THE
COLLEGIAN Friday, April 30, 2021 | Volume 109, Issue 12 | North Newton, KS
Members of the track team cheer each other on during the 2021 MudSlam event sponsored by the Student Alumni Association. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel
2
Housing lottery revisited
3
Editorial: A word of encouragement
6
Graduating class traditions and experiences
8
Threshpy awards honor athletes
11
RPG club celebrates a successful year
2 NEWS
The housing lottery revisited: Residence Life weighs in
LAUREN MCCREARY Staff Writer
After Bethel’s housing lottery on April 11, all who took part had a different opinion on the results. Some students were left satisfied while others struggled to adapt to what was left for housing. Community Assistant (CA) Drannon Lenox, junior from Norman, Okla. thinks that the housing lottery went very well this year as compared to past years. “In my opinion I think the housing lottery went very well. It only took a couple of hours, which is a major improvement over doing it virtually last year.” Lenox said. He went on to give details on how this event looked in context with past lotteries.
“I would say it ran smoother than even one, two school years ago. The housing lottery is a process that has stayed relatively the same over the years, but we are always looking to make things easier and less stressful for students, so we are open to any changes or improvements that could be made,” Lenox said. One change that was made this year was a four-week notification plan. Emails, social media platforms, campus screens and flyers were set up around campus, so students were very aware of the upcoming event. All first year students were given the opportunity to attend an information session at Haury and more time was set aside to answer questions in the Caf. “Next year, we will continue to do more of those things
in hopes that students will have a comfort level with the process,” Chywonna Gonzalez, coordinator of student life and resident life operations, said. Although both the CAs and Residence Life had a positive outlook on the results of the housing lottery, most students had an opposite opinion. “We had about several mod groups have to go on the wait list, which caused some issues in Voth with people having to fill in and [people] not getting the full suites they wanted,” said Lenox. There has been a perception of lack of housing because of the amount of single rooms needed to accommodate some students’ needs. With many students choosing to room alone, it appears that there is a lack
of housing here on campus. However, this is a false shortage. Students who have single room requests will receive notice in the next few weeks as Residence Life processes housing needs for everyone and assigns roomless students to suites and mods. Although many groups were not happy with where they ended up, there are still things to keep in mind. “The housing for next year is not set in stone; there is some variability in certain mods being opened up next fall. This is especially true with all the mods and their wait list groups, so I would say to trust the process and it should work out for everyone,” Lenox said. With the newfound problem of a lack of housing, the question of new residential buildings has
repeatedly come to play. “Having another residence building would also allow the college to have a bigger on-campus population and allow for a whole host of new opportunities for the school and student population.” said Lenox. Overall, however, those involved with organizing the lottery were pleased with student responses. “I would thank all the students who attended and it helped a lot that most people knew exactly what they wanted to do. We thank you for your patience and hopefully, those who might not have got what they wanted will later on once we have a more solid understanding of how next semester will look from a residence life perspective” said Lenox.
racial consequences of such a divide, as well as a recap on the historical failing of Americans to uphold the true values of America. Pitts boldly discussed the changes occurring in American society and the inhibitions of such progress. Highlighting fear as the root cause of the current political and subsequent racial divide, Pitts separated the concept of America as an entity from the agents entrusted to its success: average Americans. Pitts took many lessons from other great rhetoricians; he quoted Thomas Jefferson’s words in the Declaration of Independence, but also cast doubt on whether Jefferson truly understood the power of the words “they are endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights.” In presenting the contradiction of Jefferson’s words, Pitts also quoted Martin Luther King, Jr. from a speech
on April 3, 1968: “Be true to what you said on paper.” Pitts was hinting at the inability of the American people to achieve the true and intended purpose of America. A final point made by Pitts was that the concept of fear in American society is defined by the gradual multi-colorization of the country, noting that “less than half the children of the age fifteen today are white...we are all becoming minorities.” The aggressive response from a segment of the population, notably on the side of the right, hints at fears of racial mixing. However, Pitts’ response put a quick end to those misconstrued fears by saying that “when you are accustomed to privilege, equality seems like oppression.” Finally, Pitts noted that the fixing of America by Americans is a gradual process and a making of generations. According to Pitts, the ultimate key is to be intentional
in addressing social issues like race relations to overcome the forces of evil that appear to be more dynamic than the good. This lecture overall imparted community members and
students alike with the wisdom and hope Pitts has to offer; by taking these lessons, Bethel takes steps forward in fostering a welcoming community to all.
