The Lumberjack



Students Serving The Cal Poly Humboldt Campus and Community Since 1929

Tag: Lumberjacks

  • LOGGING THEIR HOURS ‘JACKS SHARPEN THEIR AXES        

    LOGGING THEIR HOURS ‘JACKS SHARPEN THEIR AXES        

    By Alex Anderson

    Over 150 logging competitors will soon descend upon Humboldt swinging axes, climbing trees and firing up their saws. They’re coming to compete at the 84th Annual Association of Western Forestry Clubs (AWFC) competition, a special opportunity to showcase what makes Humboldt logging sports unique. 

    After about a year of planning, Cal Poly Humboldt’s logging sports team is excited to host the AWFC competition for the first time in 10 years, in conjunction with the Redwoods Region Logging Conference (RRLC). The competition is free and open to the public, taking place at Redwood Acres Fairgrounds on March 13 through March 16. Zoey Cardoza, president and captain of Cal Poly Humboldt’s logging sports team, is excited for the team to host the event this year. 

    “We’re expecting over 180 competitors coming from 10 western schools,” Cardoza said. “We’re bringing 31 students to compete, which is wild, and it’s gonna be really fun. I just want them to have the same opportunities that I’ve had and be able to compete in a competition that everybody else has strong passions for, learn something new about themselves and hopefully about the sport too.” 

    Logging sports is far from any typical sports club seen on university campuses. Deeply intertwined into the history of Cal Poly Humboldt and surrounding community, logging sports keeps the tradition alive. The team strives to open their doors to everyone with interest, not limiting themselves to forestry majors. Cardoza aims to create a safe space for people to try something new with logging sports. 

    “I think a lot of people assume that, you know, we’re logging sports, we’re all foresters,” Cardoza said. “We’re not. We have economics majors, psychology majors, and English majors. We welcome any and all walks of life. I think that’s what makes us unique too, is that you don’t have to be a certain shape, size or have a certain passion. If you want to try it, come out and try it.”

    While the club is open to all educational backgrounds, the team does serve a vital role in preparing students who are interested in forestry careers following school. Ed Laskey, a forestry student and second year logging sports competitor, explained how being on the team also provides an essential space for learning safe practices with modern and traditional logging skills. 

    “I would say just practicing valuable working skills using the axes, the cross cuts and chainsaws because I’ve worked with chainsaws before and it’s good to have a big group of people that you can learn from to do safe operation,” Laskey said. “And help others to learn how to use these tools in a safe way.” 

    Cameron Wallace, a forestry student at Cal Poly Humboldt and logging sports competitor, explained what sets logging sports apart from other sports on campus. 

    “It’s more niche,” Wallace said. “There’s a little more inherent risk. It really lets me get involved with my friends in forestry and in a way that I wouldn’t normally be able to… at the end of the week you’re tired, you’re done with sitting in the library all week and you’re just [ready to] go out into the woods with your friends to use chainsaws and axes. Do what we’re learning about in a natural environment with your friends, and it’s a good way to get outdoors, that’s part of the fun.” 

    Humboldt’s logging team is another place where students find a supportive community. Team members look forward to showcasing their skills and comradery at upcoming competitions.

    “I would say it’s special because you meet a lot of cool people,” Laskey said. “The friendships that you make are really cool. Whenever you’re at a competition and you’re competing in an event, you have the whole team, because usually it’s only one thing going on at a time. So the whole team is able to go there and watch you and cheer for you. That’s super special.”

  • Humboldt basketball teams look to turn losing streak around in final games

    Humboldt basketball teams look to turn losing streak around in final games

    By Jake Knoeller

    College basketball is complicated. The CCAA men’s conference is anything but predictable. As of late, this has not worked in Cal Poly Humboldt’s favor. 

    Currently, the women’s team is on a five game losing streak. They are placed ninth in the conference out of twelve schools, and are eliminated from conference tournament contention, as the top six teams make it in, all of which have already been decided.

    That being said, there is also a positive side to the team’s situation. With this being their first time together as almost an entirely brand new team, it can’t be expected that everything will click immediately. They luckily have an offseason to improve with returning players. 

    “We didn’t have any seniors on our roster this year,” said head coach Michelle Bento-Jackson. “There’s a lot of thought that’s gonna go into this offseason on how we can get better for next year.” 

    As for right now, the focus is simply on becoming a better basketball team. They travel to play Cal State San Marcos, a nationally ranked opponent, on Thursday. On Saturday they play at Cal State LA.

    With only pride to play for at this point, Humboldt has an opportunity to play quality opponents without the pressure and bring two good showings to close out this season.

    “We have everything to gain and nothing to lose going into these last two games on the road,” said Bento-Jackson. “You don’t always get opportunities to play ranked teams and we should be happy about that.”

    The men’s team is a different story. They await the biggest games of their season away from home this coming weekend, also facing San Marcos on Thursday and LA on Saturday. 

    The Lumberjacks exited a four game home stand on a three game losing streak. Two days after a close win against Cal State East Bay on Feb. 9, in which Malek Davis made the go-ahead shot with 40 seconds to go, Humboldt lost in overtime to Cal State Dominguez Hills.  This was a heartbreaker that left many fans and players wondering what went wrong in a very winnable game.

    The following weekend, Humboldt led by as many as 14 against nationally ranked Cal State San Bernardino. They lost by one point. 

    This game was a head scratcher for several reasons. Not only had Humboldt led the whole game and been the better team, they also gave up seven straight points to close the game and lost an opportunity to significantly increase their conference tournament hopes.

    “I thought we controlled the game and dominated for 39 minutes and 20 seconds,” said head coach Tae Norwood. “Credit to San Bernardino for pulling this one out.”

    Two days later, a home loss against Pomona added significance to this final weekend of the season for the Jacks.

    Humboldt still sits at third in the conference out of twelve schools, currently holding tiebreakers over San Francisco State and Sonoma State, teams with the same 10-10 conference record as the Lumberjacks. Six schools are racing for the final four conference tournament spots.

    A minimum of one win this weekend would give them a very good chance to qualify for the conference tournament, depending on what happens with other teams. Winning both games would keep them in third place going into the tournament. Momentum is also an important factor at this time of a season.

    “The team that’s the hottest late in the year is usually the team that wins the conference tournament, pending that all the teams are beatable,” said Norwood. “The league’s wide open.”

    If there’s a time to turn it around, that time is now. The Jacks have a golden opportunity to earn a berth in the conference tournament.

  • Athletics Deals with a Budget Curveball

    Athletics Deals with a Budget Curveball

    With Humboldt State University anticipating lower enrollment for the upcoming academic year, the athletics department has been preparing to make budget adjustments in alignment with the rest of the university. While the department is still waiting on official numbers from the administration to what the budget will look like next semester, Athletics Director Jane Teixeira has been actively working towards making changes with athletics.

