December 7, 2017 • Volume 91 • Issue 6 • Published since 1927
LEAVING A LEGACY Family of former LBCC student and diva of banda music Jenni Rivera plan inspirational center for empowering women and assisting children — Citystyle, page 5 Photos by Amanda Rodriguez/Viking
Kickball champions
Deaf Club begins anew with a goal — News, page 2 Great 8 earn top college award — News, page 3
— Sports, page 7
Photo by Adrian Arvizu/Viking
Feliz Kwanza, Hanukkah, Christmas — Opinion, page 6
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NEWS
December 7, 2017
Deaf club provides students with resources Story and photo by Gabby Castro Viking Staff @thatgabbygabby
CANDIDATE: Brian Pineda, 23, next to current treasurer Erika Alonso, 42, gives a speech on why he should be the next club treasurer.
The Deaf Club has relaunched with a mission to gain additional services and support at LBCC. The club was founded in 2011, but did not survive one year. This Fall, the club, one of over 50 at the LAC, was restarted again with members’ goal to open discussion to the administration about not receiving equal access on information and services on campus. Services included lack of accuracy in video captioning provided from teachers and videos posted on the LBCC website, restriction of hours allotted for sign-language interpreters to work per week and maximized hours and switching back and forth with interpreters. Noelle Tully, 21, a history major and Club Senate representative for the Deaf Club, said, “What I do really like about this club is the deaf students’ equal partnership and interaction that we foster. I know that we struggle with our experience and frustration that comes up and also how to confront these adverse situations and try to advocate ourselves and each other. That’s important and I am really interested in this
club because we all have different goals and objectives.” Tep Thoeurb, a disable students counselor, said, “I love it. They’re a really good group of students and when they have that town hall meeting I was really proud of them that they were able to advocate themselves and to let them know what are their challenges and issues that they have in school. That’s really important for their academic success were planning to continue it in the Spring.” Issues with the sign-language community has been ongoing with the LBCC administration in the past, but after the club’s rebirth, the students have been more outspoken and open about their issues and what needs to be done for the campus to provides services for the deaf community. Daniel Cho, 26, an American Sign Language major and vice president of the club, said, “I don’t regret joining. ... Now I finally got the opportunity to see. So I get to learn so much and it made a huge impact on me with all of their situations. I get it and I understand where they’re coming from and hearing out other people’s opinions are really fantastic.” The club consists of 13 members, two interprets and two advisers. They meet every Friday from 12:30-2:30 p.m.
LBCC confronts sexual harassment In the wake of national assault allegations, students, teachers, and college address issue. Story by Hannah Robison Viking Staff @hannahlbcc
The #MeToo movement has produced worldwide attention after a spotlight has been brought to executives and world leaders under fire after accusations of sexual harassment and assault. Johnny Smith, 20, an aerospace engineering major, said Tuesday, Nov. 28, of people who sexually harass, “They think they’re better than the people they’re harassing. It’s all power.” Noemi Rodriguez, 20, a nursing major, said Wednesday, Dec. 6, she hasn’t witnessed sexual harassment on campus, but she doesn’t believe LBCC “pays much attention to it.” An anonymous source who works at the LAC Writing and Reading Success Center revealed Tuesday, Nov. 28, that a male harasser frequently comes into the center: “I’ve seen predatory behavior, but not direct sexual harassment. He goes out of his way to ask harassing questions and (attempt) physical contact.” The source said if they see the harasser come into the cen-
ter, they have orders to take him to their co-worker was followed home by a student supervisor. who ‘needed help’ with homework.” The U.S. Equal Employment OpportuHeaton-Smith added she discussed sexnity Commission wrote on its website, “It ual harassment with her students Monday, is unlawful to harass a person (an applicant Dec. 4. or employee) because of that person’s sex. On Friday, Dec. 1, LBCC’s Associate Harassment can include ‘sexual harass- Director of Office of Communications and ment’ or unwelcome sexual advances, re- Community Engagement Stacey Toda said, quests for sexual favors and other verbal or “LBCC provides all managers with sexual physical harassment harassment trainof a sexual nature.” “The estimates are 70 ing upon hiring and Trustee Ginny every two years percent of women and again Baxter said on Noas required by Calivember 29, “More 20 percent