CSU-Pueblo campus ~ photo courtesy of Nelson Kahler

Colorado State University-Pueblo will host a Campus Safety Walk Nov. 29, at 6:15 p.m. Members of the Associated Students’ Government, a representative from the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office and Debbie Proctor will accompany participating students as they inspect the campus for safety elements.

ASG president Antonio Huerta believes this is a positive element of campus safety. “Together, ASG, the Sheriff’s Office, Debbie Proctor, and students will inspect the campus for safety elements,” Huerta said.

“We walk around campus to highlight and discuss the parts of campus that might not seem safe to students.”

Huerta also said that the group will discuss new additions related to on-campus safety. “We talk about adding lights, fixing old ones, we test the emergency pillars, and overall we want to make sure that campus is a safe environment for all students,” he said.

Huerta wants more students to become involved and attend the event. “Students should care about this event because this is a time where they can state their concerns about safety aspects on campus,” Huerta said.

The Campus Safety Walk will take place during the ASG weekly meeting. Due to the OUC closure, the meeting place for the event is not finalized. All interested students can follow the CSU-Pueblo ASG Facebook page or call the Pueblo County Sheriffs Department’s non-emergency number 719.583.6250.

Edited by: Theresa Wolf 

The Colorado State University-Pueblo Residence Halls and on-campus apartments will close Friday, Nov. 18, at 5 p.m. for fall break. They will reopen on Sunday, Nov. 27, at 8 a.m.

On-campus residents are not permitted to stay in their rooms during the break without prior approval from the Office of Residence Life and Housing. Special accommodations can be made for in-season athletes and out of state/international students. Students who need to stay because of work commitments or other exceptions will be charged $125 on their student account for the duration of the week.

Residents are advised to; unplug all appliances, clean their room before departure, remove all trash and recycling, close and lock their windows, turn off all their lights, turn their thermostat to 68 degrees, remember to take their plants or fish, submit any work orders and to lock their doors.

Students and their roommates living in Crestone, Culebra and Greenhorn Residence Halls are asked to sign a checklist before they leave for break.

Director of Residence Life and Housing Jami Hinshaw said that is can be a theft time. “Students need to be cautious as they pack and begin to move home for break,” Hinshaw said. “Be careful and don’t leave your items unattended as you pack your cars.”

Individuals who need to stay on campus over winter break must complete and submit applications before Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 5 p.m. Applications for winter break housing can be found online on the CSU-Pueblo website. Students who need to stay in housing over break will be charged $125 a week.

The residence halls and on-campus apartments will close Saturday, Dec. 10, 2016, at 8 a.m. and will reopen Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, at 8 a.m.

For more information and to find applications for winter break housing, please visit:  http://www.csupueblo.edu/Housing/Pages/default.aspx or stop by the Residence Life and Housing Office located in the Culebra Residence Hall. Office Hours are Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Edited by: Theresa Wolf

The Colorado State University-Pueblo Outdoor Pursuits Program staff has organized a hiking trip to Beulah Mountain Park for this coming Friday.

The cost of the trip is $10 for students and is free of charge for co-op members. Outdoor Pursuits is providing transportation and friendly guidance through the Park trails.

Jennifer de Groot, Outdoor Pursuits public relations and marketing supervisor said students enjoy hiking through beautiful Colorado nature.

“They should bring two liters of water, and snacks. They should wear layers of athletic clothing and tennis shoes or hiking shoes,” De Groot said, 

She believes this trip is unique because it’s on a Friday afternoon and the central destination is accessible to students.

“Students can expect a pleasant, enjoyable hike through the beautiful Colorado forests right near home.” De Groot said.

For more information on OP trips, students can stop by the Outdoor Pursuits Equipment Room on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Friday from 12-5 p.m. or go to the CSU-Pueblo Outdoor Pursuits Facebook page.

Edited by: Theresa Wolf

Kiersten Senff climbing at Shelf Road ~ photo courtesy of Jenn de Groot

The Colorado State University-Pueblo Outdoor Pursuits program has scheduled a rock climbing trip for students to Shelf Road, near Canon City, Colorado, Nov. 12.

The cost of the trip is $20 for students and $15 for co-op members. The fee covers transportation, climbing gear, climbing instruction and dinner.

Jennifer de Groot, Outdoor Pursuits Public Relations and Marketing Supervisor, said students should wear athletic clothing and layers.

This event differs from other Outdoor Pursuits trips in that the total cost covers the required gear.

