Golden Nuggets: October 9-15
I still haven't emotionally recovered from GameDay
Hello and welcome to the newly reprised Golden Nuggets! For those unfamiliar with this general sort of article, I’m going to do my best to highlight some of the stuff you may have missed that is Cal related or Cal-adjacent over the last week. It’s a big university with a lot of moving parts and an even bigger community and network, so let’s get to it and unearth some of those golden nugs!
BUH BUH BUH BUH BUH BASKETBALL
Mmmmm the sweet sweet sounds of ‘Roundball Rock’ and the squeak of shoes on the hardwood. Basketball is (nearly) back! Jon ‘This is March’ Rothstein visited campus to check out Year 2 of the Mark Madsen Era and take a look at the new roster that Google Search needs to update yet.
Our own BentPawn went on the Psychic Hoops podcast to preview the upcoming 2024-2025 Men’s Basketball Season. Also Cal Basketball is going to be the first team to play on the Moon is utilizing NASA Scientists to prepare for the increased travel as part of being in the ACC. Mark Madsen, Andrej Stojaković, and Mady Sissoko made the trip to Charlotte for ACC Media Days.
On the women’s side, Jayda Noble was featured on a KRON4 segment for her sneaker designs Ugonne (Michelle) Onyiah, Ioanna Krimili, Marta Suárez, and Charmin Smith made the trip to Charlotte for ACC Media, in some sweeeeeeeeeet kicks (courtesy Jayda!)
Lastly, have you wondered who has that unglorious job of keeping time during all these sporting events? Well boy do I have the article for you! UCSF did a profile on UCSF Registrar (and Cal Alum!) Doug Carlson, the man behind the scoreboard and play clock for football games as well as game clock and scoreboard for both Men’s and Women’s basketball. Oh and also yardage spotter for the Niners scoreboard operator. Thanks Doug for keeping us all in line and on time.
Indigenous People’s Day
Cal celebrated Indigenous People’s Day, recognizing the many indigenous cultures around the world including the history and culture of the xučyun ancestral land on which UC Berkeley is located.
NOBEL PRIZE SZNNNN
It’s early October which means its time to find out how much more difficult parking will get on campus Nobel Prizes get announced! This year four individuals affiliated with UC Berkeley (but not currently on campus, parking remains unchanged!) were recognized for their accomplishments in Physics, Medicine, Chemistry, and Economics. Congrats to Gary Ruvkan (Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine, UC Berkeley Biophysics, ‘74) David Baker (Nobel Prize in Chemistry, UC Berkeley Ph.D. ’89), John Hopfield (Nobel Prize in Physics, Former Assistant Professor), and James A. Robinson (Nobel Prize in Economics, Former Assistant Professor). Maybe next year the Calgorithm will be up for the Nobel Peace Prize!
Celebrating Latinx Heritage Month
Cal Athletics in partnership with the Cal Alumni Association hosted aLatinx Heritage Month Celebration that brought Latinx community, culture and cuisine to life. The photo below is from an intergenerational panel that featured Ron Rivera, Fabrizio Mejia, Jose Bonilla and Valerie Grimaldo - each receiving a Pioneer of Change Award from Cal Athletics for their impact. Go Bears!
Goal On You Bears
Cal Men’s Soccer put the rest of the ACC on notice beating #1 Ranked Pitt late Friday night. After a scintillating September, Karlie Lema of the Women’s Soccer Team earned the Gatorade Student Athlete of the Month scoring nine goals, putting her firmly in the national lead. Congrats Karlie!
Your Offense, Our Ball
Nohl Williams, Senior Cornerback recorded his nation-leading 6th interception this week against Pitt and earned himself a spot on the CBS Sports Midseason All-America Team. Congrats Nohl!
Round and Round Realignment Goes
If sports business is your thing, Brendan Marks of The Athletic/New York Times wrote a piece this week examining the ACC-ESPN ‘look-in’, an opportunity for ESPN to pick up an option on the ACC Deal, something it is expected to do. Fair warning you might need some Tums while you read it.
Cal Athletics Roundup
#10 Cal Women’s Soccer narrowly lost to North Carolina (following an 89th minute Penalty Kick) and Duke. #18 Field Hockey lost to Boston College and Syracuse . Volleyball lost to Boston College but beat Syracuse. Rugby stomped San Diego, San Diego St, Arizona State and UCLA on their way to an undefeated weekend. Pitt won the H trophy. #8 Men’s Water Polo lost at Long Beach State but beat UC Merced. Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving won handily at UC San Diego.
Cal Pros Roundup
Around the NFL, Aaron Rodgers did what Aaron Rodgers does. No not that thing, the football thing. Keenan Allen caught 2 touchdowns in the Chicago Bears win over the Jaguars. Jared Goff eviscerated the cowboys in a 47-9 win where he threw for three touchdowns, including this one. Cameron Jordan caught a Baker Mayfield interception.
That’s it for this week! If I forgot something, please link it in the comments! I’m still recovering from losing our newest rivalry game. If you’re free, Cal hosts NC State this weekend for the first time ever and $20 tickets are available here! Give Ms. Wuf a kiss for me.
If you live in or around the Bay Area, please support Cal WBB this season by attending some games. Plenty of great games at Haas both non-conference and ACC play. Auburn, Alabama, St. Mary's, Grambling, Xavier are some of the non-conference games. Nationally ranked NC State, UNC and Florida State also take on the Bears at Haas! See you there! Go Bears!!