The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Category: Sports

  • Madison Parry has standout year as freshman

    Madison Parry has standout year as freshman

    by Mekiah Glynn

    Madison Parry started playing basketball when she was 6. Now, she’s a freshman on the Cal Poly Humboldt’s women’s basketball team. Throughout this season that lifetime of practice has become apparent with her contribution to the ‘Jacks.

    Parry leads the team with 363 points total for the 2021-22 season and started in 23 games. She said that Family, friends, and her teammates are all factors that keep her motivated to continue pushing herself and playing her best.

    “[The coaches] challenge me every day with practices and games,” Parry said. “They always motivate me to be the best version of myself.”

    The practices involve competition that makes it fun for Parry and gives the athletes a reason to push themselves.

    After all the practice Parry finds her joy in the crowd when she plays home games. She said that her favorite part of the games is the atmosphere.

    “When playing in the Lumberjack arena, It’s really amazing,” Parry said.

    Parry said she appreciates the energy and motivation that having a crowd full of Cal Poly Humboldt students brings and while they don’t have that at away games, Parry believes that the away games bring the team together more.

    “A highlight from this season would probably be the Chico game,” Parry said. The Chico game resulted in a Humboldt win after the game had 3 overtimes. Parry scored 20 points in the game against Chico.

    For the remainder of the season, Parry hoped to finish strong with more wins. “We’re not gonna make the tournament,” Parry said. “But if we win these games we can change other team’s rankings.”

    The Basketball season came to an end for the ‘Jacks on Feb. 26 where they fell to the Cal State San Marcos Cougars 47-75.

  • Humboldt Athletes are ‘DAM WORTH IT’

    Humboldt Athletes are ‘DAM WORTH IT’

    by Morgan Hancock

    Photo by Morgan Hancock | Gracie Kasberger finishing the 400M Log Relay on Feb. 12 at the Cal Poly Humboldt Redwood Bowl.

    Athletes live in a culture of perfection and pressure that can lead to high stress, these Cal Poly Humboldt students want to address that. Gracie Kasberger founded this campus’ branch of Dam Worth It. Dam Worth It is a nonprofit that supports athletes struggling with mental health. Athletes’ mental health has become a bigger conversation since the recent double feature Olympics. High-profile athletes are setting precedents by putting their mental health first. Students like Kasberger are laying the groundwork for a new culture in athletics. 

    Kasberger is a kinesiology major and track athlete, she saw a need to support her peers. The athletics department doesn’t have any counseling services for athletes, so students are on their own. They balance classes, practice, work, and self-care. Kasberger expressed that students will often put their mental health on the back burner. 

    “I’ve noticed more pro athletes coming out about their mental health and saying that they are struggling,” Kasberger said. “It’s something that is being normalized. Athletes go in and get help when they’re injured, but they’re not doing the same for their mental health. We’re bringing attention to it, we want athletes to have access to help and feel like they can speak out.”

    Photo by Morgan Hancock | Travis Allen in the 60M hurdles on Feb. 12

    Travis Allen is a track athlete who opened his season at the Green and Gold event last weekend. Allen expressed how sports can offer a mental haven for athletes, but with it also comes added stress.

    “Mental Health is often overlooked, especially with athletes,” Allen said. “Teammates are like a family, there is a lot of support from each other.” 

    Each athlete filled out a card with the reason why they are ‘dam worth it’.

    “I’m ‘dam worth it’ because I am me,” Allen said.

    Sue Grigsby, Lumberjack class of ‘79  track hall of famer and record shatterer, attended the legacy event. Grigsby has seen the pressures change for students over the years. Students have increased pressures from athletics and an unstable world. 

    “If you have a vision problem or dental problem or a knee injury you seek help,” said Grigsby. “Athletes should do the same for their brains. It’s okay to seek help, there are ways to get help.”

    Student-Athletes often define themselves by their sport. They use athletic success as a measure of their worth. Clara Lenihan struggled to define herself outside of her sport once she ended her soccer career.

     “When I introduce myself I start with ‘oh I play soccer,” Lenihan said. “Now that I don’t play anymore I don’t know what to say. Sports is such a big part of our lives.” 

    Photo by Morgan Hancock | Track Athletes Kaela Dennert-Frederick, Emily Bath, Joy Hano, Grace Kasberger pose for a photo at the Green and Gold Event Feb. 12
    Photo by Morgan Hancock | Track Athletes Kaela Dennert-Frederick, Emily Bath, Joy Hano, Grace Kasberger pose for a photo at the Green and Gold Event Feb. 12

  • Jacks on track

    by Eddie Carpenter

    Cal Poly Humboldt hosted the annual Green and Gold track meet at the Redwood Bowl on Feb. 12. In the past, the Green and Gold has been an invitational meet open to alumni as well as all local athletes, but due to precautionary measures and local COVID-19 restrictions, only collegiate entries were permitted.

    The event kicked off with the national anthem, and the Cal Poly Humboldt track and field athletes all joined at center field for an ecstatic cheer. It was a beautiful, sunny day with nothing but blue skies, perfect weather to run in.

    Head track and field coach Sarah Ingram says a huge amount of effort went into preparing the Jacks for this event.

    “We’ve been training since August… both on the track and in the weight room,” Ingram said. “It was a really fun atmosphere. The 400-meter log relay is not something we usually have, but it was a team bonding event.”

    Women’s team captain Joy Hano is also proud of her team’s strategy for game day.

    “We spent a lot of time visualizing and training. Mindful training is what we did the most,” Hano said. “I do the 100-meter hurdles, long jump, and today I did the 150 meter and the log relay. It felt great. There were a lot of nerves, but being here in front of our home crowd made it all worth it and made the nerves go away.”

    College of the Redwoods coach Reed Elmore shared what it was like to see his former athletes compete at last weekend’s scrimmage.

    “[As a coach], you don’t always get the best athletes. Our main goal is to get our athletes to work together as a team. We want them to compete with each other and not against each other,” Elmore said. “It’s exciting! We’re a developmental program. We take kids that need love and a little extra time. Humboldt does something different. We’ve been working with Sarah and Jamie to bridge that gap. [We make] sure everyone feels supported. We had a good performance, but our important races are at the end of the season.”

    Junior thrower Savannah Henninger wrote down all the marks for the throwing events. She is one of those athletes who transitioned from a Corsair to a Lumberjack.

    “It was definitely super weird. It’s not necessarily better or worse,” Henninger said. “It was a different atmosphere. Both Sarah and Reed are amazing advocates for their athletes, so that really helped a lot. I saw a lot of team support. Everybody was cheering their teammates on as best as they were able to, there was a lot of camaraderie going around.”

    In the latter half of the scrimmage, many athletes participated in the 400-meter annual log relay. As the last athlete rounded the corner, a member of the crowd shouted out, “Better start running with a purpose!”

  • Let the bodies hit the floor at RWC

    Let the bodies hit the floor at RWC

    by Matthew Taylor

    On Monday, Feb. 7, the deep and thunderous sounds of student bodies hitting the floor echoed down the halls of Cal Poly Humboldt’s Recreation and Wellness Center. Instructor Mairead Sardina, the department’s Adventure Program Supervisor, pushed student after student onto large cushioned mats. She instructed them to copy her previously demonstrated method of proper falling. This was the second class within Sardina’s “Intro to Self Defense” workshop.

