By Bontã Hill
The Guardsman

No, say it isn’t so? The Guardsman picked up the Water Cooler for another semester?

I know it’s shocking, mind-boggling and hilarious all in one thought. Yet, after watching newly appointed Editor-in-Chief Greg Zeman embarrass himself by begging me in front of two little hotties to bring this column out of retirement, I figured, “what the hell, more pub for me.”

All right, I admit I can be a little delusional at times and think that the Guardsman will never be able to move on without the ‘Cooler, but over the break, writing this column was the farthest thing from my mind.

As I went through summer announcing at the San Francisco Summer-Pro-Am two times a week, arguing with my roommate routinely about who knows what, and then, reinvigorated by writing for an up and coming high school sports website, I was looking forward to my retirement from the Guardsman.

However, after walking by bungalow 214 and getting a whiff of old newspapers, plus Zeman pleading with me like I was the Brett Favre of journalism, not even my participation of being in the nuttiest fantasy baseball league ever could stop me from being duped to sign on for eight more issues.

OK, so it’s not the worst feeling in the world. I could be the assistant coach who got slapped by Matt Barnes at a Pro-Am game (classic).

At the end of the day though, I am happy to announce: The ‘Cooler is back.

Speaking of coming out of “retirement”, guess who clinched his fourth straight “diva of the year” award (here at the ‘Cooler, we have awards for everything imaginable) and dominated ESPN for the last week?

If you guessed Favre you’re right.

Favre’s reason for coming back is that he feels he “owes it to the fans and Minnesota Vikings,” to play for one more season and try to lead the franchise to its first Super Bowl victory.
When the news was broke that Favre was on his way to Vikings headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, my homey, French Bread Picot Jr. threw a question out on Facebook, “Who’s the biggest diva of 2010?”

A. Beyonce
B. Lebron James
C. Chad OchoCinco
D. Brett Favre

After 19 comments, seven agreed LeBron was the biggest diva, and only three went with Favre. The rest were about who was cute, the OchoCinco show, etc.

I agree, Lebron’s “decision,” – the over-hyped, hour-long ESPN special – was unfathomable and he lost some stock in my book.

You can make a case for Lebron being the biggest diva, but Favre has been pulling this wishy-washy act for the last five years.

One week, Favre says his “heart is not in it,” the next month he gets the “itch back” to play football again.
It’s a slap in the face to backups Sage Rosenfels and Tavaris Jackson. They take the all the off-season repetitions, and then get this egotistical attention-grabber who just one day says, “Hey, I want to play.”

Yet, head coach Brad Childress doesn’t mind, as he sent three of his team leaders – Steve Hutchinson, Jared Allen and Ryan Longwell – down to the deep south to convince him to come.

Also, two assistant coaches lied for Childress, telling the media that the three players were inside the practice facility, when in fact Hutchinson and company were strong-arming Favre into a decision.

Last year, Childress had to go down to lovely Hattiesburg Mississippi (never been, nor do I plan on going), to convince Favre to play himself.

Yes, Favre is 40 and is a living legend, but to let one man decide to take off mini-camps and two weeks of training camp and create another pointless media circus (did you really think he was retiring?), is hypocrisy all around.

In my 20-plus years of watching sports, I can’t ever recall seeing an act like this. Can you imagine Peyton Manning or Tom Brady doing this?

One day Favre will a be a hall-of-famer, and be looked at as one of the top-ten quarterbacks of all time. But because of what he’s done off the field the last five years – making franchises hold their breath and pray for him to play – I’ll forever look at Favre as the king diva.

By Destiny Vaughn
The Guardsman

The Rams do not shrink away from the volleyball while it is in play – they dive for it.

As the women’s volleyball team steps back onto the court, they are filled with the determination to make it to the Northern California playoffs and the conference championships, taking every leap they possibly can to get there.

Last year, the team finished 10-16 overall, placing fourth in the Coast Conference North with a record of 4-6. City College has not made it to playoffs in two years and have not played in the conference championships in over four, but they’re ready to spike, set and dig their way there.

“This year the girls are heavily looking into a conference championship, knowing what is to be expected and the steps in order to get that championship,” Head Coach Saga Vae said.

This season the Rams are not only determined to win, they are looking to rebuild their team’s chemistry.

