INSIDE THE LINES The fi ght of Jamal Hicks page 3 The junior leaders of CSU page 10 The walk-on pedigree Vol. 128, No. 14 Friday, August 24, 2018 page 12
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12PK CANS 2 inside the lines PROJECTED MOUNTAIN WEST STANDINGS Mountain Conference West Conference 1. Boise State 1. San Diego State Key contributors: Key contributors: RB Alexander Mattison (1086 yards, 12 TD, 5.1 ypc) QB Christian Chapman (1873 yds, 13 TD, 4 int) QB Brett Rypien (2877 yds, 16 td, 6 int) RB Juwan Washington (127 car, 759 yds, 7 TD) 2. CSU 2. Fresno State Key contributors: Key contributors: WR Olabisi Johnson (41 rec, 595 yards, 2 TD) QB Marcus McMaryion (2726 yds, 14 TD, 5 int) RB Izzy Matthews (132 car, 642 yards, 8 TD) WR KeeSean Johnson (77 rec, 1013 yds, 8 TD) 3. Utah State 3. UNLV Key contributors: Key contributors: QB Jordan Love (1631 yds, 8 td, 6 int) QB Armani Rogers (1471 yds, 6 TD, 5 int) WR Ron’quavion Tarver (48 rec, 569 yds, 7 TD) RB Lexington Thomas (211 car, 1336 yds, 17 TD) 4. Wyoming 4. Nevada Key contributors: Key contributors: QB Tyler Vander Waal (redshirt freshman) QB Ty Gangi (2746 yds, 25 TD, 11 int) WR Austin Conway (61 rec, 549 yds, 3 TD) RB Kelton Moore (164 car, 855 yds, 4 TD) 5. Air Force 5. Hawaii Key contributors: Key contributors: QB Arion Worthman (217 car, 821 yards rushing, 13 TD) WR John Ursua (47 rec, 667 yds, 5 td) WR Ronald Cleveland (44 car, 418 yards rushing, 3 TD) QB Cole McDonald (22 yds, 1 TD, 0 int) 6. New Mexico 6. San Jose State Key contributors: Key contributors: RB Tyrone Owens (139 car, 770 yds, 4 TD) QB Montel Aaron (1531 yds, 8 TD, 10 int) WR Jay Griffin IV (29 rec, 394 yd, 4 TD) RB Tyler Nevens (163 car, 670 yards, 1 TD) Mountain West projected standings courtesy of Mountain West Wire. Records are last season.
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CSU’s Jamal Hicks has emerged on and off the field since his injury
By Eddie Herz stopped dead in its tracks, a feel- Hicks’ leadership and men- @Eddie_Herz ing all too similar for the Garde- tal edge he gained when injured na, California native. also helped him succeed in The current moto for ju- When Hicks was a junior camp. nior safety Jamal Hicks, who is at Narbonne High School, he “(Hicks) doesn’t back healthy and ready to contribute broke his ankle and had to down,” coach Mike Bobo said. in the secondary again, is to pick watch the state championship “He’s leading. He’s like ‘this is up where he left o. game from the bench. His past my football team and this is my Hicks broke his right arm in prepared Hicks to deal with the secondary.’” the first quarter of a late-Octo- mental strain that came with Senior Jordan Fogal, Hicks’ ber game against New Mexico suering the arm injury last good friend and counterpart last season. The safety had to get season. at safety, has no doubts about surgery and was forced to miss But, after all, college is a sig- Hicks’ ability to bounce back CSU’s five remaining games, but nificantly larger platform than eectively. Fogal praises Hicks’ remained glued to the sidelines high school. Hicks stressed how talent and potential to keep im- during spring ball while he was much harder coping with an in- proving. Fogal not only believes still recovering from the sea- jury at the collegiate level was. that Hicks is the best safety son-ending injury. “I was way more hurt not CSU possesses but maybe the Since safety Jake Schlager being able to be with my team best he has played alongside in Jamal Hicks is back this season after a broken arm ended his season and cornerback Kevin Nutt Jr. this time around,” Hicks said. his collegiate career. last year. PHOTO BY JAVON HARRIS COLLEGIAN “And for those losses, I feel like both graduated, Hicks will be “He can really do it all,” Fo- five of what I’ve played with in cherish every day.” I could have helped. They were counted on more in the second- gal said. “He can play down in my entire life.” When Hicks was ready to all close. Imagine if I was out ary as an upperclassman. But, it the box. He can stop the run On top of rehabilitation, turn back to football, Fogal there and I made one more play is not as if Hicks did not play a game if he needs to. He can cov- Hicks had to deal with family was there for him every step of for my teammates. It hurt me to role in his early years, causing er guys. He can play in the post. trouble. the way. Hicks and Fogal, both see them hurt.” the injury to sting further. You can stick him anywhere.” As a result, Hicks felt the California natives, have been Flash forward to now and Hicks began to earn time Hicks is right where he best thing for his psyche was to extremely close friends since there are no indicators, men- as a starter near the end of his needs to be, but the road he take his mind o the game for a Hicks first suited up in green tally or physically, that Hicks freshman season in 2016. The faced was a long one. little while. So, he turned to his and gold. is coming o of a devastating safety recorded 25 tackles that Hicks has been described father James for support. The two safeties’ relation- injury. season and became the first by his coaches and teammates “I didn’t want to talk about ship blossomed further during Hicks gained 15 pounds of true freshman to record an in- as one of the most passionate, football,” Hicks said. “When the spring. Since Fogal was in- muscle during the oseason terception for CSU since Jasen charismatic members of the I got hurt, my Grandma had jured for the duration of spring and is in season-ready physical Oden Jr. in 2012. Hicks record- Rams. Bobo described Hicks as passed and I was just trying to ball as well, he had a place on condition. During fall camp, the ed 33 tackles and forced three a player who “just loves ball and be there for my family, for my the bench right next to Hicks. safety’s performance helped turnovers in eight games as a always wants to talk ball”. dad. Me and my dad were just him maintain a starting role in sophomore last season. Fogal explained how Hicks’ talking about life, about how see HICKS on page 4 >> the secondary. Hicks’ production was “enthusiasm and energy is top time flies and you just need to CHECK OUT OUR BAR! - 16 BEERS ON TAP - NFL SUNDAY TICKET - 11 TVS - OPEN TILL 3AM weeklyWeekly SPECIALSSPECIALS EVERYDAY Monday tuesday wednesday thursday SUNDAY beat the clock 14” Specialty Giant stuffed beat the clock 25¢ Garlic 5-8pM pizza grinders 5-8pm•large pizza bites large pizza 10 Wings the time you call is the price you pay (Dine in only) the time you call is the price you pay $4.99 BIG ASS BEERS & stuffed grinders 32OZ $2.99 all day happy hour $21.99 $1 OFF (Dine in only) Dine in, delivery, take-out ALL DAY Budlight during NFL Games
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and he made a big impact on my production. I carried that on to Hicks the (younger) guys.” >> from page 3 Schlager witnessed and con- tributed to Hicks’ development While going through the and was there for the injury. same struggle, the two confi d- Though he graduated by the ed in each other and motivated time Hicks started to recover, each other to return stronger. Schlager is confi dent that Hicks “When we were injured, we will come back hungrier than worked out and rehabbed to- ever. gether,” Fogal said. “We were “I’d say that him going down always together. Now during with the injury and just how camp, we’ve given each other that injury happened motivates that extra motivation. We can’t him a little bit more,” Schlager get hurt again this year. We’re said. “It puts another chip on tired, but imagine where we his shoulder and gives him that were six months ago. It’s little extra edge to have a year like things like that where we can none other and really make up relate to each other.” for the year that he lost.” In addition, Hicks’ matu- Transitioning from an in- ration o the fi eld appears to jury has not been the simplest KCSUFM.COM have translated to his current task for Hicks. Like most play- leadership role with the Rams. ers, the transition from high The catalyst was Hicks’ abil- school to college was not the ity to spend more time with his easiest for Hicks. Schlager re- three-year-old daughter, Kami- calls Hicks struggling with his lah, while he was injured. backpedal as a freshman. Hicks talks to her every day However, he found a way to Tune in to 90.5 KCSU FM and fl ies back home to see her adjust. Schlager acknowledged whenever he gets a chance. Ka- that he “defi nitely saw that milah has also traveled to Fort maturity and growth in the lit- Collins for two CSU games and tle things, like the backpedal,” will be back to see her father from Hicks’ fi rst season to his For live play-by-play coverage of play more this season. second. “Since I met him, he has In terms of the injury, Hicks matured so much,” Fogal said. is undeniably adjusting in a these CSU Volleyball games! “Especially since his daughter drastic manner. has been out here more often. “I can defi nitely see him Live stream available on KCSUfm.com, and via TuneIn and RadioFX apps. Obviously, on the fi eld he’s go- progress into a leader of that ing to mature, but I think o secondary and be able to lead the fi eld he’s becoming a man that entire defense,” Schlager August 24 ILLINOIS MOBY ARENA 7:00PM and a father.” said. “He’s someone that loves Hicks is also carrying on the game and is motivated to be August 25 UNC WILMINGTON MOBY ARENA 11:00AM what he learned from former the best that he can possibly be. players. Not only for himself but for the Schlager was the veteran in team.” August 28 NORTHERN CO GREELEY, CO 7:00PM the secondary, more specifi cal- Hicks will have his fi rst shot ly at the safety position, when at redemption against Hawaii September 1 CINCINNATI MOBY ARENA 11:00AM Hicks injured his arm last sea- in front of the home crowd. son. Schlager, who was third on Eddie Herz can be reached at September 1 FLORIDA STATE MOBY ARENA 7:30PM the team in tackles last season, [email protected]. was a senior at the time. The former safety was given the opportunity to take Hicks under his wing when Hicks fi rst took the fi eld in 2016. “Jake (Schlager) was on me for the little things,” Hicks said. “I learned a lot from Schlager