    “We are going to start going through program by program, looking at ways that we can reduce costs or maximize our benefits and resources,” Teixeira said. “We look at everything from corporate partnerships and how we can maximize those, to donations, to can we live without a second pair of tennis shoes if that’s something we were buying.”

    Student enrollment is directly linked to the budget through the Instructionally Related Activities fee that every student pays each semester. The fee currently costs students $337 and covers coach salaries as well as operational expenses for athletics. The funds generated by the IRA fee are also split among the IRA Committee Fund, Jack Pass Fund and Humboldt Energy Independence. A large majority of the money goes to athletics. However, with the department receiving $3.3 million for the 2019-2020 academic year. There is no talk at this time of the fee being raised even if enrollment drops in the future.

    The IRA Fee may not be changing, but faculty salary which applies to coaches and is determined with unions and includes automatic increases is at risk. Associated Students Executive Director Jenessa Lund points out that at a certain stage this model will simply stop working as salaries fall out of balance with the fee.

    “Salary increases for positions paid by the state are included in the state allocation, as the state builds in a cost of living increase when funding for CSU’s,” Lund said. “When salaries are paid by a flat fee, eventually the salary increases will exceed the amount of fees.”

    Newly elected Associated Students President Jeremiah Finley believes that students should not be having to pay for athletics faculty and instead should be paid with state-side funds.

    “Ultimately I believe that the wages should be off the back of students. So I’ll advocate that it moves back to state-side.”

    Jeremiah Finley

    Moving faculty wages back to state-side funding is something the budget office has been looking into since Spring 2018 according to Lund. If this move is made then the money allocated by the CSU system would take rising salaries into consideration. While the current flat fee does not.

    Athletics will certainly take a financial hit if enrollment drops as the university predicts. Teixeira was adamant that even though the department has been asked to make changes, the existing programs will not be going anywhere.

    “There’s no talk of contracting on our sports,” Teixeira said. “I know there has been some thought from some individuals that were nervous about that because you’re starting to see that happen across the country.”

    With enrollment down significantly in the Fall semester, athletics will be leaning more heavily on other sources of revenue; state-side, private donations and corporate sponsorships. Teixeira was unable to provide exact numbers on how much money comes from these sources, but did say that support from the community is especially important for athletics. However with the long term effects following COVID-19, donors contributions will potentially be affected.

    “I appreciate the individuals who have given to us and hope we can continue to gather their support for that,” Teixeira said. “We’re going to need it as we move forward in this budgetary time. But we also are aware that this pandemic has affected people. It’s affected our neighbors and we have to be really smart about that.”

    “Rec sports is a huge part of what HSU does for students. So it’s not just an athletic issue, this is a student issue.”

    Athletics Director Jane Teixeira

    If student enrollment takes the anticipated dip for the 2020-2021 school year, recreational sports would see a dip in funding, since they’re part of the athletics department. Teixeira said that recreational sports had already taken a reduction and needs support since it applies to so many students.

    “Rec sports is a huge part of what HSU does for students,” Teixeira said. “So it’s not just an athletic issue, this is a student issue.”

    The potential to use unspent money from this semester to bolster athletics is being explored as an option. While the final numbers haven’t been released, track and field, softball and rowing all had their seasons cancelled before completion. Meaning funds that are normally spent on travel and lodging are still available. This money could be used for other operations in the future.

    Finley thinks that any athletic money not spent due to COVID-19 should be dispersed back into the program.

    “Ultimately if that money is allocated, which it currently is, for our student athletes,” Finley said. “Then our student athletes should still benefit from that. I don’t know what that looks like, but that’s why we have different bodies in different pockets of excellence around campus to get that input.”

    Without certainty from HSU’s administration, the athletic department continues to create scenarios for possible budget outcomes they will face going into the 2020-21 school year.

  • Trackside Tales with Elliott Portillo

    Trackside Tales with Elliott Portillo

    First-hand account from Humboldt State distance runner Elliott Portillo

    For track and field athletes like myself, March usually means a return to early season competition after a long, cold winter of preparation and training. On March 6 and 7, Humboldt State University’s Track and Field team traveled to Turlock, California to participate at the 2020 Kim Duyst Invitational at Stanislaus State University.

    Traditionally, this meet brings together programs from across Northern and Central California to post early season times and marks. For myself and other track-based Lumberjacks, it means a long and winding drive down Highway 101 on a large and cumbersome charter bus with very little leg room and one bathroom for around 40 runners, jumpers and throwers.

    As the trip progressed, the foggy redwood canopy gave way to neat rows and columns of orchards and, eventually, the urban jungle on both sides of the I-5 through Stockton, Modesto and Turlock.

    As a whole, my race, a morning event, was uneventful. I found myself heading to the front of a large pack of runners after a few laps, and wound up leading the race for a good two miles in a very strong headwind. The racers must have enjoyed my wind-breaking, as nobody made a move to pass me until a few laps to go. Three runners passed me in the last few laps, leaving my decrepit body in their wake after all of my heavy lifting.

    One advantage of racing early in the morning is the opportunity to watch teammates compete, and boy was I in for a show. I got to see senior Jaye Washington finish second in the long jump, while Brailee VandenBoom tied for first place in the high jump. These were just a handful of the performances I was able to view during my downtime after my race. Even if an athlete didn’t make it to the podium, there was plenty to celebrate—a new personal best, or out-leaning someone at the line to gain one more spot.

    Things only heated up as the day progressed. The weather alternated between sunny and overcast, with swaths of clouds blanketing the vast expanse of the Central Valley. In the evening, eight Humboldt State women toed the line for the fastest race of the 5,000 meter run, made up of 12 and a half laps and just over three circular miles of Stanislaus’s faded red oval.

    Of those eight Humboldt runners, six women ran fast enough to qualify for the California Collegiate Athletic Association championships in May. Junior Cessair McKinney ran with the top group for most of the race, at one point running to the front and pushing the pace, showing no regard for how bad she might feel later. Her teammate, freshman Lucy Atkinson, hung back in the next pack of runners.

    Eventually, the two groups strung out and splintered, as the dense pack turned into a single file parade around the track. McKinney finished six, while Atkinson finished fourth.

    It was just our luck that just as we began packing up to leave, the skies, which had been threatening rain all day, finally opened up and unleashed a downpour.

    I guess we brought a bit of Humboldt with us after all.

  • HSU Jacks Swept by SSU Seawolves

    HSU Jacks Swept by SSU Seawolves

    Humboldt State softball team takes loss in two double-headers against Sonoma State University

    Humboldt State University’s softball team went 0-2 back-to-back in double-headers to the Seawolves of Sonoma State University, bringing their record to 4-15 overall and 3-13 in CCAA competition.

