Through the opening weeks of spring football in 2017, Anthony Hawkins was focused on wide receiver. A year later, his focus still rests on the position group, but in an entirely different fashion. Hawkins spent his freshman year as a wide receiver and entered his second season all the same in 2017 spring practices. But […]

Originally posted on The Rocky Mountain Collegian at One year later, Anthony Hawkins feels settled at cornerback for CSU football

The Bruins won their sixth-straight match and didn’t drop a single set.

No. 4 UCLA men’s tennis (17-2, 2-0 Pac-12) defeated UC Irvine (10-8, 0-0) at home Tuesday, sustaining its undefeated record at home this season.

This was the Bruins’ first match since their match against Oklahoma on March 15.

“I felt this was a crucial match for us,” said coach Billy Martin. “We needed to get into the groove again after not playing for a while.”

UCLA showed strength from the start, as the pair of freshman Bryce Pereira and sophomore Ben Goldberg won 6-3 in doubles on court three over Luis Lopez and Daniel Gealer. The court one duo of senior Martin Redlicki and sophomore Evan Zhu also took their match 6-3 against Mason Hansen and Luca Marquard to clinch the doubles point.

Coming in to face the Anteaters, the Bruins had lost in doubles in their previous two matches.

“I think we just focused on playing aggressivly and we felt pretty comfortable the whole way,” Goldberg said. “(There was) no stress there.”

Goldberg joined the Bruins’ doubles lineup for the first time since UCLA’s match against Portland in February. Partnering with Pereira, he took junior Maxime Cressy’s spot, who Martin chose to rest.

“It is a little bit more pressure because I don’t get to play every single match this year,” Goldberg said. “(I’ve) got to make the most of every opportunity (and) I did that today.”

UCLA propelled its momentum from doubles into singles, winning all its first sets.

Senior Austin Rapp put the Bruins up 2-0, taking home the second set 6-2 over Vatsal Bajpai on court five. No. 45 freshman Keegan Smith followed, defeating Sasha Krasnov on court two in straight sets.

“I was playing pretty aggressive, going for my shots (and) not really holding back,” Smith said. “That usually pans out well if I’m playing well, and I was playing well today.”

Freshman Connor Hance clinched the match for UCLA, taking down Daniel Gealer in two sets on court four. The Bruins completed the sweep with straight-set wins on courts one, six and three by Zhu, Goldberg and No. 66 senior Logan Staggs.

UCLA will look to stay unbeaten at home this weekend as it resumes Pac-12 play against No. 3 Stanford and unranked California. The Cardinal defeated the Bruins at Stanford earlier this season.

“I think we could do some damage,” Smith said. “We’ve got the home-court advantage (and) I think everyone’s playing pretty well so I’m excited to go out there and take it to them.”

The Lagoon Concert Series has given students one more thing to look forward to in the final stretch of the semester; they’ve announced their 2018 lineup.

Originally posted on The Rocky Mountain Collegian at Lagoon Concert Series announces summer lineup

About 200 Emory community members participate in the March 24 “March./Ayushi Agarwal, Photo Editor

Shouts of “not one more” and “vote them out” filled the streets of Atlanta as protesters, including roughly 200 Emory community members, participated in the March 24 “March for our Lives” against gun violence. The Atlanta event was one of more than 800 such events worldwide calling for Gun Control reform in America. “March for Our Lives” was spurred by the Feb. 14 Parkland, Fla., mass school shooting, in which 17 people died.

More than 30,000 people in the Atlanta community marched from the Center for Civil and Human Rights to the Georgia State Capitol and heard speeches from U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) and three Parkland shooting victims, according to the Atlanta-Journal Constitution. The youth-led movement was led by student survivors of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas (MSD) High School.

