Fall 2016 Issue 3

RAMPAGE

Student-run newspaper of Fresno City College

September 28, 2016 www.therampageonline.com Fall 2016, Issue 3

SCHOOLS

NOT PRISONS

T

he “Schools Not Prisons” tour stopped by Fresno City College as part of an ongoing campaign to teach the community about alternatives to incarceration. The music and art tour headed to 11 communities in California to inspire less incarceration in a state that has built 22 prisons and only one university since 1980, according to the California Endowment. The tour focuses on a vision of safety centered on health, education and youth. The event was held on Sept.

24, 2016. Photo/Ram Reyes.

SEE TOUR, PAGE 6

On page 6, see the photo gallery by Rampage photographers from the tour hosted in the Old Administration Building.

Personnel Commission Will Not Hear Out-of-Class Pay Petition

BY EDWARD SMITH

Copy/Opinion Editor esmith@therampageonline.com

A

petition by a Fresno City College employee was once again excluded from the agenda of the Sept. 20 meeting of the personnel commission due to jurisdiction and procedural reasons.

In addition, the legal counsel for

the district advised the commission to respond with “no comment” to all inquiries about the ongoing case involving the staff complaint of discrimination and out-of-class pay.

“We’re not going to be commenting,” Pamela Freeman-Fobbs, the chair of the personnel commission said during the Sept. 20 meeting.

“One thing that I can say is that at every step of the way, we have had to conform with our legal counsel

Blind Student’s Guide Dog Challenged

BY LARRY VALENZUELA

Broadcast Editor lvalenzuela@therampageonline.com

A student in a culinary program at Fresno City College is fighting for the right to bring her service dog to class.

Alexis Rivas, who is blind, is facing concerns from her professor about whether her seeing-eye dog, Odette, will be allowed to continue coming to her culinary class.

Rivas says she noticed within her first week in the class that the

The Rampage

instructor had a problem with her service dog.

She said that she got into a discussion with the instructor who told her that the service dog was not allowed in the kitchen.

Rivas says she has attended FCC since 2007 and has never had any issues with her dog’s access to class.

“If this was my kitchen, that [service dog] would not be in here,” Rivas said the instructor told her. After the conversation, the instructor complained to Don

FCCRampage

SEE DOG, PAGE 4

RampageNews

Check out Rampage video of the “Schools Not Prisons” tour stop at FCC on our website: www.therampageonline.com/videos [Greg Taylor].”

Some feel that the usage of a district’s counselor is a conflict of interest.

“Greg Taylor represents State Center Community College District with both of my DFEH [department fair employment and housing] cases,” Sabrina Gray said. “So when I heard [the personnel commission] was allowing him to dictate me not being on the agenda. This was state center using their power to not allowed me to openly address the issue.”

In a merit-based system, such as is used at Fresno City College, the personnel commission is supposed

to be independent of the SCCCD board of trustees.

George Cole, executive director of the California School Personnel Commissioners Association, spoke before the board and the commission in an attempt to clear up the vague relationship between the board, the unions and the personnel commission.

The commission acts and appoints personnel to “ensure the impartiality of the Commission,” Cole explained in his presentation.

“He [Taylor] is the legal counsel for the college,” Sabrina Gray, who filed the complaint said in her

SEE PETITION, PAGE 4

Train kills man near campus An Amtrak train stands still at the tracks on Blackstone and McKinley near Fresno City College after police say a man was killed when he was hit Tuesday, Sept. 27.

Photo/Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado READ THE FULL STORY AT: WWW. THERAMPAGEONLINE. COM

INDEX: NEWS 2

A&E 6

OPINION 8

SPORTS 10

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RAMPAGE 9.28.2016

NEWS

City Fest Planned New Login for WebAdvisor Begins Friday Officials Encourage for Friday

BY ERIC ZAMORA

Reporter ezamora@therampageonline.com

BY CRESENCIO RODRIGUEZ-DELGADO

Editor-in-Chief crodriguezdelgado@therampageonline.com

A celebration of the Old Administration Building at the college is planned for Sept. 30.

The 2nd annual City Fest fundraising event will celebrate 100 years of the OAB with wine and beer tasting from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m.

The event taking place in the historic building’s courtyards welcomes alumni, retirees and the community.

Food, silent auctions and dancing are planned.

The college faculty jazz group, Sometet, will open the event and local groups Memorias Tejano and AZ7 will play into the night for guests to dance.

A special invitation is offered to couples who met in the building and wish to go back in time to remember the history of the building.

Tickets, which are $35, can be purchased in the college Business Office by calling 559-489-2369. For sponsorships or event details please contact Maile Martin at 559-4438688.

ONLINE GIVEAWAY: See how you can get tickets to the Big Fresno Fair by going to our Facebook page for details.

STAY TUNED: Check our social media for details on how to win tickets to the Blink-182 concert on Oct. 6

The WebAdvisor login information for all students attending a college in the State Center Community College District will change effective Sept. 30 at 2 p.m., the district announced.

Login information for Blackboard, Canvas, student email and campus Wi-Fi will remain the same.

The new WebAdvisor login will ask students to input their username, which will now only be their student ID number. The password for the new login to WebAdvisor will be the same password used for Blackboard, Canvas, student email

Suspended Student Continues Fight for Zapata

BY LARRY VLAENZUELA

Broadcast Editor lvalenzuela@therampageonline.com

The 63-year-old student who was suspended from campus because of his dog, continues his fight to be reinstated into Fresno City College, 18 days after being suspended for bringing his dog on campus.

Larry Rodriguez came to the campus on Sept. 22, wearing a sign saying, “Fresno City College Students’ Lives Matter! Viva Zapata!”

Rodriguez was protesting his suspension from FCC due to not complying with directives from interim vice president of student services to leave the dog at home.

Rodriguez says the dog is his service dog and that he needs him on campus.

As of Wednesday Sept. 14, Zapata is missing, but Rodriguez is still fighting his case.

Leslie Silva, a DSPS counselor at the college, explained, “There has been some confusion about what is a service dog.”

Silva said the license that Rodriguez presented to the campus is a free license given to service animals, but the people in charge of handing

RAMPAGE Staff Editorial Board Editor in Chief Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado Managing/News Editor Ashleigh Panoo Entertainment Editor Jasmine Yoro Bowles Sports Editor Michael Ford Copy/Opinion Editor Edward Smith Photo Editor Ram Reyes Broadcast Editor Larry Valenzuela Layout Editor Lukas Newcomb

Rampage Adviser/Instructor Dympna Ugwu-Oju dympna.ugwu-oju@fresnocitycollege.edu

and campus Wi-Fi, the district said.

Typically, default passwords for students to college programs includes an uppercase first name initial with a lowercase last name initial followed the six-digit date of birth. However, if students have updated their passwords to programs like Blackboard, Canvas, Student Email or campus WiFi, the password used for those programs will be the password to use for the new WebAdvisor login.

