unsuccessful. They both eventually ended up dropping out and both endorsing Biden. The billionaire New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg, in contrast, went for a very different strategy. He skipped the early, competitive states entirely and focused on spending hundreds of millions in advertisements
wings of the Democratic party base, edging out Sen. Elizabeth Warren who competed with him for that voting demographic. He also has universal name recognition, giving him – from a statistical perspective – the highest floor of support, meaning that he has the largest fan base and highest percentage of the population who are solidly in his camp. This dominance with a select voting demographic carried him to victory so far in New Hampshire, Nevada, California, Utah, Colorado and Vermont. He will most likely gain most of the support that would have otherwise gone to Warren in the upcoming state primaries.
However, he lacks support from moderates in his own party which shows poorly on general election prospects, and has a particular weakness with suburban voters. In the majority of polls he is defeated by President Trump, and is ultimately the less electable choice. Biden instead courted a more diverse base of support. He has the largest support among black voters, old voters and conservative- to moderateleaning Democrats. Much of his appeal is based on his tenureship as President Barack Obama’s second in command. Among such voters, Obama has a virtually mythical status, and his trust for Biden makes voters who value stability comfortable with him. His coalition of support allows him to currently be in first place in total votes received and standing in polls. He was able to win Texas, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Alabama, both Carolinas, Virginia, Massachusetts, Minnesota and Maine. He ultimately is the most electable candidate of the two, matching up well in polls against the president’s formidable incumbency and large base. The battle between Biden and Sanders for the hearts and minds of the American people will be an intense and heated one. Its significance cannot be understated. On one side, Biden represents the Obama legacy and what it traditionally means to be a Democrat. He has stated many times that Americans do not want a revolution and he will instead improve the existing system. He, for example, has
MANAGING EDITOR Dana Tsuri-Etzioni NEWS EDITOR Kaitlyn Little ASST. NEWS EDITOR Michael Cline OPINION EDITOR Catherine Van Weele MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Alejandra Luna ASST. MUNDO AZTECA EDITOR Diane Lopez ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR Ceighlee Fennel SPORTS EDITOR Aaron Tolentino ASST. SPORTS EDITOR Kyle Betz ENGAGEMENT EDITOR Roxana Becerril PHOTO EDITOR Alexa Oslowski MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Amal Younis ASST. MULTIMEDIA EDITOR Jack Molmud GRAPHIC DESIGNER Emily Burgess
Jessica Octavio is a sophomore studying microbiology.
A moderate candidate is the Democratic Party’s best bet by Miles Streicek STAFF WRITER
EDITOR IN CHIEF Bella Ross
advocated for the expansion of Obamacare without eliminating private insurance. On the other hand, Sanders represents a growing movement within the left wing of the country that wants serious fundamental changes to the system the country operates under. It’s common knowledge that he self-identifies as Democratic Socialist and his policies, more so now than in 2016, match that identity. He advocates Medicare, like Joe Biden, but he wants to kick millions of people off of their private or union healthcare against their will, arguing that it will be cheaper under a universal medicare plan. He also advocates for plans that change core aspects of the way the country is run, including the Green New Deal, universal kindergarten and child care, a massive increase in public housing and a universal jobs program. All of these propositions would likely end up being multi-trillion dollar pursuits. The rest of the states left in the Democratic primary are going to decide between the two, and the impact of either of their administrations could not be more significant, yet highly contrasting. The choice is between the established Democratic Party, the DNC and their many donors represented by Biden versus the passionate supporters of socialism, increased government intervention and increased taxation are represented by Sanders. The stakes could not be higher. Miles Streicek is a junior studying finance.
STAFF WRITERS Ryan Hardison Breven Honda Luis Lopez Catlan Nguyen Juniper Perkins Miles Streicek Charlie Vargas SENIOR STAFF WRITERS Jadyn Brandt CONTRIBUTORS Roxanna Boren Jessica Octavio ________________________________
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Bryan Diamond ________________________________
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.
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March 11 -17, 2020 EDITOR: Alejandra Luna • mundo azteca@thedailyaztec.com
Mundo Azteca
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El uso de vasos reutilizables en SDSU
Foto por Alejandra Luna
Los estudiantes prefieren utilizar vasos que no dañen al medio ambiente.
por Juliana ESCRITORA
Rintoul
La comunidad estudiantil de la Universidad Estatal de San Diego (SDSU) está haciendo un gran trabajo utilizando botellas de agua reutilizables. De acuerdo con el sitio web de Earth Day, el mundo utiliza 500 mil millones de vasos de plástico cada año, por lo que se usan alrededor de 16 mil millones de vasos desechables y la mayoría no se puede reciclar. Miles de vasos desechables están invadiendo océanos, lagos, ríos y tierras. Según Danielle Nessman, una cajera de Starbucks, solo en SDSU cada barista de la empresa hace un promedio de una bebida por minuto, y en cada tienda hay dos o tres baristas trabajando sin parar.