    The course focused on utilizing multiple different martial arts techniques for the purpose of self defense and self empowerment. Lessons within the course included energy cultivation and energy negating practices. Students first began with a simple guided meditation by the instructor.

    “We’re trying to push away the outside world,” Sardina said. “But the reality of meditation is it makes us more connected to the outside world, by being more connected to ourselves.”

    As the evening progressed the lessons became more physical and hands-on. Lessons would involve activities such as swinging each other around with a red rope and fighting against the instructor whilst blindfolded.

    “The human brain is amazing, it can do insane things,” Sardinia said. “If a parent can flip a car off of a child, we can protect ourselves.”

    Many of the students laughed at each other as they attempted many of the strange yet effective techniques. An audible shock heard amongst them whenever they found themselves accomplishing a seemingly impossible task.

    Photo by Matthew Taylor | Instructor Mairead Sardina (right) teaches blindfolded Theodore Lee (left) to use his other senses when in combat at the Reaction and Wellness Center on Feb. 7.

    “[The classes have] been fantastic,” Theodore Lee, a major in wildlife conservation, said. “I’ve always wanted to learn martial arts and this made me understand the concepts.”

    Another student and participant, Ada Erlewine, a biology major, explained that she had been searching for a self defense course to go to for awhile. She stated that her friend had found the course while checking the RWC website and told her.

    “[I] wanted to be more confident in my body and my power,” Elrewine said, explaining why she joined. “[It’s my] first extracurricular outside of schooling since transferring during COVID.”

    These were the last scheduled workshops, however, future courses may be offered if enough students express interest by reaching out to cntract@humboldt.edu.

  • HSU Basketball bounces back after COVID-19

    HSU Basketball bounces back after COVID-19

    Basketball season is speeding up this month with both the men’s and women’s teams heading on to away games.

    The women’s team continued their competitive season with a game that resulted in double overtime and a loss for Humboldt State.

    “This (week) will be a tough stretch for us,” Coach Michelle Bento-Jackson said. “It’s a road trip that involves both a northern and southern team so the travel, in general, will be more gruesome than normal road trips.”

    The team will travel to play against East Bay and Dominguez Hill. East Bay is currently undefeated and, similar to HSU has a strong defense.

    “We had an outbreak of COVID within our team,” Coach Bento-Jackson said. “Since we came back from break we only had two practices under our belt.”

    With the team recovered and back to regular practice they have their spirits high and are keeping up with COVID-19 protocol to have safe games throughout the season.

    The men’s team is continuing their competitive season which has been a struggle with more COVID-19 outbreaks.

    “I’m always worried about one of my guys getting COVID,” Coach Tae Norwood said. “We test frequently. We test before we play our opponents.”

    The players are also very responsible for their personal safety against COVID-19 with social distancing, wearing their masks, and avoiding large gatherings. The players have a 100% vaccination rate and a 95% booster rate.

    “I really focus on the effort from my guys,” Coach Norwood said. “They play hard but we gotta do a better job of executing it.”

    The basketball players will be continuing to practice and work on their defense before their games against East Bay and Dominguez Hill this week. AJ Sims is back and continuing as the leadership of the team and the best shooter. With more players stepping up, the team is hopeful about the rest of the season.

    • #23 Thomas Melonja in the Saturday game against the Cal Poly Pamona Broncos Jan. 15
    • #20 Jaden Edwards against the Cal Poly Pamona Broncos on Saturday Jan. 15
    Photos by Morgan Hancock
  • SJSU football team back on HSU campus

    SJSU football team back on HSU campus

    As of the 29 of July, the San Jose State University football team has arrived at HSU. Last year the SJSU football team came to the HSU campus to practice and use the Redwood Bowl fields in late September. They plan on staying till the 8 of August for practice. All staff, players, and coaches have been vaccinated before their arrival and are following the COVID-19 protocol.

    Cooper Jones, Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics & Recreational Sports, and SJSU are grateful to be able to return to HSU.

    “Since the official start of football practice for San Jose State University coincides with the university hosting the Women’s Tennis Association’s Mubadala Silicon Valley tournament on many of the same campus facilities, the Spartans are thankful an agreement was reached again with Humboldt State University to use its facilities as guests through Sunday, August 8.” Cooper Jones, executive director of intercollegiate athletics & recreational sports said.

    Since the SJSU team is staying between the dates of the 29-8 it is before students arrive on campus for the fall semester. An email was sent out on July 27 from Humboldt State University about welcoming back SJSU to the HSU campus. Students differ in opinions about the SJSU football team returning to the HSU campus.

    Gerardo Hernandez, an HSU freshman, heard about the SJSU football team on the HSU campus through some friends. Hernandez’s main concern is the value of other HSU students and what they are allowed to do on campus.

    “As a student, I’m worried that the administration will continue to cater to other universities athletic programs than cater to HSU students because since the start of the pandemic they’ve been denied a lot of access to on-campus resources, classes, facilities, and what happened with SJSU football team getting majority of that I would’ve been upset as a student,” Hernandez said.

    Keynan Quigley, a senior at HSU is the treasurer of the bike team club on campus. Since the pandemic hit, Quigley has not been able to practice with his fellow teammates while SJSU was allowed to practice on HSU fields in 2020.

    “It wasn’t really that it affected us, it was just unfair that they allowed another school to practice and live together when our team wasn’t even allowed to go on a bike ride together even if we wore masks,” Quigley said.

    According to Lawrence Fan, San Jose State University Associate Athletics Director for Football Communications & Special Projects last time SJSU was on campus was successful and will continue to follow COVID-19 protocol.

    “Last year’s experience was very positive for the San Jose State University football program and was the foundation for the Spartans’ Mountain West championship season. Like 2020, the team will live and practice on campus and maintain a “bubble” between the team, the campus, and the local community,” Lawrence Fan San Jose State University associate athletics director for football communications & special projects said.

    Although it looked positive for the SJSU football team, a feeling of unfairness to some HSU students was not uncommon but not all students.

    Tucker Caraway, a junior at HSU is understanding of the situation and doesn’t see any foreseeable problems, and is understanding of their situation.

    “I think it’s fine, mainly because they are also a state school and we are all in the same boat,” Caraway said,” Caraway said. “If HSU needed to do something on another campus I would imagine that it would be accepted.”

    Overall SJSU and HSU are communicating back and forth about keeping them and the public safe and communicating with Humboldt county as a whole.

    “HSU and SJSU are making sure to limit the risk to all members of our community and prior to the team’s arrival, we consulted with Humboldt County Public Health to ensure they had no major concerns,” Cooper Jones, executive director of intercollegiate athletics & recreational sports said.

    “All of the SJSU team, staff, and coaches have been vaccinated against COVID-19, and they’ll continue to follow campus protocols on masking and distancing. The SJSU team is also highly motivated to stay healthy and safe to ensure completion of their upcoming season.”

  • 2021 Sports Rundown

    2021 Sports Rundown

    As the spring semester comes to an end, Humboldt State Athletics will begin to do the same until fall. With most students living off campus or away from Humboldt, there may have been more of a disconnect between fans and their athletes than previous years. Even for students living on campus there was still a disconnect due to the fact that no games were played at HSU. This summary of sports will hopefully be able to put a light on our student athletes and the hard work they have put in throughout the short and unlike any other season. HSU women’s basketball, volleyball and rowing chose to opt out of their respective seasons.