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Jamal Hicks is back this season after a broken arm ended his season last year. PHOTO BY JAVON HARRIS COLLEGIAN inside the lines 5
The CSU Rams football team will play their fi rst home game of the season this Saturday at 5:30 p.m. against The CSU Rams volleyball team will play their fi rst home game of the Hawaii. PHOTO BY ASHLEY POTTS COLLEGIAN season tonight at 7 p.m. against No. 12 Illinois.PHOTO BY ASHLEY POTTS COLLEGIAN
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terrible last year and the Bus SEC East this year. This is the ming has a chance to be remark- Mack lost two key cornerbacks on top most likely loss for the Rams af- ably good in its third year under Beaulieu of that. The Rams could estab- ter four games. coach Craig Bohl. If the Rams are lish the run game and then hit Following Florida, the Rams anything like they were last year @Macknz_James the outside. One key will be if a have three games that they on oense, with the Cowboys developing defense can contain should win. The Rams will face struggling at QB, it could be an- Going into the season with Philip Montez. The Bus are try- an FCS opponent, in the Illinois other classic. relatively low expectations, the ing to be more up-tempo in their State Redbirds that they should The University of Neva- Colorado State football team is oense but may struggle with win. The next two against San da looms following the rivalry. an interesting young team with the loss of multiple skill-position Jose State and the University of They lost a lot of games by small a wide variety of possible out- players. New Mexico feature teams both margins last year and return key comes. These games should be a rebuilding and adjusting after players to an oense that could Junior wide receiver Olabisi There are four games on the very good gauge for where the terrible years. put up a lot of points. This should Johnson (81) reacts after an schedule that the Rams should Rams fall in terms of oense. The Rams have the benefit be a competitive match-up and offensive pass interference call win, with only two games they Wide-outs Olabisi Johnson and of playing most of their easiest one the Rams’ will likely need a on the Rams that cost them a Preston Williams have a chance games early, with a few upper win. touchdown. PHOTO BY JAVON should lose. Everything else is up HARRIS COLLEGIAN in the air. If K.J. Carta-Samuels, to be next in line in the Rams’ level opponents thrown in. How- Utah State may be the sec- or one of the other Rams’ quar- recent run of greats at the posi- ever, none of the Rams last five ond-best Mountain West team the Rams running a pro-style of- terbacks plays well, it could be a tion. Quarterback is the question games look like sure wins. the Rams will face this season. fense, juxtaposed by the Falcons strong season. mark. The Rams start with Boise Last year, they lost three games utilizing the option. The season starts on Satur- It is best not to think too State, who many are picking to by one possession. This year, If the quarterback play is sol- day, with the University of Ha- deeply about the SEC match- win the Mountain West. With they return much of a decent de- id, the Rams oense should be waii at home. This season does ups the Rams will have after so many question marks on the fense from last year. They have good all around with the defense not figure to be much better than the showdown. The University Rams, including a young and very big receivers on the outside being more focused and aggres- last year’s 3-9 for the Rainbow of Arkansas was not very good changing defense, it would be with speed guys in the slot. The sive than last year. Warriors. Both the oense and last year, especially on defense. hard to say the Rams have a good Rams will likely be underdogs An absolute worst-case sce- defense were outright bad. This If things are clicking for the shot at winning in Boise. The coming in. nario for the Rams is if the of- should be a confidence builder Rams on oense, this could be a three following games will loom The Final game of the season fense does not come together. shootout and a winnable game. big for CSU’s bowl chances. is at Air Force who comes back Record Prediction: 7-5... again for the Rams going into the next Biggest win: game against the University of The University of Florida The Border War should be with their usually solid run game Colorado Colorado in the Rocky Mountain may be a dierent story. interesting as the biggest ques- and a defense that ranked 101st Mack Beaulieu is a reporter Showdown. The Gators should have a tion for both teams going into in points allowed last year. This and columnist for the Collegian The Bus are in an ongoing capable oense and one of the the season is the quarterback game could come down to who and can be reached online at rebuild. The run defense was strongest defensive fronts in the position. The University of Wyo- is better at dictating tempo, with [email protected]
CSU will take a step in the right direction this year
