Ball State Daily News Vol. 103, Issue 24

INTELLECTUAL DIVERSITY “ “

Senate Bill 202 proposes changes in tenure and new criteria for “intellectual diversity”; Students and faculty voice concerns. 404

Synopsis: State educational institution matters. Amends the duties of state educational institutions’ diversity committees. Provides that certain offices or individuals established or employed by a state educational institution (institution) regarding diversity programming must include within the mission of the office or position programming that substantially promotes both cultural and intellectual diversity.

Effective: July 1, 2024.

BallStateDailyNews.com

Julius Caesar introduced the fi rst leap year around 46 B.C., but his Julian calendar had only one rule: Any year evenly divisible by four would be a leap year. That created too many leap years, but the math wasn’t tweaked until Pope Gregory XIII introduced his Gregorian calendar more than 1,500 years later.

After four years, leftover hours outside of the calendar year add up to a whole day — a leap day. In a leap year, we add this extra day to the month of February, making it 29 days long instead of the usual 28.

If the calendar didn’t make that small correction every four years, it would gradually fall out of alignment with the seasons. Over centuries, this could lead to the solstices and equinoxes occurring at different times than expected. Winter weather might develop in what the calendar showed as summer, and farmers could become confused about when to plant their seeds.

Source: wcnc.com, cleveland.com

VOL. 103 ISSUE: 24

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.

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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

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

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CORRECTION

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4-DAY WEATHER FORECAST

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Ryan Hill, Weather forecaster, Benny Weather Group

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MOSTLY CLOUDY

Hi: 41º

Lo: 32º

PARTLY CLOUDY

Hi: 45º Lo: 39º

MOSTLY SUNNY

Hi: 60º Lo: 47º

MOSTLY SUNNY

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THIS WEEK: Starting with a very winter-like feel with wind chills likely in the teens, but that biting cold will ease as we make our way towards the weekend. Lower to mid-40s gibe way to 60s & perhaps 70s again during the weekend and the beginning of next week.

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.

JESSICA BERGFORS, BRENDEN ROWAN, MEGHAN HOLT DN ILLUSTRATION

Finding Groove the

Midnight Cafe & Grill offers a new dining experience in Muncie.

City officials announced Feb. 24 the inn is once again under review. In January, the property was condemned by the city, having previously served as an apartment complex following a slew of code violations and safety risks. Mayor Dan Ridenour is working to maintain affordable housing in Muncie.

Muncie Inn officially vacated Mitch McConnell to step down

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell announced Feb. 28 he will be stepping down from his position as leader in November. McConnell also announced that, regardless of this decision, he will serve the remainder of his term as senator. His term ends January 2027. The senator said he began to evaluate his career after his sister-inlaw passed away earlier this month.

Local National Campus

New Ball Brothers Foundation Members

The Ball Brothers Foundation announced that Laura Hill and Dennis Trammell Jr. have joined the foundation’s board. Their addition comes as the foundation continues to implement its “Second Century Strategic Plan,” a roadmap that affirms the foundation’s dedication to grantmaking and Ball Family stewardship, according to a press release.

Owner and manager Ernesto Polito poses with one of the menus Feb. 20 at the Midnight Cafe & Grill in Muncie, Indiana. Polito said he is optimistic about the restaurant’s future despite recent setbacks. MEGHAN BRADDY, DN

Senate Bill 202 proposes changes in tenure and new criteria for “intellectual diversity.”

Olivia Ground Digital Managing Editor

Students and faculty from across the state flocked to the Indiana House Chamber on a Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. dressed in “Red for Ed”.

They sat through more than seven hours of legislative hearings, voting and testimonials to ensure their voices were heard for Indiana Senate Bill (SB) 202.

The topic in question: state intervention in public universities in the state of Indiana.

Indiana SB 202 has three major parts that issue concern among faculty. The bill changes the process and status of tenure, creates a new complaint mechanism for reporting and changes how diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) affect the admissions process on campus.

In original versions of the bill, there were changes to the Board of Trustees, including changes to the appointment process of alumni members and the creation of a diversity committee. However, those additions were removed during the amendment process in the House Education Committee Feb. 21.

At Ball State, the current “evaluation of a faculty member’s eligibility for promotion or tenure” is based on teaching, scholarship and service in a professional capacity, according to an excerpt from the Faculty and Professional Personnel Handbook,

In SB 202, the Board of Trustees would now be considering the prevention of the tenure status of a faculty member if the board thinks the member is “unlikely to foster a culture of free inquiry, free expression and intellectual diversity,” as per the bill.

Additionally, the bill would mandate a fiveyear review of tenure faculty to ensure they are meeting the “intellectually diverse” expectation, while also meeting general and routine academic duties expected.

Institutions like Ball State University would also be required to adopt policies establishing disciplinary actions, such as termination, and salary cuts and demotion, for tenured faculty members who fail those reviews, per the bill

The topic of “intellectual diversity” has sparked concern and questions from faculty and students who are worried about how this would affect their quality of education.

