Ball State Daily News Vol. 103, Issue 23

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‘Cardinals Vote!’ looks to create change across campus and Indiana.

DAILY DAIL AIL NEW NEWS S

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DN ILLUSTRATION JESSICA BERGFORS,

02.22.2024

ballstatedailynews.com

@bsudailynews

DNNews

02.22.24

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A Promise of Persistence

This Student Press Freedom Day, the Daily News Editorial Staff calls for support in student journalism.

Daily News Editorial Board In our newsroom, we have one main goal: to tell the stories that matter to the people who need to hear them.

During the last decade, our publication has taken on the challenge of covering more than the Ball State community. We challenged the notion of being “a campus newspaper.” While the majority of our staff hasn’t called Delaware County home for longer than four years, we still take on the challenge of telling the stories of this community.

We know our purpose, and we know why we do the work we do. But that doesn’t stop outside forces from placing hurdles in our path.

That very notion is why Student Press Freedom Day is so important.

Our work has had lasting impacts on the community.

The Partnership Project Paper has brought national attention to the work done with Muncie Community Schools and Ball State. We have dedicated coverage that shines a light on the community schools so families of students know what is happening.

We have a thriving section of sports reporters, many of whom are focused on covering Delaware County sports and bringing attention to the pool of talent in our local community.

On campus, our staff has traveled across the country covering Ball State Athletics — telling stories that go beyond basic game coverage. We tell stories about the students who are athletes, not the athletes who happen to be students.

We highlight the sports that are not covered by other outlets.

We have published in-depth investigative stories that have led to national coverage and legislative action, sparking conversation and change for the betterment of the community.

Our publication has always dealt with mixed opinions from the administration and faculty at Ball State, extending beyond our immediate School of Journalism and Strategic Communication circle.

Too often has our staff has been denied access to interviews with coaches and athletes by Ball State Athletics or asked to change how we ask questions in press conferences to accommodate coaches and players after tough games. We get to be on the sidelines and go to press conferences, but when our goal is to tell the stories beyond game recaps, how can we do that when some of the athletics staff is more focused on controlling the narrative rather than showcasing the best of their brand?

government-funded university, transparency should not constantly be in question.

According to the Student Press Law Center, “Student Press Freedom Day is a national day of action when we celebrate the contributions of student journalists and the need to support their independence without censorship or threat to their advisers.”

The theme for the 2024 Student Press Freedom Day is “Powerfully Persistent.” For those of us at the Daily News, we take that message to heart.

Being persistent is to create change through adversity and remain optimistic as you power through challenges. Persistence is the most important skill for a journalist to have. Change-making stories, like all stories, don’t come from complacency.

This Student Press Freedom Day, our staff would like to call on the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication and Ball State University to recognize the one way they can foster an encouraging learning environment for student journalists: support.

Support that is active, fair and encourages the work we do in the newsroom. Not support that shows up once a year to toast our achievements or takes to social media for the latest award.

This support is best found when administration, athletics and anyone connected to Ball State is willing to work with its student journalists rather than barring us from athletes, administration and other sources.

In a world of news deserts, misinformation and a need for young journalists, the Daily News promises to remain persistent against the forces to provide our community with real, change-making stories that need to be told.

As always, thank you for your support.

This Student Press Freedom Day, our staff would like to call on the School of Journalism and Strategic Communication and Ball State University to recognize the one way they can foster an encouraging learning environment for student journalists: support.

VOL. 103 ISSUE: 23 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.

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 Trinity Rea, Associate News Editor Katherine Hill, Associate 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

In the same breath, in most instances where our staff reaches out to any member of the university administration, the response is from a university spokesperson on how they can help handle the situation.

Can university officials not respond to emails by themselves? Or does the marketing and communications wing of Ball State not trust them too?

Arguably, this is the job. We are journalists, and journalists don’t always get a response. However, especially with a public, Oakley Myers, Social Media Editor Mya Cataline, Photo Editor Andrew Berger, Associate Photo Editor Meghan Holt, Visual Editor Jessica Bergfors, Visual Editor Brenden Rowan, Visual Editor Maria Nevins, Podcast Editor Terry Heifetz, Interim 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.

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CORRECTION

In the Feb. 15 issue of the Daily News, the issue number was 22, not 21, on pg. 4, the NAACP Youth Council meets every second Monday of the month, not Thursday and on pg. 14 it is Carson Myers, not Meyers.

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

Content warning: The illustration on page 16 may be upsetting to some viewers, discretion is advised.

MEGHAN HOLT, DN ILLUSTRATION

DNNews

A Place for Peace Ball State’s new Peace Plaza looks to encourage conversations about peace on campus.06

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State

House Education Committee approves SB 202

Indiana Senate Bill (SB) 202 passed in the House Education Committee with 8 yeas 4 nays Feb. 21. The bill, which discusses “duties of state educational institutions’ diversity committees,” changes the process of tenure and allows students to “submit complaints” if a faculty member is not meeting certain criteria related to free expression.

Local

Police search for Muncie Mall intruder Muncie police are trying to identify an individual who broke into the Muncie Mall Feb. 18. They are believed to be a white male, 5 feet 8 inches tall. The intruder broke several windows on the southeast side of the mall, gaining access to the building’s interior. Community members can contact Muncie Police Department’s detective division with any information.

Campus

Poole-Large ticket wins SGA election

Ball State’s new Peace Plaza column sits directly across from Shafer Bell Tower Feb. 21 at University Green. Ball State’s Center for Peace and Conflict Studies plans to build more columns to represent the seven continents. ANDREW BERGER, DN

SGA election results were finalized Feb. 20 with Noah Poole Brenna Large claiming the presidency and vice presidency, respectively The ticket ran on an “Elevate” platform, promising to ensure the safety of students . Roughly 6.2 percent of Ball State’s 2022-2023 undergraduate student population voted in the election.

ON BALLSTATEDAILYNEWS.COM: MUNCIE MISSION HOSTS ANNUAL WALK A MILE EVENT

DNNews

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New campus initiative encourages students to vote.

JE S

S, DN FOR G R E AB SIC

RATION ILLUST

I’ m Re gistered To Vote

I V oted!

Trinity Rea Associate News Editor With the 2024 presidential election approaching, Associate Professor of Educational Studies David Associate Professor of Education Studies Dr. David Roof (left) and Director of Student Life Abby Haworth (right) pose for Roof and Director of Student Life Abby Haworth a photo Feb. 7 in front of Beneficence. Roof and Haworth created “Cardinal Vote!” to address the lack of understanding wanted to address the lack of understanding surrounding civic engagement on campus. MYA CATALINE, DN With help from the Fellows, Roof still held a Second-year political science major and pre-law surrounding civic engagement on campus.

