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Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Chico State's independent student newspaper

The Orion

Javier Hernandez

Javier Hernandez, Sports Reporter/Social Media Editor

Javier Hernandez is currently a a 4th year at Chico State University. He is majoring in Journalism with an option in News and is minoring in Psychology. He will be returning to the Sports section during the Spring of 2022 and will also be the Social Media Editor. He hopes to contribute to multiple beats to help expand his arsenal and envisions The Orion’s social media presence to grow. He has had a really strong passion for sports ever since he was a little kid and envisions himself covering sports for a living.

 

All content by Javier Hernandez
Wildcat Haley Ison getting ready to play defense against the Pioneers on Feb. 26

Wildcat Haley Ison getting ready to play defense against the Pioneers on Feb. 26

Wildcat Jordan Morris in the paint against the Pioneers on Feb. 26

Wildcat Jordan Morris in the paint against the Pioneers on Feb. 26

The Wildcats in their pre-game huddle prior to their game against the Pioneers on Feb 26

The Wildcats in their pre-game huddle prior to their game against the Pioneers on Feb 26

The Wildcats starting five against the Pioneers on Feb. 26

The Wildcats starting five against the Pioneers on Feb. 26

The Wildcats with their senior Mikaela Bismillah on Feb. 26

[Photo] Chico State Women’s Basketball fall short of upset in last home game at Acker Gym

February 28, 2022

The Wildcats with their senior Mikaela Bismillah on Feb. 26

Wildcat Mikaela Bismillah against the Pioneers on Feb. 26.

Wildcat Mikaela Bismillah against the Pioneers on Feb. 26.

Wildcat Mikaela Bismillah with her family prior to her senior night celebration on Feb. 26.

Wildcat Mikaela Bismillah with her family prior to her senior night celebration on Feb. 26.

Wildcat Haley Ison on defense against the Toros on Feb.24.

CCAA playoff ticket secured for Chico State Women’s basketball after clutch layup

Javier Hernandez, Social Media Editor
February 25, 2022

The first match up of the year between Chico State Women’s Basketball team and the Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros went in favor of the hosting Wildcats as they secured a spot in the California Collegiate...

Wildcat Morgan Mathis against the Toros on Feb.24.

Wildcat Morgan Mathis against the Toros on Feb.24.

Wildcat Myli Martinez on defense against the Toros on Feb. 24.

Wildcat Myli Martinez on defense against the Toros on Feb. 24.

Wildcat Makenzi Laporte on Feb.24 against the Toros.

Wildcat Makenzi Laporte on Feb.24 against the Toros.

Wildcat huddle on Feb.24 against the Toros.

Wildcat huddle on Feb.24 against the Toros.

Wildcat Charity Gallegos on an island against the Toros on Feb. 24.

Wildcat Charity Gallegos on an island against the Toros on Feb. 24.

Wildcat Wright Jr. on Feb. 24 against the Toros.

The No. 11 Wildcats prance on the Toros to win their fifth straight

Javier Hernandez, Social Media Editor
February 25, 2022

Junior guard Colby Orr broke a defender on his way to hit a 3-pointer to give the Wildcats a comfortable lead to secure the win. Chico State Men’s Basketball, who are freshly off being ranked as No...

Wildcat Mikaela Bismillah during the game against the Toros on Feb. 24.

Wildcat Mikaela Bismillah during the game against the Toros on Feb. 24.

Wildcats Kevin Warren and Kelvin Wright Jr. catching their breath on Feb. 24 against the Toros.

Wildcats Kevin Warren and Kelvin Wright Jr. catching their breath on Feb. 24 against the Toros.

Assistant coach Ricky Delgado-Martinez prior to game on Feb. 24 against the Toros.

Assistant coach Ricky Delgado-Martinez prior to game on Feb. 24 against the Toros.

Wildcat Evan Oliver guarding an inbound pass on Feb. 24 against the Toros.

Wildcat Evan Oliver guarding an inbound pass on Feb. 24 against the Toros.

Wildcat Malik DUffy on Feb. 24 against the Toros.

Wildcat Malik DUffy on Feb. 24 against the Toros.

