Ball State Daily News Vol. 103 Issue: 12

DAILY NEWS

AT

MOTHER

NATURE’S

MERCY Indiana farmers share the struggles that go on behind the scenes. 04

11.02.2023

ballstatedailynews.com

RYLAN CAPPER, LIZ PETERSON, DN PHOTO MEGHAN HOLT, DN PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

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Did you miss it? Catch up on the news from Oct. 26-Nov. 1 and take a look at upcoming events...

BallStateDailyNews.com AP: Grand Canyon University fined

Victoria Arlen to visit campus

Christian university is being fined $37.7 million. The fine, issued by the US Department of Education, is the largest of its kind. The university dismissed allegations of misleading students about doctoral program costs, but a federal probe found that Grand Canyon lied to more than 7,500 students, according to the Associated Press.

gold medalist, ESPN host and reporter, and motivational speaker will speak as part of the Letterman Lecture series. Arlen wrote a book about her experience with two rare neurological disorders that left her paralyzed from the waist down before regaining her ability to walk in 2016. Her lecture is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Pruis Hall.

Oct. 31: The country’s largest

GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY, PHOTO PROVIDED

Fraley wins player of the year

Bob Knight dead at age 83

soccer’s first round MAC tournament loss, junior forward Lexi Fraley was named MAC Offensive Player of the Year. She is joined on the All-MAC First Team by senior forward Avery Fenchel. Sophomore midfielder Delaney Caldwell earned All-MAC Second Team status and defender Audrey Goodyear made the AllFreshman Team.

Indiana University announced that the former Indiana University men’s basketball coach passed away in his home in Bloomington, Indiana. Knight led the Hoosiers to three national championships and won 662, the most in the school’s history. Knight was also the most recent coach to lead a team to an undefeated season (1975-76).

Oct. 31: Despite Ball State

ANDREW BERGER, DN

VOL. 103 ISSUE: 12 CONTACT THE DN Newsroom: 765-285-8245 Editor: 765-285-8249, editor@bsudailynews.com

The Ball State Daily News (USPS-144-360), the Ball State student newspaper, is published Thursdays during the academic year except for during semester and summer breaks. The Daily News is supported in part by an allocation from the General Fund of the university and is available free to students at various campus locations.

Nov. 6: The author, Paralympic

EDITORIAL BOARD Daniel Kehn, Editor-in-chief Kyle Smedley, Print Managing Editor, Co-Sports Editor Olivia Ground, Digital Managing Editor Grayson Joslin, Director of Recruitment Abigail Denault, News Editor Elijah Poe, Co-Sports Editor Zach Carter, Associate Sports Editor Hannah Amos, Lifestyles Editor Ella Howell, Associate Lifestyles Editor and Copy Editor Kate Farr, Opinion Editor Elaine Ulsh, Associate Opinion Editor Jacob Boissy, Video Editor Brisa Porter, Associate Video Editor

Nov. 1: Knight’s family and

Emma Plank, Associate Social Media Editor Mya Cataline, Photo Editor Andrew Berger, Associate Photo Editor Meghan Holt, Visual Editor Jessica Bergfors, Visual Editor Lisa Renze-Rhodes, Adviser TO ADVERTISE • (765) 285-8256 or dailynewsads@bsu.edu • Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Mon-Fri. • ballstatedaily.com/advertise TO SUBSCRIBE Call 765-285-8134 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mon. -Fri. Subscription rates: $45 for one year. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Daily News, AJ278, Ball State University, Muncie, IN 47306 JOIN THE DAILY NEWS Stop by room 278 in the Art and Journalism Building.

All undergraduate majors accepted and no prior experience is necessary.

CORRECTION

In the Oct. 26 edition of the Ball State Daily News, a source error resulted in the miscredit of a photo on pg. 8. The photo, in the bottom right hand corner of the page, was taken by Jody Toth.

To submit a correction, email editor@bsudailynews.com.

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4-DAY WEATHER

FORECAST Laura Fick, Weather forecaster, Benny Weather Group

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MOSTLY SUNNY

CLOUDY

CLOUDY

CLOUDY

Hi: 58º Lo: 44º

Hi: 61º Lo: 46º

Hi: 64º Lo: 49º

Hi: 52º Lo: 37º

THIS WEEK: It is going to be a lot of cloudy and cold. The start to November will be a cold one, but it will be mostly clear and without precipitation. So, if you need to get out and enjoy the cold weather, you definitely can.

START CHECKING, FROM DAY ONE.

Waking Up with Cardinal Weather is Ball State University’s first and only morning mobile show focused on getting your ready for the day through local news, weather and lifestyle trends. Waking Up with Cardinal Weather airs every Friday morning at 8 a.m. at @cardinalwx live on Facebook.

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03

Campus

Voluntarily

Voiceless Voter participation in Indiana and Delaware County is among the lowest in the U.S.

Clear Reception to air on PBS Ball State PBS will broadcast “Clear Reception,” an original documentary about the art of glass, Nov. 1 at 8:30 p.m. The documentary was created by Ball State University students and featured David Letterman, class of 1969 and details Letterman’s interest in the university’s glass art program and a specially commissioned sculpture.

National

AP: Pence ends White House campaign Former Vice President Mike Pence dropped out of the race for the Republication presidential nomination Oct. 29 after struggling to raise money and gain traction in the polls. Pence is the first major candidate to leave the presidential race as Donald Trump continues to hold a large lead despite his legal troubles.

National

President of the Indiana League of Women Voters Linda Hanson holds up a “Vote 411” pin Oct. 30 in an office at the Muncie YWCA. “Vote 411” is a website, run by The League of Women Voters, that gives election information to the general public. MYA CATALINE, DN Megan Rogers Reporter Election season is upon the local Muncie community, as many gear up to head to the polls to vote for important local elections such as the offices of the mayor and city council. The number heading to those polls will not, however, be all 65,000+ residents.

In the upcoming Nov. 7 election, Linda Hanson, the president of the Indiana League of Women Voters, said she expected voter turnout in Delaware County could be an estimated 15-17 percent.

Hanson said this is a product of multiple problems combined–both personal and government-related.

Hanson said a major reason why people in Delaware County don’t vote is because they feel their votes and voice don’t matter. From the 2012 elections until now, Indiana legislature has been made up of about 80 percent Republicans and 20 percent Democrats. This creates a “supermajority” in the state, which discourages people in the minority party from participating in the state’s politics, Hanson said.

This can also lead to candidates in the majority party running for office uncontested. They can be put

up for election with very little, if any, competition, which discourages those in the minority party from showing up to vote when they have little or no candidates of their party on the ballot. According to the Delaware County Clerk’s website, in the 2022 Primary Election, there were 26 positions being voted on in the state that had candidates from only one party on the ballot. Of those positions, all but two had only Republican candidates.

Julie Snider, the social studies department chair at Muncie Central High School, claimed this is a problem caused by the local government.

See VOICELESS, 6

AP: Matthew Perry dead at 54 The Emmy-nominated actor, who is best known for portraying the lovable Chandler Bing on ‘Friends,’ was found dead in a hot tub at his Los Angeles home, according to the coroner’s records. Perry’s book “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing: A Memoir” was published a year ago and detailed the actor’s experience in one of the most popular sitcoms of all time and his struggles with addiction.

ON BALLSTATEDAILYNEWS.COM: UNIVERSITY HOLDS PEACE VIGIL FOR ISRAEL-PALESTINE CONFLICT

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Farming as an industry deals with problems of a new age and extreme climate.

The sun sets in a haze of dust over Neil Marshall’s family farm Oct. 27 in Hartford City. Five generations of Marshall’s family have farmed in Blackford County. RYLAN CAPPER, DN Abigail Denault News Editor Muncie residents might see farmers like Kody Light at Minnetrista Farmers Market, standing under a white tent selling meat from his cattle with the almost uniformed outfit of farmers–a Carhartt jacket and a baseball cap.

What they might not see is the watchful eye of Light and other farmers toward the sky, checking to see if the weather is starting to turn, wondering if their crop will be ready to harvest or if the rain will delay getting to the market to sell or if the cattle will have enough to graze. However, it is a life chosen despite all the challenges because they care for the product they are producing.

“A livestock producer, they have to be there,” Light said. “Seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Whether you’re sick, you don’t feel good, you take care of your animals.”

For farms around Delaware County, Indiana, and in several places around the Midwest, a summer drought has caused a familiar strain on farmers; a common problem in an area known for being a highstress profession, as many are left at the mercy of weather, markets and their own mental state.