With the departure of last year’s captains Meghan McGuire, Vivian Lee and Jessica Lui along with other sophomores, the team had to start anew with only three returning members: outside hitter Siao Malepeai and middle backs Melany Luu and Marimba Nolan. Lee and Lui both went off to play volleyball for UC Davis, while McGuire now plays softball for CCSF.

“This year one of our main goals is to make it farther than we did last year,” Malepeai said. “As co-captain, I want to help this year’s team to up their intensity level to get to playoffs.”

With a 12-player roster composed of mostly freshmen, the team must strengthen their chemistry if they want to go far in conference play.

Malepeai, newly-recruited setter Brandi Graven and starting libero Crystal Lee are stepping up as co-captains to lead their team to victory.

“I’m hoping to be a role model for the team by playing hard and picking up my girls when they need it,” said Lee, a graduate of Lowell High School. “I want to be the backbone of the team.”

Helping the team achieve their dream is new assistant coach, Edna Molina. Molina previously coached the high school volleyball team at Immaculate Conception Academy in San Francisco and was an assistant coach for the women’s basketball team here at City College from 2005 to 2007.

“It is the very beginning of the season and we’re trying to clean up the errors,” Molina said while watching the team during practice. “But we’re a good team.”

The biggest challenge for the newcomers is adjusting to a new team coming straight from high school.

“The challenges of moving from one team to another is always the same because you’re learning to trust new people. You have to build team chemistry and also play fluidly as a team,” Lee said. “But I’m glad that I’m on a team with these girls. They’ve really made my transition from high school to college a whole lot easier. I can’t wait to see what we’ll do in season.”

The Rams begin their pre-season by playing in the Solano College Classic at 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m against Solano College, Sierra College and Shasta College on Sept. 1 at Solano College.

By Ryan Kuhn
The Guardsman

There was a different attitude in the air as the women’s soccer team finished one of their final practices before the beginning of the season.

This was the same team that didn’t win a game  two years ago, but with a new coach and a new philosophy, City College looks ahead to their 2010 season.

Second-year coach Gabe Saucedo is the man who brought this new philosophy on the field.

“We are going to focus on team chemistry and defense this season,” Saucedo said. “We are going to play a better brand of soccer.”

The Rams finished the 2009 season with a record of 5-11, finishing sixth in the Coast Conference. Defense was key in their successes, they allowed half as many goals as the year before Saucedo became their coach.

Sophomore Julie Alba is just one of the three returning players this season. The rest all came with recruiting.

“Last year team was starting to come together but we had to rush to put all the pieces together,” said Alba. “With a fresh start and team building it is so much easier.”

Saucedo not only searched throughout the city but also found players to come play from the Peninsula and the East Bay.

We have a very balanced team this year,” said Saucedo. “Everyone is going to contribute in their own way. I’m really excited.”

Having played for Saucedo the year before, Alba understands her new role for the team.

“It’s my job for everything to move smoothly on the field,” Alba said.

Midfielder Cyntia Salazar played a season before Saucedo became coach and she can really see a change.

“It was pretty bad back then,” said Salazar. “Players were injured. Now we have way more girls and everyone is playing hard. Its nice, like a big family.”

The Rams road will not be easy this season. As part of the Coast Conference they will have to play Skyline College twice. The Trojans were conference champions last year and finished undefeated with a record of 14-0-3.

Even with the hard schedule the players are motivated to do well.

“Playoffs are a reasonable goal, maybe even a conference championship,” said Alba. “We are this year’s Cinderella team. There is nothing we can’t do.”

The Rams first game is against Foothill College on Sept. 1. According to Saucedo it’s going to be tough for his club.

“It will be a challenging game,” Saucedo said. “Win, lose or draw. It will tell what kind of team we are.”

All home games are at Crocker Park. Kickoff is at 1:30 p.m.

By Ryan Kuhn
The Guardsman

Coming up short in two previous attempts, City College’s women’s badminton team can finally call themselves state champions.

In 2006 and 2009 the Rams lost in the state title game but this year they defeated Pasadena City College to complete a perfect 9-0 season.

In the ten years badminton has been part of community college athletics, CCSF was the first Northern California team to win the state championship. Previous champions were San Diego Mesa, San Diego City and Irvine Valley colleges.

