THE USD VISTA
‘Zyn-demic’ plagues
Increasing popularity of the pouches litters campus
EMMA PIRHALA NEWS EDITOR
The rising prevalence of Zyns, a small pouch containing nicotine, is visible throughout the University of San Diego as the discarded “lip pillows” are found strewn about campus. Zyns contain varying amounts of nicotine and are meant to be placed between the upper lip and gum for discrete use.
Zyn, a subsidiary of tobacco company, Philip Morris International, was initially launched in Sweden. However, their success in Europe brought the pouches over to the States. Zyns can be found on the floors or walls of campus buildings despite USD’s sustainability measures. USD first-year Kalisi Taumohaapai detailed her disgust with the littering of Zyns.
“That’s gross. I think it’s grosser than gum because your shoe gets stuck in it, and it was in someone’s mouth,” Taumohaapai said. “And, I just don’t support Zyn. I just think tobacco is something your body doesn’t need, especially on a college campus. Like please, go study.”
Like most nicotine-based products, Zyns produce a sense of relaxation and calmness for users.
USD Professor Victoria Fu unveils mural
From teaching to exploring artistic passions, Fu impacts San Diego
ELLIE SKJERSAA
ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR
Victoria Fu is not just a professor of art at the University of San Diego. Outside of the classroom, Fu is an acclaimed artist and has had many of her art installations showcased across the world. Ranging from Los Angeles to Nicaragua, Fu’s solo and group exhibitions have reached the eyes and the minds of people far and wide. On Sept. 19, 2024 she unveiled her newest work, “Ginkgo”, in North City.
Along with “Ginkgo,” Fu’s work has been displayed in many prominent museums across the country. Some include the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tuscan, Arizona, the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York and the Pérez Art Museum in Miami, Florida. She has also been recognized as a 2015 Guggenheim fellow, a prestigious title only given to 175 artists every year.
“Ginkgo” is a public piece that
is showcased on a silo outside of the Draft Republic, an open-air venue that offers food, drinks and even a bowling alley. Its location is significant because of the up-andcoming artistic and cultural hub it is placed in, known as North City. North City is nestled in the
North City is nestled in the suburbs of San Marcos. This 20-year-old development aims to integrate arts and culture to bring together a community through the creation of open-aired spaces and art installations across the
neighborhood. This creative community is where Fu’s mural will live. Fu explained that “Ginkgo” is different from any other project she has worked on, not only for the intricate shape of the object, but also because it is presented in a place that encourages and curates artistic expression. During a Q&A at the unveiling she described her art’s impact to spectators.
“It’s wonderful to think about people intercepting art when they least expect it in their daily lives,” Fu said. “Even someone who lives here and will see it over and over might change the way they perceive it.”
This diversity of interpretation can be attributed to the abstract nature of Fu’s artwork. Her pieces are known to incorporate color, light and space to create immersive experiences that connect the viewer with the visual world. She uses moving images and digital technology to encourage
Dr. Gabriel Fernandez, a psychiatric nurse practitioner at USD Counseling Center, explained the short-term effects of Zyn. “Zyns are basically nicotine in a powder form, delivered in a non-traditional manner [placed under the upper lip],” Fernandez said. “When nicotine is introduced to our body, it activates certain receptors in our brain that are responsible for cognition and pleasure. For the short term, it has pro-cognitive and mentally alerting actions. It also directly increases a chemical in our brain called dopamine, resulting in a feeling of pleasure or being rewarded.”
Despite the perceived benefits of Zynning, the pouches have a history of long-term health effects. Fernandez explained the possible impacts of Zyns in the long run.
“Eventually, with enough nicotine, these receptors become desensitized,” Fernandez said. “The problem begins when these receptors resensitize… If an individual continues to reintroduce nicotine due to these perceived beneficial effects, the brain adapts by upregulating the number of nicotinic receptors due to constant desensitization caused by nicotine. With more of these receptors, the individual’s craving for more nicotine is amplified. Consequently, it will take a higher dose to achieve a similar effect as when it was first used.”
“Ginkgo” was unveiled in North City neighborhood in San Marcos. Ellie Skjersaa/The USD Vista
Used Zyns can be found littered around campus.
Emma Pirhala/ The USD Vista
Wellness Center scheduled to open in January
USD announces Palomar Health partnership
USD announced the establishment of a partnership with Palomar Health, a prominent medical provider and hospital system in San Diego’s North County, during a ceremony on Sep. 18. The central aspect of the partnership revolves around the new Wellness Center, which was officially named the Palomar Health Student Wellness Center. At the naming ceremony, the University announced that the Wellness Center is scheduled to open in Jan. 2025. In a comment to The USD Vista, the University’s public relations team provided insight into the facility’s opening.
“We expect to receive TCO [Temporary Condition of Occupancy] in December. The grand opening celebration will be held when the students return for the spring semester,” the University stated.
The opening date for the new facility comes nearly six months later than the original date of Aug. 2024. The University’s public relations team did not provide information regarding the delays. However, last semester, the USD Vista contacted the University for information regarding the delays, and Cameran Zech, Associate Director of Media Relations, explained the prolonged construction.
“We have experienced a
range of challenges, including delays in the City issuing building permits, unusually high rainfall both last year and this year, significant cost escalation in the commercial construction industry and logistics and supply chain issues,” Zech detailed to the Vista in April 2024.
Many students are upset with the prolonged construction of the facility. USD first-year Reed Lanham expressed his frustration with the project. “As a freshman, I haven’t had any hopes that the building would be done sooner than January,”
Lanham said. “I live in Valley B with a window view looking right at the construction. I wish I could say it’s moving fast, but seeing the progress move, I’m only hoping that the date will stay January.” Lanham detailed his wishes for the facility and his hopes for more cohesive wellness initiatives centered around the Center.
“I constantly get information about our wellness systems here, but honestly I find it hard to keep track of how to use it. I am hoping the new Wellness Center provides easy help with smaller problems,” Lanham stated.
Alongside the Wellness Center, the new partnership will lead to further collaboration between Palomar Health and USD. For students pursuing paths in therapy and nursing, Palomar will be the main partner for practical placement opportunities. USD sophomore Abigail Moeslacher plans to major in nursing and pursue a career in health.
“Being in San Diego, you’re around the best hospitals like Scripps and Sharp. But, I think a lot of those student opportunities are held for UC San Diego
students,” Moeslacher explained. “I think having an opportunity where USD is connected with a specific healthcare program really benefits all the prehealth students here. And I’m a nursing student, hopefully to be in the Master’s program at USD, so knowing they have a more solidified relationship confirms my idea that I want to pursue my degree here.”
