The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Tag: HSU Soccer

  • 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 University’s women soccer team create bracelets in support of Black Lives Matter

    Humboldt State University’s women soccer team create bracelets in support of Black Lives Matter

    Proceeds go to the African American Center of Academic Excellence

    The Humboldt State University women’s soccer team started a bracelets for change movement to show their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

    Mary Swisher, a senior at HSU and soccer player throughout college, stated that the social injustice present within our country was infuriating and motivated the team to combat the issue.

    “While I cannot speak on the racist experiences that African Americans face, it hurts me to hear, see and learn about the effect that racism has on my peers in athletics, at school and the border community of color,” Swisher said. “My teammates and I have decided that we will continue to educate, advocate and work to support people of color in our community and our country.”

    Athletes are asking for donations for HSU’s African American Center of Academic Excellence. The team has handmade 30 bracelets out of the 70 that were ordered by friends, family and the community, totaling more than $700 dollars to the AACAE so far.

    The AACAE is a cultural and social hub on campus to support identifiable Black students and offer them a higher education. Douglas Smith the Organizer for HSU’s AACAE said he was shocked by the compassion demonstrated by the women’s soccer team.

    “Very grateful for multiple reasons. We didn’t reach out to them or ask to fundraise,” Smith said. “They did it on their own ambitions. I was grateful.”

    COVID-19 and budget cuts hit the AACAE hard. With the money being donated, they feel extremely grateful and thankful. Smith believes it’s time to confront racial injustices head on and create dialogue.

    “Times up. Honestly the time for conversation and talking about it and educating people about it, it’s kinda over,” Smith said. “If there isn’t action being taken place right now then move out of the way. My mood for your question is it’s time for action and talk is rhetoric.”

    Coach Grant Landy of the women’s basketball team stated that the athletes came up with the bracelet idea completely on their own and had the AACAE in mind.

    “I challenged the team to continue the conversation about racial injustice and they came up with the bracelet idea,” Landy said. “They wanted to help our campus community and chose the AACAE to help support.”

    The women’s basketball team choose to help support HSU’s own clubs and organizations. Landy applauds the team’s spirit and dedication to raising awareness for racial injustice.

    The Women’s Soccer Team is still accepting bracelet orders and is still taking donations to support HSU’s AACAE.

    Swisher stated that the women’s basketball team felt they needed to contribute more than conversation to the racial injustice movement.

    “As a team we were having conversations about the injustice against African Americans in our country,” Swisher said. “The conversations were productive and we were educating ourselves but we decided that talking about that problem was not enough.”

    The co-captain from the women’s soccer team, Sabine Postma, has experience doing similar fundraisers in her hometown in Washington. The team decided their impact would be most effective if they donated their proceeds to a local organization, like AACAE.

    “It’s an admirable organization on our Humboldt State campus that empowers, supports, and celebrates the Black lives in our community,” Postma said.

  • Humboldt State Athletes stay fit safely during pandemic

    Humboldt State Athletes stay fit safely during pandemic

    COVID-19 is not an excuse to stop sweating.

    Student athletes do not have the luxury of taking a break because once COVID-19 is over, it is right back to the game they play. Athletes not only have to worry about the lack of open gyms, but also the ongoing social justice movement that swept across the country. Some athletes found it easier to cope and build a healthy diet and workout routine around these problems than others.

    Benicio Benavides-Garb, a sophomore soccer player for HSU, has stayed in shape by using his personal weights and running. Benavides-Garb lifted with his barbell and set of dumbbells whenever he could. The running app Strava played a large role in Benavides-Garb’s fitness still being at a top level.

    “Strava allowed me to try and break all my previous records I had on all my runs before,” Benavides-Garb said.

    Benavides-Garb has also stayed in shape by passing the soccer ball with his little brother. Benavides-Garb’s passing has really improved since he trained with his little brother. The training not only improved both of the brothers’ skills, but also their relationship.

    “Practicing with my little brother has led to a lot of bonding between the two of us,” Benavides-Garb said. “We are probably the closest we have ever been.”

    One athlete has taken the all natural approach to staying in shape for their season. Kahanu Amantiad is junior and member of the Humboldt Rowing team. Amantiad trained over summer on her rowing machine. The rowing machine was essential in Amantiad staying in shape for her season. Additionally, Amantiad has been surfing all quarantine in her home state of Hawaii.

    “I’ve spent most of my days surfing at my secret spot,” Amantiad said. “There are about two other people in the lineup, so we socially distance very easily. I’ve been working on my bottom turn and a couple snaps here and there.”

    For some athletes like sophomore basketball player Joey Rodrick, there are more distractions to training than just COVID-19. Rodrick spent most of his time in quarantine lifting in his homemade weight room and training with a socially distanced trainer. When quarantine was over and parks reopened, Rodrick was able to play with the top talent of Portland. Rodrick worked on his jumpshot and other moves for his upcoming season.

    “Playing with the best of the best definitely allowed me to work on my skills and improve as a player for HSU,” Rodrick said.

    However, training came to a halt when Rodrick chose to be a part of a call for social and racial change. Protests rightfully proved to be more important than playing basketball for Rodrick.

    “It’s been hard to train and practice because of all the protests,” Rodrick said. “I have been taking part in them and have really been adamant on doing my part for social justice.”

  • Jacks head their way to victory

    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.”