Maggie Choy and Janice Wong came back from an 11-6  deficit in the final match against the Lancers to finally put PCC away 21-12, 11-21, 21-18.

This game snapped a Pasadena’s 13-match winning streak.

By Aaron Turner
The Guardsman

(L-R) City College sophomores Wendy Zhu and Michelle Wu face Skyline's Rachel Bernia and Nour Abudamus in their first-round doubles match during the Northern California Badminton Finals, May 8 at the Wellness Center. ROBERT ROMANO / THE GUARDSMAN

For the second season in a row, the Northern California Women’s Badminton Finals were a formality for the most dominant program at City College this year.

The undefeated Rams aim to make history in Pasadena by capturing their first ever state championship, a feat that has never been accomplished by any Northern California school.

The Rams, who were the host team for this year’s NorCal Finals, held at the Wellness Center on May 8, were able to secure #1 seeds for both doubles and singles. They will send a total of six players to Pasadena City College, the site of this year’s State Championships.

After the matches were over, Fred Glosser and Coni Staff, the teams co-head coaches, were all smiles inside the Wellness Center.

“I’m very pleased with today’s results,” Staff said. “I feel that we have put ourselves in the best possible position to win at state. I think we consider ourselves the favorite to win it all, and rightfully so.”

It would be hard to argue with Staff’s assessment, as the Rams began the season loaded with experience players. As state runner-up last season, they fell just short to host Irvine Valley College, a team that boasted four Olympic trained badminton players. This year, the playing field will be much more even, Staff said.

The Rams will compete in the State Finals which begin on May 13. The individual player competitions will then take place that weekend, May 15 – 16.

“It’s going to be between us and Pasadena this year for the team championship,” Staff said. “While we haven’t seen their number one player, a coach has told us that we match up with them very well strategically.”

Strategy aside, City College’s best weapons may be their sophomores, five of whom were at Pasadena last year.

“They’ve all been there, they know what to expect,” Glosser said of his team following the NorCal finals, adding that he persuaded sophomore Maggie Choy to return for her second season after a four year hiatus from badminton, with the hopes of winning a state title before he retired.

Choy last played for the Rams in 2006, before leaving City College until this season. Despite that much time away, she stepped in nicely as the Rams’ number one player in both singles and doubles.

“Coach Glosser wanted to form a good women’s team this year, and win a state championship,” Choy said in regards to her returning. For Choy, she couldn’t have made a better decision.

“This year was just so fun,” she said. “We have all known each other for a long time on the team, and we have such great coaches, so I am happy to be back.”

“Maggie sets a great example and a great work ethic for the rest of the team,” Staff said. She also praised the work of sophomore Wendy Zhu, who is seeded #2 for State, and was the number two singles player all season.

“Wendy is always the first to practice and the last to leave,” Staff said. “She is a huge reason why this team is so disciplined and so well conditioned this year.”

Having seen her team come up just short last year, Zhu is yet another battle-tested player the Rams have at their disposal.

“I think we have an even better chance this year,” Zhu said. “We’ve all been through tournaments before, and have been on out there on the court before, so experience definitely helps.”

By Bontã Hill
The Guardsman

Just two years ago, this little whippersnapper named Bontã Hill walked into bungalow 214, home of The Guardsman, curious to know what it took to join the school newspaper.

After that, a good friend of mine sent me two sports writing books for Christmas urging me to start writing. To be honest, it was the only way I was going to stay in school.

With no journalism experience (does reading the Sporting Green from the age of 10 count for something?), I was assigned to a women’s basketball game at City College, and after writing that story, my hunger to become a better journalist grew with each assignment.

Two years later, my time with The Guardsman is coming to a close. But it has not been without great memories, classic run-ins with members on staff and the joy of expanding the recognition of City College athletics here on campus.

Chasing down the likes of George Rush, Justin Labagh and Jamie Hayes for quotes will be something I will surely reminisce about 15 years later.

Going forward, the Cooler has served its last cup, meaning the future for The Guardsman is sure to be dryer than the Sahara Desert.

All kidding aside, it’s been a pleasure to make all you readers laugh and get away from the daily grind of going to school. To the people who stopped me on campus to talk about various topics in my column, thank you.

