Category: Sports

It’s for funsies

Badminton and pickleball clubs meet on Sundays for exercise and conversation

Ben Bouchard’s love of badminton drove him to start the badminton club last semester. This past Sunday nearly 20 members of his club showed up to smack birdies from one side of the net to the other.

Bouchard said he hopes to compete with other schools one day, but acknowledged HSU’s rural location. He mentioned reaching out to other schools, but for now wants to focus on the fundamentals.
[perfectpullquote align=”right” bordertop=”false” cite=”Olivia Chang” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”16″]“I like how casual it is and relaxed, it is not super competitive… Everyone, no matter their skill level, can drop in and play.”[/perfectpullquote]
“I just want to hone our skills and get better,” Bouchard said. “I know the Bay Area has a lot of tournaments so we’ll see.”

Bouchard said he originally started the club to meet other players and to allow people to better their skills. He said that what draws him to badminton are the strategic and mental aspects of the game. It is something that he found more passion in than other traditional sports.

“I was training to be on the track team, but I always ended up coming back to badminton,” Bouchard said. “It is more fun and it’s a nice break from school.”

Zoology senior Olivia Chang went to the gym to get a break from her studies and to play a few games with friends.

“I really need the exercise,” Chang said. “I usually sit around and study, so it is great to get a good workout.”

Ben Bouchard hits the birdie back to Olivia Chang during a game of badminton on Sunday Feb. 24 in the West Gymnasium. | Photo by Freddy Brewster

Chang is a member of the club and has been going to the meetups every Sunday since October. Chang also takes dance lessons at Redwood Raks in Arcata, but particularly looks forward to badminton every week.

“I like how casual it is and relaxed, it is not super competitive,” Chang said. “Everyone, no matter their skill level, can drop in and play.”

Psychology senior Giselle Velasquez also played this past Sunday. Velasquez said she likes to compete and enjoys playing people who are better than her.

“There are so many people that are good and they teach you all sorts of skills,” Velasquez said.
[perfectpullquote align=”left” bordertop=”false” cite=”Ben Bouchard” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=”18″]“It allows me to disengage… When I’m playing badminton, that’s all I’m doing.”[/perfectpullquote]
The pickleball club was also at the gym. Karen Soiker is an avid pickleball player, as well as an HSU alumnus who grew up in Sunny Brae. Soiker is retired and in her free time travels the world with her paddle, always ready for a game. Next month she is headed to Amsterdam with six local pickleballers for a clinic hosted by a professional.

“It keeps me active,” Soiker said. “I like to compete, but for some folks who don’t it is a very social sport. You meet, you play, you go out to lunch. It is pretty fun.”

Soiker said that the pickleball meetups have been happening for about six years at HSU. Soiker also said the sport is growing.

“There is also a meet-up at the Adorni Center in Eureka,” Soiker said “We are bursting at the seams.”

Soiker and Bouchard’s passion for their pastimes show. For Bouchard, his love of the sport stems from summer times with his family and the state of mind he enters when playing.

“It allows me to disengage, when I play it just fully takes over,” Bouchard said. “When I’m playing badminton, that’s all I’m doing.”

Wednesday, February 27, 2019
Jacks drop series to Chico

HSU softball swept by Chico State Tuesday afternoon

The Humboldt State softball team knew they were in for a challenge when they faced the #7 ranked Chico State Wildcats, as they dropped both games on Feb. 19 by scores of 8-3 and 4-2. Originally the two doubleheaders were scheduled on Friday and Saturday afternoons, but due to rain in Chico, the games were moved up to Monday and Tuesday.

Head coach Shelli Sarchett spoke at the HSU Athletics press conference on Feb. 12.

“We’re frothing at the mouths to get out there,” Sarchett said. “Especially with Chico being a rivalry weekend, we want to get out there and play them and if it means suffering through some weather then so be it.”

The Wildcats brought the offense in the first game, scoring eight runs on eight hits throughout the game. The Lumberjacks were held to three runs on six hits, with second baseman Danica Grier knocking in one run on two hits, including an RBI to open the game on a double to right center field in the first inning.

Unfortunately for the Lumberjacks, the 1-0 lead would not hold for long as Chico State Right Fielder Ari Marsh would tie the game on a single into center field and the Jacks would not lead for the rest of the game.

The Wildcat offense would not finish there as the Wildcats would score seven more unanswered runs to eventually make the score 8-1 in the fourth inning. In the sixth inning, the Jacks would inch a little bit closer as shortstop Joanna Mullins hit an RBI single into center field to make the score 8-2. The comeback attempt ensued in the seventh and final frame as Third Baseman Rylie Carlier reached on an error to make the score 8-3. Unfortunately, the comeback attempt ended there and that would be the final score of the first game.

Pitching was the name of the game in the back end of the doubleheader as Chico State pitcher Sam Mulock pitched a complete game, allowing only two runs on six hits. Opposing her was Jacks pitcher Megan Holt who allowed eight hits but only allowed four runs to score. Chico State first baseman Reilani Peleti was the standout player for the Wildcats on offense, getting an RBI single in the fourth inning and an RBI double in the sixth inning to jumpstart the Chico offense. The Jacks were only able to muster two runs on the scoreboard via a Rylie Carlier single and Illa Haley sacrifice bunt against the standout pitching performance by Sam Mulock.

The sweep by the Chico State over HSU puts the Jacks at a record of three wins and four losses to start conference play, after splitting the doubleheader on Monday. The next home series will be a doubleheader on Friday starting at 12 p.m. and a doubleheader on Saturday starting at 11 a.m. at the HSU softball field in Arcata, weather permitting.

Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Track and field opens with green and gold

The men’s and women’s track team competed against it’s neighbors the College of the Redwoods on Feb. 16. National Championship qualifiers and alumni from last season were also honored at the meet.

Michel-Ange Siaba is a sophomore majoring in criminology and social justice at HSU. Siaba is a jumper and thrower looking to build upon his success of last season. Michel placed in second after HSU alumni Teigan Eilers (6.41m).

“For the first meet of the season, it was better than what I jumped last year so I can see my improvements,” Siaba said. “Especially because the mark I got today was pretty close to my personal best record. It’s rewarding when I see my teammates gain confidence and we mature as a strong team.”

Sophomore Michel-Ange Siaba competed in different events throughout the day and finished with a strong 6.41 meter long jump earning him second place. | Photo by Matt Shiffler

Junior Brailee Vandenboom majors in business administration with an emphasis in marketing. Vandenboom sprints and also jumps placing in three separate events. First in 100 meters, 400 meters, and high jump. The 100 meter dash, Vandenboom came in at 13.34 seconds. She finished The 400-meter dash at 1:01.88, and the high jump at (1.62 m).

“I haven’t been practicing at my best, and it was a real big surprise,” Vandenboom said. “I think it’s setting me up for the entire season. We’re going to have a solid team this year, we’ve always had like a young team in the past, and now we’re all maturing.”

Junior Brailee Vandenbroom gets first place in all three of her events, the 100-meter, 400-meter, and women’s high jump at Saturdays Green and Gold Open. Photo credit: Matt Shiffler

Chee Shorty is an undecided student at the College of the Redwoods. Before trying out track Shorty played football, baseball, and tennis. Chee is being recruited by HSU track and field. Although it was his first time throwing the javelin, he never gave up. On his first and second throw posted a scratch. However, on his very last chance, he got the job done placing first, by throwing 34.79 meters which is about 114 feet.

“I felt surprised honestly,” Shorty said. “This is my first time. I didn’t even know the rules. I liked how everyone around me was encouraging and reminded me not to pass the line.”

The down pour didn’t stop sophomores Kaylee Thompson and Cessair McKinney during Saturday’s Green and Gold Open. | Photo by Thomas Lal

Sophomore physical therapy major Jared Del Real throws shot put and discus. Del Real earned a first place finish in shot put with a 14.14. Breaking the 14 meter mark is encouraging and an impressive feat for a sophomore.

