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Golden Gate Xpress

The Student News Site of San Francisco State University

Golden Gate Xpress

The Student News Site of San Francisco State University

Golden Gate Xpress

All content by Ildar Sabirov
Women’s track and field wins back-to-back CCAA title, program earns Gator of the Week honors

Women’s track and field wins back-to-back CCAA title, program earns Gator of the Week honors

Ildar Sabirov May 6, 2019

For a second-straight year, the SF State Women’s Track and Field team are crowned California Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) champions, which earned the entire program Gator of the Week honors...

Giants keep SF State night tradition

Giants keep SF State night tradition

Ildar Sabirov Apr 30, 2019

SF State students and alumni receive blankets at the opening of the SF Giants game on Monday, April 29, 2019. (SYLVIE STURM/ Special to Golden Gate Xpress)   As the San Francisco Giants battled...

Softball and track and field athletes named Gators of the Week

Softball and track and field athletes named Gators of the Week

Ildar Sabirov Apr 29, 2019

A dominant weekend from SF State softball and track and field athlete Maya Cook earn them Gator of the Week honors for the week of April 22 the athletic department announced on Monday. Junior Michelle...

Award-winning ballerina, Mahalaya Tintiangco-Cubales, performs during Moving Mountains: A Celebration of 50 Years of Asian American Studies at SF State. (TRISTEN ROWEAN/Golden Gate Xpress)

College honors legacy of alumni

Ildar Sabirov Apr 23, 2019

Award-winning ballerina, Mahalaya Tintiangco-Cubales, performs during Moving Mountains: A Celebration of 50 Years of Asian American Studies at SF State. (TRISTEN ROWEAN/Golden Gate Xpress)   The...

Devanique Brown, 21, brodcasting major, practicing hurdle drills on Apr. 1, 2018.

Week in Review: Gator athletes stay active through spring break

Ildar Sabirov Apr 2, 2019

Devanique Brown, 21, brodcasting major, practicing hurdle drills on Apr. 1, 2018. (BRIAN VU/ GOLDEN GATE XPRESS)   It was an eventful spring break for Gator athletics, with many track and field...

Senior Jacob Mendoza (left) runs around the track during practice on March 15. He is a part of the SF State wrestling team and the track team as well. Mendoza joined
the team to help meet the 18-person requirement for the spring 2019 semester. (SHAYLYN MARTOS/Golden Gate Xpress)

Men’s track team reborn

Ildar Sabirov Mar 19, 2019

After a 15-year hiatus from the athletic lineup, SF State reintroduced men’s track and field this past month, with almost half of this season’s roster doubling as two-sport athletes. The team houses...

From quitting to leading: Gurrola looks to close Gator career at national tournament

From quitting to leading: Gurrola looks to close Gator career at national tournament

Ildar Sabirov Mar 4, 2019

Unlike the room temperature halls of the Don Nasser Family Plaza on the campus of SF State, the wrestling room is uncomfortably hot and unusually empty. Six wrestlers litter the room that usually houses...

Men’s basketball buried by UC San Diego 87-65, senior day soured

Men’s basketball buried by UC San Diego 87-65, senior day soured

Ildar Sabirov Feb 25, 2019

Men’s basketball was dusted in the shootout by UC San Diego, as they lost 87-65 at The Swamp on Saturday, Feb. 23, Senior Day for the basketball program. The Gators’ Senior Day ceremony preceded...

Wrestling grapples for representation in national tournament

Wrestling grapples for representation in national tournament

Ildar Sabirov Feb 21, 2019

Gator wrestlers grapple for their place on the national stage when they travel to Kearney, Nebraska Saturday, Feb. 23 for the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II Super Region Six Championship. SF...

Fia Tautolo, rugby player and SF State student, sprints from defenders in a game on Oct. 29, 2019.(Special to Golden Gate Xpress/Lizeth Lafferty)

Women’s rugby players aim to foster culture, league

Ildar Sabirov Feb 19, 2019

Rugby has a history at SF State, specifically the men’s Rugby Club.  The club has been steadily active semester after semester, going back further than 1999. The fledgling women’s program, however,...

Gators wrestling drowns Menlo College with bonus points 23-15 on Senior Night.

Ildar Sabirov Feb 12, 2019

Gator wrestlers decimated Menlo College with bonus points in a 23-15 win on Senior Night on Thursday, Feb. 7 at the Swamp. The Gator grapplers started out sluggish, wrestling defensively while Menlo wrestlers...