of men in pro- fornia law.” than 35 years ago fessional industries exDepartments can this may have been a also request a profesproblem but I know perience sexual harass- sional conduct trainof nothing recently.” ment, but only about 15 ing that includes a Psychology proabout sexual percent of people come section fessor Katie Heaharassment from the ton-Smith said forward.” Human Resources Wednesday, Dec. 6, Department. the estimates are 70 Students are re-Katie Heaton-Smith percent of women Psychology professor quired to complete and 20 percent of an online orientation men in professional upon admission to industries experience sexual harassment, LBCC that covers information about sexual but only about 15 percent of people come harassment and Title IX, which “prohibits forward because “a lot of people think, ‘it’s discrimination based on sex in education just what I have to deal with.’” and activities in federally funded schools, Heaton-Smith explained she has never colleges and universities,” according to LBwitnessed sexual harassment at LBCC, but CC’s website. she has seen it at other schools in which In a response to a request for any restudents would act inappropriately toward cent reports of sexual harassment, Toda their professors, both male and female. “My said, “In respect of the Family Educational
Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), we keep these reports private and do not aggregate the number of claims.” LBCC President Reagan Romali said Thursday, Nov. 30, “The safety and well-being of our LBCC students and employees is our top priority and we do not condone any form of sexual harassment on our campus. “We train our managers on how to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace and take every opportunity to educate our employees on this issue. Our Office of Student Life organizes an education campaign every April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month to conduct workshops and events to better inform our campus community. “We take every sexual harassment complaint seriously. Each report is investigated thoroughly and confidentially to protect all parties involved.” Students can report sexual harassment to the Office of Student Affairs at (562) 938-4552. People needing mental-health services can go to the Student Health Services office in GG117 at the PCC and A1010 at the LAC.
December 7, 2017
NEWS
L.B. Promise expands statewide Story by Josh Avendano News Editor @josh_avendano
A bill that approves a California Promise for all 114 Community Colleges has been signed into law by Gov. Jerry Brown. The program modeled after the LBCC Promise started about 10 years ago makes the first year of Community College free for California residents and new full-time students. The bill will only cover the cost of tuition. It will not waive any fees regarding housing, books or other living expenses. Currently, students pay $46 per unit. The California Promise Program is a California Act that enables California residents to pledge to either a Community Col-
lege or University program to complete a program is beneficial for students: “This degree in the time frame the student plans. program sounds great because I actually According to the Cal State University procrastinate registering for classes and my website, the program allows for students work schedule is all over the place. Having who pledge to be given priority-registra- a pledge allows for students like myself to tion appointments and they must take a finish faster.” minimum amount of However, not units per semester. everyone said they “It’s a good way to guarThe website says, believe the program ‘To remain in the pro- antee an education in a allows for students gram, students must timely manner.” to succeed. Collin meet with their ad-Celeste Zambrano McAuley, 21, an arPsychology major chitecture and comvisors as prescribed, develop an enrollmunications major, ment plan and complete 30 semester units.” said The Promise is not possible: “This Many students see the program as an program is cool if you actually have time opportunity to finish their schooling in a to finish it. timely manner. Stephany Raygoza, 24, an “There are people who have to work animal-science major, said she believes the in order to pay for their schooling and to
help their parents out and work schedules change from time to time. The program almost seems impossible to complete given that everyone has a different schedule.” Celeste Zambrano, 19, a psychology major, said, “It’s a good way to guarantee an education in a timely manner and it helps students stay on track and get out sooner especially from a Community College.” New CSU applicants who are interested in receiving information about the California Promise Program may do so on their admission application for the Spring 2018 semester. The initial filing period was Aug. 1-30. The Promise has been supported by Community College Chancellor Eloy Oakley, LBCC’s former president.