Esto significa que Starbucks hace de dos a tres bebidas por minuto en una mañana escolar, un estimado de 150 vasos desechables por hora. Sin tomar en cuenta otras cafeterías locales como BCB y otras cafeterías. Debido a que la mayoría de las vasos para café están hechos de papel, las personas tienden a pensar que las tazas de café desechables son inofensivas para el medio ambiente y que son fáciles de reciclar. Según un artículo publicado por CNN, Olvídate de los popotes de plástico. Starbucks tiene un problema con los vasos desechables, Danielle WienerBronner explica que las tazas desechables para poder contener el líquido, están hechas con un plástico forrado llamado polietileno. El polietileno es un tipo de plástico que
está firmemente adherido al papel, lo que dificulta su reciclaje. "La mayoría de las instalaciones no reciclan vasos de papel porque para hacerlo, tendrían que separar el revestimiento de plástico de los vasos del papel”, mencionó Winner-Bronner. “Muchos recicladores consideran que ese proceso es más problemático de lo que es. Si las instalaciones de reciclaje intentan reciclar vasos de papel sin separar primero los materiales, es probable que el revestimiento de plástico atasque sus máquinas”. No es sorpresa que los estudiantes de SDSU a menudo no sean conscientes de esta situación. La estudiante de contabilidad, Samantha Nelson, compra té o café dos veces al día. Nelson dice que ignoraba por completo que el porcentaje de reciclaje era demasiado bajo. "Pensé que el mínimo era de 45%", dijo Nelson. La estudiante de marketing, Ximena Gil, ha estado usando su taza de café reutilizable durante más de un año, cree que los mayores desafíos para traer su propia taza a la escuela son el olvido y la falta de incentivos. “Lo que me ayudaría a usar mi taza reutilizable con más frecuencia [especialmente en las cafeterías] es que haya un incentivo en los cafés como un descuento o una bebida gratis al final”, señaló Gil. “Deben ofrecer una tarjeta que pueda ser sellada para mantener registros. Ciertamente me ayudaría a recordar”. Desafortunadamente, cuando se trata de recompensas, Starbucks solo descuenta 10 centavos por bebida para aquellos que intentan ser más amigables con el medio ambiente. Mía Peller, empleada de BCB en el campus, cree que la mayoría de los estudiantes que traen su propia taza lo hacen porque BCB café ofrece un descuento de 75 centavos por bebida.
Según Peller, solo usan un promedio de 100 tazas cada día de la mañana. La recepcionista Tory Meyers, que actualmente trabaja en Finest City Paper, una compañía que por 35 años ha vendido envases de papel, plástico, espuma y aluminio a las tiendas locales, explicó que los artículos más vendidos en la compañía son vasos desechables hechos de almidón de papa y vasos de plástico hechos de plantas. Meyers asegura que hay leyes que intentan regular la gran demanda de vasos desechables. “Vendemos muchos vasos desechables”, comentó Meyers. “No podría darle la cantidad de tazas que vendemos en un año, ni siquiera en un día. Todo lo que sé es que cada caja de tazas que vendemos viene con 1000 tazas, y vendemos bastantes de ellas al día”. Si bien, las tazas compostables pueden parecerse a la luz en el túnel, hay algunas cosas a considerar cuando se trata de productos biodegradables. Jeremy Kranowitz, autor de “El enigma de los vamos compostable”, explica que si se envían a una instalación de compostaje a escala industrial con pilas de composta gestionadas activamente en condiciones controladas, y se alimentan con una dieta de microbios digestivos, los vasos de PLA se descompondrá en menos de dos meses, pero si estos son tirados en el patio trasero de alguien, podría llevar más de un año, y si se envían accidentalmente a un vertedero y se entierran, podría tomar más de un siglo. Una vez más, la responsabilidad recae en nosotros mismos como estudiantes del campus. Podemos ignorar el problema o podemos comenzar a hacer cambios poco a poco. La próxima vez que estés listo para tomar tu bebida, recuerda que puedes ser parte del cambio, usando tu taza reutilizable con más frecuencia.
Las raíces dominicanas que no se pueden arrancar por Lucelis ESCRITORA
Martíinez
La Independencia de la República Dominicana se celebra fuertemente entre la comunidad. El 27 de febrero es el día oficial de la independencia, sin embargo, estos meses marcan un cambio en el aire por las protestas y violencia fastidiando al país, y por ende los estudiantes dominicanos que asisten a la Universidad Estatal de San Diego (SDSU) es un día muy importante. La república peleó por su independencia de su vecino en Haití en el año 1844. Muchas personas no saben los cercanos que son Haití y el país dominicano, el cual comparten la misma isla, antes conocía como La Hispaniola, nombre dado por Cristóbal Colón. Los dominicanos salen este día a festejar con sus seres queridos para no olvidar sus raíces. En los barrios y ciudades del país, la música no se apaga durante esta fecha. Todos celebran sus tradiciones y las modernizaciones. Una de las cosas negativas, es la manera del proceso para votar, ya que ha sido una obstrucción debilita por la corrupción que tiene el gobierno. La comunidad dominicana siempre ayuda en todo momento. No es raro escuchar a caribeños que se refieren entre sí como hermano. Sin embargo, ahora mismo el país está dividido por una política polémica. La comunidad dominicana continúa involucrándose aún estando lejos de su tierra natal.
Foto por Lucelis Martínez
Una de las calles de la Républica Dominicana.