Leonard Pitts Jr. takes Bethel by storm in KIPCOR lecture ARTHUR MAHRER Staff Writer
The Bethel community was honored on Sunday, April 25, with the virtual presence of Leonard Pitts Jr. Pitts is a commentator, journalist and novelist, as well as being the recipient of the 2004 Pulitzer Award for Commentary. Pitts offered an eye opening lecture on the pressing question: “Is America Still Possible?” Despite the pessimism of the question’s tone, his verdict begged to differ. The answer he offered to the audience was one of optimism, saying “Yes, America is still possible.” In 2017, Pitts spoke in Memorial Hall to thunderous applause. This year’s speech, sponsored by KIPCOR, focused on the influence of a tumultuous Trump presidency, and on the political polarization of the nation. His message was especially concerned with the
“Only by vigilance toward eveyone’s rights do we protect anyone’s rights”: Leonard Pitts Jr at the 2015 Texas Book Festival. Photo published by Larry D. Moore CC BY-SA 4.0
OPINION 3
EDITORIAL A word of encouragement
CHARLOTTE EHRMANN Copy Editor
This year has been difficult for everyone, but through uncertainty we have managed to get to the end of the second semester. The end is in sight, but there is one thing that is holding me back: this feeling of being rundown or completely burnt out. I know a lot of my friends are feeling it, and I am sure most of the college is as well, including faculty and staff. This semester I have had to learn how to prioritize my mental health while still trying to complete everything in front of me. It has not been easy, and I know I have had my ups and downs. We have not had a real break all semester, and I understand why. COVID-19 changed the spring schedule entirely and left students with no real break. The school has done what they can
to help by implementing spring break days, but even these have their faults. With spring break being broken up into one day chunks sprinkled throughout the semester, I have not really had a day off. All of my “days off” have been spent catching up on homework and the million other things that I have not had the motivation or time to do. As an athlete, I have been running six days a week since August with only a week or two off in between seasons. Don’t get me wrong, I love running, which is why I do it, but I am mentally and physically exhausted. Like most sports, I had practice on most of the schedule spring break days. It was hard to find reason or time to take a break especially in the middle of the season. Part of the reason for my burnout has been my own fault. I love being involved around campus, and I often feel like there are more things I want to do or be a part of. I spread myself too thin in uncertain times. I have a heavier workload now than I have had in the past, and all of this is catching up to me. I completed one of my seminars this year, and the
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The Bethel Collegian will accept letters of up to 250 words. The editor reserves the right to reject or edit letters for purposes of clarity, good taste and accuracy and to prevent libel. Letters attacking a private individual will not be permitted. Anonymous letters also will not be accepted. Letters must include a signature, address and phone number.
EMAIL: collegian@bethelks.edu
Word on the Street
process was the most draining thing I have ever done academically. I did not have the time or schedule room to properly manage my time, and instead I found myself having to pull a total of four all-nighters just to complete the project. I thought that, once it was turned in, my stress level would lower, but it has not. Instead, all my other classes have projects and presentations due all within a few days of each other. I have a difficult time deciding which class I should study for and when, and my grades have shown it. Overall, this has been my hardest year both academically and for my mental health. I know I am looking forward to the end of year, and I am doing my best to push forward through it all. For all of you in my shoes or also just feeling extremely burnt out, hold on. The end is in sight, I promise. Charlotte Ehrmann is a junior psychology and history and political science double major. She is also the Copy Editor of the Bethel Collegian.
What is something interesting your hometown does during the summer? Noah Miller
FIRST-YEAR “My favorite is when the community comes out and we have a get together at the town part in the middle of town where the dads are grilling, the moms brought desserts, and the kids are just running around with the other kids in town.”
Matt Hernandez
JUNIOR
“One thing my town does every summer is we have a carnival come to town!”
JUNIOR
Beth Balzer
“They have programs for kids that include crafting, swimming, and movie watching to get them things to do along with some educational stuff as well.”
Morgan Lantz
SENIOR “We do movies in the park. Every other Saturday they play a movie and have vendors come out, they sell popcorn and burgers and ice cream. It’s usually an all day thing because a farmers market is there before the movie starts so you just go and hang out then watch a movie. It’s usually decorated fun too.”
SGA most recently met on Sunday, April 25 to discuss the following business: - New basketball goals near Voth are up and ready to be used - Pickleball equipment is in, ask student to use it - Continuing processing ISR requests for students - Events for spring fling week will be starting soon, so keep your eye out for email updates on activities If you have any questions, comments, concerns or ideas feel free to reach out to any SGA member
WEBSITE: https://bethelsga.com
EMAIL: sga@bethelks.edu
4 OPINION
THRESHPECTIVES
: staff writers share their perspectives
Should Bethel require the vaccine for the 2021-2022 year? Requiring the vaccine is discriminatory Recently, itself in avoiding discrimination. Again one of the more the controversial argument would be controversial that mandating this vaccine would aspects in today’s discriminate against those who fit the society relates to the previous description. While a countervarious COVID-19 point might be that schools already vaccines that require vaccinations, I would argue that have been mass quite a few schools allow exemptions produced and for those. For example, many sick, marketed. unvaccinated, elementary students are BETHANY POWLS While simply required to stay home and are Editor-in-Chief certainly vaccines then the responsibility of their families. have benefited I really don’t fancy contracting people, never before have we seen quite tetanus (hence, I’m up to date on all of the roll-out that is the product of our my vaccinations), but I’ve already had panic. With that, Rutgers College, after COVID, and I personally believe that I informing their students fared better just getting well in advance that it than I would taking they were making this a vaccine. Should I “Whether... you are decision, decided to COVID, then afraid of the health contract force their students to I will be appropriately either vaccinate or find risks, or if you simply quarantined, just like another college. believe that it is not those elementary kids. Near the strait of in the interest of you Finally, Rutgers Gibraltar, there’s a tiny is already facing quite and your family to get a few issues with their town that is currently being celebrated by the the vaccine, then that decision… in the form media for being almost of a nasty lawsuit. is your choice.” entirely vaccinated. Since any COVID-19 However, there are a vaccine manufactured few key things to note here. They called at this point has been issued to the the vaccination procedure “Operation public for emergency use only by the Freedom,” as in freedom from COVID. FDA, it is actually basically illegal for an But does this also involve the freedom of institution to require said vaccination; individuals? Because if people chose, of and if there are people who disagree their own free-will, to get this vaccine fully with this statement, then I suggest that aware of the risks and the organizations it should be made illegal. If you want to involved, then I’m okay with that. But if be part of that experiment, go ahead and they were coerced in any way, as many get vaccinated. If not, then you have the of our nation’s college students could right to say no. Should they authorize it, I potentially be, then there is no place for would argue that it’s still too early in the the word “freedom” in that title. grand scheme of things to even consider Whether you are innately distrustful requiring it, especially since companies of those who are making exorbitant producing said vaccine refuse to take on amounts of money off of our panic, you liability. are afraid of the health risks, or if you simply believe that it is not in the interest of you and your family to get the vaccine, Bethany Powls is a junior English and history then that is your choice. double major. She is also the Editor-in-Chief of Secondly, higher education prides the Bethel Collegian.