    Men’s Basketball

    Men’s basketball proceeded with their season and played their last game with a win against Southern Oregon University on April 21, finishing with a record of 4-5. AJ Simms, a junior and guard for HSU basketball, led the team in points averaging 17.3 a game. Simms made 51% of his field goals and averaged 1.2 steals a game in 25 minutes a game. HSU basketball finished the season winning 3 of 5 games.

    Softball

    Softball began the season strong with a 7-1 record. However, following the hot start the Jacks stumbled to a 8-6 record after losing 5 of their last 6 games. The Lumberjacks look to correct this in their next series against Holy Names University in Brisbane, CA. Star pitcher and junior Karen Di Dios has held an ERA of 2.33 in her 4-0 record. Izzy Starr, a sophomore and catcher/3rd baseman, leads the teams in batting average (.486), OPS (1.425), and homeruns (6). Head coach Shelli Sarchett is proud of how her team has performed in a COVID-19 season.

    “I am so proud of these young ladies,” Sarchett said. “They knew that when they came back they were going to have to jump through a lot of hoops and adapt to last minute decisions and they did just that. They took everything I threw at them and took that all in stride. I think this whole team deserves a big shout out as does the HSU Athletic Department. As a department we have really worked hard to get our athletes back out on the field and the athletes have continued to do what needs to be done in order to stay safe and healthy.”

    Men’s Soccer

    Men’s soccer completed their season with a 4-1-1 record after defeating Menlo college 2-0. Thomas Augee, sophomore and midfielder, lead the team in goals with 2. Adrian Gallardo, a freshman goalkeeper, played two games allowing 0 goals and with 4 saves.

    Women’s Soccer

    Women’s soccer have completed half of their season so far with a 1-1-1 record after losing to Western Oregon University 1-4. The Jacks look to bounce back against Portland State University on April 29. Brooke Weese, freshman and forward, leads the team in goals with 1 goal. Alexis Aguilar, a junior goalkeeper, played two games allowing 0 goals with 5 saves.

  • Take me out to the ballgame for the first time in a year

    Take me out to the ballgame for the first time in a year

    The longest operated, wood bat, summer-baseball team in the U.S. from 1945 to present will be returning on June 4. Finally fans can rest assured that the famous Humboldt heckling will not go two seasons missed.

    Last year the Crabs had to make the tough decision in cancelling their season due to the pandemic. Which happened to be the first time since being founded in 1945.

    However in an exciting post on the Crabs official website they announced the news in their decision to play ball.

    “We are beyond excited to announce that Humboldt Crabs baseball will return on June 4,” the announcement said. “Though there is much to still be worked out, our re-opening plan has been approved, and the team expects to be able to play a full, two-month season, starting the first weekend of June.”

    Things are looking promising for fans and a Crab filled summer with the season set to run from June 4 to August 8. Tickets will be available online for advanced reservation only. And for those who forget to make a reservation, or whom may not feel comfortable attending in person, they will be broadcasting all of their games live.

    David Sharp, the club president to the Crabs, expressed his excitement in an interview with Ray Hamill of Humboldt Sports.

    “Crabs baseball is back,” Sharp said. “We’ve been approved by the county to re-open and we’ve got a plan to follow the guidelines and bring fans back to Crabs baseball.”

    Though there may be fluctuations in these guidelines and regulations due to the county’s COVID tier at times, they are hopeful to fully reopen once the state is in the clear.

    Sharp announced seats will be limited as they are restricting the number of spectators in attendance to 500 socially-distanced and masked individuals. They are further permitting fans to attend in groups of one-to-four people to maintain the health and safety of those wishing to enjoy the ball game.

    “We have to remember the Crabs belong to the fans,” Sharp said. “We want to make it another great summer and a safe summer.”

    What’s more exciting is the 2021 roster will feature multiple local-born players to look out for, cheer on and support. On April 8, the Crabs took to their Instagram to spotlight these players who may sound familiar to some.

    “The 2021 roster will feature three Eureka-born players, Willamette University infielder Ethan Fischel, Bethel University utility man Aidan Morris and Umpqua Community College pitcher Caleb Ruiz.”

  • Softball Season Abruptly Canceled Due To Hazing Allegations

    Softball Season Abruptly Canceled Due To Hazing Allegations

    Humboldt State University softball’s season has come to an abrupt end after reports of hazing have surfaced. The team had played 14 games this season before the cancellation. In a statement given by HSU MARCOM the school stated the team has been possibly been involved in a hazing incident.

    “Humboldt State University is investigating the Women’s Intercollegiate Softball Team for alleged hazing,” the statement said. “As well as other possible violations of student and athletic codes of conduct. The Director of Intercollegiate Athletics & Recreational Sports and the Dean of Students have placed the team on interim suspension. All athletics-related activities, including the upcoming week of competition, will be postponed pending the results of the investigation.

    The statement continued to give the importance of hazing and its repercussions.

    “Hazing is both illegal and violates HSU’s student and athletic codes of conduct. HSU takes issues of hazing very seriously and the welfare of student-athletes is the priority at this time. HSU’s Office of the Dean of Students has taken the lead role in the investigation, with close cooperation from Intercollegiate Athletics & Recreational Sports. Due to privacy laws, the details of the investigation related to specific individuals will not be made public.”

    The hazing investigation will be the first since the 2012-2013 HSU soccer teams. In that case, the team was suspended for hazing and underage drinking. It is unsure of how the softball team has violated player conduct rules, but a full investigation has begun.

    Grant Scott-Goforth, a communications Specialist for Marcom, has given the process at which the investigation will take place.

    “The Dean of Students Office will be handling the investigation into the hazing allegations,” Scott-Goforth said. “At this point, it’s very early and there are a lot of factors that affect the investigation. The DOS is taking this seriously and taking action, but we don’t have a time frame at this point.”

    The investigation will continue on through the Dean of Students and there may not be an update until later. Due to Title XI, no information about the athletes and the investigation can be released. Title XI, a federal education amendment, allows for privacy and helps protect victims of sexual/nonsexual misconduct. In a statement that can be read on the Title XI page of Humboldt State’s website, the reason for the amendment can be listed.

    “To ensure compliance with Title IX and other laws, California State University (CSU) policy prohibits: Discrimination, including Harassment, because of any Protected Status. Retaliation against anyone exercising rights under this policy or participating in any related investigation or proceeding. Sexual Misconduct, which includes sexual activity engaged in without Affirmative Consent. Dating and Domestic Violence and Stalking”

  • Humboldt State athletics unveils new branding

    Humboldt State athletics unveils new branding

    HSU athletics unveiled a new branding and website on April 7, ushering in a new era for athletics. Humboldt State has moved away from the long used “Flying J” and into the new “Spirit H”.

    The fresh logo comes after a year-long rebranding process with a few halts due to the pandemic. However, the logo and rebranding has finally been completed and looks to be a part of HSU’s foreseeable future. The “Spirit H” will be worn on jerseys, gear, and even the HSU Lumberjack Arena floor.