The change to WebAdvisor comes as a way to “eliminate multiple usernames and passwords” on the schools’ system, according to the district.

For help, contact the SCCCD help desk at 559-499-6070.

Reporters Jorge Alamo Sage Arthur-Flores Payton Hartung Thomas Hawkins Aly Honore Cedric Hood Destinee Lopez Frank Lopez Savanna Manzo Michael Mendez Jose Orozco Gregory Williams Eric Zamora

of the license never see the dog and never really see if it actually provides a service.

“In my professional opinion, Zapata is not a service dog,” Silva said. “He does not serve a certain function. There is not an agency that says this is a service dog and this is not.”

Silva says that a service dog must either assist with mobility, guiding, or alert anyone of a seizure, but that when a service dog begins to act aggressively, out of control, or is unclean, it can be banned from campus.

Larry Rodriguez displays a copy of The Rampage during a brief protest on campus. Photo/Larry Valenzuela

Recycling for a Clean Campus

BY JOSE OROZCO

Reporter jorozco@therampageonline.com

Since 1994, Glen R. Foth, State Center Community College District manager for grounds services, has been busy encouraging students and staff at Fresno City College to recycle.

Keeping the FCC campus clean is one of Foth’s responsibilities, a task that requires several staff members and consumes two hours of their time everyday.

“One reason to keep the recycling going is to keep the trash off the campus,” said Foth.

FCC takes a very proactive approach when it comes to recycling, providing over 150 trash bins for garbage and several blue bins for plastic bottles and aluminum cans.

Waste Management also provides large green recycle dumpsters that take a variety of recyclables: cardboard, plastic bottles, magazines, white paper, color paper, telephone books, aluminum cans, glass bottles, bulk mail and folders.

Two green Waste Management dumpsters can be found behind the bookstore building.

“People are trying to do the right thing,” Foth said, referring to students and staff’s commitment to recycling.

But FCC doesn’t only recycle plastic bottles and paper.

“We recycle green waste as well,” Christine D. Miktarian, associate vice chancellor of business and operations, said.

“All our trimmings (and) grass that we pick up because it’s big piles, the pine needles, all that gets recycled,” Foth said.

Still, recycling at FCC is not limited to green or paper and plastic waste.

SEE RECYCLING, PAGE 3

Hope for the Holidays

BY THOMAS HAWKINS

Reporter thawkins@therampageonline.com

Fresno City College faculty and staff are being encouraged to nominate worthy students for this year’s Hope for the Holidays gifting.

A gift from the annual giving event includes a $50 gift card to students who are deserving.

Nearly 300 students were helped last year.

The deadline to nominate students is Dec. 1. Submissions should be turned into the Business Office, located in the Old Administration Building.

Corrections? Email media@therampageonline.com

Contact Us: Tip Line: 559.442.8262 Letters to the Editor to: editorial@therampageonline.com

Any correction needed for an article should be brought to the attention of the staff of The Rampage. The Rampage is committed to accuracy and should be made aware of any mistake in an article that appears in this paper.

Views expressed in the opinion pages are those of the individiual writer and not of the newspaper. The Rampage is produced by students of the Journalism 11 A, B, C, D class.

Help Available for Students Struggling With Substance Addiction

BY ALY HONORE

S

Reporter ahonore@therampageonline.com

tudents in need of help or just wondering if they should see someone about a possible drug or alcohol abuse problem can seek advice from their instructors at Fresno City College.

The Social Sciences division offers alcohol and drug counseling classes and fosters social work interns and psychological services that are always available and willing to point students seeking help in the right direction.

Human Services Instructor Jim Kirby said that all professors in the department have referral slips to refer students to the social workers on campus. So students in need of help or wondering if they should see someone about a possible drug or alcohol problem can seek advice directly from FCC professors on campus.

Year-round resources are accessible to students struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, but

hopefully the month of September continues to bring aid to the forefront for struggling addicts.

Students in recovery classes at FCC are currently involved and working on Sober Stalk.

“The whole idea behind Sober Stalk and Recovery Month is to celebrate the recovery many of these people have found,” Kirby explained.

Sober Stalk took place on Sept. 23 and 24 at the Manchester Center in Fresno. The event, which was open to the public, welcomed the community in support of recovering addicts and providing information for all community members with questions or seeking help in recovery.

Community Partners for Recovery, another local organization designed to help those suffering from alcohol and drug addiction, are the primary organizers for Sober Stalk.

FCC’s Health Services department also has resources for those needing help and is very accessible to students.

Lisa Chaney, head of Health Services, said that September being declared Alcohol and Drug Recovery

month is very beneficial because, “it starts a conversation when there might not have been a reason for someone needing help to talk about it.”

Recovery Month can raise awareness, encouraging students to talk about addiction and increasing the chances of struggling students seeking help.

Chaney said that anyone struggling with an addiction does not have to search far for health resources. Questions about health issues related to addiction can be answered at the Health Services office on the first floor of the Student Services building, on any weekday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Acknowledging that the subject of substance abuse is often hard to talk about, Chaney encourages struggling students or even students who are unsure if they have an addiction to stop by.

“Come and talk with us,” Chaney said. “We can either help students identify resources or help them identify different strategies to cope with the problems they may be

FROM PAGE 2

“We do a pretty good job at recycling even office furniture and stuff like that,” Foth said.

“Even some of the odd stuff that people don’t think about like old computers that we’re getting rid of go into what we call a boneyard.

Then they get sold for recycling,” Foth said. “We just had one of our guys work on a bunch of the old chairs that were broken and no longer in use.”

BY PAYTON HARTUNG

Reporter phartung@therampageonline.com

onald Trump, republican candidate for presidency, has sparked a lightning rod of discussion and

debate.

Fresno City College students who hold different political ideas and beliefs have their own unique opinion on the candidate.

Ciera Garcia, who considers herself a conservative, explained her dissatisfaction with Trump.

“I don’t think he represents the republican viewpoint,” Garcia said.

Garcia said Trump would be an ineffective commander-in-chief.

“Not a lot of stuff would get done,” Garcia predicts. “He’s more about show; more bark than bite.”

Although Garcia is not a fan of Trump, she does like some of his qualities.

“He doesn’t sugar coat things. He may be brutally honest but at least he tells the truth, and he is not going to be two-faced.”

Marcos Escalera who does not affiliate himself with any political party, described how he thinks a Trump administration would look.

“I wouldn’t see that much of a change to be honest. I feel like probably more people would be getting angry and I’m guessing more racism,” Escalera said.

Escalera defended Trump, saying current racial tensions can’t be blamed on him.

“He is just speaking his mind, but speaking your mind can be pretty racist,” he said. “I feel like he is a little racist but I do not blame him because everybody is racist

using drugs or alcohol to numb themselves to.”

There are also resources available to students outside of FCC that can be reached directly by referrals from social work interns on campus.