I couldn’t be more proud in saying that my journalism career started right here at City College.

Idiot of the Week

My protege and current sports editor here on campus suggested I do an Idiot of the Semester.

I know I can’t go wrong with JaMarcus Russell, Josh McDaniels and Ben Roethlisberger, but after last week, how can I pass up the opportunity to recognize a guy who used to take quarterbacks’ heads off while on cocaine?

This honor of course goes to the original L.T., Lawrence Taylor. While he’s had a long list of off-field troubles, last week’s was probably the most embarrassing moment of his life.

While in New York last weekend, Taylor was looking to have a little fun in his Holiday Inn room He contacted Rasheed Davis, who had a prostitute pay Taylor a visit.

The 51-year-old Taylor was told the girl was 19, and Taylor then paid $300. The catch? The girl was 16, still a couple of years away from being classified as an adult.

The girl, who was reported missing by her family in March, met Davis at a Bronx bus stop two to three weeks ago. Federal prosecutors say she told investigators that the 36-year-old parolee offered her a place to live and a way to make money.

It is simply unbelievable that Taylor, with a long list of run-ins with the law, would put himself in that position.

Taylor could face up to 10 years in prison and a life-time sex-offender registration if convicted. It’s a shame that he has given the African-American community a black eye.

Whatever the outcome is, L.T. is a fool, fool enough to be the Idiot of the Semester.

Misc.

I loved how Floyd “Money” Mayweather took apart Shane Mosley on May 1 to once again hush his critics. Mayweather upped his record to 41-0 and hopefully, $40 million to $50 million dollars will convince Manny Pacquiao to take a blood test and make the fight between himself and Mayweather happen.

In hockey news, the San Jose Sharks are four wins away from  their first ever Stanley Cup Final. Is it me, or does it seem like the Bay Area sports landscape is starting to look a little more promising? This region is overdue for sporting success.

Lastly, how about the guy who blasted A-Rod for stepping on the pitcher’s mound? Oakland A’s pitcher Dallas Braden threw the 19th perfect game in Major League Baseball history on Mother’s Day against the Tampa Bay Rays with his grandmother watching in the bleachers.

Nothing like a great sports moment to end a great run at The Guardsman.

Sophomore forward Da’Ron Sims, a player who turned his life around at City College playing hoops for Rams head basketball coach Justin Labagh the past two seasons, recently found out his full-ride basketball scholarship to Sacramento State had been retracted.

Apparently, after doing a Google search, the Sacramento State athletic department came across a feature story on Sims published in a fall 2009 issue of The Guardsman. The feature illustrated the many hardships overcome by Sims, a man who grew up in West Oakland surrounded by drugs and violence.

Following an arrest in 2007, Sims was approached by his former McClymonds basketball coach Brandon Brooks, who knew the potential he had to become a successful basketball player. After working out with the City College basketball team, he became a walk-on player following tryouts.

Sims was named Coast Conference Player of the Year as a freshman, and earned All-State honors both years he’s played for City College, becoming a team leader and fine student athlete.

Sims’ own personal struggles were also well documented in the feature, including his dropping out of McClymonds High School in Oakland his senior year, turning to the streets to help make ends meet.

Sacramento State’s basketball program must have only read the first half of Sims’ feature. If they had read all the way to the bottom, they would have realized what an outstanding player, and more importantly, an outstanding person they were about to have playing for them.

To hinder an individual’s struggle for greatness and to judge somebody for the mistakes they made during their youth is not only unforgivable, it is simply unethical.

Sacramento State University has provided a perfect example of just that.

Sims epitomizes the idea of redemption, as he spent significant time in jail three years prior to his return to basketball. Not only did basketball save his life, it helped reveal his high level of character.

Whoever at Sacramento State made this decision should be ashamed. This is also, apparently, not the first time a scholarship offer has been taken back by Sacramento State’s athletic department due to “concerns” they had for a recruit.

The need to judge character before admitting a student into a university is understandable when allowing them to attend school for free. However, Sims’ story shines light on his personal triumphs and should not raise warning signs for any sort of risk.

Not only does the university’s decision strip away the chance for Sims to attend college, get a degree and continue to play the game he loves, it strips away the integrity of Sacramento State as a college athletic institution. A simple sit-down with Sims would have silenced any doubts they had about his character.