This desire led them to create the ‘‘Cardinals student Shaina Miller is a member of the 2024 desire to reach more students with the initiative. He Democracy Fellow team and is participating in began to look at the NCAA and how the national Vote!’’ initiative. collegiate athletics organization promotes civic Their creation looks to educate, inform and Roof’s initiative.

She said she loves her role of helping other engagement among its student-athletes. With this cultivate civic responsibility to students on-campus and around east-central Indiana. Additionally, students learn more about voting and the in mind, he began to take steps toward utilizing the potential of the Mid-American Conference (MAC). they’re looking to address the lack of understanding importance of democracy. surrounding democratic principles as well.

“I think over the last few years here in the United “Grants like the one we received from the Community States, that concern [democratic principles] shifted a bit back due to domestic, and of course, pandemic Engaged Alliance help us best serve the Ball State things,” Roof said. students and community.”

The initiative also holds the goal of increasing voter turnout and bringing awareness to how - ABBY HAWORTH, important democracy is. By the end of the year, Director of Student Life Ball State aims to exceed the Indiana 18-24-yearRoof reached out to Lindsey Blom, associate “Everyone has an opinion, but many young old voting rate by 50 percent and surpass the people are unlikely to express those opinions in athletic director for championship performance campus voter turnout rate from 2020.

Despite positive voter trends in 18-24-year-olds the polls,” Miller said via email. “By encouraging and professor of sport and exercise psychology at at Ball State, Roof said the rest of Indiana has yet students to vote, I feel that we are helping create a Ball State. After learning about the initiative and its state that represents the opinions of a growing and goals, Blom was immediately on board. to catch up to the university.

“I was trying to figure out, across the nation, According to the 2023 Indiana Civic Health changing population.”

The Fellows are offering to visit classrooms to what we can do to support [student athletes] and Index, Indiana’s midterm voter turnout from 2022 ranks 50th overall in the nation. This is a drop from provide students with a short information session on younger adults to be involved in civic duties and responsibilities and understanding,” Blom said. voting, preparing them for the upcoming election.

43rd in 2018.

Since joining the initiative, Blom helped create They’re also currently hosting a button design To achieve all the initiative wants to accomplish, and to improve voter turnout rates, Roof recognized contest for the initiative. Within this, they’re and maintain a partnership between Ball State they needed additional help, especially with hoping to encourage students to be creative and athletics and the MAC. She plans to use her funding. Along with this, he recognized ‘Cardinals inspire them to participate in democracy. In the connections across the conference to multiply the future, they’re looking to expand upon their work effect of ‘Cardinals Vote!’, ensuring it extends Vote!’ needed to be larger than just Ball State. beyond Ball State.

Roof oversees the Center for Economic and and participate in more events.

Blom said being able to use connections in the Miller said creating social change on campus Civic Learning, which houses the Democracy Fellows, a Ball State organization designed to help through the Democracy Fellows and ‘Cardinals MAC to enhance voter turnout in the region will create a new generation of leaders. The ability to Vote!’ will have a larger impact on the community. help increase the number of people impacted by “I have come to understand that universities act the campaign. utilize the Fellows led him to encourage them to “We realized just getting people registered to as laboratories of ideas and social changes that get involved.

“I am just trying to be a facilitator and help move occur on a campus level have impacts on larger vote doesn’t necessarily give them the education or things along,” Roof said. “It’s unfolding, and some communities,” Miller said via email. “Creating award them the intrinsic motivation to stay engaged of it’s a bit unknown… but students get interested social change on campus is a part of how I want to beyond some recommendation,” Blom said.

In the process of working with the MAC, impact our world.” and want to lead parts of it.”

Roof discovered and applied for a grant from the Community Engaged Alliance (CEA).

The CEA has been supporting Indiana higher education institutions since the early ’90s, hoping to improve these institutions’ relationships with local communities. In doing so, they’ve remained the only organization in Indiana that works with all institutional levels.

Soon after applying for the grant, Ball State announced Jan. 2 that the initiative was selected to be awarded the money.

“I think the grant’s really important,” Roof said.

“It’ll give us leverage. There’s a national data set for youth voting and colleges, so we’ll be able to make better use of that data and compare that.”

Alongside a newfound ability to produce more research, the grant will also allow for the initiative to create more advertisements.

This will come in the form of traditional advertising, including fundraising events, merchandise and more, helping to build off of foundational support for the initiative.

“It is the role of Student Life to help students understand their opportunity to be civically engaged,” Haworth said via email. “Grants like the one we received from the Community Engaged Alliance help us best serve the Ball State students and community. We are thankful for organizations that are driven to help the betterment of institutions.”

Ball State has traditionally participated in National Voter Registration Day and National Voter Education Week and looks to again later this year. ‘Cardinals Vote!’ currently has plans to hold workshops through the Democracy Fellows along with setting up tables across campus with more information and opportunities for students to learn why voting matters.

Those looking to get involved or learn more about the initiative can utilize the ‘Cardinals Vote!’ website or contact the Center for Economic and Civic Learning at cecl@bsu.edu. Those with ideas for the initiative can reach out to Roof at djroof@bsu.edu.

Contact Trinity Rea via email at trinity.rea@bsu. edu or on X @thetrinityrea.

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DNNews

02.22.24

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The Center of Peace and Conflict Studies first came up with the idea for a peace plaza in 2011.

Grayson Joslin Director of Recruitment The area where Ball State University’s new Peace Plaza stands, in University Green between the College of Architecture Building and the Whitinger Business Building, was once informally referred to as “the ashtray.”

“The pavement was all cracked around the landscape, and it was not maintained that well,” Lawrence “Larry” Gerstein, a psychology professor at Ball State, said.

Gerstein also serves as the director of the Center of Peace and Conflict Studies. The center’s mission on Ball State’s campus is to research conflict and provide outreach and support on the issue.

When Gerstein and the center’s advisory board started to explore the opportunity of a Peace Plaza on campus, they contacted Jim Lowe, associate vice president for facilities planning and management at Ball State.

“We created this for impact,” Lowe said. “It defines what we are as a campus in terms of our inclusiveness, responsibility and gratitude.”

submit proposals to expand the understanding of a peaceful world.

In 2011, the center’s advisory board first brought up ideas for a Peace Plaza on campus; there was a desire to install a permanent location.