“I scratched on my second throw,” Del Real said. “I tried to stay focused, I felt like I had some more left in me but I’m super excited and we’ve been working really hard this offseason. We’ll be changing people’s minds about the Humboldt State men’s track and field. We have a competition mindset and limit the number of throws to get the best outcome possible.”

Junior Jaye Washington finished first in men’s triple jump and placed second in the long jump on Feb. 16 inside the rain filled Redwood Bowl. | Photo by Matt Shiffler

Humboldt State track & field hit the road against Chico State Feb 28 and March 1. The calendar also opens up to tough division one competition during the Stanford Invitational in Palo Alto, CA on March 29 and 30.

Saturday, February 16, 2019
OPINION: Surfing isn’t an Olympic sport for a reason

Let’s get ready for the inevitable disaster that will be Olympic surfing

Surfing is set to make it’s debut as an Olympic sport in the 2020 Tokyo summer games. Many are excited, but what I’m anticipating is a failure that compares to past Olympic blunders like Tug Of War (1900-1920) and Hot Air Ballooning (1900). Why, you ask? Because surfing is a hobby. Not a sport, and certainly not an Olympic sport.

In Sep. 2015 the IOC (International Olympic Committee) received a proposal to add a number of events, including surfing to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. A year later during the 129th session of the IOC a unanimous decision was reached to include surfing. With four years to spare the IOC was confident. Now, with a year remaining and the format still not finalized, it shows only surfers should hold surfing competitions.

I present one question to the 90 IOC members. Have you ever watched a surfing competition? Because if one of the IOC members had, they’d know that surfing is one of, if not the most boring sport to watch live. Twenty minute videos of epic, mesmerizing surfing is filmed over months and doesn’t show the thousands of other waves surfed. That surfing can’t, and won’t be produced in Tokyo because the geniuses at the IOC are expecting video worthy, once in a lifetime waves to be produced twice in a matter of 25 minutes. Absurd.

The event will include just 20 men, and 20 women competing respectively. Begging the question, who from the 32 men and 22 women on World Surf League (WSL) will be selected? Well, the all-respected IOC has decided to cherry pick the top 10 men, and top eight women at the end of the 2019 season and gift them a spot in Tokyo. Guess what IOC, all you’re doing is helping out America, Australia and Brazil. If 2019 is like 2018, those will be the only countries represented.

HSU junior and surfer Aaron Friedley plans on watching the 2020 Olympics.

“[I’m] excited to watch surfing in the Olympics, but if some countries aren’t represented that’s not fair,” Friedley said.

Here’s a solution, just hold a competition between those three countries and call it a day. The final 20 Olympians will be decided in sub-par surf at the Pan-Am Surfing games, and at two ISA Surfing events this year to decide who will compete against the top ten men, top eight women and two Japanese representatives.

The two day Olympic competition has been given a 16-day window to wait for the best surf, but what if good surf never comes?

HSU senior and Surfrider Club president, Jeff Knapp also confirmed that surfing competitions are almost always held at crappy beach breaks.

“You can’t rely on the ocean for good conditions,” Knapp said.

This forces surfers to paddle for every wave, and surf like they’re stomping out a fire. The competition format has never represented true surfing, showing that it’s a hobby. To enforce this, the Olympic competition will be held at Shidashita Beach because of its “consistent summer trend.” Keyword trend, because it’s impossible to predict surf four years in the future. Shidashita, located 40 miles outside of Tokyo, is a shifty sand bottom beach break. Shifty because sand moves into unpredictable bars. These bars, when organized, produce great surf, but when unorganized are board-breaking machines. Go Shidashita!!!

The IOC began disaster preparation in 2016 when partnering with the WSL and Kelly Slater to create a wave pool in Japan. This precautionary pool has remained a secret, will be done by 2020, and is supposedly not seeing any Olympic surfing. Side note, the cost of constructing a wave pool is upward of $30 million dollars, a pricey precaution for an event based off an ocean that’s free.

HSU graduate student Taylor Team addressed wave pools, said that surfing isn’t for controlled environments.

“You need to be at the mercy of the elements, not a pool,” Team said.

But I’ll spare you the wave pool rant, because it requires elaboration and critical focus to see past the roller coaster bullshit. Bottom line is the IOC has no idea what they are doing when it comes to surfing.

For consideration: I surf, and I believe that surfing is a hobby. There are numerous types of surfboards that all pertain to different wave shapes and speeds. To say you can only be judged if you ride one type of surfboard, on one type of wave, in one style, doesn’t make any sense. The IOC is putting surfing in a box by promoting an inaccurate representation of surfing that only a handful of people can do, and don’t realize that surfing can’t be judged over 25 minutes.

Thursday, February 14, 2019
Jacks brave the elements and beat the Otters

Men’s rugby handled the cold, rain, and hail and still beat Cal State Monterey Bay 24-22

Players, coaches, and fans braved the bitter cold, rain and even a little hail as the Humboldt State men’s rugby team pulled out a close victory over the Otters of Cal State Monterey Bay, 24-22.

Jacks rugby alumni Dallas Hamilton goes full savage superfan as he watches former teammates get the win at College Creek Field. | Photo by Matt Shiffler

It was a tough and physical game at the College Creek Field as HSU dominated their share of possession and won the majority of the scrums, where the players lock arms with their opponent and try to get the ball to their side of the formation.

The weather made for tough conditions throughout the day as passing and ball movement for both teams seemed sloppy.

“The weather was a big factor in the game,” HSU coach Vince Celotto said. “It was an ugly looking game, if I was a fan, I wouldn’t have enjoyed it at all.”

The Otters try and contain Adonis Johnson from breaking off another run long run Saturday at College Creek Field. | Photo by Matt Shiffler

Scoring was hard to come by for the majority of the first half but finally, HSU was able to put a try on the board and add the extra conversion by sending the ball through the uprights to make the score 7-0.

A turnover near their own try line for the Lumberjacks resulted in a breakaway try for the Otters later in the first half cutting the Jacks lead to 7-5. HSU was able to get to the try zone a couple more times late in the first half, making the score 19-5 heading into halftime.

Former football player Tumanako Te’i deciding on which play to make during the second half of Feb. 9 game at College Creek Field. | Photo by Matt Shiffler

The sloppy play continued for the Lumberjacks in the second half as they were outscored by the Otters 17-5, including a late score from a turnover by the Lumberjacks. This led to a late Otter try right before the final buzzer sounded, making the final score 24-22 in favor of the north coast squad.

Teammate and club Vice President, Andre Hascall said that there are issues that the team needs to work on together.

“We didn’t pass the ball when we should’ve, and a lot of selfish ball was played,” Hascall said.

Photo by Matt Shiffler

Even though the Jacks ended up winning the game, the mood among the team was anything but celebratory as the team felt like they let the game slip away.

HSU’s forward, Latu Kolopeaua said that as a team the men’s rugby needs to work on their fitness.

“We felt like we were getting too tired too early in the game,” Kolopeaua said.

In the postgame huddle the HSU coaches stressed teamwork and taking care of the ball has HSU finished the game with 36 turnovers.

“As coaches, we felt that we performed poorly as a team,” Celotto said. “We felt like we should’ve beaten this team by a lot more than what we did.”

Celotto also stressed the importance of re-evaluating and refocusing the team heading into next weekend as the Lumberjacks head down to Moraga, California with a 2-0 record in conference play to take on a strong St. Mary’s squad.

The next home game for the Lumberjacks is March 2, at 1 p.m. where they take on Sonoma State with a berth in the playoffs on the line.

Adonis Johnson and the rest of the Jacks push CSUMB back trying to gain possession during the scrum. | Photo by Matt Shiffler

Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Tigers zero, Jacks rugby heroes

Jacks triumph in the Redwood Bowl

The Jacks dominated scrum set pieces winning all seven keeping the ball in possession for its high-powered offense. Restarting play using the scrum, the forwards packed closely, head down, and engaged the other team, gaining the ability to swing the ball out to a potential line breaker. A series of excellent passes and jukes found HSU with a 2-on-1 advantage looking to score.