best of the best at LBCC and earned the Viking Award on Monday, Dec. 4.
the college is being recognized. “I don’t know how to feel,” Ley said. “To be recognized for my hard work for the school and the community, it’s honoring.” Along with the honorees were more student leaders and employees attended, including LAC Club Senate Vice President Celene Reyes Aparicio, PCC Cultural Affairs secretary Anthony Moguel Jr. and librarian Shamika Simpson.
Eight Vikings earn highest college award
Students enjoy “huge celebratory moment” as they are recognized for leadership and service.
Story and photo by Maila Bringas CityStyle co-editor @ItsMsBee Eight Students have been named the
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The college is honoring the students as the highest honor a student can receive at the college. Khristina Mae Aganon, Karlie M. Beamon-Ware, Kimberly Helen Cabana, Darlene Duong, Anny Ley, Felicia R. McCormick, Vanessa Mendoza, and Clara Ure were selected and are true role models for others in leadership and service for the
community. Student Affairs Dean Ramon Knox gave the awards to the students for their work and contribution to the college: “When you look at what the hard work of the students did, I think it’s important for them to be recognized.” Knox said during a brief ceremony in the LAC Valhalla Room. “It’s a huge celebratory moment for the students to recognize what they did.” PCC Student Council Treasurer Ley said she is glad the work she contributed to
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CITYSTYLE
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December 7, 2017
Toys are gathered for children in need Story by Maila Bringas Citystyle Co-Editor @ItsMsBee
CON SABOR (WITH FLAVOR): With choreography by Martha Pamintuan, dancers perform with music by D.L.G.’s Mi Amor.
Step into the rhythm Fall dance ensemble returns with flare and style to showcase performances.
Story and photos by Karen Ramirez Citystyle Editor @karennsookewl Even though the dance ensemble was presented in Downey, the performance included a variety of dances and audience members arriving with flowers for the dancers Thursday, Nov. 30, and Friday, Dec. 1. The dance show was presented at the Downey Theater due to the renovation of the Auditorium at the LAC. Jennifer Schmidt, 21, a marketing major, brought a bouquet of flowers and had come to see her best friend Melissa Her-
nandez who performed in “Con Sabor,” Hendrix, was the opening piece followed “Fly High” and “Pop, Squish and Sizzle”. by “At the Edge” by student choreographer “I am probably going to cry” with joy, Tailor Marshall. Other dance pieces inSchmidt said. “She has been dancing since cluded “Who is He?,” “A Lo Hecho Pecho” she was 3 years old.” and “Con Sabor,” a salsa remix of the song The LBCC Performing Arts Depart- “Quimbara.” ment and the Associated Student Body Pamintuan, who also teaches hip-hop, presented the Fall dance ensemble direct- said the dancers were able to successfully ed by assistant professor present the dancMartha Pamintuan. “I am probably going to es: “There are lots Zoe Silva, 19, an unof different styles. decided major, said, “I’m cry” with joy. They were able -Jennifer Schmidt, 21, about her to adjust to new pretty excited about the dancing friend dances. We have show. I’ve seen a couple of rehearsals and it looks a great house and like it’s going to be a the audience engood show.” joys it.” The program featured nine perforDuring the intermission, an opportumances. Each dance was about three to nity raffle was conducted. Donors such as four minutes long and choreography by Ashley’s Furniture, Clay (Clay on First) and students and teachers. many other donated gift cards and prod“Xtra Xtra,” a choreography by Jeffrey ucts were given away.
FLY HIGH: A lyrical dance choreographed by Fionna LiHuei Sung is performed.