A press statement from USD explained that the partnership will also work to provide therapeutic services for members of the USD community, such as biofeedback, a process which helps patients control their breathing and heart rate, and pet therapy. Palomar may also serve as a telehealth partner in the future.
USD President James T. Harris III expressed his excitement for the partnership in a press release.
“Partnering with Palomar Health will set a new standard of inclusive wellness,” Harris said. “The new facility will ensure our students nourish their mind, body and soul while developing intellectually throughout their studies at USD. I am also excited about the important and transformative connections this new center will bring.”
Students await the grand opening of the Wellness Center, as the facility begins to take its shape.
USD students under the ‘zyn-fluence’
Students react to legislation on Zyn and rewards program
From Zyns, Page 1
California legislators attempted to combat the rise of Zyns and other nicotine products through a tax of 52.92%. In addition,
running mate Tim Walz passed a 95% tax on Zyns and similar nicotine products. Former President Donald Trump’s campaign defended Zynning
— Zyns are healthier for you than other nicotine products. In comparison to something like cigarettes or vaping which destroy your lungs, I believe Zyns are much better for our bodies. So, while the use of nicotine is extremely addictive, I believe that the tax shouldn’t be as high on Zyns as they are better than the other options.”
USD first-year Haley Marsh explained her opinion on the politicization of Zyn.
“I think [Trump is] trying to appeal to younger voters and it’s kind of gross because I feel like a lot of [nicotine products] are marketed towards teenagers and young adults. I feel like [Trump] is trying to attract that audience,” Marsh stated.
The popularity of Zyns spread quickly throughout TikTok with influencers using the pouches. A viral TikTok by @jesslieloch showed a Zyn user who redeemed a Blackstone Grill via Zyn Rewards points.
Frequent “Zynners” have the ability to capitalize on their sustained use through
Zyn Rewards. Each container purchased gives 15 points which can be utilized to redeem the coveted prizes.
The online rewards program includes prizes such as a Blackstone Grill, Apple AirPods and a Dyson AirWrap. A Samsung TV, one of the more expensive prizes, is worth 10,800 points, or approximately 720 containers. A container of unflavored Zyns costs $5.49 in California, prior to the 52.92% tax levied on nicotine products.
The grand total to redeem the TV comes out to $3,952.80, before taxes, spent by Zynning.
USD first-year Olivia Humphrey commented on her view of Zyn Rewards.
“It’s honestly concerning
that they’re putting out these big prizes,” Humphrey detailed. “I, myself, would love a Dyson AirWrap but I’m not going to start Zynning to get it. I’m concerned that they’re really trying to push nicotine on usthat’s crazy.” While distasteful to some students, other USD students participate in Zynning as a means of stress relief or for fun. Zyn’s popularity does not appear to be slowing down any time in the near future. The “zyn-demic” continues as students across campus and the country turn to Zyns for recreational use.
of Minnesota, Kamala Harris’s
Photos courtesy of Emma Pirhala/ The USD Vista.
EMMA PIRHALA NEWS EDITOR
The new partnership between USD and Palomar Health will provide placement opportunities for students.
Photo courtesy of @uofsandiego/Instagram
Rising bacteria levels close local beaches
Local beaches are facing advisories and closures due to increased levels of bacteria in the water. Mission Bay’s North Cove was among the list of polluted waterways, with an advisory issued on July 25 and concluded in late August. Other popular beaches such as Pacific Beach and Del Mar’s Dog Beach had brief advisories within the last month. As of Sep. 24, there are advisories in La Jolla, Carlsbad, and Coronado. Protests occurred on Aug. 30 in Imperial Beach, as hundreds expressed their concern for pollution.
The County of San Diego’s Recreational Water Monitoring Program places an advisory on a beach if testing finds coliform or enterococcus bacteria in their samples. High levels of bacteria may indicate fecal contamination, which could cause sickness from contact with the water. While a waterway is under an advisory, warning or closure, the County Department of Environmental Health and Quality recommends that residents avoid contact with the contaminated water.
USD sophomore Iggy Wozniak explains his fears about the beach closures.
“I had no clue that there were closures at our beaches” Wozniak said. “I will usually surf at Mission Beach and knowing that polluted water is so close to me at Imperial
Beach definitely makes me think twice about where I am surfing. It is crazy that San Diego has such beautiful beaches but they might be dangerous to us, with getting diseases and everything.”
San Diego is no stranger to closures, with La Jolla’s Children’s Pool having an advisory since 1997 and other beaches like the Tijuana Slough and Imperial Beach being shut down for over a year.
The cause of San Diego’s pollution crisis lies across the border at the Tijuana River. For decades, the River has faced rampant contamination caused by influxes of sewage. San Diego Coast keeper reports that 31 billion gallons of untreated sewage, trash and polluted stormwater have infiltrated the Tijuana River.
The failure of the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant in Tijuana is a result of rapid urbanization in the area and rising binational tensions following the border shutdown under the Trump administration. The treatment plant, constructed in the 1990s as a joint venture between the U.S. and Mexico, is no longer able no longer able to clean the increased amount of wastewater.
Despite pinpointing the issue, solving water pollution at our border is a legislative issue requiring collaboration from both the U.S. and Mexico.
On June 4, the mayors of San Diego County addressed a plea for a state of emergency to be enacted to decrease pollution
from the Tijuana River.
“This environmental disaster is causing profound social, economic, public health, and ecological damage,” the letter read. “The magnitude of this
crisis continues to escalate and demands the full mobilization of state resources to bring greater accountability and expedited solutions to this ongoing disaster.”
However, Governor Gavin Newsom remains reluctant to declare a state of emergency. Due to hindering legislation, the governor’s office has little control over the federally controlled area in which the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant lies. Previously, Newsom advocated for federal measures to be taken in order to solve the sewage crisis.
“I write to reiterate my strong support for inclusion of $310 million in the emergency supplemental appropriations bill or final FY 2024 appropriations package to address the Tijuana River crisis,” Newsom wrote in a letter to Congress.
Yet, no federal action has been taken to alleviate pollution in San Diego County.
On campus, seniors Bridget Murphy and Leah Fikermariam serve as co-presidents of USD’s chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, an organization that aims to protect oceans through policy and service.
“At USD, we’re trying
to raise a lot of awareness,” Fikermariam explained.
“We bring in speakers from Surfrider so that we can have interaction with the foundation. And then, of course, the cleanups that we do, which are usually like three to four a semester to try to directly engage USD students in cleaning our beaches,” Murphy continued.