Gator Jiday Ugbaja shoots the ball with Penguin Ezra Talbert trying to block him at the men’s basketball game against the Penguins on Nov. 10, 2018. Penguin Ryan Hiepler and Gator Kenny Macklin are pictured to the right.
(Francisca Velasco/Golden Gate Xpress)

Three Gators recognized with Gator of the Week Honors

Ildar Sabirov Feb 6, 2019

A trio of Gators were awarded Gator of the Week honors for the week of Jan. 28, after a victory-filled weekend for SF State, the athletic department announced on Monday. Senior Alexis Henry, graduate...

Men’s rugby ambushed by University of Nevada-Reno Wolf Pack 97-10

Men’s rugby ambushed by University of Nevada-Reno Wolf Pack 97-10

Ildar Sabirov Feb 4, 2019

Injuries and a short-handed Gators rugby club led to a blowout by the University of Nevada-Reno Wolf Pack in a 97-10 trouncing Saturday at the Pollicita Middle School soccer field in Daly City. Inexperience,...

Gators rugby battles University of Nevada-Reno Wolf Pack in a Pacific West showdown this Saturday

Ildar Sabirov Feb 1, 2019

Gators rugby looks to continue the successful start to its season in a Pacific West Conference bout against the University of Nevada-Reno this Saturday at the Pollicita Soccer Field in Daly City. After...

A player from the New Mexico Highlands wrestles with Isiah Alva in the Swamp at SF State in on Friday, Jan. 25.

Grit fuels wrestlers to consecutive wins at conference

Ildar Sabirov Jan 29, 2019

Grit and toughness secured the wrestling team a victorious dual meet over New Mexico Highlands and Simpson University on Friday, Jan. 25 at The Swamp. The Gators chomped through Rocky Mountain Athletic...

Toni Edwards (3) jumps up to score during the Gators’ game against Cal State San Bernardino held at SF State on Thursday, Dec. 13, 2018. (Mira Laing/Golden Gate Xpress)

Women’s basketball overcomes second quarter scare en route to 69-57 victory over Cal State San Bernardino

Ildar Sabirov Dec 18, 2018

The Gators survived a putrid second quarter to beat Cal State San Bernardino Coyotes 69-57 at the Swamp today. The Gators struck first, when redshirt senior guard Toni Edwards drove a layup home with...

Slumping Gators wrestling battles Southern Oregon this Saturday

Slumping Gators wrestling battles Southern Oregon this Saturday

Ildar Sabirov Dec 12, 2018

Gators wrestling prepares to grapple their way out of a three-meet skid when they travel to Lithia Motors Pavilion to face the Southern Oregon Raiders this Saturday, Dec. 15. It has been a rather underwhelming...

Nathan Cervantez, who is a member of the SF State wrestling team and a business major at SF State gets ready for practice with his teammates on Thursday November 8, 2018. Cervantes is ranked No. 5 in NCAA Division II and finished second at NCAA Division II Super Regionals. (LINDSEY MOORE/Golden Gate Xpress)

Embracing the grind

Ildar Sabirov Nov 15, 2018

As he sat drenched in sweat, junior wrestler Nathan Cervantez continued to stretch after his practice. Covered in layers of clothing, Cervantez capped his practice attire with a good old singlet. Cervantez...

A crowd of dignitaries and former Giants baseball players listens to 1989 Willie Mac award winner Dave Dravecky at Willie McCovey's celebration of life at AT&T Park in San Francisco, Calif., on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2018. The former Giants hall of fame slugger, "Stretch," who hit 521 home runs and 18 grand slams, died at 80 on Oct. 31.

McCovey remembered for selfless love to his team and his city.

Ildar Sabirov Nov 10, 2018

A handful of those who knew Willie “Stretch” McCovey shared their stories and admiration on McCovey’s Celebration of Life on Thursday, Nov. 8 at AT&T Park. San Francisco Mayor London Breed,...

Gators wrestling battles Division I Stanford this Saturday.

Gators wrestling battles Division I Stanford this Saturday.

Ildar Sabirov Nov 8, 2018

Gators wrestling is in for a gargantuan challenge when they travel to Stanford to grapple the D-1 squad this Saturday, Nov. 10. “It’s definitely a big challenge for us,” said SF State head coach...

