Crusader Seward County Community College
Year 48, No. 6
Liberal, Kansas
March 8, 2017
“WE ARE AMERICA”- pg 4 Allied Health Building- pg 6 Culture diversity among the tennis team- pg 14
Letter
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March 8, 2017
CRUSADER
Web: www.crusadernews.com Phone: 620.417.1459 Fax: 620.417.1169
Editors: Angelica Alfaro and Brynn Grieshaber Photo Editor: Keynitra Houston
Staff: Odalys Avalos, David Gomez, Yesenia Montanez, Lisa Suzuki, Jessica Aldave-Ramos Follow us on: facebook.com/CrusaderNews
Sunflower students spend a day with SCCC basketball teams and coaches. Only 18 students out of all the fifth grade students participated. (courtesy photo)
Saints help fifth graders improve their skills Dear SCCC, Recently, 18 Sunflower fifth grade students and their teachers spent a Saturday with the members of the basketball teams and coaches. The Sunflower students had to earn their way to participate by answering 1000 correct reading, grammar and/or math questions on the program Mobymax within the month of January. That afternoon the students met members of the basketball teams at the dorm basketball courts. They ran through different drills working on layups and ball handling. The students were then able to play several games with the Seward County players, such as knock out. To cap the afternoon off, students were provided with pizza and t-shirts. The students were able to eat their lunch and spend time getting to know the players. The men and women of the basketball teams were very willing to help and interact with
“School is supposed to be fun and that is why I want to become a teacher.” -Erin Richardson the students. Erin Richardson, Lady Saint, stated, “It was really cool, the students earning this was rewarding for them and they learned that when they work hard and achieve something, they can have fun with it and school is supposed to be fun and that is why I want to become a teacher.” At the end of the day, Martavious Wilson also added that he enjoyed, “showing them how to dribble and the moves that they can use when they get bigger, to
keep improving on skills and the skills will get you a long way. You can go to any college you want to if you want to continue playing basketball at this level.” We wrapped the day up by watching a victory in both the men and women’s basketball games. The students were able to sit right behind the players, get autographed posters, as well as participate in the halftime show. Special thank you to Coach Wynn, Coach Zollinger and Roy Allen for getting this together for us and for the out pouring hospitality shown towards us, along with their amazing commitment to the community. It proves how important school is to these coaches and they made sure that our students understood the importance as well. Thank you, Miss Bale, Mr. Potter, Ms. Caley and Mrs. Foster 5th Grade Teachers, Sunflower Intermediate School
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The official student newspaper of Seward County Community College is publsihed monthly by journalism students during the regular college year, except on school holidays and during examinations periods. One copy of each isssue is distributed free to each student, faulty and staff member, with subsequent copies avialable for purchase in the Crusader office at 50 cents each. Letters to the editor will be considered for publication if they are signed and the authenticity of the writer’s signature is verified.The staff reserves the right to edit for length. Opinions voice in letters and editorials are not necessarily those of Seward County Community College. Advertising is accepted. Rates are $5 per column inch or $5.25 pci for color ads. Insert rates are $50 per thousand. The Crusader staff reserves the right to refuse advertising. Mail to: Crusader, Box 1137, Liberal, KS 67905, or email editors@crusadernews.com.
