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
Tony Rodriguez

Tony Rodriguez, editor-in-chief

(he/him)

Tony Rodriguez is a fourth-year journalism major in his second semester as editor-in-chief of The State Hornet. Rodriguez has spent four semesters with the publication and has served in editorial positions with The State Hornet and on his community college publication, The Express. He hopes to continue his education after graduating from Sacramento State and pursue a Master of Arts in Journalism. Rodriguez hopes to work in media production or as a reporter focused on arts and culture.

All content by Tony Rodriguez

Exit interview with President Robert Nelsen, reflects on legacy at Sac State

Nelsen to retire in Texas
Tony Rodriguez
May 19, 2023
Editor-in-Chief Tony Rodriguez sits with President Robert Nelsen to recount his experience at the university one last time before departing.
Sac State has hired Aaron Kallhoff as the newest women’s basketball head coach. Kallhoff comes over from BYU, boasting over 20-years of coaching experience in NCAA women’s basketball. (Graphic made by Tony Rodriguez, Photo courtesy of Sac State Athletics)

[Photo] BREAKING: Sac State hires new women’s basketball head coach

Jack Freeman and Dylan McNeill
April 17, 2023

Sac State has hired Aaron Kallhoff as the newest women’s basketball head coach. Kallhoff comes over from BYU, boasting over 20-years of coaching experience in NCAA women’s basketball. (Graphic made...

The police announced on Saturday, March 25, 2023 they are looking for a suspect in an attempted burglary. A suspect was caught on surveillance cameras pulling on a door in Amador Hall. (Photo from campus-wide email) (Graphic made in Canva): Alyssa Branum

BREAKING: Reported burglary at Sac State’s Amador Hall

Surveillance cameras capture attempted break-in Saturday morning
Isaac Streeter and Tony Rodriguez
March 25, 2023
A man approximately 5 feet 10 inches, was seen on camera attempting to enter Amador Hall 350 around midnight Saturday.
An individual rallied with students about his beliefs and religious ideologies at the library quad on Monday, Feb. 13, 2023. This incident started after Project Truth, an anti-abortion group, was on campus.

BREAKING: Pro-choice and religious protests break out in library quad

Enraged students confront individuals who preach religious ideologies
A free-speech altercation ensued on campus Monday as pro-choice and religious-based protesters arrived in the library quad.
jKaiLord cantando Sin justicia, no hay paz mientras marchaba por Sacramento el viernes 27 de enero de 2023. jKaiLord estuvo entre varios manifestantes que pidieron justicia después de la muerte de Tyre Nichols, quien murió días después de ser golpeado por agentes de policía de Memphis.

‘Estoy harto y cansado de estar harto y cansado’: La comunidad de Sacramento lamentan la muerte de Tyre Nichols

Manifestantes se acercan al Capitolio para protestar contra la brutalidad policial
Un conjunto de residentes de Sacramento llenaron los escalones occidentales del edificio del Capitolio del Estado de California mientras observaban en silencio las imágenes de la cámara corporal recién publicadas de la golpiza y el arresto de Tyre Nichols, nativo de Sacramento de 29 años.
jKaiLord chanting “No justice, no peace” while marching throughout Sacramento on Friday, Jan. 27, 2023. jKaiLord was among several protesters to call for justice after the death of Tyre Nichols, who died days after being beaten by Memphis police officers.

‘I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired’: Sacramento community mourns death of Tyre Nichols

Demonstrators approach Capitol to protest police brutality
Sacramento residents took to the Capitol to call for legislative change.
TSHP

The State Hornet Podcast: Sac state police take measures on student safety, Hornet football continues to dominate and more.

James Fife and Tony Rodriguez
October 18, 2022
Podcast editor James Fife and editor-in-chief Tony Rodriguez talk about student safety measures, Student health and counseling services “It’s Okay to Not be Okay” day and more.
TSHP

The State Hornet Podcast – Breaking news, LGBTQ+ History Month and another State Hornet football win

James Fife and Tony Rodriguez
October 11, 2022
Podcast editor James Fife and editor-in-chief Tony Rodriguez talk about the breaking news over the weekend, LGBTQ+ History Month and more.
TSHP

The State Hornet Podcast – Nelsen’s Reaction to More Hate Speech, Skip Bishop Returns to Sacramento State

Podcast Editor James Fife and Editor-in-Chief Tony Rodriguez discuss President Nelsen’s reaction to hate speech found on campus and Skip Bishop making his return to Sacramento State.
Sacramento State President Robert Nelsen speaking to students about COVID-19 policies on Sept. 3, 2020. The State Hornet spoke with Nelsen on Sept. 23, 2022, about the university’s response to antisemitism on campus. Photo by Rahul Lal, Graphic by Tony Rodriguez.

