San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec
San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec



San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913

The Daily Aztec
Jason Freund

Jason Freund, Sports Editor

Jason Freund is a journalism major from Santee, Calif. He hopes to become a sports journalist for a Major League Baseball team or a reporter for another major sport. In his free time, Jason enjoys listening to music, going to the gym and watching baseball. Jason began writing for The Daily Aztec in October 2019 and also writes for the East Village Times. You can follow him on Twitter @jasonfreund_.

All content by Jason Freund
Senior Farewell: Jason Freund

Senior Farewell: Jason Freund

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
May 4, 2022
Matt Araiza setting up for a punt.

Four Aztecs selected in the 2022 NFL Draft

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
May 2, 2022
Three members of the SDSU men's tennis team overlook a match while the sun sets at the Aztec Tennis Center.

Men’s Tennis split final two Mountain West Conference regular season games

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
April 27, 2022
Darrion Trammell will be looking to add more offensive efficiency to San Diego State. (Photo Courtesy of Darrion Trammell's Twitter)

Aztecs add playmaking guard Darrion Trammell from Seattle University via transfer protocol

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
April 8, 2022
A shot of the water at Mission Bay Park where The San Diego Crew Classic took place.

San Diego State Rowing is well represented at San Diego Crew Classic

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
April 7, 2022
SDSU Rowing and other athletes have gone to court, saying the school violated Title IX of the Education amendments of 1972

Female Athletes file Title IX lawsuit against SDSU

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
March 23, 2022
Joshua Tomaic (left) and Trey Pulliam (right) go down the court during the 2022 Mountain West Tournament. Pulliam scored 14 points on 6-of-14 shooting during SDSU's 72-69 loss in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Aztecs bow out of NCAA Tournament in heartbreaking fashion, fall to Creighton 72-69

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
March 18, 2022
Viejas Arena will be the host of multiple NCAA Tournament games.

Viejas Arena to host multiple teams, including No. 1 seed Arizona, in NCAA Tournament

by Jason Freund and Marco Perez
March 16, 2022
Players on the SDSU bench during the Mountain West Tournament

3-Point Game Preview: San Diego State vs Creighton Bluejays

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
March 16, 2022
The Aztecs huddle up during their 58-57 loss to Boise State in the Mountain West Tournament finals.

Men’s basketball lose in heartbreaking fashion to Boise State as final shot comes up just short

by Jason Freund and Marco Perez
March 12, 2022
Lamont Butler throws down a dunk during SDSU's 63-58 win in the semifinals over Colorado State.

Men’s Basketball take down Colorado State, advance to Mountain West Tournament finals with 63-58

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
March 12, 2022
The Netflix promotional poster for "The Cuphead Show," based on Studio's MDHR's successful indie game "Cuphead," features The Devil, who plays a prominent role in the series shenanigans.

‘The Cuphead Show’ is pure cartoon lunacy, for better and for worse

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
March 11, 2022
Senior Nathan Mensah drives to the basket during SDSU's 53-46 win over Fresno State.

Men’s basketball put a leash on Fresno State, advance with 53-46 victory

by Jason Freund and Juan Daniel Avila
March 11, 2022
San Diego State heads back to the bench during their game against Fresno State on March 3.

Aztecs nearly lose double digit lead, escape with 79-78 victory over Nevada

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
March 7, 2022
Matt Bradley (3) takes a shot during the game against Colorado State. Bradley led the team with 26 points on the day.

Adam Seiko and Matt Bradley to return for 2022-2023 season

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
March 3, 2022
Senior Matt Bradley shoots over an Air Force player during SDSU's 76-64 victory on Feb. 12

Aztecs round up the Cowboys, move into tie for second place with 73-66 win

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
March 1, 2022
The SDSU Swim and Dive team pose during Senior Day. (Photo Courtesy of SDSU Athletics)

Aztecs make a big splash winning Mountain West, leaving opponents underwater

by Jason Freund, Staff Writer
March 1, 2022
Trey Pulliam (4) drives to the basket against the San Jose Spartans.

SDSU takes care of business against the Spartans with a 78-52 victory

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
February 27, 2022
Matt Bradley looks to begin a play during SDSU's game against UT Arlington. Bradley had 22 points against the Michigan Wolverines.

Broncos buck Aztecs off of five-game win streak after questionable last-second call

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
February 24, 2022
Matt Bradley looks to begin a play during SDSU's game against UT Arlington. Bradley had 22 points against the Michigan Wolverines.

