The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

Student news without fear or favor
The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

The student news site of Sacramento State University

The State Hornet

Student news without fear or favor

Luis Platero, Author

All content by Luis Platero
Sac State junior guard Kennedy Burks (right) and Eastern Washington sophomore guard Grace Kirscher (left) watch a free throw attempt at the Nest on Feb. 20.  Burks said the team has little time to devise a new strategy against the same opponent.

[Photo] Sac State athletes react to Big Sky Conference 2020-21 schedule changes

Katerina Graziosi
December 16, 2020

Sac State junior guard Kennedy Burks (right) and Eastern Washington sophomore guard Grace Kirscher (left) watch a free throw attempt at the Nest on Feb. 20. Burks said the team has little time to devise...

Sac State junior guard Bryce Fowler shoots a free throw against Southern Utah at the Nest on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020. Fowler says that the testing is out of him and his teammates control, however it is something that theyll have to get used to.

[Photo] Athletes required to test for COVID-19 three times a week

Allisyn Mayhew
November 24, 2020

Sac State junior guard Bryce Fowler shoots a free throw against Southern Utah at the Nest on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020. Fowler says that the testing is out of him and his teammates control, however it is...

Former guard Izayah Mauriohooho-Leafa scans the floor against Southern Utah at the Nest on Thursday, Feb. 13

[Photo] Former Sac State basketball player goes pro overseas

Jordan Latimore
October 26, 2020

Former guard Izayah Mauriohooho-Le'afa scans the floor against Southern Utah at the Nest on Thursday, Feb. 13

Collage of phishing scam emails sent to Sac State students. Sac State Information Resources & Technology warned students of a spike in phishing attempts in a SacSend email sent on April 24.

Recognize scams: 8 pitiful phishing attempts sent to Sac State students

Scams offer fake jobs and laughable typos
Luis Platero
May 4, 2020

Sacramento State students have been hit with some new phishing scam emails recently, a common occurrence for students. Sac State Information Resources & Technology warned students of a spike in...

Sacramento State President Robert Nelsen announced emergency financial aid grants from the CARES Act will be disbursed to any student eligible for FAFSA at a virtual faculty town hall Monday, April 27. Graphic made in Canva.

FAQ: What you need to know about Sac State’s emergency financial aid grants

Who qualifies for HEERF emergency grants, how to get it and more
Luis Platero
April 28, 2020

Emergency financial aid grants will be disbursed to all Title IV eligible students after Sacramento State received over $35 million in emergency federal stimulus funds, university President Robert Nelsen...

Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Steve Perez returns to the Zoom call with a frozen copy after disconnecting. Sacramento State President Robert Nelsen and Perez held a virtual town hall meeting with faculty Monday, April 27 addressing faculty concerns. -Screenshot via Zoom

Sac State virtual town hall addresses CARES Act, budget, fall semester

Chris Wong and Luis Platero
April 27, 2020

Sacramento State President Robert Nelsen and Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Steve Perez held a virtual town hall meeting Monday, addressing concerns from faculty regarding the university’s...

Sac State President Robert Nelsen announced at a faculty town hall meeting held via Zoom that students eligible for FAFSA will receive emergency financial aid grants. The university received over $35 million in emergency federal stimulus funds granted by the federal government due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sac State to award emergency financial aid grants to students

All Title IV students are eligible
Luis Platero
April 27, 2020

Sacramento State will disburse financial aid grants to all Title IV students thanks to over $35 million in emergency federal stimulus funds received by the college, university President Robert Nelsen said...

Sac State seniors Shayal Ram and Ranjita Tiwari study for an exam at the drive-in Wi-Fi in Parking Structure V on Friday, April 17. Sac State offers drive-in Wi-Fi for students who need internet access.

Sac State night students speak on limited drive-in Wi-Fi hours

Internet access is available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Luis Platero
April 25, 2020

Sacramento State offers drive-in Wi-Fi on weekdays for students who have a hard time accessing the internet for online classes, but only for a limited time during each day — leaving night students who...