    Pitching and defense were the downfall of the Jacks as they gave up 39 runs and committed eight errors over the weekend series by scores of 12-3, 10-2, 12-3 and 15-12 against the Seawolves. The Jacks continued to fight the whole weekend, but weren’t able to match the Seawolves.

    Head Coach Shelli Sarchett emphasized these woes that plagued the Jacks over the weekend. She also saw the fight her team continued to show as well as players who played well despite the outcome.

    “They don’t let their heads down and lay over. Things just aren’t working our way right now,” Sarchett said. “We know our pitching struggles, but today it was our defense making too many mental mistakes. You’re going to have physical mistakes from time to time, but when you have too many mental mistakes that really gets you.”

    Sarchett emphasized the need of her team to score first and get some momentum going.

    “Whether we’re having a down or up season, attacking and getting on the board first creates momentum, and this is a big game when it comes to momentum and getting it on our side,” Sarchett said. “We’re coming out and putting runners on base, but weren’t capitalizing. We have to start setting the tone and things will start going our way.”

    The Jacks struggled to find runs in the first three games of the series, but the bats came alive for them in the fourth and final game of the series as they scored 12 runs.

    Juniors Haley Suter and Danica Grier combined for nine RBIs and three home runs. Suter brought in four by way of a grand slam and Grier added five more with two home runs respectively.

    Grier said she saw fight in the team. Even in a loss, she said they have some momentum leading into their next set of games.

    Grier said she needed to keep things simple and explained what she saw during her two home runs.

    “I had been struggling for the most part of the weekend so I kept thinking, ‘Keep things simple,’ and I saw one coming my first at-bat, swung hard and hit it out,” Grier said. “I went up my next at-bat, saw the same pitch, swung hard again and it went out.”

    Grier said she saw fight in the team. Even in a loss, she said they have some momentum leading into their next set of games.

    “We’re always battling and we’re always coming back, so our mental state as a team is strong,” Grier said. “We know that we can be great. We saw today that we can score. We just have to continue to fight. We’ll have a tough week of practice and fix what we need to get ready for next week.”

    The Jacks will look to turn their fortunes around next weekend as they travel down to Hayward to take on California State University, East Bay in two double headers on March 6 and 7.

  • Chico State Softball Dominates Doubleheader vs. Jacks

    Chico State Softball Dominates Doubleheader vs. Jacks

    Chico State softball lived up to the hype in daytime doubleheader

    The Chico State Wildcats got their game going right away in the second inning when, after loading the bases and scoring two runs, third baseman Drew Rodriguez hit a bases-clearing double. The momentum shifted to Chico State in that moment, and they didn’t look back for rest of the day, culminating in back-to-back losses.

    Head Coach Shelli Sarchett reflected on her team’s performance.

    “Our team is too good to be playing the way we’re playing,” Sarchett said. “We’ve got to figure something out. We’ve got to turn it around right now. We have our moments of brightness, but they’re overshadowed by the moments of darkness.”

    Sarchett said their pitching has been struggling and it needs to get better if the team wants to compete.

    In the third inning of the first game, Chico pitcher Brooke Larsen clobbered a two-run home run to left field. The Wildcats followed this up with an onslaught of additional offense.

    Following five straight runners scoring, Rodriguez hit another bases-clearing double in the fourth inning. This felt like the exclamation mark on the game. The mercy rule came into mind as things were falling apart fast.

    Fast forward to the fifth inning Chico had a 17-0 lead. The Jacks didn’t get shut out, though, and managed to squeeze out a run when shortstop Adriana Chavez reached first on an error by Chico shortstop Kristin Worley, and third baseman Izzy Starr scored on an unearned run.

    • Sophomore shortstop Adriana Chavez makes a play during the Jacks game against Chico State on Feb. 22 at HSU Softball Field | Photo by Thomas Lal
    • Junior second baseman Danica Grier slides into third during the second game of a double header against Chico State at HSU Softball Field on Feb. 22 in a game where the Jacks stole 5 bases. | Photo by Thomas Lal
    • Humboldt State outfielder Lauren Lipe runs into to make a catch off of a pop fly during the Jacks game against Chico State on Feb. 22 at HSU Softball Field. | Photo by Thomas Lal

    Unfortunately, the Jacks also ran themselves into an out on the very same play as right fielder Mariah Kalamaras was tagged out at third base to end the game.

    Jacci Crowe notched the only hit for the Jacks.

    The first game was one to forget, but the second game, while also a loss, was more engaging.

    Again, Chico scored first. But rather than fall flat, the Jacks managed to tie the game in their half of the first on a RBI bunt single by junior Danica Grier that scored catcher Micaela Harris.

    Pitcher Lexee Sheiring was a workhorse in the second game, going almost six innings in relief of starting pitcher Megan Escobar, who got tagged with five earned runs early on.

    “I think I just had to take a minute, regroup,” Sheiring said. “Then go out there and really dig through it and be there for my team and show up.”

    After trading runs in the following few innings, Chico blew the game wide open in the seventh when shortstop Karter Williams drove in two with a single and right fielder Amanda Metzger brought in Williams on a two run bomb to right.

    In their last half of the seventh inning, the Jacks put up a fight when Grier drove in Harris and Starr, and first baseman Anna Brondos followed with an RBI single of their own to bring their team within striking distance. But like the first game, Chico pulled out a victory and swept Saturday’s doubleheader.

  • Jacks Fall to Second in Conference Coyotes

    Jacks Fall to Second in Conference Coyotes

    Men’s basketball leads early but drops second in a row at home

    Humboldt State’s men’s basketball home game on Feb. 8 was a challenging one for the team as they took a loss, 72-94, against California State University, San Bernardino.

    The Jacks ended the night with a loss and an 8-15 record, but a few highlights kept the fans engaged.

    In the first half, Jackson Strong made back-to-back three-pointers, while Zachariah Christian gave the Jacks an early 6-0 lead. The Coyotes caught up, bringing the score to 19-11 in the next nine minutes to take a 19-17 lead on a lay-up by Jordan Mitchell.

    • #0 Leland Green drives into the paint. | Photo by Liam Warner
    • #3 Isaiah Pope goes up for the basket. | Photo by Liam Warner

    The Coyotes increased their lead to 24-17 with eight minutes left in the first half. Rob Lewis cut the Coyotes lead to 37-30 with four straight points. Coyote player Richard Laku hit a three, which left the score at 40-30 right before halftime. In the second half, the Coyotes led and eventually outscored the Jacks by 22 points, taking the win.

    The Jacks had several players with double-digit points. Christian scored 18 points, while Isaiah Pope put up 16. Amari Green had 12 and Lewis scored 10. The Coyotes had 43 rebounds and the Jacks had 34.

    Head coach Steve Kinder said it was a hard game, but he was happy with the good start to the game.

    “What stood out to me the most was how good Cal State San Bernardino is,” Kinder said. “We just played a very good basketball team. We’re their 19th win—their last victim. They’re a very good basketball team and we competed with them well at the beginning of the game. I thought we did a nice job staying pace with them.”