“Rather than promoting a “neutral” environment, this bill will introduce a layer of political bias in higher education where none existed before, particularly as the proposed five-year review makes no exception for apolitical fields, like STEM disciplines,” the American Association of University Professors said in a statement Jan. 31. State Rep. Sue Errington (D-Muncie) has spoken out against SB 202, noting how this would create a “chilling effect” for professors of humanities like women and gender studies or African American

First-year political science major Jamen Matheny testifies against Indiana Senate Bill 202 Feb. 14 in the House Education Committee at the Indiana State House. Individuals shared testimonies opposing Indiana Senate Bill 202. OLIVIA GROUND, DN

A protester holds a sign saying “education without intimidation” during a protest against Indiana Senate Bill (SB) 202 Feb. 23 on University Green. SB 202 would change how tenure is evaluated in public universities. OLIVIA GROUND, DN

In addition to this change in the tenure process, the bill creates a new report system for students. This will establish a procedure that allows for students or faculty members of a university to submit complaints about other faculty members or university staff who are not meeting the standards of intellectual diversity established in the bill.

Hilary McConnell, a third-year religious studies and studio art student at Ball State, testified at the House Education Committee Feb. 14 and shared concerns about this complaint system allowing students to “dogpile professors”

“I think the complaint process is open to abuse and the review of professors,” McConnell said. “It leaves a lot of ambiguity that leaves room — and opens the door — for professors to be potentially fired for minor disagreements”

At Ball State, the Bias Incident Report form exists through the multicultural website, allowing students to fill out a form if they “witness, directly experience or find evidence of a bias incident on campus,” according to the Ball State University website.

State Sen. Spencer Deery (R-Indianapolis), the co-author of the bill, suggests this could simply be an extension of the currently established bias incident report.

“You can report where you feel like somebody is fostering an environment that is not conducive to free expression and ideological diversity,” Deery said.

The bill also reads in chapter three, “If an institution receives a pledge or statement described in subsection(b), including any statement regarding diversity, equity and inclusion, or related topics, the institution may not award: admission, enrollment or employment; benefits; hiring, reappointment, or promotion; or granting tenure…”

For students and faculty on campus, this change in diversity, equity and inclusion statements creates the feeling that legislators do not care about minoritized students on campus.

“It’s also very clear [conservative legislators] do not care about underrepresented communities, since they say later on in this bill that universities may not award admission if students include DEI statements in their applications,” said Jamen Matheny, a first-year political science major at Ball State during his testimony at the House Education Committee Feb. 14.

Students and faculty from across the state have begun to question why this legislation even should exist, referencing pieces of legislation in Florida that are of a similar nature in terms of restricting the kinds of political language that can be used in the classroom.

“It’s sort of a misguided attempt on the part of some well-meaning Republicans to help conservative students feel more at home at universities,” Brigs McNiff, a second-year piano performance major and member of the Young Democratic Socialists of America, said.

The notion of allowing “conservative students [to] feel more at home at universities,” aligns with one of the reasons Deery wrote the bill originally

— in addition to a hope of codifying regulations around tenure, he said.

According to a press release from Deery, “A 2022 Gallup survey commissioned by the state found that only 43 percent of politically conservative students in Indiana believe they can openly express their opinions compared to 74 percent of politically liberal students.”

47 percent of adults say liberals have “a lot” of freedom to express their views on college campuses, while just 20 percent said the same of conservatives, according to polling from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the University of Chicago Forum for Free Inquiry and Expression.

“The two [groups] that felt most discouraged

agenda.”

Deery said through his press secretary that this decision was important based on a FIRE study that suggests conversations of DEI topics are at times violations of the First Amendment.

The question of freedom of speech and censorship in classrooms surrounding this bill is in question for students like McNiff, who worry about the impact this bill will have.

“I don’t think it necessarily infringes a person’s freedom to say things — I think it infringes a person’s ability to not say things,” McNiff said. “This bill quite literally compels professors to represent a variety of political ideas they may or may not agree with in a classroom, and therefore, I think it is a violation of the First Amendment.”

As the bill moves forward in the legislative process, Deery emphasized the importance of “separating myth from fact” with this piece of legislation. He hoped this legislation can be an improved version of already existing legislation, like SB 202.

STUDENT PERCEPTION OF FREE SPEECH

60% of students felt they had to keep some opinions to themselves for fear of how they would be received.

The two [groups] that felt most discouraged from expressing their views were African American students and conservative students. And that troubles me on both grounds.”

- STATE SEN. SPENCER DEERY (R-INDIANAPOLIS), Co-author of SB 202

from expressing their views were African American students and conservative students. And that troubles me on both grounds,” Deery said.

Michela Ayeh is a second-year sociology major and president of Feminists for Action at Ball State.

In a testimony given at the House Education Committee Feb. 14, Ayeh pointed to her worry about the “censorship” faculty and students of minority groups will face after this bill passes, due to the bill’s language that removes ‘minority” and replaces it with “underrepresented.”

“This bill is exemplary of the racism, homophobia, sexism, classism, ableism and other bigoted ideologies that bigots in this room harbor all directly without saying it,” Ayeh testified. “Especially with the substitution of “minority” with “underrepresented” which cheapens the struggles I have faced to get to university and perverts the stance of neutrality in order to serve a conservative

“I tried to work with universities to address those [concerning] issues, not against the universities,” Deery said. “I feel like we’re in a really good place.”