Beth Messner, associate professor in communication studies and outreach coordinator for the Center of Peace, said other college campuses typically have places devoted to political discourse and peace relations.

“We started dreaming about what that would look like on Ball State’s campus,” Messner said.

Anthony Costello, professor emeritus of architecture, began to meet with members from the Center of Peace to discuss designs for a peace pole on campus. Costello then came back with the idea to expand beyond this original idea and make something bigger.

Currently, the Peace Plaza has one pillar up, which represents Indiana. The worksite plans call for seven additional, smaller pillars, which will represent the seven continents. The pillars will be made of granite and limestone sourced from Indiana, specifically the Bloomington area.

The pillars will also have the ability to light A photo of Ball State’s new Peace Plaza Feb. 21 located at University Green. The university hopes that this space will act as a up at night, with the ability to cycle through commune for discussions about peace and violence. ANDREW BERGER, DN three different colors at once. For example, on Homecoming weekend, the lights alternated between red and white.

Gerstein said the lights will be used to commemorate certain anniversaries and events as well.

We may not be done [after we put up the pillars]. It may grow to something even more. That’s the beauty of this project.”

- JIM LOWE, Associate vice president for facilities planning and management

Lowe’s hope for the Peace Plaza, currently under construction, is to be a place where students and community members alike can gather and have conversations about peace and violence.

The Center for Peace and Conflict Studies has been active on Ball State’s campus since 1988. The center offers a minor in peace studies and conflict resolution and awards the Cohen Peace Grant for Ball State faculty and graduate students towards research on peacemaking.

Originally, the purpose of the plaza was to hold events every April to honor people who died from events such as the Oklahoma City bombing April 19, 1995, and the Virginia Tech shooting April 16, 2007.

Gerstein said he believes a plurality of mass shootings and attacks happen in April, and he wanted to use the month to honor those people who died.

During April, the center holds events relating to nonviolence and peace. In the past, a flash mob for peace, the building of a temporary peace pole and creation of paintings/art for peace took place during what the center calls “Nonviolent April.” In April 2024, the center will host the Better World Student Peace Conference, where students can

However, as the Peace Plaza came to fruition, its scope and purpose changed.

He hopes those also see a place for tabling events, candlelight vigils and a space to bring awareness to social justice issues.

Lowe believes the plaza will become a popular gathering spot on campus.

“We’ve now created a spot that, for decades to come, is the designated spot on campus,” Lowe said.

The plaza has been funded by donations from the John W. Anderson Foundation, the college deans across Ball State, and the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The amount raised so far has totaled $200,000.

Lowe said it would take “in the neighborhood” of another $200,000 to put up the other seven pillars. The site may also include flagpoles and plaques in the future.

“We may not be done [after we put up the pillars].

It may grow to something even more,” Lowe said.

“That’s the beauty of this project.”

Contact Grayson Joslin with comments at Grayson.joslin@bsu.edu or on X @ GraysonMJoslin.

The first peace column at the Peace Plaza Feb. 13 in front of the Shafer Tower. The peace column, the first of eight for the Peace Plaza, borrowed design cues from the Shafer Bell Tower.

GRAYSON JOSLIN, DN

Members of Ball State’s Center for Peace and Conflict Studies stand in front of the column in the Peace Plaza Feb. 13 at University Green. The Center for Peace, among other things, offers a peace studies minor that can be added to any major.

GRAYSON JOSLIN, DN

A marker representing the North American continent is cast in the shadow of the first pole in the Peace Plaza Feb. 13 on University Green. The finished plan of the Peace Plaza will have eight columns representing the seven continents and the state of Indiana. GRAYSON JOSLIN, DN

DNSports

02.22.24

Freshman forward Mason Jones shoots a free throw against Bowling Green Jan. 30 at Worthen Arena. Jones played 23 minutes of the game.

MYA CATALINE, DN

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Track and Field

Ball State heads to MAC Championships The Cardinals will head to Ypsilanti, Michigan, to compete in the MidAmerican Conference (MAC) Indoor track and field Championships. Last year, Ball State finished in second place behind Eastern Michigan. The competition will be held Feb. 23-24 and events will start on each day at 10 a.m.

Baseball

Cardinals on the road for weekend series After opening up their season 3-1 in the Swig and Swine College Classic, Ball State will be on the road again to face the University of Cincinnati, the University of Illinois and Coastal Carolina. With two games Feb. 23, the Cardinals will face Cincinnati at 11 a.m. and Illinois at 7 p.m.

The Feb. 24 game against Coastal Carolina will start at 4 p.m.

Women’s Golf

More than

‘The Guy Who Plays Hard’

Ball State men’s basketball’s Mason Jones earned a consistent starting role due to his work ethic instilled by his collegiate athlete parents.08

Ball State travels to Rio Verde, Arizona Coming off of a third-place finish in the BGSU Women’s Intercollegiate at the Wigwam Golf Resort last week, the Cardinals will head to Rio Verde, Arizona to compete in the Rio Verde Invitational. The Cardinals will play Feb. 23-25 as a part of their third invitational this spring. Last year, Ball State placed ninth out of 18 teams.

ON BALLSTATEDAILYNEWS.COM: MEN’S BASKETBALL DEFEATS NORTHERN ILLINOIS

DNSports

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Mason Jones of Ball State men’s basketball uses family entrenched in athletics for motivation.

Kyle Smedley Co-sports editor and print managing editor Mason Jones sat near the right block of the far side practice court in the Don Shondell Practice Facility, shoving a basketball back and forth on his right foot. His Nike shoes controlled the ball’s movement, a skill Jones adopts well when trying to pry the ball away from his opponents.

Just like his play style, his attire was simple — a plain, black T-shirt.

His teeth shined bright white when he talked about earning a starting role for Ball State men’s basketball in his first year at the university. His mother, Kassey Jones, could hardly speak as she held back tears.

“He was so excited,” Kassey said. “Just knowing all the hard work that he’s been putting in for years is paying off.”

Mason said he didn’t expect to start right away for the Cardinals, and neither did anyone else in his family. He feels his defense is the biggest reason why, and credited that to the learning curve on positioning he had to endure after joining the program.

“Making that instinct instead of thinking about it was the big part for me because sometimes I knew what to do, but it just wouldn’t come fast enough,” Mason said.

But Mason said he doesn’t just want to be known as ‘The Guy Who Plays Hard.’ While he recognized a step up in the caliber of competition from high school to college, he said his transition between the two was made easier thanks to his family’s experience in Division I sports.

