Robby McKittrick Sports Communications & Journalism Portfolio

It was a packed house at the Jenny Craig Pavilion on Thursday, November 31 st for the college basketball game between the University of San Diego and San Diego State. The USD students came out in full force to watch their team take on the mighty Aztecs. Holding Ron Burgundy and Nicholas Cage fat heads and screaming all game long, the student section was rowdy from the beginning. Entering the game, the Toreros were attempting to win their sixth game in a row, while the Aztecs were looking to rebound after a loss to Washington State. From the tip, SDSU point guard Devin Watson controlled the pace of the game.   He was relentless, attacking the paint at will as well as shooting from the outside. After a couple of early layups by Watson, the quick point guard then hit a 3-pointer with 10:32 remaining in the first half to put SDSU ahead 16-8. Around this time period, SDSU Coach Brian Dutcher elected to go zone, and it made a big difference. The Aztec...

It was quite the spectacle in Rimac Arena at UCSD’s campus on Monday, November 27th. The pep band, media personnel, alumni, coaches, players, and even the mascot were in all attendance for an announcement that has “been a long time coming” for UCSD athletics. UCSD’s athletic director, Earl Edwards, announced the big news of the day: The University will be moving to the division 1 level in the fall of 2020. More specifically, UC San Diego will be joining the Big West Conference. At the event, Edwards, the Chancellor, the Mayor, and the former Mayor were all seated on the front of the stage. Each of these individuals took turns speaking about what this move means for UCSD and the community. The school Chancellor, Pradeep Khosla, began the press event and said that the move will “significantly increase visibility” and “elevate the student experience.” “The timing of this D1 move could not be better,” Khosla said. “UC San Diego is currently undergoing a physical, intellect...

In part I of my road trip piece in the November edition of the  Clairemont Times , I introduced myself and explained why I chose to travel to San Diego from Boston.  I also described a few places where I felt that “culture shock” sensation of “I can’t believe I am here.” In this piece, I want to reflect on the idea of “finding yourself.” This term was thrown my way with a sarcastic tone anytime I told someone that I was planning a cross-country road trip to San Diego. “You mean you spent $200,000 on a college education to go to the west coast to find yourself???” Well, not exactly. You could say I heard this comment quite a bit from family, friends, neighbors, even random people at graduation parties who love sharing their opinion. It is your classic east coast comment that is a little bit harsh, kind of funny, with a mix of truth (I miss that east coast humor already). However, before I heard this phrase in relation to my west coast adventure, it was also often u...