Volume XIV, Issue 1 October 2020
Viking magazine
[Athlete]
The Evolution of the Athlete Activist p. 22 With the recent Black Lives Matter movement taking hold in society, prominent athletes are using their platforms like never before to make real change. Athletes have used their positions in the past to protest injustice, but for the first time it seems like they have widespread support to do so.
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LINEUP
4
Zooms
12
Intro Package
16
Teenage Dream
20
Bubble Trouble
22
The Evolution of the Athlete Activist
28
Between The Bases
30
Life in the Bubble
34
Plant Based Vs. Plant Waste
36
Over Before It Started
42
Comeback Player
44
Viking Fantasy Football
47
Final Word @vikingsportsmag
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Racing Towards the Future
Photo by Jenna Hickey 4
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Many athletes finally have the chance to return to practice although there are many changes. Athletes social distance and some sports, such as football, practice in cohorts with each cohort practicing at different times. Instead of having three seasons, there are only two with many games being condensed into a week. There are also two new additions to the Paly facilities. The football and lacrosse fields both got a complete rennovation with new turf and paint. Hopefully, the Vikings will have a chance to test their new fields in games which are supposed to start in January. @vikingsportsmag
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Back
to the
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Basics
Joey Edmonds (‘21) sits on the edge of the pool deck listening to her coach discuss the unclear future. The girls expressed their shock when their coach told them their first game is Jan 5th against Los Gatos the day after PAUSD is allowing high schoolers to return to in-person learning. The team will then have a game almost every other day in order to fit their season into only a couple of weeks.
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One OneYear Year Ago... Ago... About one year ago, the varsity volleyball team was facing off against Mitty. The Vikings would win 3 sets to 2 with #17, Amelia Vugrincic (‘22), playing a major role in the team’s victory. Vugrincic played all five sets and ended the game with 13 kills and 36 attack attempts.
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Viking Editors-in-Chief James Fetter Sophie Kadifa Luke Thieman
Social Media Managers Justin Byer Annika Shah Photo Director Jenna Hickey
Managing Editors Vijay Homan Liam Nagesh
Copy Editors Hana Erickson Victoria Soulodre
Creative Director Adar Schwarzbach
Head Columnists Vijay Homan Jack Elarde
Multimedia Managers Hayden Jung-Goldberg Jackson Bundy
Beat Editor + Website Manager Tyler Stoen
Business Manager Elif Turgut
Adviser Brian Wilson
Volume XIV, Issue 1 October 2020
Staff Writers
Parker Bates Ian Comey Hailey Beck Aidan Berger Henry Bolte Joshua Butler Hailey Callan Anika Chang Eve DeGeronimo Jake Foster David Gormley Jack Haney Zachary Hayward Thayer Kacher Phoebe Kim Gregory Laursen Ryan Leong Sofia Leva Emily Neumann Callum Olsen Madhumita Ramkumar Roei Ziv
Viking Magazine Palo Alto High School 50 Embarcadero Road Palo Alto, CA 94301 650-329-3837 Email contact: vikingeds@gmail.com Viking, a sports magazine published by the students in Palo Alto High School’s Advanced Magazine Journalism class, is an open forum for student expression and the discussion of issues of concern to its readership. The Viking is distributed to its readers and the student body at no cost. The staff welcomes letters to the editor, but reserves the right to edit all submissions for length, grammar, potential libel, invasion of privacy and obscenity. Advertising in Viking The staff publishes advertisements with signed contracts providing they are not deemed by the staff inappropriate for the magazine’s audience. For more information about advertising with The Viking, please contact the The Viking by email at vikingeds@gmail.com Printing Services 2,500 copies of The Viking are printed, six times a year (barring restrictions due to remote learning) by Folger Graphics in Hayward, Calif. Logo Font Courtesy of Måns Grebäck
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From the
EDITORS Hey Vikings, It’s been a while, but it feels good to be back. As sports return, we are extremely excited to present our first print issue of 2020. And it couldn’t have come any sooner. As sports fans, the coronavirus pandemic has been especially tough for us; being stuck at home without being able to watch our favorite athletes has made the months of quarantine feel like an eternity. But after the darkness came the light. First came golf which, despite its occasional slowness, felt like the best sport ever after months of nothing. Then came the NBA bubble and the MLB season. And now the NFL has finally returned.
Sports are the center of the world here at Viking, and their return has been a blessing. We are overflowing with ideas for the future of our publication, and despite the difficulties that come with working at home (and believe us, there are definitely many), we are ecstatic just to be publishing again so we can release the creative juices that have been building up over the past months. With that being said, the magazine will look a little different from the Viking you know and love. First and foremost, we are a high school sports magazine, and unfortunately the Vikings are not yet back in action as high school sports remain under strict regulations. With no high school competition, there is no way for us to print the Paly sports stories that are really at the core of what we do here. We, like everyone during these difficult times, have had to adjust. You will see more coverage of professional sports, and though our coverage isn’t the same as that of professional sports news outlets, we hope that we can bring a unique perspective to the mainstream
sports world. However, we are still trying to find ways to write about our beloved Vikings. In this issue, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Vikings winning the CIF State Championship for football, one of the greatest athletic achievements in our school’s long history. In addition to the traditional sports stories, we felt that the current social movements sweeping across the nation could not be ignored. In our cover story, we do a deep dive into the history of activism in sports and relate it to the current social movements, and in our editorial (see below) we give you guys the staff view on how the current movements touch the sports world. Overall, we are extremely excited to be back in action and look forward to another great year for Viking. Sko Vikes!
James Fetter Sophie Kadifa Luke Thieman
Staff View:
Activism in Sports
T
hroughout history, the place of activism within the sports world has been an extremely controversial and important issue. From Muhammad Ali’s refusal to join the armed forces during the Vietnam War to when Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball, politics have touched the sports we love in a myriad of ways. In today’s world, the relationship between sports and social movements is on the forefront of political discussion, and in a rapidly changing world, the relationship between politics and sports has taken on new forms. In particular, the widespread influence of social media has elevated the status of famous athletes, and as a result, has redefined the role of athletes in the struggle for social justice. Athletes have a bigger platform than ever to speak out, and have used their role to speak out against the social injustices in our country, drawing both support and fierce opposition from fans. On one side, many believe that the
blend of entertainment and hotly debated social issues is a natural and positive development - supporters see the growing discourse as nothing more than the fair use of their heightened platform. At Viking, we believe the most patriotic thing someone can do is to express their opinion about the state of the nation in hopes of inspiring positive and meaningful change. When athletes like Colin Kaepernick and Megan Rapinoe kneel during the national anthem, they’re not disrespecting the flag or the armed forces. They’re using their first amendment right to peacefully protest against systemic racism, police brutality, and other injustices that have left African Americans powerless. If positive change requires an act as controversial and powerful as kneeling or boycotting, then so be it. And in fact, positive change has occurred as a result of these acts. After George Floyd’s death, the NBA and NBPA partnered and pledged $300
million towards creating economic mobility in the African American community. Additionally, Nike’s Jordan brand is putting $100 million over ten years to causes focused on social justice, education, and black voter suppression. With the platform they have, athletes are in a unique position to inspire change. They may play sports for a living, but their profession doesn’t detract from their humanity. In addition to being the best athletes in the world, they are equal citizens in our democracy, with a right to voice their opinion. To trap them within a box in which they have to put aside their feelings and “shut up and dribble” is degrading. If politicians and fans alike are unable to recognize this basic fact, then athletes have no obligation to entertain us. We relentlessly support them on the court. It’s time we support them off the court as well.
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Pop Culture grid Favorite Biggest Quarantine Superstition? Activity?
Favorite Sanchos or unit of temperature? Como Esta?
Special bracelet for cheer
Fahrenheit
Only have had Sanchos
Black cats are bad luck
Fahrenheit
Sanchos
Video games
Not superstitious
Fahrenheit
Sanchos
Watching Criminal Minds
I don’t have one
Fahrenheit
Como Esta because vegetarian rice
Nikki Lowey (‘22) Cheerleading
Surfing
Surfing
Russ Filter (‘23) Football
Favorite type of ice?
Chick-fil-a ice
Crushed Jack Haney (‘22) ice Water Polo
Pellet ice
“Cubes”
Trisha Razdan (‘21) Volleyball
Photo courtesy of each athlete, respectivley
‘21 EARLY COMMITS Madison Pineda,Golf
Zander Darby, Baseball
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Aidan Berger, Baseball
Adar Schwarzbach, Wrestling
Annika Shah, Basketball
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Marina Mata, Golf
10 Questions With
Marina Mata
Viking Magazine had the chance to ask Paly girls golf player Marina Mata (‘21) 10 Questions. We then asked her coach, teammate and friend what they thought she said. Here are their responses...
as told to HENRY BOLTE, HANA ERICKSON and HAYDEN JUNG-GOLDBERG
Marina Mata ‘21
Mr. Knight Coach
Madison Pineda ‘21 Teammate
Charlotte Versaval ‘21 Friend
Questions The Sung twins
Funniest Teammate?
Victoria Watterson
Sydney
Priya
Coach Knight’s candy
Pre-game Meal?
Pizza
Cereal with chocolate milk
Cereal with chocolate milk
Secret Talent?
Plays guitar
Basketball
None
Harry Styles
Celebrity Crush?
Rory Mcllory
Shawn Mendes
Noah Centimeter
Gossip Girl
Favorite TV Show?
Gossip Girl
Gossip Girl
Crash Landing on You
The diversity
Best thing about Paly?
The Golf Team
Spirit week
Her Friends
Favorite App?
Tik Tok
Snapchat
Punt espada in Dominican Republic
Favorite Golf Course?
Pebble Beach
Pebble Beach
Watching Netflix all day
Best quarantine activity?
Practice putting
Watch Netflix
Golf & Hike
Introducing Me
Pre Game Song?
Havana
Any throwback from 2000-2015
25 in Barcelona
10%
50%
0%
I can purposely cry
Real Club de Golf El Prat
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SECOND SEMESTER SPORTS SEASON 1 Cheer Cross Country Dance Field Hockey Football Girls Volleyball Boys Volleyball Girls Water Polo Boys Water Polo
SEASON 2
Badminton Girls Soccer Baseball Boys Soccer Girls Basketball Softball Boys Basketball Swimming Diving Girls Tennis Girls Golf Boys Tennis Boys Golf Track & Field Girls Lacrosse Wrestling Boys Lacrosse
VIKES BACK IN ACTION...
đ&#x;“?The Paly Pool Deck Photo by Jackson Bundy
Photo courtesy of Andie Tetzlaff
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Future of Paly Sports
Updates of Paly sports according to Athletic Director Nelson Gifford Can I play two sports at once? You are able to play three sports as long as it is okay with your coach. It will be hard to make practices for both teams so Gifford recommends doing individual sports if this is something you plan on participating in.
