TheUSDVISTA
Volume 57 Issue 2
Thursday, September 19, 2019
On Newsstands Weekly
◆ The Official Student Newspaper of the University of San Diego since 1968 ◆
Professors threatened A USD professor targeted at least four other faculty members
The flyers posted across various locations on campus and the crosshairs slid underneath the office doors of two USD professors by the suspended THRS professor. Executive Editors/The USD Vista
Executive Editors The USD Vista The beginning of the Fall 2019 semester at the University of San Diego has been marred by scandal after a USD Theology and Religious Studies (THRS) professor allegedly made threats against at least four other professors. The tenured professor who is alleged to have made the threats has been suspended from his position, removed from campus, and served with a temporary restraining order. In a joint statement released to The USD Vista, USD professors Emily Reimer-Barry, Evelyn Kirkley, Lori Watson, and Leeva
Chung, Ph.D.s detailed threats that were made against them two weeks ago. The alleged threats came in the form of flyers that were posted on public bulletin boards in Camino and Founders Halls and placed underneath the office doors of two faculty members. “We confirm that Drs Kirkley, Reimer-Barry and Watson were targeted by a faculty member who posted flyers calling us fascists among other things, and urging students to boycott our classes,” the statement reads. “The flyers called for our dismissal from the University. An image of a sniper/ rifle scope was placed under the office doors of Dr. Watson and
department door of Dr. Chung. These events have been chilling, disruptive, and caused undue stress and fear to ourselves and our students. We want to return to our normal life and resume our academic pursuits. We wish for the responsible individual to be held accountable for his actions.” Like the statement describes, the flyers posted on the bulletin boards urged students to “oppose corruption” and boycott the “classes and events” of ReimerBarry, Kirkley, and Watson, describing the three professors as “faux academics, fascists, miscreants, pseudo-scholars, and sycophants.” Additionally, the flyer called for opposition to
the aforementioned professors’ projects, and their removal from their academic positions at USD, and included pictures of the three professors alongside a photo of former White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders. Reimer-Barry and Kirkley teach in the THRS Department, while Watson is an instructor in the Department of Philosophy. In a similar event, pieces of paper with the image of a rifle’s crosshairs were slipped under the office doors of Watson and Communication Studies professor Leeva Chung, Ph.D. USD President James T.
See Threats, Page 3
Students react
Celina Tebor Managing Editor The University of San Diego’s campus was buzzing with conversation last Wednesday. This was the first time the public learned about the alleged threats made by Louis Komjathy, Ph.D., a professor in the Theology and Religious Studies Department (THRS) at the University of San Diego, against other USD professors. The USD Department of Public Safety was notified about the incident on Tuesday, Sept. 3 — more than a week before the news was revealed to the public. The university didn’t break the news about the scandal, however: the media did. Soon after various local news outlets released details about the threats made on campus, USD President James T. Harris III, D.Ed, addressed the incident in an emailed statement on Wednesday, Sept. 11. This was the university’s first public statement on the threats. The USD community had a range of reactions to the scandal, from apathy to concern. Senior Alexa Withrow fits into the latter category. On Sept. 11, she decided to skip class in protest of the university’s lack of transparency about the threats. She originally found out the news after her friend sent her an NBC article breaking the scandal, and was frustrated to have found out about it from a third party, rather than the university. “I checked my inbox right after (I saw the article) to see if there was any sort of notification on the university’s part,” Withrow said. “About the fact that it happened, that they were doing anything about it to let students know, if
See Reaction, Page 2
Del Mar’s finale: KAABOO in review The sold-out festival is set to take place in Petco Park next year
KAABOO is San Diego’s largest music festival, spanning three full days every fall. The festival prides itself on hosting a wide variety of artists from a wide expanse of genres like rock n roll to rap, appealing to all types of music fans. Follow along as The USD Vista breaks down all the highlights of this rocking weekend in Del Mar. Friday Festivalgoers danced their way into another KAABOO experience
this past Friday afternoon. The music festival’s lively line up kicked off with singer/songwriter Andrew McMahon’s cool vibe and continued on with 80s rock band REO SpeedWagon. With perfect weather, great music, and cool art murals, the energy and excitement at the Del Mar Racetrack venue climbed to new levels. As crowds piled in, band The Silversun Pickups took the stage and reminded everyone why alternative music is here to stay with their songs “Lazy Eye” and “Panic Switch.” Needing a boost of energy, long lines of hungry
people waited for their chance to indulge in delicious meals from trending food trucks like Me So Hungry, Great Balls of Fire, and The Middle Feast. After refueling, people headed over to the Sunset Cliffs Stage to revel in country star Maren Morris’ powerful voice. With the sun setting behind her, Morris got the whole crowd to sing along to her hit songs “I Could Use A Love Song,” “The Feels,” and “80s Mercedes.” Across the fairgrounds on the Grandview Stage, the old school hip-hop crew Wu Tang
Clan celebrated their 25th year together. They started their set by getting the crowd chanting “hip-hop forever!” Rapper RZA fed off of the crowd’s enthusiasm and led the crew into “Bring Da Ruckus.” The Staten Island crew then continued on with songs from their newest album “36 Chambers,” going acapella for crowd favorite “Protect Ya Neck.” Shortly after Wu Tang concluded their iconic set, Snoop Dogg gave arguably the best performance of the entire day. Starting strong with “All I Do Is Win” and “P.I.M.P,” Snoop
had the crowd grooving and singing throughout his entire set. Snoop shouted out the ladies with “California Gurls” and even brought out pole dancers to fire up the crowd. Toward the middle of his set, Snoop honored his friend Tupac’s birthday by having the crowd yell “We love you. We miss you. Rest in peace,” then paid tribute to Easy E by playing “Boyz in the Hood,” and Biggie with the song “Hypnotize.” Naturally, Snoop ended the night with his hit song “Young, Wild, and Free,” leaving the crowd feeling high on
Huffman’s 14day sentence
Op-Ed: SeaWorld
Toreros study abroad
Editor’s food list
Matt Wiher profile
Sabrina Alterman Contributor
See News, page 2
See Opinion, page 5
See Feature, pages 6-7
See A&C, page 10
WWW.UOFSDMEDIA.COM ◆ @THEUSDVISTA
See KAABOO, Page 9
See Sports, page 11
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September 19, 2019
NEWS
14-day sentence
First parent is sentenced in “Varsity Blues” case Luke Garrett News Editor Felicity Huffman, star of the television drama “Desperate Housewives,” was the first parent to be sentenced in the “Varsity Blues” national college admission scandal. The Friday sentence earned her 14 days in federal prison for paying $15,000 to alter her daughter’s SAT scores, the same crime Robert Flaxman, former USD parent, pled guilty to. Both wealthy parents paid someone else to take their daughter’s entrance exams. However, Flaxman paid five times that of Huffman to increase his daughter’s ACT score from 20 to 28 out of 36 in order to ensure admission to the University of San Diego. Huffman’s sentence may shed light on how the courts could sentence Flaxman, as the plea agreements of the two parents are strikingly similar. Huffman and Flaxman’s agreements both list a maximum sentence of 20
years for conspiracy to commit mail fraud and honest services mail fraud. The U.S. Attorney also recommended the incarceration time be on the “low side” of the sentencing range for both parents. Prosecutors sought a month of incarceration for the actress and argued that despite her rationale of parental fears and insecurities, Huffman’s actions were criminal and antithetical to proper parenting. Her defense noted that the actress’ crimes were fall less severe than those committed by other parents involved, who allegedly paid up to $500,000 in bribery. Huffman earned half the prison time pursued by U.S. prosecutors, probation, 250 hours of community service and a fine of $30,000 by U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani. She must report to the Federal Bureau of Prisons on Oct. 25. Although Flaxman paid more than Huffman, her sentencing was an indicator of how the wealthy real estate owner might defend
his actions and be sentenced. The initial Department of Justice (DOJ) indictment against Robert Flaxman concerned his son and daughter, Martin Fox, and William “Rick” Singer. According to the DOJ, Fox facilitated bribes paid for by Flaxman and allegedly received by former USD men’s basketball head coach Lamont Smith. In return for the payments, Smith allegedly designated the son and daughter of Flaxman as a basketball recruit and student manager. On May 24, Robert Flaxman admitted to paying $75,000 to alter his daughter’s ACT score. According to the published plea agreement between Flaxman and the DOJ, no other criminal charges will be made against Flaxman in connection to the initial indictment, meaning his son will not be included in the federal prosecution of his father. Flaxman is set to be sentenced on Oct. 18 by U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani, the same judge Huffman faced.