“Outdoor Pursuits will personally gather and fit all the climbing gear required for each of our participants, so they do not need to check it out for themselves from the Equipment Room like they do for our other trips.”

De Groot also said that students should expect varying temperatures.

“The temperatures at Shelf Road are pleasantly warm year-round, so students can look forward to cool morning temperatures and sunny, warm afternoon temperatures,” she said.

“Outdoor Pursuits relishes the opportunity to teach individuals brand-new skills. The trip is open to all skill levels, and participants can expect friendly and helpful guiding from Outdoor Pursuits facilitators leading the trip,” de Groot added.

For more information, students can stop by the Outdoor Pursuits Equipment Room, Monday, Wednesday, Thurs and Friday, between 12-5 p.m., or visit the CSU-Pueblo Outdoor Pursuits Facebook page.

Edited by: Theresa Wolf

Outdoor Pursuits Challenge Course Administrator Kiersten Senff climbing at Shelf Road on a past Outdoor Pursuits trip. Phot courtesy of Jenn de Groot

CSU-Pueblo Men’s Club Rugby Team ~ photo courtesy of Bill Moorman

Several of Colorado State University-Pueblo’s club sports have wound down for the fall semester.

Men’s Club Soccer has officially wrapped up its 2016 season. Team captain Adam Wagner said that this season was not in the team’s favor, but that they grew overall.

“As a team, we wanted to go out on the pitch and play the best we could and have fun with it.”

The team’s goal was to play each game the best they could, Wagner added. The club soccer captain is looking forward to next year’s season and hopes to further the university’s Club Soccer Program.

“There is a lot to be done, and I think next year we may decide to approach the season in a different manner than we did this year.”

Vanessa Mitchell, club president, expressed pride in of the progress the team has made so far.

“This season we started off a little slow, but that was expected due to the fact that we are a totally different team this year,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell said the team needed to establish chemistry on and off the court and practiced for a solid month. She believes the team transformed into a decent group.

“I am extremely proud of my team, the girls work hard, and it shows that we have (the) potential to be really good by the end of the season,” Mitchell said.

“We started off at UNC, the pool play was rough; however, when tournament time came around the light bulb switched on.”

The team hosted a home tournament and took fourth place. The club also went to play a tournament at the Colorado School of Mines and finished among the top eight teams.

CSU-Pueblo Men’s Club Volleyball has traveled a handful of times as well and has held weekly practices.

Men’s Rugby is in the middle of its preseason. Team president Matt Durant said the team has only played a few games this fall. He is positive about the spring season.

“We have a great group of guys on our team, and we are looking forward to competing in our sevens season this upcoming spring and have a lot of fun,” Durant said.

The Rodeo Club had competed in five fall rodeos. The club will have five more in the spring.

Teisha Coffield, a rodeo club member, has been on the team for one semester and has made it to the final round or in rodeo slang short go.

“I made the short round in Riverton, Wyoming and Cheyenne, Wyoming. I earned points in the goat tying, breakaway roping and barrel racing,” Coffield said.

Collegiate rodeo is based on a point system, and the highest ranked individuals qualify for the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Finals.

The Bass Fishing Club had completed its required community service project and is looking forward to the new season. Team President Tyler Hassler said that a large goal for this school year was to attain more competitive members.

Hassler said he was looking forward to fishing new lakes in the next season and has a goal for the team members to place in the top 10 to qualify for the national championship.

“Austin Miles, Keane Velez and myself were all boaters for three separate teams of two kids in the biannual Pueblo West High School fishing tournament,” Hassler said.

 Edited by: Theresa Wolf

Haunted Cave flyer ~ Image courtesy of Outdoor Pursuits

The Colorado State University-Pueblo Outdoor Pursuits team is planning to take interested students on a trip to the underground, indoor cave at the CityROCK Climbing Gym in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The gym is hosting a haunted cave event. The deadline for registration is today at 5 p.m.

The cost of the event is $20, which includes transportation and admission to the cave.“Students need to bring a stout heart and nerves of steel as they face the horrors of the haunted cave,” Outdoor Pursuits Public Relations and Marketing Supervisor Jennifer de Groot.

According to CityROCK’s website, the haunted cave is transforming into a twisting tunnel of horrors this Halloween, which will test one’s sense as one tries to search for a way out.

De Groot said that Outdoor Pursuits does have a home celebration at the campus rock wall, but this event is a Halloween-themed trip.