Emory shuttles, co-funded by the Student Government Association (SGA), Residence Life and College Council (CC), departed from Woodruff Circle every half hour between 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. and picked up students at 3 p.m. and 4 p.m from downtown Atlanta to return to campus. Shannon Anderson (20C) organized the four Emory shuttles with the help of SGA Sophomore Representative Johnna Gadomski (20C). According to Anderson, the Emory shuttles cost $2,400: Residence Life funded $1,200, CC funded $400 and SGA funded $800.

At least 150 Emory students used the shuttles to attend the march, according to Anderson. On the Emory to March for Our Lives Facebook page, about 400 Emory students RSVP’ed to the event.

Anderson was also one of the student organizers for the Atlanta “March for Our Lives.” She led the logistics committee and was in charge of planning the route for the march, setting up bathroom locations and water stations. The committee formed one week after the Parkland shooting.

When asked about how she felt after the march, Anderson stated that the experience was surreal and that she was amazed to see the event come together. She also enjoyed seeing how involved the Emory community was in the march.

“Just knowing that the Emory community was involved as well was something I felt really humbled by,” Anderson said.

Cindy Hernandez (20C) and Becky Shepard (20C) said they attended the march to advocate for politicians in power to improve gun regulation. Shepard carried a sign during the march that read, “Actually, guns do kill.” She said she’s no longer surprised to hear when little kids die in school shootings.

Shepard said the march felt like a powerful way for an ordinary citizen to make a difference.

“I just want to, as an ordinary citizen, do what I can to spread the word even though the people in power aren’t doing anything,” Shepard said.

Hernandez said the Parkland shooting was the “final straw” and believes action needs to be taken for stricter gun control. She said she is happy to see that young people are the ones taking initiative.

Hernandez brought a poster featuring the names of dozens of school shooting victims, including those from Parkland.

The morning program for the march began at 11 a.m. with a moment of silence led by survivors of the Parkland shooting. Lewis, Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Parkland shooting survivor Carly Novell delivered speeches to the crowd about the need to speak out against gun violence and against politicians who weren’t taking action in the wake of the Parkland shooting.

Lewis observed how the country has lost key American figures, including Martin Luther King Jr. and John F. Kennedy, because of guns. He said no one is ever too young or too old to protest against gun violence.

“We can stop it,” Lewis said. “I got arrested, went to jail 40 times and since I’ve been in Congress, five more times. I’m probably going to go again trying to do something about gun violence.”

Throughout the march, protesters chanted slogans pleading for political action on gun-related issues and against the National Rifle Association (NRA) including “vote them out!” and “the NRA has got to go!” Protesters also held signs that said, “How many more?” “Enough is enough,” “School zones shouldn’t be war zones” and “Dear Congress, I’m an educator not a human shield.” One woman held a diploma case with a paper inside that read, “Bullets are not school supplies.”

Some activists were registering people to vote at booths alongside the march route.

During the afternoon program at the conclusion of the march, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Outreach Director and Spelman College junior Mary Pat Hector began her speech by asking the crowd to repeat chants like, “It is our duty to fight for our freedom” and “We must love each other and protect each other.”

Afterwards, she said she was “here on my brother’s 12th birthday because his life depends on this.” Hector said she was tired of “more victims than answers” and criticized President Donald J. Trump’s solution of arming teachers with guns, which would not prevent school shootings, she said.

“[We need to rid] our political system of corrupt politicians like him, [Sen.] Marco Rubio [R-Fla.], [Sen.] John McCain [R-Ariz.], and other conservatives that believe that arming our teachers is the answer to this problem,” Hector said.

Parkland student Jake Zaslav spoke about the importance of voting, noting that citizens — not politicians — control the fate of the country. In response to politicians who believe it is too late to implement a ban on guns, J. Zaslav said not taking action is worst.

“If we do not even try, then we are allowing innocent lives to be lost because we are too afraid to take a chance,” Jake Zaslav said.

Parkland student Alec Zaslav spoke about his experience during the Feb. 14 shooting and how the survivors and families of the victims “will never be the same again.” Alec Zaslav also had a message for politicians “who are still not taking us seriously” and “who think that thoughts and prayers” are enough action against gun violence.