The administration of Ball State was represented for comment by Becca Polcz Rice, Ball State’s vice president for governmental relations and industry engagement, at the House Education Committee Feb. 14, before the removal of mentions of the Board of Trustees Feb. 21.

“This bill treats institutions and Boards [of Trustees] uniformly. Current law differentiates between those boards, and we ask that you consider differentiating between those boards – those boards that are highly effective like Ball State University’s,” Polcz Rice said.

Indiana University President Pamela Whitten and Provost Rahul Shrivastav have come out in opposition of the bill, as well as Purdue’s University Senate which passed a resolution in opposition of the bill.

Ball State’s Faculty Council has also passed a resolution in opposition of the bill.

“We, therefore, urge all members of the Indiana General Assembly to reject this measure,” the council said in a press release Feb. 21. “We also call on all our constituents, members of the university community and supporters of academic freedom in Indiana to actively lobby their representatives to oppose this measure.”

McNiff hoped this bill would remind students of the power of their vote and the importance of voting, especially for bills like this one that would have lasting effects on their education.

“If you are the kind of person who thinks ‘I’m just not interested in politics,’ politics is very interested in you, so I would encourage people to vote,” he said.

SB 202 passed on its third reading in the House Feb.27; 67 yeas, 30 nays.

Contact Olivia Ground via email at olivia. ground@bsu.edu or on X @liv_ground_25.

47% of adults say liberals have “a lot” of freedom to express their views on college campuses.

20% of adults say conservatives have “a lot” of freedom to express their views on college campuses.

Source: Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) and The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research

What is Tenure?

Tenure is a means to certain ends; specifically: (1) freedom of teaching and research, and of extramural activities and (2) a sufficient degree of economic security to make the profession attractive to individuals of ability. (Faculty Handbook: Appointment, Academic Freedom, and Tenure, Section 24). Freedom and economic security, hence tenure, are indispensable to the success of an institution in fulfilling its obligations to its students and to society.

Source: Faculty and Professional Personnel Handbook, Academic Year 2023-24.

Meghan Braddy Reporter

The Village welcomed a new addition to its neighborhood of restaurants with the opening of Midnight Cafe & Grill. This unique establishment offers a blend of Mexican cuisine, all-day breakfast and a place for students to hang out at night.

Owned and managed by Muncie local Ernesto Polito, those at Midnight Cafe & Grill aim to provide a different kind of experience than the traditional bar scene in the area.

Inspired by a desire for another gathering place for students in The Village, Polito transformed the former bar, Margaritas Gone Wild, into a cafe concept. The cafe opened Jan. 19 with a grand opening event.

Despite initial setbacks, including a recent automobile accident that caused damage to the store and temporary closure, Polito remains optimistic about the cafe’s future.

“It hasn’t picked up the way I want it just yet, but I think building on what we offer, it’s got potential to go [far],” he said. “We’re just going to have to wait and see where it goes, but I think it does have some potential.”

Midnight Cafe & Grill’s ambiance is designed to be inviting for college students and people looking for a “relaxed hangout spot,” Polito said. With plans to introduce alcohol in the coming weeks, Polito emphasized that the cafe is not intended to be a bar but a place for “good music and a laidback atmosphere.”

We offer all the things that other people or places don’t... Our menu has a little bit of pretty much everything from Mexican food to burgers and appetizers. It also has breakfast and we try to serve that all day,”

- ERNESTO POLITO, Owner

appetizers. It also has breakfast, and we try to serve that all day,” Polito said.

Kendra Sandlin, a waitress at Midnight Cafe & Grill and a second-year speech pathology major at Ball State University, said the unique building structure and the diverse menu are also vital factors that make it a special place for her to work. She said she enjoys the late-night shifts, her co-workers and the opportunity to connect with students most.

“One of our other waitresses actually is one of my really close friends from high school. It just makes me feel good to be here,” Sandlin said. “And Ernesto is amazing. He’s super nice. There’s not very many [employees] right now. We only have about six people, but he was super welcoming and so thankful for us.”

Fourth-year Ball State criminal justice major Susan Wagner, a customer at Midnight Cafe & Grill, praised the restaurant for its “chill” vibe and “delicious” vegetarian options.

It hasn’t picked up the way I want it just yet, but I think building on what we offer, it’s got potential to go [far],”

- ERNESTO POLITO, Owner

“It’s just a place to hang out…I don’t want this to be a bar scene at all or a party scene type thing,” Polito said.

Those at the cafe also plan to feature live music soon, as Polito has recently been in touch with a few local bands interested in playing.

Polito said what sets Midnight Cafe & Grill apart from other cafes in the area is its “distinctive environment.”

The building has two stories, so there are two levels where customers can sit, eat and converse. Bright colors, eclectic objects and artwork fill the rest of the building space, helping to establish the sense of place Polito envisioned.

Polito also said the “diverse menu” sets them apart from other restaurants in The Village, as they serve various options throughout the day.

