Rampage The
September 17, 2014
The Student-Run Newspaper of Fresno City College
Vol. CXXVI
FREE
ISSUE 2
MARIACHI, FOLKLORICO, FIESTA FCC Celebrates Mexican Independence Day
Fresno City College student Hector Avalos sings La Paloma Negra on the stage of the free speech are during the Mexican Independence Day celebration, Tuesday Sept. 16, 2014. Photo/Patrick Forrest BY PATRICK FORREST
News Editor pforrest@therampageonline.com
Fresno City College’s 2014 Mexican Independence day celebration dazzled with Mariachi, Folklorico dancers and abundant ethnic foods. “This Mexican independence day celebration is a great way to allow students to get out and experience a cultural event, whether that be through the performers, dancers or also some of the food,” said Janice Wong, college center assistant. Multiple performers took to the stage to sing in front of the Ma-
SEE MENTAL HEALTH ON PAGE 2 l
POLLS VIDEOS
riachi band including FCC student Hector Avalos. “I have been having this itch to perform. I perform a lot and I sing a lot so this was kind of just the perfect venue to make me want to come up.” said Avalos. “So I just went up there and did it.” Avalos also understands that performing at an event like Mexican Independence day isn’t just singing a song, it is providing context for others to understand his culture. “I just love my culture, and I think that it’s dying out for sure.” Avalos said. “Even the Mariachi has become a comical kind of thing, but
“They don’t want to admit that they’re having problems at home or having problems functioning.” -Sarah Hayes Active Minds Junior Advisor
it is a legitimate art form and it’s beautiful and it embodies so much with these antiquated songs that I want to keep alive.” The FCC Folklorico dancers also made an appearance to entertain the crowd with the traditional moves. “The dances that the students performed today, I mentioned in the introduction, was banned in 1776 not too long before Mexico’s independence.” said Ray Ramirez, instructor of Dance 27 - folklorico dance. “I think it’s important for the community to know that.” While the spectacle was seen
by many, those who truly know the cultural significance of September 16 in Mexican culture feel the need to participate in some way. “There is so much passion and pain and pride, all of these things that I think are just cornerstones of being Mexican.” Avalos said. “It’s a part of my culture and this is just one way that I can contribute.” “One of our roles down at student activities is outside of the classroom learning. Cultural Awareness, Diversity and involvement here on campus,” l TWITTER.COM/FORRESTP8
“Playing with guys that I grew up playing with has been fun. I’m glad we’re all here together ” -Christian Chaney All-American defender
SEE CHRISTIAN CHANEY ON PAGE 12 l
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PHOTOS STORIES
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NEWS
09.17.2014 THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH BECOMES PRIORITY BY CRESENCIO RODRIGUEZ
Multimedia editor crodriguez@therampageonline.com
About 31.5 percent of students attending Fresno City College suffer from depression, and 4.7 percent have attempted suicide, according to data collected in 2013 by the Psychological Services of the State Center Community College District as part of a survey by the American Health College Association and National College Health Assessment. The data which was collected over the course of 12 months led the Psychological Services to four main concerns for community college students -- that many community college students have mental health challenges because of stress, work, sleeping difficulties and anxiety. These challenges lead to even more anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide and sometimes even actual suicide. The national rate of depression among community college students is an estimated 31 percent according to the American Health College Association and National College Health Assessment survey. The data collected by the Psychology Services show that students attending other campuses within SCCCD showed similar challenges with 31 percent of students attending Clovis Community College, 29 percent of Reedley College students and 21 percent of Madera Center students suffering from depression. “Too many people resist treatment because they believe depression isn’t serious,” according to the “Faculty and Staff Handbook for Assisting Students in Distress,” issued by the Psychological Services. Those battling depression also think that they can treat it themselves or that it is a personal weakness rather than a
The inspirational board located outside of the psychological services office allows students to write messages to those struggling through a hard time during suicide awareness month. Photo/Katia Farias
“There should be no shame or stigma in reaching out for assistance” -Brian Olowude, Psychological Services Cordindator serious medical illness. “No one’s going to judge you,” said Sarah Hayes, junior advisor for the Active Minds Club at FCC. Hayes who is also a student aide in the Psychological services office said seeking psychological help should never be something to be embarrassed about. “It’s ok to have mental illness, problems or mental health problems,” Hayes said. “Also, it’s ok to get psychological help.” Hayes takes part in several events designed to decrease stigma surrounding mental
health stigma. The shame or humiliation from others comes in many forms and one of those forms, according to Hayes, is being thought of as “crazy” for seeking psychological help. “They don’t want to admit that they’re having problems at home or they’re having problems functioning,” Hayes said. Psychological Services at FCC offers help to students as young as 17 and as old as 40 and is among the best in the state, according to Brian Olowude, coordinator of the program.