La Junta Central Electoral ha tenido que enfrentarse a muchos de los sentimientos negativos sobre la elección. Han dicho que unos errores en el nuevo sistema de voto electrónico había causado una suspensión de votos de 7.4 millones de personas, quienes estaban votando por posiciones municipales del país. Uno de los más grandes problemas con esta situación es que también se prohibió la participación de muchos votantes que viven fuera del país, la mayoría residentes de EE.UU. Estas personas son importantes porque son quienes impactan mayormente a la
economía dominicana. Primero, el dólar vale un poco más de 53 pesos en la República Dominicana y segundo, quienes controlan mucho la economía del país son extranjeros. Entonces este error por parte del sistema de votación dominicano trajo conversaciones sobre la corrupción que ahora se ha convertido en protestas aquí y allá. Al celebrar el día de la independencia, este problema se ha convertido en una ironía para el pueblo. Muchos artistas se han unido a la causa, desde Juan Luis Guerra, quien es un icono
en la música y Romeo santos, quien es conocido mundialmente. Rita Indiana quien ha profundizado con su música merengue también se ha unido a la causa como modo de protesta en contra de la corrupción. En su canción, El castigador, usa sonidos como tambores africanos, piano y letras metafóricas para expresarse directamente al gobierno, y como el pueblo está cansado de la corrupción que los hunde. Aunque sigamos lejos de nuestra tierra, los jóvenes dominicanos no olvidamos nuestras raíces y la lucha para mejorar el nivel de vida de nuestras familias que no están con nosotros. Muchos estudiantes dominicanos aquí en SDSU pueden sentirse identificados con este movimiento de independencia. En nuestras clases de ciencia política o gobierno, estudiamos sobre el impacto de corrupción en elecciones y como esto trae consecuencias negativas a la comunidad. Por eso es importante hablar sobre estos temas para que el país pueda progresar. Además, para tener una democracia que funciona se necesita transparencia y honestidad de los funcionarios. Sin estos dos valores, la voz del pueblo es disminuida e ignorada. Estas protestas siguen fuertes en EE.UU. y aunque la comunidad dominicana en California es más pequeña que en otros lugares, todavía es importante. El celebrar la independencia de cada país, especialmente cuando es acusado de corrupción, es muy difícil para los ciudadanos volver a confiar en las palabras del gobierno y salir a festajar la “libertad” que tiene el país.
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Arts & Culture
The Daily Aztec
March 11 - 17, 2020 EDITOR: Ceighlee Fennel • arts@thedailyaztec.com
Student wins pageant crown, prize money
Photo Courtesy of Christi Ransom
SDSU student wins $500 in the Miss San Diego 2020 Scholarship Competition, complete with roses and crown.
by Catlan Nguyen STAFF WRITER
There’s much more to pageants than the elaborate dresses and crowns. The Miss San Diego 2020 Scholarship Competition was held on Feb. 22 at the Young Actors Theatre to help women build their public speaking skills and confidence, make new friends and win scholarship money. Two San Diego State students took home top prizes at the competition. Marketing and business freshman Mary Kohaut won Miss San Diego and public health senior Melissa Cook won runner-up. “It overall is just a big way to boost
one’s confidence and learn about how to be comfortable in your own skin,” Cook said. “It’s a lot of pressure to walk up in front of people and be judged about your appearance or how you speak.” The first place winner won $500 in scholarship money and the second place winner took home $250. Each contestant could choose a movement or platform to promote during the competition or create one of their own. The red carpet outfit competition also included a 15-second elevator pitch about each contestant’s social impact initiative. Cook said she chose the campaign Stop Vaping, Start Living because she was alarmed at the high rates of vaping among
high schoolers and young teens. Kohaut said she chose Operation Gratitude and the Military Spouse Association because of her brother who’s in the army. Kohaut said once you win a title, the events and volunteer work can become time consuming. She put in about 24 to 30 hours a month for her previous title. Cook said what inspired her to join Miss San Diego was her sister. Her sister had competed when she was in college in the Miss America Organization, and she made it very far, winning more than $40,000. Her favorite part of being a part of Miss San Diego was the support she got from her family and friends. Many made signs and paid $25 to see her in the pageant. “Prior to the competition, I listened to Mel talk about it – all the training and preparation she was doing for it and I felt like it was this secret life she was living because I couldn’t imagine it,” Cook’s friend, Brianna Ruloma said. “Then to see her on stage, so confident and radiant, I was just in complete awe. I felt empowered by her presence and I just can’t wait to see all she does in her bright future.” Cook said the Miss San Diego Scholarship Organization is the largest provider for scholarships for women in the nation. Miss California pageants have undergone a lot of rule changes such as eliminating the swimsuit category and renaming the evening wear section to the red carpet section to encourage alternative outfits options such as pantsuits. Kohaut has competed in the Miss California and Miss Canyon Hills pageants before and this is her
second local title win. “I’ve seen girls go in who started out so shy and by the end of it they loved it,” Kohaut said. “The environment and community – it’s not like ‘Toddlers and Tiaras.’ The stereotype that it’s a pageant and you have to be beautiful and you have to be confident. It’s like the complete opposite of that. It’s a scholarship organization.” In the past year Kohaut has competed, she’s won $2,600 in scholarship money. Miss San Diego had practices every week for roughly two months before the competition. They practiced public speaking and walking while bonding with the other contestants. There were six judges and they judged each woman based 50% on talent, 30% on an interview and 20% was based determined by on-stage questions. “The majority of the points are given for the interview process which is very intense,” Kohaut’s mother, Maureen Kohaut, said. “These girls need to know everything going on in politics, express their knowledge and opinion without offending anyone.” Cook is a contemporary pianist and she played “Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey for her talent portion. Kohaut sang “Feeling Good” by Michael Bublé. Each woman only had 90 seconds to perform their talent. Miss San Diego 2020 and the way the pageant world is evolving gives women opportunities to connect with causes that matter to them and further their education. Both Cook and Kohaut look forward to entering future pageants and creating a better community through the connections they’ve created.