Requiring the vaccine is responsible
Rutgers to concerns surrounding blood clots in College in New mostly women under the age of 50. In Brunswick, N. J. total there were 15 cases out of over 8 made headlines million people vaccinated. Meaning the when they said that risk for a blood clot is 0.0002%. Compare they would require this to the risk of blood clot while taking the COVID birth control, which is one out of every vaccination for the 3000 women, the percentage is then fall semester. One 0.0333%. Meaning the risk for blood question comes clots is much more significant for a CHARLOTTE to mind when medication that has been around for 70 EHRMANN thinking about years. Copy Editor Rutgers’ decision: Now to the ingredients found in should Bethel require the vaccination as the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The well? In an ideal scenario, I would argue first is citric acid mono-hydrate which yes. is found in citrus fruits and is often Public schools require vaccinations used as a preservation ingredient. for entry all the time, and Next is trisodium Bethel has every right as citrate dihydrate, a private institution to which is found in ice “Public schools do the same. This can cream, yogurt, etc. require vaccinations and is used as an also raise some legality for entry all the time, anticoagulant. concerns, but Megan Collins, an attorney and Bethel has every The next for Welch, Donlon, & ingredient is ethanol, right as a private Czarples PLLC, explains which is the same institution to do the alcohol that is found in that the mandate would same.” be completely legal. alcoholic beverages. Collins explains that 2-Hydroxypropylsince students can still β-cyclodextrin and seek a full education online then it is polysorbate-80 are used to improve completely legal. As with all vaccination the solubility of compounds. Sodium mandates, there are religious and chloride is just salt. And the big bad medical exceptions, meaning that if you scary ingredient is the adenovirus type cannot get the vaccine for either of these 26 expressing the SARS-CoV-2 spike reasons then you could still attend Bethel protein. This is simply an mRNA or in person with the right paperwork. messenger code of the virus that tells a The main reason I believe that cell how to replicate the surface of the Bethel should require the vaccine is virus. Our bodies produce antibodies simply because of herd immunity. Not in response and prepare for any future enough people are going to get vaccinated infection of COVID. without the push for it. There has been misinformation spread throughout the media since the beginning of the Charlotte Ehrmann is a junior psychology and pandemic, and it has not stopped with history and political science double major. She the roll-out of the different vaccines. is also the Copy Editor of the Bethel Collegian. I will take a closer look at the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, one that has been in the news because of controversy. This particular vaccine was paused due
FEATURES 5
Bethel students take advantage of WCSC opportunities ELIZABETH FRIESEN-BURKY Guest Writer
The Washington Community Scholars Center (WCSC) is located in Brookland, a neighborhood often referred to as DC’s “Little Rome.” Situated a half-mile away from the Brookland Catholic University of America Metro Station and about a mile away from the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, the WCSC Nelson Good House is located in an accessible and lovely neighborhood. Currently, I am interning at the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery. Due to COVID, I have had a mostly remote internship experience, but have been able to meet up in-person with my supervisor and team quite often around the city to work on a number of assignments and tasks related to press releases, media targets and campaigns, ANGUS SIEMENS Guest Writer
Traveling to Mexico on the social work January interterm deepened my appreciation for bilingualism. Following this experience, I immediately enrolled and completed a five month Spanish audio course. I also felt driven to engage in conversation with friends, music, and film to create as much of an immersive experience. This was around the time when I started planning my senior social work internship placement. My decision to apply to the Washington Community Scholars’ Center was shaped by hearing individuals share stories of their immigration experiences including facing danger from drug cartels, inadequate human rights conditions, and governmental corruption in the relationship between the United States and Mexico. Another draw to
and exhibition pitches for the Portrait Gallery. While the main reason I am in D.C. is to complete my internship requirements for graduation, I have also spent a lot of time exploring and enjoying D.C. and all that it has to offer. The District of Columbia is roughly 10 square miles and is easily accessible via the Metro, the bus, and by walking. As a city, DC is known for having lots of open green space and parks. I have taken advantage of this by spending lots of time outside in various parks and outdoor spaces like coffee shops, quaint restaurants, and walks around the neighborhood or to the beautiful and serene Franciscan Monastery (which is only about 10 minutes away from the WCSC house). Most DC neighborhoods are very walkable and easy to access from the house. Even with restrictions and closures due to COVID, I have still been
able to enjoy the city and the various neighborhoods around DC including Dupont, Adams Morgan, Capitol Hill, and more. I’ve gone to picnics on the National Mall, biked around Georgetown and on Theodore Roosevelt Island, visited the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin on Easter Sunday, attended mass service at the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, worked on internship tasks and assignments at locally-owned coffee shops, and attended art museums including the National Museum of Women in the Arts and the Phillips Collection. As my time at the WCSC program comes to a close, I know I will greatly miss the city and the friendships that I have made living here. I look forward to coming back to Washington DC in the near future with a more informed understanding of the city and the culture that shapes it.