  • Lights Out on Black Out Night

    Lights Out on Black Out Night

    Lady Jacks dominate against San Bernardino

    There are nail biters in sports, and then there are blowouts. For the Humboldt State University women’s basketball team, Saturday was one of those blowouts where the Jacks found themselves on the right side of the scoresheet. Decked out in their black road uniforms for blackout night, the Jacks stormed their way to an early lead and never looked back as they took a convincing 107-62 win over the visiting San Bernardino Coyotes.

    The Jacks were led in scoring by Alexia Thrower, who put up her eighth double-double of the season, putting up 26 points to go along with her 12 rebounds. Another standout performer for the Jacks was Sandin Kidder, who put up a double-double of her own with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Madeline Hatch and Gabrielle Carbajal also scored in the double digits along with Emily Packham, who had a career night with 11 points.

    The Jacks established themselves quickly, finding reliable 3-point shots from up and down the roster. Hatch struck first from beyond the arc, setting the tone for the night as the senior guard went 5-12 on her 3-point shots. Carbajal put up three 3-point shots of her own while Kidder hit both of her two 3-point attempts.

    Head Coach Michelle Bento-Jackson was very pleased with her team’s performance, pointing to the offense’s ability to keep driving the play with a lead.

    “I know for the fans and everybody it just seems like 100 is the magic number. I don’t even know when we hit 100 tonight. I was just so focused on just making sure we were still doing what we needed to do.”

    Michelle Bento-Jackson

    “It’s great when the shots go in,” Bento-Jackson said. “But more importantly I really was focusing on the shot selection and making sure that we got good ball movement. Not just settling for an early shot against the zone.”

    Even with such a scoring effort from her team, Bento-Jackson kept the team working hard through the full game.

    “I know for the fans and everybody it just seems like 100 is the magic number,” Bento-Jackson said. “I don’t even know when we hit 100 tonight. I was just so focused on just making sure we were still doing what we needed to do.”

    Carbajal was happy to see contributions from the whole team, saying that it made for a good experience out on the court.

    “It was really nice being able to play with everyone,” Carbajal said. “And everyone contributing out there, and scoring and sharing the ball. It was just a great game.”

    Carbajal was also confident that the team could use this game to push them forward going into their upcoming road trip to San Francisco and Sonoma.

    “Just using this game as momentum and building confidence for the next game, especially San Francisco,” Carbajal said. “I know that we’ve been struggling on the road but just coming into this next game, we just have to have a different mindset.”

    For the future, Bento-Jackson is focused on maintaining a high level of performance even when the team will play three out of their last four regular season games on the road as they aim for the California Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament in March.

    “We have three games here on the road and this is going down the stretch,” Bento-Jackson said. “Playing with that same type of energy when we’re not in front of our own fans. And as we say, it requires a lot of mental toughness to go on the road and to get a victory. And that’s something that we need to do for these next two weeks.”

  • Lumberjacks Host Logtoberfest

    Lumberjacks Host Logtoberfest

    Logging sports club invites competition for an axe amount of fun

    On Nov. 16, the Humboldt State Logging sports club held its annual Logtoberfest. This year they got to compete against schools including University of California, Berkeley, University of Nevada, Reno and Shasta College.

    In previous years, Logtoberfest was more of a practice session for HSU logging sports. This year HSU decided to make their event an open invitational and welcomed other university logging sports teams.

    Sounds of axes chopping and chainsaws revving echoed as those involved gathered around to show off their woodcutting skills. But the event was about more than just cutting wood. Logging athletes and their familiarity with each event provided entertainment while still ensuring safety.

    Vice President of the club and HSU forestry major Sophia Ackerman was in her third year competing in Logtoberfest. She was happy to see the arrival of the traveling schools and the growth of her logging team.

    “Our team has gotten bigger,” Ackerman said. “Logtoberfest in the past has been more like practice scrimmages against ourselves to get ready for competitions really early in the season.”

    Ackerman spoke highly about one event in particular: the obstacle pole. This event required an individual to carry an active chainsaw up a tilted log and cut off a portion of it.

    Another event called the horizontal chop involved a person positioning their feet on a log as they land multiple strikes until it breaks. Feet are exposed, but an important safety feature includes metallic footwear and chain-mail shin guards, so that in the event a contestant misses their intended target, no one is seriously injured.

    “Because it is extremely dangerous, if you glance out you can chop your leg. You gotta be comfortable with chopping and really good with the axe.”

    Jace Hunt

    Ackerman participated in the horizontal chop event and wasted no time chopping the log against her Shasta College opponent. Upon completion, Ackerman sat and took a break as she watched and cheered on her opponent to finish strong. Sportsmanship among the logging athletes has allowed them to form a bond of endless support for each other.

    Wildlife conservation major Jace Hunt competed in an event called the vertical chop, and after multiple swings from his axe, Hunt delivered a final blow to the log sending wood chips flying in every direction.

    Despite constant sawdust and wood chips flying everywhere, maintaining an uninterrupted line of sight was a goal the athletes thrived for. However, there were some participants that saw the flying chips as a motivational obstacle.

    Not only does swinging an axe demand physique but it demands discipline to assure that team members avoid inflicting bodily harm. Although this is Hunt’s second Logtoberfest, he did not compete in last year’s axe-wielding events.

    “You have to be on the team for a full year before you can do the vertical chop,” Hunt said. “Because it is extremely dangerous, if you glance out you can chop your leg. You gotta be comfortable with chopping and really good with the axe.”

  • Men’s Soccer Finishes Season With an Emotional Senior Day

    Men’s Soccer Finishes Season With an Emotional Senior Day

    Jacks defeat Dominguez Hills by two goals, but fall to Cal State LA

    The Humboldt State University men’s soccer season concluded over the weekend and honored senior players at College Creek Field.

    It was an emotional ending to another season of Jacks’ soccer as the final two games yielded different results. On Thursday, the men’s team beat Cal State Dominguez Hills 2-1 with two goals from the Jacks leading scorer Isaiah Dairo. He scored the game-winner in the final minute.

    Saturday’s matchup against Cal State Los Angeles was held on Senior Day, and for athletes Robert Quintero, Rudi McClellan, Isaiah Dairo, Israel Gonzalez and Gus Baxter it was their last game as a Lumberjack.

    A ceremony commenced before the game, with senior players taking photos with their families and Head Coach Fred Jungemann. For some players like Isaiah Dairo, their last game had an impact on them.