back Izzy Matthews. The Red- Mamadou ding, California native rushed Balde for 613 yards and eight touch- downs during the 2017 season. @mamadou_balde62 Though a slight drop in produc- tion from 2016 when he rushed for 713 yards and 13 touchdowns, Colorado State football will Matthews did play in two fewer blend their new and returning games in 2017. Matthews will players together in harmony to take over the starting job for the improve from last season’s re- Rams with the departure of Da- cord. lyn Dawkins, leaving the position Once again the Rams will be in good hands. without quarterback Collin Hill, With Michael Gallup moving who tore his ACL earlier in the on to the Dallas Cowboys and summer while playing basket- Detrich Clark graduating last ball. Hill was slated to take over year, expect senior wide receiv- at CSU after former quarterback er Olabisi Johnson to also have Nick Stevens graduated. a dominant season. Johnson This year, the Rams will rely finished the 2017 season with 41 on University of Washington catches and racked up 595 re- Colorado State running back Izzy Matthews scores CSU’s first touchdown in the new on-campus stadium. The transfer K.J. Carta-Samuels to ceiving yards and a pair of touch- Rams defeated Oregon State 58-27. PHOTO BY ELLIOT JERGE COLLEGIAN kick o the season as the starter downs. Johnson is also CSU’s conference opponents. After and Florida. These games will be opponents they have matched against Hawaii. Carta-Samuels record holder for most yards in a playing Hawaii, the team will the biggest competition for the up well against in the past. was the backup quarterback to single game with 265 yards in the head to Denver for the annual Rams this season outside their Predicted Record: 8-4 Jake Browning before transfer- Famous Idaho Potato Bowl back Rocky Mountain Showdown. conference. Biggest win: Colorado ring to CSU. in 2016. Despite a disappointing loss to If the team can get their of- Collegian sports reporter The Rams finished last sea- With an entirely new oen- the Bualoes in last year’s Rocky fense and defense in a rhythm Mamadou Balde can be reached son with a 7-6 record while going sive and defensive coordinator, Mountain Showdown, I expect early on in the season, expect the by email at sportas@collegian. 5-3 against conference compe- the Rams could look a lot dier- the Rams to bounce back and get trend to continue going into the com tition. Expect the Rams to im- ent this season. a win. second half of the season once the prove upon that record in 2018. CSU will face four non-con- The Rams will face three schedule lightens up. The Rams One of the biggest returning ference opponents before fin- power-five schools in the Uni- are poised for a strong come- pieces for the Rams is running ishing the season with seven versity of Colorado, Arkansas back season against a number of inside the lines 7 In Their Own Words A slight improvement awaits, but next year will show greatest growth
Coming out of the Show- With a 2-2 record to start Luke down, the Rams will be riding the year, the Rams will rally to Zahlmann a .500 record into their match- string together a trio of wins up against Arkansas, a game against Illinois State, San Jose @lukezahlmann that stands as their third in a State and New Mexico, a pair row to begin the year as the coming at Canvas Stadium. The tale has been average, home team. Arkansas, though With two of the three but a step forward awaits for at times a southern mainstay, matchups coming against infe- Colorado State football. is going into a rebuilding sea- rior competition and the Rams Outside of their opening son under Chad Morris. An starting to mesh, the Rams will weekend against the Rainbow o ense that was inadequate begin to show signs of the of- Warriors of Hawaii, the Rams last season will once again fail fense they possessed last year. will face a gauntlet of Colorado to outproduce the opposition Despite the loss of Michael in the Rocky Mountain Show- allowing the Rams attack to Gallup, the Rams will be led down, Arkansas the following overpower the Razorbacks. by a better stable of recievers, weekend and Florida in The The defense for Arkansas as well as a reformed running failed to perform much bet- back corp led by a a bruiser in Colorado State players run out of the tunnel prior to a Border War game Swamp as the cherry on top. against the Wyoming Cowboys. PHOTO BY ELLIOTT JERGE COLLEGIAN In the last 10 seasons, the ter than the o ense, setting the backfield in Izzy Matthews. Rams are 3-7 against the Bu a- the team up to compete in The team will fall back to break even under new coordi- soaring on o ense, with an loes. Several lopsided scores to high-scoring a airs with an of- earth, taking a loss in yet an- nator John Jancek. improved, yet average defense date, CSU has seen the rivalry fense that is inept. other pair of “rivalry” games K.J. Carta-Samuels, at least in the first year under Jancek. between the in-state foes favor Once again in their fourth to both Wyoming and Boi- for the beginning of the year, This year will pose as a re- the team from the west