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The Student News Site of Colorado Mesa University

The Criterion

The Student News Site of Colorado Mesa University

The Criterion

The Student News Site of Colorado Mesa University

The Criterion

Barry Bonds menacingly stares at you, with the intent of intimidation. Why? Because you need to catch up on your baseball lingo.

BASEBALL FOR DUMMIES

Caleb Barnett, Staff Writer October 6, 2025

Baseball used to be America’s favorite pastime, but for better or worse, it has since been dethroned by the NFL. However, baseball still thrives in Latin America. On the surface, it’s simple: nine...

From happiness to hopelessness, fantasy football can change lives abruptly. While fantasy football can be played for free, many players choose to wager money each season.

FANTASY FOOTBALL FEVER

Charlene Clark, Arts & Life Editor October 6, 2025

Since football season has begun, you may have heard conversations that sound something like this: “I have a draft on Sunday” or “the Cowboys defense got me barely any points this week!” These things...

CMU Football players break the huddle with hands and helmets held in the air after defeating Eastern New Mexico University on Sept. 6. The postive energy in the stadium motivated players to perform their best.

MORE THAN FOOTBALL

Justin Shaw, Sports Editor October 6, 2025

On game days at Stocker Stadium, the lights, the roar of the crowd and the sound of the marching band fill the air. But the energy of a football Saturday goes far beyond the scoreboard. There are the...

A koala lovingly hugs the interlocking CMU logo. Similar to many of CMU’s Men’s Basketball players, the koala has seemingly found his way to Grand Junction.
Graphic by Justin Shaw

AUSSIE TAKEOVER

Brianna Harlow, Distribution Manager September 7, 2025

From Adelaide to Grand Junction, CMU’s men’s basketball program has become a landing spot for international athletes, with four from Australia alone. For players like Harvey White and Clayton Jewell,...

Senior Malik Manuel (center) struts his way down the field after winning $10,000. Manuel noted that this was one of the few moments he had ever shown so much emotion, and understandably so.
Courtesy of Malik Manuel

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED

Justin Shaw, Sports Editor September 7, 2025

Some football journeys follow a straight line. High school stardom leads to a scholarship, and college dominance leads to the pros. Malik Manuel’s journey has looked nothing like what is considered...

STILL STANDING STRONG

STILL STANDING STRONG

Justin Shaw, Co-Sports Editor April 23, 2025

A grand slam, a shutout and a whole lot of heart kept the Mavericks’ championship hopes alive through two critical series in RMAC play. With just one weekend remaining in the regular season, Colorado...

Sophomore outfielder Ethan Nunez during an at-bat during Saturday’s doubleheader. Nunez hit a walk-off grand slam during Friday’s game.

COLLAPSE, COMEBACKS AND CANCELLATIONS

Dean Allen, Co-Sports Editor April 23, 2025

While a 13-game win streak has seen its end, Maverick baseball is still in the driver’s seat for the RMAC regular season championship. Colorado Mesa University (CMU) split the series with the University...

Biggest Game In Program History

Quinn Harrer, Web Designer April 13, 2025

Dean Allen the Head sports editor joining us from the press box. Women's Lacrosse vs Regis University.   2:11 CMU Nine giving Maverick's the Fourth Goal with a spinning shot. 2:14 Key save...

 Midfielder Ben Kester (center) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a goal versus Adam's State.

LAXING THE COMPETITION

Justin Shaw, Co-Sports Editor April 9, 2025

The lacrosse programs are on a streak, defeating both conference and non-conference opponents as they surge through the heart of their seasons. The women’s team has racked up six straight wins to remain...

Yaak on a drive to the rim against Fort Lewis College. Yaak is 6’11” and a big presence in the paint for a Maverics’ offense whose identity was great play down low. Yaak shot 48% from the floor last season.

YAAK ATTACK

Dean Allen, Co-Sports Editor April 9, 2025

A fan favorite on Maverick men’s basketball is Yaak Yaak. Yaak, a 6’11” center from Adelaide, Australia, is just one of seven Australians playing for CMU. On Dunlap’s roster, there is no shortage...

(From left) Redshirt Junior Alex Spink follows Redshirt Junior Simon Straub and Redshirt Freshman Gustavo Rivera participate in the 1500 meter sprint on April 4 at the Maverick Invitational.

HOME TURF, HIGH MARKS

Justin Shaw, Co-Sports Editor April 9, 2025

Broken clouds riddled the sky with snow as the Colorado Mesa University (CMU) track and field team hosted their first outdoor meet of the season. Despite cold and unpredictable conditions, the Mavs showed...

The Mavs celebrate a double during Saturday’s doubleheader. The Mavericks are on a 13 game win streak.

HOT HITTERS, PERFECT PITCHING

Dean Allen, Co-Sports Editor April 9, 2025

On the coattails of a 3-1 series win and a 4-0 series sweep, the Mavs have run their win streak to 13.  In their last eight games, the bats have been hot, outsourcing opponents 124 to 41. With the win...

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