The independent student news site of San Marcos, California

The Cougar Chronicle

The independent student news site of San Marcos, California

The Cougar Chronicle

The independent student news site of San Marcos, California

The Cougar Chronicle

All content by Rebecca Sykes

Remembering my time at CSUSM

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor December 14, 2016

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.” Ferris Bueller is correct and I did not notice this until I entered college. I feel like I moved...

The man behind CSUSM club baseball

The man behind CSUSM club baseball

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor November 30, 2016

Since its inception in 2013, CSUSM club baseball had been led by senior shortstop Chris Benson to national rankings and top finishes. Originally from Ohio, Benson’s interest in baseball started early. “We...

Men’s club baseball finds success in doubleheader

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor November 30, 2016

Last 2015-2016 season, Men’s Club Baseball had a combined overall record of 22-19. They tied for third in the District VIII South Conference and at one point in the season, they were ranked No. 22 in...

A vegan twist to Thanksgiving

A vegan twist to Thanksgiving

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor November 28, 2016

The traditional American Thanksgiving comes equipped with stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and turkey. However, my family and I are not traditional, especially when food is involved. This will be...

Cougars fall to Wildcats

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor November 17, 2016

With the season coming to an end, women’s volleyball played their final road game  on Nov. 5, against Chico State. Unfortunately the Cougars lost three straight sets. The Cougars were up against...

Cougars dominate Stanislaus three sets to one

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor November 12, 2016

The CSUSM volleyball team faced Stanislaus State in Turlock, CA on Friday Nov. 4 and clinched a win in four sets. “We had a huge victory … It was a great win because we had never beaten them before...

Why I support Colin Kaepernick

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor November 1, 2016

I am a white woman who will never understand what it feels like to be racially profiled. However, I still sympathize with people of color and try to understand what they are going through even though this...

Cougar Natalie Rodriguez excels during cross country season

Cougar Natalie Rodriguez excels during cross country season

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor October 30, 2016

Junior Natalie Rodriguez had a ground-breaking season for the CSUSM women’s cross country team during the 2016 campaign. The talented competitor has broken two school records for the 4,000-meter and...

Sports Center video production team brings job opportunities

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor October 30, 2016

Interested in pursuing a career within sports media? Look no further because The Sports Center is hiring students for the upcoming 2016-17 basketball season within production media. Basketball season...

Cougars finish strong at CCAA Championship

Cougars finish strong at CCAA Championship

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor October 30, 2016

CSUSM cross country ended their season on a high note at the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Cross Country Championships in Ontario on Oct. 22. Junior Natalie Rodriguez and junior...

Cougars dominate at ninth annual Cougar Challenge

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor October 30, 2016

The Cougars prevailed at home for the ninth annual Cougar Challenge the morning of Saturday, Oct. 15 at the Mangrum Track. Junior Natalie Rodriguez won the Challenge on the women’s side with a time...

Halloween costumes you can make at home

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor October 28, 2016

Want to dress up for Halloween without spending big bucks on a costume? Getting creative and making your own costume gives it a unique look without spending a lot of money for one night. It also gives...

Players Sports Grill: A local campus hangout

Players Sports Grill: A local campus hangout

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor October 24, 2016

Players Sports Grill, located across the street from CSUSM, is a place for students and faculty to unwind after a long week of hard work. Players Sports Grill has two locations, Poway and San Marcos,...

I’m with her

I’m with her

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor October 24, 2016

People have their own opinions about Hillary Clinton and the mistake she made with her email server. However, I hope people can look past the mistake and see her the way I view her: An intelligent, independent...

Women’s cross country team dominates at Mustang Challenge

Women’s cross country team dominates at Mustang Challenge

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor October 22, 2016

  The Women’s Cross Country team won the Mustang Challenge on Oct. 1 in Santa Clarita and the men’s team had a strong performance.   Junior Natalie Rodriguez dominated yet again...

Cancer survivor makes club baseball

Cancer survivor makes club baseball

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor October 22, 2016

CSUSM Freshman George Terris recently made the club baseball team. However one of his biggest victories has been defeating cancer in November of 2012.   Two weeks before Terris’s 14th birthday,...

Women’s volleyball opens season with victory

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor October 7, 2016

The Sports Center was up and running Thursday night for the first home game and first win of the women’s volleyball season against the La Sierra Eagles. The crowd’s electrifying energy noticeable...

Sports Center propels CSUSM’s athletics to a whole new level

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor October 7, 2016

Fans, players and coaches at CSUSM have a treat awaiting: the highly anticipated grand opening of the $11.4 million Sports Center on Sept. 1. Funded by student fees, the 29,000-square-foot facility...