Coach Clink talking to Joshua Curls during a timeout on Feb. 24 against the Toros.

Coach Clink talking to Joshua Curls during a timeout on Feb. 24 against the Toros.

Wildcat Kaleb Carter after getting help up after a foul on Feb. 24 against the Toros

Wildcat Kaleb Carter after getting help up after a foul on Feb. 24 against the Toros

Students fill the BMU as they wait to get their booster shot. Photo taken Feb. 25 by Ava Norgrove

Photos of the Week

Clothing drive on campus. Photo by Jolie Asuncion Feb 24. Students fill the BMU as they wait to get their booster shot. Photo taken Feb. 25 by Ava Norgrove Wildcats Jordan Morris and Bailey Jones...

Graphic made by Jolie Asuncion

Black players dominate the NFL; but it’s not the same for Black head coaches

Javier Hernandez, Social Media Editor
February 24, 2022

Only 6% of the head coaches in the National Football League are Black, while 70% of the players are Black — I’m not a mathematician but these numbers don’t add up.  There are 32 teams in...

Chico State wins 2021 Ballot Bowl for most civic engagement

Chico State wins 2021 Ballot Bowl for most civic engagement

Javier Hernandez and Melvin Bui
February 23, 2022

Chico State was recognized for its exceptional effort to improve civic engagement and voter participation within its student body. The University placed first in the “California Ballot Bowl: Registration...

Wal Riek in his element at Broadway's

San Diego native spices up Chico with his authentic cuisine

Javier Hernandez, Social Media Editor
February 21, 2022

Wal Riek, a local business owner, is known for his unique but authentic soul food and urban cuisine. This is something he says the community of Chico has been missing. Riek came to Chico State in 2014...

Final look at the surf n turf fries.

Final look at the surf n turf fries.

Riek frying up some fries

Riek frying up some fries

Riek heating up his grills.

Riek heating up his grills.

Riek looking over some of his orders.

Riek looking over some of his orders.

Riek prepping some food.

Riek prepping some food.

Riek's famous surf n turf fries.

Riek's famous surf n turf fries.

Riek's famous chicken and waffles.

Riek's famous chicken and waffles.

Wildcat Isaiah Brooks giving his teammates a pre-game talk.

No. 11 Wildcats lockdown the No. 14 Cougars

Javier Hernandez, Social Media Editor
February 20, 2022

The highly anticipated rematch between the No. 11 and No. 14 teams in the country did not disappoint — especially, if you are a Wildcat fan. Chico State Men’s Basketball evened out the season series...

Wildcats Colby Orr and Joshua Hamilton setting up their defense.

Wildcats Colby Orr and Joshua Hamilton setting up their defense.

Coach Clink talking to his players during an intermission.

Coach Clink talking to his players during an intermission.

Wildcat Joshua Curls cutting during a play.

Wildcat Joshua Curls cutting during a play.

Wildcat Kaleb Carter boxing out for a rebound.

Wildcat Kaleb Carter boxing out for a rebound.

Wildcat Breenan Wheeler dunking during pre-game warmups.

No. 11 Wildcats thrash the Golden Eagles in Southern California

Javier Hernandez, Social Media Editor
February 18, 2022

The No. 11 Wildcats won their third-straight game as they coasted past the Cal State LA Golden Eagles in their second-to-last road game of the regular season.  Chico State Men’s Basketball became...

Kelvin Wright Jr. after a foul that was committed on him.

Kelvin Wright Jr. after a foul that was committed on him.

Wildcat coaches during a timeout.

Wildcat coaches during a timeout.

Wildcat Kevin Warren checking back in the game.

Wildcat Kevin Warren checking back in the game.

Wildcat Malik Duffy setting up a play.

Wildcat Malik Duffy setting up a play.

Wildcat Joshua Hamilton on 2/12/22 against SFSU.

No. 14 Wildcats stay alive in CCAA title race after exhilarating comeback

Javier Hernandez, Social Media Editor
February 14, 2022

The Chico State Men’s Basketball team remained in the middle of the California Collegiate Athletic Association title hunt after a double-digit comeback in the second half.  The Wildcats had the...