Mason is the fourth member of his immediate family to play Division I sports. His mother played softball at Indiana University, the same school where his brother, Cooper, currently plays football and Mason’s father, Eric, played football at the University of Notre Dame.

“I don’t think there was a specific moment where I was like, ‘Holy shit, this is the real thing now,’” Mason said.

You gotta realize the ball is gonna stop bouncing one day, but the things you learn in basketball, and the mentalities and the discipline, really teach you how to apply that to other life skills.”

Freshman forward Mason Jones hangs from a hoop Feb. 1 at Shondell Practice Center. Jones started playing basketball in sixth grade and knew right away that it was his favorite sport. MYA CATALINE, DN

- MASON JONES, Ball State men’s basketball forward

Once they officially offered, I knew there was no question I’d be here.”

- MASON JONES, Ball State men’s basketball forward

A sports family

While he grew up playing baseball and football, it was basketball that Mason fell in love with in sixth grade. Although he began playing the sport later than his other extracurriculars, he knew right away it was his favorite.

Mason said his family was surprised by his decision to quit football after his sophomore season to focus solely on basketball, but they were completely supportive of his passion. He said his favorite part about basketball has always been how he can hit the court every day and see himself progress, while he couldn’t do so as easily on the turf.

“He just has that desire,” Kassey said. “He has that burn in his belly for the game.”

Mason is no stranger to prominent roles on the court, as he was one of few nominees up for the Indiana Mr. Basketball high school basketball award during his senior season at Valparaiso High School.

When he was first nominated, he said he didn’t realize notable names such as Oscar Robertson, George McGinnis and Greg Oden had won the award before. However, he quickly began to realize the significance and legacy it carries.

“It was truly a blessing,” Mason said.

And he was sure not to let it become a distraction.

“I’d say more of it was a motivation, because if people were putting their interests and their free time into me, I feel like they deserve my best effort,” Mason said.

While Eric was more focused on preparing Mason for athletic success, Mason said Kassey was always pushing him to be his best in the classroom.

Mason is majoring in elementary education, which Kassey traces back to his instant connection with children as a young teenager.

“Kids just flock to him,” Kassey said. “He just has a special way with kids; the kids will be lucky to have him as a teacher.”

Although they are separated by more than three hours, Kassey and Eric still embrace their roles as parents to Cooper and Mason, attending every weekend game at Worthen Arena and even traveling to road games on the weekends if they can. While Eric still maintains the mentality of a coach, offering advice to Mason after games, win or loss, Kassey said she tries to provide emotional support or encouragement from afar.

“He’s no longer a freshman on that team,” Kassey said. “There’s trust, there’s respect, and he’s worked hard to deserve that.”

4See PLAYS, 18

DNSports

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Underclassmen headline MAC Tournament

As Ball State prepares for the MAC Championships, the opportunity has arrived for the underclassmen to take the mantle as leaders.

Freshman Alexa Von Holtz practices freestyle Feb.16 at Lewellen Aquatic Center. Von Holtz won three events in Ball State’s first dual against Buffalo this season. ANDREW BERGER, DN

Dane Massey Reporter

Ball State women’s swim and dive head coach J. Agnew watches times come in Jan. 20 against Toledo at Lewellen Aquatic Center. Ball State won 182-117 against Toledo.

ANDREW BERGER, DN

Freshman Alexa Von Holtz swims butterfly stroke Feb.16 during practice at Lewellen Aquatic Center. Von Holtz broke the program record for the 200 IM by two seconds against IUPUI last season.

ANDREW BERGER, DN

Competing at the Division I level as a female swimmer is like trying to be a diamond in the rough. According to the NCAA, only 3.3 percent of all female high school swimmers go on to compete at a Division I school This season, Ball State women’s swim and dive is coming off arguably its best regular season in more than a decade. Finishing at 5-1 in dual meets this season, the Cardinals are riding high to Athens, Ohio, for the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship set for March 6-9.

A handful of the success this season can be attributed to the underclassmen.

At the head of the sophomore class is the 50 and 100 freestyle program record holder, Peyton Kelly.

Coming from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Kelly came in having already medaled at Junior Nationals in 2019 and at the Western Canadian Championships.

With her performances, she caught the attention of Ball State head coach J. Agnew.

“My first phone call with J. wasn’t the standard, ‘What’s your name, what are your grades and what do you swim,’” Kelly said. “J. wanted to know about my family, how I was dealing with [the COVID-19 pandemic] and other things I was doing to better myself during [COVID-19] when no one else asked. If I’m going to go somewhere far from home, I want to be with a coach who respects me and wants to help me grow as a person and not a number on their spreadsheet.”

Kelly immediately made her mark with her 50 freestyle time being the eighth-best in program history. Despite the success, Kelly still felt like it was a struggle to begin her first season in the red and white.

“I struggled to find my place and my groove on the team and find how to thrive on my own,” Kelly said. “I am really proud of how I grew the back half of last season and over the summer into this season.”

Similar to Kelly, a new standout has emerged from the Cardinals’ freshman class this season.

Freshman Alexa Von Holtz came to Ball State as one of the best high school athletes in the state of New York.

“We had very small sports teams, but the community was so supportive there, and it just made everything so much better,” Von Holtz said. “[Breaking records] so young gave me a mindset to set your goals, and know what you’re capable of.”

Getting those best times gave me a new drive to work harder and set new goals that I didn’t think I could set for myself… Right now my goal for MAC is freshman swimmer of the year.”

- ALEXA VON HOLTZ, Freshman

It took Von Holtz a little bit to get going at Ball State. However, after a sweep of the 100 and 200 butterfly and winning three events in Ball State’s first dual this season against Buffalo, there was no looking back.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially being a freshman,” Von Holtz said. “I knew I was going to have to work to earn my spot, and I am just so glad to see all of the hard work paying off over the years, especially this season.”

Everything came full circle for Kelly and Von Holtz on a mid-November day in downtown Indianapolis. In IUPUI Natatorium, Kelly and Von Holtz stole the show in the pool.

While taking wins in the 50 and 100 freestyle events, Kelly broke her 50 freestyle record (22.32) and set the program record in the 100 freestyle (49.12).

“It is weird to think of it like that, but it is what I came to do,” Kelly said. “I wanted to be someone who could step up on a relay, or someone who could set that school record and leave a legacy and so being able to achieve those goals, even at midseason, was amazing.”

Von Holtz performed just as dominantly, finishing with three individual event wins (200 IM, 400 IM, 200 Butterfly) and breaking the program record in the 200 IM by two whole seconds (2:00.85). She also took second in program history in the 400 IM (4:21.75) and 200 butterfly (2:00.06).