March 8, 2017
News
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HALO takes a trip to Chicago Angelica Alfaro Co- Editor During the dates of Feb. 15 and 19, a few members of HALO and their sponsor attended the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI). “The mission of the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI) is to fulfill the promises and principles of democracy by promoting education, research, and leadership development, and empowering Latinos and similarly disenfranchised groups by maximizing their civic awareness, engagement, and participation.” About 6,500 people attend this conference in Chicago, Ill. Seward County Community College HALO members flew to Chicago to attend the event. “Even though it might sound a bit lame because people do this every day, one of my favorite parts of the trip was flying to Chicago,” Magali Castaneda said. She enjoyed a new experience of travelling in a plane. The USHLI conference helps students and other leaders “become the most influential Hispanic leaders of their generation and will help govern our cities, schools, states,” according to USHLI. At the conference future leaders have the chance to meet “recruiters, national policy-makers, and future employers.” “The trip was so much fun and I learned and experienced so many new things,” Castaneda said. Castaneda mentioned that at the workshops gave tips on how to be successful in life, and to be leaders in our communities. “Meeting new people is always fun. I made new friends on the trip and learned more about different Hispanic cultures,” Castaneda said. “This conference brings in so many different Hispanic cultures to all come together and we all learn something new about each other.” Castaneda enjoys shopping and being able to do so much of it in Chicago was so fun, but overwhelming. “Chicago is such a big city and there is so much to do. I love it there,” Castaneda continued. “Compared to Chicago, my hometown is nothing.” During the trip, HALO members went out for some fun. “We went to the Chicago Navy Pier and also to the 360 Chicago where we got to see the sights of the city. We visited the Chicago Millennium Park,” Francis Brown, Developmental Instructor/Director of Student Success Center, said. HALO stands for Hispanic American Leadership Organization. HALO is a club in high schools and at colleges. The club is open at SCCC to any student interested in the Hispanic culture. Students who were in HALO in high school tend to continue in the club throughout college. HALO helps out around campus. The club has helped out with blood drives, trick-or-treat street and also when the campus needs help in events. “In HALO, we help students get involved in school and with the community,“ Brown said.
HALO members personally meet with Dr. Samuel Betances, a professional diversity trainer. (courtesy photo)
Perla Camacho, Magali Castaneda and Jailen Fernandez join their HALO sponsor Francis Brown to USHLI. (courtesy photo)
News
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March 8, 2017
"We are America" Friends and family gather to stand in solidarity with diverse community members
Kathleen Alonso
SCCC Alumnus
On March 4 several community members came together to support the diversity of our community. The “We Are America” rally was a community event that celebrated several diverse groups of people. The rally consisted of several speakers and a special presentation by immigration attorney Nancy Cardoza. The purpose of the event was to shed light on the strength of diversity and to unify our community. A voting registration booth was also available to the attendees. Speaker Liz Ontiveros shared her hopes for a better future in her speech. “We are America, from the young to the old, from the shy to the bold. Every race, every religion, every gender, every age, we are America. We must all do our part to make America love again, to make America whole again, but most importantly to make America a prominent country that our kids will proudly inherit. I want my son to grow up in a place where kindness is not a rare thing and love is more valuable than money. We must set examples for future Generations.” Event organizer, Larissa Flores ended the event with a powerful message to all “I want you all to know whether you are Hispanic, African American, are a part of LGBTQ+ community, and refugees that you are all valuable, powerful, and deserving of every opportunity in the world. And remember, together we are powerful and we will not let anyone divide us.” If you are interested in helping coordinate future events please contact event organizers. Organizers Kathleen Alonso can be reached at (620) 309-0303 and Larissa Flores at (620) 417-0794.
