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

Matt Harrington, Author

All content by Matt Harrington

Math and science interviews associate dean candidates

Matt Harrington
June 1, 2011

A new associate dean for the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics will be in place for the fall 2011 semester after a set of conducted interviews. The interview panel for the College of Natural...

Lecture explores new stem cell research

Matt Harrington
May 11, 2011

A lecture about the evolution of stem cell medicine was presented by stem cell expert John Chapman Tuesday night in the University Union. This was the third lecture to be presented by the Center for STEM...

Sac State to upgrade phone, internet service

Matt Harrington
May 11, 2011

Sacramento State will be receiving a $1.4 million upgrade to its phone and Internet connections beginning early this summer. This project is funded by the California State University Chancellor's Office....

The Western Toad was one of the many frogs on display for people to see during the Save the Frogs event put on by the Field Biology Club and savethefrogs.com.

Field Biology Club shows frog extinction documentary

Matt Harrington
April 27, 2011

With the help of the Field Biology Club, biologist Michael Starkey, of the conservation group, Save the Frogs, lectured on the importance of saving the world's frog species in the Hinde Auditorium Tuesday...

Sacramento State Earth Week 2011

Sacramento State Earth Week 2011

Matt Harrington
April 27, 2011

With the help of theEnvironmental Studies department and various other organizations oncampus, the Environmental Student's Organization planned out thisyear's Earth Week events that led up to Earth Day,...

Whale Wars speaker talks about poaching reality

Matt Harrington
April 21, 2011

The importance of saving whales was the topic of discussion at a lecture by conservationist and animal activist Matt Kimura in the Hinde Auditorium Wednesday.

The lecture, hosted by the Environmental Students Organization, was part of Earth Week festivities. Kimura's work aboard the sea vessel "Sea Shepherd" was made famous by the Animal Planet television show, "Whale Wars."

As a member of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Kimura and his colleagues sail the Antarctic Ocean in an effort to stop whale poaching. On the television series, the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society engages a Japanese whaling fleet on a regular basis.

Using a fleet of three ships, the objective of the group is to make it difficult for whale poachers to hunt whales in the Antarctic waters.

"The Bob Barker, named after the television host who donated 5 million to the society, is a pretty rusty and ugly ship. Ironically, it is an old Norwegian whaling ship that has large fuel tanks that allows us to stay at sea for three months at a time," Kimura said.

According to founder Paul Watson, the group prevented the death of some 900 whales in the past year.

In order for the group to get the upper hand on the whaling fleet, Kimura said the Sea Shepherd fleet uses special tactics to evade detection.

"On a most recent trip, we met up with our flag ship, "Steve Irwin,' docked in the island nation Mauritius, off the southeast coast of Africa. When we left the country, we did not fly any of our colors. This was so we would not be detected and our location given away to the whaling fleet," Kimura said.

The society usually flies a black flag with a white skull adorned by a hook and trident.

Kimura said all the individuals that work with him are dedicated to conservation.

"On board the Sea Shepherd, we have a crew of 26 volunteers from all over the world. And all the members of the crew are united under one cause, and that is to stop the whaling in Antarctica," Kimura said.

President of the Environmental Students Organization Laurel Rhodes, senior environmental studies major, said keeping whale populations alive will keep oceans brimming with sea life.

"It is very important to protect the species of our oceans, including the large ones as well. A lot of over fishing has caused a great decline in the oceans fish population," Rhodes said. "If you take the top predators out of an ecosystem, you can really upset the natural balance. It is important to protect the large organisms that live in the oceans and maintain the natural biodiversity."

DeAnthony Jones, a freshman government major, said listening to the lecture opened his eyes to the whale poaching problem.

"It is funny; my cousin watches the show more than I do. But, just being here today make me want go home and watch the series on Netflix tonight," Jones said. "Just hearing what he had to say today really makes me want to get involved more."

For John Haas, senior business major, whale poaching was just something he saw on television that did not coincide with his own life.

"It (felt) more like a distant fantasy land," Haas said. "But, seeing a member of the Sea Shepherd crew reminds me that these sorts of things really do happen in our world, and not stuck in seven minute clips between Tide commercials."

Matt Harrington can be reached at [email protected]

Students meet ASI candidates over coffee

Matt Harrington
April 7, 2011

To kick off student government elections week, Associated Students Inc. on Wednesday invited Sacramento State students to meet candidates running for ASI student body positions for the next school year in the University Union Lobby.