“Your time is running out,” Zaslav said.

The crowd followed his message by chanting, “Vote them out!”

Mikko Biana (21C) told the Wheel after the march that the event exemplifies the difference being made by this generation. Biana is from Florida and lives 20 minutes away from the MSD high school. He said he visited the school over spring break and saw the 17 different memorials outside the building that commemorate the lives lost on Feb. 14.

“It was very sobering because you always think it can’t happen to you. It can’t happen to where you’re from. You should always care about gun control and gun violence even if it doesn’t happen in your community,” Biana said. “It inspired me to come out today and do something.”

The post Emory Community Marches for Gun Control appeared first on The Emory Wheel.

A vigil for Blake Brockington was held Friday night at the star quad. Photo by Alexandria Sands.

Blake Brockington walked the UNC Charlotte campus open and proud of who he was.

He was a role model for the transgender community, regularly participating and speaking at rallies, and was crowned North Carolina’s first transgender homecoming king at East Mecklenburg High School.

Yet, his friends still laid flowers down in front of his picture Friday night at the star quad. They still lit candles and spoke kind words of him. They still cried and comforted each other and stood silently, mourning his death.

Brockington chose to end his life three years ago.

His death serves as a reminder of the struggles people in the LGBTQ+ community face, often discriminated against and ostracized.

Three years after his death, a group of students are requesting a space on campus that can provide resources and support to the university’s LGBTQ+ community.

The UNC Charlotte LGBTQ+ Coalition was formed to campaign for the LGBTQ+ Center. They got the Student Government Association (SGA) on board. SGA passed legislation March 1 that approved the center, which doesn’t ensure the center will be created but communicates to university administration the center is wanted by students.

“We hope to have space secured for the LGBTQIA Resource Center by the end of our term,” said Bryan McCollom, student body vice president.

The coalition is hoping the space will be put in Cone, preferably and envisions it will have resources for students. They specifically want to partner with Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).

“I feel and I want it to be a space where anybody who is struggling, like Blake, is able to come in and see that they are welcome and that they’re in community,” said Clover Barin, a member of the coalition.

Other schools have spaces like this, including Appalachian State, East Carolina University, North Carolina Central and NC State.

An online petition titled “UNCC Needs an LGBTQ Center” has over 1,000 signatures. Many students and faculty have voiced their support in the comments.

“I believe LGBTQIA+ students (including ally’s) on campus should have a place to be themselves with students on the spectrum and promote inclusion and diversity,” wrote Junior Estevan Torres. “This is the step in the right direction to promote community.”

Michael Denton, who was UNC Charlotte’s assistant director of new students and academic programs from 2003 to 2010, wrote: “Students deserve a space where they can be themselves freely and in safety. North Carolina, Charlotte and our country is still very hostile to queer people despite limited gains. I implore you to be an institution even more welcoming, affirming and contributing to LGBTQ+ students lives and academics.”

“This is important,” wrote Kara Stephens. “Everyone deserves to feel safe.”

There was never any doubt in freshman Brett Brocoff’s mind that he wanted to play college baseball. Brocoff started his baseball career playing T-ball in Irvine, California. Starting at 5 years old, Brocoff worked all the way up to join the University of Utah baseball team.

Born in Newport Beach, Brocoff lived in California until he was about 8 years old when his family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada where they have remained since. The Brocoff family, a mere six hours away, manages to travel to see their only son play the sport he loves.

Both of Brocoff’s parents played sports in high school, but let their sports careers end there. Brocoff believes playing a college sport not only fulfills his dream but lets his parents, in a way, live vicariously through him. Brocoff is not the only athlete in his family. His 14-year-old sister gives Brocoff a run for his money for the position of sportiest Brocoff.

“My sister, three or four years from now, may have me beat,” Brocoff said.

For now, Brocoff keeps the title. He also holds multiple awards such as 2017 4A Southern Nevada Player of the Year at Desert Oasis High School. Though, baseball is not always about winning for Brocoff.

