Spring 2016 Issue 1

Rampage Student-Run Student-Run Newspaper Newspaper of of Fresno Fresno City City College College

January January 27, 27, 2016 2016

II SS SS U UE E 11

The The Rampage Rampage

@rampagenews @rampagenews

Vol. Vol. CXXVI CXXVI

@FCCRampage @FCCRampage

Basketball Team Draws Criticism, Discipline for Questionable Plays

Shooting Guard, Nick Hilton, defends against Columbia College, Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015. Hilton was cited for “unethical” behavior in 15 separate examples in YouTube video. Photo/Daisy Rodriguez

BY KEAUNDREY CLARK

“I think it’s a little over-exaggerated, I don’t think [Hilton] should have been suspended.”

-Christopher Daniels Freshman Guard

T

Sports Editor kclark@therampageonline.com

he Fresno City College Men’s Basketball team has come under scrutiny after a 17-minute video featuring FCC players using “unethical” and “dangerous” behavior on the court was posted on Youtube.

The video, published by the Chabot College Men’s Basketball YouTube account, surfaced on Jan. 14 and quickly gained attention, leading to disciplinary actions against player Nick Hilton who was featured extensively in the video.

Hilton, the most notorious rule violator, according to the video, was cited for “unethical” behavior in 15 separate examples; he was seen

either tripping, or attempting to trip, opponents in nine separate incidents.

Interim President Cynthia Azari, Athletic Director Eric Swain, Dean of Athletics Lorraine Smith, Basketball Head Coach Ed Madec and the commissioner of the Central Valley Conference agreed to a four-game suspension for Nick Hilton.

In a statement, Azari said, “the actions we have taken include a zero tolerance policy for any flagrant misconduct on any of our teams.”

Azari added that everyone involved is committed to earning the respect of colleagues and peers throughout the state.

l SEE DISCIPLINE ON PAGE 11

Student Wrecks Car After Chasing Hitand-run Suspect l SEE PAGE 3

Food Pantry Aims to Eradicate Hunger

BY ANDREA BRISENO

News Editor abriseno@therampageonline.com

Dolores Huerta Honors Martin Luther King l SEE PAGE 4

“We have to breakdown the systems of oppression.”

-Dolores Huerta Civil Rights Leader

POLLS VIDEOS

Student Activites Center Assistant, Maile Martin prepares bags of food for distribution at the newly opened Ram Pantry on Jan. 22, 2016. Photo/Larry Valenzuela

Fresno City College is taking steps to eliminate student hunger by opening a food pantry in the staff dining room.

“We set a date [Jan. 22, 2016], and we said, ‘no matter what, on that day, we are going to make this happen’,” said Jennifer Dorian, adjunct faculty and coordinator of Peer Assisted Study Sessions.

Dorian and the members of The Ram Pantry Co Op have worked together since the fall of 2015 semester, trying to figure out a way to provide food for hungry students and address “food insecurity”.

According to information on the website for Feeding America’s 2014 -- Hunger in America, out of the 4.65 million surveyed, one-third has admitted to having to choose “between paying for food and covering educational expenses at some point in the last year.”

“We care about [students],” said Dorian.

That feeling of caring led Dorian and a team of 15 helpers to come in before 5 a.m. on Jan. 22 to bag food items for the pantry’s first distribution that afternoon.

Feeding America reports that “27 percent of food insecure people do not qualify for food stamps because their incomes are too high.”

Additionally, as food insecurity continues to climb, so do college enrollment rates, and many students struggle between paying for school or paying for food.

l SEE FOOD PANTRY ON PAGE 3

www.therampageonline.com

PHOTOS STORIES

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NEWS

Rampage Staff

Editor-in-Chief Cresencio Rodriguez Delgado Managing Editor/Copy Chief David Chavez

1.27.2016 THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM

New Semester, Old Problems Parking remains top campus issue

News Editor Andrea Briseno Arts & Entertainment Editor Jasmine Yoro Bowles Opinion Editor Alexa Leyva Martinez Sports Editors Keaundrey Clark Michael Ford Photo Editor Daisy Rodriguez Multimedia Editor George Garnica Broadcast Editor Larry Valenzuela Reporters Caleb Owens-Garrett Michael Mendez Rudy Perez Ryan Holquin Destinee Lopez Ashleigh Panoo Amrita Aulakh Aedan Juvet Trevor Graham Travis McDonald Edward Smith Christopher Del Castillo Connor Linville Jorge Alamo Bineet Kaur Ram Reyes Tammi Nott Courtney Hufragle Rampage Adviser/Instructor Dympna Ugwu-Oju

Students struggling to find a place to park at the Fresno City College parking lot D on Monday Jan.26, 2016.

Photo/Larry Valenzuela.

BY TREVOR GRAHAM AND DESTINEE LOPEZ Rampage Staff media@therampageonline.com

The beginning of a new semester means devising new ways of tackling parking problems at Fresno City College.

For some students, it means getting to campus one hour to half an hour early, depending on how early their first class is.

For Fallon O’Keefe, first semester student majoring in medical assistance program, finding parking spaces this semester has been a breeze.

O’Keefe said she had heard the horrors of parking on campus and was amazed at how quickly she was able to find parking.

“I stalk them [students walking to their cars],” O’Keefe said, “until I get their parking spot.”

Although she has had no problems with finding parking on campus, she said the college should build an extension to the parking lot.

Twenty-year-old art student, Monica Gonzalez, said her experience with parking on campus has been very different from O’keefe’s; she comes to campus 40 minutes before her 8 a.m. class, and it still takes her 15 minutes to find a parking space.

Gonzalez said that this semester’s traffic is lighter than it was in the fall of 2015 but that parking passes should be enforced more strictly.

She added that campus police should wait about five minutes before issuing a ticket, just in case the driver is trying to buy a day pass and has to wait in a long line.

Gonzalez would also like to see more parking meters that actually work.

Jose Ibarra, 20-year-old film major, compares finding a parking space at FCC to winning a lottery.

He said he arrives 20 minutes early in order to find parking on campus. He suggests the college extends the parking lot to add more metered spaces for students who do not wish or need to buy a parking pass.

Nursing major Jordyn Fontes said it only took

Board of Trustees Appoints Parnell as New Chancellor

BY CRESENCIO RODRIGUEZ DELGADO

dympna.ugwu-oju@fresnocitycollege.edu

Editor-in-Chief crodriguezdelgado@therampageonline.com

Contact Us Tip Line: 559.442.8262

The State Center Community College District Board of Trustees voted to appoint Dr. Dale Paul Parnell Jr. as chancellor of the multi-college district.

Parnell will officially replace Interim Chancellor, Dr. Bill F. Stewart on April 1, 2016; his contract extends to June 30, 2019, according to a district news release.