"Coffee and Candidates" allowed students and ASI candidates to ask questions and get to know each other. Free drinks and pastries were provided.

Organizing member Mercedes Tyler, junior film production major, said it is vital for members of the campus community to know whom they are electing.

"These events are important because we are going to have a new board elected for next school (year)." Tyler said. "So, the goal of this event is to give students the opportunity to meet the candidates that are running for the ASI board and get to know them. This also gives the candidates the opportunity to explain to the campus community what they stand for and what they are all about."

Student reaction to the eventwas favorable, Tyler said. She said having food at the event makes a difference.

"Having food at our information tables helps us to engage the student because when we ask if they know what ASI is, they will say no. So it gives us a chance to inform the student and help them connect more with their campus," Tyler said.

ASI's A-Team, which is in charge of planning activities and events, is hosting other similar events for student government officials and the campus community in an effort to reach out to the greater student community.

"We try to hold these types of event two times per semester," Tyler said. "We call them, "Coffee and Conversation' and students get to meet their current ASI board. So since we are going to have a new board elected for next school, we called it "Coffee and Candidates.'"

Mingling among those at the event was senior public relations major Elise Fider. She said she enjoys having access to government officials as it allows for the exchange of knowledge.

"I love these kinds of events. It is a great opportunity for the campus community to meet those individuals that are running for an elected office," Fider said. "It is a great way to find out what the students are thinking and want from their campus, instead of our elected officials hiding in their offices and talking to the community."

Senior psychology major Liz Redford is running for vice president of University Affairs and said she is prepared to organize the public for action.

"I have been involved with many events on campus that focused on recruiting students and getting information out to the campus community," Redford said. "I have also been involved with helping students and the public become registered to vote no matter the political party."

Redford said her goal is to help students become aware of student government services.

If elected, Redford would like to bring more awareness to the many committees students can sit on in ASI.

"If elected, I would like to design an event called 'Committee Carnival' and have the A-Team help in planning the event," Redford said. "The purpose of this event would bring all the committees together and have the chairs talk with the students about what their committees do and the impact they have on the campus."

She said it is necessary to get more students involved in campus life at Sac State.

"A lot of students do not know what ASI is," Redford said. "And like the current marketing says, "28,000 students complained, only 2,500 voted,' I feel it is important to counter the lack of education on campus. The job of the VP ofUniversity Affairs is to get more students involved."

The next chance to meet the candidates running for ASI board positions will be at noon on Monday in the Capital Room of the Union.

Matt Harrington can be reached at [email protected]

Lecture sheds light on advertising power

Matt Harrington
April 1, 2011

Internationally acclaimed media critic, author and filmmaker Jean Kilbourne presented a lecture Wednesday at Sacramento State calling for change in how women and men are portrayed in advertising. "The...

College of Continuing Education dean set to retire

Matt Harrington
March 13, 2011

The College of Continuing Education will soon bid farewell to a strong business leader, mentor and role model. Alice Tom, who served as dean of the college for 17 years, will retire at the end of this...

Math Mini-Conference helps students, teachers

Matt Harrington
March 9, 2011

The Sacramento Area Mathematics Educators and CSU Sacramento Mathematics Project heldtheir 11th annual Making Math Meaningful and Mini-Conference on Saturday in the University Union. These two groups worked...

Proposed summer changes allow for a ?per-unit? price

Matt Harrington
March 9, 2011

Sacramento State will once again consider a move from the flat fee rate for summer session courses to a self support system, according to an announcement made during Sac State President Alexander Gonzalez's...

Gymnastics falls to San Jose State

Matt Harrington
March 6, 2011

The Sacramento State women's gymnastics team fell to conference foe San Jose State Sunday afternoon at the Hornets' nest, 194.025-192.125. Sac State has lost two straight and is 5-6 overall and 2-3 in...

Women’s gymnastics ends three-meet winning streak

Matt Harrington
February 26, 2011

Four early falls were too much to overcome as the Sacramento State women's gymnastics team fell 193.975-191.675 to No. 12 University of Denver at the Hornets nest Friday night. The loss snaps the Hornets'...

Men’s basketball falls to Northern Arizona 63-42

Matt Harrington
February 25, 2011

The Sacramento State men's basketball team fell to the Northern Arizona University Lumberjacks Thursday night at the Hornet's Nest, 63-42. The Hornets are still in contention for the sixth and final playoff...

Convocation focuses on building campus community

Matt Harrington
February 22, 2011

Sacramento State President Alexander Gonzalez addressed students and faculty at a convocation Monday afternoon about building community on campus. The purpose of the convocation was to talk about the way...