    In a statement given by Athletic Director and Club Sports Director Jane Teixeira, the new logo will represent a community larger than just Humboldt State.

    “The new logo represents a bolder identity for HSU athletics,” Teixeira said. “It encompasses the pride of the Humboldt community and the excellence we focus on as a department and as an institution. Even though we started the logo process a while ago, sharing it with the community feels even more special after the challenges of the past year. I’m excited for the future and grateful to the University and to those who led the way on the creation of the new logo.”

    Gou Nitta, a sophomore and Humboldt State soccer player, is excited as a student athlete to be part of the new branding for athletics.

    “I think it is a cool design,” Nitta said. “It looks a lot different from the logo before and I’d say that it represents Humboldt State very well with the big “H” holding an axe.”

    Nitta believes that HSU athletics will finally be able to stand out against the competition as well.

    “I think it is going to be easier to tell from the logo that it is Humboldt State you’re playing,” Nitta said.

    The new branding of Humboldt State athletics entails a new era for the school. This new branding looks towards the future of HSU athletics. The logo is a homage to the past, implementing a lightning bolt on the blade of the axe in reference to the schools original team name, the Tunderbolts, while also looking towards the future.

  • Former HSU goalkeeper Katelin Talbert signs first professional contract

    Former HSU goalkeeper Katelin Talbert signs first professional contract

    Katelin Talbert, former HSU soccer star and Sacramento native, is making major headway this year in her professional soccer career. On March 22, Icelandic club Fimleikafélag Hafnarfjarðarn announed that they would be signing Talbert to her first professional contract. Talbert’s coaches are nothing short of ecstatic for her. However, they’re also not surprised. Talbert, a 22-year-old wildlife conservation and management major who graduated last May, spent four years playing for HSU from 2016 to 2019. She started as goalkeeper in 37 games and recorded 179 saves before moving on to play with the Sacramento-based Women’s Premier Soccer League, Cal Storm. Cal Storm are a second-division semi-pro team, holding a seven-time Pac North Championship title and a three-time WPSL Champion title.

    Jamie Levoy, women’s soccer coach and executive director at Cal Storm feels honored to be witnessing one of her players reach such great heights within her soccer journey and career.

    “Seeing her sign her first professional contract is incredible,” Levoy said. “I imagine these girls back when they were young and started playing soccer and dreaming about playing professionally. For them to reach their goals and to be a part of their journey is so rewarding.”

    Levoy could see the potential from Talbert early on, noting her character as an athlete and knowing how far that could take her.

    “Katelin is an incredible athlete,” Levoy said. “She is fearless and tenacious in goal. I always knew she would play professional. It was just a matter of time. I believe this is just the start of many great things for her.”

    HSU assistant coach Taylor McMillin announced via Humboldt Sports her excitement for Talbert and her journey into the professional world.

    “We are incredibly proud of her and so happy she has signed with FHingar to continue her soccer career and reach her goal of playing professionally,” McMillin said. “The Humboldt State community will be cheering her on and we wish her the best of luck on her new journey.”

    Talbert will be away from home, friends, family, and familiarity for six months starting next summer, which can be a hard transition for anyone.

    “The best way you can support her would be to tune in to her games and send her messages of encouragement,” Levoy said. “Knowing she has family and friends behind her supporting her along the way will help in that transition.”

    The HSU Jacks website quoted Talbert’s enthusiasm during this stage in her career.

    “I am very excited to start my pro career it’s something I’ve wanted to do since I was young,” Talbert said. “I’ve always had such a huge passion for the game and nothing makes me happier than to be out on the field! Thankful that Humboldt gave me the opportunity and experience to grow as a player.”

  • Humboldt softball goes on a seven game tear to start the season

    Humboldt softball goes on a seven game tear to start the season

    Humboldt State Softball is off to a great start, winning seven straight games after dropping their first of the season against Montana State University Billings on March 27. While on this winning streak the Jacks’ offense has been on fire, scoring no lower than four runs a game. Senior second baseman Danica Grier leads the Jacks with 4 home runs with 12 RBI’s.

    The defense has also done their part allowing an average of three runs from the opposing teams while on the seven game win streak. Starting pitcher Karen Di Dio has held down the bullpen with 4 wins and an ERA of 2.33 to her name.

    Emily McAdams, a transfer from Oregon Tech and starting pitcher for the Jacks, recorded her first win against MSU Billings on March 28. McAdams has held an ERA of 3.85 through her 3-1 record.McAdams’ transition from Oregon Tech to Humboldt state has not been seamless, but she looks forward to her time with the Jacks.

    “The transition from my [junior college] to Oregon Tech and then to here was interesting to say the least,” McAdams wrote in a Humboldt State softball blog post on the HSU athletics website. “It came with lots of adjustments and I had to overcome a lot. After leaving my Juco I kind of got a wake-up call and had to figure out how to do things on my own softball wise. I no longer had someone right next to me for every bullpen I threw, helping me figure out what needed to be fixed.”

    Junior outfielder Jenna Sobrero has played great as of late. Sobrero has 3 RBI’s and an OBP of .348. Sobrero has been a star on the defense as well with 15 putouts on the young season. While being a standout on the field Sobrero has also had to juggle school with her play.

    “It has been extremely hectic but with the help of Coach Fox and my teammates I am able to have a better focus on my academics,” Sobrero wrote on the HSU athletics website. “I try to utilize the days off and our study hall hours to turn in homework.”

    Freshman shortstop Vanessa Saltos has started off her first collegiate campaign strong with a home run in just her second game. Saltos couldn’t contain her excitement after hitting the home run.

    “ It was almost like I was re-experiencing the moment I hit my first ever home run,” Saltos wrote. “What made the moment extra special was just seeing how excited my team was for me. They were jumping up and down and cheering. It will be a moment I will forever cherish!”

    Since the home run Saltos has seemed unstoppable with a batting average of .500 and 7 hits. However, Saltos’ transition into college from high school could have been the biggest hurdle if it were not for her friends and family.

    “What helped with the transition was having my teammates to turn to,” Saltos wrote. “I am living on campus with the freshman class and it helps because we are all going through this new experience together. Then we are also able to turn to the upperclassmen for advice and guidance because they have been in our shoes before.”

    The Jacks will aim to continue their hot start as they wrap up their road trip with a five game series at Central Washington University.

  • NCAA Sports begin, but not clubs

    NCAA Sports begin, but not clubs

    Right now I am physically at my best shape as an athlete. But every Saturday instead of putting on my cleats to go out and try to prove myself good enough to play professionally, I am going on walks for 80 minutes to keep my mind off of the idea of even touching a ball.

    Most NCAA sports began for Humboldt State around the beginning of March this semester. Yes, it’s great that NCAA sports are beginning again. As a rugby player, however, that does not mean much. Rugby is not a part of the NCAA. This means that most rugby programs at universities, including Humboldt State Rugby, are regulated under club sports and not collegiate sports. Currently, club sports are not allowed to play until the chancellor approves. And even after that, who knows when collegiate rugby – a physical sport – will be able to return.

    Envision going from playing your sport 24/7 because you want to become one of the best at it to not even knowing when you will play again. I can go to the gyms that have just opened, but it is not the same as going and playing a sport with my teammates.