CA waiver
Environmental waiver at risk Mikaela Foehr Asst. News Editor California’s greatest tool in the fight against climate change may be at risk. According to a recent New York Times article, the Trump administration is planning to revoke a waiver granted to the state by the Clean Air Act of 1970. This waiver allows California to set stricter air pollution regulations than the rest of the country. Over the past year, this has become a conflict between the Trump administration and the populous state. Last August, California announced it would stick to the auto-emission standards set by President Obama in 2012. The standards require a growing minimum mileage for new cars sold in the U.S., which would freeze at 54.5 miles per gallon in the year 2026. The state has chosen to follow these standards in direct opposition to the Trump administration, which proposed to abandon them.
The current administration believes that these standards will cost American consumers and car manufacturers too much money, while California is focusing on the significant decrease in emissions and gas use that they would facilitate. Instead of creating cars with varying fuel efficiencies, Ford, Honda, BMW, and Volkswagen have chosen to meet California’s higher standards. Both sides of this conflict have clear advantages and disadvantages in cities like San Diego, where cars are preferred to public transportation. One side warns that cars may become more expensive. The other cautions San Diegans that their ozone, the sixth most polluted out in the country, is in need of environmental support. Committed to its cause, the Trump administration will attempt to eliminate California’s waiver, setting the stage for a Supreme Court case over the state’s right to set its own environmental standards.
Students react to the scandal In response to the alleged threats, USD students voice their opinions and concerns
Reaction from Page 1
there’s any resources to go talk to. Because for me, I did have a personal reaction. And there was nothing.” A group of about 10 students joined Withrow outside of the Hughes Administration Center on Wednesday afternoon, holding flyers that read, “When will you put students first?” and “Why are we always the last to know?” Withrow believed the threats against the professor should have been handled as a public safety issue. “This is the first of many times that the university, in my opinion, has not reacted or not responded when it would have been nice to have the heads up,” Withrow said. “Not only is it nice to have the heads up, but how am I supposed to focus on going to class and getting an education when I’m getting a response feeling unsafe? So today I didn’t go to class, because I think it’s more important that our institutions look at the systems they have in place when our public safety feels threatened.” Withrow said she didn’t personally feel unsafe by the threats made, but rather because the university failed to inform its student body about the incident quickly. “I have no reason to believe that as a student, I was targeted in any way or that my safety was compromised in any way on this campus,” Withrow said. “However, where I feel unsafe is when I feel like there’s a lack of transparency between myself
as a student and the campus administration and the senior levels of this administration.” Other students echoed Withrow’s concerns during a Discussion on Campus Safety, hosted by Department of Public Safety Chief James Miyashiro. In the meeting, Miyashiro gave more details about the incident and students had a chance to discuss and ask questions about it. After Miyashiro explained why Public Safety was unable to
chaos if you sent an email.” She added that even though faculty were targeted, the incident was still a safety issue for students, especially because they spend more time on campus. “Professors get to go home,” Bledman said. “I don’t get to go home. I live here.” Withrow also attended the meeting, and expressed the same sentiment as before while she was protesting on Wednesday. Withrow reiterated
which Public Safety handles campus safety incidents by joining a student advisory committee. He acknowledged there was more discussion to be had, and Assistant Vice President of Student Wellness Melissa Halter reminded students that USD’s Student Wellness Center is a resource for the community. While some students at the meeting expressed that this wasn’t the first time the university has had a lack of transparency on
Students protest against the university’s lack of transparency about the alleged threats against USD professors. Victoria Holmes/USDtv
release details of the investigation due to employee privacy laws, Senior Alanna Bledman said that the university should have informed the student body, even without all the details. “We deserve to know these things,” Bledman said. “What is the harm in letting us know? I doubt this would’ve caused any
her dissatisfaction about how she discovered the news initially. “Our peers, our family, our partners are worried about it,” Withrow said. “And guess how they found out about it? The same way we did. The news.” At the end of the meeting, Miyashiro offered a chance for students to shape the way in
an issue, first years stepping onto USD’s campus were greeted by the scandal during the first full week of class. Nate Brady is a first year at USD, and is enrolled in a Theology and Religious Studies class that Louis Komjathy was supposed to teach before his suspension. A different professor is now
teaching the class. On the first day of classes, Sept. 3, the same day Komjathy was removed and suspended from campus, Brady said that class was canceled and students were told Komjathy had to take an emergency leave. On the second day he had the class, the new professor explained the situation. Brady was surprised by what he was told. “Teachers are supposed to be leaders,” Brady said. “They’re supposed to teach us. To hear someone that’s supposed to be a teacher was acting like that kind of caught me off guard a little bit.” Brady said that he’s glad Komjathy isn’t teaching the class because it wouldn’t have been a good environment to learn in, but didn’t think his safety was ever at risk. “I never met the guy,” Brady said. “He never entered the classroom. I wouldn’t say it makes me feel unsafe, but I guess that’s because they took care of it.” Brady did acknowledge that the university could have taken swifter action, but is glad to know about the incident regardless. “It is a big deal that it happened, but I guess that we eventually found out is good,” Brady said. “Maybe it would have been a little bit better if they would have been upfront from the start. You’d like to know what’s going on on your campus, if possible.” The investigation into the alleged threats remains ongoing and the university has not released any other information, besides President Harris’ email on Sept. 11.