“[Baseball is] fun,” Brocoff said. “I’ve always been a big fan of being part of a team and baseball was the only sport I was ever any good at, so I decided to just play that one. And I get along with the guys well.”

It has always been the team effort drawing Brocoff into sports. Looking back on his favorite memories of playing the game, Little League was one of the first to come to mind.

“Little League All-Stars, you got to play with all your friends in club ball and against all your friends from club ball and it was just a great time,” Brocoff said.

When Brocoff was recruited by associate head coach Mike Crawford, it was an opportunity Brocoff could not pass up. Already looking to go to the U, Brocoff came up to visit campus as a junior in high school on an academic visit. Another aspect drawing Brocoff to Utah was the Business Scholars program which had a recruiting event in Las Vegas.

“I went to [the recruiting event] and just loved the people and the program has been great so far,” Brocoff said.

As a business scholar, Brocoff is currently studying business administration but he plans to go into finance, a path he is still figuring out.

Whatever Brocoff does, his ultimate goal is to be successful, and the biggest driving force in his life to accomplish that is Brocoff’s grandfather.

“Not so much on the sports side,” Brocoff explained about his grandfather. “But as a person. He seems to do everything right, it’s good to just kind of look up to him and ask him for help when you need it.”

Brocoff struggled through his junior year, as stress from classes and sports swirled together, a simple phone call to a grandparent was just what Brocoff needed.

“I was taking some hard classes and just wasn’t sure if it was for me,” said Brocoff. “I called [my grandpa] and he kind of just reminded me, ‘If you quit, you’ll never get another chance.’ [He] was a huge help.”

Now taking 15 credit hours, playing baseball and participating in Business Scholars, Brocoff’s stress turns to motivation.

“I just want to be successful, you know, in whatever I do,” Brocoff said. “I hate failure. Whatever happens with baseball or life, or whatever, I’m just trying to do the best I can.”

m.mcdermott@dailyutahchronicle.com

@kenzomcd

The post From T-Ball to College Baseball appeared first on Daily Utah Chronicle.

by Ann Garcia

She took a look around. The popularity of the shop’s Delight-infused coffees certainly paid off, and Kim had invested quite a sum into its aesthetics. After much deliberation, Kim had decided to go antique with decor of the … Read More

The post Coffee With A Stranger, PT. 2 appeared first on Mace & Crown.

They say all good Holidays must come to an end.

Aaron Holiday tweeted Monday night that he has declared for the upcoming 2018 NBA Draft. The junior point guard intends to sign with an agent, said a UCLA spokesperson. If he does, he will automatically forgo his final year of NCAA eligibility, and therefore leave UCLA.

After much thought and consideration, my family and I feel it is in my best interest to declare for the 2018 NBA draft. I want to thank God for giving me the ability to play this sport. I also want to thank my family, my coaches , UCLA, and the fans for always supporting me.

— Aaron Holiday (@AHoliday03) March 27, 2018

Holiday was one of the Pac-12’s best players this season, posting 20.3 points per game, 3.7 rebounds per game and 5.8 assists per game. He also shined defensively, with coach Steve Alford lauding the point guard all year long for consistently matching up with the opposition’s best guard.

An ESPN mock draft has Holiday going 23rd overall to the Lakers, who selected former Bruin Lonzo Ball with the second overall pick in the draft last year.

This post was updated March 26 at 9:44 p.m.

Oliver Crawford walked out of coach Bryan Shelton’s office after the Florida men’s tennis team’s victory over Arkansas on Sunday.

As of 5PM, March 26, 2018, there has been 292 votes cast in the Student Government Elections*. The current leaders are as follows:

President – Natalie Barton

Executive VP – Arjeet Tipirneni

Academic VP – Gregory Imhoff

VP Communications – Tie; Kacey Engler and Madelyn Walsh

VP of Finance – Max Giard

Chief of Staff – CJ Isom

The Southern Staff will provide live updates as soon as they are made available.

*according to Florida Southern Student Government