Wildcat Colby Orr on 2/12/22 against SFSU.

Wildcat Colby Orr on 2/12/22 against SFSU.

Wildcat Joshua Curls handling the ball vs. SFSU on 2/12/22.

Wildcat Joshua Curls handling the ball vs. SFSU on 2/12/22.

Wildcats Kaleb Carter and Kelvin Wright Jr. talking during an intermission against SFSU on 2/12/22.

Wildcats Kaleb Carter and Kelvin Wright Jr. talking during an intermission against SFSU on 2/12/22.

Wildcat Isaiah Brooks talking to the starting lineup prior to their game against SFSU on 2/12/22.

Wildcat Isaiah Brooks talking to the starting lineup prior to their game against SFSU on 2/12/22.

Wildcat Charity Gallegos getting ready to defend against SFSU on 2/12/22.

Chico State Women’s Basketball continues win streak after overpowering Gators

Javier Hernandez, Social Media Editor
February 13, 2022

Chico State Women’s Basketball were fresh off of their fourth win in a row, and had to defend their streak against the San Francisco Gators .  Both teams came in with win streaks: One was going...

Wildcat Myli Martinez going up for a lay up against SFSU on 2/12/22.

Wildcat Myli Martinez going up for a lay up against SFSU on 2/12/22.

Chico State Women's Basketball pre-game routine prior to tip off against SFSU on 2/12/22.

Chico State Women's Basketball pre-game routine prior to tip off against SFSU on 2/12/22.

Wildcat Bailey Jones sinking in a 3-pointer against SFSU on 2/12/22

Wildcat Bailey Jones sinking in a 3-pointer against SFSU on 2/12/22

Wildcats Mackenzi Laporte and Myli Martinez entering the game vs. SFSU on 2/12/22.

Wildcats Mackenzi Laporte and Myli Martinez entering the game vs. SFSU on 2/12/22.

The Wildcats celebrating their win against the Otters with the crowd on 2/10/22

Chico State Women’s Basketball drowns the Otters in series finale

Javier Hernandez, Social Media Editor
February 11, 2022

The Chico State Women’s Basketball team continued their win streak after defeating the Monterey Bay Otters, who were fresh off their second win on the season.  A strength versus a weakness:...

Laporte making a tough layup during their win against the Otters on 2/10/22.

Laporte making a tough layup during their win against the Otters on 2/10/22.

Laporte making a tough layup during their win against the Otters on 2/10/22.

Laporte making a tough layup during their win against the Otters on 2/10/22.

Ison waiting for the play to start during their win against the Otters on 2/10/22.

Ison waiting for the play to start during their win against the Otters on 2/10/22.

The Wildcats huddling up during their win against the Otters on 2/10/22.

The Wildcats huddling up during their win against the Otters on 2/10/22.

Jones putting up a 3-point shot while Gallegos watches during their win against the Otters on 2/10/22.

Jones putting up a 3-point shot while Gallegos watches during their win against the Otters on 2/10/22.

Bismillah checking in for Gallegos during their win against the Otters on 2/10/22.

Bismillah checking in for Gallegos during their win against the Otters on 2/10/22.

Kevin Warren celebrating after an and-one opportunity against the Coyotes on 2/4/22.

No. 10 Wildcats sweep season series against the No. 3 Coyotes

Javier Hernandez, Social Media Editor
February 7, 2022

Head coach Greg Clink wasn’t happy with the Chico State Men’s Basketball team’s effort and intensity after their loss against the Cal Poly Pomona Broncos. Clink said the competitive level showed...

Wildcats Colby Orr and Breenan Wheeler communicating during their game against the Coyotes on 2/4/22.

Wildcats Colby Orr and Breenan Wheeler communicating during their game against the Coyotes on 2/4/22.

Wildcats Malik Duffy, Kelvin Wright Jr. , and Joshua Hamilton talking about an adjustment during their game against the Coyotes on 2/4/22.

Wildcats Malik Duffy, Kelvin Wright Jr. , and Joshua Hamilton talking about an adjustment during their game against the Coyotes on 2/4/22.