“I think a lot of [Surfrider’s] impact is our support to the foundation or our cleanups that we host ourselves or that we attend. One of the impacts of beach cleanup is not only like you’re cleaning up beach that day, but you’re getting inspired to do more about it by being around people who are similarly motivated. And just seeing the pollution first hand, it’s very impactful,” Murphy said. Although much needs to be done to address pollution at our border, local authorities provide many resources to residents to track bacteria in the waterways. More information regarding the testing and status of local beaches can be found at the San Diego County Department of Environmental Health and Quality website. at www.sdbeachinfo.com.
Residents protest water pollution in Imperial Beach.
Photo courtesy of @CoronadoIsland/X
EMMA PIRHALA NEWS EDITOR
Jackie Marquez - Editor-in-Chief
Lauren Ceballos - Associate Editor
Gina Lew - Student Media Advisor
Marie Minnick - Operations Advisor
Sign on a local beach warned beachgoers of polluted water.
Photo courtesy of @TimesofSanDiego/X
ARTS & CULTURE
The Emmys are making a comeback New and returning actors make waves
ALEXANDRA ALCALA ASST. A&C EDITOR
The 2024 annual Emmy Awards happened on Sunday Sept. 15. This year, the Emmys increased 54% in viewership from the ceremony last January, which reached an all-time low viewership record. This fall, a striking 6.87 million viewers tuned in, including some USD Toreros. Here are some of the highlights of the night.
Winners of the night
This year, the top three winners of the night were all television series. “Shōgun” took first place with 18 wins. Many actors from the series took home awards and opened the road for Japanese actors who have not gained sufficient recognition in the past. Hiroyuki Sanada became the first Japanese actor to win the Emmy for best lead actor in a dramatic series. Co-star Anna Sawai won best actress in a dramatic series, also a first for Japan.
Following closely behind “Shōgun” was “The Bear” with 11 awards out of 23 nominations. Some of “The Bear’s” winning categories included guest acting, cinematography, casting and editing.
Finally, taking third place for most wins is the Netflix show “Baby Reindeer,” taking home six awards. The creator and star of the show, Richard Gadd, won three of these for acting, writing and producing the show. Co-star Jessica Gunning, who played his stalker, Martha, was named best supporting actress in a limited series.
“I think Baby Reindeer definitely deserves its praise,” USD senior Macy Shaw said. “It was a very unique and honest show about traumas that we don’t always see taken seriously or spoken about. I enjoyed the show and the spotlight
it put onto adult sufferers of trauma and abuse. I haven’t finished it just yet because I know that it’s supposed to get even more intense as you keep watching it, so I preferred to read up on the rest of the series and watch interviews.”
Even though the winning series are loved by many and the celebrities that attended the Emmy awards are well-known, this isn’t always enough to get people to watch the show. However, many look forward to the highlights of the night.
“I don’t necessarily look forward to watching them every year, but I do enjoy watching clips of the Emmys online, a few speeches maybe and seeing what people wore,” Shaw said.
“The Emmys are interesting, but I don’t typically watch them unless I want to see a particular show or film that I like there.
Sometimes I find it a bit boring, but overall I think it’s a pretty historical event seeing as it’s such an old award show and has changed with history over time. So, a lot of firsts happen at the Emmys’ such as the first black actors to win an award.”
Stars on the red carpet
Some well-known celebrities that walked the red carpet were Andrew Scott, Selena Gomez, Saoirse Ronan, Jennifer Aniston, Robert Downey Jr., Idris Elba, Nicola Coughlan, Viola Davis and Meryl Streep. Most of them were either nominated for awards or were there to support and accompany someone who was nominated. Saoirse Ronan walked beside her husband Jack Lowden who was nominated for outstanding supporting actor in a drama series for the show
“Slow Horses.” Although many celebrities were expected to be in attendance, some were surprising to USD students.
“One of the nominations that most caught my attention
was Selena Gomez,” said USD sophomore Paige Reigrut. “She had somewhat transitioned out of acting since her time on Disney Channel. The nomination was well-deserved as she explored different sides of her acting career and capabilities in ‘Only Murders in the Building.’”
With the rise of streaming services, it can be hard to keep up with new shows and films.
Watching the Emmys is a way for students to catch up with forgotten actors and stay up to date with new releases.
“Some of the nominations caught me by surprise because I had been unaware of their recent works since their breakout roles,” said Reigrut. “But, I also think the Emmys are important to recognize the creative minds that help us piece together entertainment media. I think they are a fantastic way to celebrate and bring attention to rising characters within the industry. I look forward to the Emmys each year. I enjoy watching the shows and stars. I love that they are getting recognition for their work.”
Political references run wild
The references and comments to the ongoing U.S. presidential election did not miss the Emmys this year. Some actors spoke about their political standings in their award speeches.
“The Bear” co-star, Liza Colón-Zayas, was one of these people. She urged Latinas to vote this November.
“To all the Latinas who are looking at me, keep believing, and vote - vote for your rights,” Colón-Zayas said.
Selena Gomez also made a comment relating to the election. She did this when referring to her male co-stars, Martin Short and Steve Martin, as childless cat ladies. Here,
Gomez was referencing JD Vance, Donald Trump’s running mate, who has talked about Democrats in similar words.
“They are a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they’ve made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable, too,” Vance said.
These types of comments were expected by some as the election looms closer and is on everyone’s mind. Yet, not everyone thinks it was the best environment to do so.
“I was not aware of the different references and comments to upcoming U.S. elections that were made during the award show, but I did hear some people talking about them,” USD sophomore Anthony Mentas said. “I think that these comments are unnecessary as they do not pertain to any aspect of the award show.”
Because the Emmys are a time to celebrate film and the art of cinema, many people feel that politics do not belong in this sphere.
However, some acknowledge that this has been a recent and potentially positive shift.
“I think that having this type of show is a good idea, but there are some things to consider,” Mentas said. “One, people being awarded tend to get overly excited and emotional and can go on and on talking about a certain topic that has nothing to do with them being honored or the award show as a whole. Two, I personally believe that as a result of this show happening for so many years, there has been a major increase in the lack of class and respect that people obtain when attending this event.” Celebrities voicing their political opinions to the public is becoming more common. Whether or not politics belong in the film world, they were present in this year’s Emmy ceremony. With popular shows and unexpected actors receiving rewards, this event caught the attention of some USD students. With viewership back up, this year was important for the award show.
Hiroyuki Sanada and others accepted an award for Shogun.
Photo courtesy of @televisionacad/Instagram
Richard Gadd at the award ceremony.
Photo courtesy of @mrrichardgadd/Instagram
Notable winners from the series “The Bear.” Photo courtesy of @goodmorningamerica/Instagram
A look into Professor Fu’s artistic world
‘Ginkgo’
From Mural Page 1 the spectator to question what one understands as real. This is reflected in her classes at USD.