drasti- matchup of the year, the Rams se State. Despite both teams will provide similar produc- building yet competitive year, cally, an all-time record of 65- will face a past perennial pow- losing their starting quarter- tion to the departed Nick Ste- with Mike Bobo’s best work 22-2 to show for it. erhouse in the University of backs, the Rams will be unable vens, with a lesser o ensive waiting for next year. Previous personal opti- Florida, who also features a to overcome the Cowboys and line to support him. The skill Record Prediction: 8-4 mism aside, the Rams, though new leader. The di erence Broncos respectively. positions will be present in Biggest win: Arkansas riding winning seasons in the between the Razorbacks and The Rams carry a talented bulk, but the o ense will be re- Luke Zahlmann can be Mountain West, will succumb Gators in the level of coaching o ensive team, but questions lying on things to click on the reached at sports@collegian. once again to their Power-Five will be readily apparent as the remain on the defensive side. o ensive line early and often. com. opposition, falling in the Mile- Gators will utilize their home- Finishing as one of the worst field advantage and Dan Mul- in the country last year, the The season will look very High City for a fourth-straight similar to last with the Rams year. lens to overpower the Rams. Rams have a long way to go to CSU Rams will fall back due to tough out-of-conference matchups
goes on and players adjust. It Jackson caught two touch- Eddie just will not be as good as last downs against Alabama last Herz season’s. season and overall gathered Washington graduate 265 receiving yards as a true @eddie_herz transfer K.J. Carta-Samu- freshman. CSU coaches could els looked good in the spring not be more excited about Uncertainty surrounds the and has earned the coaching Jackson. Bobo and wide re- Colorado State Rams for the sta ’s full trust in running the ceiver coach Alvis Whitted 2018 season. o ense. His experience prac- have stated on numerous occa- The Rams’ five-year streak ticing against Washington’s sions that Jackson has the po- of reaching a bowl game is up defense, which was the eighth tential to be the best receiver in the air with plenty of ques- best in the country last season, in program history. tions looming. The culprit is should bode well for him in the The size and quickness that a plethora of key players, Mountain West. throughout the wide receiver both on o ense and defense, Collin Hill will also be in core will give opposing defense have graduated. the starter discussion once he a lot of trouble this season. Of course, CSU’s o ense is fully cleared to play. Defensively, CSU ranked carried the team last season Once again, CSU will have 97th in yards allowed per game while the defense struggled lethal options throughout last season and was victim to significantly. Led by Nick Ste- the air. Even though Gallup is many explosive plays. Though vens and one of the most pro- gone, the Rams’ wide receiver the defense has lost some key Head Coach Mike Bobo yells after an unsportsmanlike conduct is called ductive o ensive lines in pro- situation has the potential to names, it may actually be im- against the CSU defense late in the 4th quarter of the Rams 59-52 loss gram history, the Rams had the be the best since Bobo arrived proved this season. against Boise State. PHOTO BY JAVON HARRIS COLLEGIAN 11th best o ense last season in in 2015. In new defensive coordina- roles as well. ho to face No. 22 Boise State. terms of total yardage. After being the second op- tor John Jancek’s 4-3 scheme, Schedule-wise, the Rams Frankly, CSU has a lot of games Stevens and the bulk of that tion for the last two seasons, the Rams’ linebackers provide will not have an easy start. Af- within the Mountain West that front five have graduated. Star Olabisi Johnson is more than the most depth. ter facing basement-dwelling could go either way. receiver Michael Gallup, along ready to be the go-to guy. Ten- Josh Watson, the leading Hawaii to open the season, Hawaii, San Jose State, and with leading rusher Dalyn nessee transfer and former tackler from last season, is re- winning any of the next three New Mexico should not be dif- Dawkins are gone as well. four-star recruit Preston Wil- turning and has All-Mountain games for CSU will be di- ficult for the Rams to handle. It’s extremely dicult to liams is eligible as well. Wil- West honors on his mind. Red- cult. The Rams play Colorado, On the other hand, Wyoming, imagine the o ense improving liams was listed as the fifth- shirt senior Tre Thomas and Arkansas, and Florida to com- Utah State and Air Force will from last season considering best incoming freshman at his junior Max McDonald round plete the first four games of the pose a threat. so many new roles will have to position in 2015 and possesses out an experienced unit. season. Record Prediction: 6-6 be filled. However, that is not impressive speed for his big Returning safeties Jordan CSU is fortunate enough Biggest win: Wyoming to say the o ense will not be frame. Fogal and Jamal Hicks, who to avoid San Diego State and Eddie Herz can be reached productive. It actually should Sophomore wide receiver are both coming o of inju- Fresno State. However, the at [email protected]. be pretty solid as the season Warren Jackson is set to have a ries, have been leaders in camp Rams do have to travel to Ida- breakout season as well. and will play crucial defensive 8 Friday, August 24, 2018 | The Rocky Mountain Collegian The Rocky Mountain Collegian Friday, August 24, 2018 9 10 inside the lines The season of third-years for CSU Rams volleyball