In the United States, farmers contribute $164.7 billion to the economy— about 0.7 percent of U.S. GDP, however those in the profession are faced with problems that do not seem to be obvious in picturesque depictions of the country and farms presented to the general public.

The summer’s drought was not the worst on record, but it was another stressor to an already stressful industry.

Kody Light is a first-generation farmer who has been in the industry since 2011. He has a smaller farm with 30 acres of crops and some livestock including cattle and sheep. He said the drought this year brought memories of a much harsher year—2012.

Some of the sheep Kody Light raises Oct. 31 at Light’s farm in Gaston, Indiana. Light has been raising sheep for most of the time he has owned this farm. DANIEL KEHN, DN

Kody Light poses for a photo on his tractor Oct. 31 at his farm in Gaston, Indiana. Light is a first-generation farmer who has been in the industry since 2011. DANIEL KEHN, DN “The corn was pollinating when the drought and the dry weather hit that year, and it really impacted the yield,” Light said. “I was from Northeastern Indiana and some had corn fields that should have been 150 bushels and did 10 bushels to the acre because the heat in the drought affected the pollination which affected the crop.”

According to the Ohio State University Extension Office, a bushel amounts to 56 pounds of corn kernels and 60 pounds of wheat. It is used to measure the amount of the crop to be sold in a market.

Jordan Morris, a senior originations merchant of Anderson Trade Group (who owns a grain elevator in Oakville, Indiana), manages the relationship between the sellers of the crop and the farmers.

The price of yields, whether it is bushel or any other form of crop, Morris said, relies on a market that is often changing based on local, national, and

international changes and needs.

Light said agriculture is now a global market, and it is one thing people do not seem to understand about the industry.

“Across the country, we’re going to have some areas that have had really bad droughts … but that doesn’t necessarily mean we’re going to get paid more for our crop,” Light said. “We also have to look at what South America’s crops are doing and what our exports are doing. Farming is not like it was in the 1970s or the 1980s.”

Despite this, Morris said this year’s crops, for most, will not be a huge loss for farmers, but also not the expectations originally guessed in early summer.

“It’s all speculation, but back in the summer [the] USDA reported larger crop sizes, at least in the figures on paper,” Morris said. “Those have since continued to drop a little bit. But now as you’re actually harvesting the crop, time will tell whether those numbers on paper are truly accurate in that.”

The estimations in the summer can influence the budgeting and planning of farmers that have to decide months in advance how much to plant, what to plant and what they think their yields would be.

“In the summer, you could probably have penciled in, if you were a grower, somewhat larger yields, especially in early July,” Morris said. “We

really hadn’t experienced the stress yet. Some will say the stress following in late July and August and September hurt the crop; others will probably tell you it didn’t hurt as much as you think. But the story is all told based on what your yields are when you’re harvesting it.”

It is a high-stakes game between the farmer and Mother Nature. One that can change at any moment.

A major player in the game is when the crops are planted, which can determine whether a yield will be impacted more or less by things like drought.

“There’s different maturities on all your crops,” Reese Collins, a fifth-generation farmer, said. “If you plant different maturities at the right time, sometimes, luck or your timing can help you out when the rains fall for the year and when your crop is needing rain the most. We got fortunate a few times this year, that helped us out.”

Crops are a gamble from when they are planted, but the impact is more immediate than with cattle.

In the end, corn can grow faster than a beef cow.

There’s the legacy of the farm. If the farm has been in your family for five generations and you’re the last generation to farm, you may feel like you have let down your ancestors.”

- REMINGTON RICE, Health & farm stress educator at Michigan State University

05

In certain conditions, a farmer might have to slaughter or sell large amounts of the herd in a process called liquidation, according to Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Services.

While some have not lost their herd, the impact on the grain or grass they feed their cattle was impacted.

Ellen Brinkman has been a cattle farmer with her husband for 20 years, and they have not had to liquidate any of their almost 60-cow (and one bull) herd. Brinkman said they practice rotational grazing, where cows can eat from the field, but have already started to use the hay, which is usually reserved for winter because the pastures became too dry.

“I definitely would like to have had a little more hay,” Brinkman said. “We do a lot of our own haymaking, and we just didn’t have quite as much as we wanted. But last year we used over 500 large, round bales of hay just for the winter. Right now, I’m going into the winter with just a little over 300, so I definitely need some more.”

Sophomore accounting major Neil Marshall poses for a photo at his family farm Oct. 27 in Hartford City. Marshall is the fifth generation in his family to farm in Blackford County.

RYLAN CAPPER, DN

Cattle walk around Neil Marshall’s family farm Oct. 27 in Hartford City. Marshall explains the unnamed cows were bred for slaughterhouses. LIZ PETERSON, DN PHOTO The question of getting more hay is not as certain.

“We’re definitely done growing,” Brinkman said. “I’m hoping maybe I can do some winter grazing with some of our newer pastures. I’ve taken the cows off early enough that maybe they’ll kinda bump up just a little bit. If we have a little bit of warmer weather, we might luck out on that.”

The financial stress is deepened by a loan industry that, just like for every other American, is inflating.

“It makes me worry,” Light said. “I am a beginning farmer and still building equity and trying to build all those parts to a business.

Interest rates have affected farmers that borrow money because they raised the interest rates. Most operating loans are at a variable interest rate. So every time they raise interest rates, operating notes go up.”

Operation of a farm and land costs are part of a rising problem as many newcomers are unable to start in the industry.

According to the 2023 Purdue Agricultural Economics report, Indiana farmland had its “prices once again hit record highs.”

Even when land is acquired, the equipment itself can pose a new problem.

“I’m advantaged to the point that I’ve got access to equipment I don’t have to pay a rental fee to use,” Collins said. “I might not get to use it at the exact time I want [because] I’m at my dad’s mercy as far as scheduling. That’s something I’m OK with because you have to get your foot in the door somewhere and start small because there’s not many cases where you can just go from not farming to stepping into farming.”

Barriers to land and equipment have made the path to farming increasingly inaccessible but also put pressure on long-standing farms to not lose what they have. For some children of farmers, however, they might not decide to continue on the farm.

“When I do talk to people that have been around, it is actually painful for them that their sons or daughters don’t want to carry on,” Brinkman said.

“It’s just, it’s just a different way now.”

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DNNews

Above: Neil Marshall’s family farm corn fields turn golden for a future harvest Oct. 27 in Hartford City. Right: Cracked soil caused by this season’s drought, leading to less production of crops, Oct. 27 in Hartford City.

LIZ PETERSON, DN PHOTO

According to the Indiana State Department of Agriculture, the average age of an Indiana farmer is 55.5 years old and 95 percent of farms are family owned or operated.

As prices soar and markets remain fluid, farmers are left in a state of stress and worry. A state that some never come back from.

According to a 2016 report from the CDC, for farmers, around 43.2 in every 100,000 civilian, noninstitutionalized working persons aged 16–64 years commit suicide. The Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting industry is listed as one of the leading industries for suicide rates.

Remington Rice, health and farm stress educator at Michigan State University, helps run MSU Extension’s Managing Farm Stress site, which has resources for farmers helping them to deal with stress and manage their mental health.

“There’s these uncontrollable factors,” Rice said.

“Farmers, they don’t have a say in the weather or changing regulations of many parts [that] are out of their control. I’d also say finances are probably the number one thing we hear about. The drought – that’s obviously going to affect your bottom line. There’s so many factors that can impact what you’re bringing in annually. You might have a salary, we can plan, we can expect, month after month, it’s going to be stable. Whereas farmers, they may not be able to have the same stability.”

For some, the stress of all the uncontrollable factors is too much.

“When you’ve got everything you worked your whole life for at stake on something you can’t control, that can be rather nerve-wracking,” Collins said. “And when you get to where, ‘Oh, we are gonna go broke.’ For some people, they’re faced with that harsh reality one day, where they do have to sell out, or move on to something else, or just work the day job and quit farming. There’s some people that just don’t want to do life without that.”

4See MERCY, 18

$164.7B The contribution of American farms to the U.S. GDP.

0.7%

The contribution of American farms makes up 0.7% of the U.S. GDP. Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture

$13,793 The selling point of a “top” quality acre of land in northeast Indiana in 2023.

Source: 2023 Purdue Agricultural Economics report

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VOICELESS Continued from Page 3

“It’s the job of the [local] Democrat and Republican chairs to make sure those positions all have candidates,” Snider said. “They did not do their job and that happens a lot.”

The combination of these two issues can often lead to voters in both parties feeling like their votes would not count. Snider said while she recognizes these facts can be discouraging, if more people who felt this way still voted anyway, change may be possible.