What sports present the most challenging with physical distancing? Wrestling and basketball have a close nature and inability to put up any sort of barriers. Football and other contact sports have similar challenges, but its easier to add equipment with changing how the games are played (eg. face masks or coverings)
What is Paly Athletics
prioritizing?
Keeping everyone safe. Gifford will follow CDC and CHD guidelines and if they say it’s okay to play then Paly will play. However, Gifford does sympathize with those who are getting their seasons cut and aren’t able to play.
How will I be able to watch my favorite Paly sports games?
What sports are the safest How is this shift in seasons affecting recruitng? in these covid times?
Spectators will be kept safe by games being streamed online. Paly has cameras in the big gym and the football field already, and Paly plans on investing in outdoor cameras when they come out. In addition, relatives can watch who don’t live near by and they will enhance the sports journalism program keeping kids involved with the athletics program who may not be athletes.
Individual and physically distant sports with no shared equipment will be the safest in terms of transmission. Golf is the best example of a sport that has built in separation, is played outdoors with small groups, and no shared equipment. Similiarly the location of the sport - inside vs. outside - also seems to be a factor under consideration.
According to Gifford, colleges will have to wait for Cwwalifornia student athletes to start their season because recruiters know that top tier athletes come from as that’s where the talent is.
Stay tuned & SKO VIKES!!
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Teenage
In honor of the 2010 State Championship football team, the Viking staff wanted to acknowledge the victory and the journey of the players and coaches.
Dream
by JOSH BUTLER, EVE DEGERONIMO, and JAKE FOSTER Design by SOPHIE KADIFA
Photo courtesy of Mark J. Terril
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Photo courtesy of Todd Schurtleff
Starting quarterback Christoph Bono rolls out of the pocket to throw to an open reciever down field.
T
he score was 15-13, Paly in the lead. 30 seconds remained on the game clock and Paly‘s opponent, Centennial, had their kicker lined up for the game winning field goal. The ball was snapped and the kick was away. As the ball sailed through the air, Paly‘s cornerback Maurice Williams’ outstretched fingers managed to scrape the bottom of the ball, altering the trajectory of the kick. 7,000 people watched in amaze as the football sailed through the air and fell short. The game was over. Paly had won the 2010 State Championships. After connecting with several coaches and players who were a part of this
“
historic team, we can honor the season, the victory, and the amazing people who made the team special to the Palo Alto community. Despite winning the State, the season was not smooth sailing for the Vikes, in fact it was far from it. As explained by several coaches, one of the games against Homestead during the season became known as the Homestead M a s s a c r e . N u m e r o u s important players were taken out by injuries. To give you an idea of the game, Paly’s starting center, Jackson Moses, had already broken his hand before the game. His backup, brother
Held together not on God-given talent, but through intelligence, sacrifice, toughness, and commitment.
”
-Coach Steve Foug
Sam Moses, got hurt during the game as well. Anyone who knows football knows how important every player on the team is. The next couple of weeks became a puzzle of finding out who would fill the key positions. By the week following, the coaching staff was starting the 5th string center. Sophomore Spencer Drazovich, a previous offensive tackle, was converted into the starting center and kept that position for two and a half years. “I think of the 2010 offensive line like a bunch of guys who held together not on God-given talent, but through intelligence, sacrifice, toughness, and commitment,” said Steve Foug, the offensive line, and defensive ends coach. “That was their personality. And that isn’t anything that a coach can create.” The playoffs can be described as the toughest stretch of the season, where Paly had to defeat three West Catholic Athletic League private school teams, including Paly’s league rival Archbishop Mitty.
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“We were down 6-10 against Mitty and our season was about to end, with 36 seconds left Christoph Bono threw a perfect pass to Davante A d a m s in the left corner of the end for the TD and the win,” said Earl Hansen, the head coach. “It truly was one of the greatest plays by both players I have witnessed in 40 years of coaching.” “Let’s go all the way tonight. No regrets, just love. We can dance until we die,” sang the players after their victory. “Teenage Dream” was the team’s victory song. After every victory, the players would celebrate by belting the song, dancing under a disco ball in the locker
“
room, and eventually making a viral video out of it. But quite ironically, the Vikes truly accomplished a “Teenage Dream.” The state championship had snuck upon them, but the Vikes prepared. “We traveled down to Los A n g e l e s to scout Centennial the week before the state game, ‘’ said Dave D e G e ro n i m o , Photo courtesy of Todd Schurtleff running backs and defensive backs coach. “We High School District, at the “Home Depot prepared for Centennial the week Center” in Los Angeles. The stadium before as well, and we started the seated around 30,000 people, which defensive game plan in LA. Halas made held a Paly section filled with proud some creative adjustments to our nickel parents and the Palo Alto community. Defense, and the rest is history.” It rained the whole day and throughout The team would battle it out against the game, which several coaches believe Centennial, a school part of the Kern played a role in the outcome. When Centennial ran out on the field, the Photo courtesy of Todd Schurleff players and coaches saw a drastic difference. Paly had about 45 players suited up, and Centennial came storming out with over 100. But this did not phase the team. “When Centennial came out of the tunnel it was like the scene from ‘Big Green’, the Disney Soccer movie where the goalie sees everyone on the other team turn into Knights,” said Christoph Bono, the starting quarterback. Even though the Vikes were the underdogs, they would shock the crowd that night. “As the game ended and we jumped up and down on the sloppy, wet grass field hugging each
When the clock hit zero, it was one of the best moments of my life. I still get chills thinking about it! -Kevin Anderson
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other, I felt a rush of emotion hit me all at once,” said Matthew McGinn, the linebackers and tight end coach. “As a coach, you try to stay focused and not think about anything but preparing your players to be their best, and at that moment, we were allowed to let go and celebrate!” Kevin Anderson, Photo courtesy of Bob Drebin defensive end, described it as lifetime. To this day, the players and one of the best moments of his life, and we can bet the coaches of the 2010 season still keep in touch through social media and even rest of the team felt the same way. “When the clock hit zero, it was one of see each other around the Bay Area from the best moments of my life. I still get time to time. “A lot of guys from the team are still chills thinking about it!” said Anderson. Similar to any other sports team in the Bay Area so it is nice to catch up as successful as the Vikes, they had with some around town in Palo Alto or raw talent in every position. But what others up in San Francisco,” said Bono, is the point in having talent without former quarter back for the Vikes. “I see chemistry? To these boys, the season TJ Braff, Michael Cullen, Will Glazier and was not just about bringing home a big others occasionally, and if the Packers state championship trophy, but making are in town it’s great to see Davante. It is connections that would last them a awesome to see where everyone is now
and what they do for work.” The 2010 team set a high standard for following football teams to come and for any player or coach who set foot on the field. A life size painting of Christoph Bono and the names of the coaches from the 2010 team on Paly’s own gym wall to remind Paly students of the team’s
accomplishment. “Football is just the ultimate team sport,” said Steve Foug, Offensive line and defensive ends coach. “It takes all kinds of athletes to build a championship team. Football is the most democratic sport too. You can’t just bank all your hopes on one superstar. You can be tall, short, fast, slow or anything in between, but if you are willing to work hard and sacrifice, you can contribute. And we had that all over the place in that 2010 team – sacrifice and trust.”
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BUBBLE
All photos courtesy of Creative Commons
The NBA continued their 2019-2020 season on July 30th, 2020 after it was postponed due to Covid-19. Only the top 22 of the 30 total teams were invited to the NBA Bubble in Orlando, Florida, and player were required to adhere to strict guidelines.
During Game 6 of the Houston Rockets versus the Oklahoma City Thunder series, a virtual fan decided it would be amusing to moon the audience on live television. While it is still unsure why they decided to flash their camera, most people weren’t aware of the incident until after the game. It failed to distract the players who were more focused on the game than the bare butt of the audience member. Although the NBA hasn’t directly addressed this situation, it’s expected that they’ll become stricter with the virtual spectators.
Here are some of the crazy incidents that have happened in the NBA Bubble.
Rajon Rondo’s brother, William Rondo, was ejected from the NBA Bubble Crowd, after causing an outburst with Russel Westbrook during Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals. As the NBA Bubble is getting smaller due to elimination games, the commissioner has allowed each player to bring in some family members. However, Rondo’s brother has been there since the beginning, as he is in charge of barbers, hairdressers, and manicurists for the bubble. Rajon Rondo stated in an interview that his brother called Westbrook “trash” and gave him the “Damian Lillard” wave and nothing more.
SORRY TO BUTT IN!
RONDO #2 v. WESTBROOK 20
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TROUBLE
by EMILY NEUMANN, ANNIKA SHAH and ELIF TURGUT
Shooting guard Danuel House of the Houston Rockets was kicked out of the NBA Bubble after violating the safety protocols, when allowing an unauthorized guest into his hotel room. There was no contact between staff or other players recorded with the guest involved in the incident. House played in the previous nine playoff games with the Rockets as their sixth man, and was kicked out just before Game 4 of the Western conference semifinal matchup against the Lakers.
TESTING GONE WRONG Los Angeles Clippers guard, Lou Williams, risked the NBA’s perfect record of zero positive Covid-19 tests when he was spotted at a Strip Club in Atlanta. Prior to this, Williams was granted the ability to leave the Bubble so he could attend the funeral of his friend’s father in Georgia. The agreement included a four day quarantine upon his return. But after he was spotted at a strip club named Magic City. 6 more days were added to his quarantine. He claimed to have visited the establishment because of their well known chicken wings (supposedly they were his favorite). But were the wings the real reason WIlliams decided to venture outside of the bubble, or was it some of the other amenities available?
Richaun Holmes, Sacramento Kings NBA basketball player, got kicked out of the bubble for leaving to get chicken wings. He claims he “accidentally” crossed the NBA’s campus line which resulted in a 10 day quarantine. Not only was the 10 day quarantine a penalty, but according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, each game missed will project roughly 1% of salary. This means that Holmes could cost himself close to $50,000 for every game he is not able to attend.
CRAVING CHICKEN WINGS @vikingsportsmag
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Evolution of the
ATHLETE The
ACTIVIST
In the past, an athlete’s power to exert change as an activist was always limited by the receptiveness of their audience. Today, a rapid shift in the way we think about athletes has given a new wave of players the chance to redefine what an athete can be.
Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons
by ANIKA CHANG, DAVID GORMLEY, CALLUM OLSEN, and MADHU RAMKUMAR 22
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O
n September 1, 2016, fans piled into the stadium as the clock approached game time. The sound of the “Star Spangled Banner” echoed across the field as the sea of fans stood up, taking off their caps and placing their right hands firmly on their hearts. The players on the turf faced towards the American flag flying high at the top of the stadium. On the field, a lone figure stood out, kneeling down on the grass while the tune of the national anthem played. It was a gesture as simple as they come, but its defiant message traveled far beyond the stadium walls. In that moment, 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick challenged the public perception of what it meant to be an athlete. Danielle Slaton, a former member of the US women’s national soccer team and current analyst for NBC Sports Bay Area, reflects on her memory of Kaepernick’s protest. “I don’t think there is anything he could have done on the field, that in history, he will be as remembered for as what he did in terms of his activism,” Slaton said. In 2016, many considered Kaepernick disrespectful and unpatriotic. Today, his actions have inspired a resurgence in political activism among athletes. Yet these protests are being seen in a new light as the expectation of what an athlete should be has been altered in the public eye. This has far reaching implications on the power that athletes have.