    • Senior Isaiah Dairo moves the ball up the left wing for the Jacks during their match against Cal State Los Angeles at College Creek Field on Nov. 9. | Photo by Thomas Lal
    • Senior midfielder Rudi McClellan moves the ball up the field for Humboldt State during their match against Cal State Los Angeles at College Creek Field on Nov. 9. | Photo by Thomas Lal
    • Humboldt State’s Marco Silveira attempts to play the ball during the first half of the Jacks’ match against Cal State Los Angeles at College Creek Field on Nov. 9. | Photo by Thomas Lal

    “Having my family here motivated me,” Dairo said. “They don’t get to see a lot of games that I play and for them to see these last two games of my college career was special.”

    The Jacks fell to Cal State LA 2-1. The lonesome goal came from Dairo, but it was not enough to help the Jacks come back from a point deficit.

    “I had tears in my eyes when the final whistle blew because I looked over to my family, and they were clapping and filled with joy,” Dairo said.

    In the first half, the Jacks and the Golden Eagles were off to a competitive start. After a 20-minute scuffle for possession, Cal State LA slipped one through HSU’s defense giving them an early 1-0 lead.

    Two minutes later, Jacks’ midfielder Israel Gonzalez connected a pass to Dairo, which he finished in the Golden Eagles’ net.

    Senior Israel Gonzalez battles for the ball during the Jacks’ match against Cal State Los Angeles at College Creek Field on Nov. 9. | Photo by Thomas Lal

    HSU goalkeeper Robert Quintero kept his composure throughout the first half and made drastic saves.

    “In the first half I remember the pile of players fighting to score and me stretching out my hand to prevent the ball from crossing the line,” Quintero said.

    With ten minutes left in the first half, the Golden Eagles were able to score another goal on the Jacks. With the Jacks now trailing, Jungemann felt it was a response for his players showing a pulse in the fight.

    “Our goal reminded them we had a fight in us,” Jungemann said. “So they started to take us more serious, and they certainly did what they wanted to do, but our players held their ground.”

    Going into the second half, the Jacks and Golden Eagles fought hard to overcome the opponents’ strategies, but both teams were unable to add any points to the board.

    Humboldt State senior Gus Baxter soaks in the moment after his final game as a Lumberjack against Cal State LA at College Creek Field on Nov. 9. | Photo by Thomas Lal

    “This day is part of our lives every year and it doesn’t get easier,” Jungemann said. “It’s always a difficult and emotional day. The graduating players gave five years of their life to an organization that they had fun being apart of and now await the challenges ahead.”

    Dairo is saddened that his time with Jacks’ soccer is over, but his sights are set for furthering his career.

    ”It’s memorable knowing that this is another start in a journey for my life,” Dairo said. “It’s not the end of the road for anybody, you can always get better and in time I hope to play professionally.”

  • Slow Start for Basketball Victory at Home

    Slow Start for Basketball Victory at Home

    Humboldt State women’s basketball beats Seattle Pacific 70-54 in the West Region Crossover Classic

    Alexia Thrower dominated the court in the Friday night win over the Seattle Pacific Falcons. Thrower, an HSU forward, put up 18 points, nailing half of her three-point attempts.

    A force in the paint, Thrower tallied up nine rebounds, just one away from having a double-double to start the tournament. On the other side of the court, she had a pair of steals and a pair of blocks.

    “With the bread and butter of the team gone, somebody had to take initiative,” Thrower said. “We knew if we are going to win this game it’s with our defense.”

    HSU’s Alexia Thrower jumps up to shoot a lay up during the Jacks match against Seattle Pacific at Lumberjack Arena on Nov. 8. | Photo by Thomas Lal

    The Jacks’ defense was disruptive early on but due to offensive struggles the Falcons took the lead in the first quarter, 18-10.

    “We had no offensive flow in the first quarter,” Michelle Bento-Jackson, the HSU women’s basketball coach, said. “Molly single handedly carried our offense for a bit.”

    Forward Molly Dixon had a plus-minus of 19 when on the court, and made her presence known with 12 points and a pair of steals. The offense started to pick up in the second quarter after Sandin Kidder dropped a three on the Falcons off the bench.

    Senior guard for Humboldt State Molly Dixon makes a break down the court during the first half of the Jacks’ game against Seattle Pacific on Nov. 8 at Lumberjack Arena. | Photo by Thomas Lal

    The Jacks went on a 17-2 run in the second quarter, ending the half with the lead at 32-29. 

    Tyra Turner, Humboldt State’s star point guard, went down with an apparent ankle injury halfway into the 3rd quarter after playing in all of the game prior. Gabrielle Carbajal took over for an injured Turner and landed four of her five three-point shots, finishing with 12 points.

    The Jacks came out hot in the second half, establishing their lead further. Six HSU players drained a three-pointer in their day one victory. With five of the threes coming in the third quarter. Two of which came from Thrower, after a three-point play in the paint moments before. 

    Humboldt State guard Gabrielle Carbajal drives the play forward during the second half of the Jacks game against Seattle Pacific for the West Region Crossover Classic on Nov. 8 at Lumberjack Arena. | Photo by Thomas Lal

    One of Thrower’s three-pointers came as the shot clock winded down; successfully throwing the ball up for a bank shot.

    “I just tossed it up,” Thrower said. “It wasn’t the prettiest shot but I’m glad it went in.”

    The Jacks pulled away ending the third quarter 58-36.

    Keeping the lead was HSU’s primary focus in the fourth quarter. The Falcons boosted their shooting percentage since the first half, but the Jacks finished off the Falcons 70-54, playing aggressive in the final minutes of the game.

    The Jacks have quite a few fresh faces on the roster, but Bento-Jackson believes the new players will keep up.

    “We had positive contributions from a lot of different folks tonight,” Bento-Jackson said. “The bright lights don’t faze them. I think they love it, actually.” 

  • Rivals Clash on the Volleyball Court

    Rivals Clash on the Volleyball Court

    Jacks play constant back and forth match against Chico, but drop final set

    The Humboldt State volleyball team rallied late in their Friday match against Chico State, but came up short in the final set.

    After dropping the first two sets to Chico, Humboldt battled to take the next pair of sets. The final set resulted in their second 2-3 loss in 10 days.

    Summer Hansen led the Jacks with 15 kills, followed by Lenox Loving with 11 and teammates Lexi Riggs and Emma Flewell, who both recorded six kills.

    • Emma Flewell serves the ball during the Jacks’ match against Chico State at Lumberjack Arena on Nov. 1. | Photo by Thomas Lal
    • Summer Hansen shows her appreciation for the home crowd’s support after the Jacks’ match against Chico State at Lumberjack Arena on Nov. 1. | Photo by Thomas Lal
    • Humboldt’s outside hitter Lenox Loving fights to keep the play alive during the Jacks’ match against Chico State at Lumberjack Arena on Nov. 1. | Photo by Thomas Lal

    The first set started off well for the Jacks as Juliana Bertolucci opened up scoring with a service ace, meaning that Chico didn’t have a chance to touch the ball.

    The middle stages of the set were a constant back-and-forth with neither side able to find the definitive edge. During the closing minutes of the set, the Jacks found a five-point run to tie the set but conceded the next six to lose by 19-25.