Parnell is currently the president of Norco College.

Parnell said, “I am both honored and humbled to have been chosen to serve as [SCCCD’s] next chancellor.”

Send Questions or Letters to the Editor to: editorial@therampageonline.com

her 10 minutes to find parking in the first week of class. She arrives 30 minutes before her class every day to get a good parking spot so she is not late for class.

Fontes suggests students get to campus an hour and half early so they have plenty of time for parking.

If all else fails, Fontes said, students should find parking space away from campus.

Cris Monahan Bremer, director of marketing and communications said the college has a few temporary solutions to the parking shortage.

“What we do for the first three to four weeks is we have a shuttle service,” Bremer said.

Students and staff can park behind Ratcliffe Stadium and use a shuttle which comes every 15 minutes, on Monday to Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Bremer also suggests students carpool or look for alternative transportation.

“You can ride your bike if you don’t live too far,” Bremer said, adding that the college has increased the number of bike racks.

Bremer said that the State Center Community College District is planning to construct a parking structure near Carl’s Jr [on Blackstone and McKinley] if a bond measure in the 2016 general election passes. If voters support the measure, FCC will receive more money than the $161 million it received in the 2002 bond measure.

The increase in funds will mean students will have adequate parking spaces and are not late for class anymore.

The capacity of the parking structure is still unknown, but more parking spaces for students means fewer people struggling to find parking.

Meanwhile,“You have to plan ahead,” Bremer said. “If you have a class at 8 a.m. or 9 a.m., you need to get here by 7:30 a.m. to get parking.”

Dr. Dale Paul Parnell, president of Norco College, has been selected as the new chancellor of the State Center Community College District, effective April 1, 2016.

Photo Courtesy/Lucy Ruiz

NEWS

THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM 1.27.2016

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Rami Abed stands next to his car on Jan. 13, 2016 after a carjacking suspect crashed into him twice. Photo/George Garncia

Student Loses ‘Sentimental’ Vehicle After Hit-and-Run

BY GEORGE GARNICA

Multimedia Editor ggarnica@therampageonline.com

Rami Abed sat in his white, twodoor Acura sedan, sipping his morning tea while waiting for his Math 201 class to begin on Jan. 13, until he saw a large, white commercial van backing toward his car.

Abed did not panic; he was sure the driver of the van would notice him and stop.

But the van did not stop and backed into Abed’s car, causing damage to his front bumper.

The white van sped off hurriedly, and Abed decided he would not simply wait behind; he would chase after the driver.

“I figured the vehicle must have been stolen because he was driving dangerously, like speeding and running through stop signs and red lights,” Rami recounted the incident. “I wanted to get his license plate number to give to officials.”

But Abed’s phone was disconnected and he was unable to alert authorities.

So he decided to instead use his cell

phone to take a video of his chase, hoping he could get a glimpse of the suspect for the officials.

The chase lasted several minutes through city streets until the van collided once again with his vehicle, this time with much greater force, Abed said.

Abed’s vehicle was totaled.

According to an official statement on the Fresno Sheriff ’s department website, the white van was in fact stolen, carjacked earlier that morning by a tall white man weighing approximately 240 pounds, near Palm and Barstow.

The suspect is still at large and Abed is now left with a non-operational vehicle that his family of three cannot use.

Abed says he now has to take the bus to go to his classes at Fresno City College.

Abed is taking classes to become a computer engineer.

A destroyed vehicle doesn’t compare to situations he had to endure in his home country of Iraq.

Abed was an interpreter for the Coalition Forces in Iraq from 2008-2010,

helping American soldiers, before being shot in the back with an AK-47 high-powered rifle. Although he was wearing a bulletproof vest, he says the impact caused nerve damage.

After recovering, Abed decided to leave the Coalition Forces and opened up two businesses that he ran for two years before they were destroyed by terrorists.

He was crushed, and sold whatever he could salvage to get a portion of his money back.

It was after this that Abed decided to come to the U.S. with a refugee visa he obtained because of his work with the Coalition Forces. He was hopeful that he would be able to start a new life.

His new life began in September 2012 when he arrived to the city of Alameda, California with $150 in his pocket.

He started working at a Best Buy electronic store and saved just enough to buy the white Acura that is now destroyed.

Abed moved to Fresno in 2013 where he met his wife and now has a

2-year-old girl.

He works as a security guard to provide for his family and said he now struggles to get to places without his vehicle.

Despite his hard work, Abed does not wish anything negative to happen to the suspect who hit his car; instead, he wishes that the suspect gets help.

“I am fine, and can live with what he did as long as he promises he will not do something like this again,” Abed said. “God will forgive him, and hopefully he can change his ways and not get into trouble anymore.”

Though he can’t drive it, Abed said his car means a lot to him, and he looks forward to fixing it soon.

“This vehicle stands for my beginning in the United States,” he said.

“I got married in this vehicle, and I brought my baby home from the hospital for the first time in this vehicle, so I hope to take care of it like it has taken care of me.”

For now, Abed says he will continue moving forward and is excited about finishing his education to help his family live the American dream.

Food Pantry l CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 In a Fresno Metro Ministry Food Rescue case study, it is found that Fresno is the second most food-insecure city in the U.S., with more than 24 percent of residents unable to put food on the table consistently.

“It’s great for students,” says Heather Gunn, master of social work intern at FCC. “It’ll help students meet their basic needs, and it is going to help the school with student retention.”

According to an article in HigherEd Today, college students who experience food insecurity “struggle to reach milestones such as year-to-year persistence and certificate or degree completion” and require extra institutional support to complete their programs.

Food bags will be distributed every Thursday in the Staff Dining Room from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The Ram Pantry is open every Friday from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m. while supplies last.

Students must provide a current student body identification card to pick up a bag of food The Ram Pantry started as a project of the Associated Student Government and aims to provide food for 300 students.

Dorian said there is a much greater need than the pantry is initially able to help with.

“We want to grow,” she said. “We know that there is a need.”

Dorian said she hopes the pantry is able to provide more food and devise innovative ways of doing so in the future.

Generous contributions made by FCC faculty and staff allowed the food pantry to open its doors.

However, organizers are searching for community sponsors and local businesses to assist in sustaining the pantry.

They accept monetary and material donations.

For more information or how to donate to the Ram Pantry, contact Sean Henderson or Maile Martin at (559) 4438688.

Ram Pantry’s grand opening at Fresno City College at the cafeteria on Friday, Jan. 22, 2016. Photo/Larry Valenzuela

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NEWS

1.27.2016 THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM

Veterans Resource Center Celebrates One Year Anniversary and Accomplishments

BY TAMMI NOTT AND GEORGE GARNCIA Rampage Staff media@therampageonline.com

Cody T. Sedano, a liberal arts and political science major, attributes his success as both the student trustee for Fresno City College and a state-level student senator to the new Veterans Resource Center.