[Photo] Q&A: How Sac State is responding to campus antisemitism

Emma Hall
September 30, 2022

Sacramento State President Robert Nelsen speaking to students about COVID-19 policies on Sept. 3, 2020. The State Hornet spoke with Nelsen on Sept. 23, 2022, about the university’s response to antisemitism...

TSHP

The State Hornet Podcast – Hate speech update and Sac State’s 75th Anniversary

James Fife, Tony Rodriguez, and Emma Hall
September 27, 2022
Podcast Editor James Fife and Editor-in-Chief Tony Rodriguez get an update from Newsletter Editor Emma Hall on hate speech on campus
TSHP

The State Hornet Podcast – On campus voting registration and Flu vaccine mandate

James Fife and Tony Rodriguez
September 20, 2022
Podcast Editor James Fife and Editor-in-Chief Tony Rodriguez, round up week two at The State Hornet
TSHP

The State Hornet Podcast- Heat wave and troubling findings on campus

James Fife and Tony Rodriguez
September 10, 2022
Podcast Editor and Editor-in-chief, James Fife and Tony Rodriguez round up week 1 at Sac State.
Imani Marshall, third year communications major,  poses with her thumb up before walking into her communications professor’s office for help in her class on May 3, 2022. “This is my first semester in the major and all my professors have been really nice,” Marshall said.

[Photo] Best of Sac State 2022: The vote is in: Communication Studies wins best major

Krys Shahin
May 4, 2022

Imani Marshall, third year communications major, poses with her thumb up before walking into her communications professor’s office for help in her class on May 3, 2022. “This is my first semester...

(L-R) Genesis Torres and Jack Gephart discuss philosophical ideas at the Sokiku Nakatani Tea Garden below the Sac State library. “This [tea garden] is a space I use to regroup my thoughts or take a moment from the chaos going on above,” Gephart said.

[Photo] Best of Sac State 2022: The library wins best study spot

Jack Freeman
May 4, 2022

(L-R) Genesis Torres and Jack Gephart discuss philosophical ideas at the Sokiku Nakatani Tea Garden below the Sac State library. “This [tea garden] is a space I use to regroup my thoughts or take a moment...

The man arrested in the chase drove through the on-campus apartment complex dodging buildings and pedestrians on Wednesday, March 9, 2022. Sacramento sheriffs followed the suspect into the Hornet Commons parking lot before making an arrest.

Man arrested after leading police in high-speed chase through student living

Chase ended in Hornet Commons parking lot
Tony Rodriguez
March 9, 2022

A high-speed chase ended at the Hornet Commons apartments across Sacramento State, leading to an arrest after a car drove through the complex and nearly collided with several residents, according to police. The...

Final HEERF grant distribution, removal of Spin bikes and more: STATE HORNET PODCAST

Final HEERF grant distribution, removal of Spin bikes and more: STATE HORNET PODCAST

News staffer Laura de la Garza Garcia and news editor Tony Rodriguez deliver the week’s biggest news stories including HEERF grants and a new community service initiative on this week’s edition of The State Hornet Podcast.
From left to right, Dr. Khanh Dinh, Dr. Carlos Nevarez and Dr. Cassie Donnelly served as the panelists at the Anti-racism and Inclusion Convocation on Feb. 14. They spoke about integrating the inclusivity plan into the campus community. Photo by Kris Hall, graphic made in Canva by Tony Rodriguez.

Sac State’s 2022 convocation discussed turning a plan on paper into action

Speakers outlined the proposed implementation of an anti-racism and inclusion plan
Tony Rodriguez and Keyshawn Davis
February 16, 2022
Sacramento State discusses an anti-racism and inclusion plan they plan to implement in its virtual Convocation. Speakers in the seminar spoke on how they will go about putting that plan into action.
Anti-racism Convocation, APIDA webinar and more: STATE HORNET PODCAST

Anti-racism Convocation, APIDA webinar and more: STATE HORNET PODCAST

Nijzel Dotson and Tony Rodriguez
February 14, 2022
On the latest episode of The State Hornet Podcast, news editor Tony Rodriguez provides a recap of Sacramento State’s Anti-racism Convocation and deputy podcast editor Nijzel Dotson goes over some of The State Hornet’s most recent coverage.
App co-creators Srinjay Verma (right), a computer engineering major, and Abubeker Hussen (left), a mechanical engineering major, pose in front of the Buzly app table in the quad during the Club Days event Monday, Feb. 7. The two engineering majors built the app with the intention to encourage a more involved campus community.