Sac State senior pitcher Jensen Main throws a pitch against California Baptist at Shea Stadium on Friday, Feb. 7. Main ranked fifth in strikeouts in the Big Sky with 38 Ks.

[Photo] Top moments from the Sac State softball team’s 2020 season

Paola Yepez
April 20, 2020

Sac State senior pitcher Jensen Main throws a pitch against California Baptist at Shea Stadium on Friday, Feb. 7. Main ranked fifth in strikeouts in the Big Sky with 38 Ks.

The 2020-2021 Associated Students Inc. board smiles for their first picture after the election. This came after ASIs first fully online election.

Sac State ASI election draws 6.5% turnout, winners announced

Noah Marty and Donna Walters win uncontested presidential ticket in online-only election
Jordan Latimore and Luis Platero
April 16, 2020

Noah Marty and Donna Walters clinched the Associated Students, Inc. presidential ticket after running unopposed in ASI’s first completely virtual election, which drew only a 6.5% turnout out of 30,331...

Sac State sophomore shortstop Shea Graves runs for a ball against California Baptist at Shea Stadium on Friday, Feb. 7. Graves ranks among the top five in the Big Sky for batting average and hits.

[Photo] ‘It is a completely different dynamic’: Sac State athlete describes transition from baseball to softball player

Paola Yepez
April 13, 2020

Sac State sophomore shortstop Shea Graves and freshman outfielder Aliyah Robles leap in celebration against UC Santa Barbara at Shea Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 9. Graves and the Hornets had their season canceled...

Several of the book totes featuring critically endangered species offered by Sac State alumna Audrey Simpson through Haymaker Finch. Simpson launched her apparel brand earlier this month. Photo courtesy of Audrey Simpson

Sac State alumna launches Black-owned apparel brand for conservationists

Audrey Simpson offers products with a clear message
Luis Platero
April 4, 2020

Earlier this month, Sacramento State alumna Audrey Simpson launched a conservation-focused apparel brand named Haymaker Finch, based in Oakland. Simpson’s mission is to offer apparel that spreads...

Photo illustration. Hypnotist Tom DeLuca was set to perform at Sacramento State on March 12, 2020 but his show was canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak. Deluca has been performing at Sac State for over 25 years.

Veteran performer has been hypnotizing Sac State students for 25 years

Tom DeLuca said he enjoys the creativity of a college audience
Luis Platero
March 31, 2020

Tom DeLuca has been performing his comedy hypnosis show for businesses and on college campuses throughout the United States for over 30 years. DeLuca was set to perform in the University Union at Sacramento...

Sac State sophomore shortstop Shea Graves picks up a ball against California Baptist at Shea Stadium on Friday, Feb. 7. The NCAA voted Monday to extend eligibility for spring season student-athletes whose seasons were cut short by the COVID-19 outbreak.

[Photo] NCAA grants spring athletes extra year of eligibility due to coronavirus cancellations

Robyn Dobson, sports editor
March 30, 2020

Sac State sophomore shortstop Shea Graves picks up a ball against California Baptist at Shea Stadium on Friday, Feb. 7. The NCAA voted Monday to extend eligibility for spring season student-athletes whose...

[Video] #SacStateSays: ‘Thoughts on the Bachelorette being from Sacramento?’

Clare Crawley will star in season 16
Brooke Uhlenhop
March 9, 2020

Sacramento native Clare Crawley was announced as the lead for season 16 of ABC’s hit show “The Bachelorette” on Good Morning America Monday. The hairdresser, who still lives in Sacramento, has been...

Sac State freshman outfielder Haley Hanson throws a ball from her knees against UC Santa Barbara at Shea Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 9. The Hornets came home with only one win during the Wolf Pack Classic over the weekend.