“We offer all the things that other people or places don’t. Our menu has a little bit of pretty much everything– from Mexican food to burgers and

She appreciates the late-night opening hours, which makes it an ideal spot for study sessions or grabbing a bite to eat after class or work.

“I came in today to do homework. I would recommend this place to others because it’s so quiet,” Wagner said.

Polito said Midnight Cafe & Grill’s future plans include renovations to enhance its visual appeal, such as changing the interior colors, replacing the booths and adding more lights.

Midnight Cafe & Grill is open Tuesday-Friday at 4 p.m. On weekends, the cafe is open all day. Ball State Students can show their Ball State IDs at checkout and receive a 15 percent discount.

Contact Meghan Braddy with comments via email at meghan.braddy@bsu.edu or on X @ meghan_braddy.

The second level of the restaurant Feb. 20 at the Midnight Cafe & Grill in Muncie, Indiana. Students can sit, eat and hang out on both restaurant stories. MEGHAN BRADDY, DN

A customer at the front counter asks for a table Feb. 20 at the Midnight Cafe & Grill in Muncie, Indiana. Ernesto Polito hopes to attract more customers through live music and renovations to the interior. MEGHAN BRADDY, DN

JESSICA BERGFORS, DN ILLUSTRATION

Softball

Zach Carter, David Moore Associate News Editor, Reporter

The 1986 movie “Hoosiers” was inspired by the 1954 Milan High School boys’ basketball team, a 1A team that defeated Muncie Central (4A) in the Indiana state championship that season.

The film tells the story of a team that goes through the same journey and depicts what basketball means to the state. It shows the little town of Hickory shut down to travel with the Huskers as they march through the state tournament.

It’s arguably one of the most iconic sports films ever made, and most Indiana and non-Indiana sports fans have probably watched it.

But it’s been 38 years since the film that starred Gene Hackman as head coach Norman Dale hit theaters. Does the aura of the game still surround the tournament?

‘INDIANA BASKETBALL IS LIKE NOTHING ELSE’

‘INDIANA BASKETBALL IS LIKE NOTHING ELSE’

The Indiana boys’ basketball state tournament has arrived.

It’s [all about] the community. Many people have said since class basketball started in 1998, that things have changed. I don’t think they have, and even here in our small town of Selma, it’s still very special.”

- MATT LUCE, Wapahani head coach

To the coaches and players that take part in it, absolutely.

“It’s the community,” Wapahani head coach Matt Luce said. “Many people have said since class basketball started in 1998, that things have changed. I don’t think they have, and even here in our small town of Selma, it’s still very special. We always have great crowds, and have a lot of families and fans that just want to see our guys play.”

For players that have been around Indiana basketball most of their lives, like Wapahani senior Isaac Andrews, other states pale in comparison to Indiana basketball.

“Indiana basketball is like nothing else,” Andrews said. “I’ve played AAU in other states, and across the country and seen those high school gyms. It’s not nearly what it is here in Indiana.”

Redshirt junior utility player McKayla Timmons was named the MidAmerican Conference’s (MAC) Softball Player of the Week. During the I-75 Tournament Feb. 23-25, Timmons led Ball State with nine hits, which included five home runs, 12 RBIs, and scored eight runs. The Cardinals next play March 1-3 in the EKU Colonel Classic.

Men’s Volleyball

Timmons named Player of Week Ndavazocheva wins Player of the Week

Junior outside hitter Tinaishe Ndavazocheva was named the Midwestern Intercollegiate Volleyball Association’s (MIVA) Offensive Player of the Week. In the Cardinals’ 3-0 victory against Quincy, Ndavazocheva recorded 15 kills on 22 attempts and had an ace. Ball State will return to Worthen Arena March 1 as the Cardinals face Charlotte. First serve is at 7 p.m.

Track and Field

Two Ball State athletes named All-MAC

Following Ball State’s thirdplace finish in the Mid-American Conference Indoor Championships, senior Jenelle Rogers and junior Jenna Oriani were named First Team All-MAC. Rogers not only was named to the first team, but she also was named the Most Outstanding Field Performer. Oriani was named to the first team after winning the 400m dash and contributing 21 points for the Cardinals.

Senior Isaac Andrews puts the ball up for two points against Monroe Central Feb. 9 at Monroe Central High School. The Raiders went on to win the game 69-53. DAVID MOORE, DN

it comes to coaches that have been around for a number of years, the tournament is at a place where

“I’m an old guy, I like tradition,” Delta head coach Mark Detweiler said. “I know there’s so much talk about how this should change, the way the sectional is drawn should change. I just think it’s something with the Indiana rivalries. I think that’s what makes

Detweiler is in his seventh season as the Eagles head coach and has been a high school head coach for 26 seasons. The rivalry angle he drew attention to is not far off. Both Yorktown and Delta – one of the bigger rivalries in Delaware County – will play in Sectional 24 at New Castle High School.

They care, and I think in this day and age sometimes when you know there’s not enough of that, we’re just fortunate to have a bunch of guys and families that really truly do care about doing things with basketball the right way.”