Central California Recovery, located on Shaw and Palm, implements cohesive programs for recovering addicts through group therapy and rehabilitative counseling. Full-time student and social work intern, Troy Anthony Arbaugh, a counselor at Central California Recovery, said he got his start in Alcohol and Drug rehabilitation counseling through the FCC social sciences program.

Arbaugh encourages students who are afraid of coming forward to start in their comfort zone.

“You have to find someone that you can trust and open up,” he said.

“Let them know of your situation because the first step is admitting you have a problem.”

Arbaugh is available in the computer lab every weekday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and encourages students to come for a personal referral to Central California Recovery.

For any students interested in being referred directly to this recovery center, Arbaugh says, “you can find me there and I’d be more than happy to take your information and to give you the information you need.”

RECYCLING

Students Give Mixed Reviews on Trump

D

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RAMPAGE 9.28.2016

NEWS

150

Approximate number of trash cans on campus

Donald Trump stands in the middle of supporters during a visit to Fresno on May 27, 2016. Photo/Larry Valenzuela somehow.”

Escalera said it all depends how open one is about their “racism.”

One thing Escalera likes about Trump is that “he has the guts to say what is on his mind. He doesn’t care what other people think.”

Nancy Arredondo, a criminology major, said she leans more to the left politically.

Arredondo does not have faith Trump could be trusted with the presidency.

“I do not think he is educated - Nancy Arredondo enough to make the correct deCriminology major cisions that would really benefit everyone,” Arredondo said. “He just cares about himself.”

I do not think he is educated enough to make the correct decisions.”

Foth said those used materials were recycled at Allens Recycling.

Miktarian said recycling at the college could be improved. “We do want to improve and we’re always looking for ways,” Miktarian said, explaining that blue recycling bins are located in almost every office.

In addition to recycling, the college campus is going one step further. Thanks to Proposition 39, a lighting project is underway that will replace old light bulbs.

“The other thing that is really great is that in our Prop 39 lighting project, we require the contractor to recycle those lights, so they’re just not thrown away,” Miktarian said. “That’s part of the contract.”

With many renovations done at the college, all the old concrete and asphalt has been recycled, according to Foth.

Foth encourages students district-wide to participate in a recycling campaign he calls “Trash Thursdays.”

The idea behind the campaign: pick up campus trash and dispose it in proper cans or bins every Thursday.

The goal is to keep FCC clean.

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RAMPAGE 9.28.2016

PETITION FROM PAGE 1

public comment. “And this is where I’m confused because you’re the personnel commission. So basically, I’m still having to deal with FCC.” According to Elba Gomez, the director of classified personnel for the commission, the usage of the district’s lawyer is within the education code. “The ed code says that that’s our legal counsel,” Gomez said. “If he has a conflict of interest, he declares it. We have an outside legal counsel that we use when he declares a conflict.”

One of the issues with putting Gray’s complaint in the agenda is the jurisdiction the personnel commission has over the matter.

Email correspondences submitted

to the board show an exchange between Gray and Gomez, where Gray requested to be put on the agenda.

“My question is about working out of class and discrimination,” Gray said. “That is something that CSEA does not deal with, based on the ed codes. You guys are also an avenue to deal with discrimination when it comes to working out of class.”

In response to the request, Gomez noted that the nature of the complaint falls outside the scope of the commission. “The request of the commission has to do with discrimination,” Gomez explained in an interview. “Employees have a certain process they have to follow with discrimination.”

That process involves filing a formal complaint with Pauline Holman, the diversity and staff development manager.

Juvenile Arrested for Social Media Threat

BY LARRY VALENZUELA

Broadcast Editor lvalenzuela@therampageonline.com

A juvenile was arrested Monday night in connection to a social media post threatening to “shoot up” high schools, including Fresno High School.

The threat was discovered by a Fresno City College student who alerted the Rampage after a reader’s alert via Facebook. The post on Facebook by a “Joyful Randy” threatened to shoot high schools, the first target claiming to be Fresno High School.

Fresno Police said they were investigating, saying detectives and school resource officers were looking into the threats.

“We will continue our criminal investigation throughout this evening to ensure the safety of all Fresno Unified students, Fresno Unified staff and the public,” police said Monday night.

Shortly after, Fresno Unified released a statement saying they were aware of the post and that a suspect had been taken into custody.

However, the threat was deemed not credible by police after the suspect was arrested, Fresno Unified said. School activities resumed on Tuesday as usual.

Fresno Unified reminded the public that making threatening statements via social media is considered a criminal offense.

Gray, however, feels that the HR department is a part of the problem. She reports having been denied her out-of-class pay ever since she filed her discrimination complaint in 2009.

“My supervisor supported my out-of-class pay,” Gray said in her public comment. “At this point, I’m not even allowed to be on the agenda to speak to you guys about my concerns and issues.”

The next personnel commission meeting is scheduled for Oct. 11.

DOG

FROM PAGE 1 Lopez, interim vice president for instruction.

The culinary instructor was unavailable to comment on this story. Rivas says the instructor does not want the dog in the classroom because of concerns of shedding hair, but Rivas maintains that Odette is very well-behaved and stays where she’s told; usually in a corner.

Rivas says that no one has told her personally that the dog was not allowed in the classroom, but she is aware people have been having backdoor conversations on the matter.

“I’m just hearing it from everyone else that she’s not permitted in the classroom, and they seem to not be telling me anything,” Rivas said.

“They want her out; they communicated with legal representation from the school and they say, ‘yeah that dog needs to be out of there [Class],’ but no one had said anything to me.”

Rivas was scheduled to meet with Lopez on Sept. 22, along with Leslie

NEWS Rivas says she has attended FCC since 2007 and has never had any issues with her dog’s access to class.

Silva, her DSPS counselor. Silva met with Lopez and Peg Mericle, dean of Social Sciences, to discuss alternatives.

“The law states that an animal cannot be kicked out of a kitchen,” Silva said. “The only place a service animal can be restricted is a sterile environment, such as an operating room.”

Silva also said that they were trying to work out options so Rivas can still attend class, but that ultimately, it would still be the student’s decision.

Silva talked about other options, including leaving the dog in the DSPS office during the culinary class but then explained that the dog acts an extension of Rivas, so they could not be separated.

“The [service] dog needs to be used. If they’re not used, they kind of get not-as-sharp,” Silva said. “So, it’s always best to use the dog.”

Silva states that DSPS has presented the board a policy allowing any service animal access to all district facilities and courses but has not heard anything from them.

Rivas has been in contact with the disability rights office to update them on the issue.

She said she needs her dog in order to get to her classes safely and that Odette helps her keep her balance when she walks to class.

“I would like to continue to bring my dog to class,” Rivas said. “She helps me travel to and from class safely.”