March 8, 2017
News
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Ambiyo Farah, a “Proudly and unapologetically Muslim-American and proud and unapologetically Somali-American!” speaks out at the “We Are America!” rally on March 4. There were around 50 community members who came out to show their support. (photo by Brynn Grieshaber)
Kathleen Alonso leads marchers around Light Park to show the immigrant community they are part of what makes our community strong as a whole. “We Are America!” stance is solidarity with the diverse community members. (photo by Brynn Grieshaber)
Liberal community celebrates diversity
Biviana Rodriguez recites the poem, “Borders,” in support of the immigrants in the Liberal community. (photo by Brynn Grieshaber)
Larissa Flores, event organizer, shares her passion at the “We Are America!” rally. Kathleen Alonso and Larissa Flores put together “We Are America!” to strive to celebrate all backgrounds and focus on what everybody shares. The focus was to unite the community. (photo by Brynn Grieshaber)
What is the importance of diversity you ask? Recognition of the abundant diversity of cultures, respect for the differences, acknowledging the validity of different cultural contributions, valuing what other cultures offer, encouraging the contribution of diverse groups, empowering people to strengthen themselves and others and most importantly, to celebrate rather than just tolerating our differences in order to bring about unity through our community. Culture is how we evaluate everything that is around us. It is important to educate ourselves and recognize the importance of different cultures because cultural diversity is in our schools, work places, and our country. We can learn from one another, but we need to have a better understanding about each other in order to succeed. Learning about other cultures helps us understand different perspectives and allows us to dispel negative stereotypes on other cultures. In addition, cultural diversity helps us recognize and respect “ways of being” that are not our own, so that as we interact with others we can build bridges to trust and respect one another. Furthermore, cultural diversity is what makes America strong. People from diverse cultures contribute language skills, new ways of thinking, new knowledge, and different experiences. I am proud to be a Latina, but I am also a proud American. I am proud of my ancestry and proud of being American, but I am not one without being the other. My fellow brothers and sisters, we are here today to encourage one another, support one another, and most importantly, we are here because we are on the right side of history. We love and appreciate America and take pride in the aspects that make it great. I am here because I am the voice for the voiceless. I am here because I care and because I want all of you to know that the will to succeed is always welcome here. So don’t be afraid, together we will make a difference and we will stand in solidarity with one another today and forever. We will show our children that we did not stay silent, that we raised our voices so that we can be heard loud and proud. Today is a day that I will look back on years from now and be proud. I will be proud that together we made a difference. I will be proud that despite our differences, we came together to show our community that WE ARE AMERICA!!!! In conclusion, I want you all to know whether you are Hispanic, African American, are a part of LGBTQ+ community, and refugees that you are all valuable, powerful, and deserving of every opportunity in the world. And remember, together we are powerful and we will not let anyone divide us. Thank you. SI SE PUEDE Y SI SE PUDO! -Larissa Flores, Event Organizer
News
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March 8, 2017
Center to be built for athletes Jessica Aldave-Ramos
Reporter
Seward County Community College and Foundation leaders announced that 3.6 million dollars out of 6 have been raised for two new campus buildings. “The money raised has all came from charitable contributions made by individuals and area businesses or other philanthropic organizations; none is from either tax revenue nor student fees nor from the operating budget of the college,” Foundation President of Students First Community Always Duane Bozarth said. The first building is the Allied Health building, which will be a great addition to SCCC campus, as well as The Champions Center. The Champions Center will be used for baseball, softball, and tennis. The building will be made to provide these sports with an area to train and prepare for their seasons. The building will have locker rooms and other amenities for these sports teams. The Students First Community Always Foundation is responsible for these buildings along with other projects for SCCC. In the future the Champions Center building could help our teams become better. When our teams become better we have more students and future students supporting these teams. It’s not hard to see the good side to this building. “The new facility will help reduce over scheduling of the gym which is the only indoor practice space for all seven sports at SCCC. On a large
number of college campuses, the student body often identifies with/ takes pride in/attends that particular college’s athletic events, which helps promote a positive attitude and a healthier attitude within the entire student body,” Athletic Director Galen McSpadden said. It gives students a chance to be proud of their school.“I think that The Champions Center would be a good investment for the college because I believe our athletes should be recognized for SCCC achievements,” said sophomore Adrian Gum. The downside is that it only pertains to these sports. While students who are not in these sports won’t be able to use the facility they might have a chance to use The Greenhouse. Students will have a better chance of using The Greenhouse because it will be more available, due to scheduling in the new center. The Greenhouse will be able to be used for intramurals and students downtime.
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I think that The Champions Center would be a good investment for the college because I believe our athletes should be recognized for SCCC achievements, -Adrian Gum
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A preview of what the Sharp Family Champions center could look like via an artist rendering.
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News
March 8, 2017
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An artist rendering gives a preveiw of what the new allied health building could look like. The two new buildings should cost $6 million .