- MARK DETWEILER, Delta head coach

Looking around the county at seniors like Andrews and Delta’s Jackson Wors, there have been multiple players that have given the area teams success. While their skills on the court are valuable, Detweiler believes it’s their attitude that

“They care, and I think in this day and age sometimes when you know there’s not enough of that, we’re just fortunate to have a bunch of guys and families that really truly do care about doing things with basketball the right way,” he said. “[Guys like Andrews] are guys that we have

When Wors first moved to Indiana, the first thing that caught his eye was the talent this state has produced in its rich basketball history. Seeing that as a child is a big reason why Wors has such a love

“We’d go watch Kyle Guy at Lawrence Central,” Wors said. “Seeing guys like that who are really special basketball players and seeing the energy they brought to the game when you’re a little kid

The first round saw Yorktown defeat Centerville 64-45 on Tuesday. For the Wednesday evening results of Muncie Central, Wes-Del, Burris, Wapahani and Delta, head to ballstatedailynews.

Contact Zach Carter with comments at zachary.

better now from when they started the season.”When

Contact David Moore with comments at david. moore@bsu.edu or on X @gingninj63.

Senior forward Jackson Wors makes a quick-step back shot against Greenfield-Central Feb. 1 at Delta High School. Wors had six points in the first half. ANDREW BERGER, DN

Senior Isaac Andrews shoots the ball against Monroe Central Feb. 9 at Monroe Central High School. This season, Andrews hit 2,000 career points for the Raiders. ANDREW BERGER, DN

Nick Shelton Reporter

An average eight-and-a-half-hour drive and more than 470 miles separate Ontario, Canada, and Muncie, Indiana. It is the same distance that now separates three Ball State women’s golfers from the families they left behind to pursue their college golf dreams.

Growing up in Ontario and moving to Muncie to play at the collegiate level is an experience three Ball State golfers share, and it’s a bond that goes beyond the sport they traveled across the border to play.

Junior Payton Bennett and sophomores Sarah Gallagher and Madelin Boyd knew each other long before they became teammates in Muncie.

Growing up playing against one another is a bonding experience few college teammates share, but seeing fellow teammates travel home to see their families knowing you won’t get the chance is an entirely different type of shared experience.

“We talk about it a lot,” Bennett said. “That’s probably the biggest challenge, seeing some of our teammates being able to go home for weekends, but we never can.”

Bennett said she probably calls her mom between seven and 12 times a day.

“FaceTiming my parents every day has made it easier,” Gallagher said. “I’ve definitely gotten more used to it over the years.”

Bennett said it’s better than a phone call, but FaceTime has its limits too. It could never feel like home.

The Canadian chemistry within Ball State women’s golf produces results on the scorecard.

While moving to the United States to play collegiate golf has been a challenging experience for Ball State’s trio, it isn’t the first time they’re golfing alone. For Canadian golfers, playing high school golf often means swinging solo and entering as many individual tournaments as possible in hopes of getting recognized.

In the U.S., playing high school golf is an essential pillar of the recruiting process. For Gallagher, growing up in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, this couldn’t be any further from the truth.

“I think you have to be really strategic about the tournaments you play and how to get attention from coaches,” Bennett said.

With the lack of regular high school competition, Canadian golfers like these three had to find other ways to impress college recruiters.

“I played against Madelin and Payton growing up,” Gallagher said. “I played in provincial and local organizational tournaments with them, [and] we would play to get recognition for the university.”

We talk about it a lot. That’s probably the biggest challenge, seeing some of our teammates being able to go home for weekends, but we never can.”

- PAYTON BENNETT, Junior women’s golfer

While attending Dr. Frank J. Hayden Secondary School, Gallagher was the only girl on her high school’s golf team.

“You play high school golf twice or three times a year, and we would be playing against the same people that we played with in our individual tournaments outside of school,” Gallagher said.

According to athleticscholarships.net, Canadian student-athletes often face substantially more obstacles during their college recruitment process compared to American athletes.

The three said they learned how to play against one another long before they learned to be teammates.

“It was awesome to have someone to compete against and then to become teammates with once we got here,” Bennett said.

Bennett recalled the first time she played Boyd at Sparrow Lake in Ontario, Canada. The two competitors faced off in a three-player event with fellow collegiate golfer Taylor Kehoe, who now plays for the University of Alabama. Bennett remembers distinctly being beaten by Boyd so

I played against Madelin and Payton growing up. I played in provincial and local organizational tournaments with them, [and] we would play to get recognition for the university.”

- SARAH GALLAGHER, Sophomore women’s golfer

badly that she considered quitting golf, losing by twenty strokes to her future teammate.

Consequently, learning how to play within a team was one of the most difficult parts of transitioning to the college game.

While all three golfers have now played two years together for head coach Cameron Andry, none of them were actually recruited by Ball State’s current coach. That job was accomplished by a fellow Canadian, former head coach Katherine Mowat.

“I actually met coach Mowat at a golf tournament when I was 13 or 14 years old,” Boyd said. “As soon as I turned the age where you could begin reaching out to coaches, she was the first person I reached out to.”

Gallagher had a similar experience, meeting Mowat a few years later when she watched her at a provincial tournament during Gallagher’s junior year of high school.