having an internship in the DC metropolitan area was the idea of getting to meet and work alongside a diverse population of clients and colleagues. Last year I had a brief phone interview with the Legal Director of CASA de Maryland, a large organization that is located in the suburbs outside of DC. Interning at CASA is a unique experience considering the proximity of CASA to D.C. and the organization’s culture which emphasizes strong advocacy and equality for immigrant families and communities. I was exposed to primary litigation areas related to immigration, housing, and employment. The main focus of my time at CASA was the DREAMERS program which initiated the Deferred Action of Childhood Arrivals (DACA) that was terminated under the Trump administration until the turnover of the Biden administration. As a legal assistant, my job is to prepare
immigration forms of the DACA recipients’ new applications in order to be approved by the United States Department of Homeland Security. My second responsibility is to respond to the legal hotline calls of CASA’s Spanish speaking clients. This consists of adding their name to the corresponding wait-list for a consultation about their issue related to housing, immigration, or employment. When there is a legal matter which CASA does not handle, I refer them to a different lawyer or organization. As I reflect on the spring semester at the WCSC, I am grateful for the opportunity of having an internship situated outside of the Midwest for a change of pace, people, and environment. *If students are interested in joining the WSCS program, there are spots available for the fall. For further inquiry about the program, please contact Jamie Reich at jamie.reich@emu.edu.
THE BETHEL COLLEGE COLLEGIAN
6 FEATURES
The class of 2021: Traditions, senior year experiences BETHANY POWLS Editor-in-Chief
This year’s class of 2021 is scheduled to graduate, in person at Thresher Stadium, on May 16. For those who have experienced the events of the past year, have pressed forward with classes and are finally receiving their decree, this moment is one that the campus is excited to honor. For many of these seniors, they have been a part of Bethel College and its traditions— like the touching of the threshing stone— since the start of their first year. “I think touching the threshing stone is a big tradition that I feel is important to me. It signifies the start and the end of our
college experience and is something that has been done for years,” Lauren Dwyer, senior from Olathe, said. Additionally, senior students are looking forward to some of the graduation specific experiences, like Baccalaureate tends to be more of a faith-oriented ceremony in which senior students gather at Bethel College Mennonite Church with their peers and reflect on the years of their college experience. This year, Baccalaureate will be held outdoors at Thresher Stadium and will feature ensemble performances, as well as special speakers. “I think it’s a way to celebrate what we’ve done all four years and have a much
closer gathering than graduation. It’s about the achievements that everyone has done and personal growth,” Sarah Smith, senior from Topeka, said. This year, the Student Alumni Association has created a new tradition for Bethel students. As a special challenge for the last thirty days of their college experience, seniors were given a list of thirty “last” opportunities to try before graduation. “Something I want to do before I graduate is complete all 30 events on the senior puzzle… there are some interesting events, such as going to every sporting event on campus, going to Drubber’s, walking the entire trail around campus,
The womens soccer team honors the commitment of their senior players during their senior night. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel
and having a final college meal in the Caf with friends,” Samuel Ishimwe, senior from Newton, said. For those who have less time to enjoy the long list of traditions and events that Bethel offers, they are working toward final goals before graduation. This may beg the question of whether or not seniors have been given an appropriate amount of time to enjoy their final moments at Bethel. “Right now, I’m just focusing on softball and finishing my senior project. Unfortunately there’s not much time to go do stuff because there’s so much going on at the end of the year and so much to finish,” Dwyer said.
FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021 As far as their expectations for the actual graduation ceremony, students are generally hopeful that they will have a decent opportunity to enjoy the day. “I am looking forward to graduation so that I can celebrate with my friends and family all of the successes and achievements accomplished during our time at Bethel. My class has been through a variety of lows and highs during my four years at Bethel, which makes me excited to celebrate these triumphs with those that have been here through it all!” Alayna Wallace, senior from McPherson and student body president, said. With senior year quickly coming to a close for these students— and quickly approaching for junior students, who recently had to complete their request for graduation—current seniors had parting advice for future graduates. “Bethel can be hard, but never give up. You have people that are rooting for you and want you to succeed in life, so don’t give up and thrive to be the best
FEATURES 7 you can be,” Dwyer said. Amidst unforeseen circumstances, accommodations, laughter, trials and unexpectedly memorable moments, Bethel seniors will complete their time at Bethel come May. “I would encourage future graduates to strive for the delicate balance between being sad that you are leaving Bethel while being excited about the next chapter. I would also tell them that however they feel about graduating is valid and it is okay to feel however they feel. While this is the end of a chapter it is really just the beginning of another. I would tell them that they are a Thresher… go ahead and roll on!” Wallace said.