Adonis Johnson picks up a loose ball resulting in a turnover for the Tigers. | Photo by Matt Shiffler

Senior number 14 Adonis Johnson caught the high pass and secured the ball. Johnson didn’t pass and instead just kept running full speed ahead, straight for the UOP player and try line.

”I saw him and I was thinking, I’m going to run him over,” Johnson said. ”And I did but somehow he kicked the ball out of my hand as he fell backward.”

The offense was led by Johnson, who would score 12 total points in the 38-0 shutout against the University of the Pacific Tigers in the Redwood Bowl on Feb. 2.

The Jacks played an effective first half, putting 19 points on the scoreboard. These points came from field awareness and handling the ball quickly off of passes. This edge helped momentum and was able to showcase the speed of center all-league selection number 15 Dalvin Jamal-Milton. Jamal-Milton was on full display as he caught a pass, made one Tiger miss breaking their line, and rocketed down the near sideline. With two Tigers to beat, Jamal-Milton threw a forearm that stopped the incoming tackler in his tracks. The second Tiger was too late or didn’t want to get the same outcome and Jamal-Milton tiptoed past the line for his first try of the game.

“Our team is aggressive this year,” coach Greg Pargee said. “We play as a team and we are looking 100% better than we were this time last year.”

The UOP squad had size but couldn’t keep pace with the Jacks in the second half. During loose play, HSU was able to steal nine of the Tigers possessions. Many of these came deep down the pitch, forcing the Tigers to lose clock and energy with zero points in return. When the Tigers finally broke out with big runs past the Jack’s line Jamal-Milton was there cleaning up in the open field, with chase-down tackles and monster hits. Number 12 of the visiting Tigers found space to run outside multiple times and you could see him scanning, trying to find where Jamal-Milton was flying in from.

The Jacks offense closed out the game with another 19 points. Try scorers for the Jacks were Adonis Johnson (2), Cameron Arnold (2), Dalvin Jamal-Milton (1), and Cameron Whitney (1).

“We were able to see mistakes early and coaching was great,” senior center and rugby club vice president Andre Hascall said. “Big positive is that 38-0, got to love that.”

The referee calls out instructions during a scrum between HSU and UOP. | Photo by Matt Shiffler

It’s early in the season but the Jacks can’t help but be excited with returning players like Dalvin, Adonis, flanker Thomas Bradley, Cameron Whitney, and two props Colin Coletto and Joseph Johnson. To add more depth to the already impressive roster three former HSU football players, Tumanako Te’i, Jason Uipi, and Latufeao Kolopeaua, took their tackling from the gridiron to the pitch.

National championship aspirations are on everyone’s mind from both players and coaching staff. Last year the Jacks were able to reach the regional championships but fell to Mira Costa. The Jacks are celebrating 45 years of rugby in the redwoods and coach Vince Celotto played for the Jacks in the 1980s when they competed against top schools and old division-I rivals.

When asked about the possibility of HSU turning club rugby into one of its official sports to fill the void created by the loss of the football program.

“We’re like the kids in an amicable divorce. Community and administration are at odds right now and we’re just trying to make it clear to everyone that we want to win a national championship this year,” Celotto said. “We understand the commitment and our trip is to make these guys the best rugby players they can be, some people want to see us succeed and others want to see us fail.”

Come support Jacks rugby as they face the Otters of Monterey Bay this weekend at 1 p.m. on the College Creek Field.

Tuesday, February 5, 2019
OPINION: The Super Bowl was disappointing

Patriots and Brady earn 6th Super Bowl in low scoring game but did they play the right opponent?

The New England Patriots tied the Pittsburgh Steelers with the most championships in NFL history with six, beating the Los Angeles Rams 13-3 in Super Bowl 53. Patriots were led by five-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady, age 41, while the Rams were led by the 24 year old Jared Goff. It was the largest age gap between starting quarterbacks in Super Bowl history.

John Park, a business major at LA Harbor Community College, said that,“The game was a good defensive battle. The Patriots got more pressure on Goff and made him make crucial mistakes. Not the most exciting game but still good.”

The Rams had a potent offense coming into the game that was steered by running backs Todd Gurley, who was held to just 35 yards rushing, and C.J. Anderson, who had just 22 yards. Wide receiver Brandin Cooks had 120 yards but had two crucial dropped passes that in the end would be massive. Fellow WR Robert Woods was held to just 70 yards on five catches. Their defense, led by Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald who had 20.5 sacks on the year, and Ndamukong Suh, was for the most part good at containing Brady. Although they couldn’t come up with the stop down the stretch when they needed it.

Quarterback Jared Goff of the Los Angeles Rams.
(Associated Press)

Olivia Gainer, a Philosophy major at HSU, said that, “I personally don’t like the NFL based on the statistics of bodily & mental harm to the players as the foundation to the game. But, it was a really uneventful Super Bowl, not worth what the players put their body through for the incentive of profit.”

Patriots’ offense was star studded with running back Sony Michel who had 94 yards rushing and the only touchdown in the whole Super Bowl. Along with tight end Rob Gronkowski who made the biggest catches of the game down the stretch as he had 87 yards receiving. The MVP of the Super Bowl was receiver Julien Edelman who posted 141 yards on 10 catches, he was unstoppable from the slot position making big catch after big catch for Brady.

Patriots’ defense was a great group that contained Goff and the Rams, led by linebacker Donta Hightower, who posted two huge sacks, along with corner-back Stephon Gilmore, who made the biggest defensive play of the day with the interception on Goff with four minutes left. The whole night the Patriots’ defense shut down Goff and the offense, making stop after stop on third down, giving Brady and the Patriots their sixth Super Bowl.

Monday, February 4, 2019
UC San Diego sinks underdog effort

HSU women’s basketball gets a shot at the top Tritons

HSU brought the fight early, opening the game with a steal from Alexia Thrower. That steal resulted in a three pointer from Tyra Turner getting the Jacks on the scoreboard as more than 450 fans settled into their Lumberjack Arena seats. The Jacks continued to catch UC San Diego’s Tritons ball-watching as Turner slashed for a few lightly contested layups. The jumpers from Thrower and Turner continued and the pace of the game built. Madeline Hatch contributed to the crowds’ electricity, hitting a deep three and the Jacks took the lead 12-9 early.

Senior guard Jovanah Arrington pushes into the paint looking for a teammate on the perimeter. Photo by Amanda Schultz

The University of San Diego’s women’s basketball team had won 16 straight games going into the game on Jan. 26 against HSU. Thirteen of those wins inside the California Collegiate Athletic Association, and included beating HSU 72-58 in the previous meeting. The rematch was an opportunity to knock off UCSD but most importantly show that HSU belongs in the discussion of the top three teams inside the league.

“San Diego is a very talented team they are extremely efficient and disciplined,” head coach Michelle Bento-Jackson said. “I told the team you don’t get to play the number four team in the country in your home arena very often, cherish this opportunity and give them our best shot.”

Alexia Thrower navigates the double team on her way to 16 points and three assists under the Lumberjack Arena lights Saturday Jan. 26. Photo by Amanda Schultz

The second quarter was back and forth misses at the basket. Both teams were able to get good looks but unable to beat the rim as they would bounce out. The lid wouldn’t come off the hoop from three pointers either as HSU shot a low 2-10 and UCSD shot 2-16 from behind the arch. Teams entered the locker room at the half shooting 36 percent overall and the score was UCSD 29, HSU 22.
The second half was dominated by the Tritons forwards Mikayla Williams and Haleigh Hatfield. The Tritons passed the ball around the perimeter and took threes without worries. Miss or make the forwards were in the position to get rebounds for easy second-chance points. They finished the game with 14 and 12 rebounds, Williams’ 14 rebounds and 23 points on 9-13 shooting earned her another double-double adding to her already impressive season. Former CCAA player of the week Isamar Conde looked outmatched against the duo of Williams and Hatfield. The exertion of trying to run out to the perimeter and stop the two in the inside may have contributed to her unusually poor shooting night, going 3-13 in 40 minutes of play.