    Yes the argument could be made that rugby is too physical, but why then are basketball and high school football playing, but club baseball not? Will club sports be back within the next year? Why can we not play when other teams are playing? All these questions start to wear on an athlete and their mental state.

    For myself and my teammates, it becomes hard to go to class or even do classwork because there is nothing to look forward to. What is the point of even going to Zoom classes when, for some of us, the reason we came to this school was to play a sport even if it is just a club?

    Competitive club sports are expected to root for the teams that are playing while also being told by others that their time will come. As the sports news editor I am expected to write about how HSU Basketball played Fresno or how HSU Track and Field had a very good show out at a meet in Oregon.

    All of this is hard to write about when the rugby player side of me is told that collegiate rugby may not return for another year. It becomes hard to love sports when you cannot play the sport you love.

    I had always thought of depression as something that was too distant. Something that would never happen to me. But as I have learned that is not the case. It never came to me that I was depressed until around a month ago when sports started to open again. You see, in the beginning I could tell myself that all other athletes are going through the same things. But now as I write articles on other sports playing, I cannot keep telling myself that is the case.

    Rugby and other club sports should be able and need to be able to compete again. Even if it were just for in team scrimmages, student athletes need their breaks from the screen. Student athletes need the ability to go and play their sports competitively. I understand that we still need approval from the chancellor of the CSU system, but you’re telling me it has been almost 375 days since COVID-19 shut down and he still does not have a plan to allow competitive clubs to play again?

    To all the athletes who have to watch others compete and play in their sports, you’re not alone. We all had to retire in our teens and early 20’s, we are just waiting a little longer for our Jordan comeback.

  • Who to watch in March Madness

    Who to watch in March Madness

    With March Madness ensuing, over 64 teams are chomping at the bit to play for the national championship. The first games will begin this Thursday on March 18 and proceed until the national championship on April 5. For the teams, this may be the most painful and nerve racking time as they wait until they play their games. But for the fans, this time is the most exhilarating as people try to build the “perfect” bracket. Building the perfect bracket not only makes you feel like a genius, but also a master at the game of basketball. But how do you build the perfect bracket? Well, first things first you need to start. If even that looks daunting, it’s okay, because I can help you start with a few teams that look promising for the madness that will ensue. In my opinion these are the teams to watch and possibly root for.

    1. The Undefeated- (1 West Region) Gonzaga

    Gonzaga is a clear favorite in the tournament and it is needless to say that they are on a hot streak as they are the only undefeated team left in the NCAA. The Bulldogs have beaten teams by an average of 23 points this season with BYU being the closest to top them, losing by 10. It helps when the team is also led by three potential All-Americans. The Bulldogs are the easy bet to win the tournament for those who don’t like taking chances or for those who want to see Gonzaga complete what the 2007 New England Patriots couldn’t, a perfect season. Thankfully there will be nobody named Eli Manning playing against them.

    2. The Three Ball- (1 South Region) Baylor

    Baylor started the season off strong being undefeated through their first 18 games, eventually losing to (17) Kansas. Baylor’s been living by the methodology of 3 and D this season. The Bears have made the most 3’s with an astonishing rate of 48% made when attempted during the regular season. While they are draining 3’s on one end they are also holding the opposing team to under 70 points. This is my favorite pick for the tournament and the only team I could see defeating a Gonzaga firing on all cylinders.

    3. Pac 12- (5) Colorado, (6) USC, (7) Oregon, (12) Oregon St.

    Although these teams are teams that most would not take a second look at, they are highly competitive and it was proven in this year’s Pac 12 tournament. USC, although ranked lower than Colorado, is the underdog that I would watch to win a few games. It is hard to pick another team when USC contains a possible top five NBA prospect in Evan Mobley. However, Colorado holds a higher rank because of their win against USC in the PAC 12 tournament and this shows that they can beat a team with that talent. The same goes for Oregon St. who beat the latter and Oregon to win the whole Pac 12 tournament. The only reason I have Oregon on here is because they always go on a run in the March Madness tournament no matter how good of a team they have, which is something to always account for.

    4. The Under Underdogs- MT. St. Mary’s

    This is the Cinderella of all Cinderella teams. Mount St. Mary’s has made it past the first play in games before, but it will be hard for them to do it again this year. Still, if they happen to win, there is a chance that they could go on a magical run. You never know what could happen in the world of March Madness but if you’ve been looking for the team that could pull off the miracle, you’re looking at it.

  • HSU’s March Madness Bracket Challenge

    HSU’s March Madness Bracket Challenge

    It’s March! So you know what that means. Yes I know what you’re thinking too, but no, it’s not the fact that it’s the pandemic’s anniversary. No, also not that St. Patrick’s is coming up so we all need to be sure to wear lots of green. March is every NCAA fans dream. This means it’s time for March Madness and to make your bracket selection picks for this years tournament.

    Rather than scratching our heads trying to find some sort of highly calculated and analytical approach to the absolute guessing game that is March Madness. We thought, why not ask for your input. Genius, we know. So grab your party snacks and get comfortable because in this weeks issue, we’re spilling the tea on all things selection picks from Humboldt’s own NCAA fans.

    Chance Callahan, an HSU alumni with a degree in natural resources, gives us behind the scenes insight into how he makes his final bracket selections for the tournament.

    “Well it has to do with the teams that I watch over the year,” Callahan said. “And also going with a gut feeling on the ‘no name teams’ for upsets — there’s really no method to the madness. I’ll watch the conference tournaments though to get a better idea of how the teams play. And I’ll typically favor teams with highly anticipated NBA prospects.”

    Dante Cappellano, a Kinesiology major at HSU, admits to looking to underdog teams he may favor.

    “I normally just pick the teams that are ranked higher unless I like an underdog matchup or I’ve heard that the lesser ranked team is better.” Cappellano said.

    Graham Kothman, a College of the Redwood’s graduate and now music business major at Belmont University, adds that he too feels the methodology in making March Madness judgement calls isn’t as simple as one might think. Claiming to have very little strategy, if any.

    “I may look at the teams records and odds,” Kothman said. “But even going strictly off of those it’s impossible to keep a perfect bracket. Upsets are a part of March Madness.”

    Kothman also admits to being influenced by NBA prospects in his selection picks.

    “I absolutely am,” Kothman said. “And they usually coincide with teams that have the odds but that doesn’t mean they’ll go all the way.

    Callahan, Cappellano and Kothman each touched on how they think this may or may not effect players given the pandemic.

    “I think it will be a different dynamic and some players will perform better without the distraction of a loud crowd,” Callahan said. “I hope COVID doesn’t impact the tournament more than it already has and will.”

    “I think the players will already be used to playing with no or very little crowd presence so it won’t be much of a factor just all out good basketball,” Cappellano said.

    “I wanna say yes [that it will] but at the same time with the cancellation of March Madness last year I think everyone’s so eager that it’ll balance out the absence of a crowd,” Kothman said. “It’s gonna be a high energy tournament regardless.”

    If you’re not an avid sports fan you might be thinking to yourself, why would someone want to participate in a silly bracket challenge? To answer your question simply, you could quite frankly win a million dollars from infamous investment gurus if you make the perfect bracket. That is why.

    Though the odds are statistically stacked against you, why not try anyway? Now that you’ve got the inside scoop from fans, be sure to head over to our Lumberjack Challenge and submit your bracket picks. There will be a winner chosen for whoever comes the closest to cracking the madness code.