[Photo] Sac State students create mobile app to keep campus community connected

Tyra Green
February 14, 2022

App co-creators Srinjay Verma (right), a computer engineering major, and Abubeker Hussen (left), a mechanical engineering major, pose in front of the Buzly app table in the quad during the Club Days event...

Dulce López, a senior nutrition major (left), Gabriela Camargo, a senior communications and Spanish major (middle), and Izabelle Lerma, a senior business major (right), talk in front of the University Union on Monday, Feb. 7, 2022. Sac State students have differing opinions on being back on campus, but the return to in-person instruction mandates many of them to return regardless.

[Photo] Students share their concerns preceding return to in-person learning

Alexis Perales
February 8, 2022

Terryia Davis, a nutrition major at Sac State, poses on the stairs in front of the University Union on Friday, Feb. 07, 2022. One of Davis’s biggest concerns with being on campus is the lack of adequate...

An attendee of the Reclaim MLK parade receives a COVID-19 vaccination in front of the Hornet Stadium at Sac State, Jan. 17, 2022. COVID-19 testing and vaccination options have not been easily accessible to every individual, so Black Lives Matter Sacramento and NAACP of greater Sacramento organized a center to provide them free of charge.

Sac State serves as final destination for Reclaim MLK Day parade

Keyshawn Davis and Tony Rodriguez
January 18, 2022

An attendee of the Reclaim MLK parade receives a COVID-19 vaccination in front of the Hornet Stadium at Sac State, Jan. 17, 2022. COVID-19 testing and vaccination options have not been easily accessible...

Senior middle blocker Cianna Andrews poses with a ball in hand inside the Sacramento State volleyball team’s practice gym on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2021. Andrews recently returned to the team after recovering from an injury and was named Big Sky defensive player of the week in October.

Sac State volleyball player finds ‘structure’ and ‘fulfillment’ in sport

Tony Rodriguez
November 29, 2021

Senior middle blocker Cianna Andrews poses with a ball in hand inside the Sacramento State volleyball team’s practice gym on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2021. Andrews recently returned to the team after recovering...

Sacramento State volleyball’s sophomore middle blocker Kalani Hayes (12) and sophomore outside hitter Bridgette Smith (8) face off with Portland State senior setter Ally Wada (4) at the Hornets Nest on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021. The Hornets were eliminated from the Big Sky tournament in a 3-2 loss against Portland State in the Big Sky conference tournament hosted in Utah on Thursday.

Sac State volleyball knocked out of Big Sky tournament by Portland State

Season comes to an end
Tony Rodriguez
November 19, 2021
The Sac State volleyball team was knocked out of the Big Sky tournament by Portland State. The Hornets end season 16-12 overall.
Sophomore outside hitter Bridgette Smith (8) gets ready to send the ball to the Montana Grizzlies defense at the Hornets Nest on Nov. 11, 2021. Smith had 13 kills and seven digs in the match against the Grizzlies.

Sac State volleyball sweeps Montana in Veterans Day matchup

Hornets head into the final home game of season
Tony Rodriguez
November 12, 2021
The Sac State volleyball team swept the Montana Grizzlies on Veterans Day. The Hornets won one of two final home matches.
Outside hitters Bridgette Smith (8), Tiyanane Kamba-Griffin (17) and middle blocker Kalani Hayes (12) prepare for an incoming serve from Portland State at the Hornets Nest on Oct. 19, 2021. The Hornets defeated Portland State on the road in four sets in an away matchup on Thursday.

Sac State volleyball downs Portland State for sixth victory in a row

Tony Rodriguez
November 5, 2021
Sac State volleyball defeated second place Portland State on the road. The Hornets remain in fourth place in the Big Sky Conference.
Sac State senior outside hitter Macey Hayden (3) attempts to force the ball over the net in a battle with Weber State redshirt sophomore opposite hitter Emma Magnum (9), at the Hornets Nest on Oct. 28, 2021. Sac State swept the Weber State Wildcats and extended its win streak at home to four games.