“The two things that really hurt us were offensive rebounds and wide open threes that we didn’t get out on,” Bento-Jackson said. “They have really good shooters and those were the two areas we were deficient in on the defensive end.”

The Jacks made things interesting at the end led by Alexia Thrower’s 16 points and late steals. With four minutes left, Thrower, made a shot plus a foul getting a chance to add one more at the line. She missed but the Jacks were only down 49-53 and had some time.

Senior number 20 Alexia Thrower trying to get the three going as the Jacks make a last effort comeback. Photo by Amanda Schultz

Finally, the Tritons saw enough and showed why they were coming into Humboldt undefeated and turned on the three-point shooting in the remaining minutes. Led by Joleen Yang San Diego who went 6-10 behind the line and snapped the Jacks five-game winning streak 72-61.

“We got to learn from this game, fix some things and get better before next Saturday,” Bento-Jackson said.

Thursday, January 31, 2019
Coach Sarchett looks to steer young Jacks into winning tradition

Humboldt State University softball team enters the 2019 season looking to bounce back after a disappointing 20-26 record that led them to miss the post-season for the first time in five years.

In 2017, the Jacks went 44-15, winning their conference tournament and reaching the NCAA championship round but failed to move on as they placed fifth, getting defeated by Molloy College. The year before that they saw even better numbers as HSU went undefeated in conference play and were one game shy of a national title. On the team there are three all-Americans, eight named all-conference and head coach Shelli Sarchett, named league coach of the year.

With 2018 behind them, Humboldt State softball looks to prove they still have what it takes to get back to the top.

“Last year was rough, we graduated our whole infield and pitching staff. At times we played six to seven freshman, and of course, this is difficult because game experience is so important,” head coach Sarchett said. “Part of success for us this season is to make the NCAA tournament but our goal every year at Humboldt State is to win a national championship, it’s been this way for 30 years.”

The uncertainty of the pitching staff will be a factor in how the 2019 season will play out. Jasmine Hill started 15 games with a 4.68 earned run average or ERA, as the only upper-class pitcher on the roster. There are four incoming freshmen and sophomore leader Lexee Sheiring, who struck out a team-high of 47 batters. Sheiring’s 10-9 record with a 4.51 ERA may improve with the extra year on the mound, as the young staff will try and continue to grow and make an impact on the season.

The confidence this season is behind the big bats of HSU. Third base Rylie Carlier returns for her senior season. Leading the team in on-base plus slugging, home runs and second in batting average with a .337. Michaela Harris suits up as catcher, bringing her second team all-CCAA honors and a team-leading 27 runs batted in or RBI into 2019.

“Up and down our lineup they do damage to the ball,” coach Sarchett said. “Always confident on our hitting, we hit and make things happen on the bases.”

Tough off-season two-a-days mean adjusting the body to the season schedule and ironing out team play. HSU works through drills including positional fielding and base-running strategy. These practices help the team communicate confidently with one another. Young voices get a chance to be heard and talent gets a chance to show they can make the right decisions against the opposition. These drills help coach Sarchett show scenarios the team might encounter during the season.

“Out here working hard, being hard on each other, and holding ourselves accountable,” coach Sarchett said. “We’re gelling as a family and sacrificing the me for the we.”

Senior outfielder and co-captain #6 Hanna Holland. Photo courtesy by Humboldt State Athletics.

In the outfield, the Jacks are returning two starters from 2018, two seniors Hanna Holland and Illa Haley. Holland hits a career average of .354 and 76 RBI. Holland also brings her experience to the defense with a solid .951 fielding percentage. For Haley, her ability to get on base last year with a .438 and a .308 average was good enough to earn her second on the team in OB% in 2018. Holland and Haley are co-captains this season bringing the triple threat of bats, fielding, and experience with 311 games between the both of them.

“Being captain is a big deal and there’s a lot of responsibilities, there’s 30 of us,” Holland said. “Illa and I are like two peas in a pod and we’re going to be locked in out there.”

HSU opens the 2019 season on Friday, Feb. 1 with the Desert Stinger Tournament in Las Vegas. The tournament will be a great chance to see highly ranked teams outside of the CCAA like Colorado Christian University, who is number eight in the west region Central Washington and southwest central region Colorado Christian University.

Senior outfielder and co-captain #13 Illa Haley.
Photo courtesy of Humboldt State Athletics.

“Road trips can be brutal especially getting home at 2 in the morning sometimes, but our team clicks this year and our chemistry helps during tournaments,” Haley said. “My goal is to enjoy the season, this is my last and I want to go out having fun with my girls.”

Friday, January 25, 2019
Unknown beginnings

Editor’s Note: Lumberjack reporter Ju’Wan Murphy is on the Humboldt State University football team.

After the final game against Simon Frasier, Humboldt State University coaches set up a showcase to help players show off their talents

Forty plus coaches came from near and far to scout HSU football players as they showcased their agility and athleticism. Coaching staff, Josh Irvin helped set up the event for his players.

“It was an opportunity for college players to perform and interact with teammates, regardless if they weren’t able to play in games this year,” Irvin said. “They’ve fought for me all year long, and I’m not going to stop fighting for them until they found a new home.”

The coaching staff also sent out an updated list to almost every college in the nation. The list had athletic accomplishments, academics, and eligibility standing. Players, fortunately will not receive the normal transfer penalty of being forced to sit out a year. Instead, they will be granted full access as soon as they enroll in the new college. Players also met with the compliance officer to explain the process. Irvin believes the showcase went well and is committed to mentoring players that need it.

“It’s always an honor when players trust you enough to ask your opinion about the future,” Irvin said.

The next few weeks are critical for players because, decisions will be made and new homes must be decided. Many factors are at play for athletes including year, eligibility, out of state tuition, and scholarships. All this before they step on their new team’s field.

For junior defensive back Ereon Nash, the time of football ending isn’t ideal. He’ll have to navigate credits and scholarships he’s received are all out of state schools in South Carolina, Nebraska, and Colorado. Nash had a season in which his numbers doubled in important defensive back stats like pass deflections and tackles.

“I got to make the best of it,” Nash said. “My plan is to go somewhere my units transfer over so I’m not too far behind in school and where I would be good financially.”

Family is also important to Nash’s decision because of the distance away from home.

“My family thinks this whole situation is unfortunate but they will support me no matter where I choose,” Nash said. “I’m still undecided if I want to leave in January or after the spring semester.”

HSU Lumberjack gets tackled by Western Oregon opponent on Oct. 27. | Photo by Matt Shiffler.

Other players like redshirt sophomore linebacker Demetrick Watts could find success in the change due to his eligibility for two more years. Watts had a breakout season getting his first opportunity this year to start all 10 games and left his mark in all of those in some fashion. Watts finished this season with one defensive touchdown, second in tackles, and made the first team all-conference.

“The situation that happened with the program is messed up, I’m the type of person to finish what I start and I won’t be able to do that here,” Watts said.

His decisions during the break will be looking over his official division two offers from Central Washington, Central Missouri, and the University of Central Oklahoma. These schools are a high caliber of division two football but Watts will wait till just past Christmas to decide. The division one schools are his main focus right now because of the year he had at the Redwood Bowl.

“Just keeping my options open,” Watts said. “Sam Houston, Portland State, and Samford are on the list.”

Freshman defensive lineman Tajma Magee was a walk-on in the spring earned his playing time this fall and has to start that process all over again. Magee is not like Watts or Nash who was recruited, he chose Humboldt out of high school for academics. Magee had a nice spring which propelled him to come back in the fall and for the 2018 season. Now Magee is just like the other athletes searching for a new home. Magee has been in contact with a few schools but the only schools that offered scholarships are Ottawa University, Tabor College, and Kansas Wesleyan University.