“What we do with the resources we have is quality and students are definitely benefiting from them,” Olowude said. Olowude works to make sure students are getting the appropriate services that meet their psychological needs. “We know that if someone is doing better psychologically, they have more resources internally to devote to their academics,” Olowude said. FCC’s psychological services has stood up to those at universities across the state according to Olowude. “We’re very lucky at Fresno City, actually within our district, to have psychological services,” Olowude said. “Many community colleges throughout the state do not have [psychological] services.” Psychological Services is located in the Student Center building above the bookstore and is open from 8 a.m.
to 5 p.m. Walk-ins are always welcome, but students must first fill out a form which can be downloaded from the FCC website. However, Olowude says that Psychological Services does not necessarily give advice to students but instead guides them on how to search for the best resource for them. “We help them determine what’s going to be best for them,” Olowude said. His office has also created an “Wellness Matters”, an app for iPhones and Androids that addresses the need for creative solutions to meet the needs of Mental Health Awareness and Services available to college students.” Olowude encourages students to download and use it. Olowude says that in matters of mental health, “there should be no shame or stigma in reaching out for assistance.” l TWITTER.COM/CRES_GUEZ
Rampage Staff Editor-in-Chief Lauren Baker
Photo Editor Desiree Aranjo
Production Manager Patrick Forrest
Art Director Jarrett Ramones
News Editor Patrick Forrest
Copy Chief Yolanda Garzon
Opinion Editor Jarrett Ramones
Multimedia Editor Cresencio Rodriguez
Arts & Entertainment Editor Yolanda Garzon
Business Manager Ramiro Gudino
Reporters Lauren Barnett Yolanda Bird David Chavez Brijido Cisneros Alyssa Garza Julian Ramos Max Reagan Javier Hernandez Photojournalists Katia Farias Gloria Campos
Faculty Adviser Dympna Ugwu-Oju Contact Us Tip Line: 559.442.8262 Send Questions or Letters to the Editor to: editorial@therampageonline.com
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Sports Editor Keaundrey Clark
Journalism Association of Community Colleges
Fresno City College
NEWS
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM 09.17.2014
Change in Disbursement BY YOLANDA BIRD
Reporter ybird@therampageonline.com
The date for the second disbursement for the financial aid grant has been changed from Oct. 9 to Oct. 30 according to the latest update on the student disbursement calendar. According to Kira Tippins, director of financial aid and scholarships at Fresno City College, these dates cannot be changed. The second Pell grant payment, she said, is always scheduled to be after the 50 percent point, which is the final drop date. However, these dates have changed at times during the semester going from days to whole weeks from the original disbursement date. Two main disbursement dates are shown on the college’s website -- one at the beginning of the semester and the other at the end. Both are weighted disbursement dates. Elizabeth-Ann Whitney, a third semester student, said, “It [date change] happens every semester usually only by a few days.” She worries about the impact of a 20-day change and the possibility that the date may change again. “I don’t have a lot of money,” Whitney said. “Financial aid could have really helped.” Because of the date change, she may not be able to get the supplies she really needs. “The date change was a late notice, so I could not budget my funds properly,” Breanna Torrence, second year student at FCC said. “I was not prepared to find out the disbursement date would be pushed back a whole month.” Aid recipients receive a warning in the award letter that “financial aid disbursement dates provided are tentative and are subject to change.” There are no clear reasons why date changes happen. Approximately 71 percent of the
FCC student body receives a Board of Governors fee waiver from the State of California, according to Kira Tippins. This fee waiver allows students to enroll without carrying the burden of enrollment fees and tuition. Fifty four percent of FCC’s students also receive a Pell Grant, a cash award which students can use to help offset the cost of books and living expenses. Both of these government sponsored grants make college affordable for students who wouldn’t otherwise be able to afford the expenses. l TWITTER.COM/FCCRAMPAGE
DISBURSEMENT DATES
nities a m u H e g e l l o Fresno City C f the o n r u t e r e h t s present
m u i u q o l l o C s u p m a C Series
SEPT. 18
T opic What
role do athlet ics have in aca demic s?