Soliciting on campus considered scam

Matt Harrington
February 18, 2011

The University Police Department determined recent magazine subscription solicitations targeting members of the Sacramento State community are part of a scam. According to reports, solicitors approached...

Early Start program forces freshmen to take entry test

Matt Harrington
February 16, 2011

Starting in summer 2012, all incoming freshmen will be required to demonstrate their proficiency in English and/or math prior to their first semester of full-time enrollment, as outlined in Executive Order...

Physical therapy pushes for Doctorate?s degree

Matt Harrington
February 15, 2011

Beginning in the fall 2012 semester, Sacramento State will have the ability to offer its physical therapy students a Doctorate of Physical Therapy program. This will give the campus three doctorate programs...

Sac State men’s basketball gets another home win

Matt Harrington
February 4, 2011

The Sacramento State men's basketball team earned a much-needed conference win over Portland State University Thursday night at the Hornets' Nest by a final of 63-55. The win moves the Hornets within 1.5...

Tennis teams chosen to finish first in Big Sky

Matt Harrington
February 2, 2011

In a preseason poll Jan. 13, Big Sky Conference coaches chose both the Sacramento State men's and women's tennis teams to finish first and continue their dominance over the conference. The Hornet women...

Women?s gymnastics hopes to bring home a championship

Matt Harrington
January 26, 2011

Thirteen Sacramento State gymnasts will return this season and make a run for a championship. To help in the run for their second Western Athletic Conference championship since 2007, the Hornets introduced...

Bettencourt cousins 2:Cousins Adam (17) and Chris (12) Bettencourt fight to move the ball upfield. The cousins scored both goals in the 2-0 victory over No. 10 UC Irvine.:Brittany Bradley - State Hornet

Sac State men’s soccer drops NCAA second round 4-1 against UCLA

Matt Harrington
November 22, 2010

The Sacramento State men's soccer team lost 4-1 to the No. 8 seeded UCLA in the second round of the NCAA College Cup on tonight at Drake stadium in Los Angeles. The Hornets end their season with an overall...

Men’s soccer win championship in overtime

Matt Harrington
November 17, 2010

The Sacramento State men's soccer team won its second Mountain Pacific Sports Federation championship in two years and will advance to the 2010 NCAA College Cup after the 2-1 win against No. 2 CSU Bakersfield...

Sac State men’s soccer wins second MPSF Tournament in a row

Matt Harrington
November 14, 2010

The Sacramento State men's soccer team won its second Mountain Pacific Sports Federation title in two years and its third since 2001 as it defeated the No. 2-seed CSU Bakersfield 2-1 in overtime today...

Sacramento State men’s soccer defeats San Jose State 1-0 in overtime

Matt Harrington
November 7, 2010

The Sacramento State men's soccer team earned the fifth seed in the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Tournament when it defeated San Jose State University 1-0 on Saturday in overtime in San Jose. The...

Sacramento State women’s soccer advances to championship match

Matt Harrington
November 5, 2010

The Sacramento State women's soccer team defeated Portland State University 2-1 in the quarterfinal round of the Big Sky Conference soccer championship today afternoon in Flagstaff, Ariz. The win moves...

Women’s soccer downs Northern Colorado 2-0

Matt Harrington
October 17, 2010

The Sacramento State women's soccer team earned its third win in Big Sky Conference play Sunday, defeating the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo., 2-0. The win for Sac State gives the team...

Women’s soccer blanks the University of Montana 3-0

Matt Harrington
October 9, 2010

The Sacramento State women's soccer team opened Big Sky conference play with a win at home versus the University of Montana Friday. The Hornets shut out the Grizzlies 3-0 in regulation. With the win, Sac...

Men’s soccer ends with a 0-0 tie against San Jose State

Matt Harrington
October 3, 2010

Sacramento State men's soccer team opened Mountain Pacific Sports Federation conference play today with a 0-0 tie at Hornet Field against San Jose State University. The tie was the team's second in as...

Cheer squad preparing to win National Championship

Matt Harrington
September 29, 2010

At the most recent home football game, the Sacramento State student body saw the Hornet football team defeat the No. 21 ranked Weber State 24-17. They would have also seen bodies flying in the air and...

Women’s soccer beats Fresno State 2-0

Matt Harrington
September 20, 2010

The Sacramento State women's soccer team defeated Fresno State on Sunday 2-0 at Hornet Soccer Field. With the win, the Hornets improve their record to 3-4-1 on the year, while Fresno State falls to 4-4-0....