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RAMPAGE 9.28.2016

NEWS

Pol Sci Instructor Predicts Clinton Win, Encourages Students to Vote

47%

BY CEDRIC HOOD

Reporter chood@therampageonline.com

W

ith less than seven weeks left until Americans elect a new president, the chair of the Fresno City College political science department describes this presidential election as “volatile.”

It’s no secret Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Donald Trump each have their issues, some scrutinized more than others.

Clinton’s email scandal can’t seem to fade while Trump’s immigration stances continue to cause controversy.

Mark Trezza predicted that Clinton would ultimately be elected to the presidency on Nov. 8.

“I think at the end of the day, just as it was for [Barack] Obama both times, it will be an easy democratic win,” Trezza told the Rampage in November 2015, nearly one year ago.

Fast forward to September 2016, weeks before the election, Trezza paused and said, “From now through the election, it will seem close.”

A close eye is on the debates, with the first one hosted on CNN Hillary Clinton campaigns during the primaries at Edison High School in southwest Fresno on June 4, 2016. Photo/ Sept. 26.

Larry Valenzuela “There are lots of suggestions that said voters who think Trump can’t ments are very questionable and it’s going to be a close race, but win should understand he has the he has a number of head-scratchers the presidential debates, the vice same chance to become the 45th that come from Trump himself “100 presidential debates, all that has to president as Clinton. percent” and not from his campaign happen,” Trezza noted. “When it’s Trezza explained the strengths and team. over, it’s going to seem like an easy Trezza said that Clinton’s biggest democratic victory when you look at weaknesses of each candidate’s.

“For candidate Trump, his biggest downfall is “her inability to seem the electoral votes, but it’s going to achilles heel is himself. At times, he trustworthy.” But, “poll after poll feel close.” is his biggest strength, as often his shows that both of them aren’t realTrezza said the race seems close biggest weakness,” Trezza said. He ly viewed as trustworthy,” he said. because there are only two candiadded that some of Trump’s stateHe says trustworthiness is Clinton’s dates who realistically can win. He

Fresno City College President Carole Goldsmith greets Rampage reporter Eric Zamora during a visit to the Rampage on Wednesday, Sept. 21 for a question and answer session with the staff.

Photo/Ram Reyes

Suicide Awareness Walk Looking for Volunteers

BY ASHLEIGH PANOO

Managing/News Editor apanoo@therampageonline.com

The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is looking for volunteers to help with this year’s walk through Oso De Oro Park in Fresno.

The walk, which takes place on Oct. 22, raises awareness about suicide prevention and reaches out to those who have lost loved ones to suicide.

Volunteers are needed for set-up and take-down, food and beverage stations, the honor bead tent, route support and more, said the Central Valley chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Check in and registration begins at 9:00 a.m. and the opening ceremony starts at 10 a.m.

The walk will end at 1 p.m. and will follow two miles through the park over level surfaces accessible to all walkers, the foundation said.

Over a quarter of a million people in more than 380 cities across the U.S. have participated in an Out of the Darkness Walk.

For more information or to sign up as a volunteer, contact the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at 707-968-7563 or at centralvalley@afsp.org.

Hillary Clinton’s poll percentage against Donald Trump in the Quinnipiac poll as of Sept. 26.

46% Donald Trump’s poll percentage against Hillary Clinton in the Quinnipiac poll as of Sept. 26. biggest hurdle.

Trezza added that Clinton’s weakness could be exaggerated by the “anti-incumbent” feel in the 2016 presidential politics, and if voters want to see a different party in the Oval Office.

“Even though she’s not actually in office...four years ago, she was secretary of state, and she was a former first lady for about eight years,” Trezza said. “Therefore she’s been around.”

Trezza said that Clinton is viewed as the “establishment” candidate, and her ties to the current administration could cost her the election.

With November just around the corner, Trezza’s prediction remains the same as last year, and he described the Clinton campaign as “plodding along.”

Trezza’s advice to FCC students is to “go out and vote.”

The political science professor said students must “write the outcome” of their own stories, and that if students don’t vote, they shouldn’t “complain when you don’t like [the outcome].”

Q A

Goldsmith meets with Rampage staff

BY CEDRIC HOOD

Q A

Reporter chood@therampageonline.com

What have you heard and learned so far from listening to the community?

“One of the things I’ve learned, primarily from my discussion with students is a really strong desire of hope to make a difference and make a change, and being here is a step towards that goal. Whether it’s a change in someone’s life or their family or the community at large. I’m really struck by the number of dedicated students who are really wanting to come together and make a difference.”

Q A

What areas of concern are you really working on?

“Trying to remove barriers between staff and students so that people can reach their full potential. That takes a variety of different forms. Being able to make sure that everyone that wants to be involved in professional development, can, and are encouraged to do so. After the 60 days, I’ll probably take a week or two to formulate a plan and a timeline; that will be shared with students as well as faculty and staff.”

Q A

Where would you like to see Fresno City College in the future?

“Right now, we are serving approximately close to 30,000 students, I would like to see us serve another 10 or 20,000 students.

We are going to be expanding our footprint In West Fresno soon.

Some of the things we are going to take to the SCCCD board of trustees is a request to do a survey of the residents of West Fresno, and not a phone survey or an online survey, but getting people wearing Fresno City College shirts to go out and knock on doors and talk to residents.”

What do you think you can add to the college?

“A sense of pride and passion for the work that students do. I think I can be a good spokesperson for the work this institution does. I believe I can be very fair and remove as many biases as humanly possible to do. I like listening to opposing ideas, to be able to find where there might be common ground and balance. I’m dedicated to doing it.”

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RAMPAGE 9.28.2016

ENTERTAINMENT

Schools Not Prisons

The “Schools Not Prisons” tour stop in Fresno took place in the Old Administration Building featuring performances from (top-left, clockwise) Mistah F.A.B., Low Leaf, Fashawn and Audio Push on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2016. The free concert tour started on Sept. 6, touring around 11 cities in the state and features several artists travelling with the tour as well as local talent. “Schools Not Prisons” seek to educate on California’s overspending on prisons and highlighting state and local problems with funding of education. Photos/ Aly Honore and Ram Reyes

Garth Brooks Earns 7th Diamond at ‘Greatest Opening Night’

BY JASMINE YORO BOWLES

Entertainment Editor jyorobowles@therampageonline.com

On the opening night of the Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood in Fresno, Brooks showed that being 54 years old is nothing more than a number, especially when you have an incredible crowd and performers you love.

Sept. 23 was the first time Brooks performed in Fresno in 19 years.

Contrary to expectations, the country show was so action-packed with lights, fog, a drum-kit cage, plus a 54-year-old man running, jumping and climbing around the stage.

The show was nothing less than pure excitement and positivity from the crowd and opening performers, but especially Brooks and Yearwood who radiated positive energy and praise for their fans and supporting acts.

“Never in my wildest dreams have I seen somewhere go this hard this fast,” Brooks said during his performance.