First conference win of the season for the Cougars

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor October 7, 2016

The Cougars earned their first California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) conference win Saturday, Sept. 17 at The Sports Center with 3 sets (21-25, 25-21, 25-9, 27-29, 15-9). Freshman Maddy...

Tritons defeat Cougars at fourth annual Reis Cup

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor September 28, 2016

The Cougars were away on Saturday, Sept. 24 for another CCAA showdown against UCSD. Though the Cougars were evenly matched with the Tritons, they fell short and lost three sets to one (25-23, 20-25,17-25,...

Cougars race strong at Coyote Challenge

Cougars race strong at Coyote Challenge

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor September 28, 2016

The men’s and women’s cross country team dominated at the Coyote Challenge on Sept. 24 in San Bernardino.   Head Cross Country Coach Steve Scott is extremely proud of the way his athletes...

Cougars succeed at UC Riverside Invitational

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor September 24, 2016

Junior Natalie Rodriguez has broken another school record in the 6,000-meter race on Sept. 17 at the UC Riverside Invitational. This is the second meet in a row Rodriguez has broken a school record....

Cougars succeed at UC Riverside Invitational

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor September 20, 2016

Junior Natalie Rodriguez has broken another school record in the 6,000-meter race on Sept. 17 at the UC Riverside Invitational. This is the second meet in a row Rodriguez has broken a school record....

First conference win of the season for the Cougars

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor September 20, 2016

The Cougars earned their first California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) conference win Saturday, Sept. 17 at The Sports Center with 3 sets (21-25, 25-21, 25-9, 27-29, 15-9). Freshman Maddy...

Womens Volleyball succeeds at showcase

Women’s Volleyball succeeds at showcase

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor September 14, 2016

CSUSM women’s volleyball competed in the NCAA Division II West Regional Volleyball Show from Thursday, Sept. 8 to Saturday, Sept. 10 at Cal State East Bay, where they racked up three wins in four games...

Recognizing Club Sports

Recognizing Club Sports

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor September 14, 2016

Club sports give students the opportunity to compete in the sport they love that works with their schedules. There are 11 club sports at CSUSM, giving students a wide range to choose from.   Cheer,...

Anti-abortion display towers over Kellogg Plaza, sparks student counter-protest

Anti-abortion display towers over Kellogg Plaza, sparks student counter-protest

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor September 13, 2016

A dozen protesters demonstrated against an on-campus anti-abortion presentation prompted by the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform on Tuesday, Sept. 13.   The Lake Forest, CA-based advocacy group...

A magical day at Hogwarts

A magical day at Hogwarts

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor September 13, 2016

Most people dream of a magical experience, especially that of Harry Potter.   I was lucky enough to spend a day at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios, Hollywood for my...

Natalie Rodriguez named CCAA Runner of the Week

Natalie Rodriguez named CCAA Runner of the Week

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor September 13, 2016

Cal State San Marcos’s Natalie Rodriguez, a junior from Santa Clarita California, has been named the California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Runner of the Week for the week of Aug. 29-Sep....

Women’s volleyball opens season with victory

Women’s volleyball opens season with victory

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor September 2, 2016

The Sports Center was up and running Thursday night for the first home game and first win of the women’s volleyball season against the La Sierra Eagles. The crowd’s electrifying energy noticeable...

Sports Center propels CSUSM’s athletics to a whole new level

Sports Center propels CSUSM’s athletics to a whole new level

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Editor August 30, 2016

Fans, players and coaches at CSUSM have a treat awaiting: the highly anticipated grand opening of the $11.4 million Sports Center on Sept. 1. Funded by student fees, the 29,000-square-foot facility...

Cougars finish strong on final day of CCAA Track Championships

Cougars finish strong on final day of CCAA Track Championships

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Staff Writer May 12, 2016

  A pair of Cougars earned All­-CCAA honors at the final day of California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Championships at Cal State Los Angeles on May 8. Junior Frederik Jahr...

Local places worthy of celebrating graduation

Local places worthy of celebrating graduation

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Staff Writer May 11, 2016

  Although many graduates may face the stress of what is next for life after college, an important thing that should be focused on is how they will celebrate graduation. Thankfully, San Diego...

Holocaust survivor visits CSUSM to share his story

Holocaust survivor visits CSUSM to share his story

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Staff Writer May 11, 2016

  Through every dark tunnel, there is always light on the other side. Hershel Frankiel survived the horrific events of the Holocaust. Students, faculty and staff at CSUSM were lucky enough...