    The second set was similar to the first as the Jacks scored before trading scoring runs with the Wildcats. Chico grabbed an advantage and took the set by a score of 21-25.

    Humboldt seemed to find another gear in their offensive strategy. From scoring the first point of the set to closing out the frame with a score of 25-16.

    Humboldt State’s Mailai Coyle jups up to hit the ball as her teammates on the sideline watch on during the Jacks’ match against Chico State at Lumberjack Arena on Nov. 1. | Photo by Thomas Lal

    Head Coach Kelly Wood attributed the turn around to well-executed play and a few changes made between sets.

    “We mixed it up a little bit with Lenox,” Wood said. “They were keying on her early and we just changed up the set location for her. It was working, so that allowed her to get going a little bit. And then Summer started going.”

    It wasn’t just the offensive side of the game that saw improvement for the Jacks. Wood was quick to point out how the strong defensive effort helped the shift in momentum from the team through the third and fourth sets.

    “Our defense was good,” Wood said. “Everything just tightened up a little bit, and it just shifted. The momentum shifted our way.”

    • Kelly Wood talks to her team in a timeout during the Jacks’ match against Chico State at Lumberjack Arena on Nov. 1. | Photo by Thomas Lal
    • HSU freshman Riley Tishlarich battles against Chico State’s players during the Jacks’ match on Nov. 1. | Photo by Thomas Lal
    • Odelia Ryan makes a diving effort to keep the play alive during the Jacks’ match against Chico State on Nov. 1. | Photo by Thomas Lal
    • HSU’s Summer Hansen jumps up to hit the ball during the Jacks’ match against Chico State on Nov. 1. | Photo by Thomas Lal
    • Humboldt State’s other athletes showed up loud and proud to support the volleyball team as they rallied back to take Chico State to the fifth set during their match at Lumberjack Arena on Nov. 1. | Photo by Thomas Lal

    The Jacks rounded out the set putting together a seven-point run to finish off the set 25-17.

    The match culminated in the fifth and final set with Humboldt scoring first. Yet, Chico came back, pushing through a 13 point rally in a set that is only contested to 15. The Jacks came up short in another set loss of 4-15.

    Wood acknowledged that it was difficult to go through another loss but that there were still positives to be taken away from the team’s play. Wood said that is where the focus is for the remainder of the season.

    “It’s hard to have a lot of confidence in yourself when you’re having a losing season,” Wood said. “But we know that we can play well at times. We just have to believe in ourselves a little bit more and have that confidence when it gets down to crunch time.”

  • Women’s Soccer Triumphs Over Jessup Warriors

    Women’s Soccer Triumphs Over Jessup Warriors

    Jacks make it look easy as they beat William Jessup 4-0 at home

    It was a moment of glory for Humboldt State women’s soccer as they shut out the William Jessup Warriors and collected their first win. After a rough start to the season, the Jacks found a way to turn their errors around and create game winning plays.

    Three minutes into the first half was all it took for midfielder Lindsay Stoner to score the opening goal. This scoring opportunity gave midfielder Sabine Postma a chance to capitalize on a second goal minutes later. Jacks held a 2-0 lead just five minutes into the game.

    Since the start of the season, the Jacks have outshot every opponent but have come up short on finishing for a goal. Midfielder Pikake Hix produced six shots on goal and scored during the second half, putting the Jacks at a 3-0 lead.

    “I think we’ve always been able to build well as a team,” Hix said. “We just haven’t been able to finish.”

    • HSU forward #4 Kendal Spencer tries for a standing tackle on the William Jessup. | Photo by Liam Warner
    • HSU midfielder #7 Rose Hartman sizes up the Jessup defender. | Photo by Liam Warner
    • HSU midfielder #16 Sabine Postma takes on the William Jessup defender. | Photo by Liam Warner

    Warriors’ goalkeeper Camile Cavey put forth a valiant effort of 13 saves, but it was not enough to sway her team’s morale to overcome the onslaught of the Jacks’ offensive line.

    “We knew we had to come out hard,” Hix said. “Especially for our first home-opener, we were excited. We wanted to keep the momentum up.”

    It was all quiet on the western front for Jacks’ goalkeeper Katelin Talbert. The effectiveness of their offense ensured that the Warriors would struggle to keep the ball out of their zone.

    With the second half winding down, the final goal came from Jacks’ midfielder Rose Harman. The Jacks now held a 4-0 lead over the Warriors. Harman pointed out that an important strategy of the game was to capitalize on the momentum.

    “We had more of an attacking mentality especially coming into the second half,” Harman said. “We knew we needed more goals and wanted more goals. So playing positive instead of negatively and just finding the pockets to play the ball was definitely our strategy.”

    • Jessup forward #44 Abigail House takes on HSU midfielder #16 Sabine Postma. | Photo by Liam Warner
    • HSU midfielder Rose Harmon looks for her next move as she takes the ball up the field. | Photo by Liam Warner
    • HSU midfielder Pikake Hix sends a cross into the penalty box with a Jessup defender in front of her. | Photo by Liam Warner

    After the game, head coach Paul Karver spoke with his players about their performance against William Jessup. He was satisfied with overcoming a scoring deficit that the team has experienced in their last games, but most importantly he enjoyed letting all his players get play time. However, Karver didn’t ignore the fact that too many opportunities for goals were overlooked.

    “When you have as much goal creating production as we have I think we need to do a better job at finishing the opportunities,” Karver said. “We spent the last year and a half really reworking the system to create these opportunities for the players, and it’s something that’s difficult.”

    Women’s soccer will play their next game at College Creek Field against San Francisco State University. This recent win has created momentum for the team to capitalize on, and for players like Rose Harman, they look forward to competing against SFSU.

    • HSU forward Erin Siegel #2 gets a shot off as she is draped by Jessup defenders. | Photo by Liam Warner
    • #14 Selena Osorio leads the attack for the Jacks in the second half. | Photo by Liam Warner
    • #16 Sabine Postma and #22 Pikake Hix celebrate after the Jacks scored to go up 4-0 and seal the win. | Photo by Liam Warner

    “We need to keep the attacking mentality like I said in this game during the second half,” Harman said. “They’re a good team and it’s gonna be a challenge, but we’re up for it.”

  • A Local’s Perspective on HSU Football

    A Local’s Perspective on HSU Football

    HSU football brought two communities together and now we’re at a loss

    In July of 2018, with most of the student population home for the summer, former Humboldt State President Lisa Rossbacher and former Athletic Director Duncan Robins made the announcement that the HSU football team would be cut following the conclusion of the 2018 season.

    The efforts of many community members to raise money for the football program earlier in the year were seemingly for nothing. Many community members, including myself, were outraged about the decision to cut the football team, but some applauded the move, saying that a football program was unnecessary and a drain on academics. Either side you may be on, it was a polarizing move for the university to make.