Sedano, a veteran, recalls being discharged from the military on a Friday and starting school at FCC the following Monday.

“I only wanted to hang out with veterans. Everyone else was just, you know, it was odd going from one day being in the Marines and then a couple days later, being in class,” Sedano said.

He said being involved with the Veterans Resource Center has given him a more thorough understanding of “veterans’ educational benefits.” Now, he wants to “go to the next level and help other veterans across the state.”

Presently, Sedano’s college experience is on track to help him reach his goal of being elected to the city council for the city of Fresno. He said he benefits from the counseling, advising, tutorials and camaraderie all under one roof in the Veterans Resource Center at Fresno City College.

Like Sedano, several veterans spoke glowingly about what the center means to them, particularly for enabling them to feel more connected with their peers.

Now, at the end of its first year in the new facility, the 2,200-square-foot space in Building A has provided veterans a supercenter of sorts -- a place to receive assistance with tutoring, mentoring, counseling or just to connect with other veterans.

Over the last year, the Veterans Cen-

ter has helped more than 700 veterans apply for and receive benefits for school. For the spring 2016 semester, approximately 350 student veterans are able to pursue their education with the assistance provided by the center.

Prior to January of last year, the Veterans Center shared a small room with the International Students Center in the Student Services Building.

This year, the new space has provided room for staff to work with students much more closely.

The center provides computers, conference rooms as well as experienced veterans to guide students to reach their life goals.

Mary Alfieris, the coordinator of veterans services, said she is honored to be able to help students achieve their ambitions.

“The staff who work in the Veterans Resource Center are all veterans, so they understand the heartbeat of the veterans, their needs, their feelings,” Alfieris said. “They get paid by the federal government to serve fellow veterans. So it’s a beautiful thing.”

Interim President, Cynthia Azari said she is extremely proud of all the Veterans Center’s achievements over the last year.

Azari said she was pleased to know that FCC is able to provide for the “unique needs” of veterans. “We want to serve all of our students,” she said.

Brian Moreland, a philosophy major, started his collegiate journey in the spring of 2015 in the Veterans Center.

“It makes a lot of complicated things much easier to understand and to deal with, coming through the Vet-

Veteran and philosophy student Brian Moreland (right) gets help from counselor Mario Reposo (left) at the FCC Veterans Center. The center celebrates its one year anniversary. Photo/George Garnica erans Center,” Moreland said. He will graduate with his transfer degree at the end of the spring semester of 2016.

“I recommend that all veterans would come here,” Moreland said.

“Come to the Veterans Center, and they will sit down and explain everything to you. They will give you everything you need.”

According to Alfieris and many veterans interviewed for this story, the Veterans Center continues to improve.

This year, the center is working on improving contact with its students and developing a Facebook page and improving its website. The staff is hoping to bring speakers from outside

resources like the VA hospital, Employment Development Center and the Small Business Administration.

Alfieris said the staff is also hoping to obtain a printer so students can print their papers as well as some display cases to show off veterans’ uniforms.

Mario Reposo, a veteran and a counselor in the Veterans Center has personal experience with different types of benefits for students. He encourages all student veterans to come into the center and discover what is available.

“If you don’t know about it,” Reposo said, “it doesn’t exist.”

(Left) Attendees of the Candlelight vigil share a solemn moment. (Above) Dolores Huerta speaks of the importance of Martin Luther King and his wife, Coretta Scott King, on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2016. Photos/ Ram Reyes

FCC Vigil Honors Martin Luther King

BY DAVID CHAVEZ

Managing Editor dchavez@therampageonline.com

Civil rights leader, Dolores Huerta honored the life of Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King in a candlelight vigil at Fresno City College on Jan. 16.

“Coretta Scott King went throughout the United States lobbying and speaking to organizations and kind of made it her mission to make sure that we would have this day of celebration,” Huerta said.

The event was part of several events

remembering the legacy of King and his work, 30 years after former president Ronald Reagan declared King’s birthday a national holiday.

Terry Cox, Chief of Staff to Councilmember Esmeralda Soria, who represents Fresno’s District 1, thanked everyone on behalf of the council office and the city of Fresno. He also gave a few words about the impact of Dr. King.

“Everybody should love each oth-

er regardless of their appearance, of their speech, of their walk of life,” Cox said remembering the words of King.

Cox added how important it was that “everybody [see] the kindness and love and not the retribution and hate.”

Huerta reminded those in attendance that “racism is not something children are born with. It is something they acquire from their families. We are all one human family.”

She added, “what we have to do, we

have to breakdown the systems of oppression.”

Huerta led those in attendance in honoring the life of King by chanting “viva”, or “long live”; shortly after, the celebration led to cheers from the crowd which acknowledged King’s lasting presence.

Huerta said, “he is present here today with us in spirit, here with us tomorrow and the next day in the work that we do for social justice.”

THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM

1.27.2016

NEWS

Shooting Spills onto Campus Amid Calls for More Training

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BY EDWARD SMITH

Reporter esmith@therampageonline.com

A shooting at the Carl’s Jr. on Blackstone and McKinley Avenues on Jan. 12 quickly became the focus for many students on social media.

The gun violence erupted just one day after spring semester classes had resumed at Fresno City College. It involved two cars with passengers shooting at each other and a third car caught in the crossfire.

A total of 16 bullets at the scene according to the State Center Community College police department.

After the Rampage published a video of first responders on campus surrounding the vehicle that came under fire, a female by the Facebook name Souleia-jenny Sorn claimed she was one of two people inside the vehicle that was hit by bullets.

“I’m not a student there,” Sorn said.

“I pulled up because they were still shooting around the area.”

Sorn posted that her vehicle had been mistaken as involved in the shootout.

“It [bullet] bounced off my sweater, and fell and burned my back,” Sorn said, adding that she was not hurt.

Acts of violence across the nation have spurred the discussion of what to do in the event of on campus shootings.

Before the Jan. 12 shooting, the SCCCD police department held Active Shooter Awareness Seminars.

An extremely long line of student waiting outside of the FCC bookstore on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016. Photo/ Ram Reyes

Students Weigh in on Book-Purchasing Struggles

BY RUDY PEREZ AND ASHLEIGH PANOO Rampage Staff media@therampageonline.com

A vehicle with a bullet hole on its right side stands on campus after being caught in the crossfire between two other vehicles near Fresno City College on Jan. 12, 2016.

Photo/Keaundrey Clark Interim Police Chief, Lt. Richard Gaines, reported a “good turnout” of classified staff, faculty, and administrators at FCC, Reedley College, Madera Center, and Clovis Community.