The soft ball team honors seniors with their families on the field. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel
The softball team honors their senior players during their senior night game. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel
Seniors had the opportunity to participate in their final MudSlam tournament in-person. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel
THE BETHEL COLLEGE COLLEGIAN
6 FEATURES
The class of 2021: Traditions, senior year experiences BETHANY POWLS Editor-in-Chief
This year’s class of 2021 is scheduled to graduate, in person at Thresher Stadium, on May 16. For those who have experienced the events of the past year, have pressed forward with classes and are finally receiving their decree, this moment is one that the campus is excited to honor. For many of these seniors, they have been a part of Bethel College and its traditions— like the touching of the threshing stone— since the start of their first year. “I think touching the threshing stone is a big tradition that I feel is important to me. It signifies the start and the end of our
college experience and is something that has been done for years,” Lauren Dwyer, senior from Olathe, said. Additionally, senior students are looking forward to some of the graduation specific experiences, like Baccalaureate tends to be more of a faith-oriented ceremony in which senior students gather at Bethel College Mennonite Church with their peers and reflect on the years of their college experience. This year, Baccalaureate will be held outdoors at Thresher Stadium and will feature ensemble performances, as well as special speakers. “I think it’s a way to celebrate what we’ve done all four years and have a much
closer gathering than graduation. It’s about the achievements that everyone has done and personal growth,” Sarah Smith, senior from Topeka, said. This year, the Student Alumni Association has created a new tradition for Bethel students. As a special challenge for the last thirty days of their college experience, seniors were given a list of thirty “last” opportunities to try before graduation. “Something I want to do before I graduate is complete all 30 events on the senior puzzle… there are some interesting events, such as going to every sporting event on campus, going to Drubber’s, walking the entire trail around campus,
The womens soccer team honors the commitment of their senior players during their senior night. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel
and having a final college meal in the Caf with friends,” Samuel Ishimwe, senior from Newton, said. For those who have less time to enjoy the long list of traditions and events that Bethel offers, they are working toward final goals before graduation. This may beg the question of whether or not seniors have been given an appropriate amount of time to enjoy their final moments at Bethel. “Right now, I’m just focusing on softball and finishing my senior project. Unfortunately there’s not much time to go do stuff because there’s so much going on at the end of the year and so much to finish,” Dwyer said.
FRIDAY, APRIL 30, 2021 As far as their expectations for the actual graduation ceremony, students are generally hopeful that they will have a decent opportunity to enjoy the day. “I am looking forward to graduation so that I can celebrate with my friends and family all of the successes and achievements accomplished during our time at Bethel. My class has been through a variety of lows and highs during my four years at Bethel, which makes me excited to celebrate these triumphs with those that have been here through it all!” Alayna Wallace, senior from McPherson and student body president, said. With senior year quickly coming to a close for these students— and quickly approaching for junior students, who recently had to complete their request for graduation—current seniors had parting advice for future graduates. “Bethel can be hard, but never give up. You have people that are rooting for you and want you to succeed in life, so don’t give up and thrive to be the best
FEATURES 7 you can be,” Dwyer said. Amidst unforeseen circumstances, accommodations, laughter, trials and unexpectedly memorable moments, Bethel seniors will complete their time at Bethel come May. “I would encourage future graduates to strive for the delicate balance between being sad that you are leaving Bethel while being excited about the next chapter. I would also tell them that however they feel about graduating is valid and it is okay to feel however they feel. While this is the end of a chapter it is really just the beginning of another. I would tell them that they are a Thresher… go ahead and roll on!” Wallace said.
The soft ball team honors seniors with their families on the field. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel
The softball team honors their senior players during their senior night game. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel
Seniors had the opportunity to participate in their final MudSlam tournament in-person. Photo by Lindsey Pfannenstiel
8 SPORTS
Threshpy awards to honor outstanding athletes ELIZABETH ALDERFER Staff Writer
The Threshpy Awards is a formal event created to recognize Bethel athletes for their outstanding achievements for the year. The Thresphys is a night the entire athletic community gets to enjoy together and celebrate the successes from the past year. Abigail Schmidt, senior from Newton, commented on the significance of this year’s event. “This year I think this is even more special because of how much success and honors Thresher athletes have achieved,” Schmidt said. Bethel’s athletic department has tremendous support that contributes to the success of the programs. Many people dedicate themselves to making this event possible. Committees of coaches and athletic administration coordinate the event and do the bulk of the planning. Tony Hoops and Josh Booth devote themselves, with the help of coaches, to ensure the night truly reflects the hard work of the athletes. The Student Athletic Leadership Team, SALT, also help out with planning and the tedious set up process.