    I am part of the small percentage of HSU students that grew up in Humboldt County. In fact, I grew up right here in Arcata about a mile away from the HSU campus. I am as local as a local student can get. I spent a good portion of my life going to HSU football games and it became a significant source of pride that my small town had a Division II college football team. When I started attending HSU, this was not just my school’s football team, this was my hometown team as well.

    When I transferred to HSU from College of the Redwoods, the first thing that caught me off guard about HSU was how separate it seemed from the rest of Arcata. Even though I was going to school in my hometown, HSU felt like a world of its own, far from the Arcata I grew up in. I felt that my identity as a native of Arcata and a student at HSU were two separate worlds, even though in a geographic sense I was in the same place.

    HSU football games were one of the only times that these two worlds felt one and the same. The games became some of the only times where I saw both students and local community members in the same place, at the same time, rooting for the same team. People from Arcata and Los Angeles alike, all rooting for the Jacks.

    It wasn’t just about the football team itself, but it was how football brought the entire community together. Getting rid of the football team felt like severing one of the last ties between the campus community and the local community.

    The only good news I can gather from this is that the Redwood Bowl is actually seeing more football this season than when the HSU football team was active. My alma mater, College of the Redwoods will be playing their football games at the Redwood Bowl starting on October 5, and both Arcata High and McKinleyville High are playing their football games on campus as well.

    I hope that someday HSU football will be brought back, but in the meantime, all of the other HSU athletes that are still here deserve our full support. Go Jacks!

  • Humboldt State Mascot Change

    Humboldt State Mascot Change

    “It doesn’t have to be a human, and that way you don’t have to get into a big debate.”

    Humboldt State University is known for its tree-filled campus and our lovable Lucky the Lumberjack mascot. However, some take offense to the patriarchal figure, so we asked HSU students what they’d replace our mascot with if Lucky were to be changed.

    What would you change our mascot to?

  • Fall’s 1st Athletic Press Conference

    Fall’s 1st Athletic Press Conference

    Coaches and players from HSU’s volleyball, cross country and soccer teams spoke about the upcoming season

    The fall sports season is almost underway here on the North Coast and head coaches and select players from Humboldt State’s volleyball, cross-country and soccer teams were in the press room at Lumberjack Arena to discuss their upcoming season.

    They talked about their previous season of play, along with their expectations and strategy against their opponents. The mood in the room was hopeful and optimistic as each sport has its entire upcoming season around the corner.

    Volleyball

    Lumberjack volleyball started their 2019 season on September 6th at the Toro Classic in Carson, CA on the campus of Cal State Dominguez Hills. After a winless 2018 conference play season, the volleyball team finished with an overall record of 3-23. Head Coach Kelly Wood is determined to change the dynamic going into this season.

    “We don’t want to go through that again, we don’t want to end on another losing streak,” Wood said. “They worked really hard on the basics again, serving and passing and all that, but also are having a lot of tough and difficult conversations.”

    Despite past struggles, Wood seemed hopeful with the group of players that she has going into the 2019 season.

    “I just think we’re all on the same page, and we all have a little more faith and a little more trust in one another,” Wood said.

    Cross-Country

    While all other sports start out on the road, the men’s and women’s cross country teams start their season at home. The Humboldt Invitational was on September 6th Baywood Golf and Country Club in Arcata.

    Head Coach Jamey Harris talked about the advantage of being at home and knowing the course better than the visiting competitors.

    “Knowing how to run fast on some of the more difficult parts and how to measure your effort through it should be helpful both this weekend and through the season,” Harris said. “We love getting out there and knowing our first meet is going to be at home on our own course,”

    “We’re looking forward to showcasing what we’ve got, and hopefully the Arcata running community will get excited,” Harris said.

    Senior runner Joseph Shanahan also went up to the podium and talked about his experience running the Baywood course.

    “For me, it was a relatively difficult course,” Shanahan said. “There’s a big hill and a pretty gradual uphill, and you’re either going up or going down.”

    Women’s Soccer

    The HSU women’s soccer team finished with a record of 6-9-2 last season, but the record was mostly attributed to playing in the very competitive CCAA conference. Head Coach Paul Karver knows what the team needs to do to win, but he also understands what the team is up against in CCAA play.

    “They’re really dedicated to making that push, and we have the players that can get it done,” Karver said. “Unfortunately, everyone else in the conference does, and we play in the best conference in the country.”

    Karver talked about the preseason practices being very competitive, and with a smaller roster than usual more players will get a chance to play during the season.

    “We have a lot of high soccer-IQ kids, and that’s going to allow us to move things around,” Karver said. “It has made training every single day competitive, it made it really fun and it’s a really fun group to be around.”

    Men’s Soccer

    The HSU men’s soccer team came off a 2018 season finishing 7-8-2, but the good news is they return with a good core group of players from last year, along with some bright new prospects. One of the experienced returners, senior goalkeeper Robert Quintero, mentioned how a skilled and fast team made him hopeful.

    “I think we’re strong both offensively and defensively,” Quintero said. “Offensively we have some of the fastest guys on top, and they can put the ball in the back of the net.”

    Head Coach Fred Jungemann talked about the team’s goals. For example, trying to make the CCAA conference tournament and win more games than last year. Building a strong culture for HSU soccer and having guys who mesh well together was another big emphasis.

    “There’s a really good group of guys, not just on the field but their personalities fit together very well,” Jungemann said. “One of our biggest strengths is that we have a close-knit group of guys that enjoy being together, not just on the field but off the field.”

  • Forever dedicated to the game

    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.

    IMG_0309.JPG 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.

    IMG_7742.jpg 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.”

  • OPINION: 90 years and a slap in the face

    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.

  • 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.”

     

  • Q&A Meet the Athlete: Lauren Reid

    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!

     

  • EDITORIAL: Football program cut will create ripple effect

    EDITORIAL: Football program cut will create ripple effect

    Loss of football program also means loss of diversity, opportunity

    Lumberjacks football has been a staple of Humboldt for over 90 years. But this season will be the last for the foreseeable future and this community is losing more than just a team.

    Football brings more to the table than just sports. Student-athletes chose this school to pursue their education and to chase their dream of playing college football.

    Terminating Jacks football will be the conclusion of a program that has been a part of Humboldt since 1924, not long after HSU’s founding. The program has seen some standout stars and big-time players along the way. Lumberjacks 2017 All-American offensive lineman Alex Cappa was selected 94th overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in this year’s NFL draft.

    HSU says they do their due diligence to remain somewhat ethnically balanced while bringing in students from all over California. This practice is misleading as the university’s surrounding areas have many racial undertones. The football team is one part of the school that was true to HSU’s message of inclusivity.

    Where there were once young men of all races working diligently towards the same goal, there will no longer be. The locker room that once brought men together will be empty.