Campus police are currently “trying to schedule additional training

sessions to include students.”

Gaines encourages students to attend in order to increase awareness and “get some type of training.”

Gaines said students and staff should report all suspicious behavior to the campus police.

Freshmen Give First Impressions of College Life

BY AMRITA AULAKH

Reporter aaulakh@therampageonline.com

As students shake off left-over Christmas break blues, a new spring semester has arrived for many at Fresno City College.

Freshmen and returning students alike, all made their way back to spring courses on Jan. 11, some looking forward to catching up with friends.

Freshman Jessica Vasquez, business major, says she liked the start of the semester. Vasquez looks forward to her business courses this semester.

Other freshmen said they were also satisfied with their classes so far and above all else, complimented the FCC campus environment.

Darren Adams, Information Technology major, travels to FCC from Tulare. Adams has no favorite class so far, simply because “it’s too soon to tell.”

Adams hopes to become a programmer and just like Vasquez, enjoys the campus atmosphere.

“It’s definitely bigger than the last

college I was at,” Adams said.

Olga Kuchkouskaya, a freshman business major, seemed more lax with her thoughts on the new semester.

She described the campus as “fun” and thinks fairly of her courses so far, saying “I guess they’re alright.”

Kuchkouskaya says her favorite thing about college so far is “having a lot of free time.”

Mia Fialho, freshman, spent her first days at FCC snapping pictures of the squirrels all around campus.

Fialho’s favorite classes so far are Film and Figure Drawing and, despite taking fun classes, Fialho plans on getting her general classes out of the way sooner rather than later.

“After this, I’m going to take other general classes, just to get those over with,” Fialho said.

Among Fialho’s least favorite classes, rests her math class, she said.

Students discuss returning to campus after break, on Monday Jan. 25, 2016.

Photo/ Larry Valenzuela

A new semester at Fresno City College means new classes and new books.

Alison Zepeda, a 21-year-old art major, is buying her only book at the campus bookstore this year.

In the past, Zepeda purchased her books online and says has never been to the bookstores near campus.

But for Zepeda, buying books and where she buys them from depends largely on the price.

“If I can get it at a better price online or somewhere else, then I will,” says Zepeda.

At the beginning of each semester students can always expect to see a long line trailing out of the campus bookstore to the end of the building.

Although there are many ways students can purchase textbooks, many students still use the campus bookstore.

Sandra Saucedo, a 22-year-old English major, is renting her books this year.

“I went online to look for books but none of them were as cheap as the ones being rented at the bookstore,” Saucedo says. “So far I’ve spent about $115 and I still have to spend about another $150 on another textbook.”

Other students are using the Internet to buy their books, and to look for possibly cheaper prices than the bookstore has on their more expensive books.

Devin Vongehr, 24, is looking in all places to buy his books.

“Right now there’s a super long line. I haven’t even been in there. I want a notebook,” Vongehr said.

Vongehr says he is planning to use the Pearson website to purchase his $70 textbook straight from the publisher, and he will purchase the others at the bookstore.

FCC also uses their textbook buyback program to give students a helping hand when purchasing their textbooks.

According the FCC website, during the first and last week of each semester, “if your book is needed by the FCC Bookstore for the upcoming semester, you will be offered half of the used price whether you bought it new or used.”

Zepeda says she has thought about using the program before, but hasn’t.

“I don’t really know the details of it other than they buy back the books,” she says.

Saucedo says that she’s heard of the program but is not usually satisfied with the offers.

“It’s not that great. A book that costs $100, they can only give you about $20.”

For Vongehr, “it could be useful,” he says.

He added, “any money helps.”

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1.27.2016 A&E “Innerds” featured in Art Space Gallery

Inspired by human life’s nuances and struggles, the Fresno City College Art Space Gallery presents “Innerds” by artist Arthur Gonzales from Jan. 19 - Feb. 4, 2016.

Admission is free, and a reception will be held Jan. 28, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Photo/Larry Valenzuela

New X-Files Will make You a Believer

BY CHRISTOPHER DEL CASTILLO Reporter cdelcastillo@therampageonline.com

“The X-Files” returned to FOX on Jan. 24. Photo courtesy/takenbygreys-com. web.com

Fans, get ready to believe again.

“The X-Files” is back on the FOX network with a six episode event. One of the longest running science fiction series in TV network history returned on Jan. 24 with all new cases of the inexplicable.

FBI special agent Fox Mulder, played by David Duchovny, is a conspiracy theorist and believer. His partner Dana Scully, played by Gillian Anderson, is a realist and skeptic. Together they embark once again in mind-bending and out-of-this-world cases unknown as the “X-Files”.

It’s been more than a decade since the series went off the air and the scientific investigations of the series are based in reality.

Audiences and UFO lovers alike who have never seen “The X-Files” are probably already aware that it had an ongoing plot relating to aliens and UFOs that started out compelling and out of the normal norm.

“The Roswell New Mexico Crash,” “The New Jersey Devil,” and “Ghost in the Machine” are considerably some of the best representations of “The X-Files” episodes.

The miniseries will go deep within the Roswell, New Mexico event of 1947 and will describe how the government itself has indeed been using extraterrestrial tech-

nology to advance our modern society. Also events such as evolving alien-human hybridization by alien-government abductions. Agent Mulder and Scully once again must find the truth.

In a dark world of aliens, mutants, strange unknowns and government conspiracy, “The X-Files” gives hope to those who want to believe.

According to The Hollywood Reporter “Creator Chris Carter, who wrote and directed the episode, spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about how he wants the hour to fit into the bigger picture, his take on some of the critical flak the show has gotten and where he’d like to take the franchise next.”

Fans who love “The X-Files” know that it has influenced many other series that changed TV history. With series such as “Ancient Aliens”, “Fringe”, and “Bones” along many others, the show has a deep following.

Fox’s eagerly awaited revival is updating its conspiracy theories and only this time, the sci-fi series might cause more controversy than during its initial 1990s run, when the show told tales of government-aided UFO cover-ups.

The new “X-Files” touches the very fabric of the human mind. The series goes deep into subjects with high-tech surveillance, government cover-ups and yes, UFOs. Is there anything better than little grey aliens.

There’s no telling what Mulder and Scully will find in the new series, but one thing is for sure, “the truth is out there.”

A&E

1.27.2016

7

Training in Improvisation Improves Wit and Speed

Caleb Wilson (left) and Jacob Franz (right) transform into different characters and even objects as they hone their skills during auditions for the Fresno City College Improv Team, Thursday, Jan. 21, 2016. Photo/Daisy Rodriguez

BY DAISY RODRIGUEZ

Photo Editor drodriguez@therampageonline.com

In the fall of 2006, former Fresno City College students Nick Haas, Maqnus Chhan and Marcos Hammer teamed up to create Blimprov, a space where they could advance their art of improvisation.