Over the years, the Threshpys have looked different. Most recently they have been held at Memorial Hall on campus. This year, for the sake of more space and convenience in setting up, the event will be held at the Wild Prairie Event Center on their outdoor patio. Tony Hoops, director of athletics, talks about the excitement behind the new forum. “The venue will be a perfect setup for this fun filled event honoring our athletes,” Hoops said. The event will be held on May 9, with doors open at 7 p.m. and the event starting at 8 p.m. During the first hour, guests will be able to enjoy catered desserts and beverages, but no meal will be served this year. Two photo booths present the opportunity for student athletes to record their memories. As this is a formal event, pictures will be taken in the booth as well as other various locations around the event center. On top of food, drinks and photos, one can anticipate a night full of fun attending the Threshpys. Jeffrey Graber, a Bethel alumni who worked for KWCH and now a financial advisor in Newton, will be hosting the event. The night
TENNIS APRIL. 30
TBA TBA KCAC FINALS
Current juniors and seniors had the opportunity to participate in the 2019 Threshpy Awards. Photos Courtesy of Kayla Newman and Peyton Uznanski
UPCOMING EVENTS
TRACK AND FIELD
AWAY
KCAC SEMIFINALS
MAY 1
will include highlight videos, recognition of all conference athletes, fun content from coaches and athletes, as well as presentation of 15 Thresphy awards. These awards are given to athletes of all sports ranging from freshman to senior. Awards include Freshman of the Year, comeback of the year, Breakthrough Athlete of the Year, Player of the Year, Game of the Year and the Unsung Hero Award, among other awards and scholarships. “Two years ago, the last time this event was in person, we did a feature that included live coach impersonations by their athletes. This was a very memorable crowd favorite!” Schmidt said. This event is open to the public in addition to all students and athletes. Students may register for a free ticket while the public may purchase tickets for $10. Mark your calendars for May 9 to experience the memorable event of the Threshpys and the recognition of the student athletes with exceptional performances over the Fall 2020 and Spring 2021 semesters.
MAY 1
AWAY
SOUTHWESTERN RELAYS
AWAY
MAY 6, 7
AWAY
KCAC CHAMIONSHIPS
Small golf team makes transition for split season during the fall and the remaining competitions took place in the spring. This “split season” is actually a normal experience for the golf team. They typically play about 4-6 tournaments during each season. Despite being already used to a split season, the golf team has experienced other Chase Anderson, senior from Topeka, is concluding changes in their his final year of Thresher golf. Photo courtesy of season due to Thresher Athletics COVID-19. “Because of MIKINZIE HARKINS Web Media Editor COVID, we’ve had less meets in both the fall and the spring, Many sports this school which part of that probably hurt year, particularly the fall sports, us, as far as how we did overall experienced a split season in for the season because we had which some of their games/ less tournaments, meaning that matches/meets took place we had less experience. With
a younger team, having less tournaments that prepare them for KCAC can kind of hurt things,” Trae Gehring, junior from Pretty Prairie, said. The men’s golf team missed out on the KCAC match play this season because of COVID-19. Match play is when players of opposing teams are matched together, and whoever scores lower on each hole, gets one point. “The golf team all went into quarantine right before [match play] so we didn’t even get to go to that,” Gehring said. One challenge the team faced this season, unrelated to COVID-19 involved having a smaller team. This can be the cause of less competition within the team because there are six men on the team and five get to play at each tournament. “Basically everyone has to show up and perform. When
there’s six guys, that means one person will not be able to go to the KCAC meets, so there’s a little bit of competition, but it’s not the same as [having] a full JV team because then you’ve got a bunch of people competing for that spot. It can kind of affect things because pretty much everyone knows they’re gonna be varsity regardless of how they’re doing,” Gehring said. Having such a small and such a young team will also have an impact on the team in the future as they lose some of their older or more experienced players. “Having a JV [team], you can really be training them for the following years. Just having more people on the team means you have better chances of having players who are better essentially,” Gehring said.
College records have fallen to the pair over the last few months of competition. Brewer claimed the 400-meter title, and broke the 47 second mark in the process, with his effort of 46.93 seconds – whilst Cupid broke the 200-meter record with a time of 21.41. Both were also involved in the men’s 4x100 record breaking team that ran at the Bethel home meet at the start of April. Track and field coach Kelly Parsley described the two athletes as “the leading lights of our sprints squad, and two really outstanding, all round individuals.” The Bethel home meet, which was dedicated to our Cheer Master Loren Reusser, was the first that most on campus will remember, and it is symbolic of the steady rise of Bethel’s track and field contingent. “There are several other
athletes knocking on the door of nationals qualification,” said Parsley. The closest to this is Daryn Batts, first year from Dallas, Texas, whose shot-put throw of 12.47 meters at the Friends meet earlier this month ranked her as third in the KCAC. As it stands, she is just inches of national qualification. Austin Cheatham, senior from Newton, has also been throwing well, but has struggled recently with a hand injury. Jen Andres, senior from Newton, in the 200 meters and Aubry Grame, first year from Kalispell, Mont., in the 400-meter hurdles are hopeful for national marks. They are amongst the best in their events within the KCAC, and have shown significant improvement over the course of the season. Also, worth mentioning are two men from Bethel’s
distance group; Mauro Arancibia Compos, senior Talca Maule, Chile, and Isaiah Bartel, first year from Wichita, who have a chance of qualifying in the 1500 meters, or in the 4x800. “The amount of high great performances that we’ve seen over the past few shows how much we are improving and growing as a program,” said Parsley. Parsley plans to host a ‘last chance’ meet on May 14th, in which several of Bethel’s athletes could be competing, with the aim of qualification. Parsley predicts big things for the program moving forward. “We have a lot of recruits arriving in the Fall, and I’m really confident that they’re going to help us take Bethel to the next level in our conference on both the cross country and the track,” said Parsley.