“She encourages us to try new techniques and to think outside of the box,” USD senior Andrea Ruvalcaba said. “Her work is very colorful and very out there. We get some sneak peaks here and there. It is also clear that she really cares about her students.”
In addition to space, she frequently explores light and color. Fu explains that because she was born and raised in Los Angeles and has spent the last 12 years in San Diego, Southern California has been a great source of inspiration for a large amount of her pieces.
“For all of my artwork, I usually start with a point of color,” Fu said. “The palette of Southern California, of the skies at sunset or sunrise, have been an inspiration to me for a long time. Those special colors are really instilled in me and come out in my artwork, so I knew that I wanted to make something colorful.”
Just as crucial to this piece is the significance of the Ginkgo tree. Fu noted that a lot of her inspiration comes from flora and fauna, which are often the subjects of her photography.
“Ginkgo is not native to San Diego, but I have to say, who doesn’t love that shape —
reflects Fu’s pedagogy in the classroom
the particular fan shape of the Ginkgo,” Fu said. “I shot a lot of different plants on my walks, but this one was really special.”
Because Fu’s artistic focus is largely on shape and how it interacts with light and color, the Ginkgo’s branches and intricate leaves became an inspiration for her project. However, there is also an underlying element that contributed to its significance.
“I also love it, not only aesthetically but symbolically,”
Fu said. “It’s a really hardy plant, and it’s one of the most ancient tree species out there, so I love it for its longevity. Also, it has medicinal properties and is pretty famous for helping with memory among other things.”
She explained that the process of creating the piece was fast-paced but very rewarding. With the help of others’ feedback and a strong team by her side, Fu was able to produce the bright digital collage in time for the unveiling ceremony.
On top of all of the artistic endeavors she takes on, Fu is also a professor to many students across the USD campus. By incorporating her visual and digital styles of art into her teaching, she plays a crucial role for many students’ college experiences.
“I do a lot of photography and graphic design, and she [Fu]
has taught me how to get out of my comfort zone,” Banuelos said. “I think her approach on how to make art is reflected in her classes, whether it be color theory or videography. She really gets one to think in ways that you don’t think are relevant to the world today. She has really helped me be more open-minded.”
For Fu, teaching is a very important part of her career. As a woman who has found success in
the art world, she points out that although an art career is not always simple, it can be life changing.
“I think art is really important, and it may not be so obvious at the surface, but it’s the thing that can change the coordinates of your being,” Fu said. “People sometimes fixate on ‘will this major get me a job,’ and sometimes the journey really isn’t a straight line. We all need to think about feeding your soul and
also listening to your heart, and you’ll find yourself in an arena where you really feel passionate about something to maybe really be able to make a difference.”
Fu’s deep roots in the San Diego community and her passion for art and teaching have led her to make impactful differences on her community and on her students. Her newest installation, “Ginkgo,” is now available to the public in the bustling streets of North City.
Hozier hits San Diego His tour ‘Unreal Unearth’ draws in USD fans
On Saturday, Sept. 14, artist Andrew John Hozier-Byrn, who goes by Hozier, performed at the North Island Credit Union Amphitheater in San Diego. He is recognized for songs such as “Take Me To Church” and “Too Sweet.”
These two songs are amongst some of his biggest hits.
“Take Me To Church” gained popularity on apps such as Vine and Tumblr. The song was first uploaded to streaming platforms in 2013. Currently, it has over two billion plays on Spotify and is listened to over one million times every day. This makes it
his current most popular song.
His newest release, “Too Sweet,” is his second most popular song, with just under one billion streams on Spotify and over three million daily streams. Many USD students are part of Hozier’s audience and went to his last concert.
“I attended this concert because Hozier is definitely my favorite artist,” USD sophomore Sophia Valencia said. “I greatly admire and enjoy his music, lyrics and singing. He’s the only musician from whom I love every song. I would love to go to another one of his concerts.”
Many USD students were in attendance. Whether they were new listeners or fans from the beginning, this was a concert to remember.
“Hozier is an artist that I’ve been listening to for years,” USD sophomore Alex Hamilton said. “Attending the concert and seeing the different ways he performs each song feels like he gives them different meaning than what they give off when just listening to a record version. He also adds great animation and film to his concerts that further push the meaning of each song. I’ve attended two of his concerts so far, and I would definitely go again.”
Students, Valencia and Hamilton, agree that one of the most remarkable things about Hozier’s songs and performances are the deeper lyrical messages within them.
“Not only is his music enjoyable to listen to and catchy, it’s also incredibly moving and complex with great lyricism,” Valencia said.
Because of this, many students find his work important to the changing world. Hamilton elaborated on these topics that he brings to the forefront in his lyrics.
“A highlight of his concert was not just his performances, but the speeches he included when a song related to a sensitive topic,” Hamilton said. “He spoke out about different civil rights topics, ranging from slavery and the civil rights movement to LGBTQ+ rights to even the current IsraeliHamas conflict. His music has a lot of deeper messages regarding types of relationships, political and social issues or movements and a variety of other experiences one may have in their life.”
Besides the complexity of Hozier’s songs, the USD students who attended the concert also appreciated how close they were able to get to the stage when listening to their most anticipated songs.
“I think a general highlight was how close we got. I ended up in the third row from the barricade in the middle. Very exciting,” Valencia said. “A more specific highlight is when he played ‘Abstract (Psychopomp)’ which is one of my favorite songs.”
USD sophomore Julianna Ramirez also shared some of her
favorite moments at the concert.
“I attended the concert because I really love Hozier’s music, and I’ve loved it for a long time,” Ramirez said. “I also wanted to attend because some of my friends were going, and I wanted to see more live music this year. I think a highlight was just seeing everyone really getting into the music and having a good time. I would definitely attend one of his concerts again.”
For many USD students, the concert was a fun chance to enjoy live music and to see one of their favorite artists. Because San Diego is a large hub for diverse styles of music, many more fun performances are to come. Hozier is just an example of big artists that visit San Diego every year to perform a concert or be part of a music festival.
“I’ve grown up in San Diego and this is the only place I’ve attended concerts, so maybe I am a little biased, but I would say going to concerts is something I enjoy here. We have a lot of venues close by and can range from pretty small to very large. I think it helps that a lot of musicians on tour have a show here or close by.”
This recent performance by Hozier drew in many USD students who wanted the chance to see him in the flesh. Because of his music, his lyrics and his focus on topics that are important to many, he has grown to have an appreciative fan base.
Professor Victoria Fu addressing questions at the “Ginkgo” unveiling.