Latino community conference leaves a big impact on campus by Roxanna CONTRIBUTOR
Boren
Activists for the Latinx community speak about struggle and advocate for equality, inspiring students to push for change. The Latino Student Social Work Association held a Multi-Disciplinary and Cultural Conference at San Diego State on March 5. Guest speakers included Dulce Garcia from Border Angels, Dr. Shirley Weber from the California State Assembly, the Voices of Our City Choir, Sahra Abdi from the United Woman of East Africa support team and Dolores Huerta an American labor leader and civil rights activist.The President of LSSWA and social work junior Melanie Ramirez said, “It is important that we as a community hear different perspectives on social problems so that we can understand and help other vulnerable communities. Our conference will give attendees an alternate perspective on current issues.” Border Angels focuses on migrant rights and immigration reform while advocating for equality. Dulce Garcia, a member, spoke about the Water Drop Program which encourages volunteers to make the treacherous hike migrants take when attempting to cross the desert to reach the U.S. from Mexico. Volunteers drop off water and clothing to assist migrants in their journey. Garcia spoke to the
Graphic by Emily Burgess
tribulations she’s experienced throughout the years while seeing human beings, including her own brother, with no criminal records stripped of their humanity in detention centers due to their lack of papers. She left the audience saying, “hateful language leads to hateful acts, let’s change the narrative.” Dr. Shirley Weber, spoke of her own story coming from a family of sharecroppers and going on to earn her degree from UCLA. She established the Department of Africana Studies at SDSU where she taught for 40 years. Weber spoke about the importance of having self-identity and not being generalized as a minority group, but to embrace and prosper in your culture’s individual community and independence. “People always tell me that I am courageous, but that is not true,” Weber said. “I am the beneficiary of courage. Regardless, it is important to have courage in your conviction.” The keynote speaker of the night, Dolores Huerta, closed out the conference. She is a civil rights activist who worked with Cesar Chavez to co-found the National Farmworkers Association. She spoke about the vital importance of voting and how a democracy is only effective if we are civically engaged. Today, at nearly 90 years old, Huerta is still going doorto-door encouraging people to vote and to make their voices heard. The speaker’s impact resonated with many individuals in attendance. Psychology freshman Citlaly Ramirez, a member of LSSWA, said the personal anecdotes shared at the event suck with her most. “I found it specifically moving when Dulce Garcia was telling real stories about people suffering over the way our country treats refugees,” Ramirez said. “I think it was a really emotional moment knowing both kids and adults risk their lives for a better future.”
CANDIDATE DEBATES NEXT WEEK March 16-18, Noon Aztec Student Union Courtyard
as.sdsu.edu/elections
March 11 - 17, 2020 EDITOR: Ceighlee Fennel • arts@thedailyaztec.com
Arts & Culture
The Daily Aztec
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Campus a cappella team wins big at regional competition by Ryan Hardison STAFF WRITER
Following an impressive victory at the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella Southwest Quarterfinals, San Diego State’s a cappella group Soundwave is hoping to continue its successful season. In addition to getting first place at the quarterfinals, Soundwave received three individual awards for their performance, winning Best Vocal Percussion, Outstanding Choreography and Outstanding Soloist. This is Soundwave’s first time competing in the ICCA in the eight years they have been a group, proving they have made fast progress since their inaugural year in 2012. Electrical engineering sixth-year David Rakieten is the team’s beatboxer and the longest lasting member. Throughout his six years as the team’s “drumkit,” he’s seen a lot of changes in the group and is happy that the team has gotten closer. “This year specifically what stood out to me was the insane commitment and low level of drama between each of the members,” Rakieten said. At the quarterfinals, Rakieten won the award for Best Vocal Percussion for his role during Soundwave’s performance of “All For Us.” Rakieten sees this award as a testament to his growth as a beatboxer. “It really made me happy because I’ve been at it for so long and it felt like I finally got some cool recognition,” Rakieten said. Industrial organizational psychology graduate student Thaddeus Demeke is the team’s composer. Despite it only being his first year on the team, Demeke is the heart of each performance and is responsible for arranging the songs used in performances and assigning everyone’s
Photo Courtesy of Andrew Eugenio
Soundwave, an a cappella group from San Diego State advance from the quarterfinals to compete in the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella Semifinals.