A toy drive from November to December to give to children in need is being hosted by the EOPS. Extended Opportunities Program and Services is a state-funded retention and support program that assists students who are affected by social, economic, educational, or language disadvantages. Vet-tech Major Emilia Benitez, 19, said she previously did not know about the toy drive, but wanted to help the families in anyway she can. “It’s a pretty good idea, giving back to the kids,” Benitez said. “Because I know some of them are less fortunate and can’t really afford (toys), so I think it’s a really good idea.” Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE) program specialist Deborah Boyle is the head of the event, encouraging students and employees to donate to give to families with children to give them a good holiday. “This time of the year, it is hard as a single parent and the income level is real low,” said Boyle. “Any help they can get through donation, we wanted to try to encourage students to help (each other) and staff to donate.” Boyle said Toys for Tots and Spark of Love have been past participants through the toy drives and gave children toys for Christmas: “We have roughly about 70 students in the program, some with children and we have some fun games and have snacks, celebrating the end of the year and hopefully they get a toy in the end.” Though fliers have been placed all around both campuses, the toy drive is not widely publicized, Boyle said. Martin Hurtado, 23, a psychology major said that If he was a dad, he wouldn’t mind donating a toy for the children. “Little kids need Woody and Buzzlightyear in their lives.” Hurtado said. Students will earn volunteer service hours for a toy donated. Unwrapped toys valued at $10 or more can be dropped off at the EOPS offices in PCC GG 217 or LAC A1134 until Friday, Dec. 8. For more information, people may contact Deborah Boyle at dboyle@lbcc.edu
December 7, 2017
CITYSTYLE
Diva of banda empowers women
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Story by Irene Brizuela, Karen Ramirez and amanda rodriguez Photos by Amanda Rodriguez Viking Staff @dear_ireene @karennsookewl @arodmandy
With the 5-year anniversary of the tragic airplane crash and death of LBCC graduate Jenni Rivera approaching, students remember what an impact she made for them. Michelle Ruiz, 21, a communications major, said Wednesday, Dec. 6, “If she can do it, I can do it too. I see her as a role model. She wasn’t a model, but she was real.” Dolores Janney “Jenni” Rivera (July 2, 1969-Dec. 9, 2012), better know as “La Diva de la Banda,” was a Mexican-American singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist and spokeswoman. She began her career in 1992 and became the best-selling regional Mexican artist of all time in a music genre dominated by men, being nominated for four Latin Grammy nominations and 21 Latin Billboard Music Awards, among many other honors. She died in a plane crash in Iturbide, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, on her way home from a tour. Although she was born at Harbor UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, Rivera’s roots are in Long Beach. She attended Garfield Elementary School, Stephens Middle School and Long Beach Poly High School until she got pregnant her sophomore year and attended Reid Senior High School, from which she graduated valedictorian of her class with eight scholarships. She later attended LBCC originally for the nursing program. She later opted for business and obtained an associates of arts. Her family recently found her diploma. She was a single mom while attending LBCC from 1987-1989. She lived in a garage and had her car stolen so she had to ride her bike to commute. Rivera’s sister, Rosie Rivera, said Jenni was about eight months pregnant with her second child when she would bike from her house to the daycare where she took her daughter, Janney “Chiquis” Rivera, and then she would bike to LBCC and later to work at Bank of America. Rosa Amelia “Rosie” Rivera, 36, Rivera’s younger sister, chief executive officer of Jenni Rivera Enterprises and television personality, on Monday, Dec. 4, shared her sister’s experience as a student and some personal memories of the impact she had in the community. “She always recommended the nursing program at LBCC more than Cal State Long Beach. She always believed in it.” Rosie recalled during an interview at her mother’s home in Lakewood, that Jenni took her to LBCC when she was about 7 years old to show off the bunnies. “I just fell in love. Every college student was amaz-
DECORATIONS:Portraits and paintings created by Jenni Rivera fans are displayed throughout the Rivera family living room.
REMEMBERING: Samantha Flores, Jenni’s niece, plays near decorated tree while fans add ornaments and lights to it.