Outdoor track athletes sprint toward nationals ARRAN KEARNEY Staff Writer
Bethel’s outdoor track season is nearing its end, with the KCAC Championships less than two weeks away, and the final meet before Nationals is scheduled to be held at Bethel on May 14. A couple of athletes have already hit the qualifying times, and are set to travel to Gulf Shores, Alabama later next month. Braylen Brewer, senior Tecumseh, Okla., qualified for the 100-Meter Dash at the first meet, and with his first attempt the distance in his college career. His time of 10.64 seconds broke a Bethel College record of 10.74 that has stood since 1987. Kemroy Cupid, senior from Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, would soon produce a time of 10.58, also securing himself a trip to Gulf Shores in the process. Several other
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The Sideline
BETHANY POWLS Editor-in-Chief
NATALIE GRABER OUTDOOR TRACK What is your favorite track event and why? “My favorite event is the steeplechase. It’s a fun combination of running and hurdling, and it’s a longer distance event. Jumping into the water is usually fun, except on the cold days.”
What is your favorite thing to do with the team when you’re not practicing? “My favorite thing to do with the team when we’re not practicing is playing disc golf or having a movie night. Spending time together outside of practice has definitely made us a lot closer!”
If you could be any Disney character, who would you be and why? “If I could be any Disney character, I would be Elsa because I think it would be pretty cool to have her ice powers.”
10 ENTERTAINMENT
Change brings hope on the horizon for forensics program JULIANNA SCHRAG Staff Writer
The forensics program, much like numerous other activities, has looked wildly different this year as a result of the ramifications of COVID-19. However, despite transitioning to an entirely virtual event format, the Bethel College forensics team has found great success! As the Communication Arts faculty are mid-search for a permanent forensics director, interim director Mark Rittenour and current forensics team members share their reflections on the 2020-2021 forensics year, as well as their hopes for the future of the program. Bethel College has a longstanding history of success in forensics. The forensics team has sent members to the American Forensics Assocation’s (AFA)
National Individual Events tournament each year since the program’s beginning in 1978. The 2020-2021 Forensics team has carried on this legacy. Charlotte Ehrmann, a junior from Wichita, qualified for nationals in poetry interpretation and program oral interpretation. Kalynn Wiles, a senior from Newton, qualified in communication analysis. Additionally, Marcus LaBonde, a freshman from Grand Junction, Colo., served as district alternative for nationals in dramatic interpretation and prose interpretation. “Because we had students who qualified and competed at the AFA-NST (formerly “National Individual Events Tournament”), [we] remain one of just six programs in the nation to attend AFA nationals every year it’s been held,” said Rittenour.
“As a result of the global pandemic, forensics looked very different [this year] than it has in its long and storied past,” Rittenour said. Forensics programs usually hold in-person speech and debate competitions, uniting geographically separated colleges. However, the rise of virtual events has diminished this sense of unity. “With the emergence of new softwares and virtual platforms that allowed online tournaments to feel like more genuine competitive events, the Bethel College students...embarked on the year of the virtual tournaments. Some tournaments allowed students to pre-record their speeches and submit them for judging, and others were synchronous online experiences with both students and their judges sharing the same virtual space,” said Rittenour.
Rittenour has been directing the program remotely, from his home state of Ohio, so even the coaching process occurred via a virtual forum. Despite this, Bethel forensics participants, Charlotte Ehrmann and Kalynn Wiles, had nothing but positive remarks to add about Coach Rittenour’s support and guidance through the process, despite the unusual format. “Mark is a great coach even online and definitely still pushed us to do our best!” said Ehrmann. The Bethel College forensics program is currently in a period of “limbo,” as a search for a more permanent director is well underway. “The search committee has been exceptionally busy vetting candidates and are excited about the potential,” said Professor and Chair of Communication Arts, Christine Crouse-Dick. “I hope for an enthusiastic,
more permanent forensics director in order to rebuild the program and uphold the legacy,” said Wiles. The forensics team members share a mutual hope for program betterment and a lasting legacy. “I would love if the new incoming freshmen interested could have a consistent program to join and help it grow,” Ehrmann said. Rittenour and the Bethel College forensics team are strong advocates for the program and have bright hopes for the future. “Forensics is a rewarding experience that will enrich a student’s academics in ways that will make even the best students more marketable in a variety of professional arenas,” said Rittenour.
End-of-year events, activities make April a busy month CLAIRA JANSSEN Staff Writer
As the year winds down and the weather warms up, the on campus activities are on the rise. Students are eager to get outside, avoid their studies for a while and enjoy the sunshine. There have been a number of organized campus events for students to participate in. Basketball tournaments, disc golf, MudSlam, Magic: The Gathering tournament and relaxing virgin piña coladas on the Green are just some of the entertainment provided for students. On April 14, the Bethel College Mennonite Church had planned to host a night of pina coladas, games and live music on the Green. Due to weather, the event was moved to April 21,
and students spent a chilly spring evening socializing at Bethel’s campus center. The Student Activities Council (SAC) organized basketball tournaments for both women and men. A minimum of five players were required to enter the tournament. Teams were limited to two actual basketball players that could be included on the team, and a variety of athletes and non-athletes were seen on the court. The teams Slightly Above Average (womens) and SK & Da Gang (mens) would win the tournaments with $20 cash prizes. On Saturday April 24, SGA hosted an organized disc golf tournament. This took place on Bethel’s own disc golf course. Players began the tournament at 8:30 in the morning and it
continued throughout the day. Because this event took place around campus, a warning email was sent out to students. This email advised students to be on the lookout for flying discs. Participants were invited from both campus and the community and received t-shirts and pizza. As it was missed dearly last year, MudSlam made its messy return. The Student Alumni Association hosted this memorable event. The fire department made their way out to the fields at 11 a.m. sharp and utilized the fire hydrant by the Mods in order to turn the tilled courts into pits of mud. Teams of six-nine got down and dirty, playing a total of two rounds of ten minute volleyball games. The result was a competition for who could get the most covered in mud, and
Thomas Kucera, sophomore from Wichita, was especially good at making sure participants made it into the mud. A new competition that is hoping to become an annual event, is the Magic: The Gathering tournament hosted by the RPG club. A variety of students on campus are avid Magic players, and have never had an opportunity to play in such a large gathering until now. Students should be on the look out for new events happening in the next few weeks. May is right around the corner, and the schedule demands at least a few more student organized events before the campus departs for summer vacation.