parts. This responsibility includes deciding how many solos and songs to fit in the 12-minute competition setlists for the team’s 17 performers. As a newer a cappella performer, one thing Demeke loves about a capella is the effect their performances and his musical arrangements have on the audience. “People can come together and create a nice, cohesive, really moving experience and connect with the audience emotionally,” Demeke said. The team’s president, communications junior Ally Cease, had no prior a capella experience before auditioning for the group, though she performed in choir
and musical theater in high school. One factor that influenced her decision to join was the fun depiction of a capella in the popular “Pitch Perfect” movies, which helped give collegiate a cappella mainstream attention. “I appreciate that it made a capella a much more household name, and showed that it’s a big thing at a lot of universities,” Cease said. Cease said the group has made lots of progress this year and she is eager to see the team bond at the ICCA Semifinals. “I’m excited to continue growing as a group, we’ve already come a long way, see what we’ve got becoming closer with
everyone,” Cease said. Despite the new heights the team has already reached, Rakieten believes the team hasn’t reached its ceiling yet, and the ICCA Semifinals will be their chance to get even better. “These guys are so committed to what they do and so passionate so I can’t wait to see their growth,” Rakieten said. Soundwave will be competing in the ICCA Semifinals in Phoenix, Arizona on March 28. If you are interested in joining Soundwave, they hold annual auditions for new members in the fall, usually in September.
Greenfest springs up with a week full of sustainable activities by Juniper Perkins STAFF WRITER
Greenfest is finally here with a week filled to the brim with exciting events. This year’s theme: reach with your roots. “We’ve been planning this week for months now,” Greenfest Chair and marketing senior Nickolas Wohlman said. “It’s an awesome celebration of all the work we’ve put into it. There’s no one specific event. I’m just so excited to be in all of them.” Rain may impact events, but stay updated by following Greenfest on Instagram at @greenfestsdsu. Here’s a look at the long-awaited festival. DAY ONE Greenfest commenced with Viva la Tierra on Monday, March 9. This new event focuses on creative ways to recycle with art. Students used recycled bike parts to create their own jewelry while watching artists express their love for the earth. “I know it’s midterms and everyone’s taking tests,” Wohlman said. “If we can take them away from all that stress … to inspire one person, that would be a success to me.” Later that day, Montezuma Hall was transformed into a candlelit oasis. Doctor of Physical Therapy and registered yoga teacher Jen Shaw led a restorative yoga flow for students and faculty. DAY TWO The second day, Tuesday, March 10, was marked by activism and learning. Another new program, the Envirojustice Fair, filled the Aztec Student Union with community
activists and local organizations to talk about environmental justice. Due to the rain, the groups took shelter by Oggi’s. “I came into SDSU knowing nothing about sustainability or the environment,” Student Team Competitions Chair and ISCOR junior Ubaldo Martinez said. “I made a friend who was the chair of Greenfest at the time and I fell in love with it … it even urged me to change my major to ISCOR because now I’m able to specialize in the environment.” That evening, Green Game Night took the Union by storm. Students were encouraged to disconnect from social media and connect with people in person. Several environmental-themed games tested students’ knowledge of sustainability, environmental justice and more. DAY THREE On Wednesday, March 11, Green Love and the Native American Student Alliance collaborated to put on the Green Lunch Bag Series. From noon to 2 p.m., the Union Theatre will host local indigenous scholars for a panel discussing sovereignty, sustainability and environmental justice. There will be free Oggi’s and beverages. “Sustainability to me is being more conscious of your environment,” Wohlman said. “Not even just the physical environment but your social environment too because there’s a lot of cultural issues when it comes to socio-economic justice. It boils down to being more conscious of the people around you, saving the earth for generations to come.” Then for the second event, people with a passion for fashion won’t want to miss out. “It’s always my favorite part,” Martinez said. “This year I’m hosting it too so it makes
it that much better.” The Greenfest Fashion Show will be in the Montezuma lounge from 6 to 8 p.m. Students decked out in recycled, upcycled and generally sustainable creations will stomp and strut their ways down the runway in three categories: anything But, thrifting and ECOuture. Local thrift stores will also be in attendance to promote their stores. “We have the Anything But category where contestants are basically modeling attire that is made of anything but clothing,” Martinez said. “In the past they’ve done Trader Joe’s bags, plastic bags, you name it.” DAY FOUR On Thursday, March 12, Greenfest will table at the weekly farmers’ market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A couple of hours later, The Rooted open mic night is planned to take place in the Union Courtyard from 4 to 6 p.m. In collaboration with Xpress!, Greenfest hopes to highlight diversity and pride in allowing students to share their own way of personal expression. Students will have the opportunity to check out local vendors, live painting and more. Greenfest wants everyone to “celebrate our differences through all platforms of art and support our local community,” according to their website. Greenfest will also host two major giveaways that night. DAY FIVE Friday, March 13, is the day of the highly anticipated Greenfest Concert, headlined by the alternative rock group Young the Giant. Events begin at 4 p.m. in the Union Courtyard with the concert kick off. Get hyped for the concert while watching
student performers and eating free food. Rain or shine, doors for the concert open at 7 p.m. at the Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre. Student tickets are $15 and guest tickets are $25. A valid Red ID is required for each ticket purchased. If you haven’t gotten yours yet, your last chance is 4:30 p.m. at the Viejas Arena Ticket Office on the day of the concert. Battle of the Bands winner Ariel Imani will open with some of her new music.