OCT. 9 OCT. 30 NOV. 20 DEC. 11
: s t s i l e n a P Athletic Faculty l
Far and Wide
Students come from all around the State to attend classes at Fresno City College
tes e l h t A t n e d u t l S ournalist J s t r o p S l
BY JAVIER HERNANDEZ
Reporter jhernandez@therampageonline.com
FCC offers what many College students seek here in the Valley. Students travel from many different cities around the valley to attend its large campus and rich culture. The large campus provides an abundance of different major courses and enough space for students to be comfortable with their surroundings. There are places everywhere on campus for students to go, the cafeteria and the main fountain are hot spots for large groups of people, or if students desire more isolated areas they can be found everywhere on campus. With a sense of adventure many students can find great places to suite any wants or needs. Kimberly Scott an FCC student from Kerman said “I prefer FCC over Willow International because it has a bigger campus and quality teachers.” Shady Nicolas an international exchange student from Spain attends FCC because she is visiting family here in Fresno. She said “although classes and healthcare fees are very expensive for international students, she enjoys the campus and people.” Fresno County is a melting pot of ethnic heritages and rich in cultural diversity. Many students enjoy the abundance of diversity and invite new perspectives from other ethnicities and cultures. FCC `provides 42 different types of clubs with ethnic, interest orientated, culture based, and personal progressive outlets that promote students get involved in their campus. FCC athletics program thrives with
the vast amount of students and talent around the college. Many students join the athletic programs because they stay competitive and have a history of success. This leaves a cookie crumb trail for recruits to scout and acknowledge it athletes for potential scholarships. Students travel from all over the valley for these opportunities. The teachers of FCC are as diverse in ethnicity as the students are. There are influential teachers all around campus making a difference. Many teachers go out of their way to help give advice or direction to students in need. Other instructors are the leaders of clubs helping manage their motives and at the same time molding students with the skillsets of leadership roles. Many students around campus like their previous teachers and developed good relationships as well as networking opportunities. Christina Xayavohng is a student that travels from Merced said “theirs cool people and she enjoys the teachers.” When it comes to diversity in all elements of college FCC is the place to be. College Students come from all over the valley for the abundance in people and good vibes. Others attend the campus for their studying their majors or competing in the athletic programs. Some simply choose FCC because it’s a larger campus than others. The only clear reason to why students choose FCC may be its mixture of all it has to offer. l TWITTER.COM/FCCRAMPAGE
in the
OAB 251 Skylight Room on Wednesday, October 1st start ing at
7 pm
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09.17.2014 THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
C V o
ampus oiCes nline
Watch our new video series at TheRampageOnline.com.
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM 09.17.2014
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NEWS
EL DIA DE INDEPENDENCIA
Images from Fresno City College’s Mexican Independence Day Celebration To celebrate Mexican Independance Day this year, performers entertained students with traditional music and dance performance. A concurrent club rush marked the occasion as clubs operated foods selling food and providing information to the students. See our extended coverage online. Photos by Gloria Campos, Patrick Forrest, Ramiro Gudino.
More photos at THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
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09.17.2014
Artist:Ashleighy Fleenor Contact Info: (559)351-2774
Artists: Yanelly Torres & Quincey Artists: Creighton Geigle & Josh Wigger
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Layout Design: Lauren Baker Reporters: Jarrett Ramones, Gloria Campos, Katia Farias Photographers: Katia Farias & Gloria Campos
Art Hop takes place the first Thursday of every month at various locations throughout the historic Tower District, Downtown Fresno, and Fulton Mall areas from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
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When it comes to banking, nothing could be easier than banking with EECU. With our mobile app, text message banking, and mobile deposit, accessing your money couldn’t be easier, faster or safer. And thanks to our MyCash package of services just for students, you’ll be ahead of the pack when it comes to making smart financial choices. Now let’s review:
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Locations: 1419 M. Street Complex, Fresno Calif. 93721 1416 Broadway Street, Fresno Calif. 93721 arte Americas 1630 Van ness Ave. Fresno Calif. 93721
09.17.2014
FCC - Broadcast Yourself BY DAVID CHAVEZ
Reporter dchavez@therampageonline.com
From how-to videos to retro television shows; music videos to parodies of movies. Anything captured on video can be uploaded almost instantaneously to YouTube and can turn the average person into a success. According to Forbes’ list of YouTube statistics, more than 1 billion users visit YouTube each month. There are 100 hours of videos uploaded to YouTube each and every minute. Fresno City College students are tuning in. In an ever-growing society, YouTube provides that readily available platform for anyone hoping to jumpstart the path to stardom. Roman Porras, FCC student, has his own channel and is hoping to find success. He has been creating and posting videos for three months. His YouTube channel, “romanvex”, is described as a “comedy channel that has videos that are meant to be relatable to people.” “I’ve always wanted to be an actor so I figured YouTube was a way to start out.” said Porras on why he chose to start his own channel. Some of the themes included in Porras’s channel are videos of advice for the college-age student, personal experiences and things he notices, all expressed in a comical way. “People can watch them and think ‘I say that’ or ‘I do that’,” said Porras. Many well-known entertainers have a success story, thanks to YouTube. Arnel Pineda, who is currently the