Brooks performed several hits, including “Friends in Low Places,” “Two Piña Coladas,” “Beaches of Cheyenne” and “Thunder Rolls.”

At the end of the evening, Brooks

took the time to take song requests from fans and also honored a few of his musical idols: Keith Whitley, Merle Haggard and Billy Joel.

Yearwood and Brooks even gave an electrifying and intimate performance of “In Another’s Eyes.”

Before Brooks performed his next song with Yearwood, she announced that Brooks had just earned his seventh Diamond record (an album that has sold 10 million copies), making him the first artist to ever achieve more than six. Brooks has surpassed

the Beatles as the top performers who have six Diamonds.

Yearwood’s solo performance included “How Do I Live,” donning the stage with a glittering diamond microphone. Yearwood introduced the kiss cam with “If you’re here with someone you’re not supposed to be here with, now would be a great time to get a beer, I won’t judge,” followed by the single “She’s in Love with a Boy,” as the screen lit up with happy couples kissing.

Mitch Rossell, country artist from Tennessee, opened the show with a short-and-sweet set, mostly from his most recent album “Raised by the Radio.”

Following Rossell was Karyn Rochelle, a backup singer for Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood. The North Carolina native is a singer songwriter and has penned several songs for popular artists such as Kellie Pickler, Ronnie Milsap, Reba McEntire and LeAnne Rimes.

Rochelle performed songs from her self-titled debut album with a girl-power attitude, including “Jezebels,” which Rochelle described to the crowd as “a song for women who have wanted to beat another woman’s ass.” Rochelle also performed “Red High Heels,” originally written for and performed by Kellie Pickler.

Joe Nichols opened right before Brooks, delivering a humorous performance playing several number one singles like “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off,” “Sunny and 75” and a country cover of Sir Mix-aLot’s “Baby Got Back.”

The Garth Brooks World Tour with Trisha Yearwood’s last performance in the four-show stop in Fresno was on Sunday. Their next stop is Orlando Florida on Oct. 6, 2016.

Brooks thanked the crowd, “for the greatest opening night I’ve ever been a part of.”

Country singer Garth Brooks performs with his band at the Save Mart Center on Friday, Sept. 23, 2016. Photo/Larry Valenzuela

Go to TheRampageOnline.com for a full video interview with Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.

ENTERTAINMENT

RAMPAGE 9.28.2016

7

‘Waiting for Lefty’ Tackles America’s Political Divide

BY ERIC ZAMORA

Reporter ezamora@therampageonline.com

Opening Night: September 30th at 7:30pm

Megan DeWitt and James Anderson rehearse in the Fresno City College Theater for the upcoming “Waiting for Lefty” production on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2016. Opening night is on Sept. 30. Photo/Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado

“Waiting for Lefty,” the first production of the semester for the Fresno City College theatre department, opens on Sept. 30.

The play, written by Clifford Odets, is set in the 1930s during the Great Depression. It follows the lives of cab drivers on the verge of a strike in New York City. The story is told through vignettes, focusing on a variety of different characters throughout the play.

This will be an “immersive theatre” production, where once the audience members enter the theatre, they will be a part of the play.

Attendees will be greeted by the actors playing their characters, and musicians will be playing.

“The most important part [of the play] is the audience because it is the missing link,” said Janine Christl, director of the play. “I think if we do our job, then the audience will come in and be inspired, and by the end of the play, they will feel like they are on board with the show and that they are a part of it too.”

The play is the product of two months of preparation from students and faculty. Students auditioned for the play the first Friday of the fall semester, with callbacks on Saturday and the first rehearsal on Sunday.

Chirstl said she knew that with this play, she would have to hire an assistant director to help explain the “dramaturgy,” or the history and composition of the play, to the

students. Alongside that, she knew she wanted to add a music ensemble to the show, bringing in a music instructor to help guide the musical aspect of the show.

“Waiting for Lefty” is the first of two plays being presented this semester; the other being “Farragut North.” Both plays deal with political topics, with “Waiting for Lefty” focusing specifically on the divide in America at the time which parallels the present-day political climate. “[Because of] the nature of the story, you can’t help but talk about important issues,” said Ruby Arreguin, theatre arts major. Her character in the play, Florrie, is a young woman caring for her sickly mother.

“I feel like because of the material, we are able to have important discussions,” said Arreguin.

After weeks of preparation, the cast members have gotten closer as a result.

“Usually on most shows there’s at least drama between one person and another, but I haven’t encountered any of that,” said James Schott, a student double-majoring in music and theatre arts. In the play, he is portraying Dr. Benjamin, a young, Jewish doctor who gets laid off from his work.

“This is my first play with the theatre department, and everyone here has been pretty welcoming,” Schott said.

On the opening night, “Waiting for Lefty” will begin at 7:30 p.m. The following dates of the play are Oct. 1, 6, 7, 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 2, 7, 8 at 2 p.m.

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OPINION

Should teachers warn students of potentially offensive material?

Campus Voices

BY SAVANNA MANZO

Reporter smanzo@therampageonline.com

BY FRANK LOPEZ

Reporter flopez@therampageonline.com

PRO Aspen Thiner, 21, Sociology “It would depend on what class it is, first of all. If you are in Ethics or Philosophy, it can get into controversial issues.”

Mireya Lyons, 23, Biology “You don’t know what other people have been through, and you don’t how they are going to react.”

C

riticisms of political correctness are mis-

guided and extreme.

A teacher simply warning students that the class will be covering potentially offensive material does not infringe on anyone’s right to free speech.

University and college professors are providing trigger warnings in their syllabuses to inform students that they will be covering material that some might find offensive; racism, war, sexual content, etc.

However, a teacher warning their students that they will be covering some sensitive topics in class is not something to be despised. Dismissing complaints from an entitled generation is another way to ignore dissenting voices.

Teachers better perform their duties if they are not constantly having to deal with students who might disrupt the learning environment.

That is not to say that students should not question or challenge their professors, but if it keeps the student from succeeding, then they should try a professor with a different method of teaching.

If college is the place where we are to learn new ideas, then we must remember to view the world from the perspectives of others, and consider that they might see the world in a different way. It would be insensitive to call a female victim

of domestic abuse who feels uncomfortable in a women’s studies class, too sensitive.

Many people go to college for different reasons. Some for their careers, others to find themselves and others just want to learn.

Putting yourself in other people’s shoes is a way to confront your own thinking. To understand that people from different backgrounds and different cultures do not always hold the same customs, beliefs, and traditions as yourself, is a way to expose yourself to new ideas.

College is not for teaching us what to think, but how to think.

And maybe thinking about other people is what college is really all about.

L

ooking for an escape from discussions about race, politics, gender and all things cultural? With trigger warnings in course descriptions, selective learning becomes even more attainable for the average intolerant student.