Even though Magee has to start his recruitment process all over it he feels like it’s an honor being wanted by other universities after overcoming everything he has been through.

“Coming out of high school I didn’t really have any schools interested,” Magee said. “Now having the opportunity to have school paid for is a blessing in disguise.”

Redwood Bowl is nearly empty at HSU football program comes to an end. | Photo by Amanda Schultz.

Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Lumberjacks lose heartbreaker at home

Threes don’t fall for the Jacks as they drop first game of the season.

Lumberjacks forward Isa Conde scored 26 in a comeback effort by the Jacks versus the Concordia (Ore.) Cavaliers but fell just short in the game’s final seconds.

The Jacks (2-1) fell to the Cavs (4-1) 72-71 at Lumberjack Arena on Nov. 20 but were able to mount a comeback after trailing by 18 early in the game. Isa Conde began to find her groove thanks to some trips to the free throw line and the buckets began to fall.

“We shouldn’t be in these situations,” Conde said. “We should be the ones forcing teams to fight back and we just need to work on our starts.”

Defense has been an issue for the Jacks as they are allowing 71.6 points per game but this team lives and dies by the three and they fell on their own blade against the Cavs.

The Lumberjacks shot over 10 percent worse from three-point land against Concordia than their season average of 32 percent. To make matters worse, the Jacks couldn’t pull down any boards and were outrebounded by 15.

Down 23-6 in the first quarter, the Jacks began to chip away at the lead. They found their way back into the game as they began to force some turnovers. Down by just four with 2:16 left, Conde drove to the bucket and got the and-one to bring the Jacks within just a point. Conde led all players with 16 points the first two quarters and her team trailed by only three at halftime.

“I thought Isa just played her tail off on both ends of the floor tonight,” Jacks head coach Michelle Bento-Jackson said. “She’s trying her best to lead us in all areas and not just scoring but keeping us together and being vocal.”

The Cavs were able to get out to an eight-point lead in the third quarter but the Jacks remained poised and kept making plays to keep the game close.

Lumberjacks junior forward Alexia Thrower puts the post-move on the Cavaliers defender during the Jacks 72-71 loss to the Cavs on Nov. 20 at Lumberjack Arena. | Photo by Lauren Shea

Jacks newcomer Alexia Thrower has been a revelation for the Jacks. She’s already recorded two double-doubles in the first three games of the season with averages of 17 points and 9.6 boards per game.

“We came in and played stronger in the second half, “Thrower said. “It was enough to give us a kick start.”

The fourth quarter was not to be missed. The Jacks fought their way back to make the game competitive but they wanted a win. Every time the Jacks came close, the Cavs hit another shot to extend their lead.

Down 68-65 in the game’s final minutes, Jacks junior guard Tyra Turner was able to get by her defender to make the layup plus a foul. Turner knocked down the free throw and tied the game at 68.

With the Cavs in the penalty, Alexia Thrower was sent to the line for two. She knocked down both to give the Jacks their first lead since the first minute of the game.

With just 11 seconds left, Cavs guard Kizzah Maltezo was fouled by the Jacks Jovanah Arrington. Maltezo made both to put the Cavs up one. With a chance to win the game, Turner missed a 3-pointer as time expired, handing the Jacks their first loss of the season.

“Im glad that our team had the resilience to fight back,” Conde said. “But at the same time it would be cool to have came out victorious.”

Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Lumberjacks get first victory of the season

It was a big win for the Humboldt State men’s basketball team Nov. 15 as they beat the Pacific Union Pioneers 107-87. The Jacks were led by forward Justin Everett who finished with a game high of 30 points. He dominated both halves, finishing the first with 14 points, and the second with 16.

“I just got here early, got some shots up before the game, got my mentality right.” Everett said. “I just went out there and performed.”

This was Everett’s first 30 point performance in the Lumberjack Arena. Although he still feels the team has more work to do to ensure they can take home victory’s in the rest of the season.

“It feels good,” Everett said. “Definitely an accomplishment scoring my first 30 points here in Lumberjack Arena.”

Second scoring leader was guard Romario Wilson who finished with 15 points scoring 11 of those in the second half, mainly off drives and strong finishes.

“I stayed focused,” Wilson said. “I was ready when my number was called and did whatever I could do to help the team win. Whether that’s picking up full or getting to the basket.”

The Jacks were not too concerned about offensive play, it was about defense giving up 87 points that got their attention.

“Defense. We can’t allow 87 points,” Wilson said. “We have to lock up and go over it in practice. We need to work on our defense, work on our rotations, and definitely get our wind up.”

Romario was not the only player who felt like defense was the main problem to focus on after last nights win. Jacks forward Marjani Ellison felt the same way. Ellison had a nice late game dunk in the second half that got the crowd on their feet.

“Even though we got the win we’re not happy with it,” Ellison said. “We definitely should of dominated this team more than we did but our focus was playing defense and that’s not something we did tonight.”

As the Jacks plan to work on defense in practice, they will wrap up the work week as they finish up a road trip to Canada. The Jacks will return to Lumberjack Arena Dec. 6.

Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Forever dedicated to the game

Lumberjacks football player named GNAC Player of the Week

Editor’s Note: For transparency, Skye Kimya is the Lumberjack Sports Editor

Humboldt State University’s sophomore safety Adam Herrera was named Great Northwest Athletic Conference special teams player of the week after an outstanding performance in Lumberjack football’s game against Central Washington on Oct. 27.

The following week Herrera continued to hold down the defense as he intercepted the ball against Azusa Pacific in their second to last game of program history. Herrera talks about how he predicted his opponents play, and just like that he was able to outsmart them and regain possession of the ball for the Lumberjacks.

“I saw the play happening right in front of me,” Herrera said. “And I just opened up right away towards the post. He threw the ball, so I ran up under it.”

Herrera had a successful 2018 football season. He finished with 23 tackles and 19 assisted tackles for a total of 42, two interceptions for a total of 76 yards and a touchdown and 562 return yards with a game high of 193 total yards against Central Washington.

Adam Herrera side peddles as he waits for the offense to make a move in a home game against Central Washington on October 27. Photo credit: Walter Hackett

Football has been one of Herrera’s greatest passions for a majority of his life. Starting at a young age in elementary school, he knew football was something he would continue to pursue. Getting more serious about the sport, he knew he wanted to play for his local high school team in Los Banos, Calif.

Playing both offense and defense for the Los Banos High School Tigers, Herrera hustled hard to earn his accolades, including MVP and offensive player of the year multiple times.

As he took on unfamiliar positions such as quarterback, high school football challenged Herrera to become a well rounded athlete, as well as a versatile player on the football field.

“He was a phenomenal player and a great teammate,” Head coach of Los Banos High School football Dustin Caropreso said. “He was a leader. Adam showed up to practice everyday and never complained.”

Not only did Herrera join varsity as a sophomore but he was captain of the Los Banos Tigers both his junior and senior year.

“When I found out he won GNAC player of the week it was pretty special,” Caropreso said. “He’s worked really hard to get to where he’s at, and it couldn’t have happened to a better person than Adam.”

Though Herrera is known as a football player, he is also a son, big brother, and student. Family and friends have always been important to him and his daily life. His parents and grandparents had always been some of his biggest supporters as they watched him play growing up.

“It had been a while since he received any recognition for all of his hard work,” Adam’s mother Cynthia Gonzalez said. “So it was nice to hear him receive the GNAC award in college.”

His girlfriend Skye and closest friends Ereon, Watts, and Mark continuously inspire him to be the best he can be. Ereon Nash and Demetrick Watts play right beside Herrera on the defensive side of the Lumberjacks.

Ereon Nash, Demetrick Watts, and Adam Herrera gather for photos after their 2018 homecoming game against Simon Fraser. Photo credit: Skye Kimya

As a brother to four younger siblings, Herrera has been a huge role model and support system within his family. His only brother Moses is following in his footsteps as he too plays football and is already a recognized all-star on his Pop Warner League team.