Volume 57 Issue 2
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NEWS
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Louis Komjathy suspended
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Theology and Religious Studies professor was denied full professorship last year Threats from Page 1 Harris III, D.Ed, addressed the incident in an emailed statement to the USD community on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Due to employee privacy laws, the university did not release the name of the professor. A portion of the statement reads as follows: “A professor took responsibility for the flyers and the inappropriate behavior,” the statement reads. “The individual was suspended, removed from campus and is not permitted to return to campus or participate in any USD-related off-campus events while we conduct our investigation and initiate next steps. The professor has complied with these directives, has not returned to the campus, and to our knowledge, similar inappropriate behavior has not occurred.” The USD Vista was alerted to the allegations on Friday, Sept. 6 after a professor told their students that faculty members had been targeted by a professor in the THRS department. The USD Vista reached out to the USD Department of Public Safety (DPS), but with the investigation being ongoing, was not able to gain access to the DPS report. The university issued a statement to The USD Vista in response, which echoed what Harris would say in his Sept. 11 email to the USD community. In the days following the incident and the accused
professor’s suspension from the university, the class registration portal for USD students displayed sections 01 and 02 of THRS 110 classes with “TBA” listed as the instructor. The THRS department lists each professor’s classes along with their office hours on the USD website. According to the website, Louis Komjathy, Ph.D, was teaching THRS 110 sections 01 and 02. The sections have since been replaced with another professor. According to his biography on the Department of Theology and Religious Studies website, Komjathy has been a member of the department since 2009, focusing primarily on Daoism, Chinese religions, comparative mysticism, and meditation traditions. Days after the flyers were discovered, The USD Vista retrieved a temporary restraining order from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department website. Emily Reimer-Barry filed the order for Civil Harassment through the San Diego Superior Court on Sept. 6, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune. The recipient of the temporary restraining order, uncovered in the document, is Louis Komjathy. While Komjathy is listed on this temporary restraining order, his connections to threats on campus are allegations, and have not been proven. The San Diego County Superior Court will hold a
hearing on Sept. 26 to discuss the temporary restraining order against Komjathy. On Wednesday, Sept. 11, after hearing third-party reports on the threats from the media, a group of students gathered for a peaceful protest concerning the university’s lack of transparency on the issue. Public safety discussion on campus safety USD’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) Chief James Miyashiro held a Discussion on Campus Safety on Thursday, Sept. 13 and further detailed the ongoing investigation. According to Miyashiro, Louis Komjathy is still employed at USD, and more details about the investigation cannot be provided because of employee protection laws. DPS claims they were notified of the incident on Tuesday, Sept. 3. Miyashiro said that a professor, not pictured on the flyer, with a shared office space discovered the photo of the crosshairs on Saturday, Aug. 31. Miyashiro said that DPS was able to identify the professor that made the alleged threats after seeing the flyer, because he “had other postings that kind of matched.” Miyashiro said the professor admitted to placing the crosshairs under the doors of professors. Additionally he said that the professor has been cooperative during the whole investigation,
and that he was “posting things out of unhappiness, in whatever his situation was.” After the identity of the professor was confirmed, Miyashiro escorted him off campus Wednesday morning and the professor was suspended Wednesday night by the provost. Some faculty were notified of the incident on Wednesday through an email. There is a trespass order against him and he is subject to arrest if he is seen on campus. USD has a license plate reader as well as cameras on campus to identify him. Miyashiro said that the USD DPS consulted the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) twice during its own investigation, on Sept. 3 and 4. The SDPD concluded that the professor’s actions did not include enough evidence to be criminally liable under Penal Code 422 PC - “Criminal Threats.” In the State of California, a criminal threat under Penal Code 422 is defined as “a crime which will result in death or great bodily injury to another person, with the specific intent that the statement, made verbally, in writing, or by means of an electronic communication device, to be taken as a threat, even if there is no intent of actually carrying it out.” Both the USD DPS and the SDPD performed a threat assessment on Sept. 4. USD’s internal threat assessment included checking Komjathy’s social media, checking for weapons registered to his name, and checking if he had committed any serious crimes within the last year. The internal threat assessment came back negative as well as the SDPD’s threat assessment also came back negative. Komjathy denied full professorship Last year, Komjathy had applied for full professorship at USD, one of three levels on the tenure track: Assistant, Associate, and full professorship. Komjathy is an Associate Professor. Promotion to full professor is done through the consideration of one’s teaching, scholarship,
Screenshots detailing the removal of Komjathy’s name from the Theology and Religious Studies classes he was supposed to teach during the Fall 2019 semester. Kaia Hubbard/The USD Vista
The USD Vista Kaia Hubbard - Editor in Chief Anderson Haigler - Associate Editor Celina Tebor - Managing Editor Amy Inkrott - Copy Editor Alee Pingol - Art Director Luke Garrett - News Editor Eric Boose - Opinion Editor
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Louis Komjathy’s USD headshot. Photo courtesy of USD Directory
service, and adherence to the mission of the university. The Appointment, Reappointment, Rank, and Tenure (ARRT) Committee is tasked with reviewing a professor’s performance at the university if they seek to become a full professor. The ARRT Committee at USD advised against Komjathy’s promotion last year. A flyer posted outside Komjathy’s office door on Sept. 3, designed in a similar fashion to the flyers posted in Camino and Founders Hall, included pictures of eight professors from various departments within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). These professors are all members of the ARRT Committee. The flyer depicted professors Lisa Baird, Biology; Leeva Chung, Communication Studies; Del Dickson and Timothy McCarty, Political Science; Veronica Galvan, Psychology; Daniel López Pérez, Architecture; Lori Watson, Philosophy; and Irene Williams, English; Ph.D.s. Dickson, Ph.D., JD, was one of the members of the committee pictured on the flyer, and commented on the professor’s reaction. “The irony here is that promotion to full professor at USD is purely symbolic,” Dickson said. “There is no pay raise or any other tangible perks or privileges. You get a new sign on your office door and new business cards that you never use. Other than ego, the stakes couldn’t be much lower.” Despite the flyers, Dickson does not fear for his safety on campus. “For me personally, I don’t feel unsafe at all,” Dickson said. “Top to bottom, people took this seriously. They investigated it quickly and thoroughly.” This story will be updated as it continues to develop. Kaia Hubbard, Anderson Haigler, Celina Tebor, and Amy Inkrott contributed reporting.
The USD Vista publication is written and edited by USD students and funded by revenues generated by advertising and a student fee. Advertising material published is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as an expressed or implied endorsement or verification of such commercial venues by the staff or University. The USD Vista office is located on the fourth floor of the Student Life Pavilion in room 403B. All inquiries should be sent to: The USD Vista 5998 Alcala Park San Diego, CA 92110 Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego or of its student body. Letters to the Editor can be submitted to The USD Vista office. Letters should be limited to 300 words and must be signed. For identification purposes, USD identification numbers and writer’s year must be included in the letter. The USD Vista reserves the right to edit published letters. Any content sent to the editor will be considered for publication unless otherwise stated.