“This age group is the second largest voting block right now,” Snider said. “So you guys could control the entire election…Your one vote may not matter, but if a million of you say the same thing, your vote holds a lot of weight.”

First-year psychology major Julia Short poses for a photo Oct. 31 at Frog Baby fountain. Short says she does not participate in elections. MYA CATALINE , DN

As long as I am able to eat, sleep and breathe every single day, I don’t really mind too much what’s going on because I don’t think it has a huge effect on the rest of my life.”

- JULIA SHORT, First-year psychology major

Another aspect of the elections keeping voter turnout down is the sometimes difficult steps it takes to be eligible to vote. Hanson said the government can do things to discourage voters from turning out because it benefits a majority party to have a lower turnout.

These issues can be small, like laws prohibiting giving water to voters standing in lines or as large as passing voter identification and registration laws that make it harder for people to vote.

Unlike some states in the country, Indiana now requires voters to show a valid ID in order to vote, in addition to the usual questions asking for her address or other personal information to verify her identity. In the past, this was not a requirement.

Snider said for half of her life, she was not required to show ID. Registration policies can also make voting less accessible. In Indiana, registration closes the day before early voting starts, which is often close to a month before election day. Hanson said this is an issue because a large amount of people don’t begin to think about the election that early.

While she recognizes these as substantial issues, Snider said she thinks the largest issue, especially for young voters, is apathy and immaturity.

Between the ages of 18-24, she said many don’t consider themselves “real adults” yet. They have yet to see where and how voting affects their lives, so they are not as inclined to be active in politics.

From the perspective of a young voter like Julia Short, a first-hyphen psychology major, a big reason why she doesn’t feel the need to be active in politics is that she doesn’t think it affects her.

“As long as I am able to eat, sleep and breathe every single day, I don’t really mind too much what’s going on because I don’t think it has a huge effect on the rest of my life,” Short said.

Short said she thinks she isn’t educated enough about government and politics to vote, or to make a positive difference with her vote if she did.

She said if there was more education earlier on voting, she might be more inclined to do so at this point in her life.

“If they want more voter turnout, they should educate more on it at a younger age,” Short said.

Short is not the only one who feels this way about civic education. Hanson said she believes civic education in schools for the past 25 years has been “minimal at best.”

Snider has a different opinion. While she believes the idea that students do not feel educated enough to make an informed vote, she doesn’t see the problem in the education system, but rather with the students themselves. She said it’s much more difficult to get students to engage now.

And even if the education system is seen as the problem, she believes it is then on the students to inform themselves. With information so accessible to young people now, she thinks they should be able to do their own research and learn about the elections themselves if needed.

“I had to go to the library to research,” Snider said. “Now, it’s at their fingertips and they don’t use it. And I’ll never understand it.”

But Short doesn’t think that solution is as easy as it may seem. She said if it was easier to get truthful information about candidates, she would be more comfortable voting. However, she feels like there is so much “untruthful and twisted” information that can be found on the internet, that she doesn’t want

to make a misinformed vote.

Apart from education, Associate Political Science Professor Chad Kinsella said a prevalent issue with voter turnout is age. He said there are studies that suggest young people often don’t know where home is to them, so they don’t have much of a tie to a certain community or local government.

This is an even larger issue for college students, Kinsella said. Students who move for college have to choose where they vote–the county where their college is located or where they are from. And for students who don’t know where they are supposed to vote, sometimes they just don’t.

Kinsella said even when they do vote, it’s made more difficult no matter what county they choose to vote in. If students choose to vote where their college is, they have to learn a whole new county’s politics. If they choose to continue to vote at home, they have to keep up with politics in that area despite no longer being there.

Even with the difficulties, Kinsella suggests students choose to vote where they are going to school.

“Whether you like it or not, you are at Ball State,” Kinsella said. “Muncie is the local government that’s serving this area. And you really should have some effect on that local government because they are the ones that should be servicing you. If you don’t participate in Muncie’s municipal elections…, you’re not going to have that metaphorical place at the table. Because they know that you can be ignored because you don’t vote.”

No matter where students choose to vote, Snider said this time period is important for students to have their voice heard in, even if being young makes it harder.

“18 to 24 is where everything happens for you,” Snider said. “This is such a huge part of your life.

People in Congress, your local officials, your state officials, [they are] determining that, and you don’t care.”

While the aforementioned issues exist nationwide, for areas like Delaware County, they often combine and cause far lower voter turnout.

Kinsella said Muncie and Delaware County are not the best when it comes to average incomes and education levels, which has been shown to impact voter turnout.

When those issues are combined with having a university in the county (which makes a large percent of the eligible voters young people), it leads to much lower turnout, Kinsella said.

Snider and Kinsell each said they thought the solution could be a more active government. They believe Delaware County does not do well enough at “marketing” the election to their people.

Kinsella said having a government and candidates who interact with their constituents and encourage them to vote has been shown to increase voter turnout.

However, Snider suggested the government has a reason for not doing this–it helps keep those in power, in power. For the majority party, it benefits them to have a low turnout.

“That should not be a partisan issue,” Snider said.

“Voting should not be one party wants people to vote and one party doesn’t. But unfortunately, it is.”

Another possible solution is organizations like the League of Women Voters. Hanson said they exist to inform people and encourage people to vote while staying completely nonpartisan.

“Voting is a habit,” Hanson said. “It’s like paying attention to what’s happening in your neighborhood or your community.”

She said they try to help people begin to form that habit. She also said understanding that a single person’s vote can make a difference, despite how it appears, can be a big start. She has seen elections be decided by as few as two votes that could have turned out completely differently with only a few more people showing up.

“If you want a country that is still a democracy by the time you are working and having children, then it’s time to take responsibility now,” Hanson said.

“Build that habit. Be a voter. Get out there and learn what’s going on in your community.”

Contact Megan Rogers with comments at megan. rogers@bsu.edu.

President of the Indiana League of Women Voters Linda Hanson poses for a photo Oct. 30 in an office at the Muncie YWCA. Hanson says the expected voter turnout for Delaware County is 15-17 percent. MYA CATALINE , DN

If you want a country that is still a democracy by the time you are working and having children, then it’s time to take responsibility now.

Build that habit. Be a voter. Get out there and learn what’s going on in your community.”

- LINDA HANSON, President of the Indiana League of Women Voters

DNSports MYA CATALINE, DN PHOTO MEGHAN HOLT, DN PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

11.02.23

BASKETBALL IS

BACK

07

Soccer

Moser wins conference honors For the second time this season, redshirt junior goalkeeper Bethany Moser has been named the MidAmerican Conference (MAC) defensive player of the week. Moser closed out the Cardinals’ 2023 season with a shutout in her second complete match. Moser finished with 107 saves in the regular season, a Ball State record.

1

Swim and Dive

Ball State hosts IUPUI and Eastern Michigan

Men’s and women’s hoops returns to the court with revamped and reinvigorated squads.

The Cardinals will be in action against IUPUI Nov. 3 at home. Both teams are coming off of top three finishes. The meet against IUPUI will start at 5 p.m. and will also honor seniors for senior night. The women’s team will go back-to-back and also host Eastern Michigan Nov. 4 with that meet starting at Noon.

48-11

Women’s Volleyball

Cardinals head to Western Michigan 4

The Cardinals are traveling up to Western Michigan to take on the top-ranked Broncos in MAC West Division. The games will take place Nov. 3 at 6 p.m. and Nov. 4 at 3 p.m. Western Michigan enters the matchup 13-0 in the MAC while the Cardinals sit at 11-2. Western is also undefeated at home.

ON BALLSTATEDAILYNEWS.COM: BALL STATE FOOTBALL VS. BOWLING GREEN RESULTS

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‘Embrace

the expectations

and go ball’

Elijah Poe, Caleb Zuver Co-sports Editor, Reporter

Junior Ally Becki dribbles the ball down the court during a practice Oct. 26 at Shondell Practice Center. Becki started in 34 games for the Cardinals last season. MYA CATALINE, DN

At the beginning of last season, Brady Sallee harped on being “Five points better,” a slogan that came after Ball State women’s basketball’s fourpoint loss the following year in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship. With a slogan last season, the 12th-year head coach feels different about the 2023-24 team.

“I do not think this is a team that needs a slogan.

I don’t think it is a team that needs motivation or reminding,” Sallee said. “I think it is a team that is going to embrace the expectations and go ball.

“They understand what has got to happen.”