The role of an athlete, specifically relating to the balance between being a player and being an activist is, and always has been, dictated by those in power. League governing bodies and owners use their control over the players to decide whether a protest is silenced or highlighted. Yet there is one group that holds even more power: the fans. Audiences have a strong influence over the decisions of those in power not only as the economic drivers of sports, but also by bringing these issues to light as they support the athletes who speak out. They have the capacity to limit or redefine an athlete’s ability to use their platform. This principle has been highlighted today more than any other time in history with the murder of George Floyd. Slaton believes this summer’s events forced much of America to consider how their country looked from the
Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons
perspective of a person of color. Slaton believes that this has been a “[A]fter the George Floyd shooting crucial tool that has given today’s athletes we saw the world from different eyes. more power than those of the past. Seeing things with new eyes then “The biggest difference today is the causes us to have different actions fact that we have social media and… and to take different steps and to athletes have a direct channel to the believe different things,” Slaton said. everyday person or fan. Before you had However, it is impossible to determine to go through bigger systems… with whether these drastic the media… and shifts that leagues have now athletes take it taken are the result of to everyone “[A]fter the George straight leagues seeing the world in the world… and from a new perspective Floyd shooting we it has given [them] or changing their more power and saw the world from more of a voice opinions to maintain economic control. than has even been different eyes. Slaton’s view on the the case in the - Danielle Slaton question is subject to past,” Slaton said. her present outlook. Yet as history has “Sometimes I am hopeful that the world shown us, the more important variable is changing and people and leagues is the receptiveness of the audience are getting behind these athletes… themselves. Social media was still because they really believe that it is prevalent when Colin Kaepernick first the right thing to do. On my skeptical began his protests, but the public’s ear days I think that they are doing it for did not listen to his pleas. Without the money… The reality is that it is probably consent of their economic drivers, leagues somewhere in between,” Slaton said. did not bother to act on his words. Years later, the voices coming from the world of professional sports are louder than ever, but the change has been driven by the support of the fans who have Historically, African American athletes forced leagues to listen to their players. have been a powerful nucleus in sports An athlete’s capacity to create change activism. As a group that has been as an activist is directly influenced by marginalized and rendered powerless in their expected role as a player, and the so many aspects of life, their prominence receptiveness of leagues and fans. This in the sports world gave them a voice. principle is why athletes in our current That voice has only grown louder in climate have far more power than they recent years as their way of connecting did in the past. But one question still with the public changed from print remains: Will the impact of this rapid publications to instant broadcasting to millions through social media. @vikingsportsmag | OCTOBER 2020 | 23
change in public opinion endure and give athletes the platform they need to create change or will this spark burn out with time and further cement the idea that athletes, as Laura Ingrahm infamously said, should just “shut up and dribble.”.
Award. This award is given to those who demonstrate utmost courage in the world of sports activism like prominent racial activist and tennis star Arthur Ashe. “Russell didn’t wait until he was safe to To examine the future of sports activism, stand up for what it is first vital to examine the athletes was right,” Thompson who used their platform in the past. To said in the video. bridge the gap between the athletes of “Russell did that in yesterday and today, we examine Colin the midst of winning Kaepernick, a leader who has been 11 championships. seen both under the lens of the past as He represented well as today’s perspective. Finally, we things that were explore the events of today’s activists right while he had to determine whether this is a moment something to lose.” in time, set to fade when it is no longer However, Russell fashionable for leagues to support was not the only causes, or whether this movement will goliath in sportsprofoundly change an athletes’ ability activism during to use their platform in the future. the civil rights Throughout the late 50s and 60s the movement. There NBA was dominated by one team: were many other the Bill Russell lead Celtics. With 11 Black athletes who titles in 12 years, this was the most risked their careers to dominant team in NBA history. However, bring issues to light. it was also one of the most influential. Tommy Smith Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons Coming off their ‘61 title, the Celtics and John Carlos was dispensable if they chose to stand. were traveling to Indiana for an were slandered by the public and the To understand how dramatic the exhibition game in the pre-season when International Olympic Committee after influence that fans have over leagues, their African American players were their iconic protest where they raised one must only compare their opinions denied access to a bar. This led Russell, black-gloved fists on the podium at to the viewpoints of the league. In 1996, K.C. Jones, Sam Jones, Al Butler, and the Mexico City Olympics in 1968. Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf was suspended Satch Sanders Muhammad Ali faced by NBA commissioner David Stern for to boycott tremendous public backlash for kneeling during the national anthem. “ [With] their next his conscious objection to the When he staged his protest, 76% of exhibition Vietnam war. Unsurprisingly, he white Americans believed that the Kaepernick… that game in was only considered a hero once NBA had made the correct decision was progress. We p r o t e s t . his voice, his primary source in suspending Abdul-Rauf. Though Refusal into power as an activist, was the two parties eventually reached a did not know that it of bars was stymied by Parkinson’s Disease. compromise, the message was clear: the was progress at the not the only In the past, the role of an athlete, NBA does not accept racially-motivated racial injustice specifically an African American protests because they wish to match the time but I don’t think R u s s e l l athlete, was entertainment, thus belief that the majority of their fans hold. we have the reaction their capacity to create change However, it is impossible to know experienced throughout was limited. This is not to say whether this decision was made for that we have now his career, that the courageous athletes economic reasons or simply because without [him].” with similar mentioned above did not truly it was the belief that the league’s instances fight for their beliefs, but many fans had at the time and thus it was - Danielle Slaton occurring of these athletes had their the opinion of the league itself. time and careers limited for their actions. Between the 80s and the 21st century, time again. Despite playing in To choose to be an athlete who did there was a stark decline in athlete the historically segregated city of stand was synonymous with accepting activism. This is not to say that it did Boston, Russell continued to use his the end of your career as those in not occur, but the period lacked the platform to advocate for change and power would never permit an athlete to giants of the past who stood alongside justice for those who had no voice. protest for racial injustice. The athlete the likes of Martin Luther King Jr. Last year, Russell’s legacy as an activist was a role that was so strongly influential activist was cemented as hated by the fans in America, that even he received the Arthur Ashe Courage a star like Muhammed Ali or Bill Russell 24
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black people the league and beyond, and people as athletes from a variety of color,” of sports followed he said. Kaepernick’s lead. With the Yet after 13 games of nation’s eyes protest, Kaepernick was upon him, benched by Chip Kelly, Ka e p e r n i c k the 49ers head coach. met with He later opted out of Nate Boyer, his contract and was a former NFL unable to find a team player who to sign with as a free was also a agent. Many speculate Green Beret whether Kaepernick’s - Colin Kaepernick in the US inability to get signed Army. Boyer was due to a lack of provided talent or due to the insight on how Kaepernick’s league’s distaste for social justice protests. actions were perceived by The stats suggest the latter, considering those in the military. He that just three years prior to the protests suggested that Kaepernick he led a team to the Superbowl and was kneel, just as soldiers do in crowned NFC Conference Champion. front of the grave of a member While his performance had dwindled lost in combat, because he over the previous season, the decline believed it communicated didn’t fully justify his unemployment. a message that was more respectful but still powerful. After his September first protest, he pledged to donate $1 million to organizations representing his aims of creating While Kaepernick is gone from the a world void of racial inequality. league, his impact remains. Since his His protest became a divisive first protests, our attitudes regarding phenomenon that ripped through the players using their platforms for change nation. Some believed he was exercising have evolved, in a large part because of his first amendment rights while others him. Slaton believes that his influence saw his act as disrespectful to those who had served in the military. Kaepernick’s actions brought praise and criticism from far beyond the confines of football. President Obama defended Kaepernick’s protest, saying that it was his constitutional right. The NFL commissioner, Roger Goodell, took the opposite stance. “I don’t necessarily agree with what he is doing. I support our players when they want to see change in society [because] we don’t live in a perfect society…On the other hand, we believe very strongly in patriotism in the NFL,” he said. On September 11, 2016, the first day of the NFL regular season, Kaepernick knelt once again, this time accompanied by 49ers safety Eric Reid. One kneel became two and two Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons became many as dozens of players emulated Kaepernick’s actions, LeBron James and other NBA players around the kneeling, raising their fists, or league wore “I can’t breathe” shirts in 2014 to mourn deliberately staying in the locker the loss of Eric Garner and to make a statement rooms as the tune of the anthem against police brutality and injustice played. These protests spread across
“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color.”