Almost 10 years later, the trio provided the fundamentals of performing improvisation and advanced scene techniques on Jan. 15.

They also performed a benefit in the FCC Theater on Jan. 16 to assist current theater students attending the American College Theater Festival in Hawaii in February.

Blimprov also currently offers training for those

of any skill level at the Fresno Soap Company in the Tower District.

Not only is there an improvisation group outside the college, but one settling inside. The heads of the Fresno City Improv Team are Jacob Franz and Andrew Pereida.

Improvisation a skill to practice and also a skill of great humor for those with quick thinking and wit.

Franz says that improvisation offers a lot to think on your toes and to be quick witted” as well as to “get yourself back on your feet in your scene.”

On Jan. 21, current members practiced while new

actors were auditioned.

Quincy Maxwell, who is trying out for a space, said he had attended the practice session presented

by Blimprov and believes that “throwing yourself in the fire...is really good.”

Shannon Joyce, also vying for a position, said she has enjoyed acting, but is not strong in improvisation and wanted to learn more because “there are no classes for [improv].”

“As an actor it gives you a strength because you are able to think on your feet,” Joyce said. “You can go with it instead of just freaking out.”

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8

OPINION

Campus Voices: Should films have more diversity in actors?

1.27.2016 THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM

Finding Fighting Hunger is Light in the Worthiest Cause Darkness

BY RAMPAGE EDITORIAL BOARD Editorial@therampageonline.com

Alicia DeOchoa Dental “Yes, I believe movies and films should have diversity. I guess over generations, there has been more diversity because in the past, there were white people everywhere, but now, it’s more diverse.”

Carrea Johnson Mech. Engineering

Hunger should not be a barrier to success for college students.

Unfortunately, it is.

A Wisconsin HOPE Lab survey of 4,000 community college students from 10 community colleges across the nation shows that half of all community college students are struggling with food and/or housing insecurity.

The same report also found that out of the 10 community colleges surveyed, six colleges had typical rates of poverty in their surrounding community.

Forty-three percent of students surveyed said they could not afford “balanced” meals while 39 percent reported that the food they could afford was often not enough to fill them up.

Fortunately, beating hunger has become the focus at Fresno City College as well as in many community colleges and universities across the country.

FCC opened the doors to its first ever Ram Pantry on Jan. 22 with the mission of addressing student hunger.

Food insecurity means not knowing where your next meal will come from and as is the situation for many students at FCC, students must choose between buying needed textbooks or paying for sustenance. Students usu-

ally choose the latter, risking failure in their classes.

The Associated Student Government deserves praise for this new project. The organization initiated this project and did all the necessary legwork.

In data published by the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research in the 2012 California Health Interview Survey, Fresno County had 41.9 percent rate of food insecurity; 86,293 Fresno County residents relied on the food stamp program, according to the same data.

The Washington Post reports that the number of colleges in the U.S. with food pantries rose from just one in 2007, to 121 in 2014; the number continues to go up.

It is now up to the community to continue to support this effort at Fresno City College.

The college deserves an applause for tackling this epidemic and making a difference.

We hope that the number of students benefitting from the pantry will grow exponentially, and that in the near future, the number of recipients will double.

No student should have to choose between food for the stomach and food for their brain.

“I believe the movies are somewhat diverse, but it takes time for everything.”

Stick to Your New Year Resolutions;

You’ll Be Glad You Did

BY BINEET KAUR

Reporter bkaur@therampageonline.com

Tommy Duch Undecided

“Yes, it should just be a normal thing. [Movies] should have diversity; otherwise we wouldn’t watch them.”

Desiree Cervantez Performing arts “Yes, I think they should be especially if they are American movies because they should reflect America. Because we have diverse people and cultures, they [movies] should be real to the country we live in.”

We’re currently in the first month of 2016, and at this time of the year, I often notice two types of people -resolutioners and those who make fun of them.

Currently, some people are dedicated to whatever New Year’s resolution they have set for themselves, whether it’s getting in shape, kicking a bad habit or changing something else about themselves. They’re often called resolutioners.

Others enjoy making fun of resolutions and claiming that most, if not all, resolutioners give up after about a month.

New Year’s resolutions are still relevant; they are good things. People generally don’t make them out of ill will. They are genuinely trying to better themselves.

There is no logical reason to bash resolutions because, for the most part, nothing is wrong with them.

Resolutions can be motivational for many. Maybe, after a tough year, people want something to look forward to. Some people have been wanting to change, and they see the new year as an opportunity to make needed changes.

People might not succeed in their resolutions because they are not motivated enough or they are aim-

ing too high. For example, someone might want to go from only wearing sweatshirts and T-shirts to being better dressed everyday. It’s possible for that person to become much more fashionable, but still not achieve their resolution because they wore T-shirts some days. However, that person still moved in the right direction.

As cliche as it sounds, the key to achieving any resolution is to stay motivated. It’s probably going to be hard, because change of any sort usually is. But resolutioners should remind themselves that they’re doing it for a reason and, in the end, will likely feel accomplished.

Also, resolutioners should remember that there is no rush. They should feel free to move slowly. Although they probably want to meet their goal by the end of the year, truthfully, they have their entire lives to become better people. Change is difficult, and difficult things take time.

Resolutioners should ignore the negative people that make fun of resolutions. They’re probably just joking around, but I think a lot of them are disappointed in themselves because they wish they had persistence.

As a resolutioner, you’re a positive person trying to better yourself. Wear that with pride.

BY CALEB OWENS-GARRETT

Reporter cowensgarrett@therampageonline.com

When you can finally take a step back to breathe and rationalize, that’s how you know you are going to be OK. For years now, I have suffered from severe depression and anxiety, but I never imagined it was going to get worse. For the last year, I have spent my days being consumed with anxiety along with the inability to control my mind and body. I didn’t know what was becoming of me, and I couldn’t see how things would get better because all I saw was the blur of life passing me by.

I have spent roughly a year learning about myself and what triggers my emotions. I still have not completely discovered what sparks anxiety for me, but I know that I am not one to be subtle about my emotions.

It was very hard for me to learn some strategic tactics about myself and to be able to get my head right and to see the light at the end of the tunnel, so to speak. I knew that I needed to start looking for positivity to incorporate into my life. The alternative was mental, emotional and physical uncertainty.

I proceeded to start on a journey to discover my purpose in life. I began with finding a local mental health care therapist to help me work out my emotional and mental thoughts and feelings. That alone helped me feel significantly better. I worked with a therapist who was very insightful and has continued to help me make progress.

I needed to do a lot of work. I had a lot of toxic relationships in my life that consumed my thoughts and feelings and changed who I was into someone I never wanted to be. My journey isn’t easy, but I still strive every day to kick my inner demons.