By Luke Zahlmann redshirt junior Jessica Jackson. @lukezahlmann Though the two formers have shown their prowess on the court When the lights awaken in the for the Rams, Jackson has yet to confi nes of Moby Arena, Colora- see a ton of playing time under do State volleyball will set their Hilbert. In her limited time last sights on a 24th consecutive play- season, Jackson shined in her o bid, a tally rivaled by only six largest allotted time, registering programs in the nation. eight kills on a .636 percentage The new season will be the against Albany. The match repre- 22nd under coach Tom Hilbert, sented eight of her 15 total kills on and the third for some of the the season. squad’s brightest stars as reigning At their o cial media day Mountain West player of the year however, Hilbert opened the and setter Katie Oleksak, mid- door to all comers for the open dles Kirstie Hillyer and Paulina outside positions. Hougaard-Jensen and returning “We have some really active libero Amanda Young will all en- competition for all of our pin ter their junior seasons. Though positions,” Hilbert said. “I think Hillyer poses as a redshirt junior, the only person who you could the trio alongside her pose as true say (is) probably being the most third-year players. heavily considered is Breana Though a quartet of Rams Runnels and the other spots are moved on due to graduation, this wide open.” year’s team will feature sever- The competition, though al players with tournament and fi erce in practice between the de- Sophomore Kirstie Hillyer celebrates a kill against Duke during the season opener on August 25, 2017. PHOTO Mountain West experience, nary parted Jasmine Hanna and Run- BY ELLIOT JERGE COLLEGIAN nels last year, will be more open a senior departing after the year. against the net this season. title without much trouble as the Mountain West dragging down Added to last year’s return- than last year. With an entire spot open for grabs, the Rams will rely Regardless of who is hit- rest of the conference struggles to their strength of schedule. ing crop is the recruiting class, ting for the Rams, whether it be keep pace. CSU has only lost six “It’s a really tough non-con- three players deep, that features a on practice and individual game performances to determine their through the inside or out, the games within their conference in ference schedule,” Hilbert said. blend of an outside hitter in Jacqi Rams will once again be led by the past fi ve years. “We will be tested, it’ll be good for Van Liefde, middle Sasha Colom- starting lineup, one that fl uctuat- ed often last season. Oleksak, the premier setter of the Outside of their conference us.” bo and setter Ciera Zimmerman. conference and recipient of con- schedule however, the Rams The Rams’ fi rst match of the The trio looks to be one that The oft-injured Alexandra Poletto was featured in the group ference’s top honor last season. loaded their schedule with tal- season comes against No. 12 Illi- will have a hard time seeing the “Our setting is as good as it’s ented squads. Among them is nois as they will host the Illini at fl oor as four of the six starters that departed as she transferred to the University of Southern ever been,” Hilbert said. Florida State, Michigan, LSU Moby Arena, a game that Hilbert for the Rams will likely reside Oleksak is coming o a year and Illinois. All pose formidable has sought to sell out by way of in the form of the returning ju- California to participate in beach volleyball. The loss of Poletto is in which she led the league with challenges, with opportunities to distributing tickets to local busi- niors. The other two spots, both 12.16 assists per set and paved increase an RPI ranking through- nesses as well as encouraging outside hitters, will likely be lessened given the development possible for Hougaard-Jensen the way for the Rams to lead the out the year that su ers from the the students to attend. The game split between the trio of junior conference as a team in hitting lack of competition in their con- will be played under the glare of a Olivia Nicholson, redshirt soph- last season when Poletto was out. An injury to Hillyer limited the percentage (.319). ference. The team missed out on whiteout on Friday. omore and last year’s Newcomer The Rams are positioned to an opportunity to host last season Luke Zahlmann can be reached of the Year Breana Runnels and Rams to a degree in the middle as well, but both will be present once again win a Mountain West due to the inept programs in the at [email protected].