Ellie Skjersaa/The USD Vista
ALEXANDRA ALCALA ASST. A&C EDITOR
Hozier performing at North Island Credit Union on Saturday.
Photo courtesy of Alexandra Hamilton
ARTS & FEATURE
A name worth remembering
An author talk with activist and sexual assault survivor Chanel Miller
KRISTI PHILLIPS CONTRIBUTOR
There is so much weight in a name. A name is a culmination of a person’s past and present, a signifier of a rich personal history. On Jan. 18, 2015, Chanel Miller lost the privilege of her name. This was the day she was sexually assaulted while unconscious behind a dumpster at a Stanford party, the day her name was forcefully replaced with the label of an anonymous victim, “Emily Doe.”
The University of San Diego was the presenting sponsor for KPBS’s 2024 One Book, One San Diego adult selection on Sept. 18, which featured Miller’s book, “Know My Name: A Memoir.”
One Book, One San Diego is a literary program that aims to create community through shared reading experiences. Every year, people in the community nominate titles that they believe should be featured by KPBS. After the committee chooses four special books, a community partner hosts an author event for the public to attend. This year’s event commenced at Shiley Theater at 7:00 p.m. and consisted of an author talk with Chanel Miller, a book signing session and a post-event reception. Audience members listened intently as Miller described the journey she took to liberate herself from the pain that she endured while under the disguise of anonymity.
Chanel is often referenced in the media as the victim of the People v. Turner case, where Stanford student Brock Turner was convicted of three accounts of felony sexual assault. But the physicality of the assault is not the story she chose to tell. Instead, she took her healing process
and magnified it, educating the masses about the importance of using proper rhetoric and sharing hope through lived experiences.
“Your lived experience and the way only you can take things in and what you’re observing has its own really potent value,” Miller said. “Even though the primary action is happening in the courtroom, I’m going to take you into the bathroom with me, and you’re going to watch me wipe off my make-up.”
For Miller, storytelling also provides a place to fall apart when there are no answers about what the future holds. Though traveling into the past can be dangerous, she spoke about the opportunity for catharsis that a fresh, blank page can offer.
“That feeling of expansion and liberation — that no one was going to come in and interrupt me or object — was really necessary,” Miller said.
Dr. Jillian Tullis, a Communication Professor and the Program Director of the Biomedical Ethics minor at USD, moderated the event. Tullis added that rhetoric, either intentionally or unintentionally, can be harmful if it’s used in a way that supports the perpetrator. She also spoke about how Miller had to deal with negative responses from people she didn’t even know.
“I think we should really be guarding against a kind of language that promotes any kind of rape culture,” Tullis said. “I think it just further contributes to this culture where men and boys are not held accountable and held to low and pathetic standards.”
USD students who attended the panel praised Miller’s message. Many students lined the sides of the theater at the end of the panel to ask questions,
share their experiences reading the book or convey their personal traumas.
“Chanel shows that healing is not linear, there’s good days and there’s bad days,” USD sophomore Ella Cromer said. “I felt like even in the event itself she shared bits and pieces where we got to see more of her character.”
Miller inspires students to embrace their personal histories, but it’s also up to educators to teach them how to convey their stories in an effective and powerful way. USD’s liberal arts education enables students to do just that. The University offers classes in disciplines such as communication, gender studies and peace and justice studies, along with a variety of others that emphasize skills such as narrative construction and empathetic listening.
“Certainly in my class I try to teach about the power of storytelling and narrative,”
Tullis said. “When I’m teaching a gender communication class, I really want my students to be critical consumers of information about things like sexual assault, domestic partner violence and rape.”
USD offers the services of the Campus Assault Resources and Education (CARE) team whose focus is to provide confidential support and resources to victims of sexual assault and relationship violence. They also promote bystander intervention through the efforts of student peer educators and informative workshops.
Thanks to courageous individuals such as Chanel Miller, survivors are on a journey toward reclamation — not only of their stories but of their names. But there are still those who are waiting in silence. According to statistics provided by the #MeToo movement, fewer than one in ten women who experience rape while in college report it to the police. But as Chanel notes, the effects of sexual assault are communal, and therefore there must be a collective effort to amplify survivors’ voices too.
“The assault happens to one physical body. Emotionally it happens to everybody who loves that person,” Miller said. “That care needs to be distributed.”
Chanel has finally reclaimed her name, and her work is helping others to do the same.
“Our CARE Advocate team aims to create a space that encourages open and respectful dialogues where survivors feel safe sharing their experiences,” Confidential Care Advocate Megan Martin said. “We aim to validate their feelings and perspectives without judgment.”
Miller speaking about her experiences and her new book “Know My Name: A Memoir.” Photo courtesy of @usdcas/Instagram
Miller sitting with Dr. Jillian Tullis, who moderated the event. Photo courtesy of Kristi Phillips
USD’s serious lack of school spirit
Why student-athletes deserve your support
ALEX KEUTER ASST. OPINION EDITOR
College sports are a multibillion dollar industry. Most D1 universities host sports games every week packed with audience members, ready to cheer on the athletes who have worked their whole lives to pursue athletics-some of which will go on to play professionally. When you hear college sports, most people think of big football games, wild crowds and exciting matches. It’s important to cheer for your school during sports games, to show up and show out, to prove you are the most passionate and that your team should win. So, why don’t we have that enthusiasm at USD?
USD has a disappointing lack of school spirit. Despite being a moderately sized university with 17 NCAA Division 1 teams, it’s difficult to find anyone who consistently attends any sports game. The majority of the student crowd at games are other USD teams coming together to support each other, and, while the support from other athletic teams is encouraging, we lack the attendance of a regular student audience. This problem has been steadily increasing since USD’s return to sporting events post COVID-19, with a noticeable lack of fans present during games.
When I first started investigating this topic, I assumed there was a communication issue with the
student body — that students simply weren’t hearing about games and therefore weren’t attending. Or alternatively, that our teams were not performing well enough to garner a larger fan base. However, neither seems to be the case.
Games and schedules are not only posted on USD’s websites, but various USD organizations consistently post about them online as well. Take for instance the BullPit, which is the official student section of USD Athletics.
In addition to our official athletics Instagram page, it is easy to find flyers around campus for important games or events. Secondly, our sports teams continue to excel in their athletic performance, yet our audience has failed to follow through and attend the games.
For example, our men’s soccer team has won the West Coast Conference twice in a row, women’s volleyball finished third in their league this year, women’s rowing placed second in their league this year and men’s tennis was ranked number 18 in the nation, so that can’t be the reason either.
According to many students, the real reason for the poor attendance is the lack of crowds who attend.