Harry Potter theme park arrives at Universal Studios Hollywood

Harry Potter theme park arrives at Universal Studios Hollywood

Rebecca Sykes, Staff Writer May 11, 2016

  The Magical World of Harry Potter made its public debut at Universal Studios Hollywood on April 7 and fans can now experience Harry Potter through fun roller coasters, delicious food and exclusive...

Advice for incoming freshmen and transfer students

Advice for incoming freshmen and transfer students

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Writer May 11, 2016

  As I reminisce about my time as a Cougar, I realize I learned a lot of useful life lessons that are important for college students to know, especially incoming freshmen and transfer students. College...

Advice for incoming freshmen and transfer students

Advice for incoming freshmen and transfer students

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Writer May 11, 2016

As I reminisce about my time as a Cougar, I realize I learned a lot of useful life lessons that are important for college students to know, especially incoming freshmen and transfer students. College...

Cougars finish regular season strong at Steve Scott Invitational

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Writer May 2, 2016

The Cougars competed at the Steve Scott Invitational, named after their head coach, on April 30. It was an exciting invitational for the Cougars as they finished the regular season with two new...

Vegan dishes are healthy without sacrificing any of the flavor.

Don’t judge me because I’m vegan

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Writer April 27, 2016

When I first found out what vegan meant, I thought the concept of not eating milk, dairy, eggs or honey was very unusual. When I first tried a vegan cookie, I thought it was disgusting. I never thought...

Mickey’s Fun Wheel located in California Adventure Park lights up every night to awe guests with a beautiful sight.

The magic of Disney

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Writer April 27, 2016

Disneyland ticket: $105. Disneyland Parking: $18. Mickey Mouse pretzel: $4.25. Making memories that will last a lifetime? Priceless. Disneyland is known for being expensive, but it is also known...

Fun ideas for Mother’s day

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Writer April 27, 2016

The weather is warm and the flowers are blooming just in time for Mother’s Day. However, some people might not have any idea what to do for their mother on this special holiday. Luckily, there...

Harry Potter theme park arrives at Universal Studios Hollywood

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Writer April 27, 2016

The Magical World of Harry Potter made its public debut at Universal Studios Hollywood on April 7 and fans can now experience Harry Potter through fun roller coasters, delicious food and exclusive...

Head Track & Field coach, Steve Scott, being interviewed alongside his Assistant coach, Wes Williams, at the 7th Annual Student Athlete Awards Banquet on April 11th.

The man, the myth, the legend: Steve Scott

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Writer April 27, 2016

  When the mile is mentioned, one legend comes to mind. Steve Scott is considered one of the greatest mile runners in American history. To this day, he holds the world record for running the...

Steve Scott motivating his athlete, Raelyn Werley.

More Cougars qualify for CCAA at Triton Invitational

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Writer April 27, 2016

With the women’s and men’s track and field season coming to an end, the Cougars competed at the Triton Invitational held at UCSD. The Cougars had a remarkable day at the Triton Invitational...

Cougars round out season with doubleheader loss to CSUSB

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Writer April 27, 2016

The women’s softball team fell short on the road in their last doubleheader of the season against Cal State San Bernardino with a 4-3 loss in game one of the series and 13-10 in game two. In...

CSUSM Surf Club focuses on Division Championship, Nationals

CSUSM Surf Club focuses on Division Championship, Nationals

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Writer April 13, 2016

  Winner of the 2009 Southwest College Division Championship (SCDC), the CSUSM Surf Club sees a path for the team to return for the gold this summer. Colton Tisch, a junior and vice president...

Cougars set personal records at invitational

Cougars set personal records at invitational

Rebecca Sykes, Sports Writer April 6, 2016

  The CSUSM men’s and women’s track and field teams competed in the California Collegiate Invitational, hosted by UC San Diego, on April 2. With track and field season nearing the end,...

Hardworking, driven freshman Lauren Wyckoff awarded Student-Athlete of the Month

Hardworking, driven freshman Lauren Wyckoff awarded Student-Athlete of the Month

Rebecca Sykes, Staff Writer March 30, 2016

  College students can agree that school is stressful and challenging at times. But Student-Athlete of the Month Lauren Wyckoff competes in both the classroom and on the track without any trouble....

Cougars had good showing at Aztec Invitational

Rebecca Sykes, Staff Writer March 30, 2016

  The CSUSM men’s and women’s track and field teams competed in the Aztec Invitational, hosted by San Diego State University on March 25. Jasmine Oliver, with her Cougar blue hair, anchored...

Cougars close the San Diego Collegiate Invite with top finishers

Rebecca Sykes and March 13, 2016

On March 12, the CSUSM track and field men’s and women’s teams competed in the San Diego Collegiate Invite and despite the cloudy weather, the Cougars were able to bring some heat to the races. The...

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