Unfortunately for both Gallagher and Boyd, Mowat stepped down from her head coaching position just two months before the pair arrived at Ball State, leaving Bennett as the last remaining Canadian golfer to have played for Mowat. Mowat, like Gallagher, attended high school in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, and recruited many Canadian players during her 18-year tenure at the helm of Ball State women’s golf.

“Having that Canadian connection has been awesome,” Bennett said. “When I got to Ball State, there were two other Canadians who were already here, so I’ve always had some Canadian teammates.”

Playing for Mowat was a good experience for Bennett, but she admitted it was hard to change coaches after her freshman season. Bennett recalled that it almost felt like starting over, remembering for her first practice under coach Andry, she was unsure if he would even allow her to wear headphones.

“Change is always good, but I did feel a little bit like a freshman again, trying to figure things out,” Bennett said.

Joining Bennett in her endeavor were two true freshman recruits in the form of Boyd and Gallagher, equal friends and rivals who lived within 45 minutes of one another. Now, two years later, each member of the Cardinal trio admits playing against each other for years until eventually becoming teammates at Ball State has formed a certain Canadian connection and a bond that extends beyond the green.

Contact Nick Shelton with comments via email at nicholas.shelton@bsu.edu or on X @NickS9954.

Sophomore Madelin Boyd putts Feb. 26 during a practice round at The Players Club at Woodland Trails. Boyd is one of three Cardinals from Ontario, Canada. ZACH CARTER, DN

CARDINALS FALL IN MAC PLAY AGAINST TOLEDO

Women’s basketball fails to win on the road against the Rockets.

Junior Marie Kiefer jumps to get the ball as it is tipped off to start the game against Toledo Feb. 24 at Savage Arena in Toledo, Ohio. Kiefer played 23 minutes of the game. MYA CATALINE, DN

Junior Ally Becki dribbles the ball to the hoop against Toledo Feb. 24 at Savage Arena in Toledo, Ohio.Becki scored seven points in the road loss. MYA CATALINE, DN

Left: Junior Nyla Hampton passes the ball against Toledo Feb. 24 at Savage Arena in Toledo, Ohio. Hampton scored four points in the game. Right: Ball State women’s basketball head coach Brady Sallee throws his hands up after a referee call against Toledo Feb. 24 at Savage Arena in Toledo, Ohio. The Cardinals lost 70-48 against the Rockets. MYA CATALINE, DN

DNLife

Students continue the century-old craft of crochet in the Crochet and Crafts Club.

Ella Howell

Associate Lifestyles Editor and Copy Editor

A spool of yarn and the pull of a hook has the potential to create intricate patterns. The craft is unique, as it can only be done by human hands. Machines aren’t capable of manipulating the yarn in a way that emulates the centuries-old art form.

Fourth-year psychology major Stevee Judy has been crocheting for more than a decade. She was taught by her grandmother — who had been crocheting her whole life — when she was young.

“I consider it a fine art form, honestly, and it’s so useful. You can make just about anything with a crochet hook,” Judy said. “I think it’s, historically, been one of those things that’s passed down maternally, so it’s kind of cool to see that continue in a different way.”

I think it’s, historically, been one of those things that’s passed down maternally, so it’s kind of cool to see that continue in a different way.”

- STEVEE JUDY, Fourth-year

psychology major

With major advancements in technology, Judy appreciates that the craft has survived. Since modern technology isn’t capable of crochet, people are the only source of crocheted products.

The item Judy has made that she’s most proud of is a replica of Harry Styles’ “iconic patchwork cardigan,” which she described as time-consuming but rewarding.

People have recommended Judy sell her work because they said they would want to order something from her. She first sold her work in November 2023 at a craft sale put on by the Crochet and Crafts Club at Ball State University, which she is a member of.

Judy was initially unsure if anyone would be interested, but she thought it could be a fun way to make money. Those who advised her to sell her work were right, and she is currently taking order requests on her Instagram @steveestitches.

See LOOP, 14

The Larry McWilliams Dimensions in Jazz Festival estival will be performed March 2 at Sursa Performance Hall at 7:30 p.m. McWilliams started the jazz program at Ball State University. Performing are guest artists Grammy-winner Michael Rodriguez and jazz educator Jamey Aebersold along with the bands. Tickets are available at the College of Fine Arts box office.

Dimensions in Jazz Festival March First Thursday

DWNTWN Muncie is hosting its March First Thursday event March 7, an event held once a month. The free event will have a gallery walk from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Local vendors and artists will be selling their crafts as well as performing them in various DWNTWN shops. For updates on the event go to First Thursday’s Facebook page.

Campus Community Community

Beginning Genealogy

Indiana County Genealogist Karen Good is instructing genealogy courses every Tuesday of March at E.B. and Bertha C. Ball Center. Each week there will be a new topic covered including: genealogy 101, forms and documents, organization, and software and free websites. There is no charge to attend, but spots are limited to 20 guests, so reservations are required.

Fourth-year psychology major Stevee Judy poses Feb. 26 in front of Emens Auditorium with a replica Harry Styles sweater she made. Judy has been crocheting for more than a decade after learning from her grandmother. ELLA HOWELL, DN

DISCOGRAPHY INDICATIVE

HOW I’VE HONED PERSONAL, EMOTIONAL CONNECTIONS THROUGH MUSIC.