Students don’t want to go to the games because no one else goes. Without a strong student base, new students don’t feel encouraged to attend games and worry that the experience will be underwhelming. Even those who are curious and may have attended the first
few games, such as firstyear Sophia Vanya, may be put off by the lack of energy.
“I’d want to go more if the student section was better and had more energy,” Vanya said.
Similar to Vanya, junior Noelle Tanaka never attends games because of the lack of a student section.
“I don’t like going because there just aren’t that many USD students that go,” Tanaka said.
Students should go to games even if they aren’t super popular- if not to enjoy the game, then to support the athletes. Having a weak or limited fan base can negatively impact players and their success in games.
USD junior and tennis player Lambert Ruland spoke about the difference between USD and other schools with lots of spirit.
“When we played Texas A&M at NCAA’s, there were 300-400 people there, and it was just so much more fun. But here on a very, very good day we might have 80 people out watching.” Ruland stated.
“When there’s more people, it’s so much more hype, you enjoy it so much more. Like if you hit a very good shot
and people like it too and cheer, it makes it more fun.”
Sophomore football player Frank Ward remarked on how the start of the semester game with CalPoly helped the players mood.
“The day with CalPoly when we had a lot of people, it helped bring up our energy a lot more… It gives us focus, it gives us motivation to play, and I think it helps influence the game more,” Ward pointed out.
Student-athletes deserve to be supported, especially at home games, and some students such as first-year Eddie Garcia try to support athletes at all the home games. In only a month, Garcia has been to five games. He enjoys attending games to support student athletes.
“These athletes are exceptionally hard working,” Garcia said.“They put a lot of time and effort in, and they deserve to have people cheering them on.”
He went on to describe the lack of student spirit as disappointing but complicated.
“I think the lack of spirit is hard because we have a low student population, so it’s hard to compete with those other big schools… but the spirit is definitely lacking and
can be better,” Garcia said.
First-year softball player Sofia Vera agreed the lack of crowds was disappointing.
“As an athlete, you want a crowd, you want to feel supported, I think all the athletes can relate. It doesn’t matter if it’s athletics or like theater or other activities, you just want people there to support you,” Vera said.
This sentiment is exceptionally true and really shows how unenthusiastic the USD fanbase can be. There will come someday in your time at USD where you will want support, whether it be a performance, a game or your thesis presentation. Someday you will want people around you, and to have that you also need to give back. Show up for people and support them when they need it –especially at athletic events. It is meant to be enjoyable and exciting, and it really is.
Go to the games even if it is just you and a couple friends. Invite more people, go with clubs or people in your residence hall. Everyone wants better school spirit on campus, but few are willing to make the first steps to foster that environment.
Sports game are an enjoyable experience when we’re all in attendance.
Photo Courtesy of @usdfootball/Instagram
The USD cheer team supports the football team.
Photo Courtesy of @usdcheer/Instagram
JULIE FROMM ASST. OPINION EDITOR
My typical Monday begins at 9 a.m. with my legs sprawled in front of me on my yoga mat at YogaBox, my newest workout fixation. The thermostat is set to 100 degrees and droplets of sweat drip down my back before class even starts. Around me, women my age mill about, grabbing weights and blocks and filling their Stanleys with water. They are all tall and thin, and their sports bras are the same color as their leggings. While we wait for class to start, they contort their limbs into positions I didn’t know were possible, and I bite my fingernails in the back of the room. Fitness classes such as these can garner a sort of cultfollowing, but I don’t think they’re as beneficial for your mental health as they are for your physical health.
YogaBox is one of many boutique fitness studios I have visited. I have tried OrangeTheory and felt my limbs ache after using the rowing machine for thirty minutes straight. I have gone to SoulCycle and pushed my legs to their limit
OPINION
Sweat vs. sanity
The negative impacts of boutique fitness
as I raced my bike towards nothing. The endorphin boost at the end of class is rewarding, but the comparative nature of the classes is nothing short of soul crushing.
Not only are you surrounded by mirrors that offer too many angles of yourself and others, but the environment in the room feels more like a competition than a group activity. I second guess myself when I need to take a break during a difficult set in the middle of the class, especially when the person next to me looks like they’re doing just fine. The activity and exercise should be at the top of my mind, yet I am more concerned with everyone else in the class — and I wonder if they’re thinking about me, too.
My biggest concern with boutique fitness studios such as these is the idea that they are profiting off of my insecurities. At YogaBox, core-focused workouts are booked weeks in advance, while arm workouts often have several spots open at all times. We live in a world where we see our bodies more than ever — on social media or in the mirror — and with the beauty standards being what they are, it’s no wonder that
core workout classes are busier. But, working out with the hope of looking a certain way rather than exercising to feel good can be very problematic for your mental health.
Duke Recreation and Physical Education provides insight on the dynamic between appearance and exercise.
“Those who have high levels of appearance-based exercise motivation are more likely to develop body dysmorphia and continue down a cycle of negative body image,” Duke Recreation and Physical Education states.
What may seem like self-help can quickly become self-sabotage.
These fitness fads are often short-lived as well. Versions of YogaBox, OrangeTheory and SoulCycle are constantly emerging and disappearing as the favor of the masses ebbs and flows. What is all the rage today may be gone tomorrow, and these places aren’t cheap. Many boutique studios advertise membership prices that are upwards of $200 a month, a great expense for college students.
Something that draws most people towards these fitness fads is that they make exercise feel less
like a chore and more like an event — the outfits, the LED lights, the EDM music. There are countless videos on TikTok and Instagram of influencers advertising pastel colored workout clothes while sharing their workout routineswhich is almost always some variation of pilates in a dimly lit room with strobe lights. During a recent class, my instructor informed us that there would be a live DJ in the room the following week.
There is nothing wrong with wanting exercise to be fun. Sometimes going for a run outside or lifting weights at the gym doesn’t sound very exciting. What boutique fitness studios offer is more than a workout – it’s an experience. The fact that there can be up to 30 people in the classes can also make you feel more determined to participate. If the person next to you hasn’t given up, then how can you?
Many students at USD attend workout classes like those offered at YogaBox, and some students agree that their workout can be clouded by self-consciousness. Not only can the participants of these classes feel intimidated by the environment created by
boutique studios, instructors can feel this pressure as well.
Ella Beecher, a senior at USD, gave her perspective on attending fitness boutiques.
“In my head it made logical sense that I am the walking ad for how ‘good my classes are’ by how fit, small, or in shape I could be.” Beecher said. “I felt in the beginning like a Barbie doll that had to fit a certain mold in order to be taken seriously.”
I won’t deny that the classes I’ve attended at these studios have been fun. The music selection is always great, and the instructors know just what to say to keep you motivated. But every time I arrive, I am constantly comparing myself to everyone else and it takes away from my experience. Next time you feel inclined to sign up for one of these classes, make sure you’re signing up for the right reasons.