Sallee said people can expect the team to look very different with the loss of former All-MAC athletes Anna Clephane and Thelma Dis Agustdottir.

“We are still trying to figure out some identity stuff,” Sallee said. “Are we going to be the team who scored 75 a night and run you out of the gym or are we going to have to defend and turn teams over more?”

The junior class

While having two more years with the junior class, Sallee said he is going to enjoy the time with them while he has it, but also knows it is going to be “near impossible” to replace them when they graduate.

The “core” junior classmen he’ll eventually have to replace are Ally Becki, Marie Kiefer and Madelyn Bischoff, while new additions of Alex Richard and Nyla Hampton boost the juniors’ numbers.

“Even if it is two years away, I am already thinking about it because of how good they are,” Sallee said.

The leader of the junior class, Becki, is coming off of a Second Team All-MAC season last year.

She said she has been working on a lot of 1-on1 action with associate head coach Audrey McDonald-Spencer.

“We have been doing a lot of range, posting up and also trying to be more of a leader on the court as well,” Becki said.

Working on her leadership, Becki said other teammates trust in her as a leader. She said as the floor general, it is essential to hold her teammates accountable.

Junior Nyla Hampton dribbles the ball at a defending player during a practice Oct. 26 at Shondell Practice Center.

MYA CATALINE, DN

Ball State women’s basketball begins its 2023-24 campaign.

One of those trusted teammates is Bischoff, who started every game of the 2022-23 season alongside Becki.

“In my sophomore year, I gained more confidence in myself,” Bischoff said.

Sallee said Bischoff will take on a larger load this year, with the role of making bigger shots for the team.

Kiefer started all 35 games last season in the post position. She spent this offseason trying to become a more versatile scorer from inside and out, hoping to create some matchup problems for opposing teams.

“There is none other like her in the league,” Sallee said. “There is nobody with that athleticism, that agility in our league. There are some bigs, but they do not move like she does, and there are guards, but they do not block shots like she does.”

If I am struggling through something, someone else is going to help me up and make sure that I am OK, and I would do the same for someone else.”

- ASHLYNN BROOKE, Freshman

Even though she is trying to expand her game beyond the arc, Kiefer hopes to keep improving on her game in the post, where she can take advantage of mismatches.

“You think about those five being with you for the next two years, that is why I scheduled the way I did,” Sallee said. “I know I have got those kids and we are going to do it again the following year with them. We have got this group for two years, we have got to get this thing done. The talent is there, the mindset is there and I feel really good about those five.”

“The head of the snake”

This past offseason, Hampton entered the transfer portal. On her visit to Ball State, it didn’t take long for her to realize the culture was the right

fit. She said during her time at Bowling Green, she always recognized how hard the Cardinals competed and always knew the Falcons were in for a tough challenge.

“When I came on a visit, I got to hang with the girls, I got to see all of the coaches and it was a good fit. Everyone was really cool and felt really welcoming,” Hampton said.

With Hampton signing on the dotted line, the Cardinals secured the reigning MAC Defensive Player of the Year. Adapting to the changing landscape of college sports has been important for Sallee, as it looks a lot different now than when he first started.

Sallee said he feels Hampton is an “outlier” compared to the usual players who enter their names in the portal.

“If there are five kids that are more impactful transferring somewhere to another school, I’d like to find them,” Sallee said.

Becki has just begun to get a feel of what playing with Hampton has been like. “[Hampton] is very present on the court and you can tell that she is there offensively and defensively,” Becki said.

Keifer said Hampton is a perfect fit; like she’s been a part of the family for years.

Sallee said the Cardinals are going to look much different defensively than in years past. The addition of Hampton is the start of that change, and Sallee expects there will be plenty of games this year where the defense can win by force and aggression.

“She is the head of the snake,” Sallee said.

“Everybody else is playing off of what she does on the ball.”

It’s not often the reigning MAC Defensive Player of the Year becomes available in the transfer portal. It’s even rarer for a player of that caliber to move within a mid-major conference.

Hampton has made the All-MAC Defensive First Team in all three of her collegiate seasons.

Last season, she averaged 10.3 points per game, and paired with 2.9 steals per game.

Even with winning the MAC Defensive Player of the Year, Hampton is still looking to improve upon her impressive 2022-23 campaign this season.

Newcomers

Both players and coaches recognize when freshman newcomers enter the program each year there is a learning curve to college ball.

“The change of pace is something you cannot prepare for,” freshman Ashlynn Brooke said. “That has been the biggest struggle for me.”

Brooke is joining a position group with Becki, Hampton and sophomore Hana Mühl. Brooke said the experience they possess has not only

09

challenged her but helped her progress to the speed of college athletics.

Brooke said the team as a whole has been properly welcoming, helping in everything from figuring out plays to coming over to have dinner.

“If I am struggling through something, someone else is going to help me up and make sure that I am OK, and I would do the same for someone else,” Brooke said. “It really does feel like family.”

Although she is new to the college scene, the seventh-best player in Indiana for the class of 2023 has been in big moments before, hitting a gamewinner in her sophomore year in the state finals.

Brooke averaged 23.8 points, 5.4 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game in her senior year of high school at Pioneer.

“She’s a good player, I think she is going to help us in a lot of different ways,” Sallee said.

Even with the stellar high school statistics, when Brooke was injured - a torn ACL and a torn meniscus - she said Ball State stuck by her every step of the way, making it an easy choice on where to commit to.

The Cardinals picked up two other freshmen in the recruiting cycle with twin sisters Hailey and Olivia Smith. The Fishers natives averaged about 10 points per game each.

Season schedule

Ball State is getting ready for what Sallee has called the toughest schedule in his time as head coach. It starts Nov. 24 when the Cardinals welcome preseason Associated Press (AP) poll No. 10 Notre Dame to Worthen Arena, as well as when the Cardinals travel to Storrs, Connecticut, to face off with the Huskies, who were voted No. 2 in the preseason AP poll.

“For me, it was simple. I know I’ve got a good team, and I wanted to put them on a stage that would hopefully give them an opportunity to build a resume that would have the tournament committee going ‘This team belongs,’” Sallee said. “I think if you look at our schedules through the years, clearly I’m not scared to play anybody.”

Looking ahead to Notre Dame, the Fighting Irish handed the Cardinals a 95-60 loss in South Bend last year. Despite the wide margin loss, Sallee said there are lessons to be learned in those games.

“Our kids paid attention to what that level was like, and then what we had to do to get closer to that,” Sallee said. “From there I saw a team wanting to get better, and making strides to do it.”

Even if people only come to see Notre Dame, Sallee said he hopes they will see the Cardinals and discover that they want to continue to come and watch the type of basketball Ball State plays.

With the Fighting Irish coming to Worthen, Bischoff echoed Sallee, thinking it will be a great opportunity not only for the team but the community.

“It is one of the biggest schools in Indiana, so I think it will be really meaningful and a really cool experience for us and the community,” Bischoff said.

4See GO BALL, 18

Junior Madelyn Bischoff passes the ball during a practice Oct. 26 at Shondell Practice Center. Bischoff played in all 35 games for the Cardinals last season. MYA CATALINE, DN PHOTO; MEGHAN HOLT, DN PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

11.02.23

DNSports

DNSports

11.02.23

10 Kyle Smedley, Zach Carter Print Managing Editor and Co-Sports Editor, Associate Sports Editor

A

s music by artists such as Drake, Lil Baby, 21 Savage and more played from personal speakers on the floor of Worthen Arena, smiles shined brighter than the lighting setup for Ball State men’s basketball’s media day.

Just a week into the Cardinals’ official practice regimen, 14 athletes laughed, sang and danced as they posed for promotional photos. Head coach Michael Lewis chuckled as he looked across the gym, jokingly referring to the group as “clowns.”

Despite the atmosphere and positivity in the air, more than half of those suiting up for Ball State are new to the program, with eight newcomers joining just six players returning from last season.

“We all got the same goal; We want to win,” freshman guard Trent Middleton said. “It was kind of easy for us to click.”

Like Middleton, Ethan Brittain-Watts is going into his first year at Ball State as a transfer from Boston University. Even as the most experienced collegiate athlete on the Cardinals, the graduate student said there is a different feel surrounding Ball State’s program, enhancing his decision to move to Muncie.

“Basketball is universal,” Brittain-Watts said.

“So when I see guys coming in, putting up shots, exercising, staying late, I want to go out there and fight for guys like that.

“The closest team in March wins, especially when you’re in a league where you have to win your conference to make it to March Madness.”