“Every time before a football game he calls me and pumps me up,” Moses Herrera said. “He tells me how to play the game, and he is always encouraging me.”

As HSU’s football team completed their final season, Herrera accomplished a lot within his football career, but he’s not done yet. He has already been contacted by outside coaches and is looking to play at another university for the last two years of his collegiate career. Herrera hasn’t made any decisions yet in regards to football next fall but awaits opportunities.

“I don’t want this to be my last year,” Herrera said. “I’ll continue to do what I need to do to keep playing football and if everything goes well for me I hope to continue on to the next level.”

Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Small but mighty: Brianna Simon

By Megan Bender

Humboldt State University Track and Field Captain Brianna Simon might look small but she throws a mighty hammer.

Find out what it takes to compete in one of the oldest sports around, Megan Bender reports.

Monday, November 12, 2018
OPINION: 90 years and a slap in the face

The Azusa Pacific field goal that beat the Lumberjacks on Nov. 3 sailed through the uprights. At this moment it dawned on me that this was the final play of HSU football. The empty feeling in my gut is all too familiar.

Born and raised in San Diego, I could never tell local Jacks fans how to feel or how they should feel. However, after over 30 years of cheering for the San Diego Chargers, I have a pretty good idea.

Year after year, heartache after heartache, I remained loyal to the Chargers. When they went 1-15 after using the second pick in the draft on University of Washington Cougars quarterback Ryan Leaf (the biggest flop in professional sports history), I stuck with it. When management fired head coach Marty Schottenheimer after going 14-2, I stayed true to my team. Get rid of L.T? Why not? There was no quit in me.

Then, Chargers owner Dean Spanos made the decision to move the Chargers to Los Angeles in Jan. 2017 because he felt it couldn’t compete with the rest of the league financially at his old stadium in San Diego. Loyalty was never on the menu for ownership and I no longer have a team.

The same can be said for HSU administration. People are pointing the finger at HSU president Lisa Rossbacher and rightfully so. This is the second football program to be eliminated under Rossbacher’s watch.

Many locals will be getting their wish. Rossbacher’s announced retirement begins at the end of the Spring 2019 semester. One must wonder if future university presidencies are in her future and which team will be on the chopping block next.

After playing the blame game, the reality of the loss begins to set in. For me, it was the fact that my home team that I had literally bled for was going to leave my city for our rival city to the North. Watching them be successful in Los Angeles this season has been hard to watch to say the least.

There’s no more cheering for Lumberjacks football even if you wanted to. The game against Azusa was the last game to ever be played at the Redwood Bowl. That is the reality.

Never again will locals be able to come down early on a Saturday to tailgate before a big game. There won’t be any more Lumberjacks moving on to the NFL, like Jacks All-American offensive lineman Alex Cappa in this year’s draft. At least not in the near future.

The people with the most to lose in this situation are the players. Many of whom moved up to Humboldt County away from their comfort zones just to play the game of football. For some, HSU was the only offer received. For others this university was their choice.

Even though HSU won’t fully admit to having a diversity problem, many students would agree that there is one. Losing Jacks football will have a negative effect on the diversity that HSU tries so much to promote.

90 years of Jacks football apparently means nothing to HSU administration.

The program is over and the lights at the Redwood Bowl are off. It’s a slap in the face and the feeling will never go away.

Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Lady Jacks basketball dominate in their home opener 109-40

With an 11 game improvement and an NCAA West Regional bid of an 8th seed, the Lady Jacks look to carry last year’s success into the 2018-2019 season.

On Oct. 29 in the Lumberjack Arena, Humboldt State Women’s Basketball slashed to the basket with little resistance, pulled up from the key with ease, and shot 48 percent from past the three-point line.

Bethesda couldn’t solve HSU’s puzzle with defensive pressure. More times than not, the play resulted in a turnover granted to the Jacks.

Alexia Thrower led HSU with 29 points, Madeline Hatch followed with 23 points, and Jovanah Arrington and Isamar Conde put up 17 and 15 points, respectively.

The hot start and a 69 point difference is something that hasn’t been done before in decades at HSU. Don’t let the small roster fool you, the 2018-2019 Lady Jacks basketball team can play. There is no doubt that they will have another exciting season. The next home game is Nov. 2nd against Southern Oregon at 5:30 p.m.

Friday, November 2, 2018
Jacks chop down Pioneers

The Jacks win their final match to finish off the season against Cal State East Bay

The Lumberjacks men’s soccer team finished off the regular season with a 3-1 win over Cal State East Bay on Senior day at College Creek Field on Oct. 27.

Both Humboldt and East Bay had many opportunities to score in the first half as both teams made plays down the field, but neither team found the back of the net. The Jacks defense remained strong and maintained great communication as they protected their goal.

“We had a couple of chances to score,” senior midfielder Francisco Calderon said. “Unfortunately we couldn’t score them, but overall I think we played the soccer we wanted to play.”

The match became intense as many fouls were called on both teams which eventually resulted in a penalty kick for the Jacks in the early second half. The Pioneer’s goalie misread the ball as senior left back Daniel Allred kicked it into the top left corner of the net.

“Since it’s my last game I had a feeling our team was going to get a penalty kick,” Allred said. “Honestly I was pretty nervous but I practiced them a lot so I just hit it.”

Over thirty minutes later freshman Devin Hauenstein received the ball and took a shot from afar which earned the Jacks their second goal. As the Jacks led 2-0, the tension was rising for East Bay as they struggled to score a goal.

As the game continued, more fouls occurred which finally led to a penalty kick for the Pioneer’s landing them their only goal of the game.

The Jacks offense continued to breakaway down the sides of the field as they took multiple shots at the Pioneer goalie. After many attempts, senior Max Steinmetz took the ball down center field and hit the ball straight into the back corner of the net in the 88th minute.

“We were fighting for our seniors today,” Steinmetz said. “We battled for the win and ended up getting the job done, and it was a team effort.”

Steinmetz, Allred, and Calderon, as well as Chris Cherms and Bryan Hernandez gave their all in their last soccer match playing as a Lumberjack. College Creek Field was filled with family and friends as they supported the five seniors over the weekend. They all have goals and aspirations to either pursue their careers or continue playing soccer in the years to come.

“It’s a lot to take in,” said Calderon. “It hasn’t really hit me yet but as for now I’m just proud to be a part of this team.”

Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Like father like son

Football player keeps legacy alive

Humboldt State sophomore linebacker and Lumberjacks team captain Demetrick Watts II was named Great Northwest Athletic Conference defensive player of the week, Oct. 8, for his performance against Simon Fraser.

The six-foot 225-pound run stopper and pass protector stifled the Simon Fraser offense, with 8 tackles, 1 for a loss, a sack, and the eventual game-winning fumble recovery in the end zone for a touchdown.

“It brought me back to high school,” Watts said. “It was a beautiful feeling and getting GNAC defensive player means everything to me.”

Watts’ touchdown against Simon Fraser wasn’t the first of his career. A young Watts always wanted to be an NFL star.

“He had passion as a seven-year-old,” Watts’ grandmother, Barbera Numan said. “He needs to keep swinging those doors open and stay motivated like he is and I believe it’s possible.”

At Hillcrest High School in Riverside, California, Watts stood out as a two-way player. His running back strength and quickness showed through his original offensive position. On defense, he was the best linebacker in the league winning MVP twice. Watts also earned All-River Valley League Honors and the Athlete of the Year Award for the Citrus Belt League in 2015.

Like the love for football, Watts shares many things with his father, including his name. Watts’ father passed away when he was a freshman at Hillcrest High. His passing was due to a blood clot in his leg. Watts moved in with his grandmother who lived down the street and continued at Hillcrest for the remainder of high school.