    HSU will honor scholarships for eligible players through the 2018-19 academic year, and coaches and staff will also help players contact other programs. At the end of the season, players will get a full release, which means they could choose to play at another institution.

    President Lisa Rossbacher called it an unfortunate but necessary step in addressing the University’s structural deficit and protecting the school’s core academic mission. In her “mission” she has neglected a big part of what is supposed to make this university great.

    The closing statement of our mission states: “We help individuals prepare to be responsible members of diverse societies.”

    Less than four percent of HSU’s student population is African American and less than two percent of faculty are African American. Where is the diversity? Where is the care for the individual student?

    HSU has experienced lower enrollment over the last two years. Fall enrollment has dropped by more than 400 students. This dip has had a measurable impact on the budget and the loss of football will expectedly lead to an additional decline in enrollment, which in turn will bring less people of color.

    While getting rid of the football program could possibly be the right decision fiscally, the loss will be felt by many. People may not have ever met, had it not been for the football team. Familiar faces will change into strangers faces. What once brought a sense of camaraderie to this campus will now no longer exist.

    HSU hopes that contributors and boosters will continue to support HSU athletics but the $200,000 or more increase in contributions last year was for football. Loss of the football program will have a long-term ripple effect. Where and what gets hit the hardest remains to be seen.

  • Jacks Ball dominates Western Oregon

    Jacks Ball dominates Western Oregon

    By | Keaundrey Clark

    The Lumberjacks have faced a tough Western Oregon squad for the second time this season, a rowdy Redwood Bowl on the edge of their seats during the team’s amazing 42-32 victory against the Wolves.

    The first game against the Wolves came down to a missed extra point. This time the Jacks knew they had to come out stronger.

    “We had to come out and play our game,” said All-American tailback Ja’Quan Gardner.

    Gardner played his usual brand of Jacks Ball as he carried the ball 35 times for 215-yards and three touchdowns.

    Thompson.Ian.Feature-4273_Print_Color
    Ja’Quan Gardner diving into the end zone. | Ian Benjamin Finnegan Thompson

    “It’s another win for the Jacks,” said Gardner.

    A minute didn’t even tick off the scoreboard as the Senior Quarterback Robert Webber connected with Senior Marjani Ellison for a 53-yard touchdown reception. The Jacks would come back a few minutes later with a 17-yard Gardner touchdown run.

    Humboldt State’s offensive line led by All-American and NFL prospect Senior Alex Cappa controlled and dominated all night long.

    “We were able to limit mistakes from the last game,” said Cappa It’s about executing our assignment and doing what we do.”

    Up 14-0, Western Oregon got into the endzone with a one-yard score from quarterback Phillip Fenumiai. A field goal and 90-yard punt-return for a touchdown later and the Wolves rattled off 21-straight points to take the team.

    Gardner came to the rescue with two more touchdowns of three and two-yards to take a 11-point lead before halftime.

    Thompson.Ian.Feature-4325_Print_Color
    Ja’Quan Gardner running down the field. | Ian Benjamin Finnegan Thompson

    “We had an 11-point lead at half, we came out and got two touchdowns late in the second half which really was the difference in the game,” said head coach Rob Smith.

    Two Webber touchdown passes to junior Jamere Austin and Senior Chase Krivashei in the second half put the game away for the Jacks.

    “Proud of our kids, our defense played well with a few exceptions,” said Smith, “All in all we played well.”

    The Jacks will travel to British Columbia to face Simon Frasier, the Jacks hung up 72 points the last time these two teams faced. A week later the Jacks will face Western Colorado State.

    In three weeks the Jacks will have it’s final home game of the regular season against No.8 ranked Central Washington. The only team to hand the Jacks a loss this season.

    “Everything is still out there for us,” said Smith. “These kids have stuck to it, come out and got it done and we’re in the hunt. That’s all we can ask for.”

     

  • Humboldt State more like humble state

    Humboldt State more like humble state

    The Lumberjacks football team looked poised for a big push to the playoffs Saturday night at the Redwood Bowl, dismantling the Chadron State Eagles 56-13.

    HSU came out with their chainsaws roaring, when Senior quarterback Robert Webber connected with his No. 1 target, junior wide out John Todd for a beautiful 37-yard catch that set up sophomore running back Jamar Byrd for the first score of the game from the 2-yard line. The team would not look back.

    Todd wants the whole team to get credit for the way they’ve started this season but wants them to remain focused on a week-to-week basis.

    “We all deserve credit,” Todd said. “We work our butts off. Winning is just like a trophy for that but we’re gonna take it step by step. We got a big game with Central Washington next week.” Todd finished the game with two receptions for 123 yards and a score.

    The 1-2 punch of All-American senior tailback, Ja’Quan Gardner and sophomore tailback Jabar Byrd, was on full display. Each back gave the Eagles defense fits, combining for three scores. A big part of the running games success was the performance of the offensive line who were constantly opening holes for the two backs throughout the game.

    Gardner is off to his best start statistically since he was runner up for the Harlan Hill trophy in 2015 and while that is in the back of his mind, he’s more worried about helping his team win.

    “You wanna try to take it game by game, prepare for each game, give it your best every game,” Gardner said. “That’s not really on my mind but it would be cool to win.”

    Gardner lead the team in rushing with 135-yards and a touchdown and Byrd added a career high two scores of his own. Senior quarterback Robert Webber had a near flawless game, throwing for 338-yards, four touchdowns and one interception.

    The offense showed up as usual with 525-yards of total offense but the defense stepped up big time, taking the ball away from the Eagles seven times. The Jacks shut out the Eagles in the final 30 minutes and picked off Chadron’s quarterback five times.

    Davaeon Johnson had a night to remember with a team high three picks off Eagles QB Dalton Holst. On one play, Johnson picked off Holst and ran the ball back 48-yards for an electrifying Jacks touchdown less than a minute into the fourth quarter. Johnson’s three interceptions tied a Great Northwest Athletic Conference single-game record.

    Jacks head coach Rob Smith is proud of his defense for stepping up and taking care of business against a Chadron team that had scored 73 points in the previous game.

    “It’s just doing your job,” Smith said. “It’s trusting the guy next to you to do his job. Everybody wants magic answers and there’s no magic to it. Its guys playing hard and guys doing their job.”

    The Jacks go into this week ranked No. 17 in the nation and are traveling for a tough conference showdown against the No. 13 ranked Central Washington University Wildcats (5-0) Saturday.

    The Wildcats are coming off a 62-0 stomping of Simon Fraser on Saturday in which they held the Simon Fraser offense to just 26-yards on the day. The Jacks defeated Simon Fraser earlier this season 72-14.

    The two powerhouse teams should provide some fireworks in this match-up. The game can be seen via live-stream at the Humboldt State athletics website. Kickoff is at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 at Central Washington’s Tomlinson Stadium.