The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Tag: Farewell

  • To the journalist from Yonkers

    To the journalist from Yonkers

    Lumberjack staff and editors bid farewell to their favorite adviser, knowing full-well she’ll be back in a few years

    After 14 years of hard work and dedication, Lumberjack Adviser Marcy Burstiner plans to take a step back from the paper and give other professors a chance to hold the reigns. As students and journalists we want to show our appreciation for Marcy the only way we know how: through words. This is for all those years, laughs and hair-pulling moments.

    “Thank you Marcy for believing in me when I didn’t believe in myself. If it wasn’t for you I don’t know where I would be at this point in my life. You’ve been the best hype woman/professor/adviser I could ask for. I couldn’t be more proud to serve as Lumberjack’s EIC with you as my adviser.” – Dajonea Robinson

    “Marcy Burstiner is someone who irritates you to no end, shows you that you’re loved and accepted and makes sure that you strive to be better in one fell swoop. Her attitude and her (hilarious) grace are inspiring and I’m more than grateful I was around while she advised the Lumberjack. Now we both deserve a drink.” – Deija Zavala

    “I will never forget my semesters working with you as my advisor. You know you have a good adviser above you when you’re equal parts ready to quit but working even harder than before. I’ll forever hear ‘You know what your problem is…’ in the back of my head when I’m overthinking things. You’ll be greatly missed.” – Megan Bender

    “Marcy’s enthusiasm for teaching always makes for an engaging class and an uplifting environment.” – Chelsea Wood

    “Marcy has given me the confidence to be the reporter I never thought I could be. She has always made Lumberjack a little more exciting than other classes by lighting up the room with her bubbly personality! Thank you for everything you have done for us, Marcy!” – Amanda Schultz

    “Thank you, Marcy! You are the best!” – Braeden Delome

    “You have been an amazing source of inspiration and courage as a reporter and person, thank you for being you, Marcy!” – Benji Goodale

    “Thank you for believing in me even when I don’t believe in myself.” – Liam Warner

    “I’d like to thank Marcy for opening the doors of organization, sticky notes and spread sheets. I’d also like to thank her for reminding me as a journalist that my flaws are my assets.” – T. William Wallin

    “Thank you so much Marcy for your wisdom and your guidance through my two semesters with you and the Lumberjack!” – Sebastian Lindner

    “Marcy tells you what you don’t want to hear sometimes but it ultimately benefits you in the long run. She’s supportive and amazing when you get to know her more.” – Silvia Alfonso

    “Thank you Marcy for inspiring me and showing me what it takes to be a journalist. You’ve taught me so much in the past nine months that have already been put to use. My only regret is that I have only one more year under your guidance.” – Freddy Brewster

    “Marcy taught us a lot and sees the potential in people, even in people who are quiet like me. She knows when she sees someone who can make their mark in the field of journalism. I’ve never heard of Yonkers before I met Marcy, but if people from there are like her, then it must be a pretty cool place.” – Luis E. Lopez Jr.

    “Marcy Burstiner has always inspired me to work my hardest, improve myself and find my passion.” – Cosette McCave

    “I would like to send a huge thank you to Marcy for inspiring me to join the journalism field; she has given me the confidence to keep questioning people and the world around me. The Lumberjack will truly miss her spunky energy.” – Christina Samoy

    “Marcy was always there to support everyone in the Lumberjack, she gave me great advice about being a reporter, writer and an overall journalist. For my first time reporting for the Lumberjack I was happy to have Marcy guide me through it.” – Skylar Gaven

    “Marcy can make a captivating story out of almost anything.” – Weston Lazarus

    “Marcy is a badass. I idolize her confidence and determination. Honestly, her entire persona. She genuinely has everyone’s best interest at heart and radiates positivity and good vibes, even her criticism leaves you feeling inspired and confident in your direction. Beyond journalism, Marcy cares and makes that apparent in every interaction you have with her.” – Grace Caswell

    “Thank you for making me a way better reporter and always keeping it real. The LJ won’t be the same without your crazy ass. Much love.” – Gabe Rivera

    “Marcy’s ability to balance energy and patience brought out the best reporter in me.” – Matt Shiffler

    “Even though Marcy thinks I have rejoined The Lumberjack because she is leaving, that is not completely the case. I want her to know that I so utterly appreciate her topsy-turvy teaching style as well as her push to help me pursue things I have once felt were unrealistic.” – Skye Kimya

    “Marcy taught me that no one cares if you just do what the job asks for, but you’ll also never get anywhere. The only way to keep moving forward is to consistently go above the bar that’s been set.” – Jett Williams

    “I don’t remember the exact moment, but I can always feel the passion behind what Marcy believes in. And that is something you cannot teach. Passion.” – Emily Osthimer

    “Thank you so much for making delicious bread and helping me recognize leads!” –Delaney Duarte

    “Thank you for dedicating your life to not only teaching us how to be better story tellers, but how to be better workers, motivators and hustlers. You are truly are of my favorite educators I have had in my schooling career. You have taught me more than just how to write a catchy lead, you have taught me how to navigate in a nothing-is-promised career. Thank you for being a BOSS!” – Maia Wood

    Even with all these true words of kindness nothing can describe or express the gratitude we all have for Marcy Burstiner. Thank you, Marcy. We love you. The Lumberjack misses you already.

  • Unknown beginnings

    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.”

    IMG_9985.jpg
    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.”

    IMG_1564.jpg
    Redwood Bowl is nearly empty at HSU football program comes to an end. | Photo by Amanda Schultz.