singer of the band Journey, was discovered on YouTube in 2007. He started singing covers of bands such as Aerosmith, Led Zeppelin and The Eagles. By the end of 2007, he was asked to auditioned for the band Journey and after was named the new lead singer in place of Steve Perry. Justin Bieber was also made famous because of YouTube. He was discovered by Scott “Scooter” Braun, who became his manager. Bieber would go on to consult and sign with popular musician, Usher and release four albums followed by a world tour. YouTube reaches more U.S. adults ages 18 to 34 compared to any cable network, according to Nielsen Holdings, the audience measurement system that determines the audience size and composition of television programming in the U.S. Chris Gonzales, an English major at FCC, said he goes on YouTube to watch football highlights, funny videos, new music, or anything that goes viral. Victoria Castañeda, a biology major at FCC, said she mainly visits YouTube to watch how-to apply makeup and style videos.
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FCC student Roman Porras’s Youtube channel, “romanvex”, is all about comedy and giving advice./Photo by Desiree Aranjo
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OPINION
09.17.2014 THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
STUDENTS COME FIRST?
Is administration doing everything they can to keep the campus safe?
BY PATRICK FORREST
News Editor Pforrest@therampageonline.com
Isn’t it a priority of those leading an institution to put education and the safety of students first? If there is ever a time at which the administration, or any of those in charge have information that they feel, if it got out to the general public, would cause an unrest. Then the information should get out to everyone because they feel that they should be worried about whatever has happened. Those who are roaming this campus are all adults, trusted with the
Graphic/Brijido Cisneros
idea of paying for our education, but not with the ability to react to a threat, whether real or perceived. Also why is it optional to receive emergency information? The schools within the State Center Community College District are set up with the my.scccd.edu email address. And all other information goes to these accounts, including overdue business accounts, financial aid updates and registration changes but if you want the information about a campus emergency then you have to ask for it and sign up. Whether the Twitter account or the 1st2know emergency alert system is used, administrators across the district need to consider a more comprehensive strategy to ensure that every student on campus has access to information that may affect their safety in any way. Decision makers across the district need to change not only the way, but the amount of information that is given out to the students in potential situations of danger, and it needs to become a priority soon. l TWITTER.COM/FORRESTP8
WHAT’S THE DEAL WITH THE ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE? BY LAUREN BARNETT
Staff Reporter Lbarnett@therampageonline.com
Do you want to be involved in a movement that creates awareness for a deadly disease? Now you can. You can participate in the “Ice Bucket Challenge” to raise money and create awareness about Amyotropic Lateral Sclerosis disease. Many on the Fresno City College campus such as Sean Henderson, director of student activities and Chris Villa, vice president for student services joined celebrities and millions of other Americans in the Ice Bucket Challenge at Fresno City College. The Ice Bucket Challenge is an innovative interactive fundraiser. It is great because it is fun and has gotten many people involved. When participating in the correct way it is a great way to promote awareness for a worthy cause. One might ask what is the Ice Bucket Challenge? The Ice Bucket Challenge is an activity that involves dumping a bucket of ice water on someone’s head to promote awareness of the disease ALS. Once the challenge is accepted, one must nominate three people or make a donation within 24 hours. The challenge is becoming huge
on social media and has raised a lot of awareness and money for ALS. While much publicity is going on for the challenge there are still people skeptical on what the challenge actually is. Megan Johnson an FCC student said that she was nominated for the Ice Bucket Challenge and “did it the very next day.” Despite being excited about partaking in the trendy social media event, Johnson did not know what ALS stood for. ALS is referred to as “Lou Gehrigs Disease”, a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells from the brain to the spinal cord. The challenge is spreading over the news and social media. Although many people participating in the challenge are not fully aware of what it is, this does not mean that it is not important, or should be dismissed. Another student, Roger Ellis, has participated in the Ice Bucket Challenge and has donated money. He thinks it is a great way to get people involved and spread awareness. It has actually inspired him to research the disease and find out more about it. As of Aug. 27, the challenge has raised $934 million in donations compared to $2.7 million during the same time last year. That is over a 2,000 percent increase in revenue. The donations will go towards research for ALS, patients, community services and professional education. This challenge is a phenomenal way to gain awareness and donations for people diagnosed with ALS and in need of care. If you would like to take an icebucket challenge or make a donation for ALS, please visit http://www.alsa. org/donate.