Freshman forward Mason Jones said he and most of the team have been in Muncie since June, getting a head start on building the team chemistry necessary for a squad with more newcomers than returners.

“Whether it’s two of us or the whole team, we’re always rocking with each other,” Jones said.

While this chemistry was developed over a short amount of time, it didn’t come overnight; the new culture needed a cultivator.

‘WE PLAY

BASKETBALL HERE’

Ball State men’s basketball looks to capitalize on newfound chemistry with almost an entirely new squad.

The Michael Lewis effect

Redshirt freshman guard Micah Bell dribbles the ball during a practice Oct. 24 at Shondell Practice Center. MYA CATALINE, DN; AMBER PIETZ, DN PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

In his first season at Ball State after three years as an assistant coach at UCLA, Michael Lewis focused on creating more community engagement surrounding the program than ever.

He said he looked at what successful programs around the country do to thrive, and all of them were founded on community support.

“It’s what brought me back here,” Lewis said.

Not only did the Cardinals’ record improve from 14-17 to 20-12, but average attendance rates at Worthen Arena jumped from 3,203 per game to 4,152 per game.

“They realized we play basketball here at Ball State again,” Lewis said.

Last year’s increased fan support even caught the eyes of potential transfers, influencing junior guards Jalin Anderson and Davion Bailey to make the jump to Muncie. Anderson transferred from Loyola Marymount, a program that averaged just 1201 fans per home game.

11 Returners

Junior forward Basheer Jihad tries to get around a guard during a practice Oct. 24 at Shondell Practice Center. MYA CATALINE, DN

Getting here is not enough.

Leaving a mark and succeeding and helping this team is what my main goal is.”

- MASON JONES, Ball State men’s basketball freshman forward

“These fans give us life,” Anderson said. “It’s hard to play in an empty gym; I’ve had to do it before and you got to create your own energy.”

Although Bailey is transferring from Southeastern Community College in South Carolina, he’s familiar with Ball State as a graduate of Pike High School in Indianapolis.

“We want the support because we know we deserve it.” Bailey said. “We’re going to win games and put on a show.”

Name, Image and Likeness and Recruitment Strategy

Former All-MAC athletes Payton Sparks, Jarron Coleman and Jaylin Sellers all transferred to larger programs in the offseason, leaving a noticeable void for the Cardinals to fill. The second-year head coach didn’t beat around the bush; he recognized those transfers’ decisions largely came down to the potential to make more money than they would at Ball State with the emergence of Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) endorsement deals.

But that’s not what Lewis calls it.

“It’s not Name, Image [and] Likeness; It’s pay for play,” Lewis said. “Just admit what it is and try to figure out how to best utilize it.

Lewis argued these endorsement deals may adversely affect collegiate athletes who may not make it to the professional level.

“I just don’t think with the way things are set up we’re operating in reality to what it comes to when these guys become true adults,” Lewis said. “You don’t just get to do that in life. There’s repercussions to everything that you do, and I’m not sure if we’re doing our best job in preparing these guys.

“We’re giving these guys money, [but] what are we doing with it to teach them about investing?

Some of these guys are making more money [from] 18 to 22 years old than they’re gonna make from 22 to 30. What are we doing to educate them? What are we teaching them about taxes, investments, credit, mortgages? Are we really setting them up to be successful in life?”

Although he is the head coach of a mid-major program, Lewis understands what a Power-5 system’s recruiting process looks like. As a former B1GTEN athlete and former assistant coach for Big XII, B1GTEN and PAC-12 programs, he acknowledged he doesn’t have the same type of money those programs have to draw in recruits, so he turns toward appealing to players’ emotions.

Doughty said when Ball State started recruiting him, Lewis made him feel like a priority. BrittainWatts said Lewis is someone he feels like would run a brick wall for the Cardinals, inspiring the players on the team to do the same for their coach.

“Anybody, especially now, that says they’re going to a college for any other reason than the coach are completely lying,” Brittain-Watts said. “Basketball is gonna be basketball, but having a coach that cares about you and is willing to do anything to put you in the best situation to be your best self [is great].”

With only six returners, only one of which has experience in the starting lineup for Ball State: redshirt junior forward Mickey Pearson Jr. However, he only averaged slightly more than five shots per game on 5.5 points per game last season. “[My role has changed to] become more of a leader and a leader of the team,” Pearson said. “I expanded my game.

“I just tried to continue the things that I always do. I’m trying to get to the gym early and get as many shots as I can [to work on] all levels of the game to be the best player on the team.”

Middleton said the Cardinals should best flourish on offense through their transition game, something junior forward Basheer Jihad said best suits his style of play.

“I’m not like Payton; I’m not a brute inside,” Jihad said. “I can do that, but that’s not my game. I’m stretching the floor more, and I can do everything, so wherever you’re going to put me, I can do it.”

Like Jihad, Hendriks is looking to fill a bigger role than he has in his previous three years; last season he only played in 13 of 32 games, accumulating 41 total minutes. For him, that means showing the eight newcomers how Ball State basketball operates.

“You’re not going to be playing against a guy that you practice against 50 times and you know what he’s gonna do,” Hendriks said. “You’re gonna go against 250 [pounds], a guy that is really big, really strong and has different moves sets from what we have.”

Lewis said he wants to see returners grow into larger leadership roles, as most of them are mostly reserved or soft-spoken. But he doesn’t just expect that out of familiar faces.

Newcomers Ball State recruited eight new players for the upcoming season. In a short window, the recruits have blended well with the returners, Pearson said.

11.02.23

DNSports

Five of the new Cardinals are true freshmen: guard Joey Brown, Jones, Doughty, Middleton and guard Jurica Zagorsak. Doughty, specifically, will have a bigger role with Ball State as he attempts to fill the spot Sparks left when he transferred to Indiana.

“I just love proving people wrong,” Doughty said. “I wasn’t one of those ranked players [in high school], but when I would go against a fivestar [recruit], that would excite me. I wanted to expose them.”

To Anderson, the freshmen have proved they deserve to be here with their play on the court.

“I see the greatness,” Anderson said. “They have it for sure. Them being freshmen is unbelievable.

With Trent to Jury to Joey to Mason to Zane, our freshman court is really elite, and they’re going to be super special for us.”

While Anderson is big on talking highly about his teammates, they say the same thing about him.

“Jalin has made an impression, and he’s been solid from day one,” Jihad said. “He’s proved himself at a college level.”

While most of the Cardinals have had to get used to Muncie, another new arrival has had to adjust to the United States as a whole. Zagorsak is from Croatia and played for Jazine in the Croatian Prva League where he averaged 9.9 points per game.

When he arrived in Muncie, he had to find ways to fit in. Lucky for him, he is a foodie and will try anything. His teammates took him to many restaurants in the area.

“I like burgers and chicken,” he said. “[Raising] Canes might be my favorite.”

Other names who will be playing in Worthen Arena for the first time this season include redshirt freshman Micah Bell, redshirt freshman Quincy Adams, Bailey and Brittain-Watts.

“Everybody has had a moment or two where they’ve shown some glimpses of what they can do,” Lewis said. “We’ve seen some growth, and I’m excited about what this young group can become.”

4See WE PLAY, 18

Redshirt junior forward Mickey Pearson Jr. dribbles the ball during a practice Oct. 24 at Shondell Practice Center.

MYA CATALINE, DN

celebrate! you deserve it.

Pick up your copy of the Fall 2023 Graduate Edition to read about graduation, career paths, and see a list of all the graduating students.

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DNLife

11.02.23

Joys

13

Community

The

Longest running silent auction

Jazz

of

Nov. 4, the Unitarian Universalist Church will have their “Bazaar in the Woods” from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 125-year-old event will have goods from local artists, cooks and artisans, such as jewerly, pottery, woodcrafts, etc. There’s also a raffle for a handmade quilt. Breakfast and lunch will be offered the whole event.

Cards are accepted and there’s no taxes or postages.

The Mocal Grifters, a local band, aim to bring jazz to Ball State students who may not be familiar with it.

Campus

Tribute tour coming to Emens Auditorium The original Broadway cast of “Beatlemania” and Indiana Orchestra pay tribute to the Beatles at 7:30 p.m Nov. 11. “The Classical Mystery Tour’’ will have look-alikes of the band perform iconic songs, such as “Love Me Do” and “Help!” Tickets can be bought on Ticketmaster or the auditorium for $20-$30.