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September 19, 2019
E DI TOR IA L
Leveling the pay-ing field
California bill challenges the NCAA and redefines the role of athletes in college sports Eric Boose Opinion Editor During the 2017 college football season, a Stanford University football player with a full-ride scholarship earned no more than 0.4 percent of the total profit the team generated for the university. That year, the Stanford football team generated a profit of $19.85 million, according to disclosures to the U.S. Department of Education. Closing the yawning gap between the money athletic departments receive and the amount players earn is the target of California’s Senate Bill (SB) 206, also known as the Fair Pay to Play Act. The bill, which would go into effect in 2023 if passed, allows athletes at fouryear colleges and universities in California to receive compensation for the use of their “name, image, and likeness,” opening the door for college athletes to sign endorsement deals. The bill would also allow college athletes to obtain professional representation, for example, a lawyer or agent, in dealing with any contracts they might sign. College athletes are currently not prohibited from
doing so by state laws, but by the National Collegiate Athletics Association’s (NCAA) rules. Ultimately, SB 206 will benefit student athletes at schools with high-profile athletic programs, such as Stanford, the University of Southern California, the University of California Los Angeles, or even San Diego State University, more than students at the University of San Diego. While Stanford’s football program raked in more than $19 million in profit in 2017, the U.S. Department of Education reports USD’s football program earned only $987,010. This is not to say that USD student athletes are less deserving than those at Stanford, but instead that USD’s athletics programs have nowhere near the national prestige of those at Stanford, USC, UCLA, or SDSU. In recent history, only one USD athlete — former Torero baseball star Kris Bryant — has come close to the superstar level necessary to cash in on bigmoney endorsement deals. In comparison to star athletes like USC’s Sam Darnold, UCLA’s Khalil Mack, or Stanford’s Bryce Love, any deals that USD athletes might sign are likely to
be relatively small. In essence, SB 206 is unlikely to provide more than a marginal benefit to USD student athletes. That benefit looks even smaller when compared to the possible retribution that the NCAA has already threatened. In June, the association’s president, Mark Emmert, stated that should SB 206 become law, the executive body would ban California from competing in championship tournaments. This would mean no playoffs for a USD football program which has been to the postseason for three years straight, no tournament for a USD volleyball program which has not missed the postseason in nearly a decade, and no March Madness for either USD men’s or women’s basketball. While SB 206 expressly prohibits any “athletic association, conference, or other group or organization with authority over intercollegiate athletics” from barring California schools from competition, the NCAA has the power to decide which schools get to play, not the state of California. Under this threat from the NCAA, the passage of SB 206 creates a huge risk for USD
athletes while not guaranteeing a reward. Looking solely through this lens, USD should obviously oppose SB 206. However, there is also a moral element to the Fair Pay to Play Act. Explicitly, SB 206 allows student athletes to benefit from the use of their name and face and to obtain professional representation. Implicitly, the Fair Pay to Play Act puts a crack in the NCAA’s façade of amateurism — the assertion that college sports are just for fun, and that college athletes are not professionals. That façade weakly conceals the enormity of the industry that college sports have become. Having already looked at the money involved, consider the pure spectacle of college sports. Look at the amount of television coverage, from ESPN’s College Gameday to prime-time coverage of the College Football Playoff. Look at sold-out stadiums; the Rose Bowl seats just over 90,000 and the LA Memorial Coliseum seats around 78,000. Look at the media circus of March Madness alone, from “bracketology” shows to national broadcasts of all 67 games. Add to that spectacle the
money involved, and to call college sports “amateur” is a gross miscategorization. Athletic departments across the country bring in revenues in the $100 million range yearly, making college sports not only an industry, but a billion-dollar industry. College sports is also an industry in which the people who create the product, the athletes themselves, see practically none of the money they generate. In any other industry, this would be unquestionably unacceptable. While college athletes do not necessarily match the traditional view of what a worker is, they are still workers, and therefore deserve to be paid. SB 206 is not a perfect bill. Superstar athletes will likely receive the most benefit, and the state of California may face a legal battle with the NCAA to keep California schools in postseason competitions. However, SB 2o6 is the first tangible step in combating what could be called exploitation of college athletes. Most importantly, it asserts that no matter what industry, the workers — those who create the product that industry sells — have the right to be paid fairly for their work.
Audrey Garrett/The USD Vista
The views expressed in the editorial and op-ed sections are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body.
Volume 57 Issue 2
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OPINION
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The USD Vista
OP- E D
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Oh SeaWorld... The societal shift away from captivity
Brandt Jager Op-Ed Contributor When people think of SeaWorld, a lot of different thoughts and opinions come about regarding the keeping of intelligent animals in captivity — animals such as orcas and dolphins. Putting this debate aside for a moment, a recently published ABC 10News San Diego article detailed that “Seaworld officials announced Monday that the Mako dive coaster will open at the San Diego park in 2020 … the tallest, fastest, and longest dive coaster in California, as well as the only floorless dive coaster in the state.” This publicity also follows a trend, as SeaWorld announced new rides coming in 2020 for Orlando as well. It demonstrates a shift in focus, away from Shamu and toward a more traditional amusement park aesthetic. In addition, NBC San Diego reported that SeaWorld “will end its killer whale breeding programs and take a ‘new direction’ amid changing social attitudes.” This clearly shows proactive
steps toward adapting for a new American audience, an audience that is no longer okay with placing entertainment above animal rights. The important question lies in what those changing social attitudes are and what they mean for our society. This brings us back to the debate of whether we, as a society, should be putting these intelligent animals in captivity or not, and whether we should be able to profit off of them as a result of that captivity. The idea of which animals are acceptable for captivity is shifting, and this is reflected prominently in SeaWorld’s declining attendance. This was partially catalyzed by the 2013 film “Blackfish,” which detailed the more negative aspects and implications of keeping orcas in captivity, citing trainer deaths, poor animal health standards, and problems with breeding programs. According to CNN, “SeaWorld said that it lost about $200 million in fiscal year 2017,” in addition to losing $215 million the year before. Clearly, aquatic captivity is going out of style.
The main reason for the decline of SeaWorld has to do with the plethora of new studies being published, surrounding how intelligent orcas and dolphins actually are, and why captivity is so harmful for them. National Geographic explains in a recent article that orcas have evolved to swim up to 40 miles a day, and are “highly intelligent, social mammals,” not intended for solitary confinement or captivity. In addition, dolphins are known to engage in extremely complex social behavior. A collaborative study conducted by Stanford University in 2017 discovered that dolphins work together, teach each other, have regional dialects and complex vocalizations, play, and more. Dolphins are so smart, in fact, that the Global Animal Foundation explains they should be treated as “non-human persons.” As people become more aware of the intelligence of these animals, I believe they realize the ethical wrong that using these animals for shows presents. Dolphins and orcas aren’t mindless fish to be used
as a cash grab by corporations. It is clear they should not be in captivity, as it goes against their very nature, and I would venture to say that profiting off of them is akin to profiting off of a sort of slavery, which I will explain further. Trying to ignore the evidence that these creatures are fundamentally not designed for captivity is ignoring our ethical responsibility to care for this earth. Even if they were only as intelligent as the average 4-yearold, imagine forcing a bunch of 4-year-olds into solitary cages and making them perform tricks, throwing them scraps of old food as a reward, and then profiting off of it. Imagine people walking up and down the paths, gawking at these scared, confused little children who just want to play, relax, and run. That being said, a heightened level of awareness and knowledge regarding these animals is extremely beneficial to society. The end of orca breeding programs and the shift of focus away from captive orcas and dolphins is a positive. It represents growth, that society is still able to analyze
its own practices and recognize when there is an area that needs changing. In a politicalenvironmental climate where America pulled out of the Paris Climate Accords and Brazil continues to increase the authorization of slashand-burn farmlands in the Amazon, it is easy to think that governments don’t care about the environment. It can be easy to get lost and think that changes can’t be made, but SeaWorld is an example of how change can be made. People found disgust with the almost “American tradition” of Shamu and other dolphin captivity, and forced the company to fundamentally change its ideals. If enough people get together for a cause, companies and governments will bow to that influence. While it isn’t as big as ending the environmental crisis, SeaWorld changing its practices to focus away from captive sea mammals represents a societal shift toward being more conscious members of how we affect our environment and the living beings within it.