    May the odds be ever in your favor.

  • This is why we can’t have nice things

    As a sports fan, I was devastated a year ago when the NCAA announced it would not hold its famous March Madness tournament. Sporting events came to a halt entirely, and the NBA was forced to go to Disney World and basically hand the Lakers a championship. For months sports fans around the world have been forced to sit on their couches and watch the game on television, but we would almost all much rather be at the venue.

    The night of the Super Bowl, one of the most highly anticipated sporting events in the world, a 31-year-old Florida man took to the field in an apparent attempt to be the center of attention. Reports have stated he was there to publicize for some adult website, but to name them would only be giving them the publicity they desire. I remember laughing when I saw the fan running across my screen, I knew the internet would have a blast. However, shortly after I started to think that he might be used as an example that fans are not capable of behaving rationally if we were to be let back into sporting events. There are millions of people around the world who would have loved to sit in that guy’s seat and simply enjoy the game. Any other year the streaker would have been nothing short of hilarious. However, after seeing the response to COVID-19, this streaker makes me fearful that people in positions of power will use him as proof that fans are not an essential part of a sporting event.

    We have seen numerous instances of fans treating athletes as if they are not humans with real emotions. NBA fans in Salt Lake City have been caught using racial slurs towards the athletes they are there to watch. There have been countless fights in arenas all over the world, yet there has never been a precedent for removing the fans from the sporting events. Once COVID-19 introduced a rationale for barring fans from stadiums and arenas, the powers that be began to wield the ability to punish the masses for the actions of the few. Our government has behaved as if they are autocrats. Sports have always been a release for the public, and elected officials have done their best to suck the fun out of everything.

    There are a few areas in the country where fans can watch live sporting events, but what is the timeline for fans everywhere to enjoy the game with a crowd of passionate peers? I hope it happens soon, we can not continue to run away from life as we once knew it.

    I feel for all of the fans around the world patiently waiting for their chance to cheer on their favorite players and teams amongst a community of like minded individuals. Sporting events have long served as a source of community for many of us around the world, and it seems there is no argument to be made in favor of returning to what we once knew as normal. This is the United States of America. Tailgating, food, beer and friends are what make sporting events worthwhile. Unfortunately, this is also where streakers go wild and elected politicians act like all-knowing dictators. There is a melting pot of opinions in this country, and no one is right.

    I am well aware that my opinion of the streaker changed within moments and I am mostly being judgmental of someone with more guts than I. My hope is simply that he did not somehow ruin it for the rest of us.

  • Athletics annual canned food drive

    Athletics annual canned food drive

    Humboldt State’s Student-Athlete Committee is holding their annual canned food drive. The drive began on Monday, March 8 and will continue until Sunday, March 14. All proceeds raised will be given to the HSU student food program, Oh SNAP! Macy Thomas, a sophomore volleyball player and co-president of Humboldt State’s SAAC, is very happy to be able to continue the annual food drive.

    “I am super excited for the CCAA SAAC conference wide food drive this year,” said Thomas. “HSU’s SAAC is partnering with our very own Oh SNAP! program and I think it’s so awesome that we’re able to keep our donations within our student community and help our own food security. And of course, getting some friendly institution wide competition in there is always fun as well.”

    If you wish to donate to the canned food drive held by the Student-Athlete Committee, you can visit the HSU Athletics website for more information.

  • Orion and Louis Cosce, brothers from Humboldt County, fight for UFC notoriety

    Orion and Louis Cosce, brothers from Humboldt County, fight for UFC notoriety

    Accessing the professional world of sports is an astonishing feat, an outcome many strive to accomplish yet fail. But for the Cosce brothers, not seeing their dream of fighting become a reality was frankly not an option. Growing up in Weitchpec, California, a small town located within the Yurok reservation in Humboldt County, the Cosce brothers were exposed to a cruel world of drugs and dropouts. This ultimately led to their relentless determination in taking control of their outcome at an early age and guiding them into greater depths of personal goals and success. Louis Cosce opened up in an interview with MMA Junkie about the pressures they faced early on.

    “[Drug use] was everywhere,” Louis said. “It was in our family, and still is. It’s still really bad. As a kid, you don’t really recognize it. You’re living in that fantasy life where you’re out catching bugs, playing with your friends.”

    Though they faced adversity early on in life both agree that without their admiration, accountability and support for one another they may not be in the position they are in currently. While Orion Cosce grew up it wasn’t all bad, but it also wasn’t all good as they lived with different families throughout their childhood. However, he feels that has helped shape them into the men they are today.

    “I believe if it weren’t for Louis and I pushing each other to chase our goals, we wouldn’t be where we are today.” Orion said.

    In a press conference at the Dana White’s Contender Series, Orion Cosce points out his name, Orion, is written in the stars, having that belt is within him. Still, he doesn’t underestimate the hard work it has taken to get to his position.

    “You know, my brother and I, we grew up with nothing,” Orion said. “We were always there for each other and we talked about it every single day, even leading up to this fight we literally nonstop talked about this moment — it’s a big moment for us. We already knew we were going to be destined for greatness.”

    In August 2020, both athletes made major headway in becoming fighters when they secured UFC contracts and just three months later, Louis Cosce, Lost Boys’ very own, made his UFC debut. Louis is hopeful as he looks to prepare for a promising future in the ring of fighting despite his November debut not going as expected, assuring friends, family and everyone who supports him that he learned a lot from that fight and further understands what he needs to work on moving forward as an athlete. Orion missed his initial November debut due to an injury from overtraining but returned to full training after two months of self-PT, after doctors advised him to take five to six months off to recover.

    “I’ve changed my program to better suit how much I typically train and have already seen a huge increase in my performance,” Orion said. “I’m looking forward to getting a fight lined up now for my debut.”

    Arcata’s Lost Boys Gym took to their social media to congratulate the young men.

    “We could not be more proud of Louis and Orion,” they said. “It’s been amazing to watch you grow into the incredible athletes you have become these last seven years. Even bigger moments to come from these two!”

  • Local athlete continues to shine in college

    Local athlete continues to shine in college

    Martin Calderon, a senior majoring in kinesiology, came to HSU as a graduate of Fortuna High School. For Calderon, soccer was not the only reason he came to HSU.

    Although most athletes at Humboldt State come from areas outside of Humboldt such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, there are still a few who chose to play for their home university. Whether it is because of finances or simply wanting to stay close to home, some local high school athletes made the decision to stay in Humboldt and play for the Lumberjacks.

    “I decided to attend HSU because I saw a great opportunity in not only playing soccer but also being able to get an education,” Calderon said. “Being able to represent my local university in soccer and having two of my best friends from high school also attend HSU to play soccer was just a no brainer for me.”

    Calderon adjusted well to college life and would not change his choice to come to HSU even if he could.

    “My experience was the best it could be,” Calderon said. “I got to move out of my home in Fortuna and really experienced that grind that a college student athlete experiences.”

    As for Humboldt State being full of cultures and demographics different to that of local high schools, Calderon has adjusted well. Calderon has been able to play some great competition while also staying local.