To connect the period of the distant past to today, there is one clear figure: Colin Kaepernick. Let’s return four years before that sunny September evening in 2016, 51 years after Russell began his protests. To examine the future of sports activism, it Kaepernick began his career in the NFL as a second-round draft pick in 2011. Two years later, he had established himself as the best dual-threat quarterback in football and led his team to Super Bowl XLVII. However, his level of play stagnated and then faltered in the coming years as the 49ers dropped from the top team in the NFC west to the bottom in 2015. In 2016, he stopped standing for the national anthem, instead taking a seat on the bench. Kaepernick’s protests were first noticed by a San Francisco beat writer on August 26 during a preseason game with the Green Bay Packers. A day later, the photo went viral. Though some praised Kaepernick for his actions in advocating for social justice, many were enraged at him for committing what they believed to be an act that disrespected his country and the people who fought for the American flag. Despite the outpouring of hate, he strongly defended his actions. “I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses
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prepared us and allowed and Russell’s nearly us to accept the progress 60 years ago. that is happening today. For the members “At times there are jumps of the Buck’s, police forward and at times violence was personal. things are happening in In 2018, the Buck’s very the underground that you own Sterling Brown don’t always see… . I feel was tackled and tased like when we talk about by police officers after 2016… [with] Kaepernick… an incident regarding that was progress. We a parking violation. did not know that it was Many other teams Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons progress at the time followed the Bucks or it didn’t feel like big lead and sat out their changes are a direct result of leagues progress, but I don’t think we have the games, forcing the NBA to reschedule taking care of their bottom lines. reaction that we have now without… numerous other playoff games. “We have to be honest with ourselves Colin Kaepernick… and some of the After the event, the players convened and the NFL isn’t willing to change things that really pressed us and primed for a conversation that lasted days, because their money is not made in us to be ready for 2020,” Slaton said. deliberating the effects of calling off social change, that is In a similar way to Bill Russell and the season or not their bread and Muhammad Ali, Kaepernick is now seen continuing to play. “The NFL isn’t willing butter,” Shinghal said. as a martyr figure as he sacrificed his They eventually to change because career to use his platform to promote determined that change for something he valued more. their message would their money is not However his sacrifice may be one of the benefit most by made in social change. continuing to play, last among athlete activists as his work Today, as our has contributed to the new way that the but their break in pay That is not their bread country lies in a state public views athletes who speak out. was not in vain. They of unrest with political and butter” Colin Kaepernick is the branch between used their collective and racial tensions the activist-athletes of today and power to convince Nicholas Shinghal high, there has been yesterday because he has been judged team owners to open a remarkable change (‘22) by both the expected role of the athlete in voting stations at in athlete activism as years past as well as the perception today. their home stadiums. leagues have become His journey from villain to hero takes After over a century more accepting us from the past to today’s movement. of courageous of their messages. To be an athlete in Kaepernick’s black athletes sacrificing their careers Leagues have released videos that time was to be part of a changing to further racial equality, the power had promoted the athletes’ messages public perception that drastically finally been put firmly in the hands of and allowed players to put messages altered your job as an athlete. Before, the players themselves to create change. on their jerseys, displaying a stark you were slandered for expressing The Bucks’ decision spurred off a difference from their previous stances. your views, now you would be historic form of protest that rippled However the defining moment of celebrated for being an athlete activist. through the world of sports. In the athlete-activism, and perhaps of this While the changing opinions MLB, the crack of the bat no longer new generation, was undoubtedly of the leagues may or may not echoed through the baseball stadiums what transpired in the NBA bubble be financially related, Paly Junior as many teams called off their games. on the evening of August 27th. Nicholas Shinghal believes that these Tennis player Naomi Osaka was also In the wake of the Jacob Blake a strong voice of activism against racial shooting, the inequality. When Blake was killed, Osaka Milwaukee withdrew from the Western and Southern Bucks sat out Open in show of support for the protests. game five of She then went on to compete in the the playoffs US open and wore 7 masks, one for against the each of her matches, with the names O r l a n d o of black victims of police violence. Magic, with While she prevailed victorious in a full support historic come-from-behind victory, from the her powerful protest will likely be team’s vice the lasting image in the public mind. president. “Gone are the days in which athletes were Many saw reprimanded for their political activism,” the parallels Paly junior Anique Dittrich said. “Before, b e t w e e n you could see that athletes were very their boycott career-oriented and Colin Kaepernick Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons 26
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Photo Courtesy of Creative Commons
was the odd one out. But now that it’s so to kneel during the national anthem protest in 2016 and to consider the universally widespread to support BLM, while in 2020 that number leapt to 52%. events that have taken athlete-activists Uncoincidentally, leagues quickly in America to where they are today, one I think that other athletes feel like they have more power and they can protest. shifted to match their audience’s question remains: Is this a moment of Clearly, these recent events have evolving opinion. The role of the athlete power for Black athletes or will we see caused a new pattern to emerge: has been entirely redefined. Fans who a profound difference in the way athlete athletes can and will use their platforms ridiculed those who kneeled for the activists are regarded in the future? anthem are now attacking to create tangible Slaton believes the future of activism those who refuse to kneel. in athletics is still unwritten, but the change, and they will not be stopped recent events will have a profound “What it creates by any organization impact on the future of sports. is a conversation. or person in power “What will stay is athletes With more athletes This change in understanding the knowledge that they becoming activists To be a player in 2020 is no have a tremendous amount of power culture was not only longer just to be among the they have maybe more power than they felt in the world of that is just creating top competitors in the sport, realize and a bigger platform than they the athletes, but also a better and bigger but to also have the choice to realize and I think that is here to stay. I in the world of the conversation.” be an activist. This change is the hope that something good comes from fans. Never before - Diego Diaz (‘22) result not only of the beliefs of all this negativity. I’m hopeful this is the had so many games the fans, but of the pliability of beginning of a movement. I’m hopeful been canceled. the league organizations, who that we will look back at this time the With a source of entertainment for millions of Americans are willing to make 180 degree turns way that we look back on the civil rights being taken away, fans were forced to in viewpoint, either as their eyes are movement in the 60s,” said Slaton. “But I consider what their favorite players were opened to new beliefs or as they work to think that our actions and how all people fighting for, causing the public opinion match the shifting opinions of their fans. take up the call going forward will Diego Diaz, a Junior at Paly, believes determine whether or not this is truly a on the controversial mixture of athletes and politics to only grow stronger. that despite the underlying reasons that movement or… just a moment in time.” The principle of fan power was displayed the leagues have for their changes, their clearly in the wake of the George Floyd support provides tremendous benefits shooting. The wave of consciousness to furthering the cause on racial injustice. “What it creates is a conversation. that washed over the country following more athletes becoming his death altered the public viewpoint With on kneeling during the national anthem activists that is just creating a better significantly. In 2018, just 35% of and bigger conversation,” Diaz said. To reflect on Kaepernick’s citizens believed that it was acceptable @vikingsportsmag | OCTOBER 2020 | 27
Between the Bases
by ZACH HAYWARD, VIJAY HOMAN and TYLER STOEN
The baseball world has long been run by players and teams who stick to a code: no running up the score, no pimping home runs, no stepping on the mound, and so on. But as younger and younger players have grown into stardom, they’ve begun to question these rules. Players like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Juan Soto have brought a new type of flair to the game, one that is exciting and electric, but also angering many older baseball fans. How will these new players leave their mark on the game? Will the ways of old eras prevail, or will newer players and teams make their own rules and standards about how America’s pastime should be played?
Attempting to lay down a bunt to intentionally break up a nohitter is a highly frowned upon act in the baseball community. This unwritten rule was most notably challenged in a 2011 game between the Los Angeles Angels and the Detroit Tigers, where Angels shortstop Erik Aybar tried to drop a bunt down in the 7th inning to ruin Justin Verlander’s bid for a no-hitter. Verlander was upset at this supposed “rule breakage,” calling the play a “bush league” move by Aybar. All photos courtesy of Creative Commons 28
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Running up the score is a sign of bad sportsmanship and disrespect toward the opposing team. In August of 2020, San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. hit a grandslam with a 3-0 count to put his team up 14-3 on the Texas Rangers in the eighth inning. After the game, both coaches and fans expressed that they felt this was disrespectful and unnecessary.
Respecting the opposing pitcher and not overly admiring home runs have been longstanding unwritten rules. Perhaps no player is as iconic for disregarding these rules as former Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Jose Bautista, who launched his bat several feet into the air after blasting a 3-run homer against the Texas Rangers in the 2015 playoffs. This move received heavy criticism from the Rangers and traditional fans alike, and resulted in multiple bench clearings and fights between the teams in coming seasons.
The mound is a pitcher’s safe haven. This domain being only for pitchers makes it all the more disrespectful when a batter gets bested, and then proceeds to run across the mound on his way back to the dugout. This occurred in 2010, when New York Yankee Alex Rodriguez ran across the mound of Oakland Athletics pitcher Dallas Braden. Typically, this action results in the pitcher and batter exchanging words, and then someone on the batter’s team getting thrown at in retaliation.
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LIFE in the BUBBLE Due to COVID-19, professional sports leagues have adopted the “bubble” format, where athletes and staff are isolated together to compete safely.
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by JUSTIN BYER, HAILEY CALLAN, and GREG LAURSEN
he game is coming down to the wire, there’s only 5 seconds left, and everyone knows the ball is going to be in the hands of the young European prodigy Luka Doncic. He gets one screen and receives the ball with Paul George on him. He takes one dribble forward, steps back, and hits the shot for the win! The Mavericks players jump on their hero of the hour, while the Clippers players shake their heads in disbelief. Normally, if someone were to hit a game-winning shot, confetti, loud cheers from the crowd, and music would be playing in the background, but not this year. Watching on the television screen, the only noises come from the players. There’s no reaction in the background. As a fan, it is exciting to see your team win the game, but as a player, is it the same feeling to win without fans? If you were a professional soccer player lined up to take the final penalty shot of the game, are you more relaxed and focused with no crowd, or do you like the motivation and energy the fans help bring? When COVID-19 hit, the whole world had to shut down. Schools sent students home, millions of jobs were lost, traveling was severely limited, and everyone was stuck inside. Unfortunately for sports fans, this also meant there were no games to watch. As time went on, professional sports leagues were desperately trying to find a
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solution to be able to safely bring athletes together to play again. Eventually, some decided on the “bubble” method, where players and coaches would be quarantined together in a venue that is completely cut off from the rest of the world, so it would be virtually impossible to get the virus. While fans are thrilled for sports to be back, are the players themselves comfortable with this new transition, even if it means being cut off from the outside world for such a long period of time? The bubble for the Men’s National Basketball Association is located at the Walt Disney Resort in Orlando, Florida. 22 teams came to participate in the bubble, with 37 people from each team, including the players, coaches and other staff members. In the bubble, each player is tested daily for COVID-19, and players must physically distance and wear masks at all times, besides when they are eating, drinking, or in their own separate hotel rooms. Fans and those viewing the games were curious to see how players would be affected individually by the bubbles. Concerns rose due to the lack of fans in person, making it less stressful to play, but also decreasing the energy and support in the stadium.