Defense carried men’s soccer to the postseason, but a sputtering offense sealed their fate

Defense carried men’s soccer to the postseason, but a sputtering offense sealed their fate

Ildar Sabirov Nov 7, 2018

After securing the fifth seed in the CCAA playoffs with a respectable 10-3-3 record, the Gators fell a game short of reaching the semi-final. Two Cal State San Bernardino goals were all it took to eliminate...

Gators test themselves in a purple and gold scrimmage

Gators test themselves in a purple and gold scrimmage

Ildar Sabirov Oct 31, 2018

Gators wrestling rumbles in a tune-up alumni day scrimmage, giving the crowd 11 battles to watch at the Swamp on Saturday, Oct. 27. SF State’s weight class picture cleared up in Saturday’s exhibition,...

SF State wins first in five against Stanislaus State 3-1, climbs CCAA playoff ladder.

SF State wins first in five against Stanislaus State 3-1, climbs CCAA playoff ladder.

Ildar Sabirov Oct 24, 2018

SF State handled the Stanislaus State Warriors 3 sets to 1 last night at Cox Stadium, getting their first win since Wednesday, Oct. 6. The Gators snapped a four-game losing streak in which they only...

Khabib Nurmagomedov, right, tries to take down Conor McGregor during a lightweight title mixed martial arts bout at UFC 229 in Las Vegas, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Blood, sweat and trash talk

Ildar Sabirov Oct 24, 2018

As the bell rang, ending the final fight on the UFC 229 fight card, lightweight phenom Khabib ‘The Eagle’ Nurmagomedov put a giant, golden capstone on his mixed martial arts legacy: beating and mauling...

Gators forward Carlos Trujeque-Leal pushes back against a Chico State player during their game against each other on Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018. (Lindsey Moore/Golden Gate Xpress)

Men’s soccer stuns Chico State in overtime, clinch postseason berth on senior day.

Ildar Sabirov Oct 22, 2018

An overtime goal clinched the CCAA playoffs for SF State in a grueling 1-0 home victory over the Chico State Wildcats on Sunday, Oct. 21. The final game of the regular season for SF State was also their...

Gators' forward Carlos Trujeque Leal (11), playfully celebrates with teammate Richard Leon (10) during the SF State Gators men's soccer game against the Stanislaus State Warriors on Friday, Oct. 19. (David Rodriguez/Golden Gate Xpress)

Men’s soccer scores season-high four goals, blank Stanislaus State 4-0

Ildar Sabirov Oct 20, 2018

The Gators’ offense came alive to score a season-high of four goals as SF State thrashed the Stanislaus State Warriors 4-0 at Cox Stadium today. Coming off a 1-1 week, the Gators approached the final...

Men’s soccer looks to finish strong with final two games of the regular season

Men’s soccer looks to finish strong with final two games of the regular season

Ildar Sabirov Oct 17, 2018

SF State will have the chance to cement their playoff status as they play their last two games of the regular season this weekend, both at home in Cox Stadium. Coming into the last week of their regular...

Gators' Tariq Pulskamp (19) jumps up amidst other players to head the ball during a game against California State University San Marcos at Cox Stadium on Friday, Oct. 5, 2018. (Mira Laing/Golden Gate Xpress)

Sato’s last-minute goal vaults men’s soccer over Cal State San Marcos

Ildar Sabirov Oct 7, 2018

Seventeen seconds was all that stood between the Gators’ regulation win and overtime in SF State’s victorious 1-0 effort over the visiting Cal State San Marcos Cougars last Friday. After a two-goal...

Men’s soccer hosts Cal State San Marcos in a tight battle for CCAA playoff positioning this Friday

Men’s soccer hosts Cal State San Marcos in a tight battle for CCAA playoff positioning this Friday

Ildar Sabirov Oct 3, 2018

SF State men's soccer looks to make a jump from their sixth-place CCAA standing when they host the No. 23 ranked Cal State San Marcos Cougars this Friday at Cox Stadium. This key CCAA battle can vault...

SF State midfielder Brandon Brunac (center) competes for a loose ball against two CSU Dominguez Hills defenders during the Gators dominating win on Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018 (Niko LaBarbera/Golden Gate Xpress)

Gators men’s soccer cruises by Cal State Dominguez Hills 3-0

Ildar Sabirov Oct 2, 2018

After having scoring troubles for the last four games, the Gators clicked offensively and defensively during their 3-0 Sunday win over the Cal State Dominguez Hills Toros at Cox Stadium. The Gators...

