For the high-schoolers who signed letters of intent to join for the 2025-26 season, there was less room to maneuver. Their scholarship agreements will be honored, but they only last through freshman year, according to Oberhelman. And though some of these swimmers initially had offers from other universities as well, the timing of the announcement meant some teams had filled up and the offers were no longer standing.
Author Archives: John Washington
John Washington is an Opinion Columnist for Mustang News. Before transferring to Cal Poly in Fall 2023, he wrote for the Diablo Valley College Inquirer. An avid local news supporter from an early age, he learned to read using the box scores from the East Bay Times sports section. He enjoys providing commentary on sports, politics and their intersections.
Posted inMonday Manure - Satire
SLOPD arrests suspected local grad ticket dealer in bust
John Washington is an opinion columnist for Mustang News. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group. The Monday Manure is a satire column created to find the humor in the daily life of Cal Poly students. If you’re looking for news, this is not it. If you’re […]
Posted inOpinion
There’s construction everywhere I turn on campus. Is it really necessary?
I’m graduating very soon, and all those hopes were affirmed. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and don’t regret coming to Cal Poly at all.
But if I’m allowed to complain about one thing that soured my experience, it’s the construction. When one project finishes, a new one starts. And it feels like the school has to have ten projects going at a time or else they won’t hit their quota.
Posted inOpinion
Stop letting algorithms tell you what music you like
It’s a lot more rewarding and interesting when you discover artists through a tunnel of your own curiosity, or through people whose opinion you trust. Music deserves to be thought about. It’s meant to do more than just wash over people who have no regard for it.
Posted inOpinion
OPINION: House hearing was really about free speech and education, not antisemitism
To me, this hearing was completely unnecessary — and not just for Armstrong’s sake. Republican congresspeople are taking this stand against antisemitism with little authenticity and armed with ulterior motives; they want to better position themselves to attack higher education and free speech.
Posted inOpinion
The financial benefits of student government positions should be advertised
John Washington is a journalism senior and opinion columnist for Mustang News. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group. From Tuesday through Thursday this week, students can vote for next year’s ASI president and Board of Directors through the Cal Poly Portal. Although I’m graduating this June […]
Posted inApril Print '25
Poly Canyon Village rent prices spike by 82% in 8 years
Cal Poly’s two-year housing program has seen a 82% increase in rent for single bedrooms since 2017, with the price now at $16,314 annually, while the university has approved 99% of exemption requests among students required to live on campus their sophomore year.
Posted inOpinion
Students don’t care about Cal Poly sports, but maybe they should
As a sports-obsessed kid who was always looking forward to the next time my dad would bring me to a local college sporting event, I always thought college just meant going to football games all the time. Now that I’m four years in, I can say with the utmost certainty that it is not. But maybe it should be?
Posted inOpinion
SLO is doing bike safety right – for those that stick around long enough
The city’s bike lane plans are not only influenced by the pursuit of public safety but is also in tune with the city’s climate action plan. It reminded me how lucky I am to live in a place that prioritizes these issues. The city even has its own committee dedicated to increasing the amount of bikers and walkers in the jurisdiction.
Posted inOpinion
TikTok ban helped Trump stumble into another win with young Americans, but don’t be fooled
It’s a funny tactic, but TikTok explicitly crediting Trump as the person responsible for something “good” staying in people’s lives will bump his popularity, especially among young Americans.
Posted inOpinion
Why Cal Poly’s transition to semesters is worth the growing pains
This piece is featured in the Jan. 2025 print edition. John Washington is a journalism senior and opinion columnist for Mustang News. The opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of Mustang Media Group. Walking into class one day last quarter, I heard my professor make a bold declaration in casual conversation […]