“It was a great feeling,” Von Holtz said. “Coming in, [I thought] I had plateaued since junior year [of high school] so I was a little down on myself.

Getting those best times gave me a new drive to work harder and set new goals that I didn’t think I could set for myself… Right now my goal for MAC is freshman swimmer of the year.”

In total, Von Holtz earned 16 individual event wins to cap off her regular season, while Kelly racked up 14 individual wins on the season.

“They’re both underclassmen which is exciting, and it’s also kind of hard,” Agnew said. “When you’re swimming that fast people are going to look to you and say, ‘What the heck are they doing that’s working so well?’ So you become a leader in terms of a role model; their teammates are looking to them.

They’re counting on them to demonstrate what they can do on relays as a team and I think they do an excellent job at it every day they come to the pool.”

Contact Dane Massey with comments at dtmassey@bsu.edu or on Twitter @danemassey22.

DNLife

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“Lost” Era A unique collection of 30 pieces of 17th-century Florentine Baroque art to be displayed as the Spring show at the David Owsley Museum of Art. 412

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Campus

BSA hosts collegiate prom Ball State University’s Black Student Association (BSA) is hosting its second annual “Collegiate Prom” Feb. 23 beginning at 9 p.m.. The event will take place in the Ball Gymnasium and will last until midnight. The theme is fashion week, so participants are encouraged to wear their “best runway fit.” Students are also able to bring one non-Ball State student.

Community

Vinyl workshop at Madjax Maker Force Feb. 24, Madjax Maker Force is holding an intro to vinyl creations taught by professional Brittany Ciempola. Participants will apply vinyl to a mini zip bag and tumbler.

The workshop will be from 1-4 p.m. and is $20 to register on Madjax’s website. Ages 16 and up can register independently and 13-15 need to register with an adult. Registration ends 72 hours prior to the event.

Campus

Joe Gatto performs at Emens Auditorium

Detailing on the frame of the “Harlequin and His Lady” painting by Giovanni Domenico Ferretti in the “Beyond the Medici” exhibit Feb. 19 at the David Owsley Museum of Art. The exhibit will open Feb. 22 to the public. MYA CATALINE, DN; MEGHAN HOLT, DN PHOTO ILLUSTRATION

The comedian from hit T.V. show “Impractical Jokers” will be at Emens Auditorium March 2 at 7 p.m.

The Emens stop is a part of his solotour “Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedy,” which will be touring across the United States. Tickets are $39.75, $49.75 and $59.75 depending on seating and are available through Ticketmaster.com or at the Emens Box Office.

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DNLife

02.22.24

12

“Harlequin and His Lady” painting by Giovanni Domenico Ferretti in the “Beyond the Medici” exhibit Feb. 19 at the David Owsley Museum of Art. The exhibit will open Feb. 22 to the public. MYA CATALINE, DN

The “Allegory of Poetry” painting by Felice Ficherelli hangs in the “Beyond the Medici” exhibit Feb. 19 at the David Owsley Museum of Art. The exhibit will be open to the public from Feb. 22 to May 19.

MYA CATALINE, DN

Above: Detailing on the frame of the “Harlequin and His Lady” painting by Giovanni Domenico Ferretti Feb. 19 at the David Owsley Museum of Art. The new exhibit is called “Beyond the Medici.” Below: Detailing on the frame of the “Harlequin and His Lady” painting by Giovanni Domenico Ferretti Feb. 19 at the David Owsley Museum of Art. The exhibit features 30 pieces of 17thcentury Florentine Baroque art. MYA CATALINE, DN

The David Owsley Museum of Art’s spring show features the unique collection of Sir Mark Fehrs Haukohl.

Madelyn Bracken Reporter

B

old colors, ornate frames, dramatic subjects. All of these are characteristics of the lost era of art in the new exhibit at the David Owsley Museum of Art (DOMA) titled “Beyond the Medici.”

The exhibit, which opened Feb. 22, features 30 pieces of 17thcentury Florentine Baroque art from both the collection of Sir Mark Fehrs Haukohl as well as DOMA’s collection.

This exhibit will only visit three universities, Ball State University being the second, following its first stop at Rollins College before heading to the University of Pennsylvania.

For Fehrs Haukohl, the reasoning for a tour of colleges is simple.

“One of our grand imprimaturs is to provide art education to students,” Fehrs Haukohl said. “We’re very concerned that art education is taken away.”

This collection hits on an era of art that is often glossed over, giving students a view of a style they might not see in the everyday art gallery and museum.

“When most people take a survey of Italian art, they do the Renaissance in Florence and learn all about that,” DOMA Director Robert LaFrance said. “When the Renaissance ends, they switch over to Rome and Naples and other places, and Florence gets left behind in terms of study.”

There are a lot of key elements that characterize the era of art, but one that makes it truly come to life is the ornate frames that are specific to 17th-century Florentine Baroque art. The frames must be paired with the painting, many of which must be bought or created after the acquisition of the paintings.

“It’s a wall leader,” Registrar for the collection Araceli Aguilar said. “The frame comes out. Something that he has intentionally done when — if he’s recreating or if he’s purchasing it — the frame continues to tell the story of the painting.”

For art students, the collection offers a wide variety of styles of have that kind of presentation, and you’re going to have that because painting on different mediums that aren’t seen very often, creating an you’re having a wonderful Baroque concert.”

This is just one of many events that revolve around this collection. enriching viewing experience.

“This collection has oil on copper, oil on stone, oil on paper, oil LaFrance hopes to have more music — hopefully, student musicians on canvas and oil on panel,” Fehrs Haukohl said. “Each one of those — in the exhibit to enrich the experience for patrons.

“I want them to play in one of the galleries, so you have the art mediums has a different type of brushstroke. Discovering that, I think, will be exciting for the students, too. The art history students, there and the musicians there in the gallery,” LaFrance said.

Along with these possible pop-ups, there are various events hosted the painting students and the people who are getting their masters in

by DOMA, such as several “Music in fine arts.” the Museum” dates featuring students This exhibit offers a wide array and faculty from the Honors College of experiences for students of all and the School of Music performing majors and interests, and that’s how works from the Baroque period.

Fehrs Haukohl wanted it to be. He The museum will also be holding highlighted this era’s applicability various workshops including to many thought groups and areas “Writing in the Galleries: Icons, of study.