Audrey Garrett/The USD Vista
The views expressed in the editorial and op-ed sections are not necessarily those of The USD Vista staff, the University of San Diego, or its student body.
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The USD Vista
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September 19, 2019
This fall, many University of San Diego students made the decision to study abroad, traveling far from home to pursue their studies internationally. While leaving the United States for an entire semester is a big step out of some students’ comfort zones, many identify their time studying abroad as a highlight of their college experience. From roaming the grassy green hills of Ireland, to exploring ancient ruins in Italy, to reuniting with friends studying in other countries at Oktoberfest celebrations in Germany, Toreros are immersed in lands of rich culture, art, and history—the world is theirs to explore.
MADDY BRAUN MADRID, SPAIN
Were you scared to study semester in a different cou
“I was definitely scared to spen different country because everything just go home if I missed my family. culture shock was going to overwhe relatively easy to adapt to life and sc
CHELSEA DALGADO (JUNIO DUBLIN, IRELAND
Would you recommend studying abroa other USD students, and why?
“Studying abroad is a great way to meet n make new friends. Around 20 USD studen and I barely knew any of them before, but most of them. It’s also a big growing oppo get to travel by yourself and be independe also fulfilling.”
EILEEN RATIGAN LONDON, ENGLAND
Were you scared to study abr semester in a different countr
“I was absolutely terrified to stud with England when I first visited four y wanted to study abroad there ever since a relatively unfamiliar country was sligh
Volume 57 Issue 2
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FEATURE
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The USD Vista
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ROWAN PARMENTER (JUNIOR) ROME, ITALY
What has been your favorite moment experienced in this country that you would not have experienced in the United States? “I have only been in Italy a couple of weeks, but I’m already accustomed to walking up to the bar and throwing down an espresso shot, at any time of the day. My favorite experiences have been being able to travel to Lake Como, arguably the most beautiful lake in the world, with friends from USD, as well as meeting up with many great friends in Rome this last weekend to discover the ancient ruins the city is quite literally built upon.”
N (JUNIOR)
abroad and spend a untry?
nd the entire semester in a g is so new and I couldn’t I was also scared that the elm me, but I have found it chool here.”
JOHN MCNICHOLAS (JUNIOR) MADRID, SPAIN
Would you recommend studying abroad to other USD students, and why?
“I would argue that studying abroad in college is one of the best things you can do for personal development and advancement of your education. Being able to learn about the culture and life of a different country helps put your own into perspective. San Diego is a great place to live, but it is a very small part of a large world with a multitude of opportunities to experience and people to meet.”
OR)
ad to
new people and nts came to Ireland, t now I’m friends with ortunity because you ent, which is scary but
N (JUNIOR)
road and spend a ry?
dy abroad. I fell in love years ago, and knew I e. Yet starting school in htly daunting.”
ERIN BILLINGS (JUNIOR) FLORENCE, ITALY
What has been your favorite moment experienced in this country that you would not have experienced in the United States?
“I think the best part about being in a different country is the shift in perspective it provides. It’s so amazing to see stuff you’ve only seen in textbooks come to life — you feel like you have to pinch yourself every day. It’s also interesting to notice the littlest differences in customs that you never would’ve expected. It expands your horizon and makes you think about how people across the world approach life in different ways.”
Spread by Alee Pingol/ The USD Vista; Content by Catherine Silvey/ The USD Vista
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The USD Vista
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September 19, 2019
F E AT U R E
Babe Kombucha at USD
Local kombucha business shares story and strong connection to the USD community Sabrina Alterman Asst. Feature Editor The kombucha craze has engulfed the University of San Diego. Several brands and varieties of the popular beverage can be found at campus store Tu Mercado, including the products of local company Babe Kombucha, which is located just down the hill on Linda Vista Road. San Diego native Charles Turecek took up brewing kombucha in his garage as a hobby in 2016. After reconnecting with Vinnie Pavan, they began brainstorming business ideas for running a health foods company. Pavan, a Brazilian entrepreneur and former band manager, had a lot of experience with marketing and e-commerce, but had always wanted to enter the health food industry with a product he was very passionate about. The partners worked together to conceive the idea of their business. In search of a quality product, the partners hired brewmaster Travis Davenport to help refine their flavors. He also became a partner in late 2017. “The inspiration behind the name ‘Babe’ comes from Charles’ grandmother,” Pavan said.
“She was the youngest of seven children and no one knew her name. Everyone called her Babe. She loved the sunset, ocean, and fresh fruits.” The flavors at Babe Kombucha are a mix of local fruits and highend teas from Asia. Traditional Brazilian ingredients like açaí and pineapple are also incorporated. Davenport expressed that using such fresh ingredients made the strong flavors of kombucha more palatable for the everyday consumer. “Our kombucha requires a less-acquired taste,” Davenport said. In addition to creating products, Pavan asserts that the mission of Babe Kombucha was more than just brewing and selling tea. The business partners strive to make the kombucha tasting room a cool and cozy hangout spot for San Diegans and the USD community to enjoy. Junior Halle Campbell has been a Babe Kombucha regular since her first year at USD. “I love Babe Kombucha because of how personal they are,” Campbell said. “They remember everyone’s name who walks in the door. It’s a place you feel at home. They always greet me with a big smile.”
Campbell is one student among others that have formed strong relationships with Babe. From basketball and rugby games to fundraising events to the Alcalá Bazaar, Babe Kombucha consistently appears at USD events. “We have created such a strong bond with USD,” Pavan said. “We love supporting USD sports teams, clubs on campus, and fundraisers. We always post USD undergraduate and graduate students on our Instagram because we love them so much. It is so special to have that support returned and see our product sold at Tu Mercado.” The relationship Babe Kombucha has established with its local community is not the only one contributive to its success. Vinne Pavan only had positive things to say about working together with family members as business partners. “We know that our work extends just eight-hour work days, but that’s when we know we can count on each other,” Vinne Pavan said. “It is a great team because we are in love with the people we work with.” The owners of Babe Kombucha attribute many of their achievements to the strong
Pavan (right) at the Alcalá Bazaar last Tuesday with two USD students. Chris Spiering/The USD Vista
connection of family not only within the business’ management team, but also within its network of customers. “It is amazing to see how our customers form relationships,” Quadros said. “Customers sit at our kombucha bar and connect. We have seen our customers become friends and our family.” In regard to his success as an entrepreneur, Vinne Pavan cited both his perseverance and passion for his craft as key components to Babe Kombucha’s prosperity.