As entertaining as the music and the lights can be, it’s important to remember that exercising shouldn’t be a time spent comparing yourself to others, but rather a time to take care of yourself and move your body.
The tongue is mightier than the sword Political rhetoric has more power than some realize
ZOE ROGERS OPINION EDITOR
Words have power. They can motivate and inspire, but can also incite actions and have an unintentional impact. Today, there are so many ways people can broadcast their opinions and use language to persuade their audience. Professors lecture to their students, our favorite artists deliver speeches at the VMAs, influencers use social media and politicians engage in debates. The specific words these individuals choose to use can have a profound impact on the emotions and actions of their audience.
Speakers need to be aware of their relationship with their audience and the potential impact of their words. Audience members can be driven by emotion. Hearing messages delivered by someone they view as an icon or authoritative figure can have a problematic outcome. In some instances, if the audience members respect the speaker, they can blindly accept their statements as true and even take action to spread the ideas without validating them.
Stanley Milgram, a psychologist at Yale University, conducted a study beginning in 1961 on the dynamic between
obedience and authority. Milgram’s experiment unveild that people are likely to obey individuals they view as commanding figures. Milgram concluded that people are more prone to acting based on the words of an individual they view to obtain power or authority. That being said, speakers, such as politicians, must be aware of the words they produce, as their audience is more prone to acting on it.
In the recent presidential debate, audiences witnessed a prime example of how a speaker’s words can tangibly impact groups of people in a negative way. In the debate, former President Trump perpetuated a baseless claim regarding Haitian immigrants legally located in Springfield, Ohio.
“In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs. The people that came in, they are eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there,” Trump said.
Immediately after, David Muir, one of the moderators for the presidential debate, announced a report from Springfield’s city manager.
“I just want to clarify here you bring up Springfield, Ohio, and ABC News did reach out to the city manager there,” Muir stated. “He told us
there have been no credible reports of specific claims of pets being harmed, injured, or abused by individuals within the immigrant community.”
Additionally, the mayor, the police chief, and the governor were quick to say there was no evidence or police reports to support any of the inflammatory comments.
However, despite Trump’s claim being proven incorrect, his words had already created a negative impact on the Haitian immigrant community of Springfield, Ohio.
The accusations toward Haitian immigrants initiated incidents of violence across the city. Safety concerns for all residents surfaced as a result. Bomb and mass shooting threats were called into rallies, schools and city hall. This led to evacuations across the city. Springfield has been impacted because of the surge of Haitians who have come to the small city. Buisness owners say the influx of immigrants has helped with keeping their buisnesses afloat thanks to their labor. However, resoruces are running low and Springfield is in need for more assets to address the increased population. The Haitian community pleaded early on that they need help, not hate.
The Columbus Dispatch, a
newspaper based in Columbus, Ohio, primarily reports on local and national news. The newspaper provided insight into the effects of the rhetoric on the people of Springfield, Ohio.
“Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said that there have been at least 33 separate bomb threats targeting the Springfield City School District, which were determined to be hoaxes,” Columbus Dispatch stated. “In an effort to increase security, the Governor’s office stated that 36 troopers will be stationed throughout the schools and will conduct sweeps every morning. Bomb detection dogs will also be stationed in Springfield each day.”
While Trump may not have consciously delivered this narrative to spark violence and safety concerns for the residents of Springfield, the result of his words is evidence that rhetoric has the power to negatively impact people’s lives. Speech has the power to manipulate audiences even when its claims are not supported by facts.
Some say that each of us as individuals must be accountable for our own actions, and the words of another person, especially a political leader, cannot be blamed for individual choices.
According to this viewpoint,
politicians don’t actually have direct control over the actions of their supporters. Rather, the listener has to be responsible for critically listening and determining if something makes sense in light of factual evidence. While this idea of personal accountability may be true, politicians are skilled at evoking emotion through their rhetoric.
Politicians can initiate an emotional fire within their audience and, in some aspects, control the feelings within their audience members, causing them to act. Audience members tend to view politicians as seemingly more educated and informed people, ultimately leading to the audience trusting their words. If the audience members maintain values similar to those of the speaker, they will sensibly look up to them as authoritative figures. Speakers, whether in the classroom, on the stage or in politics need to recognize their emotional power and, instead of inflicting harm, use it for good. It’s time to recognize the influential effects of rhetoric. Individuals with any platform or audience need to be aware of their effect on others, and instead of harnessing its ability to negatively impact others, use it as a vessel of good.
SPORTS Club rugby’s comeback USD men’s rugby becomes repeat national champs
PRIYA COOPER SPORTS EDITOR
As of last spring, the USD men’s club rugby team holds four national championship titles and they’re hungry for more. In the Spring semester of 2024, the team had a dominating victory against Iowa State, winning their second consecutive 15’s National Championship in Houston, Texas.
In their first season together during the 2021-2022 school year, the team achieved the program’s biggest upset by defeating Long Beach State 31-19, which was the first time this had been accomplished in over a decade. They continued their success by going undefeated in conference play, which secured them a spot in Atlanta’s Collegiate 7’s National Championship Tournament.
As underdogs, USD rugby faced teams such as Iowa State, Harvard and Nebraska. Over the threeday tournament, they earned a place in the finals against Harvard. The game received a lot of attention and was broadcasted nationally on NBC.
The team was victorious, beating Harvard 26-14, earning the club’s first-ever National Championship and the first National Championship for any team sport in USD history. In the spring of 2024, the team was able to do it again, defeating Iowa State 38-7 to protect their title and become repeat national champions.
The club has also continued growth initiatives to keep improving, such as partnering with the San Diego Legion, San Diego’s Major League Rugby team. The rugby team’s coaching staff includes star Legion players Marcel Brache and Oliver Kane.
The Toreros have also expanded their recruiting. They now have over 30 applicants a year from all over the world applying to USD with the intention of playing rugby.
“Watching the growth of this club has been amazing,” Michael Lewis, current club president and USD senior, said. “To show up on day one of my freshman year with 16 players that barely knew how to pass a ball, and now going into my last year having over 60 that can contribute for us in any given game, it is a growth that has been exponential and very special.”
Lewis also commented on what it would mean to be able to make it to nationals and win one more time during his senior year.
“It would mean everything to me to be able to play on the national level one more time, especially if we were able to be repeat champs three times in a
row,” Lewis said. “It would mean so much to me and just to the program since it’s so new and has come so far in such a short time.”
Lewis also discussed playing rugby post-grad.