Men’s soccer team stings No. 10 UC Irvine

Matt Harrington
September 20, 2010

The Sacramento State men's soccer team earned its fourth win in a row on Sunday, as it defeated No. 10 UC Irvine 2-0 at Hornet Soccer Field. With the win, Sac State improves its record to 4-2-0 while the...

Sacramento State men’s soccer defeats Loyola Marymount

Matt Harrington
September 18, 2010

The Sacramento State men's soccer team defeated Loyola Marymount 1-0 on a goal by sophomore forward Max Alvarez at 69:58 mark of the second half on Friday at Hornet Soccer Field. With the win, the Hornets...

Senior forward prospering as starter on women’s soccer team

Matt Harrington
September 15, 2010

If a college athlete is of superior talent, it is expected that they would be a starter for his or her respective team. This is not always the case when there are 24 other athletes of equal talent all...

Hearings held for complaints against Vote Impact

Matt Harrington
May 16, 2010

Newly election Associated Students, Inc President Terry Martin had to defend himself to the Elections Complaint Committee in Lassen Hall on Friday regarding four different complaints that were filed against...

Superstitions at the root of success for baseball players

Matt Harrington
May 12, 2010

From time to time, baseball fans will see players do some strange things. Baseball is a sport rooted in superstition &- everything from jumping over the foul line to adjusting equipment are present. Some...

Track and field wins 15 events at Sac State Open

Matt Harrington
May 9, 2010

It was a day of record-setting marks and personal bests as the Sacramento State track and field team won 15 events Saturday when it hosted the Sacramento State Open at the Alex G. Spanos Sports Complex....

Women’s tennis advances to Big Sky final

Matt Harrington
April 28, 2010

The Sacramento State women's tennis team defeated the Montana State University Saturday 4-0 in the semifinals of the Big Sky Championships. The Hornets advanced to Sunday's final against Northern Arizona...

Hornets tennis moves on to Big Sky Championships

Matt Harrington
April 28, 2010

The Sacramento State men's tennis team defeated the University of Montana Saturday 4-0 in the semifinals of the Big Sky Championships. With the win the Hornets Advance to Sunday's final with Northern Arizona...

Bats silent in Hornets latest loss to New Mexico State

Matt Harrington
April 24, 2010

The Sacramento State baseball team lost its second straight game to New Mexico State 4-2 on Friday at Hornet Field. Sac State started sophomore ace Jesse Darrah, who allowed three runs on four hits in...

Hornet baseball stung late by New Mexico State

Matt Harrington
April 23, 2010

The Sacramento State baseball team lost to New Mexico State Thursday, as the Aggies scored seven runs in the final two innings to win 11-4 at Hornet Stadium. Hornet starting pitcher Robert Butler did all...

Rowing is more than a family affair for Hopkins sisters

Matt Harrington
April 21, 2010

Much like a family, athletes work together to achieve goals. For two Sacramento State sisters, Heather and Holly Hopkins, the sport of rowing has become like a second family. The sisters come from a family...

Sac State hockey 2:Bottom left: The Hornets skate off of the rink after scoring a goal. :Nicole Lundgren - State Hornet

Hornet baseball wins first conference series over Hawaii

Matt Harrington
April 18, 2010

Sacramento State won their opening series of Western Athletic Conference play on Sunday by defeating the University of Hawaii 9-4. With the win Sac State's record now stands at 14-18-1 overall and 3-1...

Baseball wins WAC opener against top pitcher

Matt Harrington
April 17, 2010

Sacramento State hosted visiting University of Hawaii in a baseball slugfest Friday afternoon as the Hornets came from behind to defeat the Rainbow Warriors on Friday 11-6 in their 2010 Western Athletic...

Softball team opens league play with a pair of wins against Santa Clara

Matt Harrington
April 12, 2010

The Sacramento State women's softball team opened league play in the Pacific Coast Softball Conference with two wins, 10-3 and 6-2, over conference opponent Santa Clara University on Saturday at Shea Stadium....

Softball continues hot conference start

Matt Harrington
April 12, 2010

The Sacramento State women's softball team won their third game in two days, defeating Pacific Coast Softball Conference visitor Santa Clara University 17-0 in five innings at Shea Stadium on Sunday. Sunday's...

Energetic childhood led Stubblefield to gymnastics floor

Matt Harrington
April 6, 2010

When graduation comes around, many students can look back at their time here at Sacramento State and say they had a fulfilling college career. Few can add successful college athlete as well. For Hornet...