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MWC tournament: continued from page 1 “It was just a matter of me putting two halves together,” Wetzell said. “I think I performed better in the first half, and that’s something I’m going to take and try and improve on, and promise you I’m going to put two halves together once that (NCAA) tournament comes.” The Aztecs’ backcourt also had a tough time shooting from the field. Flynn scored a team-high 16 points but shot 30% from the field, and Feagin shot 27.2% (11 points). Basketball is a game of runs, and that showed in the second half for the Aggies. Utah State opened up the second half with a 5-0 run to bring its deficit to only one point, following that up with a 6-0 run. In the first 10 minutes, the Aggies shot
Sports 60% from the field, including 75% from deep. A huge difference from the first half, when last year’s tournament champions shot 30% and 21% from range. The difference maker? Last year’s conference Player of the Year. Merrill was held to 10 points in the first 20 minutes but ended up with 17 secondhalf points to give Utah State the win. The Aggies ended the second half making 56% of their shots. 2. MITCHELL, SCHAKEL QUIET ON OFFENSE Entering the confrence championship, Mitchell and junior guard Jordan Schakell scored 12.5 and 10.3 points per game, respectively. But the junior duo was contained by the Aggies’ defensive who held SDSU to 34% shooting. Mitchell tallied four rebounds and four assists but had little success scoring by shooting 1-for-7 from the field with just four points. Mitchell’s first basket came just over five
Photo by Kareem Jones
Junior guard Jordan Schakel attempts a layup during the Aztecs’ 59-56 loss to Utah State at Thomas and Mack Center on March 7.
minutes after tip-off but was held scoreless for the next 29:59. It wasn’t until 4:38 left in the game when Mitchell scored his first points of the second half. They were two free throws. “Matt didn’t have a great game today. Obviously, I think he’d be the first to say that,” SDSU head coach Brian Dutcher said. “He had an off game today, but I don’t doubt when we play our first-round opponent in the NCAA tournament, he will be ready to go.” Schakel was shut down offensively (0 points), shooting 0-for-3 and collecting three fouls in 29 minutes played. Dutcher said the Aggies were able to play contain Schakel by solid perimeter defense off the dribble. “They stayed out on Jordan. He couldn’t find any opportunities,” Dutcher said. “He spaced the floor, we tried to go to him at times, but he couldn’t find any open looks.”
Photo by Kareem Jones
Head coach Brian Dutcher looks down in disappointment during the Aztecs’ 59-56 loss against Utah State at Thomas and Mack Center on March 7.
NCAA Tournament: continued from page 1 “If we get an east coast seed I don’t think they should allow any fans in the building,” Dutcher said, “but if we stay west, I hope they let everyone in.” He is referring to the Aztec fans’ ability to travel to wherever they will be playing in the tournament. Regardless of the location, coronavirus could have a huge effect on what the sports environment will look like for the time being. 2. GETTING OVER A MOUNTAIN WEST CHAMPIONSHIP LOSS The Aztecs didn’t just lose the Mountain West championship game. They lost it in heartbreaking fashion, with Utah State senior guard Sam Merrill hitting a last second 3 with SDSU senior guard K.J Feagin right in his face. Those losses aren’t always easy to move on from, but time heals all wounds. In SDSU’s case, they’ll have plenty of time because of a conference tournament that occurred a week earlier than it did in years past. “Man, it’s a new week, new day,” Mitchell said a couple days after losing to the Aggies. “You just got to look past (the loss). You got to move on.” Unlike when SDSU lost to Utah State in the title game last year, last Saturday did not mark the end of the Aztecs’ season as they will be an at-large selection for the NCAA Tournament.
March 11 - 17, 2020 EDITOR: Aaron Tolentino • sports@thedailyaztec.com
3. AZTECS SNAP OUT OF FIRST HALF STRUGGLES The streak is finally over. The Aztecs had a 29-21 halftime lead and led as much as 16. SDSU has not had a halftime lead in
the last five games until Saturday – also marking the first time the team did not allow its opponent to shoot over 50% in four games. The last time it had a lead heading into the locker room was on Feb. 16 in Boise, Idaho. Though SDSU only shot 33%, it was the defense that helped contribute to the first halftime lead in 20 days. The Aggies shot 7-of-23 (30%) from the field, but SDSU had 13 more attempts (12of-36). Merrill was the only Aggie to score double-digits with 10 first half points on 4-of-10 shooting. The rest of Merrill’s teammates combined to go 3-of-13 (23%). UP NEXT The Aztecs now wait until March 15 for Selection Sunday for their seed in the 2020 NCAA tournament. At 30-2, SDSU will likely remain as the team with the fewest losses in the country. “I want to be a 1 seed,” Dutcher said. “I want to be a 1 seed in the West, so we’ll see what happens. I mean I think we’re good enough.” Aaron is a senior. Follow him on Twitter @atolent2. Kyle is a junior. Follow him on Twitter @KyleBBetz. Both are studying journalism.