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www.bookstore.colostate.edu Downtown in the Northern Hotel Colorado State WR Brenden Fulton makes a catch during the 11th spring Mon - Fri 7:45am 5:30pm | Sat 10:00am - 5:00pm On Campus in CSU’s Canvas Stadium practice April 11, 2017. PHOTO BY ELLIOTT JERGE COLLEGIAN The Rocky Mountain Collegian | Friday, August 24, 2018 13 14 inside the lines
Wesley has proven that he’s more than just a body to bang Walk ons on. He’ll start at left tackle this season and has proven what he >> from page 12 brings to the locker room. “What (Wesley) brings is hardest year, so if you can get fl exibility,” said o ensive coor- past that fi rst year, it will be dinator Dave Johnson. “He can THE PATH TO more smooth sailing.” handle both the left and right Wesley’s relationship with side, he has some horizontal his birth father wasn’t always skills at the guard position and LEADERSHIP IS great in comparison, when Lu- some vertical skills at the tackle edke came into his life, Wes- position ... He’s always trying to ALSO THE PATH ley had someone to look up to. get better every single day and When Wesley was a sophomore, that’s something that rubs o .” Luedke almost died from a sep- Wesley will have a big TO A COLLEGE tic stomach. His survival helped chance to prove that he was galvanize Wesley’s own fi ght. looked over coming out of high “Having a stepfather, it’s school. Fulton will see most of EDUCATION. really nice to have someone in his time returning punts but your life who’s been through hopes to help in the receiving so much,” Wesley said. “I don’t game as well. think quitting has ever been in “I’m not the 6’5” Preston my blood. It’s not going to be in Williams on the edge or the my children’s blood, it’s not in Bisi Johnson who had over 265 my family. So even if I wasn’t receiving yards in one game,” awarded a scholarship, I knew Fulton said. “I’m just the short, I wasn’t going to quit college white kid that does his job the football at all.” best he can. I feel like I can open As with most walk-ons, it up some things in the o ense hasn’t always been smooth sail- and realize my role to get my- ing. There have been moments self some plays or even moving of doubt. some coverages around so oth- “Every walk-on’s been er people can make a play.” through the dog days where Fulton and Wesley agree on they kind of take a step back and one thing: It’s not a lack of will think, ‘what am I doing here?’” that makes other walk-ons less Fulton said. “You kinda have successful. to just get past those days… I “There’s so many other mean I think every walk on has walk-ons who quit. I’m not kind of had ‘the talk,’ from their judging them because if it’s col- parents when they think about lege football and you don’t still quitting.” love it then you can’t really do With Fulton always having it,” Fulton said. “If you don’t a steady hand and with Wes- love what you’re doing, I don’t ley now having that and early blame you at all for quitting struggles, it’s not surprising and going to get a job or focus that they fi t the mold coaches on school ... I just think it’s pas- are looking for. sion for the game and our love “I just want good people in for the game just hasn’t died out our program,” defensive coor- yet.” dinator John Jancek said. “We Collegian sports report- typically need scout o ensive er Mack Beaulieu can be reached linemen, because those guys at [email protected] are banging everyday ... but the biggest thing with the walk-ons is just that they’re good people and that they want to be here.”
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©2018. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved. inside the lines 15 Young but experienced Rams ready to lead team Katie Oleksak leads into volleyball opener committee of leadership By Sergio Santistevan UNC-Wilmington on August By Mack Beaulieu @TheRealsSergio 25 due to an injury sustained in @Macknz_James practice. The Rams enter the season “Now, we’re trying to put a dif- Colorado State volleyball’s ranked No. 25 in the country by ferent puzzle together and decide Katie Oleksak is coming into the the American Volleyball Coaches who is going to be played where,” season at the head of what should Association, but for the Rams to said Hilbert. “Olivia (Nicholson) be another powerhouse Moun- continue the winning standard was an all-around player … She tain West team. they will have to do it without any played all the way and she was With three other all-confer- seniors on the team. very good at all assets.” ence players from last year on the “Our core group is still here,” With a lack of depth, Hilbert roster, she will come into the sea- redshirt junior Kirstie Hillyer will look at his young squad to son as head of the committee. said. “I think the team culture is step up and replace Nicholson. Leading the team from the still really good ... was good last Since Nicholson was eective on setting position, after leading the year and I think that carried on both sides, Hilbert says he’ll have Mountain West in assists and as- to this year.” to replace her with both a front sists per set, Oleksak has spent After the graduation of four and back row player. the summer building that chem- seniors, CSU heads into their With Hilbert unsure of who istry to an even greater level. After opening weekend with a young will step into the starting lineup graduating a few seniors, the stel- but experienced squad led by in place of Nicholson, he will rely lar sophomore class of last season 2017 Mountain West Player of on his all-conference players