Sac State volleyball sweeps undefeated Weber State at home

Victory is fourth consecutive sweep at home
Tony Rodriguez
October 29, 2021
Sac State volleyball sweeps undefeated opponent in the fourth wining a row at home against Weber State. The Hornets bring their record to 6-5 in the Big Sky Conference and 12-10 for the season.
Northern Colorado’s sophomore middle blocker Lauren Strain (left) and redshirt senior setter Daisy Schultz (center) face off against Sac State’s (from left to right) sophomore middle blocker Kalani Hayes, junior middle blocker Tiyanane Kamba-Griffin and senior outside hitter Macey Hayden on Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021. Strain and Schultz prepare at the net for their teammate to serve.

Sac State volleyball sweeps No. 2 seed Northern Colorado

Home victory is currently second in a row
Tony Rodriguez
October 23, 2021
Sac State volleyball swept the second win at home in a row with a victory against Northern Colorado. The Hornets evened their record to 5-5 in the Big Sky Conference and 10-10 for the season.
 Sac State volleyball sophomores, outside hitter Bridgette Smith (8) and middle blocker Kalani Hayes (12), face off against Portland State’s senior setter Ally Wada (4) at the net on Oct. 19, 2021. The Hornets won in three sets and broke Portland State’s seven-game win streak.

Sac State volleyball sweeps 7-1 Portland State at home

Tony Rodriguez
October 21, 2021
Sac State women's volleyball beats 7-1 Portland State in a three set sweep at home. The Hornet’s improved their record to 4-5 in the Big Sky Conference.
Senior middle blocker Cianna Andrews (2) flicks the ball over the net in an attempt to score against Southern Utah on Saturday, Oct. 9 2021. Andrews finished with four kills and six blocks in the win against the Thunderbirds.

Sac State volleyball takes their first Big Sky Conference win at home against Southern Utah

Hornets sweep Southern Utah in strong performance
Tony Rodriguez
October 9, 2021
Sac State women’s volleyball earned first Big Sky win at home against Southern Utah
Sac State volleyball lines up in its first set against the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks on Oct. 7, 2021. The Hornets lost in three sets in their first home game after a two-game victory streak on the road.

Sac State volleyball unable to secure Big Sky Conference win at home

Hornets fall to Northern Arizona in a three set sweep
Tony Rodriguez
October 8, 2021
Sac State volleyball fell against Northern Arizona at home in a three set weep.
The Sacramento State women’s volleyball team plays against Boise State in the Sacramento State invitational tournament on Sept. 11, 2021. The team forced a comeback win against Idaho on Saturday to even their Big Sky Conference record.

Women’s volleyball wins two consecutive games on the road

Team forces comeback against Idaho in 3-2 win
Tony Rodriguez
October 2, 2021
Sacramento State women’s volleyball team battled for a 3-2 comeback against Idaho in its second consecutive season victory. Read more here
The Sacramento State women’s volleyball team plays against CSU Northridge in the Sacramento State invitational tournament on Sept. 10, 2021. The team won their first Big Sky Conference game of the season on the road against Eastern Washington.

Women’s volleyball earns first conference win of the season

Team finishes in a three set sweep win against Eastern Washington
Tony Rodriguez
October 1, 2021
Sacramento State’s women’s volleyball team won in three sets against Eastern Washington for their first conference win of the season.
The Sacramento State women’s volleyball team huddles with their stingers up during a timeout in a game against CSU Northridge in  the Sacramento State invitational tournament on Sept. 10, 2021. The team lost both of their first Big Sky conference games over the weekend, 2-3 in the first match against Idaho State and 1-3 in its match against Weber State.

Sac State volleyball starts 0-2 in Big Sky Conference

Hornets experience losses on the road
Tony Rodriguez
September 25, 2021
he Hornets volleyball team looked for a fresh start but lost in their first two games in the Big Sky Conference. Read here about the team’s matchups against Idaho State and Weber State.
Sacramento State Hornets volleyball team wins 2 of 3 games to make it to the tournament championship on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. The Hornets hosted a four-team tournament made up of Boise State, CSU Northridge, University of the Pacific, and themselves.

Sac State women’s volleyball loses invitational volleyball championship

Hornets win 2 of 3 games in home tournament
Tony Rodriguez
September 12, 2021
Boise State takes championship in Sacramento State hosted tournament. Boise State has a dominant tournament, and the Hornets gain experience to prepare for the upcoming Big Sky division season.
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