The Aztecs will take this week to evaluate themselves. “The first couple days will be selfstudy, try to get the Aztecs better over the next two or three days, and then come Sunday, we’ll learn who our opponent is,” Dutcher said. Junior guard Malachi Flynn said he’ll use the time to let his body recover, especially after playing three games in three days. “It’s nice to get a little rest,” Flynn said. ‘’I think we’re all just beat up from the three games, whether it’s little sprains or just little things here and there, but it’ll be nice to have that week and a half off before we’ve got to hit the road again.’’ 3. WILL NATHAN MENSAH BE READY FOR THE TOURNAMENT? Since his departure from the starting lineup due to respiratory issues, the Aztecs have had to play without sophomore Nathan Mensah who hasn’t played since Dec. 28 Even though SDSU has managed to win without him, there are moments where it becomes apparent they need size on the floor. Getting Mensah back for the tournament would be a huge boost to an Aztec team that ranked seventh in the Mountain West in offensive rebounds. Dutcher is still hoping Mensah will be ready to go come tourney time. “I’m holding out hope he can,” Dutcher said. “He’s in the medical protocol to check all the things and make sure that he gets cleared, so whether that happens
Photo by Kareem Jones
Junior forward Matt Mitchell (left), junior guard Trey Pulliam (middle) and senior guard KJ Feagin (right) huddle up before tipoff against Utah State at Thomas and Mack Center on March 7.
or not, I’m not sure, I don’t have control over that.” Mensah has been limited to noncontact workouts at practice, but he likes what he’s seen. “He’s going a hundred miles an hour doing individual workouts,” Dutcher said. “He’s lifting weights, so when you watch him workout, you say, ‘Wow, he
looks fantastic.’” The Aztecs’ first opponent and game location for the tournament will be determined on Selection Sunday, March 15, where they will host a public event for fans at Viejas Arena at 3 p.m. Luis is a junior studying journalism. Follow him on Twitter @Lopez509Luis.
Sports
March 11 - 17, 2020 EDITOR: Aaron Tolentino • sports@thedailyaztec.com
The Daily Aztec
9
Column: Can Aztecs lock up a 1 seed in the tournament?
Photo by Kareem Jones
Senior forward Nolan Narain raises his arms in shock during the Aztecs’ 59-56 loss to Utah State at Thomas and Mack Center on March 7.
by Michael Cline ASST. NEWS EDITOR
Fans were still exiting the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas after Saturday’s Mountain West Conference men’s basketball tournament final when bracketologists began to calculate the implications of San Diego State’s defeat to Utah State. A consensus among experts quickly developed. Dayton, for the time being, would unseat SDSU (30-2, 17-1 MWC) as the final 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament, moving the Aztecs from the top of the East Region to the second seed in the West. And although SDSU no longer controls its own destiny ahead of Selection Sunday, the loss in the tournament final still has the team in position to match its best seeding in
program history. Others argue the Aztecs have the résumé to be a top seed. “I want to be a 1 seed in the west, so we’ll see what happens,” Aztecs head coach Brian Dutcher said Saturday after the loss. “I think we’re good enough.” But can the Aztecs convince the committee they deserve a top seed over programs like Gonzaga and Dayton? SDSU boasts a strong résumé, with wins away from Viejas Arena against four tournament teams: BYU, Creighton, Iowa and Utah State. Aside from losses by a combined six points to UNLV and Utah State, the Aztecs would have a perfect record through 32 games. The Aztecs now find themselves fourth in the NCAA’s NET rankings — a key factor in
how tournament teams are seeded. But SDSU has company in the West Region. Gonzaga (31-2, 15-1 West Coast Conference), a powerhouse in the WCC, is ranked third in the NET. The Bulldogs were so dominant against conference opponents that they had a bye heading into the semifinals of the WCC tournament, where they narrowly defeated San Francisco by an 81-77 margin. Gonzaga is led by WCC Player of the Year and Wooden Award finalist Filip Petrusev, a 6-foot-11 forward who averages 17.5 points per game and 7.9 rebounds per game. Due to his efficiency on the floor, Petrusev is a finalist for three other national awards. And in addition to Petrusev, Gonzaga has two 3-ball threats in forwards Killian Tillie and Corey Kispert, with another in guard Ryan Woolridge. The trio has the capacity to dramatically change any game with one shot. In part due to its dynamic offense, Gonzaga has, once again, made a strong case for a top seed in the tournament, and the team presents as the largest hurdle in SDSU’s bid for a 1 seed in the West Region. Gonzaga lost just two games this season — once on a neutral floor in the Bahamas against Michigan and the other on the road against BYU. But with their win against Saint Mary’s in the WCC tournament final, Gonzaga is assured a 1 seed in the West Region. So if the Aztecs want a top seed, they’ll need to shift their focus to the East Region. Dayton (29-2, 18-0 Atlantic 10) has been perfect in conference play. An undefeated record against A10 competition has launched the Flyers into the national conversation by being ranked second in the NET, two spots ahead of the Aztecs.
Dayton still has three games left to survive against A10 competition in the conference tournament to lock down the top seed in the East. Perhaps the only big man that can match Gonzaga’s Petrusev is Dayton’s Obi Toppin, a 6-foot-9 sophomore forward who averages 20 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. His electric dunks and shot-blocking have earned him SportsCenter Top 10 honors and national acclaim. Toppin could use a deep run in the tournament to showcase his talents and make a case for numerous national individual honors. But unlike the Aztecs, the Flyers have just one standout, signature victory: a 10-point win against Saint Mary’s on a neutral court. Dayton does have wins against conference rivals Richmond, Rhode Island and Saint Louis. But unless a team other than the Flyers wins the conference tournament, Dayton appears to be the only A10 program that will play in the NCAA Tournament. And if the Flyers do lose in the A10 tournament, the case for Dayton over SDSU as the final 1 seed will evaporate. As for the Aztecs, Dutcher isn’t worried about the résumés of any other program. “I think at the end of the year, we’ll have the best record in the country,” Dutcher said. “I don’t think anyone can pass it. No one is going to have fewer than two losses.” For now, the Aztecs appear destined to be the second highest ranked team in the West, meaning the team will play opening round games in Sacramento. If the Aztecs win there, they’ll punch their ticket to the Sweet Sixteen. The venue? Staples Center in Los Angeles.