Aztecs get their revenge against Utah State with 75-56 victory, win fourth straight match

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
February 18, 2022
Trey Pulliam (right) pivots in front of two New Mexico defenders during SDSU's 72-47 defeat of the Lobos on Monday, Jan. 31.

SDSU press Nevada to the brink, bring home a 65-63 win

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
February 7, 2022
Aguek Arop (33) drives to the basket against Boise State's Marcus Shaver Jr.

Men’s basketball slow to shake off rust, fall to Boise State 42-37 in first game since COVID pause

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
January 23, 2022
Chad Baker-Mazara (left) gets helped up to his feet by Keshad Johnson (right) during SDSU's Jan. 8 match against Colorado State. The team will now be on a temporary pause due to COVID-19 quarantine protocols.

Men’s basketball to go on COVID pause following postponement

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
January 11, 2022
Senior Trey Pulliam (center) attempts a three-point shot during the game agains U

Men’s basketball put a stop to UNLV’s running, open Mountain West Conference play with 62-55 win

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
January 3, 2022
The Aztecs pose with Frisco Bowl Champion banners after their 38-24 victory over UTSA in the Frisco Bowl (Photo Courtesy of SDSU Athletics/Justin Truong)

Aztec halt Roadrunners in their tracks as passing game leads to 38-24 win in the Frisco Bowl

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
December 22, 2021
Trey Pulliam (center) drives towards the basket against Long Beach State Nov. 30

Men’s basketball pick up important nonconference win in 63-53 victory over Saint Mary’s

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
December 19, 2021
Matt Araiza walks off the field after a game (Photo Courtesy of Paul Garrison/EVT)

Matt Araiza punts his way to SDSU’s first major postseason award in program history, wins Ray Guy Award

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
December 12, 2021
View from the student section on the concourse of Aztec Stadium.

Snapdragon Stadium: The new name for SDSU’s Mission Valley stadium

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
December 11, 2021
Matt Bradley looks to begin a play during SDSU's game against UT Arlington. Bradley had 22 points against the Michigan Wolverines.

Turnovers and cold shooting lead to Wolverines tearing up SDSU 72-58

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
December 4, 2021
Nathan Mensah (left) plays defense against UT Arlington on Nov. 20.

[Photo] Aztecs tame Waves at the beach, win 72-47

by Marco Perez, Senior Staff Writer
December 3, 2021
Jacob Castro (0) stands with his teammates in anticipation of a corner kick during a match against Oregon State.

From Tacoma to San Diego, Jacob Castro continues to play with passion

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
November 29, 2021
Head Coach Brian Dutcher gestures to his bench during SDSU's game against UT Arlington.

Men’s basketball closes out Paycom Wooden Legacy with a thud, fall to USC 58-43

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
November 29, 2021
Sophomore guard Lamont Butler (5) driving through the lane against UT Arlington. Butler had 16 points on 6-of-6 shooting against Georgetown.

Men’s basketball fire on all cylinders, beat Georgetown 73-56 in first round of Paycom Wooden Legacy tournament

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
November 26, 2021
Lamont Butler (left) defends against David Azore (right) in SDSU's 68-62 win over UT Arlington.

[Photo] Aztecs win ugly versus Mavericks

by Justin Cox, Staff Writer
November 23, 2021
Nathan Mensah throws down a dunk in the second half of San Diego State's 66-53 win over UC Riverside.

Aztecs chop down the Highlanders for 66-53 victory

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
November 11, 2021
San Diego State's rowing team was discontinued at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. NEarly 500 alumni since 1998 had participated in the rowing program.

One year later, women’s rowing still looks for answers after sudden cut

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
November 10, 2021
Senior Alex Crain (21) during a game against Air Force last season.

[Photo] SDSU Aztecs devour the Biola Eagles 79-52

by Jayden Hanzy, Staff Writer
November 8, 2021
Trey Pulliam (4) pulls up for a shot against Colorado State while Adam Seiko (2) watches on.

Men’s basketball looks to remain at the peak of the Mountain West

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
November 3, 2021
Matt Mitchell (11) looks to make a pass during last year's match against Nevada while Terrell Gomez (3) looks on.

[Photo] What’s next for the graduates from SDSU’s 2020-2021 men’s basketball season?

by Morgan Prickett, Staff Writer
November 3, 2021
Adam Seiko (left) plays defense during a match against Colorado State.