The Wildcats breaking their huddle prior to their game against the Coyotes on 2/4/22.

The Wildcats breaking their huddle prior to their game against the Coyotes on 2/4/22.

Malik Duffy being double teamed by Coyote defenders on 2/4/22.

Malik Duffy being double teamed by Coyote defenders on 2/4/22.

Coach Clink looking over his team during their game against the Coyotes on 2/4/22

Coach Clink looking over his team during their game against the Coyotes on 2/4/22

Isaiah Brooks waiting for the play to establish during the game against the Coyotes on 2/4/22.

Isaiah Brooks waiting for the play to establish during the game against the Coyotes on 2/4/22.

Morgan Mathis hitting a 3-pointer against the Coyotes on 2/4/22.

Chico State Women’s Basketball cruise to their third straight win

Javier Hernandez, Social Media Editor
February 6, 2022

The San Bernardino Coyotes were in town attempting to break the Chico State Women’s Basketball two-game win streak, but were dominated at Acker Gym.  https://twitter.com/jhm1226/status/1490139147360608256?s=20&t=4DBq8OG1ktLlLrOWxHzU5Q Fast...

Jordan Morris attempting a post shot against the Coyotes on 2/4/22.

Jordan Morris attempting a post shot against the Coyotes on 2/4/22.

Makenzi Laporte going up for a layup against the Coyotes on 2/4/22.

Makenzi Laporte going up for a layup against the Coyotes on 2/4/22.

India Starr attempting a 3-pointer against the Coyotes on 2/4/22.

India Starr attempting a 3-pointer against the Coyotes on 2/4/22.

The Wildcat bench celebrating a 3-point make against the Coyotes on 2/4/22.

The Wildcat bench celebrating a 3-point make against the Coyotes on 2/4/22.

Charity Gallegos dribbling the ball against the Coyotes on 2/4/22.

Charity Gallegos dribbling the ball against the Coyotes on 2/4/22.

Wildcat forwards Malik Duffy and Kelvin Wright Jr. making their entrance prior to their game against the Broncos on 2/3/22

No. 10 Wildcats suffer third loss of the season against rival Broncos

Javier Hernandez, Social Media Editor
February 4, 2022

The California Collegiate Athletic Association race is heating up and the No. 10 Wildcats are right in the mix of things.  Chico State Men’s Basketball currently sits at third place in the standings,...

Wildcat fans cheering on the players during their entrance on 2/3/22

Wildcat fans cheering on the players during their entrance on 2/3/22

Wildcat worker on campus on 2/4/22

Wildcat worker on campus on 2/4/22

Campus on Friday

Campus on Friday

Wildcat forward Kelvin Wright Jr. after being fouled by a Bronco on 2/3/22

Wildcat forward Kelvin Wright Jr. after being fouled by a Bronco on 2/3/22

Coach Clink game planning while his players warm up prior to their game against the Broncos 
on 2/3/22

Coach Clink game planning while his players warm up prior to their game against the Broncos on 2/3/22

Wildcat guard Joshua Hamilton prior to their game against the Broncos on 2/3/22

Wildcat guard Joshua Hamilton prior to their game against the Broncos on 2/3/22

The Wildcats prior to the national anthem against the Broncos on 2/4/22

The Wildcats prior to the national anthem against the Broncos on 2/4/22

Wildcats huddling up to their entrance on 2/3/22

Wildcats huddling up to their entrance on 2/3/22

Jose and Jovito Hernandez outside of their shop.

From the 664 to the 530, a father-son duo brings authentic Tijuana taste to Chico

Javier Hernandez, Social Media Editor
January 31, 2022

J’s Tacos and Beer emulates authentic Tijuana cuisine here in Chico. Jose Hernandez and his father Jovito Hernandez run their business together. This journey didn’t start here in Chico. It originated...

The pork adobada tacos ready to eat.

The pork adobada tacos ready to eat.

The "trompo" of pork adobada being cooked at J's

The "trompo" of pork adobada being cooked at J's

Ribeye tacos ready to be served.

Ribeye tacos ready to be served.

J's workers outside of their store

J's workers outside of their store

J's menu at display.

J's menu at display.