ATION LUSTR , DN IL N A W EN RO BREND

Community First-year jazz studies major Nick Engle laughs with other members of the band while he plays the piano in rehearsal Oct. 26 in the Hargreaves Music Building. The band says having a pianist helps complete their overall sound. ELLA HOWELL, DN

Arianna Lessner Reporter

Having six people come together for one common goal is rare enough. Having it happen by accident seems like a one-in-a-million event. However, that was exactly the case for the Mocal Grifters.

Those who were there that night can testify to that fact. It happened after a long day of marching band camp, two weeks before classes started in August.

One evening, in Ball State University’s SchmidtWilson Residence Hall, where the marchers resided during camp, a few of the musicians were blowing off steam.

Slowly, a group started to form. Each night of their program, it progressed further. They all shared one common interest: jazz music.

Every time they met, they invited different people to play with them, and each new addition brought a different instrument, even a didgeridoo. The idea was born from there: every week, this new group of friends would meet to play their favorite music and invite anyone on campus to join them.

The Mocal Grifters are made up of secondyear music performance major Kyle Books on the drums, second-year psychology major George Trajanoski on the tenor saxophone, second-year jazz studies major Griffin McAtee on the alto

saxophone, second-year music education major Jason Frosch on the trumpet, first-year jazz studies major Nick Engle on the piano and second-year music education major Evan Parent on the upright bass. McAtee, who organizes the “jam sessions” and the house band’s practices, is the group’s leader.

“It’s a big group effort, I couldn’t do it without all of these guys,” McAtee said. “It’s a big collaborative effort.”

Originally, this group tried to start these sessions last year, but they didn’t take off. The band members said they lacked a pianist to round out their sound.

However, that all changed this year when Engle came along.

See JAZZ, 14



Custom rubber stamp making The stamps will be made at Madjax Maker Force for a $5 registration fee. To register you have to be 16 and up, or 13 and up registered with an adult. Madjax asks participants to have basic computer knowledge due to the use of a Glowforge Laser Cutter on the stamps. The stamps will be made Nov. 11 1-3 p.m. and completed stamps will be picked up Nov. 16 5-8p.m.

ON BALLSTATEDAILYNEWS.COM: “YOUR PROUD DAD” CREATOR SPEAKS BUILDING CONNECTIONS

DNLife

11.02.23

JAZZ

14

Continued from Page 13 Now, they’re going strong, performing almost every weekend in the Schmidt-Wilson lobby and picking up their new band name. The place for the performances was not accidental; they chose the dorm’s lobby specifically.

“The fine arts dorm brings in a lot of people, so a lot of them haven’t gotten any jazz practice or experience,” Frosch said. “They don’t understand the joys of playing that kind of music.”

The Schmidt-Wilson lobby furthers the band’s goals when it comes to performing these sessions.

These goals include giving new musicians a safe place to play, one that is an “under 21” space to have a “real” jazz jam session. Additionally, their goal is to expose new people to jazz and make music with new students to develop their own skills and to just have fun.

When it comes to developing their own skills, each has their own main focus. For Engle, it’s learning how to be a good soloist. Parent works on communicating with his band mid-song, nonverbally. Frosch’s focus is on self-confidence when it comes to performing.

McAtee is working on playing music that is not just fun to play but is fun to listen to. Trajanoski is discovering traits he has that impede his progress as a musician and working to fix them.

Already, they’ve all seen improvements in listening to each other as they play with one cohesive sound.

The night usually starts with the band playing three of the songs from their repertoire, and then McAtee calls on one of the “outside” musicians to join them on stage. This new musician “calls a tune,” which means they announce which song they want to play, and the band joins in.

Second-year music education major Evan parent plays the upright bass in rehearsal Oct. 26 in the Hargreaves Music Building. Parent’s current focus is working on better nonverbal communication while performing. ELLA HOWELL, DN

The “Mocal Grifter” jazz band poses for a group photo Oct. 26 in the Hargreaves Music Building. They rehearse on Thursdays and you can sometimes find them performing in the SchmidtWilson lobby. ELLA HOWELL, DN “Each new person adds a different twist to the night,” Trajanoski said.

If you’re wondering why this style of music is significant, the band has an answer based on what it means to them: jazz is mainly about collaboration with other musicians. The genre is also about evoking emotions there are no words for.

“I can’t make you feel anything with my words unless I’m a really good orator, but I can make you feel something with music if I know what I’m doing,” Trajanoski said.

It relies heavily on the connection one has with their band and the ability to be vulnerable with their audience. Self-expression is a huge part of it as well.

“When you play, it’s bearing out what’s in your soul at that moment. It’s also telling the story of you and your instrument,” McAtee explained. “If you sound really good, you can tell ‘this guy has a history.’ It’s almost like a romance.”

It sounds simple, but for some people, it might actually appear daunting. If that’s what you’re thinking, don’t worry. The Mocal Grifters have a few tips for you: Be calm. This doesn’t just mean to control your nerves, but it also means not to get too excited over playing. You can’t play well if you’re not relaxed. You must stay in control. This does mean, however, that you need to be confident in yourself.

The same thing is true with this, too –don’t get too cocky. As Trajanoski puts it, “You gotta know what you don’t know.”

Playing alone is different than playing in front of an audience. You may feel like you won’t get scared, but it’s very normal to be a little afraid. That’s OK. If you fail, that’s perfectly fine, you just have to keep getting back up.

Practice, practice and practice some more.

Each new person adds a different twist to the night.”

- GEORGE

TRAJANOSKI, Tenor saxophone player for the Mocal Grifters If you’re not sure where to start, come to a session and listen to the other soloists play. Really try to follow along and get inspired by your peers.

Come prepared with a piece you feel comfortable with. If you don’t, you’re setting yourself up to feel your nerves kick in, which will increase your chances of messing up.

If you’re still scared, the band invites you to come talk to them. They always want to introduce people to jazz.

You can occasionally find them in the Schmidt-Wilson lobby at 7 on Friday nights. If you find yourself craving some authentic jazz music without leaving campus, you know exactly where to go.

Contact Arianna Lessner with comments at arianna.lessner@ bsu.edu.

BRENDEN ROWAN, DN ILLUSTRATION

Second-year music performance major Kyle Books plays the drums in rehearsal Oct. 26 in the Hargreaves Music Building.

ELLA HOWELL, DN

15 11.02.23

DNLife

Disabled Do’s and Don’ts Tips for How to Best Approach a Disabled Person

Katherine Hill Reporter Editor’s Note: Born two months premature, Katherine Hill was diagnosed with Congenital Diplegia Cerebral Palsy by age two and developed a stutter which has followed her from elementary school in varying degrees of severity.

Now an adult and in the workforce, she’s been on the front end of some linguistic microaggressions that are worth correcting. Hill’s views do not reflect those of the Daily News.

Disclaimer: This list does not represent every disabled person’s opinions, thoughts or feelings, nor is it limited to only five phrases.

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and despite the month coming to a close, here are some good reminders for what to, and not to, say to a disabled person—whether cognitive or physical—and tips for what to say instead:

2x The unemployment rate for persons with a disability was about

as high as the rate for persons without a disability

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

“What’s wrong with you?”

No. Just no. This is the rudest possible way to go about asking someone about their situation if you wish to receive a genuine answer. Most disabled people welcome questions— but only if asked respectfully. Following up this question with “No offense,” or “I wasn’t trying to be rude,” does not make it any less offensive, rude or blatantly ignorant.

More respectful ways to ask the same question include: “May I ask about….”

“I noticed this. I am interested in learning more.

Could you tell me about it?”

“Do you feel comfortable talking about…”

Refrain from using “special needs.”

“Special needs” is a generic and outdated umbrella term for a set of unique circumstances. The euphemism first came about in the 1960s because, “The thinking was that parents might feel more comfortable saying, ‘My child has special needs,’ rather than, ‘My child is disabled,’’’ wrote Autism Consultant Lisa Jo Rudy for Very Well Family.

It’s not politically incorrect, but when one uses this term, especially when referencing an individual, it can give the impression they do not care enough to learn about that individual’s disability. For some people, their disabilities are their identities.

Disabilities, conditions and diagnoses have names, and any sugar-coated term such as “special,” “differently-abled” or “handicapable,” belittles the authentic experience of what it is to be disabled. The best way to show that you care about a mentally/physically disabled person is to educate yourself about their specific needs. In reference to multiple disabled people, the term “disabled” is adequate.

1in 4 adults in the United States have some type of disability

Source: CDC

“You’re such an inspiration!”

This is often said by someone who genuinely means well, which most people in the disabled community know and can appreciate— but most disabled people don’t live to be someone else’s inspiration. They are human— just like the rest of the public— and for those who hold praise in high regard, being called “an inspiration” can do more harm than good.