FOLLOWERS: The 5-year anniversary of Rivera’s death is approaching Saturday, Dec. 9. Fans are adding decorations.
ing and I think she purposefully did that and everything collected was invested back to say this is what you can do. And at that into Long Beach, more specifically into age I vowed I’m going to LBCC. And I did.” Jenni’s dream the Jenni Rivera Love FounKnowing her inspiration to be a college dation. “We are like Walt Disney’s brother. student started at LBCC, Rosie decided to Walt Disney came up with all the dreams attend LBCC her senior year of high school and the brother just executed them.” before attending U.C. Irvine. Rosie recalls her having a special place Jenni had a pasin her heart for Long sion for real estate Memorial She became a singer by Beach and became a singMedical Center. She er at the same time. accident. She said, ‘I’ll do would visit the hospi“She really loved real whatever pays the bills tal to see the children estate. She fell in love and cancer patients. with business while and feeds my kids.’” Rosie said Jenni left doing nursing,” Rosie Poly in shame because said, “but she really -Rosie Rivera she was a straight A Jenni Rivera’s sister student and became loved real estate. She became a singer by pregnant. accident. She said, ‘I’ll do whatever pays the With all the awards she had won in bills and feeds my kids.’” her music career, one of Jenni’s proudest Jenni wanted to convert her first dream awards was the star she was awarded at home in Corona into a refuge for battered Long Beach Poly because, at the time, not women. After her death, the family wanted many Latinos, especially women, received to pursue that dream. They staged a concert the award. on July 2, 2015, in her name, Jenni Vive, “She genuinely loved the city of Long
Beach. Now, we serve Long Beach because they gave back to her,” Rosie said. Jenni rests at All Souls Cemetery in “Mommas Garden” in Long Beach. “We had never talked about it, but we knew she would want to be buried in Long Beach,” Rosie said. The family is developing an inspirational center. Relatives want to give back to the Long Beach community. The center will be a museum displaying her clothes, artifacts and dresses, offering free music classes for children, counseling for women, parenting classes and either free or low-cost child care services. The City of Long Beach is leasing a building to the family at a low cost. “The more children we help, it can be rent-free if we do it correctly. If we could alleviate child care, the things mothers could do.” The goal would be to help struggling women in the community so they can afford to pay for school and other necessities for their families. They plan to have it open by July 2018 for Jenni’s birthday.
OPINION
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EDITORIAL
December 7, 2017
VIKING NEWS Editor-in-chief: Amanda Rodriguez @arodmandy Photo and images editor: Garrett Holt @gholt567 Design editor: Joshua Miller @joshua_miller8 News editor: Joshua Avendano @josh_avendano Sports editor: Adrian Arvizu @adrian7192 Citystyle editors: Karen Ramirez @karennsookewl Maila Bringas @ItsMsBee Social media editors: Maila Bringas @ItsMsBee Garrett Holt @gholt567
Illustration by LilianaPiedra
Wrapping up presents & finals With students juggling between the holidays that began with Thanksgiving and runs through New Year’s and finals at the end of the Fall semester, it becomes difficult for them to stay stress-free and positive. Trying to manage our time can be one of the biggest challenges for students across the PCC and LAC campuses. This time can be more stressful because everyone is wrapping up the end of the year with finals, transfer applications, buying gifts and dealing with distant relatives who we are not used to seeing throughout the year. Many of us have to deal with the family drama year after year. We do not look forward to the gatherings that adds to the pile of stress. On top of family and school worries, this time of year might be particularly more stressful for students because of the tragedies that have occurred during this year. And the concern for students now becomes how are we going to stay upbeat and positive with so many reasons for us to feel down. The unity our community has, the leaders who encourage us
to stand up and face our problems head on with little to no fear is what keeps our sanity during stressful times. Physical and emotional health is important, but we just feel like sometimes we only have time for a slice of pizza and Gatorade as we head from class to work. A big key to help relieve stress and lift our moods is exercise. We understand emotional problems are part of life and they can cause stress, sadness and anxiety. But the key is to remain focused, flexible and creative in bad times as well as in good times. Using breathing techniques can also be a huge help. Enjoying a fresh nature walk, playing video games, going out with friends, watching our favorite movie or TV shows while drinking hot cocoa in our pajamas, spending time on our favorite social media apps or on our phones are all great ways that allow us to feel less stressed and even relaxed at times. As the new year approaches, we are looking forward to our new experiences and goals to achieve in 2018.