SCCC upgrades allied health David Gomez
Reporter
The Seward County Community College board recently announced that there will be a new addition to the campus. A $300 million state of the art Allied Health Center will be added. This looks like a move in the right direction that will have a major impact on the future of the campus. The new Allied Health Center will serve as an upgrade to the campus and will give a major advantage to students that plan on attending SCCC, and it will also help recruit more students to SCCC from Southwest Kansas and the surrounding area. “This will not only help students in the allied health field, but it will help with recruitment, retention and increase our relationships with other partners,” SCCC President Ken Trazka said. The medical field is a very tough career to pursue and SCCC wants to do the most to help students succeed and continue their
career in life. “We’ll have state of the art technology. What students experience in lab will be, other than the person be a real person, it will be as close as what they will see at the next level,” Trazka said. Some medical students are disappointed that they might not get to enjoy the new facility, but they are still happy to see the college doing something good for its students. Sophomore Alexis Burciaga stated that when he first heard the news he wished he could have used the new equipment. “It sucks that I won’t get to use the new building, but it’s awesome that they’re doing something for the medical students,” Burciaga said. One of the main goals for SCCC has been to get homegrown students from Liberal and the surrounding area. Now that SCCC can be one of the more high tech community colleges, there is hope that more will stop leaving for other community
colleges and stay close to home. The plan for a new Allied Health Center has been in play since before Traska came to SCCC. Thanks to the fundraising, alumni and partners in the community there was enough funds raised to officially put the plan of a new health center in motion. There is not a set date on the opening of the Allied Health Center with there still being money that needs to be raised, but Trazka hopes that the new facility can be opened by the start of the 2019 spring semester. “Hopefully that will get it built by next year, so I can still get to use the new technology,” Burciaga said.
To donate and show your support please call Tammy Doll at (620)-417-1131
We’ll have a state of the art technol“ ogy. What students experience in lab
will be, other than the person be a real person, it will be as close as what they will see at the next level. -Dr.Ken Trazka
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Features
March 8, 2017
Students
My brother died and some Jessica Aldave-Ramos
“W
Reporter
e learn from our students, just as they learn from us,” advising coordinator Patsy Fischer says. Students and staff at Seward County Community College make the school a warmer place to be. “My advisor, Patsy Fischer, is so helpful, [and] is always there for me if I need anything. She motivates me,” freshman Lesley Bernal says. The staff are advocates for the students and they want to see them succeed and be aware of the resources that are available to them mentions Fisher. SCCC staff cares a great deal for their students. The staff pushes their students, because they want them to be ready for the future and reach their full potential. “Everyone who works here cares for the students personally. It is a very good start for students to come here, because it makes them feel like they are apart of our community,” Financial Aid officer Shannon Davis says. My brother had passed away last year, right before fall semester started, and I hadn’t really told anyone. Davis had seen my brother’s obituary in
Advising Coordinator Patsy Fisher has supported the Saints for years. She keeps momentos from students and adds to her walls/shelves every year. Fisher and her husband even keep in touch with former students, like Sheina Fernandez. (Photos by Keynitra Houston)
Testing Center Facilitator Melissa Hilditch helps student Lucio Gonzalez tra Houston)
March 8, 2017
Features
appreciate staff one noticed I wasn’t okay
the newspaper. She messaged the Director of the Student Living Center, Kate Mulligan. Mulligan emailed me and asked if we could meet. I didn’t know what the meeting was about, so I thought that I was in trouble or that I was being kicked out of dorms for some reason. I met with Mulligan in the Student Living Center office. She asked me if I was okay, and we spoke for a while. Afterwards she told me Davis asked if I was okay because of my brother. In a way I was happy that I could finally talk about it. Mulligan told me that if I ever had trouble with anything they would help me. I wasn’t expecting to have staff care that much to make sure I was okay. They made my first semester better, because I knew if anything was wrong I could go to them for help. Leaving the college in a year or so is not something I look forward to, because there is no college like Seward. Our college is small and that’s what makes it easy for staff to have a connection with the students. In fact, many staff will keep up students even after graduation. If you need proof, just make a visit to Fischer’s office to see her infamous wall of pictures. They truly care for the students and their futures!
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A Note of Thanks “ Redd is my favorite because she is funny and I feel like she cares about her students”
Eileen Beisel, Freshman
“One [staff member] that has helped me throughout my college career has to be my advisor Mr. Perry. Not only has he provided me with the help I needed when it came to planning my schedule, but he has pushed me to exceed my own expectations.”