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Although spending all this time isolated from the rest of the world could have caused some issues for the players, they generally seem to be adjusting fine. For instance, in the extremely dramatic series between the Utah Jazz and the Denver Nuggets, Jamal Murray was playing remarkably well. The Nuggets star player had 50 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists in Game 4. In his following 2 games he combined for 92 points, 13 rebounds, and 14 assists. It’s hard to draw conclusions as to exactly why Murray’s playing has improved, but the bubble system has definitely created a different
environment. Although there are many factors that affect a players game, their familiarity with the same court and lack of distractions caused by fans most likely lead to better overall play. Similarly to the NBA, the Women’s National Basketball Association also held its own bubble, or what they call, “wubble,” in Florida. However, instead of being hosted at Disney World, the WNBA had its bubble at IMG Academy, a boarding school in Bradenton, Florida. There are 12 teams attending and each team is only allowed to have a total of 18 people, 12 players and 6 staff members. The WNBA went through the determined protocol and procedure to be able to transition their season into the bubble. The WNBA will follow up on any safety protocol violations and they have a 7-10 day quarantine period for players who are coming back from authorized “wubble” exits. They have had zero positive COVID-19 tests since all players were quarantined. “Obviously, we’re testing our players
and our staff often, so we had tested prior to players coming here and we had released those. If we had a story to tell, we would, thankfully we do not,” Cathy Engelbert (Chairman of Women’s National Basketball Association) said. In only its second season, the Premier L a c r o s s e League had to adapt its original plan of a tour based model to fit with restrictions due to COVID-19. After delaying the season for a month, the league decided that it would take advantage of only having seven teams and use a “bubble” format. Medical guidelines were announced for the players and staff, including three rounds of testing, a quarantine period
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prior to the bubble, and random testing throughout the season. Players, like Joe Walters, a midfielder for Redwoods lacrosse club, began to prepare. Soon enough they all got the chance to play, with only two players not being allowed in the bubble due to positive tests. “Everything was laid about beforehand, so it wasn’t like we were going in blind,” Walters said. “We got tested on Wednesday before flights on Sunday and if you tested negative you were good to go. The nerve wracking part was flying. Obviously, when you fly, you’re in contact with people from all over.” When the 154 players arrived, they
The best thing about the bubble was just the time spent with the team. - Joe Walters
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Premier Lacross e League
Photos courtesy of Joe Walters
2019
2020
Walters racked up 5 assists and his first 2-point goal during the 2020 season
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were tested and asked to wait for the all-clear. “When we got there we took another test, and as soon as we got to the hotel you had to go right to your room. You were quarantined for 24 hours until results came back; that was the longest 24 hours of my life,” Walters said. Each room consisted of two teammates with the rest of the team nearby. The first week of the bubble, or PLL Island, was dedicated to letting the teams adjust to the circumstances and playing together in a mini training camp. Normally, the PLL operated in a tour based model, where the teams, or lacrosse clubs, traveled to host cities and played matched up against another club. This year, however, since all the teams were together in a single venue, they were given time to practice and were able to have more games in a condensed time due to the lack of travel. Spending more time with their respective teams, and not having to travel, has impacted team chemistry. On Joe Walter’s team, Redwoods LC, their penalty kill percentage went from 29% in 2019 to 45% in the bubble. They also averaged 5.2 assists a game with their current roster, up from 4.6 last year. “The best thing about the bubble was just the time spent with the team,” Walters said. “I haven’t had that since college. Having three weeks straight with your team was just something special. Being in Utah was really nice, but regardless of where we or could have been, it’s just so good to get together with everyone on the team.” The Major League Soccer set up shop in Orlando, Florida, with 26 teams competing in a bubble for a shot to win the MLS cup. The MLS bubble had some trouble starting up with 11 players on FC Dallas testing positive for COVID-19, but soon enough games got under way. The teams stayed in the Swan and Dolphin hotels that
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housed training centers, pools and recreational activities like Spikeball. Allison Whitson, a Paly alumna, is a Marketing Partner for the San Jose Earthquakes and was a key part in the Major League Soccer bubble. She got an inside look as to how the players prepared and worked during the bubble. “The players were definitely focused. They saw the ‘MLS is Back’ tournament as a business trip and a great opportunity to prove themselves in a tough league. They went out to Orlando with every intention to play well and win,” Whitson said. The medical staff prepared the
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players and staff and only a few players tested positive during the bubble, and those who did were quarantined for 14 days and not allowed to play. However, two teams, Nashville FC and FC Dallas, had over 10 players test positive while inside the bubble. The MLS and the two teams came to a consensus that they should drop out of the tournament. With the absence of these teams, only 24 teams remained. For the teams that stayed in the tournament, one thing was for certain: players had the ability to connect with one another and bond as a team. “They built up some great team chemistry in Orlando. One of the players took charge and ordered a bunch of games when they first arrived at the hotel,” Whitson said. “They got a dart board, had team bingo nights, and also bought little race cars and set up race tracks down the hallway of their hotel. They made the most of their time and were able to have fun while being focused on soccer.” Overall, the “bubble” system has been a successful way to bring back sports that is safe for everyone. Although it may not be an ideal situation for both the players and the fans, the bubbles are a way for teams to come together and compete. Many players in this setting see this as an opportunity to work on their craft, bond with teammates, and play the sport they love safely.
They made the most of their time and were able to have fun while being focused on soccer. - Allison Whitson
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New Vaping Prevention Campaigned Aimed at Teens Launches!
A new campaign was launched to educate teens in Santa Clara County about chemicals in vaping products, and how that impacts their body and health. The campaign, developed in collaboration by County of Santa Clara Behavioral Health and Public Health Departments, was launched in midSeptember and is running on various social media channels. Learn more by visiting: DontTakeTheVape.org Art courtesy of
Sophia Moore
#PalyCares
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Text by HAILEY BECK and SOFIA LEVA Art by SOFIA LEVA
PLANT BASED VS
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VEGAN OR PLANT-BASED DIETS ARE SUPERIOR, ESPECIALLY FOR ATHLETES
rass. Leaves. Flowers. These “foods” are what most people think vegan people eat. Heck, memes circulating through social media credit the vegan diet as the cause for deforestation, seemingly accusing vegans as tree eaters. If society had a favorite punching bag, you would see the face of veganism on it. But the characterization of vegans in popular culture could not be further from reality. Most of the time, you can’t even notice if someone’s adopted a vegetarian or vegan diet, until they politely decline a dish with meat or animal products. And despite all the bad press, the movement is growing as people have begun to realize the inherent truth and goodness of the vegan diet. Laugh in our faces and taunt us all you want about how savory and delicious bacon is, but you won’t be laughing when you have colon
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cancer at just 45 years old. The general health benefits of the vegan diet include a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, diabetes. Furthermore, a vegan diet will help you lose weight, something that should be strived for especially considering the current rates of obesity in the US. What’s more, if veganism was bad, why would the world’s premier athletes, with teams of nutritionists working around the clock to get the best fuel into their bodies, turn to a vegan diet? Why would the athletes at the top of the game like Tom Brady and Lionel Messi embrace this way of life? You see, the switch to veganism does not only bring about long-term general health benefits, but it actually improves athletic performance, and as such, every serious athlete should become vegan. For example, the vegan diet has been proven in countless studies to reduce cholesterol levels. While this is obviously good for preventing cardiovascular diseases, the benefits of low cholesterol do not end there. Low cholesterol also improves blood viscosity, which helps more oxygen reach the muscles, improving athletic performance. Also, low cholesterol reduces the risk of inflammation, which negatively impacts athletes’ recovery. Separately, the plant-based diet is much higher in antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals. According
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to Harvard.edu, free radicals, aside from causing several diseases, also lead to muscle fatigue. There are obvious drawbacks of the vegan diet, like its cost and the difficulty in getting nutrients one would primarily get from animal products, like protein and vitamin B12. However, there are many supplements available, such as vegan protein powders that help athletes get the correct amount of nutrients that they need in order to build muscle and maximize their performance. Clearly, the vegan diet by itself is not perfect, but to ignore the supplements available to vegan athletes is disingenuous. Without a doubt, science backs the vegan diet, especially when it comes to athletes. Sadly though, there simply aren’t enough studies out there that analyze the differences between the athletic performance of vegans and nonvegans. Let’s look at some testimonials. Tennis star Venus Williams is one famous athlete who adopted a vegan diet and has talked about it at length. After trying it out in 2011, she never looked back because she felt that it not only helped her performance on the court, but made her feel more healthy. Also, co-captain of the USWNT Alex Morgan is vegan, and she cites that lifestyle change as a big reason for her performance in leading the team to yet another World Cup Championship in 2019. It’s clear that anecdotally athletes benefit tremendously from switching to a vegan diet. Hopefully as more take of faith they will also discover the wonders of veganism. As mentioned earlier, society has put down vegans for far too long. So if you ever find yourself in the ring with a vegan, thinking that this leaf eater is going to be easily defeated because they don’t get protein, watch out, because vegans will punch back — hard.
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Text by LIAM NAGESH Art by SOFIA LEVA
PLANT WASTE RELYING SOLELY ON PLANT PRODUCTS PUTS COMPETITORS AT A DISADVANTAGE
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ildfires consume the Western states, turning our sky from blue to an orange, dystopian hue. Sea levels rise, hurricanes grow in number and strength and the world’s ice caps are melting. The evidence is overwhelming; climate change is real with severe adverse effects on the planet. That, or the Day of Judgement is upon us. Prompted by this tangible evidence, many people have sought a solution to reduce carbon emissions. Strategies include switching to renewable energy sources and to more energy efficient cars, or more controversially, to a plantbased diet — in other words becoming vegan. Nobody likes vegans. They show up at potlucks with disgusting food and can’t stop talking about themselves and their switch to a plant-based diet. They are zealots preaching about the path to enlightenment, but don’t seem to understand that their lifestyle is based more on faith than facts. But what’s wrong with faith if it’s not harming anyone, right? Wrong, because it is harming people, especially athletes. The rise in plantbased diets amongst the general population has been mirrored in the sports world, as athletes like Tom Brady and Lionel Messi tout it as the holy grail to longevity and better recovery. Next thing you know, kids around the world, who want to be the next GOAT will be imitating these role models and their unhealthy lifestyles. Plant-based diets are endorsed for their supposed benefits, but those benefits are not driven by the diet. Everyone seems aware of the need for protein in an athlete’s diet for muscle building, but promoters of plant-based diets avoid the topic of protein quality, not just quantity, that is how well we absorb the proteins that we eat. Scientists use a metric called
the Digestible Indispensable Amino Acid Score (DIAAS) to measure protein digestibility. According to researchers at the University of Illinois, animal based sources far outstrip plant based sources when it comes to the quality of protein. For example, a single hard boiled egg has a score of 1.13, while the closest plant based product, soy flour, has a measly score of 0.89. Not even considering the challenges to simply get enough protein with a plant-based diet, the quality of such protein is vastly inferior, which has severe, negative impacts on the muscle growth of athletes. Having proven that those who opt for a plant-based diet struggle to build muscle, what about those highly touted claims that it reduces recovery times and increases athlete’s longevity? The reality is that most athletes who switch to a plant-based diet go through a brief honeymoon phase, where their performance and recovery increase, followed by a steep decline. This decline can be attributed to a couple of factors, namely that when athletes switch to a plant-based diet, they are typically switching from a diet primarily consisting of unhealthy items like fast foods and processed foods to a diet that strictly features whole foods, which are indubitably better for athletic performance. However, their performance level eventually drops because the missing nutrients in plantbased diets can only be found in sufficient amounts in animal products, such as taurine and calcium which severely impact recovery. But don’t just take the nutritionist and biological arguments, which are based on sterile lab experiments. Let’s look at athletes in the real world too; perennial NBA All-Star
Damien Lillard stopped his vegan diet in 2018 after losing 17 pounds in 5 months. New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton, who switched to a vegan diet in February of 2019, has been unable to stay healthy in the NFL since then. The athletes who make the switch see a decline in play, and inevitably revert back to eating meat or flame out. So it’s obvious that for professional athletes, a plant-based diet just won’t cut for their athletic performance. But what about climate change? Aren’t there reasons more important than athleticism to be vegan? Sure, some emissions come from the meat industry, but nowhere near the amount that comes from the frequent flying that athletes do during their seasons. Also, self-limiting your athletic potential in the name of morality, while understandable, isn’t the best career advice. While plant-based lifestyles require faith to succeed, for athletes, they are just a myth.