[Photo] Alex Crain will “take no prisoners” this season

by Katelynn Robinson, News Editor
November 3, 2021
Johannes Seeman competes in a match during last year's tennis season (Courtesy of

Men’s Tennis competes at ITA Southwest Regional Championship

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
November 2, 2021
Senior Lucas Johnson (left) hands the ball off to senior running back Greg Bell (center) during SDSU's 30-20 loss to Fresno State (Photo Courtesy of Derrick Tuskan, SDSU Athletics).

Aztecs ranked no more as secondary chewed up by Bulldogs passing attack in 30-20 defeat

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
November 2, 2021
The many new characters added in the "Super Smash Bros. Ultimate" DLC were announced using trailers and fun announcements.

‘Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’ DLC reveals stacked lineup of characters

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
October 18, 2021
Senior captain Caden McDonald (center) hypes the Aztecs up during the game against New Mexico.

Greg Bell, San Diego State run over New Mexico Lobos 31-7 to keep undefeated streak alive

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
October 11, 2021
San Diego State football captains walk out before the game for the coin toss.

Without seniors Greg Bell and Tayler Hawkins, Aztecs topple Towson 48-21 to start season 4-0

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
September 27, 2021
Trey Pulliam (left) goes up for a shot against Colorado State.

SDSU men’s basketball announces nonconference schedule, adds Saint Mary’s

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
September 19, 2021
Senior Andrew Aleki (6) celebrates with his teammates after returning an interception for a touchdown

SDSU Football needs a comeback, but prevails over New Mexico State 28-10

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
September 6, 2021
The Suicide Squad arrives onshore in Corto Maltese (@Warner Bros. Pictures).

Review: ‘The Suicide Squad’ is miles better than its uneven predecessor

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
August 25, 2021
Courtesy of Derrick Tuskan/SDSU

Women’s Soccer split first two games of season

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
August 25, 2021
Courtesy of Paul Garrison/EVT

Three takeaways from SDSU scrimmage in Carson

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
August 25, 2021
Courtesy of UT San Diego/AP

Six Aztecs compete in 2020 Tokyo Olympics

by Jason Freund and Andrew Finley
August 13, 2021
Courtesy of San Diego Union Tribune/Associated Press

[Photo] Former Aztec Xander Schauffelle wins Gold Medal at Tokyo Olympics

by Austin Tarke, Contributor
August 9, 2021
Matt Mitchell (left) and Jordan Schakel (right) celebrate after a 62-58 win over Boise State.

Matt Mitchell and Jordan Schakel signed as undrafted free agents

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
August 1, 2021
Courtesy of @Aztec_MBB/Twitter

Men’s Basketball officially add Duquesne transfer Chad Baker-Mazara

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
June 27, 2021
Credit: Bruce Waterfield/Oklahoma State University

SDSU Women’s Tennis adds graduate transfer Bunyawi Thamchaiwat

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
June 13, 2021
Credit: Derrick Tuskan/San Diego State

Former Olympian announced as next head softball coach

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
June 10, 2021
Women's golf coach retiring after noteworthy tenure

Women’s golf coach retiring after noteworthy tenure

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
May 30, 2021
Women's tennis team stronger after unprecedented pandemic season

Women’s tennis team stronger after unprecedented pandemic season

by Jason Freund, Sports Editor
May 22, 2021
San Diego State men's tennis senior Ignacio Martinez (left) high-fives freshman Judson Blair during the Aztecs’ 4-2 loss to Santa Clara on April 19, 2021 at the Aztec Tennis Center.

Men’s tennis faults in final home match against UC Santa Barbara

by Jason Freund, Senior Staff Writer
April 30, 2021
San Diego State men's tennis sophomore Victor Castro connects with the ball during the Aztecs' 4-2 loss to Santa Clara on April 19, 2021 at the Aztec Tennis Center.

Men’s tennis rallies to defeat UNLV, end Mountain West Conference play

by Jason Freund, Senior Staff Writer
April 27, 2021
San Diego State football senior running back Greg Bell makes a Hawaii defender miss during the Aztecs’ 34-10 win over the Rainbow Warriors on Nov. 14, 2020 at Dignity Health Sports Park in Carson, Calif.

Conference championship, fundamentals a focus for Greg Bell in 2021

by Jason Freund, Senior Staff Writer
April 19, 2021
San Diego State women's tennis junior Alicia Melosch (left) high fives senior Tamara Arnold during the Aztecs' 4-0 win over Air Force on April 11, 2021 at the Aztec Tennis Center.