[Photo] Sac State softball team earns one win in Wolf Pack Classic

Vince Castellana
March 8, 2020

Sac State freshman outfielder Haley Hanson throws a ball from her knees against UC Santa Barbara at Shea Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 9. The Hornets came home with only one win during the Wolf Pack Classic...

Senior forward Osi Nwachukwu defends a pass against Northern Colorado at the Nest on Saturday, Feb. 15. Nwachukwu and the Hornets play their final game of the regular season Saturday at Portland State University.

[Photo] Sac State men’s basketball player is the ‘connector of the team’

Ian Edwards
March 3, 2020

Senior forward Osi Nwachukwu defends a pass against Northern Colorado at the Nest on Saturday, Feb. 15. Nwachukwu and the Hornets play their final game of the regular season Saturday at Portland State...

Sac State sophomore guard Brandon Davis drives down the court against Eastern Washington at the Nest on Saturday, Feb. 1. Davis averages close to seven points per game.

[Photo] Brandon Davis, 21. Men’s basketball player majoring in communications.

February 25, 2020

Sac State freshman third baseman Lewa Day practices her swing against California Baptist at Shea Stadium on Friday, Feb. 7. In just 14 games, Day has recorded 12 RBIs and two home runs.

Sac State junior outfielder Charizma Guzman runs to third base against UC Santa Barbara at Shea Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 9. The Hornets took home three victories during the LMU tournament over the weekend.

[Photo] Sac State softball team racks up 31 runs in LMU Tournament

Paola Yepez
February 23, 2020

Sac State junior outfielder Charizma Guzman runs to third base against UC Santa Barbara at Shea Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 9. The Hornets took home three victories during the LMU tournament over the weekend.

Sac State senior Hermont Legaspi prepares to serve during a doubles match against Washington at Sacramento State Courts on Saturday, Feb. 22. The Hornets lost to Washington 6-1.

Sac State men’s tennis falls to Washington in 5th straight loss

Hornets fail to snap out-of-conference losing streak
Luis Platero
February 22, 2020

The Sacramento State men's tennis team lost to the University of Washington 6-1 for their fifth straight loss Saturday. The Hornets (1-6, 1-0 Big Sky Conference) could not end the losing streak against...

#SacStateSays: ‘What are your thoughts on the Houston Astros’ cheating controversy?’

Students react to the Astros’ sign stealing
Luis Platero and Mack Ervin III
February 22, 2020

The State Hornet asked Sacramento State students what they think about the Houston Astros’ cheating scandal, the critical responses from players in the league and Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob...

Sac State senior guard Gabi Bade stares down an opponent against Eastern Washington at the Nest on Thursday, Feb. 20. The Hornets lost 78-73 to Eastern Washington.

[Photo] Sac State women’s basketball team upset by Eastern Washington

Shaun Holkko
February 21, 2020

Sac State senior guard Camariah King (left) signals that senior guard Gabi Bade (right) is hurt against Eastern Washington at the Nest on Thursday, Feb. 20. The Hornets lost 78-73 to Eastern Washington.

Sac State senior center Joshua Patton prepares to box out against Eastern Washington sophomore forward Tanner Groves at the Nest on Saturday, Feb. 1. The Hornets fell on the road 77-76 to the Eagles on Thursday night.

[Photo] Sac State men’s basketball team’s strong second half not enough, falls to Eastern Washington

Ian Edwards
February 20, 2020

Sac State senior center Joshua Patton prepares to box out against Eastern Washington sophomore forward Tanner Groves at the Nest on Saturday, Feb. 1. The Hornets fell on the road 77-76 to the Eagles on...

The Sac State softball team celebrate senior catcher Jessica Scotts home run against California Baptist at Shea Stadium on Friday, Feb. 7. The Hornets defeated California Baptist 6-0.