@vikingsportsmag
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Over Over
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While blue chip, olympic level athletes across the nation felt pressure to succeed at the heart of their NCAA season, prominent colleges around the nation felt financial pressures from major budget cuts due to the pandemic. COVID-19 forced professional and college sport seasons, particularly the spring of 2020, to come to a screeching halt. Many college level athletes who have spent years perfecting their game were confronted with the news that their sport had been cut indefinitely.
It
Started
by PARKER BATES, JENNA HICKEY, PHOEBE KIM, and VICTORIA SOULODRE @vikingsportsmag
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Katherine Sung
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n July 9th, Paly alum facility. Not having a practice course Katherine Sung (‘20) woke would have been a minor inconvenience up to an email relaying the to the team, however, an attempt to news that her golf team explore alternative options was not had been cut from Dartmouth athletics. carried out by the athletic department. Despite the closure of the corse, the After committing in her junior year, Sung had her heart set on continuing the sport university still thought more budget cuts were necessary, taking down the golf after high school. teams along with Similar to it. It was never other colleges, stated as to why the news was these sports were broken to chosen yet most the athletes of the athletes over a five to assumed it was ten minute because of how scripted zoom underrepresented call. Sung’s they are in the coach reached media and out right after they wanted as he had only to continue found out 15 minutes prior to the call. The athletes supporting sports with a larger following were confused since they were told the like basketball and football. Sung planned to keep golf in her life night before that practices could take place this semester. Everything came so through college and now is facing a sudden, not giving the athletes any time difficult decision. Would it be worth it to to process the devastating news, “we just stay at a school that won’t let her pursue felt super betrayed by the school that her passion or transfer somewhere that they would do something like this to us”. would give her the opportunity to do so. In addition to cutting the mens and “when the news came out it really made womens golf teams, swimming, diving, me reflect, why did I pick this school?” Before Sung verbally and men’s lightweight rowing were committed, she had to decide cut from Dartmouth athletics whether or not she wanted to indefinitely. The athletes continue her education at a were told that their prestigious university while sports were cut based on playing golf or take time to financial issues, however, further the recruitment process to Sung, their reasoning was and enter as the class of 2025 inadequate and seemed to somewhere else. Ultimately she avoid all other questions. chose to attend Dartmouth and “They just kept changing is now reconsidering her their answers and decision. they’re beating Several of Sungs around the bush not teammates have begun giving us anything the transfer process to straightforward,” she other universities who’s said. golf teams are still up and Days before the email was running this season and for sent out, Sung received seasons to come. Sung is also notice that the Hanover thinking about transferring after her Country Club would be first year at Dartmouth to further her golf shutting down, meaning their home course would be gone forever. journey. Dartmouth announced the closure to the public on July 9th due to a smaller budget and inconsistent use of the 38 | VIKING MAGAZINE | vikingsportsmag.com
“We just felt super betrayed by the school”
Photos courtesy of Katherine Sung
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Ben Felter
ot many people get to attend their dream school. For Ben Felter (‘20), he dreamed of attending Stanford University but committing to the rowing team made it that much more special. Felter received an automated email to the whole men’s rowing team saying they were going to have a meeting in 30 minutes. The athletic director at Stanford, Bernard Muir, gathered all the teams onto a zoom. They assumed their season would just be cancelled due to COVID-19. “If that was the worst thing happening right now, it’d be pretty good,” Felter said. They guessed their season was being cancelled just not in the way they thought. According to Felter, the call lasted for about 30 minutes and was a little speech saying “we’re cutting teams. We’re really sorry”. The call was not a regular zoom that we experience for class. It was more of a broadcast where the hosts could not see the athlete’s faces. “The way they broke the news just it didn’t feel as if they were showing much compassion,” Felter said. “Online they were able to kind of hide from us”. The university said that they had exhausted all possible ways of saving the sports by trying to make up for the difference in money but their only solution was to cut the eleven sports. Felter thought the opposite. “If they tried everything, then they would have gone to alumni, the coaches would have tried to get funding, but it doesn’t seem like they’re all doing that now, but we wish it could have happened,” Felter said. After the meeting, Felter was in disbelief. “I put so much time and effort, thinking rowing would be my whole sense of purpose in college,” Felter said.
“To just see my whole future change in an silver, and four bronze medals. Why instant like that it was pretty devastating.” would Stanford cut sports that have Felter not only grew his rowing skills, but given them Olympic glory? his personal skills as well. “I love rowing... “I think it’s very sad that now Stanford seeing myself grow not only physically has set somewhat of a precedent across but as a person,” Felter said. multiple universities that “And, you know, varsity status Olympic sports may or not I still think that the effort not be as important and the work I’m putting in as sports like football right now is teaching me a lot and basketball that are about valuable lessons about bringing in enough discipline and determination money for university,” and hard work.” Felter said. “I think that Spending so many hours Stanford especially dedicated to training and has created a name competitions and having for themselves as like your life taken away would this Olympic athlete cause anyone to malfunction. producing university Felter said everyone was they may be losing that devastated but after a week by cutting the majority of was when people started their Olympic sports”. to differ. Some were able to Felter is leaning find their motivation and go towards continuing back to training while others Photo courtesy of Ben Felter his academic career at weren’t able to get back on their feet. Stanford versus transferring to pursue “I think it was hard for all of us, but the rowing. “Stanford’s been my dream biggest thing is just finding a way to school for longer than I’ve been rowing. keep on going even though everything And I think that there’s a good chance I seems like it’s stacked would regret leaving,” Felter said. up against us right If an athlete doesn’t get recruited now,” Felter said. to play at a varsity level, they can still Felter believes pursue their sport just at a club level. that Stanford needs The problem with dropping from a to see the value varsity level to club, is the decrease in in sports such as competition. Felter doesn’t want to feel rowing that might that drop. not bring in as much “Part of the culture of rowing is pursuing money as football the highest level that you can and it’s and basketball. “The disappointing when you’re restricted,” people I’ve met in Felter said. my time rowing have A lot of athletes have struggled with been some of the motivation after the announcement most amazing people because they are unsure of whether I’ve ever met and that’s part of what they should continue to train. Felter has kept me in the sport,” Felter said. experienced drastic fluctuations in his “And to see that to like to see our team motivation. One week, he was willing to disbanded and see all these people lose push himself to his limits but other weeks that community are just amazing people he had no motivation to train. that they’re a part of.” Felter will have the chance to row for Stanford athletics have produced and Stanford during the 2020-2021 season, been home to many olympians. In 2016, but after that, the future is unclear. Stanford had the most college athletes Maybe, after COVID-19 slows down, the competing than any other school with University will be able to reinstate these 30 athletes. Stanford overall has won 270 sports and let the athletes continue the olympic medals. Of those 270, men’s pursuit of their sports. rowing has brought in eight gold, one
“To just see my whole future change in an instant like that, it was pretty devastating.”
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Sarah Brownstein
arah Brownstein (‘19), a recent She believes the cut was unfair because West High School graduate, well funded sports such as football have has a little bit of a different not had the best seasons. “There are 7 story. Brownstein committed million dollars spent to Towson University with the hopes each year on football,” of continuing her gymnastics career. Brownstein said. “The Unfortunately, in January, she realized football team at this her coach was unlikely to give her the school isn’t great and opportunity to compete and decided wouldn’t be negatively to look at other schools that would affected if a fraction of fit personally as well as academically. their budget was cut to Brownstein decided to transfer to William allow my team and the and Mary for the 2020 season. other 6 teams to stay.” The team, scheduled to have practice All the cut sports at 3 pm, received a text from their have had successful coach at 1:15 pm saying practice was previous seasons. cancelled and a meeting was being held William and Mary’s by the athletic director. Upon finding Men Swimming team out that multiple teams were attending has won 64 CAA the meeting, Brownstein prepared for Championship Relays the worst. William and Mary cut six and 11 CAA Coaches sports due to financial issues: men’s Of the Year. Their and women’s gymnastics, men’s and men’s gymnastics women’s swimming, men’s outdoor track team has been named and field, and volleyball. These sports the College Men’s Gymnastics National will be able to compete in their 2020- Academic Champions eight times, more 2021 seasons. This decision will affect than any NCAA team in the country. 118 student athletes and 36 coaches. The Women’s gymnastics team was the “In the meeting the AD read to us from a ECAC champions in 2014. script, told us she was cutting our teams, Brownstein feels redistributing the and then left the meeting within about money among the sports and making 5 minutes without saying goodbye,” every sport have a slightly lower budget Brownstein said. would have been a better solution. Not one for crying, Brownstein says, The one question these athletes have she was devastated, to answer shocked, and is whether in tears before or not they the zoom call will stay even ended. This at their announcement was current very unexpected to school and Brownstein. finish their “I honestly degree or believed that of transfer all schools I was in the looking at, William pursuit of and Mary was very their sport. unlikely to get Brownstein the program cut,” has no Brownstein said. idea. “I Similar to Brownstein, many of her love it here and I would really like to stay, teammates were upset as well as angry. but I am also not ready to be done with They believe the department could gymnastics,” Brownstein said. have handled the situation differently Similar to Stanford Rowing, many and didn’t necessarily have to cut the petitions have been made in an attempt program along with the 6 other sports. to continue the season. One of the alumni 40 | VIKING MAGAZINE | vikingsportsmag.com
made a petition to bring back all seven sports and the petition has received over 16,000 signatures in a week. The team is also looking at potential ways to raise money. Unlike Felter, Brownstein will transfer if gymnastics does not get reinstated. “ I will be doing gymnastics next year,” Brownstein said. “I would like that to be D1 at William and Mary but if not, I will either transfer or find another way to continue the sport”. With all the uncertainty, the only thing Brownstein can do is to continue training day by day and make every day the best it can be. “I don’t know what’s happening with my ability to train, so I am making sure to go all out every second of every day and do the absolute best that I possibly can,” Brownstein said.