The definition of art is a broad Angels and Allegories,” a writing “We think art education helps a definition. It’s art, it’s dance, it’s workshop inspired by the pieces in lot to develop a sensitivity so that the exhibit. Participants will then be students aren’t just business or math music, it’s painting, it’s opera, it’s invited to a poetry reading paired with or engineering focused, [but] that performance. You should really feel.” one of the “Music in the Museum” they’re well balanced,” he said. performances. The workshop is free, Not only is the art itself an - SIR MARK FEHRS HAUKOHL, but spots are limited. experience for all students, but Collection owner The exhibit and activities offer a there will also be a range of events well-rounded peak into a dramatic throughout the duration of the exhibit and intriguing era of art, allowing as part of the Arts Alive program patrons to fully immerse themselves through various mediums. through the College of Fine Arts.

“It’s not a snoozy subject,” Aguilar said. “It’s not ‘Oh, a rich man The main event through the program tied to the “Beyond the Medici” exhibit is a performance by the Indianapolis Baroque buys really expensive paintings and puts them on a wall.’ There’s so Orchestra at Sursa Hall March 28 at 7:30 p.m. It is free for all Ball much more. There’s so much for the curious mind to find out about.”

The exhibit will be open through the end of the semester, closing State students and $10 for community members.

“The definition of art is a broad definition,” Fehrs Haukohl said. May 19.

Contact Madelyn Bracken with comments at madelyn.bracken@ “It’s art, it’s dance, it’s music, it’s painting, it’s opera, it’s performance.

You should really feel. [Araceli and I] believe the student body should bsu.edu.

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DNLife

02.22.24

14

‘A season that represents that breadth’ ‘Arts Alive’ offers a world-class experience in the arts to students and residents of east central Indiana.

Jose Padilla Reporter Sitting in front of a round table located in the middle of his office, decorated with lush green plants and surrealist decor, Seth Beckman explained why ‘Arts Alive’ was created and is significant.

“I put together a committee of my faculty and staff colleagues who come together and talk about what does it mean to develop a season where you all of the departments are represented at the table.

And we work transparently and collaboratively on how we design a season that represents that breadth of experience of our entire student body,” Beckman said.

‘Arts Alive,’ an event series held annually by the College of Fine Arts, presents a variety of activities that can be viewed by Ball State University students and the Muncie community.

Starting in 2019, initially for the School of Music, the event series branched out to include gatherings from the David Owsley Museum of Art (DOMA), the School of Art, and the Department of Theatre and Dance, in which guest speakers would be invited to showcase their skills.

He said this is how Ball State students and the Muncie community have the ability to see and work with professional artists and musicians.

“It utilizes resources to ensure that we’ve got lots of amazing and world-class guest artists that come to our campus and work with our students.

Associate Director of David Owsley Museum of Art Rachel Anne Buckmaster poses for a photo Feb. 19 in the David Owsley Museum of Art. ‘Arts Alive’ is an event series held annually by the College of Fine Arts. MYA CATALINE, DN So, it’s been long-standing in our community and on our campus,” Beckman said.

Beckman further stated which guest speakers and artists have attended ever since the start of ‘Arts Alive’ for this year.

Beckman lists Dede Ayite, a costume designer who works in Broadway and received multiple Tony nominations for her work, and Trenton Doyle Hancock, a contemporary artist who has earned multiple awards and fellowships, most notably the 2019 Texas Medal of Arts award in Visual Arts.

Another group invited to the group for 2024’s ‘Arts Alive,’ as well as being invited in the past, is the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra.

The Orchestra has a rich history with ‘Arts Alive,’ as some of the members have been or are presently part of the group.

an artist as well as to imagine what’s possible for themselves as they look to their careers and they look to their lives for the love of it,” Beckman said.

The logistics for organizing events during ‘Arts Alive’ are discussed by all departments of the College of Fine Arts through a committee.

Stephen Campbell, an associate director of music at Ball State and chair of the ‘Arts Alive’ committee, shared how the process works in planning all factors of the event series.

He explained that faculty members from the art department, DOMA, Emens Auditorium, the music department, and theater and dance are nominated and voted on by all departments. They meet on a frequent basis and discuss matters regarding the event series.

and spaces, chairs and music stands, recording specifications, and other service items for the green room and backstage area.”

The upcoming performance for ‘Arts Alive’ will feature the Indianapolis Baroque Orchestra at Sursa Hall March 28 at 7:30 p.m. This performance will be held in coordination with DOMA for its spring special exhibition titled “Beyond the Medici,” for their celebration of Italian Baroque art.

Rachel Anne Buckmaster, associate director of DOMA explained the impact this has on ‘Arts Alive.’

“We’re so appreciative of the opportunity to bring arts events to the Ball State community and beyond,” Buckmaster said.

Tickets to all ‘Arts Alive’ events are free for Ball State students.

“I feel like what ‘Arts Alive’ does now is it shows our communities, including students, faculty, alumni, staff, friends, benefactors, what’s possible in the arts and expands people’s understanding of what the arts are,” Beckman said. “From my perspective, and from the perspective of others, we work together in our respective roles to better our community in the communities of Ball State, Muncie, Delaware County, East-Central Indiana, Indiana and beyond,” Beckman said.

For more information on the ‘Arts Alive’ Program go to its website.

Contact Jose Padilla with comments at JPadilla4@bsu.edu.

I feel like what Arts Alive does now is it shows our communities, including students, faculty, alumni, staff, friends, benefactors, what’s possible in the arts and expands people’s understanding of what the arts are.”

- SETH BECKMAN, Dean of the College of Fine Arts

A costume of Tony award-winning Broadway costume designer Dede Ayite Jan. 18 in the Fine Arts Building Recital Hall. Ayite gave a presentation on costume design as a part of Ball State’s Arts Alive program. BALL STATE MARKETING AND

COMMUNICATION, PHOTO PROVIDED

Beckman said the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is an example in which members of the group, some of which are Ball State alumni, work with students directly in turn of giving back to the community.

This leads to the role of alumni taking part in this series, connecting with students and the Muncie community as a whole.

“They look to this series as an opportunity to expand their own palates of what it means to be

Campbell explained further how an artist or group gets booked for an event.

“Once an artist or arts organization has been booked, there is a contract which establishes the responsibilities of both Ball State and the artist or arts organization for the event,” Campbell said.

“Additionally, the artists typically have a document called a ‘Rider’ which outlines everything they will need for the services they agreed to provide. Items on a typical rider include specific warm-up times

Tony award-winning Broadway costume designer Dede Ayite presents on costume designing Jan. 18 in the Fine Arts Building Recital Hall. The presentation was free to the public.