l TWITTER.COM/FCCRAMPAGE
Fun Facts:
When doing the challenge use hash tag: #ALSicebucktchallenge #Strikeoutals #icebucketchallenge
The ice bucket challenge may not be suitable for small children, elderly, anyone in poor health or animals of any kind. So please use good judgement
Please be thoughtful about water usage. If you’re in an area of the country or world affected by drought, please consider making a donation instead, or repurpose the water for later use.
Facts from ALS.org
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
09.17.2014
OPINION
ABUSE IS ABUSE, THERE IS NO EXCUSE. BY THE RAMPAGE EDITORIAL BOARD
Domestic Violence is one of the most horrific crimes to date, to put your hands on a loved one means you never really loved them and help is needed to expose some of the dangers behind the violence. After a recent video released by TMZ showing Ray Rice’s brutal attack on his wife, we know what transpired in the elevator, but very little about how the NFL handles domestic violence. People everywhere are condemning the actions of the NFL and New Jersey Law enforcement in their handling of the situation, and rightly so. These two bodies had preferred to play down the significance of the incident. Their actions have set back whatever gains have been made in the fight against domestic violence, especially in today's sports world. Sports is a world heavily based in testosterone. We live in an “alpha- dog society” that believes that in order to be on top, you have to be the biggest, baddest guy on the block. There is simply little tolerance for weakness or sensitivity. Football is an aggressive contact sport with men hitting each other hard and taking massive amounts of abuse on their bodies. Many players take steroids which has been proven to make the user irritable and more prone to be more abusive towards others. What their actions have revealed is that the NFL has little regards for victims of crime for that matter. There are examples of domestic abuse in sports, like Ben Roethlisberger, quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers, who was twice accused of sexual assault. On both instances, the case was settled out of court, and Roethlisberger was suspended for a total of six games. The fact that both these cases were settled out of court says that Roethlisberger had something to hide, and used to his money to cover up his crimes. The NFL allowed After this past incident, the media caught wind of the league’s weak at-
tempt at punishment, it escalated into media personalities calling for the commissioners head. The NFL is scrambling under media scrutiny to come up with a solution to their lacking of punishment to domestic violence, they recently came up with the idea of having four female advisors who oversees domestic violence issue. A last ditch effort to appease the loud voices they rightly deserve in their ear. The NFL’s policy of domestic abuse used to be non-existent. After Rice knocked out his wife in an elevator, public outcry forced them to come up with a solution. Starting on Aug. 28, 2014, the NFL rule imposes a suspension at the first domestic violence offense and a lifetime ban on the second offense. The fact there was no punishment in place for players when it comes to this issue reflects the NFL’s incompetence as well as its lack of sympathy towards any other human being. According to “fivethirtyeight.com” a website that collects data on the NFL, 55 percent of the arrests in the league are of domestic violence, higher then any other crime. It’s about time to take a serious stand on domestic violence. Domestic abuse is one of the worst crimes in society. Putting your hands on another person means you have no respect for basic human rights. The lack of empathy from the league is startling considering 45 percent of their viewers are women. According to the “National Coalition Against Domestic Violence” its been reported yearly that 1.3 million women are victims of domestic abuse. There is an easy way for the NFL to fix their image when this problem happens again. A suspension for the whole year of games for the player. They would be giving up millions dollars for the crime. Since they are viewed as “role models” by some the courts will have likely given them a light sentencing. Thats where the league steps in and give out their punishment.