    “I don’t know if it was a shock to see so many people from different places,” Calderon said. “But it was one of the coolest things to meet many people from many other places. I would never have thought I would be playing soccer with people from all over the country, which was a great experience. A local kid from Humboldt never really gets exposed to meeting people from all over the country and even the world. So it was definitely nice to meet many people from different places.”

    Calderon not only excelled in his sport, but also his education. After graduating from HSU with his Bachelor’s degree, Calderon is not expected to stop extending his education.

    “I plan on graduating with my Bachelor’s degree in kinesiology teaching and coaching in May,” Calderon said. “Then I will be pursuing a Master’s degree in adaptive physical education at Humboldt State.”

    Benicio Benavides-Garb, a sophomore and member of the soccer team, came to Humboldt State because it was the best option for him financially.

    “I came to Humboldt State because I was accepted on the soccer team,” Benavides-Garb said. “ I also came because it was the most affordable option for me.”

    Some athletes choose to stay in Humboldt because of the uniqueness of the area.

    “I love the area because of the redwoods and the trails that I can hike anytime,” Banavides-Garb said. “It’s an area that is so different from anywhere else and I don’t think I would want to leave it yet.”

    Benavides-Garb was able to make friends with Calderon over the past two years of playing as well. He sees Calderon not just as a friend, but as a mentor.

    “He’s a great leader,” Benavides-Garb said. “And he helped me a lot to get used to being part of a team. He showed me with hard work, anything is possible.”

    Gou Nitta, a sophomore and player on the HSU soccer team, believes his fellow player’s relaxed yet collected demeanor allowed for his team to win.

    “He was a great leader on and off the field and had great vibes,” Nitta said. “He was always calm and composed. We all looked up to him.”

  • Humboldt State’s Athletic Trainers

    Humboldt State’s Athletic Trainers

    Shannon Childs has been Humboldt State’s Head Athletic Trainer since 2002. He attended HSU and graduated in 2000 with a degree in kinesiology, emphasis in athletic training, before returning to finish his Masters.

    Childs’ responsibility as head athletic trainer is the health and safety of the student athletes.

    “As athletic trainers we are responsible for the care and prevention of athletic related injuries,” Childs said. “When an injury occurs it is our responsibility to assess the injury and determine the course of action that needs to happen for that student athlete to return to their sport.”

    Gabrys Sadaunykas, a senior at HSU and member of the basketball team, was injured during practice and pulled his hamstring. He then went back to practice, aggravating it. Sadaunykas mentions how the athletic trainers have been great. Twice a week the athletic trainers hold a recovery day, or as they call it, “Love Day” where he gets treatments, massages and feels relaxed.

    “Three times a week we are doing strength exercise and also conditioning,” Sadaunykas said. “So I would not be out of shape once I am good to practice.”

    To determine if a student athlete is able to go back and play the sport, the trainers need to write a referral to a physician to do further diagnostic testing on the athletes injury. Sometimes the trainers need to do a detailed rehabilitation plan for the student athlete. Trainers would have to implement and carry out the plan until the student athlete is able to return.

    Jenna Sobrero, a junior at HSU who plays for the softball team, has had a previous chronic shoulder dislocation with her last being during a practice. She discovered she had tore her labrum and her bicep in her shoulder the next day. The athletic trainers advised Sobrero to be visiting the training room everyday to help improve her shoulder with minor workouts after her surgery over the summer.

    “As soon as the training room opened I went to visit Shannon and our new trainer Scott,” Sobrero said. “They were very supportive towards my goals of getting back to play. Being in season and being completely limited due to an injury is very frustrating. They not only helped me physically but they helped me mentally.”

    Scott Daffern is the assistant athletic trainer. Daffern recently came back to HSU as the assistant athletic trainer in August of 2020. Daffern graduated from Humboldt State in 2010 with a Bachelors Degree and Masters Degree in 2013. During his time as a grad student at HSU, Daffern worked as an assistant athletic trainer for three years.

    During this pandemic all the sports and student athletes have been affected. Daffern is saddened by how as athletic trainers they can no longer bounce from one student to another.

    “In the past we could jump around and work with multiple student athletes at a time,” Daffern said. “We have had to limit the amount of people coming into the athletic training room as well which is very different.”

    The athletic training room used to be a safe haven for the student athletes to relax.

    “Now the only people in the ATR are those getting treatment and rehab for injuries,” Childs said. “Everything is single use and must be cleaned after each use. We have been working hard to keep our student athletes healthy and participating in their sport while doing our best to keep covid from spreading through our student athletes”.

    Childs misses the competitions and has struggled to keep the student athletes in a positive attitude.

    “Playing games and competing against other teams is the reward for all the hard work that the student athletes, coaches and support staff put in on a daily basis.” Childs said. “It is hard to motivate the student athletes when they are not training for competition.”

    Daffern feels very lucky being able to work with the student athletes this semester and the general attitude from the student athletes has been keeping him positive.

    “It is a pleasure to come to work to help these student athletes be better at what they love to do, even during the pandemic,” Daffern said. “I think all this has been able to provide our student athletes with an opportunity to release any negativity that they might have picked up during the day and week. It is the one place that is sort of normal for them right now.”

    HSU was the only school in the CCAA that was able to engage in contact practices for the 2020 fall semester.

    “I think these practices helped out student athletes feel a bit of normalcy during these tough times,” said Childs. “It is also the perfect time to get in shape and ready for the upcoming seasons.”

  • HSU Alum is a Super Bowl champion

    HSU Alum is a Super Bowl champion

    Humboldt State University alum Alex Cappa did not play with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in this year’s Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs. However, after being a valuable piece in the Buccaneers offense throughout most the season, he will be going home with his first Super Bowl ring of his young career.

    Cappa has now played two seasons for Tampa Bay, but suffered a fractured ankle on Jan. 9 in the Wild Card game against the Washington Football Team. Though he was out for the Super Bowl, Cappa started in all 17 games of the regular season as quarterback and seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady. This is a huge accomplishment for Cappa, one of HSU’s very own, in assisting Tampa Bay towards a Super Bowl Championship.

    Strength and conditioning coach Drew Peterson, who has been with the Athletic Department since 1991, remembers the first time he saw Cappa during one of their recruiting weekends. He recalls him being an unassuming, quiet and humble guy coming up from Dublin, California.

    “It was a big deal, you know, you have these large diverse groups of parents and potential players coming up here,” Peterson said. “And you know for two to three months it was every weekend. I remember his particular recruiting weekend there was a huge group of people, he was standing up in the back and he was this tall, skinny guy, with long, straggly blonde hair and I thought he was somebody’s family member.”

    Jonathon Rowe, an assistant offensive line coach at the University of Washington and former offensive lineman for the HSU Jacks from 2011-2015 shared his first impression meeting Cappa on his recruiting trip.

    “He was very soft-spoken and a little shy,” Rowe said. “But I found out rather quickly how hard of a worker he was, especially in the weight room. He came in at 245 lbs and by his redshirt freshman year he was 294 lbs.”

    Cappa spent a total of four years at HSU from 2013-2017. He studied kinesiology and did an internship his senior year with Coach Peterson, where Peterson recalled him becoming everyone’s favorite quite early on.

    “He was just always taking time with them, working with them and telling them what to do,” Peterson said. “He’s just this larger than life figure, and he was not anymore this tall straggly kid. He was a 300lb, sculpted football player.”