Men’s soccer defensive battle ends in a scoreless draw against No. 8 ranked Cal State LA.

Men’s soccer defensive battle ends in a scoreless draw against No. 8 ranked Cal State LA.

Ildar Sabirov Sep 30, 2018

Stellar defensive efforts on both sides Friday night at Cox Stadium led to a 0-0 draw between SF State and No. 8 nationally ranked Cal State LA. After suffering their first two losses of the season...

Slumping Gators men’s soccer hosts red-hot Cal State LA this Friday.

Slumping Gators men’s soccer hosts red-hot Cal State LA this Friday.

Ildar Sabirov Sep 27, 2018

SF State looks for their first win in four games against a defensively stout Cal State LA squad this Friday, Sept. 28 at Cox Stadium. The inconsistent Gators’ offense has a tough challenge ahead of...

Angel Gonzalez runs the ball during a tournament at SF StateÕs West Campus Green on Saturday, Sept. 22.. (Oscar Rendon/Golden Gate Xpress)

Men’s rugby club goes 2-2 in tune-up tourney to Seven’s Nationals

Ildar Sabirov Sep 26, 2018

The SF State men’s rugby club gained valuable experience at the West Campus Green on Saturday, Sept. 22 in a 2-2 sevens tournament effort. This was the club’s first test before the rapidly approaching...

SF State center forward Karla Ramos (26) battles for the ball against Holy Names University Hawks at the Skyline soccer field in San Bruno on Sept. 19, 2018. (Oscar Rendon/Golden Gate Xpress)

Women’s soccer outlasts Holy Names University 1-0

Ildar Sabirov Sep 21, 2018

SF State women’s soccer swarmed Holy Names University at Skyline Soccer Field on Wednesday, Sept. 19 in a chippy 1-0 game, missed opportunities by the Gators kept the game much closer than it had to...

The SF State Gators celebrate scoring within the first couple minutes of their game against Holy Names University at Cox Stadium in San Francisco, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Mira Laing/Golden Gate Xpress)

Men’s soccer looks to remain undefeated against CSU Bernardino

Ildar Sabirov Sep 19, 2018

SF State mens' soccer looks for their fifth win of the season as they travel to play the Cal State San Bernardino Coyotes this Friday, Sept. 21. The Gators’ defense may be in for quite a challenge...

SF State men's soccer team faced off against Holy Names University at Cox Stadium in San Francisco, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 6. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Mira Laing/Golden Gate Xpress)

Gators men’s soccer seeks another winning streak in Sonoma

Ildar Sabirov Sep 13, 2018

The SF State men's soccer team is in for a great defensive battle on Friday when it faces off against Sonoma State University on their territory on Seawolf Soccer Field Even though Sonoma State has...

SF State defender Miles Burditt (25) jumps up to head the ball away from an opposing player during the men's soccer game against Holy Names University at Cox Stadium in San Francisco, Calif. on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018. The game ended in a 1-1 draw. (Mira Laing/Golden Gate Xpress)

Defensive battle against Holy Names University ends in a 1-1 draw for men’s soccer

Ildar Sabirov Sep 7, 2018

SF State men’s soccer battled Holy Names University to a standstill on Thursday, Sept. 6, finishing the game with a 1-1 tie at Cox Stadium. Peter Swinkels (0), the SF State starting goalie,...

SF State player Jonathan Orozco is pushed out of the way by Academy of Art player Adrian Cekala in their battle for the ball in their game against each other on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018. (GoldenGateXpress/Lindsey Moore)

SF State men’s soccer looks to extend their winning streak against Holy Names University this thursday

Ildar Sabirov Sep 5, 2018

The undefeated SF State men’s soccer team will face the Holy Names University, who are currently 0-2, this Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at Cox Stadium. Now two games into the season, the Gators have yet...

SF State player Feliciano Cardenas dribbles the ball through two Academy of Art players in their game against each other on Thursday, Aug. 30, 2018. (GoldenGateXpress/Lindsey Moore)

SF State dominates Academy of Art University in the season opener

Ildar Sabirov Aug 31, 2018

  SF State men’s soccer stifled the Academy of Art University offense 2-0 in front of the Cox Stadium crowd for a victorious start to their 2018 campaign.  The Gators pressured Academy of...

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Ildar Sabirov