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OPINION
09.17.2014 THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
BIKES, BOARDS, AND FLATTENED PEDESTRIANS
BY JULIAN RAMOS
Staff Reporter Jramos@therampageonline.com
Is Fresno City College so extraordinarily large that a person needs to ride through an already cramped walkway? Bike riders and skateboarders are insensitive and entitled, believing others should yield and make room for them. Bike riding and skateboarding are effective and environmentally-friendly modes of transportation; in fact, more people should consider alternative means of transportation – but once you’re on campus, is it really necessary to keep riding? Multiple signs posted throughout the campus prohibit the use of wheels, be it skateboards, longboards, rollerblades, scooters, etc. “Bicycles are fine as long as they’re ridden in a safe manner (not going too fast, doing tricks). It’s the skateboarders and long boarders who seem to be causing trouble,” says Officer J.
Uribe. “And should someone be caught violating the safety laws they will be issued a citation.” Uribe then went on to mention multiple injury reports. Skateboarders run the risk of hurting themselves and have hit others on the ankles or crashed into them before quickly fleeing. Although nobody has been gravely injured it is still an unnecessary injury nonetheless. There has even been one instance where an individual had lost control of his skateboard which then crashed into a glass door, causing it to shatter. This is considered a felony and worth hundreds of dollars in repairs. Maybe it all boils down to not knowing the rules. Or maybe they just do not have any regard for their safety and the safety of others and feel the need to satisfy a fragile ego by performing poorly executed board tricks. Maybe there should be an increase in patrol officers who survey the area. When asked if skateboarding should be allowed on campus David Hernandez, Psychology Major said “well yeah, it’s a big campus and sometimes most people don’t have enough time to get to where they need to go on foot.” He also said he and others were aware of the rules against skating on campus but they do it anyway, despite being talked to by an officer. “If we get a citation we’ll just pay it. I’m just trying to get around,” said Hernandez. l TWITTER.COM/WHINEDAD
Graphic/Yolanda Bird
RAMPAGE COMICS
Graphic/Max Reagan
Graphic/Lauren Baker
THERAMPAGEONLINE.COM
09.17.2014
SPORTS
Freshmen Step up Early this Season FCC offense dominates as Rams move to 5-0
Kat Garcia, No. 9 defender jukes past a American River College player. The Fresno City College Rams took a 5-0 win at Ratcliffe Stadium. Friday, September 12, 2014. /Desiree Aranjo BY KEAUNDREY CLARK
Sports Editor kclark@therampageonline.com
Although the Fresno City College women’s soccer team tied its first game of the season, the team has found its groove and is on fire resulting in a 5-0 victory over American River College on Friday Sept. 12, at Ratcliffe Stadium. There were worries about scoring at the beginning of season, but the Rams have put them to rest any after a dominating win versus ARC. “We needed to improve on finishing scoring opportunities,” said head coach Oliver Germond. “We have some talented players that are skilled mixed with some athleticism. Freshmen Kelly Garzon, Jasmine Carion, Mel Harris, and Yesseniah Delgahdillo all came through for FCC, as they scored 4 total goals in the second half against the Beavers. “Our Freshmen are adjusting very well,” said Germond. “It’s an adjustment to play at the college level, b our freshmen are showing more more confidence every day which will
make our team much stronger.” FCC has been dominant in their first six games of season, scoring 14 goals and allowing only one so far. “We’ve done a great job defensively in the first six games,” Germond said. “Coming into the season defending was a concern since our four starting defenders and GK all graduated last year.” Sophomore Forward Jannely Rangel has helped lead the rams with 4 goals and 3 assists in six games. “We have to stay leveled headed and not get too confident,” said Rangel. “We have a great team and we always need to know there are things we have to do to keep getting better.” With a high scoring offense and a dominant defense, FCC could be poised to win its ninth Central Valley Conference title in Germon’s 14 seasons at FCC. “I feel our team has to stay focused, take each game one at a time,” said Sophomore midfielder Maricruz Chapa. “Thats our key to winning.”