“I honestly believed that of all the schools I was looking at, William and Mary was very unlikely to get the program cut”
Photos courtesty of Sarah Brownstein
Elise Ogle:
The Activists
Locally, Stanford’s oldest women’s sport, field hockey, was one of the eleven teams cut. Because of this devastating news, Elise Ogle, a prominent Stanford Field Hockey alumna, began @ SaveStanfordFieldHockey on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Ogle graduated from Stanford in 2015 and has worked as a volunteer for the program during their Fall season, operating their video review system or filming games. Knowing that Stanford would be impacting hundreds of thousands of young girls and women aspiring to play at the next level, Ogle began to advocate for the field hockey team, trying to gain recognition for the majorly successful team who have won numerous American East Titles and have produced USA gold winners and AllAmericans. “After processing my initial emotions I channeled my energy into movement. With this movement we are seeking solutions and support to find a way to keep the program at Varsity status for the
Lexi Gwyn:
indefinite future.” Ogle had received an amazing education and support system from Stanford, and is devastated for the loss of opportunity that West Coast players had before. “When I was a sophomore at Stanford, my best friend and roommate was lost to suicide. While I myself struggled with depression at the time, the field hockey team, community, and the coaches were my support system through it all and I would not be where I am today without them. I was devastated by the university’s announcement and the realization that young women in the future wouldn’t have this wonderful opportunity that I had or the support system that I had while at such a challenging school,” Ogle said. As news spread that Stanford would be eliminating eleven sports, Ogle became heartbroken, upset, and motivated to help reverse the action. “I was heartbroken-- heartbroken for the
current team, the coaches, the incoming freshman, the recruits who have all had their plans turned upside down. I was angry because of the way in which the university announced the decision, on a zoom call with the team just a few minutes prior to a public announcement that made prominent their statement that “this decision is final.” Ogle expressed frustration as well, knowing that Stanford had not used its prosperous resources and alum to its fullest potential to help support the teams. “The athletics department said they explored all options and this was the only path forward but that is just not true, “ Ogle said. “They did not reach out to our most prominent program donors. They did not do their due diligence in understanding the devastating impact this decision would have on all of California and West Coast field hockey.”
Lexi Gwyn, a current senior as well as the as an inspiration to improve her own skill field was fake, meaningless.” varsity field hockey team captain here at sets. The cancellation of field hockey only Paly, was also disappointed in Stanford’s “My mom and I used to go watch all brought back the bitter memories of her decision to cancel their women’s field the home games at the Stanford turf. We favorite sport being scrutinized. hockey program. Growing up in Australia would watch in awe at the level of skill, When the Stanford program got where field hockey was a and it made me want to be a canceled, along with 10 other varsity popular sport, Gwyn was better player, I wanted to be sports, it wasn’t a surprise what teams exposed to the sport like them.” they had cut. Was it football? No. Was it at an early age. After Lexi’s reaction to the swimming? No. Was it diving? Hell no. moving to the US, Lexi cancellation of Stanford Field Was it soccer? Nope. It brought back all began to immerse herself Hockey was similar to Ogle. that pain from those first few years, and I in the small field hockey Disappointment, anger, felt that pain for every girl on the Stanford community in California. sadness and frustration were team, who had busted their asses to get “One of the first things I some of the emotions the two where they are. Some of their players did when I moved to the shared. were members of the US National team, Photo courtesy of Lexi Gwyn US was go to Stanford’s “The cancellation of the US indoor team, they were nationally summer field hockey the Stanford Field Hockey ranked, and as a team they had won camp. I knew members of the Stanford team really crushed my spirit. For the countless titles.” field hockey team before I knew anyone first couple of years that I lived here, I The prominent accolades and hard that was going to my school. Field received statements almost every day work these women put in are not hockey is something that connected like “field hockey isn’t a sport” “field recognized by the cancellation of the me to Australia, and getting to play field hockey is gay” “field hockey is a hobby” team, Lexi expressed. hockey for the first time after moving to and “only lesbians play field hockey.” “And yet, they were told (not directly a totally new country was really calming Sure, they were jokes, but it made me of course) that their sport didn’t matter for me.” feel like the sport I put so much work into enough, didn’t bring in enough revenue, Lexi looked up to the women on the and loved so deeply didn’t matter. The and didn’t get enough support to stay.” Stanford Field Hockey team, using them passion and drive I felt when I was on the @vikingsportsmag | OCTOBER 2020 | 41
by ROEI ZIV and RYAN LEONG
Comeback
Alex Smith went from being one of the most respected quarterbacks in the NFL, to a tragic player following a gruesome injury that nearly took his life. Not many would recover, nonetheless play again, but Smith doesn’t play with doubts.
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t was a gloomy day in Landover, Maryland where the then, Washington Redskins were set to take on the Houston Texans in a crucial mid season game. The date was November 18th, 2018. It was 3rd & 9 from the Houston 24 yard line. 7:54 remains in the 3rd quarter. Quarterback Alex Smith drops back, and within a blink of an eye Smith sees two Houston players running at him at full speed. Smith then starts to run backwards where he is tackled by the two players. While in the tackling act, Smith’s lower leg completely snaps. Fedex Field falls silent as Smith lays flat on the ground. Trainers and medical personnel rushed out onto the field to examine Smith. He is later carted off the field. What Smith didn’t know was that it would take 17 surgeries and a near leg amputation to be cleared to step back onto the gridiron. Throughout the NFL fan and player community, people were shocked. On the day of the injury, former Washington Redskins QB Joe Theisman who also suffered a severe leg injury showed his care and love for Smith. “Alex’s leg is exactly like mine 22 yrs ago...I feel so bad for him,” he said. Not only was the former NFL quarterback Theisman shocked but so were football fans at Paly. One of those Paly fans who was shocked was senior, Avantika Singh. “Seeing that made me hurt for him”, Singh said. Singh, a lifelong football fan also expressed her gratitude for Smith. “One second he was doing something he loves to do and does daily and the next moment he’s down on the field suffering from an injury that would keep him away from doing something he loves which I bet was really devastating for him,” Singh said. Resilience hasn’t always been the dominant part of
player
quarterback Alex Smith’s game, as his career started off in the best way possible, being drafted with the San Francisco 49er’s first overall pick in the 2005 draft, after an impressive college career at Utah. While playing at Utah, Smith was named his conference’s best player as well as winning the Fiesta bowl against Pittsburgh to top off his remarkable college run. His senior season, Smith threw for 32 touchdowns, a Utah single season record. Despite his success in college, Smith’s career in the NFL started off completely different from his near perfect college career, as he dealt with six new offensive coordinators in his first six years of his young career. This front office turmoil during his first year led to Smith having a more than forgettable rookie year, in which he threw for one touchdown and 11 interceptions, while at the same time boosting a disappointing two and five record. While critics were quick to label Smith “the biggest bust in NFL history” his next five seasons did little to disprove them, as he still lurked in the depths of mediocrity with a poor surrounding cast of receivers, and offensive coordinators being rotated through the system every year. This would all change however, when the 49ers were able to find stability with the most prized coach in the market in 2011: Jim Harbaugh, from Stanford University. Harbaugh’s signature intense coaching style was a perfect fit in San Francisco, as in his first year on the Niners, Smith had the best statistical year of his career, in which the Niners went to their first NFC West Title game since 2002. While that first season did end in a disappointing and heartbreaking loss to the New York Giants in the NFC championship game, Harbaugh and Smith looked to be in the future of the league and a potential superbowl contender in the coming years. However, just as quick as Smith’s career seemed to be taking off, it would all come crashing down. In the middle of the 2012 season, Smith suffered a concussion in the first half of a game against the St. Louis Rams, and was replaced by a little known quarterback at the time, named Colin Kaepernick. While many were quick to count the Niners out for the rest of the year, Kaepernick took the opportunity that was given to him, and literally ran with it, toasting the best of NFL’s defenses with an impressive five and two record and leading the Niners all
a bumpy road January 1, 2005: Smith wins the Fiesta bowl to cap off his college career at Utah
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April 3, 2005: Smith is selected 1st overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the NFL draft
the way to the Superbowl against the Baltimore Ravens. However like all the other heartbreaks in the last two years, this superbowl would prove to be no different. The Ravens jumped out to a quick 28-6 lead going into the second half, and while the Niners were able to bring the score within 5 points going into the fourth quarter, ultimately failing on the goal line after a controversial no call that is still talked about to this day. While the Niners weren’t able to bring the Lombardi Trophy back to the Bay Area, they did appear to find the new face of their franchise in Colin Kaepernick and with that decision, Smith was shipped off to Kansas City for two draft picks in the coming years. During that same 2012 season, the Chiefs were holding it down at the bottom of the AFC West with a horrendous 2-14 record. In the span of four months, Smith went from nearly Superbowl champion, to quarterback for the worst team in the league. Similarly to how Smith was doubted in his early years, he would again have to prove his worth in this new city, and he over delivered during the 2013 season. The Chiefs were brought up to the top of the league with a 9-0 start, and secured their first playoff berth in three years. While they did lose in the first round of the playoffs, this was a promising first year for the union of Smith and the Chiefs. Smith improved upon his performance, winning 11 games the next season and winning the franchise’s first playoff game since 1993. The accolades would only continue to pile up, as Smith led the league in QB rating in 2017 and during his stint with the Chiefs, was named to three pro bowls. However, during the 2017 season the Chiefs would change the course of their franchise and the course of the league, when they drafted future MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes with their 10th overall pick. While Smith was still putting up great numbers, the potential on Mahomes was just too high for the Chiefs to pass up on, and Smith was again traded, this time to the then Washington Redskins.
Although Smith again couldn’t bring back a superbowl win for his team, his efforts as quarterback completely changed the fortunes of the Chiefs, as they were able to finally win a superbowl in 2019, after only winning two games four years ago. Smith was once again asked to resurrect a franchise from the ground up, and for the first few weeks, it looked like he had worked his magic again. Paly senior and Washington’s fan, Ziggy Tummalapalli, recalls that season and Smith’s performance. “I personally think he was pretty solid. We were 6-3 at the top of the division, and were en-route to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2015 season. We were I think 3 games clear in first place, so he was doing his job, and doing it well,” Tummalapalli said. Things were looking great for Smith, until of course, he suffered one of the worst injuries in sports history. Not only did Alex Smith suffer a horrific fracture on his right tibia on that gloomy day in Maryland, but his body also ended up going into sepsis, a reaction that the body takes when it comes into contact with an infection. The sepsis Smith underwent nearly took his life, and it took the hard work of his doctors to save him. At first Alex Smith was simply hoping to get back onto the field as soon as possible, now doctors were telling him that he would be lucky to ever walk again. This tremendous injury was all part of an even bigger recovery process. Over the course of 2 years, Alex Smith went from being the quarterback who suffered that horrific career-ending injury, to the warrior that fought back from one of the worst injuries in sports history. Smith defied all odds and is now back practicing with his teammates on the Washington Football Team. According to his doctors, Smith would have been considered lucky to play catch with his children following the injury, but now he’s back playing in one of the most competitive leagues, at one of the most competitive positions in sports. This simply cannot be considered anything short of a miracle.
February 27, 2013: Smith is traded to the Kansas City Chiefs January 30, 2018: Smith is traded to the then Washington Redskins
Man of Many Injuries November 11, 2012,October 30, 2016: Concussion
September 30, 2007: Shoulder A/C Joint Seperation
December 21, 2014: Abdominal Spleen Laceration
November 18, 2018: Tibia Fracture
November 18, 2018: Smith suffers one of the worst injuries in NFL history August 16, 2020: Smith is officially reinstated and cleared to play @vikingsportsmag
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Viking Fantasy Football by JACKSON BUNDY, JACK ELARDE, and ADAR SCHWARZBACH
Fantasy Football one of the greatest inventions of mankind, to some a Fantasy season can be a great success, full of laughter, and enjoyment. To others, Fantasy season means only one thing: sadness. We here at Viking decided to join this wonderful tradition and partake in the Fantasy Frenzy.