Women’s tennis sweeps weekend series against New Mexico, Air Force

by Jason Freund, Senior Staff Writer
April 16, 2021
San Diego State football head coach Brady Hoke spoke with the media on April 13, 2021.

Three observations: Aztecs’ spring ball in full swing

by Andrew Finley and Jason Freund
April 16, 2021
San Diego State men's basketball head coach Brian Dutcher gives instructions to a player during the Aztecs' 69-67 win over Nevada on Jan. 9, 2021 at Viejas Arena.

[Photo] An offseason day in the life of Brian Dutcher

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
April 16, 2021
San Diego State women's tennis senior Abbie Mulbarger connects with the ball during the Aztecs' 7-0 loss to Oregon on March 22, 2021 at the SDSU Tennis Center.

Women’s tennis visits Boise, leaves winless

by Jason Freund, Staff Writer
April 8, 2021
San Diego State men's tennis head coach Gene Carswell (right) talks to freshman Roni Rikkonen during the Aztecs 4-2 loss to UC Davis on March 5, 2021 at the Aztec Tennis Center.

Men’s tennis begins road trip by dropping two matches

by Jason Freund, Staff Writer
April 6, 2021
San Diego State women's tennis freshman Alexandria Von Tersch Pohrer swings at a ball during the Aztecs' 7-0 loss to Oregon on March 22, 2021 at the SDSU Tennis Center.

Women’s tennis splits weekend matches to return to .500

by Jason Freund, Staff Writer
March 31, 2021
San Diego State men's tennis senior Ignacio Martinez swings his racket at a ball during a competition during the 2020-21 season.

Men’s tennis splits home-and-home series against Loyola Marymount

by Jason Freund, Staff Writer
March 24, 2021
San Diego State baseball redshirt sophomore catcher Wyatt Hendrie prepares to swing at a pitch during the Aztecs' series against San Diego on Feb. 19-21, 2021.

Aztecs take two of three from Air Force, win fifth-straight series

by Jenna Meyer, Jason Freund, and Reese Savoie
March 24, 2021
San Diego State women's tennis then-freshman Julia Jordan follows through on a swing during the Aztecs' 4-3 loss to Hawaii on Feb. 19, 2020 at the SDSU Tennis Center.

Women’s tennis blanked by Oregon, record falls to 2-2

by Jason Freund, Staff Writer
March 24, 2021
San Diego State men's basketball junior forward Nathan Mensah completes a two-handed slam dunk during the Aztecs’ 78-66 overtime win over Boise State on Feb. 25, 2021 at Viejas Arena.

Aztecs faced with tough test in Syracuse in first round of NCAA Tournament

by Jason Freund, Senior Staff Writer
March 19, 2021
As an evil force threatens the kingdom of Kumandra, it is up to warrior Raya, and her trusty steed Tuk Tuk, to leave their Heart Lands home and track down the last dragon to help stop the villanous Druun. © 2020 Disney. All rights reserved.

Review: Disney’s “Raya and the Last Dragon” stands out as another classic worth watching

by Jason Freund, Staff Writer
March 17, 2021
San Diego State men's tennis freshman Judson Blair swings his racket at a ball during a competition during the 2020-21 season.

Men’s tennis opens Mountain West play, falls to Boise State

by Jason Freund, Staff Writer
March 17, 2021
San Diego State baseball redshirt sophomore outfielder Jaden Fein finishes his follow-through on a swing during the Aztecs' series against San Diego on Feb. 19-21, 2021.

Three observations: Baseball wins weekend series over UNLV

by Andrew Finley and Jason Freund
March 17, 2021
San Diego State women's tennis then-Nnena Nadozie swings at the ball during the Aztecs' 4-3 loss to Hawaii on Feb. 19, 2020 at the SDSU Tennis Center.

Women’s tennis drops match to crosstown rival San Diego, 7-2

by Jason Freund, Staff Writer
March 9, 2021
San Diego State men's tennis freshman Roni Rikkonen pumps his fist during the 2020-21 season.

Aztecs unable to keep up with UC Davis after slow start

by Jason Freund, Senior Staff Writer
March 8, 2021
French electronic music duo Daft Punk revolutionized dance music by incorporating futuristic audio and visual sounds in their work.

Column: Looking back at 28 years of Daft Punk

by Jason Freund, Staff Writer
March 8, 2021
San Diego State women's tennis then-junior Tamara Arnold swings at the ball during the Aztecs' 4-3 loss to Hawaii on Feb. 19, 2020 at the SDSU Tennis Center.