Repeated judgments of character have been drawn based on what people read or see online, and that is purely absurd. Unfair. Reprehensible.

What the university has done is write an ugly chapter to what is truly an inspiring story. The fact that Sims came from a life involving crime, poverty and reprehensible actions and changed into a young man on the brink of forever improving his life should be celebrated, not punished.

This blatant disrespect Sacramento State has shown not only to Sims, but to every coach and mentor that has helped turn his life around is despicable.

While Sims still may be able to attend a university, something that would never be a reality without the help of a basketball scholarship, this decision creates a huge cloud over his future. Not only was he stripped of the right he earned to play basketball at this university, he has for now been stripped of his right to earn a college degree.

The beauty of Sims’ story has been tarnished by the ugliness of this university’s decision. For that, shame on you Sacramento State.

By Aaron Turner
The Guardsman

AARON TURNER / THE GUARDSMAN

After pitching a complete game victory over San Jose City College in his previous start, Rams sophomore Jared Freitas took the mound April 24 against visiting San Mateo (18-4), hoping to get his third consecutive victory and help the Rams earn a late season upset.

Despite allowing only two earned runs in nine innings, a 10th inning RBI double by the Bulldogs off Eric Lara forced Freitas to take a no-decision, as the Rams fell 4-3 in 10 innings at Fairmont Field in Pacifica, dropping their record to 5-17 in the Coast Conference.

“Jared’s last three starts have been excellent,” Rams head coach John Vanoncini said. “He pitched well enough to win the game today, for sure.”

Freshman Mark Johnson got the Rams on the board early against San Mateo starting pitcher Josh Trejo, as his first inning RBI single put them up 1-0. Jeremy Pratt led off the fifth inning with a double, before being driven in by Oli Meheula for the second run of the game. Meheula would eventually come around to score on a sacrifice fly by catcher Anthony Oropeza, for the third run of the inning.

“We’ve really been playing some good baseball,” Freitas said. “Our bats are finally coming around and we’re playing as a team. There is not a lot of negativity in the dugout.”

San Mateo was able to break through against Freitas in the seventh inning. Sophomore Steven Riddle got the Bulldogs on the board with a one out RBI double, before being driven in himself the next at bat by Pat Burford.

After allowing a third consecutive hit, Freitas worked his way out of the jam with an inning-ending double play.

“I felt like I had all my stuff today, and I felt like every pitch was working,” said Freitas, who entered Saturday’s game with a 3-4 record. “I got ahead. A lot of first pitch strikes, only one walk, and that’s really good if you’re making them earn their way on the bases.”

The eighth inning turned rocky for Freitas and the Rams, as he hit the leadoff batter Jarrod Hopper, who wound up coming all the way around to score on a throwing error after he attempted to steal third base.

The Rams had their own rally thwarted in the bottom of the ninth. Mark Johnson led off with a single, and Freitas reached first safely on a throwing error off a sacrifice bunt. Vanoncini decided to have Johnson steal third, but he was called out on a disputed play. Freitas was picked off at first base and the Rams failed to score in the inning.

“We had some bad luck late in the game,” Vanoncini said. “We guessed right on a steal and their guy misses a tag but they still call him out, so we just didn’t get it done.”

The Rams will play their home finale against De Anza on April 29 at Fairmont Field in Pacifica. They will then head to Mission College on April 30 to wrap up the season.

By Angela Penny
The Guardsman

A sign stating the completion of a field in fall 2009 currently hangs in front of the future construction site adjacent to Batmale Hall. RAMSEY EL-QARE / THE GUARDSMAN

Progress has not been made on a new soccer field that was promised to both City College soccer programs two semesters ago.

Last August, The Guardsman reported that construction of a new soccer-only facility adjacent to Batmale Hall had begun and would be finished by December 2009. However, almost nine months later, there is no evidence that any construction has begun.

“The project is still a go,” women’s athletic director Peg Grady said. “The plans are on hold in the California Division of the State Architect. Once the plans are approved, the project can move forward with the design.”

This was confirmed by the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Peter Goldstein.

“The project is on hold until the State Architect approves the drawings, which should occur within the next few weeks,” Goldstein said.