“His dad was also an athlete,” Numan said. “He played football at Sonoma State. But you know, he had a family and he lost the vision. He was a family man now.”

Watts’ father worked with him on drills, conditioning, and different aspects of what it meant to be an athlete, let alone a football player. They were very close, his father helped mold Watts both on and off the field.

“Demetrick won many awards but he was always so humble,” Numan said. “That made me happy. He was a positive child, and became a respectful adult.”

Coming into Humboldt State, Watts redshirted his freshman year but was always at practice and his favorite spot, the weight room. The recreation administration major would routinely be in the gym for two-a-days. Coaches talk about the discipline and work ethic behind Watts, and how much time he puts in off the clock.

“Monday is my ideal day, I get my big lifts in,” Watts said. “Getting my legs under me and grounded makes me feel great.”

Samuel Barfield, Watts’ cousin, was an incoming freshman this year and plays tight end for the Jacks. Sam is new to football, playing mostly basketball, but he still loves the sport.

Barfield gets to witness the daily grind of Watts’ work ethic and looks up to him as his older cousin. Football became an avenue to help Barfield get out of the crime area of Riverside that they both call home. He thanks his older cousin for this.

“I’ve always wanted to play aside my cousin,” Barfield said. “Whatever he does I want to copy. I know I’ll be good if I follow him. Our city is bad right now. People don’t get out and football is all we got.”

Just like Watts, Barfield plans to continue his football career at another university considering Humboldt State recently decided to cut the program due to financial issues.

“I love football and I put my everything into this,” Watts said.

The Humboldt State Lumberjacks will play their very last football game Saturday, Nov. 3 at the Redwood Bowl against rival Azusa Pacific at 1 p.m. The seniors will be honored in remembrance of their journey here as a Jack.

Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Jacks head their way to victory

Lumberjacks men’s soccer celebrated after a 2-1 victory against Cal State Monterey Bay in its second to last game at College Creek Field Oct. 25.

The majority of the second half was tied up at one until forward Isaiah Dairo sent a header straight into the net at minute 86:13 as the Monterey goalie trailed behind.

“As I was going for the header I had no energy left,” said Dairo. “The people who gave me energy was my team and I’m very thankful for that.”

HSU started off strong while Monterey’s offense pressured the Jacks in the first half. HSU’s offense continually fired shots at goal. Jacks junior defender Dalton Rice scored the first goal of the game early on at the 11:37 minute.

The Jacks defense fought hard throughout the rest of the first half keeping the Otter’s off the scoreboard until the 33rd minute.

“In the first half we played really well,” sophomore midfielder Marco Silveira said. “We dominated the first 15 minutes. We kind of slowed down a bit and they scored, then we picked it back up.”

Going into the second half, the Jacks focused on pressuring Monterey while creating opportunities on the field for plays. Both teams took several shots on goal, testing each other’s defense. The Otter’s continued to fight back but were unable to put another one in the net.

The Jacks will continue preparing for their game against Cal State East Bay on Oct. 27 at 2 p.m, as this will be the last game for many of the seniors.

“We’re going to come out strong for our seniors,” said sophomore midfielder Chico Cortes. “We want them to leave on a good note.”

Friday, October 26, 2018
Sophomore squad leads the way in cross country

Four different underclass athletes stamp fast times including a first-place finish by Humboldt State’s Cessair McKinney

Humboldt State University men’s and women’s cross country competed early in the morning on Oct. 20 at the fog-filled Baywood Country Club in Arcata.

Women

Women 6k sophomores Cessair McKinney and Kaylee Thompson placed one and two helping the Lumberjacks secure a team title.

McKinney and Thompson switched in placing from September’s Humboldt Invitational. This weekend schools, including Cal State Monterey Bay, Sonoma State and Lane Community College, couldn’t keep up with the HSU sophomores. Both Jacks ran together at a close pace and ahead of the pack throughout.

“We race about the same, if you see her up in the front that means I should be up there too,” McKinney said. “I felt good about this race, it’s great for our conference meet in a few weeks, I believe we are ready to go.”

McKinney finished with a winning time of 22:30 and an outstanding average mile time of 6:02. Competition for the Ladyjacks was from Monterey Baby runner Hadley Clark who placed third just 30 seconds behind McKinney’s time.

With about a kilometer left in the race, Kaylee Thompson tapped McKinney on the side for encouragement. Their teamwork has shown results in many of the Jack’s meets.

Off the course, you can find McKinney and Thompson photobombing their coaches video interviews or doing energetic tandem forward rolls in the direction of the parking lot.

“I was just so happy that she won,” Thompson said.

Men

Men beat Monterey Bay but narrowly took second place and fell to Lane Community College by a team total of 10 minutes and a time of 2:13:36.

Sophomore Elliot Portillo also captured second place individually, 23 seconds from first with a time of 26:03. Carson Cohn was the next Jack to cross the finish line with a 26:29 time that led to a fifth-place ranking.

Both runners acknowledge the difficulty of the course and were excited about their placings and final times. They weren’t the fastest and had problematic areas in the hills but they enjoyed this run.

Portillo credits his teams’ strong performance at the meet to vision and being able to see the competition most of the race.

“We were able to keep the guy from laying in my sights, he made a move on the third lap to gap me,” Portillo said. “I held heavy and had enough space between me and the next guy to secure second.”

Cohn said he has started to see the progress he’s made throughout the season. Just being ten seconds slower than his personal record was a huge accomplishment this weekend. He also was just four seconds slower than his Bronco Invitational time last week at a much faster course.

“It’s much more open here, you don’t get stuck in the single track behind guys,” Cohn said. “Gutsy race, great time, I just kind of went for it.”

Head coach Jamey Harris will prepare both men’s and women’s squad for CCAA championships after this weekend’s final season invitational.

“Big strides at a challenging course,” Harris said. “There’s real progress and we’ll carry that momentum going into the championships.”

Catch the Jacks Nov. 3 in San Bernardino for the CCAA Championships.

Women place and time top 10, 6K

McKinney 22:30 1st

Thompson 22:51 2nd

Gillick 23:34 8th

Melville 23:46 10th

Men place and time top 10, 8K

Portillo 26:03 2nd

Cohn 26:29 5th

Halter 26:57 9th

Ruehrwein 26:58 10th

Tuesday, October 23, 2018
HSU Men’s and Women’s soccer win weekend matchups

Women’s soccer kicked off the weekend with a 3-0 shutout against visitor University of California at Santa Cruz and the men followed with a 4-2 win over Sonoma State on Oct. 20 at College Creek Field.

“Going in we knew we only had 3 games left,” said senior midfielder MaKenna Dunn. “We played like we had nothing to lose.”

The Lady Jacks didn’t take long to get on the board as they scored only three minutes into the game. Senior forward Jacquelyn Dompier was able to knock in a rebound off of Santa Cruz’s goalkeeper, Allie Mandel, into a wide open net to give the Jacks a 1-0 lead.

The Jacks then added another goal in the 27th minute as Dompier sent a cross in from the left side to senior midfielder Alex Jenkins for a one touch into the net.

“MVP goes to Jackie, she knew she wanted to score today” said Dunn.

Dompier, who was involved in all Lumberjack goals during the game, added her 2nd of the day at the 30:22 mark off a cross from sophomore midfielder Rose Harman.

The Green and Gold coasted for the rest of the game as they finished with a 3-0 victory, snapping from their two-game losing streak.

“Our focus was having fun,” Dompier said. “When we relax everything feels more natural and it allows you to find creative ways to score.”

While the Jacks offense was on display during the game, the defense also rose to the occasion as the Banana Slugs failed to record a single shot on goal during the second half.

Although it is late in the season, the Lady Jacks as a whole are beginning to click and sophomore midfielder Haley Miller credits their communication.

“We’re a family first off and we talk it out in a positive way,” said Miller. “It’s tough having only one week left with each other but we want to communicate what’s going right or wrong to finish the season strong.”