It can create an irrational fear of disappointing someone by way of inevitable human error. When trying to give positive reinforcement to a disabled person, one should always be mindful of their tone and the present moment or situation they are in. Most related comments from strangers such as, “You’re doing an excellent job,” or “I’m proud of you,” although meant kindly, are not essential, as they are often said after a disabled person has completed menial, basic taskwork— and can come off as condescending.

“Relax.”

It’s never a good idea to tell anyone this upon first meeting them because one has no idea of the past experiences that have shaped the person who may appear uneasy. Disabled people can often be divided into two categories: those who speak up for themselves and their needs almost imperatively, and those who have trouble doing so out of nerves or judgment.

Both types of people don’t need to “relax.”

They need someone to listen closely—oftentimes because the last person didn’t.

Disability is a complicated existence. Open ears and deliberate eye contact make a world of difference to help those affected feel heard and seen.

“You can’t/shouldn’t do that.”

This is a common phrase parents tell their children from time to time— with good reason.

The intent, of course, is to keep them safe, but at some point, parents develop trust in their child’s judgment, per the natural order of growth and development.

However, for disabled people, decades of demographic-related stigma make it extensively harder to gain that trust, from both loved ones and generalized society. Disabled people are people,

In 2022,

21.3% of persons with a disability were employed

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

people who know they have limits. When one draws attention to those limits, it can be deeply hurtful and prompt the disabled person to be driven by nothing but debunking that underestimation.

This is dangerous— and can lead to a poor self-image over time if trust is not instilled in relationships.

If presented with a situation where the safety of a disabled person becomes a concern, do not immediately take control by offering to do something for them. Do not assume they need help either. The offer will more than likely be declined because such abrupt assumptions can be insulting.

Instead, try asking, “What can I do to help?” or, “I want to help. I would appreciate it if you would let me.” Those phrases put the disabled person back in control of the situation. Always look for adaptations before resorting to negative and definite terminology such as, “no,” “never” or “can’t.” The task needs to be adapted to fit the person, never vice versa.

Ball State University is one of the leading accessibility institutions in Indiana. Earlier this year, it was ranked in the top 10 of “wheelchairfriendly colleges” in the Wheels on Campus edition of New Mobility magazine.

Campus resources include the Alliance for Disability Awareness Club, a student organization that meets monthly and is dedicated to disability education and awareness, and the Office of Disability Services. To learn more about physical and cognitive disabilities, or to receive accommodations, stop by their office in the student center, call (765)-285-5293 or email dsd@ bsu.edu.

Contact Katherine Hill with comments at katherine.hill@bsu.edu .

DNOpinion 16

11.02.23

Academic Accommodations: Solving and Causing Problems The accommodations I had weren’t always the accommodations I needed.

JESSICA BERGFORS, DN ILLUSTRATION

ON BALLSTATEDAILYNEWS.COM: CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE AS A FIRST-GEN STUDENT

17

11.02.23

DNOpinion

IN ORDER TO DESTIGMATIZE THE TOPIC, PEOPLE NEED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ACCOMMODATIONS AND THOSE WHO USE THEM. Scarlet Gallagher

Columnist, “Sprouting Thoughts”

Scarlet Gallagher is a first-year international business major and writes “Sprouting Thoughts” for the Daily News. Her views do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.

My eyes darted from face to face as I fidgeted in my seat, waiting for the time when I would get to share my thoughts.

It never came.

I went into a meeting with administrators and my parents about my 504 plan — a plan that gives assistance and accommodations to students with disabilities — and spent the entire time sitting there silently while adults talked over my head. My input was not taken into account in the decisions made.

Before I reached high school, I always had accommodations decided for me instead of by me.

I don’t believe they were very helpful. It was only when I reached high school and was allowed to take control of my plan that they benefited me the most.

I was diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) at a young age, which is highly uncommon since ADHD is underdiagnosed in girls. This is due to women having a less-established symptom history in the medical field, as well as a higher rate of misdiagnosis.

Accommodations first got a start in the United States following the implementation of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). According to the United States Department of Education, it was enacted in 1975 with the intention of protecting the rights of those with disabilities and increasing their access to education.

Prior to the IDEA, only one in five children with disabilities was receiving an education in public schools. Many states even had laws preventing them from attending public schools. There have been many improvements since then, but issues still exist.

Based on my own experiences, the accommodation system in place for students with learning disabilities in elementary and middle school in the U.S. operates under the assumption that adults understand the experiences of the students better than those needing accommodation.

Discussing my experiences with classmates and

friends, I learned I wasn’t alone in feeling unheard.

There is a lot to be improved upon with the current system. At its core, it excludes the ones who need accommodations.

In elementary school, it was decided by my counselor and school administrators that I should use a balance ball chair in class with the intent of helping me focus.

up being required to use this chair for years.

Everyone involved thought it would be beneficial to me, but it wasn’t, and I found myself frustrated. I felt like my thoughts and opinions were spoken over and brushed aside in favor of someone else’s decision.

A student’s ability for self-advocacy when it comes to voicing their needs is extremely important.

Prior to the IDEA, only one in five children with disabilities was receiving an education in public schools.

Source: U.S. Department of Education

It didn’t play out the way it was supposed to.

It not only set me apart from my classmates visually — a difference they were quick to pick up on — but it fostered jealousy towards me.

My peers either viewed it as favoritism or saw it as a sign that I was weird and unlike them.

Classmates would frequently take my ball without asking because they wanted to use it, leaving me without a seat and causing conflict.

Even though I expressed my dislike for the ball, my teachers ignored me. This caused me to develop a deep hatred for it.

I dreaded class. I dreaded school.

Having to try and balance every time I was sitting down ended up throwing off my focus. It was both irritating and distracting. But I still ended

When I got to high school, I was fortunate enough to find the support I needed to achieve selfadvocacy. The support from my counselors and teachers helped me express what accommodations would truly help me.

However, I find myself wondering how many others like me didn’t have support systems to guide them in this crucial transitional point of the accommodation system.

Unfortunately, it can be hard for many students to get accommodations of any kind, let alone the ones they need. Less wealthy families often cannot afford the testing required to get a disability diagnosis due to their insurance not covering them, with others having no insurance at all. According to KFF, formerly known as the Kaiser Family

Foundation, at least three percent of children in the U.S. with special needs were completely uninsured as of 2019.

Even in college, there are students who are unable to get the accommodations they need due to not having proper documentation. At Ball State University, a student’s healthcare professional must fill out paperwork before the student can get accommodations, meaning past diagnoses can’t be submitted if the student can no longer afford to see a doctor.

On top of that, there are still individuals who view accommodations, such as extended deadlines or extra time on exams, as giving an unfair advantage to students. I’ve heard people imply that those who use accommodations don’t actually need them and are being given an unfair advantage over other students.

This mindset can discourage students who are seeking accommodations or those already with accommodations from utilizing them.

Those with disabilities don’t want to be viewed negatively by their classmates and others for using their accommodations.

This disapproval can be harsh, and I’ve witnessed it firsthand. Because of this, I’ve hesitated in requesting extra time on assignments I know I will struggle with because I feel I will somehow be cheating or giving my peers an unfair disadvantage.

The whole point of accommodations is to allow myself and others like me an equal opportunity to do well, regardless of disability.

According to an article published in the Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, giving students with learning disabilities more time on exams allowed them to attempt the same amount of questions as students without learning disabilities who would have been able to under standard time conditions.

In order to destigmatize the topic, people need to learn more about accommodations and those who use them.

Our current education system needs to be reframed to make sure those who need these services not only receive them but receive the ones truly useful to them.

I hope talking about it is a step in the right direction because change will only happen when more people understand the issue at hand.

Contact Scarlet Gallagher with comments at samantha.gallagher@bsu.edu.

THERE IS A LOT TO BE IMPROVED UPON WITH THE CURRENT SYSTEM. AT ITS CORE, IT EXCLUDES THE ONES WHO NEED ACCOMMODATIONS.

DNSports

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GO BALL Continued from Page 09

Ball State will also face off against Power-5 schools Georgia and Pittsburgh on a neutral floor when the Cardinals play in the Sun Coast Challenge in Tampa, Florida from Dec. 19-21.

Their schedule also sees road games at Western Kentucky as well as St. Louis, who won the Atlantic-10 conference a season ago.

“It’s exciting, it’s daunting…but if you’re a competitor, it’s what you want, and I think I have a team full of them,” Sallee said.