Alyssa Fisher, 3rd Year
who is planning to get her GED here at SCCC. (photos by Keyni-
Sophomore Jesus Valencia, receives help on a English paper in the writing center. (photo by Keynitra Houston)
Features
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March 8, 2017
Do you prefer small or big classes? Students’ opinions on class sizes
Instructor Ed Hall teaches a small class of three students for his introduction to computers class. Small class sizes can provide the opportunity to get to know instructors better. (photo by Keynitra Houston)
Mathematics Instructor, Heather Hannah helps her intermediate algebra class with homework questions from the weekend. Hannah does this at the beginning of every class to make sure students understand the concept and can move on. (photo by Keynitra Houston)
Angelica Alfaro Co-Editor
“Having a small class can sometimes be awkward,” freshman, Jaki Villa said. An average class size at community colleges range from 25 to 35 students. Lately, Seward County Community College has had smaller class sizes. American Literature is a class only provided in the spring. This spring only four students en-
rolled. “For this class, I feel like four does work, but having a few more students would be better, because there’d be more input,” Katy Washington said. Washington doesn’t mind small classes, but having “bigger class sizes can be better. There’s so many more diverse opinions and input,” Washington said. She also likes a bigger class size, because someone else may ask something that is a good point, but she didn’t think of it. With only having four students,
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the class was on the verge of being dropped. This class size may seem small, but there has been an even smaller one- American history. In the fall semester of 2016, American history only had two students in class. Villa mentioned that neither her or the other student could miss, because they’d fall way behind. “We both had to participate, because if one didn’t, it was awkward,” Villa said. One reason on why Villa did enjoy the class was because they could
make sure that they got all the information. Another class with a low amount of students is an English Comp II class. It is an 8 a.m. class. Students have the choice to take their class at the time they desire. “An 8 a.m. class isn’t my first choice. I like sleeping in as much as I can,” Anthony Anaya said. Anaya mentioned that having a bigger class is better, because another student may ask something that others may have had
in mind as well. Anaya also likes big classes because they are also good for group work. Although group work can sometimes hinder production due to a gourp member not complete their part, group work is an easy opportunity to learn new things and make friends mentions Anaya. “It can be an issue for everyone to say what they have to say during a big class; a big class size works best with lectures,” Anaya said.
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Entertaiment
March 8, 2017
Review: Logan gets emotional
David Gomez Reporter
SPOILER ALERT Logan is the 3rd movie in the Wolverine series and the 10th movie in the X-men franchise. Logan is rumoured to be Hugh Jackman’s’ last time as Wolverine, the adamantium clawed mutant, after playing Wolverine for nearly two decades. Logan is loosely based on the Old Man Logan storyline from the Marvel comics, and takes place in a
distant but not to apocalyptic future. This superhero action movie was a great finish to the Hugh Jackman-Wolverine saga. It is something that all movie fans can enjoy with just the right kind of rated-R violence, mixed in with great dramatic moments that open up Wolverine’s true characteristics. The beginning sets a tone of despair as we see that the future from the ending of X-men Apocalypse is
no more. Logan is a drunk, and is now a limo driver. Professor Xavier is away from the outside under the care of Caliban in a fallen water tower. The heros are near the end of their run as Logan also seems to be sick and aging. During the fight scenes, the blood and gore is awesome and it adds excitement to the scenes, something that most superhero films are missing. Some scenes still seem to shy
CRUSADER 11 away when Logan is slicing off heads, but it does not hinder the fight scenes by any means. The latest edition to the X-men series Laura, rarely talks throughout the movie. This is the same way wolverine was portrayed at the Beginning of the X-men series. While Laura is small, she is still a very ferocious fighter and can hold her own against many of Transigen employees. In my opinion this is one of the best X-men movies of the franchise. It was thought by many to be the first superhero movie up for an Oscar since the Dark Knight, Logan opened at the box office at a total of
$85.3 billion This was instantly one of my favorite X-men movies. It is not only a hero movie, but also serves as a sort of drama. The whole time my emotions were on the edge, this movie showed the more emotional side of Logan, one I have been waiting to see since Jean Grey’s death. As a hero movie, the fight scenes and heroic moments make it a good movie. Then you add all the drama to it and it becomes a complete movie. It’s awesome and if wanna take a freshman college students advice, you should go see the movie as soon as you can.