Both HSU soccer teams have eyes set on ending their 2018 season strong as the men followed up with a 4-2 win over visitors Sonoma State.

“All week we worked on run ins from behind and quick passes,” said junior defender Gus Baxter. “We want to play quickly and train how we play.”

The practice worked well as the Jacks buzzed early throughout the first half of the game. Gus Baxter was able to find the ball at the 21:28 mark to send a header in the goal, off of a pass from senior midfielder Daniel Allred.

Sonoma State’s Sebastian Santos tied the game eight minutes later as he was able to breakaway from Jack defenders.

Junior forward Isaiah Dairo’s clean run to the box is interrupted by a sliding Sonoma State defenseman. | Photo by Matt Shiffler.

“We have to be sharper in transition. We get caught up with what the ref is doing when we need to just stay sharp.” said sophomore forward Marco Silveira.

HSU responded seven minutes later as Marco Silveira was able to find the net from a rebound off a Sonoma defender to give the Jacks a 2-1 lead.

The Jacks weren’t finished yet as Dalton Rice capitalized off a corner kick with a header in the 40th minute to give HSU a 3-1 lead before entering the half.

“We stayed dangerous,” said Silveira.

Deep into the second half the Green and Gold finished with another goal at the 70:10 mark. Silveira kept the Jacks offense dangerous with a pass to freshman forward/midfielder Devin Hauenstein giving them a 4-1 lead.

Sonoma’s Sebastian Santos was left alone at the end of the game and knocked in his second goal of the match to set the final score at 4-2.

Women’s soccer will face Cal State Monterey Bay Thursday, Oct. 25 at 12:30 p.m. in another home game.

HSU Men’s Soccer will follow as they too face Cal State Monterey Bay at 3 p.m. at the College Creek Field.

Monday, October 22, 2018
Q&A Meet the Athlete: Lauren Reid

The Lumberjack catches up with Women’s Volleyball star Lauren Reid

Lauren Reid is a 20 year old, third year volleyball player leading the Lady Jacks in kills this season. She is from Riverside, California and is majoring in Elementary Education here at Humboldt State.

Q: Why did you choose that major?

A: I was kind of torn actually between that and kinesiology, but I’ve been surrounded by kids my whole life. My mom runs her own daycare out of our home and she’s been doing that my whole life. I grew up around kids and I coached over the summer. Helping and learning is what I love to do, so I just took that into teaching in the classroom.

Q: What grade would you teach?

A: I wanted to do younger kids until last summer when some of the kids I was coaching had a little impact on that! It’s the attention span. I want to be able to get to know their personalities. It was kindergarten. But now it’s fourth grade, fifth grade, but for sure elementary.

Q: What do you miss most about home?

A: I miss the sun. I’ll take any sunny day any chance I get up here. I miss feeling like I’m at home. I miss the smell of pollution to be honest, and the sun. I know that sounds crazy, but it’s true. I miss my family for sure.

Q: What restaurant would you bring up here to Humboldt from home?

A: Ohhhh, only one? “B-Dubs,” I miss “B-Dubs” a lot. I could go “hammy” on some wings at Buffalo Wild Wings.

Q: Is it just the wings? Or do you like hanging out with your friends?

A: It was always just fun to eat there and we’ve had a few parties there too. It’s just an overall good place to have fun and get good food especially if you like sports. I would bring the whole environment up here to NorCal and bless them.

Q: What do you like most about being here in Humboldt?

A: I like that I can be independent. Granted, I love my family to death and love all my friends but I like living under my own roof and having my own rules has been a real go-taker for me. One of the reasons I wanted to move away from home was because I wanted to grow up and learn to do things on my own. Grocery shopping for yourself and paying bills or whatever it may be.

Q: What do you dislike most about Humboldt?

A: I dislike the weather. Extremely. It gets really, I don’t want to be dramatic, but it gets really depressing. When it gets cloudy and rainy for weeks at a time I get so depressed. The sun literally brings me joy. That and the distance. We’re kind of by ourselves and lonesome up here. I want to get out of here but I don’t want to have to drive five hours to do that. We’re on an island! We’re trapped!

Q: What position do you play in volleyball?

A: I’ve played right side for the last two years. I originally played left side in high school. But this year I finally get to play left side again and I’m really happy about that!

Q: Did you come here to play volleyball?

A: Yes, I did. I wouldn’t be here without volleyball. I actually didn’t even know Humboldt was a school until I heard that a Humboldt coach was recruiting me. In these last three years it’s taught me more than anything did in high school. I’m grateful that it brought me up here because I’ve met some of my best friends that will last a lifetime.

Q: Are you a competitive player or an emotional player?

A: People actually think I look really pissed off when I’m playing or unmotivated, but I’m actually very, very competitive. I just stay to myself and stay very focused.

Q: You’re killing it on the court, but the team hasn’t won a game yet this season. How do you deal with personal success when the team isn’t excelling in the same ways?

A: It’s tough when you’re doing your job and doing really well, but your team isn’t winning. You get to the end of the game and you’re like, damn, the team lost but I got this many kills or whatever. I guess I’ve been torn a few times this season. If we can get a couple people getting 10 to 15 kills per game, then we’ll be winning. It would be a game changer.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?

A: I see myself done with college. I better be! Back home, for sure. And honestly hopefully teaching at the elementary school that I went to. I live half a mile from my elementary school. I mean, I won’t be living there anymore, hopefully I’ll be moved out by then! But I do love kids. So I hope that I can have a little baby bump or something, ya know? I really love kids and want to have them myself.

Q: It’s time for my favorite question, who is your celebrity crush?

A: I feel like I can’t just have one, but every time I see him on TV and in his music videos, I’m like, yeah, that’s the one. Maybe Drake!

Q: Who is his competition?

A: I only know their names in the show. Stefan and Damon from Vampire Diaries. But I don’t know their names, so I guess it goes to Drake!

Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Women’s Volleyball woes continue

Lady Jacks still on the hunt for first conference win of the season

The Humboldt State Lady Jacks put up a good fight in their 3-0 loss against the Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros on Oct. 11 in Lumberjack Arena.

The first set was the most competitive set with nonstop action after Dominguez Hills started off hot on a 8-4 run. The Jacks rallied back to tie the set at 22-22 with kills by Lauren Reid and Savannah Horton before calling a timeout. The Toros rallied and were able to score three straight points to take the first set 25-22.

“We keep fighting until the very end of every set,” junior middle blocker Emma Flewell said.

Dominguez Hills then scored three unanswered points to take set one, 25-22.

The Jacks marked the first kill in the second set, but it was hard to get Dominguez Hills out of a groove as they came out hot again and took a 6-1 lead. The Toros led most of the second set comfortably, but a run by the Jacks held a 18-15 lead. The run came a little too late as the Toros regained control and took the second set with a score of 25-22.

“We all hustled, but I liked Natalie on the outside. She brought it,” Flewell said. “MVP honestly goes to [her], she hit the highest percentage on the team and we need that.”

Jacks outside hitter Natalie Picone was an issue for Dominguez Hills on both offense and defense but the Toros responded with confidence as they rushed to set their lead at 12-6 in the third set.

“I was fired up and ready to go,” Picone said. “I’m ready to fight for it and I want to bring all the energy I can.”

The Jacks bent but did not break as they got within three points at a 13-10 score. However, the Toros completed their sturdy set with a 25-19 win and posed their best offensive set of the night by hitting .378.

“It’s hard to see us lose, we’re just proud as a team,” said freshman opposite Madeline Woods. “Our outside Natalie Picone does it all and serves as a great role model.”

Picone had nine kills, most coming very timely in the third set for the Jacks, and Lauren Reid led the way with 14 kills. Juliana Bertolucci led the team in assists with a whopping 34 total.

“There were too many unforced errors and we need to stay focused at the end of those close games,” said Picone. “We’re still learning and it’s late in season but we need to start games strong. Once we come out with fire, we’re unstoppable.”

Tuesday, October 16, 2018