“Patience is golden,” Pavan said. “You need to work a lot and you need to be passionate about your work. Make sure you like what you do, or you will give up. It takes time to see results.” Babe Kombucha products are sold in over 300 businesses from San Diego to Los Angeles, and the company has no plans of stopping. Babe Kombucha is optimistic about both strengthening its relationship with the USD community and expanding into new regions.
Volume 56 Issue 2
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ARTS & CULTURE
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The USD Vista
A ART RT S & CULTURE C U LT U R E
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A weekend at KAABOO
Yet again, the festival experience proves to be one of San Diego’s best attractions
KAABOO from Page 1
life. The headliners Kings of Leon delivered a solid performance with their hits “Use Somebody,” “Waste a Moment,” and of course “Sex on Fire.” Though many festival-goers enjoyed the classic rock bands, some believed Snoop Dogg stole the night. Saturday With the temperature rising, Saturday’s artists continued to bring the heat. Cheat Codes brought the cool beats and vibrant outfits to the Grandview Stage. Their electronic remixes to “Turn Me On” and “No Promises” inspired a mosh pit of high school boys to fire up the crowd. The DJ trio concluded with “Feels Great” and rained dollar bills into the crowd. Across the fairgrounds, Bryan Adams’ booming voice brought out everyone’s inner rocker. Adams’ performance will be remembered for his iconic hits like “Summer of ‘69” and “Heaven,” but also for his incredible mastery of the guitar. Following his set, the crowds did not move an inch so they could keep their spots to see One Republic. Lead singer Ryan Tedder started with “Stop and Stare,” and then showed off his piano skills in the group’s famous song “Love Runs Out.” Tedder then explained the groups’ lack of touring with their successful songwriting for other artists. Following this statement, the dynamic group sang “Sucker,” which they sold to the Jonas Brothers and “Halo,” which they wrote for Beyoncé years ago. Tedder belted the group’s newest release “Somebody to Love” and had the crowd hollering during his riffs in “Secrets.” The group ended strong with “Counting Stars” and joked that KAABOO is really just “Coachella with air conditioning.” To keep the good times rolling, the younger crowd
sprinted to get a good spot for The Black Eyed Peas. The musical group has not performed in the United States since 2011. To remind everyone of their deserved popularity, Will.i.am got it started with a remix to “Imma Be” and “Rock Ya Body.” With the crowd singing along to every word, the group threw it back with “Boom Boom Pow.” KAABOO then introduced the group’s newest addition, Filipino born singer Jessica Reynoso (J Ray Song) before her voice exploded in “Just Can’t Get Enough.” Their colorful stage outfits paired perfectly with the vibrant backdrops and their high energy for “Pump It.” Will.i.am then took control of the DJ booth for “I’m Alive” and “Baby Are You Down,” getting the entire audience to scream the words. The headliner of the night, Dave Matthews Band, brought the spirit of American rock with their impressive collection of a strings ensemble, saxophone, violin, drums, and guitar. Matthews closed out the musical acts of the night with another legendary performance of “Crash Into Me” and “The Space Between.” Those who stayed late that night enjoyed the silent disco, where they danced under colorful lights and original beats. The last event of the night concluded with world-famous comedian Bert Kreischer on the Humor Stage. Known for cracking hilarious jokes without his shirt on, Kreischer had the audience laughing so hard that their stomachs hurt. His eyewatering and relatable bits about his family left everyone wanting more. Saturday’s incredible performances had the crowd even more excited for Sunday. Sunday The last day of KAABOO was filled with throwbacks starting with girl-rock band “The Bangles.” While
Snoop Dogg’s keeps his backdrop straightforward during his set at KAABOO
singing their number-one hit “Walk Like an Egyptian,” the crowd copied the famous dance move and sang along. In contrast to the 80s sensations, The Revivalists slowed down the pace with their chill vibes. With their well-known songs like “Wish I Knew You” and “Next to You,” the crowd swayed in the band’s relaxing energy. Many of the festival’s comedy fans attended Bob Saget’s stand up show in the late afternoon. For fans of the “Full House” star, it was another awesome opportunity to have a good laugh. Colbie Caillat took over the Trestles Stage and performed her recognizable song “Brighter Than the Sun,” and brought everyone back to the mid 2000s. Senior Emily Kirvin attended the festival on Sunday and shared her view on the musical acts. “Caillat fit right with the SoCal vibes of KAABOO,” Kirvin said. “She played all of her most uplifting songs and the crowd loved it. Her music is so fun it puts you in the best mood.”
Before running over to watch Sheryl Crow take the stage, people explored the palate exhibition to buy some gourmet tacos and mouthwatering slices of pizza. During the beautiful San Diego sunset, Crow displayed an incredible stage presence with her songs “All I Wanna Do” and “Strong Enough.” She continued with songs from her newest album, “Threads,” and brought a feeling of nostalgia through her voice. While the headliners of the night were about to take the stage, Duran Duran brought the 80s to life on the Grandview Stage. The crowd sang along and rocked out with “Hungry Like the Wolf.” To close out the night, Mumford and Sons gave the most epic performance of the weekend. Lead singer Marcus Mumford opened up with a powerful version of “Guiding Light” and followed by crowd favorite “Little Lion Man.” Mumford’s hypnotic voice entranced the crowd with “Beloved,” making every person feel as if he were singing only
LEFT; Festival-goers dance and vibe to the music in the massive crowds. RIGHT; Music wasn’t the only art at the festival, as murals lined the grounds.
Photo courtesy of Sabrina Alterman
to them. He then showed off his drumming talents with “Lover of the Light” and had the crowd cheering him on with his soulful rendition of “Delta.” The incredibly talented group was dearly missed during their short breakup, and they could not have done a better job redeeming themselves after their absence. Kirvin, a big fan of the British folk rock band expressed her emotions during their performance. “Seeing Mumford and Sons is always a spiritual experience for me,” Kirvin said. “From the stage setup, to the lighting, to their endless catalog of hits, their set was definitely the highlight of my weekend. They manage to make their performances so personal, despite the fact that they are playing for thousands of people. I felt so connected to the rest of the audience and to the band itself.” After their final song, Mumford and Sons alluded to KAABOO moving to Petco Park in 2020 and the move was confirmed later that night.