[Photo] SPORTS PODCAST: Sac State softball season starter

Robyn Dobson, Paola Yepez, and Robbie Pierce
February 20, 2020

The Sac State softball team celebrate senior catcher Jessica Scott's home run against California Baptist at Shea Stadium on Friday, Feb. 7. The Hornets defeated California Baptist 6-0.

Sac State junior pitcher Scott Randall throws a pitch against UC Santa Barbara on Saturday, Feb. 15 at John Smith Field. The Hornets lost two of three games to the Gauchos.

[Photo] UC Santa Barbara earns revenge with series victory over Sac State baseball team

Shaun Holkko
February 16, 2020

Sac State junior pitcher Scott Randall throws a pitch against UC Santa Barbara on Saturday, Feb. 15 at John Smith Field. The Hornets lost two of three games to the Gauchos.

Sac State senior pitcher Jensen Main throws a pitch against UC Santa Barbara at Shea Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 9. The Hornets went 2-3 in the Golden State Classic tournament this weekend.

[Photo] Sac State softball team goes 2-3 in Golden State Classic tournament

Paola Yepez
February 16, 2020

Sac State senior pitcher Jensen Main throws a pitch against UC Santa Barbara at Shea Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 9. The Hornets went 2-3 in the Golden State Classic tournament this weekend.

Sac State junior guard Bryce Fowler looks for a teammate in the post against Northern Colorado at the Nest on Saturday, Feb. 15. The Hornets lost to the Bears 68-65.

[Photo] Sac State men’s basketball team loses a nail-bitter against Northern Colorado

Ian Edwards
February 16, 2020

Sac State junior guard Bryce Fowler looks for a teammate in the post against Northern Colorado at the Nest on Saturday, Feb. 15. Fowler finished with 10 points and four assists.

Sac State senior center Joshua Patton rises for a shot against Southern Utah at the Nest on Thursday, Feb. 13. The Hornets defeated Southern Utah 70-55.

[Photo] Sac State men’s basketball team shines in win against Southern Utah

Ian Edwards
February 14, 2020

Sac State sophomore guard Brandon Davis dribbles the ball up the court against Southern Utah at the Nest Thursday, Feb. 13. Davis scored 16 points to go along with two assists.

Sac State freshman outfielder Haley Hanson runs to first base against UC Santa Barbara at Shea Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 9. The Hornets defeated UC Santa Barbara 5-1.

[Photo] Sac State softball team finishes NorCal Kickoff tournament with 4-1 record

Paola Yepez
February 9, 2020

Sac State freshman outfielder Haley Hanson runs to first base against UC Santa Barbara at Shea Stadium on Sunday, Feb. 9. The Hornets defeated UC Santa Barbara 5-1.

Sac State sophomore shortstop Shea Graves runs for a ball against California Baptist at Shea Stadium on Friday, Feb. 7. The Hornets defeated California Baptist 6-0.

[Photo] Sac State softball team begins the Norcal Kickoff with two wins

Paola Yepez
February 8, 2020

Sac State sophomore shortstop Shea Graves runs for a ball against California Baptist at Shea Stadium on Friday, Feb. 7. The Hornets defeated California Baptist 6-0.

Screenshot from Planters Super Bowl LIV Baby Nut commercial.

SPORTS PODCAST: Super Bowl commercial review

Robyn Dobson, Brooke Uhlenhop, Luis Platero, and Robbie Pierce
February 6, 2020

For this week’s State Hornet Sports Podcast, sports editor Robyn Dobson and writers Brooke Uhlenhop and Luis Platero discuss the funniest, weirdest, most confusing and most Baby Nut-involving Super Bowl...

Sac State senior guard Izayah Mauriohooho-Leafa prepares to drive against Eastern Washington at the Nest on Saturday, Feb. 1. The Hornets lost their first home game of the season 59-54 to Eastern Washington.