If trigger warnings are implemented, courses that cover controversial or sensitive topics will warn students in the course description. Disclaiming courses involving sensitive discussion allows one to simply opt out of knowledge.

It gives students the option to blind themselves to diversity, insightful thought, social responsibility and political correctness.

This generation is supposed to spearhead the next great innovations. But how can students do that if course descriptions are coddling ignorance and deceiving us into thinking that one does not have a moral obligation to acknowledge controversy with an educated approach.

If students deflect the taxing conversation, they’ll be halted as

CON

BY ALY HONORE

Reporter ahonore@therampageonline.com

a generation. Students will not be pushed into social consciousness and will not have to address the racial tension and socio-economic injustice that plagues the nation.

Ignorance is not bliss. Ignorance leads to oppression towards minority and underprivileged demographics.

Offensive content in the classroom is something to be discussed. By implementing trigger warnings, the school is undermining the social and political maturity of its students.

The population can only move forward with empathy and understanding. If students neglect to learn what they don’t understand about others, our post-graduate lives will perpetuate social friction and chaos.

History courses, for example, must address America’s unbecoming past. The inhumane treatment of Africans, women, and any non-white male in the past is simply fact that people often fail to acknowledge.

Allowing trigger warnings can veer students away from basic general education courses out of fear of an awkward conversation about slavery or misogyny.

Social intolerance stems from a lack of knowledge, and trigger warnings in course descriptions will merely allow students to remain uninformed and intolerant of diversity.

Clinton’s Policy Will Reduce Mental Health Stigma Tania Delamora, 18, Nursing “I think we are all grown, so I don’t think it’s a bad thing for teachers to warn them, but I don’t think it’s necessary.”

BY ASHLEIGH PANOO

Managing/News Editor apanoo@therampageonline.com

Jeremiah Tep, 18, Biochemistry “I think the teachers should teach what they want to teach because you are in that class for a reason.”

To read the full conversation, go to www.therampageonline. com/opinion

Democratic Candidate Hillary Clinton’s recently released comprehensive health care policy offers a refreshing point of view.

Clinton is advocating that mental illness now be on par with physical illness. With statistics showing that one in four college students experiences a mental illness, the time has come to address those needs.

Clinton’s plan would integrate the health system, affirming that the body should be treated as a whole, instead of separating physical health from mental health and prioritizing physical well being over mental health.

Although this should not be seen as an innovative move, mental

health care in the U.S. can be hard to come by and people are often left ashamed and stigmatized. Part of the stigma about mental health results from its invisibility.

Clinton’s policy, if enacted, can begin to alleviate the stigmas associated with mental illness and get patients the treatment they need.

Society must realize that mental illness, as “invisible” as it may be, does exist.

People routinely visit doctors to be screened for physical illnesses, but many try to self-treat mental illnesses with alcohol or drugs.

Without a doubt, mental illness can have a devastating impact on the quality of life and sufferers have a higher risk of some physical ailments such as chronic pain and nausea.

Doctors can try to treat the physical symptoms, but as long as mental health is not addressed, the treatment falls short.

Sufferers also carry a higher rate of attempting suicide which Clinton’s plan addresses by including a suicide prevention initiative. With more than 1,000 suicides on college campuses each year, our healthcare system is failing those with mental illness woefully.

Clinton is also proposing treatment rather than jail time for nonviolent, low-level offenders with mental illness and substance abuse problems. This step alone will decongest the nation’s prisons which are overcrowded with people who have addiction problems and mental illnesses, but do not present a threat to society.

Because these prisoners do not receive the treatment they need, they will often return to the lifestyle they held before once released. With intervention and treatment instead of jail time, offenders have a better chance of recovery as well as living healthier lives.

Even if Clinton’s health policy plan achieves nothing else, it would at least have heightened awareness on mental health and what is needed to remove the stigmas the mentally ill live with.

The reality is that people who struggle with depression, anxiety or any other mental illness are trying to fight back and regain control of their lives, just like those with other illness.

They deserve the right tools to win their fight.

OPINION

Illustration/Frank Lopez

In debate, Donald Trump displayed lack of understanding on issues

BY RAMPAGE EIDTORIAL BOARD

editorial@therampageonline.com

T

he first presidential debate put this country’s two viable options for president on display. At the same time, it gave us a look at how much each of the candidates care about the issues presented in the night.

This nation has been polarized after a primary season that engaged millions of passionate Americans.

One half called the other “bigot” while the other is a supposed “terrorist” for not seeming patriotic.

The candidates now have a job to make amends by being proactive and including the issues of Americans into their agendas.

While some argue that opposition is healthy, it can also be said the biggest job of the president is to

be the unifying factor between a divided people.

Whether for or against police and the people, race relations are among the biggest issues for many people in this country. When debate moderator and NBC News anchor Lester Holt pressed Trump on his recent admission that stop-and-frisk was a way to lower crime and seek out criminals, he refused to acknowledge the fact that the U.S. has deemed that policy unconstitutional.

Judges weighed in on the evidence presented and concluded that the way stop-and-frisk was carried out was inherently racist. The act of seizing an individual before being suspected of any crime required profiling, and in order to be deemed effective, officers often relied on prejudicial judgements to determine

who to stop.

Unabashedly close to the same vein, Clinton merely dismissed the procedure as “ineffective,” failing or even refusing to use the power of her podium to call out the destructive reliance on racist and unconstitutional strategies of crime prevention.

Not too soon after that, Trump seemed to further the divide between those who commit crimes and those who choose to look the other way. Just as he belittled the court’s decision to being “against police,” Trump continued to want to use profiling in order to secure “law and order.” All the while, Clinton did nothing to call out this egregious notion, merely.

The profiling of citizens in this country sets individuals apart

Ram’s Tale: Driven Insane

BY RAM REYES

Photo Editor rreyes@therampageonline.com

I want to believe most people are inherently good. I really do. I want to believe in people and their kindness. But that concept goes straight out the window as soon as I start driving.

Driving is the most stressful daily activity that I do. As soon as I get in my car and get on the road, it’s a war of all against all.

For all of the advancement of human evolution, humans are still probably the dumbest species on this planet. Having just evolved from apes, the baboon-minds occupying the human space are not mentally equipped to drive a fourwheeled-killing-machine.

For example, whenever there is any sort of construction on our streets, there are signs that clearly say “change lanes, the right lane is closed, change lanes” and yet people either change lanes at the last second or do not let you merge.

Even the concept of stop signs are ridiculous. You are trusting people to stop their 4000lbs behemoths, look left and right, let cars past and then go ahead. People can’t even go without two seconds looking at their phones and we have to trust each other to stop.

Drivers drive too slow or too fast and make reckless moves like makes driving such a questionable thing to do for the safety of society. Also, it just really stresses me out.

Let’s be honest. Driving is a

9

RAMPAGE 9.28.2016

very boring and mundane activity leading to people doing all sorts of things. People are willing to text, watch YouTube, eat and drink or do anything else to escape this hell.