“We invite participants to celebrate the spirit of Halloween with us at the nation’s only man-made underground cave,” she said.

“Even when it’s not Halloween, this cave still provides a way for spelunkers to explore year round.”

Students can expect a unique and professional caving experience, with an added fun of Halloween horrors.

Interested students can sign up or get more information in the Outdoor Pursuits Equipment Room, Monday, Wednesday, Thurs and Friday from 12-5 p.m.

Edited by: Theresa Wolf

Rec Center training equipment ~ Photo courtesy of Alex Hyland

The Colorado State University-Pueblo Student Recreation Center has incorporated new equipment and has added a new functional training center.

Downstairs in the Student Recreation Center, new equipment has been added to create the center. CSU-Pueblo Director of Club and Intramural Sports Bill Moorman is excited about the new feature.

“The new functional training center is something that we are very excited to offer to the students and staff of CSU-Pueblo,” Moorman said.

The new workout area has been in the works for about a year. A portion of the equipment in the new fitness area was purchased from the Colorado State University- Pueblo football team after the team’s weight room renovation.

“We offer a variety of equipment for our participants and patrons, but we were missing a place for students to be able to deadlift.” Moorman continued, “The area also gives the entire rec center more of a gym feel.”

The new equipment in the functional training center features power lifting stations, kettle bells, dumbbells, and battle ropes. A 360-degree training machine was also added that includes TRX suspension handles.

Moorman believes the new fitness center will bring in a larger demographic of students and staff. “The weights that were upstairs, at times had people waiting 20-30 minutes to use that equipment, now we have more weights and a new area to exercise in.”

“For students or staff who aren’t comfortable lifting in front of other people, this new center offers more privacy,” Moorman said.

Personally,  Moorman believes students and staff should take advantage of the new fitness center because of the benefits it can have for workouts and exercise.

“Cross training is extremely important; there are a lot of benefits to a full body workout,” he said.

Instructional videos on workouts and machine use can be found on the CSU-Pueblo Student Recreation Center’s Facebook page.

The workout videos feature current students demonstrating variations of workouts and exercises for the new equipment and are part of a weekly social media campaign on the recreational center’s Facebook page.

The Student Recreation Center is open Mon.-Thurs., 6 a.m. to 11 p.m, Fri., 6 a.m.-9p.m., Sat., 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sun. 2 p.m. 10 p.m.

Edited by: Zahria Sanchez-Rogers

Image courtesy of csupueblo.edu

Pack Intramural Sports at Colorado State University-Pueblo had their championship playoffs last week. Intramural co-ed softball and 4v4 sand volleyball had their championship playoffs on Tuesday and Thursday.

Intramural softball played its championship game Oct. 4 at the CSU-Pueblo baseball fields. The intramural softball championship team, Rec ‘N’ Crew, played the Master Batters for the final playoffs and won 18-17.

The Rec ‘N’ Crew team consisted of CSU-Pueblo staff and students: Bill Moorman, Annie Mehl, Brianna Bueno, Carly Baker, Chris Cruce, Greg York, Jared Mestas, Jayson Ortiz, Kashmir Kalohelani, Lance Cox, Madison Cole, Malorie Bueno, Matt Durant, Precious Molina, and Sophia Ficco.

Lance Cox, a member of the Rec ‘N’ Crew, said that he truly enjoyed playing with his teammates. “I love working for the Student Recreation Center; I love getting to play with my co-workers and winning our league is the cherry on top,” he said.

“Intramural sports are a great way to relieve stress and break up a busy week full of studying, homework and work.”

The 4v4 sand volleyball teams had playoffs on Thursday evening. The champions of the league, Set to Kill, consisted of CSU-Pueblo students: Jamie Wells, Mikayla Sullivan, Brooke Van Hee, Ryan Miller, and Tyler Torres.

Set to Kill player Jamie Wells was excited about her first intramural sports championship win. “There were some pretty good teams in the league, and it was fun and competitive. Our team had a blast the whole season,” she said.

The intramural sports season started the third week of the fall semester.

More intramural sports leagues will compete throughout the semester. Indoor volleyball registration is now open and interested students can register on the intramural sports application or stop by the Student Recreation Center for more information.

Powderpuff football will take place Oct. 13.  For more information on participating, please contact bill.moorman@csupueblo.edu.