for will guide the team this season the Year Katie Oleksak, along their leadership this weekend. according to coach Tom Hilbert. with Mountain West All-Con- Hillyer and Oleksak know Oleksak, however, may have a ference players Hillyer, Brea- they are regarded as leaders on little bit more expectation on her na Runnels and Paulina Hou- the team, but they expect others because of the way she’s always gaard-Jensen. to step up as well. carried herself. Along with being “The four returning all-con- “We’re all leaders in our own recognized as the best player in ference players are still playing, way,” said Hillyer. “Wherever it’s the Mountain West. now they’ve got to try and make vocal, leading by example or o “She’s been a leader since she the other people around them the court, and I think that’s what walked in as a freshman,” Hilbert better,” said coach Tom Hilbert. really cool about this team.” said. “So now it’s very clear that Even with a younger team, Once the crowd fills up Moby she’s the one with wisdom on our the Rams will continue to ap- Arena and the whistle blows, team because all the older players proach their game the same way. Oleksak hopes to give advice to are gone. That’s the dierence, “We still prepare the same,” the young Rams that she wishes but she’s always been a leader.” Oleksak said. “We have a lot of she would have had. Oleksak and others take after experienced girls and most of “Don’t place so much expec- their coach of keeping a level head us know what we’re doing out tation on yourself in the first and a strong mindset. Hilbert here, so it’s cool to prepare the games,” said Oleksak. “It’s still likes to keep his mind on the pres- same way and get in there and get just a volleyball game. You’re still ent and not focused on accolades. ready.” playing what you do every day.” “We’re the same whether she Collegian sports reporter Ser- Unfortunately for the Rams, got that label or not,” Hilbert said. Setter, Katie Oleksak, celebrates a successful play against Wyoming they will have to prepare with- gio Santistevan can be reached at “She’s the same person, same [email protected] during the game on Sept. 26, 2017. The Rams swept the Cowgirls in out one of their best players, Ol- player, doesn’t matter if she’s three sets.. PHOTO BY ASHLEY POTTS COLLEGIAN ivia Nicholson, when they take player of the year, she’s a great we can really give them our best proaches. on No.12 Illinois on Aug. 24 and player, everybody likes her, she’s shot.” “She’s a better defensive play- very popular and she’s a great Outside hitter Breana Run- er,” Hilbert said. “She has more leader.” nels built on that sentiment. of an understanding of how to get With a top-25 match-up “Obviously we want to win,” that pivotal ball to a player. Her against No. 12 Illinois coming up Runnels said. “But really it’s just locations are much more consis- this weekend, the Rams’ lead- controlling what we can do on our tent.” ers are keeping their heads on side, we want to play CSU volley- Hillyer echoed her coach. straight. ball.” “The biggest thing is work- “These are some really good With a band of returning play- ing with each player and figuring players and a really good team,” ers, yet still carrying youth, it will out what they need,” Hillyer said. be on the juniors to lead a team “She’s done a really good job of fig- that does not have a single senior. uring out the needs of each of her “Our core group is still It seems both Hilbert and the hitters.” here,” Oleksak said. “We team will have no trouble moving Oleksak may be the defacto beyond that fact. leader of this team, but she and did graduate a big class, “We don’t talk about old play- the other girls made it clear that it but I think the team ers,” Hilbert said. “We just have to is a group eort. Hillyer and Olek- develop the people on the team sak could not help but keep nam- culture is still really and try to get the most out of the ing leaders. good. I think that carried people that are here...there have “A lot of people lead by exam- on to this year...we have been a lot of great players to come ple,” Oleksak said. here and they all graduate.” Identified as maybe the loud- a lot of experienced girls Oleksak seems confident that est of the leaders, Hillyer gave her and most of us know the team will keep a similar cul- two cents on what excites her. what we’re doing.” ture that has been so important “We’re all leaders in our own at CSU. way,” Hillyer said. “Whether its KATIE OLEKSAK “Our core group is still here,” vocal or leading by example or o CSU SETTER Oleksak said. “We did graduate a the court. I think that’s what’s re- big class, but I think the team cul- ally cool about this team.” ture is still really good. I think that The Rams open the season carried on to this year… We have a against Illinois dawning all white Kirstie Hillyer said. “So I think it’s lot of experienced girls and most along with the crowd at 7 p.m. on important to remember that we of us know what we’re doing.” Friday. are too and to have the mindset Oleksak, who has shown high Mack Beaulieu is a reporter for The CSU volleyball team huddles in anticipation during a game. that we’re going to go out there prowess already, has been work- the collegian and can be reached COLLEGIAN FILE PHOTO and give it our all, but we’re go- ing on her weaknesses as well as online at [email protected] ing to have fun while we do it so her strengths as the season ap- 16 Friday, August 24, 2018 | The Rocky Mountain Collegian BigBig GameGame Savings!Savings! GoGo Rams!Rams! 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