BALL STATE MARKETING AND COMMUNICATION, PHOTO PROVIDED

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DNOpinion 16

02.22.24

TROUBLING TRANSGRESSIONS Nonconsensual pelvic exams under anesthesia are still frequently occurring in the U.S. without a patient’s consent or knowledge.

BRENDEN ROWAN, DN ILLUSTRATION

ON BALLSTATEDAILYNEWS.COM: FROM TALK TO ACTION

17

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.

Content warning: This article contains discussions of medical abuse and sexual assault.

Nonconsensual pelvic exams are often conducted on unconscious and unknowing patients, including minors, and are used as educational practice for medical students. These exams happen in hospitals all across the United States.

In 27 states, it’s completely legal and a fairly common practice.

That number was not easy to find. I had to look through all 50 states’ legislative websites one at a time for records of bills and laws about pelvic exams. In the process, I came across a lot of misleading statements that might have convinced someone doing a quick search online that the practice was illegal in their home state because of a bill that had been proposed.

In reality, more often than not, that bill was proposed and never passed. The practice was still legal.

Of the 23 states where it’s an illegal practice, only six of them banned the procedure before 2019.

That means that not even five years ago, nonconsensual pelvic exams were only illegal in six U.S. states. In 2024, the number has risen to 23, but it leaves more than half of the United States without legislation that makes the invasive procedure against the law.

As of January 2024, two bills are being considered

by Wisconsin and Alaska state legislatures — only two states of the 27 have current proposals on their dockets.

And there has yet to be a bill proposed and passed to ban the practice at a national level.

There have been unsuccessful attempts to pass legislation in many of the states where the exams remain illegal, including Indiana, which had several bills introduced in 2021 and 2023. Both the 2021 HB1012 and the 2023 HB1139 were sponsored by the same person, Representative Carolyn Jackson, and both were defeated in committee.

Typically — though there are exceptions — nonconsensual pelvic exams are done to patients under anesthesia for other surgeries and are referred to as an exam under anesthesia (EUA). There are a few other kinds of EUAs, including rectal exams, which are also morally gray and violate informed consent, and they can happen to patients of all genders.

The most common situation for EUAs to occur is when medical students are instructed by supervisors to conduct an exam while these patients are still under anesthetic drugs for unrelated procedures. Frequently, multiple students will conduct these exams on one patient.

From a recent survey conducted by Elle magazine, more than 60 percent of pelvic exams by medical

students were done without explicit consent. Patients, mainly women, are not informed students will be performing them beforehand, and many times aren’t told at all or have it casually mentioned after the fact.

Another part of the dilemma is the medical students themselves who are involved in these exams. Several studies, including one published in the HEC Forum journal, concluded that students were also negatively impacted by conducting these exams.

According to the study, which focused on explicit consent, medical students can feel pressured to take part in these exams despite disagreeing with the practice.

Forcing medical students to go against their morals and violate bodily autonomy in the name of passing a training assignment is a horrible choice to have pushed upon them.

We shouldn’t have to live in fear of being assaulted any time we need surgery or medical procedures under anesthesia.”

A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology found that 90 percent of the medical students in Pennsylvania had practiced pelvic exams on unconscious patients. And students who had completed an obstetrics/gynecology clerkship felt that “consent for pelvic examination on an anesthetized patient was less important” than other factors — such as education opportunity — in the procedure process.

A lack of explicit consent in these exams is not only a violation of bodily autonomy, it can trigger patients who are survivors of sexual assault or abuse, as well as result in a multitude of other issues.

According to a study delving into pelvic exam risks, there is a heightened likelihood of urinary tract infections in patients following these exams.

Furthermore, there is also a chance the patient might be injured or experience bleeding and cramping after the procedure, according to Cleveland Clinic.

It is also important to note that some patients

02.22.24

can become aware or conscious of the exam due to anesthesia wearing off.

Nonconsensual exams were officially condemned in a statement by the Association of American Medical Colleges in 2003. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also endorsed a statement made by the Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics in 2019, which urged that the exams should be performed with explicit consent.

Despite this, there are still some medical professionals and institutions that are opposed to laws requiring consent for these exams. According to a National Library of Medicine article, there are two kinds of reasoning most commonly used in an attempt to justify keeping nonconsensual exams legal.

The first one claims that if patients were given the chance to decline, medical students would have fewer learning opportunities. It’s argued that nonconsensual exams are better for their education and requiring consent would jeopardize this.

The second reason does not directly oppose ending the practice itself but instead aims to protect the “autonomy” of hospitals and medical organizations.

The argument is that medical institutions should be able to regulate themselves without outside interference.

However, this reason also falls flat in justifying their stance on preventing these exams.

Both reasons place the patient’s bodily autonomy secondary to other reasons. A woman’s body — or any person’s body — is their own, not the medical staff’s to use as they want.

These exams harm everyone involved — from those being nonconsensually examined to the students conducting them. They ultimately create distrust between patients and medical professionals.

There are other options.

There are patients willing to consent, and there are medical schools like Eastern Virginia Medical School and Central Michigan University that even pay those who consent to these exams. These systems serve the purpose of training medical students without violating patients and also allow students to receive patient feedback.

Passing legislation won’t prevent all nonconsensual exams from taking place, but it will protect patients and limit the opportunities for assault to occur. A deeper cultural change is also needed, but change like that will be gradual.

Medical institutions will have to implement new methods of teaching using volunteers or paid participants.

New procedures regarding clear and separate consent forms for instructional pelvic examinations will have to be developed and approved for use in the many hospitals that want to continue using patients.

In the meantime, it is important to be informed and know your rights. We shouldn’t have to live in fear of being assaulted any time we need surgery or medical procedures under anesthesia.

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

DNOpinion

DNSports

02.22.24

18

PLAYS

Continued from Page 8

Never a question Although he was recruited by other MidAmerican Conference (MAC) schools, Mason said Ball State landed his first college visit. He had never been to Muncie, Indiana, before the visit, but fell in love with the coaching style of head coach Michael Lewis and the deal was all but sealed.

“Once they officially offered, I knew there was no question I’d be here,” Mason said.

Mason said Eric told him from an early age, ‘Everything should be a competition,’ so Mason’s hard-working nature made an impression on Lewis, frequently citing Mason’s high motor as the reason for his 18 starts in 26 games. Mason likened his relationship with Lewis to that of a father and son and jokingly hoped Lewis agreed.

Although he credited his player development to Lewis’ basketball IQ, he said it’s the off-the-court lessons that he has learned even more from.

“You gotta realize the ball is gonna stop bouncing one day, but the things you learn in basketball, and the mentalities and the discipline, really teach you how to apply that to other life skills,” Mason said.