5 Game Winning Streak Game 1: Won vs San Diego Mesa 3 to 1 Game 2: Won vs Long Beach 1 to 0 Game 3: Won vs DVC 3 to 0 Game 4: Won at CRC 2 to 0 Game 5: Won vs ARC 5 to 0 Top Players: Vanessa Penuna Sophomore Midfielder - 2 Goals and 3 Assists Rianna Chavez Sophomore Forward - 2 Goals and 2 Assists Jannely Rangel Sophomore Forward - 4 Goals and 3 Assists Top defensive players: Maria Magana GoalKeeper - 12 Saves
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Germond’s Quest for a State Title Continues BY KEAUNDREY CLARK
Sports Editor kclark@therampageonline.com
Without a doubt, women’s soccer coach Oliver Germond has had a great career coaching at Fresno City College. In his 14 seasons at FCC, Germond has won the Central Valley Conference title eight times. Since 2002, his teams have ended the year ranked in the top 20 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America . “Competition is one of our keys to success here,” Germond said. “Getting players to compete on a daily basis makes us better.” Germond has earned 212 wins in his 14-year tenure here at the college. He has had more than 60 soccer players transfer to 4-year universities since his first year at FCC in 2000. “Coach Germond is always on us to get better everyday,” sophomore forward Jannely Rangel said. “He always has input on how we can become better players.” Germond passes on to his players some of the qualities of life he learned from his father. “Work ethic, getting our players
After 21 career playoff wins, Germond looks for more ready for the next level at the 4-year universities,” Germond said. Recent FCC stars like Jenna Thomason(Fresno Pacific), Laura McIntosh(Cal State East Bay), and Moriah Rodriguez(Sacramento State) are some of Germond’s success stories. Despite the successes, he still has the one goal left before his time at FCC is over -- winning a state title. “There are 94 junior college soccer programs in the state of California; we’ve been close to a state title in the past which wasn’t an easy task,” Germond said. “I’m proud of the accomplishments, but winning a state title would be a great team goal, and we’ll keep trying. Germond continues to instill values in his players that will take with them far and beyond soccer. ”People who take shortcuts and don’t work hard are going to suffer,” Germond said. “I want our players here to be successful, whether it is soccer, getting a job or in the classroom.” l TWITTER.COM/SLOCUM13
Head coach of the Fresno City College Women’s soccer team, Oliver Germond, has 212 career wins in 14 seasons at FCC. Friday, September 12th, 2014./Desiree Aranjo
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PORTS
09.17.2014 Christian Chaney: Coming Into His Own BY KEAUNDREY CLARK
Sports Editor kclark@therampageonline.com
Christian Chaney, a defender for the Fresno City College men’s soccer team, has come into his own as a player in these last two seasons as a Ram. Chaney can be seen around campus, engaged with his friendsand just enjoying his everyday life. On the soccer field, despite his slight frame, Chaney can be intimidating to opponents and a leader to his team. He scored five goals with one assist last season, but his statistics does not show the whole story about his gifts and sportsmanship. “Christian is a vocal leader for us,” said head coach Eric Solberg. “He adds stability for us, and brings a presence on the field that makes him one of the better soccer players in California.” He started playing soccer at 7 years old, getting involved in the sport with his grandfather. “I love the amazing things you can do on the field,” said Chaney. “Soccer is one of the most amazing sports in the world.” He has been a leader for his team over the past two seasons. That leadership earned him a spot the 2013 NSCAA/Continental Tire Junior College All - American team, a surprise even to himself. “Christian leads the defense and has been a great player here for FCC,” said Solberg “I love what the sport has done for me,” Chaney said. “It’s taken to to some amazing places.” He played for the Fresno Fuego during the summer, alongside other talented local players from various schools that include UNLV, UC Berkeley and Fresno Pacific.
Chaney said he became a better player from playing club soccer; he played down in Yahualica Mexico for Club Deportivo Yahualica De Los Altos in the summer of 2012. “Getting the experience of playing in a whole new country was one of the best things I’ve ever done,” said Chaney. One of the biggest challenges Chaney said he faced while in Mexico was, “Being away from home, my family, friends, and getting accustomed to new traditions.” He cherished the opportunity to play club soccer. “I played for free because of amatuer rules,” said Chaney. “If I would have taken money my college playing days would have been over.” Chaney credits men’s coach Solberg with helping his players grow on the field, as well as off the field. “He teaches me how to be a good person in general, take leadership and do everything to the best of my abilities,” said Chaney Chaney has enjoyed his last two years here and the friendships he has developed on the team. “Playing with guys that I grew up playing with has been fun,” Chaney said. “I’m glad we’re all here together.” Chaney’s goal is to win state, then hopefully play college soccer if he doesn’t end playing professionally whether it be Major League Soocer or overseas next year. He said, “To become a great player you have to work hard on and off the field.” l TWITTER.COM/SLOCUM13
Fresno City College Men’s Soccer, defender Christian Chaney, was an All-American in 2013, Thursday, September 11, 2014./ Desiree Aranjo