People in cars have killed millions of other people in cars and society is still okay with having everyone drive around adult bumper cars.

According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, nearly 1.3 million people die from road crashes each year. That is, on average, 3,287 deaths each day.

In the U.S., 37,000 people die each year. Compare that to gun violence that killed 12,492 people in 2015, according to the Gun Violence Archive.

That’s a large number of people dying for a daily activity we do, and the leading causes of most of this is human error.

In 94 percent of car crashes, it is the drivers that are at fault, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration If 94 percent is caused by human error, we can easily avoid these deaths if we just pay more attention on the road or be less aggressive with other drivers.

Drivers, it seems, aren’t very empathetic and not very kind at all.

We are literally killing each other with cars. It is

like the truth about human nature is brought out while we are driving, that all we care about is ourselves, our destination and a complete disregard of other people.

I’m not saying I’m a perfect driver. I’m not that great, I make mistakes. We all do. We’re all idiots on the road. But we need to be a little more mindful of all the other drivers on the road.

We only have one life and it can be lost in an instant if you aren’t careful. Pay more attention to the road and to understanding other drivers. So if there’s one thing to take away from this, it’s this: use your blinker, idiot.

from the notion of innocent before proven guilty. This has always been a fundamental premise upon which our entire court system was founded. To undermine this principle and apply the universal rights this country was founded on to only a select few who look the part is to further the divide between who belongs and wants to belong.

Both candidates must expressly condemn this illegal act and call it what it is.

Perhaps only having two choices represented on stage is the problem.

Sixty-two percent of Americans want a third party candidate to represent the options neither candidate offered.

Two-party debates seem controlled and exclusive, almost private in the sense that there is limited choices for Americans. As the first general election debate wrapped up, there are two more chances for the leading candidates to prove themselves. At that, Americans must demand that each of their candidates bring into the fold the countless numbers of people whose opinions have been left out of this election.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Service Dogs Should Be Respected Reference is made to the recent articles of April 2016 and September 2016; these articles concerned Mr. Larry Rodriguez and his dog, Zapata.

As a disability and social justice advocate, I am concerned about several items shared in these articles.

The term “companion dog” does not meet the qualifications and/ or certification guidelines for a guide, signal, or service dog under The American with Disabilities Act (ADA), as well as the service dog application guidelines for the city of Fresno.

For example, the City of Fresno service dog application states that “I declare that I am the owner/trainer of the assistance dog named above. Also, I affirm that my assistance dog has been specially trained as a guide dog, a signal dog, or a service dog.”

It should be noted that the city of Fresno does not certify training that is out of their scope of practice. Zapata has been identified as a “companion dog” by Mr. Rodriguez, therefore, Zapata, is just a “pet/companion” dog without formal training or certification required under the ADA Act, FCC policies, and the California Penal codes.

I have been an instructor at Fresno City College since 2003 and I have utilized two guide dogs while on campus.

Over the years I have encountered issues with other dogs.

Periodically, I am on full alert to protect myself and my guide dog from harm. My guide dogs graduated from Guide Dogs of American and I have personal rights under the ADA law, California Penal Code regulations for guide dogs, signal and service dogs respectfully.

Fresno City College should become more proactive to protect those individuals who use trained/ certified dogs on campus.

WILLIAM DAILEY

HUMAN SERVICES INSTRUCTOR

RAMPAGE 9.28.2016 SPORTS 10 When Athletes Get Involved in Political Movements

BY MICHAEL FORD

Sports Editor mford@therampageonline.com

P

rofessional athletes are in a unique position today, unlike at any time previously.

With a single tweet, post on Facebook or Instagram, these celebrity athletes can make an enormous impact on the way that people think and even what they do. With the amount of followership and power they have, it would be easy to criticize athletes when they do not speak out on important issues.

While it may be easy to judge them on their actions, it is important to understand the way these athletes live and why they may resist using their platform to address certain issues.

There doesn’t seem to be a right or wrong answer to the question of whether athletes should speak up for or against social issues.

It may sound selfish, but star athletes typically have a public persona to uphold. Taking a public stance on a controversial topic may lead to loss of endorsements, and therefore financial sacrifices.

Michael Jordan is a prime example. For years and years, especially in the 90’s, Jordan was criticized for not speaking out on racial issues. At the time, he was arguably the most famous and powerful athlete in the

world.

He had everything to lose, and not a whole lot to gain from taking a controversial stand on a topic. He could have lost endorsements with Nike, McDonald’s, Gatorade and other big name brands if he said something that people did not like.

FCC philosophy and ethics instructor, Wendell Stephenson, said that there is nothing wrong with this mode of thinking. In fact, he says we all think this way to an extent.

“Most of us are heavily influenced by what pays the bills and what enable us to build up our savings and make a good life for ourselves,” he said. “It would be natural and perfectly understandable for anybody to think twice about saying something that is going to be controversial that might result in significant financial loss.”

This is one reason why Colin Kaepernick should be admired for kneeling down during the national anthem before his team’s games.

He may not have as much to lose as before when he was the starting quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, but he still is endorsed by such companies as the Apple-owned Beats headphones.

The problem with this situation is that we all want the answer to be black and white, yes or no, Should they or shouldn’t they. Generally, that is not the way that life works.

There is seemingly always some

gray area on what is the right and the wrong thing to do.

We also need to remember that people look at things differently, depending on many things, but issues involving race are a large component of many discussions about social issues.

Ria Williams, a humanities professor at FCC, offers a different perspective than Stephenson.

Williams stated that athletes do need to do all that they can to speak out because of their considerable influence, and that not doing so is wrong.

“There are a number of ways that

Part of the issue is, if an athlete says something that I don’t think is helpful, and may even be harmful than I wish they hadn’t spoken.”

- Wendell Stephenson -FCC Philosophy/Ethics instructor

New Volleyball Coach Sets High Goals

BY JOSE OROZCO

Reporter jorozco@therampageonline.com

The Rams’ new volleyball coach Kieran Roblee. Photo/Savanna Manzo

you can do it. I think to not do it at all is morally deficient, because people do look to you as an example,” Williams said. “People do look to you for your opinions about things and how you feel as a member of that culture.”

Stephenson countered that athletes who speak on issues of public importance are in a no-win situation.

“Part of the issue is, if a professional athlete says something that I don’t think is helpful and may even be harmful, then I wish he hadn’t spoken,” he said.

Kieran Roblee is one of the newest additions to the Fresno City College athletics program.

She has big shoes to fill as she is replacing Tracy Ainger-Schulte, who is now the head volleyball coach at Fresno Pacific University.

Ainger-Schulte coached the volleyball team for nine seasons, nine consecutive conference titles and two state final four appearances.

Roblee was born in Santa Barbara and spent the majority of her childhood in the gymnasium as her father was the athletics director at Dos Pueblos High School.