He values his relationship with Lewis highly but also credited teammates like junior guards Jalin Anderson and Davion Bailey with helping him off the court just as much as on. Additionally, Mason has formed friendships through sharing a dorm complex with fellow freshmen Jurica Zagorsak, Zane Doughty, Trent Middleton Jr. and his roommate, Joey Brown. He laughed as he talked about the importance of team bonding through video games like Fortnite.

After starting more than half of Ball State’s games this season, Mason still wants to continue his trend upward and help the Cardinals improve as a whole.

“We need to put together more 40-minute games with more discipline,” he said. “I think a lot of our losses are us beating ourselves.”

Mason has experienced 13 wins and 13 losses at the collegiate level, both of which come with much stronger emotions than he felt at Valparaiso.

“College basketball wins are hard to come by, and we know that you got to earn it,” he said.

The feeling of a loss is much more extreme.

“It’s like your dog died,” Mason said. “It eats at you because you know what you did wrong, and you feel like you let people down, and it’s a feeling you hate, but it also drives you to get better at what you do the next game.”

A 15-year screensaver

Mason started fast-tracking his opportunities for academic success and leadership roles when he joined Ball State’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee when the fall 2023 semester began. He isn’t new to student organizations or leadership roles either, as he was a frequent member of Valparaiso’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

Although Mason didn’t find his consistent faith as a Christian until he was a teenager, his uncle, Scott Jones, and his grandmother, Mildred Armato, helped guide him there.

Scott is the lead pastor at South Haven Nazarene

I have seven grandchildren, they’re all different, but on my screensaver on my phone to this very day I have a picture of Mason kissing me on the cheek in the doggone bleachers.”

- MILDRED ARMATO, Mason Jones’ grandmother Church, the same congregation Armato attends.

Mason began to inquire about Armato’s experience at church and regularly started attending with her.

He said he felt like he needed a change in his life at the time, one that would help him focus on achieving the athletic and academic goals he was failing to reach.

“I knew I had more in me,” Mason said.

While junior forward Basheer Jihad’s Muslim faith is different from Mason’s Christian identity, Mason said his faith helps ground him on the court in a similar way to his teammate.

“I feel like Jesus has called me to play basketball as well as be a great human being,” he said.

When Armato heard Mason talk about the impact his faith makes on the court, she was delighted.

She may have been even happier when she heard Mason called her his best friend.

“I have seven grandchildren, they’re all different, but on my screensaver on my phone to this day I have a picture of Mason kissing me on the cheek in the doggone bleachers,” Armato said.

Now that they live hours apart, Mason said he calls Armato every day to check up on her. Armato said she never doubted that he would do so.

“I need to hear from him, and I think he needs to hear from me just to know that I’m OK,” she said.

Mason said Armato came to every home game he played at Valparaiso, even when her health began to fail her due to two knee replacements and back trouble, and she had to start relying on a cane to move around.

“For her to go through that effort to come watch me and be proud of me no matter what happens, because she knows I’m trying my best and working hard, it’s comforting,” he said.

Armato called her relationship with Mason “spontaneous,” one based on having fun and laughing together. Although they don’t see each other often anymore, Armato said she used to babysit Mason and Cooper five days a week when they were growing up, helping raise them while their parents were at work.

“He’s still a kid at heart in a lot of ways,” Armato said. “He just likes people to be happy. He likes to be happy, and he likes to have fun.”

Armato can’t see Mason play in person as much as she used to due to lingering health issues, but she’ll always have her screensaver to remind her of the countless hours spent in the bleachers.

“Just think of all the memories you have of your grandparents that nobody else can take from you,” Armato said. “Those are moments that you share that you’ll have for the rest of your life.”

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

A young Mason Jones kisses his grandmother, Mildred Armato, on the cheek at one of his brothers’ sporting events. The photo has been Armato’s screensaver on her phone for more than a decade. MASON JONES, PHOTO PROVIDED

Freshman forward Mason Jones poses for a photo Feb. 1 in Shondell Practice Center. Jones was a candidate for Indiana Mr. Basketball his senior year of high school. MYA CATALINE, DN

Freshman forward Mason Jones looks to go to the hoop against Bowling Green Jan. 30 at Worthen Arena. The Cardinals lost 81-72 against the Falcons. MYA CATALINE, DN

19 02.22.24

Crossword & Sudoku

ACROSS 1 Crunchy sandwiches with mayo 5 Prepare, as avocados for guacamole 9 Impulsive speed 14 Uncommon 15 __ gobi: vegetarian curry dish 16 Grouch on TV 17 Off-Broadway award 18 Prefix with second or bot 19 Beach shoe 20 Present surroundings?

23 Taco topping 24 Lav 25 Faux __ 28 Sci-fi aviators 29 Audio cassette successor 34 Common __ 35 Little bit 36 Jeans option 42 Away from shore 43 Nose-in-the-air type 44 One with pressing needs?

48 Fuss 51 Horn-heavy genre 52 Communication syst. in which an ILY gesture means “I love you” 53 Rubber-__ shoes 55 Shredded, or an apt description of 20-, 29-, 36-, and 44-Across

60 Slacks alternative 62 Sweetheart 63 Ductwork sealer 64 Frenemy, maybe 65 Start of a German count?

66 Decorates, as cookies 67 “Hello” Grammy winner 68 Film scene shot without interruption 69 Amazon icon

DOWN 1 Window-shop 2 Animal in many 3-Down 3 Experiments 4 Trickles (in) 5 Finger painting, for short?

6 Ruck of HBO’s “Succession“ 7 “Hello,” for one 8 Hullabaloo 9 Communal Asian meal with simmering broth 10 Tennis legend Arthur 11 Desert stinger 12 Beach tone 13 Unit of energy 21 Indiana cager 22 NYC rep since 2019 26 Italian wine region 27 Bamboozle

30 Four quarters 31 Bks. in progress 32 “Special Topics in Calamity Physics” novelist Marisha 33 Food plan 34 Airbnb visit, say 36 Finger-paints, perhaps 37 Doesn’t seem to be hurt 38 Tranquilizer 39 Cut off 40 Mama deer 41 Latissimus __: back muscle 45 Skirmish 46 Team with four Women’s World Cup titles 47 “Yeah, right!”

48 Vicuna descendant 49 More meaningful 50 Most peculiar 54 Eye-related 56 __ history 57 A Skywalker twin 58 Hard pull 59 Subterfuge 60 Mme., in Madrid 61 Minor character?

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