Photos courtesy of Sabrina Alterman
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The USD Vista
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September 19, 2019
A bite of San Diego
The USD Vista staff weighs in on their favorite spots in San Diego Lizzy Jennings A&C Editor In this week’s edition of “A bite of San Diego,” The USD Vista editors are weighing in on their favorite local spots to eat. Fallen into a food rut? Looking for something new to try? From Asian to Italian food, the wide range of recommended restaurants means you’re sure to find something you’ll love on this list. Kaia Hubbard, Editor in Chief: Cafe Bar Europa 873 Turquoise St, San Diego, CA 92109 The weekly roundup begins with the recommendation of our beloved Editor in Chief, Kaia, who is particularly fond of Cafe Bar Europa. Contrary to the name, this unique tapas restaurant is open to all ages, and located in North Pacific Beach, and is known for its eclectic atmosphere and extensive menu. The restaurant’s mission is to reconstruct the bohemian and relaxed vibes found in restaurants and cafés across Southern Europe. In fact, that is one of the reasons Kaia loves Cafe Bar Europa so much; “they have everything one can dream of, including live music,” said Hubbard. Come for dinner and live music or catch up with friends and enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant over a plate of shareable tapas dishes. The extensive menu was
designed with the cultural influences of the Western Mediteranean in mind, drawing on flavors from Southern Spain, Italy, and France with dishes like bocadillos, a Spanish-style sandwich with manchego cheese and jamón, and ratatouille, a sauteed medley of vegetables. This staff pick is the perfect place to try something out of the ordinary, and discover new flavors and cuisines. Cafe Bar Europa offers street parking only, and prices for dishes range from below $10 for tapas and appetizers to $44 for the shareable paella. Alee Pingol, Art Director: Manna KBBQ, 4428 Convoy St #210, San Diego, CA 92111 Next on the list is Art Director Alee Pingol’s recommendation for an especially delicious Korean barbeque spot on Convoy Street. Manna KBBQ is an all-you-caneat Korean barbeque restaurant where diners prepare their own food at a table-front grill. This unique type of dining experience is highly personal, and places an emphasis on the art of cooking and eating. KBBQ has only recently become popular in the United States, but the trend has taken off with restaurants opening across the country. USD students are especially lucky to have Manna so close by, as it is a great example of authentic Korean BBQ. Editor Pingol is fond of this particular
Burrata and smoked salmon toast is a crowd pleaser at the Little Lion Cafe.
Korean barbeque restaurant because of their comforting and welcoming atmosphere. “I love the fast service and all the delicious options,” says Pingol, who frequents Manna KBBQ often. The restaurant serves its food impressively fast, and customers have the option to press a tableside button to get the attention of the staff. The restaurant’s strip mall location means parking is available, but Convoy Street is known to have especially difficult parking. Grabbing an early dinner or Ubering is recommended. The various options at Manna KBBQ range in price from $22 to $35 for the all-you-can-eat entrees, and $10 to $35 for a variety of side dishes. With delicious all-you-can-eat KBBQ and amazing sides, this restaurant is a gem on Convoy Street. Cat Silvey, Feature Editor: Monello 750 W Fir St, San Diego, CA 92101 The recommendation list would be at a loss without a classic Italian restaurant, and Feature Editor Cat Silvey’s choice provides just that. Monello, in San Diego’s Little Italy neighborhood, is her absolute favorite spot because they serve up authentic Italian dishes with a great atmosphere. “I love the gnocchi there, and you can order pasta mixed tableside in a cheese wheel,”
Lizzy Jennings/The USD Vista
Silvey said. This attraction has made the restaurant especially noteworthy, as it combines delicious food with an exceptional dining experience. With an eye for detail and a focus on the classics, Monello’s menu, for both lunch and dinner, is packed with pasta options, housemade daily, and a variety of cheeses and meats. Opt for a cheese board or sample the various appetizers. There are a variety of classic pasta dishes, but Monello also gives diners the option to construct their own pasta creations. The menu is truly so extensive that even the pickiest of eaters can find something to love. Parking in Little Italy is known to be a nightmare, especially with only a few street spots available, so we recommend Ubering or getting to the neighborhood early. Monello’s wide price range, from $9 for appetizers to $29 for main courses, also means there are options for everyone, regardless of budget. Lizzy Jennings, A&C Editor: Little Lion Cafe 1424 Sunset Cliffs Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107 Finally, the list is rounded out with my own personal favorite, the lovely Little Lion Cafe. Little Lion Cafe is a tiny gem in the Point Loma neighborhood, situated right at the start of the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. The atmosphere and aesthetic of the
cafe is picturesque, with flowers decorating every table and the ocean breeze constantly blowing. The spot has become increasingly popular, and is exceptionally tiny with only about six tables indoors and two outdoors. Even when there is a long wait at the restaurant, patrons can always take a stroll around Sunset Cliffs and enjoy the beauty of the restaurant’s location to pass the time. The well-designed menu is populated by a range of health-conscious dishes and is especially popular for brunch. The restaurant is always serving trendy favorites like the delicious chia seed pudding or the popular superfood bowl. Though there is a clear emphasis on healthier options, Little Lion provides sweeter options like pastries and pancakes for those looking to indulge. A recommended, and popular, dish is the everchanging poached egg special, which is updated daily and incorporates a range of delicious ingredients like sundried tomato and smoked salmon. Little Lion is also known for its unique coffee drinks, like its Tumeric and Vanilla Bean lattes. Parking is limited to the street, but spots in Point Loma are usually available and easily found. Prices range from $9 to $15 for a majority of the menu’s many options, keeping this trendy spot on budget.
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Volume 57 Issue 2
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SPORTS
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The USD Vista
SP ORT S
Wiher earns WCC honor
Four straight shutouts place redshirt sophomore Wiher in the top-10 all-time for USD Chris Spiering Sports Editor University of San Diego men’s soccer goalkeeper Matt Wiher has been named the West Coast Conference (WCC) Player of the Week after recording three straight shutouts over Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Detroit Mercy, and Belmont University last week. Saturday night, the Toreros beat UC Davis 1-0 to advance to a 5-0 record on the season, their best start since 2002. The only goal of the evening was scored on a free kick in the 74th minute by senior Miguel Berry. The Toreros are 4-0 at home, and have outscored their opponents eight goals to zero in those games. “The level is really high right now,” Wiher said. “There is an atmosphere that when we are together, on and off the field, that this is our year. 5-0 gives us a lot of confidence.” This current five-game win streak is the Toreros’ longest since winning six straight in 2015. The team is confident enough that if they score goals, they can beat anyone because of their strong defense. “We have a lot of different guys that we feel can score,” Wiher said. “They are getting results and we are really happy with it.” Offensively, the Toreros had five shots on goal to the Aggies’
USD goalkeeper Matt Wiher has 12 saves through the Torero’s first five games helping the San Diego to their best start (5-0) in 17 years. Photo courtesy of USD Athletics
crucial saves to keep the Aggies at zero. Wiher became the first USD goalkeeper to have four consecutive shutouts since 2006. “Clean sheets are everything for a goalkeeper,” Wiher says. “I
“You know, it feels like being a celebrity for a day. People congratulating me and I am happy to see the (Player of the Week) article ” -Matt Wiher three, all saved by Wiher. The redshirt sophomore had three
am really happy with it. I thank the defense. It’s not just me
out there with Henry (Lander), Aaron (Frey), Chase (Van Wey), and Aiden (Marmion) having my back. I just want to keep (the streak) going.” Wiher has not allowed a goal in over 420 consecutive minutes. Saturday’s shutout win against UC Davis placed Wiher in the top-10 all-time for shutouts for the University of San Diego, tying with Carlos Castellanos (1994-1997) for 10th on the list. Wiher is already 10th all-time with 77 career saves as a sophomore.