The field will be partially funded by nearby Lick-Wilmerding High School.

“We’ve been completely left out of the loop,” men’s soccer head coach Adam Lucarelli said. “I talk about the new soccer field when recruiting players, and then when it doesn’t happen, my credibility is put in question.”

He said he was told the plans were postponed twice, but the reasons were never clear. Lucarelli also said all the other teams in the Coast Conference have beautiful fields, and not having a soccer field prevents them from having a “home-field advantage.”

“We play on three different venues for home games,” Lucarelli said. “We have been very successful, even without the field, but having one will make our lives much easier.”

Grady agreed that the process has been very frustrating.

“Our teams have continued to play off campus and at two different sites,” she said. “We look forward to the day when we can both practice and compete on our own campus. It will definitely cut down on travel and field rental costs.”

Women’s soccer head coach Gabe Saucedo, who is heading into his second season with the program, is more content with the current situation.

“We get to play at the brand new facilities at Crocker Amazon, which are five minutes away by car,” Saucedo said. “Since other teams from the community practice there it helps spread the word about our program.”

Former athletic director and current head football coach George Rush said construction plans require the building of a retaining wall at the north end of the facility and confirmed that the school anticipates construction plans to be approved within the next couple of weeks.

“If all goes well we hope to have the field built and ready for play by October,” Rush said.

By Bontã Hill
The Guardsman

There has been no shortage of sporting news since I last talked to you.

The NBA Playoffs have gotten off to a hot start, and the San Jose Sharks made it to the second round and look serious about bringing the Stanley Cup to the Bay Area.

And 49ers fans everywhere have to be imagining big things for the upcoming season since the team beefed up their roster at the past weekend’s NFL draft.

Also, with the super fight between Sugar Shane Mosely and Floyd Mayweather Jr. coming up, there’s no reason for me to get off my couch.

With that said, I can’t help but think about how this is my next-to-last column ever in The Guardsman. That’s right folks, The Water Cooler is down to its last two cups of water.

It’s a bittersweet moment indeed. My time boring you, hurting your eyes and making you use this paper as a fly swatter has been a great experience.

The Guardsman has provided me the opportunity to speak my mind on one of the few things I love in this world — sports. It’s also been exciting, stressful and time consuming.

Don’t get me wrong, I wouldn’t trade this experience for a 99-cent bag of sour cream and onion Ruffles (those who know me know I run through two bags a day. I’m so addicted.)

I am proud to give The Guardsman credit for opening a lot of doors for me. It gave me the opportunity to announce men’s basketball games here at City College, the chance to get to work with the prestigious football team and the chance to meet all the great athletes and coaches from all the athletic programs.

As I continue my journey through college as a bona fide sports junky, life just won’t be the same without The Water Cooler.

Idiot of the Week

There was a slew of pathetic acts this week, but I can only admit one person into the Idiot Hall of Fame, so some hopefuls will probably be disappointed. But in a wave of stupidity that could qualify him for the Idiot of the Month, this edition is admitting Ben Roethlisberger, quarterback of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

This comes following his six-game suspension by commissioner Roger Goodell after a 20-year-old girl from Georgia accused “Big Ben” of sexual assault. Although he was not charged because prosecutors did not have enough evidence, this is the second time in two years a woman has come out accusing Roethlisberger of foul play.

Now, not only has Roethlisberger’s wild nights cost him six games of his season, it will probably cost the Steelers a playoff berth. With his reputation scarred and his giving the NFL attention for all the wrong reasons, Big Ben is a fool to keep putting himself in danger due to ridiculous judgments.

Welcome to the I.H.O.F. Ben.

Miscellaneous

After wearing egg on my face about my infamous Super Bowl prediction, I’ll go out on a limb by predicting the San Francisco Giants will not make the playoffs.

It’s tough, since Giants fans have the feeling this team could be great. And they can, if they can figure out a way to produce some runs on the board.

I just can’t help it, considering the offense is filled with free swingers of average speed and minimal power — with the exception of Pablo Sandoval. Yes, the Giants pitching is by far one of the best in baseball, but until they get a legitimate offense, they simply won’t be able to hang with the Colorado Rockies.

It pains to write what I have just written about the Giants, but I’m a realist, and the Giants are the second-best team in the National League West.