[Photo] Sac State men’s basketball team suffers first home loss of the season

Ian Edwards
February 2, 2020

Sac State sophomore guard Brandon Davis drives down the court against Eastern Washington at the Nest on Saturday, Feb. 1. Davis finished with five points, three rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Sac State senior Hermont Legaspi prepares to serve during a singles match against Eastern Washington at the Sacramento State Courts on Friday, Jan. 24. The Hornets defeated Eastern Washington 5-2.

Sac State men’s tennis team wins home opener over Eastern Washington 5-2

Hornets bounce back after blowout loss for their first Big Sky win of the season
Luis Platero
January 24, 2020

The Sacramento State men’s tennis team defeated Eastern Washington 5-2 for its first Big Sky Conference win of the season on Friday in their home opener.  The Hornets (1-1, 1-0 Big Sky) bounced back...

A Sacramento State student throws colorful powder during the Hornet Holi event hosted by Bhagat Puran Singh Health Initiative (BPSHI) in the Well front lawn, Friday, April 29. BPSHI will be hosting a similar event called Color Festival on Friday.

Sac State student group to host color party for students before finals

Event is in front of The WELL on Friday
Luis Platero
April 25, 2019

Sacramento State’s chapter of Bhagat Puran Singh Health Initiative (BPSHI) will be hosting a color party outside of The WELL on Friday. Jasreet Barn, a BPSHI board member and freshman biology major,...

Andrea Becker poses for a photo between US National volleyball players Max Holt and Matt Anderson. The team won bronze at the 2016 Olympics.

Team USA volleyball coach could be teaching your class

Sac State coach and professor has Olympic history
Luis Platero
April 18, 2019

After leaving Sacramento State in 2004 and going on to both teach as well as coach at levels as high as the Olympics, Andrea Becker didn’t think she would ever be a part of the university again. “I...

Protesters march through Sacramentos Fab 40s neighborhood, a collection of upscale homes. The protest was organized in response in theSacramento District Attorneys decision not to charge the officers involved in the fatal shooting of unarmed 22-year-old Stephon Clark.

Stephon Clark anniversary prompts students to speak out

Students weigh in with their thoughts on the matter
Luis Platero and Jose Fabian
March 6, 2019

The 348-day wait of whether or not the police officers who fatally shot Stephon Clark would be charged with a crime ended Saturday when Sacramento District Attorney Anne Marie Schubert announced she had...

Former Vice President of College Advancement Al Frisone had his departure announced in a SacSend message Tuesday. Frisone has held the role since 2017.

Sac State admin leaves during second year of term

Luis Platero
February 23, 2019

Sacramento State President Robert S. Nelsen announced Tuesday that Al Frisone, vice president of university advancement, has left his position and is no longer with the university. President Nelsen...

Sac State student volunteer Karandeep Gill assists an attendee with preparing his tax documents. The assistance was part of the free tax preparation event.

Sac State accounting students volunteer free tax help for low-income taxpayers

The California EITC event provided tax assistance to the Sacramento community
Luis Platero
February 16, 2019

Sacramento State student volunteers provided free tax preparation assistance to low-income taxpayers at the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services Saturday. Volunteers would look through an attendee’s...

Last year the Cal EITC was expanded to be available to more taxpayers including anyone over the age of 18 with no dependents. Sac State is hosting free tax prep events where trained volunteers will help you get your paperwork in order and help maximize your return.

Sac State students offering free tax help

College students who could not qualify for Cal EITC before may be able to in 2019
Luis Platero
February 11, 2019

Sacramento State is hosting free tax preparation events at the Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services this Saturday and on March 16. Sac State students will have the opportunity to receive assistance...

Crews work on the the University Union expansion and Science II construction projects at Sacramento State on Friday, Nov. 30. Construction costs on campus have been up and coming for the past two years.

Major Sac State construction projects total over $206 million

Expansions and additions come to campus at a high price tag
Luis Platero
February 6, 2019

Sacramento State has been under construction since 2017, adding five new buildings that have cost the university roughly $206 million. The projects include the new Ernest E. Tschannen Science Complex,...

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