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ENTERTAINMENT 11
RPG club runs a successful first year of activities CAPRI BISOM NATHAN GARBER
Bethel’s RPG Club was started this year by Capri Bisom, junior from West Berlin N.J. RPG stands for “role playing games.” Tabletop games, such as Dungeons & Dragons (D&D), are played with Jessie Thomas, junior from Sedgwick, as the DM, or dungeon master. Specialized events like board game nights or oneshot campaigns happen periodically throughout the year. There are plans to incorporate more games and theme nights next year. “I was honored and excited to be asked to DM for the campus group. A D&D club had been my dream for a year before it finally came true! The first couple of sessions were rocky, because of my inexperience with paper D&D and with a group that massive, but I’ve grown and learned so much, and I think it’s become a really fun and creative space for the members of the club,” Thomas said. If you do not know how to play D&D or other RPGs, do not worry! There are plenty of people who are a part of the club who would be happy to help you learn your way around your first character sheet. “I’ve played D&D both with in person tabletop and online, and something I’ve helped with
THE
in the club is helping other players set up their character sheets, creating the being they’re playing and making sure they know what all the things on the character sheets are for. I think that’s one of my favorite things to do, is help someone create a character,” Charlie Gibson, a junior from Ashland, said. The characters in the D&D campaign are really silly and lighthearted and are oftentimes accompanied with fun names. For example, Edel Miller, sophomore from Hillsboro, plays a goofy, nonbinary gnome bard named Dot who plays the tinwhisle to help taunt enemies in the D&D campaign. RPG Club hosted the Magic: The Gathering Tournament on April 25, hopefully the first of many. The club has plans to hold one every semester, so if you missed out this year, don’t sweat it, there will be opportunities in the future. Magic: The Gathering is a game for which participants collect specific cards that they create decks with. Participants then challenge other people to battles to see who will come out on top. There are a couple of different deck styles that people can create. In standard or modern styles, players have to have a minimum of sixty cards. In commander style, however,
players have to have a minimum of 100 cards. There were nine participants in the tournament, which was a modern tournament, so everyone who participated had a deck of at least sixty cards. At the end of the night, Thomas Kucera, sophomore from Wichita, won the championship. “Not being able to play a lot of paper magic during the pandemic has been one of the worst parts of COVID-19 for me and the tournament put on by the RPG Club really made the wait worth it. It was so much fun to play and just talk to fellow magic players. I was fortunate enough to have won the tournament having to play some really good players to get there. I am very, very grateful for even getting the opportunity to play in this tournament,” Kucera said. While events for the RPG Club have mostly wrapped up for this year, there are already plans being made for next year. One hope for next year is that the club will be able to continue the D&D campaign that was started this year. “I’d love to continue being Dungeon Master next year, and have all my players back to continue their story!” Thomas said.
COLLEGIAN
The Bethel College Collegian is a student-run newspaper published bi-weekly during the fall and spring semesters. The Collegian is funded by advertisement revenue and student fees. The Collegian will be digitally available to Bethel faculty, staff, students and community members for the 2020-2021 academic year. Feedback may be sent to:
collegian@bethelks.edu The Collegian, Bethel College, North Newton, KS, 67117
Caleb Garber, a guest from Newton, and Thomas Kucera, sophomore from Wichita, face off in the final championship round. Kucera would go on to win this round and the first place prize. Photo by Capri Bisom
Thomas Kucera, sophomore from Wichita, and Noah Ballesteros, junior from San Diego, Calif., compete against each other in the first round of the Magic: The Gathering tournament. Photo by Capri Bisom
STAFF
BETHANY POWLS
ALLISON WEAVER
NATHAN GARBER
CHRISTINE CROUSE-DICK
JADIN KALTENBACH
CHARLOTTE EHRMANN
KRISTA LOOMIS
SCHYLER ENTZ
MIKINZIE HARKINS
CAPRI STEVENSON-BISOM
JESSICA LAROCQUE
EMILY BRANDT
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
FACULTY ADVISOR
BUSINESS MANAGER
DESIGN/LAYOUT EDITOR
NEWS EDITOR
OPINION EDITOR
FEATURES EDITOR SPORTS EDITOR
ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR COPY EDITOR
WEB/SOCIAL MEDIA EDITOR PHOTO EDITOR
THE BETHEL COLLEGE COLLEGIAN
MudSlam Tournament
A successful MudSlam was hosted this year by the Student Alumni Association. With water initially supplied by the fire department, the pits were extra soupy, leading to some messy rounds. Photos by Lindsey Pfannenstiel
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