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Features
March 8, 2017
Sophomore Daisy Ramirez plans to learn more about doing nails here at SCCC. Ramirez practices applying fake nails to a hand mannequin. (photo by Keynitra Houston)
Student Paulette Pineda practices her nail art on a hand mannequin. (photo by Keynitra Houston)
Long nails are very trendy in today’s age. Cosmetology competed last year for a chance to win best nail art. (photo by Keynitra Houston)
MISSON STATEMENT The cosmetology program’s mission is to provide comprehensive learning through innovative and quality-focused services that advance the economic career opportunities for students and meet the desires and demands of the industry, businesses, and the community.
Features
March 8, 2017
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Nail art for everyone Students in the cosmetology program offer affordable pricing in the services learned Lisa Suzuki
Reporter
At Seward County Community College, a cosmetology program is offered for any student interested. The program teaches you how to do hair and nails. Cosmetology students are learning to work on hair and nails in class everyday, so they can do it right on clients. SCCC Cometology is located at 1801 N. Kansas Ave. Liberal, Kansas. They are open
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10a.m.- 4p.m. and Thursday from 12p.m.8p.m. To contact the salon call (620) 417-1361. Along with working on hair and nails, they also do waxing. Unlike an actual beauty salon, the prices are affordable. Freshman Joselyn Sanchez is currently a student in the cosmetology program. Sanchez says she has been interested in cosmetology since she was a little girl.
In the cosmetology industry Sanchez mentions that popular nails are the long fake nails. “When doing nails, you first clean the customer’s real nails and then add the fake nails and cut them to a desired length,” Sanchez explains. After the program Sanchez will continue a future in cosmetology, “I want to start my own salon in Liberal.” To achieve her goal, she will sharpen her skills and learn more about cosmetology.
Joselyn Sanchez is currently a cosmotology student learning about new nail trends. In the program she not only learns how to do nails, but also learns how to do hair such as cuts and coloring. Another thing Sanchez and the students learn is how to wax eyebrows. (photo by Keynitra Houston.)
Sports
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March 8, 2017
Saints tennis team is family
Long hours = trusted friends Lisa Suzuki
Sophomore Tadiwanashe Juliet Murewa said, “I love this team, but I sometimes feel that with Before coming to America, I always saw myself as a worm in our unique national qualities, our a shell. Now that I’ve left home, cultural and language differences I’m developing into an indepen- cause tension within the team. The different levels of English dent women. language cause constant clashes I grew up in the middle of Tokyo, Japan. I had never left my amongst young people who are so outspoken, especially between home for more than one week. opposite sexes when it comes to I was so scared to leave home, equality. As a whole each indibut I decided to come to the United States two months before vidual on the team adds a vibrant starting off the 2016 fall semes- spice of character to the team as ter. I encouraged myself to stay a whole.” Even though we have fights determined, I told myself “I can and some problems, eventually overcome anything.” we can accept the issue and solve I am a tennis student athlete. it, because we are a team and On the tennis team there are a Saints family. I feel very sad 26 students from outside of when I think about the sophothe United States and only one American. The players are from mores graduating, because it is France, Brazil, Venezuela, South difficult to meet with everyone Freshman Lisa Suzuki, plays defense during practice. Lisa plays doubles and singles. (photo by Brynn Grishaber) Africa, Czech Republic, Poland, once they transfer onto four-year universities. Spain, Taiwan and many more countries. We all live in the dorms, so the majority of our time we spend it together as a team. The Lady Saints have practice Monday through Friday from 1p.m. to 3p.m. After practice we have training or yoga from 5p.m. to 6p.m. We often play matches against one another to improve on our skills for season matches. I think this is a key ingredient of the recipe toward national victory. Sometimes I feel that playing matches against one another Men’s Tennis team practice basic hitting techniques before practice begins. (photo by Brynn Grishaber) creates a strained atmosphere in the team, because the coaches need to decide who is going to play in the line-up positions one through six. What I find most difficult to adjust to is accepting everyone’s behavior and attitude. Our tennis team is very international, so everyone has different ways of thinking and expressing their feelings. I’ve been surprised so many times by people’s behavior. We have had fights as a team, but Sophomore Thalita Rodrigues, sets her eyes on at the end of all of the fighting returning the ball with a fierce swing. (photo by we know that we have to unify Brynn Grishaber, right bottom) with everyone for tournaments. Reporter