“I have been playing since I was five years old and so it may be time for me to hang up the boots, but I hope to make everything of this last season with my team,” Lewis said.
The club’s growth has been evident, not only on the field but also off of it. Assistant Director of Rugby Scott Thomas and several key alumni established a mentorship program connecting over 40 years of USD rugby alumni with current players, ensuring their continued success even after their playing days at the University of San Diego.
This mentorship program has been a key initiative that will propel team members’ professional careers after their days at Alcala Park.
Heading into the 2021-2022 season, USD rugby hired Charlie Purdon as their head coach. Purdon is a South Africa native with high-level playing and coaching experience and, most importantly, an extreme passion for the sport. Purdon discussed the effort the team has put into growing and finding success.
“We prioritized acting right, driving positive behaviors, habits, body language and connections,” Purdon explained.
“We told stories, ran hills, drove
on crumbs, won races and never forgot the importance of enjoying the game. Through all of the hard work, relentless effort, major discipline and genuinely caring for one another, the USD men’s rugby club is having some serious fun.”
The growth of men’s club rugby has also inspired the creation of a women’s rugby team on campus. The team was formed in 2022 and since then the USD women’s rugby club has quickly gained traction thanks to the efforts of dedicated student leaders who collaborated with Campus Recreation. These students played a crucial role in sparking interest among their peers,
ultimately leading to the club’s formal establishment in 2023.
The club has grown significantly, now including over 20 female
student-athletes who are committed to building a strong and competitive program.
To support the club’s rapid growth, two experienced coaches joined the staff, bringing valuable expertise and guidance to the team. The club competes at the Division II level and fields both 15s and 7s squads. Collaboration with the men’s rugby team has helped foster a sense of teamwork among the players while also raising the profile of women’s rugby on campus.
Both teams have shown great improvement over the past years and will continue to train in the upcoming fall 2024 season.
While women’s rugby does not have any games on the fall schedule, the men’s team already had their first scrimmage versus USC Rugby at home this past weekend on Sept. 21. Five new players made their debut for the Toreros while playing against USC. The team used the scrimmage to prepare for the upcoming tournaments.
USD mens’s rugby has their next tournament on Oct. 12 at the West Coast 7’s tournament where they will be competing against the Claremont Colleges. The following week club rugby has their Alumni Game at Manchester field on Oct. 19. Not long after the Alumni Game, men’s rugby will compete in the West Coast 7’s at Chula Vista Oct. 26-27.
USD club rugby competing against USC on Sept. 21, 2024.
Photo courtesy of Samuel Puentes
Men’s soccer soars to No. 15 in the country
streak, Toreros are nationally ranked
Undefeated for the first eight games of the season, the USD men’s soccer team has been nationally ranked at No. 15 in the latest National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Coaches Poll. Coach Brian Quinn and the players started the season with six wins and two draws before losing their ninth game against California State University, Fullerton (CSUF). This loss against CSUF brought an end to the Torero’s pre-conference schedule.
After winning their second consecutive West Coast Conference (WCC) Championship and NCAA tournament last season, the team once again has their sights set high.
USD senior Jack Sandmeyer talked about the goal of the season.
“Our main focus at the beginning of the season was starting off strong,” Sandmeyer said. “Our first four games looked pretty daunting as Duke, Lipscomb and Washington were all highly touted teams. Overall, we set a general expectation of making the NCAA tournament again by winning the WCC conference.”
The Torero’s started out their season by keeping pace with Duke, ranked at No. 20 in the country, who holds the nation’s highest-scoring offense. The game, their first of the season, eventually ended in a 2-2 draw. The Toreros ran up the score against Lipscomb in their third game of the season with an 8-1
win at home. During the game, USD junior and midfielder Cesar Bahena picked up a hat trick by scoring three goals.
The Torero’s also came away with two wins against their intracity rivals, San Diego State University (SDSU) and University of California, San Diego (UCSD). The win against SDSU occurred in the second home game of the season. The Torero’s walked away with a 3-0 victory over the Aztecs, followed by a 2-1 victory against the Tritons. This happened away in La Jolla thanks to a goal in minute 79 by USD junior Samy Kanaan.
Kanaan explained the importance of these rivalry games.
“These rivalry games against UCSD and SDSU proved that we are the best team in San Diego,” Kanaan said. “It put a lot of uncertainty to bed.”
In addition, the Toreros had a more symbolic victory in their defeat over California Baptist University. Last year, the Torero’s were knocked out in the first round of the NCAA National Championship tournament by the Lancers on a penalty kick. This year, the Toreros returned the favor with a 2-0 win in Riverside.
USD junior Owen Walz talked about the importance of the win over Riverside.
“I was on the team last year, and we definitely wanted to get this win and not let them beat us again,” Walz said. “It felt even better winning at their field as well.”
The Toreros have been able to win with a balance of offense
and defense, currently tied for 16th in goals scored and tied for 11th in goals against average.
On offense, the team had to find a way to replace the contributions of midfielder Mason Tunbridge. Tunbridge
joined the USL League One team South Georgia Tormenta FC over the summer. He also led the team in both goals and assists last season. Kanaan has filled the cleats Tunbridge left behind and now leads the team in goals scored.
The Toreros have received significant contributions from midfielder and junior Cesar Bahena, who has recorded four goals and two assists. The Toreros have also been helped by first-year midfielder Luca Fava, who made an instant impact with two goals and two assists while also recording the fifth most minutes played on the team. Junior and midfielder Josh Martinez has provided an offensive punch coming off the bench, recording a team-leading three assists.
Fava talked about what it meant to be a part of the team.
“I am extremely proud and grateful to be a part of this team first and foremost,” Fava said. “It has been so much fun to be here at USD, and I feel like it will just
continue from this moment on. Being able to contribute to the team with 4 goal involvements registered… As well as playing significant minutes has felt really, really good.”
Other notable studentathletes contributing on the defensive end are USD junior Owen Walz, USD senior Ethan Warne and first-year Mattias Bauer. After not playing in the first three games of the season, Bauer has played the last five. This occured after junior Simon Deus Miller was pulled from the Torero’s game against Lipscomb with an injury. In net, grad student Luis Ludosan and sophomore Donovan Parisian have split time, each playing four games. Looking forward, the Toreros begin their conference schedule, and subsequent WCC title defense, on Sept. 28 at home against St. Mary’s College. As the season progresses, the team will carry the momentum from their opening season and try to climb even higher up the rankings.
No. 10 Samy Kanaan shoots a goal against the University of Washington Huskies.
Photo courtesy of @samykanaan/Instagram
USD men’s soccer was named the 2023 WCC Champions after defeating Gonzaga 1-0.
Photo courtesy of @usdmsoccer/Instagram