Staff names:
Irene Brizuela Genesis Campano Osbiel Montano Gabby Castro Hannah Robison
Advertising manager: Liliana Piedra Adviser: Patrick McKean Photo and online adviser: Chris Viola
The deadline for news, advertisements and letters to the editor is the Thursday before publication. The Viking is published by Journalism 80, 81, 82, 83, 86, 87 and 88 students of the LBCC English Department, with funding from the Associated Student Body. The Viking newsroom is located at LBCC, LAC 4901 E. Carson St., Long Beach, Calif., 90808, Room N108, mail code Y-16, Telephone (562) 938-4285 or contact the staff by email to vikingnews@lbcc.edu or on social media. The views expressed in the Viking do not reflect the views of the advisers, administration or the ASB. First copy free, each additional $1.
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December 7, 2017
SPORTS
Clubs compete in kickball Basketball team 7-4
Athena captures coed tournament title with 9-0 win over PNK. Story and photo by Adrian Arvizu Viking editor @Adrian7192 The social-service clubs gathered on the Northwest Field at LBCC for a friendly kickball tournament Tuesday, Dec. 5. The Ladies of Athena won the kickball coed tournament with a 9-0 win over PNK. Tong, Order of Thor and the Ladies of Athena combined and created four teams of eight players, with an even number of men and women participating. Jose Fregoso, 23, a psychology major, and member of Tong, said, “It’s about having fun, but my friends and I are pretty competitive so it’s going to get pretty serious.” All of the clubs were allowed to mix teams. Ladies of Athena member Mali Hicks said, “It’s pretty fun way to get together, but we’re here to win and score points for our group.” She also said feels the sense of community between the clubs and is not tied down from being involved in just one group.
CANNONBALL COMING: Ladies of Athena member Mali Hicks sends a shot to deep left center field to bring in a two runs for her team. Intramural sports events have ended and will resume in the Spring semester.
Three Vikings run in state championships Story by Adrian Arvizu Viking editor @Adrian7192
Although the LBCC men’s and women’s cross country teams did not make the finals, two men and one woman qualified and ran in the Community College state Championships, in Fresno on Saturday Nov. 18. “I couldn’t be more happy with the end result,” said sophomore Destiny Diaz, one of the three runners who competed. “I Destiny Diaz had coaches who took Finishes 80th the time to give us efficient mileage plans and workouts each week to better our fitness and drive to be great. I had that strong, positive attitude and mindset to get me to State Champs.” Of 161 competitors Diaz finished 80th with a time of 20:32.8 over a 3-mile course. Even though she said she felt that she had better times last year, Diaz said she gained more confidence with her mental game and it will help her reach her ambitions.
Freshmen Rafael Gonzalez finished 57th among 176 competitors with a time of 21:37.8 over four miles. Freshman Donovan Zavala finished 109th with a time was 22:21.1. Rafael Gonzalez said, Gonzalez “What I love about this 57th in state team is that there is not a single member of the team that is not wishing you good luck before races, which comes to show that even though we are different, when we compete, we are all one force striving to achieve our goals.” Coach Julio Jimenez Donavan said, “I knew we would Zavala have a few runners 22.21.4 time qualify for the state championships. This is what we’ve been training for all year and we were not sure on the terrain. We have not trained too much on trails, but it turns out they ran the best times of their season.”