March 8, 2017
Sports
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Freshman Lisa Suzuki gets ready to serve. Suzuki has won three single matches so far this season for the Lady Saints. (photo by Brynn Grieshaber)
With the Lady Saints being from different cultures, they help each other out in school. When writing essays, a few girls read each others to help with any mistakes. For dinner, the girls tend to always eat together at the cafeteria. Since the team spends a lot of time together, the girls have movie nights randomly in each other’s dorm. (SCCC Athletic Department)
Tennis will play their next match at home on March 15. Go out and support at the Blue Bonnet tennis courts.
UpClose
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Franklin strides through college Brynn Grieshaber Co-Editor
Everyone has dreams and goals that they have set for themselves at some point in life. It isn’t such an easy task for some people, especially in the year 2017. There will always be obstacles when striving for your goals, and there will always be someone who will try and stop you, but that’s when extraordinary people prevail. Nineteen-year-old Spencer Franklin came to Seward County Community College on a basketball scholarship. He grew up in Fort Worth, Texas. Franklin said he came from a good home and had both of his parents growing up. College basketball was something he always wanted to do, so during his free time he spent it shooting hoops with his friends, going to the mall and doing whatever came their way. In Texas there are good people and good times that Franklin remembered. Homecoming night is a night he won’t forget. “My senior year of high school I ran for homecoming king and
everyone decided on letting a kid with a disability win king,” Franklin said. “Our parents let us make our own decisions, they never really forced us into doing stuff. They raised us to make smart decisions, so I was just letting life take me where it took me, and it brought me to SCCC,” Franklin said. While his two older siblings dropped out of college, Franklin wants to finish. He will be the first one to earn a college degree. Knowing his family wasn’t the wealthiest, he took the opportunity to get out and go to school. Playing ball anywhere was a blessing. Franklin transferred from Collin College to SCCC. Collin College differs from SCCC because it was in a bigger city. “It’s a nice sized city,” said Franklin, “but we really didn’t get much recognition with athletics, so I was trying to find a way to make it up out of the city and make something of myself.” Coming from a big city Franklin feels that you have to be your own person and be smart about
Franklin takes time to sign autographs for a student after visiting a Liberal elementary school. (photo by SCCC Athletics)
March 8, 2017
Franklin celebrating Christmas 2015 with his family back home in Fort Worth, Texas. (courtesy photo)
the way you do things — so you don’t get caught up in the different ways of living. Franklin knew he was coming to SCCC to play basketball and for a good education. What he didn’t know was that he was going to be judged and discriminated against by members of the community. Franklin feels that members of the community do treat the team differently, but he doesn’t let it faze him. Franklin said his room was searched for drugs after being what he felt, falsely accused. This happened just three months after Franklin settled here. There may be little bumps in the road, but he hasn’t stopped. One bump in the road was when he broke his foot playing against Cowley College. This may have brought his career to an end but universities are still considering him to play for them either way. After his time at SCCC, Franklin plans to go to a four year university to continue playing ball and his education in kinesiology. “I have support from my family and friends back home. They would break their backs to make sure I stay on the right track,” Franklin said. Even if he doesn’t continue basketball, Franklin plans on graduating. He feels that with a college degree he can do and accomplish so much more in life.
Franklin and his teammate and uncle, Micah Littlejohn at the Dallas Jamboree. (courtesy photo)