Aside from the therapy I sought out, I had a lot of time on my hands to self reflect. It allowed me to see what had been dragging me down. I chose to take action to take my life back. It takes a lot of strength to push past any negativity in your life, but I really do commend those who can do so or are still trying to find the strength to do so.

I find that if you form a solid support system and you find something that you can pour your mind, body and soul into, you can pull out of your hardship. This is what helped me realize who I want to be and what I want for myself.

Over the years, I have discovered that I am an individual who suffers from depression and anxiety, but can still be strong enough to push past the negatives. I learned some coping skills along the way.

I have chosen to accept how things can be at times, even if I don’t always take the news the easiest way possible... At the end of the day though, I can say that I am OK, and you can be too.

THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM

1.27.2016

SPORTS

9

Rams Poised for Repeat Conference Championship

Freshman Matt Walker practicing his pitch at Ratcliffe Stadium training field on Tuesday Jan. 26, 2016. Photo/Larry Valenzauela

BY MICHAEL FORD

Sports Editor mford@therampageonline.com

Spring time is a time for hope and optimism, and that perfectly describes the attitude of the 2016 Fresno City College baseball team as they prepare for the upcoming season. The team has been in training for spring ball since the second week of January.

Head coach Ron Scott is entering season number 28 and has had almost complete control of the Central Valley conference, winning league championships 11 times since 2000.

Despite all of his remarkable success, he is still as excited as ever to get out on the field with a new team with many new players. The team will start its spring campaign on Feb. 5 against Los Medanos in Pittsburg.

“I’m excited because we lost a lot from last year. We lost seven pitchers that are pitching in college. [We lost] all three outfielders, our first baseman, second baseman and shortstop,”Scott said. “The year before, we lost one of our catchers. The fun thing about junior college is that you get to reload every year, and it’s a new team, so I’m excited as always.”

Sophomore Logan Poisall said his team has a lot of motivation to get back out on the field to right what happened last season.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Pois-

all said. “Ever since we lost last year, we’ve been wanting to get out here.

Everybody wants to win, so let’s get out there as soon as we can and strap it on.”

Having so many new recruits means that the team is exceptionally young with 27 of the 37 total players being freshmen. Poisall said that his nine returning teammates will benefit from their experience.

“I think the guys we have back from last year will definitely take the reigns and help the younger guys because they have been through it all.” Poisall said. “Going to the Final Four last year really helped us grow as college athletes as well as just players. It’s expected every year to go to the Final Four.”

In baseball, you can never have too much pitching, and Scott definitely subscribes to this philosophy. He remains very optimistic about how good the pitching staff will be this year and plans on using every guy on the staff.

He said he is not afraid to go to the bullpen when necessary.

“We use the bullpen pretty aggressively. Eric Solberg, our pitching coach, does a great job with them,” Scott said.

“He kind of prides himself on not having complete games.”

Scott said his coaching staff does not believe in extending kids at this young age. “Once we get toward the end of the season and get toward the

playoffs, these kids will be able to pitch deeper into games,” he said. “Early in the season we need to share the load.”

Scott and his coaching staff have had great success in their ability to recruit many of the best players from all over California, especially on the pitching front. Players like UCLA transfer Matt Walker, JJ Santa Cruz and Justin Heskett are expected to be anchors for this talented bunch of arms.

The Rams won’t be slouches at the plate either. They boast some very good hitters in their lineup, including several key returning players and Scott believes that they will be able to carry the team until the young guys acclimate to college ball.

“We have Christian Funk, who is probably one of the best players in the state, he was a preseason All-American,” Scott added. “Logan Poisall and Tucker Salles -- we have three quality sophomore bats coming back and then hopefully the freshman will pick up.”

With just two weeks left before training ends and the season begins, Scott has mostly made up his mind on who will be where on his pitching staff as well as who will be in his lineup at the start of the year, with things subject to change as the season progresses.

“I think Poisall will always play for us. He will bat in the first inning either second or third. Funk will bat in

the first inning, he is a talented hitter,” Scott said. “Tucker Salles might be one of our best hitters; he’s back from last year.”

He said the rest of team will be sharing time also.

Salles is a confident sophomore hitter who knows what he needs to do -sticking to a simple approach in order to get the best results.

“I am a good contact hitter. I think I know the game well,” Salles said. “I like to live in the middle, shoot the gaps.”

Scott said this year’s team has great team chemistry and camaraderie, even with so many new faces. Sophomore Tucker Salles stressed the importance of being a cohesive unit.

“We all get along,” Salles said. “It’s extremely important because you want to play for the guy next to you.”

Throughout the season the team will face some tough opponents, but there was one team in common that some players felt would provide a good battle with them.

“Our second week of the season against Chabot will be a good game,” Funk said. “They’re going to have a good team this year and so should be a good test for us.”

If all goes according to plan, The Rams believe that they have a great chance to win it all until they are the last team standing on May 30 at the state championships.

Sophomores Look to return FCC to Glory

BY KEAUNDREY CLARK

Sports Editor kclark@therampageonline.com

Last season wasn’t a normal season for Fresno City College Rams coach Brian Tessler. After years of dominance, the Rams couldn’t even win the Central Valley Conference. They had won the conference seven years in a row.

The 2015 Rams went 22-10, and didn’t have a single sophomore on the roster. Making it a rebuild of sorts.

“Our players thought that they

could come in and overpower teams last season and that wasn’t the case,” Tessler said. “Reality had set in.”

This year’s group of players came in with a different mindset.

The Rams returned eight players from last year’s team.

“I think coming back as sophomores, just made it better,” said sophomore Sara Vasquez. “Now we know the ropes.”

The NorCal top-ranked Rams (18-3, 4-0) have been on a tear since the end of 2015, on a 8-game winning streak,

their last loss coming on Dec. 28 versus Diablo Valley.

“The two losses we suffered earlier helped us in the long run,” Tessler said.

“It was a bit of a wake up call for us.”

Since those two losses in the first week of the season, the Rams have gone 18-1 and have averaged 95 points per game. That is currently the best in the state.

The Rams are shooting 44 percent which is 3rd best in the state.

Fresno City guard Erin Pallesi is leading the Rams with an average of

11.2 points per game. “[Under Coach Tessler] You have to work, work for everything,” Pallesi said. “It won’t come easy.”

Defensively, the Rams are one of the best teams in the state at causing their opponents to turn the ball over, with 16.7 steals per game.

“Practice, we practice it a lot,” Tessler said. “We try and put as much pressure on the ball as possible.”

Tessler knows the importance of each game and each opponent is likely to give the Rams its best game.