Trinity Rea

Associate News Editor, “Bury the Hatchet”

Trinity Rea is a second-year journalism major and writes “Bury the Hatchet” for the Daily News. Their views do not necessarily reflect those of the newspaper.

They introduced themselves sliding into the backseat of my car, shooting me a single glance. “Cool With You” by Hers was blasting on my car’s speakers. They were quiet the whole time we were at dinner but loud in our first text messages after I dropped them back off at their dorm.

One of the first times I saw them again was outside the dining hall. They came out from behind a corner and smiled. In my earbuds “Nadja” by Unknown Mortal Orchestra was just ending. I remember watching them send me off as I drove away from their house last summer and their face after I showed back up 15 minutes later because I forgot something. “Blades” by Arlo Parks was on when I got back into my car after they laughed at me on their front steps.

A conversation from this past November lives on in my memory with “Soft Sounds from Another Planet” by Japanese Breakfast echoing around us as they cried in my passenger seat.

There was a call across state lines right before Christmas where they fell asleep on the phone right after telling me they weren’t tired. “Wading In Waist-High Water - Solstice Version” by Fleet Foxes accompanied me as I listened for a “goodnight” in between the sounds of steady breathing through my phone’s speaker.

And when I last saw them three weeks ago, I somehow managed to get out one more “I love you” before having to walk away. It felt like “Coming Clean” by Searows.

MEGHAN

Whenever I think of someone important to me, and all the time we spent together, I’m able to shuffle through a supercut of music that makes up that person.

All of our car rides with their favorite songs blasting in the stereo, sparking debate over the best music to listen to while studying together in their bed or a link to a song they said I would like that remains in my notes — every moment and feeling is a part of a playlist existing in my mind.

Entirely encapsulating a person or a relationship is impossible, yet I’ve learned some things are so fleeting that I at least have to try. I hand-curate playlists so that I can continue to feel every moment that my mind may one day desire to relive.

Categorizing music indicative of a time, person, relationship or feeling gives me a chance to relive those emotions — a time I once existed in. During moments when I want to reminisce about someone, I’m able to hit play on the album or song that brought us together.

The library of my 8-year-old Spotify account holds personal time capsules. I’ve created more than 200 playlists with half of them being personalized collections. Many of the playlists I’ve made are dedicated to friends, lovers, experiences and everything in between.

Entirely encapsulating a person or a relationship is impossible, yet I’ve learned some things are so fleeting that I at least have to try.

In a sense, they’re here with me, reliving what we once had.

Everyone in my life has a playlist dedicated to them — no exceptions. The gravity and amount of songs in a person’s playlist do vary, but almost everything in my life is tied to songs.

According to Durham University, capturing moments in time with music is a common and often involuntary human action. The university’s research has also shown that music has the ability to reconnect us with emotional moments from our past and evoke memories.

Having some control of this phenomenon helps me remind myself of what I’ve lived through — how I got to where I am today.

Some of the playlists are made over the course of a handful of days while others are never done being made. They’re updated with every new moment shared, every change in a relationship — they grow as my relationships do.

As my relationships and moments spent with others grow or fade — the ebb and flow of life — a playlist matches that fact.

As I ride the emotion through all of their ups and downs, I want to make sure I really explore every avenue of what I am feeling. It becomes more authentic, raw and real for me.

This long-time habit has led me to become more present in my life. Whenever I meet someone, I become aware of how they make me feel, which I connect back to music.

By making that connection, I’m able to better understand the feeling I’m experiencing which allows me to express myself in ways I felt unable.

Music trickled into my life slowly, and I first found its importance by acknowledging my frequent referencing of song lyrics in between stanzas of poetry or in my habit of journaling.

Everything in my life is amplified and better understood due to how I’m able to see the world through music. And I think this practice of memorializing and processing through music is something that could — and in my opinion, should — be adopted by anyone.

According to Psychology Today, music can bring individuals together, promote trust and empathy, and alleviate stress. Creating a connection through music turns into a mutual endeavor with each party.

That’s something that has really resonated with me in my own life.

In a world where it’s easy to lack the ability to effectively communicate, we can all rely on music to help us better understand one another.

While my playlists are personal and paint the subject matter in a specific light, I hope those who listen to them can better understand me through the songs. I’ve done my best to capture all the things that make the people in my life special through music: their smile, the unique shade of their eyes and, most importantly, the way they’ve made me feel.

While some of the most important people to me may no longer be in my life, parts of them will always remain within the music that encapsulates them.

I encourage you all to take time to sit with your emotions and make sure you can express and recognize them fully. And if you feel unable, turn to music.

Contact Trinity Rea with comments at trinity.rea@ bsu.edu or on X @thetrinityrea.

LOOP

Continued from Page 11

“I just finished up a bouquet of lavender for an order. I’m currently also making another bouquet for my friend’s wedding, which is exciting. And I’m gonna crochet a turtle for a friend of mine,” Judy said.

First-year entrepreneurship and innovation major Natalia Gonzalez picked up crochet in 2020. She has always been an artistic and creative person, but she felt like she needed a new hobby during the pandemic.