Gallery by Pengjiu Liu

CSU Pueblo Intramurals-Intramural softball playoffs

The Rec ‘N’ Crew on being 2016 CSU Pueblo Intramural Softball Champions

Photo Credit: LIU PENG JIU

CSU Pueblo Intramurals-Intramural softball playoffs

Photo Credit: LIU PENG JIU

CSU Pueblo Intramurals-Intramural softball playoffs

Photo Credit: LIU PENG JIU

CSU Pueblo Intramurals-Intramural softball playoffs

Photo Credit: LIU PENG JIU

CSU Pueblo Intramurals-Intramural softball playoffs

Photo Credit: LIU PENG JIU

CSU Pueblo Intramurals-Intramural softball playoffs

Photo Credit: LIU PENG JIU

CSU Pueblo Intramurals-Intramural softball playoffs

Photo Credit: LIU PENG JIU

CSU Pueblo Intramurals-Intramural softball playoffs

Photo Credit: LIU PENG JIU

CSU Pueblo Intramurals-Intramural softball playoffs

Photo Credit: LIU PENG JIU

CSU Pueblo Intramurals-Intramural softball playoffs

Photo Credit: LIU PENG JIU

CSU Pueblo Intramurals-Intramural Flag Football

CSU Pueblo Intramurals-Intramural Flag Football

CSU Pueblo Intramurals-Intramural Flag Football

CSU Pueblo Intramurals-Intramural Flag Football

CSU Pueblo Intramurals-Intramural Flag Football

CSU Pueblo Intramurals-Intramural Flag Football

CSU Pueblo Intramurals-Intramural Flag Football

Great Sand Dunes National Park ~ image courtesy of colorado.com

Team members of the Outdoor Pursuits Program at Colorado State University-Pueblo have scheduled an overnight trip to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Reserve in Mosca, Colorado, Oct. 1-2. The cost of the trip is $71 for students and $54 for CO-OP members. The registration deadline is Thursday at 5 p.m.

Fees include dinner, breakfast and transportation to and from the park.

OP Public Relations and Marketing Supervisor Jenn de Groot stressed that participants need to provide their own camping equipment, weather-appropriate clothing, lunch for two days and snacks for the trip. Camping equipment can be checked out at the OP Equipment Room in the Student Recreation Center.

Students can purchase an OP CO-OP for a one-time fee of $40 per student per semester, which includes free outdoor gear rentals and discounts on OP trips.

“The dunes are thousands of years old, incredibly massive, and truly an awe-inspiring site, said de Groot.”

“Students can expect a courteous and knowledgeable guided hiking and camping experience set against a diverse and beautiful landscape of the tallest dunes in North America, wetlands, colorful aspen forests, and mountainous tundra.”

For more information about this  trip and upcoming other events, students can call OP staff at 719-549-2091 or visit them at the Student Recreation Center on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 12-5 p.m.

Edited by: Theresa Wolf

Image courtesy of csupueblo.edu

Organizers of the Outdoor Pursuits Program at Colorado State University-Pueblo have arranged an overnight trip to the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado for Sept. 16-17. The cost is $57 for students and $36 for CO-OP members.

The fee includes dinner on Friday, breakfast on Saturday, a guided hike into the canyon and camping and hiking permits.

OP Team Supervisor Nicole Hulet emphasized that students must procure their own equipment for the trip, which can be checked out at the OP Equipment Room in the Student Recreation Center.

Students can also purchase an OP CO-OP for a one-time fee of $40 per student per semester, which includes free outdoor gear rentals.

“This trip is one of our most unique trips in that we are hiking into a canyon, whereas normally we are going up mountains,” Hulet said.

“It’s a beautiful hike with a lot of waterfalls and a large river at the bottom. It is also a well-known climbing area, but we will be hiking the SOB Draw on the north rim of the canyon.”

Hulet suggests that more students should get involved with OP because of the positive impact it will have on their college experience.

“If you would have asked me three years ago if I thought I would be a supervisor leading a trip for the outdoor pursuits crew, I would have laughed,” she said.

“It is an environment where I can challenge myself as much as I want and challenge others also in their personal growth. I have learned so much through OP, and I love that there is always something new to learn and do.”

“Students can expect an epic trip if they decide to participate in the trip,” Hulet said.

For more information about equipment rental, please call 719-549-2091 at the rec center; for more information about the organization, students can visit http://www.csupueblo.edu/SR/OutdoorPursuits/Pages/default.aspx

Edited by: Theresa Wolf