Hornets earn split in first day of Capital Classic

Matt Harrington
March 20, 2010

The Sacramento State women's softball team split their first two games of the 18th annual Capital Classic at Shea Stadium today, beating Utah State University 10-2 and then losing 9-4 to Colorado State...

Students have mixed reaction to NCAA March Madness

Matt Harrington
March 16, 2010

Every March, college basketball teams jockey for the No. 1 spot in their respective conferences as a way of earning their way to the NCAA Tournament. The process can be maddening to some. Conference winners...

Softball wins two of five in Mustang Softball Classic

Matt Harrington
March 15, 2010

The Sacramento State softball team competed in the Mustang Softball Classic this weekend, on the campus of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. In the three-day tournament, the Hornets played in five games, two...

Rowing wins seven races in Sac State Invitational

Matt Harrington
March 14, 2010

The Sacramento State women's rowing team continued its strong start to the 2010 season during the Sacramento State Rowing Invitational held at the Sac State Aquatic Center in Rancho Cordova on Saturday....

Women’s gymnastics comes from behind on senior night

Matt Harrington
March 14, 2010

Sacramento State hosted Texas Women's University Friday in the last home gymnastics meet of the season. The home meet also served as senior night for Hornet gymnasts that will be graduating in the spring....

Softball halts skid; earns split against Nevada

Matt Harrington
March 11, 2010

Sacramento State softball team hosted the University of Nevada in a matinee doubleheader Wednesday at Shea Stadium. The Hornets came into game one looking to end a seven-game skid that saw them drop five...

Softball team’s losing streak reaches seven games

Matt Harrington
March 8, 2010

Sacramento State hosted the University of Charlotte 49ers and San Jose State Spartans in the inaugural Hornet Round Robin softball tournament this weekend. Over the three-day tournament, the Hornets played...

Mistakes cost Hornets gymnastics against UC Davis and Eastern Michigan

Matt Harrington
March 6, 2010

Sacramento State Gymnastics team moved from 41 to 37 in the national rankings after their last meet in San Jose. With the ranking, Sac State moves closer to being eligible for regionals as the top 36 teams...

Big Sky honors 27 Hornets for fall academic performance

Matt Harrington
March 3, 2010

Just two years after having the most sports penalized for academic for any one NCAA division one school, the Sacramento State athletic department was awarded with 27 fall student-athletes being named to...

Rowing looking for fourth championship in last five years

Matt Harrington
March 3, 2010

The 2010 Sacramento State women's rowing team is looking for its fourth Western Intercollegiate Rowing Association team championship in five years. Sac State has won three out of the last four championships...

Women’s gymnastics falls to Davis and San Jose State

Matt Harrington
February 27, 2010

Sacramento State women's gymnastics tried to sustain the momentum it had gained from its last home meet where they hit a season-high in points versus San Jose State. The Hornets headed into a three-team...

Hornet softball goes 1-3 at Stanford Nike Invitational

Matt Harrington
February 22, 2010

The Sacramento State softball team competed in the three-day, five-game Stanford Nike Invitational Tournament, Feb. 19-21. Sac State finished the three day tournament with one win and three losses. The...

Hornet gymnastics score season high score in win

Matt Harrington
February 20, 2010

The Sacramento State gymnastics team returned home Friday night with a strong showing, defeating Western Athletic Conference rival San Jose State 194.225-193.850. In the Hornets' first home match in two...

Hornets’ softball finishes second in Kickoff Tournament

Matt Harrington
February 15, 2010

The Sacramento State softball team competed in the Fresno State Kickoff Tournament in Fresno, Saturday and Sunday against host Fresno State and University of the Pacific. Competition began on Saturday...

Hornet gymnastics finishes second in three-team meet

Matt Harrington
February 13, 2010

Sacramento State gymnastics posted a new season high in a three team meet in Boise, Idaho on Friday night. Boise State took first place, scoring 195.075. It was the second time this season the Broncos...

Meet the Sacramento State softball team

Matt Harrington
February 10, 2010

This is the 2010 Sacramento State Hornets softball team. The team was picked to win its division in the Pacific Coast Softball Conference. Click here to read the softball season preview Matt Harrington...

Gymnastics places third at Stanford

Matt Harrington
February 8, 2010

The Sacramento State Gymnastics team went into Stanford, California tonight, to take on the eighth-ranked Stanford Cardinal of the Pacific-10 Conference, along with 24th-ranked University of Washington...

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