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Story by Hannah Robison Viking staff @hannahlbcc Continuing strong, the LBCC men’s basketball team started the season by winning seven of their first 11 games. They won, 75-69, against the Santa Ana College Dons on their most recent game Saturday, Dec. 2. The game was part of the West Los Angeles basketball tournament where they finished third place. In their first two games of the tournament, they defeated the Glendale Vaqueros, but lost 8480 in a battle with the West L.A. Robert Willis Jr., a sophomore guard on the team, said of the season, “I feel that we have a very talented team. We are very deep and we are expecting to win a conference title this year as well as go very far in the playoffs.” The SoCal Regional Playoffs are scheduled Wednesday, Feb. 21, Friday, Feb. 23, and Saturday, March 3. Despite his prediction of the men’s basketball team doing well in the playoffs, Willis recognized that it still has areas of improvement: “We have to get better defensively and we also have to do a better job of moving the ball. Other than that, everything’s been going pretty well.”
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CITY SPORTS
SPORTS
Photo by Josh Miller/Viking LBCC attacker Mario Moran, sophomore water polo player, searches for an open player agaisnt West Valley player Ivan Stefanovic, the California championship semifinal lost to Weast Valley in Sab Luis Obispo 11-10, Friday, Nov. 17.
Women’s water polo: The women’s water polo team capped their season with 20 wins and nine losses. The Vikings were able to pull through and make it to the SoCal Regional Playoff, but lost. Men's soccer: The men’s soccer team finished the season with 11 wins, six losses and five ties. The Viking season ended with a 2-1 defeat against Oxnard on Saturday, Nov. 18, in the SoCal Regional Playoff.
Women’ s soccer: With two losses to end the season and missed the playoffs for the fourth time since 2013. The team ended the season with a record of 8-8-5. Women’s volleyball: The Vikings finished an 18-5 season with a 3-0 defeat to Mira Costa on Saturday, Nov. 25, in the South Regional Playoff in the second round.
December 7, 2017
Bakersfield bowled over by Vikings, 37-10 Story and by Osbiel Montano Viking staff A convincing 37-10 victory over Bakersfield in the Patriotic Bowl played Saturday, Nov. 18, allowed the Vikings’ football team to end their season with eight wins and three losses. LBCC bested Bakersfield College, which finished the season at 7-4, in their bowl game for the second year in a row. In the game at LBCC’s Veterans Stadium, the Viking defense played one of their most complete games. They held the Renegade offense to only 10 points, which was their lowest scoring game of the year, and 150 total yards of offense. Viking sophomore defensive lineman Gilbert “Bubba” Valera led the way on defense and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player. Valera finished with seven tackles, three sacks and a blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown and put LBCC up by 21 at that point. “It feels good winning MVP but to be honest, this one is for the whole D-line. We just balled out this game like we knew we should,” Valera said. Viking coach Brett Peabody said about Valera’s time in the program: “There’s not a harder working guy on our program. The kid benches over 400 pounds. He’s exactly
what we’re looking for in a Viking.” Both teams got off to slow offensive starts, but then LBCC opened the scoring when sophomore quarterback Grant Lowary found sophomore wide receiver Cedric Byrd in the end zone. Lowary and Byrd connected again, this time for 43 yards, and extended the Vikes’ lead to 14-0. Lowary was named the game’s offensive MVP as he finished the game with three touchdowns and 335 yards passing: “The season didn’t go the way that we wanted to, but a bowl win is always cool and playing at home made it even better,” Lowary said. Despite not meeting expectations of getting into the state playoffs, the Vikings won their third consecutive conference title and fourth straight bowl game under Peabody. “We’re a really young squad and we’re going to look back and learn from all the mistakes we made this year. We plan to have a great offseason. We’re going to make a lot of changes in the program so we can be a little stronger,” Peabody said. Valera also said he sees the direction LBCC football is heading and is excited for the future:“With a coach like Peabody anything is possible. Especially with all the young guys around they’re going to be more than fine next year.”
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