“My dad was the athletics director. The football stadium is named after him. I grew up in the fields and the gym over there,” Roblee said as she talked about her introduction to athletics. She would later attend Dos Pueblos High School, where she began a volleyball journey that would eventually lead to a head coaching position at FCC more than 25 years later.

After high school, Roblee signed to play volleyball at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California, for one year.

“I transferred back and went to Santa Barbara City College. I’m proud to be a Santa Barbara City College Vaquero. I was there for three semesters and got my AA degree,” Roblee said. “To this day, I think that’s one of the reasons that community college has been an important part of who I am and the benefits I really got from it.”

Roblee would eventually end up in Fresno by signing with California State University, Fresno.

“I finished my playing career as a

starting center at Fresno State for two years. I played at Cal Poly, red shirted at Santa Barbara City, and finished out at Fresno State,” she said.

Roblee stayed in Fresno, although she does make regular visits back home to Santa Barbara to visit family.

“The climate is very different, and the nice things about Fresno are that we are close to the mountains and the national parks,” Roblee said. “Outdoor mountain activities are great, and if you want to go to San Francisco it’s not too bad of a drive.”

With more than 25 years of coaching experience, Roblee started off her coaching career dealing with challenges and adversity.

“My very first team that I ever coached was a high school girls freshman basketball team; We never won a game, and we never scored more than 10 points,” she said. “My point to young coaches is if I had been given a team that was great and solid, I don’t know what type of coach I would have become because I would not have had to deal with challenges.”

Roblee appreciates that students come from all over the country in order to participate in FCC athletics programs. “I think tradition and the success, the foundation of that success, helps bring people here,” she said.

The women’s volleyball team has started off the season 13-1, with the only loss to the defending state champs, Cabrillo College.

“We’re going to continue the success that has been laid, but the goal is also to be the best in the state,” Roblee said. “That’s the bottom line.”

SPORTS

RAMPAGE 9.28.2016

11

Wrestling Team Gears up for Upcoming Season

championship.

The Rams believe that strong fundamentals and techniques with proper execution is the way of forming a championship program.

Guiding the team through the fundamentals is the Ram’s head coach Paul Keysaw.

Keysaw, who has been the Rams coach for 10 years, believes he has a great system in place that can make this program what it is and will take his team to a championship.

“We are hungry for that state title this season and I think we can do it this year.”

- Joshua Annis Second Year Wrestler

The Fresno City College wrestling team practices with the coach, Paul Keysaw, in the FCC Gymnasium on Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016. Photo/Eric Zamora

BY MICHAEL MENDEZ

Reporter mmendez@therampageonline.com

Grapples, takedowns, reversals and pin-falls are coming to a mat near you as

Fresno City College wrestling team prepares for their upcoming season.

The Rams open their season on Sept. 28 in a contest against West Hill College and Sierra College.

The Rams enter this season with a lot to prove, after finishing last season in second place in the California

state championships for the second time in the last three seasons.

With the Rams having six returning wrestlers along with additional newcomers to the roster, the number one ranked Rams are more determined than ever to make this the season they finally win a state

No League Like Fantasy League

BY MICHAEL MENDEZ

Reporter mmendez@therampageonline.com

T

he start of the 2016 NFL season is finally here, which also means the start of the fantasy league, and the ability to select the top players in the league to form your own personal dream team and employ the top performing players in hopes of getting the highest amount of points every week against other team owners.

The points scale is determined by each player’s in-game performance that week. Points are earned on runs or passes of ten or more yards, on touchdowns scored, every field goal and point-after touchdown made by your kicker, the turnovers made and the fewer points scored on your defence. These together create the grand total score for that week.

A way of showing that the fantasy league is all in good fun is by forming your team name. The name could be whatever you want it to be, from a pop culture reference to a silly nickname that only you and members of your league will understand.

When you join a league, you need to first look up the possible players you want on your 16 player roster. It is good form to make a list of five possible picks per position, giving yourself the opportunity to move to secondary picks if your first choices get taken during the draft.

The best way to do this is by getting a quarterback and wide-receiver combo. The best option is having two from the same team, such as players like Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson of the Green Bay Packers. This strategy lets participants get double the points on plays of ten plus yards and touchdowns scored, racking up your total score.

Fantasy league is not the type of games in which you do not have to keep tabs or update once you have formed your team.

Blows to your starting lineup can happen at a moment’s notice, where injuries to a player on your roster force you to make changes. You also need to look ahead to each

player’s bye, or weeks without a game. Making these necessary changes avoids losing points by keeping a player who doesn’t play that week.

Once you get used to the game of fantasy league, you will find yourself always looking for ways to improve your roster.

Trading players with some team owners while looking through free agents is a great way to diversify your roster. Trading with other owners can be very helpful. You are able to trade players that both sides really want and are willing to give up in order to get others they want.

Just make sure the trade is more beneficial for your team in the long run and not for just a single week. It is better to go through the waiver wire to get players who are having a breakthrough season that everyone missed. It will help reduce cost when you cut a player on your roster who is underperforming.

Fantasy league is the most fun and also the most stressful time that a sports fan can have, apart from actually playing in the NFL. It provides a way of watching the game and to root for specific players instead of just your favorite team while proving to everyone in your league that you and your team are the best.

So make your pick and form your rosters well, because the season has begun. Game on.

“I am a creature of habit. I do the same things that I’ve been doing for 20 years,” Keysaw said. “I mostly kept the same game plan as before, and I believe this team will perform well this season.”

As the start of the season gets ever closer, each athlete on the roster is making their final preparations to be at their very best, both physically and mentally. The Rams have been training themselves on being mentally centered while being physically able to capitalize on any opportunities in any match that comes their way throughout the season.

Second year athlete Joshua Annis, who will be wrestling at the 157 pound weight class, feels like he is physically and mentally ready for him and his team to perform well this season.

“I have been training really hard lifting more weights than I ever have, putting extra work running at night and trying to stay healthy overall,” Annis said.

“We are hungry for that state title this season and I think we can do it this year, we just have to stay physical and go all out in our matches to get it done,” he added.

Looking ahead, the Rams are more determined than ever to make this season the one they finally get over the hump and win a state wrestling championship.

Third year athlete Julian Graytan, wrestling at 125 pound weight class, expressed how he is tired of finishing second and wants his final year with the team to end in a grand style with a championship ring on his finger.

Fresno City is eager to get out of the gate, and utilize every takedown and pin-fall. They know they are one step closer to reaching their ultimate goal with a favorable schedule ahead of them, with the Rams being the the heavy favorite in every matchup.

The Rams’ title-or-bust mentality is what will make this season a season worth checking out, for the Rams are on their way of possibly making history.

“It would mean a lot for me and my team as we’ve been having a great team these past few years, but just not able to close it out,” said Graytan. “We are tired of getting second, we want that ring now and that is our only goal for us this season.”