    It was during the 2018 NFL draft that he was picked up by Tampa Bay in the third round as the 94th pick overall. Cappa was originally projected to be a fifth round pick. This followed after his time playing in the 2018 Reese’s Senior Bowl and attending the scouting combine in Indianapolis.

    “My initial reaction when he was drafted to the Bucs was that I couldn’t have been more excited,” Rowe said. “Because I knew how hard he had worked just to get to that point.”

    It was a year later in 2019 that Tom Brady retired himself as a New England Patriot after winning the Super Bowl, leaving New England behind and looking toward Tampa Bay. This resulted in Alex Cappa becoming right guard to Brady himself.

    “I was even more excited when I found out he would be playing with probably one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game,” Rowe said. “I’m extremely proud of him for how far he’s come and the position he’s put himself in. He’s only going to get better from here.”

    According to the NCAA, there are over 1 million students playing high school football in the United States. Of those students, about 73,000 actually participate in the NCAA and only about 16,000 of them even become eligible for the NFL draft. Only a mere 254 of those players are drafted, actually landing themselves a spot in the NFL.

    To play professionally is one of many young and collegiate athletes’ biggest dream. To be playing in the big leagues, sometimes alongside your childhood icons, can feel like an unattainable goal with the odds staked against you.

    But for Cappa, by putting one foot in front of the other, working hard and striving to beat those unimaginable odds, he did it. He accomplished what every young football player dreams of.

    “What a journey you know, to be passed over by everybody and [his] only place to go was Humboldt State,” Peterson said. “Pretty much every time they scan the camera on Tom Brady, you see Alex Cappa. All these highlights of Brady, I see Cappa. All these regular season highlights — there he is, number 65.”

    Looking back at his second season statistics as a starting guard, Cappa has been an integral player to Tampa Bay’s offensive, with over 1,000 snaps at the guard position and part of an offensive line group that held defenses to only 18% of Brady’s pass attempts pressured.

    Notably, he also took part in an offensive line that finished second in the NFL in sacks allowed per pass play and Cappa helped the Buccaneers’ offense rank at the third best offensive line in the NFL. It is an unfortunate moment for Cappa, Tampa, and HSU, that he didn’t get a chance to finish out the season with his team in the Super Bowl. But although he didn’t participate in Sunday’s big game, it’s important to recognize the magnitude of what he has accomplished since his recruiting weekend at HSU those years ago. He beat unimaginable odds, worked extremely hard and continues to be a tough, dedicated player with his eyes steadfast on success and accomplishment within the game of football. Brady attests to his strong-willed personality and grit through his first season playing with Cappa.

    “[He’s] one of the toughest guys we’ve had on our team,” Brady said in a press conference after Cappa was injured. “We’ve had a really great group up front, [including] guys who have filled in at different times. Cap has been there really the whole year, had a tremendous year. [He’s] a tough, hard-nosed football player.”

  • Remembering Kobe

    Remembering Kobe

    Kobe Bryant will forever be remembered as the 20-year Laker who won five championships, three being second star to Shaq and two with Pau Gasol as the only other all star on his team. Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash one year ago on January 26, 2020. Although the Black Mamba is not with us anymore, Mamba mentality and the legacy left behind will continue to shape the future of athletes and competition.

    Jason Uipi, a junior at HSU and resident of Los Angeles, was sitting in the HSU Library on that day when he heard the news of Bryant’s death.

    “He was just that [guy] to me,” Uipi said. “Being a Laker fan and seeing his work ethic was crazy. He had everyone’s respect including his rivals.”

    Kevin Arias, an HSU freshman also from LA, thinks there may not be another player with the mindset like Bryant again.

    “His mindset is what set him apart from everyone,” Arias said. “ As a Laker fan it was very fun to watch one of the greats. He was an inspiration to us kids growing up watching him be loyal and successful.”

    Dante Cappellano, a junior at HSU and lifelong Laker fan, was devastated when he learned of Bryant’s death.

    “I cried thinking about his family and all that he did for others was now gone.” Cappellano said. “He was that Mamba mentality that symbolized grinding until you are the best at what you do.”

    However, Kobe Bryant was not the only one to lose his life that day. Bryant’s daughter Gianna lost her life as well. Kobe had been taking Gianna to a basketball event when the helicopter crashed in a Los Angeles field.

    “His daughter had so much promise and work ethic in her,” Cappellano said. “ The world not having them in it anymore is a terrible thought.”

    Although Kobe Bryant is not with us anymore, what he brought to the table as a lifetime Laker will never be forgotten. Bryant will forever change the game of basketball even if it is through what he left behind. The words and teachings of the Black Mamba will never be forgotten by his peers, fans, and loved ones.

    “ Everything negative – pressure, challenges – is all an opportunity for me to rise.” —Kobe Bean Bryant

  • How to throw a COVID friendly Super Bowl party

    Though Super Bowl may look and feel different this year, it is not to say there isn’t fun to be had and an array of commercials to be watched. Anyone reading this truly only care about the commercials? We thought so. To all you football fans and commercially driven spectators, we are here to give you the ultimate guide to throwing your first ever pandemic-friendly Super Bowl party.

    First thing first, the big game between Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers will air Sunday, Feb. 7 at 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT) and will be held at the Raymond James Stadium in Tampa. This serving as a first in Super Bowl history where a team will play at their home field. Also, this will be marking a historic moment for Buccaneer Quarterback Tom Brady, as this will be his first Super Bowl not playing for the New England Patriots. Brady previously played a total of 20 seasons for the Patriots and won 6 Super Bowl championships, the most of any quarterback.

    Alright, alright. Enough about that. You want to know how to throw a COVID friendly Super Bowl party. That is why you’re here, we get it. Look no further. There are many ways and options you can tackle this, no punt intended.

    1. Host a virtual watch party:

    You may do this a few different ways. One is with our beloved Zoom. If you don’t know what Zoom is in 2021 then I really don’t know what to tell you other than you must live under a rock. To watch via Zoom, simply have all participants stream the game while Zooming one another. CBS will be streaming the game for free at their website. We’d suggest utilizing app services like DoorDash, UberEats, Postmates, etc.. or supporting a local restaurant that is offering delivery, that way all participants can order from the same eatery, making it feel as though you’re together. You may also host/join watch parties from sites like Hulu Watch Party or Teleparty.

    2. Host an outdoor watch party:

    This option is obviously weather dependent. If you plan to host an in-person party be sure to check the CDC guidelines for how to do so safely. If you’re offering food, which we assume you are, we suggest cooking something easy like burgers. But make sure to plate the food yourself, as the host, following proper protocol. Make sure you have hand sanitizer stations and that people wear their masks whenever possible. Opt for foods like shish kabob’s, burgers or sliders, make individual hummus veggie dips in their own mason jars, or set aside small individual cheese boards for each attendee. You may also consider a BYOP (bring your own picnic) party, so kind of potluck but not really.

    3. Play games and don’t forget to make it memorable:

    Have Super Bowl predication bets going, try to guess the commercials, what the overall theme of commercials will be, or opt for a Super Bowl Commercial Bingo and offer a prize for the winner or play Super Bowl trivia and assign teams. The options are endless so have fun with it. But most importantly, stay safe.