Like Judy, Gonzalez’s grandmother also crochets, so she was already familiar with the craft. She started watching YouTube videos to teach herself how to crochet. She also shares Judy’s thoughts on crochet continuing in newer generations.

“I think it’s really nice, especially since crochet cannot be made by machines,” Gonzalez said. “It’s nice that it’s still a learned craft rather than something that’s older and doesn’t really have more representation.”

Gonzalez is also a member of the Crochet and Crafts Club, which meets every Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center, and she enjoys the casual setting the club offers.

It’s nice that it’s still a learned craft rather than something that’s older and doesn’t really have more representation.”

- NATALIA GONZALEZ, First-year entrepreneurship and innovation major

She said she enjoys learning new things about crocheting from her peers and having a shared space for people to work on their projects together.

Gonzalez invited first-year finance major Ella Browder to one of their club meetings in September 2023. She went just to socialize but soon became a member of the club.

“I was going to go color or something, and they gave me a hook and yarn, and Natalie Gonzalez — she is my bathroom mate — she started teaching me, and I just picked it up really fast,” Browder

said. “It was really just out of boredom, but it became a big hobby.”

Browder has an anxiety disorder and discovered crochet didn’t just cure her boredom. She used to do puzzles to help ease symptoms but switched to crochet after joining the club.

“It’s something that calms you down, and it really brings your focus in on something, and you’re doing something with your hands that makes your brain focus on something,” Browder said. “Whenever I get super anxious, crochet is my go-to. I turn on some white noise, put some peaceful music on, dim the lights, and I crochet.”

While Browder has utilized crochet as a coping mechanism, the market Judy has found, for the passion she shares with her grandma, allows her to

make money doing something she enjoys. She has advice for others who take a similar route:

“Know the value of your work, even if it’s not crochet. Know the value of arts and crafts. It still is art even if it’s silly [and] simple,” Judy said. “If it brings you joy, keep doing it. That’s kind of cliche, but there is a market out there. If you don’t think so, there is a market out there for whatever you’re doing.”

For those interested in learning how to crochet, Judy advises that people take advantage of the free resources that are out there.

“Stick with it, have patience, because you’re going to get angry, and there’s going to be things that are confusing and hard,” Judy said. There’s [sic.] tons of tutorials on YouTube and on Pinterest and the internet. You don’t have to buy a bunch of fancy supplies and spend a ton of money to get started. There are tons of ways to do it on a budget, and it’s one of the best things that you can do if you want to pick up a hobby.”

Contact Ella Howell with comments at ella. howell@bsu.edu.

Second-year Hal Plummer crochets Feb. 20 in the L.A. Pittenger Student Center. Crochet is unique in the sense that it can’t be made by a machine. ELLA HOWELL, DN

MEGHAN HOLT, DN ILLUSTRATION

Crossword & Sudoku

ACROSS

1 Balance __: gymnastics event

5 Theme park transport

9 Rave’s opposite

12 Opposite of calor

13 Crustaceans eaten by whales

14 Japanese wrestling form

15 *Seasonal New England attraction

17 Warmup exam for collegebound sophs

18 Jousting spear

19 Entourage

20 *Show of affection made with fluttering eyelashes

23 Hashtag on a social media post about gratitude, perhaps

25 Actress Sophia

26 Lollipop taste

27 Olympics sled

28 Feathery neckwear

31 2028 Olympics host country: Abbr.

32 *Big name in cloud storage

35 The NBA’s Thunder, on scoreboards

36 __ Claire, Wisconsin

37 Experiment sites

38 Beneficiary of an exfoliation routine

39 Polish, as shoes

41 Pumpkin seeds

44 *Improvises over a beat

47 Polo, for one

48 Causing the heebie-jeebies

49 Tickle Me Elmo toy company

50 Success-versus-failure metaphor, and what can be found at the starts of the answers to the starred clues

55 Country across the Arabian Sea from Mumbai

56 Opposite of chaos

57 “Hmm ... bad idea”

58 Writing implement

59 Join with heat, as metal pieces

60 __ fun at

DOWN

1 Closest pal, briefly

2 Pitching stat

3 Have a bug

4 Clam or oyster

5 Tracked down

6 Water under the bridge

7 The “A” of IPA

8 D.C. United’s org.

9 “Shrek 2” character who occasionally succumbs to hairballs

10 Accumulate

11 Written reminders

SOLUTIONS FOR FEBRUARY 22

13 __ cloth: Ghanaian textile

14 Bike wheel part

16 Back muscles, briefly

19 Oven-safe glassware

20 “Nothing’s stopping me”

21 Goof

22 Corporate symbol

23 Color of UNICEF’s 22-Down

24 Salters of ESPN

27 Vinyl records, for short

29 Gumbo pod

30 Top poker cards

32 Little-known celebs

33 Wild speech

34 Comply

38 Speaks out

40 “Great blue” wader

41 Took a quick look

42 Goof

43 Two of a kind

44 Camera setting that affects depth

45 Sound alike

46 Tennis great Ivan

50 Go to seed?

51 Anger

52 “__ cares!”

53 58-Across contents

54 “The Simpsons” bartender