Women’s tennis opens 2021 play, serves loss to UC Irvine

by Jason Freund, Staff Writer
March 6, 2021
San Diego State men's tennis sophomore Johannes Seeman swings at a ball during the 2020-21 season.

Men’s tennis returns to court after COVID-19 pause

by Jason Freund, Staff Writer
March 3, 2021
San Diego State men's basketball freshman guard Lamont Butler attempts a layup during the Aztecs' 78-66 overtime win over Boise State on Feb. 25, 2021 at Viejas Arena.

Column: Lamont Butler has a bright future ahead at SDSU

by Jason Freund, Staff Writer
March 3, 2021
San Diego State men's basketball senior guard Terrell Gomez attempts a layup during the Aztecs' 78-65 win over Colorado State on Jan. 4, 2021 at Viejas Arena.

[Photo] How Terrell Gomez has become a dual-threat player in an Aztec uniform

by Kyle Betz, Sports Editor
February 24, 2021
The Daily Aztec Music podcast is where DA arts & culture lives. It's a working title, but it tells you all you need to know. Every week we'll be talking tunes.

Daily Aztec Music!: Meet the hosts

by Jason Freund and Ryan Hardison
February 19, 2021
A sign at Tony Gwynn Stadium during summer 2020 displays intercollegiate sports were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, in February 2021, the San Diego State men's and women's tennis teams are the first two individual programs to have to pause in-person activities for two weeks due to the virus.

Men’s and women’s tennis teams to pause in-person activity

by Jason Freund, Staff Writer
February 13, 2021
San Diego State men's tennis freshman Judson Blair swings at a ball during the Oracle Intercollegiate Tennis Association Masters On Oct. 9-11 at the Barnes Tennis Court in San Diego.

Aztecs drop first matches of season against Cal Poly, Southern California

by Jason Freund, Staff Writer
February 10, 2021
Sophomore guard Isabela Hernandez looks to dribble past an Air Force defender during the Aztecs' 58-55 loss to the Falcons on Jan. 24 at Viejas Arena.

[Photo] Aztecs lose to Air Force as midway point in conference play arrives

by Breven Honda, Senior Staff Writer
January 24, 2021
The San Diego State men's basketball team celebrates after a play during the Aztecs' 69-67 win over Nevada on Jan. 9 at Viejas Arena. Senior forward Joshua Tomaić (left) looks on with freshman guard Lamont Butler, while he celebrates with his arms around sophomore forward Keshad Johnson.

[Photo] Aztecs rout Air Force on road in team’s fourth conference win of season

by Amber Salas, Senior Staff Writer
January 23, 2021
Then-sophomore cornerback Darren Hall looks on towards the field during the Aztecs' 20-17 win over UNLV on Oct. 26, 2019 at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas.

Column: Which Aztecs could hear their name called in the 2021 NFL Draft?

by Jason Freund, Staff Writer
January 11, 2021
Men's basketball head coach Brian Dutcher talks to a referee during the Aztecs' 78-65 win over Colorado State on Jan. 4 at Viejas Arena.

[Photo] Basketball coaches dress ‘down’ as pandemic season continues

by Breven Honda, Senior Staff Writer
January 12, 2021
Senior guard Trey Pulliam hugs junior forward Nathan Mensah after the Aztecs' 69-67 win over Nevada on Jan. 9 at Viejas Arena. Pulliam went coast-to-coast to hit the game-winning shot while time expired.

[Photo] Pulliam’s buzzer-beating runner lifts Aztecs to complete sweep over Nevada

by Reese Savoie, Senior Staff Writer
January 10, 2021
Senior guard Jordan Schakel follows through on a 3-point attempt during the Aztecs' 78-65 win over Colorado State on Jan. 4 at Viejas Arena.

[Photo] Schakel has a career night as men’s basketball rebounds versus Colorado State

by Andrew Finley, Staff Writer
January 4, 2021
Senior guard Terrell Gomez looks to attempt a shot against Colorado State sophomore forward David Roddy during the Aztecs' 70-67 loss to the Rams on Jan. 2 at Viejas Arena.

[Photo] Aztecs get big lead early, lose it late to Colorado State

by Breven Honda, Senior Staff Writer
January 2, 2021
Aztec Mentor Program announces new internship program

Aztec Mentor Program announces new internship program

by Jason Freund, Staff Writer
December 9, 2020
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San Diego State University’s Independent Student Newspaper Since 1913
Jason Freund