10

SPORTS

Sykes looks to the future

BY MICHAEL FORD

Sports Editor mford@therampageonline.com

Fresno City College phenom forward Josh Sykes is in his second season on the Rams basketball team. Sykes recently accepted a scholarship offer to attend and play basketball next season for Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.The way Sykes ended up at FCC is quite interesting. Fresno wasn’t necessarily his first choice to attend to play ball.

“Back in 7th grade, coach Madec was recruiting my brother. My brother did not take that offer and so senior year of high school I kept thinking about where I was going to,” he said.

“At first I was leaning towards going to Sonora. Last year, before I committed, our assistant coach, coach Fletcher, he asked me if I wanted to be recruited by coach Madec and I said ‘oh yeah, this would be a good opportunity for me’,” Sykes added.

Through nine games this year, Sykes is averaging 6.8 points per game(ppg) and five rebounds along with a very healthy three blocks per contest.

He received offers to play at Memphis University and West Virginia University.

Sykes recalled why he chose to go and play for LMU. “When I went on my visit, I had a really good time.

I thought it was the right place to go.

A place that I could get my education and that isn’t too far from home.”

T h o s e around Sykes aren’t concerned about his prospects Josh Sykes takes a of playing break from practice on well when he Dec. 5, 2015. leaves FCC Photo/Patrick Forrest to go down south. Sykes received much praise for his abilities from both his coaches and his teammates.

“Defensively, he can protect the rim like no other. He averages about 3 or 4 blocks a game. He’s hard for the other team to deal with,” said assistant coach Sultan Toles-Bey, a former Rams player himself.

Rams guard Gauge Bishop, who is in his grace year and hasn’t played this season, heaped praise upon his teammates game. “He is one of the focal points of the offense. If we really need a basket he’s one of the guys we would go to,” Bishop said.

Sykes majors in business, but that is only his plan if he isn’t able to accomplish the loftier goals on his mind. “My major is business and management. I would like to be a Purchasing Manager but that’s only if I can’t get into the NBA.” That might sound unrealistic to many, but not to Toles-Bey. “Somebody with his size and his athletic ability, he’s got professional jumping ability and professional size,” he said.

“If he stays diligent and continues to work hard hard, not get big headed, definitely he can make it,” Toles-Bey added.

Once the season is over and Sykes leaves, there’s one thing that Fresno City fans should be able to count on, and that is that his name will not be forgotten if he has his way.

1.27.2016 THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM

Rams Look to Make A Splash in CVC in 2016 FCC’S Newest Team Gearing up for Season

BY CONNOR LINVILLE

Reporter clinville@therampageonline.com

Women’s Swimming and Diving program under Coach Gianna Rossi has high hopes in its inaugural season this semester.

“This year will set the pace for our program,” Rossi stated. “It’s all a new experience and we’re going to be learning a lot this year.”

Although this is the first season for the Swimming and Diving Program, this is Rossi’s third year as a coach at Fresno City College. She coaches the women’s water polo team as well. Rossi had coached at Central High School for six years prior to her tenure at FCC. Rossi is experienced and poised for success from the start.

Marissa Vargas, a veteran of the pool, is in her last semester but is hoping to set records this season.

“My best race is the 100-meter Freestyle,” Vargas said. “I really want to break a minute.”

At the other end of the spectrum is Margaret Walsh, a first-semester student athlete. Walsh says she’s looking forward to getting to know her new team and teammates.

“My main goal is to improve my times from when I was in high school,” Walsh said.

Although the team’s first meet is at the Clovis North High School on Feb. 6, Rossi says the team is still accepting more athletes.

“The hardest part of starting a new program is getting the word out,” Rossi said. “It’s a brand new program, and the more student athletes we can get, the better.”

She encourages students with swimming experience to try out for the team by contacting her through the information on the college website.

Marrissa Vargas, Kylie Gill, Genevieve Ortiz and Margaret Walsh of the Fresno City College swim team, practice their freestyle stroke at the Fresno High School Pool. Friday, Jan. 22. 2016. Photo/Daisy Rodriguez

Rams Softball Hoping to Repeat Winning Season

BY MICHAEL MENDEZ

Reporter mmendez@therampageonline.com

The spring semester’s sports are heating up, waiting to get under way, and next at bat is the Fresno City College women’s softball team.

The Rams hope continue the success they had last year -- an 11-15 (6-1 in conference play) record that was capped off with a Central Valley Conference championship. Four players returned from previous two seasons, giving the team a good blend of new faces and veterans to lead the charge for a potential second straight conference title.

Guiding the team is head coach Rhonda Williams, who has been coaching the Rams for 21 years. Williams has been quite successful in her tenure as coach, with three conference championships in the past six years, the most recent being last season.

“My staff and I always want our

players to be successful in reaching the top of their potential, and always playing their best,” Williams said.

Preparation during the preseason is one of the ways of building team unity, as first time players work through their positions and where they fit on the roster. The preseason also allows for veteran players to lead by example and show their new teammates what is expected of them. First basemen Adrianna Martinez describes the relationship among her team members.

“It’s great,” Martinez said. “We are doing some team building that will make us closer and hopefully make us a better team.”

With only two weeks of practice together, the team has started to show promise. The team’s calling card this season may be the batting offensive game, with the players’ ability to make solid contact with the ball in their swings as well as being able to read the pitch to determine whether a ball is hittable or not. Second year out-

fielder Aubrey Blankenburg agrees.

“Hitting is the strongest aspect of my game that I am [constantly] trying to improve on. I take warm-up swings to get the motions [going] before every game,” Blankenburg said.

The Rams are pursuing their common goal of winning this year’s conference championship, knowing the hard work and dedication it will take for them to keep it. They expect a rough path to that goal, but they are confident that this year’s team will surpass the standard set by last year’s team.

“It would mean a lot,” Williams said. “The CVC is a tough conference, and it’s not easy to win and finish in first place.”

“That would be amazing,” Martinez said. “It’s my first year on the team, so it would be great to do that this season.”

Blankenburg said, “It would mean the world to me as this is my last year with the team.”

THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM

1.27.2016

SPORTS

11

Sophomore Guard Nick Hilton gets support from his teammates as he heads to the bench. Saturday, Jan. 25, 2015. Photo/Daisy Rodriguez.

Discipline

Hilton said he would be more careful, but this doesn’t change his style of play.

In a statement, Azari said “the actions we have taken include a zero tolerance policy for any flagrant misconduct on any of our teams.”

Azari added that everyone involved

is committed to earning the respect of colleagues and peers throughout the state.

Chabot College Men’s Basketball coach, Denny Aye accused the FCC basketball team of being “taught, encouraged and even rewarded by their coaching staff to commit decorum

“As strongly as I can say, Coach Madec doesn’t teach, promote or condone any play of that level.”