F
or those who don’t know how fantasy works, each team consists of players that they draft or pick up off the waivers. Every week each team plays another team comparing the stats of the whole team. For example if a wide receiver were to have 5 catches for 100 yards and 1 touchdown that would be worth 21 points. The Viking fantasy league uses PPR meaning that for each catch a player gets they get a point. After all the games have been played you combine . For each team there are 14 teams each with one quarterback, two running backs, two wide receivers, one tight end, one flex, one defense, and most importantly one kicker along with five bench spots. The knowledge of our fantasy league owners is widespread, on one side we have a fantasy guru in Callum Olsen ‘21 heading team, Bundy Is a Dictator, (he changed his name to this after I made him change his original one) and in another, we have team Hanaka oh Hannika led by Annika Shah ‘21 and Hana Erickson ‘21 both of who are not the most knowledgeable about the world of Fantasy. The Viking Fantasy League should be an
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interesting one. One of the biggest fantasy related events that occurred throughout the first couple of weeks was involving Saquon Barkley, a superstar running back for the New York Giants. Barkley was on the DN Dinos, managed by Ryan Leong ‘21, second overall pick and now after week two, Barkley is out for the year with a torn ACL. Leong now has to cope with his best player being sidelined after only one full week of playing. “Honestly I’m feeling really depressed because I picked him with the second overall pick and I also considered trading him before he got hurt,” Leong said. Leong picked up Devonta Freeman, who was recently signed by the New York Giants, who he hopes will be able to fill some of the void that the injury to Barkley left in this team. Alongside Devonta Freeman, Leong has Kareem Hunt, Jerrick Mckinnon, and Phillip Lindsay, running backs for the Browns, 49ers, and Broncos respectively, but currently Lindsay is injured. McKinnon is a temporary starter as the starting running back on the 49ers is currently injured. With the injury to Barkley it puts Leong in an extremely tough situation for the rest of the year. Another similar vikingsportsmag.com
situation to that of Barkley is Christian McCaffrey, another superstar running back on the Carolina Panther, who has dealt with ankle problems for his entire career. Now after week two, McCaffrey is sidelined for the next couple of weeks, team Bundy is Mean run by Ian Comey ‘21 u s e d the first overall p i c k in the draft on the running b a c k . Comey, similar to Leong, has to deal with his best player not playing for him for the foreseeable future. “It’s a big blow to my team, but seeing how bad the injuries were for other top players makes me realize it could’ve been worse,” Comey said. However, unlike Barkley, McCaffrey will be returning sometime within the next two to six weeks. For now Comey will have to deal with Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins Running Back, who h e
picked up on the waiver wire going into sometimes throughout the will week three. Despite this pick up, Comey season only three weeks in. In m o s t can’t wait for his star Running Back to the first week team Big Bundy Brand l i k e l y return. and team Baby got Dak both picked put up big Team “That Work” run by Luke Thieman up Malcom Brown and Nyhmien Hines numbers. ‘21 lucked out respectively. An interesting thing majorly with their After big occurred going into week 4 of draft. Somehow one’s the NFL. Several Titans players “Well this NFL season has already week Thieman managed out of both and staff came down Covid-19. to draft both shown to be pretty unpredictable, players, both The game between the Titans and the number one with a lot of big names going down p r o c e e d e d the Steelers was postponed until quarterback and to fail their week 7. This has an interesting effect the number three in the first few weeks with players owners with on fantasy seeing as players could quarterback coming like Christian, Saquon, and Bosa.” Brown scoring have to miss a game that managers were out of week two. a combined not planning for prior. This has an even - Ryan Leong (‘21) Thieman drafted 6.8 points greater impact than on teams directly Russel Wilson and through weeks affected by Covid. Cam Newton, who two and three Last week the Vikings played the Titans, play for the Seahawks and Patriots, and Hines doing a little bit better with and since the game several Titans team respectively,.Wilson is the number one 11.5 through two weeks. Baby got members came down with Covid-19. quarterback and Newton is the number Dak dropped Hines, while Big Bundy Now not just the Titans are shut down three quarterback. Now Thieman traded Brand picked up Joshua Kelley, but the Vikings as well. This means that Wilson in order to fill some missing running back on the Chargers, either the Vikings will not play their pieces, claiming that Newton is a better to replace Brown. next game or they are missing out on fantasy quarterback than Wilson longThe reason team Big Bundy valuable practice time. This could be term. Brand needed to pick up detrimental to a player in fantasy Thieman needed both a running back another running back was as a week of practice is extremely and a wide receiver; he dealt because of Mark Ingram. important for preparing for Wilson away for David Ingram was a star certain Montgomery, Julian in the teams. Edelman, and Ben F o r Roethlisberger. example Thieman wanted. Dalvin Cook has been a Something Ravens offense last solid running back for the Vikings, c o m m o n year and I had high hopes for however without a week of practice throughout the him this year. However, the the Viking’s as a team could lack fantasy world combination of Ingram aging knowledge on the opposing team. is something and the draft selection of Ohio This raises a question on if you called a handcuff, State running back J.K. Dobbins should start players on a team who this is an act of now leaves Ingram averaging 7.2 are missing out of practice. insurance in which points through the first three The next 13 weeks will be you draft the backup weeks. This number is boosted interesting for the Viking Fantasy to a star in case of the by his week 2 performance League. Some teams will certain star getting where he had 15. I used an struggle with injuries, after their injured. Interestingly, no early draft pick on Ingram star players going down one in our league decided and is now left with a less early in the season and to do that with their teams. then stellar running back attempting to replace Most teams in the league were on my roster. the players off the waivers. stricken with injuries throughout the One team with a successful pickup Some teams have stayed first few weeks leading to the waiver wire after week two was team Hanaka oh healthy and are attempting to make a being in a claiming frenzy. Every week Hannika, who picked up Mike Davis run for the playoffs, and other teams are the top players on the waiver wire are running back on the Carolina Panthers, healthy but just bad like team Big Bundy gone instantly. This has had an the backup for Christian McCaffery. Brand. However, no matter how good or impact on the league as players Everyone expected Davis to have a good bad each team is there will definitely be are shifting throughout the week, especially filling the shoes of a tears of both sadness and happiness. league on a weekly basis. great player. Davis did not disappoint Almost every team in throughout week three putting up 23.1 the league has had points highlighted by eight receptions to make pickups with one touchdown caught. Davis is a temporary player only getting major touches for the next couple of weeks while McCaffery is sidelined with ankle injuries, but for the near future Davis @vikingsportsmag | OCTOBER 2020 | 45
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The Final Word
The NFL Should Reconsider Starting the Season When the sports that we love were taken away from us because of the Covid-19 pandemic, we were all devastated. But we wanted them to come back just how we left them, not with atheletes having to skip games and matches getting suspended. The NFL has seen many players get sick in recent weeks which suggests that it’s time to suspend the season, and only return once they can ensure that the integrity of the game won’t be affected.
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by JACK ELARDE and VIJAY HOMAN yan Tannehill and the Tennessee Titans are currently 3-0, surprising many fans following their cinderella story run to the AFC championship game last season. However, those three wins may be their only of the year: after four positive Covid-19 tests from active players, their upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers has been postponed. While every NFL fan has undoubtedly wished that the season start on schedule without a hitch, it is just as important that the season isn’t stopped halfway through. Up until this point, there hadn’t been any significant reports that suggested that it would be, but this event could shake up the season. Each team usually plays 16 games, with one “bye week” where they don’t play, meaning that each team can really only afford to cancel one game before they have to dismantle the schedule. And if a couple teams aren’t healthy enough to play, it’s difficult to justify everyone else continuing with their games, because that means that there is no real uniformity in the play conditions of each team. One team that gets a three week break would likely play better than a team that has to play three weeks in a row, and that would stir up tensions between owners, fans and players. One example of this effect is with the New England Patriots and their star quarterback Cam Newton. The former heisman trophy winner has paid his dues in Carolina, making the playoffs four times but never winning a superbowl. After being replaced by their new starting quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater, Newton had no place to go. His physical playstyle and tendency to run the ball into bigger defenders left many questioning whether he had anything left in the tank. For that reason, he was left virtually untouched in free agency, by every team except one:
Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots. They offered him an incentive heavy contract, and he worked hard in the offseason to win the starting role. He led them to a 2-1 record with fairly impressive statistics, and was expected to be tested heavily with a game against the 3-0 Kansas City Chiefs. Yet, for all his hard work, he tested positive for Covid-19 just a few days before the game, and now has to sit out while the teams backup quarterback, veteran Brian Hoyer, takes the reigns. How can one justify this being a fair matchup when one team’s star player won’t be able to compete? The playoffs are a similar story. The atmosphere and hype leading up to the games is what makes many instant classics, but how is it the same with few to no fans in the stands? How can we be sure about the letting some teams in and keeping some out when their schedules and conditions are completely different? Every week, the number of questions grows, and every week, the number of infected players and staff rises. The NFL is taking some measures to try to get teams to tighten up, such as threatening to suspend players and coaches or take away draft picks from teams. However, we think that they have to understand the situation better — these precautions don’t guarantee that no one will contract the virus, and once one person has it, as we’ve seen time and time again, there’s no telling how many other people have it too. Additionally, without a “bubble” system in place (which the NBA is currently using), it’s harder to tell if players are actually adhering to the guidelines. In the basketball world, the league has a strict no tolerance policy. Rockets forward Danuel House Jr. was kicked out
recently for having a female coronavirus testing official in his room, setting a precedent for what the NBA would do if the rules were broken. However, the NFL doesn’t have such precedent, and thus there is greater risk that someone or something could spread the virus. Logistically, it is also very unlikely that the NFL could or would implement a bubble system. See, the NBA did it for the last few games of the regular season and the playoffs, where only a couple of teams with 15 players and a few additional staff were allowed in. In the NFL, there would be more teams, 55 players on each roster, and more staff members to accomadate for the greater number of players. The risk of players and staff getting infected would exponentially rise, which would cause some players to sit out. The biggest reason why the NFL wants to keep the seasons going is because of the money they are making. The Guardian notes that “The NFL, for all its recent nods to social justice, is proud of its status as a moneymaking behemoth.” Now, the NFL may rack in around $15 Billion every year, but is that amount of money worth the health of the players, fans, and coaches? The sustainability of the league is at risk, and the decisions that the commisioner makes will surely have long term effects. Many of the coaches are more than 50 years old, and as we know, Covid-19 tend to increase in lethality across older age groups. The death of coaches and legends becaues of incompetence by league officials would not bode well for the future of the league, no matter how much money they would make in the process. What we as fans want is the sports of old, something that we can look at and know that it is just the same as it was a year ago. But the sports of today are not.
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