For Wiher, this isn’t the beginning of his success. Wiher attended Irvine High School but transferred to Woodbridge High School after his sophomore year. The goalkeeper was the MVP of his team during the sophomore season and was named to the Pacific Coast League Second Team All-League. Wiher redshirted in 2017. In 2018, as a redshirt freshman, Wiher registered a 0.85 Goal Against Average (GAA) which was fifth best for a single-season in USD history. His 65 saves were also fifth best in school history. Those records helped him secure a spot on the AllWCC Freshman team.
are focused at all times and are communicating with their teammates. “A lot of people have this image of a goalkeeper as someone who is really intense and is always screaming at the players,” Wiher said. “But I feel like I’m more reserved, so I try to play through example.” Every goalkeeper has their own strategy when it comes to controlling the pace of the game, but Wiher knows that his passion and intensity benefits his teammates. “I stay focused all game and try to be there when my team calls upon me,” Wiher said. “I’m not the most in-your-face but I
“We love the fans when they come out. We really appreciate it ” -Matt Wiher
USD goalkeeper Matt Wiher watching his team as the game is in action. Wiher recorded three saves against UC Davis. Tanner Claudio/The USD Vista
The WCC Player of the Week award is given to one male and one female athlete each week. The honor is typically given to the player who stood out the most compared to the others. Winning the honor, no matter what the sport is, can boost a player’s confidence. “You know, it feels like being a celebrity for a day,” Wiher said. “People congratulating me and I am really happy to see the (Player of the Week) article. It does give me confidence to see what I can do and I just want to keep on doing what I’m doing for the team.” It is crucial that goalkeepers
try to perfect everything I do.” The fans are a huge part of the game. For Wiher, it gives the Toreros something to play for and the thrill of exciting fans engergizes their playing on the field. “We love the fans when they come out,” Wiher said. “We have been getting a lot of good numbers out here and we really appreciate it.” Next Friday, USD will go on the road to take on UC Irvine at 7 p.m. Their next home game is Tuesday, Oct. 1 against UC Santa Barbara at 7 p.m. at Torero Stadium.
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The USD Vista
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September 19, 2019
Toreros improve to 5-0
Men’s soccer is off to their best start in 17 years after 1-0 victory over UC Davis Maria Watters Assistant Sports Editor Two undefeated programs clashed at Torero Stadium last Friday night with the University of San Diego Toreros defeating the UC Davis Aggies 1-0 in a nail-biting finish. Both teams entered the match having conceded zero losses so far, with the Aggies at 3-0-1 on the season and the Toreros at an impressive 4-0. UC Davis sought to be the first team to score against the formidable goaltending of redshirt sophomore Matt Wiher — who was named West Coast Conference (WCC) Player of the Week for his outstanding three game shutout streak — while the Toreros fought to defend their unbeaten 4-0 home winning record. Hundreds of fans buzzed with anticipation as the opening kickoff started the match. The first half began with both teams carefully feeling out their opponent, exchanging minor fouls on both sides. It was the Aggies’ senior midfielder Marte Formic who took the game’s first shot on goal in the 13th minute and again in the early 14th; both shots saved by Wiher. But the Aggies kept pressing, earning three corner kicks before USD could mount any offense of their own. The Torero counterattack
was foiled by a costly offsides call after their first corner kick of the game, and answered by an onslaught of offense from Davis. The blocked shot from the Aggies’ sophomore midfielder Connor Tipto was rebounded and shot over the crossbar by sophomore midfielder Andy Velasquez. After surviving another wave of the Aggies’ attacks, USD got their first shot on goal taken by senior forward Miguel Berry in the 26th minute. Though it was saved by senior goalkeeper Wallis Lapsley, the play by Berry kickstarted the USD offense, resulting in a shot by sophomore forward Jacob Planell, and two Torero corner kicks. The first half ended with back-to-back shots by the Aggies junior defender Jake Haupt, and Torero junior midfielder Ross Meldrum on the counterattack. The whistle blew, signaling the end of the first 45 minutes, and both teams retreated to their respective benches. Though the first half was full of exciting plays and questionable calls by the referees that had the crowd vocally expressing their disagreement, the score remained tied at 0-0, and Torero fans couldn’t help but grow concerned as their team had been outshot five shots to three. And though Wiher kept the two Aggie shots from getting past him, one could only wonder how
the Toreros would manage to pull out a victory with only one shot on goal. But there was yet another 45 minutes left to be played, and both teams came out swinging. The first strike came from USD junior midfielder Jimmy Ryan, but sailed high in the 47th minute, countered by the shot from Aggie sophomore midfielder Connor Tipton, going wide. It was his second of the night. The intensity and physicality of the game increased as Torero senior defender Henry Lander received the first yellow card of the match just five minutes into the second half, setting the tone for the rest of the game. Shots and fouls were exchanged, every call contested by the energetic crowd. Neither team was willing to concede the first goal. Neither side was willing to back down. Torero Stadium was reaching its boiling point. A yellow card on the Aggie junior defender, Jake Haupt, led to the shot by USD redshirt junior midfielder, George West, and subsequent save by Aggie goalkeeper Lapsley. Four more fouls against UC Davis, one resulting in a yellow card for Aggie sophomore defender Max Glasser, set up the Torero free kick just outside the penalty area. The crowd roared and the bleachers shook as Miguel Berry lined up to take the kick. Silence
rippled across the stands as fans of both teams collectively held their breath. But Berry was seemingly unfazed, and with the referee’s whistle sent the ball hurtling towards the goal. His picture perfect shot curled through the air, past Lansley, and into the back of the net. With breath restored, Torero fans shot to their feet, the stadium rocking. They had waited 73 minutes for this moment and Berry undoubtedly delivered, giving the Toreros a 1-0 lead over the Aggies. However, the game was far from over. Only up by a goal, the Torero defense would have to fend off the dangerous UC Davis offense for the rest of the game. The Toreros proved themselves up to the challenge, defending every Aggie attack, including a major save by Wiher late in the 76th minute that kept USD in the lead. The drama continued
up to the very last second as the game concluded with a red card awarded to Aggie senior midfielder Marte Formico, in the 90th minute. At the end of the night, despite outshooting the home team 10 shots to nine, the Aggies suffered their first loss of the season at the hands of the still undefeated Toreros with a final score of 1-0. With outstanding defensive performances by Henry Lander, Aaron Frey, Chase Van Wey, and Aiden Marmion, Matt Wiher’s unbeatable goaltending, and the game-winning goal by Miguel Berry, the USD men’s soccer team proved victorious, earning their best start in 17 years. At 5-0, the Toreros have established themselves as a formidable opponent and a force to be reckoned with, so to any challenger in the future they might say this: bring it on.
USD Men’s soccer celebrates after Senior forward Miguel Berry scores the only goal during Friday’s victory over UC Davis. Photo courtesy of USD Athletics
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