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Sports
The Daily Aztec
March 11 - 17, 2020 EDITOR: Aaron Tolentino • sports@thedailyaztec.com
Aztecs beat George Mason, goalie sets record by Breven Honda STAFF WRITER
San Diego State lacrosse defeated George Mason 13-8 at the Aztec Lacrosse Field on Sunday afternoon. The Aztecs (4-2) scored 54 seconds into the game and never trailed to get their fourth win of the season. Here are three observations from the match. 1. SHARETTS BREAKS PROGRAM SAVES RECORD Aztecs’ senior goalkeeper Katy Sharetts has been in the program for five seasons. In 2018, Sharretts took on the starting goalkeeper spot with Katrina Reeves graduating in 2017. In Reeves’ four years on the Mesa, she totaled 405 saves, which is the program record. Sharretts entered Sunday’s game only needing one save to tie and two to become the program leader in career saves. She got nine saves, setting the program record to 413 saves with 10 games left in the regular season — not including playoff games. Sharretts said she is grateful but has to focus on the next game. “It’s crazy but I just got to keep going,� Sharretts said. “Shoutout to Katrina Reeves for setting that record in the beginning. I’m thankful for my teammates.� Aztecs head coach Kylee White said she is impressed with what Sharretts
has been able to do and a lot of it would not be possible without past players like Reeves. “I’m so excited for her because she has been able to do it in a short amount of time and she is such an outstanding goalie,� White said. “It’s been really fun to coach her. A lot of credit to the people in front of her, giving the opportunity for her to make those saves.� With at least 10 games remaining, White said she can not wait for what is left for the senior from Bel Air, Md. “She is an athletic leader of this defense and I’m extremely proud and I hope that there are more accolades down the road,� White said. 2. SDSU’S DEFENSE SHOWS FULL FORCE The Aztecs allowed 21 shots in the game, with only eight in the first half. In addition, George Mason had 22 turnovers compared to SDSU’s 17. White said the team’s defense was on point against the Patriots. “I think our defense played outstanding,� White said. “As a whole, they were united and they never backed down.� George Mason did not score until the 14:45 mark in the first, a little more than halfway into the opening period. Sharrets said the defense was able to make things easier for her. “Our defense did awesome,� Sharretts said. “They were able to force the shots I was able to see, so I could make the saves. I have to give it all to them.�
3. AZTECS OFFENSE STABILIZED BY TRIO The rain stayed away Sunday afternoon, but SDSU’s scoring did not go dry. Junior attacker Lexi Tan, freshman attacker Camdyn O’Donnell and senior midfielder Morgan Taylor each had a hat trick in the victory. In addition, junior midfielder Bailey Brown scored twice and senior midfielder Emily Resnick scored once and had five assists. Taylor said it was beneficial to have the offense and defense work. “It was awesome,� Taylor said. “We played a pretty complete game. We had multiple threats on offense and everyone on defense played as a unit.� In order to get the offense going, SDSU had to win the draw controls, which they did 14-9. Sophomore midfielder Cailin Young won eight of the Aztecs’ 14 draws. Taylor said Young winning draws motivated the team to score. “That was a big momentum push for us,� Taylor said. “Cailin did a great job. She brought the energy up with how many draw controls she had.� White said it was important for the Scarlet and Black to win the draw controls because George Mason has been successful with the draws in other games this season. “That’s what kept George Mason in some of their other games,� White said. “We put a lot of focus in that this week in practice and our girls focused on it and applied what they learned. Cailin was incredible.�
Photo by David Pradel
Aztecs senior midfielder Morgan Taylor looks to attack the Arizona State defense on Feb. 20 at Aztec Lacrosse Field.
UP NEXT SDSU looks to avenge one of its losses from last season when they face Cincinnati on March 16 at 1 p.m. at the Aztec Lacrosse Field to end the threegame homestand. Breven is a junior studying journalism. Follow him on Twitter @BrevenHonda.
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March 11 - 17, 2020
The Daily Aztec / 11
12
Aztecs’ Historic Season
The Daily Aztec
March 11 - 17, 2020 Editor: Aaron Tolentino • sports@thedailyaztec.com
BY THE NUMBERS
30
SDSU is one of two teams with at least 30 wins. The Aztecs were also the first team in the nation to reach the plateau.
The Aztecs got off to their best start in program history with 26 straight wins — SDSU’s best start to a season since 2010-11 (20 straight wins).
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16 wins away from Viejas. The Aztecs are 16-1 in road/neutral site games, which ranks for best in the nation.
Five Aztecs received allconference honors — the most of any Mountain West team.
4
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The Aztecs were ranked No. 4 for five straight weeks, tying the highest poll ranking in program history.
The Scarlet and Black have won a conferencerecord 12 regular season and tournament titles.
12 Photo by Kareem Jones
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