Season expectations

Sallee made no question about it, the Cardinals’ main goal is to win in Cleveland. Entering year 12 as the head coach of the Cardinals, a MAC title is the one thing missing from Sallee’s resume.

“Clearly, the elephant in the room is that we have to break through and win this thing,” Sallee said.

Coming off a season that saw the Cardinals win 26 games, Ball State was still left packing in March after a semifinal loss to Bowling Green in the MAC tournament. Although Ball State played in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament (WNIT), Becki said there is still a bad taste in the Cardinals’ mouth for how things ended.

“The way things ended was not right or what we wanted,” Becki said.

Because of the consistency in the program over the years, Sallee said there are expectations that come with that.

“I’ve always hung my hat on trying to make sure we have a group that could think about winning championships,” Sallee said.

The one thing I’ve always thought with women’s basketball is we have to be accessible, we have to make connections with fans.”

- BRADY SALLEE, Head coach

Sallee remembers walking out onto the court for his first game 12 years ago, looking into the crowd and seeing an overwhelming amount of empty seats.

“This is going to change,” Sallee told assistant coach Audrey McDonald-Spencer.

Since then, it has. In 2012, Sallee’s first year as head coach, the average attendance in Worthen Arena for women’s basketball was 928. In 2022-

WE PLAY Continued from Page 11

Indiana Ties Basketball in Indiana can be big to some fans, and when it comes to college hoops in the Hoosier state, it may be a religion to some. This season, Ball State has many faces who call the Crossroads of America home.

“It just felt like home,” Jones said.

Jones’ father played football at the University of Notre Dame, his mother played softball at Indiana University and his brother is currently on the Hoosiers’ football team. The former Mr. Basketball candidate knows he can’t ride the coattails of his family if he wants to achieve his own goals.

“Getting here is not enough,” Jones said.

“Leaving a mark and succeeding and helping this team is what my main goal is.”

Leadership from old and new

Freshman forward Mason Jones dunks the ball during a practice Oct. 24 at Shondell Practice Center. MYA CATALINE, DN

With the number of new Cardinals this season, someone will need to step up and lead Ball State.

Jihad already views himself as that person. “[Being a leader] is the role I want,” he said.

“I’m excited and I’m just trying to take advantage of it and be the best I can be for my team.”

Anderson thinks that’s the reason he’s here.

“I’ve been in college basketball for some time and played in a really good conference, so my coaches expect me to be a leader, my teammates expect me to be a leader and I’m gonna speak for myself –I know that’s the next step in my game,” Anderson said.

23, that number was 1,669. The program has grown thanks to the tight relationship the team has built with the community.

“Our biggest job is giving them a product with a type of kid that they want to support,” Sallee said.

There are certain boxes Sallee wants to check to make sure fans have a reason to come support.

The types of players on the team and the product on the floor are the keys to keep fans coming back.

“The one thing I’ve always thought with women’s basketball is we have to be accessible, we have to make connections with fans,” Sallee said. “I want our fans to be able to dap our players up after our game. I want our players to engage with them and thank them for coming. I want that kind of relationship between the community, students and our team.”

Sallee hopes the community and the student body will recognize that the Cardinals are what he called a special group, saying they are worth the price of admission.

The Cardinals start their season Nov. 6 against Tennessee Tech University at 11 a.m. in Muncie.

Contact Elijah Poe via email at elijah.poe@bsu. edu or on X @ElijahPoe4. Contact Caleb Zuver via email at cmzuver@bsu.edu or on X @zuves35.

ON BALLSTATEDAILY.COM Read the full story online.

After winning the most games (20) since 201617, the returners want to improve on that number.

“We’re trying to use that as motivation to have a whole complete season and keep that chip on our shoulder,” Pearson said.

Lewis recalled a piece of advice he heard from Brad Stevens, former head coach at Butler University and current general manager for the Boston Celtics; Stevens said coaches learn more from players than the other way around, something Lewis noticed during his first season as a head coach.

“Last year, we were trying to set a culture and an accountability for what our expectations were and what it takes to win at this level,” Lewis said.

“This year, it’s a lot more teaching and educating these guys on what our program is about.”

While Lewis wants to focus more on teaching the Cardinals on what the Ball State way is, last year’s success was something the new athletes want to expand upon.

“Everybody always says pressure is not real,” Anderson said. “Yes, it’s real, but it’s about how you handle it. [Last year’s success] definitely adds a lot of pressure to us, but we’re locked in on a mission. We’re playing for each other.”

The Cardinals tip off the new season when they face Goshen Tuesday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. in Worthen Arena.

Contact Kyle Smedley with comments via email at kyle.smedley@bsu.edu or on X @KyleSmedley_.

Contact Zach Carter with comments via email at zachary.carter@bsu.edu or on X @ZachCarter85.

ON BALLSTATEDAILY.COM Read the full story online.

MERCY Continued from Page 05

For farmers with a history of farmers behind them, the idea of failure can be an added pressure.

“There’s the legacy of the farm,” Rice said.

“If the farm has been in your family for five generations and you’re the last generation to farm, you may feel like you have let down your ancestors.”

Some, like Collins, find faith and a sense of calm indifference in moments of distress.

“I’m not a good Christian or anything, but I do believe in God and I do have pretty strong faith as far as when things are out of my control,” Collins said, “It’s every year and you can worry yourself to death about a drought or if the crops are going to be okay or anything like that. But at the end of the day, you’re at Mother Nature’s mercy and the mercy of the crop.”

The industry might change, it might rise, it might fall, but for some farmers, it was never about the industry at all. It was about the almost primal connection to the land and being at its mercy.

“We might be in the fields sweatin’ really hard and it might be hot or it might be stressful because we’ve got a rain storm coming,” Collins said. “But farming, it’s not meant to make money, it’s meant to be enjoyed and for connection to happen. Because that’s the passion, you want to be a steward, that’s what gets fulfilled when you’ve had that experience.”

Contact Abigail Denault with comments at abigail.denault@bsu.edu.

BALLSTATEDAILYNEWS.COM

Read the full story online.

Cattle roam Neil Marshall’s family farm Oct. 27 in Hartford City. Marshall, a Sophomore accounting major, farms with his parents and grandparents. RYLAN CAPPER, DN

Crossword & Sudoku

ACROSS 1 Day __ 4 Door support 8 Keep busy 14 China shop threat 15 Native Nebraskan 16 Newcomer 17 Red crawler, perhaps 18 Patient shopper’s reward 19 Bays, e.g.

20 Only way to tackle a 57-Across 23 Paper bit 24 __ only: sale caveat 28 Question muttered while tackling a 57-Across 32 Modern cash source 35 Barely flow 36 Back nine opener 37 Gunk 38 Jackson Hole’s county 41 Salem’s lot?: Abbr.

42 Frottage artist Max 45 13-Downs heard in pairs 47 Contacts list no.

48 Popular theme for 57-Acrosses 52 Aptly named “Music From Big Pink” group 53 Enlighten 57 Challenge commercialized by mapmaker John Spilsbury

circa 1760 61 Novelist Graham 64 Sky-high stunt 65 Shade on a beach 66 Amazon delivery 67 About 68 PC rescue key 69 Outpourings 70 First-time biology student, usually 71 Friend of Fidel

DOWN 1 Cakes not for eating 2 Kind of button or room 3 Time-telling word 4 Margaret of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” 5 Run __ 6 “Holy __!”

7 Car talk?

8 Familiarize 9 Downfall for Narcissus 10 “Gigi” novelist 11 Usually four-stringed instrument 12 Peach center 13 “Without a doubt” 21 Crow’s cry 22 Charged particle 25 “__ for You”: Dylan song to his first wife

26 British bishop’s headdress 27 “I Love Lucy” role 29 Up to now 30 Apt adjective for Stuart Little 31 Eye-related 32 CIA worker 33 Synagogue scroll 34 Three-card con 39 Literary homage 40 Prefix with binary 43 Sentence focus, grammatically 44 Newcomer 46 Attack 49 Marx co-author 50 ‘60s protest gp.

51 “Word” with who or me 54 Montezuma follower 55 Fail to match 56 Therefore 58 Dozens and dozens 59 Eroded 60 “The Thinker” has an iconic one 61 Traveler’s aid, briefly 62 Knock hard 63 Time capsule time

SOLUTIONS FOR OCTOBER 26

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19

11.02.23

DNPuzzles

DECISION NewsLink and The Daily News are teaming up to provide the area’s most comprehensive election coverage for the Muncie races you’re watching.

Watch live on Nov. 7 on Facebook at NewsLinkBSU, then read more analysis online at ballstatedailynews.com.