-Eric Swain Athletic Director

l CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 violations and sport rulebook infractions.”

Aye cited FCC’s alleged “negligence”, saying “they play 12-15 players a game and do not care if once in awhile a player gets caught by the officials performing these unethical acts.”

Aye declined to comment further after requests from The Rampage.

Swain is disappointed and is confident that there is no merit to any claims being made by Aye, but did say that he hopes the players can learn from any mistakes that were made.

“As strongly as I can say,” said Swain, “coach Madec doesn’t teach, promote or condone any play of that level.”

Swain also noted that basketball is a physical sport and that the Rams have players that compete at a high level, play after play.

Madec is choosing not to comment on the situation, but said that he does not coach or condone malicious behavior on the court.

One player did decide to give his thoughts on the situation.

Freshman Guard, Christopher Daniels said, “I think it’s a little over-exaggerated, I don’t think [Hilton] should have been suspended.”

Daniels added,“It’s already changed the way we’ve played this season.”

But Aye is also being criticised for not taking proper protocol when a situation of this manner arises.

According to both Swain and the Dean of Athletics, Lorraine Smith, Aye failed to file an investigation request to address the problems he broadcast for many to see via YouTube.

Often dismissed are rumors that Aye, who coached at FCC from 1997 to 1999, may have acted out of envy toward Madec and the team.

“I feel like it was blown out of proportion,” said Sophomore Guard Evan Stillahn . “We know who we are, we’re taught to play tough basketball.”

High Bar Set for Rams Tennis

BY MICHAEL MENDEZ

Reporter mmendez@therampageonline.com

The spring semester is underway and so are the sports programs that will take place over the course of this semester. Out of the sports that will be featured, none have been looked at with more promise than the Fresno City College men’s tennis team, that has high hopes going into the season.

Before heading into this season, both the coaching staff and players had to evaluate where they were as a team, as well as see where they can improve in terms of how they did last season. The Rams finished last season with a with a 9-4 record with a split conference title with Modesto Junior College, getting as far as the first round of the state regionals.

At the helm of the team is head

coach Chantel Wiggins. Wiggins has been the head coach of the team for five years where she has racked up three state championships. Wiggins is determined to make this season more successful than last year.

“This year’s squad is a real hard working team that has a lot of talent as we have three returning players,” said Wiggins. “They are the hardest working that I have had and I see them going far in the postseason.”

As hardworking as the team is, it isn’t without its flaws. Each member of the team has their strengths that they bring to the table as well as their weaknesses that they would like to improve on over the course of the season. Some of these problems may be small from a bad serve to a backhand, it is just how the player reacts to it and fixes in time to win a match.

Third year veteran player Avi Singh

Bami talks about his strengths and weaknesses and he works on his mistakes.

“I am a momentum player, once I am on a roll, I play really well. It is also my biggest weakness; once I start to struggle, I lose focus and it is hard for me to get it back,” Bami said. “Luckily I have the support of my teammates to get me through those hard points to help me finish the match strong.”

No matter what each player would like to achieve this season as individuals, they all have one common goal of being this year’s state champions. Both the player and coaching staff believe that they have the motivation, talent and determination in order to not just do better than last year but to win it all.

Both coaches and players gave their thoughts of what it would mean for them if they won state.

“It would mean a lot as we are

shooting for the stars as we are always competing for state, and I take pride knowing that we play to the best of our ability in hopes of getting far into the postseason,” said Wiggins.

“I was a part of the team that won state in 2014 and it was an unreal experience. Everyone was into the game and yelling, all pushing for each other to get that final point. When we did, everyone was filled with happiness for each other. [It was] an experience that I had never felt before and hope I can do that for this team this year,” Bami said.

“This would be a great achievement as it is my first season here and it would be great to tell my friends and family back home in England that I won state,” Kyle Rae said. “ That is the reason I came here from England and worked hard to achieve.”

12 SPORTS

1.27.2016

Rams roll to their 14th straight win

NorCal No.1 Rams dominate opponents in blowout fashion.

BY TRAVIS MCDONALD

Reporter tmcdonald@therampageonline.com

The Fresno City College Rams Men’s basketball team continued its dominance with its 14th straight win after a 113-68 victory over Reedley College on Jan. 16 and a 96-82 versus Porterville on Jan.23.

Utilizing an efficient offense and a stifling defense, the Rams have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with, holding a top five position in the CCCAA overall rankings.

The Rams were able to hold the Tigers to 31 percent shooting from the field while also causing 19 turnovers, never allowing the game to shift from their favor. However, there are no breaks in practice in the pursuit of sustained excellence.

The offense was led by guard Mike Crawley, who finished the game with 22 points and 13 rebounds. The Rams dominated using a frenetic, selfless style of basketball. This was evident in the final score, as the team finished with 31 assists compared to 3 for Reedley College.

The play on offense was a very physical game, allowing the Rams to hold nothing back on the opposite end of the court. The team was going as hard at the end of the game as when the game started. This was an aspect from the game that the team has embraced.

“That’s what Fresno City is all about, is being physical,” Crawley said.

“The environment of practice is tough; everyone is going hard.”

A physical style, however, lends itself to an increased number of fouls, something that was evident in the game. At the final buzzer, both teams had committed a total of 38 fouls, something the Rams look to work on and improve going forward.

Guard Terrance Wienecke led the Rams with 8 assists and 2 steals.

The ability to adapt and improve is a standard held high by the Rams and will be focused on in the future.

“Our practices are designed to be harder than the games, so the games will feel like they’re easy,” said head coach Ed Madec.

This season, Madec has focused on both mental and physical training, instilling on a team a new way of operating both offensively and defensively, so it becomes second nature to them.

“The theme of the season has been consistency and mental toughness,” Madec said. “If we can lock in, we will be unstoppable.”

Wienecke said the team needs to work on “a lot of defense and a lot of communication and also getting stronger as a team on and off the court.”

FCC will look to continue their dominance and winning ways as they start a 4-game road stretch, facing off against Porterville, Sequoias, Merced and West Hills Coalinga before returning home on Feb. 3 to take on Columbia.

Madec owns the school record in wins with 284-49. He passed former FCC coach Joe Kelly on Dec. 29 vs Allan Hancock. Kelly held the record for 50 years, with a record of 278-105 in 12 years at FCC. Kelly had seven league titles and two state championships along with a runner-up and two third-place finishes.

FCC Rams Season Outlook

Aaron Cameron makes a free throw attempt against Reedley College on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016. The Rams won against Reedley College 113-68. Photo/Ram Reyes

Jan. 27 at Sequoias Jan. 30 at Merced Feb. 3 at West Hills Coalinga Feb. 6 vs Columbia Feb. 10 at Reedley Feb. 17 Porterville Feb. 20 Sequoias